#i hated it almost as much as i hate watercolors

[yutamayo]

Finally put my HideKane glass painting up!

*it's shoddy bc it was my first (and last) time doing the glass paint trend bc I am not a fan of the process so

[arttsuka]

Based on somewhat real events

I spent way too much time drawing this...

But yeah, Ford finally saying thank you

A continuation (kinda)

[cherry-leclerc]

purely platonic ☆ ln4

genre: fluff, maybe a bit of angst??, secret crushes, just two idiots who can't read the room of what we call 'feeeelingsss', they friendzone each other without knowing they're friendzoning each other BAHA

word count: 3.8k

It goes without saying that you and Lando are like two peas in a pod; always finding something to do. But when things suddenly shift after the summer break, it leaves you two to settle with the idea of one another with a rather doubtful mind.

req!...got this one a long time ago and the request was kind of confusing?? but i tried to make something out of it hahaha enjoyyy??

“Does this top make my boobs look big?”

Lando’s watercolor eyes quirk up, squint, then shakes his head full of curls. “You don’t have much to worry about.”

You muster a dirty glare before prancing over to the mirror, picking up a tube of gloss, laying it onto your plump lips. When you first started working at McLaren, you never truly thought you would end up here, on holidays with a witty British driver, but your friendship had blossomed rather quickly.

Don’t bother—they taste like absolute rubber.

Looking up to face the mysterious voice, you awkwardly choke, dainty hand dropping the last chocolate wafer. 

Have you tried them?

Lando grins widely before reaching out to pick it up and popping it into his mouth. He winks.

Mmm. New recipe or something like that.

“Are you sure you’re going to be alright?” you call out, pulling the baby voice he hates with a strong passion. Rolling his eyes, he kicks his feet against the bed frame, twisting like a pretzel. As long as I don’t get a ransom call, then yes. Go. You’re giddy with excitement; pick up your purse, spray some perfume—probably the entire bottle—and finally peck his cheek, to which he grimaces, instantly pulling away. 

“Make sure to wake me up once you’re back.”

You do. Patting him, you eagerly bounce up and down against the fluffy mattress. “Brazil was a mistake.” His lashes flutter tiredly, skin slightly pink from rubbing his eyelids. Why? Folding your legs beneath your butt, you huff, tangled hair flying towards him. He can almost smell the sea salt that lingers onto your clothes, the scent of aperol spritz. It makes him wonder how many you’ve taken as he props up against his elbows, dark brows drawn together with attentiveness. 

“First of all, I paid for the entire thing.” No, he gasps. You nod, pursing your lips tightly. “I’ve never seen someone so tan turn paper white in a matter of seconds. It was quite fascinating, actually. Sucks,” you ponder, shoulders dropping drastically. “He was stupidly gorgeous too.” 

I hate it when they do that. You laugh, eyes crinkling with true emotions for the first time that night. “He did dance like a pro though, oh God, I could barely keep up.” A lazy arm flies up to massage your neck, wincing as if you’ve just stubbed your toe against a brick wall. “I might have to see a chiro.” Tapping your finger against your chin, you close your eyes. “After all that, he invited me back to his place.”

The Brit sits up straight away, turns on the lamp that sits besides him. “Why are you here then?” he screeches. You curl a brow. The fuck is that supposed to mean? Lando sighs heavily and rubs his temples before flashing you with a pair of stern eyes. “We’re here to have fun, remember? Sex, sex, sex. That’s our priority.” The twenty-four year old relaxes against the comfy pillows. “We made a pact.”

“But I just—” You become visibly green, too grossed out with the idea. “He was handsome—don't get me wrong—a fucking hunk.” He gags. “Probably had a massive dick.” You’re disgusting! A giggle erupts while you wiggle your way underneath the covers. “But I think I need to form an actual connection with someone in order to actually…yeah. A connection.”

It was about five months ago that you got dumped. Constant travels, not enough quality time. Too much work, not enough fucking. Far too lovey dovey eyes batted towards a certain brunette—that’s where you drew the line. You stood up for yourself; for Lando. It had taken you years to gain his trust and now that you had an unbreakable bond, you weren’t going to let the first insecure man make you feel like shit for it. But he didn’t like it, leaving you to cry on someone else’s shoulder. 

For some factor, the Brit felt bad. Perhaps it was his fault—perhaps he did intervene—but he was pissed too. For the way your ex had treated you, for him even considering the twenty-four year old would hit on somebody’s girlfriend. He knew the difference between flirting and a platonic relationship. Yeah. You were better off.

Brazil was great. Summer break was great. One night stands were great. At least he thought so.

Placing his hands over his broad chest, he releases a breath. “That’s actually pretty cute.” A sudden growl slides up your throat as you kick his shin. He scoots further away. “I only suggested because I thought it’d help…”

“Now you know.” A beat. “I can’t keep up with the Sex God.” Loopy eyes flicker over at him. “I’m talking about you, Sex Machine. Sex enthusiast. Can’t keep it in his pants— ”

He gruffs. “Understood.” He steals the blanket away as you squeal, hands flying out to tug it back towards your body. “Loud and clear.”

-

He had a plan to visit as many places as possible, and while that was fun for a while, you reasonably started to miss home. I’m tapping out, you would declare when you got to Bali, enjoying the view with an exhausted state. Last one. But he would somehow, always, convince you. There’d be too much to see. Too much to experience. And you would stay.

It’s only up until Australia where you find yourself taking an actual break. Maybe it was because you were staying at Daniel’s, but you were grateful nonetheless. Days consisted of hikes, rodeos, undercooked steak, wine, and dirt biking. Quite fun—definitely better than being back home feeding your pet fish. Ms. Lockwood has it all taken care of, thank you very much. 

“This is nice,” the Australian murmurs as he bites down on a slice of pizza. “I’m glad you guys made a pitstop.”

Wandering eyes roam the open field, dusty boots kicked up against his car. “Us too.”

Lando clicks his tongue knowingly, tilting his head at you as you hush him. For once in his life, he was glad to have someone around. Oftentimes, there’d be moments where people would assume you two were dating—possibly even married—but it was simply an unhinged friendship. Exactly what he was looking for. Thank God all of that is over now.

“How long have you two been together?” Heidi asks sweetly, leaning against her boyfriend. Mid-sip, you spit, red wine painting Lando’s white tee. Bloody hell, he moans, drying his face with the back of his hand. “Sorry,” you gurgle. “We’re not…” When you gag, the Brit scoffs.

“She’s too immature. You think I would willingly sign up for that?” The couple share a skeptical glance, eyebrows raised to where he hands you a napkin. “Come on, mate, who do you take me for?”

As you both make your way over to the house, Daniel and Heidi settle into a deep conversation. There was not a single doubt within them that you two weren’t meant for one another. It made perfect sense—but why were you both so blinded to the idea? 

“Hmm,” the blond says. “Two months of traveling together? That just doesn’t happen.” Heidi spins on her heel, facing the Australian. “There’s obviously a connection between them.”

-

Men like you are the reason I left Finland. Men like you are the reason I left Finland. A sip of water. Men like you are the reason I left Finla—

“What are you even talking about?” Lando groans from his seat. Peeking over at him, you shrug, and continue mumbling. “For the love of God, must you keep repeating yourself? You’re making a simple twenty minute drive feel like four hours—stop it already.” 

Coldly glaring at him, you pinch your face like a clam and point a narrow finger at him. “Men like you are the reason I left Finland.”

The Brit lets out a scream and jumps towards you, slapping a large hand over your mouth. You squirm for a good minute before biting down, forcing him to pull away with a sudden hiss. “Rascal.”

The view was breathtaking; the white snow, the green trees, the sunlight beaming from afar. His agenda continued and you kept tagging along. You’ve never visited, so everything was a pleasing journey. Staring out the foggy window of the van, you pout, pondering. “You’ve seriously never watched Confessions of a Shopaholic?”

“A Cock-A-Who?”

You laugh. “Not even close. I’m not doing this again.”

You’re sure you get frostbite by the end of the day, but the Northern Lights make up for it. After snapping a couple thousand pictures, you finally settle down on the snow next to him. “Hey.” A white puff exits his mouth, chapped lips. 

“Hey.”

The silence prolongs, then you let out a sore cough, taking a sip of hot chocolate. You can’t help but roll your eyes when you barely get a drop, realizing he had finished it all while you weren't looking. “Out of all the places we’ve been to, this has to be my favorite.” You direct your attention over to him. “Thank you for bringing me along. It means a lot.”

“Ah. Don’t mention it.”

You hum. “I never get bored of you.” You can hear his snowsuit scratch as he shifts to face you, wide eyes admiring the colorful lights. “I keep thinking I might—even just a little bit—but I don’t. It’s weird.”

He chuckles, relaxing. “I’m glad you haven’t. We’ve been traveling for a while now, so if that were the case, then I’d be worried.”

Pursing your lips, you let out a sheepish grin. “You’re like…the Suze to my Rebecca.”

“Is that supposed to be a good thing?”

Finally, you turn to him, taking in his puppy lost state. Specks of snowflakes cling onto his long lashes, the bridge of his nose is beet red, a hint of dried blood coats his overly frozen lips. Patting his shoulder, you let out a light whistle.

“Let’s just say, I never want to leave Finland.”

-

The season picks up once again, and so do the travels. But they’re not the same. Maybe it has to do with the fact that it’s not only you two anymore. Sure, you have your friends, but…it’s not the same. The thought alone is confusing, but you don’t let yourself think about it too long. Running after Oscar, you hand him a black binder. “What's this?”

“Not sure. Zak just wants you to read over it before the meeting.”

Frantically, he skims the white pages, flipping eagerly. You giggle. “I know it looks bad, but it’s not!” The Australian barely has a chance to protest before you skip away, shooting a quick thumbs up. “Take notes!”

Reaching the familiar dressing room, you find yourself gently knocking, foot tapping against the tiles. He swings open with a loopy grin. “Hey.”

“Hey.” A beat. “Meeting in ten minutes. Don’t be late.”

He nods. “Is there anything I should go over?”

You shake your head, extending a singular piece of paper towards the British driver. “As long as you go over these notes, then you’ll do just fine.” You take a step back. “Ten, Lando, ten.”

“Got it.”

You’re the last one entering the crowded conference room, teasing snickers spilling from McLaren colleagues. Zak claps loudly. “Great! Let’s get started.”

You’re bored halfway through, zoned out, doodling onto your notebook. You were aware of everything, so you suppose it didn’t really matter. Gray led slides coolly. A sharp sound rips you away from your daydreaming as you look up, eyes flickering between the three main men.

“I wasn’t aware there was any special treatment.” His accent is laced with humor, brown eyes drifting over to you. You curl a brow at Oscar. 

Zak chuckles. “I wasn’t either.” 

Once the meeting is adjourned, Lando strolls over to where you sprawl onto a row of chairs, blanked out. He swallows a chuckle down. “You alright?”

“What have I done?” You sit up, maniatic eyes dancing . “I’ve never done that before—not intentionally.”

The Brit closes an eye teasingly before releasing. “The notes?”

Leaping up, you march over to him. “Yes, the notes! Since when do I sum up things for your benefit? God, I didn’t even think about Oscar…”

“I’m sure you weren’t thinking straight. We all know you like to help both of us out.”

A queasy feeling flips inside of you as you tilt your head. He was right. You got caught up, made one set of bullet points, and coincidentally gave it to Lando. No further meaning.

“I need coffee.”

-

As soon as you bolted out of McLaren Hospitality, Lando made his way through the paddock. “Norris,” a deep voice calls out. Alex grins widely, jogging closer. 

“Done for the day?”

Alex nods. “What about you?”

“I think so. Had my last meeting. Reckon I should be good.”

The Williams drivers shimmies with a low chuckle. “Why are you still here then?”

The Brit freezes. “I actually don’t know…”

Huh, Alex hums. 

“You’re looking for someone?”

He unfreezes, chest tightening. “I don’t know.”

-

“Hey, hey, watch out.”

“Daniel!” you shriek. He lets out a toothy smile, extending his arm out as a silent greeting, cup of coffee in hand. You rip it away, taking a large chug. “Thank you—gotta to go.”

“Wait.” He reaches for the hem of your shirt, stopping you from slipping away. “Are you okay? You look a bit…” He motions a crazy sign. You glare back at him. 

“I need air, I need air,” you gasp, zigzagging past him. Running after you, he hauls you into the nearest restroom. You screech, panicking. “Air, Daniel, air.”

“What happened?”

Something in his voice tells you he knows. You don’t want him to know. How could anyone know what you don’t even know? No one can know. 

“You’re right—I’m losing my mind.” You step out of his embrace. “Let me out before I kill you.”

Brown eyes stare back in amusement. “You can be honest with me.”

“I’ll scream, Daniel.”

“Be honest with yourself.”

“I’m a black belt. My limits are endless.”

“Just say it.”

“Say what?”

“Say it.”

You close your eyes, groan, and kick the wall. “Shit, I like Lando.”

Heavy pants, desperate huffs. Anticipating eyes, nervous fiddling with your hair. His lack of response makes it all worse. 

Daniel clicks his tongue. “I knew it.”

-

“Want anything?” he asks, gazing up at the wall of foreign treats. Singapore knew what they were doing. Your voice catches, releases, then wave him off. Weird, he thinks to himself, but continues to pay for his own sweets. The way you prance around the small convenient store makes him smile, occasionally making sure you were still there.

