#lotus boy diamond in the rough

[cologona]

Jason thinks that Bruce groomed Tim into becoming Robin because that was the kind of effusive enthusiasm he got when he was Robin.

It makes sense why the story just skimmed over all of Jason’s training if Bruce’s impression of it was just “Oh cool! This is just like training Dick!” and slipped into it without much drama or differentiation. But really, for a homeless 5th grade drop-out to match the learning curve of prodigy Dick Grayson, who was born on the highwire? “One of a kind” is accurate.

Most of the time between Jason’s death and his return to Gotham was spent as a zombie. His world training tour was only something like a year, and prior to “the tin man growing a heart” it was just Talia throwing Jason at various instructors in the hopes they would keep him occupied- none of whom occupied him more than a few weeks!

My favorite part of Hush. Bruce again says that Jason wasn’t good enough to be Robin, but this time Jason’s there to clean his clock and prove Bruce’s grief-mangled memory of him wrong as soon as Bruce makes the assertion.

Jason being a match for Batman isn’t a plot hole, it’s a character trait. He is the raw talent Robin :)

[paralumanleadmehome]

It’s been quite some time since I’ve last joined a contest and I honestly missed this feeling of trying to figure out what to write, how to write it, and how to deliver it exactly as you need to to impress the judges. It’s been so so long and welp. I’ve grown rusty and this is definitely not proof-read but all the same, thank you to @queenangst and everyone who had made this possible.

You brought me back a feeling I haven’t felt in so long.

This is my entry to queenangst’s BNHA gen contest: Finding Home 

(please see under the cut as this has 3.5k words and could be very long)

Finding Home

o.

It started out as a legend – two souls separated at creation, two souls that make up one whole, two halves of one soul completed upon connection.

Two becoming one.

But legends are legends for a reason – mythical, mysterious, only with a hint of a truth.

Soulmarks began appearing even before the dawn of quirks –little symbols that litter the body, one that you could only call your own. One that only you could share to whom you so ever desire. It varies in shapes and colors, some being a butterfly tinged in red and orange, others an ocean wave the shade of green, and to some more, it covers a palm, a thigh, a foot. Unlike its legendary counterpart, however, a soulmark does not lead you to a soulmate. Instead, it leads you to one where you can feel whole.

A soulmark is a symbol of love and friendship given in trust and good faith – one that cannot be taken, one that only be passed on.

A soulmark is a symbol of warmth and everlasting connection – one that is stronger than flesh and blood.

A soulmark is a symbol of home – one that you choose for yourself.

One person can have as many as the stars in the sky and as few as the petals of a clover.

And Izuku? Izuku only has his own, his mother’s, and the black mark of one Bakugo Katsuki.

After all, no one wants to share the mark of a useless, quirkless, little Deku.

And so, however sacred, Kacchan had cut his own connection with Izuku, both of them bearing the ashen remnants of a once golden sun and a viridian shooting star – the pain of which Izuku found more unbearable than the explosions that kissed his skin.

And Izuku no longer believed in soulmates.

Not when the world was so intent on pushing him down and pushing him away, not when no one would stand up for him and with him, not when the only love and care he had ever known came from the woman who had loved him the most.

So Izuku never shared the mark on his wrist with anyone, never the light of the shooting star that brightens up the dark sky, never the stardust that falls on the earth, never the ray of hope he had held even in the darkest of times, keeping it hidden in long sleeves, wristwatches, and bandages. And at all times he keeps covered the blackened sun that rests on his heart, refusing to see the ashes of a friendship no longer alive, refusing to acknowledge the searing pain that would accompany the sight. Instead, as always, he keeps close the mint green lotus that rests on the base of his right ear, his eyes never not seeing it each morning, afternoon, and night – the one and only reminder that he is loved.

He is loved.

He is loved.

And he lets himself be content with that.

i.

The first of many soulmarks that Izuku will treasure came from the man that he had idolized his whole life.

Yagi Toshinori, for all his time as the Symbol of Peace (and more the time he had spent alive), only carries with him four marks, not counting his own. Izuku doesn’t ask when he sees. He doesn’t think it is polite to, especially when most people aren’t interested in bonding with a quirkless child (and although All Might already knew he was quirkless and didn’t deny him this chance to train, the man’s initial denial of his dream still stings). He doesn’t ask about the faded crescent moon that rests on his collarbone (it isn’t nice to ask about the dead, after all), nor about the black spaded horse on his left ankle (he was shocked at first, upon seeing this lost connection, and his heart ached at the thought that even All Might had to bear the pain of losing someone he had once loved so dearly). He doesn’t ask about the violet sigil of a fish on his shoulder blade nor the diamond glasses near his scar. He doesn’t ask about any of these things.

Instead he asks about experiences – what was it like to be a hero of his caliber? Was he ever afraid of anything? Was there ever a time that he was unable to save someone? What was he like as a student? Did Dagobah Beach mean something special to him? Things that the world weren’t privy to – things that he didn’t know were personal.

Things that would’ve only been known if All Might had chosen him as his soulmate.

And All Might did.

One day, at Dagobah Beach, after the world had finally met the man behind All Might, Toshinori Yagi had offered his ocean blue sunflower tucked on the opposite side of where the faded moon resided and had asked Izuku if he had wanted to carry his soulmark.

And Izuku… flinched.

Because to hold another’s soulmark would mean to be aware of them at all times – to feel their warmth despite the distance, to know with one brush of a hand the feelings that lay in their hearts, to give them comfort even in the presence of an absence.

To bear a soulmark is to be eternally connected.

And Izuku had been burned by the loss of it.

And he is scared, afraid, terrified – because to be All Might’s successor is one thing. To be given his quirk and his legacy is a dream come true but to be his soulmate? To be near him? To know him and be known by him in return? It’s terrifying.

And yet… and yet… Izuku takes this fear and lets it be known.

In quiet whispers, jumbled words, and a steady stream of tears.

