#(he was the first keychain I ever drew)

[trucbiduleschouettes]

Thinking about keychains I've made before (mainly for friends)

[toonsforkicks22]

Guess who just met Sean Chiplock at their first ever furry convention 😏

Yeah, he knows who I am now…

Sketched this while waiting to meet him (he liked it!)

Just finished it! I’m thinking of making this into a keychain 💜

I love how conventions put up these blank canvases so artists can share their socials! I drew Sir P lol

[lemurianwaves]

Tones of Love

Of all chapters he adore, yours is the one, most.

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author's note: before you guys get into this, may i suggest listening to isn't she lovely by stevie wonder (spotify link is included in the story!) as this song implies how sylus thinks of [your name] ! this is my first fanfic ever since... i was getting busier with my degree somewhere between 2022 or 2023. but now that i am free, i am slowly coming back to tumblr and write <3. as always.. so not proof-read. but please give Tones of Love well, tons of love!

word count: 2,441 words

theme: fluff, just sweet ol' fluff. romance. comedy/crack

taglist: @grimmweepers @shadowarchon @nkogneatho @noritoshiikamo @aphoticfirefly @abyssal-blossoms @olderthanthestars @afortoru @diaferia-dhades

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Sylus. The voice actor to the very stars.

The man has always loved the energy of fan meetings—from the nervous excitement in the air, the shine and twinkle in the eyes of his fans, to the lovely words of encouragement and support that blesses his ears and heart. These moments reminded him of the path he chose, and why; to bring the characters to live, to connect with the ones who work hard behind the scenes and of course, to inspire lingering emotions long after the credits roll. Sylus slipped into his charming persona with ease, welcoming the fans with a warm grin. He read iconic lines from his roles, answered questions about his process, and reenacted fan-favorite scenes, much to the delight of the crowd. 

Adjusting the cat ears headband given to him by manager, Sylus scanned through the crowd of 40 lucky attendees. His ash silver locks caught under the soft stage lights, his gaze landed on the first row. There... there she was, sitting quietly with her hair tied up in a bun, and in matching cat ears headband. The love of his life. The one person who knew not just Sylus, one, if not, Linkon's most loved voice actor, but Sylus the man who whispered sweet nothings during the nighttime and laughed at his siblings, Luke and Kieran's pun jokes.

The room vibrated with a gentle buzz of anticipation as over 40 lucky fans filled the small, well-lit hall. It felt like an intimate space—designed to feel less of a staged event but akin to a reunion, friends of old. Posters of Sylus’ photoshoots, along the characters he played, from his role as Jacaerys Spellman, a famed painter with the ability to sew memories into each pigment, to his most recent one, James Kinsley III, a widower left to rule a state after the death of his wife, hung neatly on the walls.

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“Hey, you guys,” he greeted, his voice warm and rich, exactly like his characters he portrayed.

“Woah, you guys, you all look amazing. Are you ready to spend a long afternoon together?"

The crowd cheered, and Sylus chuckled, setting his microphone down, giving his audience 2 thumbs up. Soon, the meet and greet session began. Sylus made sure to give each fan his full attention, accepting gifts, signing posters, and gave every person his undivided attention, listening with much intent to their stories of how his performances have brought them much comfort, emotionally and mentally. 

One fan, a university student with a notebook full of sketches, hesitantly slid their notebook towards him, a water painting displayed for him to look at.

"I know you get loads of these, but I— uhm, drew your character from Abyssal Mark... I believe that this is one of my best piece."

Examining the artwork, his eyes lit up. "Are you kidding me? This is amazing. Look at this— hey! Manager, look, look at the details of this. You've something going on here, you know?" 

The student’s face turned a deep shade of red, silently thanking him, with looks of admiration planted upon Sylus from fans waiting for their turn, for his genuine expression for his own fans. Another 4 minutes passed by and a fan presented him with a keychain featuring one of his most memorable quotes: "There's no love is purer than mine." He turned it over in his hand, a soft grin plastered on his face.

"That line... man. I remember when the director told me to say that line. Think of the happiest memory you could ever think of, and say that line with much love in your heart, she said." 

He paused, his thumb grazed across the quote once more. "Did it in one take and it's probably the best line I've ever recorded. Thank you for this— it's going on my bag."

The line kept moving and as it was about to end, there she was, right in front of Sylus. "Well, well, well, if it isn't my biggest fan," he teased softly, the tone of his voice professional yet carrying that familiar warmth enough for her to melt under. 

“Hmm... I don't really know, Sylus,” [your name] replied, her voice light.

“It seems like I've lots of competition here today, heh." 

He smirked, leaning in a little closer. "But there's only one of you, sweetie,” he whispered.

The words words hung between the two of them like a secret, hidden in plain sight. As he signed her copy of an artbook belonging to a game called Love and Deepspace, in which served as one of the main characters, he added a quick note at the bottom: Dinner’s on me tonight. Same place as always, sweetie?

[Your name] exchanged one last fleeting smile before stepping aside, blending seamlessly back into the crowd. Once Sylus went through with the individual meet and greet, he moved onto the next event, which was the Q&A session. During the Q&A session, Sylus leaned forward with a grin as a fan asked about his university days.

“Hmm.. university life was definitely a hectic point in my life, but don’t get me wrong, I loved it. Every single second,” he said.

“I majored in theater, with a minor of… Ancient Chinese Mythology, so I was constantly juggling rehearsals, assignments, and late night study sessions. I think because of the routine where I have to be at my best, it really shaped me.”

Another fan asked, eagerly, about his love for voice acting and what made him pursue this particular path of performing arts, to which he responded with a spark in his eyes.

“I believe that it’s the freedom to become anyone, theater allowed me to do that as well, but there is something about telling stories, voicing characters with just your vocals alone, without having to show your face that much, it gives both me and the audience a chance to use their imagination to. There’s a certain magic to it.” And when asked if he’d take on another live action role, Sylus chuckled, with a playful shake of his head.

“I’m not and never ruling it out! I loved my experiences in front of the screen, and the perks of taking props home for decor, but for now, I am happy bringing characters to life from behind the mic! Never say, never, though!” Sylus’ answers were met with laughters, oohs, ahhs and applause, the sincerity of how he consider each questiona lighting up the room.

Moving on, his manager hands him a stack of fan letters, adorned in ribbons, stickers and colourful envelopes, Sylus placing it on his lap. Picking one at random, he smiled and began reading.

“Dear Sylus,

Your voice has been nothing but a delight to my ears. I’ve been a fan from your first role to your most current one and every time I hear it, it feels like I am reuniting with an old friend. Well, except for your villainous role, where fear made friends with my spine. But it goes to show just how much effort you put into your lines. Thank you, for the ones you inspired and for everything you do.”

The audience let out a collective “aww”, and he chuckled, placing the letter down carefully. Another letter described a fan’s struggles, and how his role as a dragon, feared and hated by the people yet never once he lost his spirit inspired them to keep on moving with life and that even though their current situation feels hard to go through, they should never give up. Sylus’ expression softened as he said,

“Well, thank you for sharing that with me. It means the entire world to know I’ve done a small part in your journey in life. It feels surreal whenever I’ve people come up to me and say how much my work and to some extent, myself, impacted them. It’s.. wow.” The room went silent, with the occasional sniffles and soft “aww” as Sylus continued to read his fan letters, his voice laced of love, gratitude and adoration for his fans.

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As soon as the reading event was done, Sylus spent 10 minutes backstage to change his outfit and took some time to stretch. As he returned, he stood on the small stage set up at the front of the room, with a mike in his hand and a smile on his face. 

"Alright, guys." he began, holding a script, that was read one too many times, in the other.

"You guys know this one animated series I am doing, right? And there's this one  argument scene from Radiant Bonds?"

The crowd cheered for Sylus as he cleared his throat and stepped into character, his tone shifting effortlessly to match the vulnerability of his character dialogue rolled off of his tongue, and the fans hung onto every word. But... every now and then, Sylus couldn't help but lose focus. Something feels, a tad bit off.

Taking a deep, deep breath, the young man of red eyes and ash silver hair smiled and said "I apologize, you guys. I don't think this dialogue can be delivered... with me alone. It wouldn't be the same without my partner in crime. Rafayel! Get in here!" 

The room erupted with cheers and gasps. Fans whooped as Rafayel, his co-star and longtime friend, took steps to the centre of the stage, bowing to the audience before giving Sylus a hug, earning the duo a round of applause.

