#calligraphy advice

[eagle-writes]

Ok so your works are kinda fire so i’ll request “pobody’s nerfect” but more importantly what do you think would be the best way for a beginner to start in calligraphy?

Pobody’s Nerfect

Ink: Diamine Red Dragon

There’s some irony here in that, thanks to this ink being more smudgy than expected, I did this three times. And I’m still annoyed at being able to see my lines.

Anyway, there’s a million resources out there for learning calligraphy. If you’re not terribly concerned with historical accuracy, they’re great inspiration! And can help out with *how* to do some of the trickier things (I’m currently trying to learn a style where you have to rotate the pen while writing and… it’s not going great).

But to get quickly started, consider what general style of calligraphy you want to do, because this governs your tool choice. Are you trying to do something like most of what I’ve shown here, or a “blackletter” which most westerners think of when calligraphy is mentioned? Or more like copperplate, where the width of the line varies with pressure?

For my style, you’ll need a broad edge nib (nib = the bit that touches the paper). For more copperplate, you’ll need a pointed flexible nib.

For flexible nibs, with few exceptions, you’ll need a dip pen - both nibs (on left) and a nib holder. For broad nibs, you’ve got a bit more choice - you can use dip pens (in middle, inserted in a nib holder), or fountain pens. Pilot Parallel pens are a common recommendation. The Kaweco Perkeo (on right ) is also a decent option.

Once you’ve chosen your tool, you can look at inks. With dip pens, you’ve got lots of choices, but you really need to make sure to always clean your nib *immediately*. With fountain pens, you have to be a little more careful because some inks can be corrosive, which is a problem when you leave the pen filled.

And then, paper. Generally speaking, heavier paper, specifically designed for wet media, behaves better. Standard copier paper might bleed/feather.

Also, be aware, each of these variables can mean the difference between having fun and hating life. An ink might work great with one pen but blurp everywhere in another. The nib may slide smoothly over one paper and get all clogged up with fibers from digging in to another. What you think is working *great* suddenly falls to pieces when you try to erase your guide lines.

And, yeah, it takes a decent bit of time and patience and supplies to figure out what combinations of things work for you. I’m clearly still figuring this out myself.

So, now you have stuff! Before you start writing, just play with your tools. If you’re using a broad nib, see how it makes different lines when you hold the nib at different angles. Make straight lines, curved lines, swoops and swirls and squiggles. See if you can push the nib, or only pull. For the pointed/flexible nibs (they’re cheap for a reason - buy several) see just how far they flex. Try writing with the paper tilted at different angles and see what that does. Try just writing in your normal style - what works? What doesn’t? Learn how your tools behave.

Then just… practice. Pick a letter. Write it for an entire line. Fill an entire page with it, until you can consistently make a letter you like. Rinse and repeat. Now you have an alphabet.

And with that, you can start asking random strangers on the Internet to feed you phrases to practice with :)

[levemetal]

I got Procreate and gave it a test run with some silly AU sketches of course

So have Calamity SJ adopting Hong‘er! Ft. my silly calamity MNQ AU and it’s inevitable conclusion of atticwife Jun Wu in the second pic because I am no longer in control here.

SY tried to be the cool uncle, unfortunately YQY is the cooler uncle so he got the Feng Xin treatment. Binghe about to start beef with a child lmfao.

Ling Wen is new heavenly emperor and I ensure you she is as overworked as ever, but she does not care about heavenly officials marrying calamities anymore. First was YQY, and then Jun Wu. Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan are really not trendstarters here.

[eternal-gardens]

انطق جمالاً أو تجمّل بالسكوت

Speak beautifully or beautify (yourself) with silence.

[brownsugar4hersoul]

[primordial-rust]

[faheemkhan882]

#Pakistan #islamicreels #پاکستان #NationofPakistan #reels #islamicvideos #caligraphy #caligraphie #caligrafia #islamic #islamabad #islam #islamicpost #islamicrepublicofpakistan #islamicreminders #islamicknowledge #islamicstatus #islamicart #islamicartwork #islamiccalligraphy #islamiccalligraphyart #islamicartgallery #Allahuakbar #Allah #AllahNames #allahlove #allah_is_my_love_challenge #allahhuakbar_challenge #Alhamdulillah

[daskolas]

Rahu and Ketu in houses

Rahu (north node) and Ketu (south node) are always in opposition. Whatever house they are in, they bring emptiness into it.

Rahu in 1st house/Ketu in 7th house

This position gives individuals a lot of wisdom. Here, the person is very clever and mysterious.

Native's priority is to earn fame, being people's first choice and to be successful. They try to achieve these things by hook or crook.

Native's focus is on themselves, their independence, to learn new years and to identify their purpose.

These people also get mature really young because of the hardships they had to face.

People with this placement usually have dental problems and may even some sort of chronic illness.

This placement makes a person different from others in a positive manner

This placement can manifest lots of loneliness in native's life but it also grants them the ability to explore their self

future spouse can be indecisive but they will give good advices

Individuals can face some problems in their married life IF they won't be able to have proper amount of freedom.

Many of people with this placement like to live in dark or may prefer slow songs.

Rahu in 2nd house/ Ketu in 8th house

people with this placement have a harsh tone

native with Rahu in 2nd house, try to earn money even if it is not in a conventional way. This placement makes people extremely materialistic.

they are also prone to addiction so try to stay away from things like smoking

Your life partner can be rich and you can inherit property from your in-laws.

they like to research about different things. Trying to get to know which isn't noticeable

They also live too much inside their head

This placement also grants you good intuition and someone who is a risk-taker especially when it comes to earning money

you will also face fast changes in your life whether it is of health or career

people with this placement have high will and also are very concentrated individuals

ADVICE: changes whether negative or positive are fine. They are extremely common. Even if you facing loss right now then you may earn profit tomorrow. Try to be good and faithful to yourself.

Rahu in 3rd house/Ketu in 9th house

The person is hardworking.

They also face issues related to throat.

This placement indicates a cooperative personality so these people are prone to help someone who doesn't want to improve themselves. "I can fix them" personality.

Natives with this placement will not get support from their younger siblings if they have

Things will get delayed in life such as marriage, having children, or even career.

this placement makes a person religious and someone who respects their teachers

Even though life can get difficult but people with this placement know how to handle whatever gets thrown their way.

People with this placement know a lot of things. In fact some people may even consider them "know-it-all".

They are also good with hands so might be a good artist or do calligraphy or might have beautiful hands

You can know how to express yourself really well

Rahu in 4th house/ Ketu in 10th house

A person with placement is very courageous.

Mother plays an important role in a person's whether it is because she influenced natives a lot or because she had no influence.

people with this placement have a hard time feeling satisfied.

People with this placement face many financial issues or there were many distractions due to which they were not able to complete their studies on time.

This placement indicates that the person can live abroad.

They are also constantly moving so living far away from their birthplace or even marrying someone with different background.

you might also have an obsession with having a fixed asset like having a house, car, land etc.

Have difficulty concentrating.

you might feel like you are not welcome anywhere but mainly have a hard time feeling like you belong somewhere.

lack patience, and want things fast.

Rahu in 5th house/ Ketu in 11th house

This placement is considered very neutral as Rahu is sitting in a triangular house so there will be positive sides as well.

This placement gives a lack of happiness and benefits either from the father or children. Some people can even have difficulties with having children.

You will also not have a good relationship with your elder brother if you have any.

This placement makes a person extremely social and someone who knows how to communicate.

natives here are very good with hands. So you may have skills such as art and craft, sculpting or even some healing techniques like reiki.

person's focus here is to learn new things. They are extremely curious and are also invested in creative aspects.

this placement also makes natives intelligent so they do very well in school and are also good at additional aspects.

