#but they’re so freakin cute

[imagicorn]

Low key same ship, different fonts

[mellioops]

I need to draw these skins right away ough

[o0o0thorn0o0o]

Alrighty, I suppose I’ll post it now.

Part 2 to this.

Ichigo’s confession this time! I do think I overall prefer this piece over the last one by a bit—idk, I just like how I draw profile views, haha. That, and it was just easier to draw, took less time to look right to me. And since it was smaller, I decided to be a bit more abstract(?) with the backgrounds. Had a much better experience ^^

But yeah, the set is complete—I am content 😌

[crippled-peeper]

baby fever hitting me like a truck rn

[damianyadesmond]

I have nothing substantial to say I just want this image on my blog ♥︎

[reflectionsofgalaxies]

coping with things so well today so i’m bragging about it ✨

[littleprincehyun]

They look so good together 😭😭

[whydoifeelthisquiet]

TayMargaret supremacy !!!!!!

[kayayeteae]

*sees 2 second clip of survivor series* I think Roman reigns and cm punk should fuck nasty

[srhunt]

Need more of Shadow and Maria being adorable siblings in this prologue

Actually started losing my miiiiind

[merlucide]

BLLK BOYS X SHORT READER!

notes: ayeeee self indulgent this time 🥹 short girlies wya [requested!]

characters: Isagi, Nagi, Rin, Shidou

warnings: cursing, cringe, not proofread

ISAGI YOICHI

He’s not the type to openly say smth about another’s appearance, but he thinks your shortness is so freaking cute!! 🥹

Doesn’t comment on your height like ever— he doesn’t want to cross any boundaries or make you feel uncomfortable!!

Isagi isn’t the tallest guy around— but he isn’t short!!! so he feels extra manly when you need his help grabbing things from the top shelf hehe

he loves how easy it is just to ‘mwah! mwah!’ On your forehead :)

if anyone wants to talk shit about you being funsized they’ll have a personal meeting with Isagi Yoichi’s filthy mouth

Which ofc no one will bc you’re to much of a cutie to be shat on 😌 and you got slursagi and Writer-Kira on your back, WE GOT YOU COVERED BOO 🗣️🗣️

Thinks that ?? Cus you’re short ?? You’re fragile ??

which Yoichi honey- 😭 thanks

hes always holding your hands anyways but will YANK you closer to him when he thinks your going to fall/hit smth

and while you appreciate the loving gesture— ITS A BIT EXCESSIVE NO?

’Yoichi I’m not going to fall over in the wind y’know’

’I mean you did that one time tho?— But anyways!!’

hes a big cutie ugh

NAGI SEISHIRO

hes so tall anyways everybody is short af to him lmao 😭 so when you first meet him he just kinda stares at you

’oh, they’re rlly rlly small, pocket size? yeah that makes sense’ is his thought process LMAOO

he doesn’t poke fun at your height to much— oh who am I kidding yes he freakin does

first thing bro said to you was ‘wow, you’re so little’

If your ignoring him bc you’re on your phone/wtv he will take it and hold it above his head and only give it back when you give him attention and affection (sounds like a good trade tbh)

When he hugs you it looks like a big-overgrown baby hugging its stuffed animal HA

Lmao when you cant reach smth he just picks you up under your arms and lets you grab it yourself 😭

Just kinda like- flooooooaaaaaaat up 😭🙏

okay back to the stuff animal thing- when yall snuggle n cuddle that’s how it is 😭 just sorta, traps you 😭

Or he just plops on top of you. No matter the position, you will be trapped

Temple kisser!!!! :3

RIN ITOSHI

Doesn’t pay much attention to your height, he don’t gaf

— Is the mindset he had until you couldn’t find your shoes and just borrowed Rins.

But Rins feet and humongous

and your feet as small af

so you just looked like a clown LMAO

’Y/n have you seen my—‘

He actually laughed, it was an ugly wheeze, which lasted about 5 seconds before asked you ‘wtf are you doing’

He realized just how freaking smaller than him you were!!

