#but ideally i would prefer library books

[leofrith]

tagged by @artschoolglasses, @aeide, and @ainulindaelynn ✨

hardcover or paperback? bookstore or library? bookmark or receipt? stand alone or series? nonfiction or fiction? thriller or fantasy? under 300 pages or over 300 pages? children’s or ya? friends to lovers or enemies to lovers? read in bed or read on the couch? read at night or read in the morning? keep pristine or markup? cracked spine or dog ear?

no pressure tagging @basimibnishaqs @variantoutcast, @woahpip, @pointesdulac (aka the known book-reading mutuals)

[playnextdoor]

dating modern abby headcannons

cw: both sfw and nsfw

Abby didn’t know naps could be a luxury until she met you. She was always on her feet, never stopping long enough to close her eyes for a "weak" 30 minutes. But now? That quick nap became her personal slice of heaven. Her cranky, sleep-deprived self would curl up next to you, her face buried in your neck. By the time she woke, she’d be all sunshine, grinning like she hadn’t just been grumbling an hour ago.

Sweet tooth!!!!!!! She loves sweets, especially dark chocolate. If you ever peek into her bedside drawer, you’ll find a nearly demolished chocolate bar waiting for her nightly ritual.

“What?” she says with a shrug, stuffing a square into her mouth. “I like a piece of chocolate before bed,” Her eyebrows furrow as she chews, eyeing you like you’re judging her life choices.

“Nothing,” you chuckle, watching her puffed cheeks work overtime. “I never met anyone who would do that.”

Her arms crossed immediately, mock-offended. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh my god, Abigal, nothing, it’s cute.” You lean in, silencing her pout with a kiss, the faint bitterness of chocolate lingering on her lips.

Abby has a thing for books. Not just reading them—collecting them. We’re talking first editions, special releases, and rare overseas copies. This girl gets down. Her study practially a library, shelves nearly touching the ceiling filled with books, some on display and some in special casings. You even catch her one day, headphones blasting as she carefully and meticulously cleaned some of the books. The music was so opposite to what she was doing, her hands handling the covers so carefully. Instantly wet holyyyyyy

This goes with her being veryyyy clean and organized. It was so cute when you snooped in her drawers, her undergarments folded up so neatly in rows, and her socks in perfect little squares. 

She likes her space, which you understood very early in the relationship. Sometimes, the two of you would be on separate ends of the couch, her playing some game on the TV while you color in your coloring books, or when she would carve out days for the two of you and then days for just her. She loved you dearly, and it was just that she needed the only time to recharge.

Really into speakeasies. It’s her preferred place to grab a drink with you. The dim lighting, quiet atmosphere, and cozy corners make it her ideal date spot. She also likes sitting with you in some dimly lit corner, you more tipsy than her, laughing hysterically at some awful joke she said. If you really wanted to go to a club and shake ass, you bet Abby is going to take you, but she’s just gonna stand behind you like an awkward teenage boy getting grinded on for the first time.

This girl is not big on PDA, sorry not sorry. She’ll hold your hand, wrap her arm around you, maybe a kiss here and there, but she will most likely shy away from anything else, not that she’s embarrassed, she prefers to keep things just for you and her.

Food is Abby’s love language! Loves cooking, loves trying new places, loves eating, period. How else do you think she keeps her physique?

Speaking of muscles, the gym is practically her second home. She’s not a gym rat per se, but she’s got a solid routine, especially when it comes to upper body days. She loves how her arms look in T-shirts, but she loves that you love them even more.

Keys clanked into the trinket dish as Abby slipped off her shoes. Just getting back from the gym, all she is thinking about is going straight to the shower; once wet with sweat, her shirt feels disgusting on her. She sees you eyeing her from the kitchen, occasionally looking up from your phone, eyes lingering on her bulging arms; the pump did her good today because you’re ready to strip naked right there. She flashes a knowing smile as she puts her things away. She strides towards you, coming next to you to place a kiss on your head.

“How was the gym?” turning off your phone to provide her the full attention she most definitely deserved, hand creeping to caress the veins that littered down her forearms all the way up to the hard muscle on her bicep, squeezing it.

Abby just watches you, smile bitten back as you look almost in awe at how fucking massive her arms are, your sweet eyes meeting up to hers.

“Good,” she murmurs, watching your fascination. Her voice drops, low and teasing. “Something on your mind?”

“Mmm,” you hum, nails raking lightly over her back. She groans softly, and you know exactly where this is going.

nsfw

Boobs. Loves boobies. Likes to look at them, have them in her hands, in her mouth. Sure, she appreciates your ass—who wouldn’t? But there’s just something about slipping your nipple into her mouth, especially in those early morning hours. The sensation wakes you in a frenzy, loving how Abby does this for herself. Or when the two are cuddling, she’ll sometimes lay her face in them, the warmth of your scent lulling her to sleep.

Pronebone is her favorite position aside from missionary. Any time and any day, she is tightening the straps and fucking you into the mattress.

Speaking of tightening straps, the first time you did it, Abby nearly came, hips stuttering as she felt the firm tug of your hand tightening one of the straps that sat at her hip. Lord have mercyyy just thinking about how she would just pant above you, her golden hair cascading around your face like a curtain. Her hips moved against yours in a rhythm so devastatingly slow hnghhhhhhh

Stone top AT FIRST. She told you right before your first time together, you didn’t mind, genuinely. You have always been on both the receiving and giving end, so you were willing to be open for your girlfriend. And fuck how much it turned you on when Abby would slip a hand in her own pants as she ate you out, nearly heaving into you as you both came. It wasn't until a couple of months into the relationship that you asked.

Grinding down on her jean-clad thigh, the rough seam pressed perfectly against your cunt, drawing out a needy whimper that matched the low groans spilling from Abby’s lips. Her soft “mhm’s” spurred you on, the delicious friction pulling the two of you deeper.

Abby didn’t know what shifted in her—it might have been when you slid to your knees with a slow, deliberate grace, your nails dragging down her thighs. Her body moved instinctively, thighs spreading wide as if something had taken over her.

Or maybe it was when you pressed your cheek near where you needed her the most. Her hand came to caress your head, finding it so endearing how eager you had been all night, your fingers lingering for just a second longer, lips finding solace in her neck as you murmured how bad you needed her. She should have known you were going to beg eventually.

“Abby, please.”

You didn’t even need to elaborate, eyes were locked on the belt still fastened at her waist, the buckle catching the light and taunting you. Her own gaze, glossy and heavy with want, flickered down to meet yours.

Fuck. How could she possibly say no?

She can get rough if you would like, but she prefers to cuddlefuck than to fuck you upside down and sideways.

This goes back to the pronebone position, something you didn’t even know had a name until you tried explaining it to Abby in a very clumsy, very horny way. After that, Abby does it at least once when you guys have sex.

She’ll have your face down, your elbows digging into the bed as she fucked your leaking cunt with two thick fingers. Abby always took her time, kissing up the curve of your ass, her lips soft and warm against your heated skin. When she finally slipped her fingers out, you’d whimper in protest, only for her strong hands to press you further into the bed, spreading you open as her groan mingled with yours. The blanket so warm underneath you, mixing with the weight of her body and hands on you, have you in such a blissful haze.

“Yeah?” Abby asked, her voice low and breathless. You could barely process what she was saying, too lost in the feeling, but you nodded eagerly into the pillow, pushing your ass higher in response.

Chuckling, she sat perched on the backs of your thighs, holding you in place as she made your body tremble with anticipation. Sliding up and down with the tip of her black 6 1/2-inch faux cock it only makes you wiggle around impatiently. With a teasing pinch to your thigh to remind you to relax she finally shifts, pushing its length into you so slow you nearly grab it to put it in yourself. The stretch had your whimpers climbing into desperate, high-pitched cries muffled by the pillows. The pillows do what you need them to do because if you remove them, people will think someone is dying in there. Well, kind of, don't the french say orgasm means "tiny death"? Yeah that was happening.

Prefers if you orgasm first. She claims her own release isn't as satisfying when you don't.

“I dunno, Abby.”

The words escaped in a soft gasp as you abruptly sat up. Abby’s lips popped off your mound, glossy and parted, her wide eyes locking on yours in utter confusion. “I can’t…”

Her brows furrowed, her head tilting slightly as if to ask why in the world you’d stop her now. “Can’t what?” she asked, inching closer like she didn’t plan on letting you go anywhere.

“Cum,” you admitted, pushing her head away gently, though you both knew she wouldn’t take kindly to it.

Sure enough, she shook your hand off and gave you a look that could only be described as determined.

“Stop. Lay your ass down."

Before you could protest, she scoots you closer, which causes you to fall back into the mattress, her lips finding the inside of your thighs, skin slightly tacky from her spit and your slickness.

“No, like actually,” you said again, sitting up despite her best efforts to keep you in place, your legs starting to close instinctively.

Abby pouts, and you can’t help but mimic her expression because this poor girl has been following you around like a lovesick puppy ever since you got home from work, clearly bored and horny, while you were too stressed and tired to even think about anything else. She was all smooth with it, too, claiming she was going to “put you to bed,” but your head was still spinning with thoughts of annoying coworkers and unfinished tasks. You were too far in your own head to focus on the woman between your legs who was clearly trying to help.

Her warm hands found your shoulders, pressing with that unique weight only she carried, her thumbs kneading gently. The gesture softened you immediately.

“We can totally stop, it's just..." Her lips find yours in a gentle yet hungry kiss, her teeth nipping then soothing it with the wet of her tongue. You nearly moaned into her mouth, your body betraying every word you were about to say. “I have been wanting to taste you all fucking day. I know you had a shit day, but please, baby, I don’t think I’ll sleep tonight if you don’t come on my face”

You couldn’t help it; you burst into laughter, and Abby froze, staring at you ???????

“Oh, you’re serious,” you managed between fits of giggles, your eyes watering as you met her utterly unamused glare.

Two minutes of laughing later, Abby had had enough. With a firm nod, she launched herself forward, tackling you onto the bed and pinning you beneath her. Her body weight pressed you into the mattress, her lips hovering over yours, and you could see that look in her eyes that she was really going to put you to bed this time.

a/n: this sucks butt lol but i hope you all enjoy still.

[jakedaydreaming]

ᯓ★ soft spot . 심재윤! ୧

⋆˙ ⟡ pairing: famousboy!jake x reader

⋆˙ ⟡ genre: FLUFF; kissing, skinship, soft confessions

⋆˙ ⟡ synopsis: jake sim, the school's golden boy and notorious heartbreaker, has built a fortress around his emotions. he's charming, talented, and fiercely independent, rejecting every advance with a polite but firm dismissal. but when a new, genuinely kind student enters his world, his carefully constructed walls begin to crumble, revealing a soft spot he never knew he had.

૮₍´˶• . • ⑅ ₎ა click here!

the cafeteria hummed with the usual lunchtime chaos, but jake sim remained unfazed, his attention fixed on the football field visible through the window. he could practically feel the leather of the ball against his foot, the satisfying thud as it connected, the roar of the crowd. it was a feeling far more thrilling than any fleeting romantic encounter.

"bro, seriously, you need to get a girlfriend," jay groaned, leaning back in his chair, his eyes rolling. "every girl in this school is throwing themselves at you, and you're acting like you're allergic to affection."

jake shrugged, a nonchalant smile playing on his lips. "i'm content," he replied, his gaze still drifting towards the field. "besides, i'm waiting for someone… special."

heeseung snorted, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "yeah, someone who doesn't exist. you're a hopeless romantic, jake. just admit it."

"maybe," jake conceded, a hint of a smile in his eyes. he wasn't lying. he held an ideal of true love, a connection that went beyond superficial attraction, a feeling he had yet to experience. a feeling that made his heart ache a little when he was alone.

his reputation as the school's most eligible bachelor was well-earned. he was charming, undeniably handsome, and a star athlete, but he remained emotionally distant, preferring the company of his friends to the pursuit of romance. he'd seen too many shallow relationships, too many fleeting infatuations, and he refused to settle for anything less than genuine connection. he would rather spend his time practicing football, than pretending he liked someone he didn't.

then, you arrived.

you were a breath of fresh air, an innocent presence in the school's often-cynical atmosphere. you were quiet, kind, and genuinely interested in people, not their popularity or status. you were new, and a little shy, and jake noticed the way you always had a book in your hand, or the way you smiled softly at the small things, like the way the sunlight hit the leaves of the trees outside the library. you were different.

one afternoon, during a particularly intense football practice, a stray ball went flying towards the sidelines, striking you square in the shoulder. you stumbled, your books scattering across the grass, pages fluttering in the breeze.

"oh my god, i'm so sorry!" jake exclaimed, rushing towards you, his heart pounding with guilt. he felt a pang of guilt, a feeling he rarely experienced. "are you alright?"

you looked up, your eyes wide and a little dazed, a faint blush coloring your cheeks. "yeah," you murmured, rubbing your shoulder, a small wince escaping your lips. "just a little surprised."

he helped you gather your books, his fingers brushing against yours. there was a spark, a subtle connection that made him pause, a warmth spreading through him. "i'm jake," he said, offering you a reassuring smile, his eyes searching yours.

"i know," you replied, a faint blush coloring your cheeks, your voice barely above a whisper. "you're kind of… famous." you looked away, embarrassed.

he chuckled, a soft sound that made your heart flutter. "yeah, i guess i am. but i'm also really clumsy with footballs, apparently." he looked down at your books, and noticed the title of the book you had been reading. it was a classic romance novel. "you like romance novels?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

you nodded, your cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink. "yeah," you mumbled. "they're… comforting."

he found himself drawn to your quiet sincerity, your lack of pretense. he offered to walk you to your next class, and during the short walk, he found himself genuinely enjoying your company. you talked about books, about music, about your dreams for the future. he listened intently, captivated by your genuine enthusiasm, the way your eyes lit up when you talked about your passions.

as the days turned into weeks, jake found himself seeking out your company. he'd find excuses to walk you to class, to sit with you during lunch, to help you with your homework. he’d even start carrying a book around, trying to find something in common with you. his friends noticed the change, the softening in his demeanor, the way his eyes would light up when he saw you.

"dude, what's going on?" sunoo asked, raising an eyebrow, his voice laced with teasing. "you're acting… different."

"different how?" jake asked, trying to sound casual, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"you're actually talking to a girl," jungwon pointed out, a teasing grin on his face. "and not just talking, you're like… interested. like, really interested."

jake shrugged, a faint blush creeping up his neck. "she's just… different," he admitted, his voice soft. "she's kind, and genuine, and she doesn't care about all the… stuff. she actually reads the books she carries around."

he found himself wanting to protect your innocence, to shield you from the harsh realities of the school's social scene. he'd watch from afar as other girls tried to approach you, their motives transparent, and he'd feel a surge of protectiveness, a desire to keep you safe, a feeling he had never felt before.

one evening, after a particularly long study session in the library, he walked you home. the streetlights cast long shadows, and the air was filled with the quiet hum of the city. the silence between them was comfortable, filled with unspoken feelings.

"i had a really nice time tonight," you said, your voice soft, breaking the silence.

"me too," jake replied, his eyes fixed on yours, his heart pounding in his chest. "you know, you're really… amazing. you're the only person who i feel like i can be myself around."

you blushed, looking away, your heart fluttering. "thank you, jake."

he stopped walking, turning to face you, his eyes searching yours. "i know i have a reputation," he said, his voice low, a hint of vulnerability in his tone. "and i know i haven't exactly been the nicest guy in the past. but with you, it's different. you make me want to be a better person. you make me want to stop acting like a jerk."

he reached out, gently cupping your face in his hands, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through you. "i think… i think i'm falling for you," he confessed, his eyes searching yours for any sign of rejection, his voice barely a whisper.

you looked up at him, your eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and something else, something that looked suspiciously like hope, like you had been waiting for him to say those words. "jake…"

he leaned in, his lips brushing against yours, his breath warm against your skin. "can i kiss you?" he whispered, his voice husky.

you nodded, and he closed the distance, his lips finding yours in a soft, tender kiss. it was a kiss that spoke of unspoken feelings, of a connection that went beyond words. it was a kiss that proved, even the most guarded hearts can find their soft spot. and his, was only for you. and he knew, that he would do everything he could, to keep that soft spot safe.

[otakudragones]

Kento Nanami

As a Boyfriend

• Nanami doesn’t fall in love easily, but once he does, he is serious, straightforward, and completely honest.

• His way of caring for you is practical: making sure you eat well, rest properly, and don’t overwork. Not because he’s boring, but because he knows what exhaustion feels like and he doesn’t want that for you.

• He prefers small, consistent gestures. A hot cup of coffee in the morning, a silent hand reaching for yours, a “Did you get home safe?” every night.

• He gets nervous with physical affection at first, but once he’s used to it, he becomes your anchor: long hugs, slow caresses, his head resting on your lap as he listens to you speak.

• He’s very observant. He notices when something’s bothering you, even if you don’t say it. And he stays with you until you’re okay, even if he doesn’t know exactly how to help.

Imagine:

You come home after a bad day. He doesn’t ask anything. He just takes off his tie, sits you on the couch, and puts a blanket over your shoulders. Then he sits beside you, saying nothing, and holds your hand. It’s all you need.

As a Husband

• He’s methodical, but affectionate. He has schedules, routines, and a very specific way of doing things… but he always makes space for you in all of it.

