#if I had the energy and motivation I'd make this look better

[hyperfixation-tangentopia]

I considered a second page (I still have a concept) but art block is hitting me sooo we'll just do this one. More Chikao & Nezha. Not sure how happy I am with it but meh it's still good and was fun so have

[nano30cm]

they're gym buddies :)

[a-star-that-burns-brightly]

It's kind of disheartening to me how the common fanon portrayal of Xander and David's dynamic is usually boiled down to Xander being a 'simp' (for lack of a better word) with a one-sided adoration and idolization of David. Especially after the latter's heel turn in CH2-11. And I say that because one of the most important facets of their dynamic to me is the fact that David also very much idolizes Xander just as much, if not more then Xander idolizes him. David believes the world cannot change, we know this. But I think an aspect of his philosophy that I think goes severely overlooked is just how badly he wants to not believe that. He wants to believe that the world can change, and more specifically, that people can change. This aspect of himself can be seen in many parts of his character. I'll most likely touch on this in a later post, but it's most likely part of why he devised his plan to share the secrets. It's very likely the reason he became a motivational speaker, and it plays a massive part in his two closest relationships during the killing game, Arei and Xander. But today, we're talking about Xander. David looks up to Xander. Incredibly so. Xander is everything that he wants to be.

David: You wanted to make Nico feel comfortable, even though you wouldn't necessarily get anything out of it.

Someone who is unconditionally kind to others with no ulterior deceitful motive, just for the sake of being kind to others.

David: You're always full of energy and bravery to achieve your goals, no matter what they are. Yet at the same time, you're a compassionate person who takes the time to help others.

Someone who strives for hope and change, and will never back down until he has it.

David: I have trouble believing that Xander would be the kind of person to commit murder.

An unquestionable Good Person.

That is why he pushes back so hard when Teruko accuses Xander of attempting to kill her. He refused to acknowledge the possibility that Xander, for all of his good qualities, might've been a much more deceitful person than he was letting on.

Because quite frankly, even though the two of them agreed to treat each other to treat each other less as role models and more as friends, if you ask me: I don't think David ever stopped seeing Xander as his role model. I mean, why would he? Like I said before, Xander is everything David wants to be, everything David so badly wishes he could be but has it etched into his brain that he is incapable of such. Xander is a light in his dark chasm of cynicism, a glimmer of hope. That maybe, just maybe...

Xander: Enough with these idols or role models, okay? Let's just be friends. David: I... David: I'd love that. Thank you.

Things could change.

Teruko: Earlier at lunch, Xander had asked for me to meet him in the computer lab, claiming that he wanted to tell me about some plan he had to confront the mastermind. Teruko: We both met up there after dinner, where he tried to murder me instead by stabbing me with the kitchen knife. David: Xander tried to kill you? I find that hard to believe.

And then the light starts flickering. I've mentioned it before in this post, but one of David's biggest flaws in his mindset is that it causes him to view people, including himself, in a nuance-less binary lens of black and white.

David: People who are born lazy, useless and stupid will stay that way until they die. If you were able to "improve" yourself into a better person, then it only means you were a better person to begin with.

You are either a good person, or a lazy, useless, stupid piece of shit. In simpler terms, you are either born a good person or you are born a bad person, and whichever you are born with will become your identity until the day you are in a casket. That is what David believes. Up until now, Xander was strictly placed into the slot of "good person". Not just that, but practically the opposite of what David deems as a "lazy, useless, and stupid" person. He himself has described Xander as someone who is full of energy and will do anything to achieve his goals, someone who takes the time to help others, and a compassionate and generally emotionally intelligent person. That is who Xander Matthews is to David. But now that he is being given evidence of a more potentially malicious side to Xander, the pitfalls of a firm black-and-white mindset rear their head and repeatedly bludgeon David in his own.

David: It's possible that those bloodstains are Xander's, not yours.

(he's reaching so fucking hard here and he fucking knows it, god I hate him. /pos)

David: Are you saying that Xander is a killer? I find that difficult to believe.

Teruko: -But I believe that the origin of the DVD is not from the culprit, but rather, from that person (SELECT: Xander) Teruko: It was most likely Xander. David: Xander... He planned something that manipulative?

David's monochrome mentality (Riproducer reference completely intended) makes it so that he cannot even fathom the idea that Xander, someone he previously marked off as not just a good person but the good person, is even capable of hurting someone, of being cruel enough to intentionally trigger someone just for his murder plan, to murder someone in general. If his feelings towards Min are anything to go by...

David: Something as horrible as this murder, as horrible as this class trial-- David: How dare you! You killed Xander, and you were perfectly willing to kill everyone else here to escape!

David: At that time, watching Min, I kept thinking... David: ... David: How utterly pathetic she was!

That would certainly bring Xander to the category of lazy, useless, stupid bastards. But David has already put Xander into the category of a "good person". So what else is he meant to do other than defend and deflect anything suggesting otherwise? David doesn't want to believe that that glimmer of hope that Xander gave him was just a lie, that hope that things could change, that he could change. So he defends it. He clings to it. He doesn't want to let go. But here's the funny thing about David. Despite his black-and-white mindset, despite the fact that he does believe good people exist, he will always be, first and foremost: A cynical bitch. Point being: I think David, deep down, knew full well that Teruko was most likely telling the truth. Like, I joked about it earlier, but do you really think he believed the lack-luster argument that completely ignored evidence that he could gleam by just looking at the crime scene? I think he was just reaching for anything at that point to try and prove himself wrong. But it's no use, the light continues to flicker. David's denial of Xander's cruelty is quiet to none, but it's clear he is still clinging desperately onto the positive image of Xander he used to have, seeing as he does not show nearly as much animosity (verbally anyway) towards Xander then he does towards Min, despite the fact that Xander also seemed more than willing to kill the rest of the class to escape. It's breaking. But after Min's execution, it's clear that it all hits him at once.

David: I... I've seen enough. There's no point in keeping my hopes up anymore. David: We are all certainly going to die here.

David Chiem left the courtroom that day with his hopes snuffed out, nothing left within him other than the cruel reminder of something he already knew:

If something is important, then

It'll break and disappear.

[tsunael]

wolcred week |  3. 'need / want.'

Never in his five years of being had he seen Norvrandt's commonfolk in such high spirits. How that woman still had energy for merry-making after everything they've been through, he couldn't know.

She was a fascinating spectacle: one moment she was showing off her footwork he recognized as distinctively Lominsan, and then she was floating across the floor, tangled tightly in a foxtrot with a Eulmoran come to join in the festivities.

Ryne couldn't seem to take her eyes off them, hands clapping along to the rhythm of the jaunty tune being played across the way. If he didn't know any better, he'd say she was eager to join in-- a better time for a girl her age than to be clinging to his side, no doubt.

She cheered along with the gathering crowd as Tsuna and her partner finished their round, and it was only moments until the next number started up.

He supposed she danced to console her heart.

If she stopped dancing-- stopped moving-- even if for a second, the despair would seep its way in through the cracks. She would exhaust herself until there was nothing left. She needed this.

"It's so wonderful to see everyone so spirited," Ryne giggled with a joy that did not cease to swell his heart. "I never knew she could dance like that... did you?"

He had been silent for far too long, he realized with a rueful smile-- too focused on not watching the feast in front of him, try as he may to dodge the furtive glances Tsuna would throw over her shoulder.

He hummed, looking into his tankard, thoughtful.

"Not quite like this," he snorted. "At this rate we'll have to carry her home."

He looked up at the opportune time as Tsuna began a daring pirouette. For a moment they met eyes, and in the next motion her arm extended to the two of them-- her fingers beckoning.

He chuffed a laugh, looking away again.

An unsteady click of heels from his periphery meant that the object of his affections would not be denied.

Tsuna came to them, out of breath and sweating a fine sheen. She fell into his arms, thoroughly drunk on mirth and spirits.

"If I didn't know any better I'd say you were ignoring me," she teased. She was right. "Dance with me."

Ryne's mouth fell open, silently enthused with the idea.

He cast her a pointed look, the corner of his mouth twitching with a touch of frustration as he had to peel her from his chest. "Now there's a Hell I would not suffer," he huffed a laugh, and Tsuna fell into a girlish pout that did not suit her. "I believe there's enough biting at the bit to have your hand already."

Her lips quirked in an impish smile as she reeled herself back in. The look she gave beneath her thick lashes was meant to entice. "At least buy me a drink?"

He was much too sober for this-- and in the company of Ryne, no less.

His brow raised. "I think you've had quite enough," he said, firm.

Tsuna held his gaze a moment too long before sighing dramatically.

Drink motivated her to suddenly pull Ryne in by the shoulders, hugging her possessively, despite the girl's embarrassment. "Then I shall have no choice but to steal. Your. Date." She declared. "He's so boorish, isn't he? No fun at all."

"I-- Well, I suppose a bit--" Ryne stammered, looking torn between loyalties, and obvious want.

He wasn't sure whether to be irritated or amused, but resettled himself against the bar all the same. Had Ryne seemed more opposed to the idea, he may have felt the need to step in, however...

"Just..." He held his breath, and exhaled with a sudden, deep sense of regret. "Go easy on her, won't you?"

Tsuna burst into a fit of laughter, hugging the girl until she squeaked-- her horns nearly poking something vital in her fervour. Clearly, she would not be heeding his warning. "Come on, the next one is about to start--"

And then the girl was dragged off.

And then he was alone.

