#i love subtle adding body language in my art

[l1-b1]

Thinking about Nya taking on a mentor role for Sora as she recognises parts of herself in Sora

[dandelions-143]

Double Penetration - Chan & Felix

Kinktober Masterlist

HAPPY HALLOWEEN STAY!!

Word Count: 3680

Warnings: MDNI, 18+ ONLY, Explicit sexual content, Strong language, Adult themes, Consensual group sexual activity,Mild BDSM elements

A/n: I HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH THESE!! THANK YOU ALL FOR READING AND SUPPORTING ME. I HOPE YOU LIKE MORE OF MY WORKS IN THE FUTURE.

No summary just smut under the cut

The steam from the steam room enveloped you in a warm, comforting embrace after your invigorating swimming session with Chan. Droplets of condensation clung to your skin, creating a shimmering effect in the dim light. You were perched on one of the smooth, heated stone benches, your bare skin protected only by a plush white towel wrapped snugly around your body.

Chan sat next to you, his muscular frame relaxed against the wall. His abs were a work of art, each defined ridge and valley casting intricate shadows in the misty air. Droplets of condensation clung to his bronzed skin, accentuating the curves and contours of his chiseled physique. A white towel was secured precariously low around his narrow waist, drawing attention to the tantalizing v-line disappearing beneath the fabric. The towel clung to his form, outlining the impressive bulge beneath and leaving very little to the imagination. His broad shoulders and well-defined pectorals glistened in the dim light, inviting your gaze to linger and appreciate every sculpted inch of his body.

The quiet hiss of steam escaping from the vents and the occasional melodic drip of water were the only sounds breaking the comfortable silence between you two. The air was thick with humidity, carrying the faint scent of eucalyptus from the essential oils added to the steam. You couldn't help but steal glances at Chan's toned body, feeling a mix of admiration and something more... primal. Your eyes traced the lines of his collarbones, down to his chest, and along that damned tv-cut of his hips.. you loved tracing those taught lines of his with your tongue.

The heat was making you both drowsy, your eyelids feeling heavy as you basked in the warmth. Yet, there was an undeniable tension in the air, thick as the steam surrounding you. It crackled with unspoken desire, making your skin tingle with anticipation. The close proximity of your bodies, barely clothed and glistening with moisture, only heightened the sensual atmosphere of the steam room.

Suddenly, the door to the steam room creaked open, and a familiar figure stepped in. It was Felix, his lithe body glistening with droplets of water from the pool. Where Chan's physique was all raw power and bulging muscles, Felix's was a study in lean elegance. His slender frame was adorned with subtle, well-defined muscles that rippled gracefully beneath his skin with each movement. His blonde hair was slicked back, revealing his sharp jawline and piercing eyes, a stark contrast to Chan's darker features and broader face.

As Felix entered, the scent of his cologne mingled with the eucalyptus-infused steam, creating an intoxicating aroma. His towel hung low on his narrow hips, accentuating his slim waist and the delicate v-line leading downwards - a more subtle version of Chan's pronounced obliques. While Chan's presence commanded attention with his sheer size and strength, Felix's allure was in his fluid grace and the quiet confidence that seemed to radiate from his very being.

Felix's eyes widened slightly as he took in the sight of you and Chan, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. His gaze lingered on Chan's muscular frame before sliding over to you, his expression a mix of surprise and intrigue. "Oh sorry, guys. I can come back," he said, his voice low and husky. He started to turn and leave, his towel shifting dangerously low on his hips, revealing the dimples on his lower back.

"No, no, please join us," you said, your voice a little huskier than usual. The steam seemed to thicken as Felix hesitated for a moment, his hand still on the door handle. You could see the internal debate playing out on his face - the desire to stay warring with his sense of propriety.

After what felt like an eternity, Felix stepped fully into the room, letting the door close behind him with a soft click. He settled on the bench opposite you and Chan, his towel riding even lower. The air crackled with an electric tension as the three of you exchanged heated glances, the small space suddenly feeling much more intimate. You could hear the quickening of breaths, see the rise and fall of chests, feel the palpable energy pulsing between you.

You were not exactly dating Chan, but you did share a sexual friendship that had developed naturally over time. You adored him and Felix, being best friends with them both was the best thing that had ever happened to you. Chan was all raw power and intensity, his touch always igniting a fire within you. And even though sex with Chan was amazing and it was something that didn't seem to mess with your friendship, you always had a wandering eye for Felix.

Felix was beautiful in a different way - all graceful lines and gentle strength. His kind nature and infectious laughter made him irresistible. Those qualities just made him even more attractive than he already was. As you sat there, caught between these two incredible men, you felt a surge of desire and anticipation. The steam room had suddenly become a crucible of unspoken longings and possibilities.

You didn't know if it was the heat or your own sexual frustration, but you decided to make a daring move. With deliberate slowness, you shifted towards Chan, your eyes locked on his. The air between you crackled with tension as you leaned in, your lips barely brushing against his. Chan's breath hitched, his body tensing in anticipation.

With a seductive smirk playing on your lips, you closed the distance, pressing your mouth firmly against his. Chan responded immediately, his lips moving against yours with a hunger that matched your own. His hands, however, remained at his sides, likely out of respect for Felix's presence. The kiss deepened, your tongue teasing along the seam of Chan's lips, silently begging for entry.

As you pulled back, you could feel Felix's gaze burning into you, but you kept your eyes fixed on Chan. "It's okay," you whispered, your voice husky with desire. "Put your hands on me." Chan's eyes darkened with lust, understanding the unspoken permission in your words. You both knew about your crush on Felix, and the openness of your relationship allowed for this moment of shared intimacy.

This time, when your lips met, the kiss was electric. Your tongues tangled together in a sensual dance, exploring and tasting. Chan's hand slowly slid up your thigh, his touch leaving a trail of fire in its wake. His fingers dipped beneath your towel, gripping your bare ass with a possessiveness that made you moan into his mouth. The sound of your pleasure echoed in the steamy room, mingling with the soft rustle of movement as Felix shifted in his seat.

Breaking the kiss, you turned to see Felix adjusting his towel, his eyes wide and dark with unmistakable desire. "Um, sorry," he mumbled, his accent thicker than usual, betraying his arousal. The sight of him, flustered and clearly affected by what he'd witnessed, sent a fresh wave of heat through your body.

With a newfound boldness, you stood up and made your way over to Felix. Your movements were deliberate, almost predatory. "Don't be sorry," you purred, your voice dripping with invitation. "I'm not." With those words, you allowed your towel to fall away, pooling at your feet.

Felix's eyes widened, his gaze traveling slowly down your exposed body, lingering on every curve and contour. The desire in his eyes was unmistakable, a smoldering heat that matched the steam room's intensity. His chest heaved, each breath coming faster and more labored as he drank in the sight of you. You could almost feel the weight of his gaze on your skin, sending shivers down your spine despite the warmth surrounding you.

With deliberate slowness, you reached out, your fingers brushing against Felix's hands. His skin was warm and slightly damp from the steam, the touch sending sparks of electricity through your body. You entwined your fingers with his, feeling the slight tremble in his hands. With gentle insistence, you pulled him to his feet, bringing your bodies closer together. The air between you crackled with tension, thick with unspoken desire and the promise of what was to come.

Your heart raced as you guided Felix's hands to your hips, his touch hesitant at first, then growing more confident as he cupped your curves. The warmth of his palms against your bare skin sent waves of pleasure coursing through you. Felix's breath hitched audibly, his eyes darting between you and Chan, seeking silent permission. Chan's gaze was dark with desire, a mix of encouragement and his own arousal evident in his expression as he nodded almost imperceptibly.

With that unspoken agreement, Felix pulled you closer, his towel slipping dangerously low on his hips. You could feel the hard planes of his body pressing against yours, the heat of his skin searing through the minimal barrier between you. His arousal was evident, pressing insistently against your lower abdomen, making your breath catch in your throat.

Unable to resist any longer, your lips found Felix's in a passionate kiss. It was electric, sending shockwaves through your body as your mouths moved together. His lips were soft yet demanding, his tongue teasing along the seam of your mouth before delving inside. The steam swirled around your entwined bodies, adding an ethereal quality to the moment. You could taste the faint hint of chlorine from the pool on his lips, mixed with something uniquely Felix.

Chan watched with heated interest, his own desire evident in the way his muscles tensed and relaxed, in the darkening of his eyes. As if drawn by an invisible force, he stood and approached, his movements fluid and predatory. You broke the kiss with Felix, breathless and dizzy with want, and reached out to pull Chan closer. He came willingly, his strong hands immediately finding purchase on your hips.

Chan's touch was different from Felix's - where Felix was exploratory and almost reverent, Chan was possessive and sure. His hands slid over the curve of your ass, squeezing firmly and eliciting a soft moan from your lips. Then his fingers trailed up your sides, the feather-light touch a stark contrast to the firm grip he had moments ago. Every brush of his fingertips sent shivers racing across your skin, goosebumps rising in their wake despite the heat of the room.

As Chan's plump lips found your shoulder, he began to kiss a heated line across your skin. Each press of his lips felt like a brand, marking you as his even as Felix stood before you. The dual sensations of Chan's mouth on your shoulder and Felix's body pressed against yours were intoxicating, making your head spin with pleasure.

Felix, not to be outdone, resumed his attentions with renewed vigor. His kisses were deep and passionate, his tongue tangling with yours in a sensual dance. His hands held tight to your curvy hips, fingers digging in just enough to be on the pleasurable side of pain. You could feel his hard length pressing insistently against your lower stomach, the heat of it searing even through the thin towel.

Suddenly, Chan's hand tangled in your hair, gently but firmly pulling your head back. The slight sting sent a jolt of pleasure through you as he angled your face towards him. His lips crashed against yours, the kiss deep and demanding, a stark contrast to Felix's earlier gentleness. Felix, undeterred, let his lips trail down your newly exposed throat. He kissed and nipped at the sensitive skin, drawing gasps and moans from you that Chan swallowed in his kiss.

