#and I am hand sewing 99 of them

[teratocore]

Oh yeah. It’s all coming together.

[hetalianskywalker]

Day 6: Sown Together

Pairing: Selkie Echo x Mer Reader

Summary: Being one of a special few who can salvage a torn selkie cloak, you’re about to have the worst case you’ve ever seen.

Author’s Note: Fun fact, this was actually one of the first story ideas I had for this AU.

Warnings: Some references to the experimentation and trauma Echo went through. It doesn’t go into detail, but it’s there. I also made the droids familiars in this AU.

Word Count: 1221

Prompt: She had calloused hands, and a set of special needles. She could sew a selkie skin back together with her eyes closed.

Prompt 2118 by deepwaterwritingprompts

It is an ancient art among the Mer; almost as rare and valued as those who could forge and fix their enchanted armor. However, unlike your counterparts, you are scattered across the world instead of at the center of the Mandalorian islands. Your mother had told you this was so any selkie in need was close enough to one of our kind anywhere.

You have calloused hands and a set of special needles inherited from your late mother. You could sow a selkie skin back together with your eyes closed. And today, you could feel in the air you would have a client.

A small sleek black ship appears on the horizon. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in speed and maneuverability as it quickly gets closer to your small private dock. Two of the five men on board hop down and begin tethering the ship. You leave them to their procedures, quietly watching.

Soon all five men are standing on the dock to meet you. You are caught a bit off guard to see how different looking they are from the majority of Mer clones; the fact their enchanted armor wasn’t made of the same gray metal as yours was the only real give away.

“That’s quite the feat.” You say, turning to look at the ship instead of them. “A lot of love and magic has to be put into a ship to give it a soul like that.” It makes a creaking noise in reply, but only Jedi, the Sea Alor himself, those the ship invites, and the one who truly gave the ship life can understand it.

“I am quite proud of all the upgrades.” The one with goggles says matter of factly. You smile as you turn to look back at the crew.

“Don’t get him started.” The sniper grumbles with a soft hiss, but you can hear the brotherly teasing hidden behind it. The largest one starts laughing and their leader rolls his eyes. Finally, you land on the fifth member of the group and you know he’s the selkie.

“We’re clone force 99.” The leader begins, pointing to each one saying their names before getting to the selkie. “And this is Echo.”

Echo’s brown eyes meet yours and he gives you a nervous smile. His skin and his eyes are unnaturally a few shades too light, there are golem and demon familiar ruins spread across his head, and a right arm that, while proportioned to his body, is a golem arm with ruins for opening locked doors and deciphering enchanted documents. What had been done to this man?

“Your selkie skin?” You ask softly almost too scared to see what was brought to you if this was the shape he was in.

“It’s not as bad as it looks.” He holds it out to you and your jaw drops. It’s at least twenty different pieces maybe more that had once been his cloak. Your eyes well up in tears, but you force them back.

“Who?” You ask, taking the pile into your arms.

“The techno union.” Hunter answers. “He joined us shortly after we rescued him. Can you fix it?” The question of the hour. You can feel the other four lean in closer wanting to know. More than that you feel the selkie staring at you with tentative hope. It makes your stomach churn to think he was preparing himself to be told there was nothing you could do; he would never be able to take his seal form again.

“It will take longer than usual. A week at most, but…” You smile up at Echo. “I can fix it. I can’t promise it will be the same as before. But I can get you back in the water again. I promise.” He lets out a breath of relief as the others begin to congratulate him.

“However…” You stop, seeing them all snap to you. You gulp before continuing.

“What’s the catch?” Crosshair hisses warily.

“The rest of you need to leave Echo here alone with me for the week.” The statement hangs in the air as you look at the entire group.

“From what little is known about the process, it takes a great deal of magic and concentration by both the selkie and the seemstress to fix the cloak under normal circumstances.” Tech stops to look at the many pieces of Echo’s cloak; they all do.

“And this is anything but.” Wrecker comments with a sigh. The group is quiet for a moment.

“It’s your choice, Echo.” Hunter looks at him. The tense moment is interrupted by the ship creaking again and the head of a Gonk Turtle, an energy turtle familiar, sticks its head out at the top of the ramp. You can’t help, but smile and barely hold back laughter as they holler for Gonky to stay on board. It’s then you feel Echo’s eyes on you and you flush in embarrassment.

“I think I’ll stay.” His smile makes your stomach do a somersault.

The week is hellish. The process is long and strenuous; even though the sowing is the easiest part, the trauma and memories for how the cloak was damaged seep into the air around the two of you. Sometimes he needs a moment. Sometimes you need a break. Other times you simply lean on each other.

This process is always intricate and intimate. You had seen the world of man, monsters, and everything in between do horrible things to keep a selkie compliant and captive; however, experimentation had been a whole new world of horror and destruction. Still neither of you gave up and on the day before the rest of the batch was to return, you sowed the last stitch.

“It’s shorter than before.” Echo states neutrally as he puts it on; his fingers slide along the stitches.

“I did warn you it would not be the same.” You remind sadly. “The skin knows there isn’t the same amount of…flesh as there was before.”

He nods and, before you can say anything more, he jumps into the water from the dock. You scream after him, afraid the fins might not be right and cause him to be a sitting duck in the water. Before you can jump in after him, soft barks of joy swiftly fill the air as he surfaces in his seal form. You were right in your worry about the fins with only his left one remaining; however, you’re ecstatic to see him use water manipulation to propel himself through the water. It’s a rarer mer ability so it hadn’t crossed your mind he might have it.

You both laugh as the relief and joy truely washes over you. Echo prepells himself into the air and lands back in human form on the dock. His thank yous are continuous as a few tears escape. You hug him tight and he quickly returns it, hiding his face in your shoulder. You feel tears of your own escape as you listen and feel the soft sobs of joy.

It is calm and quiet as the sun sets on the ocean. You both continue to stand there, triumphant and enjoying the peace one another brought.

“Will you marry me?” The question catches you completely off guard, but your answer comes immediately.

“Yes.”

[cornflowershade]

Tagged by @airenyah ☺️

1. Are you named after anyone?

Nope!

2. When was the last time you cried?

This morning. For like literally two seconds because I was reallyyy tired and didn’t want to wake up early lol. (Last time I cried for more than two seconds was two days ago.)

3. Do you have kids?

I have 99 of them!!

(I work with a group of kids. I do not have any of my own.)

4. What sports do you play/have you played?

I am… not a sports person. I lose games of tag to first graders. I did however do horseback riding for a while as a kid, which I was actually quite good at! Sometimes I miss it, though I have no idea if I’d still be any good after so long.

5. Do you use sarcasm?

Sometimes, though it’s not my main mode of humor.

6. What’s the first thing you notice about people?

Mmm… maybe a combination of their outfits and of their personal aspect/vibe. (Do they seem friendly etc.)

7. What’s your eye colour?

I have brown orbs that stare inquisitively into your soul until you let out the breath you didn’t know you were holding.

(Sorry for the bad fanfic. I’ll leave.)

8. Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy endings :)

9. Any talents?

Video editing, art, writing, making up games, hula hooping, sewing, and retrieving small objects fallen down storm grates using nothing but a paper cup, a stick and a shoelace. (I have done this twice. With flying colors!)

10. Where were you born?

The U.S.

11. What are your hobbies?

Fanvidding, sewing, cosplay, obsessing over fictional characters/ships.

12. Do you have any pets?

No, but it would be cool to have one someday! Maybe a dog?? but on the other hand that would mean I have to take care of it which might overwhelm me…

13. How tall are you?

I think it’s about 5ft 4” but it’s been a while since I’ve checked. This is my best recollection, though. Fun fact, I’m the tallest in my household BUT I still have to get others to reach things off tall shelves for me because my arms are short asdghj

14. What was your favorite subject in school?

I guess I liked algebra a lot? Then when I got to college I liked a lot of subjects! Like my wildlife toxicology class and my video game design class and my feature writing class… there was a lot of fun stuff.

15. What is your dream job?

How am I supposed to know this asfgjkl. I am exploring the idea of teaching, though. We’ll see, I’m still figuring life out honestly, and I feel like there’s no Perfect job. But what I’m doing know makes me really happy which is why I’m considering that general arena.

Tagging following people: (no pressure!)

@soundwin @distant-screaming @lamonnaie @softneomiro @celestial-sapphicss

[tavarillasgalen]

26 was a transformative year.

I finally had the courage to end a 7 year relationship. I'm so angry with myself for not doing it sooner, but I kept hoping and what-iffing, even as things continued to worsen. I was so bored, I was so stuck, I felt so taken for granted and unappreciated, I felt so held back, I felt like I was making myself small, I felt like I could never truly speak my mind, I could not trust him, etc, etc, etc. And literally, as soon as I broke up with him, I felt this overpowering sense of relief. I was so relieved, I was elated. It was like a "breath I didn't know i'd been holding" moment. And I have absolutely zero regrets about ending it, the only thing I regret is not ending it far, far sooner. I had lost myself, many of my hobbies, and since the breakup, I've started getting them back. The only thing I miss is someone to talk to/do things with, but I'll make friends. My life improved so much since ending it. I feel so much freer. I am so fucking happy.

I got a promotion at work. My boss admitted that he's been giving me more work than the others because he knows if he gives it to me, it'll be done right, it'll be good, and it'll be done in a timely fashion. And when he told other people about it, they were like, yeah, makes sense, she's been ready for this for a while.

I moved my horse to a new stable. The circumstances behind why are bad, so bad that some of the other owners at her old stable were talking about taking legal action against the stable owner. But I trust the people at the stable she is at now. And I can see her so much more now. It is so healing.

My family and I talk again. We haven't had a good relationship in literal years. I honestly don't know how long it's been. But now we talk, we do things together. I feel like I belong. It is so nice.

I lost 10 lbs! I gained 20 lbs during the pandemic, and could not lose it for the life of me. But this year, with a combination of daily exercise and eating better, I'm down 10 lbs. Just 10 more to go until I am back at my pre-pandemic weight. And the weight loss is incredibly slow, which on the one hand is frustrating, but on the other, is very good, because slow weight loss is sustainable weight loss.

I started eating so much healthier. This primarily after the breakup. My ex was very overweight because he was sedentary and pretty much exclusively ate out. I feel so much better and I have saved so much money. I can't remember the last time I ate out - it was probably with him. And making my own meals and knowing what I put into my body is good for it is SO nice.

I started baking again! I loved this as a kid. I forgot that not only is baking fun, but I'm a good baker. The family ravs about my cookies and pastries and breads and things.

I started embroidering again! It is so nice to put on a show or music or something and sew. My embroidered jean shorts are now my favorite pair of shorts.

I started being artistic again! With sketching, with painting, with trying digital art. I'm BEYOND rusty, but I'm having FUN. So I honestly don't mind that I'm so rusty, because I'm having fun making art again and experimenting with different mediums.

I finished my degree. I did all the classes except for 1 in the typical 4 years of uni, and I kept putting off the last one because it was math. It took me 4 tries thanks to how horrific my mental health was, but I did it, it's done. And I got a 99% on the final exam.

I did so many things I'd wanted to. Like comic con, like renn faires, like going to the ballet. I scheduled things for my future self to enjoy in 27, like a fantasy photoshoot and a mounted archery clinic.

I made my first cosplays! Keyleth, her comic book look and her mantle. I'd been cosplaying for months at that point, but those were the first things I actually made.

I picked up classes to learn new skills, like coding.

