#I need to draw Serena more
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
Text
The girlies also get a stand alone post for sketch updates and such because I think about them. A lot.
#see with Erik and the luminary I thrive off of drawing them as stupid as possible in some instances#with Serena and jade I have a higher expectation for myself#those are my girls…#point being I need to get over that and draw them more because there isn’t enough of them around for my liking#hashtag be the change you want to see in the world#ALSO I think everyone loves Serena’s harp playing obviously but like#the girl that likes her is obviously her number 1#dragon quest 11#dqxi#unrelated but I think Serena would be very fond of the tuffs of fur I give my revamp jade#she just thinks they are super soft and absolutely adorable
21 notes
·
View notes
Text
I gained capabilities, have a messy sketch of a mock poster for the XY(Z) sequel fic
#anipoke#pokeani#pokemon xyz#pokemon x and y#pokemon bonnie#pokemon clemont#gym leader clemont#pokemon serena#my mouth aches but I needed enrichment so I’ve been thinking/writing/drawing for the sequel now that the hyperfixation is back#I have the first chapter practically done#it’s just deciding if I wanna write more ahead of time or plan more or just upload as I go#anywhizzle#expect more maybe ahahaha#tv’s art
28 notes
·
View notes
Note
Who do you think has the best outfit in Arc V? Also, who do you think has the worst outfit there too?
Oh sorry, I didn't see this in my inbox for a long time. Tumblr likes to hide asks from me sometimes, which is very rude of it.
Best outfit: Her
Worst: This ugly motherfucker
So I was planning on reviewing every character in the show's design and giving them points for color combos/style choices, but then when I made it down the list and saw his name I went "Oh that guy for sure"
#do not @ me this is a nico stanley hate account#/j#i dont actually hate him i just think hes ugly thats all#asks#annabellhosthappiness#side note: serena was the first one i considered for best outfit because i know i love her uniform jacket look#but then i looked at a picture of it and went 'hmm. actually no. needs pants. shed look a lot better with pants on than a skirt'#now i wish to draw this#also also i could have looked up more pictures of him but i didnt really want more nico smily on my phone so you guys will just have to deal#with me reusing the giant beast photo of nico smiley lmao
3 notes
·
View notes
Text
rereading some of my ttw writing the other day brought the story more to the surface my brain again but my brain's not latching onto anything abt it in particular atm so it feels like the equivalent of having an animal or small child staring at you expecting something when you don't have anything for them
#i did draw serena on stream earlier that's not nothing#but yeah i set the writing part of the story down a few months ago bc i'm unsure how to kickstart the early~middle part of it#all with the intention of coming back to it ofc. i mean honeybee was (and still is) nipping at my heels then so i needed the shift#and i do think that'll happen a few more times bc it is such a long story in my mind#but now it mmmight be coming back around? hard to say really#playing p5r might help coagulate some other ideas i have for the story similar to how discel did a few years abck#ideally i'll have a significant portion of honeybee's first draft done before i delve back in to ttw tho. that's at nearly 28k but#i don't have as much Plot Meat in there as i want yet#not that i have full control over what oc brainrot i currently have either but#rambles
2 notes
·
View notes
Photo
Hey baby, did it hurt when you, oh geez, yeah it did, sorry for asking (Patreon)
#Doodles#LAC#DQIX#LAC Russ#Doug Peterson#Blood#It's the classic joke for our Celestrian unfortunates lol <3#Just a basic rewrite of Serena and Corvus' first meeting with the LACs :D It was fun to look over the scenes again!! It's been way too long#Also Russ maybe a teeny bit more onboard upfront lol#That's just what he's like lol#Also I didn't really mention it much in the first set but Doug's Celestrian form basically being the way I draw his demon form -#It just feels right to have him be just a little Weird y'know just a little Off just Not Quite Right Not Quite Human#The horns/halo the wings obviously yes all of that but like Corvus kept his wings - personally I've always liked Weird Celestrian eyes#I did them for Kuzu a while ago and Doug gets them too - partially because he looks weird with ''human'' eyes lol but also! This!#He's still hecka cute and handsome overall haha ♪ His hair is always a treat to draw ah#It's fun to mix some details of his up sometimes tho :) Enjoyable!#Russ definitely enjoying them hehe ♪#He's a good lad tho he jumps to his aid quick enough#It's never really clear why Serena bandages Corvus' head :0 Can Celestrian's bleed? It's not a very bloody game haha#Not that I need much of an excuse blood lol ♪#Man they both turned out so cute ah <3 Expressions the funnest#Interrupted before they could get any further :0 Anyone who knows the scene knows what's next :(
5 notes
·
View notes
Text
Calem and Serena in their Neo Champion outfits!
#my art#I need to draw them more actually#pokemon#ポケットモンスター#pkmn#pokemon art#pokemon fanart#pokemas#pokemon masters ex#pokemon xy#kalos#calem#trainer calem#カルム#serena#trainer serena#セレナ#kalosshipping#artists on tumblr
6 notes
·
View notes
Note
I love your art and comics so much!!! You are like the queen of HL comics for me!!! ❤️❤️❤️ So much so you've been inspiring me to start making my own comics (it has been since high school since I made comics and let's not get into how long ago that was 😂).
I was wondering if you would be willing to share some of your comic making process, especially in the early stages? I had much of a process in pre-planning stages, but now I'm trying it to see if it will help with my storytelling.
I hope you have a great day!! ❤️❤️
Thank you! 😭 that’s so cool you’re making comics again! And bashful by your ask as I do it for lols and still figuring it out myself. I refer a LOT to a couple of my favourite comic artists too, which I think is noticeably incorporated in mine but I’ll try and show my workings best as I can
Think it’s already obvious I love drawing expressions, is usually my first starting point doodling idly what would become the key frames
Of course study your favourite artists! The ones I look to is Akira Himekawa - Zelda Twilight series and Adam Warren - Empowered (not for under 18s)
I dragged out some previous comic pages I think are appropriate examples of the initial paper scribbles, rough lines to final.
venomous valour is an example of messing up as I focused too much on the faces and the speech gets cluttered.
Crucio attempting to draw the eye where it needs the main focus.
A couple of pages from Shadow Mountain, the fight was drafted more to keep a consistent line of action and not let it get disoriented on the geography, personally I try and stick to the 180 rule. The arc here was more a happy accident but helps lead movement across the page
Dialogue I like the least, but this page the speech bubbles lead the page layout so it’s read in the correct order reading from left to right
Generally I try not get too fussy about the details and aim overall for readability:
- Clear silhouettes, in figures, framing and composition. I often check rough pages within drafts on my tiny phone screen, does the focus get drawn where it should
- Is there enough information on what is happening or about to happen, like an anticipation in a pose to lead into the next panel
-Show intentions without having to say it, ask myself if no dialogue is the intent still there? Using your lovely Serena and the Fifth-Year as an example
It shows when I get lazy and draw my panels like a film frame and I use principles more rooted in animation so I make blunders or newbie mistakes when translating into a comic format but it’s all in good fun. Anyway I hope this helps you in your process and look forward to seeing more of your comics too! 💕
Extra: the ineligible scrawls of the shadow mountain and ancient magic drafts
104 notes
·
View notes
Text
Hello ranger’s apprentice fandom can we talk real quick about the stupidest thing Flanagan ever wrote
It’s about the bows. Yanno, the rangers’ Iconique™️ main weapon. That one. You know the one.
Flanagan. Flanagan why are your rangers using longbows.
“uh well recurve arrows drop faster” BUT DO THEY. FLANAGAN. DO THEY.
the answer is no they don’t. Compared to a MODERN, COMPOUND (aka cheating) bow, yes, but compared to a longbow? Y’know, what the rangers use in canon? Yeah no a recurve actually has a FLATTER trajectory. It drops LATER.
This from an article comparing the two:
“Both a longbow and a recurve bow, when equipped with the right arrow and broadhead combination, are capable of taking down big game animals. Afterall, hunters have been doing it for centuries with both types of bows.
However, generally speaking and all things equal, a recurve bow will offer more arrow speed, creating a flatter flight trajectory and retain more kinetic energy at impact.
The archers draw length, along with the weight of the arrow also affect speed and kinetic energy. However, the curved design of the limbs on a recurve adds to its output of force.”
It doesn’t actually mention ANY distance in range! And this is from a resource for bow hunting, which, presumably, WOULD CARE ABOUT THAT SORT OF THING!
Okay so that’s just. That’s just the first thing.
The MAIN thing is that even accounting for “hur dur recurves drop faster” LONGBOWS ARE STILL THE STUPID OPTION.
Longbows, particularly and especially ENGLISH longbows, are—as their name suggests—very long. English longbows in particular are often as tall or taller than their wielder even while strung, but especially when unstrung. An unstrung longbow is a very long and expensive stick, one that will GLADLY entangle itself in nearby trees, other people’s clothes, and any doorway you’re passing through.
And yes, there are shorter longbows, but at that point if you’re shortening your longbow, just get a goddamn recurve. And Flanagan makes a point to compare his rangers’ bows to the Very Long English Longbow.
Oh, do you know how the Very Long English Longbow was mostly historically militarily used? BY ON-FOOT ARCHER UNITS. Do you know what they’re TERRIBLE for? MOUNTED ARCHERY.
Trust me. Go look up right now “mounted archery longbow.” You’ll find MAYBE one or two pictures of some guy on a horse struggling with a big stick; mostly you will actually see either mounted archers with RECURVES, or comparisons of Roman longbow archers to Mongolian horse archers (which are neat, can’t lie, I love comparing archery styles like that).
Anyway. Why are longbows terrible for mounted archery? Because they’re so damn long. Think about it: imagine you’re on a horse. You’re straddling a beast that can think for itself and moves at your command, but ultimately independently of you; if you’re both well-trained enough, you’re barely paying attention to your horse except to give it commands. And you have a bow in your hands. If your target is close enough to you that you know, from years of shooting experience, you will need to actually angle your bow down to hit it because of your equine height advantage, guess what? If you have a longbow, YOU CAN’T! YOUR HORSE IS IN THE WAY BECAUSE YOUR BOW IS TOO LONG! Worse, it’s probably going to get in the general area of your horse’s shoulder or legs, aka moving parts, which WILL injure your horse AND your bow and leave you fresh out of both a getaway vehicle and a ranged weapon. It’s stupid. Don’t do it.
