#designed from the women's angle

[goshyesvintageads]

Crosley Corp, 1951

[neverendingford]

.

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

Shenhe, Clorinde, Dehya and Noelle with S/N hugging them tightly.

(Genshin Impact) Shenhe, Clorinde, Dehya, Noelle, and Chiori's S/O hugging them tightly

Strong women...

Shenhe's whole body eases up the moment S/O's arms wrap around her, with them squeezing her as tightly as they can.

Her heart feels calm, yet its rapidly beating with S/O being this close to her.

Strange, yes, but far from unpleasant.

(Shenhe) "S/O?"

(S/O) "You don't mind me staying like this for a little bit, do you?"

(Shenhe) "I don't."

Shenhe returns the embrace by holding S/O closer.

Though of course she doesn't use her all her strength despite the fact she wants to return as much loving attention.

Because doing so would cause S/O's spine to bend at a 90 degree angle all of a sudden.

Clorinde goes stiff for a moment before exhaling, a small smile forming on her lips alongside a blush.

(Clorinde) "I take it you have missed me?"

(S/O) "Mmm...maybe just a little."

Their teasing tone betrayed their thoughts, as if the pressure around her stomach wasn't any indication either.

But Clorinde had no objection, doubly so since they were in private.

She leans back into their hold, a soft chuckle escaping her.

(Clorinde) "Then I am all yours for the night, S/O."

One hand reaches upward to their arm, gently holding their waist as she takes a deep breath, now fully relaxing.

And with one last gesture before sitting next to them, Clorinde kisses the top of their fingers, holding their hand as if it were made of glass.

Dehya is slightly startled but it doesn't take her long to immediately turn around and give a fierce hug back.

Her laughter was loud, quickly joined in by S/O.

(Dehya) "S/O! Geez, could've said hi first!"

(S/O) "Where's the fun in that?"

With a cheeky smile, Dehya lifts S/O off the ground as she gives them an even tighter hug than the one they were giving her.

S/O's breath hitched for a moment as it was almost crushed out of them, but Dehya put them back on the ground, her arms crossing in front of her chest.

(Dehya) "Dinner on me? Just got paid a nice amount too!"

(S/O) "Sure, you gotta tell me what happened out there!"

Her smile gets even bigger as S/O walks beside her, Dehya's arm immediately seeking S/O's and wrapping it tightly around them.

(Dehya) "Alright, let's see...-"

Noelle doesn't even physically budge when S/O suddenly hugs her, but she does yelp in surprise.

(Noelle) "HUH?!...Oh, S/O! Jeez, you scared the daylights out of me!"

(S/O) "Hah, sorry, sorry!"

Noelle blushes madly as she reciprocates their hug, her head resting on their shoulder as she did so.

Unfortunately for S/O, she used her full strength and they heard a few of their bones pop from their spine.

Whether or not that was a good thing remained to be seen, but they could still feel the pain and could stand upright, so that was at least a good sign!

After being dazed by her affection, S/O smiles at Noelle as she did the same.

(Noelle) "Did you need me for something?"

(S/O) "I got us a table for dinner ready, and wanted to see if you were off yet!...Might also need a healer."

(Noelle) "Oh! Yes, I am nearly finished! I will have this mess sorted out in no time but...what was that last part?"

(S/O) COUGH! "A-Ah, nothing!"

Chiori raises an eyebrow but doesn't really blush or budge, instead an arm softly reaches out to their wrists, gently shoving them upwards to give her more breathing space.

(Chiori) "What's with the sudden hug?"

(S/O) "Am I not allowed to show love to my beautiful girlfriend?"

She hummed in acknowledgement, finishing the sketch on a new design.

(Chiori) "Preferably not when she needs steady hands to draw something-."

(S/O) "I can hold you and be still at the same time!"

(Chiori) "Is that right?"

Despite her tone, there is no real malice in it, even as she sighs aloud.

(Chiori) "Alright, just don't squirm too much, alright?"

If S/O could squint, there's the slightest hint of a blush on her face.

Though S/O didn't need to that to tell them she was comfortable.

The way her shoulders slumped and she subtly shifted closer to them, head leaning back onto S/O for support:

That physical shift was what made S/O happy.

And of course, Chiori too.

...As long as they didn't intentionally mess with her as she was trying to come up with something for work.

[mari-writes]

Jayce "Man of Progress" Talis is contacted by a Piltover fashion magazine, asking him to pose for a special photograph spread along with Mel Medarda. 

He’s been interviewed and had his photo taken so many times by this point. He’s usually alone. The addition of Mel is interesting, and he can admit a bit exciting too.

But it’s also frustrating—why would they ask him to pose with Mel, but not his literal partner on the actual project?!

So he agrees, but under one condition: “You need to include Viktor, as well.”

After he receives confirmation, he takes to begging Viktor to join them. Just this once! And Viktor reluctantly agrees, weak for his friend’s pouty, puppy dog eyes.

The magazine sends designers to Viktor’s place to take his measurements. It’s a bit uncomfortable, but thankfully one of the them is knowledgable about fitting disabled models. So he’s (mostly) okay with it.

When the three of them arrive for the photoshoot, they’re impressed with what the designers created. For Jayce are outfits that show off his wide shoulders, strong arms and thighs. Meanwhile Mel’s prominent curves and her beautiful, slender neck is highlighted.

As for Viktor, the designers work with his sharp, angular features and slender waist. One outfit in particular has Viktor raising an eyebrow: It’s backless. They’ve decked out his back brace with gilded gold and blue gems.

A month later, the magazine is released—and the public goes absolutely wild.

The front cover has Jayce sitting in the middle, wearing a crisp white shirt with half its buttons undone, possessively holding the other two’s hips. Mel is facing forward, bracketing one of his legs. She wears a tight dress that leaves little to the imagination. One of her arms reaches around Jayce’s head, clasping Viktor’s shoulder.

With his back to the camera, Viktor’s brace is on full display. He’s partially sitting on Jayce’s other leg, with his arm angled as if he’s about to caress the other’s man’s cheek, glancing at the camera out of the corner of his eye.

The photo had been quite awkward to put together—Viktor winces at the memory—but he has to admit it turned out pretty incredible. And yeah, Piltover definitely agrees.

Viktor’s name, at least for a moment in time, is on the public’s lips almost as much as the other two. Who knew the reclusive scientist from Zaun was this beautiful?!

News articles and opinion pieces pop up about him, wondering why Viktor isn’t featured more. Men and women alike faun over his high cheekbones, pretty golden eyes, and slim body.

Viktor is full of embarrassment from all the attention. The other two tease him about it a bit, but they know he has every right to retreat back into the lab if he prefers. So he does. He lets the other two burn as brightly as they want, and slinks back into the shadows.

But he still keeps a copy of the magazine in his nightstand. You know, for archiving purposes. Or posterity. Or something like that. 

Sometimes, on days he’s feeling down or in more pain than usual, he takes it out and flips through the pages. Reminds himself that yeah, he looked good. And other people had thought so too. Even Jayce had blushed slightly when he saw Viktor walk out of the dressing room.

Viktor probably won’t do anything like it again. But he’s oddly glad he did. Just this once.

//

Please accept this silly little drabble I wrote last minute! PLEASE REBLOG AND COMMENT IF YOU ENJOYED! I imagine this story takes place in the early years of Jayce and Viktor’s lab partnership. The story inspired by this incredible meljavik art by @lucinfernos! My bi ass can’t stop looking at it lol

[tobiasdrake]

Here we go. It's time to talk about my personal fave. As I said before, this is my Main. In Dragon Ball fighting games, this is the character I seek out to play whenever the roster allows. Also arguably the character who's been done the most dirty by just about every form of Dragon Ball, manga included.

The vanguard of a brand new status quo and a brand new direction for what Dragon Ball would even be, washed away by the tides of a status quo resetting to zero.

We're here to talk about the champion of Satan City who carries the spirit of Dragon Ball in her heart: Videl.

(And that is one cookie to @jcogginsa who guessed it.)

Videl was a kid with a chip on her shoulder. I mean. How could you not be? Her father was the legendary world martial arts champion who famously defeated Cell seven years ago.

Don't pay attention to that. He just tripped for a moment. Once he got his second wind, he came right back and showed Cell what for! It was due entirely to Mr. Satan and nobody else that the Earth was spared from the apocalyptic horror that is Cell.

Look, he even said so himself.

Are you gonna call that man a liar? The man who defeated Cell!? I think we can trust Satan's word over yours.

This is the shadow that Videl grew up under. Raised in what had previously been called Orange City, but was renamed Satan City in honor of the world's greatest hero.

Or "Hercule City/Herculopolis" in the versions that edit out Satan's name.

As his daughter, Videl has a perspective on Satan that neither the world nor the audience gets to see: He's a womanizing playboy who cashes in on his world-savior fame for booty.

He also forbids his teenage daughter from dating by putting up the stipulation that any boy interested in her has to be stronger than him, the world champion - A stipulation naturally designed to weed out any possible suitors through intimidation. Wanna date Videl? FISTFIGHT THE MAN WHO DEFEATED CELL.

Oh, but he doesn't teach her a goddamn thing; At least, not anymore, as she does suggest there was once a time when he was her mentor. She's forced to study martial arts entirely on her own because her dad is utterly disinterested in her development in the art.

This is an angle on Satan we never get to see onscreen. Apparently he's pretty shitty about women. You know, I can believe that.

Videl, when we meet her, is trapped in an unenviable position as a martial artist. She hates what the fame of being a legend has done to her dad and wants to knock him down a peg, but she has no foundation to develop her abilities from. The one man who's supposed to be teaching her isn't doing it, and she's been passively discouraged from pursuing more esoteric martial arts because the world champion said that stuff's all fake.

Videl makes for a fascinating foil to Gohan, because they're both children living in the shadows of legendary fathers.