He thought it was so cuuuuuteee (not that he’d ever admit that smh)

now feels the need to protect you from the dangers of the world LMAO (omega verse type shit 🗣️)

when Rins feeling pissy he’ll put all— ALL of your things in places you can’t reach

for two reasons:

1. He’s petty

2. You’ll have to ask for him help

A perfect plan tbh

which crumbles when you screech over the chair just to get your pants

*cue glaring rin*

SHIDOU RYUSEI

is the biggest shit out of all of these hoes

Like bro checks ALL OF THE BOXES

1) Puts stuff in top shelf. 2) Teases you RELENTLESSLY. 3) Tackles you onto the bed with his body. 4) will go ham on anyone who teases you

shidou 🤤

Alwqys offers to give you piggy-back rides!

even if you don’t want it he’s like, already crouched down signaling his hands like ‘hurry up—get on’

Like he will just *pick* you up 😭 when the feels like it

Going to the store? Might as well take Y/N on his back! Standing in line? Y/N on his shoulders! Walking around the house? Y/N is already thrown over his shoulder! The list goes on you could imagine

Thinks you’re so cute being smaller than him

And When you try to show him how ‘not cute you are’ he just smiles and pinches your cheeks like ‘aweeeee! Sure ya aren’t!’

He loves, loves, loves, LOVES, when you have to get on your tippy toes to kiss him

HES JUST LIKE ‘🤭+😏+😈’

’You struggling there sweets?’ ;} like YES. Now nvm😒

then picks you up and forces you to wrap you legs around him and give him that kiss he deserves 😌

ALSO HE LOVES SPINNING YOU AROUND RAAAAAAAA

not proofread, rushed af, I’m tired BUT I WAS HAPPY I GOT AN ASK SO WE PUSH THROUGH!! 🥹 thanks for reading!!!!

made December 19th 2024

[ierr]

They’re Jealous

lineup; I. sae, I. rin, o. aiku, r. shidou, m. kaiser and y. Isagi

¡ a.n ; heh..long time no see guys! guess whose freakin back. MEEE, I have a lot of new writing ideas that I have in my drafts so expect to get frequent updates like before!. trust I'm slowly getting back into the writing groove, but anyways I haven't wrote for bllk for awhile so enjoy the headcanonns!.

I haven’t wrote in so long..this might suck 💔

Itoshi sae ;

you grinned at the message seeing sae had disliked it, rolling your eyes going back to watching your show. as time went by fast, you heard the front door being opened and close and a bag being dropped. you hummed to yourself watching the room door being opened revealing your boyfriend, “hi baby.” sae only squinted his eyes, ignoring your hi, going into the closet to grab a extra pair of clothes so he can shower. you only sighed rolling your eyes knowing exactly where this attitude is coming from, lifting the blanket off your body to get out of bed, you walked towards him. with his back being turnt, you walked up behind him wrapping your arms around his waist. his muscles relaxed in your touch but he was still ignoring you. “my love?.” you started, “are you still upset about what happened?.” you raised a brow, and sae’s face scrunched up from the conversation that was an hour ago. it was like a bad taste in his mouth. he took a deep breathe in and deep breathe out, finally turning around to face you, his eyes bored into yours giving him a teasing smile. “so that’s a yes?” he looked away with a frown “why was he even that close..” his eyebrows furrowed, shaking your head. “we were only taking a picture.” — “you know I only want you, mr. grumpy.” he scoffed, you snickered. “I do!. don’t scoff at me.” you said leaning in a little more pulling him down (or not) to your height. “I love you, okay?” he hates how you can always find a way to make him feel much better about things, seeing his eyes finally soften you smiled in victory,

“now..go take a shower. you stink.” instantly he frowned again, making you giggle, pecking his lips.

