#not really my usual art but i thought i’d share anyway

[frayedcircus]

clown inspired kandi with a fish!! :D

[pepsiconcoction]

oh remembwr when changbin said when he angry all it takes is physical touch or any act of affection for him to turn into putty and how he said hannie instead of being th wfirat to apologise or something just waits with open arms and breaks down when the other person comes to him first WELL IMAGINE A FIC THAT INCORPORATES EITHER OF THESE WITH A LITTLE ANGST WITH HAPPY ENDING WITH READER🫢

thank u anon, i will also do the jisung one, so keep an eye out!

Lion Tamer | Seo Changbin x Reader

pairing: seo changbin x fem!reader

tags: angst, miscommunication? a little suggestive at the end, like one swear word, good ending dw, other member makes an appearance

requested: yes!

wc: 1,130

Changbin is known for his short temper, that’s just a fact. He’s easily antagonised, resulting in some hilarious, unexpected, or very occasionally scary outbursts. He is quick to jump up or shout, and hard to calm down. Not many people have mastered the art of lion taming, but you? You’ve somehow perfected it. It wasn’t a conscious thing you did, but it seems you have some unseen power over him.

Your power was discovered by chance in the JYP dance studio. You had been invited along by your wonderful boyfriend who clearly just wanted to show off, knowing this you agreed anyway. You’d be a hypocrite not to indulge him a little bit, right?

During a 5-minute water break, a conversation had started up about shoes. Particularly, platforms. Now, everyone knows that Stray Kids aren’t exactly the tallest, your boyfriend being the shortest of them all, so you could already feel him become tense from his place next to you on the leather sofa. 

“I don’t like them, they make me feel like my proportions are wrong,” Minho says from his place on the floor, flat on his back, limbs spread.

“I like them, our team needs them.” Felix contributes, resulting in a few laughs.

“Changbin maybe, I’d say the rest of us are fine.” Minho raises his head, smirking at Changbin.

“Hey! You’re not that much taller!”

“Yeah? Stand up.” Minho doesn’t move. Changbin takes the challenge, sputtering, and stands up. He goes to walk towards Minho who is still starfished, but you grab his hand.

“Sit down, Bin.” You chuckle. He stops in his tracks and plops down next to you immediately, holding your hand properly.

“Did you see that?” Hyunjin says, throwing his head back laughing.

“Yeah,” Jeongin speaks up. “Y/n has some serious powers.”

This results in some laughter around the room while Changbin looks at you, eyes creased with an open grin.

“How am I supposed to say no?” He chuckles, and takes your hand in both of his, squeezing it gently.

Your powers also work in more serious instances. Like the time Changbin thought you were cheating on him, accosting you the moment he got home from the studio.

“Y/n, you have some explaining to do,” he said, entering your shared living room where you had been sitting, peacefully reading.

“What?” you blinked up at him.

“Don’t play with me, I’m not stupid.”

“Bin, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Sure you don’t, of course, you don’t.” He rolls his eyes, crossing his arms. If you weren’t so confused, you’d be ogling his arms in the tight black t-shirt he’s wearing.

“I really don’t. Can you tell me what I’ve apparently done?” You put your phone down next to you on the sofa.

“You know, if you wanted to break up with me, you should’ve just said something.” That shocked you into closing your mouth. 

“If you wanted to see other people, I wouldn’t stop you. Well, I would, I’d definitely try but if you really wanted to break up I couldn’t stop you. I’d be pissed though because I love you so much and I thought our relationship was practically perfect. And we’re usually so good at communicating so I’m upset that you couldn’t just tell me what’s wrong, or what happened for you to have a change of heart. But seriously, a fucking soft launch on your insta? That’s just shitty.”

Soft launch? Insta? Oh.

You stand up, keeping a relaxed posture and facial expression.

“So are you going to leave? Because if you are, I want my hoodies back, especially the navy one, it’s my favourite one.” He’s slowly getting louder.

Honestly, he’s kind of cute when he’s ranting. You stifle a laugh, taking a step into his space.

“Oh, so you’re laughing at me now? Oh, yes! Let’s laugh at Changbin! Ha! Ha! Ha! So fun-” 

You cut him off by grabbing the sides of his face and pulling him in for a kiss. His mouth doesn’t really react but his hands do instinctively come to your sides. 

“Sorry, I had to get you to shut up.” You pull back, meeting a very emotionally conflicted Changbin.

“Bin. First of all, I’m not leaving you. Second of all, I didn’t soft launch. That was my cousin. He joined me and my aunt for lunch because he is in town at the minute. And lastly, you are so cute when you’re jealous.”

You get a front-row seat to the cogs turning in his head. You watch as his eyes widen and his face flushes a bright shade of red. You throw your head back laughing, still holding the sides of his head. The hands holding you have tightened their grip now, and he’s ducking his head down to hide in your neck.

“I am so sorry. I should be ashamed. Actually.” He cuts himself off and falls to his knees in front of you, arms unwrapping from around you to clasp them together as if he were praying.

“Please forgive me, I’m so sorry. A thousand times over. Hey, stop laughing, I’m trying to apologise. I should never have assumed anything,” he says. You catch your breath and look down at him, instantly bringing a hand to run through his hair. His hands return to you, pulling you into him, and he buries his face in your stomach, mumbling more apologies.

“Changbin, please, look at me.” You use your leverage on his hair to force him to look up. He looks up at you with big eyes.

“Get up.” You giggle. He immediately stands. 

“It’s okay, I can understand why you thought that, but you are also super dumb for even thinking that I’d do that in the first place. Why would I ever leave you?”

“I don’t know,” he mumbles, shrugging.

“Exactly, I have no intention to ever leave my wonderful, adorable, handsome-”

“Sexy.”

“Uh-huh, sexy, smart, kind, and sometimes jealous boyfriend.” You smile up at him, putting your hands on his shoulders. He ducks his head into your neck once more.

“I really am sorry, you know.” 

“I know you are.” 

You feel his arms tighten around you in a strong hug and the two of you stay there for a few seconds as he sways the two of you gently.

“Okay, grovelling over,” he says suddenly standing up straight, dazing you slightly. He suddenly grabs you, easily throwing you over his shoulder.

“What are you doing?” You nearly shout as he begins to move.

“Making it up to my wonderful, understanding, sexy girlfriend! Unless she has any complaints with the proposition?” he replies, and that’s when you realise you’re headed in the direction of the bedroom, and you throw your head back laughing again.

“No complaints here!”

taglist (lmk if u wanna be added!) : @lethallyprotected

[shineonyoucrazyyandere]

Hello, I hope you don't mind if I share a weird headcanon of mine 👉👈

I normally see people talking about Kakyoin make drawing about you but what if Jotaro does that too? The reason I have this headcanon because I remember the scene when Jotaro using Star Platinum drawing the fly he saw in the picture, and he draw it so well. It makes me think that maybe Jotaro has talent in art too. Jotaro's style will be realistic style while Kakyoin will be more like cartoon/anime style.

Imagine their sketchbook filling with so many drawing of you 💕 Jotaro will watching you from afar, sketching you with your cute smile, your beautiful eyes, he captured it all. For Kakyoin, I think he will even make up characters (oc) that look like you and him and ship them together lol (this headcanon inspried by my friend, she actually do that with her crush).

Thank you for reading my ramble, glad to talk with you :D I would love to hear your thoughts about my weird headcanon

P/s: Love you writing so muchhhh 💝

This is fun stuff, I could eat it up all day. Thanks for sending it in, so I can blabber my mouth about it

This always internally bugged me so I’m very thrilled that someone brought up how well Star Platinum drew that fly. I suppose it’s kind of easy to gloss over for a lot of people compared to Kakyoin’s scene of painting on that canvas. (Then again that fly was kind of important to identify to figure out where Dio was so then again it’s “???” for an explanation)

Anywho, I’d say signs point to Jotaro being able to draw, and I think it’s a hobby he prefers keeping to himself. Like you said of him having a sketchbook, almost no one sees what he draws in it and he doesn’t want anyone else to see it especially if it’s various sketches of you. So more than likely when he does do so, he’s somewhere where he won’t be pestered by school girls, or whatever punk tries to start a fight with him.

I’d also like to think he goes back and lingers on prior stuff, just staring at it for a little while. This applies usually when you’re out of school sick (which he’ll probably stop by later anyway with or without your knowledge). But there’s something comforting about seeing every piece of your visage in his sketchbook. Literally no one else knows about this sketchbook aside from maybe Kakyoin (Holly has her suspicions he takes a sketchbook around but she smiles not pestering her son on his hobbies as she thinks it’s adorable).