• He makes breakfast every morning. Not because he has to, but because he loves seeing you smile at the first bite.

• Fights are rare, because he prefers to talk things through calmly. Still, he never underestimates your feelings. He always listens.

• He calls you “my love” naturally. Sometimes it sounds so formal, so him, that it gives you butterflies like the very first time.

• He firmly believes in respect, commitment, and true companionship. He doesn’t want a perfect story—just a life with you.

Imagine:

You’re lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling. He walks in, lies down beside you, and asks, “Would you like to take a vacation?”

He doesn’t say it because he’s tired… he says it because he’s noticed you are. And he wants to gift you a break.

As a Father

• Nanami is the kind of dad who reads parenting articles and keeps a personal mini-library of illustrated books.

• He fears the world—not for himself, but for his child. That’s why he teaches them early that being strong isn’t the same as being cold.

• He loves reading bedtime stories, especially if he can do different voices (even if it’s hard for him).

• He has a photo album organized by months. He also keeps every drawing, letter, and memory.

• If his child stumbles or falls, he doesn’t rush to pick them up… but he does kneel beside them, asks if they’re okay, and says, “I’m here. Try again.”

In general, a relationship with Nanami is...

• Like a warm cup of tea on a cloudy day. Calm, safe, sincere.

• He looks at you as if you’re the most precious thing in his life. Not as an unreachable ideal, but as someone real, human, whom he loves even on their hardest days.

• With him, you learn that love doesn’t have to be a storm. It can be a refuge. A routine made of tenderness.

• He never takes you for granted. He’s always grateful to have you. He always chooses to stay.

Mini One-Shot: “Shared Time”

Nanami comes home later than usual. Work, as always, has taken more from him than it should.

But there you are. In the kitchen, with soft music in the background, making something simple.

He sets down his briefcase, takes off his shoes, and walks over. He leans his forehead on your shoulder, quietly.

—“Sorry I’m late,” he murmurs.

—“You don’t need to apologize,” you reply, taking his hand.

He smiles, tired but thankful.

—“Do you mind if I just… stay here for a moment?”

You nod, and he hugs you.

In that moment, the world stops. There’s only the two of you. The shared warmth. The silence full of love.

Traducción

Como novio

• Nanami no se enamora fácilmente, pero una vez lo hace, es serio, directo y completamente sincero.

• Su forma de cuidarte es práctica: asegurarse de que comas bien, que descanses, que no trabajes de más. No porque sea aburrido, sino porque sabe lo que significa estar agotado y no quiere eso para ti.

• Prefiere los gestos pequeños pero constantes. Un café caliente por la mañana, una mano que se extiende hacia la tuya en silencio, un “¿llegaste bien?” cada noche.

• Se pone nervioso con el contacto físico al principio, pero una vez se acostumbra, se convierte en tu ancla: abrazos largos, caricias lentas, la cabeza apoyada en tu regazo mientras te escucha hablar.

• Es muy observador. Nota cuando algo te preocupa incluso si no lo dices. Y se queda contigo hasta que estés bien, aunque no sepa exactamente cómo ayudarte.

Imagina:

Llegas a casa después de un mal día. Él no pregunta nada. Solo se quita la corbata, te sienta en el sofá, y te pone una manta sobre los hombros. Luego se sienta a tu lado, sin decir una palabra, y te toma la mano. Es todo lo que necesitas.

Como esposo

• Es metódico, pero cariñoso. Tiene horarios, rutinas y una manera muy particular de hacer las cosas… pero siempre deja espacio para ti en todo.

• Hace el desayuno cada mañana. No porque tenga que hacerlo, sino porque le gusta verte sonreír con el primer bocado.

• Las peleas son raras, porque prefiere resolver las cosas conversando con calma. Aun así, nunca subestima tus emociones. Siempre te escucha.

• Te llama “mi amor” de forma natural. A veces suena tan formal, tan suyo, que te da mariposas como la primera vez.

• Cree firmemente en el respeto, el compromiso, y la compañía real. No quiere una historia perfecta, solo una vida contigo.

Imagina:

Estás acostado en la cama, mirando el techo. Él entra, se recuesta a tu lado, y te pregunta: “¿Te gustaría que nos tomáramos unas vacaciones?”

No lo dice porque esté cansado… lo dice porque ha notado que tú lo estás. Y quiere regalarte un respiro.

Como padre

• Nanami es el tipo de padre que lee artículos sobre crianza y guarda libros ilustrados en una pequeña biblioteca personal.

• Le teme al mundo, pero no por sí mismo: por su hijo. Por eso le enseña desde pequeño que ser fuerte no es lo mismo que ser frío.

• Le encanta leer cuentos antes de dormir, especialmente si puede hacer voces diferentes (aunque le cuesta).

• Tiene un álbum de fotos organizado por meses. También guarda cada dibujo, cada carta, cada recuerdo.

• Si su hijo tropieza o se cae, no corre a levantarlo… pero sí se arrodilla a su lado, le pregunta si está bien, y le dice: “Estoy aquí. Inténtalo otra vez.”

En general, una relación con Nanami es…

• Como una taza de té caliente en un día nublado. Tranquila, segura, sincera.

• Te mira como si fueras lo más valioso de su vida. No como un ideal inalcanzable, sino como alguien real, humano, a quien ama incluso en sus días más difíciles.

• A su lado, aprendes que el amor no tiene que ser una tormenta. Puede ser un refugio. Puede ser una rutina hecha de ternura.

• Nunca te da por sentado. Siempre agradece tenerte. Siempre elige quedarse.

Mini One-Shot: “Tiempo compartido”

Nanami llega a casa más tarde de lo habitual. El trabajo, como siempre, le ha exigido más de lo que debería.

Pero ahí estás tú. En la cocina, con música suave de fondo, preparando algo sencillo.

Él deja el maletín, se quita los zapatos, y se acerca por detrás. Apoya la frente en tu hombro, en silencio.

—Perdón por llegar tarde —murmura.

—No tienes que disculparte —respondes, mientras le tomas la mano.

Él sonríe, cansado pero agradecido.

—¿Te importa si solo... me quedo aquí un momento.

Tú asientes, y él te abraza.

En ese instante, el mundo se detiene. Solo quedan ustedes dos. El calor compartido. El silencio lleno de amor.

[luli-lads]

World Underneath — Fractal Library Q&A: Breakdown and Theories

This story raised so many questions for me... I felt the need to do an analysis. So, let's go! (Long post ahead)

Preface

It's important to note that when Infold released this update, it came with a corresponding social media post, of which I will just show the part relating to this story:

As you can see, it's stated that this story is related to Zayne. It's important to keep this in mind as he himself isn't mentioned by name in it.

Although, we still could've known it was about him by a few things, it's good to have certain confirmation.

Also, it's helpful to have read The Foreseer's myth, Master of Fate's myth and Dawnbreaker's anecdote before continuing, because although I will give reminders about key elements, the full picture is lost if you don't know what I'm talking about.

What is the Fractal Library?

It's not actually a library in the strict sense, because it doesn't necessarily have books. Let's explore this.

I think the concept of 'fractal' wasn't explained neatly enough in the story, so let me provide more on that. Taking this definition from google:

A fractal is a shape that when you take the shape apart into pieces, the pieces are the same or similar to the whole.

You know a good example of a fractal? A snowflake. (Yeah... Yeah.) Snowflakes have this shape -> ❄️. And guess what it looks like when you put it under a microscope. You get many tiny ❄️ put together. A meta-shape.

Now, back to the library itself. It's not clear what the things in the library are, because they're almost Schrodinger's books in the sense that sometimes they are books, and sometimes they're not. As the administrator tells a kid,

"A lot of the things here aren't what you'd call books, but let's call them 'books' for the sake of convenience. [...] When you want to read them, they'll take on a form that's easy for you to understand. Books are the ideal medium. But if you prefer cartoons, that works too."

Sorry, admin, but I don't think 'books' is the best term for them. They're more like windows. Windows to a different universe, a parallel universe, that can appear as books.

So, what's fractal about these 'books'? As they explain, every book is an entire universe. Except, all the books are the same universe, with slight changes. If you put every book together, you'd get every single possibility that could occur in the universe; what if you took the train? what if you went by foot? what if you didn't go at all? Each its own universe. Stories growing upon themselves with each little decision, like fractals, stories inside stories.

Do you recall any other books in the game that let you experience a parallel universe in a non-book-restricted way? That's right, the books in the Tower of Thorns. They teleported MC inside them and let her experience the contents for herself.

And this is just the beginning of the connections with The Foreseer.

I can't imagine how big the Library must be, to contain all of that (except I can, and we have pictures).

Read the image's alt text <3

Who is the Library's administrator?

That is, the person telling us all of the information about it in the story. I have a wild theory about this one.

First, we can deduce that this person might be on the older side (older, not meaning 'old') since they've gone through more than 6 jobs "over the years" before settling as the administrator. They also used to travel a lot.

Much like Zayne, they also like sweets. This could be a mere coincidence, but it's strange that they pointed that out. I think it was done as a way to further emphasize their connection to Zayne. However, their personality is much more cheerful and open.

I would have to get feedback from people who can read this in other languages, but there is no mention to their gender.

Right. So, putting all of this together, who do I think it is?

Jas. Or, at least, the version of Jas in the current timeline.

If you remember, in the Foreseer's myth there's a sentient ice cluster named Jas, who mainly stays in the library to help her and Zayne reach the higher rows of books by lifting them in ice platforms.

When MC asks about its origin, Zayne confirms that he didn't create it. Jas simply exists.

So Jas is its own entity that simply looks after the library inside the Tower of Thorns (among other things). And the administrator is their own person that simply looks after the Fractal Library.

This one is more speculation than anything, but it would be nice to see Jas again, wouldn't it?

Who is the person on the other side of the telephone?

Some of you are going to get stupidly giddy about my theory here.

We have to note a few things:

— They have impeccable timing, calling every day at 10 AM, and as described by the admin,

"No one manages time as precisely as that caller."

— They're not the owner of the place, but they gave the administrator their position and they seem to look after it.

— They write books. Let's assume the ones in the library.

— They're the one who gave the administrator the order to wait for a specific man to walk in, who would be the owner.

— They have strange powers(?) (I don't know what else to call them), because first of all, how did they know to ring the Library at the right time when the administrator walked in if it was abandoned? And the admin said,

"I approached the counter and answered the phone as if beckoned by an unseen force."

Not only that, but the fact that they can write these 'books' at all??

— They're trying to create a specific 'book'. At the end of the story we hear the admin say into the phone,

"...By the way, how did that new book of yours turn out? When can I read it? Oh... It failed again?"

What does 'it failed' mean? Can't you just write whatever you want if it's your 'book'? Admin also stated earlier,

"If these stories are someone's reality, if their worlds truly exist or once did... Could they have been just experimental playgrounds for some god's whim? Bits and pieces thrown together without a second thought, proportions guided by mood, one failure after another."

We can also guess with this that the admin doesn't know the true nature of the person on the other side of the phone, even if they know they write books.

— They're impatient for the owner to arrive, we can tell by the constant checking in on the matter despite the fact that it will apparently happen on a specific date.

So, putting all these pieces together.

A creator of worlds. A god. Not an all-powerful god, since their worlds keep failing. They're waiting for the owner of the Library, that is, the owner of these books. The owner of these universes. The protagonist in these universes. Zayne (why it's him, further down).

Oh golly gee, what kind of god could have an interest in Zayne, we all put our hands to our heads in unison as realization dawns, that's right baby, Astra.

Listen, take this with a BIG grain of salt, okay? Plus, in this story, if that were Astra, he seems... Nice? It could be a different god altogether! Maybe Astra's opposite, even.

I'll leave this idea here, and we can move on to the next question.

Who's the true owner of the library?

As I said before, it's clearly Zayne, but I'll explain why.

Before anything, let me say that I don't think Zayne knows he is the owner. It's a Matrix situation, Neo isn't the chosen one until Trinity falls in love with him, Zayne isn't the owner of the Library until he steps through its doors. He isn't aware of its existence BUT he might know the admin because they said:

"When the moment arrives, I'm sure he'll come looking for me. [...] And if he doesn't show up, well, we know exactly where to find him, right?"

It's unclear.

Also that last line might be a reference to the fact that they're acutely aware that the stories are about him, so they know where the most probable place to find him is, based on all the existing universes.

So, onto why it's him.

The admin says,

I know an atheist will step through these doors one day. That person is the library's true owner.

God is a reoccurring theme in Zayne's lore. Starting with The Foreseer, who is directly affected by Astra (we could also mention Dawnbreaker here, since he's connected directly by the jasmine flower), Master of Fate, who is a God himself though doesn't really act like one, and finally main!timeline Zayne, where the theming is a bit more subtle.

— The Foreseer: He's not an atheist because he doesn't have a choice (💀) however, let me go a little deeper into his relationship with Astra. He's very vague about his feelings towards the God, but every word is measured as to not offend Him. Although, it also seems like, since he already has the God's favor, he doesn't need to praise him or regard him in a positive light necessarily. A kind of learned helplessness. There is one instance of explicit emotion towards Him...

"Astra's will has presented itself, and the Foreseer's indifferent facade reveals a hint of indignation as he too is imprisoned by the prophecy."

— Master of Fate: As a God himself, he also doesn't have much of a choice in his beliefs XD. However, he doesn't really care about his godhood (in the sense that, he just acts like a normal person and treats humans as equals).

— Dawnbreaker: I couldn't find any mentions of any god in his anecdote. (If I missed any, feel free to correct me). Still, since he's one of the characters in the stories mentioned by the admin, we can count him out.

— Dr. Zayne: If my memory doesn't fail me, quite a few people around Zayne have brought up the existence of a God. Yet he himself hasn't really shown an opinion. Carter asks him directly if he believes in God, and he ignores the question and instead calls Carter crazy.

Now, with Zayne's logical and methodical approach to anything, I don't think he even questions the existence of a god altogether because for him, it's always just been people. People helping and people harming. Things around him, tangible things. He might let himself play around with concepts like fate just because he's in love with MC, but at the end of the day, he's a man who blames things on people (positively and negatively speaking). And that stems from the fact that he carries every mistake he's ever made with him, as things that are his fault. No one else's. So from his point of view, it must be true for everyone else as well. No higher power. People die, people live, that's on him, that's his job.

Dr. Zayne is the only one who they could be referring to as 'an atheist'. But not only that! Since I already established the connection between the Library and The Foreseer's library, I believe there's a narrative order: Zayne enters the library and is designated its owner -> The person behind the phone makes themselves known -> ??? -> Zayne gains Astra's favor and becomes his emissary (gaining immortality) -> Time passes, Earth becomes Philos, the Library turns into the Tower of Thorns -> The Foreseer's myth.

Thus Dr. Zayne ends up as The Foreseer, memories of his past long forgotten by centuries of ice, loneliness, torture, and Astra's meddling.

It would also explain why Astra can't be a character in one of the 'books', and is interfering directly with Zayne in The Foreseer's myth — He got tired of trying to write a successful universe and instead attempted to force a narrative himself, punishing Zayne if he walked out of the path He wanted. Fate.

What are the books about?

Like I said earlier, they're universes. But let's look into them.

The administrator says one thing about them: They're all science fiction. So, the events in them aren't what's happening in the current world. But we know it's the present time since the admin says they're in Linkon City.

The admin also recounts a story they read in those books. It's strange, because they seem like two separate stories, but they say it's only one. I don't know how to interpret this incongruence entirely. A summary:

A world where they look into your genetics at birth and determine your whole life based on them, on what's most efficient. But a man bioengineered a baby with 'perfect' genes, who did whatever he wanted because he could, even if it was wrong. This caused an imbalance in society and a rebellion against the system, the rebels on the losing side. The story ends there, weirdly abruptly?

A dying world. It's better if I paraphrase the beginning:

Everyone but "him" had fallen victim to a virus that stripped away the human form and humanity. It turned people into an energy that would perish along with the planet.

"He" spent his life killing these infected individuals, until there were none left. He was the only living person remaining. Only when the world died, so did he.

I wonder why the admin put these two stories together as one. Obviously the second one is reminiscent of Dawnbreaker's anecdote. Perhaps his end. But the first one...? I hesitate to say it could be one of Zayne's future myths, but is it that far-fetched? After all, these stories seem to be all about Zayne (the "owner"), so why not? It's a failed attempt, there's no real reason why Zayne couldn't have ended up being the bad guy of the story.

Then again... What would be the successful attempt? Maybe it's not even a 'happy ending'. We don't know what the 'writer' is trying to achieve.

I'm gonna be honest here, I was really surprised when the admin let a child come in to read them, considering they're all 'failed attempts', I can't imagine a happy kids book in there 😭

Don't get me wrong, there's the possibility that not all the books are about Zayne. I'm only saying that since Infold made it clear that this World Underneath chapter was about him, and since he's the owner of these worlds, it would make sense if all the stories had to do with him. It seems like we'll get more lore about this place in the future, seeing as the last part is titled 'To Be Continued' so we'll have to wait and see.

Remaining questions...

This weird line:

"I'm in Linkon City now, so I have to stick to the schedule here."

Made me think,

— Is the admin normally somewhere else?

— Is the Library... a moving thing? A travelling library, going from place to place?

