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herrscherofmagic · 11 months

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I think I might take a break from making fanart for some time; or at least, I'll try and make it less of a priority.

This thought came to me just now, and while I don't really have a concrete plan or process in mind I figured I might as well share it anyways

Of course, I do intend to still make fanart soon, and I still have an insane amount of ideas on future projects. Just take a quick glance at that project overview thingy I posted a while back, and you'd see just how much I still have to do!

But honestly, art has been really stressful for me recently. Not because of art itself, not because drawing is difficult. It's just that I'm dealing with a lot of anxiety, exhaustion, and stress from other life stuff, and I already have really low self-esteem when it comes to my art, so trying to force myself to work on these various fanart WIPs hasn't been helping at all.

So I think I want to experiment a bit and start posting more of my practice work. Gesture drawings, studies, anatomy notes, scribbles, and whatever else comes to mind. I want to try and do more with drawing from life both with pen and with pencil, too.

One of my biggest issues is that it's incredibly difficult for me to focus and commit on anything. This isn't an art issue, this is an issue I have with nearly everything in my life. So I can't really "solve" it, I just have to mitigate it to the best of my ability.

Recently, I think what's been giving me the most trouble with art is that I struggle with line quality and mark-making. I'm starting to understand anatomy more, I've gotten decent at gesture, I'm even taking a live drawing class as part of my college studies; but none of these things matter if I can't even move the pen(cil) across the paper or screen to make the mark I need to convey form, shape, value, and so on.

I'm also not just talking about lineart in the sense you usually think of, like in manga as one example. This is about all sorts of marks, whether it's using a brush to show value on the side of an object, or making lines to show the position & orientation of a limb.

I tend to draw really quickly and roughly, basically drawing at the same speed that I think- which is way too fast. Sometimes it's good to draw quickly like that, but I'm running into an issue where I'm spending upwards of one hour on rough sketching and "planning" when I should be taking less than 30 minutes on that, and using the rest of the time to actually draw the damn thing T_T

And because I rarely get to that later stage in the drawing, I've constantly hit roadblocks with my more complex works because I have so little experience there. That disconnect between my ideas and execution is really demoralizing, but I don't think I realized what the exact issue was until these past few weeks...

Instead of trying to worry about these large illustrations or comics and whatnot, I think I want to try and focus on some drawings that will help me really figure out my mark-making. Things like drawing a scene from life, such as plants or buildings or people on the street. Drawing more studies of clothed people instead of only doing anatomy. Drawing 3D forms in simple perspective, and then repeatedly adding more onto these forms to try and add complexity without muddying up the drawing with inconsistent and shoddy linework.

I've always wanted to add those kinds of drawings to my social media, but my ideas for fanart fill my mind 24/7 and I've been trying so hard to realize these ideas- and failing miserably. At the rate that I'm going, we're gonna experience the heat death of the universe before I reach a level of artistic skill that would actually let me make a living and survive off of my work. So I need to seriously address these concepts, and I need to (mostly) detach it from my fanwork so I don't get too emotionally attached to the countless shitty drawings I'll be making >.>

So I'll try and worry less about making all these cool fanarts and instead pick a single or handful of simpler fanarts to seriously work on, and surround those few works with lots of other practice that will help me build the skills I need to execute these ideas.

I also think I'm going to go back to writing more fan fiction in the meantime, since my writing skills are pretty well developed; far more than my drawing, at least. So I can try to present more of my fan ideas through writing instead of only through art, that way I can still share these thoughts with the world.

Plus I have some ideas that can help combine my fanfics with simple fanart in the form of illustrations- like one or two drawings per chapter of a fic, for example. Not full scenes with lots of detail- rather they'd be simple drawings with more rough linework and simple shading, which focus on conveying a key idea of the text instead of trying to convey all the meaning within the artwork itself. Like if a chapter introduces a new character, then having an illustration of said character in a simple scene. That kind of thing!

No clue where this'll take me, but hopefully it'll at least let me continue to improve my art skills without feeling miserable, while also giving me time to catch up on other work that I've been neglecting, including some huge life stuff I need to sort out if I want any chance of surviving on my own once I graduate.

