#but I might do blue for that one because i think gold leather with silver lettering will look stupid and bad

[cellsshapedlikestars]

Finished up a second ASOIAF book! I say "a second" because it's not "the second". I guess I shelved the series wrong the last time I read it and so I just blindly grabbed book 3 instead of 2

For this one, I decided to use green leather, because the original cover I had was green. I initially wanted to stick to the color scheme of the originals, but book 1 (for me) was gray, which I knew wouldn't look good with the silver, so I did black. Books 2 & 5 will pose similar issues, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it

anyway, once again, I am so pleased with how this turned out!

If you want to check out my A Game of Thrones rebind, it's here!

[monsterblogging]

Fuck JKR: How To Create A Harry Potter-Esque Aesthetic Without Any Harry Potter In It

So I saw a few posts from people mentioning that a reason people might be into Harry Potter is because of the aesthetic or atmosphere, and ya know what? I can't even argue that, because if there's one thing about HP, it's that it Sure Does Have Aesthetic And Atmosphere.

So! I'm gonna tell you how to STEAL ITS LOOK! Because:

JK Rowling considers ANY support of her work to be support of her politics.

Fan content/fan merch is still free advertisement for Rowling's work. YOU might not choose to give her money, but you can't be sure you won't pull people into the fandom who will.

Everyone should create more things that aren't tied to corporate-owned IP, period.

So. Most things in these films have an aged, antique look. You'll see a lot of brown hues, both on sets and on people's clothes. There's a lot of near-blacks (especially charcoals and walnuts) and lighter grays on the sets, especially from the third film onwards. (Wood is more often than not stained dark, while lighter hues are often provided by bricks or plaster.) The last two films use a lot of stormy blues and grays. Prisoner of Azkaban also emphasizes contrast between tones, which heightens a sense of texture. True black also appears throughout the films, such as on students' uniforms and many Death Eaters' outfits, and on the chairs in Malfoy Manor. White appears occasionally, especially on Hedwig, students' shirts, or during winter scenes, but pure white isn't otherwise really common. Paper or parchment is usually warm beige. There's also a lot of silver, gold, and brass, often appearing on things like dishware, tools, trinkets, Christmas baubles, and so forth. Bronze also comes up occasionally.

Reds, yellows, blues, and greens are pretty common throughout the films, even outside of Hogwarts, though you'll see just about every color somewhere. For example, orange is often found around the Weasleys, and orange, maroon, and purple feature in the divination classroom. Teal features prominently in Grimmauld Place (contrasted with saffron yellows).

Most colors aren't really super bright; a lot of the time they look a little faded, or like they're colored with natural dyes. If you use medieval illustrations to source your colors, or aim for earth tones and jewel tones, you'll be about right for a lot of what you see in the films. Bright colors are pretty rare; some of the brights we do see are in Honeydukes, Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes, and certain magical effects, such as Floo fire.

A lot of light is provided by candles, torches, or fireplaces, which cast a warm yellow/orange light. Moonlight is represented by blue light in the first and second films. Blue light is also used for the Goblet of Fire and the penseive.

Another thing you gotta have in there is clutter. It should look kinda antique and give off a kind of magical or mystical atmosphere. Think books, storage jars, orreries, crystal balls, old lamps, antique clocks, vintage glassware, antique mirrors, old teapots, and little metal trinkets. (If you're trying to decorate a physical room, your stuff doesn't have to actually be antique, of course; antique-styled is fine.)

Texture is also very important, which can be represented with full or top grain leather book covers, stone walls, dents and scratches, cracks, embellishments, and embossing. Additionally, all damage and wear gives a sense of oldness to things. Stains and variegated colors also add interest. (If you're decorating a physical space, you might look into aging/distressing/antiquing techniques.)

If you want a space to look cozy, you don't really want bare or blank walls. Shelves, paintings, tapestries, and wallpaper can all help with that. Again, use brown, rather than black. Warm, yellow lighting will also help. If you lean toward blacks and cool lighting, you're going to have a colder-looking space.

Fashion in the wizarding world is extremely all over the place, ranging from stereotypical fantasy witch and wizard clothing, to pretty normal vintage clothing, to some wacky vintage-inspired looks, to the kind of fashion that would be put under the cozycore umbrella, to ordinary modern clothing. One thing that's absent is subculture fashion as we know it. (Bellatrix Lestrange does look kinda goth, but it's less a subculture thing, and more a "yeah we're putting our bad guys in fancy black stuff" thing.)

If you're trying to lean into the whole quirky/eccentric/old-fashioned kinda thing, you'll want to pass over the more modern and obviously synthetic type stuff. Also, patterns, textured fabrics, knits, mixed colors, lace, and other embellishments can add interest to outfits.

Architecture is also all over the place. Hogwarts is pretty medieval, while places like Diagon Alley give more Victorian vibe. The main thing is looking old fashioned and quaint.

To try and summarize all of that:

Browns. Lots and lots and lots of browns. Blacks and grays, too. Contrast between light and dark browns and blacks/grays.

More beige and gray than pure white; more charcoal gray and dark walnut brown than true black.

Among other colors, mostly earth tones and jewel tones. Very limited brights.

Polished metal and glass also add shininess.

Old-fashioned. Vintage. Antique.

Clutter, texture, patterns, variegation. Minimalist/clean aesthetic avoided.

Aged and distressed.

Lighting often yellow/orange due to coming from fire. Blue/teal light often coming from moonlight and certain magical light sources.

Now, here are some things we actually don't see. I'm not mentioning them to discourage you from using them if they're what you really want, but to inform you about them so you can consider whether they might throw off the vibe for you:

Green/purple/black combos.

Purple/silver/black combos. Pink/purple/teal combos.

Pink/black combos.

Orange/black combos.

Green/orange/purple combos.

Red/black combos.

Basically a lot of combos commonly associated with Halloween, witches, or vampires.

Big raw crystals. We see crystal balls now and then, but that's it.

Other natural items used as decorations - feathers, pinecones, sticks, etc. The one exception I can think of are the shells embedded in the walls of Shell Cottage.

Crushed velvet. Lots of fantasy uses this, HP films don't.

If you need inspiration, go look up medieval and renaissance diagrams and illustrations of stuff like the four elements, the zodiac, the solar system, and all that. Go look up alchemical symbols and emblems. Search up pre-WWII vintage ephemera. Go look up Victorian clipart. Look up stuff like botanical, zoological, and astronomical books and art from the 17th-19th centuries. Look up vintage wallpaper and fabric patterns. Look at vintage-style crafts. Research period architecture and fashion. Research European heraldry.

If you're wondering what exactly you're going to design around without Hogwarts and the Four Houses, here are some suggestions:

The four classical elements (earth, air, fire, and water)

The four seasons

Card suits - Tarot, French, whatever you want

Holidays - Halloween, Christmas, whatever

Fairy tales

Flowers

Mythical creatures

Bugs

Birds

Any other animals you like

Ecosystems

Your own original worldbuilding

So yeah, there ya go. You don't need to keep participating in HP to indulge in the aesthetic.

[NOTICE: Anybody who clowns on this post by making this about them and their childhood, patting themselves on the back about their chosen means of "ethical" participation, praising the fandom, or adding any other form of irrelevant bullshit is getting blocked. Also, I don't want to hear about PJO or Earthsea again for the millionth time, either.]

[naomijoestar]

⋆.ೃ Tethered By Fate ࿔*:･

A Jolyne Cujoh love story

This story’s masterlist here <3 (+ important info on the story so I highly recommend checking it out before proceeding)

Main masterlist here <3

Chapter 1 - The First Thread

next chapter >

· · ────── ꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ────── · ·

The late afternoon sun streamed through the wide windows of the gallery, painting streaks of amber and gold across the polished floor. You tightened your grip on your messenger bag as you stood near the entrance, the low hum of chatter filling the air. This wasn’t your usual scene. Most of the attendees were older, dressed in crisp linen suits and cocktail dresses, swirling glasses of wine in their hands as they discussed brushstrokes and color theory like seasoned critics.

You were only here because your art professor had insisted. “Your work deserves to be seen, Y/N,” she’d said. “And more importantly, you deserve to be proud of it.”

Easy for her to say. She didn’t have to stand here, face to face with strangers scrutinizing the most vulnerable parts of her soul. You glanced around the room, trying to spot your piece among the other works hanging on pristine white walls.

When you finally found it, your stomach twisted.

There it was—your painting, titled “After the Storm”. It was a raw, swirling mix of blues, grays, and muted greens, representing the chaos of grief and the tentative hope that followed. It had been born out of countless sleepless nights, the ghost of your sibling haunting every stroke.

Now, it hung on display for the world to see, a fragment of your heart exposed.

You considered sneaking out before anyone could notice you, but your resolve faltered when a voice nearby caught your attention.

“This is it?” someone said, his tone sharp and unimpressed. “It’s so… basic.”

Your stomach dropped as you turned toward the source of the voice. A tall man in a tailored blazer stood before your painting, his nose scrunched in mild disdain.

“Abstract, maybe,” he continued, tilting his head. “But I don’t see the skill. It’s just messy brushstrokes and a moody color palette. Anyone could slap that on a canvas.”

Before you could process the sting of his words, another voice cut in, this one bright and mocking.

“Maybe you should try slapping something on a canvas, then,” the stranger said. “See if anyone puts your crap in a gallery.”

You blinked in surprise as a young woman stepped into view, her presence magnetic and commanding. She had short, choppy hair tied into twin buns, with loose strands framing her angular face. Her black leather jacket clung to her frame, the silver zippers glinting under the gallery lights. She stood in stark contrast to the room’s muted tones, like a spark of rebellion in a sea of conformity.

The man bristled. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” She crossed her arms. “Art’s not about pleasing snobs like you. It’s about expression. Maybe try having an emotion sometime—it might help with your ‘critique.’”

The man sputtered, his face reddening, but he seemed to decide she wasn’t worth the argument. With a huff, he stalked off, muttering under his breath.

The gallery buzzed with whispers as the young woman turned back toward your painting, tilting her head slightly as she studied it.

“Ignore him,” she said casually, as if you were already part of the conversation. “It’s good. Better than anything he could do.”

You hesitated, unsure how to respond. “You think so?”

She glanced at you then, her green eyes sharp and appraising. “Yeah. It’s got feeling. People who don’t get that shouldn’t even be here.”

You felt a flush of warmth at her words, though you weren’t sure why. “Thanks. I… wasn’t expecting anyone to defend it like that.”

“Someone had to,” she said with a shrug. “Snobs like that piss me off.”

You laughed softly, despite yourself. “Yeah, me too.”

For a moment, she seemed to study you, her head tilted slightly. “This yours, then?” she asked, gesturing toward the painting.

You nodded, a little self-conscious. “Yeah.”

“Thought so,” she said. “You’ve got that whole ‘artist’ vibe. All quiet and thoughtful.”

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

“Depends. Do you take it as one?”

There was a teasing glint in her eye that made your cheeks warm. You weren’t used to people being this forward with you, especially not strangers.

Before you could answer, a gallery staff member approached you, holding a clipboard. “Excuse me, are you the artist of ‘After the Storm’?”

You nodded, your heart skipping.

“Someone’s expressed interest in purchasing it,” she said with a polite smile. “Would you like to discuss pricing?”

Your eyes widened. “Oh—um, sure.”

The staff member gestured for you to follow her, and you glanced back at the young woman, who raised a brow.

“Guess that’s my cue,” you said awkwardly.

“Go get your money, Picasso,” she said with a smirk. “You earned it.”

You bit back a smile as you turned to follow the staff member, her nickname lingering in your mind.

Later that evening, you found yourself replaying the encounter as you sat alone at a small café near the gallery. The offer to buy your painting had gone well—better than you expected, actually—but the highlight of the night wasn’t the sale. It was her.

Something about her had stuck with you. The way she’d stood up for your work without hesitation. The confidence in her voice. The way her sharp green eyes seemed to see right through you.

“Who is she?” you muttered to yourself, poking at the last crumbs of your muffin.

“Talking to yourself already?”

You nearly jumped out of your seat as the very person occupying your thoughts slid into the chair across from you. She set down a steaming cup of coffee, leaning back like she’d been invited.

“Do you always sneak up on people like that?” you asked, your heart still racing.

“Only the interesting ones,” she said with a smirk. “You looked deep in thought. Figured I’d save you from whatever existential crisis you were having.”

You rolled your eyes, though a small smile tugged at your lips. “What are you doing here?”

“Coffee,” she said simply, gesturing to her cup. “Same as you, I guess. Or are you just here to brood?”

You gave her a look but couldn’t hold back a laugh. “I wasn’t brooding.”

“Sure,” she said, her smirk widening.

For a moment, the two of you sat in silence, the sounds of the café filling the space between you.

“So,” she said finally, breaking the quiet. “Do I get a name, or am I supposed to keep calling you Picasso?”

You hesitated. Something about her felt unpredictable, and you weren’t sure if giving her your name would invite trouble. But then again, what harm could it do?

“It’s Y/N,” you said.

“Y/N,” she repeated, testing it out. “Nice. I’m Jolyne.”

“Jolyne,” you echoed, feeling the name settle in your mind. It suited her somehow—sharp and bold, just like she was.

“Well, Y/N,” she said, leaning forward with a grin. “Looks like fate keeps throwing us together. Think that means something?”

“Probably that Florida’s small,” you said dryly.

Jolyne laughed, the sound warm and unguarded. “Fair enough.”

As the evening wore on, your initial awkwardness began to fade. There was something disarming about Jolyne—something that made you forget, even for a little while, about the weight you carried.

And as you walked home later that night, her voice and her laughter lingered in your mind, a thread that had quietly begun to weave itself into your life.

· · ────── ꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ────── · ·

Next chapter soon (hopefully). If you didn’t check this story’s summary already, this is your sign to go check it out now! If you don’t know where to find the summary it’s linked in this story’s masterlist in the beginning of the post. Also if you guys enjoyed reblogs are appreciated ★

[fictionalbasil]

Published my first completed fic! I usually keep editing till I give up but I pushed though

‘Uncle’ Izzy

Izzy’s hidden past gets dragged into light when a mysterious man (trans OC for this fic) visits the Revenge. However it seems like he knows more than just Izzy.

This fic takes place at the end of season 2 episode 5 and definitely branches from canon from there. I wrote this fic plot as if it was a side plot in an episode, mainly following the OC

A small boat approaches straight towards the front of a large ship that has seen better days, what was once beautifully painted deep blue and yellow with the name ‘Revenge’ on the back was now chipped and burned. The creature that had previously adorned the front of the ship was now unrecognizable without its head or legs. A black haired man, except for the pure silver strikes on both sides of his head, dressed in all black with a black leather vest, stands on a small deck behind the defaced figurehead. The man, Izzy Hands, takes a long swig from a large mostly empty alcohol bottle. He is extremely vigilant, as always, even in his current state. Emotional and drunk. He spots the small boat well before it has the chance to get close, he pulls a spyglass out of his pocket, lifts it to his eye which has a red wound healing above it that runs down towards his temple, he lets out a sharp “fuck” as he drops his hands and repockets the spyglass. Instead of killing the person on the boat, he lets them pull up next to the front of the ship. He looks down upon the boat where a shorter younger man, not terribly short but definitely shorter than average, sat. The newly arrived man is a bit fat, holding most of his weight in his belly, butt, and a bit in his hips. His body was shaped like that of a pear with limbs. Izzy talking just loud enough for the man to hear without getting the attention of any of the crew, “what the fuck are you doing here?”

With a warm smile the young man stands up and says, “I’m here to see you, uncle Izzy.”

“Well, piss off,” Izzy spat.

The man drops his smile, taken back, clearly not expecting that kind of answer, “I tracked you down because no one has heard from you in over a month.”

“I have been busy,” Izzy says in his iconic raspy voice, looking away from the man.

“That never stopped you before,” the man inquires.

Izzy remains silent, still not looking at the man.

“Well, I have been busy too. May I come aboard?” Without waiting for Izzy to answer, the man starts to move his boat to the side of the ship. He docks his boat and climbs up onto the empty deck. Looking around he notices the repairs that were done to the vessel, the exceptionally clean floors stood out to him the most.

After a moment, Izzy appears coming through a doorway, his frustration heard clearly by the way his pegleg clicks against the wood floor, and walks straight towards the man. Izzy stands closer to the man than the man is used to. “Leave this ship. Now,” Izzy commands.

The man stares down at the floor to avoid eye contact and notices the details of Izzy’s pegleg. A beautiful prosthetic. He thinks it has just the right amount of gold to make it pop but he wouldn’t dare say that out loud at this moment. Now that the men stood next to each other, it is clear that the younger man is a few inches shorter than Izzy.

Izzy broke the moment of silence, asking flatly, “How did you find me?”

Slightly bothered by Izzy’s unwelcomeness, the unknown man retorts, “What happened to your leg?”

“A shark,” Izzy says, looking off into the distance over the open ocean.

“Aren’t you supposed to be sailing the ocean, not swimming in it,” the man jokes at Izzy.

“How did you find us,” Izzy repeats.

The younger man reaches in his pocket and pulls out a Blackbeard wanted poster, “you might as well have just sent me your coordinates. I knew I’d find you if I was around here long enough,” the man explains as he looks at Izzy as Izzy continues to stare over the calm water, “I just wanted to catch up with you and maybe I could get some rest before going. Please?”

“Fine, you can stay for the night,” Izzy says as he turns his gaze from the sea, “but it can only be for one night.”

“Thank you-”

Izzy cuts the man off before he could finish, “we need to hide you from the crew.”

The two turn to face towards the deck and see a large man with white hair and tattoo stars on the side of his face standing and looking straight at them. “I’m sorry to interrupt, I thought I heard a noise,” the large man says mainly to Izzy, “and I guess I was right. Hey, I’m Wee John.” Wee John reaches his hand forward, offering the man a handshake.

The unknown man lifts up his hand, accepting the handshake, “hello, I’m Lorne. Izzy here is my uncle,” he says with an innocent smile, weakly waving his free hand towards Izzy.

“Shit, I didn’t know Izzy had any family,” Wee John replies.

Izzy grows furious with every passing second.

Lorne glances to look at Izzy's face realizing the mistake he made, he adds, “hey, could you do me a favor and don’t tell anyone I’m here? Especially not your captain.”

Wee John looks down to the floor while replying, “Oh well, you see, usually we try not to keep secrets as a crew. It’s just a general rule,” he says trailing off.

Izzy whispers “fuck” under his breath.

Wee John looks back up at Izzy then he looks over at Lorne then back at Izzy, “‘but for Izzy I guess I could try and make an exception, just this once.”

“Ah! Thank you, Wee John, that means a lot!” Lorne says a little louder than he planned to.

