#I'll try to draw a different couple for each prompt

[yarrowdraws]

Sapphic Disco Week (hosted by @vickriarts ) Day 1 - Favorite female character

I've drawn Cindy so many times that I thought I'd try something different - a punk zine/riso print inspired poster of Cindy, using photobashing

I love Cindy so much she's so cool and funny <33

[blackboard-monitor]

how i've finished inktober every year for eight years and counting

Every time I mention around other artists that I finish inktober every year (meaning I draw and ink 31 drawings, one every day in October), I get questions like "how???", so I figured I'd make a post about it on the off chance it's helpful to someone. Please note that all my advice is based on my personal experience and you're a different person so what works for me may not work for you, and you can do whatever you want forever.

What it boils down to for me is two basic rules: 1) keep it simple and 2) manage your expectations.

Tools

Paper/sketchbook

I started my first inktober in my journal at the time, and because I'm neurotic like that, I've had to do every subsequent inktober in whatever journal I was using at that point.

The benefit of this is that each journal has had a page size of A5 or smaller, which can be tricky when trying to get in a lot of detail, but on the other hand forces you to limit the size of your drawings to a pretty managable size.

Paper type can also be important! Last year in 2023, my journal was a Moleskine sketchbook (image 1), which was actually designed to handle some degree of wet media, which was a game-changer for me as an ink wash enjoyer. Don't get me wrong, I've been using ink washes in most of my previous journals as well, but inking is a lot nicer when your paper isn't constantly buckling (image 2) or pilling and the ink isn't bleeding all over the place, inclunding through the page (image 3). Pages that stay flat instead of buckling are also a lot easier to scan or photograph, if like me you want to post your art online.

In short, my inktober paper recommendation is to use a sketchbook no larger than A5, and go for one with nice, thick paper if you intend to use wet media.

Sketching

I sketch everything with a single 6H pencil that I got from my brother in 2019. Because the lead is so hard, it allows me to scribble to my heart's content without the sketch getting too dark or hard to erase. Sometimes I'll refine the sketch with a HB mechanical pencil, which shows up really nicely on top of the 6H lines, but I may skip that step if I'm feeling lazy or the first sketch is clean enough.

Inking

I've used a variety of art supplies in my inktober drawings. For the most part I've always stuck to greyscale, with the exception of a couple of red or gold accents some years.

My main inktober tools are a set of Micron fineliners in various sizes, and liquid India ink, which I use with a dip pen and with brushes. I usually mix up a mid-tone ink wash in a small bottle, and use that throughout the month.

Fineliners pros: portable, require minimal setup, can use on the sofa or in bed or wherever Fineliners cons: creating texture and filling large areas is a lot more time-consuming. In 2021 I did inktober exclusively in fineliner because I was tired and couldn't be bothered to deal with liquid ink, but I ended up spending more time than maybe ever on the drawings because it took so long to add texture with pens.

Ink pros: you can achieve small details with a dip pen as well as quick texture and fill in large areas with a brush and ink washes Ink cons: can be messy (protip from 2022 Liekki, don't spill ink water all over your laptop), usually you have to sit at a table of some kind, you need to wash your brushes and dip pens, if your paper isn't designed for wet media, it'll buckle or bleed

Pick your inking tools and techniques based on how much time you have!

Prompts/ideas/subject matter

I've always stuck to the "official" prompt list, because it brings me joy to scroll through the tag of the day on instagram and see how others interpreted the same prompt. Or, rather, it used to bring me joy to do this, until instagram's enshittification stole our ability to look at tags. Maybe I'll have some luck with that on Cara going forward; here's hoping.

As for ideas, sometimes they come easy, sometimes it's like pulling teeth and I have to enlist all my friends to brainstorm with me (sorry, y'all). When in doubt, draw the first thing that comes to mind when you read the prompt; don't overthink it (like I often do). I like to try to come up with a less obvious interpretation of a prompt, but this is also where I often get stuck and have to harass my loved ones for ideas. Sometimes it helps to relate the prompt to a tv show/book/etc. you're into; I've done quite a bit of inktober fanart, as well as art of various DnD cahracters from games I've played/DM'd. If all else fails, just look at what everyone else is drawing that day.

Time management

Be realistic about how much time you have in a day to work on inktober, and then set your expectations accordingly. If you only have an hour, stick to a size and level of detail that you can realistically finish in an hour. I've done some very quick scribbles in my years of inktober when I've been busy that day.

My personal philosophy is that I try not to plan too much ahead; I don't do any sketching until day of, and ideally I don't try to come up with ideas for a prompt or at least decide on an idea until the day before at the earliest. Containing each drawing in one day helps me have realistic expectations of what's doable. This does mean drawing late into the night sometimes after procrastinating or struggling to find an idea all day, but it's what works for me.

If your goal is to complete inktober, it's better to do a small shitty drawing in ten minutes than to fall behing by starting something way too ambitious that you'll never be able to finish in a day.

Secret third rule!

Accept the fact that you aren't going to be happy with every drawing.

Inktober was created as an exercise to practice inking. Think of your drawings as sketches, not finished masterpieces. Some of them will be bad, at least in your own eyes. Sometimes you'll put a lot of effort into something that just doesn't work out. For example:

To quote Joe Hills, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the definition of practice. So you fucked up today's drawing. Tomorrow is a new day – that's the beauty of inktober. "Ever tried, ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." (Samuel Beckett) Progress isn't linear, either; some years are consistently mediocre, other years it's all over the place with a couple bangers and a couple really shitty ones.

Every inktober I've made drawings I love,

drawings I'm indifferent to,

and drawings that straight up suck.

And I'm at peace with that.

Thanks for reading what turned into a pretty long post, and I hope some of it was helpful. Happy inktobering!

[wayfayrr]

🦆 anon is ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s been a minute, life been hectic for a while 😩 but I’m hoping that starting today, I’ll get a bit of free time to peruse my favorite blogs!!! So, how have you been? Busy? Have you been drinking enough water? Stay hydrated all you thirsty hoes out there!!! 😁

Anyway! Trying to catch up on stuff I’ve missed…

Agreed, sleep is for the weak. I shall sleep when I am dead. Not even the eepy meds work anymore.

*Gasp!* an anniversary? Of your first LU fic? Congrats!

A raffle? Noice! Can’t wait to see what the winners come up with.

Few sentences prompts??? Love it!!! Number 7 plz and make it hurt if possible. I like angst.

Recently saw a YT short that gave me a new idea… it’s a different kind of “self aware” ask. What if the boys in game aren’t self aware… but your drawings of them are? I’ll link the short, don’t worry. But this creator drew their characters and did an animation of them actually being alive and interacting with them and even the other drawings. Thought it was a cool idea to share with the self aware boys being actual drawings that were drawn by reader lol! Actually… that would make reader their actual creator… the ideas are turning in my head with this one~

https://youtube.com/shorts/OcGy7QwN3Lc?si=1HpoRtt_PS7Q5BAG

It's good to see you duck!!! it's been a bit and I hope you're doing well!!! Stuff's been getting better for me, Had an interview for a job just after getting this ask and I'm waiting to hear back now.

It's really funny too cause I track my sleep and just every morning when I check now the time asleep is just gradually getting less and less lol

And yeah! It's been a little over a year since I've started creating for linked universe now, and it's been an amazing time <33 met some truly wonderful people cause of it

7 (silent fury) seems to be the most popular prompt asfvdsvgsdfgv this is actually the 3rd ask I've gotten with it (but I'm gonna write another mini one anyway, wild rather than time for this one >:D)

He knew he was a failure. The first moments of his, truly his own memories and not another life half-remembered, was being told that he failed after all. That he died when the hero was supposed to prosper. That didn't make what he was going through any easier. And wallowing in his regrets wouldn't help you feel safe again. The chain all knew your boundaries, they all knew to ask you your opinions. To make sure that you were comfortable. But villagers didn't. And wild wasn't fast enough to be your hero. He was fine not being Hyrule's, as long as he could be yours that's all he could ever long for. But he failed you. Comforting you wasn't even an option with how you'd locked yourself away in your room, away from everything while you coped. Leaving the only way to take out his burning fury to find the person who dared to lay a hand on you. He couldn't fail you again.

[Prompt list]

I've been seeing that trend too!! Its one that I really like - and I've actually been sent a couple by dms lol it's a really interesting take on the au, and it's just fun in general really. Although I'll probably stay away from the creator == being treated as a deity cause it's kinda an ick for me (it's just a trope I don't like tbh, each to their own but I won't write/read it) but them thinking they have more of a right to be closer to you? the way it could cause arguments if they met the originals? oh there is so much potential for it as an idea honestly

[simpingcowboy]

🌈Pride On Navarro🌈

Pairing: Trans!Din x GN!Reader, reader is implied to be queer

Word Count: 1.9K

Warnings: allusions to transphobia, discussions of queer visibility, coming out, grogus says trans rights

Summary: After settling down on Navarro with Din and Grogu, a new celebration comes to town!

A/N: HAPPY PRIDE!! This was written as part of @flightlessangelwings 's pride celebration!! I used their photo prompt(the large pride flag photo above!) and their dialogue prompts "Do you trust me?" "Hold my hand tight. I'll protect you." This was a bit rushed, but I hope you still enjoy <3 This is also the first trans!din writing to include Grogu!!

Trans!Din Masterlist

It’d been less than a month since you’d first settled on Navarro. The humble two room cabin quickly became home to your clan of three. The morning, as most were, was slow. The twin suns are just beginning their journey through the sky, marking their path with a burnt orange hue. Grogu was content by the pond, refining his Jedi powers through his daily meditations. You watched him closely, keeping an eye out for Din; who had already headed out to care for the ranch you three resided on.

Though most of Navarro was typically just beginning to rise- there seemed to be an unusual amount of commotion on the horizon where the town center stood. You noted a mass amount of ships docking. Though there'd been many new arrivals as part of a reconstruction efforts, these ones seemed…different from the usual material deliveries. There were some standard carrier ships. Some vendors, the ones who hopped planet to planet selling their fine goods. A couple of personal ships. But most strangely were the rounds of passenger ships. Hoards of people seemed to be flooding the gates of Navarro, eager to breach the inner city.

“Cyar’ika?” A familiar modulated voice behind you interrupts. “What are you looking at?” Din approaches. Coming round to your side, shoulder rubbing against yours.

“The ships…there’s so many today.”

“Mmm I noticed too.” He confirms. “Karga hasn’t notified me of any disturbance-”

“No. I don’t think it’s anything like that. Look.” You say, pointing to the branded vendor ships. “Vendors…maybe a market?”

Din looks over the horizon, the heat signatures on his visor affirming the large crowds. “A big one.”

“Would you like to-?” At that moment you’re cut off by an insistent tugging at the hem of your bottoms. A familiar womp rat prying for your attention. You chuckle as you pick him up. “I think Grogu would like to go.” He makes a happy sound, purring under your touch.

Din sighs, seeming hesitant.

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen Karga…I’m sure he’d like to hear how we're settling in.”

He grumbles, never liking going into a situation blind. But his apprehension is quickly dissolved when Grogu coos. Batting his big brown eyes up at Din. A small pout plastered on his sweet face. Din huffs, giving Grogu a pat on the head. That is all the convincing it takes.

The entrance archway is decorated in an unusual fashion. An assortment of brightly colored paper is swirled around the entirety of its length. A steady flow of confetti raining over the town. Peeking down the streets, you see vendors crowding the narrow streets. Flags of various colors and designs are hung up around town. Though your first assumption was that they belonged to different planets, as the large pride flag standing in the center of town comes into view…their meaning becomes very clear. You can’t help but smile, squeezing Din’s hand just a little tighter. Grogu’s eyes are wide as he takes in the beautiful array of colors. Each glimmering under the bright light of Navarro’s two suns.

