#except them being 2 separate stars and not touching
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alastor and touch
just a post documenting alastor and touches throughout the show
I didn't include the pilot, but i do want to mention it, because one thing that's quite striking is how they changed that element from pilot!alastor to show!alastor somewhat. might make a separate post for the pilot at some point to compare
I also did a mix of when alastor noticeably doesn't touch someone directly and in what contexts he gets touched, as well as a couple of other related boundaries and moments of interest
ep1 overture:
alastor doesn't touch anyone in this episode. also noting that this is the episode where we get him unequivocally turning down angel's advances, and avoiding being filmed several times, with the iconic "this face was made for radio" line, so not only is he not touching, he's also making some general boundaries clear
ep2 radio killed the video star:
1. niffty crawls up alastor and he picks her up and puts her down. she crawls up him again. he clearly doesn't mind
2. sir pentious rips off a corner of his coat. alastor blows him up -- he later burns the piece of coat that sir pentious had kept: "not many people have been able to take even this much off me."
3. the entirety of the vox vs al showdown is of course notably done over radio/tv, so they're never in the same room. just interesting in terms of how it goes down with them generally in s1, they're constantly kept at a distance via screens and airwaves
ep3 scrambled eggs:
1. taps an egg boi with his staff, while threatening it. generally uses his stick to interact with the egg bois -- pointing, tapping, etc
2. another brief "makes screen fuzzy on a security camera"
ep4 masquerade:
notably the episode (with lots of sexual content and specifically valentino) where he doesn't appear, except for briefly in a flashback
ep5 dad beat dad:
1. shakes lucifer's cane, rather than his hand -- he also wipes his hand on his suit afterwards, as if disgusted
2. TOUCHES CHARLIE'S SHOULDER!! notably in front of lucifer in order to piss him off. then goes ONE STEP FURTHER and partially puts his arm around her when saying how proud they all are of her
3. grabs lucifer and spins him out of the way during his part of the song
4. picks niffty out of the toilet
5. during the song: dances with charlie, pats her on the head/tucks her in, and puts his hands on her shoulders
6. during the song: pushes lucifer aside again, including doing a little hip shove
7. lucifer grabs him by his lapels and gets right in his face
8. hugs mimzy
9. grabs charlie and steers her by the shoulders
10. grabs/strokes husk's ear
11. grabs husk via his leash
12. rips the bad guys apart with his tentacles. also picks them up with his hands and eats them
13. mimzy pokes him several times in the chest. he removes her finger in annoyance, and boops her on the nose condescendingly
ep6 welcome to heaven:
the other episode that notably includes a sex club (and also heaven and a lot of talk about redemption) that does not involve alastor
ep7 hello rosie:
1. grabs charlie's shoulders, and then her face, forcing her to smile
2. grabs her shoulders again when talking about the angels
3. touches her hair, and then sidehugs her while selling her on the deal
4. DEAL HANDSHAKE
5. more shoulder grabbing, cheek pinching, and patting on head when he's talking about her being charming and capable
6. links arms with her while taking her to rosie
7. rosie joyfully grabs him and spins him around
8. grabs charlie when introducing her to rosie
9. gives charlie his mic in order to help her inspire the cannibals (later replaced with a cane given by rosie)
10. dances with rosie, including a little dip
ep8 the show must go on:
1. more attempted screen voyeurism by vox
2. charlie uses alastor's cane again to speech
3. niffty crawls over him again and places a crown of roaches on his head (possibly his most openly joyous moment)
4. fights adam using his shadow tentacles and creatures, before getting seriously wounded by him (and then has his famous mental breakdown at the idea that his reputation could have been blemished by having been read as altruistic of all things, *spits*)
5. the torn picture of alastor and vox shows them a little apart from one another
6. appears in the middle of the hotel gang and is hugged by charlie, patted on the back by vaggie, and also adorably hugged around the legs by niffty
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS:
1. other characters do initiate more touches, with husk being the other character who's more standoffish, but that's also his general slowly beginning to open up emotionally and he shifts especially with regards to angel after ep4 (although he does do casual pats and the like before that + the massage)
2. generally everyone touches casually in some way or other throughout the show, including in background moments, except for alastor, who always touches very deliberately, whether it's for violence, manipulation, condescension, or affection -- he doesn't seem to engage in casual touch, but does accept it from certain individuals (mainly niffty). for example in dad beat dad in which he initiates the most touches, he's pissing off lucifer and manipulating charlie. he hasn't touched her before this on the show proper, and he's doing it because he has an audience and is trying to convince both lucifer and her of something (that he's a better mentor/support system than lucifer)
3. similarly when he's being very familiar with charlie in hello rosie, he's selling her on making a deal with him, and then on making himself indispensable to her, while also grooming her*** [EDIT: been informed that this could be misread: "grooming" here meant in the general sense of mentoring her in a way that would benefit him, as he says "she's full of potential that i could guide," NOT in a sexual context] -- in true alastor fashion it's hard to say what's sincere and what's self-serving, but it certainly all serves a purpose
4. that being said, i think charlie has become a character he doesn't mind touching, just like he doesn't mind it with niffty, rosie, or mimzy. funnily enough the only time charlie initiates a touch with him is in the finale, when she's relieved he's alive
5. i think the kinds of touches from each of these characters is different. with charlie it's that aforementioned part-manipulation, part-mentor type vibe, where he's very much insinuating himself into her good graces and trust, with niffty it's because She Is A Creature Who Crawls, with mimzy there's a Past (and she clearly crosses a boundary because she thinks she can with him, and he puts his foot down on that), and with rosie there's a respect. before i did this noting down i also thought he touched rosie way more than he actually does, but he only does it once in order to dance (which, if anything else even applies, i think is his main source of actually enjoying touching others, i personally don't think he actually enjoys hugs, it's just a Thing some people expect of you), and simply acquiesces to her grabbing him in the first scene. again, i think he accepts this because he likes her
6. This Deer Does Not Touch Men If He Can Help It
CONCLUSION:
if alastor respects you, he will let you touch him to an extent. he's not touchy himself, and mainly does it as a show of power, manipulation, and condescension (lucifer, mimzy, husk, charlie), but he likes dancing. he stays faaar away from sexual contexts in general
I also want to do a separate post on alastor and respect/closeness/familiarity, because i think it's worthwhile analysing how he expresses these things with characters on his terms (for example, giving charlie the mic says far more about his positive feelings towards her than any of the times he touches her), and it's mostly very clear when he's comfortable in a situation and when he's not
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[Good Omens] Flies
Ineffable Bureaucracy Week Day 2: Flies
***
“Can I ask a question?”
“You just did.”
“Well, can I ask another?”
“You just-- heh. Fine, fine. Ask away.”
“Why Lord of the Flies, of all things?”
“Well, I designed them.”
“Ah.”
“You sound surprised. Were you expecting a more sordid tale?”
Leaning back on the wooden bench, idly watching the swarm of flies feeding on the remains of what had been a fish before the small stream dried out in the heat of summer, Gabriel shrugged. “It never occurred to me that someone had the task of creating these… smaller… life forms, at some point.”
A huff, the sting of an elbow against his side. Not a lot of sting, to be honest. Beelzebub could certainly do worse, which meant they were holding back. The thought made Gabriel smile just a touch.
“They took as much work as bigger ones, you know. There are hundreds of thousands species still in existence, and there used to be more. And besides, I didn’t just work on life forms. I made my fair share of star systems, I’ll have you know, while you were starting out your career as a messenger pigeon.”
The smile turned into a frown. “Delivering messages was vital in order to ensure all of us were working according to the same--”
“Lord of the Pigeons. Has a nice ring to it.”
“No one ever called me pigeon, thank you so very much,” Gabriel informed them. “Although some did refer to me as the Peacock of the Angels…”
“Let me guess. You took it as a compliment?”
Gabriel blinked. “Wasn’t it?”
“I wouldn’t be so sure of it.”
“Humans like peacocks, don’t they?”
“Symbol of vanity. It does fit you. How did you even live with yourself in the millennia before tailored suits and silk ties were a thing?” Beelzebub asked, and Gabriel was almost annoyed. Except that they causally leaned the side of their head against his shoulder, and he promptly forgot how to be annoyed.
“Well-- I believe we’re getting sidetracked here. You haven’t told me why it’s Lord of the Flies. I mean, you surely made more impressive things you could make your title about, no?”
A soft scoff. “Absolutely not. Flies are my masterpiece.”
“... Because they fly where they’re not wanted, make noise, and are annoying?”
“I’m sorry, when did this conversation turn to angels?” Beelzebub asked, looking up, and Gabriel laughed, placing a hand over… the approximate location where a heart would be, if he had human internal organs.
“Oh, ouch. A low blow, that.”
“Thanks. I’ve been practicing.”
They both turned their gaze back to the small swarm of flies; Gabriel would have been perfectly content to let the matter drop and focus on nothing but the unnatural warmth against the shoulder Beelzebub was leaning on. Except that he didn’t.
“So, what is it about them?”
“About what?”
“Flies. What makes them so perfect?”
“Aside from being emblematic of putrefaction, death, and decay?”
“Well, yes. Aside from that.”
Still leaning on his shoulder, Beelzebub held out a hand, and a few of the flies separated themselves from the swarm, coming to buzz around their hand, landing on their fingers.
“First of all, they can outmaneuver any angel or demon. See how they fly, hover, land upside down? I made them some balancing organs to function like gyroscopes. They are the greatest aerial acrobats of all Creation. And this is just one of the families - the parasitic ones are a marvel of their own. There is this genus that lays eggs in ants, and once the larvae is big enough, it decapitates the ant to keep growing--”
They talked, on and on, and Gabriel was all too happy to listen. It had been a very, very long time since he himself had felt anything much about the wonders of Creation; it had sort of grown old, like gorgeous scenery you pass by every day to work and back until it’s really nothing more than a backdrop. He’d even forgotten which parts of it he’d had a hand in making himself. How ironic, he thought, that the Grand Duke of Hell never forgot what they made.
All things bright and beautiful, as a famous hymn went, and they’d all been so very proud of it all, once. All things wise and wonderful.
Nothing had really seemed bright and beautiful in a very long time. Nothing had seemed all that wise, and nothing had seemed all that wonderful.
Until now.
Beelzebub got so animated when talking, and Gabriel found himself marveling at each minute facial expression they made while describing a type of fly that looked like a spider and lived in the fur of bats to feed on their blood. Probably not something that fit most of the known universe’s definition of bright, beautiful or wise, he thought.
But most of the known universe never got to sit under the scorching August sun with Beelzebub’s head against a shoulder, listening as they talked about their most complex and beloved creations, watching said creations dance around their fingers.
No one else but him, and Archangel Gabriel--
I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God
--had never felt luckier in his entire existence.
#good omens#ineffable bureaucracy#ibweek2023#archangel gabriel#beelzebub#didn't think I'd be able to take part#but the idea for this one hit me and I had to write
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Here’s To The Future - Part 2: Cut and Run
Summary: The war’s over. That should be cause for celebration, except the wrong side won. Things begin to change quickly, and it doesn’t take long for Midnight to realize something’s not right among the clone army. She should be glad the war is over, but the threat of her losing her boys is all too real. She did swear she would do everything she could to keep them from being separated when the war ended.
She’s not going to give up on that promise. Even if it kills her.
Pairing: The Bad Batch x reader (no clonecest)
Warnings: Lots of emotions in this one, some PTSD, canon-typical violence, arguing, grief and mourning, injuries, a little bit of medical stuff.
A/N: This one took me longer than expected, but it’s a pretty emotionally heavy chapter. Midnight really goes through the wringer in this one. No smut, just lots of pain.
Sorry my Hunter girlies, I promise it won’t last forever.
Also I am still looking for a beta reader for this one, so if you’re interested…
< Previous | Next > | SERIES MASTERLIST | MAIN MASTERLIST
Midnight stares out the viewport, watching the stars pass. Tech had put the ship on autopilot before heading back to check on Wrecker. He had also been shot, and was being a big baby about being treated. It was likely none of them even knew she’d been shot. She’s okay with that for the moment. She needs to collect herself.
She can’t fall apart.
Not yet.
Midnight turns her head as she hears quiet footsteps, Omega entering the cockpit. She steps up towards the viewport, looking out at the stars as well. Midnight watches her quietly, knowing exactly what she’s thinking.
“Your first time in space?” Hunter asks, entering the cockpit as well. He pauses next to her seat, leaning his arm against it. He’d notice soon. He always notices.
“First time anywhere.” Omega says.
Midnight feels something stir in her chest. She knew what that was like. She remembered her first time seeing the sky, her first time seeing space. The first planet she’d visited.
“Impressive shot back there.” Hunter says. “Where’d you learn to do that?”
“I don’t know.” Omega shakes her head. “I never fired a blaster before. I guess I got lucky.”
“She’s not the only one.” Tech says, walking back into the cockpit.
“I’m fine.” Wrecker says, being helped in by Echo. “It’ll take more than a blaster shot to take me down.”
“You were down.” Echo says.
“Well not for long!” Wrecker laughs, squeezing Echo’s shoulder but quickly groans in pain as it strains his own injured shoulder.
“What’s the plan, Hunter?” Tech asks from the pilot’s seat.
“I thought we could go off on our own. Lay low.” Hunter answers. “But with Crosshair gunning for us, I’m not so sure.”
“What about your friends? Could any of them help us?” Omega asks.
“That would be a short list.” Tech says.
“I can think of one.” Hunter says. “Plot a course for J-19.”
“J-19?” Echo asks, obviously as confused as her.
“We know a guy.” Hunter says.
“Yeah!” Wrecker cheers excitedly.
“Strap in kid,” He says to Omega. “You’re not gonna want to miss this view.”
Omega takes a seat in the co-pilot’s chair as Tech begins their jump into hyperspace. Midnight rests her head in her hand, taking deep breaths. She’s glad no one’s noticed anything yet, Hunter preoccupied with Omega, and the others with Wrecker. She wishes she could go to her room, lock herself inside for a while, but her obvious limp would give her away.
She lets out a long breath, the tears pooling in her eyes again. Crosshair would have noticed. He would have known just by looking at her. Not that the others wouldn’t notice eventually, but Crosshair always noticed. He always saw. He would have been calling her names, telling her she was stupid for getting shot.
If Crosshair were here, she wouldn’t have gotten shot in the first place.
Midnight squeezes her eyes shut, holding her breath to keep her sobs in.
****
“Easy.”
Midnight jumps as hands touch her. She hadn’t even realized she’d fallen asleep. She hasn’t been out long, her face still wet with tears and her leg is throbbing. She hisses as fingers press against the blaster wound, her body being shifted to the side in the chair.
“Echo, we’re gonna need another shot.” Hunter says, holding her leg still.
“Hunter-” Her voice cuts off in a whimper as he tugs her boot off.
“That doesn’t look too good.” Omega says.
Midnight winces as Hunter presses against the wound again. “It wouldn’t be so bad if someone stopped touching it.”
“Just making sure it’s not worse than it looks.” Hunter says, releasing her leg.
Another hand takes it, this one just as rough as Hunter’s had been. Midnight winces as a shot is injected, fingers prodding again. The pain quickly begins to numb, Midnight letting out a sigh of relief.
“Omega, why don’t you and Wrecker start searching the ship. Look for any tracking device or any sort of recording device. Make sure they didn’t plant anything.” Hunter says.