Early the next day, Roach, Lucius, Wee John, and Frenchie are standing on the main deck of the Revenge staring at the small boat that Lorne arrived on, still tied to the side of the ship.

Roach speaks up, “yeah, I really don’t think that was there yesterday.”

“We would have remembered having a boat there, right, guys,” Frenchie questions.

Wee John’s eyes shoot around erratically, “I don’t know, guys, I think we always had a boat there.”

“No, no, this boat was definitely not here yesterday,” Lucius disagrees, waving his pointer finger at the boat, “this doesn't even look like one of our boats. So where did it come from,” he asks mainly to himself.

“I think- I think I remember it clearly now. It has always been there,” Wee John adds nervously.

A raspy voice comes from behind the group, “the owner of that vessel was dealt with so you sorry lot don’t have to worry about it,” the group jumps in surprise, turning to face Izzy, “and now we even got a free boat out of it,” he says with an unsettling smile as he takes a sip from a mostly full alcohol bottle. The group looked at each other and some let out a cautioned chuckle, not knowing if he meant it as a joke or not.

Izzy walks away first, then the rest of the group until it is just Lucius. He pushes his eyebrows together, talking to himself, “yeah maybe or,” he pauses, “you’re hiding something.” He flicks his eyes in the direction of where Izzy walked, “very sus.”

Lucius knows he can’t just follow Izzy around, he would get caught too easily, instead he studies where Izzy comes from and sneaks in after he leaves. For half a day it’s a bust until Izzy leaves out of the kitchen down the hall. Lucius rushes in after it’s clear, he tries to sneak even so Roach is in there preparing for dinner. “Ah! Roach! What- what are you doing here?”

Roach, waving his hand that just so happens to be holding a knife, “I work here.”

“Yeah, of course,” Lucius says, trying to play it cool.

“What are you doing here? Sneaking around.”

“Well actually I’m here because- oh fuck it,” Lucius says dropping his act, “what was Izzy doing in here?”

“Oh, that. Yeah, he has been coming in and getting extra food. It’s a little odd but I think it’s because I have been putting this new spice I got on everything and I think he really enjoys it,” Roach says beaming. He continues to talk about the newly added spice despite Lucius not listening.

“Yeah that's probably it,” Lucius says, trying to be encouraging of his friend but clearly still thinking of Izzy. He leaves the kitchen planning to find where Izzy went next.

Lucius camps out near Izzy’s room and catches him leaving with an empty food tray. After Izzy is out of sight, Lucius jumps up and rushes to the door. Opening it just enough to slip in before quickly shutting it. He turns to look around the dimly lit room when he sees a man. Lucius lets out a scream, as he grabs his chest, “Oh My Fucking God! After regaining his composure and his eyes adjusted to the mostly darkened room, Lucius studies the man’s face. Lucius’s face relaxes, “oh. my. god.” drops out of his mouth, “oh my god. It’s you! Is it you? You look so different.”

The man, who has been quiet up til now, says in a wave of emotions, “fucking hell. Lucius? Yeah, yeah, it’s me. Lorne. You’re a pirate now?”

“It’s a long story but this is too perfect. You have to meet Jim,” Lucius turns his head and shouts loudly, ”Jim come here right the fuck now. Quickly!”

After a moment, Jim rushes in ready, prepared for whatever situation could be so important that would make Lucius shout like that but finds nothing to indicate immediate danger beside the stranger who now was standing with Lucius’s arm around them, ”what is it,” Jim asks through their teeth, irritated by the false emergency.

”This is them! He was my beard. Like I said on that beach forever ago when I found your-,” Lucius waves at his fingers around the lower half of his face.

Lorne speaks up, trying to understand anything that Lucius just said, “What? I was your what?”

While still looking at Jim, Lucius replies to Lorne, “Doesn’t matter, it was a whole thing. I can explain it later.”

Jim stares at the unknown man for awhile then shoots their eyes at Lucius, making an expression as to say, “how the fuck did this person make you look like you were into girls ?”

Lucius takes a half step back from Lorne and turns to look at him. Lorne, the person who has curly sideburns that lead into facial hair stubble from not shaving in a few days, whose shoulders are wide, whose voice is deep and a bit gravelly. “Ok well yes but— hear me out— he didn’t exactly look like this before, he was smoothed faced and his body was.. different. He used to have a very obscenely large pair of breasts.”

Lorne agrees, largely nodding, “yeah, that’s true.”

Wee John rushes into the small room to help with the emergency. He sees Lorne then looks at the other two. He’s stunned stiff, not knowing what to do next. He tries to play off any knowledge of Lorne being on the ship, “who would have guessed there was someone who snuck on board.”

“Well I did so,” Lucius says with copious amounts of sass.

In the dining area, most of the crew, minus Captain Stede, Ed and Izzy, are gathered together. The crew are drinking and smiling, having a good time.

“So, you two are also getting married,” Lorne says, lifting his cup as a cheers gesture, “congratulations!”

“Yes, we are! For real. Unlike our little lavender wedding we had,” Lucius says with the ends of his mouth turned up.

Lorne replies overdramatically, “I get it. You hate lavender. Will you ever let that go?”

“Babe, you didn’t tell me you were married before? When was this?” Pete asks as he holds Lucius’s hand.

“It wasn’t a real wedding. The kids were all talking about who out of us wanted to marry who and Lorne and I just did. not. want. that. So we decided to— granted, we may have taken it a little bit too far but— we decided that the best way to make everyone think we liked each other was to act out getting married. Again, we were kids so it wasn’t in any way an actual wedding but Lorne chose lavender for the color even so I explicitly said I didn’t want that. Not because lavender isn’t a fine color but because I knew he would go overboard with it. Which he did, by the way,” Lucius says pointing for emphasis at nothing in particular.

“Ok well great, now that you’re actually getting married, you can pick any color you want, and have as much of it as you want, so you can forget and move the fuck on from lavender,” Lorne aggressively jokes back.

“Dude, why haven’t you ever told us about your friendship with Lorne before,” Oluwande asks.

Lucius inhales, “We weren’t really ‘friends’ mainly we only hung out when we needed others to think we were together or into each other or whatever. But we didn’t like ‘know’ each other. That sounds bad but- well, he wasn’t the most cheerful kid to say the least,” Lucius pulls a face of regret, “that sounds worse. I meant I didn’t even know he HAD an uncle, let alone that uncle was Izzy. Plus, I only know he was, well, ‘him’ because I happened to run into him the day he started working on some shipment boat or something.” Lucius decides to try to move past his social blunder and adds, “well, anyways, Lorne, you look so good.”

It seems like everyone in the room is painfully aware of Lucius’s awkwardness except for Lorne himself, “Yeah! I’m doing a lot better for myself. Left that hell hole, well obviously you knew that, and I traveled the world. I got to transform myself in my own image. And I really liked getting to travel because I got to meet so many amazing people and hear their stories. However, I did realize I don’t like the trading world as much as I liked listening to others telling me their tales. I loved them so much I even started writing them down. All of them. True stories, fake stories, locals or travelers, first or second hand accounts, it didn’t matter. I love to document them all. So anyways, one day pirates attack, right? And they killed or mutilated most of the crew but me. I don’t know why, maybe because I’m so fucking charismatic, or maybe it’s because they knew I wasn’t a threat because I can’t fight to save anyone’s life, but eitherway they made me their prisoner which I have to admit sucked but I heard even more amazing stories. And this time from pirates. So I sailed with them for a while, got a few of these cool tattoos,” Lorne said, rotating his arm to show the few tattoos across his body that the crew can see, “but then the crew started to fight within themself and, long story semi short, I ended up at a place called, Spanish Jackie’s? Do y’all know that place, it’s on The Republic of Pirates?”

Multiple of the crew answered with a range of agreements, “Yes.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Too well.”

“Love that place.”

“Ok great so I ended up living there for a while as a prisoner in that tiny jail cell in the corner of the room. And yeah, sometimes the customers would be.. rude. You know, trying to stab me, burn me, torture me, make me eat posion— luckily it was just a tomato— you know, the typical. The jail bars helped keep them away. But more importantly, some of them told me the most mind boggling stories. I wrote down books worth of them. Plus, I want to add, Jackie gave me food, water, shelter so a special thank you to her. Also she’s so fucking gorgeous. Anyways, then I got released and was making my way back home by any ship that happened to be going that way that would take me. Through my journey I heard stories about Blackbeard’s crew and the recent events pertaining to the crew. And to my horror, when I finally did make it home there was no new letters from my uncle Izzy so I instantly started tracking Blackbeard’s crimes and,” spilling some of his drink as he throws his hands in the air, smiling ear to ear, “here I am.” Lorne points at Fang, “see, I expected to see Fang here but Lucius- now he was a surprise.”

“Wait now, how do you two know each other?” Frenchie asks, waving his hand indicating he’s talking to Fang and Lorne.

Fang and Lorne look at eachother, Lorne nods to Fang to say he can answer for them, “back in the day, we would dock at this one port town and Izzy would take some time ‘for himself’ which the whole crew all found very odd til one day I accidentally saw him, he was walking away from this kid. I have never seen a kid look so miserable. Down to their core. I mean Miserable. Obviously I thought Izzy did that to them so I went over to apologize. That’s when I learned this kid looked up to Izzy. Calling him uncle and shit. This kid turned to look at me with the most hopeless looking pair of eyes and asked if I was also a pirate. When I said yes, a spark sparked in their eyes. And this kid asked me questions until it got dark. Then whenever we docked in that town we would continue our chats,” Fang said, smiling at the old memories.

“I idealized the thought of becoming a pirate and the freedom it would give me. My home life growing up was shit. That freedom was the only thing holding me onto life,” Lorne says oddly chipper for such a dark sentiment, “but Izzy talked me out of becoming a pirate. Told me I should try to find a way I could be free without all the unnecessary dangers. Which, to be fair, he was right but I’m not about to admit that to his face. However, Fang here, he was the one who helped me learn about my uncle Izzy and how to read between the lines of his stories because, god forbid, uncle Izzy ever shares something about himself or what he’s been through.”

The crew continues to drink. The conversation changes to the crafts Wee John has been making.

Wee John holding two wooden sticks crafted to be pointed on one side each, “so yeah it’s basically a fancy rope knot but it’s not with rope and you wear them.”

Clearly very intrigued by the concept, Lorne says, “that’s so cool!”

“Thank you, I don’t want to give too much away but I may have made some hats for the whole crew,” Wee John says a bit shyly.

The crew members all perk up in excitement. Some ask what color they will get and others ask if they can have theirs now.

Lorne, taking the opportunity of the subject of crafts, turns his eyes to Lucius, “you still draw?”

Lucius quickly pulls his drink from his lips. “Don’t,” he commands.

“Come on babe, don’t be shy. Of course he still does. He’s extremely talented,” Pete says bragging about his talented loved one.

“Oh, I know, he is. I have one of his earliest works,” Lorne smiles a small yet devilish smile, staring right into Lucius’s eyes.

“Stop. I’m serious,” Lucius says in an irritated tone but with a hint of a smile.

“I just wish I knew I was going to run into you, if I did I would have brought it with me.”

“Thank god, he doesn't have it,” Lucius says, aimed at the universe, into his cup.

“Of course I don't have it, I didn’t want to damage it so I hung it up at my bookshop— did I tell you I have a bookshop now? Well I have one and your drawing is right where everyone can see it,” Lorne says not even trying to hide his smile anymore, “but don’t worry Lucius, you signed it so everyone that looks at it knows it’s one of your masterpieces.”

Lucius continues to look at Lorne but speaks towards Pete, “babe.”

“Yeah, babe?” Black Pete answers with a confused expression.

“Do me a favor?”

“Anything.”

“Kill me now.”

“It can’t be that bad,” Pete says, a little caught off guard.

Lorne nods, finishing the last sip of his drink, “oh it can be.”

“It so is,” Lucius says, turning to look at Pete, defeated.

The crew hear someone clearing their throat to get their attention from the doorway to the hall. The room grows cold as everyone turns to see Izzy Hands standing there. His eyes only set on Lorne. “Everyone leave,” everyone including Lorne stands up, “not you.” Lorne sits back down. Izzy only leaves the doorway after clearly stating to the other crew members, “Blackbeard and Stede will not hear of this, under-fucking-stood?”

The rest of the crew agrees as they individually pass by Izzy.

As the last person disappears down the hallway, Izzy spits out the word, “twats,” at the mostly empty room.

Izzy locks his sights back on Lorne but Lorne is the one to break the silence, “Lucius found me. I didn’t-”

“That doesn’t matter,” Izzy says, pausing for a beat in between every sentence. “I told you to keep your head down. That was for your own safety.” He walks over to the seat next to Lorne, sitting facing parallel to him, neither looking at each other anymore, “you know what the previous captain of this ship is capable of,” he says alluding to the long list of crimes committed by Blackbeard but involuntarily his hand tightens around his thigh connected to his prosthetic leg. His words now strained with frustration, “yet you decided to be so foolish as to not stay hidden.”

The room falls completely silent but feels just as loud as it had been moments ago when the whole crew was gathered around drinking.

Lorne broke the silence once again, “The reason I came looking for you was to tell you I am getting married. I met them when traveling home. To see if you had written. They run a small, but gorgeous, bookshop. And they-”

“You can do better,” Izzy said with an edge.

Lorne looks towards the floor while speaking, “you don’t even know them. They really are amazing. You’d hate them. They are so happy— not that they never seen hardship— but, I swear, even on our worst days we make eachother smile, somehow,” Lorne says, smiling like a fool. “I- I even been thinking of joining them running the bookshop, getting away from being at sea,” Lorne's voice anxiously breaks.

Silence.

Lorne continues, “we even put up some of the stories I documented on the shelves. They aren't for sale but people really seem to love them. I have actually been thinking of trying to print some to sell. In the future.” Lorne pauses for a second before adding, “isn’t that nice?”

“You don’t honestly want that,” Izzy dismisses while shaking his head.

Lorne turns to face Izzy despite Izzy still looking away, “I do. I really do. And I know you aren’t really my uncle but I would like— if you want to— I would like it if you were there. Only if you want to be there. You know, when I get married.”

Izzy shushes Lorne. In the silence they hear a faint bell jiggle accompanied by footsteps coming from the deck above them moving closer towards the dining area. Within a second, Izzy stands up and forcefully ushers Lorne to a secret door in one of the dining room walls opposite of the kitchen. In a very low whisper, “do not leave this room until I tell you,” he orders Lorne.

Before Lorne could even process Izzy’s command, Izzy closes the door, trapping Lorne in the completely dark room. Lorne can’t tell what’s in the room, if anything. He doesn’t even know where the walls are but he doesn’t want to move in case he accidentally makes a noise. He stands there frozen.

Back in the dining room, Izzy quickly returns to a chair trying to act as if nothing is off. A long haired man with a short salt and pepper beard wearing an all-tan uncomfortable-looking outfit with a belled collar around his neck barrels down the stairs, ‘“Yo Izzy, there’s a huge ship near us so we’re gonna go raid it,” the man, Edward Teach aka Blackbeard, gleefully asks, “you in?”

Izzy empties the cup he had been using to look as if he was sitting for a while then with a thud places the cup back on the table. He stands up and walks right past Ed like he wasn’t even there.

“Ok, rude. You don’t have to be a dick,” Ed says to the empty room, thinking no one could hear him, “but I guess I deserved that,” before going back up the ladder.

Lorne, finally feeling relaxed enough to move, tries to look around. He strains his eyes, compensating to see in the overwhelming darkness. He’s able to make out the walls of the small rectangular shaped room and a bench running across the long side of it. He takes a seat. He hears the familiar sound of battle: swords clashing, guns firing, people dying, while others scream in agonizing pain. He waits. The battle dies down. Still waiting. Waiting for Izzy to return. He grows bored in the small closed off room. But then that boredom starts turning to anxiety as Izzy doesn’t return. Lorne thinks about disobeying his uncle for the second time in one day by finding a way out. His thoughts get interrupted by the hidden door opening. The light flooding the dark room. Lorne turns away from the door, the light too bright to look at. He realizes it isn’t Izzy who walks in.

The person who walks in is Frenchie, a fairly tall man with dark curly hair and a short beard. Frenchie turns into the room after pulling the door closed then upon seeing Lorne jumps back while drawing a dagger from his body. Once he recognizes it is just Lorne, he puts his dagger back. He lets out a faint laugh, “I didn’t see you there. And well I, uh, didn’t know anyone else knew about this place,” he says standing in his naturally semi-awkward manner, “I’ll just leave.”

Lorne quickly stops Frenchie, “no, you can stay. I was just told by Izzy to hide here til he gets back. But he’s not back. Not yet. Do you know if he’s ok?”

“Yeah, yeah. He’s fine. I just saw him on deck with the others,” Frenchie replies, pointing up at the ceiling towards the main deck, “but I can still go if you want. Uh, I’m here to get away from Stede and Ed— well not them— mainly to get away from the noise of that bell. It’s driving me insane. Always ringing.”

Meanwhile in the captain's quarters, Stede and Edward are not —fucking nasty style— doing anything inherently dirty however most of the crew are fooled by the relentless ringing of the bell around Ed’s neck.

In the hidden room, Frenchie turns to leave through the same secret door he came in. Lorne is about to call him back because he doesn’t want to be alone for any longer but before he could Frenchie turns back and sits down next to Lorne, “actually, I have a question. If that’s fine with you, of course?”

“Shoot,” Lorne doesn’t notice that Frenchie flinches a little.

Frenchie quickly moves past his feelings, “how would you get them to stop, doing that. Well not stop ‘doing that.’ It’s not a bad thing. I just don’t want to hear it. But I don't even know how to talk to the others about talking about it with the captain and Blackbeard. We all been pretending we don’t hear them fornicating,” French says when playing with the edge of his sleeve, “what do you think?”

“Oh. Well. Ok. Yeah. Ah, I guess I would say; for one be open. Honest. You can’t just continue to hide it away behind a door, pretending it doesn’t bother you. It will only make it fester. Even if you just open up to one person, that’s a great start,” Lorne says to Frenchie but unbeknownst to both of them Izzy had started listening in on their conversation through the wall.

Izzy opens the hidden door from the dining room, paying no mind to Frenchie, he says to Lorne, “Blackbeard and the Captain are preoccupied at the moment so fuck off back to my room. You are leaving this ship tonight.”

“Yep, ok,” Lorne says getting up, “bye Frenchie lovely to have met you,” they exchange a wave before Lorne walks back to Izzy’s room.

Hundreds of bright stars surround the thin crescent moon shining in the clear sky. Izzy and Lorne are talking next to the railing at the helm on the highest deck of the ship.

Lorne says while facing Izzy, “don’t forget you’re still invited to my wedding.”

