#i both do and do not have a lot of sword stuff ready for posting

[zombiedumbie]

heart-shaped box

hi everybody! i'm back with posting stuff. i finished my final paper (i still need to make a presentation, but that's the easy part), this paper made me tired of writing, so I didn't post this before, sorry! and i'm having quite a week lol (just for example, one of the things that happened to me was that i had my scalp sutured!)

~1.2k words

from this post. a lots of fluff, A LOT, TOOTH ROTTING FLUFF. no use of pronouns. organs (heart). mentions of Law's backstory and light novel.

Hey, Cora…

Law's slender fingers hovered over your chest with the same delicacy he would use to sheath the blade of his own sword with the thin blue layer of his ability. He kept it at a reasonable distance, as if trying to sense the vibration of your pulsating heart in the air. The only thing breaking the silence in the room was his breath, but your heartbeats raced into your eardrums, making the place sound louder than it should.

Both of you sat cross-legged, facing each other in a room separate from the rest of the… guests.

Law wanted it to be just you and him, no one else. You were outlaws, without the right to a traditional marriage, whatever was traditional for both of you; that's why he wanted to do it still in Wano, away from the eyes of the world.

The marriage that usually involved you, your partner, the Government, and God would this time be confined between the two of you. But you insisted; after all, you wanted to share this joy with your friends, and with Wano closed, there weren't many risks of this information leaking.

"Don't you think this happiness should be just between you and me?" Law lifted his hat and scratched his head, looking seriously at you.

"Don't you think we'll have other kinds of happiness that will be just between us?" With your response, he only hid his eyes behind the brim of his hat.

Law must have been worried about the possibility of the Straw Hat crew showing up and ruining everything. In the end, he agreed, but on the condition that the two of you had this moment alone.

You took his wrist with both hands and pulled his hand towards you, your fingers touching the kimono while his palm rested on your chest with hesitation.

"Law…"

"Are you sure?" He murmured and lifted his eyes from your chest to your face; that golden gaze was unwavering, covered with a layer of uncertainty, though. His fingers trembled, perhaps out of insecurity or the weakness of removing his own heart.

You didn't say anything, just pulled him into a kiss; your thumb stroked just below his eyes, the skin warming under your digits with each second you kept your lips pressed together. That was a perfect confirmation for him. When you separated, you smiled at him and turned your back to Law.

"You already took yours", he laughed lightly.

"Not as if it's difficult to put it back", he replied, and you looked at him over your shoulder. "Room."

Law tilted you slightly down; his arm was around your torso, and his open hand was on the upper part of your chest to hold you. You embraced his arm and took a deep breath, letting your body relax. "Are you ready?" He asked, the phalanges of his fingers stroking your back calmly; you nodded and closed your eyes.

"Mes", he whispered and tapped the bottom of his hand on your back, on the left side. You felt your body weaken before the light blue box fell from your chest; he was skillful in catching your heart with the hand that was on your back.

You gasped for air; Law sat you upright as your body adjusted. That, in the hands of your fiancé, beating faintly, was your heart, out of your chest, right in front of you. The idea was so absurd that you would refuse to believe it if you didn't know about Law's powers and hadn't seen them before.

You lowered your kimono and felt your chest; there was now an empty, square space, open; you felt like you could pass your hand through it, but you didn't want to test it due to the nauseating sensation of just feeling the hole.

"Are you okay?" He asked, placing a hand on your shoulder, his eyes once again staring at you with the same rigidity; your gaze fell to your heart in his hand. You just nodded.

Law nodded too and placed your heart on the small table next to you, right next to his, on top of a cloth. You sighed, watching the two hearts beating at different rhythms, slightly different in size, but still, two hearts.

They were fragile but valuable, pumping the blood that magically flowed through your veins, even outside your bodies; it was even a bit mesmerizing to watch them, but Law didn't seem very surprised, after all, he had seen at least a hundred of them.

Law gently picked up his own heart, placing it in the palm of his hand. He turned it as if he found the best position, something you didn't think would matter, but he was a perfectionist, so you didn't bother saying anything. Your mouth went dry when you swallowed, and he approached, his eyes on yours again, looking for any sign of hesitation to stop immediately.

"Ready?" He asked in a whisper, and you were so excited that you just nodded.

The man took a breath and exhaled with deliberate slowness, his hands approaching your chest carefully. The small light blue box holding the heart fit so perfectly into the hole in your chest that you wondered if that wasn't yours; he stopped halfway, looking at you.

You responded with a smile, enough to remind him that this was as symbolic as exchanging rings and could be undone as easily; but you still accepted his idea without even asking questions, without asking for a ring or laughing at his idea—a smile enough to remind him that you understood all the symbolism and importance of this and that you accepted who he was, no matter what. With that, he finished pushing the box into your chest, closing the hole and restoring the skin as magically as it was removed.

The sensation was strange; it was like having two hearts in the same place. You could still feel your own heart pounding frantically, while you also felt Law's heart inside the chest, beating against your ribs, settling against your lung, beating as rapidly as yours, not in the same rhythm, but in the same frequency.

"T-This is… funny", you said with a smile, your hand on the place where Law's heart now resided.

With trembling hands, you held the organ ripped from you, beating rapidly against its confinement; the small light blue capsule was somewhat gelatinous and a bit smooth, seemed very malleable, but at the same time resistant.

"Relax", Law whispered to you, the corners of his lips curving upwards gently. "Let me help you", he asked, adjusting the small box in your hands, turning it, pointing to the left side. "These are your right atrium and pulmonary artery, they should be turned to your left, so they will fit correctly", he pointed as he spoke, and you just nodded.

With the tips of his fingers under your hand, he guided you to the hole in his chest, where the box fit perfectly. When you looked at him, he was smiling, not the same smile he gave when he was boasting or teasing someone, it was a genuine smile of happiness, one that you saw a few times but loved every time.

You felt like crying when you fitted the box containing your heart in the place that would reside for the rest of your life, where you lived for so long, in the core of the person you loved the most. When the skin covered the hole in, now, your husband's chest, you felt as if you were receiving the most intimate hug you had ever received—and could never receive again.

You hugged him, feeling the warmth of your tears warming your face; Law also cried silently, but unlike the tears of cold nights, there was a warm feeling in his chest, maybe from the new location of his heart, but the joy you felt was genuine.

His head rested on your shoulder, you felt his heart gradually calming down in your chest as he enveloped you in a warm hug, pulling you into his lap.

Law could still feel the cold of that night, how the snowstorm blurred his vision, the sound of the lines cutting the ground, how humid that chest was. He felt like he had spent all the years that followed trapped in that memory, walking through the forest, crying desperately while looking for the nearest town. However, in recent times, the snowstorm seemed weaker.

Until he reached the nearest town, right when Doflamingo finally hit the ground. When he found himself comfortable in the bed of a kind stranger, he finally understood the reasons for his savior. And when he drank that warm soup after years of hunger, his heart was finally at home, protected by your ribs.

"Law…" you whispered. "I love you."

Your now husband (husband!) put his hands on your shoulders and pulled away from you a little, so you could see his face; there was a smile so wide that his eyes closed, and you could only smile back at the sight. "I love you."

… I'm home.

[brucewaynehater101]

Jason takes Damian w/ him to Gotham and accidentally gets them both scammed into becoming Tim's Fake Uncle and Cousin

Jason is getting dragged into actually caring for this diaster of zero-selfcare kicking and screaming

Damian has latched onto his cousin big brother

The Bats are hella sus about Tim's so called family, especially with his Uncle who showed up only after Red Hood did

And Tim is feeling his heart break as he goes through with the plans to illegally become a premature 18 year old with a fake identity, false paper trail and get an income, then go back to seeing Robin only through his cameras

Only after reuniting Jason and Damian with the bats, and the whole family (alongside Young Justice) have their fotting settled enough that his loss won't be felt emotionally or mentally, of course

. . . Why are you looking at him like that?

Based on the fake uncle fic "Say Uncle" by Megaerakles

Oooh! The "Say Uncle" fic but with Damian too? That's brilliant!

The basic background is that Tim is Robin, his parents are dead, and he doesn't want to be adopted by Bruce. He's looking for an actor to play as his uncle so he won't end up in the system either.

There's a few ways to start this AU. One, Tim posts an ad or something, and Jason, who needs to pay for Damian's welfare, figures it's an easy enough job. He asks if he can bring his kid, and Tim ends up creating a cousin too. Tim figures it will help solidify the identity a bit more.

That, or Tim is looking for an uncle and, while out and about, stumbles upon Bruce's dead son grown up and what looks like a mini copy of Bruce. Seeing that neither appear to be trying to contact Bruce, Tim sighs as he figures he'll have to be the one to bridge that gap.

Damian, at first, will be suspicious about Tim. I think, in order to get them to bond, he shouldn't know about Robin. He thinks Tim is a regular civilian, and Jason is asking him to practice "civilian etiquette" with Tim. It goes better than expected because Tim, who is not a regular civilian, shrugs when a ten year old threatens him with a sword. It's Gotham.

Damian, expecting a regular civilian, ends up slowly finding out that Tim knows quite a lot about weird skills. He knows how to throw the batarangs that Damian found on the street (Jason does too, but Damian expects that). He knows how to hack, how to spar, and how to dismantle traps. When Tim finds out that Damian is interested in learning traps, he starts to bring back stuff from patrol.

Tim also let's Damian keep a few animals in their place (dealer's choice on whether they live at Drake Manor or at a new place).

Jason figures out pretty quickly that Tim is Robin (the kid keeps coming back with injuries). A combination of Tim being a wet paper bag for survival and him getting close to Damian endears Tim to Jason as he reluctantly becomes fond of the Placeholder.

Tim feels peace and comfort from these people who are probably Bruce's sons (maybe he even takes their DNA to test). Despite that, he's slowly building himself an identity that would stand Batman's scrutiny and an escape plan for when the others are ready to speak to Bruce and Dick and Alfred.

Perhaps Damian stumbles upon these plans and, after becoming a part of the Waynes, decides to stop them. He straight-up asserts to Tim that he doesn't know how to act and that Bruce will kick him out for being a murderer. Tim just has to stay behind to help Damian integrate with the family.

This buys the Waynes enough time to prove they actually do want Tim around.

[sassyangelchild]

Once again thinking about posting some thoughts about the recent arc/chapter from Kagurabachi and it ended up being a wall of text so...

Samura and Uruha (Sword Bearer Assassination arc)

Spoiler for up to Kagurabachi ch58

"Those people died for me. I can't just throw away my life!"

But before that "I understand where you're coming from."

He's not shying away from the idea of them being part of the evil that should be rooted, he acknowledges that notion as valid, but he *can't* throw away his life when people who cared died protecting it. It goes against his own consciousness.

"I was ready to die at any time. For three years (...) I lost my will to live."

He's not afraid of death.

"We'll give our lives so you can escape. You'd better survive or we'll curse you."

Meeting Chihiro or Hakuri is not what made him fight for his life, it was the sense of duty. Uruha giving up would make the sacrifice worthless and he can't allow that.

Samura is fighting because people have died for them, believing them heroes when not knowing the whole truth, because whatever happened back then was so bad he believes they are the greater evil right now since they weren't even held accountable for it.

And then despite the overwhelming advantage an enchanted blade gives, Samura takes the regular sword to duel him.

"It's just our egos. All that remains is to battle to the death."

I feel like Samura acknowledges that while Uruha understands why he's doing this (they committed sins and didn't atone as they should have, even if Uruha doesn't agree with how he wants to handle it he seems to agree to some degree), he can't ask him to just not defend himself because Uruha is also bound by his duty to make all those sacrifices worth it.

