#then it doesn't make sense to pay much attention to them or to stress out too much about that kind of thing

[egophiliac]

Hi there! I really love your comics and how expressive they are. How do you go about making the characters in your comic so expressive?

thank you! 💚💜💚 I am REALLY bad at explaining things, so my apologies if this doesn't make a lot of sense, but maybe there's something helpful in here somewhere. :')

1. warm up! drawing is a physical activity, after all! so if I'm planning on sitting down and drawing for a while, I usually start off by taking a couple of minutes to doodle a bunch of circles and lines and random shapes, just to get my drawing arm goin' again and get back into the physical groove. just stuff like this:

and just do that for however long you feel like! you can kind of feel when your arm starts to loosen up and your strokes get more confident. it makes it a lot easier to get those swoopy big lines and gestures!

2. play around with how you use your lines! paying attention to the shapes that they're making will change a lot about how much force and life your drawing feels like it has. (no way is better than another, it just depends on what effect you're going for and how it looks as part of the larger whole.)

and you can also use lines against each other to get different vibes:

it's not really a matter of "you need to make sure all your lines are always doing this all the time", it's more like...being aware of it, and getting that into the general thrust of a pose, if that makes sense? like a lot of smaller lines of action, beyond the big one that goes through the spine.

(just gonna use my own art as examples, apologies)

if you have a good foundation of tension, then all of the little bumps and contours of a character's details won't get in the way of it, and it'll still come through.

and don't forget about negative space either! the spaces between things have their own interesting shapes too!

I don't mean this to come off as, like, all these extra things that you need to be constantly thinking about and stressing over. more like...just try different stuff and then see how it works and how it changes the feeling! if you find a good shape, see if you can exaggerate it and make it more interesting, and how that affects things! angles and shapes are a LOT of fun to experiment and mess around with, especially when you're going more cartoony. :D

3. acting!

just...spending a little time to think about what the characters are actually doing! (aka the "figuring out what everyone is doing with their hands" bit.) this is more a personal preference, but especially in multi-panel comics, I like to have them be in the middle of doing stuff. not just big actions, but smaller things -- like even just how they're sitting or standing -- so that it feels like we're looking in on the middle of a scene, instead of a couple of characters just standing around neutrally and staring straight ahead while talking at each other.

this probably sounds really obvious, but it is one of the most fun parts for me! I love trying to find some little action or something that they can be involved in, especially if it's relevant to their character or adds an extra joke. (for some reason this usually involves me being mean to Sebek) (I'm sorry)

it doesn't need to be everyone Always! Doing! Something! all the time, especially if starts becoming distracting (sometimes they do actually need to just be standing around neutrally and staring straight ahead, especially if there's a bigger action going on that you want the audience to focus on instead). but even just figuring out some kind of non-neutral pose for them to be in can add a lot and make it feel less generic!

3. thumbnailing!

this is, again, very much a personal preference; unfortunately, every artist really is different, and we all have different processes that work better for us. so I can only speak to my personal experience! but I find what helps is to start REALLY rough -- not so much as in messy, as in not trying to start right into actually drawing everything out. like, literally just starting with stick figures and :O faces.

it probably doesn't sound relevant when talking about Drawing Expressively, but I find it's really, really helpful to have already figured out what everyone should be doing (acting!) and what the overall general layout and flow of things should be, before getting into the actual meat of drawing the characters. like having a sketch for the sketch!

(good compositional flow is something I struggle with, and text layout especially, so this stage also helps a LOT with making sure things are fitting where I want them and staying consistent/not breaking screen direction/etc.)

then after that, I can go ahead and focus on getting those Shapes and Lines and Angles and all that, without having to think too much about the layout or where things should go!

(of course, the downside of that is that my thumbnails are usually way better than my actual drawings, alas alas.)

4. this is more philosophical, but...give yourself some slack. the stress of Making Things Look Good is, ironically, often the biggest problem. (see: thumbnails looking better than the actual drawings.) so...let yourself draw shittier and without regards to accuracy. make things just for yourself without thinking about posting or showing them to anyone else. draw stupid faces and wrong proportions because they feel better that way. focus on what's fun and not on getting a perfect end result. "draw expressively, not well", as they say -- you can always tighten up things like proportions and details later, if you really want to.

that's all WAY easier said than done -- god knows I haven't really managed it -- but even just aiming for that attitude really, REALLY helps. if your lines are confident, they'll look a lot more alive and expressive than lines that are exactly technically precise but have no rhythm in them. (this is why tracing photographs tends to look so weirdly stiff and unrealistic, by the way -- even if you're drawing realistically, you usually need to exaggerate and stylize a little bit so it doesn't look lifeless.) it's a balance between caring about what you draw, but also being willing to let things go a little bit.

↑ I hope some of this helps! I don't know if any of this was actually what you had in mind, let alone much of it actually made sense outside of my head. :') but hopefully you (or other people) will be able to get something out of it!

#art #twisted wonderland #(not really related but since that's what the examples are) #i'm so sorry most of my art advice boils down to 'SHAPES ARE FUN' #(they are though)

[wachi-delectrico]

Officially in my "idgaf about relationships" era

#rambling #In reality i do care but since rn nobody wants me & I'm not gonna go around chasing men who only wanna fuck #then it doesn't make sense to pay much attention to them or to stress out too much about that kind of thing #The other day I did realize how this February will be my first valentine's day alone and got a bit sad though #But it's more sadness at the concept of a situation i haven't been in front of before i think #Like the anxiety and expectation over how things will be different and how to adapt to that #But other than that idc #Not really crushing much on my crush anymore #Feeling like he doesn't give much of a damn about me now that we aren't sexting lol which isn't that a nice feeling to have about a friend #Anyways

[angelltheninth]

YOUUUUU... YOUU.... (　:ﾟ皿ﾟ) YOU'RE THE CULPRIT WHO CAUSED MY EXTREME HSR BRAINROT GRRRRR (/pos)

i loveloveloveloveloveLOOOOOOVE your writing first of all (*σ´ｪ｀)σ

AND SECOND OF ALL THE WAY U WRITE HSR MEN HAS MY TOES CURLING AND CRAMPING. anyways! we need more love for DR RATIO plsplsplsplspslsplspslsspdlshq

i am humbly requesting for headcanons of veritas as a lover (husband) sfw and nsfw pretty pls :3

(can i be 👾 or ⛸️ anon if any of those are available ?? if not, i give u free real estate to pick (ФωФ))

You got me, I'm guilty lol.

Pairing: Veritas Ratio x Fem!Reader

Tags: nsfw, fluff, smut, domestic bliss, eating together, working too much, lazy sex, bathing together

A/N: I'm not smart, I can't do math at all.

Your husband Veritas Ratio wakes up before you and plans his entire day while making sure he leaves enough quality time to spend with you and leave enough time for a good night of rest

Your husband Veritas Ratio looks forward to you visiting him at work and bringing him a meal that you can eat together, he's had enough of those snack bars

Your husband Veritas Ratio always leaves notes around your home, he's organized but it doesn't make any sense to you cause you don't see the patterns he does so to you it's just chaos

Your husband Veritas Ratio mistook his work notebook for your notebook of potential baby names and spent whole day thinking about what a perfect mix of you two might be like, it was that night that you decided to try for a baby

Your husband Veritas Ratio gets carried away with talking about you, he gets carried away with everything so everyone at work knows so much about you now, which he hates but it's his own fault

Your husband Veritas Ratio remembers your anniversary so he can take the whole day off, but for that he worked extra hard the weeks before so he has a lot of stress to fuck out, you better be ready

Your husband Veritas Ratio likes to play a game where mumbles equations in your ear and then wants you to repeat them back to him, for each one you get correct you get an orgasm

Your husband Veritas Ratio blushes pretty easily when you wash his back, he likes to be in the bath with you, not the in his opinion, too soft side it draws from him so he needs to balance it with sucking on your tits while he rapidly moves his fingers in and out of your already wet pussy

Your husband Veritas Ratio spends a lot of time in his study so you get needy, prompting you to suck his cock under said desk until he loses his focus and has to pay attention to his loving wife

Your husband Veritas Ratio never thought he'd go crazy for your small baby bump but there he was, kissing and rubbing it while desperately fucking his cock between your soft, clenched thigh because he doesn't want to risk hurting the growing baby

Dividers by: @/cafekitsune

#honkai star rail x reader #hsr x reader #veritas ratio x reader #honkai star rail imagines #hsr imagines #veritas ratio imagines #honkai star rail headcanons #hsr headcanons #veritas ratio headcanons #honkai star rail fluff #hsr fluff #veritas ratio fluff #honkai star rail smut #hsr smut #veritas ratio smut #honkai star rail x you #hsr x you #veritas ratio x you #honkai star rail x female reader #hsr x female reader #veritas ratio x female reader #hsr veritas #hsr dr ratio #x female reader

[chirpsythismorning]

This is everything the Stranger Things writers have posted publicly about the WGA strike:

TIMELINE

May 3rd:

Stranger Things writer Caitlin Schneiderhan tweets picture from personal Twitter account of sign from the strike that reads 'Pay us or Steve Harrington is toast'

May 6th:

Official Stranger Writers Twitter account makes post on behalf of the Duffers Brothers. They have since pinned this tweet to their profile. "Duffers here. Writing does not stop when filming begins. While we're excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then -- over and out. #wgastrong

Bonus:

May 12th:

Stranger Things writer Kate Trefry posts picture from personal Tumblr account of sign that reads, 'Byler won’t write itself'

As far as I know, the two writers that posted on their personal socials are the only writers from ST that even have personal accounts that are public, whereas the rest of the writers do not.

What does make me take a pause though, is that, while yes they did post these pictures from their personal accounts, which is about as official as it gets, they also cryptically did not include themselves in said pictures...

This just got me thinking about how Stranger Things is quite literally Netflix and vise versa. They are practically one in the same, where one without the other just doesn't make sense.

While this conflict of interest might run deep for many writers out there fearing to speak out against their employer, for us, the consumers, the fans, we as a collective have so much more power than we realize.

In contrast to the writers, streamers can't just fire their consumer base sometime down the line, out of spite for speaking out. Without consumers, neither Stranger Things nor Netflix would be what it is today.