Approaching the entrance, you see a table of pins. Small buttons of varying pride flags sit to your side, but before you have time to draw Din’s attention to it Grogu has already done so.

“No! Grogu! Put it down!”

You hear Din scold from behind you. Turning around you see the Din helplessly trying to wrestle the colorful pin out of Grogu’s mouth.

“Not food!” Din continues. He’s unsuccessful in his battle. Not getting Grogu to release the button until he decides the bitter metal is not an acceptable snack. “Dank ferrick kid…” He huffs, assessing the button in his hand. His helmet tilting as he surveys the curious array of colors. Finally, turning to you he asks “Cyar'ika, what is this?”

You smile at him, taking the pin in hand and wiping it of any remaining mess. “It’s a pride pin. Not for eating.” You emphasize, throwing a pointed look towards Grogu. “Like a mini flag to represent who you are. Each flag means something different.” Din and Grogu watch closely as you explain. “This one represents all queer genders and sexualities. It’s for everyone.” You say smiling as you attach the rainbow pin to Grogu’s collar. His small hands delicately run over the smooth surface.

“What are these other ones?” Din pulls your attention to the table, looking over the various colors.

“Well let’s see…” You discuss the ones you knew, before landing on the one you’d been searching for. “And this is your flag!” You say with a smile, holding out the trans flag pin out to Din.

His body stiffens, his face under the helmet suddenly getting very hot. “Cyar’ika can I-? S-should I?” Din asks nervously. You catch the frantic glaces he shoots into the crowd, and the uncertain sigh that escapes him as he looks at the child. “E-everyone will know…” he says quietly.

You retract your hands, covering the flag. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to wear it."

Din stops you, putting a hand over yours. "I want to but…"

Though words fail him, but you understand. There's a weight that comes with making yourself visible. Vulnerable. To identify himself in a way he's never done so publicly. Especially in front of friends. Before a whole town who knew and respected him. Though he held no reservations about holding you at his side, this was something more personal. Unearthing a struggle he'd been more than happy to bury and move on from since his teenage years. Though his fears were real, the banners of color that swirled around you told you he’d be safe here.

“Do you trust me?” You ask, placing one hand on his beskar-covered chest.

He nods hesitantly. His breath catches in his throat as he watches you carefully attach the blue, pink, and white pin to his cape.

“You’re safe here Din.” You affirm softly. “We’re safe here.” You reach to the table for a pin of your own, quickly pinning it to your top.

His body eases as he sees you attach your own pin. A small coo from his side pulls his attention. Grogu leans forward in his carrier, reaching out for the mandalorian. Din picks him up, sitting the child in his strong arms. Grogu’s small hands grab curiously at his father’s pin. Under the helmet, he goes warm. Turning to you he asks, “Do you think he knows?”

Looking down at the child, you’re certain. He’s not shy or confused. Perhaps it is something in his Jedi nature, but he seems unphased by this information. Something about his reaction makes you think he always knew. “He knows.” You say with a soft smile; enjoying the tender moment Grogu nuzzles his head against Din’s helmet.

The mandalorian leans into the hug. “Thanks kid…” he says quietly, silently struggling to keep it together. After a moment they pull away, the child happily cooing.

“Well, should we go look around?” You offer.

The pair nod. Din continues to hold Grogu in his arms, unwilling to let go of him. The comfort Grogu provides him is too good to give up at the moment. Catching onto Din’s nerves you slip your hand into his free one. Leaning in you whisper. “Hold my hand. I’ll protect you.”

Din can’t help, but chuckle. Though he was certainly the more intimating of the two of you, he can’t deny the feeling of safety he gets from holding your hand.

The market is beautiful. Bright colors adorning each pop-up vendor. You’re sure to stop by some of Grogu’s favorite stores in hopes it will convince him to be well-behaved; it is only semi-successful. The biggest treat of the day is getting to just watch Din relax. With each stop, his shoulders drop a little more. You catch his lingering eye on the transgender flags you pass by; almost in awe of the audacity to just be. Din lingers even longer in conversation with individual vendors who adorn the flag. Though you were usually the one to do the talking, he can’t seem to help himself. Of course, Grogu doesn’t mind…the more time Din spends speaking the more likely it is he will be getting something out of the exchange. Walking up to the town center, a familiar face appears.

“Mando!” Karga gleefully cheers, quick to greet his old friend. “How wonderful it is to see you out today! And with the little one too!” He smiles down at Grogu, who is happily chewing on a rainbow cookie. Karga greets you too, shaking your free hand. “I hope you’re settling in alright.”

You smile at the high magistrate, “Of course, it’s perfect for the kid. Thank you again for the offer. And thank you for holding this event! It’s lovely.”

“Well of course we had to do something for Pride! It’s important we establish ourselves as a free land! Navarro is open to all! We’re civilized now, nothing like the barbarians that once walked these streets. Speaking of- Mando, I was hoping to ask you. Is this something Mandalorians do? Pride- I mean. Is this accepted-”

You interrupt with a light cough, not to subtly nodding to Din’s trans pin.

“Oh! Well, I suppose that answers that!” Karga says with a chuckle. “In that case, tell your Mandalorian friends to come by for the festivities! And happy Pride to you Mando!”

“Th-thank you High Magistrate…” Din thanks him shyly, a sigh of relief escaping him at how easy that went over.

“That went well.” You say smiling at Din.

He shrugs, “As good as I could’ve imagined.”

“Now come on! Let’s see if we can get a good spot for the fireworks, huh?”

Hidden under the helmet, is a small smile spreading across Din’s face. He follows silently, letting the decision be between you and Grogu. You settle atop a ridge, in the perfect place to see the fireworks bloom over the town center. Din sits beside you, legs spread out in front of him. Grogu sits at the end of Din’s feet, happily digging through the bag of goodies he got through the day. You take your position at Din’s side, your head resting against his pauldron. Your hand entwined with his rests on his thigh. Anticipation building as the time nears.

He dips his head down to yours, “Cyar’ika?”

“Hmm?”

“Thank you.”

“For what, Din?”

“For loving me.”

With that an explosion of colors graces the skyline. A boom of cheers erupts from the crowd.

“You’re very easy to love...”

Tucked away under the safety of the mountain ridge, Din is unable to stop himself. Lifting the lip of his helmet enough to press himself to you. All the words of his unspoken appreciation for you translating themselves through the fire of his kiss. The fireworks are quickly forgotten, this moment of intimacy taking superiority. Not even the roaring boom of each firework is enough to tear you away. Only the high pitched cheer of the child is enough to draw your attention away from each other. You both turn away from one another, looking at Grogu who smiles brightly, pointing up at the sky. Where a sudden explosion of blue, pink, and white fill the sky. Matching perfectly to the pin attached to Din’s cape. And an unknown pride fills the Mandalorian’s once beskar-clad heart.

[mythandlaur]

Code: July Day 1 - Heroes

I can't guarantee anything, especially when I'm fixating on at least four different things at once, but I figured it might be fun to do at least a couple of days of this...as long as I really limit myself to shorter things for real this time.

Took this prompt in a slightly different direction, because I have a lot of thoughts about this scenario sitting in one long post in my drafts.

...

"Ghk--well, this is awkward."

"Man, that ghoul really just gunned it for you!"

"Well, he did blast it first, and it makes sense to try and take him out early."

Aelita waves a hand for silence. "All right, all right. Lothian, you're paralyzed and can't talk. Tomoe, it's your turn."

Aelita leans over the graph paper they'd spread out on the rec room floor, slapping an orange sticker on the drawing Odd had done of William's character. A trading card Ulrich happened to have was standing in for the offending ghoul in question.

William crosses his arms, pouting. "My constitution is a...uh..." He checks the paper he'd brought with him. "...+3, I totally should've passed that."

"Hey, that's how the dice go sometimes," Yumi says with a shrug. "Aelita, can I use my sneak attack on a dagger throw since there's an enemy next to it?"

"The enemy's incapacitated, so no."

"Darn." Yumi reaches over and moves her own character's drawing next to the ghoul card. "I'll just run up here and swing my sword at it, then, try and get its attention. You're welcome, Lothian."

"Tha--" William pauses, seemingly remembering that he's not supposed to be able to speak. "I mean, mrhphrh."

Ulrich snorts, covering his mouth with one hand as Yumi rolls some dice. "A fourteen hits," Aelita tells her.

"My blade cleanly slices into the ghoul's side."

"As it's an undead, its wound heals over quickly--but not completely. You definitely hurt it. The ghoul seems pretty upset!"

"Good." Yumi grins.

Odd squints. "Aren't you supposed to be an assassin? Y'know, sneaky?"

"It's not like we really have an option here."

"True."

"Thoron of Moron, you're next."

"Uh..." Odd scratches the side of his head. "...So they're gonna start shredding."

"Bardic Inspiration?"

"Yeah, on Tomoe. Hang in there!"

Yumi throws Odd a thumbs-up from across the papers while Aelita puts a purple sticker on Yumi's character.

"Edmonton?" Aelita turns her gaze to Jeremie, raising an eyebrow. "Do you have a plan?"

Jeremie frowns. "I did, but Lothian's too close."

"I think he can handle a little bit of fire," Ulrich quips, though there's no actual venom in his voice.

"Hey!"

"You can't defend yourself."

"I'm here too," Yumi points out, gesturing at the tokens.

"You have +4 dexterity, you're gonna be fine."

"...I think I'm gonna blind the ghoul."

Aelita nods. "That roll works, describe what you do."

"Uh..." Jeremie shifts awkwardly in place. Unlike Odd or William, he's definitely not as good at describing things like this--it's the main reason he'd rejected the idea of DMing them, despite knowing all the rules best and having inadvertently introduced the game to them.

"Go on," Odd encourages, "Just do something cool!"

"I...hold up my wand and the crystal on it glows bright green, and--" Jeremie shuffles the papers in front of him--"shoot, it's verbal--uh, I shout...I take your sight, fiend! And a bolt of light shoots out into its eyes."

Odd and Ulrich snicker to each other, but nod encouragingly when Jeremie glances over at them. Aelita mirrors them. "The ghoul lurches back, crying out in alarm! Its flailing almost causes it to smack Lothian with a claw." William narrows his eyes and grunts. Aelita stifles her laughter. "But it's all turned around now. It's blinded for one minute! Vestan Valewind?"

"Um...battleaxe it in the side."

"So you're moving up to here?" Aelita points at a square.

Ulrich shrugs. "Sure. And I'm gonna use a superiority die to distract it."

"That hits, it turns towards where it thinks you are and--its wounds have stopped visibly healing, it's quite hurt. It tries to bite at you...but has disadvantage, and misses. Lothian, can you roll constitution?"

"Thirteen plus three."

"You're no longer paralyzed!"

"Okay." William squares his shoulders, and the others glance between themselves with knowing looks as he reaches over to move his 'token' backwards. "I back up with a dangerous light in my eyes and raise my greatsword, pointing it at the ghoul. I call on the vile power within me to smite this beast with an Agonizing Eldritch Blast!"

Aelita doesn't say anything immediately, grabbing the d20 off the paper and rolling it behind her screen.

William's eyes widen. "Oh not now."

"Is that a real not now?"

"That's a what are you gonna do to me not now."

"...I'm going to do nothing, because the spell works as intended."

"Thank god." William clears his throat, aggressively pantomiming. "My eyes turn jet black for a moment, and a bolt of black lightning surges up through the sword and into the ghoul's chest!"

"The ghoul is very hurt, now. Tomoe, you may actually be able to--" Aelita's watch starts beeping, startling everyone. "Oh, that's rehearsal..."

"Man, right at the cliffhanger too," Odd whines.