I started Duolingo again, and have a streak of over 100 days. I'm actually starting to understand it when spoken at a normal speed, not just slowed down.

I started going on walks outside in the neighborhood! Very weather-dependent, but God are the flowers and houses pretty. And so many little free libraries around. When I can't walk outside, I either go to the gym or use my aeroski or do pamela reif workouts. I workout more days than not and it does wonders for my mental health.

Lol, this may seem strange. But some of my clients are dentists, and since taking them on, my teeth have never been this well-cared for. I have flossed literally every single day in 2023 so far, started using straws for sodas and energy drinks, etc. I better not have any cavities when I see my dentist next month, just saying.

I had the courage to see doctors about various health issues that were bothering me, like excruciating shoulder pain, throwing up everything I eat or drink (not intentionally, like, literally could barely control it), etc. I'm still paying off the medical bills and I'm pissed that only 1 doctor took me seriously while the rest had the gall to tell me I was just stressed when that was not the case. But I'm proud of myself for having the courage to take care of myself like that, anyway.

I actually... Started to want to actually live. I feel so far behind everyone else my age in part because of being held back/stuck by my relationship, but mostly because I never planned to live this long. And my suicidal ideation was so severe, I was only ever going through the motions for so long. Mental illness stole a decade of my life from me. But now, I... Actually don't want to die. I actually want to live. When I feel like I want to die, I recognize the truth behind the feeling which is really needing something to change. And then I work towards that change however I can. Like, I don't have retirement accounts or investments or much of a savings or anything because I just saw no point, because I figured i'd be dead soon. But now? When you are actually seriously researching retirement accounts and investments and savings strategies and all this? Actually making plans for a life far beyond the next couple of days? Of course I still get stressed and depressed by the fact that I don't already have those things sorted out, but then I remember that the reason for that is because I wanted to die for so long. I never thought I would live to see my 20s, and every year until now, I didn't think I'd live to see the next. But now? I want to actively help my future self out. I want to do what I can to make my future self's life better and easier. I want to do what I can to set my future self up for success. And when you have someone who was as suicidal as I was for the past 10 years and who made multiple suicide attempts start thinking about saving for retirement? Holy shit, how much of a win is that?

There's a lot more I could say, I'm sure. I also read so many books, worked on my own books, etc. But I'll leave it there. I'm really pleased with all the personal progress i've made this year. While I'm nervous about 27 and going from mid-20s to late-20s, fearing aging is only ever shooting yourself in the foot. 27 is so young, still. Age is just a number, and I feel more myself than ever before.

[luna-says-stuff]

after popular demand, I bring you part two of

50 Durin House Rules And Other Declarations:

(Everyone lives AU)

51. Stop stealing Thorin’s beads and claim Dis has hid them.

52. Don’t sell Mithril shirts for own profit.

53. Dwalin is not allowed in the training room for longer than six hours a day. He needs rest too.

54. Don’t help Dwalin sneak into the training room. Even if he claims to cover for your next prank.

55. The limit for bathing is two hours. Staying in the tub for full days in no longer allowed. You can’t outrun your problems all day, Thorin.

56. Don’t let Fili sew anything.

57. Bow practice is no longer allowed inside the mountain.

58. DO NOT OFFER FILI AND KILI NERF GUNS

59. No more sentimental gifts for Dis. She doesn’t know how to behave for the next weeks.

60. Playing Y.M.C.A at a royal ball is not allowed.

61. Neither is playing Barbie Girl.

62. Stop arguing with Dis. You’re gonna ruin everybody’s day, because she’s gonna take her anger out on everybody else in the mountain, not just you!

63. For the love of Mahal, stop making those fuckboy faces to every important person that comes for royal meetings. This is not the impression we want to give off to visitors.

64. Eat bananas like a normal person would do.

65. No more snacks past 8 am.

66. Don’t let Fili and Kili watch horror movies alone.

67. Don’t leave Kili alone after horror movies. Ever.

68. Thorin, medical issues must be tended to. Whether you deem it necessary or not. Stop using the “it’s my stab wound” card. It’s not cool, it’s worrisome.

69. Taping a giant picture of Freddie Mercury on the throne is not appreciated.

70. Neither is ordering someone to make a portrait of him and hanging it in the hall of kings.

71. Stop dressing up in those inflatable dinosaur suits.

72. Don’t hand Dis a weapon. No matter the circumstances.

73. Fili is not allowed in the forges without supervision.

74. Kili is not qualified as supervision.

75. STOP.BRINGING.WOLVES.HOME.

76. Replacing Thorin’s wardrobe with bright green dresses is no longer a fun joke.

77. Wearing only a bathrobe is inappropriate and not a ‘fashion statement’.

78. Stop re-acting the Mustafar scene from Revenge of the Sith in the treasure room.

79. Claiming you need to because the lightsabers were 300 gold pieces each is not our problem. It’s yours.

80. Stop trying the hang the earlier mentioned Freddie Mercury portrait in the meeting hall. It is not a better alternative than the hall of kings.

81. DO NOT PROCEED TO HANG THE PORTRAIT BACK IN THE HALL OF KINGS AFTER THIS HAS BEEN SAID.

82. Both of them are not agreeable spots to hang the portrait.

83. Balin is not your servant. Don’t usher him to get you cookies when you’re too lazy to get out of bed.

84. Don’t use slang on Dis.

85. “What do you think you’re doing” is a theoretical question. We don’t actually want to know what you think you’re doing.

86. Using morse code to communicate with each other during dinner is no longer appreciated.

87. Don’t ‘vibe-check’ Thorin.

88. Minecraft is not something you can major in and is not considered a good future plan.

89. During scrabble night, we use normal words. Not words like ‘himbo’ or ‘fergalicious’.

90. ‘Bring back the Mercury portrait’ is not a valid petition.

91. When saying ‘healthy coping mechanisms’, we meant something like writing. Not screaming.

92. Do not touch Kili’s Jim Carrey dvd collection.

93. Don’t ever let Thorin watch American Horror Story alone.

94. Stop playing Christmas songs mid-summer.

95. Redecorating the throne room without approval of Thorin is not a considerable hobby.

96. “I don’t like sand” is not a normal way to start a conversation.

97. Dis needs at least 20 hours for herself a day (sleep included)

98. If you need more time with Dis, payment is two gold pieces per minute.

99. We already created a room dedicated to the Mercury portrait. Stop trying to hang up it elsewhere or it will be destroyed.

100. The portrait will not be destroyed as the thought of it makes Kili cry.

[penguintransporter]

Fade Into You (Leon Goretzka) Part II

a/n: Here it is, the second part, and I can officially say that I wrote this under fever while pretending to work today. I will probably go back to edit some grammar later on, but for now, you can read it, enjoy and tell me what you think of it, anon or not. Lots of love, and thanks to the anon who requested the prompt. I never thought I’d be able to write something like this. 

PART I

The familiar melody of her laugh caught his attention, and despite being in the middle of conversation with Janine, Leon let his eyes wander to where she stood, noticing that she was in the company of his friends and teammates — one of them being no other than Kevin Trapp. Not that he had something against the man, it’s just that something about him that night was getting on his nerves. 

He is fun to have around. 

He narrowed his eyebrows, remembering her words before quickly turning his attention back to Janine, taking a small sip of his beer. Janine was stunning as usual, but for some reason, Leon didn’t really feel like having a conversation about the newest business she had invested her ex-husband’s money in, so pretending that he was called over by someone, he excused himself to leave.

And Janine didn't seem to mind because as soon as he left her side, she turned around and started talking to someone else. 

Deciding that it would be best to spend some time with her and his other friends, he slowly made his way towards their table, suddenly stopping midway, unable to keep his eyes off of her and how good she looked in the clothes she was wearing — the deep-red lipstick matching the skirt that she made herself. He spent hours watching her sew layer upon layer on her tiny sewing machine.

For a reason unknown to him, his abdomen contracted for just a split of a second at the memory, but he quickly shook his head, starting to walk towards them — her laughter reaching his ears yet again. 

What’s so funny?

“Oh, servus!” Leroy hollered as Leon approached their table with his half-finished beer in hands, “believe it or not, we were just talking about you.”

“I am sure she knows better than to trust anything that comes out of your mouth,” Leon teased subtly, sending a quick wink in her direction and making her smirk over the lip of the wine glass she was holding. 

And just for a moment, he had difficulties to look away from her face. 

“Then, you won’t mind if I steal her for a dance or two?” Leroy asked, wrapping one of his arms around her shoulders — the simple movement making Leon’s ears fire up. 

Get a grip.

“She doesn’t need my permission to have you stomping all over her feet, Le,” Leon answered with a sour smile, trying to keep himself composed, but judging by the look Kevin and Joshua gave him, he was failing miserably.

Leroy grinned approvingly before whisking her away from the table — both of them giggling like children as they made their way towards the dancing area, disappearing into the small crowd. 

 With an annoyed expression and a weird feeling in his stomach, which he couldn’t shake off, Leon watched them from afar — his hands gripping the bottle of his beer a bit too tight, making his knuckles go a paler shade. 

Next to him, Kevin and Joshua observed the midfielder with amused faces — the tall goalie nudging Joshua’s knee knowingly under the table.

“Nice suit,” Kevin started, clearing his throat as he tried to contain the laughter, making Joshua look up from his phone screen for a second.

Leon nodded, gazing away from Leroy and his friend dancing badly on the tunes of Nena’s 99 Luftballons. “Thanks,” he mumbled, nodding towards the dancefloor “she made it.”

With a shit-eating grin, Joshua placed his phone back in the inside pocket of his suit jacket, looking towards Kevin. “Alter, imagine having a girl who’s not only funny, but can make clothes. Every time you need to look good, you get a new suit.”

“Nah, it’s not that easy,” Leon commented absentmindedly, “because it takes two hundred and twenty pieces to make a suit,” he added, getting two confused looks from both of his teammates, “it’s too much of a hassle, and I told you already, she’s just a br—,” Leon stopped himself, quickly taking a sip of his beer to mask the words that for some reason started to have a bitter taste in his mouth, “she’s just a friend.”

If she was just a friend, why do you want to punch Leroy in the face for dancing with her?

The last notes of Nena’s song finished, and the melody suddenly switched to yet another familiar, but much slower song that made the entire room go silent for a second just before everyone seemed to move towards the dancefloor in pairs. 

“That’s my cue,” Joshua started, “Lina loves this song.”

Leon smiled softly, leaning on his elbows on the table as Kevin said something which he dismissed before gazing at Joshua and Lina, both smiling like lovesick teenagers, making their way towards the dancing area. From the corner of his eye, Leon also noticed Manu leading Nina under the same dim lights before starting to dance slowly.

Wicked Game was still playing when he noticed her walk back through the crowd surrounding her, and with a quick glance at the couples, he saw Leroy dancing with his girlfriend, and he couldn’t help but feel his heart fill with emotions as he looked back at her. Setting his beer on the table, he straightened his jacket before taking a few long strides towards her, meeting her halfway. 

“Let’s dance,” he offered without hesitation — his voice unusually coarse.

“You never dance, Leon,” she dismissed him humorously with a wave of her arm, “what has gotten into you?” 

Leon didn’t bother answering, but rather took her hand in his, making her stop smiling as she looked up at him under her eyelashes, and he swallowed the knot that seemed to be stuck in his throat.

“The song will finish soon, and I want to dance with you,” he murmured, and with a reassuring smile he led her into the crowd, hesitantly wrapping his arms around her waist once they found their spot among the couples. 

