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cypaira-the-skeleton · 6 months

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Trick or Freak!

I know Halloween has passed, but it's still spooky week for me so enjoy this story I whipped up!

Fair warning, I really did my best to interpret one specific character that I started to like, and I must say I enjoyed writing his role as well.

Anywho, enjoy!

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T'was the night of Halloween. The streets were filled with Spooky decorations, Carved out Pumpkins, and almost an army of dressed up children going Trick or Treating with each passing house. Some where dressed as classical monsters, while others got creative; even a couple of not so scary characters roamed around. This year's spooky season was also being celebrated by a certain "Living possessed doll" with red ruby eyes, who goes by the name of Raven; Which decided to dress up as Annabelle. She roamed House by house excitedly exclaiming 'Trick or Treat!', receiving many kinds of sweets into her plastic shaped Skull bucket. Of course she wasn't alone, but was accompanied by her fathers.

Victor had dressed up as Michael Myers. Unfortunately, he spent a month or so searching for a mask that could fit him, but all of them where too small so instead of a mask he resorted to painting his face white; at least he was fortunate enough to find the jumpsuit he needed, albeit a bit sour for the lack of mask. As for Roger he decided to dress up as Freddy Krueger. Luckily for him he knew someone that possessed the iconic glove and borrowed it, his hat was taken from his own personal collection, and he coincidentally already owned a red and green striped sweater. Surprisingly enough they both got the attention for their costumes and some adults and teenagers even requested photos with them. Victor was quick to decline, but Roger took pleasure in posing in Krueger's creepy poses and malicious grins.

While walking to the next available household Raven has heard of an abandoned house, not too far from the neighborhood they're in, from a group of grown up kids. They described it as being maybe Fifthy years old, slowly falling apart, and presumably... something or someone is living in it. Upon hearing such details, Raven was pretty much eager to go visit this creepy old house. It is Halloween after all, it's the perfect occasion for the perfect month! There was only one small problem; neither of her fathers would probably allow her to go visit it. Why? Many of the reasons she presumed would be: A) It's Dangerous, B) It's probably a waste of time, C) Ghosts aren't real, and D) She doesn't need any sleepless nights over some "spooky house". She can ask, but what's the point if she knows the answer?

Now usually she never disobeys but an exception has to be made sometimes, even if it means that by the end of the night she'd probably have all the candy she collected revoked. By some strike of luck a couple of adults stopped to talk with Roger and Victor. Generally she'd be forced to wait for them to be done chatting, but instead she took the opportunity to slowly walk away, and bolt her way to the direction of the house. She just ran, not looking back once, knowing that at some point they'll notice her absence. It felt tempting to just turn back and not to worry her parents, but exploring a possibly haunted house was more intriguing! Raven kept running for maybe a minute or two, until she arrived at a dimly lit neighborhood. Not much houses were around, which made the street she's in more creepy, until at the end of the road she saw the infamous abandoned house.

The other kids were right, it really does look fifty years old and falling apart! It only begs one question: Is there really someone or something living inside? Although eager to find out, she couldn't help but shiver in fear of what could be in there. Raven was thought that Monsters and Ghouls are mostly fiction, and the real threats she's aware of are dangerous adults; but to think that some other wordly creature is actually roaming the place makes it a worthwhile experience. After gaining some courage, she roamed around the building finding for an entrance, since the rest of the house is boarded up. Thankfully she managed to find a hole on the side and crawled in.

Upon standing up from the dusty floor she was instantly met by a pitch black room. Good thing her fathers convinced her to bring a small flash light incase of an emergency. Reaching into the half filled bucket of sweets she found the flash light and turned it on, revealing a creepy, white sheet, cobweb coverd furniture of what seemed to be a living room. "Oh great, cobwebs! The last thing I want is a creepy spider crawling over to me" she sarcastically exclaimed to herself in displease of the discovery. The exploration was on. Slowly and carefully she walked around the room, discovering all sorts of forgotten items like creepy dolls and statuettes, and torn out books. The next room she stumbled upon seemed to be a kitchen. Similar as the previous one, run down and coverd in dust and webs; luckily no knives were around, but she did see a few innocent rodents!

The floor creaked with each step she took, debris floating in the air, and the sounds of rats scattering around made the experience even more ominous. A child her age would have already ran out in fear, but being used to living in the streets and forced to search for run down places for shelter, this experience wasn't as bad. Once the lower floor was scouted for good, her eyes trailed to a staircase. Pointing the flashlight upwards, a sudden chill went up her spine. Usually that's a sign of danger to her, but she blamed it on fear. The steps groaned loudly while making her way upstairs, despite that shes very light. As soon as she got off the last step, a shadow suddenly ran past to a room. Raven yelped in surprise, holding her only source of light with both hands, "Hello? Is someone there?" Her voice quiverd in fear. At this point she could feel the hair on the back of her neck stand straight, and goosebumps quickly formed as well. Something felt off.

Gaining more courage, the little girl cautiously walked to the direction of were the shadow went. She peaked inside before slowly walking in. It appears to be an old bedroom, devoid of a bed, wallpaper and nightstand, the dim light of the moon soft glowing through a somehow intact dirty window. Maybe it was just her imagination, she wondered; that's until she heard rattling coming from a closet. Her body jolted in shock, freezing as she stared at the enclosed compartment. She practically had to force herself to even move from her spot and to very carefully approach one of the closed doors. Her hand trembled as she went to grasp the handle. Just as she was about to turn it, the doors flung open, and out emerged a horrifying being roaring at her. That instantly sent Raven to the floor screaming in fear and backing away. All of a sudden, she heard laughing. A dark sinister, and sadistic laugh. She scrambled for the flashlight she dropped and pointed it at the being, revealing it's appearance.

Infront of her stood a...man? He looked human but, apart from his almost ginger coloured, long and greasy hair and humanoid shape, he looked almost like a living creepy doll. The forearms, lower legs and around his lower jaw seemed to be skinless, revealing it's fabric looking Dermis. Screws seemed to be attached to his joints, toes and fingers seemed to resemble more like claws, holes almost littered his whole body, his teeth baren with laughter were long, thin, and sharp, but what was more odd was the fact that he seemed to have two black buttons for eyes. His clothes looked tattered; light blue shorts and a faded green shirt with what seems to be a hole in his thorso.

The creepy man's laughs started to lessen as he straightened himself back, releasing a deep satisfied sigh as he composed himself, "Ahhh~ I haven't laughed this hard in such a long time!" His voice sounded deep like a man in his early thirties and a bit raspy. Raven couldn't help but just... stare. The living "doll", after turning his attention back to her, approached the little girl with a toothy grin, "And what do we have here~?" He asked with a dark, intruiged tone. It was quite a surprise for him to see a child enter this old decrepit building without turning her heels back out. He had to admit, she had the guts to even follow him. Without warning the small girl sprung back to her feet, inspecting his presence with wide eyes, "Oh...My....God.....That's so cool!"

".....Eh?" The creepy man confusedly exclaimed at the sudden enthusiasm of the red eyed girl, "That is the coolest costume I've ever seen! How did you make it? It's so creepy!" Raven said as she circled around the creepy living doll, impressed at his appearance, "Wait- what!?" Now he was truly confused; costume? Did she really think he was wearing some scary disguise? "You're not....scared of me?" He asked. Once addressed with the question, Raven replied, "I mean, you did scare me quite a lot! But I obviously know you're just wearing a costume! Who are you supposed to be though? Is it someone from the movie 'Coraline'?" The man quickly replied back, "Okay okay okay! I have no idea what you're talking about! But for your information, I, am Robert! The god of Chaos!...and you are?"

" 'Robert god of Chaos'? Never heard of that! Oh, I'm Raven! I'm dressed up as-!"

"Yea yea yea I don't really care what you're dressed as" Robert rudely interrupted, "Sooo...You think I'm...fake?" He asked as he slowly came face to face with her. Truthfully, Raven couldn't understand why he asked that, "I know you're real as in... Living! But I know monsters don't exist! I'm well aware you're an adult trying to scare me! My parents always tell me that whatever I read or see on TV isn't always real. So no, I'm not scared of you!" Raven finished off confidently.

Interesting, Robert thought; this little girl is either bold...or really stupid. The toughts in his head were quickly silenced as Raven kept awing at his appearance, "How do you manage to see through the buttons? It must be difficult! And those teeth! Wow...how did you manage to make them look so realistic?"

