#and the most unpolished is this one LOL

[krbk-notebook]

hey @real-life-cloud @thatsgaybro @lyricalvicki @tempestaurora @sweetietenya @greyladyblue @moumjn

we‘re either mutuals on my main (@pecuirlig), on here, or you follow this blog — and it looks like we all like krbk ! :‘)

first of all, feel free to decline <3

would anyone be interested in making a little krbk discord group or something? :‘)

as a casual fun hangout spot for people of similar ages (i think we‘re all 20+, most early 20s?), for talking about krbk (& maybe other ships/characters/shows etc too), sharing or talking about fics, or art, or whatever we want :‘)

i know i‘ve wanted to have a space like that for years tbh lol, since i haven‘t had the luck to meet anyone irl who‘s also into fandom or specifically krbk, back when tumblr group chats were a thing they weren’t very lively lol, and the krbk discord groups i‘ve checked out so far haven‘t had active members my own age.

i would be super happy if any of you might be interested too ! :‘) but i will continue to suffer alone lmao if you should not <3 (/lighthearted)

(btw— i‘m super open to other people joining this too, so please do feel invited if you are 20+ and you want something like this too ! i just only @'ed these people because there‘s been Some interaction between us already. not having @'ed you doesn‘t mean you‘re not welcome :‘) !)

[neriyon]

Not all who wander are lost - Gridania

Old Gridania │ Stillglade Fane │ Leatherworkers' Guild │ Westshore Pier

"First time in a big city was rather shocking for a boy who grew beneath the Shroud's trees. Hyurs, elezen, and even fellow miqo'te, just going on about their day. Living so close together. With a little push from Miounne, I made it through the first few days and got accepted to study conjury.

Stillglade Fane became another home, countless hours spent on it's calm silence, trying to hear even the faintest whisper of the elementals like our mentors had taught us. Or just reading book upon book, scroll upon scroll of past knowledge of herbs and aether.

It all seems like a lifetime away. I've since seen lands I couldn't have even imagined while still an apprentice. Seen sights only mentioned in books, made everlasting friendships. Learnt to draw upon the power in myself and others.

Offering my help to all who need it."

[mtkay13]

The one and only Qi Ye trio!

Details on the painting, meta and more below!

So this piece is actually a "remake" of a much older drawing that I made right after I had finished reading Qi Ye:

First, I want to elaborate on the drawing itself. I usually don't like to detail the symbolism and ideas that I put in my art, simply because I don't want to impose a reading and I'd rather everyone gets their own; but following some discussions I have decided to do so for this one.

The main theme of this illustration is glory, power, and the ascention towards it. The principal symbol of it is, of course, the stairs going up. I used light, directly, colours and positioning to signify each character's relationship to those themes.

Helian Yi is the one in the light, ascending upwards, in red clothing. Helian Yi's power, as future emperor, is in the light, visible, going towards the heavens as the son of heaven himself--to enact his heavenly duty. Part of his face is in the shadows, and his being casts a broad shadow behind him for, of course, a lot has to happen in the shadows for him to reach the throne. He's looking behind as his ascension comes with dread and paranoia, never being able to fully trust anyone.

Zhou Zishu is entirely in the shadows, doesn't exist in the light. He's standing tall on the stairs but not facing upwards because his own way towards power isn't following the traditional path of having one's name being remembered in historical records. He is at his most powerful concealed in the shadows and doesn't look directly, his gaze unreadable.

Jing Beiyuan is sitting on the stairs, uninterested with the climb towards power itself, uninterested in the glory. The thin line of light on his figure means that among Helian Yi's closest allies, he's the one using his title and influence; light grazes him even if he doesn't want it to. His presence in Helian Yi's shadow signifies how he, along with Zishu, is quite literally behind HLY's ascension. His gaze is knowingly directed towards the watcher.

The main reason I decided to repaint it was because I wanted it to match my current style and, more importantly, my current mental image/character design for them. Jing Qi barely changed since my idea of him was fairly clear from the start, but Helian Yi and Zishu went through much bigger changes.

For Helian Yi, it was mainly a question from taking him out of Jin Wang's robes to get him his own. I really like Jin Wang's wardrobe in SHL, which is why I initially wanted it for HLY, but nowadays it simply doesn't correspond to how I picture him anymore. My understanding and/or envisioning of Da Qing's fashion has changed a bit as well, so I wanted to reflect that. In the original, he more seemed like a kid in vaguely chique robes that were too big for him LOL. His face was afforded a bit of refinement as well, especially since my big Qi Ye spread.

Jing Qi's robes are just a tad less flashy somehow--which wasn't so much planned as just... another design I had in mind. I still really like the first version of the robes but, oh well. His face is a bit more defined now, and overall more details in the quality of his clothing and in his hair piece.

Zhou Zishu...... well, haha. His original design was quite unpolished--a vague mix of SHL!Zishu and some random hakama I barely worked on. He was also very slim and had big eyes, which I just don't see anymore. He's bigger now, by quite a bit, both in height and musculature, and I made him look just a bit older as well--simply because he is older than HLY and JBY by a few years. I much prefer his current expression which is a tad more vicious but also a bit harder to read (I think). His robes, hair shape are much better defined and thought-out, and I am happy with the subtle shading on his face.

That's it!! Thanks for readiinngggg as always!

[thenyandrawsnstuff]

Day 10 - Personality

Hang in there buddy

Oh so for this day we’re describing our OC’s personalities? Well this will be fun

Bombyx is a sarcastic and cynical scug. They wouldn’t hesitate to add snarky remarks and funny quips when talking to someone they aren’t close to, they also can and WILL speak their mind

However, they are VERY protective over people they trust, if someone even mildly insults one of their friends they WILL remember it, you could say that they value their loved ones over themself

They also believe in retribution a lot, in their mind there’s no point in sparing the life of a person who’s beyond redemption like they’re the kind of person that would be told “if you kill a killer the number of killers stay the same” and they’d say “ok then kill TWO killers idiot”

Oh, and they don’t want you to know this, but they’re an emotional mess that will usually cover it up with anger AND they hide their emotions from literally everyone expet Kerro, a platonic tsundere if you will

Can you tell that I think about this character a lot?

oh but that’s not all, because I have an old drawing of this emotion chart bc I definitely imagine them having distinct facial expressions compared to others, specially with the D E V I O U S expression, cause that’s a big one lol. I imagine them not knowing how to properly smile and will make the most gremlin expression ever

yeah you can probably tell but it’s a bit unpolished lmfao

but IF 😱THIS 🫵POST 🗣️GETS 😍100💯 REBLOGS💥 I 🍁WILL😼 FINISH 🖌️IT‼️‼️‼️‼️

I’m being silly ofc lmao, I’d probably do it if this post is slightly above average or if I get one comment that REALLy wants to see it

[commandershepardvasfuckit]

Chapter 4 for the indulgent original writing (4.2k words)

Chapters 1-3 are in my pinned post.

Just unpolished writing to get ideas out of my head

No real content warnings like last last chapter, but wow it’s actual story lol

The entire way down to the dining hall he never faltered, never once did you slip in his grip, never did he need to readjust his hold on you, just strong and steady. It felt like the trek there had taken forever, just miles of hallways and endless flights of stairs, though it also might have dragged on from your embarrassment of being carried about half clothed clearly in a state where everyone you passed very clearly knew how you spent your morning.

Much like the other parts of the palace you have seen, the dining hall seemed to follow the king’s personal style. Dark wood floors and furniture, drapes and tapestries trimmed in black and gold, jewels inlaid in surfaces that most definitely did not need it.

He took his place at the head of the table, an overly ornate carved chair, nearly a throne, but when you went to climb off his lap and sit in your own chair he tightened his grip.

“No my pet, I’d much rather you warm my lap”.

Serving staff trailed in, the woman from yesterday, Mirabette, and two other women who you guessed where probably around your age.

“And what would you like for breakfast my treasure?” he asked. “Anything you little heart desires”.

This would have been exciting had you not been so overwhelmed. Every possible food seemed to slip from your mind and you fidgeted on his lap, wracking your brain for any possibly reasonable answer.

“If you keep wiggling about like that you’re going to get me hard again” he whispered in your ear, promptly making you freeze. “Oh don’t tense up like that. If I choose to fuck you over the table I’ll send the staff away, don’t worry. I’m not fond of sharing after all”.

His words were not reassuring, regardless of whether he was telling the truth or not.

“Would you prefer if I just chose what was for breakfast and you can add anything you can think of? I do suppose you aren’t used to so many options, it must be quite overwhelming”.

You nodded, “Yes please, my king”.