He looked at his empty tankard and frowned. He had thought to sworn it off. It was used far one-too-many times as a crutch, but perhaps he would drink-- for old time's sake-- to join in the merriment. Just a singular ale to start, he figured.

That was, until Urianger curled his lanky-self around and reminded him-- in excruciating detail-- of where a flagon so often led him in the past. Out spilled a veritable list of his drunken conquests-- a familiar name only barely escaped the roster before he loudly begged mercy.

It would be water for the night, then. Water.

[sinnohsiblings]

Response to This | @singularity-and-co

"I don't see what's so bad about it." She shrugged indifferently at Galaxis "My mother sits on my father's lap, funnily enough she also did that to silence his sister for trying to ruin a special occasion for him. I suppose I get my boldness from her."

"You're right he doesn't have as much experience as I do, having been in one other relationship before. But how to you expect him to get that experience? Just only date people who are also just as inexperienced and hope that they'd be compatible after learning what they want? I've only been in one serious relationship prior, and you make it seem like I'm some corruptive negative thing because I know what I want in someone after learning what I don't want. Why does it shock you that I'd go for someone like Singularity? How low do you think of him that he wouldn't be found a worthy match? Or are you shocked that someone could look at someone with a corrupted form and see someone worth value?"

"You know what I see in Singularity outside of the things I already told you about his kindness and consideration he's shown not just me but others? He saw value in me outside of my rank and political value. Previous suitors of mine where only interested in me for what being with someone like me would do for their image and their political and social standings, after all I am quite literally the highest of the pantheon's ladder. But Singularity gains nothing from courting me outside my company, we are equals on all fronts, and there for I know he is not motivated by self-serving reasons, well...outside of the normal relationship desires. He is not interested in me just to make himself look better or be treated as someone more important, he actually wanted to know who I was, and I want to know who he is. It's a shame that's so outrageous to you that when you see you aren't getting your way you think threatening him with the ire of your father."

"I must ask Galaxis...how does Singularity having someone in his life who actually wants to hold him, see him smile, and show him affection effect you. Like seriously? You act like me kissing him is gonna set you or your world on fire, it's not. You might not like it, and you don't have to. But you can always leave, it takes zero energy to not be a dick. It takes nothing to just look the other way and not get involved."

When she felt singularity's hand on her shoulder she turned her attention onto him, looking over her shoulder as he spoke. She frowned hearing Singularity say his father hated him; it was easily seen by anyone that the very words of a father hating their child saddened her.

When Galaxis had the audacity to insinuate, she was trying to control him she snapped her head in his direction and if looks could kill the sheer venom in her gaze at such an insult of her character would have laid low legions.

When singularity leaned closer she tilted her head towards him. When he complimented her, she blushed, and when mentioned he'd find honor in receiving a kiss she smiled. Deciding to pay Galaxis no mind she thought she'd indulge the other Giratina.

[moonlight404-translates]

A3! Mikage Hisoka | SR - Flame Guidance | Translation

Quote: "There are always candy apples for sale at festivals, but only a few sell marshmallows. I'd like them to be in more."

-----------

Marshmallow Buff! / 1

Izumi: Okay, that’s all for today. Great job, guys!  Itaru: GG.  Hisoka: …Good job.  Izumi: Your character portrayal was so on point that I wouldn’t think this was a sudden performance request.  Itaru: The world-building made the acting easier. Kudos to our resident scriptwriter. Tsuzuru: That’s nice to hear, but that’s pretty much because of the base script from the Goldfish Festival organizer.  Tsuzuru: The story adaptation went smoothly thanks to it.  Izumi: I’m glad the theme was easy to write. Keep this same energy on the big day, guys!  Tsuzuru: Sure thing.  Itaru: There won’t be anything to worry about if we get the director’s thumbs up before the performance. Hisoka: …Director, is there something we should change to make it better? Izumi: Not really. I think the interpretation and moves are good enough.  Hisoka: Okay.  Tsuzuru: …Is it just me, or is Mikage-san more motivated than other times?  Itaru: I noticed it too. The tempo in the dialogues between you two has been on point in every practice.  Itaru: That motivation of him could only be—-. Tsuzuru: Because Mizuno arranged a marshmallow assortment and a marshmallow dessert stall, isn’t it?  Izumi: Yeah, but there’s one more reason related to it…  Itaru and Tsuzuru: Huh? 

(Flashbacks starts)

Hisoka: … Izumi: (Oh, Hisoka-san. He is looking at something very happily.) Izumi: What are you looking at, Hisoka-san?  Hisoka: The list of stalls Mizuno gave me. The goods that will be in the marshmallow dessert stall are written here.  Izumi: It makes sense why you couldn’t take your eyes away from it.  Hisoka: Yeah.  Hisoka: I told you before that Mizuno noted down all my recommendations when I took him to the marshmallow specialty shop, right?   Izumi: Yeah, I remember that. He wanted to go to the marshmallow shop to hear what you had to say about them.  Hisoka: Yes. He searched for marshmallow desserts combined with various sweets based on those notes. Izumi: (Mizuno did that much for Hisoka-san…! I feel indebted to him even if he didn’t do it for me…!)  Hisoka: He prepared exclusive goods for the Goldfish Festival that isn’t in the marshmallow specialty shop. I’m looking forward to it.  Izumi: Everything makes sense now. If we finish the rehearsal quickly, you might have plenty of time to look around the stalls.  Hisoka: !  Hisoka: When is the rehearsal? In the morning?  Izumi: Hmm, that’s up to the priest and Mizuno-san to decide, but… maybe early in the morning since there are fewer visitors.  Hisoka: In the morning then. If we finish it quickly, I can eat more.  Izumi: Fufu, very well. But for that to happen, you have to work on it from now on.  Hisoka: Okay. I’ll do my best in the practice. 

(Flashbacks ends)

Izumi: —That’s the thing.  Itaru: The marshmallow buff is incredible, but Mizuno is in another league.  Tsuzuru: You have to be kidding me… like the director, I can’t help but feel indebted to him just by hearing that.  Izumi: Ahaha, I know, right? Anyway, let’s meet up tomorrow at the same time, okay? Tsuzuru: Sure. …Huh? Tomorrow—. Hisoka: I have something to do tomorrow, so we’ll practice in the evening. …It was what you said before our practice today.  Izumi: Ah! You’re right. I said it and yet forgot it. Thanks, Hisoka-san.  Itaru: …So tomorrow it will rain cats and dogs, won’t it?  Tsuzuru: More like it will rain a big amount of marshmallows… 

Mizuno: Thank you for working hard in the rehearsal.  Izumi: I should be the one who says it. Thank you for the early morning rehearsal! Priest: It’s alright. It was perfect for us to have it before we opened the gates. I’m looking forward to the performance.  Izumi: Of course!  Mizuno: The festival will start soon. I have to prepare some things before the performance. Please, excuse me.  Mizuno: If it’s not too much trouble, could you tell Mikage-san to be at the marshmallow stall at noon? Izumi: Hm? Ah, of course. I will tell him. Mizuno: Thank you! Then—. Izumi: (The stage performance arrangements and the rehearsal have already finished. What else could Mizuno-san have to do…?)

Izumi: Great job, everyone!  Izumi: You were more fired up than at the practices, Hisoka-san.  Itaru: Yeah. That fire on him reached us too.  Tsuzuru: It felt like the real performance.  Hisoka: Are we free until the performance now?  Izumi: Yes, we can split up for now—. Hisoka: I’ll go to eat marshmallows.  Izumi: Eh?! Hisoka-san, wait! I have a message for you… Tsuzuru: And I was wondering about him changing clothes so fast… Itaru: The marshmallow buff is no joke. Izumi: Ahm, you two can go around the festival and enjoy your free time. I’ll go after Hisoka-san! 

Marshmallow Buff! / 2

Izumi: (Where was the marshmallow stall…?) Hisoka: … Izumi: Found it! Hisoka-san—. Hisoka: I’d like marshmallow cake, marshmallow macaron, and marshmallow ice cream, five of each one.  Izumi: Eeh?! That’s a gigantic order…!  Hisoka: …Ah, director. Stall Person A: Sir, your order is ready.  Hisoka: Thanks. Munch, munch… yummy.  Izumi: You did your best in every practice for these unique marshmallows.  Hisoka: Yes. I strongly believe Mizuno-san should join Mankai Company’s staff.  Izumi: Yeah, that won’t be possible. Oh, right. Mizuno-san wanted me to give you a message.  Hisoka: …A message?  Izumi: “Be at the marshmallow stall at noon.” Hisoka: …I’d stay here even if he didn’t tell me to.  Izumi: Haha, I should have known it.  Woman A: Look, it’s a marshmallow stall. That’s so rare!  Woman B: Those marshmallow macarons look so good~! Should we buy some?  Child A: Mom, I want that ice cream!  Mother A: Oh, that looks delicious.  Hisoka: …More people are coming.  Izumi: Yeah. Other customers will come, so hogging the stand is not a good idea. Let’s move a little.  Izumi: Since we’re in the festival, why don’t we check other stalls until Mizuno-san comes?  Hisoka: … Izumi: They might not have marshmallows, but we might find other sweets.  Hisoka: …Okay. Let’s look around. Hisoka: But, give me a minute.  Izumi: Hm? Hisoka: I want the same I asked before. Stall Person A: Eh, by the same you mean… Hisoka: Marshmallow cake, marshmallow macaron, and marshmallow ice cream—. Izumi: Come on, Hisoka-san, stop that…! 