"You're lucky I like you, Sylus. Hearing just how real that scene was in the recording booth, I swear, I thought of an early retirement right after." he joked, the audience laughing at his words. 

The two then launched themselves into a spirited reenactment of the scene, complete with exaggerated gestures and improvised lines that had the crowd in gasps and sighs. By the end the two voice actors broke character, laughing themselves to bits they couldn’t finish the last dialogues.

As the event is coming to its end, Sylus and Rafayel gathered everyone for a group photo. “Alright everyone, scrunch in! Raf! C’mere! I know you miss your bodyguard but come!” he teased. 

Fans reluctantly started filing out, thanking Sylus and Rafayel for their time. Before each and everyone of them left, his team handed everyone with a gift box, a cap, two bracelets and a ticket to his upcoming movie airing in theaters next week, as well as Sylus personally paying for their ride. He addressed everyone one final time.

“Thank you for being here. Honestly, your support is what makes all of this worth it. I’ll see you guys at the next event—promise.”  And with that, Sylus gave them all a wave and a now, and remained in that position till the doors closed.

The event wrapped up after nearly five hours, and once the venue cleared out, he helped his team to clear the space and before he took his leave, he thank everyone and informed the head of the team that dinner is on him, handing his manager his black card,

“You’ll meet me next week at work, it’s fine. You guys worked really hard.”

Once all was done, Sylus walked his way to through the building and slipped away through the back door, where his lover waited for him just out of sight.

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“Oh my god~ it’s Sylus, the greatest voice actor of all time!” she said, her voice warm with playfulness, Sylus grinned, brushing his digits through his tousled hair.

“Oh my god, if it isn’t the love of my live, [your name].”

A kiss was planted on her cheek, before he wrapped his arms around her in a lingering hug, just happy to finally have her next to him, [your name’s ] body warmth settling against his skin. As she pulled away from the hug, he gentle held her hand, guiding across the softly lit parking lot towards their car; the air was cool, the sun is slowly setting, carrying the faint smell of its rays, a grin never leaving her face as they both moved in sync.

Once she was seated in the passenger seat, [your name] waited for him to start up the car, and scrolled through her playlist, before connecting to the car’s system, letting Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder play with her voice joined the melody, soft and slightly off key. Sylus glanced at her a smile tugging at his lips as he gripped the wheel; the hum of the engine and her carefree singing blending in perfectly as he drove them towards the bistro. In that moment, everything felt right.

They walked hand in hand to the entrance of the bistro, and inside, they chose a tucked away spot where they wouldn’t be bothered by anyone. Sylus took a deep breath, patting his chest, finally allowing himself to relax, he, no longer a confident star, but just he, himself.

“You were incredible today,” she said, before popping a peanut into her mouth, giggling as she looked at him with unfiltered pride in her eyes.

“Flattery will get you everywhere, sweetie,” he responded, a chuckle leaving his lips after, reaching across the table to hold her hand.

“But since it comes from you, I’ll gladly take it.” Their conversation flowed effortlessly, as it always did. He did silly impressions of his own characters, including an imitation of a crow named Mephisto, earning delighted laughs that makes him feel happier than ever. As their cocktails and desserts came, [your name] and Sylus swapped bites, his grin widening, eyes softened each time he gazed at his lover’s face light up.

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The two love birds took their time after finishing dinner, and decided to take a stroll beneath the city lights, not really wanting to go home just yet, with her arm tucked into his, leaning close against Sylus under the crisp breeze of the night.

“It’s funny,” she murmured, her tone thoughtful.

“Seeing you up there, knowing how many people adore you. But what really warms my heart?” she paused, Sylus looking at her with his brow raised, emitting a soft “hm?”.

“It’s that, at the end of day, you’re my Sylus. Mine and mine alone.”

He stopped, in the midst of his tracks, cupping her face, lips pressed against her forehead for a gentle kiss. The world around them blurred, leaving only the two of them in a quiet, perfect moment. It was an ending as heartfelt as any of Sylus’ performance—a reminder that yes, while he might be a voice actor for countless stories, his favourite chapter will always be the one they star in.

“And I’ll always will be.”

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© writings belong to lemurianwaves. reblogs + likes are appreciated. thank you !

[ontheoddoccasioniwritestuff]

Naked Truths (John Price x Escort!Reader)

Part of the Purchase Your Time series

Summary: It's a late night call that brings you to John's house, and you can tell by his appearance - and his payments - that tonight might just be the time he starts to cross that line of his.

Content warnings: Smut (18+ only, Minors DNI!), blowjobs (male receiving), penetrative sex, oral sex (reader receiving), Reader is gender neutral (genitals vaguely described, no specifics)

Masterlist

Calling you on a random Thursday after two months of radio silence initially thrilled in your stomach and sent earthquakes through your hands as you answered your phone.

“When can I see you?”

“When do you want to?”

“Now.”

After confirming that you only needed a change of comfortable clothes before you’d be able to head over, John hung up first - another indicator that he hadn’t the energy to act like a normal person. Perhaps that should’ve set off alarm bells louder than your curiosity, but this was bringing you real insight to who he was, not what he acted like in front of you. The man who yearned for domesticity but hid behind charm and competence unless you dared to offer that kind of interaction in an open palm.

Within a minute of hanging up, you received your payment straight into your bank account. An overnight stay was indicated by the number of digits.

His house again was the location and it was just as you remembered, except all the lights were off and his truck was not perfectly parked. Before you could exit to investigate, the driver cleared her throat before she handed you a key. No keychain or ring to indicate it had ever been attached to a set before. You accepted and thanked her before closing the car door behind you. The slam and fading of the engine as the car sped away left you in noticeable silence, no greeting, no enticement, nothing but intrigue to bring you to the front door, which you knocked out of habit before trying the key. No surprise was felt when it let you in.

“John?” You called out, taking your shoes off and placing them beside a pair of worn, caked in crap laced boots.

A gruff “In here” led you into the kitchen. At the breakfast bar, John’s back appeared in your vision.“Hi.” You slid the house key across the bar, scraping the marble but not marring it.

John’s hand stopped yours in place, “It’s for you.” As you made a mental note to add that to your John inventory, give it its own identifier so you wouldn’t mix it with any others, John raised his short glass and revealed the heavy amber liquid that sloshed about the bottom of it.“Can I get you a drink?”

“No, thank you.” And only then was your hand released to tuck that key away into your pocket. “How are you doing?”

Pressing the glass against his forehead, John sighed, “Been a day.”

“What can I do for you?”

John sniffed then abandoned the drink on the counter. The breakfast bar stool spun as he stood from it. The ice cubes filled the silence with their tune like a wind chime in a breeze.

In one smooth motion, John’s hands – cool from condensation – tilted your head and swept you close by the small of your back so that he could kiss you. The oiled bristle of his moustache paired like a fine wine with his lips cushioned on yours. Yet this switch-up from all previous dates had you hyper aware and certainly to the fact that he was walking you backwards, his palm cradling the back of your head so that you didn’t feel the brunt of the wall when he pressed you against it. Your own hands had latched onto his neck and midriff in the crossfire, tickled by this absence of restraint and annoyed when John drew away with a sigh and an apology. You calmly demanded for an reason behind his quiet “sorry”.

“Grabbing you like that,” was his explanation.

“I’m fine. You wanted to, I wanted to,” You replied, “It’s quite literally my job. I’m like a therapist you can fuck.”

Unfortunately, your humour resulted in John letting out an empty laugh and freeing you from his hold. But you were determined to get a real reaction out of him, so you pressed on his bruise a little more. “I’m serious. I’m hear for whatever you need: hearing out your problems, talking about things you can’t tell anyone else, whatever you want.”

Knocking back the rest of his drink, ice cubes clashing into his teeth, John swallowed then scoffed, “Is that how you see me? Just like any other client?”

“I see you wanting something, and you wanted that with me, which is why you called me. But you can’t bring yourself to ask for it.”

“Maybe you should be a therapist,” John tipped his glass over in the sink, letting it flip and fall an inch from his grip onto the draining board. Even though you’d made the connection, you wished he’d stop telling you to be in other professions, as if that would solve his hang-up over not having a real relationship.

“Couldn’t stand the paperwork,” You approached him, rubbing up and down between his shoulder blades whilst knowing you could never sneak up on him. “What’s got you feeling like this?”

“I can’t talk about it.” And his head hung as he pressed into the sideboard.