It's not that Uruha himself is afraid of death, he's just stating he can't go along with that kind of plan because other people died to make sure he lives the same way Samura won't stop because other people died for them when it shouldn't have happened, when they weren't the heroes everyone believed.

They both understand even if they can't agree because it's the weight of others lives that motivates them.

Samura choosing to fight with a normal blade, giving Uruha a chance to fight fairly, really makes it feel like it's a clash of ideals and perspectives, the same way Sojo and Chihiro's fight was, the same way it's been for other fights between enchanted blade users since the war ended. They both have different takes from the people who sacrificed themselves for their sake.

Like he said "It's just our egos. All that remains is to battle to the death."

So that's what they do. Uruha isn't throwing his life, it's a battle.

If Uruha dies is going to be honoring the deaths of his comrades, fighting for his survival (even if the odds didn't look that good from the start since Samura was his master, is older and more experienced and is the one whose goal right now is to kill).

"Guess I'm going to hell too."

"Yes (I'm going to shoulder this alone). Nobody else has to endure this hell."

He's saying he will bear with the consequences and will make sure they pay for their mistakes, but since he's the winner Uruha doesn't need to concern himself with it any longer. Uruha doesn't need to feel regret because he followed through and fought to survive until the end, (maybe this is a stretch but) he doesn't need to keep enduring the burden of their past and the weight of all those lives.

When they met again they almost got no time to talk, the only personal stuff Samura got to say was right before the beginning of the fight:

"Uruha. You've been through a lot. Get some rest."

We've seen Samura cares for others, one could say that perhaps too much.

He cares and that's why he feels so responsible for every death.

I can't say I'm glad with what he did and I don't agree with how he is doing things, I'm not forgiving him for this because while I believe there is truth in what he says and they must have done something truly horrible back then betraying his former allies and friends is too much when what we've seen from Uruha is a good person with no intention to harm anyone in the future (young Uruha posing in that photo with Rokuhira destroys me, he looks so young) but after seeing that dialogue again I do believe from his pov at least he is letting him "rest" from the hell.

There is a lot of stuff I've probably not mentioned because it was already too long but yeah I don't believe someone like Samura is capable of doing this without feeling something which doesn't mean I have to like it but yeah. If there are mistakes or it seems a little nonsensical it's because I wrote this at 4am (the brainrot is strong)

[pizzaboerr]

From nothing to something.

(Sanji x reader, part 4)

Part 1 , part 2 , part 3

Summary: After ‘defeating’ Zoro in a fight, Luffy’s crew made it into the Grand Line. Everyone was happy, you had a great night but the storm kept you awake. Lucky for you, you weren’t the only one who was awake.

Word count: 2.2K words

Content warnings: Use of curse words, fluff, slight teasing.

Authors Note: I’m so sorry that I didn’t post anything in the last two weeks. I was really busy with helping my best friend move houses. I’m back now and I’ll try to get 1 or 2 post per week, depending on how big of a chapter I’ll write. Hope you all enjoy!

P.S.: Sorry if there are sentences that are grammatically incorrect, English isn’t my first language, so my apologies in advance.

~~—~~—~~—~~

It’s been a few days since you started your training with Sanji. Each day you improved a lot. When you didn’t train with Sanji, you took it upon yourself to get stronger.

“Slow down Tiger.” Nami said, causing you to jump. You quickly turned around and smiled sheepishly. “Nami, you scared the shit out of me. What’s up?” You looked at her, dropped your weights and grabbed a towel, wiping away all the sweat. “I just came to see how you were doing. You��ve been training all day!-“ Nami started. She looked around and saw Zoro sleeping on the other side of the deck. “Even Zoro doesn’t train all day.” She looked back to you. “Maybe you should take some rest.” You smiled but politely declined. “I’m all right. I need to be ready if something happens Nami. Everyone can defend themselves but I can’t, yet.” You grabbed your weights and started where you left off.

Nami went to the upper deck and looked in your direction, seeing the determination on your face. Sanji had seen Nami looking at you and decided to join her. He greeted Nami quickly and smiled while looking at you.

While this happened on the upper deck, you dropped your weights and one of them rolled into the direction of Zoro, who was still sound asleep. The weight hit his ankle which caused him to grunt. He stood up, grabbed one of his swords and stomped into your direction, only stopping just in time. “Watch it y/l/n.” He said angrily while holding the sword up to your neck. You knew Zoro wouldn’t hurt you, But you also knew not to fuck with him while he was asleep (even if it was on accident).

You sneakily grabbed one of his other swords and grinned cockily. “I’m not scared of you Zoro, you are all big talk and nothing more.” You said smiling, taking a few steps back. Zoro laughed loudly. “Sure, Let’s see how good you are.” He said wiping a tear away from laughing.

You had ben training with bamboo swords, just to see how it was, so you knew a little. You also watched Zoro when he was training, writing down tactics.

He charged at you and you quickly blocked him. You only knew how to kick and punch so you just tried to block every attack. After maybe 10 minutes, you were panting, Zoro was really strong and you didn’t want to admit your defeat. Zoro saw this and laughed, causing you to get a chance to maybe disarm him.

Because you charged at him, you made him hesitate which move he was going to pull, to not hurt you, You wuickly got behind him with the sword on his throat, barely touching him. He put away his sword and looked down. He cleared his throat before grabbing the sword from your hand and turned around, avoiding your gaze.

“I let you win.-“ He mumbled, looking at you. “Didn’t want to hurt you.” He quickly added while putting away his last sword, now trying to exit the deck. “Zoro!” You yelled before he could completely disappear from your sight. He turned around and looked at you. “I take back what I said, you had me until the last second. I have enough to learn from you.” You said softly towards him. He nodded and walked away.

Nami and Sanji both laughed and you turned around. “I think i’ll take the rest of the day off, just like you said Nami.” You said, gathering your stuff. Nami laughed and nodded. “That’s a good idea y/n.”

~~—~~—~~—~~

“Everyone get ready!” Nami yelled. “This is it! The way into the grand line.”

Everyone jumped around each other, trying to get to their spots. Luffy was on the sheep head, looking at each of his crew members. “Usopp, Zoro! take care of the masts!, Nami please make sure we don’t hit those pillars, Sanji prepare some food!” Luffy commanded everyone. You stood next to Nami, making sure if she needed you, you were there.

You got closer and closer and before you knew it, the ship was going upwards. You all cheered and smiled. Soon enough you were on the other side of the mountain, now in the grand line. The waters were really smooth here, and Nami looked back at her compass, trying to figure out the next steps.

You excused yourself and went to your shared room. You had this special compass, that someone gave to you back when you were still working in Loguetown. You decided that you were going to gift this to Nami, not only because she was the navigator but also because she became your best friend in a short time period. You got back to Nami and saw that she was looking confused at why her compass wasn’t working.

You looked at Nami and smiled. “Nami?” You started. She sighed. “The compass doen’t work y/n! I’m supposed to be the navigator but I can’t even tell which way’s which!” You chucked and she looked at you slightly angry. Before she could say anything you looked at the ground. “Nami I have a present for you, close your eyes and put your hands out.” Nami looked at you, now annoyed. “This isn’t the time for presents.” She said, still doing what you said. You gave her the compass and smiled widely. “Ta-da!”

Nami opened her eyes as she smiled slightly. “What is this?” She asked while she examined the little compass. “This is what you need in the Grand line. Someone gave it to me as a present but I know you will appreciate it more. It’s now located to the closest Island. It’s supposed to be one maybe one and a half days away!” You said jumping excitedly.

Nami looked back at you as her eyes started to swell with tears. She gave you a really big hug and thanked you multiple times. You smiled and looked at everyone. For the first time in a long long time, you felt important.

~~—~~—~~—~~

After finishing what Sanji called ‘The celebration feast’, you all decided to have a few drinks together, to celebrate entering the Grand Line. You told a few stories that other people told you while you still worked at the restaurant. Luffy asked a few stupid questions, which made you laugh.

Everyone was enjoying the time together. You decided to play a few card games, Usopp teaching everyone a new game. Everyone was so infested with the game that everyone lost track of time. Before you knew it, it was almost 1AM. You yawned and excused yourself. “I’m going to bed guys, i’m really tired. See ya’ll tomorrow.” You said yawning once again and waving everyone goodbye.

You opened the door to your room and grabbed your pyjama. After you changed, you quickly brushed your teeth, combed your hair and got into bed.

You kept turning in your bed and after not being able to sleep you sat up and looked at the clock. “2;54AM.” You mumbled before grabbing your robe and making your way to the kitchen for some water and maybe a snack.

As you walked through the hallways, you could see that the kitchen light was still on. You once again sighed. “I should’ve known he would still be awake.” You said to yourself before knocking on the door to make yourself known. You leaned against the doorframe, not wanting to invade his space.

Sanji looked up and smiled. “Didn’t expect to see you at this time mademoiselle, couldn’t sleep?” You smiled softly back at him. “Well I tried to sleep, but the waves hitting the windows kept me awake. I’m still not really used to the heavy waves and storms that sometimes happen.”

He smiled and nodded understandably. He put everything away and started to gather everything to make some hot chocolate. He grabbed a pan and put it on the fire. He poured in the milk and started to heat it up. “I’m going to make some hot chocolate, want some Amore?” He asked you softly.

You smiled widely. “Hot chocolate, how could I say no to that!” He chuckled, while he chopped up the chocolate and quickly whisked some heavy cream with sugar to make the whipping cream. He grabbed a few vanilla pods and put some fresh vanilla seeds in there as well.

Once the hot chocolate was done he gently poured it into two cups and topped it off with with the cream. He smiled at his creation and grabbed a piece of chocolate before grating it on top, to make it look extra pretty. “Here you go love, be careful, it’s still hot.” He smiled while he placed it in front of you. You grabbed the mug eagerly and touched his hand on accident.

You blushed heavily while pulling your hand away quickly. He laughed softly and grabbed his mug. He sat down next to you and looked at you.

The heavy waves turned into a terrible storm which sent chills throughout your spine. You absolutely hated storms and now on the ship it only seemed worse. Sanji noticed that you were slightly on edge and smiled barely. He grabbed your hand and placed it on his lap, intertwining his finger in yours.

At this point you were blushing heavily. “I don’t like stormy weather. The boat moves to much and it keeps me awake sometimes. The rain is calming though, when you lay comfortably in a hammock, or a bed-“ He said looking at you, trying to distract you. “-You just close your eyes and focus on the raindrops hitting the window and the wooden walls.”

You silently took a sip from your mug with your one free hand and nodded. “Storms aren’t my favorite.” You chuckled slightly. “You know-“ You started, placing down your mug. You completely turned towards him and smiled softly. “-When I was little, I used to be shit scared of storms, not able to sleep at all. I normally would wake my mum up and beg her to make me some hot chocolate. After that she would drag me back to bed and join me. She used to keep me safe from the storms. Maybe that’s the reason I never got over them. I didn’t want to lose that feeling.”

He smiled sadly. He looked away while he mumbled something. You couldn’t hear what he was saying, which made you curious. “Speak up, pretty boy.” You teased before taking a few sips from your hot chocolate. He turned around with a light shade of pink on his cheeks. “What I said was, you could always look for me in those scenario’s. Most of the time I’ll be awake anyways.”

You were taken aback my this. You kinda thought he didn’t like you. “And thank you sweetheart for the compliment, although you are the pretty one here.” He looked down at his mug and took a sip.