“Sir, yes sir.” Omega says, heading off with Wrecker to search through the rest of the ship.
Midnight yelps as something jabs into the bottom of her foot, yanking it out of the hands of whoever was holding it. “What was that?”
“Just checking you can still feel your foot.” Tech says.
“Yes, I can feel it, thank you.” She says, pulling her leg up to her chest.
“I need to be sure there’s no serious internal damage.” Tech argues, grabbing for her leg again.
He pulls it a little too hard, nearly sending her from the chair. She barely manages to catch herself, fingers holding tightly onto the side of the chair.
“Would you quit manhandling me?” She demands, yanking her leg free of his hold.
“Midnight.” Hunter says sternly, causing more tears to brim in her eyes.
She’s so tired of crying already. She sobs, righting herself in the chair. “He told them.” She turns on Hunter, unable to stop everything from spilling over. “He told them about us. He told them everything. He betrayed us. Tarkin tried to use it against me.”
“Hey,” He kneels down beside the chair, pulling her into his chest. “I know. This isn’t easy for any of us. He was our brother, and I know how much you loved him.” His arms tighten around her just a bit more at her quiet whimper. “The best we can do is try to find somewhere safe so we can make a plan right now.”
“Your leg will be fine, once it heals.” Tech says as Hunter pulls away from her. “Your irritable mood is likely due to your extreme exhaustion. We were designed to go long periods without rest.” He pushes her back into the chair, running a thumb under one of her eyes. “You need as much rest as you can get right now.”
She scoffs. “It would help if I could sleep.”
“Right.” Tech says, tilting her head slightly. “You can yell at me later.”
Something sharp pierces her neck, and the sound of an injector hissing reaches her ears. She frowns at Tech, anger bubbling inside her once more. “What did you just-”
“A mild sedative. Just enough to get you to sleep for a couple hours.”
Midnight can already feel herself beginning to drift off, the world around her starting to move in slow motion. “I’m gonna hit you,” She slurs, fighting her drooping eyes. “When I can move my hands again.”
Tech smiling softly is the last thing she sees before she drifts off.
***
Midnight startles awake as a hand shakes her. She hastily wipes the drool from her face, blinking the bleariness away. “Huh? What?”
“We’ve landed.” Echo says.
“Where?” She asks, rubbing her eyes.
“Saleucami.” Echo says. “Apparently they know someone here that might be able to help us.”
Right. She remembers that conversation. They must have come to know this contact before her time, and also before Echo’s.
She accepts his offered hand, letting him pull her up. She puts weight on her injured leg, testing it.
“How does it feel?” Echo asks.
“Sore.” She says, putting more of her weight on it. “Better than it did.”
“You’re lucky.” He says as they make their way into the hull. “Any lower and you might have lost a foot.”
Midnight stays quiet, thinking over Echo’s words. It was lucky, she won’t deny that, but it’s also a bit suspicious.
Midnight blinks against the bright sun as she makes her way down the ramp. She pauses for a moment, taking in the dirt under her feet, and the sun on her skin. It feels nice after so long in space, and the aggressive sterile bleakness of Kamino.
She begins following the others, pausing when Hunter turns back. Midnight turns too, spotting Omega on the steps of the Marauder. The girl pauses, taking a big breath in before making her way off the steps. She drops to her knees in the dirt, taking a handful of it.
“Whoa. What is this?” She asks, looking at the dirt in fascination.
“That would be dirt.” Tech says simply.
“It’s amazing.” She stands up, dragging her foot through the dirt and kicking it, laughing happily.
Midnight feels a tightening in her chest watching Omega. She knows what that’s like. She remembers her first time on a planet that had actual dirt and plants. She had been equally amazed by it, after spending her entire life on an ecumenopolis where the only dirt you saw was either toxic or particles falling from the many stories above. Oh to be able to be amazed by the simplest things again.
War had ruined that for her.
“Come on. Let’s get moving.” Hunter says as thunder rumbles in the distance.
They make their way through a field of strange, tall fruit. Midnight feels on edge, like she’s expecting something to pop out at her. Droids, or maybe other troopers. She clenches her fists at her sides, ready to draw her blaster if she needs it. She’s got Echo in front of her and Wrecker at her back, but that doesn’t make her feel any more comforted. She blames it on the sedative Tech had snuck her still wearing off.
That, and her sore ankle.
“So this friend of yours, what’s he doing all the way out here?” Echo asks.
“Hiding.” Tech answers simply. “That’s what deserters do.”
“Staying off the radar’s not our specialty, but he’s been doing it for years.” Hunter says.
“And you trust a deserter?” Echo asks carefully.
“Why not? We’re all deserters now.” Tech says.
Echo stays silent, obviously not having thought of that yet. They’re all deserters. They’re all on the run now. Midnight knows it won’t just be Crosshair after them. After all, she had signed a contract and then immediately broken it. She hadn’t had much of a choice, though. She couldn’t have broken the guys out of the brig if she’d been in there too. It would have only complicated things if she’d refused to sign that contract.
At least that’s what she tells herself.
Hunter motions for them to stop, looking down at a tripwire. Omega continues forward, unfamiliar with Hunter’s silent signals. He puts a hand on her shoulder, stopping her from setting the booby trap off.
“What are we looking at?” She asks curiously.
“A booby trap.” Hunter answers simply.
“Single trip wire.” Wrecker says, stepping over it, obviously not seeing the second laser trap further ahead. “That’s cute.”
Several dummy droids pop up as Wrecker springs the trap, and he begins shooting at them.
“Easy, Wrecker.” Hunter commands.
“Was that me?” Wrecker asks, confused.
Their attention is drawn away from Wrecker as two figures approach, blasters drawn. It’s a female Twi’lek and a...clone?
“What do we have here?” The Twi’lek asks. “More clones who have lost their way.”
“It’s been a while, fellas.” The clone says, both of them lowering their weapons.
***
Midnight finds herself in a farmhouse, leaning against the wall. It’s run down and patched together, but it’s sweet, she thinks. There was once a time she had dreamed of a life like this, in a farmhouse on some secluded planet with no worries and no war. The five boys all working on the farm, building them a life.
She swallows the emotions, steeling herself. She won’t cry again. She’s not going to.
“I see a few new faces.” The female Twi’lek says as she places a couple bowls of food on the table. Midnight is hungry, but she doesn’t have much of an appetite.
“Midnight, Echo, and Omega,” Hunter motions to each of them as he introduces them, Omega exploring the small farmhouse. “Cut and Suu.”
“Hello.” Midnight nods, giving her best smile.
“Pleased to meet you.” Suu says.
“Ma’am.” Echo nods in greeting.
“Where’s Crosshair?” Cut asks.
Midnight’s stomach clenches painfully at the mention of his name. She hates it, that she has to feel this way. There’s nothing she can do, though. She had tried her best, and it wasn’t enough.
“It’s complicated.” Hunter sighs, his shoulders sinking just a bit.
“Sounds familiar.” Cut says. “Rex told us about the clone troopers turning against the Jedi.”
“You talked to Rex? When?” Echo asks.
“Well, he passed through yesterday.”
“Where’d he go?”
“Didn’t ask.” Cut shrugs. “He was going on about some behavioral implant.”
“He must mean the inhibitor chip.” Omega says, stepping up to the table next to Hunter.
“The what?” Hunter asks.
“Inhibitor chips. The Kaminoans implanted them in the clones to modify their behavior.” Omega explains.
“Tech, you said the regs were programmed but you never mentioned a chip.” Hunter says, drawing Tech from whatever he was doing on his datapad.
“How else did you think it worked?” Tech asks.
The door flies open, two Twi’lek children running in.
“Mom, Dad! There’s a ship outside!”
“Shaeeah, Jek! Remember me?” Wrecker says excitedly.
“Uncle Wrecker!” They both exclaim, running up to greet him.
“Who are you?” The oldest of the two asks, spotting Omega.
“Omega.” She says nervously, stepping around Hunter’s chair.
“We never see kids around here. Come with us.” They lead Omega out of the house, Hunter giving his nod of approval as Omega looks back for permission.
Midnight watches the exchange, letting her gaze drift back to Cut and Suu as Omega disappears out the door. They both have fond, knowing looks on their faces as they stare at Hunter.
As squad leader, it was Hunter’s natural instinct to lead, to worry about the wellbeing of everyone on his team, even non clones. Midnight remembers when she first joined the team, how unnerving it had been. It was almost like some switch flipped in Hunter’s mind, some automatic update to his hardware that included her on his team. How easily he had adjusted to her there, how easily he had included her, thought about her. Worried about her.
She knows it’s happening again. It’s not quite the same now, given they’re not fighting a war anymore, and Omega is a child.
Midnight can’t help but wonder if it’s becoming more this time too.
****
“How is your leg?” Tech asks, adjusting his goggles.
Midnight glances up from the table. She’d been staring at it, lost in thought. She’d stolen Hunter’s seat after he’d gotten up, and helped herself to some of the food Suu had set out. She hadn’t felt like eating, but she knew she had to eat eventually.
“Fine,” She answers, leaning back in the chair. “A little sore, but nothing like it was.”
“You can hit me now.” He says, going back to his data pad.
Midnight blinks at him. “What?”
“When I sedated you, you said you would ‘hit me when you can move your hands again.’”
Midnight shakes her head. “I’m not gonna hit you. I know you were just trying to help me.”
“Yes, your nap had a drastic improvement on your mood, as I said it would.”
Midnight gives him a look. “Now you’re just tempting me.”
Suu steps up to them, a bundle of clothes in her arms. “I thought you might want to change.”
Midnight stares at the clothes for a moment. “Actually, that would be great.” She stands, taking the clothes. “Thank you.”
Suu directs her to the fresher, and she shuts herself inside. Suu’s a bit taller than she is, but the clothes fit, and they feel better than her armor. It’s been a while since she’s worn civilian clothes. She can’t help but wonder if there will ever come a time she’ll be able to retire the armor for good.
She stares at herself in the mirror for a moment. There’s still dark circles under her eyes, and she looks absolutely miserable. At least the outside matches what she’s feeling inside.
She splashes some water on her face, patting her cheeks to try and make herself seem more alive. She leaves the fresher, heading outside where the others are.
Hunter has changed his clothes, obviously having borrowed some of Cut’s. It’s odd to see him wearing something that isn’t his armor. Midnight doesn’t think she’s seen any of them in anything but their armor, or their blacks, or nothing at all. Wrecker’s ditched at least the top half of his armor, donning a hat and poncho. It’s a good look for him too, Midnight’s brain doing all sorts of somersaults.
“Here,” Hunter holds out a hand. “I’ll drop that off at the ship.”
“Thanks.” She murmurs, handing off the pile of armor to him.
“You, uh, look good.” He says, giving her a once over. “I forget how good you look in civvies.”
Midnight forces a smile, nodding. “It feels good to wear them again.”
Hunter’s face drops into a serious look, Midnight already dreading what’s coming next. “Are you...alright?”
Midnight grimaces. “You don’t want to go there. Not right now.”
She turns to leave, but he puts a hand on her shoulder. “Night, you should have said something.”
Midnight clenches her jaw, fists clenching at her sides for a moment. “We had bigger things to worry about.” She shrugs his hand off. “Save the lecture for later.”
She walks away, heading back into the house.
****
“Can I help?” Midnight asks, approaching Suu who was working on packing. “I-I need to do something with my hands.”
Suu nods knowingly. “Sure. You can finish packing those in that bag.” She nods at a stack of clothes.
Midnight starts placing the clothes in the bag, glad to be doing something. She feels bad for how she acted towards Hunter, but the last thing she wants is to dredge up her feelings right now.
“So, how long have you been in love with them?” Suu asks, breaking the silence.
Midnight freezes, looking up at her with wide eyes. “What?”
Suu chuckles. “I can tell just by looking at you.”
Midnight stares down at the clothes in her hands. If anyone would understand, it would be Suu. “I’m not sure when it became love.” She shrugs. “The whole...arrangement started about three months after I joined their squad. Hunter and I had too much to drink and...made some impulsive decisions. It just...evolved from there. When I fell in love with them...” Midnight shakes her head. “I’m not convinced I haven’t always been.”
“And Crosshair?” Suu asks.
Midnight tenses, letting out a shaky breath before nodding. “And him. He was...resistant at first. Then he had to...out of necessity. I was in love with him before that, but he’s...guarded.” She feels tears brim her eyes. “I knew the risks. I told myself after the war ended, I wouldn’t let anything separate us. I’d do everything I could to keep us together.” Midnight hastily wipes a tear. “I feel like I failed.”
Suu puts a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it gently. “You still have four men who clearly love you. I know it’s not easy losing someone you love, but don’t forget about them too. As one of the few in this galaxy that can understand, you need to consider what’s best for all of you. Take advantage of the time you do have. If Crosshair truly does love you, he will realize it. There’s no amount of mind control that can wipe away emotions like that forever.”
Suu is right. Midnight had failed in keeping the six of them together, but she hadn’t failed in keeping most of them together. With their accelerated aging, she can’t even begin to guess how much time she’ll have with them. She’ll outlive them by a long shot.
The thought only makes losing Crosshair hurt more.
***
“It appears all public transport is now restricted without chain codes.” Tech says, looking at his datapad.
“Which Cut can’t sign up for.” Suu says. “He’ll be arrested when they discover he’s a deserter.”
They were all gathered in the house once more, Cut and Hunter having returned from town with some disparaging news. Apparently the new Galactic Empire was requiring citizens to get chain codes in order to travel.
“The next shuttle leaves in a few hours.” Cut says. “Codes or no codes, we need to be on it.”
“Mom!” A panicked cry from outside draws their attention. “Mom, it’s Omega!” Shaeeah runs into the house, pointing outside. “She went out past the fence!”
Suu is the first out the door, grabbing the slug thrower leaning against the wall on her way out. Cut and Hunter are quick on her heels, hurrying towards the fence. Omega is right on the edge of the farm, a rather nasty looking creature stalking towards her.
Hunter ducks under the fence, running towards Omega. She turns and runs, the creature lunging after her, but it’s slowed by a shot from Suu on the roof of the farmhouse. Omega ducks behind Hunter, Hunter slicing at the creature with his knife.
Suu shoots it a second time, deterring it from attacking again as it turns and runs. Hunter guides Omega back through the fence, the poor girl looking upset and guilty.
“What were you doing out there? Do you realize you could've been killed?” Hunter asks, his tone sharp and biting.
Midnight winces, having been on the receiving end of that tone more than once. It’s not fair to Omega, though. She is just a kid.
“Easy.” Cut says, putting a hand on his shoulder. “She’s not a soldier.” Cut squats down beside her, putting a hand on her shoulder, looking her over for any injuries. “Are you hurt? Now, let’s take a look here.”
“I’m sorry. I was just trying to get the ball.” Omega says, tucking her face into Cut’s shoulder. “I didn’t know.”
“You’re safe.” Cut says, patting her shoulder. “That’s all that matters.” Cut stands, picking her up. “Come on.” They start towards the house.
“Hey, kid. You all right?” Wrecker asks.
“She’ll be fine.” Cut says, walking back into the house.
The five of them stand there, watching them go.
Midnight replays the entire thing in her head once more. Omega’s lucky. Whatever that creature is, it’s fierce and would have torn her to shreds easily. Midnight doesn’t really know Omega, and she’s still adjusting to the thought of having a child around, but that’s what she is. She’s a child who has never seen the galaxy, never experienced the danger, the fear, the unknown.