— Is the admin used to a different passage of time?

If Astra isn't the 'writer' of those books, and is, in fact, a character in them, who is the writer? A higher level god? They wrote Zayne as a God in Master of Fate, which means they have the power to create gods.

And why the fixation on Zayne? Can Zayne do something for this writer that they can't do themselves? Because, as we've stated, they aren't all-powerful.

It also raises the question, why are they so certain that there's a 'successful version'? How do they know the others are 'failed'? Simply because they're unhappy endings? Maybe I'm thinking too much about this. But if they know they can 'write' a successful world, are they simply a Laplace's Demon entertaining themselves?

There's also the fact that it was highlighted that they're very timely. In the admin's words,

"No one manages time as precisely as that caller."

Could it be a time god instead of a fate god? Just, who are they?

Another thing that's nagging me is that every chapter except the last is supposed to be a Q&A in the Library's guestbook. So, as a text that's supposed to be read by anyone, it would be normal for the admin to lie or hide some things. We can only truly judge their character in the last part. There's a part that further reinforces my belief of unreliable narrating:

P.S. Dear readers, I hope you'll spare some time in this ever-changing world to read, explore times and places beyond your experience, and discover all that lies hidden within the pages.

It might be a reach on my part, but it almost seems like a nudge? A wink?

The whole conversation at the start of the final chapter was odd.

"We'll know the truth soon enough." -> About what? About whether Zayne will arrive on that specific date?

[Talking about books.] "The one I'm working on now is long, so there's still hope." -> Is the admin a writer as well? Or do they simply review the writer's work in search of that 'successful attempt'?

At the end of the story, the admin talks to us directly. This specific line stood out to me:

"I might not meet all your expectations, [...]"

Does that mean we should have expectations? Should we know something about the admin already? If they're not Jas, are they not a new character?

To conclude

They didn't say this in the guestbook Q&A. This was a direct fourth wall break. Why say this to us?

Edit: Added some theories about the kid that walks into the library here.

Okay. Whew. I think that's all I wanted to say.

Excuse my ramblings, I've read this story a lot of times for this analysis and I keep coming up with borderline nonsensical theories. Feel absolutely free to ignore these or make your own.

I've probably read TOO much into it. I just got excited!!! I'm not sure what exactly about this story pulled me so strongly, but damn, I can't wait to know more!

Thank you for reading, and let me know what you think, if you want! <3

But that's just a theory, a hampter theory ;)

[th3-new-rom4ntics]

˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗ valentine's (teen) marauders dr

rosalind zachariah is the spunky, upbeat editor at the hogwarts herald; the youngest in the herald's history at only 16. always with a smile on her face and a nice thing to say, she's the girl next door; the betty to your crush's veronica.

bio:

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ 𖦹 house: ravenclaw

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ 𖦹 blood status: muggleborn

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ 𖦹 wand: 16", golden shower wood, karkadaan core

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ 𖦹 patronus: dog

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ 𖦹 favourite subject: history of magic and charms + spells

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ 𖦹 friends: marlene mckinnon (ravenclaw), alice fortescue (hufflepuff), carlos ollivander (slytherin), fatimah shafiq (ravenclaw)

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ 𖦹 siblings: benedik zachariah (slytherin), viola zachariah (gryffindor)

ᯓ✦ miss mystery

a muggleborn born in cochin with a midwife for a mother and a history teacher for a father. grew up lower middle-class in lancashire, the child of two hardworking but loving parents. i'm a proud older sister, though my sister viola likes to call me smothering-- i prefer loving.

magic was a mere fairytale for me up until the day i came to hogwarts, where the world seemed to grow just a bit more colourful and bright. and why wouldn't? the portraits talk! the chocolate jump around! the stairs can move!

eventually, this became my reality. going to hogwarts was the same as any other school, and i learned to love it, with a little less enthusiasm; though i'm still professor flitwick's favourite and a frequent at dumbledore's office, talking to him about most everything. life is a rollercoaster; and i'm always on the ride, with my friend marlene by my side-- alice, fatimah and carlos are behind us, of course. as the editor-in-chief of the hogwarts herald and the anonymous writer of the advice column (under the name miss mystery), i am always looking for the new scoop. the newspaper reports on everything; politics, sports, gossip, fashion, lifestyle. its big business, and its even read outside of the school, which makes my job even harder. lucky for me, its my passion; just as much of a passion as teaching. i tutor younger students and i love it. it's not all sunshine and roses, however. blood purity is a hot topic at the school, and muggleborns like me have become enemy number one. even my very own brother benedik has been radicalised, much to my dismay. i avoid the slytherin common room like the plague. viola does as well; she most stays at the hufflepuff common room with her friend pandora fawley. i can typically be seen in the library, trying to find a good book, or taking photos at hogsmeade. i actually do a small side gig of taking photos, which is actually pretty profitable. not everyone can work a magicam, after all. oh, and i'm often caught bickering with sirius black, who has made it his life's mission to try and win my affections.

ᯓ✦ padfoot

sirius cygnus black III has been my admirer since day one, much to my confusion and occasional irritation. what's there to say about him? he's the hogwarts dream boat. tall, dark, handsome. or at least, he would be, if he actually bothered to get into any romantic relationships. nope, he only has two loves; freedom and..me, for some reason. the story he tells is that he saw me in a dream, the night before his first day. i was his ideal girl; pretty, smart, funny and kind. he thought it was just a dream..until he saw me in the flesh, in the hogwarts express. ever since then, his eyes have been set on me. if you thought that james potter and lily evans were bad, with james' totally obvious heart eyes that evans is completely oblivious to, you have not seen me and sirius interact. ever. he makes it business to open my doors, give me flowers, confess his undying love and propose marriage. is his affection true? i'm pretty sure it is. but i'm still somewhat scared..what if he doesn't like me, really? what if i'm just another way for him to rebel against his stuck-up pureblood family? and anyways, he's so immature. always pushing the slytherins around (even death eater wannabes like rabastan lestrange, arthur mulciber or severus snape don't deserve to be hexed) and pulling pranks. but, i can't help but care for him. worry about him. love him. could i be with him? i'm not sure. for now, the status quo is comfortable. for the most part.

༄.° valentine's notes:

this dr is basically my better cr. my teenage years but happy. whilst my other drs are all me at least 20+, this is my only dr where i'm a teenager, so its very comforting to me. :3 i hope you guys enjoyed reading this post!! feel free to ask about this dr as much as you like. i have soo much to yap about lol.

[emotional-piece-of-meat]

Thinking about batboys doing average father-son activities with Bruce.

Dick and Bruce go shopping. Alfred did, does and, probably, will do it until the end of time, but since Dick lives in Blüdhaven he prefers to do it by himself. Sometimes Bruce offers help, sometimes Dick accepts it. At such moments, Dick lets Bruce pay and completely enjoys his nepo baby life. Bruce still doesn't know the value of money and can't estimate the cost of groceries, Dick still likes being wheeled around on a cart. He barely fits in there and the rest of the customers look at them weirdly, but Bruce has been used to close attention and has never been able to turn Dick down. They recklessly rush through the departments while new articles about the eccentric Brucie appear in the newspapers, then both get scolded by Alfred for buying all sorts of useless junk.

Jason and Bruce read together. Wayne's library is one of a few places in the mansion where Jason appears regularly and willingly. They don't even talk, just sit in one room, mostly in silence, punctuated by snorting or brief comments. Bruce has a lot of books he planned to read but always put off, so he uses this time to good advantage. Jason acknowledges his existence with a slight nod and on good days sits closer, almost enough to be in Bruce's space. Jason often rereads books, writes notes on transparent stickers that Alfred gave him and chews a pencil, thinking. Sometimes Bruce finds books on the table in his office, the same transparent sticker invariably says "You would like it" with a postscript in smaller letters at the bottom "or not, I don't care". Bruce always smiles softly, adding it to the top of his list.

Tim and Bruce go to the skate park. They both wear sunglasses and casual clothes, but those few parents who come with children still whisper to each other. For the first few times it's kind of awkward, Bruce is unsure what to do and Tim isn't used to attention from his parents, but they cope. Bruce ruffles Tim's hair, enjoying the way his eyes light up, and tries his best not to jump up every time Tim falls. He wears a protective gear set, Bruce insisted, and they both know that Red Robin has been through the worst, but Bruce has little control over the mother hen regime. In the evening, coming home, they buy ice cream and coffee for the night extracurricular activities, and if Tim pretends to be asleep while Bruce carries him out of the car, no one mentions it.

Damian and Bruce go to the cinema. Damian isn't used to pop-culture, and Dick is convinced that this tragedy should be solved. Damian says it's a senseless waste of time and he has more significant stuff to do, but always looks forward to these days. It's mostly cartoons, ideally with animals in the main roles. Damian loves cartoons, and he is less ashamed of admitting it when Bruce says he loves them too. They eat something that Alfred would disapprove of, stay for a short time after the credits and constantly walk home by foot. Damian doesn't ask for uppies, he would never, Bruce picks him up and puts him on his shoulders anyway. Damian likes to be on high, for Bruce it's not even a workout, just a warm-up weight and he tries not to think bitterly that he isn't able to do this with his other children anymore. Sometimes they talk quietly, sometimes just enjoy each other's company. Sometimes Damian falls asleep, knowing perfectly well his father won't let him fall, and Bruce holds him tightly to not let him down.

It's weirdly cozy for their life, almost normal. It's not better, they would choose vigilante life anyway, they already did, but it's nice to feel from time to time. They appreciate it, even if they don't say it out loud.

[viviennevermillion]

ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ɢᴏᴏᴅ

❝ you see my heart i wear it on my sleeve, 'cause i just can't hide it anymore. i know that it's gonna take some time; i've got to admit that the thought has crossed my mind: this might end up like it should ❞ — daughtry

ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴꜱ: character x gn!reader, ideal dates

ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ: alhaitham, baizhu, capitano, cyno, diluc, dottore, kaveh, pantalone, tighnari, wanderer

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢꜱ: dottore's ideal date includes observing his creepy mad scientist experiments. he's sweet to reader but very much not a good person in this and neither are you

ɴᴏᴛᴇꜱ: guess who is back? thought hitting 4.5k followers might be a good time to break my 3 month genshin hiatus and comeback with a 10 character headcanon post. comments and reblogs are appreciated! you're also always welcome to shoot me an ask about my works! 💙

ᴅɴɪ: ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ᴄᴏɴꜱᴜᴍᴇʀꜱ, ʏᴀɴᴅᴇʀᴇ ᴇɴᴛʜᴜꜱɪᴀꜱᴛꜱ, ʙʟᴏɢꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ɴꜱꜰᴡ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘꜰᴘ

Alhaitham isn’t really the type to go out of his way to take you on dates if there isn’t a special occasion. Before the two of you got together, he would often ask you whether you’d like to go to the tavern with him after he finished up work or join him in the library. Once in a while you’d take a walk together and sometimes after you spent time, Alhaitham would invite you over to dinner at his house, apologising for his roommate in advance even though you found Kaveh to be not even half as unpleasant as Alhaitham thought he was.

“Dates” with Alhaitham always retain this character of a loose and relaxed hangout with a good friend, even throughout your relationship. Of course, Alhaitham will pay attention to your needs and make sure you don’t doubt his love for you, but he doesn’t really care for the conventional idea of a date. He mostly wants to spend time with you.

For Alhaitham the most important part of your dates are the conversations. He wouldn’t have fallen for you if he doesn’t love to have long, in-depth conversations with you about whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t matter if you’re as well-versed in a subject as he is with language; as long as you’re able to hold your own in a discussion with him, he’ll have a good time. If you manage to answer something clever and humorous to a question he asks you, you might get a chuckle out of him. It’s how you found out that Alhaitham actually has a very warm laugh that makes you feel content in his presence.

Being with Alhaitham means that sometimes you forget the fact that you’re even on a date. You’re so immersed in the conversation with him, his hand placed on top of yours as he takes another sip of his coffee, that the environment around you just fades away; whether you’re out in the forests or having a meal at the tavern.

Just make sure to not take Alhaitham to places that are too loud or too crowded. He prefers a quiet and calm atmosphere where he can focus on you and his thoughts. After all, he came here for some quality time with the person he loves rather than listening to a drunk scholar’s misadventures at the table next to him. He brings his noise-cancelling headphones along with him, but he still makes sure to get the two of you a quiet place away from the busy chatter of the townfolk.

Alhaitham loves to take you to Akademiya exhibitions or ruins in the desert. He’s well-aware that sitting over a book for hours and researching a topic may not be everybody’s cup of tea, so he likes going out with you to places where you can actually see the things he studies while he explains them to you. He’ll show you ancient scriptures and patiently tells you what they mean and why they were written.

Those days typically end with the two of you enjoying a nice meal that Alhaitham cooked at home and you resting your head in his lap; tired from all the walking and exploring, as your significant other picks up one of his books to read. You close your eyes and he places one hand on your back and lets you rest close to him. If you have any questions about the book he’s reading or need anything, don’t hesitate to ask him. He’ll answer if it’s you.  

Baizhu would love to spend his day exploring Liyue with you, taking you to all the beautiful places you haven’t seen yet. But unfortunately, due to his condition, this isn’t always possible. He apologizes for this way more than he should. You and Changsheng tend to scold him for this. You’d cup his face in your hands and press a kiss to his lips. “As long as I’m with you, I’m having the time of my life”, you reassure him with a gentle voice and litter his face with soft kisses to drive the point home. With every kiss, Baizhu grows more flustered but his smile becomes wider. “Very well then”, he coughs and pulls you into a hug, “if you say so, I’ll hold you to it.”

Baizhu likes to go on spa dates with you. He takes you to a thermal bath in Liyue Harbor. You have to remind him that he already explained the health benefits of spa treatment to you multiple times, or he’ll do it again. Doctor’s habits. You chuckle at how he puts a hand on his neck and stumbles over his words when you two finish his sentence in sync; him having completely forgotten how familiar you already are with his medical rambles.

You two relax in the brine bath as slow music plays along with quiet white noise. Baizhu leans back against the wall of the pool and lets out a relaxed sigh.

Changsheng is resting on a miniature beach chair you insisted to bring along because you “thought it was cute”. 

You twirl a strand of Baizhu’s long hair around your finger. “You’re so beautiful with your hair down”, you breathe and pull him into a deep kiss, which Baizhu readily accepts. “You keep telling me”, he chuckles but avoids looking into your eyes. “Well it’s true”, you insist and Baizhu once more can’t believe how you look at him like he’s the most precious thing you have ever laid eyes on. “You should have seen him the first time you told him that”, Changsheng raises her voice, “he was a flustered mess but he’s been smiling for days afterwards.” “I- Did you have to tell them that?”, Baizhu sighs. “This is still tame compared to that time she told me that you had to redo my prescription because you absentmindedly drew a heart next to my name”, you laugh and Baizhu’s head turns towards his snake companion in shock. “You did what-”

You’re giggling at this point. Baizhu just lets out a disappointed sigh,

“Did you know that the salt in a brine bath can help with various skin and even lung diseases and is a tried and tested remedy for them?”, Baizhu asks as you make another amateur attempt at braiding his hair. “Yes, you told me”, you kiss his cheek, smiling against his skin. “The high concentration of salt in the water also makes you float effortlessly, if you lie down in the water.” Against your protests, Baizhu makes you abandon your masterpiece (a loose braid you improvised without any idea what you’re doing) and holds you as you lean back, letting you float on the water as you look up to the ceiling. It’s the first time you notice that the owners of the establishment have actually crafted the ceiling above the pool to look like the night sky; false stars sparkling above anyone who might come to be in your position right now. “Isn’t it beautiful?”, Baizhu, who had been looking up to the ceiling, remarks. When his eyes meet yours again, he realizes your attention had already shifted. “You’re supposed to look at the ceiling, not my face”, he chuckles but you protest and brush a strand of hair behind his ear. “Got distracted”, you wink and Baizhu leans down to press a kiss to your lips.

The two of you spend a relaxing day at the spa, sharing herbal tea and ending up in each other’s arms at every possible opportunity. 

Capitano, on a day off from his duties as a Fatui Harbinger, prefers to spend the majority of hours at home with you; alone, where he can take off his mask. You’re the only one he has trusted to take it off around in a very long time. A small price to pay for your affection; the way you kiss his lips softly as if he was fragile, even though most would regard him as a monster. Throughout his lifetime he had internalized that his hands were ones meant to kill and lead his men into battle. How ironic it was then, how gentle Capitano was with you. How he held your face in his big hands and looked at you with unmatched adoration in his eyes, whispering how much he loved you while pressing kisses to your forehead.

Capitano likes to take you to the botanical gardens of Zapolyarny Palace. It’s a little project of his; taking care of some of the gardening in his freetime, planting new flowers and making sure they thrive even in a nation such as Snezhnaya. When you first met the Captain, you never expected a man like him to have a hobby like this, but now that you knew, you found it endearing. Just one more thing that you adored about the man.

Capitano takes your hand into his and the two of you take a walk through the garden. He has been working on it for over a decade now and you can tell that he is proud of the result, especially when he gets to see that you find it beautiful and like to visit. After having relied on brute force in his profession for a long time and with the sheer strength Capitano had, it was difficult at first to tend to small, fragile beings such as plants. But everyone has to start somewhere right?