Gohan is expected to be Goku's successor, but wants to live a peaceful life of academia. Meanwhile, Videl is being denied the ability to become Mr. Satan's successor, but craves the opportunity to prove herself.

Nonetheless, both of these kids are prodigies. Videl has a wealth of potential. She doesn't even realize that, despite these limitations, she surpassed her father long ago. Despite being a self-taught teenager with zero comprehension of ki cultivation, Videl hones her skills and developers her art the only way that's available to her: By punching it out with armed robbers in the region.

Backpack Town isn't even her city! She's a one-woman SWAT team for the tri-state area.

As ambitious and driven as she is, Videl is also clever. The anime extrapolates the adventures of the Great Saiyaman into a several-episode arc as Gohan deftly avoids detection by Videl over and over again, but this has the knock-on effect of depriving Videl of one of her best moments.

Because she pegs him instantly. She was already suspicious of Gohan being the mysterious "Golden Warrior", when he tried to use his Super Saiyan form to disguise himself as a superhero.

Which also showed that she was open-minded about the other people who fought Cell. Satan says they were doing a bunch of tricks, but Videl's willing to consider the possibility that there exist people who can turn blond on command.

And then Gohan did this shit.

Because he was raised in the woods by the devil and Goku. Despite trying to keep a low profile, he has absolutely no idea what the baseline for ordinary human ability is.

So. Y'know.

That's pretty fucking suspicious.

Which brings us to Gohan's second outing as Great Saiyaman, and his first meeting with Videl under his new identity. Whereupon she, uh....

Plays him like a fucking sap. It's a great moment that doesn't get its due if it takes several episodes and misadventures for her to reach this point. Videl is exceptionally skilled in the field of paying attention to that time Gohan jumped thirty feet in the air and naturally drawing conclusions from it.

And also his voice and posture and other dead giveaways. Gohan sucks at secret identities.

He's just. So obviously Gohan. There's no way anyone would be fooled by this.

But she's not only adequate at seeing things with her eyes; She's also a legitimately brilliant martial artist in her own right. Due to her upbringing, she's had zero experience with ki cultivation for obvious reasons.

And yet she's talented enough and smart enough to pick up the basics of Bukujutsu in one day.

Oh, don't mind her; That's just Videl making a mockery of Tsuru-senryu by effortlessly devouring their signature technique. This is Goku's first Kamehameha all over again.

She may have started small but Videl learns fucking fast. She has all of the drive and the ambition that Gohan lacks. She wants to be part of this world, she has a ravenous hunger for self-improvement, she's clever and observant, and she picks up concepts insanely quickly.

Videl is fucking primed to be a key player in Dragon Ball's next generation.

...

So now we need to talk about what happened to Videl.

Videl has one major fight in the entire series: Her 25th Tenkaichi Budokai bout against Spopovich.

Which she absolutely dominates. She's stronger, better, and faster than Spopovich. Even the experienced martial artists agree that she's infinity times better than him in every way.

But there's something wrong with Spopovich. He's a decent martial artist, far from the top; He'd competed in the 24th Tenkaichi Budokai and made it through the qualifiers, but was eliminated in the first round. So, y'know, he had no chance in hell against Videl; She's already surpassed Mr. Satan, who won the 24th legitimately.

Uh, by virtue of none of the Kame-senryu or their rivals attending. Mr. Satan is top dog of the same weight class as Pamput from the 22nd.

But, despite being outclassed in every category, Spopovich is also a dead man walking.

He's similar to the Androids in a sense. Spopovich has no ki signature at all, nor does he get worn down by the damage he's taking. This is Vegeta vs. 18 and Piccolo vs. 17 all over again; He isn't feeling the pain from the hits she's landing on him, and so he's able to outlast.

But Spopovich isn't an Android. He's more like a zombie?

At one point, Videl cuts loose and breaks his goddamn neck. Because he's pushing her hard enough that she realizes she needs to go harder, but his body can't take harder. He isn't a match for her. He just. Isn't going down despite not being a match for her.

He can't take this level of force. But he and his ominously vacant absence of ki can put his head right back where it was and continue the fight, no problem. That's honestly scarier than if he'd regenerated.

Also despite not even having the barebones ki signature of a normal person, Spopovich can perform Bukujutsu and fire ki attacks.

Which a fighter of his meager ability shouldn't even be capable of.

All of this adds up to an unwinnable fight for Videl and the setup to... Something. This match has been criticized pretty heavily in the fandom because it gets pretty gruesome and doesn't have a payoff.

We've seen fights go fucking bad for our heroes before. Piccolo once broke all of Goku's arms and legs as well as shooting a hole in his chest, right here in this same arena.

But it's typically building to something. When our heroes get trashed, it's the lead-up to a reversal down the road. Maybe in the same fight. Maybe in a later one. And we seem to be heading in that direction?

After Spopovich and Yamu leave the tournament, we get VIdel a Senzu and she's right as rain.

Spopovich and Yamu steal energy from Gohan and fly off to Babidi's Ship so they can awaken Majin Buu. Kaioshin recruits the various protags to make that not be a thing that happens. And then. Something switches in the narrative flow of this arc.

You can feel it happen.

As our heroes prepare to pursue Spopovich and Yamu, Videl volunteers to join in as well. She's had her eyes opened to a whole new world or possibilities and is hungry to develop her abilities.

And. Then. One chapter later. It's suddenly decided that Videl will not be a part of this storyline after all, and she basically leaves the plot forever.

WHOOPS! Never mind! Didn't want this character here after all. Go home, Videl.

While her adversary Spopovich is unceremoniously unwritten from being a thing that exists.

Babidi just. Kills him. For no reason. Even though his job isn't done yet. Babidi's like, "Oh good, you collected a fraction of the energy we need; That's fine, you can be fired. I don't need anyone to finish the job."

We're just. We're not telling that story anymore. We already threw Videl in the trash; we don't need her nemesis. We're doing a different thing.

Also, because we still have too many characters in this scene, Dabra erases Krillin and PIccolo with magic spit that never comes up again or is meaningful in any way.

You'd think this would be, like, setting up something? Like. Having witnessed it ahead of time, Gohan's able to figure out something about the way Dabra's spit works. So when he fights Dabra in a climactic battle, he can turn this around.

Like when Goku was able to counter Tenshinhan's Taiyoken/Solar Flare in the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai, because he'd seen it before and understood how it works. That's usually what Dragon Ball does with this sort of advance notice of opponent abilities.

But. No. The most this ever comes up again is that it momentarily costs Gohan one of his gloves. It's just here to winnow down the cast because Toriyama brought too many characters to this scene.

You can feel the burnout taking hold. As janky as the Android arc was, the Buu arc's level of jank is through the roof.

And that became it for Videl. Denied any sort of payoff for her one fight and instead relegated to background character, Videl never got a chance to live up to the intriguing potential she was introduced with. She was the face of a new direction for Dragon Ball, a direction that ended up strangled in its crib as the series reverted to old ideas and old formulae - strangling her along with it.

Videl is a character I look at and can't help but wonder what could have been. What could have been if Gohan got to keep his focus, and Videl got to remain a key player in a story about him? What could have been if we got to see Videl developing her skills at the same fever-pace that she learned Bukujutsu with? What could have been if she got that rematch with Spopovich she seemed to have been promised by the narrative, and then got to stay involved throughout the Buu arc?

But I guess we'll never know.

[godmadeaterribleerror]

I Want You Only - A No Love Lost Bonus Chapter

Series Masterlist

Read on A03!

Author's Note:Whatever costume designer put Jensen Ackles in that Giants jersey in S3 you're a hero this one's for you.

Title from Chemtrails Over the Country Club by Lana Del Rey

Word Count: 3.3k

Summary/Warnings: You and Ben go shopping. Usual warnings.

Tags: Soldier Boy/Supe!Female Reader, canon divergence, tooth-rotting fluff, pre-established relationship, smut (fingering, mirror sex, semi-public sex)

“I’m not fucking wearing that.”

You sigh, turning the fabric of the shirt between your fingers. “It’s a nice shirt, Ben, and it’s good quality, so it won’t tear-“

“I don’t give a fuck about it tearing.” Ben grumbles, half hanging around your body as his chin rests on the top of your head, glowering at the shirt. “It’s pink.”

“It’s light red-“

“It’s fucking pink, Sunshine.”

You try again, angling your head back to press a kiss to his jaw. “Stained white-“

“Pink.”

“Fine, pink. But,” you lean to the side, holding Ben’s glare with your sweetest, most innocent expression. “Why is that bad?”

He narrows his eyes, like he knows it’s a trap but isn’t quite sure how yet. He’s right, it is a trap—Ben’s not dumb, he’s just old and paranoid and grumpy—but, if he listens to you, it could result in an excellent new shirt, some ice cream, and a reward blowjob.

You’re not worried. Ben always listens to you.

“Girl color.” He grunts, and you wrinkle your nose at him.

“Girl color.”

“That’s what I damn said-“

“And why,” you drawl, leaning your head back onto his shoulder as you give a look of mock thought. “Is a girl color bad?”

“It’s not bad-“

“But you won’t wear it.”

“I’m not a fucking girl!” Ben snaps, and you can feel the sore, hot feeling of something like embarrassment covering his skin.

You let out a long, slow breath, tapping your fingers on his arm as you figure out how to work with this. You know Ben isn’t opposed to women as whole anymore—you being a stronger supe than he is and the tenth half-lecture half-joke about real gentlemen respecting that women are better at things sometimes had gotten the message through—but there are still these small remnants of the past stuck in his head. Small reminders that he is indeed a dinosaur, and the change is slow and long, but effective. And you know how to move with these ideas, how to point out that they’re, logically, kind of fucking stupid in a way he’ll understand, but it takes gentle words, an unmoving will, and a flat expression. 