They moved slowly - Leon not being the greatest dancer either, but confident enough to lead her as they swayed in sync. She didn’t speak nor look at him, but once she placed her head on his chest, he swallowed discreetly, closing his eyes, hoping that she couldn’t hear his heart over the music. 

The song changed yet again, this time the mellow tunes of Fade Into You resonated throughout the room, and she looked up at him with a small smile — the faintest blush on her cheeks visible even under the hazy lights. 

Leon couldn’t stop himself from smiling, realising what had just happened between the two of them; what just happened inside his head. 

Blind idiot. 

“You look beautiful,” he whispered with a small smile, “actually, it’s very difficult for me not to stare,” he added as her gaze met his — eyes widening ever so slightly at the boldness of his words, and her cheeks only became deeper shade of red. He smirked at the sight before him, leaning closer to her ear. “Are you blushing?”

“Maybe,” she whispered back nervously, tiptoeing on her high-heels to be closer to his ear.

He moved his head back to look at her — his fingers itching to touch her face, but instead he let his eyes drop to her lips, and once again he felt the same heat rush through his body, leaving him shivering rather than burning. 

“The colour of your cheeks matches your lipstick,” he smoothly stated, looking her in the eyes, yearning for a reaction of some sort. 

With a sheepish smile, she looked away and at the several couples already leaving the dancefloor giving them more space. Leon smirked to himself, stepping backwards and giving her a twirl, teasing out a small, surprised gasp from between her lips. 

Pressing her body back into him, he couldn’t help but give her lips a long stare once again. 

“It’s waterproof, you know,” she mumbled shyly. “The lipstick, I mean…”

Leon breathed out a shaky breath, pulling her just a tiniest fraction closer, spreading his fingers across the small of her back. Apprehensively, he looked around the people surrounding them, making sure that no one was really paying attention to the two of them before resting his forehead against hers. 

“Trust me, there is nothing else that I’d rather do right now, but not here.”

To many people, Leon came across as a bit shy and perhaps reserved, but if he was to be honest, he just liked his privacy more than anything else. Being in the spotlight taught him many things, and one of them was how important it was to keep some things hidden away from the curious eyes. 

She breathed out softly, and he smiled — for a moment letting himself get lost in the depths of her irises. Her arms untwined from around his neck, dropping down to his hands before she gently laced their fingers together. Her confidence was more than enough for Leon to take the hint before leading her through the crowd and outside the banquet room, stopping only when they reached the empty garden area. 

“What’s happening, Leon?” she asked shyly, and Leon shook his head, looking up into the sky for a second, feeling the strangest mix of emotions rush through him — his body tingling in excitement. 

“I am fading into you,” he whispered, looking back at her. 

Moving one of his arms, he nestled his hand just below her jawline while reaching out to touch her face with his other, feeling the warmth of her skin on his fingertips. Without hesitation, both of them moved closer, their lips inches apart before bringing their lips to meet in a gentle kiss.

What they didn’t know was that they weren’t exactly alone, outside, in the garden area, because a very bored Kevin Trapp stood some feet away, watching the two love fools finally sharing a kiss. With a smirk, he turned around, taking his phone out and opening the group chat he shared with Leroy and Joshua before quickly typing and sending a single message. 

The idiot finally did it.

[pancakeke]

How were you able to get into so many different crafts? Do you have a dedicated craft room? (Ur entire setup is aspirational to me as a college student!)

I have an office that has become my craft room!! My computer is in there and I work from home so I work in there too, but most of the space is dedicated to different tools/workspaces.

MESSY but here's the majority of my office. I have 3 desks in a big C shape. The left desk has all my sewing stuff, middle has my cricut and computer, then right has all my resin casting stuff and little SLA 3D printer. There's a paper drying station above it that I made from vinyl record racks mounted sideways lol

Off to the far left you can see part of an enormous shelf where I store other tools abd materials (keyboard building stuff, rug making stuff, knitting machine, spray paints, bulky sewing materials, dremel kit, serger, regular printer, sewing patterns, unfinished sewing projects, my old sewing machine, packaging for my store, god what else...)

If you want to get into a lot of hobbies it will seem really daunting with how many tools you need to buy, but realistically you shouldn't expect to get everything you want/need all at once. (DON'T get into leathercraft unless you can buy a lot of stuff immediately btw)

I started just with sewing years ago. The sewing machine I had was a tiny little Kenmore my mom got me for Christmas when I was in 5th or 6th grade. I stuck with that for a long time while slowly picking up more stuff.

Second hand is the best way to go for getting new tools when you join a hobby. Ebay is ok but people will try to rip you off sometimes. Shopgoodwill randomly has amazing deals on equipment. I you can get lucky with them for sergers and sewing machines if you're ok waiting around for specific models or buying older models that are available.

Joann Fabrics has great sales every so often on various sewing machines, but I've become partial to Ken's Sewing Center because they carry refurbished items with pretty decent discounts. Costco also has sewing machine deals but I haven't explored that option super well. Heads up though sewing machine and the like prices have gone up a lot the past 2 years :/

My knitting machine I got for an AMAZING deal on eBay because it was from an estate sale (like $100 shipped, which is nuts), and the serger I'm "borrowing" from my sister. Also I got a TON of knitting needles and crochet hooks from goodwill once for next to nothing.

Being buddies with boomers can get you cheap or free tools too. My stepdad gave me a dremel he never used and also a hot knife that I have somewhere. Also keep your ideal purchases in mind and watch out for sales rather than impulse buying. My 3D printer was on sale for $100 from $150 so that guy wasn't too costly.

Um I kind of went off here lol but just keep a list of what interests you and have patience and you can build up a mighty collection of tools. Just be careful because space becomes a premium after a while :')

As for actually getting into different crafts, I like to see what other artists are making and watch tutorial videos for random stuff to see if the craft seems fun. and like 99% of the time whatever the thing is does seem super fun to me. it's especially interesting when a new craft is something I can incorporate with a craft I already know to expand upon a skill I already have.

This is why I love when my friends show off their art and why I set up a discord for sharing your art. It's so inspiring just to be around other artists and bounce ideas around with them!!

I think the only craft that's ever turned me off though was macrame because you have to be ORGANIZED to do that and omg I am not.

[laundryandtaxes]

Hi! I was wondering if you could give pointers towards phasing out fast fashion/starting to wear actually fitting clothes when poor and without easy access to a tailor? I try to phase out the real cheap shit for nicer stuff from the surf shop and second hand shops, and overall buy less of it. Like have a few good shirts, a couple of good jackets etc. But I can't find pants that fit me and I'm an idiot who refuses to wear anything but men's clothing. Like it isn't a good look and it isn't sustainable and I'm kind of sick of looking like a 12 year old 24/7.

I am also an idiot who refuses to wear any items of women's clothing even when it would make life easier for me to do to. My advice would be to look for the kinds of items that have features built in that you'd try to achieve through tailoring. For instance, athletic taper cuts tend to work well for those of us with a lot of ass to get into our jeans. Classic menswear calls for a much roomier shirt fit than male fast fashion, and this is also to your advantage wrt having some chest room. So vintage Brooks Brothers shirts, especially in their classic (roomy) fit but maybe even in their older Milano fit (vintage Milano fit works for me and I'm fairly small chested now, for reference) might work well, but basically you want to look for clothing with a lot of room where you individually happen to need it. And it never hurts to learn to sew, so that you can do simple things like taking up a hem yourself. My advice is to try a couple different vintage shirts and cuts from different brands, and then kind of go all in if you find one that works. You wanna prioritize natural materials as much as you can for longevity, practicality, and sustainability. For anything other than performance clothing intended to be used while exercising, I think natural materials are superior to blends. I make an exception for acrylic blended into sweaters, personally. Ebay is my absolute best friend here- people are always amazed that I got "lucky" on ebay but in fact I get email alerts that I check a couple times a week and I open the site at least twice a week. I don't get lucky, I'm looking all the time.

I also don't think that ALL fast fashion purchases are inexcusable. For instance, my favorite cheap jeans are actually Old Navy. But when I buy a pair of their jeans, I'm going to be able to wear them for at least 4 years because they're 99% cotton, and that's giving them an appropriate number of wears before washing as one should with denim. The same is NOT true of their women's denim, but the men's denim is quite good and I have jeans of theirs that I wore for 8 years. Uniqlo knitwear (or at least their 100% Merino wool turtleneck line) is very, very good quality for the price, and I hear their 100% cotton tailoring stuff is quite good too. Your goal is to get off fast fashion, but that goal can be advanced by buying items you expect to last for years no matter their origin.

IF you happen to be roughly a 15.5 inch neck with a 33 inch sleeve (measured from just past wrist bone to I think the middle of the back?), I actually have two vintage Milano fit Brooks Brothers shirts I'm currently trying to rehome- one ice blue OCBD, one spread collar navy/white stripe dress shirt, both in their noniron cotton which I do not prefer but it is very wrinkle resistant. I could get you measurements if you'd like them, but they're ever so slightly too big for me now and I also don't prefer noniron shirting, but they're 100% cotton and I could get them to you for the price of shipping. Let me know if you'd like more specific advice.

[ask-seek]

Hm, alright. Anyways, the two entities i am going to talk about now are Entity 98, The Doll Maker and Entity 99, The Game Master. Now if i can remember, these two are apparently related, though i dont know how, Entity 98, which is The Doll Maker, lives in the sub-level 389.1. She is a humanoid entity made of cloth and thread. wearing a Victorian-era dress, the sleeves of which extends endlessly to cover the entire Level. Entity 98 is characterized by glowing cyan threads sewn throughout the body and clothing. Entity 98 is mostly docile unless of course, provoked and is not considered as a huge threat. The Entity spends almost all of her time knitting or sewing different hand puppets, though the reason why is unclear. Upon completion of the hand puppets, she drops the newly created puppet in front of her wherever she is, resulting in several piles spread around the level. other puppets can be found throughout the level, suggesting she has moved places often. To current date, she sits in an area close to the entrance of Level 389.1. Each puppet exhibits strange properties upon interaction. A list of severable notable ones can be found below.

A dog puppet, specifically a beagle. When grabbed, a bark was heard far away within the Level. When approached, nothing was discovered.

A puppet of a girl wearing a pink dress. When grabbed, Entity laughed, when questioned, acted as if nothing happened.

A puppet with a strikingly similar appearance to the current leader of the M.E.G., when questioned claimed to not know who the person was. When touched, a loud ringing is heard by any humans in the area, apparently not heard by the Entity.

A larger puppet that seems to depict Entity 83, with several torn pieces of fabric and cloth sewn on the side. Nothing happened when grabbed. Deemed anomalous as this is the only one that did nothing when grabbed.

A puppet of a boy in a blue shirt. When grabbed, Level seemed to experience an earthquake. Entity seemingly was not bothered.