You will also be able to do good or achieve success in the entertainment industry so maybe an actor, singer, dancer, etc.

You may get some problems with your undergraduate degree like maybe you took a break.

This placement also makes the native mischievous or someone very active or restless.

Rahu in 6th house/ Ketu in 12th house

people with this placement are believed to be old souls.

when a person becomes old, they become extremely religious and someone who does a lot of charity.

this placement is considered good as people always stand up for themselves and are not easily repressed.

However, you will often feel that you are not surrounded by people who want the best for you. It may or may not be true.

A person's focus is on health, self-improvement, and having rules for themselves, and is also on how to develop good habits to be the best version of oneself.

they are also mature and know what to do in any situation. They also have an idea of the world.

they have contact with foreign companies or you will form connections with people from foreign countries.

you will also fall ill easily. During Rahu/Ketu Mahadasha you will also not be able to get diagnosed properly.

you will get success only by doing a lot of hard work.

You will also not face any mishappening or something happening unexpectedly.

Rahu in 7th house/ Ketu in 1st house

You can have problems in your married life. This can be especially due to misunderstanding or you may have different personality from your future partner.

You can marry someone from a different culture or after getting married, you will become extremely focused on your growth and self-improvement.

This placement makes the native yearn romantic relationships when they are young. However, when they get older they start focusing on themselves.

If Rahu is not afflicted, then you will come only in serious relationships.

This placement makes the person indecisive or someone who sometimes face difficulty in understanding what is going on because of lack of mental presence but you will be very smart.

You will also be kind or someone who likes to help people but at the end of the day, you would want to be in touch with yourself.

You will also have natural talent for astrology and tarots. You will be deeply interested in spiritual aspect.

this placement makes person very successful and creative. They will also be surrounded by many people.

You will also easily able to tell what others are feeling and would help them a lot.

You will also want to be with yourself especially when you get older, you will try to understand deeper aspects of life.

Rahu in 8th house/ Ketu in 2nd house

People with this placement tend to be mysterious and secretive. Even if you tell things about yourself, people around you can feel like they don't know you much.

You can have problem with your voice. Like have a cough or people misunderstand you a lot or you may have badmouth.

You may also talk without thinking so think twice before saying anything to anyone especially when you are angry.

this placement makes someone who spends a lot of money. So saving money can be a problem. If that is not the scenario then there can be fluctuations in finances.

This placement also makes the person money-minded so natives can think about how to generate money a lot.

You may also have some unexplained fears like you may become fearful of many things even if you haven't had a bad experience with them.

People with this placement tend to be scared of animals when they are young but when they get older, they start to love them.

You will be understanding and calm a lot but are also prone to extreme outbursts or some heavy emotional experience.

This placement also makes the person good astrologer or you will definitely study astrology.

You will also research about many things. Or you will like learning about many things.

Rahu in 9th house/ Ketu in 3rd house

this placement indicates the person will settle in a foreign. And they will also be able to achieve most success when they are working abroad.

this placement also makes the natives travel a lot. However, you will start feeling dissatisfied and can feel that traveling brings you a lot of problems.

you can have a problem with your sibling. like a strained relationship even though you love them a lot and overprotectiveness.

You will also study a lot. You may even be inclined to get a PhD.

You will people a lot. So you may donate a lot or even start an NGO to help needy people.

You can also have a hard time saying No especially in financial matters so you may give money to whoever asked you but would never be able to ask them back.

You will also care a lot about nature. This placement makes the person ecocentric.

you will also tend to share your knowledge with people as soon as you learn about them.

You will also love taboo things. You can also start connecting with the higher self. Many people with this placement tend to be agnostic.

You may face delays in your life in some places so you can do certain things like live in a foreign country, try to do meditation and become more in tune with yourself or do not talk to people who are not treating you well. Learn to cut off people.

Rahu in 10th house/ Ketu in 4th house

The person is very clever.

Career will be progressing from short scale to big scale. Long-term growth.

They can also feel very stressed due to work only. The focus is on career.

Might not receive support from parents.

A person will be highly influenced by their father but can have a negative relationship with him.

This placement is an indicator of moving abroad.

people with this placement want to be in leadership positions and have a need to be powerful. Kind of like having it all.

natives with Rahu in 10th house do well in career where you can help people or where you can influence them.

people with this placement can gain benefits from the government whether it is in terms of job or anything.

you will constantly shift between wanting to be more spiritual or wanting to have money and power.

Rahu in 11th house/ Ketu in 5th house

people with this placement can feel unlucky at times. For example, if someone wants to start a business then suddenly you start having financial issues.

relationships will not be successful.

Person's entire focus is on completing their desire like being financially strong or having materialistic growth.

relationships with elder siblings will not be good.

People with this placement should start with a job as doing their business at the start can take a lot of time. So start with a job first then move towards business.

Person is very helpful and cooperative.

they also take care of their parents.

people with this placement gain lots of spiritual and philosophical knowledge from their parents.

you will be able to get more success working with people from foreign country or settling abroad.

people with this placement do not feel satisfied easily. Always wanting to achieve more and more.

Rahu in 12th house/ Ketu in 6th house

This placement is considered very good as this makes a person very successful.

This placement is the indicator for settling in a foreign country or working with people from a foreign country.

person has a desire to live alone or live a highly spiritual life.

Even though they desire to live a detached life, but at a young age they will live a fast-paced life but as they become old, they will live the life that they desire.

Person might also not care too much about their health or even daily life issues.

This placement gives people lots of difficulties but it also grants them the ability to overcome them.

They also spend a lot of money on things that they do not need or require.

you can have psychic dreams or dreams which are extremely imaginative which you might find weird.

You might not be close to your mother or there is some distance between you and your family members.

During Ketu Mahadasha, you might fall ill and not be able to be diagnosed properly.

[emprexxluxaic]

PICK A CARD: THINGS THAT PEOPLE FIND ATTRACTIVE ABOUT YOU.

⠀ׅ ♡⠀࣪ emprexxluxaic ⸺ your angel ׅ ࣪ 𝅄

note: after a long time, I finally have a courage to do a reading for all of you. I hope your doing great mi amor and please do enjoy this another reading for you 🤍

PILE ONE

first thing is your body figure, through the way you stand. you might be in the taller side for most or whenever you walk it's like reminding them a model in a runaway or just have a nice pair of legs or it is just simply long. it also feel that you have a nice taste in fashion, you may love fashion and different hair colors— a rainbow hair color can be best and find it good for you. ² I see that you take a great amount of effort to look nice and presentable for other people, they like how you look good and as well as how you look neat and clean in your appearance. if you ever have a back tattoo they also love it, they love seeing it cuz it may have a nice design or meaning. I hear that you make tie your hair in ponytail style and people find it attractive specially for woman. some here are good at letting go and cutting of people who causes chaos and heartache in your life, people find it attractive cuz not all has the ability to cut ties in a person who you got attached and have bond too. it could significantly define that you were good at dealing problems or any negative emotions of people giving them such an advice which can bring a huge factor in you towards the other. you could be also a future oriented, you like to keep in track about your plans but doesn't tell most of the people unless you trust them will of your heart. great hands is what I'm hearing, it not you love to write things that need to be done or your just good at calligraphy. in social, I feel you were may often alone but doesn't mean you were lonely, you just enjoy your life alone which other do like and adore in you. you take a pride in being alone is important in you so it brings you to realization of what are your thoughts and are you and all.

extra message: forest, boots, good shape of nails, journals, a cat, orange, near water, beaches, carving, meditating, walking around and alone, enjoying movies.

