#i had such a good time drawing the bamboo

[stargirl230]

Take a break!

This is for anyone who's been working hard (me, because once exam season starts it never ends...)

(no reposts; reblogs appreciated)

[violetzzone]

Pro hack to create more art! Draw a friend's OC and be proud of it! And then the second you send it to them start over analyzing it and realize it was horrible and it looks awful even if you spent so much time on references trying to draw things right because you're a lazy ass and couldn't be bothered to figure out how to do the details! Have a panic attack because if you were going to make them something then it should have been good so now your brother probably hates the drawing because does it even look like locks oc? It looks. bad bad. Awful. And now its awkward because bang doesnt want to hurt your feelings but they HATE it!!!!! they'll absolutely freaking hate it the moment they see it!! Feel so bad that you start drawing another one of their ocs as an apology!! Boom, ur creating more art already!! ^_^b

[tactical-jellyfish]

Tf 141 with an s/o who loves fiber arts!

Word count= roughly 1,750

Warnings: No! Just fluff with the lads :) Enjoy (but inly if you wanna)!!!

Kyle, who really never thought that knitting would be this hard, considering how much you raved about it keeping you both calm and properly stimulated. Now, he sits by your side on the living room floor, shakily holding two bamboo needles in his hands and trying to hold the "working yarn" (the yarn attached to the ball, apparently) the right way as you tenderly lecture him for being a dunce. "No, baby, you need to get through the stitch first before you yarn over-" Your voice is so pretty like that, trying to steer him from making another weird-looking hole for no real reason, but Kyle just whines again as you take the swatch into your own hands, finish off the whole row like some magic creature of the yarn and thread.

"You said that this was supposed to be easy, luvie." He whines into the crook of your neck, having loosely wound himself around your side as you showed him exactly what to do for the fourth time this hour. Some part of him loves the unfailing tenderness, the softness of your voice and the way you poorly hide the fact that you're laughing at him under your breath. "Sorry, i just thought-" There's a snort from your lips as giggles envelop you, your smile turns wide. Kyle's heart melts a little in his chest "I just thought you'd be better at this-"

Kyle gasps in mock offense, before pushing the needles to the floor, already planning his revenge for that little slight. "Say that one more time, and I'll give yer little magic sticks to my nieces and tell 'em they're swords." He revels in the shocked gasp you give, and grins as you bat him upside the head. "Hah, funny man. Try." Your voice is quieter, a little bit more dangerous, just daring him to do that very thing. Kyle saves his own ass by pecking your cheek, gently taking your hands into his own. "I wouldn't, babes, you know I wouldn't." There's not a modicum of lie in that statement. Kyle knows that the sweetest ones are the most terrifying, and his mum would never let him hear the end of it if he lost you. "Yeah, I do know you wouldn't, jus' wanted to mess with you." It's Kyle's turn to gasp now, but he smiles when you kiss his cheek in return, leans into you like a lapdog despite himself. Tonight's going to be good, and he knows it.

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Johnny, who remarkably managed very, very well with embroidery. You had been so happy to see him, posted on the couch next to you, working away at the hoop, having only very few questions on how he should hold the thing, if the tension you kept talking about was a little bit off. For an hour, maybe two, it was lovely. Simple silence as you leaned up on his shoulder, working a larger project as the Scot figured out exactly what he was doing on his own. Deft hands, you watched him pick apart the small knots in the thread without issue. It flooded your heart with pride. "Are you finally going to let me see the thing, Johnny?" You questioned playfully, trying to straighten your spine to get a peek before there's a big hand shoved over your eyes, and a thick accent chiding you for your gall. "No!" He squawks, you just know that he relishes in not letting you see, riling you up through your own curiosity, because Johnny is, at his core, a cheeky little shit. "Ye gotta wait, mo leannan, ye cannae jus' peek like that!" It draws a grumble from your lips, but you close your eyes, gently take hold of his wrist in your hand and nod, giving a softer affirmation before he coos at you. "Don' worry, it's almost done anyway." He soothes you with a soft peck to your temple, and just like that, you're calm again, all heart-eyed and dumb with love, relaxed. It's another thirty minutes before the finished product is tenderly set into your lap, and you gasp in surprise before seeing it. It's... stupid. An old sketch of his that really had amused him all too much, one of you from a picture at a night out (you had tripped on a root and he managed to get a picture of your face mid-fall) that he had always seemed too damn enamored with. "Oh my god." You press your hand to your face in shame, already feeling ridiculous before Johnny laughs brightly, pressed a firm, wet kiss to your cheek. "You look lovely! Don't ye? I think you look lovely." It's a sweet sentiment, enough to endear you to the terrible, terrible thing that your fiancé has chosen to immortalize and drive a too-fond sigh from your lips. "You're lucky that I love you." You grumble, giving Johnny a half-hearted glare before he swoops in to sweetly kiss your lips, because he really does know you too well. "Aye, I really am" He doesn't miss a beat, still grinning like an idiot. It makes your chest soften, your guts go mushy and fluttery. "Don't be coy, MacTavish." You reprimand. He grins, and kisses you again for good measure.

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

Simon, who really didn't think this would be necessary, but here he is, sitting next to you cross-legged on the floor with the hook in hand. "Like this, right?" He speaks gruffly, and loosens his posture for you to peek over his shoulder. He feels the ghost (pun intended) of a smile pulling up at his lips when he hears your affirmative hum. "Yeah. You're doing real good, honey," Your voice wafts into his ear so nicely, floods his mind so deliciously, the only person that Simon knew he would always listen to, his angel right here on Earth. "Out of curiosity, have you ever done this before?" When you finish your question, Simon does let that smile grow on his face, lets the warmth flood into the cavity of his chest, seep into the crevices of his soul, heal the damage bit by bit. Simon leans his head on yours, and takes in a breath. The truth was, he had. One night, after a particular date when you had entirely infodumped a current project to him, he had done a little research. Then, promptly after, learned to crochet, even if it was only the basics. It paid off now, with you on his arm and impressed with his skill. "Nah. Maybe I'm just good at this, hm?" He denies that, shuffles his cheek closer into yours, soaking up the warmth that you radiate, relishes in the soft chuckle that you give. "Mmh, maybe you're gonna be even better than me, is that your plan?" Your teasing is soft, given out of affection. It makes Simon smile, makes him relieved that he's once again managed to make sure that a date went well. "No. Just pick things up fast." The mood really is dead in the water, but Simon really loves that you seem to thrive in that, that you still peck his cheek anyway despite him practically having negative game. "Smartass." You chirp at him, setting down your own piece on the floor before wholesale resting your head on Simon's shoulder. He fights a chuckle. "Better than being a dumbass, isn't it?" The joke wasn't his (he stole it from Johnny), but when you laughed, Simon knew it was well worth it anyway.

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John, who was more than content to help you work on another big project of yours. He was endlessly proud of you, how wonderfully you worked on those commissions and how perfect they always looked when you finally shipped them off. But disaster always strikes at one time or another, and the cat is often the cause of that. After maybe an hour of soothing his panicking partner, John had you wrapped up in a blanket in the corner of your own office, gently taking the needle into his own hands to sew the small tear in the fabric back together as you sniffled a little bit. Were you more than skilled enough to fix this issue yourself? Yes. But John felt particularly loving lately, wanted to make sure that his lovely, hyper-competent partner knew that they could rely on him. Because they always could. When he speaks, its gently, glancing up from the fabric in his hands to look into your eyes, still a little bit bloodshot from the tears. "Don't worry yourself, sweetheart. My mother didn't raise a man who doesn't know how to do repairs." The comfort was genuine, both an assurance of his skill and a statement that you could just lay back, let him take the reins for once and allow you to calm down a little bit. "But-" you sniffle, wipe at your nose with a tissue, and John doesn't allow you to question this. "Nope. None of that self-doubt, yer therapist already said that's bad, didn't she?" You nod, John watches your cheeks flush a bit simply because he remembered, that he cared enough to stow that away in the back corners of his brain. Oh, if only you knew how much he adores you, your little heart would blow up. "I can't just let you do my work for me, John, that's not right." The small rebuttal makes him pause in the middle of a stitch, gently set the needle down. His darling had the morals of a saint, why was he surprised by that? "Who said that I was doing your work? Maybe I'm just your guest of honor, sweetness." John speaks softly, shoots you a cocky grin that finally brings a smile back onto your face. "Yeah, yeah, alright," He smiles as you stand, wraps a strong arm around your midsection as you tuck yourself into his side, calming all of the way back down, turning back into the wonderful, sweet, bordering perfect partner returning to form once more. "That means that you have to sign it, too, you know." You tease in return as John nervously swallows, knowing damn well he is hopeless to ever replicate the pure beauty that is your signature on professional pieces. "Well, I'm not so sure about that-" He uselessly stutters to the joke, feeling his own cheeks heat up more than a little bit at the invitation. "Oh, don't be like that, I could teach you." Now that makes Price melt.

[awarmbowlofhomemadesoup]

Leoichi but make it Oblivious x Oblivious

It was a fight at first sight.

Yuichi Usagi and his friends were running away from Big Mama. They went up and out of the Hidden City, but when they saw the turtles, they thought they were Big Mama’s henchmen.

It reminded Usagi of Miyamoto Usagi’s adventures of fighting ninjas. 

Usagi was first drawn to the one wielding swords. 

“Ohohoho! Bunny wants to play!” was the first words Leo ever said to him as their swords clashed.

Usagi scowled. “I don’t play, but when I do,” his voice went deeper, “I always win,” just like how his ancestor would do. Probably.

The groans were far louder this time. It was because it wasn’t only Gen, Chizu, and Kitsune who were doing it. 

“This isn’t one of your comics, Usagi!”

“Oh Galileo Galilei, there’s two of them!” said the purple one.

But Usagi wasn’t listening because there was a reluctant but growing delight in the turtle’s eyes (back when Usagi hadn’t known what he was carrying)

When the big plot was done, and they had to go home, the turtles and their group stayed in touch. 

It was Yuichi Usagi who introduced Leo to the Usagi Yojimbo comics.

It was Leo who introduced Usagi to Jupiter Jim comics.

The Usagi Yojimbo comics had a good chapter on kite-making in ancient Japan, Leo wanted to cut some bamboo to make a kite for the heck of it.

They did so when they went to the Usagi farm. It somehow caught on fire. 

Everything in New York, including the Hidden City, is so big that Usagi is always craning up his neck to talk to someone.

Leo has a habit of casually draping over his brothers, and Usagi became included in it when they became friends.

When they have to talk to a yokai, Usagi noticed that Leo would try to look comfortably confident by draping an arm around his shoulders with his face side-by-side with Yuichi’s. But also to force the yokai to look at both of them.

Yuichi, who had wanted to hug Gen, Kitsune and Chizu the moment they became friends, didn’t mind. 

The yokai in question would raise a brow but not comment; when they’d notice that Usagi would slightly stand up on his toes and nuzzle from the turtle’s contact.   

Everyone thought Leo and Usagi would start dating. But Usagi was sixteen and still chasing after his ancestor’s legacy. And Leo was sixteen and still trying to “make up” for losing the key and almost destroying the world. 

But Leo and Usagi carved up a day to spend together -be it New York or Neo Edo- just to hang out and talk about comics or swords or how Leo had to always make his best guesses on turtle mutant biology based on human med books and vet books or that Yuichi’s favorite yokai to draw was the Dare Mo because they don’t have faces and faces are difficult to draw. 