“I won’t be going to the next race. Thought you should know.”

It obviously catches him off guard as he spins to face you with a neutral expression. He’s good at hiding things—feelings. 

“I…um…” He coughs. “Can I ask why?”

“It’s my Nana’s birthday.” A beat. “She only has so many left, dude.”

The Brit would love to relax and laugh at your dark humor, but one simple word makes him deflate, nodding along with a sheepish look. He hands you a bag of penguin gummies. “From me, to her.”

The colorful bag crunches against your touch, awkwardly beaming at it, then looking up into his soft stare. “She has diabetes, but thanks.”

-

He realizes just how much he misses you once you jump onto the plane back home. He had been kind enough to offer to drive you to the airport, and you had been rude enough to decline. A weak exchange of words ensued between you two before reluctantly coming to an agreement.

Here is fine!

Blue eyes wander the busy drop off zone; humming with concern. 

Let me help you with your bags, then.

No! Drive safe, Lando. Oh��and make sure to take your vitamins! 

The British driver wonders why he feels different; pacing the room back and forth. Vitamin C is important. He eyes his watch. That’s probably why—he forgot to take them. Or maybe it was his biotin. 

“Mate! You have my charger!” The twenty-four year old gazes at his taking door and makes his way over. Daniel stands with loopy eyes, half shaved mustache. “Bon Iver died mid-For Emma, so you better hurry and give it to me.”

“I have it right here, chill.” The Australian invited himself in, brown orbs flickering carefully through the dark room. He chuckles. 

“Can’t find your birth control?”

Lando cocks his head to the side, recognizing his mess that lies on the floor. The orange bottles make him stutter, briskly pushing the white charger towards his friend. “B6, I’m looking for my—” A nervous hand runs through his messy hair. “Got what you need? Great. Off you go.”

“Ah, ah—hold on a second; is that my girl, Isla Fisher?”

The Brit cackles, remembering about his open computer. “How do you know?”

Daniel plops down. “Confessions of a Shopaholic? Classic. Heidi loves it.”

The brunette hums, finding a spot next to the Aussie. “Who’s Suze?”

“Have you not been paying attention?”

“I’ve been looking for my calcium!”

The thirty-four year old pouts. “I thought it was your R2-D2?”

“Clever.” 

A Tim Burton looking girl comes on-screen, perfect bangs hanging just above her brows. The redhead and black haired duo exchange a small phone back and forth, panic evident. “That’s Suze. She’s Becky’s best friend. They go through a bit of a rough patch, but they come back together, don’t worry.”

“Suze? Rebe…” He pales. “Friends?”

“You thought they were lesbos?”

Lando shakes his head, harshly. “What about Finland?”

“A fantasy land, sort of.” Daniel props up against his elbows. “It’s her getaway from all her debt. It’s real, but it’s not real.” The blue eyed boy’ shoulders droop furthermore as he watches the scene play out.

“Friends…”

Chomping down on a mysterious pill, Daniel shrugs. “Mhm. Just friends.”

-

It’s safe to say that you’re refreshed. You thought things through—you could never speak about your sudden realization. This probably happens all the time, all around the world, nothing to see here. Your feelings were there, but they wouldn’t be your downfall. Not when he mattered this much to you. 

“Read over this. Pay close attention to three and seven—Zak is going to ask you about it.” Lando hums slowly, eyes tracing your beauty. You’re a shade tanner due to your small vacation, if you can call it that, and that somehow tugs at his heart. If he pays close enough attention, then he could point out a few new freckles. “Any questions?”

He blinks. “Zero. Thank you.”

“Just doing my job.”

Something has shifted inside of him, something…new? Every chance he gets, he would peek and admire the way you laugh with a couple of the engineers, with Zak. Then, he would have to pinch and remind himself that he was your friend; nothing more, nothing less.

“Any additional notes? Oscar? Lando?”

Raising your hand timidly, you beam. “If I could suggest one thing, maybe we can keep the floor the same? I know we spoke on how a drastic change can possibly lengthen our kph, but if we actually think about it, then we would be able to see that it’ll only worsen things. It’s perfect, really, where it’s at. What we should be focusing on instead are other areas. Find ways to lighten the car, mark our attention to the aerodynamics.” Red creeps carefully onto your cheeks, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear as you shrug. “Just a…thought.”

Zak hums, crossing his arms in deep thought. “We could do that…we could definitely do that.” He grins. “Boys?”

“Anything to make us faster, count me in,” Oscar agrees, voice steady.

“We should change it.”

Everyone turns to face the twenty-four year old. Pens glide faster, keys click harder, and you stumble clumsily. “Sorry?”

Lando tsks. “I like what you were saying, but we need to change it in order to stand a chance against the Red Bulls. They’ve cracked the code, and we’re so close. We need to adapt.”

You burn up. “I’m sorry, but I disagree, Lando. Things should stay the same. Same is safe. Change is…” You lick your lips, biting down momentarily. “Not necessary. Not when things are already good where they’re at.”

The British driver hisses. Oscar jumps at the cold sound. “Safe is a pussy move. How will you ever know what could have happened? One thing can flip everything around.” His eyes soften. “A-and put us in front of the grid for good. Good, good.”

Caught in the flame, you grit your teeth together. Who were you to have a say after all? Your attention circles the quiet room before nodding stiffly. “Alrighty then.”

-

“You embarrassed me in front of everyone!”

Lando frantically chases after you, shoes squeaking with every drastic turn. “I was just being honest!”

The sudden speed you turn back to face him with makes him flinch, forced to come to a halt. He can practically see the fumes exiting your body. “But did you have to say it in that tone?”

“What tone? I didn’t have a tone.”

“Yes! Yes, you did!” You continue your march. “Oh, hi! I’m Lando Norris, professional Formula One driver, who knows everything you don’t.”

“I do not sound like that.”

“You’re right. You sound worse.” A huff. “Listen, I’m not actually mad, but I do need time to myself, so can you please…” You motion him away and he scoffs. Are you being serious right now? “I am! Leave!”

He sort of replicates a zombie, the way he drags his feet back to hospitality. Was he really ready for any of this? He liked you, a lot, but things like this would eventually stir up in any relationship, and maybe he didn’t have the strength in him to fix things yet. But if you stayed friends, then…yeah. Things would stubbornly fix themselves.

You, on the other hand, have a sudden bounce in your step. A stride. This is what you needed. Suddenly, your stupid little crush wasn’t as important as you had imagined. Fights would bubble between you two if you ever dared cross the invisible line, and you weren’t the biggest fan in facing them. Friends. That’s all this was.

Daniel crosses Lando first, intrigued by his dead-like state. “What’s up with you now?”

The Brit blinks. “I’m no Luke, Danny.” He kicks a rock. “I’m fine, however, being a Suze.”

Son of a bitch, the Australian thinks as he watches his friend stroll away. He actually paid attention. 

Placing his headphones back onto his head, he continues his walk down the paddock, confused. When you make your way with a bright smile, he, too, reciprocates. Your lips move fast, hand gestures flying theatrically, and he can’t hear a single thing. The Alpha Tauri driver snakes his hand to slip them off once again. “Having a g’day?”

“Best,” you beam. “Connection lost.”

taglist: @blueflorals @starmanv @coolio2195 @lovrsm @weekendlusting@chanshintien @brune77e @myownwritings @timmychalametsstuff @milasexutoire@alesainz @c-losur3 @darleneslane @togazzo @urfavnoirette @namgification @lpab @d3kstar @anniee-mr @nebarious

[queen-of-nightmare-16]

Can I request Warwick Vander and daughter reader where they reunite in Viktor sanctuary after Vander gets his memories back. She’s scared a bit, and the last time they spoke it was a huge fight and she said she hates him. And it’s Hurt/comfort.

GHOSTS | Vander/Warwick X Daughter Reader

CONTENT WARNINGS - Threat • Injury • Angst • Mention of death • Comfort • Season 2 Spoilers! • Reunions

PAIRING: Vander/Warwick X Fem Daughter Reader

SUMMARY: you were Vander’s daughter and forced to leave the Undercity after your family’s deaths. Only to return when one of your companions needs healing from a mysterious herald and you realises ghosts do exist?

WORD COUNT: 2.9K

——————————————————————————

“You sure this guy can help?” You asked your second in command.

Rek’yr, a large powerful white bear Vastaya, crossed his arms over his broad chest glancing back to the rest of your crew. “It’s all I’ve heard recently. Shimmer addicts, crippled children, all of them: back up on their feet, healed and better than ever,” he replied in a gruff voice, glancing down to one man in particular. “Could be Fink’s only chance”.

A grimace set on your face as you glanced down to the man in particular. Well, rather young lad. 17 and dumb as a bag of rocks but fiercely loyal and brave. Brave enough to stupidly take on a large Noxian warrior at a check point only to take a blade in the gut. No, matter what your healers did, he wasn’t getting better. Maybe the blade had been coated with a poison of some kind or it had nicked an artery, either way your people didn’t have the facilities or equipment necessary to check. Then you heard the rumour. A man -- or a herald -- that could heal anyone of any ailment.

There was no could about it. It was Fink last chance. The only problem it took you into the depths of the Undercity. A place you hadn’t called home for 8 years now. Ever since … that night.

Many people of the Undercity was shocked that when the Uprising ended in failure, the famed Hound of the Underground starting adopting children of the fallen. First the two daughters of one of his closest friends. Then two boys. But they always seemed to forget that he already had one by blood. You. It was a classic love story of the Lanes. Two dumb teens getting together and 9 months later another mouth to feed was born. There was no malice between your parents. They loved you equally, yet you lived with your mother as Vander was one of the leaders of the Uprising. Always said it would be too dangerous to stay with him. That was until she too fell that day on the bridge and Vander brought you home to The Last Drop. Your family had grown exponentially as did your responsibilities. Now the older sister to 4 new siblings.

But fate deemed your happy family was not to last.

“Hey, you still alright being here?” Rek’yr asked noticing your discomfort. “If it’s too much--“.

“I’ll be fine,” you lightly snapped, immediately feeling regret wash over you. “Sorry. Let’s … let’s just help Fink and get out of here”.

With your order, Reky’yr and another one of your crew picked up the stretcher carrying Fink and continued through the canyons. Following each curve and twist of the rock, until it came to an open area. More people of different varieties entering the compound, all with their own issues or injuries. It was more than a shock when you were greeted at the entrance by a familiar face. Huck. He seemed lighter, more content, less afraid. With weird white swirls to the right of his face, along with five prominent evenly spaced dots on his forehead.

“Dear Y/N, lovely to see you again,” he greeted politely with a bow of his head. Even after all these years, he still recognised you.

“Huck? Is that you?” You said almost speechless.

“Yes,” he nodded, his new watercolored eyes glancing over your shoulder to spot your companions. “In need of help?”.

“Y-yeah. My friend, he’s been stabbed,” you explained, waving Rek’yr forwards. Huck stared somewhat blankly down at Fink, his face covered in a sheet of sweat. “Your healer … can he fix him?”.

“The Herald can help all,” Huck responded brightly before gazing at the glaive strapped to Rek’yrs back. “But I’m afraid your weapons must remain here. There are no weapons allowed in the commune”.

Your fingers twitched on the handle of your sword, uncertain but Finks pained coughs made your mind clear. Unsheathing the blade from its scabbard, you stabbed it into the ground and ordered the others to do the same. When almost all of your weapons sat before you, Huck stepped back and welcomed you inside.

“Just to the centre and you’ll find him there,” he informed, smile forming once more. You nodded in appreciation and took a step only for him to place a hand on your shoulder. “The rest of your family is here too”.

Your brows immediately furrowed. What did he mean? The only “family” you had left was Jinx and the two of you were now estranged ever since Silco chased you out of the Last Drop. With a tight gulp, the four of you entered. Rek’yr took the lead, offering Fink reassuring comments whilst you fell behind slightly, eyes wavering through the crown for a glimpse of blue hair. If Jinx was here it couldn’t have been for anything good. Upon staring behind you, you hadn’t noticed you strayed into someone’s path until you clipped their shoulder.

“Hey, watch it!” You immediately snapped, watching the black haired woman glare right back.

“You’re the one who walked into me you--” she started to snark only to fall short. Her blue eyes squinted, staring you up and down before a look of realisation dawned on her. “Y/N?!”.

Your nose twitched. “How do you…” you eyes drifted onto her left cheek. There was a small tattoo. And those eyes, they suddenly became very familiar.

“V-Vi?!” You stuttered.

“Oh Y/N!” She cried, wrapping her arms around your shoulders. You slow breaths heaved from your lips as they awkwardly wrapped around her waist. Vi let out a sigh of relief before pulling away, running a hand over your cheek. “You’re alive”.

“I’m alive?! You’re alive!” you retorted, taking her all in. She really wasn’t the same 15 year old kid you once knew. Now a woman grown, strong and formidable. The only thing that spun you off was the ridiculous black hair. “How? I- I thought you … I thought you died. With Mylo and Claggor and …”. You voice drifted off before you could say that painful word.

“No, I got arrested. I was in Stillwater for the last 7 years,” she explained sadly, her pleased gleam swiftly shifting into one of irritation. “Where the hell did you go?! You left Powder to Silco!”.