I'll still have a lot of stress and anxiety from other places, but I want to at least take art and transform it into something I can do for fun and to relax, instead of being stressed by my art because of the pressure to make things "look good" instead of building up the skills I need to do that in the first place. If I can learn to enjoy making art, that'll go a long way in helping me get to a better frame of mind ^.^

#long post #lots of text lol #random thoughts #don't mind me #just screaming into this void that we affectionately call “Tumblr”

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sunny6677 · 3 months

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Lavender.

Summary:

Skid goes about his daily life in the care of his adoptive father, Kevin—though of course as always with him, shenanigans ensue.

Chapter 7: Unwanted Guest - Part 3.

————

The cold air enveloped the two small costumed children as they walked out of the automatic doors, smiling gleefully at eachother as Skid held the box in his hand. Their Happy Fella doll was inside, and soon, they'd be able to play with it!

Skid beamed, "I can't wait to play with the Happy Fella!"

Pump nodded. "Yeah! Let's burn it to see if it screams."

The two kids continued to walk along the street, yet as they did so with a smile of glee on their faces—the two found themself slowly coming to a stop. There was a looming figure standing in the distance before them—a figure in a trenchcoat with a hat sat atop its head, and it's eyes hidden behind the veil of a shadow the hat gave.

The two came to a stop, and Skid curiously cocked his head to the side. There was a small pause of silence, before the figure spoke—a lollipop stick hanging out of what must have been it's mouth.

"..hello, children."

"Uh.. hi, sir!" Skid spoke awkwardly.

"Did you know that it's Spooky Month?" Pump asked.

"..why, yes, I do. I was actually gonna ask if you two would want to help me." The figures voice became low and more ominous, "..would you two kids help a poor lonely candy dealer?"

Without much hesitation, Pump grinned from behind his mask and gleefully replied, "Sure! We like candy."

The figure paused. If he had a visible face, he would have been raising his brow out of confusion right now. He then stammered, "..oh. Well that was easy. Okay—I need you two to take this to the candy store." He whipped out what looked to be a black wrapped box of presumably candy inside, bending down and handing it over. Pump grabbed it in his small hands, looking down upon it curiously.

"Don't take too long." The candy dealer spoke, "You'll visit the hospital."

The two smiled from behind their masks, and without much thought, they turned to eachother. They beamed in unison, "Let's go to the hospital—weh..!"

..they.. suddenly fell flat on their backs onto the floor, their eyes shutting as a thud sounded from their collapse.

The candy dealer stared—puzzled. "What the fu—"

"OH, LORD! THAT STRANGE MAN KILLED THE KIDS!"

Oh—shit.

The candy dealer shuffled around, and began to sneak off with wide eyes, his heart racing inside as the oddly high pitched voice rang out from somewhere he couldn't pinpoint.

"SOMEONE STOP THE MAN—"

————

Dexter smiled from behind his metal face-mask, his toothy grin becoming wider as he set the trap onto the wooden floor. The air felt humid, and he was sweating in his costume—but waiting here would be worth the wait. The darkness of the basement surrounded him, and he let out a sigh.

Putting his hands on his hips, he spoke aloud. "With this.. I'll be able to satisfy my needs." He snorted, chuckling in an.. odd manner as his pupils became smaller. He had been feeling his needs become more intense for days now. And he would need to fulfill it soon.

The trap he had set up was a simple cage, along with a tray of different varieties of foods he knew animals liked. Cheese, pieces of dead animals he had killed before they whatever this animal was would possibly like if it were a carnivore, etc.

He huffed after his laughter ceased. "Now I'll wait, and then I'll take it home. Can't wait to get out and—"

He stopped. He.. heard something. Something that sounded like thumping, and from what it sounded like, it was getting closer.

He reluctantly turned his head, and then his eyes widened.

The only thing he could do was let out a scream.

————

Kevin sat on one of the chairs in the living room, reading off of a comic book he had purchased, and observing the illustrations as he leaned his head back with a sigh. His brows furrowed. And sweat began to flush over his face. He was beginning to worry that maybe the exterminator wouldn't be able to kill the animal in time—or at least not enough in time for Kevin to pick Skid back up before the kid began to worry. He didn't really wanna leave him by himself for too long after all. Then again, he.. didn't really seem like that kinda kid.

As his mouth hung open, and his shoulders lowered, he then heard something muffled from the basement. He blinked a little in confusion, before processing that it sounded like a scream. Ah.. he must have found it.