“Can’t or won’t?”

“Can’t.”

This man with all his padlocks and precautions, preventing you from knowing anything he didn’t want you to – and there was so much left for you to learn about him. But it seemed there was still some learning on his part too. His mental hurdle, with the reminders that you were willing and funded for his delight, was one you would not trip or turn from.

So you hooked his chin and made him face you, “Then don’t.”

When you kissed him again, you let him pull you between him and the sink. Fists in your clothes, desperate to free your skin, John barely drew away from breath – enoughthat his lips still graced over yours when he spoke:

“I’m not in a patient mood.”

You held back a smile, “You know the limits and I know the safe word. Do you?”

“Yes.”

“Say it.”

“Gecko.”

“There’s nothing more to it then.”

Grappling with your clothes, You knew he’d take you right there on the counter if you let him No, he wanted a domestic paradise spiked with homespun thrills.

A risk worth taking, to get him to recognise how much he wanted this, you tore yourself from him to race your heartrate up the stairs to his room, the thudding of John skipping steps to capture you shooting adrenaline through your chest. Fear, manufactured fear that felt just like the real thing, trapped your breath and giggles in your constricted throat, growing tighter with every step climbed.

All air was snatched from your lungs as he grabbed you in the doorway, slamming you up against a chest of drawers, knocking over whatever knick-knacks or trinkets he had out. His mouth was hot on your chest from the second he pulled your shirt off. You found yourself fisting his hair to keep his mouth on you, his spit leaving paths of where he’d given you attention. Fingers dug his nails in like he burying to be beneath your skin. Crescent moons were left behind amongst his scars through his tight shirt as you matched his vigour.

“Say you want this,” John whispered into your neck.

“I want this,” You whined as his teeth threatened to make a meal of you.

“Again.”

“I want this, John. Please. I want it now.”

But still, he stopped, panting and squeezing your cheeks, your chin caught in the V of his finger and thumb. He pulled his forehead to yours.

“Tell me you want this,” He repeated.

Keening into him, your nose dragged you close to breathe him in. You licked your lips, like a wolf lavishing in the blood that dripped from them, cleaning of the kill in preparation for the next.

“John, I want you.”

The same absence of any personal touches in his bedroom would’ve caught your attention more, at all, if it weren’t for how viciously John ripped at your trousers, whipping them from your legs like a bedsheet fresh of a washing line. The ripple effect through your body sealed you close to him, seeking out a solution to the wet problem growing between your legs.

The slowest he’d acted was when he carried you to his bed. Legs around his waist, hoisting you and pressing you into the wall, stabilising himself, he left a bitemark on your neck before he moved you. His hands squeezed tight on your thighs before releasing you to fall onto the duvet.

For a moment, barely a second, John grabbed at his side. A wrinkle ironed itself free from his brow as soon as it appeared. You could hear him supress the hiss through his teeth, hiding the sound somewhere in his chest. Once his shirt was gone with the wind, you saw why: scar tissue on his mid torso, red with recency so not from this last work trip, at least. It did absolutely nothing in terms of inhibiting his desires, his teeth latching onto the skin of your collarbones again. You decided to curb his enthusiasm a little, though not to dispel the swelling in his jeans that was being rubbed up against your thigh.

Your knees were grateful for the pillow beneath them as you knelt on the floor and kissed his belly, your teeth threatening to pluck at the ridges. You could feel how John stared down at you. It pleased you when he cupped your chin as you undid his belt, and you smiled at him while he did his best not to pant at how smoothly yet hungrily you freed him from his underwear.

You sucked on your bottom lip for a second before repeating: “I want to.”

And you did.Scruffing the back of John’s neck, you pulled him down for a kiss, dipping into his mouth to stun him before you pulled away and spat on his cock with a concoction of yours and his. Your tongue lapped at the head of his cock and spread across his sensitive skin, following down the vein like a road on a map.

John’s sharpened breath kept you fuelled, both savouring this appetizer that was hefty on your tongue and his mood. His eyes were creased shut like the bedsheets he gripped in both fists, the adorable slope in his eyebrows peaked in the centre as he began to surrender to you. You continued to seek out his pleasure, feeling him fill your mouth deeper and deeper with each return.

At last, he needed no encouragement from you. His paw-like hand coaxed you from the back of your head, insisting that your nose be tickled by his curled pubic hairs. Droopy eyelids and a softened throat let him take the lead like he wanted to. Your thumb was throttled in your fist to hide your gag reflex, the other hand teasing his . Still, tears began brewing as he stuffed himself into your mouth. Deep breaths flooded your lungs with sweat and salt condensation.  

When John brought you back up and pressed his mouth to yours, his tongue stroked in your mouth like he’s searching for something you haven’t said. You didn’t know why that made you nervous; you had nothing to hide, right?

The pads of his fingers traced down to you, smearing your arousal across your sex. He honed in on it like a beacon and tenderly petted you. His deliberate pace riled you up at an alarming rate, nails digging through his hairy forearm, to stop or hasten him. Either way, delightful as he drew control from you, eyes drooping and mouth agape to free the gasps. Somewhere, seemingly far away, you heard yourself ask for more as you felt yourself building up and up.

“Later,” and John licked his fingers clean, “I need to be inside of you now.”

You remembered, then, that he was the client. So you put your disappointment aside and opened your legs wider for him.

However, as he was positioning himself, John’s fingers dug in and he let out a different type of grunt, more strained than a release.You opened your eyes to find him grabbing at the back of his left thigh, squeezing in an attempt to soothe the cramp that had ruined his stamina. Before you could stop him, he planted his hands either side of you and went to lean. Swiftly he was cut off by a wince with his nose and eyes crinkled. His hand found his thigh again.

“Sit back,” You instructed, and he knew what you were getting at. Let me.

The manoeuvre wasn’t smooth but it got you over him. Whilst you settled into his lap, he had retrieved a condom and a bottle of lube from his bedside drawer. Delight swirled in your stomach at the thought of John buying it in anticipation for a meeting with you, or even just to ease his nights alone. It combined nicely with the shivers sent through his calloused fingertips as he massaged the lube around your hole, finishing the work to open you up to him. Within the minute, he was pulling you down on him, resting your forehead to his, John matching your breathing’s pace.

When he asked, you affirmed: “I’m ready, I want this.”

Controlling your pace, John took things slow to start. All that effort towards your orgasm that was lost began building up, even if it got distracted by John’s hand awkwardly trying to rub your sex whilst you grinded on top of him.

“Not there,” You tapped his wrist to make him move, gripping around it when he met your demands, “There. That’s it.”

A contrived head roll helped you avoid his stare and all its intensity. It wasn’t all an act; you were definitely enjoying yourself. But you had to pad the role a little to make sure he knew that too. You were doing a fantastic job, you thought, until John pinched your chin and forced you to stare him down.

“Tell me I’m a good man,” He huffed.

You did as you were told: “You’re so good for me.”

“Again.”

“You’re a good man, John. You’re my good man.”

He had you repeat it a few more times, his movements getting sloppier but nevertheless determined to get you both across the finish line. His teeth graced your shoulder as he rocked into you. His arms locked you in and you groaned at the prickle of his bite and his beard.

At last, you made it to release. Breathing slowly through it, a smile broke onto your face as it rippled through you. It was amplified by the harmonising noises John made, the feeling of him filling that condom up, his body up against yours in ridges and curves. When he slumped against you, you squeezed around him a few more times – just to be sure.

You leant against his head, kissing the sweaty cowlick whilst enjoying him knead your ass in a slow rhythm of clasp and release – like a stress toy. He was keeping you in the afterglow.

“You ok?”

“Hmm.” His hand found the back of your neck to make you look at him once he raised his head back up, “Are you?”

“You took such good care of me,” and you nuzzled your nose to his, “No ropes though?”

“Told you, I’m in no mood for patience.”

“That strikes me as out of character for you.”

John gave a one note hum again, “Next time, I’ll take all the time I need.”

“Sure you can handle that?”

Confidence returned, John’s slitted eyes sparkled as he smiled, kissing you with his arms pulling you in close, no air between your skin and his and only allowing a gasp in that vacuum when he needed to remove the condom. He delivered on your aftercare clause with the affection he sought himself, you combing your nails through his beard and kissing the flattened hairs whilst he cleaned you with a cloth and kisses. After, he curled up beside you, keeping you close. You’d known you would be staying as soon as you’d seen how much he was paying you, so this was no surprise. You made yourself content rising and falling on this furnace of a man’s chest.Of course, you’d have to roll over once he was out if you wanted any chance to get some rest, but this was fine for now. Until-

“One of the times we were together,” John whispered, his thumb tracing the same arc of skin on your back, “Before I left, I told you about my day plans. You asked me if you could help, instead of if I wanted you to stick around.” He took in and appreciated a deep breath, his grip on you tightening for a second. “Felt nice.”