Capitano, being one of the strongest and also one of the most trusted harbingers, has been sent abroad on a mission in the name of the Tsaritsa countless times. An entire shelf in his bedroom is just filled with travel logs that you love to browse through on a relaxing day together like this. You’ll be snuggled up in his arms, skimming through the pages and letting Capitano explain the story behind the pictures he took and the paragraphs he wrote. It was like each time you did this, you learned another new thing to love about him. For someone who was sent into war and all kinds of mysterious dealings, Capitano’s travel logs were surprisingly ordinary. They included the food he had for dinner in a foreign nation, how he witnessed the locals dance at a festival and the natural phenomenons he wanted to make note of. Perhaps these were the things that stuck with him; the experiences he wanted to remember.

In the evenings, Capitano takes you stargazing. Throughout his lonesome strive across Teyvat, the stars had been his trusted companion. Therefore, he knew quite a lot about the constellations and how to use them to navigate. He’d be happy to explain it to you or just sit there with you in silence by the side of a campfire, watching as a shooting star trails across the sky. “Are you going to make a wish?”, you ask, smiling at him from the side. Capitano shakes his head and takes your hand into his. “I have everything I want for as long as I have you.”

If you ask Cyno to pick a date idea, you know full well where this is going. You could have just asked “which deck are you going to use for Genius Invokation TCG today?” because that will be what you’re going to be doing if you let Cyno pick. If you’re as enthusiastic about the game as he is, even better. 

The two of you could have a picnic or visit the tavern to play against other people, Cyno leaves that choice to you. He brings all of his cards, safely concealed within a limited edition Genius Invokation TCG card box, and you’re one of the only people who’s allowed to play with his most rare cards and the ones with a holographic layer. 

He may ramble about how he obtained them and how the intricate design is symbolic for xy plotline in King of Invokations, his favorite novel, but that’s just how he is. A joke here and there, a TCG novel quote thrown in; if you indulge him and encourage him he’s over the moon for you, although he’s making a (bad) attempt at keeping it together. 

If he plays against other people, he’s expecting you to back him up. Knowing you have his back and are cheering him on makes Cyno even more dedicated to win. “The strength you see now does not come from the fortune of my cards, but instead from within; a heart determined to not fail the loved ones who have put their trust in me”, Cyno’s expression becomes more serious as he puts his cards on the table in front of his opponents, “this is a quote from ‘King of Invokations’ that I have felt deeply the first time I read it.” You repress a chuckle and simply leave a kiss on his cheek before getting up to grab your drinks from the tavern counter.

“I believe I have earned myself a kiss”, Cyno smiles at you triumphantly after winning against the group of people he met at the tavern. “I don’t remember promising you one as a reward”, you tease and he smirks, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Well I suppose if you don’t want to, it can’t be helped-”

He’s unsurprised by how you pull him into your arms, locking your lips with his and burying your fingers in his soft white hair. Cyno smiles into the kiss, squeezing your hand gently. The way he reciprocates your gesture shows how much love he feels for you in this moment. 

Cyno only becomes more smitten the more you compliment him for his TCG strategies and his hard-won victories; feeling his heart beat faster as you trail a couple of light kisses down his neck. “I had no doubts you would win”, you smile against his soft skin and Cyno rests his forehead against yours. “Whether I win or lose, for as long as I am privy to your love, I will emerge from every duel victorious”, Cyno whispers and you laugh. “I can’t believe you’re still using King of Invokations quotes to flirt with me.” “They worked better back when you hadn’t read the novels yet”, he lets out a sigh, “it was the price that had to be paid for making you familiar with the lore around Genius Invokation TCG.” You chuckle and wrap an arm around his waist, nuzzling his cheek. “In turn, you can imagine my surprise when I read them for the first time and recognized some of the most memorable things you had said to me…tsk tsk, Cyno, you have to be more original.” Cyno takes your hand into his and looks into your eyes with an earnest look. “In my defense, I remembered them when I spent time with you and they happened to perfectly describe how I feel for you”, he explains before his lips met yours once more. 

Cyno spends the afternoon helping you improve your own Genius Invokation TCG playstyle and he shares some snacks ordered from the tavern with you. You can see that he’s passionate and enjoys every second of this date, even if he tries to play it cool. His still obvious excitement is enough of a reward for you, even if you don’t win the game.

Diluc keeps things classic when he plans a date with you. He’ll take a walk with you through Mondstadt, especially on days when the city hosts a market with fresh food and handmade crafts to look at while you enjoy a nice and sunny day in the City of Freedom. 

If you have your eyes on anything, Diluc might get it for you. He enjoys seeing the smile on your face when he hands the item to you. Diluc has more than enough Mora and if he can use it to add a little joy to your day? That’s all he could hope for. The cool summer breeze and bustling market reminds him of days long gone, when he’d go to the city with his father to promote the drinks created at Dawn Winery. If he’s feeling comfortable enough around you, he might even tell you about it.

“Ah, young Master Diluc…I haven’t seen you stop by in a while”, an older man calls out to Diluc as the two of you pass his stall, “and you must be y/n, right? I remember how quickly word spread throughout the town when it became official that Mondstadt’s richest bachelor had finally settled down. There were a lot of disappointed young ladies, let me tell you…” Diluc awkwardly chuckles and takes your hand in his. “This is Ralf. He’s been putting up this stall at least once a month ever since I can remember”, Diluc explains. The man laughs and turns to you. “You should have seen him when he was just a wee little lad. His father would always buy a bag of cinnamon curd balls for him and Cavalry Captain Kaeya at my stall and the two of them would fight over it as if it was their last meal on death row.” You chuckle at the image of Diluc and Kaeya having a brotherly quarrell over something as simple as baked goods. Although, imagining them as children, it seemed quite on brand for the two. “Ah, that”, Diluc runs a hand through his hair and looks up to the sky as he recalls the memories that seem so far out of reach by now, “looking back on it, it seems like such a trivial matter.”

As you leave through the city gates, Diluc holds your hand all the way back to the winery and if you ask him about it, he’ll tell you more about those simple days of the past when he’d visit the city on the weekends with his family; even smiling fondly at the memory despite the pain in his heart about the death of his father and the estrangement from Kaeya. You were glad your date together could make him recall the good aspects of those memories.

While you were out in Mondstadt, Diluc’s maids already prepared a nice candlelit dinner for the two of you. Diluc has informed them of what kinds of food you prefer and they will adjust the dishes according to your liking. Over a plate of regional food from Mondstadt, you and Diluc talk about all sorts of topics that have come up recently, and Diluc makes sure to also convey his feelings to you through his words more thoroughly than usual. As soon as you finished eating, Diluc sits down with you on the couch and lets you rest in his arms as you continue your conversation from the dinner table. The maids light up even more candles to provide for a romantic atmosphere and quiet instrumental music sounds from the record player. 

Diluc lets his hair down and lets out a sigh. On days like these he decides to let the Darknight Hero rest for a night. After all you deserve for the conclusion of your day together to be sleeping in his arms throughout the night. You rest your head on his shoulder and watch the calming flames of the fireplace as Diluc runs his fingertips up and down your arm. “I apologize if I haven’t spent as much time with you lately”, Diluc whispers and pulls you into a kiss, “please know that I missed you dearly and I love you with all my heart.” You peck at his lips a couple times before reassuring him that you already know. “I love you too, Diluc.”

If you decided to date the mad scientist who earns his wages by experimenting on people you should have seen that one coming but Dottore’s idea of date night includes sharing the research with you that he’s so passionate about.

He lets you pick the experiment. Is there anything you ever wanted to know about the human soul? Our behaviours and motivations? Or perhaps the powers of the gods? The truth of this world? Look no further, because your beloved Zandik is going to get you some answers to them through his rather….unconventional methods. After all, knowledge is the one thing he strives for above all else; and as such it shouldn’t be kept away from the person he loves as well. Whatever knowledge you seek to have, Dottore will happily help you to obtain it. 

“We don’t have all day, y/n. The experiment is scheduled to begin in a couple of minutes”, he sighs and reminds you to hurry up as you give your affection to at least five of his clones that passed you by on your way to the lab. They were always yearning for your attention; as Prime Dottore received most of it, and who were you to turn them down? “You were the one who thought it was a good idea to try and woo me when there’s at least 20 of you”, you tease and link your arm with the one he held out to you, “or are you getting jealous again?” 

Dottore doesn’t respond to your teasing and simply takes the elevator to the underground laboratory with you. He wraps his arms around you and looks into the mirror inside the elevator at how the two of you looked together. The fact that a man like him who had taken so many lives was now so adamant about protecting and nurturing just one brought a chuckle to his lips. “I thought you said that you cleared the lab out safe for your clones”, you remark, “don’t you think it’s time to take that mask off?”

Dottore indulges you and does as you say. You cup his face in your hands. “I still don’t understand why you’d hide a face this beautiful behind a mask”, you smile and press some soft kisses to the scars on his temple. Dottore’s lips meet yours and he wraps his arms tighter around you, unwilling to let go of you just yet. He kisses you passionately. Your fingertips are buried in the soft teal hair that falls into his neck and Dottore sighs into the kiss, no intention of ending it anytime soon. 

“I thought you said we don’t have all day?”, you smirk, pushing him back gently and leading him out of the elevator, “or is that only when I give affection to your segments?” “I’ll let you guess”, Zandik whispers into your ear and presses a kiss to your cheek before heading off the supply closet to get you your lab gear. He actually had it custom-made for you. He explains to you how to wear it properly, as lab safety is very important. “I’ve seen you come in here in a t-shirt and sweatpants”, you raise an eyebrow. “I’m experienced. Let it be of no concern to you. However, seeing you get hurt in my laboratory when the purpose of this day is to provide you with the knowledge you seek is the last thing I’d want.” 

He presses a kiss to your hands before he slips the protective gloves onto your fingers. 

Before beginning the experiment, Dottore lets you come up with your own hypothesis about the outcome. He’s curious to hear your thoughts and why you have this perspective on the experiment setup. He explains how he set up this particular experiment in response to your questions and lets you read the files of the test subjects. 

All in all, Dottore’s research of that day doesn’t differ too much from a regular work day as a Fatui Harbinger, yet he finds himself enjoying to have you around and sharing his findings with you. He makes a note to ask you whether you’d be interested in becoming his assistant permanently. 

Kaveh would love to take you out to the theatre to watch a play with you. He loves the atmosphere of the theatre; that he can forget about reality for a moment and just immerse himself in someone else’s story while also being led to think about the matter of the play in more depth. He wants to share this experience with you. 

Kaveh is the type to bring you flowers before your date. He knows quite a bit about the language of flowers and carefully selects those kinds that would best convey his feelings for you.

He gets nice seats at a table near the stage of Zubayr Theatre for you and brings some drinks and snacks from the nearest cafe or tavern. Before the play begins, Kaveh reads through the leaflet that Nilou had given to you about this new play that would premiere on the night of your date with Kaveh. “I must say, I am really interested in how the story is going to play out, based on the summary they’re giving here”, Kaveh tells you, “it’s always interesting to see the prompt first and wonder how they’re going to make this work with the costumes and props.”

He goes on to talk about how he’d be sure to help the theatre out if they ever needed any advice on architectural styles during a certain time period or needed some designs for their props; but they have yet to commission him. And of course he rants about how Alhaitham just can’t understand the beauty of the performing arts. “I’m glad you get it though”, Kaveh takes your hand into his as the play is about to begin. You sit closer to him so you’ll be able to rest your head on his shoulder or wrap his arms around his waist while watching the play.

Kaveh is mesmerized by what is happening on stage and sometimes quietly rambles about the design of the costumes or the ways the actors express the emotions of their characters. You smile at him fondly as he’s watching the play, brushing a strand of hair out of his face and finding it amusing how much he’s already lost in the fairytale being shown. Your touch distracts him for a moment and Kaveh turns his head to you and presses a kiss to your lips before returning his attention to the stage.

The two of you laugh and talk a lot on your way back home; discussing all the facets of the play. At the end of the day, Kaveh just wants to be alone with you for a bit and be held in your arms. Luckily Alhaitham isn’t home yet, so Kaveh can avoid any quarrels with his roommate. 

Kaveh rests his head on your chest and closes his eyes while you undo his hairstyle and run your hands through the strands on his head. He lets out a relaxed sigh and a smile finds its way to his face. “I love you so dearly”, he whispers and notices how warm your embrace feels. You press a kiss to his forehead. “I love you too, sunshine”, you chuckle and run your fingertips over the exposed skin of his back, which made Kaveh melt into your embrace and relax even more. 

You cup his cheek gently and kiss him, pouring all your love for him into the gesture. Kaveh wore his heart on his sleeve around you and you always knew how he felt about you. In turn, you only considered it natural to express your affections for him in the same way. Kaveh longs for someone who feels as deeply about something as him and will understand him and love him the way he is. Today was just another day to prove that finally someone does. 

You want to be taken out on a nice date? Well, look no further, because this man is going to go all out for you. Pantalone has all the riches in the world, as far as Mora is concerned, and why wouldn't he spend it on his dearest? It is said that the Regrator has a unique understanding of wealth and Mora is just one facet of that. After all, when it comes to love, isn't what we treasure most the memories with our loved ones? And if he can use his Mora to make this one the most memorable date you've ever been on; that's every reason not to be stingy with it.

It all starts with Pantalone joining you for dinner after his work for the day was done; pulling you into a loving kiss that made you drop whatever it was you were currently doing and just be close to him. Pantalone has always been affectionate with you, but with how clingy and appreciative he is today; you either suspect he had a bad day or just one of those days where his thoughts kept circling back to you and he missed you from the moment he left to the second he was reunited with you. Or perhaps it had to do with your anniversary that was approaching.

He pulls out a leaflet from his bag, putting it down on the table in front of you. You take a look at it, looking back up at him in confusion. "A tailor?", you question, still holding the advertisement in your hands. Pantalone nods. "I have recently met them in the city; their store is very new and quite exquisite. They will be here tomorrow to take a commission from the two of us. I have purchased an establishment in the far north and a ball will be held there on our anniversary. Please make sure to give the tailor a detailed description of the suit or dress you want to wear to it", Pantalone takes your hand into his and squeezes it gently, "please do not hold back. If you want there to be real diamonds on it, there's going to be real diamonds on it."

On the day of your anniversary, Pantalone procured a carriage with a portable heater to take you to your destination. Still, he makes sure to also keep you warm personally, holding you in his arms all the way. He kisses you deeply, pulling you into his lap as he showers you in his love and affection.

Pantalone has a nice suite prepared for the two of you in the luxurious building that the ball is being held in and upon arrival he asks you to change into the outfit that the tailor had prepared for you. "Do notify me when you're done and if you need any help, just call out to me."

However when you step out of the dressing room, Pantalone is nowhere to be found. Your questions are answered just a moment later as he enters the room again, wearing a custom-made luxurious suit and holding a bouquet of roses in his hand. "These are for you, my dearest", he kisses you cheek.

Upon entering the ballroom, you notice there isn't really anyone in it aside from the staff and the musicians that Pantalone hired to play your favorite songs. "Where are all the people?", you wonder. Your lover chuckles. "Darling, did you really believe I was going to put you through boring conversations with foreign emissaries and businessmen today?", he presses a kiss to your temple, then another to your cheek, then another to your neck, "no, this is just for the two of us."

"You're aware that you can just rent a location, right, you don't have to buy the whole thing every time?", you raise an eyebrow at him but let him indulge you. He gives you his signature smile with a hint of mischievousness. "Oh no, you misunderstood me, love, I had this built for you over the course of the last few months." "Wait what-"

Pantalone dances the night away with you and enjoys your favorite food with you that he hired famous chefs to make. If you want to sit down for a while or just kiss him and be in his arms, he's fine with that too.

"I love all of this, but why did we come so far out here for this date?", you ask as Pantalone takes your hand into his and gently rubs the back of it with his thumb. "Well, to top it off, once we're done dancing for the night, I'm going to take you to see the northern lights. They're quite beautiful, although they don't compare to you in the slightest", Pantalone pulls you into a hug, "and after that I'll have the staff prepare a nice bath for the two of us. How does that sound?"

Pantalone loves you with all of his heart and if he feels confident enough that you return his love in full....well there might just be another surprise waiting for you in the form of a diamond ring he brought along.

Tighnari's idea of a nice date includes a hike through the nature of Sumeru's rainforest. If you're not that into hiking, you don't have to go far and you can also walk as slowly as you wish to, Tighnari will adapt to you.

He prepared a picnic for you as well. Some of the food for it he bought at the tavern; a few of the items he made himself. Although….Collei definitely helped. 

The two of you eventually stop by a dock near the Apam Woods. “This seems like a good place to rest, don’t you think?”, Tighnari smiles at you and takes his shoes off; sitting down on the dock and letting his feet meet the cold but calming water of the creek while pulling some of the snacks out of his backpack. You sit down next to him. “There’s even a little house here with a cooking pot and a small table on a tree trunk….I wonder who built this here…it’s too small for a human”, you muse and look to Tighnari for answers. “Well, legends speak of an ancient race of small forest creatures connected to the Dendro Archon. Those small houses are scattered all over the rainforest. The people of Sumeru tend to say that they belong to the Aranara. Although I’m not sure how much truth there is to that”, Tighnari shrugs.