A recurve, on the other hand, is short. It was literally made for horse archers. You have SO much range of motion with a recurve on horseback; and if you’re REALLY good, you know how to give yourself even more, with techniques like Jamarkee, a Turkish technique where you LITERALLY CAN AIM BACKWARDS.
For your viewing enjoyment, Serena Lynn of Texas demonstrating Jamarkee:
Yes, that’s real! This type of draw style is INCREDIBLY versatile: you can shoot backwards on horseback, straight down from a parapet or sally port without exposing yourself as a target, or from low to the ground to keep stealthy without banging your bow against the ground. And, while I’m sure you could attempt it with a longbow, I wouldn’t recommend it: a recurve’s smaller size makes it far more maneuverable up and over your head to actually get it into position for a Jamarkee shot.
A recurve just makes so much more SENSE. It’s not a baby bow! It’s not the longbow’s lesser cousin! It’s a COMPLETELY different instrument made to be used in a completely different context! For the rangers of Araluen, who put soooo much stock in being stealthy and their strong bonds with their horses, a recurve is the perfect fit! It’s small and easily transportable, it’s more maneuverable in combat and especially on horseback, it offers more power than a longbow of the same draw weight—really, truly, the only advantage in this case that a longbow has over the recurve is that longbows are quicker and easier to make. But we KNOW the rangers don’t care about that, their KNIVES use a forging technique (folding) that takes several times as long as standard Araluen forging practices at the time!
Okay.
Okay I think I’m done. For now.
#to be VERY clear. I Am Not An Actual Expert.#i AM however drawing from my own experience and research#and literally i can find Zero literature about recurve arrow flights dropping faster than longbows#all i could find was that recurve range is worse compared to compound bows#which. OBVIOUSLY. compound bows CHEAT.#(said lovingly. ish. if you use a compound more power to you but also It’s Doing All The Work For You.)#this article was literally all i could find from a couple hours’ search comparing recurves and longbows#anyway recurves are cool. flanagan why did you do recurves so dirty.#for that matter why are all your women blonde.#(i’m not including brotherband here sorry)#(but also why did it take a spinoff series for him to create a named female character that wasn’t a blonde)#(flanagan explain)#god these books have so many problems. truly this is my ‘i could fix him’#thank you flanagan for getting me into this special interest. now Tell Me Why You Did It Wrong.#rangers apprentice#anyway if you REALLY want to read about some bangin historical horse archers#look up the parthians :)#specifically how they fucking Decimated an entire roman contingent :)#crassus getting absolutely demolished by mounted archer parthians is definitely my favorite bit of roman trivia
82 notes
·
View notes
Text
WORLD CLASS
Chapter 6
previous chapter |next part
A/N: Hey guys, long time no see. Happy 2024! I hope everything is going the way you wanted this year to go so far. Apologies for being M I A. Cannot promise that it won't happen again, but I'm trying honestly. Here is the next part of the world class fanfic - currently posting archived posts so hopefully my posts will be a bit more frequent. Anywayysss enjoy :)
ps: i know that one of the photos y/n is wearing an orlando kit, please just imagine this as if its the england kit (i tried looking at couldn't find a single photo.)
y/nmorrison_
liked by ellatoone, alessiarusso and 200,000 others
y/nmorrison_ semi final jitters. First starting lineup for england!
view all 20,000 comments
judebellingham - proud boyfriend moment ❤️
ellatoone game time! ⚽️
leahwilliamson my arsenal girl 🔴⚪️
lucybronze: well done lil sis. ✨💕
As the trio—Y/N, Russo, and Toone—receive a summons to meet with Serena Weigman, the tension rises once again.
Seated side by side in Serena’s office, the trio exchanges anxious glances, awaiting Serena’s decision. Before the manager can delve into the details, a sudden commotion outside the office draws her attention.
In Serena’s absence, Russo and Toone begin to whisper to each other, casting furtive glances in your direction. The mystery surrounding their hushed conversation only fuels your confusion.
Finally, unable to contain your curiosity, you ask, “What’s going on, guys? Why the secret conversation?”
Toone hesitates, exchanging a glance with Russo before breaking into a grin. "Okay, here's the deal," she begins, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "If either of us gets the chance to replace James, we've decided we'll give it up for you."
Your eyes widen in disbelief. "What? Why would you do that?"
Russo chimes in, "Because, Y/N, we genuinely believe you deserve this opportunity more than anyone. You've been giving your all on and off the pitch. It's your time to shine."
You, humbled and slightly overwhelmed, stammer, "But... I don't understand. Why me?"
Toone smiles, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "Because we're a team, and we know you'll make the most of this chance. We believe in you."
Russo nods in agreement. "You've got the heart, the spirit, and the skill. This is your moment, Y/N."
As Serena returns to her office, the trio—You, Russo, and Toone—shifts their attention back to the manager. Serena, her expression serious yet compassionate, begins laying out the scenario.
"Alright, girls, here's the situation," Serena starts, her eyes moving from one player to the next. "As you know, James is out due to the red card. It's a crucial match, and decisions have to be made."
Your stomach churns with a mix of nerves and anticipation. You exchange glances with Russo and Toone, both of whom share a silent understanding.
"We've got options, and I need your input," Serena continues. "Toone, Russo, both of you have been in excellent form. But here's the catch—we can only pick one."
Serena pauses, letting the weight of her words settle. Outside the office, the buzz of activity hints at the significance of the moment.
"Toone," Serena turns to the forward, "you've been a force up front. Your agility and goal-scoring prowess are invaluable."
Toone nods, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the decision at hand.
"Russo," Serena shifts her focus, "your ability to create opportunities and your strategic play have been crucial for us."
Russo acknowledges Serena with a determined nod.
"And then, there's you, Y/N," Serena says, turning to you with a hint of a smile. "A versatile player, a team player, someone who's demonstrated resilience both on and off the field."
You feel a mixture of pride and nervousness as Serena acknowledges your contribution.
"Before we make a decision," Serena continues, "I need your honest thoughts. Speak up. What are your strengths, and how do you think you can contribute to this crucial match?"
Toone and Russo take turns expressing their confidence in their abilities, emphasizing how they could make a difference on the pitch. You, though still battling the lingering nausea, speak about your adaptability, teamwork, and the determination to give your best, regardless of the position.
Serena listens attentively, weighing your words. Just as the discussion reaches a pivotal point, another commotion from outside interrupts the conversation. Serena excuses herself briefly, promising to return to finalize the decision.
In Serena's absence, Toone and Russo exchange glances, and you can't help but feel the intensity of the moment. The unspoken camaraderie among the three players resonates in the room.
Finally, Serena returns, her expression resolute."The decision is made," Serena declares. "Toone, Russo, thank you for your commitment. But today, Y/N, you're stepping into James' position. We believe in your ability to make a difference on the field."
A mix of surprise and gratitude washes over you. Toone and Russo, true to their whispered agreement, nod in support. The trio, now united in a shared mission, leaves Serena's office, ready to face the challenges that await them on the pitch.
jude's story.
In the early morning light, the Madrid football stadium stands quiet as your voice echoes, phone pressed against your ear. On the other side of the world, you pace the field in Australia, cleats clicking, engaged in your conversation with Jude.
"I did it jude, I'm on the lineup!"
"Ahhh! Congratulations my love, I am so proud!"
"I'm shitting myself though. What if I mess up?"
"Y/N, you won't." Jude's frown is evident through the screen.
"But what if-" Jude interupts you, knowing her common weakness of self doubt.
Jude: "You know, Y/N, I've been thinking. I really want to get a dog."
You chuckle, adjusting your kit, "A dog, Jude? Seriously? That's your way of making me feel better?"
Jude, excitement in his voice, "Well, yeah! Imagine having a loyal companion to share the victories and defeats with. Plus, I could use some unconditional love."
Your tone shifting, you sigh, "I love the idea, Jude, but you know our situation. We have a tiny apartment in London, and with our careers, we aren't home much. A dog might not fit in."
Jude, thoughtful, responds, "You've got a point. But think about it, Y/N - a dog could bring so much joy into our lives. We could make it work."
You chuckle, "I can just see us trying to fit a dog bed next to all our football gear. It's a charming image, but practicality might get in the way."
Jude: "Practicality? Since when did footballers worry about that? We'll figure it out. Maybe hire a dog walker or recruit teammates for puppy play dates."
You smile at the mental image, saying, "You're optimistic, Jude. I love it. Let's make a deal: if we ever get a dog, it has to be an arsenal fan. No exceptions."
"how about England fan, as a compromise?"
"Deal!"
Jude laughs "Now, speaking of dogs, while you're preparing for your World Cup match, I'll start researching local shelters here in Madrid. We might find the perfect furry friend."
You grin, "In Madrid? That's ambitious, but I like it. Just make sure it's a dog that can keep up with both our busy schedules."
The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Jude hesitates, "You know, Y/N, we've been talking about this dog and our hectic schedules. What if... What if you moved in with me in Madrid? We could find an apartment here, and maybe that way, we can make having a dog work."
You, on the other end of the line, feel a mix of surprise and panic. "Move to Madrid? I mean, it sounds tempting, but that's a huge step, Jude. My club is in Arsenal, my family's in London. It's not just about football; it's about my whole life."
Jude, realizing the impact of his suggestion, softens his tone, "I didn't mean to upset you, Y/N. I just want us to find a way to make it work, you know? The dog, being together more, all of it."
You, taking a deep breath, reply, your voice wavering, "I appreciate that, Jude, I really do. But moving to another country, leaving everything I know behind, it's a huge step."
And with that, the conversation ends on a somber note, leaving you to gather your thoughts and prepare for your match, while Jude grapples with the realization that his suggestion has brought unexpected tension into your relationship.
Feeling the weight of the conversation, you take a deep breath and reply, your voice strained, “Jude, this is a lot to process. I’ve got a match to get ready for, and we both need time to think. Let’s talk about this later, okay?”
As you navigate the tumult of emotions, Jude, sensing your struggle, starts to respond, “Y/N, I didn’t mean to make this–”
Before he can finish, you interrupt, “Jude, I’ve got to go. Lucy’s coming into my room, and I need to focus. We’ll talk later, okay?”
