#me and the overlays to make my colors better were not getting along very well for this lol. i tried

[tsubasaclones]

in every universe <3

[tubbytarchia]

Hi, I love your art. I wanted to know how you approach color? I'm a beginner artist, and you've blown my socks off with the last shiny duo piece you did.

(currently color is like witchcraft for me)

I'll be honest anon that color has been a witchcraft to me as well for like the past 15 years of doing art lol, I've only recently begun feeling better at it... I'm not sure the way I do it is the best way to do it haha but

it's a very yolo process, where I just grab whatever color I think might look nice and run with it. As I'm getting further along, if there's any colors that seem like they could use a different shade/brightness/etc then I color over them. But I almost always use stark or bright solid colors to overlay on top of my art with various degrees of opacity and blending options, usually "overlay" and "screen" (At least that's what they're called on FireAlpaca)

Here's an example where I started with very uninteresting colors and then just layered a bunch of colors on top (2nd image to showcase it more understandably)

And then I just applied those overlayed colors to the original layer how I saw fit and begun rendering, where everything flows together more nicely and the use of overlayed colors isn't as apparent, in some places changing the colors again or reapplying another layer of color splotches in certain areas

And then looking at the Gempearl art, it's really not much different lol

The original colors are not that bad, at least on Gem, imo, I've definitely improved in that aspect of being able to pick more appealing colors just by hand. And then I overlayed a bunch of purple tones (especially on Pearl since her colors were painfully gray), with the "overlay" blending mode in the 2nd image and then the "screen" blending mode in the 3rd. And then, again, I just started rendering to make everything flow better. I can pick highlight accent colors easily (eg the yellow in Gem's hair) but if you struggle with it, you can use white or very close to white colors and then apply the "overlay" blending mode. I did also make use of the "hue" blending mode in this - there are a lot of options in most art programs so play around with them to your heart's content!!

Also, for artwork that uses more of a limited color palette, I frequently look at other artwork I like for at least initial inspiration for what kinds of colors I think might approximately work for what I have in mind. Here's how one of my Pearl drawings looked as a sketch

and then with colors inspired from a few artworks I liked. Worth noting also that I never color pick, I try to imitate the colors by hand at best, and if I do pick then usually temporarily before changing them around in tone etc

I hope the terminology doesn't make this too god awful to read and that it's at least somewhat understandable haha, I tried my best...!! Again though I've sucked at colors for so long SO long so don't fret about it if it takes time to get a hang of it, it comes more naturally to some people than others

[thedudewiththedragontattoos]

Downtown Revamp - A complete overhaul of Downtown from The Sims 2 Nightlife

It’s finally here! This is going to be a long post, please read everything before you download, as there is quite a bit of information to go over! Let’s get started!

First, a picture of the finalized Downtown!

Click here��for a relatively complete imgur album of all the lots!

*The pics are not in order. I seriously cannot be bothered going through 140 pictures. Sorry!

*Please note that some of the venues may look different in the final download than the pictures. This is because after building everything I went through and picked/replaced all of the CC that I felt wasn’t 100% necessary to use in the hood, thus some of the color schemes of the lots may differ, especially on interiors.

What is this?

 If you haven’t been following me for the past few weeks, I took on a project to completely renovate all of Downtown from The Sims 2 Nightlife. This means all lots have been completely remodeled and updated. No more fugly Maxis lots! I had three main goals for this project - First, to update everything to look good and be fun to play, second to have each lot offer a unique “experience”, and third, to keep the original feeling of the lots in tact. 

This comes in two versions - a Subhood version that you can add to your existing hoods, like you would with a traditional Downtown, and a Main Hood  version, so you can play my updated Downtown as a main hood if you’d like!

General Information:

I renovated every single lot (except four lots which I removed from the hood, more on that later). Downtown had a special way of reusing the same idea for multiple different lots - I stopped counting how many dark vampy dance lounges with raised or lowered dance floors there were. Three freakin bowling alleys? As I mentioned earlier, I wanted each lot to have its own reason for you to come visit, and there were four lots that I ultimately felt offered nothing and wouldn’t be missed if they were taken out. The following lots are not in this Downtown:

Lost in Love Hedge Maze

P.U.R.E.

The Corner Shoppes

Comandgo Emporium

Aside from those four lots, every lot has been renovated - Including Residential lots!

This is not populated. There are no townies and/or Tricou ghosts.

There are a few unavoidable NPC’s that have spawned when I made this such as a busker and the New Year’s Toddler. There are also a few stray animals that decided to spawn, but those could not be avoided. All in all, don’t worry about this adding tons and tons of NPC’s to your game - I did my best to ensure the hood was empty.

This hood does include custom content. Sorry if you don’t play with it, but there’s just some things that I couldn’t go without. I tried to use only what I felt was necessary to make the hood look and play nicely.

This was built in the Ultimate Collection, so unfortunately I don’t know exactly what is “required”. Recommended at the very least to have NL, H&M, BV, FT, UNI, and AL. 

Custom Content info & Download links/Instructions below the cut :)

UPDATE: You can now download all Downtownies (Except dead Tricou’s) easily to add to this hood! Check out the post and download here!

Custom Content:

Firstly, a HUGE thank you to all of the following CC creators who have so kindly allowed me to include their CC in a single download folder. Below are links to the individual pieces that were used, along with their creators blogs/profiles as well. There are also some important pieces of information and disclaimers about certain sets and defaults below. Please read everything before you bork up your game and blame me. 

Custom Content used in this hood/Credits:

**You do NOT need to download the following items one by one. These are credits. All but ONE of them are included in a single download folder included with both hood versions**

*Those with a * next to their name are Default Replacements.

Pub Bottle Recolors and *Clothing Rack Defaults both by @withlovefromsimtown

Better Nightlife, Tarmac Hood Deco, and Matching Road Floor Tiles by @criquette-was-here

A few recolor sets from @cluedosims AKA @shastakiss

Community Phonebooth by nicvncnt

*Linden Trees, Seasonal AL Pond, Tower of Communism Skybox, and The Emerald City Skyscraper Set all by @lowedeus

Skyfix by @simnopke

Hood Deco Buildings by @dulcinean-alien

Criquette Horizons by @witheredlilies​ and @criquette-was-here​

*Terrain Default Replacement by @dramallamadingdang​

Invisible Driveway Recolor by Roddyalexio

*Invisible Stop Sign Default Replacement by Psychosims

4T2 City Living Murals by @moocha-muses​

Simlish Neon Signs by @polllinationtech​

Some (excluding the DFR) items from the Bespoke Build Set by @honeywell-mts​

Public Bathroom Deco by @nekosayuri​

Vampire Gravestones by @tony-veis​

*Low Poly Tree Defaults and *Edited Defaults of Criquette’s Rural Road by @peppermint-ginger​

I do not claim any of the included CC as my own. If I mistakenly included CC that you created and you do not want it included (Though I contacted those I was unsure about) please immediately reach out to me and I will remove them :)

Additional credit to the amazing and dear Mootilda for this extremely helpful tutorial :,)

Important CC Info:

DISCLAIMER: There are SOME default replacements in this CC folder. They have been marked in a separate folder with “-DFR” in front of their names. If you have your own defaults, simply do NOT add them to your downloads. 

Note about Bespoke Set: This does NOT include all of the items in the Bespoke Build Set. If you already have it, do not add these folders to your game. If you do have it and plan on getting the rest of the pack later on, just delete these two folders and install those from MTS. The items included in this folder are the following:

Windows

Doors

Wall Coverings

Floor Edging

If you do not wish to use the entirety of BBS, then just use the items in the folders I have provided, as these are the ones that are necessary in Downtown :) Thanks again Honeywell!

The Roads that I use in this hood do not have a grass median between the road and sidewalk. The way my DFR’s work is that that space needs to be filled in once the overlays are placed. If you do not use a DFR OR if you use something different, you may have to remove the filled in section. You’ll know what I mean when you load it up. Also, if you don’t use these defaults, there may be random rugs in the road, that is just the game replacing unavailable content.

If you don’t plan on using the Phone Booths that are included, you will want to go back through the lots and add back the EA default phone booths. I am not sure if your sims will be able to get back to their home lot if you don’t download the custom ones, since I deleted the original vanilla booths. 

Excluded CC:

I used these recolors of Numenor’s stairs. You WILL need to download these (be sure to properly download them) as they are NOT included, since Numenor does not allow this.

CC Download Instructions:

CC is included with both versions of the hoods.

Instructions: Download the zip file for the hood version you want, unzip it with your preferred zipping program, and extract the contents into your downloads folder. Don’t forget to check your Default Replacements!

Download Instructions:

Instructions:

If you want the Subhood version - Download the DTWN Subhood zip, unzip with your preferred program, and extract it to the following folder, depending on which version of the game you have:

DELETE THE D001 Folder, or move it to a safe location. This is the original Downtown.

Ultimate Collection:  C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection\Double Deluxe\EP2\TSData\Res\NeighborhoodTemplate

Disk: C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Nightlife\TSData\Res\NeighborhoodTemplate

Once this is installed, load up the hood that you wish to add the new Downtown subhood to, and add it as you would with the vanilla Downtown. Note that you will know it’s the right one as the thumbnail will be different.

If you want the Main Hood version - Download the DTWN Main Hood zip, unzip with your preferred program, and extract to the following folder, depending on which version of the game you have:

Ultimate Collection: Documents\EA Games\The Sims™ 2 Ultimate Collection\Neighborhoods

Disk:  Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2\Neighborhoods

Hood Download Links:

*Links include CC

Main Hood

Subhood

If you have trouble downloading, let me know and I’ll throw in an alternate link :)

TOU: I guess I need my own TOU now. Please don’t be an asshole, don’t steal my lots or hood and claim it as your own. Use common sense. I am fine if you renovate one of my renovations and want to post it yourself, just give me credit and link to this original post. Also, do NOT redistribute the cc folder included. This is meant only for Downtown, only saying this as I wish for the creators to get all the credit.

Thank you all once more for your interest in the project! I can’t wait to see what you all do with this! Please feel free to tag me in screenshots, renos of my renos, etc...

Additional thanks to everyone at PleasantSims’ discord for the interest and motivation for this project, especially to Sabrina, Melting Magnetz, Crosimmer, Yeetus, and much more!

Keep an eye out for my next project. Thinking of moving on to Bluewater Village or a Vacation Hood!

Enjoy and have fun :D

- Mike

[jengarie]

#showyourprocess !

From planning to posting, share your process for making creative content!

To continue supporting content makers, this tag game is meant to show the entire process of making creative content: this can be for any creation.

RULES — When your work is tagged, show the process of its creation from planning to posting, then tag up to 5 people with a specific link to one of their creative works you’d like to see the process of. Use the tag #showyourprocess so we can find yours!

Thank you, @rinielle for tagging me! She chose the piece above (original post), and oh boy this one was a whole ass rollercoaster ride! Unfortunately, I hadn't turned on the timelapse feature for this but I'll try to go through each part of the process as best as I can!

The photos I'm gonna upload are gonna be a mix of screenshots and literal photos of my screen, because I'm taking some of them from my updates to friends, since a lot of the steps got lost in my painting process.

But before that, let me tag some other amazing creators!

@dragonji: this gif art!

@candicewright: this yibo painting!

@wendashanren: this gifset!

@mylastbraincql: this gif!

I haven't been able to keep track of who's been tagged so apologies if you've already done this! Also, no pressure to do it at all if you would rather not! <3

Planning

Sometimes, I get an idea first and find reference photos to go with that idea. But for this one, I sought out a reference photo first, and built an idea on top of it!

After that, I roughly sketch out the base pose. Usually, this looks very messy, but it doesn't really matter as long as I understand which part goes where!

The idea for the background didn't really come until the creation process because I don't think I really planned this to be a full piece.

Creation

Sketching

Honestly, from this point on, it's more of trial and error.

So, I redid the the initial base pose—made it cleaner and a little bit more detailed. See: the added definition in their arm muscles, the rearrangement of Wei Wuxian's legs, and Lan Wangji's hand on Wei Wuxian's back. If you look at the second photo, I also changed the pose a bit midway—I tend to edit as I go sometimes when I change my mind. (For this, I thought, given the Lan arm strength, it would be better to make Lan Wangji look more at ease carrying Wei Wuxian. This gets covered by the robes anyway though, so it didn't matter much in the end.)

I also started adding details to the base! I usually start with the face and then the hair! I usually go for the clothes next, but I dreaded the robes in this piece so I guess that's why I ended up with a basic idea of what I wanted for the background instead LOL I also figured out how I want the final crop to look like, so I blocked out all the other areas with an extra layer!

Okay, onto the part that killed me like ten times: the robes. There are a lot of interactions between their robes here given their pose, and not to mention they also have layers upon layers on each of them! So, to maintain my sanity and to keep track of which part is which, I color coded them into the most colorful sketch I've ever made.

Another reason why I filled in each layer of robe with a solid block of color, is so that all the lines underneath gets covered. Without all of the colors, the actual outline actually looks like the one on the right. What a nightmare!

I also ignored the crop again for this part, because it's always better to draw past your borders, in case you decide to rotate or tilt or whatever your piece later on. I didn't do the feet anymore though, because that I was sure wouldn't show in the final piece anymore.

After that, I did the sketch one more time and then started adding the base colors. (I didn't have a screenshot of just the base colors, and the final CSP file is a nightmare so I copy pasted the layers into a new canvas to show you guys :') )

By the way, I drew their robes flowing this way, because I wanted it to frame the lower arch of the moon behind them for the composition. It was a little frustrating that I couldn't get Lan Wangji's robes a little higher because of Wei Wuxian's legs but I later filled in the empty space with his forehead ribbon anyway, so it all worked out in the end!

Painting

Because apparently, I was a masochist back then, I merged the base colors all into one layer and started adding shadows to the robes. (These days, I add shadows first and then, merge. It's much easier this way.)

And then, I started painting! Again, I did the face first and then the hair, before finally the robes. This was my first time painting side profiles and honestly it was quite a pain to figure out LOL but !!! I think I did a good job and I'm proud of how it turned out. I again used reference photos for this one but I can't link any because they were just several random Pinterest photos that I didn't save.

Another thing to note is that I use the mesh transform tool a lot, especially on faces. That's largely why Lan Wangji's face looks so different in the latter two!

And then I went with the robes. Somewhere along the way, I realized I didn't like how I planned to do Lan Wangji's sleeves and the flowy part of Wei Wuxian's robes and I... decided, with much dread, to do them over. So I sketched on top of the painted layers and redid the robes, again.

It was at this point that I decided to take a break from this piece because it was honestly very draining! I think it took about three weeks before I decided to open the file again and continue it.

When I did, I just finished painting the rest of the robes and their hands. The blue details on Lan Wangji's outer robes were painted on a separate layer that I put on Multiply. I probably did more adjustments to the face and hair and stuff, because my painting process is honestly a mess :')

Final Adjustments

I added some correction layers on certain areas to fix some of the colors. See: Lan Wangji's sleeve becoming much brighter and paler; Wei Wuxian's legs having less contrast. And then I merged all of the layers (excluding the background) and added a bit of blur. See: Wei Wuxian's ponytail; the entire lower part; the flowing forehead ribbon. My reasoning for this is so that most of the detail (and therefore the flow of the eye) goes to their faces and expressions!

And then, I put a blue Overlay layer on low opacity to make Wangxian blend better with the background, added a bit of shadow on the inside and the lower sections and added the glowing details for the added flair. I initially wanted sparkles and/or stars but they didn't turn out as well as this did. I also upped the contrast by a little for the entire piece!

Aaaand, that's it! In truth, I did a bit more color adjustments to the whole piece, but I was a dummy who forgot to turn them back on before posting so ... oh well.

Posting

Before posting, I upload it either on my spare private Twitter account or on a drafted Tumblr post so I can check the colors on my phone. This is because the colors on different devices can look very different, and I would at the very least want all my pieces to look nice on both of my devices!

And then, once I deem it satisfactory, I just try to think of a caption and post! Some artists wait for a certain time where most of their followers are active, but I didn't have a lot of MDZS followers at this point so it didn't really matter to me.

It still doesn't really; I haven't actually been able to figure out when my MDZS followers are awake even now.

[littlemisslipbalm]

“You Get Me” Pt. 3 (famous!y/n x harry)

Aka “Kissy” 🥺

honestly its really just domestic harry bahaha and I added that they have a slight age gap ?but seriously I hope y’all enjoy the third and final installment of my first ever writings -  a little miniseries if you will. I loved writing this part sm, probably my favorite part yet. I linked a spotify playlist that was some inspo (I literally listened to your summer dream on repeat for one part that I wrote, that song is so beautiful) anyways - not really proofread and I tried to break it up more so it was less big chunks to read formatting wise

here’s part 3! read: part 1 | part 2

word count: 4.0k  | warnings: makeout sesh, shirtless harry!, nothing graphic tho (I think!)

tag list : @marauderswhisperer, @morgannope, @daddystevee, @kthemarsian, @bi-andready-tocry

playlist for the inspo✨

-

One Week Later

“Hey, Har...change of plans!” you exclaimed as you peaked through a door in Harry’s house.

You’d hung out together at your apartment once since your phone retrieval visit and the two of you had been texting constantly. You loved Harry’s company and Harry couldn’t get enough of you. Harry had called you late last night, ‘Want t’take you out tomorrow, love.’ his voice was groggy as if he was about to fall asleep. You’d instantly agreed and drove over to his house the next day. He was leaving back to London on Saturday, so it was your last day to see him for awhile.

Inside the door you had just opened, a beautiful vintage convertible sat. You had found the garage. “You are so driving this,” you turned to see the man who held your entire heart in his hands walking up beside you. Harry reluctantly agreed and leaned down to kiss your cheek.

“Ready?” he questioned, holding up the soft blanket he had retrieved for your coastal picnic. You nodded, proudly displaying the little picnic basket you had packed full with food. Simultaneously the two of you reach for each other’s free hands, clasping them together and walking out to the car.

“I’m on aux, you can focus on the road,” you told Harry when both of you went for the cassette device that functioned to allow you to play music from your phone despite the age of the car. Harry loved how assertive you were even if it meant he didn’t always get his way. That was one of the reasons he liked you so much, your strength, your ability to hold your own in any situation, even with him, opposite of how a lot of people treated him in the industry in bids to get in his good graces. You were his match, so similar, yet so unique.  