Midnight remembers when she was in the same position, leaving Coruscant for the first time, experiencing things so different from what she’d been raised in. Midnight had the advantage of knowing the dangers, though. She was an adult, well adjusted to living in danger.
“All in all, I would say that could’ve gone much worse.” Tech says.
Midnight rolls her eyes, shaking her head. Of course he’s right, but this didn’t feel like the time to say something like that.
“Tech, you think you could forge some chain codes?” Hunter asks.
“I only learned of them moments ago, but yes.”
“Do it. We’re getting Cut, Suu and the kids on that shuttle.”
****
Midnight sits on the porch of the farmhouse, swinging her legs back and forth. She had offered to stand watch, to make sure the Nexu didn’t return or try any bright ideas. It probably wasn’t that necessary, but she’s glad for the fresh air, and the chance to think. Tech and Echo had returned to the ship to try and learn as much as they could about chain codes and how to make them. Cut and Omega have gone on a walk as well, Omega still upset about the whole incident.
Midnight can’t blame her. She remembers how upset she’d been the first time Hunter had reprimanded her like that. Of course, they’d been in the middle of war and he was reprimanding her stupid decision on the battlefield. She had deserved it. Omega hadn’t.
She knows Hunter can’t discern the difference, though. None of them can. They’d been designed for war, for fighting battles. Not for things like child rearing and domestic life.
They could learn it, though. Cut was proof of that.
He had chosen to desert though. The rest of them hadn’t had a choice.
The door of the farmhouse opens. Midnight doesn’t need to look to know who it is. He walks down the steps, approaching her slowly. She keeps her gaze facing forward, even as he moves to stand next to her.
“It’s uh...beautiful here.” Hunter says, crossing his arms.
Midnight nods. “It is.”
He’s quiet for a moment, the tension beginning to rise between them. She knows it's her fault, but she can’t help it. She feels like she needs to fight. Maybe she should have accepted Tech’s willing invitation earlier.
“I’m...going to send Omega with Cut and Suu.”
Midnight nods. He sounds unsure, but she knows that might be the best option. “It’s a good idea.”
“They won’t let us go that easily. Things are going to be dangerous.” Hunter is staring at her. She can feel his gaze burning into the side of her face. “Would you-”
“Don’t.” She cuts him off, hands curling around the edge of the porch. “Don’t even ask me that.”
“You need to consider-”
Midnight jumps down from the porch, facing him. “I made a promise when we made this whole arrangement that I wasn’t going to let anything separate us. Not the Republic, not the end of the war. I told myself no matter what, I was going to keep us together. I’ve already failed that, and now you want me to leave?”
“That’s not what I want.” He says, eyes narrowing at her. She knows she’s pushing into dangerous territory, but she can’t stop.
“That’s what you were going to ask me.” Her hands are starting to shake, adrenaline coursing through her.
“I don’t want you to leave, but I think some distance for a while is a good idea for your own safety.”
The door to the house opens, but neither of them pay it any mind. “What are you going to do, force me? The war’s over, Hunter. You’re not my Sergeant anymore.” She turns on her heel, walking away from him.
Hunter moves to follow, but Suu puts a hand on his shoulder, keeping him in place. “Don’t. Give her some space.” She says.
“I don’t know what’s gotten into her.” He says, staring at Midnight’s back where she’s standing close to the fence.
Suu glances in that direction as well. “You shouldn’t take it personally. She’s grieving.”
Hunter looks down at Suu, his brows furrowing. He hadn’t even thought of that. He had felt the sting of Crosshair’s betrayal, but he had moved past it in order to ensure the rest of his squad was safe and taken care of. It wasn’t fair of him to expect the same of Midnight. That’s why he had thought sending her away might be the best idea.
“People do and say strange things when they’re grieving. I know it’s your nature to look out for your squad, but you have to let her do what she needs.” Suu gives him a smile. “She doesn’t need a squad leader right now, or her team. She needs the men she loves.”
***
Hunter, Wrecker and Midnight escort Cut, Suu and the kids to the spaceport. Midnight can tell Hunter is still seething a bit after Tech’s brilliant idea backfired a bit.
They had been enjoying what was likely to be one of their last good meals for a while, while helping Cut, Suu, and the kids pack when Tech had commed in, saying he had a brilliant plan. Naturally, he had decided to enact it without waiting for any permission, or even telling anyone else besides Echo.
The brilliant plan?
Get the ship impounded so they can sneak into the spaceport and steal the disks to make the chain codes.
The only problem?
Omega was on the ship.
Midnight knows they wouldn’t let anything happen to Omega, but it doesn’t make this situation any less stressful, nor their jobs any easier.
Midnight walks beside Wrecker, at the back of their group, holding his hand. It was partly to steady her nerves, and also to try and seem more inconspicuous. Hunter is leading the group, at the front where she knows he’s most comfortable.
“Tech, we’re in the spaceport. What is your status?” Hunter says through his comm.
“In progress. The encryption shouldn’t be a problem.” Tech answers.
They walk towards the shuttles, keeping their heads down. There’s troopers crawling the area. There’s far more troopers than she thought there’d be. Midnight hasn’t been this nervous since she’d broken the boys out of the brig on Kamino. She holds Wrecker’s hand just a little tighter, moving closer to him. She knows it’s more dangerous for them. If a trooper looked too long at one of the boys’ faces, it would be a dead giveaway.
“Hurry up. We need those chain codes to get them on the shuttle, or we’re going to have to blast our way out of here.” Hunter says.
“Don’t worry. I can slip through security unnoticed and deliver the disks to you momentarily.”
They get into the line at the shuttle, all anxiously awaiting Tech’s arrival.
“Have your chain codes out and ready for inspection.” A trooper says as he passes them, thankfully not looking too hard as they turn their faces to avoid detection.
“The chain codes are in route...with Omega.” Tech says.
“By herself? You let her go by herself?” Hunter hisses into the comm.
“Well, we didn’t let her go.” Tech tries to defend himself.
“I’m on it.” Wrecker says, handing off the crate he was holding to Cut before running off towards the impound lot. She knows this is going to end in a firefight, most likely. She’s glad she kept her blaster in the back of her pants.
She passes the bag she was carrying off to Suu, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Good luck.”
She follows behind Wrecker, slipping into the impound lot. Thankfully most of them have been drawn to Wrecker, giving her ample space to slip towards the Marauder unnoticed.
She slides up to Tech behind a stack of crates, drawing her blaster. “Kriffing hell,” She says, ducking from blaster fire. “Just once I’d like to end a mission without getting fired at.”
“Then perhaps you should consider joining another squad.” Tech quips.
Midnight rolls her eyes, firing at the troopers. They’re coming in waves, and she knows even more will be coming following.
“Hunter, we have worn out our welcome. We need to go right now.” Tech says through the comms.
“On my way.” Hunter replies.
Hunter arrives quickly, easily taking out three of the troopers before ducking behind the crates.
“Glad you could make it.” Tech says.
“What are we waiting for?” Hunter asks.
“The clamp’s still magnetized. The system’s not responding.” Echo says, still working on getting the Marauder free.
Wrecker runs over, using brute force to get the clamps to release.
“Let’s go.” Hunter says, Midnight running for the ramp of the ship, following Tech up inside.
“Wait for me!” Omega’s voice calls through the spaceport, drawing the attention of some troopers.
Hunter tries to keep them at bay as she runs over, but one of the troopers grabs her leg. Hunter makes quick work of him, getting Omega to the ship safely. Tech takes off as they continue to fire on the ship, successfully flying their way out of the spaceport and away from Saleucami.
***
Midnight sits in the fresher with her head in her hands. She feels sick to her stomach. Her hands are shaking despite them being balled into fists so tight it hurts. The motion of the ship doesn’t help any, only stirring her nausea more.
She doesn't know what’s wrong with her. She’s felt like this the last two missions they’d had before the war had ended. She’d felt like this on Kamino, and she’d felt like this after their narrow escape. She knows it’s not just her roiling emotions. It’s like every time she has a blaster in her hands, it makes her sick. She can’t take much more of it.
She forces herself to stand, splashing cold water on her face until her legs stop shaking. She looks like death, more so than she had on Saleucami. She’d love nothing more than to crawl into bed and hide, but she knows she can’t.
She exits the fresher, stepping out into the hallway.
“Well, where is Omega gonna sleep?” Wrecker asks.
“She can have my bunk.” Midnight says, drawing all eyes to her. “For now. I-I’ll sleep in Crosshair’s bunk.”
“Night-” Hunter starts but Midnight cuts him off.
“It’s fine.” She moves forward, putting a hand on Omega’s shoulder. “Come on. I’ll give you the tour.”
She leads Omega to her room, opening the door. It’s still a bit messy from their search of the ship not too long ago. Midnight’s glad she changed the sheets, though.
“Make yourself at home.” She says, shoving clothes back into their crates. Hunter had at least been decent enough to place her armor in its spot.
“Are you sure I’m not taking your bed?” Omega asks as she sits on the edge.
“Truth is,” Midnight says, squatting down so they’re the same height. “I don’t think I’ll be doing much sleeping in here. I don’t think I’ll be doing much sleeping at all, actually. I’d rather you be comfortable, at least until we can get something more permanent set up.”
Midnight gets up to leave, but Omega’s next words stop her. “You were close with him, weren’t you. Crosshair, I mean.”
Midnight sighs, her shoulders drooping a bit. “Yeah. I was.”
“I’m really sorry about what happened.” She says. “I know what it’s like. To feel lonely even with people around you.”
Midnight hastily blinks the tears away, turning to face Omega. “I’ll be okay. Get some sleep. It’s been a long day.”
Midnight leaves her room, the door hissing shut behind her. She makes her way to the bunks, pausing in front of Tech and Crosshair’s. They’re all empty, Tech in the cockpit with Echo and Hunter. Wrecker was in the hull, probably benching Gonky or something.
She pulls the privacy curtain back, half expecting to be met with a scowl, but of course it’s empty. She climbs up, tucking herself into the bunk. The hooks are still on the wall where he’d hang the firepuncher. Midnight lays her head on the pillow, squeezing her eyes shut.
It still smells like him.
Taglist:
@amyroswell, @dangraccoon, @hunnythebee, @lokigirlszendaya, @kriffingmeshla, @storm-breaker7
#star wars#star wars fic#the bad batch#the bad batch fic#the bad batch x reader#tbb x reader#hunter x reader#crosshair x reader#tech x reader#echo x reader#wrecker x reader#series
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My thoughts on the Ahsoka finale (spoilers below)
While I really liked the episode I found it just a touch underwhelming, since it’s clearly setup for Dave Filoni’s movie. There are somethings that I wasn’t a huge fan of:
I wasn’t a fan of Ezra getting a lightsaber. They just happened to have a spare Khyber Crystal laying around? I thought it would be more interesting if either, A) Ezra got one of the Crystals from Shin or Baylon and Ahsoka taught him how to “heal” the crystal for his own lightsaber, or B) them construct a Shoto lightsaber for defense since they’re going into a war zone. Maybe a combination of the two. I just felt that Ezra’s new style of fighting make’s him more unique among Jedi characters and I’m actually disappointed it was abandoned so quickly. Also with a Shoto he could still make it resemble Kanan’s lightsaber.
Morgan Elsbeth’s power up was pointless. It seemed to be there just to give her a weapon to fight against Ahsoka, but they could have just given her the sword. Morgan was able to hold her own well enough in Mandalorian season 2, with the sword and the Resurrected Night Troopers in support it would be more than reasonable to think it would be enough to swing the odds in Morgan’s favor.
Sabine’s force push. Considering she’s spent the entire season trying to tap into the Force the moment she pulls her lightsaber to her feels earned. Her being able to Force Push Ezra to the Star Destroyer feels rushed. Like instead they could just have Sabine give Ezra some Mandalorian grappling line to make the jump (i imagine Sabine has some spares on the ship). Also I don’t think Ezra should be the one to go back, but I’ll get there in a second.
Why was Ezra still wearing the helmet when he gets off the Imperial Shuttle? We the audience knows it’s him, and the dramatic reveal could have just as easily been achieved with him walking helmet less off the ramp. Side note: Hera should have given an order to stand down. While I’m sure there are people in that hanger that know Ezra, a good chunk of them might not so Hera needed to give a stand down order before her troops get a little trigger happy.
Finally, I think Sabine should’ve been the one to go home. It would have been so heartbreaking for Sabine to do all this, bring about Thrawn’s return and the revival of the Empire, only to fail to bring Ezra home but also leave Ahsoka behind in the process. I know that it was for the Master and Apprentice dynamic payoff, but the parallel between Ahsoka and Anakin, being separated again after already parting ways once before, would have been beautiful. Just my two cents.
I still really liked the show (except for a few other things like Marrok being a red herring when I was really hoping for Barris Offee-Ahsoka face off, maybe in the movie) and I’m really looking forward to more.
#star wars#star wars ahsoka#ahsoka show#ahsoka series#ahsoka#ahsoka tano#sabine wren#ezra bridger#grand admiral thrawn#thrawn#hera syndulla#dave filoni
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Tri-Arame: Persona Plight?
Primary Pairing: N/A
Starring: Setsuna Nana
Also Starring: Shioriko, Student Council Vice President
Words: ~1.4k
Rating: G
Time Frame: The day after Episode 6 of Season 2
Story Arc: Stand Alone
---------
Author's Note: Happy Birthday Setsuna! ♡ ＼(≧▽≦)／ ♡
I'm so happy to be able to post this! It was an honor to be chosen to write for the Shout Your Love! fan zine. And a lot of fun writing this entry. And participating in a good cause. And having one of my favorite LL artists @myonmukyuu draw something for one of my fics. But I still looked forward to sharing this story with more readers, so here we are.
Also, go check out the other stories in the collection and celebrate Setsuna on her special day!
And finally, worth mentioning that I am referring to Setsuna as Nana in this chapter, as she is in Nana-mode through most of it.
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Nana wanted to hum happily as she crouched and opened the cabinet door to her secret stash, but she was Nana at the moment and…
Wait, did she need to continue keeping up the façade now that she had revealed her secret to the school? For that matter, did she even need this secret stash anymore now that her parents knew as well?
Nana gasped slightly as a thought occurred to her. She could take her collection home and display it openly in her room now. Her regular ritual of shuffling books and discs among her friends and her stashes here at school and at home was… no longer necessary. She realized she should be happy about this turn of events and yet it somehow felt… anticlimactic? Had she come to enjoy this ritual that much?
Did she also enjoy keeping Nana and Setsuna separate?
She had attended classes all day as Nana, as usual. And she had intended on continuing in Nana mode through the upcoming student council meeting. She would eventually change to Setsuna mode to meet the rest of the idol club to continue the activities of the second School Idol Festival.
But could she have attended class as Setsuna? Could she run the student council as Setsuna? Or perhaps could she attend the festivities as Nana? Would everyone else be willing to go along with that, or would it weird them out? For that matter, would she weird out herself?
Nana reached up and touched one of her braids as she pondered her new situation. She did enjoy the hairstyle, and wearing glasses did help her feel like she was being more serious about things. Plus, there was no denying that she thoroughly enjoyed changing into Setsuna by undoing her braids, often intentionally dramatically, and swapping her glasses for contacts. It felt like she was literally liberating herself to be herself. Not that being Nana wasn’t being herself, of course.
