#If this is correct then I am so proud of myself for noticing

[deansmom]

99% of the time, I think that calling adhd/autism a superpower is pretty upsetting and borderline offensive, but there are some things that I'm like "yeah, that probably saved me a lot of trauma."

like, I genuinely never understood how many people (specifically afab people) don’t feel comfortable owning something as simple as their beauty. people being touched by the scene in Barbie where she calls the woman at the bus stop beautiful, and she says “I know” and the Barbie’s saying “I deserve this” to their awards an accomplishments, is so hard for me to understand. and like, I know what they’re talking about. people have always been uncomfortable with me owning stuff like that. after thinking about it, I do understand why people would feel that way about those scenes, but it never occurred to me that other people literally just didn’t believe or feel comfortable owning those things about themselves.

like, yeah, I am really pretty, thank you for noticing. even if I didn’t think so, I’ve had enough strangers compliment me in my life that I’ve just accepted it as a fact. people like my face. I know I’m beautiful, thank you. the sky is blue, healthy grass is green, and my face has some aesthetic value to it even to strangers.

again, something as simple as my writing or drawing abilities: I struggle with not liking my own work because I know that it could be better, but I’ve also been complimented on those things enough times that I’ve just been like “well, that many people lying to protect my feelings isn’t probable, so like… I must be pretty good at this.” so when I do something and I’m proud of it and somebody compliments it, they’re uncomfortable when I say “I know.”

maybe I need help to just be a functional adult and do basic things like make phone calls, but shit, at least being insecure about stuff that I know is objectively true never occurred to me lmao

[mclqren]

HOW YOU GET THE GIRL ★ FC43

PAIRING ✦ franco colapinto x fem!sargeant!reader

SUMMARY ✦ with your brother's seat being taken by your admirer of the past year, you try your best to stay clear, but it's hard when franco is trying so goddamn hard to get your attention [ SMAU ]

WARNINGS ✦ cursing, very minor hate comments

REQUESTED ✦ here!

NOTES ✦ i am NOT fluent in italian or spanish so please correct me if i've messed up on either of them! i count this as the best of both worlds because i love having franco on the grid but i'm missing my goat logan. the faceclaim i've used is marissa long but feel free to picture whoever you want! my requests are open so feel free to leave a request :)

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

liked by logansargeant, alex_albon, and 110,331 others

tagged logansargeant

yourusername logie, my bestest friend and the best older brother i could ever ask for. i am so so SO proud of you and the journey you have had during your formula one seasons. so many memories have been made, and i know that i will never ever forget the times we spent in the williams paddock, just having fun together (& bullying alex, obviously). the williams social media page won't be the same without me posting slips of you. trust me when i say this isn't the end, but simply the beginning. lots of love always and forever, y/n 💗

comments have been restricted

logansargeant ��️

liked by logansargeant, francolapinto, and 94,522 others

yourusername someone hit me up with an italian man please, i love this country

view all comments

user4 oh she's taking it

user5 mother as perrrr

user6 the sargeant genetics are LETHALLL

user7 please someone tell me why is she in italy if her brother doesn't drive for williams anymore?

user8 she's the williams social media manager!! she started in the same year as logan x

logansargeant baby sis ❤️

yourusername love you sm 💗

francolapinto did you know i'm actually half italian?

francolapinto sei molto bella🙏🙏 (you are very pretty)

user9 second year running and he's after y/n AGAIN IM CRYING

user10 after taking her brother's seat too PLEASEEE he has guts i have to give it to him

user11 FRANCO'S COMMENT I'M DYINGGGG

user12 and the way she's ignoring it too oh my days 😭 it's been a year and he's still on this

imessages ( y/n )

liked by logansargeant, francolapinto, and 92,801 others

yourusername week off 🍏

view all comments

user16 farm girl???

user17 where is she 😭😭

yourusername my best friend's farm 💗

user18 multi-talented girl fr

user19 she looks like she BELONGS fr

user20 she def doesn't want to go back to the old 9-5

yourusername oh def not

yourbsf my angel 🪽🤍

yourusername best time w you alwaysss 💗

francolapinto never wanted to be a goat so badly

user21 I AM PISSING MYSELF

user22 HE IS SO BLATANT AT THIS POINTTTT

user23 @/yourusername PLEASE WE NEED YOUR THOUGHTS ON FRANCO'S COMMENTS

user24 she def won't answer but it's still so fucking funny i can't

liked by logansargeant, francolapinto, and 97,210 others

yourusername most beautiful place 💗

view all comments

user28 beautyyyy

user29 please y/n we need to see your pinterest RIGHT NOW the vibes are everything

user30 okay but...you & franco??

user31 what about letting people have some privacy, hm?

user32 oh wowwww

francolapinto not as beautiful as you 😉❤️

yourusername 🤣🤣

user33 FRANCO YOU DID IT!!!

user34 watch as franco puts y/n noticed x1 in his bio now

user35 THE WAY HE ACTUALLY DID IT. GIRL...

user34 I AM CREASING I CANNOT

lilymhe baby girl 😍

yourusername my lilypad i love you to bits!!

logansargeant are you sure you and that lion aren't twins

yourusername i'm thinking we were separated at birth??

liked by francolapinto, alex_albon, and 699,303 others

tagged francolapinto

williamsracing and just like that, mr colapinto is a point scorer in formula one, in his second ever race!! congratulations franco, take a bow 👏💗

view all comments

user38 CONGRATULATIONS FRANCOOO!!

user39 big question is...which admin posted this?

user40 one MILLION percent y/n. no doubt about it.

user41 you can tell y/n posted this bc of her signature pink heart HAHA

user42 i just know somewhere franco is kicking his feet and giggling over y/n telling him to take a bow for his performance

user43 oh franco colapinto you have won me over

user44 seeing this and lowkey feeling so sad for logan

user45 no but imagine how y/n must feel?? her brother just leaving and having to post this, she must hate franco right about now

user46 honestly, judging by the post race interview, i think y/n is fine with franco scoring points, tbh!

yourusername 👏👏💗

francolapinto hearts ❤️

user47 I AM SOBBING THIS IS TOO CUTE??

imessages ( franco )

imessages ( y/n )

liked by logansargeant, francolapinto, and 101,989others

yourusername 🦢🦢

view all comments

user48 IS MISS Y/N OUT ON A DATE???

user49 facecard could kill.

user50 Y/N ON A DATE WHO CHEERED

user51 someone check up on franco like right now.

user52 either franco is the guy in the pictures and that's why he's not commenting, or he's entered a depressive state

user53 knowing his dramatic ass it could be either

alex_albon mystery man 👀🤑

yourusername shhhh albon

logansargeant i'll fight him if he hurts you 😁

yourusername love you too logie 🧸

imessages ( y/n )

liked by francolapinto, logansargeant, and 106,312 others

tagged francolapinto

yourusername city break 🇦🇷

view all comments

user54 FRANCO CAMEO FRANCO CAMEO THIS IS NOTTTT A DRILL

user55 I AM SCREAMING

user56 alexa play how you get the girl by taylor swift

user57 she's in his hometown...so this serious stuff now

user58 Y/N I LOVE YOU FOR THIS

francolapinto 😁❤️❤️

yourusername 💗💗

logansargeant willing to fly out to collect you if i have to 🫡

yourusername i promise you i'm fine 💗

liked by alex_albon, yourusername, and 1,112,091 others

tagged yourusername

francolapinto 1 AÑO DESPUÉS… ¡¡TENGO A LA CHICA!! ¡¡VAMOS!! la persona más hermosa por dentro y por fuera, con el corazón más grande que jamás haya existido. estoy tan feliz en este momento que las palabras no pueden explicarlo. te amo te amo te amo ❤️ (1 YEAR LATER… I GOT THE GIRL!! COME ON!! the most beautiful person inside and out, with the biggest heart that ever lived. i am so happy right now that words cannot explain it. i love you i love you i love you ❤️)

view all comments

user59 original y/n franco fans RISE

user60 WE ARE THE REAL WINNERS!!

user61 oh he is in love for real

user62 need someone to love me how he loves y/n

user63 their love is so so special

user64 okay but how's logan feeling about all this...? must be so awkward...

user65 judging by his comment...i think he's doing absolutely fine 🤣

logansargeant hurt her and i'm at your doorstep. 😊

francolapinto will never be a problem 🫡

yourusername you're the cutest ever

yourusername FRANCO 🤣🤣

francolapinto let me share my love for you, no?

yourusername i wanna kiss you so bad rn

logansargeant keep it pg-13 please.

yourusername logan.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

TAGS ✦ @shepgurl ; @blushmimi ; @nyxx-knight ; @fall-bambi ; @suns3treading ; @wowzees ; @d3kstar ; @poppysrin ; @ailooosworld ; @joalslibrary ; @dejavuontrack ; @dripostsstuff ; @kaylassturniolo

[blueparadis]

LEMONADE + SHIU KONG // f!reader ( she's a sniper), smoking, mention of murder and violence, implicit smut, semi-public ( happens in a car ), little tension between them, rivals to fvck buddies dynamics, he is such a tease here. 1.3 (w.c)

special thanks to @poohbea for beta-reading. without her, i really wouldn't have posted this. i had something in mind and this is entirely different. so i said better luck next time to myself and found the courage to post this. | back to nav. | also tagging @yuujispinkhair

“You’re not nearly as inconspicuous as you believe yourself to be.” Kong mutters off-handedly under his breath, reaching for the latch of your belt. His minty tobacco-laced breath paired with that familiar musky cologne threatens to send your nerves into a frenzy. He’s too close for someone who claims to ‘just wanted to undo your seatbelt’. He had no reason to but he did it anyway, probably because you were asking too many questions. He could have easily pressed one of those buttons on the driver’s side door, the one that unlocks all seat belts at once. The car is fancy enough to have those kinds of luxury features anyway, but you can’t help the racing of your heart when his fingers brush your skin. It’s only when he sits back in his own seat do you register his remark. Did he just scold you? The possibility alone has you licking your bottom lip nervously. 

It’s not as though he never has, but given your history with him, he rarely comments on your professionalism. He has been your handler for almost a year now and has yet to actually correct or complain about the way you do your job. He’s proud of your skills, he has to be, otherwise, he wouldn’t be hiring you for every sniper-kill case he gets.

“I heard you were back in town,” he starts, tapping on his cigarette packet before taking one between his lips. “But I couldn't contact you until I got the green light. That, and I’ve been too damn busy with the bounty offers that keep coming up.” He digs into his breast pocket to fish out a lighter, the flame flicking to life as his thumb rolls over the spark wheel. You look at him visibly confused, something he acknowledges with an amused huff. “Were you really so busy that you couldn't read the briefing I sent you?” He is definitely scolding you, but for what exactly? Trying to stay neutral in the face of his crude teasing, you let out a small breath, choosing to keep his gaze despite the nagging need to look away. He’s changed a bit. There’s worry in his eyes, more than usual, eyebrows creased as he continues. “Ah! I can't let you slip up now — ” 

“Why am I here?” You interject with a frown. 

“What?” He has the audacity to look at you surprised, as if he wasn’t the one to call you here again.

“This is the third time this month you’ve had me meet you… and in case you haven’t noticed, I have a bit of a busy schedule.” Kong lets you speak for longer than ten seconds for the first time in a very long time, his bad habit of interrupting taking the backseat for once. When he doesn’t answer you, you click your tongue, irritation evident in the furrow of your brow. “Why am I here, Kong-san—?”

“Shiu.” He corrects. Guess you spoke too soon. “And you still didn't answer my question. Did you or did you not—”

“I did.” You respond sourly. “And it told me a whole lot of nothing. Which is why I'll ask you again. Why am I here, Shiu?” Despite your irritation, the glaring fact of his contributions to your career as a sniper sits heavy on your shoulders as you sit in weighted silence. He knows it too, and never fails to bring it up every time you try to walk away, try to tell him you don’t need his help. He’s pushed you farther than anyone else ever has. Certainly, you owe it to him, but his ego is already big enough without the offer of such a confession, and you would rather put a bullet in your skull than admit that. 

The air inside the car grows thick with smoke as he takes drag after drag of his cigarette, not that you minded, you’re a smoker yourself, but just to spite him you opened the window by your side. “Isn’t it obvious?” Kong soon discards the butt out of his own window, studying you all the while, observing the mix of question and frustration that creases your forehead as your frown deepens. His lips tug up in one corner ever so slightly, too slight for anyone else to spot, but being around him as often as you have, you knew it was coming. “I’ve missed you.”

You blink. Once. Twice. Thrice. What a horrible man… he’s toying with you.

“Hilarious,” you mutter, offering him a sarcastic chuckle. He doesn’t waver, doesn’t look away, that small smile growing at your skepticism. The realization has your heart beating in your ears, and suddenly finding it difficult to keep his gaze.

“Want me to prove it to you?” He dips his head slightly, the leather of his seat squeaking in protest as he leans closer.

“No.” Your reply was instantaneous but you do not move, his hand reaching to play with the necklace resting against your collarbone, the very someone he gifted you after your first successful case. “Aren't we supposed to be doing a job here?”

“You tell me. Haven't you read the briefing?” Again with the same question. He is far too calm in this situation, fingers caressing the hammering pulse that lies just below the surface of your skin. “You weren’t lying to me were you—?”

“This is going nowhere.” You huff, finally breaking the intense staring contest he had trapped you in, finding the courage to withdraw from his touch momentarily. 

“It could if…” he guides you back to him, grasping your chin between his thumb and forefinger, gaze dipping to your lips. “If you wanted.”

You bite your lip lowering your head to hide your merriment. “Like the last time?” You ask with a knowing smile. If you wanted. Yeah. Sure. As if he didn’t. Because during the ‘last time’ in question, things were entirely different. You two weren’t out for a job. In fact, you were in a situation similar to this one, in his car, engaging in your usual back and forth. It’s unclear exactly what came over you that day, but those sly eyes and that cocky smile had you seeing your handler as less of a mentor and more of the man he was. The conversation devolved into his lips against yours, his hands against your hips as he encouraged you from your seat onto his lap. Thunder rumbled the heavens and rain battered against the windshield, the perfect mask for inevitable heavy breaths and throaty moans. Your skin tingled beneath his touch, his lips, his teeth, the press of his thigh between your legs that had electricity crackling up the base of your spine. His name fogged the windows, each syllable working its way through the tresses of your mind till that was all you could utter, all that truly mattered. He reveled in that, in the way you gave yourself to him almost entirely. How your body grew hot with every caress, every thrust, every kiss. What did you even call this feeling? Neither of you knew, but it was clear that either didn’t want it to stop. By the end of it, his presence spanned your body, inside and out. 