“Whoa, calm down! I didn’t want to leave but Silco didn’t exactly make it easy!” You snapped, shoving her hand from your shoulder. Like she knew. She had the benefit of a routine, even if it was inside the walls of a prison cell. You in the other hand had to live from one hour to the next, wondering if this one was when you’d meet your end. “Do you know what it was like? As far as I was aware you were all dead! You! The guys! Pa! Then Silco took the Last Drop, he nearly killed me and I had no one! I had to run!”.

Vi was stunted by your anger. Just as she had changed, so did you. Once a sweet 17 year old girl that happily worked pouring the odd drink at The Last Drop or delivering pints to patrons. Anything to help your father out whenever he needed it. “So … where did you go?” She asked.

“Bilgewater. Got a job, formed a crew and I swore I wasn’t gonna come back to Zaun but work lead me here. Then a friend of mine got stabbed so we need this herald to heal him.” you answered, stressfully pinching the bridge of your nose. With a huff your eyes turned back to her, looking her up and down. “Is he as good as they say? You look in good spirits”.

Vi glanced down at herself. “We’re not here for me,” she replied.

“‘We’? Who’s we? I-is Jinx here?” You question, receiving a nod as a reply. A snarky snarl grew on your lips. “Hmph, finally getting her head fixed is she?”.

“No. Look, this--” she started harshly but faltered. “… this might be hard to understand but don’t freak out”.

Her words were cautious like she was talking to a child, resting a comforting hand on your shoulder and rubbing it soothingly.

“Dad … dad’s alive”.

A sharp pain stabbed you in the chest at her words. That wasn’t possible. It couldn’t be possible. You could feel it bubbling in your chest, like your heart and your head was going to explode. The painful memories you had attempted to shut out came flooding back like a tidal wave. Your voice. His voice. They coiled in your head like a constricting snake.

“You can’t do this! They’ll throw you in Stillwater for good! You’ll never get out!”.

“It’ll only be for a few years. Vi’s just a kid, she shouldn’t be throwing her life away”.

“So it’s fine for you to throw yours?! You’re leaving me! Just like Ma did!”.

“I’m not. I don’t want to do this, but we both know it’s the only way. I need you protect the family now”.

Protect the family. What family? It would all end with him.

“You’ll understand why when you’re older”.

“No, I don’t think I will. Just know, that if you do this, I’ll always hate you”.

That sorrowful look in his grey eyes. It was the last thing you ever saw of your father.

“I’m sorry, little pup”.

A deep fury burned in your eyes as you glared at her. “Wow, and I thought Mylo was the cruel one out of us all!” You seethed through clenched teeth. If it was anyone else they would’ve already been knocked on their arse. You shoved her arm from your shoulder and took a step back. “I’m getting my friend healed and I’m getting out of here. Have a nice life Vi”.

“Y/N, I’m serious! Why would I lie about this?!” She argued, grabbing you by the arm so you couldn’t walk away. “Vander’s the one we’re getting healed”.

Once again your heart clenched. Rage and guilt battling it out for control. “H-he’s here? Where?”.

“In a greenhouse,” she gestured over to a small building just a short distance away. “I … I can take you to him if you want”.

Your breath was hitching, desperately fighting against a wave of tears that crept behind your eyes. “Y/N, you alright?” Rek’yrs voice called behind you. You turned to face him, noticing Fink and your other crew member a distance away; the so called herald gazing down at your injured friend.

“Rek’yr, see to Fink. I … I need to deal with something,” you softly ordered. The humanoid bear stared suspiciously between you and Vi for a second but nodded none the less.

“On it. You need me, holla. I’ll come running,” he offered. The two of you shared a gentle smile before he marched away. Inhaling deeply, you huffed and turned back to Vi.

“Take me to him”.

The two of you walked together, you palms becoming clammy at you growing nervousness. But not at the near impossibility of his survival; rather at his potential anger towards you. Did he know of all that happened after he was taken by Silco? Or that you failed his last request. Or maybe, would he be mad at your last harsh words to him. It was pathetic; childish.

Before you had even realised, you both stood in front the door to the greenhouse. Your fingers nervously twitched behind your back, seeking the leather bound handle of the dagger you had hidden under your corset for comfort.

“Y/N, you need to know … he-- he’s not the same as he was before. He’s different, like really different,” Vi warned, her hand hesitating on the door handle.

“He’s my father. I want to see him,” you firmly stated. Vi sighed and finally opened the door. She crept in first; slow and cautious. Which confused you. You swiftly followed, standing by her side as the room was painted in a slight darkness.

“Vander?” Vi called out once you closed the door behind you. Your desperate eyes squinted, trying to peak through the foliage to spot him. That’s when a large shadow shifted behind a fountain, your brows furrowing as a baby blue eye stared through the leafs. It wasn't his familia grey. And the sclera, it was black. Fear crept up you spine as the head turned, the blue eye joined by a green one. The plants shook, your eyes doubling as a large paw-like hand planted itself on the ground. Another followed, this one modified with large metallic claws and obvious signs of chem-technology. Your lips curved into a horrified sneer at the sight of a mouth full of fangs, its large ears twitching in curiosity as it revealed itself.

“Vi, what the fuck?!” You heaved, wrenching your blade free as it stepped closer; your heart pounding in terror.

“Y/N, just calm down,” she begged, standing defensively in front of the beast. The fear in your eyes, it made the creature jump and shrink away. As if it was ashamed to scare you, like it wanted to hide in itself. “Just … just look at him. It’s him,” she pleaded.

How could it be him? Your father was a man, not this. Not some monster of creation. But the way it held your gaze, the way a parent would a child. It was unsettling; unnerving. It struck you to your core. The blade glimmered in the light as your hand shook unsteadily. Yet it made no attempt to threaten you. As you took a step forward so did the beast. The knife felt heavy, its comfort becoming unwanted. Taking a shaky breath you stepped closer, Vi slowly shuffling to the side so there was nothing between you two.

Tears built up behind you eyes, your head tilting upwards as it stood over you. Its eyes soft and longing. “P-Pa?” You spoke. Its pawed hand rose up causing you to shudder slightly. Every instinct in your body was screaming at you to run, to attack and protect yourself but you were frozen in a mixture of fear and intrigue. Its hand hovered just before your face until one of its clawed fingers gently tucked a lock of hair that had come loose behind your ear, grazing your cheek before it pulled away. Just like he always used to do before.

By the gods, how was this possible. “Vi, can you give us a moment,” you asked, your voice somewhat frail. Your sister nodded and swiftly left. Now, it was just you two. Alone.

“So it really is you. After all this time,” you uttered, taking him all in. He had always seemed larger than life when you were younger but now he truly was. “How is this even possible?”.

Vander glanced down at himself, though he wished he could he was unable to voice an answer. But it wasn’t like he wanted to give your the gory details that had suddenly came back thanks to Viktor’s healing either.

Your nose twitched at his silence, as did an old familia anger that had been bottled up for so long resurfacing as well. “What did you expect of me? What, did you think I could look after them without you?!” You hissed, your hands coming up to stressfully scrunch your hair. By the gods, this was insane. This was too much. “I needed you!”.

Vanders eyes bulged slightly, mildly taken back by your burst of anger. Your body trembled in hysteria as you took a few steps away.

“You just had to go and be the damn hero! Vi was a kid b-but the Council would’ve gone easy on her! Whilst you! You lead the uprising! You never would’ve seen the light of day again!” You yelled, throwing the knife across the room where it became embedded in the wall far away from him.

Seething breath after breath, you marched back towards him; despair blending with anguish. Your hands came up to shove him but you found it was like punching a brick wall. He hardly moved, nor did he attempt to stop you; allowing you to vent. “This isn’t right! NONE OF THIS IT RIGHT! You coming back after 8 years, looking like this! It doesn’t change anything!” You bawled, growing more frustrated by the second. Hot tears burned behind your eyes, desperately trying to break free.

“I still hate you!” You screeched, your fist coming up to slam against his broad chest. ‘No, I don’t,’ your brain screamed. ‘I hate myself’.

Vander barely budged at your pounding fists. “This doesn’t change anything! This doesn’t make anything better! No better!”.

Your voice cracked, hands becoming stagnant upon his chest; unable to fight anymore as his large arm wrap around you. “No, fu-cking better”.

You could feel his breath tussle your hair as he tugged you close, his nose resting on the crown of your head. So gentle, even at this monstrous size. A low grumble reached your ears. It was rough but nonthreatening. His words slow yet heartfelt. “I … missed you … little pup,” he whispered softly.

All your resolve broke, the damns in your eyes breaking with a cascade of tears poured down you cheeks. Your clenched fists fell open and latched around his waist, pulling him to you as tightly as you could. The shame and regret you once felt for not holding him close that night slowly faded away. You face became buried in his chest, sobs shuddering past you lips. As did a tiny breathless laugh. It was swift. This feeling was one you hadn’t truly felt in years.

Happiness. He was here, alive. Home.

“I missed you too, Pa”.

——————————————————————————

Hey, I wrote some more! Sorry, to the requester if this felt like a long time since you asked. I don’t have the luxury to have Christmas off like other jobs, oh the joys of hospitality! Anyway, I hope this was what you desired.

I don’t know if I’ll do more requests in the future but, who knows. I might feel generous. Have a Happy New Year y’all!

[addsalwayssick]

“Harry, let’s go!” James said, kissing his husband on the cheek and grabbing Harry’s breakfast, which he’ll eat in the car.

Harry, who was incredibly small for his age, and just silly, had a piece of toast stuffed in his big cheeks.

Regulus kissed him back, and gave a small hug to Harry.

James picked Harry up, and put him in his car seat. “You going to have a good day?” James asked Harry as they were driving there.

“Yep!” Harry said, clapping his hand. James couldn’t tell if he was excited or if he was signing. They were trying to teach Harry sign because Remus was deaf, and they wanted them to be able to communicate.

Harry smiled, so James assumed it meant excited. They drove, with James looking back at Harry to make sure he was ok every few minutes.

“What’re you going to do today, Bud?” James asked, smiling at Harry in the mirror.

“Draw. Today we’re learning how to use watercolors!” Harry said.

“That’s good. Maybe now you won’t always be making a mess when you use Papas’.” James teased.

Harry, at the bright age of 6, let out a distinctly teenager sound. James smiled at him and continued to drive.

Eventually, they got to the school, in which James got Harry out of the car and put his school bag on his back.

James held Harry’s hand all the way to the door, where there was a plethora of parents waiting for their kids to be let in.

James was no stranger to being flirted with, nor did he engage with it, so today was no different. A mom left her son with another mom and sauntered over to James. “I can’t get over how cute Harry is! He matches his father!” She said, winking.

James smiled politely. “He’s just like his mum. Of course, he spends every other week at her house. She’s influenced him quite a bit. I’d rather him be like her than me I suppose.”

“I bet you were a little troublemaker growing up.”

James nodded and started to say that he was, in fact a troublemaker, when they all got let in.

And that was the routine.

Every morning, he got up, drove Harry, had a;

“Look how darling you two are together. It’d be nice to get a little dinner together to talk about them, right?” Another mom had asked James.

James really needed to start appreciating Bells more often. They saved him too much.

He smiled apologetically and waved Harry inside.

Every morning.

Wake up

Get Harry

Drive him

Get flirted with

Smile politely

Leave.

Every morning.

Until, he got sick at some point. It wasn’t anything too dreadful, just the flu. His nose was red and he was pretty congested.

Regulus kissed his forehead, which was burning up. “I’ll take Harry today, love. Then i’ll be back to take care of you.”

“Ok, love you.” James said, rather sleepily.

“I love you too.”

So Regulus got Harry in the car, drove there, and waited to be let in.

A mom came up to him with a confused, and almost hateful look in her eyes. “Where James.” She asked, though it sounded more like a cold statement.

“Ah, he’s sick.”

“With what.”

“The flu.” Regulus said simply.

“And who are you?” The mom asked harshly.

“Sorry?” Regulus asked, confused.

“Who are you?” The mom repeated, her voice more aggressive.

“Regulus?” He said, though it came out as more of a question.

“Are you his brother?” The mom asked Regulus, her arms crossed on her chest.

“Who’s?” Regulus was terribly confused.

“James’s.”

Regulus thought before letting out a started laugh. “Me? No. I’m his husband.”

The mom looked positively offended, scoffing away from both Harry and Regulus.

Harry looked up at Regulus with big confused eyes, to which Regulus shrugged.