Or things that Leo couldn’t confide in his family without feeling like he was burdening them, or Usagi couldn’t say to his Aunt because he was supposed to be grown now or to his friends without worrying them.

It became their own thing.

Usagi knew that his ancestor had a rival since childhood (Kenichi) who married his first love (Mariko). Usagi was thankful that if Leo was his rival in swords, they at least were friends. 

He knew it was stupid, but what if he and Leo both fell in love with the same girl just like Miyamoto and Kenichi? Usagi never bothered with the romance aspect of his ancestor’s comic biography. If there was anything the comics had taught him, love was only a hindrance to the way of the samurai. 

While meeting his own “Mariko” sounded nice once he would choose to settle down, Usagi found himself thinking about his own “Kenichi” more.  

Usagi found out Leo was gay. Leo shrugged and said he just didn’t feel like wanting to date yet. The fact that Leo’s only reference to romance was his father’s doomed affair didn’t help with wanting to commit that way outside his family.

Usagi wondered if they would still have one weekend to themselves if Leo began to date. 

Usagi once saw Leo turning on the “Leo charm” to persuade someone to give them info. Usagi didn’t like it but kept it to himself. 

Leo noticed it anyway. Because Usagi’s foot was thumping irritably.

Usagi mellowed a bit after Leo told him that he wasn’t being serious, the guy wasn’t even that cute, and that Usagi would always be his best friend. 

Usagi was about to tease, “Do you like me?” like he did with Chizu after she hugged him in relief. For some reason, he found himself hesitating. 

He never asked.

In a true Yuichi Usagi fashion, Usagi one night worried what if he also liked boys and he and Leo would fight over the same boy?!

Gen to Chizu and Kitsune, and Raph to his other brothers regarding Usagi and Leo:

Now with part 2

[exlibrisseverus]

work in progress

I’ve been working on this drawing, sleep-deprived and with many cups of coffee. Was not in the best mood but had a good work flow. But then it happened, the nib of my Apple Pen broke off as I accidentally dropped it to the ground. I was so mad… I’ve tried to continue drawing on the ipad, with my fingers, almost had an inner meltdown of frustration. Went to the gym to compose myself, didn’t helped much, was still angry with myself.

Much later I remembered that i still have my old rusty tiny little wacom bamboo tablet. Well it’s not the perfect condition but better than nothing. Feeling myself motivated again to continue.

-> Oh and the ironic thing with this is that I’ve been imagining scenarios where students in the HP universe break their wands on accident or through clumsiness, finding it funny, giggling to myself. I was kinda like: “Oh yeah, that silly moment when Ron broke his wand, lol” Until my clumsy, sleep-deprived ass accidentally breaks it’s own

“muggle artist wand” (aka apple pen).

RIP comrade 💐 🪦 🫡

P.S: Thank you guys!

I would like to thank you very much for your kind words. I’m quite overwhelmed, I haven’t expected to receive so much kindness and encouragement.

To be honest, being an HP fan was something I did quietly, mostly in private for myself, brooding over my art and headcanons, collecting merch. There were hardly any people around me with the same interest in HP, and I also was too reserved to look around online any further. This is the first time I'm starting to interact more directly with other HP enthusiasts.

I’m very touched that other people showed interest in my art.

Drawing Sev is for me all about expressing my love towards him and i try to do him justice by portraying him in such a way that he feels real to me. And also that it makes me happy when I look at the drawing later.

I wanted to end by saying that I'm relaxed about ships, I don't reject anyone based of their fandom preferences or OCs. I also have my own OC, of course. I’m cool with almost everything as long i can see Sev. Especially when i can see this beautiful overgrown bat.

Really, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support. Hugs and thanks for reading. 💋

(editor me: by Merlin, that bisch wrote an entire novel lol)

[bluelocksource]

Yukimiya Kenyū’s trivia (source: twt & Egoist Bible 1 & 2).

"Move aside, I don't have time!"

☆ Character's colour: Red orange.

☆ Weapons:

Dribbling and gyro shoot. (EB1) Dribbling, gyro shot, instant vertical strike. (EB2)

☆ Nickname: ‘1on1 Strongest Prince’.

☆ Birthday: 28th April.

☆ Current age: 18 (3rd year of high school)

☆ Zodiac: Taurus.

☆ Birthplace: Miyazaki Prefecture.

☆ Family: Mother. Father. Himself.

☆ Current height: 184 cm.

☆ Dominant foot: Right foot.

☆ Visual acuity: Not good, need glasses.

☆ Blood type: O.

☆ Starts playing football: At age 7 (suggested by his mother).

☆ Personal 50M run record: 5.91 seconds.

☆ Team before joining BLUE LOCK: Soranin / Kūnin High School Soccer Club.

☆ Motto: "Give your all in a single moment."

☆ Favorite food: Blueberries. “They’re good for your eyes.”

☆ Disliked food: Garlic. “I feel like my vision is turning yellow.”

☆ Favorite animal: Penguins. "I think it’s fascinating how they waddle cutely on land but extremely fast when they swim."

☆ Favorite season: Spring. ”Because I like cherry blossoms.”

☆ Favorite football player: Edgar Davids.

☆ Favorite music: ‘Phoenix’ by SEKAI NO OWARI.

☆ Favorite manga: Oyasumi Punpun.

☆ Favorite movie: Evangelion “The older version. Asuka’s sky burial was excellent, wasn’t it?”

☆ Favorite TV show: FOOTxBRAIN (TV Tokyo).

☆ Favorite celebrity: Yo Yoshida. “There’s something pleasant about a cool woman.”

☆ Favorite brand: Oakley (goggle brand).

☆ Ideal type: Someone who smiles a lot and watches over him.

☆ Hobby: Modelling.

☆ Mushroom shoots vs Bamboo shoots: Mushroom. “Because of its cute shape.”

☆ What goes best with rice : Shirasu. "Pickled egg and green onion shirasu rice are delicious. Why don’t you try it?"

☆ What makes him happy: Warm support.

☆ What makes him upset: “Someone beat me in 1on1.”

☆ What he thinks his strength is: The most competitive person in the world, and strict with himself.

☆ What he thinks his weakness is: “I am too strict with myself and not interested in other people’s business.”

☆ Favorite/Best subject: Science, Japanese, P.E.

☆ Dislike/weak subject: Art. “Drawing makes my eyes tired.”

☆ What made him cry recently: “I won’t tell you. It’s embarrassing.”

☆ Usual sleeping time: 8 hours.

☆ What he usually ends up buying from convenience store: Hot eye mask. “To warm my eyes.”

☆ Place he washes first when taking a bath: His forehead hairlines.

☆ Fixation: With ephemeral things like cherry blossoms, sparklers, etc.

☆ Number of chocolates received from previous Valentine: “I didn’t count. I only ate the ones that arrived at my agency, there’s lots of them.”

☆ At what age he experiences first love: At age 10. “With my friend’s 16-year-old sister.”

☆ The first time he got confessed to: “My friend’s older sister kissed me on the forehead. Got embarrassed and ran away.”

☆ What will he do if received 100 million yen: “I don't know. I’m not interested in money.”

☆ At what age he stops receiving presents from Santa: At age 12. “Santa seems to be excluding the middle school students.”

☆ What was his last wish from Santa: Running glasses.

☆ How he spent his holiday: Reading. “I like learning about the lives of famous people.”

☆ What will he do during his last day on Earth: “Thanking my parents for bringing me into this world.”

☆ Favorite historical figure: "Minamoto no Yoshitsune. He lived with glory and tragedy, a fighter."

☆ If he hadn't encountered soccer, what will he be doing:  "That’s impossible. God will definitely make me meet soccer."

☆ If he could only take one thing to a deserted island, what would it be: Glasses. "I can't see anything without them!"

☆ If he had a time machine, would he go to the past or the future: The future. "I want to know if medicine will be able to cure any disease."

Last updated: 1/11/2024

note: i want to apologize in advance for any mistake made in the translation!

[lumiolivier]

In Another Life

Series: One Piece

Word Count: 5153

Rating: T

Pairing(s): ZoSan

A party at Mihawk's (or his desperate attempt to socialize his protege) takes a strange turn when Zoro hears a piano upstairs.

(I've also never written One Piece fic before. Please be gentle.)

Zoro never saw any point in the large, lavish parties.  Nobility or not, Zoro didn’t understand Mihawk’s appreciation to peacock himself.  And for what?  To show off?  To make connections that he’ll ultimately break?  Of course not.  Mihawk had a difference reason for this particular party.  Mihawk was to hold…a flesh auction of sorts.  Not for money or anything like that.  To see his young protégé finally not mope around their villa another summer.

“Do we have to do this, Mihawk?” Zoro whined as he went through yet another suit fitting, “Can’t I just sit this out?”

“No,” Mihawk stood his ground, watching the tailor’s hands work quickly, “You’re going.  Like it or not.”

“I’m leaning toward the not part.”

“Zoro,” Mihawk groaned, “How long has it been since you even knew what a woman looked like?”

“I’ve seen women before,” Zoro rolled his eyes, beyond irritated with him, “It’s not like I’m a stranger to people.”

“Then, why do you always act like it?” Mihawk asked, “Zoro’s too good to be around other people.  Zoro’s always going to be off by himself.  Zoro would rather be alone playing with his sword than having someone else play with it for him.”

“Can we not be disgusting?”

“Can you simply humor me for the night?” Mihawk ordered, “It’s not like I’m asking you for a vital organ, Zoro.  I’m asking you to actually socialize.  Locking yourself away isn’t good for you.”

“Do I not see you every day?” Zoro pointed out, jerking at the pin prick in his hip, “Ow!  What the hell?”

“I’m so sorry,” the tailor winced.

“Don’t make it a habit,” Zoro let it go.

“I’m serious, Zoro,” Mihawk insisted, “You need to be more socialized.  You’d be amazed at what a little elbow rubbing will get you.  Consider this another lesson.”

“You teach me in the ways of the blade,” Zoro reminded him, “I didn’t sign up for this.”

“Then, consider it a bonus,” Mihawk did his best to hold his composure, but the thought of running Zoro through with his own blade gave him much temptation.  But then, it dawned on him.  What had Zoro so antisocial.  But he needed to guide the conversation in the right direction, “Why do you refuse to make any connections?”

“I don’t need them,” Zoro blew him off, idly staring into the mirror in any other direction but his own eyes.

And that’s when all of Mihawk’s theories made sense, “Is this about Kuina?”

Zoro’s jaw tensed up at the mere mention of her name.  The last time he ever truly got close to someone.  His grief tightened up in his stomach.  And he shot a piercing glare at Mihawk, “You had no right.  You had no business bringing her into it.”

“So, it is a Kuina problem,” Mihawk shooed away the tailor and sat at the edge of Zoro’s bed.

And without hesitation, Zoro drew his blade from its sheathe.  Even when being poked and prodded at by the tailor, he wouldn’t be caught without it on him.  He held the tip of his blade in Mihawk’s face, “I said, you have no business speaking her name.  Drop it.”

“And what have I always told you?” Mihawk lowered Zoro’s blade, “Don’t draw your blade unless you intend to draw blood.  Calm yourself.”

Zoro wanted his blade to taste blood.  To let the iron fortify the blade even more.  But he conceded and returned his sword to its sheathe, “I stand by what I said.”

“As do I,” Mihawk assured him, “You will be there.  And for a change, you will be socialized.  Do we understand each other?”

“Please, Mihawk,” Zoro begged, “Don’t make me do this.”