Shiu laughs at your subtle accusation. It has the kind of warmth that reminds you of cozy mornings during winter. There is a pregnant pause after he says. “Yeah.” Bobbing his head in a ‘yes’. You shake your head slowly, an amused breath leaving your nose as your nerves buzz with memories past.

You sigh, assessing him with narrowed eyes, trying to figure out what exactly he’s hiding beneath that elaborately organized talk of his. But the man is a vault, hiding behind dark eyes that threaten to reel you in again. It has you playing with your tongue, curling it against the insides of your mouth before smacking your lips. “Was there really any job for me to begin with?” You retort. 

Shiu Kong smiles, his carefully crafted demeanor crumbling in the face of the woman he’s slowly beginning to fall for. “There wasn’t.” He says bashfully.

—

@angelshub @public-safety-network @underratedcharactercorner

[hxney-lemcn]

The Riddle of Love — Gotham! Edward Nygma x gn! reader

summery: Edward's interest shifts to someone who indulges in his love of riddles.

tw: bullying (?), kristen kringle is a warning all her own in this fic, implied rejection (not really tho, Ed's just awkward).

a/n: I hope so much that I wrote all these characters correctly. I have riddler fever rn and really wanted to write for him, but I've always been scared that I'd write him too ooc. I think I did good tho.

wc: 3.1k

Master List

“What is it that no one wants to have, but no one wants to lose either?” I asked. I already knew it was a lost cause. Edward Nygma was the smartest man I had ever met. Dorky? Yes. Nerdy? Absolutely. Smart? Incredibly. So trying to impress him at his own game wasn’t exactly the smartest move. Yet, the first time I gave him a riddle to solve (which he solved ridiculously fast), I don’t think I’d ever seen him so happy. So I continued to scour the internet in my free time to try and find obscure riddles. 

Although this riddle wasn’t that obscure. I was running out of riddles to find, and I sure as hell couldn’t make my own. 

“A lawsuit,” Eddie replied without missing a beat, still focusing on testing blood samples. 

I couldn’t stop the pout that formed on my face, “It’s not fair how smart you are.”

I didn’t see Ed’s lips twitch up, how the praise I didn’t think twice about saying impacted him more than he’d like to admit. It was quiet for a few minutes, and I looked back down to the papers I had brought with me. Sometimes, I found myself working in the forensic lab when I could. One of the perks of being a criminal data analyst. I could make my notes on paper, and then just copy them into the computer later. 

Since I was a data analyst, I was in the record archives often. I was acquainted with Kristen Kringle, which obviously led me to Edward Nygma. She would complain about him if I came in after he had left. At that point I didn’t know him, but I also found her complaints unfounded. I’d let her vent, but I’d also speak up for him, which made her glance away in what I assume was guilt. Then there were the unfortunate times that I’d walk in on his awkward flirting. I’d just tensely put away or take the files I needed for my research and leave them to it. 

But after enough times, I’d caught him in the middle of one of his riddles. An easy one, probably to dumb it down for Kringle so she’d be enticed to answer it in the first place. Yet he had caught the attention of the wrong person. Although that didn’t seem to put a damper on his mood. He only sent me a tight lipped smile with a little ‘ding ding ding!’. That’s how I was caught hook line and sinker. His mannerisms were oddly endearing to me, and that’s how our odd little friendship formed. 

I was brought out of my reverie as Eddie shuffled over to his microscope, “I am a nine lettered word and rhyme with perfection; I am another name for love. What am I?”

I blinked, not ready for a riddle, even though I always should be in the presence of him. I looked up from my work, and I noticed how Eddie was sweating, his cheeks flushing a bright red. I tapped the metal table anxiously, the word love had thrown me off my game and my brain felt empty of anything else. I mumbled words under my breath that rhyme with perfection. 

“Deception, reception, perception,” I mumbled, yet none of them fit the rest of the rhyme. The longer I took, the more anxious Eddie seemed to get. “Affection. Oh! The answer is affection!”

Ed cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses, “Y-yes, that is correct. G-good job.” My proud smile fell into a more awkward one, thinking over the implications. That riddle sounded like one he’d save for Kringle. Was he running out of riddles as well? The thought alone was preposterous. It was tense for a bit. And when I realized I had nothing left to do but input the current data I had on some wanna be gang leader. The sad part is I knew that the cops aren’t going to be the first ones who get them. 

Even though I needed to leave, it felt wrong for some reason. To leave the situation after Edward had seemed to admit something in his unique way of sharing. I didn’t want to assume his feelings, yet I knew he also wasn’t one to just state them willingly. Biting my lip anxiously, I decided to just do it. 

Walking over towards Ed’s hunched form, I leaned down to place a light kiss to his cheek, “I’ll see ya later Eddie.” Then I booked it out of the room, leaving behind a very flustered dork. 

It wasn’t much later in the day when Doctor Lee Thompson entered my office. It wasn’t much of an office. The dark walls made the space feel enclosed, and it barely fit my desk and the few cabinets it held. Yet I didn’t mind it since it was a space for myself. Lee, on the other hand, was another acquaintance whose office was nowhere near mine. She’d only come to my office for a few reasons, if it was work related (which was rare since our departments weren’t similar), or if it was personal. Sometimes she fessed that it seemed I needed some company, that it would do me no good to spend all this time alone in my office. Other times…it was on a more personal note, about Eddie and I’s relationship. 

She plopped a candy bar on my desk, a placating move that was all too familiar.

“You must’ve done a real number on Ed,” She smirked, sitting on my desk. Due to the tiny size of the room, and the nature of my job, I didn’t have a seat for guests. 

“What do you mean?” I asked. Deep down, I knew exactly what she meant. I knew Edward was an awkward man, and his experience with flirting was an ultimate zero. Yet it was hard to imagine that he was still affected by a small gesture of affection… Okay maybe the gesture wasn’t that small, for either of us, but still! 

Lee’s smirk widened, “I think you know exactly what. Poor little Ed kept stumbling over his words when I brought you up. Something must’ve happened.”

I unwrapped the candy bar as she spoke, wanting to avoid any thought of the earlier moment. Looking back it was so awkward and a terrible attempt at…what? Flirting? Was that my intention? I didn’t even know my own intentions! 

I took a bite from the candy bar, savoring the sweet flavor before having to explain the painfully awkward memory. When I managed to explain the event, Lee couldn’t stop herself from chuckling, causing me to finish my candy bar with a bitter look. 

“That sounds like something you’d both do,” She smiled.

“What’s that supposed to mean,” I huffed, trying to fight off the flush of embarrassment I felt. 

“Nothing,” She sighed wistfully. “But you two really take your time, huh?” 

“Shut up,” I scowled. 

“Okay, okay,” She threw her hands up in mock surrender. “I’ll stop teasing…for now. But seriously, I think you two would be cute together.”

I let out a childish groan, “I get it. Is there anything else you need?” 

“No,” She smiled as she stood up. “Just wanted to see what had Ed all wound up.”

I rolled my eyes, but my heart skipped a beat at the implication. As Lee saw herself out, my mind kept racing. What was Ed doing right now? What was he thinking about? Did he really care enough about my opinion, about my affection, that he was still affected by it? I stared at my computer screen, the cursor blinking mindlessly. Glancing at the time, I scowled as I realized I still had 30 minutes left to my shift. The idea of going home, having a relaxing dinner and then maybe treating myself to a warm bath. 

…

That was only the beginning. It seems that Eddie’s admiration had shifted from Kristin Kringle to me. It was flattering, to say the least. At least to me. Once I gained Ed’s attention, I seemed to have gained his colleagues attention as well. Typically, I didn’t work with the officers, I’d research criminals, then that data would be added to the files. So when I walked past James Gordon and Harvey Bullock, I never thought twice. But when Ed had waved at me, that cute tight lipped smile on his face as I waved back, a smile of my own adorning my face, it drew the attention of the two detectives. 

"Careful Ed,” Harvey mocked. “Don’t wanna scare them off.” Jim only glanced up briefly, not interested in the situation in the least. I watched as Ed’s smile twitched for a second, Harvey’s words seeming to get to him. I felt my smile slip, not liking how they treat him in the slightest.

“He…didn’t do anything wrong,” I shrugged, before waving goodbye, making my way to the record archives. Not only them, but even Kringle was looking at me more than just as a person to vent to. 

“I feel sorry for you,” She stated, adjusting her thick rimmed glasses. Her hazel eyes held their usual air of judgment as she placed some files back in their spots. 

“Why?” I asked, flipping through to find the person I needed. 

“Isn’t it obvious?” She asked, raising one of her perfectly maintained eyebrows. “Edward’s got his eyes on another victim.” I frowned, anger bubbling within me at the way she always found new ways to insult him. 

“I wouldn’t describe it like that,” I managed to grit out. “I find the sentiment sweet.”

“Wait,” Kringle paused, turning to look at me with disbelief. “Do you…like him?”

I sighed, finding it hard to focus on the task at hand with this irritating conversation, “Would there be something wrong with that?”

“Isn’t it kind of weird how fast he switched?” She asked, a hint of jealousy in her tone. “I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he loses interest in you.”

I slammed the cabinet shut in a bout of rage, leaving the room before I do something I may regret…or lose my job over. As I exited, my scowl worsened when I realized I didn’t even get what I needed. 

“Hello!” Edward’s excited voice greeted me as I entered the break room. When my gaze landed on him, I felt my expression soften, my shoulder’s relaxing. His brown eyes were so expressive, that silly smile on his face never failed to melt my heart. 

“Hey,” I muttered back. Looking over the options in the vending machine. Just get something to eat, and hopefully I’ll feel better. 

“Is…something the matter?” He asked, fidgeting with his glasses. I let out a long sigh as I sat across from him at one of the few tables. 

Taking a bite of my snack, I took some time to gather my thoughts and feelings, “Sometimes I just hate people.”

His eyebrows raised, nervously fidgeting with his tie, “Th-that’s…understandable.”

“Sorry,” I muttered, finally cooling down. “Someone was just saying some really mean things and it got to me.”

Edwards’ demeanor changed in an instant, a frown replacing his smile, and his eyebrows furrowed in a mixture of concern and anger, “Who?”

I blinked, “What?”

“Who insulted you?” He asked, fists clenched. This wasn’t what I was expecting. He would get annoyed, yeah, but he’d always just stew in it until he calmed down. And he was barely angry when I was around, which was something I was proud of. So seeing him react so harshly was unusual. It made me feel a bit appreciated, that he cared enough to get this angry over it, yet it was also unsettling.

“They…they were insulting you,” I clarified, rubbing my arm awkwardly. “And trust me, I was ready to do some things that would’ve gotten me fired.”

Ed blinked, calming down drastically at the revelation, “Oh.” 

“Yeah,” I shrugged. “I swear if she says one more damned thing about you I’m gonna…” I strangled the air, the only way I could express how frustrated her insults made me.

Edward fake coughed, his cheeks tinged a light pink, “I assume you mean Miss Kringle.”

I paused, hoping it didn’t hurt that his past interest was still as rude as ever. “I didn’t even manage to get the files I needed,” I grumbled, hoping to lighten the mood a bit.

“...I can get them for you,” I felt my heart crack. Was he still interested in her? Was that why he was so ready to go into the den of the woman who so readily insults him? 

“Oh, no you don’t have to do that,” I shook my head. “I’ll just have Lee do it.”

Ed blinked, seeming to think over something before standing up, “I’ll be right back.” Before he was fully out the door he paused, “Whose case files did you need?”

I couldn’t help the tiny grin at how eager he was as I gave him the names of the people I needed files on. Yet that smile fell. Was he really so excited to get a chance to see Kringle that he almost left without knowing what files he needed? I finished my snack, getting a drink from the vending machine while I was at it. My mind continued to make up terrible scenarios that could be happening at that moment. How she could manage to crush Ed’s precious heart even more than she’s already managed to.

Ed was back quicker than I realized. It took him less than ten minutes! He set the files I needed on the table, that tight lipped grin on his face as he waited for my input.

“Oh! Thank you!” I thanked, flipping through the files to make sure they were all there. “She didn’t give you any trouble, did she?”

“No,” He replied simply. As I met his gaze, that’s when I finally realized that he was truly over Kringle. I should’ve felt disturbed at how intense his gaze was, at how strong his emotions seemed to be when he wasn’t even trying. Yet I only felt flattered, important, and wanted. Emotions I wasn’t completely used to, and caused my heart to stutter at how strong my own emotions were becoming. 

Standing up, I leaned in and kissed his cheek again, this time a bit more confident then the last time I did. I waved goodbye as I walked out with the files he gave me. I felt pride swell within me as I watched Eddie become a flustered mess as I left. It was a good mood lifter as I watched him fumble with his usual nervous ticks, before he was finally out of my sight. 

…

Edward’s courting tactics only seemed to grow after that. I wasn’t sure what changed him to do so. I could only speculate that Lee had something to do with it. She kept stopping by my office, asking how Ed and I were doing like she hadn’t just seen us the day before. I can’t lie, I was reveling in the attention that Ed was giving me, and I could tell he’d revel in my attention as well. A mutual pining on both sides. 

Normally, I’d be okay with that. Too scared to try and push things forward. Edward Nygma was different. He was just so…amazing. I’ve never felt so strongly towards someone. He was sweet, attentive, smart, and overall lovely. I couldn’t just settle for pining, I wanted to experience what it would be like as his lover. 

Which led me to this horrendous mess up of a confession.

I dressed up a bit nicer than usual, hoping to impress the cute dork. I felt confident in myself, an emotion I don’t feel regularly. I greeted Lee, who seemed like she guessed the occasion and sent me a wink when I walked past. 

“Hey Eddie,” I greeted, setting a cup of coffee down on the counter.

“Oh! Hello,” He greeted me, smiling. “You seem chipper this morning.”

