#so yeah as far as jobs go I'm stressed lol

[littlexscarletxwitch]

── ༊*·˚⋆ 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘇𝗼𝗻𝗲

paring: florence pugh x fem!reader

tag(s): fluff, a drop of angst, some comfort, sad imagine, established relationship, long-distance relationship, flo being an amazing gf

warning(s): language, heartbreak (?), grammatical errors, unedited

word count: 1.8k

note: I cannot write a sad ending for the life of me lol, but one day I will. And you won't see it coming (jk). I thought I would never post this fic, when the song came out I had like the main idea but never proceed to write it down. But I'm glad I finally wrote it, it was long time overdue lol. I'm not a native english speaker, so please let me know about any sort of mistake. Love, M <3

note 2: So I made the mistake (wait was it really a mistake? I dunno) to listen to 'Needed me' by Rihanna while finishing up this fic. What do we think about smut for part 2 ?????? 

requests are open! + check my rules + masterlist <3

You were laying on your bed, eyes closed, pretending everything was fine, when in reality it was quite the opposite.

“I hate this,” you mumbled to your phone for Florence to hear.

“I know, baby… Me too. I just wish I could be there with you,” she said as she hugged herself, pretending that it was you who was holding her.

The yawn you were trying so hard to hold back finally slipped out. “Yeah, you keep saying that…”

The words rushed out of your mouth without giving them a second thought, you didn’t mean to sound mean or angry, but you had and it had already reached her ears.

“Yeah, well, I’m working. You know that,” she immediately replied, she sounded both hurt and angry, and you cursed yourself for that.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m sorry, I’m just really tired. Today was a really long day, I’m sorry, baby,” the last thing you needed was to pick another fight for such a small thing over the goddamn phone.

You breathed out, trying to calm your own thoughts. It felt like the only thing Florence and you would do was fight over the phone. The two of you could only share a couple of hours together through the little device, and the two of you would waste it over some stupid fights. The whole situation was stressful, not just the fights or your job, but being so far away from each other that it physically hurt. And it hurt even more that you two would be constantly fighting.

You heard her taking a deep breath, she felt the same as you, you knew it. She was tired and stressed and had a lot going on at work. But she wanted to be with you more than anything, hold you, kiss you, touch you and whisper sweet nothings to your ear.

But you couldn’t tell that by her deep huff. You figured she was tired about this, about you, about this whole situation which did no good to either of you.

“Maybe… maybe we should take a break…” you muttered, not wanting to be heard but she already had.

As soon as the words left your lips you regretted even having thought of them. You didn’t mean it, that was the last thing you could ever possibly ask for in this world. But maybe it was what she wanted and needed. Maybe she was just too scared to pronounce the words so you had to do it instead.

A break? Florence thought, not wanting to believe the words that came out of your mouth. Things were pretty bad if you wanted to take a break. Shit, she really screwed up. Was that really what you wanted? A break? A break away from her and her shit. It would make sense, right? You were tired, she was tired, but were you really tired of her? You wouldn’t have said anything if you didn't mean to, right?

“Yeah, maybe we should. If that’s what you want, love…” she let her head fall against the wall, trying to find some kind of support, praying to the universe that you would take back your request.

Well, there it was, she wanted to take a break. And who were you to deny her such a thing? You were willing to give her everything, this wasn’t the exception, even if it broke your heart.

You cleared your throat, afraid your voice would betray you. “Yeah, okay,” you said, fighting back the tears.

“Okay…”

As soon as you heard her, you hung up, not wanting her to hear you as you sobbed. You felt your heart shrinking, a burning feeling creeped throughout your entire body, and the more you cried the more you felt like your head was about to explode. And you laid there, hand clutch to your stomach, feeling cold and alone.

You felt Billie cuddling your feet, trying to give you some comfort since she could sense your sadness. And even though all the poor thing wanted was to show some support to one of her favourite humans, she unintentionally made everything worse, since she was a reminder of her owner. The two of you lay there, you crying your heart out, until the both of you dozed off to sleep.

[…]

The moment you hang up, she realised what had happened, that it wasn’t a dream, more like a nightmare if that were the case. But it was real, it had happened and she didn’t stop you. Why didn’t she stop you?

“Fuck!” she cursed, throwing her phone on the bed.

She took her hands to her head in disbelief, the last moments of her life going through her mind on repeat over and over again.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!” she screamed at the top of her lungs.

She was angry. Angry at herself for not having done something about it, she should have told you that it was a mistake, that it wasn’t what she wanted, not even close. At her work, she loved working, she really did, but was it really worth it when it ruined the best thing that has ever happened to her? —you. At the distance between the two of you, at the stupid body of water keeping you seven thousand miles away from her. She was even angry at the stupid different timezone for constantly keeping the two of you apart.

She couldn’t help to imagine you laying in your shared bed, probably wearing an old oversized t-shirt of hers, or maybe not given that you two had broken each other's heart, now sleeping right where she was supposed to be.

She couldn’t stop hearing your voice in her head, a fucking break? What were you thinking? What was she thinking? She should have told you that it was crazy, that it was a mistake, that it was completely bullshit.

Her head was starting to hurt from all thinking, her heart began to shatter as the realisation sinked in and as her anger slowly faded away sadness began to wash over her. She felt her stomach churn at how wrong this whole thing felt.

She was supposed to be running lines, but she couldn't concentrate anymore as the only thing that popped on her mind was you. She had to do something about it, she couldn't leave things between you two like this, she couldn’t go to sleep that night knowing that she let you go that easily.

“Screw it,” she said to herself, not giving her actions a second thought or else she feared she might back down.

She grabbed her phone, grateful that it hadn’t landed on the floor, and made all the calls she needed to. She was going to fix this, she had to.

[…]

You felt the sunlight creeping through the curtains even though your eyes were still closed. Slowly and carefully you opened them up, as you began to gain consciousness you felt like your head was about to explode. The events of last night came rushing to your mind like a slap to your cheek. The call, the words that were spoken, the tears that were shed and Billie cuddling at your feet offering you some comfort.

You got up, brushed your teeth, took a painkiller and went back to laying. You began to think things through. What were you supposed to do now? Did Florence expect you to leave her house? Who was going to take care of Billie while she was gone? Should you just gather your things and leave? Toby can take care of Billie, he used to do it before you came along, that would be no problem. Shit, what were you going to tell him once you got there with Billie?

You shook your head, letting the thoughts fade away as it was all becoming too much too fast and too real. You could already feel the tears burning your eyes just by the thought of leaving the place Florence and you had been sharing over the past two years.

You decided that you were done thinking for the moment. You found some ice cream in the fridge and made your way to the living room. You dropped down on the couch, a blanket over your shoulders, and snatched the remote control from the coffee table.

You were just about to watch your comfort show when you heard the jingle of keys. Your heart dropped, who could possibly be?

“Y/n?” you heard as the door flew open. “Y/n, where are you?”

You didn’t answer, the words wouldn't come out of your mouth.

“Ah, there you are,” Florence said, she seemed out of breath, as if she had been running or something.

“What are you–?” but she cut you off right away.

“No, let me go first, okay?” she didn’t wait for an answer. “I have this whole speech planned and it’s already fading away so…” she took a deep breath. “This is bullshit, Y/n. I’m not having this. A break?! Are you serious?” she said, stepping closer to you.

“Florence—.”

“I’m not done yet, love,” she was now sitting right next to you, her warm hands reaching out for your cold ones. “I get it, we had a rough couple of months, always bickering at each other. But that doesn’t mean we should take a break, I’m not going to let you go, Y/n.”

“But you agreed—”

“I only agreed because I thought that was what you wanted, but it’s not even close to what I want. That’s why I’m here,” you felt the tears in the corner of your eyes, your bottom lip slightly trembling. “I’m here to tell you: no, I don’t want a fucking break. I don’t give a shit about my work, about the contracts that I signed. The only thing I care about is you, and I’m going to make it work, make us work. Because I love you, Y/n. So fuck your ‘break’, you hear me? Fuck it.”

You looked at her soft green eyes, even though your vision was half blurry you could still make out her watery eyes.

“That was a great speech,” you joked, your heart getting warmer as a smile formed on her lips.

“Yeah, well a 10 hour flight gives you a lot of time to think about—”

Your lips stopped her from talking as you threw yourself on her, connecting your lips in a much needed kiss. A kiss that you had been dreaming of the last couple of months.

“I love you, I love you, I love you,” you whispered over and over again on her lips as you kissed her.

You were straddling her, both of your hands cupping her cheeks caressing her soft skin. You felt her hands sneaking around your waist, gently squeezing your skin. And then moving them further down to rest on your ass, pushing you more into her chest.

Much to your dismay, you pulled away from her lips, feeling the need to actually pronounce these words: “I missed you, so so much, Florence.”

“Me too, baby. Me too,” she said, leaving kisses all over your neck. “In fact, let me show you how much I missed you,” her hot breath gave you goosebumps, as you threw your head back, giving her more access to your sensitive skin.

Likes, comments and reblogs are appreciated! <3

-M

#florence pugh #florence pugh x reader #florence pugh x fem reader #florence pugh x you #florence pugh x y/n #florence pugh imagine #littlexscarletxwitch's fic #Spotify #[🎧⊹♡] based on songs i love

[magicxc]

Slow Motion

Pairings: Kofi Siriboe x Black!Reader

Word Count: 1785

Warnings: fluff, fingering

A/N: This was LONG overdue lol. I never expected to take so much time on these drabbles, but in the end I've come to love ALL pieces involved with this "series." It was nostalgic, fun, and most importantly SPICY 🥵 I thought something light to wrap it all up was much needed, so do enjoy Kofi in all his tenderness.