The tention between you two was really tight and you both definitely noticed this. You sat in silence for what felt like forever. Sanji never let go of your hand though. Eventually you started a conversation and before you knew it, the storm was over. It was still really early in the night and you let out a yawn. Sanji laughed and looked at you. “Mademoiselle, I really like the company, but you need your sleep. Are you okay now?” He slowly asked you while letting go of your hand.

You nodded and stood up. Sanji followed you and opened up the door. “I’ll walk you to your room, that’s the least I could do.” You smiled and started walking. The walk was silent but not awkward.

Once you stood in front of your door you turned around. This startled Sanji who was standing right behind you. You stood on your toes gave him a soft kiss on his cheek. “Thank you Sanji.” You smiled as you turned back around. He touched his cheek where you kissed him and he blushed heavily. You were about time to close the door before he whispered. “The offer still stands, remember that. Sweet dreams love.”

He quickly walked away, to the upper deck. He lit up a cigarette and smiled widely. He knew he wasn’t going to sleep after this. You had him all worked up and he let out a sigh.

~~—~~—~~—~~

You got back in bed and smiled to yourself. You closed your eyes and let out a big sigh. You thought about everything that just had happened and got comfortable in your bed.

As you drifted to sleep, you smiled again, finally able to have a good night rest, all thanks to the sweet and loving cook.

[dedfly]

https://www.tumblr.com/dedfly/747388615312670721/can-you-do-dark-choco-post-banishment-x-reader?source=share

This anon inspired me to ask...since I'm curious the difference between banishment and after he willingly left after leaving the sword...

Can you do hcs of dark choco (post abandoning the sword...after the events of his redemption...) x reader...like reader finds him in the woods and stuff!

Dark Choco cookie x reader

The main difference is that he more at peace with himself. And having more progress

^ I'm sorry but i accidentally imagined him like a stray cat in the forest all covered in leafs and lost and you like, "yeah you are coming with me big boy" /j

^ At fist he would be a bit hesitant and somewhat scared but surely he would grow found of you

^ And maybe if he didn't talk quite much he is man of deeds and not words

^ He would totally help you around the house of you let him live with you

^ As I said already you would probably have a lot of silent moments together

^ But you both felt so much connection in that silence

^ He have strong male wife vibes

^ He would be afraid to let you close, but he making small steps to it

^ He wouldn't be easy to open up that's for sure

^ But he would and that would be more easier for him

^ He still have nightmares and fear of hurting you, but it would be not as hard as before

^ He is healing that's for sure

^ And by this I meant you need like 5 years for him to finally starting to get more into his past and all.

^ So basically slowburn, emphasize on word slow

Oh and I thought a bit about difference between him then he was first and second time banished

Disclaimer: I don't think what it's impossible to have a relationship with him, I just saying it would be rather hard. He just act all standoffish, but he cares and loves you. I just like trying to analyse him

I think the only difference is that in the first banishment it was violent, so to speak, Dark Cacao drove him away. Dark Choco is tormented by guilt and because of this does not allow anyone to come near him because of fear of not having control of himself and eventually hurting you as he hurt his father.

At that time, for the second time, he himself essentially left, disappointed in his actions and at the same time begins the path of his reflection. So he doesn't torment himself with guilt, but rather starting to live with it

It seems to me that this is the situation when you trying understand yourself, you’re not exactly ready for a relationship. You are trying to work on yourself, but in a relationship you need to work so that you and your partner can coexist together and as separate individuals.

But whatever it's still possible, and kinda helpful. You can't help yourself without some sort of support.

[candy8448]

Nothing like opening my eyes to a new linked universe update

Dawn pt8

My occasional source of dopamine XD

Its very satisfying seeing how all the traveling layers are put on. You can really imagine this scene animated

So a lot of important things were discussed, stuff the fandom have noticed before but its good that jojo finally mentioned them herself:

Shadow is the only this associated with the portals (pg1)

I LOVE how so many traits and experiences of the characters are shown here!!

Wild taking the blame first, he's got one heck a guilt complex (pg2)

We are just hit with everyone's emotions right off the bat and i love that!

I kinda like how blunt Time is

Wars talking about how "helping the wound isn't an option," things they must consider during war (pg3)

Legend trying to lighten the mood again like he always does (pg4)

I like to see how what they think of wolfie has changed now that they know it was twilight. Wars thinking its fine if the animal goes off alone cuz it doesnt understand but now making it clear that he doesn't like it

Secrets are getting in the way (such as wolfie) and hindering their process. Maybe it wouldn't have been so clunky if tgey knew exactly who wolfie is

WARS' SCARF IS BACK BABY! I got so excited when i saw it that page, dont worry guys, he has it back now!

Legend with his puzzle mind :))) my legend-centric brain is happy (pg5)

But his teasing almost boastfullness ("it just got lucky") but then turning in to actual contemplation, i love that he is also taking things seriously

Its actively seeking them out, Hyrule is wary that it will find them, like in his adventure (pg6)

They need to get better at teamwork

Four bringing in the joke about friendly fire. He definetly knows a lot about that (im reading the four swords manga for the first time and am near the begining sooo)

They need to use their arsenal

I just gotta say that i love this shot, very pleasing to my eye for some reason. But im so excited to see how everything goes with this! Im guessing in the near future, they will be taking these but to the extreme that it hinders them so they need to practice or something

Oof poor hyrule so tired of strong monsters, his games were HARD (pg7)

The power up on the sword! Ive seen a post about it before so its cool that they are noticing it, very important too!

I like the firmness with sky and time's ideas of the sword. Even though time says nothing about her we can see it, and the fact that she still sees him as her master (obviously!) It seems like they both need to sort out this dissagreement in order to not impact them even more (Pg8)

I love this especially because i just made a fic about exploring sky's and others' relationship with the master sword

I can't help but think that sky is thinking about more than just this quest in this update and back to his own adventure and maybe ghirahim. More bits in this update also make me think that ("he wants to fight" "yeah, 'cause he wont")

Wind being the one most eagre to fight! And Hyrule being the one most ready to go! I love that!

I was just thinking a few bays ago about what happened to those letters, i guess we get to see now! It seems like it might be one more update before we set off properly again (pg9)

Sky looking so happy about the mail at the end :)))

We really do get a piece of everyone and their personalities in this one

Im so excited for them to be on the road again!

[oathkeeper-of-tarth]

Inspired by the "we had King and Lionheart on 8tracks" post going around and prompted by the latest work by Lyv, a musician doing fan songs for BG3 characters, who reached Dame Aylin and (very correctly) concluded "yeah, this one needs to be a 7-minute metal track" - here's my personal selection of things I listen to to instantly hop into my Aylin mindset. I mean, I loved 8tracks and I have King and Lionheart on all my playlists forever, but here I think I'm going for an older feel, when we had LiveJournal posts of pertinent lyric extracts with mp3s of the songs and YouSendIt links expiring in a week.

Aylin, for me, tends towards bombastic and cheesy symphonic/power metal, with lavish guitar solos and dramatic lyrics about fighting dark lords and riding dragons and seeking magical swords, lovingly crafted labyrinthine fantasy lore stretching over and across albums, often delivered in somewhat awkward English. But also just a lot of big, loud feelings that I love listening to metal for. She was made to grace album covers, is what I'm saying.

Without further ado, under the cut I give you my 8 Metal Tracks To Fly Around And Smite Your Father-In-Law To (but it's actually 16 because I provided an alt option for each song).

Seeking Vengeance by Unleash the Archers

Like a wave of death, I wash over all who stand in my way, there's no redemption now

Self-explanatory in all things, I'd say. Big, powerful vengeance song with moments of nuance, in that we get "I am the falling blade" and "Who have I become? I know not where I've gone to" both packed in there. And also, the song just slaps.

Alt: Afterlife, the song that provides a counterplay with "I won't waste my freedom, vengeance will not make me whole". And also some killer instrumentals.

2. Spillways by Ghost

All your faith, all your rage, all your pain It ain't over now, and I ain't talking about forgiveness

Dealing with anger and darkness that exist within you and needing to find an outlet to stop it all from overflowing? Say no more. Ghost is a fave of mine but most of their stuff wouldn't really fit here, theme-wise. This song is perfect though.

Alt: Hunter's Moon is another one of my go-tos to ponder some inevitable violent vengeance.

3. Where Angels Fear to Fly by Battle Beast

They say the darkest hours are just before the dawn That we must die to be reborn I'm still alive, I'm ready for the pain When I fall, I'll rise again I spread my wings and like the midnight sun I will be rising

Five million years ago I saw these guys open for Nightwish and sing about Guts and Griffith from Berserk and got hooked. This is a far more recent offering, and it's both a banger and super on the nose for what I'm looking for here.

Alt: Wings of Light which hits the spot in a very similar vein.

4. NightSky by Kamelot

I'll stay with you all through your pain Blood of my blood Remember your name 'Cause when the night sky is coming down I'm watching over you And when the darkness falls Just close your eyes Remember your name

This is unironically my Selûne song and my brain loves tying it into the whole "Nightsong was only ever a curse" thing.

Alt: Silent Goddess prompted by that one kickass fanart that quoted it.

5. Rain of Fury by Rhapsody of Fire

Rain of fury my blade, like wings in the mist Hold my breath in the shade, both my hands on the hilt A thousand sparkles collide, igniting the cave There's nowhere to hide, I'm the valorous, the brave

These guys won my heart a couple of decades ago when they first sang about winning the dark lord with an emerald sword and they never fail to get me pumped. Some classic stuff to really get you going, get you on that quest, get you through that dungeon.

Alt: March Against the Tyrant, primarily for the gentle farewell-before-battle "Let me feel once more how much life you have on your lips" opening.

6. Charcoal Grace I: Prey by Caligula's Horse

I could bind my heart to anger And hold my breath for bliss that was promised me While the desperate hands of vengeance demand to deliver me

I actually have a very hard time picking between Part I and Part IV (and I usually don't listen to one without the other) - in fact the entire very heavy suite about reckoning with a horrible father is… something else. This is absolutely an outlier style-wise and genre-wise as it's pure prog, but it really taps into a specific brand of anger for me and I love it.

Alt: The aforementioned Charcoal Grace IV: Give Me Hell aka "Give back the years you stole and beg me".

7. Amaranth by Nightwish

Caress the one, the never-fading rain in your heart

Listen, this one is here purely because I imprinted on the music video with the wounded angel when I was 15. But also there's a couple of amaranth-as-tied-to-immortality "never-fading" references in it so it stays.

Alt: Sleeping Sun for a calm, sad, yearning time.

8. The Maiden and the Minstrel Knight by Blind Guardian

Proudly it stands Until the world's end The victorious banner of love

A non-angry one to end things on! Blind Guardian is one of my favourite bands ever and so they were bound to be here. It's been really hard to stick to one two songs per artist. Anyway, I wouldn't go with this one as super directly applicable lyrically as it's a Tristan and Isolde song, but the chorus gets me, I love listening to it, and I maintain it has the correct Vibes.

Alt: When Sorrow Sang, aka the Beren and Luthien song off their Silmarillion album, for all the obvious mortal/immortal reasons.

[greyskyflowers]

I've had these little partial plot bunnies for a while and have added to them as I think of stuff. I'm going to go ahead and thrown them on here though because they aren't doing anyone any good sitting in my drafts. Maybe it will help inspire someone else.

A/B/O Dynamic ideas with Omega Zoro and background/hinted Poly/QP Strawhats ~

*** :examples, additional info, how it relates to the crew

🌱 :how it relates to Zoro

• Omega are lighter than alphas and betas, that doesn't mean weaker or smaller. They're simply lighter.

*** Ex: If a omega and beta/alpha of the similar strength and build both step in the same puddle of mud, the beta/alphas will sink down further.