"It's not much of a cliffhanger," Yumi points out, as Jeremie takes a picture of the token positions with his phone and Aelita gathers up her things. "That was actually really simple compared to the rest of the dungeon. Suspiciously simple." She squints at Aelita.

Aelita merely giggles. "Maybe so. All I'll say is you all are terrible about leaving doors open behind you."

Ulrich's eyes widen, and he smacks the ground with a fist. "We've been followed!"

"I knew I should've sensed magic!" Jeremie puts his face in his hands.

"Hey, it's fine," Odd says, scooping up his 'tokens' and putting them in his own pocket. "Just more guys to beat up, right?"

"This is Aelita," William points out, "Who says we're fighting them? Might be another puzzle..."

"You guys are making an awful lot of assumptions." Aelita throws her bag over her shoulder, still smirking to herself as she crosses the room (passing Milly and Tamiya on the couch, who are currently pretending they've been talking to each other the whole time and not listening). "I'll see you all at dinner--Yumi, I'll see you tomorrow."

There's a chorus of 'bye' and 'have fun', and Aelita gives them all one final wave before heading out the door, leaving the group sitting around on the floor. Without Aelita there, William still makes the air between them somewhat awkward--but the game had honestly helped with that a great deal, even over the few Sundays they'd been doing it.

"You should really get some cooler looking spells, Jeremie," Odd says, standing up. "You don't have to minmax everything for us."

"I'm not here to look cool, Odd. Besides, I'm no good at this stuff."

"Oh yeah, and I haven't heard you getting crazy into playing Villainous Mastermind."

"He has?" William raises an eyebrow.

Jeremie cringes under his gaze. "I wasn't that into it."

"You kidding? You were adjusting your glasses like an anime character, and--he has this evil laugh he never does but it's actually pretty spooky. I'm glad he's on our side."

"Odd!"

"I'm just saying, maybe try loosening up a little! You might have fun!"

William weakly raises a hand. "Hey, actually, Edmonton knows a lot about arcana stuff, right? ...Maybe he and Lothian can work together. If--uh, if he's okay with it, that is."

Jeremie turns to look at William, who quickly wilts, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. Jeremie's silent for a few seconds, clearly in deep thought, the tension thickening.

"...Yeah, maybe," Jeremie says, ducking his head. "Maybe they could do that."

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Jock!Phan AU Masterlist

A Thousand Words (ao3) - dlester

Summary: Dan joins an art class because he fancies a girl in it, but then he meets Phil, who he finds out started drawing for a very different reason. Slowly he begins to realise that the girl is not the only thing keeping him there, and he learns a lot from the strange boy.

before the ride (ao3) - larry_hystereks

Summary: prequel to 'i'll take you on a ride'.

or the story where pastel dan meets footballer phil at a party and they can't quite seem to keep their hands off each other.

chemistry (ao3) - howelllesters

Summary: Based on the prompt ‘sporty!dan is lab partners with computergeek!phil and magic happens.’

Flower Crowns and Footballs (ao3) - sadia_xoxox

Summary: Dan Howell, a delicate pastel princess, starts at a new school and is shown around by the school's best footballer, Phil Lester. While on the surface the two seem to be complete opposites, will they attract or collide?

i'll take you on a ride (ao3) - larry_hystereks

Summary: phil plays football and thinks his pastel boyfriend looks good in his varsity jacket, so dan rides him in it.

I’m Not A Bottom - cocktailaunt

Summary: Football player!Dan has just found out that the entire school has been placing bets on who’s more dominant in bed between him and his boyfriend, Phil.

Jackets (ao3) - FoxyAtlas

Summary: Phil Lester, bad boy who wears the same leather jacket to school every day and makes a hobby out of scaring people. Dan Howell, future valedictorian who prefers a varsity jacket, and refuses to be shaken by anyone, bad boy or otherwise. And how they come together through a high school track, an English class, and a failing videography program.

Just Another Dumb Jock (ao3) - aby55al (abyssa1)

Summary: Jock Dan goes to high school with pastel Phil. Then they have sex.

Kissing at a Christmas Party (ao3) - softphiily

Summary: Dan and Phil are best friends, but they are complete opposites. Dan is a popular sporty football player while Phil is a quiet nerd who loves to read and write. They’ve been crushing on each other for a while without knowing the other one likes them. Dan plans to finally confess his love to Phil at a Christmas party.

Maths Notes and Flower Doodles (ao3) - DavineNaughter

Summary: Phil Lester is that dorky guy who always doodles on everything. Dan Howell is the school's most popular boy and star athlete. They don't see much of each other, and when they do it generally involves punches and Phil getting injured. But then they're sat next each other in a couple classes and paired together on a project, and that may change. Throw in some homophobic douchebags, a super sassy sexual Chris, and a sprained wrist, who knows what could happen. Based on a Tumblr post.

More Than Just The Game (ao3) - benotafraidofwriting

Summary: Phil's just trying to survive the school year. Cue a certain football player who throws everything off.

My Tunnel Loves a Deepthroat (ao3) - Iceprincessvictuuri

Summary: Pastel!Dan had been trying to get Jock!Phils attention for the longest time.

(Based off of that one vine w/ the phone that goes off in class and plays deepthroat).

One hundred to zero - lionlovesbear

Summary: Dan is a stereotypical high school hottie, but after he comes out as bisexual he starts getting harassed and bullied by the whole school. one day, someone goes to far and he leaves class in tears. after taking a couple laps around the school, he notices a small, secret room that is only visible by one angle. he decides to go in and take a nap, but when he turns on the light, he notices phil lester, the skinny black haired boy who was his science partner a couple months ago, with the pale skin and the big glasses, in the corner, writing furiously in his worn-out notebook.

Own Little World (ao3) - omgdatphantho

Summary: Basically PWP.

Pink Roses (ao3) - roryonice

Summary: Popular!FootballPlayer!Phil comes up with creative ways to ask Pastel!Dan to Prom, but it doesn’t work out the way he’d hoped.

Plus One (ao3) - sydneywhowrites

Summary: It might have just been because the room was hot but Dan could’ve sworn Phil blushed. The crowd cheered even louder.

“Wha- you can’t!” Dan started.

“You picked dare, you have to! No passes left!” PJ yelled in between laughs. Louise just stared at the ground, avoiding Dan’s gaze.

Well, Dan thought, time to die!

Pretty When You Cry (ao3) - RedConverse

Summary: Phil’s the artistic kid with questionable fashion sense and when the most popular boy in school asks him for help in art he doesn’t know how to say no.

Dan has a massive crush on the artistic loser and he’s desperate to spend more time with him.

something to play for (ao3) - spaceandvinyls

Summary: “the world doesn’t revolve around basketball, lester.”

a basketball!au where phil is the school's star player and dan is his best friend, watching from the sidelines. everything changes when the team makes it to state championships for the first time in ten years and dan and phil realize they want something more than friendship.

Take Your Breath Away (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: Phil smiles brightly at him and Dan’s stomach does the flipping thing again. He wishes he’d talked to Phil before this – he’s really incredibly kind. Nothing like the rest of his football friends, all of whom are assholes to Dan. They don’t like his accent, or the way he dresses, and him being vegan is just another thing they like to hold against him. He’s not ashamed of it – not in the slightest – but it does get exhausting to hear the constant dick jokes. They don’t make sense anyway – he doesn’t eat sausage. That’s sort of the point of being vegan.

(american high school au feat. Cool Dude phil and pastel!vegan!dan)

The Love Interest (ao3) - aLunaty

Summary: Dan is a theater kid. It's his passion and his life. Although he doesn't get bullied for singing and dancing on stage, he gets teased about being gay for a soccer player. But he wont tell which one.

Phil has it all. He's a grade A student, has a cheerleader on his arm, and is captain of the soccer team with a full scholarship. Phil's destiny is laid in front of him on a sliver plate. But what would happen if he crossed paths with a certain male actor?

This Thing Called Love (ao3) - RyRyCaptain

Summary: N/A

Through the Window (ao3) - Tastefulcucumber

Summary: Phil just moved in next door to Dan Howell, the amazing basketball star and winner of the best hair in mock elections. Phil can't help but noticing that a room in his new house has a window that leads straight into Dan's bedroom, and he happens to spend quite of bit of time in said room.

Two Roads Meet - phanlight

Summary: Phil Lester, a shy, poetic hipster, is talented at a lot of things; social interaction not being one of them. But when his best friend Tom, a popular socialite, wins a competition for a Road Trip, Phil suddenly finds himself meeting a whole new group of friends, including the total stud Dan Howell; a flirt-machine in a leather jacket. But will Phil’s awkwardly interesting personality intrigue Dan, or completely freak him out?

Varsity Jacket - chocolatesaucelester

Summary: Dan has always been Phil’s close best friend, and that wasn’t about to change now that Phil was the star of the basketball team and one of the most popular and most wanted guy in school. Despite many attempts by a rather persistent girl, who desperately wants Phil to herself.

Water Boy - elliesfics

Summary: (tw) Dan’s high school football season is coming to a close. The only thing worse than having his archenemy Phil Lester on the same team is the fact that he can’t even play this season. But that’s just the surface problem… the secret Dan is keeping behind closed doors is only getting harder to deal with and he worries he can’t take very much more.

When the Day Met the Night - cocktailaunt

Summary: Dan Howell is what every high school student aspires to be. A player on the football team and invited to every party within a 10 mile radius, Dan doesn't have much to complain about. Everyone knows who Dan Howell is. Until someone doesn’t. Phil, an artist with dark hair and a paint-stained leather jacket. He’s alternative, he’s different. But maybe Dan needs something a little different.

Who Would've Thought? (ao3) - pasteldanhowells

Summary: Phil is really into literature/English in school, and Dan’s a “jock”. They’re total opposites, but find themselves being paired up together for a project in English class, and Dan eventually finds that Phil isn’t as bad as the entire school makes him out to be.

[sparkly-skies]

@mondscheinprinzessin "#<< and that's just where they're gonna stay forever#to the tune of jatp's unsaid emily | that's the soundtrack to your mind fics? what kinda sad stuff do you got up there?😭 (in which I mean, please share)"

I'm just gonna anwer that on this blog.

I wasn't thinking of anything in particular, I just thought "ah yes, the fanfic ideas in my mind, that's where they'll stay forever probably because I put off trying to write constantly", and then had that line with the melody in my mind and couldn't remember where it was from until I googled it. Have some Unsaid Emily for the crying of it:

Anyway, I still went through my notes doc and I can share some sad ideas if you want 😌

The main thing is still the "put Olli in a Dirndl and let him get harassed which then brings up a past incident he thought 'wasn't that bad' but he's still angry about it" vent fic one; I've told you plenty about that already I think, although I think I've maybe strayed a bit too far from what I originally wanted to write with that. Maybe I'll have to circle back to--- actually nevermind, I got confused and looked at my notes again and it does work like that, I just forgot part of why I wanted to put him in a dress in the first place. It works like that, please continue (me @ my brain). I'm still not sure how to get the comfort in there, sorry.

this one's hurt AND comfort, you could read it! I saw this prompt: - "Um, I know this might sound weird... but can you help me dye my hair? It would make me feel better." - "It's not weird at all. What colour?" and I don't have too specific ideas about it yet, but maybe something about Aleksi feeling torn about having "left" his solo career to join a band that's so different from what he did so far and thinking that maybe it would help if he tried to look more like he "belongs" there, so he asks someone for help dying his hair black the first time.

I think we also already talked about that one, or was that with someone else? - "I don't ever want to feel like I did that day again." Either someone (Olli? Tommi?) running into his shitty ex and telling his now-boyfriend they don't want to feel like they did in that relationship ever again; or a day one of them almost gave up on their music career because it was really hard and a shitty day came at the end of a shitty month and it seemed like they'd never make it anyway; or somewith with regards to past suicidal feelings and finally opening up to his friends about it.