There was silence. Kevin looked down at the floor, and then raised his voice, yelling—

"You alright down there..?"

"..ahahaha..!"

"..I'm.." Kevin furrowed his brows, "..guessing that means yes."

With another huff, he leaned back in his chair, and continued reading.

————

On a comfy yet almost stiff bed, the two children laid with their eyes closed beneath the blankets they had been placed under. Silence was the only noise that remained in the area as the other patients sat still in their own respective beds.

And then, the children's eyes opened—smiles slowly starting to curl unto their lips once more.

The two then slowly sat up, and with a mild grunt, the two slipped off of the slightly small bed—their feet meeting the floor. The two spun around in the same direction, and began to vibrate as they ran foward. Behind the noise of their feet crashing against the floor was another weird sound, the sound of someone screaming—

"OOGA BOOGA BOOGA—"

————

Patty worked at the table she was standing in front of—her eyes becoming half-lidded with exhaustion. She had been working here for 12 hours already, and didn't know when her shift would be ending. Her blonde hair slightly stuck to her face—sweat clinging to her skin.

But then she stopped. She heard a noise. The sound of something clanking.

She turned her head around, and.. before her were two small figures. One was clearly a child in a skeleton costume—grinning brightly from behind his mask. And the other was also clearly a child—much shorter, and wearing a pumpkin mask.

Patty furrowed her brows, and groaned. "Hey—you two kids can't be here. Do you know what this place is?"

The one in the skeleton costume hummed in thought, turning to the other one. "..hmmm.. I think it is the spooky month—right, Pump?"

"Yeah! Yeah, it is." The other one grinned.

"Yep! It is the spooky month."

Patty blankly stared, and their smiles faded.

The one in the skeleton costume leaned closer to the pumpkin-wearing one, saying, "..I don't think she knows what it is."

"Well.. uh.. you kinda crouch?" The pumpkin wearing one explained hesitantly, "And then you dance like this!"

The two slowly crouched with a grin, and began to dance form side to side, throwing their hands in motion. Patty looked down at them with a slightly confused expression, pondering their.. whatever this was that they were doing.

But, most of all—it wasn't even Halloween. Why were they wearing these costumes in the first place?

Patty slowly spoke up, "Uh.. I hate to break it to you two, but it's actually—"

She heard another clanking noise from behind her. And slowly, she turned around. But as she did—her eyes became wide, and her mouth hung open in horror. There were several rows of figures, their flesh rotted—and some of their body parts missing. For a moment, they just stood.

And then.. they began to dance. They all walked in lines with their hands raised, and then back. They crouched, and then they.. did the same thing those two kids did.

Patty held back a sigh, furrowing her brows. Of course..

"..it's not Spooky Month." Patty groaned, "It's June."

They immediately stiffened. Standing there still, they wobbled a little, before they all collectively fell to the ground. A foul odor hung in the air from their bodies, and she turned back to the kids with a sigh. But..

They.. weren't there anymore.

All Patty could do was stare in confusion, wondering where the two had suddenly went.

#spooky month #skid spooky month #pump spooky month #candy dealer spooky month #kevin spooky month #dexter spooky month #patty spooky month #lavender au #spooky month lavender au #spooky month au

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heuffopla · 3 years

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Are you going to continue the limelight comic?

Yes, I will! It's just hard to get back into that groove but it'll be back soon! (Im also participating in an illustration contest in my city rn and I have a bunch of original art I need to make but don't worry I'll get to it)

#My brain does NOT want to do the inking. Sketching fun tho eheh #SavoieAsk #Limelight

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md3artjournal · 3 years

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youtube

Advice for people who feel like giving up (and why it might help you) by struthless

2:42 AM 6/3/2021

Recently I watched a Struthless video, which are usually so helpful and encouraging to me, which mentioned evaluating which art medium to pursue, by seeing which one yielded progress after time, and I just got really disheartened. Because it's been like 10 years and living as an artist has gone no where for me. I haven't even had the guts to open an online shop in all this time. ;o;! I feel like it's the same type of self sabotage that I did to myself when I was in an office job I didn't care for. I mean, *I* think I've made a lot of personal progress as an artist and have increased my skill to the point of some confidence in having even the teeniest bit of ability...But personal Growth means nothing in terms of competitive professionals. ;_; AT times like this, I wonder what it would have been like if I had stayed focused on writing. That was my real art form, since I was young. I wonder if I'm going to be one of those people who rediscover an art form that I had abandoned years ago. Am I going to later in life become a writer then wonder why I ever detoured into visual arts for all those decades at all?

