#I fucking ADORE your artwork Shadow like

[scarredlove]

I- I-

I'm normal I swear-

I love how so many people's first thought about blind y/n interacting with bloodmoon is just.. "Smack him with the cane". LMAO heh heh heh, careful!

[winitry]

fairy wings and bloody knees ♡ | daryl dixon

word count: 1.9k

A/N: this is really just daryl and reader's daughter. reader is mentioned but not seen during this fic. eventually i will get around to making a part 2 with daryl x reader! this idea was inspired by @louifaith and i included a piece of artwork by @vaebun at the end of the story that is absolutely ADORABLE. please take a moment to view both of their blogs for great content! ♡ also i didn't do much proofreading so forgive meee

"I like your fairy wings."

It took a moment to register the words before Daryl realized they were directed at him, and another moment for him to realize that - shit - so was a pair of big brown eyes. His boots came to a slow stop as he regarded the child. The girl couldn't have been older than six, a tiny little thing with unruly curls and scabbed knees, gripping a piece of pink sidewalk chalk in one hand. Her curls fell into her face as she leaned to try and look behind him, clearly wanting another glance at the wings on his vest.

The fuck?

"Ain't no fairy." Daryl muttered gruffly, unsure of what to make of the girl. A lock of hair clung to the corner of her mouth and she pushed it away, smearing pink chalk over her cheek in the process. He let her walk behind him as he quickly scanned the area, looking for any sign of a guardian but it seemed the girl was just out playing on her own; it was strange to him, to be in a place where someone would feel safe enough to let their child outside without being right behind them. It reminded him a bit of his youth, before his mother died, when she'd send him out to ride on his bike and tell him to be back when the streetlights came on. Different times. Now, that sort of thing felt too irresponsible. Too risky - even with walls.

He felt a pressure against his back and jumped, turning to look at the little girl as she grinned up at him. Her hand was still raised in the air, fingers outstretched and tinted pink. Daryl had half a mind to tell her to quit it, to go find her mom or pops and leave him be, but a little giggle tumbled past the girl's lips and he found himself short of words. Not a moment later she turned and bounded, leaving Daryl alone. For the remainder of the day, he was entirely unaware of the little pink handprint lingering on the back of his vest.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

The following day, Carol was the first to notice that Daryl had managed to acquire a shadow. She met Daryl’s eye as Aaron led him and Abraham down the road and the archer found himself pausing at the hint of a smirk playing on her lips. “What?” Daryl questioned, eyes narrowing at the amusement painting his friend’s features. Ahead of him, Aaron and Abraham noticed him hanging back and came to a stop, waiting. “Spit it out.” “Just think you’ve got an admirer, that’s all.” Carol teased, looking past him with a knowing smile. Frowning, Daryl turned to follow her line of sight just in time to see a familiar mop of curls duck behind a mailbox. Daryl let out a quiet huff, shoulders relaxing minutely. The girl wasn’t any good at hiding - not with the way her whole body could still be seen behind the base; she’d clearly dressed herself that day, too - floral overalls clashing with a bright, striped shirt. It didn’t look like she had any chalk that he’d have to be on the lookout for, at least. He could still hear Rick’s chuckles from the night before when he’d pointed out the handprint on his vest. With a dismissive shake of his head, Daryl turned back, moving to continue on with Aaron and Abraham. “Ain’t nothin’. Just a kid.” “Look at you, already a hit with the ladies!” Abraham chaffed, earning a pointed scowl.

“Stop.” Aaron glanced between the two men with a relaxed smile, sparing a glance towards where the girl peeked her head out from behind the mailbox, watching from a distance. Aaron offered a little wave, to which the girl returned a cheeky smile, pressing a finger to her lips as if her presence was a secret between the two of them. “That’s Remy.” “Remy?” Daryl echoed, unamused. “Yeah, Remy. Short for Remington, but for your own safety just call her Remy.” “Remington?” Abraham cut in, unable to contain the amusement in his tone. “Like the rifles?” “I think so. I’m pretty sure her dad picked it.” Aaron told them, motioning for them to follow as he continued down the road. He’d mentioned wanting to introduce Abraham to one of the community members that ran the construction projects for Alexandria, and planned on taking Daryl to speak with Deanna after; she was still figuring him out, trying to decide which job would suit him best. He might’ve had time to brew on how much he couldn’t stand Deanna’s attempts to categorize him if his thoughts weren’t still stuck on the girl - Remy. Daryl glanced back over his shoulder, just enough to notice that she was trailing behind as they walked, eyes downcast and focusing hard as she balanced on the curb of the street while she followed. “She always just out here on ‘er own?” “Not exactly,” Aaron explained, considering his words before adding, “mostly just in the afternoons when she doesn't feel like sitting in class with the other kids. She's usually with her mom whenever she isn’t helping in the infirmary. Actually, I've been meaning to take you all by there - have you met (Y/N) yet?” “Nah.” Daryl muttered, finding no recollection of the name. “What about ‘er dad? He dead?" “Well, no. That’s, uh… a bit more complicated.” A brief silence fell over the them, and when Aaron peeked from the side of his eye to see that Abraham and Daryl were both still waiting for an answer, he let out an uncomfortable sigh. After looking back to ensure Remy was far enough that his words wouldn’t carry, he continued in a softer tone. “Her dad is around but not really around. It’s a long story - and really, not mine to tell - but... alright, they have an arrangement that Deanna settled between them. He gives Remy half of his rations every week, outside of what he hunts for the pantry, and (Y/N)... well, I guess you can say she has 'custody'. Like I said... it's complicated.” While Daryl’s lip twitched with irritation, Abraham let out a low whistle. “Well, ain’t that 'bout a bitch. Whole world goes to shit and you still can’t get outta child support.” It took a solid few seconds for the redhead to register that Daryl and Aaron were both staring at him, deadpanned, before he held up his hands in surrender. “I’m just sayin’!” Daryl didn’t find any of it funny in the slightest. It was bad enough that a kid had to grow up in a world like they were living in, but to have a deadbeat dad on top of it? And the Alexandrians, they just let it slide - let him give her some food and throw the rest of his duties as a parent aside.

Bullshit. This place, these people, this attempt at 'normal' life. A bunch of bullshit.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Talking to Deanna left him in the same spot he was in before. For whatever reason, she couldn't seem to figure out what to do with him even though he already knew the answer was obvious. He didn't belong in these walls, wasn't built for playing house and acting like there weren't monsters lingering around dark corners beyond the streets of Alexandria. It wasn't the dead that really bothered him, not after Terminus... not after the Claimers or Grady Memorial.

There were people out there that would come across a place like this and do the unthinkable and it wouldn't matter how nice their houses were or what casseroles they could make - they would suffer because they were weak and unprepared. He wasn't built to sit back and be vulnerable. He needed to be out there, hunting or scavenging or making sure the people that would hurt them stayed far enough away.

He thought going out and catching some game could clear his mind some. So, after stopping by and checking out his crossbow, Daryl headed towards the gate without much of a plan except to get out of the walls. But of course, it wouldn't never be so easy.

If he hadn't been so on edge in this new place, he wouldn't have heard the sniffle. It didn't take very long to find the source of it - Remy, pressed up against the trunk of a maple tree, blood trailing from her knees down to her ankles. She'd had to have fallen, tearing open scabs that were still healing. Though her knees were bloody and raw, cheeks wet with fresh tears, she didn't seem to pay them any mind.

Following her gaze to where she stared off in the distance longingly, Daryl quickly pieced together what was really upsetting her. Lingering by the front gate, in conversation with one of the other Alexandrian men, was a man with a hunting rifle strapped onto his back. A Remington rifle. That was her dad. Her dad, getting ready to go out on a hunt while she sat here with torn knees and a yearning heart. Well... he'd be damned if he were going to walk away from that.

"Must be clumsy." His own voice sounded foreign to him as he took a step into her view, trying hard to sound casual though he wasn't entirely sure how to approach the situation. Those big puppy-dog eyes looked up at him and he could have sworn he felt like somebody kicked him in the gut.

"Clumsy?" Remy echoed, confused, and sniffled again as she reached up and swiped her nose with the back of her arm.

"Means ya fall a lot." Daryl explained.

"My daddy's leaving." Remy blurted, lower lip quivering a bit as she looked past Daryl to see the man finally stepping out the gate, pushing it shut behind him.

Daryl looked over his shoulder towards the gate, acknowledging the man's departure with a sideways glance. "He come tell you goodbye?" Remy merely shook her head in response and Daryl hummed, unsurprised. He looked down to her knees, considering, before pulling a rag from his pack and kneeling down beside her. "Here, lemme see."

Remy extended one leg as Daryl gently reached for her ankle, watching with a pout as he wiped the blood from her shin before switching to the next leg and doing the same. Her knees were still bleeding a bit, but her legs weren't dripping blood anymore, at least. When he dropped her second leg, Remy blinked up at him through watery lashes. "I want Mommy."

Daryl met those doe eyes of hers, thinking back to the conversation with Aaron earlier that day. He'd mentioned Remy's mom - (Y/N) - helping in the infirmary. Seemed the girl probably needed to get some gravel cleaned out of her knees, anyways...

"C'mon. Let's go find yer ma." Daryl told her, pushing himself back to his feet and holding out a hand for her to grab onto to. As soon as Remy pulled herself up, though, she tried to take a step and limped, whining loudly. Not a second later, Daryl was instinctively scooping her up, resting her on his hip; and Remy, instinctively, reached up to wrap her arms around his neck as he carried her towards the infirmary to see you. Her messy curls tickled his stubble as she tucked her head against his neck, and if it weren't for that alone, then surely it was when he walked into the infirmary and laid eyes on you for the first time that Daryl Dixon knew one thing for certain...

He was so fucked.

artwork by @vaebun !! ♡

[slayfics]

Ok like imagine if muichiro crow warm up to us like muichiro is wondering where is crow is because like she always with him but found us sleeping in the grass with the crow cuddle to us that would be fucking adorable if that ok with you

Muichiro goes looking for his crow.

"Take this to the master," Muichiro said, holding up his completed letter into the air. After a few moments passed with the letter still between his fingers Muichiro looked over his shoulder.

Usually, his crow was always ready to grab any of his letters and rush off to deliver them. What was going on today?

Muichiro looked around the room but his crow was nowhere to be found.

Hmm...

He stood up and decided to look around, concerned that something may have happened.

"Ginko?" He called, out to his crow around the estate. However, no reply was given back. After searching the house he started to become more concerned.

Muichiro decided to start searching in the courtyard of the mansion for his crow. It was a nice warm day with a cool breeze. Surely a lovely day to be outside so he was hoping to find her here.

A few moments later he spotted you laying down under a tree in the garden. Clearly, passed out as you made no movements as he approached. It was then he noticed what at first he thought was a shadow by your shoulder was actually Ginko sleeping peacefully pressed against your side.

Muichiro couldn't help but smile at the scene. When you first started to befriend him his crow couldn't stand you. Ginko always passed out any insults she could and contradicted you at every turn.

This was a far contrast to those days. He wondered if maybe Ginko had realized how his own demeanor had changed since he had been around you. When he was around you he found himself smiling more and even laughing from time to time.

Perhaps his crow was also starting to enjoy your company or at the very least grateful for the happiness you brought him.

This was such a cute and unique request! Thank you for sending it in! I’m sorry this one is a bit short but I hope you enjoy it regardless! Thank you yet again to the lovely @valartsstuff for allowing me to use more of her artwork! Please please check out her adorable stuff if you haven’t yet!

Tagging those that asked~

@plvuii @aeolia18 @muichirouswife @yandere-kou

[kokobako]

So. I did a thing. I cried doing the thing. This was supposed to be a fun WangXian drabble, but the characters took a life of their own? I don't know.

P.S. I didn't use names because, well, I generally don't. Please don't hate me for this!

It felt like something, and nothing at the same time. Maybe I’d been desensitized to the touch of my beloved’s skin. Maybe the electricity I felt was quelled, somehow, by the knowledge that we could never be. The difference between us was that of the artwork and the viewer. I could only ever look on, hopelessly, at the beauty, the grace that he held.