BBJ Masterlist

Deeply inhaling, a crooked smile dangles on the corner of my lips as the soft scent adds to the cozy atmosphere. There’s notes of lavender and frankincense that linger, almost lulling me to a peaceful sleep. The diffuser on the countertop spills Eucalyptus oil into the damp air, the harmony of aromas relaxingly pleasant.

Candles line the bathroom floor, all unscented, instead adding to the intimate vibes. The lights are dimmed, my only source of visibility is the flame of the fire flickering through the dark room, entranced as I watch them dance against the drywalls. 

The water is deliciously warm to the touch, almost too warm - it’s that scorching feeling that borders the line of pain, scared to submerge my body entirely as some parts are more sensitive than others. The longer I sit here, the more my body adjusts to the scoiling temperature and I slowly inch my way down until I'm chin deep into the bath. The epsom salt is crunchy against my legs, the textures oddly satisfying as I rub against them until they disintegrate.

Bubbles filled to the brim, they’ve become this fun distraction as opposed to the serene scene Kofi intended them to be. And while it is captivating, I find it a lot more entertaining. I’ve found myself blowing them, splashing them, and even molding them to my desire.

“Aren’t you supposed to be relaxing?”

“This is relaxing,” I giggled.

Slipping in behind me, Kofi gently submerges himself into the bath, his added body heat making me even hotter; and I don't mean in temperature. Hands crawling to my shoulders, he begins to massage them, his fingers working out the stress from earlier today. Firmly caressing his digits into my shoulder blades, my groans hint at which spots need the most attention; growing louder every time he rubs the flesh just right.

“What's got my pretty girl so stressed out?”

“Baby, I swear I love my job and I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but sometimes it gets tiresome carrying the workload.”

“Do you think the workload is too heavy? That maybe you need a few days off?” he suggested.

“No it’s not that, ow-”

“Sorry, was that too much?”

“Mhmm”

As nimble as his fingers may be, Kofi for sure knows how to use them. They rub and dig and knead in the best ways, but sometimes his hold can carry a bit too much pressure. Intent on massaging out the knot, sometimes he doesn’t realise that his once firm touch can easily pass over to discomfort. Kissing along my temple, he promises to go softer, eagerly getting back to the topic at hand.

“So if it’s not your workload that's bothering you, it must be something else? It sounds more like you’re carrying the team.”

“I don’t mind stepping in when I need to.” 

“How do your shoulders feel beautiful? They’re sagging and the knot is gone.”

“Great,” I sigh. “I feel like I can bench press 70 pounds.”

“Oh yeah,” he chuckled. “Lemme see how I can get that number to 80.”

Laughing, he stops massaging my shoulders to which I whine in protest. A kiss to my lips effectively stops me in my tracks, Kofi assuring me that my night is far from finished. Reaching over to the shelf beside us, I hadn’t realised how he stocked it in preparation. He has a little of everything, unsure of which direction this night will take us. There’s face masks, oils, wine bottles, a lighter, bath bombs, rosemary, and a few other things I don't get the chance to linger on. 

“Do you trust me?”

“With my life,” I breathed.

“Good, no questions moving forward please. I just need you to let go.”

Grabbing a cup from the shelf, he dips it below the water, filling it to the brim.

“What’s that for?”

“Didn’t I just say no questions?”

“But-”

“Aht”

“All I want -”

“Don’t even, now close your eyes.”

Emptying the cup over my head, I dramatically blow out the excess spittle of water, mostly because I didn’t expect it. And of course Kofi wouldn't explain things either, interrupting me every time I decided to inquire further. He repeats this two more times, until my hair and face are fully drenched. The water is a little hotter than room temperature now, so the sensitivity of my scalp welcomes the warm downpour.

His hands reach for the shampoo next to us and my mouth forms an “O” at where this is going, deciding to just sit back and let Kofi do his thing before my endless questions ruin what he’s attempting. Pouring the thick goop into his hands, he rubs them together before delving his fingers into my hair. 

My curls are easily tangled when wet, so I watch as he does the five finger method, carefully running his hand through each section of hair before scooping it all together. Once he successfully detangles my head, Kofi goes on to rub his fingers sturdily against my scalp, focusing more so on massaging it as opposed to washing my tresses.

“Mhmmmmyy goshhh, baby this feels AMAZING. I should let you help out on wash day more often.”

“So you can tire my hands out? I don’t think so,” he jokes. 

“We can split the chores, you wash and I style.”

“Let me marinate on that for a bit. What I really want to know is why you’ve been working yourself to the point of exhaustion?”

“Because unnmpph, right at the base please.”

“Down here?” he asks, working his thumbs toward the back of my head.

“Yes, thank you! And I guess it’s because I didn’t see how ragged I was running my body. One offer turns into an expectation and before I know it, I’ve effectively taken on the job description of at least three other people.”

“Mhmm,” he hums. “I love your willingness to help gorgeous, but to put it simply, those motherfuckers do not care. Takers never get tired of taking, but givers do get tired of giving. You’ll give the literal clothes off your back if you have to and trust me they’ll take it without question.”

A comfortable silence falls between us, one where I get a moment's clarity. A moment where the rose colored lens shift ever so slightly. When something becomes my passion I won’t hesitate to see it through, but what I haven’t seen is how quick people are to take advantage of that drive. I can love my job and still set boundaries, and it’s a shame it took me putting my body through so much to see that.

Thankfully Kofi is gentle with me. Kind enough to point out where I went wrong without ever making me feel bad for my actions; only encouraging me to learn from my mistakes from this point on. And if I can get this type of treatment every time I mess up, I may have to mess up more often.

Rinsing through my hair, he conditions it all the same, fingers actively kneading the tension away. Eyelids fluttering close, I embrace his gentle touch and allow my body to just be. To feel his hand against my skin and the warmth of the water. To smell the arrangement of scents that linger in the air. To listen to the flickering of the flames from the candles. To watch the bubbles bounce around the tub with each movement. I try my best to take it all in - relax my mind, still the whirlwind of thoughts, and allow myself to be present - the bullshit of the world forgotten. 

Before I know it Kofi rinses out my hair once more, the worries of this week sliding down my shoulders. Leaning into his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat becomes my own personal ballad; interrupted by the rumbling of his chest as he asks how I’m feeling.

“I’ve given it a lot of thought babe and you’re right, those motherfuckers do not care.”

Agreeing, we talk a little about setting boundaries, but most importantly working my wage. Fingers delicately cradled against my cheeks, he presses his lips to mine, so soft I barely feel it. His minty breath fans against my face and I close my eyes while his forehead rests against mine, the two of us reveling in the ambiance of the night. 

“I see that you’re tired, but do you think you can do one more thing for me pretty?”

“Mhmmm.”

“Go ahead and spread your legs.”

Eyes shooting open, it’s the vulgarity of his words that throw me off. Kofi and I are no stranger to hot sex, but every time I hear how filthy he can get, it sends a wave of heat throughout my body.

“What all do you have planned tonight exactly?”

“I thought we agreed no questions. The only time I wanna see your mouth open again is when I'm putting my dick to the back of it. Now be real good for me and open up.”

The retort is on the literal tip of my tongue, just itching to jump over the edge, excited to see where another “mishap” can land me. But Kofi’s worked so hard to make this night special, so it’s only right that I see things through the way he intended. 

“Good girl,” he praises, fingers resting on my clit. “Stay just like this for me.”

Straight to the point Kofi starts to gently rub on the nub, my skin between his teeth adding to what already feels ethereal. His other hand reaches up to my breast, tweaking the nipples to attention; and my arms fly to the edge of the tub, needing to grab onto anything for stability. 

“Im just getting started,” he kissed. “I just need you to hold out for a little while longer, yeah?”

“Uhnnn ye- yeah.”

Hips bucking into his fingers, I throw my head onto Kofi’s shoulder to ride out the sensations, my breathing growing ragged as he cranes his head forward to slip my nipple into his mouth.  

“Not yet.”

“Babyyyyyyy, I can’t hold out for much longer.”

“You wont need to, I promise.”

Fingers swiftly rubbing over my clit, my hips continue snapping into his expert fingers, thighs shaking the water out the tub. His tongue swirls around my nipple, warm and electrifying. Hands gripping the tub, I beg Kofi to let me cum, relief washing over me as he finally does. 

“It’s true that takers never get tired of taking, and on some level I can relate, because I’m gonna take every last drop your body has to offer,” he promised. “So be extra good for me, and give me one more pretty.”

#Emmy Writes #Emmy Tries #My Drabbles #Black Boy Joy #Kofi Siriboe x Black Reader #Kofi Siriboe x Black!Fem!Reader #Kofi Siriboe #Black Reader #Black!Fem!Reader #Bath Time Tings #Fin #Finale Tings

[becausegoodheroesdeservekidneys]

So my inbox currently contains over 1,600 messages. I am getting Very Overwhelmed, apologies to everyone who is waiting for me to get back to them.

Something I have spotted, though, is that far too many of these have a common theme. Of the top thirty currently sitting at the top of my inbox, 19 are questions about haircare and the CGM. Of those, 12 are exactly the same question - namely, "Is co-washing just washing with conditioner instead of shampoo?" - which I have answered multiple times in multiple different posts, all of which are in my "Hair" tag (the answer is yes, please stop asking).

The other 7 are different hair questions - but, all but one is something I have answered before, in most cases more than once. Again, in my "Hair" tag.

Babes. Loves. Silly rabbits.

I did not sign up to be customer support for CGM.