Your hand, seemingly with a mind of its own, slid down Felix's toned abdomen. You felt his muscles jump under your touch as your fingers dipped below his towel, wrapping around his length. Felix let out a deep, guttural moan against your throat as you gave him a teasing squeeze, the sound vibrating through your body and stoking the fire building within you.

The steam room was filled with the sounds of your shared passion - heavy breathing, soft moans, and the occasional gasp of pleasure. The air was thick not just with steam now, but with the heady scent of arousal and the electric charge of three bodies on the brink of ecstasy. As you stood there, caught between Chan and Felix, you knew that this was only the beginning of what promised to be an unforgettable encounter.

The combination of sensations was overwhelming - Chan's firm grip in your hair sent tingles down your scalp, while Felix's eager lips on your throat left a trail of fire. Your own hand explored Felix's arousal, feeling it throb and pulse beneath your touch. Your body trembled with desire as you stood between them, their hard bodies pressing against you from both sides. The steam seemed to intensify every sensation, making your skin hypersensitive to their caresses. Every brush of their fingers, every press of their lips felt magnified tenfold, sending sparks of pleasure coursing through your body.

"Felix, pick her up," Chan commanded, his voice low and husky, barely audible over the hiss of steam. Despite the softness of his tone, it was unmistakably a command. Felix complied without hesitation, his strong hands gripping your thighs as he lifted you effortlessly. Your legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, your core pressing against his hardness. You let out an audible gasp as Felix entered you without warning, his thick length stretching your slick walls perfectly. The sudden fullness made your head spin with pleasure, your nails digging into his shoulders as you adjusted to his size.

Chan moved behind you, his hands caressing your back with a feather-light touch that contrasted beautifully with Felix's firm grip. You felt Chan's fingers tracing down your spine, leaving goosebumps in their wake despite the heat of the room. The anticipation built as you felt Chan's hardness pressing against your ass, his breath hot and heavy on your neck. Chan then spit into his open palm before slowly rubbing your entrance, making sure you were completely wet and ready for him. With a gentle yet insistent push, he entered you from behind, causing you to cry out in ecstasy as both men filled you completely. The sensation of being stretched and filled so thoroughly was unlike anything you'd ever experienced before, pleasure bordering on the edge of pain in the most delicious way.

Chan's hands snaked around you, one helping Felix support your weight while the other caressed and played with your breasts. His fingers teased your nipples, rolling and pinching them gently, sending jolts of pleasure straight to your core. The sensation of being filled by both men was overwhelming, sending waves of intense pleasure through your entire body. You moaned loudly, your head falling back onto Chan's shoulder as Felix and Chan began to move in tandem. Their rhythmic thrusts were perfectly synchronized, each push and pull sending jolts of ecstasy through you. Felix would withdraw slightly only for Chan to thrust deeper, creating a constant, mind-blowing stimulation. The steam room echoed with the sounds of your shared passion - skin against skin, breathless moans, and whispered praises. The heat amplified every touch, every sensation, turning your skin into an oversensitive map of pleasure points that they seemed determined to explore thoroughly.

"So tight, baby," Chan mumbled against your neck, his hot breath sending shivers down your spine. His teeth grazed your sensitive skin, alternating between gentle nibbles and soothing kisses. The contrast of sensations made you gasp, your body arching into his touch.

Felix's forehead was pressed against yours, his eyes half-lidded with pleasure. You could feel the tremors running through his body as he struggled to maintain control. His breath came in short, sharp pants, mingling with your own in the small space between your faces. The intimacy of the moment was almost overwhelming.

The feeling of both men inside you was indescribable. Their bodies, hot and slick with sweat, pressed against you from both sides. Every movement sent shockwaves of pleasure coursing through your body. Chan's chest rubbed against your back, his skin sliding smoothly against yours in the steam-filled room. Felix's abs flexed with each thrust, the defined muscles rippling under your touch.

You could feel yourself rapidly approaching the edge. Your body trembled uncontrollably, every nerve ending alight with sensation. Each perfectly timed thrust brought you closer and closer to release. The coil of tension in your lower abdomen wound tighter and tighter, threatening to snap at any moment. You clung to both men desperately, your nails digging into Felix's shoulders and your head thrown back against Chan's chest as you teetered on the brink of ecstasy.

"Y/N, you feel even better than I imagined. So perfect," Felix growled, his deep voice huskier than ever, the vibrations of his words reverberated through your chest. His breath was hot against your ear, each exhale a testament to his mounting pleasure. Chan picked up his pace, his thrusts becoming more forceful, more urgent. Felix, ever in sync, matched Chan's rhythm perfectly, creating a delicious friction that had you seeing stars.

Chan's hand, which had been teasing and caressing your breast, now slid up your body with deliberate slowness. His fingers traced a path along your collarbone, leaving goosebumps in their wake, before finally wrapping around your throat. He didn't squeeze, but the firm grip held you in place, a silent assertion of his dominance that made your pulse quicken. The pressure of his palm against your racing pulse point added an extra layer of intensity to the already overwhelming sensations.

"Felix... Chan... oh god," you moaned, your voice breathy and desperate. The words tumbled from your lips in a litany of pleasure as you felt your orgasm building, a tidal wave of ecstasy threatening to crash over you at any moment. Your body moved instinctively, hips rolling and grinding, chasing the mounting pleasure. Every nerve ending felt electrified, every touch magnified tenfold in the steamy air of the room.

The coil of tension in your lower abdomen wound tighter and tighter with each perfectly timed thrust. You could feel yourself teetering on the edge of release, your inner walls clenching rhythmically around both men. The dual stimulation was almost too much to bear, pleasure bordering on the edge of sweet agony. Felix hissed in slight pain as your grip intensified on his shoulders, your moans and whimpers turning into soft cries of ecstasy.

The tension in your body reached its crescendo as the combined sensations overwhelmed you. With a loud cry, your orgasm crashed over you in intense waves. Your inner walls clenched around both men, drawing them deeper as your body shuddered with pleasure. Chan and Felix groaned in unison, their movements becoming more erratic as they pursued their own release.

Felix was the first to succumb, his hips faltering as he spilled deep inside you with a guttural moan. The sensation of his release triggered Chan's climax, and you felt him pulse within you, his grip on your throat tightening slightly as he rode out his orgasm.

The air was filled with a symphony of loud, unashamed moans and cries from all three of you, echoing off the tiled walls of the steam room. Your bodies, slick with sweat and the humidity of the room, remained pressed together as you came down from your collective high. You could feel their cum mixing with your own juices inside you, threatening to drip down your thighs at any moment. The sensation was deliciously dirty, a physical reminder of the intense pleasure you had just shared. The three of you remained intertwined, panting heavily as the steam swirled around your spent bodies, the air thick with the heady scent of sex and satisfaction.

Felix kissed your lips tenderly, his soft lips caressing yours with a gentleness that contrasted sharply with the intensity of your previous encounter. His teeth grazed your bottom lip, applying just enough pressure to send a shiver down your spine before he released it. "Wow..." he breathed out, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with awe and satisfaction.

As the afterglow enveloped you, a warm, tingling sensation spreading through your body, Chan carefully withdrew. The sudden emptiness made you gasp softly. Felix, still supporting your weight, gently lowered you to your feet. Your legs trembled, feeling like jelly, and both men instinctively moved to steady you. Chan's strong hand found the small of your back, while Felix's arm wrapped around your waist. Their touch, once burning with passion, now radiated comfort and care.

The steam room, which had moments ago been filled with the sounds of your shared passion, now felt transformed. The air was thick not just with steam, but with a new energy - a palpable intimacy that seemed to connect the three of you. The tiles beneath your feet, the bench where this all began, even the very air you breathed seemed charged with the secret you now shared.

Felix's eyes, usually bright and playful, now held a depth of emotion that took your breath away. They sparkled with a blend of satisfaction, newfound intimacy, and something that looked suspiciously like adoration. His gaze flicked between you and Chan, a soft smile playing on his lips. That smile spoke volumes - of the pleasure you'd shared, of the boundaries you'd crossed together, and of the unspoken bond that now existed between the three of you. In that moment, surrounded by steam and wrapped in the arms of these two incredible men, you felt a sense of completeness you'd never experienced before.

Taglist:

@rylea08 @syedazarintasnim @cashtonsbetch @pasaatimonarkin @tzeweiii05 @sincerely-sun @moonchild9350 @athforskz @babigriin @seunmong-in @cookiesandcreammy @rockstarkkami @bangchans-angel @salemluvsmusic @seungmincenteric @kpflyn @iovecb97 @juskz @sadrosessing @fawnpeaks @galaxy4489 @chuuyaobsessed @tirena1 @tsunderelino @kissesmellow21 @whatdoyouwanttocallmefor @nightmarenyxx @simpforleeknaur @ririwhiskers @satosugu4l @mihoonz @redlightsrachaaa @mintymintmint251 @velvetmoonlght @minniesverse @everythingboutkpop @yaorzu-blog

[elitadream]

OUGHHHHH

As a selectively mute person myself, I loved selectively mute Mario. It fits so well.

Have you ever considered what would happen if Mario was nonvocal and trying to communicate with Luigi specifically? Does he use sign language? Do they have a different gesture system? Writing things down? Twin telepathy?

Love your art, always brings a smile to my face!