Did you ever listen to Santa Cruz' Breathe? I did and it almost made me cry. It hits SO hard, like wth, losing friends and wondering how things would be if something would have been different? just rip my heart out, that would hurt less 😭

Hey, this is not necessarily a sad one! I wrote down "We're safe inside this Pandora's Box", which I've also had down to try to draw something for for ages now (in fact I think it was the first thing I wrote down for BC), and I have no idea for it at all, I just thought it could be a good title for a fic about how they (the band as a whole or a pairing of friends or a couple) are safe and happy with each other, they are each other's boxes to be safe inside and they'll be fine as long as they are there with each other.

and then there's also the one we've already talked about with Joonas or Olli going to visit his parents and immediately being treated like a child again in regards to... just about everything. Btw, the last line of the notes for that is "So many possibilities. Anyone hurt someone, please, thanks😊 - Laura"

[fdragon-art]

Day 15 (30 Days | Homestuck - Day 1) - Favourite Human (John Egbert/Jake English)

"Hard to beat a couple o' solid lads"

=Thoughts=

I had hoped to colour this, but there's no way I'll be able to keep up the energy for 30 days if I colour each and every one of them, so I'll settle for "colourable" for the days I do have it.

It's always funny the ways a piece will shift and change, not turning out how you originally intended yet still fitting your image of it. I had intended for John's hand to be more of a wave and Jake's to be more of a finger gun, but the relaxed pose still worked out well (and the hands somehow look semi-decent either way).

I originally had to pick one character to fit the prompt, but I had been drawing Jake a lot recently. I still wanted to draw him since he is my favourite, but John is both a close second and was once previously my first favourite. Not all the prompts are going to be two characters, but a bunch of them are, so it's not so terrible to do two at once.

I didn't really have much energy to draw two characters, but I realised I could do something I hadn't done in a while: Draw in symmetry, and change necessary details to make them distinct. It actually worked out really well here, with both not having to change many details while still making them feel like themselves.

One weakness I'm really noticing right now are jaw angles. Jaws shouldn't be so hard to draw since it's a pretty stable shape, but it seems trying to morph the 3D shape so it looks like an actual jaw often creates malformed faces, and that's not exactly my intent (I may have to explore drawing not-average head shapes at some point)

I suppose another fun point, to wrap it up, is the pose. Without quite realising it, I've managed to draw this pose again, but the angling is different enough that I didn't realise it until looking again for this post. It's most certainly my favourite drawing of it too. I still gotta learn how to make the belly look more natural though~

[flatvurm]

I can't deny it; I do love me a collaborative map-making game! This is a stupendous list. (I'm particularly fond of Questlandia and i'm sorry did you say street magic, and I even learned of a new game or two I'm excited to check out!) I'd like to take the opportunity to shout out a couple of my own additional personal favorites, too!

Companions' Tale from Laura Simpson/Sweet Potato Press

Companions' Tale is a GMless game for 3-4 players (with variant rules for more or fewer players) about telling the story of the land's greatest hero and the epic quest that made them famous...but nobody plays the hero. Players instead take on the roles of characters who knew the hero or had some smaller part to play in their world's grandest story. Through each (perhaps inconsistent?!) retelling of some smaller part of an epic tale, the world and its history is laid out to explore.

The game comes with a beautiful set of portrait cards that can be used as inspiration for the Companions themselves. Players take turns adding details to their story, world, history, and culture by viewing the world through the lens of their character's role in the story (like Nemesis or Childhood Friend) using a set of rotating player roles in the game (like Cartographer or Witness). Every new facet of the world is recorded on the communal map. By the end of the session, you'll have a whole world mapped out with a legendary tale to go with it.

The standout feature of this game for me is that, while still a collaborative storygame, it explicitly shies away from creating a consensus-based narrative. It is understood, and even encouraged, that different people's recollections of history may paint quite different pictures of the past, even when recalling the same events and people! Also enticing are the rules variants to try out once you're familiar with the base game, like a dual story of a present tale reflecting the ancient world, or a story in which the "Hero" is actually one of history's Villains.

Though I first encountered this list originally through @temporalhiccup, he was too modest to mention his own contribution to the genre, so I'll do it for them, because the game is absolutely delightful.

Cozy Town from Rae Nedjadi/Sword Queen Games

Cozy Town is a GMless, no-prep game for 3-6 players about...well, a cozy town! Player's take on the roles of various inhabitants of a tight-knit community and, over the course of an in-game year, build a map and a world of comfort, togetherness, and celebration.

This game is based mechanically on both The Quiet Year and another of Avery Alder's games, Dream Askew. Thematically, it draws inspiration from video games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. Play is driven by card-based questions and prompts that lead the players to collaboratively construct their community and its other inhabitants, visitors, and traditions.

This is a straightforward game that is truly easy and fun to pick up and just start playing, even for complete beginners. The tone is friendly and welcoming, the process is fun, and the results are always cozy!

THEME: Map-Making Games

This week's games are centred around map-making or city-building games.

The Quiet Year by Avery Alder.

The Quiet Year is a map game. You define the struggles of a community living after the collapse of civilization, and attempt to build something good within their quiet year. Every decision and every action is set against a backdrop of dwindling time and rising concern.

This game uses a deck of cards and a map that the group will communally elaborate upon, picking up characters and elements of the setting to answer questions as the game goes on. You will play through four seasons, and at some point in Winter, the game will suddenly end.

If you like this idea, but would like to play from the perspective of monsters putting their lives back together before the Humans come back, you should try The Deep Forest, by Avery Alder and Mark Diaz Truman.

The Shrike, by sadpress.

It is early evening aboard the airship The Shrike. Far below us, rich pine forests roll past. It is fine flying weather, and the skies around us, for now, are empty. Soon pale miniature cliffs slip away beneath, and now we are over the vast dark sea. The sun's glow on the horizon fades. One by one the stars come out, but they fail to illuminate the waves below. We are hurtling in the quiet darkness. We put on our lanterns. Our voyage has begun.

The Shrike is a game about fantastical voyages aboard a skyship. It's inspired by Avery Alder's The Quiet Year, John Harper's Lady Blackbird, Italo Calvino, Ursula K. Le Guin, and utopian and dystopian fiction. It features four complete adventures (two multiplayer, two for solo play). 

Adventures for The Shrike provide a level of detail between traditional game-books and oracle-based games such as The Quiet Year. You'll encounter people, places, and other prompts, but you'll also have the flexibility to build your own world and tell your own stories. 

If you are interested in this game, you might also be interested in The Shrike Voyage Generator (which is still in alpha!

Cul-de-sac, by Clint Smith.

Cul-de-sac is a neighbourhood-building RPG exploring the connections, or lack thereof, between people living in close proximity. Players collaboratively create the occupants of a neighbourhood, what their lives are like, and what secrets they hold. 

This game uses Tarot cards, with the Minor Arcana representing the everyday occurrences of the neighbourhood, while the Major Arcana represents significant events. The Neighbourhood centres on the families of the neighbourhood, and you will spend 12 turns exploring the personalities of the Cul-de-sac. Each turn has two phases: the Day Phase and the Night Phase. The Day Phase tells us about new events; the Night Phase tells us about the cult-de-sac’s personalities. 

This game is a very interpretive game; it’s also simple and pay-what-you-want. It’s inspired by games such as the Quiet Year, and I’m sorry did you say street magic, which, as you might have guessed, have had a big impact on map-making games in the indie scene.

The Station, by pidj

The Station is a GMless worldbuilding game where players take turn answering prompts about a train, a station and the people. The Station explores how places shape people and people shape places in the vein of i'm sorry did you say street magic by Caro Asercion and The Quiet Year, by Avery Alder.

The Station uses no dice. It uses playing cards, paper (such as index cards) and points.  The game is A6, fully illustrated and laid-out, and is 16 pages long. Play time is adjusted by setting the number of Train Progress cards required to begin resolution or by changing the size of the deck. Draw cards and answer questions to build a world. The prompts are genre-agnostic and you will have plenty of opportunities to ask your own questions of the table. When your time is up, collaborate to bring the game to a close in a bitter-sweet resolution. Spend points to resolve the stories of some of the characters you have collaborated on and bring your time together to a close.

If you like the quiet everyday magic of Studio Ghibli movies, this might be the game for you. The artwork carries a mix of whims and mundanity, and the game is set up so that everyone has some level of creative control.

What the Water Gave Us by JordannaGeorge

What the Water Gave Us is collaborative storytelling game about strange things that come out of the water, and how the community deals with it.

This game also uses a deck of cards, and players will take turns drawing cards and answering questions about what exactly is coming out of the water - and whether or not it turns out to be a blessing or a curse. The game plays out over the course of a four seasons, with the option to continue playing after the first year if you feel like you haven't fully fleshed out the narrative yet. It's simple to set up, with an easy oracle to get you started. If you're looking to tell a story specifically about seaside or lakeside towns, or if you like stories about the mysterious and unknown, this might be the game for you.

Questlandia (Second Edition) by turtlebun.

In Questlandia, you and your friends will invent a world from scratch. It might be fantastic or bizarre, from a remembered past or imagined future. You’ll paint a picture of your society and its people, their laws and customs, how they live and how they dream.

But your society is failing.

As you play, your characters will attempt to find beauty and purpose amidst the chaos of a changing world.

Questlandia is a tabletop roleplaying game that creates fantastical worlds in states of change. It may be medieval fantasy in a ghost-haunted kingdom, neo-noir in a roboticized undercity, or microscopic slipstream suburbia in a puddle.

The concept of Questlandia is beautiful and enchanting, and it lends itself to new and exciting worlds in which you can play using the same system, or re-visit with a game of your choice. The second edition uses a deck of cards as well as d6s: cards to build the world, d6's to explore the conflict that is befalling your beloved world.

The first edition of Questlandia is $2 cheaper, and can be found here.

An Altogether Different River by ehronlime.

 It has been some time since you’ve left home, but now it’s finally time to return. To what, though?

The home you held in your mind, and the home you will encounter will not be the same. You are not the same.You can’t step into the same river twice. You can’t go home again.

This is a GM-less roleplaying game meant for 2 to 4 players and a single session of about 3-4 hours. It is inspired in parts by Downfall, by Caroline Hobbs and Microscope, by Ben Robbins. It is about a Town, the people who have left it and returned, and the people who stayed behind.

This is a game that is just as much about a town as it is about the people who live in it. It explores themes of change and growth, and the feeling you get when you go back to a town that isn't really home anymore. At the end of the game, you'll likely have questions unanswered, so if you like finishing games with a bit of bittersweetness, you might want to try this one out.

An archipelago-based fishing town, separated by its various islands, gathers annually to celebrate the turn of the harvest.

A collective of magical artists embarks on an ambitious project: a guerrilla public transit system powered by enchanted street art.

In a sprawling metropolis decades from now, breakthroughs in biotechnology offer citizens superpowers far beyond mortal ability.

This city that we call home has a magic all its own. It is wonder, and joy, and spirit — and with that spirit, we breathe life into our city together.

i'm sorry did you say street magic is a GMless city-building story game for two to six players, that runs three or more hours.  Discover and imagine a city filled with life and vivid detail, packed with a myriad of neighborhoods, landmarks, and residents. Discover their true names, and the ways that they intersect—then set events in motion that will change or alter their relationships.

This is an enchanting game, with the breadth you need for any city, whether it be fantastical, futuristic, or modern-day. You can mix and match with different themes, and each player has a chance to imbue the city with their own personal touch. At the end of every round, one player instigates an event that will certainly stir up excitement, but wil usually won't be resolved by the time the game is over. If you're looking at establishing a setting for a game with distinct city sectors and characters that act as emblems for a larger neighbourhood, if you want a game that hands a series of story hooks over to the GM by the time you've finished, this is absolutely the game for you.

