the butterfly effect (derogatory)

subverting the valley girl / dumb blonde trope since 2022

[chaos--mode]

INDIE, PRIV, & HIGHLY SELECTIVE roleplay blog for fandomless original muse REN HARLEY ; reformed mean girl, big sister, fate witch. features verses for a variety of fantasy and horror settings, crossovers, & more. BRAINROT VERSES ; Vampire | Spider-Ren SPORADIC ACTIVITY. explores a variety of dark themes & topics. please be sure to read my guidelines before you follow/interact. ♡ doomed by neph ; they/them, late 20s, trans & queer. EST. ♡ rp blogroll ; @killer-cinnamon | @files-of-the-lost ♡ the chaos crew ; freakarus | mishmash (+all Hunter blogs) | resplendentdare (+all Buffy blogs) | killjoysnoise (+all Killjoy blogs) | untilthcyrot | hidefire (+all kc blogs)

CARRD. WEEKLY POLL. MEMES. OPENS. WISHLIST. STUDY. LORE. credits under the cut.

carrd, pinned + header graphics, banners by poohsources

icon border by stephysource

all gifs by katherine-mcnamara

promo graphic by frcknbats + psd by jaynedits

psd colourings for images, icons, gifs, etc. by supersources (if you want to know which one was used for a particular icon/gif just dm me and i can let you know, however i use POPSICLE DRIPPINGS for most all of ren's stuff!)

avatar image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

[busyw0man]

⋆｡‧˚ʚ💋ɞ˚‧｡⋆  𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝  𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫  𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 (pt. 2)

[  TXT  ]  :  i’m  outside.  don’t  look  out  the  window.

[  TXT  ]  :  hypothetical.  if  i  stole  a  horse.  would  you  help.

[  TXT  ]  :  emergency.  answer  immediately.  do  you  trust  me?

[  TXT  ]  :  say  you’re  home  alone  right  now.

[  TXT  ]  :  don’t  panic.  but  where  did  you  put  the  spare  key.

[  TXT  ]  :  are  you  awake?  this  cannot  wait  until  morning.

[  TXT  ]  :  quick  question.  how  attached  are  you  to  your  car?

[  TXT  ]  :  okay  listen.  this  is  going  to  sound  bad.  but  hear  me  out.

[  TXT  ]  :  don’t  ask  why.  just  wear  black.

[  TXT  ]  :  i  need  you  to  lie  for  me.

[  TXT  ]  :  be  honest.  are  you  flirting  with  me  or  am  i  delusional?

[  TXT  ]  :  i  can’t  sleep.  tell  me  something  interesting.

[  TXT  ]  :  stop  looking  at  me  like  that.

[  TXT  ]  :  remind  me  why  we’re  pretending  this  is  nothing.

[  TXT  ]  :  i  almost  texted  you.  deleted  it.  this  is  attempt  two.

[  TXT  ]  :  are  you  trying  to  ruin  my  life  or  just  my  self  control?

[  TXT  ]  :  tell  me  you’re  thinking  about  me.  i  need  proof.

[  TXT  ]  :  i  miss  you.  i  hate  that  i  do.

[  TXT  ]  :  don’t  come  over.

[  TXT  ]  :  i  shouldn’t  ask  this.  but  are  you  alone?

[  TXT  ]  :  every  song  sounds  like  you.  explain  yourself.

[  TXT  ]  :  i  keep  rereading  old  messages.  don’t  judge  me.

[  TXT  ]  :  say  something  that  will  make  me  stay.

[  TXT  ]  :  if  i  show  up.  will  you  let  me  in?

[  TXT  ]  :  i  don’t  know  how  to  want  you  quietly.

[  TXT  ]  :  do  you  ever  think  about  what  we  almost  were?

[  TXT  ]  :  this  is  me  being  brave.

[  TXT  ]  :  i  miss  the  way  you  used  to  look  at  me.

[  TXT  ]  :  tell  me  to  stop.