🌱 The reason Zoro can push off of Luffy or Sanji without any problems.

• Omega run cooler as a protection against overheating during their heats.

*** Beta and alphas tend to run warmer to provide for omegas if needed.

🌱 The outfit post time skip Zoro wears is due to him running a little cooler.

• Heats are usually a miserable experience. The body hurts like getting the flu, body temp shots up, and other things like headaches, loss of appetite, fatigue, etc.

*** Alphas and betas instinctively know where to press/massage on omegas to help relieve pain. Sometimes, even able to tell things before even the omega knows. Ex: they may get food ready even if the omega doesn't feel particularly hungry, they may know where bruises will form, can tell when a heat is coming, etc.

🌱 Zoro already has chronic pain that flares up during his heats, so the whole thing is usually miserable.

• Omegas have sharp teeth but thinner than betas and alpha. Omega teeth are meant for killing strikes, for ripping at veins and throats. Beta and alpha teeth are broad and sharp, meant for crushing and snapping.

🌱 Zoro doesn't fight with his teeth like some omegas do but he shows them off when he uses three swords. The teeth looking extra menacing when digging into the hilt of sword.

• Omegas require a lot of sleep. It has to do with their hormones and sometimes can change depending on how healthy or unhealthy a omega is.

🌱 Zoro naps constantly

• Omegas also require a lot of food. The same hormones that require a significant amount of sleep also requires a significant amount of energy.

🌱 Zoro doesn't eat as much as Luffy but he's usually not too far off.

• Scent glands are very sensitive, once a pack bond has been established and pack marks have been given/recieved, only pack can touch the scent glands without causing pain.

It's a comfort to have them nipped at very carefully, stroked or sucked on. Sometimes packs will nipped a little harder or dig their nails into scent glands if they're mad at their omega.

The scent gland releases a type of oil that varies on consistency and taste for each omega. Once pack bonds have been established, alphas and betas will seek out the scent and taste. Often when they're anxious or concerned, for affection, etc.

*** Scars on scent glands can cause a lot of problems. Due to the type of tissue that makes up scent glands, damge to it will often scar in a way that traps the oil and can make the scent glands ache.

Oil that's been trapped must be manually released with firm pressure and heat. The oil will become infected if not released correctly or frequently enough. This becomes very painful and the risk of a blood poisoning is high.

The trapped oil will be thinner when freed, often with the consistency of water rather than oil. The smell will also be too strong, like breaking a full perfume bottle. When released it will be mixed with blood and infection, usually a pinkish color or with spots of blood.

*** Omegas cannot scent right if their glands are not taken care of. This causes anxiety and depression since omegas will not be able to scent a nest or pack, leaving them feeling isolated even if they're not.

Trapped oil will also itch. This is often strong enough that omegas will scratch at the gland until it bleeds.

🌱 Zoro is terrible at taking care of himself when it comes to injuries and this includes his scent glands. The pack takes it upon themselves to make sure the glands maintained. The ones in his wrists and necks are the ones scarred.

• Scent glands are located on the neck, wrists and inner thighs.

*** Packs will often touch, bites, rub, etc at scent glands for bonding. Even the inner thigh ones will be caressed, it's doesn't have to be sexual, it's just intimate.

🌱 Usually they go for Zoro's wrists or neck since those are easiest to get too, those are the ones scarred though, so extra care is required when paying attention to them. The ones on his inner thighs are extra sensitive, as common with omegas, and are only focused on once in a while.

• It's incredibly dishonorable to aim for a omegas scent glands. People still do it but it's not something anyone should brag about.

*** Scars on scent glands or over pack marks are insulting to the pack and the omega. It's also incredibly painful to have pack marks or scent glands hurt.

🌱 Zoro has scars on his glands and it's a sore topic for the pack.

• Packs are very intimate, so they can be both sexual and/or platonic. Omegas provide balance for betas and alphas. Their scents and bonds create a healthy and comforting environment

🌱 The crew is very happy and healthy.

• It's a sign of power and strength to have a healthy and happy omega. It indicates the pack isn't worried about most threats, so they're able to take the time and focus required to take care of their omega.

*** Omegas will not go into heat in unsafe areas, it's very painful to withhold heats but it can be done. The body will not allow the heat to happen if it senses danger or feels unsafe.

🌱 Zoro has withheld his heat before and it never goes well. With all the other issues he has, withheld heats are brutal.

• Omegas nest, of course, but they also burrow. A combination of pressure and the instinct to find protection promoting them to create a nest and then cover it.

Pack nests are often bigger, made for the pack to be able to comfortably be near their omega and each other. Larger nests also allow omegas to feel comfortable in the nest with pack but also large enough for them to have a space with enough extra supplies that they can borrow.

*** A room may be considered a nest, filled with nesting supplies and carefully arranged. One corner may have additional nesting supplies available for the omega to cover themselves with if needed, while the rest of the nest remains comfortable and moveable for the pack.

*** Similar to how people find comfort in the pressure of weighted blankets.

🌱 Franky built a nesting room big enough for all of them. It's absolutely filled with nesting supplies. The floor is covered in pillows and mattressss.

• Alphas and betas may experience a type of itching or tingling in their gums when around their pack omega. This is a reaction to the scent of pack and omega. It's just a form of desire or longing meant to keep packs close together. This will often be relieved by biting, scenting or mating.

🌱 Luffy bites a lot.

• Dynamics and the instincts related to them aren't felt by anything but humans. That doesn't mean that others are excluded from the pack or don't feel pack bonds. It just means those instincts are very muted. Everyone can mark and be marked by pack bond marks if they want.

*** Ex: Chopper and Jinbei are pack of the pack but don't have to same desires or instincts as the others. It's more of a family type thing for them.

Brook, however, is a different situation. Since he was human, and is now human bones, he does have those instincts. However, while they are stronger than Jinbei or Chopper's, they are not as strong as they were when he was human.

🌱 They might be a little bias but they all think Zoro is the best omega.

• Omegas bruise easier, however that doesn't mean they're necessarily hurt more than alphas or betas. Hits that would hurt but not bruise on betas and alphas will hurt and bruise on omegas. The additional visibility on hurt spots and injuries is meant to prompt packs into protectiveness and care.

*** Ex: If a omega and alpha/beta both run their hip into the same corner of a table, same speed and force, the omega will get a bruise but the alpha/beta won't. No additional pain was felt by the omega. It's simply a evolutionary feature to prompt protection and care.

🌱 Zoro is almost constantly bruised.

• Omegas will purr when hurt and when happy. Purring can be used to self soothe when injured or hurting, and sometimes happens without the omega even noticing. It's not something controllable, they can not start or stop either instance of purring.

*** Happy purrs will often stay at one consistent pitch while hurt purrs will go up and down in pitch

🌱 Zoro was purring at Thriller Bark when the crew got to him after Kuma, the nothing happened barely understandable with the rough and unsteady purr breaking up the words when he spoke.

He purred when they all met up again after the two year skip, everyone grinning at the consistent sound and the faintest hint of pink on the top of Zoro's cheeks.

[sockssketchingshack]

So uh. I never really did an intro soooo

I see a lot of people asking about commissions and I am here to tell you that I don't do them! They stress me out! Sorry but they're Scary. But I do drawing *requests*. Because I like drawing things without any form of pressure to draw them!

Now that's out of the way, hello there! My name is Socrates. But everyone calls me socks.

I am an adult! 18 years old, April 23 2006.

My pronouns are he/him!

I am both a trans man and bisexual!

Things you should know:

I have low to severe functioning autism. Meaning I need help from those outside of my own self. Basically help with my day to day life and for scary situations such as talking to strangers IRL. Or complex decisions such as bank details or that kinda thing. I need others to help me!

That doesn't mean I'm not smart though. I'm mostly slow. I call it rebooting. So if I ever take a while to respond it's probably because I'm thinking about what to say!

I have bipolar disorder. I deal mostly with mood swings one minute ranting about how cute my cat is the next minute crying over how cute my cat is.

I deal with a lot of doctors! Two or more appointments a week! So if I tell you multiple times over a short span of time I can't talk cause I'm going to the doctor's it's not an overused excuse! It's true!

I have severe anxiety. Meaning any communication at all stresses me out. But I still really wanna try to socialize!

I have memory issues.

So if you wanna talk I'm welcome to it. I'm just really, really, shy. And sometimes I'll panic and end conversations out of nowhere. So if you ever wanna talk all I ask is to be understanding and a lil patient.

And if you talk to me long enough I'll grow to trust you! Which means I'll feel more comfortable and calm when talking to you!

About my art:

I love art! But it's hard to do since I have some physical problems. But I do it anyway! I mainly draw things I like or request / challenges I receive. I like to draw my little persona alot because he's simple and easy to draw. I also have a lot of OC's! Ask me about them! I love them all and will be over the moon to share their stories outside of just the art I make of them!

About my text posts:

Text posts are semi common. It's mostly little ramblings or rants. Or just how I'm feeling. But again I mostly posts art.

If I ever interact with you or your posts:

It means I wanna talk to you but don't know how so I just try to show affection with hearts and sometimes if I'm brave enough a comment or reply. But I still really wanna learn to socialize with you!

Hobbies:

Art, cooking, baking, gardening, sewing, video games.

Lastly:

Ask me stuff! Talk to me if ya want! I am lonely. And I love you! And I'm proud of you! Take care of yourself! You deserve it! Bye! Love you!

Things I like (extra bit):

Get ready it's a long lists,

anime!

Any anime really even if I haven't seen it! I have watched a bit of or completed, Naruto, one piece, jujutsu keisen, Ouran host club, black clover, sword art online, attack on Titan, Yuri on ice, one punch man, my hero academia, assassination classroom, food wars, pokemon, the promised Neverland. And a bit more I'm probably forgetting.

Video games!

Any video game really! Even if I haven't played it! But I have played or watched others play: stardew valley, undertale, Minecraft, Roblox, terraria, cult of the lamb, overwatch 2, dead by daylight, Skyrim, halo, rocket League, cod black ops 2 zombies, moonlighter, hollow night, sky children of the light, don't starve together, subnautica, subnautica below zero, alot of different Pokemon games, five nights at Freddy's, astroneer, monster hunters, and one of my absolute all time favorites SLIME RANCHER!

other medias / things, TV shows, books, etc:

Percy Jackson, a bit of harry potter, marvel universe, DC universe, amazing digital circus, don't hug me I'm scared, Steven universe, avatar the last Airbender, we bear bears, and more I'm probably forgetting.

That's all bye.

[what-the-fic-khr]

Hello I hope this ask finds you well! Happy to see the tea prompts again bc they’re so so so cute 🫖🥹

I have a fewww ideas.. bc I just love everything about your writing and I’m curious about your take on rooibos tea w/ Squalo orrr earl grey w/ Hibari (I absolutely adore the way you characterize himshdnshdjdh)

If neither of those suit your fancy, matcha tea with any character that comes to mind for ya? I’m excited to see your posts floating around again and know I’ll continue to love anything you pen for us🫧🤍

waaaaah thank you so much for your kind words, I appreciate it so greatly!!! I chose to do both because I’m in the mood to, and I’m so thankful for the support! I hope these are to your liking!

character/s: superbi squalo, hibari kyoya, reader-insert (gender-neutral)

word count: —

warnings: huh. nothing for once

prompt: tea prompts (rooibos tea, earl grey tea)

rooibos tea; what’s their favourite thing to do with their s/o?