Let's be honest, Robert stationed himself in this rotting building just so he could maybe aquire the perfect victim, especially since it's Halloween people would think it's a costume, thus gaining confidence and trust until he attacks. So far, all of the above has actually worked! But a child? The most supposed gullible and cowardly being? He expected some silly ghost hunters or a bunch of teenagers talking to their cameras. Instead he's met with a weird looking girl with the courage of a lion, and possibly the naivety of an idiot. Although, he could use her huge interest in his appearance as an advantage. She might not be enough, but he's up for a quick snack, "I impress you that much, huh?", the creepy man aksed, to which Raven quickly agreed. "How flattering!~ You see, it sure wasn't easy to...make this up" The god of Chaos played along, "and hearing you compliment my efforts makes me truly happy!".

He crouched down to her level, getting as close as possible to her, "Say, how about a hug as a sign of my gratitude?" He offerd with a not so convincing innocent smile. At this point on, Raven's instincts started to kick in pretty hard. His behaviour had changed from sadistic, to rude, to suddenly really kind. She also noticed how close he was getting to her. His arms positioned in a supposed 'hug', but his claw like hands seemed to be in a snatching position. She didn't know this man, and she should probably find an excuse as quick as possible, "Uhh... Sorry but... I'm not really a fan of hugs". Robert could feel she's starting to avoid him, so he pushed on, "Why not? You seem like the kind to love hugs~ Just a quick one, I promise" His voice was getting more sinister than ever as he kept playing innocent, "I'll even let you take a feel at my 'costume'! Especially my teeth....~" he finished his sentence as he idly licked his fangs with his slender long tounge.

Red flags blared in her head as her fight or flight instincts starting to kick in as well. Cautiously, she started to back away, "L-look, Mister Robert, I'm not really supposed to be here! I'm supposed to be with my parents so...I think it's better if I leave". She did manage to walk away from him, but the god was faster as he blocked her path, "Leaving so soon? You've just came here! Why don't you stay over for a quick bite?". She had to leave, fast! "I'm being serious, sir! I have to go back out before my parents become more worried sick!" In the blink of an eye she was suddenly pushed to a wall right beneath the window, with Robert having a good hold of her, "Alright little kid I guess that's enough games now.." he dropped his facade as he glared down at her, "Do you know how long I've been in here waiting for some schmuck to walk right into my trap? Long enough that I was tempted to eat the rats roaming around!"

"I-I'm sorry t-to hear that but could- coud you please let me go? You're really scaring me now..." although confused at his statement, she couldn't help but fear for her wellbeing. "Ohhh~ Now you're scared? I thought you where impressed by my appearance! Did you change your mind?" And once again, he's back to his condescending behaviour.

What does this man want from her? Her mind wondered. Having to unwillingly stare at his face she now noticed the huge stitched scar around his neck and more stitches around his lower jaw, almost seeming as if he was stitched together from separate parts. A part of her desperately wanted to believe that they're fake...but they looked so real. At this point, Raven was doubting if she was even facing a human.

Being already screwed up, she decided to tempt luck one last time, and clawed at the stitches on his throat; at least in hopes of escaping. Two audible pops were heard as her fingernails grabbed onto the couple of thick strands keeping his head on his shoulders. Robert automatically recoiled as he held onto his throat and hissed in pain, "Arrgh! That hurt you little shit!". Now she's definitely done it. Why the hell did she do that?? While keeping her pressed against the wall with his left hand, Robert used his right hand to practically "sew back" the loose stitches. Thankfully no blood was spraying about, but that definitely confirmed that what she's facing, was never human. She watched as he gruesomely poked his claws into his skin and tied back the loose strands. The skin looking overly stretched, almost threating to rip apart, "You're..... you're a real monster..." Her voice barely heard while her little frame shook with immense fear.

"Well not a 'Monster' per say...." He replied with a smug grin, "But I'll definitely be the last thing you'll see~" A deep dark chuckle emerged as drool started to drip from the corners of his mouth and almost drenching Raven, "Please.... don't hurt me", her soft voice begged. "Ohh don't worry I'm not gonna hurt you..." He paused, "I'm going to eat you!". That was even worse. She looked around for any means of escape, but she was cornered. "You might be skin and bones..." He pointed out as he trailed his thumb over her collar bone and the base of her neck, " and you're probably not gonna be filling enough..." Robert kept pondering as he slightly tapped his finger like claws over his stomach, "But! You should satisfy me enough until the next idiot that comes through this place. Now before I dig into you I need to remove whatever crap is on your face. I want to taste flesh, not pigments and chemicals" he mentioned at her make up as he tore a piece of Ravens costume revealing red shoes and a pair of jeans underneath the gown, and started to roughly remove the colours off her face.

She groaned in discomfort as he wiped off her blush, lipstick and eyeliner with a very harsh manner. Once done he creepily smiled as he threw the fabric aside, keeping a good hold to the back of her head and her shoulder while drooling with anticipation "There we go. All ready~". All that Raven could do now, was stare. Her body was too frozen to react, her voice was restricted, and life started to flash before her eyes as tears slowly trailed down her cheeks, probably going to serve more as additional taste to her flesh, "You don't need to cry, little Raven, I'll make sure they'll at least be able to find your bones; unless I "accidentally" eat those too" claimed the twisted god in a narcissistic tone. That was it for the girl, her life was over. She wondered if she said ' I love you ' to her parents that morning, if she had a chance to give them a hug as well, letting them know she's glad to have them in her life. The row of yellow stained teeth parted ways as a cavernous maroon maw was revealed. Spit flowing as it drenched her even more, the slick sound of the slithering tounge was just sickening to hear, and she swore she could spot more teeth on the back of his troath. It got closer...and closer...her head almost engulfed...the tounge trailing around her face....waiting for the bite to happen....

"RAVEN WHERE ARE YOU?!"

A familiar voice suddenly pierced the eery quietness of the neighborhood, halting the living creepy mannequin mid way from his task. Hope suddenly rushed through Raven's soul, recognising the voice of one of her beloved fathers. It was Victor, and it sounded like it came right outside the house! Robert growled as he retreated from the girls skull, hissing out a curse, "Ohhh for Fuck Sake!". The little girl didn't hesitate to call for help, "Da-!", but was quickly silenced as the man's hand wrapped around her mouth, "You shut your trap!". To avoid being seen he peeked out the window as he kept a hold of Raven.

Once the absence of Raven was noticed, both fathers instantly got into panic mode. Was she abducted? Did she get lost? Did she stray away with another group of children? The options were endless, and waisted no time looking for their daughter. Minutes into the search Roger started to have an odd feeling of were Raven could be. It might have been a distance, but he could feel that 'someone' was lingering in the human world, and she was headed to 'their' direction; which now brings us to the moment Raven was temporarily spared as soon as Victor called out for her, "Are you definitely sure she's here? It's not like I'm doubting due to your blindness but..." The giant man expressed his worries to his equally worried partner, "No offense taken...I just Know she's here, and she's very close", Roger claimed with a concerned expression. While Victor took the opportunity to search on the other side of the street, Roger just stood there... evaluating his surroundings.

"What the fuck is 'he' doing here?" Robert silently aksed to himself. He looked at the blind man that he somehow seemed to know, and the blind man, stared back. Once his blue eyes met with Robert's button ones a sharp chilling feeling crawled up his spine. The sinister smile had long faded away, and was replaced to a worrying look. He instantly turned his attention to the little girl as he uncovered her mouth and tugged onto the collar of the dress, demanding some answers, "How the hell do they know you?" Although confused and still scared, she replied, "They're...M-my dads...". Her answer seemed to have stunned him, "Even the blind man?? How's that possible??". It's really odd how all of a sudden he seems to be scared, "Roger ....he...he adopted me".

"..... Fuck this!" Suddenly Robert stood up, forcing Raven onto her feet, "I am NOT in the mood to fight, or get into a quarrel, or even be punched around!" He grabbed Raven from her arm and forced her to walk downstairs, making sure he doesn't dislocated a shoulder or else there'll be consequences. Once arrived at her point of entrance, he let go, "You're right. You are absolutely not supposed to be here! So you should get the fuck out, Never come back, and if we meet again, YOU. DONT. KNOW. ME!". So many questions flodded Raven's head, but wasted no time to crawl back out from the hole and sprint to her fathers, "Ddaaaaadddd!" She yelled as she hurled herself onto Roger, almost knocking him over while simultaneously knocking the air out of him as her little frame wrapped tightly around his thorso. Victor quickly noticed as well and made his way to them, "Raven we've been looking for you all over the town!" He exclaimed with relief as he approached.