“Very well! Mirabette, a pot of tea, my usual, and bring everything you can think of, spare nothing for my little pet. Such a sweet little thing should be pampered, especially with how well she pleased me this morning”.

“Yes, my king” Mirabette turned on her heel and disappeared back through the doors, never once batting an eye or making any acknowledgement of how the king spoke so openly.

The two other women remained at the side of the room. One seemed entirely at ease, hands clasped behind her back and simply staring forward, ignoring everything much the same way Mirabette had.

The other women though, a sour expression on her face as she watched you. Eyes narrowed and staring at you as if she thought to stare a hole straight through you.

“Cassandra!” yelled the king, “Either you will control your expression or you will retire to the kitchen, I care not for your opinions. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, my king” she curtsied, her facial a forced neutral as she stood back up.

“Pay her no mind, my treasure. It appears some may be jealous of my affections for you” he kissed the top of your head. “No one’s opinion matters but mine, and I have quite the high opinion of you”.

Mirabette returned with a large tray, precariously balancing a tea pot, two tea cups with saucers, milk, sugar, honey, lemon wedges, various breads, butter, jams, and other small pastries. “Tea and a little something while you wait. The kitchen is working on everything else. May I get you anything else, my king?”

“No, that is all for now. Thank you”.

Mirabette curtsied again, same neutral smile as before, and took her place between the other women.

“Tell me, my sweet little pet, how do you prefer you tea?”

“I don’t know, my king. I haven’t really had tea truthfully” tea in your city was quite the luxury. As it was not a port city or along any major trade routes, nor had a suitable climate for its cultivation, any true tea was a costly import reserved only for the rich.

“Another first for you then. Fine wine and bath soaps last night, sleeping in the bed of your king, wearing my clothes, the first of many times being so throughly fucked” he smirked at you, clearly enjoying embarrassing you.

It was working. You buried your face in his chest, even clinging to him was better than making eye contact with any of the staff.

“So cute that you’re flustered, but I’m sure everyone here knows your role, they see that pretty collar around your neck. No one should be surprised to hear that I fucked you until you cried this morning, how you satisfied me so well, how my cum is still on your thighs as you sit here on my lap in front of my staff”.

“Why are you doing this?” you asked.

“Manners”.

“My king, why are you trying to embarrass me?”

“No, little one, not embarrass, I’m simply praising your good behavior. I think everyone should know what a good girl you’ve been for me”.

You hated how he called you ‘good girl’. Hated that part of you enjoyed his praise, hated how his words made your legs a little weak and caused a heat between your legs.

“Speaking of how well you’ve satisfied me, I do suppose you’ll need something for that, I’m much past the point of wanting to sire any more whelplings”.

In surprise you yanked your face away from his chest to stare at him.

“What? Were you not aware of that possibility? Has no one ever taught you where children come from?” he laughed.

“I know how it works with humans! You’re not human though!”

“But human bodies are highly adaptable you’ll find, almost like humans arose just to serve dragons. Not that humans are particularly capable of having very sturdy whelplings anyways, half whelps just don’t have the hardiness of a pure dragon. They’ll look just like a pure dragon, but never have the full magic or size. But don’t worry yourself over the details, like I said, I have no desire to deal with that anymore”.

You tried to banish the thought. Possibility aside, the entire concept seemed rather unpleasant in general, especially with him being the father.

“Alondis!” he barked, “Let the apothecary know I need something to avoid any unnecessary consequences from this morning and something for daily use”.

You had not noticed Alondis standing just inside the doorway, he seemed an ever present constant, a bored expression on his face as he waited on orders.

“Yes, my king” he vanished through the doorway.

“Now, little one, where were we? Tea! Yes, I’ll prepare yours the same I take mine in that case”.

He leaned forward to grab the tea pot, his sudden movement nearly sending you toppling off his lap and causing you to wrap your arms around his shoulders to prevent falling.

“I’m not going to let you fall, my other arm is still around you. I promise I’ve got you. Though I do quite like you clinging to me like this”.

Gods he was warm, even in the drafty open air of the dining hall it felt like there was a fire just below his skin. Clothed only in his shirt it felt quite nice to be so close to him.

“There you go, a nice cup of tea for a lovely pet” he handed you the cup.

It was warm, sweet and earthy as you sipped it.

“Is it to your liking? I do prefer mine on the sweeter side. I fear I’ve developed quite the sweet tooth from spending so much time around humans, perhaps not the most becoming of a dragon”.

“It’s good, my king”.

“Wonderful! Hopefully everything else will be- Cassandra!” his voice dropped into a growl, his lips pulled back into an angry snarl that showed off sharp teeth.

You snapped your head over to look at the woman, her nose was wrinkled in disgust and a sneer on her face.

“Kitchen! Now! I will not tolerate your disobedience after you have already been warned. You do not have to like or approve of my new plaything but I’d rather have you locked up for the foreseeable future than show any disrespect to myself or my pet” his grip around you tightened.

“Though maybe it would do you better to remember your place below my pet if you were her personal handmaiden. I was going to have Mirabette attend to her, but Mirabette already has to keep all of you in line so instead you will wait on her. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, my king” she responded through gritted teeth.

His chest was heaving and he was not settling down. This was a much stronger anger than you had experienced last night when you refused him, this was animalistic and much scarier.

“Out! Everyone!” he yelled and the three women wasted no time retreating to the kitchen.

Tentatively you leaned your head against his chest and tried to wrap your arms around him, hoping to calm him down. Your touch seemed to snap him out of it for the most part.

Much of the rage receded from his expression as he looked down at meet your own frightened expression.

“Oh darling, I’m sorry you had to see that” he kissed the top of your head softly “I do suppose a display like that does not really endear you to me”.

Darling. Not pet, or treasure, or bird, or even ‘my’ in front of it, just darling.

“Why don’t we enjoy our tea and a light breakfast? I have something I’d really like to show you”.

“Whatever you would like, my king” you answered.

“I would like it to be your decision, actually”.

You furrowed your brow, trying to suss out if this was a trap or game, but his expression genuine seeming.

“In that case, I do think that would be nice, my king”.

Breakfast was a fairly quick affair, and he promised you a much nicer lunch to make up for it. He actually seemed sorry for his outburst even though he continually framed it not as him losing control but as Cassandra making him lose control, though for a dragon that was probably to closest he would ever get to an admission of fault.

Once more he carried you in his arms, this time you wrapped your arms around his neck and laid your head on his chest as he carried you out into the large central courtyard.

“I want you to see me, my actually self and not just- this” he vaguely gestured to himself once he had sat you down on the stairs. “I don’t get the chance to just exist as me often, but I do want you to fully know me”.

“My king, why do you spend so much time looking human then?” you ask.

“It’s just easier this way. The world isn’t really built for dragons anymore, it hasn’t been for a long time, since long before my hatching even. And there’s not many of us left, especially from pure bloodlines. Too much infighting between the bloodlines and humans advanced too much to control the same way”.

“I live somewhere clearly not meant for a dragon, and the process of changing shape isn’t exactly pleasant, it’s not something I do often” he said. “I haven’t even been able to be myself in my own palace since I was a whelpling”.

“Did you grow up here?” you asked.

“I did, before this was my territory it was my father’s, though it was a much smaller territory then. I suppose you’ve heard the stories about me” he smiled.

“Though when I was still little, young enough where I couldn’t even take a human form yet, I would run down the hallways as fast as I could. Oh my mother hated it, she’d be chasing me yelling ���Valathos! Valathos! Get back there! You’re going to knock someone over!’ She never could catch me though” he laughed, “You try catching a young dragon while you’re stuck on two legs”.

His relaxed expression quickly vanished, his eyes widening as if he just saw something truly awful. “Forget what I just told you” he snapped.

“What?”

“What I just told you, forget it, that was not meant for your ears”.

“Oh” you said softly, not sure what to quite say or what the issue really was, but you had a name for him finally, Valathos. You wracked your brain, trying to remember if you had ever heard his name before, but it was not familiar at all. In all the stories or songs never once had you heard his name, just titles and epithets.

An awkward silence settled between you both. It was a strange bit of information to learn about him, that staying in a human form was less a choice and more of a necessity. As you mulled your thoughts over a noticeable expression must have settled on your face.

“You don’t need to look upon me with such pity, it’s my choice to confine myself as such. I could fly off and control my territory as a dragon at all times if I truly wanted, but with how the world is, this is just easier”.

“I don’t mean to be nosy, but what is so unpleasant about changing shapes?” you asked.