The pair of you started out on the road. Harry wore a white t-shirt with a blue bee slogan,  purple trousers, and some clean white vans. His rings and pearl necklace wrapped up the look. His tattooed arms starkly contrasting the crisp white of his shirt. His eyes on the road were covered by large sunglasses, but his hair flew out behind him as the wind rushed over the car. You had chosen high waisted mom jean style denim shorts and a lavender femme top with a mesh white floral overlay, it had ties on the shoulders and it complimented your skin color perfect, tanned in from your life in the golden state. You too had your rings on and a silver necklace with your first initial hidden in the pendant. Even your clothes complemented each other.  

The first song to play through the speakers was Joni Mitchell’s “California.” You looked over to see Harry smile and you two began to sing along. You didn’t talk much on the ride, staying silent other than singing along when you pleased, but you always made sure not to overpower the actual song, you didn’t like to do that if the music was there for ambiance. Harry would speak up a little when passing various things, just simply pointing them out. Then, after the first notes of “California Dreamin’” came on Harry couldn’t help buy say, “Y/N, seriously?  S’not like I don’t love these songs, but please tell me you didn’t just search up ‘California’ and are playing tha’?” All you did was shush him and tell him this was one of your favorite songs before singing along.

Then, as the Mamas and the Papas voices began to fade out, Harry started again, “This next song’s title better not be fuckin’ California or somethin’ with-” but he stopped as the light quick notes of “Golden” came through the speakers, followed by his own voice. You grinned and gave his shoulder a little push. You had just gotten on the PCH and you remembered his mention of it being the quintessential coastal drive song a couple years ago so you had queued just in time.

A grin spreads onto his features that had been in slight exasperation at your antics previously and shakes his head at you, does a little finger shake vaguely in your direction, “Y/N, Y/N, Y/N.”

You both burst out in song, practically yelling the first chorus, Harry taking little harmony parts that most wouldn’t even notice, but he notices them, he made them. You dance in your seat to the song, taking control of the background ‘da da da’s. Harry is in awe of how well your voice sounds with the track, when you sing along to the second verse, much more seriously than the first one you had screamed together. He glanced over at your moving figure that began to sway at the slowing of the song. You weren’t wearing sun glasses and you had your eyes closed, basking in the shining sun. You looked at peace, yet completely fulfilled and overjoyed. In that moment, Harry knew he wanted to keep making you feel the way you did right now every time you were together. The song ended and your playlist continued, random songs regarding California and the feeling you get with someone you care about - makes you feel sunkissed.

-

“You’re literally so corny,” Harry laughs to you when ‘California Girls’ by the Beach Boys came on. You throw side eyes at him, “What can I say, Brian Wilson knew, California girls are where it’s at,” you roll your lips into your mouth and then bite your bottom lip.

-

The drive continued with you giving a rousing rendition of ‘California Gurls’ with Harry as Katy Perry and you as Snoop Dogg as you had insisted. Harry even busted out some minimal dance moves while driving the car, honking the horn at the appropriate moment. You made Harry feel like he was 19 again.

Then, straight into ‘Canyon Moon,’ Harry really was in disbelief of the woman next to him. You got so into the “I’m goin’ home” part of the song. Harry said, “Really like tha’ one, I gather,” after it finished. It was your turn to look at him in disbelief, “It’s my favorite, Har, I remember listening to Fine Line the first time and loving it immediately. Still loved it even after everyone else barely talked about it. Deserved so much more, s’amazing.” You finished with a half smile slipping onto your face. Harry gave a quiet ‘thanks’ and returned the smile.

-

Harry was finally satisfied with where you had landed along the coast. There had been no set destination, just a plan to drive to a lookout for the picnic. Finding a small parking area, you two gathered your items and set out for the perfect spot. The California coast really is beautiful. You’d lived there your whole life, just further up north, moving down to Los Angeles when you started your music career. You ran ahead of Harry to seek out a little bluff you’d seen in the distance. “Oi!” Harry called, but didn’t run to catch up, he had taken the picnic basket and it had drinks that wouldn’t be great if they were all shaken up.

You were right, it was the perfect spot, a little ways up from the set path there was a flat surface on the edge of a cliff, it was safe, with wildflowers and tall grass around a more bare area. You layed out the large blanket, then stood and watched as Harry made his way to you. His hair was every which way due to the wind whipping through it during the car ride, you subconsciously ran your hands through your hair for that reason. He looks gorgeous, you thought.

When he arrived at your little patch, he sat down the basket and you threw your arms around his neck. You pulled yourself into him and basked in his glow, his warmth and scent. He held you and ran a hand through your hair. The pair of you could have silly fun, but you could also be extremely intimate. In these quiet moments you wished you could stop time and live here forever. To live in his arms would be a wonderful thing. “So happy right now, darling,” Harry whispered, the soft swish of grass and the distant crash of waves the only sounds he had to speak above. You said nothing, but pushed yourself even further into his body, a response in and of itself. In this moment, there was no one else, just you, Harry, and the beautiful nature you stood in. This moment was everything. And you didn’t want to set it free.

Eventually, the two of you parted and relaxed into the blanket. For once, neither of you played music, you talked and ate and listened to the ambient sounds of nature. The melodic waves carried the conversation, when neither of you felt the need to say words. After eating, you let Harry pop the bottle of champagne he had brought along, unbeknownst to you, nevertheless when you saw it you wanted to be the one to uncork it. Still, your protests fell on deaf ears. “Y’seem to be getting very used to getting everythin’ you want, huh? Already a spoiled princess after a couple months of fame,” Harry teased as he worked to open the bottle. You huffed at his teasing and your failed attempt to get the bottle from him, which had caused him to move off the blanket and have his shirt be stretched from you grabbing at the bottle and only getting fabric.

“Whatever, don’t act like you’re not a total diva sometimes, Styles.” You couldn’t deny that him calling you a ‘spoiled princess’ made you feel things, unholy things. Of course you found Harry unbelievably attractive, but this was your fourth time being with Harry and the two of you hadn’t done anything besides heavy makeout sessions. You loved the way he said your name, but you also loved his nicknames for you, but this was a new one that seemed to hold some meaning within it.

Harry liked to see you all worked up, but knew he could get the exact same way, upset when things don’t turn out the way you want them. Frustrating. Finally, he popped the cork and you both cheered for the golden bubbly liquid. You had spent almost about an hour on the road and an hour or two already on the cliff, so the sun was starting to make its farewells to this side of the earth. The sky was beginning to light up with pinks, oranges, and lavenders. You both sat back down on the blanket, this time with you sat up inside of Harry’s spread legs, reclining back onto his chest.

You continued to talk, about the view before you for a little, but then each other. Whenever you were together, the two of you gravitated to the topic of enjoying the other so much. Today was apparently Harry’s turn to share. “When we were in tha car, earlier,” he started as you twiddled your fingers on his thigh, drawing shapes. You looked up into his eyes to encourage him to continue. “Haven’t had tha’ much fun in awhile. You…” he hesitated again and averted his eyes from your stare. You whispered a little ‘yeah’. You really cared about Harry feeling comfortable with you and making him happy, so you knew encouragement was helpful when he was trying to gather his thoughts. “Y’make me feel young...tha’ sounds so dumb, but y’really do,” he finally got out as put his hand over your moving one on his thigh. The two of you didn’t talk about the fact that Harry was a bit older than you. He was famous when you were a puberty-stricken teenager. The age gap wasn’t really an issue, you were both adults, but his statement reminded you that he would be 30 soon and you were still in your early 20s.

You twisted around to sit on your knees and face Harry. You placed both of your hands on his face, cradling his jaw and cheeks on each side of his face. This forced him to look you right in the eyes. You appreciated the beauty of his piercing green eyes for a moment and then went to kiss his crows feet on the sides of his eyes, his forehead lines, his hairline, his five o’clock shadow, and his smile lines, that had cropped up as he giggled at you. You were making exaggerated kiss noises as you loved on his face. “First of all, you are young,” you finally said in audible words. You waited a beat, then you kissed his soft lips that were smiling up at you. He was still smiling when you kissed him so your lips hit a bit of a tooth and you both giggled. But, you stood strong, not pulling away to laugh. Harry kissed you back. He shifted and brought his hands up from the ground where they had been holding him up to cradle your body instead. The kiss stayed chaste, despite Harry’s protests when you pulled back.

“And second, you make me feel alive.” “Alive…” Harry echoed you slowly, “Tha’s a better way to put it. I am young,” He smirked and then winked at you. You moved your hands to sit on his upper chest and could feel his heart beating soft, but strong beneath his skin. You grabbed his arm and moved it from around you. Harry quirked a brow at you. Then you placed his hand above your left breast and below your collarbone. Now he could feel your heartbeat, too. Yours, you thought, was beating a bit faster than his, but you didn’t care. Touching like this, made you feel close to him. Like you could see inside each other.  

-

You finished off the bottle of champagne because Harry had to stop drinking to be able to drive the two of you home safely. You felt very warm from it, despite the sun setting a while ago and your bare arms and legs. Luckily, besides the slight buzz you had, it was summer in California, and the nights stayed relatively warm. You skipped to the car and bent over the convertible to put the picnic basket in the backseat. Harry was right behind you and gave your bum a light pat, you pulled yourself up and flipped around, giggling. You tugged Harry in by his shirt and demanded, “Kissy.” Harry snorted and obliged, but with an open mouthed kiss where his tongue basically slobbered over your lips, mouth, and a bit of your nose. You whined, “You’re fucking disgusting, Har.” “Ya’ love it,” he responded with a faux posh voice before giving you a quick peck to your lips and rounded the car, telling you to get in and buckle up.

The whole ride home, Harry had his hand on your thigh. With it there, you occupied yourself with twisting his rings and and dancing your hand around his fingertips. The champagne had made you quiet, but smiley. The music you played was softer on the ride back home, you knew Harry needed to focus with the dark road and you didn’t want the music to distract him.

One song that was of note was “Lavendar (Take 4)” by the Beach Boys. The recording is somewhat unpleasant, but the song is beautiful. It had reminded you of the clothes you and Harry had worn on your date, the wildflowers that had just surrounded you, and the color of the sky when the sun had set on the scene of you and Harry tenderly kissing each other. The Beach Boys are known for their California, Surf pop sounds, but this sound is soft and filled with lushious harmonies, an ode to lavender, maybe a girl named lavender, but nonetheless it was for lavender. Harry harmonized along with their voices, returning to his original state. It ended and went straight into Simon & Garfunkel’s “America.” Paul Simon’s voice passed through the speakers and whispered to us sweetly. Harry again hummed in appreciation for the song choice.

-

When you arrived at the house, you helped Harry clean up the dishes and trash in the picnic basket. Then you sat on the couch, it was around ten o’clock and Harry had offered to make a pot of tea. You looked over the back of the couch as he moved around his kitchen. He padded around, putting the kettle on, opening cupboards for mugs and tea choices. When the water was ready, he got the tea ready, choosing a loose-leaf blend he’d found at a fancy restaurant in Amsterdam. “No cream tonight,” you called, still watching him work his way around his home.

Admiration shown in your eyes as he nodded and finished up the tea, bringing it over to you at the couch. He chose your mug tonight. Different from the previous two, his and yours were a matching set with dark blue interiors with tiny cartoon sailboats. You loved his collection of fun mugs, it fit him so well. After handing it to you, he snuggled in beside you and you took a sip, then rested your head on top of his strong shoulder. You turned your head to give a light kiss to his shoulder, and then moved back to staring ahead of you.  

“Wanna stay?” Harry asked, his arm around your body, holding you close to him. “Can just drive ‘ome in the mornin’,” he continued. “That’d be really nice,” you sighed. This was so comfortable, how was in possible to be like this with someone you’d known for a little over a week? It didn’t matter to either of you how quick it had happened. But it happened, and it felt right, so you went with it. This, what you and Harry had, made you happy so there couldn’t really be anything wrong with that.

-

You two chatted a bit more - about your week of tour preparations, Harry’s flight time tomorrow, various random thoughts, - and you drank your tea. At about midnight, Harry suggested that you and he get ready for bed and then watch something on his laptop. You agreed and ventured into an unknown part of his home. You’d started to snoop earlier today when you had found the garage, but had only gotten that far because you got distracted by Harry’s car.

His house was beautiful and perfectly him. It was big, but his decor and things made it specifically Harry, even if he didn’t live here full time anymore. You reached the master bedroom, located in the back of his house, with french doors, identical to those in the sitting room, opening out to the grass in his backyard. His bed. His bed. It was a California King with tasteful bedding and a beautiful wooden headboard and frame.

You ran and jumped onto it, the bed sinking beneath you and the bedding fluffing around you. You snuggled and rolled around in the sheets, “This is so much nicer than my bed in the apartment, it’s only a full…” you trailed off. Harry leaned against the doorway of the room, smiling to himself as he watched you make yourself at home among this life. “You’ll be gettin’ a new place, soon, I reckon?” Harry asked and went to grab you both some clothes to sleep in from his closet. “Yeah, maybe!” you called out to him in the little room connected to the master that housed his clothes.

When Harry returned, he was only in boxers, but was holding two large t-shirts, a pair of sweatpants, and another pair of boxers. “D’ya mind if I sleep like this? I can put more clothes on if that makes you more comfortable?”

You couldn’t keep your jaw from dropping. You’d seen Harry shirtless before, everyone had, but to see him right in front of you, that was something else.

He noticed you staring at his body and smirked, but then threw a shirt and the pair of boxers your way, “Stop bein’ such a perv, love,” he teased. “Rude,” you muttered, “Was simply admiring...but if you don’t want me to look, you can sleep fully clothed,” you scratched your nose and then shrugged your shoulders.

As you worked to slide off the big bed, Harry crossed the room and trapped you on the edge, leaning over you with both his hands landing on either side of you on the bed. You scrunch your eyes and nose up as he tries to make eye contact with you. He goes to kiss you, but you turn your head and your cheek receives a kiss. He stays against your cheek, drags out your name and groans, “s’teasin’ you.” “I know, baby,” you respond and kiss his cheek now. You duck under his arm and run into his en suite bathroom, shutting the door to change. When you re-emerge, Harry’s in the bed, with the sheets pulled back, and his computer in his lap.

Harry calls out to you without looking up from his screen, “S’was thinkin’, y’know, since you’re always saying your apartment is tiny, y’could house sit ‘ere while I’m away?” You tilt you head as you approach the bed as you ponder the idea. “I mean, I guess ‘why not’? It would be a longer commute into the studio, but this place is gorgeous, and I’m gonna start traveling a lot anyway so I won’t need my apartment for much longer…” You continue to think on it as you climb back onto Harry’s bed and snuggle yourself into his body. Harry looks slightly down at you by his side, he’s put on his glasses, “Think you should, I’d also like knowin’ someone was ‘ere, keepin’ things running while I’m away.”

You nodded and move slightly to rest your head on Harry’s naked chest. His sunkissed tattooed body is mesmerizing, you reach your hand up and start tracing the various designs and running your hand along his collarbones and veins as well. Then you flattened a palm and smoothed it over his right pectoral. Harry hummed and pushed himself further down the bed. “Can we not watch anything actually, m’kinda tired,” you whisper up to Harry, your voice the only sound in the house besides the light clicking of a clock in a different room. Harry responds by closing the laptop and readjusting your position in the bed. You and Harry are a tangle of legs and bodies pressed against one another. Everything is calm and Harry says one word, “Kissy.” And you smile and let yourself pull slightly away from Harry to lean up and kiss him one more time before the two of you fall asleep in each other’s arms. It’s soft and chaste, completely closed mouths, but you linger in the kiss, feeling his warm nose brushing besides yours. A hand moves up to his hair and gives it one good run through and then you pull away, “Kissy,” you finalize. The two of you giggle and snuggle even further together.

Your bodies fit so well together and again you were struck with the feeling that you never wanted this to end, even if tomorrow he was flying away, to somewhere halfway across the world. The distance didn’t matter. You knew the two of you had what it took to be there for each other, even if you couldn’t touch or feel the other. Even if laughter over the phone had to suffice for awhile. What the two of you had was greater than all of those obstacles of space and proximity. It was powerful because you were both powerful. Powerful in the way you loved, in the way you worked, in the way you simply were. You fell asleep in Harry’s arms that night filled with contentment. Harry fell asleep with you in his arms that night filled with joy that he’d found someone to share everything with. Someone who was willing to give him all of themselves. Someone who was finally able to get all of him.

-

love y’all sm 🤍🤍 hope you enjoyed and have a nice day

[songbirdsingingthings]

Chapter Seven - A Pretty Little Ribbon

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of these characters, they belong to Kohei Horikoshi

Previous Chapter ~ Next Chapter ~ Series Masterlist ~ Main Masterlist

Word Count: 2.5K

“I’m telling you Y/N, you’ve got such a glow to you!” Mei exclaims, dangling different colored ribbons next to your dress to see which would match better.

“Mei, that is what people say in regards to pregnant women.” You explain, playfully glaring at her. You were currently dressed in your undergarments and sat in your vanity chair, waiting for Mei to finalize every detail of your outfit.

“Well then, you’re brimming with excitement. And because of that,” she says, picking up your dress and the ribbon she decided on, “I know you aren’t going to be accompanied by Lord Iida.” You freeze up a bit at her words. Was I really so miserable when I was with him? You thought. You thawed, though, when Mei placed a caring hand on your shoulder. “There’s nothing wrong with that, Y/N. Your heart was just ensnared by someone else, not letting your feelings budge. It’s a marvel when that happens to a young lady.” You nodded and gave her a smile through your mirror as she began to fiddle with the buttons on your dress.

“That’s a lovely choice, Mei. The design is quite unique, do you know where it’s from?” Mei’s simple smile turned into more of a mischievous one.

“It was a gift. Lovely color, isn’t it?” It’s then when you put the pieces together. The dress was an ivory color and had a beautiful lace overlay, but what caught your eyes was the waterlily yellow ribbon that was tied around the empire waist. Shouto. Not long ago, you remember yourself telling him he would never see you in yellow again. How cheeky of him to have sent along that dress, but it made you admire him a little more. Finally, you were seeing the smart and cunning side of the duke’s son. 

“Indeed,” you confirm, letting Mei help you into the dress. She fasents the small buttons quickly and then moves onto your hair.