“I’m not making you do anything,” Mihawk got up from the bed and started walking out, “I’m merely saying you’re going to be there.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

“I’m not putting bamboo splinters under your fingernails, Zoro,” Mihawk started walking out, “You’ll live.  It’s just one night.”

The moment the door closed, Zoro threw himself into his bed, hoping to get in a quick nap.  Yeah.  It’s just one night.  Easy for you to say.  You’re used to this garbage.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to get in a drink or two.  Or three.  The prospects of the evening started to sound a little better.  Mihawk usually does bring out the top shelf booze for this.  Maybe it won’t be so bad.  As long as he’s not lining them up for me, we should be fine.  Zoro stared up into the gilded ceiling.  Maybe tonight won’t be so bad.  And slowly, Zoro started to drift off. 

But then, night fell over the palace.  And the staff were abuzz with party preparations, decorating, showering the palace in all the lavish furnishings and fabrics Mihawk insisted upon.  And of course, Mihawk oversaw everything.  From the colors, the textures in the drapery to the food left out for the guests to help themselves to, nothing would be put out without Mihawk’s seal of approval.  Which brought him to his next task.  Quite possibly the most important one he had.  Making sure his flight risk protégé didn’t prove himself a flight risk.  Alright, Zoro.  Where have you run off to?

Mihawk checked the gardens, the stables, the library, the study.  Zoro was nowhere to be found.  But then, he realized who exactly he had been looking for.  And the one place he failed to look.  Mihawk trudged upstairs and knocked on Zoro’s bedroom door.  And was met with silence.  I know you’re not napping at a time like this, Zoro.  At least you better not be.  Mihawk didn’t bother with the invitation and walked into Zoro’s bedroom.  Sure enough, still sleeping like a baby, Zoro continued to drool on himself, ever so slightly.

“Oh, Zoro,” Mihawk let out a heavy sigh of exasperation, “You’re lucky I don’t want you dead.  Get up.”

“Mmm…” Zoro rolled over, ignoring Mihawk entirely.

“You know,” Mihawk sat at the edge of the bed, “I have you mostly pegged as a flight risk.  But I should know better.  And truly, that’s on me.  Because why would you run from tonight’s party when you could simply sleep through it?”

“You’re letting me sleep through it?” Zoro mumbled into his pillow, “Thanks, Mihawk.  I knew you’d understand.”

“Zoro…” Mihawk growled, “If you’re not awake, alert, and fully dressed in the next hour, I am taking all of your swords and running them through different parts of your body. Do you understand?”

“Alright!” Zoro snapped, reluctantly rolling off his bed, “I’m up.  There.  Happy now?”

“Quite,” Mihawk praised, “Thank you.  Go on.  Your suit should be finished and in the closet.”

“Wonderful,” Zoro dragged himself toward his bathroom.  But he made a quick stop at his closet, noticing the garment bag hanging in it.

“You could’ve chosen any color under the rainbow,” Mihawk pointed out, “And yet, you decide to go with black.”

“It’s simple,” Zoro took the hanger and brought it with him, “Is that a problem?”

“Not what I would’ve chosen for you personally,” Mihawk shrugged, “If I had my say, it would’ve been a deep red.  It’d suit you.”

“Black is good, too,” Zoro brushed him off and shut the door behind him.

Mihawk rested his head on his knees, beyond done with Zoro’s reluctance.  It still seemed like yesterday this sad boy begged at his knee to teach him the ways of the blade.  Better than what anyone had ever taught him before.  And how irritating he was then.  But the fire in those sad eyes got to him.  And Mihawk couldn’t tell him no.  His raw talent was too good to just throw away.  It needed to be nurtured and cultivated into something great.  However, it was a shame Mihawk couldn’t do the same for Zoro’s personality.  At least, that was how Mihawk saw it.

“Zoro,” Mihawk leaned against Zoro’s bathroom door, grateful to hear the bathtub running, “If you need anything, come find me.”

“What about the house staff?” Zoro asked, already slipping into his bath water.

“They’re busy,” Mihawk insisted, “You find me directly.  Alright?”

“Fine,” Zoro shut his eyes again, doing his best not to fall back asleep.  But he knew sleep would elude him.  He had bigger things on his mind.  Why would Mihawk be so hellbent on me finding someone at this party?  Is he really getting that sick of me?  I thought we were good.  It’s not like he’s asking me for a kidney.  I guess I’ll suck it up for the night.  It’s just one night, right?  Unless I have to sit and deal with whoever ends up finding me tonight for the rest of my life.  Ugh…Just what I need.  I can’t just have a good night with some decent booze, can I? 

As time passed, Mihawk took one last look at himself in the mirror, appreciating what he saw.  Because there’d be no way that at the very least Mihawk would go with a cold bed tonight.  However, this party wasn’t for him.  And as he walked down the hall, he kept his fingers crossed.  Please, Zoro.  Don’t tell me you went back to sleep.  Tell me you didn’t continue your nap in the bathtub.  Tell me you’re fully dressed and ready for this party.  Because I don’t think my heart can handle you still being in shambles. 

“Zoro?” Mihawk didn’t even bother knocking.  He just walked right into Zoro’s bedroom. 

Where Zoro had come out of the bathroom, doing his best to figure out how cufflinks worked, “You call for me?”

“Thank God,” Mihawk let out a sigh of relief, getting an eyeful of his prodigy.  Although, he couldn’t help himself, “What are you doing?”

“I’m trying to put these damn things on,” Zoro continued his struggle, “How does anyone put these on?”

“One cufflink at a time,” Mihawk took them away and pulled on Zoro’s sleeve, “Honestly, Zoro.  Have I not taught you better?”

“In a perfect world,” Zoro grumbled, “This shirt would’ve had buttons on it like I asked.”

“But,” Mihawk stood his ground, “I told them purposefully to leave the buttons off because of the cufflinks I got for you.”

“You didn’t get those for me,” Zoro pointed out, “You won them in a poker game.  That I watched you cheat at.”

“You get my point,” Mihawk hushed him, “Is this the kind of attitude I can expect tonight?  Because I’m not canceling.  There are already guests arriving.  And you’re not going to embarrass me.”

“Do forgive me,” Zoro rolled his eyes, still wanting no part of this.  Unless it had a proof on it.

“Zoro,” Mihawk begged, “Please.  At least try to have a good time tonight.”

“Fine,” Zoro caved, already with his eye on a good sake.

“Thank you,” Mihawk finished off his cufflinks, “Now, go downstairs.  Go meet a nice girl.  Call it a night.  Will that be so difficult for you?”

“Probably not,” Zoro walked out of the safety of his bedroom with a sword on one hip and two swords on the other.  Because he wasn’t going to leave without a little piece of Kuina on him.

Once he made it to the ballroom, Zoro established a nest.  Granted, he knew he wasn’t going to be at one of the tables in the back.  Oh, no.  That meant going unseen.  The head table was where he’d be.  That didn’t mean he couldn’t still make his nest.  He had a bottle of sake for the table and his favorite bottle opener.  Carefully, he ran his blade along the cork and started drinking.  Although, the sudden pop caught some attention.  Zoro knocked the bottom of the bottle on the table, tipped it toward the ceiling and got his first drink down.  Just a little something to take the edge off.  And he could tell right then and there.

This party would be his hell.

The last thing he wanted to do was sit and listen to Mihawk talk shop with the other nobility.  He didn’t care how their businesses were doing.  He didn’t care about their personal lives.  None of that interested him.  If the goal was for Mihawk to find a lovely young lady to keep Zoro warm for the evening, the bottle of sake was a much better place to look.  No one was even worth Zoro giving them a chance.  He just wanted to spend a little time alone.  However, at the height of the party, Mihawk wasn’t going to let him leave so easily.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Mihawk grabbed Zoro’s wrist.

“Bathroom,” Zoro brushed him off, “If that’s alright with you.”

“Fine,” Mihawk stopped him, “It’s funny, Zoro.  I haven’t seen you with anyone all night.  In fact, you’ve hardly strayed from my side.”

“Maybe you should’ve invited better guests,” Zoro played it off like he didn’t care, but he was bored out of his skull and he wanted nothing more than to…use the bathroom.  Yes.  The bathroom.  Just as he told Mihawk.

“Or better yet,” Mihawk growled, “Someone else should be a little more personable.  I asked you one thing, Zoro.  And I need you to come through on that.”

“So,” Zoro groaned, “Do I get to go to the bathroom or not?”

“Go,” Mihawk let him go, “Maybe you’ll sober up some.”

“Yeah,” Zoro walked away.  Wouldn’t that be a damn shame?  He couldn’t stand it anymore.  He wanted nothing more than to escape that party the second he stepped foot in it.  The ballroom was abuzz with activity, with people dancing, with people talking.  It was maddening.  And Zoro wanted nothing more than some peace.  And if he had to retreat to the bathroom to get that peace, then so be it. 

However, on his way, the faint sound of a piano caught his attention.  The band played in the ballroom, but none of them had a piano.  It was oddly soothing.  The only room with a piano in it was the drawing room and it was a rarity anyone was ever in there.  Regardless, Zoro followed the sound.  Because anything was better than the overcrowded party in the ballroom and going back to Mihawk.  And someone had to have been playing it.  Zoro would finally socialize the way Mihawk wanted him to.  And then, Mihawk wouldn’t have a reason to throw a tantrum.

The closer Zoro got to the piano, the faster it played.  He just wanted Mihawk off his back.  But he kept a tight grip on his sword hilts.  Faster and faster, the piano played on.  Zoro couldn’t even recognize the song.  But once he got to the piano, no one was there.  Zoro scratched his head.  Where the hell was that coming from?  I know I heard a piano up here.  It’s right there.  So, who was playing it?  Regardless, Zoro knew there was someone up there.  There was someone who wandered away from the party.  And no doubt with Mihawk’s treasures in mind.  So, he drew his blade.

“Show yourself,” he called out to the empty room.  And yet, silence.  Zoro looked all around the piano.  Still nothing, “I said, show yourself!”

And yet, the still silence remained.  Zoro sat on the bench, still not sure where the music came from.  He put his fingers to the keys.  Where was it coming from?  Am I finally losing it?  There was a piano playing in here, right?  Clearly, there’s a piano.  But who was playing it?  Zoro let it go and rested his head on the keys, letting out a messy chord.  Whoever it was, at least I get some peace and quiet for a change.  I told you already, Mihawk.  This party was pointless.  I need the rest more than I need to socialize.  But just as Zoro sat back up, a sudden chill ran through his head.

“Soft…” a voice echoed through the mostly empty room.

“Who are you?” Zoro stood up and drew his blade, “Show yourself!”

“Soft…” the voice spoke again, “Like moss…”

“I said, show yourself!” Zoro spun his blade, waiting for someone to show up, “I won’t ask again.”

“I heard you the first time,” the voice moaned, “I can’t help it.  I’m shy.”

“Then, tell me who you are,” Zoro looked around for where the voice was coming from and yet…There was no one there.

“I guess it’d be rude of me not to talk to you face to face,” the voice finally took form on the piano.  A man, “You’re easily worked up, mosshead.  Did you know that?”

Zoro had seen a lot in his time.  But never did he see someone apparate out of thin air, “Where the fuck did you come from?!”

“Thank you for proving my point,” he laughed, “Like I said, you’re easily worked up.  And if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you just saw a ghost.”

“I…” Zoro blinked a couple times, still coming to grips with what he just saw, “I…Are you a ghost?”

“Unfortunately,” his incorporeal legs dangled over the edge of the piano, “I am sorry if I startled you.  But your piano was too pretty to pass up.  Do you live here?”