Plus, just a few days ago, Setsuna had told her fellow idols that the student council and the school idol club were different things. She had explained that she loved both, wanted to continue both, and thus had wanted things to stay the way they were.
Except now things were different.
Nana jolted at the sound of the door opening on the other side of the room. Hastily, she slammed the cabinet door and spun toward those entering.
“Ah, Setsu…” the vice president cleared her throat. “I mean, Council President.” Despite the shift in formality, Nana could easily see she was holding back excitement.
“Nakagawa-sa,” Shiroriko greeted politely, seemingly unphased by the behavior of the girl beside her.
“M-Mifune-san, Vice P-President-san, you t-two are early!” Nana heard herself sputter before putting conscious effort into her words.
Shioriko blinked stoically as she approached. “As are you,” she observed before her gaze shifted down. “That is quite the collection you have.”
“Geh…” Nana realized her bag was still open.
“Do you normally carry that many books with you?”
“N-No, I… uhm…” Nana fumbled for an explanation. So much for preventing stuttering. After half a second of thought, she decided lying to Shioriko wouldn’t be effective. Her shoulders slumped. “I was sorting my collection.”
“Oh? What types of books do you collect?” The vice president sounded interested.
A familiar flame flickered within Nana. She was about to quash it when a thought occurred to her. With her secret revealed, a little crossover between her personas was fine, right? Maybe?
“Manga, doujin and light novels,” Nana replied, monitoring her excitement level, letting a little out, but not too much. She then listed her favorite genres, making sure to list fantasy and romance first.
“I should have guessed,” the vice president smiled. “That’s what you list in Setsuna-chan’s bio on the club’s site. Do you have any recommendations?”
The tiny flame flared into a full, fiery conflagration.
Recommendations? Of course she had recommendations!
Nana stooped and grabbed a book from her bag. “I was going to reread this one because the next entry in the series is being released later this week. It’s so~ good! A masterpiece! The story focuses on a couple of angels in Heaven. This one,” she pointed to a blue-haired girl on the cover, “comes from a cursed bloodline, which is why her wings are black and most of her powers are dark. Even her familiar is black.” Her finger moved to a cat on the girl’s shoulder. “And this one thinks of herself as just an ordinary, run of the mill angel.” She indicated a redhead. “But of course she…” Nana gasped. “Oh, I’m sorry, I… I really shouldn’t spoil anything…”
The vice president laughed lightly. “It’s fine. Who is the blonde?”
“She’s their superior officer.”
“Angels have officers?”
“They’re part of Heaven’s military and some of the chapters focus on them fighting demons.”
“That sounds interesting.”
“It really is!” There was no way Nana could hold back her grin if she wanted to. “I highly recommend it. You should read it.” She held out the book.
“Is that not the second book in the series?” Shioriko inquired.
“I have the first!” Nana wheeled around and whipped open the cabinet. “Here!” She grabbed the book and turned back to hold it out
“You’ve been using school resources to store your collection?”
Nana froze. “I… I…”
Shioriko smiled. “No need to worry, Nakagawa-san. As with your former secret concerning your identity, I shall maintain this one as well.”
“Thank you, Set… Council President,” the vice president accepted the doujin. “I can’t wait to read it.”
“We still have some time before the others arrive,” Shioriko pointed out.
“You’d be alright with us reading while you’re here?” Nana asked, finding herself surprised.
“I am quite fond of reading myself.” The younger girl responded. “Far be it for me to deny others from doing so.”
“I could recommend something for you as well.” Nana offered, getting excited again.
“Thank you, but I generally prefer novels over manga.”
“I have light novels,” Nana quickly scanned her collection. “I’d let you borrow my favorite, but I believe that one is at home… Oh, how about this one?” She pulled out a book. “It’s about a war-torn world where magic, alchemy, steam tech and high tech all coexist, and various nations specialize in certain ones and they all combine their might to protect their world from invaders from another dimension. The heroes are so~ cool! My favorite character has this high tech suit of armor that lets her fly around and shoot fire and plasma. She’s awesome!”
Before she consciously registered her own actions, Nana was miming her Setsuna Scarlet Storm call and response motions. Wait, why was she doing that? She was Nana at the moment! She felt heat rising in her cheeks.
“That sounds amazing!” The vice president cried excitedly. “Can I read it after you, Mifune-san?”
Oh… Maybe it didn’t matter.
“I believe that would be up to Nakagawa-san,” Shioriko replied.
“It’s fine,” Nana assured. “I’d love it if you both read it so we could talk about it after.”
“Very well.” Shioriko accepted the book. “I shall return it post haste.” With that said, she moved to one of the couches, sat down and immediately began to read.
“Well, it seems we only have a few more minutes before our meeting.” The vice president glanced at the clock on the wall. “Shall we get some reading in?”
“Yes.” Nana nodded.
As she made her way to her desk, Nana’s thoughts turned to all that had just transpired. Perhaps a little crossover between Nana and Setsuna wasn’t so bad. The vice president and Shioriko seemed to have no trouble going along with it all. Surely it would be the same with her friends in the idol club, right?
With one last glance at the two readers on the couch, Nana finally opened her doujin and began to read.
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Omake
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Let’s see… Shioriko thought to herself, scanning the shelf. They’re organized by title, so it should be… Ah. She reached up and pulled out a book.
With the School Idol Festival over, Shioriko had accepted Setsuna’s invitation to join her and the vice president on a shopping trip for books. It felt a little odd buying a doujin, as she typically preferred novels, but she had read Setsuna’s copy and was immediately hooked on the story. And she couldn’t deny that the art was lovely and lent itself well to the fantasy setting. Or RPG setting, as Setsuna had insisted on calling it.
“Ooowahhaa!” An excited cry caught Shioriko’s attention. “I can’t believe it’s in stock!”
She turned to find Setsuna marveling at some school idol merchandise.
“I’ll get one too!” The vice president matched Setsuna’s enthusiasm.
Shioriko smiled and moved over to join her friends at the display to see if there was anything that might catch her eye.
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Author's Note Continued:
Here is the Afterward I used for the zine:
Ah, Setsuna, my favorite idol in the Nijigasaki generation of the Love Live! franchise.
As with µ’s and Aqours prior, it took me a little while to settle on a favorite from the Nijigasaki club. PDP wasn’t quite enough, and it took SIFAS, the Nijiyon comics, and a lot of fanart for me to figure things out with the group. And as with those before her, Setsuna faced stiff competition.
I honestly thought a couple of the other girls would be my favorite before I settled on her. Ultimately, it was her over-the-top passion for that which she loves that propelled her to the top.
However, it’s not enough for Setsuna to be passionate about something she loves. She needs to share that excitement. She needs to shout her love. And while performing on stage as an idol definitely allows her to do just that, she has other things than idols that she loves that she needs to address off stage. And I love that the canon material gives her friends that allow to geek out as much as she wants; many actively encourage her excitement.
I’ve written many excitable Setsuna moments, many of which include geeky rants, or at least the implication that one took place. And I plan to write many more. However, with the chapter I wrote for this zine, I decided to give Nana a chance to geek out.
The Nana/Setsuna dynamic is also one of the aspects I enjoy about the character. Her Clark Kenting around school amuses me to no end. And I love that she continued to use Nana mode even after her secret was revealed.
I’ve long wondered how Setsuna might view the two sides of herself after the big reveal, and this zine entry seemed as good an excuse as any to explore it a bit. And include some of the happy geekiness that I adore so much. And have some of my ideas drawn out by the talented myon. How could I pass up such an opportunity?
So to that, I must extend my thanks to Ethanol and myon for selecting me to participate in this project.
#Yuki Setsuna#Tri-Arame#Shout Your Love!#Happy Birthday Setsuna!#Love Live Nijigasaki#Mifune Shioriko#Student Council Vice President#fanfic
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hiiii <3 what are your all time favorite bls and why? i need to fill up my to-watch list asap
oh, this ask made me ecstatic to the point i considered one of my moots sent it cause they know giving recs makes me happy 😄
what I'd constitute as faves isn't necessarily what i would usually recommend, to moots i mostly suggest shows and movies that i find unique in some way and that have left a good impression on me like i will knock you, kimi no koto dake mite itai, word of honor, fukou kun, the untamed, docchi mo docchi, seven days, itsay, msp, vice versa etcetcetc. it's not necessarily about perfect writing or acting even, it's about the piece of media provoking either lots of thoughts, emotions or both, having at least one unique trait i associate with it and just being enjoyable despite (or because of) its flaws! so that's the type of media i usually enjoy sharing with others.
now, it's infinitely easier for me to give recs based on any other criteria but "my personal faves" is such a subjective category (that im not even sure exists) that i had to cheat a bit - i went off of what couples make me go feral, what emotions the show title evokes and if i've revisited certain scenes. i don't do full rewatches for the most part but i sometimes go back to watch the main couples (the exception being waantul in between us, i know their scenes a hundred times better than winteam's lol) and most of the shows listed here have been revisited at least once 😗
Love Is Science? - NOT a bl, the pair in question are the second couple; i personally went through every episode looking for their scenes and then went through the cut on yt (and rightfully so, quite a few scenes were missing in that); i'm recommending you smth this inconvenient because i love Mark and Ou Wen so much. their personalities (they have personality for daysss), the chemistry (the hanger scene), their love and support for each other make me giddy. they carry their part so well you don't need much else, just watching them interact is enough. going through gifs now i got reminded of just how amazing the development of their relationship is to me. they're a delight and a half, enjoy them flustering each other 💖
To My Star Season 2: Our Untold Stories - now, i'm aware you have to see s1 first but when it comes to who makes me go feral, it's definitely Seojoon and Jiwoo and this happened mostly because of season 2, i didn't care for them much originally. this season explored an aspect of relationships i don't think i've seen explored anywhere else in a way that makes me still get in my feels whenever anything bout the show comes across my dash. it's angsty but so worth it. my boys have intense personal issues and even more intense love for each other, their personalities, way of thinking and chemistry are fascinating to me. the cuteness mixed with the heavier plot, the pacing, the smart writing, it's so nice. side note, binging both seasons at once wouldn't be that big of a challenge timewise in case you don't want a breather in between 😊 (gif from s1 because you can't watch them separately anyways)
Kieta Hatsukoi - a sweet light romcom for the most part, very entertaining, all of the characters are soo loveable, one of my all time fave girls in bl is here and she's everything <3 in regards to manga accuracy, the main events are all there but the order is all switched around yet the story still makes perfect sense! it's funny, it's sweet, Aoki and Ida are such an interesting pair and it's lovely seeing them figure out how to navigate this unexpected relationship
We Best Love: No. 1 For You - it's such a must watch! the passion these two have for each other and the chemistryyy will make you overlook the sheer absurdity of some of the plot; i also loved the 2 season format where the second season feels well planned, it's almost like one whole season cut in half. the emotional journey that Shu Yi and Shi De go on is so (melo)dramatic but also very touching because Sam and Yu act those emotions OUT, it's a pleasure just watching them interact (also Shu Yi is one of the few brats i adore dearly and i think it's not only because of the writing but Yu's incredible portrayal of the character)
Bad Buddy - i wasn't able to appreciate it for its wit because it was basically my first thai bl, i had no idea what expectations it was defying. nevertheless, i fell in love with it because it stands so well on its own! it's very funny, heartbreaking at times (reading analyses and meta on here made me realise how heavy the premise actually is) and insanely romantic (it caters to my idea of romance so well, the pining and protectiveness and flirting and devotion and-); also Pat and Pran have some amazing communication and mutual understanding, their bond is truly endearing and makes my heart ache if i think about it a bit too long
KinnPorsche - when it comes down to it, i am a very basic person. this show is just a ride, you gotta watch it for the pure entertanment value. there's always smth happening, that's for sure 😄of course chemistry, ofc handsome men all over the place yadayada but it'd be just that if not for the insane plotlines and humour, if you just accept that anything goes, you can have a blast with this show (but also hurt beautiful men finding comfort and love in a world of pain and betrayal>>)
Where Your Eyes Linger - though I can't make myself rewatch the heavier scenes, i love this one, the premise, the execution, it's all to my taste, the longing between these two is palpable (side note: i was getting emotional while searching for a gif but a bunch of the results were porn gifs so i was taken out of my feels multiple times lmao)
Utsukushii Kare - I'm way more normal about them now than before but this show truly makes you feel so many things, it's so smart and fantastic. Hira and Kiyoi's journey is beautiful and it embodies what i love seeing from japan's productions. they're just two lovely guys who are perfect for each other and shouldn't be let anywhere near the dating pool ❤️
Semantic Error - man, i love me some enemies to lovers, especially when both leads are Fools™️ for each other. the humour and pacing, the colourful side characters, Jaeyoung's charisma, his determination contrasting Sangwoo's inner battle..and, I know I'm becoming repetitive, the chemistry! there's a reason my guys won awards js
The End of the World with You - this show drove me insane, it's more of a one-time watch imo but i'm saying this because I was very focused on the main couple and they were what kept me watching (plus the suspense of course); it's a heavy heavy premise with the most controversial couple on this list but somehow it felt very light and exciting for the most part. I think their unconventional surroundings account for it, you don't get the typical chaos an apocalyptic show would display, it kind of feels calm even and it allows you to focus on the interpersonal relationships between the characters rather than on the expected terrors. the show fascinated me with the amazing acting and the dynamic between Ritsu and Masumi, I have a special spot for them <33 (no photo cause the limit was reached lol)
because deciding on faves is hard i'll leave this list at 10 shows, consider these just 10 of the many shows that are important to me in some way 💓
hopefully i suggested mostly things you haven't seen yet (though I went quite basic) <3 i need to know what you think of the shows, okay? and in case they don't do it for you (or, even better, they do and you come to trust me lol) feel perfectly welcome to send me some info about what you (don't) enjoy in terms of genre, tropes, episode length, actors etc.etc. and i'll dive into my lists hahah, it's super fun for me 💗
#thank you sm for the ask and sorry for both taking long and not making too interesting of a list#i promise im better when i dont have to look into my own tastes and just have to match data lol#ps hopefully you saw my post last night i stand behind those recs as well 😂#petri replies
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Review: Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
Audience: Older teens and up
Stars: 4/5
Fav quote: “The way I look at it,” he said, very solemnly, so quietly that his words slipped into the air like steam, “you didn’t forget what you were. I think you remembered. And I hope no one ever again has the fucking audacity to tell you otherwise.”
dear radish,
This was a solid read! I think the easiest way to go about this review may be to address a few of the “drawbacks” I noticed pointed out in other reviews I’d read before picking up this book.
1. "I wish there was more of an info-dump toward the start of the book to flesh the world out more.”
Valid comment! However, over the years, my attention span has shortened, and I’ve found myself often lacking the patience to get through the more dense world-building description that many fantasy novels offer. DoNW gave me enough information to understand what was happening, while keeping me hooked with the exploits and inner world of our female lead Tisaanah. Does the magic system come anywhere near being as intricately fleshed out and presented as that of Avatar: The Last Airbender? Naur. But I am satisfied for what it is. And I felt like the descriptions that we did get were creative and cool.
2. “The pacing is strange. There are places that lag which makes it feel like the overall stakes are reduced.”
Pacing felt fine to me! It felt like the first season of a shonen anime, where the main protagonist needs to take time to build up her skills and strength first, before facing off various big-bads. And the former is exactly what Tisaanah did, with single-minded, unstoppable determination. I was impressed! I want 1/10 of that drive for myself.