“To be honest, going from this form to my true shape is actually euphoric. I can’t really explain it, there’s nothing that feels like it, just this rush of freedom, feeling like I can finally breathe again. Nothing compares”.

“It’s going from that to this” he once more gestured to himself, “that is so unpleasant. To feel yourself collapsing and folding in on yourself. Every fiber of your being getting twisted and condensed until what is left isn’t you at all. I try to keep a few things, but nature doesn’t like splitting the differences, it wants humans to look like humans and dragons to look like dragons. I try to keep some height, my teeth to some degree, and my eyes. I couldn’t stand to see this face and not even see my own eyes”.

“I didn’t realize any of that” you said softly.

“No, I can’t say I’ve ever heard of a dragon really openly admitting it to a human. It’s not a particularly powerful image for us huh? That one of the most well known parts of our magic is actually so horrible and painful that many of us just choose to stay trapped to avoid it”.

“You don’t have to do this now. I’m sure there will be other times where you’ll have to change shape and I’ll see you then instead of putting yourself through it now”.

“It’s been nearly ten years since last I was myself. Not that long compared to my age really, but it’s not often there’s a reason where I have to change shapes. I’d rather just show you on my own terms instead of my hand being forced”.

“Then I think I’d really like to see the real you” you smiled.

“I’m quite the handsome dragon you know, even if you may not be able to tell” he smiled back.

“And what makes you such a handsome dragon?” you teased.

“My horns! I’ll have you know my bloodline is one of only a few to have double horns and I’m the only of my siblings to get them! You would be very impressed if you were a dragon”.

“No, I’m very impressed!” you held your hands over your head, mimicking horns.

“Very dignified” he laughed, “Thank you for humoring me, I don’t really joke much anymore. You’re a sweet little thing to indulge me so” he ruffled you hair.

“Well at least the first part is fun” he shrugged, “Help me undress?”

“What?”

“I actually happen to somewhat like this shirt and these pants, would be a shame to destroy them in the process, so help your king undress?”

“Yes, my king” you smirked.

He knelt down to where you sat on the stairs so you would not have to stand. You lifted his shirt up, letting your hands linger on his chest, looking over the scars than adorned his skin as you removed the shirt.

“So are the scars your own choice too then?” you asked.

“No, those I can’t change. Injuries inflicted by magic can’t been covered up, even by magic”.

“You have quite a few”.

“I’ve lived a long time, I’ve established a large territory, you don’t manage that without fighting, especially with other dragons”.

He stood up and kicked off his boots, “Now, I will ask you turn away while I change forms. The magic tends to be too bright for human eyes and the process has been described as a bit grotesque, so I’d prefer if you did not see that part. Understand?”

“Sure”.

“Manners” he said firmly, apparently whatever playful closeness was between you moment ago was over now.

“Yes, my king”. You quickly finished removing his pants.

“Do not turn around until I tell you to. I’m serious”.

You heard his footsteps recede to the other side of the courtyard and even with your back to him the whole area was painfully bright. It dragged on for what felt like ages, before you heard his voice.

“Will you face me, little one?”

His voice echoed oddly, it was still very much his voice but something felt off.

As you turned around you found yourself sitting in his massive shadow.

This was the Dragon King, not the man you had just spent the last day with. He was imposing, towering over you even when sitting, your head not even level with his elbow. His scales were a dark charcoal tone, nearly black, his claws a gold tone, you could see where his own personal style came from now.

His eyes though, they were familiar, the same piecing gaze as always but even harder to read like this.

“You are quite handsome like this” you smiled at him.

“Simple flattery, but I’ll accept it”.

His voice did not seem to emanate from his mouth, rather it echoed in your mind.

“How are you doing that?” you asked.

“Speaking to you? Just how dragons communicate, we’re not exactly built to speak verbally like humans”.

“Can you speak like this in your other form?”

“No. I don’t have much access to magic in my other shape, just the basics” he stretched out to lay down, lowering his head to rest on the ground to rest next to you on the stairs and to be relatively eye level with you.

“So, you like this? My actual self?” he asked somewhat uncertainly.

“I do, I meant it when I said you were quite handsome”.

“Did you see my horns?” he tilted his head to the side, careful to not knock you over.

“Quite magnificent, my king” you ran your hand along one of the horns.

Two horns swept back from the top of his head that curved up at the end. The second set arced back before curving back along his jaw to point forward, one horn on each side to frame the center horns.

“I like this, just having you near to me like this is nice” he said.

You leaned against the side of his face, avoiding the point of his horn. His scales were rough, but there was a warmth to him, like he had been sitting out in the sunlight for hours.

“I like it too” you said.

What felt like hours passed, and at some point you definitely napped for a while, but it was comfortable, there was a secure feeling about being curled up against him like this.

“My little pet, it’s time to get up” he gentled nuzzled his face against you, “I know I promised to take you around the palace, and a nice lunch to make up for breakfast, but I long for the skies. It’s been so long since I’ve soared, since I’ve felt the wind beneath my wings. I cannot bring myself to confine myself to the ground quite yet. I hope you don’t hold my nature against me”.

“No, I understand. It’s the same anyone else would want, their freedom” you could not look him in the eye. The horrible irony was not lost on you, that he felt like he had no freedom while he held so many captive here.

“It’s not the same” he said firmly, “The very nature of my being is to fly, to roam. The very nature of humans is to serve. Here at my side you’re able to fulfill your nature and serve me, it would do well to remember your place”.

Powerful wing gusts knocked you over as he took off, the discussion clearly over.

As you tried to pick yourself up off the ground, a gloved hand reached out to offer assistance.

“He’s a hypocrite, and frankly an asshole, in case you didn’t notice” it was Alondis.

“Yeah, I don’t know what I was expecting” you took his hand and let him help you up. “How much of that did you see?”

“Not much. I got back to the dining hall and you were both gone but it’s pretty difficult to hide a dragon so it wasn’t hard to find you. You were napping when I got out here so I left to actually go get some stuff done and I had just gotten back to hear you lecture him on freedom. Quite boldly of you for someone literally wearing a collar”.

“Shut up”.

“Look, I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be rude, but you’ve been here for less than a day and you think you’re going to find something to say to him that hundreds of others haven’t already? He quite literally will never see a human as anything more than a subservient pet. His nature isn’t freedom, it’s subjugation, sometimes he just hides it well”.

“Yeah, I’m noticing that” you sighed.

“He’ll be charming as long as he gets his way, praise you and dote on you, as long as you’re a docile little lap dog at his feet. But he was so happy to announce that he made you cry this morning, happy to tell everyone that you tried to push back against him and he put you back in your place”.

“So that’s just it? Just roll over and take it?”

“I mean, in a very literal sense for you” Alondis smirked.

“That’s not funny!”

“I’m sorry, that was an awful joke, wasn’t it? I swear I’m not trying to be an ass for no reason, I don’t get the chance to speak freely often. I’m either tailing him around waiting on whatever orders he has, or having to be the jerk in charge keeping everything running around here”.

“Have you been here a long time?” you asked.

“About 27 years now in all, 10 years of being his personal guard though, and no, I don’t know why a dragon needs a personal guard either before you ask”.

“Personal guard? Not errand boy?” you teased.

“Very funny. Captain of the Royal Guard, personal guard to the king, and now glorified babysitter of you when he’s out”.

“Of me?”

“Yep, like it or not, you’re stuck with me. Strict orders to keep you out of trouble when he’s not around”.

“So that’s it? I step a toe out of line and you run and tattle on me?”

“Gods no, I really don’t care about what you do as long as I don’t get yelled at for it. I have no interest in being another captor to you, we’re in the same boat after all” he shrugged.

“So, uh, 27 years?” you asked tentatively.

“27 years of captivity and servitude, yeah. It’s great, been here longer than I lived in my own town before” he said bitterly, “A royal caravan came through to collect tribute and unfortunately the previous guard captain decided that I’d make a good apprentice so that was that. I was 14 at the time”.

“I’m so sorry” you said, but your words felt hollow. You did not know what to else to say though. ‘I’m sorry’ did not begin to cover how you felt about his situation, or yours, or for anyone else trapped here.

“Yeah, so am I. None of us deserve this, waiting hand and foot on that monster. But you either play your role or suffer the consequences”. He handed you the bag he had been carrying, “For you, from the apothecary. Blue bottle for right now, green ones are daily. Apothecary said pick a consistent time to take the daily ones, unless you want little versions of him running about. And for all of our sakes, please be good about this, one of him is already more than enough”.