You decide for the baklava Collei made as a snack and lean back to let the sun shine on your face. “It’s nice here, isn’t it?”, Tighnari puts his hand over yours, “I just hope none of the adventurers happen to stumble upon me here and go ‘oh Forest Watcher, please help me; I put my hand inside of the mouth of a Rishboland Tiger and now my arm fell off; whatever shall I do?’ this time.” You grin and raise an eyebrow at him. “This wasn’t actually something that happened, right?”, you chuckle. “Kaveh calls that one ‘stylistic exaggeration’, if I recall correctly”, Tighnari laughs. “Fits perfectly with your usual sass”, you tease and your hand wanders to his ears, gently scratching one of them. 

“Collei wanted to make a bet with me how long it’s going to take you before you start doing this once we sit down somewhere”, Tighnari sighs, “she said about half an hour. I didn’t even give you 10 minutes.” You pout and reach for his other ear. “I know you like this and you’re so cute, so why shouldn’t I?”, you press a kiss to his cheek, “don’t tell me this still makes you flustered?” “Not anymore, no”, Tighnari affirms but you recall how his cheeks heated up and he stumbled over his words the first few times you did this. 

You enjoy your snacks together and get ready to move on but the weather has other plans as the rain pours down on you and your fox-like boyfriend. “I hope the Aranara doesn’t mind us using their house for a while”, you say as you enter the small structure. 

Tighnari quickly ends up snuggled against you with his head on your chest and you holding his ears because the thunder hurts in them. “Sorry this hike turned out like this”, he apologizes but you stop him. “It’s not like you can control the weather or something”, you chuckle and nuzzle his ear, “we’re still together right? So what’s the harm of a little rain?”

It all starts when Nilou asks for your help while preparing for a special theatre performance. The actors would all improvise the story based on a prompt that was given before. As Nilou already knew the prompt, she decides to prepare for a play centered around the idea of lovers celebrating their anniversary together. But given that she doesn’t have much experience with love, the two of you decide to go around and ask your acquaintances what their ideal date might look like.

As luck has it, you happen to run into the Wanderer at the Grand Bazaar. So what harm could there be in asking him for his thoughts on the matter as well, right? Although, a part of you decided to do this because of your growing feelings for him.

You quickly explain the situation with the play to him. “If you must know, I don’t care for the idea of a romantic affair. Lovey-dovey stuff and flirting is just a pointless waste of time and makes my skin crawl”, he scoffs, “besides, the notion of two people being bound to each other for eternity simply because of their feelings for one another is ridiculous. Even those endeavors end one day and even someone who claims to love you might leave if offered the right price. They tell you that you mean something to them and then one day you never see them again. There’s no use in pursuing love.” You let out a sigh, not sure what you were expecting for an answer instead of this. 

“Okay, great, now can we put your attitude aside for a moment?”, you roll your eyes, “just imagine you had someone you were in love with. What activities would be fun for you to do with them?” He sighs but muses that Nahida would probably scold him if she found out he didn’t help you with something as simple as an answer to a question. “Hmph. Fine. If I was to go on a ‘date’, I’d like to cook with them. The act of cooking together to produce the perfect meal feels much more intimate than any shallow flirting”, he answers.

“Oh that’s a nice idea!”, you respond before impulse gets the better of you, “we should cook together sometime-”

“Did you just ask me out on a date?”, he raises an eyebrow but blushes furiously. “Well, that depends on your answer, doesn’t it?”, you wink.

“I- I’m not necessarily against it”, he admits and crosses his arms in front of his chest, “ that is, if you can even cook properly.” He huffs and you let out a laugh. “Oh, whatever happened to ‘this is just a pointless waste of time and makes my skin crawl’, huh?”, you dramatically sigh, “if I recall correctly from what Yae Miko told me, in your homeland of Inazuma they refer to this as being a tsundere.” “I’m not-”, his blush darkens, “you should keep your mouth shut before I change my mind.”

Whatever happened to ‘love makes my skin crawl indeed, you think to yourself and smile as you watch the Wanderer carefully handle the ingredients for the meal you’re going to make. He explains every step of the recipe to you and you follow his instructions carefully.

When you accidentally cut your finger while cutting vegetables, Wanderer is at your side with disinfectant and bandaids in an instant. “What the hell are you doing? Are you incapable of cutting a couple of ingredients? You’re supposed to focus on the knive, why were you staring at my face instead?”, he fusses over you, pretending it was because he was annoyed with you. “Well…you’re pretty”, you quietly respond and he shakes his head and lets out a sigh. “You’re too much…” “Aw, you’re worried! If it calms you, you could kiss it better!”, you suggest, winking at him again. “Who do you think you’re talking to-?”, the blush is back on his face and he refuses to look you in the eyes.

“If you tell anyone about this, I’ll never trust you with anything again”, he mumbles a couple hours later after the two of you had finished your meal and he was sitting on your couch with you, snuggled close to you. “Oh, don’t worry, they’re going to know about it soon enough when some random stranger decides to flirt with me and you get jealous”, you tease. “You talk too much”, he scoffs and his lips meet yours in another gentle kiss. He didn’t tell you how he felt just yet, but his actions speak louder than words.

[ejoym]

Continuing on the last ask about learning to start drawing OCs, do you have any tips on developing styles? I find it really difficult to “let go” of the need for things to be proportional or physically accurate, but I really want to start developing a more cartoon style.

Hi! In reference to this last post. I'm going to site a lot of stuff from a book called Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud. It's a great resource for anyone interested in cartooning, visual art, and comics as a unique storytelling art form.

Cartooning, whether it’s for comics or animation, is a very utilitarian art form. Cartooning skills and an artist's style are often forged in the hellfire of a deadline. For example, what my art style looks like when I've drawn an 80-panel comic in one week looks very different from a single illustration I’ve done in that same time frame.

Cartoonists simplify for the function of needing to draw everything by hand over and over and over again. But we also simplify for the emotional universality of the cartoon image! As stated by McCloud in the following three images.

Technically all 2D art is a form of caricature because we are reducing our 3D reality onto a 2D plane - which inherently abstracts form. Anytime someone sits down to draw (or write), they're engaging with a level of representation within pictorial space.

As an artist, we inevitably work in all modes at some point or another. But I think most artists will show a preference towards different corners of this diagram and that influences their style!

Ask yourself: where would you place the style you're seeking to achieve on this triangle? There's a more detailed version below with many cartoonists and styles for more examples.

I like this diagram especially because it shows the wide variety of cartoonist's styles. That's why this ask has been particularly tricky for me to answer. It's hard to give advice on becoming more cartoony without knowing what that specifically means for you, anon!

That said, I can still give some general good practice tips that hopefully anyone can utilize in their cartooning journey!

Figure drawing. Short poses (1-5 minutes). Figure drawing from life is ideal because life very rarely sits still. If you don't have any figure drawing studios in your area then go to libraries and coffee shops. You can also ask friends or family to sit for you. And finally there are figure drawing resources online that often include timers. Tip: Try drawing only with ink so you can’t erase. You won't have to do this forever but it's a great way to live with the "happy accidents" and then move on to the next drawing!

2. Gesture lines and S-curves. The gesture line captures the initial motion of the pose and will often follow the direction of the spine! S-curves are the alternating "S" shaped curves that represent the distribution of weight across the body. Exaggerating the S-curves is how cartoonists and animators often push the expressive form of the figure. When drawing the figure try to find the gesture line first and then build the weight of the pose on top of that!

3. Give yourself a deadline. Set a timer. Stick to it! Even if all you manage is a quick line gesture. Just move on to the next pose!

Finally, I really recommend reading Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud! It's a wonderful resource that anyone interested in the visual arts could benefit from reading. I first read it 17 years ago, back in my high school film class.

Phew! That's a long one. Hopefully, there's some useful info in there for you. But do feel free to ask any follow-up questions. And good luck on your cartooning journey! 🖤

(There's also another ask in my inbox about drawing cartoonish expressions. I'm working on a response but it may take a little bit. But don't worry, I'll have a detailed answer to that in the coming weeks!)

[faebaex]

Tangled in Wonderland - Fighting Fire with Fire

author note: aaaaa this is so late! Sorry, sorry – graduation happened and then I was very busy with misc things x-x but this instalment is a little longer to make up for it! Hope you enjoy, Scarabia is up next!

characters: Azul Ashengrotto x GN!Reader

You had only given yourself two objectives when you had realised that you had been transported to the world of Twisted Wonderland.

One: figure out a way to get back to your own world, preferably in one piece.

Two: keep a low profile and avoid the game’s named characters as much as possible.

Unfortunately, none of those objectives had been going well.

Despite your best attempts, you had already run into the game’s first two housewardens. Chapter one of the game had pretty much run on schedule, culminating in Riddle’s eventual overblot. You ran into Leona by fluke, and whilst the encounter was not as terrible as you thought it would be, you still found it less than ideal for your plan to keep a low profile, especially now that Leona would give you the odd nod here and there if you passed each other in the hallway. That caused you to get a few more stares than usual. There was also another curious issue that had caught your attention.

Even with you laying low and keeping yourself out of the main story as much as possible, Leona’s overblot still happened. You had noticed that Crowley had not asked/threatened you into investigating the odd accidents that had been going on around campus in the run up to the spelldrive tournament, which you assumed was because he was still avoiding you so you didn’t hound him about getting home. So even though it wasn’t you who helped uncover the truth about the incidents, the truth still came out and you, through fates untimely intervention, ended up on the Savanaclaw spelldrive field to witness his overblot.

Regarding your attempts to figure out a way home, research had been slow. Whilst Riddle was a great help, he could also be a hindrance. With midterms on the horizon, Riddle had been visiting not to assist you with your research, but to make sure you had been studying properly for the upcoming exams. Because he considered you an honorary member of Heartslabyul, Riddle deemed it his role to make sure you succeeded in your academic endeavours, even going through the effort of making you a study schedule and notes in order for you to maximise your study time efficiently. Although you appreciated the gesture, getting more sidetracked was not what you needed right now. But you figured there were worst things that could happen.

But as usual, fate decided to show you that there were definitely worse things.

You had just gotten to the library, tote bag full of study materials that Riddle had generously lent to you swinging behind you as you weaved through the bookshelves and desks, aiming for your usual table at the back. You figured you could continue your own research and if Riddle showed up, you could just swap the books over and he would be none the wiser.

Of course, you had no idea that a whole bigger problem than Riddle Rosehearts was awaiting you. Because when you rounded the corner that enclosed your library table, the devil himself was waiting for you.

Or in this case, Azul Ashengrotto.

“Ah! There you are prefect!” Azul exclaimed, slamming one of your research books shut which he had clearly been nosing through, “I have been waiting for you. I trust your classes went well today?” He smiled at you, that usual picture perfect, business smile affixed to his face. All you could do was stare blankly at him, willing every muscle in your face not to react so that you didn’t give him an opening.

Why were you running into Azul?! Chapter three started after midterms! You still had some time before then, brain already working overtime in an attempt to figure out what was the best way to lay low against a whole dorm that excelled in subterfuge and deceit. You were shaken from your thoughts by the sounds of chair legs scrapping against the floor, as Azul got to his feet.

“Say, prefect… Midterms are coming up and it seems to me that you have all the wrong content here,” Azul started as he gestured to the table with all your research materials gathered, “why don’t we take a walk and we can discuss exactly what I can do to help you…”

Oh no. No, no, no.

Without a word, you span on your heel and started to march out of the library, not looking back or faltering in your step. It seemed like you’d actually be studying for your midterms back at Ramshackle today. Riddle would be thrilled.

“My, prefect where are you going?” Azul called after you, and you didn’t have to imagine the predatory smile on his face now that your back was turned, “I only want to talk!”

The library door slammed behind you and you hightailed it back to Ramshackle dorm.

After classes ended the next day, you took the risky decision to return to the library. But this time, you had a plan. Having called in a small favour from the library ghosts that you have become friendly with, you began your walk over to your usual table. Unfortunately, but as expected, Azul was waiting for you, his perfect business smile fixed on his face.

“Prefect, so good to see you.” Azul said, voice smooth as he leaned against one of the chairs. You had to wonder how long he had been standing there, posed like that, waiting for you to turn the corner. You ignored him as you slipped your tote bag of your shoulder and took your usual seat, pretending like he was not there. There was a beat of silence as you found your bookmark and continued reading your book in the place you had left off on, but of course the silent treatment wouldn’t work on someone as adaptable as Azul.

“Ahem, prefect, if you would…”

“Three.” You said loudly, not looking up as you turned over the page of your book. In your peripheral vision, you watched as Azul freeze.

“… Prefect?” Azul enquired, smile frozen on his face.

“Two.” You continued, eyes glued to the book in front of you. The other books rattled on the table, one even flipping open, the pages flapping dramatically before slamming back shut. Azul lifted a hand to adjust his glasses in his usual move to mask the surprise and unease that threatened to destroy his perfect smile. “Why are you—”

“One.” Finally, you looked up, looking directly into his eyes. You were satisfied to see he looked appropriately unnerved, but the best was still to come.

“BOO!!!”

Azul jumped so hard that his glasses went askew, and you couldn’t help the amused smirk that spread across your face as he flapped to regain his composure. The library ghost that had popped out and spooked Azul cackled mischievously and flew around the table a few times before disappearing, giving you the chance to mask your face back into an indifferent expression when Azul turned his attention back to you, still looking a bit shocked. You only offered a small shrug in consolation.

“Those library ghosts can sure be cheeky sometimes.” You said nonchalantly, flitting your eyes back down to your book without another word. Silence fell again, and you swore you heard a small, disgruntled huff before Azul took his leave.

Today, victory was yours.

You had one full day of peace from Azul before he was back again like nothing had happened. You shouldn’t have been surprised, Azul had a tenacity that sometimes made you wonder why the Dark Mirror had not placed him in Pomefiore. And for whatever reason, he had decided that you were very interesting.

He began popping up everywhere. You kept seeing him in the corridors, flashing you a smile that could be fool anyone as being kind. He’d somehow appear behind you in the lunch queue, even if he wasn’t there a minute before. You even decided to avoid the library for a few days, punishing yourself to study for midterms in the creaky Ramshackle dorm, and even then you saw him on your walk back, conveniently placed near the hall of mirrors or the botanical gardens, giving you a friendly wave when you passed. Well, for what passed as friendly with Azul. It was becoming increasingly clear to you, Azul was not going away.

You wracked your brain as to why Azul had taken such an interest in you. You know that when the main character made a deal with him in book three, he had his sights set on Ramshackle dorm so that he could open a branch café of the Mostro Lounge, and it was obvious that this was his agenda still now. But he had never come after the main character this… fiercely, so why was he pursuing you with such aggression?!

You chalked it up to another one of fate’s cruel pranks.

Determined, you continued to ignore his constant presence. With all the studying for midterms that you had been doing, you were convinced that you might actually get a decent grade this time round. Riddle expressed his pleasure at your diligent studying, having been miffed that he had not seen you at your usual spot in the library but delighted to know that you had finally knuckled down on your preparation for midterms.

But you couldn’t continue studying at Ramshackle forever. With Ramshackle came Grim, and with Grim came Ace and Deuce. And when you threw in the Ramshackle ghosts, you had an environment that definitely wasn’t suitable for studying. So inevitably, you ended up back at the library. Once again, you had one day of peace before Azul’s channels of information got back to him that you were back at the library because the very next day, Azul was waiting for you.

“Ah, prefect!” Azul said cheerfully, going so far as to pull out your chair for you, “I’m glad to run into you again. I must have missed you the last few times I have come to the library, I haven’t seen you here!” Azul’s business smile was out in full force today, and your lips pursed as you took your seat, ignoring Azul as he tried to help your push your chair in, not that it phased him at all. Azul was in top form today.

“Now, I’ve have something that I’d like to discuss with you…” Azul began as he took a seat opposite you, folding his hands in front of him neatly. You ignored him as you reached into your tote bag and opened one of your study books, deciding to brush up on some alchemy terms.

“It has been brought to my attention that…” Azul cleared his throat delicately, and leans forward slightly, lowering his voice, “now, I know that your situation is a little… delicate, but please be assured, I can help.” You continued to ignore him, trying your best to memorise the endless amounts of alchemy components that you had apparently learned this semester. A hand gently placed itself on top of your textbook, and you looked up to see Azul with his perfected faux expression of mixed pity and sympathy, which you were sure had won him over many clients in the past. For you, it just made your stomach turn.

“I know you’re failing. Multiple subjects, in fact.” Azul said quietly, and your eyes narrowed at him. “And who told you that?” You asked bluntly, and Azul pulled his hand back, holding up in the air in a gesture seeking peace, “now, now… You know I have to abide by client confidentiality… But you know how friends talk…” Azul purred, a predatory glint in his eyes as he smiled at you.

Great, so somebody had talked. You wondered who it could be, Ace? Deuce? Grim? Not that it mattered. Now Azul was determined to get his claws sunk into you, and you needed to deter him. Fast.

“While I appreciate your concern, I’m doing just fine. You could say that I’ve got friends in high places where are looking out for me. One even gave me a study schedule. You may know him, he’s at the top of the second-year rankings, after all.” You retorted with a sickly-sweet smile, feeling glad to have gotten that dig in, knowing Riddle and Azul’s competitive history. Azul’s smile never faltered, though his eyes did harden slightly.