[  TXT  ]  :  i  hate  that  you  still  feel  like  home.

[chaos--mode]

@kissmedcadly EMBRACED THE CHAOS : ❝ I'll sleep when I'm dead. ❞

Ren huffs at Vic's stubborn refusal to just like. Y'know, chill out. She doesn't know how serious the other's being, but considering what she knows about her? Yeah, Ren's not taking any chances.

❝ Hey, you keep goin' like this you're gonna get there waaay quicker. ❞

So she just rolls her eyes as she wipes at the bartop. ❝ 'Least take a fucking nap in the back booth or something, you look like you're about to faceplant on my bar. I don't feel like dealing with a bloody nose right now. ❞

✱ ˚｡⋆ ↪ 𝐒EALED WITH A LEAD KISS ...

[chaos--mode]

lots of ren muse floating about, unfortunately not a lot of energy up for grabs atm 💀

[jamsmemes]

(     *     RESIDENT EVIL REQUIEM.

a selection of dialogue prompts from the game resident evil requiem. feel free to change pronouns / details as needed.

‘we found another body.’

‘perhaps it’s time for you to face the past? confront that fear head-on.’

‘i won’t force you to go, but do you think you can do this for me?’

‘there might be answers inside.’

‘why am i even here?’

‘you have been on that thing all day.’

‘we need to keep our voices down.’

‘tell me what’s going on.’

‘now is not the time. stay close.’

‘i’m calling the police!’

‘i’m so sorry. this is all my fault.’

‘i’m the one that brought you here.’

‘we have so much to do.’

‘you’ve got to be shitting me.’

‘don’t do anything stupid.’

‘someone help me!’

‘well, fuck. let’s make this quick.’

‘back to square one.’

‘we’re running out of time.’

‘you gotta stay calm.’

‘where the hell am i?’

‘don’t come any closer!’

‘what the hell was that thing?’

‘i’ll be fine. i hope.’

‘you can’t see, can you?’

‘why are you in there?’

‘who made a mess? why the mess?!’

‘what if i can’t get out?’

‘this might be useful.’

‘so loud… my head… keep it down!’

‘don’t fuck with me.’

‘it’s your fucking fault!’

‘give me a fucking break!’

‘you laughed at me!’

‘well, at least it’s easier to walk around now.’

‘come in. i won’t harm you.’

‘why did you kidnap me?’

‘it took forever to find you.’

‘you’re not like other people, you know. you’re quite… unique.’

‘there’s no escaping your destiny!’

‘did anyone hurt you?’

‘please, i really need your help.’

‘you handle this. i’ll handle… that.’

‘i thought that thing was dead!’

‘you’re an investigator, right? well, investigate.’

‘when was the last time you brushed your teeth?’

‘you are an ignorant fool.’

‘you’re a dead man walking!’

‘sorry, i was a little tied up.’

‘hope i’m not next.’

‘you felt that one, huh?’

‘sorry, but i’m not on the menu.’

‘you’re killing me.’

‘well, hey. at least we’re in it together, right?’

‘oh god, i really don’t wanna go in there.’

‘ugh, it got in my mouth…’

‘hold on tight!’

‘why’s it so loud?’

‘let’s play.’

‘here, i kept this safe for you.’

‘do you maybe… wanna leave with me?’

‘it’s not safe here.’

‘we need to keep moving, okay?’

‘it’s okay, we’re not infected.’

‘you don’t need to worry about me.’

‘are you lying to me?’

‘have you seen the same shit i’ve seen?!’

‘look, we’re out of options here.’

‘how much longer do you think any of us can survive?’

‘we can help each other.’

‘it’s a deal.’

‘found you.’

‘hello, gorgeous.’

‘i can’t stop the bleeding.’

‘hey, hey, look at me. we’re gonna be okay.’

‘i’m sorry. i know it hurts.’

‘i need to keep you safe.’

‘are you listening? i said stop!’

‘you feel lost, but you’re not. you’re exactly where you need to be.’

‘i’ve been waiting for you.’