﹏ ✿𝆬  like, reblog & follow mi amor ⬞ ࣪ ࿀

PILE TWO

these amazing amount of people love hearing your thoughts and voice, you can be a great singer, has a hobby of singing or just great speaker and advisor for people. for what I am seeing, they find it attractive in your eyelashes — natural or not, probably it suited for you. you were positive and it spread to people which brings light and love, you could be a happy person as well. I don't know why but they love it when you close your eyes or while you fell sleep cuz you look good or cute for them. I feel as well that they find it attractive in way of your sitting — your back is straight or it define elegance and for some you seat in such a boyish way I guess. You have a nice shape of body or they find it attractive how you love your body figure, for most it is a bikini body. you might be someone interested in journal or writing down your thoughts. they find it alluring when you take a pride in your art cuz it likes you make efforts in creating them or it makes them feel awe cuz it was cute or something. they also think that you have a nice hair, how the curl define your own face or how long your hair was. like I said you can be a singer not just that but also a good music taste or you actually create music, you may write poems and actually quite good at it. your soft hearted self bring impact to others, they love how good you are to people.

extra messages: heavenly beauty, flowers, rainbow, heart to heart conversation, able to see what is good and bad in people, hands are pretty, positive in body, flower hair clips, thighs tattoo.

﹏ ✿𝆬  like, reblog & follow mi amor ⬞ ࣪ ࿀

PILE THREE

They feel attracted to you when you wear things or clothes that has lavender/ purple with it. It suited your skin color or they just love how best you look in that color— they may think that your favorite color is purple. You could have have dark long hair— this could be resonate with for most or you enjoy dying your hair in different shades. I could hear that it feels they find it attractive in how you dance whether it just for fun or something— probably they love it how you make face while dancing in to beats of rhythm. You too as well may have a nice foot or nails, maybe it is well shave or your foot nails are pretty— all in all they just love staring at it. If you ever good at cooking or creating dishes they also find it attractive, like how does it possible you got the chef's hands on you. Big butts as I guess, wearing tight shorts or pants, you got a nice ass I think. If happened your butt aren't that big, they feel attracted about your hips or how your waist probably whatever size you are, you got curves. I feel that you can be a soft spoken , how feminine you are or how you show kindness and gratitude towards people. You may also has a habit of resting your hand in your chest when you do it they feel comfort and you are honest in what are you saying to them.

extra message: mermaid curls, diving or swimming, hands on waist, good at massaging, nice pair of hand, inner beauty.

﹏ ✿𝆬  like, reblog & follow mi amor ⬞ ࣪ ࿀

[hollowed-theory-hall]

My Hogwarts Castle Design

Some of my notes regarding it can be found here and some of my rambling about the castle's architecture here along with the map of the castle's environment here.

In this post, I'm just going to post the images I came to as an amalgamation of all book quotes regarding the castle's structure merged with the basic structure and some floor plan elements from Hogwarts Legacy (since the castle is gorgeous and similar in aesthetic to the movies versions. I'm saying versions because every movie had a differently designed Hogwarts).

Maybe I can make a post regarding all the book quotes that went into this design like Ron saying the lake is to the south of the school (PoA), the DADA and the Transfiguration office have a view of the Quidditch Pitch (OotP, PoA) and the Quidditch Pitch is near the lake (OotP), the lawn for the flying classes is on the opposite side of the grounds to the Forbidden Forest (PS) and the Whomping Willow is visible from the Herbology Greenhouses (CoS), the moving staircases aren't accessible from the ground floor near the Great Hall (PS), Myrtel's bathroom near the DADA office (CoS), hidden passage with the trick step being near the DADA office on the 2nd floor (location mentioned in HBP, but the passage itself is mentioned in multiple books), etc.

So without further ado, my attempt at a Hogwarts floor plan:

There might be some inaccuracies, becouse this was a crazy puzzle to try and make sense of so I tried my best based on various quotes in the books. Locations we know exist but aren't told anything about where they are, were just placed down where I thought reasonable.

I kept the common rooms/dormitories layout similar to that in Hogwarts Legacy (since it's pretty), but I made sure all of them would have enough dorm rooms and bathrooms (which isn't the case in the game).

(I hope my calligraphy is legible enough. I advice zooming in if you want to read all the details on the images)

Dungeons:

Left - Lower Dungeons, Slytherin's Common Room.

Right - Dungeons, Potions Labs, Snape's office, Detention Chambers, the obstacle course under Fluffy's room.

Basement

Left - Actual Basement - Kitchens, Hufflepuff Common Room.

Right - Half floor between Basement and Ground Floor - Hufflepuff Girls Dorms.

Ground Floor

Entrance Hall, Great Hall, Staff Room, Filch's office, Viaduct Courtyard.

1st Floor

Classrooms 1-15, Hospital Wing, Viaduct, Greenhouses, DADA classroom, History classroom, Muggle Studies classroom.

Classroom 11 is said to be on the ground floor, but I placed it on the 1st floor, which is technically the ground floor of the second building. It just worked better with everything else.

2nd Floor

Classrooms 1B-15B, Transfiguration classroom, Ancient Runes classroom, DADA office, Moaning Myrtle toilet.

3rd Floor

Classrooms 1C-11C, Fluffy's room, Charms Corridor, Charms Classroom, Trophy Room, Armor Gallery, Library.

I tried to make the scene in which they accidentally run into Fluffy's room after the Trophy Room, and I think this sort of works for what Harry describes if you squint. The description just doesn't make much sense when trying to keep the general structure seen in the movies/games.

4th Floor

Classrooms 1D-8D, Restricted Section.

5th Floor

Classrooms 1E-5E, Ravenclaw Common Room entrance, Prefect's bathroom, Arithmancy Classroom.

6th Floor

Classrooms 1F-2F.

7th Floor

Classrooms 1G-2G, Gryffindor Common Room entrance, Divination Classroom, RoR.

Towers

Left - Floor 8 - Headmaster's Office, Owlery

Center - Floor 9

Right - Floor 10 - Astronomy Tower

[babybatss-blog]

A HELPING HAND

sirius black x reader, 1500 words

summary: if there’s one thing you know, it’s to always trust Professor McGonagall’s advice.

c/w: nerd-ish reader who gets in detention, friends to lovers, confession of love. Mentions of insecurities, but nothing too intense.

a/n: rest in piece to the darling dame maggie smith. I hope I did her and her wonderful character justice, I just wanted to appreciate her in the best way I knew how <3          

You’ve always been a good student. You study hard, get good grades and never get in trouble, sometimes even getting made fun of by nasty students for being a nerd. Sirius never made fun of you though, he was always so sweet when you cancelled on him to study for a particularly hard test or ignore him because your too engrossed in writing your essay.

But why does that even matter now? Your strides through the stone hallway break your thoughts, internally cursing yourself for even slightly letting your mind drift from the problem at hand. You got a detention!

Well, not exactly a detention, but it’s as close as you’ll ever get. Your grades have been dropping below your usual impossibly high standards, and now the headmistress has asked to meet with you to discuss your current predicament. Unlike your Black family counterpart, you pride yourself on academic appearances, especially when it comes to higher up authorities like Professor McGonagall.

You knock on the hard wood door three times, the wood rumbling as it opens almost immediately. Before you sits this aforementioned professor, enveloped by a thick leather armchair and adorned in expensive jewellery. Truthfully, you aspire to be like her someday. Commanding and treacherous, yet simultaneously kind and beautiful. Her emerald broach shimmers in the sunlight pouring into her tiny study, and her slick back bun has a few curled whisps falling out. You wonder how she always gets her hair to sit so nice, and how long that must take every morning.

“Good afternoon Miss McGonagall.” You nervously state, quickly walking in and sitting primly in an armchair. She simply nods, going back to whatever letter she is writing with a soft smile. “I presume you know why I called you in today?” “Of course. And I’m very sorry I’ve fallen behind on my schoolwork professor. I promise I will get that transfiguration parchment to you once my defence against the dark arts test is done, and I’ve been studying tirelessly to get my scores to a more appropriate level, I promise.”