We have the affordance of being able to speak up the loudest of anyone. And so why wouldn't we take advantage of that?

There are so many people out there protesting: writers, actors, others in the industry and even outside of it who are also taking a stand, many who need support so that they can continue to fight in the upcoming days, weeks, months, without being deterred by corporations that are making them feel greedy for demanding a contract that at most, asks that they be paid fairly.

And so I want to encourage anyone that is reading this, but fellow fans of Stranger Things especially, who have so much power in this strike when it comes to getting Netflix's attention, to consider taking the time to do whatever you can individually + with the masses as a community in order to best support the strike.

Follow the Strike! If you're active on various social media already, please be sure to follow the official accounts advocating for the strike via Instagram (@writersguildwest/@wgaeast), via Twitter (@WGAWest/@WGAEast). Engage with posts from folks that are out there daily, many with whom you can find by following tags like #WGAStrong, #WGAStrike and #WritersStrike. Although most fans are not able to join in picketing themselves, we can at least recognize all of those out there's individual efforts and do our best to show that we're paying attention and listening!

Spread the word! Show support any way you can by sharing posts and articles about the strike, or even fun memes to inform others in a more engaging way. This is the official site for the WGA strike if you want to learn more about what’s going on before diving in! And make sure to stay up-to-date here as things continue to unfold!

Donate! The Entertainment Community Fund is endorsed by the WGA for anyone that wants to support those affected by the strike financially. And this thread on Twitter is an incredible resourse, as it provides an ‘easy, one-click, stress-free, accessible-to-all-budgets’ ways you can support folks on the front lines.

Also! Consider donating through this link for the Entertainment Community Fund, where the money donated still goes directly to that fund, this is just an organizing page for Stranger Things fans specifically! By allowing fans to see how much of an impact we make as a collective, in real time, this could encourage even more ST fans to want to contribute. In a best case scenario, if this GoFundMe were to reach impressive proportions of donations from fans, that could lead to news outlets reporting on it, which could allow an opportunity for even more eyes on the strike, while also even more importantly being able to provide financial support to those that need it.

Trend! On social media, use #StrangerFansforWGA to trend or even just to reach other fans also looking to come together to support the strike!

While I know this post probably wont reach anywhere outside of Tumblr, I want to make a point to encourage those of you that are on other platforms to inform fans in those spaces about the strike and what they can do to help!

We might not all agree on everything, but I think we can agree on at least one thing... @Netflix & all major streamers and networks out there, who are still refusing to make a fair deal: PAY YOUR WRITERS!

In the mean time, if you're interested in working on different ideas for initiates we can carry out as a fandom, please reach out to me! I might only one person and I might not have all the answers and solutions, but I do know that with more of us working together, our odds of making an impact are much greater!

Over and out!

#byler #stranger things #strangerfansforwga #wga strike #writers strike #st writers #duffer brothers #twitter #tiktok #reddit #netflix #PAY YOUR WRITERS #I am more than happy to discuss ideas for how we can come together as a fandom to have an impact #things we can do and work together to accomplish #anyone that already has personal initiatives for fans related to the strike please reblog with details if you want and i will share! #i know some fans were donating funds in exchange for artprints with their owrk #stuff like that is wonderful #supporting artists regardless is so important and so anything like that I would love to know about! #also i would not be against getting money for blimp to fly over netflix calling out ted sarandos #blip... #full disclosure i have just donated $29 to the entertainment community fund through the gofundme! #right now we are over halfway to the $500 goal #hoping the gofundme can reach its goal sooner than later #that way the money can be allocated instead of just sitting there #to those that can't donate!? No pressure!!! #this is just meant to be an option for those that want to and are able to at this point in time #a lot of the fandom brings so much value to these spaces #with the time and dedication we all put into supporting the show FOR FREE #I believe we can use that skill to our advantage #and that arguably has just as much value and impact as money

[oppopotamus]

hear me out on my glorious king sukuna, but more specifically, megkuna, after the gojo vs sukuna fight ryomen decides to show off by fucking his slut (the reader) in front of everybody thru the eyes of mel mei’s crows, forcing everyone to realize who the real strongest sorcerer is, the reader is like uraume in a sense but instead of being a personalized chef/assistant the reader is sukuna’s lifelong cocksleeve, btw ur work is absolutely BEAUTIFUL keep it up handsome 🫶🏽

Cocksleeve

THIS WAS SO SCRUMPTIOUS TY

srry it took so long I took a MASSIVE break from writing

also TYSM ily <33

Warning: NSFW, sukuna calls you cockwhore, cocksleeve, etc, you can't say no, you don't know the crows r watching

You were breathing heavily, rushing around to find Sukuna, you had no idea where he was an you were scared.

You ran for what felt like ages until you found him, "Sukuna!" You called you to him as you ran up to him, looking up at the tall curse.

"Ah, you're here." Sukuna didn't even look at you, keeping his eyes focused on some crows that were observing you both while perched on the trees.

"Why are you looking at the birds?" You ask, tilting your head curiously.

"Oh..." That's when Sukuna smirks, suddenly getting an idea. "Yes, they're just birds, don't worry about them."

You raise an eyebrow at his suspicious behaviour but choose not to comment on it, instead you fidget with the sleeves of your sweater.

"Why don't we have some fun, hm? I'm awfully stressed after my fight y'know." Sukuna asks, but really you don't actually have a choice, although he always asks, you can't refuse him.

"Right here? But... what if someone sees...?" You ask nervously, still fidgeting with the sleeves of your sweater.

"Nobody is around, no-one will see." Sukuna smirks, looking directly at one of the crows.

"Plus, you know you can't say no to me."

You nervously shuffle your feet, you know you can't refuse, an although you're used to sex with Sukuna, you always get nervous.

"Alright then..."

Sukuna doesn't need anymore encouragement before he's spinning you around, pushing you down onto the ground in a downward dog position.

You yelp and quickly place your hands in front of you to support yourself as Sukuna presses down on your lower back, forcing you onto your knees.

He wants to do it Doggystyle I guess...

You let out a quiet whine and stay still waiting for Sukuna's next move.

He smacks your ass with his large hand, making you jump, it didn't hurt much since you were wearing jeans but it still gave you a slight shock.

Sukuna slowly drags your pants and underwear down, making them bunch up at your knees. He grabs the butt plug you have in an wiggles it around, making you whine.

"Mm, Kuna..."

"Yes, my little pet?"

You wiggle your ass impatiently, you hate being teased.

He drags the plug out, making you hiss and shiver.

"You're so loose, did you wear this all day?" He asks while shoving the plug into his pocket for later.

You whine and nod as he rubs his thumb over your whole, not pressing in, just teasingly rubbing it.

"That's what I like to see, what a good boy."

Sukuna smirks and pulls his cock out, slapping it against your ass.

Before you know it he's thrusting in and out of you at an inhumane pace, you scream and dig your nails into the ground.

"Good little cocksleeve, huh?" Sukuna asks as he smacks your ass, his other hand holding onto your waist to keep you still as he relentlessly fucks you.

"Bein' such a good boy for me, yeah? You gonna be a good cockwhore and take all my cock?"

"Mm! Y-Yes! I-I'll be good... m' promise-"

Your arms give out, forcing you to fall onto your chest with your ass in the air.

You look back over your shoulder at Sukuna but he's not paying attention to you, rather to the crows.

You find it odd how focused he is on them, but you pay no mind to it, you're too focused on how fucking fast Sukuna's fucking you.

"Kuna! Kuna!" You whine and moan, your hands digging into the ground as your legs shake.

"You gonna cum? Yeah? Cum for me, baby." Sukuna groans as he feels your hole tighten as you cum, squeezing around his cock making him fill you up.

The second Sukuna pulls out your entire body falls limp onto the cold ground, breathing heavily and sweating.

"Good boy." Sukuna chuckles and gives your ass a tight squeeze before pulling the plug out of his pocket, he shoves it back into your ass, making sure all his cum is kept in your hole.

The feeling makes you whine and squirm, but you have to admit, it's really hot.

"I hope they had a good show." Sukuna smirks, looking up at the crows.

"Huh? You hope who had a good show? The crows?" You ask in confusion.

"You could say that."

#male reader #male reader blog #male reader smut #bottom male reader #ryomen sukuna #sukuna #jjk #jjk sukuna #sub male reader

[fandoms--fluff]

Hey i was wandering is you can make one of Katherine second daughter she is like 9 months old and the scoby gang descomer her and use agents her but , Stefan doesn’t like that so he grave her and vampire sped to take her to Katherine and she is happy to have her little baby girl back with her.

My Baby Girl

Baby daughter reader x Katherine Pierce

Warnings: kidnapping, talk of death (but none happenes)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Walking into the boarding house, Stefan hears small cries and his brother apparently trying to stop the crying. What? Confused, he speeds into the library where he sees his brother, Elena, Caroline, Tyler, and Jeremy. And wait, the crying isn't one of them, it's coming from the tiny baby, wrapped haphazardly in a blanket in Damon's arms. (Not like Damon's holding you correctly or that safe for that matter).

"What's going on? Who's baby is that?" Stefan asks, your crying getting louder. You look alarmingly familiar, he just can't tell how or why.

"We had a chance, so we took it" Elena says as nobody seemed to answer the question.

"What chance? And why does it involve a baby?" Stefan asks, not understanding what she's on about.

"Well brother, we need leverage on Kitty Kat, so what better than the one person she cares about most" Damon smirks, not paying any attention to your flailing limbs. You can tell the guy who's holding you is bad. He took you from your mama.

Stefan face immediately slackens and pales. "Please don't tell me you took her daughter?!" Stefan exclaims, putting together why you look familiar.

"Stef, it was the only opening we could get with Katherine distracted, so we came up with a quick and easy plan against the murderous bitch. And it worked, we now have y/n to use against her" Caroline tells him from where she's sitting in front of the fireplace.

"It's the best thing we could do, she's all killed us or torcherd and manipulated us at some point" Jeremy adds on, arms crossed.

You don't want to be in the man's arms. You want to be at home in your Mama's caring and loving arms.