‘i’ll just go it alone.’

‘we’re in this together. till the end.’

‘i’ve always been good at working in the shadows.’

‘just don’t do anything too risky, yeah?’

‘gonna have to find another way around.’

‘you’re a real pest, you know that?’

‘haven’t you had enough?’

‘looks like someone else was here first.’

‘guess the only way in is through then.’

‘looks like they left in a hurry.’

‘something’s missing.’

‘i’ll have to shoot it down.’

‘so the rumours were true.’

‘don’t be ridiculous.’

‘i thought i had a short fuse.’

‘don’t mind if i do.’

‘some things never change.’

‘watch your back.’

‘this is my lucky day.’

‘do you still think about what happened there?’

‘sorry. this isn’t the time, we need to focus.’

‘this day just keeps getting better and better.’

‘i don’t give up that easy.’

‘i’ve had enough of you!’

‘i know the feeling.’

‘should’ve worn a helmet.’

‘so many attempts. so many failures. such a waste.’

‘it’s past our bedtime.’

‘please just be a bad dream.’

‘what’s done is done. you need to focus on the future.’

‘i had a feeling you’d make an appearance.’

‘sorry, but i don’t have time to spare.’

‘i’m gonna do some digging.’

‘i guess this is my stop.’

‘this is one very deep hole.’

‘just so you know, i’ve killed every plant i ever had.’

‘i’m getting the feeling i’m not wanted around here.’

‘we finally meet.’

‘didn’t realise i had such a big fan. how about an autograph?’

‘worried about me? how sweet.’

‘sneaky bastard.’

‘coming from you, that’s quite the compliment.’

‘time to finally get some answers.’

‘don’t embarrass yourself. you can’t beat me.’

‘you still need me, right?’

‘me? feel like a million bucks.’

‘where does this take us?’

‘your guess is as good as mine.’

‘how long was i out?’

‘i couldn’t make a difference.’

‘i’m coming with you.’

‘i don’t want any more regrets.’

‘whatever it takes, count me in.’

‘if anything happens to me… you promise… you’ll end this.’

‘you think you can give me a boost?’

‘this is it. i did it.’

‘where have i seen this…?’

‘life takes unexpected turns, don’t you think?’

‘looking back, do you feel that the choices you’ve made have contributed to… your present circumstances?’

‘what you sow, you reap. isn’t that the natural order?’

‘what would you like the world to know?’

‘i’m not a young man. i don’t have the energy i once did.’

‘your body can’t take much more.’

‘i’m gonna settle this.’

‘haven’t changed much, have you?’

‘let’s get this over with.’

‘what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?’

‘humans cannot predict when death will come for them. this is why they have hope.’

‘i was wrong… and i am plagued by guilt.’

‘happiness cannot be achieved at the expense of others.’

‘i think that’s enough for today.’

‘aren’t you beautiful?’

‘is there anything else you’d like to tell me?’

‘i’ve said my piece. i only hope it serves as a requiem for those who have passed.’

‘this is finally my chance to do something.’

‘please wake up. come on, wake up.’

‘i was just resting my eyes.’

‘let me help you.’

‘i don’t know the password.’

‘i can buy you some time.’

‘fulfill your destiny, and all will be forgiven.’

‘at least… i could save you.’

‘please know that you are my hope.’

‘there’s nothing special about me.’

‘do you know how much time and money i wasted on this?’

‘don’t you see the genius?’

‘your ignorance is staggering.’

‘it seems your skills have… diminished.’

‘sacrifices must be made! in the grand scheme of things, a few lives are nothing.’

‘give it up. it’s over.’

‘there’s no way out, is there?’

‘i’m not gonna leave your side.’

‘i guess this is it then.’

‘i feel better than i have in ages.’

‘thank god. i’m glad you’re okay.’

‘you’ll be back in action in no time.’

[chaos--mode]

@bykacie EMBRACED THE CHAOS : ❝ I dare you. ❞ / Nadine

Ren can't help but snort at their words. 'Cause like --- as if she's just gonna cave that quick. She's not THAT easy to spur into nonsense.

