#fun fact: i colored the backgrounds with their respective eye colors

[louixstyles]

walls; louis tomlinson

[shadowwolflady]

Hatake Kakashi Headcanons

All right. It's time for some of my husband's headcanons. I consider Kakashi my husband. So I have to make some headcanons for him.

Known

Birthday September 15th

Zodiac Virgo

Height 181 cm

Weight 67.5 kg

Blood type O

Hair color silver/gray

Eye color gray

Missions completed 1,141

197 D

190 C

414 B

298 A

42 S

Fighting

Jutsu: Tai and Nin

Kekkei: Sharingan

Hidden ability: Kamui

Style: Tracking/Assassination specialist

General

This man is an introvert.

Favorite colors: black, grey, green (neutral colors)

Reads Icha Icha in public

Work smarter not harder

Is late to things that aren't important

Sees KIA stone in morning

Appreciates his comrades more than he lets on

If you can't find him, he is reading or working out. Most likely reading.

If you REALLY can't find him, he is trying to hide and keep away from people.

He is straightforward and doesn't beat around the bush. Especially when it is something he likes.

Kakashi does smoke, only when extremely tired and stressed, like after a tough mission. Other than that, he won't smoke.

Will. Do. 400. Crunches. For. The. Fun. Of. It. Basically any kind of exercise for the hell of it.

His spacial awareness is insanely keen.

The moment he walks into a place or room, he already has a plan in case things go awry. He has an exit path separate from the front. He already has tabs on civilians and potential allies. On top of that, he already can sense those who have ill intent.

Plays dumb so he doesn't have to interact or get involved.

Has hyper focused on something and missed a conversation point.

Has fallen out of bed.

Has fallen asleep with his gear on. Basically face plant into his bed the moment he got home. And didn't wake up until 12 hours later to go to the bathroom.

He always throws up an aloof facade so he throws his opponents off. Acting bored or disinterested is the best way to rile up an opponent's anger, which can cause them to lose a fight.

Just the fact he shows up to something or for someone is a big deal. It means he supports them or it is important to him in a way, even if he is forced.

He gets really quiet and withdrawn when tired. Usually his book isn't even out by this point.

He gets more irritable when tired. He tries to keep his comments to himself and mouth shut.

Has massive respect for kunoichi. It isn't easy in the shinobi world and a woman has to be bad ass if they want to achieve recognition.

He is a stickler for teamwork and comradery.

He has a favorite tree he likes to sit in so he can watch over people while he reads.

He has sharp canines.

Food

Favorite food Miso with Eggplant with salt boiled saury

Can cook

Likes simple meals

Doesn't like sweets

More savory food

Fish, beef, chicken, pork. In that order.

Can handle most spices.

Fast eater

Least favorite anything fried or sweet

Drinks

Social drinker

Can hold his liquor

It is rare, but in the mornings he will have Coffee, Black

Tea

Water

Behavior

He is a gentleman, walks ladies home at night and makes sure his drunk friends get home.

He will get cats out of trees for civilians.

He will help the elderly with groceries.

Calm, cool, collected.

He is quiet and analytic, he likes to stay in the background and unnoticed. He will step in when he feels like no one will be able to handle the situation.

He is usually reading or day dreaming.

He usually speaks tactfully. But he does say what is on his mind.

Originally, he was strict and by the book. But after Obito's death, he became carefree and prioritized team safety over success of the mission.

He is reluctant to let anyone close to him. He fears losing them.

Modest about his abilities.

Senses

He has a heightened sense of smell and hearing.

He has a sensitive chakra network, able to pick up on people around him and distinguish friend and foe by their chakra signature.

Hygiene

Showers at night

Smells like sandalwood and timber, earthy undertone

He brushes his teeth with mint and mouthwash

He shaves every morning.

Comb? What's that? Maybe once a week or so.

Fighting Style

Kakashi uses a ton of kicks to keep opponents at bay from getting too close to him.

INSANE core strength.

Fluid movements.

Constantly adapting to the fight, changing grips and angles of attack.

Will use chakra as a last resort.

Will use Sharingan as the ultimate last resort.

Will prefer to knock out or render unable to move. Will terminate as a last resort or if opponent is known in bingo book.

Has dealt with bingo book individuals before.

He usually waits to strike.

His Anbu training takes over and he strikes fast and lethal over power.

Lots of his fighting is based off Gai.

Kakashi knows the strongest and most powerful muscles in the body are the legs, which is why he uses them.

Sleep

He tends to sleep on his back.

He will wind up on his side.

He is a light sleeper.

Has insomnia.

He does like to nap during the day. Usually in a tree or outside. But he has napped at home.

He sleeps with a kunai under his pillow.

If he can't sleep he will read.

If that doesn't work, he will go for a walk around the village.

He enjoys taking naps with his ninken.

Chakra

First chakra affinity is Lightning

Second is Earth

Can wield all elements due to sharingan

Mental

Has PTSD

Depression

Insomnia, hence naps.

DISSOCIATION

He will have night terrors to the point he will purposely walk around the village to avoid sleep.

Has scrubbed his skin to the point of bleeding so he could get the memory of blood off.

I will post more, but this is the general list I have for him.

My other list is for that when he is with my OC, Rai.

He is so precious! He has my heart! I love him so much!

[tigreblvnc]

YOUR LIFE IN BLUE LOCK — @multifandomsillies

BACKGROUND HEADCANONS;

♤ You played soccer fairly casual at first, just participating on the school team. But your skills of adaptability and creativity quickly put you above the average skill level.

♤ Because of this, you were eventually recommended to play soccer outside of school, with a club.

♤ You went along with it, really just because why not. Sounded like a fun experience! Surely there was something to gain or grow from it.

♤ And again, your skill made you a highly valued member.

♤ You were scouted by Ego, he wanted to see how much he could make you evolve, and truly bring out a passion for soccer.

♤ And evolve you did. A deeper desire to help lead your team to victory

COLOR AURA;

♤ A sky-ish blue

♤ #63a2ff (or something similar)

♤ It’s a less intense than many other blues, but still one of the stronger ones.

♤ Blue is known to be more calm, and laid back then the others. But not quite as soothing as a green may be.

♤ This provides a good balance of laid-back, but still quite focused

♤ As an aura, its definitely noticeable, mainly because it’s not as harsh as your teammates (ex. Aiku’s lime green, Barou’s bright red). It gives a uneasy feeling, as if it may overtake the field if you don’t keep a good eye on it, much like many bodies of water.

TEAM SELECTION;

♤ Ubers

♤ Given your values, and preferred environment, Ubers is the best place for you to go!

♤ A good team where everyone contributes. Yes there’s the power points, but every one on the field is holding up, there’s minimal tension between them.

♤ No one there wants to lose at the fault of others, so they all play their part.

♤ You get to play as you wish, as Ubers isn’t as strict as other teams with how they go about their plays

♤ Overall, it’s where your skills get to be used the most.

BEST FRIEND;

✦ Pepper :D Definitely one of the most surprising matchups in this series.

✦ I think there was an instant connection between you and Oliver.

✦ You both have that relaxed and laid-back vibe, but don't be fooled by appearances: you're both incredibly tough and stubborn beneath your calm exterior.

✦ In fact, you kind of form a brother-sister duo on the field.

✦ Meaning, you can rely on each other when needed, and you understand each other well without necessarily needing to speak. Let's be real: those are the best kinds of duos.

✦ Oliver is a fantastic mediator—he's great at managing and easing team tensions, making him a very important pillar because he's reliable and competent. I think these qualities immediately appealed to you.

✦ Likewise, he appreciates your sleepy demeanor but also your knack for coming up with alternative scenarios to get the team out of trouble.

✦ Really, this dynamic is pure gold.

RIVAL;

✦ Now, let's talk about your rival…

✦ It's hard to imagine Sae viewing anyone as a rival, given that would mean he respects the person. Which, let's be honest, is rarely the case.

✦ Buuuut… I do think you share a few qualities that might bring you closer in some way or another.

✦ For one, you're very versatile and adaptable—a quality he shares! You both have that detached, outside-of-it-all vibe. And let's not forget, though it's rarely mentioned, that Sae is capable of imagination too. He just doesn't bother with it because everything is far too easy for him, so he doesn't need to make the effort.

✦ But these traits, I think, could create a really interesting dynamic between you two. Not a direct rivalry, as it would likely stay very cordial. You probably wouldn't talk much, but I like to imagine you both observing each other from a distance. When the ball comes near, there's that spark in each of you, wondering if the other will succeed.

✦ In short, we're talking about a subtle rivalry here, one that no one would suspect. But you both know the truth.

POSITION ON THE FIELD;

✦ Goalkeeper.

✦ And due to your position as a goalie, there's a fascinating mechanism in play.

✦ Sae's a midfielder: he's the one passing the ball to the striker, who's supposed to score.

✦ But when you manage to block the ball, the crowd goes wild, but Sae?

✦ Well, I think Sae takes the time to look at you. To assess your reaction speed and your skill in anticipating the ball's trajectory. He recognizes all these qualities, and I can easily imagine him muttering that he doesn't know any good goalkeepers. Doesn't know any, except one.

✦ I also like to think that back when he was a striker, this rivalry held a lot of weight and power, probably energizing your matches. That's probably one of the few things missing for Sae as a midfielder today: someone strong enough to stop him.

✦ Now, your position is supported by Oliver playing defense, and the dynamic has evolved. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll step out onto the field to reawaken that competitive spirit against the elder Itoshi. After all, he's already shown it's possible to move from one position to another.

© TIGREBLVNC 2024 | OCTOBER '24 MATCHUPS EDITION.

[sorrowful-hyacinth]

Character Sheet {Masterlist}

Name: Caspian Glaucus

Age: 25

Height: 5’ 11” [Human Form] ; 8’ 5” [Siren Form]

Weight: 175 lbs [Human Form] ; 350 lbs [Siren Form]

Eye Color: Yellow w/ Specs Of Gold

Markings: Vitiligo w/ A Moon Crest On His Back

Scarring: None [Yet]

Sexuality: Bisexual

Family Status:

Siren Royalty

Parents: Mother and Father [Alive]

Sibling(s): Sister [Alive]

Background:

Caspian has had a relatively easy life. He’s a siren Prince that lives in an underwater palace along the Mediterranean Sea. He had a good childhood, although some might call him spoiled, because he is. He likes to do whatever he wants when he can. Sometimes sneaking off to play or go on adventures with other sea creatures. Sometimes you’ll catch him messing with fishermen and releasing sea animals that were caught in nets. He’s not very fond of humans, his father hates them too, but his mother tries to keep an optimism that’s fleeting.

Building up to the present day story, Caspian had escaped the palace to go mess around with some dolphins. A vicious storm caught him off guard and the waves ended up forcibly dragging him through the sea away from home. Landing him into the northern Atlantic. That’s how he ended up so far west towards the Caribbean.

His family name, Glaucus, was true to its origins as the royal family were only ever representative of Glaucus Atlanticus characteristics. As the generation went on, sirens became more powerful and learned how to use their powers and now they can shift to different creatures.

Royalty have distinct features that separate them from their common folk. Their eyes for example, they will always be a variation of gold or purple and they’ll have two freckles diagonal from each other in the iris. One feature that’s rare, but still only presents itself in royal bloodlines is the birthmark of a moon crest. Caspian has one on his back. What’s special about it is that— HA! I’m not going to spoil it until we get to that part 🙈 He couldn’t get the best of both worlds though, because those with the crest aren’t born with a siren song. So his voice doesn’t have an effect on anyone.

Personality:

You better believe this guy is spoiled. He inherited some entitlement and sadism from his father, while still inheriting some compassion and respect from his mother. He can be really defiant and rebellious, mostly because his parents always tried to keep him cooped up. If anybody defies him or says anything he takes offense to, his immediate thought process tends to result in thinking about hurting them. He doesn’t always go through with it if it’s too dramatic of a response. Mercy doesn’t always come so easy to him, though. That being said, he can be very playful and easy going when he’s alone with people or creatures he likes. When he doesn’t someone, he can get a big ego trip from overpowering them and putting them in their place until they crumble at his feet.

Hobbies:

Collecting Sea Glass and Sea Shells

Playing w/ Other Sea Creatures and Animals

Visiting Land to Observe Humans

Tearing Sailors Nets to Save Sea Life

Racing Dolphins

Exploring the Deep Sea

Fun Facts:

Has the Ability to Shift Appearance Like Different Sea Creature Characteristics and Be a Human

Was Born Without His Siren Song 🫢

Twin Sister

He Has a Taste For Human Food

I’ll add more later if I have anything else to say.

- 🪻

[goopygeiger]

judgement; final hopes and dreams

(fun cool sybolism and color usage breakdown below the cut)

(the desaturated version's black and white halves of the background being 90% lighter/darker respectively, (9th anniversary/number 9 heavily associated with geno route), light half on top along with the soul representing the connection between the two/being from the surface, sans being half between the dark and light symbolizing him being in the underground (often associated with darkness) but likely having come from deltarune's world originally where monsters come from the surface which is often associated with light, all 7 soul colors are present in both versions (technically 9 including white (monster soul) and black (no soul) to sort of symbolize the finality of the situation, as well as it representing the geno route being where sans as a character completely breaks out of his shell and is at his best. Also the streaks of yellow and cyan in the background are the color his eye flashes, specifically cyan is the color of patience and yellow is the color of justice. I specifically didn't want the red soul to be represented as one of the main colors i used to color in/shade because there isn't a concrete trait its associated with in writing, but i felt it important to include still because given my personal thoughts on what red could be associated with (i think it might be freedom), and the fact sans is fighting FOR freedom, i think red needed to be included despite sans not having freedom. So the outline is a dark red) Theres tons more you can get from this piece too, like the accidental mixing of yellow and cyan making green which is the color of kindness, specifically his shoes being orange which is bravery which brings to mind sayings about "taking a leap of faith" or "a step in the right direction", the colors used to shade each area, something something gaster or something, yadda yadda. Please speculate about the color associations (intentional or not) and everything im very proud of this piece and love it when ppl do that

:]

[entityandstereo]

This is Stereo Bayle, my main oc and self insert

This is Stereo with her hair down

She's part wish fulfillment, part online identity, part her own thing entirely. She is also the one I ship Ornithicera with :3

The full body above is propably the best thing I have drawn to date and also my third rendition of her design. I'm very proud of it

Here is her character bio

General facts

•She's the shortest of her trio of friends at 5'11, but the oldest at 34 (the height and age is incorrect, but this does reflect real like xD) (she's been 34 for the last several years)

•She has mild shapeshifting abilites, mostly just affecting her vocal cords, feet, and hair length/color

•It's not shown here, but she has shark-like teeth and insectoid wings. these are both entirely natural. To her, anyway

Background

•She was originally born in our world as Sierra Boon

•She had a brief stint in the military before work as a security guard for E.H.E Facilities (think a mix between the Magnus Institute and the SCP Foundation with significantly less horror)

•She was put in charge of a missing persons case involving the disappearances of several Minecraft YouTubers after she revealed past experience with a similar case

•After a whoooole lotta shenanigans, including the loss of her arm and eye, she ends up in Minecraft (that is a massive understatement)

•She now leads one of the largest anti-slave efforts

This is vague, but that's intentional. I have a podcast/audio planned and I don't want to give too much away yet

General Facts

•She is as wild as she is kind, which is a good bit

•She loves to fight, especially if it's wrestling. She loves it even more when whoever she's fighting enjoys it as much as she does

•She might be a little crazy about farming (you should see my crop fields)

•loves to listen to music and long video esseys

•loves animals, especially big dogs, cats, and horses

•doesn't have much respect for most authority figures, or governments. doesn't claim to be an anarchist though

•if it were her choice, she'd be completely nocturnal. unfortunately, her body keeps waking her up at 8am

•not so smart in academics, but terrifying when it comes to observatin and reading people

•manipulates bad people into doing good for fun

•her only fears are snakes and insects. and public speaking

Design

•The scar is supposed to emulate the wither effect

•The prosthetic arm is powered by redstone; the bulk of it is netherite, while the fingers (and swords) are diamond

•her hair has a loose curl to it; she usually keeps it down too, I just wanted to draw a bun :D

Relationships

•her two closest friends are @fusciaguardian (hi fren) and Veil

•romantically involved with Captain Ornithicera (more on that when I make his post)

There's more I could probably say, but some of it goes into spoiler territory. Plus I've been stuck on this all week :⁠-⁠\

There's something I'm forgetting though, hmmm...