_________________________

bit of a throwback but i quite liked this from back when i wrote it <3 xoxo

[coopers-hand]

your 6H and how you find comfort

TLDR: our 6H is responsible for our day to day lives, including our habits and routine. one thing about those is that through these repetitive actions people find the sense of familiarity, stability and comfort. the position of the ruler of this house will show you areas through which you may find this comfort❤️‍🩹 to gain more insight, look at the signs of both 6H and it’s ruler, as well as to your Moon and virgo-pisces axis! ٩(^‿^)۶

~ the position of your 6H ruler and how you find your sense of comfort

1H: pampering oneself, being pretty and comfy, and being well fed and having walked on their little walk, and their skin is moisturized and their nails are groomed — these people need to take care of themselves and their own body to feel comforted🍃

2H: those people may be the type of ppl that have their emotional support stuffed animal, or sweater, or coffee mug — anything, actually, that they can hold and touch and that has some physical weight to it. they may sleep with plushies and wear the same mittens their mom knitted for them centuries ago🧶☕️

3H: escaping to the books, movies, series, etc. — these ppl find the most comfort in stories and ways people share their thoughts with the world ✏️ so they may have their comfort piece of media that they keep coming back again and again

4H: sense of comfort is brought through the feeling of home and passed childhood. the perfume of their mother? that one sandwich they’ve been eating since they turned 5? that one pair of socks knitted by their grandma? you tell me 🥹 || I have my 6H ruler in here, and I find comfort in eating the same breakfast my mom was cooking for me when I was at school, so yeah…

5H: hobbies!! those people may be the ones that have been doing the same thing since childhood, like they’ve always been drawing with crayons, or collecting stickers, or crafting, or making little silly songs with their old electronic piano. they may find comfort in their old creative supplies, in their ancient watercolors they bought like in 7th grade, or in that one song that makes they soul dance itself out

6H: regime!! those people need to have their own familiar structure of life, even if this structure doesn’t make sense for everybody else. they need their morning walks, they need their sunday movie nights with that one person, they need to do this exact type of exercise bc it’s important for them and only they will get it.

7H: those people are about lifelong relationships, they may be one of the most devoted partners you can find. they find comfort in people they’ve been with since forever, they are feeling sure and good and comfy around their best friend that they’ve known for 20 years, that they’ve grown up with and that they share almost all of their life experiences with👭

8H: those people need their alone time. they need their sacred space, their little castle that nobody can invade and make them put on a human suit again. they find comfort in knowing that there’s completely no one around so that they can be so much and unapologetically alone and themselves.

9H: those people are the greatest optimists, that will not let the humanity destruct itself in the storm of hate and pessimism. those people always know that there’s hope, that the world is a good place to be in, that there’s joy and love and laughter and cool people and also little animals and big animals and flowers and so much more!! I love them so much omg sorry but those people literally save the world by finding their own sense of comfort😭

10H: another type of people that need the structure, but, on the contrary with 6H fellas, this is kind of an external structure. it may be a literal social institute that provides them with it (e.g. school, work, gym membership, language clubs??), or a kind of style of living that they accept to follow. those people may find comfort in knowing that they have their life together, in knowing what will happen tomorrow🏹

11H: those people crave the sense of belonging. they need to know that they are not alone in this world, that there’s at least another person on Earth that can say ‘hey! im here! I know how you feel’. the greatest sense of comfort for those people is knowing that they are understood.

12H: hello my lovely existentialists 🥰 for these people comfort may look like something unattainable, bc they are prone to existential dread every working day and holidays included. however, the sense of comfort is attained through daydreaming, sleeping and meditating — and also other 1000000 things that can be linked to sleep. I also have noticed that those people may need more sleep than others to stay healthy. so, remember — it’s not that the world hates you, maybe you just had very little sleep in the night💤

[disenchantedif]

Oh my god, what if MC has issues regarding V-day because they and Luci used to do something really sappy and cute for it? So now seeing all the happy couples just makes them really upset/angry?

Lucien

You sigh, tossing your bag on the counter. Theo is still in class until this evening, so you have until then to stew. It’s stupid to hate Valentine’s Day so much, but you can’t help it. It a reminder of everything you once had, the life you lived before it all went to shit.

The last time you spent this day with anyone was Lucien. Lucien, who you had made homemade pizzas with and sat out on the balcony, watching the stars with only your shared body heat to keep you warm.

After you became Unchosen, after Lucien had left you, maybe you became a bit jaded toward the holiday. You once looked forward to it with sappy naïveté, and now you dreaded the memories it would dredge up.

Even now, with you and Lucien almost fully made up, you couldn’t stand seeing all the happy couples and hearts and love bullshit everywhere. It just…hurt. It hurt, and that made you angry.

Leaning on the counter, you contemplate ordering take out and just going straight to bed when there’s a knock on your door. It’s soft, hesitant, almost like the person on the other side kind of hopes you won’t come to the door.

You do, though. You pull it open and there stands the object of both your ire and yearning.

“Hey,” He says, sheepish, his wings twitching with his anxiety, “I wasn’t sure if I should come over…”

“You can come over whenever,” You say, your voice gentle despite your foul mood for the day.

After everything the both of you have been through, you don’t have it in yourself to cruel to him. Not even today, when the wound in your heart is raw and bleeding. You both have been hurt far too much, by one another and Lucien’s parents and far too many others to list.

You don’t want him to hurt anymore, not after you’ve seen the disastrous results. Besides, hurting him would only wound you more in the end. You learned that lesson a long time ago.

“I just…” Lucien shifts on his feet, pulling something out of his bag, “I know this is all still new, and I wasn’t sure if it would even be appreciated, but…here.”

It’s a canvas, you realize. He flips it over as he hands it to you, revealing a portrait of yourself done in watercolor. You’re smiling, a light flush of pink highlighting your cheeks, a golden yellow wash surrounding you as if he’d pictured you bathed in sunlight.

You take the painting with trembling hands, your wide eyes finding his.

“It’s not a lot,” He say softly, “But I…it’s my favorite painting I’ve done in a long time.”

It is a lot, though. It’s everything. You take a step inside to set the painting down gently on the counter before turning back to him. You take his hand and lead him inside, enthralled with the way he looks at you like you hung the stars in tonight’s sky.

“We can order pizza,” You suggest, closing the door behind him, “Watch a movie. I’ll probably fall asleep.”

“I don’t care if you use me as a pillow,” He says softly.

Four Valentine’s Days apart, wasted, and you probably should be angry about it. You were just moments ago. As you sit beside him on the couch, his curls tickling your neck as he rests his head atop yours, you find it hard to hold on to that anger. Perhaps you’d be happier if you let it go.

Dark brown eyes glance down at you, warm and utterly taken, and you decide that you’ll move on. For yourself, and for Lucien. It’s what the both of you deserve after so many years of suffering.

Lucia

You sigh, tossing your bag on the counter. Theo is still in class until this evening, so you have until then to stew. It's stupid to hate Valentine's Day so much, but you can't help it. It a reminder of everything you once had, the life you lived before it all went to shit.

The last time you spent this day with anyone was Lucia. Lucia, who you had made homemade pizzas with and sat out on the balcony, watching the stars with only your shared body heat to keep you warm.

After you became Unchosen, after Lucia had left you, maybe you became a bit jaded toward the holiday. You once looked forward to it with sappy naïveté, and now you dreaded the memories it would dredge up.

Even now, with you and Lucia almost fully made up, you couldn't stand seeing all the happy couples and hearts and love bullshit everywhere.

It just...hurt. It hurt, and that made you angry.

Leaning on the counter, you contemplate ordering take out and just going straight to bed when there's a knock on your door. It's soft, hesitant, almost like the person on the other side kind of hopes you won't come to the door.

You do, though. You pull it open and there stands the object of both your ire and yearning.

“Hey,” She says, sheepish, her wings twitching with her anxiety, “I wasn't sure if I should come over.”

“You can come over whenever,” You say, your voice gentle despite your foul mood for the day.

After everything the both of you have been through, you don't have it in yourself to cruel to her. Not even today, when the wound in your heart is raw and bleeding. You both have been hurt far too much, by one another and Lucia’s parents and far too many others to list.

You don't want her to hurt anymore, not after you've seen the disastrous results. Besides, hurting her would only wound you more in the end. You learned that lesson a long time ago.

“I just…” Lucia shifts on her feet, pulling something out of her bag, “I know this is all still new, and I wasn't sure if it would even be appreciated, but…here.”

It's a canvas, you realize. She flips it over as she hands it to you, revealing a portrait of yourself done in watercolor. You're smiling, a light flush of pink highlighting your cheeks, a golden yellow wash surrounding you as if she'd pictured you bathed in sunlight.

You take the painting with trembling hands, your wide eyes finding hers.

“It's not a lot,” She say softly, “But I...it's my favorite painting l've done in a long time.”

It is a lot, though. It's everything. You take a step inside to set the painting down gently on the counter before turning back to her. You take her hand and lead her inside, enthralled with the way she looks at you like you hung the stars in tonight's sky.

“We can order pizza" You suggest, closing the door behind her, "Watch a movie. l'll probably fall asleep.”

“| don't care if you use me as a pillow,” She says softly.

Four Valentine's Days apart, wasted, and you probably should be angry about it. You were just moments ago. As you sit beside her on the couch, her curls tickling your neck as she rests her head atop yours, you find it hard to hold on to that anger. Perhaps you'd be happier if you let it go.

Dark brown eyes glance down at you, warm and utterly taken, and you decide that you'll move on. For yourself, and for Lucia. It's what the both of you deserve after so many years of suffering.

[thatndginger]

I made a powerpoint presentation for The Runaway. I tried to make it comic sans, I swear, but Temperance refused to cooperate. Anyway, I realized I haven't talked about this Shapeshifter project nearly as much, so a formal introduction is in order.

@sunset-a-story @touloserlautrec @ceph-the-ghost-writer @illyriashade56 I hope you guys don't mind that I borrowed your tags and comments, but they made me happy cry to read💙💙

Transcription for each slide under the cut.

A powerpoint presentation comprised of ten slides. Each slide has a faint background image of a watercolor painting depicting a foggy pine forest.

[SLIDE ONE]

thatndginger presents:

The Runaway A Shapeshifter story

also known as: the story that got me anon hate from a jaded ex-friend who co-wrote the original version, then got mad that I kept writing after she cut me out of her life with no explanation :D

[SLIDE TWO]

THE PREMISE

Temperance Maddox does a runner

ok but seriously, the title of the story is the plot: a shifter [Temperance] runs away from certain traumatic events and ends up stranded in middle-of-nowhere Wyoming

where he’s rescued by a quiet, kind single dad [Dean] with a ~mysterious past~, an adorably rude six year old [Kate], an empty room, and seemingly infinite patience for Temperance’s terrible attitude

Temperance is a totally mature and reasonable adult who absolutely does not argue with the six year old and engage in petty name calling with her

Temperance will also never fall for the man who rescued him. It’s not like he’s going to stick around long enough to even consider it. Right?

everyone involved questions why Dean bothered taking this guy in when he’s a

capital-P Problem - even to himself. Dean is not taking questions at this time

[SLIDE THREE]

alright let’s break this down tier-style

Tier One - The POV Characters: Dean Matthews & Temperance Maddox

dueling POVs are always fun in a romance-centric story, right?

ok neither of these two would shut up so they both get POVs so I can get some sleep

Tier Two - The Important Side Characters: Kate Matthews & Talia Salwood

one is dependent on their father and the other is just plain nosy, so they’re almost always around in one way or another

Tier Three - The Supporting Cast: the residents of Kilnora Falls

there’s a nonbinary mechanic, the mechanic’s Australian vampire partner, a witch that runs a coffee shop, forest rangers, well-meaning grandmas, and distrustful neighbors

imagine one of those small-town romcom background casts and you’re probably close. except most of these background characters are witches, vampires, or shifters

[SLIDE FOUR]

Image ID: in the top right corner of the slide is a digital drawing of Temperance Maddox in a side profile view. He has short black hair, pale skin, and sharp features. His expression could be called confident, contemptuous, or amused. There is a simple sketched outline of a fox just behind and in front of his face.

Temperance Maddox he/him - 22 - fox shifter

the most pathetic drowned rat of a man you’ll ever meet

can and will cuss you out in multiple languages (he only knows the swear words)

if you can get him to stop saying ‘fuck’ every other word he’s surprisingly well-spoken

a city boy born and raised in Moressau, Washington

he’s got worse manners and emotional intelligence than the literal six year old

desperately in need of a long nap, a strong hug, and a lot of therapy. and maybe some kisses

would rather gouge his eyes out than admit any of the above

somehow a fan favorite among readers? I don’t understand that at all but I’m glad y’all love my terrible son?

[SLIDE FIVE]

Image ID: in the top right corner of the slide is a digital drawing of Dean Matthews in a side profile view. He has long-ish brown hair, tan skin, and is missing the tip of his left ear. His expression is neutral but has the slightest hint of a smile. There is a simple sketched outline of a coyote just behind and in front of his face.

Dean Matthews he/him - 32 - coyote shifter

heavy on the Romance Protagonist vibes (the good kind, not the weird heteronormative kind)

has lots of feelings but cannot for the life of him figure out how to show them on his face

tries to be a good dad, kind of a pushover and would bend over backwards to keep his daughter happy

is a carpenter by trade, and always willing to help out around town when things need fixing

the kind of tragic backstory character that sneaks up on you, because how can such a decent guy have a tragic past?

would very much like to have a quiet, simple life in his quiet, far-from-simple mountain town but things just keep happening to him

did I mention he has a bit of a southern drawl? and can play the guitar?

[SLIDE SIX]

Image ID: in the top right corner of the slide is a digital drawing of Kate Matthews in a front-facing view. She has long and curly red hair, darkly tanned skin, and yellow eyes with slit pupils. There are freckles on her face that are grouped in stripe-like patterns. Around her neck is a necklace with green and white crystals. She is looking off to one side with a solemn but curious expression.