"This is not alright. Yes, she's done horrible things, but that doesn't mean that you should take her daughter and put her in danger, just to get back at Katerine. Have you thought about the long term problems? Katherine will no doubtly come after all of us for this, especially you" Stefan points at Elena. "And then if she haven't already killed us, I'm guessing y/n is her only wore to her full humanity. So, if anything happens to her daughter, just imagine Katherine turning it off." Stefan explains, taking slow steps towards the group.

"It's Katherine, she doesn't care about anyone but herself" Tyler says.

"Have any of you ever thought that it could just be a front from what happened before she had to turn into a vampire to survive Klaus and then run from him till thus day?" He asked, looking around the room of dumbfounded faces. " Didn't think so" Stefan says.

In one swift motion, Stefan plucks you out of Damon's arms and vamp speeds out and far from the boarding house. He stops at the edge of town, and starts walking fast over to where he knows Katherine's been staying. As he's walking, he gently bounces you, trying to calm your crying down. And to his surprise, it starts working.

Your sobbing turns into light sniffles and no longer are any of your limbs flailing about. You can somehow sense that he's nice, and caring.

Katherine's pacing back and forth, thinking of all the different ways she's going to get her baby girl back and how much the entire mystic falls gang will suffer for taking you. She's been so stressed, not knowing what to do, not knowing if you're safe and if she does go after Damon, will something happen to you in retaliation?.

She stops her pacing once she hears knocking at the front door. Walking over, ready for a fight, she opens the door.

To her complete surprise, she sees Stefan holding you in his arms. Immediately she picks you up into hers, and cuddles you close to her chest.

You snuggle into your Mama's warm chest right away. Your tiny hands curl around the soft black fabric of her shirt as she places small kisses onto your forehead.

Walking away from the threshold with you tightly secured in her arms, she motions for Stefan to come in. "Why did you bring her back?" She asks. As soon as she saw Damon take you, she immediately assumed everyone was in on it and knew about it.

"Because what they did, what Damon did, was wrong. No one should ever take a baby away from their mom" Stefan answers simply.

"But you all hate me. I thought something...something was going to happen m" Katherine says, vulnerability showing through her voice as she hugs you closer to her.

"I'm so sorry for what happened. No mom should have to ever go through that worry" Stefan places his hand on her arm gently.

"I couldn't stop him...he took my baby girl" she says quietly, a small tear travels down her cheek.

After a pause, Stefan brings Katherine into his arms, not too tight, making sure not to bring any harm to you as you're about to fall asleep.

Katherine hesitantly rests her head against his shoulder, hoping it's real and not a hallucination. "I'll always be here if you need to talk. Just don't tell anyone about that" Stefan whispers.

"Thank you" she whispers back.

#katherine pierce #katherine pierce x reader #katherine pierce x daughter reader #daughter reader #pierce reader #katherine pierce x baby daughter reader #baby reader #stefan salvatore #katherine pierce x female reader #cute #steferine #fluff #imagines #thevampirediaries #fanfic #writing #comfort

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

aita for trying to play matchmaker? for context, this all happened months ago but is coming back now. about halfway through my (18F) senior year of high school, my friend L (also 18F) started crushing on a boy she sat with in math class (18M). she only admitted it to me and the rest of our friend group after we begged her to tell us who she liked for weeks, but in hindsight, it was sort of obvious she really likes him. i have a lot of candid pics on my phone of her glancing over at him during class when she wasn't paying attention but that's beside the point. she wasn't making any moves at all to let him know how she felt and start going out with him, so after a while, we decided to give her a little push. we encouraged her, made subtle hints towards him that someone in class had a crush on him, and when that still wasn't enough, i wrote a love letter for her to sign and give to him. it was easy. prom was a couple of months away by that point and if she was going to struggle so hard to find the words, it made sense for her to just give him a note telling him what she wanted to say. but still, L was stubborn and continued to claim that she wasn't interested in dating at all. apparently she didn't like him *that* much and she was happy just being friends with him (not very convincing when she was constantly making googly eyes at him). she's always been shy, though, and if she doesn't get out of her shell, she's never going to survive in college. for more motivation, i gave her a time limit: if she didn't sign her love letter and give it to him within two weeks, i was going to go up to him and tell him that she liked him. the time game and on the final day, she told me she did it. i trusted her even though she was acting suspicious (barely speaking to him, practically running out of the class they shared together that day, avoiding the friend group for most of the day) but i found out after talking to him later that she lied to me and actually threw the note away. when i confronted her the next day, she apologized and told me that she was terrified i would actually tell him about her crush (i was joking about that, and it hurt that she didn't trust me). out of spite, she ended up asking out one of her childhood friends to prom as her platonic date just so she could say "oh no, sorry, but i already have a date" whenever we tried to help her get with her crush in the future. prom and graduation passed, and the two of them haven't talked much since. i thought this whole situation was over with, but recently, L has been avoiding all of us and makes excuses to not hang out with us. we only have so much time together before she moves out of state for college, so i got a mutual friend to check on her and see what's up. apparently, L's still holding a grudge about how we tried to set her up with the boy. she claims that she was so stressed out for all of senior year that she started getting constant nightmares because of us, and she's upset we never respected her boundaries. however, i think that she's overexaggerating. if it was that serious, she knows that she can always just talk to us instead of keeping it all in so she can make me out to be the bad guy to other people. besides, we were doing what was best for her. he was the first guy she's ever had a crush on, and L has a history of letting her shyness get the better of her. i didn't want her to miss out on this opportunity to be happy, and if she just took our advice instead of acting childish, i'm sure she would have thanked us. i reached out to tell her i'm sorry if she thought i was being too pushy, but it's been days and she still hasn't replied to me. aita?

What are these acronyms?

#aita #am i the asshole

[satureja13]

Jack's Therapy Game (From the beginning: -> here)

After Jack cared for the horses and Lou prepared the room for Jack, they went over to the Pub. Jack didn't get kicked out like Vlad and no one asked about his 'status'.

Jack: "About the money for the room and stuff... I'll get a job right tomorrow morning. I heard the sculptor is hiring." Lou: "Oh no, no one works for the sculptor." Jack: "I don't have problems to take my shirt off." Lou: "It's not this. We don't talk about it. Don't you worry, you can help me at the shop."

Lou noticed Jack's rash. Lou: "Isn't this painful? I've heard about this. Did your Alpha die? If you don't get this treated you might die too, you know that, don't you?" Jack: "No, he didn't die - it's uhm... complicated and yes..." Now that he thinks about it, it doesn't hurt! He didn't even pay attention since he was so stressed about being locked up. But as far as he remembers, it didn't hurt since he entered the game!

Jack: "I'm fine :3 So, are these your horses?" Lou: "No, Lunatic belongs to no one but he kind of lives here and Val is the horse of a friend from the neighboring village. But he's here all the time because they are deeply in love." Jack: "Is that so." Does that mean this friend is NPC Jeb? Well, since Ji Ho and some of their other friends are also here as NPCs, it would make sense. Jack hopes he can talk to one of them soon to see how 'real' their NPC versions are. Tiny Can maybe does this so they feel comfortable in their therapy.

Even the Queen and the Prince Caleb are here tonight. And he's seen NPC Leander, Barfolomew and: Greg -.- But the Queen and Greg don't sit together. Like at the Arena. That's good news! Jack: "Is the Queen married?" Lou: "No. And she's only the Queen here until the Prince gets married to Princess Jihovere." Princess Jihovere? Caleb and Ji Ho will get married here? OMG! And the Queen will not stay the Queen here so his chances to hit on her just increased! (Omg Jack!) ('Jihovere' refers to 'Guinevere', the beloved wife of King Arthur.)

Jack and Lou had a good time at the pub and Jack has a good feeling about this therapy. For once he can try to act like a 'more normal' person in this world and see what he could achieve. No one here knows about his disorders and hardships. And here he can experience what his life could be if he overcame/worked on some of them. He's fully aware that he can't be 'healed' and he knows that his friends love him and worry about him and try to protect him. But he also gets the feeling that this keeps him from prospering. He'll talk about this with the others when he's back. But he's going to stay a little longer because he really likes Lou and they have so much fun together. And the pain is gone. Jack hadn't felt this good for a very long time.

'Everybody here is out of sight They don't bark, and they don't bite They keep things loose, they keep 'em tight Everybody was dancin' in the moonlight

Dancin' in the moonlight Everybody's feelin' warm and bright It's such a fine and natural sight Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight

We like our fun and we never fight You can't dance and stay uptight It's a supernatural delight Everybody was dancin' in the moonlight'

Dancing in the Moonlight - Thin Lizzy

From the Beginning  ~  Underwater Love ~  Latest Current Chapter: 🕹️ 'The One' from the beginning ▶️ here 📚 Previous Chapters: Chapters: 1-6 ~ 7-12 ~ 13-16 ~ 17-22 ~ 23-28

#The One Game #underwater love #The Game #jack callahan #the one #barfolomew #Jack's Therapy Game #noxeema jackson #caleb vatore #lou howell #leander belgraves #sims 4 story #simlit #simblr #ts4 #sims 4 #sims 4 vanilla #sims storytelling #the sims #sims #tell us your stories #henford on bagley #old new henford #greg lunvik

[mrs-monaghan]

https://www.tumblr.com/mrs-monaghan/726485076049821696/see?source=share

Thank you for calming some of my fears about this. This is stressing me out so much 😖

Do you have anything Jikook to share? It doesn't have to be about this, I just need some comfort right now.

This is really not something to bother you leave alone stress you? Antis annoy me yeah, but I never let them get to me. Ever. I refuse to let ANYONE affect my BTS experience. Leave alone my Jikook experience. I know what I know, have seen what I've seen, and it will take Jikook themselves to make me stop believing they're a couple. Not some rats on the Internet waiting to shit on Jikook any chance they get.

