#I think this is one of the darker things I've drawn

[steddieunderdogfics]

This week’s writer spotlight feature is:  @pinkie-quinns! pinkiequinn has 9 fics in the Stranger Things fandom posted to AO3 and all of them are in the Steddie tag.

@dame-zoom-a-lot recommends the following works by @pinkie-quinns:

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

freehill

Sleep Therapy

Eddie Munson is a Piece of Shit

I Bear a Charmed Life

"Their fics have such a solid… feel and color to them if that makes sense, and they're all so distinctly good. I've read several of their fics and they're all very different from each other while still being incredible. I love their sense of humor. Sometimes it'll come through in the situation, sometimes in the dialogue, but it's always there and when I least expect it" -- @dame-zoom-a-lot

Below the cut, pinkiequinn answered some questions about their writing process and some of their recommended work!

Why do you write Steddie?

I read Steddie for two years before I ever tried to write anything!! Honestly it got to a point where I kept trying to find these hyperspecific fics that matched exactly what I wanted and I just kept coming up a little short. So eventually I was like… okay… No one’s doing rockstar Eddie who’s an addict but also did go through the canon events of the show and also is coming home for the holidays and also is a celebrity that’s deeply imbued in 90s culture. Time to pick up the pen.  In terms of Steddie itself this is gonna sound strange but there’s an atmosphere and a texture to them that really compels me. Stranger Things in general has that. I’ve just always been really intrigued by small town Americana and I think they’re both characters who are really really shaped by their town, whether that’s through its love or rejection of them. And they’re foiled in such a perfect way where you get the sense they could really learn a lot from each other and both grow through the other. They’re just, endlessly compelling to read and to write!

What’s your favorite trope to READ?

Honestly, like, it’s a little boring but a historically informed slice of life friends to lovers fic with a healthy dose of angst does something to my brain… Especially if they’re in their 20s and it’s the 90s and they’re in Chicago or some other big city. It’s like crack to me. I also adore a real pining secret relationship! I think those can be so so so beautiful. 

What’s your favorite trope to WRITE?

Dark Eddie… I don’t know if it's my favourite but it’s definitely the one that comes up the most. I’m just very naturally drawn to the darker bits of his character. I think 7/9 of my fics have Eddie doing Morally Questionable things. It goes in varying degrees of like… jerking off to a dubiously consensual incident with his crush to um… leading a cult that’s surrounded by a lot of “mysterious” deaths… to literally being Satan.

What’s your favorite Steddie fic?

There’s so many! Brutalist Masterpieces by Great Unironic is one I come back to a lot. The space in that fic and the atmosphere are just so gorgeous to me. And wow… the weight of time in it. Better By You, Better Than Me by palmviolet i think is our all the young dudes just the depth and texture of that world astounds me. How in its time it is, the music in it!! That version of Eddie also informs how I think about that character nearly as much as canon Eddie. Some more recent fics I loved are almost nothing, almost everything by Loudsnapdragon and Heaven cannot wait forever by rabidheart. Almost Nothing is genuinely like my platonic ideal of steddie fic. It’s hot, its world is sooo detailed (could write an essay about Steve’s ED in that fic) it's set in the city!! Eddie in it is SO cool! The characterizations! The dialogue. It’s a perfect read. And then Heaven Can’t Wait Forever does this really amazing thing where it takes a relationship that is like… a smut trope relationship and then just digs in and past that. Just really stellar, engaging writing and so hot! Honestly they are both fics I feel really perfectly build to their (literal) climax- it’s so tough to do! And they make it look seamless.

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention I’d Even Sell the Bimmer by dirtyvalentine which is like, the fic of all time to me.

Is there a trope you’re excited to explore in a future work but haven’t yet?

I’d love to do a proper slice of life, like, steddie in the city fic… I may have something in the works in the long run but I have two big wips (freehill and the desperado series) to finish before then.

What is your writing process like?

It really depends!! I’m generally a very very slow writer and right now I’m in a dry period so I’m having trouble even stringing together a hundred words. When my brain is functioning better it involves a lot of research and world building in the initial ideas generation stage. Depending on the size of the fic, I make playlists of music the characters might be listening to, watch movies that evoke the vibe of the story, & bury myself in wikipedia articles. It’s my favourite part. I have pretty bad adhd so I find I work best when I’m really locked into the world of the story. I also walk like 35 minutes to and from work everyday and I find that a really good time to ideate about the story and come up with bits of dialogue. I never write in order so I have a pretty difficult time piecing together the scenes I’ve written and making them fit with each other. Chapter 4 of Freehill is sat at about 8k words foreverrrr and I had to rearrange the order of the scenes about 9 times until it finally clicked together. It’s all a bit of a mess.

Do you have any writing quirks?

I’m, like, a criminal repetition over-user. I don’t know why this is the case… Maybe I am a circular thinker so it translates into my writing, maybe I just like the patterns! Who knows! I definitely find repetition and repetitive phrases very beautiful and I think capable of evoking some emotional response beyond the actual words of the text, which is to say, I think it does something to my brain. If you read anything of mine there will be at least five bits of egregious repetition per chapter. 

Do you prefer posting when you’ve finished writing or on a schedule?

Prefer is a strong word here… I post when I finish a chapter… and unfortunately that means I both don’t post when wips are completed nor do I stick to a schedule… I think years down the line when I am a more seasoned fanfic writer I will wait until the whole thing is done to post… until then… here we are.

Which fic are you most proud of?

Born Under a Bad Sign, hands down (and the rest of the Desperado series sitting in my wip folder). That fic is my baby, it’s what got me to start writing seriously again after years and years of aborted attempts in random gift journals.  I also just… have so much love for it and what it’s trying to do. Imperfectly for sure, but thematically I’m still really compelled by the ideas it's grappling with. I feel like I was always really searching for fics that dealt with the lived consequences of having been so close to death and there’s lots of great ones but I really wanted to explore how healing from that isn’t always a linear process. How things tend to get worse (a lot worse) before they get better, and how that kind of core trauma can totally shape you and the people around you. It’s just.. Endlessly fascinating to explore.  I also am quite proud of freehill so far (it’s soooo fun to do the foreshadowing in that one) and I do also love You Could Call Me Nancy. I think that one is probably the tightest writing I've done. 

How did you get the idea for freehill?

It was another one of those cases where I was constantly craving Cult Leader Eddie and there is just… almost no cult fics? Which is crazy to me bc not only is he such a wildly charismatic character but he’s also accused of being a cult leader in the text of the show! I was a bit reluctant to take it on at first because I’m not really someone that is super into cults or true crime. I’ve definitely done a lot less research on the cult aspects of Freehill because I just don’t always love the framing of that kind of media. A lot of it is just me going on vibes and prior knowledge (and the You Must Remember This podcast series on the Manson family that imprinted in my brain when I was 17). Freehill is definitely made up of tidbits I’ve learned about over the years. The Manson Family, Jonestown, with a bit of NXIVM and the Sarah Lawrence cult thrown in for good measure. This said, despite my reluctance the plot just kept revealing itself to me the more I ideated on it. I remember taking a shower (the best place to brainstorm) in the summer when I first was coming up with the bones of the story and realizing exactly where I wanted it to end up. I’ve had the last scene of the entire fic fully drafted for seven months now. It just totally transformed from a story I would’ve preferred someone else tell into a story I absolutely had to tell myself.

When writing freehill, what was something you didn’t expect?

It was supposed to be like… 15, maybe 20k… And then all the sudden it had twists and turns and lore and there was just no way… I realized pretty early on that it really needed the space to lure you. As I’ve been writing it, especially the first few chapters, I had that line of Louis’s from IWTV just on repeat in my head “Let the tale seduce you, as I was seduced.” I wanted the reader to be just as compelled towards Freehill and Eddie (and disarmed by them) as Steve was, which meant establishing a lot of space and a lot of time.

What inspired Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails?

Honestly? I woke up one morning possessed and was like… what’s the most pornographic thing I can write? And the answer was demon sex lmao. That immediately evolved into a Rosemary’s baby au bc I had just rewatched it a few months before with my friends and was shocked no one had done an au of it in Steddie fic!

What was your favorite part to write from Sleep Therapy?

Something about successfully incorporating the plot of Deep Throat into that fic always makes me laugh. It’s such a silly fic. The recorder line in the second chapter also really makes me laugh.

How do/did you feel writing Eddie Munson is a Piece of Shit?

Ah such a fun one! I had just finished Charmed Life and was kinda scarce on ideas but knew I wanted to write another light one shot. I’d gotten a lot of comments on Returning the Favor asking for a follow up so! A follow up. Charmed Life had been a bit of an exercise in finding Steve’s voice, which I find a lot harder to write. Eddie Munson is a Piece of Shit was me returning to my creature comforts and going totally ham on Eddie’s voice. I’d really missed his um… dramatics (Poor Eddie Jr </3)

What was the most difficult part of writing I Bear a Charmed Life?

I started writing that fic when I had covid this summer and most of it came together really quick!! But the sex scene…. the sex scene haunted me so bad I almost scrapped the whole thing. I think every sex scene I’d written until then had either been totally obscene (everything in Snips & Snails and Sleep Therapy) or a bit subversive (Born Under a Bad Sign’s failed sex scene comes to mind) so honestly just figuring how to write a scene between two consenting, equal parties and still make it hot and fun was oof… very challenging for me. I ended up reading a ton of smut just to wrap my head around it.

Do you have a favorite scene and/or line from any of your fics?

There’s a scene at the beginning of chapter 3 Born Under a Bad Sign where Steve is treating Eddie’s injuries (after getting beat up) in a gas station bathroom and he’s giving Eddie all this casual affection that’s Eddie’s been craving from him for months and I just.. really really love that scene I find it really tender. My favourite line is from the same fic! But at the end of the last chapter: “Indiana was a specter, the entire state. It was always going to haunt him. He strewn like raw meat over the whole of it.” I just like “strewn like raw meat.” The letters sound nice together.

Do you have any upcoming projects or fics you’d like to share/promote?

Forever wip-ing on Freehill on the Desperado series! I’m very Freehill-focused right now and it’s just been so fun working on that story and sharing it (especially seeing people’s theories oh my gosh!) so I’d definitely recommend it if you're wip-tolerant.

Outside of these questions, Is there anything YOU would like to add?

I want to say I’ve always loved your guys’ blog and I love how much you guys foster and nurture the community. It’s amazing! I’ve followed this blog since the start and these writer’s spotlights especially have been such a massive inspiration to me! Literally one of the reasons I started writing again was reading about other writers' processes. It really helped to make it feel like fic writing was something I could do and not just this mystical, unreachable thing. I get so much joy out of writing and finally having access to my creativity and also being part of a community that makes sharing my work so exciting! All this say this is a very full circle moment for me so thank you guys so much for existing!

Thank you to our author, @pinkie-quinns, and our nominator, @dame-zoom-a-lot! See more of pinkiequinn's works featured on our page throughout the day!