And oh, what a sight he was. My master, a force of nature to be reckoned with. As he stirred in his beddings in the morning, sunlight scattering as it reached his sleeping visage, I was reminded of why I fell in love with him in the first place. He was always the sun to my mere existence. I would always, incomprehensibly, be pulled in by his gravity, his dazzling shine. Yet, my entirety would burn on closing the distance. He was always mine to adore, to worship, but never mine to be had. 

I was but a greedy man, a thief, who would steal what I could. A glance, a touch, a soft sigh, the brush of his skin against mine as I dressed him. I knew that, one day, these days would end. But I was already ruined, wasn’t I?

My heart, mind and soul had been his, since all those years ago, on the first day that I met him and he gave me a reason to live.

***

Some things must always be hidden away. An ace up your sleeve, your bank account password, the name of your first love, your internet search history. He was my secret.

The one who always hid behind me, who lived as my shadow, whose being was for my sake, and yet, I could never believe those words. Because why would I exist in a world where he wasn’t? It was obvious I needed him more than he’d ever need me.

Home. I can’t think of a better way to describe him. The storms I braved outside were nothing compared to returning to him. To be met by his small smile, his comforting food, his entire presence were small luxuries that I, the wanderer lost at sea, could afford. He was the last good thing to happen to me, and the best. 

Somedays, I felt bad. How could I possibly hoard this much happiness? It wasn’t mine to own, to deserve. I knew he was preparing to leave me, possibly forever. When that day would come, I wasn’t certain I could let go without a fight. That’s the thing with wanderers. Very rarely are they adrift by choice. I’d been thrown into this sea of loneliness by circumstance, and he was my last sliver of hope. I would cling to him like the drowning man I was.

I was wrong, I was bad, I was an asshole, but hey. If you want to judge me, fuck off. I wasn’t about to back off without a fight. My home. MINE.

***

Since I told the Master my departure date, he seems to be listless. Oftentimes, I catch him staring blankly into empty space, a frown marring his perfect features. I do not understand why it seems as if me leaving will affect him worse than it will me. He is only losing a loyal dog. I’m losing my sun, my reason for being. And oh, will I miss him terribly. I know that, in the quietest corners of the night, I will weep silently for him, aching for the eternal darkness to end.

The household seems less bright these days. The master is home lesser and lesser. I understand. He must be spending time with his betrothed, the woman who captured his heart in ways I never could. She must cherish him so, and I wish she loves him more than I do, for I know that he deserves so much and more. 

As the marriage date, and the day I leave, draw closer, I can’t help but wish things had turned out differently. That I’d been born better, lived better, been someone better suited for the master. That I’d been a woman. Someone the master could love without worries and inhibitions. 

My only solace is that I’ll be far, far away before the marital night. I won’t be here to watch my heart be placed on a chopping board, then agonise over the master and his wife. They don’t need me here anymore. The young miss will have a mother, the master will have someone to care for him, and I will have a painful, agonizing life away from the both of them.

But they will never know. I won’t let them. They’ll be happy, healthy, and enjoy their happily ever after.

***

He said it yesterday. Told me he would leave because his services were no longer needed. Wished me the best for the future and walked out of the study with no second thoughts.

What about me? I never needed his services, I needed him. Craved his presence, his attention, those small smiles reserved for me. Was I so easy to leave behind? What of the decades we’d spent together?

What of my heart, which had been waiting for him? Waiting for him to let me in, so I could worm my way into the crevices of his soul, softening his hard edges with my own? 

He was leaving me, and he didn’t want to know my opinion about it. He wished me well for my marriage, and he truly meant it, too. What woman would I even marry? I’d loved him for as long as I knew what love was. I’d wanted to tell him, then and there, that it was all a big farce. There was no woman to be married, no happiness waiting for me at the end of the road.

My home was moving. I wouldn’t let it. Wouldn’t let him. It wasn’t right, after all. We belonged together. 

***

He lied. There was no book deal. No mansion in Malibu, no riches and fame to be had. He never sold our story. All he had was this small, run down apartment, which had a view of our household. A place for him to rest, to observe from. My home was near, and I never knew.

How could I not know he was dying? His smiles had begun to fade, his skin becoming paler and more sallow. He’d hold my hand tighter, indescribably cold and lost to me forever.

And now he lay before me, in a hospital bed too big for him, with wires and tubes sucking the life out of him. His eyes were shut, yet he seemed to be at peace. Why? Why wouldn’t you ever fight for me? Did you never love me?

I couldn’t help but cry that day. Watching the love of my life fade to nothingness was something I’d never considered. He’d always been there for me, at my highs and lows. When my parents died. When I was shot. When we first met, and he showed me what love felt like.

Yet here he was, a candle about to extinguish. The doctors said he only had a few weeks, at best. I didn’t know what to do anymore.

I was hopelessly, truly lost.

***

The last thing he ever said to me was that he loved me. His eyes sparkled with tears, as his weak hands held mine for the last time.

The funeral was an open casket. I choked up as I spoke of him to an empty room, cradling my half-empty glass of alcohol. He looked young, younger than he ever had. Even in death, he had so much peace. 

I couldn’t do it anymore. I smashed the glass on the edge of his casket, and watched as my cut wrist bled out on the white carnations I’d arranged. My vision blurred as I buckled to the floor, the crimson vivid. And then, suddenly, he wasn’t in the casket anymore.

I looked up at the him who offered me his hand, smiling. The same him, who offered me that same hand two decades ago, gestured at me, asking me to join him. And I did. Why wouldn’t I?

I was returning home, after all.

[kingprinceleo]

What I like about your art? Well golly have you just set me up for a ramble aha!

Well for starters, there's how you draw the sonic characters to begin with! Your proportions are well done and the movement is always so incredibly fluid and lively, never a stiff day for these funky guys unless it's intentional!

And and your line art/your sketches, phenomenal!! Gorgeous! I adore how they look so much, like a storybook page!! I love seeing how your drawings came to be and I love seeing the freshness of your works! It's splendid really!!

And oh don't get me started on your coloring! YOUR COLORINGG!!! It is so GORGEOUSSSSSS!!! Its so clear and beautiful!! The ways you understand the shadows, the lighting, the emotion!! The richness of the hues, the softness of the brushes used. It's spectacular!!!

Your artwork feels so free, so full of wonder. Its like witnessing a sky full of shooting stars, watching a pebble gracefully skip across clear waters, or seeing the clouds turn into shades of golds, pinks, purples against the setting sun. It is a thing of beauty, works that either feel like a once in a lifetime event worth remembering or something so beautiful that you can't help but always find a new appreciation of when you see it again.

sneef sneorf sniff hurls all over the groudn /pos the last part, crying a whole ocean.............what the fuck ..../pos i would love to see my art through your eyes its sounds amazing i wanna color more things again rahhh ive been itching for it !! soon,,.. hopefully but thank u so mcuh i have no words !! take my hand lets skip into the sunset together

[knightbloomings]

Cap gets into Sonic

I miss liveblogging/keeping a record of my interests as they develop, so I'm gonna list which Sonic stuff I've seen so far and what stuff I'd still like to see.

Stuff I've seen:

IDW Sonic:

Very good! Seeing Scrapnik Island at work was what made me interested in Sonic in the first place, and I'm super glad I decided to read the comics! The artwork is gorgeous and the storylines are so fun! I really like the running theme of owning up to your decisions and sticking to your principles for Sonic, and my fave arcs are probably the Metal Virus arc and Surge's arc. Super excited to see what happens next!

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006):

First saw this game from the snapcube dub (which I still love) then watched brutalmoose play the full game on stream. It's objectively a stinker of a game, but I can see a lot of what they were going for and I like a lot the concepts. I think Sonic and Elise's relationship could've worked more if she were a child (or, a younger child), but at its core I love the idea of Sonic encouraging Elise to feel free. I also love Team Dark's loyalty and friendship to each other in this game, wish I got to see it more in others.

Sonic and the Black Knight:

One of my top faves! I loved every bit of stylization and story telling this game had, and Sonic's characterization was peak! The combination of Sonic characters and medieval armor is also so fucking good too. Overall a really simple but solid narrative with great characters and cool as hell aesthetics.

Sonic Unleashed:

I'm surprised how much this game sticks in my mind, I think it's also in my top faves (tho watching penny play it is probably a bit why). There's something about it that has so much heart that just seems so Sonic, despite the lackluster visual novel-esque segments. The Werehog is such a fun concept and a fun role reversal for Sonic, and a lot of the little moments of humor were really good, like Sonic taking pics for Chip while Eggman monologued.

And this def isn't unique to this Sonic game alone, but the music Slaps. Most of my fave music comes from this game, including the werehog's boss battle theme. I play that shit on loop sometimes at work.

Sonic Riders & Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity:

I prefer the fandub's spin on some of the story elements (and the Babylon Rogues's relationships, and just Storm in general), but I still enjoyed this game, especially the ideas behind the Babylon Rogues! I'm still not super clear on their lore (these two games felt like they lacked a lot of explanations for who/what/where) but I like the idea that these three are technically heirs to this long lost civilization and technically have this responsibility to it but they're super into being pirates instead. It's charming! Makes me wish I saw more of them in a serious capacity in IDW.

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog:

Played this game on my own and I loved how fun and bright it was! The art was absolutely gorgeous and the music was fun too! I super adore seeing characters "outside" their roles in a more relaxed setting, where we get to see more of their personalities, and I felt like I got to know all the characters a bit more in this game. My only gripe is that the "Think!" sections had some god awful color choices for the tiled runway, it made everything blur together really badly. But otherwise, another top fave!

Stuff I still need to see:

Sonic Adventure 2

Sonic Heroes

Shadow the Hedgehog

Sonic and the Secret Rings

Sonic Forces

Sonic Frontiers

Sonic Prime

Will probably reblog this post with additional thoughts as I finish watching other stuff!

[starlitheaven]

Hi! Congratulations on 1k! For the summer mixtape, could I have nsfw Chrollo + Peter Murphy's "All Night Long"? Thank you!!

thank you! here’s some of the lovely kuroro who finds a home within you with suggestive smut. <3

its become habit for him to slip into your bedroom while you're asleep.

1k+ follower event.

ALL NIGHT LONG — KURORO LUCILFER

wc. 600+

the window of your apartment is left open, curtains fluttering softly with the night breeze as he sneaks his way in. then again, is it sneaking if you're expecting him?

kuroro often questions this. his intentions aren't normally depraved. usually, he merely takes off his shirt and slips into bed with you. he pulls your body towards his and allows his mind to relax into slumber. yorknew keeps you busy and you have your own life, so he's used to you being in a deep slumber whenever he arrives. you've given his wandering heart, body, and soul a place to rest and he intends to use it.

when he's occupied with a heist, there's no telling how long it'll keep him. it could be hours, days, weeks, or months. he lives at his own whim just as he’s always had.

still, you keep that window open for him.

it should concern him due to the potential dangers of a young woman sleeping with her window open, but he'd be the first to know if something were to harm you. he's made sure of that, even if you aren't aware of it. sometimes, he's so busy and high off another potential treasure that he can't stay to see you wake the next morning. 

still, you know when he's been there. if it's not the lingering scent of his cologne on your bed or the letter he's written for you, it's the timeless piece of jewelry or framed artwork left behind. sometimes though, sometimes kuroro approaches your neighborhood and knows that you're awake. that you're waiting for him. 

like tonight.

he's thrusting in and out of you, admiring the white lace that adorns your body. he had climbed into your room and was pleasantly surprised by you wearing a vintage night slip with matching lingerie underneath.

you look like a bride on her wedding night. the thought only makes him pump his hips faster into your aching cunt. the squelch of it fills the room. it’s dirty and sinful, and takes nothing from this moment.