The author has also written a supplement that you can use to generate true names if you want some inspiration. It is called there are names more powerful here than our own.

[rubysunnday]

the one that got away

Requested by anon: Hello Lottie, I’m so happy for you! You really deserve it because you’re one of the best people out there. Can i have a Colin or Benedict imagine with prompts #3 and #23? You can do whatever you want, but I’d like it to end with fluff! Thank you

Summary: Colin loved her. Yet, she was destined to be the one that got away... until the night of the Dartford ball.

"Colin, I can't afford to wait for you to grow up. I'm sorry."

"Does he treat you nicely?"

"He's one of the nicest men I have ever met. Which, doesn't make this easier, I know but -"

"No. But, as long as you are safe and... and happy."

The conversation had been echoing around Colin's head for months. He'd replayed the entire situation time and time again, trying to see if there could have been a different outcome. But each time, he ended where they had ended.

She'd been right. God, Y/N had always been right. He needed to grow up - to learn what life truly meant and to realise that he couldn't mess around with every woman he saw. It'd taken travelling almost the entire world and spending months away from London from him to grow up.

But he'd still lost her. He'd let her go - watched her marry another man and drive off in a carriage with him to the coast. He'd been an idiot. He'd been so, so foolish.

"Colin?"

Colin's head shot up and he stared at Anthony who was staring back at him - brown eyes concerned.

"Yes?"

"Have you read it?"

"Read what - oh."

Colin looked back down at the copy of Lady Whistledown in his hands - the one his brother had handed him minutes earlier. He glanced through it quickly, skimming the words without reading any of them.

"Why am I reading this?"

Anthony sighed. He reached over and unfolded the paper, pointing to a new paragraph halfway through the second page.

But, as we know, life is never certain. Which is why it is my solemn duty to report the death of the Duke of Norfolk. The duke, who has only recently married the lovely Miss Y/L/N, collapsed in the middle of the Blickling Ball and died later that night.

The newlywed couple had only been married a few months before the duke's untimely death. Their match had been the event of the previous season and was, most definitely, a love match.

This author would like to extend her condolences to Miss Y/L/N and the family of the duke.

Colin read the paragraph. And then again. And then a third time. He stared at it until he could see the grain of the paper - his eyes drying out.

"Brother, sit down before you keel over, I've already had to pick you up off the floor once this week," Anthony said, gently pushing Colin back to a chair.

Colin sat down with a thud, still staring at the newspaper.

"Is she back in London?"

"I've asked mother to keep an eye out and I have also mentioned it to El, see if she hears anything from Penelope."

"Is this true?"

Anthony leant back, leaning against his desk. He crossed his arms and nodded. "I received notification of his death this morning. Signed by his father."

Colin looked up. "I thought his father was dead - that's why he was the duke."

"His father stepped back due to ill health and handed it to his son until... well."

"So, Y/N..."

"I don't know. I don't know if her title as duchess still stands or if she'll hand it back to the family... I don't know, Colin."

Colin stood up and handed the Whistledown back to Anthony. "Thank you, for telling me."

"I didn't want you to read it at breakfast and choke on a peanut," Anthony quipped. "If there's anything I can do, brother..."

Colin nodded. He was a flurry of emotions and thoughts - everything was spinning around in his head. "If you find her, let me know?"

"Of course, I will. I'll see what I can do."

Flowers, it seemed, had many meanings and uses. They could win a woman over in seconds yet they could also express the condolences of almost a hundred people.

Y/N looked around the drawing-room at the copious amounts of bouquets and cards, her heart aching. It was clear how loved her husband had been in Norfolk.

"Another one, ma'am, where would you like it?"

Y/N turned as a maid bustled in holding a large bouquet of violets. "Over on the table, please, Irene."

Irene set the flowers down and plucked the card from amongst the petals, handing it to Y/N as she passed. Y/N opened it and her heart stopped as she stared at the familiar scrawl on the card.

To our dearest Y/N,

Our condolences on the loss of your husband. Should you need us, you know where to find us. We shall keep you in our thoughts.

~ Viscount Bridgerton & family

Despite it being signed by Anthony, Y/N knew he hadn't written it. She stared at the note, her eyes stinging as she tried to hold the tears back. Y/N clutched the tiny, ivory card to her chest and took a shaky breath in, closing her eyes.

The desire to leave Norfolk and return to London was overwhelming. She wanted to be surrounded by people she knew and who loved her. To smell the familiar scent of the summer air in Hyde Park and to attend the endless balls and parties of the social season. To be surrounded by people and to carry on.

The silence was the worst part. The silence and emptiness of the house. She was one of the only people there and the house wasn't even hers anymore.

She had no place in Norfolk, not now.

She was just Y/N again. No duchess, no money, no husband, no home.

"Ma'am."

Y/N turned. Irene was standing in the door, looking solemn.

"The duke and duchess are here, ma'am."

Y/N inhaled deeply, forcing her body to calm down. This was it. The end of her life as she knew it.

"Let them in."

The Dartford ball was, most likely, going to be the highlight of the social season. Lady Dartford had evidently spent a significant amount of money and time on decorating the ballroom and surrounding rooms for the occasion.

Colin was almost impressed.

Candles flickered in the night breeze and a gentle waltz was playing - a few couples dancing around the painted floor like flowers in varying shades of blue.

"Lady Abbot, may I introduce my sons - Anthony, Benedict, and Colin."

As if they were puppets, all three brothers bowed at the same time to Lady Abbot and greeted her with a smile. They were well-rehearsed, unfortunately. Colin was certain - as were his older brothers - that the balls and events of the social season would be far easier to endure if their mother didn't keep forcing women upon them.

"And this is my daughter, Margaret."

Bow, smile, greet.

"At least pretend to pay attention," Benedict muttered, turning his head to Colin's ear.

"This is the third one tonight," Colin said back, "forgive me if I'm not paying her my whole attention."

Colin turned back to the young woman, whose name he'd already forgotten, and plastered a smile on his face, pretending he was listening. He looked behind her as the echo of a cane hitting the floor reached his ears - Lady Danbury had arrived. He looked at the woman next to him and his entire soul dropped.

She was here.

She was here and dressed in purest white, a gentle smile on her face.

Y/N looked up and her eyes found his from across the room and Colin instantly felt as if everything was alright with the world.

Colin made to approach her but stopped as she was swamped by the queen and her endless entourage. He tried not to show his disappointment but it must've been noticeable because Benedict put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently. Colin gave his brother a grateful nod and pretended to be engrossed in the young lady in front of him again.

She'd spotted him as soon as she'd walked in. It was hard not to - the three Bridgertons were lined up in a row - A through to C - with their mother over eagerly presenting them to a young lady.

Colin's eyes found hers from across the room and Y/N instantly felt as if everything was alright again.

But then Colin was blocked from view by the queen as she approached - her dress and wig blocking Y/N's entire view of the third Bridgerton.

"Miss Y/L/N, my condolences," the queen said, coming to a sudden halt in front of her.

Y/N curtsied, bowing her head. "Thank you, your majesty."

"As sad as I am about your husband's death... it is nice to see you amongst the ton again. Your presence has been missed."

The queen swept away and Y/N stared after her, surprise evident on her face.

"That is the nicest she has ever been to me," Y/n said, smiling.

"Hmmph, don't get used to it," Lady Danbury grumbled. She slammed her cane into the ground twice and everyone turned to look. "Stopping staring - if you have something to say come say it."

Y/N had never been so grateful for Lady Danbury's abruptness as she was in that moment. The eyes of the room shifted and those bold enough began walking forward whilst those too shy to speak their mind turned away.

The Cowper's were the first to reach her. Mother and daughter dressed in matching shades of blue with their hair braided up high.

"Miss Y/L/N, my condolences," Lady Cowper said, almost pouting in an attempt to look sad. "Your husband was a wonderful man."

"Indeed, he shall be missed," Cressida added, reaching over and putting a hand on YN's arm in what was evidently forced sympathy.

Cressida leant in closer to Y/N as Lady Cowper and Lady Danbury began muttering to one another. Y/N braced herself for whatever insulting comment Cressida was about to say.

"Such a shame you are now a widow, dearest Y/N. I highly doubt any eligible bachelor in the ton will want you..."

There it was.

And as much as it stung - there was a truth to it. Y/N knew that - it had been on her mind from the moment her husband had died.

Cressida moved away and was replaced with Lady Featherington in all her neon glory. Y/N was instantly overwhelmed by the scent of her perfume and forced a smile to her face as Lady Featherington talked at her.

As she stood there, the orchestra began to play music once again, the numerous couples around the room moving to the centre of the floor. Y/N felt her entire body freeze as the music began.

It was the same music from that night.

It was the music he'd died to.

It was the music she'd listened to as her husband died in her lap.

"Excuse me a moment," Y/N muttered, moving away from the crowd of people.

Colin had been stuck talking to the same woman for twenty minutes. Thank god Anthony and Benedict had picked up the conversation when his interest had vanished.

His attention was solely focused on Y/N - a woman who had, up until the orchestra started playing, been taking the entire evening in her stride. But as the music played, Y/N visibly changed, her entire attitude and posture switching from calm to panicked. She made her excuses and suddenly vanished into the back of the room.

"My apologies, ladies, you must excuse me," Colin said, bowing.

"Is everything alright, dearest?" Violet asked, looking at Colin suspiciously.

"Everything is fine, mother, I will not be long," Colin replied, patting his mother's hand.

Colin followed the route Y/N had taken, weaving through the crowds and dodging the mamas and daughters with expert ease.

The gardens called his presence and Colin walked out into them, the cold night air a drastic change from the hot, stuffy heat of the ballroom. He pulled his collar away from his neck, letting the cold air hit his sweaty skin.

Colin looked around the terrace, trying to find Y/N. He couldn't see her - there was no one else out there other than himself.

But then he heard crying. And he saw the hint of something sparkling behind a bush and he knew. Colin just knew.

Y/N heard a twig snap and stood up abruptly, forcing herself to look composed. She wiped the tears from her face and brushed the hair back from her face.

"It's me."

She spun around. Colin stood in the gap between the bushes, his eyes concerned. Y/N looked at him, her brain racing, her emotions bubbling and turning over and over.

Every move in her life so far had been carefully calculated. She couldn't lean into her heart because her heart so often misled her. But now, in the dark of the gardens, Y/N let her heart rule instead of her head.

She all but ran into Colin's arms, circling her arms around his waist tightly and clutching on to him for dear life as the tears began again and the pain hit.

Colin just held her. He didn't say anything, he just held her. As Y/n sobbed, he put a hand on the back of her head and cradled her in his arms, trying to shield her from life and the world.

If he could, he'd never let her be broken again. But he couldn't. So, all Colin could do was make sure he was there to fix her again.

Colin gently pushed Y/N back, tilting her chin up with his index finger. He brushed her tears away with his thumb, letting it slowly drift down and brush over her lips.

"Come with me," Colin whispered.

His fingers interlocked with hers and he gently tugged on her hand. Y/N followed, her grip on his hand tight, and together they walked further into the gardens. Colin led her down a gravel path and into a closed-off garden surrounded by hedges and trees.

"Here, sit," Colin said, leading her to a swing hanging from an oak tree.

Y/N sat down on the swing, her tear-stained face looking up at him with curiosity clear in her eyes.

"I just wanted to say..." Colin paused and took a deep breath in, forcing his emotions down. He had to say this before she vanished again. "I know you don't trust me, which is fine, I understand. But no one should be alone when they're reliving their worst traumas."

Colin sat down on the grass next to the swing and crossed his legs. He looked up at Y/N. "So, I'm going to sit here and whenever you are ready... I'll be there."