Nudging the coffee towards him I smiled back, “It’s a good day today. I got you a coffee.”

“You didn’t need to,” Ed replied sheepishly, not used to people giving him things. 

I only shrugged, “I wanted to.” I tapped the counter I was leaning on as nerves started to slowly creep through me. So, before my anxiety could get the best of me, I blurted out, “What is mine but only you can have?”

With furrowed eyebrows, Ed actually paused to answer a riddle for the first time during this little game we had. His eyes flitted around the room, like he was trying to avoid the answer. I know he was smart enough to figure it out, so the fact he was taking so long to answer caused my heart rate to spike from anxiety. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe I was reading the room wrong. I blame Lee for feeding me a wrong understanding. 

“I…uh…” Ed stuttered over his words, sweat dripping down the side of his face. Shit, shit, shit! I shouldn’t have said that. He does know the answer, I found it online easily, he obviously knows. He doesn’t feel the same and now he’s trying to find a way to politely reject me. 

“Nevermind!” I exclaimed, trying to quell my nerves by getting the fuck out of here. “Stupid riddle! Never needs an answer. I should get to work.”

“W-wait!” Eddie called out, making me stop in my tracks. So close yet so far. “I can be a fruit, I can be on a calendar, I can be important, and I can be forgotten. What am I?”

Turning back around, I watched as Eddie picked at his nails. We both seemed like complete messes at the moment. It was hard for me to think of anything due to my previous failure of admitting my feelings. I bit my lip awkwardly, trying to stop myself from making any more of a fool of myself.

“I…I’m not sure Eddie,” I chuckled solemnly.

Clearing his throat, he adjusted his glasses before admitting, “A date. W-would you accompany me on one?” I stared at him with wide eyes, unsure if I heard him correctly.

“Y-yeah! Of course I will!” That tinge of embarrassment was quickly overpowered by exhilaration. The smile that stretched across my face almost hurt with how big it was. Eddie’s smile was also wide as he still couldn’t meet my eyes.

“Is…is tonight okay? Dinner? 7 o’clock?”

“That sounds perfect.” 

And to make the moment better, I kissed his cheek before parting, excited for what the night held for us.

[anniebeemine]

morning rush

warnings: none :)

Spencer bolted upright, eyes snapping open to the glaring red numbers of his alarm clock. 7:20 AM. His heart pounded as he realized just how late he was running. The bus came at 7:45.

In a rush, he scrambled out of bed, nearly tripping over the pile of laundry he’d meant to fold last night. He quickly grabbed his toothbrush and furiously scrubbed, half-wishing he could teleport between the bathroom and his closet. He didn’t have time to properly fix his hair, so he pushed it out of his face with a haphazard hand, knowing it would probably fall back into place at the most inconvenient moment.

Eliza. His heart sank a little as he hoped today wouldn’t be one of those mornings where getting her out of bed was a battle. If she started crying about not wanting to go to school, they’d both miss the bus.

With a grunt, he slid into his slacks, leaving his belt unbuckled in his hurry. He was halfway through struggling to put on his socks when he paused, mid-hop on one leg. From down the hall, he heard the soft sound of running water and a tiny voice—Eliza’s voice.

He peeked into the bathroom, and his heart melted at the sight. There she was, standing on her little stool, gazing into the mirror with a determined look on her face. She was doing her affirmations, the ones they practiced together every morning.

“I am brave. I am smart. I am kind.”

Spencer watched her reflection as she brushed her teeth with fierce concentration, occasionally dribbling toothpaste down her chin. She didn’t seem to notice or care, too focused on the task at hand. When she finished brushing, she reached for the hand soap—*the hand soap,* Spencer noted with a smile—and lathered it up before washing her face in tiny, circular motions.

Her hair was in a lumpy, uneven side ponytail, with strands sticking out in every direction. She wore her favorite pink sweater, a little too big on her now, and paired it with purple leggings covered in stars. They clashed horribly, but that was Eliza—colorful, bold, and unapologetically herself.

He could have fixed it. He could have brushed out her hair, made it smooth, put her in an outfit that matched. But he stood there, frozen, watching as she proudly stepped down from her stool, checked herself out in the mirror with a satisfied grin, and marched out of the bathroom.

Spencer followed her quietly, still in awe, as she made her way to the front door. She sat down on the floor and began the process of putting on her shoes. She fumbled a bit with the laces, her little fingers struggling to make the loops work, but she was determined.

Eliza looked up at him with a huge grin, her backpack slung over one shoulder and her untied shoes half on her feet. “Daddy! I got myself ready for school today!”

Spencer’s heart swelled with pride. She was so proud of herself, beaming from ear to ear. He could see the small imperfections—the mismatched clothes, the messy ponytail, the untied shoes—but none of that mattered. Her spirit was shining so brightly, and he knew he couldn’t bring himself to correct her, even though every fiber of his parental instincts wanted to smooth things over.

Instead, he smiled back, walking into the kitchen to find something quick for breakfast. He grabbed a banana and a granola bar, hoping it would be enough to keep her full until lunchtime.

“You did amazing, Eliza,” he said, handing her the banana. “Let me just help you with those shoes, okay?”

She gave a little giggle as he crouched down to tie her shoes, her small hand resting on his shoulder for balance. When he stood up, she gave him a quick hug, wrapping her arms around his legs before bouncing back to grab her backpack.

As they headed out the door together, Spencer couldn’t stop the warmth spreading through his chest. He looked down at his confident, colorful, determined little girl and knew that, messy hair and mismatched clothes aside, she was perfect just the way she was.

[zexapher]

Vacuan Nights, Like Vacuan Days

They’re just so great together! I’d love for Jaune and Weiss to get a little downtime in Vacuo to live out a moment like this. They really deserve it, and I’d love to see Jaune’s guitar make a reappearance.

The comic here was inspired by u/Silverstar1243’s excellent piece of art, A Serenade Under the Moonlight. Send some love to them on their twitter, commission some art if you’re willing and able, they’ve made some great stuff.

You folks may have noticed I threw in a couple of references for those in the know; the Golden Oreos behind Yang (double stuffed, I might add) for the trio’s ship, Weiss liking it rough for Mallobaude’s great fic, and of course I made a whole theme around the Arabian Nights Disney song. A song, along with its Aladdin compatriots, which I spent the better part of a day finding covers for just to listen to on repeat while I worked.

This one’s now officially my longest comic project, with 14 panels, two over the past record since I added the White Knight kiss at the end. I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. Not sure I’d say it was more difficult than my Vanity of Vanities post, but for this one I actually knew how to use my editing software going into it (at least somewhat).

Put a lot of work into this one, been working on it on and off since February. Took a few breaks for vacation, to make my memorial post for Rooster Teeth, and another five meme edits or so, but I came back around to it. First half was pretty easy, relatively minor edits inserting characters into scenes and so on. The second half with Jaune and Weiss was tougher though, with color correcting, merging poses, redrawing features, drawing Jaune’s entire head to fix some lighting issues, etc. Really like how the edit to make Jaune strum his guitar turned out.

The time it took to make the whole comic got me down a little, until I did a bit of math. Including my side projects since starting this, all the scripting and editing and all, I’ve been pumping out a panel every two days. That seems pretty good to me, that kind of accomplishment makes me a little proud of myself.

Really need to get around to watching the second part of the Justice League Crossover movies. It’s got a few Vacuo scenes that might make things a little more authentic instead of me just using Saphron’s house and pretending it’s a suite in Vacuo. I do love taking yet more character stills from Jaune and friends experiencing deep trauma and turning it into something positive, been making that a bit of a personal habit. And I’ve got to say, the background for Jaune and Weiss’ scene is really beautiful, pulled it from when Sun and Neptune hear Ruby’s message about Salem. That’s just a really good shot all on its own, I even saved a copy for my computer’s wallpaper after editing out the two.

Posting a big RWBY White Knight edit, watching not one but two RWBY Beyond episodes, and all on the trail of the news that RWBY’s found partners that they’re negotiating with and that the creative team is expected to stay on. And I'm sipping bubble tea. Life is good.

Anyway, pardon the long write up. I’m invested in this one, and am quite pleased with how the comic turned out. I hope you all get a kick out of it as well!

[helloalycia]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 [𝐓𝐖𝐎] —𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐑

summary: Jackie and you become closer and she takes it as a challenge to make you fall for her charms.

warning/s: none.

author’s note: part 2 is finally here, sorry for the delay! i’ve had a migraine all day otherwise i would’ve posted this earlier 😅 hope you like it!

one / three / masterlist / wattpad

A month passed and any reminder of my conflict with Leroy and Tiffany had faded into oblivion. Jackie was correct in assuming they'd drop their beef with me, and once my hand was healed and Jackie's face no longer looked like an overly inflated balloon, there was nothing left to remind me of the incidents that occurred.

The only thing to come out of the whole experience was being a little more than acquaintances with Jackie. I couldn't go as far as saying we were friends, but she definitely felt the need to greet me more whenever she saw me in class, and I didn't mind returning the favour.

The real shift in our relationship began when Van, Jackie, Shauna and I were grouped up for a History class project. It was a presentation we needed to pull together, so we'd all made plans to meet up to discuss everything over coffee, which is how I found myself driving there with Van in my new car.

"You know you're gonna have to take me everywhere now," Van pointed out from the passenger seat with a grin. "I'm gonna be your passenger princess."

I laughed. "Hey, I don't mind. It's a bit of a rust bucket, but it beats skateboarding everywhere." I paused, then added, "Who am I kidding? I'm gonna miss skateboarding everywhere."

"We can still hit up the skate park every now and then," she promised. "But driving is a lot easier, you can't lie."

I smiled in agreement. After using some of my savings and convincing my parents it was time to get a car, they bought me an old, second-hand banger from one of my dad's friends who owned a garage. It wasn't the best looking car, but after a wash and a little bit of sprucing up with some car accessories, it looked decent enough to serve its purpose.

Conveniently, I pulled up at the coffee shop at the same time as Shauna, who was parking a few spots down. When Van and I jumped out the car with our bags, Jackie and Shauna were already approaching us.

"Hey," Shauna greeted us both with a smile, before nodding with approval at my car. "Love the new ride, Y/L/N."

"Thanks," I said with proud smile.

"You got to the part where you have to fill the tyres with air?" she asked with amusement. "It's so awkward when everyone watches you do it."

I snorted with amusement. "I'll be lucky if I get that far. This thing is trying its best right now."

She chuckled and glanced over it once more. "It's still pretty nice. Gets you from A to B, right? Driving saves so much time, trust me."

"Very true," I agreed, before I noticed Jackie checking it out curiously, having greeted Van already. I quirked a brow as I jokingly asked, "What? Not up to the princess' standards?"

Van and Shauna exchanged amused glances whilst Jackie shot me a playful glare.

"That's not what I was thinking," she said matter-of-factly.

I stopped by her side to look at it like she was, giving her a sideways glance. "I was kidding. Kind of."

She gave me a knowing look. "It's nice."

I tried not to laugh as I said, "Thank you."

She rolled her eyes playfully before the four of us headed inside to find a table. After claiming a booth in the corner, we pulled out our supplies and textbooks to get started.

"I'll go order our drinks," I offered, before we got stuck in. "Everybody know what they want?"

After they shared their orders with me, I slid out the booth to get in the queue, but Jackie slid out alongside me.

"You might need more hands to carry it," she said, when I quirked a brow.

I shrugged and the two of us got in line to order. It didn't take long to reach the front, and after giving the barista our order and paying, Jackie decided she wanted a muffin that was on display.

"Shoot, I'm so sorry to be annoying," she said with her signature smile, albeit a little apologetic, as she pointed to the muffin. "Please can we get that too?"

The guy, probably no older than we were, nodded eagerly and got the muffin for her, placing it on the tray. "Of course. It's on the house."

I resisted the urge to smile as I raised an eyebrow, watching Jackie laugh flirtatiously.

"No! Really?" she asked with bright eyes. "You're too sweet!"

The guy shrugged casually, his cheeks turning pink as she gave him all her attention in this moment. Before we knew it, our drinks were added to the tray and I picked it up to leave.

"Thanks again," she said with a tilt of her head and a matching smile.

He watched her leave distractedly, and only when we were walking away did I let out a quiet chuckle at what I'd just witnessed.

"What?" she asked, glancing at me, as if she didn't know what she'd done.

I gave her a look of disbelief. "Seriously?" Her confused expression forced me to continue. "You just bat your eyes and get what you want?"

She looked up thoughtfully before nodding. "Pretty much."

Breathing out through my nose, I shook my head with amazement. It made sense that even strangers fell victim to the Jackie Taylor effect.

"Can you get some napkins?" she asked, flashing me the same smile she gave the barista, but I would be damned if she thought she could fool me.

"Not a chance," I said with a stifled laugh, equally amused by her frown as I was her audacity.

I returned to the booth as she went to grab some napkins for us, and the four of us got stuck in immediately. As well as getting the base of our presentation researched, we also had a nice bonding session. To be fair, Van already knew Jackie and Shauna well, but I enjoyed getting to know them too.

I especially learnt that Jackie was pretty used to getting what she wanted whenever she wanted, and having people fall head over heels for her. This was something that came to light the more time we spent together working on this project. I guess you could say that the project is what intertwined our lives again once more.

—

After yet another studying session with Jackie, Shauna and Van in the library last night, I realised I grabbed Jackie's notebook by accident and planned to return it to her the next morning at school. I found her by her locker, but she was in a conversation with Jeff and I debated whether or not to interrupt.

They weren't together, the two of them surprisingly staying broken up unlike the many other times they'd somehow got back together, so it was odd to see them talking. But it wasn't any of my business, even if I was a little curious to whether they were back together – especially after everything that happened – so I just sucked it up and politely interrupted.

When I stopped by their side awkwardly, their conversation fell quiet and Jeff glanced at me, no doubt thinking of the whole Leroy incident. Without another word, he walked away, leaving Jackie and I alone.

"Sorry," I said to her uncomfortably, before holding out her notebook. "I just wanted to give you this."

"Oh, thanks," she said, blinking, before accepting the notebook. "I was looking for this all morning."

"Yeah, I must've grabbed it by accident," I said with a small smile. "My bad."