Despite the worry evident on your voice, she merely chuckles, acting as if you made a joke. You didn’t make a joke though, so you furrow your brow in concern. Did you say something wrong?

“No my dear. I was just calling you in to ask about your handwriting.” “My-? Oh yes, apologies for the messiness on my last assignment. I was in a bit of a rush, so I think some of my m’s turned into n’s.” Once again she laughs, this time straight from her belly, her head thrown back. You can’t help but feel your face burn up in embarrassment. “Messiness? Why I never! No darling, I meant to ask how it’s so neat! You see, I’ve been attempting to do those same loops you do on capitals, but I’m afraid I can’t replicate it!”

She slides over to you the parchment she was writing on, revealing random sentences repeated in order to practice replicating your font. Truthfully they are quite shaky, but you wouldn’t admit it to her face anytime soon. “Do you mind writing a few sentences for me? Maybe even casting piertotum locomotor on them so I can’t watch it back would be helpful!” You bashfully fulfill your task, writing some simple words on the page in swirling calligraphy. As you do this, your professor casually talks to you.

“I must say though, you were never much of the type to rush projects. What had you in such a hurry?”

“Nothing really, just a trip to Hogsmeade with Sirius Black.”

“Sounds lovely.”

“Oh yes, it really was. Sirius wanted to go into town because he ordered a record from the post office that was due to arrive. It was some muggle band, I think it was called The Beatles? He said they are quite popular, and I see why. The singer is dreamy! He played it for me when we got back to school, and he gave me some of his Berty’s Botts Beans. He knows I love them you see, and he always tries to inspect them before he hands them to me so I don’t get the bad ones. Sometimes he gets it wrong, and I have to suffer anyways. But I…” You eventually realise just how much you have been rambling, as the page is suddenly filled with words you didn’t remember writing and you need to take a deep breath to rid of your light headedness. “Yes, I thought it was nice.” You finish up, not wanting to bore her with your story of a typical day out. But she honestly seems quite intrigued, looking at you with a peculiar arched eyebrow.

“You and that Black boy make a strange pair. A good one at that though.” You chuckle along with her, reminiscing on your differences that complement each other perfectly. “Many do say that. He’s a good friend to me.”

“Friend?” She mirrors, an almost offended tone on her voice. She takes the page away from you and blows on it as to help to ink dry, before placing it in a draw of her desk. “I don’t know why, but I always thought you two were together. Never mind me, I’m a silly old lass now.” Usually you are completely and utterly respectful no matter what is thrown at you, but something in her statement sets off a spark in which you immediately regret. “No! no no no no no. Sirius and I would never! I mean, have you seen how he- no, it would never work.”

Professor McGonagall looks at you in a way that can only be described as utter disbelief, and a tiny hint of disappointment before she speaks. “If you say so. But I have to say, I was just like you back in my day. So naïve…” She sighs, looking blissfully off. “You know…” She twists to face you, a smirk causing her features to almost become young once more. “When I was your age, maybe a little younger I liked a guy. Now don’t tell anyone I told you this but… He was a real dashing man. So proper and smart, but he really knew how to dance when the jukebox started!”

Suddenly you feel like Minerva McGonagall’s best friend, gossiping about your childhoods now those days are long gone. Never would you have expected to see this side of her, but you cannot complain when you see that energetic sparkle in her eye.

“And I believe he like me back. When I was tired he would carry me up to my common room, and and would tuck me in real nice and tight. But I never went any further. I was too nervous. So he started dating my friend, and five years later they got married! I hate to admit it but sometimes I wonder how things would’ve turned out. You don’t have to listen to an out of touch woman like me, but you know I have your best interest at heart.”

It takes you a good minute to properly process her words, repeating them in your head and wondering how she could be so right. No one, not even any of your closest friends have ever realised your concealed feelings, the only being hearing them is your little diary under the moonlight, which knows they will never come true. But here is your teacher, completely demolishing your tiny sense of secrecy and legitimising every worry you’ve ever had. When he kisses some random girl at a party you worry it will last between them, when you can’t find him in his usual spots you worry he’s abandoned you and when you look in the mirror you see merely a friend, someone who will never amount to him. But maybe you could. Maybe there is some universe where he feels the same, and you are lucky enough to be in that universe right now. After all, there always is a chance.   

“Go and get him.” She orders, staring into your soul with her blue eyes. You nod, tears fighting to leave your eyes as the weight of emotion takes over you. You stand up, thanking her breathlessly before running out.

Professor McGonagall knows that she did the right thing, judging by the conversation she had with Sirius about the same subject just the other day.   

[circus4apsycho8]

[ninjago headcanons] how they handle valentine's day with you

𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚜: 𝚔𝚊𝚒, 𝚓𝚊𝚢, 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚎, 𝚣𝚊𝚗𝚎, 𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚢𝚍, 𝚗𝚢𝚊, 𝚐𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚗, & 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚘

𝚔𝚊𝚒

of course, he’s very smooth about it

will come up to you wearing that dumb smirk of his holding a heart-shaped box of chocolates, flowers, and a card

asks you in one go. doesn’t stutter or trip over his words

even so, he’s still a little bit nervous deep down - he’s just good at hiding it

will take you out for a fancy dinner and a motorcycle ride; at the end of the night, the two of you go somewhere secluded to watch the sunset together

𝚓𝚊𝚢

he’s not as confident

stutters, blushes, has to practice a few times before he can work up the nerve to ask you

once he does, though, he’s super relieved and gets excited!!

he takes you out to lunch, and then the two of you spend the day at an arcade museum :)

at first, he’s a little bit tense and afraid he’s going to embarrass himself, but he eventually lightens up

the two of you have a blast!

the date ends with cups of ice cream and a walk around a park at sunset

𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚎

asks through a romantic, heartfelt letter that he delivers to your doorstep before you emerge for the day

the letter is sealed in a pretty, light pink envelope and stamped with a flower. accompanying it is a bouquet of your favorite flower along with a box of chocolates

your name is written on the front of the envelope in a unique, calligraphy-esque font that appears messy but also…strangely composed and beautiful, in a way

the letter asks you to meet the secret someone out on the deck of the bounty after breakfast

sure enough, cole is there, fidgeting as he waits for you

once you approach him, he asks to be your valentine!

you answer him with a hug and a “yes!”

the date takes place in a forest initially - he had set up a special spot beforehand. it’s a picnic!

of course, he had to get a little bit of help from zane for the cooking portion :)

afterwards, the two of you take a short hike through the woods until you reach the theater where the ninja performed

it’s empty, but cole knows a certain spot inside

it turns out to be a mirrored studio room, where he teaches you how to dance :)

(or just dances with you, if you already know how!)

𝚣𝚊𝚗𝚎

does it simply and elegantly; after listening to the advice of his teammates, he decides to just ask you while you’re alone on the deck

he averts his gaze when he asks, unsure if he had done it correctly or if he misunderstood the tradition somehow

but when you grin and accept, his nerves ease

the two of you have a quiet, peaceful walk throughout the birchwood forest

(zane makes sure that you’re dressed warm enough beforehand)

eventually, the two of you come across a frozen pond

after determining that the ice is thick enough, zane pulls you onto the ice, the two of you slipping and sliding around

he’s far more graceful, and he doesn’t let you fall

takes the two of you back via a dragon ride, letting you cling to him while you enjoy the sunset

𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚢𝚍

asks you by dropping off a cheesy starfarer-themed valentine’s day card at your door

takes you to a family entertainment venue (think like chuck e cheese, with added games for adults)

he admits that he came here quite a bit whenever it was jay or kai’s turn to watch him when a kid, and he knows all of the tricks to get a lot of tickets

(at one point, he tells you a story about how he would steal tickets from machines and other patrons in order to get better prizes)

the two of you play for hours, saving up as many tickets as you can before heading to the counter to pick out your prizes!

you end up getting two of the same dragon stuffed animals, but in different colors

once that’s done, the two of you enjoy some of the venue's snacks before calling it a day

𝚗𝚢𝚊

she, like her brother, will simply come up and ask you

the only difference is that she lacks his cockiness and is more nervous about it

she keeps it simple - the day starts with a coffee shop date and ends with the two of you wandering the city together

there’s not much of a plan - the two of you just go with the flow

by the time the day is done, you have shopped at a farmer’s market, listened to a talented street performer, tried a bunch of pastries from a local baker, and more!