🙅🏽‍♀️

Of course there will always be Jikook moments to talk about. I'll throw some random shit at you. How's that? 😆😆

Random shit No.1 -> I made a post here about JK's type and Jimin's lips keep popping up on every sm recently so they've been on my mind. Which is y I remembered a tiny thing from Bon Voyage season 1 ep 1. Keeping in mind Jin and Jimin are the 2 members with full lips (and RM some but not as much as Jinmin) it would make perfect sense that they are the 2 JK would zoom in on when interviewing them

Thanks editors for the caption. 😜

Random shit No.2 -> Remember this post I made about Jikook living together, remember how I said it was weird Jimin was the only one who didn't have anywhere to live? Well recently this Karmy was talking about how hard it was for Jimin to leave his dorm life since he loves being around BTS sm

Then this Kjikooker chimmed in on how JK bought Jimin an apartment to make him feel better 🥺🥺🥺

So guess the theory is that JK is the one who bought Nine-one for them seeing as they were both living there. I mean if anyone should know its fans who live there, right?

When u really think about it, it all comes together because JK moving into Brunnen... a house owned by the company with furniture from the old dorm...proving just how temporary that place is...which again makes sense coz of the house he's building in Itaewon.....

While we are on topic, there is a moment missing on my living together post but we all know it very well.

If you pay close attention to Jimin you will notice him subtly lifting his eyebrow. Its so subtle that idek how people noticed. JK looks at Jimin while members are laughing at him and Jimin does that. 🤭 So yeah, that coupled up with the fact that they were all making fan of JK and his mattresses but Jimin who under normal circumstances would be part of the discussion was quiet as a church mouse. That was incredibly sus.

Random shit number 3-> is a tiny BV analysis coz we know how much i love those. Okay so JK climbs up a steep hill without cameras at the crack of dawn to get his baby some snow. We know all about that. So tkkrs the morons that they are, tried to claim this moment for themselves because JK showed the snow to V first and offered him to touch if he wanted to. But, aside from JK waiting for Jimin to come out, apart from him jumping up eagerly to show Jimin the snow, apart from him watching Jimin's face to see his reaction when he handed him said snow, and apart from editors saying point blank that JK got a gift for Jimin, we also have this;

Season 4 episode 3. Members play RPS and losers have to climb the hill and bring back snow.

Someone i dont remember who, says that the snow will melt

But JK who's a professional of bringing snow from mountains by now, chims in

He already knows its not gonna melt since he did it before. Now he says that and then looks at Jimin and keeps looking at him

Doesn't once break eye contact. This here makes it perfectly clear that he got the snow for Jimin and no one else. JK stares at his boyfriend for so long that Jimin has to look away/looks down 😂😂

And JK still looking at him 🤭🤭 This dude just makes me so happy to watch Jikookery stg 🤣🤣 what does he want from Jimin?

Random shit No.4 -> while we are talking about BV there is something that happens i had to take note of. Yoonmin are the ones who lost and had to go up the hill to get the snow. When the rest got back to the cabin, Jhope was making people this magic toast with his secret recipe. This shit was so funny y'all should be able to remember it. He was so proud of it 🤣🤣 Anyway, when Yoonmin got back, Jhope asked Jimin if he wanted his special toast.

But here comes the kicker. Jhope uses JK to convince Jimin to have the toast.

This, ladies and gentlemen are the reflexes i was talking about. It's not just Jikook keeping the secret that they are dating. It's the members too. And sometimes they will slip. Our president being the main culprit. 🤭🤭🤭 what does it matter that JK liked the toast? Suga and Jin had the toast too. Why is JK the member he uses to appeal to Jimin?

Random shit No.5 -> Is just this edit I like of Jimin having JK on a leash 😏😏

Random shit No.6 -> Is this photo of JK looking at Jimin.

That man is gone. His mind was elsewhere right then. Jeon Jungkook is a man in fucking love y'all. 😭😭😭😭

What's that? Different angle you say? Sure fam, I got you.

Random shit No.7 -> BH saying fuck you to the haters.

Random shit number 8 -> Jikook in Tokyo. The gift that keeps on giving. Here is a fan recounting

Here is that one time members were asked:

One more time from Jikook 🤗🤗

He he hee... and we have heard them call eo that many, many times.

Random shit No.9 -> NBD just sassy bfs in the soop

This is mostly for those who think Jimin is the only one who exudes this type of energy. 💅🏽💅🏽

Random shit No.10 -> This post wouldn't be complete without us going to the bedroom. 😏 Anygays, here is how Jikook look like when they're shouting in each other's briefcases

That is all... hope u feel better now... have a good one ✌🏽😘

#bon voyage jikook #jikook analysis #jikook theory #jikook theories #jikook is real #if jikook isn't real then neither I'm I #ask shaz #bts ask #jikook #kookmin #minkook #jimin and jungkook #jimin #jungkook #park jimin #jeon jungkook #bts #jikook sexy times #ITS Jikook

[stupidlittlespirit]

[Ch.1] - Teacher's Pet

Rating: SFW Type: Longform, multi-chapter Tags: No use of pronouns for reader, fluff, smitten!Reigen, teacher!reader, flirting Word count: 3465 My other works: here on tumblr and here on Ao3!

Reigen meets one of Mob's teacher's and loses his mind a little bit.

Schools give Reigen the creeps.

He has no fond memories of his own time in them and they've always represented something rigid and hierarchical in his mind, filled to the brim with stuffy old teachers who live to judge children and pressure them into the perpetual motion machine of working life.

As Reigen rounds the corner of the final street before Salt Middle School, and the establishment's gates iron peek into view, the familiar sense of dread he remembers so well from childhood pools in his chest. Even as an adult he distinctly dislikes them.

On his approach, he can see a smattering of students hanging around the entrance, milling about on their own time before they head off home for the evening, trading stories of the day and laughing with each other as they part ways until tomorrow.

To add to his existing unease, Reigen recalls the most recent escapade that brought him within 10 feet of an establishment like this. Last time, had almost landed him in jail, and although he’s dressed far more appropriately this time he still knows it might look suspicious to be a lone male skulking around young teenagers without a parental excuse.

In Reigen's defence, he is here under legitimate reason.

Thirty minutes ago, a frantic phone call from Mob begging him to bring a couple of his textbooks to school had upended his easy day.

Mob had explained that he had left them, forgotten, in the drawer of his desk, and when he'd called the office in a panic about late fees and potential accusations of unreliability against his name, Reigen had had no choice but to drop it off himself and save the boy from combusting in fear.

Mob isn’t exactly known for being the best when it comes to handling stress appropriately.

Reigen considers it to be the most obvious thing about his protégé, and if he can help him cope just a little better then he’ll always do his best to rescue the boy from a struggle so dutifully he had shut the office early and taken off at a good pace to make it to the school on time.

Mob has gotten better at managing his worries, of course, especially in the past year, but the boy is human; he can't help it if he slips up every now and then and far be it from Reigen to persecute him for that. It's not like he's much better with stress himself.

This week, school tests loom in almost every subject and poor Mob has really gone to pieces under the pressure of achieving good scores.

It makes Reigen’s heart hurt to think about how worried he’s been about it all and every waking moment of their work (that hasn’t involved directly facing a spirit) has been filled with his constant studying.

His dedication is impressive, if a little obsessive, and Reigen doesn't envy his struggle. He remembers how it feels to be ground up in the gears of education all too well.

As Reigen shifts the set of heavy textbooks in his arms to sit on his hip, he considers that he might have to start paying for the kid's therapy if he doesn't stop forgetting everything he owns the moment he starts getting worked up.

At the edge of the school's entrance driveway, Reigen stops. He shifts the thick textbook under his arm again and scans the crowd in search of his assistant, peering amongst the throngs of students for the familiar bowl cut of Mob.

Other than the children, there’s only one other person on site that he deems tall enough to be an adult and they’re far enough away, back turned to him, that he doesn’t think they'll be able to see him provided he’s subtle about it. He doesn’t particularly want to draw an official’s interest to himself. Not again.

Once he determines that he’s suitably out of earshot from the others, he raises an arm to try and get Mob's attention, waving his hand stiffly.

Unfortunately for Reigen, Mob doesn't even glance up. He's too engaged with whatever his sandy haired friend is saying and not even once does he look towards his boss.

Reigen sighs to himself and puts his arm down, choosing a different strategy. Though he’d prefer to blend in just in case someone does think he has scary intentions, in his infinite wisdom, he blows his cover immediately.

"Yo!" He half shouts, half whispers in Mob’s general direction, standing on tip-toes and waving at the boy like he's wishing him farewell on a train station platform.

Reigen winces inwardly at the mistake. Usually he’s much better at thinking things through, but he’s so on edge about being near the school that the small portion of his sensible brain has turned off for the evening.

Within seconds, he can feel curious heads turning toward him and very slowly, he lowers his arm.

Thankfully, this time Mob has heard his call at least. The boy's head turns and he breaks his concentration to find his master in the crowd, giving him a small wave in return. He's looking slightly less stressed than he sounded on the phone and there's a bundle of papers in his arms.

Although pleased to have finally succeeded, Reigen casts a glance out toward the interested strangers as subtly as he can.

He’s momentarily relieved to see that most of the kids have gone back to doing whatever they had before his arrival, heads swivelling back to concentrate on their games consoles or their gossiping, and then Reigen abruptly meets the eyes of the only other adult on site.

His stomach drops, crashing down into a cold pit of fear: the most responsible party here has noticed his presence and now they’re going to come and accuse him of being a freak. And then, like something out of an old cartoon, said stomach suddenly flutters right back up into place half a second later.

Whoever you are, you're beautiful. Beautiful enough to make Reigen's head fill with cotton wool and his body go warm the instant he sees you. Any thoughts of potential criminal charges disappear in favour of a pleasant static that buzzes through his brain and wipes out his concerns in an instant.

He's enamoured by your features, the cut of your clothes, the way a tiny frown knits your brow together in confusion at the sight of him.

There isn't much he can do but stare across the gaggle of children at you.

Reigen feels like he's trapped in the headlights of an oncoming car; A tiny rabbit pinned in the middle of the road. He can't bring himself to scrabble in either direction, away from the threat, and rather than hop away he instead pulls back his lips into an almost-sneer, not-quite smile.

It's stiff and awkward, and he knows that if he didn’t look suspicious before, he almost certainly looks like a total creep now.

He watches you look away momentarily to address a child that has approached your side and for a second, he thinks he might be off the hook if your attention is divided by someone more important than he is. With the threat gone, Reigen lets out a sharp breath of relief and flexes his hands as though they're numb. He's tingly all over and the sensation is foreign to him.