Oh right,

•she's related to Entity ;⁠)

[rockmiyabideusexmachina]

2023 Megaman Summer Fanart Contest Results!

I have no time to whip up a new results post image, but oddly enough I have a dorky 16-year-old drawing I can crop, that somewhat technically covers both themes, in some respect. Go figure.

Thank you to everyone for your patience waiting for this post! Sorry, just have felt a little lacking in focus and energy to finish this until now. As usual, the top 3 who placed will be announced first, followed by the remaining entries in alphabetical order by alias. As an added surprise, I'm also throwing in a bonus runner up mystery winner position, since there were no raffle prizes or anything extra I threw in this summer. They will get the same cash prize as our third place winners. Winners will be contacted soon!

Without further ado, after the break, here are your winners and galleries full of art!

CATEGORY 1:  The Sand-ly Cup Playoffs (Talent)

For the talent category this year, participants were to draw a sand-themed Megaman character taking part in or ruining a beach sport event.

After each entrant’s name, there will be a link to the entry, too, just in case the inserted images don’t load for you. In the interest of not breaking your browser with the usual super-scrollingly-long post, entries consisting of more than 2 images will only have 1 embedded into this post, with links to each page separately.

[Full Cat. 1 gallery]

1.) Daidairo (@aurantia-ignis): [Entry] ($150 USD prize)

Beautifully drawn, with so much going on to draw my eye towards! You've got Desertman not only helping his own teammate out by giving him a boost to spike the Met volleyball, but also firmly gripping Blues from moving with his legs covered in sand. Love all the other cameos in the background, with everyone being so active and enjoying the summer day.

2.) Kaitlin.EXE: [Entry] ($75 USD prize)

In a summer full of surprises, it was a joy to see your art for the first time in a long while! If X DiVE had sadly not been phased out this summer, this would have been a set of skins/new summer characters I know a lot of people surely wanted, with a fun new boss alt design. Finding treasures buried at the beach definitely fit's Scaravich's profile, and his little striped swimsuit armor and diving attire gave me a good laugh, plus looks just perfect for him. The boys all have unique swimwear that fits them great, individually!

3.) @nightopianfoxgirl: [Entry] ($50 USD prize)

Wait...Higsby died? This news ticker sure did take a dark turn at the end! Unless Anubis can use his nanomachines to bring him back and all. Amusing twist turning Anubis' staff into a microphone as he roleplays as Ribbita here. Meanwhile, Iceman, Bubbleman and Aquaman are drowning in the larger size uniforms somewhere. A little humor and a little fanservice mixed in to an overall crisply-drawn & colored piece!

*Bonus mystery runner up random prize!*

Tori: [Entry] ($50 USD prize)

Those pair of Sasoreenu may have spikey drill tails, but Roll and Kalinka are strong enough to power through them! In fact, I think Roll is the one who is going to spike first, and it will be game-set-match for those scorpion bots! Great job, Tori!

Another surprise this year was this being an entry from the youngest participant I've ever had submit something, to go along with being the first ever time a parent and their child have both submitted an entry into the same contest! Good to know the current generation is being brought up as Megaman fans!

And the remaining wonderful entries, in alphabetical order by alias:

@dahlia-the-nurd: [Entry]

Solar frisbee versus sawblade frisbee, who's better at chuckin' those things the farthest? I'll go with the guy who sticks his finger up claiming to be #1. Until a time stopping duo decides to mess with them both a little bit, and neither fly very far... XD

Dr. Fresh: [Entry]

Doc Cossack and all his children enjoying some family fun on the sand. Love the variety having something different that they are all involved in. Bright Man's bulb having it's own 'sunglass' essentially is something clever and creative that I can't say I've seen anyone think of before!

@eulogysinger: [Entry]

Love the concept of the digital touchscreen photos sent for Megaman to browse through, and how you incorporated all the Secret Area Navis into enjoying a beach break. It's funny seeing Yamato's shogun helmet changed into a beachwear sun hat, but still fitting his design so well. Also loved his little foot soldiers getting in on the fun with Desertman; honestly all the scenes are cute and amusing!

@ingopotato: [Entry]

Looks like that sedimentary rock-themed Robot Master is about to be turned into... ...Sandstone.

*ahem* Sorry. Ground Man mucking things up and the look on Stoney's face amused me. Very crisp art, and good job at really making it look like the sand is blowing and kicking up behind both of the main sandsurfing RMs!

Mattasaurs: [Entry]

Mummira head is the perfect volleyball! Unfortunately, just as a decoy here, because bumping that one back over is not going to get you any points, Aile. That was certainly a very well-thought out creative choice in the composition, and I absolutely loved it. The proportions and angle really give a kind of neat fish-eye lens perspective in this piece, in some respects.

@pstart: [Entry]

Well, if the net is out of commission, maybe Volnutt can stake up a defeated Nakel on two poles and hit the Reaverbot eye over it! I can feel the heat with the main sunny yellow background, but also thought keeping the two background characters in a shaded grey was an interesting style choice that also makes them seem like they are in the shade.

__________________________________

CATEGORY 2:  Bae-liawatch (Humor)

For the humor category this year, participants were to draw their fave characters with at least one as a lifeguard, in iconic red swuimsuits/trunks, as an ode to the series Baywatch. Despite my category title, nobody took the bait and drew Alia as a lifeguard, however, rendering it moot.

[Full Cat. 2 gallery]

1.) @grammars-doodles : [Page 1] [Page 2] [Page 3] [Page 4] [Page 5] ($150 USD prize)

For main pun alone, your comic made me laugh the most! Baysquawks just works perfectly for this. XD Cute, fun, with a bunch of nice visual gags. Zack may have lived, but at the cost of poor Quacky Lacky lifeguard #3...

2.) @sylviidaee: [Entry] ($75 USD prize)

The contrast in art style between these two versions is amazing! From the painterly shading, proportions, to what is happening in the scene, the "Expectation" (emphasis on PEC, while looking at Gutsy's chest!) panel is just wonderfully drawn! I don't think I will ever be able to unsee Gutsman as a grinning John Cena muscleman. XD

3.) VCampan: [Entry] ($50 USD prize)

Points for the most literal pure parody of the theme, enabling the rare buddy comedy teamup of Sigma and X. Overall, characters and look matches up really well to the 2017 Baywatch movie poster, with plenty of little Megaman-themed tweaks, although I'm laughing at Zero in the CJ swimsuit/position. He looks thrilled to be put in that there! XD

*Bonus mystery runner up random prize!*

dmr: [Entry] ($50 USD prize)

So, viewer, you are saying, "If Ace is the lifeguard, why isn't he in red trunks like it says in the rules?" Well, obviously Kelvin is the actual lifeguard, but he got too distracted flirting with that hot babe to bother to pay attention to any issues going on in the water. Isn't that another thing lifeguards are known for, anyhow? So Ace is just pitching in. Wonderfully drawn, with a lot of movement and interaction through their poses. Great job on the water and splashy effects!

And the remaining wonderful entries, in alphabetical order by alias:

 AbilityField: [Entry]

Good thing Blues always wears multiple pairs of shades on his head that he never truly has to worry about losing them. I don't know if the same can be said for swim trunks, though...

@aw-colorcat: [Entry]

Ice Man in the ocean would probably make the water cold, but I think the water's even colder when Miss Splashy is inhabiting it, after that frigid reply to Bubs. XD Goes to show how just a simple short retort can bring a good laugh. Cute, and loved Ice Man's meme-worthy expression!

miralie: [Entry]

Miralie requested her entry to be censored a bit (as seen in the link above), to shield everyone from a glimpse at Sigma packin' his *ahem* um...Gunner Sigma. As a compromise, (with permission to post) I decided to edit in Zero spinwaving his way in front of the potentially offending bits and pieces. Or...ya know, maybe Sigma can spin Zero with his Junk-O. You be the judge. Granted, I didn't think your eyes needed to be shielded like Colonel is doing to Iris here, but sometimes it's OK to be like an overprotective older brother. Forgive her, Zero! She just wants to peek a little at the beach commander between Colonel's fingers. Because Miralie did draw him with quite the impressive physique, is all.

_______________________________

Once again, congrats to all the winners, and I will be contacting you about your prizes shortly. And thank you all so much for continuing to participate year after year, both regulars and newcomers! ‘Til next time!

[fiftytwotwentyfour]

Puzzle 14: Mixed Puzzles - Speed Puzzling:

Four - 100 Piece

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Jigsaw Puzzles

Created by Spin Master Puzzles

Puzzle Classification: Jigsaw Puzzles

Price: ~ $9 per "Egg" in stores

Prices online are wildly different

(All four puzzles were gifted to me - Mikey and Donnie puzzles were "used" - Raph and Leo puzzles were brand new/never been open)

Review/Commentary:

First off - I am by no means an expert/competitive puzzler, but I do enjoy doing puzzles.

"Fun" Fact:

A Dissectologist is a term to describe a person who enjoys puzzles - a puzzle enthusiast. The term derives from the "original" name for jigsaw puzzles - supposedly in the late 1700's early versions of puzzles were referred to as "Dissected Maps". Currently you wont find "Dissectologist" defined in any dictionary as the term is currently under review even though the word has been reportedly used since the mid 1980's.

"Fun" Fact over... Anywhosel...

I told friends that my weekly challenge for myself this year would be solving puzzles - so - I had few friends donate puzzles to the cause.

Enter these (4) Teenage Muntant Ninja Turtle Puzzles - I have a soft spot for Ninja Turtles - a well known fact amongst my friends. I have been a huge fan since I was a little tyke and I kinda still am - I really enjoyed Muntant Mayhem. So, mixing my passion for Turtles and Puzzles felt like a no brainer.

One interesting thing - well, interesting to me - I have been doing puzzles for years - but - just recently it was brought to my attention that some hardcore/avid puzzle enthusiasts will challenge themselves by mixing multiple puzzles together. It has never dawn on me, but to be fair I don't think I have ever owned multiple puzzles of the same "caliber and difficulty" level in order to mix them up.

With these four puzzles being donated to me I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to dip my toes into the Wild World of Dissectology.

Now - Granted - upon reviewing all the puzzles at the same time they are uniquely different - they have vastly/starkly different backgrounds and font styles and of course if you vaguely know anything about TMNT you know each Turtles brand of color and weapon - so separating the pieces was not all that difficult.

Also, the there was only 100 puzzle pieces per puzzle - 400 total - not too bad, normally when I do puzzles I am doing 500-1000 piece puzzles.

Where it became "challenging" is the puzzles didn't fit the conventional square/rectangular shape - the edges where fluid and fit the form of the Turtles' poses.

All the turtles belts, shells, green skin blended together. Unless there was something distinct to separate all the pieces I pretty much had to make fifth pile just for undetermined pieces.

With a portion of the puzzles being "used" I was without image references for two of the puzzles (Mikey and Donnie) - so - for added challenge - I decided to do all the puzzles without reference images.

Even further I was having issues distinguishing between between Raph and Mikeys red and orange (respectively) elbow/knee pads. Not sure if it is due to the art style or if I suffer from some sort of minute color blindness.

And another bit that added to the "fun" - I put on some tasty tunes.

Yep, popped on the headphones, settled into my "This Magic Moment" Pandora radio station, and melted into the pieces.

It was very chill and helped me reach some zen I haven't had in a while. It has been a long time since I was able to sit down with no interruptions and just focus on a "simple" task without worry.

Diving In - I did have a plan of attack.

Assembly the puzzles based on my Least Favorite Turtle to My Favorite... JK.

No, I my plan was to start off by attacking the most identifiable pieces/character to help clear up the table and that just so happened to be Leo.

Leo's heavy hues of blue stood out immediately and were the easiest to separate followed by Donnie - again - the Reds/Orange pieces were touch my for my eyes.

The order of attack ended being - Leo, Raph, Donnie, Mikey - BUT - the actual order which they were completed (100% finalized) was Donnie, Mikey, Raph, Leo.

In Summation:

It was fun, relaxing, and refreshing to work up some puzzles instead doing another tabletop escape room like I have been doing for last month or more.

If trying mixing the puzzles - Inthink I would take it to the next level - more pieces or puzzles and similar theme/color palette.

So what will the next puzzle/theme?

Tune in Next Week!

... My One Follower...

or Dont!

Like I said it just gonna be me talking about puzzles and to be honest - believe you me - I am surprised at the amout of syllables I spewed out on the stagnant subject matter of Dissectology.

Check you later.