Oh thank you, I'm glad! ☺️ And I think so too!! 💯 I've mentioned before that my very first introduction to the character as a child was through both Mario World and Mario All-Stars 3; two games in which he is completely voiceless. And so, in a sense... The thought of Mario as a mute/selectively mute character has always existed in my subconscious. Today still, I love him just as much as a silent protagonist as a freely speaking one! ^-^ 💖

See, this is something that fascinates me about the concept as a whole and which I really love about @mrspockify's rendition: Mario doesn't have just one approach when communicating worldlessly with others. He does it in a myriad of different ways! Sometimes through actual signing, but also often through more subtle or ambiguous movements, or much less frequently through very faint vocal responses like a sigh, grunt or light chuckle- sometimes through just a look, or elaborate mimics, sometimes entirely through posture and body language etc. There's so much room for depth and nuance there! 👌💙💫

In my own interpretation, Luigi would be the only person with whom Mario can have ongoing silent conversations through micro gestures alone, all the while barely moving a muscle. Not even Peach would be able to read him quite that well, but for Luigi, deciphering the tiniest of shifts in Mario's stance or facial expressions would be like a second nature. The way I personally headcanon their exchanges are with Luigi doing about 90% of the dialogue through spoken words and adding signs out of habit when wanting to emphasize certains words or trying to really grab Mario's attention, whereas Mario would almost always entirely respond in his own way; only signing back to his brother when equally annoyed or when the answer requires a very specific term. x3

So I'd say it would be a mix of a somewhat different gesture system and "twin"-telepathy in my version. 🤭

[redara]

hello ^ _ ^ !! i've been wondering on what is Jun's lore? and does she also have a voice claim?

i also love your art so much <3

Omg hello!! Thank you so much for asking about Jun, and thank you for liking my art! I'll do my best not to answer too long 💕

Jun comes from the clan Tenshikiri, a clan that's rigorously trained in reading subtle social cues and body language, making them capable of knowing if someone is lying or not. Their talents earned them a seat as the Emperor's Spymaster during feudal Japan, replacing the previous Spymaster, the Kagehane clan.

The Tenshikiri love collecting secrets, and in a way, they become the secret keepers for Liu Kang. For generations, they have become allies with the Lin Kuei and the Shirai, whose clans have their own purpose in the current timeline, with the Lin Kuei as the militaristic defense of Earthrealm, and the Shirai as public relations with the Outworld Empire.

To represent their clans and foster their alliances, the Tenshikiri, the Lin Kuei, and the Shirai hold an annual meeting in the Tenshikiri's estate. This is how Jun befriends young Bi-Han, Kuai Liang, and Harumi; with a hope that the future leaders of respective clans would continue the tradition for another generation.

Sadly, not everything works out smoothly. When Jun is 7, the Kagehane return with a centuries old vendetta, and ambush the Tenshikiri's main house. Thankfully, the Lin Kuei and the Shirai are staying in the area, and though they manage to kill and chase most of the Kagehane away, the Tenshikiri's small number has been outmatched. The attack leaves only Jun and three guardians as survivors.

The Shirai fear that the Kagehane won't stop until every last Tenshikiri is dead. Thus, the Lin Kuei offer to take Jun to Arctika, where she will be kept safe, trained, and educated so she can return and rebuild her clan one day. And so Jun stays with the Lin Kuei, training and growing up with Bi-Han, Kuai Liang, and eventually their adoptive brother, Tomas.

Originally when i wrote the draft of the fic, i wanted to write about Bi-Han and his younger days growing up in the Lin Kuei, but i added Jun to bridge the gap between him and the readers. Then it grew, so i decided to make Jun officially an OC 😂

Her relationship with Bi-Han doesn't begin as romantically as expected, however, as the firstborns of their clans, they share similar responsibilities (and burden), so they bond easily. Jun supports Bi-Han and his goal in every way, the same way Bi-Han also supports Jun to restore her clan.

For her voice claim, i'm thinking she sounds like Toda Mariko from Shōgun.

[dreamerdaria]

Bridgerton season 3

All right, I loved the season so far, but that's my take, what could be improved with storyline (there were lots of bad writting choices as well as good one, but I want to outline my thoughts). So, I'll try to sum up, what could be written or added, that could make narration style more elegant and truthful to the viewers. Free to disagree. Sorry for the mistakes in advance. English is not my first language.

Colin's character arc. A lot of the things we got was told through the dialogue or was subtle, but not in between. I had a feeling that they haven't developed him enough to really show his inner conflict. Sometimes he was a side-character in his own show(part 2 did him bad), while the thing he should be the main one, because it shows his dynamic with Penelope/Lady Whistledown and key to understand their dynamic as a couple and his character arc. Other leading male characters had that physiological touch/depth to their character, while Colin somehow didn't. What we needed: flashback to his travels and small plot about loosing himself there or maybe gaining false confidence(could be done with him alone reading the lines of his letters), study of the middle-child complex(scenes with small Colin and Antony, who was the father figure for him, or brother dynamics with parents that could outline his people pleaser arc), more journaling, including the scene we got, but also about his writting challangies, more details about his likes and dislikes as a writer(favourite authors, could be the scene with Benny, because writting and art is quiet close). Maybe, not him tellling of his jealousy, but again creating scene that show views that he feels inferior. All other thing they did alright, I guess.

Penelope's character arc. I guess I kinda like a lot of things, but I didn't like the ending with the message of 'woman couldn't have dreams, but their husbands could'. It doesn't matter for me was 'child; in the ending or not, but they should have given her character career arc plus. It might have been just a hint of her, talking about wrtitting a book or developing her gossip column into somethins more serious, like critique. Not her mentioning JUST editing Colin's book with a happy smile on her face, watching a newborn. That was the worst writting decision, because it proves Portia words. The whole point of Lady Whistledown was hiding under the mask and trying to gain control and power through her her, because Penelope was too afraid to bloom. In fact that power was within her, and although they did the choice of her uncovering face and name in the end, it didn't end well in her arc. It could have done way better, considering the point they made in the begining. I would also love to see more of her experience sexual awakening after episode five as a slow process of gaining that condifence and gaining control in bedroom(that will be my 3 bullet point about them together) by proceeding it through imagining, talking with friends or dreaming. Besides, I'd like to add that tv show would have benefited from scenes, where she's not only writting, but also looking at the mirror, kinda trying to see, what she really is every now and then(we had one of that scene in green dress). Could be in her bedroom before mirror scene, but after carriage one. It would have made sense, how perception of her body changed, and the mirror scene would have hit stronger. Could be done during her struggles of Whistledown reveal too.

Now let's focus on main couple, and what could have gone better, if writers didn't try to fit 10 storylines in 8 series and literally tried to write their leads attentively and thoughtfully. Polin. First and foremost, that talk about how they met (again bad creative decision, story should show, not hit right between your eyes) MUST have been a flashback. I don't take no as an aswer. It was the only part lacking through their development from season one. This one flshback could have fixed lots of things. + I think audience need a bit more warm-up with just the two of them in the first part of the show(more charming lessons, at least one more befoe the kiss, where Colin starts to get confused about his feelings, and it would have worked perfectly with all the other things). + him really going through the process of figuring out that she is Lady Whistledown. I feel like Luke played subtle emotions perfectly, but we didn't get build up of him, slowly noticing things from his POV(there were chances in the show and lines in the dialogues, ink scene, where they could have hinted on Colin's expression, even in the 1 part, that he could have found some of the Pen's action suspicious, but didn't question it or didn't want to believe in it because of the feelings, until finally he would have followed her to the dark streets of the town). Next thing, they should have shown the process of following her to raise the suspense, him hoping that was another person, her being in shadows in her cloackm, and that at the same time this build-up would have made Luck's acting incredible fulfilling and impactive) + after the reveal it's out of his character to leave her alone, and I guess writers lost themselves elsewhere + more dialogues with them not talking about their relationship, but art and craft of writting(again they share many common interests, why didn't they show us that before the fight and after they made up) + more dialogues with them being cute and teasy as in church and after the sex+ prolonging scene, where he reads her letters, but not just showing the letter, but hearing her voice in his ears + longing should have had more scenes and more touching and being hot and cold, not only him sleeping on the couch(this just one creative indea, but it's not enough, but by talking also), going back and forth after the fight, just the night encounter next to modiste and blue gown(in this particular one they didn't embodied the tension, my idea that although Colin wouldn't like the intimacy, when he is angry, but the stare wan't enough, he should have come, touched her and then made himself stop with a line or without it), these scenes were not enough to show their struggle there + longer scene of them making up after the ball and chage of sexual dynamic, because this is important to her character arc and him accepting her. This scene should have been the third long steamy scene, not 20 seconds with the attention to the details and how they do through trust and communicating with each other, it could have been wrtitten beautifully and releasing the tension of conflict between them by swapping roles, and Colin by that finding out he loves it, while Pen finally taking control as she wanted and as her real character is after revealing her indenty + having him coming to his senses before her speech and him holding her hand instead of her mother + the love confession which is not about just drama, but also bout them as friends and their dynamics

I am not sure I need to write the second part, about other nuanciens aspects and acrs, but this what I would have done if I had a chance to be in the writting room with them

[mostlysignssomeportents]

The Tamakis' "Roaming"

Tomorrow (September 12) at 7pm, I'll be at Toronto's Another Story Bookshop with my new book The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation. On September 14, I'm hosting the EFF Awards in San Francisco.

Cousins Mariko Tamaki and #JillianTamaki are a graphic storytelling powerhouse, and their latest title, Roaming (from Drawn and Quarterly) is a stunner:

https://drawnandquarterly.com/books/roaming/

Roaming is the story of three young Canadian women meeting up for a getaway to New York City. Zoe and Dani are high-school best friends who haven't seen each other since they graduated and decamped for universities in different cities. Fiona is Dani's art-school classmate, a glamorous and cantankerous artist with an affected air of sophistication.

The three young women check into a youth hostel for a hotly anticipated long weekend, which turns into a complicated and moody marathon of debauchery, bonding, feuding, flirting, resentments and wonders.