“I think a ponytail will do nicely with this dress,” Mei decides, bringing your ornate brush to your hair and untangling it. “The ribbon is wide enough so that it will look lovely.” You let Mei twist your hair in whichever way she pleases. In the end, it always looks good. As she’s tugging the ribbon into place, you glance out the window to see the sun shining rather harshly.

“I ought to bring a parasol with me today.” You say absentmindedly.

“Want to borrow mine?” A sweet voice filters its way into your room, making you turn around to face your door. Ochaco is standing right outside your door, a cheery smile on her face. 

“Ochaco, how lovely to see you!” You greet, standing up and making your way over to your future sister-in-law. “What brings you here? Please don’t tell me Izuku is still holed up in that office making you wait.” You worry.

“Oh no, nothing of the sort!” She assures you, easing your mind. “He’s actually about to be on a break right now, so we were going to have tea.” 

“That’s good to hear. How have preparations been going regarding your wedding?” You wonder, letting Mei hand your lace gloves and clasp a dainty necklace along your neck.

“Everything’s almost finalized! It should be safe to say that the date shall be set for the end of the month. The both of you squeal in excitement.

“How wonderful! I’m so excited for the both of you, truly. It will be a dream to finally have a sister.” You and Ochaco share an eager grin. 

“Y/N, I hate to interrupt both you and Lady Uraraka, but the time might be getting away from us.” Mei warns. 

“Right,” you say sprucely, reaching to your side to grab your little hand purse. “Ochaco, I would love to accept your offer.”

The sun was beating down rather cruelly, and even through the shade of Ochaco’s parasol, the heat was still getting to you. You prayed that you wouldn’t sweat and if you did, you hoped that the lemony smelling perfume would be enough to drown it out. All around you, picnic blankets and canopy shades were set up with mothers sat beneath them conversing about the latest gossip while children were running around flying kites and playing ball. How far you have come from those carefree days.

“Y/N.” A soft and deep voice roused you from your thoughts, causing you to turn around and look for the speaker. Dressed in a smart-looking navy tailcoat, white breeches, and a soft cream-colored collared shirt, Shouto looked incredibly handsome. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long, the heat is absolutely blistering today.” He says, striding next to you and offering up his arm. You take it gladly, and the two of you begin to walk around the park.

“Not at all, I only just recently arrived.” You reassured him, offering a smile. He nods in return and the two of you settle into a silence, taking in the beauty of the day while also indulging in the little shade that the parasol gave off. It only took a few minutes for the temperature to rise even higher. Even with all of the tea and water you drank this morning in order to calm your nerves, your mouth was now undoubtedly parched. Shouto, too, seemed a bit too warm for his own taste. It was subtle, but you could hear him breathing a bit harder than normal.

“Would it interest you in going into town for a bit? I’ve heard there are some new outlets there,” Shouto suggests. The shopping district of town was certainly an attractive option to you at this point. Due to the tall buildings, the roads were usually cast in the shade and the stores were always fun to browse in.

“That sounds wonderful!” You agree, unconsciously tightening your grip on his arm out of excitement. His heterochromatic eyes seem to light up at your enthusiasm and immediately takes you to his horse-drawn carriage, letting you hop in as he tells his coachman the directions. You quite enjoyed the little ride, relaxing into the plush cushions of the carriage and making small talk with Shouto. You had a family carriage yourself, most young women of your status did, but like everything else, Shouto’s was just one step above.

“How is your brother? I hope he’s not overexerting himself by covering for your father’s duties.” Shouto asks, a slight worry laced in his tone.

“Oh, Izuku’s doing just fabulously with this whole predicament.” You reassure him, your smile showing how grateful you were for his concern. “I knew he would have to take over Father’s business and making sure that the family’s checkbook lined up correctly someday, but he’s doing very well.” Shouto smiles and leans back a bit in his seat.

“That’s wonderful to hear.” You think back to that night when him, Lord Bakugou, Lord Kirishima, and Lord Iida came over to your home in the early morning to help your brother adjust. After all, it was just the night before. Then, it dawned on you how you never apologized for your actions towards the very man sitting across from you.

“I really should have told you this sooner, but Shouto, I am so sor-” You are paused by the raise of his hand.

“Y/N, you have no reason to apologize to me.” He says sincerely, reaching forward to take your hands in his. “You did everything correctly. And while yes, your words did invoke some more than melancholy feelings within my heart, it was my fault that they were urged to be spoken in the first place.” His words are firmly put.

“Okay,” you agree, your cheeks a bit more flushed than normal.

“We’ve arrived, your grace,” Shouto’s coachman says from outside the carriage. Much to your chagrin, you unconsciously squeal with excitement as the door opens, causing laughter to escape from Shouto’s mouth.

“Shall we?” He asks, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“We shall!”

“So, where would you like to go first?” Shouto asks as the two of you wind your way down the busy road, peering into the windows of stores. A little boutique caught your eye immediately.

“Ooo, that place looks just lovely!” You say, pulling him a little bit towards it. As the two of you entered the store, your eyes lit up. It might be a stereotype that women of your age were obsessed with fashion, but you didn’t really care. The dresses, accessories, ribbons, and hats that were displayed along the store walls and on the store floor were just to die for. And, like a bee in a flower field, you dotted around to look at all of them, Shouto in toe. You let your finger trail along a beautiful, baby pink lace ribbon.

“Would you like it?” Shouto asked, his voice lowered due to the privacy of the two of you and out of respect for the rest of the patrons in the store. You feel your heartbeat speed up as you felt his breath on your ear.

“It certainly is beautiful, but I left my billfold at my home.” You say, letting the ribbon slip from your fingers and swing back to its spot. “I’ll just come back a bit later in the week to purchase it.” You say, smiling and moving on to the next display to peer down at the fabrics. Unknown to you, Shouto takes the ribbon and hands it two a store worker beside him. He whispers a few words to the worker before following dutilly behind you as you ogled some hair combs. You came across a quite obnoxious looking one, the little silver comb absolutely covered with huge fake pearls and enormous enameled flowers. You put your hand over your mouth slightly to prevent the giggles that would’ve escaped otherwise.

“Y/N?” Shouto asked, causing you to snicker. Shouto’s eyebrows rose, a surprised but happy look on his face. “What’s so funny?”

“It’s just,” you whisper-laugh, covering your mouth with both of your gloved hands now. “This comb is simply outrageous.” Shouto’s gaze follows yours to the comb in question. As soon as he takes it all in, he too has to stifle his laughter.

“It is quite ridiculous,” he agreed, chuckling. From beside you, a helper was shooting you a less than enthused look, so you patted Shouto’s shoulder.

“Alright, I think we might’ve overstayed our welcome.” You murmur to him, earning a quick nod.

“I will be right behind you, I just need a moment longer.” He says, earning a raised eyebrow but nothing more as you smiled and exited. You only had to wait but a moment until Shouto exited the store, letting the door swing back and jingle as he held a small parcel.

“Oh, I didn’t know you wanted to purchase something! I would’ve waited for you,” You frowned, looking between him and his purchased item.

“Think nothing of it. Come, let me treat you to some cream ice. I’ve heard the flavors over in that parlor are the sweetest.” He says, letting you take his arm again and heading straight towards the little frozen desserts shop. The aroma lifted your already high spirits as you took a whiff, sighing happily against Shouto.

“Your Grace! What a pleasure to be serving you on this fine day. Shall I find a more private table for you and your lady?” You felt your whole body heat up. While yes, your intentions with Shouto and how you would like to further your future with him were clear to you, this was the first time anyone has referred to you as the young lady Shouto was courting. And it felt magnificent.

“That will do nicely, thank you,” Shouto says politely, letting the server lead the both of you to a shaded outdoor setting, only one table and two chairs occupying it. Shouto, ever the gentlemen, pulled your chair out for you letting you take a seat first before tucking you in, and then sitting himself down in the chair across from you.

“What will you and your lady partake in today sir?” The server asks, an over-enthusiastic smile on his face.

“I would like something with fruit, strawberry perhaps?” He asks as the server jots down his words dutifully.

“And what will your lady have?” He asked, still looking at Shouto. The red-and-white haired man looked in between you and the waiter.

“Well, you would have to ask the young Lady herself. Since she is the daughter of a Lord, I am sure she is perfectly capable of ordering ice cream. The smile on your face was now as wide as ever as the flustered waiter looked to you, your eyes locked with Shouto’s as he sprouted a smirk. If being gentlemanly wasn’t enough, he wasn’t overbearing either.

“I would prefer a Y/F/F flavor, if that is possible?” You asked in a saccharine sweet voice, your face painted as innocent as a lamb.

“Y-yes my Lady.” The waiter says, bowing to the both of you and quickly making his way out of the area. Now yours and Shouto’s laughter was perfectly audible.

“Thank you, Shouto. That was both eloquent and perfectly strict.” You compliment, reaching for the glass of water placed at your side.

“Well, no one should speak to a Lady like that in any way, especially you.” He says. “Oh, and before I forget,” he reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out the parcel, sliding it in front of you.

“For me?” You asked in surprise, you finger trailing around the twine that was keeping the little parcel wrapped.

“Indeed.” A giddy smile takes over your face as you carefully unwrap the parcel, letting the paper fall to the side revealing the ribbon that you were so interested in earlier.

“Oh, Shouto…” you breathe, lifting the baby pink lace ribbon. “You really didn’t have to-”

“I did.” He interjects, his voice steady. “And I expect you to get used to it. Before long you will be showering in a mountain of gifts and affections from me.” He says playfully, earning an eager look from you. Taking advantage of the moment, you reach up into your hair and let the ribbon you were currently wearing unravel, letting your hair curl around your shoulders. Quickly, you tie it back up with the ribbon Shouto got you, letting a pleased smile spread across his cheeks. “You look absolutely radiant.”

“It must be the dress color. I think it looks well on me, does it not?” You say cheekily, earning a chuckle from Shouto.

“You truly do wonders with yellow.”

[just-dreaming-marvel]

ONE HUNDRED ONE - FORMING A PLAN

LEGACY: A Tony Stark Daughter Story

MASTERLIST

< previous

Word Count: 1,625ish

Summary: Those at the compound try to come up with a plan to protect Vision and the Mind Stone.

Upstairs, the greetings were bitter-sweet. Nat almost didn’t let me go and kept telling me how mature I looked before I could even make a comment about her hair color. It was definitely different and I had never imagined Nat as a blonde. They had moved into a different room then they originally had been in before Steve came down to the lab. A hologram of the four aliens that had attacked us was being shown on the table, Sam and I were sitting down at the table while everyone else was standing around. Well, Bruce was pacing. We were trying to figure out what to do.

“So we gotta assume they’re coming back, right?” Rhodey asked.

“Of course they will,” I replied. “They want the stone.”

“And they can clearly find us,” Wanda added. 

“We need all hands on deck,” Bruce stated. “Where’s Clint?”

“After the whole Accords situation, he and Scott took a deal,” Nat answered. “It was too tough on their families, they’re on house arrest.”

“Who’s Scott?”

“Ant-Man,” Steve responded.

“There’s an Ant-Man and a Spider-Man? Okay, look… Thanos has the biggest army in the universe. And he is not gonna stop until he… he gets… Vision’s stone.”

“Well then, we have to protect it,” Nat stated.

“No, we have to destroy it,” Vision interrupted. We all turned to look at him, leaning against the wall still holding his side. 

 “I’ve been giving a good deal of thought to this entity in my head, about its nature. But also, its composition.” Vision turned to face Wanda and slowly began making his way towards her. “I think if it were exposed to a sufficiently powerful energy source, something, very similar to its own signature, perhaps… Its molecular integrity could fail.”

“And you, with it,” Wanda stated. “We’re not having this conversation.”

“Eliminating the stone is the only way to be certain that Thanos can’t get it.”

“That’s too high a price.” 

Vision gently took a hold of Wanda’s face with both of his hands. The emotions coming off of him made it seem like he was human. “Only you have the power to pay it.” Wanda walked away from Vision. “Thanos threatens half the universe. One life cannot stand in the way of defeating him.” I looked over at Steve, his eyes were looking downward. 

“But it should,” Steve said, looking up at Vision. “We don’t trade lives, Vision.” Vision started talking steps towards Steve. 

“Captain, 70 years ago, you laid down your life to save how many millions of people. Tell me, why is this any different?” I heard Steve take a breath but before he could answer, Bruce spoke up.

“Because you might have a choice,” Bruce responded. “Your mind is made up of a complex construct of overlays. JARVIS, Ultron, Tony, me, the stone. Even a bit of Bailey. All of them mixed together. All of them learning from one another.”

“You’re saying Vision isn’t just the stone?” Wanda questioned. 

I stood up in realization of what Bruce was getting at. “He’s saying that if we take out the stone,” I started, “there’s still a whole lot of Vision left. Perhaps the best parts.”

“Can we do that?” Nat wondered.

“Not me. Not here,” Bruce responded.

“You better find someone, and somewhere fast,” Rhodey said. “Ross isn’t exactly just gonna let you guys have your old rooms back.”

“I know somewhere,” Steve stated. 

As soon as the word Wakanda was said, we were all hurrying to pack and get ready to leave. I ran down to the lab to grab my suit and the hulk buster armor. If the Hulk wasn’t gonna make an appearance, I was sure going to make sure that Bruce was safe. As I was gathering everything, I hadn’t notice that Steve had followed me down.

“You good?” He asked, coming up from behind me.

“I’m fine,” I answered as I continued gathering supplies. I could feel the guilt and fear flowing through him. “Don’t you dare say that I can’t come along. I can hold my own. I’m not letting your guilty conscience and fear stop me from helping.” He rounded the table, holding his hands up in defense.

“Wasn’t planning on telling you that you couldn’t come along. I just worry.” 

He watched me in silence as I finished packing. Once I was finished, he walked over to me and waited for me to turn around and face him. Once I did, he went to put his hands on my waist but quickly stopped when I slightly tensed up without even realizing it. Steve hurried and grabbed his belt loops, trying to not be too awkward about it. I let out a heavy sigh as I looked down and away from him. I was hurting him. I didn’t want that. I just didn’t know if I was ready for all that contact yet. I let myself peak into his thoughts.

“I don’t know what to do. I want to help her, but on her terms. I used to know what those were. Why have I screwed everything up? She’s scared of me. I don’t want her to be scared of me. I want her to trust me again. I—“

“I’m not scared of you,” I whispered as I exited his thoughts.

“What?” He questioned, shocked.

“I.. um… I might have entered your thoughts…” I winced. “Sorry.”

“No, it’s okay.”

“I’m not scared of you. I’m sorry you feel that way. I just… Well… You saw, a lot has happened and I’m just more jumpy than I once was. And…” I looked up at him. “I want to trust you again too. I just… I’m just a little hesitant to.” I looked back down at the floor.

Steve nervously took the last few steps towards me to close the gap as much as he could without actually touching me. He slowly raised his hand to my chin. Carefully, he place his fingers under my chin and guided my head up to look at him. Once my eyes had met his, his hand was back down at his side.

“I understand,” he said. “And because of it, I’m never leaving you again.”

“Don’t say things you don’t mean, Steve.”

“But I do mean it, every word. And I’ll be here, no matter how long it takes.”

“I’m beginning to think we don’t have that kind of time.” A few tears fell down my face.

“Sshh. Don’t talk like that.” He gently wiped away my tears. “We can’t afford it.”

“I’m just… scared. Scared of losing everyone. Again.”

“I’m going to try my best to not let that happen again.”

“Always making promises you can’t keep…” I sighed. “I know that you were always keeping an eye on HYDRA, working to stop them…” I looked up so that I was making eye contact with Steve. “Did you know?”

He sighed, looking down nervously. “We had tips about a new Soldier. We could never get anywhere near you though… I didn’t put the pieces together until you showed me.” He looked back at me. “If I had known, I would have tried harder to stop you, to get you home.”

I bit my lip as I slowly nodded. I wanted to trust Steve so bad. My heart was screaming yes, while my head was screaming no. It hit me that his hand was barely touching the side of my face and his forehead was touching mine and that I hadn’t pulled away yet. His touch was nice, comforting. The walls that I had put up to block him began to crumble under his touch.

“Steve, I—“ 

Before I could get to what I was trying to say, his lips were on mine.  

His hand that was barely touching the side of my face quickly moved to cup my cheek and his free hand wrapped around to my back and pulled me into him. The desperation and longing was coming from both sides. My hands quickly found their way to his neck and hair as I let my walls completely fall apart. I was scared to but, at the same time, this was Steve I was with. The man that I was still completely in love with. The man I knew loved me too. When we broke apart for air, our foreheads found each other.

“I still love you…” Steve whispered. “I never stopped. The thought of you is what kept me going everyday… You don’t need to say it back. I understand that I put you through hell.”

“I… I can’t tell you that you kept me going everyday. I blocked you out. I had to. It was too hard, you were holding me back. You hurt me too much.” 

“I completely understand why. You don’t need to explain anything… I’m so sorry… For everything.”

“I know, Steve… I’m going to need time, even though I think we might be running out of it…”

“Take your time. I don’t want you to rush into anything you’re not ready for yet.”

“Thank you,” I gave him a soft smile. “I’m really digging the beard by the way,” I playfully whispered as I ran a hand through it.”

“Oh really?” He smirked. “I might have to think about keeping it then.”

“It might just help your case,” I teased before we began kissing again. We were soon interrupted by a knock on the lab door.

“Okay, lovebirds, you done?” Sam teased. I hid my head in Steve’s chest as we chuckled.

“We’re done,” Steve replied. He kissed my head before letting me go and grabbing the supplies that I had gathered.

next >

[dakotacrisis]

Deal’s End (7)

Felix and Marinette take a day off for themselves

(Read on AO3)

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Marinette couldn’t get settled. She had been sitting in class for what felt like forever. Everything floated around her in a daze and she couldn’t even read what was on the chalkboard. She wanted to get up an move. To do something so she wasn’t going crazy in her seat.

Just then the lights in the classroom died. Half the class had disappeared in the blink of an eye. A cold sense of dread washed over her and she turned around. The entire back of the classroom was now a long empty field. In the distance she could see a figure approaching rapidly, a large scythe swinging in their hands.

The Creep! She started running. Her heart hammering hard in her ears. Yet she could feel the murderer racing ever closer. She had to get away! She needed to find help! She screamed for help. For someone to be there. But the field remained empty. Her voice was gone.