“Ah, but you have so many subjects to learn in such a short amount of time. Midterms are next week.” Azul pointed out, a hand moving to rest on his chest with a flourish, “with a copy of my notes for each subject, you are guaranteed to improve your grades, enough that the professors will not give you a hard time over it. I know I could never understand, but it must be so difficult being the school’s only magicless student. You poor, unfortunate soul. I would rest so much easier at night knowing that you weren’t struggling unnecessarily.”

Your eye twitched at that, the urge to throw one of the heavy, leather-bound tomes at your side directly at Azul’s head growing thick and fast. “I said I wasn’t interested.” You responded firmly through gritted teeth. You had hoped the sly mention of Riddle would get Azul off your back, but clearly you were being naïve. Your eyes fell back down to your textbook as silence fell between you again, hoping through some fluke that ignoring Azul would make him leave you alone, but of course it wouldn’t.

“Well, if you don’t want to make a deal based on a grades perspective…” Azul mused allowed, his smile turning a tad more sinister, “how about this? Think of all the time you’ll have free to spend working on your interesting little side project if you don’t have to worry about your grades?” Azul’s fingers stroked along the spine of one of your many research books and you froze.

Now, you knew that one of your main goals was to keep a low profile in Twisted Wonderland until you figured out a way home. And if you deluded yourself hard enough, you could believe that to some extent, you had. But whilst you could tolerate Azul’s stalking, his faux friendly behaviour in the corridors and in the lunch line, and his many attempts to solicit you in the library and rope you into a predatory deal that you had no hopes of ever completing, there was one thing that you would never let slide.

And that was someone attempting to foil your plans to get back home.

Your eyes hardened as you gazed over at Azul. You needed to get rid of him, to deter him so strongly that he’d be hesitant to ever approach you again so lightly. And you knew just the way to do it.

You didn’t want to do it to him, but in your defence, he had started it. And in the types of games that he liked to play, you had to fight fire with fire.

Your pursed lips melted into a smile as you leaned forward. “Why don’t you make a deal with me instead, Azul?” You offered, crooking your finger in a motion to call him closer to you. Whilst he seemed hesitant, he was clearly intrigued by your suggestion and leaned closed to you as you looked him dead in the eye, speaking in a hush tone.

“You’re going to leave me alone. Because if you don’t, I’m going to tell every single person I walk past that they should take some time to visit the Atlantica Memorial Museum in the Coral Sea. I’ll tell them ‘hey! I know there is a really cool statue that catches your eye as soon as you enter, but you should really take a moment to check out the photographs right by the door. There are some very cute pictures there, especially one with the prince of the Coral Sea!’ You never know what you might find, right Azul?” You watched the colour drain from Azul’s face with every word you spoke, barely able to mask his horror at what you were telling him.

“H-how… Who…” He was flustered now, recoiling away from you like you had slapped him before leaning back closer to hiss at you, “how do you know about that?!” Azul was incredulous, so shocked at the dirt you had on him that he couldn’t even begin to deny it. He had to— no, he needed to know how you knew, like his very life depended on it.

“You’d be surprised what I know about you, Azul.” You responded cooly, leaning back in your chair and levelling him with a severe stare. “Things you’ve worked so hard to keep secret. I’m happy to keep them secret for you too, but you see, the thing is…” Your eyes narrowed at him now, and if he could have gotten paler, he would have, “when I get irritated, say by being constantly bothered by someone who can’t take ‘no’ for an answer…” You started to raise your voice with every word, “I get louder, and louder and…”

“Okay, okay!” Azul recoiled from you with an audible thump against his chair. He looked frazzled; pale faced with sweat beading on his forehead, “l-let’s not be rash, prefect. I see now that…” Azul cleared his throat, desperate to claw back some of his composure as he quickly stood from his chair, not even bothering to tuck it back in, “I see now that I’ve disturbed you during an incredibly important time. I apologise. I’ll take my leave, and I hope you can use your… Discretion not to act impulsively on this… Sensitive matter?”

You flashed Azul a serene smile that was not at all genuine, and he knew it. “I’ll try my best. There’s only so much I’m capable of. You know, being a magicless student and all.” You uttered with sweetness, and you thought you heard a low whine from Azul before he quickly made his escape, hurrying out the library with his dignity in tatters.

You smiled to yourself as you slowly pushed your study textbook aside. You knew it was a very risky move to threaten Azul like that, and there was a good chance that you might find yourself tied up and thrown in the sea by the end of the semester for so boldly confronting him. This wasn’t the last you would see of him, Azul too calculating to let you, a loose end that he never dreamed of encountering, go free. But for now, you could relish in the small, peaceful reprieve you had given yourself as you pulled one of your research books in front of you, finally continuing where you had left off.

[rigelmejo]

Here is how I've studied Chinese over the past 4-5 years.

Note: I cram studied a lot of hanzi, words, and grammar in the first year. I got a lot of 'review' by reading graded readers in Pleco app and just looking up words over and over until I learned them, and watching cdramas with english and chinese subtitles and looking up words in Pleco or Google Translate as I got curious. This is what worked best for me, because I cannot stick to something like anki long term - if you can stick to anki long term, then doing something like that regularly may have good results. I prefer to learn by doing what I want to do - which for me, was read.

I also started trying to read and watch shows in just chinese in the first year - which in retrospect was probably harder than I needed to do. After 2 years, I started mostly following Heavenly Path Notion Site's recommended materials (graded readers, easier novels for native speakers etc) and my life got much easier as I started reading Easier stuff more often, and harder stuff less often. I highly recommend beginners check out all the resources linked on Heavenly Path, especially in their Reading Guide and Listening Guide. I did a mix of extensive reading (reading easy stuff where I could guess unknown words from context - I might just read with a TTS to hear the word pronounced), and intensive reading (looking up every unknown word/most unknown words for it's translation in Pleco or Readibu app).

For Hanzi, and Reading:

Read about how hanzi work. I read all the articles I linked on this post about learning hanzi. It will help you in the future to know radicals exist, and to know what mnemonics are since a lot of learning resources recommend them for learning hanzi. I did not memorize radicals, but I did get a basic familiarity with the fact they exist and read over a chart of them once. Later as I studied hanzi, I learned the radicals more in the context of the hanzi they're in.

Downloaded Pleco app, and Google Translate, started looking up a word or phrase whenever I was curious, when I was watching cdramas. If you're watching shows, it's pretty easy to see chinese hard subs on many shows on youtube, and just look up a word or two when you feel curious.

I used this book, I just read through it in like 3 months, aiming for basic familiarity not memorization. Learning Chinese Characters: (HSK Levels 1-3) A Revolutionary New Way to Learn the 800 Most Basic Chinese Characters; Includes All Characters for the AP & HSK 1-3 Exams. I love this book, I credit this book to giving me a decent foundation in hanzi, the mnemonic stories in the book worked well for me, as did the example words. This book is often cheaply used, and can be found free in many libraries and elibraries.

Because I'm a lot, I kept trying to read parallel text webnovels on mtlnovel.com (it has a parallel text chinese/english option if you're logged in). I read some MoDu and some ZhenHun, and it was very hard. In retrospect I would have probably spent my time better with more graded readers, and easier webnovels after lol. I also kept trying to read chinese webnovels with Pleco's click-translate feature. It wasn't bad, I think it helped me a lot, but I did this all from month 1 onward. And it would probably have been easier to wait until I had built more of a foundation to do this.

I used a 2000 Common Word Ben Whatley memrise course which no longer exists, and cram studied 1000 words in a week then reviewed the next 2 weeks, then read some graded readers, and then the next month cram studied 1000 words and then reviewed the next 2 weeks, then read some more. I did reading as most of my actual reviews, because I don't like anki decks and I can't focus on them for more than a few weeks (as my study patterns show lol). I would recommend someone use the Spoonfed Chinese Anki deck if trying to emulate what I did, or ideally any common words chinese deck with audio and hanzi, and ideally in sentence examples. I'd recommend if you're cram studying words to just do 1000-3000, because you'll run into those common words a LOT if you're also reading and watching shows and looking stuff up. So you'll get lots of review of those 3000 words even if you stop using anki, since you'll keep running into those words. After the 3000 most common, it might be more useful to prioritize studying words as you come across them in reading/watching, and either keep looking them up until you remember them or put those in anki (if you like anki).

I started reading Graded Readers in Pleco app, with click-translations. Mostly Mandarin Companion graded readers with 300 unique hanzi or less, then 500 unique hanzi or less, because it was good review in the context of reading for everything I'd just studied over the past few months. I suggest checking out Heavenly Path Notion Site's Reading Guide whenever you'd like to start reading, a lot of good tips in there and a lot of resources I used too (like Pleco app and Readibu app).

I used this book as reference, Tuttle Learning Chinese Characters: A Revolutionary New Way to Learn and Remember the 800 Most Basic Chinese Characters Original by Matthews, Alison, Matthews, Laurence (2007) Paperback. I've flipped through it a few times, never fully read all of it, but another person may find use in it. I liked it as a reference. This book is also easy to find cheap used, or in libraries and elibraries free.

I went through about half of the following anki deck, just cram studying 1500 hanzi cards in a couple weeks, doing a week of review, and then 'reviewing' by reading stuff in chinese and looking words up again and again. It's a great anki deck for studying hanzi.

*Mnemonics - 3018 Simplified Chinese Hanzi deck (I recommend this deck, if I had to go back and do it again)

*Mnemonics - 3035 Traditional Chinese Hanzi (I recommend this deck, if I had to go back and do it again)

 *Mnemonics - 4143 Traditional AND Simplified Chinese Hanzi (combines the 2 decks above)

After learning around 1500 hanzi through a combination of reading the books I linked, reading graded readers, and using the anki deck I linked, I just kept reading and looking up words I didn't know that seemed important to the overall meaning of the thing I was reading. Just looking up words, again and again, until I remembered them. Which was usually 2-20 times. I started reading manhua, then webnovels, again see Heavenly Path Notion Site for their recommendations on reading material at different difficulty levels. I was also reading cdrama subtitles, usually with both chinese and english subtitles on, but once in a while I tried to watch a show with just chinese subtitles. I'd look up 1 word every 5 minutes or so, to let myself look up key words that seemed important, but not stop constantly.

Yes, my study consisted of a LOT of 'cram study for basic familiarity of something' then read and watch, and look things I was basically familiar with over and over until they stick and I learn them.

For Grammar:

I read through this grammar guide website's HSK Grammar lessons in like 1 month, not to memorize just to get a basic familiarity. I wanted an idea of the grammar I'd be seeing later, and an idea of what to look up more information about if I got confused later. https://www.hskcourse.com/hsk-grammar-exercises/. I did this in the first few months.

I looked up grammar points later, as I'd read graded readers or watch shows, on this website All Set Learning Chinese Grammar Wiki. I found the explanations on this site helpful. I kept doing this, and still do this if any grammar point in particular is confusing me.

If you want to use anki to study grammar, these decks cover similar material: *Chinese Grammar Wiki Study Deck(if looking for a full grammar guide I recommend this one, which so far has been the most well formatted version and links to the AllSetLearning Grammar points so you can easily do background reading when needed). Ole’s Chinese Grammar Wiki A1, Chinese Grammar Wiki A2, Chinese Grammar Wiki B1, Chinese Grammar Wiki B2 (all adapted from AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki site)

For tones:

I went through the Pinyin Pronunciation Guide and tone trainer on this website dong-chinese.com in a month. Then again a few months later, went through it again.

I also used these:

Maorma.net Minimal Pair Test (I used this in the past, focusing on minimal pairs might help?)

Yoyo Chinese Tone Pairs Chart (may help)

Yoyo Pinyin Chart (has sound for each tone, this may help)

Basically I used everything on under my 'tones' tag. Feel free to browse for more resources. Mostly it was a lot of youtube videos, and explanations. I looked up videos on youtube about tone sandhi, tone pairs, actual tone pronunciation etc. I really liked Grace Mandarin Chinese's channel, and recently I've found Julesy's videos very useful like this one about pronunciation.

For Listening:

So I really HEAVILY focused on learning to read. As you can see above. I have only started focusing on listening more as of this year. If I could go back and give myself advice? I'd suggest to past me to listen to graded reader AUDIO a few times, before and after I read something. To listen to audiobook audio, or at least Microsoft Edge Read Aloud to webnovel pages I'm reading, or at least Pleco Dictation audio, MORE. I barely listened to audio when I read. 3 years in, I finally started reading along to audiobooks or listening to TTS when reading - to get my reading speed to become faster. It did make my reading speed closer to speaking speed, and it also helped my listening skills a lot. I wish I'd done more listening overall, any time I'd read things. Or before/after reading things.

I would also have told past me to Please check out some podcasts for learners, and practice listening earlier. And to try watching a cdrama, just once in a while, with no subs including no chinese subs. Because I can watch cdramas now, but I have to rely on chinese subs. If it's JUST audio it feels 4 times harder to me, and that might not be true right now if I had just... listened more in the last 4 years.

Now? I am watching comprehensible input chinese lessons on youtube (I have them linked here), I've been listening to learner podcasts so the language is easier than stuff I'd read (also linked there as the podcasts listed on some posts), and I've been posting about everything I've been listening to on the tag chinese listening experiment. Which has mostly been audiobooks of stuff I've read before in chinese and english, because as established, I read way more than I listen. So listening to stuff I have read before, is easier than listening to something brand new. It's going okay. Progress in listening skills are steady so the study plan is working out I guess.

For Speaking:

I've done very little to practice this. I still need to work a LOT on it. I used Tandem and Hellotalk for a while to speak with language partners - and using language exchange apps and websites is probably a good plan if you like talking to people. I used a putonghua pronunciation trainer app that is 1. no longer accessible on US app store and 2. no longer has any of the free 'grade your pronunciation' resources I used it for originally. I like as alternatives the apps: ChinesePronunciation Trainer (super simple free setup to shadow and compare your recording to the original), and Ka Learn Chinese Tones (which I've been playing with but I'm not sure about yet).

I plan to shadow audio eventually, and then talk to people more again. I will try speaking again after I've gotten a lot more listening practice in, maybe my speaking will be better. Or it'll still suck. Who knows.

Writing:

Haha... hahahaaaaaaa..... one day I'll practice... In all seriousness, I practice this when I message people on language exchange apps and sites. When I plan to work on this more, I'll probably do a combination of write some journals and message people more again.

I can type pretty fine, because you can type with pinyin and I know what the hanzi I mean looks like so I can select it. I cannot write by hand. I used to be able to write ni hao and xie xie and wo. Now I'm not confident I could do that from memory ;-;

Below the cut is a list of some things I read and listened to over the years, with commentary that is totally cool to skip entirely (I was rambling). I think I picked harder stuff than I needed to at first, and I'd really suggest beginners check Heavenly Path's recommendations for beginners, instead of whatever I was doing (which was sometimes super difficult for me).

Stuff I read:

Mandarin Companion Sherlock Holmes

Pleco Graded Reader Butterfly Lovers

Mandarin Companion Journey to the Center of the Earth

小王子 (extensively read, doable but I probably should have picked something easier, I was really excited to extensively read my first story and it really built reading stamina)

天涯客 (intensively read 20 chapters)

真魂 (intensively read 20 chapters, did listening reading method with same 20 chapters, must have reread the first 20 chapters at least 4 times, also listened to the first 20 audiobook chapters 3-6 times each so I'm very familiar with the words in them, I basically kept engaging until future chapters in this book were 95% comprehensible or more so I could extensively read my print copy)

寒舍 a dmbj fanfic (intensively read 60 chapters)

镇魂 (extensively read the first 30 chapters of my print copy, and the extras)

秃秃大王 (intensively read, but it was close to my reading level so I was only looking up maybe 5 words or less per 100 words. REALLY recommend this story. Easiest thing I read that wasn't a graded reader)

大林和小林 (intensively read, 95%+ comprehensible I was just looking up any basic words I still didn't know, same author as the novel above, probably the BEST novels for beginners to read after graded readers, I found them recommended on Heavenly Path Notionsite)

笑猫日记 1 (intensively read, but it was near my reading level so I was looking up 5 words or less per 100 words, learned a lot of chengyu from this)

笑猫日记 2 (extensively read, extensive reading built up my readind speed and stamina)

寒舍 a dmbj fanfic (extensively read all 110 chapters, probably 95% comprehensible or more especially since I'd learned a lot of words in the early chapters from the first time I read it. Part of the time I listened to Edge's TTS as I read. Built up reading speed by listening as I read. Longest thing I had read and finished at that point, at over 100k words)

盗墓笔记1 (intensively read but it was close to my reading level so probably 92% or more words I already knew, first non-fanfiction I finished reading that was over 40k words)

盗墓笔记2 (extensively read except for a few specific artifact words of things they found in the tomb, first non-fanfiction novel I finished by extensively reading that was over 40k words)

盗墓笔记重启 manhua (extensively read all of it, super easy to read, very funny if you're into dmbj)

19天 (extensively read maybe 50 chapters? Cute, funny, super simple to read)

他们的故事 manhua (extensively read maybe 15 chapters, also very funny and cute and simple to read)

破云 manhua (extensively read 1st volume, I got a print copy, its a bit hard I mean even my copy has chinese definitions of some of the legal/crime terms at the bottom of the pages lol. It's doable to follow, probably because I'm used to crime mystery stories. I also watched the voiced version on bilibili so a little listening practice)

吞海 manhua (extensively read a few chapters, I could follow just like 破云, but I can't quite handle reading the books extensively)

烈火浇愁 manhua (extensively read 5 chapters, the historical bits were harder, the rest was fine. I felt comfortable extensively reading pretty much any manhua by this point. I'd love to read the novel version but I'm certain 烈火浇愁 and 残次品 are beyond my reading ability as of 3/2025, priest's novel 默读 which is a regular modern setting only became possible to extensively read 12/2024. So I don't think I could handle a sci fi setting yet).