Writer’s Spotlight is every Wednesday! Want to nominate an author? You can nominate them here!

[itsajollyjester]

Family Portrait

The only family he has.

[scrunglepaws]

The besties killing me with how cute and sweet they are. Help ;A;

[astral-lucy]

your next partner (PAC)

hello beautiful creatures! i'm excited to be back with another pick-a-card reading. i've been feeling romantic lately, so here goes a reading regarding your next partner. hope you enjoy it!

as usual, pick the picture that you feel most connected or drawn towards (pile 1 - up and left / pile 2 - up and right / pile 3 - down and left / pile 4 - down and right)

happy reading!

#pile 1

wheel of fortune - eight of wands - knight of cups - six of swords - seven of coins

when i started to shuffle for this pile’s reading, “so high school” by taylor swift started playing, so maybe that means something to you. although this is a person i think you’ve known for a while, the wheel of fortune here shows a new stage of this relationship, and paired with the eight of wands this shows a period of excitement, passion - the typical honeymoon phase we all go through once we start a relationship. maybe you have been through a rough period emotionally, things haven’t been great for either one of you, and here comes a calmer time, you’ll have someone to rely on that’ll help you with all the love in the world. this relationship seems ideal, but there are a few cards here that advice making an effort to communicate correctly with each other. 

when i asked about the appearance of this person i got freckles! i also see that this person has a baby face or is a pretty childish person, someone with a lot of energy. i feel like they have lighter hair as well.  you can also expect this to happen literally at any moment now! this is something that is already happening and in the works. 

#pile 2

the hanged man - queen of cups - knight of cups - six of coins - nine of cups

“only love” by ben howard started playing when i started writing, and i feel like that’s how this connection feels like! this is someone new in your life, and your day to day will start to feel like this song. with the hanged man opening this reading i feel like this is someone who came in to change your perspective and opinions about love, and even about self love - but this card also tells you to be patient and advises not to rush into new relationships without being sure first, as not everyone will fit you. love is definitely on the horizon, just wait for it to come to you, as someone who is willing to listen to you and that will offer you all the attention you need is on the way. the six of pentacles here is asking you to give without expecting anything back, it advises you to be generous with yourself and the universe will be generous to you as well! a strong connection is coming 

when i asked about this person i got the five of coins, so this is probably someone who has gone through hard times and knows that feeling cared for is important. this is someone who has dark eyes, probably darker skinned as well. 

when i asked for timing, i saw that the winter time may be of significance, but this still may take a while to come to you. 

#pile 3

two of swords - ace of cups - six of coins - queen of swords - five of swords

wow, you may be indecisive regarding a relationship or taking a new step into a relationship, and you may be looking for advice. i think that this relationship has a great potential of being a safe space, somewhere you’ll feel loved and supported. you may be indecisive because you don’t want to lose your independence - but your partner understands how that is important to you and will respect it. there’s an emphasis on the important of communication, as you may have problems due to a lack of it, and what i see here is that you’re struggling to make things official because you’re afraid - talk to them! have the scary conversation. they understand. 

when i asked about appearance i got the emperor, which makes me think this is a person who has a lot of authority. i also think they’re someone with dark eyes but lighter hair. 

timing wise, regarding having a conversation or taking a new step, i’d say something will shift within the next ten days or the next two weeks. 

#pile 4

three of coins - three of wands - six of cups - king of coins - page of wands

i think someone you’ve had a crush on has looked your way! someone you’ve liked for a while is now noticing you in a romantic light, or maybe someone you tried to have a relationship with in the past is back. whoever this person is, they’re not 100% committed to you, they want to be your one and only. you may feel sparks, have a lot of passion and fun with this person, but you need to avoid being clingy or too jealous of this person, reminding you both how everyone needs space. the three of wands is an amazing card here, as it shows you good luck on your romantic choices. 

i think this person takes a great care of their appearance, especially their hair. 

i think this is going to become official in a few month, maybe around pisces season.

hope you enjoyed reading!

[starmosaics]

Mars in the 8th house pt. 1/3

I'm splitting this into parts because there's a lot to cover with this placement.

A person with an 8th house Mars doesn't just share anything with anybody, they'll test you and make sure that you can be trusted before sharing anything about themselves other than surface-leveled things. From the outside, an 8H Mars person seems distant, kept, shut off, and mysterious; they're an enigma. Many people feel intimidated just by being in the 8H Mars person's presence. People want to desperately figure this person out or pinpoint something about them, but just simply can't. The reason 8H Mars people are so guarded is because they most likely have faced life-altering pain or traumatic experiences at some point in their lives, commonly due to death or betrayal by other people. They can be incredibly hesitant or totally reluctant with trusting and opening up to others. They tend to keep people at arms length and might have paranoid thoughts about getting close to people because of their trust issues and reluctance to let down their guard. They are incredibly hypervigilant people and it takes a long time for them to express their vulnerabilities.

These people are naturally investigative and are great at researching and absorbing information. They're like sponges when it comes to obtaining details that reveals the truth. They love digging things up beyond the surface, revealing the truth, and bringing things to light. They want to understand things on a much deeper, intellectual level to reveal secrets and to solve cryptic and hidden messages. They either are great sources themselves or provide great sources for others and will always show up with the cold hard facts. I worked with a girl who had an 8H Mars and she did so much research on employee's rights to dig up what illegal things our management was getting away with. She obsessed over it for months and was fixated on "exposing" the institution we worked for. I am also friends with a guy who does scientific research at his school as a job who has an 8H Mars. I have an 8H Mars and am deeply invested in astrology.

These people are wonderful friends, family members and partners, and will always be the first responder when someone they care about is in a dire situation. They're also the best person to be with when in a dangerous or life-threatening situation. These are the types of people to remain calm and collected to ensure that whatever is at hand is taken care of. During an emergency, they're the ones to brainstorm and come up with a plan to execute; they're incredible strategists. This is most likely due to having dealt with a lot of dangerous or traumatic events in their lives which caused them to be able to respond to other people's situations with a much more steadfast approach.

Most of the 8H Mars people I've met had a weird relationship with their sexuality in their teenage/young adult years and lost their virginity at a later age compared to their peers. People may objectify 8H Mars folks or perceive them to be more sexual than they are (ex. being told that the 8H Mars person looks like they have a lot of experience with sex even if they don't) because these people commonly ooze sex appeal. Something about them makes people feel incredibly drawn and magnetized to them. I knew someone with an 8H Mars who was a stripper and did sex work. She also had a sugar daddy which I would associate to be an 8H topic (shared/gained resources from another, Mars covering sex). I too have considered doing sex work for quite a while now. 8H mars people may like more rougher and primal sex such as BDSM. The bedroom is where the more darker parts of themselves are revealed. They may also enjoy exploring different kinds of kinks rather than having plain or vanilla sex. Despite people thinking 8H Mars folks are sexually progressive all the way, these people actually need to have an emotional/spiritual connection to those they engage sexually with, otherwise they will feel like something is missing during sex and that the void they're seeking to be filled cannot be reached. Unfortunately, I have also known many 8H Mars people who have faced a form of sexual victimization.

In the next 2 parts, we'll cover certain transformations these people may undergo in their lives, mental health and psychology, life and death situations, struggles within intimate relationships, and "taboo" topics these people might enjoy. If you have an 8H Mars let me know if this resonates :))

[newttxt]

hi quip! i really like your one piece comics and i am curious how you do them! i'm not good at comics and want to be better at drawing them! how do you learn how to make comics?

thank you!

uh oh... im afraid u have caught me at the perfect crossroad of "bored at work" and "unrelated task ive been meaning to do but keep putting off."

this is long. i hope you like reading (and grayscale progress pics). and of course!!! disclaimer before we begin that this is just how I, personally draw comics. there is no "right way."

quip's comic-making process!

Switching my typing to make this more legible...

My process can kinda be broken down into 6 steps:

Brainstorming

Thumbnailing

Sketching

Panels & Text

Lines

Tones/Colors

1. Brainstorming

My brain is a leaky sieve on a good day, so I sloppily jot down ideas in my phone notes the moment I have them. This helps me when it's time to draw too, because if I feel art blocked, I can look through old concepts and see what catches my interest.

Otherwise, I love drawing for other people's writing. :) And if worst comes to worst, doing manga/comic page redraws in my style teaches me new things every time.

Once I have my idea, I'll usually make a bulletpoint list of "plot points" or "story beats" I want. Then I plan the comic with this format that I've adapted from a tutorial I read once. I'm going to use my most recent comic (original comic post) as an example.

I start in the third column, writing notes of what I'd want to see in each panel. I also include the dialogue (in this case, I didn't have to write the dialogue! it's from the fanfic linked in the original comic post!). I usually write the whole name like [Luffy:], but at this point I've drawn so much of these guys, just the first letter works.

I like to handwrite these notes to get an idea for how much text I'm putting in a single panel.

After I describe all the panels, I go back and separate them into pages. I can't tell you how to know how many panels to a page. It's whatever works for you. I just kinda know about how big each panel will be, and so I can feel when I'm probably running out of space. (Also. You can change things later. I don't in this example, but I add/drop pages/panels all the time.)

2. Thumbnailing

Thumbnailing—as the name suggests—should be done tiny. Too tiny to accidentally get sucked into details.

This is about marking down blobs where items/characters go, and figuring out the paneling. I'll draw and redraw these a bunch of times too.

This is also the most time-consuming/brain-working part for me. If I were in a zine that did progress percentage, I'd try to finish thumbnailing around the 50% mark (but I'm also a moderately fast artist, so your mileage may vary).

I think the terrible quality makes them charming, actually. I really like how silly they look. :')))

I will add, when you draw your "page" rectangle, make sure it's the same proportions as your actual canvas for the final image. You want an accurate idea of how much space each panel will take up, especially if you have a lot of text.

3. Sketching

This is my most recent change to my usual workflow, and it's saving me a lot of time. I make my thumbnails a bit bigger (each one about half the size of the final canvas), and I sketch these basic body forms right over them.

It just helps give me placement for my actual lines!

I usually draw these in a paleish color so I can lower the opacity and not get distracted by them while lining. The random darker parts are to either help keep two forms separate (like when two characters have their limbs all over) or to better define sections that were too sloppy/poorly proportioned.

I also think this helps my poses stay looser, because I have more dramatic/wriggly shapes that aren't too bogged down by proportions yet.

Sidenote: I CANNOT show this here, but sometimes this is when I take videos. Of myself. I prop my phone camera up and shoot a video of me acting each panel. :/// It looks really dumb, but it also shows me fun body language ideas like hand gestures, expressions, weight distribution, etc. Just pretend you're an overdramatic cartoon character, and try not to worry about your roommates or mother walking in on you doing odd things. (You can also use the video for anatomy reference later, but I usually just capture the vibe and don't try to copy the actual video frame.)