[words-after-midnight]

Finally making progress on this "new" (actually very old in concept) chapter of Act I. Here's a (very unpolished) scene featuring weirdly suggestive marshmallow roasting + general suggestive (mutual) roasting. I often miss Gabriel's young and relatively unjaded self, so it's been nice to spend some time with that version of him in some of these early scenes.

Tagging my beta readers if interested, even though I feel lowkey bad for bestowing this cursed content upon you (but I'd also feel bad for not showing you a new scene lol): @ananarchie @sunset-a-story @catchingbigfish @joeys-piano

cw: suggestive (as mentioned)

The third night, unseasonably balmy, finds Jeff and I sitting alone by the campfire, Daphne and Kyle having hit the hay uncharacteristically early. Apparently, they thought we wouldn’t notice the both of them slipping into Kyle’s tent – which, to be fair, I didn’t notice until Jeff pointed it out, but I can’t believe they didn’t think he’d notice. He notices everything. It’s one of many things about him that I’m both baffled by and deeply envious of.

I watch him roast a marshmallow with the precision of a surgeon, his features bathed in the soft glow of the flames. He’s fresh from a shower, still wearing the plaid fleece jacket, but with – visibly – nothing underneath above the waist. His hair, warm and glistening in the light of the fire, hangs damp and wavy to his earlobes. He doesn’t seem to notice me staring at him, but I know he does. Like I said, he notices everything.      

I force myself to break the spell. “How are you wearing that?”

His sharp focus doesn’t waver. The marshmallow’s flesh is now of a deep, golden brown, the burn spread more or less uniform across its surface. “Hm?”

I laugh softly. “The jacket. It’s like sixty degrees out.”

“Fifty-six and going down,” he says, in that haughty tone that drives me crazy. “I checked.”

“Sure doesn’t feel like fifty-six. Especially with the fire.”

I watch as the corner of his lip lifts into a smirk, the light and shadows accentuating that perfect little dimple. He finally looks at me, then, in mischievous playfulness, eyebrows raising just a twitch. “Would you like me to take it off?” he asks, feigning politeness.

I inhale sharply through my nose as the familiar, fluttering burn of desire settles deep in my core. My every nerve is burning to touch him, to close the distance between us – barely log-length, yet impossibly great – but this isn’t the time or place. With a forward jut of my chin, I redirect him to the marshmallow. “Are you trying to char that thing?”

He cackles. “Stop backseat roasting.”

“Says the backseat fucker,” I mutter, shaking my head.

“What was that?”

“You heard me.”

Pulling the jagged stick from the fire at last, he slides the marshmallow from the tip and tosses it to me in a fluid motion, leaving me scrambling to catch it – it lands in my palms scalding, nearly black and oozing burning, sticky goo. I wince.

With an amused grin and a quirk of an eyebrow, he says, “Too hot for you?”

I shake my head, trying to recover the marshmallow from my palm as intact as possible, though most of the escaped liquid remains smeared on my skin. “Just right,” I say, popping what remains of the marshmallow into my mouth as I watch him install another onto the roasting branch and set it aflame. It melts white-hot and bittersweet on my tongue.

“Good,” he says, sounding awfully pleased with himself. “Eat that and calm down, yeah?” Teasingly, and with a quick, smoldering glance in my direction, he adds, “Maybe, if you behave, I’ll show you something later. How’s that sound?”

My stomach flutters in heady anticipation. “What is it?”

He smiles into the fire, the flames slow dancing in his eyes. “It’s a surprise.”

[distortedmoondisc]

I think we as a fandom don't talk enough about Aira being Hiiro's fan—y'know, as an idol.

It might be because most people don't read the main story, or because it's not blatantly stated in there like other things, but it's something I think is a very unique facet about their relationship.

As we know, Aira separates his professional life and his personal life a lot. He will wait in line to shake hands with Hiyori Tomoe and buy a dozen CDs just to have a couple of extra minutes just talk to him, even though he can do this at any time since they're both idols living in the ES dorms and friends from the same circle.

And while this is admittedly silly from Aira's part, he truly sees this something serious and actually, he's kind of justified in thinking this way? He takes pride in being an idol otaku, and he wants to play as fair as possible with fellow fans, he doesn't want to take advantage of the fact that he's living and working alongside these super stars, and in my eyes that just shows how pure-hearted and honest he is.

With that in mind, it would be obvious to conclude that Aira would be a fan of his unitmates. He's definitely a fan of Tatsumi and Mayoi, but it's explicitly said in the MS that Aira is a fan of Hiiro.

This is from episode 89, "Grace"

(this episode may or may have not changed my brain chemistry forever lol)

Here, Aira makes the statement that he wants to protect Hiiro as an idol.

Hiiro is new to this world; he's a rookie, he's unpolished, far from perfect, but he's brimming with potential and he shines brightly on stage regardless of his imperfections — especially to Aira's eyes, and Aira wants to protect that, he wants to keep Hiiro's shine, and to help him grow and become the great idol Aira sees in him.

And I just can't express how much this means to me??? To their relationship??? This is why I can't understand people who say Aira doesn't care about Hiiro (these are opinions I've read way too often on twitter...), when Aira more than anyone wants to protect him not only as a person (like when he comforts him, cheers him up and motivates him after Rinne disowns him), but also as an idol. Aira trusts in Hiiro the idol. He sees his potential and he admires him deeply — not only as a fellow idol or as a friend, but as a fan.

And what gets me is the wording Aira uses here. He talks about wanting to protect Hiiro, to defend him. This is stated in another chapter and I don't remember exactly where (I believe it's one of the last episodes of the MS, but please correct me if I'm mistaken), but Aira states that he wants to protect Hiiro's purity — and this can be interpreted many ways, be it in that he wants to protect Hiiro's innocence as in his personality trait (his endearing naivety, his trusting and friendly nature, his endless curiosity, his earnestness and sincerity), or his purity as an idol, in the sense that because Hiiro is an idol, he has an appearance to keep, he has to be shining and to be pure and beautiful all the time (because that's the image idols give to the world, to their fans; the image that gives countless of people like Aira hope); this can include protecting Hiiro from the darker sides of the industry, such as toxic fans, unhealthy relationships with fame, corrupted producers or people from the industry, among other things. Aira seems to be aware of these issues (as he mentions in the second chapter of the main story, see below), so it makes sense that he wants to shield Hiiro, who knows absolutely nothing about this industry or the city, from those things.

Episode 24, "Suspicious"

And personally, I think Aira means both. He wants to protect Hiiro's purity as a person: he wants to protect the cheerful and positive Hiiro he knows and loves and admires (Aira himself states this. Multiple times. So much so that Aira often comments about how uncomfortable he feels when Hiiro is gloomy or troubled, that he is always the first to ask what is wrong or if something is bothering him.... but talking about Aira's high perceptiveness for Hiiro's emotions is a topic for another day) — but he also wants to protect Hiiro as an idol, wants to protect the immaculate image he gives to the world and to his fans, because Aira loves him, the same way he loves an idol from a fan standpoint. And he hopes that by protecting this purity, Hiiro will grow to be the talented and shining idol Aira knows he can be.

And what gets me is that after thinking of Hiiro this way, Aira snaps out of his self-deprecating thoughts and decides to give his best in the Ullambana (episode 89). Aira literally overcame his insecurities because of Hiiro. Thinking of having to do his best and keep working hard in order to keep up with him and with Alkaloid gave him the strength he needed to stop spiraling down his own insecurities and focus his efforts into something that was worth it: in keeping Alkaloid alive, and keeping Hiiro The Idol alive, because Aira believes he will become an idol that will soothe, delight and captivate hearts of many like Aira in the future — and Aira has to become an accomplished idol and a strong person if he is to be next to him on stage to protect him and to help him grow.

-

I say a lot, mostly jokingly between my friends, that Aira is the biggest HiiroP... but after writing this whole post, I realize I'm not so far off from this assumption. Aira loves Hiiro as a friend, we all know and understand that, but what is often overlooked is that Aira—who divides his professional and personal life so strictly—recognizes the rookie, unpolished, but talented Hiiro as an idol, and he wants to see him grow and succeed not only as his friend and unitmate, but also as a fan. Hiiro is so shining and wonderful on stage that it awakens the idol-ota instinct on Aira, it brings him back to his roots where he watched and admired idols from afar and inspired and soothed his lonely heart. And honestly? I think this is terribly wholesome, if not incredibly beautiful, and I'm getting emotional over hiiai once again, so I'm going to finish the essay here. Thanks for reading ahdjfk

[notmoreflippingelves]

saemi-the-dreamer asked:

OTP ask 😉 ! Krisnix: 10, 14, 30, 39, 42 ; Estelanor: 2, 5, 18, 30, 51 please?