Itoshi rin ;

you couldn’t help but shake your head with a grin, seeing he disliked the message, “what are you smiling at?” f/n questioned as you two walked, shaking your head. “nothing. now let’s go see those cats you were talking about!.” after your hang out with isagi you made it home, letting the door slam shut, as you were welcomed by a very grumpy Itoshi who was standing in the kitchen. It looked like he was getting started on dinner. “why’re you staring at me like that?.” you said crossing your arms, seeing him roll his own going back to cutting the vegetables. knowing rin your whole life, from being childhood friends to now being in a 2 year relationship you were able to read him very easily. he was still jealous. setting down your bag by the door you walked towards him who’s back was turnt to you. “rin.” you called. sliding your hand up his back, towards the back of his neck, playing with a strand of his hair that laid lazily there. “I see you’re growing out your hair again?.” he hummed barley giving you a glance, you frowned, but sighed. “whenever you wanna talk, i’ll be in the room.” can't say you didn't try, rin stopped for a moment. right as you were about to leave, you heard the kitchen knife being set down and his hands on your waist pulling you backwards. you stumbled from the movement but relaxed feeling him hug you,

"rin?" he wasn't good at this whole...emotion thing, and you know that, softly smiling at him. "hun.." you said, turning around to face him who was already staring at you with low eyes, "are you still bothered about what happened?" he nodded, furrowing his eyebrows. you lifted your hands to be placed on his cheek, caressing your thumb against, chuckling. "you're so cute when you get jealous.." he frowned rolling his eyes, "shut up." you smiled, "me and f/n are only friends. he’s not gonna take me from you." — "plus I only want you, I don’t want him.'' you always knew how to make him feel better, it makes his heart flutter every time. “I love you, okay?” his heart skipped a beat practically melting into your touch, feeling his face heat up. “I..love you too.” you smiled, leaning in to give him a small kiss which he gladly accepted, sighing in relief.

"now..stop being so moody so we can have dinner."

ryusei shidou ;

“ryu! i’m home!.” you yelled from the front door, but no answer. he would usually answer back by now, but he didn’t? it was suspicious..you raised brow walking towards the shared bedroom, it was completely quiet. was he sleep? he couldn’t be its only 7pm!!when you walked in you expected to see him or something, but he wasn’t there. this was weird. as soon as you were about to call for him, you heard the bathroom door being opened. you were about to question him but you stopped. his towel hanging dangerously low around his waist, exposing his v-line. water droplets dripping from his stomach down below, and his hair pushed back with strands stinking to his head. guess he was in the shower the whole time... he smirked seeing your eyes wander, “like what you see?.” his voice had a small teasing tone, walking towards you. you sure as hell did! nodding your head, his grin got wider “way better than him?..” he questioned, your eyes shooting to his face raising a brow. “you’re still on about that?.” you asked crossing your arms with a raised brow, hearing him click his tongue, “when you’re wearing an outfit like that, yeah.” you rolled your eyes with a grin, “who knew you out of all people would be like this?” you always knew he’s the cocky type and somewhat a “menace” but you’ve never expected jealousy being a trait of his. ryusei gave a grin with a shrug.

“what can I say? you’re hot.” — “and that means?” you questioned as he walked dangerously slow towards you, trailing his hand to the loop of your pants pulling you closer to him feeling his warm body on yours, tilting his head. “every guy thinks he’ll have a chance with you. who wouldn’t be jealous at the fact?” you hummed, trailing your hand up his arm, using your nail making small circles. “you know I only want you right? It was a small hangout ryu...” you looked up at him who smirking nodding his head, “I know.” as he said, unexpectedly picking you up by your thighs catching you off guard. “ryusei..” — “shh.” he shushed, throwing you on the bed, towering over you. “I seen the way he was looking at you…” he trailed, leaning down to peck your lips then slowly moving towards your neck, “pisses me off really.” he pecked against your skin, “you think if I leave enough they’ll know you’re taken?” he whispered sending chills down your spine, “ryu..don’t you dare.” he only chuckled, pecking your jawline, using his bigger hand to message your thigh. “just sit back..”