“Last time I checked,” Zoro backed away, “I’m almost positive there’s a priest downstairs.  You need to go.”

“No…” the ghost begged, “Please.  I don’t want to go yet.  I heard the party downstairs and…It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a good party.”

“Who are you?” Zoro asked, “There’s no way you’re just some random ghost that busted into Mihawk’s house like this.”

“Mihawk…Mihawk…” the ghost thought it over, “No.  Sorry.  Not ringing any bells.  But you think I could see?”

“See what?” Zoro scoffed, “Mihawk’s sham of a party?”

“Sham?” he wondered, “What makes it a sham, mosshead?”

“Would you quit calling me that?” Zoro rolled his eyes.

“And I’ll tell you mine if you’ll tell me yours,” the ghost laid on his stomach, his elbows up on the back of the piano, “Deal?”

“Why should I tell you my name?” Zoro argued, “I’m not the one who lured me up here.”

“Did you like it?” the ghost asked, “It got a little heavy toward its end, but someone was coming and I figured I’d get out as much as I could.”

“Not really my thing,” Zoro brushed him off, “It’s Zoro, by the way.  Roranoa Zoro.”

“Sounds like a mouthful,” the ghost rolled over to his back, “Tell you what.  If you bring me down to that party you say is downstairs, I’ll tell you my name.”

“That wasn’t our deal,” Zoro pointed out, “You said you’d tell me yours if I told you mine.”

“So, I’m renegotiating a little,” he shrugged, “Come on, Zoro.  Please?  I’ve been up here for a thousand years and I’d love to see a good party.”

“Have you really?” Zoro asked, “You’ve been a ghost for that long?”

“Not really,” he giggled under his breath, “I’ve only been like this for the last couple years.”

“And,” Zoro started to relax a bit more, sitting back down at the piano, “What happened?  If you don’t mind me asking.”

“I got stuck on a rock in the middle of the ocean,” he told him, “And I didn’t have anyone to come rescue me.  It was a long few months being out there, but now, I’m free.  I can come and go through here all I want.  And no one’s going to tell me no.”

“What if I told you no?” Zoro argued.

“But you won’t.  Do you know how I know that?”

‘How?”

“Because,” the ghost smiled, “You haven’t looked away from me for the last ten minutes.  If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you thought I was cute.”

“Please,” Zoro shook him off, “Why would I think that?”

“Because I am cute,” the ghost retaliated, “I mean…Come on, Zoro.  Look at me.”

“Yeah,” Zoro scoffed, “I’m sure you had all the ladies swoon over you in your living life.”

“You’d be amazed,” he got up from the piano, “Would you feel more comfortable if I was more tangible?”

“What do you mean?” Zoro looked at the ghost strangely, “You can do that?”

“Of course, I can,” the ghost’s translucency went away as he sat on the bench next to Zoro and held his hand, “See?  I’m just as solid as you are.  Truly, mosshead, I’m starting to think I’m the first ghost you ever met.”

“You wouldn’t be wrong,” Zoro got up from the bench and checked the liquor cabinet.  And came up short, “Damn…”

“What?”

“I was looking for a drink,” Zoro told him, “But it looks like I have to go downstairs for that.”

“And I could come with you,” the ghost insisted, doing a little spin, showing off his dark, pinstriped suit, “It’s not like I’m not dressed for the occasion.  Please?  I just want one party.”

Zoro wanted to go back to the party like he wanted to be shot in his foot.  But his curiosity got the better of him.  All he wanted was to know who haunted the halls of Mihawk’s mansion.  And if that meant him going back to the party, then so be it.  But that would come with some stipulations, “If we go down there, are other people going to be able to see you?”

“Just as much as you can see me now,” he nodded, “They’ll also be able to feel me, too.  I’ll be just as tangible as anyone else in the room.  They’ll have no idea I’m a ghost.”

“And,” Zoro went on, “What will you being at this party entail?”

“I just want to go to this party,” the ghost fell back over the piano, “Is that so much to ask?”

“It’s one of Mihawk’s parties,” Zoro grumbled under his breath, “So, yes.  It is.  Fine.  I’ll take you downstairs.”

“Wonderful!” he hopped down from the piano, “Let’s go!”

Zoro knew he’d live to regret this night, but if it meant him having Mihawk out of his hair, he’d be alright with it.  And so, the two went back downstairs to the ballroom where the hustle and bustle seemed to only get bigger.  Zoro rolled his eyes at the spectacle.  Great.  Just wonderful.  And yet, he looked over at the ghost, who couldn’t have been more thrilled to see such a beautiful ballroom.  The food, the string quartet, the people, the dancing.  It all completely swooned him. 

“Zoro…” the ghost took his hand, “Thank you.  I don’t think you realize it, but this is the best gift you could’ve given me.”

And in that moment, there was a strange tug in Zoro’s chest.  One that he didn’t know was possible.  But it managed to force a smile onto his face, “You’re welcome.  I’m glad I could do this for you.”

“And I know it’s making you uncomfortable,” the ghost took his arm, “But really.  It’s not going unappreciated.”

“Don’t mention it,” Zoro shook him off, “I’m going to go get a drink.  Can you do that?”

“I can,” the ghost nodded, “If it’s not too much trouble, cabernet.”

“What the hell is cabernet?”

“Oh, dear, sweet Zoro,” the ghost teased him, “It’s the one in the pretty black bottle.  Probably with a red label.  Says cabernet on it.  Maybe even Cabernet Sauvignon.  You can read, can’t you?”

“Of course, I can read!” Zoro snapped, “And now that I’m thinking about it, I brought you to your party.  You still haven’t told me your name.”

“My memory’s a little fuzzy,” the ghost sighed out, “Maybe a little red will bring it to light.”

Great.  This one thinks he’s funny.  I’m keeping you away from the actual clown here.  Regardless of Zoro’s opinions, he was still a man on a mission.  And there was a beautiful bottle of sake sitting unattended on the top shelf.  And next to it were all of Mihawk’s wines.  Zoro skimmed through the labels, hoping to find one that said cabernet on it.  Fortunately, a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon sat on the shelf.  He let out a little sigh of relief as he poured a glass for his new…friend.  Or the ghost that seemed to attach himself to Zoro.  And he knew the rest of the night would be miserable, so Zoro just grabbed the sake bottle.

“Here,” Zoro sat at his spot at the table and put the wine in front of him, “I got your stupid wine.”

“Mm…” the ghost picked up his glass and meticulously studied his wine.

“What?” Zoro scoffed, “Afraid I poisoned it?  You’re already a ghost.  Why would I do that?”

“Because you’re a sadist?” the ghost assumed.

“I’m not a sadist,” Zoro took a heavy drink straight from the bottle.

“Fine, fine,” the ghost backed off, “But…I suppose I couldn’t trouble you for a dance, could I?”

“You said you wanted your party,” Zoro pointed out, “You didn’t say anything about me having to participate.”

“Please, Mossy?” the ghost begged, “If you dance with me, I’ll tell you my name.”

“Uh-huh,” Zoro rolled his eyes, “You also said you’d tell me your name if I brought you to this party.  And you’d tell me your name if I got you your wine.  Why should I believe you’ll tell me your name if I give you a dance?”

“Because,” the ghost rested his head on Zoro’s shoulder, “I asked nicely for that dance.  And I swear on my past life and my current one that I will tell you my name.  But you have to dance with me.”

Zoro hated his own curiosity.  But he wasn’t going to break.  Instead, he just got up from the table, “I’m going to go get some air.”

“Wait, Zoro,” the ghost called after him, “Don’t go.”

“Don’t follow me,” Zoro took the bottle with him, “I don’t need this party.  I don’t need the socializing like Mihawk said.  And I sure as hell don’t need to be jerked around by some fucking ghost.”

“Zoro…”

But Zoro was already gone.  Lost in the crowd.  He really did just need to get some air.  Something about the gardens were quite peaceful.  Zoro found himself under the gazebo and sat on the cold ground.  It’s just some damn ghost.  Why am I letting him get to me so much?  Zoro knew the reason.  Zoro knew exactly what it was.  And he hated himself for thinking it.  Because it meant proving Mihawk right.  It’s because it’s not her.  I would’ve thought if I had a ghost attached to me, it’d be Kuina.  Why?  Why does it have to be him?  I don’t even know what his name is.  Why is he getting to me this bad?

“Zoro…” a familiar voice floated through the air.

“I thought I told you not to follow me,” Zoro grumbled.

“I know,” the ghost sat with him, “Why’d you run off?”

“I had a lot on my mind,” Zoro kept cryptic, “I needed somewhere to make it all stop for a while.”

“If it was because of me,” the ghost took his hands, “I’m sorry.  I really don’t mean to jerk you around like that.  It’s just been a while since I had anyone do anything for me.  I liked it a little too much.”

“Oh,” Zoro let it go.  But there was a sense of peace in his thoughts again.  And the music drifted outside.  Zoro got back on his feet and offered the ghost his hand.

“What’s this for?”

“What else?” Zoro shrugged, “You did say you’d give me your name if I gave you a dance.”

“Oh?” the ghost managed to muster up a smile, “Alright.  But ask me properly.”

“What?” Zoro looked at him strangely, “What do you mean, ask you properly?  Do you want to dance or not?”

“Wow,” the ghost giggled a bit, “What a gentleman.  Hard to believe you haven’t been married off ten times over by now.”

“The sarcasm is not appreciated,” Zoro took the ghost’s hand and pulled him a little closer.

“Alright,” the ghost teased him, “I see someone’s not feeling shy anymore.”

“You’re pushing it.”

“Sorry, sorry,” the ghost reveled in the feeling of someone else’s touch.  And in Zoro’s movements, “Hey…Mossy…Can I ask you something?”

“What?” Zoro started to relax a little more, the sake finally hitting his bloodstream.

“Do you think…” the ghost nestled his head in Zoro’s shoulder, “Maybe we met in a past life?”

“I don’t know,” Zoro spun him around, “Maybe.  How do you think we met?”

“I don’t know,” the ghost thought it over, “Maybe we met on a boat.  A big boat.  With a restaurant on it.”

“Maybe we hated each other.”

“But maybe…We didn’t.”

“What?” Zoro wondered, “You think we were friends?”

“I think we were more than that,” the ghost admitted, “But you have your thoughts of our past life together and I’ll have mine.  We’ll close our eyes and pretend like both are real.”

“Who knows if our past lives together are real or not?” Zoro brushed it off, “But…We got tonight, don’t we?”

“Zoro…” the ghost awed, “That’s the sweetest thing you could’ve said to me.”

“Don’t read too much into it.” But Zoro couldn’t take his eyes off the ghost’s.  So deep, so beautiful…And his face so soft and gentle…And the ghost’s slender hips against his own…And he found his peace.

In the silence, the ghost couldn’t help himself.  He knew there was no way Zoro would make a move.  So, the ghost moved into Zoro’s face, barely an inch away.  And to his surprise, Zoro pulled the ghost in for a deep, sweet, and tender kiss.  One that put everything into alignment.  And everything would be ok.  When he pulled away, Zoro still couldn’t believe it happened.  On his list of things that could’ve happened that night, kissing a ghost in the garden was not on it.

“Zoro…” the ghost’s voice broke, “You…”

“Again,” Zoro blushed, “Don’t read too far into it.”

“Fine,” the ghost couldn’t stop smiling, “Do you really want to know what my name is that badly?”

“After that…” Zoro admitted, “I don’t even care anymore, Ghost.  Tell me.  Don’t tell me.  But…I wouldn’t say no if you wanted to do that again.”