The Tamakis' specialty is capturing the charged sexuality, subtle friendship power-moves, and intense but brittle friendship between young women. They're very good at it, which is why they won a Governor General's prize for their 2014 blockbuster This One Summer:

https://memex.craphound.com/2014/05/06/review-this-one-summer/

With Roaming we get a dizzying, beautifully wrought three-body problem as the three protagonists struggle with resentments and love, sex and insecurity. The relationships between Zoe, Dani and Fiona careen wildly from scene to scene and even panel to panel, propelled by sly graphic cues and fantastically understated dialog.

Meanwhile, NYC looms large as it only could in a story about young Canadians in the City. It's hard to overstate the glamour with which New York looms in the imagination of (many) young Canadians. Hence the old joke: "How many Canadians does it take to change a lightbulb? Two: one to change the bulb and one to go to New York and make sure lightbulbs are still cool." Or: "Toronto is New York run by the Swiss; the city that never sleeps…in."

I was one of those Canadian adolescents drunk on New York, on several occasions, and even today the City can just floor me. The Tamakis nailed this, from the facial expressions to the body-language of their characters, the push-pull of wanting to go to all the tourist traps and not wanting to be the kind of rube who goes to all the tourist traps.

All my female friends have stories of growing up in intense, three-way friendships that were forever turning into two-on-one fights, with allegiances shifting from moment to moment. Roaming tells the story of one such triangle, forming and shattering and re-forming in a sorefooted, exhilarating weekend in the greatest city in the world (TM). It's a love story about friendship and the transition from adolescence to adulthood, perfectly precise in its depiction of very specific people in a very specific time and place, and yet absolutely universal in the truths it reveals.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/11/as-canadian-as/#possible-under-the-circumstances

[ablatheringblatherskite]

my thoughts on ep 1 and 2 of the live action ATLA series!

So it is absolutely GORGEOUS. like the visuals??? the costumes?? THE VFX??? OUTSTANDING. CHEF'S KISS. INCREDIBLE. the worst thing is Zuko's scar and like ok whatever nothing we can do about that.

Episode one was fantastic we actually see a lot of great additions, which is COOL! like more of Monk Gyatso, and the actual attack on the Air Nomads... 😭

I'd say writing wise it's not as great as I want it to be. A touch too many monologues for my taste, especially in the first episode, but nothing too bad. Could've been better, but definitely DEFINITELY could've been worse *eyes the movie that will not be named*

You can tell they're trying to squish important plot points together instead of spacing it out across more episodes I mean especially since Netflix decided everything has to be EIGHT EPISODES. but the pacing is actually good considering that LOL

but oh the EMOTIONS. THE EMOTIONS?!?!!

the actor of Aang oh my gosh, Gordon Cormier, OMG. DUDE I NEARLY BAWLED MULTIPLE TIMES BASED ON HIS PERFORMANCE ALONE. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY HEARTBREAKING 😭 HE'S SO GOOD 😭 and he's so cute too he's so baby I'm wjrhwhrhwhdhwhdhwh

I love the actors of Sokka and Zuko whdhwhdhshdsjjdhsjd. Ian Ousley and Dallas Liu? DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

SOKKA WAS HILARIOUS we BURST out laughing SO MANY TIMES, he was so GOOD 😭 the jokes he cracked were genuinely funny wwhdhwhgd and the SARCASM especially. and HIS ACTING THE ACTING HE NAILED IT?? It was so natural and THE EXPRESSIONS HE'D MAKE AND JUST. ALL HIS ACTING CHOICES IN GENERAL WERE SO GOOD. HE WAS HILARIOUS. and other than the funny parts in general he was just so good! HE GETS IT. HE IS SOKKA.

and Zuko was so good too like, we haven't gotten to all the juicy angst yet so I can't fully judge, but so far he's done SO well. Like especially the moments he'd get really angry and also HE'S SO GOOD AT MARTIAL ARTS. SO.

BUT HE'S ALSO RLLY FUNNY TOO??? especially when he gets annoyed with Uncle Iroh LIKE THE BODY LANGUAGE WAS SO SUBTLE BUT IT WAS HILARIOUS. and YES UNCLE IROH WAS GREAT TOO, I LOVE HIM SO FAR. HE IS ALSO HILARIOUS and does seem like Uncle Iroh to me so far!!

Katara hasn't had much to do yet and much like. acting stuff or much to do with her character yet but like that's okay, I'm pretty confident they're still building it up. They haven't gotten to the JUICY bits yet. But she was already so good too.

I'm really interested in some changes, like how they focus more on the Avatar State as a plot point? It's interesting LOL. There was also a shot that showed that in this universe, Katara actually saw her mom die?!?? like omg, that's so gruesome I'm crying.

and it's true that they cut out the sexism arc of Sokka 😭 BUT BUT BUT. IAN OUSLEY. OH HE GETS IT. Like you can see he's really doing his best to keep it a part of the story, like in his acting choices, he's still trying to include the more sexist aspect of his character even if the script isn't supporting it. Like he really truly did his best with what he had and he nailed it, it's the script's fault

And I will say I'm not crazy about some of the stuff they added to Suki? like, I wasn't crazy about the whole "thank you for bringing the world to me" thing, but it's just okay LOL. She's frickin GORGEOUS tho

(also I was really hoping we'd get the scene of Sokka wearing the Kyoshi warrior outfit and makeup but sadly they didn't put it in but it's okay)

OH BUT THE CRUMBS. THE SOKKA AND SUKI CRUMBS. OH THEY'RE SO CUTE. ESPECIALLY THE SCENE IN THE DOJO WHERE SHE'S TEACHING HIM?? OH IT WAS SO CUTE. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. you can tell they're doubling down a bit more on their romance, especially since we know it's already gonna be endgame, but it's making me wonder how they'll tackle Yue 🤔

but yeah. Sokka and Suki stinking adorable I was SQUEALING MULTIPLE TIMES, I LOVE IT I LOVE IT

and the BENDING. THE BENDING IS KRIFFING GORGEOUS. IT'S SO GOOD. THE STUNTS?? THE MARTIAL ARTS?? BEAUTIFUL!! MAGNIFICENT!! PERFECTION!! and the VFX?? HECK YES. AUGH!! I'm definitely not disappointed about it. And I love how dangerous the bending legitimately feels?? like it feels so LETHAL. And there were some really shocking bending moments that were done incredibly well. I loved it.

so YEAH. IN CONCLUSION. so far, judging from just the FIRST TWO episodes... I rate it a 7.5/10

The writing is maybe a 6.5/10, but the acting for sure a solid 9/10. DEFINITELY worth the watch imo, BUT so much more enjoyable with an open mind and acceptance that it's not supposed to be a carbon copy of the show.

[rossithepixie]

!!!!! ROSSI! i feel like! at some point! you mentioned that hoyo made certain choices with wriothesley's character model and outfit that contribute to how BEEG he looks, etc. and i was wondering! if you'd like to elaborate on that? 🎤👀

Oh gosh I can certainly try! No promises on how much sense I'll make. Let me just -pulls up a picture of him-

Now you just stand there and look handsome. Amazing job. So Genshin uses set character models and they come in different categories. For male playable characters they come in "Tall" and "Short" but the models themselves don really contain body variation. It's all about the clothes and how they use colors and patterns to break up their shape! Wriothesely is arguably the largest male appearance wise. (while neuvi might be the tallest looking of the tall models)

(full breakdown under the cut)

The seams in Wrio's vest do a lot of the heavy lifting here in how they guide your eyes up and out toward his shoulders. Same for the lapels of the vest. Not only that but the dark panels of the vest on his side give an illusion of even more weight and thickness. There looks like there's somthing to grab onto there. Also note the extra bit of dark paneling between the deltoid of his shoulder and the space leading to his neck. This further pushes your eye outward. Those slight breaks of darker color do a lot of heavy lifting of informing how we take in his form. The collar of his shirt and cuffs of his sleeves once again draw your eye outward.

This of course doesn't even touch on the extra layer they added with the coat draped over his shoulders that does actually bulk out his figure more but it's not really the point of this post since i'm talking more about how the clothes close to his body are what really make him feel large. Moving downward his pants utilize similar visual cues to make him feel wider. Those like grey splits leading down to the seems that vanish into the top of his boots work the same as the paneling in his vest. breaking it up visually makes it feel like there's more there.

I'll get to his boots in a second but i had to pause to take a couple pictures of him from different angles that made me feel very rude. they're terrible pictures from my phone so i apologize

Man has a great ass. No denying that. And a part of it is once again how colors are used to break things up, along with the lighter color of his pants allowing for more depth with how they have the shadows cast on him. It's like they framed his ass essentially.

-coughs-

Now if you'll look at the first image of him again i'll get back to his boots. The armor cuffs at the top of them once again splay outward somewhat and as you go down the leg you'll notice that mot of the detailing is done in such a way to keep forcing your eyes outward. Then the main part of the boot really is just chunky.

In conclusion hoyoverse does a really good job useing shape language and color to add variation to their character models despite using a limited range of actual models. I could probably do a similar rundown with Al haitham, who while not as big looking as wriothesley also feels bigger than say Kaveh or Kaeya despite all the characters i mentioned here using the same base model. Seriously though the take away should be that even if you have limited resources or are trying to reduce them while making something with a ton of characters there are lots of subtle tricks you can use to trick the eye of your viewer (positive)

I'm sure there's someone with a more professional background in character design who could give a more in depth and better articulated run down of all this. I'm pretty much all self taught and just really love art and character design. I could talk about this at length still though with a bit of back and forth since there are definitely things i glazed over.

Thank you so much for getting my brain going Amira! (I've talked my non artist roomate's ear off about this before and they just politely listen so i can get it out of my system)

[tanenigiri]

My favorite manga got a drama adaptation and I don't know where else to freak out about it. So as a departure from the manga reviews I've been posting for this blog, here are some ramblings about Our Dining Table's first two episodes:

(There are some vague spoilers here about what might happen after these episodes based on the manga, so if you haven't read the source material, fair warning.)