Izzy looks out over the calm ocean glistening from the reflections of the sky, “you really care for them?”

“I really do.”

“You think they are serious about you,” Izzy asks with an almost accusatory tone.

“I know they are,” Lorne answers. He couldn’t help but smile when thinking about his soon to be spouse.

In a beat of silence the sound of Ed’s bell rings out from the flooring above the captain’s chamber.

Lorne looks out into the ocean, “I think it’s you that deserves better.” Lorne doesn’t know if he should push the topic but he decides to; speaking softly, he adds, “I remember when you would sing to me because I was crying my fucking eyeballs out,” Lorne exhales deeply, “where is my uncle that had a shred of true— happiness? contentment? I don’t even fucking know— Where did it go? I’m not blaming you. I just hate to see you like this. A husk of your former self. You gave me a reason to continue,” Lorne swallows, trying not to get emotional, “I’m sorry. I just- I just hope you didn’t lose yourself to the shark. Like it took your leg,” Lorne realizes he went too far, tries to reel it in, “I like your leg, by the way, if I didn’t mention it already. It’s really beautiful.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Izzy replies as he rotates his prosthetic leg, “the guy I took it from wasn’t using it anymore, I made sure of that.” The men stand in silent thought as they both stare into the sea. “Are you serious about giving away your life at sea?”

Lorne nods, “you were right. I could find somewhere I belong and people to belong with without the dangers of the sea.”

Izzy turns away from the ocean, turning to face Lorne, “ok. I’ll be there.”

Lorne quickly turns to look at his uncle Izzy, “really?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Izzy says in a low raspy voice as he moves to hug Lorne.

“Goodbye, uncle Izzy,” Lorne says before releasing Izzy from the hug. Lorne walks down the stairs to the main deck. As he crosses the ship to his boat he says goodbye and waves to each of the crew members. A chorus of farewells are said by the crew as Lorne walks by.

“Goodbye, mate,” Archie says as she nods once to Lorne.

“Great to have met you,” says Jim.

“It’s weird having one of these that isn’t a walk of shame,” Wee John says to Oluwande who’s standing next to him.

Frenchie chimes in, “hope to see you again one day.”

Roach holds up a paper wrapped rectangle, “here’s a sandwich of your journey.”

Lorne grabs the sandwich giving the chief a special thanks. Then he walks in front of Fang, they hug as Fang wishes him safe travels home but before stepping out of the embrace Lorne quietly says to Fang, “I heard yall gave uncle Izzy his new leg. Thank you all for that.”

Fang is taken back, “he actually told you that?”

Lorne exhales hard from his nose as if to laugh, “god no. But I know what he meant. Thank you for looking after him.” Fang and Lorne nod to each other as a last goodbye. Lorne climbs into the small boat he arrived on and waves to the crew on the large ship next to him one more time before rowing off.

The sweet moment was cut short by the ringing of Ed’s collar becoming louder and faster pace. The crew stand awkwardly as to pretend to to notice it till Jim snaps, “that’s it! I changed my fucking mind. No more probation. He can take that fucking bell off.”

The ringing stops dead, the crew exchange looks but don’t have time to react before Stede and Edward walk out from the doorway leading to the captain's chamber. Stede, who is the first one through the door, “hey, what is everyone doing up at this hour?”

The crew members stare at the two men until all at once they start saying that Ed’s punishment is over and he doesn’t need to wear the bell anymore. The two captains look at each other, confused by the sudden turn of opinions. Stede raises one of his eyebrows up to relay his confusion to Ed.

Edward turns his head back towards the crew, “Well, it’s up to the crew, what you say goes.”

Stede asks, still shocked, “are you sure? I don’t want anyone to feel pressured into anything too quickly,” he scans the crew's faces, stopping at Lucius, “Lucius, you agreed to this, too?”

“Yes! God yes,” Lucius agrees, grabbing the bridge of his nose with his hand that’s holding a lit cigarette.

Black Pete chimes in, “even I got sick of hearing that fucking bell.”

Ed and Stede both pull a face not understanding what Black Pete is alluding to but Stede decides to move past it, “see Ed, they trust you again already! I told you it wouldn’t take long.”

“If you all say so,” Ed says while lifting his hands to his collar before dropping his hands a bit, “but I have to say I really started to like it,” he wiggles his head side to side to make the bell ring.

“Take it off!” The whole crew shouts.

“Ok, ok, fucking hell, you don’t need to yell,” Ed says widening his eyes in sass as he unclasps his collar. He rolls his neck a few times, finally free from the collar.

The rest of the crew head off to bed, leaving Stede and Ed alone, they return to the captain’s chamber. Stede closes the door behind them, “does that mean we’re co-captains again?”

“I guess so, mate,” Ed replies.

[rockthistowninsideout]

Oi, a tag game again! Thank you @tangledupblue for tagging me!

Hot or cold shower. Does warm count as hot? Because my shower's pretty much set in the middle.

Texting or calling: I usually use calls with my family and text with my friends but sometimes there's too much to say to them for a text.

Earbuds or headphones: Atm it's only earbuds because I broke my headphones (though I'm pretty confident I can fix them). Also earbuds when at work because I can listen to music in one ear and still be aware of my surroundings.

Paperback or hardcover: Paperback. They might not look as impressive but they're cheaper and lighter to carry around. Though if it's a book I'm highly anticipating I sometimes can't bring myself to wait for the paperback to be released.

Matte or gel: Matte on both lipstick and nail polish.

12 hr clock or 24 clock: 24 in my native tongue and 12 when I'm speaking English.

Blue or green: Blue

Sunsets or sunrises: Never up early enough to catch sunrises so sunsets it is. Though I when I do see a sunrise it's extra special.

Tulips or orchids: TULIPS! They are my favourite flowers of all time and it's a pity that they're not in season when my birthday comes around.

Candlelight or moonlight: Moonlight! Makes me feel magical and I also usually converse with the moon when it's full, make wishes etc.

Sci-Fi or horror: I hate horror and there are so many sci-fi flavours.

Pen or pencil: Pen though I haven't used one in a while.

Pandas or koalas: Koalas.

Gold or silver: I think silver suits me best and it also has this "underdog" vibe to it.

Sneakers or boots: Depends on the season really. Boots are more rock and sneakers more skater style.

Denim or leather jacket: I have a really cool denim jacket with lots of patches and pins but I'd also love to have a leather jacket again.

Pink or purple: Purple. It's my character's favourite colour in our ttrpg campaign. She even has purple hair!

Choco or sour candy: Chocolate🍫

Deodorant or perfume: Deo. I used to have some Balenciaga perfume but I don't know where that went to.

Drive-in theatre or cinema: We don't really have drive-ins around here but I also hardly go to the "classic" cinema.

Pastel blue or earth tones: Pastel blue. Not really one for earth tones.

Lemonade or fruit juice: Lemonade.

Past or future: Future. It can (hopefully) only get better.

Tumblr won't let me tag the people I want so please take this as your invitation to do it!

[zenosanalytic]

Paintbrush, PlasGlue, and Holy Clippers: Elf Rangers: Day 3: Belatedly

Yesterday was pretty chill and I actually got allot of painting done but also... I forgot to take the time to write a post -_- So I might be writing two today, tho today's going to be a bit Busy for me, so we'll see :p :p

Ok: so today(yesterday) was Metallics Day, but also I wasn't completely satisfied with how the bow was looking so I decided to paint the interior of it in a darker beige/ivory, Ushabti bone, hoping the contrast this creates would trick the eye into seeing the bow more sharply, and also did a second coat of Morghast on the strings while I was at it, and then I decided the bow-interior needed to be EVEN DARKER, so I painted it with Morghast too. I did that first because the metal flake in metallics doesn't play nice with non-metallic paints.

The metallics I decided on were Brass for the armor bits, Steel for the sword and arrowheads, and gold for Accents; crossguards, buckles, etc. And, for edification, here's where the Rangers stood at the start of the day

The sculpt issue continued to be An Issue, making it difficult to get full coverage, but I mostly got there in the end. I also decided metallic hairbands at the forehead would look good and draw the eye, so I painted those in; gold for Archer and Silver for Handbow. After painting the metallics and giving them time to dry I decided to do some touchup before shading. Also I wanted to cover the greenstuff I'd used to fill gaps as much as I could but the contrasts just weren't thick enough for it, so I mixed some mournfang with Cadian Flesh to approximate the skintone Guilliman creates and painted those areas with that. Here's the touchup paints used and what the rangers looked like when I broke for lunch. OH! Also I'd forgotten to paint the fletching on Archer's knocked arrow previously, so i did that too

the gamestore had some Army Painter wet palettes for sale so after lunch I figured I'd go over there and buy one to see how it impacted things. Here's what it looks like

It was $30 and it's absolutely worth it; it's a HUGE improvement over the homebrew method, making a huge different in paint control and how sharp I could get my brush. And the setup was actually real easy; there's a foam pad you soak, then a paper sheet you set on that, wet, and press smooth(they rec using a squeegee but... who has such a small squeegee???)

With the added control the palette gave me, I was able to paint in all the little bits the sculpt had made difficult previously, which pushed the shading back about another hour. AND THEN I finally got to shading.

I didn't get through all of these since you've got to wait 45 mins btwn applications, and also I had to stop ~3 to order+eat dinner. I wanted to darken the emerald a bit so I went for a dark green wash(Coelia) for that; Fleshshade for the skin, Handbow's leather, the brass and gold, and the exterior tyrian wrap; and Bloodshade for the interior of the tyiran wrap to give it a darker, shadowed look. I used the orange wash on Archer hoping it's lighten her hair up a bit, and the blue on Hadbow's hoping to get that slight blue tinge I'm looking for. Here's how that all looked in the evening when I finally called it a day

They're really coming together! Doesn't look like my plan for the slightly blue hair worked though |:T |:T |:T I think I'll try using a blue contrast paint and see what that does.

Ok so: Tomorrow(today) I'm going to finish the shading, probably add an even lighter yellow shade to Archer's hair to see what that does, and then, if I have time, move on to highlighting ovo Seeya then ^v^ ^v^

[smol-tired-binch-blog]

Demonverse District Colour Palettes

By this I mean the colours associated with each Sin/District. Obviously this doesn't mean you like, can't wear a colour in a certain district, but it's moreso there's recurring themes (plus I like colour coding lol)

Pride: White, Yellow, Gold

I feel like these are very bright and regal colours. Naturally it's a District full of people who take, well, pride in their appearances, so I can imagine it being filled with very proud, majestic buildings. Red and purple are also not uncommon accent colours (purple having royal associations and red being very striking, and matches its Viceroy and King, Lucifer)

Greed: Black, Yellow, Gold

Now, this is fun, cause I feel like it'd be very similar to Pride with the love of gold, but I like the black as being more striking, or at least a different type. As it's full of people with expensive tastes, this District is luxuriously decorated on the surface, but most quickly run out of money as they spend it as recklessly as they did in life but forget they have no way of accumulating it back. Very much a facade of beauty but underlying sense of things crumbling, falling apart. Still has its own magnificence in a way, but less so than Pride. Purple is also favoured as an accent colour (again, royal colour), but they prefer green to red.

Gluttony: Red, Rainbow

Yep, I'm cheating with this one. Red is UNDOUBTEDLY a favoured colour; the colour of wine, of fruits, of meat, of blood. However, food comes in a variety of forms and flavours, and therefore, colours. Blue might be the least common colour, along with orange, but honestly, every colour is here (with the amount of candy themed demons I make, pastel pinks and purples and blues and yellows tend to be fairly common). Bright jewel tones are favoured, deep rich colours, but as said, anything goes, really.

Lust: Purple, Pink, Red

"I always knew, I always said / That silk and lace in black and red / will drive a man right off his head". That's from Bring On The Men from the Jekyll and Hyde musical, and it's true! We all know red and black is the sexiest colour combination, but black looks good with everything, and it's VERY damn sexy to pair with purple and/or pink. Mix and match these lovely colours for some great looks really! Yeah, these are simply the sexiest, most passionate colours I can think of that gets the mood across. Nothing like a dark room lit only by garish purple neon or dimmed pink lights, is there? Yes These Are My Favourite Colours Other Than Blue Why Do You Ask

Sloth: Blue, Teal, Silver

Sloth's a fun one because it's overall a very dreamy, slumber-esque place. Much softer colours here in contrast to the louder, brighter Districts. Soft yellows and white also tends to be common accent colours, but there is a heavy emphasis on starry night skies, soft beds, slumberous vibe to the place. Funnily enough, though, Hellborns from this District tend to be the busiest and hardest workers. Guess it's Belphegor's influence. Most people around here end up being sent to work elsewhere (ironic punishment for laziness I suppose), no wonder they're knackered and just wanna sleep when they return home. Beautiful place, though. Try not to let it lull you into a false sense of security.

Wrath: Orange, Red, Black

The most 'classic' Hell imagery. It's the hottest District filled with equally hot-headed people, many of them decked out in leather, even though that probably doesn't help with the heat, which probably makes them EXTRA cranky. Ah well, it's Hell for a reason, right? The roughest place, not one you want to brave alone if you like your limbs exactly where they are.

Envy: Green, Teal, Grey

I say green is one of the most common colours, as obvious as that may be, but it's true. However, teal, grey, even blue and black are favoured highly. In fact a lot of people are sick of the colour green (seriously I promise you you are NOT the first person to say 'green eyed monster' to them). In contrast with Wrath, it's the coldest District, and also the smallest, but also one of the roughest and meanest. The people are cold, defensive, and hostile to others, and it's dreary colour palette reflects that. Similar to Sloth's, but cold rather than comforting. Still, there's probably some strange beauty to be found here, like how the wet, slick streets of Great Yharnam and the Fishing Hamlet from Bloodborne communicate a dead place that's still, somehow, teaming with life.

[sumeru-academy]

Material world.

synopsis: after going on double dates to exploit for gifts, yelan finds herself falling in love with you, her best friend

character(s): yelan.

warning(s): friends to lovers, double dates and terrorizing men, don’t take it too seriously, it’s not targeting everyone.

note(s): female reader, no use of y/n, reader’s exact sexuality is unspecified but she is interested in women.

i had way too much fun writing this. also happy elysia day. :)

⎯⎯mod alice 🦋

"Aw, rich boy! Is that for me?"

With a faux gasp of surprise she knew all too well, you slipped a golden earpiece right through your earlobe and clipped it onto your helix. She thought it was a gorgeous piece on you, and perhaps the men did, too—the way its chain dangled so delicately between your hair strands. 

But Yelan swore she admired it much more than they did, though she wasn't even the one who got it for you. 

Your date, who she couldn't remember the name of—well, let's just call him Man #1—was a wealthy man. Big Liyuean company. Financial manager. High class citizen. 

And, a total degenerate for women. 

Yelan had a good eye for prices. That dainty little accessory hanging off your ear was probably worth her own total salary in a week, which was hefty, to say the least. She found herself almost smiling in delight at the thought of you receiving such a gift from this man. She eyed you so fondly, in fact, that it almost seemed like she wasn't also on a date herself. 

Her own date—who we'll call Man #2—sat at her side, watching as she aww'ed over you. If she knew any better, then she'd realize that he was holding a gift box of his own, one he wanted to give to her. 

Instead, she stared at you with a sort-of dumb smile that Man #2 couldn't quite describe, though it was quite clear that he was not the object of her attention. She paid him no mind as she fawned over you instead, so it should've been more than obvious to him that she wasn't really interested in their date. 

But men like these two were terrible at picking up hints, weren't they?

"Yelan..." Man #2 stuttered. When she clearly didn't hear him (or, was much too focused on you to even hear anything), he repeated himself but louder this time, albeit shaky. "Y... Yelan...!" 

"Huh?" 

She seemed annoyed at first glance—because who dared to interrupt whatever she was doing? Actually, it seemed like she even forgot he was even there. And how absurd, what would they call a gold digger who forgets her own date! Though, he supposed it was different since it was not his gift in which she was getting distracted by. 

"Oh, it's just you," she waved off rather dismissively. "What did you want?" 

"I... um..." With shaky fingers, Man #2 uncovered a box in his sweaty hands. It was designed with a diamond-shaped leather pattern, not to mention dyed  a luxurious-looking dark green. The packaging itself was expensive—one could only imagine the contents of the inside. "I thought you might like this..." 

Man #2 let out a sheepish laugh, worried that his gift might be tasteless compared to the one Man #1 gave you despite the earpiece being less expensive. 

Were you and Yelan the type of women to value design or the price tag more? He had no idea. 

You gasped when he opened the lid, a beautiful silver bling dazzling against the light. The necklace was positively stunning, and both you and your date looked impressed. Man #2 felt relieved at your reactions, though he unfortunately could not say the same about his own date. Yelan... didn't seem to react yet. Blank stare, straight faced. 

Silver...

She pondered the necklace quite carefully. It was beautiful—wildly expensive, even. With the sapphire in the middle, it was clear that Man #2 took the time to pick one so tasteful—one that complimented the blue of her eyes and her aesthetic so well. But all she could think was... 

Will this look good on her?

Yelan thought about the gift you just got from your date. 

No, but the gold earpiece fit her so well. This one doesn't match.

"Hm, is there a gold version of this?" 

You gasped, "Yelan!" 

Upon hearing the panic in your voice, she immediately snapped out of her little daze and turned back to look at you. Your eyes were trained in a slight glare as if telling her "Watch your words." She didn't like it when you were upset with her. 

After mouthing a small sorry, Yelan turned back to her date and said, "I mean, wouldn't a fully gold version be much cheaper? Please, you shouldn’t have gotten me silver and this gorgeous sapphire—oh, you're far too kind!" Her hand pressed against her chest quite dramatically as she spoke, as if his gift meant the world to her... or... something like that. 

Man #2's shoulder's seemed to completely relax at her (totally faked) reaction. Though, she supposed that even if she said it sarcastically, this man still would've believed it. 

"Oh, there's no need, Yelan!" He spoke so frantically and breathlessly. She almost recoiled in reaction. "You're so pretty, I went through all the jewelers in Liyue to find something that can match your beauty! Did you know that very few sell sapphires? This shape is actually called a princess cut, and I thought that—"

She forgot that these types of men always gave too much information.

You both laughed into the night, walking home alone together in the countryside. 

"I could've totally guilt-tripped him into exchanging it for something more a more fitting color."

"But then we'd have to see him again!" you scolded through your laughter. 

"Ugh, that's true." 

Sharing a home with you was a luxury Yelan held dearly, like it was her one true treasure. Sure, you were roommates under the relationship as "best friends," but she could live with it. 

As long as she still got to do this—got to walk with you home in the dead of night, marveling over your expensive gifts from the men you just ditched together—then she'll have it no other way. Even if it meant she would never confess her feelings for you. 