3. “Once the character Rashaye is introduced, it becomes difficult to distinguish if it’s Tisaanah, Rashaye, or Max (male lead) speaking.”
I also didn’t find this to be an issue. Rashaye, by the way, is a character introduced later in the book who speaks directly in Tisaanah's mind. Here’s my quick guide to distinguishing who’s speaking.
{Everything in italicized brackets is Rashaye.}
Italics usually means Tisaanah is reliving one of Rashaye’s/Max’s memories as if she were them.
Regular, unitalicized font is Tisaanah mind-speaking, except for the times when it’s partially Tisaanah, partially Rashaye starting to take control.
It became intuitive to distinguish early on. I actually liked that there was both separation and a blending in these sections. The mind + identity is a tricky thing to define and as Guru Pathik said: “The greatest illusion of this world is the illusion of separation. Things you think are separate and different are actually one and the same.” I didn’t mind seeing these ideas represented physically on the page.
Other thoughts:
For fans of political intrigue, there’s a little bit in DoNW. The epilogue seems to promise more of that in the upcoming installments.
This book had some of the most genuinely sweet yet powerful lines I’ve read in awhile! See fav quote for reference.
Felt to me that trauma was addressed well in this book. Good that it was depicted as an ongoing battle.
Take a closer look at the book’s cover art after you finish reading the book! I did, and it’s so rewarding! And tragic. And rewarding!
I will continue reading this series 🎉
Book blurb:
A former slave fighting for justice. A reclusive warrior who no longer believes it exists. And a dark magic that will entangle their fates.
Ripped from a forgotten homeland as a child, Tisaanah learned how to survive with nothing but a sharp wit and a touch of magic. But the night she tries to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life.
Desperate to save the best friend she left behind, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organizations of magic Wielders in the world. But to join their ranks, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder who despises the Orders.
The Orders’ intentions are cryptic, and Tisaanah must prove herself under the threat of looming war. But even more dangerous are her growing feelings for Maxantarius. The bloody past he wants to forget may be the key to her future… or the downfall of them both.
But Tisaanah will stop at nothing to save those she abandoned. Even if it means gambling in the Orders’ deadly games. Even if it means sacrificing her heart.
Even if it means wielding death itself.
Fans of epic romantic fantasy like Sarah J. Maas and Raven Kennedy will devour this tale of dark magic, passionate romance, vengeance, and redemption.
#book review#fantasy#fantasy book#fantasy romance#daughter of no worlds#the war of lost hearts#carissa broadbent#tisaanah
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SBI SCP AU character playlists
Tommy:
Rose by The Oh Hellos (I mean I'm doing an entire animatic wip, it fits and I have essays to prove it. Anyway violence, the power of names/narratives, truth, hypocrisy, how sacrifice and love tie together.)
Sunken City by David Wirsig (Tubbo associations, mostly symbolic/vibes past the prison break. The euphoria of escaping and how the world beyond is confusing and unrecognizable. The idea of journeying with a friend to the ruins of what was once your life. 6th verse as finding a new home in found family. 'God free me from the burden of my thoughts')
Never Love an Anchor by The Crane Wives (Tubbo, and how Tommy tries to distance himself to protect them/is the only reason Tubbo stays in a group with people they abhor. Touch starvation, hands as dangerous, seeing himself as a monster/burden. Again. Did an animatic for this one.)
Wilbur (yes they're all by Will Wood for the bit):
Misanthrapologist by Will Wood (Philza, for their light/dark dynamic and untangling of Wilbur's loathing of society and himself. WHiT Constellations interlude. I imagine 'can't keep a straight face while I'm praying' as Phil trying to get Wil to meditate but they end up laughing + 'don't you revolve around someone else' as a chide to Philza post Anderson's death)
Love Me, Normally (If he were honest with himself. Wilbur is wracked with jealousy for humanity that he disguises as hatred. Die young mentality, insomnia, bridge 2 addressed to the void, 'Is it courageous or escapist to leave the quarantine when you’re contagious?' as a comment on the danger of anomalies and if they should be contained)
BlackBoxWarrior (An entire life spent running from the Foundation and their experiments + trauma, repressing the past, general void madness, 'a map to every victim of his love' as the scars the void has left)
The Blade:
Red Water Dreams by Aviators (The sea motif of the voices, being a vessel for The Blood God, finding blame in those who unleashed his apocalyptic revenge. The entire chorus fits so well. 'Vicious thoughts are stirring/And I hunger for their power')
Paralyzed by Aviators (He's just an Aviators boy, what can I say, it's the violence and upbeat tempos man. Really this is The Blood God's song. His challengers as a duty to cull, as he's forced to hunt down every last foe that laid a hand upon his vessel. The thrill of battle, impending doom, 'I will give you one fair chance' because he really does seek a good fight. The Blade is the one paralyzed, unable to do anything but watch as his body is used for destruction)
Turn Out the Lights by The Crane Wives (Because The Blade does actually handle The Blood God/voices pretty well. I feel this song captures the way he just sorta rolls his eyes and shrugs off the intrusive thoughts most of the time)
Philza:
Rule #9 - Child of the Stars by Fish in a Birdcage (Wilbur as a wanderer, but works for any Collected for fostering their growth. Father vibes. Philza raising his children to be strong, independent people. A gentle expectation of greatness, because he picks out the exceptional among humanity)
Hot Tea by Half Alive (His sheer adoration of his Collected, also fun to swap the roles so that it is the god showing devotion. The pure warmth and sweetness matches Philza. In retrospect I need a song about protective violence but eh I set a 3 song limit.)
Time Machine by Miracle Musical (Amnestic arc. Particularly with loneliness and the vehemence in 'look at what you've done now to me', as well as 'I'm leaving today, today' with his confused insistence that he leaves at the end of the week. The way Philza is dragged in and out of grief at the whims of the Foundation, left free floating and disorientated)
Tubbo:
Soap by The Oh Hellos (Actual perfect Tubbo song. WHiT Croplands interlude. Themes of pacifism, how Tubbo is made of pieces, the separation between humans and anomalies and how the Hivemind can cross that barrier. Learning when to let go/hold on with the Tommy, Hive members, Willow. The 2nd chorus as Rhodes trying to convince Tubbo to leave Tommy in Jasper, with the response of 'I think that you’re worth (keeping around/holding onto)' to both Rhodes and Tommy's Never Love an Anchor. And imagining Tubbo saying the last stanza to Tommy makes me so soft)
Escapism by Rebecca Sugar (Dissociation. Grey chapter in general, specifically Pewter for being firm in convictions: 'shouldn't show a trace of doubt' and telling Rosalind the sacrifice won't hurt them, as well as trying to force a dissociative episode when their hand is sawed off)
Saint Bernard by Lincoln (ok this is a troll but also fits well for Cinnabar and Old Gauze. The guilt of failing one's morals. Technically Tubbo is in Indiana satanic and chained up, but I'll let it slide. The Saint Calvin verse is so good for the Rhodes-Tommy tension + Foundation destroying families. Also the way Tubbo blames their self-loathing on Rosalind, making the chorus apt for the Hivemind mess) (but also its funny to give Tubbo the classic edgy character song)
(Bonus) Dr. Blake:
Take Me to War by The Crane Wives (She sees herself as forced to be ruthless to survive against powerful anomalies. 'And I'll rankle the beasts with words' for her manipulation. Also epithets in the dehumanizing way the Foundation avoids names. Verse 3 is Tubbo 'corrupting' the guards when they saved humans from Philza)
Solaria, Kevin / End-World Normopathy by GHOST (Tommy, with religious themes and verse 5/Kevin understood as The Blood God. The cold cruelty of the Foundation, sentience as a failure/flaw in a tool (Tommy), Dr. Blake completely separating her personal and professional selves because to have humanity is only a weakness anomalies will exploit. 'Though you’ll never die, you’ve found that/All eyes are staring at your hands' is an absolutely perfect line for summoning sessions)
#did I actually put an npc named david wirsig in Fault and have Wilbur eat his arm. Yes. It's called admiration.#moving on.#using never love an anchor feels so over done but i mean#would've been hilarious to use exclusively wilbur soot songs for Wil but frankly i don't listen to him enough to over analyze song lyrics#balancing the blade's edgy fight songs with a sweet upbeat song abt mental health was fun#was thinking both sugar pills and razzmatazz (idkhbtfm) for Phil#but time machine was better for amnestics even if it missed the obsession aspect#and. idk man i can hella read razzmatazz for the hallway but its also fundamentally about fame#also didn't include Ribs for Wil bc the lonely + accepting darkness worked well but it felt too connected to femininity#felt like it took the teeth out of the song to give to a male character#also i had enough crane wives songs already. They just make good character songs#tubbo was an utter pain to find songs for until I realized I was looking at the wrong artists#I keep saying rhodes-tommy tension like its obvious that Rhodes is behind the morals that try to hold Tubbo back from their friend#still snickering at giving tub- 'moral heart of the group' -bo the DARK EDGY IM SO EVIL song#yeah i over analyze everything way too much wahoo im so normal#fault au#sbi scp au#scp philza#scp tommyinnit#scp wilbur#scp technoblade#scp tubbo#scp oc#character playlist#technoblade#tommyinnit#philza#wilbur soot#tubbo#sleepy bois inc
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Okay so here is more Varrick angst. So this could be a part two to "The Red", what I just wrote.
So when Vince yells at Varrick to leave, Varrick leaves and kinda vanishes, leaving a terrified Anni and a hurt Vince all alone to pick up all the broken pieces...figuratively and literally. Meanwhile Varrick is found by Zalgo, but Zalgo isn't there to hurt him, he just taunts Varrick and then says something that makes Varrick realize what hes done.
"Funny how you've lost everything like your friends, Anni, your own brother, and haha well...i'm pretty sure your sanity is long gone now too."
And Zalgo is just not letting up. He talks about how he hurt and scared Anni, how he made his own brother hate him, and it's almost like a flip is switched in Varrick's head and it all comes at him, all at once and Varrick says something like, "This..this was your doing! You made me do this..didn't you? and the truth was...yeah, it was all under Zalgo's influence, which explains the weird red glow that Varrick's eyes had when he was freaking out in the previous fic.
So he races back to the cabin and finds that Vince is still there along with Anni. Vince is obviously on the Offense when Varrick comes back and he doesn't want Varrick to hurt Anni again, and poor Anni is actually scared of Varrick and even flinches when Varrick tries to touch her.
It can go on from there however you'd like Anni and Vince don't have to accept his apology or maybe they do, but I will say that wherever it goes, its gonna end in tears and angst.
Tysm and if this is too much then let me know! No worries if it is!
[ The Red || P2. || simp party ]
Warnings; Angst..
Tags; @insane-horror-movie-addict
A/N; Varrick getting abused by @insane-horror-movie-addict part 2
Word count; 1,479
It was nighttime.
The demons were finally gone, Varrick had finally gotten rid of them for the time being.
Varrick sat in the damp, tall grass, his amber eyes fixated on the distance in front of him. His arms hung off his knees and his teeth were grinding against his cheek.
He hoped Anni was alright.
When Varrick left the cabin, everyone had seemed to disappear from the corner of his twisted mind, all except Zalgo, who'd always remain stuck to him no matter what. Like a parasite that refuses to let up.
He stood at the edge of the cliff, the stars above carelessly twinkling as an endless flock of unsaid apologies plagued his throat, with each cough that disposed of more blood, more threatened to emerge from his throat as time passed. Varrick's skin seemed to get paler, with dark circles from under his eyes, the rare sight of tears threatening to fall as he did his best to let them slip to his cheeks. In the bristle grass stood a tiny group of flowers, carelessly sweeping alongside the patterns of the wind. Anni would have liked these very flowers, he thought. The petals swept off of the cliff's edge with the aid of the howling breeze, the sound almost comforting in a sense.
He envisioned her brown eyes staring at him, and that amazing smile that warmed his blood. Was she okay? Did she hate him? Does his long-lost brother hate him? Was it really a good idea for him to separate himself from her? All of the questions and concerns rolled through his head like a destructive train.
Life would always be cruel to him. No matter how hard he tried, and just when he thought that he was given another chance, fate decided it would be better to take such a wonderful feeling for an awful turn. It felt horrible, but what could he do in a situation where all the cards were played against him? It was almost all too clear that no matter how hard Varrick tried to redeem himself, fate would always find a way to punish him. After years of enduring it, he had been convinced he might have been deserving of it. All these horrible things wouldn't happen for a reason, right? And with this new punishment against Varrick, came Zalgo.
From the small group of flowers, he picked a single one up, envisioning Anni. Suddenly, as he tried to pinpoint a specific memory when this had started, the soft laugh of a female rang through his ears. He had to look over his shoulder to assure himself the girl wasn't there, she wasn't and he was sitting alone on the cliff.
But he could hear her so clearly, laughing and teasing, and with this came the image of a smile so small and riddled with sadness that it could barely be considered a smile. He closed his eyes again, trying to get more clarity in his mind, and he visualized the girl again. With her long brown hair that she flicked away in annoyance when it got in the way. Her soft brown eyes wavering slightly as she stared off into the distance, entire stories would dance through her eyes in the silence. And her hands, roughened in patches with different thickness in certain areas. He still remembered how her softened fingertips felt
against his spine as they soothed him when he had a mental break-down. His eyes narrowed, letting the flower go as he turned his head around, knowing exactly who snuck behind him.
"The fuck do you want?" He sneered, glaring at Zalgo with a flicker of red igniting in his eye, "Haven't you ruined my life enough already?" His hand grabbed around the ground until it came in contact with a rock, grabbing it and chucking it at the hallucination in-place of Zalgo, "You couldn't even be bothered to actually come. Pathetic." Zalgo often couldn't directly come in contact with Varrick, since he had many important things to do, but that didn't mean he didn't force hallucinations into his mind. This hallucination stood in place for him.
"I'm afraid you're wrong about that, Smith." Zalgo let the same devilish smirk curl onto his face as he taunted Varrick, and slightly squinted his large red eyes into a brooding stare like always. "Funny how you've lost everything like your friends, Anni, your own brother, and haha well...I'm pretty sure your sanity is long gone now too. You ruined your own life, I was only here to simply…watch."
"Bullshit." Varrick hissed and mumbled more curses under his breath, spinning around to face Zalgo directly as he glared. "All of this," his eyes flickered with confusion, before it quickly sparked back into fury. "This..this was your doing! You made me do this..didn't you? You're just so fucking petty, you won't let go of the fact I'm not your fucking proxy anymore."
Varrick saw Zalgo's eyebrows twitch in annoyance, his nose wrinkling, and mouth twisting into a grimace. "That's enough, Smith—"
"No. You don't get to make that call. I'm no longer your proxy, so I'm not letting you control my life anymore." Zalgo stopped and saw the same, stern look on Varrick's face. He would not stir; he didn't even give her a second glance. "—I'm going to go make things right."
— . — . —
"What the hell are you doing here?" Vince tried to sound angry, and he was, but his voice cracked, revealing how sad he actually was. He loved his younger brother like no other— but after what happened, he couldn’t let him near here— near Anni.
"P-please just," Varrick sighed, taking a deep breath before flickering his eyes open once again, locking eyes with Vince, "I know I was an asshole. And I'm sorry— I truly am. I wish I could tell you what's going on, but right now— it's not the time, so I'm just gonna cut to the point," Varrick swallowed dryly as he looked up at his brother, "It's Zalgo. I was his proxy at one point, and ever since then— he's been fucking with my head. There isn't anything I can even do about it right now, so please. Just let me make this right." Vince's face softened at hearing this. He was Zalgo's proxy? He had so much to catch up on.