She nodded, and I was about to leave, but then she met my eyes and said, "That wasn't–"

She'd stopped, so I prodded, "Wasn't...?"

Uneasily, she explained, "He's been trying to get back together with me. Jeff."

I chewed on my lip, unsure what to respond, because she didn't owe me any kind of explanation. But a small part of me was nosy enough to want it.

"I'm not stupid, obviously," she continued.

"Obviously," I repeated in agreement, otherwise stumped for words.

"But yeah," she finished, a small, awkward smile on her lips. "That's it."

I mirrored her smile, nodding. "Awesome... er, thanks for the update."

She cleared her throat, nodding too, and then an uncomfortable silence filled the air. I was relieved, though I would never admit it, to know that she wasn't considering going back to him. It only reaffirmed all she'd said about listening to me, and it showed that she respected whatever friendship we seemed to share.

"I'll see you in class," I said, straightening up.

She relaxed her shoulders. "Yeah. See you."

—

Shortly after finishing our group assignment together, Jackie felt the need to work with me more often, for whatever reason. She had a lot of friends, so I couldn't see why she needed me in the mix also, but I guess I wasn't totally against it.

I was walking into Chemistry class when I spotted the blonde sat where my usual lab partner, Dennis, sat. Getting a sense of deja vu, I watched her questioningly as I set my stuff down in my seat.

"Is there a particular reason you're sat there?" I asked, when she flashed me a nonchalant smile.

Placing her chin in the palm of her hand, she stared at me through her lashes. "I feel like you don't know me well enough. So, I switched partners."

I resisted the urge to laugh, oddly intrigued by whatever game she was playing. "I mean, we've only been in the same classes all our life, but–"

"It's not the same," she insisted with a wave of her hand, making me laugh.

Not caring enough to be opposed to her trading seats with Dennis, I took a seat beside her and began to get my books out. As I did, our teacher, Mr Turner, approached our table with a stern expression.

"Miss Taylor," he addressed her. "Can I ask why you're not sitting in your assigned seat?"

I watched on with amusement, wondering how she'd get herself out of this one. But if she was sweating in the slightest, it didn't show.

Shooting Mr Turner her signature smile, she said, "I'm sorry, Mr Turner. I was just about to come and ask you permission. I thought moving beside Y/N here would help improve my grade and be less of a distraction than my old partner."

I quirked a brow, glancing between him and her, and watched as his expression softened slightly. Holy shit. The Jackie Taylor effect worked on teachers too?

"Very well," he conceded. "I suppose that's alright, if it's for the betterment of your learning. Just don't let me catch you chatting through my teaching, alright?"

She nodded innocently. "Of course. I'd never disrespect you like that."

My mouth opened slightly with disbelief, her pure arse kissing astounding me. Mr Turner nodded appreciatively before returning to the front of the classroom, and Jackie turned to me with a cheeky smile.

"I'm impressed," I admitted. "Everybody really loves you, huh?"

As she grabbed her book, she shrugged, though gave me a sideways glance as if she was pouting. "Almost everyone."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "C'mon, Jackie. You have the whole school– heck, probably the whole world at your fingertips. Why are you so adamant on making me like you?"

She raised her brows impatiently. "Because I'm likeable!"

The pink tinge on her cheeks, darkening her already-existent blusher, paired with her impatience only served to make me grin. If I'd known treating Jackie Taylor like this would get her so flustered, I would have done it more often. It was definitely entertaining, and she was going through more effort than she needed to, which only made me laugh more.

As amusing as it was though, I knew she'd give up soon. I simply refused to let myself slip under the Jackie Taylor spell that she had over everyone – doing whatever she wanted, treating her like she was god's gift, there at her beck and call... Unlike every other poor soul who genuinely believed they had a chance with her, no doubt because she had a power to make you feel that way, I wasn't naive. Jackie Taylor was out of my league, as a friend or anything more.

I wasn't blind. Her powers of seduction were rooted in her beauty and ability to turn heads wherever she went. It was normal to have a tiny crush on her, I was sure of it, but I'd never let it be more than that.

Of course, there were small micro-moments where I'd let myself indulge for once, to be a little selfish and delirious. Like now, as she sat beside me in class, nodding along to what Mr Turner was explaining. From the corner of my eye, it was easy to make out the perfect curve of her jaw, the glossiness of her lips, the flutter of her eyelashes. And it would have been even easier to give into it all, especially when she asked me to grab her a lab coat from the back of the classroom, a soft smile on her lips and a single bat of her eyelashes.

But all it took was one relinquishment of power and I'd be just another fool who let Jackie Taylor create delusion in their heads. And I refused.

"I don't know what the arrangement between you and your last partner was, but here, you do things yourself," I said with a suppressed smile, appreciating the way her face dropped.

She tensed her jaw slightly, before trailing along behind me to grab a lab coat. After suiting up, we returned to our desk and I got out the lab equipment whilst she read over the worksheet we'd been given.

"Okay, first step is to turn on the bunsen burner," she read aloud, glancing at me expectantly.

"Great." I pushed over the bunsen burner to her. "Go on."

Indifferently, she straightened up and began to connect the hose to the bunsen burner, shooting me a knowing look as she connected the whole thing to the gas tap.

"I know how to do things myself, y'know," she said disapprovingly.

I chuckled. "I know, it's just fun watching you actually do it."

She huffed dramatically before twisting the gas tap without warning, making me jump back quickly as the flame lit up. Her eyes widened as she twisted it off, before falling to me with both concern and amusement.

"Shit, are you okay?" she asked, hand covering her mouth, but a smile was threatening to break out.

I released a breath, touching my shirt which almost set on fire, and shot her a look. "I am, yeah. No thanks to you!"

She began to laugh quietly. "I'm sorry. See? If you'd just done it for us, that wouldn't have happened."

"Oh, if I'd just done it for us?" I asked sarcastically, mimicking her voice.

"Yeah, you should've just listened–" she started, eyes darting between mine with entertainment.

"I should've just listened," I agreed, still as sarky as ever.

"Yes," she agreed between laughter.

I sighed, giving into my smile as she watched me with dismay. This was going to be a long lesson.

—

As much as I hated to admit it, I was enjoying having Jackie as my lab partner, looking forward to the hour lesson where she was as careless as ever when it came to our experiments, but to the satisfaction and humour of me. Of course, she could never know that all of her efforts to sway me were working, so I played it cool.

I definitely didn't expect to see her beyond that, so I was especially surprised when I showed up to the local community centre after school with the intention of improving my college application and saw her waiting outside with a few other students. I did a double take, her face being the last I expected to see.

"Hey," she said when she recognised me, moving to stand beside me with her usual blinding smile.

"Are you stalking me, Taylor?" I asked jokingly.

"You wish," she retorted with a playful eye roll. "I'm here because it looks good for my college application."

"Ah, of course."

She lifted a brow. "You?"

"Same," I admitted sheepishly, making her laugh.

Once the other students turned up, there were thirteen of us in total and the manager of the community centre met us outside to brief us. We were to work on the community garden over the coming weeks, helping to clean it up and plant some fresh produce and flowers to brighten up the place. Only once it was complete would we get a certificate of recognition for our efforts.

We got stuck in straight away, everyone assigned to different areas. Jackie and I were working on planting the flower beds, so the first thing to do was bring over the soil to the designated area. I heaved the giant bag of soil over my shoulder and brought it over, dropping it to the ground with a sigh and wiping the sweat from my head.

Giggling made me look up, and I watched as Jackie got some freshman to grab her bag, twirling her hair and fluttering her eyelashes as he dropped the bag beside mine.

"You're too sweet, Johnny," she said with a classic tilt of her head, touching his arm. "Thanks again."

He shrugged casually, clearly affected by her attention. "Anytime. You need a hand with anything else, just let me know."

She nodded in agreement and watched as he walked away before her eyes found mine.

"What?" she said like it was obvious. "It would've gotten my nails dirty."

I glanced down at the soil staining my shirt, before giving her a knowing look. "Wait until you start to plant the seeds."

Kneeling down, I used the spade provided to dig out the old dead plants from the flower beds. She kneeled down beside me, careful not to dirty her skirt as she did, and watched my hands work.

"I'm curious," I said, glancing at her. "Were you planning to help at all?"

She straightened up with a sense of pride. "Of course." And then reluctantly, she used her hands to help me remove the old plants, but not without pulling a face.

I tried not to laugh as I watched, finding a sense of satisfaction as her fingernails did indeed get stained with soil. Working alongside her, I used the spade to dig out the next plant, but it skidded across the soil, the plant too firm, and I ended up flicking a handful of soil at Jackie.

"Oh, shit," I said with a stifled smile, watching as she looked down at her clothes. "Sorry."

She breathed out slowly and dusted the soil off, but it left dark tracks in its midst. "It's fine."

"Good thing you wore your old clothes, right?" I asked, biting my lip to contain my smile.

She hummed in agreement, jaw tensing slightly, and a grin fell upon my lips. Everything she wore looked too nice to be considered old. Poor Jackie was probably not expecting to lift a finger.

For whatever reason, whether it was to prove me wrong or to prove her own point, she actually helped me with our tasks, no longer using freshmen to get everything done. It was fun, working with her, and it only gave me more time to appreciate spending with her.

Once we'd done our assigned two hours, it was finally time to leave for the day, and Jackie and I walked out together. Parked a few cars down from mine was Shauna's, and I gave Jackie a look of disbelief.

"You made Shauna pick you up?"

"Duh," she said with a shrug.

I breathed out slowly, looking up and shaking my head. "Why do I still get surprised?"

"What? That people love me?" she asked with a teasing voice.

"Yes."

She rolled her eyes, lips pressing into a smile. "I'm sure you'll figure it out. Until then, see you tomorrow."

I waved goodbye to her as she kept walking, trying to understand the hold she had on everyone. Her and her silly smiles and silly hazel eyes and silly raspy voice.

Annoyingly enough, I was starting to see it.

—

I found myself in Chemistry class later that week, doodling on my notebook as I waited for class to properly start. Jackie arrived as usual, greeting me, and when I looked up, I took a moment to find my words.

"You look different," I said without thinking, trying to figure it out.

"I'm pretty sure I don't," she said with a chuckle, sitting beside me like always.

But no, there was something different about her today, something that had me admiring her a little more closely than usual. And as I was subtly studying the freckles on her face, the slope of her nose, the golden flecks in her eyes, it hit me.

"Your hair," I said with realisation, making her look up. "It's up. You never have it up."

She lifted a brow with amusement. "I guess, maybe not often, but..."

She'd worn her hair up before, obviously, but her signature look was to leave it out, freshly curled. So, seeing her with it up just happened to draw my attention more, and also show off her pretty face a bit more, which I guess is why I noticed.

Satisfied that I'd figured it out, I nodded. "Yeah, that's it. It looks pretty like that."

Her lips curved into a soft smile, eyes darting away from mine in an uncharacteristic manner. "Er, thanks."

I didn't think much more of it as I returned to my doodling, but then from that day onwards, I noticed she began to wear her hair up more often. And every single time, I found myself admiring her secretly, letting myself indulge just that little bit more.

—

Promising to pick up Van from soccer practice today, I headed to the field to wait in the bleachers for her, having killed time studying all I could before my brain would fry itself. I was a little early, so the Yellowjackets were still practicing.

I took that as my opportunity to get comfortable at the bottom of the bleachers, feet leaning on the ones in front of me as I pulled my headphones on and focused on my book. I was deep into it when something hit me and I jumped, startled.

Yanking my headphones off, I looked down to see a bottle cap, and then looked up to see a laughing Jackie stood by the bench on the field, bottle of water in hand.

"Thanks," I said sarcastically, before tossing the cap back at her, which she swiftly dodged.

"What are you doing here?" she asked with a grin.

Admittedly, she looked really cute right now, dressed in the school gym kit, a little sweaty and her face flushed pink from all the running she'd done. But I would never give her that satisfaction, so sarcasm was my next best defence.

"Oh, I just had to come and see Jackie Taylor in all of her team captain glory."

She raised her brows, pausing. "Really?"

"No. I'm here to pick Van up."

She scoffed gently, rolling her eyes.

"As much as your many admirers would love to watch you practice, I'm not one of them," I teased.

"Hilarious," she said with narrowed eyes, making me grin. Dismissing my mockery, she asked, "Are you coming to the pep rally tomorrow? First game of the season is this week."

I leaned back, thinking about it. "Eh, why not?"

Hand on her hip, she shot me a disapproving smile. "Don't sound too enthusiastic or anything."

I crossed my legs comfortably as I met her challenging stare. "I'm not big on the whole soccer thing. I'm just going to support Van. That's what a good friend would do."

She began to smile, a glint of amusement in her gaze. "A good friend, huh? Pat yourself on the back much?"

"Someone has to."

She looked away with disbelief, hiding a smile. "Wow, I see."

I quirked a brow, smile forming on my lips. "See how annoying that is? That's what it's like having a conversation with you."

She pursed her lips as she looked over me with feigned irritation. "Touché, Y/N."

I flashed her a satisfied smile as she finished the last of her water before flipping me off then jogging back to the others. I chuckled to myself as I watched her leave, admittedly checking her out as I did. Stupid Jackie and her stupid cute face.

—

We were well into October when it happened. I couldn't have seen it coming in the slightest.

Lottie, one of Van's teammates, was hosting the ultimate Halloween party at her mansion of her house, able to get away with it because her parents were away. Everybody was attending, and if Van herself didn't invite me, at least ten other people had because of how awesome it was supposed to be. Naturally, I said yes, loving a party more than anyone else but especially a costume party.

So, I showed up with Van and Taissa, the latter opting for a Catwoman costume that she very much pulled off, and Van and I dressing up as two of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – her as Michelangelo and myself as Leonardo. They were iconic outfits, what could I say?

Of course, I may have felt a little stupid when we met up with the rest of Van's team, including Jackie who looked drool-worthy in her Supergirl costume.

"Wow, you two look...," she began when she saw Van and I, eyes flickering between our matching costumes. "It's very you."

Van swung her nunchucks in agreement. "I thought so too. Love the sexy Supergirl getup."

Jackie stifled a smile as she nodded in acknowledgement, before her eyes fell to me. "Which one are you? Raphael?"

I pointed to the blue bandana over my eyes. "Leonardo, obviously."