Listen; I love you all! And I don't mind people asking me novel questions, even, within reason (although I am about to come to that)! But it is not my job to provide this information, and it is absolutely not my job, obligation, responsibility or anything else to keep writing out the SAME INFORMATION again and again and again. It is certainly absolutely not my pleasure to do so, either. I have explained how the method works now. I have explained the sorts of things to avoid. I have recommended CG friendly products. I have tagged all of this.

If you're going to ask me about this stuff, for the love of all that's holy, would you PLEASE look through my damn hair tag first and save me the increasingly stressful task of opening my inbox and seeing another five variants of the exact same already-answered question in a single day. I am not here to provide you a service. I'm here to do you a favour - PLEASE do me one, and check you aren't very literally wasting my time first. As I say, I am more than happy to answer novel questions on this! I'm also happy to clarify if I've worded something in a confusing way! But identical process questions for the seventeenth time in a week is starting to feel disrespectful.

But, I have to also say:

I am just Some Guy on the internet. I am not a professional. I have joked that I am not a Hairxpert, and you've all gone "Lol, yeah, not a Hairxpert, we get it - anyway, what products in America are good? What's your advice for <hair type you don't have?> If I live in an area with hard water (unlike you), what should I do?"

I am Not A Professional.

If you need specialist advice, YOU NEED TO GO AND FIND A SUPPORT GROUP. Buy the handbook, like I did! Go and find one of the hundreds of CGM websites that are free to use! Find a sub-Reddit! These will be full of people who actually are professionals, and will be able to answer these questions. I cannot tell you how best to adapt the method I use for type 4 curls, because I don't have those; you need a professional, or a support group with people who have type 4 curls. I cannot tell you the best styling and drying techniques for pixie cut curls, because my hair is down to my ass; you need a professional, or a support group of curly people with pixie cuts. I cannot tell you the best products to use on a remote island nation I have never even visited; you need a professional, or at the very least, a neighbour.

In fact, as an addendum to that last one, I have now been asked by six different people on separate occasions what my advice is for them because they live on "an island" and can't get the products I use and also can't get Amazon, and... guys!!!? How could I possibly answer that??? You haven't even told me which island, for one, but for quite another, if I'm not a hair expert, I'm certainly not an International Shipping To Remote Islands expert!!! What do you want from me?? I'm just some guy. Who uses a method. I can tell you the basics of it (which I have, extensively), and I can tell you what I personally do (which I have, extensively), and that's it. I have zero expertise beyond that. Anything else is information I would have to try and get from a support group of other people to report back, at which point, you bloody do it. I am not CGM customer support.

To reiterate - I truly, honestly, don't mind getting novel questions that I haven't already answered, or clarifying things that might be confusing; to be honest, it's not like I even massively mind someone going "I live in a desert, how could I combat dryness?". But if you ask me, a Welsh woman, a question like that, you're going to have to accept that my advice is, at best, going to be guesswork or second/third-hand information I once saw someone else mention online somewhere that I have now mostly forgotten if I ever truly saw it at all. Because I do not live in a desert, and I am not a professional.

ALSO A NON-HAIR POINT

I said at the start of this post that 19 of the top thirty messages in my inbox right now are hair questions. Five, though, follow a different pattern.

I imagine this is part of my follower count still exploding (I gained another three thousand of you since August, to give an idea; where the fuck are you all coming from?!? Really like grilled cheese adventures, huh), but I've started getting A LOT of messages from people who blatantly want to use me as a billboard to get their message out. Sometimes a serious message about a vital global issue, sometimes a relatively trivial one about a piece of media they want people to see, and anything in between.

I sympathise. I do understand. But I am not a billboard.

Apart from anything else, I just don't have the time to go fact checking and researching everything to make sure I'm being a Good Billboard, and it would be incredibly irresponsible of me to avoid that step and just blindly go "Sure, yeah, signal boost" and hit publish. If you send me one of these, I am unlikely to do anything with it, I'm sorry. It might put something on my radar, and make me more likely to pay attention when I see the issue being posted organically - when the Iranian protests began someone sent me a message asking me to reblog a particular user's post about it (not their own, it was a separate user). I didn't post that ask, but I did go and manually check the user in question's blog, found a good infographic post there about the protests, and I was able to reblog that. That was fine. But even then, if I hadn't had the time to do that (my life is very busy), that ask would have been buried.

Anyway, I don't want to discourage asks in my inbox generally, nor is this me yelling at anyone or telling anyone off. But with the hair thing in particular, I cannot go on like this pls take pity T_T

#long post #hair

[pyjamaart]

A looming presence... (A piece of fan art for Episode 11 of the Christmas Comeback Crisis)

Read more for an essay on all the memes and references ;)

So here it is. Finally. Only one month too late: This piece of CCC fan art I've worked on since the episode came out.

Sorry for the delay, but I just started at my new job this week and it's been a little stressful, so I didn't have much time to work on this. But now it's finally here!!! I gotta say, the hardest part by far was the background, lol. I didn't mean for it to escalate that much. At the end I was honestly running out of memes to draw.

I bet we can all agree that episode 11 of the Christmas Comeback Crisis was so worth the wait, right???? My god. Peak entertainment. I still can't believe I'm getting all this awesome lore and music for free, feels kinda criminal.

I'm so invested in this story, it's unreal. I can't wait to see how it will end. I can already tell it's gonna be pretty emotional. (And not to alarm anyone, but I have a slight feeling that the Voice is not gonna make it out of this story arc alive. I mean, after everything he's done, it's safe to say that he kinda deserves it. Of course I really don't want him to die, cause that would mean…….. Woodman would also have to die??? Otherwise the Voice will just keep coming back again and again because Woodman is keeping his memory alive…….. Oh man wait a moment….. I don't even want to think about that. Forget I said anything about this.)

Anyway, let's talk about this piece of art for a moment.

In the foreground, we have our brave protagonists. I really really like how Nozomi turned out, so I decided to make her my new icon from now on. Don't get me wrong, I love my old icon, but it's kinda zoomed out and you can't really make out any details when it's really small. So Nozomi it is. Meta Knights sword was shockingly difficult to draw, especially because I had to figure out how to draw it when he's holding it at an angle like that. Otherwise, drawing him was actually one of the easiest things about this whole thing. His design is really just two circles with some arms and armor. Figuring out how the circle tool in Gimp works has never felt this good. (Kinda crazy I can just draw him like this now, considering how obsessed with him I was when I was about 12-13 years old. Back then you had to download official renders of your favorite characters onto your computer, then print them out and hang them on your walls all around your room. Yeah I've always been like this.) Drawing Santa was really fun too, just his right hand was a little difficult. But that's just because I still can't draw hands in general. Maybe I should practice drawing hands more. (Naaaaaah I'm just kidding, I'll never do that.) Now that I'm looking at him again, he's also longingly staring at President Haltmann in the background. Doomed yaoi fr.

Speaking of the background, let's talk about that next. There's obviously the title-giving "looming presence" the Voice. I had his hands completely in the background at first, but I thought it looked cooler when they were hanging threateningly around Santa's shoulders. (You may ask yourself, 'man these hands look kinda alright for my usual hand drawing standards', and that is because I traced over pictures of my own hands. I love "cheating" at art.) I also gave him his stupid little bow tie and the colored buttons on his suit sleeves. Not only is that kinda my trademark for drawing him at this point, it's also supposed to show, that under all the threats and the evil villain persona, he's just kind of a loser. A real (male equivalent of a) girlfailure. That's why I made sure that half of the things shown in the background are there to make fun of him a little. I love the Voice dearly, but that's just what felt right.

And now let's get to the actual main course of this essay. I probably spent half the time working on this on the freaking background. I'm just gonna start in the top left corner and then go down each column and explain what each of these mean or what they reference. (Since there are some quite obscure ones in there.)

Let's start with the two ponies in the very top left. They're actually ponysonas of Nozomi Tojo (left) and Takane Shijou (right). Nozomi is an earth pony and has a tarot card as her cutie mark, specifically the ace of cups. Takane on the other hand is a unicorn and has some musical notes as her cutie mark, which you can't really see. I don't know enough about the Idolmaster to think of something more meaningful for her, sorry. ;)

Under that are Susie Haltmann and her father, President Haltmann. They were (after Woodman) the first characters I wanted to draw into the background. Susie has this black bar covering her face, since she was never really there to begin with. The whole story line with her father wanting to bring her back was actually so freaking sad. And when the Voice killed him in episode 11 and that image of Susie flashed on screen as the last thing he saw before he died….. Oof……… That's also why I drew that cursor looming next to her "window" about to click on the closing button. Haltmann himself is also the only character in the background to actually leave his little window, wanting to reach his daughter. He's also glaring at the Voice for causing him all of this grief and anger in the first place with his false promises.

Then there's…. ahem, "Hot robots in your area". With drawings of a random unnamed robot and Mettaton from Undertale. Which the Voice has apparently bookmarked. This is just a head canon, but I like to think he has a thing for robots, lol. ;)

Oh and on the left next to that on the very first column is Simpleflips' logo. Shoutouts to Simpleflips indeed.

Onto the next column. At the very top is Haruka Amami (also from the Idolmaster), who played a pretty huge role in the CCC, especially in the latest episode. That moment at the very end where she saved Grand Dad from certain death was just fantastic. Absolutely goated scene. She's kinda pressing her face against the window she's trapped in. I hope you can even see that from far away, haha.

Under that is one of the more obscure references. It's from a King for Another Day video, specifically one titled "The Hobart Hootenanny - SiIvaGunner: King for Another Day". It's a slideshow made of beautiful Hobart pictures. One that struck me personally the most was a little family picture of Hobart and the rapper Eminem, who was also a contestant in the KfAD tournament, looking lovingly over their son sitting in a cradle. Eminem is seen saying "Our son is beutiful". A truly touching photograph indeed. In that same slideshow is also another scene of Hobart together with the Voice, but we'll talk about that one later.