Even if she was busy crying, she looked to them both with tears just running down here face, sobbing loudly as she spoke "I'm s-sorrryyyyy *hic* I shouldn't have do-done thiissss!!". Personally, Victor wanted to hug her, at least to show he's glad she's back. As for Roger, he hasn't really said or did anything, he just let Raven cry, waiting for her to calm down. Once the cries lessened, and the girl finally decided let go; leaving Roger's sweater drenched in tears, she aksed, "Are you...*sniff*..mad at me?". Victor wasn't sure what to answer despite it being a resounding 'Yes', but Roger spoke up first, "I'm not mad.... I am beyond Livid!" His once gentle voice soon turned brash and loud, "Just what on earth did ya think ye where doin' walking off from us like that?! Do ya even realise how irresponsible of you that was?? Of all places you wanted ta be it had to be here! What if you where taken hostage or worse killed?? And what if that house decided ta crumble over? Ya would ave' been stuck under the rubble! I just can't believe you would have the guts to get yerself in danger like that! I don't care if you're just a kid, yer old enough to know what's wrong from right! And THIS was NOT Right!!".

Both Victor and Raven were left speechless. How was it possible for a man like him to be This mad? Roger huffed with exhaust for how much he yelled, and Raven was hesitating if to cry again at his sudden outburts or avoid getting him more...livid, "I said I'm sorry..." She replied with an obvious guilty tone as she avoided his eyes, " 'Sorry' won't save ya from getting in trouble, Missy!" He sternly replied with crossed arms. At this point Victor felt to intervene as he lowered himself to Roger's level and whispered, "Look Roger, I know we're both upset at her for disappearing on us, but don't you think you're being a bit too harsh right now? I mean, she came to us crying! We don't even know what happened to her!". Although he's got a point, Roger made it clear that to love, you sometimes have to be cruel, "Just because she came ta us crying doesn't excuse the fact she risked her own life. You shouldn't let tears make you too soft in situations like this". He was the one with more experience in raising a child after all, and Victor, despite having the role of a father as well, still had more to learn.

"Once we're home, you're in for Loonng lecture of why you should never walk away from us". Raven just knew this would happen; maybe not as much but still! She knows it's her fault that she risked her own safety just because curiosity took the best of her. She was almost eaten alive, and all because she thought it was a costume! Disguise or not, she should have left the moment she spotted Robert's shadow running by. "First things first..." Roger chimed in as he reached out to Raven, pulling her into an affectionate tight hug. The red eyed girl was puzzled at first, that's until her father continued with a softer tone of voice, "Don't you ever do that to us ever again. Do you understand?" He almost sounded like he was about to cry. Yes, he acted a bit harsh, but it doesn't mean he didn't love her! As crazy as it may sound, if Victor was worried, Roger was twice as much! He feared to never hear her voice again, he was scared that she'll never come back. He wouldn't have forgiven himself if they didn't show up in time! He's been with her the longest, did everything to give her a future and life she truly deserved...all his attempts would have went to waste, and his wish to be a father would be short lived.

Raven slowly hugged back, and shyly asked, "You still love me though.... right?" The blind man redirect her gaze to him as he gently pressed his forehead to hers, "Ohh you can't Even imagine how much I love you. And just because I'm upset doesn't make me hate you or love you less". It felt relieving to hear him confirm it, but she just couldn't forgive herself to worry him like that, "I truly am sorry...I mean it" she repeated. He knows she is, but further discipline will come later. He gave her a long kiss to her forehead as he shortly stood up a moment later, "Let us go home now. It's getting late". That was Victors cue to pick up Raven and give her a big hug as well as carrying her back home. While Victor walked off, Roger gave one last glare at the window, were Robert was looking through with now raised arms as if saying 'I swear I'll never attempt to hurt her again'. With his hand, Roger pointed two fingers at his blind eyes, to then pointing them to the god of Chaos, simply warning, 'I'm keeping my watch on you', and went to join the rest of his family.

Once gone, Robert rested against the wall as he finally let out a sigh of relief, "shhiittt what a night! Guess I will be forced to eat rats after all" he claimed with a grudge. He barely took four steps as he kicked something plasticy and spilled it's contents over. Looking down he realised it was the girls bucket of sweets she came in with! He kneeled down as he picked up a bar of wafer covered chocolate. He barbarically tore off the top wrapper with his teeth, and proceeded to take a bite. He slowly chewed as his taste buds received quite the new flavour that wasn't raw meat. He sat down, and proceeded to take another bite, "Eh, much better than the rodents" He shrugged to himself. Although he never got to have a new prey that night, he at least wasn't going to spend it hungry.

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Ngl it was a blast writing this story 😁, and I also did insert references to Roger being The Impossible God and obviously being aware of Robert, I just wanted to make it interesting.

Lill Robert, Roger Willington, and Victor Bellman, all belong to @horrorartist23

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danganwhatnow · 1 year

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Otome Notes- Kissed By The Baddest Bidder: An Ota Kisaki Introspective, Part 1

Kissed By The Baddest Bidder is an otome game originally published on mobile by Voltage Inc, currently available in a condensed form on the Nintendo Switch, and in its entirety on the mobile app Love365.

The premise of the game is that you(the MC) are a maid working for the Ichinomiya Group's Tres Spades Hotel and Casino, a fancy hotel in Japan, the first ever to feature a casino.

Through a series of unfortunate events, you break something irreplaceable and find out the hard way that the popular celebrity event held monthly at your hotel is actually a cover for an underground black market auction.

When you're put up for auction without your consent, the CEO (and your boss)Eisuke, and his fellow VIP buddies quickly determine that the best course of action is to bid on you themselves, to cover their own asses and make sure you don't give away their secrets.

Along with Eisuke Ichinomiya, there are also 4 other men to choose from originally: Soryu Oh, a Hong Kong mobster, Mitsunari Baba, a self proclaimed thief, Mamoru Kishi, a detective, and finally, Ota Kisaki, the "Angelic Artist".

Ota is a 24 year old artistic prodigy who is known for his angelic looks and personality. When you meet him briefly before the auction, he strikes you as a really nice guy, so you decide to choose him as seemingly the safest option.

And then, he speaks.

Yikes. Ota's 'reason' for buying you is that you remind him of his former dog, Koro. He insists on treating you like a pet, at least insofar as he addresses you as 'Koro', you stay in his room, you 'obey your master'(think 'come when you're called, sit, stay, shake' type things), and you give him love and affection, which he will then return to you, as any good 'owner' would.

Originally when I first played the game, I saw this as a creepy pet fetish and it weirded me out a lot. I mean, don't get me wrong, it is quite weird, no matter how you slice it.

I also want to note for the record, I myself do NOT have any kind of fetish nor do I indulge in pet play myself, so when I refer to this aspect of his character, I only have the limited information that I've searched out on the internet, and no personal knowledge or experience of my own to offer.

Like I mentioned above, this aspect of his character really put me off at first, but upon replaying it, and playing many other Voltage titles, I've realized more and more that I just can't bring myself to dislike Ota, even though he can be creepy and quite toxic.

So today I sat down and played the whole Season 1 Main Story in one sitting, and this is the culmination of what I've noticed about Ota as a character.

From the very beginning, I found this statement of Ota's very telling. This is what he loved about Koro and this is what he wants from 'someone', but since he sees Koro in you, it's you he intends to get it from.

When you first meet Ota, he's all smiles and kindness, but soon after meeting him, you discover he has a dark, nasty side to him.

He has a very high wall between himself and most others and doesn't hesitate to speak his mind regardless of how it comes across around people he trusts or knows well.

With you, though, Ota is different most of the time. Because to him, you're not (MC), you're 'Koro'. As long as you follow his orders, he is nothing but sweet to you.

He definitely doesn't care what you think about it though.

I looked into the idea of his fetish, which appears to be something known as 'pet play', where a couple role plays being a puppy or their 'handler' (aka owner), from a submissive/dominant perspective.

It seems by this definition to be something much more sexual than the situation that Ota puts the MC into, but it was the closest fit I could find that made sense to the story, so it's what I rolled with for the purpose of this article.

According to the information I've been able to find on this type of 'play', consent is EXTREMELY important between the sub and dom, and if there is no consent, it's abuse.

That's where the concept of Ota having a fetish in the truest sense of the word didn't sit right with me, because while there is no consent between Ota and MC here, I'd also argue that within the confines of the situation, there is also no abuse.

At the same time, I never sense anything sexual about the whole 'pet/owner' thing between the MC and Ota. When things get spicy between them, that is when he lets down his guard and acknowledges her as the human (and woman) she is.

There is no doubt he absolutely does treat her like a dog. That part does grate on a person's nerves quite a bit. I mean, obviously she doesn't want to be treated like a dog, and it's extremely rude of him to do so.

I just can't help but notice how sweet he is to her when he's in 'owner' mode, though.