A puppet matching the appearance of Entity 99. When grabbed, the Entity yelled, "DROP HER!" A connection between Entity 98 and Entity 99 is still under investigation. Continued in Interview Log 11/14/2020. She constantly hums a melody, except when spoken to or otherwise stopped. Entity 98 acts calmly interacted with, speaking in a low female voice. However, the Entity becomes aggravated when questioned or spoken to for long periods of time. If angered, Entity 98 will use her control over the sleeves throughout the level to attack. Her most common and assumed favorite ways to kill are snapping of necks and asphyxiation, however other common ways may be hanging using the occasional pipes in Level 389.1 or dragging one underneath the layers of sleeves, at which point they are never seen again. Goodness this file long. Now there were suppose to be an interview tape of M.E.G Operative Michaels interviewing Entity 98, though i do not know where i last put it.. Damn it.. If they find out about this, im gonna get fired.. Now for Entity 99, which is The Game Master, One of the operatives told me that its going under a rewrite, possibly meaning that theres new information about her. From what i remember after reading Entity 99`s file, shes apparently the master of games, capable of beating everyone. Though, it did mention that she cheats in her games, like Monopoly, Chess and other games She has her own level, but i forgot what it was called but whenever someone enters her level, she would always challenge them in various games. If she wins, she gets to kill you in a gruesome way, If you win, she lets you go. Though, as i mentioned earlier, she WILL cheat in her games, so make sure to keep an eye out for that, catching her cheating would result in you winning automatically and thus letting you go. but if you cheat in her games, she would get very angry, it usually ends up uh, bloody, after the murder, she would then wait for another victim. Oh goodness, my throat, my tongue, so dry.

Seek listens to all of this very closely, taking in all the info, "They both sound so cool! I really like the first one, I love dolls and puppets." He says. He has a fondness for things that craft dolls, he'd try making some himself but sadly he has no idea how. "Also, this "Game Master" is reminding me of Ambush, she always cheats at games, just like she cheats the one run policy that Rush follows. I encourage that however, heheh."

[fairytales-and-folklore]

Get To Know Me Uncomfortably Well

✨ Original Post ✨

I know it's supposed to be an ask game but I love stuff like this so I just answered them all lol

Tagging @elevenstarsofchaos @summertimekiller @nutellarghh @tails89 @ash-mcj if you guys want to do it too

1. What is your middle name?

Chase

2. How old are you?

I grew up with dial-up internet, AIM, tamagotchis, and the spice girls

3. When is your birthday?

July 25

4. What is your zodiac sign?

Cancer/Leo cusp

5. What is your favorite color?

Dark Gray and Minty Blue

6. What’s your lucky number?

11 and 7

7. Do you have any pets?

Sadly no, but once I live in a place that allows pets, I'm gonna have a whole bunny army

8. Where are you from?

US east coast

9. How tall are you?

5'4"

10. What shoe size are you?

7/8

11. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

How many do I have sitting in a shoe rack in my closet or how many do I have stacked by the front door that I actually wear on a regular basis?

12. What was your last dream about?

Last night I dreamt that I was competing on a baking show with my pack and we were all covered in flour trying to figure out how to make sourdough bread lol

13. What talents do you have?

Writing, sewing, knitting, papercrafts, and for some reason, memorizing really random weird fandom-related tongue-twisters like raxacoricofallapatorious

14. Are you psychic in any way?

I like to think I have intuitive moments

15. Favorite song?

It changes daily, but right now it's Willow (Dancing Witch Remix) by Taylor Swift

16. Favorite movie?

It used to be a cross between Tangled, Half-Blood Prince, and The Avengers, but it's been a while and I'm not sure what I'd choose now

17. Who would be your ideal partner?

@elevenstarsofchaos ♥️

18. Do you want children?

Just bunnies 🐰

19. Do you want a church wedding?

I want an outdoor wedding — beach or garden

20. Are you religious?

I think I'd fall under agnostic

21. Have you ever been to the hospital?

Yes

22. Have you ever got in trouble with the law?

I got a couple of parking tickets lol

23. Have you ever met any celebrities?

Apparently I just missed meeting Brendon Urie by a couple of minutes when my partner dropped me off at the airport one time

24. Baths or showers?

Showers, but baths are nice too

25. What color socks are you wearing?

It's July, too hot for socks

26. Have you ever been famous?

If you count seeing your own fic reblogged on your dash

27. Would you like to be a big celebrity?

Nah, too much pressure. I like my peace and quiet.

28. What type of music do you like?

A little bit of everything, except for country, rap, and metal

29. Have you ever been skinny dipping?

Yup

30. How many pillows do you sleep with?

I alternate between a memory foam pillow and a buckwheat pillow, both super comfy

31. What position do you usually sleep in?

Side or stomach, usually

32. How big is your house?

It's cozy

33. What do you typically have for breakfast?

Poached egg on toast and a honeycrisp apple

34. Have you ever fired a gun?

Nope

35. Have you ever tried archery?

I haven't, but I bet that'd be fun

36. Favorite clean word?

Wisteria

37. Favorite swear word?

Fuck

38. What’s the longest you’ve ever gone without sleep?

Two days

39. Do you have any scars?

A few little ones, mostly from hiking or crafting

40. Have you ever had a secret admirer?

Well if it's a secret, how would I know?

41. Are you a good liar?

Lying makes me uncomfy

42. Are you a good judge of character?

I'd like to think so

43. Can you do any other accents other than your own?

I think I'm decent at a Scottish accent?

44. Do you have a strong accent?

I don't think so

45. What is your favorite accent?

Scottish, Irish, English, and Australian

46. What is your personality type?

INFJ

47. What is your most expensive piece of clothing?

Probably my boots

48. Can you curl your tongue?

Yes

49. Are you an innie or an outie?

Innie

50. Left or right handed?

Right

51. Are you scared of spiders?

Oh yes

52. Favorite food?

Hibachi, pho, and thanksgiving style turkey and mashed potatoes

53. Favorite foreign food?

Pho

54. Are you a clean or messy person?

Clean, mess makes me anxious

55. Most used phrased?

56. Most used word?

I'm just gonna take and apply what my lovely friend Hayley said when I asked my pack what my most used phrase and word are lol

Me: What are my words? I have no words. I am wordless. Adrift in the sea without word or wood.

Hayley: Maybe you just have so many words. Every sentence you craft is unique. A gift to be treasured.

Me: Oh 🥺♥️

57. How long does it take for you to get ready?

If I'm showered and dressed? Two minutes. If I'm in the middle of a project? I'll *say* two minutes but it'll actually be more like an hour.

58. Do you have much of an ego?

I would, but the self-esteem issues keep getting in the way lol

59. Do you suck or bite lollipops?

Suck until it's soft enough to bite

Welp, that sounds interesting out of context

60. Do you talk to yourself?

I give myself pep talks when I'm feeling anxious

61. Do you sing to yourself?

I sing while I work on projects sometimes

62. Are you a good singer?

I like to think so, I've been told I am

63. Biggest Fear?

That health issues will get in the way of me living a good life

64. Are you a gossip?

Nah

65. Best dramatic movie you’ve seen?

Moulin Rouge

66. Do you like long or short hair?

For me personally? Long

67. Can you name all 50 states of America?

Yup, the song was drilled into me in middle school chorus lol

68. Favorite school subject?

Art and English

69. Extrovert or Introvert?

Introvert, but I like being social with the right people

70. Have you ever been scuba diving?

No, but I'd like to

71. What makes you nervous?

Feeling out of control health/body wise, people with bad intentions

72. Are you scared of the dark?

More scared of what might be lurking in the dark, especially dark waters

73. Do you correct people when they make mistakes?

Only if they'll cause harm

74. Are you ticklish?

Yes, I'll flail and kick

75. Have you ever started a rumor?

No

76. Have you ever been in a position of authority?

I was line leader in kindergarten

77. Have you ever drank underage?

Yeah lol

78. Have you ever done drugs?

If weed counts

79. Who was your first real crush?

Ewan McGregor lol

80. How many piercings do you have?

Technically five, all ears, but most of them have closed up by now

81. Can you roll your Rs?

Oui

82. How fast can you type?

Moderate

83. How fast can you run?

I'd like to get better at running in general, let alone fast

84. What color is your hair?

Honey blonde

85. What color is your eyes?

Blue

86. What are you allergic to?

Most fragrances, cigarette smoke, peanuts

87. Do you keep a journal?

I do

88. What do your parents do?

Like for fun or for work?

89. Do you like your age?

It's fine

90. What makes you angry?

People who are insensitive, argumentative, and controlling

91. Do you like your own name?

Yeah

92. Have you already thought of baby names, and if so what are they?

No, but I have a list of character names I like

93. Do you want a boy a girl for a child?

I don't want kids, but if I had to choose, I guess I'd want a girl

94. What are you strengths?

I'm creative, I'm resilient, and I can make people laugh

95. What are your weaknesses?

Anxiety and fear of pain

96. How did you get your name?

I was born and my parents named me lol

97. Were your ancestors royalty?

I don't know, I've never done an ancestry test

98. Do you have any scars?

I feel like I already answered this lol

99. Color of your bedspread?

Charcoal gray comforter and blue and gray stars on white sheets

100. Color of your room?

White, but if I had a choice, I think I'd paint it light minty blue or light purple, with a matching darker accent wall

[thestarsaroundyourscars]

112 and 99 for smut prompts

Have an old smut prompt that I finally finished last night!

“What are you doing in my bed?!” & “I know they’re just stuffed animals but doesn’t it feel weird? It’ like they’re watching us.”

Read on AO3

NSFW

“Eds? Eddie! Eduardo, are you home?“ 

Eddie groaned into his pillow, annoyed at being pulled from sleep by Richie’s loud voice. He was about to yell back at him to shut the fuck up so he could keep sleeping when he realized something was wrong. 

If only his sleepy brain could remember what⎯ 

"Come on Eds, where is my welcome home party?”

Oh, right.

Richie wasn’t supposed to be home at all. 

Not until tomorrow anyway when he was due to return from visiting his grandparents. He wasn’t supposed to be home right now, when he could see Eddie sleeping in his room, in his bed and wearing one of his sweaters because Eddie was a pathetic loser who missed his best friend slash roommate slash guy he had been in love with for years and who had trouble sleeping without being able to hear Richie snoring loudly through the thin walls of their apartment.

“What the fuck is he doing here?” Eddie muttered, suddenly feeling wide awake. He was trying to free himself from the blankets and flee to his room when the door swung open. 

Richie froze in the doorway probably thinking for a moment that he had just walked into Eddie’s room instead of his own.

When he realized that wasn’t the case, he beamed at Eddie. “There you are! I thought you weren’t home, which would’ve fucking sucked because I only got an earlier flight to hang out with you, and wait⎯ what are you doing in my bed?!” Richie said, all in one breath. He cocked his head to the side, studying Eddie. “And is that my hoodie?”

Eddie stared at him like a deer caught in the deadlights. “Um no. It’s mine.”

“Come on Eds, it’s like⎯ three sizes too big.”

“Right. It’s actually Mike’s.” Eddie said with a shrug. “He left it here the other day.”

“No, he didn’t.” Richie said, eyebrows knitted. “My name is literally sewn on it, you actually sewed it yourself.”

Eddie pressed his lips into a tight line. He was right. Eddie had, because Richie kept misplacing it whenever it was his turn to do laundry and it was only a matter of time before he lost it for good. 

“Damn it.” He muttered, crossing his arms over his chest. “Fine, it is yours." 

A flash of something went through Richie’s face and then he was breaking into a grin. "Wait, wait. Did you sleep here because you missed me or something?” He asked with sparkling eyes, Eddie groaned internally. 

“No. No. I didn’t.” Eddie said but Richie’s face had I don’t believe you written all over it. “Oh fuck you.”

“Oh my god, you did!” Richie said, delighted. Eddie could feel his face pinking up from embarrassment. “God, you’re so precious.”

Eddie glared at him. “You’re an asshole." 