Jude, left with his thoughts and the unresolved conversation, reluctantly agrees, “Yeah, sure. Take care, Y/N.”
The line goes silent, leaving Jude to grapple with the weight of the discussion. On the other side of the world, you face the challenge of compartmentalizing your emotions and preparing for the match ahead. The distance, both physical and emotional, lingers as you each retreat to your respective worlds, carrying the burden of a conversation that has taken an unexpected turn.
As you sit there, attempting to process the unexpected turn in your conversation with Jude, Lucy walks into your room, concern etched on her face.
Lucy: “Y/N, everything okay? You seem a bit off.”
You, forcing a small smile, reply, “Yeah, just… unexpected news from Jude. We were talking about getting a dog, and then he suggested I move to Madrid. It’s a lot to take in.”
Lucy, sensing the weight in your words, sits down beside you, “Move to Madrid? That’s a huge step. What are you thinking?”
You, staring into the distance, admit, “I don’t even know, Lucy. Arsenal is my home, my family is here, and I can’t just uproot everything. It’s overwhelming.”
Lucy, offering a supportive hand, says, “Take your time, Y/N. You don’t need to make any decisions right now. And if you ever need to talk about it, I’m here.”
As you sit in contemplative silence, Lucy gently reveals, “You know, Y/N, I was actually considering mentioning you to FC Barcelona. But I held back because I knew how close you are with Leah at Arsenal. However, things have changed now.”
You, looking at Lucy with surprise, ask, “You were going to mention me to Barcelona?”
Lucy nods, “Yeah, your talent deserves recognition, and Barcelona is always looking for top-tier players. I didn’t want to complicate things, but now that Jude has brought up this move, maybe it’s worth exploring. You could commute from Madrid and play with me and keira. No pressure, though. Just a thought.”
You, processing the unexpected turn of events, say, “That’s a lot to consider, Lucy. I appreciate your honesty and support. Let me think about it.”
Before Lucy leaves, you ask her quietly, “Please, Lucy, don’t tell anyone about this. Not yet.”
Lucy, with a reassuring smile, responds, “Never. Your decisions are yours to share when you’re ready. I’ve got your back, Y/N.”
And with that promise hanging in the air, Lucy leaves the room, leaving you to contemplate the potential paths ahead, the weight of the conversation still heavy on your shoulders.
england & lionessess
liked by y/nmorrison, englandfan1, and 150,000 others
england: kick off in 10 minutes, some of the cutest scenes in australia today, including this precious little mascot Tilly.
view all 16,000 comments
user105 so cute 💕
englandfans06 it's coming home 🏴🏴🏴
In the bustling waiting area, players clutch their mascots, standing alongside their Australian opponents. You, battling persistent nausea, can't pinpoint the cause. A quick, vivid flashback engulfs you - you remember feeling queasy and unsettled just after your meeting with Sarina..
You take a deep breath, trying to compose yourself. The vivid image of the office, the faint scent of paperwork, and the subtle anxiety that lingers in the air become etched in your memory. You shake off the unsettling thoughts, determined to focus on the task at hand - the World Cup semi-final.
Returning to the sidelines, your eyes catch the glimpse of your little mascot - a charming girl with braided hair named Tilly. You greet her with a warm smile. "Hello there, what's your name?"
The little girl beams back, "I'm Tilly!"
Kneeling down to Tilly's level, you create an instant connection. "Hi, Tilly! Who's your favorite football team?" you ask, genuinely curious.
Tilly hesitates for a moment, then responds, "Arsenal."
"No way! Who's your favorite player? Is it Leah, 'cause she's brilliant-"
She shakes her head.
"Meado?"
She shakes her head.
"Then who?" You giggle. Tilly hesitates for a minute before pointing at you.
Taken aback, you chuckle. "Me? Really? That's so special, Tilly. Thank you!"
You compliment Tilly on her adorable braids, expressing genuine admiration. Standing up again, you take Tilly's hand, leading her toward the pitch. The exchange transforms the waiting area into a moment of connection and inspiration.
As you step onto the pitch, the roar of the crowd intensifies. You, still feeling nausea, twirl Tilly around, creating a moment of joy. Your laughter echoes, a delightful contrast to the tense energy of the impending match. Your teammates, witnessing the scene, join in the merriment.
The referee's whistle signals the start of the match. You, still holding Tilly's hand, guide her toward the center circle for pre-game rituals. Tilly, wide-eyed, takes in the enormity of the stadium.
During the national anthems, you stand with Tilly, singing along proudly. The little girl, mimicking the anthem, adds charm to the solemn moment. You exchange a knowing glance with Tilly, a silent acknowledgment of the shared experience.
As the anthems conclude, you crouch down to Tilly's level. "You ready to watch an amazing game, Tilly?"
Tilly nods enthusiastically. "Yes! And you're gonna score, right?"
Y/N grinned. "I'll give it my best shot. And I have you cheering me on, so that's like having a secret superpower."
With a final exchange of smiles, you part ways momentarily as the match begins. Fueled by Tilly's infectious enthusiasm, you dive into the game with renewed vigor. Throughout the match, you steal glances toward the stands, where Tilly waves her miniature flag, cheering wholeheartedly. The documentary crew, capturing every emotion, immortalizes this heartwarming chapter of the World Cup journey.
Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson gather the team for a powerful pep talk. Lucy's embrace envelops each player, setting the tone for unity and determination.
"Ladies, today is special," Lucy declares, her voice ringing with authority. "We're welcoming you onto this grand stage for your debut. We've seen your dedication, and now it's time to show the world just how brilliant you are."
Leah steps forward, her words infusing the air with a mix of authority and camaraderie. "Today, we beat the Australians not just for a place in the finals but for the pride of wearing this jersey and for the legacy we're building together."
The team absorbs the intensity of the moment, a shared resolve forming as they prepare to face the formidable Australian opponents.
"The Australians are tough, relentless," Leah warns. "This won't be easy, but we've faced challenges before, and we've conquered them. Today, we fight for each other, and we fight to win."
As they disperse to their positions on the field, Lucy and Leah's words linger, becoming a driving force for a team ready to turn challenges into triumphs. The pitch awaits, and with your debut adding an extra layer of significance, the England Women's National Team stands united, ready to leave their mark on the journey to the finals.
During half-time, you, overwhelmed by emotions stemming from the recent decision to consider moving from Arsenal to FC Barcelona, run out, seeking solace. Unbeknownst to you, Lucy, who knows the source of your distress, observes your hurried exit and decides to follow.
As you find yourself in the bathroom, tears streaming down your face, Lucy enters, concerned. "Y/N, what's happening? You seem upset."
Surprised by Lucy's presence, you try to brush it off. "It's nothing, Lucy. Just need a moment."
Lucy, aware of the underlying issue, insists, "Y/N, I know there's more to it. You don't have to face it alone."
Meanwhile, Leah, approaches the bathroom to check on you. Lucy intercepts her, blocking the entrance. "Leave her be, Leah. She needs space."
Leah, puzzled and concerned, insists, "Lucy, Y/N is my best friend. I can't just leave her alone when she's upset. What's going on?"
Lucy, torn between loyalty to you and the desire to protect your privacy, hesitates. "This is not something for everyone to know. Y/N needs time."
Leah, feeling the tension escalate, demands, "Lucy, I need to know. What's bothering Y/N? She doesn't keep secrets from me."
Lucy, frustrated and grappling with the conflicting responsibilities, finally blurts out, "She was considering a move to FC Barcelona. But nothing's confirmed—"
Leah, stunned by the revelation, looks at Lucy with disbelief. The confrontation shifts from concern for you to a heated exchange between Lucy and Leah, each grappling with their roles in your life and the challenges of balancing personal matters with the demands of the game.
Leah's eyes harden with frustration and confusion. "Wait—What?!!"
Lucy, defensive yet determined, replies, "Because she's trying to protect you, Leah. She knows how much you care. And you would also convince her not to go."
Leah, not satisfied with the explanation, shoots back, "Y/N and I share everything. What gives you the right to decide otherwise?"
Lucy, now equally frustrated, retorts, "I'm trying to do what's best for her, Leah. Sometimes that means making tough decisions."
Leah, her emotions bubbling over, exclaims, "Best for her? You don't get to decide what's best for Y/N without considering how it affects the people who actually care about her!"
Sarina, hearing the heated exchange between Lucy and Leah, steps into the bathroom, her presence commanding attention. "Enough of this," she declares.
The confrontation between Lucy and Leah intensifies, and you find yourself caught in the crossfire of conflicting emotions. Finally, you can't take it anymore. "Enough! Both of you, just stop!" The weight of your emotions spills over as you storm out of the bathroom, leaving Lucy and Leah in stunned silence.
Lucy and Leah exchange a tense glance but follow Sarina back into the main room, where the team is gathered. Sarina swiftly transitions into discussing the plans for the second half of the match, redirecting the focus to the task at hand. "As I was saying," Sarina begins, her tone authoritative, "we need to tighten our defense, capitalize on their weaknesses, and keep the pressure on. You, Y/N, are key in this; I want you to exploit the gaps in their formation."
Determined to contribute despite the emotional turmoil, you nod in agreement. The rest of the team, sensing the underlying tension, focuses on Sarina's strategic instructions, trying to maintain the morale built throughout the tournament.
The second half begins with renewed intensity. The team, despite the recent upheaval, channels their energy into the game. You, amidst the emotional turmoil, push yourself to deliver on the pitch. Lucy and Leah, recognizing the need to set aside personal differences, demonstrate a united front in their positions.
The opposing team notices a shift in the England Women's National Team's dynamics but can't exploit it. The players, committed to their roles, continue to execute the game plan, rallying together for a common goal.
As the match progresses, the team's focus becomes more pronounced. The exchange of glances and unspoken tensions are momentarily set aside for the collective pursuit of victory. The pursuit of victory resonates with every skillful play, and the once-challenged morale finds its way back, fueled by the shared determination to advance to the finals.
At the crucial moment, as the ball finds its way to you, Leah's words echo in your mind - a reminder of the strength that comes from leaning on your teammates. Your legs burn with exhaustion, but the goal beckons like an elusive dream slipping through your fingertips. With a burst of determination, you unleash a powerful, swerving kick that sends the ball soaring through the air.