“Well,” the ghost rocked back on his heels, “What if I wanted to?”

“Then,” Zoro thought, “I guess I’d have to prove you wrong.”

“What do you mean?”

Zoro pulled the ghost back in, his kiss getting deeper, his tongue finding its way into the ghost’s mouth, “I can be a gentleman if I want to be one.”

“Is that so?” the ghost melted inside, “Why couldn’t I have met you in my living life?”

“Because,” Zoro pointed out, “Then, I would’ve had to mourn you twice.”

“Zoro…” the ghost gave him one last little kiss, “My name is Sanji.”

[splatsvilles-fashionista]

Splatoon 3 Version 6.1 Patch Notes Breakdown

That time of the month again! Let's take a quick look at these together, and that part is actually important, because people have cross-referenced the Japanese and English patch notes and confirmed that there are several mistranslations in the latter, so stick with me as we roll through these!

This patch is heavily focused on balance changes, and outside of those, the only thing that isn't a bugfix is of course the Mincemeat Metalworks renovation. With that out of the way, let's look at the Main Weapon changes:

N-Zap gets two more damage, which makes it combo better with other sources of damage like the splash damage from the '85's Suction Bomb. There seems to always be a completely unnecessary Shooter buff in every patch nowadays, and this is the one this time, but it's at least balanced out by the fact that this weapon is also getting nerfed further down the notes, but we'll get there.

Dynamo Roller will now deal lethal damage in a wider spread than it did previously. Splat Roller got this buff a while ago and it was pretty good for it, so this is a definitive W for Dynamo mains everywhere.

Flingza Roller gets the exact same buff, plus a buff that cuts 5 white ink frames off its' vertical flick. Some nice quality of life for sure.

Inkbrush now moves faster, cheaper. Three percent doesn't sound like a lot, but I promise you that even such a small change is going to throw your aim off quite a bit, so get ready to get circles run around you in Clam Blitz even more than you already do.

The Brella gets 13% better ink efficiency off its shots, and that's quite a lot! Brella likes to play the long game and draw out fights, and most builds for it run a lot of Ink Saver Main as a result, so this should give it some more ability flexibility.

Undercover Brella can now... do full jumps while firing? I don't think this is a very impactful change, but it is neat, and I think if used properly could be a way to get more mileage out of your shield and avoid damage.

This is a mistranslation!

The first change is actually the complete opposite of what it says in the patch notes. They did not reduce Squeezer's ink consumption when tap-firing, but increase it, making the cost tap-shots 9% more. It'll also paint slightly worse when holding down the firing button, and considering how this weapon has been utterly dominant at all levels of play both of these changes are fair.

Ballpoint gets a small accuracy decrease in long-range mode, which frankly seems a bit uncalled for, because this weapon hasn't been on top of the metagame for a long time. At least it's also kind of a paint buff?

And finally for Main Weapon changes, Stamper gets its charge slash paint cut by 10%. Compared to the changes this weapon has been getting in the past it's a bit of a slap on the wrist, but it does in fairness paint really well, and Neo Splatana Stamper does put out a lot of Crab Tanks, so this isn't an unjust change.

After that comes two Special changes, and these are very interesting:

Wave Breaker will now immediately locate enemies upon being placed for a short while. They don't specify the range or time of the effect, but I have to imagine it'll be within the same area of effect as the Wave Breaker's Waves. Giving it an immediate effect is really cool to me, it makes me think of Splatoon 1's Echolocator, which Wave Breaker already kind of felt like a rework of to begin with.

THIS IS A MISTRANSLATION TOO AND IT'S EVEN WORSE THAN THE LAST ONE

Again, this change is the complete opposite, reading the text you'd think this was a nerf to Ink Storm, but it's actually a buff, because it makes you heal faster in Kid Form when inside your own team's Ink Storms. This is essentially completely unprecedented, as we've never had anything that messes with the health regeneration system like this before, and I'm very curious to see how it shakes out.

And finally we have the Points-For-Special changes:

Neo Sploosh, Forge Pro, Luna, Bamboozler, and Zink Mini all get their Points-For-Special cut by 10 (a change Forge has been begging for since it released, seriously starting it at 210p was completely unreasonable) while Slattershot, N-Zap '85 (here's that nerf I mentioned at the very top of the list), Tri-Slosher nouveau, and Heavy Edit Splatling get another 10p added to their Special charge.

Overall I think this is a pretty good patch that has some really interesting ideas in it, but there is also a very notable omission. They went after all of the most popular Tacticooler weapons, and increased their Special charge, except for Snipewriter 5H. Snipewriter has been skyrocketing in popularity in competitive player for its' ability to serve as paint support, long-range damage, and Tacticooler spammer, all at once, and it got completely overlooked here. I suspect that nanowrimo is coming early in the world of competitive Splatoon 3, because everyone is getting their pencils ready.

[marsmarbles]

If you have the time, could you maybe do a scene with bigb teaching grian how to bake his famous cookies? Or maybe something a bit more angsty, like one of them getting to the other only to find their leftover items? Or whatever you want honestly! Thx for the secret soulmates food! :p

I had an idea for this request but it would be too much to draw so I’m actually gonna try and do some writing instead. Sorry for those who don’t like reading. It’s kinda long.

Golden Light to Silver Shadows

Grian nervously stood before the Food Crew’s bakery entrance, clamping his sweaty hands on a present he had spent all day preparing for BigB. Turning the knob of the door and pushing it open activated an alarm system set up by Fwhip. A bell rang and a few note blocks could be heard. It was a charming little jingle to welcome customers. The bakery was cozy with cherry plank walls and coffee colored spruce floors. A few circle tables were sprinkled in the center of the room with booths lining the walls. Lanterns, succulents, and baskets of flowery bushes hung from the ceiling. BigB was sat behind the counter. He was examining the creases in the floorboards with his head resting on his hand. He had been daydreaming. BigB loved his bakery, but it was admittedly boring to wait for customers. The door jingle alerted him to Grian’s presence.

“Grian!” BigB lit up in excitement, his antennae wiggled with joy. The genuine excitement to see Grian was more than enough to make Grian’s face flush. “Hey, BigB. I uhhh… made something for you.”

Grian slid a bag of cookies across the counter with shaky hands. They were neatly wrapped in a shimmery clear bag, tightly fastened with a blue ribbon with gold accents. “This was my first time ever making cookies, so sorry if they’re bad. Maybe you can show me your secret recipe,” Grian laughed nervously.

BigB gleefully loosened the blue ribbon holding the bag shut, took a cookie, and ate it whole. It was crunchy and thin and….hollow(?)…they weren’t bad by any means. For Grian’s first time, BigB appreciated the love and effort he put in. He had waited all day for someone to show up to the bakery. And the fact that it was Grian made it even better. He didn’t want him to leave just yet.

“How about we make some cookies together! The cocoa beans should be ready in the greenhouse,” BigB suggested, gesturing to the entrance to the greenhouse just behind him.

“I’d love to!” Grian quickly replied. The word ‘together’ was enough.

After BigB stashed away the cookies for later in the top cabinet, he and Grian made their way to the back door to the greenhouse. Grian had to do an awkward shuffle around the counter to keep up. The greenhouse was gorgeous. Golden light shone through the semi transparent overhang and broke through the flowers and leaves. Parrots chirped and bees buzzed. Luscious plants swayed in the gentle breeze. Glow berry vines slung from the ceiling as axolotls and frogs popped out from the ponds, curious of the new visitor. Grian stared in awe. This was more of a massive nature preserve than any greenhouse he’s ever been in.

“Grian?” BigB broke Grian out of his trance. “The cocoa bean farm is over here.”

“Uh right,” Grian said, adjusting his glasses and wiping his mouth and chin with his coat sleeve (just to make sure he didn’t drool while distracted).

BigB led him to a cluster of jungle trees. They reached high, popping out the top of through the ceiling. Podzol and bamboo were dotted around in clumps. Just past the cocoa bean farm was the end of the greenhouse. Through the transparent walls could be a seen an expansive jungle forest, stretching well beyond the world borders. BigB pulled off a ready cocoa bean plant and inspected it for abnormalities. After checking that it was good, he held it out for Grian. “Why don’t you try to break this one open?”

“Uhh I dunno,” Grian held his hands up, unsure.

In that moment, Grian took a pause. Actually, the whole world felt in slow motion. Something unseen had disturbed the peace. His Watcher senses were tingling, so to speak. Something was about to happen….. Suddenly, as the world picked back up in speed, BigB’s calming smile was shot down with an excruciating pain all throughout his body; every muscle, every ligament, every organ, each and every follicle of hair. The cocoa bean plant dropped and exploded on impact with the earth. A jolt went up his spine and his legs went out on him. He tumbled to the ground. He had no process time to scream or cry out in pain. He just fell.

“BIGB!!!!” Grian shrieked, dropping to his knees to assist him just as fast as BigB fell. “B-BIGB WHAT HAPPENED ARE YOU OKAY??”

“I-I…I think I’m going…J-Jimmy…he-”BigB managed to get out with a weak shaky breath.

“BigB! BigB! Please I need you to stay with me BigB,” Grian frantically cradled BigB in his arms. He could feel tears welling up in his eyes. He checked chat…

…Jimmy had fallen to his death…

Oh, fucking of course, Grian thought. Grian hadn’t considered Jimmy being in control of BigB’s lives, but with that confirmation he’d might as well think of this as his final moments with his secret soulmate.

“Grian….” BigB mustered the strength to caress Grian’s cheek and wipe away a tear. “…it’s ok….i’ll be right back….it’s just one life….”

“BigB….” Grian quietly whined, taking BigB’s hand, keeping it held to his cheek. He felt it go cold and his arm become heavy. Grian saw the last of the light in BigB’s dark eyes fade as his body became limp. Grian pulled his lifeless corpse into one final hug. And as BigB dissipated into smoke and billowed away…..Grian was left alone.

All the light and magic that the greenhouse had greeted him with was gone. The birds went silent, the bees hid back into their hives. The trees and flowers went grey and the golden light became silver shadows. Silently, Grian collected BigB’s fallen items, keeping his head down to hide his tearful look. And as he slowly closed the chest he stored BigB’s items in, he heard voices in the distance. It was a collection of people, most notably Scott, Martyn, Fwhip, and Joel, with a tomato faced Jimmy stomping ahead of them.

“Jimmy!!! We’re sorry!! We didn’t think you’d miss the water!” Scott cackled as he tried to explain himself to Jimmy.

“It was bad maths!! Bad maths!!” Martyn pleaded with a giggle.

“We didn’t think you’d die!!” Scott added, trying to breathe through his laughter.

“IM NOT HAVING ANY OF IT!!!!” Jimmy snapped back at them. “PLAYING BUNGEE JUMP WITH FISHING RODS IS THE LAST THING WE SHOULD BE THINKING ABOUT DOING IN A PLACE LIKE THIS!!! WHAT DO YOU THINK IMMA TELL BIGB, ‘THAT IT WAS JUST A PRANK’!!??”

Jimmy stormed into the bakery, and as he slammed the door, Fwhip’s voice was cut off; “but it was just a prank-“

Grian could here Jimmy stomp about in the bakery. He must’ve been looking for BigB. Jimmy ran out into the greenhouse and froze to find Grian and the aftermath of the incident. Grian stood there with a clenched fist and a chest by his feet. He gave Jimmy a stone cold glare with his dark eyes. Jimmy flinched at the sight of his expression.

“I put BigB’s stuff in this chest,” Grian said almost robotically, pointing to the box.