Hisoka: …The cotton candy was good. Izumi: You were eager to visit all the stands with sweets at the festival, Hisoka-san.  Izumi: Okay, we should see the marshmallow stand soon… Ah, there are candy apples next to it!  Hisoka: Candy apple?  Izumi: Yeah. They were placing goldfish-shaped candy apples when we left the marshmallow stand. I wanted to try one.   Hisoka: Oh, you’re right. I didn’t notice it.  Izumi: There were only marshmallows in your mind after all. I should get one now that I’m here. Do you want one, Hisoka-san? Hisoka: Sure. Izumi: Okay. Excuse me, could you give me two candy apples? Stall Person B: Sure thing! Izumi: Thank you. Here is yours, Hisoka-san. Hisoka: Thanks. Izumi: Now that I look it at this close, it’s quite cute. Hisoka: …

Choice 1: Marshmallows are better?

Izumi: Marshmallows are better, aren’t they?  Hisoka: Eh?  Izumi: You didn’t eat it immediately compared to the other ones.  Hisoka: No, it’s not that. It feels like it’s watching me, so I can’t eat it.  Izumi: Pfff, you’re right. It has eyes attached to it.  Hisoka: …I’ll eat it from the fin. 

Choice 2: Did you like it? 

Izumi: Did you like the goldfish candy apple?  Hisoka: …It’s only candy, but I feel bad eating the goldfish.  Izumi: Oh… do you feel uneasy about eating it because your role in the performance is a goldfish? Hisoka: …Don’t worry about it, I will eat it after I look at it a little more, it’s pretty. 

Izumi: …Ahh. It was good.  Hisoka: Yeah.  Hisoka: —Ah.  Mizuno: I-I’m very sorry! Did I keep you waiting?  Izumi: Not at all. We were looking around and just came back.  Mizuno: I’m glad if that’s the case. I wanted to give something to Hisoka-san, but it took some effort to arrange it.  Hisoka: Give me something?  Mizuno: Yes. It’s this.  Hisoka: ! A marshmallow bento…! Hisoka: But the one after the performance… Mizuno: This is a snack before the stage. There’s another assortment ready as an appreciation token. Do not worry about it.  Izumi: (So he was preparing THIS! Unbelievable…!)  Hisoka: Thanks, Mizuno. I will do my best in the performance, please come to watch it.  Mizuno: It would be my pleasure!  Izumi: Mizuno-san, allow me to express my gratitude. Thank you SO much for everything you’ve done! 

----------- Notes: Hisoka takes Mizuno to the marshmallow specialty shop in his SR Wide Awake Live backstage.

[gamebunny-advance]

Let's Just Rip Off This Band-Aid (Kliff Doll Repaint)

I still haven't finished adding the fringe to his scarf, but at this point, I don't think y'all will actually care that much. It's a personal project anyway, so I'll just finish it on my own time. Right now, I want to be released from the shackles of this project.

Once again, my poor camera and lack of editing do him no favors (he's got a real bad case of jaundice in that first pic. I PROMISE he's not that yellow-orange IRL ;o;), but he is (mostly) done.

Well, he was (mostly) done like a week ago, but just yesterday I decided to redo a few things to try and "fix" what was really bothering me about him, so I really made recursive progress. That said, I do like him more now than I did a week ago, so I'm not mad about it.

A little backstory: Alongside Kun3h0, I've been working on him for the past month, so I've been pretty occupied with this project for a while. Now, I do wonder to myself why exactly I thought making this would be a good idea. All I can really say is that my impulsive tendencies drive me to do things against my better judgement.

But, I will still give y'all my documentation and thoughts on the process + more pictures.

(I'll talk a little more about it later, but for those of you that aren't going to go through the long-ass readmore, the Neon J. mask is a reference to an old comic I drew.)

(It's so old, I was still writing everything by hand~)

So, the "real" answer to "why" I made this is really as simple as "because I could." As I said in the Kun3h0 post, I've been wanting to repaint dolls for a long time, years even, so in the back of my mind, I'm always thinking of ways I could finally start one.

Well, recently I just finally put together the ideas and motivation I needed to start. And of course, that was with Kliff.

I don't remember *exactly* how I stumbled across everything, but I do recall looking at doll clothes online and stumbling across this trench coat (pictured with the other clothes for this project).

(I took this pic mostly because I thought I was going to take pics of every major step of the process, but that didn't end up happening).

I thought it was pretty darn close to Kliff's coat, and I got the horrible idea that, "I could def make a Kliff doll to go with this coat as long as I can repaint it."

I feel like usually people would think the other way around, but that is basically the truth of this project: I didn't find clothes to fit the doll, I made the doll to fit into the clothes. Because for me, customizing the doll wasn't really the intimidating part: it's making the clothes. I don't know how to use a sewing machine, and currently lack the patience to learn (and due to some personal trauma that I don't really want to get into), but I can hand-sew, so starting any project that involves it requires me to be willing to set aside a lot of energy for me to do it, which I don't often have.

But, if I could find ways to cut down on the sewing, then I'd be more willing to start. And somehow, I was able to find just about everything I would need for a potential Kliff doll without having to sew anything. In the end, I only sewed together one thing, and it's the one thing that isn't actually finished: the scarf.

So, I blame the trench coat for the entirety of this project: if I'd never seen it, I would have never made a Kliff doll. In fact, I got the clothes before I even had the doll.

Since I was brainstorming this project, one of the most important parts is of course the base doll, which was tricky. Male doll repaints are fairly uncommon, especially of older men, so there weren't a lot of resources or places to get inspiration for this project.

From what I found, most male (fashion) dolls were very youthful, and the ones that weren't usually took heavy modifications to achieve, which was out of the question. Kliff was supposed to be an "easy" project, so on top of not wanting to sew any clothes for him, I also didn't want to have to alter the doll that much to make it look like him. This was a lot to ask for without putting in any personal work, but in a way, this goal was supposed to keep me from actually starting this project: really this whole thing was supposed to just live in my head as a fantasy as most things do, but then I just stumbled into the right set of things, so I couldn't stop myself from going through with it.

The doll I landed on was a BTS Mattel doll. Now I've said before that I know basically nothing about BTS, and that is still true, but that's beside the point. In my research for finding a suitable doll to work with, I found out that a popular base were these BTS dolls. At first, I wasn't into it because I was still running into the "youthful face" problem that I was with other brands: most of them had pillowy lips and nice soft faces, but I did eventually find one that I thought was close enough: J-Hope.

(It's not the worst match up.)

I don't have pics of my doll before I started working on him, but it was pretty close to the stock photo. He has much thinner lips than the others, and a taller, more angular head shape that I thought would work best for Kliff. I did worry a bit that the nose wasn't "strong" enough to really be Kliff (and IMO, it wasn't XP), but it was the closest I found yet, so I decided to bite the bullet and get one, and if I had one, that meant I needed to start gathering everything I would need for this project.

So, no backing out now.

Now, actually acquiring this doll was a whole other song and dance, but here's the part that's important for how the process went:

Due to a miscommunication with the seller I eventually got him from, there was a delay with shipping, so I didn't actually get him until weeks after "officially" starting this project. In the meantime, the clothes and things for Kun3h0 (who I started as an impulse project within the impulse project) had already been gathered.

The original plan was that I was going to work on and subsequently post about Kliff first since he was a comparatively simpler project. All the things I was avoiding for Kliff: sewing clothes and making modifications to the doll, were all going to be incorporated into Kun3h0, so she was theorhetically going to take longer and be posted later, thus telling a small story of "starting simple, ending complex." But since I didn't have his doll, but didn't want to delay working on Kun3h0 just to wait on him, I started on her and repainting his clothes anyway.

So, I don't have any pics of the doll or his clothes from when I was working on them, unlike the sparse ones I had for Kun3h0, I only have pics from after he was finished.

But I'll still tell y'all what I can to at least preserve the story.

For starters, repainting this coat was probably the most time-consuming part of this process.

I really thought that it would take one or two days maximum to turn this coat bright yellow, but I think it actually took over a week. And I really should have known; the coat was a medium tone, and I know that yellow takes a while to build up on anything that isn't light. I lost count at some point, but I swear that thing has over 20 coats of paint on it. Mind you, the first 10 or so coats were watered down with the textile medium, which also contributed to how long it was taking for the coat to take color, but at some point I just got so frustrated that I stopped mixing in the medium and painting directly onto the coat to get the color to layer faster. This is a huge no-no for painting acrylics onto fabric, lest the paint crack from creasing the fabric, but I just couldn't be bothered anymore. I needed this thing to be dandelion yellow NOW or I was gonna lose it.

There were consequences for taking that shortcut, such as the paint cracking in high motion areas and the coat getting stiff, but it's not terrible. In the end, I accepted the trade-offs or else I might still be painting the coat. Perhaps one day I'll reverse engineer the pattern for the coat and make him a new one, but I wouldn't count on it. In retrospect, I wonder if I would have had an easier time if I had thought to bleach the coat first?

As you might notice, I contoured/shaded part of the coat in orange. That's something that I actually *just* added yesterday and added another couple of hours to the work time. It was just bothering me that the doll was essentially a giant slab of yellow, and was part of the reason I didn't like it very much. But I got inspired by this repaint to try contouring the coat to give it more depth.

(I also used this person's videos to modify the hands. He has one deidcated to just reshaping the BTS hands.)

In the end, I'm pretty happy with the results.

The rest of the clothes weren't as difficult to deal with.

