#Ben and Lucy

[dcvina-claires]

i am a tragedy enjoyer before i am human

[rrredgi]

I've got you under my skin

I've got you deep in the heart of me

So deep in my heart that you're really a part of me

[muppeteyes1001]

Premonition

"Luc .. It'll be okay! .. Just head on home .. Or go stay over at Kitt's for a while" Ben sighed with slight annoyance as he tried to talk to the little deer girl. He wanted to go catch a film at the theater with his three friends. One that would be kinda scary for someone as young as she was. Nonetheless, Lucy was becoming very adamant on wanting to go with them.

"No! .. I wanna come to .. I won't be scared .. Promise" she pouted. Her arms crossed in front of her.

"Ugh! Look, I'm sorry but I don't have time for this .. They're waiting for me .. I gotta go .. See ya later!" the bear boy responded before quickly booking it to meet up with his friends. Lucy tried to go after him, but he was so much faster. She stopped running after passing a few stores before needing to stop.

As Ben ran ahead and turned a corner, Lucy noticed the shop that they had just passed. Looking through the window, the little doe could see various strange objects lined up behind the store front window. Curiously, she decided to go through the slightly ajar entrance door to take a peek inside. Within the shop, it was rather dimly lit. A couple of lamps mounted on the wall were the only sources of light other than the bit coming in through the curtained windows.

Looking around, she could see bookcases filled with books of all sizes and colors. Some had titles along the spine, but Lucy didn't know how to read well enough to understand them. Some strange metal figures and various glass cases and mason jars filled with either assorted nicknacks or oddly colored liquids.

Towards the back of the shop, she spied a small round table. Similar to one that would easily place a small vase .. Or a picture frame. However, upon this table top was a glass ball around the size of a grapefruit mounted on a silver stand that resembled a crow-like creature holding it up.

Intrigued, Lucy decided to climb up onto the dullish-red cushioned chair next to it. It took a bit, but she managed to do it before standing up to get a better look at the crystal ball. It was sparkling clear as if it was recently polished .. And the way the dim light reflecting off giving it a bit of a rainbow like sheen that made Lucy give a small awed gasp.

"Soo pretty!" she whispered to herself. As the deer girl leaned in more, she noticed a tiny, cloud-like wisp beginning to spiral from within the center of the ball. However, unnoticed to her, Lucy's eyes also began to take on a similar appearance. As the wisp continued to grow, it soon began to darken into a dark-bluish color until it took over nearly the whole crystal ball. Lucy seemed to be in a trance as her gaze never left the orb. Her eyes never blinking.

As the dark cloud rolled and moved about the crystal ball like cloudy liquid, Lucy would hear a voice. It was soft and subtle at first, but then began to grow. The voice sounded like that of a man's laugh .. And it sounded unsettling. It seemed to echo specifically through her ears and into her mind.

It was then, that a face began to morph from within the cloud. A thin, sallow face with two stubby horns on his forehead. His eyes began to glow an acidy, violet color as his mouth suddenly grew into a malicious grin. A maniacal chuckle began to echo through her mind .. And it was terrifying.

"Would ya like to play a game?" the face cackled as it seemed to come to life.

At that moment, Lucy managed to break out of the trance and her eyes quickly went back to normal .. Letting out a scream before instinctively pushing the table away .. and the crystal ball with it. It would fall with a piecing crash as it shattered into countless pieces along the wooden floor.

Panting in fear, the little girl gazed down at the mess of glass from up on the cushioned seat she was still on. Not knowing what all that was about .. And really not wanting to know, honestly ... Lucy climbed off the seat. Thankfully, the river of broken glass spread along the opposite side of the chair and she was able to leap off the other side before bolting towards the still open door.

Without taking a second look back, Lucy disappeared and quickly ran from that place as quickly as she could.

[121231212i]

Zenless Zone Zero | Pre-Release Special Program

[goldenvulpine]

Yearly Reminder that C.S Lewis encouraged his fans to write fanfiction about Susan Pevensie becoming a friend to Narnia and reuniting with her family once again.