Here he shows real concern for her when she's being bullied by Erika into doing all this mending by herself, and when she bursts into tears, he comforts her and then steps in to make sure it doesn't happen again.

The next couple of screenshots I will post are examples of the 'pet-like' behaviors he wants to see from her. Relatively harmless stuff, and I absolutely believe there's a deeper reason for it then even he realizes at this point.

Slowly but surely, he doesn't relinquish control over her, but he does start to dote on her much more, going out of his way to do things for her and make sure that she's having fun and enjoying herself.

When things get heavy and a rival of Ota's tries to interfere with his career, both the MC and Ota let their guards down, and MC doubles down on her 'pet' role, telling Ota that a pet's role is to 'comfort their master, right?'

This is where things get dicey. I keep coming back to this part of the story again and again, because things just don't fit into place in a way that I'm satisfied with.

I didn't think anything of it originally, but on an episode of a podcast I watched specifically ABOUT Kissed By The Baddest Bidder, they mentioned that the ensuing sexual encounter between MC and Ota was not consensual.

I had to go back and watch the episode again, where I absolutely saw where the ladies were coming from. But, it still didn't feel right. So I played through it again, and again. There are 3 crucial statements that she makes here that to me, illuminate her state of mind.

When he makes it clear that it's headed in a sexual direction, MC panics, and this is what she thinks.

The next thought that she forms insinuates that she's on board, or at least, not actively objecting anymore.

I don't exactly recall what happens next between them, but then she says this:

When I read that, I thought to myself that maybe I was wrong, because even though she was nervous at first, at this point both her body and her mind seem to be into it. At least when I hear the phrase 'fills my heart with warmth' I think of deep affection, if not love.

So after reading that, I didn't feel nearly as grossed out when she strokes his head and thinks about how she might be in love with him. It definitely started out uncomfortable for her, but I think in the end it was a consensual meeting of bodies, if nothing else.

I don't think that their intentions necessarily aligned here, which might be where it feels more icky that it might otherwise.

All Ota seems to have realized at this point is that he 'needs' her and that she makes him feel good.

Once they return to the hotel, however, Ota's treatment of the MC changes. He's much more possessive of her, he's less patronizing, and he shows more interest in her as a person than he seemed to prior.

Yes, he still refers to her as Koro and leans on the comfort of being her 'owner', but there are many moments where the walls come down and Ota speaks to her as an equal and a woman without even realizing it, like when he goes out for karaoke with her, or when he tells her he'll draw her one day.

In his POV of Season 1, he thinks some telling things in those moments. Like when they're at karaoke:

The owner thing only comes into play at that point when she oversteps his internal boundaries and pushes his comfort zone, like when she worries out loud about the situation with Rin and that douchey reporter.

He pushes her away, and it hurts her, but when he's away from her, he realizes that not only does he miss her, but he thinks of her as more than a pet.

When she runs away to prevent the auctions from being exposed and making things harder on Ota, he finally acknowledges her as human to him.

The thing about Ota is, he has a tendency to tell the truth and then cover it up with an arrogant, cocky tangent, so you don't necessary catch it.

It's such a heartfelt, loving moment. But then...

Bullshit, Ota.

I believe Ota has a psychological condition known as Reactive Attachment Disorder.

Reactive Attachment Disorder is, in a nutshell, a condition which inhibits a person's ability to form healthy connections/relationships with people.

This is a list of symptoms attributed to the condition:

Detachment

Withdrawal from connections

Inability to develop and maintain significant relationships, romantic or otherwise

Inability to show affection

Resistance to giving and receiving love despite craving it

Control issues

Anger problems

Impulsivity

Sense of distrust

Inability to fully grasp emotions

Feelings of loneliness and emptiness

Lack of a sense of belonging

I feel like you see many of these behaviors out of Ota during this storyline, and not so much of the more toxic, overtly sexual aspects of the implied pet fetish. (Not that the fetish itself is toxic, but due to the blatant disregard for consent, Ota's version would definitely be)

So to me, Ota's whole 'Koro' thing simply comes from a place of wanting connection and feeling like the only place he ever got that and ever will get it, is from a loving pet.

When you think of it that way, it's really sad, honestly.

And just like any person/partner struggling with childhood trauma, Ota backslides into toxic behavior throughout the rest of his story. He also definitely keeps that mask firmly on his face for the rest of the world.

As you continue on into more of Ota's story, you learn more about his background, why he struggles to trust, and his distant familial relationships growing up.

Perhaps it's easier for me to come to this conclusion having more of that background than some people who've played Ota's Season 1 story and then put it down due to the ick factor. That's more than fair.

That's why I decided to break this up into parts, and I'm going to play through the rest of the Switch content and add more to this as I go.

Kissed By The Baddest Bidder actually has some really interesting storylines and well fleshed out characters, but unfortunately, in some cases you have to dig a bit deeper to get the full nuance of it all.

I 100% intend to purchase the rest of his content via the DLC on the Switch and then the other stories on Love365 as well, so I can get the full picture.

I just really felt the urge to put pen to paper as it were and give Ota the benefit of the doubt a little, cause I just think this guy needs a big hug.

Please comment either here or on my Twitter @DanganWhatNow and let me know what you think, I'm interested to hear other people's thoughts and opinions also!

Thanks for reading!

#otome games #kissedbythebaddestbidder #ota kisaki #voltage inc

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xxsycamore · 2 years

Text

Happy Jin route release!

I love reading the chats posted by IkePri's official twitter, I really do...but this right here is just pure gold.

I'm obsessed with the way he worded it. The little heart and everything. And it got me thinking...could it be that Jin is a bit into...degradation? Into being slapped across the face and perhaps even more than that?

Take this as my celebration gift for Jin's route release... a fic about Emma degrading her filthy boyfriend:

SCOLD ME MORE [ Jin x MC smut ]

Word count: 1,221

Tags: Degradation kink; Humiliation; Verbal Humiliation; Face Slapping; Slapping; Groping; Semi-Public Sex; Cunnilingus; Masturbation; light foot play; Dom/sub Undertones; Femdom; Light Masochism

Check my masterlist here! You can also find all my works on AO3 under user xsycamore. In my profile you can find my Ko-fi if you would like to support me!

Emma is blessed to have such a tall, massive boyfriend to help her get the books from the high shelves in the library.

Only if he'd actually do that!

Instead, once again when such situation occurs, Emma goes onto her tippy toes, fingertips barely brushing against the hard cover of a book she spotted to look of interest…only to be surprised by her boyfriend from behind. His large, sturdy hands latch onto her vulnerable chest, fumbling her breasts.

Emma squeals, almost losing her balance. In a flash, she turns around just enough to raise her hand into the air and aim straight for Jin's cheek.

Smack!

Jin lets go of her, taken aback by the impact of the strike across his face. He brings his own hand up, palming over the rapidly reddening area. He rubs soothingly into it, the electricity of her strike still coursing through him, making him hiss.

"There goes the infamous "Belle slap" that impressed Sariel so much."

Emma rolls her eyes, grimace not leaving her face for a second as she turns to the shelf again, wondering if she tries really hard to ignore Jin, he'll eventually disappear. Though, she can't help it but bite back.

"You talk as if you don't get to experience it almost every day."

"Hah, and it never ceases to amaze me."

Jin must have taken her response as a good sign that she doesn't actually hate him, so he pushes his luck a little more. By hugging her, not anything else that could get him further in trouble.

Emma softens a little, being embarrassed in his cozy arms. He always smells so nice, coat over coat of cologne that she'd gotten used to, along the way. Instead of making her crinkle her nose because of how strong the odor is, it makes her inhale in the familiar scent.

"Jin……why are you hard?"

Jin jolts a little, realizing how his crouch has been pressing into Emma's back into the hug. He makes little effort to withdraw, not quite wanting to release Emma just yet…

"I can't help it. It always stings so good."

Emma bites on her bottom lip, noting the change in Jin's voice.

"You're into that kind of thing, aren't you…"

Jin tries to hum at her in question, but Emma is likely going to show him what she means instead of losing her time in explanation.

She turns into his arms, facing him, and her hand shoots to his crouch. She palms it roughly, feeling for his bulge and leaving him gasping in surprise.

"What is this, exactly? What, you got hard because I slapped you? Do you realize how low is that?"

Jin stands speechless, feeling more blood rush to his loins. His lips part to say something, but it soon clicks…and he decides to play along.

"I… yes. I'm just a pervert."

Emma tries so hard not to smile in satisfaction and with that, to break character so soon into their play. She keeps her brow furrowed, rubbing the ball of her palm against his clothed bulge.