The next one is a reference to the CCC side story "I wanna thank me" and shows a pie chart with the election results that were discussed in that episode. Under the pie chart itself is a little box containing all the different parties and showing their respective percentages. On the left is a poster for the "Poké Poké Literature Party", showing Monika's head with the words "Just vote Monika" at the top of the poster. The words (and Misha.) are scribbled on the bottom, lest we forget that she's not running this party alone. This side story was first featured in the Christmas Comeback Crisis Watchalong in 2020, which was actually the first time I watched the CCC in its entirety. It all went downhill from there. ;)

Then there's the Voice's… thing? Object? Weird apparatus where no one really knows what it does or what its purpose is? Every time we see the Voice sitting in his office, this thing is sitting on his desk right next to him. There's been loads of jokes about its purpose. They've all been made before. I'm not going to repeat them. Only the Voice himself truly knows what this thing does. Probably. Could just be a decorative piece of art.

Then we have something veeeery self indulgent on the next column. It's Aquaman from Megaman 8 (With a not so subtle skull right next to him). You should all know by now that I'm the founding father of the Aquawood ship. And I also have the head canon that Woodman and the Voice are very divorced. Interpret into this whatever you want.

Next to Aquaman is the internets' favorite panel from the web comic Tails Gets Trolled. I fucking love that comic. If you haven't read it in its entirety, I highly recommend doing it. (Though be warned that it contains some pretty heavy topics, many many slurs and a plethora of gore.) Okay, maybe I don't recommend reading it. (Just read it with all of that in mind.)

Under that is a personal favorite joke of mine. It's supposed to be Spotify, with a playlist open that I created some time ago. I called it "Die Pizza Playlist" (Remember that die in German is just "the") which I always listen to when I'm baking my own pizza. Highlights include "Pizza" by Antilopen Gang, "Pizza Heroes" by Lemon Demon (You can actually see the album art for Spirit Phone on the left of the playlist.), "Pizza Pizza Pizza" from the Ratatouille musical and so on and so on. The first song in the playlist is obviously "We like pizza" by the Pizza kids, which is even playing in the image. On the side are two more music artists, at the bottom is the image for the Veggie Tales soundtrack, which also featured a song called "Pizza Angel". And over that is Mitski. I just feel like the Voice would listen to her music. Do not question me on this.

The audience laughs at the funny 7.

On the Voice's left shoulder sits a single green bean. It's flashing you a cheeky grin and a peace sign. While I didn't intend for this to happen, I accidentally referenced my own Woodman birthday gallery art from two years ago, where the bean also sits atop the Voice's shoulder. I know that next to "Yankin'", the bean is one of the most hated memes on SiIva, but I think he's just a silly little guy! :D

Let's head on over to the next column. Seems like the Voice has an incoming call from one of his guards, but he's ignoring it as he has more important things to do, like hovering intimidatingly over Santa Claus.

Next to that window on the right are the Voice's messages. I almost wrote "messanges". That would have been embarrassing, thank god I caught that in time. This is also (yet again) a little self indulgent, since the Voice apparently has the last message he sent Woodman pinned to the very top of his messenger app. His big triangular head is blocking most of it, but since I'm the artist, I can tell you exactly what it says: "Please call me back", which was sent on February 1st 2023, the day "The Disappearance of Woodman" was released. Yeah, I'm still very upset, how could you tell? :( Under that is a message to his trusty pizza guy asking for a pizza with extra cheese.

Next we have two of my favorite memes on the SiIvagunner channel (My absolute favorite being "Funny budots", since I never wrote that down anywhere.), one being Frisk Undertale becoming uncanny and the other one being the goat. I don't really know how to describe the goat, but apparently it was crafted by the same artist who made the stoned fox that's also very popular online?? I may just be stupid, but I didn't know about that until I looked up a reference for the goat. Since it often appears alongside Undertale and Deltarune, many have made the assumption that this is what Asriel would look like in real life. That's why Flowey is there next to it with an equal sign. Whoever drew up that calculation wasn't really sure of their work, which is why they drew a question mark right next to it. Between Frisk and the goat is a little Soul, also from Undertale/Deltarune.

Onto the next column, where I'm dropping very subtle hints that a specific character in this image might like pizza. Or might even be a little obsessed with it. On the left is a list with the contact details of three well known pizza chains, on the very top is Sonic the Hedgehog who just recently became a brand ambassador for Totino's and on the bottom right of this section is a flyer for some kind of pizza sale.

The next window contains my favorite joke of any rip on the entire SiIvaGunner Youtube Channel. "Peepoona 5. Let us shart the pants." Just typing this out is making me die of laughter yet again. (The rip in question is "Our Beginning - Persona 5".) But as you all know, I am very into toilet humor. That's why Aquaman is one of my favorite robot masters. And why I'm such a big fan of Youtube Poop. And why I watch Minion fart gun religiously. But enough of that, you get what I'm trying to say. I love funny poop jokes. That's why this is here.

Oh man. This next one is why I wanted to write this very detailed essay in the first place. A reference so obscure, even I can't find its origin anymore. And believe me, I tried. Thankfully, I took a screenshot of the original comment thread this was based on. A user called "The New Guy" commented on a SiIvaGunner rip, something along the lines about how much they enjoyed this specific rip. At the time, the comment had 920 likes, so I'm guessing it must have been a pretty popular video. (The comment should also be about 4 years old now?) Anyway, under that comment, someone asks them what their profile picture was from. They simply answered "wagon", since that was exactly what their profile picture showed. Someone on the SiIvaGunner team must have found this exchange so funny that they commented "wagon" as well. And that's the origin of this joke. If anyone knows which rip this is from pleeeeaaaase tell me. I need to know.

I don't think I need to explain who the next guy is. Just the love of my life. I specifically drew Woodman in his getup from the Nuclear Winter Festival, since that was the last time he appeared on the channel. He's looking kinda concerned in the general direction of the viewer, for obvious reasons. And right under him is his trademarked >:] emoji.

And last but certainly not least, the final column! Now I finally get to talk about this other scene from the Hobart Hootenanny. It shows Hobart and the Voice having a romantic stroll at a beautiful beach, while the sun is slowly setting in the background, making the water shimmer with its breathtaking colors. Okay, the last thing didn't really happen, since it's a shitty MS Paint drawing, but I like to imagine it did. Maybe I should draw a remake of this image one day. Now I'd like to quote the video in question: "A man and Hobart were walking together on the beach. He looked back and saw that in his times of sadness and need, there was only one set of footprints. He asked Hobart why he would leave him in his time of most need. Hobart simply turned to the man and said, VVVVVRRRRR SRRRRR RRRRGGGHHHH--" (Thank you SiIva Wiki for the transcription.) Now I don't think I need to explain why I drew Hobart in a bikini top and fishnets. The question answers itself.

The next image is actually quite easy to explain. It's mm5charge and smol Maki. In another universe, Chargeman and Maki might have been integral to the SiIvaGunner lore. This specific image is just stolen from my piece of fan art called "Megaman 5 Brainrot (featuring Acidman)", which I posted in 2022. I still head canon that Megaman and Love Live take place in the same universe. Just because I think it's funny. And because I want to see funny robot masters interact with the girlies from Love Live. How do I explain this? It's like…. balancing out the world? The robot masters are almost all male (with a few exceptions) and the characters shown in Love Live are all female. How would Thanos say? "Perfectly balanced, as all things should be." Don't question my cool head canons, okay?

After that we have a poster featuring the Jazz Cats! I really really love the little animations that showed their backstory when KfAD2 first came out. I don't know if it's okay for me to say this, but I also really really enjoy the song "But Not You" written (in universe) by Doge and Naxx. The text is veeeeeeery questionable, but man, does it sound good regardless… And shoutouts to wolfman1405 for the heavenly vocals.

On the right of that is a missing poster for Wade L.D.. Nothing much to explain here I guess.

Left of that is the Voices shopping list, which lists flour, oil, yeast… Wait a minute…. All of these are ingredients for pizza dough! Guys, I'm beginning to think that this guy might like pizza.

On the very bottom of this column is Mario 7 Grand Dad himself, who has his hostile gaze directed at the Voice. I would be pissed off too if someone kept me locked in a glass tube for 7 years.

The last little window just shows the Vineshroom with the words "fecal funny" written under it.

And with that, it is done. The entire background thoroughly explained. (I may have gone a little overboard this time.)

It's been a while since I posted new art, huh? In the meantime, a lot has happened. As I said before, I started a new job, got a tattoo of Woodman on my leg (best idea I've ever had btw) and I also started watching MLP, which explains the Love Live / Idolmaster ponysonas, lol.

And that's all I wanted to say. I hope that the next piece of art isn't that far off. Jenny out. (I think this might have been the longest essay I've ever written here. I'm so sorry. By which I mean, I'm not sorry at all. I'm not forcing anyone to read this.)

#welp im one month too late #but better late than never #i put my giant ass essay under the read more this time #open with caution its extremely fucking long because i got a little carried away #siivagunner #the voice inside your head #santa claus #nozomi tojo #smol nozomi #meta knight #president haltmann #susie haltmann #thats it im not tagging all of these guys #christmas comeback crisis #if you saw this posted to the wrong blog no you didnt #jumpscaring kirby fans with siivagunner art is my favorite hobby

[deepersea]

Touch starved HiMERU with a partner whose love language is physical touch thoughts?