Splitting these up into two posts again as I rambled on for way too long. And this way, I can post at least part of it sooner <3. This one is the krisnix one.

Krisnix

10. Describe their first date

They have like three "first dates" lol. The first would be the first time Kristoph invites Phoenix to join him for dinner at the Borscht after Phoenix finishes his shift there (or in-between shifts). Kristoph offers to pick up the check (he will do this on all their subsequent dates as well, and Phoenix doesn't resist in the least). Phoenix *technically* gets an employee discount when he dines at the Borscht but he never uses it with Kristoph--both because he enjoys making Kristoph spend more--and because he knows that Kristoph himself is enough of a snob that he'd hate feeling like a "cheap date" who couldn't afford to pay the proper bill.

Neither of them really expects this to turn into a regular thing. They just happen to be there (either Kristoph was working on a case in the area or purposely sought Phoenix out following the Bar Association's ruling) and be hungry at the same time. So they figure that they might as well eat together and talk through the conversation. And again, both of them are pretty surprised at how agreeable they find each other's company.

Phoenix is much more intelligent and well-read than his unpolished "every man" exterior would suggest--largely due to his time as an arts major. And Kristoph is surprised at how much they have to talk about. He may not be as cultured as Kristoph by a long shot, but he's surprisingly interesting and insightful, nevertheless. And the conversations end up being a lot more stimulating (in more ways than one) and engrossing than Kristoph ever expected.

Meanwhile even though Kristoph Gavin comes across as the coldest, most remote and pretentious person that you've ever met at first (and to be fair, there is a good bit of that in him still), Phoenix is amazed at how full-of-life-and-light Kristoph can be when you catch him on the right topic. He positively gushes about dogs and tells the funniest, warmest stories about Klavier-as-a-small-child. It's rather adorable and super unexpected. He's also surprisingly funny. His wit is much drier than Phoenix's own, and a bit more biting. But still, it's there and it's sometimes irrestitable. Plus, Kristoph is also funny in unintentional ways, given how stiff and formal and seemingly stoic he often is. So much so that Phoenix can't help but look at him and laugh--simultaneously with derision (i.e. "can you fucking believe this guy?") and with genuine affection (i.e.. "it's fucking cute how ridiculous he is without meaning to be.")

Their second "first date" would be the first time that they do something together in a place other than the Borscht Bowl. Neither of them come even close to acknowledging it as a date. This is simply an" outing that we will do together since I enjoy your company and we are sort of 'friends' now." It probably comes about rather organically. Kristoph mentions a different restaurant that he recently tried with Klavier and wonders if Phoenix has ever tried it. (Of course, he hasn't. The entrees cost more than he makes in a given night at the Borscht). Which then naturally extends to Kristoph saying that it's a pity Phoenix hasn't had a chance to go yet, and perhaps, he and Kristoph might go together some evening as friends.

Their third "first date" would be much the same as one of the ones that came before. But with a crucial difference. They are still nowhere near identifying this particular outing as a "date." But since their last "first date," their "friendship" has since extended to include physical intimacy of some kind. Maybe they've had a drunken kiss or two--or maybe they've actually done teh sex. Nevertheless, they are both acutely aware that things are DIFFERENT between them from then on, while also stubbornly refusing to admit to each other that things are different. They know this is a date. They know that they are much more than friends--even ones "with benefits"--but you will never get them to acknowledge this fact. This is just a shared social experience between two men who enjoy each other's company and lips and there is nothing more to it than that. (There is a great deal more to it than that).

Sadly, they never got to the point of a fourth "first date" (i.e. one that they openly acknowledge as a date) in canon, but they still can in my heart.

14. How do their personalities compliment each other? How do they clash?

Both Phoenix and Kristoph are artistically-minded, driven, and very intelligent (albeit in different ways.) As I mentioned in the previous point, Phoenix is somewhat more "cultured" than one would imagine and Kristoph is not *quite* as much of a humorless stick-in-the-mud than he appears. So they actually find that they have a great deal to talk about and can enjoy each other's company. Due to the circumstances that brought them together, there is inevitably a little bit of a facade to their "friendship" but not nearly as much of one as you might think.

In terms of their differences counterbalancing each other, Kristoph's cautious and reserved nature helps reign in some of Phoenix's unhinged impulsiveness. Meanwhile, Phoenix's sense of humor and spontaneity can sometimes force Kristoph to stop taking everything (especially himself) so damn seriously and to open himself up to life outside professional success.

However, it isn't all smooth sailing for them. These same differences can cause friction between them just as often as they smooth it. Moreover, the fact that both men are extremely stubborn also leads to clashes.

As a workaholic and supremely ambitious person in his own right, Kristoph also finds himself frequently frustrated by Phoenix Wright's perceived laziness and lack of ambition. They both know that Phoenix is capable of being more than dubiously sober piano bum and illegal poker player at a mediocre dive bar. So why isn't Phoenix "trying" harder to find something better for himself?

Meanwhile, Kristoph is also trying very hard not to acknowledge that Phoenix's current state is very much Kristoph's own fault. He tries to convince Phoenix to lift himself out of his sorry state, at least in part to ease Kristoph's own conscience.

Kristoph is also very unaware that much of Phoenix's perceived lazy, aimlessness is an act--one carefully tailored to lull Kristoph into a false sense of security so that Phoenix can make his move.

Naturally, the biggest barrier between them is the one that they can never directly acknowledge. Kristoph's role in orchestrating Phoenix's disbarment and Phoenix's complete awareness of this fact. On the rare occasion that the topic comes up indirectly in conversation (ex: any mention of Phoenix's former legal career, Kristoph's Bar Association duties, Trucy's life before Phoenix, media coverage of the so-called "Dark Age of Law,"etc.) things between Kristoph and Phoenix become decidedly more tense than usual. Lots of sarcastic remarks, comments that can be taken in more than one way, and little arguments over matters that would normally not have provoked such a response. Again, they can't ever discuss the real state of things openly so they have their little proxy spats and then quickly try to change the subject.

30. Your OTP gets to pick out each other’s outfits; what is each wearing?

Phoenix loves to make Kristoph dress more casually--both because it's cute but also because he thinks it's mentally/psychologically "good" for Kristoph. He will be more relaxed when he wears clothing that is softer, looser, and/or more comfortable. I think Kristoph probably has a Gavinners-branded hoodie or sweatshirt that is leftover merch from Klavier, and Phoenix is constantly trying to persuade him into wearing it--ideally with jeans instead of Kristoph's normal dress pants. He eventually gives in, partly because Phoenix Wright is unbelievably stubborn but also partially because damn it, the sweatshirt (though far too casual for professional use) is very soft and very warm--and Kristoph has always been the sort of person who gets cold easily. And there is something very relaxing and soothing about letting himself dress for warmth and physical comfort instead of trying to impress people. Also he feels much freer to cuddle with Vongole (which is also psychologically very good for him) when he's less concerned about getting dog hair on his nice work clothes.

Kristoph, conversely, likes to dress Phoenix up. Underneath that dreadful hat and sweatshirt, Phoenix Wright is a rather handsome man with nice broad-shoulders, a pleasingly strong jaw, and bright, twinkling eyes. He really should show off his handsome features and physique. And yet, he hides himself in this loose, plebian garb and two days worth of stubble. (Kristoph is in deep denial about how much he likes Phoenix's stubble. Phoenix is completely aware of the effect he has on the other man).

So Kristoph is always looking for excuses to put Phoenix in a suit or even just a button-down shirt with a tie. And sometimes, Phoenix is willing to indulge him, even if it still feels weird to put on his "trial suit" to go anywhere other than courtroom. But he does like reminding Kristoph (and himself) just how nicely he can clean up when he wants to.

(Kristoph is so lucky that he never got to see three-piece suit dilfnix and his waistcoat of sexyness. He would've died of lust on the spot, and all Phoenix would've done was laugh.)

Another "compromise" is that Kristoph is able to talk Phoenix into a bit more often is a short-sleeve polo shirt. A little more dressy than his normal hoodie but still not properly formal.

(Of course, Kristoph never quite thinks through the ramifications of this. He is Victorian level of repressed-yet-horny. And so the instant, Phoenix's bare forearms enter the chat, kristoph.exe promptly stops working.)

39. Who would rescue an injured animal and nurse it back to health? What would the other think?

Honestly, I think its fairly plausible that either would do this. But honestly, it's much more interesting to think about Kristoph being the one to do it so that's where I'm gonna focus.