Kate Matthews she/her - 6 - half-fae

unreasonably cute for a being who’s part uncanny-valley-made-of-magic creature

not blood related to Dean, but try telling her that

too young for anyone to tell if she’ll end up more fae-like or more human, but who cares? she’s adorable

has to wear a special necklace when she’s not at home to keep her innate magic in check. no one wants the little kid to have a tantrum and set the mercantile on fire

thinks her dad is the coolest thing in the world, especially when he turns into a coyote

thinks Temperance smells funny and is a rude meanie

personal space is not a concept she understands around those she likes. will bite anyone she doesn’t like who tries to touch her. watch out, her teeth are sharper than they look

thinks fairy tales are stupid, because real fae are scary and mean

[SLIDE SEVEN]

The Setting

middle of nowhere town in the western mountains of Wyoming

the town is called Kilnora Falls and there are exactly 521 people living there

more than half the population is some kind of supernatural, the majority being shifters and witches

everyone knows that faeries are real, that they’re incredibly dangerous, and that no one’s seen a true fae in almost a decade since the old faerie door beneath the waterfall collapsed

there is a very strong distrust of strangers among the residents of the Falls. They don’t see many strangers, and not many people who grew up there choose to leave

this setting started as an inside joke between me and my partner because he grew up in that part of Wyoming and I think it’s hilarious to tease him about it. Now it’s its own thing with regional holidays and a whole map and everything

[SLIDE EIGHT]

Image ID: on the left side of the slide is a digital drawing of a map depicting Kilnora Falls. It is in a simple style, with the buildings depicted as simple white shapes. The town sits on a small river and is surrounded on all sides by thick forests and tall mountains. 'Kilnora Falls' is written in the bottom left corner, while a scale and compass are depicted in the top left corner.

look! a map! imagine steep mountains all around, because would rather cut my foot off than draw contour lines

average weather conditions lean towards ‘cold’ - summer highs hang around the 70's. winter lows can get down nearly to -40. bring your coats, kids!

the entire town is less than one square mile in size

all the businesses in town are open 24 hours a day so that the nocturnal residents can still use their services. which means the bar is open 24 hours a day.... oh boy

the nearest ‘city’ is almost two hours away (Wyoming’s biggest town only has 65,000 people guys, the quotation marks are justified)

most people who are born here don’t leave, or if they do for school or work or whatever, they come back

[SLIDE NINE]

TROPES, MEMES, AND THEMES

y’all know I can’t resist a good meme sesh, so without further ado, here’s a mish-mash of tumblr-approved silliness for The Runaway

grumpy x sunshine pairings

domestication arcs

pathetic little meow meows

hot handymen

cute romance moments

tragic backstories

Image ID: a meme variation of the "Gru's Plan" meme. In it, Gru is labeled as 'Dean'. The first section reads "see someone stranded on the side of the road. The second section reads "stop to help. The third and fourth sections read "be verbally assaulted by an angry twink".

Image ID: a meme variation of the "Flex Tape" meme. The man slapping the tape is labeled as 'Temperance'. The tank spewing water is labeled as "trauma induced nightmares. The flex tape is labeled as "don't sleep ever".

Image ID: a meme variation of the "Schoolbus Hit By Train" meme. The schoolbus is labeled as "a wall around your emotions you've spent most of your life building". The train is labeled as "Dean Matthews".

Image ID: a meme variation of the "Bernie Sanders Asking" meme. Bernie is labeled as 'Kate'. The subtitled text reads "I am once again asking why the stranger dad found smell weird. And acts like a big mean pinecone." The line "and never says 'please' or 'thank you' is partially cut off at the bottom of the image.

[SLIDE TEN]

some comments from my lovely friends who have read The Runaway, because they make me happy and if published books get to put endorsement quotes on their covers, why can’t I do the same with my little powerpoint?

"#highly recommend you follow for the absolute bangers of stories you'll find here"

"#askjkdhd look at Temperance's sweet dumb little face #Dean looks like the type of guy who'd pick up a rude stranger #on the side of the road"

"Oh I can already tell Temperance is gonna be my favorite poor little meow meow I adore him."

"#good on you for writing on company time #me [handshake emoji] Dean #<- not being fooled by Temperance's tough guy act one bit #I want to wrap him in a blanket like the feral kitten he is #or maybe talk to him like Sam from Vampire Therapist #'Woah there fella. Easy now. Ain't no one gonna hurt ya. That's right...nice protagonist...'"

"#efojweojfoe love this whole shapeshifter thing giving tem a heart attack #also the way this playing scene is described? idk it flows so neatly and pleasant to read"

"#i can't wait #Dean is dreamy"

[beelsbignaturals]

What is the perfect birthday gift MC can give to the brothers, in your opinion?

🎂 BIRTHDAY DEMONS🎉

Lucifer hates surprises. Probably because anytime someone "surprises" him, it's almost always his brothers fucking shit up catastrophically. But… he does have a soft spot for you. If you are insisting on surprising him with something nice for his birthday just… promise you won't give him more gray hair, okay? Honestly, just keep it simple. Get the other six out of the house, set up a cute candlelit dinner, grab some demonus and you are all set! If you really want to go all out, that coveted factory tour to top it all off would be very much appreciated.

As much as Mammon would be so down to be a sugar baby… he really doesn't want you to spend your life's savings just to get him a gift. I mean, if it's from you, it's worth more than its weight in gold in his eyes. I think Mammon is the type to keep absolutely everything you give him. Tickets from when you went to the movies, a rock you found that you claim matches his eyes, one of those weird spider rings from an arcade. You get the point. He is absolutely whipped. So yeah, something nice would be cool. But he would treasure a handmade card or jewelry just as much, if not more. Simply because it's from you.

I think Leviathan would really appreciate something that ties in to one of his interests but isn't super obvious. Like, of course, everyone gets him Ruri Chan or TSL merch. But something from an anime he showed you once or twice means a lot to him but doesn't have a huge fan base? Levi would cry. Because it means you really do listen to his endless rambles. It's more about the fact you care, that you don't tune him out, rather than what the gift itself is. 

Take Satan to a used bookstore. You can hold hands while walking through a maze of dubiously organized bookshelves, your pinkies linked together while you browse. Let the fourth born pick out a new book or two. If you want to be extra as hell (pun intended), go the extra mile and get him a cat plushie. Preferably with a green bow wrapped around its neck. It's a guarantee that you will soon find Satan and Catan curled up with a book and some tea. He won't let anyone else know it, but Catan is his most prized possession now.

Asmodeus would absolutely love something romantic. Maybe a simple locket. Heart-shaped and rose gold with a picture of the two of you inside. Preferably a photo where you guys look goofy. Perhaps from one of your spa nights, when you were covered in homemade face masks (that Beel had taste tested…) Or, if you want to go old school, a lock of your hair instead. Something that shows the love you feel for him, as opposed to lust.

This is 100% inspired by the Devilgram where Beelzebub teaches you how to snowboard, but.. I honestly think Beel would be the type of person who prefers an experience over a physical gift. And I'm sure the Devildom has some sort of magic ski resort that is always snowy. So why not spend a day snowboarding with Beel?! You can hit the slopes early and then grab some hot chocolate together, sitting inside by a fire until you can feel your fingers again. End the day with an impromptu snowball fight that leaves you breathless, the cold air stinging your lungs as you both collapse on the ground laughing.

I think Belphegor would appreciate something like one of those paintings of what the night sky looked like on an important date. Like maybe your birthday, or the day you first climbed the stairs to the attic, or your first date. Something like that. A gorgeous watercolor background with an exact chart of what the night sky looked like that day, a moment frozen in time. He would keep it right near his bed so it's the first thing he sees every morning. It makes getting up less awful.

[woodandwaxwings]

Behind Blue Eyes

"He couldn't help but look at him and search for those familiar blue eyes he had come to love only for them to be not there, for doe brown eyes to be in the place of his favorite watercolor blues."

Warnings: PTSD attack towards the end. loosely described though.

(masterlist) (next)

Y/n sighed as the bus he was taking stopped outside Jericho's bus stop. Now he had to commit to leaving Florida and the other peculiars he had grown up with, went to war with. Now he was in Vermont in a small town nobody but peculiars and outcasts would give more than half a shit about. Y/n smiled as 'you can tell she's a princess' from some Barbie movie he had never bothered to watch came from his phone, garnering odd looks as he picked up the phone. "Hey, Claire. I see you've finally learned how a phone works." Claire laughed on the other end, "Shut up! Are you there yet?" Y/n could almost imagine her twisting the honey-blonde curls she let grow out between her fingers. "I just got off the bus in Jericho. Do you know how far Vermont is from Florida? Really far." Y/n walked down the streets of Jericho, probably looking like he had just escaped an old film with his luggage bag he'd had since 1939 before being sent off to Miss Peregrine it was garnered in stickers Abe had sent with his letters to Emma. His outfit didn't help much despite Jake taking him shopping not long after arriving in Florida. With his flare jeans and corduroy jacket, he looked like someone had let one of the characters from That 70s Show loose in a mall. And his tattoos of course didn't help the strangers in small town Jericho from staring.

"How's school in Florida?" Y/n asked Claire as he entered a small coffee shop. After all the traveling, he was thirsty and tired and could go for some coffee. "Oh my bird, it's awesome! I've made so many friends..." He let Claire rant as he ordered a coffee from a long-haired brunette boy behind the counter. Y/n smiled and gave the boy a "thank you," as he handed him his coffee. He heard someone yell at Claire over the phone as he set down in a booth facing the entrance of the coffee shop. "Hey, Y/n, I gotta go. I'll talk to you later, ok? Remember, don't be weird. Mwah," He smiled as he shut off his phone after she hung up and drank his coffee to regain the energy he had lost from the travel. "Where'd you come from?" Y/n looked up from his coffee to see another brunette boy with short hair. "Florida," Y/n spoke, her German accent pushing through his words making the boy laugh as he sat across from him uninvited. "Diese Schlampe,"(this bitch) Y/n murmured to himself. "Doesn't sound like it," The boy across from him said.

Y/n rolled his eye as he looked at the clock, "Ich habe keine Zeit dafür."(I don't have time for this) He said as he stood up and grabbed his bag, the boy across from him standing as well. "No seriously, where'd you come from." "Germany, then Wales, then Florida." He said as he pushed passed the boy in front of him, leaving the coffee shop and the annoying boy behind. He had only been there for about 30 minutes and he was already starting to hate this town, but a promise is a promise. He watched a different bus stop at the bus stop and several kids in uniforms exit. He knew he was supposed to get on that bus but as he looked for the driver's eyes, only for them to be concealed by dark sunglasses he decided right then it would be a better idea to walk to Nevermore. He'd take possible haunted woods over wights any day. He began to walk in the direction that the bus had come from, his fingers shaking as he had to turn his back to the man, mentally preparing himself to trigger his peculiarity hollows be damned.

"Well, look who decided to step out of the 40s." Y/n turned on his heels as he recognized the voice from behind him. "Yoko, hallo." She and the girl on her side walked up to him. "Was machst du in Jericho?" (What are you doing in Jericho) She asked him. Y/n vaguely remembered Yoko from his early years in the children's home before it became his loop. Her fathers were friends with Miss Peregrine. "Wieso bist du nicht tot?"(How are you not dead) She asked as she looked him over, noticing that he was 17 and not 13 or dirt. "The library is gone." He answered in English, noticing Yoko's companion's confusion. "It's real?" Y/n shrugged, "Was real." Yoko noticed his eyes darting back to the bus behind them. "Er ist ein Mensch." (he is human.) Yoko said and watched as his shoulders relaxed. "Benutzen Sie den Bus. (use the bus) It's faster than walking." Y/n nodded as he walked past them and got on the bus. "Another bus ride," Y/n thought to himself as he sat down and the bus began made its way back to Nevermore.

"Sorry for scarin' ya' kid." Y/n looked away from the window and to the bus driver. "You're not the first peculiar kid to try walkin' to Nevermore instead of getting on my bus." Y/n nodded, "Sorry for assuming." The bus driver shook his head as he stopped at the school, "Never apologize for being safe." Y/n nodded as he got off the bus, "Thanks for the ride." The bus driver nodded, "Just doin' my job." Y/n gave the man a smile as he walked through the front entrance of Nevermore. He sighed. If only Victor was here with him if only this was 20 years ago. "if only"s could go on forever, but here he was alone. "Hi," He looked down at the boy who spoke to him. "Hi," He looked the young boy up and down, he could only be about 14. "I'm Eugene Ottinger, peculiar. Principal Weems thought you would be more comfortable with one of us leading you around, and I was the only one available." Y/n nodded as he ranted he reminded him a lot of Millard. "I heard you came from a loop. Is that true? I've never been in a loop before. What can you do? I have a psychic connection to bees," Y/n followed behind him as the young boy guided him around the school. He suddenly stopped, "This is Weems's office. She'll get you enrolled and show you to your dorm." Y/n nodded as he knocked on the door, Eugene leaving him behind.

"You must be Y/n L/n." A tall blonde woman, who Y/n assumed was Principal Weems, said as she opened the door. "Come in," She pulled the door further open, letting him walk into her office. "Very rarely do we ever get peculiars here." Y/n nodded, "Most of us stick to loops instead of school." Weems nodded as she sat behind her desk. "School doesn't start for another 3 days so you should have plenty of time to get situated." She said as Y/n looked around her office. "Do I have to buy a uniform or are they provided?" Y/n asked as he finally sat down on the other side of her desk. "They are provided." Principal Weems set a paper down facing him, "You've already registered so no need for any mindless paperwork. I'll give you you uniform before showing you to your dorms and then your roommate can give you a tour of the school." Y/n nodded as Miss Weems stood and grabbed a purple box that was set off to the side. "Nevermore's welcome package," She said as she handed it to Y/n. "Shall I show you to your dorm room now?" She asked but it wasn't really a question as she opened the door to her office and gestured for him to exit.