Time seems to slow as the ball arcs towards the goal, every heartbeat resonating with the collective hope of the team and the echoes of the crowd. The goalkeeper, stretching in vain, can only watch as the ball, driven by your unwavering spirit, slams into the back of the net.
A thunderous roar erupts from the stands, the celebration echoing through the stadium. You, momentarily suspended in the bliss of triumph, are engulfed by your teammates, the weight of the match and the underlying tensions momentarily forgotten.
With the scoreboard now reading 2-1 in favor of England, the atmosphere in the stadium crackles with anticipation. The England Women's National Team is on the verge of securing their place in the World Cup finals.
In a strategic move, Russo enters thepitch, replacing Kelly. The team, riding the momentum of your earlier goal, senses the opportunity to solidify their lead. You, eager to contribute further, seize an opportunity near the sideline.
As the clock ticks down, you skillfully maneuver the ball, evading defenders with a series of deft moves. Russo, positioned strategically in the box, makes a decisive run, anticipating your intention. With precision, you deliver a pinpoint cross that arches gracefully into the penalty area.
The stadium holds its collective breath as Russo, timing her approach perfectly, leaps and connects with the ball. A resounding thud echoes through the stadium as Russo's header sends the ball hurtling into the net. The crowd erupts into ecstatic cheers as the scoreboard now proudly displays 3-1, marking a significant advantage for the England team.
You, having orchestrated the play, share a triumphant moment with Russo. The teammates, their connection evident in the precision of that crucial play, are engulfed by the jubilant celebrations of their colleagues. The dramatic turn of events showcases the resilience and teamwork that define the England Women's National Team, solidifying their position in the World Cup finals.
Amidst the celebratory chaos, as you and Russo revel in the glory of the goal that solidified England's lead, Lucy approaches with a compliment. "Y/N, you'd make a great addition to Barcelona," she remarks, a smile on her face.
While you reciprocate the smile, a sudden gut punch of realization strikes you. The prospect of moving to another team, even if just in conversation, reopens the emotional wounds stirred by earlier discussions. Despite the outward composure, your internal struggle intensifies.
Feeling the weight of conflicting emotions, you seek solace in the familiar embrace of Leah, who, overwhelmed with emotion, has tears streaming down her face. The joy of reaching a World Cup final, an elusive dream for Leah until now, has rendered her speechless.
You, sensing Leah's vulnerability, attempt to apologize for the recent bickering, but before you can utter a word, Leah pulls you into a tight hug. In that embrace, the unspoken apologies and the weight of your recent conflicts seem to dissipate. Leah's words ring clear, breaking through the noise of the celebration. "Bickering or not," Leah whispers, her voice choked with emotion, "none of it matters right now. We made it, Y/N. We're in a World Cup final."
The significance of the moment hangs in the air as you hold each other, your shared journey filled with struggles and triumphs culminating in this monumental achievement. The team, once fractured by personal conflicts, finds unity in the pursuit of a common goal. In that embrace, you and Leah celebrate not only the victory on the pitch but also the resilience of your friendship amid the challenges of elite football.
As your and Russo's celebration echoes through the stadium, the commentators seize the moment to emphasize the historical significance of this match for both the women's and men's teams. "Incredible scenes here as Y/N's goal propels the England Women's National Team to a 3-1 lead, securing their spot in the World Cup final. But, folks, let's not overlook the broader impact of this moment. For years, both the men's and women's teams have tirelessly pursued the elusive World Cup, and today, the women have showcased their prowess on the grandest stage."
The echoes of the celebration and the commentators' reflections merge into a symphony of triumph, resonating far beyond the stadium, marking a defining chapter in the history of women's football.
In the midst of the roaring crowd, the commentary captures the essence of your journey. As the England Women's National Team secures a 3-1 lead, the commentators emphasize the historical significance of this moment for both the men's and women's teams.
"Your goal, Y/N, propels the England Women's National Team to a 3-1 lead, securing your spot in the World Cup final. This moment isn't just about a match; it's about breaking barriers, rewriting narratives, and proving that women's football deserves recognition and celebration. Your journey is a testament to the strides made in the pursuit of global glory."
Leah's emotional reaction becomes a powerful symbol for the women's team, transcending the boundaries of just a match. "Leah's emotional reaction speaks volumes. For the women's team, this isn't just about winning a match; it's about paving the way for future generations and showcasing that women's football deserves every bit of recognition."
The unity between you and Leah is highlighted as symbolic in the grander scheme of things. "The unity between you and Leah is symbolic—a reminder that, regardless of gender, football is a sport that unites, inspires, and creates history. As you head to the World Cup final, you're not just competing; you're paving the way for future generations."
In the broader context, the significance of England's journey is acknowledged. "As we savor this moment, let's acknowledge the magnitude of what's happening here. England, with its storied football legacy, is on the verge of etching a new chapter in the annals of the beautiful game."
The shared dream between the men's and women's teams becomes a powerful narrative. "The men's and women's teams stand side by side in pursuit of a shared dream—a World Cup triumph that transcends gender boundaries. This moment isn't just important for England but for football as a whole."
leahwilliamson
liked by lucybronze, y/nmorrison & 500,000 others
leahwilliamson world cup finalists! 🌏🏆
view all 80,000 comments
lucybronze - so proud of this team ❤️
milliebright - come on girls! ✨✨
no.1englandfan - its coming home! 🎶🎵
#jude bellingham#fanfiction#leah williamson#womens world cup#england football#englandwomensfootball#womens football#football fanfic#jude bellingham x reader#jude bellingham x you#footballer x reader#footballer imagine#football#jude bellingham fanfic#judebellingham x footballreader#lucybronze x reader#lucybronze x keria walsh#leah williamson x reader#england national team
103 notes
·
View notes
Text
I needed more of adult Sebastian's sideburns and wanted to draw adult Serena on their wedding day
#bridgerton is ruining me#experimenting with watercolors#i've never been good at watercolors so i hope i did ok#hogwarts legacy fanart#hogwarts legacy#sebastian sallow#sebastian x mc#sebastian sallow x mc#hogwarts legacy mc#hogwarts legacy oc#serena kosmos#my art
49 notes
·
View notes
Text
Poetry
Chapter Six - Mr.H
Hyunjin x Fem!Reader
Genre: Fluff with a swirl of angst
Summary: The night that you see Hyunjin again after your date is full of surprises. You can keep your cool but can he?
Word Count: 5,407
A/N: Things are happening, ya'll. I'm so excited to be back in Fan Fiction land <3 + If you haven't already, I highly recommend reading the previous parts before this one so that you get the ✨full experience✨. See you next Thursday at 6 💕
Part Five
✧Poetry Series Masterlist✧
✧Main Masterlist✧
There wasn’t a moment of silence after Hyunjin left, you spent the entirety of your breakfast answering questions while giving Changbin and Serena as many details as you could before you had to leave for work. You will admit that you appreciate how involved your friends are, especially Changbin. You were almost afraid that he was going to go full big brother mode and quiz Hyunjin the moment that he met him but he actually kept his cool, let’s see how it goes next time.
Speaking of next time, you haven’t seen Hyunjin since your date. The two of you have been texting nonstop and you even spoke on the phone two days ago but neither of you have brought up a plan to meet. He canceled your meetup this week because he had to help his roommate Felix with something upstate. You weren’t mad about it though, you took the free time as an opportunity to look into a new hobby.
You have a bit of a tradition that you started during your second year of university, every autumn you look into building a new skill or taking up a new hobby. You weren’t sure what to get into this year until you saw a flier on your way to work yesterday. Apparently your local community center has a photography club that meets on Fridays where you’re taught everything that you need to know by a professional. There’s no way that you could turn a blind eye to such a wonderful free opportunity. So here you are, walking through the large glass doors and into the quiet lobby. Your brand new Canon camera is placed safely in its case hanging from your shoulder and your tote bag is hanging from the other. You looked up at the digital board by the reception desk to look for the room number for your class. Once you found it you made your way down the hall, humming a smooth tune to try and calm your nerves. You were more than excited but you were almost positive that the club would be filled with experienced photographers looking for community and you are far from experienced.
The door to the room is already open when you reach the room and there are a few people in there talking amongst themselves and fiddling with their cameras. You enter quietly, not wanting to draw too much attention to yourself but that fails once you get half way into the room. The group swiftly looks up at you, each one of them studying your frame with furrowed brows and that’s when you notice the elephant in the room… they’re all teenagers.
“Hi, you must be new.” One of the girls breaks the silence. “I’m Mia.”
“Hi, I’m Y/n. Nice to meet you.” You move to sit by the window, right in the middle of the row. You never liked being too far from the instructor but you also hate being in the front.
“I’m James and this is Olivia, she’s a bit shy.” One of the boys sitting against the wall introduces himself and the girl sitting on his lap. Olivia offers a timid wave before looking back down at her camera. You smile, waving back at her.
“Leo, stop being rude. Say hi to the new girl.” Mia pushes the boy sitting in front of her and he curses at her quietly before turning to you and waving passive aggressively. You wave back silently as you try to hold back a chuckle.
“Leo is an asshole, don’t mind him.” Mia explains before glancing down at her phone.
“Two minutes until Mr.H gets here.” James nods his head, only half paying attention as he looks past Mia and over to you, clearly itching to ask you a question.
“Am I crazy or are you the oldest one here?”
“Oh my god, what the hell, James.” Mia’s exasperated voice echoes through the room followed by Oliva’s laugh.
“It’s an observation, fucking shoot me.” You chuckle a bit, nodding your head.
“You’re not crazy, I’m probably about seven years older than you guys.”
“Oh you’re about the same age as Mr.H” You pinch your brows together softly, you didn’t expect the teacher to be around your age. “Maybe we can hook you two up, he desperately needs a girlfriend.”
“What are you going on about, James?” You shift your attention towards the person speaking, that voice sounds so familiar and you realize why as soon as your eyes land on his figure coming through the door. Hyunjin is the teacher?
“I’m just trying to get you a girlfriend, Mr.H” You watch as Hyunjin walks over to the desk at the front of the classroom, he hasn’t looked up from the packet in his hands since he came through the door. You take a moment to admire him, he doesn’t look as dressed up as he usually does, he looks relaxed and cozy. You could get used to this look.