Just need to get this out of the way first: they mADE AN OUR DINING TABLE DRAMA DSOIFHAWPOIHFAOIEH i'm glad we can have nice things

Probably my biggest praise for the show so far is how it's put Minoru's conflict front-and-center much earlier than in the manga. A significant amount of the manga's first half is focused on Yutaka's issues, with only a few scenes talking about what's going on in Minoru's end (the head patting scene mostly, and then some subtle assumptions about the fact that there's an absent mother). Episode 2 already sets up Minoru's conflict quite well with the additional scenes that weren't in the manga, and I think that's a fantastic decision in making the story explore its two leads more equally.

The shot of the four pairs of shoes at the entrance of the Ueda home in Episode 2 is by far my favorite shot of the show (at least so far). I don't know why footwear got me emotional but there you go.

Really appreciate the drawn out sequences of Yutaka cooking. We know that he's a great cook, but it's nice to actually see it.

Also really appreciate how it looks like we'll see more of Yutaka's work life. The final scene of Episode 1 was a slight deviation from what happens in the manga - no one sees Yutaka talk to Tane in the manga - so having the officemates be there tells me they're setting up something about Yutaka's work dynamic, which I am all for as I would love to see how his officemates gradually notice the change in Yutaka's behavior.

Hilariously, it's only while watching the drama where I find out that Yutaka works as an architect? I knew it had something to do with art because of a future scene but I didn't realize he was an architect.

I see those subtle indications of Minoru slowly (or maybe not-so-slowly) falling for Yutaka. Those lingering glances, the body language when it's just the two of them, the way he talks about Yutaka to his dad - it's a great call for his character!

There are so many references to future events where I've gone, "Oh when I see this it's gonna make me cry" that it feels like I'm gonna be in tears for 80% of the rest of the show.

Also want to point out that the Episode 3 preview seems like it's gonna deviate a bit from what happens in the manga next? Episodes 1 and 2 were pretty faithful to the first two chapters (with some scenes omitted that I feel like they're saving for future episodes) but I don't recognize the scenes at the preview at all (save for the very last one - I think I have an idea of what Yutaka wants to talk about but I'm not sure). Definitely understandable since this has 10 episodes, and I'm excited to see where else it'll take their dynamic.

TL;DR: The manga is my favorite for so many reasons and this show is only adding to those reasons. Really excited to see the rest of the episodes.

[nutmegdoggy]

MEET SPARKLEFUZZ WHISKERPAWS

ok so a friend used chatGPT to design a fursona for them ((of their own accord!!)) and it was so good I HAD to draw it!!

((only the description is AI, the art is mine!!))

((original description by ChatGPT under the cut))

Fursona Name: Sparklefuzz Whiskerpaws Species: Cat Gender: Non-binary Pronouns: They/Them Birthday: August 14th Height: 5'7" (170 cm) Rising Sun Sign: Gemini Moon Sign: Pisces Personality Traits: • Always speaks in UwU language • Semi-cringe social media presence • Loves role-playing in chatrooms • Flirts playfully with everyone • Has an obsession with pastel colors • Overuses emojis and text faces (^ω^) Quirky Facts: • Pees with their eyes closed • Has a deep love for polar bears • Is a fan of late-night infomercials • Can name every episode of "My Little Pony" • Collects limited-edition anime keychains • Has a secret talent for yodeling • Sleeps with a stuffed animal collection Favorite Activities: • Attending furry conventions • Drawing fan art for their favorite shows • Playing dress-up games online • Binge-watching 2000s cartoons • Posting dance videos on TikTok • Hosting themed tea parties Sparklefuzz Whiskerpaws' life goal is to become the most famous cat-themed internet personality while spreading love and positivity throughout the online world. They are quirky, playful, and always ready to make new friends in their never-ending quest for fun and adventure. Appearance: Fur Color: Pastel lavender with a gentle gradient of baby pink and sky blue, creating a soft, cotton candy-like appearance. Fur Pattern: A smattering of white stars adorning the fur, with a large white crescent moon on their forehead. Eye Color: Sparkling, large round eyes in a mesmerizing shade of mint green, with a subtle twinkle that resembles tiny stars. Body Shape: Lean and graceful with slightly longer limbs, giving an air of elegance to their every movement. A plump, fluffy chest adds to their overall cuteness. Tail: An exceptionally long, fluffy tail with a gradient that matches the fur color. It's adorned with a few tiny, white star-shaped markings scattered throughout. Ears: Large, perky ears with tufts of white fur on the inside, giving them an extra touch of adorableness. Outfit: Clothing: A pastel-colored, oversized hoodie with a galaxy pattern, featuring a large front pocket for carrying snacks and small trinkets. The sleeves are slightly too long, covering their paws and adding to the overall UwU vibe. Accessories: A pastel pink and purple beanie with cat ears, a crescent moon pendant necklace, and an array of colorful bracelets and wristbands on their front legs. Footwear: Soft, fuzzy ankle-high socks with non-slip paw prints on the bottom, perfect for sliding across smooth surfaces. Sparklefuzz Whiskerpaws' appearance is the epitome of cuteness, with their soft, pastel-colored fur and enchanting eyes. Their carefully curated outfit adds to their unique charm, embracing their UwU personality and ensuring they leave a lasting impression on everyone they meet

[animationstation66]

LACKADAISY (Pilot)

LACKADAISY is a 2D animated film pilot based on the 2006 comic series by Tracey J. Butler, directed by Fable Siegle, and produced by Iron Circus Animation. Released only 2 months ago as of June 15th 2023, LACKADAISY is a labor of love animated by over 160 artists around the world! The pilot introduces us to St. Louis Missouri in the year 1927, prohibition is in full effect and the impending doom of their beloved bar looms over the characters heads. Those characters including Rocky, Freckle and Ivy, three cats trying their hardest to smuggle alcohol into the city despite the challenges they face.

My Thoughts:

!!!SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

What else can I say other than this film was phenomenal! I was incredibly impressed by how smooth the animation is and I love, love, loved the character designs! All of them were unique and had their own sort of spunk and interest while keeping a cohesive look. Let's take a moment to appreciate the artwork for this show shall we?

This image here is an excellent example of creative character design within a certain art style! Shape language, body language, facial expression, and color are all used in subtle ways to express the character's personality!

An important detail to remember is that LACKADAISY was originally a comic, so some things had to be changed to translate it from comic to film.

The original comics primarily used warm, detailed pictures that focused more on shading and texture rather than color. The artwork has a similar warm, almost brown tone that some film photographs from the area take on. Whether that is on purpose I have no idea, it was just something I noticed. These images are from the comics, just to give you a better idea of what I mean.

Even when color is added that detailed artwork and focus on shading remains. Giving the viewer stunning scenes to look at, like these.

Gorgeous right?

But one thing you notice right off the bat is that with the animated pilot, the detail and the emphasis on shading have decreased significantly. But that is to be expected with an animated show, as those things are well... hard to animate. However, what is lacking in detail and shading is made up for in color! The animated pilot is packed full of color and light, which I really enjoy.

Personally, I believe they did a really good job adapting a comic into an animated pilot, if you have anything to add or any animations you want me to look over let me know in the suggestion box! Anyways! be sure to send the people behind this amazing pilot (and comic) some love and support! signing off for now,

-N.Ink

[licensedproldier]

HI i was going to put this all in the tags bc i loved it so much but then tumblr stopped saving and i panicked because i wrote SO much and then started copying everything and then discovered tumblr logged me out??? so anyway i guess it's going on the post welcome to 1am sort-of art analysis i guess!

this is so cool. im not usually huge on class swaps but i AM huge on character design and holy shit op your body language is also TOP FUCKING TIER im eating this up. the colors only being on certain pieces of clothing says SO MUCH about how they progress.

obviously rogue fabian pulling his hood back and then a shorter cloak…..ough opening up. also him having his hand on his gun in freshman year but then the crossbow is visibly behind in in junior year....also his pants got baggier!! and he switched eyepatches oooooo. i also do love that he starts wearing the cloak looser around his shoulders and begins wearing other things under it! less regard for functionality more regard for comfort! same with growing his hair out <3

ALSO his junior year post mirroring his freshman year one!!!! each showing a different hand and a different side, meanwhile sy has both hands hidden maybe representing a lack of agency? assuming a similar arc of course. i also really enjoy the slight progression of his head tilt, from downwards to forwards to upwards. gaining some confidence. almost ends up with the fabian we know in fy by the time this one hits jy! also yellow is such a fun choice its such a cheerful color for a character that is not postured correspondingly at all in 2/3 of the illustrations.

PLUS THE CLOAK IS REAL BIG ON HIM SUDDENLY HAD THE THOUGHT THAT IT MIGHT BE HIS FATHERS. YOU SLY MF. OUGH. at first i was just going to point out the short sleeves change was fun but CMON. CMON. taking a part of your past that hurt you and making it your own....

adaine starting very simple and going from skirt to pants to what looks like ARMORED OR REINFORCED pants along with jacket. like gaining confidence in her abilities. also reinforced by fantastic expressions and poses. (fuck i lost my copy/paste here uhh) the slight upward angle insinuating that she always had what it takes and just had to discover it for herself.

ALSO the change from skirt to jacket moving the weight of her silhouette upwards resulting in a much bigger presence and more intimidating shape as she gains confidence and skills. the blue going through multiple different shades like she's trying to find herself. AND I BARELY NOTICED THE MASK but the disappearance of it by junior year.............ough. her hair gets messier and her clothing gets more intricate i love that she looks so much happier in her own thing. the transition from nervous and frantic to indifferent to slightly manic anticipation is truly so delightful.