4. Panels & Text

Oh, boy. So, the panels are usually just straight lines (though it's fun to make creative exceptions, like a round panel to mimic looking through a spyglass), but there are some fancy rules that I don't strictly adhere to.

I believe (I have no technical training in this. Take everything I say with a grain of salt) the vertical gaps (between two side-by-side panels) should all be a consistent width and the horizontal gaps (between two panels on top of each other) should be another. The vertical ones? Should be thinner? Because you want the eye to easily glide between them, whereas the horizontal gaps should be a visual barrier to keep you from jumping ahead. Just something I've vaguely noticed.

There are lots of fun "default layouts" you can look up. Or keep it a consistent grid. I think it's fun to sometimes have characters/objects sticking out of panels and overlapping others. This is just a matter of taste, creativity, and inspiration. (Read Witch Hat Atelier... It has some of my favorite paneling...)

You may also notice I have already done the speech bubbles. This is, to me, a crucial step. This helps me catch early if I don't have enough room for all the words. It also lets me plan the art in each panel with the speech bubbles in mind. There's nothing worse than working really hard on a panel, and then you realize there's no room for the bubbles.

I also try to lay them out in a way that guides the eye! Even without art, can people tell where to go next? Better yet, if I want people to look at panels out of order (aka not left to right, in my case), can I use the speech bubble path to make them? Here's just a vague example of what I mean.

As an added bonus, doing speech bubbles early also allows me to be lazy! :) Ignore the comic; I'm not supposed to post it yet oops,, There's a whole lot of drawing to do on each comic page, and I am not wasting my time on stuff that will be covered up. So yes, if I hide my bubbles, there are a lot of unfinished lines trailing off into nothing. (As a bonus, if there's a part of a character you're struggling with—and it won't look weird to do so—you can move speech bubbles to just hide the problem area yayyy)

Making the actual bubbles could be their own whole tutorial, tbh, but there are some general guidelines I use.

Zoom out when you choose your font size. You want to know how it will look to the average reader, so it isn't super teeny tiny or way too big. You generally want to keep the same text size for all your pages/bubbles.

When I draw bubbles, I try to size them about one vertical letter height (and some change) around the words [left side]. This isn't always the case though, because humorously large or funny shaped text bubbles can convey different feelings [right side].

On Procreate, I set my bubble lines to Reference and just drag-and-drop the white fill on a separate layer below the lines. (Remember to turn Reference back off again when you're done, or your fill bucket won't work right when you're drawing.)

To get the white outlines I use to keep the bubbles from cluttering up the art, I literally just Gaussian blur an all-white copy of the lines + fills... and then I copy and merge it 5 times until it's opaque enough. This is a terrible way to do it, but it works for me. :')

5. Lines

This is the part that I can't tell you how to do. I literally just. Draw right over my wacky sketched body forms. Boom. Comic drawn.

I'll make three suggestions:

Don't focus on making every panel perfect. Give a little extra love to big ones or ones you want people to linger on. Otherwise, know that people are typically speeding through the art. It's way more important to focus on storytelling than art technique. In my opinion, a good story that's told well will always be better than a beautiful one told poorly. (Some comics are beautiful AND well-written... Alas, I am just a hobbyist who needs to get the ideas out of my head at top speed.)

Put your background lines on a different layer. Put your foreground lines on a different layer too, if you have those. Basically, I try to keep the main part of each panel (usually a character or object) on my lines layer so I can erase background/foreground/etc lines to ensure clarity/focus.

You can make background lines lighter colors too. I have too many numbers sorry. (1) Background. The stuff that's farthest away. Lightest lines. Few details; more focused on shapes and the suggestion of a background (I'm not good at backgrounds). (2) Midground. Same distance away as the characters are. Lines can be black. (3) Also midground, and also the same distance away. But they're very detailed, so I lighten them so they aren't so distracting. (4) The characters. Black lines for focus. For people who haven't seen the comic, I swear they are just hugging. This is SFW. D:

6. Tones/Colors

Do not. Do NOT ask me. I don't understand colors. I hate working with them, but I try because I want to improve. I hate doing anything beyond the simplest grayscale shading. Please go elsewhere for your coloring/tone advice. This is how my color picker looks 95% of the time. I have pre-set "percentages" of black that I got by lowering the opacity of a black layer and just color picking it. I don't even know the exact percentages I used. Good luck out there. Be better than me.

7. Sharing

This is a bonus step that I didn't mention earlier, but it's actually the most important of all of them.

You need a friend. Or maybe a groupchat or discord. A family member or coworker if you're really close like that. I don't know.

Find SOMEWHERE you can spam wips and be cheered on. Drawing comics takes a while, especially if you're trying to tell longer stories than I'd dare to attempt. If I don't force someone to praise me for every line I draw, I shrivel up and die.

Also if and when you post online, add alt text. I'll admit I'm the first person to complain and drag my feet on this, and I literally use a screenreader myself when my eyes hurt (strong prescription glasses wearer). Comics should be accessible, because stories are fun and everyone should be able to enjoy them.

***

Learning???

And I guess lastly, how do you learn to make comics? Two steps: 1) read them and 2) make them. This is the tragedy of creating things.

1) Reading them: I grew up reading comic strips, western serialized comics, and webcomics. I've always loved graphic novels too. Then in late middle school, I started reading manga (Death Note and Haikyuu were my first two), and now I'm trying to read more webtoons (sorry im so slow bree)!

I also... mass-consume doujinshi, thanks to proxy mailing services and bilingual friends/Google Translate/knowing some Korean. (I have an entire bookshelf of doujin, actually,,)

The thing is, it's not usually enough to just read comics. You also need to be thinking. :/ I notice paneling, comic devices, clever comedic timing, etc. as I go. It's just a lot of studying/learning while also enjoying the story.

2) Making them: You just have to start. :( Even if you think they're "bad." My first comics were actually just drawings placed randomly all over the page, connected by speech bubbles (yay... I was already practicing how to place bubbles to lead the eye around the page...). I was going to post a pic here, but I'm a coward. Backscroll my account and you can find some older ones though.

I also know my art in general improved dramatically when I did ten comics in ten weeks for my friend's fic. Don't do this. It hurt my hands/wrists. But do practice in moderation.

***

If you actually read all that... I hope it made even a modicum of sense. And maybe it was even helpful? Just know at the end of the day, there is literally no right way to draw a comic.

And if you aren't ready to go for it yet, you can start by just adding a couple speech bubbles to your illustrations or doodles! It's a way to add storytelling and dialogue writing to things you may already be making.

Yay. I love comics. :))))

[hcneymooners]

i need to dump this somewhere so here are some things i keep thinking of that have sent my creative current flowing through me recently:

is this what you felt like?, car crash, please let me in, someday — these are tags from a work i have bookmarked on ao3. it's one of my favorites and in it one of the characters gets into a car crash while on the phone with the person they love. i've also been fixating on car crashes because of this fragrantica review as of late and i think i need to write about it but i don't know how yet.

its ok, not a love — another fragrantica review.

"all this talk of apocalypse makes me want to get married" — the more i write this out the more i realize i'm currently drawn to the idea of love in the time of disaster or destruction or destabilizing events especially when viewing love as a destabilizing event itself.

my online pilates instructor who is australian and has a low voice and says "beautiful job" all the time. love her.

it's you, again, please. again. please — tags from another fic with the same pairing as the first bullet point. best friends to lovers is the elite trope to me, i'm sorry.

forgiveness as a game i always lose. — i have gotten so particular these days about the kind of angst i consume because i am someone who struggles to forgive, well moreso forget when people hurt me or the people i love. i love complex ficitional works where characters are allowed to hold grudges, be reluctant to move forward/begin again while still holding feelings of love and attraction toward whomever they love. i need more of that. i hate when conflict is resolved too quickly or when the conflict isn't convoluted enough to be drawn out as long as it is.

iris (perfume notes).

this:

the true grit of beautiful things — i.e. this post by @indianatumbleweedjones

oyster/pearlescent/oceanic/crystalline imagery

the way my stomach is what feels my anxiety first

this tiktok this creator made where she said she's sick of wlw love scenes always being portrayed as mermaid-esque, slow motion magical moments. — she wants something darker and more desperate and then i looked at the wlw media i have saved/reblogged/annotated and realized i'm the same. things can still be "slow" and tender while still emphasizing the batshit insanity of it all and the electric current that is touching someone with the same softness/body as you.

mmkay, that's all. love you. please don't think i'm crazy.

ally x

[olderthannetfic]

This is a comment I just saw in the wild, and I need to know the real factualness/lack thereof of this from those who are more familiar with internet fandom history.

the evangelical prudishness of the early internet is completely separate from pro/anti ship dynamics. the idea of an anti was popularized in voltron fandom by teenagers who were uncomfortable being attacked by adults in "ship wars" for not liking a prominent ship between an adult and child. evangelicals are still being prudish and nasty online to this day and theyre not doing it with "anti, proshippers dni" in their bios

and to be clear i dont identify as pro or anti ship because im an adult with a job and a social life but i leaned so hard into the anti label as a teen as an effort to protect myself from harassment and grooming (and yes. adults were using proship dynamics to try to groom me. i experienced this from multiple people in multiple fandoms. it was not and is not an uncommon occurrence). if you think teen antis are prudish maybe consider why a child would feel the need to close themselves off and loudly proclaim their hatred of any complicated shipping dynamic. these kids don't stay this way forever, they grow up into adults with more complex viewpoints on sex and relationships because that's what happens to everyone as they age. the fact that most self proclaimed proshippers care more about prudishness (as though every teenager isn't a little bit of a fucking prude anyways) than they do about actual pedophilia and grooming. most proshippers arent trying to use it as an outlet to groom children but a considerable amount of them are and you have no fucking clue how terrifying it is to be a young teen and have adults falling all over themselves trying to convince you that it would actually be really normal for you to have phone sex with them

--

"Ooh, I'm a secret third thing!"

You can just about always assume someone is a jackass if they start with this bilge.

Voltron fandom was a major spreader of antis, sure. The objection was to the two characters with the "I'm the hot one" anime eyes being shipped together instead of one of the hot ones and the one with the "I'm the douchey womanizer" anime eyes.

All of these characters look about the same age, just with different eye shape tropes. All are soldiers. Ages weren't confirmed for a while. When they eventually were, hot eyes and hot eyes were 18 or over and womanizer eyes was under or something. Not that it matters.

It's a bunch of crybabies with a juggernaut shitty ship bawwwwing that a better ship was fairly popular but not as juggernaut despite them sending many, many death threats.

--

Most teens, in my experience, are drawn to cheesy Darker and Edgier extreme shit and get tamer as they age. No, they aren't all prudes. That's bugfuck insane to think. This person is a dumbass.

Adults trying to have phone sex with teens isn't actually that common, from what I've seen, and is clearly creepy in any era. This has nothing to do with fandom shipping.

