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nycolewrites · 5 months ago

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i'm going to delete this fucking document before i finish writing it so have what was supposed to be the intro to my pirate!zukka fic that is giving me a headache; as a treat 🥰

Everything starts on a random, unassuming, and sunny Thursday afternoon.

He’s strolling through Caldera, hood securely pulled up over his head to avoid recognition, both by the guards who are undoubtedly looking for him and the citizens of the town. He’s supposed to be in the palace square, there’s a hanging scheduled for today, but Zuko’s never been very interested in the…fanfare of it all. The announcement of all the crimes committed, the rich and snooty cheering along as his fa—Ozai reads about their crimes and eggs the crowd on with his propensity for dramatics, the executioner lazily sharpening his axe or checking the knots on the rope—whichever form of death Lord Ozai had decided would be more befitting for that particular pirate on that particular day.

It makes Zuko’s stomach turn, all of it, and so instead of fulfilling his duty as the future Lord of Caldera, he’s sneaking around the city in hopes of killing enough time that he won’t be back until well after the sun has gone down and the fanfare is over and he can avoid his father long enough to return to the duties he cares about doing. Like leading training for the soldiers or listening to the troubles of the town’s residents.

Or, if he’s feeling dangerous, fantasize about sailing the open—

He doesn’t get a chance to finish that thought as something—no, someone knocks him on his ass.

“Oh, shit. Sorry, dude.” Zuko feels his hood slip off of his head as he falls, which is almost immediately followed by low gasps and whispers around the market’s main square. He winces as he shifts on his ass, jumping back in surprise as a scarred and tan hand shoots into view. Even knowing who he is, most people wouldn’t give a second thought to helping him get off the ground, instead simply choosing to skirt around him and duck their heads lest Zuko summons his dad to make them suffer the consequences of Zuko’s own free will and clumsiness. No, he’s not bitter about it, thank you very much.

Anyway, back to his current situation.

In front of him is an outstretched hand, and when he follows the hand up to see who it belongs to, he can’t see their face with the sun’s rays creating a halo around their head. “I promise I don’t have scurvy or anything, dude.” Zuko feel a flush spread across his cheeks, not realizing how much time has gone by, as he reaches out to grab the stranger’s hand. Since Zuko is having the worst luck of his life today, the moment he’s standing in an upright position he trips over his own feet and topples forward into the strangers chest. Zuko feels his flush deepend as the stranger catches him around the waist, causing more muttering to break out around the town square.

Azula is definitely cackling about this somewhere.

Zuko hates that he really, kinda deserves it.

When he finally musters up the courage to look up and thank the stranger—y’know, because he’s a decent human being—the words get caught in his throat. The stranger is a very handsome, yet very unassuming individual, despite his stature. He’s wearing a simple deep blue tunic that does nothing to hide the myriad of tiny scars that are littered across his collarbone and chest. He’s wearing tiny silver hoops in his ears that give off a slight glint in the sunlight, and his hair is shorn close to the scalp from his forehead down. His eyes are a beautifully deep shade of brown, that Zuko has to stop himself from drowning in.

The image of a halo around this guy’s head seems fitting in this moment, because Zuko’s almost positive he’s an angel. The stranger chuckles. “Thanks. Most people call me Sokka, though.” Oh no, he’d said that out loud. “Yeah, dude, sorry.”

Oh no.

Zuko quickly straightens his posture, using his free hand to dust off his robes. The guy—Sokka—hasn’t quite let go of his hand yet, and though it’s slightly awkward for a first meeting, he can’t say he minds the contact. Zuko clears his throat before responding, “My apologies, I am usually not so out of it.”

Sokka’s reply has an air of confidence latched onto it. “So, you’re saying I’m special.” Zuko takes a moment to answer. He takes in the broad, strong shoulders and soft way Sokka’s eyelashes splay across his cheeks when he blinks and the scar that trails from under his left eye in a diagonal down to his chin and possibly his neck. He takes in deep freckles and deep brown eyes and Zuko can’t help but be swept away.

“We just met,” Zuko replies. “I do not yet know if you deserve that title.” When Sokka smiles in response, it only serves to solidify Zuko’s thoughts. He doesn’t think he’s ever been taken quite so quickly with someone he just met. On a whim, Zuko lightly squeezes Sokka’s hand where it’s still in his grasp.

“Yet?” Sokka’s grin widens, showing off a dimple in his left cheek. Zuko wants to kiss it. “So, you wanna see me again?”

Unfortunately, they’re knocked into by a group of kids who are likely rushing to spend their weekly allowances on dried candy and poppers. Shaken out of their bubble, Zuko takes in the side glances and whispers of those who witnessed the exchange and internally winces. He cannot let this get back to his father.

“I’m afraid I’m in a bit of a hurry. Duty calls.” Zuko ignores the way Sokka’s eyes seem to land on the royal crest that’s embroidered into his collar where his cloak has slipped off his shoulders. Damn Ozai for branding essentially all his clothing. In a moment of boldness, he asks, “Are you from around here?” For a moment, Sokka doesn’t answer, and Zuko takes the time to mentally berate himself from acting like an idiotic teenager with their first crush.

“Not exactly,” is what comes out of Sokka’s mouth when he finally replies. There’s a glint in his eyes as he answers, something Zuko isn’t quite sure he’s understanding the meaning behind, but he ultimately decides to ignore it. “Tonight’s my last night in town. Y’know, duty calls.” He says, resting his hand lightly on the sword at his hip that Zuko had honestly failed to notice. It feels like an inside joke, the way Sokka smirks as he completes the action, but Zuko also chooses to ignore that. His father would be having a conniption if he could see how comfortable he was acting with a complete and total stranger. With a pirate. “How about you meet me at Aunt Wu’s later tonight? It’ll be my treat.”

There are shouts coming from down the street, and when Zuko turns around he can see the unmistakable figures of his father’s guards marching their way down the street in his direction. Inwardly he curses himself for getting too comfortable, forgetting that he’s literally next in line to be Lord of Caldera and yet here he is holding hands and openly flirting with a lowly commoner. He goes to turn back towards where Sokka has gone quiet behind him, but is stopped in his tracks when the man in question steps into Zuko’s space and places his lips behind the shell of Zuko’s ear.

“Sorry to cut this short, darling, but that’s my cue. Meet me at seven.” The way Sokka’s breath hits his skin gives him goosebumps, and he just barely stops himself from shivering in response. “Don’t keep me waiting, my lord, otherwise you might hurt my feelings.” And just like that, the pressure of another body along his back is gone, and when Zuko turns around to respond, Sokka is already gone, lost in the crowd of blues and browns and reds. He sighs, barely hiding his annoyance when the guards stomp up behind him.

He turns, doing his best to put the most bored expression he can manage on his face. “Did the high and mighty Fire Lord run out of executions to hand out and finally realize I was missing?” When the guards don’t respond, simply part and turn back in the direction of the palace, Zuko sighs again as he begins the trek back to what he knows is going to be an earful of bullshit.

He feels deep brown eyes on his back the entire walk back.

#atla #zukka #avatar: the last airbender #sokka #zuko #a:tla #atla fic #atla fanfic #atla sokka #atla zuko #sokka atla #atla zukka

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okdeedee · 2 years ago

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lay down your head

a very small din djarin x gn! reader sickfic . reader,,, works with mando? is hired by him? live-in employee. idk. the razor crest still exists. handwavey in terms of chronology.

an: because i have a shitty cold / fever / idk right now. so i daydream about how din djarin would take care of someone. me. us. whatever.

warnings: fluff. the mortifying ideal of being vulnerable with your colleagues/friends/crushes. no use of pronouns other than "you/your" and no y/n.

feat. trying to debunk the theory that being in the rain/being in somewhat cold weather will make you sick, one fic at a time. (hypothermia is real, catching a cold/the flu from being in the cold is not.)

wc: 1.3k words of 11pm feverish delirium.

It starts as a funny feeling behind your nose. As the day goes on, it spreads down to the back of your throat. Then there's the melancholy dawn of a dull headache and your joints start to hurt more than they usually do.

You're helping Mando carry a bounty back to the Crest at around three in the morning, Coruscant time, and suddenly it's ridiculously difficult.

The bounty is a fairly waiflike Twi'lek, so you're not sure why you're struggling. He could carry her on his own, sure, but you've watched him move enough that you can tell he's got back problems, so you try to help him carry heavy or awkwardly shaped things.

This Twi'lek in her hoop-skirted Opera-Concert-Goer finery definitely counts as the latter.

You watch him a lot.

The way he moves, how he interacts with his child, his prowess in combat. His proficiency with weapons gets you hot under the collar, sometimes.

But he's gruff and quite reserved, and you've taught yourself not to expect anything from this arrangement the two of you have. You haven't touched him before - not even to shake his hand.

When you trip over your own feet and the bounty goes lurching toward the floor, the Mandalorian pauses and glances at you with what you think might be annoyance.

But you can't see his face, obviously, and you sort of can't see full-stop in this dark alley, so it's anyone's guess.

By the time you get back to the Crest, your eyes burn with the effort of keeping them open. You don't want to be a liability, so you keep your head straight and you don't show any sign of weakness.

Once the bounty is frozen in carbonite, Mando climbs up the ladder, Grogu gurgling happily in his satchel. He doesn't seem to have noticed anything's really wrong with you, which is a relief. As soon as his boots disappear into the cockpit, you slump down to the floor.

Mando doesn't need a co-pilot - you're often down here during take-off anyway, tidying or putting your weapons away.

You value your alone time as much as he does, which is nice. He never pries when you need some time away from him and his little green kid.

You ache all over and you're shivering, but at least he can't see you. You're so tired that you fall asleep with your head resting against the weapon cupboard's door.

After he gets the Crest out of Coruscant's atmosphere and into hyperspace, Din lets Grogu play with a very small selection of the control panel that will not have drastic effects on the ship.

It takes a while, but the child's movements grow lethargic, and soon enough, he's asleep in Din's arms.

Din places him gently into his mobile cot so as to not wake him by taking him down the ladder, and realises he hasn't heard you move in over an hour.

Which is somewhat alarming - you take turns in the cot in the hull, and since Din can sleep in the pilot's chair, he figured you'd sleep there.

But he never heard the cot door depressurize and slam open, nor did he hear you pottering around like he usually does.

So he makes his way down the ladder, and he's bewildered by what he sees.

You're slumped on the ground, neck bent at an uncomfortable angle against the cupboard. You're breathing through your mouth a little raggedly, so fast you're almost panting, and there is a trickle of mucus coming out of your nose. Your hands twitch where they're draped across your torso, and your skin looks dull.

His heartrate skyrockets - he's a seasoned warrior and you're just his employee, so it probably shouldn't - and he moves over to you instantly.

Before he can think, he turns on the thermal view on his helmet, and sees that your head is hotter than the human head usually appears. So is your whole body.

He flicks it back to normal as he crouches next to you.

"Hey, wake up," he mutters.

He reaches out a hand to touch your shoulder, but he stops. He hasn't touched you before. Not intentionally. He wonders if you'd mind.

He thinks about it more and more each day.

Touching you.

Holding your hand, standing shoulder to shoulder, stroking your face.

Pressing your foreheads together in the way of his people, even if it's through his helmet.

But this is to make sure you're okay; it's different, so he reaches out and gently shakes you by one shoulder.

"Hey, you need to wake up," he murmurs.

You grunt, and your voice sounds like the rumble of footsteps over gravel.

"Can you open your eyes for me?"

Your eyelashes are a little crusted together, but you manage to open them. Your stare is vacant.

Din starts to panic.

"Did someone poison you? Did you eat something bad? Are you alright?"

You give him a sleepy chuckle, and your eyes close again, which is not helpful.

"Hey." He says with the sort of no-nonsense tone he uses with the child.

You blink. "What?"

"Did you get poisoned? Or spiked?"

"'M fine, Mando."

"You're not."

You huff, which sets you into a fit of coughing.

"What's wrong?" He asks.

You look at him with those bright, bloodshot eyes. You sniff and blink a few more times, blearily. It's silly, because he's really worried there's something wrong with you, but the open, sleepy expression on your face fills him with affection.

"Sweetheart, please."

You smile just barely. "Really, 'm fine. Just'a cold," you mumble.

"How would you have gotten a cold? The rain yesterday?" Din starts to spiral; he's supposed to protect you, whether he's ever expressed that to you or not, and now you're sick-

"Prob'ly that club a few days ago. Lots'a people. Confined space. No ventilation. Wonder why you didn't get sick."

"My helmet filters out most toxins and germs." He says.

You reach out and fiddle with the edge of one of the pouches strapped around his calf. "Lucky boy," you say, grinning dazedly.

You look incredibly unwell, but you're touching him, joking around with him. His heart pounds.

Then you groan and put your hand to your head, and he's whirled into action again.

The next half hour is hard to remember in full detail. You're so tired.

These are the glimpses you're conscious enough for:

Mando lifts you up, even with his bad back, and sits you up properly. He gets painkillers from the 'fresher, which you try to refuse, but he practically force-feeds them to you. He gives you his water canteen and tells you to take twenty sips of it.

He holds a cloth to your nose and tells you to blow your nose into his hand, which is mortifying, but you're too dazed to do otherwise.

He uses a cold, damp cloth to wipe your face and neck down, which makes your skin erupt in goosebumps.

"Too cold," you grumble.

"Almost done, baby."

The heat that rushes through you at the sound of his gruff, modulated voice calling you 'baby' almost cures your chills for a second.

"Can I hold you?" the Mandalorian asks softly.

If you were awake, you'd freak out about this ridiculously attractive and emotionally distant man making an offer like that, but being held just sounds nice right now, so you whisper, "Yeah."

Next thing you know, the battle-hardened, ruthless Mandalorian bounty hunter is sitting behind you, one arm around your torso, the other stroking your forehead.