He’d assume it was fear, but Reigen knows that feeling very well. This is… Different. Not entirely disagreeable.

At his side, someone clears his throat.

"Hi, Master Reigen." Mob says, smiling politely. "Thanks for bringing the book."

"Shit!" Reigen starts, physically startled from his trance. When his feet touch the ground again, he frowns down at Mob, annoyed at both the interruption and the scare. For a moment, he completely forgets the reason for his being here. That is, until Mob nods at the bundle in his arms.

"Oh, right." Reigen says, clearing his throat and handing over the goods. "Remember it next time, alright? I'm not making a habit of this. I had to close the office for it." He tries to sound stern but it's hard to carry yourself with authority when you've just had the soul scared out of you.

Mob nods quickly and clutches the book close to his chest, taking the light-hearted chastisement to heart instantly. "I'm sorry," he starts. "I'll make sure I-"

"Forget it," Reigen interjects gently, waving away his disciples' apology. "I'll let you off if you tell me who they are." He inclines his head towards your still turned back, but ensures to keep it as low key as possible. It's no good drawing even more attention to himself and if he keeps quiet for the rest of the time he's here, there's every chance you'll forget about him.

For no reason whatsoever, Reigen feels a little disappointed about that.

Mob lifts his head and follows his master's line of gesture to where you stand across the courtyard, chatting away to another student. "Oh," Mob shrugs. "They teach English here. I have them for the second period."

"Huh," says Reigen, absent-mindedly straightening his tie as he sneaks another look in your direction. "Are they nice?"

Mob frowns up at him, slightly confused as to why his Master might be so interested in one of his tutors. "You're not going to try and talk to them, are you?" He asks hesitantly, eyeing him up.

Reigen scoffs like he’s been asked the most ridiculous question of his life, looking at the boy in disbelief. "I don't know what you mean." He says defensively. There's a breath of a pause and then Reigen starts up again. "And anyway, why not? I’m allowed to talk to whoever I want."

"Because they're nice." Mob says, as though that's ample reason for him to avoid you.

"I'm nice." Reigen protests. "I brought your book back, didn't I?"

"You're…." Mob pauses, thinking through his words carefully. "You're a different kind of nice, Master Reigen. That's all."

Reigen gives Mob a blank, unamused look and sticks his tongue out at him. It's childish, yet it gets a laugh out of Mob and Reigen grins. He loves seeing the boy smile and even if he’s a little offended, he knows Mob doesn’t mean anything hurtful by it. Reigen isn't so stupid as to be unaware of his abrasiveness. The assessment is fair enough, he supposes.

Reigen opens his mouth to tell him to hurry up and get his book back on time when he's cut short by a raised voice.

“Hey, Shigeo!” Someone calls from across the walkway. “Wait a second!”

Slowly, like the protagonist of one of his shitty horror B movies, Reigen glances over his shoulder to the source of the sound. Much to his absolute terror, he sees that the only other adult here is crossing the entrance to the school and heading straight toward him. It's exactly what he hoped to avoid and now he can do nothing but stand, frozen on the spot, and try to remember how to breathe.

Reigen makes a funny sound in the back of his throat and starts to turn away, fully intending to flee now that his task is complete.

"Please don't be weird…." Mob mutters to him, catching the look of fear on his face.

"I'm never weird." Reigen protests, his voice weak even to his own ears.

Hopefully nobody will call the cops this time. Eyes fixed on the ground, listening intently to the growing sound of footsteps, he waits for Mob to explain the entire situation.

"Shigeo," says a pleasant voice, much closer now. "Is everything okay?"

From his limited view, Reigen sees Mob nod out of the corner of his eye.

"Yes, it is." The boy says, voice level and calm as always.

Despite the fact that his head is ducked and his eyes are glued to the concrete under his feet, Reigen can feel the heat of your scrutinising gaze on the back of his neck. It makes the hair there stand up on end and his shoulders tense. Not even ghosts make him this nervous.

"And who is this?" He hears you ask, tone cooler than he might like to hear.

"This is my Master." Mob says helpfully, without even attempting to make the title sound less ominous.

"’Master’?" You echo, sounding unconvinced.

Reigen realises he's going to have to step in and clarify what the boy means if he wants to avoid having the police called on him, and he steels himself, turning on the spot to assure you he's actually a very nice, very professional, legitimate businessman and that Mob is really in no danger at all from him.

However, as soon as he meets your gaze, Reigen feels the silver tongue between his teeth turn to lead. His breath dries up in chest, throat constricting uncomfortably and stomach lurching.

Up this close, he can see you in far better detail than before. You're even prettier than he'd thought and it knocks the wind out of him completely.

None of his usual charismatic quips come to mind and his repertoire of smart deflections is nowhere to be found. He’s left floundering like a fish washed up in low tide, gaping and gawping on the shore with a mouthful of sand.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Reigen somehow manages to force a single word around the lump in his scratchy throat. "Hi." He croaks, with as much charm as a rock.

Your brows raise slightly and he tries not to squirm as you look him up and down, silent and critical.

He half expects you to simply laugh in his face and tell him he's got ten seconds to get off of school property, but much to his delight, you smile.

Reigen thinks his legs might give out at the sight of it.

"Nice to meet you." You say evenly, extending a hand to him.

Reigen stares at your offered palm for longer than is socially acceptable. He doesn’t know what to do. All of his social skills appear to have flown out of the window along with his brain, and he stares for so long, in fact, that Mob is the one to bring it to his attention. He elbows Reigen in the ribs gently and the contact jolts him into an automatic response.

Reigen takes your hand in his, his grip instinctively tight like he’s closing a regular deal, and he shakes it stiffly. He does his best not to get caught up in the feeling of your soft skin against his own and instead blurts out the first thing he can think of.

"I'm his boss." Reigen says, louder than he needs to. "He's my, uh, apprentice."

Realisation dawns on your face and you breathe out sharply. "Oh, you work with him," you say, visibly relieved. "For a second I thought- Well, never mind." Your cheeks look a little flushed and Reigen realises that you're embarrassed about assuming his reason for being here.

He manages to find the confidence to laugh nervously and rubs the back of his neck. "It's fine, I just came to drop off his stuff." He shrugs. "I-!"

"Oh!"

Mob's voice makes Reigen jump again and grits his teeth in annoyance at the interruption. The boy doesn't mean any harm, but Reigen feels like he might combust if he gets another fright today.

"Here," Mob says, handing you the book in his arms. "Master Reigen helped me out. I didn't want to be late returning it so he shut the office to bring it to me."

All of the annoyance evaporates instantaneously. Reigen has no idea if Mob knows how much a comment like that helps him out right now. He’s making Reigen look like a paragon of kindness and compassion over a menial act, and judging by the way your expression softens, it’s working in his favour.

He tells himself it's only to ensure you don't think he's a weirdo, but still, Reigen makes a mental note to pay for extra ramen the next time they go out to eat.

"Thank you for returning it, Shigeo." You say, propping the book on your hip.

Disappointment wells within Reigen for a brief moment: you’re glossing over his contribution! He's the one who technically brought the book back, so why aren't you directing that bright smile at him? Why isn't he getting any praise? And why is it suddenly so important to him that you acknowledge his contribution? Reigen starts to panic; You're going to ignore him and forget him, and, and-

And then you're turning to him, your warm smile growing in appreciation as you address him directly. "Thank you for helping him out. I really appreciate it."

The words are simple and ordinary, and to any normal person they wouldn't mean more than an acknowledgement by way of being polite, but Reigen completely short-circuits.

He doesn't know why, and he can't find the coherence to even consider the cause, yet his throat goes dry again and the most he can manage in response is a shy hiccup of a laugh and a nonchalant shrug. “S’nothing,” he says. “Happy to help.”

What follows is another brief pause of silence. Both of you hold eye contact until your gaze flicks up and down his form again, quick and subtle as you seem to assess him in a less professional way than before. You don’t appear to want to look away from him when you meet his eyes again and Reigen finds that he can’t manage it either. He’s completely powerless again.

Your stare shifts, imperceptibly, into something that suggests you might be interested in more than his simple acts of kindness, and Reigen’s head swims.

Mob clears his throat. The both of you jump.

"Don't we need to get back to the office?" He asks, tugging on his Master's suit sleeve as he begins to step away.

"In a second," Reigen mutters, shaking his head to clear the fog. "Grown ups are talking."

Mob sighs softly and resigns himself to standing beside his master for just a little while longer.

"It's alright," you laugh, waving them off with an apologetic smile. "You're free to go. Sorry to have kept you both, I'm sure you're busy."

"No!" Reigen protests without thinking through how maniacal he might come off. At the confused look you give him, he clears his throat and hurriedly corrects himself, hand flapping uselessly in the still evening air. "I mean, yeah, kinda. I am." He says, aiming for a cool, detached vibe. "We get pretty busy."

You nod solemnly, taking his claim seriously, but even Mob can see that you're trying not to smile.

The boy ducks his head to hide his own.

"Better get back to it then," you say, not unkindly. "I have a lot of papers to grade, I'll see you tomorrow, Shigeo?"

"See you tomorrow." Mob smiles brightly, turning to leave.

Considering his reluctance on the way here, Reigen suddenly finds himself wanting to hang around the school for a bit longer, office be damned.

Now that he has your attention it feels imperative that he keep it for as much time as possible. He can’t remember the last time he felt so drawn to someone and he'd like nothing more than to stand here until the sun goes down, wasting precious working hours to chat with you.

As though you've read his mind about wanting to linger, you jerk your thumb over your shoulder toward the main building. "I've really gotta go…." You say, reluctantly backing up.

More disappointment crawls up Reigen's throat, but he's adult enough to understand that you probably do have a lot of shit to do before tomorrow comes and he does his best not to let it show on his face. "Oh, yeah. Sure. Me too." He mutters.

You give him one last smile, apologetic around the edges but sweeter than anything he’s ever seen, and offer him parting words that paint themselves on the walls of brain. "Maybe I'll see you around, Master Reigen." You laugh softly, teasing.