. . .

Well, okay, actually that's probably just bullshit. She's absolutely that easy.

Ren grins over at Nadine, canine fangs poking at her bottom lip. The only indication that anything even happened is the subtle whoosh of air and the way the vampire's hair settling over her shoulders. She giggles as she tosses the stolen knick-knack at the other.

❝ Happy fuckin' birthday, I guess. ❞

Astrology Inspired RP Prompts.

[books-n-quotes]

“To forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.”

— Elie Wiesel, Night

[healworld]

        “when i first left, i understood how wide and glorious the world must be; how many marvels it must hold.” — @chaos--mode / sc.

[chaos--mode]

❝ Hmm, and danger, ❞ Ren muses, and like. Yeah sure maybe it's a bit doom and gloom. True, though, isn't it?

Still, she's kinda smiling when she looks back over at Aloy. ❝ Don't forget about all the danger. ❞

[greelin]

“that’s the spirit” i say as i gesture to the spirit that’s been haunting my home for years. when will they leave or start contributing to the household by doing something like helping with laundry. when will they pay rent

[exquisitebutterfly]

@chaos--mode asked: ❝ I can tell when you're lying. I can see it in your face. ❞

Quinni hated how well Ren could tell when something was wrong. She was used to being able to lie to people about being okay and them not giving a second thought to it. Truthfully, the redhead was grateful to have someone like the other in her life. She knew Ren would always make sure she was okay.

Letting out a small sigh, Quinni turned to face Ren. "I just... I am tired of always having to be the bigger person," she murmured as she fidgeted with her hands. "I am always having to push aside my own feelings and it is exhausting."

[chaos--mode]

Call it like, a superpower or whatever (don't worry about the literal magic she's got going on), but Ren can pretty much always tell when someone's lying. Just kinda, in general --- not necessarily to her. She just KNOWS. But then like, sometimes she does just know someone well enough to notice all their tells. Quinni falls squarely into that category.

❝ So then don't be. ❞ She shrugs. ❝ Throw a bucket of paint on their car. ❞ And like --- she's only kinda being facetious. She's not gonna push for it but, y'know. If Quinni asked, Ren would get her a bucket of paint. ❝ And then maybe the bucket, too. ❞

[mcflymemes]

AS SAID BY THE INQUISITOR, PART 2 *  assorted dialogue from dragon age inquisition

you don't look so good. what happened?

i promise you. we'll make sure none of that happens.

assassinations, invasions, and demon armies? i'm glad i missed all of that.

you're still here.

you're safe now.

that was impressive.

i'm so sorry for everything you suffered.

why did he do that?

how can those bastards want a world like this?

can we open it?

it's time to answer for your crimes.

i was worried i'd have to search the whole castle for you.

look at what you've done! all this suffering, and for what?

i'll admit, i was expecting a bit more fight out of you.

i will undo this.

hand over the amulet.

no one should live like that.

i know you cared for him.

how do we reverse the spell?

we'll make this count.

what if we don't make it in time?

we cannot afford to be divided now.

we can't fight it without you.

we are all in immediate danger.

it's not going to work if we make enemies of them.

they must be punished.

i have contacts who can help.

we should head there as soon as possible.

i got a taste of the consequences if we fail. let's make sure we don't.

you're staying?

i must admit, i'm surprised.

there's no one i'd rather be stranded in time with, future or present.

i never asked for your help.

we don't know what caused this. we can't rest easy.

give me a plan! anything!

what is this? what's going on?

everyone to the gates!

if it will save these people, he can have me.

if you know why he wants me, just say it.

how do i stop him?

if that thing is here for me, i'll make him fight for it.

whatever you are, i am not afraid!

what are you? why are you doing this?

you expect us to surrender and kneel. we will not. you'll face us all.

your arrogance blinds you. good to know.

if they're arguing about what we do next, i need to be there.