For the most part art wise I think Jotaro sticks to traditional art, maybe a dabble of charcoal but he prefers pencils. Maybe watercolor if he ever went beyond, but traditional with pencil/pen is the easiest way for him to pull something out at his leisure. Would he let you see? Maybe eventually when he gets you where he wants you, or if the cat is out of the bag early and you see it and you’re not quite with him yet. Let’s just say seeing that may speed up him taking you.

Kakyoin I could definitely see diving into the oc type of thing, he’d certainly reference an artstyle of a manga you like. (Don’t ask how he figured that out so quickly). Though he definitely loves putting some passion into his artwork and occasionally shamelessly make sultry artwork of you and himself. He loves painting the most as he spreads colors, mixing them into the wondrous hues that is your skin tone. Or splashing watercolors in a notebook, that looks something out of a fairytale. Soft and warm lighting….oops he’s getting a tad bit excited.

He definitely presents pieces that are obviously meant to be stand ins for the two of you. That no one else would ever be wiser too, yeah you might have this odd feeling something’s not quite right, but there’s nothing there you could really prove other than observe just how pretty the composition is. If you compliment it, that just fuels this man’s desire further.

Biggest takeaway here is Jotaro and Kakyoin very blatantly have their own styles whether sticking with black/white/grey, or full on color. Both would be pretty in their own right, and their style choices speak of their personalities without saying a single word.

[papayatori]

Don’t Blink! (P3)

LN4 x fém!reader

No warnings

I’m not sure how long I’m going to carry on this series, I guess it depends on how well it does. I’ve got nothing but positives so far, so I hope it stays that way. I also take requests! Feel free to leave me some! (This one is kind of shorter, I’m sorry. Longer one next time!)

My alarm interrupted my peaceful sleeping. I was beyond pissed and could have thrown it across the room had it not simply been doing its God-forsaken job. I decided that, at the ungodly hour of 7am on a Saturday, that I would get up and make breakfast like normal human beings usually do.

How incredibly jealous I was of said human beings.

In about thirty minutes, I had started things in the kitchen. I had my morning cup of Chai and was ready to take on the world; and by the world, I meant the frying pan.

Pancakes were a delicacy that could not be coveted, an art that took decades to master. Pancakes with bacon were even better. Not to mention, keeping my apartment from burning down as an added plus. With that said, I gave all of my attention to the stovetop.

After a long battle with the floury pancake mix and attempting to turn it into a batter(there was now a huge mess to clean up later, yet another reason I have yet to master the art of pancake making), I had finally managed to have a breakfast fit for a king.

Or better yet, a breakfast fit for me.

I had decided to leave the mess to clean up later, I was hungry and it could wait. Though, I was proud of myself and couldn’t help but snap a picture of my breakfast and post it on Twitter.

I ate in a comfortable and relaxing silence. I had earned this after yesterday. Though, I hadn’t really stumbled upon last nights memories until now. Lando and I had texted for a while after I had gone to bed, him insisting that I never answered his ‘question’. At first I was really sure what he meant, but then I had come to the realization that he was asking when our next date was.

Silly me.

I would be lying if the thought of our time yesterday hadn’t sent me into a mess of smiles and butterflies every time I thought of it. Sure, I had always found Lando attractive, but never had I thought anything more than that. Why would I? I hadn’t met him until yesterday.

I’m starting to believe I might be going insane, and I will be blaming Lando for legal purposes.

Ding!

Startled, I looked down at my phone. I usually didn’t get many replies on Twitter, this was new.

And you didn’t invite me? I thought we were friends 💔

At first I was confused as hell, and then I read the name of the person who had replied.

Lando Norris

I shook my head with a small smile spreading across my lips. I wasn’t sure how he managed to find my social media, or why for that matter, but I suppose it wouldn’t have been too hard. I decided to reply anyway.

Maybe next time Mr. Norris

…

…

…

My laptop open, camera plugged in, I knew for a fact that these were going to be the easiest photos I’d ever edited. I plopped myself back down on my couch, satisfied with my breakfast and cleanup afterwards, one hindered percent determined to be productive today.

Woo hoo!

Okay, maybe that was a bit of sarcasm. Though, i wasn’t lying about these photos being easy to edit. The hard part, however, would be keeping my eyes off of Lando’s face for long enough to edit his photos.

Who knew such a thing could be so insanely difficult.

It was honestly frustrating trying to keep my mind away from him. I’ve dated my fair share of men, and I don’t think I’ve ever had this much trouble keeping my thoughts in check. This also begs the question, what exactly were we now? I’m not sure if our date had any romantic implications in the first place. He could have just been being friendly. I would be a fool to mention it.

A knock on the door pulled me completely out of my rambling thoughts, and a part of me was thankful. I got up to open it, curious as who the hell could be knock in on my door at 9am.

The door revealed the most beautiful pair of blue-green eyes I had ever seen.

“I brought you things!” Lando said excitedly, not waiting on me to let him in a pushing past me to the table in my kitchen.

“Good morning to you too, Lando.” I chuckled, following closely after him.

“So, first things first. I’m mad at you.” Lando pushed his bottom lip out, giving me a pout I couldn’t help but giggle at.

“And why would that be, Mr. Norris?” He glared at me.

“You know exactly why I’m mad at you.” He clicked his tongue. “Fortunately for you, that isn’t why I am here.” I tilted my head, urging him to continue.

Lando pulled some bits of paper out of the sack I hadn’t realized he was holding. His eyes were too much of a distraction for me to even notice. He smiled then, holding my gaze for a little longer than I had anticipated before finally breaking the silence once more.

“Sign these.” He slid the papers towards me.

“What am I signing exactly?” I asked. As he handed me the pen, our fingertips touched for a moment, sending electricity through my body. My face heated up and I reverted my eyes back down to the paper to keep from falling into his.

“It’s a contract. I worked my magic with Zak, you’re welcome, and he’s written up an official agreement for you to work for McLaren.”

“You’re lying.” I gasped, reading through the paper that said just about the exact same thing Lando had just described to me. “I thought you were joking.”

“I wouldn’t get your hopes up like that, not even after you had pancakes without me.” I rolled my eyes at his smirking figure. I ignored his comment.

“I just can’t believe it’s actually happening. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted something like this.” This time I looked up at Lando with the biggest, genuine smile he’s ever seen me wear, and instead of smirking, he actually gave me a genuine smile back.

“I’m sure you can believe this then.” He reached further down into the back, balling it up afterwards. “Paddock pass for Bahrain. You won’t need to worry about the flight or the hotel situation, you’re going to be staying in the same one as Oscar and myself. I think Zak will probably also be there this time around seeing as it’s the first race of the season.”

Before I could really think about what I was doing, my arms were wrapped around him in a tight embrace. He was quite taller than me, leaving my face buried into his chest. His muscles were tense, slowly easing as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

“Thank you, Lando.” I mumbled, my voice muffled from his chest.

“Anything for you, darling.”

Coming to my senses, I pulled away a bit quicker than I would have liked.

“Fuck, I’m sorry-“

Lando was laughing at me now, probably seeing how red my face was.

“I got a bit excited.” I continued to try and explain myself without sounding like a fan.

Well, I was a fan, but that was beside the point.

“Just don’t get so excited that you forget to sign those papers, Miss y/ln.” I looked down at them to find that he was right, I really had forgotten to sign the papers.

His hand squeezed my shoulder as I was writing, causing me to hesitate slightly before continuing. His touch sent waves of heat through me, heat that I could explain but most definitely couldn’t deny either.

I looked up at him when I finished, praying my face wouldn’t give away the things his touch did to me. He smiled sweetly.

“I can’t wait for next week.” He said, as if he were the one who had just signed contract papers with McLaren as their primary photographer.

“Neither can I.”

…

…

…

“This picture? Really?” Lando gave me a look as we pulled my laptop away from me on the couch. I should’ve learned my lesson last time he took something from me, but apparently I had not.

“I like that one! It brings out your eyes.” I stated proudly. He smirked.

“You like my eyes, do you?” I paused, not expecting for that sort of question after the moments we had spent in the kitchen.

“Maybe, maybe not; but one thing is for certain, and that is that the LN4 Twitter fan girls are infatuated with them, and that’s all I need for my entire career to blow up.”

Who was I trying to fool, myself? Lando sent me a knowing look.

“Staring contest, go!” I was completely caught off guard by this, not prepared in the slightest.

His eyes bore into my own, blinding me without any light whatsoever. They were full of so many emotions that I couldn’t place, though the joy behind his iris’s couldn’t be contained. I almost smiled at the thought that maybe I was the reason behind the joy he was feeling.