"Yes, that's exactly what you are! One low, perverted prince who doesn't care about consequences. You'd do anything to grope me, wouldn’t you? You don't care if I slap you. Hell, you don’t care if I were to kick you in the balls, am I right??"

Jin gasps anew, this time a little lower, raspier, as if trying to hold back a moan. He can feel his length throbbing as Emma squeezes the underside of his bulge, exactly where his balls are, as if to put an emphasis on her suspicion.

"No…please…"

Emma clicks her tongue and removes her hand at once, as if disgusted with what she's touching. She steps back and grabs into the hem of her skirt, lifting it up with two hands until Jin is met with the sight of her underwear on full display.

"What are you waiting for now?? Get on your knees!"

Jin doesn't wait to be yelled at twice, dropping to his knees and crawling in between her legs. He is reluctant at putting his hands to work at first, but Emma guides him approvingly. He mouths at her clothed core, breathing deeply into the scent of her arousal.

"You can do better than that, Jin..."

Her disappointment breaks his heart, and his deft fingers slide underneath the hem of her panties on the instant, dragging them down. He buries his face between her slightly parted thighs, purring at the wetness coating his lips with a warm welcome.

Each time he looks up to see Emma's approval on her face, he is met with her sharp, disguised gaze. Her lips twitch just a little at a particular hard suck he inflicts on her clit. It drives him insane, waves of sinful arouse washing over his genitals, prompting him to shift his position a little with the uncomfortable tightness of his pants.

Emma takes in any sign of how much he is enjoying this. She silently nudges the tip of her shoe between his legs, against the prominent tent of his pants. Jin's legs stir in surprise and he presses himself harder into the foot caressing him, it's harsh, but it's finally some stimulation.

"Filthy."

Jin grunts again, one hand moving down to clumsily undo the buttons of his pants. He receives no scolding for his actions, seeing that Emma is kept busy concentrating on the rapidly building-up pleasure she receives.

Jin sneaks a hand into his pants enough to stroke over the tip of his cock, unwilling to cut coming in contact with her foot.

"Haah… Jin… you absolute beast, so turned on by this… don't you dare stop sucking…I'm coming, Jin…"

He doesn't need to be told twice, putting all his attention on getting her off, eyes closed and brows knit together. He goes at it merciless, taking pride in his proven methods in eating her out. Feeling her convulse and gush on him, trembling thighs almost crushing his head, he grunts at the sexy sight that enfolds for him.

Emma keeps a good grip on his brownish locks up to the very last tingle of orgasmic pleasure Jin can get out of her. Then she lets go of him, stepping back and fixing her clothes with fast movements.

Jin remains where he is, his hand working fast on his length, seeing that he is left to get off by himself. He barely needs any additional stimulation at this point, but for good measure, Emma slaps his cheek lightly again, giving him the last push.

His breath hitches as he comes, spurting his come across the floor. He comes a lot, feeling eyes on him the whole time along with more small disgusted noises made by Emma.

"Oh, look at that!"

Opening his eyes, he sees Emma reaching again for the book she wanted earlier. Stretching out her hand just a little more, she manages to make it tip over and catches it in her grip.

"I could get it on my own the whole time! Turns out there wasn't really a need for you."

She bents forward to where Jin still collects his breath on the floor, and kisses his forehead, turning her back on him and walking away with spring in her step.

I hope you liked it, tell me what you think about Jin having that kink... this was a pure self indulgent-thirst fic right here...

Taglist: @arsnovacadenza @ale-teodora @kimi00twin @leonardoism @otomelady @privilegedpancake @g-kleran @thehappycat123 @pumpumnnnp @thesirenwashere @theuwuisunreal @ravenarld @kyokirigiri-22 @kimmy-banana @devonares @animeworldsposts @randomanimatedhusbandoseeker @galaxyprison @trishtori @sadshaxk @starshards26 @pro-cat-stination @acethephoenix256 @ikevamp-shrine-2 @nad-zeta @crystal13unny @keen19thcenturygoatsstudent @lordsister @ikemen-banshou @ikemenlover24 @themysticalbeing @canaria-blackwell @otome-scribbles @rhodolitesrose @fun-ghoul-neela @salty-fed-up-bitch @coornn @cilokgoang @kpop-and-otome @queen-dahlia @kisara-16 @chaosangel767 @ikemenlibrary @queengiuliettafirstlady @aurora-morning @aquagirl1978 let me know if you want to be tagged/untagged!

#Ikemen Prince #IkePri #IkePri Jin #Jin Grandet #Ikemen Prince Jin #Ikemen Prince Smut #IkePri smut #ikepri fanfiction #ikemen prince fanfiction #jin's route release

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saphirered · 3 years

Note

Heyo! Saw you wanted some individual character requests! I'm a sucker for Grog, and there isn't enough out there for him, so I was wondering if you could do a Grog x Sorceress!reader where the reader doesn't think grog would have a reason to like her since she isn't a melee fighter. Thank you so much!

P.s. Your writing is amazing, and I always love reading your works! ❤️

Thank you for the request! I'm glad you like my writing and hope you enjoy this one! Turned out a bit longer than I intended but that means more content. Anyway, Enjoy! 😘

Seated on the stone balustrade feet dangling over the edge looking over the city in front of you you twiddle your thumbs. You needed a moment away from everyone to sort your mind on your own. There’s a solitude in the dark clouds looming above and the first drops of rain signalling an oncoming storm and it’s never failed you before. Even while there’s no one around, you can confide in such storms knowing your words will be heard but carried away upon the wind and drowned out by the rain and thunder. A good storm won’t judge or hold a grudge. It will simply accept and listen. So here you’ll stay speaking your worries into the abyss and hope for some clarity or ease of mind and heart.

Back inside Grog sits on one side of the table, Scanlan at the other. They hold their respective tankards at the ready as the gnome counts down. By the end of the countdown they swing back their drinks finishing them as fast as they can being cheered on by the rest of Vox Machina and other witnesses to this drinking game. Grog’s determined to win this. While he’s pretty sure his tankard is actually a bucket with a handle, it’s more to scale compared to the gnome’s. Ale spills over the sides of Scanlan’s drink but Grog keeps it neat. No wasting ale after all.

With one last big chug Grog finishes the drink, slams it down on the table roaring in victory as the table shakes beneath his hit. Scanlan puts the remainder of his drink down on the table wiping his face disappointed. Grog looks around the crowd. Some are happy celebrating with him, others pass over money to the happy people for paying up on whatever amount they lost in their bets. How could they even consider Scanlan would win. He’s the best of the best after all and no one can out drink the all mighty Grog. He doesn’t spot you among the crowd and the victory doesn’t feel as sweet anymore. He really hoped you could have seen this one. Where had you gone?

Before Grog can get up and go find you he’s given a refill and the next challenger approaches. New bets are placed, Vex massages his shoulders giving him a pep talk and noting how he’s been making her a lot of money so better keep it up. He doesn’t want to disappoint his friends. One more game. Then he’ll go find you wherever you went.

The next game comes along, and another, and another but he’s done. No more games. When another challenger approaches and the game starts he doesn’t pick up the tankard and pushes away from the table. People ask him what the hell he’s doing but he ignores them. They’ve kept him long enough so he just up and walks before they can stop him. Grog leaves the room but Pike follows behind him worried for her buddy. He never refuses a good ale or a challenge, let alone the two combined.

“Grog? Grog, wait up!” Pike rushes after him leaving the banquet hall behind. Determined Grog still keeps walking but slows down his pace enough to let Pike catch up with him.

“Where are you going? There’s still plenty of ale to be drunk!” Pike reaches for the goliath’s hand to pull him to a stop. He does and turns to face Pike.

“I think I’ve had enough.” Grog says and Pike gasps. Never, never does Grog think he’s had enough to drink. Something must be wrong with him. Is he ill? Does he have a fever? Did someone poison her buddy’s drink? She might go on a war path if someone did and ruined his fun! But Grog seems okay. Physically that is. He’s fine.

“Do you know where she went?” Grog asks, maybe Pike can help him find you and maybe she can talk to you why you left. He doesn’t think you’d want to talk to him about that kind of stuff and while he’d consider himself a good listener, if something’s really up Pike always knows what to do. She can help.

“Who?”

“The pretty sorceress.” Grog states as a matter of fact and it is. Anyone who dares say otherwise clearly need some of those glass thingies Percy keeps on his nose and make him look smart.

“Oh, I don’t know Grog. She left to go get some fresh air.” Pike searches her mind to see where you might have gone. There’s a few places that come to mind but it’s all narrowed down to just the one when thunder rumbles through the sky. She knows exactly where you went and by the looks of it so does Grog.