Because deep down, Izuku longs to be connected.

And it is in the act of letting someone close does he remember what it feels like to be loved.

ii.

The second one, surprisingly, came in the form of a little girl.

A quiet, frightened, injured little girl who had ran away from a monster of a man.

Eri bumped into him during his first patrol with Lemillion and this mess of child with a stature so small and eyes too scared clung to him for dear life – and Izuku’s soul ached.

Izuku took one look at the man with the bird mask, one look at Lemillion, one look at this little girl, and made up his mind.

“Eri,” he whispered, “do you trust me?”

It was a stupid question, he knew, but a soulmark is something to be given in trust – a treasure to be received in good faith.

“You’re good,” Eri answered just as softly, little hands clinging to his costume. “You’re warm.”

Izuku doesn’t know if Eri feels the same pull, the same fierce protectiveness that forces its way into his heart, and he knows that this is more his own desire to keep her safe than any other force telling him that she was a part of his own soul.

Because Eri mattered regardless.

And Eri was worth keeping safe.

So for the first time in a long time, Izuku removes the bandage that hides his own soulmark and he shows it to Eri.

“This will keep you safe for me,” he tells her, “this will let you know I’m here.”

In the background he hears the tense conversation coming to a halt, sees the way the man’s eyes turn to look at Eri, and he knows he doesn’t have time.

“This is a promise.”

And Eri stares at it for little while, hands reaching to the shooting star. “A promise,” she repeats, and with a little nod and hopeful eyes, Izuku places a finger on her arm, just beneath her sleeves, and let their foreheads touch.

The words come to him unbidden, the way words do when you give someone a piece of your soul – a promise to be fulfilled, a wish to be granted, a part of you that will forever be a part of them.

“I will always come for you.”

And he did.

iii.

Not counting his own nor Kacchan’s, Izuku has two soulmarks on his body.

One from his mother, another from All Might.

He didn’t ask for Eri’s and she hadn’t offered in return.

Eri was as afraid of her soulmark as much as she is afraid of her quirk.

Cursed, she calls the silver dove wreathed in yellow petals on her ankle. Cold, she thinks of it. It will still be a long way to go, Izuku assumes, but as long as Eri can feel his warmth, his presence, that would be enough.

The third one, interestingly enough, was in the image of an aquamarine heart, with its curves jagged and cornered, just as a gem so precious and true.

Kouta gave it to him as gift, as a thank you, as something for Izuku to remember him by.

Kouta didn’t ask for Izuku’s own soulmark, didn’t even breathe a word about it. Instead the little boy ran up to him, little arms wrapping him in a hug, and said,

“I’ll always be cheering you on.”

And when Izuku sees the way Kouta’s soulmark shine, he accepted it without a second thought.

And when Kouta pulled away afterwards, face pulled in a frown, Izuku tried to ignore the fear that stabbed his own heart. He wondered if he would make a world record, an ashen mark as soon as he had received it, but Kouta dispelled his fears just as easily.

“That felt weird,” Kouta said. Izuku blinked at him, his mind taking a minute to process, until he caught up. Then he laughed and laughed because he feels exactly what Kouta feels – the disappointment, the confusion, the curiosity… and the underlying overwhelming emotion of it all.

Unbridled joy.

The elation of having someone know you – of being accepted, treasured, remembered.

He also felt the embarrassment that followed as Kouta turned as red as his shoes.

iv.

The soulmark exchange with Shinsou had been quiet.

It happened on the night of their second year when they both stumbled upon each other in the kitchen at the forsaken 2am hour did Shinsou spring up the topic.

“You don’t have that many soulmarks, do you?” the question was genuine, as far as Izuku can tell, and although the boy was rough around the edges, he knew it was due to the fact that Shinsou had so little support in life and was untrusting of all that Izuku had felt a kindred spirit in that regard.

They have observed the people around them, of course, and have noticed that everyone at least had five. A family member, a best friend from childhood, a classmate they never got lost in contact with.

Izuku stole a glance at the back of his right hand, at the blue heart settled at base of his forefinger and thumb and hummed an agreement. “No, I don’t,” he agreed, letting stiff fingers be warmed by his tea. He doesn’t return the question to Shinsou, knowing that it was a touchy subject for the other boy, but he did wonder, “Why do you ask?”

They don’t talk about it much, these colorful marks on their skin. They don’t talk about how a brush of hand over the little symbols can feel as warm as an embrace, how fear isn’t so scary when someone else sends you courage, how silence isn’t deafening when someone knows to listen.

It is in moments like these that they listen.

Izuku listens to Shinsou’s own quiet humming, the way the gears in his mind seem to move, the way he figures out how to phrase the words he wants to say next. And Izuku has been thinking about it – had been for the past few months.

Will his classmates ever want a piece of his soul?

He could tell that Uraraka does. He could tell that Iida would want one, too, but a soulmark is something that’s rarely asked for due to its sacred nature – it is freely given, after all, and never to be taken lightly. And Izuku had never offered. He had wanted to, of course, but he knows how messy his mind can get. He knows how anxious he can be. It’s why he had given his to Eri in a pace that is both hidden and seen, something she had to reach out for so she could feel. Izuku could not yet know what Eri is thinking or feeling, nor will he ever have inkling to unless she so desired, and Izuku is completely fine with that.

After all, a soulmark is a connection of souls – but it didn’t have to be an exchange. What it did mean though is that for one who bears the soul of another is to be aware of them – to be able to feel their warmth and develop an understanding of their soul. It is not to read their minds nor to know everything about them, but it is about the intimacy of knowing someone and being known.

A commitment.

A promise.

Like an artwork waiting to be completed, like a dance you can take to heart, a soulmark is connection that bridges the gap between someone you know and someone you choose forever.