I loved writing. I only really gave it up by accident. I loved writing so much that I saw everything in my life, in terms of writing. Writing was my lens on everything. Every experience was fodder for my writing. Even when I went through emotionally hard times, I thought of it as valuable so that I could put it into my writing, enhance it with real emotional experiences. It was my whole identity.

But I really respected manga-ka who did their own writing AND illustration. I looked at them with stars in my eyes. I didn't want to just be like the comic book writers who didn't do their own illustration.

And frankly, I had gotten to a point in my writing where I felt frustration with my limitations. I was confident that my writing could continually Grow, but at the same time, it wasn't Growing enough for me to meet the scenes I saw in my head. I could see it so clearly. If only I could just draw it, instead of constantly describing what I saw in my head...

And that's when the trouble started. I had to choose a major in collage, and out of all the core classes, sampling each field, art was the only one that I not only put a lot of unprompted excess effort into, but I actually enjoyed putting in that unprompted excess effort! If you enjoy working hard at something, that's a sign that it's the career where you belong, right? And I was so confident that my writing could continually Grow through my own practice, since that is what I had always done. So if I wanted to be a writer-artist, then I had to admit that when it came to art/drawing, that's where I needed external help. I chose art as a major. I didn't expect it to be so (time) consuming that I would let my writing fall to the wayside. Writing used to be everything to me, my whole identity, and Growing continually on its own... But now I didn't even do enough reading of other people's writings, to nourish my own writing skills. And before I knew it, I hadn't written a story in years. The only writing I still do regularly is journaling, and does that really count? What can I do with essays, if I'm too scared to let my personal opinions known? You can't make video essays or write articles, when the thought of exposing your inner thoughts gives you more anxiety than you can live with. And any attempts to make essays seem impersonal, is just sterilizing, and likely to yield bad writing. ~_~; But how can I get back into narrative writing, when I became so disillusioned with reading novels that I swore off of them for the rest of my life, since the middle of high school. I used to be a bookworm, but after all that girly crap my high school fed us---after they promised they were the type of all-girls school to not restrict girls to outdated female stereotypes---I had just had it with reading novels. I went to comic books, anime, manga, fanfics, and reference books, and never went back. ...But if I don't go back to novels, then how can I become a writer again? What about becoming a writer who can draw my own stories? Or more relevant now, how can I return to the artform that I originally felt at home with, Writing, after being a visual artist has proven a professionally/financially unsustainable fit for me? ;____;

Then again. I always had a sense I'd die young, and I'm getting older. Maybe I'll die soon and not have to worry about any of this.

#random thoughts #reminicing #writing #drawing #illustration #life path #please ignore my idiocy #venting #quitting art #Youtube

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jojo-at-his-computer · 5 years

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Ooh I love this one so much.

Rohan X Fem!Reader:

You have only moved to Morioh a few days ago, but you already loved this peaceful, if strange town. You were on your own for the first time, and moved here because while Morioh was a small town, it had a lot of weird, interesting landmarks that you wanted to check out. Even the colors of the town seemed different as the sky was always a bright orange as if the town was in eternal sunset.

After 2 or 3 days of unpacking and arranging your house to your liking, today you decided you wanted to visit the shopping districts, maybe get some lunch somewhere. It was a beautiful, sunny, early summer day as you walked through the city. It was warm, but a slight wind stirring every once in awhile. You found a comic store and while buying this week's Shonen Jump, had discovered the newest volume of Pink Dark Boy had released. It was your favorite manga, and you had to add that book to your collection.

"We have a special promotion today," said the cashier as he rung up your purchases, "Buy a manga, and you get a free t-shirt."

"Oh my God, that's so cool!" you beemed. You found a Pink Dark Boy shirt in your size and brought it up to the register and paid for your stuff. After you paid, you immediately threw your new shirt on over your dress, excited to wear it out.

"Thank you! Come again!" said the cashier as you left with your items. You walked around looking at the shops. There was a bakery called St. Gentleman's, which looked like a great place to stop for lunch. You spot a beauty salon called Cinderella, and another shop -

"LOOK OUT!"