𝚐𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚗 - 𝚌𝚛𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚍 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗

initially goes to vinny for date ideas and how he should go about asking

when the time does roll around, you notice that he’s stiff and clearly uncomfortable, but also determined

he’s blunt and to the point about it

you can tell he’s doing his best to sound gentle

“i would…very much like it if you were to be my valentine.”

ends up taking you out for a few drinks at laughy’s (either alcoholic or not, whatever you prefer)

either way, he eventually accompanies you on a night walk on the perimater of the city, away from the crowd so that no one can ruin your night together

𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚘

doesn’t even bother asking. it would embarrass him too much.

very coarse about the ordeal, but even so, it’s really sweet in his own way

probably won’t make a whole lot of eye contact with you. if you squint, you might catch him blushing at some points.

drags you to a nice picnic that he set up (all by himself!) in the ruins of the monastery

it’s a quiet night, but the two of you still enjoy yourselves despite not speaking much

the wind is gentle and content, as is morro

once the two of you are done eating, you’ll shimmy over to him and curl up beside him

he’ll accept your embrace, holding you as you watch the skies together <3

(𝚊/𝚗): 𝚑𝚒 𝚊𝚕𝚕! 𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚊 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚝𝚎 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚒'𝚟𝚎 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚍, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚒 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚟𝚊𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚎'𝚜 𝚍𝚊𝚢! :)

𝚒'𝚖 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚗 𝚊 𝚋𝚞𝚗𝚌𝚑 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚝𝚜, 𝚛𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜, 𝚜𝚘 𝚒𝚝 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚊 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗. 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚢!

𝚛𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚗; 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚘.

[brownsugar4hersoul]

[talea456]

Thoughts on The Double rewatch

tl/dr: The FML & SML romantic contrasts sum up like this:

Shen Yurong: Hello my darling, self-sacrificing trophy-wife. Your hands shouldn't touch weapons. They should only do dainty female things.

Xiao Heng: What's up, my fierce wild-cat? OMG your brain is sooooo freakin' sexy, btw. What? You need help learning how to kill someone? Hell yeah, Queen! *grabs her hand and head straight to the armory*

Like, seriously. Every time Shen Yurong has visions and/or flashbacks to his wife, it's basically Xue Fangfei giving c-drama tradwife vibes every time. She's either playing music, doing some calligraphy, or helping him out by selling her things and/or giving him advice constantly.

BUT every time Xiao Heng is seen thirsting over Jiang Li/XFF, it's when she's doing 5-D chess with politicians and talking herself and her family members out of trouble.

Just LOOK at him absolutely LOVING her fucking up the Li family plans. Man is totally turned on by how fucking SMART and CAPABLE she is.

Like, one thing about this scene in episode 16 is that I thought the ML was going to come running to protect/help out the FL here. I've watched enough c-dramas to expect that, ya know?

But not our man Duke Su! He's like: She's totally got this...And I should probably stay seated to manage my giant boner rn anyways.

And how green flag is that "advice" he gives her about not compromising herself & become a different person for someone else in ep 31???? It's pretty dang green, guys.

Point is: Shen Yurong only saw her as a trophy/trad-wife. Xiao Heng sees, and loves, ALL of her.

[syrma-sensei]

→ Red Ink.

Pairing: Kuchiki Byakuya x Fem!reader.

Rating: Mature.

Setting: Post TYBW.

Warnings: Spoilers for the final chapter of the manga, nudity, self-care, fluff, implied smut.

Word Count: 2.5k

Summary: Red and ink write your destiny.

“Abarai Ichika!”

You call out as you chase the small ball of red hair and mischief. The little menace giggles as she runs through the corridors of the Kuchiki Manor, and you go after her, “Come back here!”

The reason for this little pursuit is in Ichika’s small hand and practically on her forehead. She stole some ink and a brush from the hall of the Calligraphy Club, which is chaired by Lord Byakuya himself, and decided to have a special paint on her face. I want my eyebrows to be super cool like my dad’s, she said when you caught her red-handed, or ink-handed so to speak. In the process, she screwed up some parchments of the club’s members, particularly, her uncle's.

Drops of ink trail behind her as she sprints with the agility of a cat whereas your feet start to hurt. You slow down in your tracks to catch your breath, then you sigh with a shake of your head when you realise it's pointless to go after her.

You've been one of Ichika's nannies since she was a baby. One of the trusted women whom the elders of House Kuchiki dispatched over to the Abarai residence because her father and mother are a working couple, and more so when Lady Rukia became the new captain of the Thirteenth Squad.

You sigh, refusing the defeat. Your feet move again. In times like this, your gist of being that girl's nanny should show now.

The Kuchiki Estate has been your home since forever. Being the only daughter of the mansion's grand butler, you were brought up side by side with the young master, Kuchiki Byakuya, the heir of the noble clan at the time. So, you know every and each secret passage in this building. Including the hall where The Shinigami Women's Association used to take place.

You slide through a secret door within a wall, and you appear before Ichika whose stupor is blatant on her face. However, she quickly recovers and braces herself and makes a detour, slipping through your hands as you readied yourself to catch her.

You groan in frustration. “I’m gonna kill you, child!” Your threat is pompous of course; you love the girl and her parents, and most definitely her uncle.

Ages before what mordant complications of a noble's life in the Seireitei entailed — the current head of one of the Five Great Noble Clans no less, Byakuya used to find great solace in your companionship despite the insufferable nonsense the hot-headed young lord had had you to deal with in moments of jitteriness. You were his confidant, his best friend.

Unlike most of the Seireitei's lords, his grandfather, Lord Kuchiki Ginrei, allowed the two of you to grow a unique bond in spite of the broad difference between your posts. The oldman was kind and generous enough to let his only grandson, his heir, to befriend a girl of a lower status. Furthermore, he did appreciate the notion of his grandson having a close one whom harboured nothing but loyalty and love in her heart for the young lord. Someone he could depend on when the going gets tough. For he knew, he knew that a high post such as theirs was a magnet for beguiling hypocrites and lickspittles. And a wise lord always needs his small and close circle of trustworthy people, regardless of their standing, to counsel and guide him when he is in need of advice and different points of views.

It's little to no wonder when people are struck with stupor when they learn that the frigid Captain of the Sixth Squad was a troublesome one in his early young days. Shihouin Yoruichi and Ukitake Jūshirō can affirm it; small wonder who Little Ichika takes after. He had such a remarkable ambition to be a leader like his grandfather. His determined dedication and unstoppable force of will were admirable to say the least. And to you they were more than admirable.

Over the years of being brought up with the young lord, your affections for him have altered. In your late adolescent years, you noticed the heat dusting your cheeks red whenever you came to the training hall to watch him train and build up his physique. You were a witness of the evolution of his voice, from high-pitched of a boy to deep and reverent of a man, a lord. And your love and respect for him only grew bigger and… wilder.

No matter how much you reminded yourself of who and what you were to put a bridle on those sprouting feelings, you only grew much more fond of him, regardless of his massive character change. For you knew, beneath the mask of the solid lord, there was the boy you fell in love with.