Literally inviting his fans to write Susan’s adult, angsty character development with a happy ending.

Do your duty fans. Write that fanfiction.

[killingalive]

just like our parents

or: about growing up and becoming your parents

the story of a new name - elena ferrante // in case you don’t live forever - ben platt // cat's in the cradle - harry chapin // those who leave and those who stay - elena ferrante // my mother & I - lucy dacus // the story of the lost child - elena ferrante // como nossos pais - elis regina (translated)

[yurieater69]

zzzero playable chars

[zenless-zone-archive]

Find some clear art for C6 characters https://weibo.com/1941734014/Omg409vDm

thank you!

[dna2023]

Costume

[electraslight]

another doodle page bc i hate doing single drawings lately

[zenless-zideblog-zero]

Agent's Pajamas Headcanons

Anby: loose shorts and a tank top

Billy: Sleeps in the "nude" or some Starlight Knights themed Pajamas.

Nekomata: Shirt, no pants.

Koleda: Full pajamas, probably very cute pictures of her favorite Characters. You could not get her to confess to this under any amount of Torture.

Grace: also shirt, no pants, but that's only if she cares enough to change out of her clothes. for the most part it's just whatever she happens to be wearing at the time.

Ben: Actual pajama bottoms, and an old t-shirt.

Anton: Sweatpants. Maybe a tank top if it's cold.

Corin: Something basic and a little bland/impersonal, but still comfortable, and 'Presentable' and made of actual pajama material.

Ellen: a shark Kigirumi or Onesie, and that's LITERALLY Canon

Rina: Simple white/cream sleep robe.

Lycaon: Not to sound horny, but he feels like a "Boxer-Briefs" Only kind of guy. Like her just takes his clothes off, falls into bed, and is out.

Qingyi: I don't think she changes her clothes. If she's not out of battery, I think she just. Stands in the Corner like a horse.

Zhu-Yuan: She owns actual pajamas. maybe not pajama shirts, but definitely pajama pants.

Seth: Same as Zhu Yuan.

Jane: Again, not to sound horny, but she wears the Bear minimum to not be nude when she's in private. She just lets the falsehoods, lies, and costuming fall away, leaving her in her most relaxed and carefree form.

Lucy: Something that's way too nice for the Outer Rim, or something Something in unnecessarily poor quality.

Ceasar: Shirt and Athleisure shorts.

Piper: Just a shirt, but a notably Raggedier shirt. If she's not napping in her normal clothes.

Burnice: Actual Pajama bottoms and top.

Soukaku: A onesie. It is horribly stained, to the point wear both Lycaon and Rina could not fix it.

Soldier 11: Military Sleepwear, or something pure white and SO uncomfortable and scratchy to literally anyone but her.

And last, but not Least

Nicole: The Feminine version of this, if not this exact suit;

And you tell me I'm wrong about that.

[tvandfilm]

“Next up is Nick Nelson and Ben Hope”.

HEARTSTOPPER ⏤ 2.05, “Heat"

[chewbacca]

#gagged him

[muppeteyes1001]

Part 2 of 2 Unfit

"Ahh, Miss Katrina Cunningham ... How .. expected of you" Mason returns the greeting with a polite tip of his hat. Though on the last bit, his tone shifted to one of slight annoyance. "And not to worry .. They were no trouble at all ... Children will be children, after all" he added, gesturing to Ben and Lucy.

"It's ok, Kitt! ... We were just about ta head on back to the orphanage an' .. change" the bear boy tells Kitt as he looked over his wet clothes, to which she nodded in acknowledgment with a small, somber smile. "We'll catch the carnival tomorrow when the creeps aren't around, ok?" he whispers discreetly into Lucy's ear with the side of his mouth. As the two quickly shove off, Lucy manages to chirp out a 'bye' as she's pulled away in the wagon. Once the two kids were safely gone, the two adults continued on with the conversation.