Luckily, you have all three.

“It’s a color, my love.” You say, holding his gaze. “And if I’m trying to buy it for you, do you really think you’ll be any less of a man to me because you’re wearing it?”

He scowls, muttering, “No.”

“And are you going to look bad in it?“

“I look good in damn everything,” he grumbles, and you can’t stop your small giggle.

“You do, you grumpy old ass. And do you think anyone,” you reach your free hand up, tracing your fingers over his beard. “Is going to look at you and think you’re not an overly masculine testosterone factory-“

“I don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks-“

“You give a fuck what I think-“

“That’s not the same, I fucking love you-“

“Well I,” you give him a soft, adoring smile. “Think you’ll look very handsome and strong in pink. I think I love you because you’re you, not because you’re a man. I think you should wear the pink shirt, dumb dumb, because it’s just a color.”

Ben frowns, his jaw clenched, but you can feel his concrete resolve fading and crumbling, rebuilding back into pure care and rough affection as his hands start to rub on your hips.

“Fine.”

Your smile grows wide and bright, and you grab one of his hands in yours, moving it to the shirt. “Look, it’s soft, feel it-“

Ben doesn’t get to feel the shirt, because he rips his hand from yours, grabs your jaw, and tilts your head full back for a kiss. It’s long, and hungry, and leaves you dizzy as he holds you against his chest.

I’ll get the fucking shirt, brat. For you. Stop trying to damn convince me.

You nod, a little stupidly. Yeah. Okay.

Ben pulls back with a smirk, and scans over your open features, the pride and love glowing in his body as he swipes a little bit of drool away with his thumb. You’re hungry.

As if on his command, your stomach growls, and you just groan, closing your eyes as he chuckles.

“Stop doing that, Ben-“

“I’m not doing a damn thing, beautiful.” Ben nips at your nose, his grin growing. “Not my fault I know my fucking wi- woman. Let’s get you some food.”

You hum, and grab the shirt to add to your small basket of Ben clothes. Mostly jeans and solid color t-shirts, as well as one Hawaiian shirt to rub in Butcher’s stupid face and a pair of gray sweatpants that you’d been incredibly adamant be added to the collection. It all fits in one bag, adding to the collection of lingerie that’s all going be ripped off your body before the week is over, boring men’s boxers, and the makeup you don’t need but had fun explaining to Ben.

He’s carrying the rest of it—your clothing—because there’s more of them. The lingerie and makeup fit in tiny paper bags barely bigger than your forearms, and Ben’s boxers get stuffed in his still-small bag of clothing, but you have at least five bags of mostly cheap, poor-quality shirts and shorts and pants and skirts. It’s by design—clothing tends to be the most frequent victim of the fire aspect of your powers—but you still don’t love it. You don’t love how nothing in those bags feels like you. You don’t really need anything expensive or permanent, but you’d like to feel like you, at least a little.

You always feel like you with Ben. Under his attention or trading teasing words or tucked into his side. He guides you out of the shop, and you let him lead you through the mall, find a place that serves what he deems to be acceptable food—even if there are no burgers—and sit you down at a small, fancy table. He keeps some part of himself on your body the whole time, whether it’s a hand on your waist, or an arm over your shoulders, or a knee pressed a little between your legs. It’s a little intoxicating, and does absolutely nothing to help you focus on anything but Ben.

But you don’t need to focus on anything but Ben right now. This week is just for you both to do stupid things like shop and touch each other and eat. All you need to spare thought to is Ben, big and warm around you, certain and attentive across from you, so fucking handsome and strong and always good. Grumpy and old, but good.

All yours, and good.

“I’m proud of you,” you hum, watching him all but inhale the restaurant’s largest available pizza. “You managed to get through all the underwear shopping without fucking me.”

“You didn’t fucking wear any of them.” He grumbles, a large glob of sauce falling onto his chin. “All you’re wearing right now is my boxers, and that’s fucking-“ Ben cuts himself off, his love and hunger starting to pound at your chest. “That’s fucking hot. Let’s find a bathroom-“

“You are not fucking me in a public bathroom, Benjamin-“

“I’ve already fucked you in a public bathroom, Sunshine.” He winks at you, and you flush. “And it doesn’t have to be a bathroom, we can find a changing room-“

“No. No public sex, you horny cunt.” You glare at him, but your voice has lost a lot of its authority, because Ben’s grinning at you, and his knee is pressed to yours, and he’s swiped away the sauce from his beard and he’s licking his fingers clean just like he does after you cum on them-

“Seems like someone,” Ben drawls, and you can’t really think outside of his deep, teasing voice or handsome, insufferable, smug grin. “Has a real damn horny cunt, and might need me to fuck it before she starts drooling again-“

“Shut up.” You mutter, glaring at your plate of meatballs as Ben laughs. “You're such an asshole.”

He shrugs. “You love it.”

You sigh. “I do.”

Ben’s smile turns wide and smug, and you can feel something glowing and devout glowing along his ribs as he gives a satisfied nod and returns his attention to the pizza.

“I can call the taxi when we’re done.” You hum, poking at your plate with a fork. “It might take a minute to get here, so I can do it now-“

Ben freezes, frowning at you. “Why.”

“To go home? I mean we could walk, but it’s really far and we have a lot of bags-“

“I understand the fucking taxi,” Ben drawls your name, still frowning. “Why the fuck would you call it now.”

You blink at him, tilting your head. “So we can get home sooner-“

“We’re not done here.”

“I mean we’ll pay the bill-“

“No, Sunshine, the mall. We’re not done at the fucking mall.” 

“Oh.” Your brows draw together as you try to figure out why his words are so firm, why there’s no ache or soreness in his body, but still stone-like care wrapped over your skin. “What?”

“You need more clothing.”

You look between the large bags—spilling out from under the table—and Ben, your voice becoming dry. “I really don’t think I do, Pretty Boy.”

“You hate all that shit.” He snaps, waving his hand to the same bags. “We’re getting you something you like. And don’t,” he raises one finger, pointing at you with a stern glare that makes your gut warm. “Try to fucking tell me you’re fine, or it doesn’t matter. I can fucking feel you, darling, and you hate it.”

You swallow, forcing words out as your whole world dissolves to Ben. “I don’t, I don’t love it, but it’s not worth getting more, I just burn through everything so it would be a waste of money-“

“If it makes you happy, it’s not a waste of fucking money.” Ben grunts, holding your gaze in that way that makes you feel entirely vulnerable and stripped apart for him to care and adore, and yet so incredibly safe. “We’re not leaving the mall until you get one damn thing you like. Got it?”

You don’t really have anywhere to be, or anything to do. You still have a disgusting amount of arguably stolen CIA money. Ben’s knee has somehow wedged itself fully between your legs, and you can feel his ardor roaring in his chest as he pays your bill, as heat starts to grow in your core, where Ben is just too far to touch.

“Got it,” you whisper, and Ben nods, grabbing your hand as he stands and helping you out of your seat.

“Good.” He kisses the side of your head, grabbing all the bags before you can protest or insist on carrying at least a few of them. “Let’s go.”

It takes two hours and four shops to find something. Ben is, predictably, incredibly unhelpful in making choices, because while the man is full of countless opinions about what he’ll wear, he has next to no thoughts on what you should wear.

“What about this?” You extend what might be the fiftieth dress from the rack for his to survey, and Ben—the dickhead—just shrugs.

“Get that.”

“Well, I don’t know if I want it-“

“Why the fuck not.”

“I don’t know if it would look good on me-“

“Everything looks fucking good on you, beautiful.” Ben grunts, and you sigh.

“That’s not helpful, Benjamin-“

“It’s the damn truth-“

“It’s your truth.” You lean your head on his shoulder, continuing to frown at the dress. It’s a nice dress, and it is a color that usually looks good on you, but it’s revealing and expensive and fancy, and you haven’t worn anything like it in four years. “You’re incredibly bias in my favor, my love. Other people who aren’t in love with me might think I look bad in this.”

“Nobody with fucking eyes is going to think you look bad,” Ben says your name in the shell of your ear, and you might have whimpered. “Get the damn dress.”

“But I might not-“

“You’re going to look fucking hot.” Ben doesn’t waver, moving to cage your path away from the dress. “You like it?”

You swallow, and nod. “I do, but-“

“If you try it on,” Ben mutters. “And prove me fucking right, will you buy the damn dress?”

“Yes-“

Ben’s moving before you can protest any further, somehow holding every bag on one arm so he can grab the dress, shove it into your hands, and guide you to the dressing room.

You’ve never seen him pout more than when the saleswoman hands you a key and tells him he can’t go in with you. You can feel it, sour and soft around his heart, and it would make you sad if you didn’t know he just really wanted to see you naked.

I’ll be right back. You lean down to where he’s dropped on a bench, kissing over his beard with a gentle smile. I love you.

I love you too, Ben mutters, pulling his violent glower away from the saleswoman to kiss you fully, tangling his hand in your hair and almost making you collapse onto his lap. Be fast.

You try to be. You don’t really love leaving Ben out there anymore than he likes it, mostly because he’s either going to start interrogating anyone else who tries to enter the changing rooms—where you are, where he can’t go, which to his overprotective, paranoid head, means where you’re in danger—but a little bit because this place is cold, and Ben is warm, and this is his stupid idea so he should have to help you.

Are you almost done.

It’s been three minutes, Pretty Boy. You frown at the mirror, readjusting the fabric and turning at awkward angles to try and see yourself better. Give me a minute.

There’s a pause, and then, Do you look hot.

I don’t know, Ben, I’m not the best judge of my own appearance-

Let me see it.

You roll your eyes at your own reflection. How.

I don’t fucking know, come out here.

You flush, glancing at your discarded clothing on the bench. I, um, I can’t.

Why the fuck-

I had to take off your boxers. They were too long.