Within the Manor's endless corridors, where Lord Byakuya is strolling leisurely, he's having rather an important conversation with an elder of the Central 46. Byakuya sent for them to send a delegation to discuss a matter of importance for House Kuchiki.

Byakuya enunciates with that lilt to his voice. “I’d like my niece, Lady Ichika, to be my legal heir.” The tone he speaks in is firm, void of hesitation that hints at several vigilant nights of reflection.

The wise elder is struck with astonishment, yet he's quick to regain his aplomb, “Your niece is still too little to receive such a title, Your Lordship.”

“I was younger than her when I was anointed as my lord grandfather's heir.” Byakuya retorts with reason.

The elder chuckles nervously, “Well, you're your father's son, and you were next in line for the succession, milord. Lady Rukia is no—”

“Is not what, wise man?” Byakuya raises a brow.

“Is no true blood of yours, Kuchiki-sama.”

Byakuya stops in his track, stunned by the man's insolence towards his sister. “What do you mean by that, Your Reverence?”

“What I mean is crystal clear, milord,” The man says, “Lady Ichika cannot bequeath the legacy of House Kuchiki.”

Byakuya’s voice remains stringent, “Need I remind you, Your Reverence, that Central 46 accepted Rukia as my sister.”

“Adoptive sister.” The man corrects.

“Either way, Rukia holds the Kuchiki's name as well as I do.” Byakuya argues, “And do tread carefully, Your Reverence, you're stepping on rotten ice. Any disrespect to my sister and her family, would be considered disrespect to my person.”

“Pardon me, milord, but we urge you to marry again and produce heirs—”

A loud shriek cut through the air, and both men turn on their heels towards the source of it. A ball of red and ink pelt at Byakuya's feet, and Ichika's violet eyes — that reminds him of Rukia — meet his grey ones.

“Uncle!” She smiles up at him, one incisor tooth missing.

“Gods!” You gasp as you reach them. “I’m terribly sorry, Byakuya-sama!”

He seldom smiles after his wife's death. But you've got used to see him smiling more after Ichika was born. It warms your heart to see him smiling. You're only bitter that you're not the reason for his smiles.

Byakuya scooches down and cradles Ichika in his arms and lifts her up, she giggles and nuzzles into his hold.

“I see you found my ink collection, little one.”

She giggles, “I just wanted cool eyebrows like Papa's, but (Y/N) won't let me!”

He glances at you, and you blush as he sees your painted face and crumpled clothes. He arches a brow.

“Well, if you want tattoos like your father's, that has to wait until your old enough.”

“But uncle!” She whines and you chuckle.

“Abomination…” You hear the elder mutter, and you flinch. Did you just hear what you think you heard?

“Excuse me?” You snap, “How dare you insult Lady Ichika in her lord uncle’s house!”

“Guard your tongue, servant,” Then he looks at Byakuya, “You should punish that servant for overstepping her place!”

“The only one who's overstepped his place is you, Your Reverence.” Your heart leaps to your throat as you hear Byakuya defending you. “Leave.” He orders.

“The Elders won't let this slip by, Your Lordship.” The elder speaks with spite.

“Neither will I.”

With that, the elder turns and leaves the hall.

You sigh in relief as your body submerges in the hot water of the private onsen. What a day, you think.

You savour the sweet silence that plunges the whole Manor after everyone retired to their beds. You're grateful that Ichika was out like a light, with a toy of her uncle’s Wakame Ambassador tugged under her tiny arm. Her mom and dad are on a mission, and Byakuya was more than glad to have her for a couple of days in his hospitality. And it was you who accompanied her here.

You sigh again, letting the hot water do its magic to ease your tense muscles. That little troublemaker is a handful, a cute handful that makes your back sore from running after her. You chuckle, rubbing the muscles of your shoulders. You think of her uncle. Byakuya. Your heart paces up. He literally stood against a representative of the Central 46 for you. Well, technically, he stood up for his niece, but you're desperate enough to take it for you.

Your hand slid delicately between your legs. A soft moan escapes your mouth as you apply pressure at your swollen bud. While your fingers play with it, your mind drifts back to him. Lord Byakuya, your forbidden fruit.

“Ahh, Byakuya…” You sigh, adding more pressure to your clit.

Then out of nowhere, you hear footsteps. You sink deeper into the water, “Who’s there?” And suddenly you're worried they heard your moans.

Your eyes dilate when they fall on none other than Lord Byakuya himself. A fierce blush touches your cheeks, instinctively covering your breasts with your arms. You reach for a towel to cover yourself and leave.

He isn't supposed to be here, you made sure everyone was asleep when you decided to have some self-care in his private onsen.

“At ease…” He stops you, and you blink. Is he serious? Well, Byakuya always is. So, you refrain from approaching the towel, whereas he drops his bathrobe and lets you watch him walk over into the water with his glorious nakedness. You sink again in the water, trying to look away, but you can't when his impressive length is on full display. Is he hard because of you?

You're awash by disappointment as his body is now blurred by the water.

“B-Byakuya-sama?! What are you doing here?”

Oblivious to your own effect, Byakuya feels flames crossing his loins while watching you playing with yourself in such a divine state. Your head hung backwards as your lips cracked open in a lewd moan.

Byakuya holds his breath.

His bold gaze doesn't waver from you, as his deep, resonant voice says, “Shouldn't I be asking that question, (Y/N)?”

Your head is at the verge of exploding from mortification; at that very moment, you wish the ground to split open and swallow you up.

“I-I’m sorry…” You mumble, looking away.

“No need to apologise,” He says, “Handling Ichika the way you do, earns such a treat. So, please…” He extends his hand, “Don’t let my presence bother you…”

You glance back at him then down at the water swirling around you. Your heart throbbing in your chest that you fear he can hear its call for him.

At some point, you thought your love for him would deflate after his marriage to Hisana, but you were wrong. It only added fuel to the fire within your spirit. You claimed you knew him but you didn't. You were self-convinced that he'd never regard you more than a close friend due to your status. However, his marriage to Hisana was the ultimate proof of your cowardness. Because he married a commoner, so were you.

“I could never be bothered by your presence, Byakuya…”

And just like that, his name slips through your lips like silk, and for the time in forever, you see Byakuya's body shiver.

Thick silence reigns over the air, until he breaks it, “Thank you for taking care of Ichika.”

Your toes curl under the water. Small talk. Kuchiki Byakuya is doing small talk while you're both naked in the hot spring. Talk about awkward situations.

You shake your head, “It’s nothing, Byakuya-sama, I'm just doing my job.”

“If it is so, I think you might have quitted the very first day.”

You chuckle, “I love Ichika, she can be a handful, but I still love her. I love her parents.” I love you. “Taking care of her is like taking care of a younger sibling.”

“That pleases me,” He answers, “Ichika needs people who truly love her… for her.”

You allow a smile to slip on your lips. That's the true Byakuya, the one you grew up with, your Byakuya.

“You honour me with your words, Byakuya-sama.”

“Those aren't just my words, (Y/N),” He says, “Those are my sentiments.”

Why is he approaching you while talking about his sentiments? Naked no less. You start to panic.

You choose to stare at his torso as he dwarfs you with his height. He tips your chin up with his slender fingers. His smokey eyes piercing through your souls. Then, he leans in and pecks your lips softly. It's brief, but slow enough to taste his mouth. Within those moments, the world stops and has only you and him.

“I love you.” You find yourself whispering when he breaks the kiss.

Byakuya gives you a rare grin, one that reminds you of the boy you fell in love with.

“Marry me…”

Your eyes go wide, then they search him. Is he pulling your leg like the old days? You hope so, but deep down you don't.

“Yes or no…”

“Byakuya…”

“Today, when that oaf asked me to get married again and produce heirs… it was you who I thought of.”