A grin broke out on her lips as she touched the bandana, pulling it over my eyes a bit better and also sending goosebumps all over my skin at her touch. "Obviously."

I swallowed thickly, trying not to let my eyes drift below her head, because her costume was very tight and she looked very good right now.

"Nat's pouring everyone drinks in the kitchen," she said, looking between the three of us. "You coming?"

"Hell yeah," Van spoke for us all, raising her nunchucks in the air, before glancing back at Taissa and I. "Leonardo and Catwoman, on my six!"

I cracked a smile as I readied my sword and followed after my idiot best friend. 

It was admittedly an eventful first few hours, with Van and I stressing Taissa out enough times that she was forced to take our pretend weapons off us for the rest of the party. Apparently assuming the personas of our costumes wasn't going down well with her, which, in hindsight, was fair when I remembered how drunk we got.

At one point, I found myself rambling to some random guy about the lore of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, aware that he was passed out on the couch beside me but still talking anyway, when Jackie strolled over to me, just as drunk as I was.

"There you are," she said with a grin. "Come dance with me."

"Jackie, I'm in the middle of a conversation," I said, motioning to my passed out friend.

"He's asleep, idiot," she pointed out, before outstretching her hand and wiggling it. "Come on."

I batted her hand away. "I don't dance."

She lost her smile as her patience ran quicker now that her inhibitions were lowered. "Y/N."

Finding it amusing, I motioned around us. "There's a billion people here. One of them would kill to dance with you. Why not ask them?"

"I'm asking you," she said through gritted teeth.

Not really aware of her anger, I pushed myself off the couch with a stretch. "I'm hungry."

She glared at me as I walked away, pushing through the party-goers and intending to find the kitchen, but Lottie's house was huge and I'd already forgotten the layout. I opened several wrong doors, and then on the last one – some sort of games room – I felt someone shove me from behind, forcing me in.

"Hey–!"

"Why does nothing work with you?!" Jackie interrupted my complaining, shutting the door behind her and fixing me with a frustrated stare.

I blinked, confused.

She scoffed, uncrossing her arms and rolling her eyes. "I've been trying to get your attention for months, you idiot! I even started–" she faltered, embarrassed, "wearing my hair up because of one stupid compliment you gave me."

My brain was working slower than usual, so her words were catching up to me little by little. "I noticed that."

Still not happy, she narrowed her eyes at me. "Why do I even try?"

Realising this was about the Jackie Taylor effect, as I'd rightly dubbed it now, I said, "Everybody loves you. Why is it so important if I don't?"

Her eyes flickered between mine, and I was certain she was going to slap me or berate me or shout at me. But then her expression softened and she admitted, "Because I want you to."

I didn't get chance to register her words before she stepped forward, pressing her lips to mine. Her fingers curled around the back of my neck and I found myself melting under her touch, falling right into her. Her lips tasted like alcohol, tobacco and strawberry lipgloss, and I was suddenly eager to taste her concoction even more, all my senses heightened as I pulled her close.

She moved her lips against mine eagerly, fingers sending shivers down my spine as they tickled my skin, and I pushed my tongue between her lips in retaliation, not even thinking about anything other than her. We broke apart for air, barely seconds passing before our lips reconnected, and I was infatuated with every part of the blonde that had been on my mind these past few months.

Time was a drunken haze – we could have been there for seconds or hours for all I knew – and we were unfortunately interrupted by the sound of the door suddenly opening. Our sloppy movements meant we pulled apart a second too late, and we turned to see Van standing there in her Michelangelo costume. God, did I look that stupid right now?

"You're both trashed," she said, words slurred, before she looked to me. "C'mon. Catwoman is taking us home." Then she looked to Jackie, adding, "Shauna's looking for you."

I glanced at Jackie, heart still racing and her taste still on my lips. The state I was in made everything feel like it was so distant, as if it was happening to someone else, so I still hadn't truly acknowledged what had just happened between us. Jackie was already looking at me, eyes half lidded and cheeks flushed. I almost wanted to kiss her again, but Van impatiently calling my name snapped me out of it.

"Coming," I told her, before tearing my eyes from Jackie and following after Van.

[mincts4]

It's been a long time.

Hello, this is Minc.

As you know, my tumblr account has been inactive for a long time. I mostly stayed on Instagram because managing multiple accounts was too difficult for me. I am so sorry.

Unfortunately, I'm back to talk about bad things.

A very sad thing happened last weekend.

My first upload to TSR was in October 2020.

I was able to become FA the next April(if correct I remember)

Honestly it meant a lot for me.

Because TSR has been with me through my entire Sims life since Sims 2 released.

we, all creators and former creators including me on TSR are and were proud to be an artist on TSR.

I would like to say that being an artist on TSR was a wonderful experience for me.

But when I received a notice of dismissal via email without any explanation, hmm.. how can I describe that feeling..

If they had explained to me why I was kicked out, I would probably have understood and accepted.

To me who has uploaded 2000 items over the past 4 years, was I wrong to expect respect from them?

There are people who have been working there for more than 10 years, so at least they shouldn't do that way towards them.

This is what disappoints me the most about TSR.

Lastly, I hope no one gets hurt anymore.

Thank you for reading this post.

PS I will not able to modify my CC on TSR myself if it is broken due to the patch. so if it happens, please message me here or IG.

I will try to fix them and reupload to somewhere.

[okameeznuts]

Vent:

So, there's some user I like, because of their art and their personality, I turn myself into anon, asking them about their favourite things and compliment them, seeing them happy makes me happy too, but they're friends with the person that I hurt, so I keep being anon to them, being hidden; I just don't want to let them know about that, about me harmed their friend in text before.

Somehow, I noticed that my anon is very nice and positive, keeping them happy, while the real user, me... I keep seeing myself as the bad person, drowning in guilt, I keep remembering the memories of me hurting people.

I envy my anon side, I'm very jealous of other self, thinking that the anon me is so different, like they're an other person in my view, I don't view myself to that anon me.

Also on the other hand, I base some of my OCs to me, but my OCs gets happy endings while I'm still suffering in my current state.

Like, my minds are separated, or that angel and devil on shoulders.

Also, my mind is confused if I'm the abuser or victim, bad memories, mistakes are keep repeating in my mind. But my friend say that I'm the victim? Is that true? I've been called my joke "bestality" before, like they view me as a cold hearted beast.

I went from rarely talk to new people to only talk in anon or rarely talk to other mutuals, I'm afraid if I accidentally hurt them because I'm blunt, offensive, and "insensitive".

Like, my bluntness hurt my mutual @hyperfixatingonfoolishthings, but they seem to apologize to me, but my intuitive thoughts keep saying that I'm unforgivable. And my other mutual, I said "sorry" and they didn't answer, that part always keeps repeating on my brain, am I that unforgivable? But my other mutuals seems to forgive me.

Those memories, making people hurt, I can't believe I hurt myself for them, thinking that they see me miserable is entertainment for them, but somehow they always went silent. I go like: "I've harmed myself! Isn't that really nice to see? Does that make you entertained and proud!?"

In real life, when my classmates try to talk or touch me, I usually don't answer and get my arms away from theirs, I don't like being touched.

I feel like that I'm untouchable, I'm like a poisonous plant, if someone touches me, they'll get hurt. @kingdomofsolaria can relate to this part.

I'm starting to avoid people... And I feel like I don't belong in society, I feel like an outsider, I feel that I'm too different compared to norms.

I hate being "abnormal", I keep trying to fit in the norms...

Just like Sisyphus, he tries to get to the top, but the boulder keeps falling again and again for eternity. And I keep trying to correct my mistakes but it's somehow repetitive.

I feel like I'm a sinner who gets tortured for eternity in hell, because I've commited a lot of sins, feeling that I'll never get to heaven.

Feelings that I deserved to be punished and tortured by life...

I get angry, irritated, and violent if someone keeps misunderstood me, that makes those mistakes worsen me.

I always say this to @ionlypostmymeemocs, they say that I'm not a bad person, they really mean to me a lot, I love them platonically, they also relate to my struggles.

Also, shoutout to other mutuals who helped me besides the other mentions on the paragraph? Yeah:

@icannotfindmycharger and @sniperry034, I love them too!

Also a deactivated mutual... @foxwithatank helped me too.

Idk about the other mutuals, they don't express emotionally much, which makes me confused.

I posted this vent because some people does that too, I just want to tell everyone that I'm hurt, broken... So the others that I hurt are too.

Well, if some others doesn't care, I won't force them, but it also breaks my heart.

I both think that I want isolation and appreciation, which confuses me.

Do I deserve punishment? Or do I deserve love?

And yep, I mentioned that I'm a crybaby to my intro post, I always cry.

[captainwans]

hi queen! i love your writing so much and your whole account is so so pretty. i was wondering if you can do an alex turner x reader (2005) if not AM :) and he teaches her how to play guitar? thank you, i hope you have a great day/night <3

hey queen!! 🎀 thank you so much you’re so sweet!! 🥹 here is your lovely request and i hope you liked this as much as i liked writing it! ✨🦋

★ ﹆ׂׂ ˖ ──  ㅤ  ㅤ  ㅤ GOOD TEACHER.

 ㅤ  ㅤ  ㅤ ALEX TURNER ٠ FEM! READER

     “Alex, stop!” [Y/N] whined, slapping his hands away from his guitar, which was currently in the hands of his girlfriend. She gave him a look of annoyance while her hands were strumming different strings of chords. Alex sat across from her, his calloused hands nearing the guitar every now and then to correct her mistakes by placing her fingers on the right string. 

     “You’re doing it all wrong, bug. That’s not the right chord.” 

     “That’s because you’re stressing me out! You won’t even let me do it myself, baby.” she chided, eyebrows creased together as she looked at her boyfriend with a downward pout. 

     Alex puffed his cheeks, putting his hands up in surrender as he backed away. “Alright. I’ll leave you to it,” he promised her, stifling back a laugh. He placed his hands on his lap, eyes narrowed and focused while looking at his girlfriend changing from one chord to another.

     [Y/N] gave him an appreciative smile, sighing contently before moving her focus to her guitar placed into her lap. She bit her lip in concentration, her fingers delicately strumming over the strings and she closed her eyes in an attempt to recall what Alex taught her from moving from D to G. Her eyes were still closed and a smile formed her face when he heard his sound of approvment.

     She continued playing in silence with Alex observing her, receiving a few suggestions here and there. As her eyes studied the white sheet of different chords in front of her, she noticed him leaning closer at the corner of her eyes, watching him straining himself for not correcting her. She stifled back a smile, eyes on the paper before moving her gaze toward her boyfriend.

     “Yes?” she gently said, looking at him with a soft look. 

     “You forgot to place your finger on the second string.” Alex pointed, inching closer to place her index finger on the right string. He hummed, a small smile forming his handsome features and he gestured with a nod, signaling her to play the chord, which she obliged. 

     She played the match and grinned, nodding her head in satisfaction at the sound. She turned her head to Alex, who was already looking at her with a proud expression. [Y/N]’s lips curved upwards into a smile, causing him to mirror her smile. She brought her hand to brush away some of the hair that was covering his face to see him properly. Her hand trailed over his cheek and to his lips, her fingers running across his lips before she captured his lips for a kiss. 

     Alex met her kiss with a content sigh, his hand reaching up to cover his hand with hers as he deepened the kiss. He swiped his tongue into her mouth, making her break away from the kiss with a small giggle. “You’re a good teacher, maybe a little annoying–” she murmured against his lips but got interrupted by another kiss from Alex to shut her up. 

     “I’m annoying? I’m only trying to help you, baby. Wait till you’re gonna learn how to use all of these chords all together.” he told her with a look, making her groan as she hid her face into his neck. 

     “There’s more? Can we at least get a break, I’m tired.” she muffled into his neck, feeling his hands rubbing down her comfortably. She felt his chest vibrate with laughter, his deep chuckle filling inside her ears. 

     “We’ve been doing this for ten minutes, bug.” 

     [Y/N] pulled away and gave him a tired look. “Ten exhausting minutes of my life.” 

     Alex ruffled her hair, which earned a small groan from the latter. “Stop being a baby. If you don’t play you won’t get any kisses for the rest of the day.” he told her, wiggling his eyebrows. 

     “I hate you, Al.” 

     “Love you too, baby.”

[onskepa]

If your requests are still open could you do a Ri'nela x reader fic where the reader is an Avatar and they spar together? I love her character so much and I hope we see more of her in the future!

YAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSS!!! My first ri'nela fic!! Thank you so much for requesting her sweetie! You are the best! Alright, hope everyone enjoys this fic!

--------------

Litx

The doors opened for Nesim to enter. Along with her, Ri’nela and so’lek enter, leading Nesim to the conference room. During the walk, ri’nela introduces everyone to the Olo’eykte and give her space. But among the allies in the base, one caught Nesim’s attention. 

Further in the back was a dream walker. Litx. 

“Does my eye deceive me? Litx!” Nesim calls out to the dreamwalker. And the person in question turned away from their tablet and smiled happily. Nesim and litx meet in the middle of the room, hugging and laughing in joyous manner. 

“What is this? These….awful things you called clothes. What Happened to the top my sister made for you? And your necklace? Gone! Where is the Zeswa warrior I trained? Hm?” Nesim wouldn't stop her questions. So’lek didn't looked surprised but ri’nela sure was. 

“You were a zeswa?” Ri’nela asked. Litx can only chuckle. 

“It is a long story…” 

What felt like hours had passed, and Nesim shared some embarrassing stories to the resistance. Like a proud mother giving no privacy to her child. Everyone laughed but ri’nela didnt. Everything that she knew of nerdy litx was nothing compared to what Nesim was telling. 

“You make litx sound like a mighter warrior” Nor tells. 

Nesim cackles at that, “because she is! Now if only the young ones can follow her example, my clan wouldnt worry as much! But yes, litx, despite being a dreamwalker as you call them. Litx has proven herself among the Zeswa, and I am proud to call her as such”. 

“Nesim…” Litx whispers, feeling the heat of embarrassment reach her face.

So’lek noticed how much time was being wasted, so he turns to Nor and takes him to further his training. But before they fully leave, he turns to ri’nela. “At some point ri’nela, you will have to train too. Supplying and assisting won't help you survive in a fight” he tells her. Ri’nela looks down at her tablet, clinging on to it. 