Don’t blink

I lost myself in his eyes, in my thoughts, perfectly content to stare into him for the rest of our time together. I hadn’t realized that that we had slowly drifted towards each other, my mouth parted slightly in instinctive anticipation. Was this really happening?

Then he stuck is tongue out at me.

I blinked in confusion at first, laughing at his action before realizing I had lost the staring contest.

“Oh fuck off!” I laughed, throwing on of the couch pillows at him.

“You’re just mad because I’m right!” He laughed along with me, seeing the dawning look of realization grow on my face.

The only reason we had a staring contest was just for him to prove the fact that I liked his eyes. This bastard knew what he was doing. Honestly, I was starting to like that.

Or maybe I was just starting to like him.

…

…

…

The late afternoon had rolled around after spending the entire day joking around with Lando.

So much for being productive.

I led him to the door on his way out. I’m not really sure why I didn’t want him to leave; but, his presence sure beat the hell out of being lonely and editing his photos all day.

“Thanks for today, I had a lot of fun.” I said, giving him a small smile as a thanks. He chuckled.

“So did I, other than the part where I didn’t get pancakes.” I rolled my eyes before an idea popped into my head.

“If you won’t hold this over my head anymore, maybe you could come over for breakfast tomorrow morning?” Proud of myself, I gave him a wink. He blanked, surprised I even offered.

“Sure! As long as I can consider it our second date.”

“A deals a deal.” I offered him my hand. He shook it with a triumphant smile, bringing my hand to his lips before gently kissing the back of it.

“I suppose I’ll see you in the morning then, darling.”

And with that, he was gone and the door had shut behind him. The only thing he left behind was the faint scent of his cologne.

[divineatrophy]

Do you have Armand/Daniel fic recs to share? I’d love to hear about your favourite fics!!

omg this question made me realize I've been reading way less than I thought I was, and also I need to start actually using bookmarks because my memory is not it. I wish I had some more avant garde underground picks so forgive me if you've read these before!!

and then what? by andrealyn - maybe?? the first dm fic I read and really stuck in my brain like a little seed, I love memory altering stuff (also were the flowers orange? because hanahaki disease is my trope guilty pleasure and two truths and a liar because daniel's professional life is my other guilty pleasure)

the spiral is unspooling by reedroad - THEEE fic. to me. I'm behind a chapter because they're long but I love the narrative structure of the video tapes and daniel's relationship with his own memories, usually I don't read fics 100k+ words but really well paced. also love seeing dad daniel. dadniel.

the portrait of an angel drawn from memory by e_va - after s2 daniel turning, only one chapter so far but fun character exploration of the dynamics of the decision to turn daniel. very fun art imagery through-line re: armand. and a WEIRD DREAM which I of course am rendered helpless by

care and keeping by katplanet - not what I normally read just because I normally don't seek out explicit stuff but I feel like I saw it rec'd a lot. really good dialogue and character work. I keep thinking of it as just kinda of comfortable? fun to watch them figure stuff out in a character-focused way outside of anything supper plotty or world-ending

perfect victims by argestas - also not what I normally read and also also not what you asked for BUT I love louis here and I never talk about him enough so I'm throwing it out there anyway. as a member of tomshiv nation I can't help but love a complicated marriage where people make themselves unhappy. also armand is gaslighty and annoying in a really understated way that's very funny

that's all I've got for now but always happy to hear recs too!! I tend to read less when I'm writing a lot because idk I guess I'm doing that instead but I know there's some really good stuff out there

[sallowsdiary]

Now, I’m not one to brag—okay, maybe a little—but my extensive knowledge of the library's many secret nooks is unrivaled. Plus, I am taller than most fifth years, which obviously made me the perfect candidate for this high-stakes retrieval.

Anyway, she wandered over to the bookshelves and craned her neck at the topmost shelf, where all the really good books are stashed away. Typical. She's like 5'2" on a good day, so there's no way she's reaching that shelf without a broomstick or some serious stretching spells. Naturally, being the kind-hearted man that I am, I thought I'd help her out.

"Could you reach that book for me?" she asked, pointing to a tome that was so high up it was practically in another zip code.

"Of course," I replied smoothly. "Anything for a fellow student." I didn't mention the part where I might have also been trying to impress her with my impeccable hair and ability to reach tall things.

So, I did what anyone with a pragmatic streak would do: I cast a simple Levitation Charm. The book floated gently down into her hands. She looked at me, surprised, and before she could say a word, I’m already grabbing the book. It was a hefty tome titled “Advanced Dark Arts for Beginners”—very reassuring, right? I’m sure it’s just a friendly primer on turning your homework into a toad.

Anyway, she smiled—a real smile, like she'd just found out house points were being given out for noticing my freckles. I felt a rare flicker of something warm inside, right in the spot where my ambition usually lives. Maybe it was pride, or maybe it was the knowledge that I could now casually mention this heroic deed in passing. Probably both.

She thanked me, and we shared a brief, awkward moment where I might have winked. Or I might have had something in my eye. The details are hazy. I think she called me a "gentleman." The joke's on her; we both know I was up to no good. But hey, it felt nice to be the hero for once, even if it was for something as mundane as reaching a book. But as she walked away, I felt quite accomplished. Not only had I helped someone, but I’d also managed to do it without breaking a sweat. Classic Sallow efficiency.

I think I’ve earned a spot in the unofficial "Guys Who Aren't So Bad" club. Or at least until the next time she needs a book from the bottom shelf. Ah, the sacrifices one makes for chivalry.

P.S. I think I deserve a chocolate frog for this. Preferably one with a Salazar card. It’s all about house pride, after all.

—S.S.

[cffeine]

https://www.tumblr.com/cffeine/752243335270449152/reblog-if-you-want-one-of-these-in-your-ask-box?source=share

—

When I was younger I found it hard to accept compliments, especially when I hadn’t done anything special. I would stare at them confused and say “oh, thank you I guess? I don’t know what I did” because I really didn’t. I was built under the notion that you have to do something to be acknowledged. At the same time I’d compliment others without thinking, left and right, usually for their own achievements. Like “oh your art is so good” or “I love your writing style”. And this made perfect sense to me, and sometimes I complimented looks too because that’s a social norm. But at some point I came to a friend who was like me- wouldn’t take anything but would always try to give. Quick disclaimer that this isn’t a “love yourself to love others” story. But when I asked them why they wouldn’t take compliments, they said what I thought all those years ago “there’s too many, I haven’t done anything special to deserve them”. Both of us have some room to improve and there’s no fairytale ending where our self esteem sky rocketed because we were like?? Teenagers at the time? Have you ever met a teenager with genuinely high self esteem? But we’re better, and we’ll get better. And in the name of all the compliments I’ve given, I want to give you one too. Whether you feel like it’s genuine or not (it is). Your writing is captivating and all of your stories draw me in every time. Your sense of humor is pretty great too. I believe in a wonderful future ahead of you, or a future that will improve. And I hope that if you, like me, can’t find it in yourself to genuinely believe the compliments you get, that at least others will give you some anyway. So when you finally can take them in, you’ll have an endless supply of support. <3 Stay safe and take care okay? The world would be emptier without you

why are you on anon i feel like i should know who's trying to make me cry. actually though, thank you so much :( the urge to just keyboard spam here is insane but i don't feel like doing so will properly convey the way i've read this three times without blinking. this is so randomly poetic and i need desperately for someone good at it to make like. blackout poetry of your whole message. i spent ages debating over whether or not i should just keep this in my drafts because a part of me wants to keep this to myself but i'd feel bad not even giving a response to such a sweet message. i'm genuinely going insane over this :( <33

[the-modern-typewriter]

Hello!!! I’m reading The God Key right now, I’m about half way through and I’m really loving it!!! I wanted to thank you for sharing your art with the world and also ask a question about it. While reading it I’ve been so surprised by Gabriel’s character, he is the most clear 1w9 I’ve ever seen in media (to me) and he’s a very disintegrated version of one too. Usually people do not treat characters who are so focused on goodness like this at all. I am so happy to see this kind of character. In my experience there is never this much poured from the writer that makes them be disintegrated while still holding on to the things they care about and idk it’s really really cool to me to see. His mental health and his fixations on moral goodness while drifting away from his own values and his belief in all these contradictory things is amazing. There was so much thought out into all of this and his mind and I’m so so impressed by it all. My question is I guess if you’re familiar with enneagram and if that played a part in your writing? I’d also be really curious about the rest of the cast’s types. Thank you so much for your art and for your time and energy, I really appreciate it!!