Total Completion Time:

2hr50min09sec15ms

Sorting Time: 12mins18sec82ms

Leo's Time: 36min38sec18ms

Raph's Time: 45min35sec50ms

Donnie's Time: 48min16sec59ms

Mikey's Time: 27min20sec04ms

Average Puzzle Time: ~39min27sec

Hints /Clues Used (0)

Items Not Included / Needed:

Large Clean Surface

Optional: Tasty Tunes

Personal Rating: 7.5/10

2024 Puzzle Record: 12/14

[fallouttboy]

hello i am thinking about ofmd.

queerness in piracy. the openness to the queer relationships aboard the revenge and the normalcy of it all. queer pda without judgement. without harassment. in fact, the opposite. queer pda with encouragement, joy, love, respect, excitement. further, the inclusion of people of color and of varying ethnic backgrounds. the respect and found family of the whole crew, without seeing differences in a time where differences were incredibly seen, present, and established as methods of othering.

no othering was done on board. the only othering was that of the people in power, those under the government’s watchful eye. or those who were nasty, cruel individuals who othered pirates, those who threw the first punch. and in those cases, dare i say, it is rightfully done.

i am not siding with pirates or with privateers, especially considering that this is a fictional show! and very clearly fiction, fun for being fun.

that said, ofmd brings an incredibly interesting reversal of good vs evil. the older i get, the more i begin to associate The Greater Beings with negativity and weakness, as they are in such high power places yet act so foolishly and with such little care. so yeah, the pirates winning is refreshing to me. it makes me happy.

it makes me happy to see people like me win. the outcasts, the queer, the ones who love more than they ever should and it comes to bite them. the ones who are cruel because they don’t know how to express softness. the ones who are unapologetically themselves, especially when they are objectively incredibly annoying and/or boring.

it makes me happy to see the character development, the small guy winning, the big guy losing.

is the show an accurate portrayal of piracy? fuck if i know! probably not! or maybe it is, and we have been victim to fearmongering anti piracy pro privateer propaganda since the golden age of piracy. i certainly do not have the qualifications to speak on the subject outside of my handful of facts that i randomly know, but i do have the qualifications as a queer person for the following:

it is refreshing to see so many queer couples on television. and, of those queer couples, they all are diverse. it isn’t a copy pasted mlm relationship, or a wlw relationship for shock and sex factor. it is a pompous man and his “lowlife” boyfriend, who help each other become the best versions of themselves, combining traits instead of replacing. it is an artist and a guy who just thinks art is cool. it is two traumatized people who lift each other up before anything else.

ofmd isn’t about historical accuracy, it is about bringing forth questions about the state of piracy as a criminal offense. were they as bad as everyone said? likely. were they loving and caring and soft like the show? unlikely! one thing that they both had in common is that they supplied a found family, one that is incomparable to other ways of living, as the crew becomes the only people you would know for long periods of time. ofmd is about finding yourself and loving others through it, forgiving yourself, and giving yourself the permission to change.

[twstchaos]

Original Character: The Bouquet

Introducing: The Bouquet!! Got lazy and decided to use a picrew I made of her a loooooong time ago.

Technical Information

Name: Bouquette de Rosario

Japanese: ボクエット・デ・ロサリオ

Romaji: Bokuetto De Rosario

Nickname(s): Kelp/Seaweed (Floyd), Mademoiselle Fleur (Rook)

Biographical Information

Gender: Female

Pronoun: She/Her

Age: 17

Birthday: June 13

Starsign: Gemini

Height: 160cm

Eye Color: Chartreuse

Hair Color: Rose Pink

Homeland: Queendom of Roses

Family: Mother, Father

--

Professional Status

Dorm: Heartslabyul

School Year: Second

Class: 2-E (No. 7)

Occupation: Student, Groundskeeper of Heartslabyul

Club: Light Music Club, Science Club, Dance Club

Best Subject: Biology, Music

--

Fun Facts

Dominant Hand: Right

Favorite Food: Honeysuckle Macarons

Least Favorite Food: Cilantro

Dislikes: Students messing up the rose garden

Hobby: Gardening

Talents: Floral Arrangement

--

Appearance:

Bouquette has rose pink, long hair tied neatly into a large rose bun. Her hair is pulled back so as to not cover her face, save for a single curled strand on the left side of her face. She has chartreuse green eyes. Bouquette dons the standard Night Raven Academy female uniform consisting of a black blazer over the red, gold-lined vest, short skirt with black stockings, and black and white striped tie. She wears the Heartslabyul armband with pride. As a respectable resident of Heartslabyul, her Heartslabyul dormitory uniform includes the standard black, red, and white overcoat, white, pleated skirt with yellow hemming, the yellow and black sash tied around her waist, and black stockings. Clipped on her lapel, instead of the standard painted rose, Bouquette wears a boutonniere with a tiny flower arrangement. Both of her school outfits are worn with her pair of black, heeled Mary Janes.

--

Personality:

Bouquette is a very bubbly and excitable girl–wanting to please everyone–with many passions. She is always seen bustling around the campus of Night Raven College albeit for classes, electives, or any errand that the Housewarden asked of her. She spends much of her time busying herself with work. A very diligent person yet unwise. Her constant commitment to work leaves her little time to relax–to breathe–causing to overstress herself very often. During those rare moments when she allows herself to relax, Bouquette enjoys indulging on Trey’s pastries, hitting up cafes with Cater, or enjoying tea time with Riddle. Whenever she is in her fits of stress, Bouquette accumulates blot quickly which is worrisome for the other residents of Heartslabyul.

--

Background: Growing up, Bouquette had always been surrounded by blooming blossoms. Her parents are the shopkeepers of the local florist, The Queen’s Bouquet. The Queen’s Bouquet has been in her family for many generations. She grew up learning the vast knowledge of florae, focusing mainly on flowers.As a child, her parents expected much out of her. Because of her parents’ ambition for their daughter to succeed in everything, Bouquette was taught violin at a young age by a world-class musician. She excelled in her classes. After a while of taking only violin lessons, she was signed up for ballroom dancing–the dance of nobility–and ballet concurrently with violin. Bouquette continued to excel in everything she did. But, after some time, the stress of doing everything began to take its silent toll. Once the daughter of the de Rosarios was old enough, her talents were recognized, and she was promptly whisked away to Night Raven College. There, she was assigned to Heartslabyul. In her first week, one of her classmates rose to the position of Housewarden. Bouquette signed up for the Light Music Club, the Science Club, and founded the Dance Club in her first year.

--

Abilities and Unique Magic:

From her lifelong education of gardening, Bouquette is very adept at caring for and tending to plants, often looked to for advice by most in the Science Club.

Bouquette’s Unique Magic is called “All in the Golden Afternoon”. Her spell, aided by her knowledge of plant life, allows her to control plants, being able to affect the speed in which a plant grows, blooms, and physical appearance. As of right now, she is only able to affect one plant at a time, but the effect is permanent. “All in the Golden Afternoon” is most effective on flowers. A weaker application of her magic is that she can materialise petals out of thin air. Due to how simple her magic is, Bouquette runs the additional risk of developing blot faster than most.

Incantation: “All the flowers have very extra special powers. May everybody chime in tune. You can learn a lot of things from the flowers. All in the Golden Afternoon.”

--

She is twisted from the singing flowers from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland.

More information will come out in the future~

[simply-yelly2]

The Queen of the Wind and proud mama of Gorsepaw.

I was inspired by the style of my friend @onedivinemisfit. You may no longer be involved with Warrior Cats, but it was so fun to talk with you and learn about the various wonders of cat genetics.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name: Morningflower

Past Name(s): Morningkit, Morningpaw

Clan: Wind

Rank: Elder

Mentor: Palebird

Apprentice(s): Ashfoot

Father: Cloudrunner

Mother: Dawnstripe

Siblings: Larksplash, Appledawn, Houndleap, Leafshine, Rushtail, Robinstep (Robinwing (WC), Muddyclaw, Darkfoot, Oatwhisker

Mate(s): Tallstar

Offspring: *Firestar, *Whitetail, Gorsepaw, Storkkit, Quailkit

*There is an AU I am working on currently. In it, Firestar and Whitetail are both Tallstar and Morningflower kittens.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I got this picture done three days ago and made some touch-ups since then. I can now confidently say that I am 100% satisfied with how she turned out.

This is Morningflower, the lovely tortoiseshell queen from Fire and Ice who is the mother of Gorsepaw. She is part British Shorthair due to her father who was a former kittypet who was accepted into WindClan and later became a respected warrior.

Morningflower has always been known as a tortoiseshell with amber eyes, though once I saw on the Wiki that she had "light" as part of her description. Glancing at the allegiance for Onestar's confession has revealed that Morningflower is now a calico.

This version of Morningflower has her being a calico smoke. She inherited the silver gene from her dad and it gives her a lighter undercoat but also dilutes the colored patches on her body.

This coloration appears in a few breeds, but it does seem hard to get. Regardless of this fact, I LOVE calico smokes. I think they are very pretty, especially when you see the contrast between LH and SH. Plus this totally fits her name if you want to focus on a traditional route.

Prefix: Morning - You know how before sunrise the sky will take on a kind of creamy color? And usually the background is still dark because the sun hasn't risen yet. That is what came to mind with choosing this pattern. Some pretty powerful imagery.

Her suffix would come from the fact that she is very good with kits. Given how Morningflower was depicted as a queen in most of the allegiance, I like to imagine that she was like Daisy and Ferncloud. A permanent nursery queen who helped take care of kits and their mothers. This doesn't make her soft, however.

EDIT: I hated the old version, so once again tried to correct the markings. In this case I took inspiration from two real-life British Shorthairs, both featured in the Animal Planet show: Too Cute.

The "spots" around here are markings, the pose would not let me put them as they are supposed to go. So I tried to put them close to the parts of the body where they would normally sit.

[heiznx]

GAMBLES AND BETS

∗༝*◦✦ meeting you was a blessing towards the yakshas, but mostly to xiao.

BEFORE READING, this is long, and it downplaying injuries, karmic debt, war and all that's with it.

Alatus remembers only looking at the ground when he lowered his head towards the God that released him from endless suffering; however, he did end up raising his head when the Yakshas were told to.

He listened attentively as Rex Lapis, the God, started going on about the work that would be placed on them. Rex Lapis informed the Yakshas about the weight of the endless slaughter and the karmic debt that was about to come.

"Don't fret," Rex Lapis says, his arms crossed and his back on the Yakshas. "A friend of mine chose to leave for the plains first instead of waiting for you five."

The illuminated beast, in the form of a white crane, huffed for a reason that was unknown, as Bosacious was the one to open his mouth for the group to ask, "Then what exactly is our duty?"

"I want you to aid them, but let them do their own duties unless they require your aid," the God of Geo says, turning to look at the Yakshas before sighing. "This makes it all complicated, supposedly the job was solely for the Yakshas alone, but..."

"One would be angered if that bit of knowledge was shared by those one would meet," Cloud Retainer huffed, making the God rub his temple with his eyes closed. "If one understands, best set them off."

"I dismiss you all, watch over them."

With a swift bow of their heads, they were dismissed immediately. Each Yaksha had different thoughts, but all of them felt a foreboding feeling about who this person was going to be.

The sole wieldier of a polearm amongst the Yakshas remembers the feeling of being light-headed, his brain clouded at the thought of assisting a friend of the God he respects so much.

Alatus halted after noticing that his fellow Yakshas did after arriving on the plains; all were staring down at the [color] haired and the sight of them sent shivers down his spine.

Be it that they move in grace, it does not erase the fact that they appear to be having fun whilst slaying enemies left and right, not bothered by the manifestations of the Gods' hatred that followed their body so it could consume their soul.

The [color] haired Adeptus — no, your energy reminded him of that bloodhound of a God that used him.

The bloodhound of a God that he realized you looked nothing like as you brightened at the sight of the surprised Yakshas, even going as far as to happily greet them as if you were not on a battlefield.

The greeting wasn't done without you looking presentable. You froze off the blood using your abilities, and they fell off like ice shards, ridding you completely of the crimson liquid.

"What kind of weapon do you use — ah! You’re so amazing…!" you spouted compliments left and right, observing their appearance as you seemed to teleport around them. "Oh! You must be Bonanus!"

“Greetings to —” Menogias started only for you to turn to him.

“No need to be so formal! I go by [name],” you said, nodding to yourself before spotting Bosacius. “Woah! Four arms...! You must be the proud Bosacius Morax told me of!”

Alatus found it stupid that at the very first meeting, you tried to shake all four of Bosacius' arms despite you only having two.

"You look like Morax…" you said, looking at Menogias with a hand below your chin as you observed his vibe. "Ah, you! You tailored his clothes, didn’t you? You’re really talented, and you look like you know how to handle mora!"

"Have you done your background check on everyone?" Alatus asked, his arms crossed in front of him, finding no reason to keep this introduction of yours going, making you blink.

“And you must be —” you cut yourself off before turning to Bosacius. “Actually, what do you call him?”

"Has Rex Lapis not mentioned Alatus?" the four-armed Yaksha asked, supposed to be quietly, but Alatus heard it regardless.

"Oh, he does! Morax has a lot of stories about him, actually!" you said making the tiniest part of him curious. "Actually, Morax talks about anyone if you ask him; embarrassing moments of yours also escape his mouth if asked, but don’t worry! I have a lot to tell you as well!"

"Rex Lapis… what…?" Indarias asked, looking at you, jaw dropping as you giggled behind your palm.

"Morax has… not much understanding of those types of things; Guizhong said as much," you said before looking at the enemies below the cliff. "The talk could come another time; I must warn you of the karmic debt."

The first time the Yakshas sat with you at a table was on the same day as your meeting, and Alatus was unfortunate enough to be seated beside you.

Other than that, you were looking at the food as though it were a foreign thing to you, who blankly yet happily just kept staring.

“Is it not to your liking?” Menogias asked.

“Oh my, it’s not like that!” you retorted immediately before you grabbed your utensil. “It’s just that this is proper cuisine — it’s been months since we properly ate! We were so busy to even eat proper food!”

“What!?” Bosacius loudly asked as you nodded.

"It’s true…!" you acted as though you were hurt. "Morax had us only drink osmanthus wine during our talk! I’ve been buried in papers, and I can’t bring myself to do anything until I find the conclusion of my search!"

“Search for what, my liege?” Menogias asked.

"It’s something foreign until the end of the war," you said, scooping food with your spoon. "Anyways, who cooks around here?"

“Each of us do,” Bonanus responded as Indarias nodded.

“Really!?” you asked after swallowing.

"You can cook for us on the sixth day if you want," Bosacius said, and Alatus couldn’t help but raise a brow as you suddenly flushed red. "We’d be happy to know what kind of food you all eat with Rex Lapis."

"Ah — well, I mean, I can cook…" you said. "But it was said by Cloud Retainer that I should refrain from doing so."

“Just like Alatus, he's assigned tomorrow."

"Don’t bring me up; I can cook," Alatus said, making you laugh. "What is there to laugh about?"

You held back your laugh as you responded, “Don’t worry, Alatus, we can learn together.”

"I told you I can cook," he said, to which you nodded before you heard his next words. "Especially in winter, if the snow is thick enough, it’s edible."

“I’m sorry?” you blinked, looking surprised as the other Yakshas on the table just started laughing. “Alatus... what have you been feeding them?”

“D-Don’t worry, my liege, Bonanus watches over him,” Indarias said, afraid that you’d think less of them.

“I mean as long as it's edible, spiders are edible too.”

"MY LIEGE!?" Menogias asked a bit louder, as if asking you to repeat your words. "You... eat spiders, my liege?"

"As an experiment, I served it to Morax once, and he ate it," you said, making Bonanus shudder. "He even complimented it without knowing what it was."

“I don’t think I can let you in the kitchen, my leige...”

“I suppose that’s only fitting...” you said before you looked up from your food. “Wait, does that mean Alatus can actually cook better than me if he’s allowed in the kitchen?

The lack of response and the Yakshas avoiding your gaze made you say, “Oh... isn’t he... like, assigned for tomorrow?”

"So what of it?" Alatus asked, to which you just nervously chuckled.

“I... I look forward to it! Of course!” you sound like you’re lying.

Despite your informality when it comes to words, as if all of you were long-time friends, your aura still carried a tint of superiority; it most likely came from your body language.

No one can deny that your sitting posture, the way you hold your utensils, and how you eat are akin to the God of Geo.

Everyone knew how hard-working the Yakshas are, so the nighttime of the same date made Alatus feel confused because instead of going back to work, everyone decided to rest, all because you yawned.