Reigen knows you're only addressing him by the title you've been given but the way you say it, playful and amused, knocks his brain on its ass instantly.

His stomach flips over and he gulps back the dumb little giggle that threatens to tumble from his mouth. He watches you leave in a stunned silence, unable to take his eyes off of you whilst you retreat into the confines of the schoolyard, and it takes so long for his senses to come back that Reigen finds himself rooted to the spot for an embarrassing amount of time.

Eventually, Mob has to come back to get him.

(chapter 2 to follow shortly)

#reigen arataka #reigen arataka x reader #mob psycho 100 #shigeo kageyama #my fics #reigen x reader #reigen fluff #reigen fic #mob psycho reigen #mob psycho #mp100 reigen #reigen manga #reigen arataka/reader #reigen x you #reigen arataka x you

[jack-kellys]

racetrack in uksies!!

well guys! i did it- i finally started paying attention to the newsie i was pretty sick of for a while! and i was generously rewarded. here is some stuff i observed from josh barnett's racetrack higgins:

disclaimer: racetrack, in the script, is quite literally only noted as "RACE, a little tough guy". there is no one way to characterize him, and no features about him are universal/should be universally accepted beside what he says.

that said. this mf is a damn little tough guy!!!

his place as one of jack's main two lieutenants (the other being crutchie) is a lot more solidified in how he acts around the other boys, he certainly comes off older and more in charge

king of new york has him singing out from downstage to the audience as all the chaos (swinging from lamps...tapping...spinning and shit...) he incited occurs behind him. like it is his song this time which is cool, and makes sense- he's the last "original" (sorry davey) leader left that the newsies can look to and it shows.

his trio consists of specs, albert, and himself it looked like. sometimes finch but that's for more lighthearted moments. they all have trousers and not knickers, signifying their older age, and they frequent the aisles together. also specs is definitely some kind of leader based off of what he does in the show and his demeanor.

race and al are like...the soakers. they are picking fights or mocking fights when they are together LMAO.. at the gate when the headline goes up albert is like Right Up At It to make the delanceys rattle the bars to make him step aside (no one else does this). race and al also imitate jack socking the delanceys with crutchie's crutch, al fake punching race in the gut and race making a face lmfao. they also together circle around the delanceys when they're shoving crutchie around.

^something i've noticed every time but only now clocked as intentional: race's cap is the only one, out of everyone's, that has a ripped seam at the brim. it's frayed, it's been there a while, it's intentional as hell. this kid's a fighter, and he's literally rough around the edges. love it SO much omfg

another fun thing about this race: he. fucking. does. not. like. davey. for the entirety of act 1.

"hoi poloi" is mean. he says it at davey instead of around him to the boys at the circulation center. tbh the newsies in general give davey a sort of sus once-over when he mentions having a mother, but race is leading that charge and like... not for laughs exactly?? idk it felt like more at davey's expense.

race gets fucking pissed at "well if you look, and see brooklyn, then they're with us!" he pushes davey's chest and says either "don't be smart with me/right now." I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS. it is everything to me– it shows how short race's temper can be when he's stressed, pushing it onto davey– because davey got them all into this, didn't he? so what right does he have to make jokes right now, especially about brooklyn, whose backing would ensure that davey's idea of the strike wouldn't get all of them beat into the ground? (because. let's face it. of course race is going to blame davey and not jack.)

while davey is singing his piece of seize the day, race confers with jack, and (this staging was sooo good for woodside last night) points at les, who is standing right in the window between where race and jack are standing a ways away from the kid. like a "why the fuck did he bring the kid here". race definitely thinks that davey doesn't understand who's really at stake here, which is so.. protective<3.

king of new york is like a mini arc for them. at the top of the song, daveys still at the center table, race is there too, and like. he punches davey's arm. of which davey is literally like "ow", and then rubs at it through... half the whole song. what's funny abt him getting hit then is that he sings his lyrics pretty soon after, so it's like a literal push from race to get more involved (since they're the only two leaders left). as davey does get more involved, messing around with les and involving him w/ the rest of the boys, race warms up to him a lot more and their last time near each other, race gives him a smile and ruffles davey's hat. atta boy, if u will.

i think race's general refusal to trust davey with his boys is just so. fucking sick. race can trust him with the strike inner workings if jack does, crutchie actually is shown talking to davey a lot more than race and trusts him via that, and jack trusts him because jack refuses to leave anyone even remotely like his boys behind (and he recognizes they need someone like him if they want to succeed). the four of them r so. intimate to me.

but. what is also quite fascinating to me.

is that everything i've said so far about the lack of trust, the hot-headed nature, the protectiveness... y'all know who we usually 'assign' those traits to, right?

spot. conlon.

like this race is like.. if 92sies spot was in the musical..mixed w/ 92sies race LMFAO!! and you fuckin know what? i loved him for it. i have always loved characters like that, i think they're fun, very... greaser vibed, hard-hitting, etc. this spot is almost more ready to hit than protect, and the holding out on the strike therefore seems like manhattan/jack needs to prove himself to brooklyn vs. spot having to look after their newsies first.

anyway yes congratulations to uksies racer for making me enjoy the character again!!!

FUN FACT: earlier this week, someone was. literally on their laptop during. the fucking show. in richmond, which is p close to the stage. so during one of his exits, he went up to the person and said like "close your laptop. that's fucking disgusting." josh>

#slay josh barnett always #newsies #racetrack higgins #race newsies #racetrack newsies #newsies uk #uksies #analysis #fizz freaks #newsies cast #spot conlon #i rly just. this is so interesting to me. because spot seems SO defined in our minds but like... no he's not. none of them are except like #jack dave and kath #anyway yeah. i think abt a lot how this like Is the best cast we've had. i hope yall get a visual boot i rly do. <3

[netherworldpost]

Hi! I followed you for a long time with alot of "jeez someday I hope that can be me some day" fervor and now I am starting my own small goth shop. Do you have any tips on reaching the alternative audience? or tips on general about running a shop I'm nervous.

1a. Protect your cash flow

This is to say constantly question "does this shiny envelope packaging pack in make people love my shop more or is it a money drain?" This is not a simple answer.

It is an answer you'll ask yourself all the time.

The answer is going to shift. Fun unboxing videos? Great for social media posts. Great to get attention. Great fun. Expensive to produce. Worth it? Constantly check.

I really want to stress this: I am not saying "do not do it" -- I am saying "do what makes sense."

In the business-to-business world (you're a business, other businesses are going to sell to you), one of the most effective/common sales tactics is "take this thing you do and make it fun."

Your product is fun.

Your product is quality.

Your packaging etc.'s primary task is to get your product to your customer efficiently (easy to read address labels) and safely (stuff does not break).

1b. Protect your cash flow part two

Evil Supply Co. was the original shop. It experimented with everything -- color changing cereal spoons (launched), temporary tattoos (launched), umbrellas (did not launch), plates and bowls and towels and toothbrushes and shower curtains (did not launch). So much more.

It was primarily a stationery company.

The experimenting was incredibly fun, I regret nothing, and it cost me giant truck loads of cash. That's why Netherworld Post is focusing far more tightly.

2. Can't meet budget? Reduce scope.

When you're talking to designers or web hosts or whatever, and they say "We want $$$" and you say "I have $," reduce your scope down. This fits into the above, you're noticing a theme maybe.

This is a business. It has to make money to continue, it has to make profit to pay you to continue, it has to compensate you for your time to continue.

OR

It is a hobby.

And it doesn't have to do any of those things, it just has to scratch that itch that made you pursue it. It can still sell stuff, it can be a shop, it can be open when you want and closed when you want.

There is no moral, ethical, social value difference between a business and a hobby.

Do what fits into your goals, and if your goals shift, change your shop to accommodate.

3. Have fun

Your biggest competitor by a factor of 1:100 is other shops:folks posting your work without attribution or links.

You've seen the videos where someone is saying "Oh you're so pretty, you're so cute? No, YOU are so pretty, YOU are so cute." That's small business life.

There is enough for us all. Just have fun.

4a. Reaching people

Post stuff. Works in progress, memes, rambles, whatever makes you "you". Pepper in shop links and email sign up links occasionally.

Just be you.

If you don't know who you are, well, that's what you should post.

There is this idea that there is a "brand" that you have to build, and you're going to get (if you aren't getting them already) a million targeted ads to help you build this brand.

"I sell stuff. It has a price range of $X. It is high quality! Or it is cheap quality and priced accordingly! It can be found at xyz dot com. It will get to you in Z days/weeks." = 99% of branding.

The other 1% is "when you think of me, you think of X." Such as, when you think of Netherworld Post, you think of atty's antics and Fang's amused exasperation and Halloween and spooky things and mail and ghosts and mermaids, etc.

4b. Decide your social media bandwith and stick to it

There are ten billion social networks.

It's common to feel like you have to be on them all 24/7. Attempting to reach this is going to burn you out and use up limited resources, it is far more effective to have an email list (this is independent of all networks) + the networks you, as a person, enjoy using and focusing there.

See #3 above. Fits here too.

5. Keep going when things are hard or convert this into a hobby You're making this shop for a reason.

That reason is more important than money, otherwise you wouldn't be doing it.

Building a shop is infinitely harder than playing video games and reading books and watching movies and dancing -- every hour you are working on your shop is an hour you're not playing video games about dancing books.

If you say "this sucks," convert it to a hobby. See #2.

The reason I'm building Netherworld Post instead of doing other business things that would make much more money is because I love it. It feeds a part of me. It makes me more "me" to run this shop than to not run this shop.

The minute that changes, I'm converting it to a hobby. Keep the door open when I want to play, close the door it when I'm tired, re-open after I rest.

If you want more money in your life, get a second job.

If you want money doing THIS -- take every problem as it lunges at your heart, take that tender in your black painted talons, look at the problem carefully, then tear it apart until you have the answers.

You are going to be doing this constantly.

It should be part of the fun.

If it's not, make this a hobby.

There is no inherent value in having it as a business.

The value is this project is it should make you more you.

Every single problem you are going to face -- every single question you are going to ask -- every single opportunity, every issue -- listen to me, everything -- has at LEAST one industry built on solving it.

Not company. Industry.