“I don’t get it,” Shinsou finally said, and Izuku turned his eyes to him, the question lost in his tongue. “You have a strong and flashy quirk, you have so many people who love you and would fight the world for you, heck Uraraka and Iida would probably murder someone for you if you ask them, and yet you don’t have their marks and… they don’t have yours. I know I’m not good at this thing but at the very least, people give their marks away as easy as they’re giving candy. And you guys are pretty close, so I don’t get it.”

And the pain of burning that bridge is the same as losing a piece of your soul. Izuku absentmindedly reaches for his heart, the ashen remains of Kacchan’s soulmark embedded on his skin still, and he tries his best to forget.

Izuku looks instead at the clock in the kitchen, noting that it’s only 2:17am, and asks if Shinsou would like to listen to a story.

And they left the kitchen at 5:00am, only to crash in the couch, heart heavy yet full, mind settled and secured, souls at ease, and both boys sharing a mark they never expected to kiss their skin.

v.

The night Izuku had laid bare his soul for someone else to see, when it was him who had reached out first before someone else had offered, when he had done it so willingly and freely, it felt as if something has shifted within him – and in all the remaining years he had spent in UA, he was able to garner a couple more soulmarks for his own. He finally had the pink milky way that was Uraraka’s, the red lighting storm that was Iida’s, and Todoroki’s fiery white snowflake.

And to think that before all of this, before meeting All Might, before knowing these people and being known in return, Izuku was afraid and alone – afraid of the vulnerability that came along with letting people in.

To think that all he had ever thought about when he thought of soulmates were fireworks kissing his skin, long fingers bruising his arms, and taunts and jeers haunting his every waking moment – but now he is surrounded by love and warmth. Now when he thinks of soulmates, he thinks of mochi in the common kitchen, tea in hand; he thinks of morning jogs and healthy breakfast; he thinks of cold soba and cats; he thinks of unicorns and sprinkles and little kids and coloring books; he thinks of training sessions and laughter and peace.

Now when Izuku thinks of soulmates, he thinks of home.

And speaking of home, he can’t wait to get back to their apartment and give his mom the biggest of hugs. They had always called even when he was away and even when they would consistently send little taps through their soulmark, nothing still beats the warmth of a real embrace – and this is what Izuku fixes his mind on as he cleans out his dorm room, packing away every picture frame, books, notebooks, clothes, and figurines. Graduation is in a few days and after that, their debut to hero society. None of them would have enough time to clear out by then.

Izuku packs away the memories, just as he did each item that reminds him of it, and keeps them close in his heart. He packs away the ten million headband, the plushies from the cultural festival, the cards he had received from Eri and Kouta, and he tries his best not to feel emotional. He didn’t want to flood the dorms one last time, after all, but he did think it would be nice to have Aizawa-sensei scold him for being a problem child through and through but ultimately, it was the knock at his door that helps him succeed.

A knock, quiet and soft, and he opens the door to find Kacchan standing at the other side.  

Their relationship had improved over the years.

Kacchan is… less angry now, more settled. He’s still fiery and explosive but he doesn’t lash out anymore. Kirishima, Kaminari, the Bakusquad had been good to him and for him and Izuku had never been gladder about it. He had long stopped dreaming of the day that their relationship would be fixed – he and Kacchan had grown up, grown apart, and even when they drift back together, he is well aware that it would never be the same way again.

He doesn’t ask for it to.

He loves Kacchan, yes, with all his heart, but Izuku now knows that love does not have to be reciprocated for it to be real – but to still be loved in return is a precious treasure he keeps close.

“Hey, Kacchan, do you need something?”

And Kacchan looks at him, face pensive, mouth opening and closing, thinking and grasping and failing to think of the words he wants to say, and something in Izuku feels warm. After some time, the other boy settles with, “Are you busy?”

And if it was at any other time before, Izuku would’ve dropped everything that he had been doing and say no, he wasn’t busy, of course he had the time – but Izuku’s eyes sway to soulmarks on his arm and he steals a look at the digital clock by his table.

“I have thirty minutes,” was what Izuku told him. “I promised Todoroki we’d drop by the store to get his favorite soba since they’re not available near his house. I have time tomorrow morning thought if that works for you. I can cancel the morning jog with Iida if – “

“Thirty minutes is fine,” Kacchan answered back, cutting his rumbling off. It wasn’t harsh or angry. Just… very Kacchan-ish.

“Okay. Do you waant to step in? it’s a bit messy though, I still haven’t finished packing.”

And when Izuku heard the small tsk as he moved aside for Kacchan to pass through, he knew that the other boy won’t mind his mess. He felt a little grateful at that, to not be judged within the confines of his small room. They were silent for a few more second but it wasn’t the kind of silence that would make him uncomfortable. It was companionable, to say the least, and Izuku began picking up the pieces he had left before Kacchan had knocked and continued his packing. In another minute, Kacchan was helping him.

“Are you bringing the bookshelf home?”

“Nope, Aizawa-sensei said I could leave it here. Are you taking yours?”

“Thinking about it. Mine’s too small and I don’t want to waste money on something I can recycle. Do you have bubble wrap for the merch?”

“In the third drawer by the study table. I have newspapers too if that’s better.”

“Oh, Kacchan, that one goes in the other box.”

“Why? What’s the difference?”

“All my signed books are in one place.”

“Just how many posters do you fucking have?”

“Oh, come on, don’t pretend you don’t have just as many.”

“I’m not a hero-worshipping nerd like you, dumbass.”

“Says the guy who zonks out at 8pm.”

“Fuck you, asshole!”

“Kacchan, that’s limited edition!”

“I’m sorry.”

“…”

“For everything.”

“…”

“It was pretty messed up, the things I did, and I know sorry won’t fix this.”

“Can you pass me the tape, Kacchan?”

“…”

“Thank you.”

“You don’t have to forgive me.”

“Please put this box by the bed.”

“Okay.”

“…”

“…”

“You’re right, I don’t have to forgive you.”

“…”

“But I already did.”