Raising your head, you couldn’t stop your brow from creasing at his words: “What are you worrying about?”

“Not worried, but not foolin’ myself either.”

But this was what he wanted to be told. He made it clear when you first met: he wanted some sense of a reality he was prohibited from. He wanted to hear you say this, and who were you to refuse a paying customer?

You made sure he was looking at you before you spoke, resting in his chest with your nose brushing against his, “I want to be here, John. I want to be here with you.”

You slid off John’s chest as he shifted onto his side, taking your wrists into his hands and all the while keeping you locked in a stare with him. Intensity darkened his eyes and sent a chill through your back that locked up. Goosebumps pulled you back against John.

“Say it again,” He said hoarsely, “Please.”

You swallowed before speaking, “I want to be here with you.”

His lips lunged onto yours, his tongue yearning for more of your taste and only freeing you from his intoxicating kisses to demand another: “Again.”

“I want to be with you.”

The way his leg notched between yours rushed your heartrate; his hands were guiding your hips to grind upon it.

“I want you too,” He grunted against your gasps.

“I know.”

Next thing you knew, you were pinned back into the mattress and your whined efforts were ignored whilst John parted your thighs and feasted upon you. Any woes about professionality and separating truth from work were forgotten. All that mattered was his tongue and the way his lines by his eyes formed, as pleased to see you undone as you had been for him.

-----------

AN: There's a dark!version of this in my drafts that I'll post later, but also the brain worms are wriggling around putting Price through a Gone Girl situation still sooooo we'll see when that happens. Soon hopefully!

[fumifooms]

I WENT TO A COOOOON I finished pinning my bag just in time for it!! It was a small one but still my first one ever omg it was great. Someone recognized Marcille but not Chilchuck </3 People judged my ships on 3 different instances for 3 different ships, I got visibly emotional over Alois Trancy, I bought a Denji figure, it was great

I have preordered keychains and whatnot on the way still so I’ll def be updating my itabag composition + moving stuff around sort of soon, will give an update once it’s freshened up! Info on all the merch + some extra pics under read more Blue & green <3

Second pic is two custom badges I drew!! Never had bubble tea before so it acts as a con souvenir, + blorbos

The itabag: link, by Iconografi

Bootlegs but artist is bkub

Bootlegs of official merch

Official art but edited to make nice badges (I thought the anime celebration artwork ones were official ngl

Keychains by 118ween

Keychains by Sleepywyrm, link

Loot Anime crate pin

Keychains by SolelleArt, link

Keychains by ACertainSheep, link

Keychain and charms by Aguichart

Ok that’s it for now~ To quote a buddy:

I’m not used to having such high quality figures…… He fits so perfectly in my hand 🥹

[seeminglydark]

Been inspired lately to think of origins of the ufo keychain. John usually has it, but I drew a piece of them as teens where Caro has it when they bought their car. Where did it come from? Who does it belong too? But it’s always been a fun little thing I hide in many of my pieces, and ever since @fidgetspringer actually cast and made me my very own, it’s on my mind a lot. The reason I draw it in the first place is because I had a friend who was very special to me and helped me discover my gender identity who had a tiny arcade prize ufo on their pink fjellraven backpack, and it was incredibly nostalgic to me, cuz you can’t find them anymore.

Maybe its origin involves a day trip to Seattle, a boy who’s embarrassed he doesn’t have any money to get a birthday present for his sweet little friend, and a sweet little friend who happens to think arcade prizes are especially special when won for them by their favorite person in the world <3

[binders-and-beanies]

My first ever attempt at a comic bc it truly felt like the most powerful way to depict this. Additional commentary under the cut

First of all- this is not an invitation to take any sort of action about my safety without my consent. To do so would completely miss the point of the art I’ve just put my heart and soul into. If you’re concerned about me, check on me directly. This is truly just me wanting to be heard. Anyway

I named the comic this because when the GPS robot voice says “starting route to home,” I am overwhelmed with emotion. I’m rarely at my literal home theses days, and I don’t know what to expect from a future home. I feel like I’m constantly, and somehow never, “starting route to home.”

The bridge at the beginning connects my current two homes; my hometown and college campus. I keep hearing that they’re going to close the bridge for construction for several years, meaning I’ll have to take a scarier way home. (And yes, I deal with some difficult thoughts about the bridge. Yes I’m safe)

The parking garage is downtown where I’m planning to move soon. The swirly ramp lights up at night. I almost included a frame of a picture I took in the garage elevator, of a sign saying that the roof was closed for construction. I felt it was a bit too on the nose, as I purposely avoid seeing the roof.

The red car pictured throughout is mine, its name is Winston. I bought it used after a severe crash totaled my first car two months after I started driving independently. Winston has had a dent on the front since before I got it, and I always wonder what happened. That dent is the reason I could afford the car

The picture of my deceased friend Josh is displayed in my car as a reminder to drive with him in mind. He died in a car crash at 19

I got the “be safe” tattoo on the 11 year anniversary of meeting him

The screenshot of a song is really the song I believe I almost died to. I don’t remember what part of the song was playing during the crash, but I remember the end of the song blaring from my car as I escaped the wreckage.

The State Champs concert panel is my favorite panel in the comic. It’s the one I had to take breaks from drawing bc it hit hard. Driving myself to concerts is what wanting to live rly looks like to me

The timestamps in the GPS route panel are Josh’s birth and death dates. The route I drew is from my school to Baltimore. This is a route I drive for concerts + I’ve entertained the idea of living there someday. I almost drew the route between the North Carolina towns Josh and I lived in as children, but that felt too certain; I know where we lived. I don’t know where I’m going to be in a few years

My mom, best friend, and partner tend to be the first few people I text after a long drive. I try to do this quickly bc I know what it feels like to never get the “home safe” text. The timestamps on the messages are their birthdays. The additional messages are meant to convey that I have many more loved ones, *and* that I can’t keep up with my life

The Bratz keychain is one of the newest additions to a lifelong collection of Bratz items. Also pictured in this panel is my first tattoo, also for Josh.

The color scheme I used throughout is Josh’s favorite, and I always notice it at traffic lights.

Regarding the “ice on the road” panel: This is a metaphor pls for the love of god does anyone hear me. It’s also quite literal in regards to driving tho. Get off my ass

The warning lights I chose to highlight are ones that seemed closest to how I feel mentally in winter

I wrote the words to this comic in a parking lot on the way back from Dan and Phil in November. That drive felt exactly like what the comic describes, and the ideas developed so clearly that I had to create something about it immediately. I didn’t get to draw it until January but have re-read it every day

[sebsxphia]

ninety days.

rhett abbott x reader.

￫ description: rhett’s there when you come home with a milestone.

￫ c/w: a/a meetings, c/a meetings, drug and alcohol use and sobriety.

￫ a/n: i went to my first ever cocaine anonymous group tonight and i got a ninety day chip! i was incredibly nervous, but to comfort myself i thought up of this lil’ drabble and i wanted to share it. i hope you enjoy it and it provides any level of comfort to you as well! <3 my ‘sobriety’ masterlist can be found here! my main masterlist can be found here! 💌

You stepped out of the truck and shut the door behind you. The sound of the door slamming and the jingle of your keys echoed endlessly throughout the empty night sky. Your limbs were restless and your eyes were bleary, but the familiar glow of the porch light drew you closer to home and comfort. Rural Wabang had thus far, no groups and you found yourself having to travel over an hour west for your nearest group. It was worth it though. Worth what was now dangling off your keychain.

“Hey, lover.” You called out to Rhett. You spotted him the moment you stepped inside and kicked off your boots. He was perched on the kitchen table and hunched over. He was engrossed in a book about cabin building you’d got him last Valentine’s.

Rhett looked up, catching your eye and a grin broke out onto his face. You’d walked through that door countless times, but it still made Rhett over the moon to see you home and safe.

“Hey, darlin’. How you doin’? How was it?” Like clockwork, Rhett got up from his seat, gave you a kiss to your chilled lips and you placed yourself down at the kitchen table with your keys.