"Want the ear piece?" you offered, pointing at the gold accessory that was still dangling from your ear. "I saw you eyeing it earlier." 

"You don't want it?" she asked a bit incredulously. And when you shrugged in indifference, she said, "But it looks good on you." 

"I'll keep it if you say so, and if you don't want it." She shook her head; you only smiled at her. "As for the necklace you got, did you say you wanted it in gold instead? We can try trading tomorrow." 

Yelan moved her hand to touch the jewelry at her neck, though she felt quite uncomfortable. "Nah, I'd rather we just sell it." There was no use if it didn't look good on you, too. "I don't think I'm in any need of necklaces right now. Plus, we can totally market this for a high price and use that money to buy more stuff for ourselves. What do you think?" 

"I always love you and your brilliance."

That shouldn't have affected her as much as it did. "I always love you." Sure there was a second part to what you said, but she already tripped at the first. If you only loved her ideas, you wouldn't have mentioned that you loved her first, right? Did you deliberately word it like this? Were you trying to make her react this way? Were your words only in a platonic sense?

Did you even think about her as much as she thought about you?

She hated this. Why in the world was she overthinking a set of four words? 

"So let's head down to the market in the morning, then?" Yelan offered, trying to keep her voice leveled and cool. "If we play our bargaining skills well enough, then maybe we can get something cute to match your new earpiece." 

"Aw, but I'd rather we pick out something for you." 

Why did you always have to care for her in a way that made her heart explode? 

You continued, "Because it's unfair if I got something for myself, but you didn't get anything at all. So let's trade your necklace for something you like, alright?"

She could only sigh. You were stubborn. So, so stubborn. 

"Alright."

Another night, another set of two men dropped after a date. 

"These men were much cheaper compared to others," Yelan scoffed. She walked with you in disappointment, twirling a pipe around her fingers. How tasteless of a gift... She didn't even smoke! That new man probably got it for her just because he was a heavy smoker himself. 

"Oh, tell me about it," you groaned in agreement. "All I got was perfume and a tiny lipstick? Not even jewelry?"

With a click and a nudge of her arm, the front door to your little house unlocked and opened. The two of you slung inside like any other night—and she supposed this was just routine by now. Find two wealthy men, then seduce them. Convince them to go on a double date, then hint that you'd like gifts. See them at night, then play the act. Promise them you'll meet again, then take their riches. 

Ditch them, then... go home together. 

As best friends.

Yelan shook her head, going back to the topic of your gifts. "A person should know that gifting perfume on the first date connotes that he thinks you smell bad." 

"And now I feel insulted!" you gasped. "Does he really think that?" 

"No, no, he's just a terrible gift giver," your best friend waved off. "He clearly doesn't know the meanings behind gifts if he can't even get you something good." And, you deserve so much more, anyways.

"Hm, you're right," you hummed; and as she sat down on the couch, Yelan couldn't help but stare at how pretty you looked all worried and perplexed. The moonlight spilled through the window and drowned you in its rays, creating quite the shining light on you—an image she found herself staring at much more often than the glimmer of any gold or silver. 

The ocean she's created was one she could not cross, and no lucky dice could possibly pull her towards your grace. 

"And what did you get?" you called out to her, making your way towards a mirror on the other side of your living room. Yelan, still seated on the couch, started at your reflection subconsciously. 

She cockily smirked, "Designer handbag."

"Oh, you lucky fox," you gasped. "Your man was so much better than mine!" 

"Definitely."

You didn't respond, but Yelan heard a little snap! from your direction. It was likely you just opened and closed the little lipstick case. Another little click, and she watched you raise your arm to bring the color to your mouth. 

Dark, pale pink. 

She wasn't sure what it was, but there was something about this specific shade that just didn't suit you. Maybe it was mixed too much with another tone, or not enough of it. But either way, it wasn't quite perfect on you. 

You scoffed towards the mirror, "This doesn't even match me—these rich men really don't know how to pick a lip color, do they?"

"What a waste," Yelan sighed. She slumped on the cushions and closed her eyes, trying to picture a price that would be worthy of a tiny lipstick that was already swatched once—if they could even sell it at all. "We can try handing it off to some secondhand places, like maybe—"

"Here, let's see it on you, instead." 

When she reopened her eyes, you were no longer at the mirror. Instead, you were in front of her—hovering right over her seated form on the couch, actually. The sudden proximity was alarming, and she would've fallen back had it not been for the couch supporting her body. 

"Try... what...?" 

"The lipstick, idiot." 

And in seconds, you leaned down to capture her face in one of your hands, tilting it upwards so she drowned in your gaze. Waves crashed against the pit of her stomach immediately, and it felt like she was suffocating with the way you stood so close to her. She was practically trapped, sinking in your currents—the way you stood in front of her as she sat still, your body placed between her legs. 

Your thumb brushed on her lower lip, pushing it down as you finally pressed the lipstick against her upper lip. And your gaze, God—the way you stated so intently down at her lips made her think of crazy things. Your breath on her skin, your hand on her face... 

She leaned up without thinking and kissed you. 

You backed away immediately on instinct, the lipstick smearing against her cheek. Her lips chased yours for just a moment, but they ultimately connected for only a second until you backed away. 

"Oh, I—"

"Yelan?" 

"Oh, I'm so so sorry." 

She threw her upper body back on the couch, covering her face in her hands in absolute embarrassment. Her face was burning, and her stomach practically dropped in heavy regret from her actions. How could one close moment make her lose control like that? 

"Hey... Hey, look at me," you quietly called to her. But you had to grab her wrists yourself since she would not budge, pulling her hands away from her face. She still turned away from you, however, trying to stay back even as you pulled her closer. 

One of your hands immediately reached out to grab her face again, this time rubbing at the skin of her cheek with your thumb. She supposed you were trying to remove the lipstick that smeared. How embarrassing. 

"If you wanted me to apply the lipstick on you like that, you could've just asked." 

"Pardon?" 

She watched you purse your lips together, rubbing around the lipstick you applied on yourself just minutes ago while you were at the mirror. And then you leaned in, pulling her closer unexpectedly and kissing her once again. 

Only when you began moving your lips against hers, did Yelan realize you were applying your lipstick on her via this kiss. But she couldn't protest, not when this kiss was so sweet and intimate. You were so sensual with her, in a way that exceeded her dreams of you. 

And when you finally backed away, staring down at her lips, she was still dazed. 

"There," you mumbled. Your eyes were locked on her lips which were just on yours a moment ago. She only hoped you were thinking more than just the color, because her own mind was a thunderstorm right now. "It looks good on you. The lipstick shade, keep it for yourself." 

"...Thanks." 

"And let's go on a date tomorrow, yeah? Just the two of us," you told her. She swore she was probably dreaming, and so she shot back snarkily. 

"What, you want me to give you an expensive gift this time?" 

You playfully hit her on the shoulder and laughed, "Yelan!" 

"Sorry, I didn't mean it!" she quickly defended in panic. "But yes, let's... go on a date." 

But as best friends... or...?

"Yelan, we just kissed twice and you're really asking me if we're going as friends? No, I meant it as an actual date." 

Oh. She said that aloud. 

"Just like that?" Yelan blurted. She really couldn't believe it. Would it be rude of her to say she had no idea you were into women? This whole time, double date after double date, she thought you were either into men or just not into dating at all. 

"Yeah?" 

She blinked. And then again. So, you were actually serious. She couldn't really tell what that feeling was in her stomach—whiplash from the sudden revelation, or happy butterflies from the notion that you like her, too? Yelan just shook her head, deciding to forget it for now. 

"Well, then," she sighed. Then she yanked at your arm, pulling you down until you landed right on top of her with a little yelp. Her arms encircled your waist immediately, and you found yourself scrambling to find a comfortable position. 

Yelan leaned in for one more peck, before smiling against your lips, "I guess it's my turn to spoil you better than all those men, hm?"

[sailorhyunjinz]

~ 𝐈𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 ~

𝘞𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 ; chan x fem!reader, bonnie&clyde!au, criminal!au, 60′s!au, bank robbery, heavy use of tobacco, explicit language,weaponry, mentions of infidelity, manipulation, mentions of murder, mentions of reader being smaller than chan, mentions of religious beliefs, authorities, american style!au, death, implied su-cide. 

𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘸 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 ; SMUT!! sex against a wall (lmao good warning there cherry), dom!chan x sub!fem!reader, angry sex, dry humping, degradation, blowjob, face fucking, rough sex, dacryphilia, choking, possessiveness, implied corruption kink, creampie, unprotected sex (be careful plz), piv, clitorial stimulation, orgasm (m/f), cum. 

𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵 ; 5.9 k 

𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦 ; this was heavily inspired by both well bonnie and clyde but also “the serpent” because holy fuck i loved that serie so much 

also warning right; this is purely fiction and not meant to romanticise crime and i think it’s pretty obvious that i don’t know shit about how to rob a bank neither do i know anything about weapons,,, so take this with a grain of salt.

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥.

𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 18

It was love. Love had led you down this path and shattered the one you cared the most about, the one that held your hand, the one that promised to die for you. Silence filled your mind as you stroked his cold cheek, his eyes closed. 

Your partner in crime.

Bang Chan.

“Tonight, coming up on channel 4, the continuation of the Lagoons.”

You turned the knob on the car radio, the windows on the silver vauxhall viva rolled down, your hair fluttering in the light breeze that accompanied the summer heat. The voice on the radio got distorted as you shifted channels, the antenna on the car barely being able to pick up signal from how far out in the desolate area the two of you were.

“Who the fuck watches the lagoons?” you said, furrowing your eyebrows, searching for some funky tunes as Chan was driving, one hand on the steering wheel, the other resting on his thigh. He laughed, the cigarette smoke whiffing over to you, burning at the tip and hanging out of the corner of his mouth. 

“Where we heading, sweet cakes?” he asked, cocking his eyebrows and checking himself out in the rearview mirror. You scoffed, adjusting the silk scarf around your head and reaching into the glove compartment of the light colored interior of the car, grabbing the half empty cigarette box. 

“Don’t call me that, I’m married” you say, the flicker of the metal zippo echoing, a purple flame igniting and burning the white end of the cigarette in your mouth, the orange part quickly stained by your lipstick. Chan smirked, casting a glance at you as you puffed, putting the lighter on the dashboard and leaning back against the leather seats, exhaling the smoke through the window as you observed the mountains that passed you, sweltering heat making your vision blur.

“And still you fuck me. What’s he good for? Cheating on you? You should just throw that ring away, I’ll buy you a new one”

The ring.

You and your ex-husband never officially divorced. You just packed up your things and left one night when he was out drinking, probably snogging a woman younger his age. The emerald ring that he once put on your finger held no meaning, it was simply for aesthetic now. Memorabilia from when life was worse, reminding you to always strive for something better. It was ironic, the way the sun shined on the emerald green symbolizes wealth and toxic jealousy. You couldn’t help but to feel jealous of the many young women he spent his nights with. You thought you had moved on but maybe you hadn’t since you refused to let go of the ring. Thank god you didn’t have his child or else you’d be tied down for life. You escaped at the right time. 

You didn’t answer Chan, simply staring out at the window. The car zoomed past with speed, there was no time for resting since you two were the infamous criminals that could be captured at any moment, it was still a miracle you were alive and well despite how many times you’ve been in open fire with the authorities. The two of you always managed and had each other in the end and the plethora of guns that were loaded in the trunk could buy you freedom for a little while. A gritty highway that never seemed to end, the tumbleweeds rolling about in the distance, he searched for a place you could rest since dusk would soon arrive. Life as a runaway couple had it’s ups and downs but the worst part of it was not knowing if you would survive another day, cops could just arrest you, rip you from your lover and lock you up like you were once before, writing love letters to Chan on a filthy piece of paper until you were bailed out by none other than your mother that you abandoned for him. They didn’t understand. He might be a criminal, stealing cars with his older brother since he admired his fancy lifestyle with hookers, expensive liquor and gold. He was so close until he stumbled up to you through a mutual friend and fell head over heels, he was too much of a hopeless romantic for him to be able to lead such a lifestyle. 

A big sign was ahead of you, a small red building inching closer to the two of you. Sure, it wasn’t the safest place, anyone could call the authorities on you but luckily telecommunications weren’t that advanced out here, most of the news being the ones you heard from between others lips. You two were simply a married couple whatever new village you infiltrated or at least that’s what people thought, the two of you were simply well-off, being able to afford the most expensive cigars and perfumes. The cigarette had burned down, almost meeting your plush lips that were covered in the latest lipstick. You threw it out the window, Chan had done the same moments prior. 

“What you say, hm? How about here for tonight?” he asked in a low voice, his hair slicked to the side, his jaw clenching as he rested his head on the headrest, looking at you with a quick glance with a smile. He always smiled when he gazed at you, it was almost a reflex. He was too smitten with love. You nodded, grabbing your oval sunglasses from the seat in between you and Chan, putting them on and observing yourself in the exterior mirror. Now you were ready for greetings with strangers, hiding behind your dark tinted shades.

The young man swerves onto the dusty driveway, the dust billowing from behind the car as stones flew everywhere, the car coming to a hasty halt. Your back bounced against the seat, removing your safety belt and opening the car door, stepping out with your shining red heels. The hotel seemed kinda small, perfect place for two sought-after criminals to hide. The building was a cherry red, tacky curtain in mustard yellow covering the chipped white window frames that held up the grimy glass panes. It lied in a remote place, being the only building as far as the eyes could see, beside the hotel there was a kiosk where one could buy the most basic necessities like bread, milk and cigarettes. As you were looking around the place, standing with your feet wide and your hand on your hip, Chan was busy unpacking the car. Not the weapons that were nicely hidden beneath a blanket but your two small briefcases containing nothing more than a couple of expensive clothes, makeup, a small notebook of your poems, a camera and photos of relatives. As you observed the mountainous landscape and dry land where cactuses made their home a small old man hurried out, dressed in a half-dingy suit and vest, the colorful tie being the main focus.

“Welcome welcome!” he says in a scurried voice. “Please, let me!” The old man shuffled over to Chan, grabbing the briefcases out of his grasp to which Chan bowed subtly in thankfulness. You and him followed the man inside through a lime green door and were greeted by the lobby that had a dark oak check-in counter, decorated with small trinkets of older times, a golden clock and small piles of paper. The man put down the bags in front of the desk, you casting a glance at Chan that was looking at the keys and the tags attached on the walls on small hooks.

“How long will you be staying for?” the man asked to which Chan hummed, looking at you before clearing his throat and answering - “Just one night”

“alrighty hmmm,,, then I’m guessing a double bed would suit your fancy? You do make a lovely couple indeed” he said with a smile, showing off his yellow stained teeth, years of coffee and tobacco. You smiled, clenching your jaw in frustration. 

“Thank you, which room exactly?” you said quickly, wanting the old man to hurry his actions. He looked back, exposing his half-balding grey head of hair and stretched for a pair of keys at the top, the keys jingling as he put them on the desk. 

“Room 4, it’s just here by the side. That will be 30 dollars” he said, writing something down on a piece of paper. Chan opened one of the luggages, quickly pulling out the needed amount and tips out from one of many wads of cash that were neatly tucked away between clothes and other products. He put the green bills on the desk to which the old man heightened his eyebrows, the generous tip falling to his liking. 

“Keep the change” Chan said with a smile, picking up the briefcases and heading to the room. You smiled at the old man as well, picking up the keys and turning to head over to your lover. 

You put the keys in the lock of the brittle wooden door, a small golden plate saying ‘4′ with a clear font. As the door opened you were met by a rather rustic room, the walls colored light blue and the bed frame the same wood as the door, murky white duvet covers on the bed. Luckily it was just one night.

Chan started packing up your belongings, mainly picking up a map of the area that he bought at a supermarket hours prior. He unfolded the bunt of paper, laying it flat on a vanity that had a round mirror attached in front. He placed his index finger harshly on a certain point on the map, his fingers clad in all kinds of rings with jewels. 

“Here we are, Johnsons motel, right?” You nodded at his question, him continuing talking in a firm voice. “So if we take this route tomorrow at around 9 am we should be there by 10:50 am which is perfect, we c-” You interrupted him mid sentence.

“Chan, you told me we weren’t gonna do this until next week, we have money!” you yelled, only then remembering that the walls are thin in such a matured building. He sighed, turning to gaze at you with dark eyes. He hated it when you contradicted him, it was almost like he was addicted to making you his slave and sure, he did take care of you whenever you were hurt due to his actions but he liked having you totally dependent on him, risking your life for him. The veins running down his arms got bolder, he moved the arm that was holding him up from the vanity instead standing right in front of you with a wide stance, his eyebrows heightened.

“What did you say?”

Your back hit the tasteless blue wallpaper as Chan walked towards you, trapping you between the wall and his muscular figure. A harsh gulp descended down your esophagus as you gazed intently into his hooded eyes, yours twinkling with mere innocence though you were far from innocent in the eyes of the public. He looked you up and down, almost swearing with his eyes, gliding his tongue against the inside of his cheek. 

“I said why can’t we just wait with that for a bit? We robbed multiple stores last week and we have money? I don’t see why you need to hurry so, like fuck s-”

“So you think money grows on trees? We do this together y/n and I could just leave you whenever, I’d just laugh seeing your ass trying to survive”

He leaned closer to your ear, his body pressed against yours. His hot breath lingered near you, tickling the shell of your ear.

“Or better yet I could kill you, no one needs a criminal” 

His voice vibrated through you, the deep tone scaring you but oddly turning you on, the heat pooling around your core, your panties sticking to the thin fabric of your panties. You burst into laughter, catching him off guard.

“You motherfucker” you said through your teeth, smiling brightly at him. 

“I don’t like this attitude you’re giving me y/n, I’m not joking with you” he said with a devilish smirk, moving away from your ear and staring into your soul. It was almost as if he stared through you, his jaw moving as he clenched it.

“Does it look like I’m joking?” your facial expressions turned serious in seconds, the smile wiping off your face. You looked him dead in the eyes, not even flinching when he smashed the rough palm of his hand on the wall next to your head, the loud sound echoing in the cool room, the slight humming of the air conditioner above the bed.

“No and you won’t be after I fuck you” 

You wanted to rile him up even more, get him so angry that he had no other choice but to pin you against the wall and stuff his cock so far down your leaking cunt that you’d alert the other guests around the motel, hearing how good Chan fucks you. 