She spotted a shack in the distance and bolted for it. She ran inside and before she could close the door The Creep burst in and cornered her against the wall. The pentagrams drawn across the walls and floors started to glow as she cried and begged. There was a flash of light and a sharp pain in her stomach.

Marinette bolted up right breathing heavily and crying. Her entire body felt like it had been doused in a bucket of cold water. When she closed her eyes she fell right back into the nightmare.

“Marinette?” A voice from below made her scream.

“Why are you screaming?” Felix’s head popped up over the railing of her bed. His silver eyes reflected back at her. “Whoa, are you okay?”

She shook her head.

Felix climbed up next to her on the bed. He switched on the nightlight by her head. “Love, you’re shaking...and crying? Did you have a bad dream or something.”

“Nightmare.” She gasped out. “I was run--running in a field and--and--and there was a scythe and--”

“The movie…” Felix sighed.

“I told you I can’t do horror!” She cried. “I told you!” She felt like an idiot getting so scared over a movie but it had felt so real. Her momentary anger ebbed away and she pathetically held out her arms. She needed some physical reassurance.

“Come now, shush,” Felix pulled her close. “It was just a bad dream. It’s over now.”

She squeezed him tighter. He ran a hand softly through her hair and her breathing came easier. “Do you need something? Glass of water or...I don’t know.”

“Keep talking.” she whispered.

“About what?”

“Something. Anything.” She pleaded, “Please, I need something to distract me.”

“Okay…” he thought for a moment. “How about a story? Do you wanna hear a story?”

“Sure.” She nodded.

“Alright, relax, take a deep breath, listen to my voice.” His hand continued to run lazily through her hair. The feeling soothing to her rattled mind.

“This is a story of a deal I made many, many, many years ago.” Felix said in a voice so gentle she knew she had never heard it before. “In this story there was a man. A poor man. He was lame and dirty. He could barely afford to eat and his clothes were worn and thin from years of use that left him in a chill during the cold nights. And this poor man was in love with a woman. This woman was everything he was not. She was beautiful and rich beyond measure. There was nothing she wanted that she did not receive. Yet the woman was humble and kind and revered like a saint by everyone that knew her.”

“I think I know where this is going.” Marinette mumbled, her eyelids already growing heavy.

“Every night in the poor man’s prayers he prayed that the woman would be happy in her life. That she would remain healthy in all her days and never want for not.” Felix continued. “Then one day there was an announcement. The beautiful woman was to be married. A worthy suitor from a far off land that had heard of her grace and beauty and struck an accord with the woman’s father.”

Marinette’s head rested on Felix’s shoulder and she let out a long yawn. Felix asked if he should keep going. She nodded slowly. She felt the gentle press of Felix’s cheek on the top of her head as he continued with his story.

“The woman grew sad because the man she was to marry was a brute. It was obvious from first impression that he had a short temper and no fine set of manners. The woman wanted to object but the arrangement had already been made. Not wanting to upset her family she went along with the union but in her heart she wept for she knew it would not be a happy marriage. The poor man upon hearing of the woman’s plight grew sad as well. He weeped for his faraway love for he knew that she deserved so much better and yet there was nothing he could do. What could a poor man like him do to help her?”

The pull of sleep was dragging her down quickly. Thoughts of a poor pining man watching his beautiful love from afar replacing the nightmare that plagued her.

“That’s when I showed up…” Felix whispered.

It was the last thing she remembered before she was asleep again.

She woke up several hours later refreshed and cozy in her bed. Felix wasn’t next to her on the bed where he had been when she fell asleep. The pang of disappointment lasted only a second before she noticed him reclining on the ladder up to her bed. He was flipping through her sketchbook once more. He noticed she was awake and smiled.

“Hey sleepy head.” He closed the sketchbook. “Feeling better, love?”

“Yeah.” She yawned. “I feel like I should apologize for freaking out on you like that last night. The nightmare had freaked me out and--”

“You don’t need to justify yourself to me.” Felix assured her. “You were shaking like a leaf.”

“That stupid movie.” She muttered. “I knew I should have watched something more lighthearted before bed. Then none of that would have happened.”

“Maybe. But there’s no use harping on the past.” he jumped down to the floor. “These past couple of days have been stressful and busy. I need a day to regroup. How about we take it easy. Sound good?”

“Sounds perfect.” Marinette slid out of bed. “Thank god for the weekend.”

She was getting a late start to the day. Her parents were already downstairs working in the bakery but they had left fresh croissants out for her. Since they weren’t upstairs she invited Felix down to share them. They made small talk while eating before taking up space on the couch for some TV and a couple rounds of Mecha Strike.

As tempting as staying inside in her pajamas all day was Marinette did want to go to the fabric shop today. There was a design she was really excited to get started on and today was the perfect day to start. She got dressed and headed out.

“So this is a fabric shop?” Felix gazed at the rows and rows of different fabrics and all their patterns, textures, and colors. “How do you find anything in this mess?”

“It is color coded. And while I would love to buy a lot I do not have a whole lot of money saved up so we’re gonna have to stick to the bare essentials.” Marinette made a beeline for the clearance section to see if there was anything there she could use first. When that failed she moved onto the regular floor.

“So what exactly are we looking for?” Felix asked.

“Silver organza. I would like some slightly iridescent if I can find it.” Marinette scanned the rolls of fabric. She pulled some out to see if it was right before pushing it back in. “I’m making a sheer dress overlay and I want the fabric to shimmer when I move. There’s a white bodycon dress at home that I was planning on layering it over.”

“And what occasion is it for? Some big party you planning?”

“None that I know of but it’ll make a good party dress if one arises.” She found the perfect fabric and pulled it out.

“You have a dozen other projects you’re working on and you choose to spend your time on something new that you’re not even sure if you’re gonna wear?”

“What can I say? I like making pretty things.” She did a mental calculation of how much fabric she would need. To be able to afford it she’d have to be very careful in her measurements. Every inch was gonna have to be used to perfection.

She paid for her purchase and they headed out. It was about lunch time and Felix suggested they stop somewhere to eat. “My treat.” he held up a wallet.

“How do you have money?”

“The same way I can change my clothes without actually having a closet. You spent all your cash at the shop so I’ll get lunch.” They stopped at the same cafe they had gone to days prior with Adrien.

They sat outside and ordered. “So, I gotta know.” Marinette said as she picked at her salad, “The devil’s food cake that you dropped off at the table last time. Was that from the kitchen or did you just make it appear for an inside joke?”

“I stole it from the kitchen.” He shrugged. “Why? You want another slice?”

“Honestly? Yeah. I don’t think I could eat the whole thing myself though without feeling like a pig.”

“Weak.”

“I’m sorry if I wouldn’t feel good about myself for eating all of that.”

“You’re eating a salad! You can definitely have cake and not feel bad about it.”

“Sure but we also had a lot of croissants and nutella for breakfast.”

“That’s fair but I’m still gonna order the cake.” he shrugged.

Marinette looked over the boy across from her. No. Not a boy. A demon. She was having a hard time remembering he wasn’t just an annoying roommate. She had tried five years of her life to him. He was here to help her become Adrien’s girlfriend and then he’d be gone. She hadn’t thought about that before. She had become so used to his presence that to not have him around anymore was going to be strange. When she first started this all she wanted was for him to be gone. Now that their time was coming slowly yet steadily to an end the thought of not seeing him again was bittersweet.

He was annoying and made crude jokes and had invaded her privacy on more than one occasion but he wasn’t all bad. Especially not in a way she thought a demon would be. He was legitimately helping her and his efforts seemed to be working. He was very relaxed when he wasn’t throwing her into stressful situations. He was also pretty funny when he wanted to be. Marinette couldn’t remember a time she laughed as hard as when she was with him. And though he may deny it Felix was kind. He didn’t have to comfort her when she got scared or treat her to lunch but he did.

Thinking back to last night and how she had clung onto him in the aftermath of her nightmare made a blush rise on her cheeks. It was probably the closest she had been to him since she woke up with him in her bed that first day. She hadn’t noticed it before but he did have a scent. Even now she could smell if as the wind picked up a tad and blew in her face. Fresh sheets and just a whiff of cinnamon.

He looked up from his plate and caught her staring. She quickly looked away cursing that she had been ogling him so absentmindedly in the first place. Why does he have to have such striking eyes? It felt like he was staring into her very soul.

She peeked up to see if Felix was still watching her and a shiver went down her spine when she saw he was. He raised a single pale eyebrow at her.

“Something on my face?” he asked.

“Oh uh, yeah,” Marinette lied. She grabbed her napkin and pretended to wipe some crumbs from his cheek. “There. Got it.”

“Thanks. I could have gotten it myself though.” He smirked and her face grew hotter.

“Right. Of course.” She nodded. She distracted herself by finishing off the last of her drink as fast as possible. Get it together, Marinette! She chided herself.

The plates were cleared away and a single slice of devil’s food cake brought to the table. They picked at it from either side and Marinette had to threaten to stab Felix with her fork if he didn’t slow down and let her have more.

“Felix, I was wondering about something.” Marinette said.

“Does it have to do about why you got so defensive about the cake even though you said you weren’t gonna eat that much?” Felix pouted as he waited for Marinette to get a bite.

“No. Not that.” She chuckled, “I was wonder how long you thought this process is gonna take.”

“Well if you let me at it I could have this cake cleared in ten seconds.”

“Not the process of eating the cake, dummy!” Marinette sighed. “I was talking about our deal. The contract stated that you had to stick around and help until Adrien either fell in love with me or became my boyfriend. How long do you think that is going to take?”

“Why? Want to get rid of me so soon?” He grinned as he was allowed to get another bite of cake.

“No.” Marinette said, “I was concerned because you had mentioned that your bosses wouldn’t like it if you were up here with me too long. Aren’t they going to be mad about you spending all this time on me?”

“Nice of you to worry about me but there’s nothing for them to do now. We struck a deal so I am allowed to stay with you as long as till the deal is fulfilled.” Felix explained. “They might not like it but they can’t tell me that I’m not doing my job. In reality I think they’re jealous that I get to stay above ground for so long.”

“I know that you’re from literal Hell but is it really so bad even for demons? It’s not like you’re the damned souls burning in endless torment.”

“Yes and no. Down below it is endless work and the reprieve and fun we’re supposed to have has grown stale. It’s like we’re stuck in a cramped room grinding against each other as we shuffle about generating a constant feeling of contempt and anger.” Felix sighed pushing the rest of the cake in front of Marinette. “I didn’t know it before but you can get so tired of being angry all the time.”

After they paid for the meal they walked back home. Marinette got back to work on her design while Felix lounged at her computer playing Mecha Strike. He was sure that if he practiced on the highest computer difficulty enough he could beat Marinette.

Nightfall came and Marinette found herself hesitant to go to bed. The nightmare from last night creeping back into mind. So instead she lit a bunch of candles all around the room, put on her most relaxing playlist and laid back on the floor.

“Are we having an existential crisis?” Felix asked from the chaise.

“Not ready to go to sleep yet.” Marinette stared up at the ceiling. “This helps clear my head. Care to join me?”

“Not like I have anything better to do.” Felix laid down opposite her so their heads were side by side but they could still spread out like a starfish. “Cozy.”

They stayed like that for a long time not saying a word and letting the music from her phone drift above them half heard.

“Hey Felix,” Marinette whispered, not wanting to break the peace they were in by talking at full volume.

“Yeah?” Felix whispered back.

“I’ve been thinking about something.” Marinette said, “If you’re a demon and the way demons are made are to be believed, does that mean you were once an angel?”

“Is this the part where you try to unlock my tragic backstory?”

“I’m curious.”

He was quiet for a long time. Marinette started to think she overstepped before he spoke again. His voice so soft she almost didn’t hear him. “Yeah. Long time ago.”

“What made you fall?”

Felix didn’t answer.

“Felix?” She turned her head to look at him, “Why did you fall?”

“There are things angels aren’t supposed to do. Rules we must obey.” he sighed, his gaze lost to the ceiling, “I broke one of them and next thing I know I was falling through the heavens.”

“Literally?”

“Yeah. Hurt like a bitch.” His voice was quiet, “One second you’re high up on a cloud and the next you’re hurtling through space, red hot and burning. Not knowing exactly where you’re going to end up and not really caring. All you know is that you are burning away everything you thought you were. Then you hit the ground and the ashes that you once were collide in the fall and reform you into something you never thought you’d be.”

“I’m sorry.” Marinette reached for his hand. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s okay. It’s kinda nice to talk to someone about it. Down below everyone’s been through it so no one has any sympathy for the next. Doesn’t matter if you were cast out or chose to rebel. All you become is another face in the crowd. Another nightmare in mortals’ dreams.”

“The most nightmarish thing about you is your manners.” Marinette joked. Felix’s stoic expression cracked into an amused smile and he turned to look at her. His nose almost bumped against hers. “Do you ever regret it? Falling? Breaking the rules?”

“No.” Felix squeezed her hand, “I may not be favored but I do have some agency over my own life. That’s more than I can say from when I was an angel.”

“I guess that’s one way to look at it.” His silver eyes bore into hers. She wasn’t unsettled though. If anything she felt a certain calm that came with the shiver down her spine.

“And,” his smirk softened, “Because of it I got to meet you. That itself I think is a good enough reason to not regret it.”

Her heart beat harder in her chest. “What’s so great about me?” she asked.

“What isn’t?”

Her breathing stilled. Her whole body had. All she could do was stare at this boy across from her. His hand was still clasped with hers. She could feel his thumb idly stroking back and forth across the back of her hand. She didn’t know what she was doing. Her eyes searched his face for some kind of clue as to what it was that was going through her head. A reason for why her heart wouldn’t stop beating so fast.

“Marinette,” Felix’s voice brought her back to the present. He so rarely used her first name. His face inched closer and he left a whisper of a kiss on her cheek. “Thanks for talking with me.”

“Felix…” Her body flooded with warmth. The small part of her cheek he had kiss burned like a hot iron. She watched as he stood up and walked out of the room. Where he had gone she had no idea but the click of the door as it fell shut left her cold and small in the empty room.

She sat up and hugged her knees to her chest. God help her, what was she supposed to do now?

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(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (8)

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(tagged)

@sannsibarr @miss-mysterys-blog @maribug-adrienoir @mermaidreject @corabeth11 @goblinwhoships @symwinter

[secret-vore-lair]

Fear and Wisdom

Ara and Fervent, both mostly-corporeal metaphysical entities, are a picturesque couple most days. But sometimes only one of them can have what they want. Contains lots of romantic teasing, the melancholy of ages past, and safe cuddly vore.

***********************************************

Ara stood still as a statue, watching the sunset from atop a dais in the ruin where she and her partner lived. The roof of this place had long ago crumbled, leaving the sprawling, colorful mosaics within exposed to the elements. Ara looked out on the world from its center looking like the only piece of history in the whole place that time couldn’t touch. A great lioness with fur of gold, feathered wings of purest white folded motionless along her back. Not even breath broke her stillness and silence, as she drew no air into her lungs, made no rhythm with her heart.

There was a family of waterbirds that she was watching, their nest on a worn stone that rose up from the bay below the ruin. That stone had been much taller, long ago. The tallest of many, and there had been more nests as well. She overlayed the old memory over reality with the slightest thought, watching it play out in perfect clarity and fidelity.

The sphinx could hear the cacophony of the swarming birds calling out to each other, squawking in indignation as they swooped down on the baskets of fish the villagers carried only to be batted away. She could see the small ships drifting languidly through the clear, lively waters of the bay. She could feel the shade from the roof over her head, and observe as the priests, her priests, meted out blessings from the steps of her temple.

She sighed and let the vision slip away. The village was gone now, and the priests. All lost to time. Even the stones had been worn down. It was the way of things. Now she watched two birds land at the edge of the single nest. The parents, returning to roost with a freshly caught fish for their chicks. That nest had been passed down, destroyed and rebuilt many times over countless generations. No, not countless. She knew the number. She knew the exact number of bird generations between the fall of her civilization and now. She knew the precise number of sunsets, and what the weather was like each day. Her memory spanned eons, and it was flawless. And she needed a distraction.

Lucky for her, night was falling.

A black-feathered wing draped over her shoulder, and an ivory claw caressed her cheek. “I’m awake, my love.” Ara turned to face the source of the deep, velvety voice that seemed as one with the chill, misty air rolling in from the calm waters of the bay. Fervent looked refreshed and composed now, his inky down fading into and deepening the sunset shadows, obscuring his outline and adding to his imposing stature. Far from the messy, exhausted pile of feathers he presented during the day. Unlike Ara, he actually needed to sleep. He blinked his luminous green owl eyes at her as she nuzzled into his chest. “You seem somber, dear.”

“I feel better now that you’re here. I think I just need something to occupy my mind. How was your rest? I heard you moving around and muttering to yourself earlier. Bad dreams again?” She curled up on the stone platform, and he joined her atop it.

“Indeed. Giving me indigestion as usual. Conscious fear always sits a little better. It’s a little more . . . straightforward. The stuff the subconscious conjures up tends to unsettle my stomach with its surreality.” He nestled himself closer to her, relishing her warmth. She shone so brightly. She was his guiding star. “But sometimes someone falls asleep inside me and dreams frightful visions. What am I to do but accept the free meal? Besides. . .” His jagged beak split into a sly grin, and his forked tongue slithered around its edges. “I know I have you to soothe my insides, don’t I?” His form blurred, and he was on top of her, beak wide open and dripping with jet black saliva. Little silver stars spun and twinkled in the fluid, winking in and out. Ara smirked and reached up with a paw, closing his beak.

“Tempting. And an excellent opening move, darling. You know I find that view hard to resist. But have you considered . . . this?” With a wry smirk of her own, Ara wrapped her wings around her partner’s neck and dragged his head down, planting an extremely sensitive ear right on her gut. “Check. . .” Ara took in a breath of the cool evening air and let her body come alive. Her lungs expanded, her heart took up a steady tempo, and best of all—

grroooaargle. . . gruuurrr. . .