Your thoughts were interrupted when you felt yourself being pushed away by another person. Hearing the tires screech and a driver mutter a string of swears, you realized what happened, you had absentmindedly walked in the middle of the road, and a man had pushed you out of harm's way just in the nick of time. You catch your breath as you looked at your rescuer. He was a man in his early 20's about your age with his hair in odd sweeps and held up by a wavy purple headband. His hair was dyed green and matched his deep emerald colored eyes.

"What the hell were you thinking!?" he yelled as he helped you up. "What kinda crazy person would cross the street without looking to see if a car was coming!? You could have gotten killed!"

"I'm so sorry." you stuttered, still in shock with what just happened. "I guess I got distracted. I dunno what I was thinking. Thank you for saving me though." The young man's face softened a bit.

"Well, you're welcome." he answered. "But you should always look before you cross because you might not be lucky next time. Whatever, at least you're not hurt. Are you alright?" He still held onto you. This man was really handsome and you almost wished you could just stay in his arms forever. There was something familiar about him that you couldn't put your finger on.

"I think so," you answered, then noticed you didn't have your purse or your bag from the comic shop. "Oh no, where's my stuff?" The green haired man helped you to your feet, you wobbled a bit still somewhat disoriented.

"Is this it right here?" he asked pointing to your bags which had flung a few feet away. You nodded yes as he went to retrieve it, a few contents had spilled out, keys, wallet, lipstick from your purse, and both the Shonen Jump and manga from the comic store, which the young man picked up an put back in the bags. He noticed the manga and the shirt you were wearing as he handed back your stuff.

"So you're a fan of Pink Dark Boy?" You nodded excitedly.

"Mhm-hm! I read it a the time, I just love it so much. Just got the newest copy today, and this shirt came with it. I'm new in Morioh, so I never been to that comic store before, I'm definitely going again." The man was staring intently at you with a soft smile on his lips, making you blush a little. "So I take it you like PDB too?"

"I guess you could say that." he answered with a chuckle. "May I see your copy for a minute?"

"Sure I guess" you answered, passing the book to him. He took out a pen from his pocket and began writing something on the cover.

"Hey, what are you doing!?" you shout, wondering why the hell he would write in a stranger's book for. He finishes writing and passes the book to you.

"Well, I figured you'd want to have an autographed copy." he answered with a wink. You look inside the cover where he had written. It read "Let's run into each other again sometime. Rohan Kishibe".

Wait, what!?

THE Rohan Kishibe, the author of Pink Dark Boy, he's the handsome stranger who saved you!

"It-it's you!" you stuttered, almost ready to scream. Rohan quickly covered your mouth before you could.

"Don't say that here, or I'll get mobbed by rabid fans!" he said in a loud whisper. You nodded as he removed your hand.

"You're a really good writer and you do all these awesome illustrations!" you said in a loud whisper. "But what happened, why are you on hiatus?" Rohan paused a moment before answering. A lot of things have happened to him recently, including his house catching on fire, and the fact that he and a bunch of teenagers were trying to track down a murderer in town. But for obvious reasons, he wasn't going to talk about that.

"Um, let's just say it's a long story," he answered, "but Pink Dark Boy will resume, eventually. Anyways, I realized I haven't caught your name."

"It's (name)" you say, getting lost in Rohan's beautiful green eyes.

"That's a pretty name." answered Rohan. "I gotta say (name), you might just be the most beautiful fan I've ever met." he said, inciting a blush from you.

"Oh my!" you gasped. "So is it true, you really want to see me again soon?"

"Of course I do!" he answered, "Why else would I have written my phone number?" You looked confused, until he motioned towards your PDB manga. Sure enough, under his signature was his phone number.

"I really hope you call." says Rohan embracing you, your heart skipping a beat. "Maybe we can plan for dinner at a nice restaurant on Friday."

"That sounds wonderful." you exclaimed. "I can treat you, you know, for saving my life and all." Rohan shook his head.

"Don't worry about it, that's on me." he reassured. Before he turned to leave, he steals a quick kiss from your cheek, making you a giggling blushing mess.

"Wait so Friday?" you asked quickly before he turns a corner.

"Friday." Rohan answers with a smile. You give a lovesick sigh as you continue with your shopping. You feel as if you're walking on air as you make your way down the streets, careful to avoid cars this time around. Now to find a nice department store to get a pretty dress for your date on Friday.