Glad you're enjoying it! And Gabriel!

(The God Key is my novel)

I'm vaguely familiar with personality tests and types in general, but it isn't something I focused on while developing the characters. (I had to look up what 1W9 was because I knew there were types, but not the subdivisions!)

That said, I did put a lot of thought into the characters and their stances to the key conflicts in the book, so I'm glad it's appreciated! :D

I started with Gabriel because he was the clearest in my head from the start, with Isaac as a close second because I have a habit of character-creating in pairs. You'll possibly have noticed they directly mirror each other's attitudes a lot.

As a brief example:

Gabriel is a very certain person and believes in objective morality, which he believes means we absolutely must help people and do good whenever we can. Isaac is a very uncertain person and believes in subjective morality, so how the hell do we decide what's right enough to try and force our values on everyone else?

I was very interested in The God Key in exploring the way having super-powers might utterly break you as a person, especially side by side with a lot of our tropes of 'one person can save the world!' Like, what would it look like if you actually believed that about yourself? What would it look like if you knew you could, but fundamentally didn't think you had the right to?

Dahlia might be the most well-adjusted of the lot? Idk.

Anyway. I'm not sure I know enough about enneagram types to correctly evaluate them, so I would absolutely love to hear everyone's opinions!

[oblivious-melodies]

I can’t believe I’m only just finding your IF now! Especially since there are 5 chapters out, which I’ve just binged in one go. This is completely up my alley with the historical-inspired fantasy genre & a genderlocked female MC. Your writing flows beautifully and is perfectly suited for the time period, it made me feel immersed in the setting.

I think my fave aspect is having two MCs with alternating POVs, which not many IFs do. I wasn’t sure I’d like it since I usually only play IFs as a female MC, but Ambrose is likeable and I really feel for him due to everything he’s been through (the flashback with Felix :( ). Although maybe I’m biased because I still like Artemisia a bit more. Her perspective as someone starting out on the “wrong side of history” and a bit more entrenched in the societal conditioning she was brought up with is interesting and I’m excited to see her character arc develop.

I really like the sibling dynamic, especially how differently they think of each other, their family, home, and their persectives on the same topics/situations. You can feel how their life experiences affect this, with Art being more sheltered due to gender roles, whilst Ambrose got to go off to university, meet different types of people, and travel to multiple countries - something i’m sure Art was jealous of, especially one that focuses on learning. It’s just funny that Ambrose thoughts allude to casual premartial sex, but Art takes a hit to her reputation just for going to a childhood friend’s house without a chaperone.

Also I’m not sure if i’m reading this correctly, but it felt like Art thought of Ambrose and their childhood more fondly than vice versa. I’m guessing it’s because she’s younger and her world is still relatively small, it seems like she never met a kindred spirit like Ambrose had in Felix, so comparatively he was a bigger part of her world than she was of his. Seeing the siblings reunite is what I’m most looking forward to, although I’m sure it will be a while off yet.

I really liked the other characters too, Ambrose/Jacob was unexpected but sweet, and Hyder is growing on me 👀 (although I’m worried about how fervent he is about the cause 😭). I’m not sure what the real world equivalent would be for Hyder’s background, but as someone who’s British (South) Asian I thought his character was well done and makes sense (although I may be reading stuff into his characterisation that isn’t there lol). I’m interested how the themes of class, gender, race, colonialism, etc. will continue to be tackled because it’s been done well here in a way that interests me more than most IFs.

I saw you wanted feedback as well, so the main thing I’d say is that it’d be nice to have more choices at times. Even though the MCs are set characters sometimes I wished to have a bit more input. Also is there any way to add saves within each chapter? Anyway sorry this ask is ridiculously long, I can’t wait to see how ch6 goes! <3

Hello!! thank you so much for your lovely thoughtful message - I read it last night and wanted time to properly address all of your comments, it was such a joy to find it in my inbox!

I'm really glad you're enjoying the dual characters - the scope of the game is very wide, and it's more a portrait of a society and a country than it is a single person. But then, it would also be impossible to show that in all of its variety through the eyes of just one individual, due to the trappings of gender, class, and race. Though they are still family, and share an ethnic background and social class, Ambrose and Artemisia's experiences and opinions are profoundly shaped by their gendered upbringings - I'm really happy that that fact shines through in the narration. Though Artemisia is frustrated by her misogynistic society, she's also not immune to contributing to those forces, too. Likewise, Ambrose is also designed to somewhat express how damaging the binarism of gender in this society is to its citizens. They definitely also perceive their family and childhood very differently - you might wonder how trustworthy those recollections are...

I'm particularly happy to know how well Hyder has been received - he's probably my favourite character in the game. And you're right - Hyder does draw inspiration from real-life histories of Anglo-Indian encounters. There's a painting, specifically one from I think 1807, of a biracial family in India with a child, which I think specifically sparked the idea for his character (though he isn't designed to be from one singular real-world nation)! In writing about empire and race, I'm aware I'm necessarily dealing with a large white hegemony - but I also wanted to show that Regency society was not without its diverse aspects, and that should be more of a feature as the narrative progresses. I'm not a person of colour myself, so to hear that you've found something meaningful and resonant about his character is really good to hear - I want to make sure my depiction is respectful, but also nuanced and memorable at the same time!

I'm a researcher of this period, and so overall it's really nice to hear that my writing has that sense of authenticity! I think I was really frustrated at how much Regency romance has been depoliticised and idealised, especially when in academia there's so much focus currently on addressing how even the most innocuous aspects of the period were connected to larger systems of empire, class, and industry - even romance itself, because marital and romantic choices were themselves fraught with huge social and economic repercussions.

It's really helpful to hear constructive critiques as well! A few of my friends helping me with playtesting have talked about the possibility of including more choices and I think that's a very fair criticism. It's particularly an issue with Ambrose's chapters so far, he's a lot more railroaded than his sister (mainly as he's having to exist in seclusion rather than having access to her same social and physical mobility). That will change soon, however... and yes, I'd really like to be able to implement a save function! Apologies for limitations like these - I am relatively very new to Twine and my knowledge does have its boundaries. I'll look into it as a possibility - I'm aware it would make playthroughs that much easier for readers! Thank you so much again, this message really made my day! :)

[unsightedjoker]

Spider-man: ATSV NSR AU

Ok, I usually don’t post stuff and only reblog and like stuff but since i just watched Spider-man ATSV and I really liked it that it hasn’t left my mind and won’t leave it any time soon I’m still so hyped I feel like sharing this. I was on my way home when I started to listen to the NSR soundtrack and the inevitable happened just remembering the premise for the game and what happens in the movie I started connecting thoughts and this entire AU happened.

My writing isn’t the best to make a fanfic that does justice to my ideas at the moment and hell if I can’t write I have even worse at drawing so making fanart for this is also out of the picture.

For anyone who doesn’t know NSR (No Straight Roads) it’s an indie game from 2020 that’s very underrated from what I’ve seen. The plot is very simple a Rock duo Mayday (a guitarist) and Zuke (a drummer) enter a competition made to scout for new talents that want to join NSR, a company that besides functioning as a music company works as the main energy supplier for the city by using a Mcguffin that transforms music into energy. Anyways NSR turns out to be a group of EDM artists that have complete control over the city and never allow any other genres to join especially not rock, so after getting rejected and suffering a city wide power outage (which NSR is completely inmune from) our rock duo decides to start a revolution to bring back Rock and take down NSR by hijacking their concerts. If you have not played it take this as a recommendation the art style, gameplay and music are reaaaally good (worth mentioning the music for each boss is dynamic it starts as EDM but as you start having the upper hand the music turns into a rock version of the same song).

The premise for the game and having Gwen and Hobie right there in the movie made this AU inevitable in my mind so I’m sharing it here.

So the characters I’ll be using changing for the AU will be the two main protagonists and the 6 main bosses of the game.

First off the protagonists

Because it’s a guitarist and drummer Gwen and Hobie take Mayday and Zuke’s place that one seems a bit obvious to me. It can also be Gwen and Miles but I ended up choosing Gwen and Hobie. However instead of starting their movement after being rejected by NSR they’re fully into their revolution agenda and hijacking the EDM concerts

DJSS

The first boss is Dj Subatomic Supernova and honestly that one was also an easy pick as he directly fits with Spot, especially because of his last phase in his fight where his face breaks and it looks like a black hole ejecting black matter or whatever. They’re both also so self-centered and silly.