It was a rest that the Yakshas barely got, so Alatus took it upon himself to watch his peers, going outside the makeshift tent that Menogias and Bosacius worked on to rock he usually sits on.

“Oh, as I expected...!”

He immediately summoned his polearm, looking up as he moved back in case an attack had already been launched, but it was just you, sitting on a tree, looking surprised.

You place a hand on your chin after, seemingly in thought, as Alatus didn’t let his guard down around you, which you probably noticed by the way you opened both your palms on your side.

Alatus was confused. Yawning is done when someone is tired or bored, and you did that yet you were awake, unlike the other Yakshas.

You said, “I was actually expecting to see you, especially after... well, what Morax said, but it was still surprising — if that even made sense.”

"This is not a place for rest," he said, frowning towards you, polearm still at hand. "Go back to yours."

"When one has been in a God’s presence for too long, one forgets that sleep even exists," you said, looking down at Alatus. "I’ve only heard of the Yakshas deeds, and it was enough to conclude that rest is something you all barely get."

There was a curious glint in your eyes that made him frown; he seemed to be an interesting subject for you, like he was some sort of research topic.

He huffed, ignoring you as he sat on the rock, prompting you to observe him a bit more before he heard you let out a breath and went down the tree.

You asked, “How about you leave the watching out to me?”

“No.”

“Should I start whining for you to give the spot to me?” you asked, walking behind him and bending yourself to face his view. “Alatus.”

The said Yaksha scowled and was tempted to push your face back if only you weren’t a friend of the God of Geo, but you seem to have taken the hint and backed off.

He said, "A friend of Rex Lapis or not, the fact that you're new to us cannot be extinguished."

"Hm, yes, that’s true," you said, crossing your arm with a small pout on your lips as you nodded before sitting on the tiny place beside him. "Scooch over; I’ll take this place with you."

"Scooch... what...?" he questions, moving to the side anyways, the furrow on his eyebrows not ceasing, and that made you chuckle.

“It means move aside,” you said, making yourself comfortable on your seat.

“I know,” he lied. “I learned of it just now.”

"You know, I sat on Morax when he didn’t move aside after I said that," you randomly said, making him turn to you quickly, and you laughed. "Oh, that was the reaction of Guizhong and Streetward Rambler! It was so hilarious!"

“Do you have no respect for the God that took you in?” he frowned.

"Morax never took me in," you said, to which Alatus had to bite back his surprise. "In fact, he was the one to approach me."

“Why would he?”

"Wouldn’t you like to know?" you grinned mischievously, making his lips wobble a bit, feeling slightly anxious. "Maybe I’d consider telling you if you let me take over night watch… oh! And if you go to sleep!"

“Hah, as if,” he scoffed.

His polearm stayed nearby as he crossed his arms, closing his eyes as he silently debated with himself whether to succumb to your temptation or not.

He had to weigh the pros and cons first and think of a specific reason why you seem to want him to close his eyes momentarily and be unaware of everything; you could be plotting something for all he knows.

"Since I’m asking two questions, maybe I can give you two answers too!" you said as he felt you lean forward, making him open his eyes. "I’ll let you ask me something!"

“You sly...” he frowns, seeing you leaning your elbow on your leg thigh and your chin in your palm.

"Are you not curious about what Morax approached me for?" you smirked. "I’m giving you a chance to ask anything that I know about him."

"Would I get an answer now if I agreed?" he asked, making you blink as if you weren’t expecting him to be caught.

"Before you sleep, of course," you nodded, straightening your posture. "It’d be relieving for you, no?"

He sighed, making you laugh like you were cheering for your victory, before he said, "I’ll be in the tent after this."

"Let’s do that thing first," you said, holding out your pinky. "I heard it’s called yubikiri; we link pinkies, and the one who lies gets ten thousand punches, and whoever lies gets to swallow a thousand needles — though I’m only sure that’s merely an exaggeration."

"You’ve heard of the strangest things," Alatus scoffed, but mirrored what you did before you linked your pinkies together with a bright smile. "So what now?"

"A contract-like thing is sealed! You should then go to sleep after I give the information you want!" you said, breaking off your linked pinkies with his before humming. "Well… would you like to ask a question first, or should I answer?"

“The answer.”

"Right," you nodded. "I was merely nothing but an illuminated beast until Morax approached me himself, seeking my knowledge in terms of human emotions and the devotion I give in my research."

You didn’t lie or avoid getting straight to the point; that must be an effect of the yubikiri, or what you call it, because as soon as he got the answer, he got up.

That prompted you to send him a questioning gaze as if to ask if he was going to ask you anything, but he turned his back on you, not wanting to see your expression when he was going to ask what he wanted an answer to.

“Does... Rex Lapis truly speak of me?”

"What an insecure being you are…" he heard your comment, but there was a certain tenderness in your voice. "Yes, Morax talks of you; he talks highly of you, but rather than referring to you as Alatus, he calls you Xiao."

No wonder you questioned what he was called; you didn’t want to accidentally reveal his name, which was given by the Geo Archon.

He heard you say, “Good night, Alatus.”

It must be the effect of the yubikiri because he really did go to sleep after that; he was not one to break a contract-like oath, especially when Rex Lapis values contracts so highly.

To the Yakshas' surprise, in the next morning, they were met with a peacefully sleeping Alatus, who also woke up last.

He had been sitting for the past hour, arms crossed in front of his chest, as his fellow Yakshas were asking him continuous questions that made him feel odd being in the center of attention.

Bosacius being the loudest and Menogias being the curiousest of all, he was even pestering you about what happened, but you only gave him vague answers.

"Your liege truly is amazing…" Bonanus complimented, to which you shook your head. "It is a great feat to actually get Alatus to sleep, and much more that he woke up later than us."

“How about I propose something?” you asked.

“This is not good,” Alatus immediately sighed.

"I’d sell the information to the one that gets less harmed in today’s subjugation," you said as your weapon was summoned to your hand. "If Alatus wants to protect this information, then do not get harmed."

“I can be safer than him!” Bosacius said, feeling a bit competitive.

“We all know Bonanus would win this one...” Indarias sweatdropped.

“Oh! And healing spells don’t count!”

“Menogias...” the hydro user Yaksha said as she looked at the said Yaksha, who smiled proudly.

“I...” Alatus sighed. “I’ll have to win this.”

Alatus didn’t win, but Indarias did.

He was watching you gesture your hands as you tell her, he assumed, was the story of how you made him swear to sleep.

Bosacius was getting healed by Bonanus, who silently sulked with him for not winning the so-called proposal made by you; she envies Indarias for getting to hear the information.

"I want another proposal from your liege!" she said. "Let it be one who gets the most kills, and I’d win! Your liege steals all of it."

That was how it became an everyday game for them: you give out a challenge that they have to fulfill, and the one who gets to do it first gets a piece of information they want, and sometimes it even moves to materialistic things, especially when Menogias wins.

Be it silk, weapons, rare ores, stories of old times, or documented events, you seem to have it all. Alatus was seeing the reason why Rex Lapis approached you first.

Not only were you aware of where to find material things, but you were also aware of what they felt, what they wanted, what they didn’t, what they were good at, and what they were not.

It was a dangerous thing, considering once the previous God he was under learned of his weakness, he was immediately used — you don’t seem to use anything that extreme, though.

He was still wary of you, but it's disappearing bits by bits, especially as time flows by and most especially when he catches you, more than once, talking to the Yakshas to ‘open up’ as you call it.

Happily chatting the night away with Indarias, you relate your experiences with her, and then you proceed to make a special move with Bonanus where she washes the enemies, directing them to an ice sphere you make to suffocate them or kill them by hypothermia.

Bosacius would help you with anything that included heavy lifting. Menogias would be discussing finances or fabrics with you, and he, Alatus, would often spar with you.

He’s foreign to most of the things you do and finds himself being placed in situations, like trying out whatever it was you were trying to accomplish by pulling him on the frozen water, and he almost slipped if it weren't for your hands.

Alatus wasn't the one to try to make himself blend in; if talking about his presence, it's said that his presence was just there. However, when he's following you, he's not just there; he is here.

The other Yakshas were already in the frozen pond, all were pleasantly surprised that it didn't break under Bosacius' weight.

“This practice acquires you agility and balance! If you can do it, then it means you’re already good in both,” you said, pulling his hands, his knees shaking from attempting to balance like Bosacius. “How are you faring, Alatus?”

“Are you attempting to embarrass me further?” he questions, looking on the side to see that only Indarias did not struggle. “I am good enough at both even without this kind of practice.”

“Not everyone can just use their elemental abilities to bypass things they’re not used to,” you said as your hold on him tightened a bit before spinning him with you.

“Your leige...!” he yelped.

"Heh, this is why you should let loose for a minute," you said, stopping yourself from spinning before holding him still so he could gain his balance. "With me here, nothing bad would happen."

“What is that supposed to mean...?”

"I DID IT! YEAH!" Bosacius yelled, making you drag Alatus with you to skate towards the electro user Yaksha.

"Woah…! As expected!" you said, one hand on your chin and the other holding Alatus’ hand. "You’re doing well! Did I put up a reward for this?"

“Did my liege say reward?” Menogias looked up.

“I’ll win.”

He remembers being with you when you were catching fishes by using your element to trap the them in ice spheres; he finds himself scoffing at how you had to use your element for simple things.

“You know, I can actually cook!” you said after he scoffed. “I bet I can make you something incredible...! I just need the right ingredients! Hey, maybe the others might like it too!”

"I highly doubt that," he said, his arms crossed in front of him, his spear, that had six fishes, stabbed being supported by his arms. "I can assume that you’d burn everything and attempt to resolve it by using your element."

“It’s the thought that counts!”

Alatus remembers that on the same date he was with you, catching fish was when he realized that the other Yakshas were growing attached to your presence, while he was still stuck thinking you were looking for his weakness.

The tiniest wariness he had of you swayed when he was once standing behind his peers that talked to you about your stories, yet you still noticed him grabbing a scoop of snow, but you suddenly smacked his hand and gave him a long-time scolding before offering to make him food.

“Don’t be afraid! I’m extremely good at this!” you said, stretching both your arms to your fingers as Alatus huffed. “I’ve watched Cloud Retainer do this for so long that I know how to cook!”

"You fed Rex Lapis a spider, your liege…" Indarias commented, floating beside you as Bosacius carried a box for you and accidentally smacked you with it.

“What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him,” you said as Bosacius placed the box down near the bonfire. “Let’s see... what kind of food would Alatus like?”

“I do not to be fed,” the mentioned Yaksha said as Menogias sent him a pitying look.

"Nonsense!" you said as you opened the box. "I grew grumpy when I didn’t eat for days; I cannot leave any of you starving! I’ll cook for everyone!"

Alatus argues with his inner self that he was only accepting the food because you were using tons of ingredients for it, though some were questionable ones, it would still be a waste to decline it.

“We don’t need...” Bonanus spoke up.

"Now where’s my list…" you mumbled, placing your hands in your pockets before creating makeshift pins using your elements to pin the papers on a tree. "Hm… I think any of you would like basically anything but for Alatus… tofu… should’ve borrowed Cloud Retainer’s furnace…"

“I heard that you could cook, your liege,” Bonanus said as she tended to your head.

"Ah, yes! I’ve learned from the Cloud Retainer! We used to eat together, so I learned by watching!" you chimed as you worked on the dish.

“By watching you say...” Menogias sweatdropped.

"One time when Morax was still new to his control over Geo, he accidentally blew dirt on our food, I can remember his face when he was apologizing to the point he insisted on making it better!" you recalled, making the other Yakshas chuckle. "It was an accident, of course! So it was alright! Oh dear, if Morax knew I told you of this, I’d probably be blown away like what he does to Barbatos."

“That... seems not like him,” Indarias commented.

"And ta-da~! Here, Alatus, try this first," you said, your hand on a plate of something moving. "It lacks the other things, but it should still�� it should taste nearly the same as that."

You pulled a seat next to Indarias, Bosacius stood behind Alatus, looking down at the dish. Bonanus placed her chin in her palms in curiosity, and Menogias stood beside Alatus.

The pressure he felt from all the attention being on him did not help him in the slightest as you placed the plate on the table and pushed it towards him.

“As what?” Bosacius asked as Alatus nearly turned his head away from the plate.

"Dreams," you responded, making heads turn to you. "Hm… how do I word this? Sometimes, they use the term as ‘Celestia’ or ‘Gods’ when saying something tastes great."

A cover-up; you meant the actual dreams, and Alatus knew because he used to eat dreams, devouring them like he was asked to; he recalled how it pained him, the faces of the innocent he had slain.

Rex Lapis must’ve told you if you knew about the taste of dreams that he craves but has never eaten since he was saved. If he eats the dish you made, would it amplify his craving for it?

He was hesitant and troubled, but who was he to refuse a dish made by a friend of the God who saved him? Or was he just trying to justify his actions as he used the utensil to scoop the food?

"I dislike it a lot when people treat me with authority," you suddenly said. "It’s useful at certain times, but I’d prefer it if it wasn't every day."

Your words averted the attention of the other Yakshas as Bosacius stated, "You don’t look that scary at all, my liege."

"Right~!?" you whined. "It hinders my research when they walk on eggshells around me and give me the response that I want instead of the truth!"

Your complaints made the Yakshas nod, agree, and react to your words, drawing attention away from Alatus, whose hand clenched on the utensil after tasting the dish you said tasted like dreams.

It was easier to digest than actual dreams, and he used to feel guilty to the point that what he ate was at his throat, making him want to throw it up.

— d r i p !

He can satisfy his cravings without eating actual dreams; he may feel bad that he likes the taste of it, but he doesn’t feel as bad as he used to, and he can eat it without harming anyone.

It was weird because he suddenly remembered how he was supposed to be suspicious of you, which brings up the thought that this was perhaps one of your plans to find his weakness.

He contradicts himself, saying, no, he no longer has to think of it like that; he can trust you.

Not with the way you look at him with such tenderness, like you knew what he was going through as Bosacius coddled him, Bonanus asked what the problem was, and basically everyone was fretting over him.

“It must be so bad that Alatus cried,” Bonanus said, looking back at you.

"Who knows?" you laughed and shrugged. "But hey, I’ll still leave the recipe though; I’m that nice. Maybe you’d want to try it out."

“Surely you jest about being excellent in cooking.”

The day was filled with Alatus disagreeing and retorting their words that he did not cry even though everyone, even himself, knew it was a lie.

Maybe ever since that day when he learned that he could trust you, he also started getting the feeling of wanting to get closer to you. If you say you dislike being treated with authority, then he won’t.

Alatus remembers questioning whether you and Menogias were having a quiet conversation that he somehow couldn’t hear as you stitched the purple colored robe together because you kept giggling.

He had to assume that it was one of those odd things you just do because Menogias seemed as confused as he was.

“I should make a device that makes sewing easier,” you commented.

"I have the right idea of what kinds of materials to use for that; it may include a bit of magic, but perhaps we should expand the idea so that people in Liyue could also use it."

Menogias started going on and on, with you indulging him until you finished stitching the robe and even hung it somewhere before the geo user Yaksha would show it to Bosacius.