“Deku…”

“It won’t fix what’s broken and it won’t stop the sting from the soulmark but…”

“…”

“We’re better now, aren’t we?”

“…”

“Kacchan, we’re better now.”

“You missed the night light.”

“Oh, thanks.”

“…”

“…”

“And it’s only going to get better, right?”

“…”

“…”

“Of course.”

“You’re still a sappy piece of shit.”

“Well, I’m not the one who’s crying, am I?”

“Fuck you.”

“Whatever you say, Kacchan.”

[ohshcscenerios]

Neighbors

Chapter Twenty Eight

Poll Result: Takashi

Takashi leaned against her open doorway with a textbook in hand, for how long neither Haruhi or Kyoya could tell. However it was clear he overheard their conversation and was willing to help. 

“What?” Haruhi asked quietly, surprised by his presence and his words. 

Kyoya smirked to himself, “You can.”

Takashi nodded.

“You can what?” Haruhi asked.

Takasi turned to her, his expression genuine, “I can be your fiance.” 

Haruhi wasn’t sure what to say. She hadn’t had time to thoroughly consider Kyoya’s proposal and now Takashi offered his help as well. Were they considering her at all? Or were they more focused on helping Kyoya with his father? It appeared they wouldn’t give her time to weigh her options. She’d need to make a decision but it looked like Takashi already decided for her. 

Kyoya adjusted his glasses, “Are you comfortable with Mori-senpai standing as your fake fiance?”

Haruhi scoffed, “It doesn’t look like I have much say in the matter anyway.” She didn’t miss the tinge of hurt that crossed Takashi’s face at her sarcasm. “Mori-senpai, why are you here?” Haruhi asked, looking at the textbook in his hand. 

Takashi looked down, as if he forgot he was holding something, and extended his arm to hand it to her, “Your chemistry book, you forgot it.”

Haruhi took a deep breath and smiled, “Thank you senpai.” she accepted it and went to put in her backpack with her other textbooks. She didn’t even realize she forgot it. 

Kyoya chuckled, “Well this works out better than I imagined. This will be much more believable now that you’re sleeping together.”

“We are not sleeping together.” Haruhi angrily snapped at him. 

Kyoya pointed to the textbook in her hand just as she was about to shove it in her bag, “That says otherwise.” 

Haruhi grumbled something to herself as she angrily shoved the book inside. She stood up to lean against the kitchen counter, crossing her arms, “So what does this mean? How can we fake an engagement?”

“We simply tell my father you’re engaged to Mori-senpai,” He responded confidently, “I can buy an engagement ring if it would help you feel better.”

Haruhi shook her head, “I’m not worried about a ring.” She turned to Takashi, “Senpai, do you really want to spend your last year in university ‘engaged’ to me? What if you meet someone you’d like to pursue? You’ll have me as your reputation. That isn’t fair to you…”

Takashi allowed a small smile, finding her more endearing as ever. She never failed to surprise him. She was more worried about him than herself in this situation. As a first year she has three more years of university to be “tied” to him. If this is what concerned her then she was in more of a pickle and yet she was worried about him. 

“Don’t worry about that.” Takashi said calmly. 

Haruhi looked apprehensive, wanting to argue against the absurdity of this plan but decided against it. If Takashi was alright with it then perhaps she could be too. Besides, what harm could come from simply telling people they were engaged? They didn’t have to change anything, only a few conversation points here and there. Now that she thought about it, it wouldn’t be anything more than showing people a ring on her hand. She had spent her high school years fooling her peers into thinking she was a boy. She lied to them for three years until graduation when they made the big reveal. She was prepared to do it one more time. 

Haruhi sighed deeply, “Alright.” She pointed a finger at Kyoya, grabbing his attention, “I don’t want a big diamond ring though. If you buy a ring, the smaller the better.”

Kyoya chuckled, “Why would I buy you a ring? I’m not your fiance.” 

“But you just said…”

“I’ll get the ring.” Takashi intervened, “It might be better that way.”

Kyoya nodded to Takashi, thanking him, and patted his pockets as he got ready to leave. “I should get going. My father wants to meet me in twenty minutes and I have some exciting news to tell him.” He flashed a devilish smile to Haruhi before walking past Takashi and disappearing into the hallway. 

“You don’t have to do this Mori-senpai.” Haruhi said, her voice sounding unusually guilty. 

Takashi shrugged, “It’s for Kyoya. He and Tamaki just want to be happy.”

Haruhi looked at him surprised, “Wait you know about their relationship?”

“Mitsukuni and I have known for a while. They visit the Lotus often.”

That made sense for Haruhi, considering they trained in the dojo near Lotus. They probably caught Tamaki and Kyoya many times without them realizing it. 

Takashi pushed himself off the doorframe, stuffed his hands in his pockets, and looked down the hallway, “I have class in an hour.” 

“Yeah I need to finish studying,” Haruhi added.

Takashi looked to her and smiled, “I’ll come back tonight.”

Haruhi nodded, “Alright, that’s fine.”

She didn’t watch him leave, instead opting to stare at the wooden floor to try to make sense of what just happened and what she had gotten herself and Takashi into.

Choose a Ring - Vote Here  How does Kyoya’s meeting go? - Vote Here

Polls will close by 11:00pm (ETS)

Wow, this chapter is very late. I deeply apologize. Today was a lot busier than I thought it’d be.  This story is slowly morphing into a “fake it until you make it” k-drama but honestly I’m living for it. We have most of our established ships but let’s see if we can throw in some juicy drama for some rough waters ahead... 

[absolutelyxosmittenxo]

Imagine: Being in a relationship with miscellaneous RWBY characters and the silly nicknames you give them. 

RUBY ROSE: Ruberry, Rosebud, Rosie, Sweetcheeks, Strawberry Shortcake, Cookie Monster, Red Riding Hood, Silver Eyed Beauty, Silver Lining. 