OH plus the fact that her outfit doesnt actually change that much from sy to jy except for the addition of her own little things, its like finding a home and then finally making it yours, once you've found who you are. i like it a lot.

also a very subtle but fun change in belt buckle from rounded to uh. a funky slanted one. slay.

fig's transition through pink to red and also the CHANGE OF CAMERA ANGLE FROM DOWNWARDS TO UPWARDS OUGHHHHH. still that cute cheerleader girl in freshman year and going full punk by junior……. also guh. shes so pretty. if i was a little more allo id say hot but ohhhhh i love her

ALSO also bc i keep looking at it. sophomore year fig being the messiest one because of all the lines in her uh. shirt. fishnet shirt. idk im sorry man. and also the plaid(??? fuck me) skirt adding to the visual noise. the way it contrasts with the smoothness of her freshman year silhouette, arcs getting broken up by the fluff of the previously round pink apparel. symbolizing the period of her biggest and messiest transition. breaking down who you thought you were so you can become who you are now

and her silhouette gets smoother again in junior year with bold lines and solid colors!!!!!!! YEAH GIRL

also love the inverting of her knee brace (i think?) and her stockings going black to match her hair <3

kristen gives me such dorothy wizard of oz vibes here ngl, the shape of her shoelaces changing oooooooooooo... also always love it when someone gives kirsten the masc treatment it always feels like a very sweet instance of player bleed

but also sophomore year her with the ruffled edges on her clothing almost like literally peeling away?? POTENT imagery. AND the half-untucked dress/shirt revealing big shorts that were covered in freshman year….the ruffles and poof being very feminine contrasting to the way her hair is pulled back. she's in-between. i think best represented by how the dress is quite literally only half tucked. what a fun parallel to her doubt arc as a cleric.

also the purple first being out and obvious as her dress but pulled back and hidden as though in uncertainty during sophomore and THEN remanifested as a jacket in a form she seems most comfortable with. im sure there are no trans/gender discovery metaphors to be found in being a sorcerer no siree oh whats that its pete conlan with a s--

tiny detail of the little bows on her shorts in sophomore year that are i think loose and untied in junior year. i love that

ough…………..gorgug my boy hi………………..

op theres so much color things going on in here and i DO see your transfem headcanon which is based as hell. also the shape of his staff changing from what looks like an axe blade to…….maybe a person? but regardless to much rounder shapes

and HEY look at that another jacket off as revealing thy true self metaphor!!!! i like that….the shirt colors are a thread of consistency and at first its secondary to the jacket and then its primary but still existing in exception to the jacket and then it IS the jacket!!! not to mention the color expanding to her skirt!!!!

theres also something here about his collar getting wider and deeper. a splitting down the middle. idk op i think your metaphors rock even if theyre not intentional. something about the pensive feeling of the sophomore year design gets to me. the middle phase where it feels like something in you is demanding to be let out and might break you in the process.

secret: the thing is being trans and ALSO your crippling insecurity! yay

god riz looks so cute. he looks so cute. thats just a sweet little guy i would give him my lunch

im genuinely so curious what your riz bard thoughts are because you havent drawn him with an instrument which seems intentional!! and also because this cant be very different from our riz who has famously been a workaholic with problem solving as his primary expression of love. so its both very funny and fitting that the only tool i see him with is still the gun. bless.

but also his hair getting longer and more unkempt in sophomore year, his hand on the gun, everything screaming tension and also a bit of a mess. ALSO THAT JACKET IS SO SO BIG ON HIM WHOS IS IT. WHO. i love it so much.

also his ears are out in sy! which is a fun detail and i didnt actually realize they WERENT out in fy which now has me worried. OH THE OTHER JACKET IS ALSO BIG ON HIM. WHAT. op thats so mean. he keeps trying to be something and someone that doesn't fit him? the belief that he as just himself isn't enough and he has to be more like something or someone else? hurgh is that first jacket maybe also his dad's. ill lose it.

it makes his jy design very cathartic to see, honestly. you drew him with his shoulders up and hunted and so CLEARLY uncomfortable in both fy and sy that him simply with an ARM RAISED breaks the blob of a silhouette he's been in and gives him, like, freedom of movement again? plus his hairstyle being a mix of the first and second is very soft to me. not quite either and a something of both.

THERES PROBABLY MORE IF I LOOKED AT THEM FOR LONGER but its also getting late and ive written this out twice now so i will peace out!!!! love you op this is so cool i hope this brings you some joy in whatever time you see this <3

class swap design masterpost for convenience (from top to bottom: bard!riz, cleric!gorgug, sorcerer!kristen, barbarian!fig, artificer!adaine, and rogue!fabian)

[ronaldanthony4]

Oh dear, guess what? I just finished working on another piece of digital art, and let me tell you, it's all about my beloved OCs Arlon and Liliana! You know, those two are like the epitome of my perfect idea of romantic love. So, here's the scoop: I decided to place them in this amazing lush and flowery garden, surrounded by nature's beauty. You wouldn't believe it, but I made sure to capture them in their most natural state, just being themselves, vulnerable and without barriers and enjoying each other's company. The colours of the flowers perfectly complemented their vibrant personalities, creating a visually stunning and captivating scene. As I added the final touches to the artwork, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and happiness radiating from the image, as if their love had come to life on the digital canvas.

Now, let's talk details! This time, I went for a half-body shot portrait, you know, to keep things intriguing and not give away everything in one glance. I wanted people to take a closer look and really appreciate the essence of their connection. Oh, and there's a little twist – I intentionally left out any hints or clues about what's going on between them. You'll have to really dive into the artwork to uncover all the layers of their story. The composition of the portrait is carefully crafted to enhance the mystery and intrigue surrounding their connection. By omitting any visual cues, viewers are encouraged to interpret and create their own narratives, allowing for a more personal and immersive experience with the artwork. It's an invitation to explore the depths of their story and discover hidden meanings within the layers of the painting.

Oh, Liliana and her love for Arlon – it's just heartwarming! I made sure to depict her wrapping her arms around him in a tight, affectionate hug. It's like she can't spend even a single day without being close to him. I mean, who could blame her? Their love is something so pure and sweet that it's practically tangible in the air around them. As an artist, capturing the essence of their love was a joyous challenge. I wanted to convey the intense emotions they share through every brushstroke and colour choice, allowing viewers to feel the warmth and tenderness radiating from the painting. It's a testament to the power of love and its ability to transcend time and space. And you know what's cool? I took inspiration from an AI-generated artwork for their pose, and Liliana's hairstyle also got a touch of that vibe.

But wait, there's more! To really capture that dreamy and utterly blissful atmosphere, I decided to add this super cool effect. I took a slightly blurred version of the artwork and superimposed it on top of the main image with about 50% opacity. Can you believe the effect it created? It's like a subtle dream within a dream, adding this layer of enchantment to the whole scene. You'll feel like you're peeking into a magical world where their love blossoms like the flowers around them. The soft edges and gentle blending of colours create a surreal and ethereal quality, enhancing the romantic ambiance. It's as if the artwork itself is alive, breathing life into the love story depicted. The overall effect is mesmerizing, transporting viewers to a realm where imagination and reality intertwine seamlessly.

So there you have it, my latest masterpiece. I poured my heart and soul into this piece, trying to balance the serene beauty of their surroundings with the passionate love they share. It's moments like these that make me love being an artist – the ability to capture emotions and stories in a single frame, and transport people to a world where love knows no bounds. I can't wait to see how this artwork touches the hearts of those who lay their eyes upon it. Creating art is a profound way to connect with others, as it allows us to communicate universal emotions that transcend language and culture. The power of visual storytelling lies in its ability to evoke empathy and inspire introspection, reminding us of our shared humanity. As an artist, I am humbled by the potential impact this piece may have on viewers, and I hope it sparks a sense of wonder and ignites their own imagination.

[papers4me]

Fruits Basket Manga Review ch (90)- First pages ONLY.

I skimmed thro ch-89 to know the context of ch-90. it was Cinderella’s play. In this chapter, Kyo says early on, that time has passed since the play & that they are NOW starting their third year in high school. cool.

This part will ONLY focus on the 1st few pages of ch 90 abt (kyo & tohru) & stop before kyo’s memories starts, because the early pages contain:

Tons of new unexplored analysis of (kyo & tohru) characters that unfortunately was intentionally cut & worse! “changed” in the anime.

No space to add kyoko’s story in this post.

Kyoko’s story is full psychologically & socially.. I need to take a deeeeeeep breath before I unpack it. very deeeeep breath!

-Glimpses of Tohru (the silent grieving girl) Subtle Writing of Grief:

Right from the beginning, I hate how much insight into tohru’s grief & weakness as a human being is already there in the first few pages of ch-90 than the entire 3 seasons of the anime! From few pages we have:

Tohru’s seemingly delighted watching a video. Subtly, showcasing tohru’s grieve & paving the path for tohru’s trauma exploration later in the story. Grief is not sth you quickly past, that’s the most tragic misunderstanding of grief. Time will pass, so, you’ll be better & healthier. Really?!. Tohru’s inner desire to see her mom alive manifested in her words: “ like a photo comes to life” T_T.

The story/writing/manga is acknowledging tohru’s heartbreaking & NOT cute habit of talking to her mom’s cold dead photo! In the anime, tohru talks to her a lot in se01 & it’s up to you to see as as “ cute” as all the canon characters do or actually feeling it IS wrong. Kyo’s  “ what would she do if there were a video of her mom”! “ drives the point more abt tohru being a sad grieving human~not the “advice-giving, optimistic angel, & rain-stopping sunshine in the anime.

Tohru telling kyo to NOT catch cold connecting it to se01, ep 9 (haru’s ep) when tohru was afraid that yuki might catch cold & kyo noticed that! so now in se03, they’re dropping this plot altogether within the main anime, for what? we dont even know if this part would be included in whatever “ kyoko’s” spinoff content would be. -_-’.