The pants took the paint a lot better, likely due to being dark paint on a light surface. Since I used less paint, it's not as stiff as the coat and still go on very easily. Though, they are VERY high waisted, and I'm not sure if that's normal XP

The shoes are also painted (and slightly modified), though I had to paint them twice because the first time, the paint got stretched off when I tried to put them on the doll's feet: the shoes were just *slightly* too small for the feet of the doll, so they really get stretched to fit his feet, and his heels don't actually go in all the way XP.

He's still capable of standing on his own, but I try not to remove the shoes, so I can avoid having them crack again.

In my "initial clothes" pic, I put down a different shirt than the one he's wearing. The original plan was to repaint the shirt black, but my work space is very limited, so I couldn't really repaint three pieces of clothes at once without significantly risking that I would stain other things. In the end, after getting scarred by how long it was taking for the coat to take color, I decided to just give him one of the black shirts that came with the coat. This does make him somewhat inaccurate since the current shirt has flowers/plants on it, but I'm gonna say that they make up for the lack of flowers on his scarf. Maybe someday I'll make him a new shirt from an old sock or something, but for now, I don't think it's a bad look.

Other clothing of note is the scarf, but since it's not technically finished I didn't take any close pics of it. It's actually made of an old headband of mine that I just cut and painted to look like his scarf.

Originally, I had actually glued on ribbon to it for the stripes, which took a couple days for the drying, but because I couldn't flatten out the scarf to easily glue the ribbon, it turned into a mess and bulked it out too much: since the scale of the doll is already small, I really needed to keep the fabrics thin. This was especially important for the scarf since it was going to wrap around his neck: if it were any thicker, it was going to practically eat up his face, which it still does, just less so.

Speaking of face...

When I finally got the doll in the mail, I started working on him right away, so I don't have any "before" pics of the doll.

After I did the usual "wiping off the face and pulling out his hair," I started with repainting the entire body and head.

Despite Kliff being ambigously "WHITE 🫵," Kliff isn't as pale as the original doll. I'd say even the stock picture I posted above has more warmth than the actual doll did. So, I got the base to be "coral" all over, dusted him in light orange chalk pastels for contouring, and most of his details are outlined in shades of burgandy. I didn't take any nude pics of this doll, but he is countoured all over his body and you can rest easy knowing I gave him some nips XP. But maybe someday I'll show y'all doll!Kliff's washboard abs XP.

TBH, I did want to detail some tattoos and some body hair too, but I just didn't trust myself to do either of those well with the tools I have (my brushes aren't thin enough, and my hand not steady enough for those kind of intricate details). Maybe someday I'll at least get his tattoos in (and after I've actually designed them XP), but we'll see. I don't plan on having the doll in short sleeved clothes very often, so details like that are the least of my concerns.

TBH, I was pretty proud of how the face paint originally went on. I really took my time to make sure it went down flat. It really was beautifully smooth~

But disaster struck.

I had painted the head while it was still separated from the body, and when it finally came time to reunite them, the paint on the head cracked and peeled when I shoved it back on. And, foolish fool that I am, instead of accepting my losses and starting over from a perfectly clean head, I just peeled the lose ends and repainted the exposed parts, which of course made the paint uneven. I somewhat justified this with the idea that most of it would be covered by other details, but in retrospect, I really should have just started over properly.

But, after that ordeal was over with, it was time to actually work on the face.

I can't clearly remember if I worked on Kun3h0 or Kliff's face first. I think I worked on them simultaneously because it took me a LONG time to actually get the courage to work on Kun3h0's face.

I thought I did a decent job on Kun3h0 since I really only had the 1 eye to repaint (the hidden eye is painted, but it's basically just a void with no details), and it was a bigger "canvas", so it was easier to paint. Besides having 2 eyes that I would need to make nearly identical, they were also a lot smaller, so it took a lot longer to paint them in a way that satisfied me (and since it's not easy to "redo" acrylic paint, his eyes lost a lot of smoothness too).

Again, I don't have any "before" pics, so it won't be easy for me to convey my troubles about it, but I do want to say that I think Kliff with a closed mouth is very cursed.

:I

He just looks like he's itching to say something heinous and that is no different for the doll.

It was so difficult for me both match his expression on a face that wasn't *completely* his and still look like him. Although I chose this doll because he most resembled Kliff, he was never gonna be a perfect likeness of him, but despite knowing this, it still bothered me that the face was still just very "young" looking.

Granted, I don't think the original Kliff looks *that* old either (if I didn't know any better, I would assume he was in his 30s, not his 50s, especially compared to other characters around the same age), but still not as *smooth* as the doll is (even with my paint mishaps).

If you can believe it, the face actually used be worse. I don't have pics of it, but like the coat, I actually repainted his face yesterday to again try and fix what was making me dislike it before. I think the problem is that I didn't outline the eyes as much as the final one (like, I don't think I lined his undereye at all), so he was lacking depth. The mouth was also a little more off. Instead of being like "<--->" it was more like "|-|"

(A rough illustration of what I'm trying to describe.)

So, while it's still not perfect, I do like him more today than I did a week ago.

I think the only things left to talk about are his accessories, starting with his wig:

I'm not actually a big fan of the color. When I started this project, I wanted to try and make him as accurate as possible, and the original Kliff design has a very "cherry jolly rancher" hair color.

However, how I draw him and how he appears in Encore Edition gives his hair a more red-orange tone which isn't as intense. In the end, I opted for accuracy towards his first design since that's the one I was technically most familiar with and wanted to replicate, but in retrospect, I should have realized that I was never gonna be able to seperate my personal quirks from this personal project, so I should have gone with a color that was more accurate to how I interpret him. (I dunno if I would have gone as far as to give him triangular eyes, but one of my biggest takeaways from this project has been that I should have just allowed this to be "my take" on the character instead of trying to be "accurate," meeting in the middle, and satisfying neither condition.)

I don't think I really got across how much I HATED brushing out yarn for the wigs when I posted Kun3h0. It was just such a tedidus process, from brushing it out, to straightening it, to gluing it down. It was such a mess. I'm still finding loose wisps of yarn hair floating around my home since I made them.

Since I had more than had my fill from making Kun3h0's wig, I once again started taking shortcuts when it came to Kliff: I really should have made more wefts for him. I figured since his hair was (compartively) shorter, that I wouldn't need to make as many, but in the end his wig turned out both too thin and too thick.

Since his hair is so messy, I didn't follow any kind of guide for his hair like I did Kun3h0. I basically just glued around the perimeter of the cap, horizontally on the inside, and made sure it would fold over in the front.

Part of the problem is that I made the wefts too thick: instead of just gluing down what could actually touch the surface of the work area, I wound up gluing layers on top of each other, so the wefts would be like a mm thick when they should have been less than half of that. So, I barely got enough coverage for the scalp, and the parts that I did get down are very thick. I think it makes his head look bigger than it should which kinda adds to the uncanniness of him.

I did try to style it as close to canon as possible, but there are some things that just aren't (easily) possible in certain mediums, and Kliff's wild hair is one of them.

In retrospect, I probably should have just sculpted his hair with clay or something: it probably would have been more accurate, but I don't have much confidence in my sculpting ability, and again, I didn't want to modify the doll that much, so I stuck with the yarn.

I might suck it up and try and make him a new wig, I still have a LOT of red yarn left over, so maybe I can make him some new styles too. But the tedium of going through with it makes it very unlikely that I'll follow through~

(The wig from other angles.)

Since the beard is made from the same yarn, I'll lightly talk about that. There aren't too many resources about bearded dolls, but I've seen people root it, glue it, and even just paint it if they weren't supposed to be thick. In the end I used this repaint for reference (suggestive content warning) and glued it on.

The scarf covers most of it, but I think it turned out okay. I need to add just a *little* more to his left cheek, but otherwise I feel like I was successful.

Next, it's usually hidden due to all the crap that's on his head, but I did give him an earring.

I didn't think about it until way too late in the process, and I tried to poke a hole through his ear so he could actually wear it. However, when I tried to do so, I almost ruined his head paint a second time. Saying, "fuck that," I decided to just glue it on.

If I had been more brave with modifying this doll, I might have just resculpted his ears entirely, because, being based on a real life human being, the doll's ears don't flare out that much, so they're easily covered by other things.

His glasses are just a piece of painted plastic that hold to his face using some plastic cord. They fit well while his wig is off, but putting them on with everything else is a goddamn nightmare.

Since his ears are so small, and his hair is so short, there's nothing for the glasses to "grab" onto without the cord, but the cord is too short to fit around the wig once it's on, but I can't make the cord longer to sit over the wig, because the glasses need to go over the headband, and it's a pain in the ass trying to layer everything like that.

So, I have to put the glasses in place first, TAPE the cord to his scalp so they don't move, put on the wig, then put on the headband. It's really such a hassle, but I don't think I can truly convey the annoyance of having to do it all without showing you. So, unless I absolutely have to, I'm never taking any of those things off him again.

I think the last things are the headband, mask, and tablet.

The headband is just a spare scrunchy that I have. I don't have one in the *exact* same color as the real one, so I went with the closest one I had, which was this teal color.

I didn't feel comfortable repainting one since it's essentially an elastic band, I don't think the paint, even with the textitle medium, would be able to hold up to all the stretching I have to do to even get it on his head.

If I happen to find a white one somewhere in my stash, then I might try dyeing it using water and acrylic paints to see if I can get it green, but for now, I think this works. A little thick, but it works.

The tablet is just a piece of foam painted with paint markers and the mask is a piece of cardboard. I wasn't planning on really recreating any scenes with this doll, but since I remembered that comic, and thought it would be easy enough to make, I went ahead and made it as an in-joke to myself.