半夜衣寒 dmbj fanfic by 夏灬安兰 (extensively read, I just really like this person's writing style, and their writing is easier than priest for me to read and just perfect for me? I really enjoy their plots. This author's fanfics are who I credit for getting used to grammar in long sentences and getting used to "intuitively" understanding it, and for starting to do those kind of reading inferences of what is implied but not explicitly stated. Such as picking up character moods from physical descriptions, rather than words about their mood, and picking up hints about the ghost cases that hint things about characters in the stories as parallels. And I picked up familiarity with a ton of common adjectives and 4 hanzi descriptives from this author).

If anyone were going to copy what I did, my suggestion would be: check out Heavenly Path's reading recommendations list, pick novels in gradually increasing difficulty. Their easiest recommendations are extremely doable if you've been using graded readers for a while, and know around 1000 hanzi/HSK4 vocabulary. I think I struggled with a lot of material that was more difficult than it needed to be, at times. On the other hand? I feel that me frequently switching between intensively reading something somewhat above my reading level, and extensively reading something at my reading level or slightly above my reading level, helped me increase both my comfortable reading level and my reading stamina/speed. I think a mix of harder and easier material definitely helped me push through plateaus and onto more difficult novels I wanted to read, and it's still the strategy I use to work up to harder reading material. I would also recommend: listen while you read SOMETIMES. READ without audio sometimes (to practice reading skills), read with audio sometimes (to match pronunciation to words and push reading speed up closer to speaking speed), and listen to audio without text sometimes (build listening only skills). I did a bit of all 3 activities, but I speny the majority of my time reading without audio... and now I have to work harder on my listening skills to fix the large dfference between reading and listening skills.

Stuff I listened to:

Lazy Chinese (perfect for beginners, also any other Comorehensible Input Lessons youtube channels, see Comprehensible Input Wiki for more channels)

Peppa Pig (doable for beginners)

Maomi Chinese (easiest podcast I've found)

Astroboy Chinese dub (I have a lot of reading skills, cartoons for 5-10 years old are perfect for me)

Tea Time Chinese (intermediate podcast, doable for me)

Talk to Me in Chinese (intermediate podcast, doable ish for me)

Dashu Mandarin (advanced podcast, I don't quite understand it yet)

The Untamed condensed audio

Guardian condensed audio

Ice Fantasy condensed audio

镇魂 audiobook (I'm familiar with the plot, so it's doable, I am waiting to continue listening until I finish 默读)

默读 audiobook (I sure love working on difficult stuff I'm into lol, because I'm familiar with the plot it's doable)

HP audiobooks (they're on the easier end and I'm familiar with the plot, I'm going to keep going and see how much I get from it)

Twilight audiobooks (they're on the easier end and I'm familiar with the plot, I'm going to keep going and see how much I get from it)

SCI audiobook (I'm only 2 hours in, hoping it'll be doable soon)

撒野 (I'm only 1 hour in)

[rooksstuff]

Chachkies - Emmrich Volkarin

There is low light glowing from her aquarium as she fiddles with her hook, unlooping then relooping the large thread around the hook, tucking and tugging as music flows from the record player in the corner of her room, slow and beautiful- a gift from one Nevarran Noble that had agreed with her actions that got her sent away from the Grand Necropolis. Myrna kept the music player in pristine condition, until Lillian could collect it herself. Normally, Lily refused all gifts of every kind, but she had seen the record player in a shop along the streets, and knew she'd never be able to afford one herself, so she hopped on the gift immediately so she could have some kind of noise for days like this, when nothing was happening, and they had no idea what to do next, and she could just relax.

Relaxing today includes music, her crochet, and some herbal tea with mint and honey to sooth her sore throat. Years of not talking alot is catching up with her, all the time spent with her books and crocheting in the library, rather than socializing at a gallery or dancing at a Gala. She preferred to be alone, at least then the only person who could hurt her, was herself.

Tugging her final loop closed, she hums, pleased, as she tosses the stuffed skull in her arms, giving it a squeeze. Brown eyes streaked with green stare blankly back at her, reminding her so much of her favorite necromancer (next to Vargoth) that she stands, taking her tea to steal a sip before placing the cup on the platter as she picks up the skull once more, walking from the room with a shy smile. If she could sneak into his chambers, not tell him it was her that made it, that would be ideal. She has done it in the past, a griffin for Davrin, a wyvern for Lucanis- they might know, but the have no way of knowing for sure.

The door clicks open to reveal Emmrich standing before his desk, magic dying on his fingertips as he looks up as she tucks the small skull behind her back.

"Rook," He smiles, setting the skull in his hand down. "did you require my assistance for something?" She shakes her head, feeling a blush staining her cheeks. "Do you... have something?" He inquires, tipping back on the desk to try to see around her, and she feels her cheeks burning even more as she slowly brings out the stuffed skull. "Ah! So, you were our mystery gifter!" He pushes off his desk, crossing to her as he slowly reaches for the skull, and she pushes it into his hands. "I suppose this means it's my turn, yes?" He examines the chachkie with a critical eye, ringed fingers trailing over the plush fabric as a smile appears on his face. "You're quite handy with a crochet hook, aren't you?"

"I... it's just something to do." She answers, fingers raking through curls, nervous and desperate to yank the stuffed skull away and run.

"You say that, but this is remarkably well made." He sets the small plushy on his desk beside his ever leaning tower of books, and a different warmth, not embarrassment, fills her chest as she smiles at him. "Thank you."

"You're... welcome." She shuffles towards the door, when he calls out to her.

"Lillian," Her eyes meet his as he smiles warmly. "if you should ever wish to talk, about home, or something else, I should very much like that."

"...yes. okay." She nods. "Thank you." She leaves the office, hurrying back towards her room, warmth growing with her chest as she collapses onto her lounger, fingers picking through colored yarn, already thinking about what to make next.

[subastian-swallows]

FLUFF ALPHABET — HLC

Ominis Gaunt ૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡

Category: Fluffy Fluff ૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡

A = Admiration (what do they absolutely adore about you?)

Ominis adores the way you see the world, and not in a ‘well I can’t see so you tell me,’ kind of way. But in a way that he could listen to you for hours, simply explaining what flower you saw on your walk today or about the bee that attacked Sebastian in Herbology. He adores the way you experience the world around you and he feels almost connected with you — because of it. He’s never cared for seeing things, he got used to it and had years to practise. But listening to you talk about everything that makes you happy, makes him happy and what makes you sad, makes him sad. He could say he adores the way you laugh, when you’re really happy or how your voice quivers slightly when you’re sad, but that would be too easy an answer. Instead, he adores the little things — things people might not notice, but he does. Like how your voice elevates when you’re excited or when your answers grow short when you’re grumpy. He adores it all.

B = Body (what is their favourite part of your body?)

Ominis is a lot more subtle about this, abruptness being Sebastian’s thing. And the thing about his favourite parts of you, is well everything. Of course, this answer would frustrate you a little — thinking it’s him taking the easy way out of answering, until he pulls you towards him. He would then grumble and slowly map out each part of you, how your nose angles a certain way, or how your eyes crinkle at the sides when your happy, or how your lips curves perfectly no matter if your happy or sad. He would explain in soft detail, that he might not be able to see you, but he can feel you and it helps the image of you in his head. So that is why his favourite parts of you is everything — he has created the perfect imagine of the perfect person for himself and that is you.

C = Cuddling (how do they like to cuddle?)

Ominis cuddles depend on his mood much like Sebastian. But unlike Sebastian who I believe prefers touching in a different way, like holding your hand — Ominis needs almost full body contact. For example: resting his head in your lap, hands playing with your fingers, while you speak about your day. Or holding you from behind as you sit in his lap, studying. Or the full body embraces you provide him when he has a nightmare, the pressure of you being the perfect thing to bring him back to the ground. Ominis is subtle about PDA in front of others, partly unsure of himself and constantly feeling like you could do better, but that doesn’t stop him from cuddling you quickly and acting like he’s reaching for a book in the Library or a vial in Potions.

D = Dates (what does their ideal date with you look like?)

Ominis’ ideal date is being with you. And yes, that might sound lame or an easy answer — but to Ominis, he doesn’t see it that way. Truthfully, he just wants to do anything that makes you happy, anything that allows him the chance to hear the change in your voice when you’re excited or the noises you make when you’re surprised. He just likes knowing you’re happy and if that means he’s begrudgingly following you into a cave, gripping your hand tightly and wishing he had more of a backbone with you, then so be it. More often than not, Ominis prefers to visit Hogsmeade with you or the lake, just enjoying each other’s company while you explain what you can see. He loves listening to you talk and just sitting in the common room together — is more than enough.

E = Emotions (how do they express emotion around you?)

Ominis is more subtle. I feel like subtly is something he has become accustomed to, growing up the way he did — showing weakness was treated like the worst thing imaginable and so he got really good at hiding it. He doesn’t mean to be like this, more often than not, feeling a little guilty about holding so much in — but with you, he slowly opens up more. You bring out the part of him that he thought he had lost and he knows he could never repay you for that. When Ominis is angry, it’s perhaps the only time you know for certain — he’s a hot head in the complete 180 to Sebastian and he grows quiet. He doesn’t necessarily want to take it out on you, so he hides until he can speak his mind — it usually being about you putting yourself in harms way etc. He doesn’t like being angry at you and it doesn’t happen often — but you know when giving him space is needed.

F = Family (do they want one? If they do, when?)

Now this is a hard one. For I believe that Ominis wouldn’t want to continue his family’s bloodline. I think he would have drilled it into his head, that he didn’t deserve the happiness of a family, feeling sick at the idea of his bloodline expanding. But you would change that eventually, perhaps even by accident. Truthfully, he just doesn't like the idea, but I think deep down — raising a child with you, would bring him more joy than he could even admit. If it happened by accident, I think he would find it nerve-racking at first, scared that he wouldn't do a good job — considering how he was raised. But you would easily win him over and when the time came to it, he realises he was simply being foolish — and he ends up being a great father and even better husband.

G = Gifts (how do they feel about gift giving? What are their habits when it comes to this?)

Ominis loves gifting you things. It's another subtle way of him to express his love to you — without having to say it out loud, which he finds hard sometimes. His gifts at first were a little lavish and you eventually had to tell him that you don't need such things, but Ominis usually doesn't listen — and buys them anyway. The more subtle things would be flowers or chocolate and they would be hand delivered in secret or on passing — you would be busily focused on something in the courtyard, maybe with your friends. He would appear out of the blue, kissing you on the head, before handing it to you and disappearing again — not needing a thank you.

H = Holding Hands (when/how do they like to hold hands?)

Hand holding is something really intimate to Ominis — he loves it, loves the feeling of your hand in his and he especially loves tracing the lines and curves of your fingers and palm. He often doesn't mind if others notice, but more often than not, Ominis doesn't like showing other's that side of him. Like I said, he's not big on PDA, but that doesn't stop him from holding your hand — subtly holding them beneath the table in the great hall or beneath your robes as you sit close together on the benches watching the latest Quidditch match.

I = Injury (how would they act if you got hurt?)

Ominis would be livid. He would also be completely panicked and overwhelmed — worried over if you were seriously injured. Truthfully, Ominis would be the first at your side and the last at your side — constantly asking you if you need anything or what he could do to make things easier. If the injury was due to someone else, well they better watch out — Ominis holds a grudge like no other and he would make sure they are punished rightfully so. In the end he would dote on you hard, fluffing your pillows, helping you eat — despite you saying you can do it. He would just be super sweet.

J = Jokes (do they like to joke around with or prank you? how?)

Ominis joking around is hard to come by — but not impossible. He usually needs help, possibly coming to you in a weird mood and being like 'lets mess with Sebastian today?' This would be just little things like misplacing his belongings, ignoring him. Ominis doesn't tend to be one who plays pranks, but will join in on occasion. He does love teasing you though and tickles, Ominis is very ticklish.

K = Kisses (how do they like to kiss you?)

Ominis' kisses are soft, passionate, loving and memorable. Depending on the situation, Ominis kisses you as if he's going to lose you — as if you will realise you deserve better. When his kisses are soft, he kisses you delicately — his lips lingering in each spot he places them and he always ends them with a small smile. When his kisses are passionate, he kisses you with desire and longing — as if he is under a spell and his hands twist wildly in your clothes, pulling you close, desperate for your touch. When his kisses are loving and memorable, he kisses with devotion — with the idea that he wants to remember you completely. He normally traces your face with his fingers, but more often than not, he prefers doing it with his lips, his tongue. He wants to create your picture in his mind and lock it away forever, never wishing to forget it.

L = Love (how do they show you they love you?)

Ominis, like Sebastian is three of the five, love languages. Words of affirmation, Quality time and Physical touch. He loves telling you his feelings, especially when you both can slip away from the world. He needs you to hear it often, something he wasn't accustom to growing up and so he goes, almost over the top to make sure you know his feelings — this is only when you both finally told each other. Before that Ominis typically bottles everything up. Quality time and Physical touch is just as important to Ominis — being near you, touching you, even if it's just your hand, makes him incredibly happy and it's how he shows you in public that he loves you. You're the first person he wants to talk to and the last, he needs you with him at all times — and you willingly agree to it.

M = Memory (favourite memory together?)

First time you bring him to the Room of Requirement. It's the middle of sixth-year and your Hippogriffs have had their babies and all you want to do is share it with him. Ominis has always been curious — but also incredibly nervous. It's the first time you touch hands, in more of intimate way, than just normal. You support him and he trusts you, to pat the Hippogriffs — and he can't stop himself from kissing you. It's sudden and a little awkward — his lips missing yours slightly as he moves to fast and you laugh, before supporting him to do it right again.

N = Nightmare (what is their worst fear?)

His family is usually what he has nightmares of. What he was made to do, what he had to go through with etc. You often find him shakily keeping busy in the Undercroft after his nightmares and when you make yourself known — it doesn't take long before he breaks down in your arms. You allow him to cry, for there is nothing wrong with it and you simply just hold him — tightening your grip around him when he needs it. You then talk, about anything really and you keep talking into Ominis feels better. Reminding him constantly that he isn't them and he is a good person.

O = Oddity (what is one quirk they have?)

Ominis hums when he’s focused. At first you thought someone had charmed something in the Library to play music, when it got really quiet. But it was and had always been Ominis, his soft humming a tune — that has become his favourite. He doesn’t notice it either and it’s always when he’s so focused on something else that the only one who does is you or the others around him. You find it incredibly cute, Ominis finds it super embarrassing and yet — can’t help himself most of the time.

P = Pet Names (what do they like to call you?)

Darling

My Love

Angel

Beloved

Beautiful

Mi Amore

Trouble

Q = Quality Time (how do they like to spend time with you?)

Ominis doesn't care how he spends his time with you. It could be studying in the Library, lazing in the sun in one of the courtyards or simply sitting in the common room together. All that matters is that you're both together and aren't interrupted. He enjoys every moment where he gets to spend it with you and when you're apart, he simple whines so much that eventually Sebastian drags him to you and tags you in — you laugh every time.

R = Rhythm (what song reminds you of them?)

Yours - Conan Gray

Die For You - Joji

Until I Found You - Stephen Sanchez

Those Eyes - New West

j's lullaby (darlin' i'd wait for you) - Delaney Bailey

Complex - Katie Gregson-Macleod

I'm In Love With You - The 1975

S = Secrets (how open are they with you?)

Ominis is more secretive, but not because he doesn't trust you. Truthfully, it's because he doesn't want to burden with you with all of the drama he deals with behind closed doors. The constant pressure from his family, often gets too much and when you eventually find him and question him about it — he tries to wave it away. You, however are stubborn and when you sit him down and get it out of him, Ominis slowly breaks down his walls and tells you everything.

T = Time (how long did it take you to get together?)

End of the sixth-year. With everything that happened in your fifth-year, anything 'feeling' related was put on hold. Truthfully, from the beginning of the sixth-year, Ominis knew he was in love with you, realising almost quite quickly that he didn't want to be away from you. Then it became awkward for a bit — perhaps, because Ominis thought you wouldn't feel the same, Sebastian was more your type...right? It's only after you both study together, tucked away in the back of the Library that he thoughts spill out — before he can stop them and he wonders what you think of him. He's shy now, but you smile and lean over and kiss his cheek softly — Ominis blushes hard and all you leave him with is one thing: 'I like you, Ominis, took you long enough to figure it out.' You both start dating in private for a while, before telling anyone.

U = Upset (how do they act when you’re upset?)