Jimmy desperately wanted to apologize, but Grian looked like he would accept nothing; not even a notch apple. Grian stiffly walked past him.

“I’m sorry….about BigB…” Jimmy made an attempt at an apology, hoping that Grian could find it in him somewhere to forgive him. Grian paused.

“It wasn’t your fault, Tim….” Grian said without turning back to him. “It was their’s….”

Grian continued walking, leaving Jimmy to wallow. He made his way to the bakery and took a seat at one of the circle tables. The room felt cold and desolate compared to before. Like it was a completely different place that the greenhouse had spat him back out into. He shuffled his chair forward and laid his head down, waiting for BigB’s return.

I actually had a lot of fun writing this, even though I wouldn’t consider myself a very skilled writer(and there’s most definitely a lot of mistakes I made lol). I felt like it was easier to depict a full scene compared to a comic(which would’ve probably taken me weeks). So I’ll do more writing like this in the future.

[artsyspinch]

Four years ago, I drew my first ever finished digital art piece, using a Huion 420 tablet off of Amazon, and Krita. I was so proud of it, I showed it off to my friends and family on instagram, and I didn’t think I could get any better than this. Fast forward to the next year, and I drew it again, just to see how much better I could make it.

This time I used a Wacom tablet with Krita. It was one of the cheaper ones, but still an upgrade. I was even more proud of this one, but I wasn’t really that happy with it. I didn’t like how Papyrus turned out, and it seemed so awkwardly spaced and posed. I knew I still had more to learn, and I rushed it, since I didn’t think I could do any better. I then decided to redraw it again the next year.

This time I used Ibis Paint X and a small stylus on my phone. I was ecstatic with how this came out. I thought this was the absolute best I could ever do, but I still had little nitpicks about it. Again, I struggled a lot with drawing Papyrus, but this time I was also unhappy with the colors and shading, and how Sans was drawn (I have no idea why I made him thicc). But again, I redrew it the next year.

This one was a huge confidence booster for me. I had just gotten a brand new laptop from my parents: A Lenovo Yoga, with a Wacom bamboo ink stylus. It was the best gift I ever received, but on top of that, they got me Clip Studio Paint PRO. So I was ready to make some good ass art. This time I sketched everything out on paper, then finished it in CSP. I even attempted a background, which didn’t come out too bad. Papyrus doesn’t look horribly off model, and the poses and composition overall was just better. I used a clean sketch for the lineart, since that was a big struggle with my previous versions, and I used colors other than black and white for shading. After I made this, I felt like I didn’t need to continue redrawing it, because I thought I was at my peak.

I redrew it this year.

I used my Lenovo Yoga, but this time I had a Wacom bamboo plus, and Clip Studio Paint EX. I added more characters, and took a little bit more inspiration from the original, but I mostly wanted it to feel more alive. I finally perfected how I draw Papyrus, and Toriel, Asgore, and Frisk aren’t statues anymore. I showed off what I’ve learned about lighting and shading, did actually clean lineart, and I even did a full background! I’m so proud of this, and so happy with how far I’ve come as an artist, and I can’t wait to see what my future self draws next year.

[true-blue-sonic]

hello! hope you are having a good 2025 so far :) i have a couple of questions:

would you say espilver is currently the most "canon" ship for either of these characters? the idw staff seems to back the ship and they now have an increasing presence in the writing for sonic game canon (flynn and stanley being involved in frontiers, for example). ian flynn did have a whole 20-30 minute bumblekast episode on just espilver. i don't particularly care for idw either but the thought of idw's influence potentially giving us more espilver in canon is funny to me

do you have any mental/physical health condition hcs for espilver? i see silver in particular hced as autistic and asthmatic a lot on tumblr

Hello ^-^ I am, yes! Am gonna teach myself how to play piano again, so I can play Sonic songs :> As for your questions:

No, I wouldn't say so. I think SoJ teases Silvaze most of all: Silver's had far more appearances with her than with Espio, both big and small, and their Sonic Channel art has mirrored each other before. I've also seen a post before on Tumblr about how Silver and Blaze seem to have something to do with Tanabata, a Japanese festival. Wikipedia describes the story behind it as two lovers who were separated by the Milky Way, but who could meet "once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar." Tanabata is specifically celebrated by writing wishes on pieces of paper and hanging them on a bamboo tree, which is shown in a Sonic Channel drawing with Silver. Meanwhile, there's also a drawing of Blaze in a similar pose as him, making a flame the shape of Silver's quills with her pyrokinesis.

I believe that Tumblr post described that Silver and Blaze, who lost each other at the end of '06, are meant to be represented by Tanabata, but it's been years since I've seen it. Regardless though, to the best of my knowledge SoJ has not acknowledged the friendship between Silver and Espio from Rivals 2 a single time in comparison; they only talked once more in Forces and are otherwise not paired up or linked in the slightest (wah :(). SoJ has the final say about these matters, and to my knowledge, all ships between game characters are forbidden to make official (which probably is a good thing, haha). As for Ian, I believe he did an Espilver Bumblekast episode because somebody paid him to do that, but I could be wrong in that regard. And IDW has also had an extensive Silvaze ship tease in iirc issue 64 and afaik Silver and Blaze have been hanging out together ever since, so I wouldn't say the comic writers are really going one way or the other with what ship they like best🍀

And secondly, I can't say I have very explicit ones, I'm afraid. Unless you count the fact that I headcanon that Silver never really paid attention to how much he's eating and that's why he was a skinny li'l twig guy when coming to the past the first time, who became a bit more chonky and floofy due to encouragement to eat better from his friends. But in the Rivals games his model's torso is noticeably skinnier compared to the other hedgehogs to me; I just spun a little story around it, haha. Other than that, I myself don't think Silver is asthmatic, though: in '06 and the Rivals games both he can run around endlessly without tiring, also in flame-filled environments (plus, the only times I can remember him being out of breath was in '06 when fighting Shadow, who was too, and in Rivals 2 when his powers were depleted entirely. Other than that no instances come to my mind so quickly, though I could have forgotten one). I think now that he's got good friends in the past and seems to pop in every once in a while just to have fun with them (e.g. TSR, the Riders games), he's doing okay❤️ And as for Espio... physically I think he's just a healthy boi, haha! But both he and Silver mentally seem to have a tendency to put a lot of pressure on themselves; Espio to be a good ninja (e.g. seen in how he reacts when you get a low score in Heroes or him chastising himself for needing to train more when losing at something), and Silver to protect the world (as described in a Sonic Channel story iirc). But they can support each other there, and give the other encouragement and affection so they feel better about themselves <3 Those are what come to my mind first, at least!

[scribbling-dragon]

i hunt for you (with bloodied feet across the hallowed ground)

summary:

The point of the sword presses to his chest, not even hard enough to break the skin. It shakes, wavering in the water as the shouts behind them turn distinctly louder- the splashing growing closer.

(ao3 link)

(2,816 words)

The explosion rings in his ears. White noise buzzing as he backs, step over step, one foot behind the other, towards the edge of the island.

He can feel the sugar cane at his back, can barely hear the rushing of the waves over the buzzing in his head- the ringing of his ears. He swallows, and it’s thick in his throat, breath coming short and fast with anxiety as the yellows stalk closer.

It had been coming- it had always been coming, but he didn't think it would be like this. Couldn't be like this- he thought it would be somewhere else, not cornered in his own, half-destroyed home as they advance on him like predators after a weakened creature.

The water laps at his ankles, spilling over the edge of the island and onto his bare feet.

He hardly even has to think about it. He considers it, one second no longer because if he thinks any longer he’ll probably back down and back away and then it would be truly over- because then they could just kill him. And they're going to do it, Grian has that look in his eye, that glint and shimmer that he only ever gets when his gazes are set on his target- when he’s honing in on his next victim.

He hardly has to think about it.

He turns and dives, shoving through the bamboo, ignoring how it cuts and scrapes at his skin. He ignores the shouts behind him, overwhelmed first by the ringing in his ears - the ringing of the explosion and destruction of his home - and then by the crashing of the waves and the silence of the water that swallows him.

He didn't want it to be like this. For the yellows to dive in after him only to find him changed. He sees them pause, for a moment- a split second as they consider him and eye him up and weigh up the chances of them catching him; but it’s barely a moment and he is watching them too. Watching for any reaction beyond the bloodlust and the greed for more time- time that will only get them hurt, nothing good ever comes of having more time. Maybe the extra time is a punishment itself.

And then the water splashes, fizzling with bubbles as they charge after him. He darts away, but he feels sluggish and tired, his ears still ringing, barely able to hear the frenzied splashing and shouting behind him as they start to encircle him.

And he’s tired.

He’s so incredibly tired. Everything aches. His bones feel leaden and weighed down where normally he would feel light as a feather, swift as he darts amongst the coral.

He scrapes his tail against a branch of coral, flinching away from it with a startled hiss as it draws blood. Blood that seeps into the water- bright red against a deep blue- crystalline blue.

They know where he is. There isn't anywhere for him to go. Nowhere to escape to and nowhere he would want to escape to. To escape would only delay the inevitable, would leave him free to be hunted like a common animal until his timer ticks down far enough that they view him as friend rather than foe- if only for a little while longer.

(And even that isn't enough to stop everyone. To turn on your friends is easy, as though it is second nature to smile at them as they face you, then drive a knife through their back- through their heart the moment they trust you enough to turn away.)

He turns, snarling as one of them gets close enough to make a grab for him. Their hand bounces easily off his scales as he turns, lunging towards them like a viper from its den. They pinwheel their arms, legs kicking uselessly as they flounder backwards.

He can't see who it is- eyes blurred by saltwater and panic and the overwhelming need to get away- run until they can't find you anymore, hide until there is nothing left to be found.

He grins, a mean and sharp grin as the yellows chasing him give him a wider berth- they eye him warily, watching carefully as though they are only just realising that they have caged in a wild animal. As though they've only just processed that caging him in, caging themselves in with him, has only made them easier targets. That they have stepped foot into territory that is not theirs- land that they cannot navigate with ease, and their regrets are only just beginning to surface.

He lunges forwards again, lips pulled back in the beginnings of another snarl, teeth flashing-

Something- someone catches him on the arm. Draws blood that spills easily into the water around them, snaking upwards, towards the sky.

And like sharks sensing blood in the water, so do the yellows sniff out the weakness. He is tiring, quickly and easily, movements slow and jerky, though it was enough to keep them away- keep them at bay for now.

They push forward, ignoring the way he snarls at them, the way he swipes and claws at them- his sword is gone, lost somewhere amongst the rubble of his home. He hadn't stopped to dig for it, his heart had already been rabbiting in his chest, head wailing and ringing, both from the explosion and with warning. Aware that their sights would turn to him before long.

He swims further from the island, backing himself up further and further, towards the mainland. Away from the deep ocean that could aid him if he was just a little bit faster- a little bit more energetic. He could do it, if he weren't so exhausted. If he hadn't been chased across the entirety of the land and back again.

But his bones ache. Everything hurts and he’s tired, but he agreed- he made a pact, promise this life, his time to another person if it came down to this. And it has. It has descended to the levels he thought were only a worst case scenario.

He crams himself further into the corner he’s found, watching the searching yellows with wary eyes. He tracks them, watches as they push from the seafloor, shooting back towards the surface to gasp in great lungfuls of air before sinking back down, resuming their searches.

His gills flutter, heart slamming against his ribs hard enough to bruise. He feels almost breathless from it- light-headed as he attempts to slow his heart, one hand pressed to his chest.