Richie held his hands up in defense. "Sorry, sorry Eds. I just⎯ I didn’t realize you’d miss me that much.”

Eddie sighed. That was one hell of an understatement⎯ he had missed Richie so much his heart ached. “Of course I did. I’m used to having you around, I’m used to hearing you, because you’re too fucking loud even if you’re just sitting and doing nothing. And you have a way of turning the apartment upside down when you’re home so I can always tell you’re here. And⎯ and if I can’t sleep I can always crawl in here and sleep with you, so I thought⎯ I came in here, but it was still too quiet and everything smelled like soap because I made you wash everything before you left, except you forgot this.” He looked down at the sweater he was wearing. “It helped me sleep because it made me feel like you were here.”

Richie’s grin had disappeared and now he was simply staring at Eddie, expression blank except for a tiny crease between his eyebrows. Eddie was worried that he had said too much, revealed too much. Then again, Richie had just caught him in his bed and wearing his clothes because he missed him⎯ if that didn’t say something about Eddie’s feelings then he didn’t know what would.

“I know. I’m pathetic and I’ve probably given you enough joking material to last you another decade.” Eddie sighed. He felt like curling back in bed and forgetting this entire morning. “I’m sorry Rich. I’ll make your bed and wash your sheets and⎯” move out and never speak to you again, Eddie meant to say, but he stopped talking when Richie opened his duffel bag and started digging through it, shirts and boxers and socks falling to the floor. “What are you doing?”

“You’re not pathetic.” Richie said, voice muffled because his head was inside the bag, looking for something. “Or if you are then I am too.”

“What are you talking about?”

“This!” He said, pulling out a pink shirt and holding it up for Eddie to see. “I’m talking about this!”

“A shirt? What does a shirt have to do with⎯ wait, is that my shirt?”

“Bingo!” Richie laughed but the sound was slightly off. It sounded nervous.

“Why did you take my shirt with you?”

“Because it smells like soap and antibacterial gel and that fruity chapstick you insist on using.”

Richie’s word sunk in and Eddie let out a gasp. “You sleep in my clothes too?”

“Well, no. I mean, you’re tiny, dude. This shirt would never fit me.” Richie joked and Eddie rolled his eyes but his lips twitched into the tiniest smile. “I do sleep with it, though. It helps when I miss you, which is whenever I’m not here.”

Eddie didn’t know what to say, how to feel about this⎯ normal friends didn’t sleep with each other’s clothes because they missed each other, no matter how close they were. “I’ve been looking for that shirt.”

Richie let out a snort. “Yeah, sorry. I was gonna take a pair of your mom’s underwear, but I couldn’t find them.” He said, trying to ease some of the tension in the room. “Here, you can have it.” He bunched up the piece of fabric and threw it at Eddie. “Can I have my sweater back?”

Eddie hesitated, if he took off the sweater he would be left in only a pair of boxers in Richie’s bed. The thought sent a shiver down his spine. He surprised himself when his hands reached for the hem of the sweater and he lifted it over his head. Richie’s eyes widened but if the way his cheeks flushed pink and his eyes darted down to his chest meant anything, he was on board with whatever was going on. 

It made Eddie feel bold. “Sure you can have it.” He said, skin burning under Richie’s heated stare. “But if you want it you should come and get it.”

Richie gulped, noticeably flustered. “Are we still talking about the hoodie or⎯”

“Just get over here, Rich." 

He didn’t need to be told twice, practically throwing himself on the bed. He crawled towards Eddie but hesitated, hovering over him. It was Eddie who pushed himself up and brought their lips together. 

Richie sighed happily, melting into the kiss.

Eddie had imagined kissing Richie so many times but the reality was so much better. Richie’s tongue sliding against his, his soft curls between Eddie’s fingers, his large hands running over his bare chest⎯ Eddie never thought it would feel like every inch of his skin was on fire. 

Richie ducked his head, leaving a trail of kisses down the column of Eddie’s neck. He felt him chuckle against his skin. 

"What?" 

"Nothing. You smell good, that’s all." 

Eddie giggled, Richie’s nose tickling a sensitive spot behind his ear. "Better than the shirt?" 

Richie pulled back to stare at him, his pupils were dilated behind his glasses. "Way better, holy shit.”

He brought their lips together again, lowering himself on top of Eddie. His thigh slid between Eddie’s legs and he gasped when it pressed against his half hard dick. Even through the fabric of his jeans, Eddie could feel that Richie was turned on. 

“Take off your pants.” Eddie breathed into the kiss, his fingers had found their way to Richie’s belt and were trying to unbuckle it. Richie tried to help but it was clear that he would have to stand up if he wanted to take them off, unless he wanted to knee Eddie in the stomach.

Eddie watched him as he removed his pants and then his shirt, leaving them both in their boxers. He snorted, “What the fuck are you wearing?”

Richie looked down and grinned. “Jalapeno boxers. They’re hot.” He winked and Eddie laughed, beckoning Richie back to the bed. 

The headboard slammed against the wall when Richie jumped on the bed and something fell from one of the shelves and on Eddie’s face. It was a monkey plush from the collection of stuffed animals Richie kept in his room. Some of them were gifts from Eddie or their friends or Richie had won them in some arcade back home. Eddie stared up at them and couldn’t help but feel like they were staring right back. 

“What?”

“I know they’re just stuffed animals but doesn’t it feel weird? It’s like they’re watching us.” Eddie said and wrinkled his nose.

Richie followed his eyes and barked out a laugh. “Oh don’t mind them, Eds.” He said. “They’ve seen worse.”

Eddie’s face twisted further. “Gross Richie! Why would you say that?”

He laughed again and lowered himself on top of Eddie again, pressing kisses all over his face and neck. “I’m sorry. Let me take your mind off their beady little eyes, okay?”

Eddie nodded, going pliant under Richie. Soon the stuffed animals were the last thing on his mind, especially when Richie rolled his hips down against Eddie’s, their erections lining up perfectly through their boxers.

“Fuck, Richie.” Eddie moaned, wrapping his arms around his shoulders.

“Next time Eds, I don’t think I can hold out enough for that." 

Eddie shuddered at the thought of fucking Richie. "Fuck, me neither.” He said, heat building up inside him. He was so close already, the friction against his dick from Richie’s thrusts driving him to the edge. “Kiss me Rich.”

Richie kissed him and the heat in Eddie’s stomach lit up like a fire. His hips picked up pace and started moving faster, one of his hands slid between Eddie and the mattress to grab his ass and bring their bodies even closer. Eddie was letting out little ah ah ah noises, pleasure burning inside him. Finally Richie took his lower lip between his teeth while giving a particularly hard thrust at the same time and Eddie was coming in his underwear, mouth dropping open in a moan.

“Eddie please.” Richie whined. He was making tiny aborted movements with his hips but it wasn’t enough. Eddie reached between them to touch him through his boxers. “Fuck yeah please." 

Eddie wanted to see his face when he came so he rolled them over in one swift movement, wincing slightly at the feeling of cum drying in his underwear. Richie gasped, staring up at Eddie with heavy lidded eyes.

"Fuck that was hot. You’re so hot, Eds.”

Eddie grinned before leaning down to kiss him. He shoved his hand inside Richie’s boxers causing him to whimper as he wrapped his fingers around him, a shot of arousal going straight to his own dick at how big he felt in his hand. 

“Fuck, I can’t wait to have this inside me.” Eddie said, stroking him faster. “You’re so big, I bet it’s going to feel so good.”

“Oh my God.” Richie groaned, his dick twitching in Eddie’s hand. “Eds.”

Eddie’s eyes were glued to Richie’s face. “Come on Rich. Come for me.”

Richie moaned, his eyes screwed shut as he spilled into Eddie’s hand and his stomach with Eddie’s name on his lips. 

While Richie caught his breath Eddie reached for a tissue to clean his hand and Richie’s chest. The mess in his boxers would need more than that.

“Where are you going?” Richie asked. He was watching him with a lazy sated grin. 

“I need to clean up and change my boxers.”

“Just grab one of mine and get back here. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in a whole week.”

Eddie hadn’t either. Sleeping in Richie’s room helped but there was something still missing⎯ Richie himself, who was now beckoning him into his arms with pink kissed lips curled into a grin. Ignoring the itch to go take a shower right away, he changed and climbed back in bed.

They were kissing again almost immediately.

“I’m really glad you took that early flight.”

Richie stopped sucking a hickey into Eddie’s skin to grin at him. “Me too, Eds. Me too.”

Tag list: @daddyphantomtbh @yes-dillman-yes @richietoaster @beepbeeprichiellc @its-stranger-than-you-think @lemonaayyee @losers-gotta-stick-together @tinyarmedtrex @richiefuckfacetozier @sam-i-am2468 @stylesmelon  @s-s-georgie @reddie-for-anything @eddiefuckinkaspbrak @constantreaderfool @hammockrichie  @jesuschristsupruvestar @mirandonsky @reddie4diaster @alargedepresso @purplepoisonedgem @pan-ini @reddie-to-cryy @reddieforlove @trashmouthnick @multi-fandom-wby @wheezyeds @nancynwheeler @reddieslashgeneralhorror @madi-personal @reddie-tozibrak @lover-mouth @atownofeggs @that-weird-girls-blog @appojoos @castielwinovak @a-gay-treee @twoidiotsinl0ve @fcngirltrxsh @spirited-marvel @typewrxter @rebecca-the-queen @juhavs @thegoshdiddlydangdoor @soooobr @purebloodqueen  @call-me-bread @britcorn @wickedlyweasley @derpyanimatesstuff @braverthanyathink @s-onora @reddie-stole-my-heart (if you want to be added, let me know!)

[whumpbby]

smells-like-ink-and-fire replied to your post “<p>Australian instinct not to touch octopuses is warring with the urge...”

Oh to see Bruce's reaction. I'm sensing a mild heart attack

Bruce certainly had a mild stroke. 

He was just about ready to go back to his quarters for the night, filling out the last bits of paperwork, gathering his empty coffee mugs (Alfred always shook his head at B whenever the mugs started to pile up) and feeling every bot of his age... when the noise from the corridor drew his attention a moment before the door to his office burst open to reveal a red-faced intern begging Bruce to come down to the bay quick, please, you have to see this!!! 

So, prepared for everything, Bruce followed  the intern at a run, because the last time they’ve had this sort of commotion, the big holding tank was cracking and they needed to act fast. 

However, when he stepped into the bay - a part of the centre open to the ocean, with a ramp leading into the water - he stopped and for a few good blinks didn’t know what he was looking at. There was Dick, because of course Dick was in the centre of whatever was happening, and there was Tim who was screaming something at him, and there were a dozen of the staff positioned away from the water, staring at Dick who was trying to haul a body up the ramp... a mer body. A excessively bleeding mer body. 

And then Bruce’s brain decided to finally notice that what he thought was a trail of blood, was in fact the rest of the body of the creature - not a mer, not even close. 

His first reaction wasn’t helpful at all. 

“Dick, what the hell are you doing?!” 

Wasn’t his proudest moment, that. Dick ignored it, thankfully. 

“B, help me! He’s wounded and I need...!” He tripped and fell into the water along with the octomer, both slipping back down the ramp. “Fuck! Tim, come on, help me!” 

“Don’t come near it!” Bruce ordered. 

“B, come on! He’s hurt!” 

God, that’s what he got for adopting the bright, friendly kid eighteen years ago - he couldn’t be the dad whose children brought home stray kittens or puppies, could he? No, his son brought them a goddamn eldritch beast. 