“Why don’t you worry about perfecting your depth of field instead. You’re not here to get me a girlfriend.” Hyunjin smiles to himself as he leans against the desk, still focused on the paper in front of him. The others in the room immediately start laughing and making fun of James.
“That’s what you get.” Mia laughs as she moves from sitting on top of the desk.
“Whatever, Y/n is way too pretty for you anyway.” You cover your mouth as you try to stifle a laugh. Hyunjin immediately looks up at the sound of your name, his brows furrowed in confusion.
“Excuse me?” Hyunjin asks before turning his head in your direction. He freezes for a second, his eyes glossing over your frame slowly to make sure that it’s really you.
“Oh um you must be new.” He stands, pushing a hand into the pocket of his worn denim jeans and making his way over to you.
“Yeah I am.” You grin, playing along with him. Once he reaches you he offers you his hand and you immediately take it into your own.
“I’m the photography instructor for this program, you can call me Hyunjin.” He smirks down at you and you nod your head.
“I’m Y/n.” He gives your hand a light squeeze before dropping it.
“It’s a pleasure to have you in our club.” He winks at you before turning on his heels and stalking back over to his desk.
“Why can she call you Hyunjin but we can’t?” Mia whines, earning a dramatic eye roll from Hyunjin.
“Because I’m eight years older than you.” You chuckle lightly and Hyunjin smiles at the sound.
“How do you know that she’s your age?” James argues and Hyunjin shrugs.
“Are you guys here to question me or to actually learn something?” The group of teens sigh as Hyunjin starts looking through his bag. “I made a project sheet for today but I suppose I can save that for next week now that we have a new member. Let’s focus on questions and practice for today.”
He pulls a thick folder out of his bag and places it on the desk right next to his massive Sony DSLR camera. You feel a bit intimidated by this side of Hyunjin, he seems to be very in his element here. Maybe he’s been doing this for a while.
“Can we do an object project?” Olivia asks in a soft voice, catching Hyunjin’s attention.
“I like that idea, what do you guys want to shoot today?” You can’t help but stare as Hyunjin talks to the kids, he seems to have a pretty solid relationship with them. You stare down at his Versace bracelet on your wrist as you listen to him talk to the kids.
“Alright so that’s what it’ll be, four photo’s of your favorite place to be in this community center. It can be a place that you have a positive memory of or just a place where you feel the most comfortable. Today's object is a clock, if you don’t have a clock in the shot then it doesn’t count. Get creative, there are no limits. I want two black and white photos and two sepia.” The kids all stand from their seats, pulling their camera straps around their necks and talking about where to go.
“Be back here in forty-five minutes. I will set a timer, please don’t make me come find you.” The group mumbles a half hearted ‘okay’ before turning their attention back to their previous conversation. You take this time to unpack your own camera, turning it on and flipping through the settings. You made sure to watch a couple of videos before coming here but everything that you learned went right out the window once you saw Hyunjin.
“I’ll be right with you, Y/n.” Hyunjin smiles over at you before turning his attention towards Leo. He’s been so quiet that you forgot that he was there. Hyunjin kneels in front of the boy's desk, leaning into his space a bit before whispering. You decided to look away to give them some privacy. Maybe you can manage to google some quick photography tips before he turns his attention to you.
You start looking up photography quick guides on your phone as you wait for him. You get so engulfed in the article that you’re reading that you don’t even notice Hyunjin making his way over to you until he’s sitting at the desk in front of yours. You jump a bit, locking your phone quickly.
“Well this is a pleasant surprise.” He smiles as he leans back against the wall behind him. “You missed me so much that you tracked me down?”
You chuckle, a light blush creeping up your neck. You look over towards where the kids were earlier and notice that they’re all gone. You must’ve been so distracted by your research that you didn’t hear them leave.
“What if I did?” You tease and now it was his turn to blush. “I didn’t know that you’re into photography.”
“Surprise.” You roll your eyes at him and he smiles towards you. “I may be a little into it. I’ve been doing it for about five years, nothing too major.”
“Clearly it is pretty major if you’re certified to teach people.”
“Are you impressed by that? Because if you are then I’ll agree.” You scoff, pushing his arm playfully.
“No comment.”
“That means that you are impressed.”
“Are you going to flirt with me or are you going to teach me how to work this thing?” You ask, holding your camera up in front of you while smiling towards Hyunjin. He surrenders, shaking his head and taking your camera from you.
“You’re right.” He turns your camera on, studying the settings and adjusting things the way that he sees fit. You can’t help but blush a bit as his fingers press the buttons. His gaze turned from playful to focused and serious as soon as you placed the device in his hands. The way that he operates the camera is actually pretty attractive.
Your eyes widen a bit as you realize the nature of your thoughts. This is not the time to think about all of the things that you find attractive about your boyfriend,wait, he’s not your boyfriend. Not really, not officially, he hasn’t even asked you out for a second date yet.
“Alright, so, this camera is actually pretty simple. I’ve adjusted some settings, I’ll show you what they all do and we can get you started on practicing the rule of thirds, sound good?” Hyunjins voice pulls you out of your thoughts and you sit up straighter in your seat. You clear your throat and look up at him as he watches you, his eyes wandering over the exposed skin of your neck for a second before looking up at you.
“Sounds good, Mr.H.”
“How’s this one?” You ask while looking down at your camera screen to study the photo you just took. Hyunjin steps closer to you from behind, looking over your shoulder to get a look at the photo too.
“Perfect, I think that you should be fine without the grid now. Maybe practice eyeing it yourself throughout the week and I can check it for you when we meet next Friday.” You chuckle, turning your head to face Hyunjin and he furrows his brows in confusion. “What?”
“Couldn’t you just check it when I see you next Thursday?” He grins at you, shaking his head and tonguing his cheek.
“Nope, I’m gonna treat you just like everyone else in the club.” You narrow your eyes at him, glancing down at the tiny space between the two of you.
“Like you are right now?” Hyunjin looks down at his hand on the small of your back and pulls his lips into a thin line.
“You’re right, Y/n this is highly unprofessional. I really need you to keep your hands to yourself.” Hyunjins eyes morph into cresents as you push him away from you, scoffing playfully.
“I hate you.” You make your way back over to your desk and Hyunjin walks over to his at the front of the room.
“Are you sure about that?” He pulls himself up onto the desk, sitting and leaning back on his palms. A deep blush runs over your cheeks as he stares over at you with an equanimous smirk adorning his lips. You look down, avoiding his piercing eye contact and now it was his turn to chuckle. “The kids should be back in a second.”
Just as he looks down at his phone the timer that he set earlier goes off. You look over at the door expecting to see them walk through but no one is there. Hyunjin closes his eyes, tilting his head back towards the ceiling and humming softly. Your eyes pinch together in confusion, is he not going to go get them?
“Are you sure they’re coming back?” Hyunjin hums in response, a small smile pulling at his lips before he starts counting.
“5, 4, 3, 2” He points towards the open door and you can hear the loud pitter patter of the group racing down the hallway. “They’re always two minutes late.”
“We’re here!” Olivia makes it into the room first, panting as she makes her way over to her seat. The rest of the group follows behind her, trying to catch their breath as they sit.
“Once you all remember how to breathe we’ll get started.” Hyunjin teases, lifting his head to look at the group. You can’t help but smile, something about seeing him interact with them makes you feel warm. He's a natural leader, in the way that he carries himself, the way he talks to them. He radiates a sense of comfort and confidence in this space and it’s almost rewarding to see.
“Can I go first?” Mia asks as she stares down at her camera.
“Nope.” Hyunjin quips quickly.
“Why not.” She whines and Hyunjin offers an exaggerated sigh in response. “I want to get it over with, Mr.H”
“And that’s why you’ll be going last.” Mia groans, putting her head down on the desk and stomping her feet. Hyunjin immediately imitates her, kicking his feet against his desk and whining. The rest of the group laughs, you even hear a faint chuckle coming from Mia.
“Always remember that I'm ten times more dramatic than you.” Hyunjin teases before sitting up completely. “Alright, let’s do this. Show me what you got James.”
“I think that Olivia wants to go before me.” James sinks down into his seat as he tries to dodge a hit from the girl behind him.
“You threw your own girlfriend under the bus? That’s cold.”
You’d be lying if you said that you weren’t impressed. Each of the kids in this club are amazing at photography, if you saw any of the pictures that they took online you’d think that a twenty year professional was responsible for the art. You’re equally impressed by Hyunjin’s teaching skills, he answered all of their questions flawlessly and made sure that you were still engaged even though you didn’t participate in the activity.
Once class ended Hyunjin texted you offering to walk you home, of course you said yes, you actually did miss him so you couldn’t pass up this opportunity. Your house was only four blocks from the community center but it seemed a lot longer since the city blocks are massive. Usually this would bother you, you’d put some music on and try your best to get the walk over with but you found yourself settling into a comfortable stroll with Hyunjin. You weren’t in a rush to get anywhere, you were grounded, living in the moment.
“How did you start teaching photography?” You asked as the two of you waited to cross the street.
“My mentor set it up for me, he thought that it would be a good way to redirect my emotions.” He chuckles softly, taking a step forward to guide you across the street. “I told you that I was a bad kid but I didn’t really stop getting into trouble until I turned twenty. I met my mentor's son, Chan, a couple of weeks after my birthday when I was taking pictures of Felix for his portfolio. His dad is a photographer and he took interest in me almost instantly, he taught me some stuff and basically became a father to me. He started the club on my birthday last year when he retired from the community center.”
“So you replaced him?” You look over at Hyunjin who seems to be deep in thought.
“Something like that, I’m one of the youth counselors but he was in charge of it all. People treat me like I’m in charge for some reason. It’s probably because I’m so smart and handsome.” He sighs dramatically, pushing his hands into his pockets and shaking his head. “It just isn’t fair, it’s so hard being me.”
“Oh yeah, it’s super hard being a model for luxury brands.” You laugh, rolling your eyes at him and bumping him with your shoulder. “I would hate being a role model for the youth.”