Grog knows there’s only one place you really love to watch a storm unfold. You’ve told him before and you’ve even watched some storms together there. He shares a look with Pike and picks up his step going where he knows you’ll be, still dragging pike behind. When she doesn’t move fast enough he swings her up on his shoulders, running up the steps as far as they’ll take him, dodging a torch and pushing aside a guard here and there.

Then around the corner he sees you. Feet dangling over the edge, a single push away from what could possibly be a death drop, hand outstretched catching the rain with a sad smile on your face. You’re absolutely gorgeous. More alluring than anyone ever could. If he could paint, Grog would make sure this moment would be captured for eternity just so he would never forget. Maybe he can get some money from Vex to hire a painter? If Scanlan did it, why shouldn’t he?

You’re seated alone at the top of the tower. Lightning flashes through the clouds, sometimes branching down to strike the ground be it mountain or forest, you’re in a valley of safety surrounded by the storm. The drops of rain hit your outstretched arm extended beyond the cover of the overhanging. Cold as they are to the touch you watch them glide around your arm with movement until they too, continue their descend.

“…Sometimes I wish I would just have the courage but I don’t.” You speak into the skies. A burst of lightning strikes in the mountains, the sound echoing and even this high up you can feel the slight tremor of the ground. You know a storm is no sentient being but you read it like a reply no less and continue.

“I’m not a fighter. I don’t know how to wield a sword or an axe. I can barely lift one. We have such vastly different lives. Grog’s got no reason to like me in any way.” Thunder strikes again you smile briefly. You’ve come to terms you’ll always like Grog and your feelings wouldn’t be reciprocated. The only reason you’re even spending time together in the first place is because you’re both involved with Vox Machina in one way or another. You’ve got hardly anything in common so if you hadn’t met through them Grog probably wouldn’t even have thought about you twice.

That may sound sad and you’re thankful for getting to know him but Grog has his own life and interests so why should he bother indulging you in yours. He’s already not a big fan of magic and you won’t bother attempting to teach him. It’s not like it’s any interesting stuff and he’d probably be bored out of his mind the entire time. Then again, the theoretics of magic might just not be your strong suit either. It’s more of a natural born gift.

Grog gets this weird feeling in his chest as if he’s been hit by something and it’s being twisted. Kind of like when he got shot by an arrow and Pike had to remove it. It’s not a good feeling. Checking for injury just to make sure he’s fine. It’s clear to him he feels this on the inside; his heart bleeds a little for you. You shouldn’t think that way. He likes you. He likes you a lot actually so you couldn’t be more wrong. Pike nudges him to set her down. He does as they remain around the corner, leaving you unaware of their presence.

“Go talk to her.” Pike whispers and Grog panics for a brief second. How is he even supposed to do this? What is he supposed to say? He doesn’t know how this psychology stuff works. That’s what Pike’s for. If people feel sad they often come to her, talk about their worries and problems and then they feel better. How’s he supposed to do that? He’s not Pike.

“She needs you, Grog. I know you like her and she needs you. Go talk to her.” Pike nudges him on into your direction. The goliath isn’t physically moved by her effort but he does move. If Pike says you need him, if you really need him then he’ll be there. Looking over his shoulder one last time to ask Pike for some advise she’s already half way down the stairs leaving you with him. Grog thinks hard for a moment but thinking isn’t his strong suit either so he’ll do what he always does; face the problem head on.

A throat clears behind you and you almost slip from the fright it gave you. A heavy step rushes forward and an arm wraps around your waist pulling you back before you can fall. You’d have spells to save you in case you did fall but you’d rather not and are grateful for your valiant saviour. The bare arm wrapped around your waist is covered in tattoos, markings and scars and engulfs the majority of your middle. It doesn’t take a fool to know this arm belongs to Grog Strongjaw himself.

Flustered you allow the goliath to pull you back onto solid ground and off the balustrade entirely before he lets go of you, making sure you’re right on your feet. How much of your conversation with the skies did he hear? Did he hear anything at all? Grog steps back and stares at his boots. He doesn’t only appear to be more embarrassed than you feel but also apologetic.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. Please don’t fall again and please don’t be angry at me.” Grog closes his eyes tightly afraid you might be mad at him as he was the cause of you almost experiencing a death drop. You’re basically gods but if we’ve learned anything from Keyleth; that doesn’t save you from a splat.

You step forward grab one of his hands in yours drawing his attention. With your index finger you tilt his chin up just enough so he’s looking at you and not over you. These gestures are enough for Grog to open his eyes. When there’s no look of anger on your face the tension in his body falls away just slightly. There’s still some rigidness from nerves but he’s closer to usual Grog.

“Chin up, big guy. You saved me too. I’m not mad.” You smile and the smile is returned. The air is still somewhat awkward so you decided you best get this over with and clear it up.

“How much did you hear?” You ask. The blush rushing to Grog’s cheeks and frantic glancing around to make sure no one else is here to witness it tells you he heard enough.

With a deep sigh you step back to the balustrade sitting down upon it once more but now to face Grog instead of the sky, your hair blowing lightly in the breeze, the rain and occasional illuminated sky behind you leave him staring yet again forgetting your question. He’s just captivated but you calling his name snaps him out of it. Saved it. Still got it. As long as he doesn’t turn to ‘drunk Keyleth’ levels he’ll consider it a win.

“I-uhhhh…. Why don’t you think I like you?” Grog twiddles his thumbs rocking back and forth from his tiptoes to his heels in anticipation of your answer. He knows he heard you tell the sky but he wants to be sure because if he gave you any reason to believe he didn’t like you, he did do something wrong. He’ll pick you over any of those other fools down stairs. He might just even pick you over the best ale. He’d already picked you over the ale he’d been offered. If that isn’t testament to his fondness of you, then what is?

“Ah, so you did hear that. I just- I think-. Ugh, why is this so hard?” You try to express your reasons but words are difficult and feelings even more so to describe yet still you try. Grog waits patiently either way.

“Do you think we would have been friends were it not for our lives being tied together as they are now?” You ask the dreaded question. You don’t even know if you really want the answer afraid that it may break any semblance of hope you had somewhere in your mind. Grog’s brow furrows, deep in thought but mostly confusion.

“Of course we would be. Why wouldn’t we?”

“Because I’m not like you. I’m not a fighter. I stay back with my spells and incantations while you run in axe swinging taking down anyone in your path. I read while you train. I sit around in my tower watching the skies while you go out and drink the town dry looking for a fight to enjoy. I could never do what you do and I do not dare to assume you’d have any interest in doing what I do.” The thoughts and feelings find words. A tension lifts from your chest like a breath you didn’t know you were holding just by speaking your mind to the goliath in question.

Grog knows damn well you’re not a fighter in the traditional sense. No steel or arrows for you but that does not mean you’re not a fighter in your own right. If he’s learned anything a fighter comes in many shapes and forms and you fit the description perfectly. You’ve shown determination and strength, courage against all odds and immense skill. You are a fighter.

“When I run into danger kicking ass who’s had my back every time?” Grog asks. There’s a harshness and authority in his voice indicating he’s leading somewhere and you better answer.

“We all have-“ Grog cuts you off.

“No. You have had my back every time.” He corrects. “Who comes watch me train, throwing spells to keep me on my toes? Who does it while reading her books completing not one but two tasks at the same time?”

“I do.” You admit.

“And who helps me kick ass in bar fights? Who cheers me on or joins me in any gamble or drinking game? Who is the best drinking buddy? You are. Now, who spends time with you watching storms whenever they occur up here in the tower or anywhere else?”

“You… do…” Grog’s right.

“I like to spend time with you because I like you. I don’t care you don’t swing an axe. That firestorm you do works just the same and looks way more badass. I’m not the smartest but I know two of the same are not always useful and can be too much. What are you going to do with two when you only need one. You need difference so they compitry- complitarity- colmpli-“ Grog struggles with that word. He’s heard Percy use it in a similar context but why is it such a difficult word to recall. He still tries and just hopes you’ll get what he’s trying to say.

“Complimentary?” You ask. You fear Grog might get himself a migraine if he tries any harder. You still don’t think that’s the correct use of the word but you get it. He’s trying to lift your spirits and it’s working.

“That one. Yes. Complimentary. I don’t just like you, I love you for who you are. You’re special and being different makes you special.” Grog admits he tries to fight the heat rising to his cheeks from admitting what he did but when he sees your smile grow, that’s enough to push his pride aside and let it be. Maybe he can do this thing Pike usually does after all? Maybe not unless it’s you. When he tells you he loves you he means it. When he has to say it to the likes of Vax he’d rather eat his own boots for lunch.