“Leave it in the water,” Bruce spoke over the raising noise, toeing his shoes off and walking into the water. “We don’t know if it cans survive out of it. We’ll use floating stretchers to support it. Tim, get me the first aid box. Julia, send a message to Clark, we need his expertise!” 

Together with Dick, they’ve hauled the octomer onto the floating frame until the creature was stable and they could look at the wound. It was surprisingly docile, probably due to blood loss, it was just staring ahead and twitching weakly when touched. And there was an octopus wound around its neck. 

“What the hell? Is that...?”

“Yep,” Dick answered. “I’m about 99% sure it’s Robin. And call me crazy, but I am also pretty sure it was the one to bring the big guy here.”

“Why would it do that?”

“Dunno, but we’ve helped the little fella, right? It probably thought we can help the big one, too.”

That was quite crazy, yes, but Bruce’s closest friend had fins and a tail, so he wasn’t in a place to doubt possible intentions of an octopus. When it was all over, he was going to have a drink and a bit of a breakdown, because here he was, handling a damn cryptid that might have, or might have not, bee the one who saved his son’s life a few months ago... 

The cryptid had to take priority. The wound on it’s side was deep and gory, as if something took a chunk out of it with its teeth. A shark? Possibly. Couldn’t have been a big one, the wound was too narrow. And a shark that small would be surely dealt with before it got a chance to attack...

Bruce carefully touched the octo’s mouth and pushed its lips apart to see two rows of nightmare-fuel teeth.

“What are you doing?” Dick was confused. 

“Doesn’t look like a shark bite.” Bruce, always on the case, mused. “In-fighting?” Usual mer were omnivores, but they didn’t have a habit of taking chunks out of each other. However, if there was another octomer in the area... 

“Territorial dispute, you think?” 

“Maybe.”

By that time Tim had returned with the first aid kit and got to work at tending the wound. Tim was their first-aider when it came to mer, because his marine research partner was a reckless brat that tended to appear in the centre with a wound of some sort more often than not. Tim had experience with sewing up tails. 

“This is so creepy,” the young man in question muttered while threading a needle. “The skin texture is... it feels like skin. If I faint, don’t let me drown.”

“Don’t worry Timmy.”

Of course, they didn’t forget that they were dealing with a wild and unpredictable creature. The octomer was strapped to the raft and Bruce had an eye on his movements, he also got two researchers to stand close by with tranq guns in case they were needed. He also had another technician film the whole encounter, because research. When Tim was sewing whatever he could of the wound, Bruce took some samples - a bit of a flesh hanging from the wound, a lock of hair, a saliva swab...

“B, really?”

“The more we know, the better prepared we’ll be when something goes wrong, Dick. How are the vitals?”

They really didn’t have a baseline for it, but the mammal-like mer weren’t that different from humans when it came to the basics, so they could only hope the octomer were similar in that respect - this one had nipples and a bellybutton, so the’re probably was a connection with mammals somewhere down its genetic tree...

“Heartbeat’s weak, but stable for now.” Dick recited with a worried frown. “We could try a transfusion, but...”

But they didn’t have a clue what kind of blood wouldn’t make the matters worse. Only after the samples were processed, they’ll know for sure. The octomer was somewhat conscious, because it kept shifting under their hands, the arms underwater were twisting around themselves inside of the net spun around them - either from pain or fear. Bruce considered sedation, but discarded the idea, as long as it moved they knew it was alive and not crashing. 

Another tense half an hour passed with no one knowing what to actually do, but not wanting to leave the bay in case something happened. Bruce grilled Dick on the details of the situation that led them there while Tim worked quietly and the technicians took notes and the red-bellied octopus was swimming around them in a manner that could only be called fretful. 

At a point Dick reached for it and it wound around his free hand. “It’s okay, kid, he’s going to be okay,” he spoke softly to the animal. “You did good bringing him here, he’ll get help.” 

Bruce bit down on a smile tingling in the corners of his lips, because he loved his son with all he had and this was one of the reasons why. The boy was kind to every creature than needed it, regardless if it understood or not.

And he had a strange feeling that Robin somehow did understand. 

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Hakuoki Tsukikage no Shou - Kazama Final Chapter Translation

So. [im going to swear.]

I tried doing something truly fucking insane. I wrote and copied out almost every single stupid shitty word in Chinese from the CH subbed video for this (99% of everything of this was done w/o freaking copy and pasting since it was too fucking hard to locate every stupid duplicated word that i wrote) with my mouse onto google translate (I don't have any other way to input words cuz i don't have a damn input device) before i went and translated this. 

at the time i did this, writing out every stupid shitty word was a lot fucking faster than using an ocr text extractor at the time since i kept having problems with the one i was using... and my fucking gawd did this feel soooo freaking tedious and it really did hurt my hand and arm for a while.... to the point that i’ll still complain about it despite how that was done back around the time i did the tsukikage countdown video....

i fucking demand that everyone who reads this thank me for hurting myself for the sake of getting this stupid chapter translated lol... all in all, i wrote out over 4600 stupid fucking Chinese characters of this in one sitting....

oh and i think i might have forgotten about copying some of the punctuation but idfcrn.

some words/phrases i don’t wanna write in excess ever again: 1) 知道 2) 就 3) 然 4) 一族 5) 着 6) 这 7) 在 8) 我 9) 萨摩 10) 里

you guys better fucking enjoy this lol. or im going to flip a fucking table. or ten. hahaha lol. seriously (not really lol). 

on that note, i also found the Hakuoki stage play with Chinese subs but I refuse to do anything with it as long as those words aren't in text since that's more than 2 hours long, and i’m not that masochistic or insane xD. if anyone wants to volunteer as tribute though to copy/isolate the text though that’s another matter. 

also i had to go read up on more damn history than i'd have liked to in order to translate this damn thing cuz i couldn't understand several words in Chinese since they were Japanese terms which made doing this even annoying since that meant extra work for me to do... and omfg i hated writing this out despite the fact that doing so did save me a significant amount of time cuz I was still pretty bad at using photoshop when i did this...  though I can definitely say that this will be the absolute fucking first and last chapter of anything that i’ll ever write out again since i can say that my photoshop skills have improved enough so that i can extract text at a significantly faster pace and with more accuracy...

images used in this post were snips of the some video of the chapter aside from the last 2 which were from the cgs i posted a loooong while back.

if someone decides to repost this elsewhere, i will seriously stop posting my translations publicly (also i will curse you) :D

(p.s. i don’t have the chapter intro since that wasn’t translated for any of the final chapter tls that were posted online, and as always, edits will be done later)

Hakuoki Tsukikage no Shou - Kazama Chikage - Final Chapter

Translation by KumoriYami

Eighth year of Meiji 7th month

Six years later after what later generations would refer to the "Boshin War." Chikage-san took me away to live at his village within the Satsuma Domain. This is a story of what happened 5 years after I married into the Kazama family.

Eighth year of Meiji, 7th month

My eyes were unfocused.

I was quietly mending something——

Kazama Chizuru: That hurt......!

I accidentally hit my finger with the needle.

Kazama Chizuru:......Messed up again.

This type of housework, would usually be finished quickly.... But today my concentration, from the start until just now, wasn't here.

I know the reason why.

Kazama Chizuru: Ah......

I stopped/lowered my hand and softly sighed. Recently, Chikgae-san has been increasing his visits to human villages. 

It seems that Amagiri-san has also been frequently rushing around to collect information. The oni in this village saw this, and one after another, they began talking about 

——Soon, there will be no more war with humans.

The female oni were especially scared of war.

However I didn't think it wasn't improbable......

But there was no way to say that war wouldn't happen again.

It's hard to think that the world's become so peaceful.

When I was thinking about these things. (door slides)

There was the sound of a door opening.

I didn't need to confirm who this person was——

Kazama Chikage: I didn't see you, so this is where you were.

Kazama Chizuru: Chikage-san......

The instant I saw him, I immdiately felt relieved...... I couldn't help but smile.

Kazama Chikage: What is it? Is there something funny?

Kazama Chizuru: No, That's......

Kazama Chizuru: I always think it's unimaginable in how I am able to recognize you by your breathing, Chikage-san.

Presumably my answer probably surprised him since Chikage-san's eyes widened......

Kazama Chikage: Of course I am also able to recognize you by your breathing, you and I are husband and wife.

If this had been before, I probably would have immediately denied Chikage-san's words.......

Kazama Chizuru:......That's right/Is that so.

There's no need to deny anything now.

Because Chikage-san and I have already had our marriage ceremony in the Kazama village to become husband and wife.

Kazama Chikage: What are you doing here?

Kazama Chizuru: Sewing clothes.

Kazama Chizuru: If the children's clothes aren't taken care of, they might get torn when caught on a branch or from falling down. 

Kazama Chikage: this sort of housework, you can just give it someone else to do.

Kazama Chizuru: But, I have happen to have time......

Kazama Chikage: Accompany me for a walk.

Chikage-san raise his chin, and spoke with an indisputable tone of voice.

Kazama Chizuru: Wait a moment, let me tie this knot......

Kazama Chikage: That thing can wait and be done later, come with me for a walk first.

Really......

Chikage-san's unyielding personality hasn't changed since [even before] we married.

Kazama Chizuru:......I understand, I'll come with you.

Anyway fighting is useless, so I followed him.

It was slightly hot when we reached the forest.

As small birds could clearly be heard chirping nearby, Chikage-san and I walked together.

Kazama Chizuru:......You seem to be so busy lately, have things calmed down yet?

I spoke to him in this way......

Kazama Chikage:............ [he sighs/breathes out  here]

Not hearing my words, Chikage-san showed a distressed expression, and was silent.

Kazama Chizuru: Chikage-san....... Chikage-san.

After using a slightly heavier tone, he finally stopped.

Kazama Chikage:......What's wrong?

Kazama Chizuru: To ask me what's wrong......

Kazama Chizuru: Just now I called you several times just now and you didn't respond, it's very concerning

Kazama Chikage: So it's like that, I apologize.

Kazama Chizuru: No, I'm not upset......

Kazama Chizuru: What's bothering you?

Kazama Chizuru: If it's alright, you can talk about it with me.

Kazama Chikage:............ [he sighs/breathes again here... this one sounds more like a sigh imo]

Kazama Chizuru: If there's anything that's difficult to talk about, I won't force you to say anything.......

Kazama Chikage: No.......it's not something that cannot be said.

Kazama Chikage: As the leader's wife, I think you should know about this matter.

It felt like there was a different weight to the way he was saying "the leader's wife."

After moving to this village, Chikage-san has told me those words [in that manner] several times...... The subjects that followed afterwards, were matters that directly concerned the village.

As I nervously waited for his next words, Chikage-san spoke in a solemn and careful tone.

Kazama Chikage:......There are rumours, that the Satsuma shizoku has been engaging in suspicious activities. [check audio]

Kazama Chizuru: Shizoku......?

After entering the Meiji era, former samurai are now referred to as "shizoku"...... No longer able to receive an official's salary, I've heard that they have had difficulties in securing their livelihoods.

Kazama Chikage: After last year's "conscription notice," it is said that official talks to forbid carrying of blades were given with the "conscription notice."

Kazama Chizuru: Forbidding the carrying of blades? That is to say......

Before I asked my question, Chikage-san nodded.

Kazama Chikage: Banning the wearing of katana

Kazama Chikage: [Meaning] Depriving warriors of the rights associated with them.