You hummed in thought, “Good. Davey was there. I haven’t seen him in a while, but he’s getting better. Two weeks clean, I think he said.”

“That’s good. I saw his girl in town, I think they’re tryin’ make it work again.” Rhett replied as he busied himself with getting your half of dinner out of the microwave. Whilst he plated up your food and grabbed you a fork, you drew your attention back to your keys on the kitchen table. You fiddled with them gently and your thumb smoothed over the blue and gold painted chip.

“I got it.”

“Got—” Rhett started to question what you meant as he came up beside you to hand you your plate, but in turn he saw what you were fiddling with. “Oh, baby. You got it.”

The plate was pushed onto the table and Rhett threw his arms around your shoulders, pulling you flush against his warm torso. With your ear pressed up against his chest and through the rumbling vibrations, you could hear an endless string of praises coming from your cowboy. He bent down to press what felt like a million and one kisses to the top of your head before pulling away.

He cupped your soft cheeks in his contrasting rough and calloused hands. The crinkles in the corners of his eyes found their placing and his cobalt blue eyes bore into yours with love. “I’m so proud of you, m’ love.” Your own hands held onto his and gave them a light squeeze in response.

“Thank you, Rhett,” you beamed up at him.

Rhett pulled out the kitchen chair next to you and slung one arm around the back of your chair. He tucked you into his side as you made good work of your dinner, savoring the sweet taste of each bite. “What’d y’ wan’ do? We gotta do somethin’ this evenin’.”

Again, you hummed as you pondered Rhett’s question and the best way to celebrate your ninety days. “Bath. With bubbles and the rose bath bomb.”

Rhett wore a lopsided grin at your playful tone and he pressed another sweet kiss to your temple. “Anything for my sweet cowgirl.”

[crsssie]

from one admirer to another : new years?

pairing: leon kennedy x reader || masterpost: from one admirer to another

synopsis: from one admirer to another, an online penpal service, allows for two people with common interests to write to each other without ever revealing their actual address! Luckily for both you and Leon, you get matched up! What do eggs and Christmas even have in common anyway? sure hope it's that modeling business and NOT that Ada Wong addiction.

featuring: reader as scrambled eggs // leon as christmas

Christmas...

SUNNY'S SO CUTE AUGHHHHHHH... I drew a twitter mental breakdown emote trust me I'm going through it. Sunny looks so cute. My roommate and I have a black cat called sesame bun, but she doesn't register on polaroids or film so I cry a little each time I see photos of her. Wish I had your number so I could send you photos of her, but that's against FOATA policy, so... oopsie.

You forgot to get their number?? That's an insane thing to say. How do you just casually— okay, well, on that topic, I forgot to get the number of the dude I was making out with on new years as well. It doesn't help that I was so drunk that I barely remember what he looks like. All I know is that he was hot and at the same new years party as me. I don't even remember what he called me. He was just so... hot. Okay, sorry, this isn't about me. This is about you. YEAH. I'M SHAMING YOU FOR NOT GETTING THEIR NUMBER (joke) And, yes, you used it right)

We're friends. I promise lol.

I live with my best friend! We're actually day ones and when she started working her current job, I was there with her at her first event. I can't say too much about her, but we've lived together ever since. I'm like... her stay-at-home best friend? Something like that. I earn less than she does, and she bought the whole apartment with her first paycheck, so now I just do everything that a husband would. Basically, I cook and clean on days I don't work and I dry her hair for her after her showers.

She helped me a lot (well, I live in her apartment so there's that) and I just love her so much :(.

The other two in our little group in high school also went into the same industry as her, except in different directions, so we see them every now and then. Sisters before misters or whatever. She and I are 4 lifers.

As for stuff about me... not too much to say. I told you all of my defining factors already. Sesame bun was adopted when we first got the house, so she's like four years old now. Cute little girl. I attached a keychain I ended up winning from another Ada event. I have one already, so I figured it would be better in your hands.

Hope you get that model's number, scrambled eggs

You seal the letter and toss it on your bedstand by your phone and head to the kitchen instead of bed because 1. you're hungry, 2. you're hungry, 3. you're hungry. You want a quick snack.

"Hey." Ada raises a brow at you at the sight of your laptop in hand. "Killing half of your reading population again?"

"It's just the comfort now." You yawn. "I want ramen."

"Shin noodles is not ramen." Ada pauses. "Also, no. You're cutting for your next shoot, remember?"

"God, can't they CGI it or something? God forbid a human eat for once." You huff, grabbing a pack of konjac jelly instead, huffing as you pop open your laptop. "I hate this industry."

"It's not that you can't eat."

"Where's the medicine for blood sugar?"

"You already had one today. You'll be fine." Ada hands you a jerky packet, and you groan in bliss.

"China my beloved."

Ada rolls her eyes, going back to her phone to text her relatives again. "Anything you want mailed this time?"

"阿尔卑斯..." You mumble. "Alps lollipops my beloved... please..."

"I'll let them know. Anything else?"

"QQ gummies are here now, huh?"

"Yeah." She pauses. "Let's have them mail some anyway."

"Love you."

"Yeah, yeah. Anything else that they can legally mail over?"

"Oh, I want gum."

"Extra?"

"Yuh. The white packaging one." You grin. "I'll dedicate this chapter to you again."

"Yeah?"

"Mhm." You blow a kiss at her, and she rolls her eyes.

"Sap."

"I'M HURT."

prev letter : masterlist : next letter

[pestercide]

14, 15 & 17 for the ask meme?? :3

14. Do you own any official merch? If not, what is one piece of existing merch that you wish you own? Is there anything that you wish it existed already?

Yeah!! I think my first pieces of merch were those Skid and Pump plushies, though they were the smaller/older ones. I also got a Bob plushie, the Tender Treats poster, some stickers and one of the shirts (it's the one with Bob, Streber, Skid and Pump!! I love the design sm!!)

I also ordered some of the merch from when Hollow Sorrows released! Still waiting for it to arrive but if I remember correctly I got the Moloch plushie (ofc), two shirts and the pins and stickers!!

And of the merch I don't have I'd honestly love to get my hands on this shirt with The Eyes on it (and the keychains,, they're so cute :3) plus the cassette and/or CD

15. From fanart or fanfiction, did someone's work made you think more positively of a character/ship? Free free to shout them out, whether if it's one person or multiple people!

YES!!! This applies to a few characters/ships actually so I worry I can't remember everyone but I'll try my best to list em here :3

Loki/Dexter (they aren't on Tumblr) made me really appreciate Dexter Erotoph!! I absolutely adore the way they analyse and talk about him and it made me start to think about not only Dexter on a deeper level but other characters too. Not to mention they also got me into Ratcandy and Sunnycide (the way they write them makes me giggle and kick my feet :3)

@shvggot made me care more about Ignacio!! I was never a fan of him or even cared about him for that matter but thanks to Shaggy I started thinkin about Ignacio more and even started drawing him and coming up with headcanons!!

@itsnotmourn Made me absolutely adore Carmen and Richard,, There's a lot but I'll keep it simple and say that I was never a fan of Carmen or Richard and even disliked them at some point, but the way Mourn depicts them and their relationship warms my heart,, Heck the way they draw the family in general makes me super happy (so ig Roy is included too??) Also I LOVE how they draw Jaune and Aaron!!!!

@yalibat OHHH he made me appreciate Rick more cuz he draws Rick soooo good,, The Rick artist ever,, ALSO JUST IN GENERAL THE WAY HE DRAWS THE SM CHARACTERS IS SOOOOO GOOD!!!!!!! I also feel like for some reason Kevin, Radford and The Hatzgang counts even if he doesn't draw them as much?? (Y'know he just drew them in such a way that changed my brain chemistry about em /pos)

@eatyourmaker THERE'S SO MUCH!! But mainly they really got me to appreciate Fieryfaith and even Ignacio and Father Gregor as separate characters!! And ofc Jadedego!! I was never much into it til they started drawing them!!

@jacenotjason MAYOR EVERMORE!! Do I have to say more? Like,, y'all got me carin about the character I used to hate?? Also does it count if it's an AU of a character?? Cuz I LOVE zir Opposite Gregor!! I'm counting it cuz it's technically Father Gregor pff

@wosieposiecozy I can't say a specific character but their art just manages to make every character great,, Just check it out and see for yourself PLEASE

THERE'S DEFINITELY MORE BUT I SUCK AT COMING UP WITH EVERYTHIN ON THE SPOT!! But if I'm followin you and you're a Spooky Month fanartist then there's a good chance you're the reason I started to appreciate a character/ship more :D So don't feel bummed if I didn't include you

I already answered 17 here!!