“mm—like that, fuck. just like that,” you gasp, raising your hips to meet his thrusts. 

kuroro’s dark eyes drink in the sight of you laid before him. thighs spread with your gleaming pussy sucking his big cock in, soft abdomen flexing as you fuck back against him, tits bouncing with his harsh pace, neck littered with lovebites, and your face. that angelic face of yours flushed—fucked out, and gazing at him with pure adoration. as if he’s hung the stars in the sky.

you may as well be his bride. 

his cock is stretching you open, and you can’t help but relish in the slight pain it causes. your heart is about to burst from the aching love you feel for this man while your body is tightly wound up and ready to release like an arrow. 

“how do you want it, angel?” kuroro murmurs, licking his lips as he locks lips with you briefly in a sloppy kiss. “i’ll give you anything you ask of me, anything. the gem of my heart.”

this is it, you think. this is the man you want to spend the rest of your life with. 

you respond without thought. “inside me,” you gasp, slurring in your pleasure. “come inside me, love. wan’ you with me, always.”

I don’t love you as if you were a rose of salt, topaz, or arrow of carnations that propagate fire: I love you as one loves certain obscure things, secretly, between the shadow and the soul.

the rush of love consumes him. it’s exhilarating. kuroro has lived his life seeking knowledge of everything that catches his fancy, and you are at the top of that list. to have you for eternity is to obtain the greatest treasure. 

and he intends to do so.

[sonicattos]

Listen, today is my birthday, but I just want to offer you my collection of silly little guys who fit the Sonic and Shadow aesthetic at this time because they're so silly and I think you'd like them. Don't mind Knuckles he's just sleeping. By the way, I fucking adore your artwork. Absolutely gorgeous.

happy birthday!! and thank you!! love the creatures!

[lavandulacosmos]

MAZARINE Ch.7: Vespertine excerpt

First Heist // First Tattoo

The evening sky was electric with the flashing lightning of a thunderstorm, and they watched the violent swaying dance of the trees and the ocean in the downpour from the couch, cosy in the dark. Martín rested his head on his chest and he ran his fingers through his hair as the storm raved outside with howling laughter.

‘So what did you decide to do with your scars?’ Martín asked quietly, his voice barely disturbing the mad symphony of the outside world. ‘You’ve been teasing me with it for ages.’

Andrés just chuckled because he enjoyed having a secret, and Martín pinched him in retaliation.

‘So you caved in the end? I thought you would never ask.’ he grinned, catching Martín’s hand to stop his campaign against the continued good health of his waist.

‘I thought you were procrastinating, and it was painful to watch.’ Martín drawled, turning his head to send him an unimpressed look, only to soften it with a kiss pressed to his chest.

‘Vile slander.’

‘Hmm, sure it is.’

‘Do you remember our first heist together?’ Andrés asked instead of responding to such blatant use of sarcasm as another flash across the sky threw sharp shadows through the teasing smile of his husband.

‘Of course.’ Martín nodded. ‘I was so fucking green back then that we nearly got arrested even before we stole anything.’

‘I thought you were quite magnificent, my spitfire engineer.’ Andrés said, twining their fingers together with a fond roll of his eyes. ‘Even if you did nearly get us arrested.’

‘You were so furious, I thought you would never want to work with me again.’

That was not true, because Andrés’d known from the first second Valeria introduced him they could be the best partners - and it only became surer when they planned their first heist. But nearly getting caught in the stolen getaway car, before they could do anything to get away from, was a tad too much even for him.

‘We nearly missed out on a Salvador Dalí study of Christ of Saint John of the Cross. Naturally, I was a bit annoyed.’

‘A bit annoyed, yes, let’s call it that. But very kissable.’ Martín chuckled, leaning up to do just that before pulling back with a suspicious frown. ‘Wait a minute. Whose idea was using Dalí masks again?’

‘I do not know what you mean, mi amor.’

Martín just gazed at him in the storm’s unearthly light, blue eyes alight with a quiet adoration that said more than any words could. So he pulled him in for an equally quiet confession of warm lips.

‘We are getting off track here.’ Martín murmured against his mouth. ’What about our first heist?’

‘It was in Seville, and since Dalí already belongs to the team, I thought the city at least could be the inspiration for a tattoo.’ Andrés said, and Martín pulled back a bit in surprise.

‘A tattoo, mi alma?’ he asked, his fingers splaying out on his chest.

Andrés covered his hands and guided them to the exact place he envisioned the ink. ‘I want to make the scars mine, and our first heist together seemed like the perfect idea.’

‘Tell me.’ Martín requested, eyes searching his own with an intensity that left no doubt in his mind that his husband would approve, no matter what he chose to do.

‘Remember what we did after the heist?’ Andrés asked with a half-smile.

‘It rained so heavily that we took refuge in the cathedral and gazed at the magnitude of the building while you told me the history of every artwork worth mentioning.’ Martín answered with a nostalgic smile of his own and in the storm, instead of their home, Seville cathedral’s rain battered stones rose around them in awe-inspiring grace.

‘Close your eyes, mi amor. Hear the rain.’ Andrés said quietly, and Martin did just that, resting his forehead against his sternum. ‘Picture the vaulted ceiling high above the main chapel and us mortal souls, stretching towards the sky in graceful arcs and stone laces. That’s what I want on my skin to compliment my scars, that timeless beauty...’

‘Very fitting, Andrés.’ Martín whispered, pressing another kiss to his chest. ‘I always said that you were the magnificent one, ethereal and intricate like a gothic cathedral.’

‘I thought I was horrible.’ Andrés chuckled, hugging him closer.

‘That too.’ Martín said as another lightning crossed the sky in a pattern Andrés traced on his back.

[lune-hime]

Garden of Tulips (Levi/Reader) Chapter 7

~Click me for more chapters~

“What did it look like?”

“Hmm?” Levi looked up from his place next to your sleeping form. “The titan that tried to snack on my darling granddaughter.” “Ugly as fuck.” “Aren’t they all?”

Levi recounts memories of the reader and their shared life together while she recovers from a serious injury.

!!WARNINGS!! - Violence, gore, smut, wholesome content ;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tulipa esperanto ~ A tulip whose flaming petals sprout from a lush green base, signaling growth and the washing away of lingering burdens.

↞↠↞↠↞↠

“Thank you both for waiting! I’m just about done.” Felicia chimed from the stove as Levi entered the house. The pleasant smell of fried bread and pork mingled with the freshness of the tulips to create a scent he could only describe as being homey.

“We had no choice but to be occupied.” Oma grumbled from the dining room, one of the spaces Levi had yet to explore. He wandered into the kitchen after removing his shoes and observed Felicia’s bustling and extremely organized methodology. The pan bopped to the rhythm of her wrist while the kettle whistled in melodic time.

“It’s a shame we didn’t have time for tea. We’ll do it after we eat, then.” Oma called, leaning on the doorway that connected the kitchen to the dining room. Levi nodded and clasped his hands behind his back as he awkwardly lingered on the sidelines of the culinary bustle. His languid gaze drifted to the many framed photos that hung on the only wall not covered with ornate gold trinkets or the weaving vines of plants. His eyebrows furrowed as he observed a common theme.

So many of these photos of you were with that hard headed, horse-faced pain in the ass. From what you had told Levi, you had no memory of life without Jean. That he, Oma, and Felicia had been the only constant presences in your life since you were a child. Why did he feel a pang of jealousy? That was a petty emotion.

Oma had placed delicate plaques at the bottom of each frame that accompanied the memory. Levi wouldn’t have pegged her as someone so sentimental.

First Day of Kindergarten

“We’re going to be late, mommy!!” You wailed as your legs jittered like an excited shore bird. Jean stood beside you and rolled his eyes as your anticipation made your connected arms wiggle like a cooked noodle.

“Yes, yes I know. If I could just get this thing-okay, all set, smile big cuties!” Your mother’s gentle voice sang as she clicked the shutter. Jean immediately got over his minor annoyance and the two of you beamed at the camera.

“Lumine, the school bell’s ringing.” Oma chided lightly at her daughter in law.

Levi adored how your wide grin looked too big to be contained by your tiny cheeks.

Noel

“Jean are you even eating in the corps? You look like a twig when you need to be looking like a sturdy branch.” Oma chided as she shuttled more spaetzle onto Jean’s plate. Jean breathed a nervous laugh at her blunt comment.

“Well their food isn’t as good as yours is, Oma.” Jean replied as he gratefully took the plate. You shuffled past the two of them in the busy kitchen to pour yourself a glass of spiced wine.

“Get on my level, noodle-boy.” You teased, bringing your free arm up and flexing your defined muscles as the other held the ladle of wine. Jean threw an arm around your shoulder and squeezed, demonstrating that his noodle arms held more power than they let on.

Felicia had clicked the shutter just as laughter bloomed on your faces and your glass looked dangerously close to spilling over in festive happiness.

Apple Picking

“Freyr, move a little over to the left.” Oma instructed her son. Freyr took a step sideways and bounced, causing you to fly upwards in glee from your resting place on his shoulders. You grasped the sides of his chin as you both grinned at the camera. Crows flew from the canopy of the lush apple orchard behind you.

Levi drank in the features of your father as if he was studying a work of art. He was very tall, strongly built, and had a charisma about him that Levi wagered is why he was so popular in the capital. He resembled more of a lumberjack than a government official. His jawline was hard, like it was curvetted by a steel knife. But his eyes held a softness just like your own.

When Levi’s eyes drifted to the last photo in the row, the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. He gulped as he let the contents of the picturesque scene sink in. The four individuals looked lively and ecstatic as they proudly showed off their record breaking salmon catch. Your father, Freyr, stood on the far right holding the fish’s head with a confident smirk. You, having to be around 12, stood next to him inwards. Your weak grip was feigning your support of the giant creature’s weight. To the far left your uncle Rall stood perched with the tail held to his chest as he wore a more modest smile than his brother-in-law. Levi felt his arteries clench around his throbbing heart when he gazed upon the girl only a few years older than you at your side. The sweetness of her expression poured icy flames onto Levi’s conscience.

Petra and Y/N’s Catch

Levi felt as if he were the fish in your hands; milky eyed and cold scaled. He was momentarily sent spiraling into his guilt.

“Jean has grown quite handsome now hasn’t he...” Felicia chirped. Levi blinked at the proximity of her bubbly comment as it punched him from his daze. She appeared at his side with their shoulders centimeters from touching.

“You’ve always liked younger men, haven't you?” Oma snickered as she rummaged through the cupboard.

“Hey! I’m not that old Frau Vogel.” Felicia justified with a playful pout. She turned on her heels to grab the dishes from Oma’s hold but was gently slapped away by the determined old woman.

“Yes but you’ve known the boy since he was fresh out of diapers.” Oma quipped back. “Now if you’re done viewing the art gallery of my life, we have dinner to eat.”

The dining room seemed to glow amber. The walls were dressed with a deep cherry wood, carved with grand scenes of folklore that Levi wasn’t familiar with. The table and chairs were no less intricately carved and were birthed of that same rich wood. The table was fit for a family of high standing, its length providing the space to entertain many guests.

Felicia had set the table so that the three of you were sitting close together, leaving a vast empty space for ghosts to join. Levi wondered what kinds of people used to sit there. He let his mind be tempted with that notion as he gradually checked out of the conversation.

If she used to sit there.

After their meal, Levi was left with that satisfactory warmth he felt the day before. He gave his shoulder a good stretch when Oma returned from clearing the dishes.

“How about sitting down with an old woman for tea now?” She said with a small smile.

“Sure.” Levi responded softly. Oma hummed and faded back into the kitchen.

“Felicia went to go check on Y/N and insisted on doing housework.” Oma explained as she gathered the tea time materials.

“So we have a bit of peace-and-quiet time.” She added as she placed two cups of beautiful ivory china on the tea tray next to the tin of Queen Mary leaves.

Oma led the way to the living room which, to his fading surprise, was just as intricately decorated as the rest of the house. Arched windows that stretched from the floor to the ceiling displayed the forest to the back of the estate while a grand fireplace framed with pale brick lay in front of the opposite wall. Artwork, photos, and momentos painted all the walls to give it a cozy atmosphere that Levi was still getting used to. Oma placed the tea tray on the coffee table and sat down on one of the long, plush settees. She patted the cushion and Levi joined her, taking a seat on the other end of the couch.