You're in between his legs, your back against his chest.

This is not how you thought your recovery from illness would go.

You find you don't have any reason to complain.

His armour's a little cold, and it shocks you at first, but once your feverish body heat warms it up, it's soothing. He smells good - beskar doesn't have that tangy scent so many metals have; it's cleaner, earthier. He smells warm, inviting, human.

You like this Mandalorian. Quite a lot, as Mandalorians go. And just as a person in general.

He chuckles; a deep, comforting rumble that you feel in your back ribcage before you hear it.

"What're you laughin' at?" you mumble, burrowing the side of your head into his chest

Another shorter, breathy chuckle. "What you just said."

Oops. "Didn't mean t' say that. Out loud, I mean."

"I'll forget I heard it."

"No you won't. You remember everything."

The chin of his helmet rests gently against the crown of your head, and he takes a deep breath in.

"Sleep, cyare. I've got you."

#that's the end #get u a man like that #idk where this comes from #he's a good dad so i think he's just generally a good caretaker maybe #din djarin x reader #din djarin x gn reader #din djarin x gn! reader #din djarin x you #din djarin #din djarin x gn!reader

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fayamn · 1 year ago

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Feedee or Feeder: Bridget

This is two scenes with Bridget from Guilty Gear as a feedee or a feeder. Gender neutral reader.

Feedee Bridget

E-Easy as pie...! Ayayay... I'm so full... It's fine I can count on you to prepare my food without the stuff I dislike... Yeah, you know it! Bitter herbs and shiitake mushrooms, bleh... It's not like there is space for that between the sweets and the greasy food huh? It's no good, you're filling me on quite the unhealthy diet... Don't you worry about that, I love all of it. The food, the extra weight, the attention... You just have to accept you've made it hell for me to find cute clothes, meanie! Wait! No fair! You can't threaten me with giving me less food! I know you enjoy this at least as much as I do. And you can't deny it, I almost have the imprint of your hands on my belly by now. All right feed me more, I really want to make my wasted bounty hunting career worth every single pound.

Hmph! Wait! Too fast! My limit? I'm just getting started! You're too eager, my cuteness requires you to be more gentle and - UuurRrrp! Oh... That wasn't very professional of me... Not that there much professional left on display here, except professional eater. And professional cutie of course, you're right. Hmmm... I know you wanted me to keep the handcuff hula-hoop around my waist until my absolute limit... Well... It's now... Oh, I'm dizzy... It's too tight, help me remove it! Hmmm... Aha! Much better! Behold! Unleashed lard! Oh I look so much fatter without that pressing in... I know there's no way I'm ever putting it back on, you're making sure of that - umf! Right Now by schtuffing my fache even - ulp! More. You can wait between two sentences you know, I'm not going anywhere! Urp...

Slow, huh? Of course look at what a blimp you made me! I'm short too, so my BMI shot through the roof... And I'm definitely not burning calories and yo-yo tricks and moving... Don't tell me you think those clumsy weak fat hands are for holding anything more than junk food now! And my flabby legs are for jumping around, I'm not getting an inch off the ground. I'm not even getting off my butt most of the time anyways. Hmph! Woopsies! Oh yeah that was definitely my skirt... Appropriate that my butt ruined it when I was talking about it. It's okay don't bother trying to retrieve it now, no spelunking of my fat rolls until you're done feeding me. Going easy on me? Does it look like I can't take it? Keep the calories coming, I need more belly to cover any indecent parts, and to have more of the cutest thing around~

UuuUurrrRrpp!... Oof! How's this? Okay now I'm reeaaally getting stuffed... Which means... Time to get your hands on my gut. How yeah it's huge and soft and heavy? You bet, I only have the biggest and fattest belly around. So, happy to have engorged, fattened, plumped me this much? Reaching down for the skirt? Good luck digging it out, I'm not budging while you're all up on me, it's too good. Hehe, got you! Did I fluster you pushing your head in my belly fat? S-Stop! You're making me blush~ Ah, your hands feel so good yes! Knead my plump fat dough, I'm so stretched from the stuffing but there is too much blubber on top you can even barely feel it. And what I'm digesting now is gonna make me so much fatter than now, a poor little obese thing that is filling our couch.

Now now, help me get up! I want to lie down, and we're gonna have a way better time in the bedroom anyways. Haaa... Haaa... And I'm up, aha! Huff... Look what I can do! I can stand, I can waddle... Enjoying the show of my gut reaching my thighs? You better, it's not going anywhere. What? No, I'm not jumping, I'm already tired!... Fine, I wanna try too. And... Whao! What happened? I didn't leave the ground did I? But that noise the planks made... That was scary. I better go to the bed before I break something. Well, might break the bed soon given how I'm overfed like a piggy. Aaah, finally! I'm not the nimble thin cutie I used to be... Now I'm a ton more cute~ Well, not yet. You know what? That little walk freed some space in my stomach that requires a snack...

Feeder Bridget

Whoever you are, welcome to the show! Too slow! Whoop, caught ya! Too easy! Mind holding yourself right in my yo-yo string for a while? Let me give your face a good look. Oh, you're cute... But I'm way cuter. And also I don't have a bounty on my face, meanwhile you have, and I'm going to be the one who claims it. You're not going to resist if I unbind you? Yeah, would have guessed you'd try and be a pain in my butt. Guess it's time for plan B then. Or F, for Fattening. Oh yeah, I've tried it before, it's effective at pacifying baddies like you. Oh, I wouldn't? Don't underestimate the cute ones! You already did, that's why you're bound and on the floor, and you're the one of us that is going to be morbidly obese and all docile soon. How's that? Woo boy... I'm definitely going to prefer you with cheeks too puffed up to protest.

Of course I'm prepared for that, I gotta admit it's super fun. How about a treat? Take this! Here we go! The little candy I made you swallow is just gonna make you fat. How did I get that? Money can get you a lot. Looking plushier already. And it's just the beginning! My yo-yo string is starting to feel snug huh? Don't worry, you won't break it, it's pretty solid. Not soft, unlike what you're getting. What's this, getting tubby aren't you? Ripping? Oh, that's your clothes, still not my yo-yo. Let me check those legs... Yeah should be fine, those are soft and plump now~ Here's a bonus! I should have told you before, but the fat forms by reducing your muscles, so you're gonna feel extra weak. And you're gonna feel that because you'll be. As soft and weak as a plushie!

Here you go. Get going! You're free! Are you even trying? Just kidding of course. must be so hard to be obese and weak now. Aha, you're waddling already? Out of breath... Come on, you're not that fat. You're still squeezed in your clothes! Although that's not an outfit I'd be going outside with. Huh, you're kidding me? So not cute, I'm glad I made you ruin it with lard. Too bad there aren't any cute outfits that's going to fit you once I'm done fattening you up. You thought it was over? Not done yet~ The first candy did well, but I'm sure you're gonna try something, you're not fat enough! Want some more? No? Come on, you'll love this! Oh of course it's too much. I don't know the meaning of quit. And you just had not to act tough. Aren't you happy you're given attention and a new body?

Here it goes! You're growing again! Aww, it's already too late for escaping... How slow do you waddle? My casual walking outpaces you. Aaah, giving up, that's more like it. Or is it the lack of muscles in your legs now with the extra blubber to lug around? Oh you're so tired. You're done! Just as your clothes, geez. It's so indecent... Luckily you have a natural apron to hide your crotch huh? Might have to roll you in now. I hope they'll recognize you with your bounty poster, because that lard has made you quite the disguise. I guess we'll find out when we get there. What's that look? Embarrassed? I mean, you should be, you're a bloated fatty standing in the shreds of your former clothes, just for being caught for your bounty by the cutest bounty hunter there is.

There! Come here... Oh, you won't move now? How frustrating! What can I do... It's not my first bounty not cooperating after extreme obesity you know? And I know exactly what to do with a piggy your size. Aww, blushing? Read you like a book. You're enjoying this, all of this, right fatty? Come on, you like having a cutie like me groping you, teasing you? What a wonderful thing I did to engorge you like you're cattle, don't you think? I'll charge up your batteries for you to walk, a massage of your massive body will be enough huh? Let me press right there... Aww, what a cute burp. Good, I'm sure you're going to enjoy it. I might give you a treat too if you beg enough. And if that's not enough to make you follow me, I guess I'll have to drag you in with my yo-yo string around your neck like a leash. Are you ready? Because I sure am!

#faywrites #Feedee or Feeder #trans feedee #trans feeder #bridget best girl

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age-of-greta · 2 years ago

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The Moon

The Moon represents illusion and deception, and therefore often suggests a time when something is not as it appears to be. Perhaps a misunderstanding on your part, or a truth you cannot admit to yourself.

Author’s note: hi!! welcome back to the moon! Things are falling into place now… as always, I proofread but typos happen. No posting schedule for this one. But all parts will be posted Wednesdays at midnight EST. How about them teasing us with this new album huh???? Anyway! Enjoy :)

Parings: Sam x reader & Jake x reader

Warnings: cursing, alcohol consumption, drug use, angst

Word count: 3.1k

PART 7:

It’s been two days since what happened with Jake. You haven’t spoken to him since. You had a brief conversation with Danny about their trip, but that was about it. You felt like you were going crazy. Did you hallucinate the things that happened between you and Jake? The things he said to you? It was all you could think about. There was so much anxiety in your body at all times hoping he would call or text you. Which is why when your phone rang you nearly jumped out of your skin. But it was Sam. You answered.

“Hey Birdie. What are you up to this fine morning?”

You clear your throat in an attempt to sound normal. “Nothing too exciting. Just working through some emails.”

Sam scoffs. “Sounds positively enthralling. So, funny story, I was unpacking my bags and I came across the stringiest black bikini I think I have ever seen. For a minute I got it confused with mine, but then I checked the size and realized it must be yours from the beach trip.”

You chuckle at his antics. “Oh shit yeah I definitely thought I had left it in the airbnb. I’m glad to know it’s safe and sound with you though. Sorry I must have thrown it in your bag or something.”

Sam laughs. “It’s quite alright. Would you like for me to bring it to you?”

Then a devious idea pops into your head.

“Actually, you know what? I can come by and grab it. I have to head over there anyway to stop by the office within the next hour.” You lie.

“Yeah sure, cool.” Sam says. “I’ll see you soon then?”

“Mhm I’ll be leaving here in a bit. I’ll bring over an early lunch.” You say, thinking of ways you could stall in the house.

“Birdie, you’re too good to me.” Sam says.

Then you hang up and sprint into your bathroom. Thankfully, you had already showered and done your hair. You really did need to go by the office, but that wasn’t until later. But you couldn’t wait. You had to see Jake. You had to know how he would react. You threw on a black skirt with a white tank top and a light knit cardigan. Then you threw on a pair of tall black boots, chunky gold hoops, and did some makeup. Finally you sprayed yourself down and threw on your sunglasses. This was record timing that you were ready. On the way you stopped by and got you and Sam salmon bowls from a local cafe. Then you arrived at their house. You saw Jake’s car sitting there and a wave of hope ran through your body. You collected yourself and went up to the door. You were greeted by Sam.

“You look lovely per usual.” He says, embracing you in a hug.

“Why thank you. I brought us salmon bowls.” You say holding up your offering.

Sam takes the food bag from you and says. “You’re an angel.” Before escorting you to the kitchen.

Josh and Danny are in the living room, but there’s no sign of Jake.

“Damn you didn’t bring your own cousin anything?” Danny asks, throwing his hands up in faux disbelief.

You chuckle. “Hey I’m repaying a favor here.”

He waves his hand off at you while Josh gives you a big smile. You and Sam sit down at the island and he immediately goes into conversation. You try to listen and participate, but your eyes are wandering around the house. Where is he? You continue to poke around at your bowl.

“Something on your mind?” Sam asks, in a lower voice.

You shake your head. “No, I'm good. It’s just been a strange past few days with work and all.”

“Well if you need a little escapism just know I’m your guy. We can go anywhere you want.” Sam offers.

You smile at him. For a moment Sam had made you feel better. You felt grounded. But that was yanked right out after you once you heard their front door unlatch. In walks Jake with a cocky smirk on his face. Then Danny and Josh start clapping and cheering at him.

“I take it your night went well?” Josh says, in a tone you can’t quite describe.

“Oh you bet your ass it did. Look at him, she did a number on him.” Danny chimes in, nudging Josh.

She?

Jake laughs. He doesn’t see you yet.

He opens his mouth to speak, but his eyes look over at Sam- then he sees you. Immediately that smirk is gone off of his face. You can tell by his demeanor and disheveled appearance he had just come back from sleeping with someone. You feel your heart physically shatter.

Jake quickly approaches you. “I didn’t know you were here.”

You nod your head. “Yeah I’m just grabbing something from Sam.”

“Oh shit, yeah let me go get that.” Sam says, getting up.

Jake just stares at you, he looks concerned. Like he knows how fucked up all of this is. You stare back at him blankly. Neither one of you speak a word to one another. Then Sam is back.

“Here you go. I was going to wash it, but with all of these strings I didn’t know how that would go.” Sam says.

You snap yourself out of your trance and force a smile on your face. “Thank you Sam. I actually better be off. I still have to go by the office. I’ll catch you later though.”

Sam boos you. “But you just got here!”

“Not all of us can live the lifestyle of a rockstar.” You say through a chuckle, but then immediately glare into Jake’s eyes after.

Jake sucks in his cheeks and hangs his head down a bit. You say your goodbyes and then get out of these as fast as you can. You don’t even make it to your car before the tears start flowing. You didn’t make it into the office that day.