Honestly, I think it's the most charming piece of the entire ensemble. Plus, he can wear it without me having undo/redo any of his other head accessories, so it's easy to make him wear it whenever.

My final comments about the doll itself are that he's fucking huge. I should have taken a pic of him next to Kun3h0, but he is too tall to even fit on my display shelf without sitting.

(Please ignore any mess you might see in the reflection. This is just one of the only flat pieces of furniture he can stand on without me standing on something to take a pic.)

Despite my interests, I don't actually collect dolls (I'm more into figures and plushies), so I wasn't expecting him to be so big. In fact, Kun3h0, who would be considered a small to medium doll in collector's spaces, was also bigger than I thought she'd be, so you can imagine my surprise when I got my hands on him.

So... I don't really know where I can put him. He obviously can't live in front of my TV, but beyond being too big for my shelf, he also doesn't fit in with any of my other collectibles. And I'll be honest, the contrast of him "clearly not belonging" among my more "kawaii" items was a motivator in starting this project, I live for the gap moe after all, but in practice he really just sticks out like a sore thumb. (This is also why his first pics are in a slightly different location without many props. I just couldn't put together anything from my collection or find a spot among my things to take a good thematic pic with. The magazines/CDs he's with are from my dad's collection.)

I do have space at higher elevations in my room, but it's kinda off putting to have him staring down my room, looking like he's plotting something (my space is too small to ignore it). So I dunno what I'm gonna do with him. I did have plans to make him some... cuter outfits so he wouldn't stick out as much, but that requires sewing, and I'm kinda worn out from this project.

In conclusion, despite my troubles with this project, I'm not entirely displeased with the results. At the very least, it was an experience, and one that I might even be willing to do a third time 👀...?

But for now, I'd like to rest and maybe go back to drawing again. I feel like I haven't drawn anything "real" for a while now. We're inching closer and closer to the next follower milestone (4 digit number BA-BY!), so I'd like to at least get back to being good enough to sketch some stuff for y'all soon~

[left4deadstuck]

You bite your lower lip. You don't think being straight to the point with Karkat would be a good idea… Though you considered it heavily before ultimately choosing to go with an apology.

Okay… Here it comes.

Dave: hey. Dave: im… sorry Dave: im sorry man

Your voice is quiet. Maybe too quiet, making you think the other didn't hear you. So you look up to glance at the other.

Dave: genuinely i Dave: i didnt think wed see each other like

You don’t get the chance to finish before he raises his hand to cut you off.

Karkat: YOU KNOW IF I WANTED TO WATCH SOMEONE VOMIT THE FLIMSIEST APOLOGY KNOWN TO MAN, I'D GO OUTSIDE AND WATCH ONE OF THE INFECTED ASSHOLES OUT THERE THROW UP THEIR GUTS ONTO THE PAVEMENT. Karkat: AND IT WOULD STILL BE A BETTER "SORRY" THAN ANYTHING YOUR BATTER BRAINED SKULL COULD CONJURE UP RIGHT NOW. Karkat: SO SAVE US BOTH THE EMBARRASSMENT AND SHUT UP FOR GODSAKES

You scowl, back straightening. Goddamnit now you remember. Remember how much of a crabby jackass he is.

Dave: oh Dave: because sitting in the dark while silently death glaring at each other is productive Dave: cause we got all the time in the world to just kick back and do absolutely nothing but seethe at each other Dave: not like i was trying t

Karkat: TO DO WHAT EXACTLY? BE REMORSEFUL? BE ACTUALLY APOLOGETIC WITH NO ULTERIOR MOTIVE DESPITE KNOWING I CAN BE OF USE TO YOU? Karkat: DO YOU HONESTLY TAKE ME FOR SOME KIND OF FUCKING IDIOT?! Karkat: THAT I WOULD EVEN HUMOR THE IDEA THAT YOU'RE ACTUALLY SORRY?!! Karkat: THAT I'LL JUST TOSS MY RESENTMENT AND FRUSTRATION OUT INTO THE ATMOSPHERE BECAUSE POOR OL' STRIDER IS JUST A PATHETIC LUMP OF BRUISES! Karkat: *FAT FUCKING CHANCE.* Karkat: YOU COULD BE FOLDED INTO THE MOST DISGUSTING AND AGONIZING EXAMPLE OF HUMAN ORIGAMI AND I'D STILL BE "SEETHING" Karkat: SO YEAH, *I’M SORRY* THAT I DECIDED NOT TO WASTE MY TIME AND ENERGY HEARING YOUR LOUSY ATTEMPT AT A HEART TO HEART

Dave: … Dave: sigh

Once upon a time Jade had asked you and your mutual group of friends to test out the latest version of her new project. A mental inventory system that had a very convoluted retrieval and sorting system. Luckily her team was quick to fix that after your group’s trials with it.

Jade never really told you exactly why, but you always speculated that some people on her team, or well, someone, didn’t really trust your legitimacy enough when signing your NDA. Maybe it shouldn’t have surprised you though, after all you have made a name for yourself with your bizarre level of spectacles you do for the sake of irony.

It did not thrill you to find out the next morning that you would now deal with the living embodiment of “stick up the ass” as your personal bodyguard for however long the trial had to last for. Despite your best efforts to get rid of the guy, you’ve quickly learned a few things about Mr. Vantas here. One of those things being that he is skeptical and stubborn to a fault.

Well, there it goes, your plans being haplessly thrown out the window! Poor sons of bitches didn’t even have a chance-

You hear a snap next to your ear

Karkat: JESUS CHRIST CAN YOU STOP MUMBLING TO YOURSELF FOR A SECOND AND PAY ATTENTION

Dave: what Dave: you have another drawn out monologue about how god awful i am? Dave: are you sure your throat can handle that shakespeare Dave: ya dont exactly have the voice for stage anymore with all that smoke Dave: but lets be real here Dave: its probably a good thing that you cant blow out anyone within a 10 ft radius of you eardrums anymore because you decided to make causal conversation

Karkat: YOU MOUTHY FUCKING PRICK- Karkat: CAN YOU DO THE WORLD Karkat: AND ME ESPECIALLY Karkat: A FUCKING FAVOR TO SHOVE WHATEVER BULLSHIT YOU HAVE IN YOUR WINDPIPE AND FUCKING LET ME TELL YOU WHAT I ACTUALLY WANT TO TELL YOU FOR FIVE FUCKING SECONDS

Dave: ok sir ill be on my best behavior for "five fucking seconds"

Karkat:THANK YOU, GODDAMN. Karkat: AS MUCH AS I WOULD LOVE TO JUST KICK YOUR USELESS ASSES OUT OF MY HOUSE, I DON’T THINK I’LL BE ABLE TO SURVIVE A FIGHT BETWEEN YOUR POTENTIALLY TRIGGER HAPPY HELLSPAWN. Karkat: AND ALTHOUGH I THINK IT’S WITHIN MY RIGHT TO FEEL THIS LEVEL OF BRIGHT HOT ANGER TOWARDS ALL OF YOU… Karkat: SIGHS … I

He looks up at the ceiling as if his next few words are the greatest offense that any higher power could have subjected him to utter.

Karkat: (GOD I MUST BE MORE SICK THAN I THOUGHT.) Karkat: I, FOR SOME REASON THAT SHOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE SEEING AS I HAVE DEALT WITH ENOUGH OF YOUR TOTAL TRASH FIRE OF A PREDICAMENT, BUT HERE I AM EVER THE GLUTTON FOR MORE SELF-INFLICTED MISERY

Dave: yeah yeah i get it Dave: im a dick get to the point

Karkat: I DON’T WANT YOU TO DIE, YOU COMPLETE JACKASS!

Karkat: AND I HATE THAT CAUSE THAT RISKS MY LIFE FOR SOMEONE I ABSOLUTELY DON'T OWE SHIT TO, BUT NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I TRY TO THINK OF A REASON TO JUSTIFY IT TO MYSELF I CAN’T. Karkat: I CAN'T LIVE EASY KNOWING THAT IF SOMEONE DIED, EVEN IF THAT SOMEONE IS FUCKING YOU...I Karkat: I DON'T NEED TO EXPLAIN SURVIVORS GUILT YOU YOU FUCKING KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT

Dave: oh Dave: uh Dave:th Karkat: NO SHUT THE FUCK UP Karkat: FUCKING Karkat: NO!

Karkat: HAVING A SENSE OF COMPASSION STILL DOESN’T CHANGE THE FACT THAT IT’S EITHER I HELP OR I DIE. Karkat: DON’T TAKE THE FACT THAT I SOMEHOW STILL HAVE MY MORALS INTACT AS FLATTERY. Karkat: INSTEAD BURY THAT IDEA SO FAR IN THE WORTHLESS SLUDGE YOU CALL A THOUGHT PROCESS UNTIL IT ATOMIZES INTO NONEXISTEN-!

He must've worked himself up. You watch him as he moves out of your space to turn and hack up a cloud of smoke. Well, if this isn’t just the perfect time to digest the clusterfuck he has given you. While it is great that he is going to help you out, he’s doing it out of fear and as fuck up as it is, it’s an advantage you have over him.

Though is it a good idea to go along with that? That could risk him fucking you all over and abandoning all of you last minute. You could gain his trust, maybe offer him something that he might want, but even then what would you give him, you have no clue if you have anything to offer him, not to mention that again, he could still just ditch the plan when the opportunity shows up.

What are you going to do?