Y/N looked down at him as she swung gently back and forth. She gripped the rope holding the swing up and rested the side of her face against the coarse material.

"Why would you choose me?"

It was said so softly that if they'd been anywhere else, Colin would've missed it entirely. He looked at her, frowning as if her question was the stupidest he'd ever heard (an incredible feat considering he lived with seven siblings).

"Why wouldn't I choose you?" Colin replied, his brow deep with confusion. "I'd always choose you, my darling Y/N. Always and forever. I've grown up, now."

Despite everything, Y/N burst out laughing. She dropped her arm down and picked up Colin's hand, their fingers holding on to one another.

"I am sorry, for what I said. It was unnecessarily harsh -"

"But it was true, Y/N. And it was what I needed to hear. It may have taken travelling almost the entire world but I did eventually do some growing up."

Y/N giggled and Colin thought it was the most beautiful sound in the entire world. A sound that no trip abroad would ever be able to replace or capture. Colin had travelled the entire world almost in search of something. Because something was missing from his life.

Y/N. Y/N had been missing from his life.

Now, as they sat in the darkness, their fingers holding onto one another tightly, Colin realised he'd never felt so... content.

His urge to escape and run had vanished. All he needed, was on his left, holding his hand. All he could ever want was by his side. And that was more than enough.

[maybeimscreaming]

“There you go, good as new." and “That better not be blood.” with adam page please x

yeeees thank you for requesting!!

pairing - adam page x gn!reader

prompts - 'there you go, good as new' + 'that better not be blood'

warnings - minor injury descriptions, could be read a suggestive?

As one of AEW's resident doctors, you were no stranger to injury. Blood, bruisers, sprains, fractures - nothing phased you anymore. Of course, some people were slightly more reckless than others. You couldn't count the amount of times you had to tell Darby to take it easy before the poor boy did his back in completely. Other than that, you really only saw each wrestler around a couple times a month. Even then it was mainly to deal with the odd scrape.

But Adam Page? He was different.

If Adam managed to have a match without hurting himself in some way or another, you would go and buy a lottery ticket because that would obviously be the day for miracles. At this point, you believed he may as well invest in actual pink hair dye before the mans own blood did it for him.

Oh well, at least he was nice. The blonde had never been much trouble for you - in fact, the southern charm got you rather sweet on the champion. Trying to properly treat his wounds while those baby blues stared up at you was a chore in itself.

-

a knock on your door startled you out of your daydream, your hands fumbling with the packets of bandages you were stacking. Sighing, you wiped your hands on your trousers and pulled on a pair of gloves.

"come in" you groaned

"hey doc" came the tired voice of one Adam Page.

Speak of the devil you mused internally - well, daydream of the devil.

"hey Page, what have you done now?"

"uh..."

Well that definitely didn't sound promising. Massaging your brows with your gloveless wrist, you turned to look at the man. Now, you expected blood every time you saw the blonde, but this? this was a whole new level. Not only that but he was also accompanied by one Bryan Danielson, who at least had the decency to look sheepish.

You stared at them.

"Adam Page so help me God, that better not be blood"

He chuckled slightly, rubbing the back of his head.

"I swear, you two are gonna be the death of me one day" you grumbled, grabbing a decent amount of cotton pads and antiseptic.

"right, Danielson go sit in the other room, I'll send someone for you. Page just", you sighed, "sit down and don't bleed on my couch"

"go easy on him doc, he put on one hell of a match just now"

You snorted, raising your brow at Bryan. Them two putting on a killer match was a given, just as Adam Page showing up to bleed all over your medic room.

The sound of the door shutting caused you to tense your shoulders. One would think, with the amount it happens, you would be used to being alone with Adam. That was hardly the case.

You gripped the gauze pad on your gloved hand, drawing in a deep breath to work yourself up to facing the gorgeous man next to you.

"doc, you okay?"

"you're allowed to call me y/n, you know" you commented, wheeling the table towards the man.

"lord knows you're in here enough for that"

He chuckled, rubbing a hand against his shoulder. Your eyes met. the lump in your throat grew thicker, you having to swallow hard to get your next words out.

"Chin up"

You worked quietly and efficiently. There was nobody else to see tonight but the event had been long and you were tired. You imagined that he was too. Of course, small talk was exchanged but nothing wild. Just your average conversations of how the match went, what's in the card for the next dynamite etc.

The way his eyes lit up when you asked about his career gave you the jitters. You could appreciate his passion for it, as well as loving the way he appreciated everything he had been given and worked hard for. Adam Page as a whole was admirable. Thinking about how far he had come in the short two years you had been working for AEW made you smile gently, not realising you were being stared at.

"Your smile is mighty pretty"

A sharp breath was sucked in through your nose.

Did you hear that right?

"oh uh... thanks Page, not too bad yourself"

He smiled up at you, a gently movement that exposed pearly white teeth. You couldn't help but to smile back. Even as you dabbed the rubbing alcohol into the nastier of his cuts, his smile only faded a little.

That was until you got to the cut in his hairline. It was deeper than the others and, no matter how hard you dabbed at it, the blood wouldn't stop dripping down his pale forehead.

You sighed, tilting his chin down with your hand.

"everything alright?" he asked, laying a hand on your wrist.

"i'm gonna need to patch this up and i'll need to change it again tomorrow morning, you're lucky you don't need stitches you know?"

he bit his lip at your lecture.

"You have got to stop doing this, putting your safety at risk for a good match is not okay when you do it over and over, one of these days you're gonna hurt yourself and I wont be able to do nothing about it. This is bad for my nerves Adam-"

"Look at you, using my name"

You looked down in shock. In your rant you failed to notice him placing a hand on your waist - obviously a result of the stinging from his forehead. Now, the sight radiated warmth, a pulsating heat that caused your legs to shake a little.

"h-huh?"

"you never used my name, not in all these years you've known me y/n"

"yeah well" you started, "maybe i was worried this time ok"

Huffing, you placed the last piece of medical tape down on his skin, smoothing the fabric with your finger tips. He bit his lip, looking up at you. Not that you met his gaze, instead preoccupying yourself with peeling your gloves off and throwing them in the bin next to you. You didn't want to move. Not with his hand still glued firmly to your hip.

"there you go, good as new" you teased, tracing your fingers over the white gauze.

You began to pull away but was stopped by his other hand reaching up to the free side of your hips. Gasping, you steadied yourself with your hands on his shoulders. Now, your heart was pounding. Had you said something wrong? Did you miss an injury?

"Y/n I'm sorry, I never mean to get injured, it just happens and well... I like coming to see you"

You cut him off. The frustration of the day and fatigue were setting in. A sickness had grown in you at having to hide your emotions for the sake of professionalism. Adam wasn't the kind of guy to make things awkward if feelings weren't reciprocated and quite frankly? you were too tired to care.

So you kissed him.

You pulled him up by the shoulders and fixed your lips onto his, leaning onto his body gently but just enough to allow him to pull away if he didn't want this. Not that he did pull away.

Instead, he pulled your hips towards him, sliding one hand up your spine to rest between your shoulders. The shock of him grasping your hips in such a way caused you to gasp into his mouth. Apparently newly confident, the cowboy slid his tongue between your lips. He traced it over your teeth before entangling it with yours.

Eventually, you found it in yourself to pull away.

"does this mean you'll stop getting injured as much?"

He chuckled under his breath, pulling you close once again.

"not a chance in hell"

Thank you for reading! reblogs are wayyy appreciated :)

[the---hermit]

Hi! Do you have any journaling tips? I'm loving your months of rest and relaxation series 🥰 By the way, what do you think about Legends & Lattes so far? I can't wait to read it!

Hello!! Thank you so so much 💜🌿

I was actually planning a couple of journaling themed posts (I have a bunch of ideas for tips posts, etc. to post during this period I am taking off uni!). Meanwhile I write them here's a random list of things that come to mind:

Whatever type of journal you want to keep there's no rules, you can have fun with it you should have fun with it. There are no mistakes, there might be pages you don't love as much as others, but how can you know what you like if you don't know what you do not like?

If you want to be consistent with a personal journal try to make it a habit by doing it more or less at the same time everyday. I prefer to journal in the morning, but that's up to you and what you want to do with your journal. You could take 5 or 10 minutes each morning to start your day, or do it in the evenings to reflect on the day (or you could do both! Again no rules)

Sometimes starting out of the blue is not easy so look for list of prompts! There's short ones, themed ones, random ones. You can use them to get more creative as well as to reflect on something in particular. The internet is full of them (and I plan on posting a few too!)

A journal can be anything you want it to, so draw in it, have fun, write with glitter pencils, glue leaves and flowers in it, whatever feels right.

I like to plan my days and to do lists on my bullet journal, but some people have one single journal with everything iside so get ispired.

Try to create the perfect cozy space, put music on, open your journal and pour everything out. It is meant to help you take death weights off your mind. No one will read what's in it, you don't have to be perfect in your writing, it has to be affective. When you are jorunaling think about what you want to get out of it that day, do you want to be creative, do you want to reflect, do you want to take a weight off your chest? It can change everyday, and depending on your daily goal your approach can and should be different.

These are the first tips that came to mind, I hope they were somewhat useful, if I can be of any more help let me know, my inbox is always opened! Also keep an eye out for those posta I mentiond, I am not sure yet when I'll post them but it shouldn't take me too long!

On Legends And Lattes by Travis Baldree, I am really enjoying it! It's super cozy and lighthearted, it's exactly the type of book I need at the moment. I am actually trying to slow down and savour it. I am almost half way into it, and as I said it's the perfect novel to cuddle up under a blanket are read as you drink a warm cup of tea. Let me know what you think once you read it!!

[socksandpuppets]

I've been thinking about it, and I think I'd struggle to manage this list, for a couple reasons. 1) I've drawn a lot of these already for previous gobtobers. Of course, it can be fun to interpret the same word a new way, and it's good practice to "re-draw" old images... but creatively speaking, I don't think I'd really be bringing a new take to "bard" or "dancer", that's a struggle for me. 2) The fun of "drawtober" style challenges for me is that I look at a prompt, get an idea, then try to realize that idea on the page. The excitement comes in figuring out how I depict that prompt, or what weird interpretation I have for it. I enjoy exploring the creative space around the prompt to find something I want to draw. In this case, a lot of the prompts have a great deal of creative overlap. Templar/Paladin/Knight/Cavalier/Guard for example. There's nuance in the difference, but the existence of all five means that my creative challenge no longer boils down to "what does this word mean to me" it turns into "how do I convey the differences between these words" It's an interesting technical challenge, but it's not quite what I want out of an October drawing challenge. I could probably manage to get through it, but I think I'd have to put a lot of extra work in to do the prompts justice. I've a lot of respect for anyone who wants to give this a go though, I think it's challenging! And lots of love to Uri for putting an interesting spin on the challenge. I'll be following the hashtags with interest, and maybe I'll work through this list over a longer period of time. ----- This doesn't mean I won't be drawing though. I've spun up a prompt list that's designed for anyone who wants to draw their OC each day, and I'll be using that to draw Konsi throughout October. Previously I've noted people who just draw a goblin during October use the tag to share the art, so I'll still be using the Gobtober tag. It means people will find other artists using it, and see the prompt list, and it means anyone who just wants to see more cute goblin art can still see mine. I'll make another post to share the prompts I'll be using, so you can share it without eight paragraphs of explanation.

It's almost that time of the year again! #Gobtober2023 is almost here and I bring you once again a new list! This year I went with rpg classes for the theme.

[blutopaz15]

For the hurt/comfort prompts, number 8 please!! :D

Took me a bit here because I couldn't for the life of me work out even these vague setting details...but have some Rayla POV but Callum-centric hurt/comfort!

@shiramoonshadow also requested this one and another! :)

"you don't have to pretend to be alright around me."

hurt/comfort prompts

More and more since they'd been back in Katolis, Rayla found herself alone in the evenings.