I'm sorry they've had a shitty time, but this is either someone with a lot of trauma projecting or yet another attempt to drag irrelevant shit into the constant whining about other people's harmless fictional hobbies.

[railzreceptive]

My experience with lastritebish

(CONTENT WARNING FOR ED, DEATH AND SH.) This post is not condoing any hate speech toward this user, I would just like people to know what's going on as I am quite tired of keeping quiet about such a blown out of proportion situation.

My issue with Ava began in november or october, I joined her server and quickly got wrapped up in an ongoing rp and got in over my head, during this I got involved in several rps where Ava would make herself the focus and force eating disorder topics onto the other members with zero attempt to spoil, warn or anything over such a sensitive topic. During December I came up with the idea of a Christmas Party group rp, devised a plot, and had full intent of going through with it. However, more people than I expected became interested in the rp and my original idea was forgotten, I explained my frustrations later and made a private discord server for only the people involved in the original plot. This was not part of the ‘greasefam au’ taking on in ava’s server, this was it’s own thing and the personal server only had four people including myself.

Shortly afterward we had several incidents in a server I mod in, which I volunteered to take action for. (rping self harm without asking her rp partner, planning a relationship with a 30 year old age gap, and other things) I dmed Ava and explained what was happening and why we were removing the character wembley Greaseball from her character roster. I’ve provided screenshots of the following dms. (Before this, I had joined another server involving a human/college au that Ava was also in, one of my characters (Ruth, my version of rusty) didn't like Graceland (ava's greaseball) as in the canon of the show, the two do NOT get along, Ruth said all of two insults to graceland.) After I had explained the situation and apologized to her for me handling things in i will admit, not the best way, I was upset and angry at the time, but after I had explained this I went to bed and woke up banned from the drive in server, which i didn't think too much about until i was approached by a mod of another server who asked me about the situation (assuming ava went to them) I explained my side and no consequences where delt out, following this, ava left every server I was in. And that was all i heard of it until a few weeks ago, it was brought to my attention that Ava was saying things about me and making up shit behind my back, I have been asked not to show screenshots from one user who spoke to me, but i did include the other user who brought it up to me. (The neighbor rotting thing was me venting over the fact that my neighbor had been found dead and rotted in her apartment for over a week and the smell was getting into my room, once again, i tagged, spoiled and warned everyone about what was happening, if they didnt want to read it, they didn't have too.) Also the one time i ranted abt the situation i didn't even mention her by name, so . I am not obsessed with gore, by the way. I have a special interest in human anatomy and wow, shocker that the person going to school to be a CORONER has an interest in darker topics, I haven't even DRAWN gore before, the most i've done is draw Swindon holding a scalpel. I've written it a few times but even then it's spoiled, tagged, and readers are made CLEAR of the content warnings. I don't use gore to cope, and the 'mind fucking' thing is MAGNETISM, y'know, SOMETHING CANON TO THE SHOW, I just, wow. I'm upset and frustrated yes but I do not hate Ava. I just wish she would do better. Thank you.

[abbeyofcyn]

Regardless of how much attention they got, what are three things you've written or drawn that you're most proud of?

I thought about this one for a looooong time...

Because it's difficult to answer. I can be proud of art, but that feeling can leave quickly too. Or sometimes I look at my very old art and think 'woa not bad, past me'

I'll keep it at my turtle art because otherwise I will have to really search through my archives lol, and it's mostly more darker art and my ocs.

I'm pretty proud of my animations. They're not anything great yet, but every new one I make is a step towards getting better. I just have to learn to be more daring and patient.

I haven't posted this one I believe, but these were (I believe) the first turtle drawings I made. (Of course angsty stuff lol) I'm proud in the sense that I decided to take that step and draw fanart which I've avoided for sooooo long. It never brought me joy, but rottmnt? It's almost more fun than I've ever had drawing my ocs

And lastly I'm proud of this drawing. My first post on tumblr. I could've never foreseen that it would get more than a handfull of notes so I kinda panicked when it got way more attention than any drawing ever in my life haha

The start of it all and I'm thankful everyday for what it has brought me. I've met great people and super sweet mysterious anons.

[esquilone]

What I would say/i guess about women who are attracted to Dutch Van der Linde and Sean MacGuire:

RDR2 and You

❤︎ Based on that request! ❤︎

❤︎ Note: the images aren't mine, they're from Pinterest, I just edited them and changed details and made a cover for this post! :p

Right... I don't think Dutch and Sean are characters I'm going to be able to give a good assessment of, so much so that my focus is more on Micah and Javier, but I've done some research with some things I already knew, I've just added them with others and put together some unfinished texts, okay? I hope they match up a bit with reality and what I believe would make a woman like men who look the same as them.

𝓓𝓾𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓥𝓪𝓷 𝓭𝓮𝓻 𝓛𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓮 -

Why do some women like Dutch van der Linde?

Dutch has an absurd magnetism. He is a charismatic leader, always with a speech ready and the ability to make anyone believe in him. This can be attractive because he has that energy of a “great man, a man who knows how to solve everything.”someone who seems to know exactly what he is doing (even when, in reality, he is just improvising so he doesn’t appear to be falling apart).

Psychologically, he represents that figure of the “revolutionary dreamer,” someone who challenges the system and promises a better future. Many people are drawn to this kind of idealism, even when it turns dangerous. He also has a way of seducing without needing to be direct, simply through the power of words and presence. Want proof? Many incredibly intelligent members (Arthur included) followed Dutch and Hosea blindly. However, I strongly believe that Dutch always had a slightly psychotic tendency. I firmly think he struggled against his own selfishness and greed because Hosea was there to put him in his place. He probably revealed this side of himself during the Blackwater massacre and robbery, but the ones who witnessed it are already dead, so no one could say anything without proof. Hosea often showed both excitement and disagreement toward Dutch’s plans, and I believe it was because he had already seen that darker side of him.

As the game progresses, he reveals this dark side more and more—he becomes paranoid and manipulative, his biggest red flag. However, this doesn’t stop some women from being attracted to complicated men, thinking they can “save” them or bring back their good side. (I mentioned this in my analysis of Micah.)

I believe Dutch truly loved once, and that was Annabelle, who was murdered by Colm O’Driscoll. He becomes violent and loses patience when talking to Colm about her, not because Colm apologized, but because he showed complete disdain for what happened. I think this event pushed Dutch further toward becoming cold and violent out of pure selfishness. So yes, if Dutch loved a woman enough, he could sacrifice anything for revenge in her name. He mentions more than twice how much he despises Colm for killing her, and Arthur even tells him something like, “You should let go of revenge, you killed his brother first once.” But Dutch refuses to let it go.

Dutch's old love: Annabel

Anabelle is one of the greatest mysteries of Dutch’s past, something he never truly got over. She is almost like a ghost in his story—someone who represents a time when he was still a different man, perhaps more noble, less corrupted by his own pride. We already know she was murdered by Colm O’Driscoll—I’ve mentioned this before—the impact of her death is one of the reasons why he never truly committed to anyone again. He may have romanticized Anabelle in his mind, turning her into a perfect and unattainable figure. This might explain why he never treated Molly the same way.

And what about Molly O’Shea?

To me, Molly is a perfect example of someone who fell in love with the idea of Dutch rather than the real man he was. In fact, I believe he presented himself as the perfect, caring man to her—maybe because, in some way, she reminded him of Anabelle. Molly got involved with this strong and charismatic leader. She is described as a woman of “high class and society,” so we see that she left some things behind—perhaps for Dutch? I’m not 100% sure, because Molly is a proud woman, someone who wants to be seen and considered the best. She wanted to be the woman by his side, but Dutch never gave her the attention she craved. He was more focused on the gang and his own delusions of grandeur.

So as time passed, she realized that he was not really available for her, not giving her attention that she had always received, without time for her. This led her to a cycle of frustration and resentment, until, in a moment of anger, she made the mistake of saying that she betrayed him (when in fact, she didn't) she just wanted him to look at her again like the first time, you see that she drank, probably because she lacked the courage to say everything she wanted.

Molly was nothing more than a shadow of what Dutch wanted—a woman who loved him desperately but could never reach his heart. She spent her time trying to be seen by him, wanting the love he had already given to someone else, and she was consumed by it. Molly's tragedy is that she was just one more in the long list of people who believed too much in Dutch and ended up destroyed by it.

Attraction to Men Like Dutch – The Fascination with Power, Dangerous Charisma, and Protection:

Women who are typically attracted to men like Dutch are often influenced by deeper psychological factors, which can range from unconscious patterns to past experiences. His manipulative charisma triggers something called the halo effect, where his intelligence and eloquence make him seem more trustworthy and desirable than he actually is, creating the illusion that there is no need to worry because he appears to predict and plan everything before it happens. Additionally, there is the visionary leader archetype, someone who seems to understand the world better than others, a man who promises a grand future—something extremely attractive to those seeking emotional security or meaning in life.

(Most people who seek emotional and physical security are women, which is why it is not uncommon for younger women to choose older men, as in some cases they resemble the protective presence of a maternal figure, but in a romantic sense.)

Another explanation may also lie in what is called attraction to the charismatic narcissist. Men like Dutch are magnetic because they project absolute confidence and power, qualities that can activate primitive instincts of survival and protection. Some women also feel that they could be the “exception” for him, the only one capable of conquering his true love and being the constant companion by his side, which reinforces and fits into the savior fantasy, where they believe they can bring out the good side of a troubled man. But in the end, this usually leads to frustration and pain because the truth is, Dutch belongs to no one but himself—and perhaps his first true love. If you happened to be the kind of woman he truly desires, he might surrender that pride for love, but you would have to be the most unforgettable. He is the type of man who is nearly impossible to have kneeling at your feet.

What would it be like to be in a relationship with him?

If Dutch were truly in love, the relationship would be intense and psychological. He thrives on control and admiration, so he’d naturally take on a protective, almost mentor-like role with a younger woman. He’d enjoy being the one who teaches, impresses, and leads. In the beginning, he’d be incredibly charming—seductive, confident, making her feel like the most important person in the world. But Dutch also has a narcissistic side. He craves absolute loyalty and validation, and if he ever felt like he was losing control or giving in too much, he could emotionally distance himself. If she became an obstacle to his ambitions, he would likely grow cold, prioritizing his dreams over her. Dutch always seeks something greater, something that fuels his ego, and if he ever felt trapped, he wouldn’t hesitate to walk away.

However, if she wasn’t an obstacle—if she admired him, supported his vision, and fueled his sense of power—then he could be deeply devoted in his own way. He would spoil her with attention, make her feel special, and keep her close as his most trusted confidante. As long as she reinforced his greatness and never made him feel small, she could be the one person he’d truly hold onto.

What would it be like if it was the opposite of an obstacle, but rather his pure Love for her?

If Dutch truly loved this woman and saw her as his ally, he would be intense and protective. His affection would come through striking gestures—firm embraces, deep kisses, holding her waist or face while speaking in an intimate and captivating tone. He would love to see her admiration and make sure she knew how special she was.