if that thing is still out there, we need to move.

i know in my heart that i was meant for this.

if you've something that will help, now's the time.

i... don't know what to say.

you all have that much confidence in me?

are you quite sure you know what you're doing?

our concern must be the order and safety of this world, not the next.

i'm always looking for new allies.

i don't have time for a meet-and-greet.

does it ever get any easier?

if i thought like that, i'd never get anything done.

i go out into the wilderness, and find something that wants to kill me. that usually clears my mind.

you're right. that does pale in comparison.

you did the best you could with an impossible situation.

a lot of people were going to die either way.

that's why i want your advice.

you're giving me maybes. i need proof.

i appreciate your help.

i'll take any lead i can get at the moment.

have any undead attacked the camp?

will you stay to fight the undead here?

find another way to help people.

are you worried about me?

it's good to know what i'm in for.

it looks like you've already done some of my work for me.

i won't ask twice.

that's all i needed to know.

it sounds like our best option.

i'll be fine. just keep the men safe.

if we lose here, we lose everything.

lay down your weapons and surrender.

good work. stay with my forces and see that they survive this.

do what you can.

you leave me no choice.

i don't want to kill you!

[freakarus-moved]

a glint shines off the polaroid, a drop of a tear onto the image, blurring it slightly. that's a metaphor if he's ever seen one. the mark is gone as quick as it fell, brushed away by her finger before causing any damage. the thump of his heartbeat builds, an internal struggle between comforting ren or stepping back. take her hand, brush her cheek or hug her or something. it feels like a line had been drawn between them - do not dare cross - a line he so easily stayed behind before when he kept a distance from ren. purposely.

god, last time eddie saw her cry was ... that day. && that felt like the end of the world, at the time. funny how the universe works: now the world is ending, && who's part of the hero group designated to save it?? these two. the red string of fate can never be broken.

fingers brush against hers for a passing moment as eddie takes the photo - enough to notice, enough he flinches slightly. the polaroid is held gently between fingers. eyes flick between ren, who doesn't meet his gaze, to the image before shifting back toward the desk she'd plucked it from. it's sacred hiding place, placed back in between the silmarillion && frankenstein.

the air feels palpable. heavy. maybe it's whatever poisonous shit's flying around these days, or it's the history between the two hanging in the air. the laughs, smiles, the sunny days, the rain, the good, the bad, the future they never had. all of it laid out in front of them -- in a knowing silence. worst of all is what COULD'VE been.

" so, uh, " finally, words spoken, " i take it you didn't keep any cute photos of me?? " cue the cheesy grin. anything to break the tension in the room, except the smile falters this time.

[chaos--mode]

She knows that she did this. Ren did this. She could go on forever about the supernatural bullshit, the monsters and danger, but at the end of the day? She's the one that snuck around, she's the one that hid it all from him, she's the one that decided to cut him out of it all. And then she couldn't even keep him out of it in the end.

It isn't the first time she's cried over Eddie. Far from it. But it's the first time since she ruined everything that she's cried in front of him. Isn't so ironic that they're stuck together now? World-ending catastrophe, and he's gotten all tangled up in this shit right along with her. Sometimes --- if she squints --- she thinks she can see a little line tying them together, shimmery and glinting in the light.

She barely suppresses a shiver when his fingers brush over hers. Her own twitch with the urge to reach out for his hand --- she doesn't. Only morosely stares at the corner of his room, at nothing in particular, at the mess that surrounds them.

His question takes her by surprise. It really shouldn't, though. 'Cause he's always been like that, hasn't he? Kinda awkward but like, charming in the way he is. Ren finally looks back over to him, to his goofy smile (the way that it doesn't quite reach his eyes). And like, the thing is that she's sentimental, and she never wanted to end things with him, never stopped regretting just. Everything.

Of course she kept every single thing of his that she had.

Ren hesitates, her breath catching as her lips part on words she can't quite get out. She wants to tell him that she still has the stupid little fistful of flowers he picked for her on that day in the polaroid, dried and pressed between the pages of Mary Shelley's The Last Man.