“. . . aaaaand mate,” she purred, feeling rather pleased with herself as her lover’s entire body shivered, his form distorting and glitching out for a moment as the full might of her internal soundscape left him stunned. Ara laughed and used the opportunity to roll him off the dais and onto the temple floor, pinning him down as he let out a very undignified yelp. She lowered her head beside his and licked her chops in his peripheral vision. She whispered, “Imagine being in the middle of all that, Fervent. And I’m just winding up, too. You know from experience that it’s only going to get much, much louder once you’re inside. Why don’t you claim your rightful place?”

“But. . . You ate me last night, too,” Fervent protested halfheartedly.

“Really? I don’t remember,” Ara replied with a chuckle, dragging her tongue up the side of his face.

“I just mean, when do I get another turn?” He asked, a bright purple blush staining his cheeks.

She raised up, perched on his chest, eyes glowing in the dark, watching him with the certainty of a victor. “When you can tell me, with absolute and unshakeable assurance, that the thing you want most in this moment is not the pressure of my body reshaping you, taking that ethereal fear fluff you’re made of and compressing it into a perfect fit for the innermost chamber of my body, my being, a stomach shaped by the gods themselves. Is this the night when you can convincingly tell me that you desire to eat me more than you desire the musical bliss of belly gurgles tuned against the instruments of the divine to perfectly convey the absolute satiation your presence within me provides? Can you look me in the eye, nay, look me in the maw and say with conviction that the idea of your feathers dropping from my lips as I surround your body and seal it away for the evening doesn’t fill you with a sense of purpose?” She spread her wings wide, angelic and silhouetted against the final, red light of the day. She brought her muzzle down to his beak and opened wide, ruffling his feathers as she breathed out a sweltering, glowing mist. A breath of holy light. “You, my love, are my chosen one. Rise into me. Let my light deepen your shadow.”

Fervent hummed, staring up into her wide, welcoming jaws. He knew when he had been beaten. “You make a compelling argument, as always,” he said with undisguised awe. Sure, she was getting her way, but she always made him feel like he was the lucky one, even so. Arguing over which of them was hungriest for the other was hardly the worst disagreement a couple could have, he knew. So with a mix of resignation and excitement, he raised up his head, his shape becoming more fluid, and she took him in her jaws, and he was pulled into her softness and her inner glow.

Ara worked quickly, her beloved disappearing into her jaws with only a few swallows. He was as big as she was, but easily compressible, and eating someone alive was much easier when things like breathing were elective. The sphinx felt her belly round out with her meal, the glowing walls stretching and flexing to accommodate him with relative ease. “Ahhh, ambrosial as ever, my dearest.” She cleaned a feather from the roof of her mouth with a flick of her tongue and sent it flowing down her gullet on a river of saliva to join the rest of Fervent’s mass. She flared her wings and looked out over the water. “And far lighter than you look.”

“If you’re going to be the lover of a sphinx, the one thing you shouldn’t be is dense,” Fervent replied, shifting around to get comfortable.

“Indeed not. And it’s certainly convenient that devouring you doesn’t keep me earthbound. Why don’t we take a quick flight over the bay?”

“Whatever you wish, my star. I would follow you anywhere.”

Ara purred and ran a paw along the curve of her stomach, summoning up a few lengthy gurgles for Fervent to bask in as he sloshed around. “Thank you for this. Truly, it was just what I needed. And tomorrow night, if you’re still in the mood, I’ll be yours. Sound good?”

Fervent hummed in the affirmative, cozying up to the walls as they moved around him, focusing on the sounds of her body as she held him in the fullest, greatest sense. Her concession was appreciated but unnecessary. He could play this game and lose to her every night and still be satisfied with the outcome. He adored her. It was as simple as that.

[deanofwhumpuniversity]

Writer’s Month 1: Tattoo Parlor/Flower Shop AU

This is obviously an AU, sorta kinda character study thingy. It’s not whump, it’s just me practicing; however

Content Warning: Tattoos, blood, needles, nonconsentual tattoo mention

The bell over the door rang as Reynan pushed into the little shop. He found himself in a tiny lobby, just a desk and some chairs, leading to a hallway of curtained-off booths. The art on the walls was modern, and everyone in the drawings was fully clothed, not the image he’d had in his mind of a tattoo parlor. He could hear faint buzzing coming from at least one of the little partitions, and he didn’t want to call out and interrupt anyone in their work. But the bell had summoned someone’s attention, and he soon heard solid yet gentle footsteps approaching from the hall. Their sound was clear but not heavy, tapping on the linoleum like a shoe somehow made entirely of heels.

“What can we do for you?” The voice was ever-so-slightly modulated, but low and smooth, and Rey turned away from a drawing of an astronaut to see he’d been greeted by a green and black android. The robot wasn’t feigning humanity at all, no synthetic skin or hair, with a viewscreen for a face. Two arms, two legs, and a head, unlike old-fashioned worker drones, but Rey could see one of its arms ended a few inches below the elbow. Not in a messy way; no circuits protruded, and the edge was smooth and clean, as if perhaps it had been designed that way.

Rey took his time assessing the creature before answering, not bothering to hide his mild curiosity. “I was wondering...um. I’d like to get a tattoo covered?” He didn’t know if all shops would do coverups or if he’d need to go somewhere special. But he’d had the day off and finally pushed himself to just go inside and ask. He knew surprisingly little about tattoos, despite the one inked across his left shoulder.

The robot seemed to be sizing him up as well; an LED square appeared on its viewscreen and bounced around for a few moments, its odd tracking reminding Rey of a dragonfly. “You work...nearby? I have seen you before. Many times.” The square became a spinning circle, and the robot’s attention was faraway, as though it was seeking the answer itself rather than expecting Rey to furnish one. “The flower shop, down the strip,” it said finally, viewscreen clearing.

“Yeah, the florist; but I’ve never seen you in there.” His tone was mildly suspicious; he’d remember if he’d ever seen this android before, and he was generally good at spotting if he was being watched.

The robot actually laughed at this, and despite the cascading sound seeming a bit like two voices at once, its tone was friendly and disarming. “I see a lot. I remember everyone. I don’t mean to, I just...do.” It shrugged its metal-plated shoulders, then swept its truncated arm toward the back of the shop. “I have time now, if you know what you want.”

This gave Rey pause. The android was an artist? Not just a shop attendant, a cleaning bot, a secretary, but an actual tattooist? He considered this a moment before he realized, if he wanted someone making clean, even lines on his skin he couldn’t do much better than a machine. He started down the hall, and the robot followed, directing him into an open partition at the end.

Inside the android pulled the curtain and gestured for Rey to sit on a faux leather chair, covered in a long sheet of paper like something from a doctor’s office. It crinkled obnoxiously as Rey fidgeted to get comfortable, and he tried to tell himself this was something the tattooist must be used to, and what did a robot care anyway?

“So what were you thinking?” The robot asked conversationally, as it pulled open a cabinet and drew out sheets of parchment and tiny pots of color.

Rey reached into his pocket, twisting in his seat and crackling the paper. He withdrew an embroidered chevron patch and held it out, grip somewhat tight, as though he wanted the robot to only look, but not touch. “It’s my regiment. I want it over -” he shrugged off his button-up, leaving only his tank top “-this.” His bared shoulder revealed a barcode underlined by a small stylized sword. He spoke more rapidly as he explained, “I’ve served my sentence, it’s ok for me to remove it. I’m allowed --”

The android raised a hand to silence his protestations. “I don’t actually care about Accord Forces protocol. It’s no problem.” If focused its attention on the patch, and a line of light scanned up and down his faceplate, scanning the image into his saved files, as though he could tell Rey wouldn’t want to surrender the badge to him. “I’ll have to make it dark, to cover the black, but it’s nothing I haven’t done before. Unless you’d like me to laser the old one off? You’d have to let that heal though, before getting it tattooed over.” It tilted its head, waiting for Rey to choose.

“No, it’s fine. If you say it’ll cover, I’m fine with that.”

“Excellent.” It flipped a few switches on an autoclave sterilizer, and a few wisps of steam escaped as the box’s seal released. The android slotted the end of his shorted arm into a circle of metal on the machine’s front face, and Rey heard a bit of whirring and a mechanical click, before the robot withdrew his now-whole limb from the autoclave. The hand and wrist looked the same as its other arm in color and design; but then the artist opened a sterile package and slotted a grouping of needles into a barely perceptible hole in its first finger.

“Wait! You mean, right now?” Rey wasn’t sure if he was losing his nerve, or if he’d simply expected there to be more to the process. His only experience with tattoos so far hadn’t been a fun one, after all. “Don’t we need to discuss payment, or something?”

The robot picked up a cartridge of ink and pressed it down into a socket in its knuckle until it made a quiet pop. “I don’t generally charge for coverups, to be honest with you.” It turned it’s attention back to Rey, and could see on his face that his concerns weren’t entirely assuaged. “I mean, if you really feel like paying me…” the spinning circle returned to its faceplate as it considered a moment. “Flowers.”

“Flowers?” The request was unexpected, bordering on absurd, but Rey felt the tension release from his shoulders as his nervousness was replaced by confusion. “What do you want with flowers?”

The android paused -- not in a human way, breathing, thinking, considering; but completely, unmoving, with its darkened face turned toward Rey’s. Nothing played over its screen, and he felt he may have made a mistake while he stared into its blackness. Then, just as quickly as it had ceased motion, it started up again, fiddling with its arm as it replied. “I like flowers,” it stated flatly. A bit of emotion returned to its voice and it continued quietly, almost wistfully “I like...beautiful things.”

After a quiet moment, it pulled up a chair and leaned over Rey’s shoulder, holding up its hands over the skin and looking into his eyes as if waiting for him to announce he was ready. “Don’t you um, trace the picture or whatever?” This earned him another soft laugh, and strands of light began to stream out from the robot’s screen, creating an overlay of the chevron on Rey’s skin. “Oh,” he breathed softly. The android remained still, needing permission, and while its attention was clearly on creating the detailed light display, Rey could feel a weight like eyes on him. He nodded his assent, and the artist began.

The pain was the same sharpness he remembered; all the needles moving together creating the feeling of a single blade slicing into him. Rey looked away for a moment, and the sensation seemed to grow worse. Without being able to see, his mind imagined the circular, color-filling motions were grinding and spiraling down into his flesh to paint his very bones. He forced himself to look back at his shoulder, relieved to see that the needles were still there, bouncing along his skin. Barely any blood welled from the punctures, and the android’s arm moved with a laserlike precision that shouldn’t have been surprising, but was completely fascinating, and he found his focus drifting as he watched the artist move.

“Alright.” The robot said simply, startling Rey out of his fugue. The android was wiping at the tiny spatters of blood and ink on his arm, and applying a large square bandage. That was it? It was already over? “You can change this in a couple hours. I’ve got some care sheets at the front desk with cleaning instructions.” The android stood up from its chair but stayed close as Rey got up, as though he expected him to faint.

When Rey was able to get up and gingerly pull his button-up back on, the robot waved his arm toward the curtained doorway. Rey exited and started toward the lobby, realizing the android wasn’t behind him. A click and whirr sounded from the partition, then the robot stepped out into the hall, again minus one hand.

Rey wasn’t sure exactly what to do now. Should he run off to the shop and get some flowers immediately? Should he shake the robot’s hand? What was the procedure for this sort of transaction? He realized he hadn’t asked if the artist had a name; surely it had some kind of designation. Inkbot 2000? He tried not to snicker aloud at that thought; he didn’t figure the android would appreciate it. Before he could offer any sort of awkward farewell, the robot was handing him a sheet of paper labelled “Care Instructions,” and plucking a business card from a little holder on the desk.

“Come back if you need any touch ups or, of course, anything else. You did well. I’d say I like green but that’s every sort of flower, isn’t it?” The robot’s head was tilted in a way that somehow implied a smile.

Rey simply nodded, taking the offered items and mumbling “Appreciate it,” before making his way out the door. He was halfway to his car before he checked the business card. It declared the address and phone number of the shop, and across the top, in a large green font like the display on a digital clock, was what he assumed was the artist’s name: Celadon Argos.

[rukakikuchi]

LOONA “So What” analysis and theories

It’s finally time! After rewatching and analyzing the music video for nth amount of times (lol), I’m here to bring you guys my personal analysis and theories for LOONA’s latest comeback “So What”!

So, without further ado... Let’s begin.

(Remember that these are only my interpretation and are not straight up facts. These are just theories that coincide with my personal view on the story of LOONA and the LOONAverse.)

Now that “So What” has finally been released, we have been shown the next chapter of the story of the LOONAverse, as well as a new side to LOONA we’ve never seen before.

So now that the next chapter of LOONA’s story has been released, it’s time to go through the music video and see what is going on.

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil

An interesting observation that was made after the release of the “#1” teaser was the focus on certain facial features of the 1/3 girls; Hyunjin’s mouth, Haseul’s ear, and ViVi’s eye. 

It’s been theorized this is connected to the saying “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.”

Well, this may very well be the case for the LOONA girls now that the Moebius time loop has reset again.

Because Heejin was able to break out of the loop, the Moebius strengthened itself in order to keep the girls apart and prevent them from trying to break out again.

Yves, Chuu, and Gowon appear to be in Eden, but I don’t think that’s the case. They merged their worlds together in “Hi High”; they met to become one universe. 

Perhaps this is an Earth equivalent to Eden, a paradise that was made to keep them unaware of the truth of their world. (Think of the phrase “ignorance is bliss.”) Chuu and Gowon are happy and oblivious, but Yves is a “black swan” who is treated like an outcast.

They’ve essentially reverted back to before they ate the Forbidden Fruit and realized their true selves. Again, notice how Chuu is dressed in red (a color representing love) and Gowon in yellow (a color that can represent hope).

Without the knowledge they received upon rejecting Eden, they cannot become who they were truly meant to be. 

However, Yves being shown acting outside the norm (not dressed the same as the other ballerinas) might be a hint to that she’s still vaguely aware of that side to herself.

Odd Eye Circle are separated from each other, and have lost their powers, although Kim Lip’s situation might be different from Jinsoul and Choerry’s.

One thing that was extremely prominent to me in “So What” were Kim Lip’s eyes. Specifically, the color of her eyes. 

She is wearing pale blue eye contacts. And it’s not just in the music video; she is also wearing them in live performances of “So What”.

Now sure, K-pop idols are no stranger to this. In fact, Kim Lip isn’t the only one doing this. Yves has also been shown wearing light colored eye contacts for this comeback.

I also noticed Heejin and Choerry both looked like they had contacts in a couple performances, and I’m sure other members have done this too. But Kim Lip’s eyes have stood out the most.

This must’ve been intentional. This isn’t the first time something like this has been done for LOONA.

Remember the Halloween special stage where five of the members covered Sumni’s “Full Moon”? They had little references to the LOONAverse lore in there, too; notably, in Kim Lip, Choerry, and Olivia.

The concept seemed to be vampires, so everyone had dark red color contacts. Except for Olivia, who had pale blue/silver color contacts.

She doesn’t possess an Odd Eye, but perhaps this is a nod to her “wolf eyes”, aka the red glowing eyes we see in “Egoist”.

Choerry’s right eye, where her Odd Eye is, was a different color from her left eye; a grey blue.

As for Kim Lip, they used special makeup and placed a scar over her left eye, where her Odd Eye is.

Again, this must have been intentional.

But what does this mean for Kim Lip’s eye color in “So What”?

Well, I think that Kim Lip may still have her Odd Eye, but it has been sealed and she’s being prevented from reawakening it. 

It’s unknown whether this can be said for Jinsoul and Choerry as well, since we aren’t given any hints of them possessing their Odd Eyes. It’s possible they might have lost them completely, or if they still do have them, they just haven’t awakened them.

Regardless, the loss of their Odd Eyes means that the three have lost the special connection they shared which defined them as the “Odd Eye Circle”.

Then, we have ViVi, who is seen throughout almost the entirety of the music video with a bandana over her mouth. She’s also shown to be by herself, separated from the rest of the group.

This coupled with her lack of lines when compared to other members’ distribution of lines in “So What”, has to be more than just coincidence. 

Everything in the LOONAverse has a deeper meaning; everything has a reason for being there.

I previously mentioned that ViVi might be going through another kind of identity crisis. She’s not an android anymore; she became a human in “Love & Live”. Yet her expressions in “So What” seem almost robotic.

I believe ViVi has lost something that is vital to her identity; her voice. Because she has lost the ability to speak, she does not have a way of expressing herself and her feelings. 

That’s why she seems so robotic in the music video; she’s been placed in a similar situation to when she was an android and struggled to connect with the others when she first met them. Thus she turns to graffiti as an act of self expression as well as rebellion.

All of these instances show that some of the girls have lost an important part of themselves.

Hear no evil = Blissful ignorance of the world.

See no evil = Loss of connection.

Speak no evil = Restriction of self expression.

Without these vital parts of their identities, they are unable to find each other and realize their true purpose. So Heejin has to break them free, but she can’t do it alone.

Follow me

For this section, I’m going to try and set up the order in which I believe Heejin found the other members after falling back into the loop. This is just pure speculation on my part in order to get a better grasp of the story.

The first girl who I believe Heejin finds is Olivia. The two have always been connected with each other deeply; they were like day and night.

In fact, I think it was Olivia who found Heejin after she fell back to Earth. Think of it as a potential parallel to when Heejin met Olivia at the end of “Egoist” after Olivia had her fall to Earth.

Next, I think Heejin finds Kim Lip. Again, this could potentially parallel to how Kim Lip met Heejin in “Hi High”.

Hyunjin and Choerry have already found each other. They are constantly shown together, mirroring each other.

We see the tuk tuks circling around them, symbolizing them being stuck in the loop, but we also see them get on one of the tuk tuks.

They are taking control of their fate to break out of the loop.

Heejin, Kim Lip, and Olivia find Yeojin (hence we see them together above with the dancers in this scene), but realize Haseul is now missing. They tell Yeojin what has happened, so she starts rebelling at her school to break out of the loop.

(And yes, I’ve seen it been pointed out, Yeojin literally looks like pre-debut era Jinsoul.)

Her actions end up influencing the other students of the school. So yes, Yeojin did indeed start a school uprising. 😆

Next are Gowon, Chuu, and Yves.

We get this scene where Gowon and Chuu are running down the hall together, when Gowon suddenly stops and looks behind her. As if she heard something, felt something, that told her she needed to get out of the loop.

I think this was the moment she received a message, possibly from Olivia, to tell her what was going on and help Gowon regain her memories. She relays the message to Chuu, and later both tell Yves what’s happening. 