You were gutted. It had been days since you left your apartment. You spoke to Margo briefly and then shut off your phone, only answering emails that you needed to for work. Honestly you weren’t even too sure what day it was. You decided today you would try to be a little better. So you got in the shower. You really ended up just sitting down until the water turned cold, but you did manage to bathe. Then you brushed your teeth and combed your hair. You slapped on some moisturizer and decided that was good enough. Then you changed into a huge t-shirt and sleep shorts. With your wet hair still dripping down your back, you decided you needed some tea. So you began the process of making green tea and threw a bagel in the toaster while you were up. It was bad, but you had absolutely neglected your body while you were wallowing in self-pity. If you ate, it was nothing more than a bag of chips or whatever candy you found in your drawer. When all of your things were ready, you decided to sit at your table and eat. It was a sunny day out, maybe you would go for a walk. You think the sadness had left your body, now you only harbored anger and resentment. You hated feeling this way, but nothing could change your mind. Then, your doorbell rang. You had no idea who it would be, but a small part of you hoped it was Jake. Hoping he would be there saying it was all a misunderstanding. That he’s sorry. But when you opened the door you saw Sam.

Sam doesn’t say anything at first. He just stares up at you, maybe even a little concerned. Then finally, he hits you with a “Hi.”

“Hi. Danny isn’t here.” You say softly.

Sam makes a face at you. “I know that. Can I come in?”

You nod your head and allow him inside. Your place could have been cleaner, that’s for sure. But Sam never said a word about it.

“Birdie. Are you okay? You’ve been radio silent the past few days. I came over to check on you because I was worried.” Sam says as soon as he’s inside.

“I’m fine. Just have a lot going on right now.” You say, not really looking Sam in the eye.

He bites his lip. “Do you want to talk about it?”

You shake your head. “No actually. I think that’s the last thing I want to do.”

“Okay.” Sam says, walking off to your living room and plopping down.

You huff a laugh. “What are you doing?”

Sam smiles up at you. “Not talking about it.”

You smile at him. You think it’s the first time in days that your mouth has made this shape.

“I’m not going to let you sit here and mope around on such a beautiful day. Go put on some outside clothes.” Sam says.

“Sam-“ you start.

“Nope!” He says, putting his hand up. “I’m not hearing it. Come on now, daylight is wasting.”

A part of you wants to just go crawl into bed. But you decide to do as Sam says. You hair is almost dried at this point, so you let it go naturally wavy. Then pull out a simple sage green sundress. It’s spaghetti strapped and linen material that comes to your lower thigh. You decide to forgo a bra and slip on brown sandals with it. You put on a small gold necklace and some pearl studs. Then slap on concealer, a little bronzer, and brushed through your lashes. This was all you had energy for so you decided it was good enough. On the way out you grabbed a pair of tortoise shell sunglasses and sprayed yourself with perfume.

You came back to Sam about twenty minutes later announcing you were ready. He complimented you and then you were off. You really didn’t know where exactly you were going, but it felt good to leave your house.

Sam didn’t talk much on the way there. He just put on music and asked you if it was okay if he rolled the windows down. You said yes. Before long you couldn’t tell what hair was yours and what was Sam’s when the wind was flowing through, but it felt peaceful. The sun on your face, wind through your hair, music playing softly like the soundtrack of your life. You looked over briefly at Sam. He had a content smile on his face and gripped the wheel with one hand. You took in a deep breath and thought everything was going to be okay.

Eventually, Sam had pulled up outside of a park.

“Ready?” He asked, unbuckling his seatbelt.

You smile and nod.

You two casually stroll onto the sidewalk. It was a nice day, so there were quite a few people about. Children were playing and riding bikes. Many people were walking their dogs. Sam couldn’t help but smile and say hello to any dog he saw. That made your heart feel warm.

“So Birdie, how would you feel about ice cream?” Sam asked.

You pretend to contemplate. “Hm. I guess I wouldn’t protest.”

“Great. Because the reason I took you here was for that.”

He turns you and points about fifty yards to your left. There is an ice cream truck with a giant cow on the top.

“You’ve been here before?” You ask.

Sam shakes his head. “No, but it’s listed on trip advisor in the top ten of hidden date sites in Nashville.”

Sam’s cheeks grow pink and he doesn’t say anything else. It’s like he suddenly realized how he worded that.

You notice, but opt to make him feel comfortable so you smile. “Well let’s go.”

You had gotten a strawberry cone while Sam went with a pistachio cone. You two had made your way to a bench. Licking up your ice cream in comfortable silence.

“If you want to talk about what’s bothering you, I hope you know I’ll listen.” Sam suddenly says, softly.

You glance over at him then sigh. “It’s really nothing. Some guys just suck.”

It’s quiet for a moment, then Sam speaks. “Fuck em. Whoever it is, I’m certain you deserve better. Hell, you deserve the world Birdie. Don’t ever settle.”

You smile and reach over, putting your hand on his and give it a squeeze. “Thank you Sammy- and thank you for making me get out today. I feel better.”

Sam smiles and nods. “It’s the ice cream isn’t it?”

You let out a laugh. “Yes, most definitely the ice cream.”

You and Sam had walked around the park for a while until the light began to fade. Truthfully, you had forgotten mostly about your broken heart. You had been caught up in the conversation with Sam. Talking about anything and everything. You had decided to go back to your house to order food and watch a movie.

“Pizza?” Sam asked, sitting down at your counter while you got some seltzers for you two.

Your stomach fell at that. “Pass.”

“Okay. What about Chinese?”

You hum. “Vegetable fried rice and spring rolls?”

Sam smiles. “You’ve got yourself a deal. I’m going to call them. Go change into something comfy.”

You nod and Sam heads outside to call them. You pad back to your room. It feels good to take off the dress and be comfortable. That’s what it was like with Sam, comfortable. You opted for a pair of knit shorts with a large t-shirt. No bra, but the shirt was big enough that it wasn’t super noticeable. Then a pair of fluffy socks. When you headed back out Sam was back on your couch, smirking at you.

You give him a look. “What?”

“The food should be here in about twenty minutes, but I do have some party favors. If that interests you of course.” Sam retorts.

You let out a laugh. “Oh Sam I don’t know if you can keep up.”

“Me? I don’t think you’ll be able to hang Birdie.”

“Glad to see we’re both still degenerates.” You say, sitting down next to Sam.

He smiles at you. “Me too. But let’s eat first so at least we can taste this food. Do you have snacks?”

“Oh yes Sammy. In fact I have nothing but snacks. We will be good to hole up here for the night.”

Sam chuckles. “Perfect.”

The rest of the night consisted of you and Sam eating, smoking, eating again, watching documentaries, smoking again, and eating some more. You had both overcompensated on your tolerance, trying to impress the other. At the end of the night you insisted Sam stay and you both had a sleepover in your living room. It felt nice not to be alone. You had dozed off with your head on Sam’s shoulder, and you woke up in a similar position.

The sun was bright as you batted your eyes. Your mouth was insanely dry. It was hot. Then you realized why. You were in a ball on your couch and Sam was right next to you. You glanced up, he was still out. You needed to stretch so you quietly got up. You pinched your shoulder blades together and felt a satisfying crack. Then you made your way to grab a bottle of water, you drank the whole thing. After you went to pee and brushed your teeth. After you headed back into the living room and laughed at the scene. There were snack wrappers everywhere, blankets strewn about, the tv was still on, and Sam cramped on the couch. You covered him up and began cleaning. It was only a matter of minutes before he was awake.

“Good morning Birdie.” Sam says stretching up.

“Hi Sammy. Happy to know you survived.” You say with a smile.

He laughs. “Yeah me too. But I am going to steal a water.”

Then he’s up heading for your kitchen. He also slams a whole bottle then rejoins you. He jumps right in and helps you clean up everything. He even lights a candle to try and help with the faint odor leftover.

“Can I take you to breakfast?” Sam asks.

That makes your heart beat a little irregular.

“Yes.” You say with a smile.

Sam freshens himself up and you change. Then you’re both at a pancake house. Smiling and giggling at one another over coffee and hash browns. Giddy. That’s the only word you could think of to describe it. Sam had made you feel so at ease. He was caring, sweet, thoughtful, dependable. That was swirling in your head as you listened to him tell you a story about a camping trip he took. His smile made you smile. His laugh made you laugh. You were realizing that you were feeling…feelings? Is that what it was? Or was it a rebound from Jake? Just something to fill the void? You tryed not to think about it too much, but this was different than what you felt for Jake. But you had no idea how to formulate that into words.

“And then a fucking fire broke out from that idiot not dumping water on the embers. I single handedly stopped a massive wildfire from breaking out by sacrificing my favorite flannel.”

You giggled. “So you’re saying you’re the next Smokey the Bear?”

“Damn right. Sammy the lumberjack who was on mushrooms.”

You laugh again at him.

“Can I get y’all anything else?” The waitress asks.

“No ma’am. Just a check please.” Sam responds.

The waitress rips off your ticket and lays it on the table.

Sam picks it up without hesitation and pulls out his phone and wallet. “So I was thinking.” He says. “Would you like to get dinner later maybe? I have to run by the studio for a bit to work on some keys, but after I would like to take you to this vegetarian cafe. You don’t have to if you don’t want to or anything-“

“I’d love to.” You say with a smile.

Sam smiles back at you and lets out a breath. “Great. Ah shit, do me a favor Birdie. My phone is dead. Can you calculate twenty percent?”

You nod and begin to dig through your bag. You hadn’t really touched your phone in a few days. You turned it on and immediately became bombarded with messages. A few from Margo, Sam, one from Danny, and then…fuck.

One from Jake.

Can we talk?

That was it. He sent it yesterday. Nausea washes over you.

“You okay?” Sam asks, brows furrowed.

You swallow. “Yeah, yeah. What was the total?”

Sam told you and you calculated it, then turned your phone off again. You knew you couldn’t continue on like this.

You had to let it go.

You had to let Jake go.

***

• thank u for reading :)

#greta van fic #greta van fleet #greta van fleet fic #jake gvf #jake kiszka #jake kiszka x reader #sam gvf #sam kiszka #sam kiszka x reader #the moon #jake x reader #sam x reader #jake kiszka fic #sam kiszka fic #Sammy kiszka fic

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regallibellbright · 1 year ago

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I continue to play Fashion Game!

And the more I play in offline mode, the more range I’m seeing from the men’s fashion, which is unironically great. I’ve got cute pink pants with like, candy appliques! And a vampire coat! I suspect that part of the reason why I haven’t seen them in online as much is that that stuff is rarer by default than the hoodies and oversized pants, so a lot of players haven’t unlocked them (because seriously, you can’t throw a rock in online mode without hitting at least four gothic or sweet lolita dresses, I’m pretty sure the goth stuff at least will do numbers once more people have it, and I HAVE seen quite a few user-designed variants of the Type B sailor shirt.) But also, as implied by that parenthetical, some styles are just more popular in general, and on the menswear side it is definitely that particular cool-casual look with a tendency towards dark colors. Which, hey, is actually a fashion trend and not Stock Photo Model. Given how limited the menswear was in the Style Savvys, it is great to FINALLY see some proper range and willingness to go into subcultures on that side.

A note: Yeah I noticed I refer to the character models as Type A and Type B but the clothes as actively gendered. That’ll likely keep up. For those of you tuning in at home, Type A is the one that has boobs. Hairstyles, makeup, face shape and those details, facial hair, and I think idle poses aren’t locked to frame, which is great. It’s very doable to design a character who’s androgynous, and in fact there are a couple NPCs who are Type B with very feminine haircuts. (I haven’t really seen the same thing with Type A NPCs that I recall - there’s a few with short hair but I think they all wear makeup - but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.) Unfortunately, the clothes (except hats, glasses, and earrings) ARE locked to frame, and the styles there are more gendered. Even the “cool” clothes for Type A tend to be pretty fitted, for example, and shorts tend to be shorter than their Type B counterparts. There are, of course, no skirts, dresses, or high heels for Type B that I have found, and even the “cute” clothes still read pretty masculine. I’ve yet to encounter leggings for Type A, though there are tights.

And this is pretty unfortunate because there are items on both sides that I’d like to mix and match - I just unlocked a fun color-blocked hoodie for Type A I think would look great on Type B, and I’d like to wear the sailor shirt that’s unlocked for Type B on my Type A character instead of a full-on dress with a hoop skirt. (Also, leggings. I love leggings. I love to wear them under dresses and skirts. Tights just aren’t the same.) Type A characters should be able to wear oversized stuff, and Type B ones should get to wear skirts and dresses. As far as I can tell it should be possible to create two characters whose only difference is frame (though I’m not entirely certain about the body type/height evening out, and haven’t tried naming the characters the same thing,) and I’ve yet to see the NPCs refer to you differently depending on model, but that’s an obviously imperfect solution. It doesn’t allow you to mix styles, it won’t work for players who want to dress one way but still have a frame that matches them, and while you CAN make four characters who share a save and progress, if you wanted them all to be different characters this limits you.

Also, as far as I can tell, to change characters - or change from offline to online mode or vice versa - you have to close the game and start again.

But anyway, I think I’ve gone on enough about both the gender lock (and have now articulated my issues with it beyond principle) and the state of the masculine fashion (SO MUCH IMPROVED.) More under the cut!

First: It is VERY CLEAR this game was designed for online first and foremost, to the point where, if you DON’T have it, I would recommend you skip this one. The fashion’s great, and it’s very PLAYABLE offline, but.