WEISS SCHNEE: Snow Angel, Snowflake, Snow White, Schneezy (when under the weather), Snugglebug, Dear, Princess, Weissy. 

BLAKE BELLADONNA: Belle, Kitten, Kitty, Baby, Moonlit Majesty, Bellabeauty, Beauty, Fearless, Black Beauty, Darkness, Midnight. 

YANG XIAO LONG: Dynamite, Yang-a-rang, Firework, Phoenix, The Undying Flame, Chitty Chitty Yang Yang, Bombshell Blonde, Babe. 

PENNY POLENDINA: Little Penny, Cutiepie, Date Friend, Polly, Sweetie, Heart and Soul, Firefly. 

JAUNE ARC: Jauney Boy, Dork, Knight in Shining Armor, Dumbass in Distress, Dancing Queen, Lionhearted, Golden Boy. 

NORA VALKYRIE: Anorable, Thunderbolt, Thor, Lightning in a bottle, Lucky Strike, Tiny But Mighty. 

PYRRHA NIKOS: Invincible Girl, Autumn, Greek Goddess, Perfection, Champ, Heart of Gold, Achillea. 

LIE REN: Lotus, Petal, Lovely, Mulan, Pretty Boy, Storm Flower, Flower. 

SUN WUKONG: Sunnyboy, Sunshine, Monkey boy, Wuwu, Sunnyside Up, Banana Split, Ray of Light, Rainy Day Sunshine.

NEPTUNE VASILIAS: Neppy, Nep, Mr. Heartbreaker, Pool Noodle, Scaredy Cat Poseidon. 

COCO ADEL: Fashion Queen, Little Miss Trendsetter, Chanel. 

VELVET SCARLATINA: Picture Perfect, Bunny, Baby Bunny. 

QROW BRANWEN: Drunkle Qrow, Lucky Charm. 

CINDER FALL: Cindy, Cinderella, Cindyrelly (much to her displeasure), Cinder Block (whenever you are at your wits end), Bewitching, Beloved. 

MERCURY BLACK: Merc, Merc the Jerk, Leggy Boy, Babe, Hermes, Kicks, Mechanical Marvel. 

EMERALD SUSTRAI: Emmy, Em, Treasure, Diamond in the Rough, Beautiful, Swindler. 

[taotrooper]

Melody ad libitum (1/3)

For WWX’s birthday, a little vignette to study some of his relationships with people and music.

Fandom: Mo Dao Zu Shi/The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation Characters: Wei Wuxian. In this chapter, Jiang Cheng and several unnamed Yunmeng characters Genre: gen in this chapter, fluff, introspection, foreshadowing Rating: PG for teens drinking, but what else is new? Summary: The flute wasn’t always a weapon for Wei Wuxian. Music is what you make of it, and he’s always followed the tempo of his own heart.

→ Link to AO3

"How many times, you fool? Out of tempo!"

"I speed up to make it more fun to play!" Wuxian rolled his eyes. "It's you who should catch up with me!"

"That's not how music collaborations works. You have no concept of harmony."

"I play in harmony to the beats of my heart," he smiled.

He was nine years old the first time he grabbed a flute. Music was, after all, one of the venerable Six Arts that every cultivator had to master to be considered an individual of culture. Wei Wuxian chose it from all instruments because it was smaller, and cheaper to buy and maintain for the Jiangs. The sound was quite pleasing to his ears as well.

At that age he was already forgetting the soft lullabies his mother sang for him, but the disposition to love music was blooming within him. A fragrant love and fascination for the slender flute, even if it was less exciting than shooting kites with his brand new bow.

His teacher was impressed with his innate talent. By his first lesson, young master Wei had followed his instructions perfectly. By his third lesson, he had played a good chunk of the song the man had showed after only listening once, with only a couple of notes off. It soon became evident that the boy was one of those musicians who only had to hear a melody once to memorize it. Wuxian would get bored after practice and try some tunes that definitely weren't in the repertoire of classic music he was being taught.

"Did you compose that, young master?" the teacher asked with his eyebrows upwards.

Wei Wuxian shook his head without stopping his song.

"Where did you learn it, then? Did someone teach you?"

The kid stopped and took a breath while removing his lips from the mouth of the instrument.

"Dunno. Probably the street musicians at Yiling?"

He wasn't sure. He could recall the tune but not the face or the place or the moment. Wuxian had a wondrous memory except for these details. He did remember, however, the street musicians. He would sit nearby and listen to their art with a big smile. In a world with no food, no parents, no warmth, and no toys, music was one of the little joys he had left. The musicians could rarely help him, also beggars with nothing on them but their worn instruments, yet they appreciated the presence of their tiny fan.

Years later, these memories of these poor artists would fade away. Yet he had harvested their songs and pressed them as dry flowers between the pages of his mind. Forever part of the chapter of his earliest music lessons, together with the basics and the classic symphonies. They would never leave him for as long as he could play a flute.

Regardless, the teacher was rendered speechless. Had the boy been adopted by the GusuLan sect instead, he suspected he could have become an amazing music-based cultivator. Perhaps he could have rivaled even their first son with the flute, at the hands of the right instructor! Yet he was a YunmengJiang sect member, and this was a Lotus Pier child now, and the Lotus Pier children develop other sets of skills. He would do his best to polish that diamond in the rough until there was nothing else to teach him. Even Young Master Jiang, his technique flawless even for such a young age, would soon be running out of things to learn from him.

The man wouldn't be alive when Wei Wuxian became famous for his flute skills, and not in the way he had imagined. It was perhaps for the better, only remembering the sweet boyish smiles from those two talented students who surpassed him. Only the happy notes from Yiling's streets taken to his grave instead of the chilling shrills through the dark.

The porcelain cups clinked against each other, and the teenagers made a toast and downed the sparkling liquor with a swoop. It wasn't the first and wouldn't be the last for the evening. Round jars filled to the brim were expecting their turn. Dishes of snacks danced between youthful hands.

Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng, and six of their closest shidi had locked themselves in the senior boys’ bedroom. They had received permission from Jiang Cheng's parents to throw the party after training, but the booze and food from the market had never been mentioned in the terms. The lad had shaken his head when his mischievous brother had brought it as contraband from the Pier, but the reproach was shallow and was said with a big grin on his face.

"What kind of party would be without it, anyway?" Wei Wuxian shrugged and grabbed the jar to fill up his cup again, not feeling remorse.

"Well done, Wei-shixiong!" one of the disciples said, his ears already red.

"These dumplings are just so good!" The chubbiest shidi munched in delight.

"It's our last party for a year so of course we needed the best of the best!"

"It's just one year in Gusu," Jiang Cheng sighed. "You're all being melodramatic."

"But you still agreed to the party."

"It's an excuse as good as any," he nodded. "Besides, you know the Cloud Recesses are quite strict, so it might as well be our last party until we're back home."

"Three thousand rules," the youngest disciple whispered.

Wei Wuxian put his empty cup on the table. "Hopefully that's just rumors. But enough about dull stuff. This party needs some more spice."

Seven boys who had tried his peculiar cuisine before glared at him. Some eyes had fear.

"Cowards. But also, this party needs more life or this will become a burial mound. How about some music, huh?"

The cringing faces vanished to be replaced by smiles and cheers.

"Now we're talking! Play one of your Yiling folk songs, Shixiong."

"Yeah! We're not hearing it in a year's time!"

"One condition." Wuxian got up and rummaged through his belongings to get his flute. He had a brilliant idea. "Young Master has to join in or I'm not playing."

Jiang Cheng's palm met his forehead. The disciples started to beg.

"Please, Young Master Jiang! We haven't heard you in ages!"

"We won't hear it in a year!"

"You guys just want to listen to Wei Wuxian."

"Of course not! We want both seniors! His flute is great but all alone it doesn't do much for a party."

"Honestly, you're kind of better? During music lessons, the old man keeps telling me to follow Jiang Wanjin's dexterity and diligence. He never mentions Shixiong."

From Jiang Cheng's small blush and the way his chest puffed a bit, Wuxian could tell the shidi had said the right thing. He grinned wide. His brother always needed an ego boost, in his opinion. Yet his next action was hitting Jiang Cheng's head softly with a second xiao.

"See what I always say? You are better than me. Our teacher says I might be a talented genius, but I don't care about sticking to the scores so it's bad in the end."

"I had to be better than you at something, you knave." He grabbed the flute with the satisfaction of someone who actually practiced and studied. "Well, who goes first?"

"No, no, no." Wei Wuxian moved his open palm side to side. "It's not a duel, you competitive blockhead. A duet! A concert! Playing the same song at the same time, and the winners are all of us."

He saw the glint in Jiang Cheng's eye darken a bit, but he didn't complain. "Which one?"

"'Over the peaks' is the catchiest and longest. Ready? One, two, one, two, three, four!"

They grasped for breath before putting his lips to the mouth of their flutes. Nimble fingers moved quickly through the wood, covering the right little holes with grace and precision. The other boys howled and clapped to the rhythm. The tallest of them got up and starting dancing. The chubbiest one banged softly on the table with his palms, like a drum. Two had learned the lyrics so they sang the parts they could recall —the ones with the most sexual innuendo, as kids do.

They were all having a great time, but by the fifth verse Jiang Cheng was struggling. Wei Wuxian's tune was running too much. The song started to sound bad.

"Here they go again," the youngest shidi whispered.

By the time the seventh verse started, Cheng stopped flat. He took out the flute from his lips, annoyance on his temples. The tall one sat again on the floor, disappointed.

"How many times, you fool? Out of tempo!"

"I speed up to make it more fun to play!" Wuxian rolled his eyes. "It's you who should catch up with me!"

"That's not how music collaborations works. You have no concept of harmony."

"I play in harmony to the beats of my heart," he smiled.

"Whatever you say..." He put down the flute and took his cup. "Sure you don't want to duel?"

"Nope. Duel Lan Xichen at Gusu for all I care."

"I know my limitations, unlike a certain person."

"You know, it'd be fun to bash a party with the Lan Sect and play upbeat songs with one of them. They're pretty musical, right?" Wei Wuxian sighed at the prospect of new friends and good times.

"Their music is for cultivation and health uses only, I think. Very few Lan members are as artistically inclined as the founder."

Wuxian looked around, but all his shidi's expressions confirmed it.

"Come on, they can't all be so stiff! I'll get one of them to play something for me, you'll see."

"Fifty coins say you won't," the most cynical disciple dared.

"Fifty coins say I can convince that Lan Wangji guy you're all so scared of."

Six jaws dropped and some blurted at him to stop the mad claim.

"No, let him," Jiang Cheng smirked as he sipped his cup. He was already drunk. "Our motto is Attempt the Impossible, guys. I want to see him attempt and fail spectacularly for once."

"Jiang-shixiong is right. I'm gonna be so rich, guys."

A day later, Wei Wuxian had forgotten to pack his flute. By the time he had the privilege to win the implausible bet, he had no memory of it whatsoever.

→ Part 2 (the Wens)

[outfittrends]

80 Most Amazing & Latest Tattoos Ideas To Go For In 2019 Outfit Trends - Ideas How to Wear & What to Wear

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80 Most Amazing & Latest Tattoos Ideas To Go For In 2019

Most Amazing Tattoos Ever: Here are some of the craziest and most inspirational tattoos ever that are just simply dreamy and classic. Some of these include classy mountain tattoos, that gives off a yearning essence of roughness, rawness, and nature – in so many ways.

Each tattoo will have so much of depth, concept, and meaning that you will find yourself immersed in each. While some include some mesmerizing pine trees inspired tattoo art which is meaningful in a way that physically they appear quite fragile and breakable, but what one does not know is that pine trees can actually endure cruel storms – they only sway back and forth but do not simply fall down. Other types include the timeless aspiration of Yin Yang. These Yin Yang tattoos are surely the best and most popular of the Chinese culture and philosophy and their beauty is in the fact that these Yin Yang symbols show perfect balance in life.