“Hah,,, is that your only threat?” you chuckled mockingly, running your pointer finger up his toned chest, lifting up his head by his chin and flicking your finger off it, striking a jeering smile at him. His knee traveled up your leg, jabbing at your wet clothed entrance to which you accidentally moan, the gain of friction finally arriving when your core was burning with pure arousal as Chan spoke. With a gleaming look in your eyes you rubbed against his knee, his slightly cold hands wrapping around your neck, feeling your larynx bob when you swallow your spit, not breaking eye contact for a second. His lips landed on yours, pushing his knee against your sex causing you to moan into the kiss as you rolled your hips on the flat surface of his dress pants. Your lips pursed, teasingly biting his bottom lip as a sign that you needed him, his tongue slipping into your mouth and danced around with yours in a sloppy battle. Your hands fumbled with the big metal buckle of his belt, undoing it in desperation and unzipping the black pants that covered his bottom half. Chan grunted as you palmed him through his boxers, his erection begging to be freed from it’s clothed prison, you squeezed his member, massaging it in your hands to make his knees weak, make him beg for you but this time you would be begging for him as he placed removed his knee from your dripping cunt causing you to whine from the loss of contact. 

“C-chan, please I need you” you pleaded in a thin voice, lifting your head up as his kiss diverted to your neck, his rough lips leaving kiss after kiss on the sensitive skin, moving down to your exposed collarbones. 

“You’ll only get what you want if you do whatever I ask you to”

You nodded eagerly, putting your hands down his boxers and stroking his cock, Chan groaning against the skin of your neck near your ear, your earrings rattling. 

“Yes, I’ll do anything! J-just fuck me already” you whimpered, your hot cheek against the wall. 

“Then you follow your little ass to the bank tomorrow and do what you are told, understood?” His voice was deep, humming as he nibbled on your ear, giving it small kitten licks.

“And if I don’t?” You challenged him for a last time, stopping your slow strokes down the shaft of his twitching dick and removing your hands from his underwear and instead wrapping your arms around his waist. He scoffs, pulling back and looking you in the eyes, slowly putting his hand around your throat and tightening.

“I’ll choke you to death, you know I’ll get away with it” he said with a lifeless smirk. You nodded in pure fear, your eyes twinkling in the minimal light that came from the sun setting outside the dusty windows. Suddenly his hands grasp a handful of your hair, gripping it by the roots and shoving you down on your knees that land on the frangible floorboards with a thump. He harshly lets go of your hair in order to pull down his pants and underwear, his hard veiny cock springing free mere inches from your saliva coated lips. Chan gave his cock a couple of strokes before rubbing the crimson tip against your lips, hissing when you poke your tongue out, him smearing his precum against the surface of your wet tongue. You pursed your lips around him, slowly working your way down his shaft, taking a breath of air every time you pull away, licking the underside of his dick with fat stripes all the way from the base to the tip, flicking your tongue off. His big hands grabbed either side of your head, him thrusting inside your throat, not caring if you gagged, that just made him even more viscous, hearing your desperate moaning and seeing the spit run down your chin and neck covered in his marks. Your head bumped against the wall with every thrust, your nose pressing up against his abdomen as he was balls deep inside your mouth. Your eyes burned, tears teasing at your tear duct, a cold salty stream rolling down your cheek as he stopped, pulling out your mouth, you coughing violently. He swiped his thumb over your cheek, wiping the tear with one finger before grabbing you by the neck, lifting your head up and looking into your eyes as he inserted his dick in your mouth once again, your thick saliva making his cock glisten. His silent groans only made you helplessly rub your thighs together, eager to have him inside of you. Every moan that slipped from between his swollen lips made the blood rush south, not to mention his fierce eyes that were glued on you as he coldly fucked your skull, no hint of compassion. He stretched out your throat, the clear outline of his cock making its appearance on your esophagus as he went deeper, groaning as you felt him twitch inside your mouth. As the familiar sensation of a knot in his stomach descended upon him he pulled out, rubbing the tip of his leaking cock against your glistening lips before he was quick with his movements. 

It didn’t take much for Chan to throw you over his shoulder, legs thrashing and you squealing, telling him to put you down. He did but not in the way you expected, slamming you down on the plushy bed, a fine layer of dust swirling in the orange sunset that shined in. The impact caught you off guard, knocking the air out of your lungs. Chan climbed on top of you, his belt buckle touching your body as he hovered above you. You hastily shuffled upwards to the headboard, lifting your hips as you removed your brightly colored bell bottom pants revealing your panties that already had a wet stain decorating them, Chan chuckling as his thumb glided over the patch of wetness. 

“You’re so needy baby, all worked up from giving me a blowjob, huh? I can slip my cock into you so easily” he purred at you, his fingers hooking at the elastic band of your underwear, slipping them down to your ankles, you shimmying your foot out of the fabric and letting the panties dangle from your other foot as your spread your legs, Chan being in between them. He danced his fingers up the wet folds that presented themselves in front of him, you squirming at the slightest touch. 

“You think you have control, you think you can do anything without me? You’re wrong, without me you’re nothing” he growled at you, his fingers covered in your slick as he teased your clit, fingers rolling in circles as you clutched onto the covers, knuckles whitening. You hurried by taking off your top, throwing your bra somewhere in the same direction, exposing your hardened buds, Chan’s mouth watering. He did the same, momentarily losing contact with your wet cunt as he pulled off his shirt, his perfectly sculpted body surprising you every time, as if you hadn’t fucked him countless times before. Chan attached his lips to one of your nipples, the other one being fondled by his hand, the cold pure silver causing you to shiver. Your hands stroked his soft hair, twirling it between your fingers and softly whimpering. He left tiny marks all over your chest, his lips sucking and gently nibbling on your supple skin. When your entire chest was a mess of marks and spit he lifted your legs, leaning them against his wide sturdy shoulders as he teased your wet entrance, rubbing his tip against your folds causing your back to arch slightly, a long pitched mewl forcing its way out of your mouth. When he finally slipped his cock inside you he groaned at your tightness. 

“fuck y/n, you’re so tight no matter how much I fuck you” he said, leaning over you so that your legs almost touch your chest, planting one hand beside your neck as the other one choked you, the restriction of air making you lightheaded but only adding to the pleasure that burned at your core as he relentlessly fucked into your squelching cunt. Your feet dangled near his shoulders lifelessly as the sheer momentum of his thrusts made you move upwards on the bed, the bed frame creaking due to the age it carried, you hoped no one noticed what scandalous activities was going on this room but it was probably already too late as your moans turned into high pitched cries. Your hands folded over Chan’s wrist as you tried to stabilize yourself, it took every ounce of strength to not close your quivering thighs. His thrusts got faster, rolling his hips against yours as the hand around your neck loosed, a harsh slap landing across your tear stained cheek, his thumb dipping inside your mouth, you latching on instantly.

“Look at you, thinking you’re so tough. You’re weak, remember that” he said with a lifted smirk, asserting his dominance through his dark gaze. You nodded, feeding his ego even more as the hand around your neck tightened, making you lightheaded with arousal, his cock ramming into your tight cunt that begged for release just like you. Chan loved seeing you like this. All fucked out with drool hanging from the corners of your lips, your eyes rolling back into your skull as he vigorously made your world shake, going hard enough to make the bed squeak loudly, the headboard bumping into the wall with every thrust. You couldn’t form a single sentence, blabbering incoherent sentences with his name stringed into it, in your mind you made perfect sense but your hesitant lips didn’t do the same. 

“f-fuck!” you cried out, the even pace getting sloppier as the skin slapping sound grew louder, bouncing against the awfully colored walls of the shabby motel room. You squirmed around on the bed, flailing your arms as you desperately tried to grab onto either your lover or the flowery sheets, your efforts fruitless as you felt your orgasm approaching with wide strides as Chan started circling your swollen abused clit with the pad of the hand that wasn't forcefully holding onto your throat, making you swoon. You arched your back as you couldn’t hold on any longer, clenching around his cock with every ounce of perseverance. With weak legs you interlaced them, trapping him deeper inside you as the merciless fiddling with your bud made you let out a breathy broken moan, your tits bouncing with the movements. The male looked at the tears that rolled down your cheeks, adoring your bloodshot eyes. How he loved staring down at his prized possession. He had ruined a once innocent girl, made her his with the mere power of love and crime. 

He lulled his head back as he was dangerously close to his climax, drawing in a harsh breath from between his clenched teeth, the air cooling down in his mouth before warming up in his tobacco-stained lungs. He was sent over the edge with a final thrust that made your body jolt in excitement, his thumb now simply resting on your clit as all thoughts were wiped clean from his mind, his hot seed spilling into your cunt, unknowingly making you cum as your abdomen contracted, your teary eyes squinting together, not in pain but in pleasure. His cum painted the quivering walls of your sex, draping his body over yours as he panted, staying inside you to ensure every drop of cum was where it supposed to be. His lips were coated with a fine layer of saliva, two lips meeting in a loveable kiss. It might seem odd to others. That you love a man that only brings you down or uses you, at least that’s what it looked like from a different perspective but you were infatuated, maybe even obsessed. He made you famous and he took you under his wing when you fled from your scumbag of a husband. 

Now Chan was the only thing that mattered.

He pulled out, falling down beside you, the weight of the bed shifting as his built back hit it. The cum dripped out of you slowly, hitting the sheets and staining them. You ruffled your hair before you stood up, cum running down your inner thigh as you made your way over to the shower. Chan instead crept down under the covers, staring up at the ceiling in a half lying position, casting glance at the dark oak bedside tables where a packet of cigarettes was left haphazardly along with your metal zippo, a gift from your dad that died in war. It was important to you, important enough to destroy you with smoke. Chan retrieved one of the deadly sticks from it’s pretty eye catching packaging and lit one end, inhaling the smoke. He put one hand beneath his head that was supported by the pillow as he other one momentarily removed the cigarette, flicking the ashes on the cold tile floor, the grey thick smoke spreading through the room, interlacing the bed sheets with it’s scent. The gentle tapping of the water on the bathroom floor calmed him, calmed him from knowing that tomorrow might be the last day he’s alive. Or maybe it’s you. 

Here you were again, getting into the sparkling clean car that was loaded with nothing more than a multitude of weaponry that many times wasn’t used against civilians, just to give a gentle reminder that you don’t fuck with the two of you unless you wanna get a bullet burned through your skull. If they ask for it they are gonna get it.

Chan loaded the suitcases into the truck where a blanket covered the weapons, the pile of murder machines looking innocent like this. The sand of the desert was blowing in your face, your long skirt flowing in the wind. Just because you were a criminal didn’t mean you had to dress out of fashion, the style was a part of it. You gazed out into the valleys of dust, the lonesome tumbleweeds drifting with the wind like a blind rat following the smell of musky cheese, not aware that it’s heading to it’s own death.

“Ready, sugarplum?” Chan said, wrapping his hand around your head and leaning it against his sturdy shoulder. 

“I was born ready” you whispered into the wuthering wind. He smiled but put on a serious face as you looked at him, before walking over to the passenger seat, opening the car door.

“Let’s do what we do best, darling.” you said with a bittersweet grin, sitting down and closing the door. 

The bank wasn’t too far away, that being that it was still in the same state since many other robberies required long car rides that was either filled with funky tunes or more cigarettes than you can count. This one wasn’t any different. His two hands were gripping the steering wheel as he drove faster than the speed limit, praying to whatever nonexistent god he had in his head that the police wouldn’t flash their red and blue sirens behind the vehicle. He probably prayed to the money. He often said that money did things not even god was able to do and there was truth in Chan’s words or maybe the both of you were too infatuated with the idea of money that you would go to any lengths just to get it. Just to smell the fresh dollar bills in your hands. The car was in complete silence, only the growling of the engine being heard. It was always scary heading to a new place, you never knew what would happen there. Maybe it’s the last time you witness your lover behind the steering wheel, the last time you feel the wind fluttering through you hair due to the rolled down window. Maybe it was the last time you would see the emerald green jewel reflecting it’s light as the sun bounced off the glossy surface of the stone. You denied your longing for your husband, beside all the cheating and drugs you were ready to stay with him but there was one thing that Chan could do better; love. 

You could tell how tense Chan was. The way he anxiously checked the rearview mirror and forcefully looked straight at the neverending road in the middle of nowhere. It was pretty apparent that this lifestyle was driving him mad, making all his nerves stand on the edge of his skin, paranoid to the bone. But there was no end in sight unless someone else put that end there. He was never gonna stop, go as far as he could and shoot for the stars. It was people like him, greedy people that life usually steered the wrong way and well,,, you were one of those as well, greedy for luxury even though the life you were living now was anything far from that. You turned to Chan, his one hand rested in his lap and you slowly reached over to grab it, rubbing your thumb over knuckles. His eyes momentarily diverted from the road to you, looking at your eyes that were focused on his slightly rough hands.

After what seemed like an eternity, Chan parked into the parking lot of the bank, the building being just as remotely placed as the motel. Perfect. The car was strategically placed near the road for easy escape if there would even be any required. As you stepped out of the car you opened the trunk, uncovering the multitude of weapons that lay beneath the blanket and passed Chan his favorite rifle, the M1918 Browning Rifle. You simply stuck to a revolver since you could hide it in your holster for when you needed two hands to grab the money and shove it into the burlap bag. 

There wasn’t much thought needed for the robberies that happened this far away from the city, the local police station was a good drive away so neither you or Chan worried too much but it was still a risk. The big wooden doors were slammed open by him, a shot up into the ceiling shattered a lamp and next second your ears were filled by the terrified screams of men, women and children. You didn’t hesitate your movements as you went up to the multiple receptionist desks where the women in neat uniforms were all kneeling on the floor. 

“Get the fuck up!” you yelled, jumping on the desk and pointing your gun at one of the girls, she looked rather young and innocent with her dark shaking pupils that wandered with pure fear. You yelled at her to open all the vaults, to which she complied not having any other choice than to get shot. Her hands quivered as she put the money in the bag, filling it up with valuable green bills that would promise you dreams. You glanced back at Chan that was pointing the rifle at the people that lied down on their stomachs with their hands on their head, the sound of a child's tears not even bothering him or his conscience. You held the gun to her head, lonesome tears streaming down her face as her legs were barely able to hold her up. A smile cracked on your crimson painted lips as the bag filled up, the feeling of adrenaline rushing through your blood making you fly on the clouds, you could do whatever you wanted in this moment. You were free. 

Just as you were about to turn around, signaling to Chan that the mission was done you heard another gunshot that was foreign from the usual sounds of the weapons you carried. It didn’t sound like it came from inside the building. The second after you heard a window shatter, glass flying over the civilians that screamed in fear once again and then you heard a thump, a loud one. You looked over your shoulder and there he was, your lover with a bullet through his back, the puddle of sangria red blood spreading over the bright vinyl flooring. This was the sight you feared the most in the world and here it was, right in front of your naked eyes. You dropped the revolver you held in your dominant hand and rushed over to him as you heard a male voice over a megaphone from outside the building. 

“Civilians, exit the building immediately”

The crowd of people squeezed through the doors, fleeing to whatever corner they could or hiding behind the countless cop cars that flashed their colorful sirens. You dragged Chan’s head into your lap as you fell down in defeat, looking at his closed eyes and his face that turned a pale blue with hints of grey, he was cold to the touch and his blood stained your clothes as well as the floor, the dark red marks on the floor that lead to his body as you dragged him closer to you, cupping his cheek. Frigid tears rolled down your cheeks and accumulated on your chin before dripping down onto his face, coloring his lips with a clear sheen. 

He wasn’t gone, he simply couldn’t be. He was your Chan, the Chan that always got away no matter what. Nothing could stop the two of you, not a stupid bullet through his back. You shaked him as you sobbed loudly, your lips quivering as black streaks of mascara covered the supple valleys of your cheeks. 

“Chan! Chan, fuck!! Wake up!!” you yelled as you shook him vigorously but his lifeless body was limp in your arms, no sign of life to be seen. You hugged him closer, not feeling his heartbeat or lungs filling with air from this cursed place. He wasn’t gone, he was still here and he would wake up one day, you told yourself these lies because they are easier to believe than the cold hard truth. Your blood boiled with pure rage. Somebody had stopped your dream life, that someone being the law itself but no matter who it was it still stopped you and you never took no for an answer. Your empty lost gaze diverted to the loaded gun that lied only footsteps away from your cowered body.

“Exit the building, leave the weapons” you heard the voice call out from outside, the megaphone crackling and distorting the voice. 

What was better?

Dying in the hands of the authorities or dying in Chan’s arms?

[akingdomofswordsandstories]

Unrequited

azriel (acotar) x reader

Summary: takes place during acofas, you and Azriel are mates but he doesn’t know it yet, angst, fluff, and everything in between

*Also this is my first imagine ever so I'm sorry if it sucks lol! There will be a part 2 to this, but I am still working on it!!

word count: 3927

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The winter solstice was in a few days and you weren’t sure what to get some of the inner circle. You walked briskly down the streets of the Rainbow, chilled to the bone due to the wind. You had made the dumb mistake of rushing out of the townhouse - to avoid any questions of where you were going - without taking your scarf. Your current outfit, which was a chunky knit blue sweater with leggings and boots, wasn’t enough to keep the chill away. But the cold wasn’t the most important thing on your mind. You had already bought presents for Rhys, Feyre, Amren, and Elain, but that left Cassian, Mor, and Azriel. Mor and Cass would be pretty easy to buy for, but you put it off knowing they would look through your room trying to find their solstice gift. But Azriel, that would be much harder.

Every waking hour, the shadowsinger haunted your thoughts. Something you had come to conclude was unrequited.

You had realized the mating bond between you two before he did.

It had clicked a few months ago while on a diplomatic mission. The aftermath of Hybern had left things chaotic, and if you were being honest, it still was. Rhys decided to send Cassian, Mor, Azriel, and you to travel to some of the other courts to bring back reports on the recovery after the war. However, traveling did have some dangers. While you were on your way back to Velaris from the Winter Court, your group was ambushed by a group of Hybern soldiers who had been hiding out in the mountains. Had it not been for Azriel’s wings shielding you from the initial arrows, you would’ve surely been dead, and that’s when it clicked for you. But like an idiot, you didn’t say anything.

You had thought if the bond had clicked for you, it would've clicked for Azriel too. You realized your mistake when Azriel hadn’t acknowledged any change between you two. You hoped that he would figure it out in the coming weeks, but he didn’t. You knew the same sort of situation happened with feyre and rhys so you still held out some hope. But as the months went by, and you realized the bond still hadn’t clicked for Azriel and it felt too late to tell him.

At least that was the excuse you made up. Truly, you were also afraid of the rejection that could have followed. You weren’t a fool, you knew him and Elain had some sort of connection, and that shattered your dreams even more. The possibility that he wouldn’t accept the mating bond to be with the fair skinned, doe eyed fae. Everytime Azriel was in the same room as Elain, she was the only thing he would pay attention to. During gatherings, you would plaster on a smile and act as if you were happy, but Cassian and Mor, your best friends, could sense your discomfort. They tried to ask you about it, but seeing as you would shut down anything they said, they decided not to pry too much. Amren ended up figuring out the source of your discomfort had to do with Azriel, but kept your secret until you would be ready to share it.