Ben doesn’t respond, but a wave of hunger so powerful it almost knocks you off your feet crashed through your body, and suddenly the instinct of Ben, Ben, Ben starts to grow in your body. Everything feels sharper, and smells like pine, and there’s a feverish glow rioting in your chest only moments before the door to your changing room bursts open. Ben stomps in, his eyes on yours almost feral and blown out with lust, and he kicks to door closed without sparing a look behind him.

He scans you up and down, nostrils flaring as his throat bobs, and you feel the hunger grow insatiable as he gives a short, rough nod. Before you can open your mouth, ask how the hell he got in or remind him of the no public sex again rule, he’s moving, and you don’t really care about anything else anymore. Ben’s walked you backward, pressing you against the mirror and caging you between his arms, and when his mouth crashes into yours he’s ravenous. The kiss is brutal and long, stealing your breath in barely a moment and ruining you with just bruising lips and a tongue down your throat.

Ben-

Fucking Christ. He groans, and the sound rolls through your body, making you whimper. You’re so fucking perfect.

Please, Ben, fuck, please. You’re not sure exactly what you’re begging for, but you know you need Ben. That he’s big and strong and warm around you, and his mouth has dropped to suck and bite on your neck, and you’re grinding down onto his thigh but it’s not enough, it’s never enough, you need Ben and you’ll never have enough-

He spins you around without warning, wrapping an arm around your waist, trailing a warm hand down your stomach until it’s under your dress, and starting to rub your clit with two expert, broad fingers.

You’re a goddamn marvel, he mutters in your head, grabbing your chin with his free hand and forcing your gaze onto the mirror. Prettiest thing I’ve ever fucking seen, darling, so fucking wet and good for me.

Ben-

Look at you. His mouth starts to trial over your collarbone, smirking at your breathless, needy sound as you squirm in his hold. So fucking beautiful, all the damn time. When you’re getting smart with me, he nips at your shoulder, his eyes finding yours in the mirror. Bossing me around, his fingers leave your clit, but before you can moan in protest they’re shoved deep inside you, pumping and scissoring as his thumb continues to play with that bundle of nerves. Getting fucking wrecked on my hand. Always so perfect, Sunshine.

God, you let out a loud moan, unable to care who might hear you as Ben’s fingers crook against the sweet, spongy spot inside of you. Benjamin, fuck, please-

Want to cum, darling?

Yes, yes please-

His fingers are gone in a second, and you make a desperate noise of protest that turns into a half-scream as his cock shoves into you from behind. You’d have fallen over if Ben hadn’t pinned your body upright, and fuck this is everything, Ben is everything, he’s splitting you open and groaning and kissing over your shoulders and throat and jaw, and Ben-

Fuck, he grunts your name in your head, setting a brutal, skin slapping pace that makes your eyes roll back in your head. You’re fucking perfect, strangling my fucking cock, taking me so good, so fucking pretty, Sunshine, so fucking wet and good for me-

Please, you reach behind you, trying to angle his face to yours. Ben, fuck- Please-

Ben’s hand trails back up your stomach, pulling one tit out of the dress and rolling your nipple between his fingers. Cum for me, beautiful, soak my fucking cock-

You spasm around him, shivering and shaking and making lewd, needy sounds as Ben fucks you through your orgasm, his thrusts growing erratic as he watches you in the mirror.

Good girl, so fucking good, fuck- He pinches your nipple as you grow slack in his arms, taking everything he gives you as your body grows sensitive. Fucking beautiful, so fucking perfect-

Ben, you whimper, your body already overloading as he drags you back to the edge, his cock hitting every right spot in your cunt. Ben-

He buries his face in your neck as he cums, muffling his groan on your skin as he spills into your body. It sends you over the edge with him—everything hazy and your vision blurred with the pure, blissful feel of Ben—and when you both come down you’re panting and flushed and squeezing around Ben’s softening cock, still twitching inside you.

“Buy the stupid dress, Sunshine.” Ben mutters, kissing your neck and holding your gaze in the mirror. “You look like a fucking work of art.”

You’re going to have to buy the dress now, because Ben’s fucked you in it and it smells like his salty, heady cum. But he’s also not lying, because you look a little wild and dazed, but you are beautiful. It’s easy to believe that when Ben says it, because his voice is always borderline stern, and he doesn’t lie. Ben could tell you anything about yourself, about how good and perfect and beautiful you are, and as long as he’s like that—his release dripping down your thighs, his head buried in the crook of your neck, and his hands tracing patterns on your hips—you’d believe him.

And you think there are worse fates than that, so you smile, and nod, and give in.

Ben makes it so impossibly simple to smile, and nod, and give in.

End Note: She crumbled under 0 pressure to have sex in public (again). Same.

If you like this story, please reblog, share, or leave a comment! <3

If you want to be tagged, just ask! (Separate from main taglist)

Taglist

@manicjk @lordofthunderthr @artemys-ackles @brtodd @ej13928

@deansbbyx

[be-missed]

Find You Again

Jenna Ortega X Fem!Reader

(pictures not mine)

Summary: Reuniting as stars, former high school sweethearts stage a fake relationship to boost their public image. Navigating the scripted romance, sparks fly. The big question: can this staged connection reignite their real love?

Warning: curse words, notify me if there are any. Credits to the owner for the picture that I used below the cut.

A/N: I'm so excited to write this, enjoy. New series for y'all.

Song: I Can See You // Taylor Swift

Masterlist

Chap 1

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Flashing lights are all that Y/N can see, facing all the cameras in different angles, her name being shout by different people, and different set of eyes are focused on her. Walking the red carpet was one of the things that Y/N enjoys when she is invited for an event like the MET Gala; the other things that she enjoys, well, the women who walks with their wonderful dresses. Men? Not really, but the press and the people doesn't need to know that.

"You are staring" a voice from behind her said—her publicist, Emilia notified her when she was staring far too long to the woman that was in front of her. Y/N just shrugs and shakes her head, waiting for her turn to be interviewed.

A few minutes have passed, she is now the next in line to be interviewed, "So Y/N, what a lovely fit you have. Can you tell us who you are wearing?" the interviewer asked, and Y/N answered, "I am so honored to be chosen as one of Givenchy's Ambassador for this event, honoring one of the most prominent person that anyone knows in fashion..."

Y/N's voice got buried with a loud screaming from the bottom of the stairs. Fortunately Y/N got to finish her answer before she looked down. Then there she was, looking like a doll, dress to kill, looks that can melt; Jenna Ortega was standing in the bottom of the stairs, posing for every camera that she caught.

A smile creeping in Y/N's mouth has been caught by the reporter and the camera, this gave the reporter a chance to segue a hot topic that you and Jenna dance around, answering yet not giving the exact information that the people want, "Looks like Jenna Ortega arrived in the house, there have been rumors going around for quite some time now, that the two of you have a history?" the reporter asked with a malice on his voice.

Y/N smiled and answered "Well, we were uhm, friends way before our careers, so yes, we did know each other and yes I can say that we have a great history, but there's no bad blood between us" and chuckles, that leads to the reporters new question "So, if that's what it is, is she the muse for the new single titled 'I Can See You' that you dropped a few weeks ago and will perform later?"

Y/N chuckles and rubs her chin, trying to think of a way to dodge the question, "I mean, Jenna is a wonderful woman, I can't deny that, WE can't deny that. But you know, where is the fun of writing songs if I'm just gonna admit who I'm writing for, right?" Y/N leaves with a wink to the camera and entering the venue.

"That was fucking close. What's with the media trying to come up with something between me and Jenna? It's been going on for months" Y/N whispered to Emilia, trying to find a champagne that she can drink. "There are photos that are circulating in the internet from when you were in High School with Jenna" her publicist answered.

This statement made Y/N look at her publicist with a questing look "Okay, now what? I mean what can they make out of the pictures? I'm pretty sure Jenna is denying it for sure" and got the chance to seat at their designated table. "Yeah, she's totally not denying it, the both of you kept on giving vague answers. But they are the media and your fans, connecting every song that you write and the events that happens to your life and Jenna's life," Emilia said with a knowing look and sipping a champagne.

"How? I mean, I kept on using a he/him pronouns on my song to lower the connection. Don't tell me they are that smart to know and connect things, don't you?" Y/N said to her publicist, looking so worried about the on-going rumor that can't seem to die.

On the other side of the venue, Jenna was taking a seat with Enrique trying to hide an annoyed look. "What's with the rumors and Y/N, they kept on reoccurring, why can't it die?" Jenna said trying to fidget with pearls that on her dress. "You know that the both of you aren't denying anything, right?" Enrique said to the girl.

Jenna then send Enrique a look that can kill and said "I am denying it, that's for sure. While HER, she keeps on dancing around it" Enrique then shakes his head "Oh no darling, you weren't denying it, the BOTH of you are dancing around it. Please don't deny it" then Jenna answered him so quick "I am denying it, I kept on saying no..."

Enrique just chuckles and said "See, the both of you aren't denying anything. You and Y/N always say that the both of you are 'good friends' and for the record, the both of you are always in the same event" and ended his sentence with a shrug trying to prove his point.

Jenna just rolled her eyes and tries to listen to whoever is speaking. While Y/N got called backstage to get ready to perform.

The host announced that Y/N was about to perform. Lights were dimmed and a shadow in the middle can be seen, the intro starts, and the crowd began to applaud and scream for Y/N's name.

Jenna noticed the intro and looked at Enrique and said "Really, she's gonna sing this? Out of all the songs?" and Enrique chuckled at the comment and replied "Well that's her new song, what can we do but to listen and enjoy, right?"

The performance ended with pyrotechnics in the stage and a wild crowd.

As the host again took over the stage, Jenna decided that she needed another drink, because what the fuck was that lyric, it just added gas to the burning fire, nice move, she thought in a sarcastic tone.