Kazama Chizuru: Doing that sort of thing...... aren't the Satsuma shizoku unlikely to accept that?

The Satsuma shizoku were [perhaps: had been] proud to be part of the Meiji Restoration, and before I heard that it was their greatest pride. They had overthrown the Shogunate with great difficulty, but they [however it seems that they] haven't received a decent reward [pay-off is prob more accurate]......

If they are deprived of their privileges that they had and are again forced into having difficult lives, it is obvious that there will be resentment.

Kazama Chikage:......Last year, reportedly Saigo's defeat at the central government and his return to the Satsuma, appeared to be the cause of riots breeaking out in human villages. [refers to Seikanron]

Chikage-san's words caused me to let out a cold breath.

I've heard that Saigo is the Satsuma's most powerful individual.

If indignant warriors gather assemble together under his banner——

Kazama Chizuru: Then, where are you going [probably planning?]?

Kazama Chikage: Come on...... let's walk for a while.

Speaking like that, Chikage-san urged me......

No mater what, I wanted to confirm this matter.

Kazama Chizuru: Chikage-san......

Kazama Chikage:......Nn?

Kazama Chizuru: Will Chikage-san have no choice, but to once again move for the Satsuma?

Kazama Chizuru: Just like when the Shogunate was destroyed......

Because there is a sense of righteousness and companionship with the Satsuma [i'd assume this is more sense of gratitude and debt based on Kyoto Winds/Edo Blossoms], there's nothing to be done on the matter......

If that’s the case, I don't want Chikage-san to once again be dragged into humanity's wars.

He is my beloved husband—— we have many precious things to protect now.

Kazama Chikage:......Do not worry, our Kazama family/clan has promised to help the Shimazu clan.

Kazama Chikage: There is no involvement in the Satsuma right now. I have no plans to be involved in wars between humans.

Kazama Chizuru: Really?

Kazama Chikage: Have I [ever] lied to you?

Kazama Chizuru:.......No

Kazama Chizuru: Chikage-san, thank you. Hearing what you said just now, I can be at ease.

Even so I felt that nothing was stronger than the promise he made just now.

Chikage-san will certainly use all of his strength to protect us.

Kazama Chikage:......Perhaps, in the near future, war may occur in the Satsuma. [the Satsuma may go to war is likely more accurate given the Satsuma Rebellion]

Kazama Chikage: In order to prepare for such a situation, [we] must consider temporarily moving into hiding elsewhere.

Kazama Chizuru:......Yes

The oni of the Kazama village...... everything must be done to protect them. In the past my clan——the disaster that befell the Yukimura clan's oni must not be repeated.

(scene changes to ocean) ~3100 words by now

Afterwards, Chikage-san and I arrived at place....... a place outside the village and near the beach.

The deep blue sea could clearly be seen in the distant horizon, as well as the rolling waves. It's was a symbol and scene of peace and stability.

............However.

Kazama Chizuru:......Is war really going to erupt again?

It seemed as if war would break this sea of tranquility.

Kazama Chikage: I am afraid that it will.

Kazama Chikage: But do not worry. I will certainly protect you all

Kazama Chizuru:......Nn, I believe you.

Our conversation drew to a close once more, but it didn't feel out of sorts.

The sound of the tide carried away all of my worries.

In this way, looking out towards the majestic sea......

Kazama Chizuru:......This reminds me of when the two of us disembarked back then.

Chikage-san was quiet as he turned towards me.

His pair of red eyes looked at me, almost as if to ask for the truth of what I meant just now.

Kazama Chikage: The people [or officials?] from the Satsuma fled, similarly to how the warriors of Aizu did.

Kazama Chikage: It wasn't only the Aizu. The former Shogunate who fought the Sat-cho probably also hated the Satsuma and wanted to go to war with them.

Kazama Chikage: They were pardoned, no longer are they an enemy seeking revenge......

Kazama Chikage: For what reason would they need to repeat a disastrous policy/the same mistake......

Kazama Chizuru:......Yes. I also......don't understand

Kazama Chizru:......However it's already...... fighting between humans, oni must not participate again.

Kazama Chizuru: That's what I think, ever since I chose to live here as an oni.

Kazama Chizuru:.....Yes. Even though——

Kazama Chizuru: Even if  there's a new battle, the surviving members of the Shinsengumi might take part in it, as will others who are the same——

Among them, I heard that some of them had been pardoned.

That possibility of that is entirely possible.

But——

I've truly observed the conclusion to the Shinsengumi's existence.

They cannot be involved, they can no longer live while fighting against the trajectory [of history? alt:against the flow/tide]/ They can't——it's not possible for them to get involved again, and they can no longer survive against the tide.

Right, though it's difficult to say that/sorry/sad to admit to that.

Kazama Chikage: In front of me, you don't need to be strong [put up a brave front]

Kazama Chizuru:......It's alright. I'm not trying to be strong.

Kazama Chizuru: It's true that I have nothing to do with the Shinsengumi anymore——

Kazama Chizuru: Because of that, there have been things [that I have] obtained.

Kazama Chikage: Oh? Such as?

Kazama Chizuru: Yes......

Options

(Choosing to live together with you)<--- (Understanding how samurai/warriors chose to live)

Kazama Chizuru: Your...... being at Chikage-san's side, it was my choice.

Kazama Chikage: Usually you're only complaining, today you're being quite frank.

Kazama Chizuru: Com-complaining......! I didn't say [anything like] that.

Kazama Chizuru: You and the children never listen and don't even know it......!

I tried to argue——

Kazama Chikage: No need to speak. Come. He took me by my arms then held me tightly.

Kazama Chizuru: Ah......!

There wasn't enough time to respond since I was confused, and he grabbed my chin [face/cheek looks to be more accurate] with his fingers.

(Kazama's kiss with Chizuru cg 1)

Kazama Chizuru: Nn......

It was like saying that everything I was belonged to him, as he gave me a fierce kiss.

I also used my lips to respond to his warmth.

Kazama Chikage:......You don't need to be worried.

Kazama Chikage: Even if the Satsuma ['s lands/domain] becomes a battlefield......

Kazama Chikage: I will do everything to protect you, the children, as well as the village's oni.

Although he spoke in a natural tone......

He however was shouldering the fates of me and the children, and of the entire clan.

[To be the one] dealing with this huge amount of pressure, I couldn't imagine it.

Kazama Chizuru:......I will support you. 

While living as a human, then recalling the everyone from the Shinsengumi, I feel sad, although there are times [Although there are times I feel sad when I think of when I lived as a human, and recall everyone from the Shinsengumi......]

But I, have chosen to to support him on this path.

Kazama Chizuru: As a wife...... as an oni, I will do everything to support you......

So, as long as I'm alive, I will always support him.

Kazama Chizuru: Ah. Please stay at my side. You absolutely will not regret it.

(kiss cg 1 again) ——He never broke his promise.

Chikage-san will stay with never go against this agreement, and will stay with me for a lifetime.

So I shall make a promise to him here.

Kazama Chizuru: I will forever be at your side......

——This is the promise of an oni.

——Tsukikage no Shou Kazama Final Chapter End—— 

maybe i’ll go translate yamazaki’s final tsukikage no shou chapter... in like 2 years. or something. if someone hasn’t done it by then. lol. unfortunately, tsukikage is not on my priority list since 95% of what CH TL I’ve seen is only available as videos... and while I’d very much prefer to translate Saito’s ginse no shou route, the only thing that I’ve found with CH TL so far is a short clip from the 2nd common route chapter.... plus, i still have ssl to worry about... and even then, there are some dramas that i really wanted translated along with the rest of kyoka-roku... 

final edits will be done when i start caring about them... later.

also this is chapter 8 for kazama’s route. each route in tsukikage and ginsei no shou has their own unique ending music.

p.s.s. i always love to complain about unnecessary extra free labour.

[gayregis]

ok i'm all for it when a fandom creates personalities/stories for characters that had very limited screen/page time BUT dandelion and geralt don't have very limited screen/page time. they have a very loving relationship that was developed over many years which netflix decided to ignore. people are creating second personalities for geralt and dandelion and it kinda bugs me since their real personalities and relationships are so amazing. idk just needed to rant

finally someone said it ... i have a joke that if regis shows up in netflix, they won’t actually need him at all, because the fandom has already created too many vampire!jaskier and medic!jaskier headcanons.

it fucking bugs me when people just project random personalities onto characters that already have extremely strong personalities in canon (not in the manner of “fixing” things, but in the way that they actually just disregard all of the depth that was already canon). this is mostly due to netflix’s shitty writing, cavill’s lack of acting and refusal to say his dialogue, and their refusal to make dandelion actually a master poet. 

netflix fans can’t seem to comprehend that jaskier is not barbie... he does not have 10 million different jobs. he is a lyric poet, that is his job. he is a troubadour, a professor of the art, and then he did a little bit of spying on the side. that’s it! he’s not an assassin, he’s not a cook, he’s not a philosopher, he’s not a surgeon, he’s not a naturalist, he’s not a swordsman, he’s literally just a poet. (note that “poet” refers to the type of poet that sings, as that was the only type of poet in their time period). it reminds me of when people “godmod” when they do RPs, they pretend their character is just brilliant at everything they try and has endless skills. 

the fact of the matter is that dandelion sucks at 99% of everything besides things relating to his profession and his station: poetry and literature (including history), heraldry and knowledge of all of the royal and noble systems on the continent, anything having to do with memorization, vocal expertise, musical expertise, any academic bullshittery, likely gossip or drama from around the city the story is set in, having friends... but he can’t sew to save his life, he’s never shown cooking for himself (he directed the fish soup but didn’t do it himself, he only gutted fish for it and told everyone else what to do), he doesn’t know much about monsters except what he might have read in books, he doesn’t know much about swords, he doesn’t know about survival in the wilderness. think about it like a DND character - his charisma is 20 and everything else is fucking shit. pick another member of the hansa if you want to get good rolls on medicine or nature checks.

“but what if he was good at other things, you never know?” OK but dandelion’s profession is extremely significant to him because a profession in their medieval time and setting is something that you do for life and pass down to your children (if you have any... dandelion is obviously an outlier in his society’s relationship norms). a profession is not just your job, you don’t work at medieval starbucks. you have to be very skilled in what you do, because you wil be doing it until the day you die. this is why geralt is so upset at being a witcher, he doesn’t WANT to kill until the day he dies, and this path was chosen for him, he had no say in the matter. but of course, geralt and dandelion are opposites. dandelion LOVES being a poet, he literally chose this path for himself. he could have had any kind of governmental job, like his cousin ferrant, working for royalty and having a settled home in a royal court. but instead he became a poet, and then he did something even more wild and travelled the continent, instead of looking to be the court troubadour of some royal. both his class and his profession would allow him to cozy up in some court and never leave, with a cushy job until his death. but instead he travels and he meets many different people and gets in all these wacky situations. this is incredibly bizarre for an individual living in his time period and setting, who has the class and credentials/training that he has. this is already very interesting, and very significant to his character. then you add on all of the other characterization that sapkowski developed for him in the books, and it’s impossible to ignore how specific this character is in terms of personality, likes/dislikes, etc. he’s not just some poet, he’s dandelion. 

plus since geralt is such a fucking dick in the netflix series, so many fans are creating random personality tropes for him... random and incorrect backstory for him... no one knows who nenneke is, everyone thinks that visenna actually had a hand in raising him for a while... people are literally out here shipping him with vesemir and i am stupid enough to want to rehabilitate them by talking about how everything was different in the books.

geralt and dandelion’s relationship IS NOT something that exists solely in fanon. the books are RIGHT THERE, with them having a good relationship, but because they don’t have cavill’s abs and shitty lighting effects in them, they’re bound to be ignored. but maybe it’s for the best that geraskiers ignore the books. i have seen a flurry of despicable fetish shit come out of the fandom that centers on the abuse of gay men and i don’t want that to touch books geralt and dandelion.