“Ri’nela is too nice to fight” Nor tells so’lek. Alma was quick to correct nor, but it didn't comfort ri’nela. So’lek dragged nor out to train. Leaving the ladies alone. 

“He is right, you know, we are at war with those humans. Everyone has to learn how to fight, even you, young sarentu” Nesim tells calmly. Ri’nela only nods. Out of those she grew up with, ri’nela felt better working behind the scenes. Being silent yet still trying to make a big impact on the world. Just by living is a big change already. Fighting isn't something she can imagine herself doing. 

“Perhaps you can teach me…?” ri’nela asks to nesim. The na’vi in question releases a loud cackle. “Why not join so’lek? He is a good warrior too. You have seen it first hand” the Olo’eykte replies. Ri’nela only shakes her head, “he can be very intimidating, scary even”. 

The women chuckle in agreement. Yes, there is no doubt about that. 

“I cannot. I must return to my clan, your sarentu fellow must have arrived in the great planes. My people need me and there is much to prepare and protect” Nesim replies with a slight guilt in her voice. Ri’nela catched it but it also made her sad. However, Nesim smirks as she turns to Litx, already thinking ahead. 

“I cannot help you, however Litx can” Nesim says. 

“She can?” 

“I can?” 

“Yes, you can skxawng” Nesim hisses as she hits litx at the back of her head, earning a hiss. 

“Like I said before, I personally trained litx myself. Showed her everything I ever knew. If litx trains you, it would be like me training you ri’nela. Trust me, litx is a fine warrior who is sadly wasting her skills away” Nesim tells as she playfully tugs ltix’s ear. 

“I am not wasting my skills away, I am just needed here more than out there” litx resplies. 

“But can you litx…? Can you train me?” Ri’nela asks again, this time with some new hope. Litx scratched the back of her head, hissing slightly. 

“Yes she will,” Nesim replies for her. Litx was surprised but tried to protest, her attempts fell short. “No, so’lek is correct. Young ri’nela needs training and I need to go back to my clan. You are the only other option the resistance has. So get your tail moving” Nesim warns. 

Sighing in defeat, litx finally complies. And ri’nela smiles in glee. 

“Hello my pretties” litx says in awe. Opening her massive storage, she brings out many spears. Some looked nearly identical to the spear nesim brought. Ri’nela was in awe as litx takes them out, handing a few for ri’nela to hold. 

“Come, let's go to the open grass field, it's wide enough and hardly any animals go there so you won't hurt anyone or anything” Litx suggests. Nodding ri’nela follows close, already feeling excited and nervous. The field wasnt that far so they made is in a few minutes of walking. 

“Alright ri’nela, what form of combat do you know? Defense or attack?” litx asks in wanting to know what specifics the young sarentu knows. 

Giving a moment of thought ri’nela responds, “I know how to shoot guns and run really fast. How to use large war machines and fight with blades but that is about it”.  

Litx slightly frowns at that. The sarentu ancestors would be angry and rolling in anguish if they heard ri’nela say of her experiences with human machines and practices. That won't do. 

“Well ri’nela, the way you were taught is the way of the humans. While useful yes, but you are na’vi, so you will learn to fight like one” Litx promises. While encouraging, ri’nela felt some doubt. Litx was quick to catch that. “Your people, the sarentu, were peaceful. Mighty they were, but fighting is an art I am not really familiar with. So like nesim taught me, I will show you the zeswa way. So, think fast!” 

Learning the basics wasn't easy, and training was more difficult. Ri’nela moved too much like a human, Thinking like a human, everything that the young sarentu did was too human. And was something litx had to fix. 

“*sighs* ri’nela you could have dodged it easily” litx sighs. Ri’nela groans in frustration, throwing the spear to the ground. “You make it look easy, litx. The spears are heavy and comfortable. Rough and not easy to grab on to. Much less throwing them. I d-” 

Ri’nela was silenced by the sudden burst of laughter from litx. Tilting her head in confusion, she just observes the avatar letting out a good laugh. “Oh ri’nela, you truly have a long way to go” litx says. Standing up straight and clearing her voice, the dreamwalker tilts her head to a spot to sit on. Taking a break. 

Ri’nela does so, sitting next to litx taking in the calm view of pandora. There was an odd amount of silence, so she decided to break it by asking a question. 

“Why did nesim teach you?” ri’nela asks. 

Litx took a moment to respond, “simple really. I wanted to learn”. A small smile stretched her lips, remembering the past. 

“Learn what?” ri’nela presses on. 

“What is not important. What is important is to get you to learn” 

“I am trying but-” litx cut her off. 

“But this, but that. Ri’nela that is your problem, you are thinking human. You are not human, you are na’vi. How you fight is human, how you move is human. So, stop being human. That is not who you are. Fight, move, talk like a na’vi” 

Ri’nela repeats litxs words but looks down in doubt. “I don't even know if I can” 

Litx gets up, dusting off her clothes and offers her hand to ri’nela. “Well it is about time that you do”

“Again! With your tail this time, you have a tail so use it!” litx instructs as she spars with ri’nela. The spears were pushed aside from hunting blades instead. Small steps at a time. Ri’nela was trying to balance her movements but kept forgetting to use her tail for proper body balance. Swaying too much on either side always makes her trip without meaning to. Or gripping her knife too loosely. But ri’nela was determined. 

“Don't be scared to hurt me. Don't let fear cover your vision. If you hurt me then that is good. A warrior must never fear” Litx continues more. Their hunting blades crash against each other, at times when they clash sparks will fly. Each swing, punch, or a near stab, ri’nela was getting the hang of it. Trying to be familiar with her body in the form of combat. 

Ri’nela was pushing litx back, close to a small body of water, while litx was quick in dodging her attacks, she was blind of what wash happening. And ri’nela used that opportunity. Seeing an opening, the sarentu quickly used her tail from under, and wrapping it around litx’s ankle catching her off guard. Using her left feet, ri’nela swept litx off the ground while being quick to release her tail. 

Litx fell into the small pond, being surprised by the sudden move. But she wasn't mad, in fact she was proud. 

“See? I did use my tail” ri’nela says confidently. Chuckling in amusement, ltix gets up. 

“Indeed, well done ri’nela” litx praises. Ri’nela blushes at her words, its not often she hears positive words towards her. It feels nice to be complemented. “Can we continue..? I think I would like to practice more” she says. 

Litx smiles and guids ri’nela back to her other weapons. “Good, because we are not stopping now. You got the hang of your blade, now for the real things. We will be using the spears, and hopefully soon ri’nela. You will fight like a true na’vi that you are”. 

Ri’nela looks forward to what litx has to show. 

Maybe she will rub it in Nor's face later.

Aaaaaaaand that is all for this one! I really enjoyed it since I did my hardest to describe the actions even though I suck at it XD

So until next time! See ya!

--------

Litx = (blade) sharp

[en-geneisaxx]

Pairings: Kita x fem!reader

Genre: Fluff, romance, academic rivals to lovers

A/n: Happy birthday imagine for one of my husbands → Kita!

Wc: 873

Please like, reblog and/or follow me! ♡

“I don’t…need…your help…” You sleepily groaned as you continued your scruffy handwriting to write down more things about the upcoming fundraiser you and your smart vice-president were responsible for. The white kitsune with black tips was undeniably wise and handsome, something you’ve coveted about him. You guys were academic rivals – in your eyes at least.

“It would be faster to get the task finished if I did, and you look quite dead with your current state,” He notions at your eyebags and the countless yawns that slipped past your lips, and that slumped posture of yours. “And, this is affecting my routine, so I would like to get back on track as soon as possible.”

“‘Don’t give a damn about your routine, I didn’t even ask you to help anyway, you should’ve just let me do it by myself.”

“And embarrass ourselves because you never got it completed by the deadline? I won’t have that.” He notes down ideas, too, as he prepares himself for a blacked-out version of you. “Also, even if we did complete this, someone might have thought I did it with my zombie-looking president.” 

You huff, because you honestly wished you could sleep at that moment, head squeezing in pain due to you overworking yourself. But, you wanted to make a moment where your parents would be proud of you. Being stuck in a dilemma, you helplessly sob, startling the volleyball captain. 

“I’m so tired…so so tired…but I…my parents…” You started becoming immobile, only letting out tears as you closed your weary eyes. Though Kita wasn’t experienced with such situations, he gently pulled you into his warm embrace, rubbing your back and stroking your hair simultaneously as you deeply sighed with exhaustion.

“It’s ok to take a break, especially while I’m here.” He attempts to comfort, possibly bringing in his own personal feelings for you. 

“Kita…parents…” 

“I’m just helping out, is that so bad?” He asks innocently, angling his head so he sees your worn-out figure, illuminated by the orange glow of the sunset. He truly felt bad for you, even knowing about this academic competition you swore to win. 

By then, your mind was more willful than your heart, with you dreaming off into your imagination. He places your head on his shoulder, picking up his pen as he finishes off the last bits of writing. Knowing he has a test soon, he slowly takes his flashcards, using all his limbs to pick up his bag so as not to disturb you. While he silently revises, his mischievous cubs sneak into the classroom, tiptoeing despite knowing that their captain has noticed them. The blond-haired fox masks his face with his hand, desperately trying to hold in his animalistic cackles as he sees your sleeping figure on his robotic captain’s body. 

“‘Cap,” He starts, wheezing once he meets up with Kita’s glare. He desperately clings onto his silver-haired incarnation of himself, who also mimics the actions. The green-eyed fox recorded the moment, taking it from every angle as he slyly smiled. Regaining only a little bit of composure, he resumes, “it seems that your president is sleeping on your shoulder, am I correct?” His eyebrows are raised in amusement as he sees his captain look at him with a skeptical look on his face. 

“‘Tsumu, remember: she’s Cap's girl.” He quietly chuckles out, hand covering his mouth. 

“But this is so unfair!” Atsumu whisper-shouted, hands pointing at you, “You would torture us if we ever slept a wink midday!” 

“Then why not do it back?” The videographer Suna suggests. He waves his phone teasing, a pleased grin spread across his lips as he sees Kita’s eyes bulge. 

“Suna…” Kita pleads, voice lowered as he sees you twitch. 

“Oh, can’t disturb the sleeping princess, am I right?” Rintaro says with a mockingly posh accent that he could possibly imitate. 

“Cap,” Osamu gives his advice, “if you want the girl, just make her the winner. We all know she wants to beat you, and that you have a massive crush on her.” A blush forms on Kita’s cheek from the straightforward statement. The twins giggle with a smiling fox as they leave the classroom. 

“My girl…” He thinks deeply, staring at your child-like writing. 

“Maybe I’ll let you beat me…” He looks at you fondly, “Just this once.” 

The deafening roar of applause from your class as you and Kita found out you were victors. However, you got most of the credit, earning more awards than Kita, something you’ve worked so hard for. Once you two got off the stage, walking towards your friends, Kita held your hands to stop you in your tracks of being able to boast about your victory. 

“Now now, love. Lemme get my words out first, yeah? | He adjusts your body so you are facing him. 

“Believe it or not, dummy, I think I’ve made a first time with you: first time having a crush. I’ll only give you right now to decide: be mine or be left behind.” He takes a step back so that he could spread out his arms for a response, smiling. 

“I’ll still compete with you…” You jokingly grumble, feigning annoyance as you secretly screamed inside.

“Ha,” He heartily chuckles,

“Well then, I guess you’ll always be my winner.”

[ash-the-lizard-goddess]

“Hello there, madam~”

The floaty voice travels through your archway. You look up from the priestess you have sucking you off to see a woman clad in blue robes at the entrance of your throne room. She steps in slowly, seductively, as if trying to seduce you. What a fool. You snap your claws and your priestess dislodges you cock from your mouth.

You stand, towering over the woman who was approaching you, and give her a sultry smirk. She gives you one back. The nerve of this mortal. She should bow just at the sight of your divine girldick. Instead she was strutting closer. “Might I say, you have a wonderful congregation here. Such libido and stamina. You should be proud.”

You step up to her, looking down on her like the god you are. “I am proud. And might I say that you are as well. Not many have the gall to walk in here like they own the place. Most of them have the reverence to kneel and worship.”

She giggles at you. “I believe it. Such a strong presence you have around you. If I wasn’t divine myself I’d probably be leaking down my legs.”

You raise what would be an eyebrow on a mammalian creature. This frail looking woman was a god like you? Sure, the divine came in all shapes and sizes, but she was so-

She snaps her fingers and you feel heart skip a beat. Your cheeks flush and your cock twitches. She bites her lip at the reaction you had. “Mmm, such a pretty god as well.“

You huff, your cold blood flaring alight with heat. “Who are you?”

She smiles. “My name is Elira, Goddess of Pleasure. If I’m correct in my research, you are Ashley. Your domain is quite similar to mine.”

You narrow your eyes at her. “What’s your game?” There were only a few reasons that deities talked to each other, and almost all of them ended poorly for both parties. Still, her confidant demeanor didn’t come off as malevolent, just erotic.

“I’m sure neither of us are the kind to wage war upon a rival. We’re more… creatures of passion rather than bloodshed. No, I didn’t come here for something like that.” She bites her lip once more, her breathing growing heavy as she reaches up to your cock. “I’m here to form a mutually beneficial alliance.”

You chuckle. “I don’t need an alliance.”

“Oh, I don’t need one either,” she says looking up to you. “But it’ll be a pretty fun ride if we make one. I’ve got a bunch of pretty things for you to play with, including myself if you wish. All I ask is that I have the same allowance in your domain as well~”

You study her once more. Now that you focus on her, you could sense her divine strength. It was comparable to yours. You’re sure that she wouldn’t come here and boast with a promise she wouldn’t keep. Still, could this goddess truly fulfill her end of the deal?

What do you do?

The Scaled Goddess lets out a low chuckle, the sound reverberating throughout the chamber.

"So... another goddess of similar domain thinks to walk into my temple and form an alliance?" Fae looks the other goddess up and down before stepping down from her high platform, the flickering light of the braziers reflecting from faer purple scales, casting the brief glimmer of purple lights across the room. Each time one hits a follower, they moan sharply, that alone enough to give them pleasure. "That's very bold of you... what was it... Elira?"