You stood near the rock Alatus sat on, looking down on the scene where Menogias shows Bosacius the robe that was only applicable to people with two arms.

Formalities are thrown out of the abode as he says, "You’re stupid."

You turn to him, looking at him a bit with wide eyes, before you just laugh and ask, "How am I, exactly?"

“How could you not remember he has four arms?”

"No, I did! I was laughing while stitching the entire thing!" you said, giggling. "I was specifically ordered to make a robe, and Menogias didn’t question me when I was only stitching two sleeves!"

"Then he was the one that had forgotten,” he said, to which you nodded.

"You’re on watch again?" Alatus remembers that this was the first time he initiated a conversation with you.

You sat on a long flat rock that you call a ‘bench’ with a stone table in front of you, and your head was lowered on the paper on top of the said table.

You said, "It’s beneficial for me; I get to watch over all of you while I do what it is I indulge myself in. I just cannot seem to find an answer to something…"

He frowns, like he always does, and chooses to stand behind you, looking down on the sketch of what you were doing — you were making the sewing mechanic that you spoke of with Menogias.

"And the problem?" he asked, making you look up at him with a questioning look. "Don’t… look at me like that; I’m trying to offer choices."

"Sorry," you said, looking back down at the paper. "I made this so it could work even without a vision; it might need a bit of… electro vision but I have that covered. I’ll make something that can store electro magic inside, and then it can work by itself."

“I hear: no answer to my question,” he said, not being able to fully process the information on your notes.

"Needle... everything else is expensive; I want the resources to be saved," you said, pointing at a specific part of the mechanic. "A needle is what we use to poke the clothes so that the thread goes through. It has to be sharp and not easily broken or dull."

“Basically like a bone?”

“A... bone...?” you asked.

"Yes, once sharpened, it could be used as a weapon; it may dull, but once sharpened once again, considering the enemies we’ve slain, it must be easy to acquire without much use of mora and —"

“ARCHONS, ALATUS, YOU’RE A GENIUS!”

He couldn’t process what it meant when you grabbed both his cheeks while saying that, your face close to his, brightened eyes staring at him, but you backed off to write what you heard.

Alatus can’t help but stand back up, his face heating up as if he were embarrassed, something that rarely happens and something that only his fellow Yakshas see.

"I — you..." he chooses to close his mouth after you innocently looked back at him from your paper. "I’m done giving advice. I... was actually here to tell you something that the other Yakshas were talking about."

"Is it something bad?" you asked, stopping yourself from drafting. "I cannot sense anything bad, but I cannot fully just rely on my element. What happened?’

Alatus suddenly thought of how stupid it was that he even got convinced to tell you of this in the first place; the Yakshas wanted you to cook every sixth day of the week.

If you disagree with the what he has to say, he’d have to mention his name or speak from his perspective for you to agree.

”The others were asking if you want to cook for us on the sixth day of every week.”

“If that’s what you want, then make a yubikiri with me again.”

Alatus can’t help but scowl at your response and feel relieved that your response does not seem to change despite how long it has been; you grew in his heart and in the other Yakshas.

You never took advantage of the weaknesses of the Yakshas, and they were never afraid to strike a deal with you; what you wanted for them was their own well-being.

“Then what is it?” he asked.

Alatus was no longer cautious of you, even looking at you with his arms crossed, but you seemed to open your mouth and then shut it again, like you were hesitant.

You pat your cheeks as you turn away from him and say, "This is quite impulsive, and I'm embarrassed to actually tell you what I ask for you in return…"

“The sooner you say what it was, the faster I get the response,” he said as he crossed his arms, settling on looking at your side view.

He unintentionally started taking in your features as if imprinting them in his mind, as if he wanted to remember you — the thought of that suddenly made his heart race.

He scared himself, moving back, making you look back at him in worry and ask, "Are you alright, Alatus?"

It feels troublesome but wasn’t unpleasant, not like the karmic debt that ate away the Yakshas soul and yours; it may have been emotions for all he knew, like that overwhelming feeling when he ate tofu.

“Yes, I... just had a bit of complications, and no, it’s not karmic debt,” he said, for some reason, hiding the actual trouble he felt. “I want a response.”

Thankfully, you didn’t press on as you looked away and huffed, "Is this your way of getting back at me for teasing you before?"

“I don’t understand what you mean," he really does not.

"Just stay there for a while," you said, still not facing him as he noticed your ears began to turn a shade of red. "And just… nothing, just stay there, right where you are, until you’re tired enough to want to sleep."

“Is that an order?” he asked.

“No, it’s... what I want in return.”

"Oh…" he didn’t find your request odd, but you seem to think it was. "Alright then."

"Sorry for having to force you, I just felt a bit of… lonely?" you said like it was a question. "I don’t know, I usually can still have fun while being alone, but now…"

"Have you gotten used to the others?" he asked. He felt the same before the Yakshas were formed.

“Perhaps,” you nodded. “It’s really quite embarrassing, but you can go now if you’d like.”

He thinks you’re a fool for even thinking he’d rather rest than give up the chance of knowing more about you and being of help to you instead of the other way around.

Not that he thinks your stories of Rex Lapis are starting to bore him; he did want to know a lot about the God that saved him, but he also wanted to know about the person who gave him a newfound hope.

"Scooch over," he said, to which you looked at him in surprise. "What? I learn phrases too."

“Yes, but that phrase was years ago,” you said, moving aside for him to sit next to you.

Your words made him think of how long he had been wary of you because he no longer remembers; he cannot even bring himself to think of an image of when he found you dangerous.

You truly made your place in his heart to the point that karmic debt cannot even compare, no incident of karmic debt ever happened, and not one had the Yakshas nor you lost yourselves in the manifested hatred of the Gods.

This brings up your words from before, and if he remembered correctly, they were: “With me here, nothing bad would happen.”

Perhaps it was your impact on them; he has yet to even know the reason as to why the karmic debt was being suppressed.

“You’ve been spacing out, Alatus,” you said, looking at him this time. “I told you that you can go back if you’re tired.”

“I am not,” he says, which you didn’t seem to buy. “I was merely reminiscing.”

“Unlike you, honestly,” you said before letting out a quiet chuckle. “You can lie about being fine, but you can’t seem to lie about anything else.”

"I can... lie if I have to," he says before your hand reaches out to him. "What are you doing?"

"Sure you can," you said in a teasing tone, pinching his cheek once before placing your hand on the side of his head. "If you last a few minutes after lying down, then I’ll believe you."

He didn’t dodge you or even make an attempt to fight against you when you pulled his head down to your lap, his body meeting the stone bench, but he didn't seem to mind it.

Intimacy — he was new to this too, incredibly new and foreign; the new emotions you’re making him feel were already foreign, and now this?

He didn’t know whether to face the table or face your stomach. Archons, he can’t even tell if he’s allowed to shift or not, especially with your hand on top of his head, and he was facing up.

He gulped, “How many minutes?”

"If you’re not worrying about something, I might say seven, but I’ll extend it to ten," you said, looking down at him with a small smile. "Now, now, frowning isn’t going to help."

“Are you not embarrassed?” Alatus asked.

"Of course I am; I was nervous that you might even say that I’m a fool for attempting something like this," you confessed. "But since you’re not, I’m taking that this is alright for you?"

“I’d never insult you.”

"You called me stupid before," you pointed out, almost making him sit up to defend himself, but your hand on his forehead kept him down. "I was merely jesting! You don’t have to say anything, as long as I know it’s a joke, I would never take it as an offense."

"You better," he grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest, still facing up.

“Anyways, you better close those eyes so I win our tiny bet,” you said, your hand on his forehead traveling down to his eyes. “Do you want to put rewards in this bet or just leave it empty?”

“I’ve earned a lot,” he responded, not needing to see you to know that you smiled.

"Satisfaction, such a rare and hard thing to feel, yet you do," you commented. "You’re much… much more than I expected; then again, so are the other Yakshas."

He remembers opening his eyes to first see your jawline and your lips curving into a smile as you talked to someone a bit far from you and him.

You weren’t looking at him when your hand seemed to unconsciously go on his cheek, caressing it, but after your thumb slid over his cheek, you pulled away. He clearly felt the contrast of your skin on his, your calloused hands.

The thought that you feared to touch him came to his mind, but you already knew of his past and still stayed close, so why would you pull away so abruptly?

He sighed loudly enough for you to know that he was awake; you instantly looked down on him with a knowing grin. You were surely going to talk about winning.

"I win —" you said, but he cut you off after noticing what he looked like in your eyes.

“What the...” he mumbled, sitting up after seeing his reflection in your eyes. “Who...!?”

Alatus was referring to the greenish pigment on his face, making Menogias cough on his fist as you shrugged, "I wonder."

"If I find out it was you…" he growled, a hand already reaching your collar, pushing you slightly, your weight depending on his hand as you laughed with both your palms open.

"Maybe…" your cheeks puffed in an attempt to hold back your laughter. "M-Maybe wash it off first…?"

He scoffs, not taking anything much seriously as he lets your collar go, and he hears you laugh as you fall to the ground, reassuring him that you took no offense to what he did too.

"Your liege!" Menogias loudly called, making Alatus turn to you because of the urgency of his voice. "Are you okay!?"

He felt himself stop breathing for a moment after seeing a dark red liquid trickle down your head — most likely the spot that you bumped your head to after falling.

"Uhh — I —" Alatus stammered on his words, not used to inflicting pain on a comrade. "I’m…"

"If you ask me, my head feels cold," you responded before placing a hand on the cold spot as Menogias panicked, calling for Bonanus. "Oh, no wonder; I must be so out of it."

Indarias was the first to arrive though, fretting over you and trying to find where you hit your head before Bonanus arrived to clean up the wound with her element.

“I heard something happened to their liege!” Bosacius arrived last.

“Everyone is such a worrywart,” you sighed as Indarias rolled out the silk gauze. “At least one of you assist Alatus in washing his face after the stunt Bosacius did.”

“It’s usual to worry!” the pyro user Yaksha exclaimed, nearly messing up in wrapping your head. “Sister Bonanus can take care of Alatus.”

“I will not be as gentle,” she mumbled as she faced her hand towards Alatus.

“Do your worst,” he nodded, crossing his arms.

"Be gentle with him, Bonanus!" you said as you tapped the bloodied spot on your head before getting up and leaving. "Oh, I’ll get a towel for him."

"On second thought, I will be," Bonanus said, making Alatus shake his head. "No can do, their liege told me to."

"I say to apologize instead of inflicting pain on yourself," Menogias said, to which Bonanus nodded. "It was an accident; I’m certain they know of that, but it would be nice to get an apology."

“I see what’s going on here,” Bosacius said, catching up. “Yes! It’s easy to say sorry —”

“If you’re not Alatus,” Bonanus added.

"Right! If you’re not Alatus," he said, making Menogias facepalm as Indarias sighs. "But if you’re also Alatus, you know you can do it."

"I’m reminded of Guizhong and Ping having a music battle to the point I flew off," you said, the Yakshas creating space for you as you unfolded the towel in your hands. "They apologized, but I found it amusing more than anything, and it was an accident. I’d rather leave it all behind than hear an apology from them."

You were the one wiping his face with tenderness that he didn’t treat you with.

You, who he hurt, were smiling at him as you said, "So let’s leave it behind, yes? It was not on purpose after all."

“Ep yow inshisht,” he was able to say as you lightly pinch his cheeks to rid off the liquid.

"Oh, you look really cute right now," you offhandedly comment, making the whole group gasp and Alatus flush. "You have plushed cheeks too…"

"I am cute as well, your liege!" Bonanus joined, her hand on her chest as if to refer to herself, making you turn to her and nod.

“Yes, you are.”

"Who’s going to tell him?" Indarias asked, standing behind Menogias and Bosacius, out of earshot. "Archons, look at him!"

"I am not going to break it to him," Menogias says, shaking his head. "Their liege truly must be a godsend if they make Alatus look like that, of all that we know of."

"Are they not godsend?" Bosacius asked. "Or is it the opposite since Rex Lapis sent us to them?"

“Brother...” Indarias sighed.

Bonanus pulled away from you two for a bit and went towards the trio and said, “I felt like I was suffocating because of Alatus.”

“Funny, we were just talking about him,” Menogias said.

"Wait, before anyone goes anywhere, I have an announcement to make," you looked back at them as you hung the towel on your arm. "A letter was delivered by the wind… actually, can everyone hear me from there? This is urgent."

“Yes, my liege,” Bonanus nodded.

You nodded and nonchalantly said, “Alright, so in today’s date, you all get a rest from me being around —”

Alatus whips his head towards you so fast as Menogias raises his hand and says, “Excuse me —”

“Archons, let them continue! This is urgent!” Indarias whispered, pulling his hand down. “You can continue, your liege.”

“No, it’s fine, what was it?” you asked. “We have time.”

“What did you mean by that last part?” Alatus was the one to question.

"To keep it short," you said, pulling an envelope with Rex Lapis' seal hanging on the flap of the envelope. "Yes, if I have to be called, it’s an urgent matter; I have to take a few days leave from here and… resolve the situation."

“How long?” Alatus asked.

“You’re awfully interested,” you commented, being a bit unaware of the other Yakshas starting to question what might’ve happened. “You must want me to leave that badly.”

“You jest, your liege,” Menogias said, chuckling to try to lighten the mood. “Since I assume we’re not allowed to know what happened, could we at least know when you’re going to return?”

“Ah... weeks?”

“WEEKS!?” Indarias blurted.

“It is not your usual battle,” you said.

“It’s a fight!?” Bonanus loudly asked. “Rex Lapis should’ve asked for us too! We specialize in subjugation!”

"As for the time when I’ll come back specifically, I honestly do not know," you said, fiddling with the towel on your arm. "I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say it, but it is related to our current work, just in a different nation."

“When would you leave, your liege?” Bonanus asked.

"Uhm… tonight…?" you answered, but it sounded like a question. "I’m not good with momentarily parting ways with people, can we act as if this were a usual day?"

"Maybe we could place bets on when their liege would be returning," Bosacius offered, to which you perked up and nodded. "I’m saying this week!"

“I get to place a bet here too,” you grinned. “Especially since I don’t know when I’ll be returning.”

"But come back as soon as you’re done. Don’t stay for too long just so you'd win," Bonanus said, frowning. "I’m saying this week..."

“Unrealistic votes, all of you,” Menogias commented, sweatdropping. “You just want them back as soon as possible.”

“It’s nice to know that I’ll be missed at least,” you chuckled.

"Then I’m changing my vote to two weeks," Bonanus said. "Whoever wins gets something from everyone."

“I vote three,” Indarias joined in.

“This is too difficult with the little information we have,” Menogias commented. “A battle could last for years for all we know... especially if it includes something similar to this, we’ve already been together for nearly centuries. I’m saying a year.”

“I’m voting three days,” you said.

“Three — I thought you said weeks!” Bosacius instantly said making you chuckle.

"Well, I’m the one fighting, so as long as I make it quick, I can come back as quick," you shrugged. "What about you, Alatus?"

“A week.”

Alatus wonders how the rest got to sleep that day after saying their goodbyes to you; was he the only restless one that he had to leave and take a breather outside the tent?