Something - a hand - ghosts across his scales. The touch is so light that he can barely feel it, would barely feel it normally. He turns to them with a snarl ready in his throat, threatening to bubble over.

Martyn stares back at him.

His eyes are wide, pupils so dilated that he can hardly see the yellow of his iris- a thin ring around his pupils as he stares at Scott. Martyn’s wrist is held in his grip, tight enough that Scott can feel the pulse thrumming through him, thundering in time with his own heart.

The moments tick down slightly, bubbles escaping Martyn’s nose and mouth. He can feel the shifting of bones beneath his skin, where his hand wraps around Martyn’s wrist- can feel the warmth of his flesh, can feel how easy it would be to snap his wrist and escape. To run and not look back, to keep running until no-one chases him anymore. Until he is free to return, the seconds remaining showing that he is friend and not foe.

He releases Martyn’s wrist.

Martyn draws his hand back, his own hand ghosting over where his sword rests, tucked against his side. His clothes billow about him in the water, being tugged first one way then the other by the tide. The question in Martyn’s eyes is clear, even as his eyes remain wide and worried.

The yellows behind continue searching. They have not turned their gazes upwards, but it won't be long until they do. And then they will see Martyn- but they won't see Martyn, they will simply see an obstacle to their grab at more time- their chance of clawing back a few precious moments.

Martyn’s hand continues to hover. There is no decision there, only question and sorrow in his eyes.

Scott seizes his wrist and Martyn tenses. He can feel the shifting of muscles beneath his hand, though Martyn does not move to wriggle himself free. Scott guides his hand downwards, positioning his fingers until he wraps them around the hilt of his blade. He does not look at Martyn’s face- cannot bring himself to look into his eyes as he asks him to do the unaskable.

The sword doesn't even make a sound as they pull it free from where it sits, snug and comfortable against Martyn’s side, nestled safely in its scabbard. The water muffles the shing of metal as it breaks free. It moves slow and steady through the water.

Martyn’s hands tremble, eyes wide as he looks back up at Scott. His pupils are no longer dilated, revealing the bright yellow of his eyes as he looks up at Scott, watching him carefully, anxiously. Something flickers behind those eyes, some memory that shimmers, just below the surface, before disappearing once more. Like an elusive fish.

His hand slips from Martyn’s wrist, leaving him holding his sword by himself, with his own two hands. He slips the hand to Martyn’s waist, tugging him closer, pulling them until they are pressed against each other, their faces inches apart, water filling the gaps between them.

He presses his other hand flat to Martyn’s chest, fingers splayed. He can feel the thumping of Martyn’s heart, like a panicked bird trying to escape the cage- to burst free from his ribcage and continue beating in the palm of Scott’s hand. His own heart feels as though it is about to do the same.

The point of the sword presses to his chest, not even hard enough to break the skin. It shakes, wavering in the water as the shouts behind them turn distinctly louder- the splashing growing closer.

Martyn tries to turn his head but Scott grabs the back of his neck before he can, holding him in place. He holds him carefully, pressing their foreheads together.

No words are exchanged, no words need to be exchanged.

Martyn watches him, and Scott watches him back. He doesn't blink, doesn't waver in the face of Marytn’s questioning. The splashing grows closer, the cacophony filling his ears- he wouldn't be able to hear any parting words even if they were spoken. He grips Martyn’s wrist, holds the sword steady as it continues to shake and scrape over his skin, not quite able to commit to burying itself within his chest.

He drives it forward, watches the blood blossom in the water around them, twining between them.

Martyn’s mouth opens in a soundless gasp, bubbles drifting towards the surface. Yells surround them, the yellows giving up on the hunt as they realise they have been beaten.

He ignores the pain that flashes through his body as he drifts slightly closer to Martyn, ghosts his lips over Martyn’s in both apology and farewell. He doesn't miss the hitch in Martyn’s chest, even with the fire flooding his own.

He watches Martyn until he cannot watch him any longer.

And then he is stood in water. Inky darkness surrounds him on all sides, stretching on for possibly forever. His hair drifts about his face, as though he still beneath water, yet when he opens his mouth it is air that floods it instead.

The air smells of iron.

The water laps at his ankles, but it does not rise higher. The darkness does not recede, leaving him stood in the darkness. He does not move- They have him exactly where They want him and he does not intend to move before Their judgement has been exacted.

The water laps at his ankles, splashing over his feet. It is cold, chilling his bones. His heart throbs in his chest, tearing itself apart before stitching itself back together- only to repeat the motion once more, tearing itself over and over again, every single time it attempts to beat.

The water laps at his knees. And it is rising now, where it did not rise before. Still, he does not move. He refuses to bow in Their presence, will not lower his head in deference when They cannot even bring Themselves to utter words in his presence.

They have spoken to the others. He has heard his servermates speaking of the way They spoke, the way Their voices echo every and nowhere at once- reverberating through the mind. And yet They do not speak to him, do not grace him with the sound of Their voices.

He refuses to bow in the face of Their silence.

The water presses down on his chest, compressing his lungs. The water has not been his foe for so long that it is hard to forget that it seeks to drown- to consume everything in its entirety. It eats away at land, eager to reach the living creatures that stand upon it so it may devour them too.

The water brushes over his lips, and he opens his mouth, allowing it to rush in, to fill his lungs. He does not choke or splutter. He will not give Them the satisfaction. He will play Their games, and he will play them on his terms, or he will not play them at all.

He blinks his eyes open. His lashes are crusted with salt and his skin feels tacky from seawater.

His heart throbs in his chest as he sits up, beating uncomfortably fast- uncomfortably hard as he glances around himself. Then down.

His hands are clawed- scales dot his arms and cover the backs of his hands. They shimmer beneath the light as he turns them back and forth. He is…not as surprised as he should probably be.

The scales had been a cruel joke from the start- a weakness where no-one else has one. He’s certain it was some kind of punishment from Them, and it seems their punishment has progressed to the next stage already.

He feels off-kilter, head throbbing still, wounds barely healed over. His chest aches.

“Scott!”

Martyn bursts onto the island, head swivelling back and forth until he finds him, eyes landing on where he lies. Those same eyes widen, yellow glinting in the light- yellow eyes that Scott now shares.

“Scott,” Martyn drops down beside him, words hardly above a whisper, as though spoken on an exhale. “I- I'm sorry, I didn't know what else to do and you said we should do it like that but then in the moment I wasn't sure whether I should still do it. And then you did it for me, and I don't want your blood on my hands. Not again, I can't do this again-”

“It’s alright.” He cups Martyn’s jaw with a careful hand, aware of the way his claws scrape along the sensitive skin there. Martyn shudders at the contact, falling silent, eyes dropping. “I asked you to.”

“But I still killed you,” Martyn protests, eyes wide again, leaning backwards and away from his hand.

“And if it hadn't been you it would have been someone else.” He chases after Martyn, leaning forward and out of the bed. He catches Martyn’s face again before he can retreat too far- before he can pull away entirely and leave him here, alone. “I am glad it was you. I would not want it to be anyone other than you.”

“But Cleo-”

“Was a favour for a friend.” He says. Martyn leans into his hold, skin warm against his hands. His hands are cold, leeching the warmth from Martyn’s skin, and yet he continues to lean into him without hesitation. “You are more than my friend, Martyn. I would have hoped you knew that by now,” he pauses to laugh, “it’s not just any friend that I-”

“Alright!” Martyn cuts him off, hand grabbing at his wrist. He almost expects Martyn to pull his hand away, but he doesn't, simply holding onto him. “Alright, I- I get it.”

Scott hums, low and in the back of his throat as he considers Martyn. He can feel the pulse in Martyn’s neck, can feel the way it has been slowly picking up throughout their whole conversation. “I don't think you do,” he hums, voice low. “Perhaps you need a reminder?”

Martyn runs a considering hand up his arm, fingers trailing carefully over the scales that dot his skin now. He does not seem to be put off by their presence, instead regarding them with something similar to reverence.

“Perhaps I do.”

[karmiya]

I actually do a lot of research and am collecting what may one day be an entire bookshelf's worth of reference books, so I thought I'd share one. This is my pride and joy, at least as far as research goes:

To Live as Long as Heaven and Earth is a translation of the Shenxian Zhuan, a series of biographies of Daoist immortals by Ge Hong. The (extensive) introduction by Professor Campany also includes a lot of the translator's own research, drawing on various sources in order to provide a good overview of practices attributed to Daoists in common folklore. If you're interested in the Xianxia and Wuxia genres and their origins, I think this is an invaluable English-language text. Its focus is entirely on traditional beliefs, but through it you can see just how much of the modern fantasy genre in China is based entirely on traditional folklore.

The images of talismans, for example, are extremely familiar to any viewers of modern fantasy dramas or donghua. These look very similar to the talismans we see in the Modao Zushi donghua, don't they?

This is a really interesting little section describing levels of ascendance. It's a lot simpler than modern novels with their million stages of core formation, isn't it? (Though, to be fair, most novels I read are by authors who don't care to get into that level of detail and focus on characters and storytelling, thank goodness!) The 'tianxian' sound a bit like heavenly officials in more recent stories, don't they, whereas the dixian are regular immortal cultivators who still live on earth. The use of shijie (corpse simulacrums) meanwhile, seems to mainly be maintained as a means of faking one's death, not as a means of escaping the notice of the officials of the underworld!

The main paths of immortality outlined in Ge Hong's work are: internal cultivation, external cultivation (alchemy), the arts of the bedchamber, and diet. The first three are very familiar, but I've noticed that diet-based cultivation shows up much more rarely in modern stories. I can only immediately think of Ye Baiyi from Word of Honour, who begins to age again after descending from the mountains and imbibing mortal food once more.

One thing I found interesting is that most accounts of immortals flying either depict them doing so under their own power, or placing a talisman within a bamboo staff and flying on that (or sending some poor soul on a sudden trip across the country!). Flying swords seem to be a much more modern convention.

One thing that's really amusing to me is how much energy the author (Ge Hong, not the translator) dedicated to poking fun at Confucius and Confucianism. Even though the three major religions eventually became known as the Three Teachings and are in modern terms viewed as very harmonious and complementary, historically there was often a huge amount of religious tension. Confucians and Daoists bickered with each other a lot, and then Buddhists got into the fray as well as Buddhism became more and more popular in East Asia. While Buddhism was present in China in Ge Hong's time, it had yet to reach its later popularity; this is probably why Buddhism is barely mentioned in Ge Hong's writing. There are a few indirect references and borrowings from Buddhist tales, and Professor Campany posits that some were intentionally used in competition with Buddhism, while others may have been added by later compilers/transcribers of the text who were Buddhists themselves.

A lot of Cnovels depict this sort of religious tension (Thousand Autumns is a good example), and it's really interesting to see that in these translated historical texts. Even though there are plenty of texts I can't get access to and/or wouldn't be able to read in the original language, there is a huge amount of English-language and translated scholarship on Chinese history available. A lot of it is fascinating to read from a perspective of a fan of Chinese fantasy, since the genre draws so heavily on real history and folklore.

[poupeesdecirque]

Travel Blog - Connichi 2024 - Part 3

Convention Saturday or: Positive and Negative Surprises

Saturday was a rollercoaster for me, this blog entry is ... truly a lot.

There is a lot of personal talk in this but also lots of photos of meet ups, photoshoots and an adorable engagement we were allowed to partake in.

After a nice Breakfast we first went to buy an umbrella for me as the sun was supposed to be shining all day long and I am sensitive to brightness (heat is bad yes but the bright light ... I'm getting overstimulated by it easily).