Okay, so let me break down the core gameplay loop. You enter a Cocoon (the little game settings, with the central conceit that this is essentially an MMO of sorts and you are encountering other players’ “Muses” - characters - and becoming an influencer in the game world of Eve. This is why using a different Muse doesn’t change how other NPCs react to you - you’re clearly the same player with a different account.) You encounter other characters and Like their clothes, receiving any items you Like and don’t have. You can then dress them up as you see fit. NPCs will have specific wishes (a particular style, or color, or item,) and Player profiles include spaces to fill out their preferred style, favorite color and print, and an item they want. (You can also pick “anything” for at least two of those.) Making outfits gets you E-Points, both from the customer and in your little social media sidebar. You can use these E-Points in two ways: To buy items for a showcase (essentially a storefront, though clothes are free,) and to make your own pieces using patterns in the design section. You can obtain patterns that don’t use E-Points from gacha machines in each setting, based off the theme - the city at night area full of neon lights and graffiti has “cool” clothes, for example, while the whimsical fantasy world full of giant teddy bears and castles has pop and I believe sweet lolita. You can also get a sense of what setting has which themes in offline mode in the “Pop Up Arena”s each area has, which have boards based on the current trends and one in each setting with clothes popular there specifically that you can like and obtain. (This isn’t NOT the case for online, but again: Some styles are way more popular than others. I saw way more of a mix in the online boards.) I’m pretty sure the pattern items are only available through the gachas.

But you also have designs that you can make unlimitedly, they just cost E-Points even once you’ve unlocked them. These start at like, 500 E-Points for basic items, but increase in rarity as you go, and you unlock more as your design rank and influencer rank go up. The max-rarity stuff costs in the realm of 100,000 E-Points at a time.

This sounds intimidatingly huge, right? Yeah, it’s a lot… If you’re playing in offline mode, anyway. There even a longer play session is probably going to earn you around 30,000. But ONLINE mode scales differently. Someone visiting your showcase in online mode gets you 10,000 points. Liking your items and outfits gets you 20,000 at a time. In other words, I managed to get like 800,000 points in two Online play sessions, so making higher rarity items wasn’t a problem.

There are other differences between the two modes, and reasons to play in either. Offline mode, of course, means you’re encountering the NPCs more. They can unlock things for you as you make them outfits and their friendship levels go up - new hairstyles, photo poses, details like eye shape and color, and even some more patterns for designs. Obviously beneficial. NPCs will still appear in Online Mode, dressed in outfits other players have made for them. But the real highlight of Online Mode is that you can make outfits for other players, and other players can make them for you, and you get to receive those outfits.

Not gonna lie, that part is awesome. I LOVE seeing what other players have dressed my character up in, because there’s clearly a lot of effort that goes into them. Definite highlight of the experience. Players can also send you stamps - “Thanks!” or “Nice!” - and choose to follow you and check in on your showcase whenever. Some of the Style Savvy games had multiplayer experiences, but the only parts you could really do online were a shopfront - where you could buy premade outfits the players had made, which as an aside meant that a lot of players would take the rare late-game items when they found them and put them in the online shop so people could get them way earlier, which was great - and sometimes fashion shows. Being able to get another player as a customer and make an outfit for them was pretty much always limited to Streetpass when it was available.

Which I imagine would be doable if you encounter other people who have played the game, bring their 3DS with them, and have Streetpass enabled. However, I live in North America, which means I don’t think I’ve ever met another Style Savvy player in the flesh. The games by all accounts did quite well in Japan and Europe - there’s a reason why the last two straight up used the EU localization rather than relocalize for North America* - but here, they tanked. I got Streetpasses fairly frequently in the 3DS’s heyday, sure, but for any given game-specific Streetpass function it was a crapshoot and I NEVER got them for Style Savvy.

*Just to list the most noticeable differences, you’d get UK spellings of things like “curb/kerb”, the hair that covers your forehead was referred to as a “fringe” rather than “bangs,” and a character in Trendsetters who reappeared in Fashion Forward who had a different appearance and name between regions used the European version in Fashion Forward, which made it harder to recognize she was intended to be a crossover character in North America. Nothing that seriously impacted gameplay, but since this was the pair of games where you could unlock hair styling, the fringe thing did take a little getting used to. The playerbase was seriously worried we wouldn’t get Fashion Forward in North America AT ALL, and Style Star was released exclusively digitally here, so I don’t think anyone was bothered by getting the EU localization since the alternative was “jailbreak your 3DS” at a time when that required buying a specific game or two to set up.

So yeah. The online multiplayer? Fantastic. Genuinely love it as an experience. But this also means the game’s longevity is directly dependent on there being plenty of people PLAYING in online mode, because if you aren’t getting online Likes, rarer items are prohibitively expensive to produce. There IS a way to get more E-Points… in addition to them, when you design outfits for people you get a few items for unlockables. One is used to buy props for photos, another is of course used for the gacha (my beloathed,) but most commonly, you’ll get tickets for a set of bingo machines in each area.

Genuine question: Does anyone actually enjoy bingo? Like, the traditional version where you get a board of numbers or arbitrary symbols that are pulled out at random? I get that it’s a social gathering thing, but this is single-player bingo. I get that it’s a form of gambling, but even with that in mind I was playing the bingo machines and finding this Skinner Box deeply ineffective. You hit A. A number or symbol comes up. You hit A again. But I’ve also never enjoyed bingo so I may be biased. There are two machines, a 9-square grid with a limited number of cute symbols where I’m pretty sure you’ll always get a hit and need three in a row to win, and a 25-square grid that uses numbers and matches 5. You will not always get a hit on the match-5. There are bonuses for managing to hit double bingo, triple bingo, quadruple bingo (in the match 5,) or for getting it remarkably quick (below 25 turns on the match 5) or remarkably slow (I have… no idea how long it takes to hit slow. I have spent more than fifty in one go to burn the damn things down to reasonable numbers, and still did not get the slow modifier. It is LONG.) It’s a dull and unpleasant sequence, even by the standards of gambling, and I only spend those tickets to get rid of them since they’re way more common than gacha tickets. (Which incidentally I hate, there’s no way to transfer your excess bingo tickets into an unlock item you actually want. I hate that this game has a gacha mechanic but at least that machine lets you spend in groups of 10.)

So yeah, if you don’t have online mode, or if the online player base dies down, you’ll eventually be functionally locked out of a core mechanic except by playing BINGO, because the point costs are balanced towards online. Now, if you just want ro dress people up with the brand items, that’s very doable, but since one of the central things this game was sold on was designing your own stuff, it’s not a great situation to be relying on bingo.

And you know, on the one hand? There are plenty of games that are functionally dependent on multiplayer. Fortnite, for example. Fighting games. The original Starcraft is one of the oldest esports, and it and Starcraft II still have HUGE professional scenes to this day. Hell, a lot of big online action games don’t even HAVE a single player mode, or what they have serves as much as a tutorial/warmup space as anything else. So you know, why NOT do that with a fashion game? Why SHOULDN’T there be more creative community-based games? Super Mario Maker was a hit with the Kaizo/romhack community, and that’s super-niche, but I’ve never worried about ITS longevity. (I’ve also never been particularly interested, granted, since I don’t usually play platformers due to the whole “my particular disabilities make anything harder and more precise than Kirby a challenge” thing. Love watching them, never gonna try them.)

But on the other hand, it is a concern. Inevitably, Nintendo will move on from the Switch and eventually its online servers will go down. That’s unavoidable, and a thing people bring up as a concern about ALL these online-only games and the potential for the experience to be lost. (Hell, as WoW Classic demonstrates, even experiencing a still-running game in an older state is a thing you eventually can’t do as those games inevitably change.) Any given Style Savvy will still be playable through legitimate means once Nintendo closes the 3DS/Wii U online services next year, provided you already own them. (The original DS game is on the Wii U VC.) This isn’t really going to be the case here. Given we are pretty firmly in the “late” stage of the Switch’s lifecycle and everyone knows it, that is a thing to worry about.

More than that, I’m personally concerned about an issue I had with Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer. Like Fashion Dreamer, you had basically unlimited options for designs once you hit a certain point, with just a vague prompt to work towards. And I really liked HHD for a while! But over time, once I had unlocked most of the items, it got pretty same-y - there was no budget or anything, so there was no reason not to use basically the same layouts and items over and over again, and then I eventually just stopped playing because I realized I’d fallen into a rut. In Style Savvy, the shop management aspects serve as a blocker on that - you don’t always have the same items in stock, and you have to manage inventory in every game but Style Star. The real-time aspects of Fashion Forward and the original mean you have to plan around what items you’ll have for certain brands in case you don’t get a good selection of sneakers or Marble Lily isn’t available that day. Customers have budgets that you have to manage around when you’re designing an outfit. They’re limitations, but they’re limitations that keep you from making the same outfit forever, and that extends the game’s longevity. Don’t get me wrong, I’m decently creative in these kinds of games - my Animal Crossing houses may not be the kind of pure spectacle you get from the REALLY fancy people, but I’m still really proud of the island design I settled on for New Horizons because it both has a consistent aesthetic that I like, and was designed for ease of play. (Since I spent most of the two years and change I was regularly playing New Horizons with what I affectionately call the murder tendonitis, doing things like keeping the villagers and shops relatively close together was important so I could play efficiently.) I have fun with the design aspects in this game. But most people aren’t going to play HHD or this indefinitely. The fatigue is a known phenomenon. In HHD, it wasn’t a problem when the uploads to the little Nook Social Media thing slowed down, and it survived the fall of Miiverse - these weren’t essential components of the game, and you could continue unlocking the story mode and furniture on your own. But for an online multiplayer game, that fatigue becomes a very real concern. Now, I’ve yet to see a pattern that I DON’T believe is based off a premade item from the game’s brand. You can dress the NPCs as many times as you want. But again, the designing aspect is balanced towards online play, and it’s a core feature. The point of the game is to “build your fashion brand as an influencer.”

Okay, so, we have the good and the bad, we have the things I find interesting and the things I find concerning. Now for the ugly:

The core loops of dressup and design are fine, and I’m sure people who enjoy photo mode more than I habitually do are having fun there, but they aren’t really integrated together well. The “like clothes - dress up everyone in the area - move onto the next area” loop works fine. “Make clothes, level up your design level, make more clothes” as a loop works fine. But it’s easy to get caught up in one or the other without any great incentive to switch over unless someone wants an item you already have, or you run out of E-Points (and again, the scaling there is intense). I have way more keys and patterns I haven’t used yet than is probably wise, just because I get caught in the dressup loop more often.

And a lot of the game is clunky. Like, mechanically. Your player character moves fairly slowly even at a run. The setting layouts differ by area, and the maps for them all show the same “Main Area with Salon on one side and Pop Up Arena on the other” for fast travel. It’s not particularly intuitive to figure out what’s a dead end and how you get to different spaces and what’s interactable or not. Not helping things is the fact that how the areas relate to each other… doesn’t always make logical sense. Like, I’m pretty sure I can enter one area of the cool setting from both the direct north and direct south of another. I get that this is, like, a VR setting or whatever, but it’s hard to make sense of.

You can fast travel to figure out to get where you need to go, but that’s not really explained - despite a tip text box-heavy tutorial, it doesn’t tell you up front how to travel from one big area to the next when you unlock them, you just have to notice the button prompt at the bottom of the screen to bring up the map and then the second prompt to bring up the list of areas. Not an unforgiveable design crime, but like I said, awkward. The tutorial, in general, just sort of walks you through the bare minimum to open online mode and then drops off entirely - it doesn’t clearly tell you how to do… quite a lot, really, and the UI isn’t the WORST I’ve ever seen but it does feature small white text on a light blue background, sort of things. There are ways to mass-like OUTFITS, and to individually like items from that, but not individual items in the showcases (on racks or display shelves or the like) or from the pop up arena boards. Little things about the UI and menuing experience are just a bit off.

Meanwhile, reaching Platinum Influencer Rank happens at 10,000 followers (these are just sort of gained arbitrarily as you do outfits? They clearly have no relation to real players as you get them in offline mode, and NPCs will have a special event where they decide to follow you as you level up with them, but that doesn’t seem to DO anything.) This is a gate so low that it feels like THAT is the real end of tutorial - it happened unceremoniously in the middle of my third play session or so when I checked my notifications to get E-points, at which point the “Guide Muse” from the tutorial gave a little speech about how you’ve spread and received Likes all over the world and made people happy, and then we went straight into an agonizingly long credits sequence. And like I do not begrudge the devs a credit sequence, I know this is an important thing for them to have on their resumes because studios will ask about it. But usually there’s clear buildup to that point so you know it’s coming, and you’re out of the “this is normal gameplay” mindset. This just drops you in, spends eleven minutes (yeah, I checked) on a very slow sequence through every NPC you’ve met and location you’ve seen (as well as the final big game area, which you unlock after the credits - not that the game tells you this,) and is not particularly visually interesting or, since you will reach it so early, particularly meaningful. And then it boots you back to the title screen.

And frustratingly, while there IS a way to go from category to category for designs, looking at your inventory of clothes and dressing up? Yeah, there is a filter, but only using the search. And the search itself is ONLY to filter out what big category (pants, tops, hats, etc,) you’re looking for - you can’t do subcategories like distinguishing between jackets and cardigans, (it’s been a bit of a pain when the game asks me for a “shirt” and means a specific subclass of items within the tops category) or specific colors, or what items are in which styles. This last one is probably so that you have flexibility, particularly if you get inventive with colors and turn, say, a pair of camouflage leggings into a sort of pink speckling that can fit if people want cute/cool outfits. Makes sense. It also makes it easier for items to belong in multiple categories at once. But I still haven’t necessarily worked out the difference between active, relaxed, and simple, or what specific looks are clumped together under “unique”. (Historically, it could include everything from boho-chic to psychedelic vintage to gothic lolita. In the same game.) I’m pretty sure sweet lolita is considered cute, but I couldn’t tell you right now where pop kei is being listed. I’ve been asked repeatedly now for “neon colors” by NPCs and while I suspect that’s a color palette category, I haven’t unlocked it at all yet and therefore have NO IDEA if anything but the most electric eye-searing green I’ve gotten in a few items counts toward it. The downside of this game being so vibes-based is that a lot of aspects are trial and error - and when you get fewer hearts from NPC outfits, you don’t really know exactly what went wrong. There will be requests for items that are rare or “mega-rare,” but while there are numbers listing each item’s rareness designation, the game does not see fit to tell you when it crosses from standard to rare, or rare to mega-rare. Or if you can use an item at a higher rarity for a lower-rarity request. Not to mention, because the only way to narrow down items by category is the search, scrolling through all the dresses every time to get to outerwear is a massive pain. Instead of making the shoulder buttons the broad categories, they bring up your total inventory, your favorites, and quick suggestions for the specific NPC… based off their default style, I suspect. Having a favorites toggle isn’t a bad idea, but at the expense of not having to load every item of your caps-at-5000 wardrobe that fits the body type you’re working at… mngh. This should be obvious. It IS obvious, because they do it for design. The sub-shoulder buttons (specifically, ZL) is designated for a sorter that allows you to do things by how recently they were acquired (the default, gag me), the category, rarity, and whether or not to prioritize your brand as you search. This is good and excellent, and I feel like either favorites should have been grouped with this or SOMETHING because it’s so irritating not to have a category sort by default and a more detailed search (and the process of searching and removing filters is… oddly unintuitive, in ways I can’t quite explain? Like, there’s something about what buttons it has you pressing at various times that just doesn’t click with me no matter how many times I do it. This happens with a lot of aspects of gameplay, they’re just… mildly awkward.)