You nod, continuing to travel your eyes up and down faer divine form, stopping when you notice she's mere inches away, the heads of your cocks nearly touching "Yes. I believe such an arrangement would be... quite stimulating" You coo, trailing one hand down your own breast seductively.

The scaly, holy beast looks you up and down with four slitted, yellow eyes. "Indeed it would... particularly if we get to enjoy each other as well..." fae licks their lips, her long, thick tongue rolling over sharp teeth. Suddenly, though without malice, she reaches out to grab you and pulls you close so that your breasts and cock are pressed against faers. "Very well, Elira. The scaled goddess accepts your request. Let us seal this deal, first with a kiss, then later, once we may organize... with an orgy between our congregations!"

She pulls you in and presses faer lips to yours, though their kiss is less a thing of locking lips and more of faer long, thick tongue reaching into depths of your mouth and throat. They moan softly as you kiss her back and give what would seem to be a grin as fae pulls away. "Come back to my chamber, and let us... work out the particulars of this arrangement." She releases you and turns to walk back up the stairs, faer thick, flat tail swaying as they walk.

Do you follow?

@transfem-goddess-temple

[9leaguesofmirrors]

Pretty (a Ross Gaines x Joseph Lisgoe fanfic)

So, you managed to find this one? Congrats, you beat Tumblr and its desire to hide Gainsgoe smut from everyone!

OK but fr, this was an interesting one because not only does it show a... *ahem* different side to Lisgoe, but it's my first fic that's entirely from Ross' POV, which was fun to write for (EDIT: The second part is incorrect, Past!Me, you've written from Ross' POV before)

For those wondering, I will try and get through the rest of the moodboard recs - I haven't forgotten!

WARNING: Mature content

One thing Ross learned pretty quickly about Lisgoe was that he sometimes communicated without talking. For the most part, he was a very blunt and forward person that didn't mince his words. However, there were moments where he'd feel ashamed or embarrassed by his own thoughts, and that's when his body language and face would betray him

It would happen on the when he came home with injuries that were ailing him more than he wanted to admit

Or when he tried to hide his exhaustion from his eyes, which never worked despite how much he tried

And then there was the time he came home from work in a rage unlike anything Ross had seen before. It was the kind of silent rage that settled in his jaw and shoulders

Well, there wasn't much time to draw any sort of conclusions. Once Lisgoe was inside, Ross felt his back slamming against the door and his mouth being caught in a kiss that knocked half the air out of him. As he tried to keep up with the franticness of it, things started to click together in his head

"So," he puffed as he pulled away "who was it this time?"

"Scuse me?"

"Come on, I'm not stupid. Which one of them annoyed you today? Barry, Glenn or your boss?"

"Fucking all of them." Came the hoarse reply "It's like they have a game of who can make me shoot myself first."

Ross noticed something... not odd, but interesting, about Lisgoe's demanour. The anger didn't surprise him at all, but he lacked aggression. Sure, his back was throbbing after being thrown against the door, but there was little else after that

But those eyes were saying something, Lisgoe needed something from him. The way they flicked up and down his body was making that part clear, but there was something else he wasn't saying

Something he was asking for that lurked deep below the surface

It didn't take long for them to reach their room and the door was slammed shut behind them

Despite what he wanted, Ross fought against himself and stood facing Lisgoe was a neutral expression. Watching, waiting to see what he would do. There was something there, he could see it, a rare glimmer of something

Joseph Nigel Lisgoe was hesitating

It was a strange thing, seeing that tense jaw and those flicking eyes creating a sense of uncertainty that Ross had never seen before, though he could tell he was trying to hide it

Once again, Ross felt himself being pulled into another kiss. This time, it was slower. Sure enough, there was the sound of someone's back against the door

Ross didn't feel the press of it

When he pulled away to check his theory, he found that he was correct: Lisgoe had himself pinned to the door. As odd as this was, Ross was yanked in again. The kiss gained momentum, a little more aggression, exposing Lisgoe's frustration

Why is he getting annoyed? What am I meant to-

Ross' thought was interrupted when he felt his wrist being taken and his hand being lead up Lisgoe's chest. Without breaking the kiss, Ross paid attention to where this was going

Up the chest, brushing against his collarbone - damn that collarbone and everything it made Ross feel - until his hand was place against Lisgoe's throat

Oh right...

Then the slow realization hit

... Oh god

He pulled away for air, resting his head against Lisgoe's and studying his demeanour. Surely Lisgoe wasn't... no, he was too proud for that

But then he saw his face. Eyes closed, ragged breath pushing through parted lips. It was like he was putting all his strength into keeping his cool. Their eyes met and Lisgoe's gaze was pointed and slightly secretive, but the way his hands grabbed at Ross' hips sent sharp chills down his spine

Deciding to test the waters, Ross leaned closer and brushed his lips against Lisgoe's and the breathy sound it drew out rippled through him. As he peppered kisses along his jaw and neck, he could feel Lisgoe losing his tension, he was biting down hard on his lower lip - Ross knew why. Making a sound meant giving away control completely, and he knew Lisgoe wasn't about to do that

Perfect. He smirked against Lisgoe's throat a challenge

"I didn't realise you had it in you."

"What does that even mean?" Lisgoe's voice was steadier now, though there was a hint of something else there

"I'm just saying, I've never seen you like this. You're so... pretty."

"Fuck off." He snapped, his eyes burning a hole through Ross "Fuck. Right. Off."

"For somebody practically pleading for me to take control of him, you're getting quite mouthy."

Ross was very pleased to see the rapid blinking of Lisgoe's eyes

"Pleading? Do you hear me pleading? Name me one moment where I pleaded for shite!"

With a smug smile, Ross swiftly undid Lisgoe's blazer and let it drop to the floor as he yanked him in by the collar of his shirt. A sharp, shaky inhale escaped his mouth and Ross took a sick delight in it

"You're pleading right now." He explained calmly "Words are pointless, your body betrays you."

"Keep the poetic shite out of your mouth."

"Jealous?"

Lisgoe sneered and looked away, which caused Ross to click his fingers in front of his face. This was effectively stopped by a grab to his wrist, though it did get him to look in his direction

"Don't fucking click at me."

"Be nice, Joseph."

This was rewarded with Lisgoe shoving Ross backwards before lying down on their bed. He closed his eyes for a few seconds before, realising he wasn't getting any rest now, snapping them open again

"I don't plead and I don't beg."

"Those words mean the exact same thing."

"Shut up, you know what I mean. I've had it shite at work, I don't need to come home and deal with this."

It was at that moment Ross knew what to do. He stood beside the bed with an innocent expression

"Fine, have it your way. I've found it's unwise to argue with someone that can so easily overpower me."

"Where is this going?"

"I'm just saying-"

"Bullshit! You're randomly being nice, what's happening?"

"I was just going to offer you a chance to prove your point."

With that, Ross shifted on top. Taking his time as he straddled Lisgoe's hips, taking his wrists and pinning them down onto the pillow

There was nothing more satisfying than the look on his partner's face. Such a hard gaze, but the way his pupils dilated and his breathing stuttered was enough to give him away

"What the fuck-"

"Push me away." Ross spoke it like an instruction, cold and demanding "If you really don't want me to have you like this, push me away."

Lisgoe glared stonily at him in an act of defiance, which only made Ross more certain he was getting to him

"You have the strength." He slowly undid the buttons of Lisgoe's shirt, watching his breathing become heavier through gritted teeth "If you really don't want me to have control over you, then change things."

"Fuck sake, Ross."

There's was something in the way he spoke that felt like there was a break he was trying to hide. A want he was keeping deep down in his stomach. He ran a warm hand up Lisgoe chest, settling it around his throat

"That's where you wanted me to hold you, wasn't it?"

Ross watched as Lisgoe closed his eyes, leaning his head back with a breathy groan. His whole body melted into the bed and his eyes opened up to the ceiling, as if he were trying to snap himself out it

And damn it, Ross wanted the image burned into his brain forever

They both knew what they wanted. But Ross wasn't one to deal with "maybes". If Lisgoe wanted something, he was going to have to use his words. But he also knew that asking him wasn't going to do much, so he took his hand off his neck and moved his lips along his neck and collarbone. Taking the opportunity to leave his mark wherever he could, Lisgoe's hand gripped tightly to the back of Ross' head, his other hand digging its nails into his back. By the time he'd sat up to admire his work, Lisgoe's upper body was decorated in red, purple and pale pink. He watched as Lisgoe tried to catch his breath, head lolling to the side as he attempted to keep his heavy breaths quiet. He pursed his lips in an attempt to conceal gentle sounds which seemed to claw up from his stomach

"You really are-"

"Call me pretty again and I'll knock your teeth out."

"For somebody that's currently clinging to me, panting like a dog, you haven't lost you bark."

Lisgoe yanked his hands away like they were burning. He shut his eyes again for a few seconds, his jaw growing tense

"Ross." His voice came out surprisingly level, despite the slight rasp in his throat "You might be enjoying this, but I'm... just stop the teasing shite, OK?"

The silence was heavy around them

"What are you staring at?"

Ross loved how gravelly Lisgoe's voice sounded in that moment

"Can I not enjoy looking for a few seconds?"

"Fucking sap."

"If only you could see yourself," he kissed down Lisgoe's stomach, nipping occasionally at his skin "it's-"

"Mph, shut up." He retorted in a harsh mutter. One hand gripped the back of Ross' head again and yanked him by the hair into a rough, biting kiss. It was very clear that he'd had enough of waiting

"Don't be rude." Ross snipped "Or you can sort yourself out."

For a moment, as he felt himself being pulled back into the kiss, he thought Lisgoe wasn't listening. Then, he felt an unstable exhale against his lips:

"Ross."

He'd never heard Lisgoe speak so softly

"... Please."

The shock froze Ross a little. Everything from what was just said to the way it was spoken rendered him slightly speechless

"Come on, I said please."

Ross felt a mesh of conflicting sensations. Light and grounded, dizzy and level-headed, high as a kite and completely sober. The feeling of control combining with the way his partner, who was usually so assertive, was reduced to something so desperate was making him feel something between euphoria and delirium

As he started to unloop Lisgoe's belt, he mumbled something under his breath before he could stop himself:

"I've never seen you look so pretty."

He didn't realise it was audible until he heard Lisgoe mutter:

"Fucking bastard!"

Some things never change

[re-re-redline]

Avenging Troy

14 hours and 48 minutes, let’s go!! Honestly, the fact that this didn’t take nearly as long as Mehmed’s 1st ascension (≈27 hours) either means that I’m getting better at pain-ting or this piece wasn’t as intense in the detail department. Regardless, I am very proud of this! I suck at drawing profiles, so perfecting it this time around was certainly a major personal victory for me. Now, enough about me patting myself on the back. Let’s get into the behind the scenes for this piece.

The context—or perhaps what this piece IS may be a better way of phrasing—is Mehmed II doing exactly what the title of the piece says, avenging Troy. The top picture is Hector’s duel against Achilles in front of the Trojan gates. His pose is that of his NP, Durindana. The bottom picture is of Mehmed II striking a similar pose to Hector, but instead of calc’ing the angle of a spear it’s the super-awesome-big-fucking-cannon. Pretty cool concept right? Mehmed, 10 years post-conquering of Constantinople, going to what’s left of Troy and saying that he ‘avenged the Trojans’ is a thing that has some evidence to it actually happening (or so I’m told), so it’d be pretty cool for Mehmed to strike the same (or similar) pose as Hector during one of his campaigns as a homage to Hector since the Iliad was one of his favorite books in life.

There’s just one teeny-tiny problem. I originally drew this up with the intention of it being during the Siege of Constantinople because my dumb ass thought he said that RIGHT AFTER he got Constantinople, hence the very specific BFC in the back there. I only figured out my mistake when I was finished and showing it off to my pops who then promptly asked me “Huh? When did he say that?” And then he corrected me and I was in shambles.

Now. I can make the case that, since Durindana was Hector’s most powerful weapon and the BFC was Mehmed’s most powerful weapon, it’d make sense as an artistic parallel to have Mehmed with his BFC instead of some regular cannon and it’s just more iconic that way. It doesn’t have to make sense because of artistic liberties! Which is a neato way of making a positive outta this but…eh. That minor hole will always remain no matter how it is justified.

On to something else more light, you may have noticed that Hector’s section is significantly less detailed than Mehmed’s. It’s completely lineless, no lineart was had in that entire section. Just fills and clipping layers, baby! The reason for this is because Hector is a character in a book, therefore I thought he should be drawn as though he IS in a book. If that makes sense. His arm is a tube, the Trojan gate looks like a cardboard stand and he has no eyes—typical storybook vibes, I’d say. Plus you could also interpret this as Mehmed imagining what Hector’s final moments were as an ‘in-universe’ explanation for why it looks that way.

On the other hand, Mehmed’s section is much, MUCH more detailed. Just look at those lines! The reason for their existence is because I based Mehmed’s outfit on a painting of him walking through into Constantinople (because that’s what his section was originally about) but I couldn’t quite make out the details of his armor was. In hindsight this was probably denial. So, I searched up what Ottoman armor looked like and mother of god it was mostly chainmail. I wanted to throw myself out of a window. Drawing that many circles and shading that many circles would have been a maddening experience, so I got creative and this was the result. Not bad if I do say so myself. His helmet was another thing that made me want to throw myself out of a window. Mehmed II’s helmet is sick as fuck to look at and I bet wearing it gives you a major buff in the style department, but drawing it? Nope. Nope, I am not doing that. There is way too many specifics going there with the inscribed prayers and awesome ornate design, I could never draw that with the helm being this small in the picture. So I opted for a line texture on the green parts instead.

On his greaves? brace? and back plates there is a strange texture. At this point I ran out of ideas on how to fill up the space to make it look cool, so I drew the bog-standard vertical lines but this time I took an eraser with a specific shape (Procreate havers, look at Textures and it’ll be the first one you see) and erased it, leaving behind the specific shape in the negative. I thought that leaving it textureless would be lame, so I put that in.

As for that lovely cannon in the back, it wasn’t that hard to draw. I just had one hell of a time looking for clear crisp images of the pattern on the cannon for reference. Really, the most time consuming aspect of drawing the cannon was painting it. My dumb ass colored it as one whole thing instead of breaking it into pieces, which led me to have to erase a bunch of shit. Thank goodness I thought of using the selection lasso when I did or this would have taken WAY longer.

