I’ve Got Three Drafts Of Answered Asks, But Something Personal Has Come Up And I Need To Take A Break.

those of you who have followed me for a while may have noticed that i took quite an extended absence from tumblr and i've been a bit cagey about why that is. i have been trying to be more thoughtful about the parts of myself i share with strangers on the internet, mostly as a way to guard against people who aren't very nice.

all of that being said, i've just finished my entry for the neo-twiny jam and i think the reason will be pretty obvious for everyone who plays it: i had a baby! (congratulations to me etc etc).

coming in at 494 words, this project has been a really cathartic opportunity to reflect concisely on one of the best and hardest things i've ever done.

with that, i hope you enjoy nine months out.

itch.io

nine months out by nell

reflections on having a baby and maybe not being as totally fine as you keep telling people

Castle in the Clouds by Zhang Shu

Chapter 4: Operator

Hello, everyone! After a 6 month period (oops) I'm happy to say that Chapter 4: Operator's Route is now available to play at 43k

This includes:

Go shopping in the Under City, or visit a curious Apothecary

Or watch a fight, that's cool too 

Encounter local wildlife 

Get lost in a death maze that provides a unique tourist experience

You like riddles? 

Meet a guy (and maybe pet a cat)

Other house business:

Added some career-specific options in older sections

Fixed the odd bug of Suha's name vanishing

Fixed some other bugs that were noted in game 

Fixed the career flavor text that wasn't showing (oops)

Attollo now sits at 492, 993. Next up will be Pariah's route.

DEMO | PATREON

Aiden may or may not live rent free in my head without even have met him in the story...

Character of the amazing story @unshackled-if go and try the demo

I feel shy asking this but how would the RO's react when mc is like very close to the RO's face and like there's like a tension as the RO's maybe expecting a kiss but the mc kiss them in the forehead and mc smile cheeky "Mhmm? We're you expecting a kiss?" Mc is like teasing them(It's alright if you don't wanna answer this :3 )

this ask made me giggle and kick my feet in cuteness. 🥺💗💗

Aurelian:

Aurelian's face brightened with a gentle smile as he leaned in towards MC, never breaking eye contact. There was an undeniable connection between them, a spark that seemed to fill the air.

Drawing closer, their noses almost touching, Aurelian's smile widened as he closed his eyes, anticipating what would happen next. The anticipation hung in the air, thick with a mixture of excitement and curiosity.

But what came next was something different, something unexpected. Instead of a lingering kiss on the lips, MC planted a soft, delicate kiss on Aurelian's forehead.

His eyes fluttered open in surprise, a mix of confusion and delight crossing his features. The touch was tender and affectionate, but not what he had anticipated.

"Wait, were you expecting something else?" teased MC, mischief twinkling in their eyes. Aurelian felt his heart skip a beat, caught off guard by the playful twist.

Blushing, he looked away, a hand instinctively rising to cover his mouth, his ears turning a deeper shade of red with each passing second. The unexpected gesture had left him momentarily speechless, his mind racing to find a response.

"You and your tricks..." Aurelian finally managed to utter, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and fondness. The room filled with the sweet sound of MC's laughter, their joy infectious.

Aurelian couldn't help but join in, his embarrassment fading into a warm, lighthearted moment between them.

Elara:

Elara had been eagerly waiting for this moment. She had meticulously planned a date with MC, taking them to her cherished spot in the forest by the river. The setting was perfect, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting a soft, ethereal glow on the surroundings. Every detail had been carefully noted to ensure perfection, from the picnic blanket adorned with wildflowers to the basket filled with their favorite treats.

As MC leaned their head on Elara's shoulder, her heart fluttered with excitement. The gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying a sense of serenity and anticipation.

Suddenly, she heard MC's voice calling her name, and she turned to see their face drawing nearer, adorned with a beaming smile. A wave of warmth enveloped her as she instinctively moved closer, her lips parting ever so slightly, ready for a tender kiss.

However, instead of their lips meeting hers, she felt a feather-light brush of their lips against her forehead. Surprise washed over her, and she couldn't help but hold her forehead, her mouth agape.

"What? Were you expecting something else, silly?" MC playfully tilted their head, their smile radiating affection.

Elara blinked, processing the unexpected gesture, her mind caught between the initial anticipation and the sweetness of the moment. She couldn't help but chuckle, a soft, joyous sound escaping her lips.

"Yes... but it was the sweetest surprise," Elara finally responded, her own smile brimming with warmth and happiness.

Kazuo:

Kazuo perked up at the sound of approaching footsteps. As he turned around, still in the midst of polishing his sword, his eyes lit up with delight. It was MC, and they had come to find him.

The weariness etched to their face didn’t go unnoticed by Kazuo. Setting aside his sword, he noticed MC rubbing their neck while letting out a weary sigh. It was clear they had just completed a difficult mission.

Filled with concern, Kazuo patted the chair in front of him, silently inviting MC to take a seat and rest their body.

"Here, this will help," he said, rising from his own seat and beginning to knead MC's back with skilled hands. As MC winced in pain, they called out to Kazuo, beckoning him to come closer.

Kazuo leaned in, expecting a sweet kiss. To his surprise, MC planted a gentle peck on his forehead, their lips barely grazing his skin. The unexpected gesture caught him off guard, and he blinked in astonishment.