"One sour whiskey please" Jenna said to the bar tender, wanting to seat in the bar stool but sadly, her gown is restricting her. While she was waiting for her drink, whispers can be heard from behind her, not wanting to know the drama she still decided to maintain her focus on the bar.

"Nice dress you have there"

Once the voice registered, her eyes widen and her hand clenches into fist. Thinking if she ignores the voice, it will just go away, because if she faces the other girl tonight, she don't know if she will make a scene. But to no avail, the voice speak again, now beside her.

"I said you look good in your dress, Miss Ortega" Jenna heard, now feeling a smirk plastered on Y/N's face. With all her might Jenna faced the other girl with a tight smile, her hand clenched by her side and said "I heard you the first time, you know?" with an eyebrow raised, "Oh so you were just ignoring me then?" Y/N said now trying to make a sad face.

Jenna's jaw clenched, how can Y/N take this like a joke, "Yes you are right, I am ignoring you" focusing back on the bartender, "But I thought we were 'good friends', right" Y/N answered while trying to tease Jenna, "In case if you didn't notice, I say that for us to have neutral grounds, now can you please piss off?" Jenna answered and thought that it might be a little harsh but she really just want to be away from Y/N.

Before Y/N got to say something, the bartender gave Jenna her drink, and when she's ready to walk away, a photographer got in her way and said "Hey Y/N and Jenna, can you please pose so that I can take a shot"

Y/N greeted the photographer with a smile and accepted the request, she pulls Jenna near her, while Jenna tries to stay her ground, "Come girls closer" the photographer again said and Y/N thought, "This man surely knows how to stir the pot"

The both of them smiled for the camera, closer than they have been for 5 years. This was the first picture of them that they were this close to each other after their career boomed and well, after what they had.

"Thanks ladies, enjoy the night" the photographer said and left the duo. "Okay you can let go now" Jenna said, "For your information, I also don't like being linked to you, so I came here to clear things out, yeah?" Y/N said with a nod in her head.

That surprises Jenna "Okay, I get that, then go on and deny that we had a history" Jenna said challenging Y/N, "You first, you are always out doing interview, unlike me, I don't have any premiere shows or any other events like this" Y/N smirked.

It made Jenna's blood boil again, inhale and exhale, she reminded herself. She doesn't want to make a scene and be banned to this gala, this is her second time, she doesn't want it to be her last she thought.

Y/N walked away and left Jenna stunned with her drink on hand.

---

After the MET Gala, of course there would be an after party, Jenna was invited to many but decided to go to the nearest one to her hotel.

Trying to fix her make-up inside the car that she is on, she hears Enrique say, "Okay, slow down with the drinks, we don't need you going around the place" with a knowing look, Jenna then replied "That was ONE time oh my god, please let that go" with an annoyed tone.

Her car stopped at the entrance, looking outside through her window she saw a dozen of paparazzi trying to get a picture of none other than Y/F/N Y/L/N.

"Fuck, no fucking way" Jenna said to Enrique, still looking at the window, "What? What's the problem?" Enrique asked her worriedly, "Y/N is here, I can't stand another minute of faking smiles with her, every time I see her I fell like my stomach churns and I want to vomit so bad. Enrique please, let's go to another party" Jenna pleaded that earned a shakes to Enrique's head.

"Nope, can't be, your manager chose this party so you can mingle with different artist. I can't say no to that, and you know it" Enrique stated with a stern look, not giving Jenna a chance to say another word.

With a grunt Jenna whispers to herself "Here goes nothing" and exits the car. Another set of cameras are now trying to capture Jenna and her outfit for the afterparty, looking at the entrance, she saw Y/N rolled her eyes, Jenna thought "The fucking nerve of this girl t roll her eyes"

Now that they are in the same vicinity again, the paparazzi wasted no time and asked for a picture of them together, which they don't say no, since they don't want to cause another issue.

Y/N greeted Jenna with an open arm and huge smile, when Jenna got situated next to Y/N, she heard the other girl say "Are you stalking me?" which made Jenna look at the girl, with the heels that she is wearing, she stepped on Y/N's toe that made Y/N jerked in pain, with a worried voice Jenna said "Are you okay?"

With that, the security ushered the cameras away and assisted the both of them inside.

"DO you really need to step on me?" Y/N said, "Oh, I didn't mean to, really" Jenna answered, voice filled with sarcasm. Y/N have a deadpan look not believing what Jenna said "Yeah? You sure there?" Y/N said challenging Jenna, and that made Jenna smile "Of course not, I would do it again and again."

With that, Jenna left Y/N speechless. Y/N thought to herself "Is she that fucking angry at me? What did I even do to her?" and proceeded to enter the party and mingle with other artists.

The party actually went well for the both of them, avoiding each other like a plague, Y/N performing in the party and joining the DJ in the booth while Jenna tries to expand her connections and tries to know new faces.

Another hour have passed and Y/N was now taking a break from all the mingling and faking smiles and went to the bathroom, as if like faith is trying to take the both of them as a joke, she saw Jenna bending over the sink.

"Are you fine?" voiced laced with worry as Y/N walked slowly towards Jenna, "Don't come near me" Jenna said head still hanging low. Y/N stopped in her track and said "You are tipsy... or like drunk? You need to go home."

The statement made Jenna look at Y/N and said "What now, you're my mom now?" Y/N just rolled her eyes knowing that it is impossible to argue with a drunk Jenna. Y/N fished out her phone and texted someone, "Come on, I'll bring you to your hotel, can you tell me where it is?" Y/N asked while staying on her track.

"No, I won't go with you, I don't want to go with you can't you see that? Leave me alone" Jenna said trying to fix her make-up in front of the mirror, "Why not? You clearly can't walk straight I bet" Y/N said and chuckled. Jenna hates it, she hates that Y/N is right, that is why she is in the corner holding herself through the sink and not moving an inch because she knows she'll stumble with her drunk state and her heels so high.

Y/N take Jenna's silence as a cue to go to the other girl and support her. Jenna then said "We can't be seen going home together, I don't wanna be seen with you" It made Y/N's heart ache, is she that fucking bad in Jenna's perspective to the point that she doesn't want to be seen with her? Y/N just swallowed down the pain that she feels.

"Yeah, I messaged Enrique, he will meet us at the entrance and I'll make sure to not be seen with you." with a heavy sigh, Y/N supported Jenna to walk out of the bathroom through the crowd of people inside the party and into the entrance.

"Jenna, Enrique said he'll meet us at the front" Y/N notified and it made Jenna shakes her head "No... Y/N Nooooo" Jenna whined, it made Y/N chuckle, if she can have Jenna like this every time, not wanting to cut her throat, or sending sarcastic comments, she would make Jenna drink alcohol for as long as she wants, but she knows she can't.

But like their situation right now, Enrique can't really enter so they need to meet him in front.

"Jenna, I'm very sorry but we really need to meet him in front" Y/N said and telling to the security that they will go out of the establishment, which the security ushered them to.

Flashes of light welcomed them to the outside world, not far enough Y/N saw Enrique waiting for Jenna. "Thanks, I'm really sorry I can't meet you inside" Enrique said which Y/N answered "It's okay, take care, I'll be back inside"

___

"WE CAN SEE YOU: Jenna Ortega and Y/F/N Y/L/N seen going home together after the after party for the MET GALA"

Actress Jenna Ortega and Singer Y/F/N Y/L/N seen together leaving the after party hand in hand. But before this, they are also seen in the red carpet, fans capturing how the singer look at the actress. They have also been asked with questions pertaining to them being together but the both of them swam around the topic. Another photo of them was released mingling by the the bar inside the MET, having all smiles and flirting with each other.

Their fans have been speculating that they were together ever since High School and just kept it lowkey due to their reputation and their careers. The fans also tried to make sense of Y/N's released songs and connected it to the actress, which can somehow make sense, but we can't be for sure knowing that the singer also have a list of exes.

The fans and the media seemed to not disagree and hate their dynamic, instead they hope that what they speculate is real, knowing and seeing how beautiful they look together.

Stay tuned for the latest update towards our favorite couple, or may I say duo? Who knows, right?

______________________________________________________________

A/N: Hope you enjoy this new series, thoughts?

Chapter 2

[the-soliloquies-of-sadists]

#383

“Hello, you must be the asseater….  After you pick up your jaw from the floor, c’mon in.  I usually get that result from fag asseaters.  When I’m at home, I don’t wear clothing.  Shut up.  I don’t need to know your name.  I ain’t going to carry on much of a conversation with you.  Besides, your tongue is going to be doing something else worthwhile.

“Follow me in here.  I have my rim chair set up and my porn ready to go.  I had it specially made for my size and my needs.  Seeing that you are going to be under me for hours, I’m gonna let you use the platform to elevate your torso to the right height. 

“What the fuck are you doing?  Nobody told you to strip.  I have zero interest in your naked body, and you certainly won’t be jacking off in my house.  You answered my ad on that fag site looking for an asseater who will eat my hairy crack for hours.  The only reason why I use faggots is that women don’t eat ass, and if they do, they don’t know how to do it right, let alone for hours at a time.  You faggots are willing to do it all.  I don’t have to buy you flowers or take you to dinner.  No, my fat ass is your dinner.

“Get under it.  You’ll see this contraption is made for long term shithole worship.  That netting is where your head goes.  The designer called it a head hammock.  It supports your head as it keeps your face firmly in my crack, angling it to allow the deepest penetration from your tongue.

“This is my favorite part of this chair.  When I sit down, my weight pushes down on this chin guard which goes below your chin prohibiting you from pulling out.  The only way you get out is when I get up.  If I lock it in place, then you ain’t getting out. 

“You get the picture?  You mean nothing to me other than your tongue slurping on my shithole and cleaning my crack for hours at a time.