An arid silence passed by them as Oma delicately poured the tea into each cup. He was hyper aware now of his past choice during that expedition. Whether it was a mistake or not. He was painfully cognizant of his absence. Sure Levi was curt, at times off putting, and cautiously intense with people. But his immense guilt for what happened to his squad was an underlying and consistent fuel for his awkwardness around your grandmother. It remained attached to him like a fifth limb, a presence that was always lurking even at the smallest intensities. Your love helped, eventually filling the gaping hole that had been carved there. But a hole is still a hole, forever a crevasse that would be a permanent addition to his soul.

He was deeply afraid to bring it up. Afraid of digging into old wounds, afraid of facing more of her family, afraid that your grandmother would deem him unfit to protect you. To call it an elephant in the room was a severe understatement. The unspoken truth was more the size of a beached whale. He had stopped seeing their ghosts in his own shadow. But even now seeing the familial resemblance of her in Oma he suddenly couldn’t bear to meet her eyes.

“I don’t blame you, Levi.” She said as softly as the clank of the teapot returning to the tray. Levi’s insides seized but he maintained his composure. She leaned back into the cushions with a sigh. When she craned her head to meet his eyes, his gaze remained fixed on the lone tea cup on the tray.

“For Petra.” Her name fell off Oma’s lips with a delicateness that made Levi’s throat itch with impending shame. “I saw you looking at her photo.”

The itch expanded to an inflation that embedded his incoming breath into the folds of his esophagus.

↞♞♘↠

Your body shivered in the remnants of your hysterical cries. You wished the sadness could have been swept up in the powerful current of your tears but it clung to you like a jagged rock resting just under the rippling water’s surface. Her absence felt like a vital organ had been forcibly taken from your body and the thief hadn’t bothered to stitch you up properly.

“Levi-” You breathed, voice heavy with the aftermath of your latest breakdown. It felt like a tiring journey from the empty bedroom to his office.

Earlier you had held each other, wept with one another, and began grieving together. But as the hours grew on Levi had drawn more reclusive. He had evicted himself from the bed in your fatigue and had resigned to his office chair. The form that occupied the space you almost didn't recognize. He sat deeply reclined in the chair and allowed the material to swallow him. His head dangled limply off his right shoulder, clouded eyes looking at nothing and everything at once. The only sign of vitality in this lifeless shell was the small puffs of air that left his nose.

It was fresh. Painfully fresh. Like a band aid that had ripped off multiple layers of skin. But you needed him right now and you knew he needed you too. The sudden loss of Petra was boring into you. You couldn’t imagine that loss times three that he was experiencing.

“Please we need to talk.” You whimpered as you slowly padded towards his crumpled stature. His swollen eyes and bloodshot whites betrayed his marbled features. He was hesitant to reach for you, to hold you, to touch you. He was sure a part of you must have despised him. Through his own pulsations of pain he could see your own distress. He desperately wanted to be there for you, to wipe away all that ailed you. But how could he do that when he couldn’t even wipe the pain from himself? Especially when he had a hand in inflicting such devastation onto you.

He could never forgive himself for that. For what he did to any of you.

Yet when you unfurled his limbs, climbed into his lap, and encircled yourself into his embrace he exhaled and held you right back.

“Don’t hide from me.” You said with an insatiable quiver. You felt Levi’s arms loosen and begin to pull away as you rested your head in the crook of his neck.

“Please...don’t.” You pleaded, desperate for his comfort. You quickly grabbed his wrists and placed them back along your spine. Levi breathed in frustration but didn’t move to withdraw himself again.

“There’s nothing I can do to bring them back.” He stated with a hopeless gravel.

“I know.” You replied weakly. Levi’s shoulder tingled with fresh tears. He squeezed his eyes shut in self disdain when he began to feel your shaking.

“You must deteste me.” He hummed dryly as the obsessive images of his fallen squad drew more tears from him once more. Each time he thought he was done crying their lifeless bodies bombarded him with more waterworks.

“Levi-” You cried as a sob raked your body.

“How could you even stand to be around me after what I did?” Levi bitterly pushed out as he tasted the salty flow of droplets.

“Shut up!” You coughed, sitting straight up in his lap to look him in the eyes. Your emotions were short circuiting and your patience was running thin for his blame but you hadn’t intended for your reply to come out so aggressive.

Your hands pushed down on his chest as your eyes fluttered shut. You took a moment to take in a deep, albeit ragged, breath. When your eyes opened Levi was fixated on the floor. You grasped his head between your hands and rectified his deflated body.

Your movement forced him to look at you, the two of you exchanging expressions beaten-down by sadness and frustration.

Thinking of the words you were about to formulate spurred more pressure behind your eyes before you articulated them. What was left of Levi's composure fractured as he began to drown in your sorrowful orbs.

You brushed his cheek to keep the both of you from floating away like paper lanterns. You could have lost each other out there today as well as your many comrades and the smoothness of his skin against your thumb kept you in this reality.

This was not the time for conversation, you had already had that. Already had assured him that their passing wasn’t his fault. That, sure if he was there maybe things would have been different but that his actions didn’t dictate their deaths. Telling him again would only be beating a dead horse and cause you both more anguish. The two of you were too weak for that right now.

“You trust me.” You uttered those words as a statement without a hint of question.

Levi nodded instantly. The motion was anamatronic-esque as he struggled to stay afloat.

“I’m here.” You stated softly, taking his hand and placing it directly over your overworked heart. A wave of calm washed over him as he watched his palm move with the deep rhythm of your breathing.

“You’re here.” You continued with a sniffle. You placed your hand on his chest, sighing in comfort as he breathed life into your palm.

“And if we focus on the what if’s we’re going to be hopeless forever.” You spoke the words with vulnerability that betrayed their prowess.

That shattered him.

You watched as his face scrunched with all the emotion he had hid this morning. His brow sloped into his quivering lip and he let out a helpless yelp. He was always trying to not feel. But he could only feign numbness until it embedded itself into everything he did. The void he was carrying now overflowed with singeing emotion that he needed to feel.

For them.

For you.

For himself.

Seeing him so broken caused you to crack too. But for Levi, the gruesome scenes that were replaying on a brutal loop were dulled by the warmth of your hand on his chest, the welcome pressure of your thighs against his, and perhaps the most by your beautiful eyes that despite being ravaged by tears were like a shining beacon in the turbulent storm.

He removed your hand from his chest and took them into his own. He raised your hands to his lips and pressed salted kisses to them.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He croaked and intertwined his fingers with yours with such a force that his knuckles grew white. He begged for your forgiveness, bathed in your light to douse his sinful acts. For you must have been a saint to not have casted him out by now.

He kept apologizing because there was nothing else he could do. He lamented that he wasn’t quick enough. That their last moments were spent in agony and terror. That their deaths not only affected him but you as well.

Your limbs were entangled and foreheads were buried in shoulders for an uncountable amount of time. The two of you slowly dragged one another out of the suffocating mud of the expedition and into the present moment. When tears had dried and embraces grown less feverous, you spoke up.  

“Erwin is allowing me to go home for a few days.” You announced with a sad smile.

Levi hummed weakly as he ghosted his fingers along your scalp.

“Do you want to come with me?” Your invite hung on the air as Levi contemplated. He felt bad denying you but there was no way he would be able to face your family right now. That may have been selfish of him, but he just couldn’t.

He bit the inside of his cheek as you craned your neck to regard him. You understood his silence and nuzzled into his shoulder.

“Okay.” You kissed at the spot where his neck met his collarbone.

↞♞♘↠

“I’m sorry for your loss.” Was all that Levi could manage to say. He didn’t know how to make any apology enough for her grandchild’s absence. He felt disgust rise like bile in this throat all over again.

Oma nodded at his condolences and hid her lingering sadness behind seasoned professionalism.

“Thank you. I’m sorry to you too. You lost her just like the rest of us.” She responded with a mature kindness that made Levi want to poke his eyes out with self-loathing. If the loss hurt him beyond belief, he would never be able to know the extent of Oma’s pain, your pain, and Petra’s parents’ pain.

“I can see that you blame yourself.” Oma inferred with a caring tone. Levi’s hardened gaze remained on the table.

“I know what it’s like to lead a squadron. I know the helpless feeling of someone slipping through your fingers too quickly to catch them.” Oma consoled with a genuine seriousness that made Levi’s eyes flick up to hers. She sighed and placed her tea cup down.

Levi didn’t move as she scooched closer to place a hand over his. His fingers twitched at the calloused pads of her withered hand encircled his.

“It was one year into my promotion to a unit captain. I remember that day so vividly; the bitter smell of the canon smoke mixing with Hannes’ ripe gin, the way the wind gently rocked the trees just over wall Maria, the remnants of my throbbing hangover from the previous night’s excursions."

“I had ordered my unit to scale along the wall and raise the new cannons that had been provided the day prior while I joined Pixis at the guard post. We were having our daily banter when a thunderous quaking assaulted our ears and gave us whiplash with how fast we turned towards the wall. A hoard of titans, many of them abnormals, were rushing towards Wall Maria.”

“We had never experienced an attack so fierce, so alarmingly abrupt. My legs couldn’t carry me quickly enough to my unit before the fuckers started hurling themselves at the wall. The clash of skulls against the structure was deafening. Some of my soldiers decided to ascend, to fight them atop the wall and blast their brains out with the cannons. Others decided to take their chances at slashing their necks. However, the ladder couldn’t compete with the assault and soon their screams morphed into stains on stone.”

“After the attack, I too bashed my skull with guilt and regret. If only I had just waited to assign them to that job. What if instead, I told them to take care of the already positioned cannons. But would it have really made any difference? I’ve come to realize I couldn’t have ever anticipated a horror like that.” Oma’s eyes glazed over in sour memory.

“My point is, you can’t dwell on the what-ifs because that’s not how life went or ever will. You have to live with what life gives-and takes-from you.” Oma continued, holding Levi’s stare with one elderly compassion.

“You led them and inspired them to take action. Their sacrifices were just that; sacrifices they were willing to take for something they believed in.”

As she spoke, acute darts dripped in his squad’s long dried blood threatened to pierce the shield he had built up to their intrusions. But her kind words warded them off almost immediately and Levi felt more relieved than he could ever express to hear her sympathy.

“I’m sure you know it never truly goes away. But forgiving yourself for something that was out of your control dulls the sharpness of that blade.” She smiled flatly with soft eyes.

Listening to her story and feeling her presence sparked an understanding in Levi so deep that it felt foreign to him. It wasn’t the surface level sympathy usually set unto him by his comrades. Nor the solace and empathy you provided him. With Oma it was raw, unaltered. She had seemed to mine his soul and recover a luminous diamond out of the charcoal.

She brewed this sensation within him that peeled away the murky veil of his role of a steely captain. Underneath resided a more youthful soldier who still had much to conquer and learn. He realized he wasn’t actually as aged as he was required to act.

The hectic scenarios that had wracked his mind since he arrived at her doorstep were blown away with the gentle breath of her rapport. He squeezed her hand, instantly feeling her squeeze back.

“Thank you. That...means a lot.” He said as the ice on his brow melted. Oma grinned at his instant brightness, clearly pleased that she had managed to crack through his shell.

“What is it?” She asked with a wispy chuckle as she observed Levi’s minute crescent smile.

“Y/N gave me similar advice after it happened.” He confessed, feeling lighter than he had in years.

“Well, good. Means I raised her well.” Oma smirked fondly. She let go of his hand to uptake her tea cup once again.

“I would never let anything happen to Y/N.” Levi professed as he finally grabbed his tea as well. His grip tightened on his cup as if holding it sturdily cemented his promise. Oma’s grin widened at his dedication as they locked eyes once more.

“We are all responsible for ourselves, and all we can do for others is try our best to protect them. You have done just that, son.” She said after a hearty swig of her drink.