Sweet crimson dusts over your cheek at his confession. “But Byakuya—”

“I love you too…”

It's your turn to kiss him. He kisses back.

There's a lot to process right now, but you only focus on his lips.

“Yes,” You murmur against his lips. “I would love to be your wife, Byakuya-sama.” You give him a toothy grin to which he responds with a conceited smirk.

“Good girl.” He murmurs and you blush.

“And you're a bad boy…” You say, “You want to marry me so you can rub it in the elders’ faces.”

To anyone, Byakuya is a fuddy-duddy, but your Byakuya is a rule breaker.

“You know me so well.”

You grin at him. “I think I do.”

Byakuya proceeds to kiss you again, this time slowly, deliberately, as if he's conveying how he actually feels about you. He hoists you up and carries you to his chambers when you make love. You can't believe this, if this is some cruel dream it better end now, but it doesn't, because the next day, you wake up as the new Lady Kuchiki.

• Main Masterlist.

• Bleach Masterlist.

• AO3.

[theshitpostcalligrapher]

Forgive if this is the wrong channel to ask this, but do you have any tips/advice when doing longer pieces of calligraphy to not stress about messing up and having to start again?

---

learn patching techniques

I'm serious, 20% of the commissions I work on i mess up some small line 3/4 of the way through and I use an underpatching technique I learned from a manga omake as a teenager. every client I've mentioned the patching to was perfectly fine with it since a lot of the times they appreciate the fact that the patch is part of the overall piece, and the patch is generally seamless enough that you won't notice it unless your face is a foot away from the frame

[jjkamochoso]

Wedding Guest Plus One

Fluff

Levi Ackerman x gn!reader

When you get invited to a wedding, you're reluctant to show up by yourself. Luckily, you have a friend that would never leave you hanging...

Warnings: cussing, small mentions of background characters drinking alcohol

A/n: I hope the end isn't too ooc because I couldn't resist the opportunity to write that lol I hope you all enjoy reading this much as I did writing it!! <3

The strikingly opulent invitation was weighing down your hands like it was made of lead. The painstakingly crafted calligraphy was openly mocking you: "To our beloved Y/N and Guest..."

You sighed.

It wasn't like you didn't want to go to your friend's wedding, that wasn't it at all. The event sounded like it was going to be a wonderful time, filled with good food and fun moments as love was being celebrated. It was just that this would be another wedding you'd gone to without a boyfriend or husband. Your friends were mostly nonjudgemental but you knew your continuous bout of singularity over the years was rare enough to garner speculation and gossip from anyone in attendance at those types of gatherings, especially when everyone knew each other.

You hauled yourself out of your office, leaving the frilly paper discarded on your desk to be taunted by at a later time. You quickly made your way down the hall of the Survey Corps base, knocking on the familiar wood door in front of you.

"Come in," said a voice from the opposite side and you wasted no time entering, eager to begin your venting session.

"I see you got your invite as well," you said, spying the same white rectangle upon your best friend's desk.

"I did," Levi replied, his eyes not leaving the paperwork he was currently working on.

You picked it up, inspecting it, and you frowned. "Hey, yours doesn't say Levi and guest! Mine did."

"It said Levi and guest?"

"I hate you," you whined, Levi smirking a bit at his joke. "Mine said 'Y/n and guest' and I want to know why you got spared the embarrassment of being allowed a plus one but never having one."

"That's because everyone knows by now that if I'm showing up, I'm coming alone. They still have hope for you."

"Well, I don't like it," you mumbled, putting the invitation back down.

A few seconds of silence passed.

"Aren't you going to complain to me until my ears feel like they're going to bleed or are you actually going to be a grown up about this and leave me alone to do work?" Levi asked with an eyebrow raised at you.

You scoffed. "I thought friends were supposed to listen to each other rant about stupid shit."

"They are. But this is beyond stupid shit. Who cares if you don't have a partner? We're in the Scouts. Most people's partners are dead. Just lie about having a boyfriend who vanished at the mouth of a titan and people will leave you alone."

"But people at weddings are brutal! Someone's parents will just try to set me up with someone else while I'm there. You would understand if you bothered to go to one once in awhile."

"Weddings are stupid. A public proclamation of love is completely unnecessary." Levi brought his point home with an extra loud huff. "It's pompous and egotistical. I'd rather shit in my hands and clap than go to another one."

"I should've gone to Hange for advice," you said, rolling your eyes, "but they would probably just suggest bringing Bean or Sonny. Or Mike, who'd sniff everyone and get me blacklisted from any other event ever."

That got Levi to let out a small grunt of laughter.

"I really don't know what to do, Levi. It's stupid, I know, but I can't take going to another one alone. I want to be there to support our comrade but I don't want to look like a total loser."

“I’ll go with you,” he suggested as he continued signing papers, the words leaving his mouth like it was the most glaringly obvious idea in the entire world.

"What?" you exclaimed, your mouth hanging open in shock.

He finally looked up to meet your gaze. "Tch, close your mouth, you're going to catch flies. Don't look so shocked, either. Erwin was just telling me I have to go to more shitty events to boost morale amongst the soldiers and brass and you need someone to go with so you don't look lonely. We can hang out, bitch about how lame everything is, and go home. It's a win-win. Unless...?"

"No! That would be amazing," you replied quickly, not wanting to lose this opportunity, "thank you. I'm just taken aback, that's all, since a second ago you used a very crass saying to express your unwillingness to go. Are you sure you'd want to show up with me? People talk, you know. They might think we're dating."

"So? Let them."

Levi was right. You were going to get judged no matter if you brought a random guy, attended by yourself, or went with Levi. At least this way you'd have someone to talk with all night.

"Does this mean we get to coordinate outfits?"

Levi balled up a discarded piece of paper from his trash bin and threw it at you. "Don't make me regret this, brat. Now get back to work."

You left his office chuckling and feeling a newfound sense of relief wash over you.

When the day of the wedding finally arrived, you felt butterflies in your stomach, nervous for what was to come. You tried to keep your mind off the stress you were feeling as you got ready after work. It was a rare occasion to dress up in your civilian clothes as you were always in your formal military wear for galas or other professional events. You had second guessed your outfit all day but it was too late to buy something else so you got dressed and fixed up your hair. As you put the finishing touches on your look, you heard a knock at your door. When you opened it, you were definitely not expecting the sight you were greeted with.

"You're out of uniform."

You both spoke the same sentence at the same time.

"You really know how to keep people on their toes, don't you?" you asked, moving out of the way so he could come in.

"I was tired of wearing that damn thing all the time. This suit hasn't seen the light of day in a long time so I figured this would do instead."

The suit he had on made him look absolutely dashing, even more so than usual (which you didn't know was possible). He wore a gray collared buttoned shirt underneath a dark blue jacket with matching blue slacks and a brown belt. His cravat topped it all off, its stark white a nice contrast to the other colors.

"You look really nice," you complimented, your heart picking up speed as he raked his eyes over you.

"As do you," he replied, sincerity coating every syllable. He certainly wasn't wrong; your outfit hugged you in all the right places, accentuating your best assets. You opted for a silky black color for tonight since the wedding dress code asked for elegance. All of your previous fears about not looking okay were out of your head with the confirmation from Levi that you presented yourself nicely. You hadn't realized that you were lost in space, still enthralled in how handsome your best friend was until he finally cleared his throat, knocking you from your daydream.

"Huh? Oh sorry," you said sheepishly, "let me grab my shoes and we can get going."

The first shoe cooperated wholeheartedly but the second one was not wanting to work with you. You kept trying to buckle it but you were at a bit of an odd angle trying to balance yourself standing up while fiddling with the metal piece.

"May I?" Levi gestured to your foot. “We’re going to be late if you keep messing with that damn thing.”