Squalo’s either a huge fan of resting or hates it entirely. for the sake of this, it’s not resting per se, but… he likes to relax with you, very specifically. even if he’s working; being able to actually relax is rare, and nice. watch for if he removes his sword with you around; he likes to do maintenance on it with you around because it’s not stressful, not work, and with you. it’s a sign of comfort and vulnerability

You were complaining about something, rolling around on the floor beside him as you went on and on. He didn’t care much about all the movement; you maintained a good distance so you wouldn’t knock into him.

“Besides, it was stupid to begin with and if they’d listened to me in the first place it wouldn’t have happened at all!”

“Mhm.”

You glanced over at Squalo, stretching your arms out to rest your head on. He glanced up at your silence, and his shoulders slumped. This didn’t stop him from polishing his blade, the action repetitive, calming, like habit.

“What?”

He huffed when you smiled in that silly, dreamy way you did when you were enamoured with something. It still had to take some getting used to, seeing it directed at him.

“Nothin’. You look so nice and relaxed for once. Boss is gonna kick that out a window once you’re done.”

He grumbled something under his breath at this. It wouldn’t last very long, but still. He felt relaxed, for once. The soothing motions of sharpening and polishing his sword was a comfort to him. You rolling around on the floor like a kid was a comfort to him.

“I’m not goin’ anywhere for at least another half hour.” Your eyes started to light up at this, and he almost laughed at the way you started kicking your feet back and forth in the air. “You’re stuck with me until then.”

“Favourite thing to be stuck with.”

early grey tea; how did they court their s/o?

if he’s an adult, he’d be… a bit more normal lol. I think he’d be very careful while getting to know you, but he’d like to show you how strong and reliable he is. y’know, adult in the mafia kind of stuff. younger though, he’d be a lot more… of a loser about it. he’d want to make sure you can also look after yourself in the future with him! so he’d stick to you like glue at school, be suuuuper annoying and stuff. fight, probably.

“Can’t you go easy on me or something at least?!”

“Doing that won’t keep you alive in a real fight, will it?”

You made a loud noise of complaint, but you still got back onto your feet to return to your original position. Kyoya gripped his tonfa a little tighter, nodding to himself.

If you could not even get up and keep training, there would be no point in trying.

There was potential in you he knew was there, and he’d be damned if the one he’d grown attached to would get killed because you didn’t try to get stronger. It only made sense to him that the one who put you through this was him and no one else. No one else would take it seriously.

“Get ready, then.”

You whined, but steeled your shoulders. Your gaze on him sharpened, eyes narrowing, and he felt his lips twitch up into a smirk.

Exactly the spark he wanted to see.

[hauntedberries]

my 30th attack gets a whole post to itself because its SPESHIL and i spent a WHOLE DAY ON IT!!!!!! attack for GravellyMistaken / @graveys-art-blog featuring their twp guys YAYYYYY

extra analysis bits under the cut (shamelessly copy pasted from my twt). mwah!

the first sketch is so funny to me i put all my energy into sam and then went eh fuck dat for the other two AHAHAHAHA im sorry i swear i have better sketches of vitor and uri im too lazy to pull them out

initially i wanted the soldier poet king themeing hence the arrangement (sam soldier, vitor poet, uri king), n u can see here that uri was supposed to have a blood splatter crown for the 'king' part but it wasnt coming out right.. i really had 0 idea what to do w her background until i Had to do it. it was just all trial n error and i was working until 4am so brother were there Errors. but i think it came out nice in the end! and while drawing i realized uri's themed after the king of diamonds/hearts so it looped back into the king themeing luckily AHAAHHAA

speaking of uri's bg tho, one random detail i like that somehow made it better for me was this streak at the back which could be interpreted as a river of blood OR smoke from a gun. cool fun stuff

i also wanted to do a thing w the composition where its like.. this is so scuffed but this. just so their poses didnt look completely random? sam n uri have one arm folded and the other doing whatever, while both of vitor's arms are folded. so it kinda has some sense of cohesion

and the border! i am a big fan. i took a lot of inspo from the tarot card series ive yet to continue. here's a wip image of it from april though. u can see the similarities of it w the one here!

THE top is the symbol i use for twp, which is a butterfly with eyes and the morse code for SOS. its encased in whats supposed to be the portal w 7 tentacles coming out of it to represent eri's 7 fragments!

as for the side border, its supposed to be quiro, lanluy, burmelio, then kh'elle, which is the order of the kingdoms the spinoff party visits in their adventure!!!! u can also see the morse code repeated :3

lastly their body language! sam is closed off, quite literally shielding their heart w their sword. they both look ready to strike but defend too.

vitor is juggling but i also wanted it to look like he's shrugging! to represent his kinda go with the flow attitude, but also how his arc has themes of being left in the dark bc my ouppy is a . fucking. dumbass

u can also see above that at first uri's pose had her holding the book closer to her but it made for a bad silhouette.. and it felt more ic to me to have her have a more open pose? bc she's eager to learn and spunky and confident!

e knee way those are just my extra thoughts on this piece. i had a lot of fun making it and i hope u have just as much fun Looking at it HAHHAHAHA im really proud of this one >_<

[alittleofsomethingarts]

So, everyone, I got a story about this picture right here. I will include some pics from the process and there's even a moral at the end.

So the client approached me about it, I sketched it out, standard affair. It was supposed to be a gif image and I imagined her moving side to side while her sword glowed.

Mistake number one I did not plan out the side to side movements. This was the only rough I did before I started rendering it.

"Wow this is going to be so cool" I thought.

"This is going to be a piece of cake"

I wanted to animate it on Clip Studio Paint EX that I got this year specifically so I could do animation there.

I ended up drawing all the assets and I was happy with them. Side note, in pixelated animation it is better to use as little colors as possible, and I ended up having a lot more than 256 colors with the colored lineart here n stuff. That was my mistake number two. I really need to work on that.

I warmed my hands as the program was opening, ready to do some animation, only to come across a very unexpected problem.

In the end I have made a reddit post describing it, but you can basically see the results of it in this test animation

I spent an entire freaking day trying to figure out what to do with the blurring. It seems that it functions as intended, but it would be really nice if CSP didn't do this. I had to go back to photoshop to do the actual animation.

... I couldn't quite do the diagonal movement I wanted. Right, so I settled on this.

I drew like 3 movement frames for the white and blue cape and ended up not using it because it looked awful. And the sleeve movement is so wrong.

This is why you test these things, guys! In sketch phase!

So I made these static gifs, thinking this is probably over now and I did a good job.

Nope. Not even close.

My big brain missed one crucial detail in the initial sketching phase...

IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A BIG BEEFY GLOWING SWORD!

To be fair the initial glow was cool, the client didn't realize what I've been drawing. So we both missed it. Okay, fine. I decided to just redraw the glow, thankfully it didn't take long at all.

... Right we got another problem. How do I animate a sudden burst of energy coming from the sword?

... Oh no.

My head drew a blank.

I felt... I felt... Like a failure. I failed the client. I thought I could do this but it's not right.

I decided to slap a glowing effect and hide the burst under a white screen.

I couldn't imagine anything better.

Despair, utter despair.

In the end the version that looked the best was this one.

Feeling horrible, I decided to make a free quickie for the client to make up for my failures.

I poured my disappointment with myself and my ability to come up with cool animation into this little tiny owl that did nothing wrong. I gave her the most adorable but angry stare I could muster.

She's angry because she's short

... too short for this picture.

The client assured me that my work was fully acceptable from start to finish and that it's all great. That I shouldn't beat myself up.

But I usually get it all from the very beginning, you see. I typically don't do too much revisions. This kind of situation is not common. I wasn't able to see my clients needs and make the kind of gif that was needed from the beginning.

And I've been tipped extra for this picture too.

It's like the money I got was not quite worth the gif I ended up with.

I suppose it covered the extra useless work I did drawing the assets, but... I feel guilty, like I ripped off the client.

If I just needed to draw the static gif with some glow I could've made it cheaper.

Perhaps I undervalue myself and it costs more than I charged for it.

I don't know.

The moral of the story is DO TEST ANIMATIONS IN SKETCH PHASE. ALWAYS. FOR EVERYTHING.

I swear I got it the first time, why make this mistake so many years later? smh...

[kerubimcrepin]

Episode 31 - The Break

It will be so refreshing to liveblog an episode that isn't heavy on characterization or analysis, oh god, I am tired of typing words.

He is so sad and for no reason... I just want to wrap him in a heated blanket.

World's most serious case of Sads, finished off with an evil little glare.

I can imagine adult Joris doing the same thing to Kerubim even by Wakfu times. Just a cunty, unamused little gaze. I can see it so clearly. This will happen in season 4, mark my words.

Also, inside me are two wolves. One of them wants to say "perhaps it's unusual for Joris to not go hook line and sinker for whatever ideas Keke proposes", and the other wants to say "Joris and Kerubim having psychic vibe battles moment #5"

He is so unserious.

Joris loses this round in the game of mutual psychological manipulations.

(Guy who notices landmarks in this show voice) (Also, guy who, for some reason, has developed a parasocial relationship with this setpiece in a kids show voice) THE TOWER. THE FUCKING TOWER

I've already spoken on this topic, but Kerubim already being known to sell stuff and have strong opinions on the ethics of museums makes me so unwell. Especially with implications of the Crepin family being salespeople.

I am not going to elaborate. You've read my other posts. Just... yeah.

Can I get some love for non-Cra archers in this universe? The degree of unemployment must be hellish.

Also Lou has two swords, and Nella has two quivers. They are so normal.

Some may think that Kerubim is out of shape, but I will argue that this is his Farm Boy shape. His "not constantly on the road and fighting monsters while worrying about travelling supplies" shape.

He's still muscular, because Herding Animals is Serious Business, but he's got a bit of a gut going on, because there's no food insecurity, and the food he has is mostly meat and milk.

Considering old Kerubim also has the gut, — and is, notably, still very agile, — I think that this is just, like, Kerubim's natural shape when he's eating well and living like a normal person.

Sorry for overanalysing his body. I just wanted to talk about my "adventuring should be deconstructed as a concept and examined more closely, considering the multiple characters who had been ready to die "to become legends" about it. Like is all the trauma, food insecurity, and violence worth it, when the only way for people to truly respect you in this career, is to die in a cool way?" agenda.

The resemblance between young Keke in this episode and his older self is actually scary.

Say NO to alcohol, say YES to being a calcium-based lifeform.

I've never mentioned this before on this blog, but it's very likely that Kerubim is kind-of-sort-of accidentally implied to have an underbite.

It varies, whether he has his teeth in a normal bite, or an underbite, — and it is an art style choice, it happens to some other characters, albeit nowhere near as often as it does to Kerubim, — but, once you see it, and know what I'm talking about, you can't unsee it. Hell, it's on half the screenshots in this episode already!

Underbites are something that goes in families, which fits really well.

Because, like... yeah. That sure does seem like a family thing.

Together with the "pale-ish brown pigmentation around an eye or both eyes" thing, and the triangle-ish shape of their heads and snouts, Keke and Atch are the Bouba and Kiki of siblinghood.

Anyway, for transparency's sake, despite the underbite being one of Atcham's very notable character features, he is also sometimes drawn with a normal bite. Which might point towards Kerubim's underbite also being a genuine part of his character design, — instead of it being a case of animators liking the look of it a lot.

Personally, I like to think that both of them had been trying to fix his underbite his whole life by simply willing it away, and it's Not working.

If they actually realized they care about one another, and could be chill about it instead of immediately starting a Doomed Toxic Cottagecore Farm, Pangaea would reform.

Oh? You like Kerubim and Lou? Well, then, do you think Lou and Kerubim efficiently utilized girl power when they, Bontarians, went to their oh-so-hated Sidimote Moors and Brakmar, to conduct what they call a "slaughter-safari"?