"Nevermore prides itself on being a diverse learning environment for all of it's attendants." Weems began the welcome speech spiel. "You'll find that all of our outcasts intermingle well," Her words were said in a tone that screamed 'behave'. "And that is something our school would like to continue to pride itself on." Y/n nodded as she walked down the dormitory halls, "You'll be rooming with Ajax Petropolus." Weems said as she opened the door to one of the dorm rooms, "Who does not appear to be here," She mumbled under her breath as she let Y/n into the room. As Y/n set his suitcase and "welcome package" down on the bare twin bed on the right side of the dorm a boy rushed into the room. "Sorry," He said to both him and the principal as he fixed his beanie. "Hi, Ajax," He stuck his hand out for Y/n to shake and that's when he really got a look at him. Shit, he was screwed. The universe must hate him because he couldn't help but look at him and search for those familiar blue eyes he had come to love only for them to be not there, for doe brown eyes to be in the place of his favorite watercolor blues.

"Y/n," He finally said when he realized he was staring, hesitantly shaking his hand. "Cool," Ajax said, seemingly oblivious. "I'll leave you to get situated," Weems said as she left, shutting the door behind her. Y/n then stepped back and walked back to his side of the room, "What happened to your previous roommate?" He asked as he opened his luggage bag, placing the framed picture of him and Victor face down on his bedside table. "He graduated," Ajax said as he sat on his own bed. "So what's your deal?" Y/n paused in his unpacking, turning to face his roommate, "What?" Ajax shrugged, "Y'know, what's your thing? Are you a psychic? Werewolf?" Y/n nodded, "Oh. I'm peculiar." Ajax shrugged, "Well I wouldn't say peculiar, but you do dress a little weird." "Bist du dumm?" (Are you stupid?) Y/n asked as he shoved his clothes into the dresser drawer that also seemed to be a table. "Excuse me?" Ajax shook his head. "I'm peculiar, as in that's my thing." Ajax just gave him a confused stare. "Forget it. Aren't you supposed to give me a tour of the school or something?"

The gorgon shot up from his bed, "Right! Sorry, forgot." Y/n felt almost disoriented as he watched Ajax. Everything about him was exactly the same but so different to Victor, like the reflection in a distorted mirror came to life. "So this is one of four dormitory halls. There are two girls' dormitories and two boys' dormitories." Ajax begins as he exits the room, expecting Y/n to follow him and he does. "Nevermore was founded by Nathaniel Faulkner in 1791, the dormitories being added on in 1840 and were renovated in 1940." Y/n nodded as he followed Ajax down the stairs to the courtyard. "I'm not going to have to memorize any of this, am I?" Y/n watched as his brown eyes went wide like a deer in the headlights, "Huh? Oh, no. It's just a bunch of crap." Y/n looked around the courtyard to find it almost barren. "I figured there'd be more people here." Ajax looked over the courtyard as well, "Yeah, most people will be showing up tomorrow to get unpacked and stuff. Oh yeah, um, this is the courtyard. Mostly everyone eats their meals here." The two walked around the courtyard to an Edgar Allen Poe statue. "This is our statue in tribute to Edgar Allen Poe, I'm like 90% sure he was like an alumni."

"I don't give a shit about Edgar Allen Poe," Y/n said as he looked Ajax up and down. "Do we have to wear our uniforms all the time?" Ajax shrugged, "I mean most people tend to wear theirs while on campus." Y/n nodded. "So is that a no? yes?" The two stared at each other for a moment, and then a short blonde girl approached them. "Hey, Ajax!" She spoke excitedly. Both boys turn to face her as if being snapped out of a trance. "Oh hey, Enid. " Ajax looked between the two people in front of him. "Enid this is Y/n." HE pointed to Y/n and then pointed to Enid, "Y/n this is Enid. She's a werewolf." Y/n nodded and stuck his hand out for the girl to shake. Enid shakes his hand but doesn't let go of it. "Oh my gosh!" She turns his hand over so the back of his hand is facing upward. "I love your tattoo! Is it real?" Y/n could practically imagine a tail wagging behind her. "Yeah. A friend of mine chose it for me. She said to just use my peculiarity with it whenever I miss her."

Ajax furrows his brows as he leans to look at the thickly lined butterfly. "What can you do?" He and Enid asked almost in sync. Y/n smiled a cheeky smile as he placed his other hand over the top of the one Enid still had a tight grip on. "Wach auf."(Wake up) He whispered before removing his hand to reveal a live black and white butterfly sitting on his hand where the tattoo was. Enid giggled as the butterfly flew up to her nose, following Y/n's eyes as he mentally guided it. "Cool," Enid mumbled as it sat on her face. She jumped as Y/n swatted his hand out to grab the insect and the two watched as the tattoo faded back onto his hand. "Sweet. It's kinda like Xavier's powers." Y/n nodded despite not knowing who they were talking about. There then was a sudden boom that resembled a cannon being fired or a boulder falling. Y/n's heart picked up as he squeezed his eyes shut and slammed his hands so hard over his ears that they began to ring. Memories he wished he did a better job at pushing down came flooding to the surface as he grew lightheaded.

[erijuice]

My Revision of Wish

As someone who loves the concept of Wish, I thought it was a decent addition to the Disney Animation Canon. I enjoyed the songs, the gorgeous hybrid artstyle, and the homage to Sleeping Beauty's wide cinemascope aspect. Unfortunately, the more I think about Wish, the more disappointed I was with the final product. For what was supposed to be a celebration of Disney's legacy, it ended up being shot with the blandification ray by the studio itself, because they had a lot of interesting concepts planned for the film. It's just impossible for me to hate Wish like everyone else on the internet, because I know there's passion behind this idea, it was just muddled and screwed over by the despicable corporate side of Disney.

Now, while I did love the final product and was also simultaneously disappointed over what it could’ve and should’ve been, I wanted to showcase my version of the film with a heavier emphasis on the wishing star’s untold origin story. This is actually an updated/edited version of my original draft, and I added a little bit of characterization as well.

SPOILERS FOR THE ACTUAL FILM BTW

Wish (in my version) is fully 2D-Animated, and contains music, orchestration and lyrics from Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, with additional output from Julia Michaels.

Cast:

Alycia Pascual-Peña as Asha

Chris Pine as King Magnifico

Amara Le Negra as Queen Amaya

Roman Banks as Orion (Star)

Summary: 

“Have you ever wondered how the legendary Wishing Star was born?… Set in a time centuries before Snow White wished by the wishing well, or Geppetto wished for his little wooden puppet to become a real boy, Wish takes place in the medieval city of Rosas, a fantasy kingdom off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea where your wishes can literally be transformed into reality. The kingdom is ruled by King Magnifico (Chris Pine) and Queen Amaya (Amara Le Negra), respected by all as the kingdom’s sole wish-granters. They live happily in peace with their royal daughter named Asha (voiced by Alycia Pascual Peña), who was set to take her parents’ throne once she turned 17. 

Princess Asha is sharp-witted and wildly smart beyond her years: a young philosopher in the making, who believes that the stars are always there to guide her. She's a shy bookworm who is very creative, she draws animations in her notepad and paints with watercolors all over her bedroom, much like Rapunzel. Asha also wants to be a musician and to inspire the people with her music. While being devoted to her goal to ensure that everyone gets their wish to come true, Asha also struggles with poor leadership skills, and she doesn't know how to be a good leader to her friends, or her kingdom. Her parents seem to make it look easy, and sometimes Asha prefers to rely on them to make her dreams come true. However, Asha believes that a bigger and stronger wish requires a much more difficult journey, and in order to achieve her wish, she must confront her own parents, two of the fiercest and most powerful villains the Disney universe has ever known.

King Magnifico is almost the same as his canon depiction, except he has no backstory of him losing his family to destruction which would've make him more sympathetic, and does not mesh well with him being a villain. He uses his magic to remove wishes from people's hearts and keeps them in his own "wish orbs" for personal keeping, but we don't find out what he does with them until the first act. Before he praticed magic, he was a philosopher who believed in the power of the stars in the night sky, inspiring Asha to develop her belief that there is magic in the stars.

Queen Amaya is a female villain who is madly in love with Magnifico and pressures Asha to be a perfect royal daughter, much in the vein of Yzma and Maleficent, with shades of Mother Gothel. She is a black dark-skinned Latina, and Asha's birth mother. Queen Amaya owns has a pet cat assistant named Cleo, who is a callback to Maleficent's crow Diablo, or Lady Tremaine's cat Lucifer.

Alright, now back to the story!

On her 17th birthday, during a beautiful royal ball, Asha notices that her parents have wondered off from their thrones, and she uncovers a dark truth about both of her parents and how they want to keep the wishes of the people for themselves. Even worse, she peaks through the cracked door of the throne room to witness that the King and Queen are crushing the people's wishes, and infusing their energy, in order to make their own magic more powerful, and thus manipulating the townspeople and giving them the false hope of their wishes being granted. Asha tries to keep what she saw a secret from her parents, but she argues that the wishes must be free and sent back to the people. After a heated argument with her parents, she runs to the forest and makes a passionate cry for help to the stars, in the hopes that they will give her guidance and strength to help her entire kingdom. (‘This Wish’ is staying btw, but with adjusted lyrics) Her plea pulls down the brightest star out of the sky and transforms it into a glowing ethereal humanoid being without a name.

Here is where we meet Orion. Orion is THE wishing star of legend. He is a glowing, Black-coded, humanoid boy around the same age as Asha. Newly formed, he has no name and no sense of right or wrong, much like Pinocchio, but he reveals himself to be a powerful shapeshifter with magic celestial powers. The starboy is aided with the tiny, Luma-like canon version of Star, named Little Dipper, as his personal companion. Little Dipper is more mischevious than Orion, but it's also a powerful wish granter in a tiny celestial body. With a reworked, more orchestral version of "At All Costs", Orion takes Asha on a gorgeous flight, explaining his purpose to help Asha, as the duo sings in harmony above the stardust-sprinkled woodlands, with Little Dipper setting the scene. After the song ends, Asha tries to name all the constellations off the top of her head, and ultimately names the starboy Orion (serving as a subtle callback to Kiss the Girl). Asha brings Orion back to the kingdom, and she tries to teach him how to grant the peoples’ wishes. As the two plans to give the wish orbs back to the people, Asha notices that her parents are angered over the townspeople praising Orion’s descend, hoping that he will grant the wishes of all the people. Feeling threatened by Orion’s presence, the King and Queen scheme to use dark magic to kill Fate and steal her magic, so that they will remain as the only wish-granters in Rosas, but at the risk of permanently being surrendered to the dark side. (This Is The Thanks I Get, except it's reworked into a grand, badass, orchestral villain duet with Magnifico on the first verse and Amaya on the second verse)

Desperate to warn the kingdom about her parents’ true colors, Asha disguises herself (a la Sleeping Beauty) as a peasant girl, while Orion tries to disguise himself as a normal human boy. As the two try to grant the wishes of the townpeople who haven't given their wishes to the king and queen, the town descends into chaos with some wishes spiraling out of control. While it is a moment of hilarity, Asha and Orion come to a realization that some wishes should never be granted in the first place, as they're more likely to cause harm and chaos than pure good. The two comes across a group of seven teenagers modeled after the Seven Dwarfs, Asha's longtime team, and Orion starts to get to know each one of them, before planning a rebellion against her parents, and yet, Asha is secretly hesitant to disobey her parents, she confesses to Orion - in a short reprise of At All Costs - about how she used to be perfectly obedient and a perfect princess to her people. Meanwhile, Orion reveals to the Seven Teens that he’s still learning to grant wishes, but they also end up horribly wrong, but he comes to a realization that he shouldn't grant wishes that could cause harm, no matter how much they beg for it. The Teens make a promise to Asha that they will protect her secret, as well as Orion's. The duo and the teens team up to stop the King and Queen, with a reworked version of "Knowing What I Know Now."

During the epic climax, Orion and Asha create a diversion, with Asha freeing the wishes with her team and learning to be a good leader in doing so, while Orion shapeshifts into multiple forms to battle the King and Queen and distract them away from the castle, but they capture Little Dipper into the scepter, and use Dipper's magic to transform their cat Cleo into a giant dragon (akin to Maleficent's dragon form) that flies them to the top of the castle, with Orion chained up. The parents chain Asha to the top of the castle where the battle occurs, and they force their daughter to watch Orion suffer. Engulfed by the pain of losing her protector, Asha breaks into the This Wish reprise, as do the other residents of Rosas. The King and Queen try to push Asha off the castle to her death, but the townspeoples' voices lift her up, as does Orion's, and he uses his magic to make her float above in mid-air. Everyone's hearts beginning to glow and attract their wishes back to their hearts as they sing in unison. Orion transfers most of his celestial powers into Asha, who uses her temporary celestial powers to free Little Dipper from the scepter, and blast the King and Queen to their death, while Orion simultaneously creates a powerful sword to throw into Cleo's heart, killing her as well. After a moment of silence, Asha breaks down into tears and feels bittersweet that she’ll never have her parents again, but more optimistic about being the ruler the kingdom desperately needed - someone who will choose only the best wishes to come true. Orion comes down to Earth to comforts Asha with a hug, and the kingdom rejoices with the evil King and Queen gone for good.