(Did you mean me lol) Oh maaaaaan, he deserves that. Everything about it, even the initial awkwardness involved. Because let's face it, the emotionally repressed  guy ever does not know how to deal with that. I mainly see him as an acts of service kinda guy, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't be on board with physical touch - after some difficulties. And believe me, in due time, he is so on board with it. I don't think he'd get super flustered (at least not outwardly) by his partner being touchy, but he has no idea how to react the first few times. He just bluescreens for a second. However, as this keeps happening, there's the creeping thought that this is surprisingly comfortable… rather nice, really. It is just incredibly foreign to him. The only memories of anything similar from so long ago, vague at best. Good memories though, if a bit bittersweet… In any case, it takes him a while, but the realisation that he really craves the physical affection dawns on him eventually. And if his partner's someone to just casually be touching him at random times throughout the day, I think he'd really enjoy the reminder that they're there. It's not something he takes for granted. As for receiving… I'm still thinking about his hair. But that's because I'm convinced he'd genuinely love his partner just running their fingers through it. Even if he isn't a hamster and the comparison would get him to blush and deny anything of the sort, please keep petting his head… Maybe a backrub? Guy's so tense, he really needs any help he can get to relax… Also, please consider what I would call the ultimate crossover between physical touch and acts of service: washing your partner's hair. He's not picky about who washes who's (even better when it's a mutual thing though) but he needs to be a little careful not to drown in the tub from how quickly the gesture makes him melt when on the receiving end… However, I do think he'd be incredibly awkward about initiating. Isn't he supposed to be smooth? Yeah well, not when about to make contact with his partner. He tries though. He really does, which is endearing all in itself. Maybe he doesn't ask outright, but they can see it on his face how he gauges their reaction when his thanks to them is accompanied by a tentative head pat. Or randomly reaching for his partner's hand while watching a movie like a nervous teenager on their first date. So please don't mind that his hugs start out a little stiff and that he doesn't know where to put his hands when cuddling, readjusting time and again. He'll get the hang of it eventually. (Ironically, I think he'd be far less awkward about it in a sexual context. There's so much going on in the heat of the moment and not as much time to overthink.) And once he does? His partner should be prepared to become a headrest. Be stopped in their tracks for a sneaky squeeze. Using their hands? Think again. Occupied by a certain blue haired guy with pronouns. Actually, other than very important after-work cuddling sessions, I can see him being into holding his partner's hands especially. Can be casual or really intimate. Absolutely no PDA though. He's more than willing to indulge them to their heart's content, but please wait until at home. He just can't afford any scandals. (And maybe he's also just a little shy and gets embarrassed by the teasing it would surely entail.) But in private? Once he's used to it? You will rarely see anyone enjoy the attention so much. He's on his partner the minute he's through the door and his shoes are off. They're on the couch? Their lap looks comfy. As does being used as a pillow by them. After all, they're very warm… I think he would really like the contrast to his rather stressful job. Now he is home! Peace! Quiet! And cuddles! It's easy just being with his partner, simply touching. No specific goal in mind other than to feel. I think he'd marvel at the fact that he somehow ended up in the position to do this. So casually as well. Whenever he wants, basically. It's not something he'd ever want to miss again.

#lily answers #I saw this right before I meant to go to bed #And unfortunately the brainworms activated and well... #It's like 3:30 though so I sincerely hope this is coherent and makes sense

[itsjustelian]

Why Tanizaki is most definitely being chosen for the ADA and PM switcheroo.

1. It has been mentioned how suited for assassination Tanizaki's ability is.

2. He's also the only ADA member without an arc (idk if Kenji counts, but he's too lovely to be moved over, and he sees the Agency as a side job).

3. Man goes bat shit crazy for his sister. He would most def kill a guy if the Mafia held his sister hostage.

4. He tried to kill Mori during the Cannibalism arc.

On why it can't be anyone else:

1. Ranpo is the backbone of the Agency, him being taken would be detrimental to them. That and I don't think he'd willingly work with the Mafia at all. (Especially if Fukuzawa dies this Arc)

2. Yosano is off limits. The agency would defend her being off limits. Even if Fukuzawa never told her the limits of the deal, Ranpo would prob be able to deduce what he said. Even though she's Mori's first choice in things.

3. Kunikida is in line to be the next Agency boss and cares far too much for his ideals and morals for the Mafia to even want him.

4. Atsushi's the main character, this one's pretty self-explanatory. His place is with the ADA and taking him away from them will ruin all the development that's been put into his character.

5. Kyouka just escaped the Mafia. And Atsushi most definitely will not let her go back. Also, the Mafia still has Kouyou, whose ability is practically the same (and I like to think Kouyou won't want Kyouka to come back).

5. Okay, the big one, Dazai. (This one is absurdly long because I'm taking these points from a debate I had with a friend (@randomanimeartist)and they think Dazai's going back, so yeah). Many of the agency members wouldn't let Dazai be chosen. Yosano knows he's had to work under Mori before and doesn't want him to go through that again, and Kunikida still wants a partner. Alongside that, Atsushi is just now starting to see Dazai instead of the orphanage director when he's stressed. (Dont know if thats a positive or not buTtt) Also, Atsushi still needs a mentor and returning Dazai to the mafia would reverse a ton of work done for his character (and he is the main guy so his development matters the most). Yes, Dazai has the potential to do evil, but he is actively trying to become a better person (if only for Oda). Whereas the only other member who has been seen to be capable of evil (that isn't Kyouka because we know she isn't getting chosen. Atsushi isn't letting go of her, and they already have Kouyou) is Tanizaki. He would literally do ANYTHING for his sister (?) and it's been shown the lengths he is willing to go. Also, Asagiri keeps mentioning that he's a boring guy who kind of just does what he's told, making him perfect Mafia material. I don't think he'll willingly go back. Mori keeps asking him if he wants his position back, and it's probably because he knows that if Dazai is forced to return, he'll just run away again. He's finally making progress, and I feel like going back just isn't an option he'll willingly take.

---

Apologies for how long this is, lol. I just think Tanizaki deserves his time to shine.

#bungou stray dogs #bsd #bsd tanizaki #jun'ichirō tanizaki #theory #armed detective agency #port mafia #bungo stray dogs

[earthstellar]

I wonder if Cybertronians experience protoform/weight redistribution with age, to at least some degree

Some old bots like Megatron have some general consistency with frame alterations etc. over the years, but then other old bots like Ratchet seem to go up a weight class/change total armour silhouette etc. more noticeably -- Compare young Ratchet's build during the pre-war era to Ratchet during Lost Light

And yeah some of this is just the result of sizing up for wartime reasons, but even post-war, some bots still hold onto a certain silhouette (which may not be their 'original' one)

I like it because it's not universal; obviously there's a lot of customization choices in the first place regardless of age

But even putting more commonplace mods etc. aside, I wonder how much of it relates to actual protoform or internal changes over time

I fully admit I am thinking about this because now that I am off HRT for medical reasons, I am regaining my hips and belly lmao, but it's interesting because I am also now middle aged

I don't really get dysphoria too badly myself, because as far as I'm personally concerned the Truest Gender will always be in one's heart, so like fuck it whatever, lmao, but it's interesting comparing current body post-HRT to my pre-HRT body from like 15+ years ago

and like yeah gaining weight etc. but I'm old and have a stressful job lmao, the fatter I get the more large I become, which is excellent not gonna lie. fuck yeah, become large. I'm already 6 feet tall, let's gooooo

but I wonder if under-armour changes in the protoform or other internal structure might occur in bots with age -- outside of intentional customisations

they live a long, long time, and they literally have at least one God/Prime dedicated to the concept of adaptation and change who is heavily implied to have actually physically designed the ability to change forms into their species in the first place, so I'd be surprised if no such changes occurred at all

ultimately while they have a lot of choice when it comes to their armour, paint job, etc. how much of that control extends to the actual matter of their being underneath it all?

what physical changes, over time or otherwise, occur that they cannot necessarily manually customise? how might that influence how they do actually customise their frames? how much flux is there over a lifetime, although this would almost certainly vary from individual to individual?

clearly I am in a very trans mood today LOL but I also always like thinkin' about Cybertronian physiology

anyway break's over I gotta get back to work

#idw ratchet #idw megatron #just thinkin #maccadam #maccadams

[just-in-case-iloveyou]

get to know me tag 🌻

@sugarcoated-lame my darling🧡 thank you so much for the tag 🥰

1. were you named after anyone?

i'm pretty sure y'all can guess my real name, but yeah, i was. my name means "she who will rise again," which was neat, because my parents read about an American Indian woman who worked closely with an ethnologist to record hundreds of hours tapes cataloging her tribe's language. a language that no one spoke, until a cardboard box containing those tapes was found in the Smithsonian Institution the year before i was born. my parents loved the name and were blown away by the story.

2. when was the last time you cried?

two days ago, it's been a rough month

3. do you have kids?

no kids, but i do have a fur baby 🥹 ditto, Kricket

4. what sports do you play/have you played?

i did dance and gymnastics a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. 🩰 after that, i played basketball and softball in middle school, and volleyball from middle to high school. 🏀🥎🏐

5. do you use sarcasm?

at this point, i'm pretty sure it's a coping mechanism for me.

6. what’s the first thing you notice about people?

smile first, then eyes (mostly because i'm nearsighted, so eyes are a little harder)

7. what’s your eye color?

hazel, i guess. they're green on the outside and brown on the inside.

8. scary movies or happy endings?

happy endings, for sure. i'm too chicken for scary movies 🐔 and i like to feel happy 💖

9. any talents?