This could be a possible backstory for Vongole acquisition. Kristoph's job led him to find the most Beautiful Dog in the World™ left abandoned (and possibly wounded) after her owner died or went to prison. At first, he intends to take Vongole in for a short while until he can find a new home for her. (She's a purebred and a very good girl so Kristoph isn't ready to just dump her in an animal shelter's care and hope for the best). But it's not long until he finds himself just completely enraptured by her and unable to imagine his life without her.

Phoenix, meanwhile, has enjoyed watching this unfold from a bit of a distance. He doesn't meet Vongole officially for awhile, but he notices how quickly Kristoph is completely "puppy-whipped" for her. Kristoph can't stop talking about this "foster" dog he's looking after. He talks about more even than he talks about work--which is saying something. His eyes light up behind his glasses and he can't stop smiling when he's chattering about how SMART and cultured Vongole is, because she sits and listens and wags her tail whenever Kristoph is practicing his violin. And she's so got the most refined palette too. She likes only the best dog food made from the finest ingredients.

It's adorable seeing Kristoph like this, so happy and relaxed and at peace with himself. Even with all the baggage between himself and Kristoph, Phoenix genuinely likes seeing his frenemy in this light and is happy for him.

After a few months worth of Kristoph "fostering" Vongole, he finally announces that he's decided to keep her permanently and Phoenix is all ...

(Phoenix saw this coming about a week after Vongole came into Kristoph's life).

I am also struck by another possible "Kristoph-rescues-a-wounded-animal scenario" as well and would like to discuss it. In this case, I think Kristoph should find and take care of a wounded bird (preferably a baby). I think the most narratively satisfying (i.e. metaphorically resonant) would involve Kristoph having accidentally caused the bird's injury in the first place. Maybe he accidentally hit a passing bird with his car or caused the bird to fall out of its nest and injure itself, while Kristoph was tending to his garden. Kristoph would therefore have to take accountability for having hurt something so beautiful and delicate and would see his nursing the bird back to health as an atonement for his past missteps.

Phoenix, meanwhile, would have very mixed reactions to seeing Kristoph's diligent care for this particular bird. He can't help but feel a little envious seeing Kristoph take responsibility for his harmful actions in this respect, while Kristoph has utterly failed to do the same where Phoenix is concerned. The significance of this being a bird--and Phoenix's own name being a (mythical) bird is not at all lost on him either. But on the other hand, he sees Kristoph being so patient and caring and gentle with this little wounded bird, and Phoenix can't help but love him for it. Can't help but wonder if--if only circumstances were just a little different and if he and/or Kristoph were able to swallow their pride for long enough--maybe Kristoph would have been able to do the same thing with Phoenix after all. But of course, they are doomed by themselves, their anger, and the narrative so this would never happen.

If the bird is unable to be safely released back into the wild after all--or Kristoph is simply unwilling to let the bird go-- it's also possible that the caged blue bird in Kristoph's cell is in fact this very same bird. Which adds some additional metaphorical resonance to the obvious Phoenix-bird parallels. Either Kristoph has already damaged the bird (and Phoenix) so severely and irrevocably that even his most ardent attempts at atonement/undoing the harm are not nearly enough. Or Kristoph has become so mentally and emotionally attached to the bird (and Phoenix) that he refuses to let it fly away from him--especially while Kristoph himself is wasting away in prison.

42. What’s their favorite type of weather to enjoy together? (getting snowed in together, watching thunderstorms, etc.)

Phoenix most enjoys bright, warm sunny days (especially in the summertime). This is more in general than relating to Kristoph specifically. There is so much more to do when the weather is nice--including a few particular things that he enjoys doing with Trucy and often with Kristoph as well. They've gone berry-picking a few times (on Kristoph's dime), something that neither Kristoph nor Trucy had ever done before and something that they are both pleasantly surprised by. They will go for picnics at the park and talk Kristoph into taking Vongole with them. (Trucy enjoys playing several rounds of fetch with her afterwards). Sometimes, when they have a day at the pool, Kristoph will wear a big, floppy hat to keep the sun off his face, and Phoenix can't help but find it rather endearing.

Kristoph, meanwhile, enjoys the rain. Or more specifically, a steady, lightning-less medium downpour that is heavy enough to keep everyone indoors (and prevent Phoenix from leaving too soon) and water the grass, while still being nowhere near heavy enough for there to be any danger of flooding.

He enjoys taking Vongole for walks after the rain and breathing in the fresh, clean scent of the air. He particularly enjoys it when he is able to rope Phoenix (and sometimes Trucy and/or Klavier) into joining him. Especially on the very memorable occasion that they saw a full rainbow just as the sun was starting to set.

[loupy-mongoose]

That last piece aaaaaaaah beautiful and sweet, really captures how Lav feels about Randy :D

Also I love how you colour and shade everything, how do you do it? Do you think you could record a speed paint or something? What brushes do you use? Canvas size? How do you painstakingly colour within the lines? What device do you use?

Sorry for so many questions in one ask, I’m really curious lol. Hope you can answer these! No rush :3

First off, thank you so much!

I use Procreate on iPad, which has a handy-dandy little feature where it automatically records everything you do on a canvas, and you can create a time lapse of it. So, yes, I can give a speed paint. :3

(Yes I painted this specifically for this ask.) For comics (and this painting sample), I use a canvas that's 1813X2263. For doodle dumps and other less dedicated projects, I use a 1955X2357 canvas, rotating as I want or need to. If I have a bigger project I want to do, I start with Procreates "Square" canvas default (2048X2048) and crop as I need to as I work.

I've been sticking to this Jingsketch brush set for a while now, though I've modified some to make them more comfortable. As of now the set is free to download. (There appears to be a larger Jingsketch set that costs about $15--I may get that someday lol)

For smudging of shadows and markings, I use the Jingsketch "Jittery Smudge".

Alright, prepare for a thorough rundown of the time lapse. X3

As for how I color, the video shows my two most used methods. I do the Momo method when I want it to look a little neater or smoother, and the Midas method for when I don't care how unpolished it looks and just want to show a colored image.

For flats (the solid red seen in the video) I do it on a layer under the lines. I usually put all the flats on one layer, but this time I did their flats on separate layers for demonstration purposes, and merged them once they were both filled.

For Momo, I colored by drawing just inside the lines, erasing what went outside. Then used a Freehand (or equivalent) selection tool to fill in the inside. This is the more time consuming but smooth of the two methods, in my opinion.

For Midas, I specifically drew the outer lines thicker so that I could use the "automatic" (I guess that's "wand" in other programs? I'm not sure) selection to do a quick fill. This method will usually leave the colors with a hard, semi-unappealing edge. (Feathering the selection a little or smudging the flats can probably help with that, but I don't do that very often.)

What I do is select the OUTSIDE of the lines, expand the "Selection Threshold" so that it barely selects JUST outside the lines, then invert the selection so that it filles everything INSIDE the lines. With this method you need to be careful to get all the negative zones as well--I didn't think about demonstrating that in this painting, so here a mini-tut on that.

For the actual colors, I usually do each color on a separate layer set as a "Clipping Mask" to the flats layer. Eyes usually get a layer of their own--The iris colors and pupil (if present) get the Clipping Mask treatment until I'm satisfied with them and merge them into one eye layer.

For shading, I'll fill an entire layer, still Clipped to the flats, with my color of choice, usually set it to the Multiply blend mode, and adjust the opacity as I want. I usually shade the main body separately from the eyes, but try to match the blend mode and opacity settings.

For more high-effort projects, I'll fill a layer with a solid color under the shadow layer but above all the other colors so that I have a better idea of the shapes. Colors like on Midas here can really badly mess with the perception of the shapes and shadow locations. I may also add more Multiply layers if necessary.

And that's my lengthy and extensive look into how I paint~ Keep in mind this is MY process, and I admit I work in a rather quick, dirty, and even somewhat lazy way. So take what you will from this, and go arting as YOU please! ^w^

[dreamsandcherrypie]

Maria’s Sketchbook Masterlist

We’ve reached a pivotal element of the story which involves someone sneaking a peak at our main character’s journal 😏

PS I’ll illustrate your fanfic too!! Bonus if it’s Dean but not required :)

Chapter 1: Prologue

The little girl from our power duo’s first case

. . . Until an entirely different kind of job appeared at the foot of my bed. A creepy as shit ghost of a girl in bows and dusty nightgown. But even so, you could tell she was a beautiful little girl in life . . .

Chapter 2: In da Club

Our main suspect

“Oh! An’ she had glasses! Ol’ timer ones with the thick squares,” the pretty southern woman drawled out in her honeyed accent from her hospital bed.