He would show his affection through small luxuries—a ring, a necklace, or something symbolic; he is a man of refined tastes. If she strengthened his pride, he would protect her above all else. In his most vulnerable moments, he might lower his guard only for her, lying beside her at night, sharing his dreams and fears—things he would never admit to anyone else.

( - ❤︎ - )

𝓢𝓮𝓪𝓷 𝓜𝓪𝓬𝓖𝓾𝓲𝓻𝓮 -

Sean???? Oh my, he's the complete opposite of Dutch, I know a few things about him that I believe define him as the man he is; boy, Sean seems to be younger, not as young as Lenny or Tilly, but young, Arthur calls him a "kid" sometimes. He's that outgoing guy, who makes fun of everything and never takes himself seriously. He has a chaotic and youthful energy, a free spirit that likes a good fight and a good drink. Many women are attracted to this type of personality because he is the opposite of monotony. It brings fun, and a little irresponsibility. Psychologically, he can represent that guy who makes you forget the problems, who requires nothing but to live in the moment. In addition, he has an Irish accent that can be very charming for some people, and his self-confidence (even exaggerated) gives a certain charm. I've talked to some people in English and I don't understand the accent because everything seems the same to me, but the redneck accent of the United States I can feel when they speak, so the Irish would be a faster accent and with some elongated words when pronounced. He is bold, playful, often drunk—a man who takes pleasure in teasing and being teased. He makes people laugh when they don’t want to, and even when the entire gang is sighing in frustration, they know he’s an enjoyable presence. He pulls you into situations you never imagined yourself in, and suddenly, you realize you’re enjoying it. There’s something pure about the way he throws himself into life—fearless, without overthinking the future. He may not be the most reliable, he may be reckless and quite irresponsible, but there’s something charming about that—because with him, life is never dull.

Sean MacGuire’s Possible Red Flags:

Sean has always had a chaotic energy—in a fun way—but he can also be frustrating. He’s not the kind of man you can trust with your life—let alone your heart. He’s the guy who disappears for days and returns as if nothing happened, probably laughing with a wild story to tell. He also has an inflated ego, always believing he’s the center of attention, which can be annoying if someone tries to have a serious conversation with him.

And… what about Karen? Well, they had a fling during Sean’s welcome-back party at camp, but it was never serious. Sean never seemed like the type to commit—he lives in the moment and doesn’t get attached. That carefree attitude can be thrilling for someone looking for excitement, but frustrating for someone wanting something deeper. He makes you feel special in the moment, but the next day, he might be making another woman laugh just the same. However, he didn’t really flirt with other women at camp, at least not openly. There’s even a scene where Karen almost slaps him, possibly days after their fling, and later she cries, saying he only cares about her when he’s drunk. Sean asks why she’s upset, and she just says everything is fine and tells him to keep doing whatever he was doing. After his death in Rhodes, Karen starts drinking heavily, which might say more about how much she actually cared.

What Attracts Women to Sean?

If Dutch is a dangerous addiction, Sean is pure mischief. What makes him attractive is that he has no filter—he says what he thinks, and what he thinks is usually funny. Physically, he has a rougher charm. He’s not the best-looking guy in camp (at least not in my opinion!), but he has that mischievous smile, that glint in his eye that makes it seem like he has a secret only you can uncover. He’s not a typical heartthrob, but his energy is irresistible. Many women end up with men who make them laugh, caring less about looks when the personality is that magnetic. His carefree and spontaneous nature is also a big part of his appeal. He’s not always trying to impress—he simply is that way. That makes interactions with him feel genuine, even if he’s not the most reliable man around. For those who love a free spirit, someone who lives without fear or restraint, Sean is hard to ignore.

His playful and teasing nature creates a quick sense of intimacy, like he’s someone you can truly be yourself around—laugh until your stomach hurts and forget about your worries. He provokes and challenges, but never in a threatening way, which can be exciting. And his slightly childish pride can even be charming, making it feel like he’s always trying to impress, even if he won’t admit it.

Attraction to Men Like Sean – The Charm of the Teaser and the Free Spirit

Men like Sean represent a different kind of psychological fascination. They are teasers, playful, and INSISTENT, which triggers a phenomenon called the chase effect—the idea that the more someone provokes and challenges you, the more engaging they become. Their bold and daring nature creates tension, a push-and-pull dynamic that can be exciting for many women.

Additionally, Sean fits the archetype of the man who pursues, which can activate something known as validation through desire—when someone feels more attractive and valued because they are being intensely desired. He has no fear of showing interest, and that can be irresistible, especially in contrast to men who are more closed off or indifferent. He’s not a bad choice. c:

How could Sean be if he was really attracted in the romantic sense, by a woman?

If Sean truly liked a woman, he would show affection in a spontaneous and playful way. He’s not the type for grand romantic declarations, but he’d express his feelings through teasing, cheeky nicknames, and casual touches—throwing his arm around her shoulders or messing up her hair just to hear her complain. He would probably try to impress her by telling exaggerated (or completely made-up) stories about his adventures, just to make her laugh. In more sincere moments, he might lower his guard and be surprisingly sweet—holding her hand when no one was looking or pulling her into a dance for no reason, just because. And despite his reckless nature, if he truly cared, he would try to protect her in his own way, even if it meant getting into trouble to defend her.

At his core, Sean’s affection would come from his loyalty and the way he’d make sure to always be around, making life lighter and more fun.

Conclusion:

Dutch Van der Linde and Sean are the complete opposite of each other, each reflecting a different type of masculine figure for different women, or perhaps there are high and low levels! It all depends on the person.

I hope you liked it, goodbye! ❤︎

[kwillow]

Your art is jaw-droppingly stunning. Can I ask, how do you render things so beautifully? Can you give any tips? Especially with colored lineart.

Aww thank you so much, that's so sweet of you to say. <:3

I don't think I can give much advice on rendering; I've always been highly dependent on line-art to portray form and any attempt at lighting more complex than "shade with one layer of a desaturated color on multiply" frightens me.

BUT I can share what I do with line coloring!

This is a drawing I've done both with and without the coloring on the lines, to show the difference it makes.

In general, the color of the lines is just a darker shade of the color surrounding it. The more defined I want a feature, the darker the hue.

The interior lines, everything that goes on inside the outermost line-art, is where I put most of my attention. I separate the lines into tiers of importance and color accordingly, with the most important things getting darker (and often thicker) line-art.

Here's a cropped image of Ambroys holding a very expensive future murder weapon to try and show what I mean. The big circles are the base color of his dumb face and ludicrous glove, and the smaller circles are the color of the line-art for each of his features.

The hierarchy tends to go like this:

Important Features: eyes, mouths, hands, forearms, anything that I want to be emphasized or needs to be very clear, etc. gets dark line-art. This separates these features from the rest of the image and makes them pop.

Secondary Forms: joints, noses, the edge of bangs over the face, the lines between fingers, big wrinkles on evil old bastards, cravats etc. get medium line-art. These forms are meant to be distinct from what surrounds them (fingers shouldn't look melted together, the hair is not part of the forehead) but giving them dark line-art would draw attention from the important parts (for example, Ambroys' punchable grin), so they get slightly darker line-art to make the forms clear but not distracting.

Fiddly Little Details: fabric folds, flesh creases, strands of hair, seams in clothing, etc. These add texture, but I don't want them to be making everything look like a mess of scribbles. So these have light line-art, relative to the base color, to allow them to blend more than the important features.

Sometimes I'll make the line color more saturated or a slightly different hue (cooler or warmer), but it depends on the image and how much skill I randomly roll in color usage that day. It just looks more interesting than just going over the lines with a low-opacity brush of the base color.

When it comes to the exterior lines, I have two approaches. If I want a form to be bolder or stand out I tend to leave the outside lines around the form black or a very dark color. If I want something to look softer or blend into the surrounding image, or want the form to appear to glow, I color the outside lines closer to what colors surround the form or a brighter, paler color.

For example, all the characters here have nearly black exterior line-art. The background objects all have pale line-art, so they don't overwhelm the characters. Even objects in the mid-ground have slightly lighter line-art than the figures so that the eye is (hopefully) drawn to the characters instead of my labored attempt at drawing a cash register.

Or here, the parts of Ambroys that are en flambé have orange-red exterior line-art, while everything else has dark exterior line-art.

Like most things with my art, it's not hard to do, it just takes a long time. :P

And of course, this isn't the "right" way to color line-art! My art style is pretty cartoony, heavy on line-art and low on shading and very focused on silly characters making silly faces. A softer, more realistic, more rendered style, or one that is more graphic and focuses more on silhouette, would likely require a different approach. But regardless, I hope this ramble is helpful!

[falling-star-cygnus]

i've been rooting around the wbk fandom and manga for a little over a week now, and i've made a few posts just about some observational things, sooo now i feel a wee bit more comfortable posting something more indulgent :3 -> it's like leveling up in a video game, where you gotta learn the controls for the first 10-15 levels until you can participate in the fun stuff T^T

Nirei, Sakura, and Suo's dynamic is so very, very adorable. i wish more people talked about how cuddly they are with each other 😭

Nirei Akihiko and Suo Hayato's Top Secret Guide to Being a Grade Captain's Charger Or, Sakura Haruka's Emotional Support Vice Captains

"You guys ever notice..." Anzai starts.

The small group of first years' gaze is drawn over one by one. First to Anzai, and then green, brown, amber, and red eyes pulled to the shwip of the door opening.

This early in the day, the people entering and leaving didn't cause much fanfare. Sure, you might perk up when you saw your friend, get giddy to share news that couldn't be conveyed properly over text, but all in all it wasn't really anything out of the ordinary.

A freckled blond strolls in.

"...that Nirei gets away with a lot more than we do?"

With his hand wrapped around Sakura Haruka's upper arm.

The group of four feels an irrational swell of jealousy, one that they’ll deny to their graves.

It wasn't like Anzai was wrong, even if it was an unwanted dose of reality. Out of all of them, Nirei- whether it be because of his puppy like energy or his position as one of Sakura’s first friends- always seemed able to squeak into contact with their bristly captain without his alarm bells going off.

Seriously.

It was impressive, actually, Kiryu had tried to brush some of his darker hair out of his face once- buut Sakura hadn't seen his hand coming until it was right in front of his nose. Both of them had frozen at the resulting flinch, as dishearteningly natural as it was.

Kiryu didn't really let it deter him, though. Sakura's hair was really soft. Anzai would know, considering he got a face full of it when he tackled him that first day. Also positive reinforcement 'n conations 'n all that.

Anyway- honestly, the only one that even came close to Nirei's level of allowed tactility was..

“Oh? What makes you say that, Anzai-kun?” Suo asks, smiling like they couldn't all see how he tightened his grip on his wrist. 

Greedy bastard. At least Nirei was practically impossible to hate.