“You’ve been so good to both my girls, whether you see it or not. That’s all I could ever dream of in a superior officer, a friend, and a partner.”

Her heartwarming comment did exactly that to Levi. Except instead of blanketing him with a gentle heat it burned his chest all at once. The fire was so powerful that Levi couldn’t subdue the genuine smile that infiltrated his features. It widened his cheeks and parted his chapped lips in a beautiful display of appreciation.

Oma’s eyes widened and she coughed as her sip of tea almost slid down the wrong pipe.

“It’s a shame Y/N only gets to see those smiles.” Her wheeze was followed by a cackle. Her teasing made him roll his eyes but his smile didn’t diminish.

“Don’t tell her or she’ll think I’ve gone soft.” He chuckled himself as rich as the umber liquid in his cup. Oma winked as she took another sip.

“You know, I would have liked to have met you at Petra’s funeral but there wasn’t one. Her mother insisted on keeping things private.” Oma explained with a long exhale. Levi did recall you talking to him about that. Petra’s parents lived quite a distance away from you and Oma and became more private as the two of you grew up.

Levi nodded and pursed his lips. He definitely wouldn’t have been in the right mental space for that. Oma noted his silence and as if afraid he was going to creep back into his iron guard, sighed in contentment.

“I was so proud that she joined your squad.” She was basked in a lovely nostalgic glow as she mused.

“She looked delicate and slight but Petra had a fire in her like I’ve never seen in anyone else.”

“She did.” Levi agreed. His eyes fell to the fireplace as he traced his finger along the ivory rim of his cup. “She was one of the most skilled soldiers I’ve known.”

Oma hummed in agreement.

“Petra spoke so highly of you, you were truly her role model. She was ecstatic when you and Y/N got together. Couldn’t think of a better person for her little cousin.” Oma praised with the enthusiasm of a proud relative.

Levi let out an awkward huff and shook his head lightly as he brought his cup to his lips.

“You know she’s the reason Y/N wanted to join the corps?”

↞♞♘↠

The sun hung low in the sky when Levi’s squad found themselves lazily lounging at one of the picnic tables that framed the sparring area.  

“The cadets are going to arrive next week.” Gunther commented idly.

“Yes! My younger cousin is going to be joining the 104th class.” Petra beamed, clearly proud of her relative.

“Another cadet with your same beautiful genes? I can’t wait.” Oluo winked and Petra pursed her lips in unamusement.

“Keep it in your pants, Oluo. Or are you hitting on girls you haven’t even met yet?” Eld chided with a smirk.

“How do you feel about her joining, Petra?” Eld asked more seriously.  

“While I’m a bit bittersweet about it, I couldn’t think of another person more capable to be a new recruit.” Petra smiled sadly yet her eyes held excitement at being reunited with her kin.

“Hm, seems like the military runs in your family.” Levi commented, rolling his head against his shoulders to offer a loud crack.

“Yeah, Oma hated it when I joined so I bet she despised it when Y/N decided to fly the nest too.” Petra giggled with the lightness of a sparrow taking flight. A boisterous boom followed by an aggressive order caused the party to direct their attention to the arena.

“And so the hellscape is raised once again.” Gunther nodded to where Shadis was noisily instructing soldiers on where to place the cadet training equipment.

“The stick that’s within his ass imbeds itself deeper each year.” Eld yawned and stretched.

“I’ll be there to fight for her if he takes it too far.” Petra boasted in determination. Her declaration was fiery but her delicate features softened the promise. The special operations squad knew all too well, though, not to underestimate the strength that resided under that cute exterior.

“Hazing is part of the cadet experience.” Gunther shrugged.

“Need to get the nerves burning hot somehow.” Eld added.

“Oh come on, you guys are horrible!” Petra huffed.  

“I’ll make sure she’s well taken care of-” Oluo passionately interjected.

“That’s not necessary.” Petra cut him off with a jab to the ribs.

“You’ll back me up, right Levi?” She looked to their captain expectantly while Oluo's groans grew in pitch.

Levi shrugged in indifference. However the way Petra’s eyes glinted with eagerness made him more inclined to agree.

“If she’s not a brat.”

Petra threw him a pout as the crew’s light-hearted jokes floated up to meet the chromatic tendrils of the evening sky.

[expectingtofly]

dean/cas fic

1.3k

inspired by this adorable artwork

also posted on ao3

The Ranger and The Tourist

Dean loved his job. One of the obvious perks was getting to be outside all day. He’d loved the outdoors since he was young and being a park ranger meant he got his fill of it. Aside from that factor, though, was the benefit of working at a large national park where tourists came from all over and sought him out with questions. 

Like these two women from… somewhere. He didn’t remember where, actually. The point was, they were both very attractive and very receptive to his (slightly exaggerated) park ranger stories, which he’d been regaling them with for the past ten minutes.

He was in the middle of one such story when he heard someone clear his voice and say, “excuse me,” behind him. Rolling his eyes good-naturedly at the women, Dean turned to see who’d interrupted him from shamelessly flirting on the job.

Bright, blue eyes looked back at him. They belonged to a young man wearing a backpack, a camera slung across his neck, a crinkled map in his hands. His boots were caked with dirt and his dark hair was disheveled, but he was easily more attractive than both the women combined. Suddenly, Dean became much more invested in helping this poor tourist.

“Sorry, ladies, duty calls,” he said to the women, prompting frowns. As they walked away, Dean turned back to the attractive tourist. “What can I help you with?”

“I, um, I think I’m lost.” The man squinted at the map he was holding, then up at Dean. Those really were some gorgeous blue eyes and a ridiculously deep voice that was doing things to Dean’s stomach.

Keep it professional, Dean thought, though he toed that line often enough. “Where're you trying to go?” he asked.

“My brother and I were trying to follow this trail.” Blue Eyes pointed to a spot on the map and Dean moved to his side to see.

"Looks like you've been here before," he commented. The map was deeply creased, some trails highlighted and marked with a pen.

"Oh, no," Blue Eyes answered quickly, looking flustered, "I was just trying to plan our hike, I don't actually know what I'm doing."

“Well, for starters, it’ll probably help if you hold the map this way.” Dean took the map and turned it around, trying to hide his amusement at how comically confused the man was. He pointed at a spot on the map. “You’re here. And you’ll wanna go this direction.” He traced a line upwards on the map and glanced at the man to see if he was paying attention. 

His eyes serious, Blue Eyes nodded. Though Dean was used to tourists who couldn’t tell up from down, he’d never met one who made it so damn attractive as this one. In such close proximity, Dean could see the five o’clock shadow across his jaw, as well as dirt streaked across his arm. “Did you fall off the trail or something?” he asked.

Blue Eyes frowned, then looked down at the dirt stains on his pants and reddened. “My brother thought it would be funny to trip me.”

Dean laughed and Blue Eyes smiled a little. God, what a smile. Realizing he was staring, Dean pulled his eyes from Blue Eyes and pointed across the clearing where they were standing. “If you go through there, you’ll see another marker for the trail. Can’t miss it.”

He handed back the map, about to ask if he could help with anything else (please, please, please) when Blue Eyes asked, “Is this a trail you would recommend, Ranger Winchester?”

Dean startled a little before remembering he wore a nametag on his uniform. “Oh, um, yeah, sure.” Blue Eyes stared at him steadily, waiting, and Dean composed himself. “Yeah, it’s a good trail, pretty flat. If you want something more challenging, you can take this one.” He pointed to the map again, found the yellow line and traced it up. “There’s an overlook where you can get some great photos.” He gestured to Blue Eye’s camera and the man nodded. Dean hoped he wasn’t sending him out to get lost again. Though, he wouldn’t mind getting asked to help again. “You can call me Dean,” he added as an afterthought.

“I’m Castiel,” Blue Eyes said, smiling at him. “Cas for short.”

“Cas,” Dean repeated, that smile making it difficult for his brain to form words.

Cas studied his map. “So, the Flint Ridge trail, the one that crosses through the alders?”

“Right. Wait.” Dean frowned. “How do you know that?” That wasn’t a detail on the map. Most tourists had no idea what trees surrounded them on the trails.

Cas’ eyes widened, the flustered look returning his face. “Oh, uh…” Dean looked him over again. He’d thought the muddy boots and crinkled map marked this guy as a clueless tourist who’d gotten in over his head. On second thought, though, maybe the boots were just worn in and Cas was a more seasoned hiker than he was letting on. 

“You’re not lost, are you?” Dean asked, putting it together. 

“I, um,” Cas stammered. “Well, no." He looked back down at the map. "I may have lied, a bit. This isn’t exactly my first time here.” 

Dean bit back a smile at how embarrassed Cas looked. “Why are you asking for my help then?” He crossed his arms. “I do have actual work, you know. You’re distracting me from my very important job.”

“I’m so sorry—” Cas looked actually panicked now and Dean laughed. 

“I’m just fucking with you.” He patted Cas on the shoulder. “I don’t have anything better to be doing.” He wasn't sure his boss would agree, but it was true on his end anyway.

Cas let out a sigh of relief. “Oh, alright.”

“But seriously, why’re you asking me for help if you already know this park?”

Cas seemed to weigh his response, “It was a dare? My brother Gabe bet me $10 I couldn’t get your number.”

Now it was Dean’s turn to be flustered. Looking to the right, he saw another hiker standing a few feet away watching Dean and Cas with a wide grin. He waved and Dean looked back at Cas in time to catch him rolling his eyes.

“So,” Cas said, turning his blue eyes back to Dean. Dean realized he still hadn’t said a word. “Is there a number you can give me? I mean, to call in case I get lost again?”

Dean swallowed. “Well, um, I could give you the number for the park service, but they get so busy... maybe it’s better if I give you my personal number—you know, in case of emergencies.” Handing out his number was extremely unprofessional, but seeing Cas smile again was worth it. 

“I would appreciate that,” Cas said, and Dean pulled out a pen and wrote his number on the edge of the map. “Thank you for your help, Dean Winchester.” 

“No problem. Feel free to call anytime.” Anytime, immediately, please.

“But only for emergencies, right?” Cas asked, folding up his map, his mouth twitching with a smile.

Dean nodded. “Right, official park stuff only. Like if you want to know where to get the best burgers in town. That sorta stuff.”

Cas’ smile widened. “You should probably come with me and show me in person. I wouldn’t want to go off alone.”

Dean grinned. “I can do that.”

“Well, thanks again.” Cas gestured to the map. “For everything.”

Dean nodded and with a wave, Cas walked off to join his brother. Dean watched him before turning back to see other tourists milling around the clearing. He’d almost forgotten they were there, that he was supposed to be working. He glanced back at Cas and Gabe heading towards the Flint Ridge trail. Cas looked back at him over his shoulder and Dean felt his phone vibrate. He pulled it out to see a new text:

Will tonight at 6 work?

Dean smiled. God, he really loved his job.

Tag List:

@becky-srs @good-things-do-happen-dean @misha-moose-dean-burger-lover @xojo @marvelnaturalock @cas-you-assbutt-dean-needs-you @aelysianmuse @gmotheemo @prayedtoyou @spnwaywardone @letsjustdieeveryone 

Let me know (message, ask, comment) if you’d like to be tagged in my other random destiel fics :)

[wise-the-will]

okay I'm going to rant about byler in your inbox if you don't mind, honestly Mike and Will's relationship is so wholesome it hurts. every bad patch of their friendship just bring them closer and make them better people. I know there's antis and such like "Mike is growing out of Will's childish behavior", but Mike isn't, he really isn't. their love is honestly inspirational, like they're the reason I believe in love even if they're not canon. Mike is literally a definition of I hate pretty much everyone but you. if you touch him I will eliminate you. and both of them are really soft supportive boyfriends. Mike trusts Will so much it's scary, will was literally possessed and Mike still had his trust in him. and will, I feel like will be the person to allow Mike to hurt him mentally but not leave him. and that much trust could be toxic on both sides(depending on who your with and im not trying to romantize this at all!!! Will is definitely trying to work on letting people walk all over him) but with them it's like they're literally soulmates. and yes I'm all talking about in this world that the duffer Brothers have created not Finn and Noah in the slightest. but just imagine will supporting Mike every step through him becoming an author. and Mike doing the same supporting will every step to become an artist. unlike mileven they actually make each other better people, and don't tear each other down. Mike only acts On emotion when he's with Will because he actually loves will. and will is so honest to Mike, more honest to mike than his own mother. its precious, truly.

okay theories and scenario type things:

1) they would be the couple that everyone in the neighborhood hates because they're supposed to be homophobic but there is definitely some if not most neighbors that do not like them because they are gay but think they're amazing and so so kind.