You came to the conclusion that distancing yourself from him would be the best option, so that's what you did.

You walked down the street till you got to one of the finest seamstresses is Velaris. Since you were an artist like Feyre, you decided to draw out a dress and have it made for Mor. The color was blood red, her signature. It was a silk slip dress that would come down to her mid-lower calf and it would be embroidered with a brilliant gold thread. You drew out a pattern of the sun, stars, and moon, which you hoped she would like. To go along with Mor’s dress, you got a jeweler to make a custom necklace and bracelet set to go with it. You designed more dainty jewelry that had gold stars with diamonds, since she was a dreamer.

You decided to design Cassian’s gift as well, creating a beautiful silver and black dagger with a moonstone on the hilt. It was a beautiful dagger, but you also made sure it was usable, because you would hate for it to go to waste. To add onto the combat theme, you also decided to buy him new fighting leathers with touches of red embroidery to match his siphons. Lastly, you bought Cassian a bottle of fae wine, which definitely wouldn't last long.

The last thing you got for all three of you was a friendship necklace. Although that sounds corny, the two of them had become such a positive force in your life and you couldn’t imagine life without them. Keeping with the celestial theme for the friendship necklaces, you bought a sun, a moon, and a star. The sun for Cassian, the moon for Mor, and the star for you. Although they are opposites in some ways, all three need each other, just like the three of you needed each other.

Now that you had gotten Mor’s and Cassian’s solstice gifts figured out, it was onto Azriel’s gift. You honestly had no clue what to get him. Due to distancing yourself, you weren’t sure if there was something that he wanted. You were positively stumped. Lucky for you though, you ended up spotting Mor in another shop a few stores down from where you were, most likely getting the rest of her solstice gifts. You decided to sneak up on her as a friendly prank. Grabbing her shoulders, you yelled in her ear, making her jump.

“Oh mother above, it’s just you, y/n! You scared the life out of me” Mor said.

“Doing some last minute shopping?” you asked. “I could ask you the same thing”. Giving her a playful smack on the arm, the corners of your mouth curled upward, even the simplest remark from her could make you smile.

The two of you were currently standing in front of a jewelry shop, looking at the collections of necklaces and earrings through the window. “Wow” you breathed out “These are all so beautiful”

“Indeed they are, although they’re quite pricey”

“How pricey is pricey?”

She whispered the amount in your ear and you stopped breathing for a second, “Holy Mother wow, that is quite the price tag. At least we can admire it from a far”, you laughed out. Even though you got a very generous salary from Rhys, you still felt guilty spending so much money on materialistic things.

After a moment you said, “Actually, since you’re here, I do need help finding a solstice gift for Azriel”, softening your voice at the end, “Any ideas?” you asked, drawing out the syllables.

“Well, I always get Azriel some cool towels, clothing, or a dagger!” Mor said. A small scoff came out of my mouth as I shook my head and raised my eyebrows. “Fine!” she exclaimed, “I may have overheard him needing a new leather sheath for Truth Teller.” grumbling towards the end. “Oh that sounds great, thank you for the help! Now let’s go off to the closest leather goods store and find a sheath!”.

“y/n! I still have shopping to do” a scowl appearing on her face. “Fine, I guess I’ll just call Cassian, cause his judgement might be better than yours, when it comes to knife related things of course” you said, baiting her.

“Ugh, I hate you y/n”

“I hate you too Mor”

“Fine, let's get going before I change my mind” she grumbled. Then we took off down the streets of the Rainbow to find a sheath.

The task was easier said than done, for you at least. Being indecisive and a major over thinker, you had looked through close to 100 sheaths, but none of them seemed good enough to hold the blade that Azriel never let anyone else touch. Except Elain.

While you were lost in your thoughts, you laid your y/c eyes on the perfect sheath. It had a bright cobalt blue stitching to match Az’s siphons. Along the tip and lining the top of the leather was a thin coat of silver plating with little sapphires embedded in the metal. You quickly snatched it up and paid a hefty price for it, but it was perfect.

“Thank god you finally picked one, it felt like we were in that store for centuries”. Mor sighed, probably a sigh of relief for getting out of the store, “But y/n, it’s perfect, I know Azriel will love it”

“Do you really think so? I just want it to be the perfect gift and I’m scared he won’t like it because what if it’s too simplistic and what if-”

“Hey! It's perfect! Don’t stress too much y/n. And for the record, I think that you’re an amazing gift giver - the amount of thought you put into gifts make it all the better.”

You could feel a blush creeping up your cheeks and mumbled a small thank you.

“Anyway while we’re here do you need to get anything to go with your solstice outfit?”

“Oh Actually, I was so stressed about getting everyone’s solstice gift that I forgot to buy my dress” your voice falling off at the end. You felt yourself being yanked to a harsh stop and the saw Mor’s face staring at yours, mouth gaping and eyes wide.

“Are you crazy?? Solstice is in 3 days and you still don’t have anything??? Oh honey, our shopping isn’t done yet.” And with that statement you found yourself being pulled into the nearest dress shop. After trying on nearly 20 dresses you finally found the perfect one, which Mor approved. It was a light blue silk dress that was more fitted at the top but flared down at your waist. It had a cowl neckline, a slit going up the side to the mid upper thigh, and accentuates your curves beautifully and has a slight shimmer to it. You looked ethereal in it

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

After your exhausting day of shopping, you couldn’t wait to get out of the cold. You swiftly walked back to the townhouse. Once inside you made your way to your room to set down the gifts, change your clothes, and grab your book. Then you quietly headed down to the kitchen to make yourself a cup of tea and sat on the couch to read. The house was quiet since all of the others decided to go to Rita’s tonight. You decided to stay home for some much needed relaxation. You opened your book and started reading. After a few hours, you felt your eyes drooping and eventually, sleep consumed you.

The loud noise of the front door caused you to stir and your eyes fluttered open. You were too exhausted to look so you just laid your head back down and tried to go to sleep. You could hear Mor whispering something and then felt yourself being lifted off the couch and being held close to a chest with your blanket still draped on you.

“Cass?” you whispered hoarsely along with a string of incoherent words

You heard a slight laugh “Not Cass but It’s ok, go back to sleep”. Then you felt yourself being gently placed on your bed and the sleep hit you before you could mutter a thank you.

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

The sun was setting towards the sea as you sat in the sitting room of the town house. You were in your blue silk dress with a glass of wine in your hand. Rhys and Feyre were by the mantel, quietly talking while Mor and Amren were across the room. Near the window I saw Elain, and from the corner of my eye I could see Azriel making his way towards her. My face fell but I quickly plastered on a smile, not wanting to concern anyone. Especially since today was also Feyre’s birthday and we had planned a surprise for her. Feyre thought she could slip her birthday past us, but we hadn’t forgotten. After a few minutes, Cassian made his way from the kitchen with the enormous cake.

You floated towards Feyre and gave her arm a light squeeze. “Happy Birthday, make a wish before the candles melt!”

She blew out the candles and then we ate cake before opening up the presents.

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

Rhys snapped his fingers and piles of brightly wrapped bags and boxes filled up the sitting room. Amren was the first to open her presents. Naturally, everyone got her something jewelry related. Amren opened mine and you saw a wide smile set across her face, she picked up the diamond necklace and nodded a ‘thank you’ your way. You returned the gesture back, a small smile forming on your face.

Next, Cassian handed Mor her present from him and she pulled out a-. You couldn’t believe what you were seeing. He bought her red lingerie. Your face turned slightly red, but the Mor said “Don’t let him fool you: he couldn’t think of a damn thing to get me, so he gave up and asked me outright. I gave him precise orders. For once in his life, he obeyed them.”

Then, you heard one sharp knock at the door.

Nesta.

You saw Cassian tense up a bit. Nesta walked in, linking arms with Elain. She got a glass of wine before heading to sit in a chair in the back of the room. The silence was deafening. Finally Varian started talking and the present opening resumed.

From Amren, you received a new calligraphy set. It was so beautiful and you loved it. From Rhys, you got some books. It was perfect since you loved to read, and they were ones that you had been wanting to read for a long time. From Feyre, you received a painting as well as a new paint brush kit.

Cassian made his way to you and set a gift down in your lap. You opened the dark blue box that Cassian had placed in your lap. He had gotten you a sky blue hardbound journal with a gold embossed star on it. You desperately needed a new one, and this was perfect. You walked over and gave him a hug, whispered “Thank you, I love it.”.

Next you opened Mor’s present. You nearly choked when you saw what she got you and your whole face heated up. She got you a matching navy blue lingerie set like the one Cassian bought her.

“Yeah, I wasn’t too sure what to get you so I thought we could twin”. You looked around the room and saw the others holding in their laughs. You could’ve sworn you saw a tinge of red on Azriel’s ears. You just smiled and mouthed a silent “I’m going to kill you, but thank you” at her.

There wasn’t anything from Azriel. Your heart twinged. Had you not been important enough? It was just a present you reminded yourself, fixing your composure before handing Cassian his present.

He ripped it open like an animal, squealing when he saw it. A promising reaction given the amount of thought you put into it.

“Did you design these? They look amazing!”

“Yeah, I’m glad you like it. It took a long time to figure out what to get for your dumb ass”

“You mean my cute ass”, you smacked his arm and then got up to give Mor her present.

You closely watched her reaction as she opened her dress and jewelry, a large smile spreading across her face.

“You really buy the perfect presents y/n, I love it”.

“Oh Cass, Mor. One more thing.” You pulled out the small boxes with the friendship necklaces and bracelets handing it to them. “This was just a little something extra I thought of, I hope you like it”. You knew you would have started stuttering and crying if you had said the meaning to them, so you just handed them notes instead. They read over them, eyes glossing over, and pulled you into a hug.

“This is the only time I’ll wear jewelry” Cass stated, causing you to chuckle

Then Mor said, “I am never taking this off” causing you to laugh again.

Finally, Azriel opened up his presents. He had opened up all the others. All that was left was yours and Elain’s gift to him. He found his way to your present first, opening it.

“A new sheath for Truth Teller. I heard you needed a new one” you quietly said.

He held your gaze and smiled, “Thank you, it's great”. Suddenly feeling exposed, you quickly gave him a nod.

Then he went to open Elain’s gift. “It’s a powder to mix in with any drink.” she said.

Silence.

Elain bit her lip and then smiled sheepishly. “It’s for the headaches everyone always gives you. Since you rub your temples so often.”

Silence again.

Then Azriel tipped his head back and laughed.

You hadn’t heard him laugh before, and mother above it was gorgeous. You had never heard a sound so deep and joyous, a sound which made your heart clench. A part of you wished you were the reason he was laughing. You forced on a smile and spent the rest of the night drinking away the slight pain in your chest.

You were exhausted by the end of the night, sitting on the couch with Cassian and Mor, Azriel and Rhys seated on the opposite side of you.

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw movement towards the door, and craned your head to see what was going on. It was Nesta making her way to the door. You felt the couch lift next to you.

Cassian. He had swiftly pushed past Feyre and went after Nesta. This wouldn’t end well.

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

Cassian had come back quiet and brooding, walking straight to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of liquor. You got up off the couch and followed him straight into the kitchen.

“Cass, let’s take a walk, yeah?”

“I just took a walk”

“It wasn’t a question”. You grabbed a white shawl and his hand and led him outside. “What happened?”

“What’s there to talk about? It was like all the other times. Why did I have to fall in love with someone who doesn't even love me back. Who looks at me like the Illyrian born bastard I am. Who hates the idea of being in the same room as me.”

You grabbed Cass’ hand, lightly squeezing it. “Don’t say that. Nesta, she,” your voice stopping for a second “She’s different. The way she handles pain and copes is different. Give her time. She just needs time. I know how much that may pain you, but you can’t rush healing”

You pulled him into a hug

“And for the record, I know the feeling more than you know” you quietly said “unrequited love”, head pointed at the ground.

Cassian tilted his head down to look at you, his face painted with confusion. You could tell he wanted to know more, but didn’t want to pry too much.

You hesitated before continuing, not sure if you wanted to reveal your closely guarded secret. “I-“ your voice faltering, “I found my mate”. The words seemed to have rushed out of your mouth and tears pricked your eyes as you said that. After months of hiding it, you had finally gotten it off your chest.

Cassian stood shocked, staring at you. “You found your mate? And you didn’t think to tell any of us? How long ago was this”

“I-, I found out who he was around the same time Rhys sent us on that diplomatic mission. And I didn’t tell anyone because he doesn’t even know yet.”

“That was almost 6 months ago, and you didn’t say anything?”.

The tears had started flowing at this point, “I thought he would figure it out. But by the time I realized he wasn’t going to figure it out, it was too late. He had already set his eyes on someone else. And I know I could never compete with Elain, even if I am his mate.” the last part slipped out without you realizing.

“Elain? What does she-“ his eyes widening “Does that mean Az is-“

You slowly nodded, tears welled up, threatening to spill out.

“Oh, mother…”, he pulled you into a tighter hug and that’s when the gates broke. You couldn’t hold back your tears as you sobbed into Cassian's chest, his hand stroking your back.

you must have been there for 15 minutes before you realized the other might start getting suspicious. Regaining your composure, you dried your tears and tried, to the best of your ability, to hide that you had been crying.

Looking back at Cassian, you gave him a slight smile before muttering, “Thank you. I’m sorry for dumping that on you, but please promise me you won’t tell anyone. Please.”

“Of course y/n, and don’t apologize, if it makes you feel better, it helped to take my mind off of Nesta and my own problems, which I desperately needed” he chuckled out.

With the smile still on your face, you linked arms with Cassian before saying, “Oh mother above it’s freezing, let’s get back inside before we turn into popsicles!”

He let out another laugh before the two of you made your way back into the house.

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

You walked into the house and your sliver of happiness was crushed as you saw Az and Elain sitting at the table smiling and laughing quietly to themselves. Elain had her sketchbook out, showing Az her plans for the garden.

Your distraught had been clear to anyone who saw your face, and you were too tired to realize you weren’t able to hide it fast enough. Not being able to view the scene anymore, you quickly got up, muttered happy solstice, and grabbed your coat and purse before heading out the door to your apartment.

While walking home, you were consumed by your thoughts. You hated the pangs of jealousy that coursed through you. You often found yourself jealous of her soft spokenness and kindness. You also found yourself jealous of her effortless beauty. It was something that kept you up at night. She was so likeable and easily approachable, something you wished you were.

You were so drowned in your own thoughts that you hadn’t noticed a male following you till it was too late. One of his hands clamped on your mouth while the other grabbed your waist and pushed you into the nearest alleyway.

The male pulled out a knife and your tears started to fall. You were terrified about what he would do to you. This could be the last time you would have seen your family. You were struggling and kicking against him but it was no use. Your senses were groggy from the alcohol and drowsiness.

You had been so stupid to walk home alone at 2 in the morning. No matter how angry you were, you should’ve just stayed at the town house.

Before you could realize what was happening, you felt a sharp pain shoot through your side.

The sound of a clatter.

Receding footsteps.

A crimson stain blooming.

Your body crumpled to the ground and your vision started blacked out. This was it. Nobody could hear you and nobody could save you.

[elias-code]

Two Left Hooves [1/7]

Choose your own adventure ~ "Intro"

Characters: Technoblade x gn!reader, Philza, Eret

Summary: This is a choose-your-own-adventure!! You met Techno through Phil, helping him get rid of his headache after hibernation. He was immediately infatuated with you. Techno invites you to go to Eret's banquet. When you arrive to prepare for the banquet, he tells you that he will only sleep in his room with you if you wanted, now you get to choose if you want to sleep with him or not…

Warnings: Cussing

--- Phil ---

“Hey, Techno,” I peeked my head around the corner, holding the letter behind my back away from his line of sight.

“Hullo,” He turned to me, hands still in his hair, pin sticking out of his mouth. He was braiding his pink hair, unaware that his worst nightmare was about to come true. “So, mate,” I walked in, hands still behind my back, “I got some mail.”

“Mhm,”

“You remember the egg?”

“Yeah, what about it?” He turned back to the mirror, inspecting the last loop he’d made.

“Eret is hosting another banquet,”

“Huh?”

“Yeah, you’re invited,” his face in the mirror went pale, “since you’re the one who yeeted it.”

Techno paused, unmoving. Slowly, he tied the ribbon at the bottom of the braid, securing it with the pin. He made eye contact with me, his eyes were begging me to yell psych! and run out the door. Instead, I held the opened letter, once hidden behind me, up in the air, presenting it to him.

“Phil…”

“Yeah?” I laughed, this was the most scared I’ve ever seen him.

“You’re joking, right?”

“Nope, look.” I shook it at him, flipping it over to show Eret’s handwriting: To Technoblade and Philza Minecraft.

He shuddered slightly, finally turning to me and taking the letter from my hands. It read:

Technoblade and Philza,

This may seem strange and menacing, but I promise it’s not. Ever since the red banquet disaster, I’ve been thinking about how much I think the people of this server need a pick-me-up. We needed a re-do.

So, I’ve decided to host a banquet, this time out in the open with no bullshit. There’ll be drinks, games, and dancing, and I want you to be there. Since you had a lot to do with the egg’s eventual downfall, I personally think you need to be there, Technoblade.

I’ll tell you what I’ve told everyone else. There’s a plus-one requirement for safety reasons (buddy system), and so I’ve addressed this to both of you. I look forward to your attendance! I suggest wearing something else since I don’t want anyone having flashbacks when they see your royal gown.

On the back of the card, Eret wrote the coordinates and information about the dress code. The card had gold decorations on the edges, curling and twisting like vines, dotted with golden roses complete with thorns. The dress code specified that the suggested colours were black, white, blue, and gold, hence the bordering roses.

“Do you own anything you think you could wear?” I asked as he handed the card back to me.

“I still have the Arctic coat, but if this is anywhere near L’Manburg, it’s gonna be too hot for that.”

“Right, I might have to make something for you then,”

“Alright,” He hesitated, “Do I have to go? That’s a lot of enemies in one place…”

“Yeah, sorry mate, you have to go.” I put the card back into the envelope, closing and pocketing it. “Oh, wait, one thing Techno,”

“There’s more?”

“Um, I can’t go.”

“What?” “I can’t go to the banquet,” I was lying, but he didn’t need to know that, “I’m supposed to be at the ocean monument that day.”

“And your fishing can’t wait?” He raised an eyebrow at me and I shrugged. “Who am I supposed to bring?”