[asheasexualvampire]

My Clothes Weigh More Than Me

Alternatively, “The period in history where your child weighs the same as the clothes you wear all day”. Yes. Today I would like to talk about fashion, and my lack thereof. For anyone new, salutations. I am Ashe, I am both a panromantic asexual, and a vampire. Welcome to my hell. Fashion. It had been both the bane of existence and also the funnest thing ever since day zero. It can alternately flatter or disfigure your appearance, no matter what body type, size, height, or gender. If you follow its whims then you are “typical”, or in the newest term, “BASIC.” If you don’t then you get asked why you can’t just wear what everyone else wears, and then get called a lot of very unpleasant and uncalled for names. Witch. Goth. Nerd. Looser. Pansy. The list could honestly go on for days. I grew up in the Victorian age, when everything was about that strange, hourglass shape but if you turned in profile, you almost looked like a very long bird, because the front curved out so far. Fashion then was very strictly divided. If you had boobs, you wore dresses. If you had balls you would trousers. Welcome to hell. Population, you. I had the unfortunate grace to be born with boobs. Well, they came in a matter of course, shut up, you know what I mean. Heathen. Being a girl meant learning how to sew, serve tea, sing, dance, run a house, balance the books, pay the staff, and how to dress so that no one thought you were foreign, or worse, poor. It starts when you’re a child. You’ve got a chemise which is like a full body thin dress made of cotton or muslin. Sometimes with pretty ribbons and ruffled bits. Then you have your dress, made of some other material, more ribbons and bows and lace than any child should be expected to wear, and a pair of stockings and shoes. Fine. You’re covered from neck to ankle in fabric. Then you grow up. You start developing weird bits and your hips are doing this thing and what in the hell is going on down- never mind. Now you’re a young lady. Now, you wear your chemise, and possibly some drawers if you’re feeling too drafty. Then over that goes the first corset. Now about corsets. Before anyone starts in about them being disfiguring cages of hell spawn, just take a breath. There’s this thing called “Going Too Far”. It has happened since the dawn of time. 99% of the populace would wear things in the way they are meant to be worn, and one person has to go the extra mile and add layers or flounces or bows, or something. People do it now! Have you seen some of these people getting plastic surgery until they look like they’re inhuman? That is “going Too Far”. People did it back then, but with clothes. Back to the topic. Corset. You get it on, fairly loose for now, but as time rolls on you will slowly tighten it until it’s firm but still comfortable. Its actually very supportive to the spine and encourages good posture. Tight lacing it would be unwise, but people also used to use arsenic in wallpaper so... Now you put on a petticoat, and another, and then you add hip pads, and a butt pad, and if you’re not full enough in the chest they even made stiff bodices that created that bird-front look. And then more petticoats, and then the dress. By the time you’re tied, buttoned, hooked and pinned in, you’ve got enough layers on that you could cook some ham under that skirt, you need a wide berth so hugging anyone is out of the question, and your clothes could stop a sword. If you put on the LEAST amount possible, it will all weigh about 17lbs. Or, the same as a slightly pudgy chihuahua. If you were kitted out for a formal event, your clothes could weight up to 30lbs, or a small toddler. Men’s clothes were not nearly as restrictive, and I began wearing them in secret as often as possible. My Maker possibly thought I was a man when they made me. Poor chap got one hell of a surprise I think. But men didn’t have nearly the layers and weight of women. Drawers, an undershirt, regular shirt, tie of some sort, waistcoat, trousers, socks, shoes, cuff-links, jacket, coat. And you’re off with hat in hand and you don’t need a perimeter of 6 feet around you to make speaking into a shouting event. After I was Made, it was arranged that my former self had “died” and then I chose to go about as a man all the time. Of course, it was different then, and I didn’t have to worry about getting married, I could be a confirmed bachelor and just do whatever I liked. In the 1900s clothes slimmed down, skirts went up, I still wore pants. Because I have lived a life in skirts. Its bloody inconvenient and too much work. The 1920′s was fun, picture shows became a thing, lots of very cute men, women started wearing pants and suits, and it was quite lovely. Look up Lavender Marriage, it was a thing and it was glorious. Then the 50s came. Skirts, heels, pearls, “How was your day honey?” please god shoot me in the eye. I continued to be a man. Motorcycles are fun, as are leather trousers. Wear a damned helmet you idiot, your skull is not impervious to pavement. I wear one! The 60s was back to nature, lots of people being very high and very friendly and wanting to just lay outside and stare at the sky with you. Also a LOT of nudists came out of hiding. Like, almost too many. Then there was disco. Disco was so fun. It was like the lazy days of the 60s had just been Too Much, and people went overboard in the arts and crafts aisle with all the colour and glitter and the lights and the platform heels even for men. I have shite balance, I wore sneakers and trackies. Track pants. I cannot do the robot or the worm. But comfort was my thing. I do so love glitter tho. Then we have the 80s with the hair bands and the leather and wow that’s a LOT of hairspray. Even I choked, and I don’t need to breathe! But it was glorious, even though shoulder pads should be against the law. Hideous. The 90s went grunge and then pop, and then you lot started being born in the 2000s. But yes. Fashion tends to recycle and also react to what happened before. Bell-bottoms in the ‘60s became flares in the 90s and the 2000s, cigarette pants in the ‘40s became skinny jeans, tattoos and coloured hair came back from the Celts, the Picts, and the Native Americans, Africans, Samoans, and basically every ancient culture ever. Sure, people take it too far, full-body tattoo so you look like a snake (Why won’t anyone hire me?!), tight lacing until you break a rib with your corset, but there’s always going to be those people. For the most part its just a fun way to cover up all the soft squishy bits. Enjoy it. Me, I wear a lot of stretch pants and t-shirts. I cannot be bothered to deal with skirts. Sweatpants are my friend. I’m wearing them now.

-Ashe, the Asexual Vampire

[iseleylaura]

3, 7, and 13 (if you’re okay with it) from the ask game?

you’ve chosen two of my favourite numbers 👀👀 (not for the ask game specifically, just numbers in general lol)

let’s see — I’ll take my time answering these since I have nothing better to do atm!

3🌼Are there any fictional characters you relate to/identify with?

Why of course; this is primarily a fanart blog after all ;)

Marinette Dupain-Cheng (Miraculous Ladybug): Marinette gets SUPER socially awkward, especially around people she finds attractive or is crushing on. If I see an attractive person in public, it’s all over. I guarantee I will make the interaction the most awkward thing. ALSO she is a seamstress! I love sewing, especially cosplay costumes

Sherlock Holmes (BBC Sherlock): Poor bean is just socially and emotionally repressed to the point where he thinks everyone just hates him so he acts aloof as a façade of self-confidence (uhh haha me??). This is how I’ve been like my whole life irl (Internet-me is v different from actual-me). He’s not the best with empathy, and he uses logical reasoning 99% of the time — which is what I innately do too. Both he and I have had to learn how to be compassionate through the very few people we’ve trusted enough to get close. Selfish and unyielding; can’t be bothered to pretend to be interested in something. HATES small talk. Will be rude if necessary. Needy and clingy af from those they want attention from. We also have a hard time recognizing social cues and get very absorbed in our work when we’re passionate about something. Deep down, we’re both just touch-starved biology nerds.

Sophie Hatter (Howl’s Moving Castle): she sees herself as plain/vanilla, which is something that I’ve been told I am irl multiple times and subsequently, believe too. Basically I’m waiting for my Howl to show up and be like ‘nah bby ily.’ She also gets petty aggressive when things aren’t clean and is definitely a ‘if you want it done right, you have to do it yourself’ kind of person, which — same. She doesn’t suffer fools lightly, and neither do I. BUT she secretly loves to dote on the people she loves, even if they are high maintenance

707 aka Luciel aka Seven aka Saeyoung Choi (Mystic Messenger): Is literally just vibing and memeing all day bro. He has an eccentric sense of humor, which isn’t quite ‘lol rawr xD’ but LIKE it’s the contemporary version of it that only the people of tumblr.com can truly comprehend. He is definitely a geek/weeb and introverted af, but can be loud and outgoing when he wants to be (me me me me). Doesn’t give a FUCK about gender — let’s horde all the styles, fem today, masc tomorrow. I wish he were real, because we’d get along so well. Honestly — he’s my fictional soulmate, and I can’t complain about it, because at least he exists in one form, real or not. :’))

Haruhi Fujioka (Ouran High School Host Club): Is perpetually unimpressed by the caveats of corny rich people. Is easily won over by the promise of good food. Literally so self conscious of her own behaviour in situations that she cannot tell if someone is flirting with her or being genuinely pleasant. Like Sophie, she doesn’t suffer fools lightly — which again, I do not either lmfao. EASILY EMBARRASSED. BOTH LIVING IN A PERPETUAL STATE OF MORTIFICATION. We’re both also academically inclined/rational thinkers, though Haruhi is probably most certainly going to be more financially successful as a lawyer than I’ll ever be making my crafts :))))

Merlin (BBC Merlin): Moody introvert, good with hands, falls in love with the sunshine extrovert type (oh, me?). Ends up doing the entire group project, is never rewarded individually for it. Feels constantly overwhelmed with the burden of existing and feels like no one will ever truly understand or know their true motives/feelings. Has a lot of secrets/thoughts they’d never voice aloud for fear of rejection (or being #cancelled). Feels really lonely a lot of the time, but has friends that enjoy his company. LOVES animals; considers animals easier to get along with than humans — hard agree. Also, dragons — aspec represent.

7🌼Describe your aesthetic in emojis.

✨🌿👒🐇🦔🍄🌞🍓♥️

13🌼What is your home situation like?

It’s stable, and has always been relatively. I know I am very privileged in that way, especially with my parents always having been together. I have siblings. I live in a house. I have a degree. I have resources that allow me to pursue my hobbies. We’ve always been middle class people.

However, the recession from 2008 ish basically signaled the downfall of the industry that both my parents worked for. Since then, my mom has only worked on yearly basis, and it’s never guaranteed if she’ll be hired again after each year. My dad, after a decade long period of laying off people, is somehow one of the surviving staff members at his work, and will likely finally get laid off by the end of the year bc of the pandemic (and the inevitable death of the industry, as mentioned above).

For me personally, I’ve been unimployed since last August. Mainly, this is bc I was in college until last December when I graduated. Since the new year, I’ve literally just been at home doing personal projects since I can’t get a job since I graduated literally when the pandemic started.

Also, I realized that I don’t want a job related to what I majored in (lmfao so cliche). I honestly feel very lost as to how to progress with my life because while I have specific things I want to do and become and accomplish, I feel like the odds of them ever happening is very slim. I know in my heart that I need to do something creatively fulfilling, but it’s really hard to make any sort of living with your art or Etsy or YouTube channel or whatever.

So basically I’ve declared 2020 a dud year; and I’m desperately hoping that I can find a job/career/sense of purpose in 2021 :’))))

Sorry for the long response, but I enjoyed thinking these things through for all of the internet to see yay.

thank you for your asks!💞