“and let me work.”

oliver aiku ;

after what seemed like hours and hours, you were finally home, feet aching, back hurting, all you wanted was a nice warm bath with bubbles, bath bombs, and a face mask..that was actually a good idea. smiling at the thought, you took off your jacket and hung up your keys near the door walking towards the shared bedroom to grab extra clothing, and a few cucumbers walking into the bathroom. surprisingly mr. hot show wasn’t here which was perfect giving you piece and quiet. after getting your self settled into the tub, putting on your face mask, tying your hair up, placing the cucumbers on your eyes you sighed in relief, sinking into the bath tub. piece and quiet. It was only 10pm, the perfect time to just have you time. but…you know what they always say..when you have a boyfriend and when you guys live together there’s no such thing as piece and quiet. when your ears perked up to the sound of foot steps entering the bathroom you mentally groaned.. you heard scuffling and clothes hitting the ground as well as water being moved around, you sighed “you know, you’re interrupting my peace, oliver.” you sassed hearing a deep chuckled, “ah, sorry darlin’ didn’t know the bath tub was being occupied right now.” you heard the tease in his tone, scoffing. you both know that’s bull.

"im surprised you didn't hear me come in?" you said with a raised brow, though you can't see him at the moment you can tell he shrugged with a snicker, "was in the gym and decided to come take a nice shower, but someone beat me to it." — "did you get that guys number, that was in the photo?" you grinned with a hum, leaning up from the tub to take the cucumbers off your eyes, giving him a small stare who smirked in return. "there's no way you're still jealous?" he hummed, also leaning up letting his hands guide under the water to pull you closer to him by your legs, "me, jealous? I was just asking a question princess." you rolled your eyes, feeling his hands guide their way around you, "now it's just a question?" he hummed once more, letting his hands glide their way to your waist pulling you ontop of him. "yeah it is." you wrapped your arms around his neck, tilting your head to the side. "is that so?" he nodded, snickering at his answer. "well pretty boy, you only have my eye, no one else."

"you're stuck with me weather you like it or not."

[2amriize]

.ᐟ RIIZE reaction when you collect another member's photocards ༉‧₊˚.

req: can you do a riize reaction on you collecting another member's photocards? i freakin love your works and it felt appropriate to req this 😭

note: do u guys collect any idol's photocards? let me know!

pairing: bf!riize x reader— masterlist

⭑.ᐟ shotaro

When he saw you with a Seunghan photocard in your PC holder, he found it amusing.

“Where did you get that?”

“Seunghan gave it to me. His photocards are really cute, don’t you think?”

He’d take a closer look at it, then chuckle and shake his head.

“Next time, I’ll bring you one of mine. They’re way cuter than his.”

⭑.ᐟ eunseok

He wouldn’t like it at all; why do you have a picture of another guy? And not just any guy, but one of his teammates? When he saw Shotaro’s photocard on your phone, he’d let out a small laugh, grabbing your phone and looking at it while shaking his head repeatedly.

“Seriously? Shotaro?”

“Your photocards always look the same…”

⭑.ᐟ sungchan

“Why don’t you collect me? Tell me a pose you like, and I’ll do it for every photocard…”

He’d feel so frustrated that you didn’t collect him but instead collected another member, Wonbin, of all people. Every time you mentioned buying one of Wonbin's photocards, he’d hand you two of his own, just so you’d always have more of his.

⭑.ᐟ wonbin

He wouldn’t mind too much and would actually think it was kind of sweet that you collected Anton’s photocards, especially of another member. But his curiosity would get the better of him, and he’d eventually ask why you didn’t collect his.

“Don’t you know, Wonbin? Your photocards are way too expensive.”

⭑.ᐟ seunghan

Did you collect Sohee’s photocards? Oh, well, so did Seunghan. When he found out you were collecting Sohee, he wanted to see your collection immediately. He was super interested in learning how trades and purchases worked so he could help you complete your collection. What started as your collection quickly became a joint effort.

“Look at this photocard I got, he looks so cute, doesn’t he?”

⭑.ᐟ sohee

Sohee thought you only had a Sungchan photocard because it came with the album. But when he noticed a different one in your PC holder, he was a little surprised. He found it funny and incredibly sweet when he realized you’d been collecting him since his NCT days and kept doing so. From time to time, he’d ask Sungchan to sign a photocard for you.