I got asked for photos by civilians and it really made my day, I made children smile by gifting them ballons and despite the weather (bright af and 30°C+) it seemed to be a good day. We started by some photos.

And then went inside to meet friends, check some things out before it became to full. And we went to the cosplay repair as some more seams of my collar came loose.. I didn't see some of them though, but alright. I fixed them after the convention.

I met some more D.Gray-man Cosplayer along the way and as you know me I make this tiny game in which I aim to find as many as I can.

But to be honest I was miffed by some arrangements regarding that day and was not that keen to meet some people, I am ... weird sometimes.

I still decided to visit the "base camp" after calming down a bit from the brightness which always leads to me turning into a little Chihuahua in those regards.

We were a quite huge group and taking photos was kinda ... hard. Especially with two cameras. Alice and Mika had the same issue .. low energy that's why they didn't join us for the other group photo. I felt my energy was at a lower point and walked a few rounds without anybody to kinda recharge but ... eh. I felt it was not the best day for me, despite the fact this was supposed to be my 'main' day with my dream cosplay and all.

But an absolute adorable highlight was what happened during the group photosession...

In which Cake asked Yuna to marry her, this was downright such a beautiful moment, I had to include it here. Look at this wonderful couple, I wish you ALL the best!

We then kinda scattered and some took a few photos together. I did with Anbu (Grave of Maria) and Nagi (Mana), I will post them later on.

After that we took another small shopping trip in the vendor's hall. I got a new bamboo plate and 3 blind box figure.

Then Alu and I went for Ice Cream as it was about time to get some more food into me, knowing I kinda was on the edge of snapping and as we went for Bubble Tea and the flavor I wanted (rip milk tea) was sold out I ... did. It took a lot for me to calm down, this was overdue with the overstimulation all day long. I kinda was possible for me to come down with some relaxation techniques.

We then went to check on Loki (Cross from Friday) as she felt awful that morning and I told her to check on her. I was worried. In hinsight I wish I didn't insist on doing that as ...

I got told to leave as someone in the One Piece/Hazbin Area was afraid of Clowns. I covered my face with the umbrella. But then more people came and I was told to leave again because someone there got raped by a Clown. i just cut the conversation short and left. It was hard for me to mask to be happy as I was approached by someone who recognized me as Allen just a few feet after that. Fighting down my tears I can tell that information did not only ruin that day but the whole weekend and the days after for me.

Alu did his best to suggest comforting things, and things I was looking forward to. Like the Bubble Photoshoot we had planned but it didn't really help... sadly I didn't pack my drawing materials which is a way for me to cope sometimes and sitting around wasn't helping either. My mood was down the drain, I just had recovered myself from a meltdown and then that.

It took me a while but I then decided Nagi to ask for some more Mana/Allen photos and they luckily agreed. I am extremely grateful.

Thank you again for doing all the silly Clown things with me.

As we were taking the photos I discovered two street artists who were juggling with pins over the street and I was amazed by them, as I am still learning how to juggle it's like magic to me when somebody can do it that well.

I had the idea to maybe ask them for photos and ... Alu went over there and asked them so...

... these cool photos came out. As mentioned before I will feature the full photoshoots later.

This helped to improve my mood a lot.

Then we finally came to take the photos with the bubbles, I was looking forward to them since the day before but I was kinda bummed all day long .. and I was not even sure if they would turn out. My mood was better yes but was it enough?

I have no idea how long I just played along but it helped, I love those child-ish acts they help me to relax a lot.

After that someone english speaking recognized me as Allen again (I got recognized a few times which truly surprised me!) and told me they only had seen the Clown Allen as Cosplay once and that was from someone in the US. I am glad I was able to make more people happy than I frightened with my costume.

Later on I even met more incredible D.Gray-man Cosplayers I didn't meet in before. Especially all the Lenalees were so cute and adorable. I met @the-bat-cat-art (Allen here) on sunday too, but only short.. I hope we can meet later on and talk more.

And I found a little pick me up at the artist alley.

Alu suggested even more photos and as I returned from the artist alley I had found the perfect spot for them.

After than we went to the street food festival, got some churros and watched a dance battle in the streets. Those dudes were pretty cool.

Back at the con we tried to take some lantern photos but the street lamps went on and ... it was too bright then.

We decided to call it a day and fetched some Pizza for dinner. In the restaurant I was recognized as Allen one last time for the day by a former Kanda Cosplayer.

I was glad as we were back in the apartment. Oh and I am aside everything amazed how well the make up did during the day I only corrected the lips here and there. And even with the little tearing up it looked still quite nice.

I'm still torn about Saturday there is a lot to digest and... to foreshadow Sunday a bit: my sleep was almost not existent. :')

[bullet-prooflove]

LA!Series Part Two: Important - Manny x Reader (NSFW)

Tagging: @crazy4chickennuggets @kmc1989 @withakindheartx @darqchilddaydreamz @theesirenteller @wnbweasley @skyesthebomb @delightfulbelieverwerewolf @redpool @trublu2u @fleureeee @thiashazzywriting @lauraaan182 @hatersaremymotivators @fanfic-n-tabulous @ravennaortiz @just-a-throw-away @yousigned-upforthis @kabloswrld @keyweegirlie

Part One: Relax - Manny takes some time to relax with you when he gets to LA.

Manny goes out and buys a suit.

He leaves you sleeping and heads out onto the boulevard wearing a pair of sunglasses and sipping from a bamboo coffee cup filled with expresso, because he actually gives a shit about the environment. He thinks you’ll doze well into the morning. You’d barely stirred when he’d smoothed the hair away from your face and placed a kiss upon your forehead.

You’d been on the fence about attending the event tonight, the one exhibiting your photographs. You didn’t like being in the limelight, you prefer to operate in the background, showcasing other people’s talents.

“You should be proud Mami.” He had told you last night, his thumb ghosting along your jaw. “They’re honouring your work.”

The two of you were laying face to face amongst the plush pillows of a bed that costs more than you make in a year. He knows what the issue is, you have a problem with vulnerability, it doesn’t come naturally to you. Those pictures, it’s like sharing a part of yourself, letting someone see inside your soul.

The event tonight, there’s going to be kids there from the art programmes you’re hoping to support with your donation. They’re going to have questions and that means you’re going to have to answer them. You haven’t talked about your past, what led you to travel the world. He senses that those wounds have never really healed. He thinks it’s telling that you’ve chosen to dedicate your work to a place that helps support children in the care system.

“You were a foster kid, weren’t you?” He whispers into the darkness.

“It’s hard for me to go back there.” You say quietly. “These kids are looking for me to share my experience, I don’t know if I can do that…”

“They’re looking to you for inspiration.” Manny tells you, his nose trailing long the length of yours. “They see your success and it gives them hope, something to aspire you. They want to know how you did it, how they can do it.”

“Manny…” You whisper and his lips brush over yours.

“Think about it.” He murmurs as he kisses you again. “That’s all I ask.”

It’s six in the morning when you wake him up to let you know you’ve made a decision, he can tell it’s been on your mind most of the night.

“I’m going to do it.” You tell him as your fingertips ghost over his skin, chasing the pattern of his tattoos.

He finds himself pinned to the bed underneath you, your thighs hugging his hips. Your fingers entwin with his, drawing his hands up above his head. Your mouth covers his and he’s lost in the sensation. It’s been a while since he’s submitted to anyone, he’s forgotten how good it can feel. You ride him slowly, drawing out his pleasure until you have him gasping, arching, desperate. Still, you don’t relent, you leave him hanging at the precipice before you start all over again.

During the whole thing, his eyes never leave yours. He can’t tear himself away because being like this, it creates a sense of intimacy he wasn’t prepared for. He may be learning your secrets but you’re learning his too. He needs someone else to take control, to ruin him because his life has become all about maintaining it, holding onto it so tightly that he’s terrified about what happens when he lets go. When your hand slips down to his throat he welcomes it, his breath turns ragged as your fingers squeeze just a little and it sends him through the stratosphere. His hips thrust up, burying himself deep and he comes harder than he has in his life, spilling himself inside you. He’s coming down from the high when you kiss him, it’s soft and tender, a simple brush of the lips. He moans into your mouth, as your thumb ghosts over his cheek because this is what he wants, to feel safe with another person, to know that he’s loved, cared for.

You’re the first person whose made him feel like that in years.

He thinks about it as he stands in front of a mirror in a suit shop in the middle of L.A. tugging at the cuffs of a fitted black suit. He looks good, the white of the shirt contrasting against his skin, highlighting the tattoos on his throat. He’s contemplating a tie when the sales assistant approaches him.

“Important event?” She asks him as she picks up a black tie and holds it up against him.

“Yea.” He says, considering your conversation from the early hours of this morning. “It’s pretty important.”

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Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[celerydays]

What program do you use to make your fanart? Is it on just an average ipad or is there special ones just for art? Your work looks so good! I’m wanting to try digital art but unsure where to start :)

I use the Procreate app for all of my digital art! ✨

It should be available on any iPad 💗 I personally invested for my birthday this past year and I have the 12.9" M2 iPad Pro, but I'll even occasionally use my fiancé's iPad Mini and the Procreate app on there in a pinch since it's so small and portable~

The only real difference is that performance might suffer a bit, the larger an art piece is or how many layers your work has, depending on the iPad. But if you're just starting out, I probably wouldn't find that to be much of an issue!

(More rambling about digital art origins under cut ✨)

There's definitely a learning curve, especially if you're more used to drawing traditionally! It can help to still sketch traditionally (if that's what you're used to) and then upload a photo of your drawing to your tablet to work over digitally (this is personally how I started out and I used to just make little digital doodles by tracing and coloring over my traditional sketches.)

A small doodle from my sketchbook that I traced and colored digitally, from around 2011-2012, I think? Uh, happy Doctor Who day today!

My very first digital art set up was actually a tiny Wacom Bamboo tablet where the drawing space probably wasn't even bigger than my hand, and a super old bootleg version of Photoshop CS2 which was already a version that was 7 years too old for the time (CS5/CS6 was the most updated version by the time I had started on digital art).

Everyone else in my class had the bigger/fancier/professional-grade Wacom Intuos and I remember my professor taking one look at my baby tablet and just going like "how tf are you drawing on that" lmao.

But still! Experimenting and doing little exercises can get you a long way – I would say to approach it with similar exercises you would do as if you were learning to draw traditionally for the first time.

Shade in circles/nail down basic lighting. Gesture drawings. Random scribbles. Just things that help you get used to the feel of digital art!

Test out different textures you can achieve with one brush, then expand it to see how other different types of brushes can behave and add to the experience.

For proof that even just one brush and not the best/most updated tools can work: these are two of my first more "serious" digital art projects I did in college (with my tiny tablet and mega outdated version of Photoshop) and 99% of the rendering was just done with the "soft airbrush" brush.

But even then, we were taught to create our base sketches traditionally and upload them to the program to work over.

Then one day I decided I wanted to just be able to also do all my sketches digitally and just worked on getting used to sketching straight on my digital program. It was then that besides the all-powerful undo-redo buttons, I started to really make use of the transform/canvas flip/liquify features which I don't think I can live without now lol. (Caveat: I'm now a little too dependent on those features so I keep a traditional sketchbook to do silly doodles in occasionally to exercise my hand because sketching traditionally without the buffer of those digital tools is pretty difficult for me now lol.)

That was a little long-winded, I'm so sorry hahaha. I hope something in this rambling could be taken as somewhat helpful for starting out on digital art!! 💗