Miscellaneous points that are fairly neutral:

* I think at least one NPC’s level progression is bugged for me. Pretty sure it’s a bug because his heart has an exclamation point over it but he KEEPS ASKING for normal requests. I also have what I’m pretty sure is either a glitch or a recurring issue with Marvelous, depending on whether I’m remembering correctly that this is a problem with AWL as well: I play exclusively in undocked mode with joycons detached due to lingering stuff with the murder tendonitis, and every time I boot this game up, it needs a minute to re-recognize the joycons. This may well be a problem only I personally experience because I play in a pretty unusual setup, or maybe there’s something wrong with my Switch or my joycons, but who knows.

* Back on “the character creator is much improved”: Noses are an option you can determine now, where before I think every character got Generic Animation Small Nose’. Nice! The skin tones have a much wider range than Style Star’s “four, and the darkest is Pastel Grayish Taupe for a player character,” which is good because that was downright shameful. The PC had fewer options than NPCs did, and the one we had was so terrible. I am not the person who can tell you how this game handles the lighting or makeup for various skintones (I am white, notably bad at judging lighting in general, and haven’t played much with makeup at all here, and there’s clearly a lot still to unlock,) but it has cleared the EXTREMELY low bar of “being better than Style Star.” Within the A and B body types there’s another range of nine types each that are mostly height, but there is SOME variation in proportions - you’re stuck with your character being thin, unfortunately, but I noticed some of the Type B frames had broader shoulders than the others and there was definitely SOME kind of shift with the Type As but I can’t articulate what. They might have slightly longer torsos in proportion to arms/legs within the same height type? I’m not sure, I’d have to check again with both of my current characters. Again, this is better than the Style Savvy games’ “at maximum, three heights that are the same proportions but taller” by a significant margin. Like with the men’s fashion, still not perfect, but a genuine improvement.

* It appears that the Type A and Type B models have different run cycles - A’s being a bit “floatier” for lack of a better term. It’s not terrible, and I haven’t checked to see if using the same idle animation changes the cycle or anything, but yeah, distinct difference viewed side by side.

* NPC lines are nowhere near as involved as the ones in Style Savvy (where you’d get requests like “I need a red dress so when I spill spaghetti sauce on it, it won’t show!” and “I was watching this superhero show I liked as a kid and I want earrings like the dark antihero girl wears… wait maybe I should wait to do her pose when I get home,”) but they do seem to all be unique NPCs - each one gets a little adjective in front of their name, they have specific-to-them dialogue when you make outfits, and when you get their level up events they’ll have equally specific lines for that. It’s not anything I’d call involved enough to be a storyline, but while the lines are short they are distinct.

#regalli plays fd #long post #and it’s longer under the cut #a lot I genuinely like about it; a lot where I find it’s… eh.#and seriously there is just such an AWKWARDNESS in how it plays and controls that I don’t understand given the studios involved #but the dressup is very fun and I love online mode.

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frozenrose13 · 4 months ago

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what if we turn the silver shoes into hooves anyways

would we rather fancy event hooves or silver shoes that match sm we cannot wear

wait

...at all

at all.

we cant wear that at all anymore even if it does still fit us (doubt) but that hoop skirt definitely will not fit in powerchair

well fuck

guess were making hooves.

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whitepolaris · 9 months ago

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Mayhayley Lancaster, Soothsayer and Witch

By most any definition, Mayhayley Lancaster was a witch. Born on October 18, 1875, she lived in the ancient family cabin made of hewn logs for most of her life. She wore short silk skirts, fancy hats, large hoop earrings, and multiple rings. Her one good eye peered from behind gold-rimmed glasses perched at the end of her nose.

Mayhayley began telling fortunes by age twelve. As an adult, she worked hard and purchased rental property, owned several businesses, raised livestock, and farmed cotton and corn. She became one of Heard County's richest citizens and even ran for the state senate. Her fame spread across Georgia and Alabama.

Mayhayleyadvised gamblers on t he numbers they should play, pregnant women about the sex of their babies, singles on whom they would marry, and told could if they should wed. She "found" all manner of lost and stolen property. "It's not a learned gift," she told Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Celestine Sibley. "It's a borned gift."

Local law enforcement held Mayhayley in high esteem, not because they believed in her special talents, but because criminals came to her to discover if they would get caught. In 1948, she was at the center of a case followed by the entire nation. John Wallace was a powerful landowner in Meriwether County. When his cattle were stolen, he paid a visit to Mayhayley to find out who had done it. Mayhayley told him it was Wilson Turner, a tenant farmer, but she warned Wallace not to harm Turner.

Wallace ignored her advice. He chased Turner into Coweta County, killed him, then threw his body into an abandoned well on his vast property.

"You killed him anyway, didn't you?" Mayhayley demanded when Wallace returned to see her. "Death, danger, destruction!" she shouted. "The evil deed will see the light." Then, "Run, run, the trouble's begun. They'll get you, too, before it's all done." When asked who would catch him, Mayhayley replied. "A man who is brave, a man who is true, a man who is just as determined as you."

Frightened, Wallace got two sharecroppers to retrieve the body from the well and haul it several miles to a moonshine pit. There it was covered with pinewood and ten gallons of gasoline, which was ignited, and the body was cremated. The ashes were thrown into a creek.

Mayhayley's brave, true, and determined man was Coweta County sheriff Lamar Potts, who became angry when he heard that a murder had been committed in his county. He dispatched his deputies to consult with Mayhayley for details. They paid the standard fee for a reading-a dollar and a dime-the dollar was for her, the dime for a pack of dogs that lived on her land. A deck of cards was cut and the ace of spades-the death card-revealed. Mayhayley placed the back leg hair of a possum in her mouth, then spit into the fire and watched the flames and entered a trance, "having a séance with the spirits," her sister explained.

"I see a terrible fire," Mayhayley said. "Gone from its hiding place . . . men, horses, a truck, fire."

Armed with this information, Potts searched Wallace's property, found the wall, the cremation site, and some human remains.

Mayhayley testified at the trial, and her presence in the courthouse troubled Wallace, who told his layer to "get that damned witch and her spook sister out of here. Every time I look up, I see Mayhayley's glass eye staring at me. She's trying to cast a spell." When Wallace was convicted, his disgusted lawyer commented, "Not since the seventeenth century has the testimony of a witch been allowed in a court of law."

Wallace was executed on November 3, 1950, the first time a property owner was punished for harming a tenant farmer or sharecropper, and Mayhayley became a nationally known celebrity. From across the country came visitors, telephone calls, and mail, all asking for readings. Mayhayley doubled her fee, hiding the proceeds in mattresses and holes in the wall.

Mayhayley died on November 22, 1955, at the age of eighty, and was buried at Caney Head Methodist Church, near Roosterville, in Heard County. Vandals slowly chipped away at her graveyard until only a stub remained, although a new marker now stands beside the original. According to legend, people who take souvenirs from the stone-often students from West Georgia University-suffer bad luck until they return the pieces to the cemetery. One student is alleged to have been killed in a traffic accident after desecrating the grave. Mayhayley's gravestone bears a biblical inscription from John 7:5, written about Jesus but apparently applicable to Mayhayley: For neither did his Brethren believe in him.

Don't Piss Off, or On, Mayhayley!

Made popular by the movie Murder in Coweta County, Mayhayley Lancaster was a woman who was said to have stood on her brother's grave and put one hand on her head and the other on her foot and said, "Everything between these two hands I gave to you Satan." She did it so that she would have psychic abilities. All four of my grandparents actually knew her from different times in their lives. She told my great-grandfather Silus that there was Indian treasure buried on his land and she drew him a map, but because the place where it was supposed to be buried was beneath one of the grain silos, he wouldn't ley anybody dig it up. As far as I know, it could still be there. My grandmother and some of her friends went to see Mayhayley one night, as a joke, to have their palms read. Lancaster told one of the girls that she couldn't read her palm, because she didn't have a future. On the way home, the girls had an accident and that girl was the only one killed. Over the past few years, people have tried to vandalize Mayhayley's grave in some way or another, and they have always experienced very bad misfortune soon after. In one incident, a teenage boy was killed shortly after urinating on her grave. -Kara, GhostForce.com

Seemed Funny at the Time

I knew someone from Carrollton who said that during a prank one night, a friend of his "humped" Mayhaylay's tombstone to be funny and was involved in a pretty serious car accident that same night. -Viv, GhostForce.com

#type read #weird georgia

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keirametzbrassknuckles · 9 months ago

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Bestie I just found a genuine mink fur coat at the thrift store, for $25. I’m kinda in shock and over the moon about this. I’ve been thrifting for years and never found a deal like this before. Anyways: I’m pretty sure it’s mink but it may be a different animal. It’s definitely genuine, but no tag. It’s knee-length, slouchy, and mostly brownish with darker brown (almost black) lines going vertically. I very rarely wear brown tho and I live in the middle of nowhere with no Occassions™️ to wear a fur coat to. So my question is: how do I style this?? Would it be weird to wear it into my 9-5 office job and/or as I’m running errands?? Do you have outfit suggestions??

Oooohhhh!!!! You hit jackpot my friend! Congrats that sounds like an absolutely delectable coat!

I am very pro wearing fur everywhere and at all times especially if you live somewhere cold so don't worry about finding an #occasion(tm). Absolutely wear it to run errands and to work (any side eye you get is flattery in another form) just be mindful of the weather and make sure you take good care of it. Good fur will last forever but no one likes mange lol.

I dont know what you have in your closet or what your usual style is so I can only speak for my own proclivities IRT styling. It's fur so it's more or less dressed up by default. Any jewelry or bling at all will push it way OTT. If that's your vibe I recommend pearls for the good ol dowager countess look. If you're looking for something a little more contemporary go monochrome (and yes I'm thinking black as I write this but chase your bliss) - turtleneck, boots (heel and shaft height and toe shape will really impact the overall #Vibe so try different combos and see whats comfy for you) and whatever matching pants you have (probably the slimmer the better? Try a bunch of fits but not leggings - thats way too tryhard Aspen slope bunny), big sunglasses and a matching leather bag or tote, hair up in a claw clip if you can/want to, maybe a pair of small hoops in the metal of your choice depending on how you feel - you're good to go. A midi silk slip skirt in place of the trousers would also work (any color but I recommend neutrals cause I'm me) with knee boots but that'll be much dressier. Avoid pairing it with blue jeans or sneakers that will cheapen the coat and also you (imagine Grisabella from Cats), you want a boot, something that doesn't break up your leg so the coat can speak for itself. If you're feeling particularly Brooklyn hipster get yourself a wide brimmed hat, some cowboy boots and a maxi skirt and wear the coat unbuttoned.

I've seen some exceptionally wealthy older women around where I work who wear their fur much more adventurously (plaids or monochrome green paired with big brooches or something) but I wouldn't know the first bit of advice to give about that.

I've never actually owned a fur coat so this is all conjecture on my part. Just throw together a bunch of outfits and try it out and see what works. Always dress how you're comfy and how you feel good. I hope you enjoy your new coat! I'm jealous!

#also i realize now that i have like 9 million asks in my inbox ive never answered because i never got the alert???#fuck???#i will be answering those tonight #im at a bar with nothing better to do

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bokumonocosplay · 3 years ago

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Breaking down an outfit

Cosplay is fun, but the process can be pretty daunting, especially when you’re faced with a design that’s on the more... intricate side, as is the case with many Rune Factory characters. In this post, I’m going to break down Beatrice’s outfit and offer some suggestions on how to make it, which will hopefully make it easier to understand. I chose Beatrice because she has one of the most complicated designs, but I recommend doing this sort of thing with every cosplay.

Disclaimer: this is just my opinion, based on my own experience. Feel free to chime in if you have any other suggestions or ideas!

There’s a lot to unpack here.

So let’s get started!

I’m going to begin at the bottom.

Beatrice’s shoes and legs are pretty straightforward. I think it would be fairly easy to modify a pair of shoes, but honestly you could get away with a simple pair of blue heels without modifying them at all. I find that a lot of the time shoes aren’t even in shot, and even when they are they’re never the first thing you notice. It’s up to you, but I don’t recommend spending a lot of time on shoes that are so small and simple. If you do want accurate shoes, you could use foam and/or worbla to add the gold piece at the front, and cover strips of stiff interfacing with bias binding for the ankle loops. Alternatively you could paint the ankle pieces, which might get more accurate colours. If you want all the colours to match the rest of the outfit exactly, make shoe covers.