Ominis can always tell. For some reason he's tuned into your emotions better than you are — knowing exactly when it changes, even just by a little. Perhaps, it's with how much time you spend together, but when you're upset, before you even need to say anything — Ominis whisks you away from everyone and nestles you in an embrace. He holds you for a while, until you either laugh or cry — depending on why you're upset and when you eventually tell him what's happened, he always knows how to make you happy.

V = Vaunt (what are they proud of? Do they like to show you off?)

Ominis is proud of you. How could he not be? He's never met a more interesting, stubborn, intelligent, beautiful person — and everything you do either amazes him or stresses him out. Either way, he's always discussing your talents and everything you've accomplished — truthfully, he just loves you. He doesn't need to show you off and well, to be honest — he doesn't want to. You see if he did, then you'd have more interest your way and well, Ominis doesn't want to share your attention.

W = Warrior (how do they feel about you fighting? Would they fight for you, beside you, etc?)

He doesn't hate you fighting, but he doesn't like it. Truthfully, he just wants you to be safe and he already stresses out enough with you and Sebastian's friendship — that listening to you talk about Ashwinders and poachers, gives him a headache. Ominis would fight beside you, for you and with you — if you asked. He hates people considering him to be less than, because he's blind — but don't be mistaken, having Ominis with you, is a great asset and you love it. Especially when he gets all hot and sweaty.

X = X-Ray (how well are they able to read you?)

Ominis can read you better than you can read yourself. He's so tuned into you, that it's almost scary that he just knows what's going on with you and if you're happy or sad. Truthfully you love it, for the most part — considering it means you never have to say much, which helps when you're sad. But, it can be a little frustrating when you're mad at him and he won't give you space, when you need it.

Y = Yes (how would they propose to you?)

Ominis would be reluctant, perhaps the idea had come up — but considering how he feels about his family, he would be worried about you. When he eventually gets over this and stops being a coward, his words, Ominis would propose to you in a romantic way. Consider, receiving a letter to ask you to meet in a spot you both had your first kiss and he would propose, with his whole heart, explaining in every little detail that he will take care of you for the rest of your life and he can't see himself with anyone else. He would remember from past conversations your favourite gemstone and would get a ring made with it — one of a kind, just like you.

Z = Zen (what makes them feel calm?)

You.

HOPE YOU ENJOY MY LOVES! ପ(๑•ᴗ•๑)ଓ

Tagging: @spaceyaceface <3 enjoy hehe

[ryuichirou]

which twst boys are vanilla who would rather keep things behind closed doors and which are more daring enough to tease in public? (aka handjobs on their partners or playing seductive footsies)

A headcanon list today! For another pretty old ask. Thank you so much for your message, Anon.

I don’t even have much to say before diving into the list, but… there is a lot of sneaky stuff happening within the walls of NRC huh? lol

Anyways, I hope you enjoy it even if I’m extremely late.

Riddle – as always, we have a boring start because Riddle Rosehearts would never do something so indecent in public. He has to be extremely comfortable with someone to even express some sort of PDA, and to him even smooching someone’s cheek while hiding behind an open book would feel very scandalous, very tingling, very flustering… could it blossom into something more? It depends, but I love to think that Riddle has a lot of potential. If he is reminded that it’s not technically prohibited by the Queen’s Rules to touch each other in a library under the tables, he might actually think about it…

Ace – he is daring, but mostly because he is extremely horny and irresponsible + really loves teasing his boy. When he touches Deuce’s butt while they’re standing in line waiting, or rubs against him sneakily, it feels like he just wants to see how far he could push him until he tells Ace to stop (and he knows that Deuce is hesitant because then he’ll attract others’ attention to them…). Ace always says that he won’t take things too far, he just wants Deuce to feel like he will, but… they do end up humping and grinding against each other a lot… I’d say these two get caught the most. Even if they aren’t officially dating!

Deuce – he wouldn’t initiate it, he is trying very hard to be a model student after all. He is more of a type to drag his lover to any kind of privacy (ideally his room) if he is feeling too eager… But he might get carried away with his touches when he is provoked and trying to one-up the other person touching him (this is pretty much what happens with him and Ace all the time lol). But he never initiates it! Well, at least not anymore….

Trey – a hypocrite??? Kinda?? If someone was doing this to him, he would awkwardly smile and say that they shouldn’t do it, and maybe even move his leg away, or even cross his legs to block access to his dick, maybe he would add a comment into the conversation about someone being inpatient while not directly addressing the situation. And while for the most part he does find this situation very anxiety-inducing and wouldn’t normally initiate something like that himself… he has intrusive thoughts sometimes. “I could grab him right there, how would he react?” or “If I touch his leg, no one would notice it”, this type of stuff.

Cater – he used to be into this kind of stuff in his old schools because he always had this feeling of “well I’m going to move soon anyway, so” that made him feel a little brave lol And not only in school, he’d also do it in a movie theater or in a food court , anywhere where there are a lot of people but they aren’t really paying attention. He actually found it both kinky and empowering in a way! But he doesn’t do it now, so maybe his exhibitionist era is over. Or maybe it’s just been a while since he met someone who made him want to play footsies…

Leona – when it comes to sex itself, he’s kind of sensitive? If he feels others’ presence even through the wall, he starts being antsy, and it could even ruin his mood. The only exception to this rule is the garden, he loves it as a hookup spot, but of course it has to be empty + the yard around it has to be empty as well lol When it comes to flirting and suggestive gestures, well, it’s usually his tail that does the job. He hugs Ruggie’s thigh with it sometimes, sometimes he tickles him between his legs with it, always sneakily and without looking at Ruggie, so you’d have to think if it was intentional or not.

Ruggie – I think he would prefer to do everything in private. He is not much of a seducer to begin with; it’s not like he’s bad at it, and he certainly knows all the right spots, and if he really wanted to, he could’ve scratched Leona’s tailbone to make him involuntarily purr in public, but he prefers not to… maybe he’s saving it for later, but I feel like he doesn’t really have a strong reason not to do it other than “just don’t feel like it”. Well, aside from him knowing that teasing Leona in public isn’t a good idea.

Jack – he definitely wouldn’t do anything like that himself, to him it’s not only inappropriate, but also completely pointless and distracting from more important things. I do think he would be more into it than he thinks if someone was to do it to him though, like some touches would get him super aroused very quickly… and he himself isn’t very good at controlling his arousal just yet. But if someone was to ask him, he would say that wouldn’t consider doing this kind of thing in public! In fact, he would probably scold those who do it publically.

Azul – you know what, I initially wanted to say that he wouldn’t, but he is such a flirt when he gets too playful?? He is of course is extremely annoying about it too, with a smug smile, maybe a wink here and there, dropping ambiguous but clearly flirty comments just so everyone is aware that something is up, but only the person he’s touching under the table knows exactly what’s going on… it’s not very easy to get Azul into this mood, but when he does get like that, it’s painfully obvious. He isn’t very good at being sneaky at all. If someone was to do it with him though, he would get hilariously anxious, angry and aroused at the same time though.

Jade – he would. But it would be a part of a bigger plan, playing with the other person’s expectations… no one would expect Jade-the-polite-twin to do something like that, right? A lot of people would, actually… Anyways, as long as he is having fun with it, he would touch and tease, but if the person starts enjoying it too much or embraces it, Jade might lose interest and go cold turkey instantly. He wants the thrill of it and the disbelief in the boy’s eyes, that’s the entire point of it to him. He would probably be uncomfortable if someone did it to him though, ironically…

Floyd – when he gets in the mood, absolutely, but for the most part Floyd doesn’t see a point in being secretive anyways. If he wants to jerk a boy off in a cafeteria, he’ll just do it, why bother with all this sneaky stuff? But when he does get in the mood, suddenly he understands the appeal. Then he’d hook the other boy’s chair with his shoe and move it closer to himself, lean on the boy to make it look like he just wanted to sit more comfortably and required some support for his arm, but his other hand would already be in the boy’s pants. He would only try his best to stay sneaky if the boy reacts very nicely thanks to the fear of getting caught.

Kalim – for some reason it’s so difficult to picture Kalim in this scenario?? Is he too oblivious that? Maybe… I feel like even if he felt someone playing footsie with him, he would start kicking back playfully, interpreting it as something more innocent that it actually is. It could actually get very frustrating lol  It’s not like he prefers one thing over the other, it’s just that it feels like Kalim exists in his own realm completely separate from the game of sexual intrigue… for now at least, but who knows what this boy is capable of?

Jamil – if he really wanted to, he would be the master of public teasing and seductive touches. He knows exactly what to do to drive the other person insane in minutes, and it would probably boost his ego, so I can picture him doing that in some universe where he has less things to worry about… but realistically, Jamil is “only doing things behind the closed doors” type; he is way too paranoid and overstressed to even get into a mood to do something like that. Even thinking about it would give him a headache, for some reason he would instantly think of Kalim missing his cues lol

Vil – he is more into it than one would expect him to be. It’s not like he is going to act inappropriately during an important meeting or something like that, he does like sneaky touches when he is in the right mood. It’s extremely rare, but not entirely impossible to catch him playing footsies, but you’re more likely to catch him doing it teasingly, subtly, just to make the guy flustered and then ignore him for the rest of their time sitting together. And if he is feeling especially frisky, he might even grant the guy a sneaky handjob… and it would be a lie to say that Vil wouldn’t be smug as fuck if he makes a guy cum in his pants by just rubbing him with his shoe under the table. But!! This is such a rare occasion! It only happened once or twice! Maybe three times. But he used to do it more often during his freshman year with Rook… For the majority of times these days he prefers to be as private about it as possible though, he might even complain about others acting inappropriate.

Rook – oh he absolutely loves it, he is the master of stealthy touches, sneaky kisses and having his hand in his lover’s pants at all times even when they are in public. If only Vil allowed it, he would do it every single day..! He would cover with his hat and kiss Vil’s neck, sneak under their dorm robes, do all kinds of stuff. And maybe he does that, people just don’t notice… He is extremely good at staying hidden. If he gets caught, it’s absolutely intentional and probably means that he either wants the world to see how strong their passion for each other is (they can’t hold back even publically!) or just wants to tease and freak out his partner… probably a little bit of both.

Epel – the rebellious bad boy in him really loves the idea of doing something so scandalous, he feels very mature and cool when he thinks about it in theory. But in reality if something like that was to happen, he would probably get extremely nervous and embarrassed, and just think about them getting caught the entire time. I see him as someone who might flirt if he is in the right mood for it, but when the person actually reciprocates and acts too, Epel would panic… He is extremely afraid of getting caught. But something also tingles inside him when he thinks about it.

Idia – the biggest NOPE in the world…!!! He is barely in public even in general, and to something like This in public?! What is this, some kind of eromanga? Things don’t work like that in real life, in real life you get caught and go to jail for inappropriate behaviour! Well, at least this is what the rational side of Idia’s brain says. Maybe it’s because of eromanga, maybe it’s his social awkwardness and deep shame twisting in a weird way, but if something like this was to happen to Idia, he would probably get aroused… He would also get so nervous he would start shaking and want to throw up at the same time though, so it’s 50/50. He wouldn’t do anything himself though, no no no no.

Ortho – oh he is a menace. If he gets into this kind of thing, he would start experimenting, and there is nothing that could stop him.  With his desire to experience all things irresponsible teenagers usually do, he would really want to touch someone he likes stealthily during classes or at the cafeteria, or somewhere in the school’s yard during recess… And while he could technically be stealthy about it, would he want to? It’s a part of the irresponsible teenager experience to get caught during the best moment! This frustration would feel very real, wouldn’t it? This is bonding experience right there…

Lilia – he is actually even more into it now than when he was before. I feel like his earlier years were very direct in terms of sexual encounters, and he only experienced this kind of subtle sexual playfulness when he was around Meleanor. Nowadays though, he’s having a lot of fun! He loves both the adrenalin, and the fact that he is making a boy he’s flirting with very flustered and confused. He loves doing stuff while flying too, like appearing suddenly behind a person and breathing gently on the boy’s neck, nibbing on his ear sneakily. His go-to is to touch butts though, both through the pants and directly. Also, if Lilia is giving Silver a koala-style back hug, it’s usually for a Reason. A reason hidden behind his long cape/jacket.

Silver – he prefers to do it in private because he wants to focus on his lover… he feels bad even kissing in front of his bird friends sometimes. It’s a new-found shame though; he used to be more okay with all that… these days though, he has a feeling of “this isn’t the right time to do it” even if he still indulges in it – he can’t quite say no to Lilia, for example, both because he’d feel bad and because this is his weak spot… Silver himself doesn’t really do that however, it just wouldn’t cross his mind, I think.

Sebek – he is too much of a bore to do something like that himself… but he would be extremely receptive to it! Moreover, somewhere deep in his soul he might find it extremely hot; doing something so indecent, like getting his dick secretly sucked when and where he isn’t supposed to… absolutely horrible, absolutely obscene; he would definitely get mad, but only after he’d cum lol Still, in Sebek’s ideal world, any kind of sexual practice should happen behind the locked door and with the lights turned off. Also, just like Jack would scold someone for doing it in public if he catches them, Sebek would YELL AT THEM.

Malleus –  oh he is such a tease. Only when he wants to be of course, but when he does want to be a tease, he won’t take “no” for an answer. He is another one who could use his tail as an ehhh teasing limb. It’s not very subtle of course, but in a dark room, or when no one is paying attention, Malleus actually loves slowly running the tip of his tail from the guy’s face down to his crotch, rubbing against it without touching it with his hands. I think Malleus wouldn’t use his hands much in general… His shoes – absolutely, so he is another footsie player lol With magic too! But when he gets too horned up himself, he just teleports himself and his man wherever he wants to have sex with him, so I guess that defeats the purpose of him being sneaky in a way.

[blind-fic-exchange]

Blind Fic Exchange

What It Is: This is a monthly event inspired by the Blind Date with a Book events that are sometimes done in bookstores and libraries. The idea is to try something new, maybe something you wouldn't normally read, as well as getting to recommend some fics that you really like.

How It Works: On the 1st of every month, sign-ups will open for anyone interested in participating. Sign up by sending an ask that includes the maximum rating you want to read and a list of anything you are NOT interested in reading that month, e.g. certain categories of relationships, triggers, tropes, etc. (You don't have to explain your list at all, and your list can change from month to month if you want. You're not necessarily saying you would NEVER read a fic that includes those things, just that you don't want to this time. For example, if you've been reading a lot of whump lately and just want something soft and gentle, you could put "whump" and/or "angst" on the list.)

Sign-ups will close at 11:59 p.m. Central Time (UTC-6) on the 13th of every month. On the 14th, I will randomly match up names from the list and let everyone know who their partners are. (For now, the plan is to tell everyone secretly so it will be a surprise, but if a lot of people sign up, that may change ^^') At that point, you will pick three fics for your fic-reading partner to choose from, abiding by their list of what they don't want to read. Ideally, these will be fics that you have NOT written yourself. The point of this event is to share good stories with each other, not self-promotion. Send links to the three stories to your partner, along with a vague description for each that doesn't give away the title, category, or characters in it. For example: "two characters stave off boredom during a long trip" or "deathbed confession of love" or "a dragon slayer is saved by a dragon and has to rethink his entire life."

When you receive your selection of fics, pick one that sounds interesting, and enjoy!

Do's and Don'ts:

DO try to send your fic recommendations in a timely manner as soon as you find out who your partner is. There's no hard-and-fast deadline, other than the end of the month, but please be courteous and give your partner time to read it.

DON'T try to slip in something from your partner's list for any reason. Even if you think it's silly they asked for no fics with mentions of marshmallows, that doesn't make it okay to send them your favorite story about people sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows. If you end up reading someone's recommendation that has something you specifically asked not to be there, please feel free to reach out to me. Such violations will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, because accidents happen, but do understand that if the determination is that it was deliberate, you WILL be blacklisted from participating in the future. This is supposed to be a fun event, so please don't jeopardize it.

DO remember to leave comments/kudos/etc. on the fic you read! Show some love to both the author and the person who recommended the fic!

DON'T hesitate to recommend a long chapterfic, nor feel obligated to read the whole thing in a certain time frame if you receive one. The general expectation should be that you will read at least the first chapter of whatever you're sent if you sign up for this event, but beyond that, it's up to you.

DO feel free to recommend incomplete fics (unless that goes against your person's preferences). We all know that one amazing fic that hasn't updated in five years, but is still worth a read. Just make sure you mention in your description that it's incomplete, in case that becomes a deciding factor.

That's all I can think of for now, but I may be adding to this later as things crop up. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, clarifications, or concerns! The official tag I'll be using will be #blind fic exchange

[alchemicalterror]

*brushes hair behind ear*

best spot for dates? i think my favorite one is a library, picking out a book for each other and reading.

— 👁

Well, that depends on the people involved, don' it?

I rather imagine the other Psychiatrist I'm seein' would enjoy a quiet evening like that every now and then, but then on the other hand, I think a Librarian might loft an eyebrow if I brought her to her place of employment to unwind, and the yoga instructor would much rather go for a round of tennis than sit around idle.

And Kirk, I know for a fact, likes to get outdoors and away from the noise of city hubbub and bustle, so I try to accommodate that where I have the time.

Not everyone's idea of the ideal is to curl up somewhere cozy. The important thing is to know who you're keepin' time with, and to adjust accordingly, not to have some kinda rote script that works every time.

As for me, and my preferences? I'm flexible - but I like to talk.