Keep going until you find someone or something that fixes it for your budget and scope.

6. You do not work for other people

You mention you've been around for awhile following me, so maybe you've seen my...

...occasional ...lack... of delicacy...

...when dealing with people who have a confusion about who is running this blog (them vs. me)

People are going to say "you should lower your prices, you should post more X, you should post less Y, you shouldn't post about Z person/ business/ entity/ thing because of Reasons."

Critiques and criticism can be valid.

They are not directives that need be followed.

There are consequences for not following them (people may leave).

There are consequences for following them when you disagree with them (your shop may feel less like your shop and more like someone else's).

This is not license to be a jerk.

It means that this is your shop and it has to make you more "you" and if it doesn't then it isn't your shop it is a pain in the ass job that pays you far less than you should be paid.

It's like dating as the most confident person in the world.

"This is who I am. Am I compatible with you? IF SO we will drink root beer and dance badly to old cartoons and dress up in silly costumes and be absurd. IF NOT then I wish you well, and the instant you are gone, I will never think of you again."

I ask no one to change who they are when they follow my blog or read my rambles or shop in my stores.

I do not change who I am for the people who follow my blog or read my rambles or shop in my stores.

You must adopt this attitude too.

Or it's not your shop.

It belongs to people you don't know who make you uncomfortable.

Which is the exact description of the world's worst paying job or second job. Which is the exact opposite of why you are building your shop.

#small business

[waltwhitmansbeard]

"did we fall asleep?" "i think we did.."

"did we fall asleep?" "i think we did.."

There are many things to discuss. The world is ending, after all—or, rather, this version of the world is ending, with some vast and ghastly unknown lurking just around the corner. Or maybe not; all of this feels just above Laudna's pay grade, as if she's playing dress-up like she did as a child, parading around the house in her mother's one nice dress and the necklace her father scrimped and saved for months to buy her for Winter's Crest the year before Laudna was born. Whatever is going on, there are many things to discuss, and it is better to discuss them now, when it is just she and Imogen here in Zhudanna's house in the Windowed Wall, when Laudna can say the things she fears will turn the rest of the Hells away from her, when the ominous glare of Ruidus does not feel quite so omnipresent.

Yet here they are, a tangle of limbs on one bed, Laudna's cheek pressed awkwardly into Imogen's shoulder, very much discussing nothing. They got here, all jitters and flushed cheeks, and Laudna found suddenly that she had nothing to say. It doesn't seem to matter here, the fears and the guilt and the hounds barking in her chest. This is the house they made a home. This is bed they chose together. From downstairs, the smells of some kind of soup beckon them from their embrace, but Laudna stays put, counting each of Imogen's slow, even breaths, feeling the rise and fall of her stomach beneath the arm she has pulled across it.

Laudna doesn't sleep. She wants to, needs to, desperately, but she so rarely gets to see Imogen like this, completely at ease, a woman and not a fortress. She looks sharper than she used to, more hollowed out—more like Laudna, in a way. She supposes that's the price of the life they lead, the stress and the hunger and the death. But when she's asleep, the edges smooth a bit, and Laudna can see the girl who loved horses like family.

She wonders if she looks different now. More different—she bears little resemblance to the child who died on a tree. Laudna avoids her reflection most days, finds it matters to her little what she looks like, unless she's using the horror of it to her advantage. Maybe she should have been paying better attention. Maybe what happened in the market would start to make some sense.

Because what other explanation is there? What about Imogen—beautiful, powerful, miraculous, phenomenal Imogen—could ever look at a dead girl, an abomination, a murderer, and see—well. Laudna has no idea what Imogen sees, though she does see more than most. What if she had seen what happened in Issylra? What would she think of Laudna then? She is grateful for this circlet, the one resting so beautifully on Imogen's brow, the one that grants her peace for the first time in a long, long time, but she is most grateful for the way it shields Imogen from the worst thing Laudna has ever done.

Laudna lays there, watching her sleep. What will the world look like when she wakes? What will she think of who lies beside her? She will have to wait and see. Some time passes, and a thin voice calls up, "Girls? Are you hungry?"

Imogen squeaks out a small groan as she stretches—it's long been one of Laudna's favorite sounds, Imogen in the first moments of waking—and wets her dry lips. "Did we fall asleep?" Her voice is cracked, soft.

I didn't. I watched you instead. I thought about all the things I couldn't tell you this past week. I remembered what I did. I begged for your forgiveness. I refused it. I fell in love with you, again. I'm sorry. Thank you. "I think we did."

Imogen's head falls to look at her, and the smile there is so gentle Laudna's breath catches in her throat. "Guess we didn't do much talkin', did we?"

"No, I suppose we didn't." Laudna sits so Imogen can do the same. "I think Zhudanna has dinner ready."

"Good, I'm starved."

Laudna starts to climb off the bed, but fingers wrap around her bony wrist and she turns back. "Imogen?"

Her cheeks are pink, a pastel rose that compliments her hair so wonderfully. "I...I'd really like to kiss you again. If that's alright."

She doesn't know what Imogen sees. She takes her hand, rests it against Imogen's neck, and lets her eyes fall closed. As they kiss again, slow and sweet like summer molasses, Laudna finds herself believing not in the gods or their enemies or in any great scheme for power or glory, but in her, in the way their hands lace together atop the quilt, in her magical ability to know that there is something in Laudna worth loving, even if Laudna herself can't find it.

#ask #tiamat-zx #critical role #critical role fic #cr fic #bells hells #bells hells fic #imodna #imodna fic #my fic

[eldritch-spouse]

Livius heat??? 👁️👁️

[Yeh.]

OH no. Prayers for you. Anyway-

Livius' heat is a dangerous one. Pay attention to pre-heat signals, those usually being literal mimicry. He already has a tendency to rebuild his identity around yours and adopt your mannerisms- Now Livius is beat by beat doing everything you do (if he can, if not he just gets upset). He's also trying to isolate you specifically a lot more than usual. It's weird waking up to his sweaty body beside you as Livius literally waits for you to do anything so he can do it too.

The demonlord doesn't nest, so much as he turns his bed chambers (if they aren't shared) exactly into yours. He doesn't want his own items there, he wants yours only. It's more than a bit awkward, but he's determined to steal your items and arrange them for his own comfort. He only feels at peace surrounded by what he considers to be you. Pieces of you. Parts of you.

Livius' behavior during heat is best summarized as very scary roller-coaster of mood swings. Most monsters are already not too good at regulating their emotions during ruts- But Livius is a naturally unstable person, so this only destabilizes him further. One moment he's laughing and curling a hand around his cock, the next he's bawling and looking at himself with so much raw disgust it might actually make you wonder if he's having a breakdown. He is. Several, in fact. Keep in mind this means he can also get irritated very suddenly, so keep your voice down and try to be generous during this time.

Livius will be extremely needy, not just in the sexual sense, but in the emotional one as well. He wants your attention to be on him at all times. Engaging with someone else, even if it's just the servants, will get him in a rage of long raggedy limbs as he tears into that little fucker then desperately makes sure your eyes are on him. This is why imps around the manor will avoid you like the plague when Livius is in heat, you're on your own. Even just mentioning someone else will anger the demonlord.

Sex is sometimes bizarre, in the sense that Livius instinctively imitates your noises. He genuinely isn't doing it on purpose, but you might moan a certain way, only to find him replicating the noise far too naturally later on. It's... Odd, but flattering?

The brightside of Livius' heats are that he can be coaxed into submissive positions pretty easily, so long as he isn't teased too much. Don't get cocky though, being in a submissive stance doesn't mean you're off the hook. Keep up or get bent beneath him! One thing he does often is wrap his arms around you several times, keeping you still, on or below him, trapped there so he can cum inside you as many times as he feels he needs to before he can tolerate the thought of others merely looking at you.

If you feel like Livius is getting particularly stressed out over nothing, use some of his own strategies. Pretend to be him, or say something you've noticed he usually says when he's caught off-guard. Wear pieces of his attire (or something similar). While this does mean you'll get railed, it's also very soothing for him.

#Livius oc #notamonsterfucker

[merakiui]

PUPPYBOY FLOYD PUPPYBOY FLOYD PUPPYBOY FLOYD AAAAAAAAA UR SO RIGHT MERA he'd be the sweetest little puppy yet the moment you turn away from him he's already messing everything up (definitely not so you pay attention to him bc he doesn't like when you pay attention to anything other than him, he's so annoying in the best of ways <333 orz) He should be punished for being a bad boy, but his puppy eyes are so powerful no one can resist them,,, (i'm no one) Even when he starts humping you in the most inappropriate places there's no way you can be mad for more than 5 minutes

And catboy Jade being the worst menace known to mankind - definitely the kind of cat to swat everything off a table of counter while looking you straight in the eye. He's absolutely awful, but can you really get mad when he looks so cute napping on your lap? (you really ought to, he's only going to get worse and more daring if you let him misbehave) So many thoughts, both horny and not,, tweels are just too perfect orz

(also, could I be 🦈anon? I sent in a request for the lunar love hotel asking but obviously it'll take some time for you to answer that one!)

YES YES YES puppyboy Floyd is so physical with you, always wanting to cuddle with you or, more commonly, hump you from behind. He loves caging you in against the countertop if you're preparing food in the kitchen, distracting you from your main priority by rutting against you, breath hot and wet in your ears... he's so clingy, so needy, so whiny whenever you ignore him or aren't giving him enough attention. He especially hates it if you bring unfamiliar scents into the house. His nose is very keen, as is his sense of hearing, so he'll know when and if you're home before you're even turning the key in the lock.

When he's in particularly nasty moods, he has a tendency to destroy things or make a mess, but he'll help pick things up if you seem truly angry or upset with him (he always makes it up to you by snuggling with you in bed or even preparing your favorite meal; he tries to make it up to you with sex, but you always stop him and he pouts about it. >:( Floyd's always considerably sadder if you yell at him, call him a "bad boy," or ignore him out of frustration. But he's perfected the puppy eyes, so it's really impossible to stay angry for long). You've started fixing this habit of his by providing him with things to chew on or squeeze (like stress toys) so that he won't take his feelings out on the decor in your house.