And Suo got away with blatantly staring at their grade captain's pretty features, so Anzai thinks he really shouldn't be complaining.

"Why're you actin' like that, you get his attent-"

“I told you, it’s fine!” Sakura is huffing at the blond, unintentionally interrupting as the two came closer, “It’s not even that deep.”

“It could still get infected-”

The attention shifts again, this time to the hand hidden inside the bicolored boy's pants pocket.

"Hmm? Did Sakura-chan get hurt on his way here?" Kiryu questions, shifting closer as Nirei starts talking with Suo [eh, somethin' about missing him this morning?]- though the blond's hand slips down to his captive's elbow instead of entirely letting go.

"Wh-? As if! Nire- he's overreacting!"

Annd there's that familiar blush, rosy down to Sakura's accusing finger. ....is that healthy? It's cute, no doubt, but are hands supposed to blush? They're not, right?

Eh, Anzai will ask Nagato later. It's been a while since they hung out one on one.

"No, I'm not! You're- mmph!?"

"Shut up, shut up! It's not important!"

With Sakura's hand clamped [gently, oh so gently, everyone notes] over his vice's mouth, Nirei can't do much more than make some worriedly frustrated noises. He's still clinging to their bristly captain's arm, as if trying to pry out the injured hand into the open through sheer force of will, and-

"DID YOU JUST LICK ME!?"

"YOU WEREN'T GONNA LISTEN OTHERWISE!"

...they're rowdy this morning.

Suo, the asshole, is just watching with an elatedly amused curve to his eye- like observing a ping pong match.

Unnoticed by everyone, the desk the group was gathered around contained one slowly rousing Sugishita. Well- they knew he was dozing there, but none of them really knew how long he'd been listening. Or awake.

Had he been awake the whole time?

It'd clearly been long enough regardless, because he reaches his lanky arm up- perfectly level with Sakura's pocket in his slouched malaise- and lifts the bicolored captain's hand into view. Like a princess.

The result is near instantaneous.

Like a feral cat, Sakura throws himself backwards and out of Nirei's hold with a startled screech- kinda adorably reminiscent of a tuxedo arching it's back and hissing- but he doesn't really get far when Sugishita shifts his grip to his wrist to keep him from bolting.

....and Sakura's wrists were really small.. or maybe the blue haired fanatic's hands were really big? He only had to use his pinkie and thumb to completely loop around it.

Both could be true.

Also wow. Their relationship really had changed since Noroshi.. it still couldn't really be considered friendly, of course, but...

Hey, wait a second-

"WHAT DID YOU DO!?" Anzai balks in pure astonishment, finally registering the absolutely demolished knuckles of his grade captain. They're practically skinned to the bone!

Seriously, they're horrific looking- skin is literally dangling off in places.

Sakura squirms, concerningly red in the face and heaving in the chest as he tries to free his hand, but Suo maneuvers his way behind him to gently grab his shoulders.

"Calm down," he cajoles, ever the greedy, soothing gentleman, "We're just worried, Sakura-kun, no one wants to hurt you."

...right.

Maybe they were coming on a bit too strong. Sakura's trust in them was still a fragile thing, barely planted with a bud as new as spring flowers and... ah, Sugishita could do this metaphor better. Something, something, too much water and fertilizer at once?

Point is- they had to go slow. A little at a time.

"I- I knew that," their captain bristles defensively, his raised shoulders lowering as Nirei wraps himself around his arm again, "I just- I wasn't expecting to get grabbed-"

"Eh? But didn't Nire-chan and Suo-chan grab you just now?" Kiryu cuts in, returning from wherever he had disappeared to [Anzai feels a little bad for not noticing his departure] with a roll of bandages and cleaning solution.

Unsurprisingly, that just makes their captain flush darker.

"That-! That's different-"

Oh?

Anzai grins.

"Reeeally?" he leans close, but takes care not to brush against him just yet- there's already three people touching his bristly captain, and five in total crowding him- "Why is that?"

Distantly, he wonders if they make cosmetics in the color Sakura is turning. Maybe Tsuchiya would want some..

"They're-"

"Special?" Kiryuu heckles lightheartedly, leaning over Sugishita to gently pat the cleaning solution into the cuts.

Sakura doesn't even flinch. Anzai's chest squeezes again.

"H-Hey! Don't put words in my-"

"Aww, Sakura-kun. We're touched," because, of course, Suo had to rile him up even further, "We are your vice captains, after all. It makes sense."

Smug bastard.

"It's not like that- You volunteered for that role!" Sakura continues to deny, getting dangerously close to overheating, "You two just- don't... count. For some reason."

...he doesn't even realize.

He doesn't even realize!

Anzai has never been so jealous in his fucking life-

Nirei squeezes their grade captain's arm closer with sparkles in his big brown eyes, "Sakura-san..."

"So how did your knuckles end up like that anyway?" Anzai butts in, forcing his gaze to where Kiryu was gently taping the gauze down.

Sugishita was still holding Sakura's wrist still, but at least the limb wasn't trembling anymore. Still stiff as wood, though, but progress is progress so he'll keep his mouth shut.

Their grade captain goes silent- his ahoge practically crinkling from the heat emanating from his face.

The four look to Nirei.

"Ah, Sakura-san.." he prompts, patting his captive's elbow, "You should be the one to tell them!"

Suo squeezes his shoulders, curious himself.

Sakura stays silent.

"I bet it'll make them reeeally happy!"

....maybe the blond was more devious then they all thought.. or maybe Suo was just rubbing off on him too much. Either way, their captain relents the slightest bit.

"There was... a fight."

"Yeah.. we figured." Anzai can't help but deadpan.

And then he wants to kick himself, because Sakura was sharing and if Anzai was the one that made him retreat back into the shell everyone was trying to crack, then he'd never forgive himself-

Sugishita kicks his ankle for him. Which- surprising, but also fair.

"They were- saying shit. About Kiryu," it's honestly a miracle Sakura hasn't ground his teeth to dust yet, "'...'n Suo.... and Sugishita.."

Their bicolored captain raises his injured hand to the back of his head- out of Sugishita's surprise loosened grip- and ruffles up the strands as he attempts to glare holes into the edge of the desk. His face is as pink as his namesake.

"And you," Nirei tacks on, but Sakura just shakes his head.

"I don't care about that, they can say whatever they want about me- I'm used to it."

He shouldn't have to be used to it, they all think bitterly.

"But they don't know you guys," Sakura bulldozes before any of them can say as much, "It just- pissed me off."

That seems to be his limit, because as soon as that final word rings out he's whirling around hiding his face in Suo's shoulder. The eyepatched bastard is caught so off guard that it shows on his face.

"Oh my," he says, tentatively resting his hands on his captain's shoulders, and then he smiles again... all soft and unslimy-like that it's a little off putting, "So our dear Sakura-kun was defending our honor~ How sweet."

Sakura defended them.

Unlike his usual backhanded compliments, this one from Suo sounds so genuine.. Suo, Kiryu, hell even Sugishita look a little awed in different ways- though the blue-haired fanatic looks pissed about it a second later and puts his head back down against his desk. Kiryu pats his shoulder consolingly, clicking a million photos away on his phone of their bashful captain.

...Anzai'll have to pester him for some of those later.

Sakura weakly punches his vice's shoulder, his knuckles bright pink [seriously, is that healthy?] and his ears much the same.

Maybe they still had to go slow with their affection, still had to ween the bicolored boy off the loneliness that plagued him like an addiction, but the rewards were more than worth it.

How anyone could look at Sakura and not want him in their lives was a concept that Anzai couldn't grasp at all.

Sakura Haruka, the boy who jumped fist first into protecting those who couldn't- their grade captain that wanted all of them to be safe and made himself literally sick with worry after everything with Keel.

How could anybody not love him?

How could his old town look at him, truly look at him, and not want to crawl into his skin to make a home?

It was their loss, now, regardless.

Sakura Haruka belonged to Makochi.

And Makochi was greedy enough to want him all to themselves.

[idkyetxoxo]

Daemon Targaryen - Haunted

Summary - In the haunting halls of Dragonstone, she grapples with her intense, chaotic relationship with Daemon, a man of allure and destruction. Their fiery connection forces her to confront the dangerous allure of love and whether to embrace the storm or let it consume her.

Pairing - Daemon Targaryen x reader

Warnings - None

Word count - 3098

Masterlist for Daemon • House of the Dragon General Masterlist.

I know if I'm haunting you, you must be haunting me.

The halls of Dragonstone never seemed so empty until Daemon left.

There's a weight to them now, as if the stone remembers his presence. It presses down on me, crushing. Every corner of this cursed castle feels like his breath is still warm in the air, like his voice lingers, threading through the walls, searching for me.

He told me not to wait. He said it like he always says things: sharp, with a smile that never reaches his eyes.

"Don't wait for me."

I am waiting anyway. What choice do I have?

My footsteps echo down the corridors, but they sound too loud, too harsh—like an interruption. It feels like I'm walking through a dream, or a nightmare, as if I'll turn a corner and he'll be there. 

But I know better. Daemon does nothing without intention. He left with purpose, and yet—

I am waiting.

For him. For his return. For his chaos, for his words that bite as sweetly as they sting. For the way, his eyes darken when they find mine like I am the only thing in the world that holds him together. 

I've always been the one who lingers in his shadows, drawn to him like a moth to flame, and he—he lets me burn.

"What do you want?" he had asked once, his voice curling around the words like a threat. "Say it."

I didn't say it then. I couldn't. I couldn't let him know the depth of this madness. But I think he knows. He always knows.

And that is why he left.

I pause in the doorway of his chambers, the air in here thick with memory. The scent of him lingers—fire, leather, and something darker, something dangerous. 

My fingers graze the bedpost. It's cold. The sheets are untouched as if mocking me with the space he used to occupy, with the hollow where his body should be.

"You'll forget me," he said, laughing as he leaned close, his lips brushing the shell of my ear. "In time."

He knew that wasn't true. I've known it since the first time he looked at me—when those sharp, violet eyes cut through me like a blade. 

From that moment on, Daemon Targaryen has haunted every breath I take.

I close my eyes, letting the memory of his touch ghost over my skin. His hands—rough and calloused from swordplay—had once lingered on my throat, not enough to hurt, just enough to remind me. Of who I am. Of who he is.

"You think you can control me?" I'd whispered, the words trembling from my lips.

His smile had been cruel, intoxicating. "I already do."

And he was right. He was always right.

I open my eyes, but nothing changes. The room is just as cold, just as empty. He left me here to drown in this silence, knowing it would consume me, knowing I would never stop thinking of him. 

That I would chase the ghost of him until it drove me mad.

His voice is still there, in my head. "You'll come back to me. I know you will."

I want to scream, to tear down these walls until they crumble beneath my hands until I can escape the weight of him. But I don't. I can't. 

Because there's a part of me that doesn't want to escape. That craves the madness, the chaos, the him of it all.

He consumes me, even in his absence.