Beatrice is also wearing a pair of white thigh high socks, held up with what looks like a garter belt or pair of garters. You can quite easily buy socks with a similar pattern at the top, or if you want complete accuracy you could paint the pattern yourself. Garters and garter belts are easy to find on sites like eBay, though you will see some, er, slightly less sfw listings 😅

The skirt is where things start to get complicated so I’m going to look at it layer by layer.

Unless Beatrice is using magic she is definitely wearing some sort of undergarment to keep her skirt that shape, and I think it’s a hoop skirt. You can make a hoop skirt but they’re so readily available that I would just buy one. There are shops dedicated to making high quality undergarments and they are where you want to go for something comfortable and durable, however I used a cheap one from eBay for my Dolce cosplay and it was fine - not the most comfortable thing in the world but I wasn’t in any pain, it worked without any problems, and it’s still in good condition. Consider how often you’ll want to wear your cosplay and if you’ll want to use the hoop skirt again.

The next layer is a black skirt. You could buy one and alter the hem, but it would probably be cheaper to make one and circle skirts are very easy. The white line is probably embroidered but if you don’t have access to an embroidery machine, try using fabric paint pen or a fabric paint pen - or don’t add it at all, since it’s absent from her in-game portrait haha. For the gold decorations, you could paint them on with fabric paint, or glue gold cloth over thin craft foam to make them more 3D. I’d be cautious of using anything heavier because it might stretch the fabric.

Looking from different angles I don’t think the black skirt goes all the way around, it appears to vanish at the back, but I honestly can’t tell if that’s a design choice or just an oversight with the model. Personally I don’t think you’ll lose anything by having a full skirt, and you’ll need a full hoop skirt anyway. Just make sure the white layer comes down far enough to cover it.

Speaking of...

As far as I can tell, the white part of the skirt is made from two layers. The top layer, which I have outlined in red, makes up most of the skirt. It parts at the front and back to show the layer underneath, which I have outlined in green. This layer is mostly only visible from the front, apart from a single piece at the back. The small crosses at the points are most likely stitches, and the border is a hem.

To make these I would alter two circle skirts, using a template for the edges.

Side note - I'm not sure if the triangular piece at the front is it’s own layer, part of the red layer but outlined with stitches, or a single piece sewn onto the red layer underneath. What you do is up to you but I would probably pick the last option. Similarly with the small blue diamonds.

The ‘tails’, outlined in blue, annoy me 🙃 because on the 3D model they’re just sort of stuck onto the back?? It’s difficult to see but the corners clip over the pale blue layer. In my opinion (and like I’ve drawn), they should go all the way up and attach to the rest of the skirt at the waist.

They also have gold crosses on the inside layer that are visible from the front. You could make appliques for these, since they appear slightly raised, or paint them on.

The pale blue layer is a funky shape, but I think fairly easy to make once you’ve figured it out. I recommend using cheap fabric to make a mock up first. It also appears to be quite stiff, so I’d add interfacing for support. For the gold around the edges, you could use bias binding, cloth-covered craft foam or, to make them look truly made of gold, worbla.

This layer also seems to be attached to the dark blue layer by the gold pieces on Beatrice’s waist - see how the top of the skirt sort of disappears underneath them at the front and doesn’t reach all the way to Beatrice’s waist.

The dark blue layer consists of two main pieces that look like a pretty simple shape - but again, you’ll want to make a mock-up first to be sure it looks right from every angle. The only thing I think might be difficult is getting the pieces to sit like that - slightly raised with the underneath visible. Again I think you’d have to put interfacing or even wire inside.

As for the gold pieces on Beatrice’ hips, you could use worbla or foam clay. Draw an outline first on graph paper or similar and use it as a base to make sure everything is even and symmetrical. The circular gold pieces at the waist however will be under quite a lot of stress, they need to be either very sturdy or made out of something flexible, like foam.

Moving up again...

As you may have noticed, the white layer isn’t just a skirt, it’s part of the backless dress that makes up a large part of Beatrice’s outfit.

I reason I talked about the skirt separately is because you do not need to make these as one piece; in fact I’d advise against it because in my experience, single piece dresses don’t make for good, big skirts like Beatrice’s. The waist seam is hidden, and it would be much, much easier to make the skirt and attach the bodice separately. If you do want to make them as one piece, I still recommend making a mock-up out of two pieces to use as a base first.

Here’s how I would break it down:

Look there’s a reason why I don’t do fanart jsjsjs

Yellow is skirt, green is bodice, blue is collar.

The collar is a separate piece, and the ‘tassel’ on the front looks like it’s made of three pieces of sheer black fabric, layered slightly apart from each other.

The back and side are mostly covered up but here’s how I think they must look:

You could have the collar open at the front but I would be worried about it not sitting right. I think it would be easiest to have a fastening at the back since it would be well hidden by the hair and the fur. Speaking of the fur, that can easily be made with a couple of short strip, of black faux fur.

Back to the bodice.

I figure this blue layer has to be attached to the white layer or it wouldn’t stay up lol. Again this is a simple shape; the main question is how to get it on and off. You could add an invisible zip up the back but I think the best thing to do would be to add a fastening at the back of the neck - with the way both layers are constructed there’s enough room to pull them over your head.

As for the butterfly... this is one of the things I would leave until last. In fact I would consider not making it at all, since although it’s cute it won’t do much except get tangled in the wig. It isn’t visible from the front or back except from certain angles. But if you do make it, use craft foam sheets. Then it would be light and comfortable.

Beatrice’s sleeves are basically tubes - the bulge in the middle is caused by the fastening. You can find tutorials for flared sleeves online but in my experience they really are just a tube that gets wider as it goes down haha. Beatrice is also wearing white fingerless gloves, which are easier to make than regular gloves but still easy to buy.

As for their construction, they look like a full blue sleeve with a split black layer on top, and lace at the wrist. You could make the lace from white fabric, but there’s also plenty of lace available to buy if you don’t mind being slightly inaccurate. I’m not entirely sure if the gold pieces on the elbows are supposed to be actual gold that was made to look like fabric or just fabric. I think either would look good, but I would probably use cloth and/or foam for the ones on the upper arms because anything heavier might pull the sleeves out of place.

Last but not least, the hair and tiara.

I don’t have much to say about Beatrice’s hair, I think it would be pretty easy to style a wig and wigs in this colour are easy to find. I’d advise starting with a curly wig and straightening it at the front because I find curling more difficult than straightening, and you’ll want a thick wig - both to have enough hair to make the braids but also because pale wigs tend to be more see-through. As for the braids themselves, don’t be afraid of using lots of bobby pins and hairspray, especially to secure the ends!

Prop tip: trick for making good bows is to not actually make bows! Make the ‘wings’ and knot separately and sew them together, then sew it onto the wig.

They straight up didn’t model her hair ties properly but I suggest sticking the gold pieces onto gold ribbon - although to keep the hair in place you’ll want to use tight rubber bands first.

Now for the tiara. Unlike most of the other gold pieces it’s very thick and 3D. One method would be to carve it out of thick foam, adding layers where you need, and cover it with worbla. Another is to sculpt it out of silk clay. Either way, you should use a template to make it as symmetrical as possible. Also, it’s a good idea to attach head pieces directly onto wigs to stop them from slipping around and falling off.

You may be able to buy or commission fake crystals, or you could make them yourself. The obvious method is resin casting, but hot glue is a cheaper and (relatively!) safer alternative.

For the lil wings, I’d say don’t use real feathers because imo they never look that great haha. Instead, make layers from sheets of craft foam and paint them white. Beatrice’s tiara wings probably aren’t made with real feathers anyway.

And there you have it! This outfit will never be exactly easy to make, but I hope this post has made it easier to understand. All of the tips and techniques I’ve mentioned can be found in more detail online, but as always, feel free to ask any questions!

#rune factory #rf5 #rune factory 5 #beatrice rune factory #cosplay reference #mod post #long post

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hestia-a-a · 3 years ago

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I claim to be a fanart account but here I am definitely not posting fanart. If you look on Instagram tho big dresses are kind of my thing it’s very on point. Anyways I was going to put it there on the ‘gram (oh noooo I sound so old) but it would totally mess up the thing. Is it feed? The thing on the home page where there are the squares??? That thing. Whatever it’s called. It would be woefully disrupted.

This is like that one meme that was like big shirt little pants, big pants gay little pants except it’s 1800s fashion. Also sorry little sleeves big skirt is so blurry I knew should have gone for the bustle instead of 1850s because it would have been perfect! Too bad I think bustle are kinda ugly. Don’t get me wrong I love them. But they’re just… someone thought that looked good and why when you could have huge hoop skirts like in the 50s? What’s not to like about barely fitting through the door frame? Anyways I honestly think I’m big sleeves big skirt. The vibes just suit me. Plus I’m in love with the 1830s.

If I had to give a ted talk it would be on this stuff ^^^ I’m sorry for my rant 🤷‍♀️

#historical fashion #dresses #19th century fashion #regency #regency dress #what is going on #what am i doing #anyway yeah

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jobean12-blog · 4 years ago

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Booyah!

Pairing: Bucky x reader

Word Count: 1,725

Summary: You and Bucky use Tony’s time machine to take a trip back to NYC 1995 and visit Fao Schwarz and have a fun night out.

Author’s Note: This is for the HBC’s @the-ss-horniest-book-club 24 hour surprise drabble challenge and Traveling Through Time (which was my idea haha) I decided to do something really sort of ridiculous and silly. Tony built a time machine bc we know he can and the team gets to just have fun with it. It was hard to decide when to go back to but I picked the 90s because it’s part of my childhood. Although, I was way too young to be clubbing then- but I definitely went to Fao Schwarz! haha Anyway, hope you enjoy this. Thank you all so much for reading! Much love always! ❤❤❤

Warnings: Silly and fun fluff! Kisses! Some implied sexy fun! It’s just you and Bucky checking out 1995 for a few days, a few fun 90s slang phrases that I hopefully used right HAHA ;)

“Doll, are you sure this is a good idea?” Bucky looks at you before his eyes scan the time machine in Tony’s lab, the lights blinking sporadically and a low hum echoing off the walls. “I mean, what if we get stuck in 1995?” You give him a good once-over, letting your eyes linger at how nicely his white tee fits across his chest, “listen, you’re gonna love it and you’ll fit right in.” You let your gaze drop to his ass in the tight high waisted jeans before giving your belt a tug and pulling your jean jacket over your shoulders, “let’s go!”

He takes your hand and follows you inside, still unsure about the idea, “I wish this thing looked more like the DeLorean. At least we’d arrive in style. Well, here goes nothing.” Bucky closes the door and takes you in his arms, pulling down the lever and squeezing his eyes shut. For a second it feels like you’re free falling and you shriek, clinging to Bucky in a death grip. When the feeling subsides, you open your eyes and give Bucky a nervous glance. “You ok?” he asks quietly, smoothing some hair from your face. “Yes, you?”

Bucky nods, grasping your hand and pushing open the door of the time machine. “Woah.” You look outside and you’re greeted by the bright billboards of 1995’s times square. The Sony and Panasonic brand names stream across the skyline. “Hey, look at the Coca Cola symbol! That’s so cool!” You start pointing out all the fun things you recognize as Bucky just spins around in a circle, admiring the flashing lights and noises of the city streets.

After turning on the cloaking device for the machine he finally speaks, “ok, this is da bomb! I mean Times Square our time is cool, but this just feels different, lots of energy.” You narrow your eyes at his use of the 90s slang phrase, “are you making fun?” It’s hard to hide your smile when he takes your hand and holds it tightly in his own, exclaiming, “as if! It’s hella good!” You let your laughter loose and clutch your belly, trying to calm your breathing before saying, “let’s start with some toys!” Bucky’s eyebrows raise at the mention of toys and you smack his arm, “not those kinds of toys Buck. Although, we can definitely find some fun shops around here later if you want.”

He winks and lets you lead him away from the crowd to hail a cab. “Are you gonna tell me where we’re going baby girl?” You shake your head and slide into the car, giving the man an address with no name. The driver smiles and takes off, Bucky’s arm sliding around your shoulders so he can pull you close. “Ok, so this is totally fun. Who knew time travel would ever be a real thing?” You giggle and snuggle closer, “only for Tony and a lucky select few.”

When you pull up in front of FAO Schwarz, Bucky nearly jumps out of the cab, “no way! What a perfect idea! I haven’t been here in forever.” He takes your hand and rushes toward the door, stopping so abruptly you smash into his solid back. “Shit doll. I’m so sorry, I just wanted to ask if you had an extra hair tie?” Forgetting all about your dizziness you give him a mischievous smirk, “do I have a hair tie?” Your eyebrows wiggle so fast he starts to fidget nervously, “oh no. I’m definitely sorry I asked.”

You reach into your backpack and pull out a bright blue velvet scrunchie, “here you go Buck.” He first glares at the scrunchie before gracing you with the same look, “fine. Just. Don’t tell anyone.” He gathers his hair between his long fingers and pulls it to the base of his neck, securing it in messy bun with the bright blue velvet. “You. Look. Amazing.”

Bucky rolls his eyes but starts jogging toward the door, holding it open before dashing in behind you. The moment you enter the store you’re hit with a buzz of electricity from all the energy. It’s mobbed and there’s so much to look at you can barely focus your eyes. You hold tight to Bucky’s hand as you two start to wander around, acting like two kids every time you discover something new.

Bucky spots these giant bouncy Earth balls and grabs one, throwing it straight at your head. “Good catch,” he shouts, laughing when you launch it back at him as hard as you can. “And nice throw.” He picks up a basketball next and throws it at the hoop standing nearby, getting a clean shot in. “Now you’re just showing off.” He slides up next to you and pulls you in for a kiss. “Is it working?” he teases against your lips, deepening the kiss.