Vince sighed, his eyes lowering, "Fine. But after you talk to her, you need to tell me everything, so I can help." Varrick nodded, before stepping into the cabin.
Varrick's heartfelt as if it suddenly began clenched as if he had skipped a bit as the gentle features of the familiar girl came into view. She seemed different, and she was about to speak when something came over her face. It was an unknown emotion, it puzzled him. Her eyes filled with something he recognized however, the shakiness of her pupils as they dilated slightly, and the way her chest tightened and restricted her from showing too much motion as she breathed. Without knowing it Varrick quickly stepped closer, his hand slowly and unconsciously reaching out for her. Without him knowing it, his body had tried to move forward tohold the girl in comfort, out of pure and complete instinct.
But something was wrong, something was different, because upon seeing the hand that reached for her the girl stumbled back and fell desperately onto her back, tripped by bent floorboards on the ground. The fear in her eyes grew more, it made her shake in his sight and he tried to step forward to help her again but froze when he spotted the tears that welled up in her eyes. Those eyes, the same eyes he would dream about every night, the same eyes he had been responsible for forcing pain onto. He was taken aback, surprised because he had expected her anger and her rage, or even her indifference, but this? He had not expected this. He had not expected her to be overcome by terror.
With utter and complete gentleness, he kneeled to her level. Anni was caught completely off guard as he scooted up closer to her and wrapped his arms around her neck, pulling her in with a soft, but tight grip. She had never been hugged in that manner before by Varrick, usually she was doing the hugging. He rested her chin on her shoulder and took a breath, letting it out slowly as he took in her warmth. She didn't move and she looked down at him, not knowing what to do in the certain situation. She lightly flinched when he put his hand on the back of her head, but her muscles relaxed when she felt his rough hands run through her hair. She almost smiled when she could hear his heartbeat, and it was beating fast.
"I'm sorry."
#simp party#simp party my beloved#anni my beloved#anni and varrick hours#varrick angst hours#fuck zalgo
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happy birthday dad
sad, sordid tale beyond this cut
eleven years ago, on the 26th of march, my dad collapsed unexpectedly, and ended up rushed to a hospital several states away from where i lived at the time. he spent his birthday, march 28th, unconscious in an icu, while *that bitch he was married to* and i sat by his bedside, hoping that he would wake up. once he finally did, on two separate occasions, *she* "went out to smoke" and just... drove the several hours home without even saying goodbye to him, because she "just couldn't deal with him anymore." over the following three weeks, i would make several trips there for a few days at a time to spend with him in the hospital while they worked to figure out what was going on. my husband at the time *begrudgingly* let me use the credit card to cover the hotel stays and fuel for these trips, with the understanding that I would pay back every penny. that was probably not even the first writing on the wall that i should have taken note of, but, in my defense, i was a bit distracted at the time with worrying about my dad. by the end of that three weeks, they had finally discovered "lesions" on his brain that the docs felt confident was an infection that would easily clear up with the correct medications. dad told me to go home and stop worrying about him, and he'd be in touch, that i should stop coming down to visit because *she* was getting stressed out by me being there all the time, and also, he was just ashamed of me seeing him that weak. stupidly... i agreed.
spoiler alert: it wasn't an infection.
of course, i wouldn't find that out until many many weeks later. dad told me that he would call me when he was sent back home, but that call never came. by the end of april, i was pretty worried, and started calling their house all the time. no one ever answered, but i left messages. i left many, many messages. i called the hospital, but, of course, they could not, would not tell me anything.
mid may, that bitch he was married to sent my sister and i an email. in it, she said that i needed to stop being a lazy, selfish bitch, and come pick up my father, because she was "done dealing with him." she was "*tired* of being the only one ever taking him to his oncology appointments". she was "*tired* of changing his *diapers*". she was "*tired* of doing it all alone", so it was MY turn to deal with him because she was *done*.
this was the first time that either of us were told that it was cancer. glioblastoma. the same one that killed senator mccain. except my dad didn't have a cadilac, gold star, senatorial health care plan. mccain got over a year from his diagnosis before he died. my dad died june 17th - father's day. not even three full months.
as soon as i received that e-mail, i called, wanting 1) to know what the fuck was going on, and 2) when i could come down and start helping out. again, no one answered. no one returned my messages. i called the local sheriff's department down there and explained what was going on and begged them to do a welfare check and see if the contact information i had was correct (even though it was clearly that bitch and my dad on the answering machine where i was leaving my messages). they sent out a deputy, and i received a call back stating that the "legal resident at that location did not want them to pass along any information to me or my sister." the "only thing" that the deputy speaking to me could say without getting into trouble was that the "legal resident at that location" had not changed in the last at least 2 years, and i could make of that what i would. he did warn me, however, that the "legal resident at that location" was "prepared to press charges for trespassing" if anyone they did not approve of "happened to show up", and to be careful.
i had the feeling that this deputy was rather pushing the boundaries on what he was technically allowed or supposed to do... however, my dad had been a sheriff's deputy twice in his life: once when i was a young child, and once again just a few years before this incident, so i think there may have been some "professional courtesy" playing there.
over the next week, i received a couple more nasty emails from that bitch dad was married to. i called at least twice a day, every day, and always left a message. it was on day 7 after having spoken to the deputy that i called, and someone answered.
dad answered.
he was... not my dad. he slurred his words, spoke in childish phrases, seemed to lose the conversation often... and then, suddenly, in the background, i heard *her* screaming at him, demanding to know what he was doing, and how "he knew he wasn't allowed to answer the fucking phone!"
she took over the call, and then started screaming at me when she figured out who i was that it was "about fucking time that i gave a shit about my father", and "where have i been for the last two months?" and other such bullshit. i asked her why she was lying and why she'd been trying to keep me from talking to my dad. she screamed at me about accusing her of lies and other crap, and i explained that if i didn't get to speak with my father, that i would call that sheriff's department up and file a charge of elder endangerment against her. she literally threw the phone back at my dad and screamed stuff at him. i should have called and made the request to file the charge anyway, but, hindsight.
anyway, i was finally able to talk to my dad again. he admitted that, yeah, it was cancer, but they were going to "fix it, don't worry" and that "everything was going to be fine". except that wasn't the first time i had dealt with someone with a severe brain injury before; my best friend from high school had gotten sick a few years before and had, at that point a 15 year old's intellect. (she had a relapse a few years later, and now functions as, at best, a 12 year old)
over the course of the next two weeks, i talked to dad as often as she would allow him to answer the phone - about every other day, give or take. but one day, one particularly bad day, when dad was less with it than usual, in my desperation to talk about something, *anything*, no matter how mundane or stupid, i asked him what he'd had for lunch. small talk, something just to keep him from getting bored and hanging up the phone.
that bitch he was married to assumed that i was accusing her of starving him, apparently, because she suddenly *shrieked* from the background, "what the fuck is that supposed to mean? of course i'm feeding him!!!" and then hung up the phone.
i called back right away, but when dad answered, he said that *she* didn't want me talking to him anymore if I was "just going to accuse her of bullshit". i tried to explain that i was just trying to make small talk, because i loved him and wanted to talk, but she just screamed in the background, and dad finally said that i was "just making trouble" and that *she* would "have me arrested for trespassing if I *dared* to show up in that entire fucking *county*!" and finally that, "maybe i should just not call ever again," since i was such a horrible person and all. i asked him if that was what he really wanted.
he said yes.
he said goodbye
he hung up.
those were the last words i ever spoke to my father, or him to me.
and every march 28th, i remember that.
i loved my dad a lot growing up. he was always larger than life and he was everything i ever wanted to be. he didn't beat on my sister and i like mom did. he would sneak us poptarts after bedtime on nights mom would send us to bed without dinner. he would take me to work with him sometimes, so i could see all the neat things he did. he would take me down to his woodworking shop and teach me those things all the time, too. he taught me construction and remodeling.
this was also the man, though, that lied to me about marrying that bitch one weekend, two years after mom died when i was a teen.... saying that he and *she* were just going to spend the weekend together to "work things out" since their relationship - started pretty much the same month mom died when i was in high school, but kept secret until i got home from a post-graduation cross-country trip in july - had been rather rocky. *she* "loved" him, but she *hated* me because I was a "scary witch that her entire family was terrified of".
i had come out as pagan when i turned 18. but my "dark hoodoo magic" was "out to get her" or something, so she would be living with us for a few months, then she would move out because she was "scared" again. that shit went on for the three years of college i managed to get. until she gave dad an ultimatum: *her* or me. so dad...
he told me to be ready to move out in two weeks. *she* "would not live in the same house as me anymore," so i had two weeks to find somewhere to go.
except a few days later, *she* said fuck it and moved out, anyway, with "no intention to ever return." well, good riddance, said i, and figured that meant that i wouldn't have to leave.
except on the friday of that two weeks, dad brought home a u-haul and said that he needed to take it back on sunday morning, so i had that long to pack my shit and get it out, otherwise, he'd throw the rest in the trash.
my sister came to my rescue and gave me a room in her rented farmhouse. and for decades, i resented that fucking bitch my dad was married to for everything that happened. she died of cancer last year, and i went outside and *danced* in the moonlight the night i found out. i danced and i sang and i howled like a coyote and prayed with every fiber in my being that it hurt and she suffered every bit as much as my mother had suffered while she had fought cancer the whole last three years of my high school years, before she finally died.
what i didn't pray for, but what i did receive, was *clarity*.
yeah. *she* was a first rate fucking bitch. *she* destroyed my life in so. many. fucking. ways. i am glad that *she* is dead, and i still do hope that *she* suffered.
but at every single chance my dad had, at every single point that it came up...
he chose *her*.
it's only been within these last six months or so that... that the rose tint i imposed on aspects of my childhood has been wearing off. i always knew that dad wasn't perfect. no one is. but those times dad snuck us poptarts? why didn't he keep mom from beating us and sending us to bed without dinner in the first place? not beating on us himself? why didn't he just... not let mom beat us? taking me to work? was because they didn't want to pay for a babysitter. yeah. i was a latchkey kid, but even our neighbors probably would have thrown a fit at leaving a child my age unattended for *that* long on a weekend when he was on call. teaching me woodworking in his shop? he never invited me down; i just followed him. i learned by watching. not because he *taught* me. learning remodeling and construction? he needed another set of hands, and my sister was already off doing high school and college things; i wasn't so i may as well be useful. my college fund was spent on mom's medical bills. dad later told me that he "didn't think i'd need it anyway". that it was "obvious i'd never get that far in life without him paying off the profs." that he was "so proud that i proved him wrong," when i became a full time, professional firefighter.
this is the first time i have every written some of this down. i've *said* most of this to one person in the last few months, as it has... slowly occurred to me. but i have never written it down and reread the words and *accepted* them.
my father was not the man i thought he was.
i used to blame my mother for pretty much all of the trauma from my childhood. gods know she gave us plenty. but i'm finally to a point in my life that i can accept that... she wasn't the sole progenitor of it. that the man i pretty much modeled my life around... was just as responsible.
so... happy birthday, dad. i used to hope that i made you proud. at least a little. but i think i am finally to the point where i don't care if i did, or i didn't.
because you weren't the dad i thought you were. and just once. just one. fucking time.
i wish you would have chosen *me*.
#childhood trauma#parental drama#phamily over family#the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb#ad all this shit is why i cherish my friends rather than my blood#except for my sis#she's the only family i have left anymore
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2, 6 (for platonic and/or romantic relationships), 16, 30!
late responding (on account of my brain trying to explode out of my skull yesterday) but ty for the questions rose!! ❤️
2. How many fics did you work on this year? (They don’t have to be finished or published!): i think five? was trying so hard to only work on current wips this year and then whoops i started two new fics in the past couple months (it's okay i'm having fun)
6. What ship(s) captured your heart?: spent the first 3/4 of the year enamored with ekurei (insert that one post that's like "everything is about ghosts, except ghosts, which are about love"), and then out of nowhere my brain decided it was time to return to my star trek roots and latch onto mcspirk, so now i'm rotating those old men in my brain 24/7 (they're a perfectly balanced set. do NOT separate them)
16. What were you go-to writing songs?: honestly i really don't like listening to music while i write shdkshfjd i need total silence or like, white noise / a fan / rain. here's some Yes songs i'm pondering for fic title inspo tho (bc i can and will force my fave band upon anyone who will listen)
on the silent wings of freedom
(on the darkest night so painful / do you hunger for love / midst the torture of being one)
and you and i
(a clearer future, morning, evening, nights with you)
holy lamb
(and all we need to know / is that the future is a friend of yours and mine)
awaken
(wish the sun to stand still / reaching out to touch our own being / past all mortal as we / here we can be)
30. What’s something that you want to write in 2024?: i have an extremely self-indulgent star trek fic idea that i think may only appeal to me and my inner 14-year-old self, to the point that i feel a lil self-conscious talking about it bc it is projection to the highest degree shfjsfjdkfjk it's about mccoy reconnecting with his daughter joanna (specifically, her finding out that he was dying of an incurable disease and had decided to fuck off to live out his life on an asteroid or whatever (he got better don't worry). she calls him up like "what the fuck. you're coming home so i can yell at you about it." he brings jim and spock for moral support)
year in review fic writer ask meme (will gladly answer more asks for this if anyone wants to send any 👀)
#fex replies#anistarrose#when i say it's projection just to be clear it's not a 1-to-1 with me and my dad obviously#but the frustration is there. the distance is there. the fucking off to live on an island is there#i love him very much. sometimes i want to shake his head like a snow globe. these are often both true at the same time
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Boost Your Business Buzz: Elevate Your Ratings On Google, Zomato And Swiggy!
Every day is a chance to improve your business's rating; it starts with delivering exceptional experiences.
~ Unknown
As everything is going digital, what people write online about your restaurant or business can have a big impact on your brand reputation. Good reviews can bring in more customers, while bad ones can scare them away.
In this blog, we'll share some easy tips to help you get better ratings on Review Platforms like Google, Zomato, and Swiggy. We'll also explain how this rating system works.
If you have a business, you probably want to improve your ratings on Review Platforms. You might have heard various tips for boosting your ratings, but they won't be effective unless your customers are happy with your service.
So, the key is to focus on making your customers satisfied when they visit your place. When they have a good experience, they are more likely to leave positive reviews, which will naturally attract more people to your restaurant or business later on.
Understanding Rating Systems
Before diving into strategies to enhance your ratings, let's understand the rating systems used by these popular platforms:
Google
Google's rating system is based on a 5-star scale, with 5 being the highest rating and 1 being the lowest rating. Users can leave detailed reviews along with their ratings, sharing their experiences and opinions. Google also provides an average rating based on all reviews, which is prominently displayed in Search results in Google, Google Maps, and Google My Business profiles.
Zomato
Zomato has a two-tiered review and rating system, with separate ratings for delivery and dining. Zomato utilizes a 5-point rating system, with 5 being 'Loved It' and 1 being 'Hated It. Users can also provide detailed written reviews, making the platform valuable for both numeric and qualitative feedback. Zomato allows customers to rate both the food and the delivery service review separately. This means you can give different reviews for the food and the delivery.