This is not a Divorce Theory I usually subscribe to, but my funny crack theory is that she left him to go adventure around the world because he wanted to settle down and adopt a kid or whatever.

Truly, the possibilities of kerulou divorce theories are endless.

If they formed a polycule, Pangaea would explode.

I like to think that whatever Julith has going on is a cloak with a similar, but more complex enchantment.

This item is real, but I can't really find the sword mentioned by Lou moments prior.

I need to inject this image inside, intravenously.

...Anyway, you will never guess what my newest addition to the desktop wallpaper rotation is.

[ffxivlucio]

OC sheet: The Hopesinger, Lúcio Dossantos

Gods, finally have this ready to post proper, been working on and off on it for wayyy too long. I'm sure there's still stuff I'm either forgetting, or unable to write out in a way I like, or without being way too nervous too. Feel free to ask questions though! Also, spoilers for a lot of major expansion events other than Dawntrail, so you have been warned.

×—ʙᴀꜱɪᴄꜱ—×

ɴᴀᴍᴇ: Lúcio Dossantos

ɴɪᴄᴋɴᴀᴍᴇ(ꜱ): Lú (close friends)

ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ(ꜱ): The Warrior of Light (gained ARR), The Warrior of Darkness (gained Shadowbringers) The Hopesinger (Given by his father, he began using it during Endwalker)

ɢᴇɴᴅᴇʀ / ʜᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇʏ ɪᴅᴇɴᴛɪꜰʏ: Cis Male

ʀᴀᴄᴇ:  Hyur (Midlander)

ᴀɢᴇ: 26 

ʙɪʀᴛʜᴅᴀʏ: 3/20 

ʙɪʀᴛʜᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ: A small village in Yak Tural

ɢᴜᴀʀᴅɪᴀɴ ꜱɪɢɴ: Byergot, the Builder

ɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ: Eorzean 

×—ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʀᴀɴᴄᴇ—×

ʜᴇɪɢʜᴛ: around 5’3”

ᴡᴇɪɢʜᴛ: 125 pounds, give or take

ʙᴏᴅʏ ᴛʏᴘᴇ: Ecto-mesomorph

ʜᴀɪʀ ᴄᴏʟᴏʀ: Black

ᴇʏᴇ ᴄᴏʟᴏʀ: Brown

ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇxɪᴏɴ: A dark brown

ʙɪʀᴛʜᴍᴀʀᴋꜱ: None that he knows of

ꜱᴄᴀʀꜱ: A sword slash crossing his chest from his right hip to left collarbone from Zenos in Stormblood, and a reaper’s cleave crossing the tattoo on his throat from Zenos again in Endwalker.  ᴛᴀᴛᴛᴏᴏꜱ: A special tattoo given to him by his people, it glows yellow when he uses his magic, and in high concentrations of aether; and it glows green when he sings and in high concentrations of dynamis. It has the appearance of a frog. High concentrations of aspected aether will also tint the base black color of it. It does have a more complex design that is usually unseen, but appears when he’s using more of its power. As of Dawntrail, it has a thin line crossing through it.

ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ 🇺​​🇳​​🇮​​🇶​​🇺​​🇪 ꜰᴇᴀᴛᴜʀᴇꜱ: Two stars painted on his face, just bc he likes it

ᴄʟᴇᴀɴʟɪɴᴇꜱꜱ / ɢʀᴏᴏᴍɪɴɢ: Very clean, well-kept dreadlocks

ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ ᴄʟᴏᴛʜɪɴɢ ꜱᴛʏʟᴇ: casual and loose, lime green/yellow/dark blue for colors

ᴀᴄᴄᴇꜱꜱᴏʀɪᴇꜱ: green and yellow jewelry

×—ʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ—×

ᴀʟʟᴇʀɢɪᴇꜱ: None

Ɪʟʟɴᴇꜱꜱᴇꜱ: None

ᴅɪꜱᴀʙɪʟɪᴛɪᴇꜱ: None

ᴇɴᴇʀɢʏ ʟᴇᴠᴇʟꜱ: Rather high, but can be controlled

ᴇᴀᴛɪɴɢ ʜᴀʙɪᴛꜱ: Does like sweets and chocolate, but relatively normal, also enjoys coffee and fruits

ꜱʟᴇᴇᴘɪɴɢ ʜᴀʙɪᴛꜱ: Rather quiet in his sleep, shockingly

ꜰɪᴛɴᴇꜱꜱ: Works out, has quite the fit legs

×—ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ—×

ɪɴᴛʀᴏᴠᴇʀᴛ / ᴇxᴛʀᴏᴠᴇʀᴛ: Extrovert

ᴛᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴀᴍᴇɴᴛ: Calm, positive, eager to learn and listen

ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ꜱᴛʏʟᴇ: verbal over all else, has a good way with words, always trying to share his thoughts and feelings

ɢᴏᴀʟꜱ / ᴅᴇꜱɪʀᴇꜱ: To inspire people with his music, and his actions

ᴠɪʀᴛᴜᴇꜱ: Brave, always willing to help others, forgiving (at least once), positive

ꜰʟᴀᴡꜱ: Can be stubborn at times, and if overcome by severe emotion, can become unable or unwilling to speak

ꜱᴛʀᴇɴɢᴛʜꜱ: Very good at music, playing and singing, good with children, very flexible 

ᴡᴇᴀᴋɴᴇꜱꜱᴇꜱ: Can be overcome by emotions, if he cannot control them, it will affect others around him

ꜰᴇᴀʀꜱ: Drinks prepared by an unseen party as of Heavensward, losing those he cares about, 

ᴏʙꜱᴇꜱꜱɪᴏɴꜱ: Was briefly obsessed with training during the time when his friends were disappearing pre-ShB 

Qᴜɪʀᴋꜱ / ᴛɪᴄꜱ: Always humming or tapping out a beat, seems restless at first glance

ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛꜱ: He doesn’t know the full extent of his power, and it should scare him more than it does. 

ʀᴇɢʀᴇᴛꜱ: Being unable to save Harchefaunt, and Tsuyu, though he doesn’t know if he ever could have.

×—ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘꜱ ɪ—×

ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ: She passed away when he was young, he barely remembers her. 

ꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ: Bencio dos Santos, his father is a renowned bard and revolutionist from a small village in Yak Tural. His tattoo is that of a bird’s. 

ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ꜰɪɢᴜʀᴇ(ꜱ): Jehantel, in a way

ꜱɪʙʟɪɴɢ(ꜱ): None

ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛꜱ: Both deceased

ᴄʜɪʟᴅʀᴇɴ: None

ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ: A few cousins 

×—ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘꜱ ɪɪ—×

ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴛɪᴄ / ꜱᴇxᴜᴀʟ ᴏʀɪᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: Panromantic Bisexual, open to polyamory with the right partners

ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘ ꜱᴛᴀᴛᴜꜱ: Single, open but not really looking with intent

ꜱᴘᴏᴜꜱᴇ: N/A

ᴘᴀʀᴛɴᴇʀ/ ꜱɪɢɴɪꜰɪᴄᴀɴᴛ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ(ꜱ): N/A

ʟᴏᴠᴇʀ(ꜱ): Briefly wished with Harchefaunt, never got there, none at present 

ᴄʟᴏꜱᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ: Yda, Hien, Alisae, Alphinaud, Aymeric, Estinien, Krile, Riol, G’raha, Wuk Lamat, Jehantel and the rest from the Bard questline, Gulool Ja Ja, Gosetsu, Ardbert

ᴀᴄQᴜᴀɪɴᴛᴀɴᴄᴇꜱ: Count Fortemps and his family, Yugiri

ᴄᴏᴡᴏʀᴋᴇʀꜱ/ᴄᴏᴍʀᴀᴅᴇꜱ: Thancred, Papalymo, Y’shtola, Urianger, Tataru, Erenville

ʀɪᴠᴀʟꜱ: None at present, though he’d be open to a more friendly one 

ᴇɴᴇᴍɪᴇꜱ: The Ascians, Asahi, sas Brutus, Zenos, Zoral Ja, Sphene

×—ʟɪꜰᴇꜱᴛʏʟᴇ—×

ᴏᴄᴄᴜᴘᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: Warrior of Light, Bard on the side 

ᴄᴜʀʀᴇɴᴛ ʀᴇꜱɪᴅᴇɴᴄᴇ: Tural

ʜᴏʙʙɪᴇꜱ: Singing, Dancing, Capoeira 

ᴠɪᴄᴇꜱ: Chocolate, and good coffee 

ᴄʀɪᴍɪɴᴀʟ ʀᴇᴄᴏʀᴅ: Aiding in a revolution 

ꜱᴘᴇɴᴅɪɴɢ ʜᴀʙɪᴛꜱ: On the simpler side, he doesn’t want to get on Tataru’s bad side, will splurge for musical expenses though

ꜱᴏᴄɪᴀʟ ᴏʀ ʟᴏɴᴇʀ: very much a social person, barring when he’s overcome by negative emotions, so he doesn’t hurt anyone

ꜰᴀɪᴛʜ / ʀᴇʟɪɢɪᴏɴ: Believes in the goodness of people

×—ʟɪᴋᴇꜱ // ᴅɪꜱʟɪᴋᴇꜱ—×

ꜰᴏᴏᴅꜱ: Chocolate, good coffee, quite a few fruits, quite a few meats

ᴄᴏʟᴏʀꜱ: Green, yellow, and blue

ᴘʟᴀᴄᴇꜱ: Tural, Ishgard has grown on him, The Black Shroud. The Azim Steppe

ꜱᴏᴜɴᴅꜱ: Music of any kind, his friends laughter, birds chirping. An enthusiastic crowd, an awed crowd, a busy crowd // Too much Light, too much silence, the Tower of Babil, anything that’s far too high pitched

ꜱᴍᴇʟʟꜱ: Flowers, the land after it rains, a calm evening // Smoke and ash, burnt things

ᴛᴇxᴛᴜʀᴇꜱ: Strings, loose fabric, smooth wood // Being roughly grabbed

ᴡᴇᴀᴛʜᴇʀ: Sunny with a breeze, rain

ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ: His friend’s touches and affections, however little

×—ᴄᴏᴍʙᴀᴛ—×

ᴊᴏʙ / ᴄʟᴀꜱꜱ: Primarily a Bard, but also a White Mage, and can dip into a Dancer-like class of his own

ᴀʀᴍᴏʀ ᴛʏᴘᴇ: Looser clothing, and armored legs

ᴡᴇᴀᴘᴏɴ(ꜱ): His own bow crafted with the help of Gerolt, it took him a bit to learn it and its specifications, since he wanted it to be a harp as well, and it’s less flexible/cannot handle overdrawing (is that a term?) as a result

ꜰɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ ꜱᴛʏʟᴇ: Fast, agile, accurate. With a bow, he’s scarily accurate and rather stylish, and with his style of capoeira, he drops the style quite a bit, but is even quicker and rather brutal if he’s fighting for real. 

ᴍᴇʟᴇᴇ ᴄᴏᴍʙᴀᴛ ꜱᴋɪʟʟꜱ: I’d describe it as Monk, if the skill was more leg-focused. He stays low and constantly on the move, delivering strikes with a surprising amount of strength and flexibility, able to strike as he dodges a returning blow. He carries around a small knife if he needs to, but very rarely actually uses it. 

ʀᴀɴɢᴇᴅ ᴄᴏᴍʙᴀᴛ ꜱᴋɪʟʟꜱ: His preferred style of fighting in Eorzea, he is quite the good shot. He took a noticeable increase in skill during Pre-Shadowbringers, when his friends were “disappearing”. 