You gesture with your hand and beckon the goliath over to come closer. You rise to stand on the edge of the balustrade and wrap your arms around Grog’s neck holding him close. You feel his arms wrap around you in turn and pull you closer to where your feet barely touch the stone.

“Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me.” You pull back to look Grog in the eyes as he still holds onto you and take his cheeks between your hands giving him a quick kiss. Grog’s eyes light up and lifts you up higher offering you a kiss of his own. Sweet and short and filled with glee. He sets you back down on your feet but doesn’t let go of you yet.

“Do you want to go back downstairs? Last I checked there was a drinking game going on? Should we show them what we’re made off?” You grin and the proud look on Grog’s face tells you enough to know exactly what you’re talking about.

“Let me tell you the tale of my grand victories-“ Grog starts as he begins leading you back down the stairs, arm wrapped around your shoulders pulling you into his side as you walk.

#critical role x reader #critrole x reader #vox machina x reader #grog x reader #critical role #vox machina

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doomedship · 2 years

Note

Alexi is probably still really salty that everyone hated Nucy 😂😂

**Okay I saved this to drafts by mistake so it's old, sorry**

Lol right? I feel like he's mad he didn't come up with Chenford and now he's like look mom I can do better with this Bailey arc. And maybe Ashley too.

He strikes me as one of those screenwriters who is stubborn and attached to his own ideas and also, who doesn't especially like or know how to show romantic love. I suspect he looks down on shipping (many male showrunners do, and choose to bring ships down in very violent ways, but I digress) and thinks it's beneath him to get bogged down in romantic storylines.

If you look back, almost every couple on this show has sprung out of nowhere with no believable lead in.

Consider:

Nucy - this is just a straight up straight male fantasy. Divorced older guy gets super hot young woman. In reality, would Lucy go there, considering the work context, age difference and who Nolan is? Doubt it.

Wopez - a lust at first sight, opposites attract fantasy. While cute and not something I feel particularly strongly about, I'm not sure I ever really bought into what they were basing this relationship on. We also sprinted through the stages of the relationship very artificially.

Noley - dear god, essays have been written about how this is an atrocious, insulting straight male fantasy about a manic pixie dream girl. It is the worst of the lot.

Jackson's love interests - there were a few of these but none of them really registered as significant. Sterling was some kind of celebrity fantasy that ended up just plain weird. Isaac was basically irrelevant and never showed up again. Jackson's story would have been largely the same with or without these peripheral characters, so the romance side of things was effectively pointless. Can't help but think they didn't really know what to do with a non straight male character in this regard.

Emmett/Lucy - again, it was a pointless manufactured side relationship and ended up being a stick with which to beat Lucy. She didn't get any follow up on this and Tim was an ass about it. Then that Tanner guy. No follow up. No point.

Tashley - remains to be seen whether it will be subverted but so far strongly looks like another dream woman scenario for Tim. Unrealistic, annoying and, assuming she is not his endgame, pointless.

Henry/Abigail - the young love hot girl fantasy. I don't really know what the point is here either, but whatever on this one.

Harper - the ex fantasy. I'd have bought Harper's relationship with either James or her ex quite comfortably, had they not decided to turn it into a hot mess of concurrent romances. It's like they can't make their minds up on which way to take her so they keep lurching from one to the other. This makes it pointless because they don't seem to know where they want it to end up and they've also basically removed all her integrity in the process.

So are any of the relationships on this show believable and /or enjoyable?

I found Nolan/Grace to be the most authentic, personally. I didn't ship it or love it, but it didn't bother me. Grey/Luna is also nice, but we've seen them for all of five seconds. Nolan and his ex wife may also have been a more organic relationship but I can't say I paid much attention to it. This is the problem with having so many guests coming and going on the show.

Obviously for me the most believable, organic, subtle and interesting (pre) romantic dynamic is Chenford in season 1 and season 2. Unfortunately I think it is the case that this happened purely by accident, and the show's attempts to deliberately write Chenford since then just haven't compared.

I suppose they're limited by Alexi holding up the block on any actual romantic interactions between Chenford, but even the work talk and banter we're seeing has not been remotely close to what we used to get from these two, so I don't know whether they've simply lost their feel for the characters or something else is going on in that writers' room.

#the rookie #chenford #ds: asks

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alto-angel · 3 years

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in this post, i would like to present my thesis on why the song metaphor by the crane wives belongs to goro akechi.

"i've gotten good at leaning on metaphors": goro's speech as the detective prince is very flowery, exaggerated, and calculated, in order to please the crowds of people with their eyes trained on him at all times. public appearances, television shows, and interviews are all very important for his image, and as such he's forced to adapt his speech and choose his wording carefully to appease those watching. robbie daymond especially does a very good job of vocally pushing the line of politeness into a tone that sounds just a bit too sugary to be genuine, but not something u would notice unless u were listening closely.

"i've gotten good at living on someone else's page": much like the first line, this one can also refer to goro's public image. because he's put an immense amount of work into his life as the detective prince, he aims to please. or at least, he needs to act as though he does. in order to keep up appearances, he needs to be able to get a read of those around him and keep himself on the same wavelength as them. this also applies to shido—not only does goro need to please his fans, but shido as well, in order to stay one step ahead of him. goro is purposefully putting himself on eggshells every day of his life, and in order to keep that up as well as keep himself safe, this is what he has to practice.

"i cut my teeth on secondhand sentiments": goro is often forced to follow a script, or at least an embellished, public-friendly version of his own thoughts. the things that he says when acting as the detective prince are rarely ever his own thoughts as they would be presented in normal conversation. goro has to hide his true opinion of the phantom thieves behind crowd pleasing buzzwords, keep up appearances by catering his opinions, and even quotes philosophers and other literature ("to paraphrase hegel"). the things that he says as detective prince goro akechi are rarely ever entirely his own, and he's gotten very good at tailoring his speech.

"you can't trust a single thing i say": this one, i think, is fairly self-explanatory. the "you" doesn't just apply to the phantom thieves, but to those goro works with as well. what is it he says to sae; "to trick your enemies, you must first trick your allies"? he uses deception to get what he wants, but his primary motivation for it is to move his plan forward, and to protect himself. obviously, if he were honest with shido, he would've been killed on the spot. goro's proficiency with lies isn't just a tool he uses, but a defense mechanism as well. bc of his fear of and difficulty grasping the concept of opening up to someone, through that skill, he is able to keep himself closed off and in control (that is, until he meets akira).

"i keep my closet free of skeletons": this one strikes me as irony, personally. goro's closet is so full of skeletons that it's practically bursting at the seams. but as the detective prince, something like that just isn't allowed. he needs to play the part, otherwise he pays the price. as himself, as goro akechi, he's got so many skeletons in his closet that he probably can't open the door anymore. but as the detective prince, he has to uphold an air of perfection that seems unattainable to others. goro as the detective prince is the epitome of the culture behind the idolization of celebrities, and the way others place and expect them on pedestals of something near godhood, far above the rest of the world.

"cause i'm much better at digging graves": well, goro akechi is certainly no stranger to the art of killing someone without a trace. we have no idea how many shutdowns or breakdowns he induced over the course of his professional relationship with shido. but i also think this lyric in tandem with the one right before it could relate to goro's tendencies towards repression; the idea that he cannot and should not have any "demons" or "skeletons"—such as past traumas, meaningful relationships, or feelings that he's jammed down and shut the closet doors on, if u will—bc since vengeance is his only objective, then digging graves is his primary task, or the only thing he's good for, in his mind. the word skeletons doesn't have to represent mistakes specifically, but could also refer to how goro views his own heart and how he deals with his emotions. something like, he feels he shouldn't deal with all that turbulence, bc he's far better at warping it into anger—something that he's used to dealing with, and can easily rationalize. the more complicated emotions, not so much.

"but i always dig up bones in your sympathy": this is where i start connecting things to goro and akira specifically. another definition of sympathy entails two people who share an understanding of each other. doesn't that sound like goro and akira to u? so, if u take these lyrics to be from goro to akira, it feels to me like this one could represent his regrets/desire to leave his situation. according to rank seven of his confidant in royal, we know that goro is practically screaming for help before the events of sae's palace. unfortunately, as the player, we are not able to save him. but i think this lyric could represent his desire to connect with akira despite his better judgement—"dig up bones," as in; i'll still arrive at the decision to bury them in the first place, but bc we have an understanding, i'll show u as well as i can that i do not want to be doing this. and that's exactly how rank seven with goro plays out, through the metaphor of a billiards game.