Yet again, another potential parallel, like when Yves and Chuu approached Gowon with the offer of escaping Eden.

So Yves starts rebelling as well, dancing freely how she wants to.

Gowon sends out the butterflies again, in order to reach the other members.

Yves joins Heejin and Olivia, along with Hyunjin and Choerry, and find Jinsoul in the subway train.

(Here’s a “blink and you miss it” moment: Olivia rips off the choker around her neck. Just like when she did it in the “XIIIX” teaser. She’s freeing herself of any restrictions.)

The last girl they have to find is ViVi, but they aren’t able to find her as easily. Like I previously mentioned, she’s constantly shown being cut off from the rest of the group, all by herself. Wherever she is, her location is somewhere that the others can’t get to, or possibly even know about.

So, how do they reach her?

A message to ViVi

Throughout the music video, we are given several shots that have a VHS static overlay effect over them. I previously mentioned how the static effect is always associated with ViVi’s memories/dreams, so this gives us a better idea of what exactly these shots we see are supposed to be.

No joke, I went through the whole music video and counted every single time we saw the VHS static overlay effect. Guess how many times we see it in the MV?

1. The chains breaking

2. Shot of ViVi’s face

3, 4, & 5. Hyunjin and Choerry with the tuk tuks

6. The members on the subway train

7. Shot of Yeojin’s face

8. Shot of Heejin’s face

9. Brief cut to static after ViVi drops the spray can

10. The sign reading “Make it burn”

11 & 12. The members on the subway train again

That’s right. We got 12 total instances of VHS static overlay in the music video!

I believe what we are seeing is Heejin and the other members sending a message to ViVi, possibly using something like the cassette tapes, in order to reach out to ViVi and let her know what they’re doing since she’s separated from the group.

Shots #9 and #10, however, I think are ViVi sending a message back, the sign reading “Make it burn” signalling to them that she got their message.

And also serving as a sign to Olivia of what she needs to do.

Burn yourself

In the beginning of the video, we see Olivia standing with a torch on what we can presume is the surface of the moon (the real location is likely the black sand beach of Iceland).

And we are given some very interesting narration.

“Do not accept the fate of the moon. Get off the track. Reveal to the world the hidden side. Burn yourself.”

Let’s break this down line by line.

“Do not accept the fate of the moon.”

The fate of the girls have always been tied to the moon, aka the heart of the Goddess. It was their destiny to meet each other and complete the moon of their world.

Their goal as LOONA has always been to find each other and break out of the loop, but what if that alone wasn’t enough?

“Get off the track.”

The “+ +” and “X X” timelines showed us the unification of the girls with themselves and their shadows, but it’s always ended the same for them. They find each other, and they try to break the loop, but the loop resets and they’re back to square one.

They kept taking the obvious choices they believed would allow them to break free. They need to do something different and cause chaos to break the loop.

“Reveal to the world the hidden side.”

Obviously referring to the back of the moon; the hidden side of themselves that they’ve never shown before. Their shadows, their truest selves that existed deep inside of them.

If they bring that side out, they can find new potential.

“Burn yourself.”

The word “burn” has been used constantly throughout this comeback since we got the first # teaser last year. Fans kept asking the question, what would they be burning?

And now, we finally got the answer.

From the description of “So What”: “It is possible to make different waves more than you can imagine if you challenge yourself with your passion(BURN), and go forward.”

From the lyrics: “Burn your intense heart.”

Deep within themselves, was a fire that was waiting to be ignited by passion. By the desire to break free of everything that held them back. To take control of their destiny; to choose their own fate. To be who they truly are.

And finally, they were ready to burn.

The beginning of the end

Olivia realized what she needed to do in order to break the loop. She was the only one capable of doing it. It was her mission, and hers alone.

“You, who was sent by God. Destroy all things without hesitation.”

Olivia has always been connected to fire, a symbol of destruction as well as purification. And now that we’ve coupled the term “burn” with fiery passion in “So What”, we are shown a second and more literal meaning through Olivia.

What if the only way to break the Moebius loop was to destroy it before it was completed? If they destroy the loop before it can complete itself, then the time loop won’t be reset.

So Olivia does what she has to, in order to free herself, to free everyone, from this curse. She burns the moon, to destroy everything.

The moon, which we associated as the heart of the Goddess, as something the girls were deeply connected to by fate, is set ablaze.

The moon that could not shine on its own without reflecting the light of the sun; the back of the moon which no one knows about.

Now it’s been lit up in flames, burning to shine its own light.

Meanwhile, down on Earth, we see all the members watching as the sky is set ablaze, with balls of fire raining down.

(Even the dance shots, we start to see them!)

We see all the members lit up in red light, representing the fire.

Heejin’s expression in particular really stood out. Her expression is sad, even heartbroken, watching the place she had once flew high to reach, now on fire and being destroyed. But she knows deep down, this will free her and her friends.

And with destruction, there will come rebirth.

The phoenix and Haseul

Like I mentioned in the breakdown for the teasers, what we see in # and “So What” is the destruction and rebirth of the LOONAverse. In order to free themselves from the loop, they had to destroy their old world to create a new one. They had to burn their hearts with passion to ignite that fire in order to be reborn.

In the final shot of the music video, as Olivia watches the flames die down on the moon, she looks down…

And there are two white bird feathers on the ground, burning, and being revived.

It’s clear who and what this represents; Haseul. The reconstruction and revival of the bird feathers after being burned shows that Haseul has been reborn.

Just like the phoenix, who rises from the ashes and is born again stronger than before, this tells us, the audience (and all LOONAs around the world), and Olivia herself, that Haseul will be reunited with the others, and she will be stronger than she was before.

And the same can be said for all of LOONA. Now that they’ve “burned themselves”, they can rise from the ashes, in a new world where they are free to take control of their fate. To reach their highest goals.

Like the phoenix, LOONA has been reborn, stronger. And now, free.

...

And that concludes my analysis of “So What”!

I was so happy with this comeback and now I’m excited to see what’s next for LOONA and the story of the LOONAverse going forward. There are so many possibilities of where they can take this story, and I am all in for the ride!

I hope you guys enjoyed my analysis, so until next time...

Stan LOONA! 🌙💖

[windup-dragoon]

A little drabble inspired by @astralyehga​ who left this beautiful gem in my inbox. 

My apologies for it being absolutely shitty. I haven’t written in a hot while. Aaaaa it feels like it should be longer but I don’t really have time? Maybe if I get inspired I’ll continue or rewrite it. Idk. BUT BLESS YOU FOR SUCH AN IDEA. I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT OF IT AND I JUST AAAAAAAA. I was so hyped at work after reading your message. hells yea. 

Also writing the way the characters of FFXIV speak was just...not in me tonight. So it’s rough at best. My apologies! 

𝔸 𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕣𝕤 ℍ𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟

ᴴⁱᵉⁿ ˣ ᴷⁱʳⁱˢʰⁱᵐⁱ

ᵂᵒʳᵈ ᶜᵒᵘⁿᵗ:  ¹³⁹⁶

What in creation was this feeling that raked her so? A sickness that slithered from the pit of her stomach and bit into her heart. A disconnection of mind and body that left her chilled. Her mind swam through endless thoughts but concentrated on naught but this lingering sensation of dread. 

So many battles she had overcome. To have survived so much, to have victory after victory given to her, only to finally taste the bitterness of fear. But those won before were unlike what she faced now. 

War. 

Often she was left with little time to prepare for such encounters. They simply threw themselves at her and the fighting ensued. War, however, was different. With the negotiations failed, all that remained was waiting. For it all to begin and to end. 

It was maddening. 

“Lean any further toward the flame and you’ll be caught ablaze.” A voice, peppered with a light chuckle, released her from the confines of her mind. Such familiarity in that tone. Warmth, kindness, and as always a bit of teasing sprinkled in.  

Mismatched eyes peeled away at long last from the crackling fire nestled before her to the man who warned her of burns. Hien, settling onto the ground at her side, flashed her a smile while firelight danced in his knowing eyes. That smile, however, felt off. Not his usual gremlin grin he wore when some half baked scheme came to mind. No, this time there was a slip, a falter, in his otherwise childish expression. 

“I would rather not see you burn like a moth.” The young prince added. 

“Moth, huh?” Her mouth felt dry. Just how long had she been gazing into the fiery face of the camp fire? She tilted her head and returned a small but fragile smile. “Imagine the intimidatin’ sight that would be on the field.” 

Hien paused long enough to consider the mental image and frowned. “You need not be on fire to be terrifying. I am full glad to be on your side whenever battle breaks out.” 

Many have said similar words. Every time before she had taken them with a confident smile, eager to lend a helping hand. Once it was to protect others, another to bring peace, again for freedom... But now how many would lose their life amid the chaos of war? When did it end? 

A tremble of her hand took her by surprise. With closed eyes and a frown threatening to pull down the corners of her lips she dug her fingers into the dirt at her side and the small space between herself and Hien. 

She would not falter here. Fear will not rule her this day. Alisaie, and many more, relied on her courage. 

“I would not tell anyone if you wish to talk.” Hien’s tone was low, a hushed but gentle hum. “’Twould be shameful for the prince of Doma to gossip. Especially of such an esteemed and honorable warrior like yourself.” 

Kirishimi had no response to give, taken aback by such forwardness. Instead, if only briefly, she watched the young man at her side. Shadows danced at his side and got helplessly lost in his ebony hair. The flickering embers sparkling in his eyes as he sneaked curious glances back at her. 

When she failed to give him answer, Hien gave a subtle cough to clear his throat. “Alisaie, Lyse, Alphinaud... They all speak of you with such high regard. Many times they’ve even regaled me with stories of your adventures. Myself included, I should add. I have seen first hand what you and your friends are capable of! Yet imagine my surprise to see the sight before me. A very sobering moment.” 

Be it his intention or no, Kirishimi felt a twinge of hurt from his words. If he were so keen to catch her in a moment of weakness, what did the others see of her? Frustration echoed in her heart. Her nails dug deeper yet into the dirt. 

“All this waitin’ has me on edge. Havin’ to sit through that negotiation and naught but listen to that man drone on about how willin’ he is to throw lives away. Dandelion fluff to the wind. A craven hearted bastard like him knows nothin’ of death.” Kirishimi’s words felt as if she had snarled them through clenched fangs. A welling anger clouded her eyes. Yet despite the tension in her muscles, she sighed, a stray lock of silver hair fluttering against her cheek. 

“I cannot even look these soldiers in the eyes. I cannot save them all. I’m helpless to give them the future every last one of them deserves to see.” 

The light of the fire dimmed, its hue blending with the darkness of the encampment around them like water colors on canvas while tears threatened to fall. Even amidst the warmth and heat of such a fire, she felt as chilled to the bone as her time in Ishgard had left her. The sting of rocks and pebbles pressing into her palm seemed almost distant in comparison to this whirlwind of thunderstorms behind closed eyes. 

When she felt truly at odds with herself, so bitterly lost to the chaos, she felt it. A touch of warmth that nearly jostled her. Fingertips delicately dusted along the top of her hand, weaving between her tightened knuckles, overlaying his palm with hers and plucking it from the dirt. Such tenderness. Each touch meaningful. Slow and gently he overturned her hand, dusting aside the dirt. 

She dared not look up. To meet Hien’s gaze whilst his fingers entwined with hers. Calloused as they may be, his hands felt as if an anchor in reality. A guiding hand away from dismal thoughts. A reminder that he was just as alive as she. 

“It is not your sole responsibility to bear. You have given them hope, is clear to see. But through that hope these men and women strive forward to reach their futures. They have chosen this path so that generations to come will flourish. Many have you and the Scions to thank for encouraging them to move forward.” 

His grip tightened around her hand while his remaining hand came to rest beneath her chin. The bonfire crackled as if snickering at her. 

“Now then, hold that chin up high. We have come so far together. ‘Twould be awful should you appear to be miserable in my company now. I can already hear the rumors that should spread.” 

As encouraged with a light lift of his hand, Kirishimi raised mismatched eyes of fire and ocean to meet his. Nothing but a childish, but endearing, grin painted on his features. His eyes were alive and full of energy. She could nearly feel his enthusiasm in the palm of his hand, his heart beat must have been as pounding as hers. 

“Kirishimi, the Warrior of Light...Appalled by the prince of Doma...” She breathed at last, the sensation of drowning having finally been put to ease. A smile of her own danced on her lips. “Though I do recall you making mention that it wouldn’t be the first time.” 

Hien feigned a hurt expression. “’Tis true then? Will you not endure this fool any longer?” His curled index finger, beneath her chin, encouraged her closer. The corners of his lips hardly resisting a grin. 

As he beckoned, she obeyed and leaned closer still. Whispered across her cheeks she could feel the heat of his breath, almost an intoxicating sensation. “Perhaps as a charity I could spare the time...” 

“Time we cannot spare sitting idly by!” A voice, high pitched and demanding. 

In a panicked shuffle the two broke apart, sparring a moment to look to Alisaie who approached with powerful determination. 

“Alisaie!” Hien nearly choked on her name. “It would be an honor if you joined us. Better to spend time among friends than pacing.” 

Alisaie huffed, shrugging at his offer. “’Tis true, I have done nothing but circles around the encampment. It is a great assurance to see Kirishimi in high spirits even in with such tension around.” Without warning she sat herself promptly by the fire, wedging herself between them. 

Silence ensued before Hien cleared his throat. “W-Well... Perhaps I should speak with Yugiri and the others. Soon we will be on the battlefield and I have much to discuss with her. Until then, my friend.” 

[florarie5a]

PATCHOULI

Florarie Patchouli Flowers 🌸 The Freshest Of Flowers In A Unique Approach 🌸 We Know It’s The Little Things That Make Each Memory Last A Lifetime, Flower Shop 🌸 Couture Events 🌸 buchete de flori in cutie PATCHOULI STORY LOTS OF PEOPLE ASK ME HOW PATCHOULI BRAND WAS CREATED. FOR THEM I HAVE DECIDED TO WRITE THIS STORY … The PATCHOULI Story begins with a wish, a name and a passion. In 2012 I was in London for the … I do not know how many times, looking for inspiration. I spent there over a month – burning for a new beginning, for setting up a new business representative for me to allow myself to express myself. We, people, suffer a lot when we do not have the chance to create, to express ourselves. So, I was wandering along the famous King’s Road and through Harrods, hoping to find something to catch my attention. It was there I’ve found some of the most opulent flower shops I’ve ever seen. I was swept by their sense of beauty, the artistic and creative boutique side. And then, I made the connection … The connection with my name. Although I did not realize until that moment, my name was predestined for the floral world, towards which only (too) late I was directing my senses. My royal names are imposing, royal names, with echoes in the world history. But Viorica did not sound to me, until that moment, as a source of inspiration in none of my previous professional activities. Even though in the past I was involved in many other business activities, the greatest passion was only to come, or, better said, to the blossom, right from the etymology of my name. Reaching this land of scents, colors and forms, I knew that the next step was the setting up of the first shop of floral creation in Romania. At first I intended to call it Patchouli & Bergamot , but it seemed too long. Patchouli is another name for Pogostemon Cablin, a bushy plant from the mint family, being one of the aromatic plants that grow in India. As of the 19 thcentury, the traders were using patchouli leaves between the cashmere wool shawls to protect the merchandise from the moths. The oil extracted from the leaves of this plant has a strong exotic aroma with a scent of sweet musk. In the East, the plant has various uses: in cosmetics, in aromatherapy, in treating nervous diseases or infections. In perfumery, the patchouli oil has been used since 1960. They say that sprayed on money or on wallets it attracts more money … Another essence that delights my senses is the vetiver. Although both scents are masculine and strong, they are among my favorites – I, myself, being passionate of perfumes, which I collect from all my trips. Following the decision that the brand name will be PATCHOULI, I visualized the concept of the entire floral workshop: from the interior to exterior. The space for the workshop to function in Piata Dorobanti is asymmetric, with lateral glass walls – meaning it was a harsh volume that needed to be tamed in order to welcome the flowers. I thought that vintage curvy furniture contributes to the warming of the space. The centerpiece is the working table, the place where all is happening, while the black floor reflects the Patchouli logo background. On the first part of the table I imagined us creating the bouquet, wrapping it up in tissue paper or in specially branded bags, while at the opposite end the creation process to start all over again. Once the entire process was settled, meaning the technique of combining colors and flowers and considering the client’s budget, we succeeded to create spectacular bouquets within 5 to 10 minutes! The idea of a floral concept store was highly welcomed by the public, from the very beginning. The clients were amazed about the fact that the entire process was unfolding before their very eyes, rapidly and efficiently. At that moment, Patchouli was the sole concept store of the kind on the entire Romanian market, so the most frequently asked question was whether we are an international franchise. The concept in itself is still not widely spread, due to the fact that the custom is for the bouquets to be ready made and exposed for rapid sale. We chose to continuously have very fresh flowers, so as our customers may have the chance to appreciate them and to participate at the creative process.  Hence, they are always aware of the content of the bouquets they buy. People were very excited with the newly and stylish opened store, always full of flowers from all over the world. The window was aimed at being another sensational element of our marketing strategy: wooden cages full of luxuriant flowers disposed in a chosen lack of symmetry and boxes with succulent plants – a static show full of life at which every passer on the street was a witness in awe! Many of these passers were reticent at coming into the store… they were expecting exorbitant prices. I remember the first order I made: I could’ve decorated the entire Dorobanti market with that quantity of flowers! Being in contact with these beauties for the first time, I wanted to learn, to feel their variety, diversity, color and to master them in every aspect. I was longing to meet Anthurium, Amaranthus, Cymbidium, Phalenopsis, Astilba, Eustoma and the rest of the flowers that caught my eye and spirit. The space of the store of 38 square meters, plus the basement, soon became insufficient, despite the overlays our imagination came up with. The only solution was to go out in the street and exhibit our flowers and bouquets, to the delight of the passers. I started to study and register the behavior in time of each flower, so as to learn its resiliency, its specific characteristics. Consequently, I made my own selection and customized my orders so as the variety of merchandise one may meet in Patchouli concept store cannot be found no place else. Along my journeys I was constantly attracted by books and magazines in the domain. I bought everything I could find about flowers and decorations, thus created a vast collection of catalogues. The next step was to ask the suppliers for new and original types of flowers that they never heard of… Slowly, they started to import them and the uniqueness and specificity of our offer have won a special place in our client’s hearts. Moreover, from the very first day our store opened, our staff was specially equipped with branded aprons and vests. We did not stop there: the branded ribbon, the tissue paper and the black paper bag, all of them have contributed to our brand identity. No one before had the courage to use black in this kind of creations, despite this color’s elegant and stylish touch, especially in combination with silver and gold! A visually attractive combination of flowers was studied in order to realize exquisite and unique bouquets and arrangements. This is how we found our place on the market, we got to be known and, following constant positive feed-back, we became notorious. One of the feed- backs close to me heart and that will remain in my memory forever is that each time a Patchouli bouquets or arrangement is presented it’s like a Chanel piece of fashion entering the room – a reason of huge satisfaction for myself and my team. People, in general, were used to a round and extremely compact type of bouquet. We started to educate our customers and to impose our vision on this art, which was a little bit difficult at the beginning. Slightly, the taste for our creations grew so as we can say that we have launched the new trend in the floral design, another great satisfaction for our work. My favorite floral design is the  ‘sauvage’ type, the one that gives you the feeling that the component flowers just have been picked up from the garden –fresh and special. The wrapping added to the style: we have introduced lace, ribbons of all kind and colors, newspaper type of exterior packaging. Starting from this unconventional wrapping, in the context of running a flowers concept store, we created also unconventional arrangements using any object that was inspiring us: boxes, cups, objects of all kind and value. Eventually, a floral arrangement may be realized both in a silver or rusty bowl, each of them bearing their own originality. Owning your business comes with the greatest advantage of all: freedom of decision. So, I decided to give up some flowers that were extensively used on the Romanian market, such as the one we call ‘bride’s flower’, as well as Aspidistra, which is mostly used at funeral creations. In exchange, I introduced various types of eucalyptus: Euchalyptus Cinerea, Baby Blue, Berry, with berries or flowers, or fruits, mimosa and many other types of green plants that add even more value to the bouquets. We also have created the Patchouli candle to represent us by its pithy, vibrant scent. In this way, through the elements that we gathered, we succeeded to make Patchouli a remarkable brand in people’s life, seeding in them the desire to give more, better and more passionately. Despite my strong character, the background is one of a sensitive woman. I love perfumes, trips and adventures – it’s them from where I get my inspiration. Even before Patchouli concept store was created, when I was acting in the advertising industry, I participated at various design international fairs and events. I applied that experience once with launching Patchouli. Passionate by interior design, I created and built a spectacular fountain and placed it among flowers, like a tranquility oasis in the back of the store. In this way, I wished to inspire those who come inside a peaceful feeling, like the one in the Garden of Eden. Lots of people envy us for the nature of our work: the wonderful environment, constantly surrounded by the nature’s beauty. However, underneath that is the assiduous work, the sweet care for the flowers, customers and the business as a whole. Among my trips, an experience dear to my heart, like an anniversary present, is the meeting I had with Jeff Leatham, one of the greatest floral artists of the world, the artistic manager of the Four Seasons Hotel in Paris. The “eternity” I spent with him and his advice have been a true joy and represented a new source of inspiration. I hope to meet him again, why not, in the Patchouli ‘garden’. It is this experience that inspired my new project – the PATCHOULI Garden Showroom – a place where to withdraw the PATCHOULI essence from. I combined flowers with interior design and created a new location where a house and its garden host the home, flowers and decorations concept. It is a special concept, targeting those who appreciate nature and aesthetics in every corner at home, at the office, in the restaurants or hotels. It’s about colors, shapes and perfume symphony, where the queens of the show change their gala costumes. Behind them, as the director, my aim is to admire and talk to them, delighted by their majestic silence. Like them, I myself, become speechless. When our silent dialogue turns into a meditatively one, just the beauty of flowers give rise to new stories.