Swiggy
Swiggy's rating system is also on a 5-star scale, with 5 indicating 'Loved It' and 1 representing 'Not Good.' Customers can rate their orders and provide comments on specific items, packaging, and overall service. You can also provide a thorough rating for the delivery experience by specifying what impressed you the most, such as their professionalism, Delivery Time, or if they provided exceptional service.
Strategies to Get Better Ratings
Now, let's talk about some simple ways to improve your ratings on these Review Platforms:
1. Deliver Outstanding Customer Experience
The foundation of a Positive Online Reputation is providing exceptional customer experiences. If customers are happy and satisfied with the services they receive, then there might be a chance of making them potential and loyal customers who recommend your business to others, which can help improve your business's reputation through positive word-of-mouth. Focus on ensuring that your service, food quality, staff behavior, and ambiance consistently meet or exceed customer expectations. satisfied customers are more likely to leave Positive Reviews for your business on online platforms.
2. Respond to Reviews
Respond to the Customer Reviews, both positive and negative, in a timely and professional manner. Address concerns and suggest suitable solutions so that the customer can know that their problems are being resolved and taken into consideration Thank customers for their positive feedback by giving a personal touch ( Sentiment Analysis ) so that the customer will be more satisfied. When you pay attention to your Customer's Reviews, it means you are serious about making things better and making sure your customers are happy and satisfied.
3. Request Reviews
Politely ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on review platforms. Display QR codes for review through whatsapp or share links via email and social media.. Good reviews can make a business grow faster, especially when there are more positive reviews than negative ones.
4. Be Consistent
As Consistency is the key to the business for the rapid growth, Maintaining the quality of the food and service will likely build a good impression on the customer which in turn can make the customer leave nice reviews of your business. When people have a good time, they're more likely to give you good ratings.
5. Manage negative reviews
For all businesses to grow fast it is very important to deal with negative reviews because if the business doesn't pay attention to what unhappy customers say about their businesses in terms of quality or service or any needed improvements, it can hurt our business.
6. Rewarding customers for their Positive Feedback
Rewarding customers is a nice way to say thank you when they write a review for your business. You can give them coupons or vouchers or complimentary drinks or food as a way of showing your appreciation towards guests. Their valuable positive feedback can affect the business in the right way and attract more customers to your business.
7. Visibility
Boost your ratings by enhancing online visibility! Optimize your Google My Business, improve website ranking through Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), and engage with customers on Social Media with the help of engaging posts. Encourage reviews and maintain a consistent online presence. Being Consistent on online media helps to grow more visibility of the business and can reach wider audiences.
8. Follow up with your customer through emails and feedback forms
Send friendly follow-up emails to customers asking for reviews. Creating easy, short, and less descriptive feedback forms can encourage customers to fill out the forms and provide valuable feedback. Engage and thank them for their valuable input.
9. Managing Fake Reviews for Your Business
Many businesses and restaurants are dealing with fake and spam reviews that can harm their Online Reputation. So, what can businesses do? They can take action by reporting these fake reviews as ‘Spam Reviews’ on the websites where they show up. This helps in getting an accurate image of the business. Hence, a business can achieve positive online growth by Managing Fake Reviews.
Improve your Business Online Reputation with Rannkly!
Rannkly is the best Online Reputation Management software tool for businesses. It can boost a Business's Online Reputation by keeping an eye on what people are saying about the business in reviews on different websites. It also helps by monitoring, analyzing, and responding to customer reviews.
Rannkly offers a tool to help businesses manage their customer reviews from different places all in one spot. Businesses can enhance their online presence with Rannkly's Social Media Multi-channel Publishing Tool where businesses can post or schedule their social media post on/for different channels. Due to this Business Online Visibility will increase.
Reviews help businesses know what customers think and if they're satisfied with the services or not, so the businesses can do better.
Rannkly's "Respond to Reviews" feature offers two response options. First, there's the AI Response, which automatically detects the sentiments expressed in the review (for example, good food or a bad experience) and responds accordingly to the customer's feedback.
Secondly, there's the Template Response, where a business can pre-create response templates. These templates can be used based on the star ratings received in the review. This feature allows businesses to respond quickly, especially when the AI-based response works best with descriptive reviews.
Rannkly also makes it easy for customers to leave reviews by using the QR code feature in which they can give their valuable feedback by scanning the barcode. which is a good medium to increase business rating.
Conclusion
Navigating the rating systems on Google, Zomato, and Swiggy requires different approaches. By providing excellent experiences, engaging with customer ratings and reviews, and implementing the strategies outlined in this blog, you can elevate your ratings and establish a strong online presence. Remember, maintaining a Positive Online Reputation is an ongoing effort that can significantly impact your Business's Growth in a digital era. With Rannkly, businesses can improve their marketing game and provide a better customer experience.
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Dreams of Coffee and K-pop pt.2
Pt.1
An: I found the emoji!
Tw: yandere, implied murderous intent
Disclaimer: Yanderes are abusive, this is not love.
Art cred: Kackaorz1 on Twitter
It was the day of the concert.
You had been listening to the 4NEMO music that your friend had been recommending you and had gotten quite familiar with it. Now, you were dressed in your favourite outfit, ready to attend the concert with your best friend. It was two hours before the concert started, but Venti advised you to come early so you and your friend could hang out with them and watch them warm-up.
4NEMO had gotten closer to you in the time before the concert. The boys texted you constantly and you got attached, welcoming them into your tight little circle of trust. You even all had a group chat with just you and the boys. They proved to be a pleasant way for you to blow off steam from your classes and relax so you welcomed them.
Just a week after you all had met, 4NEMO had a new hit album called "Coffee Dream". It had become your new favourite album from them, containing all of the things you loved in music. Almost as though it was made with you in mind. You even set your ringtone to the instrumental of one of the album's songs.
A beep resounded from your phone as you looked yourself over in the mirror.
A text from Venti, " Hey cutie, just wondering if you need a ride to the concert, I'd be happy to give you a ride!" The nickname 'Cutie' had been something that sort of just happened, no inside joke, just Venti teasing you. You smile and chuckle a bit then answer him.
"Yeah sure, I'm already ready so you can come now and I'm sure that they're ready too so you can pick us up now."
Five minutes later you received another text telling you that Venti was now at your apartment. Making sure to fix your hair, you went outside. Outside was a black limousine waiting for you.
"Get in, cutie! The others are starting warmups!" Venti called to you as you got in the limo, admiring the interior of the vehicle. Vent pulled you to his side, thighs touching. You were confused at his actions but then Venti slung his arm around your shoulder and explained.
"Well we've got to make sense for your friend, right? Ehe." He giggled at the end. In return, you shrugged but it did make sense so you didn't mind. Plus, this was Venti, he's always like this.
Once you got to your friend's house you saw them with a 4NEMO glow stick in hand and wearing a 4NEMO tee with the group's logo on it.
"Hey, bestie! And Venti!" You laughed at the stupid nickname and replied.
"Ok, you know you are my best friend and I love you platonically, and that I would die for you if necessary, but do not call me bestie. You can call me anything else, hell I'd even prefer if you called me your 'stupid butt-kicking partner in arson,' than whatever that was. Now, let's pretend that never happened and erase that from our memories. 'Kay?" This was just harmless teasing as you two had done much more stupid things and had many more inside jokes that no one except for you two knew about.
"Aye aye, captain!"
You talked about random subjects as the car ride went on. And Venti held onto you the whole way, almost as if he thought you might disappear. Maybe even a bit more than usual.
Once you got to where the concert would take place, Venti escorted you both to the private room where the boys were practicing.
"Hey, guys, I brought a little something!" Venti called to the other 4NEMO members, a hand on your shoulder tugging you to him.
All the group looked up from what they were doing. From Kazuha trying out different chords on the electronic piano to xiao going over some dance moves that you hadn't seen yet, to Aether doing vocal exercises. Aether and Kazuha meeting you with soft smiles. Xiao looking away from you after he met your eyes.
"So that's what you went off to do, and I almost thought you were trying to skip out on practice." Xiao retorted.
"Well it is nice to have you here with us, and you too." Aether addressed you and your friend.
It was surprisingly relaxing watching them warm-up for the concert. The practice was flawless, clear that everyone had already gotten everything down to the most minuscule detail.
"4NEMO, you ready? Shows about to
begin." One of their workers called, you fairly remember her name being Rika or something along those lines. The boys nodded already dressed in their beautiful yet casual costumes.
"Wooh! Go 4NEMO!" You called to them as you and your friend headed for where the audience had already situated itself.
(On the other side)
That past week, they had been almost three times more productive with you as their inspiration. Starting and releasing a new album dedicated to you in just a week. With you on their brains, inspiration was abundant. They were more devoted to you than even some of their superfans, Kazuha even stalking your social media in secret so he could make sure that his next compositions were to your taste.
4NEMO had been trying to express their love for you in the clearest yet unsuspicious way they could. Even referencing the day you met with the album. Nevertheless, you seemed to be only interested in friendship.
No matter, everything would go their way in the end.
Venti had put in so much effort to have you by his side, even if it was for just before the concert. Having to sneak away from the group without being noticed to go get you, paying the limo driver extra as he was only supposed to have driven 4NEMO there. Even holding back what we wanted to say to make you ditch that lousy friend of yours. Just for you to voice your feelings of devotion for them while he was in the same car!?
So oblivious, so innocent, he had to protect you.
The other boys were also surprised to see you but welcomed your presence. They all thought you would only show up at the concert, not before. But they all loved to indulge in you, so no one really minded Venti's little stunt.
4NEMO appeared on the stage. Smiling at the crowd with meaningless movie star smiles. At everyone except for you of course. All their eyes scoured the crowd for you, happy to see that you were close to the stage. Close enough, to tempt them into pulling you up to be with them.
But, they had an image to uphold. So they held off on the longing looks at you and just focused on impressing you.
"Hey, guys! Who's ready for a 4NEMO concert!?" Aether grinned and asked the crowd?
The audience wooed back, even you, something the boys genuinely smiled at.
"Well then, we've ought to get this party started!" Venti cried as the first song started.
The boys knew that this had been your first concert as you preferred more quiet, secluded ways to spend your time while your friend was the one dragging you to interact with the outside world. And they were determined to make it special. Make this day the one that makes you as head over heels in love with them as they are.
They started with a fast fan favourite, the one that you had as your ringtone. The one they created as a way to only express a fraction of the passion they felt for you.
Xiao moved beautifully and elegantly as he sang. Venti hit a flawless high note that even most female singers couldn't reach. Kazuha harmonized with them in such a beautiful way that it could take one's breath away, rapping clearly and rapidly. Aether was the one who pulled it all together, he was the leader after all.
4NEMO was pleased to find that you were enjoying the change of environment. Moving your head and singing along with some of the songs you knew.
Just one small problem.
Though it was an irritation, the boys kept up in the perfect way only they could achieve. The problem was that you just had to bring your friend with you, Venti told the others what he had heard in the car, about how you would even die for them. And they just had to separate you two, it was too much jealousy to handle.
It drove them even further, made them crave your praise even more. Even just a small compliment would suffice. So they worked their hardest at this concert. Making sure you have the time of your life.
The concert was finally over and now you could be reunited with the boys. They swarmed around you once you had arrived at their private room. Asking you how the experience was and was delighted that you said that it was "absolutely
surreal" and that you loved it. It might not have been a direct 'I love you.' But it would work for now.
Though they couldn't be with you in public due to their status, they would still have you.
They would still make you theirs.
They would remove anyone to make that happen.
And it seemed like your friend was going to be the first.
#yandere#male yandere#yandere boy#yandere blog#yandere male#Chill pill's yandere haven#yandere genshin x reader#yandere genshin impact#yandere kazuha#yandere aether#yandere venti#yandere xiao#genshin au
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Hello! I just found your Star Forged AU, and I am absolutely OBSESSED with this concept, u have no idea. 💖 I was just wondering… do the weapons have a visual reference to their soulbrothers anywhere on their ghost/humanoid forms? Like Philza having a green, red, and purple bead hanging from his hat tassel, or Ranboo wearing one blue, one red, and one green bracelet on one wrist, or the gems on Techno’s crown alternating blue, green, and purple 1/2
or Dream having blue, purple, and red stud earrings in one ear? 👀 After all, they are 4 extensions of the same whole and are inextricably intertwined for eternity; this way they could always have a little reminder of their soulmates on them somewhere. :3 2/2
Gonna compile these into one long ask so the rest of the answers are below the line safdsgfd
The running motifs present color wise are green, red, and purple, so they definitely have each others colors on them! I like having hints of different character designs so definitely
Star Forged AU: You mentioned that the weapons can see and touch each other in their ghost forms, correct? Can they feel that touch, like physically? It would kind of suck if the only thing they could ever physically feel was pain when their weapon forms are damaged. ☹ At least this way, they get some of the perks of touch as well (though I’m sure this would mean they’re all unbelievably touch-starved in the present timeline, since they’ve been separated for decades ;;).
They can feel each other's touch, yes. I forget what I've said of this, but they just can't feel stuff except for pain in weapon form. In spirit form, they are able to feel as long as it's from one of their brothers.
Star Forged AU: We know Techno can possess his wielder to fight through them if their bond is strong enough, but would it be possible for the other weapons to also sync with their wielder to an extent? Maybe not enough to completely take over their body or anything, Techno would still be the only one able to do that, but they could interact with the world this way rather than just being passive observers of it for eternity, which would probably get old quickly. 1/2
Not being able to interact with anyone or anything is… really not a great feeling, tbh. :( But this way they could do things like pet a cat, taste ice cream, smell a flower, you know, the little things that make life interesting. It would still probably be pretty annoying being bound to an inert object, but this way they could at least feel connected to the world a little more. 2/2
They can partially move themselves while in the wielder's hand, but they cannot interact with others through the wielder. They can touch things the way your hand is able to touch the water's surface before it breaks through. Animals are a bit more aware of their existence, but they cannot full hold a cat, at most maybe pet it. They were made for war, not for domesticity
Star Forged AU: Since the weapons are basically 4 extensions of 1 whole, it would be really interesting if they all embody one or two prominent emotions or personality traits that serve to complement and enhance each other when they’re together, but can get overwhelming or out of balance when they’re apart (yet another reason why their separation has been so hard on all of them). I.e. Dream is calculating, patient, and reserved while Techno is blunt, impulsive, and wears his heart on his sleeve, but when they’re together, they help to balance each other out; Techno draws Dream out of his shell by getting him to relax and go with the flow, and Dream helps Techno approach things from a more analytical and strategic angle. Something like that. :>
That's present in their fighting styles! Dream and techno on offense, but one for precision and the other for force, Phil for range, Ranboo for defense and protection. They work best together :>
Star Forged AU: I noticed in your tag that the weapons all used to have a single original owner after they were forged by Life and Death, but you hadn’t decided on who that would be yet. If that’s still the case, could I possibly suggest Niki? 😊
I envision her as a young peasant hunter/baker only barely out of her teens, who is tired of the endless conflicts surrounding her little town. She doesn’t want glory or fame or honor, she just wants to protect her family, friends, and home, which is why she was entrusted with such great and powerful weapons over some grand and important king or knight. Also, with her inclusion, the Syndicate would be complete (and since there are quite a few Syndicate!Dream AUs out there, I don’t think Dream’s presence would feel too out of place here), and I think she complements all their personalities really well. She’s passionate and feisty, but she is also nurturing and appreciates the simple things in life, like her bakery and pets.