2) they get along with each other's families so well it's amazing, Mike and Joyce just *screech* Joyce takes care of Mike like son( in law). and like I said will and HollYY.

3) they would most definitely end up getting a demonic cat and call and exorcist because they have seen way too many horror movies (thanks will) and have lived through too many, to know how bad this is going to get.

4) will get so incredibly messy when he paints like, his artwork is wonderful and not messy at all it's like a piece of well, artwork. so sometimes he hugs Mike after he finishes painting and Mike has to take a shower because of how much paint got on him.

5) if Mike does become an author and I really think he will, I imagine him not telling will until will reads his book that he made one of those little pages like thank you sections, and just talked about how much he loved will.

6) will has to have a therapist, because of PTSD, overall mental health things, and his father. but Mike needs one too. and will has tried so hard to make mike go see the same therapist so he can get help with his stuff.

thats all i could think of but if i think of anything i will send it over your way if you don't mind. also i have a post somewhere on my blog about adult byler headcannons so if you wanna see more of some i have :)

First off I’m so sorry I responded to this like 2 days late but here we go

Like you said they really do care for each other a lot and I feel like they would both go to the ends of this EARTH just to save each other because you know that’s just what loves about and they’re deeply in love and it’s so soft and fluffy and adorable and they make me cry sometimes

They balance each other really well especially since Mike is like such a touchy person and Will is just right for that but they balance each other’s personalities as well, and not just emotionally because Will has had problems with not wanting to be treated around like he’s fragile glass and yeah he had a terrible father that called him slur and then a couple years later he somehow went into another dimension being chased by some monster and fighting for his life because that’s scary as hell and then a year later gets possessed by this demonic shadow monster and he’s scared shitless but he for sure isn’t fragile, he’s tough and I can’t wait to see that in season 4 and mike definitely doesn’t treat him like that because he knows what he’s been through

1) there would for sure be those homophobes because it’s the 80’s and I totally agree that some would think they’re sweet and kind

2) they do get along with each other’s families especially Joyce and Mike, because Joyce just knows and does trust Mike the most out of all Wills friends because she literally let mike inside in season 2 because her son was being possessed and I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t let any of the other friends do that especially since the shed scene

3) Thank you for noticing my dumb chaotic cat head canon it was honestly just to be funny but honestly this would probably happen and I’m super glad that you put this in here

4) TOP TIER MESSY, he’s painting and all of a sudden he gets mike all painted up because hugs him or kisses him and then mikes just complaining like “stop you’re getting me all messy” and “great now I have to take a shower” but internally he loves it and he loves Will and he’s happy with Will and it’s just cute and fluffy

5) Will would be so supportive but then he reads mikes little thingy and he says something along the lines of “you should really become a writer you really talented with this stuff” and Mike just says “I already plan on becoming a writer just wanted your opinion” or something like that

6) Will for sure would beg mike to go to his therapist with him because that therapist has like really helped but because Mike is so damn STUBBORN he keeps saying no for god knows what reason, maybe because he feels like her ok compared to Will but he’s definitely not and Will knows this and I feel like they would definitely get in a fight about this and Will would let a tear fall and yell something along the lines of “you need this just as much as I do so don’t FUCKING pretend that you don’t need this as much as I do” and they’re both crying and mike finally agrees and says he’s sorry and they kiss and cuddles so close it looks like so impossible to be that close but they’re comforted and they tell each other they love each other so many times

You’re definitely free to send more and sorry I didn’t get to this sooner and I’ll definitely check out some of your byler thingys

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #444

“the monster you made is wearing the crown  /  i’ll be the king, and you’ll be the clown”

Do you take off from school, or work for your birthday? Ha, I used to try to talk Mom into letting me stay home from school... It only sometimes worked. Have you ever created ‘open when’ letters for someone? No. That'd be cute for an s/o, though. What is the best thing about being in the relationship you’re in right now or about being single? Not having to fear my partner leaving because of the struggles I'm going through. Not having to worry about not being enough for another person, because I'm not even enough for myself. Do you have a favourite painting? Not by a historical artist, no, but there is a piece by a deviantART artist called "Denialism" (by NukeRooster/Tatchit, if you're interested) that I adore so much I've actually gotten her permission to get it tattooed one day when I can afford a brilliant artist to do it. What are some of the best life hacks you know? /shrug What makes you smile without fail? MARK LAUGHING laj;sdkafjwlk;erj Do you know what you’ll be getting your loved ones for the holidays this winter? No clue. That's still a whiles off. What is your biggest short-term goal (within the next month)? Just lose a decent amount of weight for a month's time. What will your next tattoo be of? It depends on what cash I have available, really. As much as it sucks, I think my next tat is a whiles off because I just have more pressing things to pay for. Has anyone very close to you ever died? Besides pets, the closest human to me that's ever died was Jason's mom. If you were throwing your significant other/best friend a themed party, what would the theme be? Uh, Frieza-related, obviously. Do you feel prepared for the apocalypse? I don't believe in the apocalypse in the biblical sense of it being determined by an ultimate power, so this isn't something I really think about. Whenever humanity ends, it ends. I don't have a say, so I may as well not obsess over it. Do you think you will have children naturally, adopt, or forgo having children altogether? I'm not having kids, but if I did, I know that either I'd have to give birth to them or my hypothetical wife would for me to feel *properly* connected to them as a mother should. Oh, or if my male partner had a kid from a previous relationship, but I'd have to be REALLY in love with him to feel like that child is also my own. Do you take pictures of yourself on a daily basis? Oh god no. Do you believe in angels? No, but rather just spirits. Is there anything in your past that you used to regret, but now you don’t? Hm, maybe? Does your knee hurt? My knees always hurt. Has anyone ever called you sexy? Yes. Do you like raisins? omg nooooo What is your favorite bug? Butterflies! :') Do you like Scrabble? Sure, it's fun for a board game. Do you have a printer? Yes. What is your favorite food? Cheeseburgers or pizza, probably. I know, so American. Have you ever overheard a conversation you weren’t supposed to? Yes. Do you like ants? They are very fascinating when you really think about it, but I still find them incredibly annoying. Did you like the movie Antz? I loved it as a kid. Have you ever drank goat milk? No, I don't believe so. What’s your favorite video game? Silent Hill 2 and Shadow of the Colossus. Do you like cats? I love kitties!!! :') Are goldfish your favorite fish? No. I think my favorite is probably the lionfish. Do you like vanilla pudding? No. I only like chocolate pudding. What is your opinion on gay marriage? I 100% support it and would fight to the death for it. What is your opinion on gay adoption? Don't even fucking look at me if you see a problem with a parentless child finding a home with two people in love. Who was the last person you had a crush on? Sara. What’s the most expensive piece of clothing you own? I have zero clue. Why do you drive the car you have right now? I don't have my own car. Have you ever seen your best friend cry? Omg yes and it sucks. Are you friends with your neighbors? No. What is your current desktop picture? One of my favorite pictures of my late pup, Teddy. What’s the coolest thing you’ve seen out the window of an airplane? Mountains! Does your neighbor have any pets? *shrug* Have you ever swam in a mountain lake? No, but that sounds VIBIN'. Has a cat/dog ever thrown up on your bed? alksdjflk;a;jdfalwe yes Have you ever had a concussion? One or two. Do you know anyone who has a pet gecko? Not currently, I think? I want a fat-tailed gecko, though. :( Would you ever go bear hunting? I wouldn't dare hunt ANY animal. Have you ever seen two movies at the theater in a row? I have not. How many teenagers do you know who have babies? I know no teen personally that has a child, but there were some pregnant students in high school. If you could keep your parents or trade them for other parents, which would you pick? I would NEVER change my parents. Is there a piggy bank in the room you’re in? It's not a "piggy" bank, per se, but my sister got me a skull one that she says is for my tattoo funds. :') How many sets of twins do you know? Two, off the very top of my head. If you have younger siblings, are you very protective of them? Yes. No one fucks with her for as long as I live. If you have older siblings, are they very protective of you? Not especially. Who is your favorite Disney Channel person? Uhhh, maybe Raven Symone? How many pets do you have? Just two. Do you think you will be successful in life? No. :/ What do you have pierced? My earlobes, twice, and my bottom lip. I have been dyinnnnggg for some new ones lately. :/ Does techno annoy you as much as it annoys me? No, I actually enjoy quite a bit of techno. What’s your comfort food? Ice cream. Do you like paranormal stuff? YES. Do you have a favorite stuffed toy? Rebel, my adorable meerkat plush from Jason, and Brownie, my moose from Cabela's. What’s the most exciting project you were given? In a way, my senior project since you got to choose your own topic, but I dreaded the presentation. Do you have a good sense of direction? Not at ALL. What are your favorite colour for a cat? Orange! If you had to live your life carrying a shield, what would its design be? This is gonna sound super, super cheesy, but probably a heart to symbolize how love should and could block the effects of hate and general evil and that we should pursue that instead of violence. Out of all the cancers, which one do you think needs to find a cure first? Oh god, they all do. If I had to pick one though, it'd be one of the inevitably fatal kinds, like pancreatic. What are your general afterthoughts when you’ve finished a book? I feel accomplished for actually reading to a story's completion. How many pairs of glasses (not sunglasses) have you owned? Two, I think? What color is your flash-drive? Hot pink. Have you ever built a sand castle? Yeah. How many houses have you lived in? Six. One I have no memory of. Do you shut off the water while you brush your teeth? Yes. What video game should everybody play at least once? Amnesia: A Machine for PIgs for the symbolism. It blows my mind how most horror fans hate it; it's like they totally miss the point. 100 years from now, what modern things will people look back on and say, “WTF?” Hopefully things like homophobia, racism, misogyny, concepts like those. What is impossible to understand until it happens to you? Mental illness, to name only one thing. What fictional food item from a television show, cartoon, movie, or video game have you always wanted to try? Hm. There's a lot that has looked super good, really. What’s something that gets much more hate than it deserves? Nickelback, lmao. What phrases or sayings drive you crazy? "Everything happens for a reason," "it could be worse/some people have it worse," "it's all part of God's plan," "just think positive"... a lot of stuff. Do you have a deviantART? I do, even though Eclipse made it fucking suck. I only really stay because I cling to the dying hope of being at least somewhat successful on there, and I enjoy keeping tabs on the artwork of the hundreds of people I watch there. Who is your favorite character in your favorite movie? Mufasa, even if he doesn't last long in the movie. :''''''( Have you ever been to Germany? No, but I'd love to! What is your favorite holiday? Christmas. Have you ever been ice skating? No. The blades on the skates scare me. Have you ever taken a karate class? No. Do you have any nieces or nephews? I have a lot, if you include my half-siblings' kids. Do you own an Xbox? Nah, I've always been a PlayStation gal. Would you date someone who’s well-known for cheating? Nope. Would you break up with someone your parents didn’t approve of? No. I'd consider their reasons, but ultimately, it's about me loving the person. Could you be in a relationship without sex? Yeah, sure. It's not ideal, but I mean if the other person is just very opposed, I'm certainly not forcing them. Emotional intimacy is more important to me, anyway. Have you ever been “friendzoned”? Yep. :') Briefly, anyway. Jason tried for my sake, but it was VERY short-lived by no one's fault but my own because all I know how to do is fuck shit up when it comes to him. Which “famous couple” is your favorite? LOOK Mark and Amy are FUCKIN GEMS Have you ever “destroyed” a relationship? Pretty fucking much. Are you the “dominant” or the “submissive” part in a relationship? I'm submissive by nature. Do you think Valentine’s Day is overrated? No, I think it's a cute holiday. Which do you feel is worse of the two to smoke: weed or tobacco? Well, weed has more carcinogens, but at least it has actual health benefits. Who did you last see that you haven’t seen in ages? *shrug* Are you photogenic at all? God no.