SAYU

Sayu is the second boss and consists of a virtual idol (like Hatsune Miku) made as a project by four adolescents so for the au she could be made by peni parker and the virtual reality spiderwoman (i can’t remember her name :’) ) but idk who else could be put as one of Sayu’s creators in this AU.

YINU

Yinu is a child pianist prodigy so for her I’d go with Mayday Parker, since Yinu also gets help from her mother during the fight I guess Mary Jane helps her or maybe Peter B. idk? It’s just that Yinu’s dad in the game is dead and that’s also one of the reasons she plays her piano because her dad taught her. Yinu’s character is supposed to represent the lack of control child prodigies have in their lives because their parents or guardians are in charge of making all the decisions during their youth so I imagine Hobie would spend a bunch of this confrontation telling her to go wild and start doing whatever she wants to do while Gwen would tell Peter or Mary Jane to pay more attention to Mayday and be a better single parent, culminating in the piano solo at the end of Yinu’s boss fight

1010

So this one’s a bit weird but hear me out. 1010 consists of a boy band made up by 5 robots that are almost identical with the exception of their color and hairstyle so in this case it’s five alternate versions of Miles Morales robots as a boyband while the original Miles (the one that isn’t a robot) is Neon J (the creator of 1010) in this AU. I ended up choosing Miles for this one because despite how much Mayday says she despises them she has a crush on 1010 and while Gwen and Miles wouldn’t really act like Mayday and 1010 respectively I still chose this because of that.

In a similar way Gwen has a crush on 1010Miles but she isn’t entirely into it because the Miles robots have an artificial vibe to them like prefabricated charm and personalities, they can fool a lot of people but not everyone. Once one breaks and the real Miles comes out to replace it they start focusing on him, Gwen and Miles throughout the fight start to realize they like each other mean while Hobie goesout of his way to show how he’s in the wrong as he should question the stuff they do and shouldn’t be following NSR, by the end when they defeat Miles he ends up accepting it and actually rooting for them to beat the remaining members.

I’m using an action figure as a substitute for robots lol

EvE

This one I reserved for my favorites Nadia (EvE) and Pavitr. Eve happens to be an eccentric artist and Diva that is the second in command because of her skill. There’s a couple of reasons I chose to have Pavitr in Eve’s place:

First, during the briefing before her fight it’s stated that the “instrument” she uses to make her music is her body and mind in contrast to all the previous artists which have actual specific instruments (from sinthesizers to a piano) which doesn’t explain much until you get to her fight and see her dance, she dances (and probably uses a bit of magic as well or something) to make her music. If I’m gonna give the ability to make music through the movement of their body to anyone it’s gonna be Pavitr.

Second, during her phases Eve shows she can warp the space around her in what she refers as the Diva’s realm and from what I remember the part of diva’s realm is supposed to be a reference to Deva’s realm and Devas are deities from hinduism if I’m not mistaken, so there’s also that.

Last but not least I like a bit of angst. In the game its shown Zuke and Eve used to have a good relationship as they were a duo and know each other closely to the point Zuke knows what’s going on in her mind while many don’t, however after a certain incident they disbanded. Similarly in this AU they used to be a duo until they received an invitation to join NSR, Pavitr wanted to share his music and art and be in contact with everyone in their community so he accepted, this however was a deal breaker for Hobie so they disbanded. Once he got his position Pavitr could share his music however after being put in a pedestal he no longer could keep in touch with his community as much when he wanted leaving him feeling isolated and only focuses on his craft now as a way to cope. Their fight besides being about taking him down would have the purpose of mending Hobie and Pavitr’s relationship.

TATIANA

This one was also very obvious Miguel takes Tatiana’s place. To begin they’re the respective leaders of their antagonistic faction but also majorly because the entire story of NSR and ATSV happens because both of them had a very specific personal problem and instead of dealing with it by themselves or getting help to solve it they decided to make it everyone else’s problem and never even try to recognize that maybe they’re wrong.

And that’s it that’s all I have in my mind

[brinaanana]

I just discovered your art and it’s so beautiful!! Have you thought about sharing a process video or brush details sometime? I also use procreate and your painting work is so lovely, it’s soothing to the eyes, I’d love to learn more about it 💕

Hi!

I'm really happy you like my work so much! Tbh, I've always wanted to share my drawing process, but never ended up doing it. Thanks to your ask, I'm finally motivated to write one!

I will go over my process / brushes / and other extra things of this particular drawing... under the cut!

I will go over my process / brushes / and other extra things of this particular drawing... under the cut!

Starting out:

The most decisive part of drawing (in my opinion, anyways) is the initial sketch. I usually find myself drawing multiple preliminary sketches before going to coloring, hence why the video below is cropped in the beginning. There are so many things running through my mind as I sketch - should she look at the viewer? Should I make her cross her arms? How should how clothes flow? That sort of thing.

The most frustrating thing in art is definitely having an idea, but being unable to carry it out due the skill set not matching up. For example, most of my drawings have the characters standing there like 🧍‍♂️ I wish I can do something much cooler like having Kaine pointing her blade at Nier but I lack the skill to draw poses like that. Better yet, I want to be able to draw from different angles. One day... I swear!!

Coloring:

There's no lineart section because I barely have patience to do so loll. Back before uni started, I had enough time to go line my drawings on CSP using my tablet back home. Nowadays, I'm just drawing on my ipad whenever I can. My art style changed a lot due to this new adjustment, which is pretty funny because it's been only one semester so far.

The brushes I usually use are the following, I don't usually use anything else other than these, unless I am working with metals. I use the "glass" brush in pretty much everythingggg, from sketching to cleaning up. Lmk if anyone wants to try the brush. The edge brush is by JenClaessen , which I love to do to shade skin. The last tool I use is the ordinary airbrush. My favorite thing adding soft lighting using it!

I like to do this thing where I use the glass brush at low opacity to add a complementary color (yellow in this case) in the area where the base and shade meet (1)! Another thing I do it adding a brighter, saturated color towards the end of a round surface. This is adds shape to the 2d drawing, since there is light creeping from behind her (2).

Because my art style is highly stylized, the lighting in my pieces seem to hit harsher than reality. I make the shading where it meets the base color the darkest, and the shading gets lighter as it gets farther away, or vice versa (3). In other words, the shading near her nose is darker than the other areas on her face.

I would usually lower the opacity of the lines and change their color appropriately, to give the drawing a softer feel. Coloring is basically also my cleanup stage too. As I color, I will erase the lines and make the colors show the way instead. I would also like to note that I utilize the airbrush in skin to show texture of it, while the use the glass brush to do the intricate details in the hair/clothes.

Editing:

For editing, I usually start by copying/pasting my whole drawing then tone curving immediately. Tone curving is basically adjusting the lights and darks by manipulating this line. The line towards the right changes the lights, vice versa for the darks. I don't remember the exact configurations for this drawing, but it should be akin to this:

After tone curving, I like to slap on a gradient map for more interesting effects! Similarly to the tone curve, the colors towards the right highlight the lighter colors, and vice versa. Below are the colors I chose for this drawing. Tbh, I can't really explain why I chose these colors specifically - I think the best results would come from going with your guts and trying to use colors to match the vibes.

Honestly, with procreate's features, you can't really go wrong. Sometimes, I'd tone curve a drawing multiple. Other times I would add two gradient maps that contain different colors together, with different layer effects. The noise filter is super charming when applied subtly to the shades. The chromatic aberration makes lazy doodles polished.

-

Here is the process video. I draw multiple things in a single canvas, so I cut those bits out.

-

[kptssecretsanta]

Merry Christmas, @dr-lemurr!

Dr-lemurr, it was a pleasure to write this for you. All your prompts were delightful and it was super hard to pick! I hope you have a wonderful festive season, and a wonderful 2024.

TAGS: BigTae, corset, skirt, unrequited feelings, getting together, frotting, blink and you’ll miss it but it is there, handjobs, happy ending, both kinds I guess

*****

Heartbreak In A Short Skirt

“Ah, Big, there you are! Tae needs your body,” Tankhun cried. Big, who had only just opened the door to his rooms, froze just inside the doorway and stared at Khun Nu in disbelief. He had, for a long time now, dreamed that one day he might be lucky enough to hear something similar, but in his secret daydreams, Tankhun was never there.

“Oh my god,” Tae muttered in English. Big tried not to show how much he liked the sound of the phrase, the way Tae’s voice curled around the words before letting them go. “Khun, that is not what I said!”

Tae rose gracefully from the couch and crossed to stand in front of Big, who tried to keep his face respectfully neutral even while he longed to breathe deeply and lose himself in the heady scent of Tae’s perfume.