===> AUDIENCE

[arionawrites]

yknow i remembered that you were making an aftg powerpoint

and i was wondering how that was going! (and if you posted it and i missed it)

okay so i haven't worked on it much in a while, life got very hectic

(my mom's car, which i've been borrowing since my car was totaled last year, broke down and i had to speed up the process of getting a new car while having to ask people for rides so that i could still get to work, and just in general the seasonal depression has been heavy and hard to get out of, though it's finally fading now that it's brighter out and i'm remembering to consistently take my meds again, one of which is a medication to help my blood sugars stay in range and has made my feel a LOT better, and another medication for my recently diagnosed ADHD which has been helping with my focus and motivation, so overall the past like four/five days have left me finally feeling SO MUCH better and helped with my energy so i have FINALLY!!!! started being more productive and doing the things i enjoy again)

but the presentation is going VERY in depth with my like recap and analysis of it, so i only got about halfway through the second chapter of the foxhole court before losing motivation and i finally picked my copy of the book up last night to keep working on it.

so basically: i haven't posted it (i'm gonna make a note to tag you when i do, because total transparency: it was mostly your posts and reblogs about aftg that piqued my interest and resulted in me buying the books to read on my phone in march 2023) and i haven't gotten very far into it yet, and also i was planning to include the extra content which has been deleted so i'm trying to figure out if that's still something i'd want to include and i'm also gonna try to include the sunshine court as well, but also i might just copy what i have of the powerpoint so far to google slides instead of microsoft and then share the link so people who want to look at it while i'm working on it are able to? unsure, wouldn't mind opinions to help me decide, but it is happening and i am gonna try to finish chapter two and start chapter three this weekend!!

[heartrenderscove]

Who are your favourite characters from Eleceed and why do you like them?

@quasiquack666

Oh quasi, where do I begin? Where do I end?

Despite Eleceed's dumpster fire current plot, these characters still have such a chokehold on me; so here's a little list (Characters in no particular order)

I HAVE A LOT TO DAY THOUGH! SO I'LL BREAK THIS INTO PARTS

Part 1

1) Kartein

Favourite pathetic meow meow; he has so much skrunkly cat you find in the dumpster energy despite his posh appearance. The man is a treat to the eyes, and I LOVE his silly banter with Kayden. He has 2 braincells and both go into overdrive trying to "one up" Kayden. Yells at Jiwoo for getting a papercut

I'd say so far he's had the best character arc! Growing from his tendency to shut off his empathy, he eventually actively put his life on the line for the people he cared about in Astra arc. Actively admitted that he cared about them, loved them🥹🥹🥹

Says he hates Kayden then checks on him after every battle👀👀 His relationship with Kayden just makes everything 10x times better; they are married, divorced and getting back together all at once 💅

2) Jisuk

Best boi; has so much chaotic energy that he's really befitting to the wind attribute. CRIMINAL THAT HIM AND WOOIN AND SUBIN AREN'T GETTING SCREENTIME ANYMORE. He's fun and snarky, but also has so much emotional maturity!! He's the one to notice Jiwoo's insecurities and hype him!! He's the one who hugged Subin and knew what she was going through during her grandfather's illness!!!

If Kartein has had the best arc among adults, Jisuk has had the best one among the kids. Every little action of his!! Is motivated by love!! Love for his friends, love for his sister

This lonely boy stood up against Jaehyuk Lee for Jiwoo-all because Jiwoo was his first real friend

This boy stopped attending meetings as a kid because the awakened adults kept trying to pit him against his sister!!

Jisuk is rough around the edges, but he bleeds love and loyalty. He's grown from a prickly kid to a more emotionally mature and well adjusted young adult

3) Kayden

Kayden is amazing in a lot of respects; but I love him for his integrity

This is a man who had all the power of a top 10, but never really bullied anyone into his doing. He respects the Korean leaders, doesn't look down on anyone for being weak, helps Jiwoo out when he could've just left instead. He's the only one that Kartein allows to guard him while healing---that shows that Kayden keeps his word!!

Kayden's growth in the series is adorable too; he's still a killing machine, but he's now a killing machine who'll do it to keep the people he cares about safe (JIWOO AND KARTEIN!)

He's far more willing to accept his worry and love for Jiwoo; arguably the best father figure really.

That moment where Kayden tells Jiwoo that he can do whatever he wants to because he'll always have Kayden??? YEAH THAT LIVES RENT FREE IN MY HEAD

Refuses to take smack talk from anyone except Kartein👀👀 Actively looks out for Kartein and Jiwoo and is much softer around them

Kayden's love is as all consuming as his power; he's a beautifully complex character

[wisyhana]

Hi Wisy! My question might be a little strange but I'll try to put it into words the best I can, please bear with me 🙏 I usually am a very word-oriented person with few mental images and a hard time reading images, but your art speaks a lot to me! I feel like your characters are very, very expressive, and not only in a unidimensional way (if it makes sense?) Like you manage to make them tense but happy, moved or aroused. So I was wondering how you drew your expressions so on point? Is there a focus you have, like eyes or mouth or I don't know? Have you done lots of life drawing or trained with poses and photos?

Anyway I love how your characters look always so expressive and I am super curious about it!

Thank you and sorry if it all sounds weird 😅

Thank you for asking!

I understand your questions pretty well and makes me super happy you ask, I'm trying to sit and verbalize what I do more often, so this type of questions help me a ton.

There are a few motives and moments in my life that helped me to focus more on expressions and body language. At some point I stopped relying on thoughts bubbles to express a feeling or emotion. I used to draw more comics than single drawings at the time, so I always liked the storytelling part of a drawing than the simple beauty of it. I found myself relying too much on thought bubbles, so I simply stopped. That way I forced my way to focus on the 'show don't tell' part of the art pieces. I'm not so good with symbols and metaphors, so I had to get more theatrical and force the characters to be more expressive.

Then I took acting classes at school! It wasn't super serious but it helped me to do what I think helps me to get more genuine expressions. I simply try to think of the characters, their motives, their backstories and simply make them mine and think of myself playing a role. I tend to practically act a lot before drawing or I do a lot fo expressions in front of the mirror, people usually tell me I'm very histrionic with my expressions so I think is simply a part of me.

Adding to the acting classes, I do tend to think of the scenes as more of movie scenes than actual drawings, I don't think in characters I think in real people. I pay a lot of attention to details in movies and real people in general. I don't feel comfortable drawing them tho, I did draw with live models and all, but I never managed to get the realism of them. But what I want to feel real are the emotions. And real people never feel 1 single emotion at time, it's always a mix. So I try to add to it.

If I had to say in what part of the drawing I rely more to get the expressions, I'd say eyebrows, lips, hands, poses and camera angle. There are some expressions that could get a different impact depending on the perspective you're showing it. A bright smile would work better if is shown on first shot, while a more timid can work better if is a little further away, maybe moving the angle a bit to hide the expression too.

I think in the end for me drawing is like acting. There are more things to it like the energy and line of expression. But when it comes to face expressions it has to do a lot with how I'd express or how I've seen someone else expressing it.

Hope this helps!

[sh0tanzz]

idt it’s just me but I’ve been hearing hearsay that Anton has been super hard to read recently bcs of heartbreak. I actually asked one of non briize irl friends to do a reading for him and she’s felt his energy be closed off and heartbroken since February. Whether it’s romantic heartbreak is smth else but apparently there’s a high chance it could be? And could have apparently had a A LOT to do with his dating scandal and “New Jersey girlfriend” back home. How do you feel about his energy rn?

based on his current transits alone Anton is more than likely going through a time of transformation and changes within his life that are turbulent and in a way exhausting

more under the cut

pluto is aspecting his ascendant, venus and mars

his sense of self and how he showcases himself to the world, overall aesthetics, relationships and dynamics…as well as his drive motivation and desires for this moment of his life are changing most likely for the better

are all these changes -bad- necessarily..probably not all bad but change can be very uncomfortable or scary especially when it’s unprecedented or not calculated within your own boundaries . and this doesn’t mean that Anton is generally unhappy or displeased with life but there could be significant changes happening.

neptune is squaring his midheaven..he might feel worried or insecure about how his private life or personal issues might affect his career or image so it could possibly be about the scandal from back at that time

his moon is aspecting jupiter AND chiron..there are big deep feelings emerging and coming to the surface he has to sit with them privately to make sure they don’t spill out and bleed onto his work and outside dynamics. but it will be VERY beneficial for him to feel them out and release them

luckily his sun is sextile saturn which sounds like it would add an overbearing weight of responsibility but it’s rather giving him discipline and a sense of stability to work through this without it affecting his outside life

he might possibly be dealing with a power struggle atm between with who..im not sure yet..it could even be between him and himself

im not sure if it exactly has to do with the scandal from some time back i'd have to look back at transits from then (I probably wont bc its clear this is something he'd want private)

all I’ll say is that for readers especially tarot readers at this time if you attempt to do readings on anton be very considerate of his energy AND his energy’s consent and if it feels like you’re not getting let in or that you’re hitting a wall it’d be best to back away until you feel his energy is opened

[kasagiggles]

HIHIHIIIIII I've been following your blog for a while, and I'd like to say I love your writing SO SO MUCHHH <3

(Im new n idk if I'm pressing the correct button or not help-)

Anw, can I request a fic with lee! Tsukasa?(Ilovehimsomuch) and maybe with ler! Kaito (don't blame me he's such a father) or just anyone else that you like!