I quickly begin sketching some glasses on my drawing of our suspect.

“Mrs. Bennet, did you notice anything unique about her teeth?” I ask, super casually.

“Like wha?”

“I don’t know, maybe they were… pointy?”

“No miss... I woulda reckoned somethin’ like that.”

Chapter 3: Meet Me at the Crime Scene

Ava’s puppy eyes

“Please? I really think we could use their help and I really like Sam.”

“Can’t you boink Sam without us having to work with his stupid brother?”

She clasps prayer hands under her chin, tilts her head even further, and juts out her lower lip. I hold out for all of a few seconds.

“Ugh! Fine!” I throw up my hands in defeat.

Chapter 4: What’s the Steaks? Focused Dean

“Oh yes,” says Rose, now holding hands with Ava, “Tell me more.”

I catch Rose up on the bet and Ava up on that whole barstool thing.

“Do you think he fancies you?” asks Rose, on the edge of her nonexistent seat.

“Not a chance in hell! You should hear the way he talks to me!”

“I don’t know hun, it sounded awfully sexually charged,” says Rose.

“It kind of felt more like a threat?”

“Hot,” says Ava.

Chapter 5: A Whole Night

Cassettes

Chapter 6: Morning, Sunshine Green Soap 💚

Once most of the pool water is off my body, I steal a little of the boys’ green bar soap. I come out of the shower smelling like a straight dad, but I like it. Taking the liberty of using the guys’ cleanest looking towel, I dry off and wrap myself up. Chapter 7: This Plan Sounds Dumb

Vice

Chapter 8: Out of the Woods "Listen..."

Chapter 9: "Field of Blue"

Chapter 10: Fresh Tattoos, Loud Music, & Fast Cars

Chapter 11: Nightmares & Coconut Cream Pie

Breakfast of Champions

Chapter 12: Rock Me Asmodeus If you haven't seen the music video for the 80's smash hit "Rock Me Amadeus" sung by German band Falco go do yourself a favor

Chapter 13: Close Encounter I actually did this one for the fanfic but I just couldn't wait to post it

Chapter 14: Dreams... Chapter 15: ...And What? Huh? CHERRY PIE BABY!!! This 2-part chapter's artwork can be viewed exclusively on AO3 🥸

[tequitoclown]

7?

7. Show us at least one picture you drew or sketched recently that you did not put on a public site.

Ooo yeah I have a handful of unseen sketches and stuff!

This one was just a weird experiment with various features. It's weird and definitely not great lol.

This was just a small collection of sketches for my OCs! I never bothered posting because they're so unpolished.

This one I never posted because it just... didn't turn out great. I stopped before coloring the linework and finishing the shading because it just wasn't fun. I'll have to try and draw them again someday though!

There's a few more scattered about, but most of them are pretty old. TY for the ask anon, this was fun to talk about!

[thana-topsy]

Fic Writer Interview

Tagged by @mongoose-bite ! Thanks so much, crunchy. :)

I'm tagging whoever else wants to chime in! I lose track of who all on here I should be tagging lol. Or who might actually want to participate in such a thing.

----

How many works do you have on AO3?

38

2. What’s your total AO3 word count? 643,096 words Mostly written within the last 5 years!

3. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Breathing Water - My flagship fic for the longest time. It still holds up 4 years later! And I'm still simping for Neloth.

Halfway to the Sky - Coming in with only about 30 kudos less than BW, I'm always tickled and humbled and just so honored that so many people like this story.

The Shadow Over Solstheim - This one had the most kudos for the longest time just because it's my oldest multi-chapter fic. Baby's first foray into something more than a smutty one-shot! My writing is unpolished and my lore knowledge is amateurish at best, but it's just so full of verve.

Hollow Men - A fic I honestly didn't expect many people to read due to the subject matter, but one that's near and dear to my heart.

Invictus - The bonkers, off-the-rails sequel to Shadow Over Solstheim in which Topsy discovers TES Lore in real time as they write. I don't think I could ever write something this free again even if I wanted to. I'm too burdened by knowledge (much like Teldryn).

4. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I try to respond to almost every comment, but sometimes I get stuck with Comment Paralysis and they just pile up in my inbox until I'm thoroughly overwhelmed. I read every single comment and blush and kick my feet excitedly, though.

5. What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?

Hmmm... I don't really do angsty endings. I like pleasant, contented endings, sometimes bittersweet, sometimes open-ended. But I guess Dreamers, my Hadvar/Ralof fic as it currently stands, has the angstiest ending. At least until I manage to finish the final chapter...

6. What’s the fic you’ve written with the happiest ending?

Uhhhh... They're all pretty happy, from my perspective at least. Maybe Finding Mara takes home the gold for happiest ending. (Erandur takes home the gold, too -snerk-)

7. Do you write crossovers?

I have written exactly one crossover and it's the oldest fic on my AO3 (from 2014). Otherwise, they're fun to think about, but nah. Not really.

8. Have you ever received hate on a fic?

If you count an entire series of callout posts, years of harassment, and people jumping to conclusions over a fic they never even read, then the answer is yes.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Yes. All kinds, but generally smut with a purpose. "Porn with plot" as they say. I write smut that zooms into the characters' heads, prys open their wants and desires and fears and insecurities. I write smut that can get a little hyper-realistic, to the point of sometimes being kind of gross. I write smut as a form of raw expression, people at their most vulnerable, literally stripped bare. It's one of my favorite things to write because it is an endless exercise in character study, in boundaries, in what it means to consent, and how the lines between who we think we are and what others perceive us to be get so easily blurred.

10. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

If I have, they've gotten away with it.

11. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yes, once! Someone asked if they could translate the first chapter of Halfway to the Sky into Russian.

12. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yes, back when I first joined the TES fandom. Two of my fandom bests at the time co-wrote a couple of stories with me. One is posted to AO3 (Ceasefire), and the other was a horny, whirlwind, feverdream of a fic that the other author and I mutually agreed we would probably never share with the greater world lol. We are still bests to this day and I often revisit that fic in awe and bafflement of our energy.

13. What’s your all-time favorite ship?

It's so tough to choose, honestly, but I gotta go with Neloth/Teldryn, because it just took me by surprise and spun out into something so wild and wonderful.

14. What’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will?

I never say never with my WIPs. If I've learned anything over the past 5 years in this fandom, it's that I'll pick an old WIP up on a whim. I do wanna get back to my Arvel the Swift WIP at some point. I also started working on a Dark Brotherhood-centric fic last year, too. And so help me Talos I am going to finish Dreamers.

15. What are your writing strengths?

Dialogue. People talk in my head and I just write it down. It usually ends up sounding pretty natural. And pacing. I feel like I manage pacing pretty well and can make good calls as to when a scene is dragging or we need to skip forward in time a bit.

16. What are your writing weaknesses?

Wordiness. Relying too much on "feeling" words. Telling instead of showing more than I need to. Repetitive sentence structure. My goal in 2024 is to become more direct and succinct with my writing style.

17. What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

Eh... I've done it before. I threw in a lot of Dunmeris and Ta'agra back in the day when I was first writing TES fic, but I'd say just use italics and translate what's being said. Or, alternatively, if the POV character can't understand what's being said, don't even use dialogue, just mention that it's being spoken. It's all gobbledygook to them anyways.

18. What was the first fandom you wrote for?

Yu Yu Hakusho (in 2004)

19. What’s a fandom/ship you haven’t written for yet but want to?

I'm monogamous with my fandom currently, so I'd really love to write something with Cicero, because it's been a long time coming.

20. What’s your favorite fic you’ve written?

That's really hard to choose. They're all my favorite when I'm writing them. Each fic is its own little relationship for me. I don't write things unless I'm absolutely in love with what I'm writing. So they're all my favorite, in that sense.

[darkfictionjude]

Etymology nonnie here!

On the topic of MC's gender. I don't think this is one of the IFs where it was clear the author had an specific gender for the MC while writing the story. I have read some where it was clear the protagonist was written as female/male, and it clashes when you play as anything else.

I say this because I always have played as male. And there wasn't any instance in which I said: "Hmm, this would make more sense if MC was a woman". Now, I do recognize that a female MC can make some themes more evident, powerful, or adds something that otherwise wouldn't be present. For example, Sally's infantilization of MC, his condescension and overprotectiveness gains a different aspect. It can be read as misogynistic, since it would conflate the way Sally conceives and dehumanizes MC with the way women are seen as lesser, and less capable than men. Not that Sally is purposely being misogynistic, but rather than it gets involved with the other issues his relationship with MC has.