“I dunno, mate,” I shrugged and clicked my heel against the floor, “Maybe you can bring that bird I introduced you to… if you can find them.”

— Techno —

“Phil, who’s this?” I had walked into the kitchen, half-dressed. I was not expecting to see someone else sitting at the table. They looked at me, smiling and waving.

“Oh hello sleepyhead,” Phil remarked, stirring the rabbit stew that hung over the fireplace, “I dunno, they don’t seem to have a name.”

“Hello!” I looked back at them. They were dressed in forest green pants, tucked into black boots lined by silver buttons with fancy engravings, laced in leather strips, looped and tied at the top of the boot. Their top was one of mine, an old long-sleeved white cotton top Phil had probably found in the back of the closet. They had a golden-yellow scarf slung over their shoulders. I waved awkwardly, still half asleep.

“You don’t have a name?” I asked, still confused.

“Uh, I guess not. Phil’s the only person I’ve seen in a while.” They said, pointing at him. He was closing the white under-curtains, almost like he was avoiding the interaction.

“Then what do I call you?”

“Phil’s been calling me the bird.”

“Bird, huh?”

“He says it's because I’m migrating.”

That was strange enough as it was, and I decided to leave it there. Talking was making my headache worse, so I walked over to the stew, immediately recognizing the smell of carrots, potatoes, and chicken over the rabbit smell. My stomach grumbled, attempting to convince me to shove my face into the pot and gorge myself, but I pulled back.

“Is it ready yet, Phi?” I asked.

“No, it still has a couple of minutes, don’t go touching it yet. We should all eat together.”

I could wait a bit longer, I supposed. The smell was enticing, but my attention still lingered on the “bird” sitting at the table, reading a book. I sat down at the table and thumped my head onto it, only to make my headache worse.

“Ughhhh,” I groaned.

“You ok?” The bird asked.

“Headache,”

“Ah, I have something for that!” They picked up a bag from the floor and rummaged around in it for a bit before pulling out a small vial of green liquid. They uncorked it and an overwhelming spinach smell washed over me. “It might smell odd, but it works wonders.”

I lifted my head off the table and took the vial from them, inspecting it.

“Is this thing safe to drink?” I furrowed my eyebrows at them, looking for dishonesty.

They snatched it from me and took a swig, swiftly handing it back to me. “Take that as a yes.” They said.

— The Bird —

I knocked on the door, shivering slightly in the cold. I wore three layers, an undershirt, a turtleneck, and a thick coat. I got a letter a couple of days ago from Technoblade, asking me to go to the banquet with him and inviting me to stay at his cabin before the banquet. I accepted and sent the letter the same day since I knew the mail was slow. Just one day later, I hopped on my horse and made my way to the far arctic.

Techno opened the door and ushered me inside, shutting the door behind me.

“Jesus, you’re shivering,” he said, grabbing his cape off its stand and wrapping me with it. Thankfully, my face was already red enough from the cold that he didn’t notice me blush.

“Is your horse outside?”

“Yeah, I tied her up to the post,” I pulled the enormous cloak tighter to me, “but I don’t think she should stay there for long, it's too cold.”

“Alright, I’ll be right back.” He said, turning from me and walking out the door. The sudden freezing breeze pushed me into the living room, near the fire. I sat down in an armchair and Steve wandered over to say hello.

“Hey, Steve…” I offered my hand to him and he sniffed it, grunting in my face with his fishy breath, “You do not smell good, big boy…”

He huffed like he understood what I said and I chuckled. He sat at my feet as I scratched his head. “At least you’re soft, Steve.” You smiled, “Good boy…”

The door opened and slammed again, Techno walked over dusting his hands off and Steve lumbered over to greet him.

“Hello Steve, you’ve inspected them, yeah?” He baby talked at him. The polar bear was big, almost as tall as Techno standing on all fours. It was strange to see such a big man 'baby talk' an apex predator, so you laughed a bit to yourself.

“What?” He asked, patting Steve on the head.

“Nothing, you’re just being cute.”

He smiled and sat himself down on the couch, crossing his legs and looking at you.

“If I’d left you out there any longer, you would have gotten frostbite,”

You realized you were still shivering in his cloak, “Yeah, thanks for not letting me die out there, and for the cape,”

“If I’d let you die, I wouldn’t have a date for the banquet.”

“Ooh, I’m a date now, am I?” I teased.

He blushed and looked away, still smiling.

“I suppose so,” he whispered.

He stood and offered a hand to me. I took it and stood, following him upstairs to his room, the only bedroom in the house. The room had recently been tidied, the paintings on the wall included snowy landscapes and one of a wither. The curtains were open, the night sky illuminating the room. The moonlight made everything a pale blue, almost making Techno’s hair purple.

“I don’t have anywhere else for you to stay right now unless you want to sleep on the couch.”

“Are you also sleeping here?”

“Only if you’re ok with it,” He said, kneeling by the fireplace and setting logs on the grate.

Would he really? He seems so shy…

— Technoblade —

I could feel my blood rush to my face as they asked if I’d sleep with them. I turned to the fireplace and lit the fire, trying to hide my embarrassment.

“Only if you’re ok with it,” I said.

They paused and my heartbeat harder, unsure what they were going to say. I started preparing the fire, putting the hesitation out of my mind.

////////UNDER CONSTRUCTION BRRRRRRRRR (2/3 complete)///////

Do you allow him to sleep with you?

Yes, tell him you’re going to be cold and need the body heat. (NSFW)

Ask where he wants to sleep. (Fluff)

No, respectfully suggest he sleep on the couch. (SFW)

[iknaenmal]

Got tagged by @nintendont2502 :]

Hot or cold shower - hot because if I step into something just a little bit colder than the place I was before I will automatically freeze 😔

Texting or calling - TEXTING OF COURSE I'm so awkward when I have to talk to someone oughg

Earbuds or headphones - headphones yeaaahhh!!!! I dont like earbuds because they hurt my poor little ears most of the time :| I got some which didn't, so I use them because I can't bring my headphones around sadly

Paperback or hardcover - i loooove hardcover books SO MUCH they're so cool and also they don't fold and break!!! I hate it when a book's paperback folds

Matte or gel - I literally have no idea what these mean

Twelve hour of twenty four hour clock - Twelve hour! It's more intuitive I think and I don't have to do maths everytime I look at it :] Oh yeah but only if the clock tells you if it's pm or am because otherwise it gets confusing

Sci fi or horror - sci fi because I never watched a horror movie iirc (my sister won't let me because she has nightmares) and also because my dad loves them and I watched so many Sci fi movies with him they grew on me

Blue or green - OUHG. okay I love green, especially light green. I mean there's nothing wrong with dark green I just generally prefer light tones for some reason. But blue has got SO MANY great and awesome shades oughgh I love blue too so I'm going to choose that one

Sunsets or sunrises - I think ive watched so many sunrises theyre not so cool anymore. I mean they're still really cool!! When going to school I see it sometimes and I always go "OOOOHH" but idk. Also sunstets' colors are prettier I think :0

Tulips or orchids - OOH I LOVE ORCHIDS ! ! they have really fun shapes and colors and they're very pretty I think!!! Tulips are great too but they dont have shapes as fun as the orchids imo

Candlelight or moonlight - Candlelights because theyre very warm and very pretty and they have kind of orange light and im the number one fan of orange, warm lights :DD

Pen or pencil - PENCIL I hate writing + drawing with pen >:| I can't erase stuff and it's hard and it also makes my handwriting even worse when I use a pen !!! Sadly we have to use pens at school and if we use pencils in exams that's an automatic fail so I need to get used to them asap

Pandas or koalas - I know they're overrated but 😔 I love pandas they're like bears in pajamas ouuhghg I love koalas though!!! Theyre very cute :]]

Gold or silver: silver is very very pretty yeahh!!! Even the name is pretty wow...... I love using silver crayons and stuff it gets shiny but not TOO shiny and that is important I think

Sneakers or boots - boots are really cool and warm but I never use anything that are not sneakers ! I just have a single pair of them every time so I just use them until they're torn apart ahahaah..

Denim or leather jacket - neither 😐

Pink or purple - OKAY I love pink its a very great color I think and it's also REALLY fun to work with but ooooh purple my beloved <3 it might actually be one of my fave colors

Chocolate or sour candy - OH im a chocolate lover

Drive in cinema or theatre - I've never been to a drive in cinema and it honestly seems so cool but! I love threatres theyre great and I love watching things in a huge screen yeahh :D

Deodorant or perfume - I HATE PERFUMES OUGH OUGH OUGH perfumes go away leave me alone

Pastel blue or earth tones - godd this ones hard ! As I said before I looove blue !!!! But earth tones are SO great and cool I love them a lot oooh

Lemonade or fruit juice - HELL YEAH FRUIT JUICE LOVERS RISE !!! I love fruit juice........ except orange juice. But I might be choosing this option partly because the last time I had lemonade was when i was like. Five or something so i don't remember how it tastes :p

Past or future - I'm not too sure what it means, I might just mean where you'd prefer to time travel but either way I'd choose future so yeah ! Like, I wouldn't go back to the past and live there, because it would end up being repetitive and the future would be more unexpected! Maybe what happens in the future is worse than what happened in the past, but you can't know that because you don't know what will happen, whereas in the past you know. And about time travel, I wouldn't go back to the past because im 100% sure I'd end up fucking the timeline up 😔

Aaaaand idk how many people I have to tag but here are some :]

@kindledrose @lemonylimetime @potatoisanartist @eowynnsstuffnthings @selenesaysstuff !! (You can just not do it if you don't want to ofc :]])

[sometimesiwrite]

Consequences of Heartbreak

The stage door burst open and Jaskier wheeled round, ready to berate the unwanted intruder for invading his private space. Instead, he was pleasantly surprised to see a graceful woman with dark gold hair cascading over her shoulders, sea-glass-blue eyes flashing as she tossed an unruly lock off her forehead.

"Poppet! How thoughtful of you to come to the premier of my new--"

"What. Have. You. Done?!" A leather traveling shoe hit him squarely in the shoulder with each word. "And don't call me Poppet, you know how I hate that!"

"Essi, what the blazes--?"

"Do you have any idea the damage you're about to cause with that atrocity of a song if you keep singing it? I mean, really, do you??? After everything Geralt has told you about the pogroms, after years of travelling with him and seeing how the world already treated him without your stupid little petty piece of revenge to fuel the fire. Can you honestly hate him so much that you want him dead at the hands of angry villagers? Because you know that's what will happen if you continue. Riots. Hangings. Burnings. You know how this world works, Jaskier. You know damn well more than anyone what this could lead to."

She panted across from him, nostrils flaring as she waited for his reply.

"I gave him his fame. I can take it away. I'm a bard, Essi. I express myself how I see fit."

"At the expense of innocent lives?!" She frothed, fists clenched by her sides.

"He has hurt me. Barely innocent, I would think."

"Oh for heavens' sakes can you really be so willfully ignorant after all these years to think that your broken heart deserves to be avenged by spreading scorn and hatred? How many hearts have you broken, Jaskier? How many unsuspecting, lonely women have you tempted into your bed only to leave by morning? How many maids have you left weeping before dawn after you've jumped out their windows never to be seen again? Farmer's daughters, barmaids, mothers, sisters, wives. How many fatherless children have you sired? Face it, Jaskier, you've a trail of broken-hearted carnage behind you enough to span the continent three times over! But one person breaks your heart and you are prepared to have people take up their torches and pitchforks like the good old days and do right by you, is that it? You're a coward, Jaskier. And you are not the man I grew up with. You're different. Cruel. I--I don't wish to know you anymore if this is what you've come to."

Jaskier scoffed, dipping a cloth in oil and wiping the kohl from his eyelids. "Nearly twenty years and you're still infatuated by him. A little old for that now, aren't you?"

Essi tossed her head defiantly, glancing quickly back in the direction of the stage door. "Age hardly matters if the people in question are still worthy of love. Geralt is a good man. He's patient, gentle, and wise. He's also regretful and heartbroken, and yet still trying to do what's best for the people he cares for." Her delicate fingers fiddled at the silver chain around her neck and the sky-blue pearl suspended from it. "He is also still noble. And far nobler than you if you choose to believe your petty actions will have no consequences beyond your own satisfaction. The few witchers left in this continent will be drawn and quartered, burned alive on their own funeral pyres, beaten in their sleep, and driven to their own hand, no longer able to bite back the bitter taste of oppression and hatred. I have seen it. I know you know I can."

Jaskier went quiet and swallowed, turning his half-make-upped face to his oldest friend. He did know. A part of him always had, but when she, you know, came back from the dead in his arms, they more or less had to have a talk. As it turned out, being connected to a wider consciousness of ancient pre-conjunction beings made it harder to die from the pox than one might have thought. He said nothing, but fiddled with the rag in his hands.

"We are not just bards, Jaskier. We have power. We have influence. Cities have risen and fallen, monarchies toppled and oppressors overthrown because of our words. We have a responsibility, Jaskier. And if you don't want to take that responsibility, then I am here to take your lute. The very one, I believe, that you are only in possession of because Geralt managed to save your life?"

"He's here, isn't he?" Jaskier looked up from his seat, a doleful expression in his cornflower eyes.

"He was, and has since gone," she lied, avoiding another glance at the stage door. "Whatever damage he did you, you have done back tenfold, and to those whom you have never met yet do nothing but benefit from. Goodbye Jaskier. I don't wish to see you again."

She stood at the threshold, a hand on the latch of the old oak door. "It's not too late. But tomorrow they'll start to remember the words, and the song will no longer be just yours."

"What can I do?" Jaskier pleaded, feeling as though his world were beginning to tilt on its side.

Essi turned to him one final time and met his eyes with a resolute look. "Burn it."

With that she disappeared, leaving Jaskier to slump in his chair with his conscience. On the other side of the door, Essi took Geralt's hand, leading him away from the theatre toward the outskirts of Novigrad and fresh sea air. The walk would do them both some good and they could go some distance without encountering too many people.

"I'm sorry, Geralt," Essi finally said as they found a stretch of grass to walk in. "I've done what I can."

"You've done more than enough. Thank you." The witcher laced their fingers together while they strolled, watching the sun drift imperceptibly closer to the horizon.

"No I haven't. I should have burned his notebooks and destroyed his instruments," the poet pouted, kicking at a seeded blowball.

Geralt smiled and offered a quiet laugh. "I know you, Essi. You are too kindhearted for that."

"Perhaps," she answered, tossing her unruly bangs out of her eyes once more. "But you are too kindhearted to deserve that."

"Do you think he'll burn it?" Geralt asked after a moment or two more of walking.

Essi stopped to consider, her eyes looking out to the horizon as if she were searching for something in the lingering clouds. "We can only hope. Perhaps he will. I should very much like to think he is not so terrible as to keep going."

"I... loved him. Once." Geralt said, his fingers still interlaced with Essi's. Her hand was cold and still trembling from the confrontation earlier, but her chin was high and her eyes confident and bold. “Some time ago now.”

"I know." Essi squeezed his hand comfortingly as they stood side-by-side watching the clouds shift and warp. "I'm sorry. You must be hurt."

"A little more than I should be and less than I expected. You've... I've appreciated your company lately. Not many are ever willing to travel with a witcher, even at the best of times."

Essi gave him an inscrutable smile but said nothing.

"Come with me?" Geralt asked, turning to face the poet who had grown so much over the past decade and more, but had seemed to change so little. Essi turned too, her large, blue, starlight eyes looking into his with surprise. "Come with me," he said again, feeling his heart swell with new possibilities.

Essi narrowed her eyes and turned back to the water, pursing her lips to suppress a grin. "Alright."

[high-lady-of-earth]

Court of Nightmares

Azriel x Reader Oneshot

Summary: You and Azriel must go down to the Court of Nightmares. Afterwards, you find out that Az is a little insecure about his scars. This incorporates a prompt I received from @spaghettinoode1234

Hope you enjoy:)

You were the newest addition to the inner circle. You were a high fae, formerly a human, who had been Made during the war with Hybern.

You had a tenuous relationship with society after being alone for years in Hybern, so your residence had become the House of the Wind, which you actually enjoyed, unlike the others. Nesta had been glad to let you live with her and Cassian.

It was once again time for the Solstice and with it came presents. You had to buy presents for Feyre, Rhys, Elain, Mor, Armen, and Azriel. Nesta and Cassian were away on a mission. But with the solstice, came another, darker thing. The visit to the Court of Nightmares.

You were a sort of jammer when it came to magic. Your powers functioned to block the magic of others. With tensions rising in the Hewn City, Rhys wanted you and Azriel to pay Kier the annual visit.

Mor had informed you that Azriel wanted to go tonight, so you had to get your shopping out of the way today because solstice was tomorrow. Clad in a pair of loose pants and a long sleeved mesh top, you bundled up in a fur coat and winnowed to the Palace of Threads and Jewels.

Surveying the vendors, you looked for gifts for your friends. Rhys provided you with more money than you needed, so cost wasn’t an issue. You already had a rough idea of what you wanted to get for everyone. For Feyre and Rhysand, you wanted to find something for Nyx.

For Elain, you had seen a cart that sold rare flowers from the continent. They were roses, but enhanced with magic to sparkle in the daylight. Elain was working hard in the garden’s of Feyre and Rhys’ new house, and you knew they would look perfect on a trellis next to a fountain.

Mor was the easiest to shop for. You described an outfit to a tailor you wanted made and you were waiting for it to be finished. The ensemble consisted of a blouse, cropped to where the ribs ended, covered in thousands of glass beads. The skirt was the prettiest pink color with a slit up the side and an embroidered border made of glass beads at the top and bottom. Perhaps the most striking was the shawl, which drew on Eastern styles and was covered in the most beautiful embroidery and rhinestones. You had truly outdone yourself.

Armen was even easier. You had walked into Velaris’ most expensive jewelry store and had immediately found a something for Amren. It was a delicate necklace with a large stone in the middle. It was a red stone that changed color with the light, shifting between pink, red, and orange hues. You asked the lady what the stone was and learned that legend said it was a single scale from a dragon, given to the jeweler’s ancestor many thousands of years ago. The jeweler had decided to part with it suddenly after the war.

The last gift was for Azriel. You had absolutely no idea what to get him. He had saved your life, and you were head over heels for him, but it seemed as though there was a deep sadness to him. Mor had told Azriel that she preferred females, but he didn’t take it too well. He was still healing and you didn’t want to push him. Thus, you had no idea what was considered an appropriate gift.

You walked through the carts aimlessly, when suddenly an idea came to your mind. From experience, you knew that Azriel’s hands got ice cold. He couldn’t put on gloves because of his siphons. You would have someone make leather gloves lined with fur with an opening for his siphons. You asked a tailor to make the gloves and then started wandering again, looking for baby items.