"So what brings you to the carnival? .. Honestly never thought that this was even your kinda thing, yes?" Kitt remarks as she casually holds the strap of her satchel bag that hung on her shoulder.

"Normally I'd say not ... But 'never say never' as they say ... These types of events are usually monitored to make sure .... things are going smoothly .. And that there are no riffraff skulking about" Judge Mason enlightened. To which the felinoid could only mentally note on how the pot was calling the kettle black here.

"I see" Kitt simply responds in a relaxed manner. "Does that usually entail scarin' little kids as well?" she then added, not in an accusing tone .. But in more of an observant one. Yet, that wouldn't escape the judge's notice.

"Good children have no need to fear me, I simply want what's best for them ... That's all one can really ask for" Mason promptly responds. Earning a slight brow raise from the felinoid.

At that, the judge then began to turn tactics a bit within their conversation. Discreetly gazing over the direction Ben and Lucy had fled, he decided to change the topic more over to her since he was already familiar her own little plight.

"My taking's that you've grown quite attached to those little urchins, haven't you?" Mason began, as his smile seemed to curl a tad. Kitt became a bit more alert at that, though remained silent as the judge continued.

"If I recall correctly, you've been asking the courts permission to take them both in .... And for quite a while too, I understand ... Well, my dear .... The sad truth is that's just not possible ... I mean, considering your rather ... delinquent past and all. Besides, you already know well enough that those with a known criminal record are prohibited from becoming wards. Such young minds being tainted and exposed to such negative influences ... Inconceivable!" he states, putting on a faux appalling expression as he said the last part.

"And not only that .... You're not even married, are you? .. Well I'm afraid that's just another strike against you, my dear! .... After all, children need both a mother AND a father in order to become well rounded adults ... As well as functional and thriving contributors to our fair society. A lone caretaker who isn't even blood related is .. simply preposterous" the tall badger judge inserted. At that, Kitt then decided to interject. She had already heard all this before, so it wasn't a shock to hear. But, it wouldn't stop her from putting in her own two cents.

"Oh is that right?! .. But it was all fine an' dandy when I was left in the care of that .. that ol' git years ago when I was a kid, wasn't it?" Kitt couldn't help but snap back at that point.

"Now now, madam! .. That .. 'old git'.. as you called him was listed as your legal guardian in your parents' will ... T'was only my duty to fulfill that wish for them. And you seem to have turned out ... well enough" a sarcastic tone was obviously felt as it crept into his reply.

"No matter what you say, it won't make me stop trying .. I don't care how long it takes, but I will keep sending in those applications until you're up to your neck in them ..... I can't be ignored forever!"

The cat woman was stubborn, that's for sure .. And Judge Mason knew this all too well. This was when he decided to pull out his "trump card" in the matter.

"You know, it's rather unfortunate that their adoptions haven't been going quite so well. The boy's only had at least one interested family. Which is not at all surprising as older children tend to be looked over. However, he's rather adamant of not wanting to part with his little friend. And as for the girl herself, why she would be a prime candidate for a new family ... If only she weren't showing signs of some rather .. odd peculiarities... Which has concerned all her potential adopters, I'm afraid"

"Peculiarities?" Kitt softly repeated to herself. She had honestly noticed some slightly odd quirks from Lucy for a while, but nothing that would truly cause any major concern ... At least, not for the felinoid.

"Tis sad, but true ... But there are always some avenues open for those who are unable to find new homes" the judge began in a mock somber tone before seemingly able to perk up.

"But you know ... Those two would benefit greatly from the workhouses ... And I assure you, there's no need to worry ... They will be given all the basic essentials ... A roof over their heads, enough food, a place to sleep .... And with a bit of work to earn their keep, they'll do splendidly .... After all, no one gets offered anything for free in this world" he states matter-of-factly.

Kitt hears this and automatically feels her stomach drop. "W..Workhouses?" she manages to rasp out before Mason continued.