That’s how you write subtle trauma such as (grief) for a main (female) MC. subtlety is the key. Respect the viewers intelligence & do it.

You don’t have to give her the long speeches or the many focused ep that yuki had. he’s the kind who confront himself inwardly constantly.

You don’t have to showcase drama, confrontation & force the emotions out like you did with kyo. he runs from his trauma & punishes himself.

Tohru buries her feelings! she’s different from both kyo & yuki. So, with her subtle & symbolic scenes are enough!!!The viewers will catch it if you show it, but ignoring it, cutting it & hoping the viewers will magically predict what you cut, is weird. But the anime isn’t even into us predicting nor subtly showing her cuz this tohru is NOT the tohru we have in the anime. How?

Simply cuz there is no kyo’s inner thoughts abt small things such as tohru’s photo obsession which subtly shows her grief & trauma. If kyo didn’t monologue abt her, tohru does not exist as she’s meant to be. You loose the subtle insights into tohru if you cut kyo’s inner thoughts. Not everything kyo thinks abt in regards to tohru is romance!!! That’s a very narrow & superficial look into the writing of kyo/’tohru dynamics. Flip the pages, hmm..cut this kyoru scene here & there cuz we dont want the anime to be only their love story.. But the story itself IS NOT only their love story at all. These pages/scenes here are abt tohru as a PERSON. Not tohru the lover...

- Writing Clashes between manga & anime: (Kyo’s Conscious Gradual Psychological Exploration vs Shock Value & Drama)

In ch 90 i really love all the inner self talking that kyo’s doing. It really explains why he ended up rejecting tohru so strongly. Also, going for a trip into kyo’s mind is hella exciting, new, refreshing & full of analysis-worthy exploration! Kyo’s inner psychological argument with himself is a psychologically-informed presentation of a tried guilty mind:

“ Why can’t I stop thinking of (kyoko’s words) lately? Acknowledging that he IS remembering kyoko & never forgot her. This is also supported in the anime itself. When he apologized to a sleeping tohru in se01, ep14 & se02, ep9 , confronting yuki in the stairs & other instances as well. 

“ It’s like a lid been opened & all the memories came pouring”. Acknowledging that kyo DID open his lid since se02, ep9 byt chose to run & not confront it due to his guilt of ruining tohru’s happiness by confessing his connection to her mom. 

“ pretending I didn’t know, pretending I forgot”. Here is a blatant clash in kyo’s writing (1) between the anime & manga (2) between the anime’s episodes themselves!!. In the manga, again kyo chose to ignore & pretended to forget. Death is NOT sth you forgot. Kyo saw kyoko bleeding & dying.  The anime chose to make him totally forget & it could’ve worked if they didn’t included all the canon moments of him actually remembering & pretending to forget. Is that lazy writing? or was the director for se03 different from se 1 &2 &? chose to NOT watch the two previous seasons? Why would you consciously include a contradicting depiction of your character on screen for thousands of confused viewers? Was the scene of kyo’s shocked gave upon seeing kyoko’s photo that artistically appealing that you forgot everything? I really have NO problem of kyo forgetting kyoko if that was written in the anime since se01, but it wasn't. that's why it sucks. 

“Is this payback? maybe I want to blame ME?” augh! i love this line so much! Directly hinting to the viewers that this is kyo’s one-sided guilt before his story with kyoko even started! subtly paving the path for the reason of his rejection of tohru” I dont want forgiveness. I want to blame ME.

-I don’t mind that the anime left kyo’s thoughts of kyoko until the climax in eo8, cuz ep 8 was SO well-done! Se03, ep 8 pacing was very suitable to (1) uncovering dark secrets & death, trauma, & guilt. (2)  for exploring the effects such secrets on kyo’s character, decisions, mentality. Also, the animation of kyo’s face all ep 8 was one of the most expressive facial expressions the anime has ever delivered! The eyebrows, eyes, mouth, tears, body languages, heartache was all 100% perfect. The fact that the following eps didnt have much time to express everything & chapters were cramped is not ep 8′s fault but the decision to have 13 eps. Kyo’s delayed trauma deserved to have its own ep.

-What I DO mind is the added scene of ep 6 where he freaked out upon seeing kyoko’s picture, the concept of shock is perfect & so suitable for an anime but was NEVER properly written into the anime itself from the beginning. On the contrary, the anime itself contradict such usage of such value. Good job ruining an otherwise perfect-depiction of two traumatized characters (kyo & tohru) with ONE scene.. -_-

Side Notes:

I thought tohru is narrating the 1st page in ch-90, turned it out it is kyo!!!! Kyo narrates sth? Kyo monologues? kyo has a POV? Just the setting of kyo doing that feels different! I duno if it cuz when that happens in the anime it’s always clash & drama! lol, or cuz it’s sth original!

Shigure’s “ it’s broadcasted all over the nation” is epic! XD! you know poor stupid kyo would fall for that! XD. kyo, you really are an idiot! XD... man this scene would’ve been epic comedy~ lol.

Tohru not knowing what a “dvd” is is outdated for the anime, but to still keep the sentiment of “her wishing she’d have a video footage of her mom”, they could’ve replaced her words with “ It’d be fun watching this play years from now & remembering all the details”. I know that to some, it feels weird that tohru doesn't have video footage of her mom in this era. but trust me, this is more common than you might think. My late brother, who’s way younger than me, doesn't have much video footage, he always felt awkward & preferred not to be filmed. We got photos for him tho~

Even if you want kyo’s knowledge of kyoko to be in the climax only. You can always include this scene of tohru & kyo in the first pages in the anime somehow. It doesn't even need to be abt the dvd even tho that’s manageable. Cutting this short scene of them talking abt videos, & catching cold is cutting tohru’s trauma from its core. Then, the old grandpa’s narration from se03, ep6 would at least have some backup in the anime’s canon.

Momiji & shigure are perfect as a comedic duo!

I can’t get over tohru’s art~ <3

Pinning kyo at the beginning is epic~ kyo always gets the BEST romantic lines when he talks to himself. “ burning (tohru’s ) memories into my head or forgetting everything”. The torturing fire inside him is only distinguished by loving her but is also ignited by loving her~ what’s the solution~

[alicemp]

[...] "Yes. Whether a child of an art god or just musically inclined, the island definitely has entertainment down. I think I overheard that Apollo will be bringing the symphony back soon for a early Spring concert. We will definitely need to attend." He told her with a light smile. Nights like this proved much potential, and if he could open another one, he would definitely do so. He shifted his gaze to the musician for a moment. "I've been here quite a lot, actually. It reminds me of home. Nothing can replace mom's food, but I know this is as close as I can get without having to put the effort in." The length his mom would take in creating their red sauces showed to her craftmanship, but he definitely did not have the time to follow her recipe. "But, I do not think I am on first name basis. So, you can't make fun of me." He teases, turning back to look at her. Lupin, though taking the menu, did not open it. He truly did not need to do so. He had a feeling that she would not be able to choose between all the delicious items on the menu. Lupin, so far, had not found one that he disagreed with, and he planned simple to order the other items she had wanted so she could get a taste of both. It had not been the first time he had done so for her, and he hoped it would not be the last. So, when she talked about the items she wanted, he had to mask his chuckle. He was about to respond when the waiter came back by. Smiling at her, he then turned his gaze up to the waiter. "We want some garlic bread, and I think we want to split the following dishes: shrimp risotto, squid pizza, and a seafood stew." While it might be a bit of overkill for just the two of them, he did not quite mind. "I think I want a glass of Chianti. What about you?"

“Oh, they’ll have a classical concert this early Spring? How wonderful!” she exclaimed, hints of anticipation for attending the event with Lupin brought subtle sparkles to her eyes. “We definitely should go! It’ll be my first time watching an orchestra live performance! Well, the first one I’ll remember going to, to be exact.” 

Alice ended her statement with a relaxed smile that reached her eyes, as she wanted to reassure Lupin that she was not over-stressed about her memory loss. So far, she had not found a way to live in peace with that fact yet, and she doubted she would ever be able to. Inexplicable headaches and mental exhaustion still haunted her, but at least, she got used to talking about it without being eaten by fear or guilt, and there were people she could trust, with Lupin being among the most significant ones.   

As her companion mentioned his mother and homeland, Alice listened with all her heart and mind. It was one of the abilities she was born with - collecting verbal clues, picking up nuanced signs, paying attention to body language, and drawing precise conclusions without bombarding other interlocutors with basic questions. Besides, Lupin was talking about the most important person and the most important place in his life, so she felt the urge to give him her full attention. 

“I wish one day I could come to your hometown, and have dinner with your mom,” Alice spoke, an honest desire she was not sure where it was rooted from. Then, she recalled seeing Lupin’s mother in some photos he had shown her in their fateful reunion. There was a loving smile on her face as she added, looking at Lupin with all the tenderness Alice did not realize she had. “She must be a wonderful woman, and a wonderful cook too!”

She did not look back at the menu until the waiter came to collect their order, not wanting to stress herself over choosing the dishes. By looking at the way Lupin left his menu lying untouched the whole time, and how completely unfazed he was by her indecisiveness, Alice quickly realized that they must have gone through the same scenario more than a few times in the past. 

While Lupin was making the order, Alice could not help chuckling softly, giving the confused waiter a light shake of her head to indicate that it was not related to him. When asked about her wine of choice, her reply came easily. “Riesling, a moderately sweet one, please.”

Alice happened to read quite a lot of books about quite a lot of topics in the library, and tonight, it proved to help her pick a wine suitable for the plates of seafood they had ordered. When the waiter left, she resumed their conversation with a playful question. 

“How was our very first restaurant date? I hope I didn’t take one hour or so mulling over what to order?”

[darkacademicfrom2021]

The Dark Team (part 6)

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“What did you fuck up?”, you heard Loki’s sharp whisper through the earbud, while you frantically searched through papers and papers and some more papers.