“Hey, this is hard work.” He defends as the two of you stop at the next corner. “But, on a serious note, I do enjoy working with them. I teach two more classes throughout the week and it’s probably what saved my life. Now, I get to help save theirs. Every kid that I teach has gotten into some kind of trouble. I like offering them a space to be themselves and learn something new, I like creating the space that I wish that I had when I was their age.”
You stare over at the crossing light as Hyunjin opens up a bit. It’s so hard for you to imagine the sweet, soft guy standing next to you as an angry teenager fighting everything that looked in his direction. You can’t help but to feel proud of him, he seemed to have really turned himself around for the better. It takes a lot of discipline to correct bad habits.
You keep your eyes trained on the light in front of you, waiting for it to change. Just as it turns green you reach your hand over towards Hyunjins, interlocking your fingers and offering a reassuring squeeze. He keeps his gaze forward as you two cross the street silently but the smile on his face and the blush on his cheeks speak a thousand words. He squeezes your hand back, running his thumb along the back of your hand as you reach the next block. He doesn’t need you to say anything back, your actions speak louder than any sentence you could possibly speak.
“On a different note…” He looks over at you with a grin. “What did you tell your friends about me?”
“I am not answering that.” You start to pull away from him but he pulls you into his side, letting go of your hand and putting his arm around your shoulder.
“Let me guess, you told them that I’m the best kisser in the entire world and that I’m so amazing and funny and that you can’t get enough of me.” A goofy smile adorns his lips and you sigh, covering your face to hide your blush. “Aw, she’s shy.”
Before you can protest, your phone starts ringing in your bag and you take this opportunity to escape Hyunjins teasing. Thank god for Changbin.
“Hey, what’s up.” You laugh a bit as Hyunjin presses you into his side more.
“Hey, are you with someone?” You can hear the smile in Changbin’s voice.
“Yup, coming home now.”
“Ah, good, could you do me a favor? I forgot to grab popcorn on the way home. Serena is coming over to watch a movie and that’s the only thing that I don’t have.” You nod, looking up the block and spotting a store on the corner.
“I’ll grab it for you, I’m walking up to a store now.”
“You’re a lifesaver. I’ll see you soon. Oh, and tell Hyunjin that I said hi.” He sings the last part of his sentence before you say bye and hang up. He’s definitely going to question you as soon as you walk through the door.
“Everything alright?”
“Yup, I just need to go into this store.” You lock your phone and slip it back into your bag as you walk up to the store. “And Changbin says hi.”
There’s a group of guys outside of the store but you don’t pay them any mind, Hyunjin follows you closely as you pull away from him to enter the store, you’ve been to this shop a million times so you know where everything is. You make a beeline to the popcorn and make your way over to the counter. The cashier smiles at you as you approach, making small talk as he checks you out. Once you’re done you turn to Hyunjin who’s waiting for you at the door but his demeanor seems to have changed. His arms are crossed over his chest and he has a mean look on his face. You smile over at him as you start to leave the store but he doesn’t smile back, that’s odd. He opens the door for you and you take the lead exiting first and tucking the popcorn into your tote bag.
“Excuse me, you’re looking really good tonight.” One of the guys standing outside of the store steps over to you and you flash him a small smile.
“Thanks.” You start to walk away but he speaks up again, stepping a bit closer to you.
“Can I have your number? I could take you out.” You shake your head, replying with a firm ‘No’ before starting to walk away again. Hyunjin places his hand on the small of your back, guiding you away from the group.
“Come on, don’t be like that.”
“She said no.” Hyunjin speaks up, his voice is loud and flat. You’ve never heard him use this tone before. It’s almost scary. The two of you start walking away again, Hyunjin makes sure to keep you in front of him as the two of you make your way towards the corner.
“I wasn’t fucking talking to you.” The guy follows the two of you. Picking up the pace as the two of you get further from him. “Come on, let me take you out sometime.”
“Keep walking.” Hyunjin whispers to you, pushing you forward a bit. He stops in the middle of the sidewalk, turning to face the guy following you. You can’t help but to look back as you walk away slowly, you can’t just leave him there by himself. Neither of you know what that guy is capable of.
“Do we have a problem?”
~ Hyunjin’s POV ~
I’m using every ounce of my self control to keep my temper in check right now. If this guy decided to mess with me while I was alone that would be a different story but he’s messing with someone that I care about and I don’t like that. This has always been a trigger for me, Felix always says that I get scary when I get mad protecting someone else. I really don’t want that to happen right now, I don’t want her to see that side of me but this guy is making it very hard to hold back.
“How about you mind your business.” He yells in my face, his breath reeks heavy of alcohol, that’s not even fair. If I hit him he’s going to be knocked out almost instantly, drunk people can never take a hit.
“She is my business.” I cross my arms over my chest and clench my jaw. I have to remember that she’s here. I have to keep my cool. “She said no, leave her alone.”
“Ah, I see, she’s yours. Is that it? That’s your bitch?” I bite my bottom lip between my teeth as his last question rings through my ears. Don’t react, not while she’s here. “She likes pretty boys, huh?”
I look back at Y/n, she’s stopped at the corner watching me. I take a deep breath and uncross my arms, turning back around to the idiot in front of me.
“Leave her alone, alright?” I turn to walk away, trying my best to distance myself from him.
“Is this your boyfriend?” He yells over at Y/n but that’s not the only thing that makes me snap. He touched me, he pushed my shoulder as I was turning away and I felt my blood boil instantly. I don’t even remember what I did, my body went into autopilot. I can hear Y/n’s heavy footsteps as I stand over the disoriented stranger. My hand in a fist at my side, I’m shaking, why am I shaking? I haven’t felt this mad in years, I haven’t hit somebody in years, this isn’t how that was supposed to happen. I was supposed to keep my cool, why did he have to fuck it up? The more that reality sinks in, the more angry I get.
“What did I just fucking tell you?” I don’t raise my voice, I never raise my voice, there’s no need to. I bend down, making sure to keep eye contact with him as I grab his shirt, and pull him towards me. “Leave her alone.”
I can hear myself, I can hear the hiss in my tone. I can feel the anger getting to my head, I can feel myself losing to it. That’s my problem, I don’t know when to stop, once I get started it’s hell getting out of it.
“You should’ve listened.” I don’t want to hit him again but I feel like I need to, I need to get this feeling to go away and the only way that I know how is to keep going.
“I’m sorry, man.” He pleads, I knew that he wouldn’t be able to take the hit but that just makes it easier for me. I push him back onto the sidewalk, letting go of his shirt and raise my fist almost by instinct. Before I can lower it I feel a hand wrap around my wrist, I stop for just a second as I remember who this is about. Y/n is with me, she saw everything.
“Hyunjin, get up.” Her voice is firm but somehow soft, I wish that I could just listen to her. I want to listen to her, maybe I can?
Despite my desire to stop, I don't move. My brain and my body are doing two different things and for a moment I feel guilty. This is going to be how it ends isn’t it? She’s going to think that I’m a horrible person, she’s going to hate me for putting her through this. My jaw clenches at the thought of losing her, glancing back down at the man in front of me I feel anger climbing up my spine again. Why couldn’t he just walk away?
“I told him to leave you alone.” I meant for my words to come out softer than they did but I can still hear the hiss in my voice, it’s muffled by the sound of my heart beating in my ears but I can hear it. She steps in between us, trying her best to pull me back, her grip tight and her voice stern.
“Hyunjin, please get up.” In all of the years that I got into fights there has never been a person who could calm me down. I don’t know why it’s different with her, I don’t know why but I don't resist. I allow her to lower my fist, I allow her to stand between us and guide me to my feet.
“Hey, look at me.” I listen, taking a deep breath and turning my attention towards her. I expected her to look angry, I expected her to have tears in her eyes or maybe even look scared. My mom would always be angry, Felix would always look scared but she looks calm. How could she look at me like that after this? I don’t deserve that.
“Good, you’re fine. Everything is fine, come on.” Her hands run over my forearms, as she tries her best to ground me and by some miracle it’s working.
She takes both of my hands and starts to lead me away from him, I keep my eyes on her as we walk over to the corner. I try my best to calm myself down, taking deep breaths through my nose and going through every grounding exercise that I was ever taught. For some reason those techniques aren’t what help me the most, it’s the look in her eyes that's calming me down. It’s the relaxed tone of her voice and the way that she’s guiding me. No one’s ever done this before. I can feel the anger in my body being replaced, it’s that feeling of electricity. That feeling that I only get when I’m with her.
I’m not sure how long we’ve been walking but when I finally come out of my thoughts and look back I don’t see the guy anymore. In fact, I’m pretty sure that we passed her block. We come up on a busier street, nothing too serious just a couple of people going about their night. She guides me over to a bench at the bus stop and we both sit in silence. I close my eyes, running my hands through my hair and sighing heavily.
“Let me see your hand.” Her tone is sweet like she isn’t about to check me for bruises. She reaches for my hand, running her thumb across the back of it and I hiss in pain. That’s definitely going to be a different color tomorrow. “You’re gonna need to ice that.”
“I know the drill.” I reply in a flat whisper. “I’m sorry.”
“He deserved it.” I shake my head, turning to look at her and this time I really looked at her. I let her see the worry in my gaze, I let her see the fear that has bloomed in my stomach.
“I’m not sorry for hitting him. I’m sorry that I almost didn’t stop, I didn’t want to stop and if you weren’t there I wouldn’t have. I would have done everything that I could to make sure that he ended up in the hospital.” I allow my gaze to drift down to my hands and it’s only then that I realize that I’m shaking. I’m still shaking, it must be the fear, not the anger.
“But you didn’t.” Her hand rests over my trembling one, petting my skin softly with the pads of her fingers. I let out a shaky exhale at the feeling of her skin against mine. “I told you that I’d be there to calm you down. I told you that it would be alright if I saw you like that and I meant it.”
“You don’t hate me?” My words leave my mouth in a whisper as I bite my bottom lip. Reluctantly, I look up at her, her expression is still so soft and calm.
“Not one bit.”