⭑.ᐟ anton

“Of all of the members, it had to be… Eunseok?”

When you told him you’d started collecting photocards, he thought it was a joke at first. But when you showed him, he was completely surprised. It became something he’d always tease you about since he found it hilarious that you collected Eunseok in particular. He’d also give you a few of his own photocards every now and then.

masterlist // taglist: @regularsuh @gacktsa @totheseok @kkumistars @taroddori @enhacolor @ladylilith @electric-hearts @astrobymarwa @layluv123 @sunflowers1610 @nctrawberries @synkjellies @ramyeonzprincess @yuzuksi

[monzamash]

uncool — lando norris

lando norris x you no warnings part of the golden retriever lando/black cat reader universe (need a better name for this little series lol) requested in october last year – i am so sorry it's been that long! this request has been hiding in my drafts and i rediscovered it today so hopefully you're still here, anon 💋 masterlist

“are you having fun?!”

lando looked like a fish out of water in a sea of black-clad metal heads, holding onto your hand for dear life with his hoodie over his head and a grimace on his worried face. it wasn't rocket science – you that knew lando was only there because you asked him, suffering in the mosh pit of your favourite band because he loved you more than ringing ear drums and a couple of fresh bruises in the morning. it also made him feel closer to you being there, in your little world that you kept close to your passionate yet guarded heart. music was the thing that bonded the two of you in the early days when you thought there was no way a stupidly cute formula one driver (and budding DJ) would have anything in common with little old you.

“it’s… hectic! are you okay?”

maybe there was a really small part of him that was hoping you weren’t okay and he could pull you both out of this waking nightmare but when he looked down into your glassy eyes, smile bigger than the moon, he knew you were in your happy place and god, you looked beautiful – smudged mascara and all.

“i’m great! – oh my god they’re playing saviour!” you screamed and lando mustered up his best fake smile and returned to his role as a pretender in a crowd of die hard fans, all singing in sync with you.

you were a mosh veteran, old hat by now and you could sniff out a poser from a mile away. lando’s stiff body behind you, hands gripping the jacket wrapped around your waist, made you feel a little guilty as the crowd began to jump and he didn’t, or at least he didn’t until he figured out the chord progression and attempted to move in time with the beat. you smiled a little to yourself and intertwined your fingers with his, quickly leaning up and pressing a kiss to his jaw as the pyro exploded above in a loud crescendo.

“that was amazing!” you yelled over the house music. the bright floodlights filled the arena and shone a spotlight on your sweet boyfriend who’s relieved eyes were as big as saucers.

“i don’t know how i survived that – fuck me,” lando exhaled, leaning into you for support as you turned towards the exit and wrapped an arm around his waist.

you couldn’t stop the chuckle slipping from your lips as you watched him limp, “baby, if you didn’t want to mosh you should’ve said something – i wouldn’t have minded standing up the back if it meant you would enjoy it more.”

lando shook his lowly hung head and braved your gaze, “how could I do that when you were having the time of your life? i love seeing you happy and being apart of it but i don't think i'm cut out for that moshing, crowd thing… and i didn’t want you to think i’m uncool.”

his confession surprised you a little, much like the cold london breeze did as you stepped into the brisk night air, hand in hand. but deep down you knew this wasn’t his scene, he was doing it for you and you love him for treading out of his comfort zone for one night so you could be in your element. 

“oh honey, i never thought you were cool to begin with,” you teased, earning an eye roll and a coy smile, “but i love that you would risk your life like that for me – you’re so braaave.”

lando playfully elbowed your ribs and pulled you into his side with an embarrassed groan, making you giggle and wriggle out of his tight grip, “uh uh, you’re not getting away with that! i can be cool!” he doubled down and spun you around – the smile you know and loved returning to his handsome face.

“name one time!” you snorted trying to get your breath back from laughing and failing miserably as you held onto his jacket for balance.

“oh, um i dunno, maybe driving a freakin' race car at 350 kilometres per hour,” lando shrugged humorously and you laughed before placing your cold hands on his chest and surrendering with an adoring smile.