Frustrated, you nodded, grateful for his help. His nimble fingers made quick work of the buckle and you were ready to leave in no time. You two walked down to where carriages were lined up to take the wedding guests from the Survey Corps base to a town a few miles away. Once you got inside the palatial venue, you were welcomed with the sight of decorations everywhere. The whole building was grandiose but the paper swans, crystal beads, and plush seating arrangements did much to elevate the overall luxuriant atmosphere. You had never seen such a splendid display at any of the other weddings you had been to, but you were at the wedding of two high ranking military officials, after all.

"All this and our soldiers can barely get fresh fruit half the damn time," grumbled Levi, clearly not impressed. You were inclined to agree with him. The whole scene was gorgeous, but in the grand scheme of things, it left a bad taste in your mouth that so much money was spent on this when it could've gone to something more... tangible.

"I know, but there's nothing we can do about it. Let's just try to ignore it and hopefully charm our way into securing more money in our budget from some other mucky-mucks in attendance."

"Here I was thinking I could convince you to leave after the vows were done," Levi said, earning a glare from you.

"In your dreams. There's no way I'm leaving without dinner and dessert. I should've brought extra handkerchiefs to sneak out food like Sasha."

While you two were chatting it up, waiting for the bride to make her appearance, you were quickly garnering much interest from the other guests. People were totally caught off guard seeing you arrive with someone, much less a man, much less the actual Captain Levi. It shouldn't have been as big a deal as it was since you were also a well known captain and you and Levi normally stood by each other at military events you were forced to be at, but the casual air about the both of you at such a romantic occurrence was turning heads. You and Levi paid no mind, continuing talking like you were the only people in the room. Finally, you were saved from the incessant ogling by the music signaling the bride had arrived.

The vows were done, the lips were kissed, the couple was married. Now came the worst time of the night--the social part of the event had started. You and Levi, of course, sat next to each other for dinner but you were dismayed at the fact he was the only one you knew at the table. Hange and your other friends were seated elsewhere and you made a mental note to say hi before the end of the night, even if you were going to see them all tomorrow anyway. Everything was going smoothly, no one bothering you or your date. The food was as yummy as you expected and Levi was satisfied with the tea they offered with dessert. The night had almost ended and there weren't any weird instances you had to deal with.

Until now.

"Oh my goodness! Y/n! It's so good to see you!"

You were startled by the voice practically screeching in your ear as you were eating a large piece of cake. An old acquaintance of yours greeted you loudly, grabbing you into an awkward hug since you were seated and she was standing. She took a seat in the open chair next to you while you prayed Levi would come back from the bathroom soon.

"How are you?" she asked, a huge smile on her face. You knew she'd definitely been drinking heavily throughout the night, though she was normally this giddy all the time.

"I'm doing alright. You know, the same old, same old. Nothing crazy going on at work or anything, thankfully. How about you?"

She completely ignored everything you said. "So I came over to see what was up between you and Captain Levi."

Here we go, you thought to yourself, resisting the urge to roll your eyes.

"What do you mean?"

Playing dumb was always a good idea in these types of interactions.

"You know," she pressed, taking another long sip of whatever was in her cup, "you and him. I thought it was odd that you usually come to these things alone and all of a sudden you show up with a hot guy like him as your date. How'd you manage that? Did you pay him?"

"We've been best friends for many years and decided to be each others' dates," you said, trying your hardest to remain civil.

"Right." She slumped back in her seat. "That makes a lot of sense. We all figured there was no way you were dating. You two are in completely different leagues."

That was your breaking point.

"Nice seeing you," you said, your chair screeching as you slid it back and walked away from her. You wanted to scream. Why was it so difficult for people to be decent? And who did she mean by "we all" ? Did everyone find your situation that much more interesting than the beautiful wedding taking place? Was it really so strange a notion that you and Levi could've been dating?

Why did it bother you that no one would believe it if you were?

You were practically tripping over your feet to get outside, away from the prying eyes and invasive questions. You made your way over to a secluded bench where you felt tears threaten to spill out of your eyes. A few finally fell, leaving dark splotches on the light stone beneath you. The longer you sat out there, by yourself with no one to bother you or make you question your worth, the more you felt at ease. The brisk night air enveloped you like a blanket and the darkness did wonders to calm your racing thoughts. However, there was just one thought that wouldn't quit nagging you. You and Levi had been best friends for countless years and you had been content with the state of your friendship for all that time. Ever since he offered to be your date for this wedding, though, you'd started viewing him in a more romantic lens. Taking note of his appearance, feeling your heart speed up when he was close to you, getting lost in his eyes a little too long. You'd developed a crush on him but were much too nervous to mention such a silly, trivial thing to him, especially in fear of ruining the bond you shared. Now that someone pointed out the obvious, that you and him don't belong together, your harmless daydreams of him being your lover came crashing down and brought you back to reality. The reality was that Levi could never be yours, no matter how much you so desperately wanted him. It was a sad realization to have on a day that was supposed to be all about celebrating everlasting love, but such is life. You were torn out of your personal pity party when you heard the crunch of leaves underfoot.

"Here," Levi said, handing you your plate with your half eaten cake on it. "It worried me when I saw you abandoned dessert."

He wore an unreadable expression as you took it gratefully, patting the spot next to you as an invitation for him to sit with you.

"I'm sorry for bailing on you," you apologized, nibbling on your fork, "but there was this lady in there that I just-"

"I know," he said, keeping his eyes trained on the sky. "I heard the whole thing."

"Oh."

The void of silence left between you was a gap you were both unsure how to fill, so you didn't. The only thing heard for a few minutes was the faraway sound of laughter and the clinking of your silverware against the porcelain plate.

"She's wrong, you know. They all are," Levi said suddenly, making you jump a bit. You didn't say anything, discarding your empty plate on the ground next to you.

"There's some truly shitty people in this world."

"You got that right," you replied, your eyes moistening again as your mind replayed the mean words you were subjected to earlier.

Levi turned to you. "Don't do that. I know you, y/n, don't sit here and think about what she said over and over. It doesn't matter. She doesn't matter."

"Easy for you to say. You didn't just get your self esteem ripped to shreds." You sniffed and angrily wiped away a tear that streamed down your face as you kept your eyes anywhere but on Levi.

"Look at me."

He spoke with such conviction that you felt compelled to do as he said. Without hesitation, he reached out and wiped away the wet that was accumulating on your cheeks with his thumb. You knew Levi wasn't a fan of physical affection, so why was he being so loving toward you all of a sudden?

"I would go to a hundred of these shitty weddings if you were there by my side because you make them less shitty. You make everything less shitty. I just... fuck, I'm not good with words, but what I mean is that I would do things I hate doing if it meant we could do them together."

You had known Levi long enough to be certain that he was currently expressing his feelings for you in his own roundabout way. Though the confession was a huge surprise, it certainly wasn't unwelcome.

You finally cracked a small smile. "You make my life a lot less shitty too, Levi. I'd even suffer through the entirety of those horrendous galas the MPs throw all too often if I had you next to me."

You reached out your hand to find his and gave it a small squeeze. "Let's get out of here. There’s no point in hanging around now that dessert’s finished."

You stood up, ready to make your exit. Before you went too far out of earshot, he stopped you.

"Want to give them one last thing to talk about?"

You didn't understand what he meant until you followed his gaze, landing on the group of guests that were currently not-so-secretly spying on you.

"Sure, I guess-"

Levi expertly wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into a passionate kiss, leaving you breathless. If he didn't have such a steady grip on your body, you would've immediately melted onto the ground in a state of stupor. You heard startled gasps as people clamored about, anxious to spread the news of the two captains kissing.

"Should we flash them the ol' royal salute for being creeps?" Levi muttered against your lips.

"We'll save that for next time," you said, enveloping his lips in yours once more.