#jojo at his computer #jojo's bizarre adventure #jojo no kimyou na bouken #diamond is unbreakable #rohan kishibe #rohan x reader #reader insert

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friendlystarfruit · 2 years

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Hello!! it's so good to have you back, I hope you've been doing well! still no result from your grandma? - 🥧

Nope I don't know why it is taking them so long. Thank you I'm glad you are happy to see me (= I hope to get on here more regularly soon. If not now soon.

I also really want to write and illustrate my wee story like even if its not that good and if I can get just a few people to read and enjoy it , I feel like it's something I want to do. Can't really explain why.

My mom also has had a children's story book idea for almost her whole life and I'd really like to help her write and illustrate it.

Even if my drawing skill isn't professional I have been at least able to get the likeness of characters in my head on paper.

Sometimes just working with whatever skill you have is better than letting creative projects die unless you can put in enough time to get professional or pay somebody to draw for you.

So either I'll try to get a bit better at drawing or use whatever skill I have picked up.

Ideally I'd like to get a little better but I don't feel worried about getting as good as pros selling real comics.

#pie anon #anon

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norafike · 4 years

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It's Christmas Time

>Nora, Lem and the Gang Celebrate Christmas

Words: 2411

~Not canon to my fanfic "Despite all this, I still love you~

"And you got Dutch of all people to agree to this?"

Hosea gave her a simple nod as he hid the remainder of small gifts in the back of Arthur's wagon, hidden amongst the ammunition he had set up. For most walking by it appeared as if they were simply restocking supplies instead of hiding gifts to exchange in the coming days and it was exactly what Hosea needed them to think. "He's allowing us to throw a small get-together."

"And who's dressing up as Saint Nick? Heard you had arranged that too."

"Bill originally but he refused, so I'm either thinking Uncle or Swanson."

Nora frowned at the remaining suggestions. "Are those really the last two options?" She hoped he'd say no, that those two weren't the only choices left but he could only reply to her with an apology. "Arthur could do it but he's been doin' it for the past three years."

"So we don't wanna bother him with this again."

"Exactly, Miss Morgan." He replied.

She looked over at the scout fire where Kieran sat, telling a story to Jack who listened intently at the tale. She couldn't hide the smile on her lips as she watched from afar and Hosea needed to bite back on his teasing.

"We could ask Kieran to do it.. boy hasn't dressed up as St. Nick yet." Hosea suggested while he joined in on watching the exaggeration in his movements as he began to act out the story to Jack. "Seems like he'd enjoy it."

"He's enjoying whatever he's telling Jack right now."

Hosea let out a light chuckle. "He is, yes."

"You could go ask him. I gotta grab some presents for Mary-Beth and Tilly."

"Yes the necklaces, you've not got any yet?"

She shook her head. "But Saint Denis surely has some."

He furrowed his eyebrows as she mentioned the city, thinking she would most likely be getting herself involved in some sort of trouble so close to the holiday. But when she noticed his concern she raised her hands dismissively. "Don't worry... I ain't gonna do somethin' illegal so to speak. I know a guy an' that's it."

"Just be careful, Nora."

She gave him a gentle smile before walking over to the hitching posts where the horses were, digging through the snow for grass and finding only mud. She had hay ready in her hand for Casper, who looked tired when she called for him.

"One last errand for a while boy, don't you worry." She spoke softly to the horse while she fed him and Micah snorted at the easy tone she would speak to the lesser creature in. She ignored the man, which provoked him to tease further.

"Say.. while you're out Nora why don't you try and find less of an attitude to come back with."

"Sure an' I'll find you a whole new personality too, Mr. Bell." Her witty responses weren't so well planned when she was cold and frustrated, so her attempt to annoy him wasn't as well illustrated but enough to get him off of her back for a while.

She tightened the girth of Casper's saddle before mounting up and riding out towards Saint Denis.

...

The door pulled open and in a rush a man walked out, colliding with Nora on the path as he tried to walk out of the Saint Denis markets. She fell backwards, landing on the stone pathway which prompted a small yelp as a reaction.

"Shit.. sorry." He apologised and immediately she recognised the voice. She looked forward and when their eyes met he quickly hid his hand behind his back to stop her from seeing what he had on him.

"What are you doin' here, N-Nora?"