[pumpkinsadlatte]

Danse Macabre

Despite ao3′s best efforts, I’ve answered the call of the “waltzing together” prompt for day two of @nutsandvoltsweek. This wasn't the original idea for this fic, but what I wanted was far more aesthetic and action-oriented than I thought I could do in twenty-four hours. I’m still happy with this, though.

crossposted on ao3, despite the archive’s efforts to the contrary. Please forgive my horrifically cliche title.

Atlesian socialites just adore their dramatic choices in themes for gatherings, and their tastes undoubtedly had spread down to Mantle, as this display at a ballroom in a hotel that had existed since long before the city floating above them quite clearly proves. Citizens of all classes, mingling together in the cavernous room, the event held by the representative from Mantle to the Atlas council: as a way to “ease tensions” stemming from the closure of the kingdom’s borders and the embargo on dust putting pressure on Schnee, pressure that trickled down to its workers.

The idea had been simple: all were welcome, regardless of class, race, occupation. Wear your finest. Conceal your identity with a mask, there is to be no identification at a glance, so there will be no pressure to or not to speak to someone. The idea, of course, is on the surface not terrible, in fact some might even call it a good one. But those people would be sadly mistaken.

It’s laughable, really, that someone could think that a few hours of drinking and dancing could ever be enough to make these pitiful creatures forget the drudgery and depression of their daily lives. And the masks . It would have been comical if it wasn’t so, so painfully cliche.

Though, really, those just made their job here so much easier.

The good doctor leans rather heavily on the wrought-iron railing, green eyes tracing over the truly voluptuous scene of the gathering below, exposed by holes in his mask doubling as eye sockets in the skull of a vulture. Appropriate, considering his current position: perched above the masses and peering down. The base of the mask is bone white, fading into a short, realistic beak, though the intricate gold overlay looks more like a human skull than that of a bird. But it had been the duality that had drawn him to it. Granted, the long black and hood are sorely lacking in originality, but he isn’t exactly here to show off.

“Now, where did you get off to?” he sighs, scanning the ballroom below from his vantage point on the balcony, before he spots Tyrian lurking at the bottom of the stairs. His partner has always looked ravishing in red, whatever form the color’s presence has taken on his body, and while the doctor didn’t exactly question the very long, very red coat’s practicality for hiding stains, he had worried that it would be a tad too flashy for their purposes. Though, it does make him easy to find. “There you are.”

Oh, doctor … Tyrian giggles in his earpiece, and Arthur nods when he sees him glancing around. The councilman’s on the dance floor. Perhaps you should come down here so that we can… go say hello .

Arthur hums, but straightens from where he’s been leaned over the railing and smooths down his clothing before making his way down the staircase. He catches Tyrian around the waist as he passes him, pulling him around and in front of him, settling one hand on Tyrian’s waist and seizing his hand with the other. “If you insist.”

“ Dramatic ,” Tyrian coos, following the other’s lead and resting his free hand on the doctor’s shoulder. His eyes glitter dangerously purple in the sockets of his own skull mask, intricate gold filigree-inspired design over burgundy, dotted all over with tiny red dust crystals -- almost like blood oozing up from the pores of a face -- and edged around the pointed teeth and eye sockets with delicate red trim, still like blood. Part of the gold filigree is actually rose gold, and the rose gold patch takes the shape of a scorpion spreading along his right cheek, with its tail curling up around the eye socket. “You know, doctor, I never did learn to waltz .”

“You’re a quick learner,” Arthur replies easily. “You’ll figure it out.”

Despite his insistence that he didn’t know how to waltz, Tyrian is nothing short of graceful as they sweep into the fray, the pair of them turning around and around with the rest of the dancers as they make their way closer to their target. Every so often, when they brush too close to another pair, he feels a shift against his torso as the end of Tyrian’s tail flexes and flicks, catching hands and wrists and any expanse of skin that he can find. Nicks in the skin just innocuous enough not to betray the poison coursing through their bloodstream.

They keep it up, Tyrian striking at random before they twist away from their unknowing victims, for longer than the hunter thought he’d be allowed to before Arthur’s nails digging into his hand stops him.

“The councilman is behind you on the right side,” the doctor murmurs. Tyrian’s tail may be well-hidden, the majority of the length wrapped around his waist, but there’s not much hiding it when he strikes. “We can’t be striking at random and risk him noticing.”

 Tyrian hums. “Can you get me in front of him?”

 “Not yet. But…” He spins them a little more aggressively than probably necessary, and gives Tyrian a look at their target over his shoulder. “We’ll only have one shot. Do you see a target?”

“He’s kept his whole neck exposed. I could just…” Arthur turns them again, and Tyrian actually growls. “Excuse me!”

 “Can’t risk him seeing you.”

“I think you just like throwing me around.”

“I think you’re projecting.” Another spin, with far more flourish. “He’s just behind you. Take your shot.”

Tyrian beams brightly, and his tail whips out behind him. The councilman’s partner screeches loudly, and the pair scatters as the crowd does, recoiling back away from the scene. They’ve separated and successfully gotten lost in the horrified crowd before the councilman’s body even hits the floor. They make their runs for an exit as the crowd starts to, and their paths cross again at a staff entrance in the far corner of the room, ignored by panicking attendees making their own desperate runs for main doors. Arthur shoulders the door open and yanks Tyrian rather roughly through it behind him, slamming it shut and latching it with the bar meant to prevent guests from wandering into a staff stairwell as the hunter pulls open the door to what used to be an electrical access panel, but was now just a small door to a very convenient void in the wall where they’d stashed changes of clothes.

“The others should start dropping soon,” Tyrian giggles, pulling his red coat off and letting it fall to the floor, exposing his too-open yellow dress shirt and less-than-perfectly tailored black pants before he pulls his usual brown coat on. “With all that adrenaline , I think most of them won’t make it out of the room.”

“Good.” Arthur drops his own coat on top of Tyrian’s discarded one, and rolls up the sleeves of his fittingly-sanguine purple dress shirt. He shrugs off his charcoal vest with its black paisley print and flips it inside out to the solid black of the other wearable side, fastening the second set of gold buttons very quickly before withdrawing his own black jacket from the void in the wall. “None of them are going to last more than a few days anyway.”

“Mmm!” Tyrian laughs as he wraps his tail around Arthur’s waist and yanks him closer in order to better reach his face. He pushes the doctor’s mask up a little, just enough to be out of the way, and crushes their lips together, digging his nails into Arthur’s neck as he does. When the hunter pulls away, he catches Arthur’s lower lip in his teeth for a moment before he lets go. “I think we’d better hurry back home. I don’t know how much longer I can stand looking at you dressed so nicely~ I might just ravish you in the alley outside, instead of waiting for you to get it up enough to have your way with me .”

“Your preferences would disturb any other man,” the doctor points out, reaching up to pull his mask entirely off of his face now that Tyrian’s tongue is no longer down his throat. He doesn’t add that he knows Tyrian isn’t that stupid: it’d be pointless to keep talking when their clock is ticking like this.

“Oh I know !” The snickering that escapes Tyrian is wonderfully chaotic, as if he’s just had the most wicked of ideas, and he licks his lips as he removes his own mask to reveal his gold eyes dangerously dark, with his pupils blown wide. “I suppose I’m just lucky that I’m stuck with you ~”

“Those are your words, not mine.” Arthur hears the door behind them rattling, someone’s trying to get in. “Take the rooftops, I’ll make my way through the kitchens.”

“I’ll try not to have too much fun without you.” Tyrian grins, vaulting up over a slightly higher railing and out of sight, leaving the doctor to withdraw a vial of burn dust and tip it over their discarded coats, a flex of his aura igniting the clothing into a blaze too large to be jumped through before he takes off down the stairs.

[forestwater87]

Would you want Gwen and David to become a couple at the end of CampCamp? And adopt Max as well? Cuz' I do...

Gwenvid becoming canon is one of those things I simultaneously love and feel is unnecessary. The show will never let it be as pure and fluffy (or emo) as the fans will make it, anyway, and there is no force on earth that will stop me from shipping this ship with every ounce of my shriveled little heart, so I’m kinda ambivalent on the whole thing. (Besides, I know at least one of the showrunners is not at all into it, so I don’t see it happening no matter how much we may want it to. As long as they keep giving us little ship nuggets we can read way too much into, I’ll be good.)

Also I’m not convinced CC is the kind of show that needs an end, so “at the end” is one of those things that … eh, whatever. It’s an endless summer existing outside of time. Does it ever have to end, as long as they keep having new ideas?

As for the other part of this question ��� oh, boy. Anon, you did not ask me to go the fuck off on this question, but I gotta because I’ve been holding all this inside for literal years, and I don’t even care that this will make me hemorrhage followers because I’ve been very good and very quiet about it for a long-ass time and I just gotta –

I fucking hate Dad//vid.

And you know? I didn’t used to. My feelings, much like those regarding Cute Waitress, went from “how cute!” to “eh, not my thing but whatever,” and now we’ve circled all the way around to my entire soul lighting on rage-fire every time it’s mentioned, and just … I hate it so much … it’s just …

I feel like this deserves an explanation. And I think the people who’ve already blocked me or whatever aren’t going to read it, so let’s put it under a cut just for the sake of scrolling. But here’s the cliffs notes version:

1. It’s #NotAllDad//vid. There are some iterations of it I don’t hate, and even quite like.

2. David adopting Max, as a general concept, blows. There are exceptions – see #1 – but 99 times out of 100 I hate it with all of my hate. (The short reasons why: David is baby and Forest has Issues, it’s kiiiiinda racist?, and it’s lazy, boring, and way overdone.) 

3. The fandom will not fucking chill about it – at the expense of all other explorations of David and Max’s relationship. And that makes me highkey annoyed.

That being said, anyone who’s worried my blog will become a cesspool of dad//vid hate, please don’t be concerned. This is like lancing a boil of something (I’m bad at metaphors). All the garbage pours out in one massive textblock, and then I go back to being more or less chill about the whole thing. We’re dealing with years of repression here. Shit’s gonna be a lot more intense than it needs to be, and then we’ll settle back down to our regularly-scheduled CC fluff times.

I’m hoping this doesn’t make the fandom hate me forever … but given #3 up there, I’m pretty dang scared it will.

(And hey, I don’t want Cute Waitress to explode in a pit of fire and snakes anymore, so maybe my opinion on dad//vid will change eventually too. Always hold out hope, right?) 

1. #NotAllDad//vid

Like I said, I didn’t used to totally despise the whole Dad//vid thing. Like, I love the idea of David having been a counselor for so long that he just has ingrained Dad Instincts (see S4E14 for the most recent example of this). David as the Dad Friend? Good shit. David as the mother/father hen of his little cabal of campers? Very good shit. Nonliteral interpretations of dad//vid are usually really cute and fun and have some solid basis in canon, and I’m all about it.

Even some of the more literal David-adopts-Max AUs aren’t … the worst. Some of my friends have written versions of it that are original or at least were at the time and really compelling, and usually they found a way of skirting past the majority of the issues in #2. It can be done well.

It just … usually … isn’t.

And for that we gotta see #2.

2. David-Adopts-Max Sucks as a Concept

There is nothing good about the idea of David adopting Max, at least based on what we’ve currently seen in canon. 

(Yes, I am aware that I should couch statements like that with “in my opinion” and “with exceptions” and the like, but that’s a lot of work for this and a bunch of the stuff I’m gonna say in a second, so please just assume for the purposes of everything I put on this blog that it’s in my opinion. I’m not out here dropping Cold Hard Facts about Camp Camp of all things; I’m just spewing my feelings. 

I have lots of feelings.)

I don’t really have a cute little opening segment for this, so let’s skip the hors d’oeuvres and hop right into the meat of it:

David is Way Too Young to be a Father (According to Forest, Who Has Massive Emotional Baggage About These Things)

David is 24 goddamn years old. You know who shouldn’t be put in constant legal charge of a 10-year-old? Someone who is only 14 years older than him. If he’d had Max the old-fashioned way he would be too young to go on 16 and Pregnant. 

That is too fucking young.

I know that some people become parents that young, and even younger. I’m not saying your experiences are bad or invalid. I’m just saying, from the standpoint of being 26, that if one of my two-years-younger friends told me they were adopting a kid they knew from work, I would tell them they were fucking bonkers and to hand that child over to a grown-up immediately. This is especially true of David, who has remarkable emotional maturity but is also mentally about 8 years old. Gwen is the adult at that camp, and David is such a baby. 

Please don’t give the baby a baby.

Also, I’m terrified of having children. I never plan to, I’ve only recently accepted the fact that I don’t have to (grew up religious; it was kinda a whole thing), and get knee-jerk defensive over the idea of anyone my age or younger having children. It freaks me out, and that’s not a good or right emotional reaction to have but it’s mine, and I lowkey panic every time I think of David having children because if he should have a child at 24 then I’m already late.

Yes, I get the feeling that I’m running behind. For something I don’t actually want, ever. In comparison to a fictional character. Whose fatherhood decisions are not even remotely canon.

TL;DR I have issues and my other arguments are decidedly more valid than this one

So How About That Racism, Huh?

I know this has been a matter of some debate in the CC fandom for a while now … but you know what? It’s not nearly enough of a debate. People should absolutely be talking more about the potential problematique aspects of having a way too young white kid take a child from his immigrant parents on some pretty shoddy evidence (which I’ll address in the next section). There’s some White Savior stuff going on there, some negatively-stereotyping-poc-and-immigrant parents going on there … I’m not saying these should completely disqualify any dad//vid AUs or speculation or anything, but it should absolutely be much more of a conversation than it currently is.

(This is why one of the few David-adopts-Max concepts I like is one in which his parents have died. Not only is it more interesting – again, see the next bit – but it neatly sidesteps some potential gross stereotyping, and that’s just always rad.)

I feel like the common counterargument to this is that there are not-great parents of color and not-great immigrant parents IRL, so wouldn’t it be dishonest not to portray that in fiction as well? 

I mean … I dunno. 

I’m not here to tell anyone how to write the One Pure Dad//vid AU or anything. But I will say that I don’t think most people in love with this concept have done anything resembling due diligence in considering how best to sensitively portray the complicated familial, racial, and other implications of this particular AU or concept.

Besides, it’s not real life. It’s fiction, which means any decisions are being made deliberately. It’s a choice to depict Max’s parents as abusive and neglectful monsters who immigrated to America to give their son a better life but that’s for the next section, and it’s not inherently a bad choice, but it’s one that should be made thoughtfully, with an eye to the history of negative stereotypes that already run rampant in fiction. That’s just part of the writing process, and not one that should be shunted aside because it’s more work and less dramatic than creating the biggest of big bads for David to make grand speeches at and/or punch in the face.