"i can't trust a single thing you say": this could refer to the fact that both goro and akira are withholding truths from each other throughout their relationship, and since they are of equal standing, the same deception that applies to goro would apply to akira as well, albiet in a far different way. however, i can also see it as an unwillingness on goro's part; he feels as though he cannot trust akira not bc akira is truly lying to him, but bc there's no other way for him to rationalize the fact that akira cares for him and wants to spend time with him. as goro akechi, not the detective prince. goro can't trust the kindness akira extends to him not only bc he's used to conditional love (shido, foster parents, etc.), but also bc he doesn't feel as though he deserves it. goro does not have a very high image of himself, as we see later on, and it's easy to see throughout his confidant that he cannot quite understand why someone would want to spend time with him, and not the perfectly crafted version of him that he presents to everyone else.

"don't look too hard, cause you won't like the scars he left in me": the "he" here refers to shido. shido is the sole reason for all of goro's trauma and hardships. he has scarred goro more than anyone else in his life. and goro's sharing of these traumas is very limited: he opens up seemingly out of nowhere, before immediately retreating under the guise of things like "oh, that isn't like me," or "oh, am i bothering u?" such as the scenes that take place in leblanc and the bathhouse. goro cannot fathom the fact that someone (akira) would wish to get to know him, as he is, so he assumes that a normal interaction between friends is somehow too much transparency, and keeps himself at a distance. he mistakes his feelings for akira as hatred, right? obviously, that's entirely the wrong word to describe them. but if goro himself believes that he hates akira, he would likely believe akira to hate him as well; as evidenced by the fact that the dialogue options which give u the most points are the ones where u mention ur "rivalry"—bc again, goro cannot rationalize his emotions as anything other than negative; anger, hatred, etc. it's far easier for goro to blurt out the words "i hate u" rather than "i love u," or "i care for u," isn't it? and this is how he keeps himself at enough of a distance, although simultaneously feels himself drawing closer. emotional closeness is not something goro is well versed in, and bc goro has built his image on being talented and skilled, he refuses to reveal his shortcomings.

"i've gotten good at making up metaphors": the words here are only slightly different than the ones at the beginning, which i think works for goro's further descent into his deal with shido, and subsequent difficulty. instead of "leaning" on metaphors, he's completely making them up. it's more drastic, which could represent a sort of desperation. almost as if he's losing his touch—which we do see after the events of sae's palace, during the tv interview where he monologues internally about his backstory, and we start to really see how damaged he is. goro is frazzled and distraught, enough for it to visibly show, something he prided himself on being able to avoid.

"i've gotten good at stretching the truth out of shape": again, the same situation as before. similar to the beginning, with slightly harsher wording. the lies that goro is immersing himself in are getting more intense, and almost impossible to separate from. his "murder" of akira is a turning point, in a way; akira is the first and only character we see goro kill in what he believes to be outside of the metaverse. he's not only stretching the truth out of shape, but he himself is bent out of shape as well—this stuck out to me on my ng+ run; his sprites in the scene just after akira is reported to be dead from him to shido are very unsettling and absent, as if he's almost completely zoning out. it's a very jarring scene to watch, and i think at least part of that has to be due to the severity of his actions.

"and all these words are sweet and meaningless": this feels to me, if we're going by the timeline i've been suggesting throughout all this, like it's directed at shido. now that akira is dead and the phantom thieves are no longer a threat to goro's plan for revenge, he can focus his energy back on his original objective. goro lays it on incredibly thick in his scenes with shido, so much so that it sometime surprises me that he didn't realize shido was onto him. again with the more intense wording here, which fits with the events i'm corresponding it with.

"you can't trust a single thing i say": now this wording is exactly the same as the first time, but given the progression of everything i've talked about, i take this as a sort of last word to both shido and akira. goro intends to follow through with his vengeance no matter the cost, and this could read as a final nail in that coffin. the song repeats this lyric four times, as well. if i wanted to keep it up all the way up to the engine room scene, and go completely off the rails in the process, i could say that the first iteration of this line is an affirmation to both shido and akira that his revenge takes precedence, therefore it would be stupid to trust him. the second is an affirmation to himself that he is in fact doing the right thing, and everything will pay off in the end, that this is just the way things are supposed to be, as always. the third is a kind of plea, born from confusion, after he's defeated by the theives and they offer to bring him with them to take down shido, an offer he cannot fathom the reason for extending. a sort of "why would u trust me" in the form of "u shouldn't trust me." and the fourth would refer directly to goro speaking to his cognitive self; as he decieves the deciever, making it seem as though he is running back to shido only to close the bulkhead door and resign himself to his "noble" sacrifice.

i hope at least some of this makes any semblance of sense. put this song on ur goro playlists, goroboys.

#persona #persona 5 #persona 5 royal #p5 #p5r #goro akechi #character analysis

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heroicadventurists · 4 years

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DC Daily S1 E303 James Tynion IV transcribed interview pt 1

On his Detective Comics' run issues 934-981

Amy: In anticipation of your 2020 Batman book, we wanted to celebrate your Detective Comics run here on the show. What mark did you want to leave on the Batfamily with this run?

James: I started about the book wanting to pull together a Batman team book, which really hadn't been done before. Because so often in Batman stories, you see all of the sidekicks and partners in crime, and other people fighting crime in Gotham City, and Batman tries to shut them down. Sometimes he'll have a Robin at his side, but aside from that, he doesn't want anyone else on his turf. And I really wanted to change that. I wanted to start a story where rather than Batman saying no to everyone, Batman says yes. And Batman basically says okay, if we're going to do this, I'm going to bring you in and we're going to train you and we're going to make sure you do it right. And I'm going to bring in Tim Drake, Red Robin, and Batwoman, Kate Kane, and have them really train this team and develop a new generation of crime fighters in Gotham City. And that was really the goal of what I wanted to do. It is something that I had been pitching to DC for a long, long time. And ultimately, they made the decision that we would be doing it and we'd be doing it in the pages of Detective Comics. And it's honestly, I still can't believe that they let me get away with it.

Sam: I feel like there is so much about this concept that goes back to Batman learning how to trust. Something he's not good at. Am I wrong?

James: No you're not. Honestly, that really is the core dynamic. He has trouble letting go of control, and that's something that, it was something that I wanted to examine in him but also examine in the people who are working directly under him, because Tim Drake is also someone who feels like, if someone's going to do the job, he could do it better so he needs to step in and do it. And so does Kate Kane, Batwoman. So you have these sort of three personalities who are all kind of control freaks in different ways, and they are all trying to kind of guide the future of what the Batfamily could be and what Gotham City could be. And really getting into Bruce's head about how he sees the family and what the function of it is to him.

Amy: So what was striking to me was how different and well-defined each member of the Batfamily is in your run. What stood out to you about them and their motivations?

Whtiney: Honestly, this is the first time I had read this run, and I was blown away. I love every moment with Cass. I'm so enamored by her in this story, and especially, honestly, it wasn't any one character, but at the beginning when they're all together and they're kind of discussing what to do with Batwoman, it was my favorite because I feel like I don't get to see that enough, everyone interacting together in the same room and deciding what to do. I love that part.

Amy: They all disagree but they all sound like themselves. Which I'm sure is just as easy as it looked.

Sam: Well, I'm going to make a stupid comment that team dynamics are important to team books. But you could really see how when they work so well, how amazing it is because you established a core dilemma around which each character could have their own opinion. And each opinion was different. There are some overlaps and Venn diagrams there, but like you said (Amy), each character had an opinion about that was native to who they are as people. And it was such a great way, a high stakes way to reveal character, and I just loved it.

James: That issue in particular, because that was issue 975, I believe, and that was the one I had been wanting to do for a long time because honestly, part of my whole goal in writing that book is I was pulling together a lot of the secondary Batfamily characters. And here they are in front of us. But we had some former villains like Clayface. And we had characters like Batwing who existed more on the outskirts of the Batfamily. We have Batwoman who's never really been right at the center. Tim Drake has been more of the center but the team itself was not the core Batfamily. So the moment that something really went wrong, that Batwoman overstepped in a big way and actually appeared to kill one of the villains they were up against because there seemed to be no other path forward, and Batman brings together the core Batfamily, the original family that everyone knows and loves, all of the Robins and Barbara Gordon, the original Batgirl. And we have them sit and decide what they're going to do. And having that moment, the voices of the characters, I wish I had a better answer about how I got into each of their heads. Honestly, it's because I've been reading their stories my entire life. Their voices live in my head. And getting to bring those voices into the book and say something, especially in a series that was always about the Batfamily but didn't really feature the core Batfamily, that was really powerful for me, and that's one of my favorite issues in the entire run.

Hear the rest of James Tynion's experience on Detective Comics and the longevity of Batman on DC Daily

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