Kicket, babe, i feel like we're kind of the same person.

i can sing, and if i'm comfortable enough with you, i'll sing along to things in your presence. i used to take voice lessons and do musical theater, but since my anxiety developed later, that's a big no-go nowadays. i'm also a solid advice-giver (but i can't take my own), and i used to stress-bake a TON in university. i suppose i'm pretty good at random trivia! and i'm okay at painting, but i only really do it at those paint and sip places lol.

10. where were you born?

Orange County, California 🍊

11. what are your hobbies?

again, same person, different font

PUZZLES!!! reading, watching movies, singing, baking, thrifting, playing video games (i'm a sucker for the Nancy Drew mystery games). i'm trying to get better at cooking. i used to do creative writing and write poems, but i haven't in a very long time. i feel like i should try to get back into that. and like i said, paint and sip is also fun lol

12. do you have any pets?

at the moment, my sister has a pittie mix named Moose, we've got a lovebird named Peach, and a tortoise (African desert maybe?) named Shelley (we didn't name him). we lost my sweet girl Bell and my baby boy Percy not too long ago 💔💔

13. how tall are you?

5'2" i'm almost pocket-sized!

14. favorite subject in school?

English and Social Studies (history, geography, psych, etc.)

15. dream job?

this is gonna sound insane, but ever since i was 11, i've always wanted to work for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). it sounds squirrely, but long story short, i started watching NCIS and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation around that age, and i just got SO interested in criminology and forensics.

no pressure tags: @lewmagoo @laracrofted @seresinhangmanjake @withahappyrefrain @roosterforme @ohtobeleah @mamachasesmayhem @bobgasm @bobfloydsbabe @attaboylew @attapullman @mjskeletons661 @lostinthefandoms11 @pinkdaisies1106 @mandylove1000 I’m a little late to this so sorry if you’ve already done it 🧡

#anya answers #a rumor in st petersburg

[laf-outloud]

He's doing a season that has only 13 eps for the first time ever. He films in Austin now and spends most nights at home. So I'm not sure how cutting the conventions down to three is a stress point as far as having more time

The thing is, he doesn't work a regular 9-5. He works long days M-F (occasional nights and weekends when required) and he's talked about how he gets up at like 5am every day to have time to work out and go over scripts and stuff for the day. He also has to do script work (and prob EP work) on nights and weekends - his work on Walker isn't confined to the hours he is on set. Is it as grueling a schedule at SPN was? No. But that doesn't mean that it's a cake-walk schedule either. On top of that he has 3 young kids who all have a lot of separate activities that he wants to be involved in (per his own words). Kids are tiring as is, but add in activities for all 3, including weekend things like soccer games, and that is a lot of additional time. And on top of allllll of that, they now have a farm that they are trying to get up and running and while I'm sure they hire people to do a lot of the day to day stuff with the animals etc., that is still another responsibility. Plus he's not 22 anymore, the insane schedules they pulled during SPN just aren't practical anymore.

The Pads also have (well, mostly Gen has mentioned it) other projects in the works - and we don't know how far along those are or how much work is required by them to get or keep those projects moving.

After all of that I just want to also add - it is his life and his time. He does not owe it to any of us. It is his to do with as he wants and needs. Just because Walker doesn't work weekends does not in any way mean he owes US those weekends. While cons can be fun catching up with friends or old colleagues, they are still work. Who wants to constantly work M-F at their actual job, weekend/night work for that same job, home and farm responsibilities, kids and their activities and then work an additional 10-15 weekends on top of all that? The money for cons is great but not at the expense of his life and time. and his family's lives and time.

Very well put, anon!

"He does not owe it to any of us." Exactly! Whatever choices Jared needs to make regarding convention appearances, whether personal or business-related, are his choices. If he wants to spend his weekends lounging around on a couch instead of meeting with fans, great! (Unlikely due to reasons you've listed though, lol!)

As long as he's not making commitments and then backing out of them for frivolous reasons, I have no problem with him having a reduced convention schedule.

I do have a problem with Creation prevaricating on whether he'll be there and still charging full price without confirming a main headliner. Yeah, they're a business and can charge what they want and people can pay what they want, but withholding that information, if Jared has confirmed he's not going, just feels underhanded.

#ask box #jared's convention appearances #convention speculation #anti creation entertainment

[claire-starsword]

The Guardiana Magic School Run - Part 17

Hey everyone, remember this? I sure don't! I was swept away by the task of translating the novel and, while this haunted my every moment as something i didn't want to leave unfinished, i barely remember what was going on. I do remember being not excited at all for the boring battle ahead, but hey, chapter 6 is a difficulty spike, so let's get over this already.

First of all, let's make things even easier.

We're past easter and egg hunts, it's now time for fish hunts. Hanzou pops out as a reward of this silly puzzle, which is leagues better than his original hiding spot. Also we get to enjoy more chapters with him. That's right, he's a magic user! Totally valid for this run.

I also thought you needed to click on the fish to find him but you just have to stand on it. So he just jumped out while i was busy typing, which scared the hell out of me, don't do that again, man.

Anyway, his attack is massive, surpassing even Max, but his defense is uh, on par with Tao's. That's bad (she does have a couple Steel Rings to have that though). Because of that, I'm passing the Repel Ring from Gong to him so that he doesn't have to worry about counters at least. We can do even better though.

I completely forgot in the last updates, but Waral sells a unique item, the Wind Ring, which grants +5% evasion. I don't think I'll be needing too much money for a while, I'm holding back on a lot of promotions so mages and healers won't be using the late staves yet, also I remember there is at least one free Holy Staff next chapter. Also, evasion is very ninja-like, isn't? So I get two for Hanzou, one for Gong and one for Tao. I also set Hanzou with some Healing Seeds and a Shower Cure, as I have some of these just laying around, I guess? I really don't remember a lot lol

Anyway, it's time to leave Waral for what I consider the most boring battle in all of this game.

It's the ship. Again. It was easy last time too. Yay.

Truly this chapter is the filler arc of Shining Force. It even got a beach on it.

Anyway, the clear bonus is the Soulbuster, which has already shown up in the Deals section, but would be nice to get it for free instead. I probably already talked about it when it first popped up, but who says I remember that, and who says you can make me shut up. So, the Soulbuster is a sword made for human enemies. There are not many of those, I think the Dark Priests count, but! I believe it counts for Cain. You can see it's being given right before chapter 6. And while this run has been easy so far, I still fear Cain. I ALWAYS fear Cain. So yeah, I want this.

Thankfully this battle won't waste our time with enemies behind the ship. We can just advance. I believe more enemies will be spawning in the middle.

Domingo is my greatest tank by far in both HP and defense, so he can probably handle whatever.

Arthur apparently has good defense right now, which always takes me by surprise.

I assume there's no need to stress here, so I'm spamming heals with the healers to get exp, and I don't think Narsha's Attack boosts will be needed even everyone's pretty strong already, so I'm Boosting Anri's spells with her instead. She levels up for her troubles and get Attack level 3, which I don't think I ever used.

Turn 2. Only a Sea Bat came forth. I'm bored. Domingo continues to advance and taunt enemies while tossing a Freeze 1 at it. Arthur finishes the job.

My plan with Narsha was to boost Tao's spells next, but she doesn't need it, so I'm casting step on Anri instead to see if she can reach enemies, because this woman is behind on levels and it's sad. It's still not enough for her to reach anything yet!! dang it!!

Turn 3. Trying to bait a pegasus knight with Domingo while still trying to get rid of this Gargoyle before it reaches anyone squishier.

how is he real

Arthur is poisoned but I honestly don't think that matters. He levels up and gets +3 attack.

Oh I'm remembering now how absurd this woman currently is.

Khris is so nice that she actually reaches to heal 3 HP of Arthur instead of spamming for exp only. With this she nabs an important level up! She has Heal 3 now, which was my main reason for delaying her promotion. I'm still on the fence if I'll delay until level 20 for Aura, depends on the equipment we'll get next chapter, and if I'll even get opportunities to safely use these priests for attacking.

Turn 4. Finally the pegasus knights are coming, and more enemies have spawned. Unlike what I thought they spawn further to the right. The empty middle of this map really was just to waste our time. Fiiiiiiiller.

Domingo has a chance to do AoE, and I love that. I am a bit worried about Anri exposed, but I'm hoping she can survive at least one hit, and that they'll also be obsessed by Max as usual. I don't wanna miss the bonus so I need someone to go ahead.

Arthur finishes the bat. Tao sadly cannot reach anything. Khris can, but I'm worried so I'll continue spamming heal for now.

Hanzou debuts with style! And then I cramp his style by failing to screenshot that caption properly, it was a double attack.

Max obliterates a bat with unnecessary violence (critical i failed to screenshot), and also does his most important job: baiting everything and anything away from Anri.

Unfortunately these enemies are so easy that she gets only 16 exp from a kill, I'm fighting a losing battle trying to get anything useful out of this.

BWAH???

okay i completely forgot that Max's defense hasn't keep up with the enemies in this run, I'm way too used with this man being a tank. At least he does have lots of HP to spare. And the other enemies aren't nearly as strong as the knights (knights have 30 attack, conches have 22 and the bats even less).

Thankfully Lowe moves right away to help his roommate. Also Arthur kills a conch on counter, which is awesome.

On Turn 5 he one hit kills another Conch and I regret scrolling fast because he gets another massive level up which i would've liked to screenshot. Lots of 4 and 5, you had to see it. Really wild how good he is if you put in the effort.

Tao obliterates the greatest threat we faced here.

I decide Max can just tank for a while and maybe, just maybe, Anri can get something more out of this.

Since the battle is ending I waste a whole Aura of Narsha just to heal Arthur's poison damage. She gets 20 exp out of that, which is wonderful, I love mass healing.