[lilyofthevalleyys]

ok so here’s how i think the marauders, skittles and valkyries would gift presents (because christmas is coming soon :D)

James - DIY presents that may or may not turn out to be a wreck, but they are very thoughtful. He also spends a long time writing and decorating heartfelt letters (the first time Reg received one he cried (and Sirius too))

Sirius - will also DIY presents with James, but his turns out to be a disaster and so instead he buys and personalises gifts that he knows will be used often and lights up every time he sees them use it

Remus - basically like Molly Weasley. He knits sweaters for them all according to how he knows they will like. And he often throws small quotes on the sleeves and little designs

Peter - he bakes all sorts of goodies for them and package them and he’ll write things on the wrapping as well, maybe a fun memory they shared or a drawing of it.

-

Regulus - he will buy things. Expensive things because (unlike me) he’s rich af. However, they are thoughtful things that he heard they needed, such as high quality drawing supplies for Pandora’s art and several quality notebooks for Lily’s journaling.

Pandora - DIY the prettiest things ever, like dreamcatchers, little knick knacks and keychains of things she drew/painted. Her wrapping skills are the best out of all of them as she can wrap the oddly shaped items very well. When they did the ‘wrap the gift nothing like what it is’ challenge, she easily won.

Barty - he also tries his hand at DIY every year, but fails every time and procrastinates them. In the end, he gets them gag/prank gifts that are terribly wrapped. The others all love it though, as much as they tease him about it, and they’ll keep whatever it is.

Evan - like Regulus, he keeps track of what the others say they want and gets them that. So often he buys the more household-like items, such as blankets, pillows, plants, so on and so forth.

Dorcas - She gets them personalised things. Whether it’s books, clothes, keychains etc, she will get them personalised somehow or another. She has several contacts as well, and sometimes she will get a signed copy of a book Regulus, Remus, Lily or Evan wants. And the personalised items are special of course, and the others love them.

-

Lily - also keeps a list of what the others would like. Similar to Sirius, she gives the most practical gifts, one that others will use often, such as a fitness watch for James or a motorcycle helmet for Sirius. She also gets Pandora to help her wrap gifts every time, but refuses to let Pandora wrap her own gift. So under the tree (which has piles and piles of gifts), there will be neatly wrapped gifts in the same wrapping paper, and one slightly badly wrapped gift that everyone knows is Pandora’s.

Marlene - will get gag/prank gifts with Barty, and give them first as a joke. Then she’ll bring out actual gifts, mostly things that she knows will be of use. She gets food most of the time, but the food she chooses are amazing and everyone likes them.

Mary - she gets clothing most of the time, things she knows will suit them and they will like, eg sunglasses, shoes, jackets etc. They are easily the fanciest things some of them own. But of course, they will wear it.

[paytato435]

“I don’t care, I haven’t snuck out like this in weeks!” Donnie answered before turning and flipping dramatically into the shadows. He scuttled along the wall like a bug until he could peak around the next corner. Tim just casually walked along behind him.

Chapter art for Chapter 10 of Snapper and Stinkpot, THE BUG.

Timothy belongs to @/PineTreeVillain (I linked him on the actual fanfic chapter, not sure what the proper etiquette here is, lol)

Also fun fact, the reference art I used to draw Tim had him with a chain hanging from his jeans, but I literally drew Angel with a chain on hers last week so I switched it up and gave him a little keychain instead. His keyfob is the same as my car. Would Tim drive a Miata? I don't fucking know. Gave him a Septic Sam too to match the t-shirt (of himself?) he wears, hee hee.

Y’all it took 10 chapters but we are here! The plot is plotting, the art is arting, I am so happy with what I have putting out on this silly blog for the last two months, it’s been fucking crazy. I’ve never done fan art or written anything this substantial ever, it is so creatively fulfilling and I just want to thank everyone who likes and reblogs these posts because y’all have no idea how fucking excited I get when I get feedback on it. I’ve never been more happy in my life, no fucking lie. Thank you so so much, but especially to @lizardlover67 , @entspiderty , @spl00n , @theosb0rnway , @allyheart707 and @caaaaaww for being so supportive in my art journey.

Gonna blab about the art now for a moment because I want to! I cannot believe it took me this long to post art about Donatello. He is the 10/10 the best turtle, and all I have to show my love is a handful of stupid doodles from over a week ago. It's probably a crime, honestly. I need to draw him more; him and Raph, their heads just give me so much trouble idk what it is, but I haven't figured them out yet. I have more trouble drawing Donnie than I did Tim and this is literally the second time I've drawn Tim (and the first was just a dumbass doodle I never posted lmao.) I have a bunch of alternate art that I had drafted up for this that will come out later this week, as well as a draft comic I never posted where April was breaking into the school with Donnie instead. And... I'm sure I've probably said enough now. It's late, and I gotta write chapter twelve or something, idk (this is a scheduled post).

I love it here, hope y’all have a wonderful day. 🥹

[gloriousburden]

can u show us ur Loki merch haul or list the items u have? :D -🔎

I REALLY WANT TO I’VE BEEN MEANING TO FOR THE LONGEST TIME IT’S JUST I HAVE SO MUCH STUFF IT’S SCATTERED EVERYWHERE IN MY ROOM 😭😭😭😭

Ok this is just a list I don’t get into many specifics but I’ll post pics of anything if anyone’s curious

Loki collection from what I can remember !!! I may be missing a few small items

- Mind Scepter replica.

- Tesseract replica.

- Officially licensed Loki cape that is based off his in Ragnarok. Came with a horn headband but I lost it on Halloween when I cosplayed him LOL

- Ragnarok Loki nendoroid!! So cute even if I don’t love Ragnarok. I SO NEED AN AVENGERS LOKI NENDOROID OMG

- Loki funko pops… I have the newer Avengers Loki one with the scepter (I posted a pic of it not too long ago), a TDW Loki bitty pop which is the most adorable thing ever I can’t, a What If… ? Jötun Loki + the version of it that comes in like a soda can I don’t remember what it was called, and Thor 2011 Jötun Loki holding the casket of ancient winters.

- A pair of Loki Mickey Mouse/Minnie mouse(?) headbands. One that was released in 2021, one that was released last year.

- A sort of metal picture thing(?) of TDW Loki that I put heart stickers on LOL

- I have the Avengers Quinjet Lego set which comes with a Loki mini figure, and I have another Loki mini figure as well.

- A McDonald’s toy Loki figure.

- LMFAOOOO THE LOKI SERIES MCDONALDS SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE 😭😭😭😭 :)28:$2&$382&3

- The Loki Disney infinity figure. I actually have a big ass collection of Disney infinity figures, but for some reason never got the Loki one back then.

- A figure of Ragnarok Loki flipping his daggers.

- A print of Loki smiling very menacingly that I taped a bow to. (I posted this not that long ago)

- A Loki action figure that talks and came with a scepter!! He actually looks like Loki I’m very happy about him.

- That be more Loki book. I also have an MCU sticker book that has a few Loki stickers in it.

- This Loki nightlight thing.

- A few Loki centered comics.

- A Loki bitty boomer (tiny Bluetooth speaker)

- A Loki wall sticker pack. I haven’t put the others up but I put the big ass TDW one on my wall and put a bow on his head. I posted this not too long ago LOL

- Multiple Loki Disney pins.

- This cool ass Loki mug that have his horns as a handle.

- Two keychains. A scepter one, and one that’s like a cute chibi version of him.

- A Loki backpack.

- Multiple Loki shirts. The first piece of Loki merch I ever got was a shirt that has what I’m pretty sure is comic Loki on it even though at the time I did not read any of the comics LOLLL it was the only option I had. Omg one is a purple long sleeve with comic Loki on the front, but on the back it has multiple Loki quotes on it OMG it says trust my rage on it OMFOSBDKSJDJ I got it two years ago and i’m still fangirling over it. Oh and another one that says ‘Lowkey Loki’ on it?382:$&2!:&2!: I think I have another But I can’t remember rn

- A scepter pen as well as a scepter necklace.

- A literal… Loki pen. A pen, that is literally Loki. Yes, I drew Loki with it.

- A Loki version of one of those little fans that come with candy in them.