He also just had to see you outside, bags beside you, as you sat in the same place you did the day before, looking down on the same paper.

Despite saying goodbyes before they went to sleep, you stayed outside as if waiting for the clock to strike at the time you had to leave instead of leaving earlier.

“You’re still here?” he asked.

"Not to be a pessimist, but if I die, it’d take time to finish this," you said, hand on chin, as you continued to write notes on how to make the sewing mechanic. "I’m just writing it to whoever discovers this in the future or something."

“Why do you sound so sure?” he frowned. “That doesn’t sound like you.”

"It was a joke…" you said, blinking as you turned to look at him. "Don’t take it so seriously. I’m merely feeling a bit nervous about leaving."

"That’s not merely," he said, folding his arms in front of him. "You can tell me about it."

“Am I not dumping you with enough information?” you asked, moving over to the side of the bench.

“No,” Alatus responded, taking a seat beside you. “Speak freely.”

"For some reason, that was just comforting," you said, letting out a small laugh before turning your head to the scenery. "I’m just thinking about the karmic debt. It’s something we might never be free of."

"Yet you choose to involve yourself in it," he says, making you raise a brow as if to ask him how he knew. "Rex Lapis implied it."

"I’m really going to give that old goon a smack," you mumbled under your breath, and he blinked at your informality. "Ah, sorry, Morax and I have gotten used to jokingly calling each other stupid names, do not take offense."

It would be a lie to say he was not bewildered, but he said, "I… do not mind…"

"Anyways, failed hypothesis after failed hypothesis, there is nothing certain about karmic debt except for the fact that only one of the Sevens could help the ones affected by it," you said, opening a hand to your side as you turned to him. "To be exact, Morax didn’t exactly help, but Barbatos’ music did."

You continue, “In short, it's irreversible so take care of yourselves.”

“I understand, I’ll relay it to the others.”

“How about you?” you asked, going back to working on the paper. “Do you have anything to say, Alatus?”

“I don’t... know,” he said, adding the last word before he finishes his sentence. “I am not like you; I don’t know what to say in situations.”

“Me neither,” you laughed. “Like you, I am not good with feelings, and all I could say is to take care of yourselves.”

“You take... care too,” Alatus said, pausing midway. “[name].”

“Should I start calling you Xiao?” you asked, smiling as you continue writing. “Or is Morax only allowed to call you that?”

"I am named Xiao, Alatus might be my real name, but it’s only now for when I’m a Yaksha," he said, making you nod to yourself as you write. "Can I also ask for your wise words?"

"If you want that —" he dreaded your next words, and it seemed evident on his face because you laughed. "It's what I’d normally start with, but since it might just be my last day, I’ll indulge you. You worded it funnily."

You meant you weren’t sure if you were going to come back, so you might as well give it away for free. He knows.

He had given you his attention willingly, so if you were to ask for something as well, he’d think it'd be fair, and hearing about what you think is something he also wanted.

What exactly prompted him to ask that? It was because he wanted answers about what he feels.

"Have you ever had a moment where you felt like you were… too happy to the point you’re out of it?" he asked, to which you nodded. "Why is that?"

“It’s called feeling relaxed, Xiao,” you chuckled.

“If it was relaxed, is it normal for the heart to palpitate?”

“Palpitate...” you sweatdropped at the wording. “I mean... it happens often, did this moment happen with the Yakshas?”

"It does, but I’m thinking of a person," he says, shaking his head. "Do I have to specify who?"

"No, I think I understand enough," you shake your head as well. "I need to ask a few more questions; this topic is out of my expertise, but I know a few; do you feel fond of them to the point you’re often nervous around them, but it’s also calming to be with them?"

“I — yes, exactly that,” he nodded, slightly brightening up that you understand.

"How will I word this to you…" you look down in thought with a hand on your chin. "You might deny and claim that it’s false; I don’t think you’ll accept it as quickly as if it’s an order."

“Is it a bad thing? Do I keep my distance?”

"Keep your what — no!" you said, flabbergasted. "From what I’ve observed, you are the same, it seems like what you feel does not hinder your work as a Yaksha and if they make you happy, why would you feel the need to distance yourself? If anything, I should tell you to be closer to them."

"Then… is it a bad feeling if they disturb me?" he asked, and you stared at him for a while as if telling him to elaborate. "Like when… I see them and think how they blend in so well with everything — I'm starting to feel like everything is unreal when I’m with them."

“Xiao.”

“Yes?”

“Xiao, that’s love,” you said.

Alatus mind seemed to pause for a moment; you just said: love, a well-known mortal feeling that causes people to do illogical things.

It seemed like you were not wrong either because he finds the feeling he was describing to you unreasonable as well, but he doesn’t understand; he’s no mortal, emotions are foreign to him, and more so if it’s about love.

"You mean those mortal feelings — it can’t be," he said, making you only smile as if you predicted he’d deny it. "I’m not capable of feeling that kind of thing."

"Be it that you are not in a human body, what they feel is almost what we do; it’s our brain, nervous system, and such," you said. "Love is not always romantic; you might like them as a friend, as someone you can trust like you do with the other Yakshas —"

“It’s worthless,” he scowls.

"If you see their effect on you, can you really say it is?" you asked, looking away from him and leaning back with your arms supporting you. "I’ve lived for so long, and when I first felt a romantic kind of love, it was… confusing, I denied it, thinking it was only because I pity him — oh, I pronoun dropped him."

“Then you feel it too?” he asked. “Even if you’re... not exactly human?”

"Of course," you nodded. "For example, I love Morax and the Yakshas because I think of them as my friends, but I also love this someone because I find him interesting or because he’s like someone I’ve been unconsciously waiting for."

“What else?”

"Hm… like even though he’s so different from me, I feel like we kind of complete each other kind of thing, embarrassing to talk about, I know," you laughed at yourself, and he assumed in pity. "He looks incapable of feeling romantic love. He cannot express himself properly, but he certainly tries and keeps trying just so the people around him know that he does care."

“Have you seen him at all ever since?” he asked.

“I see him everyday,” you laughed. “But enough about him, what about yours?”

“They love everyone,” Alatus said. "They… treat everyone so equally, and it’s such a harder thing to swallow that they think of someone else the way I see them."

“You admit that what you feel is love?” you asked.

“What else could it be?” he huffs, making you place a hand in front of your mouth as you giggle. “If your judgment is right, then what should I do?”

“What do you think you should do?” you returned the question, emphasizing the third to the last word.

He asks himself the same question; his feelings are confirmed, but another hurdle comes up: they seem to like another.

Alatus wants to tell you that the feelings he had for you were suffocating him, that it was always on the tip of his tongue whenever you're in his line of sight.

You treat everyone so equally, but to think you feel so fondly over another, you, who had been stuck with them ever since — wait, you see him every day — it felt even more painful to think it was one of his brothers.

“What if,” he started, nearly choking on his words. “They like someone?”

“Did they tell you who?” you asked.

“No... I —” he stammered. “I don’t know, they don’t show it, I told you, they love everyone but still I want to tell them.”

"Quite suffocating, no?" you asked, your head tilting as you gave him a pitying smile. "Whether you tell them or not is your decision, you’re not at fault for having those kinds of feelings."

“What if they’re the opposite of you?” Alatus asked.

“You’re so... insecure,” you sighed, your gaze softening. “Some say opposites attract, but either way, if you love them, you love them.”

“Why do you love Rex Lapis?”

“Why not? He’s my friend,” you said, raising a brow before your eyes widened. “You’re not thinking I love him in a romantic way, are you...!? Xiao, of all people — was I not just talking about smacking him earlier? He’s old...!”

“So are you,” he retorted making you gasp.

"I look young, don’t I? I can still move, unlike him!" you defended yourself as you put a hand on your chest. "Morax is a friend! He’s like a brother to me, seeing him as something else is something I cannot fathom!"

Rex Lapis is like a brother to you, is it just him or did it seem like you just went straight out of his league?

“I... I see,” he said, feeling highly discouraged. “Rex Lapis, brother... I cannot...”

“For a moment, Xiao, are you perhaps...” you started, seemingly finally collecting the dots. “Do you like Morax —”

“No!” he exclaimed, making you withdraw but laugh after. “It’s not like that... it’s not him.”

"If it’s not Morax, why do you hesitate so?" you asked, tilting your head. "You respect Morax so much; to respect someone near him makes it seem like… it’s someone you've known for so long."

You’re catching up quick but you suddenly stood up and said, “It seems like I won’t be much of a help after all...”

“You’re going?” he asked, getting up as well. 

“It is an urgent matter,” you said, rolling the paper closed before tossing it towards his way. “You can tell Menogias to keep it.”

“[name], I —” what did he want to say?

He closed his mouth, not seeing your hopeful look; he doesn’t remember what he wanted to say but at the same time he does, perhaps he didn’t want to say it.

He ends up scoffing, “Take care...”

"You know, I'm kind of starting to assume it might be me because why do you sound so bitter right now?" you asked, laughing as he turned to you, who had caught up to everything, or perhaps you gambled your pride. "Am I right?"

“You...” he feels his ears heat up.

"I’d say yes to you, but we’ll leave that until you’re ready and until I’m back, so… wait for me?"

“Be it years, I would.”

THIS IS HEIZNX, HEHEHE REPOST, I'M BACK SA TUMBLR (after deleting my old acc) had to study how to change text colors. mc was supposed to die but it got too long, in my old acc, i made it to 3 parts, but i realized i didn't want to kill mc and it was too much information rather than the romance between them and xiao so i decided to drop the sequel.

[asparklerwhowrites]

Writing Indian characters, from an Indian person

India is a huge country! while most characters in mainstream media are from the 'big cities' i.e Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, etc, there are many, many more places and areas to look at! since India is such a vast country, there is incredible diversity. 19,500 languages and dialects are present, with people of different skin, eye, and hair colors and types! there are, of course, a lot of inherent prejudices present, which I'll address a little later.

#1. Know their roots

There is no 'one' Indian experience. People from different places celebrate different festivals, worship different gods, and speak different languages!

A checklist of things you should know about your Indian character's background, in essence:

Which state and city/town/village are they from?

How many and which languages do they speak, and with what frequency? (Mostly, people can speak at least two languages!)

Are they religious? (more on religion later)

What are some of their favourite memories/moments linked to their culture? (festivals, family gatherings, etc)

#2. Naming your character

Some common names for boys: Aarav, Advik, Shlok, Farhan, Ritvik, Aarush, Krish, Ojas, Zain.

Some common names for girls: Arushi, Ishita, Trisha, Rhea, Riya, Zoya, Vedika, Khushi, Charvi.

Common last names: Shah, Singh, Agarwal, Banerjee, Dala, Bhat, Joshi, Iyer, Jain, Dhawan, Dixit.

Be careful while picking a last name: last names are very much indicators of the ethnicity/community you're from! most older folks can guess the ethnicity of people just by their last name - it's pretty cool.

Naming systems usually follow the name-surname format, and children usually take the last name of their father - but I believe some regions have a bit of a different system, so look that up!

#3. Stereotypes to avoid

This goes without saying, but I'm gonna say it anyway. Being 'Indian' shouldn't be your character's entire personality. Give them traits, feelings, and a purpose other than being a token diverse character. Some stereotypes that are really a no-no when it comes to Indian characters:

Making them good at math and academics in general (my Cs in math beg to differ that all Indians are good at math. often, the reason Indians are stereotyped to be so smart stems from an incredibly toxic and harmful environment at home which forces children to get good grades. unless you've experienced that, its not your story to write)

Making your Indian character 'hate' being Indian (not everyone?? hates their culture?? like there are many, MANY faults with India as a country, and it's important to recognize and take action against that - which often makes us iffy about how we feel about our country, it's genuinely not your place to write about that UNLESS you are Indian. don't bring in 'hatred' of a place you've never visited, and don't know much about.)

Make them scaredy-cats, 'cowards', who are good at nothing but being the 'brain' (I will literally behead you if you do this/lh)

#4. Why India shouldn't be portrayed as 'perfect' either

It's likely that most of you won't be going in SO deep with your Indian character, but India isn't the perfect 'uNiTy iN diVerSitY' as it's depicted in media. There are incredible tensions between religions (especially Hindus and Muslims), and even remnants of the 'untouchable' way of thinking remain between castes. There's a lot of violence against women, and misogyny is definitely something Indians are not foreign to. People with paler skin are considered to be 'better' than those with darker skin (in the older generations especially)

#5. Some common customs

Removing your shoes before entering the house, since your house is considered to be 'godly' and shoes shouldn't be brought inside

Eating dal (lentils), chawal (rice), sabji (a mixture of vegetables/meat that's cooked in different ways) roti (Indian flatbread) is considered to be a full, well-balanced meal and at least aspects of it are eaten for lunch and dinner (if not all four elements)

The suffixes -bhai (for men) and -ben (for women) are added to first names and are commonly used by adults to refer to someone of importance or who they hold to esteem.

However, 'bhai' (which literally means 'brother) is often used as slang when referring to friends or family. Other slang includes 'arrey' which is used to show irritation or 'yaar' which has the same context.

It's custom to call adults who you refer to in a friendly way 'aunty' or 'uncle', like the parents of your friends.

Talking back to your elders is forbidden, especially your grandparents who you have to refer to with utmost respect.

#6. Religions

India is a very religiously diverse country. The most common religion is Hinduism, then Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and Buddhism. All religions have their own complexities, and since I'm a Hindu, I can tell you a little bit about that!

It's common to have a mandir which is a small altar dedicated to the deities your family worships. (Fun fact - they're usually placed in the East direction because that's where the sun rises)

Most kids can say a few shloks by-heart, which are a few lines of prayer! (lmao I've forgotten most but I used to be able to rattle off at least ten when I was younger)

Most people know at least the general plot of the Ramayan and Mahabharat - two famous epic stories. (I'm not sure if they're inherently 'Hindu' or not)

Many people wear necklaces with a small pendant of the deity they worship!

Common Hindu deities: Saraswati, Ganesha, Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu.

It's important to note that religious violence is a thing. Muslims especially, are oppressed and discriminated against. It's a very, very complex issue, and one that's been going on for thousands of years.

#7. Myth & Facts

India is a very poor country

Yep! Lakhs of people live in villages with no electricity, clean water, or amenities nearby. There's no point sugar-coating it. There are HUGE gaps between the poor and the rich (have you heard of Ambani and Adani :D) and while our millionaires rejoice in their thirty-story mansions, people die of famine, disease, and hunger every day. I am personally lucky enough to be EXTREMELY privileged and attend an international school and live in one of the most developed cities. Most people aren't as lucky as me, and it's a really true, horrifying reality.

Everyone in India is vegetarian

No lmao - while many people ARE, there's a greater and equal amount of non-vegetarian people.

We burn our dead in parking lots

This circulated back when the second wave was going on in India, and the media blew it out of proportion. First of all, what the actual f!ck. Cremation is a Hindu ritual, and by saying that aLL Indians burn their dead you are erasing the other religions here. Secondly, cremation is a sacred ritual only attended by close family of the deceased member. It does not happed in PARKING LOTS. It's a time of grief and loss, not a way to humiliate a religion for the way they treat their dead.