“I’m sorry about him,” Tae said, rolling his eyes in Tankhun’s direction before smiling at Big as if they were sharing a secret. As if they were the sort of friends who could share a secret. “What he meant to say was - do you remember last month, you came with Kinn and I to that art gallery?”

“Of course, Khun Tae,” Big replied politely. He wouldn’t have phrased it that way - he’d been working that evening, not accompanying them like a friend or guest, but he did remember the gallery. The exhibition hadn’t been to his taste, but he’d enjoyed the evening anyway. 

Big always did, when Tae was there.

“Well, I was showing a friend some of the photos I took that night, and they saw you in them - just, you know, hanging around the artworks, it wasn’t - I didn’t take pictures of you - anyway, the thing is, they’re a fashion designer and they’ve got a launch coming up, and they - well, we - thought you would be the most perfect model for their new line.”

“I see,” Big said carefully. He shot Tankhun a look over the top of Tae’s head, in case he had an Opinion(™) about that, but he just looked bored.

“I said I’d ask you, anyway, and of course you can say no if you don’t want to, only you’d be saving their skin if you said yes.” Tae paused and looked up at him; he looked happier than Big had seen him in a long time. Certainly happier than he’d looked since he’d finally shaken Khun Time loose. “They’re a good friend of mine, so I’d consider it a personal favour.”

“Yes?” Big said. It was closer to a question than he’d meant it to be, but Tae didn’t seem to mind.

“I - oh! Yes?” Tae asked, looking at him eagerly. “Yes, for real? Oh, Big, thank you, I owe you such a massive favour! Whatever you want, just let me know.”

Big thought about the favour he’d really like to ask for, and bit his tongue, and smiled politely. And that was how, with a calm and respectful nod, and his true feelings locked tightly away where no one would ever find them, he became a runway model.

***

The show was packed, Big was alarmed to discover, peeking around the curtains that hid the manic, messy, chaotic backstage area. He hastily tugged the curtain back into place and turned to see Tae watching him carefully.

“Are you ok?” Tae asked kindly. “If you have stage fright, you know, you can just look at me. I’ll be in the front row, near the end of the catwalk. Just pretend I’m the only person there. After all, you’re not scared of me, are you?”

“No, who could be scared of you, Khun Tae,” Big said nervously. “You’re too kind to be scary.” He didn’t add that fear was so far from how he felt about Tae that it might as well be another country. 

“Oh, that’s sweet of you,” Tae said with a smile. Like so many of his smiles, it didn’t quite reach his eyes, but Big thought he looked a little less sad than usual, today. “Ok, off you go and get changed. I have to find my seat. Good luck, and remember, I’ll be the only person out there.” He patted Big on the arm and left; the touch of his hand lingered on Big’s skin as long as the scent of his perfume lingered in the air.

Big changed into his first outfit mechanically. He’d spent a long and frankly boring day at Kamon’s atelier earlier in the week, being fitted for the three outfits he’d be wearing at the show today, and at the time he’d been annoyed at giving up so much of his time for such a seemingly useless cause. Now, though, he was glad of the practice run; his hands shook slightly and the silk belt he was trying to fasten kept slipping loose. 

The first walk was the worst. Big had practised everything, but he hadn’t remembered about the noise; the show had loud, thumping music playing at a volume that made it impossible to hear his own thoughts.

Maybe that was for the best though, as the moment he stepped out from behind the curtain, all he could see was Tae. And for all that Tae had told him to look at him and him alone, it didn’t feel right. Big was sure that he would never have suggested it - would never have given Big permission! - if he knew how Big felt when he looked at Tae. 

In any case, it certainly wasn’t the cure for stage fright that Tae had thought it would be. Big could feel his heart pounding, far faster than it ought to have been for such a simple walk. As he reached the end of the catwalk and paused, dropping a hip diligently the way Kamon had shown him, the sound of his own blood rushing in his ears finally blocked out the terrible music and Big risked a glance at Tae.

Looking directly at him was a mistake. Tae was the sun, shining brightly as though he were the one under the spotlights, as though he were the one in the bejewelled silk dress that glittered like a galaxy when he moved even the tiniest fraction. Big stared at him, pretty and lovely and everything that he wanted and could never have, and wondered how it could be possible that all the eyes in the room were on Big when Tae was right there.

Tae gave him an encouraging smile, sweet and hopeful, and then gestured discreetly with his chin. Big shook his head to clear his thoughts and turned on his heel. The walk back down the runway felt longer, somehow.

Outfit two was more of the same; Big’s palms sweated a little less and his heart rate dropped out of a worrying range, but otherwise it was loud and awkward and he felt ridiculous in the oversized suit Kamon put him in. (Why, he wanted to ask, did you spend so long measuring me, just to dress me in a shapeless tent? But he bit his lip and did his little walk for them, and pretended Tae’s soft smile meant things it didn’t, just to fortify himself for the walk back.)

It wasn’t until Big was halfway down the catwalk in his third outfit that he realised how he felt. This look, with its miniskirt and long leather boots, and tightly-laced leather corset to match, had been his favourite when trying them on; moving in it was something else altogether. He felt almost drunk on the feeling of power the added height gave him, the way the heels made him change his posture to keep his balance, the way that even the people in the front who had eyed him with disinterest a few moments earlier were now leaning forward in their seats to get a better look. 

As he approached the end of the runway, Big prepared to turn one last time. He took one last step, dropped his hip, looked down at Tae and nearly fell on his face. Instead of his encouraging smile, Tae was staring at him with his mouth agape, the corner of his tongue poking out to one side, and his hands were gripping his knees, bunching up the fabric so tightly Big was sure he must be giving himself bruises. Big almost opened his mouth to ask if he was ok, before he remembered that he was currently occupied, and he didn’t think Tae would thank him for fucking up his friend’s important show.

Frowning, Big turned on his heel and headed backstage for the last time. As his head snapped round, he saw Tae standing up and walking away out of the corner of his eye. The sight distracted him and he nearly missed his step, only just catching himself in time to avoid tumbling to the floor.

“Was that ok?” Big asked Kamon the second the curtains cut off the sight of the audience. “I thought - it felt ok, but then Khun Tae left, was something wrong?” 

“I don’t think he left because anything was wrong,” Kamon said, in a tone of voice that suggested Big was being very dense. “But why don’t you ask him yourself?”

“Ask me what?” Tae said, behind Big. He spun around on his heel - he was good at that now, he noticed, but then he’d always been a quick study - and found Tae staring at him again, with that same shocked intensity. “You wanted to ask me something?”

“I just wondered if something looked weird,” Big mumbled. “You were staring at me, that’s all. I mean, everyone was, it’s not… it doesn’t matter. It’s fine.”

“I’m sorry, Big,” Tae said quickly. “I, um. This outfit looked even better on the runway than I expected, that’s all.”

“Ah, Tae, I meant to ask you,” Kamon interjected. “I have to check on the rest of the models, but Big mentioned he has to get back to Kinn soon. Could you give him a hand changing out of this outfit? The corset can be tricky to unlace alone, and I don’t want to risk scratching the leather.” 

“Oh, I don’t need -” Big started to say, but Tae was already nodding and giving his friend solemn assurances that the corset would be in the best, most careful hands. Big felt a small, warm hand on his wrist, and before he knew it, he was being dragged into another room.

“That,” Tae said quietly, once they were alone, “was amazing. You looked amazing, Big - oh, you still do, of course. You look - I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable, but I just… oh my god.” Tae’s hand was still clasped gently around his wrist; Big hoped he couldn’t feel how fast his heart was beating, a frantic rhythm that gave the lie to his cool demeanour.

There were so many things Big wanted to say to him. He settled on part of the truth, if he couldn’t give him the whole thing. “You never make me uncomfortable, Khun Tae,” he said quietly. “I was just worried something was wrong with the outfit, or… I don’t know. I didn’t want to ruin Khun Kamon’s show, I know it’s important to you.”

“It is,” Tae said distractedly. He couldn’t seem to meet Big’s eyes; instead, his gaze hovered over the corset, darting back and forth between the tightly-cinched waist and the top of the leather, where two straps stretched past his collarbones to wrap around his neck. “It’s - thank you, I should say that now, in case Kamon forgets later, it’s so busy in there.” 

“It’s been a pleasure,” Big said. He almost stopped there, kept silent still, but the lust in Tae’s gaze was as clear as the best gin and twice as strong, and it made him bolder than he would normally dare to be. “I’d do anything for you, you know.”

That was enough to win back Tae’s attention. His eyes snapped up, meeting Big’s gaze with shock and desire writ clear on his face. “Big?”