It also makes the Orla parallels more obvious, since both her and MC would be the daughters. It would he expected MC was like Orla, that she followed her steps. It makes sense that Prudence tries to mold MC into Orla 2 Electric Boogaloo.

However, that is not to say there isn't things that are interesting or exclusive for male MCs. For instance, it makes Prudence need to make MC a second Orla significantly more abusive and delusional. She is just so disappointed by MC, so disgusted, that she strives to change him into her favorite daughter.

Or, for example, it makes MC more of an anti-Orla. Because now MC is everything Orla isn't. Orla is popular, conventionally beautiful girl, beloved by all, the favorite of her mother, the ideal. While MC is an unsettling boy, hated by most, despised by Prudence, the kind of boy no one wants as a son.

There is also the relationship with Nia. Either a friendship or romantic. Nia's way of understanding feminism, in my opinion (so I may be wrong), holds a very bad overall evaluation of men, and expects them to fail at the bare minimum when it comes to behavior and their actions regarding gender issues. I ignore if Nia believes men can change and evolve from this sorry state (I hope so, otherwise feminism is in a losing battle and it would absolve us men from our wrongdoing). But this belief does provide an interesting conflict to be solved, that adds over the intrigue any relationship MC and Nia already have. Could Nia believe less on a male MC than on a female one? That is an interesting question to ask ourselves.

Now, both male and female MC seem to fail at conforming with the traditional ideals of either gender. Female MC is too detached, too unpolished, too uncaring. While Male MC is not muscular, is not strong (the right way), is stoic for the wrong reasons, doesn't care nor understand sports, etc. So, both also have to confront society by the simple fact they aren't what society demands them to be. Which goes in line with the other present issues MC has, as their mental health and declining social standing (both personal and of their family).

I apologize to non binary folks and their NB MCs. For I cannot think of anything that it isn't obviously unique to them that could be applied to the discussion. Which may come from my own ignorance, as I'm very much a cisgender male (I did explore my identity at one point, and I confirmed it). My redeeming feature is just how gay I am, lol.

Also, unrelated: I have to thank Selfie. I didn't expect the praise and the kind words, and it's appreciated. I think you are cool too, since you usually provide a nice positive energy with your asks. I'm glad you enjoy reading my asks, since I sometimes feel I'm just obnoxious by writing such long ramblings. Or worse, that I'm writing too much but saying too little. Which may be just insecurity from my own part, even if it does not stop me. As long as Jude enjoys it, I'll try to continue. Since I do really love this IF.

Etymology nonnie you really decided to talk to me today huh? 😌

Yeah people have said to me that mc doesn’t really feel like they have a gander in the way think and I feel that’s great. It falls in line in how detached they are to society and thus societal creations. They don’t act like a man nor a woman because they don’t see a reason to and wouldn’t understand why the should to. I’ve read many IFs where I’m like “yeah the MC is clearly a woman”

One of my fears is one day writing an MC that leans too far to one gender despite the reader choosing another gender as apart from flavour text I want all my mcs to have universal thoughts that we all have. I think it has to do with me, as a person while a feminist woman I don’t think like a man nor a woman so it helps to create a protagonist who is gender selectable for their thoughts that don’t pertain to gender but other topics

Speaking of flavour gender text, in one of the routes for who you choose to go talk to that will come up especially sexual harassment women face

It would be interesting to see what Nia thinks of a male mc when you are allowed to talk to her further 😌

[trailshome]

This sounds so much dire than it is lol

As we get closer and closer to the day that I planned to update, I realized I still wasn't ready to show what I have for you guys to play. The word count of the version I was going to post is 6222 words, including code (though most of it is uncoded) coming to about 10 pages total.

But the more polished (though still rough) version that I want to show you instead is 4264 words with code (and properly coded for the most part) coming to about 7 pages. What is the difference between these? The unpolished version is completed and roughly playable. The more polished version is at 7 pages/4264 words and we've only just gotten to Pops's (Pops'?) Pub. Just barely halfway finished. I know I promised you all an update after missing the last one, but bear with me a bit longer. I think the wait will be worth it.

In the meantime, you may see a small update that includes the polished version on the 28th. It's more refined and, dare I say, longer than the first update. It re-writes scenes, lets me better write out Greta's accent (which I hate doing, sorry guys) and personality, and gives the MC more agency imo.

So, I'm sorry the update will either be smaller or not at all. But I think this is for the better!

Thank you for your time!

[chubbydino]

I just finished reading Fool's Gold.

I feel an overwhelming amount of a myriad of emotions, and the need to put it all into words, imbued with the certainity that I will never find the words to express the true depth of what I feel, nor will there ever be a time when what I have to say will even begin to tell you just how much gravity and meaning this story holds.

nevertheless, I will try.

rpf rids you of the difficulty of creating a character - it gives you a name, face, quirks that make them true to their person, a life and circumstances, and above it all the freedom to do with that what you will. this often comes with the cost of your characters, who are real people, becoming mere puppets of a story, vessels intended to tell it.

to be able to tell a story that has never happened as you wish to tell it, centred around people that very much breathe, live, and exist all while making them true to their own person is no easy task. and yet you've done it so irreproachably. you've somehow painstakingly, and impeccably struck a balance between creating a world for them, whilst still writing an ode to them as real people.

I went into Fool's Gold wary of the tags, staunchly believing you couldn't convince me of many of the things you had implied. I understand now. there wasn't a single sentence that I didn't believe with my full heart.

my simple mind couldn't even begin comprehending how you managed to weave such an intricate, riveting plot. there's not a single thing you didn't think of. every sentence you wrote felt like it was thought out and decided well before any of these people or these events happened. everytime I thought I knew what was happening, you very artfully reminded, I in fact, did not.

you had such generously fleshed out stories and love for every character that I couldn't help but wonder how you could conclude so very many relationships in a sensible way. nevertheless I trusted you to write an epilogue that would be delicate, sensible and bittersweet, much like most meaningful stories.

having read the last chapter, beginning the epilogue confused me. and then i was fraught with anger. what of the stories you told me before ? what of them ? and then as i continued to read, i felt as if i had been doused with water, not the kind that leaves you shaking and spluttering, but the gentle kind a mother bestows upon her child - with care and love, and in some parts the feeling that times will not always be like this. suddenly I wanted to be nowhere but where you had taken me, hear no other story than the one you were telling in that moment. and just like that, it was over.

thank you, with everything in me, thank you.

i don't really have words to properly articulate myself, but thank you. fool's gold will always be special to me in many ways, and allowed me to engage in F1 in a way far beyond how i'd been doing so for years prior.

it has its flaws and there are parts people hate about it (including the epilogue lol) and there are a lot of things i would improve in the fic, but the joy of fanfic for me is that it is what it is, raw and unpolished. FG really taught me a lot about myself and opened a lot of doors for me that would be firmly shut if i hadn't accepted a $5 venmo for coffee from my dear friend who wanted me to write my crazy rpf idea.

i'd never written rpf before FG and wow did it change my whole opinion on rpf 😂 f1 rpf is still the wild west in many ways but i LOVE writing my messed up takes on these guys who i have no clue about irl 😂😂😂

[sharkface]

Hi Shepard I love to see your thoughts on rwby. I liked it very badly when it started and then dramatically fell off at the end of season 2 or 3 and never cared enough to get back into it but it kind of spent the entire time orbiting me and being thiiiiis close to being appealing again. Like I’d have friends who clearly also had cared about it at one point who would be like oh it’s not good it’s not worth watching. And it always really is too bad when something so many people find promising or interesting early on doesn’t live up to what it could be or wants/claims to be. Anyway do you have any particular thoughts on the hammer girl from the secondary team I always thought she was neat

I started it as a middle schooler when it had just started airing and just sort of never swore it off because I was determined to see it through. I truly think V4-V6 is when they had the most potential but I don't think they recognized that it needed significantly more resources to keep up momentum especially with how ambitious of a project it was. I think if you have the Nostalgia Factor it's worth watching again (you also have less hiatus to deal with LOL) (it's also decently short) but otherwise I do not recommend it for new viewers who don't like unpolished and badly written old webseries type projects. I vope V10 gets greenlit and I hope it has the resources for more runtime and some supervisors so it can stop sucking.

As for Nora I like her a lot but they hinged a LOT of her characterization on her relationship with Ren and after having her say she'd like to be her own person without him for a while (good thing) they haven't really done much with her (TO BE FAIR she made this choice in a very recent season so they haven't had the time) and I think if that ever pays off that will be cool. Past that it WAS really nice to get to see her be a person without relying on their personality contrast. She has a bunch of cool lightning scars now which is epic as fuck.