[stvlti]

2020 Creator Wrap

I was tagged by @irolltwenties to do the 2020 Creator Wrap: Favorite Works tag! Thank you, lovely (*˘ ε ˘*)

Rules: it’s time to love yourselves! choose your 5 (or so) favorite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought to the world in 2020. tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works!

Before I begin, let me just tag some friends:

@reaperlight @3dnygma @drowthelynes @transdankovsky @fantomn @lawliyeeeet @dressed-to-keehl @setfa @0akdown @reidsnor @clubolive @mermaides

No pressure, but it would be fun if you guys share some of your works this year ( ˘︶˘ ) let’s see those fics and edits and artworks!! Get the clicks and views y’all deserve 💕 💕

And now, onwards to my 2020 Favorite Works List!

I didn’t write nearly as much as some of you guys did. And though I did exceed my goal of putting out 1 fic per month, I don’t have 5 solid ones I’m proud of. So I’ll just list 4 fics here:

01 // Growing Pains

I’ve always been very nervous about reccing this one, because it broaches a topic that I don’t really have a right to claim? I’m not transgender myself, but I simply adore the trans Dick Grayson headcanon so much it singlehandedly brought me back to the DC fandom and restarted my fanfic-writing habit for 2020 😂😂 plus the writing quality isn’t half bad, and I still really like the idea/metaphor this little story started with and grew from. 

Fave moment (besides the obvious):

"Ka-Pow!!" The boy ventriloquised. Lego Robin sailed through the air in his fingers. One stubby, outstretched leg made contact with a Lego henchman, knocking all the surrounding baddies over like bowling pins. "Sorry Mr. Bad Guys, guess it's way past your bedtime too!"

"Good job, Robin." The boy lowered his prepubescent voice and tried to affect Batman's gravelly timbre as much as possible. In his other hand, he walked Lego Batman across the floor of the crime scene. "How about we round them up and leave it for the Commish? It's getting quite late."

"Oh oh! Can I have cookies on the ride back?"

The boy swivelled Lego Batman's grinning face around. "I don't see why not."

Another night out in Lego Gotham City, another day saved by the Dynamic Duo. This called for a celebration indeed. The boy set the pair of heroes down by the Lego Batmobile and reached over to his own plate of Alfred's after-school chocolate chip cookies. He took his sweet time with the last piece, savouring each bite, sighing at the way it melted on his tongue.

02 // Transference 

This is my best-performing fic in terms of the kudos to hits ratio, so I feel validated in being proud of this one :’) It’s a pretty good marker of the distances I’ve covered since getting serious about reading the comic source material end of 2019, as you can see from the much broader and varied cast of characters I focused on for this story. It also definitely cemented - to me, at least - the fact that I can write action scenes. When I went into “Second Chances” (a fem Jay fic) earlier this year, I was so nervous about writing the action sequence there, because I’ve never written a serious action scene up until that point! To me, this fic definitely showcases the growth I’ve experienced as a writer this year ^_^

Fave moment: (CONTAINS SPOILERS, PLEASE READ THE FIC FIRST IF YOU HAVEN’T!)

When the trio return, Ivy takes her place at the meeting table with a severe expression on her face. She chooses her words carefully, when she speaks. "The odds aren't pretty. We just accepted 100 refugees over the weekend, and the Green is still repairing itself after last week's attack."

Rose exchanges a glance with Jason. He gives her hand a reassuring squeeze, though he's not looking any better than she feels.

"But, each and everyone of us stayed behind to defend the Garden, because we all believed in giving a sanctuary for the civilian survivors out there.

"So bring them here. I'll take them in."

No sooner has Ivy finished the sentence, than Zatanna and Constantine have fired up their teleportation portal, and Harley's cheerful "Good luck!" is lost to the mad dash off to the rescue mission. The rest of the Shadowpact scramble after Rose as she launches herself through the portal—

—and slams into Arsenal, pushing him out of the way seconds before a meteoric explosion of green fire incinerates the very spot he'd been standing in.

03 // Paying It Forward

This one is important to me if only for the reason that it’s the first time I’ve written character dialogues that flowed. And I didn’t even need to plan them out meticulously beforehand! Do you know how rare that is for me as an ESL writer? Dialogues have been the bane of my existence since I started writing as a wee teen. Luckily, the Titans TV show has some solid character dynamics for me to fall back on. And from there I started reading NTT era Dick & Donna, and I just fell in love with their friendship. And now, I can turn to this fic as proof I still got it whenever I doubt my abilities as a writer c:

Fave moment:

Dick glanced at her, eyebrows raised. "She ran out on you?"

"No, no, we never really... I don't think it counts as running away if it never led to anything more."

"But you wanted it to be more." Dick paused, taking in Donna's silence, which would've fooled anyone else but him. "You still want it."

"I-- yeah." Donna sighed and held her hands up as if to say you caught me. "I'm... Sorry? For stealing your girl?"

Dick laughed, bemused. "She was never mine. She knew what she wanted, what she needed - and I wasn't in the right place to give her that."

"And you? You think I'm what she needs?"

"Better you than me. You're Donna Troy. Older, smarter, prettier..."

Donna gave him a deadpan stare.

"... And you know who you want to be. She likes that in a partner. I'm still figuring that one out for myself." Dick stretched his arms up and then leaned back into his seat, lacing his fingers behind his head as he stared up into the ceiling.

04 // When I'm down on my knees, you're how I pray

I’m including this one just to showcase I got the range, babey. And honestly, the fact that I was able to write this fic and actually receive positive reviews for it was a surprise to me too!! This was the first time I ever attempted to write a real darkfic with dead dove subject matters, and I managed to nail the emotional manipulation, somehow ;__; It was a real learning experience too, learnt so much about Catholicism just to write about Dick’s guilt issues in an AU setting nobody asked for 🤡

Fave moment: (dead dove warnings apply)

"Not at all, Richard," Roman said. The boy would come to him, eventually. "Now, it's getting late. If that's all, I'll have Jason fetch your room keys. Seven Hail Mary's before bed, and think about everything we've just discussed. Tomorrow we'll do a proper debriefing."

"I... Okay." For a moment, Dick sounded like he had more to say. Instead, Roman heard a muffled sniffle, one that Dick likely tried to disguise with a hand over his mouth. Silly boy.

"Thank you again, Father," Dick said, after a beat.

"All in a day's work, my child." Roman unlatched the door and stepped out of the booth. He nodded at Dick as the younger man ambled out of the booth after him. "Goodnight now, Richard."

As he set off for the living quarters, Dick called out. "Wait!"

Roman turned around, inclining his head.

"Will you stay?" The candlelight chased shadows away from Dick's face, and for one glorious moment, Roman could see the depth of the desperation shining in Dick's blue eyes.

"Guide me through my prayers. Please."

Roman smiled.

-

Oh did you think I was done? 😂 It did say Favourite Works and not just Favourite Fics, so I gotta include this one on the list too:

05 // 2020 Jason Todd Birthday edit

I said Robin Jason deserves better and I meant it! 👏👏 This edit took me 12 hours and 67 layers ‘cause I made a mistake on like my 8th hour into the editing process o__o but it ended up being my most popular serious graphic edit, so it was worth it. I guess! 

I mean the likes to reblog ratio is still fucked but hey, I broke 1k, which is more than I can say for any of my other edits

[2018shawn]

Only for you, baby

OMG so I went for something a bit different - the parts in bold are normal time, the parts in italics are throwbacks, mostly consisting of smut so if you don’t wanna read them then don’t but if you do, then you do you, boo. Sorry if it does not live up to expectation I just let it flow 🥰🥰🥰

Warnings: smut, bad writing and not proof-read 🥺🤪

The St. Christoper trailing from his now flushed, marked neck bobbed up and down, where it rested at the top of his chest, with the rhythm of his heavy breathing. The love heart shaped earrings he’d brought you back from some quirky, independent store whilst he was on tour and lifelong silver anklet were the only things covering your bare body. But one thing you both did have in common was the fact you both felt nothing but heaven and ecstasy all rolled into one. Your head rested on his solid chest, the feeling of his breath brushing through your hair every so often. “God, I've fucking missed you”, he sighed happily, pressing his lips to the top of your head, almost eating a mouthful of your hair.

His holdall dropped to the floor immediately, slamming the door shut behind him with his foot. You were sat in the kitchen, the steaming pasta dish you’d made displayed nicely across the dining table, a selection of his favourite garlic breads in the middle. “Babe?” He shouted, instantly making you chuckle. His first point of call was the living room, where the television was muted, but playing re-runs of some dumb reality show to itself. He stood in the door frame, as if he was double checking you weren’t in there as you crept up behind him, your tip toes aiding you in reaching up to cover his eyes with your hands. “No, a robber, actually...” you smiled, unable to keep him from doing a 180 spin on the spot, knocking your arms away from his face.

Your breathe paused - taking in all of the glory that was known as Shawn Mendes. He could be gone for 5 minutes or 5 months - which, unfortunately, he had - and you’d still be surprised at how incredible breathtakingly beautiful he was every time. He, of course, would say the same thing about you, one hundred times over. His eyes were sleepy, presumably from the long haul flights and endless amount of shows, but somewhere in there you saw the lustful, loving look he always gave you. “Sexiest robber I've ever come across”, he laughed, before you knew it, bending down and gripping around the back of your thighs to pick you up. He walked a few steps forward, your legs wrapped around his waist, until your back pushed against the grey wall in the hallway, closing you in with no way out. Not that you minded one bit. His lips were eager to meet yours, hungry for the taste he’d missed so much over the past months. It was sloppy, but perfect, making up for every second he’d missed whilst being away. “I made...” he interrupted your sudden speech with more kisses, pausing you, “your favourite...” and again, “dinner. Thought...” again, “you’d be hungry”, you finally rushed out, continuing to accept his attack. “Oh, I'm hungry for something” He smirked, walking you both away from the direction of the kitchen and towards the bedroom.

You tried to sit up, wanting to turn around and face him, failing miserably when your body just crashed back down to the bed, feeling fragile and very well loved. “I’ve missed you too” you smiled, managing to turn onto your side, with a few winces, unsure if he had noticed the pain racing through your body. It was a happy pain, which you didn’t think was ever a thing, until you met Shawn. The feeling of being with someone you love as much as you do, pleasing them with every action you made even if it tired you out as much as this. You were well and truly under a love spell. Your hands reached up to his bed of curls, running your hands through gently - much different to the tugging you were participating in when he was in between your legs, making you see stars.

He balanced on his knees in between your legs, his thighs looking delightfully thick and toned, even through the thick, black denim. His fingers were tracing the shadows silhouetted across your chest, your delicate features instantly hardening at his sensitive touch. You think you heard him somewhat purr, and it didn’t take long for you to realise that your nipples weren’t the only thing getting hard. With a forearm either side of your head, he lowered down, starting at your chest and working down your body, kissing every little part of you that he could.

The feel of his breath hovering nearer to your aching centre left you unsure if you could handle the anticipation anymore after being so long apart. Sure you'd had phone and video calls, but nothing can ever compare to the way he makes you feel in person. He was soon lost in the same thought, his best skills working wonders on your swollen pussy, wanting to taste every last drop as you tugged fiercely through his hair, a sign he knew and thrived off all too well.

His fingers were running up and down your side, stopping every so often to play dot to dot with the freckles spotted over your hips. “I could tell”, he smirked, raising his eyebrows and nudging his eyes down to the wet patches that were decorating the bed sheets. You knew he could be cocky about his performances, but with stamina like his, how couldn’t you be?  You rolled your eyes, but in no way was annoyed by his boyish behaviour and speech. “Ermmmm, did you just roll you eyes?” he stopped all movement of his hands, gripping your hips as if you was amount to run a mile. You, by no stretch of the imagination, were in no fit state to be moving anywhere, let alone running. You shrugged your shoulders, the best you could, given your awkward side positioning.