- TWO UGLY ASS BIG HEADED ASS LOKI PLUSHIES THAT I POSTED ON HERE NOT TOO LONG AGO HEHE

- Two Loki Christmas ornaments. I bought one recently but it broke smh I need to exchange it.. 😞

- Oh and this Loki horns headband from Hot topic that literally do not fit me they are too big

- Um. Ashamed to admit this one, but President Loki horns that I bought a long ass time ago because I wanted to do a Loki closet cosplay 😭😭😭😭 I hated how they looked so bad but I knew I wasn’t going to find Like.. Avengers Loki’s horns. But i wanted people to know that I was Loki!! Thankfully my cosplaying skills upgraded from then 😁

- Another shameful but not so shameful one because it came from a time of innocence, and naivety... A TVA Loki poster that I bought I think when the first ep of the series came out or briefly before it came out. Actually I’m pretty sure it was before it even came out. I got excited and bought it even if I knew the vibes were off 😞

[kingmintyreturns]

so i designated yesterday (january 12th, Joe Frazier's birthday) as Mr. Sandman’s birthday and i kind of went Ham.

the plate says "Darius" cause that's my headcanon first name for him! i drew the chibis too--I'm planning on having them made into a keychain!

decided to make a little Taste of Philly (or as much as a midwestern novice chef can manage lmao) with tomato pie and pretzels from scratch and philly cheesesteak pinwheels made with crescent rolls. with some lemon water ice and soda!

gay ramblings under the cut

i know this seems like a bit much for a fictional character's birthday, but Mr. Sandman is probably the most important comfort character I've ever had.

I've realized it's part of my neurodivergency to get attached to "one-note" characters. and that's okay.

i *cooked*! i *baked*! i make *art*! those are all good things regardless of the motivation behind them!

mr. sandman is much more than a one-dimensional boss character to me.

like. nobody gets him like i do /hj except for some of my friends who have rped as him when they know i needed comfort or encouragement. i have to thank them for that.

i know I'm taking the National Stereotypes Punching Game too seriously and I have since 2015.

i see people say "this is the scariest boss i have ever seen in a video game" and I'm like ??? No ??? he's just a great boxer??

and an Honest one in a loose cannon association filled with cheaters for the most part.

he's the most human in a cast of cartoon characters, tbh. i think someone with raw talent like that is more deserving than respect than fear.

it was just a gag, but the game grumps segment painting mr. sandman as a kind, charitable sort of guy who is gentle with children and animals is more accurate to my headcanon.

he wouldn't be very showy about it, since he really has no interest in impressing the public despite the fact that he's erroneously painted as a villain.

he reminds me a lot of the late Sonny Liston - a large man of few words, delivering deadpan responses to interviewers, disliked by the public at large and often dehumanized.

in private, though, he was an affectionate man, longing for love and acceptance.

although sonny was affected in a different way by the antiblack racism of the 60s, mr. sandman would definitely face prejudice of his own as a large, aloof, black man.

hell, even tv tropes categorizes him under the "Scary Black Man" trope. i can't speak authoritatively on the subject because I'm not black, I'm white, but you can't extricate race from this topic, especially not this game.

anyway, I've been typing this for far too long. i adore mr. sandman and i hold him and i kiss him on the lips. happy birthday.

[whiskerinthestars]

Chapter 6: Meeting the Unexpected

Urban Ascent

The midday sun was high, casting harsh shadows across the flea market. The gentle hum of people moving between stalls filled the air, though the heat made it hard to enjoy. October in the valley was supposed to be cooler, but record highs were still clinging to life, and I could already feel the sweat prickling beneath my shirt. It probably didn’t help that I’d been continuously activating that subtle charm throughout the day, pushing my mana outward, trying to sway the minds of anyone who passed by—it was getting exhausting.

I couldn’t help but want to sell that last picture frame before I left. I had already made $337 today, but call it a sense of completionism—like trying to find the last hidden trophy in a game so I could finally earn the platinum full-clear award. The handful of keychains I had left were another matter altogether. They were just bits of plastic I’d printed ages ago, but this tablet was my last “big-ticket item,” and I had subconsciously set selling them all today as my goal.

Suddenly, I noticed an old man walking toward my stall—a small figure, hunched slightly with age, wearing an unassuming beige shirt with khakis. It was the kind of outfit so plain that it actually drew your eye to it. I focused, gathering my energy, trying to charm him just as I had with all the others who passed by.

But he kept walking, seemingly unfazed by my efforts. Perhaps subconsciously, since my first customer was an older woman, I wanted to end the day by selling this last tablet to this old man. It resonated with me, falling in line with my ever-growing fixation on the cyclical nature of the world. Or maybe I was just hot, tired, and ready to get out of this heat since I hadn’t been smart enough to bring any kind of shade with me.

I furrowed my brow in concentration, pushing more mana into my aura. This time I imagined my charm settling over him like a gentle cloud, inviting and warm. The old man slowed as he neared my stall, but he didn’t glance at the keychains or the tablet—he stared straight into my eyes. For a moment, his eyes seemed to twinkle with amusement, and then he smiled—a gentle, knowing smile.

“You’re about ten years too early to be trying that half-assed charm magic on me, kid,” he said, his voice soft but carrying a weight that echoed in the space between us.

I blinked, the shock evident on my face. My mind raced, trying to make sense of what he’d just said. How did he know? Is he also a…?

The old man chuckled, clearly enjoying my bewilderment. “You must be completely new to this, huh? A self-cultivator, if I had to guess,” he continued, his tone not mocking but almost... fatherly. “You didn’t think you were the only one out there, did you?”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. Of course, I wouldn’t be the only one out there—how could I have been so stupid? With as many stories as there are online, and even before that, all the ancient Chinese literature these stories were based on—of course someone else had tried this before me. If cultivation is real, people must have been doing this for hundreds of years now, maybe thousands. What’s that old saying again? There’s no smoke without fire. So, of course, if there are stories, there has to be at least a kernel of truth to them.

The old man stepped closer, taking a seat on the folding chair I had brought with me, as if he belonged there. He gestured to the assortment of items spread out on the table. “Not a bad way to practice, I suppose,” he mused, “but you’ve got a long way to go.”

His gaze shifted back to me, piercing but not unkind. “Let me guess—you somehow discovered the practice of cultivation, and even though you initially wrote it off, curiosity got the better of you. You actually sat down and tried to meditate, only to discover it was real. After some minor success in circulating this energy, you decided to see what you could do with it?” He didn’t wait for me to confirm. “Happens to all of us sooner or later, but don’t get too ahead of yourself. Charm magic—or any kind of external technique—requires a foundation. You’re leaking qi like a sieve. That’ll burn you out faster than you realize.”

I felt my mouth go dry. Burnout? I hadn’t even considered that. Sure, I’d felt tired after a long day of practice, but wasn’t that normal?

“You need control,” the old man continued, his voice patient but firm. He reached for one of the keychains on the table and began to stack them, one atop the other, slowly and carefully. “It’s like trying to write with a broken pen. You’ll never get clean lines that way. First, you need to strengthen your Sea of Qi and bring equilibrium to all your meridians.” Each movement was deliberate, his hands steady as the stack grew taller. “Without a strong base, everything you build is fragile,” he said, gesturing to the sturdy stack.

Then, with a sudden shift, he grabbed another handful of keychains and began haphazardly stacking them, quickly and without care. The pile teetered after a few layers, and with a soft clatter, it collapsed. He gave me a pointed look. “Rushing ahead without a proper base…” He let the broken stack speak for itself. “And you might find everything collapsing around you.”

"Who are you?" I finally asked, my voice hoarse with curiosity.

He still maintained that same smile, but this time, there was something deeper in his eyes—a hint of weariness, perhaps. “Someone who has been doing this for a long time. But that’s not what’s important right now. What’s important is whether you're going to keep stumbling around in the dark, or if you're ready to learn.”

The proposition hung in the air between us. Was he offering to teach me? To guide me?

“But why would you—”

“Why help you?” he finished for me. “I suppose you remind me of someone I used to know.” A hint of sadness flitted across his eyes, but just as suddenly as it came, it was gone as if it was never there. “Someone who was stubborn and lost, but insisted on continuing down the path he set for himself, stumbling along in the dark, along a path he could barely even see.”