I'm not forcing you so pls don't feel pressed! Take caree, I can't wait for more of your amazing post! ❤❤

HELLO!! 🩷

first of all i just wanna say i am so sorry for how long this took!! i finally pulled together some motivation and got it done and i thought this was so fun to write!!! i love kaito and tsukasas father son relationship sm 😞

and also welcome to tumblr!! tbh i still don’t know how to use this app but oh well! i love this community

i hope you like it!! :3

warnings: tickles!!! ☆

lee: tsukasa

lers: rin, len, kaito

his sekai was always a place he would visit when we was feeling under the weather. the bright colours and happy atmosphere always cheered him up. but today just didn’t feel the same. he dragged his feet, looking for someone to talk to. he stopped when he noticed that familiar blue haired figure, kaito.

maybe kaito would be able to help him.

“kaito…?” he approached the tall man. he was greeted with a friendly smile like always.

“tsukasa!! what brings you here today?” kaito had a sense that something was different, tsukasa wasn’t the same today.

“i just… needed an escape.” he muttered, avoiding eye contact. kaito hummed.

“how about a hug?” he smiled, opening his arms wide, inviting the boy warmly. tsukasa didn’t hesitate, immediately going to hug the blue figure. kaito always had the most healing hugs. tsukasa could never deny an embrace like that, for it made him feel so warm inside. normally when kaito hugs tsukasa, he can begin to feel the troubled boy loosen up his body, as the tension melted away. but this time, he was still as stiff as a brick. a simple hug wouldn’t do him any justice. kaito closed his eyes, thinking of ideas as he continued to hold him in his arms. and then it hit him.

“can you wait here for just a moment?” he gently pushed tsukasa away, firmly holding his shoulders. tsukasa replied with a gentle nod, sighing. kaito quickly made his way towards the stage.

“rin? len?” he called, searching for the twins. he was quickly greeted with two friendly faces.

“what’s up kaito?!!” rin cheered, her energy was through the roof as usual.

“hey you two, i need your help with something.” he said, getting straight to the point. the two blondes immediately listened in.

“so here’s what i wanna do…”

as time continued to pass, tsukasa sat alone on his favorite bench, fiddling with his fingers and tapping his foot. what could kaito possibly be doing? a slight tug on his sleeve snapped him out of his daze, it was one of the plushies.

“kasa…! can you please come help me? my friend got stuck on the ferris wheel!” the small animal cried. tsukasa was definitely not in the mood to help anybody right now, but as a star he needed to learn to put other people first.

“yeah, sure.” he said with a gentle smile, picking himself off the bench.

he followed the plushie for a few minutes, occasionally sighing. for some reason, the lively and festive atmosphere wasn’t making him feel any better.

eventually the boy realized, they weren’t heading in the direction of the ferris wheel at all.

“hey, the ferris wheel is that way.” he said quietly, scratching his neck.

“oh! ah… yes! i just need to get something real quick! please come with me!” the plushie begged, something was definitely not right. he nodded, following the animals trail.

he ducked through the entrance of the tent, only to find that he had lost the plushie.

“hello?” he called, looking around him. as his eyes wandered the stage, he felt somebody gently tackle him to the ground, hopping on top of him. he grunted, instinctively struggling. he stopped as soon as he recognized the person on top of him.

“rin? what are you doing?” he scoffed, squirming under the girl. he was too distracted to notice the second person behind him who had quickly grabbed his wrists. “h-hey?! what’s the big idea?!” at this point, he was getting frustrated, he didn’t have time for their antics today.

“tsukasa, please just try to relax.” that familiar voice came back, kaito finally made his reappearance.

“kaito? what is going on here?!” he snarled, the vocaloids were taken aback, for they rarely saw their star in such a foul mood.

“please, just trust me, i think this will help.” kaito warmly smiled at him, leaning down and brushing his bangs out of his face.

“can you close your eyes for me?” he asked, his voice laced with kindness and warmth.

tsukasa sighed, trying to make sense of this all, there was no point in trying to get out of this, for he was effectively pinned down on the ground.

he slowly closed his eyes, his body still tense. he heard faint mumbles coming from his attackers. “ah!! this is…. where do… first?” he recognized that voice as len, the one holding his arms up.

eventually, he began to get lost in his own thoughts. his body had finally begun to loosen up. but this moment of relaxation would cease to exist after he felt ten nimble fingers gently stroking his stomach. he choked, holding back a laugh. the sudden feeling instantly caused him to squirm and fight for his freedom.

rin and len were stronger than he thought… he really couldn’t escape their grasp.

“k-kaihahato?” he said through laughter.

unfortunately kaito decided to make his presence known by sneakily slipping off his shoes and gently scratching at his socked feet.

the poor tsukasa screamed and began to kick, as laughter uncontrollably poured from his mouth.

he couldn’t keep his eyes closed at this point, he opened them to be met with three smiling faces.

“TICKLE ATTACK!!!” the twins cheered at the same time.

“WHAHAHAT?? let mehe gohoho!” he squealed, bucking his hips as rin began to gently squeeze his sides.

as much as he didn’t want to admit it, he was stuck, with absolutely no way of getting out of this predicament. after minutes of struggling, his body finally gave up as he gave in to the tickles, laughing like crazy.

the unpredictable fingers dancing on his feet and the gentle squeezes of his stomach were driving him mad. he pulled at his arms as hard as he could, but len had them tightly secured.

“STOHOHOHOP!!!” he pleaded, tears forming in the corner of his eyes. his smile was extremely bright, despite his previous bad mood.

the fingers dancing along his skin felt like little zaps of electricity that sent shivers down his spine. the tingly feeling was unbearable yet enjoyable.

rin mischievously lifted up his shirt, revealing his flushed stomach. damnit! kaito must’ve told them about that…

“nohohoho!!! not thahat!” he squealed, beginning to squirm around.

rin grinned, as she gently wiggled her finger in tsukasas belly button. he screamed and laughed incredibly loud, bucking and squirming to try and escape the tickly feeling. as embarrassing as it was, his belly button was extremely sensitive.

“ILL DO ANYTHIHING!!” he pleaded, shaking his head with bright explosions of laughter.

after several more minutes of the tickly torment, the three vocaloids finally got off of him.

all that was left was a blushing tsukasa panting for air, as he clutched his now sore stomach.

he hated to admit it, but it worked. his mood was effectively boosted, and all of his tension and frustrations had melted away.

kaito leaned down beside him, “are you feeling better, star?”

he nodded with flushed cheeks, embarrassed that something so silly was able to make him feel better like that.

he felt a hand on his shoulder, “we will always be here for you tsukasa.” kaito grinned.

tsukasa couldn’t help but smile, he would never be where he is today if he didn’t have this friendly faces supporting him all the way through. and for that, he was truly grateful.

[whence-the-woody]

Not willing to rewatch coz s1 I'm not a huge fan of and s2 is too much emotion for me rn but trying to remember Colin's character through the show. Coz in this season he's definitely all over the place.

Like in s1 I guess you could characterise him as a bit hopeless romantic, quick to fall in love, impulsive, kinda goofy. Definitely a younger brother. You could say easily embarrassed then but honestly the way he acted was hella fucking embarrassing, I'd hide too. Could be a sweet son. Not a bad friend but incredibly oblivious. Held grudges for sure.

Then s2 he was undebatably INSUFFERABLE after his travels. Pretentious and annoying. Not understanding of boundaries or able to let things go (the Maria visits). An experimental drug dude, which yknow good for him. Still v little bro energy, mocking his brothers all the time. Not alot of empathy. Very privileged - I mean they all are but compared to Anthony's level of responsibility he clearly had none. Showed some positive protective instincts, helping out the featheringtons. So in some ways shown to be a better friend but in others WAY worse - talking shit on Pen: unforgivable. So still easily embarrassed. Kind of a little shit but not particularly funny I wouldn't say? That's bendict. Not very opinionated, that's Eloise. Francesca has passion he didn't. Idk just kinda nothing in terms of ways to describe him.

Then s3. Oh boy. Suddenly after yet more travels hes a chronic flirt - no hate just a weird 180. Discovered the joys of group sex at some point - again no hate but tells me nothing about who he is. He doesnt seem to be looking for marriage? Doesnt mention any goals or interests? He says he doesnt care what others think of him but that majorly contradicts everything that came before. Then he says hes been trying to be what society wants - so contradiction again. He considers himself a flirting expert out of nowhere? Okay dude. In a desperate attempt to make them compatible hes suddenly also a gossip? Sure. Also suddenly has a study and is a writer?? Other than writing letter to Pen, where the hell did that come from? Just everyone getting completely sick of hearing his stories? y'all had 2 previous seasons to make them seem compatible, why throw this stuff in now? He's not a romantic, doesnt seem to understand why Pen wants marriage - even though was so quick to get engaged two years ago. He still doesnt have a lot of empathy really. Still easily embarassed. Not much showing him to be a good brother. Still a pretty sweet son and obviously idealised his parents relationship, that's something. Absolutely impulsive - interrupting that dance, good god sir. You could argue he was jealous in s1 so that checks out. The romantic dialogue really paled in comparison to previous seasons but maybe that is in character?

But still I try to think of his personality and Im kinda like ??

Smug. Jealous. Pretty unserious. Privledged. Sometimes protective. A newfound gossip and writer. Self conscious most of the time but other times completely oblivious to peoples social cues. Impulsive for sure. A sweet son. Meh brother. No friends, goals or talents.

I just feel like Daphne and Anthony, by this point in their seasons, were really fleshed out characters and personalities. You knew who they were, their motivations, their histories, their huberis. Its been 3 years and I still feel like we dont know Colin. Maybe because the focus is on Pen? But even then I dont know if they've hugely expanded on her character thus far.