“okay, you are really cool and very sexy driving fast cars, i’ll give you that.”

“thank you,” lando sighed with closed eyes, basking in the small victory before looking down into yours with all the sincerity in the world, “and i would risk my life for you every day of the week – all you have to do is ask.”

"oh, you are sooo getting laid tonight," you whispered, tugging him closer and placing a strong kiss to his shivering lips.

"oh yeah?" lando asked, eyebrows suggestively wiggling.

"oh yeah."

request from anon: "saw this one and immediately thought your writing style, it, and a lando desperate to impress were a match made in heaven: “I didn’t want you to think I’m uncool.” “Oh honey, I never thought you were cool to begin with.” 😘

[danikamariewrites]

could i request one with rhys x reader where he is so incredibly in love with her it’s ridiculous. He is such a simp for her, she literally only has to ask and he gets her anything she wants. one day she jokes about him being very generous and says

” i’m sure if i ask for a golden pony, you’ll find a way”

next day he’s visiting Helion and asks for a golden pony.

The ic even makes fun of how much he simps for reader. One day they’re all walking in velaris to go to ritas and readers strap on her heel slips. Rhys gets on his knees to fix it with no hesitation. The inner circle looks at him with incredible shock and their jaws are dropped. Bc in acomaf it says that he has sacred tattoos on his knees and will never bow for no one and nothing but his crown. it’s the first time they ever see rhys on his knees for someone. Reader doesn’t know ab it and just says thank you and they continue walking. After a while he confesses to her and she feels the same and live happy forever 😁😁

Only For You

Rhys x reader

A/n: this is so freakin cute and writing this had me kicking my feet giggling

Warnings: none

You and Rhys had grown up together, so his kindness and generosity was nothing new to you. Whenever you needed or even just wanted something Rhys would get it for you. New shoes? Done, he knows what style you like. Need new clothes? He has your size and his tailor knows exactly what to make you.

You had always insisted on paying you back but he never let you. Rhys would always say, “Nonsense y/n. I like biting you things so please let me get this for you.” You’d breathe out a sigh of defeat and cup his cheek. “Thank you Rhys. I swear if I asked for a golden Pegasus you’d find me one.”

Rhys cherished your warm touch. He loved your soft skin and how gentle you are with him. The High Lord was so clearly in love with you but he was too afraid to admit it. If Rhys lost you as a friend because of his feelings he doesn’t know how he’d go on.

And he didn’t forget about that golden Pegasus. It was your 450th birthday present and you named her Sunny.

Tonight you were all headed to Rita’s to unwind after a busy work week. Mor had teased you about Rhys while you got ready together. “He’s completely and utterly in love with you! How can you not see he is wrapped around your finger.”

You had just rolled your eyes and laughed at your friend. “We’ve been friends for centuries Mor. Rhys would’ve said something by now. I just have to deal with that.” Deep down you were mad,y in love with Rhys. You just kept telling yourself he didn’t feel the same way. It made everything easier. You two were just friends after all.

Walking to Rita’s you and Cassian were hanging on each other crying laughing at something Mor said about Amren. Your heel caught in a crack of the cobblestone, causing the strap of your shoe to come undone. “Oops, hold on a second, my shoe.”

The group stopped as you lifted your dress a little to asses the damage. Before you could fix it, Rhys was on his knees looking up at you with a small smile. “I got it for you darling.”

His fingers gently grazed your ankle, sending a shiver up your body. You watched as Rhys carefully buckled the strap around your ankle again. Without thinking he caressed your calf and looked up at you. You swear you saw hearts in his eyes.

You run your fingers through his soft raven locks, bringing your hand down to caress his face, holding his chin. Giving it a small squeeze you say, “Thanks Rhys.” Mor giggles and takes your arm, pulling you ahead of the boys.

Cassian and Azriel stare at their brother with their jaws on the ground. Rhys stands, brushing off his pants. “I thought you said-“ Cassian started. Rhys cut him off, “Only for my equal.” Cassian didn’t think it was possible but he felt his jaw unhinge more at Rhys’s confession.