"Should ask you the same." She replied, grabbing onto a flower pot to pull herself to her feet. She rubbed her lower back with her left hand, using her right to help Lem stand.

"Quite comical that we both fell." She mentioned and he hummed in response. "So what are you doing at the fence anyway, Lemuel?"

"Buyin' something. You?"

"The same really.. picking up necklaces for Mary-Beth and Tilly, as a gift you see."

"That's sweet."

She nodded gently, finding conversation awkward after not seeing him for many weeks. He too felt the same way, awkwardly whistling to divert them from silence. "Are y-you busy after?" He asked.

"Not really."

"Perhaps you'd like to go for a drink? Maybe Rhodes since I ain't so keen on Saint Denis." He offered and she gave him a light chuckle at the suggestion. "I would like that very much."

"Good."

He waved goodbye as he departed from their conversation, making haste and leaving Saint Denis as soon as possible. Nora would linger on the step outside of the fence, watching the general direction in which he walked to hold onto what ghost was left before finally prying herself out of thoughts and letting herself into the shop.

...

"You changed your clothes." She stated as she sat opposite, taking note of the white shirt and black pants as opposed to his usual blue shirt and red vest get up. The man frowned and folded his arms as he leaned back against his chair. "No, 'how are you?' what a conversation starter."

"Sorry.. guess I got so familiar with seein' you wear that one thing."

"Oh no, no." He smiled. "I was jus' messing with you."

"Where have you been these past few weeks?"

Lemuel looked ashamed after her question and avoiding her eyes from there. "I used to love the s-snow growin' up." He changed the subject.

"Me too." She sighed. "It's real pretty."

"Yeah." He brought a glass of whiskey to his lips, taking a long drink of it. "What are you plannin' for Christmas?"

"Hosea been plannin' a party. Havin' someone dress up as Saint Nick for young Jack an' we're gonna exchange some small gifts."

"That sounds real lovely."

"You got somethin' planned that day?" With her question he looked more glum than ever. He hesitantly turned to face her, giving a gentle smile. "Not really."

"You gotta come celebrate with us then."

"I don't want to intrude."

Nora leaned towards him, grasping both of his hands with her own. He almost flinched at the contact, not expecting it but eventually warmed into the touch "Nonsense." was all she needed to say and had been enough to convince to spend Christmas with her and that strange lot back at Clemens Point.

"Would you like to go for a walk?" He asked. Nora had thought about it before nodding. Following from this, Lem grabbed his jacket from his chair and threw it on, ready for the snow outside and freezing temperatures.

...

"How did your date go, Mon Ami?"

"It wasn't a date or whatever, Marcel." Lem replied, this annoyance in his tone of voice. The Frenchman had to stifle a laugh as he resumed making his moonshine, watching as Lem searched throughout the small basement.

"What are you lookin' for?"

"That bracelet I gave you, for Nora, where is it?" Marcel didn't answer and so Lem tried again, asking for the gift he trusted his friend to look after while he was away.

"I don't have it." Marcel finally replied, turning away so he wouldn't have to personally face the younger man.

Lem gasped, this anger building up inside of him as he wasn't able to replace the gift as he had spent the last of his money to purchase it. Marcel could feel the shift in mood and frowned, a string of curses being repeated in his mind that had been directed towards him. "Where is it M-Marcel?"

"I don't know." The man answered, he was honest and it crushed him to have lost something so important to Lem. "I put it on the shelf an' when I came back, it was gone."

"I don't have nothin' else to give her."

"I am sure that you will find something." It was Marcel's best attempt at comfort but it didn't do anything to help cheer Lem up. "We got two days until Christmas a-and I haven't enough money to b-buy a replacement."

"I am sorry, Lem." Was the last he could offer. Fike couldn't say anything else and left the basement in haste, slamming doors behind him as he marched outside.

Maggie curiously walked down to talk with Marcel, a scowl present at her nephew's behaviour. "What was that about?"

"I, er, I lost a bracelet he bought for Madame Morgan."

"How the hell did you manage that?"

"I.. I don't quite know."

Maggie shook her head, placing her palm against her forehead. "Well, I s'pose we should find a replacement then."

...

Kieran scratched at the fake beard of straw he was forced to wear, finding it rather uncomfortable against the skin. He wasn't sure why Hosea made him shave but he was certain that after this he would most likely never shave again, no matter the consequences.