Hanzou continues to be wonderful. I was right about the rings.

She gets a level! :D

Turn 6. I start worrying about the bonus and decide Arthur should just kill the final enemy. Arthur proceeds to miss. Then Domingo gets a Freeze on the thing and I decide to risk things a bit and wait for Anri to get the kill. Not like she can miss, I'm just paranoid about doing things tight like this.

But never mind that! Everything goes perfectly fine, and she gets… 9 exp.

Please let this filler end already.

[insert screenshot of the clear bonus here, i hit the image limit but we did get it]

Losses: 0 Deaths: 2

#shining force #ressurection of the dark dragon #guardiana magic school run #long post #i've already played part 18 btw. hopefully it won't take as long to post #i also promise it is far more exciting than this

[raiderlucy]

7 11 18 23 27 28 30x2: what is something you are looking forward to in your day to day life, and within the realm of your interests? what is something you really want to happen in s5 of ST that you don't recall seeing anyone else talk about?

7. what animal do you look forward to seeing when you visit an aquarium?

Fuckkk I haven't been to an aquarium in so long (and yet there's one in the city where I live lol), erm, probably the sharks or turtles, I can't remember what my aquarium has lol

11. anything from your childhood you’ve held on to?

A lot 😅, I still live at home and am apparently too sentimental to get rid of half of the junk from my childhood, main thing I would say are my beanie babies and other stuffed animals, I hate the idea of giving away to strangers (yeah I know it's bad)

18. Your boba/tea order?

I don't drink boba or tea so nothing

23. do you wear jewelry?

Yeah, I wear rings, necklaces and one earing when I remember to have it in (normally after I've had to half repierce because I left it so long) - and yeah only one because I had issues with my other ear piercing and didn't wanna go through having it pierced again

27. what’s your favorite or go-to outfit?

Some skinny jeans, one of my many many graphic tees (probably my Eddie Munson one I love it so much and it's by far one of my comfiest) a pair of my vans or my boots (my fave boots don't fit me very well atm which make me sad - damn my chubby ankles and calves), my red plaid shirt or green plaid Metallica shirt vest (weather dependent) and some of my rings - my faves are my amethyst coffin ring and my bat ring.

28. last meal on earth?

Pizza, or maybe Shake Shack (I'm still pissed that I can't get them round here anymore I miss their cheesy crinkle fries 😭)

30 - 1. What is something you look forward to in your day to day life, and within the reasons of your interests.

At the minute I'd say the freedom on being unemployed and knowing I don't have the stress and weight of my old job on the shoulders, but I'm still struggling to figure out what I've really want to do but I'm still waiting to hear back from a different job I applied for a few weeks back (I'm hoping I can at least get an interview because it's for a company that specialises in something I'm actually interested)

But yeah woo freedom, I get to get back into my hobbies I felt to exhausted to do in my free time when I was working at my old job.

30 - 2. What is something you really want to happen in S5 of ST that you don't recall anyone else talking about?

ooh that's an interesting one, I think most of what I want has already been expressed in one way or another, while there are certain things I couldn't care less about (B*ler/m*leven love triangle all that crap because I don't even have an attachment to those characters anymore due to not liking the actors all that much anymore - yeah I know I'll probably get some hate there for that...), my main things for endgame are;

A happy ending for Max, Lucas, Dustin, Steve, Robin and Erica (they are probably the only characters I do care about these days)

Steve and Nancy not becoming a thing again (still one of things I hated most about s4 - they are better as friends I don't understand what the duffer idiots don't see about that)

And Steve in general finding happiness, whether that's actually finding someone who gets him and isn't going to hurt him or finally being ok with just himself (though in my mind he's living happy with my oc and probably always will be whatever happens in S5 lol)

I'd say I'd love to see Eddie come back too but if we're being realistic here, do we think that's actually gonna happen? It hasn't with any other fan faves who have died so I don't think that'll happen, I mean heck they're not even bringing back Argyle and he's alive so 🤷‍♀️

Send me some weirdly specific asks

#asks #ask games #softasawhisper

[crestfallercanyon]

🛼🪐🦷

Ahhhh, thank you for the ask @incorrectcoldflashblog!!! These are fun (and some of them are tough! thanks for the ask!)

So the 🛼 -- describe my latest wip using five emojis. Ooh, that's not gonna be hard but it's going to make ZERO sense until you read it lol (and hell, even after reading it may be hard), so here we go

🪞🔫🚊📖❤️

(a mirror, a gun, a train, a book, and a heart). you'll have to read to find out!

Next the 🪐! three good things going on in my life right now

I'm moving out of my apartment! I finally can afford a bigger space, and it will be much safer (as my apartment has actually had some gang activity in it for some time now which has been concerning) so I'm excited despite being nervous. I am sure my cat will love it.

I've been running more often, and that's actually really helped with my mental health. I haven't been able to run as much lately and I do see how much it like helps in its absence, so I will be getting back on it, and I've really enjoyed running actually and I used to not. It's also just a good sign that my relationship to my body and food has gotten much better, so, yeah!

While work has been stressing me out because I am freaking busy, it is a much better job than my last job. I was desperately overworked and on a really bad team at my last job. This job does allow for flexibility and is just overall a much more positive environment -- also I really care about the work. So yeah!

And lastly, the 🦷! Personal wisdom or life hack.

Um, hm. I'll give both a personal wisdom and a life hack, because, hopefully they'll both be helpful.

I see a lot of talk about tackling things that you're bad at, and that's great of course. But I also want to remind people that you never have to stick with something just 'cause you're good at it. I was a "gifted child", I love getting academic/work validation, I really do, which can make this a really hard lesson for people like that, but you do not have to do something just because you are good or could potentially be good at it. Being good at something does not mean that you like it, and working to recognize whether you actually like what you're doing or you just like how you feel getting recognition for being good at it is important. I walked away from something everyone told me I could be really good at -- and I know I could be really good at it. But I liked the person I was much better when I was pursuing something else. I wanted to work on a skill that, yeah, I wasn't as good at, but I liked who I was better when I was doing that. I think it made me a better person, which matters to me far more in the long run. So yeah, that's my wisdom for you.

Life hack? If you're overwhelmed or just not feeling like yourself, it's okay to make things easier for yourself. For example, I use paper plates and single use pans for cooking when I can't handle the idea of creating dishes. I tend to start hating myself if I order takeout too much, and I have a hard time coming out of a downswing when I'm just eating popcorn for dinner or not eating, so a home cooked meal is kind of important. BUT sometimes the idea of creating plates and pots and pans to wash later and all that really overwhelms me -- so yes, I have paper plates and single use pans ready so that I can just get rid of it. If you have the money and can do compostable, that's great (and most of the single use pots and pans also double as storage containers). I find this really helps to not feel like "fuck, I'm just cooking to make more chores later, and if I don't do it my apartment will be cluttered and make me feel worse", it's just -- I make the meal and I can get rid of it all, and I'm at least back to square one but now with a good cooked meal I actually managed to make, which helps me get back to feeling more like myself.

These are from the Writers Truth or Dare Ask Game. Thank you so much for asking!

#ask games #writers truth or dare game #thanks for the ask! #ask box games

[misc-obeyme]

I've had the craziest past week ever 😭 did not get promoted to full time for the new location, but I'll still be a part time manager (the person they chose instead is external, has assistant manager experience, but only stays at a job for 15 months?)

and then someone set our outside dumpster on fire 30 minutes before close recently?! (Everyone is safe)

i ran to the backroom and couldn't get the extinguisher off the wall, my coworker ran outside and around the building and called 911, I had to go get my framer and ask for help with the extinguisher. He tries to put it out, it goes down but doesn't go out, he shrugs and lights a freaking cigarette when the extinguisher runs out 😭

who would be who in that situation? i think Mammon would be me, coworker who called 911 is Satan, and the framer, hear me out, Solomon 💀

I hope your week is going less wild than mine because these are just the top two things that have happened 😅 and i have my first concert I'm attending next week yay

- ✨ anon

Woah, ✨ anon, that is crazy! I'm sorry about your promotion. All I can say is this is how it goes when working for The Man. Higher ups always make questionable decisions and give zero reasons for why they made them.

Now, assuming that we're thinking of this in terms of the boys not having access to magic and just being regular humans, you're probably pretty accurate in your choices there. But if Solomon could still use magic, he'd put the fire out himself. In fact, I could kinda see him trying to find an alternate option like maybe using a blanket or something if the extinguisher was unavailable.

I could also see Belphie being your framer. Just because I see him like giving it go by trying to get the extinguisher, but then just kinda shrugging and being like oh well.

Satan is definitely the one calling 911. He's like okay what's the logical thing to do here?

And yeah, Mammon doing his best to fix things but not always succeeding sounds about right too lol.

Ah it sounds super stressful, who the hell lights a dumpster on fire? But I'm glad that you're okay!

My weeks are never wild, so I can say with confidence that it was far more chill than yours was lol!

I hope you enjoy the concert! It sounds like you could use a break to d something fun!

#you could say your week was... a dumpster fire #ba dum tshh!! #lol I'm sorry I couldn't resist #gotta put these dad joke tendencies in the tags #obey me #✨ anon #misc answers

[gillianthecat]

thoughts while watching Happy Merry Ending (episodes 1-3)

Episode 1:

I like the opening sequence with his upstairs neighbor in his bed. Though my blood pressure is elevated from the second-hand-stress of oversleeping. His neighbor is cute. And has a crush on him? I suspect I will end up with major second lead syndrome for this guy. Especially because I'm feeling a little iffy about the pianist. I liked the instantaneous spark of attraction between them, and the pianist immediately going "so yeah as we just discussed I'll be here permanently now." But his pushiness irritated me and I'm finding it hard to want him to win the uke's love. I guess with this short KBL runtime there's no time for a more gentle pursuit? But it makes me root for the patient friend (even if I don't know yet if that's an option).