But admitting any of that feels like, just, a lot. So instead she answers a different question; ❝ I never threw anything away. ❞

[chaos--mode]

What Is The Flavour of Your Soul?

rosemary

ah, THE OLD SOUL, nice to meet again.

the time of ages is etched into your bones, you see clearly. you've watched the heartache in this realm and sworn to solve it. but kindness without limits is self destruction. oh little leaf, strong and wise, you seek to bring peace with your presence.

I'd be wrong to say you fail at this effort, but you mustn't set yourself on fire to keep others warm. you wish to please everyone, to protect them ALL. but if you shield the saplings from the sunlight they will never grow, and you one day will wither. protect yourself too.

you know there are no happy heroes, so don't be one. be a friend. your loved ones will not forsake you for not being perseus slaying all their demons. you have your own monsters, why not meet them first before you conquer anyone else's nightmares.

oh true-hearted paladin you are brave, and you are good enough. you know that right? be true to yourself, one cannot do anything saintly if they did not tend to their own wounds first.

tagged by: @untilthcyrot and @dryadalismagicae ♡ tagging: @heartsdefine - @bloodedhearts (for Cassandra and/or Fenris) - @radiaking - @resplendentdare - @hangtenn - @atomiqueen

[resplendentdare]

The only reason Saskia wanted to drink before Ren would even think about drinking from her was because she was scared it would hurt, the alcohol would make sure she wouldn't care or feel anything.

"Noted," she nodded slowly. "I just... I don't want it to hurt, y'know?" she admitted, fiddling with her fingers. "And I guess pain killers won't exactly do shit about the pain."

[chaos--mode]

❝ Oh, is that it? ❞

She shrugs, like it's totally no biggie to talk about drinking your bestie's blood. Because the thing is, like, it doesn't have to hurt. Ren can let it, if she wants. But then she can also just kinda numb the feeling.

❝ I can make it not hurt. ❞ She pauses for a moment, and then she hums, wry little grin pulling at her lips. ❝ I could also make it, like, really not hurt. ❞ If you know, you know.

[roleplaymemeworld]

𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐈 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 ‘𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’ 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 ღ  

“Here, take my jacket. You look cold.” “Waking up next to you is my favorite thing of the morning.” “You look beautiful.” “I made your favorite food, because you weren’t feeling your best.” “I brought you flowers to brighten your day a little.” “You can always call me, even in the middle of the night.” “Everything is more fun when you’re around.” “Why would I watch the stars, when I can look at you instead?” “Come under my blanket, I know you’re freezing.” “Please be careful out there.” “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” “Your flaws are the best parts of you.” “Home is wherever you are.” “I don’t care what happens, as long as we’re together.” “Promise you’ll never leave.” “Your hand fits perfectly in mine.” “I’d do anything for you, you know that.” “I want us to grow old together.” “You have made me a better person.” “I’ll always try to make you happy.” “Of course I worry about you. You’re important to me.” “I belong right here with you.” “I’ll stay with you. I don’t want you to be alone.” “Let me take care of you.” “I heard you couldn’t sleep, so I made you some tea.” “I’m only me when I’m with you.”

[chaos--mode]

@themonsterandthehunter EMBRACED THE CHAOS : ❝ Don't lecture me, just mind your own business! ❞ / Ji-Wan

❝ Kai IS my business! Just 'cause you're getting married doesn't mean you've got full dominion over him. ❞

Ren huffs, the perfect picture of annoyance with her fists planted on her hips and pouted lips twisted into a petulant frown. Like, who does Ji-Wan think he is? Kai asked her to help with the planning for a REASON, hello!

❝ I knew him first, and I'm telling you that he'd prefer the lilacs. They smell nicer. ❞

𓆝 ⋆｡ﾟ🌊｡ : THERE'S WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE . .

[thoughtkick]

“No one can hurt you as badly as the people you love.”

— Ransom Riggs, Library of Souls