I remember the first time he spoke my name, the way it slipped from his lips like a secret, and how it felt to be pulled into his orbit, the world around us fading as I became lost in his gaze.

"Daemon," I whisper, tasting the name like poison and honey on my tongue. "Why did you leave me?"

I half expect an answer. But all I get is the crackle of the fire in the hearth, casting shadows that dance eerily along the walls. They look like dragons, like him—fierce, wild, untamable. 

My heart pounds in my chest, and for a moment, I imagine I can hear his heartbeat beneath mine, feel his presence behind me, his breath hot on my neck.

But it's just the wind, whistling through the cracks.

"I didn't leave you."

The words aren't real. They're just a memory. But I turn anyway, expecting—no, hoping—that he'll be standing there, leaning against the doorframe with that cocky smirk that makes my stomach twist, makes my breath catch. 

He's not. Of course, he's not.

But he will be. I know it. I can feel it in my bones, in the way the air seems to hum with his presence, even though he's gone. He always comes back. And when he does—

"You'll never leave me," I had said once, my fingers clutching his wrist like a lifeline.

He had laughed, but there was no humour in it. "You'll have to kill me first."

Maybe I would. Maybe I'd drive a blade through his heart if it meant keeping him here, with me, always. 

Or maybe I'd just let him kill me instead.

Because if there's one thing I've learned in all the time I've spent chasing him, loving him, fearing him—it's this: Daemon Targaryen is as much a part of me as the blood in my veins, and there's no escaping him.

Not now.

Not ever.

The fire has burned down to embers by the time I finally let myself sit on the edge of his bed, the cold seeping through my skin, the emptiness unbearable. 

My fingers trace patterns on the stone, aimless, lost. I know I should leave, yet I stay here, surrounded by the remnants of him. The memory of him.

A chill prickles the back of my neck, something like a whisper, like his voice, but—real. Too real. I freeze, and then—

"Is this what you've been doing?" The voice cuts through the silence like a knife, sharp, mocking, pulling at the edges of me.

My breath hitches, and my heart stumbles in my chest.

I turn slowly, and there he is. Daemon. Leaning casually in the doorway, one shoulder against the frame, a shadow draped over him like a cloak. 

His eyes gleam in the dim light, narrowed with a cruel amusement, lips twisted into that infuriating smirk that always unravels me.

He's back.

"Daemon," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. But there's no need for volume. He hears me. He always does.

He steps forward, the movement languid, predatory. Every inch of him commands attention, his presence dominating the room in a way that makes my pulse race. And he knows it.

"I told you not to wait," he says, his tone a mockery of concern, of care. The words roll off his tongue, casual, like a game he knows he's already won.

But there's something darker beneath the surface of his gaze, something possessive, something that says he wanted me to wait—needed it, even.

"And yet, here you are," I murmur, my voice steadier now, though my heart betrays me, hammering in my chest.

He smiles, slow and dangerous like the very act of it is a warning. "You think I wouldn't come back?"

I don't answer, because the truth is—no. I never doubted it. Not really.

His eyes flicker, tracing the outline of my body as if I am nothing more than a prize to him, something to be claimed. 

His steps are slow, deliberate, and my breath catches as he finally reaches me, towering above where I sit. His hand lifts, fingers tilting my chin upward until I meet his gaze, his touch searing, possessive.

"Did you miss me?" he asks, and the question is a trap. I can feel it, the weight of it, pressing down on me.

I swallow hard, my throat tight. "Yes." The word is soft, vulnerable, and it feels like surrender, like I've laid myself bare before him.

Daemon's lips twitch, something almost like satisfaction in his eyes as his thumb brushes over my lower lip, lingering there. 

His touch is both tender and cruel, like a promise and a threat all at once.

"You always miss me." His voice is low, rough, and it sends a shiver down my spine. "No matter how far I go, no matter how long I'm gone, you'll always be here. Waiting. Haunted."

The word stings, the truth of it cutting deeper than I want to admit. But he's right. He's always right.

I close my eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of his presence, the suffocating reality of it. 

Even now, when he's here, when he's touching me, I can't escape the feeling that I'm still chasing him. Still running after something I'll never quite catch.

"Why?" I whisper, not sure what I'm asking. Why did he come back? Why does he torment me like this? Why do I let him?

Daemon's fingers tighten on my chin, forcing my eyes open again, locking me in place. His smile fades, replaced by something darker, something raw. "Because you belong to me."

The castle breathes around us, its ancient stones echoing with secrets, but in this moment, it feels like the world has shrunk to just the two of us. 

Daemon's presence is overwhelming, a storm that wraps around me, making it hard to think, to breathe. I can't help but lean into him, feeling the heat radiating off his skin.

His fingers graze my cheek, a fleeting caress that ignites a fire beneath my skin. I close my eyes again, allowing the sensation to wash over me, drowning in the memory of his touch. 

This is how it always is with him—intoxicating, exhilarating, terrifying.

"You're beautiful when you're lost in thought," he murmurs, his voice low, like velvet wrapped around steel. "But you should be careful. I might just keep you trapped here forever."

His words twist something deep inside me, a delicious mix of fear and longing. I open my eyes, meeting his gaze, and the intensity there sends a thrill racing through me. 

"What makes you think I'd want to leave?" I challenge my voice a mix of defiance and yearning.

A flash of surprise crosses his face, quickly replaced by that familiar smirk. 

"I underestimated you, didn't I?" he says, leaning closer, his breath hot against my lips. The distance between us shrinks, and I feel the world tilt as he tilts his head, studying me as if I were an intriguing puzzle he couldn't resist.

"I want to be here," I say, the words tumbling out before I can stop them. "With you. Always."

His eyes darken, something primal stirring in their depths. "You don't know what you're asking for."

"Try me." 

The challenge dances on my tongue, and I can't help but feel empowered by the look in his eyes, the way they glitter like obsidian under the faint light of the hearth. 

The shadows play tricks, deepening the lines of his jaw, the sharp angles of his face, and I can't resist reaching out, tracing a finger along his collarbone, feeling the muscles beneath his shirt twitch at my touch.

His breath catches, and the surprise in his eyes ignites a flicker of satisfaction within me. 

I know I shouldn't provoke him, shouldn't tease the beast, but there's something intoxicating about this moment, about the way he seems to come alive beneath my touch.

"You think you know me," he says, his voice a low rumble, almost a warning.

I lean closer, heart racing, and whisper, "I want to know you. All of you."

His gaze darkens, and for a moment, I can see the monster lurking beneath the surface. The Daemon who is fierce, relentless, and so utterly captivating. 

The man who could destroy kingdoms but chooses to haunt my dreams instead.

He captures my wrist, his grip firm but gentle, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. 

"You think I'll let you walk away after this?" His eyes blaze with intensity, and I realize that he's not just referring to this moment, but to everything we are.

"And if I say I don't want to?" I whisper, leaning into his hold, feeling the pulse of something wild and dangerous between us.

His lips curl into a smile, wicked and knowing. "Then I suppose you're mine to keep."

A thrill of excitement courses through me. The weight of his words settles in my chest like a stone, heavy and undeniable. 

"What if I don't want to be kept?" I say, forcing myself to sound brave, though my heart races at the thought of what it means to truly belong to him.

"Ah," he breathes, stepping back just slightly, his expression contemplative, almost amused. "You think you have a choice?"

In that moment, I realize—maybe I don't. The thought is exhilarating, terrifying. 

I'm teetering on the edge of a precipice, and all I can do is stare into the depths of his eyes, seeing the abyss reflected there.

"I want you, Daemon," I confess, my voice breaking as the truth spills forth, raw and unfiltered. "I want everything that comes with you."

He studies me, and I can see the conflict warring behind his gaze—dark desire mingling with something deeper. "You don't understand the darkness you're inviting in."

I nod, swallowing hard, but I can't back down now. "I've always known. But maybe that's what I want."

He steps forward again, closing the space between us, and I can feel the heat radiating off him, pulling me closer, binding me to him. 

His fingers slide along my jawline, tilting my head back until our eyes lock, and for a moment, the world fades into a soft blur.

"Then you'll have to be prepared," he murmurs, his voice a dangerous caress. "For everything I have to give. Everything I am."

His lips brush against mine again, teasingly, igniting a fire within me that feels like it could consume us both. But I don't care. 

I want the burn. I want to be consumed.

As his kiss deepens, I lose myself in the moment, drowning in the sensation of him—his taste, his warmth, his essence. 

My fingers tangle in his hair, pulling him closer, feeling the roughness of his stubble against my skin, the way he responds to my touch with a low growl that vibrates through me.

Time slips away, and all that exists is the two of us—lost in each other, wrapped in this chaotic whirlwind of emotion. He pulls me flush against him, and I can feel the strength in his body, the power that comes with being Daemon Targaryen.

But there's something else there too—something raw and vulnerable that he rarely shows. 

I can sense it, the shadow lurking just beneath the surface, the reminder that he is both predator and prey in this twisted dance we share.

"Tell me," he breathes against my lips, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine. "What do you want from me?"

I hesitate, the weight of the question pressing on me. I want to say everything, to lay my soul bare before him. But the words elude me. Instead, I whisper, "I want you to stay."

He pulls back slightly, his expression unreadable. "And if I can't?"

Panic bubbles up within me, the thought of him leaving again, and I grab his shirt, pulling him closer. "Then I'll find a way to bring you back. I'll chase you, Daemon."

His eyes flash, a mixture of surprise and something darker, something that sends a thrill racing through me. "And what if I don't want to be found?"

"You're a Targaryen," I say, my voice steadying as I meet his gaze. "You're meant to be hunted. To be chased."

The corner of his mouth lifts in that infuriating smile, one that sends my heart racing. "Perhaps you're right. But you should know—hunting a Targaryen comes with its own dangers."

"I'm not afraid," I say, and it's true. I'm not afraid of him, of the darkness, of the chaos that surrounds him. I want it. I crave it.

Daemon studies me, the intensity of his gaze unyielding. "You should be."

Before I can respond, he captures my lips again, this kiss deeper, more consuming. I lose myself in him, the world around us fading, the weight of our desires crashing together like waves against the shore.

When we finally pull apart, both of us breathless, I feel alive in a way I never have before, and the fear that had gripped me earlier seems to evaporate in the wake of his presence.

"What are we doing?" I ask, the question slipping from my lips before I can stop myself.

He smirks, the glimmer of mischief returning to his eyes. "Something reckless."

I laugh, a sound filled with both joy and desperation. "That's an understatement."

Daemon leans closer, his breath brushing against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "But it feels so good, doesn't it? To be lost in this madness."

"Yes," I admit, my heart racing as his words weave through me, wrapping around my soul.

The fire crackles in the hearth, casting flickering shadows against the walls, and I feel the air hum with unspoken promises, a charge that pulls us closer, tethering us together. 

This is our fate, our shared darkness, and I can't help but surrender to it.