“You drink piss?  My full time asseater I had in Cleveland drank my piss; he begged me to give it to him.  There’s no way in hell that I’m going to stick my dick in any faggot, so I used a funnel on him.  If you want my piss, I can have a funnel nearby.  He was a total pig.  I assume you are too.

“Look up at my ass.  This is what you are going to worship the next few hours.  I worked out in the yard this morning, then I went to the gym.  It’s going to be rank in there.  And even though I wiped this morning, being as hairy as I am, I’ll probably have some dingleberries for you.  And should I fart, consider that me blowing you a kiss. 

“You ready to be what you were meant to be?  You do a good job, when I blow my load in my hand, I’ll wipe it on my asshole and have you lick it off…. 

“That got a smile out of you.  Now stick out that tongue as far as you can.  I need to have a seat….

“…Don’t start gagging.  You are going to be down there for hours, you get used to it.  Now stick your tongue in deep.  Like thaaaaat.  Fuuuuck.  Oh man.  Fuck yeah faggot.  Fuck yeah….

“I don’t understand why more men don’t use faggots like you like this.  But hey their loss is my gain.” 

[horse-girl-anthy]

The City and the Self: Or, the Uses of Lesbianism

someone in my server recently asked why Ikuhara seems so hung up on lesbians. I gave a short answer which in hindsight doesn't satisfy me. even this post won't touch on everything, there's plenty more that could be said, but here's a stab at a more complete answer, drawing from RGU specifically, though I think these points generalize to YKA as well.

a long time ago--around 2017, I believe--I posted in the RGU tag, asking about differences between how the western and Japanese fanbases see the show. the answer I got surprised me: I was told a popular fan theory held that Utena and Anthy were the same person. this is confirmed in the interview Ikuhara did with Mari Kotani:

Kotani: How did you think about relationships between two women, like the relationships between Utena and Anthy, Juri Arisugawa and Shiori Takatsuki, and so on? Sometimes it is thought of as one girl and her alter ego. Ikuhara: Yes, that's true of course.

at the time, this didn't make sense to me. now, though I don't take the "alter ego" concept literally, I certainly see where these theorists were coming from.

the very first impression the audience gets of the show, the opening seconds of the theme song, depict Utena and Anthy as mirror images of one another. I can't find the post now, but I once saw someone do a face swap of Utena and Anthy... and there was almost no difference in the final result aside from their eye color. yes, the show has somewhat same-y character designs (pointy chins, noses, etc.), and yes, Utena and Anthy are differentiated by coloring and height. however, there are differences in the facial features of the other characters, including other female characters like Juri and Nanami, meaning that you wouldn't get the same result from face swapping them that you do from face swapping Utena and Anthy.

visually, the show is trying to tell you something: Utena and Anthy are counterparts; not "the same person," in that there are clear contrasts between them, but perhaps different aspects of a single self. to put it another way, they cannot be separated from one another; what happens to one of them will affect the other, and how they relate to each other tells you a lot about how they relate to themselves.

RGU is not the first story to have this premise. I just watched Ingmar Bergman's Persona, which uses two women to tell the story of one woman, and that came out all the way back in 1966. I think that it's possible to do this kind of story with characters of different genders--however, it's most often done with homosexual/homosocial pairings because two people of the same gender are seen as better mirrors to one another.

when I initially gave my response as to why Ikuhara writes a lot of lesbians, I cited the influence of shoujo manga. however, I didn't detail how homosexuality was featured in those manga.

Ikuhara once said that the core theme of shoujo is "self-revelation." he wanted to capture that in RGU, and it seems to have come across. consider Takemiya Keiko's reading of RGU as "A story about independence, about finding oneself. It feels like a story about a girl defining 'what is myself?'"

this journey of self-discovery must involve encounter with the other. part of romance is other-longing, the desire to meet the unknown; love requires a separate entity which is not merely an extension of the self (this is why I don't believe that Utena and Anthy actually are "the same person"). through encountering the other, one can find one's own self, and further, through this encounter, the selves which meet can be transformed.

while plenty of 20th century shoujo did center heterosexual couples, I believe that homosexual and homosocial relations were so prevalent because they facilitated this romance more effectively. on a visual level, a homosexual pairing can create a clearer parallel, as discussed above. for a more thematic angle, RGU's lead writer Enokido has mused that homosexuality removes the issue of "genetic advantage" from the equation; since there is not a clear "survival and reproduction" benefit to homosexuality, it is easier to see it as "pure love." along the same lines, Ikuhara has said that "as soon as you see the destination point of producing children, sex becomes a social system." that's not to say that homosexual couples exist independently from social systems. the point is that writers who wish to pursue the idea of "self-discovery through the other" may wish to do so in the context where the norms of heterosexuality are not an issue, as they could muddy the water.

as an example, take Kaze to Ki no Uta, an influence on RGU. Gilbert and Serge, the lead couple, are very different people. often in conflict, their love ends tragically. that is precisely the power of the story: Serge, who is left alone after Gilbert's death, will live the rest of his life feeling incomplete, unwhole, because he has lost the "other self" by which he came to be defined. in Ikuhara's words, "It’s a story about that which forms the core of an artist - a starvation that can never be satiated."

when done properly, this kind of romance can be very moving, because it is not only a "love story" but also a story about the self and its relationship to the other. and even more potent are stories which are both about "finding one's other self" and about "the city":

Ikuhara: Out of your works, I particularly like the stories about cities... Stories of cities and “one’s other self” are enchanting aren’t they. There are a lot of shoujo mangaka who write about one’s other self, but there aren’t really any who write about cities. I think a story is weak if it only talks about relatives and neighbours and never about cities. In contrast, I think your stories which are simultaneously about cities really bring out their era. I think that allows you to mark out a line for the story of the other self. Takemiya: Personally, I feel at a basic level that stories without a sense of daily life aren’t very interesting. If one thinks of each person as a single cell, then the city becomes the “body”, and one cannot create a world without both. Based on where they live, some people become more modern or more provincial - the environment really plays a role. For me, it is a necessary component.

I agree with this exchange: the best stories about "one's other self" aren't solely about love between two people, but instead love between two people placed in a particular social context. it is that social context which gives the relationship flavor.

this brings us to the other reason that lesbianism (and homosexuality more broadly) is used in Ikuhara's works. not only does it allow him to tell stories about "one's other self," but also to tell stories about social systems. homosexuality is "deviant" within the social system that is set up to produce children in the nuclear family; thus, homosexual couples will face resistence and prejudice. as Ikuhara discussed in this interview, he is not necessarily trying to capture "the lesbian experience" in his works, but rather using lesbianism as an allegory for the sense of being a minority; a person outcast for standing out from the crowd. homosexuality thus allows for a marriage between the themes of "the self" and "the city" which are central to the telling of a great romance.

bringing it full circle, let's take a look at how this plays out in Utena and Anthy's dynamic, specifically the climax of the first arc. in the build up to it, Utena has been insisting that Anthy behave like a "normal girl," and believes she's succeeding in this venture. however, her illusions are crushed when Touga defeats her in the duel called Conviction. Anthy, now his bride, tells Utena that she likes being the Rose Bride and doesn't mind being alone.

Utena's reaction to this is interesting. suddenly, she is obsessed with being a "normal girl" herself, deftly signaling that all along, she was projecting her own conceptions onto Anthy. though she comes to realize this, Utena ultimately decides to duel again; in the episode 11 preview, she says, "Himemiya, wait! I have to try to get the real you and the real me back!" their selves are linked, tied; Utena cannot be herself without Anthy. what's more, the "false self" that Utena presents is linked to Anthy's "false self"--for, despite her words, it is quite difficult to believe that she "enjoys" being the Rose Bride, any more than Utena "enjoys" wearing girl's clothes. after Utena wins the duel called Self, she and Anthy meet again, paralleling the end of the first episode, but when Anthy tries to impart the rules of the rose crest, Utena tells her, "never mind all that, let's just go home." the two share a moment of authenticity, their "false selves" blown away like petals in the wind. they've drawn closer to each other and to who they truly are, while simultaneously gaining a level of independence from the system which seeks to define them by their gender. the rest of the show will play out in the same manner.

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side note: I don't think that Ikuhara is more fixated on lesbianism than he is on male homosexuality; however, I'm not sure if he's focused on "mirroring" between homosexual males the same way he has between females, despite the fact that his cited inspiration for the way he wrote relationships between girls in RGU is yaoi.

[chinesehanfu]

[Hanfu · 漢服]Chinese Late Warring States period(475–221 BC) Traditional Clothing Hanfu Based On Based On Chu (state)Historical Artifacts

【Historical Artifact Reference】:

Late Warring States period(475–221 BC)：Two conjoined jade dancers unearthed from Jincun, Luoyang,collected by Freer Museum of Art

A similar jade dancer was also unearthed from the tomb of Haihunhou, the richest royal family member in the Han Dynasty, and was one of his treasures.

Warring States period, Eastern Zhou dynasty, 475-221 BCE,jade dancer by Freer Gallery of Art Collection.

Warring States period(475–221 BC)·Silver Head Figurine Bronze Lamp.Unearthed from the Wangcuo Tomb in Zhongshan state during the Warring States Period and collected by the Hebei Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology

The figurine of a man dressed as a woman holds a snake in his hand, and 3 snakes correspond to 3 lamps.

Sword of Goujian/越王勾践剑:

The Sword of Goujian (Chinese: 越王勾践剑; pinyin: Yuèwáng Gōujiàn jiàn) is a tin bronze sword, renowned for its unusual sharpness, intricate design and resistance to tarnish rarely seen in artifacts of similar age. The sword is generally attributed to Goujian, one of the last kings of Yue during the Spring and Autumn period.

In 1965, the sword was found in an ancient tomb in Hubei. It is currently in the possession of the Hubei Provincial Museum.