"The lad's rather bright and resourceful. I believe he would do rather well working in one of the food mills ... or the glass factory. Perhaps ... maybe even be sent to a youth camp .. And in a few years, become a proud member of our finest airship forces. As for the little doe, I imagine once she learns how to operate a sewing machine, she could work in one of the city's dress shops .. What little girl wouldn't love that? ... And as charming as she is ... She may be fortunate enough to be taken in by one the local lords to cook, clean, and serve tea for their family .. Such honorable service for the young lass to provide ... And they will both play their parts .. And become among the many cogs that keep this industry running"

The old badger says all this as if he was trying to sell off a marketing idea .... Lucy and Ben were being treated as pawns ... for cheap labor. Kitt was beside herself. She couldn't believe what she was hearing from this judge. This respected man of the court.

"Have you gone absolutely mad?! .. You're talkin' about sendin' children to become either soldiers or servants ... As if those are the only choices they'll ever have in life ... Just because they have no families doesn't make them any less valuable than those that do" the felinoid shot back. Her anger began to rise and her heart began to quicken with agitation.

Seeing this rise from her, Judge Mason simply smiles and lets a soft chuckle resonate from his throat.

"Life can be unfair, I know ... But once the boy's old enough to be shipped off, this whole trifling matter will finally be over and put to rest ... permanently" he finally declares.

It wasn't until that sentence totally sunk in that Kitt's initial anger was doused out. Instead, it was being replaced with fear and dread for the two children over what the judge had just said.

"Shipped off?! ... Y ..You mean to separate them! .. No .. No, please, you can't! ... Those two are like siblings! .. You can't just take them apart. Do you have any idea what this'll do to 'em?!" the felinoid cried out. Pleading that this would not come to pass.

"Ah, but they're aren't siblings, are they? .. Not related in the least .. Tis not an uncommon thing for siblings to be parted. After all, boys and girls are meant to do different jobs. Trust me, they'll learn to accept such changes in due time ... They always do" the judge almost purred as if this was a simple everyday job for him. Though honestly, it probably was.

"If we don't have order, then everything we've built .. will simply fall into anarchy ... And I for one refuse to ever let that come to turn" Judge Mason added, gesturing to their surroundings as if trying to prove a point. But Kitt wasn't having it.

"A little late for that, don't ya think? ... How can ya not see how plain an' utterly cruel this is? ... You're a bloody judge! .. Your job is to help the people of the city ... 'All the people' ... Not just your poker mates and the ones who line your damn pockets. Have you no honor whatsoever?" the felinoid sharply retorted. Her teeth baring only slightly.

After that, the badger judge simply looks down at her. His slender snout held high up in the air with a strong unimpressed expression.

"Honor and justice are the very things I stand for! .. And what keeps this city alive and on the 'straight and narrow' ... And as far as morals go .. You are honestly the last person to ever be giving anyone any kind of talk of the sort ... much less to me" Mason responds back. His own teeth were bared and clenched as he spoke the last part. He then catches himself and regains his composure with a small cough.

"And I know that you haven't truly ceased those little 'rogue excursions' of yours .. Although they haven't been proven .. Yet" Mason adds with a tone that could only be gleaned as a threat towards Kitt. To which the felinoid only glared at him through narrowed eyes.

"Now, if you will excuse me .. I have some business to attend to .. You have a good evening, Miss Cunningham" the badger judge concluded. Adjusting his vest and cape before taking his leave.

Kitt watched as the judge went on his way before he finally disappears around a corner and towards the exit of the fairgrounds. Her gloved hands forming tight fists, she was trying hard to keep her composure after all that .. But it was proving to be nearly impossible. After what had transpired, there was nothing more that the felinoid wanted then to just let out everything she was feeling right now ... Mostly beating the old badger into an absolute pulp. Though, she knew well enough that if she had given into that urge, then the cat woman would've just proven his point that she wasn't a suitable guardian for Ben or for Lucy.

With that in her mind, all she could really do was swallow down all her fear, anger and pride .. And damn nearly choking on them. Kitt needed to think of something, but she was running out of ideas. It was painfully clear that the courts were never going to grant her legal guardianship.

[goldenvulpine]