“I don’t mean to overstep. I hope that wasn’t too much,” Bug murmured. “But you’re so - so lovely, and I thought you should know. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Tae took a step towards him and reached up, sliding a finger across the edge of the corset, tracing the shoreline between leather and skin. “I thought you didn’t notice me at all. You’re so cold, and the way you look at me… I thought I’d never hear you say anything half as nice to me.”

“You really don’t mind? Because there are so many other things I could tell you, I could say how pretty you are, or how kind,” Big said, feeling flush with bravery, as though Tae’s touch was filling him with courage and quelling the part of him that always held himself back. “I could tell you how I’ve seen you for years, and wished I could make things better for you, or how I - mmmph!”

Big’s confession was interrupted, but he didn’t care at all, because Tae was kissing him and it was everything he’d dreamt it would be, and more. He wanted to stop and tell him, but the thought of breaking away, of ending such a magical moment by choice, of voluntarily letting his lips leave Tae’s, was unthinkable.

The decision was made for him by Tae, who pulled back but then immediately came close again and kissed him in the centre of his chest, halfway between the straps that had so entranced him. Looking up at him with eyes blown wide with lust, he traced their path with stuttering fingers, beside the straps, up the side of Big’s neck, along his jaw. 

“Can I take this off you?” Tae asked. 

Big didn’t trust himself to speak; he nodded roughly and turned around, bracing himself against the wall, and shuddered when he felt Tae step up behind him. With gentle hands on his hips, Tae nudged him into position, and then reached up to unbuckle the strap around his neck, fingers moving achingly slowly. When that fell loose, he untied the laces knotted at the base of his spine. It wasn’t until he exhaled that Big realised he could feel Tae’s breath on the back of his neck, gusting shakily over his skin as nimble fingers loosened the cords cinching him in tight, caging him in Kamon’s leather shell. As Tae freed him, Big felt he was shaking off a second skin, or bursting forth from a cocoon, born anew under Tae’s tender touch. 

Big nearly jolted out of his skin again when Tae kissed his back, a hot press of his mouth to the nape of his neck. He worked his way down, kissing along Big’s spine and stroking along his ribs. It wasn’t until he stepped away and turned him around that Big realised what he was doing; kissing down the centre of Big’s torso, his fingers traced up and down the lines the corset’s boning had left on him, light red depressions that stood out starkly on his pale skin. 

“You like them?” Big asked, covering Tae’s hand with his own and dragging them together from his nipple down to his waist. 

“I do,” Tae whispered, intrigued and sounding almost ashamed of his fascination. “Do they hurt?”

“Not even a little bit,” Big told him. Tae nodded thoughtfully and kissed his chest again.

Cupping Tae’s chin, Big tipped his face up gently and kissed his mouth, savouring the taste of him as much as the eagerness with which he opened up for Big. His desire made him soft and pliable, until it was easy to imagine that he wanted this as much as Big did, that this was more than a convenient if unexpected encounter that he’d forget about as soon as it was done. 

With a low, short growl, Big spun them round so Tae was pressed up against the wall, pinned by the weight of Big’s body. He wrapped an arm around Tae’s waist and slid his hand down the small of his back to rest there, just where his spine began to curve away into the swell of plump and perfect cheeks. With their bodies flush, he could feel Tae’s cock, firming up and pressing against his thigh; with his free hand, he tugged up his skirt and then jammed a leg between Tae’s thighs so he was grinding against bare skin. 

“Do you want to take these off?” Big asked, hooking a finger into the waistband of Tae’s leather trousers. 

Tae shook his head quickly, looping his arms around Big’s neck. “No, no, they take forever to get on and I can’t - I don’t want to wait, I just want - here, let me -” He undid the button on his flies and yanked the zipper down, giving Big just enough room to slip a hand into his pants. 

Big curled his fingers around Tae’s cock, his grip gentle at first, but firmer as Tae gasped and ground his hips into the touch. His eyes closed slowly and he tipped his head back, so that Big had the most perfect view imaginable of his pretty face with its gorgeous cheekbones and soft pink lips, glossy and slightly parted.

“Ahh, fuck,” Tae whispered, and then Big felt fingers dig into his shoulders as he clung on to him. “That’s - yes, yeah, yes, that’s it, I - fuck, Big, I can’t believe you want me, you want this. Tell me you do? Tell me you want me?”

Big inhaled sharply; he understood the words, but their meaning felt unbelievable still. “I do, or course I do. I want you so much. I told you already, anything for you. Anything you want.” 

Tae’s eyes flew open and he stared up at Big, something deep and charged in his gaze. “Do you - ah! Do you mean that?” he asked, voice catching halfway through when Big ran a thumb over his head.  

Big thought of the years spent in Tae’s orbit, shadowing Kinn and feeling like his heart was being torn this way and that with the two of them, both so bright to him, and himself so invisible to them both. He thought of the casual cruelty in Time’s disregard and the looks of unbearable sadness that occasionally flashed on Tae’s face, before he plastered an unconvincing smile over top of them. He thought of the way Tae had lit up when Big agreed to do him a favour, and the naked lust on his face when Big had walked out onto the runway in his now-discarded corset. 

“I did,” Big told him. “I do.” 

Tae came with a cut-off gasp, slapping a hand across his mouth to muffle his moans as Big jerked him through his orgasm. He wanted to keep talking, to heap on some of the praise he’d been storing up for years, but the set of Tae’s shoulders, the shaking of his frame, suggested it might be too heavy a burden to bear. 

“Oh fuck, Big, that was - wow,” Tae murmured a moment later, face still buried in Big’s neck. “Can I… will you tell me what you like?”

“Anything, anything,” Big muttered; if he’d been less turned on he might have been embarrassed of his answer, but he was so far gone already and he thought Tae ought to know how close he was. 

Tae bit his lip, then licked one of his palms before running his spit-slick hand up under Big’s skirt. “Oh,” he whispered when he realised Big was wearing nothing underneath. “Oh, were you - the whole time, on the catwalk?”

“Kamon said it would ruin the lines,” Big bit out, wrapping his hand around Tae’s and encouraging him to a faster pace. “I didn’t want to ruin anything with bad lines. I don’t even know what they are - yes, please, that, please! - but I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted you to be pleased with me.””

“Astonishing,” Tae murmured, stroking him faster, hand curling tighter under Big’s grip. “You’re something else, Big.” 

“Mm, please,” Big gasped, rocking his hips forwards to try and get a little extra friction. “Please, take pity on me, have mercy…”

“Oh my god,” Tae said in breathless English. “Oh, fuck, you sound so pretty when you whine. Oh, will you let me do this again some time? When we could take it slow? I want to drag it out, see how long I can make you whine before you can’t even speak. Would you like that, Big, darling? Would you let me tease until I’d fucked all the words out of your head?”

Tae’s words killed him, in the best way; the Big who had got dressed up a few moments before was well and truly ended, making space for a whole new person to inhabit his skin. He came silently, the hand wrapped around Tae’s clutching tight as he spilled over their tangled fingers. Tae turned them around one last time so he could slump against the wall when his shaky legs threatened to turn to jelly completely, and then he carded a hand gently through Big’s hair. 

“Oh my god,” Big said eventually, echoing Tae. “I didn’t - where did you learn to talk like that, fuck.”

“Did you like it?” Tae asked him, not quite meeting his eyes, but not pulling away either. Big swallowed and nodded, and waited for the warm press of his body to disappear. “Because I… I meant it. If you wanted to do this again… that would be ok.”

Big wished he were better with words, that he could somehow find a way to explain to Tae that the last few minutes of his life had been the most extraordinary thing possible, and that even if he never got to experience Tae’s touch again, he’d die a happy man. The thought that it would be ok to see him again… his heart was beating a quick, angry rhythm in his chest. 

“I, uh. I would - that would be ok with me, too.” A thought occurred to him, and Big reached up to stroke Tae’s hair gently, in case he ruined everything and didn’t get another chance. “Do you think,” he asked carefully, trying not to jostle Tae where he was leant against him, “do you think your friend would let us borrow the corset again, another time?”

Whatever else he might have said was lost in the kiss Tae gave him, fierce and hot and perfect, so perfect that Big wondered how he’d survived so long without it. 