I imagine the weapons all quickly grow to love and respect her deeply (it’s possible Techno’s ghost form has pink hair because he liked hers so much 👀), and she in turn loves and respects them just as much. She gives them their names, and she’d be a prime candidate to teach the weapons about the world and humanity from the common person’s perspective, too, to show them exactly why they exist and teach them to love what they were created to protect. After all, as the quote goes, “I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, […] I love only that which they defend.”
Phil hears music for the first time when Niki absently strums his bowstring and sings along to the sounds created by it (possibly explaining why he was so immediately drawn to Wilbur generations later). Ranboo learns what playing is when Niki uses him to sled down a snowy mountain slope, laughing all the way. Dream learns to appreciate the simple joy of providing for others when Niki uses him to chop firewood and boards for houses and fences, not to just cut down enemies. Techno understands what it means to selflessly support someone when Niki uses him as a walking stick after she is badly injured in a skirmish and can barely walk home.
I’m undecided on how her story should end, though. She could live to a ripe old age and pass on peacefully after entrusting her loyal weapons to her successor, or she could go out in a blaze of glory protecting her home and her loved ones from a dangerous threat, like the Egg or something similar. Regardless of how she goes out, though, I’d imagine the weapons all remember their original wielder very fondly and still miss her even generations later. 💔
ooooo I like that!! I was wondering whether to make niki mortal or god but her being the original wielder would be really cool :00 Unfortunately I have it so that the og wielder died and lost the weapons, so her story won't have a happy ending :'D
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Please have some Skywalker Babies + Uncle Rex.
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Title: skittles
Summary: Padme dies, but Anakin doesn't turn and as a result ends up with two little ones who are, naturally, adopted by the 501st--well, Leia is. Luke keeps getting stolen by a filthy thief.
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Rex has the twins for now. He has never felt terror like this before. He can’t stop checking over his shoulders for threats to their teeny tiny persons.
In his humble opinion, it should be illegal for humans to be born this small. He ran it past Ahsoka recently and she agreed, but she also provided intelligence that the twins’ size was not necessarily average for their species, either.
The other brothers helped him investigate this. They all gathered round and put the holonet searches on the projector so that they didn’t have to smash buckets over a datapad screen to be educated. Their search for ‘newborn natborn human baby’ was rewarded with images upon images of reddened tubies with big, round bellies and curled up limbs.
They did a new search for ‘2 weeks, natborn human baby’ and were rewarded with even more pictures, to which they held the twins up next to and found them wanting. The twins’ proportions were all wrong, their limbs were too skinny, their faces pinched. The babies on the holonet didn’t have hair, but their baby girl did.
The conclusion was that the research was inconclusive. Further, it was interrupted by the resident thief coming in to take his chances. Cody told them later, upon returning their baby boy, that they were better than this. Kenobi wasn’t slick. They needed to stop letting their guards now.
He said all this while ignoring the way the baby boy burrowed into the side of his throat and made smacking noises.
Such a strong man, that Cody. He is, unfortunately, not available now even though Rex has both twins and a heart attack waiting to happen.
The Thief is nearby. Rex can sense him. He heads back the way he came.
--
The baby girl, who has a name, but Anakin is too heartbroken to speak it, fists her hands at Rex and shakes them as if to threaten him into compliance. He does not know how to help her understand that he has not taken the blanket off her face out of malice, but rather to keep her from suffocating. She is angry with him regardless. She is often angry with him and endlessly crying when he does not put her exactly where she wants to be exactly when she wants it.
The thief calls her a princess, and so everyone else has started doing the same in lieu of her name. The child is bound to grow up thinking her name itself is ‘Princess’ at this rate. Ahsoka has been trying out different titles for her, but she doesn’t respond to them in the same way.
For all that the princess is royalty through and through, the baby boy is thoroughly a commoner. Catching him awake is a miracle. Part of that is because his waking hours are spent with the Thief, since Kenobi has decided, for some mysterious reason, that this child is his favorite of all in existence. He will not be separated from this child and when he is, he gets crafty in his attempts to get him back.
The princess does not like Kenobi. At all, period. He touches her and she screams and reaches her stubby hands for Rex. If Rex is not available to be screamed for, she will wail until her father comes to stuff her in his tunic.
Anakin is fine to hold the princess, but he cannot look upon the baby boy, even to feed him. He looks so much like his mother. It is a struggle for everyone—except Kenobi. Rex wonders aloud to Ahsoka if Kenobi will raise the boy on his own and a moment of silence fills the canteen.
Ahsoka throws herself from the room and goes sprinting for the masters’ quarters.
--
The twins are tested for Force Sensitivity and it becomes abundantly clear why Kenobi continues hoard the baby boy against all sense and wisdom. He is described by the jedi as a ‘sun’ in the Force. The princess too, but her presence in the Force blends in with her father’s until she is gazed upon in Rex’s Force-empty grip.
Only then is she, too, declared a star.
Twin stars, they are called.
‘Kenobi, put that down,’ the boy is named. ‘Kenobi, give that back,’ is his middle one.
The first time Rex sees the baby boy awake, he is startled by how blue his eyes are. His sister’s are dark, but his are light like water at the base of a waterfall. He makes a little sound and turns his heavy head to the side to blink at Rex’s forearm.
He is the older of the two, but the Princess is already overtaking him in weight. Kenobi has been scolded for this. In return, he locks everyone out of his quarters.
--
The twins are two months old when they stop being blinky-maggots and turn into smiley ones. Anakin cannot put the princess down or she will scream until she is blue in the face. As such their dedicated General can be found with his arms full, slowly banging his head against the nearest hard object.
He calls her ‘Leia.’ Princess Leia.
The baby boy is ‘Luke.’ Just Luke.
Anakin spends his time these days bouncing Leia and on the hunt for his son. He walks like a zombie towards Kenobi’s door and plasters his back against it. He slides down and tries desperately not to fall asleep at the bottom.
He will not let Rex take the princess when he’s in this state. He wants only for Kenobi to open the door so that he can fall back onto his floor and demand his son. Kenobi never gives him his son back. There is no longer any question that baby Luke is Kenobi’s child. The fact that he’s been produced by Anakin and Padme is a footnote in the broader history being made here.
Kenobi will, however, take Princess Leia, too, if left unsupervised. She still hates him—more than ever, really, but he doesn’t mind. He likes to lay the twins out together so that Leia’s jerky fussing will ruin Luke’s sleep cycles.
Kenobi is a man with no respect for the law in these parts. More jedi masters have to step in to get him under control. Master Koon takes the most pity on Anakin and gives him both of his children. The masters and the clones watch him stagger up with both babies and drunkenly return to their quarters.
A note is made to check on all three of them in fifteen minutes.
--
The twins, at 6 months old, have developed even more distinct personalities and hair. So much hair. Ahsoka puts Leia’s hair in pigtails and Leia will scream if anyone tries to adjust them or if she feels that they are falling out of shape.
Rex’s hands were once clumsy around ring-sized rubber bands. He is now an expert. He is such an expert that he can even make the occasional one stay in Luke’s slippery hair, which, of course, invokes an expression of betrayal in Luke that is so comical, Rex can’t see it without being brought to tears.
Luke hates him for this. He whimpers for his father—no, not that one. The good one.
These days, Kenobi is a cat who has gotten the cream.
The boy called him ‘dada’ before he gave the name to Anakin, and Kenobi nearly lost his life for it. He regrets nothing. He is technically barred from being around Luke, both by the other jedi and by Anakin specifically, but rules are things for other people in Kenobi’s world.
Anakin threatens him with bodily harm at every opportunity that he is not holding his daughter upside down.
She enjoys this. This is not just a daddy-thing to her either; she expects everyone to carry her like this. If not feet-to-the-sky, then at least draped over an arm, face-down like a sack of flour. She hums the way a cat would purr.
--
At nine months the babes are mobile and it is the worst thing that has happened to Anakin besides Padme’s death. They are not effectively mobile, but they are professionals at grabbing things and hauling themselves up to their chubby feet. Leia holds onto the fingers of anyone she can get and makes every brother who passes her walk her on their feet to her chosen destination.
Luke is a little slower.
He can get to his feet, but what he wants is to bounce there. If anyone tries to hold his hands, he clams up and falls down and doesn’t get up.
Anakin has begun negotiating with Leia to be more like her brother. She laughs at his face in great peels when he does this. She finds his serious expressions hilarious and wants to cuddle him anytime they appear which is great for domestic time and not so great for council or state meetings. Anakin has taken to appearing before these people with Leia latched around his ankle. Only her, though. Luke can’t bear being in the presence of so many bodies at once. He becomes overwhelmed and handles the pressure by going to sleep. Or crying.
For Kenobi, of course.
And when Kenobi is not around, they all may as well go start digging their own graves before the guilt propels them to do it anyways.
Luke is not a big crier. Anakin can’t understand him. They’ve had many conversations about telling adults when he needs things, all of which Luke elects to ignore in favor of trying to eat bugs and dig in sand.
The latter is the greatest sin that Anakin can dream of.
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I just think that, given the opportunity, Obi-Wan would be the best grandpa ever and by best, I mean he would see his chance to have a baby and Anakin would end up chasing him around going ‘he’s MY mistake and MY responsibility, you crusty old fucker, give him back’ while Obi-Wan talks to Ahsoka about how nice the weather is.
#star wars#captain rex#Anakin Skywalker#Luke Skywalker#leia organa#Obi-Wan Kenobi#ficlet#fic#don't mind me I'm just over here doing shit other people have probably done already without a damn care in the world
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For bunny AU! If request are still open, is there a favourite room in the basement among the premium members? Like what room they prefer to make out in, and who will they being in that specific room!
The different rooms in The Basement
In The Basement of Celestia’s Bunny Cafe, there are 10 rooms. 1 security booth and 9 separate bedrooms, each with different themes, where you can take a bunny boy of your choosing to spend some…’Quality time’ together.
Room 1: the basic suite 🏡
This room is modeled to look like any modern bedroom in a nice house. It gives that ‘we live together and are happily married together’ vibes that many customers enjoy! White, pristine sheets, a beautiful wooden bed frame, hanging plants and fake windows all set the scene. It almost feels like coming home after a long day of work to have some fun with your lover. Except you paid for this 0-0 this room is a classic because it was the first one to open! The basic suite and the regal suite were the only two rooms open for the first 2 months of…Basement activity offered at the cafe
This room is loved by all of the bunnies cause it’s a neutral, welcoming space. Diluc loves it!! Zhongli enjoys it but it looks a lot like his own bedroom…hmm…
Room 2: the regal suite 🌹
This room is made to feel like a royal bedroom! Something straight out of the palace of Versailles! Intricate decorations, the theme of pink and gold everywhere. Cream colored marble tiles, a veil covering the bed, pretty vases full of flowers, an old armoire in the corner where toys and extra sheets are kept. The light fixture is nice touch, it’s made to look like a little chandelier! Fake candles are also places around the room for an warm, golden glow. Faint violin music is played but it can be turned off if you’d rather fuck in silence. You’ll feel like a million bucks in here!!
Kaeya loves this room of course, he just has good taste! Albedo also likes this room, he likes the pretty glow of the fake candles :)
Room 3: the ‘bare bones’ suite 💀
This room is for those who just want to get down and dirty. This room is exactly what it sounds like. The bare minimum. A mattress on the floor and that’s it. This room is for those who plan on getting rough or messy, there’s no need to worry about breaking the bed frame or knocking anything over, the whole room is free reign. Each room has its own bathroom attached, this one is minimal as well. A shower, toilet and sink. No decorations. It’s literally…an empty room. Go wild
This is Dottore’s favorite because he doesn’t have to worry about paying his bosses back if he damages something. There’s nothing to damage!! Except you 0-0…kidding
Room 4: the 80s suite 🧡
This room is modeled after a modern day 80s aesthetic, not the old 80s where everything was wood and dingy looking. Fun, vibrant posters litter the walls, the sheets are red, orange and blue, there’s a lava lamp and funky lighting! 80s music is played and the best part is there’s a pole in the room along with an orange, plastic chair. Sit back and enjoy a show cause you very well could be getting a lap dance to Queen songs. Freddie would have wanted it this way
Ajax loves this room! He knows how to get down and groove!!…kinda.
Room 5: the club suite 👯
Laser lights, mirrored ceiling, a stripper pole and loud music, the atmosphere of this room is meant to feel like a club! It’ll get your blood pumping, that’s for sure!! When you lay back in bed, you’re met with your own reflection on the ceiling, you have a perfect view of yourself getting fucked or, instead, you can turn your attention to the pole and get a dance from your bunny too!! Bring some singles with you and make it rain!!
The better question here is ‘who doesn’t like this room?’. All of the bunnies love this room, it’s fun and energetic, it’s loud and you can be as loud as you want. Probably the most fun room available!
Room 6: the honeymoon suite 💞
This room is full of red and pink! From the heart shaped bed to the rose petals on the sheets, champagne in glasses by the bedside, the whole experience is meant to feel like a honeymoon fling. Guests love the overall feel of this room and some worry this may ruin their future honeymoon for them 0-0 uh oh!!
Baizhu loves this room because it feels very intimate! And those who pick this room usually aren’t looking for a fast, hard fuck, more like something slow and loving which he prefers as well. Diluc loves the intimate aspect of this room too, he’s here to please and he’ll take on the role of your fictional husband if that’s what pleases you. He kinda likes it too…
Room 7: the glow suite 🔮
This room is lit by black lights. Every decoration, the sheets and tiles are meant to glow. The walls are covered in swirly paint designs, the sheets are patterned and the tiles have mirrored chips in them so the whole room has a fun, funky glow to it! You’re encouraged to wear glow rings!! And glowing condoms are provided for free, they’re in a bucket buy the door! What could be more fun than a glow room???
Scramouche is a big fan of this room! It reminds him of an arcade or roller rink, which were some of his favorite places when he was younger. Ajax likes this room cause he thinks having a glow dick is funny. What an idiot lmao
Room 8: the sea suite 🌊
Like the glow suite, this room is relatively dark. However, projections of water and fish are all over the ceiling and walls. You and your bunny will both look stunning in the calming, blue light. There are faint sounds of the waves being played throughout the room, the sheets are blue silk, the floors are sparkly blue tile. The original plan was to have a water bed in here but Ninnguang realized that would be a poor investment 0-0 not everyone chooses to be gentle and nothing would kill the mood faster than popping the waterbed you’re fucking on 0-0
Dain’s favorite room by far. He loves the sound of the ocean and blue is his favorite color! Being bathed in royal blue together…Ah…Yes, this is nice
Room 9: the star suite ⭐️
The star suite is similar to the sea suite except this one has projections of galaxies and stars all over the place. The bed is in the center of the room and is in the shape of a circle. The sheets are silky smooth and soft music plays in the background. The black, glittery tiles are cool beneath your feet and the purple glow of the room is soothing as much as it is beautiful. You look so pretty in the purple light with projected stars twinkling on your skin <3 after you two are finished, you can lay on your back and watch for shooting stars
Xiao’s favorite room…He’s a bit sappy. He enjoys watching the stars with his customers after finishing, laying back to catch his breath, looking over at you to see you covered in stars. That’s a view that’ll never get old. Dain also likes this room, he does a lot of stargazing at home so this is relaxing to him too :)
#series: bunny cafe 💕#enjoy😈#series: notsfw#I won’t tag genshin this time cause I barely mention anyone tbh#don’t wanna clog those tags 0-0#night posts
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