Cut to a few months later with Asha hosting her first royal ball for Rosas, and dancing with Orion, similar to the endings of Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast. Before Orion flies back to the night sky to become the Wishing Star, he gets Little Dipper to create a magic wand and grants her the role of a honorary Blue Fairy guardian, transforming Asha’s purple queen gown into a beautiful, glittering, baby blue gown. Orion informs to Asha that Asha will be reincarnated into a true Blue Fairy after her time on Earth comes to an end, but Orion will descend back down to Rosas every now and then to help Asha. As a final gift, even though he admits his magic is not perfect just yet, Orion finally grants Asha’s wish and creates a lute for her to play for her people, but Asha realizes what her true wish was all along: To be a good leader to all of Rosas.

After Orion forms into the glimmering Wishing Star in the night sky above Rosas, Queen Asha looks down on the townspeople of Rosas with hope in her smile and she looks up at the wishing star above her, with a hope that everyone will have a wish to come true, because now, Queen Asha knows that there is no force, no magic more powerful than the power of a wish, for a wish is more powerful when it’s inside your heart.

Cut to a few nights later, after the credits have rolled, when Asha walks out onto the balcony above the kingdom. She pulls out a music sheet, and begins to play ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’ for the stars, as an homage to Orion.

My version of Wish will also contain hundreds of Easter Eggs that all pay tribute to ALL 61 FILMS in the Walt Disney Animation Studios library, all worked seamlessly into the context of the story, not just containing the ones that inspire the film like Sleeping Beauty or Snow White. Anyway, all I’m saying is that Disney should’ve hired me and put me into the writers room, because as a Disney fan, I know how to make this story work and how to make it even better, and I hope you guys love this version of the story! Oh, and also, screw Disney for donating to a genocide. Goodnight Kingdom of Rosas!

[kodasea]

Hate to ask but how do you do your lines? In love with them

would also love to know what brushes you use if it’s fine to ask

I'll answer the last half to better answer the first half of your ask!

While I revolve or go through phases, my bread and butter for lining is the MaxU 600 Series Pencil from the gouache Max Pack. It allows a lot of control over how opaque, thick or thin I want my line work to be. I'm also very picky about how my lines look, and if it's too digital feeling, I get ick. So I gravitate toward the pencil texture.

Other stapes are the sharp render from Jingsketch for great general use in blocking in colors + gradients, and the watercolor Maxpack is responsible for a lot of my texture and coloring.

As for the specifics of my line process: line variation and black spotting are almost how I "see," if that makes sense? Inking was the first thing that hooked my mind when looking at art. I remember wanting to become the best at it. Many of my art inspirations incorporate heavy, expressive, or intricate linework.

And shading is my least favorite step. It always looks muddy to me and I tend to be very biased toward flat colors. So to mitigate how much work I have to do in the shading/coloring department, I usually always aim for a level of dimension and volume in the linework to the point where if there was only flat colors, you could still tell a form of light logic (gradients help a lot too). In my brain, lining is almost a type of shading.

Regardless, once I'm happy with my lines, I usually use a gaussian blur on a duplicated line art layer. Then that blur layer gets an overlay layer mode (although sometimes it's darker color/soft light/multiply, whatever effect I want).

The 600 pencil gets particularly awesome here because usually when I do this blur layer, it lights up some of the less opaque parts of the lines. So with the red blur on overlay, it gives my lines warmth and luminosity, like it's glowing.

A bit long winded, but thank you for the ask! It's nice to talk about process--it helps to remind me of where I come from, artwise. I hope this was helpful!

[little-miss-dilf-lover]

congrats on 7k my love!! you deserve it all and so much more! 🫶 wanted to do this hehe and hopefully i don't go on long rants haha but yk me— anywho!!

• star sign = libra (early october libra)

• a fact about you = when i was younger (4 to 14) i took watercolor art classes and would go to them every week and i was so into drawing i almost applied to an art school when i was 14 (but then i discovered i liked writing better haha)

• what sibling order you are = i'm the oldest and i have one sister

• favourite trait of your personality and least favourite = my fav is i people have told me they feel comfortable around me. i always try and be kind and understanding and i think i can put myself in other people's shoes very well and understand their feelings (also i think i'm funny haha) and my least fav is probably the tendency to be a little arrogant 😭😖 especially with my opinions and i'm not very proud of it

• favourite subject (ie maths, science) = right now english literature 100%, but for most of my secondary school education it was history! i adored learning history!

• something you find most attractive in men = someone who can make me laugh and who is generous and observant (meaning not just passive in the relationship 🙄) and who's love language is quality time… and if we are talking physically which ik we aren't but i wanna add it anyways 😩 HANDS and BICEPS (hehe)

THANK YOU 🫶

7k celebration game

my love you have stumped me soo much bc I know you want tangerine and I really want to give him to you but girl. actually no you know what, based solely on this info alone I’ll be nice and give you tangerine. otherwise id give you matt or peter 3 like we spoke about😭

he loves and appreciates art so he’ll cherish the little paintings you may do. if you were to ever do one casually and hate the outcome and throw it away, he’ll sneak it out to keep. he’s a very sentimental guy so he’ll love it. he’ll look after you like you deserve bc you’re an older sis. he’s got your back babe, he’s got it. it takes him a while to feel actually comfortable around people and bc you make other feel at ease and comfortable from the get go, he’d enjoy your presence and would seek it out. and that man has some very bold opinions that he won’t budge on, so that’s a shared and possibly juxtaposing trait😭 (but it’s okay bc you’re literally never wrong) babe girl maam, that man! THAT MAN is so observant, so generous, so meticulous!!!!!!!!!!! his main love languages are gift giving, acts of service and quality time so he’s right up your street. plus he has cracking hands and biceps😔

[desultory-novice]

So, I recently played Kirby's Star Stacker on NSO, and...

Well, I now understand why this version never released in North America (I want to send the screenshot soooooooo badly!) 😂

Ah, yes! Sorry about having media asks turned off! After some of the horror stories I've heard, I just didn't consider it worth the risk.

But yes!

I love this image so much! Actually, I love so much about the adorable little cutscenes in Star Stacker! Meta Knight without his mask (...and gloves! You can see his little orb hands!) doing his darndest to still look like a cool tough warrior as he stands on the tallest possible hill (not that tall) and says "We shall meet again!!"

...Meta Knight... Oh Meta Knight... /positive

Now, then I assume there were probably many factors involved in Star Stacker not coming over to the west. It was released quite late into the SNES's lifespan for one, a year before the console was discontinued in NA. And it was a "remake" of a game that may not even have sold all that well the first time...

I hate to say it (especially as someone who values story and characters in video games) but an added "story mode" was almost certainly not considered a "selling point" to make it worth anyone's investment. Unfortunately, video games were still sold on their edginess to the teenage boy market in those days and a pastel-themed block matching game isn't getting any backing...

Grr...

Sorry. Just remembering how many good games my generation missed out on for stupid reasons. Games that I consider the best the system had to offer: Live a Live... Secret Treasure of the Rudras... Trials of Mana... Tales of Phantasia...

Ahem...

BUT the fact that Kirby and friends canonically go drinking at a bar if you lose probably didn't win it any points on its localizability and would have almost certainly caught the eyes of the VERY fierce, VERY determined censors of those days!

Of course, the funny thing about this is the bottle Kine is drinking from actually reads "Ocean Water" and is NOT alcohol! NoA wouldn't even have had to censor it, just translate it and you're clear!

...Although I'm sure if they had, rumors would have persisted for years that in "the original" Kine was actually drinking booze!

Maybe it wouldn't have mattered though, because Coo certainly looks ready to hit the hard liquor lined up on that shelf. ^_-

Actually, looking closely at the image, all the triangle motifs, I wonder if this is some kind of Dedede-themed Bar & Karaoke establishment? Seems they didn't bother rebuilding it after Kirby's infamously destructive singing voice wrecked the place!

...Man, there is something so utterly charming about the SNES era of Kirby! Star Stacker plays right into DL3's watercolor pencil artstyle and I love it and miss it, on occasion.

Unpopular opinion, perhaps, but I hope that our next Kirby game is not a big expansive mainline title but another "full-bodied" spinoff. Not a contentless fluff spinoff, like Dream Buffet or the 15 minute mini-games of the 3DS entries but something a little more comfy and fun, like Epic Yarn or Rainbow Curse! Something where you can have a bunch of characters reunite to do something silly and ridiculous like play competitive puzzle-matching or bubble-wrap popping (...or Air-Riding...) and pretend like it is serious business(tm)!

[immaturityofthomasastruc]

IOTA Reviews: Determination

Fun fact: Last week, I saw this post on a RWBY subreddit discussing the recent love confession between Blake and Yang after ten years of speculation. I made a little joke referencing that Marinette and Adrien still haven't officially gotten together yet after almost seven and a half years of this show being on the air. A few people were surprised that the two still haven't officially gotten together yet, and that the show was still on on the first place. Just wanted to throw that out there to let you know that the uninitiated have no idea of how much this show is willing to drag out the Love Square.

Let's get into the fifth (chronologically the sixth) episode of Miraculous Ladybug's fifth season: Determination

We start off with Marinette dropping Kagami off at her fencing class where Adrien waves to her with a smile. The next scene has Adrien looking happily at a watercolor painting Kagami made of Marinette.

Okay, so not only is this show still trying to make “She's just a friend” into a thing, it's also trying to make Adrien caring more for Marinette now than he ever did Kagami a good thing. Surely, this means he'll be a great romantic partner, right? Kagami pretty much tells Adrien to grow a pair and call Marinette already, and because the writers have no other idea what comedy is, she fumbles with the phone and struggles to hide her feelings for him that she obviously still has. The two agree to meet at Musée Grévin, the same wax statue museum from last episode.

To give the writers credit, rather than just having him change lanes for no reason, Adrien himself is confused about his new feelings for Marinette, so he tries to why he feels his perception of Marinette has changed.

Yep, this is the explanation the show is going with. Rather than have Adrien's feelings for Marinette start when the two actually had a close moment together like when they played video games (Gamer), during their impromptu movie date (Gorizilla), when Marinette outright kissed him on the cheek (Heroes' Day), or even when he supposedly realized Marinette had helped him out a lot (Multiplication), the show is deciding the moment where Adrien officially developed feelings for Marinette was the statue scene from “The Puppeteer 2”, where she tried to kiss him without his consent.

If you've been following me for a while, you remember when I made a list of what I considered to be the ten worst episodes in the show, and “The Puppeteer 2” just barely missed the top 5 at #6. It's still not a good episode, and I hate that the writers decided to make that one plot relevant. I don't care if Marinette didn't know that she wasn't kissing a wax statue, or if Adrien was just trying to play a prank on Marinette, how can you take a moment like this:

And say “This was moment where Marinette violated Adrien's personal space was what caused him to develop feelings for her” with a straight face? You had multiple choices for which moment would spark Adrien officially falling for Marinette after all these years, and you chose this one? THIS ONE? SERIOUSLY!?

Also, if this was the moment where Adrien fell for Marinette, why the hell did it take an entire season for him to officially realize it? Why did he even pursue Ladybug or Kagami romantically if he supposedly had feelings for Marinette before the events of “Heart Hunter” and “Glaciator 2”? I can't believe I'm saying this, but go back to when Adrien developed feelings for Marinette in “Multiplication” after realizing all the times she “helped him”, even if that statement isn't accurate.

On the Liberty (that was where Marinette was when Adrien called), Marinette tells Luka about the mistake she made because of Adrien, and how she isn't even sure if she loves him anymore, but Luka believes some one-on-one time with Adrien will give her the chance she needs to process her feelings. Marinette then says that she's worried all her fantasies of being with Adrien have made it hard to realize if she even knows him, but Luka pretty much tells her to take a chance. Either way, Marinette asks Luka to come along with her to the museum. Because why have an episode where Marinette doubts her feelings for Adrien when you can just have everyone else she knows hold her hand and keep telling her to never give up like in every other episode with this plot, rather than seeing how Marinette and Adrien interact on their own?

Marinette and Luka go to the museum to meet up with Adrien, only to see she's with Kagami. Of course, this leads to a hilarious (citation needed) misunderstanding.

So yeah, now Marinette believes Adrien got back together with Kagami, and Adrien believes Marinette got back together with Luka. I'm pretty sure Toshiki Inoue is taking notes on how to write pointless misunderstandings from this show. The four go in and meet Veronique, the manager of the museum and obvious Akuma victim of the episode. Once they get to the statue of Adrien, the real Adrien decides to remind Marinette and the audience of what happened with a happy look on his face. Okay, I don't want to put any of the writers in bad faith, but what kind of relationships do they have if they think that somehow counts as a romantic moment?

While Marinette stutters around Adrien like any day that ends in a “Y”, Luka and Kagami decide to have the two sit down and talk about their feelings and come to some sort of understanding... at least, that's what I wish they would do. Instead they decide to, say it with me now, try to find ways to force the two to admit their feelings for each other. In this case, Luka pretends to be Marinette's boyfriend to make Adrien jealous, when he and Kagami should know he's terrible at standing up for himself.