"Haha! You were expecting something else—Ouch!" MC playfully teased, their voice turning into a yelp of surprise as Kazuo tightened his grip on their shoulder.

"Stay still..." Kazuo closed his eyes, continuing the massage, his face showing a subtle blush. MC rolled their eyes in adoration.

Aiden/Ava:

"You better run, or I'm going to gobble you up!" A exclaimed, their hands raised like a playful monster, sprinting towards one of the nearby children who burst into laughter. A began tickling the child, accompanied by silly eating noises as if they had devoured their small friend.

Amidst the cheerful chaos, A heard a familiar chuckle behind them. They paused, turning around swiftly, their face lighting up with joy. MC stood there, a sight that never failed to elicit a beaming smile from A. The distance between them seemed to shrink as MC crouched down, meeting A's gaze.

As MC leaned closer, their lips gently brushed against A's forehead, surprising them with a tender kiss. "You were expecting something else, weren't you?" MC playfully teased, a mischievous grin adorning their face.

However, MC's playful moment abruptly shifted to astonishment as A enveloped them in a warm bear hug, holding them tightly. "I love you! I love you! I love you so much!" A exclaimed, peppering MC's face with affectionate kisses. MC blushed, their face glowing with warmth, not anticipating this burst of adoration.

"Okay! Okay! Stoppp—" MC managed to utter amidst laughter.

SC:

MC had a plan, determined to finally catch SC off guard after all this time of being the one teased and tricked. Nodding to themselves, MC called out for SC, repeating their name several times, but there was no sign of them.

Concern began to creep into MC's mind as they searched every nook and cranny, their anxiety growing. Suddenly, a voice sent a shiver down their spine. "Boo..." SC seductively whispered in MC's ear.

Startled, MC swiftly turned around, their eyebrows furrowing. Standing just inches away was SC, their laughter filling the air as they held their stomach, wiping tears of amusement from their eyes.

"Oh, sweet MC, I'll never tire of teasing you." Frustration welled up within MC, and without hesitation, they grabbed SC, pulling them closer with force.

SC's eyes widened in surprise, but they quickly regained their composure. "A kiss? Hmm..." SC slyly smiled, expecting something more.

However, to their surprise, MC countered with a swift kiss on the forehead. "You were expecting something else? Who's laughing now?" MC smirked, a sense of pride evident in their achievement.

SC chuckled, shaking their head in amusement. “ My dear MC, we’re just getting started. Let the game truly begin.”

Their response left MC slightly sweating in regret.

who are you?

you’re 37.

you’re a marriage councillor.

you’re a divorcee.

quite the irony, isn’t it?

moving on…

what were you?

monday to friday, just like in any 9-5, you, my dear, took on the role of the all-knowing marriage councilor.

see, you were quite the talk of town; known for your great insight, marriage-saving advice, and whatever more descriptions people could come up with.

trust me, everything was going perfectly fine: you were on top of the world, and nothing could’ve knocked you down.

skip to: a rainy day, you were sat in your car, and all of a sudden there were blinding beams coming straight at you.

⚡️lights out⚡️

where were you?

you awoke in a bright white room, with the putrid scent of vomit hanging heavy in the air. any guesses yet?

*ding, ding, ding*

if you guessed a hospital, you are correct! if you didn’t – doesn’t matter, we’ll just pretend you did. good job.

long story short, a car rammed straight into yours. needles to say, the driver got away unscathed (as they tend to always do) and you, well you got off pretty well too – except for the concussion part.

where are you now?

right now, you’re stood in your humble bungalow – office set up in one of the few rooms, and well… you’re not exactly sure where to go next.

it seems like you’ve been granted the chance of a fresh start – ‘do-over’, if you will.

⚡️so, are you going to repeat the past or set out on a new path?

customise your mc: gender, name, personality, appearance – you name it.

choose one of three new career paths OR stick to the status quo.

romance one of three love interests.

rewrite your life.

and so much more!

‘the ex-wife/husband’ [f/m]

why did you divorce?

don’t look at me, I don’t know the ins and outs of your relationship and history. don’t worry though, it seems like they’re happy to fill in all the gaps for you – the news of your accident caused them to pack their bags, fly over, and check into a nearby hotel.

pretty clingy for someone you haven’t even exchanged two words with, in the last three years… absence makes the heart grow fonder, was it?

’the patient’ (but not really) [f/m]

and don’t even think about it! patients are off-limits, remember?

…even if the last time you saw them, roughly two years ago, their marriage was fine, and you parted ways amicably…. that would still be wrong, understood?

yadda yadda... they're no longer your patient, but think about the town. folks talk – you should know that better than anyone!

‘the bartender’ [f/m]

cliche, I know.. but even your highly praised self had a habit for the nightlife… mostly the wasting away at the bar, and ordering shot after shot bit. but let’s not get into that right now.

let’s just say: they’ve been a shoulder to lean on, whenever you unleashed the burdens accumulated during your working hours. honestly, marriage can be seriously depressing.

demo (tba) | ro profiles | forum

Chapter 1 Demo Drop

So Chapter is here, a bit short compared to my other works, Demo here. Also I suggest you play it in dark mode so that you can get the best expereiene.

What to expect?

Talk a bit with Maria

Meet the team

Learn Uncle's love life

Meet Alpha

That's all for now and thanks for playing :)

CH4 AND PATREON RELEASE!

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