The wedding hall is gorgeous! And looks extremely expensive lol. I find it a mild faux pas when they are showing live performers on screen but there are instruments in the soundtrack that are not in the scene. I suppose they could have used a backing track; for my own peace of mind I will pretend that was it. Another pet peeve: calling what I assume had to be anti-anxiety meds "anti-depressants." Which are not going to be any use in a panic attack. I will chalk that up to translation issues. But the dinner was so stressful and I don't even have a panic disorder. Leave my poor boy alone!

I'm still in a judgy mood, sorry. But I am intrigued. And visually it's all beautiful. Cinematography-wise I mean. And also the surfer upstairs neighbor. (Arms!)

Episode 2:

Jae Hyeon is winning me over with his respectful care-taking of drunk Seung Jun. I'll chalk up his earlier pushiness to plot necessity and not who he is at heart. And smashed Seung Jun is kinda adorable.

I like the implication that Jae Hyeon is either a player or falls in and out of love at the drop of a hat. The dynamic with his employees is fun, and miraculously not annoying in the way I usually find co-workers gossiping about the main characters relationship? It feels natural to the coffee shop setting and not a plot device.

My curiosity is piqued with this dancing idol. And I like seeing Seung Jun more relaxed! He has a lovely smile. Deciding just how much of your weird brain you want to reveal to the cute guy: relatable. My first instinct was alarm, but actually double texting the person who was blackout drunk the night before to make sure they're ok is reasonble. And he apologized for being intrusive with his questions. I liked the moment when he reaches out to stop Seung Jun and then his shocked by his own forwardness. It makes him seem like someone with a huge crush rather than a creep.

Uh oh. This flashback seems like bad news. Abusive ex? Seung Jun is all smiles in the scene but I'm getting controlling abuser vibes from this guy. Oh, he was a cheater, it seems? That's probably a wise choice; less heaviness to reckon with in these ten short episodes.

Episode 3:

Ho Yeon (the sexy neighbor) is hot and supportive, but has silly ideas about how love (and trauma) works. Viki, why won't you let me screenshot him sweaty and half naked? Oh, I see, this boy knows how hot he is. Literal thirst trap lol.

Love that they have this voice student not realize that the idol she's watching on her phone is standing right in front of her. Also, I presume "your face is the size of my fist" is a compliment about a small head, but, uh. Sounds like a threat lmao.

Now I want cake. Umm. Are we really advocating stalking? 😬 Jae Hyeon you BETTER not be considering it.

Lol Seung Jun not recognizing this poor boy. Oh no! Is the idol's CEO the creepy ex? 🫣

OH FUCK OFF STALKER EX. This actor is doing an excellent job giving off subtly rancid vibes. And I'm intrigued by how it seems like they'll dig into how aggressive seme-uke pursuit is and isn't like stalking. For me, Jae Hyeon keeps toeing the line of going too far, but on balance comes across as an endearing dork with a crush. Which I think is also the reaction Seung Jun is having to him, so it's working for the story so far.

This is a tricky topic for a BL, and I'm not confident they'll manage it (or that it's even what they're trying to do), but I keep being surprised.

#gillianthecat reacts to bl #happy merry ending #kind of like liveblogging

[felizusnavidad]

"i just don't want to feel so stressed every time i go there & so far i really feel like i want to throw up when i wake up in the morning & i barely even sleep at night. it sucks. i'm just really tired & i want to cry."

That was literally me when I was working at a startup makeup + skincare company. Great company, great brands, and great team (there was only one person I'm convinced genuinely hated me and was clearly super fake to my face but all of that is a story in itself); however, I realized quickly that that industry was not for me, so that's why I went back to the boutique. I, too, was not born for customer service jobs--apparently, lol. I'm an extrovert and I love talking to people as well as helping them (as odd and hypocritical as that sounds to say), and I also love collaborative projects and teamwork, but I now know that I would enjoy all of those "features" in a creative setting for a fashion public relations agency or even for a retail clothing group (ex: URBN is a global consumer brand that includes Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie). Not retail clothing. I'd love to be a creative (or art) director even, and I'm sure I have the potential, but you need an extensive portfolio and at least 5 years of experience for that kind of job title. So that's why I'm just trying to land a(n entry level) job as an event designer in the fashion industry for a PR agency. That job is my #1 choice at least. I'm also interested in anything involving photography, so anything like an on-set photoshoot stylist or coordinator would be great too. I was actually going to suggest a book store, omg! I totally understand why you left, though. I just want to love what I do for a living and wake up looking forward to going to work, not dreading it. I'm done with retail. 🙃

I hope you have a great rest of your day!!

~🌼

yeah, this is the worst, cause i'm sure it's a great job & some people atually love working there, but not everything is made for you, right? & sometimes money is also not everything, you have to think about your mental health too (the reason i left my last job).

on the other hand, makeup + skin care company sounds like something i could try 🤭 well, cause that's the point, right? to try as many things as you can before you make your final decision, or something like that.

i don't know, i guess i just have to keep looking, i don't wanna be miserable again, i really need to find something i like or at least tolerate.

also, i'm a totally different kind of person - i'm a huuuge introvert, i can be loud on the internet but in reality i'm not like that, but i do love talking to people - but it has to be something i'm truly interested in (just like that bookstore i mentioned before, i met a lot of amazing people there & i could talk to my customers for hours cause we liked the same things & they were actually listening to my recommendations & all... that was quite awesome).

thank you so much, it's actually the next day now & i didn't even go there today cause i woke up sick (i have fever & i'm currently dying in my bed). i hope your day is better at least!

#once again i am manifesting for both of us #also i may be sick but i'm not gonna waste my time #i'm gonna keep looking #i have three days off that's a lot of time #daisy anon #i saved every letter you wrote me*

[kimmimaru]

Haven't written anything in a stupidly long time, so here's an excerpt from one thing I'm writing for spoopy season. I have my actual Halloween day fic but this is a little extra, as a treat since its that time of year lol. It's Reno and Rude on a job in one of Hojo's creepy, out of commission labs...and they're about to find out why its out of commission.

XXX

“Look man,” Reno took a slow, shaky breath, “I ain't afraid of much but...” He swallowed, throat suddenly as dry as the Corel desert, “But...” He repeated, laying delicate stress on the word with a small wince, “Whatever the hell Hojo's been up to down there, I don't wanna know.” Rude watched his partner; tense shoulders, pale face, narrowed eyes, “Orders from up top.” He said, frowning at the large metal doors they stood in front of. “Orders. Right.” Reno licked his lips, sucked the bottom one between his teeth and stared at those doors like they were going to open up and swallow him whole. “So...uh...you gonna open 'em?” He tried, fidgeting with his EMR inside his left pocket, he glanced at his partner who shrugged. “You want me to?” “No.” Reno sneered, it fell quickly from his face, “But...” “Orders.” “From up top.” Reno sighed, the air escaping his lungs coming out more like a wheeze. “Ready?” “Nope.” Reno rubbed at his face, cursing himself under his breath, “Ok. Ok. We got this, yo. It's nothin'. We've faced down monsters, humans and everythin'...this'll be easy.” Rude's frown tightened but finally he stepped towards the electronic panel, he hesitated only briefly before hitting the numbers for the passcode they had been given. Behind him, Reno muttered something about Hojo but Rude wasn't paying much attention as the keypad blinked green and the massive metal doors started to open. “Easy. So far, so good.” Reno cleared his throat, frowning at the darkness yawning before him like the jaws of a starving beast. “Great. Right, let's do this...” He didn't move from where he stood. Rude sighed and made the first move. He stepped into the shadow of the doorway and into the entrance of the old lab. Outside Reno let out a small moan and followed. Rude pulled out a pocket sized torch and turned it on. Slowly he shone the light around, looking for a light switch or circuit box. Reno stood much too close, their elbows bumping together. The sound of their breathing felt too loud in the eerie silence. “So...how many kids've got lost down here?” “Hojo reckons ten or more.” Rude replied coolly. “Oh good.” Reno's voice broke a little on his sarcasm and he winced. “Let's hurry this up, man. It's damn cold. “Yeah...” Rude frowned, approaching a large box attached to a nearby wall, he inspected the signs and symbols on it before opening it with a rusty creak. “Shit. Lights are fucked.” He stared at the blackened plastic and rusted metal, wires of various colours spilled out of holes torn into the casing. “Great. Flash lights it is.” Reno groaned, shivering in the frozen silence. His eyes darted around as he pulled out his own little torch and pressed the button. Light spilled across the tiled floors, sliding over large, rusty metal contraptions, old safety gear and shattered glass. “What the hell happened here, yo?” Rude couldn't answer, he hadn't liked the smug look on Hojo's face as he'd handed them this job. He didn't like any jobs he got from the professor but this one was beginning to look like it was going to top Rude's mental list of Worst Jobs Ever. The lack of any real intelligence was beginning to feel more like a deliberate omission rather than genuine ignorance, he wondered if Hojo was somehow watching them through the defunct cameras scattering the facility. He wouldn't put it past the creep. “Any mention of dangerous chemicals?” Reno asked, his light lingering on a barrel bearing a bright yellow symbol. The top was rusted open and some sort of sticky, yellow-green fluid was leaking across the floor. “No...” Rude eyed the fluid warily, “Just don't touch anything.” Reno shot Rude a look, “Noted.” He said dryly.