You nibble his bottom lip and reluctantly drag yourself away, “definitely.” With a giggle you head off toward the stuffed animal section, nearly screeching when you find the biggest stuffed teddy bear you’ve ever seen. “OH MY GOD BUCKY! I neeeeeed him!” When he doesn’t answer you turn around and can barely see his large frame hidden behind the biggest stuffed dog ever. “EEEEEE nevermind! I want him.”

Bucky somehow manages to get you into his arms while still holding the dog, “I think he needs to come home with us. You can hug him when I’m away on missions and you miss me.” You cuddle them both and nod into his chest, “yes please.” Bucky puts him back on the shelf so you can get him on the way out and heads up the escalator. You both smile big when you pass the iconic clock with the train and Bucky leans in close, tucking a stray hair behind your ear, “I love you.”

When you reach the second floor his eyes nearly bug out of his head at the sight of the Lego section. “Holy shit, this is insane!” You watch as he runs from set to set, gawking over how amazing each one is, “doll, you have to see this!” Following him around you can’t help but feel like a giddy kid, helping him pick out some sets to take home, “get whatever you want Buck. It will be fun to do these together.”

By the time you reach the checkout you’ve got the giant dog, several Lego sets and a few other trinkets you couldn’t resist. You stow everything away in the hidden time machine and laugh when your stomach growls, “I need to eat!” Bucky enthusiastically agrees, “let’s bounce!” You laugh while hailing another cab, at this point almost getting used to his usage of the fun 90s phrases, “aiiiiiight, Buck.”

Bucky’s stomach grumbles again and you pat it, dancing your fingers up to his jaw, “we’re almost there.” The food at Nobu does not disappoint and by the time you guys leave you’re full of delicious Japanese inspired cuisine. Bucky rubs his stomach, “I want to eat there every day!” You laugh, “me too! Ok, so let’s head to the hotel and nap and then get changed for our night out.”

You walk along the streets, your pace slow and easy as you enjoy the sights and sounds of everything around you. Once you reach the Plaza hotel you check in and head upstairs to your room, immediately toeing off your shoes and running a bath in the jacuzzi tub. Bucky watches as you remove your clothes and step into the hot water, sighing as it covers your body.

He quickly strips and gets in, situating himself behind you and pulling you between his legs. “If this is what every day in 1995 is like I’m not sure we should go back.” You rest your head back against his chest and moan when he lathers the soap into his hands and starts massaging your head. “I know right. But what about your home skillet, Steve? He’ll miss you so much!”

Bucky quietly repeats the term home skillet, clearly questioning its meaning while you keep going on about the time machine and why you have to go back. It isn’t until Bucky’s metal fingers dip between your legs that you’re ripped from your rambling thoughts. “Fuck,” you gasp, instantly on fire for him. The next hour goes by in a haze of soft touches, mingled breaths and tangled limbs. By the time you leave the bath your body feels like jelly and you’re more than ready for some rest.

After a nice nap you get up to get ready, changing into a look more suited for the club scene. Bucky eyes you appreciatively when you step out of the bathroom in your crop top and short skirt, “wow you look fly.” You take in his tight jeans and crisp tee shirt, the whole look completed with his leather jacket, “so do you. Ready to party?”

When the cab pulls up to Limelight you can already hear the loud thump of the bass and the line is down the street. “Woah, this place is hoppin’!” You laugh at his choice of words and get on the line, moving your hips and shimming against Bucky while you wait. “If you don’t cut it out I’m gonna have to drag you into a dark corner the second we get in there.” You don’t stop and the closer you get to the door the more you grind yourself over him. “Doll, you’re asking for it.” You turn around and throw him a million-dollar smile, “whatever.”

The instant you step into the club you can feel the air around you shift, the music vibrating through your body as strongly as the energy that radiates off the crowd. Bucky keeps you close as you make your way across the sea of writhing bodies and find yourselves a spot on the dance floor. The dancers on the platforms leave little to the imagination and the rhythm of the music just sets the mood for play. Bucky’s hands roam over every inch of your skin as you lose yourselves in the rowdy debauchery, finding it almost impossible to resist. Bucky’s lips meet your ear in a husky promise, “if you keep moving like this we’re gonna get jiggy with it right here on the dance floor.”

@addikted-2-dopamine @bugsbucky @buckstaybucky @bisousbucky @breezy1415 @buckys-henley @book-dragon-13 @chuuulip @eurynome827 @hiddles-rose @hailmary-yramliah @hawksmagnolia @harrysthiccthighss @ikaris-whore @jeremyrennerfanxxxx123 @jhangelface0523 @jewels2876 @loricameback @lorilane33 @littledarlinhavefaithinme @lookiamtrying @littleredstarfish @lokilvrr @marvelandotherfandomimagines @marvelgirl7 @nano--raptor @nerdypinupcrystal @pinkdiamond1016 @randomfandompenguin @sallycanwait68 @tuiccim @the-wayward-robot @this-kitten-is-smitten @yansi1923

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haymaker-mva · 4 years ago

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– The Pigtails are Off – (4)

Part 4: The three times Luka met Marinette

Now, you may be wondering: How did everyone get their carmines? All of the students found carmines and a note on their front steps the day Marinette reached the end of her rope. It can be assumed that Marinette used her connections to get a carmine to everyone. Except Marc because she wanted to give his carmine to him with Nathaniel at school/in person. Also about that, The Confrontation (As I'm calling it) happens at lunch. Marinette left and didn't come back for the rest of the day. Hope that cleared any confusions up! Sorry for the long notes section.

Also, I planned to post this after having another part done, but I feel guilty having a part ready while having no motivation to write lately. So, take this and prepare for a long wait.

Ao3 - First - Previous - Next

When Luka Couffine first met Marinette, it was years before he met her.

...

For good measure, Marinette slipped a carmine onto his wrist. Just in case.

When Luka Couffine first met Marinette, it was years before he met her.

Let me explain.

It was about two years ago, when he was fifteen. He was trying to get into the Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie when he bumped into a girl.

She had long black hair that flowed down her back in waves. It shone with blue highlights that the sun cast, and she wore a jean jacket and a black pleated skirt with pink edges. Her boots were a dark brown, and she also had a pair of pink hoop earrings. Last was her tank top, which was white with a black Jagged Stone design.

Anyway, she was walking out of the bakery with something whitte folded in her arms. She seemed to be glaring at the item annoyedly when Luka opened the door and promptly walked into her.

She fell backwards, onto her butt, gripping the fabric of her item tightly. Luka fell backwards as well, and he just managed to save the guitar that had previously been on his back. Luka looked up at who he had crashed into, and the first thing he noticed was the tank top.

“Sorry… wait, you like Jagged Stone?” Luka said dumbly.

“Ugh.. yeah, I do. What’s it to you?” The girl replied, getting up off the ground. Her voice wasn’t annoyed, just apprehensive. Luka could hear her song stutter, as if she wasn’t used to people asking things like that to her.

“I love Jagged Stone! I wanted to ask where you got that shirt?” Luka asked, finally getting up and slinging his guitar back over his shoulder.

“...I made it. The design is official but It always was too small or the fabric was too rough in official merch.” The girl told him.

“Oh. I asked so I could get one of my own. I agree with what you said about official merch. Jagged really needs to get a better provider or something.” Luka agreed, moving off to the side inside the bakery with her.

“Well, I have a t-shirt that’s pretty much the same that I could give you,” The girl offered, holding out the item that Luka now knew was a shirt. “I originally made it for myself, but I misjudged the measurements and made it too big.”

“That’d be awesome!” Luka said, taking the surprisingly soft t-shirt and holding it up to himself. “How much do I owe you?”

“You want to pay me?” She asked, raising her eyebrows. “It’s a leftover, it’s fine.”

“No, you made it and now you’re just giving it to someone you’ve never met. I’m paying you.” Luka pulled twenty dollars out of his pocket and put it into the girl’s hand.

“It’s honestly fine,” She started, but a ring from her phone cut her off. She glanced at it, and her eyes went wide. “I have to go!” She turned and rushed out the door, not even remembering her resistance to getting paid for her work.

Luka watched her rush off with a small smile, and walked up to the counter to buy something for him and Juleka. Picture day was today, and she probably just got home. Best to stock up on treats.

The second time Luka met her was around a year ago, when he was seventeen and she was sixteen.

This time he had heard of her from Juleka before the second meet. He had been all ready and stocked up for a comfort session because it was picture day for Juleka. But when she got back, she was all smiles. Luka listened to her speak about a girl named Marinette like she was a god on earth. But Juleka also seemed nervous. Like she wasn’t sure if she was doing something wrong or not. But that was just Luka’s guess.

Anyway, Luka was just happy that Juleka finally had a good picture day. Luka was immensely grateful for this Marinette, he would have to make sure to thank her when he met her.

A few weeks later Marinette was walking dejectedly towards the room that she was told Luka would be in. As soon as she was out of sight of the others she straightened her slouched back and wiped the sadness off of her face.

She knew she should be a bit more careful, but it was annoying to act like her life revolved around a guy. It painted her as endearing and not a threat, so it was “worth” it. Some days she got tired of it though. In reality, Marinette only had a small crush on the boy. She liked his kind personality, but it wasn’t anything as extreme as she played it up to be.

Anyway, Marinette walked towards the doorway to what she assumed was Juleka and Luka’s room. She walked in to see a boy with deep black hair that was dyed teal at the edges. He wore a slightly worn Jagged Stone shirt that looked familiar to Marinette. His eyes were closed, and he seemed to be meditating. She shook her head and looked at him calculatingly. This must be Luka. He looked like the calm type. He definitely liked music, she could see a guitar on his bed.

His eyes opened and she immediately scrambled to look like she just got there.

“H-hey! My name’s Ma-Ma-Marinette! It-uh, your Mom sent me down here, the grove, er, um, the group’s- waiting for you.” She stuttered “nervously.”

` -

Luka studied the girl who had just come in.

As soon as she walked in the door, Luka could feel confidence and poise radiating off of someone. His eyes had been closed, but the orchestra that was this girl’s song was unignorable. He opened his eyes after a moment of listening to the carefully crafted sound that flowed out of her. For a split second after opening his eyes he saw her face. She was looking at him with the expression of a scientist, detached and serious. She seemed to be evaluating him. But after that millisecond, she scrambled and started stuttering.

“H-hey! My name’s Ma-Ma-Marinette! It-uh, your Mom sent me down here, the grove, er, um, the group’s- waiting for you.”

He studied her for a moment. This personality was miles away from what he had just seen. Her music was the same, except for a small flute sound that represented her current behavior. This was off. The way Marinette was acting… it wasn’t real. He decided to play along for now though. If her previously seen personality was anything to go by, this girl was confident in herself. Usually there was something to back that type of raw confidence up. Also, he was thankful for what she had done for his sister.

“Hi, Ma-Ma-Marinette.” He said, chuckling behind his hand.

She looked away for a moment, and by the way she stood he would assume she was sad. But her music suggested otherwise. She was angry. Deafeningly angry.

“Sorry,” He backtracked, still trying to act like he didn’t know what she was doing. Not that he did, he had no clue why she was faking her personality. “I didn’t mean to offend. I tend to make more sense with this.”

Luka reached over to his guitar and pulled it into his lap. He readied himself and patted the bed, motioning for Marinette to sit down. She compiled, and sat down with an expression of curiosity on her features.

He started playing the melody he heard from her, although he couldn’t do it justice with just one instrument. He kept quiet, letting the music speak for himself. (He totally wasn’t afraid to say something wrong and anger the frightening girl. Not at all.)

As he played, he saw Marinette’s eyes close, and her hand came up to rest on her heart. She seemed to relax, letting a small smile creep onto her face. It was the first real reaction he had seen her give. (And purposefully let him see, that is.)

He smiled, and closed his eyes too, absorbing himself in the sound of the music.

After that meeting, Luka couldn’t keep Marinette off of his mind. What has she been hiding? Why was she wearing such a thick mask? His curiosity with Marinette started as just that, a curiosity. But over time and more encounters, he found himself falling for her. Not her fake stuttering and demeanor, but the snippets of her true self he saw shining through. His heart beat faster when she grew determined or confident.

Luka knew that he was falling hard and fast, and for a girl that kept her guard up constantly. He managed to get more moments of her real personality whenever she got immersed in his music. So, he wrote more music for her. Juleka noticed, obviously, and Luka noticed her nervousness at his new crush (it totally wasn’t growing bigger then that...right?), but didn’t know what to make of it. What he didn’t notice was Juleka’s fear.

And now the third and last, yet somehow the first time Luka Couffine met Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

Juleka handed Luka the piece of paper.

“What’s this? Is this what Sabrina was here so early for?” He asked, taking the folded paper.

“N-no… Well, yes, b-but it’s from Marinette.” With that, Juleka left the room to meet with Rose, who was standing on the dock to the boat.

Luka looked at the paper in his hand. Juleka’s music had been sporadic, messy. But he could feel relief seeping in. He wondered what was up.

Anyway, he unfolded the note, and read the contents.

“Meet at the Trocadéro at 4 pm. Will explain later.”

Luka’s eyebrows arched. What was this? Was something happening? Was she…? No. Luka couldn’t get his hopes up. He folded the note and slipped it in his pocket.

Looks like he was going to the Trocadéro later that day.

Hours later, Luka sat atop a bench on the bridge in the Trocadéro. He absentmindedly strummed his guitar, letting the music echo around him as he waited.

After around five minutes of waiting, Luka heard the impressive orchestra of Marinette’s song. He turned to see her, and was shocked by her new look. He blinked, getting over his initial surprise, and smiled, patting the spot on the bench beside him.

Marinette obliged, sitting down with an unreadable expression on her face. She closed her eyes and listened to Luka playing her song. After a minute or two, she knew it was time to explain.

“I’m willing to bet you already knew I was faking.”

“Yep, you can’t hide your true self when I can see what displays who you truly are.” Luka realized what he said, and expected to be hit with a, “...what?”, but instead was met with silence. He blinked in surprise at the lack of reaction, and looked to his right to see Marinette staring at the water with a thoughtful expression painted across her face.