ᴏꜰꜰᴇɴꜱɪᴠᴇ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ ꜱᴋɪʟʟꜱ: The standard WHM offensive magic stuff, blood for the blood lily!

ᴅᴇꜰᴇɴꜱɪᴠᴇ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ ꜱᴋɪʟʟꜱ: Where he excels, with buffs for the party, or skills from the White Mage class

ꜱɪɢɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ ᴀʙɪʟɪᴛʏ: Sound Barrier, an ability that’s like if he could cast a Crit-Shield (Differential Diagnosis, or Catalyst for example) at will that rapidly decayed. Used to weather a high damage blow to the party. If he’s a WHM, after Har’s death, he can cast Benediction on reflex, which saved his life when Zenos slashed at his chest in Stormblood.

×—ᴍɪꜱᴄᴇʟʟᴀɴᴇᴏᴜꜱ—×

ᴘᴇᴛꜱ / ᴀɴɪᴍᴀʟ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴀɴɪᴏɴꜱ: Concert, his yellow chocobo; Harmony, his black chocobo; and Low, his capybara mount (I’ll get it one day ;-;)

ᴘʀɪᴢᴇᴅ / ᴘʀᴇᴄɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴘᴏꜱꜱᴇꜱꜱɪᴏɴꜱ: His bow, and his lute, made with materials from his home.

ʟᴀɴɢᴜᴀɢᴇꜱ ᴋɴᴏᴡɴ: With the power of the Echo, and his tattoo, he can effectively understand and talk in every language, through understanding comes easier than talking. He can speak the language of dragons, but had to be taught by Hraesvelgr. His tattoo is the thing that allows him to speak it. He can also speak in sign language, and has been able since he was a child.

ꜱᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ᴛᴀʟᴇɴᴛꜱ: The language thing, but he’s also remarkably skilled at playing and composing music. He can pick up and play nearly any instrument. He also is a pretty good swimmer, to the surprise of the Scions.

ᴘʀᴇꜰᴇʀʀᴇᴅ ᴍᴇᴛʜᴏᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟ: Mounts, or airships.

ɴᴏᴛᴀʙʟᴇ ᴀᴄᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪꜱʜᴍᴇɴᴛꜱ: Other than the usual WoL stuff, rewriting and singing the Dragonsong, and singing against the Endsinger, a musical battle that spreads throughout the cosmos beyond Eorzea

ᴀɴ ᴇxᴘᴇʀɪᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱʜᴀᴘᴇᴅ ᴡʜᴏ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴀʀᴇ: ARR: Dying to Lahabrea; never forget what you have HW: Harchefant’s death, and the rewrite of the Dragonsong; always tell your loved ones, even just friends, how much you appreciate them. StB: Freeing Doma, and my god, Yotsuyu’s entire arc; Give even the worst people one chance to redeem themselves, but no more than that. SB: Nearly becoming a Lightwarden, and seeing outside the window after he woke up; It is never the end, even if it seems like it. EW: Meteion’s entire arc, Elpis, the Dead Ends, Zenos’s final battle ...quite a few here; Your comrades will save you, no matter the distance.

- Unsure how to, or if, I can add images in the middle of this so I'll out his tattoo ref here

There's a good chance I'll try and go more into his tattoo and stuff in a later post, if I find the motivation to try and make it coherent lol. It's in my head, I just dunno how to write it out. Thanks for viewing!

[gildedmuse]

[Top credit to @jhaernyl. Who knows of I would even write without her. She is one of the singule kindest, kniwst individuals I know. And I love her for both]

So, we have a problem..

A lot of time I see cute art and I can't HELP being inspired and want to write fic about it, or at least a ficlet. It's kind of a lot of my writing these days, it's helping me get back in the habit. But you can't just post art without proper credit!

(Speaking of which @jhaernyl for writing inspo.)

So what I'm do is post a link to a random site. And if it HAPPENS to remind you of the story I guess that's that.

Exactly like this.

[Gonna credit Sam Elias, if that's wrong please let me know. I'd hate to wrongly credit this random and unrelated art]

Idea:

College Law after his high school boyfriend moves in with him

Law: *20 year old starting his med degree working full time and trying to get an internship all at the same time*

Zoro: *15 and shows up at Law's door with one bag and three swords* Torao! *Throws himself into Law's arms*

Official Boyfriend

Law: Z-Zoro-ya? What are you doing here? *Glancing at his calendar. It's not Northerntide yet is it? He's been studying but he hasn't been THAT out of it*

Zoro: *Snickers* That's still a month off, idiot.

Zoro: *walks in to Law's apartment, perfectly comfortable* I just wanted to come and see you. Wow, your place is a mess.

Law: O-oh. *Blushing, moving to quick to stuff a.... Err.... Medical work out magazine under a pillow. Shambling some books onto his bed, tossing his jacket over the mess on his chair* I guess I haven't had many guest lately. Oh! *Looks down, surprised to suddenly have Zoro smiling up right next to him*

Zoro: Well now you have one. You're welcome!

Law: *Gives in, finally smiling softly down at Zoro* Yeah, I do. *Kissing the tip of his nose* My favorite guest, In fact.

Zoro: *snorts, punching Law's arm, but gently* You just told me I was your ONLY guest, flirt.

Law: *chuckle* But still my favorite.

Zoro: *standing there, up on his toes, staring up at Law all expectedly*

Law: *ruffles his hair* Right. Let me get you a warm drink.

Not what Zoro wanted, but he'll take it.

—🧡—

Technically, Zoro and Law have been "dating" since Zoro was 12/13 and Law was 17/18. Law wouldn't say it was dating. He would say he was acting as Zoro's uchidachi while also helping to tutor the boy so he'd be ready for his Third Level Exams - that's for students moving from Second Levels (11-14 year olds) into their third and final level of basic education (15-18) - but seeing as they were both orphans and both lived at the dojo (the North doesn't have "orphanages" as such. Its far more effective to send kids into some sort of school. Not for general education but for something like a vocation or else a specialty like a Dojo or a Theater or a Companion House) and since Law was both his uchidachi and his tutor and one of the oldest kids at the dojo, they ended up spending so much time together that Zoro decided it was dating.

When Law turned 18 he had to move out of the dojo, even though he was still finishing his final year of third level (the last two years are only for higher level students who are likely to go into universities. Law had earned a scholarship to the North Blue Marine Academy, so he was staying all three years, but the dojo only has so many rooms, and at 18, regardless of the situation, you had to go.) Law "rented" a room with his mentor, the one at the Academy who had recruited Law and even secured him a spot in the competitive medical school - under the stipulation that Law maintains his grades of course - so he was able to focus on his school.

However, he felt he needed at least a part time job. And while Law MAY have been the occasional problem back at the dojo, the Sensei did like to hold him up as an example to the other students as what they could achieve if they put their nose to the grindstone and followed all the rules.

Also, Donquixote Rosinate was a big donor and Law's mentor and no one wanted to upset Rosinate-san. So they hired him on part time as a assistant to the sensei which, at least the students liked him

But Zoro liked him MORE and so he was sure to establish that he was still Law's shadachi which Law ensured him that, yes, while he might be the assistant sensei for the whole class, he was only Zoro-ya's uchidachi which Zoro was very, very happy to hear.

So then, just to make sure, he checked that he was still Torao's only boyfriend.

That was.... More complicated.

"Why? Because you sometimes see other people? I don't care, so long as I'm your only OFFICIAL BOYFRIEND."

"Zoro-ya, you can't be my official boyfriend. You can't be my boyfriend at all. You're only 12!"

"Well, yeah, but I'll be 13 in less than a month! All the other 13 year olds have boyfriends or girlfriends."

"But not ones who are 18."

"That's not true. Baby's is 37!"

Law has nearly choked. He also made sure to tell one of the Sensei immediately, and was politely told to mind his own business.

Zoro remained very persistent. "Please. We don't have to DO anything. I just want to have you as my boyfriend."

And Law did notice all the other 13 year olds had dates. Zoro was from the east, he got brought up here by *accident*. And he really didn't seem to want to do anything other than talk about kendo and hang out with Law and maybe sometimes fall asleep on his shoulder, but those are all things he'd done before. So when he was 13, Law finally gave in and said, okay, they could be "official" boyfriends, but he couldn't tell any of yhe kids at the dojo. It would make it seem like Law was playing favorites and dating students is wrong, anyway, he explained.

Zoro had gone all pink and punched the air. "Yes! Torao, I'll be the BEST official boyfriend ever, I promise!"

And maybe it's just that Law had only ever had the two "official" boyfriend and one girlfriend ever and none of them had been that great at just, like, being *people* never mind dates, but honestly, Zoro-ya probably was the best. At least in Law's experience.

He didn't talk about it, not at the dojo but at also at school, at least as far as Law could tell. He never asked for anything or expected Law to do anything for him. He didn't mind when sometimes kids would tease Law because somehow they always seemed to know when he'd been with someone, because as far as Zoro was concerned it was like how Law was everyone's assistant but only HIS uchidachi. That's what made him official.

He didn't constantly follow Law around or want to talk to him all the time; well, no more than he had before. He never cried or pouted because Law wasn't giving him enough attention or started a fight just because he fault like being angry.

Well, he started fights, just not with Law, and they were all physical anyway so that was fine.

No, he was pretty much the same kid he'd always been expect that sometimes he'd scoot just a bit closer to Laa, and occasionally he'd sneak giving him this look, but that was fine. Oh, and for couple's day he'd gone and got Law a gift.

Of course, he didn't have any money, but he knew Law was busy with school and his job and his Academy Entranve Exams AND being his Official Boyfriend, so Zoro had snuck out and borrowed Kikoku - Law's Nodachi and one of his few possessions left from his parents - And he took his best oil and traded away part of his super for the best rice paper he could and he even managed to find his way to where Law was staying (that's had been the plan, at least..... In the end, he wound up at the Marine station, but that worked out all the same) and he spoke with Law's Corazon and explained what he needed. Law said if there was every anything that Zoro really, really needed or any kind of an emergency, he should go to Corazon. Zoro knew this wasn't an emergency, but he did think it was really, really important so he put together his best clothes and brushed his hair and practiced all his formal language just to ask this one favor.

It turns out, Corazon was really cool and so impressed with Zoro's presentation that not only did he agree, he took him down to the store himself and he let Zoro pick out the Sageo he thought Law would like best (within reason).

Zoro had selected a bright red one because that way it was like blood and Torao was going to be a doctor, so he'd probably be around a lot of blood and this was if any was on his hands it wouldn't show. Plus it looked really cool. Way more scary and also fancy than the worn out, threadbare and dirty white one that Law was using.

Corazon let him come back to the house so he could work while Law was at class (he forgot to ask why Zoro wasn't at class himself, he was so delighted to have this adorable and determined child who wanted to make a gift for his uchidachi. He didn't even bother to tell him that wasn't how Couple's Day works up North. He just made Zoro some snacks, said he had to go back to work but he could call if anything happened and help himself to anything in the kitchen and let the boy work.

When Law came home after his study group he found Zoro curled up on the floor next to the couch, Corazon's marine coat draped over him like a blanket. On the table was a note where Corazon explained all about Zoro coming down to the marine office and asking Corazon if he would help him buy a gift for Law and how he'd come back and spent all day working on polishing Kikoku and then rewrapping the saya with the hanging cord which according to Corazon he'd only needed two tries to do which seemed very impressive for such a young boy. He'd also run in the second he'd heard Corazon scream with his own katana drawn, ready to attack, and once he saw it was just Corazon on fire from the stove he helped him put both out.