I guess I wonder that for the people who are huge fans of Colin - why? Who do you think he is? What is his character? Do you think its consistent? Does the inconsistency make sense to you somehow? I cant be invested in this dude when I still dont know who he is (also when the actor is okay at best lbr)

[fairytaleinagem]

currently dying of "creativity under my skin but no motivation in my soul" disease, anyways here's a short story and a new divider! testing smth out for my post aesthetics

TW: SMOKING (though not very detailed)

Despite the looming deadline of another report of Zenith's progress (both in skill and memory recovery), Andrei couldn't help but stop at the sound of laughter, raucous and echoing from one of the various rooms within the Training District. His brows furrowed. For once, he wanted to join in. To smoothly enter whatever conversation was happening and to laugh with others. Make them laugh, maybe. God, wouldn't that be a shift in energy? Something that many of the others say he lacks.

And that urge is probably why he found himself walking into a room, peeking around the corner to see those who were scheduled to tutor Zenith today; Aeva, Akina, and Marcelo. It was more likely that they volunteered—they were always around the kid, flocking around them like moths to a lamp. That, and their evident skill of melee and physical attacks. Zenith had yet to fully take down Marcelo, but they have proven themself to be a quick learner, lasting longer and longer each fight that was initiated. They might even be able to move up to Aeva's level soon.

"Researcher Andrei. Were we too loud again?" a flat voice snapped him out of his slight daze, and he found himself wondering when he had walked right up to the four, standing behind them with his arms crossed. Zenith stared at him, dark green eyes staring into his own green ones.

"Oh, Andrei! Didn't notice you were around the District! What's up, man?" Marcelo greeted, a toothy grin spreading across his face as he wrapped a slightly sweaty arm around his shoulders. He grimaced at the feeling of fabric being dampened by it, but he shook it off like he shrugged off Marcelo's arm.

"I was on my way to send in a report, but you seem particularly joyous today. Any reason for that?" he asks, raising an eyebrow, looking at Akina for an answer.

"Hah! We're just teaching Zen to axe throw! And suffice to say, they're doing a great job at it!" she exclaims, a sunny grin on her face. It matches Marcelo's, and soon Aeva's face begins to shine with a similarly bright smile.

"Hell yeah they are. Pretty sick at aiming, I'd say. Almost better than I am," Aeva said, punching Zenith's arm with a wink. A short, nervous chuckle leaves them, and Andrei could almost feel the sharp pain that definitely goes through their arm.

"Hm. Mind if you show me?"

A possible update to the report that was due soon—he was glad that he tends to write notes as he goes, he couldn't imagine the stress that would be coursing through his veins if he didn't.

Zenith nods, hefting an axe nearby with two hands, before walking a bit away from the group. They stand a few feet away from the target board, and a dense aura of immediate focus and calculation rippled throughout the air, entering Andrei's head. A familiar feeling.

"The use of a Special Skill?" he muttered, brows furrowing as he noted it down in the holographic report. This new development could help lead towards finding an identity match for Zenith—something the Conglomerate has been waiting on for weeks. Impatient bastards. It was also an update on their progress. Signs of a Special Skill could help progress them even further than they were originally! The four watched as the axe was thrown, landing directly in the middle.

Bullseye.

Aeva, Akina, and Marcelo cheered, rushing over to jostle the poor kid around. They cheered and laughed, much like they did earlier when he was merely passing by.

Despite his stable position as a researcher and Epitome within the Company, Andrei couldn't help but feel…hurt. Something inside him ached. His arms twitched as he barely suppressed the urge to jump on the four in a giant hug, no matter if three of them were much taller than he was. With clenched fists, he begins to back away. Back out of the room. Out of the identical white hallways that were beginning to become blurry, and out of the nearly never ending Training District entirely. By the time he stepped foot inside the Residential District, the ache had grown into something terrible. His lungs stuttered as he Flicked into his room, and he could barely feel the fabric of the bed that he fell into. There was no telling how long he laid there, eyes wide with an emotion that was entirely new to him. No. He knew what it was. What was it doing within him? Poisoning his mind, so quickly and quietly?

A dizzying sit-up later, he yanked the bedside drawer open, fingers fumbling as he nearly dropped the box of Vigorettes and lighter. He pulled a Vigorette out and lit it, inhaling the smoke as quickly as he could.  He nearly choked on it. The uncharacteristic panic smoothed out into a careless daze the longer he smoked.

Maybe this is why the others said he had no energy. It was all put into throwing away any feeling anything other than peace.

Only the faint purple light of the Vigorette flame and dark blue of the report lit up his room. He sent both away with a wave of a hand, before landing back into the soft pillows of his bed.

[leviadraws]

Dude how do you think things would have played out in trial 2 and onwards if instead of killing Kizuna Ayame just altered the crime scene to try and make Akane win the class trial? How do you think she would have been after Akane's death?

This took me SO long I'm so sorry I had thoughts and then I tried to go back and watch chapter 2 and then remembered that the translation is a little rough and dropped it for a bit, got distracted by how the trial would play out and well here we are. Under the cut as I rambled waaay too much

Ayame was initially a hard character to imagine how Akane's death would affect her, since she was apparently bffs with Kiyoka too in chapter 1 and the start of chapter 2 she's all like "Oh well, I'm sure she'd want us to continue living". Which isn't really an angle I think she could immediately take after Akane's execution, since she doesn't really have anyone left anymore.

But despite that, I think she would try to redeem herself. I briefly considered that she would kinda turtle up after making such a mistep, but I'd like to think that before her execution Akane would talk to her and ask her to not stop being herself, to keep believing in others and all that. And I think that would stick with her.

She's likely a little isolated immediately, since people like Tsurugi, Rei, probably Haru and Teruya too are kinda bitter that she'd be willing to kill them off. She probably manages to become closer to Mikako, who is a) somewhat surprised that Akane is gone and b) able to help Ayame to process what she's going through and try to do better.

I would worry that she could turn /too/ selfless if not kept in check. Since let's be real she was willing to die for Akane, someone she had known for a couple of weeks? So it's not crazy to imagine that in her quest to be useful and help out she could push herself too far, especially if she still sustains that injury in the chapter 2 investigation. I think if this is the case then Kanata keeps a bit of an eye on her.

So, onwards to chapter 3, and the distraction required for Kinji to kidnap Kanata is no longer available. For this, I think he might change target probably to someone easy to manipulate. I think it'd probably be Teruya (sorry) since Kinji spends time with the sunshine kids in chapter 3 and Teruya would be easy enough to overpower. This probably means that Kakeru survives into chapter 4, as I've always thought he was wondering around in the game looking for Kanata to tell her about the incident with Akane.

Ayame doesn't say much in the chapter 3 trial, as she's immediately shut down by Tsurugi (we're not gonna listen to someone who defends a murderer) and it makes her feel unhelpful. She does want to speak out against Kinji when he reveals his motives, as she doesn't believe that they are the same at all. She can't bring herself to say anything though.

There's an odd number for the dance, so Ayame sits most of it out due to her bad leg.

Chapter 4 plays out pretty similarly, except we have slightly more people, two of which are big eaters (Ayame and Kakeru) and no one to portion up food right. So it descends into madness after only a couple of days. That said Tsurugi is easier to overpower with Ayame, Kakeru, and Haru, so it becomes a bit of a game of paranoia, waiting for one of them to snap first.

Ayame would be the type to not eat at all once she knew what was going on, she smiles and promises everyone that she's fine and worries Mikako and Kanata a lot. She puts all her energy into trying to find that secret treasure that monokuma flaunts, but she doesn't find it as I think it was always rigged to go to Haru as part of the motive.

The chapter 4 trial is really uncomfortable for her, as Satsuki's immediately shot down confessions remind her of her own behaviour in chapter 2. Being on the other side of it doesn't feel good.

You end up with a very strange sequence of trials between 2-4 where everyone tries to sacrifice the group for something they deem more important; Ayame with Akane, Kinji with the kids (well not really, but it was his argument), and Haru with Satsuki.

Chapter 5/6 gets kinda odd since there's no Akane to awaken, I'm not really sure where it'd go here. Ayame probably lives tho, as I think she was originally meant to be a survivor?

I don't think her finding out about Akane's identity would change her opinion of her. Ayame believes in others and their potential a lot, and I think that she would argue that Akane before and during the killing game are different people. It does probably damage her relationship with some of the other survivors when Tsurugi's memories return, as that would reveal she was best friends with Akane before everything went down. She receives a lot of "how could you not have known??" from Tsurugi, Yuuki, and possibly Rei. But she doesn't have any memory of this, and to her Akane was a good friend so she tries her best to defend her.

She keeps a red ribbon in her hair to remember her after they get out

Finally, I had some fun with how the trial could've worked out.

The only real difference in how it could've played out could be that Ayame is too late when she arrives to change up the crime scene, Kizuna is already dead, but Ayame becomes covered in blood hastily checking her condition. So she messes with the crime scene as fast as she can before it becomes obvious that it's post mortem. She moves the knife to her neck, she takes some of the blood and crosses out the message, and she generally tries to make a mess of herself. Then, she waits at the entrance hoping someone will pass by, it takes a while but she eventually hears someone near by and sprints past them to the bathroom to clean up.

She's only really found out from her stunt to get a witness, once Kanata figures out the actual time of death they all question, but why would you wait in the switchium so long if you didn't want to get caught? It all unravels from there.