“You mean because of my ‘song?’” She asked.

Her question took him off guard, but Luka quickly tried to recover. “Y-yeah, pretty much. I’m not good with words, like I said when we first met.”

She let a small laugh fall from her lips. After that though, Luka desperately tried to stop thinking about her, uhm, lips. He blinked, and she was talking again. “I’m sorry- no, I’m not really sorry. I did what I did to try and experience a bit of normal. Maybe reform myself.” She sighed, a frustrated expression on her face. “But it was hard to keep that demeanor up. Especially once Lila started feeding everyone lies about my ‘actions’ and ‘bullying.’”

“I think you should just be who you are, corny as that sounds.” Luka replied, nudging her with his shoulder. “Or if you really do want to get better, do it little by little. Don’t just jump headfirst into a new personality.”

“Yeah, I kinda get that now,” She snarked dryly.

“But I wouldn’t blame you for being petty right about now. I know a bit about Lila from the rest of Kitty Section, and she seems like a bitch.”

Marinette surprised him by laughing. “You hit the nail right on it’s head, she is such a snake. No wait, that would be an offence to snakes.” She smirked knowingly.

Luka and Marinette talked until it was dark and they had to go home. For good measure, Marinette slipped a carmine onto his wrist. Just in case.

Ao3 - First - Previous - Next

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beholdme · 4 years ago

Text

All the Many Shades of Gerry - Chapter 6

Chapters: 6/19

Fandom: The Magnus Archives (Podcast)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Martin Blackwood/Gerard Keay/Jonathan "Jon" Sims | The Archivist, Martin Blackwood/Gerard Keay, Martin Blackwood/Jonathan "Jon" Sims | The Archivist, Gerard Keay/Jonathan "Jon" Sims | The Archivist

Characters: Martin Blackwood, Jonathan "Jon" Sims | The Archivist, Gerard Keay, Tim Stoker (The Magnus Archives), Sasha James, Gertrude Robinson, Elias Bouchard

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Library AU, Librarian Jon, Artist Gerry, Trans Male Character, Trans Martin Blackwood, Canon Asexual Character, Asexual Jonathan "Jon" Sims | The Archivist, Ace Subtype - Sex Positive, Polyamory, Fluff, Fluff and Angst, Romantic Fluff, Falling In Love, Boys in Skirts, Kissing, Demisexual Gerard Keay, Minor Character Death, Past Character Death, Canon-Typical Child Neglect, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Flirting, Minor Jonathan "Jon" Sims | The Archivist/Tim Stoker, Adventures in Hair Dying, Happy Ending, Banter, Gerry has a lot of sass, Gerard Keay is Morticia Adams, Jon is a very grumpy Librarian, Martin adores them anyway.

Summary: In which Gerry is a kaleidoscope and Jon and Martin can't help falling in love with him.

He happens to love them back.

Find it on Ao3

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

"Do you really hate Keats that much?" Martin asks Jon, sounding faintly betrayed. They're sitting on a pile of cushions in front of Gerry's big window, while the man himself stands painting nearby.

There has been no previous mention of Keats since they arrived several hours ago, nor in the entire course of Gerry knowing them together.

Granted, he had barely been awake when they had arrived, having rolled out of bed just seconds before the knock came, but Gerry thought he had been keeping fairly decent track of the overall conversation.

He had thought Sunday brunch was a great idea when Jon suggested it during the week. Only remembering half-way through his shift the previous night that he was normally dead asleep during that time on a Sunday. But needs must, and after coffee and food, he was feeling downright perky at having two cute boys in his apartment.

Jon and Martin had settled into the pillow pile to occupy themselves while Gerry wandered off to paint, and they had spent several hours each engaged in their own artistic endeavors, simply enjoying the energy of one another's company.

Jon had started out reading but kept getting distracted by the way the light in the studio catches in Gerry's dark red hair, tied up in a chaotic messy bun, and had idly been strumming Gerry's old acoustic guitar for a while instead. Martin had been writing in a notebook, tongue often caught between his teeth in contemplation, glasses pushed up onto the top of his hair.

Jon stops playing abruptly and Gerry winces at the discordant note the guitar lets out in protest.

"I think Keats is pretty cool," offers Gerry cheerfully.

"Thank you, Gerard, very helpful," grouses Jon in return, glaring at him. Gerry blows him a kiss and returns to his canvas.

"I don't hate Keats, Martin." Jon's voice is slow and soft in the way that indicates that he's actually trying to be sensitive, "I just think he's overrated. After spending so much time in uni pouring over his boring symbolism, I'm just sick of him."

Jon's English literature degree, which Gerry remembers with some humour does not qualify him for a job at a library, had been a pain to get, and he doesn't always remember that part of his life with any great fondness.

"I know, but-" Martin cuts off abruptly and there's unexpected silence for a moment.

"Gerry, do you have a cat?" Jon's voice is incredulous and somewhat delighted at the new development.

"Yes," Gerry replies, very casually. He looks around to find that the cat has indeed wandered in and is sitting in a shaft of sunlight, black fur shining. "Jon, Martin, meet Saturn. Saturn, this is Jon and Martin."

Saturn blinks at them, before abruptly standing, showing them his butt, and then walking over to twine between Gerry's legs. Gerry deposits his painting supplies nearby and reaches down to scoop Saturn up, before carrying him over to sit with the others.

"He's not always great with new people, but hopefully he'll warm up to you. He can be a great cuddler when he wants to be." Saturn eyes them all speculatively before sitting on his own cushion and curling up in a fluffy ball.

"So he's like the Jon cat?" Martin asks, sneaking out a finger to scratch Saturn's fluffy little ears. He purrs lightly and Gerry grins to see them getting along.

"Well-" Jon splutters indignantly, face warming beneath his tan.

They both laugh and Gerry leans towards Martin to whisper conspiratorially, "He's not even embarrassed about being bad with new people. He's shy that we know how good of a cuddler he is."

Jon presses his lips together with a long-suffering expression, also reaching out a hand to pet the purring feline. Saturn rolls over towards him and gets a belly rub for his efforts.

"There we go," Gerry mutters happily. "All my favorite boys, getting along so well."

There's more sputtering from both Jon and Martin at that, but Gerry only laughs and leans over to kiss the tops of their heads.

***

Jon sighs and rubs the back of his neck, trying to release the burning tension sitting in all the joints of his spine.

It's 1 A.M. and the library is long, long closed, doors locked and lights turned out. He doesn't know how he gets here sometimes. Elias has certainly never overtly demanded he work overtime, and yet Jon always feels the need to push a little harder, do more than anyone would consider even remotely reasonable.

He accepted a while ago, that his irrational drive for perfection in this job stems from his self-doubt and fear of inadequacy.

And yet, that understanding does nothing to get him home at a reasonable hour, even when he remembers the two men who always seem to be around when he needs them.

It's unfathomable to Jon how he managed to find himself in a relationship with not one but two incredibly understanding and supportive men who love him. He considers it a downright miracle that they also seemed to be finding their way towards loving one another. Although, who wouldn't love Martin and Gerry?

He checks his watch again. Martin is definitely asleep, and even just stumbling in to lie in bed with him would disturb him. He knows the sweet man would say he doesn't mind, but he feels like if he can't get back at a reasonable hour, he doesn't deserve to sleep next to him at all.

Gerry, on the other hand, is mostly nocturnal. A quick check of his phone shows that it's actually Friday, and he is working at the bar for another hour or so.

While Jon has his phone in his hand, he opens up their text chain.

Gerry: Don't work too late. Martin and I want you functional so that we can drag you out to that street market this weekend.

Jon: I won't.

Gerry: Yes, you will. But try to keep it pre-midnight ;)

'He's awake,' Jon tells himself firmly. 'He'll be happy to see you, even if you did work even later than he predicted.'

So Jon packs up his stuff and leaves the library. He considers a cab, but it's only a few blocks and he thinks the fresh air and exercise will unlock the tension in his poor abused spine.

He arrives at the bar just before closing. Gerry is busy charming a few drunk regulars out the door with promises of undying love and that the bar will be back tomorrow afternoon. After they stumble off, he turns to find Jon walking slowly towards him. Gerry is wearing combat boots, dark jeans, and a loose leather tank top, over a lace undershirt. He has his favorite hoop in his nose, and the light glints off the many piercings in his ears.

"Why, Gerry Delano, aren't you a sight for sore eyes." Gerry grins at Jon's teasing tone and echoed words, no sign of recrimination about him.

"I always am." Jon reaches Gerry at that, and they draw together, pressing tired lips against each other gently.

Gerry's hair has faded out a bit from the moody red, and Jon slips his hands into his hair to hold him close for a moment longer. They rock together on the street for a long, frozen moment.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Gerry asks, pulling away and sliding his hands down Jon's arms to connect their fingers.

"I missed you," Jon confesses shakily, emotion spilling out of his voice.

"Good, I missed you too." Gerry drags him into the bar and fills the air with stories from his shift while he and his colleagues clean for the evening, closing up the bar.

They walk home arm in arm, Gerry flirting with him mercilessly. Jon sheds the day's tension as they go, and by the time they arrive at Gerry's loft, he's warm and relaxed.

He supposes he should probably go back to his own flat, but it's not a place he spends the night very often anymore, and he fears the creeping insomnia that will take him without Martin and Gerry around to soothe him into sleep. Besides, Gerry is right here with him, and he seems so pleased to have him around.

"Are you going to paint now?" Jon asks as they shed their work clothes. Jon is sorry to see the lace shirt go, but Gerry makes up for it by simply throwing a kimono over his bare chest. He throws him a T-shirt, so Jon wears that and his boxers as they settle on the couch. Gerry is still wearing his jeans, but both their feet are bare as they tangle on the coffee table.

"I'm not sure, do you want to?" Gerry asks as he lights a cigarette and offers Jon one.

"What? Do I want to paint?" Jon's voice is taken aback. He takes the cigarette and lights it.

Gerry shrugs as if it's obvious. "Sure, you used to draw with me when we were younger."

"Yes, but…"

"But what, Jonathon? You're too old to paint now? Too proper and straight-laced to get charcoal under your nails? No more piercings, no more creativity?" Gerry sways into his shoulder, drawing smoke into his lungs and letting it out as he speaks.

"No, it's not that." Jon grouses back. Gerry hums derisively in return. "I just don't see the point of wasting your drawing paper when you can do that." Jon gestures wildly towards Gerry's most recently completed painting.

Gerry eyes it critically. It's the commission that he's been slogging over petulantly. It's large and impressively done, he can accept that, but he doesn't like it very much. He hates the subject and composition Peter Lukas has demanded and compensated by pouring all his best technique into it. It makes him sad and sullen to look at, and Gerry will be relieved when it's finally gone.

"For every painting like that I've ever done, Jon," Gerry spills all his affection into the name, and Jon can feel it, "I've done a thousand ridiculous sketches and colour studies. Art is time, and diligence and joy as much as it ever is masterpieces. You don't sit down one day and magically just know how to be a maestro."

Jon looks over and up at him with big green eyes. Gerry can't help but lean over and slide his hand into Jon's hair, pressing their lips together for a moment. "So Mr. Sims. Can I tempt you to make some art with me?"

***

What they create in those soft early morning hours can only generously be called art, even Gerry's efforts. But they laugh and kiss and somehow get covered in charcoal and acrylic paint. Gerry even allows Jon to choose the Spotify playlist. Slow piano music with nature sounds play softly in the background of their impromptu art party, reminding Gerry of nothing so much as Jon himself.

The dawn is just breaking through Gerry's massive bank of windows when he allows Jon to drag him off to bed, and they collapse together in the soft morning light.

***

Late the next morning, Martin lets himself into the flat and bounces down onto the bed between them, sending Saturn flying off in a huff.

"So, I heard there was a slumber party. I brought breakfast."

"Fuck off," Gerry slurs, but rather undermines his own point when he pulls Martin down and tucks himself around him. Jon does the same from the other side, and Martin finds himself in the middle of a very sleepy man sandwich.

Gerry seems to instantly fall back asleep, but Jon eventually drags himself to consciousness, even buried in Martin's neck. "What's time?"

"Almost ten," he responds, very cheerfully.

"WHAT-" Jon flies out of bed in a blind panic, desperately looking for his phone, which is dead when he finds it anyway. "I'm already so fucking late!"

Gerry groans.

"Relax Jon." Martin tries to soothe him but is hindered by the fact that Gerry is still clinging to him in a very enjoyable way. "Gerry, love, let me go. Jon is having a meltdown."

"How unusual," Gerry mutters very unsupportively, Jon manages to notice. He flops over onto his other side and attempts to bury himself in pillows instead of Martin.

"Jon, breathe." Swinging up to sit on the edge of the bed, Martin uses his best man-disaster steadying tone. Gerry has come to realize what that tone is, but he doesn't mention it to anyone. "It's Saturday."

Jon slumps and drops the pants he was desperately trying to wrangle himself into.

"It's Saturday?" He asks.

"It's Saturday," Gerry confirms from the pillow fort.

Jon glares at Martin in a very put upon way. Martin smiles at him brightly.

He turns and wanders off to the bathroom in an effort to collect himself. Martin resumes his spot in the middle of the bed, and drags Gerry towards him, tucking himself into his back.

"Hmmm. So much noise on a weekend." The goth mutters as he attempts to resettle himself in Martin's arms.

"I'll make it up to you later," Martin promises, pressing a kiss behind his ear.

"You let that happen on purpose, didn't you." It's not a question. "Just to see that look on his face."

"Yes," Martin says, chuckling into Gerry's pillow.

"Very good, sir."

#the magnus archives #jonathan sims #martin blackwood #gerry keay #jongerrymartin #gerard keay #also on ao3 #fic

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