The sound of you moans filled the room as he brought you to your first climax, your body shaking with energy. All you could see was a brown mop of curls and his arms, wrapped around your thighs and resting on your hips to stop you from moving so he - and you - could enjoy every little second. He’d waited for your breathing to calm until he continued his loving, crawling up to meet your eye level once more. “Still got it” he smiled, making you giggle and roll your eyes in return. As if something had possessed him, he was dragging you up by your wrists, tugging you to lay across his lap as his leg dangled over the edge of the bed. “What have I said before about rolling your eyes, my dear” he tutted, shaking his head as his hands smoothed over the skin of your thighs and ass in preparation for what was coming next. “I... I’m sorry, baby” You stuttered, wriggling under his touch. He raised his hand, bringing it down with almighty force, shifting your entire weight underneath him. The sound of his palm against your skin filled the room, and continued to until you admitted there would be no more eye rolling.

“Ok, Christian Grey...” you started, resulting in him bringing his hand to his chest and opening his mouth to mock offence being taken, “maybe tomorrow; this chick is done for tonight” He was by no means the leading character of 50 Shades of Grey, but he knew just what boundaries he could reach, ensuring both of you still enjoyed them to their full potential. After agreeing and pressing a sealing kiss to your lips, he sat up, running his fingers through his messy hair, letting his long legs dangle over the edge of the bed. You admired how his back muscles flexed as he moved, scanning your eyes over the artwork of red scratches you’d left decorated on his broad shoulders. He turned around to look at you, catching you out during your lustful gaze. “Like what you see, baby?” He smirked, his left eye falling into a quick wink. He acted like this when he’d been away, teasing you for knowing how much you wanted him and you could give him hell for being 10 times worse than you, but, hey, let the boy have his moment. You pushed yourself up using your hands, your back dragging up headboard until you found a comfortable spot to rest yourself against. You tried to pretend like your entire body wasn’t aching, that your intimates weren’t sore and your ass didn’t have a sting from his hand. He stood up, walking around the bed, picking up both of your scattered clothes as he did so, throwing them into the hamper in the corner of the room. Only 3 of the 7 items actually landed in there, but you giggled at his attempt, knowing you’d only have to tidy up after his tidying like normal. His tall figure towered over you, your eyes almost rolling into the back of your head as you looked up to meet his own. With a swift movement, he bent down, pressing his lips tenderly to your forehead as he brushed the wild hair out of your face. He muttered a little “stay there” before he shuffled off into the en-suite bathroom, leaving you to assume he was just going to tidy himself up and you would do the same when you found the energy to move.

Soon back by your bed side, with strong arms, he scooped you up into his chest, one arm supporting under your knees and the other wrapped around your back, resting his hand on your side. “What on earth are you doing, Shawn Mendes?” You squealed, unable to stop yourself from reaching your arms up to cling around his neck like a baby sloth on a branch.

“Looking after you, bub” He smiled, pressing another delicate kiss to your warm, furrowed forehead.

His infamous single curl dangled down, almost tickling your forehead as you giggled up at his complete adorableness; even when he was about to fuck the absolute shit out of you. He hovered over you, using his arms to support himself from squashing your much smaller but curvy body, as his throbbing length finally entered into you for what felt like a lifetime, both of you moaning with pure pleasure. It was the slowest and intimate he’d been throughout the whole night thus far and you loved every moment. He came to a halt when you’d taken as much of him as you possibly could, resting there to just take you all in, having missed it for the last 5 or so months. He thought he could’ve got off at just the feeling of your tight walls alone, but was determined to make you feel so good you couldn’t walk and make up for lost time. You squirmed under him, digging your nails into his shoulder blades. “Do you want me to fuck you?” He asked, his lips brushing against yours as they moved. You could only nod, too in a daze to let yourself speak. “Answer me properly” He ordered, readjusting one of his arms to allow it to be closer to your face, his fingers dragging through the front part of your hear to tuck it behind your ear. You'd never known anyone be so demanding by loving at the same time and you couldn’t help but thrive off it. “Yes.. please” you stuttered, only managing the two brief words. “Good girl” he expressed, moving his lips from your mouth and pressing a rewarding soft kiss to your forehead before he began fucking you into your next climax.

"I can look after myself” you smiled, however still grateful for his concerns. “And you must be tired, you should eat and go to bed”

“I’ll do that when I know you’ve done the same” He smiled as you both ended up in his destination of the bathroom. You were too busy looking up at his chiseled features that you’d missed so much to notice the quick turn around of the bathroom. The bath was filling with bubbles, close to overflowing, in fact, because Shawn had no concept of how far bubble bath actually went. The few candles lit up the dim room, only a small amount of light coming from the mirror that was hung on the wall. He stood you down gently in front of the mirror and sink, holding onto your hips for a brief moment to ensure you were good before picking your hairbrush up that you’d left there from earlier on. He took the small hair tie that was wrapped around the handle and delicately brushed all your hair into one section, stretching the scrunchie around your thick locks until he created a messy high ponytail. You watched in the mirror how he stuck his tongue out in concentration, noticing how gentle he would brush the comb through your hair like you was a china doll. He placed the brush back down, grabbing your hand and pulling you towards the ridiculously large bath tub, your legs feeling like jelly. He kept hold of your hand, raising it slightly and nudging his head towards the water, suggesting for you to get in. You felt like you put you entire weight on him as you climbed in, but he didn’t mind. He never minded.

He was soon behind you in the tub, leaving loving kisses on your neck as he squeezed a sponge to let the warm, bubbly water drench your exhausted body. “Tell me what’s been happening whilst I've been gone” He said, and you began to ramble, even though you spoke as often as you could whist he was away, there was a tonne of stuff that you’d soon come to realise you missed and found yourself laughing at dumb stories that he completely wouldn’t understand because you had to be there. He loved every little expression or giggle that escaped your lips, genuinely laughing along with you because he thought you were the most amazing story teller.  You were almost finished your stories, picking up handfuls of bubbles and blowing them out in front of you in the process, until you felt him move behind you, standing up.

“You can finish telling me in bed” He smiled, reaching down and lifting you up again.

He got out before you, grabbing the fluffiest white towel he could, wrapping it around your body almost twice due to its large size. He aided you in stepping out the tub, pulling you back into the bedroom and ordering you to sit on the end of the bed. Of course, you did. You watched as he vanished back into the bathroom, shortly returning with a tub that you recognised as your favourite but most hella expensive body butter that only came out when you really deserved it.

Kneeling beneath you, he lifted you legs, one by one, taking a large dollop on the end of his finger. Like the doofus he was, he drew silly faces on your skin with the white cream, before smoothing it all out trying his hardest not to miss any patches. You weren’t talking, but it was moments like this when you didn’t think words were needed. He looked after you more than you could ever imagine and no amount of words could make up for that.

Once you felt like you had brand new skin, he dressed you in your nicest pyjamas, even though you half wished you were in one of his t-shirts like you had been for the past 5 months. But instead of wearing t-shirts that smelt like him, you now had the real thing back and that was better than any item of clothing he could dress you in.

He put you in bed, the large television on the wall opposite turned on with some universal pictures movie starting. “I’m just gonna go lock up baby” he informed you, bringing the duck feather duvet up to your neck and fluffing your pillows to triple check you was comfortable enough. You just hummed and smiled innocently, keeping your eyes on what you soon figured to ironically be 50 Shades of Grey.

Walking slowly back into the room, carrying a tray, being extra cautious not to spill anything because he knew you’d go ballistic over how clean your plush carpets are. You admired his efforts, noticing the bowls on the tray full of the dinner you’d made earlier, accompanied by two bottles of water. Looking further up, you laughed at the piece of garlic bread hanging out of his mouth because he simply couldn’t wait.

The next minutes weren’t spent eating, regaining energy and lapping up each others company. Some of the things you both appear to do well.

“So basically, then she headed for the door but fell over in the process because she’s a dumb ass” Swirling some tagliatelle around your fork with a struggle.

“Just like your dumb ass fell for me?”

“Exact- SHAWN, no, you’re so annoying” You laughed, and he loved nothing more than the sound of your happiness. “You are the most smug person I've ever met”

“Only for you, baby”

You second climax was over and Shawn was showing no signs of slowing, adamant to make up for lost love. You lay beneath him as his hardness withdrew and your legs fell from around his waist. “Fuck...” You pined, telling him with your eyes how much you were enjoying having him back home. His lips tangled with your, sloppy kisses trailing down to under your jawline. He took the skin of your neck in between his neck every so often, making you jump every time.  

"One more?” He smiled, looking up at you with dangerous eyes.

“I might be able to” You stuck your tongue out, startled when he caught it in between his teeth.

“You’re so good to me” He said, placing a hand on each of your hips, rolling you over with a force you didn’t think someone could have in them. You squealed playfully at the movement, automatically raising your ass up in the air, knowing exactly where he wanted you. His hands caressed the areas he'd created red hand prints, his cock twitching as he thought back to how they got there. You turned your neck to look back up at him, hair fallen to one side of your face, so he could see that you was the one smirking now.

“Only for you, baby”

[thereblogsyoudeserve]

Thank 💜💙💜💙 I love you, and the entire purpose of your blog. This is the most uplifting and genuine support of artists I've ever seen.

(>:0! Damn it tumblr I had a whole thing typed out why you delete it)

This, this made me cry. I wasn’t expecting to see something so sweet and kind directed at me. When I started this side blog I didn’t expect anyone to notice it aside from perhaps the occasional under appreciated artist. But now there’s almost two hundred of you! I’ve had artists with absolutely amazing art skills and beautiful writting message me to personally thank me for reblogging their work. On one hand it makes me so happy to see people getting excited over something I’ve done, I adore each and every message I get from you folks! And I feel satisfied watching things I reblog get recognition from people who follow me, it gives the artist a chance to have more people view and love their work! But on the other hand I feel sad about it. Reblogging is something that should be expected and normal, not something that deserves special praise and gratitude for. People who have thanked me for reblogging their art often times have less than fifty notes and less than five reblogs! And their art is gorgeous! Seriously the amount of effort and work you all put into making these wonderful artworks is awe inspiring! And yet you don’t get recognized for it. You don’t get people sharing it, you don’t get people gushing to you about how beautiful your art is. Even I don’t often put things in the tags, there’s simply too much to go through for me to do that I would be on tumblr all day!

I think more people should have art side blogs. It should be something considered normal rather than special. Tumblr is a place that’s meant for artists to grow and feel appreciated in. Even though it’s gone through a lot of changes, and the Great Purge drove off a lot of wonderful creators, it’s still the one place where you don’t have to worry about looking pretty, or whos doing what when. It’s not attractive driven like Instagram and Snapchat, not politically driven like twitter, and not dramatic like Facebook. (Well not USUALLY I should say). It’s a place meant for artists and yet more and more often I see posts of artists practically begging for people to share their work. An artist should NEVER have to beg you to share their work. An artist should never have to look at something they spent so much time on and wonder why it’s only got three likes.

So to everyone reading this. If you ever drew something, Wrote something, made a story, a joke, a song. Thank you. Thank you for continuing to develop one of the most important aspects of humanity and it’s cultures. Thank you for doing so much for something far too many people see as insignificant. This person says they love the purpose of my blog? You guys are the purpose, you are the reason this blog exists. From the detailed, shadowed, hundred layer digital art piece, to the small doodle sketched on paper and maybe painstakingly traced over on an art app you got on your phone, you artists are the purpose of this blog and I cannot thank you enough for making me smile with your wonderful creations.

This got really rambley and I’m not even sure if it made much sense, but I really wanted to make the best of this ask and let you all know how much your work means to me! And to the person who sent the ask: T-T that was really fucking sweet thank you so much, that’s going in the folder of “stuff that cheers me up when I’m sad”