...which wasn't really that bad. Sometimes she'd visit with whoever wasn't stuck in the throne room with the boys, or see if the training grounds by the Crownguard barracks were empty, or just wait for Callum, especially if it was before moonrise. 

She couldn't deny, though, how she wished they could go back to how they'd spent their evenings those very first couple of weeks she'd lived here with them: playing rolly-cubes with Ez winning and Soren making a mess of keeping score and Callum drawing between turns while she looked for a chance to sneak a second with her head on his shoulder, or that night that Ez had gotten Barius to bake a dozen different kinds of jelly tarts for her to try, or those times that she and Callum had managed to slip away all alone before the sun had even set...

They'd been too young, then, for all the responsibilities they had now.

The more of those responsibilities—duties, really—that teenaged Ezran took on, the more obligations Callum ended up with too, which lately had meant evening meetings she seldom belonged at. All that responsibility was weighing on them, too, Rayla could tell. Callum kept coming back home to her so much sharper than usual—no doubt having spent the whole time advocating for Ez and mediating discontent—once he finally turned up back in their shared quarters an hour—or sometimes two—after dark.

He was never this late, though...and she hadn't even had to go all the way to the throne room to figure out why.

Even from across the courtyard, she could see how on edge he was���his jaw set and stiff, grumbling at a volume too low to hear, his eyebrows knit together across a tense forehead. Even the way Callum scratched away at his sketchbook was harsh, each line made with heavy, sudden pressure.

"Did something happen?" she asked, unsurprised that he hadn't noticed her approach in the dark with how preoccupied he was with the messy sketch.

Predictably—he'd startled. "Oh," he said, seeing her and immediately melting back down into that sulky, slack posture to continue drawing. "Uh...no. Well, yes, but...it's nothing new. I'm—I'll be fine."

He shrugged, like it wasn't a big deal either...which was a load of fart-flowers. 

She let her hip bump against his shoulder on her way down to the step beside him. 

"Then why are you sitting here trying to scribble a hole into your book?"

His sigh was short as he bookmarked his page with his charcoal.

"It's just...Ez is counting on me, and I'm hurting more than helping with these negotiations." Callum looked down—his cheeks highlighting red with distress—and fidgeted with the seam of his sketchbook. "We...we had a fight after the meeting tonight. I got upset—angry, really—and it was stupid. I'm just...overwhelmed, and I have been for a while. I've been trying to keep it together because I don't want him to feel like he can't ask me for help. I'm supposed to help him, and I want to help him. I just...don't know how."

She'd suspected the gist of those feelings—even though he'd been trying to keep them down—but fighting with Ez...

These were bigger than she'd thought—bigger than stress.

"Did you tell him that?" she asked, her arm slipping around his tense shoulders.

"I was trying to...but it came out all wrong." Callum winced, his mouth staying tilted into a half-hearted smile, his eyes misted over...so heartbreakingly handsome. "You know me."

She did, and she loved what she knew—overactive temper and all.

"I do," she nodded, leaning close to press her lips to his cheek, and she felt his smile widen just a bit as she lingered there, making her wish that he would've told her all this sooner, that she would've pushed him to talk about the pressure. "You don't have to pretend to be alright around me, you know. I get why you'd want to around Ez—he's your little brother—but...I can take it."

"I know," Callum said, tucking his head down against her shoulder. "I just...didn't want you to worry."

"Yeah, cause I've never made you worry before," she teased. Her lips brushed his forehead before she jostled him off her shoulder, squeezing him tight enough to be silly. "Now then, what do you need? More big feelings time? Real big fulminus out here? Tea? Jelly tart?"

Rayla stiffened, realizing that Callum had nuzzled his way against her neck rather than taking her up on any of her suggestions.

"I think I just need to blow off some steam, honestly," he said, adding a ticklish hum against her ear, then kissing the seam of her collar...

"Blow off some steam, huh?" She lifted her chin, and Callum knew to continue. "And you need my help with that, mage?"

"Well, yeah." Callum's lips squished against her cheek as he chuckled in response, kissing his way closer to her lips. "You're the most important part."

[julemmaes]

Robyn

Rowaelin Month, Day Ten

A/N: I'd planned on posting them in order, but you get what you get. Idk when the other prompts will come tbf. I hope soon. Anyway, I managed to write over 6k words today and I'm pretty fucking proud.

This is just fluff over fluff, so yep enjoy!!

Word count: 3,047

Rowan was unbelievably late as he sped through the streets of Orynth.

So late that the school had called not only him, but also the front desk of the place where he worked when he hadn't answered the call on his personal phone. Sorscha, his assistant, had entered his office with an embarrassed smile on her lips, as if she didn't want to tell him that he had forgotten for the umpteenth time to pick up his daughter from school.

Lorcan had joined him, for some strange reason, but Rowan had stopped bothering when it came to his best friend. He'd been trying to figure out how he reasoned for years and had come to the conclusion that there was no logical sense in the actions of the man sitting next to him, who was currently singing at the top of his lungs to one of the songs on the Frozen CD - which much to the chagrin of both of them, had gotten stuck in his car radio months before, forcing them into hours of torture.

He would never deny that the songs were all quite catchy, but after the sixteenth time Rowan had had to listen to Let It Go at maximum volume, his positive opinion of the film had begun to waver.

As they pulled into the school parking lot, Rowan noticed with deep regret that the only cars still there were those of the teachers and school staff.

They both got out of the car, Rowan walking quickly towards the entrance while Lorcan dragged behind him.

He greeted the caretakers sitting at the entrance, who returned a big smile. A smile that grew even wider when his large, imposing friend entered a few moments later. He stopped to talk to the old ladies and Rowan walked down the corridor he knew led to Robyn's classroom.

He could hear muffled voices from inside the teachers' room on the left and the one he knew belonged to Miss Galathynius coming from the right. He looked out over the classroom, spotting the two people sitting at a desk.

As soon as his daughter saw him, her eyes widened and a huge smile flashed across her face.

No words. No "hello, daddy!" or "I missed you!" from the little girl.

Her teacher turned as she leapt out of her chair and ran towards him, hugging his legs and looking up at him. Rowan smiled at her in turn, running a hand over her hair that was shot in every direction.

"Hello, little bird," he murmured to her. The child's smile widened even more if that was possible.

The woman a few feet away from them pulled herself upright, crossing her arms over her chest and offering a sincere smile to the child, who hid behind his thighs.

Rowan was about to tell her that Robyn was shy with everyone like this, ready to defend his daughter's behaviour as he was used to doing in front of every adult, but he was beaten to the punch.

"It's good to see you, Mr Whitethorn," she said, extending a hand. Rowan shook it without hesitation. "Actually, I just wanted to write you a letter regarding Robyn," she continued, never taking her eyes off the little girl. "Nothing serious," she hastened to reassure him when Rowan grimaced, "quite the contrary. Robyn is remarkably good. One of the best in the class, though I shouldn't offer that information so bluntly."

Miss Galathynius winked at him, but he couldn't process what he'd just been told.

"Sorry, could you-"

The little hands clamped around his trousers tightened a fraction more and Rowan looked down, trying to figure out what was bothering his daughter, but then something happened that he hadn't even dared to dream about in recent times.

"You're here!"

The little girl broke off and ran away from him in less than the blink of an eye.

Rowan turned just in time to see Lorcan grab Robyn in mid-air, spinning her around as he brought her to his chest and showered her with kisses. The loud, incessant laughter that erupted from her seemed too much coming from that fragile little body, but he never tired of hearing it.

"Why hello baby!" said Lorcan laughing in turn, starting to tickle her until she begun to rebel and he was forced to let her slide to the floor. Robyn was still laughing at the top of her lungs and nearly fell to the ground as she squealed left and right, letting herself be pushed around by the closest thing to an uncle she had ever had.

When Rowan turned back to the woman, she was wide-eyed and her lips slightly parted as she watched the massive man dressed completely in black and the menacing face turn into a completely different person the second he had seen Robyn.

He chuckled, "I know, it's not every day you get to see a little girl be so comfortable with a brute like that."

Lorcan, who was listening to everything, looked him straight in the eye and without stopping smiling and playing with the little girl, mouthed to him to fuck off.

"Well, yeah. You caught me a little off guard." she confessed, still shocked to hear how Robyn was having a full conversation with Lorcan. They couldn't hear anything of what she was actually saying, but even just the fact she was talking to someone seemed to have Aelin unsettled.

She returned her attention to Rowan and let out a breath that sounded more like a giggle, "I've never heard her laugh before."

He nodded, blushing a little at the teacher's surprised but relieved tone.

"I'm sure the dean warned you about the problem she has," he said in a low voice. He grimaced at her poor choice of words, "I mean, not problem, but the difficulty she finds in interacting with people she doesn't know."

Liar, he told himself. Robyn hadn't spoken to anyone but him and Lorcan since the day Lyria had died. It wasn't a difficulty, but a response to the trauma that prevented her from speaking to anyone who wasn't part of her immediate family.

"I know, I know. We've been looking for solutions together." she informed him. "I give her a white board every morning. Come on, I'll show you." she turned to the desk they were sitting at earlier and raised the magnetic board, on which a few words were scribbled on. "I'll write here what she might need. Yes. No. I need to go to the bathroom. I'm thirsty. I'm hungry." she read, listing the various options. Rowan gaped. "We've only just started going over the alphabet for a second time, so she can't really read or write yet, as I imagine you know, but the little drawings next to each sentence help her."

She continued talking, but he couldn't quite follow.

The woman in front of him - aside from being breathtakingly beautiful - had done as much as she could to help her child with communication.

"Mr. Whitethorn-"

"Rowan. Please, call me Rowan." he said, clearing his throat once he realized how hoarse it sounded to his ears. Lorcan walked up to them at that point, still holding Robyn in his arms and positioned himself next to him, letting their shoulders touch in a comforting way.

"Call me Aelin, then," she smiled at them both. Then she made a small grimace, turning to Rowan, "I wanted to ask if it bothered you, that I sought a solution like that. Maybe I put her in distress, embarrassed her. I'm sorry if I gave you the impression that I wanted to solve this on my own. I really wanted to discuss it with you, with your husband too, to avoid misunderstandings. Maybe we could arrange a meeting."

He was about to tell her that she had given him the exact opposite of annoyance, that he had been more than pleased that she had helped Robyn this way, when her words finally registered.

Lorcan, beside him, had opened his mouth wide and his lips were slowly bending into a mischievous smile.

Rowan furrowed his brow, "I'm sorry, what?"

Aelin's smile seemed to falter. "A meeting? With you? To talk about how to handle the situation," then she shifted her gaze to Lorcan, "You're more than welcome to join as well. I didn't know Robyn had two dads, I apologise for assuming Robyn had a mum and dad. That was very rude of me-"

"I love this," Lorcan whispered, laughing in shock. He turned to Rowan with eyes that sparkled with amusement, "I would definitely be the top."

Rowan looked at him with an expression of complete shock on his face, "What the fuck are you talking about?"

Robyn gasped, opening her eyes wide and bringing a hand to her mouth, pointing then to Rowan's.

"Yeah, sorry, love. I shouldn't have said the bad word." he apologised, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead. He turned back to Miss Galathynius, "I'm sorry to have to disappoint you, but we're not married."

"No need to lie, sweetie. I'm sure Aelin," he gave her a knowing look, "doesn't mind at all about our relationship status."

Aelin nodded, "Well, yes. That doesn't change anything. Mr..." she turned to Lorcan, searching for a name.

"Salvaterre."

"Mr. Salvaterre can still attend. The fact that you are not yet married is no reason why you cannot both be present at the meeting. You don't have to worry, we are a very tolerant school and if anyone bothers you, you can come directly to me."