Just Not Very Interesting (And Done to Death)

Regarding the overdone thing: Reading a David-adopts-Max AU most of the time is just like reading every other David-adopts-Max AU; I’m pretty sure I could put all these fics on transparencies, overlay them on top of one another, and still have a legible story because they differ so little.

Now to be clear: This – along with the rest of my points in this section – are about personal taste. Some people love reading the same story over and over again, and it brings immense comfort to them. That’s okay, and you shouldn’t feel bad about reading (or writing) these stories and not wanting to break your back trying to find a new angle for it. Cringe culture is canceled, and my personal tastes should not dictate the fandom. You do you.

That being said, I’m also allowed to be so bored by almost all of these fics that I nearly fall asleep scrolling the AO3 feed.

And the frustrating thing is, it would take so little to make it different. All it would take is asking: what if it wasn’t that simple? What if his parents aren’t all bad? What if they’re trying their best, but aren’t able for whatever reason to care for Max the way he needs to be? (I’m thinking Deja’s mom from This Is Us, for a cool example.) What if they later come to regret whatever behavior is making them so sucky, and reconcile in some fashion with their son? What if David and/or Max have fundamentally misread the situation, due to being on the outside and a kid, respectively, and it turns out his parents are actually making the best decisions they can in this situation and David doesn’t need to literally become Max’s dad, but integrates into the family in another way? (Seriously, even “what if they’re dead instead of evil?” would blow my mind in terms of originality. It’s been done, but not nearly enough.)

So that’s the overdone thing out of the way. What about lazy and boring?

It just seems to me that, based on the evidence we’ve been given in the show, there are infinitely more nuanced and creative alternatives to “Max’s parents are canonically abusive and neglectful and deserve to have their child ripped away from them by the guy who sees him at his job like 2-3 months out of the year.” I, in fact, refuse to believe Max’s parents are bad people based on the current evidence, and won’t do so unless canon forces me to see no other option.

Because as of right now, I just don’t buy it.

Didn’t show up to Parents’ Day: Well, we know they immigrated from India to escape “menial labor” (S1E4), and we know capitalism stomps all over the kind of people stuck doing menial labor, so what if they were unable to get away from work or they’d be fired? Hell, what if they couldn’t afford it for whatever reason – car broke down, they don’t have a phone or were out of data, they got hurt or sick or something came up that was interpreted by a small child as a lack of interest because he’s been shown that he doesn’t fully understand either adults’ motivations (all of S1) or the complexities of living in adult society, though he thinks he does (S1E4)?

Didn’t give him an activity: What if their grasp of English isn’t great? It’s a damn hard language to learn, and I sure as hell couldn’t pick up a second language if I was working to the bone to support my family. I’m exhausted trying to get through my 5 minutes of French on Duolingo, and I have a relatively cushy job and the benefit of an owl harassing me every few hours. Maybe they looked at the absurd camp activities and assumed they were misreading something, so they handed it over to their son (who is clearly fluent) to pick something he likes. Maybe they wanted to give him some responsibility and a sense of autonomy in deciding what he wanted to do for the summer, and he was so annoyed at being sent off to camp that he refused to do it and interpreted their hands-off nature as not caring. Maybe they were tired and just told him to pick something and it’s as simple as that, because parents are allowed to be exhausted sometimes. Just strikes me as pretty bizarre that they’d bother sending their son to a summer camp (and those things aren’t cheap, even one as not-awesome as Camp Campbell) but not be invested enough to give him the activity. Saving all year to scrape together enough money for a summer camp, sure, but filling out one line on a piece of paper? Pfft, who has time for that bullshit? 

(I recognize that assuming they’re poor based on a single line about “menial labor” might seem like a bit of a stretch to some people. But honestly, to me it’s no more of a stretch than assuming that they hate or don’t care about their son, or any of the other wild theories thrown around about Max’s parents all the dang time. At least this one is relatively new.) 

Sent him a sweatshirt and a short note: Again, maybe their written English isn’t great. Some people are better at a spoken language than a written one. Or maybe they didn’t have enough time to write a long note, or they knew Max wouldn’t read it (he doesn’t seem like the type to be all that into long emotional letters). Regardless, they knew to send him something he’d like that would likely be worn down by constant wear at camp. And sweatshirts aren’t cheap. Neither is mailing a package. Just seems like a surprising amount of effort to go to if they don’t care about or love him.

Sent him to Camp Campbell for the summer: Let’s say they’re poor, based on the evidence we have. It makes sense to assume that they work relatively “unskilled” jobs, or are in school, or both. Because those jobs don’t offer benefits or a lot of money, we can also reasonably assume that they either work multiple jobs, long hours, or both. They probably don’t have family in the area or even the country, and it wouldn’t be reasonable to expect neighbors or friends to take their son in all day, every day, all summer so he’s not home alone while they’re at work (especially considering he’s not all that easy to get along with). He’s familiar with the city (S3E11), so we can assume he’s grown up in an urban environment, which means he’s probably to some extent a latchkey kid. Sending him to a summer camp would get him out of the city, around people his own age, where he’d be supervised and kept busy while his parents are at work until school starts. Camps are expensive, but I imagine Camp Campbell might be the best they can afford, and they’d assume it’s better than him sitting in an empty apartment all day.

Max’s insistence they don’t care: He’s … ten years old. Not only has he made it clear that he assumes the worst of most people, including adults, but it’s also relatively common for kids whose parents worked a lot while they were growing up to interpret that busyness as a lack of interest in them. It’s hard to understand things like expenses or financial security as a kid and view it as “my parents are never around and so they don’t love me.” Hopefully when he’s older he’d appreciate everything they’ve sacrificed for him, but at 10 years old it’s expected he’d feel neglected.

I’m just saying, maybe a borderline emotionally unstable child isn’t the most reliable source, is all.

This isn’t rock solid, I realize; I’ve made a lot of leaps of logic and assumptions extrapolating from what we’ve been given. But I don’t see it as any less plausible than his parents hating him or whatever the prevailing fan theories are, and more importantly: it’s a fuck of a lot more interesting (yes, yes, in my opinion). I think adding nuance and sympathy to Max’s parents will always end up more interesting than “good David vs evil parents.”

Of course, we’re in a bit of a limbo since we don’t know necessarily where RT is going to take this. There is every chance they’re going to drop the bomb that Max’s parents are literally as bad as everyone has made them out to be – and worse. Maybe they’re actually Xemug. Fuck if I know. And if that happens, I’m gonna call it out for being the cheapest and least-interesting of the possible options. Bad, lazy writing that pits pure good against pure evil is always gonna suck, even if it comes from the writers of one of my favorite shows.

I really, really hope they don’t go with that (to finally, I guess, answer Anon’s question fully). And I’m pretty forgiving when it comes to things people hate CC for: Dolph doesn’t bother me, most of the problematic episodes don’t bother me (that pee one is still pretty rough though), but if they go the “Max’s parents are the devil and that is why Max is the way he is” route, I’m gonna … well, just be so profoundly disappointed that the showrunners could’ve done something interesting and decided instead to go for the lowest-hanging fruit, that’s all.

FINALLY:

3. This Fucking Fandom

So here’s the thing. Dad//vid is unique among the “ships” in the fandom in that it is deliberately placed as “the anti-Max//vid.” And I understand why that was done, and I appreciate it holding up that particular vanguard; max//vid has no place in dad//vid, and vice versa. 

But the problem with dad//vid being set up as the not-max//vid is that everything that isn’t dad//vid is suddenly viewed as “max//vid-lite.” Even when that makes literally zero sense.

See, even when I was briefly into dad//vid in its very literal “David adopts Max from Max’s evil parents” form, what I was really drawn to was the idea of David being Max’s older brother. Back when the fandom was like 100 fics on AO3, I had started planning out this long plot involving David taking on a brotherly role to this kid I thought really needed one. Admittedly I’m just a sucker for sibling relationships, but from the beginning I’ve been all about this brotherly bond, and so when a popular artist came up with the term “bro//vid” and it started gaining traction, I was all over that noise. There was finally a version of this relationship that wasn’t either “Max and David fucking” or “David literally adopts Max and becomes his literal father,” and I couldn’t be more excited.

And then … I found out that apparently “bro//vid” was becoming synonymous with “max//vid but secretly.” And … man, it really sucked to suddenly be treated like I was supporting pedophilia because I didn’t like the idea of David-adopts-Max as much as the whole big brother thing. I can’t even imagine how much it must suck if your favorite iteration of Max and David is something along the lines of mentor/friendship, without some sort of buffer of “well they’re basically (or literally) related.” Because if “these two as brothers” is max//vid-lite, then I can’t fucking imagine what that would be called.

And even when it’s not specifically about max//vid, it just keeps cropping up. I posted about the Season 4 premiere and expressed how much I saw a cute, brotherly relationship between David and Max, and someone immediately replied saying that they thought it was more like father-son. Which … yeah, fine, I don’t care if you see it like father-son, go nuts, but I am getting really sick of the fact that father-son is the only acceptable “ship” and everything must lean in that direction, no exceptions. (I know, it’s not a ship technically, but I don’t know what else to call it. Don’t read anything weird into me calling it that.)

I don’t think “please just let me enjoy these two and their relationship dynamic without making it pedophilia or insisting David adopt Max from his terrible evil parents” is that tough an ask. 

Or at least, it really shouldn’t be. But somehow it … kind of is.

And that sucks.

(Also, I hate the whole “Max is David’s favorite camper” thing. It’s not technically tied to dad//vid, but it does often come hand-in-hand with that and it just irks me to no end. If David has such blatant favorites, he is terrible at his job and kind of a douchebag. I think he gravitates towards the camper(s) who need attention the most, because he likes feeling like he’s made a difference, but I don’t think David would just straight-up pick a favorite like that, not when he has a full camp of kids who need him. Just saying.)

[crystalninjaphoenix]

Chaos Theory

Part Eight

(The last installment in solving puzzles. Appropriately, it’s the longest.)

The time was 4:12am. Or 4:13, as Jackie booted up the laptop once more and watched the numbers shift. He sighed. The adrenaline was starting to wear off, and now there was a bone-deep weariness dragging him down. But he couldn’t stop. He had no doubt that the gamemaster had more tricks up his sleeve that he had to prevent.

Jackie was sitting in the passenger seat of the car. He briefly looked away from the screen and around at the others. Chase was in the driver’s seat, leaning on the wheel with his head in his folded arms. JJ and Marvin were in the back seat. Marvin had his forehead against the window with his eyes closed and his legs folded up on the seat. JJ looked composed, sitting straight with his hands in his lap, but anyone who knew him well could tell he was on edge by his shaky breathing and wide eyes staring directly forward.

They had to finish this.

Jackie’s eyes hardened, and he turned back to the laptop. He’d received one last email, and this one had only one thing attached: a file called 4.png. There was a message written as well: Good luck with this one. You’ll need it :)

“Fuck you,” Jackie muttered, opening the .png file.The image was nothing but a white screen, with lines of black rectangles. But Jackie recognized the formatting immediately: blacked-out text. And by this point he knew to plug the image into the picture editor and play with sliders. Brightening it up revealed the writing that had been blacked out: a bunch of numbers that by now he recognized as hexadecimal code. He groaned; this was an image, which meant he had to type it into the translator by hand instead of copy-pasting. That’s going to take forever.

As he was typing the code into the online translator, Jackie noticed something odd. This particular code was just a lot of repeating 30s and 31s, with the occasional 20 thrown in. That was...weird. Did that mean it was really just a few characters? Jackie clicked translate, and then immediately understood. It was binary language; a bunch of ones and zeros. He sighed. Well, at least he could copy this one.

The binary turned out to be yet another url: yourfinalset.com. Jackie frowned. “That’s not ominous at all,” he muttered, plugging it into the browser.

A loading bar popped up, and a cheerful-sounding chiptune began to play. That got everyone’s attention. JJ and Marvin looked at Jackie oddly, while Chase leaned over to look at the screen. “What kind of puzzle is this?” he asked.

“I dunno,” Jackie said, shrugging. A moment later, and the screen had loaded up. Jackie blinked. “Apparently it’s not a puzzle. It’s a game.”

“Wait, what?” Marvin pushed his head into the space between the driver’s seat and passenger seat. JJ did the same, pushing his way into an empty spot. “Oh my god, you!”

“What?” Jackie looked at him peculiarly.

“You!” Marvin pointed at the computer screen.

“Wait, bro, I get it.” Chase pointed as well. “The little avatar, it’s you.”

Jackie looked at the screen again. It showed a pixelated room with stone walls and a squiggly design on the floor, connected to three more identical rooms that were only half-on the screen. There was a character in the center of the room wearing a red outfit with a blue mask and brown hair. Jackie gaped. “Oh, it is. Shit, how long has this guy been planning this? If he had time to make a full video game.” He moved the little avatar into the next room, revealing more of the screen. And then again, only to find a dead end. “Oh, not just a game. This is a maze game.”

Marvin inhaled sharply. “I hate these.”

“Yeah, they can be annoying,” Chase agreed. “My guess is you have to make it through while taking notes of the letters on the floor.”

“Letters?” Jackie moved back to the first room. “Oh, that is a W, isn’t it? Well, can someone write this down? Cause I’ll be too busy trying to find my way.”

If someone can give me a pen, I can, JJ signed.

“Here.” Chase grabbed a pencil off the dashboard and tossed it to him. “This person probably won’t mind if we use their pencil. I mean, we already stole their car, I don’t think they’ll be any more annoyed than they already are.”

My sentiments exactly, JJ agreed, grabbing a napkin from a compartment in the side of the car door next to him.

Ten minutes later, Jackie reached the end of the maze, signified by a small golden crown of pixels in the middle of the last room. The screen turned red, with black text: YOU WIN! Enter password for next level.

“Shit,” Jackie cursed. “I think this is where the letters come in. Jays?”

JJ passed the napkin to Jackie. There were a few crossed out rows of letters, but the final circled row was another url: 73707963616d657261.com. “Why is nothing simple with this guy?!” Jackie suddenly shouted, punching the ceiling of the car.

“Because he hates us,” Marvin stated. His tone was casual, but he’d suddenly gone very stiff, as if he just remembered being in a small, enclosed space filling with water.

Jackie took a deep breath. “You’re not wrong. Gotta keep going.” He checked the time real quick: 4:27. Then he opened a new tab and entered the url.

The new website was just a white square with a play button and a download button. Jackie hesitated, then clicked play. The white square revealed itself to be a video, as the camera panned up from where it had been pointing at the snowy ground. The camera panned across, showing it was filming the city streets. And then it zoomed in on a pair of people across the road. There was no sound of the city, just a weird, distorted noise overlayed.

“Oh my god,” Jackie whispered. Chase covered his mouth, eyes wide.

“That’s...that’s us...” Marvin muttered, looking at JJ, who was significantly paler than he had been a few seconds ago. The video showed Marvin and JJ walking along the city streets, signing with each other and occasionally stopping to look in shop windows. The person filming followed entirely silently, always at a distance. “That’s...that’s fucked up.”

“There’s snow,” Jackie muttered. “How...how old is this?”

“I remember this,” Marvin muttered. “Look, we’re gonna stop outside of Gimley’s now.” The video showed them doing exactly that. “This was when I was giving JJ a tour of the city, showing him how it’s changed since he was...you know.” Marvin took a deep breath. “That was December two years ago.”

“Fuck. Fuck this,” Jackie said, pausing the video. “Two years...fuck this guy.”

JJ looked away from the screen, disappearing into the back seat once more.

“What do we do with this?” Chase asked quietly.

Jackie took a deep breath. “Well...did you hear that weird audio? My guess is we’re gonna have to look at that closer.” He downloaded the video.

Running a spectrogram on the video’s audio revealed a hidden message in the sound: The letters JCHMJ. Jackie immediately switched back to the maze game and entered those as the password. The screen loaded, revealing another level of the maze, the pixelated stone walls a darker color.

“No letters on the floor this time, “ Jackie noted. “Let’s go.”

4:39am by the time the next maze level was complete. Once again, the YOU WIN! screen popped up, but this one was different. In addition to a space to enter a password, there was a message: Password is the timestamp, followed by a date and the YouTube logo.

“We need to find a YouTube video?” Jackie asked.

 “How are we supposed to know which video?! Do you know how many there are?!” Marvin cried.

“It’s 3:54,” Chase said all of a sudden.

Jackie and Marvin looked at him. “Chase?” Jackie asked. “How...do you know—”

“Trust me, I know,” Chase said. He was deliberately not looking at either of them. “It’s better than you guys looking for a video that’s not up anymore.”

Marvin looked confused, but Jackie’s eyes suddenly widened. He entered the timestamp into the space for the password, and the game instantly loaded up the next level. He looked over at Chase. “Hey...”

“Let’s just get through this next level, okay?” Chase cut him off.

Jackie stared at him a while longer, then nodded.

The last level had red stone walls, and took until 4:45 to complete. This time, the YOU WIN! screen didn’t have a space to enter a password, but instead a few lines of binary. Jackie sighed, then began typing the binary into the online translator by hand. Once translated, it turned out to be more hexadecimal code. Translating that once again let to an address: 25 Waverly Street.

“We only have an hour and a twenty minutes left,” Jackie said, rubbing his eyes.

“We could just...not go,” Marvin suggested. “What do we have left to lose if...no one else is...” He went silent.

“I don’t know,” Jackie said. “But I don’t want to find out. And honestly, at this point I wouldn’t be surprised if this guy had sniper rifles trained on us to take us out if we stop playing along.”

“Then we better get going,” Chase said, starting the car.

In a building in the center of the city, the gamemaster watched through cameras as a car pulled away from the curb and started speeding through city streets. He wasn’t about to lie; he was impressed. He honestly hadn’t been expecting Jackieboy to get this far.

But the question was if he would survive the final stage.

The gamemaster swiveled in his seat, turning his attention to another camera. He pressed a button activating an intercom. “Are you ready for the grand finale?” he asked. Though the intercom was two-way, there was no answer. He laughed to himself.

Just a quick test run of the crucial mechanisms, and then...the gamemaster glanced at the edge of his desk. A mask was dangling off the corner.

 The gamemaster smiled. This was turning out to be so much more satisfying than he ever could’ve guessed.