He wore an old coat of Bill's, red and much too big for him. The way his belt hung loosely around his waist had elicited a chuckle from Nora when she first saw the costume and Kieran almost called it quits if it meant that the other's was going to laugh at him.

"Thank you for doin' this, Kieran." She said in a low whisper, fixing the white scarf draped around his neck for additional warmth. "It weren't nothin'."

She gave him a low smile before walking away to join the other's around the fire, whispering to Hosea that he was ready to be brought in. The older male clapped his hands together to grab their attention, when each member had looked at him he began making up a short story on how he was to be leaving now for the rest of their celebration, much to the gang members dismay.

"Stay old friend." Dutch tried to convince, but Hosea wouldn't listen.

As he left camp following the path, Lem Fike had entered and on the way he apologised to Hosea for the late arrival and that Nora invited him to join. "Trust me, you're right on time." Hosea spoke in vague terms, waving him goodbye as he went to fetch their St. Nick.

"You made it." Nora cheered, running from the campfire and wrapping her arms around the man in an embrace. He was taking back but slowly reciprocated, allowing her to take his hand and drag him back over to join the others.

"Of course I made it." He whispered but averted his attention over towards Hosea who let out a rather loud cheer. "Look who I found while out there." The second leader announced as he brought Kieran into the camp once more.

Most the men had trouble disguising their laughter at how ridiculous they found the get-up, but the women and Jack looked on with awe at 'Saint Nicholas'.

Kieran didn't know what to say, only standing there with an awkward look in his eye and so Hosea took lead and called over Jack with the wave of his hand. "Told Santa would be back again."

"Yeah." The boy spoke so softly, a little shy at seeing this mysterious being. When Kieran saw the bright smile on Jack's face he softened up and became far more confident as he took on the role of Saint Nick himself, instead of being regular Kieran Duffy.

"I have a gift for you, Jack and a gift for everyone else. Would you like to help me give them out?" Kieran asked and Jack nodded enthusiastically.

Hosea called everyone over and slowly they all began to line up in the snow, waiting for their gifts to be exchanged. "This first gift is for.. Abigail." Kieran read the scribbled name our loud and the boy approached his mother with the item in hand. She took it with thanks and tore into the paper, smiling as she pulled out a box with a very pretty ring inside.

"For Miss Gaskill." And Jack took it over, giving the gift to the person intended.

Time went quickly as they exchanged gifts and Lem felt guilty for not having anything to give so he could participate with their celebration. Soon the bag was empty and Kieran or "Santa" could be escorted out of camp by Hosea, waving his farewells to everyone.

"Come with me." Nora whispered, taking Lem by the hand and walking with him over to the beach so they were alone for five minutes. Mary-Beth watched with a small smile as they felt, elbowing Karen to grab her attention. "Look at them, ain't they cute?"

...

"Sorry I didn't take part.. felt a r-real fool out there."

"You were invited last minute, ain't your fault." She dug into her satchel before pulling out a small item wrapped in cloth.

"For you." He took the object from her hands and gently unwrapped the cloth. When he took the gift from it's wrapping a bright smile appeared on his face for she had brought him a small wood carving of a moonshine bottle. "Did you make this?"

"Kinda.. Cripps did most the work. Apparently, he knows wood carvin' an I wasn't gettin' the hang of it."

"It's lovely. Thank you." He gently placed the gift in his pocket but his moment of joy was short-lived when he remembered his lack of a present for Nora. "Unfortunately, I don't have nothin' for you."

"You don't have to buy me gifts, mind."

"I-I know.. I bought a bracelet from Saint Denis a while back for you, but trusted the wrong person with it."

"What happened?"

"Marcel lost it."

She let out a small giggle and nodded, holding onto her friend's hands with a small smile. "Can I tell you somethin'?"

"Sure."

"My best gift this year is spendin' it with you, Lemuel. Nothing could be that."

"Can I kiss you?"

She was taken back by his request but couldn't deny that she had thought about doing the same thing for a long time and so slowly, with a genuinely happy smile, she nodded.

His head tilted to the side as he leant forward and gently her lips were captured in a kiss, her heart beginning to race faster with the gesture. Time around them seemed to slow down and while she stood there, with her arms wrapped around his neck she thought that this, this was her best Christmas yet.

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