You came across a cart selling baby jewelry and immediately found what you wanted to give Feyre and Rhys. It was a circlet, made of diamonds and onyx that represented the night court. It was beautiful and expertly crafted. The woman selling it told you it was one of a kind. She had not made any others to sell. You paid the woman in gold coins and gathered the rest of your presents. Then, you winnowed back to the House of Wind.

When you winnowed into the living room, you were startled by Azriel’s presence. He was sitting in chair, shrouded by darkness, looking at your intently. He held a box in his hands, which you knew contained the clothes you would have to wear.

“Time to go already?” You asked him.

“Indeed it is, Y/n.” He murmured. You loved the way Azriel’s voice was deep and smooth when he talked to you, making it almost sensual.

Azriel got up from the chair and banished his shadows to the edge of the room. You could now see his lean form without the darkness of the shadows. Azriel wore his Illyrian fighting leathers as well as his siphons. However, he had decided to forgo some of his armor, displaying enticing planes of his skin on his abdomen and back. You imagined how the muscles in his back would ripple as he walked.

Azriel approached you and gave you the box. He told you that he had brought Cerridwen and Nuala to help you get ready and that he would be waiting here, in the living room. You nodded and walked to your bedroom. Inside, were Cerridwen and Nuala with a steaming bath. They helped you strip off your clothes and then scrubbed your skin raw, rubbing in scented oils.

Once they had dried you off, they brought out your outfit. It was a midnight blue gauzy dress that was more conservative than Feyre’s Court of Nightmares outfit. You had to admit, the dress didn’t look bad at all. It had a plunging neckline that went down to the waist and two slits up the side of the dress that went up to your hips, but the opaque midnight fabric was overlaid with a translucent tulle blue fabric. Your legs were covered. Cerridwen put the dress on you and then Nuala sat you down to do your hair.

She blew it out, straightening it to get rid of the frizz, then she curled the edges. In the front, she grabbed some hair on each side and braided a thin strand, which she clipped in the back using a silver hair clip inlaid with midnight blue gems. Then, Nuala grabbed loose stones and threaded them into your hair.

Next, Cerridwen and Nuala worked on your makeup. They stayed simple, doing a smokey eye, eyeliner, and mascara for your eyes and a mauve berry lip gloss for your lips. They finished by dusting a silver shimmery powder over your cheeks. Cerridwen handed you a pair of silver strappy heels, which you put on and walked back to the living room.

Azriel looked up at you and your eyes met. For a split second, you thought you saw heat in his eyes, but it went away and you thought you might have imagined it.

“I’m giving you your solstice gift early, Y/n.” Azriel said, bringing out another large velvet box. He opened it to reveal several pieces of midnight blue jewelry, all the same color of his siphons.

“They’re all so beautiful.” You whispered to Azriel, looking up at him. He moved around to the back of you and helped you put on the necklace.

“They are nothing compared to you.” Azriel said. Your heart skipped a beat. You didn’t know what to say, so you didn’t respond. You put on the dangling earrings and bracelets and ring.

“I’m ready to go.” You told Azriel. He stood behind you and put an arm around your waist, getting ready to fly you there.

“You remember the drill, right? You sit on my lap and tell me what people are thinking. Block their magic if you think they are a threat.”

“Yup. The whole Daemati drill.”

Azriel’s arm tightened around your waist and the two of you suddenly traveled through the fabric of space and time itself. The world whooshed around you and you closed your eyes so you wouldn’t get dizzy. Then, almost as suddenly as you disappeared, the throne room of the Hewn City materialized around you.

Azriel had winnowed the two of you onto the single throne on the dais, Feyre’s throne absent since it was only Azriel presiding over the court today. Rhysand had even give Azriel permission to sit on the throne. You had been positioned on top of Azriel’s strong thighs, the thin fabric of your dress allowing you to feel his heat even through his thick Illyrian leathers.

Kier stood in front of the throne, along with about fifty other people. The room was dark, only a few strategically-placed fae lights provided light. This, however, suited Azriel because his shadows could run rampant.

“Welcome to the Hewn City, General.” Kier said in a pleasant tone that undoubtedly was laced with venom underneath. Nobody here wanted to bow to the beautiful male she perched on top of. They disregarded the Illyrian heritage that made him so powerful. So awe-inspiring.

Azriel gave Kier a bored look as if to say get on with it. Kier flicked his glance to you and paused. Azriel’s arm moved around your waist and stopped so that his fingers grazed your hip.

“Who, if I may ask, is this?” Kier asked. You swallowed some fear. Mor’s father had taken an interest in you — not a good sign. You stilled and became stiff against Azriel. His other hand snaked around to rest on top of your thigh. A mark of ownership clear to Kier and the rest of the court.

“She isn’t anyone special. Just a new one to grace my arm today.” Azriel said with cold steel in his voice. You knew Azriel’s words were lies for the court, but it still stung to be called a nobody. The others looked like they believed Azriel, but Kier didn’t. He silently noted how Azriel’s hand had moved to your thigh, almost like a warning.

You knew that Kier wasn’t fooled by your pathetic act and could tell something else was going on here. You cursed inside your head — you desperately needed to do something. You used your power to push a little at the dark sleek walls of Azriel’s mental defenses. He noted your presence and let you in.

“Kier isn’t buying the act.” You said inside his head. “We need to be more convincing.”

You pulled out of Azriel’s mind as his hand, the one on your waist, moved to the neckline of your gown. He began to toy with it, the only indication that he had understood your words.

You could feel Azriel’s callused fingers through the flimsy fabric of your dress. His hand moved over your right breast, and you sucked in a breath as his fingers grazed over your chest.

“You’re doing great, Y/n.” Azriel whispered in your ear. The hand on your thigh inched closer and closer to your core, and you felt yourself flush with embarrassment. You were frozen in place, watching Kier, who’s expression slackened as he undoubtedly scented your very real arousal, and along with it, banished any doubts about you being a threat.

Inwardly, you were mortified, but you didn’t let it show. Azriel’s fingers finally reached your inner thigh, where they played with the fabric of your dress.

“So, Kier, how goes the operations down here?” Azriel asked in his deadly voice. You didn’t hear Kier’s response because Azriel’s hand had suddenly began to rub circles through your dress. You couldn’t concentrate on anything and you felt Azriel stiffen behind you.

You went back into Azriel’s mind. “Everyone is good. Nobody’s plotting anything.” You said. Azriel gave a slight nod.

“Kier, you may go. I’m done with you for today.” Azriel said, dismissing him from the throne room. The hall bustled with activity as other members of the Hewn City moved around. You felt Azriel’s lips on your ear before he began to speak, his fingers once again teasing you through your dress.

“Y/n, I can barely concentrate on everyone’s words. Your scent is overpowering and it’s getting difficult to fight my own instincts. I should fly you back to the House of Wind.” He stated in a husky voice.

“You don’t have to do that. I’ll stay with you. Don’t fight it, Azriel.” You said.

“I won’t be able to control myself, Y/n.” He replied. The butterflies in your stomach fluttered as Azriel said that. You already had your answer though. In response to him, you moved one of your hands on top of Azriel’s, the one playing with the neckline of your dress. You closed your fingers over his hand and gently moved it to your heart, which was beating furiously in your chest.

You felt the world darken around you as shadows enclosed yours and Azriel’s bodies. The world spun for a few seconds, but it mercifully stopped as you arrived in the House of Wind. Azriel’s winnowing sometimes made you dizzy.

You were so close to Azriel that your chests were almost touching. Your gaze moved from his eyes to his lips and you could palpably feel the room go warmer. Instinctively, you knew that Azriel’s own eyes had moved down to your lips too. It would be so easy to lean forward an inch and press your mouth against his.

You closed your eyes as the tension between you two simmered and waited for the searing kiss Azriel would place on your lips. But you were left with a gust of brisk, cool air instead. You opened your eyes, but only to see that Azriel had turned away from you and started waking. You felt the anger rise up in you as you took a step after him and grabbed his shoulder.

“You do not get to pull that stunt down there and then ignore me, Azriel.” You huffed. He didn’t even turn around.

“Was it true? Am I just some eye candy that you brought along? Do you not even care about how that made me feel?” You questioned. You saw Azriel bristle, and a part of you was satisfied that he responded.

“Of course you mean something to me, Y/n. That’s why we can’t.” He whispered.

You stepped in front of Azriel and placed your hands on your hips.

“I don’t see how refraining from kissing me shows that you care about me.” You pointed out. Azriel looked away from you, towards the floor.

“I-I’m not a good guy, Y/n. You deserve someone who’s better than I am. Someone who is just a perfect and beautiful as you are.” He said. In the corner of your eyes, you saw Azriel tuck his hands into his pockets.

You quickly reached your hands into his pockets and curled your fingers around his hand. Then, you brought out his hands.

“You know that being perfect doesn’t matter to me. Your scars are beautiful, Azriel. If you don’t believe me about that, then at least believe that they give you character.” You replied.

Azriel looked unsure, so you brought his hands to you face and gently set your lips on his palms, tracing the scar tissue with kisses.

“I think you’re handsome and beautiful and perfect— scars and all.” You whispered.

[gins-potter]

how do you imagine that the fashion would be on the main planets?

oooooh i love this ask, anon! it's the perfect one to get my creativity flowing to get back into writing. so some planets i've thought about and others i'm sort of spitballing based on vibes:

magix:

i think i've talked before about magix's population being more or less a mix of other planet's cultures

so i don't think they really have one sort of fashion

but rather you would see lots of different fashion styles and a lot of combining different styles because magix more or less experiences all sorts of weather

so for example a solarian now living on magix, who's used to dry, hot weather practically all year around, might wear solarian fashion during summer and spring, but then have to adopt the fashion of colder planets like say zenith or eraklyon during the winter

sparx:

favours shades of green, blue, and white

kind of have to dress to the climate as well (fairly warm summers, fairly cold winters)

so dresses and skirts in the summer, pants and jackets in the winter

a bit of gold but not as big a thing in other places

the really patriotic ones will put dragon designs on EVERYTHING

but never suggest to a sparxian that they wear dragon leather, you get a sword pulled on you for that sort of thing

very dramatic makeup for the Day of the Dragon

seriously those people go full out for that holiday

and most of them will do their makeup to resemble dragon scales, wings, flames etc.

solaria:

BIG fashion culture, but also a constant battle between looking fabulous and trying to stay cool (temperature wise that is)

as a result they favour white and paler colours because they reflect heat (you'd have to be masochistic to wear dark colours on solaria)

the only person who sort of got away with wearing darker colours was Luna when she was Queen, because she would wear a lot of silver, grey, and dark blue for her home planet

GLITTER

seriously if you aren't trying to out shine the sun, what are you even doing?

lots of lighter and sheer fabrics to stay cool, dramatic necklines, backless dresses, high slits in skirts lots of skin shown off

i've kind of flirted with this idea but it seems plausible to me that partial or full nudity would be a lot more common on solaria just because of how hot it is, the only reason more of them don't do it is because then they wouldn't be able to show off their glorious fashion

eraklyon:

like solaria, eraklyon fashion is a balancing act between aesthetic and dressing for the climate (which is fairly cold)

my mind immediately goes to like military fashion??? but like not modern military camo, like those older military jackets

so like lots of buttons, high collars, and embroidery/ornamentation at the cuffs and collars

outfits tend to have only one or two colours and very deep colours like deep reds, dark purples and blues, with a healthy does of black and gold (their national colours)

fairly conservative fashion (also it's fucking cold) so long sleeves, skirts for the women, high collars

this starts to change when bloom arrives on the scene

very easy to tell the difference between upper and lower classes based on fashion

the lower classes tend to wear brighter colours with less gold detailing

linphea:

biggest division is between work attire and other fashion

work attire is very plain and functional, protective fabrics, little thought to colour/pattern/design, thick boots

other fashion features a lot of off the shoulder tops and floaty skirts

lots of colour and of course lots of flower/floral motifs

fancier dresses will have fuller skirts and plainer colours

but casual-wear will be easy to move in and bright with lots of colours and patterns

flower crows for fancy events!!!

harmonic nebula:

lots of bright BRIGHT colours during the day, red, yellow, and green being the most popular ones

darker shades at night, black, dark blue, purple etc.

lots of emphasis on silhouette, so form fitting outfits, dramatic sleeves, full skirts etc.

most don't have casual-wear/wear very beautiful clothing all the time because as performers they're always ready to be on stage

predominantly gold ornamentaion

even if they have shorter skirts, they usually always have longer sleeves, elbow-full length

zenith:

zenith climate is Cold so functionality comes before aesthetic for zenithian fashion

they pick their clothes based first on how warm it is, second on how durable it is, and then only third do they pick based on colour or design

a lot of them work in some sort of technology or engineering industry so their clothes have to be fairly durable/resistant to staining etc. so that's another big factor they consider when designing clothes

probably less dresses or skirts than other fashion styles, they are worn, but most tend to prefer pants just because again: functionality

not a lot of fancy jewellery because once again, a large technology/engineering workforce so they can't have anything that can get caught or will be in the way while they work

mostly small stud earrings and cuff bracelets that sit close to the skin and are less likely to be a hindrance

i can see them being into tattoos because it's a way of ornamentation that won't interfere with their work

andros:

so like eraklyon i can see the fashion for andros changing a lot between the upper and lower classes

the upper classes are more conservative and don't like to anything that shows a lot of skin

also if they're rich enough they just send people out to fetch things for them so they don't have to worry about getting in or out of water unless they want to, so they can favour heavier fabrics

but the lower classes are a whole different story

they predominantly use waterways to get around the cities so their fashion has to be able to withstand getting wet and then drying multiple times in the same day

so as such they tend to favour lighter fabrics that are water resistant

also being a fairly tropical climate, they aren't too fussed about long sleeves or long pants because it just gets too hot and weighs them down to much in the water

because of this i see them wearing a lot of body jewellery to accessorise their outfits

so stuff like rings, bracelets, and necklaces, of course, but also anklets, belly chains, and even chains for their upper arms and thighs

pearls are the Thing for the rich, but something cheaper like maybe blue agate is more popular for the lower classes

[toomanythought]

A critique of the magic knight captain's outfits because that's the kind of mood I'm in.

1. Charlotte

I've decided that she has the best outfit of anyone here.

She's got several colors going on, but most of them are neutral so It's ok

Blue and silver with gold accents isn't really a color scheme you can go wrong with

Could use a little more armor, but overall a rather practical look

Could stand to loose the helmet but overall not bad

10/10 something I would wear

2. Dorothy

I'm loving the energy of the pink in this one.

Honestly very pretty aesthetic

Not a lot going on, pretty much only pink w/ some black and white accents (There are two different shades of pink but that's ok because they're in separate pieces and nothing else is going on)

The green on her hat really helps make the pink less overwhelming, a great choice

Minus points because those shorts look a little bit like underwear and her boots should probably be black.

9/10 wouldn't wear it but I'd recommend a friend

3. The Vermilions:

It's pretty much the exact same outfit but Mereoleona wears it so much better.

The red and orange is kind of a bad combo, and I thought it was basic knowledge that redheads should avoid wearing red

The blue does work to cut this a bit though, so it's not as overwhelming as it could be

Kinda iffy on the pink sash. It really should match the cape by outfit laws, but I think that would put too much red in the entire thing

Fuegoleon you're pretty but that outfit really isn't doing it for you. Minus points for the lack of titty window. In the future show more skin. 6/10

Like I said, it's basically the same outfit, but Mereoleona wears it with a very different energy and manages to make it look good. I get pirate queen vibes. 8.5/10

Overall 7/10; I might wear elements of it.

4. Rill

The clothing needs a different style/cut but the colors are decent.

His cape doesn't class with his hair, and he's got the light colors well balanced with the dark

He looks like he's outgrown his pants though

Like seriously

They're a bit too short to be wearing without boots

And at least wear some socks to cover it up

Gonna give him the benefit of the doubt and say he hit a growth spirt and Walter hasn't had time to let out the hems

Shoes make me think of Tinker belle

6/10 I like the colors but he really needs different pants, and maybe shoes

5. Yami

Surprisingly not the worst but I am not without criticism.

He's got an aesthetic going that allows him to get away with a bit

As an outfit it's ok, but there's a distinct lack of professionalism going on

Sir are you really going to wear nothing but a tank top 24/7?

Also the over pant thingies make it look like he's wet himself

I like the creativity with the squad robe. No one else wears it like that

His outfit was better when he was with the Grey Deer

Can' figure out what's up with those boots

5/10. I'd never recommend wearing it but it's got a practicality to it.

6. Nozel

My dude you're rich enough to afford a stylist.

We're not even talking about the hair at this point, there are so many things that need straightened out

The ocean/teal blue he's got going on does not work with the periwinkle.

Also what's up with the pant leg cut outs. I really fail to understand the practicality of them

Why are there sandals

We are fighting people

Please wear close toed shoes

Also feathers and fur? Get it together my dude

While we're at it the feathers are kinda ugly in arrangement

3/10 I feel like someone failed to successfully merge two different outfits together.

7. Kaiser

I don't have a lot to say. It's pretty bland.

Very shapeless and fluffy

I'm honestly getting hot just looking at it

Aside from the buttons + gloves and squad robe, there's not much going on

I don't have many critiques of the squad robe. It's purple and yellow. Nothing too horrible.

5/10. Very generic and boring. Don't like at all but it's hard to come up with concrete bad things

8. Jack

Sir do you understand the purpose of clothes

It looks like an armored outfit so you get practicality points

What is up with all the leather straps

They literally serve no purpose

Please put on a proper shirt that covers your midriff

The pants/shoes combo is kinda sketchy

He needs to have either the black or the green running all the way up

Bracelets?

2/10. It's just... ugly

9. William

Sir I know your life sucks but please learn how to dress yourself. Your squad wears the uniform too and you aren't doing them any favors.

Feathers and fluff. Are you a bird dude? Is that your magic? No. It's trees. I know you like birds but you don't need to look like one

Please don't get me started on the colors

For posterity's sake I will now list every color contained within this outfit:

White

Gold

Red

Dark Red

Tan? Light gold?

Dark blue

Lighter blue (but only in one place and it's not touching the dark blue)

Purple. Because this outfit needed some more pizzazz.

White

Black

Get some pink and green and you'll be representing all the squads with ease

The style and cut is actually pretty good but the colors are beyond horrid

He tells Julius that the mask is tacky and then continues to wear it

And also match the rest of his clothing to it

He should have kept the mask as a statement piece and kept the outfit as one or two colors.

Honestly a very in character outfit because it demonstrates his inability to choose a side

3/10 I guess. I like some things about it but there's just too much going on. Bad overall outfit. Needs help desperately. Ask Mimosa. I have a feeling she realized it was bad.