Catboy Jade... very much a menace and a nuisance and a misbehaving catboy!!!! But he's so cute (and so mischievous), so how can you possibly be cross with him? :< he's very cute when he's napping. He looks so content, and when he purrs when you scratch his head or behind his ears (or when he leans into your hand with that cute, sleepy smile) it's enough to have you cooing so sweetly at him. Sometimes he'll lick your hand a few times before biting down hard, as if he's marinating it. T_T but he's cute, so even if he shreds your curtains or destroys the belongings of any friends (or hopefully not romantic partners) who visit he can be forgiven!!!

He's also a catboy who's fond of water!! He loves to take baths with you. >:) and though he often sleeps in his own bedroom, every morning without fail you'll wake to find him curled against you. Though sometimes he likes to stay up late into the night to do all manner of fun things; if you feel a sandpaper tongue against your bare skin while you're sleeping, don't pay it any mind! You're most likely dreaming about it. :) (catboy jade is a lover of somnophilia hehehe) you're so right when you say he will get worse if you let him misbehave. If you keep forgiving him for every devious thing he does, sooner or later you'll wake to him lovingly fucking you so slowly into the sheets. <3

(aaaa the tweels are so perfect yes!!! I always have too many thoughts for them. They give off such catboy and puppyboy energy, so thinking about them as a catboy and puppyboy... it's too good. orz and you may absolutely be the 🦈 anon!!! I also received your request for LLH, so I'm eager to write it!!)

#twisted chit chat #🦈 anon #puppyboy floyd #catboy jade

[chairteeth]

"The Many Masks of Touka Satomi"

So I actually wanted to refine this certified word vomit of mine before I put it anywhere buuuut I figured this would be a good time to let it out of its containment zone. This is essentially me overthinking the crap out of everything ever and coming out of it with this interpretation of Touka in particular. Informal essay under the cut! It will have extra tangents! And I blend a bit of what we were shown in the anime into my interpretation, but this is game canon.

Whenever Touka is discussed, the words "child", "immature", "selfish", and "arrogant" are the ones most often thrown around. There is usually not much more discussion after that. Well, I'm not here to say it's wrong, it's correct for the most part, I'm just here to draw attention to the fact that there's so much more to her than meets the eye. So, hear me out, if you would.

Touka's levels of vulnerability in the Magius era. That's already interesting by virtue of it being the Magius era. That's a really interesting era. Ui was what brought Touka and Nemu together and Ui was the cornerstone of their relationship for a while, so losing that RETROACTIVELY kinda makes you wonder exactly what their memories of the hospital era became. How exactly the two of them met, became friends, came to share a room, etc. Because the quotes are from their Magius selves and so we know they very much remember being roommates for a long time and still consider each other reliable and trustworthy (also the entirety of Nemu's swimsuit costume story which spawns many questions when you stop to think about it but I will touch on that some other time). We know that in reality, the hospital trio began to share a room after Touka, in her infinite princess behavior, asked her dad to put all three of them in the same room because it was annoying to walk between the rooms so often (source: TouNemu Christmas alt quotes). Interesting choice on her part back then considering she seemingly wanted Nemu out of the way, but I will touch on that another time because the hospital era has its own analysis.

Okay then, let's talk about Touka's role as a Magius. A leader. One who shoulders the burdens of the many. She willingly exposed herself to the weight of a whole people's sorrow, pain, grief, anger. And then she chose to lead them. To avenge them. It may not have started that way but it sure as heck got there at some point (thank you anime for helping out with this point). Now, I want to stop here for a moment and remind everyone that during Arc 1, Touka was 11 to 12 years old (as per the JP script, she is 12 by the end of it). Not only that, but if you pay attention, you'll notice the stress of Nemu's declining health is killing her. Nemu is quite literally the only person Magius Touka shows genuine concern for. This one person she cares about more than anyone else, slowly dying for the plan. For the cause. And as the sort of "main leader", Touka can't back down. She just can't. It would be not only a betrayal to "her people", but also to the one closest to her, the one who has arguably sacrificed the most for their salvation. So then, with someone as full of herself as Touka, someone seemingly so arrogant... What about her own health and wellbeing? What about her own sense of self? Because I have a feeling she doesn't really have one.

The way she always emphasizes the genius aspect of herself and even uses it as an excuse and brings it up so often feels like that's all she sees herself as. Nemu gives, yes. Nemu has similar issues. But hers are much, much more obvious. Less concealed. Touka gives without measure, without the slightest care for herself. She's selfish and at the same time one of the most selfless characters. There's also the interpretation that, at their very core, Touka and Nemu both just wanted to live. But I feel like that was only at the beginning. If that was all there was to it, the plan would not have continued with Nemu's life at risk, Touka would not put herself in the line of fire. Essentially, Touka has taken on way, way too much responsibility, as well as crafting several masks. Don't forget, just like every other magical girl, she led a double life the entire time, and she financed a lot of the cult's operations. Though I don't have any doubt many of the richer members contributed to the budget with their ridiculous allowances that they do not use.

Touka had to hide from everyone. She couldn't show her true self to anyone. Not her father who loves her so deeply, not anyone else in her civilian life, not her subordinates, Alina is not the most warm and welcoming to be around... so her only option is Nemu. That's comfortable. That's familiar. But. Then there are the many, many feelings she has about Nemu. It's, complicated you see. Touka feels many ways about Nemu. For starters, if their memory of Ui is gone, it means all of the warmth and kindness Ui had must've taken another form, which explains the difference in their bond, how they seem so much... closer, as Magius. Either way, even back then, Nemu is the only one who would understand. Touka Satomi is an actress. Everywhere else is her stage, and Nemu is backstage. So, Touka can only ever be truly 100% vulnerable with Nemu. Yet she still didn't do it. I don't think Magius Touka ever really fully 100% relied on Nemu. She may have wanted to, and she does call her reliable in her quotes. But well, with Nemu's health getting worse and worse, she may have come to the conclusion that it would be for the best (health-wise) if Nemu didn't have to share her burden.

However, Nemu's declining health also brought something else. Touka took on another role: the protector. Nemu is practically helpless during the mid to late Magius era. Not completely helpless, she's still a strong magical girl, mind you, but could drop or have an attack at any time. We see this multiple times such as in Mifuyu's MGS, her own MGS, and she even has what is basically a stroke during Arc 1 Chapter 8, 4:02:36 - 4:03:43 in the video if you want to take a listen (I have a Magius Nemu essay in the works, don't you fret). Therefore, Touka has to be alert and ready to respond immediately. Which I think is why we see more of Alina outside than Touka. Touka lingers around where Nemu is and only hesitantly hands her over to Alina or Mifuyu when she absolutely must. Other than the sheer pain of watching Nemu bleed herself dry and being unable to do anything about it, not because she physically can't, but because she can't in a different sense... she also can't revert things back to the way they were, for all of her genius and medical knowledge she can't help Nemu, she can't help her best friend feel even a little better. This leads us to the undeniable fact that Touka is very, very unstable and volatile as a Magius. That's not the impression she first gives at all, of course.

Arc 1 Chapter 6 is where we first meet Magius Touka. She's calm, with a cold cheerfulness to her, calculated. Most importantly, I feel like the reason she was the one doing the lecture instead of literally just sending Mifuyu was because she recognized Team Mikazuki as a possible threat and specifically did not like Iroha, which was also why she lied. The one and only thing Touka lied about in her lecture: Iroha asked where Nemu was, Touka said they parted ways after being discharged. Blatant gigantic lie. And seriously, the only reason she'd have to lie about that and in that specific way would be to protect Nemu. At that point, Iroha and her team have wiped out a handful of uwasa, so she must have known. But yes, this is not at all how she really feels or what she really thinks. This is just another mask (I will talk about Touka's plastic smile and Nemu's poker face ANOTHER TIME). Because she needs to nip any aspirations Iroha may have in the bud, hopefully recruit more Feathers, and neutralize the threat that is Team Mikazuki.

What happens just as she's starting to go off the deep end? How convenient, it seems Yachiyo and Iroha have spent a good amount of their time destroying uwasa, thus wasting Nemu's repeated sacrifices, and forcing her to make more in order to meet their energy quota. Honestly, who wouldn't be losing it, at that point? So close to salvation, so close to freedom, so close to being done. And they're ruining not only the plan but also everything it means for her and the person she loves most. When you really think about it, Touka's mental health was, forgive the crude language, IN DEEP SHIT throughout Arc 1. Not that it was great before or that it improved too much after, but yeah, I do believe people do not give this enough thought.

Finally, with all of this in mind, as for the topic of this rant being Touka's levels of vulnerability as a Magius... There were none. She had no choice. At first it was fine. At first, before the gears turned too fast to stop, she could deal with it. She could confide in Nemu, even a little bit in Alina or Mifuyu (though not much), but it got worse and worse. Mifuyu was clearly blind to all of this the entire time (she, much like everyone other than Touka, didn't seem to care that Nemu had to give up her life force for each uwasa, and if you disagree I will point out the scene at the end of Mifuyu's MGS as one of my more than five pieces of evidence). Alina likely didn't care enough, and Nemu was probably too exhausted, although the concern must've been there. In summary, Magius Touka stands alone in her mind, and with her mind. Arc 1 was practically a descent into madness for her. When you start thinking about things from Touka's perspective, you start to see how abysmal her mental health was.

As part of my conclusion I'd like to say that honestly, it makes sense why she gave off the feeling of being lost for a decent chunk of... everything after Arc 1. What is she supposed to do without a purpose? What is she supposed to do without anything or anyone to tell her what she is and who she is? Not to mention the fucking ton of bricks to her face that must've been getting her memories back. I do not know how she didn't break. I legitimately do not know how she survived. During that little "lost" stage she had, I got the feeling she'd relapse back to her suicidal tendencies. It was... less "a feeling" and more "exactly what canon did", it's just slightly (badly) disguised.

ANYWAY. What I mean is that the children are complex and I ask everyone to have more respect and more compassion for them. I will be back with more about the performer and her backstage, hopefully in a more organized format.

#nishiposting #magia record #touka satomi #she's a baby cactus sir #idk if I should tag anything or anyone else? #uhhh #essay #yeah sure that'll do so I can find them later