Rhys started to follow you and Mor while Cassian stood frozen. Azriel came up next to him closing his mouth and patting him on the back. “I can’t believe I knew before you.” He said with a smug look on his face.

When you woke up the next morning something felt different. You felt a light in your chest, pulling you out of your room.

Getting ready you follow that pull down the hall all the way to Rhys’s office. You find him sitting in his armchair, seemingly contemplating something. You felt nervousness radiating off him. Not only could you hear his heartbeat, but you swore you felt it in your own chest.

Pausing, you place your hand over your heart. You slowly approach him. Resting a hand on his shoulder Rhys leans back into the cushioned seat, placing his hand over yours. Rhys looked up at you with a hope on his beautiful face. The light of the fire in the hearth before him highlighting his high cheekbones and perfect jawline.

Closing your eyes you took a chance and reached out down that new glowing bond. Towards Rhys. Towards unconditional love. Rhys gripped your hand tighter as he let out a shaky breath.

Opening your eyes you found Rhys’s line with silver. You blinked your own tears away as you looked at him with adoration. “I’ve loved you for so long,” he whispered. “I said I’d never bow before anyone or anything but my crown. That changed when I found you, my equal in every sense of the word.”

Rhys pulled you onto his lap. “I love you too Rhys,” you whispered back, “I’ll share that crown with you for the rest of our lives.”

[bestanimal]

Round 1 - Phylum Tardigrada

(Source - 1, 2, 3, 4)

The phylum Tardigrada comprises eight-legged, segmented, microscopic animals commonly known as Water Bears or Moss Piglets.

Tardigrades have been found in many different ecosystems, from mountaintops to the deep sea to the Antarctic. They are known for their extreme resilience, being able to survive extreme temperatures and pressures, air deprivation, radiation, dehydration, starvation, and even exposure to outer space. However, they prefer to just live in mosses, lichens, and sediments, munching away on plant cells, algae, bacteria, or small invertebrates (including smaller tardigrade species; that’s not cannibalism btw, plenty of chordates eat other chordate species!) They are not considered extremophiles though, as they are not adapted to exploit extreme environments, only to endure them. They do this by going dormant in harsh environments, for up to 30 years, only to rehydrate and continue living when conditions are safer!

Tardigrades are usually about 0.5 mm long when fully grown, with the largest species reaching up to 1.5 mm. They are short and plump, with barrel-shaped bodies and eight legs, each ending in claws or suction disks. Their backwards-facing hind legs allow them to move in reverse when needed. Like arthropods, they have a cuticle exoskeleton which needs to be molted as the animal grows. They feed using a pair of stylets within their tubular mouth, which they use to pierce their food and suck out the contents. These stylets are lost when the tardigrade molts, so they must secrete a new pair each molt. Some species only defecate when they molt, leaving behind both feces and a shed exoskeleton. They have a large brain for their size, and sense the world via sensory bristles, and some species also have pigment-cup eyes. There are both males and females, with females being larger and more common. Males will gather around a female to court her. Most species have external fertilization, with eggs being laid within a shed cuticle by the female and then fertilized by the male. They can live from several months up to two years, depending on species.

There are two main groups of tardigrades, the Eutardigrades which are the more chubby, suction-cup-fingered ones and the Heterotardigrades, which are the armoured, clawed ones. The oldest known modern tardigrades have been found in Cretaceous amber, but their phylum likely emerged in the Cambrian.

Propaganda under the cut:

I mean… they’re freakin tardigrades. They’re cute. They look like mini Catbusses. This is probably the only microscopic animal for which this many plush toys exist.

“Tardigrada” means “slow steppers”

One species, Echiniscoides wyethi, lives on barnacles.

Tardigrades are relatively common and easy to see with a microscope, making them good subjects for budding microbiologists to study. They can also be kept as pets on a piece of moss, regularly checked via microscope.

They don’t actually like all the extreme environment stuff. Stop putting them in space. Let them chill.