I reach for him again, wanting to close the distance, to feel the warmth of his body against mine. "Daemon," I whisper, feeling the weight of his gaze on me, searching, seeking something within me.

He captures my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine, and I can feel the heat radiating between us. It feels like a vow, like a promise that he won't leave me again, that I won't let him.

"You're the only thing that keeps me grounded," he confesses, his voice low, heavy with meaning. "In this world of shadows and chaos, you're my light."

The words hit me like a physical blow, and I meet his gaze, searching for the truth in his eyes. There's vulnerability there, a flicker of something deeper, something that feels almost like hope.

"And you're my darkness," I reply, the admission heavy with the weight of our connection, our intertwined fates.

He smirks, but the expression is softer now, more genuine. "Then let's embrace it."

With that, he pulls me closer again, and this time, it feels different—more profound, more electric. We're entwined in this dance of chaos and passion, two souls drawn together by forces beyond our control.

As we sink back into each other, the shadows in the room deepen, swirling around us like a living entity, and I realize: this is what it means to be haunted. 

To be entwined in a web of desire, fear, and love, both beautiful and terrible.

The fire crackles in the hearth, the world outside fading away, and for now, we are lost in each other—two ghosts navigating the darkness, together.

I know if I'm onto you, you must be onto me.

A/n - I think this is the longest one-shot ive written but I love it, obviously inspo comes from the song 'Haunted' by Beyonce and once I started writing I didn't wanna stop, it's such a Daemon coded song <3

[polarolds]

hiii i js wanna know if you have any ellabs fic recommendations?

hi anon! hoo boy i definitely have a few! here are some favourites that come to mind:

Unbroken by thedreadslayer

nobody is surprised, yall know i'm a slut for this fic as i've drawn fanart for it multiple times (and still have doodles and full ass comic pages that i haven't shared to tumblr).

This is THE ellabs fic in my mind. The character moments, the dialogue, the settings, the atmosphere... the slowburn is SO well-written. it is basically tlou 3 for me because reading it really captures the feeling of playing the actual games 😭😭 still ongoing but so many chapters to enjoy. There are SO many great key moments (don't want to spoil, but i'm looking at you chapters 10, 17, 21 and 26), but even the small, quiet interactions stand out to me. have admittedly re-read it more than once,,, maybe more than twice,,,

two hands digging in each other's wounds by michirukaioh

i believe this was the first ellabs fic i've read!! and it is a classic. Love this one for the progression of the ellabs relationship, but also for dear sweet lev and his interactions with ellie. Love the big reveals towards the end of the story with a new character that is introduced - keeping it vague because of spoilers. And the beach scene near the end is chef's kiss iykyk.

i've admittedly not been keeping up well with the sequel because i've been super busy and wanted to marathon the whole thing at some point, but would recommend checking it out too! both parts are complete :)

The Way Sorrow Tastes by painted__black

really interesting premise where abby and lev show up in Jackson at the start of the story and we see how all the survivors of tlou2 deal with the fallout. the continuation of the use of abby's dreams as a manifestation of her trauma/guilt was also interesting to me. starts pretty dark and gets even darker as we move further in the story, but still very good all the same. sadly idk if the story will be continued :( one can hope

oh, and I drew something for this one too! hehe

tail lights by junewax

another goodie and i loved how Cat (a character only mentioned in tlou2) comes into play in this story. i really like the feel and atmosphere of this story idk how else to describe it - it just captures a certain vibe that i really dug yknow? completed fic.

Both Sides Now by Fuckingvideogames

AU where ellie leaves Jackson after finding out the truth about the FireFlies from Joel and stumbles into Seattle. i LOVE this concept so much and this was such an interesting read. we get some nice early ellabs moments, and also get to see ellie interact with the Salt Lake Crew. sadly another fic which i don't think will be finished, but very much still worth checking out!!

and since this post is getting kind of long, here are links to some other fics i really enjoyed!

iron to the core by houndstoothed

bone chill by houndstoothed

Afterlife by maharetr

Assumptions by inspoburst

hope you find something you like fellow ellabs-enjoying anon! :'D and thanks for the ask <3

[that-guy-sleepy-miles]

Red King Design Notes

I got a single request to explain Red King's design, so I'm going feral! This will have notes based on AU lore (events), 'lore' (character relationships), and things I noticed in the show! (This one is for you, @daikon-dimes <3)

Let's start from the top and move down!

‎Red King's horns!

Firstly, her "Proud Horns"! The color is a deep-red version of DBK's old horn color, and the shape is based on Princess Iron Fan's bull-horn hairstyle!

And then her "Transportation Horns". These are a slightly darker color than the Proud Horns and their shape is based on PIF's hair and also vaguely based on DBK's horns.

That actually brings us to...

Bangs like Mama and Red King's tiara!

Okay, horn lore:

Red King had eaten a monk and then took a killer fucking nap—like she CONKED OUT—and she woke up with big ol bull horns (magical power expression* has to go somewhere, and she's not really using it or feeling anything right then) and she was like "oh, dude, what the fuck", and then freaks out because she can't balance herself anymore

After being freaked out for a while, she demanded that the nearest bull clone get her a mirror.

She looks at herself in the mirror (she's learned how to balance at this point, good for her), she touches her horns, and she goes,

"Heh. Like Mother's hair."

And, even though she and her mother are in the middle of essentially a Cold War, she finds her mother's old tiara and puts her hair around her horns like her mom's… decorative hairstyle? whatever we'd call that. like the way her mom serves massive cunt 25/8—because she loves her mom more than anything else. (No matter how much of a raging ******* PIF is being. God, why is she like that sometimes???)

(The Eternal Fire design has sidebangs that are reminiscent of PIF's but more silky and flowy.)

Bull Fam Huadian and Bindi

The Eternal Slumber design has a huadian (a form of traditional Chinese ornamental forehead makeup, which is located between the eyebrows and sometimes on the cheeks, the temples, and the dimples) shaped like the Demon Bull family crest instead of the traditional flower petals. This is because of the idea that Red Son's "red dot" is a huadian, which I've seen floating around quite a bit, but I'm 99% sure it's a bindi.

It's in the right spot for a bindi and the wrong spot for a huadian, it looks like a bindi and doesn't look like a huadian—it's a bindi. I don't know if this is still going on (people thinking it's a huadian/saying it's a huadian/drawing it as a huadian), but it's a bindi. It's a bindi guys.

(Because of Red Son's tendency for overly expressive downturned eyebrows and the inconsistency of hand-drawn animation, it's hard to tell, but the "red dot" is seemingly intended to be slightly above and between his eyebrows, not high above on his forehead. You can tell on screenshots where it's on his forehead that it's in the wrong spot, it's actually really fun.)

Also, the people on the wiki call it a "forehead dot" and I'm so...

Anyway, in her Eternal Fire design, Red King's bindi returns! This is because her time with MK has "reignited her inferno", and she is returning to herself! With her bindi! Welcome back, pookie bear!!!

and on the note of her "reigniting her inferno", her Eternal Fire design has the same eyebrow makeup as the Red Son minifig!

Her Samadhi Ring

In the Red King AU, Red Son is allowed to keep his/her ring of Samadhi for a number of reasons. Importantly, DBK and PIF let Red Son their ring because it is their power—Red Son was born with the Samadhi Fire, and it's an expression of their power. They are a family obsessed with power for a good while, so in the Red King AU, DBK and PIF felt it cruel to strip their only child of their power and of the remainder of it. The thought also was that, as the creator of the fire, Red Son would have the most incentive to keep the ring safe. They'd certainly never lose it, like some people.

(Fun fact, this means that DBK's nose ring is the other way around like it was in his younger years. That's just a really silly detail, but like... they match <3)

Red King's Hair Highlights (and Their Relation to Red Son’s Magic Expression and the Samadhi Fire)

(By the way, the Eternal Slumber design has more chaotic shines because her hair isn't brushed, and the Eternal Fire design has more uniform/put-together shines because her hair is being taken care of.)

Red King has shiny hair, and that's not just to look cool. To explain why, I had to make a giant post about the LEGO Monkie Kid Magic System. I go in-depth about Red Son at the end of that post, but I'll give a TLDR here:

Red Son has a wholly unique form of expressing magic among demons, gods, dragons, descendants, reincarnations, and everything in-between (the in-between being Red Son himself, MK, Wukong, and Macaque [Red Son is half-god, half-demon; MK was intended to be a mystic monkey but got his genetics messed with; Wukong and Macaque are mystic monkeys outside of any of the 10 species, they just need to be noted here [Their magic is completely conventional, they're just crazy strong]). His body, and specifically his hair, is directly connected to his magic in a way that's different from other characters for reasons we can only speculate.

Because Red King is stronger than Red Son (and has a link to the Samadhi Fire), she has many large hair highlights! Generally, they're condensed into one or two large shapes, but smaller highlights around a large shape are also acceptable. :]

Outfits

Eternal Slumber wears zhong yi (middle clothes), a longer version of Red Son's robe from season 3, and Red Son's sandals from season 3. (I call those house shoes but the model sheet says sandals.)

Zhong yi were worn under normal clothing in Hanfu, and often worn to bed. Some posts about zhong yi: 1, 2, 3. Because Red King is... well... sleeping often but in a regal way, she wears zhong yi instead of modern sleepwear. Her robe is also longer to evoke the fact that it is a robe and she is a king.

Eternal Fire wears a sleeveless version of Red Son's coat with a gold trim. This gold trim is actually because of something on Red Son's page on the Monkie Kid Wiki! Okay, so, I'm so autistic that part of my LMK Special Interest (it's been 4 years, so this is officially a special interest) actually extends to the Wiki... and on Red Son's Wiki page, there is something so fun!!

On Red Son's Minifigure–show comparison, the screenshot used to compare contains a coloring error! Red Son's collar is actually his skin tone! And I LOVE THAT. NOBODY TELL THEM. IF YOU ARE A WIKI EDITOR AND YOU'RE READING THIS, DON'T FIX IT!!!

I love coloring errors and I love mistakes. Not only is there the original coloring error (the mark of a human being; someone worked on this scene and they made a mistake and now we can see it and see them! It's as if their memory is saying hello, and that's why I love coloring errors), but someone else missed it, and now it has been used to represent this character's design as a whole (a SECOND human being!! Hello!! You've been here, and you didn't catch something, and now I'll always remember you were here!).

And that's why I don't want it to be fixed. I know it should be fixed, and I know the Wiki is a source of knowledge, but I also just... love people so much... and I decided to remember the coloring error by giving Red King's coat a gold trim. <3 (I was going to keep it to the collar like the coloring error, but it didn't look good.)

Other notes:

She's wearing armbands like she did when she was a baby because the Eternal Fire design is her "returning to herself."

The ballroom gloves are just sexy like that. Make MK go Looney Tunes. (And the wristbands are for the same purpose.)

S H A N T S

Uhhh that's it! Thank you!! <3 <3 <3 <3!!