Drop any other questions about India in the comments/DM me!

[sorrowful-hyacinth]

I’m going to call this a character sheet, even if it doesn’t seem like it, I’m calling it that :). Prepare for long text and info.

Name: Rojan Silfur

Age: 40

Height: 6’4

Weight: [Does it really matter? Maybe] 220 pounds of muscle

Eye Color: Silver

Tattoo: “Lilith” in cursive. [Wife’s name on right arm]

Scarring: Mostly from vampire hunts, but the ones on his hands are from his butterfly knives.

Sexuality: Straight

Family status:

Married: Lilith Silfur

Children: Cornelia Silfur [deceased]

Background:

Rojan is from a lower class background. Didn’t have the best childhood and his parents were never around enough to be in his life. He moved out the first chance he got when he was 18. He also met his wife in high school, so they are high school sweethearts. The military was his first “career” choice, being deployed for 5 years until he had Cornelia, and quit to raise her. Unfortunately, his daughter was killed by vampire ravagers during a late night out at her friends house. This inspired Rojan and Lilith to start a business out of capturing, torturing, experimenting on, and killing vampires. Mainly out of revenge, but was also almost like a coping mechanism for their loss. He’s been vampire hunting for 5 years up till he met Cordova.

Personality:

Rojan can be different depending on the people he’s around. Around people he doesn’t know, or just naturally has a dislike towards, he can be stern, intimidating, and even dangerous because of how skilled he is in combat and how strong he is. He has average intelligence generally, school wasn’t exactly a passion. If he likes you, or even simply respects you, he can be fiercely loyal, kind, docile, even protective. His perspective of you can also be the decision between being merciful or not. It’s only usually around Lilith, but he can definitely be immature and a goofball, even lovey dovey.

Hobbies:

Grilling/Cooking

Playing Guitar

Torturing Vampires >:)

Scrapbooking

Hunting [For food and sport]

Collecting [Cards, Weapons, Watches, etc.]

Fun Facts:

Has an Expert Marksmen Badge

Bilingual [English and Spanish]

Favorite food: Enchiladas

Has a watch from his grandfather that he wears often

I’ll add more later if I have anything else to say.

- 🪻

[im-constantly-fangirling-backup]

Here Comes the Cavalry

REPOST BECAUSE TUMBLR HATES ME

Thomas Shelby x Reader

Warnings: Swear words

Word Count: ~2.3k

A/N: Thank you so much for requesting this, anon! I had a really fun time writing this and I hope you enjoy!

Summary: Charlie's 10th birthday finds itself the center of a showdown between Thomas and his ex-wife over the new woman in his life.

[Masterlist] [Taglist Form] [Join my 200 followers celebration!]

Being a friend of the Shelby's- didn’t matter how close or distant- was like walking around with a target on your back. But you didn’t mind. As much violence and chaos that the family attracts, and as much as they try to have power over each other, there was a mutual love and respect between every Shelby that you hadn’t seen anywhere else. For example, when Polly found out Tommy had hidden crucial information, she was pissed; but also proud. It was a bit concerning, if you were going to be honest. Even Grace was kept in the loop after the divorce. Once a Shelby, always a Shelby, you supposed. Grace wasn’t involved in the family business at all, but she and the family met occasionally. Although, as time passed on, it was mostly so Charlie could spend time with his father. Grace was now remarried and her visits were far and in between. She drifted apart from all the Shelbys- not that they minded, as her betrayal was still in their minds all those years later. Thomas started to move on from her as well, now very much used to Grace not being a part of his day-to-day life. Today was the day that Grace and Charlie were making a rare visit to the Arrow House for his 10th birthday. Thomas postponed all of his meetings for the entire week to make time for his son, an action that made you smile when you heard Tom tell his clients of his absence. And they call him heartless, you had laughed to yourself. “Ada! How are you doing!” you said, hugging your best friend before walking into the Arrow House. You took off your coat and hung it on the hook next to the door. “Oh I’m doing great sweetheart,” she said. “Auntie Y/NNNNNN!” you heard a little boy’s voice yell from the stairs. The pitter-patter of their feet running across the wooden floor echoed through the large room and made you chuckle. “Hello, Karl!” you kneeled on your knees and opened your arms for Karl, who ran into them and almost made you topple over. “Someone’s excited to see me!” You squeezed him lightly, resting your cheek on his head. You pulled away from him and reached into your purse, grabbing a chocolate bar that you had bought for Karl. “I got you something!” Karl smiled, his cute crooked teeth on display. “Thank you!” He grabbed the bar from your hand and started unwrapping it, running away from you and towards the living room. “Uncle Arthur, look what Auntie Y/N gave me!” he yelled. “What did I say about the chocolate?” Ada chided you. You laughed. “I couldn’t help it Ada,” you defended yourself. “He’s too adorable to not spoil.” In the background, you heard Karl laugh loudly. “You can’t have any Uncle Arthur, it’s for me!” You chuckled and shook your head, looking down at the floor in mock exasperation. The Arrow House would be nothing without the echoes of Karl’s screams bouncing around the walls from time to time. Even Thomas seemed to brighten up a bit more whenever Karl and Ada visited. You supposed it was because his nephew reminded him of his own son that he barely got to see. At the thought of Charlie, you looked up to Ada. “When are Charlie and Grace showing up?” Ada shrugged. “They should be here in a couple of minutes. Why don’t we head to the living room? Tommy bought a shit ton of food for Charlie so we might be able to steal a bit.” _______________________________________________________________________________________ You and Ada made your way into the living room and smiled at the exquisite birthday decorations. There were balloons of every color bunched up every couple of feet around the room, a large birthday banner hanging proud and true on the wall across from the fireplace. “Hello, Y/N. Ada,” Tom said from where he sat on the couch, his elbows on his knees. You smiled at him. “Thomas.” Tom smirked slightly- which was a fucking bright-ass grin when it came to Thomas. “We’ve been over the ‘Thomas’ shit, Y/n/n,” he said, quirking his brow. You chuckled. “We have,” you said. “Tom. ‘S just fun to be all fucking formal.” Tom pat the spot on the couch next to him while Ada left your side, sensing that you two wanted some

time alone. You walked over to Tom and sat next to him. “You excited?” Thomas nodded, his blue eyes brightening slightly. “I hardly get to see Charles anymore. You bet your ass I’m spoiling me boy when he’s here,” he joked. You laughed. “I’m sure Charlie’s going to like all of this,” you gestured to the decorations around you. “Oh! Before I forget! Where should I put this?” You reached into your purse and pulled out a folded mancala board that Charlie had begged you for the last time he visited. Thomas smiled and took the board from you, leaning down and sliding it under the couch. “We’re going to open presents after cake, so just remember to pick it back up.” From there, you and Thomas began to talk about the family business. Unlike with Grace, Thomas found himself consulting you on many decisions that he made. You weren’t directly involved but your advice was greatly appreciated by the family. Especially since Thomas wanted to get into politics- a field that you knew well because your father ran for MP multiple times before his death- your advice on what not to do gave him valuable insight on how to maintain a favorable public image. “I know your past is something that can’t be erased,” you said in response to Tom’s concerns about the subject. “But that doesn’t mean it can’t be hidden. Or at least left ambiguous enough that people can’t ask the right questions. You keep the public from asking the right questions, and you make sure they can never find the answers.” “It’s a bit unnerving that you know this,” Tom noted, a smirk on his face. In truth, he was impressed. Your knowledge of politics was quite extensive considering your father tried to keep you away from it for most of your life. But you knew how to eavesdrop and read gossip, and so you gained a wealth of knowledge about politics. You laughed. “You’re acting like you don’t already know this.” Thomas took a drag of his cigarette and chuckled. “You got me there.” Your conversation was interrupted by the distinct shrill of the doorbell. Tom perked up and smiled. “Charles is here!” He practically jumped up from his seat on the couch and made his way to the hall. You followed him to the hall, beckoning Karl, Ada, and Arthur- who had been quietly eating food in the corner, thinking Tom hadn’t noticed- to come with you. You and the group walked into the hall to the sight of Thomas laughing and picking up Charlie in his arms and bouncing him up and down, making his son giggle. “Happy birthday Charlie!” you exclaimed, clapping. Arthur, Karl, Ada- and John and Polly, who had been talking in the hall after you arrived- clapped and joined in wishing Charlie a happy birthday. Charlie and Karl shared a hug that resulted in you awing. You looked at Grace and smiled. “Welcome, Grace,” you greeted her respectfully. Grace simply nodded at you and took off her coat. Turning around to put her coat on the coat hooks next to the door, she gasped lightly in shock when she saw your coat resting next to Tom’s. “Whose coat is this?” she asked casually. You apologized profusely. “It’s mine, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to impose. I can find a different place for it-” Thomas waved his hand nonchalantly. “Oh, no need. You’re not imposing, Y/n/n.” You blushed slightly. “Frances can take your coat, Grace. I trust you remember who she is?” He jabbed at her lightly. Grace huffed and nodded. “Alright.” The tension between Tom and Grace was palpable and made everyone make excuses to leave the room. You left as well, saying something about wanting to play around with Karl and Charlie. You knew things were bad between Thomas and Grace. So bad, in fact, that Tom had approached her with a divorce. Tom was many things, but he wasn’t the type of person to reach for a divorce. He believed that marriage lasted for life. But after Tom’s and Grace’s arguments over his ambitions and dreams started to grow from skirmishes to screaming matches littered with threats, Thomas had enough. He told you the night that he decided to divorce Grace that he didn’t want to spend his life with a woman

that didn’t support his political and business ambitions. You found yourself sympathizing with both of them. You understood Grace’s concerns about the target that would always be on her and Charlie’s back because of Thomas’s ambition. But you also understood Thomas’s argument that his ambitions were also the thing that would provide his family with more opportunities than he had. Thomas’s goals were a double-edged sword. Although, Grace had become quite cold to Thomas in retaliation for the divorce, often sending him and his family veiled insults. So you didn’t feel much remorse for her when Tom made barbed comments like the one made in the hall. You sighed while watching Karl and Charlie play. It was going to be a long party. _______________________________________________________________________________________ All of you were eating cake, you talking with Polly about some gossip that you heard when going shopping for groceries. “Apparently Brandon was just using her for her status,” you said, licking the frosting off of your fork. “But then Brandon caught Melissa sleeping with her boss-” “No fucking way!” Polly interrupted, putting her plate down and gasping. “How the hell do these things happen to people!” You laughed. “I know right! My life is boring in comparison- and I hang out with you insane idiots!” “Hey!” John said from across the table, his mouth full of cake. “We’re not that bad!” “Speak for yourself,” Ada muttered from next to her brother, cringing when John stuck his cake-covered tongue out at her. “Honestly, Y/N,” Grace’s refined voice reverberated through the dining room, “You shouldn’t be gossiping this much. It’s a boring pastime.” You quirked your brow. “I’m sorry?” “Oh it’s alright, I understand that some people have nothing better to talk about. I’m just saying, gossip signals a bland personality and I’m sure you don’t have that, hm?” Grace’s implied message was clear. You sat in silence for a moment, surprised. “No?” you said, going along with whatever Grace said. In all honesty, you didn’t care what Grace thought of you. She barely visited enough for you to give a shit. But apparently, Tom didn’t want to let it slide. “Look, Grace, it’s not a big deal to gossip, alright? You’d be a big fucking hypocrite telling Y/n/n not to gossip when pretty much everything you talked about was who was fuckin’ who-” “Thomas!” Grace chided. “What? If you’re going to walk in here and criticize how Y/n/n spends their time, you can fuck off, alright? I don’t need some posh stuck-up woman in me house. So either behave yourself and let Charlie have a good birthday,” Thomas threatened, “Or get out of me house and have fun on the streets for a week.” “You’d let your own son live on the streets for a week?” Grace asked, shocked. “My threat regards only you. Charles is me blood- you make me see blood.” Grace looked down at her plate and picked up her fork and ate her cake again. Tom took that as an agreement to get along with everyone and started eating again as well. You were just thankful that you had sent Karl and Charlie to play upstairs. But regardless of the tense situation, a smile graced your face at the immediacy that Tom defended you with. _______________________________________________________________________________________ “Hey,” you tapped Thomas’s shoulder when you both found yourselves alone in the back room. “Thank you for defending me.” Tom nodded and smiled slightly. “Of course.” “I mean it. No one really defends me so I really appreciate it. Especially since it’s Grace.” Tommy’s brows raised slightly at that comment. “What do you mean?” You shrugged, looking anywhere but at Tom. “I mean, she was the woman that made you the person you used to be before France. I understand there’s some bad blood between you two now, but she’s still special to you.” Tom hummed and walked closer to you, stopping at around 2 feet away from you. “So are you, you know. You’re special to me.” You smiled. “You’re special to me, too.” Thomas’s hand cupped your cheek lightly, his thumb stroking

back and forth. A flush made its way to your cheeks and you smiled shyly at Tom. There was always some unspoken bond between the two of you that you danced around. You were always scared that it was too early after his divorce, but with the way that he was looking at you, he probably got over it a while ago. You don’t know who leaned forward first, but one second later your mouths were connected in a feverish kiss. Tom’s hands were traveling places, touching parts of your body that you caught him eyeing from time to time. Your hands rested against his chest and reveled in the feeling of his heart thumping against his chest as erratically as yours. So you had the same effect on him as he did on you. The kiss was a good indicator of that, but it was nice to have reassurance. Tom pulled away and rested his forehead on yours. “Fuck, I’ve wanted to do that for months now,” Tom confessed. You smiled, pecking him on the lips. “So have I,” you replied, pulling his mouth back to yours.

[father-time-and-baby-new-year]

M-more armin vs eren drabbles please

WC: 3.2k

Title: Melted Candles

Warnings: possessive behavior, cheating, armin x reader x eren, obsession, unhealthy relationships. manipulator armin & toxic eren.

You’re fidgeting with the hem of your short dress that your loving boyfriend bought you, nursing a drink, and half-heartedly scrolling through your phone.

Sitting on the olive couch alone as the musings of a party transpire, you eye the big and colorful banner sporting the words “Happy 20th Birthday Eren!”.

“It’s like Eren to be late to his own birthday party huh?”

A smooth, gentle voice breaks you out of your trance. You turn sideways to face Armin Arlert, a pretty boy with short-cropped blond hair and wide oceanic eyes. He’s all dressed up in a deep grey turtleneck, navy dress pants, and an expensive Omega watch on his wrist.

You must have looked frightened because he chuckles as he takes a seat next to you, a respectful distance away, “Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you. Are you having fun?”

“Uh well it’s a surprise party, it’s not like Eren knows he’s supposed to be here.” You have an immediate desire to slap a hand over your mouth after the words spillover. You wince, not entirely in love with the fact that it was your first instinct to defend Eren.

If you had been more observant, you would have noticed the corners of his lips flick upwards in amusement. But Armin is observant enough for the both of you. He notes the color of embarrassment in your cheeks and continues the subject with ease.

“Ah, yeah. That’s right. Eren hates celebrating his birthday, but they're always a good excuse to get everyone together" He pauses before grinning so wide it doesn't look genuine, "-maybe this is more for us than him.”.