A sound of sheer glee escaped Lorcan.

Aelin continued, "I mean it. I was pleased to see both of you today. I was also pleased to see Robyn smiling so much." she concluded, looking the little one in the face.

Rowan took a deep breath, bracing himself, "No, I meant, we're not a couple. We're not gay. He's her uncle."

The woman's blonde eyebrows shot up and a second later she turned almost as red as the dress Robyn was wearing as Lorcan shook his head muttering something very much like 'you're no fun', which made Robyn giggle.

"Why did you even get off the car?" he asked him exasperated.

Lorcan shrugged, "Because I missed my little bean, you monster." he replied, clutching Robyn to his chest. The little girl clutched Lorcan's shirt in her chubby little hands and Rowan huffed, shaking his head.

Aelin brought her hands to her face, leaning against the desk behind her. She shook her head, her face still hidden, "Oh, god. I'm so sorry."

Lorcan let out a dry laugh, "Don't worry about it. It was fun while it lasted." then he turned to Rowan again, who was still trying to recover from the idea of being involved in a relationship with his friend, "You're really no fun."

"Yeah, no fun dad." repeated Robyn.

Silence fell over the class. Rowan looked at her with wide eyes and blinked once, twice. Robyn was staring at him with a sweet scowl that mimicked so much that of the man who was still holding her, but Rowan couldn't get over the fact that his daughter had spoken while Aelin was still beside them.

He was about to talk, noticing how Robyn had started squirming in Lorcan's arms, when there was a knock at the door.

They both turned, Aelin peering over Rowan's shoulder, and saw the figure of a petite girl with black hair and eyes standing in the doorway, watching them with her head slightly bent to the side. She had a tag on her t-shirt that was too colourful to belong to someone who didn't work in a school with children, so he guessed she was a teacher herself. Besides, Rowan felt like he'd seen her elsewhere. Probably every day when he picked Robyn up from school, he said to himself.

"I know you're not supposed to eavesdrop but I stopped by earlier and heard you were a couple of dads," she said by way of introduction. "I just wanted to reassure you that the school is an extremely safe place. I'm the one who did most of the interviews with the parents," that's where they had met then, "and one of the questions that is asked is just about the tolerance of the people who will be attending the school."

Aelin watched her, remaining silent the whole time and putting on an amused smile, nodded, "That's what I was telling them. How tolerant the school is. They make such a cute couple, don't you think, Elide?"

Rowan turned to her, arching an eyebrow, silently asking her what she was doing. The woman, as if she could truly understand what he was trying to convey to her, nodded her head towards Lorcan, who Rowan only then noticed was standing weirdly, his eyes fixed on the woman in the doorway.

He grinned, deciding to take his revenge right away. "Oh, yes. Thank you so much for the reassurance," Rowan began to play along as well. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Lorcan turn towards him, dropping Robyn to the floor, who made a disapproving noise at being dumped so suddenly. "We are happy to know that this school is a safe place for our daughter. And for us."

Elide offered him a blinding smile, "Good. I'm happy to hear that you are pleased so far. And I am happy that Aelin is the one who is taking your daughter's class. She's the best one here."

Rowan didn't know her yet, but he knew the thing Elide had just said could only be true.

"Well," she said again, giving them an apologetic smile, "I really must go now, but if you need anything, you can find all my contact details on the website. Have a nice day!"

Aelin and Rowan said their goodbyes, thanking her. Lorcan took a while to recover, but when he realised he was staring into empty space he ran towards the door, almost stepping on little Robyn, who was moved by Aelin.

"We are very much not gay, miss!" he shouted into the hallway. Aelin, now beside him and with a hand on Robyn's shoulder, cackled. With Lorcan's infinite luck, someone walked by just then and gave him a stern look. "Oh, shut up ma'am. I'm an ally. The best ally."

Rowan shook his head as Lorcan launched himself in pursuit of the poor teacher and burst out laughing when he heard him shout, "I'm not homophobic! I'm willing to suck someone's cock if I have to prove it to you!"

Aelin opened her mouth wide before bursting out laughing in turn.

Robyn, seeing both adults so happy, giggled too and Rowan bent down to pick her up. The little girl laid her full head of white-light hair on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

She was tired and Rowan really needed to get her home to sleep.

He glanced at Aelin and reduced his lips to a thin line, "I'm sorry about the commotion, I'll try not to bring him into the building again. Even if it means tying him to the seat."

The soft laugh she gave made something tighten in his chest. He frowned.

Aelin didn't seem to notice the effect she had on him, "Don't worry, Elide is crazy about fools like him. If he says the right things, we might start seeing each other outside of school too."

Rowan nodded, now too caught up in the thought of having to take Robyn home to focus on anything else.

They agreed on when to hold the parent-teacher meeting and then he grabbed Robyn's backpack, walking towards the exit.

He was thoughtless as he reached into his pocket for his keys and balanced everything else - including the girl - on his other arm, but when Robyn's hand brushed his cheek, he looked down and his eyes met their twins. Green against green.

"What is it?"

The little girl's voice never stopped making him smile. Each time was like the first time she had said dada.

"I really like her."

Rowan frowned, "Who?"

"Miss Aelin." she whispered, almost as if she was afraid they might hear her.

He smiled at her, "Yeah? You like her?"

"She's nice to me."

Rowan had to put her down as he opened the door and let her get into the back seats by herself.

"I'm glad she's treating you well, love," he let her know, buckling her in.

He hoped she'd tell him more about her new teacher, but like any kid her age, the topic of conversation couldn't last for more than four lines apiece, "Where's Uncle Lorcan?"

Rowan snorted, "No idea, little bird."

Robyn nodded, "Elide is pretty too."

And as if those words had summoned him, Lorcan appeared beside the car, making them both scream. He entered the car in a heartbeat and turned to his daughter, who was still settling into the seat. "Do you know Miss Lochan?"

But before she could answer him, Rowan had entered the car in turn and smacked the back of his head, which made the Robyn giggle, "You're not using my daughter as your wingman. Now stop it and buckle up."

Lorcan gave him a gentle push, before doing as he was told and for once he was happy he'd convinced him to do something.

Or at least, Rowan thought he had convinced him.

"What if I left you a note to deliver to Miss Lochan, Rob? Would you be up for it?"

Rowan knew, even without looking at her, that she was nodding emphatically.

Keeping his eyes on the road, he murmured, "Could you stop calling my daughter Rob, please? You'll give her an existential crisis."

Lorcan clicked his tongue against his palate, "Rowan, I'm not giving her a damn thing. We live in this new world, okay? Your daughter could be called Simon and still be a beautiful princess. Grow up and educate yourself before you talk shit."

"Aaaah!" shouted Robyn, "Bad word!"

Rowan sighed and shook his head, but still he was smiling.

This was his life. Had been for the past two years.

And he wouldn't change it for the world.

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[thebrokengate]

I still think Vol2 sucks. I get that Duffers wanted us to ''feel the lost'' but feeling the loss and feeling the bad writing are different things.

Max's death was handled badly. I know she's going to come back probably but what I'm talking about is that her first escape from Vecna was good and then her death made no sense. Why El did bring her back to life but not really? I mean, she's not exactly there as well so what's the point? Why did they use the Dear Billy scene where they showed how Max overcame Vecna but killed her after?

Eddie's death is still trash. Heck, I don't want him to come back because I hate when characters come back again and again. But let's be real his death made no sense. I don't care about Eddie as a character that much but his death was badly written.

Jason's and Brenner's deaths were predictable so no comment on that (I also sincerely hope that they won't Brenner back again because dear god...)

Not gonna talk about the way they handled Will's character and basically tortured him and made Mike's character trash it's a fact that Melvin still sucks and Mike's dynamic with both El and Will are off. It's like he doesn't even know what he is doing anymore. Associating El with her superpowers and calling her a superhero while distancing her from 'humanity' and saying contradictory shit many times during the monologue (saying he loves her without her powers but then continues to capitalize on how great her powers are and how she is a superhero) saying his life started the day Will went missing, the whole monologue being prompted by Will and running off Will's feelings from the van. What was the purpose? Let's be real, this was trash for each character involved. Are we supposed to believe Mike is a decent person? Honestly, El and Will should escape from him ASAP. Mike just doesn't even know what he is doing anymore and I just don't understand how the Duffers are even going to fix this mess with Mike's character. I don't care about the romance, really. Even from a platonic perspective, it doesn't sound good for him. Was he just speaking at the heath of the moment? Was he truly telling the truth and believing in everything he said? Then that means he doesn't understand El and Will at all, Im sorry. Oblivious or not, still Mike is a bad character to me. Saying he didn't say he loved El because he was afraid she wouldn't need him made no sense. She was literally crying her eyes out when she was beginning Mike to say the words before. She clearly needed him there and wanted to hear the words. Mike didn't even flinch a bit and proceeded to gaslight her. Let's be real bro Mike's character cannot be fixed and the amount of justification is hilarious ATP.

Erica and Lucas getting hate-crimed basically sucked. That scene was hard to watch. Is the minority characters getting hatecrimed and tortured a theme now?

El's powers makes no sense to me tbh. It's like they're giving her random powers atp. How was she able to re-start Max's heart? Also her sacrifice actually meant nothing because Vecna still won and the Hawkins got destroyed so again, what was the point? The way they handled Max's character this volume is annoying. I get what they were trying to do but still it was sloppy.

Also, Robin and Vickie only talked for a couple of minutes and Vickie spent more time on kissing her now ex boyfriend than to talk to Robin. What was the point? To draw parallels to Will/Mike? Still shit writing imo. We didn't even get to see Robin happy properly.

Idk man things sucked hard tbh. It's like Vol2 was just there to create drama and cool stuff and shit instead of providing actual quality writing with substance. I'm done man lmao. I wish I've never watched this volume to begin with.

I do agree with a lot of what you said, tbh, but there are a few things I also disagree with so I'll try to break down my response by individual number because there's so much to go over here, lol.

I know Max's death was one of those things that had to happen, but it shouldn't have because it lessens the impact of her Dear Billy escape and that still pisses me off. I cannot even begin to explain how much that pissed me off because now every time I go back to that episode, I don't get the emotion from it that I used to because her escaping what she kept saying was her fate is what made the scene powerful. For her to have an amazing and moving escape like that only to die later takes so much away from it.

His death was fucking pointless, I agree. Next.

Absolutely, and the predictability of Vol 2 pissed me off even more with it.

I still think that was purposeful, and if it's not in 2 years and they really used Will just to build up Melvin, then that's fucking horrible and the backlash they'll receive for that will be huge. Using Will's feelings, even with as fucked up as that is, didn't even fix Melvin either. Nothing is resolved here, and Mike just used what Will told him in the van because he thinks they're El's feelings. Doesn't make it better, but it is what it is, I guess. They should've just ended Melvin in Vol 2, I still think, purposeful or not (as we'll see in 2 years), because it was already going that way and they've dragged this shitshow out for too long already.

Unfortunately seems to be a running theme at least this volume. It's not a good look.

That literally came out of fucking nowhere, and there's basically no limits now. If she can revive people, how is there going to be any future danger? Especially if she gets good at it later on? I don't know. I kind of hate that they basically made her Jesus, lol.

Really really hope they'll develop Robin and Vickie's story together more next season, because I absolutely agree. The parallels are one thing, but being all Vickie's kind of used for right now is pretty shit, ngl.

I still have my beef with Vol 2 as well, analysis aside. Some things make more sense now, but it still doesn't really make it any better to me. Not to mention the pacing of Vol 2 and the characters that were slightly out of character, and so many of the good moments were improvised. Not that there's anything wrong with improvisation and actors do have good ideas sometimes, but it made me feel like they still cared less about the writing of Vol 2 and rushed a lot of things.