“I didn’t fuck up. I have the guy. I have information”, cleared Bucky. “Hey, DON’T MOVE”, he shouted at the kidnapped, cocking his gun. He cleared his throat before talking again. “Good and bad news”.

“Must be Christmas”, you said.

“No, Christmas is when you only have good news”, said Bucky.

“Not in my family. Generally, there was only bad news and food. Food was the good news”.

“I love how professional and focused on the mission you two are. Stark would be so proud”.

“Wait, I’m invested now. Tell me more about your family, y/n”.

“For the Norns, I don’t have much time. The information, Barnes”. You could hear Loki's footsteps resonate. According to plan, he should've been walking through a hall full of burocrats, so he was right; he did not have much time.

“Okay, so, I know who has the stick”.

“Good”.

“He’s dead”.

“Not so good”.

“Not really, no”.

“What do we do now?”.

An alarm on the building had set off and every door locked down, with a man on a speaker announcing the disappearance of an important object followed by an awfully accurate description of the three of you.

“We run, that’s what we do now”.

You didn’t have to say more. Bucky threw himself off the window before it finished closing. You looked around desperately, trying to find a way to free yourself from that office. Two security guards entered the room screaming for you to get on the floor, and instead you made an unstable wall with the desk and chairs, avoiding getting shot and giving you enough time to figure out some sort of weapon to take them down.

The watch was already used, the knives were useless if they had guns, you didn’t have a gun yourself (silly you), and the parachute was apparently not working anymore, so you couldn’t jump off the window like your teammates. Damn.

“By any chance”, you whispered through your microphone “could you tele…”, but Loki gave you no time to finish the sentence and teleported himself to the office, still in the shape of a security guard.

“My dearest friend”, he said to one of the shooters, opening his arms welcomingly, “how’s the family?”.

“What the fuck, Robert?” asked angrily one of the real guards. “How did you…”.

Loki kicked off his gun and touched his head with a halo of green lights, making him fall unconscious to the floor. He looked up and down at the second security guard and formed half a smile.

“And what about your wife? Is she well?”.

“You ain’t Robert, ain’t ya?”.

“Mmh, nah”.

You grabbed the second security guard from behind and made him trip, immobilizing his arms and legs, and held his own gun to his head. Loki watched you amused, and then transformed back into himself.

“Oh, there you are”, you greeted him. “Did Buck say anything about the walking dead?”.

“The… what?”.

“The man with the stick. If he’s dead, who activated the alarm? Someone has to have it”.

“He didn’t say anything else. Can’t you track it down?”.

“If I could, why would we have done all of this for?”.

“Point made”.

“I need to get back to our room, take some things off the checklist before going all in for a new plan”.

“Alri…”, he started saying, but his gaze fell back on the immobilized guard you were holding down. “What are you planning on doing with him? He saw our faces”.

“If you let me live I won’t talk about this at all”, he pleaded, face squished against the floor. “I have kids, please”.

“He’s lying, he has no kids”, he said with a neutral face, and you looked at him trying to tell him to communicate telepathically. Surprisingly, he understood. “What?”.

“I’m not killing him, what do we do?”.

“Just kill him, what’s all the fuss about?”. You looked at him horrorized and he rolled his eyes “alright, just threaten him enough”.

You let him go, still pointing the gun at him, and gestured to the door so he could leave. When he reached for the door knob, you shot twice at the wall, mere inches from his head, and he froze in place.

“Talk and I’ll find you”, you threatened.

“I won't say a word, I promise”.

You looked at Loki and he nodded, letting you know the man was telling the truth. You kept your eyes fixed on him while he ran away, terrified. Must be new, you thought. Loki grabbed your waist.

“What the Hell are you doing?”, you pushed him away.

“Teleporting us, as you asked”.

“You have to grab me to do that?”.

“I don’t have to. It’s so you get stability”.

“Oh. Give me a big bear hug, then. No, better, let’s cuddle” you spat with sarcasm. He sighed annoyed, massaging his temples.

“Fine. I’m not even touching you”.

As he teleported both of you, you felt your whole body tear its own cells apart and dissolve, and then regenerate them. Your head spinned like it never has, and something hit your head; but you weren’t sure if it was the floor, a wall or the roof, for your sense directions were nowhere to be found. You took a few seconds to compose yourself before opening your eyes once everything stopped moving. When you finally managed to realize where your head even was, your eyes met with Loki’s, who was holding back a smirk with his arms crossed.

“Reconsidering that cuddle next time, are you?”.

“That was… hilarious. Such a shame I missed the previous part to give me context, though”, said Bucky from the counter of the hotel room, munching on some chips. “Look, the tiny fridge had these. You were right, they’re actually great”.

“Yeah. Grab whatever, they’re on Stark’s”, you said, still with your head a bit fuzzed. Loki offered his hand to help you get up but you did it yourself. He sighed.

“How do you fit your clothes with that huge ego of yours?”.

“I don’t, I walk around naked”, you answered, opening the nearest laptop and starting to work on the checklist.

That night was like the last one. Dark, silent and with your head full on the work. Bucky was barely snoring, and Loki was sitting on his bed reading a book. Every once in a while you glanced up your work to look at how painfully beautiful he was. You hated every thought about it, of course, but you couldn’t deny his sight grew on you a bit. He was an asshole, of course. A parasite on your head. An inconvenience. A distraction, sometimes. But the warm light of the bed lamp and the shadows it formed on half of his face enhanced his features, almost like a sculpture, a piece of art.

While you thought of that you checked on his expressions, making sure he wasn’t listening to your highly embarrassing thoughts.

After a few hours, Bucky had already woken up and you were still spread on the floor, surrounded by the files and laptops from before. The light conversation had caught half the attention of the God, who was still reading peacefully. He seemed so calm you wondered what kept him up anyways.

“You think he still has it on him?”, asked Bucky, changing his shirt.

“I think it’s a possibility. I’m tracking his body down. Should be in the morgue by now, maybe they haven’t taken off his clothes yet. But if not, the security cameras would have recorded who took it from the body”.

“Groovy”.

"Oh my God, James".

"What?".

"What does groovy even mean?".

"You know... it's like saying cool beans".

"Coo... alright".

After a while, you collected all the data you needed for tomorrow. You were so exhausted your eyes were getting dry and blurry. Loki was still reading in that same place, not even fazed by the amount of hours that had happened. You got up to clean the dishes from the last meal, and he lifted his gaze up from the book.

“Wait”, he stopped you. With a wrist movement, the dishes got as clean as they could get and arranged on the shelf. You chuckled.

“I wish I had that ability”.

“Are you going to sleep now?”.

“A few hours”.

“Sleep here”, he said from his bed. You looked at Bucky’s; he fell asleep back again.

“You haven’t slept yet. I don’t want to occupy your bed”.

“I won’t, don’t worry”, you nodded, kind of worried he might pass out of tiredness in the middle of the mission. Why the hell was he not sleeping? “If it doesn’t bother you, I’d rather finish this book on here too”.

“I think there’s enough space”.

He moved and gave you space for half of the tiny bed, and you laid by his side with your arms crossed and a leg on top of the other. He went back to his book, and even though he was sitting and your sight couldn’t reach the pages, you were sure it was in Old Norse.

“What are you reading?”.

He didn’t answer right away. Doubtfully as in to share it with you or not, he then proceeded.

“Hamlet. It’s a translation in Old Norse from an author I adore. I’d say it’s an even better version than Shakespeare’s”.

You felt yourself about to smile. You tried not to, but you probably did. That was your favourite piece of literature of all times. You wondered how could that have gotten to Asgardian hands, and why would he (certainly a Midgardian hater) want to read Earth’s literature. You were so curious in that version. Was it really that good, that would be better than Shakespeare himself? Sadly, you didn’t even know how to say hello in that language.

“Do you like it so far?”.

“I’m re-reading it. Brings good memories”, he said with a subtle smile he had hoped you wouldn’t notice. But you did. Something in your chest warmed up a bit and you shook it off. No, no. Not feelings. Don’t confuse your physical attraction, don’t feed your touch starved soul. No. You had to repeat to yourself a couple of times. You were just very, very tired.

“Brings good memories to me too. I love this book”. You figured it was alright to open up a little. The situation was relaxed enough. He wasn’t snarky or avoidant. He looked… melancholic. Sad, even. Like a facet of himself he didn’t allow everyone to see.

You connected with that. Maybe you could even relate to him in some way. For years, you had a feeling of something not adding up quite right. A longing for something you couldn’t exactly pin up. Melancholy for a blank space.

But there you were, barely knew him for three days yet felt close enough. Not too much. Just a feeling. Just the traces of something that maybe happened in another life. But in this one, you would get the mission done and leave. So don’t get attached, you ordered yourself.

“It’s a really good version”.

“Wish I could read it but I don’t know Old Norse”, you said slower than you intended. Loki chuckled at your tiredness. Maybe you could push your curiosity a little further. What was the damage? That he could just say ‘piss off’ or something like that? “What good memories does it bring to you?”.

He sighed and muttered almost to himself “I used to read it to my beloved”.

You almost gasped, surprised he actually answered you. You didn’t ask for more. It was already a lot he had just trusted you with. He told you he had a beloved. You didn’t even know he had a lover, but of course he had. He was nearly a thousand years old; why wouldn’t he? Did he lose that lover, in past tense?

Curiosity grew bigger on you, but fear pushed you aback. But the questions floated around in your head as a lullaby. Your head started to weigh a little more on the pillow and everything happened slightly slower. Loki closed the book and left it resting on his lap. He whispered “I feel you have questions”, and you denied it with your head. Your eyelids fell heavier than before.

“I’m mmnmnnhnm”, you managed to sort of say before getting knocked down by sleep. You heard his laughter, but nothing more after that.