← Previous Chapter ♡ Next Chapter →
#skz#stray kids#skz imagines#stray kids scenarios#stray kids x y/n#skz hyunjin#hyunjin hwang#hwang hyunjin#hyunjin angst#hyunjin fluff#hyunjin imagines#hyunjin scenarios#hyunjin x reader#hyunjin x y/n#stray kids hyunjin#hyunjin#stray kids hyunjin smut#skz fluff#skz angst#stray kids fluff#stray kids angst#stray kids fanfic#stray kids fanfiction#stray kids series#skz series#skz x reader#skz imagine#skz scenarios#skz smut#stray kids hyung line
115 notes
·
View notes
Note
What other crossover characters would you not give an Arc Mark because they are with someone else? Rarity with Spike is an example. This goes to anyone that you might draw in the future.
Asta and Yami's ships from Black Clover Merlin cuz she is Lord Escanors! (PRIASE THE SUN!!!) Krillin is always under 18 (Lol) Cheelai and Broly is probably the most adorble ship in the entire Dragon Ball Series Bulma and Chichi are Vegeta and Gokus... (Except for when their fused, but they don't talk about that, cuz only a fool would say no to Vegito or Gogeta) Vidal is half of Gohan's everything (Was was his everything before their precious daughter was born) Mai is Trunk's Future Hayase Nagatoro and Naoto Hachioji are the oddest couple I've ever love. Naruto and Hinata are a ship all others should strive to be (Also Tsunade, if Naruto's personal Gilf and Hinata needs a hand cuz let's face it Naruto is a walking gangbang, hell throw Shizune and Naruto's many Movie Waifus into that mix too. Maybe even Sarada just to throw a little age gap in the mix) Shikamaru and Temari are just too damn cute together for me to accept anything else. Karui Akimichi may be sorta bitchy but honest to god lets face facts she loves Choji and more importantly we know for a fact he can make parts of his body WAY bigger... Let that sink in. She is for sure a Size Queen. Gojou and Kitagawa from 'My Dress Up Darling' and if we're being honest it's cuz Gojou is just too fucking adorble of a man and a hell of a artisan. Ichijo and Orihime, I've loved this ship since forever and nothing and nobody will convince me otherwise. Bleaches best couple in my opinion. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War has made it in my mind that Shirogane/ Kaguya and Miko and Yuu are simply too pure and perfect to be with anyone else.
Ash and Serena, I never thought I would be invested in a love story in Pokémon of all series, but here we are.
INUYASHA, KAGOME AND KIKIYO, fuck anyone and everyone who can adore the former and feel bad for the later girl. The only solace is that as her reincarnation that at least to some extent Kikyo is with Inuyasha. Also Moroha is the best part of Yashahime, hands down without doubt
These are what come to me off the top of my head, any and all these are off limits period.
28 notes
·
View notes
Note
I can't stop thinking about Serena being super protective of a pregnant Shadowheart. Just so attentive to her needs, giving massages and insisting that she rests when needed, staying by her side and keeping an arm around her in public eyeing anyone suspicious, kissing her belly when they cuddle. Just a loyal knight taking care of her precious wife
Me too 😭 If she was gentle before…my god, her touches become feather-light. Shadowheart has to beg her to be a *little* less gentle with her sometimes lmao.
Genuinely believe she almost stops sleeping altogether when they get the news. She’s up throughout the nights on watch for any Shar fuckery. She gets up early and sneaks away from Shadowheart- by the time Shadowheart wakes up, the early morning chores are always done, Arnell and Emmeline have been checked on (though they’re usually more productive than Shadowheart and Tav lmao). Also I think Tav’s mother will be around by this point- so extra help!!
Tav’s just a woman bewitched. She never got to have a traditional family growing up- one that was kind to her, at any rate. They’re near inseparable. She rubs Shadowheart down with oils and draws her hot baths when feasible. She learns to make Shadowheart’s favorite dishes from Emmeline to help cravings. She kisses Shadowheart’s belly and sings so softly to the baby. If she’s making love to Shadowheart she’s treating her like she’s made of glass lol. (Again, Shadowheart protests)
When they’re out in the city (which Tav does not love bc there are potential threats everywhere) she’s constantly on watch. She’s a literal knight (I have it in my story planning notes that she’d technically be a Cormyr Purple Dragon- bc she had to serve there), so it’s just in her DNA at this point. Shadowheart is her cause, now, and for the rest of her days.
Shadowheart probably grows exasperated by her behavior sometimes- (“I’m a former assassin, Serena, I do not need assistance crossing a busy street!”) but she knows what this all means to Tav. Tav often apologizes and tells her she’s just so excited to have “another little Shadowheart” to love and Shart rightly shuts up after that because it’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever told her 🥹💕
37 notes
·
View notes
Text
@arcvmonth day 16 it's headcanons time baby
i have some minor appearance ones too but i don’t feel the need to point them out you'll just see it when i draw characters
- yuya is a girl
- yuzu is ??masc also serena they're not literally boys but they're Something
- shun is trans
- masumi is the daughter of johan from gx yes this makes 0 sense
- mieru is the daughter of saiou from gx IT MAKES NO SENSE I KNOWWWW
- this is less of a headcanon but i cannot agree with the common perception of yuto as an emo from his flashbacks he seems even more of a normie than yuya (drama kid) he's just traumatized from the horrors of war
- yuya doesn't know how to do basic chores
- yu boys are cannibals (hitotsu ni cannibalism)
- dennis has american parents but he's lived at academia his whole life so he doesn't actually know any english he just uses it for the epic Foreign Flair
- i feel like this is implied but 5ds + synchro dimension domino city is like a english-japanese bilingual society. so yugo and rin know english (their english literacy though... debatable)
- ruri and shun = autism
- they are both picky eaters but shun eats the things ruri doesn't want even if he also hates it just to show her she should eat things anyways as to intake a healthy variety of food.... she doesn't do it
- both have bird special interest shun's being specifically raptors ruri's being birds in general
- zarc yuya yuto yugo yuri and serena are mexican (zarc looks sort of like a vaquero... yuya is mexican flag colors)
- yuri is ocd + autistic + cptsd
- serena sort of copies yuzu like a baby bird and tends to follow her around because she hasn't developed much of a personal identity of hobbies and such yet and she greatly admires yuzu for having helped her break away from the academia
- rin and shun are overprotective of ruri i think she just has that kind of nature that makes you want to protect her
- i don't know why but i always think yuya should have a big sister. i like to think that he does and she just lives somewhere else like she's studying abroad or something
109 notes
·
View notes
Text
୨⎯ Hello Nestlings, ⎯୧ ₊°。 ❀°。
This a more traditional gyaru post, one that you’ll find in many magazines like Egg, Popteen, etc…well y’ know how the models are often asked what’s in their bags? That’s what I will be doing! We will be looking at what’s in my bag! Without further ado, let’s take a look! ☆〜(ゝ。∂)
𓆩❤︎𓆪 Serena’s Bag 𓆩❤︎𓆪
😈 Here’s the bag in question!
😈 It’s very spacious and holds a lot (as you’ll soon find out lol)
😈 I got it at a yard sale for $1 i think lmao
😈 the keychain on the side was from Burlington I believe
So how this will work is that each of the following photos will contain a set of objects from my bag. Each set of objects come from a certain pocket of the bag since i like to keep organized lol (i hope this makes sense lmao) Let’s get started!~ 𖤐
😈 Starting with the zipper side compartment!
😈 I highlighted the more important/relevant items to my gal experience (like the tangle since I’m autistic). I will do this for the other photos as well.
😈 i just realized that both my bed comforter and hand cream are polka dots lol
😈 Keys reveal lol~ I don’t drive, so these are house keys. I think I need to get a new keychain soon…the pink strap is lookin kinda dirty >.>
😈 Next is the main pocket of the bag, aka the void where things always sink to the bottom lmao
😈 basic things like wallet, sunglasses, pill box and mask (no, the pandemic is not over and it never will be as long as ppl refuse to mask/vax and compromise disabled and chronically ill lives 🙃) sorry if i got heated but it’s true lol
😈 The accessory bag is real! (/lh) this is where I toss my jewelry, hair accessories (and even a belt sometimes) when I’m overstimulated! This is an essential item for the ND experience if you’re a fashionista in general, gyaru or not <3
😈 sketchbook with a pencil and eraser bc i like draw and sometimes creativity strikes when I’m out lmao
😈 (KIRBY) makeup bag!! It has translucent powder, and some lippies 🩷
😈 Lastly, we have the small pockets on the other side of the bag…good for holding small things lol
😈 loop ear plugs always come in handy whenever I’m in a crowded place!
😈 tictacs, cough drops, and AirPods…yea lol
😈 y’know how I said I had those lip products in my makeup bag? I use the lip balm 90% of the time 😭
😈 travel brush compact! Very convenient!!
And that’s what’s in my bag!! I enjoyed sharing with you all! Until next time:
Xxx,
Serena ❤️
#alt fashion#gyaru#gyaru blog#jfashion#ギャル#serena songbird#girlblog#girlblogging#gaijin gyaru#gaijin gal#what’s in my bag
8 notes
·
View notes
Text
Doorways Chapter 9
Written for Ectoberhaunt 2023's isekai weekend!
Part of this series.
“Sometimes,” said the woman-who-was-a-woman-but-also-something-more. She turned her head to look down at Danny, and the mirror behind her reflected a small amount of the glory that her body naturally hid.��
Danny shivered sideways at her regard, sidestepping mirrors that had always and had never been there. If the other doors could be called demons, then this one could be called angelic. That didn’t mean they’d be friendly to Danny or his family.
“Who are you?” she asked.
“Danny,” he said, unpleasantly reminded of Gula’s attempt to eat him, to draw him out through his name. It wasn’t the same, and yet…
“Not that,” said Industria. Lights shone in her eyes. Her reflections turned to examine Danny directly, looking out through the glass. Danny’s reflections seemed to fade, becoming less real. “Who are you?”
“I go by Phantom, too,” said Danny.
She shook her head. “You’re a doorway, but you don’t go to the same place I do.”
“No,” said Danny. “I go to the Ghost Zone. You go… elsewhere.”
“The Green Country, not the Red. Infinite Realms, not the Unmade World. I know. You carry the traces of Dreams.”
“Nocturne,” said Danny. “His name is Nocturne.”
“That was never his true name. Just as yours was never Danny, never Phantom.”
“Just like yours isn’t really Industria,” said Danny, peeved. “It isn’t as if we have anything written on our lintels.”