What Tattoo To Choose Next?

If you plan on getting inked soon, keep these pointers in mind:

If it is your first time getting a tattoo done, go for a small and meaningful one that you would not regret later.

All tattoos require proper aftercare including protecting them from direct sunlight.

Make sure to go to a professional tattoo artist to get inked.

Do not tattoo yourself.

If you do not wish to get a permanent tattoo you can opt for removable ink, sticker tattoo or even henna art.

↓ 80. David Beckham Tattoo

The ace football star’s tattoos are a great source of inspiration for someone looking for ideas. He is known to have about 40 tattoos on his body. Among these are a few that are names of his children that he got inked as a tribute to his family. Here’s a complete post on everything you need to know about getting Tattoos For Permanent Cosmetic Purposes.

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↓ 79. Diamond Tattoo

Check out this diamond that also looks like a heart.

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↓ 78. Dream Catcher

Dream Catchers were originally used to protect sleeping people from bad dreams. They are known to bless individuals with luck and harmony. What better way to keep them closer than by getting them inked on your body.

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↓ 77. Handwriting

This super personal tattoo looks just so heartwarming. It is a replica of a handwritten note probably made by a little child.

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↓ 76. Adorable Tattoo

Check out this tattoo of Sushi, the Shiba Inu breed dog. Kawaii is known as the culture of cuteness in Japan and we really adore this rendition tattoo.

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↓ 75. Butterfly

Become a free spirit by getting a reminder of it inked. We love how the butterfly has been added a symbolic representation of the idea.

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↓ 74. Arm Tattoo

We are super impressed by the creativity of this tattoo that covers the entire forearm. The concept depicts a Native American which can be a tribute to the bloodline or a belief in their customs and traditions.

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↓ 73. TV Show Inspired

Here is a tattoo we would not mind getting. The Friends TV Show remains a huge part of our lives 24 years on and can be paid a tribute through this tattoo. However, we believe the millennials would not mind getting a Game of Thrones tattoo instead.

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↓ 72. Bollywood Celebrity Tattoo

Shahid Kapoor’s better half, Mira Rajput, was spotted with a lotus tattoo on her back. There are multiple meanings that a lotus holds. It symbolizes purity, perfection, and enlightenment.

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↓ 71. Colored Tattoo

How perfect is this floral tattoo done just right above the ankle? We love how beautifully the color has been added and how minimal it has been kept.

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↓ 70. Pine Tree

The pine tree tattoo means strength, protection, and growth. It is also a reminiscence of Christmas and the holiday season. The perfect location and size make it a great choice for inking.

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↓ 69. Back Tattoo

Here is one hot design to get done behind your neck or on your back. The crown and its floral details are beautiful to look at.

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↓ 68. Name Inking

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↓ 67. Celebrity Tattoo

Kendall Jenner’s face tattoo may appear random but is an original one. The tattoo reads out “meow” and is something she got done while drunk.

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↓ 66. Creative Idea

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↓ 65. Emoji Tattoo

Get your spirit emoji tattooed to add some creativity to your life.

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↓ 64. Slice of Lemon

When life gives you a lemon, get it inked instead.

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↓ 63. Picture Replica

How deeply thoughtful is this replica tattoo? The tattoo is a picture of a little girl with her Grandma.

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↓ 62. Frida Kahlo

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↓ 61. Key Ring

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↓ 60. Small Tattoo

This adorable fruity tattoo is for the fruit of the season. Check out this exclusive guide on Getting A Tattoo Yantra Style & What You Need To Know.

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↓ 59. Planet

Here is a great example of a small tattoo that you should consider if it is your first time getting inked.

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↓ 58. Pet Tattoo

Pay homage to your pet with a personalized tattoo like this one. While it looks like a playful high-five, it also resembles a deeper bond between a dog and its owner.

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↓ 57. Letter

If you are looking for a small yet meaningful tattoo, consider getting a single letter inked. Different fonts and styles can be used to create a lasting impact.

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↓ 56. Tiger’s Face

If the tiger happens to be your spirit animal, consider getting one inked on your body. Channel out your inner strength and aggression with a tattoo like this one.

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↓ 55. Deepika Padukone’s Tattoo

The gorgeous Bollywood actress got her then-boyfriend, Ranbir Kapoor’s name inked behind her neck. Despite having broken up, Deepika decided against covering it up and went on to flaunt it at the Cannes red carpet this year.

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↓ 54. Tally Mark

Sophie Turner got a tally mark tattoo on her finger representing her five family members. It also has an association with Days of the Moon enumerating the silences seen.

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↓ 53. Simple Tattoo

Simple text tattoos are all the rage this year. They are classic, sweet and very simple.

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↓ 52. Tattoo on Foot

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↓ 51. Rugrats Inspired

If you are a 90’s kid, you would surely remember the hilariously cute series Rugrats. If you want to pay a tribute to your kids and family, here is a great tattoo idea.

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↓ 50. Kitchen Utensils

Look at this adorable little whisk and rolling pin. If you have a passion for cooking and baking, here is some inspiration for you. Here are 20 Famous Tattoo Designs for Thighs.

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↓ 49. Moon Phases

The inking depicting different Lunar phases basically means regeneration and feminine power. It is a great idea for women to get this inked.

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↓ 48. Arabic Calligraphy

This Arabic text translates into, “they talk behind your back because they are behind you. How appropriately placed is that tat?

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↓ 47. Dice

Here is some inspiration for risk takers and gamblers if they plan on getting inked. A dice is also a creative way to ink your lucky number or even your birthdate.

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↓ 46. Floral Art

How alluring is this detailed floral piece of art? What we would like to add here is how it has been kept colorless.