Last post, I said that this would be a trial run for Mehmed’s hypothetical 3rd ascension. It’s based off the aforementioned painting and I figured that Mehmed would need actual battle attire (y’know, armor) since his 1st and 2nd don’t exactly scream “I conquered Constantinople and almost got Europe” now do they? I like how I did the armor for this piece, but as an ascension it feels lacking. Like it needs MORE but I’m not sure what to add. A cool cape? A cool light halo? Or should I just say fuck it and make it a mech? <-Never drawn one before. Wouldn’t be the first time that happened in FGO, but it feels cheap! It should make sense but also look as bombastic and awesome as the man himself! So, if anyone has suggestions, please let me know.

During me fiddling around with the finished picture, I thought it would be cool to make Hector’s section desaturated to make it look like a flashback. But I found that it didn’t look as good. Even an orange hue for sepia vibes didn’t make the idea any better so it was scrapped.

Annnnd them’s my thoughts as well as the making of this piece. This had been gnawing at me ever since I learned that Mehmed said what he said and that Iliad was one of his favorite books. it’s such a cool thing, y’know? When if Mehmed comes to Grand Order, I really hope that his NP has him doing the pose as a call back to Hector. Would it make sense? Probably not. Do I care? Nah! I’d just be jumping for joy that Mehmed was in the game in the first place. Lasagna better make him one of the best buster archers to have ever lived, I hecking swear—!

Anywho, under this red line (ha-ha) are the individual pictures for Hector and Mehmed’s sections as well as a bonus black and white version of the sultan. It doesn’t jive with what I was going for, but it has a cool vibe to it that I just couldn’t let sleep. Plus it shows off my linework, so that is a plus. I hope you enjoy these and the piece itself. Oh, and I hope you have a good one!

—Redline, over and out.

[quillyfied]

Alright, reacting messy and all over the place to this trailer, LET’S GO:

Okay, strong opening: hooded figures (one of whom is checking his watch, which is hilarious, but the skin of the hand also looks red, so probably demons?), red background (good argument for Pride), Blitzo getting IMP out of dodge and then IMMEDIATELY crashing the van, good for you bud I’m so proud (but not as proud as I am of Moxxie chewing Blitzo out without a single “sir” thrown in there). Couldn’t begin to guess when this takes place, but since the van is crunched up later during a bit that is, I am 99% sure, Ghostfuckers, then this is probably Apology Tour. Hooded figures might not have anything to do at all with the gang running for it.

FIZZ THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A SEX TOY THAT IS TOO BIG. I’m not sure if you’ve found it but it’s close :P Lots of fun little clips, though Moxxie dodging a blue fire explosion in Lust doesn’t look good.

DHORKS AND CHERUB WORKING TOGETHER I KNEW IT I HECKING KNEW IT I’M SO MAD I NEVER MADE A POST ABOUT IT BECAUSE I’VE BEEN SO CERTAIN OF IT FOR MONTHS NOW. AAAARGH. AND I CAN’T PROVE IT!! But look at Collin, he looks so unsure compared to the other two. Poor guy. Okay, Blitzo is leaving a card of some sort in front of Agent One, and he’s using the crystal, so this is very much giving me Mastermind vibes (or even Sinsmas, if it's after the conflict and this is just Blitzo messing with them now). Humans being able to open a portal to Hell…that ain’t good!

Something coming at the gang from…looks like their office? And it’s round and spiky…could be whatever it is that’s making them go on the run, whenever that is (Apology Tour is my current guess).

CLETUS IS IRON MAN NOW.

(Listen I’ve been having visions about Blitzo being on trial for stirring up so much crap in the human world that it’s started to have repercussions in Hell so the fact that there seems to be a meeting or trial of some sort later having to do with Stolas is making me think maybe I’m a prophet. I’ll maybe explain more later in a different post but dropping it here bc it’s part of my thought process right now.)

Blitzo why did you give your fake ID such a rack and then neglect it as part of your human disguise XD I’m disappointed in you, babe. I’m also wondering what in the unholy hell a demon wants with a haunted house on Earth (and if that’s Leviathan like many people have been speculating, what is A DEADLY SIN doing in a HAUNTED HOUSE on EARTH???). (Also that is the single most awkward angle of Blitzo of all time, why on earth is he wearing white leggings because if he was naked we would be seeing some pixelation here…unless imps can retract their junk, which I’m open to.)

Ooh, quick shot of Loona operating a machine gun in Lust! Nice! (Hey quick Q where’s Blitzo in all of this??)

Helloooooo, Vassago! Excited to meet you! Really looks like there’s some sort of trial or meeting in Pride and Stolas might be either the topic of discussion or literally on trial, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all to have Andrealphus trying to get Stolas demoted or something similar without Stolas even being there. So Vassago actually wanting him present looks good on him for now. But this is a trailer, things can be misleading, but anyone who looks that fed up when dealing with Andrealphus can’t be all that bad :P Thinking this is also during Mastermind, or possibly Sinsmas.

Okay, first really significant shot I’m noticing of short-sleeve Blitzo makes me think it might be Full Moon, because he’s sort of off to the side while the focus is on Stolas talking about how this transactional thing between them isn’t right anymore. Though. Hmm. Stolas is in full regalia for this. And there’s a shot later of short-sleeve Blitzo trying to go for Stolas’ hand and winding up outside (portal? Didn’t seem like it) and Stolas is in his robe when that happens. Musical number with metaphorical sequences? I am jumping in here to correct myself bc I forgot that Stolas’ fancy cloak and romper are both red. Heck. Why does this show only have two colors XD

Sun/moon seems to be during Apology Tour, if that’s when Stolas and Verosika are on a stage together.

And short-sleeve Blitzo with a Dankee Candle, good on you man XD (that’s been one of the more compelling arguments for short-sleeve Blitzo being during Sinsmas, not Full Moon, because gift-giving, but the bits of deep conversation that keep happening with Blitzo in short sleeves sound very much like a conversation that needs to happen during Full Moon and I can’t imagine they’ll wait an entire season for it).

Now the heart-rending bit that’s definitely during a musical number with kiddo Stolitz and then grownup Stolitz, currently voiced over that heart-stabbing “you think you can toy with our feelings because we’re smaller and less important” monologe from Blitzo, it’s FINE I’M FINE (Though…looking really closely…I am not sure if that’s when that monologue occurs? The mouth movements ever so slightly don’t match up. But animation technically has some leeway when it comes to that kind of thing.)

OKAY CALLING IT NOW, TEEN BLITZO AND TILLA SCENE IS DURING GHOSTFUCKERS. I don’t even think it’s a flashback, I just think Blitzo’s brain is being fucked with and he’s seeing his mom and visually reverting back to a teenager. The carpet behind Blitzo and the lighting are mostly what I’m basing this on. Also how fucked up would it be if Blitzo sees a ghost of his mom only for it to reflect his internal monologue about how terrible he is back at him, amirite :P

Okay sassy short-robe Stolas is Apology Tour, calling it now; he and Blitzo have “we’re about to hatefuck” energy off the charts and Stolas in particular is being so bitchy and petty-looking. And angry. And kinda sad. Am I ready for their breakup era to be full of bickering? Yes. Yes I am. I’m also skeptical that the smile that’s on Blitzo’s face during Stolas’ sarcastic little bow is going to be the expression on his face when the episode comes out, but I’m ready to be surprised.

HELLOOOOOO NURSE! YES TODAY SATAN! (Deeply curious about who’s the disgrace, have a current bet going on whether it’s Ozzie or possibly even Stolas, but I could be pleasantly surprised and it’s Mammon :P) Pretty sure the trial/meeting is happening during Sinsmas, actually, it would be too funny to call an episode that when introducing a new Sin. Also short moment to appreciate that Mammon brings fidgets to meetings, of course he does. My guy. My dude. Also his reaction is what makes me think Satan is talking to Ozzie, because Mammon would have no reason to look that gleeful at anyone but Ozzie.

WHERE DID BLITZO GET THAT SWORD THO. (AND ALSO HOW BADLY IS IT ACTUALLY GONNA FUCK UP ANDREALPHUS’ WHOLE DAY BECAUSE THAT’S DEFINITELY ANDREALPHUS ABOUT TO COME DOWN ON THEM LIKE A SACK OF FROZEN HAMMERS) Blitzo trying to protect Stolas, kill me ;A; Stolas looks like he’s in regalia, though sans cloak or hat…why is he at Andrealphus’ place, and why is it looking like he can’t fight back? Stripped of his powers, maybe? Anyway this is Sinsmas, no doubt about it, it’s got season finale energy.

If the haunted house guy is actually Leviathan, I have SO MANY QUESTIONS.

Why is IMP in Lust getting attacked by CHERUB/DHORKS? I have more questions.

“Everyone’s shitty, we live in Hell!” Valid, but also, cop-out.

I’m very curious about what is making Blitzo make that face, because it’s not the cake; it looks like Verosika is cutting it but then she’s also sitting next to him on the railing where he’s sitting, so…? Anyway, it’s Apology Tour, and can I just say how EXCITED I am to get to know more about what happened with Blitzo and Verosika and maybe see some closure for them both on that front? Because YIKES their dynamic means there is a good, juicy story behind it. But also, Blitzo why are you wearing a bloodstained sheet?? (Presumably to sneak around but why did he choose THAT OBJECT, is really my question.)

Millie fighting possibly possessed Blitzo and what appears to be a flashback to Millie and Blitzo’s first fight (could be a time skip but it makes more sense for it to be a flashback given Millie’s hair and Blitzo’s fashion) (side note but dammit why are they both so hot) let me know something new about myself, and it’s how very, very much I want to see Millie and Blitzo kicking the crap out of each other XD Blitzo and Moxxie got to spill their guts in a drug-induced hallucination; I want Blitzo and Millie to fight each other bloody. They’re bonding and sharing deep intimate feelings, guys :P

And the Millie voiceover where she’s telling Blitzo how much he takes from others? Probably during whatever weird hallucination (PLEASE be a hallucination) involves Millie with tied wrists, a branch in her hair, and a ton of glass sticking out of her eye. Ghostfuckers, perhaps? Would make the most sense but how much stuff could that episode POSSIBLY have, oh my word.

(Short-sleeved Blitzo dropping a ton of paperwork on Moxxie also makes me think that’s his date outfit for Full Moon; can’t do this mountain of paperwork, sorry Mox, he has a daaaaate)

Panning to Verosika at the part when she gets to “and leave them worse than when you found them” holy HELL

“Do you feel any remorse for the things you do” yeah somehow I think that’s aimed at Blitzo, y’all. Just from what we’ve seen of Stolas in that particular robe and his general expressions and actions that whole time, and the fact that he seems to be talking to Blitzo (if not an imagining of Blitzo) the whole time. But it panning to Andrealphus about to go super Saiyan does make me laugh super hard actually (bc NO THAT BITCH DOES NOT).

ENTIRE MOMENT OF BREATHLESS SILENCE FOR OCTAVIA CALLING STOLAS OUT. It’s been so complexly beautiful to watch this show not shy away from how much self-hatred and low self-worth hurts loved ones too, and especially to watch that play out with how Octavia and Stolas’ relationship is changing and hurting from Stolas himself changing and hurting, but to have it called out so bluntly really makes me wonder what in the high holy heck is about to happen and when this conversation takes place. I have a horror that it’s during Mastermind or whenever the trial/meeting is, because perhaps Andrealphus and Stella manage to turn Via on Stolas and tell her that whatever is about to happen to Stolas is deserved or for the best, but. Uh. Hmm. Hmmmm. (Because all of Stolas’ power and possessions passing to Via doesn’t mean that Via is old enough or prepared for them and giving them to her would put all that power somewhere that is potentially much easier to manipulate/control, but I have a lot of thoughts about how Stella feels about Via and how that colors how Andrealphus treads around the subject of Via when talking to Stella about her and it’s not for this trailer reaction.)

(Apology Tour involving not just apologizing to Verosika, but to Stolas, too? I can only hope, though it’ll be far from simple; I don’t think Stolitz is going to sort out their issues and get together fully this season, but I’m hoping for some steps.)

(Also PLEASE can we get some Stella development that maybe sheds some dimension on her spoiled brat personality)

VIA SONG VIA SONG VIA SONG VIA SONG (maybe about her own magic and her life and how it all kinda fell apart so fast even as she’s growing up so fast poor girl)

Pretty sure the mirrors shattering thing is happening during the Stolas Apology Tour song, but we’ll see. Gosh there’s gonna be a lot of songs this half of the season.

Millie getting a short is such a good thing for her as a character, but I also love that she’s getting an episode with Blitzo, because out of everyone at IMP, I’ve been waiting for her to be the one that Blitzo has a major breakdown in front of; seems like Ghostfuckers is going to give me my wish! I don’t think she’s gonna coddle him or be overly sweet about it, but I do think she has a way of getting through to him and handling him in a way he wouldn’t let Moxxie do and couldn’t handle Loona doing either. Tough love but sweet? Idk man. Unless this is the moment he starts getting possessed. Who knows.

I am SO CURIOUS about who is going through the movie of Blitzo’s past traumas where he ruins the lives of everyone he loves; I’ve heard speculation that it’s haunted house dude, which would match up with Blitzo having a nervous breakdown in Ghostfuckers, but I dunno.

Oh that soft Blitzo look from under the bloodstained sheet. Oh that happy smiling Stolas that I’m now more convinced is taking place in the same general episode, if not sequentially after each other like that. Blitzo goes from looking so miserable to maybe looking more hopeful. Or perhaps yearning. I’m not sure how to interpret the expression, it’s just really heart-wrenching okay. And Stolas is wearing the same outfit as he is when he’s onstage with Verosika so what even IS this episode.

The very businesslike way Stolas says “Thank you, Blitzo” before he softens up makes me think THAT is what’s gonna finish up the Full Moon argument, but it does make me wonder what on earth Blitzo says that gets Stolas acting the way he does in potentially the very next episode.

Overall it’s a well-produced trailer that I’m sure we’re all going to be dissecting frame by frame for a long time! Whee!