【Histoty Note】Late Warring States Period·Noble Women Fashion

The attire of noblewomen in the late Warring States period, as reconstructed in this collection, is based on a comprehensive examination of garments and textiles unearthed from the Chu Tomb No. 1 at Mashan, Jiangling, as well as other artifacts from the same period.

During the late Warring States period, both noble men and women favored wearing robes that were connected from top to bottom. These garments were predominantly made of gauze, silk, brocade, and satin, with silk edging. From the Chu Tomb No. 1 at Mashan, there were discoveries of robes entirely embroidered or embroidered fragments. The embroidery technique employed was known as "locked stitches," which gave the patterns a three-dimensional, lively appearance, rich in decoration.

The two reconstructed robes in this collection consist of an inner robe made of plain silk with striped silk edging, and an outer robe made of brocade, embroidered with phoenixes and floral patterns, with embroidered satin edging. Following the structural design of clothing found in the Mashan Chu Tomb, rectangular fabric pieces were inserted at the junction of the main body, sleeves, and lower garment of the robe. Additionally, an overlap was made at the front of the main body and the lower garment to enlarge the internal space for better wrapping around the body curves. Furthermore, the waistline of the lower garment was not horizontal but inclined upward at an angle, allowing the lower hem to naturally overlap, forming an "enter" shape, facilitating movement.

The layered edging of the collars and sleeves of both inner and outer robes creates a sense of rhythm, with the two types of brocade patterns complementing each other, resulting in a harmonious effect. Apart from the robes, a wide brocade belt was worn around the waist, fastened with jade buckle hooks, and adorned with jade pendants, presenting an elegant and noble figure.

The reconstructed hairstyle draws inspiration from artifacts such as the jade dancer from the late Warring States period unearthed at the Marquis of Haihun Tomb in Nanchang, and the jade dancer from the Warring States period unearthed at Jin Village in Luoyang. It features a fan-shaped voluminous hairdo on the crown, with curled hair falling on both sides, and braided hair gathered at the back. The Book of Songs, "Xiao Ya: Duren Shi," vividly depicts the flowing curls of noblewomen during that period. Their images of curly-haired figures in long robes were also depicted in jade artifacts and other relics, becoming emblematic artistic representations.

The maturity and richness of clothing art in the late Warring States period were unparalleled in contemporary world civilizations, far beyond imagination. It witnessed the transition of Chinese civilization into the Middle Ages. The creatively styled garments and intricate fabric patterns from the Warring States period carry the unique essence, mysterious imagination, and ultimate romanticism of that era, serving as an endless source of artistic inspiration.

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Recreation Work by : @裝束复原

Weibo 🔗：https://weibo.com/1656910125/O6cUMBa1j

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[resplendentoutfit]

The Bias Cut: A Revolution in the Fashion World of the 1930s

The curvaceous silhouettes of the 1930s became known for eccentuating the female form, as apposed to the loose styles of the 1920s which obscured it. Called the "bias cut", it was a departure from the traditional cut that followed the straight line of the weave. Instead, the fabric was cut at a 45 degree angle against the weave.

Madeleine Vionnet began using this technique in the late 1920s, and it became the silhouette that would define women's fashions in the 1930s as well.

Evening dresses by Madeleine Vionnet for Vogue magazine, photograph by Edward Steichen, 1930 • © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Left: Slinky hammered silk evening dress inspired by Vionnet

Right: Madeleine Vionnet design

Evening ensemble • Design House Jessie Franklin • American c. 1930 • Metropolitan Museum of Art

[fletchingbrilliant]

"FUCK YEAH! I could get used to this shit!!!"

So... I made my own Sinner Adam. My first angle with the outfit design came from inspiration from his angel robe's collar, leading to an Elvis a la Vegas era look. (I really like the inverted A belt buckle) Then we went super fuckboy and just it gooooo and now I realize he's giving a little bit of forgotten Espada member from Bleach.

The mouths everywhere came from the idea that he preys upon and consumes people (especially women, look at Lilith, Eve, HIS ENTIRE EXORCIST FORCE) and making it more literal, and not shying away from how weird and grotesque that comes out.

And he has bone wings because now he can call himself... THE BONE DRAGON

[themareverine]

Stone Cold | Logan Howlett x fem!OC | TEASER

synopsis: They look at you differently, in mountain towns. Sure the female to male ratio—anywhere in Alaska, really—ain’t exactly cut down the middle. Women are territory, little else. And belonging to Logan—learning to be nothing short of an animal? Bred with his child? It’s another thing entirely.

warnings: mentions of a breeding link, implied sexual themes 🌶️, PG-13, pregnancy, comic adaptation, pre-established relationship from my Mare & the Wolverine series, angst, survival aesthetics, mentions of hunting, dead carcasses, extreme minimalism, blood, mentions of Logan's time at Weapon X, etc.

a/n: takes place in the Wolverine: The Long Night universe and follows up my Bed of Bones universe. I’ve been in my feelings lately and hormonal, so I wanted to play around with this—since survivalist Logan makes me feral and would love nothing more than to give him an entire litter. you’re welcome for this pure self indulgence.

masterlist | navigation | tags let me know if you want added!

TEASER

Freezing chill trojans into the supply store behind a bold arch of sunlight as the heavy door kicks open, arctic skies faraway in a sense that feels storybook, ethereal. Like this almost isn't real — in some ways, it doesn't feel like it.

Thick shadow takes up the full of the doorway like God, door braced open with an arm no smaller than trees growing in the sleeping forest beyond city lines.

“Logan,” there’s a relief she can’t fingerprint, but it jackrabbits against her bones all the same. Turning, she abandons her selections faster than the speed of light, they drop with a solid thud! at her feet enough to shake the world.

“You’re here,” it’s like breathing sweet air. His full scent takes up the space of the four walls, making parts of her tremble she hasn’t felt in weeks. Parts of her that spin and swirl with new life, with purpose “Missed you somethin’ bad, baby.”

Breathe deep of him, honey—don’t ever let him leave. Never again—never leave me, Logan.

Slipping between shelves and stacked wares like whisks of death, her feet are light. Airier than they should be, carrying around steel bones, the seed of a man older than new stars. The weight of universes were less than the life knitting in the depth of her womb, but she was designed for this—built.

Mere sight of him, scent of him stirs her blood like a swirling, hot little thing she didn’t know—his child in her womb all but leapfrogs into her chest cavity. He’s strong, she knows it—and it is a boy. Her bones know it. Nothing short of Logan’s son could brave the adamantium of bones like this child kicks around her womb.

Meeting his shadow in the door is just short of staring God in the face, stepping into the embrace of his extended arm is Eden. Nearly forbidden, how sinfully good it is.

A fortress to which she can stake hope, serenity. A future.

The smile knifing at his lips is genuine, more of Logan than many will ever know in this life. Steady heartbeat up against her breast as she rests against him, his arm falls around her shoulders perfectly. Fortressing her away from the press of the world, the dark eyes staring at them from the counter, the aisles.

Thumb gently kneading against her shoulder, his low rumble of approval lights her soul on fire, his other hand lifting to brush knuckles along her cheek.

“‘Course I’m here, darlin’,” he angles his head enough for his lips to skip over the line of her jaw, “couldn’t keep me away if ya tried.” Smelling of ocean salt, fish, sweat, he invades her senses like an assault. Capitulating quickly, her pulse kicks to life in a way that sends her spine almost numb. Lips chapped from frigid air as they skip across her skin, it's like tasting starlight as he kisses her, softly. Tenderly, so unlike everything he, actually, is.

A large hand palms graciously over the swell of her belly, protectively. Possessive, like she's made of the finest wealth buried in mountains. Reserved for his, to defend. Fight for. Kill for. Skin to skin that never ceases to drive her within an inch of sanity.

“Look at you,” his finger dips beneath her chin, lifts it a little to consider her eyes. Satisfied she's paralyzed under his gaze, right where he wants her, Logan's big hands find either side of her belly, feeling. Seeking, yearning in fascinated little way he's been since she started showing early in her fertility.

Kissing her cheek, he nuzzles his nose along the shell of her ear.

“You look good, all fat ‘n full’a me, darlin’.” Oh, he was wicked.

Strength evaporates, taking with it all the air from her lungs as she manages, somehow, a low growl of approval. Knees buckle. Swear to Christ— if she weren’t already so full with his child, well—she would’ve been. In shorter order than she probably could realize.

[doobledabbadoo]

Hii! You fucking ate with the TDI redesigns and it wanted to know if you'd make a guide as to how you mimicked the TDI style?

hihi !! tysm !! glad a lot of ppl like em !!

as for the style guide, i am far from an expert at replicating art styles, but having a neo-UPA inspired art style really made this easier for me, even if i did struggle on getting used to some design choices.

DISCLAIMER: I do not condone tracing over other people’s artwork to claim as your own final product. I only trace the shapes from the total drama characters to break down and analyze the art style for educational purposes.

IN GENERAL

total drama’s art style is heavily stylized and takes inspiration from clone high and many UPA-inspired cartoons in the late 90’s to early 2000’s. it uses very thick and bold outlines to define its characters and their individual shape language. a lot of designs use a variety of sharp angles, straight lines, and curved arcs to achieve a balanced character design that works in the total drama universe.

because the shape language is very geometric and simple, it’s surprisingly easy to recreate the total drama art style & reimagine some of your favorite characters in the universe!

BODY TYPES: THE “TYPICAL” WOMAN

a lot of the women in the show follow this base, even more than the “typical” male body type. compared to the men, the women of total drama have cat-like eyes, stylized lips, skinny necks, an hour-glass figure, longer and thicker legs, and pointy fingers. head shapes & features may vary depending on character and/or ethnicity. not all women in the show look like this, though! there’s a decent handful of women with very unique body types, such as beth, macarthur, & emma from the 2023 reboot! it also helps to reference characters from different seasons to get a better idea of the shape language in the show’s universe!