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↓ 45. Henna Tattoo

If you are looking for a temporary tattoo that would not cost you money or time, henna art is a great option for you.

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↓ 44. Tattoo For Boys

Here is some inspiration for boys that involves a lot of patterns and lines.

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↓ 43. Map Tattoo

How creative and unique is this design?

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↓ 42. Unique Tattoo Idea

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↓ 41. French Fries

Here is a food tattoo that we absolutely adore. If you are a believer of “fries before guys”, here is a little something for you.

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↓ 40. Tattoo Buddies

Get inked with your favorite person with tattoos like these that match.

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↓ 39. Beautiful Neck Tattoo

Take a look at this breathtaking piece of art.

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↓ 38. Buddha

Find your deeper spiritual connection by getting an inking of Buddha.

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↓ 37. Ring Tattoos

Ditch your jewels for a permanent version of rings instead.

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↓ 36. Three Wise Monkeys

See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil.

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↓ 35. Behind The Ear

How elaborate and impressive is this rose tattoo? We love all behind-the-ear tattoos and find them to be super attractive.

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↓ 34. Infinite Pizza

How relatable and accurate is this inking? Food tattoos have been the latest trend and are super interesting to look at.

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↓ 33. Landscape

This scenic beauty has been done to perfection with the use of colors.

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↓ 32. Tiny Wave

May the force of nature always be with you.

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↓ 31. Under The Umbrella

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↓ 30. Music Is Life Tattoo

If your life revolves around music, here is a tattoo you would love. Do check out these Cute Emoji Tattoos for Girls.

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↓ 29. Harry Potter Fan

Treat your inner bookworm with the tat of your choice.

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↓ 28. Jesus

Austin Mcbroom’s tattoo of Jesus is nothing short of perfection.

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↓ 27. Quote Tattoo

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↓ 26. Tattoo For Girls

Here is a small yet meaningful tattoo for all you girls out there.

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↓ 25. Red Inking

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↓ 24. Realistic Tattoo

How realistic and creative is this Morgan Freeman artwork? We cannot get over how beautifully the details have been added to this tattoo. Only a professional tattooist would be able to pull this off.

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↓ 23. Lion King

We would be surprised if there was no Lion King fan. If you love the iconic Simba and Mufasa scene, you could consider getting it done on your forearm like this. 

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↓ 22. Hippie

This Boho design is a personal favorite and uses a lot of colors to create an effect. We love how it includes the peace sign on the glasses.

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↓ 21. Couple Tattoo

This adorable “To Infinity and Beyond” tattoo was inked on Joe Jonas and his ladylove Sophie Turner. The two are rumored to be tying the knot in Paris next year. We love how meaningful the tattoo becomes when the hands are linked.

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↓ 20. Palm

Check out this temporary tattoo of what we would love telling most people around. Palm tattoos are not done as frequently but look super creative and usually remain hidden from others.

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↓ 19. Scar Cover Up

We love how this tattoo holds a personal meaning and has been thought of creatively. The stitching effect on the scar is a great way to cover it up without concealing it entirely.

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↓ 18. Ear Tattoo

Check out this new way to tattooing. This simple and minimalistic design has been done on the inside of the ear and looks like a piece of jewel.

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↓ 17. Peace Sign

The peace sign is one of the most frequently tattooed design. Despite being cliche, we really like this modern take on it featuring colorful flowers that give a revamped look.

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↓ 16. Paw Print

If you would like to pay a tribute to your much-loved pet, here is one way to do it.

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↓ 15. Banksy’s Artwork

Banksy, the artist in the hiding, recently rose to fame with his artwork that shredded itself at an auction. We love this interpretation of it that has been divided on to two legs giving it a shredded look. 

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↓ 14. Anchor

The anchor was traditionally tattooed by US Marines, however, it holds a different meaning for others. It represents hope, steadfastness and can also mean stability.

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↓ 13. Vincent Van Gogh Painting

Vincent van Gogh’s painting, A Starry Night, has been of the most famous artworks. Its actual auction price is over 80 million dollars with an estimated value being 100 million dollars. While the authentic piece of art is beyond our affordability, we could go with this version of it.

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↓ 12. Elephant

We love how sweet and simple this tattoo is of an elephant holding a balloon. Here are Heavy Metal Tattoos & 27 Most Bad-ass Tattoos Designs Ever.

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↓ 11. Celebrity Face

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↓ 10. Christmas Lights

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↓ 9. Life Motto

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↓ 8. Footprint Tattoo

Here is a tattoo inscription containing all the details of a baby, taking up the shape of a footprint.

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↓ 7. Fancy Art

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↓ 6. Tattoo With Meaning

There is so much meaning that this tattoo holds. It signifies togetherness, holding on and also one-sided love.

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↓ 5. Sword

Sword can hold different meanings for different people. Some may be obsessed with The Vikings, Alchemists believe it to be a symbol of achieving purity while it holds religious significance to the Sikh community. Most people get the sword tattooed as a symbol of strength after overcoming hardships in life.

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↓ 4. Number Tattoo

Number tattoos are known to be one of the most common inkings. These can include birth dates and years, wedding date, lucky numbers or any other number that may hold significance to the person.

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↓ 3. Joker Theme

We are blown by the details on this tattoo and the use of color on it. This Joker theme tattoo has been made to cover the lower leg and has a number of elements going on. We cannot help but admire the preciseness of the hand and the wrinkles drawn here. We find this to be one of the best Joker tattoos ever.

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↓ 2. Yin and Yang Tattoo

The Yin and Yang symbolize how two contrary forces live together. This is a contemporary take on the Chinese symbol which holds the same meaning but has been designed to look artistic by using flowers and colors.

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↓ 1. Finger Tattoo

Look at how perfectly this tattoo has been placed to suit its meaning as well. The tattoo reads “What goes around comes around.” It is definitely a statement to live by and getting it inked is a way to be reminded by it every day.

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