Corazon had wanted to offer him dinner, but by the time he'd come in the boy had be sprawled out on the floor snoring. The note finished that he's had to leave - no reason which Law has figured out means it's secret marine business - but dinner was in the fridge. Be sure his young friend gets home safe and oh you may want to change his bandages before he goes.

That part was confusing to say the least, so Law goes and he gently prods Zoro awake. The boy yawns and sits up, holding out Kikoku for Law's approval.

The sword was beautiful. He also noticed Zoro's littke hands covered in bandages. Kikoku was a cursed blade and Zoro-ya is stranger, it makes sense it would take blood. But he had just wrapped up his fingers and kept working. It had been one of the nicest thing anyone's ever done for Law.

Law, of course, had no idea he'd planned to make such a sweet gesture and so had nothing to give him in exchange. Thinking quickly he told Zoro-ya to close his eyes before dashing to his room. He grabs an old hoodie he's made with his tag on it.

It was nothing compared to the thoughtfulness behind Zoro-ya's gift, but before Law can regret it, the boy's squealed that he loved it and throw it on over his school uniform.

On the way taking Zoro's back to the dojo, the stop and get some fries dumplings and the woman behind the counter's comment on how cute they are with Zoro in his boyfriend shirt makes Zoro beam. Law smiles and says, "yeah, he's the Official Boyfriend," in a way he hopes she'll know is joke and Zoro turns pink and burrows into his jacket. The old woman laughs and apologizes for being out of couple specials and instead "sneaks" them two extra dumplings and gives them what it left of her white rice which is easily three helpings worth. After the split the dumplings he lets Zoro have the rice to himself which he gulps down without seeming to need to breathe. He is quite the picture with his puff out cheeks, splitting rice as he says thank you.

"You know next year, when I'm not around, if anything where to happen you could still go to Cora-san, yeah?"

"Oh...." And the kid manages to swallow the whole ball of rice in his mouth at once. "Yeah but, you'll still come and visit, right? For holidays and stuff."

"It would be expensive," Law pointed out. "And I'll be very busy."

Zoro gives a small sound of unstanding and nods his agreeal. The kid is just looking down at the mostly empty dumpling box, picking through what little rice is left. Law feels like he's broken up with someone. On Couple's Day.

"But...." He says, eyes falling on a vendor who is just about to close up. He takes out his wallet. It's a little light, but then it always is. "Here," he says, reaching down for Zoro's hand and pulling him towards that side of the street. "One last Couple's Day gift. Excuse me, sir?"

"Yes?"

"It says 2 for 200 Berris."

"Yes, it's our Couple's Day Special."

"Is that for any of them or..."

"That's the cheapest models. We have much better for 1200, and for just 3000 we can do two E Mushis, but the air time is sold separately. "

"Can the cheap ones reach from here to the Marine Academy over on Stanton Island? "

" All the way to Stanton? No. Not yet, they're too young." Law notes the inside of his cheek, making a disappointed noise. He should have checked before dragging Zoro-ya over here.

The vendor looks between the two before sighing. He's seen enough broken hearted couples for one day. "I have some that are about two years old. The reception might be spotty but it will get better given a year or so. I can do them for 300."

"Yeah?" 300 isn't that bad, and he can use it for other things like staying in touch with Cora-san and his friends. "May we see them?"

The man nods before reaching down and pulling out a small aquarium. It has barely enough room for each creature to move, with a line of plastic down the middle so the cages can either been broken into two or turned into one slightly larger aquarium.

Inside are two medium size snails. One of them happily chomping at the foliage. The other looks like it had been sleeping but clicks into a more official On state when it's picked up, remaining fully still.

The man puts them on the counter in front of Zoro's who looks at them with a curious tilt of his head.

Law fingers what little cash he has on him. He feels for such a purchase he should at least ask some questions. "You said they're 2 years old?"

"Yeah. It'll still be about 3 years before they're full grown, another 2 before they're Grand Line Capable. These models have a good 20 years on them, though."

"Do they have any additional capabilities?"

"These models? No, they're only bred to be basic communicators. But if all you're doing is talking, they can handle that. Like I said, they're range will get bigger given a few years."

"Any health problems? Care instructions?"

"This breed is pretty hearty. They're the North Blue Heartland Subspecies, known for good health and strong signal bred with an Eastern Beach Subspecies for the longevity and obedience. They're often referred to as SandHearts. Pretty common bred, resistant to most diseases though Shell Spots can sometimes appear in old age. We sell Snail Pellets but actually, with these guys, you can charge them up with just about any kind of vegetation, even just a handful of grass. Shouldn't let him give them too many processed foods though," the man adds, nodding towards the cage.

Law looks back to see Zoro dropping a small piece of left over dumpling skin in to the green one, who immediately dives for it. The yellow one remains 'On', it's eyes stalks only following the food for a second. "Zoro-ya, are you listening? "

"Hmm? Mmm." The young boy gives him a nod. Law raises his eyebrows, giving the chopsticks a pointed look.

Biting his inner cheek with just a bit of a pout, Zoro puts down his chopsticks. "Sorry about that," Law says, turning back to the vendor who only shrugs.

"It won't hurt em too much in small doses, just gives them a lot of energy to burn. Plus, can reduce their years of usage eventually. So what will it be? I have a couple of 560 Berri pairs that are further along if you'd like. "

Law winces at the price. "These will do. Thank you so much. "

As they walk off, Law sighs, stuffing his now mostly empty wallet into jean's pocket. "There," he says, smiling down at Zoro even if the smile is a bit strained. "Now will be able to speak with one another, even with me a while two islands away. You can call me with questions about kendo or homework."

Zoro looks at the two creatures in his hand. Cautiously, he taps at the glass before breaking into a smile for Law. "I want the green one."

Law returns the smile, nodding. "Okay, that one's yours." They break apart the box. Law sets his in his jacket pocket while Zoro continues to carry his inside the box with the little bits of rice. Law hopes he's not planning to feed it to the creature when he gets home. Law JUST bought them....

"If I got a job and saved up, then could I come and visit you?"

"I don't see why not. You'd have to work extra hard though, to stay on top of your grades and kendo. "

"You don't have to worry about that! I'm still the top kendo competitor in my year."

"Yeah, but not the top student," Law reminds him. But Zoro just keeps staring and finally Law relents with a sigh. "We'll talk about it later. The Dojo is the next left."

"Hmm? Oh the streets look different in the dark."

"Sure they do." Law takes the paper box, almost completely devoid of food by now, and tossss it away in the trash. So Zore won't be tempted. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay."

"Okay." Then Zoro stands there, staring at him.

Law states back. The Dojo is literally less than two hundred feet, but he still wants to watch to make sure Zoro gets back okay. They stand like that for a minute before Zoro's eyes slide to the left.

"Hmm?" Law looks over to spot a young couple standing under the light of a street lamp. The girl has about a dozen Frost Roses in her hands which couldnt have been cheap. The two are kissing and when the girl pulls back the boy tried to follow despite her giggled protest that her parents will worry.

Law looks back at Zoro, who is still staring up at him. With a low sign, Law leans down kissing the tip of Zoro's nose.

That's apparently good enough since the boy breaks out into a smile. "Night!" He calls out, almost tripping over himself as as he heads back to the dojo.

—🧡—

Now he's trying to find something non alcoholic in his fridge he can give to Zoro. A Zoro who is suddenly here. Law known he had gotten a job and had been talking about visiting but only a few days. For the holidays. And it had only been talk.

"What about school? Vacation hasn't started yet, has it?"

"Oh, yeah. I stopped going?"

"Wh-ouch!" Law jumps back at the top of his head heads the ceiling of the fridge. "What do you mean you stopped going?"

"Oh, yeah. Well, it turns out that I don't actually NEED the last tao years for Kendo, you know? "

"Kendo?" Law's jaw drops. He couldn't be serious. "Zoro-ya you can't just DO kendo!"

"Sure I can. I'm already really good at it! Plenty of people do. Oh, and I'm old enough to join the Marines!"

"Join the Marines? Zoro-ya you are NOT joining the Marines!"

"Why not?" Zoro gives him a look. "You are."

Law waves his head through the air. That's totally different. He going to the Marine Academy as a medical doctor, and even if he stayed he'd be a well paid officer. He's not joining as the rank and file!

"What did the Sensei have to say about this!?" Law asks. They couldn't just allow this. They must have strings they could pull to get him back in school!

"Oh..." Zoro gives a mad sort of sigh, looking around the room. "They kicked me out as well."

"You got kicked out of the dojo!?"

"They said there wasn't any room for someone who was just a waste of space and they need the spot for kids that would actually be worth it," Zoro grumbles, refusing to look at Law. Refusing to admit the failure.

Just like that, Law's rising panic, his fury, it all disappears. Well, maybe not disappears but certainly lessens and redirects. They told him he wasn't good enough to keep around? Really?

But he's still practically just a kid? How could they...

"But...." Zoro gives him a small, hopeful look. "I thought, I could stay here right. I mean, I can get a job and help out wi-"

"Yeah." With a sigh, Law runs a hand through his hair. He doesn't need Zoro to finish. "Yeah, you can stay."

[lasirenatarot]

Could you do a reading on Lewis Hamilton. There were rumours about him & Shakira (which I highly doubt) ...

Ohhh, this one will be long bc I want to find out about the Shakira stuff👀

Lewis Hamilton:

Question 1: What is going on in his life currently?

Cards: justice; knight of wands; 2of wands; 4 of swords; page of swords; judgement

He’s thinking about 2 equally good options he has to choose from, that probably is about work.

He may be having a hard time leaving the past and past successes behind, hard time getting used to the fact things are not the same anymore. (Probably work again) Things may be out of his control and he needs the trust the Universe, or God or whatever u’d like to call it that he will get what he deserves even if it’s not the same thing he tought he wanted. He needs to keep it 100% real with himself and decide what he does not need anymore in his life, he may be thinking it’s better to follow a new career path idk? Im not saying he will, but I am getting that he is definitely considering it.

He might be quite petty and more cut throat with his words these days and not have a filter on what he says to ppl, he needs to be more careful with that for his own good tho. He seems quite energetic and ready for new adventures, travel etc while at the same time resting, healing and thinking things thru. He may go on a holiday retreat or sth to clear his mind.

Question 2: What is going on in his love life currently?

Cards: 9 of pentacles; 9 of swords; 5 of swords; 6 of wands; 2 of swords

Lololol it’s funny that it’s getting shown in the cards, basically his very well-off financial situation is helping him enjoy his life to the fullest currently; his main/base needs are fulfilled (yk what😂); he is having a lot of options to choose from;

Someone ( a fling possibly) is not having the best interest when it comes to him, may be using him for attention, trying to taint his reputation. He might win this “argument” against this person and get away without losing anything, but it might feel somewhat demoralising for him.;

He may be currently realising his past mistakes when it comes to love; he probably has some anxiety/worries around the topic of relationships (commitment issues?). He probably needs to find balance between his love life&professional life.

To finish the reading i pulled few oracle cards:

What is the dynamic between Lewis and Shakira?

- Nothing we have not already suspected honestly😂

From his side I feel it’s just random meetings, more like business/friendship, nothing serious. She seems like is more open to dating him (although I doubt she actually likes him fully), starting sth with him in order to find solace, move on from her ex.

Idk, to me it looks like they both are using each other (and they both fully realise that); briefly, strictly business, good PR, nothing serious from both sides. If something IS going on tho, again, nothing serious, probably hooking up, although I don’t see it in the cards..🤷🏼‍♀️ /posted on july 27, 2023/