“Don’t we?”
“Maybe you do. I don’t.”
She stepped sideways and was replaced by her reflection. “I’ve done my research. I always do my research. The Door of Dreams is not the only one that leads to the World Imagined. Time. Storms. Growth. These have names. You have arrived on my threshold, from which I hold back Acedia. You come bearing the echoes of Gula, of Superbia. I ask again, who are you?”
Three times, and Danny didn’t have the benefit of being at home, on his own threshold. He also, thankfully, wasn’t trapped in a circle of blood blossoms. Not that it would have mattered if he was. The entity in front of him operated on a different set of rules than the thing that had worn Serena Goodritch and eaten Vlad. The mirrors were enough for her purposes.
What was ripped from his mouth, his core, wasn’t human. He couldn’t even begin to guess at a way to translate it into something human. It was the purest, most direct, most complete description of what he had, obliquely, termed his Obsession when negotiating with Nocturne.
“Oh,” said Industria.
A hand entered Danny’s field of view. He had, at some point, fallen to his knees. He took the hand, and Industria pulled him up. Some of the mirrors had gone back to normal reflections. Others had faded further. A few seemed too real, too deep. One reflected not the hall of mirrors, but the Fentonworks’ lab.
“Sorry,” she said. “I had to know.”
“No,” said Danny, hoarsely. The human throat wasn’t designed for that kind of utterance. “I understand. Well. I mean. I understand why you did it. Not, ah.” He gestured at his mouth.
“You didn’t understand what you said?” she asked.
Danny didn’t really know how to explain it, but one of his reflections spoke for him, the words transmitted through the glass. “Not… Not really. It’s like when you’re standing in front of yourself. You can think of different things, then.”
“Maybe,” she said. “But you really need to figure that out, and sooner rather than later. Before someone takes advantage. My name is Millie.”
“Like your name tag?”
“Yeah. That is what a name tag is for.” She sighed. “Why are you here?”
“After Gula showed up on my doorstep and tried to eat me, me and my parents thought it’d be good to check in on everyone who used to be part of their club. Your dad’s George Amal?”
"Also," chimed in a reflection, "we ran into some 'Acolytes of Acedia' the other day. Know anything about that?"
"Crap, I thought I'd fixed that." Millie looked him over. “Your last name is Fenton?”
“Yeah.”
“I heard about you on the news. There’s a lot of speculation that your family killed Vlad Masters.”
“We didn’t,” said Danny. He was echoed by his reflections.
(He didn’t like that. It felt like pieces of himself were being pinched and siphoned away.)
“That’s what people are saying,” said Millie. She shook her head. “You shouldn’t have to worry about Acedia leaking past me again. I work hard. I’ll have to make some adjustments, but this park will contain it.”
“Why?”
“Parks like this look like they’re just here for people to relax, but they take a lot of work, and people here are doing things, not just sitting around lazily. It’s an interface Acedia tries to latch onto, but can’t. Not easily. And what it does do, I can counter and disperse. It makes reality a little weird, but it’s better than the alternative.”
“Why haven’t you closed it?” clarified Danny.
“Sealed it?” asked a reflection.
“Destroyed it?” asked another.
“Because I cant,” said Millie. “I’m sure you’ve realized it isn’t that easy to get rid of these things. I’d love to know what you did to banish Gula and how you got away from Superbia."
“I… didn’t.”
“What do you mean, you didn’t? You’re here, and there’s nothing inside Serena Goodritch’s body anymore. You must have. No doubt you’ll have to find a way to bind Gula, soon enough. No manifestation of that thing lets a meal escape easily.”
“No,” said Danny. “The - Gula, wasn’t stable, and it was in my home. What it tried to do to me, I turned back on it. Gula, that version of Gula, is gone.”
“And Superbia? You carry its…” Millie-Industria waved her hand, as if to indicate Danny’s whole body. “I can sense it on you. Its traces. Its taint. It’s like a smell, almost.”
“Gone. It wasn’t fully open to begin with, but it was drawing against death, and it was death that…” He trailed off.
“Death opened me,” said a reflection, quietly.
Millie hissed through her teeth. “The pride that challenges death. Where was it?”
“Golding City. The university.”
“Of course it was the university,” said Millie. She glared at the ground for a minute, then shook her head. “No, those things won’t work here. The circumstances are too different.”
“Isn’t this your home?” asked Danny.
A reflection shifted. “Where you were made?”
“Yes,” said Millie, “but Acedia is anchored here as well. And I’ve never heard of doors to that other place being closed like that before, to begin with. Are you sure they were closed? Destroyed?”
“Positive,” said Danny and all his reflections.
“Maybe it’s because he’s a door to the infinite, rather than the supernal,” said one of Millie’s reflections.
“Maybe,” agreed Millie. She looked up, back at Danny. “You… Aren’t exactly diligent or industrious but you do work hard.”
“Uh, thanks?”
She seemed to decide something, then. The mirrors shifted, and the reflection behind her stepped aside.
“Follow me,” she said. She turned, and walked through the mirror. Danny hesitated. But he didn’t really have a choice. “What were these acolytes you encountered like?”
“They were enslaving ghosts,” said Danny. “To do stupid things. Do their chores. Run their business. You know, so they didn’t have to. They ran a bed and breakfast. Sort of. I think it was mostly the ghosts, now.”
“Typical,” said Millie, sourly. “Somehow, with these things, the worst of it comes to slavery, always.”
“Have you run into a lot of doors?” asked Danny.
“Not ones going that way,” said Millie. “But I’ve met Dream, and I’ve met a few like me. I think Caritas would like you.”
“There are others?” asked Danny, his heart aching with thought of more like him, others that could understand, even if they weren’t quite the same.
“Mhm,” said Millie. “Not that I can tell you where. We have an agreement. Privacy, you know.”
“Oh. Of course.”
Walking through a mirror was already several steps off of normal reality, but the deeper they went, the more things shifted. That tension that he could sense even walking on the surface, on the skin of what he now sensed to be a huge, many-layered mechanism, an almost-living thing of mirrors and difficulties. Something not easily bypassed by something that existed in inaction. It was difficult to move. It was difficult to breathe. It was difficult to think.
Danny knew that if he did not do those things, he would be trapped here.
“How long?”
“What?”
“How long have you been a door?” asked Danny. “I mean– How long has it been since you were first opened?”
“It was after Dad was in that accident. I went looking for something, anything that could help. I found Acedia. And rejected it. Acedia doesn’t have a host. Too much work, I suppose, except when someone walks right into it. That was… Industria, then… My door… I rejected Acedia. It… overlapped,” she said, struggling to put what it was like to become into words, as Danny often did. Even things like ‘opening’ and ‘closing’ and all these analogies weren’t good enough. “It was a confirmation. You?”
“I was trying to fix something,” said Danny, shrugging. “That something wound up being me. Only I wasn’t broken.”
Millie stopped. Industria stopped. “This is as far as you should go, I think. Do you feel it?”
Yes, Danny could feel it. That lazy, too-hot summer afternoon. Night, so late, too tired to get up to go to bed. Dishes in the sink, piling up. Remote control just a little further. Homework left unfinished. The itching under the skin to do something, but nothing being done. The consumption of hours. Their waste. Their despair.
“Do you understand why it’s different? Whatever you faced before, it’s different.”
“It isn’t that different,” said Danny, thinking of Superbia, and the false confidence that swirled under his skin, daring him to try, telling him he could win by his strength and cleverness alone. But this… He didn’t know if this wasn’t a good fit for him, or if it was Acedia, whispering in his ear, turning him away from something he could and should do.
“You’ve defeated two holes in reality,” said Indistria, leaning down so she could speak directly into Danny’s ear. “By many measures, what you are is what you can do. Can what you did be repeated?” Her eyes gleamed from a dozen reflective surfaces.
He could not forget. Industria, too, was a doorway, a hole in reality. One that had more in common with Danny than the likes of Gula, but one nonetheless.
What if he only wanted to do something because of her?
Industria sighed, her breath hot on Danny’s ear. “Can you strengthen the boundary? Can you expand the maze?”
“Ice,” said Danny, breathlessly. “You use mirrors.”
“It was what was available at the time.”
“They used mirrors, too. The acolytes.”
“Acedia could be traveling. But ice?”
“Ghost ice. Mirrors and mirror-coatings. Barriers.”
“Do it.”
Danny laid his hand flat against one of the mirror walls, and called on his ice. It crept out, over the glassy surface, then sunk deeper, the white cold mixing with the brilliant silver illumination that was Industria’s power. He poured into it. Power. Energy. Thought. Hexagonal fractals spiraled outward, creating mazes within mazes, adding to the binding that kept Acedia from leaking into the world. His reflections did the same, all through the maze, shallower and deeper, scattered everywhere, a thousand parts of him. It was difficult. It was impossible.
He saw, now, why Industria could not destroy Acedia. He saw why she had only brought him partway. They were too different. They could not reach one another. The space between their thresholds was an infinite series of steps, and nothing could take such a journey. Forever, they could approach their borders and never find them, and Acedia… Acedia would not do that, or it would not be Acedia, and Industria could do nothing but, or she could not be Industria.
Danny was neither of those things, and his door stood on a sharper divide. Though he could not go to Acedia, and fight it in its own place of power, he could do things Industria could not.
But could he fill all this infinite space all by himself?
“You can do it,” said Millie. And with Industria’s hand on his shoulder, he could at least try.
.
Danny stumbled out of the house of mirrors and caught himself on a nearby piece of railing. Millie stood behind him on the steps.
“I’ll tell the others about you,” she said. “I need to get back to work. Will you be alright?”
“I’m fine,” said Danny. “I just need to– I just need to–” Rest? Catch his breath? Was that safe?
“You should be fine,” said Millie. She looked back, over her shoulder. “Plenty of people rest here. Resting isn’t the problem. The problem is not getting back up.”
The high-pitched tweedle of a phone ringtone interrupted any thoughts Danny might have had on the matter. Millie rolled her eyes and answered the phone. “Yes?” she said. She was quiet for a few minutes. “Yes, I’ll tell him. Bye.” She closed the phone. “My dad saw your parents. You’re invited to dinner.”
40 notes
·
View notes