BODY TYPES: THE “TYPICAL” MAN

the “typical” body type for men isn’t as well defined as it is for the “typical” woman, so there aren’t as many examples of what defines the “typical” male body type. However, based on the handful of characters we collected, we can determine that the “typical” male body type in total drama is top-heavy. compared to the women, many of the men have broad chests and shoulders, thicker and longer arms, thicker necks, thinner waists and hips, and shorter, thinner legs. they have flatter, more boxy fingers comoared to the pointy fingers the women have. head shapes and features may vary depending on character and/or ethnicity.

BODY TYPES: THE PLUS SIZED WOMAN

plus-sized women follow some of the same rules & principles as the “typical” woman does, from more cat-like eyes to sharper fingers however, in contrast to the more common body type, these woman have much thicker body proportions and use rounder, smoother lines to emphasize either fat or muscle. head shapes and other features may vary depending on the character and/or ethnicity.

BODY TYPES: THE PLUS SIZED MAN

there’s a pretty good variety when it comes to drawing plus-sized men. while some of them, like ripper, follow some similar principles to the “typical” man, others offer a new, unique design base to work with. their features are generally rounder and wider to emphasize their weight. head shapes & other features may vary depending on character and/or ethnicity.

BODY TYPES: THE LANKY MAN

unlike the “typical” man, the lankier men don’t usually have the same broad shoulders and chest. their limbs are much thinner, & they sometimes don’t have any pronounced calves. it’s more common for the lankier men to have their feet facing in the same direction as opposed to the other, though the latter isn’t an uncommon design desicion either. head shapes and other festures vary depending on the character and/or ethnicity.

BODY TYPES: THE BEEFY MAN

Of all the body types presented to the male characters, this one is the closest and most similar to the “typical” male body type. the difference is that the broadness of the shoulders and chest are exaggerated more, and the shape of the arms can vary between being wider to having more lumps. head shapes and other features may vary depending in character and/or ethnicity.

HAIR STYLES

a hairstyle can tell people a lot about a character. theres a lot of different ways to draw hair on characters, though in general, the appeal to total drama’s art style would be the simplicity and angularity in its shape language and character designs, so you don’t have to give your character thousands of spiky hair strands to make them appealing.

im not good at explaining how i replicate art styles so i really hope these help!!! also im sorry this ask took forever to compile lol i just wanted an excuse to study the shows art style more. heres another helpful video to help understand the process of character design !!

i also recommend checking out harry gold’s channel. he does a lot of art style replication videos & this one explains art style replication exceptionally well!

tysm for ur ask & tysm for ur patience!!

[xxcrystalinerose]

Next up in the Sabzerus designs: Tighnari and Cyno!

I know this is unrendered, but I already committed to not rendering these two until I finish Haitham and Kaveh's designs which, in hindsight, is difficult atm because I have more ideas about Collei's design over them. With the recent release of Sethos, it seems that it would have to wait until I finish his and Collei's designs when I get to them. I'm writing a fic now lol so it the wait is probably quite long.

Tighnari's is relatively easy and I'm so pleased with the results! He finally looks put together and not... odd, palette-wise (to put it mildly). His clothing is based on the traditional dress of the Kabyle people, an Amazigh ethnic group from northern Algeria, with some modernized touches (I used references from modern-day photos of Kabyle dress!). The highlight is the burnous (hooded cloak), originally a symbol of resistance in the Algerian War of Independence and now a garment worn in special occasions such as religious festivals. I think it would be appropriate of Tighnari to wear one for his Sabzerus dress.

Cyno is so far the most difficult one to design. I have 0 references outside of speculative fashion plates and museum pictures of jewelry. I struggled so much with the outfit components, but I persevered and this is the result. His clothing is based on what Ancient Egyptian high priests of the New Kingdom wear. The long shendyt (kilt) and shawl are made from linen, which in higher social classes are woven so finely they appear as though transparent. Not just luxurious, but also airy for comfort against the desert heat.

Previously on: Nahida + Wanderer | Nilou

As usual, close-ups and some more thoughts under the cut:

Tighnari's canon design is incredibly confusing to me, because unlike some other Sumeru characters I have absolutely no idea which part of Algerian (or Arab, but that's a very wide ballpark) dress it's supposed to be based on. Where is that white fabric wrap even from? However, when I looked at his hoodie, I realized that it's probably supposed to be a "modernized equivalent" of a burnous. Probably.

The belt accessory is actually an article I always see on women's robe kabyle, but never men's. I think they look neat and Tighnari wears belt accessories, so I incorporated them. (If any of you seeing this are Kabyle or Amazigh, do tell me more of the nuances. Are they exclusively feminine accessories? I also read that Kabyle women tie their sashes differently depending on marital status, but does this only apply to sashes or does it also apply to these cord belts?)

It's not very obvious, but the burnous has a split back, so Tighnari's tail can poke out comfortably. It's also pretty fun to try and incorporate elements of his official design, such as the paw-print gloves, the boots, and the turtleneck. To me, Tighnari without a turtleneck is unimaginable for some reason.

I've been tentatively calling Cyno's design "the one time Cyno puts some effort into doing his hair". The little braids aside, his hair is actually in a half-up bun. I really should draw these refs from more angles... and this is unimportant in the grand scope of things, but I gave him some beef. My guy deserves more beef (and I apologize for covering his chest regardless).

The wesekh (wide collar) is made from gold and various precious gems/minerals. This one has gold, carnelian, and turquoise. The narrow golden beads on the outermost layer represents beetles, which in turn symbolize resurrection (i.e. Hermanubis' indwelling within Cyno).

I've always been baffled at the fact that Cyno wears mostly black, but would prefer for my design to contain elements from his actual design, so I kept the sash and helmet black. However, I do know that too much dyed linen (and animal fibers) are inappropriate to wear in temples. Unless you are a funeral priest, where you wear a leopard skin as a part of the rites. Then again, Cyno's biggest inspiration is Anubis, so perhaps he could get some leeway here...

To continue with the flower theming, I chose the Sumeru Rose for Cyno and Tighnari wears the yellow flower on his canon clothes once again. It's never mentioned in game, but I'd like to think the Sumeru Rose is among the national flowers of Sumeru along with the Padisarah, so it's appropriate for the General Mahamatra to wear it.

Lastly, I gave them matching double piercings. Tighnari wears them on his right ear (as per his canon design), and Cyno on his left. Another matching set :)

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Hey, so you seem to be the the All Knowing in terms of twst. With Glorious Masquerade getting a rerun soon, I was looking at the cards.

So what the heck is up with Jamil's freaking hat? I'm sorry but I can't look at it without laughing. It looks so stupid. The closest thing I can think of that matches it is the combined crowns of upper and lower Egypt, but this is the equivalent of France so that can't be it.

While I’m flattered that people come to me with their questions, I want to take a moment to remind everyone that I’m just another TWST fan like you are! ^^ It’s stressful to be considered “all knowing” or a fandom authority 💦 That puts a lot of pressure on me to speak on certain subjects or to interact in a certain way (since people might put too much stock into what I say), and then that ends up detracting from my enjoyment. I’d rather not be put on such a high pedestal, please and thank you.

Now, onto the question!

According to Rollo in 1-13 of Glorious Masquerade, the costumes the NRC students were gifted are “patterned after designs that are over 500 years old.”

If we extrapolate this to real life, the implication is that these costumes have roots in Renaissance era (14th century to 17th century) French fashion. Interestingly, Rollo’s own hat is similar to a tricorne, which was primarily worn in the 18th century… so technically, his hat is more “modern” than what the NRC students wear 😂

So I browsed through records of hats from the indicated period and guess what? I couldn’t find an exact match—though I did find a lot of hat designs that I found way sillier than what the NRC boys have. Like… sorry, what is THAT 😭

Some headwear which bears a vague similarity to Jamil’s hat are the Egyptian combined/double crown (the pschent), which Anon has already mentioned, and the French hood, which was worn by women in the 15th century.

The actual closest match I came across was the mitre, a liturgical headdresses worn by Roman Catholic officials. If you look at it from the front, it doesn’t look like much, but it definitely has the height of Jamil’s hat. But then look closer and you’ll realize the mitre does not have one single flap of fabric, but rather two.

If you take the front flap of a mitre and fold it back, you would probably get something very similar to what Jamil wears. (Note that the black part of the hat is NOT his hair, but is fabric that is part of the hat.)

Considering that Noble Bell College is styled like a cathedral and that the Renaissance era from which the Masquerade Dress clothing derives is characterized by the rediscovery of classical literature, art, and philosophy… perhaps it’s not so strange to see a hat borne of religious associations.

… Why did Jamil specifically get this hat? Not sure, I’m not religious myself so don’t ask me to psychoanalyze him from that angle 😂

The golden part securing the front is unusual and does not appear in French fashion of the time (at least not from what I could tell?). It’s styled like pschent but more likely is meant to be turban-like due to Jamil’s inspiration, Jafar, having the same feather sticking up in the middle of a bulbous hat. You’ll notice Jamil had a “feather” too, albeit metal:

To summarize, I think the design of Masquerade Dress Jamil’s hat borrows from multiple inspirations and not just one/old French fashion. Yana has stated before in a March 2023 interview with the Apple App Store that the cultures of Twisted Wonderland are unique and that the clothing that appears in the game are not “reinterpretations of existing costumes”. She seems to incorporate elements from both high fashion and from a variety of cultures to arrive at the final designs. For example, there are elements of many Nordic cultures in the Apple Pom outfits, and the Pomefiore uniform has a Japanese kimono-like silhouette despite the dorm being based on the the Evil Queen (originating from a German tale). I assume something similar happened when designing the Masquerade Dresses; Yana and co. wanted to combine elements and make something of their own.

Final comment I'll make, the shape of Jamil's hat looks like a kind of dumpling... It makes me hungry.