We then cut to Mayor Bourgeois demanding that Veronique take down the statues of the heroes because somehow, that would cause people to remember Ladybug losing all the Miraculous and the other temp heroes never appearing again. The impact of the events of the last season is a decent idea to talk about, but it falls flat because A) The temp heroes never had as big of a presence in the media as Ladybug and Cat Noir did, and B) It's later revealed that he's only doing it because Chloe told him to, so his words lose a lot of their weight. Sure, the writers try to throw in some message about hope, but it's not as fleshed out as something like Yu-Gi-Oh 5Ds or Kamen Rider Wizard. Veronique tries to stand up to the Mayor, but then he threatens to close the museum down for “hygiene problems”.

Bold words coming from a show that's more dependent on the status quo than Nick Nolte is on alcohol.

After some more pointless meandering around with Marinette and Adrien, Luka and Kagami decide to be even more forceful and lock them in the room with the hero statues together.

Wow, even Luka and Kagami want out of this episode. I can totally relate.

Meanwhile, Monarch senses Veronique's negative emotions and uses Voyage to send an Akuma towards her stack of pamphlets. While Veronique resists at first, she eventually gives in and becomes Manipula under the belief that once Ladybug and Cat Noir give up their Miraculous, Monarch will give up.

Manipula's design is honestly pretty dull. The outfit isn't that special, and while I get the wax motif, it just looks like she's covered in mustard. Even her powers are just the same ones as The Puppeteer had in the exact same episode this one is mentioning, to bring wax statues to life. The only difference is now she has the Ox Miraculous' power of Determination, making her immune to magical powers, but once again, it's never explained why Monarch can't just give her that power without the Ox Miraculous.

We almost get an interesting moment with Marinette and Adrien, but it's ruined by Manipula, who uses her pamphlets to bring the statues of the wax heroes to life. It's totally not an excuse for the animators to reuse all the temp hero models they were forced to shelve after Season 4 ended. Not at all. Marinette and Adrien split up and transform into Ladybug and Cat Noir respectively. The two heroes try to reason with Manipula, but Monarch easily coerces her into attacking them. After Ladybug easily disposes of the Rena Rouge and Vesperia statues, it's revealed all the statues Manipula assembles were illusions to trick Ladybug and Cat Noir with, with each pamphlet giving them life containing a fraction of the Akuma.

Meanwhile, Manipula sends some of her statues to find Ladybug and Cat Noir while she threatens to destroy city hall if Mayor Bourgeois doesn't give in. Of course, even though the idea of Ladybug and Cat Noir going up against clones of their former allies with superpowers sounds awesome, a majority of them are taken down in a matter of seconds. Ladybug and Cat Noir then take on their statue doppelgangers, and easily take them down. Well, Cat Noir does, but Ladybug...

Oh, for God's sake. Really? We're really repeating Cat Noir's screwup from “Ladybug”? It doesn't even make sense, as Ladybug clearly sees the real Cat Noir telling her that's a fake, where as you could at least argue Cat Noir was confused as to who the real one was and made the wrong choice in “Ladybug”. Why is she even hesitating when she's already taken out several statues that resemble her friends? I'll tell you why.

Yeah, I didn't mention this, but earlier, there were moments where Ladybug was softer than usual around Cat Noir, and this is pretty much why. Even though she never showed any feelings for him (at most, they were implied to be second to Adrien and Luka), now she's randomly falling for him, and we don't even get any flashback showing her struggling with these feelings. She just... loves Cat Noir now because he saved her from an evil doppelganger. I’m not mad that Ladybug did something this stupid, or that Cat Noir even saved her in the first place, it’s the reason for why this happened that gets to me.

I'm not saying it's unreasonable for Ladybug to gradually develop feelings for Cat Noir, as unlike Adrien and Marinette, the two spend a lot of time together, but the problem here is that nothing has really changed in their dynamic other than the loss of the temp heroes. What exactly makes this rescue any different from all of the other times Cat Noir saved Ladybug in the past? As much as I hated the final scene of “Strikeback”, it would have made sense show a flashback of that scene where Cat Noir comforts Ladybug, as there, you would have at least had some kind of an explanation for why she suddenly has feelings for him now, or why this rescue changed her perception of him.

Ladybug summons her Lucky Charm, a bowling ball, and breaks into the Mayor's office with it, where we learn that Chloe gave her the dad the idea, and Chloe chews out Ladybug for losing the Miraculous, but because this show refuses to let any of its antagonists actually make a decent point against the heroes, it's undermined by the same old “Queen Bee is better joke”. It's ironic how the whole point of this running gag is that Chloe refuses to learn from her mistakes and move on, yet the writers themselves refuse to let it die after all these years.

Ladybug draws a blank in her mind when thinking of how to use her Lucky Charm, so Cat Noir tries to use his Cataclysm to destroy Manipula's pamphlets, but Manipula uses Resistance to stop the Cataclysm entirely. Manipula seemingly gets the upper hand, but after some words of inspiration from Cat Noir, Ladybug figures out how to use the bowling ball, rolling it over to cause a chain of events that cause a chandelier to crash on her. So even though she's immune to superpowers, blunt force is how she's beaten. Makes sense.

Ladybug de-evilizes the Akuma, uses Miraculous Ladybug to heal the damage, hands out another useless Magical Charm, vows to stop Monarch and get the Miraculous back, and Mayor Bourgeois agrees to not close down the museum, because like a majority of politicians, he's only driven by whatever opinion is the most popular at the moment.

Ladybug and Cat Noir meet up where Ladybug confesses her new feelings to her partner, but of course...

And so the episode ends with Marinette tearfully realizing she's in love with Cat Noir, who in turn, loves Marinette.

Now a lot of you are probably wondering what my feelings on this are. You're probably expecting a lot of anger at something so contrived and only thrown in to pad out the runtime because God forbid a show about romance actually write its main pairing as a couple instead of a pointless game of telephone. What do I think about this?

Yeah, this is already an overused cliche in TV shows with romantic subplots, and frankly, I'm just impressed it took the writers until Season 5 to whip it out. It's dumb, but it's more or less a problem that TV shows have in general, so I can't get too mad at this show for doing it. If anything, I'm mad at the show to resorting to this just to pad out an already padded out subplot.

Anyway, this episode was pretty bad. The scenes with Marinette and Adrien were tedious and far from funny, the Akuma was lame, the message about hope was underdeveloped, and Chloe had no reason to be the one to call out Ladybug for losing the Miraculous when the show never gets the chance to actually let her be right, much less let her words impact Ladybug for more than a few seconds. Even the romance was poorly written. The reasons both Marinette and Adrien had to develop feelings for each other made no sense at all, and didn't even follow up on what “Strikeback” and “Multiplication” were setting up.

And again, I'm pretty sure the Love Square swap was only done because after almost seven and a half years, the writers are still afraid to bite the bullet and have Marinette and Adrien start a relationship because all TV writers know how to write is characters pining for each other instead of actual relationship dynamics. It's pretty funny how the Akuma of this episode was called Manipula, because it seems like the writers love trying to emotionally manipulate the audience into staying invested even after four seasons.

THE BIGGEST IDIOT OF THE EPISODE IS... LUKA

This was the first episode where I really struggled to pick someone for the award, as there were a lot of candidates this time around. It was either him or Kagami for going along with the plan instead of just telling Adrien Marinette likes her back, but I chose Luka because he has more context, yet still makes the same decisions Marinette's friends have made in the past. He tries to put Marinette in a high-stress situation when he should know she doesn't do well with stress and tries to put Adrien in a situation to encourage him to stand up to him when he should know he doesn't do well with standing up for what he wants. The context that he knows who Marinette and Adrien are makes it even worse, as he doesn't try to find a way to help Marinette relax around Adrien like he sees Ladybug casually bantering around with Cat Noir. It's the equivalent to throwing someone in the deep end of a pool and hoping they learn to swim, only to be surprised when the start to drown. And of course, this only confirms my suspicions that the only reason he got to learn who Marinette and Adrien are was just so he could become yet another Adrienette shipper, just one with a different reason to do, because tHeY'rE mAdE fOr EaCh OtHeR.

[yukikogazingthestars]

"Will you give me the same look when the time comes?"

Mori Ougai × reader

TW:Angst/ Mention of death/ Dark Era Spoiler/ Angst with more Angst/ just a little comfort at the end

The Life of the Leader of the Port Mafia is never easy.Mori Ougai, that manipulative and calculating man is targeted by almost everyone in every way. Power, Authority, Wealth and Intelligence makes this man so intoxicating. Everything about him is so breathtaking and amazing. A former military surgeon, a former underground doctor who also worked as an information broker, the man who assassinated the tyrant former Mafia boss, the man who uses everyone for the gain…

Everything about him is so bloody and so astonishing. To be the sweetheart of this kind of man is something that someone can't even imagine,right? Even a terrifying man like him has someone who can make his life delightful and charming.In the world of bloody games, she is the healing pill of his miserable days.

“Mori san, You're making that face again~”

He was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't notice his lovely girl approaching until she whispered to him. The fruity and floral fragrance of “Miss Dior” visited his olfactory system and Mori smiled while he was hugging her waist. He absolutely loves playing with her love handle.

Y/N was a bit tickly so she couldn't help but giggle while Mori was playing with her cute love handle.

“Awww,I can do it all day long.My girl dresses so well, You wish to go somewhere today?”

“No, it's just I love showing off,”answered Y/N while she was trying to move a little since Mori’s still grabbing her waist.

Finally, Mori let her go and led her to the couch where they could sit comfortably. He didn't start the conversation, he just gazed at his S/O who was sitting beside him.

The sweet fragrance,the soft and silky hair,the glowing skin, the plump lips with cherry color,foxy eyes under them are mysteries, light make-up to show off the best figures of her face and the face which he can remember even if he goes blind, that elegant posture, that lovely body figure, everything about her is so intoxicating.She smiled and stared at him with thoses eyes filled with warmth and calm.

“Something bothers you?”

She asked while she was pushing the tea cup towards Mori.

“The way you stare at me right now,...Mori san , I know that look, you have something in your mind.Would you let it out? I am all ears if you want”

She asked again and this time she gently led Mori to put his head on her laps to relax. Mori laid and put his head on her laps and she gently brushed and massaged his scalp.

“Much better?”

“Thanks to my lovely girl…”answered Mori and his purple orbs met with his lovely girl watercolor orbs.

Her eyes may be so mysterious and even hide a malice but she always gave a warmth and comfort vibe to him whenever their eyes met.

“It’s just the Special Division “

Mori finally let his guard down, closed his eyes and started to talk about what is bothering him.She replied with a hum while she was gently touching the wrinkles under his eyes.

“They have already made a move,I doubt that there's a double agent in the Port Mafia”

“Again? That's really a troublesome case” replied Y/N while she was massaging his temples.Her gaze was softened and she looked so sad. Mori knows that she can't completely move on from the death of Oda and his Orphans since Y/N had a great relationship with them.

The only fear Mori has is that Y/N finding out the Death of Oda and his Orphans was his plan. The last thing Mori wants her to know is that he is the mastermind of that tragic event. Bringing Mimic to Japan, Giving the information about Orphans to Mimic,Putting the Special Division in the Crisis, leaving them no choice but to give him the business permit, indirectly killing Oda to get rid of Dazai.

He doesn't want her to find out. He doesn't want those eyes of her giving him a disgusting look, a hateful look.He doesn't want to lose all her caring and love for him. He sighed.

"We still don't know who …”

“Ango's betrayal….it led us to heartbrokening events. I don't want that again”

For the first time in a while, Mori felt a little guilty. But, all his doings are for the sake of the organization. He is both a slave and the leader of the organization, it's his duty to bear this sin. All his sins are forgiven by his lovely goddess. She accepted him, she granted him healing, comfort and love. But, in his deepest mind, he knows that his lovely S/O will never forgive him that one sin if she knows.

He secretly wishes that his S/O will never find out about it.

“Mori san,.....you’re losing in your thoughts again”

She gently reminded him. When his consciousness returned to her, she gently smiled and gave a warm kiss on his forehead.

She stared at him with thoses eyes filled with warmth and comfort again.

“My Dear, will you give me the same look when the time comes?"

She doesn't know what those words mean but she also doesn't try to think hard to find out too. She somehow feels a glimpse of Mori’s guilt towards her. But, she doesn't use her smart brain to see the whole picture and the whole reason as she doesn't have to hate Mori Ougai.

“Mori San, that time will never come and I will always be here with you.”

Mori was stunned by her words and His eyes widened. He saw Y/N staring at the glass window opposite of her. Her gaze was soft and somehow seemed a little sad too. Her hands on his shoulders were a little shaky. She sighed as if she was taking out all of her grief through that sigh.

“I don't want to know your guilt and your sins but I won't let you suffer alone. In order to be with you with all my heart, I mustn't know what you did.Please do not confess what you think I should not know. Please Mori san, I beg you”

Warm tears dropped onto his cheeks.Y/N was crying.She was crying with guilt and pain.

The guilt she held for her friends’ death, the guilt she held for not wanting to know the truth, the sin of being the sweetheart of the Port Mafia Boss…

Mori got up and hugged her crying form tightly.His girl hugged him back tightly.

"Please don't let me know... please"

I am so sorry….for choosing this man.I am so sorry for choosing to give him the same look he wants everyday.I am so sorry.

She silently apologized for her sin…