“I’m not sure just how stubborn you are yet, but I can tell that you're lost. And more importantly, just like him, you have a good heart. You might be a bit reckless, running before you even learned how to walk, but you're certainly not malicious. Even as you doubled your efforts on me after failing the first time with your charm, you never turned hostile. Instead, you redoubled your efforts, trying to become even more inviting and warm—not forceful or demanding. That’s why I stopped, actually. You can tell a lot about a person by how they act when under stress, and even when your charm wasn’t working, you maintained a clear heart. You tried to win me over with kindness, not sheer power and force.”

He leaned back in the chair, folding his arms across his chest. “Besides, if you keep going like this, you’re going to attract attention you’re not ready for. And trust me, kid, you don’t want that kind of trouble.”

A shiver ran down my spine at his words—trouble, huh. I should feel lucky that the first attention I attracted was from this old man—at least he doesn't seem to have any bad intentions. What if it had been someone else? Someone malicious? My mind flashed with thoughts of the world of cultivators described in those novels, of all the cruel and petty actions of those with great power.

Imagine if I had accidentally offended some cruel, powerful cultivator with my actions just then. Hell, I’m lucky that I didn't have any bad intentions toward this old man, or this could have gone a lot differently, and my journey would have been over before it even started.

I couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat at the realization of the danger I had inadvertently been putting myself in without thinking.

“So what do I do?” I asked probingly.

“First, go back and practice cultivating. Try to focus on removing those blockages throughout your body until you can circulate your Qi without any resistance,” he said as he began to stand up. “Then we’ll go from there.”

“But how do I contact you?” I called out to his slowly departing back.

“Where you found me the first time,” he said without turning around. “Come here again on the first Sunday of November, and I’ll see if you're worth teaching,” he replied, continuing to shuffle unhurriedly away.

“And don’t go drawing any attention to yourself before you’re ready to protect yourself,” he added. Even though he was already over ten feet away, his voice rang clearly in my ear as if he were right in front of me, but strangely, no one else around even gave him a glance. I don’t get it. If that wasn’t a shout, then what was it—some sort of technique?

“He didn’t even leave me his name,” I muttered to myself. But I guess that’s how all the wise old masters are in the books, aren't they? Mysteriousness seems to come part and parcel with this whole cultivation schtick.

Actually, now that I think about it, he called it my Sea of Qi, didn’t he? That sounds straight out of some fantasy novel. I guess maybe I’m the odd one for calling it a core, but honestly, it already feels fantastical enough without labeling it a Sea of Qi. Still, if that’s what he called it, maybe there’s more to this than I understand.

He’s right about one thing, though—I shouldn’t keep drawing attention to myself before I’m able to protect myself. He might seem like a kind old man, but who knows if he has some sort of ulterior motive. He’s still a stranger at the end of the day. I’d be stupid to put too much faith in him.

I should call it a day. I really did want to sell that last tablet, but I’ve already made plenty for today, and nothing good ever comes from being too greedy. I need to spend the rest of the day trying to break up those blockages throughout my body. Slowly but surely, like the old man said—I need to walk before I can run. I just need to take it one step at a time.

[pages-of-us]

A Happy Thanksgiving

The Zane family’s annual friends’ gathering was a tradition so beloved it could rival Christmas in their household. This year, the house came to life with the boisterous preparation; Andrew was in the kitchen, roasting the centerpiece turkey and baking desserts; Ralph was rearranging chairs in the backyard for the barbecue; and the kids were arguing over the best way to greet their favorite uncles and aunt.

“Yaz, stop hogging the markers!” Ellias snapped as Yazmin drew yet another doodle on the giant “Welcome” sign the kids were making.

“I’m adding hearts! We want them to feel loved!” Yazmin retorted, sticking her tongue out.

Elliot, the ever-responsible eldest, stepped between them, glancing between the twins and his wrist watch. “Just let her finish. We’re already running late.”

“Not my fault you’re so slow.” Yazmin quipped, making Elliot roll his eyes.

“Kids, keep it down!” Ralph called from the living room. “Uncle Hansel is bringing you something cool from his convention, but only if you behave!”

That silenced the bickering immediately, and Yazmin dropped her marker with exaggerated calm. “Fine. But the hearts are staying.”

— — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — — — — — — — —

The first to arrive were Uncle Dimitri and his wife, Kathrine, a couple so impeccably dressed they looked like they’d walked out of a magazine. Dimitri balanced a tray of baklava while Kathrine held a gift bag and waved cheerfully.

“Uncle Dimitri! Aunt Kath!” Yazmin squealed, racing to the door.

“You’re growing up so fast, Yaz,” Kathrine said, leaning down to hug her. “You’re almost as tall as me!”

“I’ll be taller than Dadda soon.” Yazmin declared proudly, making Andrew laugh as he appeared behind her to greet their guests.

“Thanks for coming,” Andrew said warmly. “And for the baklava. You know it’s Ralph’s favorite.”

“And mine,” Dimitri replied with a wink. “Where’s the man of the hour?”

“Out back, probably overthinking the chair arrangement.” Andrew said with a grin.

Before Dimitri could head outside, another car pulled up, and Uncle Hansel and Uncle Hart emerged. Hart carried a bag of juggling props, while Hansel toted a box overflowing with plushies, posters, and figurines from the latest anime convention.

“Hart! Hansel!” Ralph called from the backyard, coming inside to greet them. “What’d you bring this time?”

“For the kids or for you?” Hansel teased, handing Ralph a Spider-Man figurine from his box.

“Both.” Ralph admitted, grinning sheepishly.

The kids swarmed Hansel immediately, excitedly pawing through the goodies.

“Is this from Demon Slayer?!” Ellias exclaimed, holding up a tiny Nezuko keychain.

“Sure is,” Hansel said, tousling his hair. “And there’s more where that came from, but only if you share.”

“Uncle Hansel, you’re the best!” Yazmin declared, throwing her arms around him.

“Hey! I thought that title belonged to me!” Hart protested.

“Not this year!” Elliot chimed in with a good-natured chuckle.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — — — — — — — —

While the kids ogled their gifts, Andrew and Kathrine finished plating the appetizers.

“You know,” Kathrine said, setting down a platter of deviled eggs, “Dimitri’s been talking all week about how much he’s looking forward to this. He’s so impressed with how you and Ralph balance everything.”

Andrew smiled, a little embarrassed. “It’s not as effortless as it looks. Especially today—I think I’ve burned the potatoes twice.”

“Well, you make it look easy.” Kathrine said sincerely.

Meanwhile, Ralph was catching up with Hansel and Hart in the backyard.

“So, still single, huh?” Ralph teased, flipping a burger on the grill.

“By choice,” Hart quipped, leaning back in his chair. “Why tie myself down when I’ve got this annual disaster to look forward to?”

Hansel smirked. “Says the guy who’s been talking about adopting another cat for months.”

“It’s not the same thing!” Hart protested, making Ralph laugh.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — — — — — — — —

After dinner, the kids convinced their uncles to play a game of charades. Hansel, ever the performer, went first, acting out an over-the-top interpretation of a ninja.

“Naruto!” Ellias guessed immediately, jumping up in triumph.

“Not bad, kid,” Hansel said, giving him a high five.

Hart was next, juggling three oranges while pretending to be a clown, which made Yazmin laugh so hard she fell off the couch.

“Uncle Hart, you’re terrible at this.” Yazmin teased between giggles.

“That’s rich coming from you, Miss Knocked Over the Domino Tower.” Hart shot back, making Yazmin jut her lips out into a tiny pout.

Dimitri and Kathrine, meanwhile, cheered from the sidelines, Dimitri sneaking coins behind the kids’ ears whenever they guessed correctly.

“Do it again!” Yazmin begged, clutching the shiny quarter he’d just handed her.

“Only because you asked so nicely.” Dimitri said with a grin.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — — — — — — — —

As the night wound down, Hart, Hansel, Dimitri, and Kathrine lingered in the kitchen with Ralph and Andrew, sipping coffee and reminiscing.

“You know,” Hansel said, leaning against the counter, “You two have really built something here. These kids, this house—you guys are amazing.”

“Agreed,” Kathrine added. “You should see the way they talk about you when you’re not around. They’re so proud of their parents.”

Andrew glanced at Ralph, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “We’re just doing our best.”

“Well, your best is pretty damn impressive,” Hart said. “Even if your kids are miniature chaos gremlins.”

Ralph laughed. “They get that from Andrew.”

Andrew raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really? Yazmin’s dramatic streak has your name written all over it.”

“Touché.” Ralph admitted, grinning.