There’s an underlying tension in his words you can’t make heads and tails off. It reminds you of how truly little you knew of Eren's very own best friend.

You smile brightly, channeling all the optimism you could into changing the topic: “Everyone’s trying their best today! Sasha did all the catering and managed to leave the cake perfectly alone even though it’s her favorite flavor. She has the patience of a saint today.”

As if on cue, there’s a commotion in the background. Jean yells at Sasha, “Don’t finish all the lemon-pepper wings Potato Girl!”

Armin laughs and it's a pretty sound, a sound that reminds you of a bell chime. Unconsciously, he shifts closer to you, knees knocking into yours.

“Yeah, you’re right. Connie's even hosting it, and he let us decorate his man cave."

You look at the streamers and balloons, and Armin follows your eyes.

“You did a great job decorating.”

You blush, “It was honestly a team effort. Mikasa did way more, I promise.”

“So humble”, he teased. As he smooths his slacks, your eyes can’t help but fall on the shine of the silver band on his slender finger, an engagement ring.

“Annie couldn’t make it today?” There’s a flash of a grimace on his face but he schools his features right away.

“She doesn’t really like parties,” he laughs softly, “She’s like Eren in that way.”

“Oh,” you paused. He was clearly hiding something but it wasn’t in your place to pry. You didn’t know much about Annie. In fact, you were a little intimidated by her icy demeanor and arctic eyes. It amused you at first when you learned she was Armin’s partner.

Opposites must attract, because where Annie was the cold seeping into your bones, Armin was a furnace radiating warmth.

There wasn’t much more to say with the conversation heading to a peaceful silence, until his arms lightly touch yours, “I’m really glad you came.”

His fingertips graze the sleeve of your dress.

You flush, “Well, I wouldn’t be a very good girlfriend if I didn't come to his birthday party.”

The pretty blond clicks his tongue, “I suppose.” He inhales, thumbs swiping the rim of his glass, “You’re too good for him. Do you know that?”

To say you were surprised would be an understatement. You don’t have a response ready but Armin continues, “I love Eren of course. Been friends with him since we were children but-” Deep sigh, “I feel like I barely know him anymore. No one knows him anymore.”

In a small voice, you squeak “I do.” But the unsureness of your tone made your words seem like it was a question.

Armin smiles, one that’s filled with mirth.

Boldly, he squeezes your thigh, the flesh right below where your dress ends, “You deserve better.” His oceanic eyes seem darker under the dim lighting.

Why weren’t you moving away? Were you letting his hand itch closer to roaming the softness underneath silky fabric?

You swivel your head around, praying no one is seeing anything. Thankfully everyone was too swept up in their own conversations. As if to soothe you, his hands draw circles on the soft pliant skin, “Don’t worry, no one can see us.”

The ring glints harshly. Admittedly, Eren’s soft-spoken best friend is just a little attractive. You didn’t always think to see him this way, but Armin changed, and all the general anxiety he possessed matured into a quiet confidence.

He reminds you of Eren in that way. But still, you're at crossroads here. Is Armin making a move on you? Is he warning you? Should you even be here right n-

Your internal monologue is interrupted by Mikasa clapping her hands, and then putting a finger on her lips, “We’re going to turn off the lights, ok? They’ll be here in a few minutes. When Eren starts coming in, yell surprise.” Armin hand’s leave your legs, the warmth gone.

“Oy, oy, oy. Don’t we need a signal?” Connie asks, confusion apparent on his face.

“Jesus Connie, if you can’t even figure this out, what are we going to do with you?” quips Jean.

Mikasa shakes her head.

Sasha lightly punches her best friend, “It’s okay Coomer, just follow my lead.”

“How will that work since you’re stupider than me?” The hazel eyed boy asks, voice dripping in concern. “Eh?” Sasha replies with an equally concerned tone.

Mikasa pinches the bridge of her nose, “I’m going to turn the light off now.”

Eren would be here soon. You barely register Armin putting his arm around the couch, not around you per se, but the proximity was close enough to send your heart racing.

In the switch of a light, the room was engulfed in darkness and excited giggles that Mikasa promptly hushed. And then was just the sound of breathing. You could hear yours and you could hear Armin’s.

Softly, the blond uttered, “I’m going to do something I’ve always wanted to do.” You could feel featherlight fingers tilting your jaw, and capturing your pillowy lips.

The doorknob rattled. Soon after, light from the hallway trickled in. A still moment. As soon as the kiss started, it ended. A flash of light exploded before your eyes and a cacophony of people yelling Surprise! rang out.

At the center of attention was Eren Yeager, who...did not look surprised at all. His eyes were not even adjusting to the light the way yours was. A tall redhead accompanied him, someone who you vaguely recognize as Floch.

The birthday boy was clad in a white button-up, sleeves rolled to his elbows and the top button was unfastened. His dress pants were slim-fitting and black.

The green-eyed boy’s face was devoid of expression. In comparison to his stoic nature, you thought your heart was going to explode.

Wryly Armin says, “Oh look, your boyfriend has arrived.” As if on cue, Eren’s eyes locked with yours.

At that moment, there were too many things to process.

Luckily, Eren was surrounded by a small crowd of his closest friends. You could hear Jean cackle, “Come on! You’re not even surprised.”

You turned your head to face the boy who took advantage of the darkness, a scarlet blush staining your face, “Why did you-?!”

He gazed at you with shining eyes like he had found clarity, not even bothering to feign guilt. With agility only he had, he took your palm in his, “I know you used to like me.”

Blood rushing in your ears, you tear your hands “What are you doing? Eren’s right there. Don’t touch me.” You hissed, scooting away for good measure.

“You didn’t deny what I said.” The blond pointed out calmly, “Yeager is no good for you. He keeps you in the dark about his life and he’s certainly not loyal..”

“I-I can’t deal with this. I never expected this from you Armin.” You shot up from the couch, trepidation filling your nerves, “Now if you excuse me, I’m going to greet my boyfriend.” You uttered the last word with as much hostility you could muster.

Mikasa had her arms wrapped around Eren. Which was fine. They’re best friends. They’ve known each other far longer than you knew him. He thinks of her as a sister.

He thinks of her as a sister.

You walked over, looming behind them. Most of the crowd had dispersed, with only Eren and the Ackerman girl lost in their own world.

What is wrong with you? You scold yourself. You didn’t usually think like this.

“[Y/N]”

Eren noticed you right away, and Mikasa turned around to face you.

“Sorry [y/n], didn’t mean to take so much of his time from you.” The dark-haired girl smiled apologetically.

You could feel guilt gnaw at you, how could you ever suspect her? She waved to Eren, and warmly thanked you, “You did so much of the planning. Thank you.” And before you could reply, she left.

That left you alone with the man himself. “Hi.” You said shyly. He smirked, “Hi babe. Long time no see huh.”

His viridian eyes slowly roamed your appearance, head to toe. You blushed under his stare as they paused longer than necessary on the dip of your neckline, and the expanse of legs not covered by the silk dress.

“So you did all this?” He teased, vaguely gesturing to the string lights, and hanging paper flowers.

He steps closer to you until he’s just a breath away. “Hardly. Just helped out wherever I could.” You whisper.

He hugs you, his tall frame enveloping yours. You feel so safe, pressed against his chest, as his arms compass the slight of your back.

His cologne is your favorite. Subtle, and intoxicating with thick notes of spice. You sniff something else, something overpoweringly distinct.

Still enclosed in his arms, you look up to him, “Did you drink?”

He takes a step back, still wrapping an arm to your waist, “I met up with Zeke. He offered me a drink.”

“Zeke?” You questioned, “You visited your brother?”

Eren was privy to sharing details about his life and you knew virtually next to nothing about Zeke, his half-brother he came recently in contact with.

He kisses the top of your head, and you can feel the loose strands that escaped his bun tickle your face, “It’s nothing to worry your pretty little head about.”

He keeps you in the dark about his life.

“You were cozying up with Armin on that couch, weren’t you?” His tone is light, containing a thinly veiled accusation.

You laugh it off, hoping he wouldn’t notice how tense you suddenly got, “No, no. We were just talking. I was sure I was going to kill myself out of boredom just waiting for you.”

Snuggling closer to him, you stand on your tippy-toes to kiss his jawline, trying to distract him from wavering thoughts.

“Oh?” He asked, “Armin wasn’t entertaining you well enough? Well, he does have a tendency to babble about nothing.”

As he talked, you had a feeling he wasn’t really looking at you, but rather peering straight behind you.

An uneasy feeling fills your lungs, “Um Eren, let’s head to the kitchen. I can fix you a plate. Niccolo did the catering so you know it’ll be really good-”

The tall boy waved your suggestion away, “Not hungry. In fact, why don’t we head over to my best friend? I haven’t talked to him in a while.” You didn't appreciate the mocking lilt in his tone.

Before you could dissuade him, he was already pulling your wrist so you could turn, hand placed on the small of your back, leading you somewhere you definitely did not want to go.

The charming blond was still situated on the couch but this time joined by a woman who was talking rather animatedly. You vaguely recognized her by her chin-length wavy ash-colored locks. Hitch.

“-Annie is so lucky! Jesus, I can’t believe you guys are engaged! And Marlowe still hasn’t worked up the nerve to-”

Eren coughed, asserting his presence. Two pairs of eyes flitted upwards. Hitch sighed dramatically, “Well if it isn’t the birthday boy. The big 2-0. You’re not a teen anymore Yeager. Think you’re ready for the adult world?”

Your boyfriend, who was never one for false pretenses and small talk, ignored her question entirely, “Hello Hitch. If you don’t mind, I would like to catch up with Armin here.”

The woman rolled her eyes, “Guess that’s my cue to leave.” As she stood up, she looked back and forth between the boys, noting the animosity that seemed to permeate the air as they burned holes into each other.

“Why are the vibes so tense? The energies you two are radiating...is reminiscent of a pissing contest”

Without really intending to, you let out a chuckle, attracting the attention of the three people around you.

Hitch’s eyes softened, “[Y/n], I haven’t seen you in a minute. Let’s go do shots with Mina and Hanna.”

Eren’s grip on you tightened, “She’s staying right here Hitch. Enjoy yourself though”

“Funny, I don’t recall asking you. Your girlfriend can’t speak for herself?”

“Uhm, thanks for the offer Hitch but no thank you, I’m not really in the mood to drink right now.” You chuckle nervously, flashing a big enough smile that will ascertain that everything is okay.

Hitch shrugs, “Suit yourself”, and proceeds to walk away.

“Well, I suppose I have to thank you for driving her away. She’s quite...talkative.” Armin breaks the silence. He addresses you both but his eyes are trained on you, “Back already [y/n]?” An easy smile spreads across his face.

You don't look at Eren’s face to gauge his reaction, but you notice how the hand around your waist squeezes almost painfully. The boys stand up to shake hands. Armin gestures for the two of you to sit but the dark-haired boy waves it away, “We prefer to stand.”

The blond gazes between the two of you questioningly but seemingly accept Eren’s response, “Okay then. Guess I’ll stand too.”

“Where’s Annie? Trouble brewing in paradise?”

Armin’s smile hardens, “Don’t know how you’d assume that. She’s just not here.”

Unease pinpricks at you. You could feel trepidation in the air.

“What a shame. Doesn’t Annie like me?” Eren taunts before delivering a line you didn’t expect, “I recall a time where she liked me much more than you actually.”

Surprise is an understatement for how you feel. You didn’t even want to register the implication of his statement. Did Eren and Annie have a past? You lightly touch Eren’s arm in a hint of a warning, “Eren-”

The blond shakes his head, “You’re really something else, you know? Talking about another woman so brazenly in front of your girlfriend? Are you projecting your insecurity onto me since you know” he tilts his head in your direction, “[y/n] liked me first?”

You fluster immediately, jaw-dropping slightly. It was true. You did have a rather big crush on the intelligent blond boy who sat next to you in a class that bored you to sleep. But there was nothing between you two beyond a handful of platonic study dates from when you were freshmen!

Too many moving variables. He was dating Annie and not being the homewrecker type, tried to squash the interest you had. Besides, you were planning to drop that class anyways, and in a twist of fate, it was Armin who had inadvertently introduced you to Eren.

Also, how did that damn Arlert know and why was he bringing it up today of all days?!

Your boyfriend sneers, “Does that really matter when she’s with me? When she’s dating me. And. Not. You.” He punctures the last words out.

“Uhm, I’m right here-” You finally find your voice, “And I’m not really comfortable with being discussed like this.”

Armin’s eyes find yours, “Of course. Sorry [Y/n]. It’s super disrespectful of me-”

Eren cuts in with words heavier than bullets, “Shut the fuck up. Always desperate to play the white knight in shining armor aren’t you? Your duplicity makes me sick.”

As if sensing an oncoming attack, Eren pivots away from you, creating some distance.

Armin closes the gap between himself and the dark-haired boy and bunches Eren’s collar in his fist, “You don’t know how to treat people, you know that? So full of yourself that you think basic decency has an ulterior motive.”

Eren’s eyes dance with mirth, “There’s always an ulterior motive with you, isn’t there though?”. He forcefully shoves his friend, sending Armin stumbling a few steps backward, “You really like pretending you’re one of the good guys when your hands are blood-stained like the rest of us.

You can hear the blood rushing in your ear and you attempt to get in the middle of the impending conflict but Eren grabs your arm with a painful force. He growls,“Step back”. You obey.

“Don’t touch her touch like that.” Armin snarls.

“She’s my fucking girlfriend. I’ll touch her however I want. By the way, just because your little fiance is giving you a hard time doesn’t give you the right to leer at what’s mine.”

At this point you realize you come to your senses, and you leave the area quickly to get help. You scan the area around looking for Mikasa. She’s reliable and always knows what to do. You try to calm your panicked heart.

Gaining speed, you nearly fall by running into someone in the long hallway. Thankfully, the good samaritan is able to catch you in time, holding your shoulders in a firm but comforting grip.

You look up, eager to thank the man who caught you. Mullet. Tall. Slight scruff at the chin. You recognize him right away.

“Woah y/n, what are you running for?” He asks in amusement but one look at your teary eyes has him instantly concerned, “Hey, hey. Are you okay?”

“I-uh,” You’re blubbering, “Armin and Eren are acting kinda strange--I think Mikasa should calm them down.”

Jean’s eyebrows are furrowed, “Strange how? She stepped out so she’s not here right now.” You bite your lips, wondering how you were going to explain the situation.

Jean grabs your shoulder, “Hey, don’t worry. I’ll settle this. Can you take me to them?”

You nod, supremely grateful to have Jean in your corner. As you guys take a turn to the living room, you hear the excruciating sound of glass breaking. “Shit!” Jean curses.

In the middle of the living room stood Eren and Armin like centerpieces, beating the ever-living shit out of each other. You couldn’t see much beyond the fact Armin was throwing punches left and right, landing some but Eren was able to dodge most.

As you move to run forward, Jean grabs you, “No. Stop. There’s glass everywhere. You’re going to get hurt.”

You’re incredulous, “I can’t just let them hurt each other!”

Jean merely looks at you with a look of pity,