[chthonicarcher]

I love your art style so much - just saw from one of your tags that you use procreate - I honestly thought you use paper from the wonderful textures you create! I’d love to hear anything you want to share about your digital drawing techniques, brushes etc.

thank you Rhys!! your art style is great too :)

yes I 99% use procreate now, *sometimes* I still do draw on paper though, I love pencils a lot and always will <33

SO, tbh the apple pencil + a nice textured screen protector go a long way toward preserving that “drawing on paper” feeling w/ digital art, but I’ll walk you through my (pretty simple) process anyway: I usually make the bottom-most layer a “paper” layer, set at a pretty low opacity so my background color can come through. you can use any old photo as your texture layer, I think I just googled “free paper textures” lol.

and as far as brushes go, I really mostly just use one brush! it was a free download with my paperlike screen protector, called “Stef’s pencil,” it’s just a kinda soft pencil brush that I use for pretty much everything—lineart, coloring/painting, even erasing. I have a lot of experience using soft pastels irl, and this brush really reminds me of that texture, so as much as I try to branch out and experiment with other brushes, it will probably always be my favorite :)

(I’ve also answered a similar question before, from curiouscat, but it was more about coloring/color palettes—I’ll link it here!)

[gurokichi]

I could never become bored of you, not that easily, at least! You are my Bon, you can't get rid of me that easily <3

Yeah, I got 2 kitties! Both of them are boys, and their names are Pickle and Bean! Maybe one day you'll get to see pictures of them! I also have a dog, snails, isopod, beetles, chickens, and hermit crabs! Got a bit of a zoo around here!

I'll definitely watch some of your suggestions, and I will be sure to tell you my thoughts! Just another excuse to talk to you!

I will hopefully be posting on my blog again soon, and I am so excited to now that I know you will be watching my blog (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)

I mainly read fiction, distopian, and horror/gore. But also, like when books have lgbt+ characters, and have read a few Manga! I just borrowed a book from a friend called "The Corpse Queen" by Heather M. Herrman, I strongly suggest it, I've also just started reading a GL Manga series called "Whisper Me a Love Song" and so far have been really enjoying it!!! I like plants in many ways, I learn about plants, I grow both indoor and outdoor plants, and I have a fascination with all living or once living things,,, and they happen to fit in that category too!!! I don't think I could pick just one flower as my favorite, but I do enjoy Asters a lot! Bleeding hearts? awe, it makes sense that a sweetie like you would love a poisonous flower!

What video games do you like to play? I'd love to hear all about your current favorite game! What part of history do you like so much? Oh and you collect things too! I would love to hear all about your little hoards 💕

-Dolly

I’M YOUR BON?? ASJHFSHBHKHGSGHFHJKSHLJS (＞＜)

Okay. Anyways. Sorry, got a lil excited there... I’m your Bon, and you’re my Doll!! All mine!!! I’m glad to hear that you wouldn’t get bored and leave. I’d do anything to make sure my precious doll stays with me!

AWH, they sound so darling. You have so many… how do you keep up with all of them??That’s really cool, though! You definitely have some uncommon pets.

I’m excited to hear your thoughts (๑>◡<๑)

I will definitely be watching my doll’s blog! How could I not? Anyone would find it hard to take their eyes off you. Besides, I’d love to see more of your posts when you decide to go back to it.

Ah, those are all good genres! Thank you for the recommendation, and I’ll check out the manga you mentioned later. Asters are gorgeous; my doll has great taste in flowers!!

I usually prefer games with long stories. I like RPGs and visual novels the most! I find pixel art really nice to look at, so a lot of my favorite games feature that. I’ve been playing through a farming sim called Fields of Mistria lately; it’s been really enjoyable so far! The best way I could describe it is as a mix of Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. As for my current favorite games, they’re probably… Minecraft, Danganronpa, Persona 5 Royal, and Identity V. I’m not finished playing through P5R, but I like it so far. I’m currently replaying and trying to get all achievements in every Danganronpa game! I’ve finished Trigger Happy Havoc, and I’m now working on Goodbye Despair. Having a bit of trouble though, because I have a friend I’m sharing my Steam library with who is ALSO playing through the Danganronpa games. I can’t play the games until they get off, bleh. AH, I also started a playthrough of Red Dead Redemption 2. I suck ass at it. I ended up punching my horse when trying to get on it. I also drew my gun on it multiple times. So sorry to my horse, it did not deserve that. It took me like 10 minutes and frantic googling to figure out how to get back on my horse after I accidentally got off (ᵕ—ᴗ—)

Do you play any videogames? If you do, I’d love to hear about what you like to play.

Ah, I just like history in general. I love to learn about things. Some things that caught my interest for awhile in the past though are torture/execution methods, the Chernobyl disaster, the Carrington event, WW2, old medical treatments, and Greek mythology. I haven’t been into history as much lately.. so I probably couldn’t explain anything here well.

I do collect stuff! I have a collection of various plushies, figurines, keychains, and knickknacks stored in my room. I think my favorite things that I own are probably my jar of uranium glass and this stunning piece of bismuth I got just a couple weeks ago. I’d like to start a full on collection of uranium glass, but that’s expensive, and I have no idea where I’d put it. Uranium glass is absolutely gorgeous, though! I hope to at least get a couple more pieces in the future.

[yuzukahibiscus]

IMPRESSION (MINAMI MAITO)

(Hey this is Hibiscus! This is another post but today is the second Shonichi for Minami Maito’s dinner show “ONE AND ONLY”! She did this dinner show before on April 20-21, and is having her final run today and tomorrow! I’ve pre-translated this 2-page feature from Takarazuka GRAPH March Issue in 2023. Hope everything will be well and successful for Maiti and the performers!

Impression – Discovering deeper into the star’s character in this and that angle!

No. 1 — Readers’ impression of Minami Maito

We conduct a survey for our readers with 10 Yes/No questions. Let’s look at the results together!~

Inviting others instead of being invited (*Active or passive) — YES: 63%; NO: 37%

— “Is this about where I want to go or towards my partner??”

When there are situations that I thought “It must be this!” for choosing where to go or what to eat, I’d say I’m pretty good at considering from the location or the transportation means to go there, but I don’t really think I’m the type to “invite others”. Even when I’m invited by others I’d be happy too! Are there people that would dislike the idea of being invited anyway? (LOL)

I don’t overthink too much! — YES: 59%; NO: 41%

— “It depends~ (LOL)”

Maybe it’s just for a moment, but I probably won’t care later. “I don’t overthink” because it can’t be helped sometimes (LOL). It's not embarrassing to be concerned about something, and it's very important to understand your feelings, but I’d think that I have to move on. In the end for me, no matter what I’ve been told, I’m a type that sticks to my intention.

On rest days, I’m someone that could have fun alone. — YES: 56%; NO: 44%

— “This is quite half-half.” (LOL)

It depends on how long of the rest day period I’ll have. When we’re performing, there’d be things to catch up on even during rest days so I’d basically be alone, if it’s any kind of rest day and we’re not in the current circumstance, I’d want to go out and play with someone. I’d want to share my feelings even if it’s a vacation trip, and I don’t go to vacation trips alone. But when I’m alone I’d have some laid-back days, so I think half-half is the correct answer here (LOL).

Very resilient when it comes to sudden incidents! — YES: 61%; NO: 39%

— “You can’t help it if it suddenly occurs!”

Of course I’ll fret and because I won’t be able to turn back time again, I’ll go straight out in the open and think “what should I do!”, quickly coming up with an adaptation plan. On stage, if something happened between me and my partner, I’d be surprised but I could calmly deal with it. But when I’m shocked, I’d let out a silly “Wa!” and usually just shout that out loud (LOL), so please don’t try to scare me when we’re at somewhere silent (LOL).

The “Very Immersed”! Type — YES: 91%; NO: 9%

— “What did everyone see in me for you all to answer this~!? (LOL)

I don’t have much interests, so I was thinking what you think I may be very immersed into… (LOL) But anything performing arts related is probably the only thing that I won’t ever feel tired of. Ah, Korean dramas are something that I pay attention to. Even if I have to stay up at night I’d still watch the whole episode in a sitting, so perhaps this focused attention [I have for Kdramas] shows a concentrated side in me? But about that, I’m not someone that watches the same show again many times, when I’ve finished the finale then [my attention] ends in a boom (LOL).

When I start imagining things, I can’t stop — YES: 50%; NO: 50%

— “It’s so cool that it’s just half-half!”

If I was an employee from a company, would I have a longer lunch time? Sometimes everyone in Flower Troupe would talk about these hypotheticals. Also when I can’t sleep I would make up a story about rabbits and squirrels (LOL). I’d count sheep when I can't sleep, but I’d think if there are too many sheep, won’t the farm be packed? Or they couldn’t enter if I don’t shave their hair~ I’d think a lot about these and in the end still won’t be able to sleep (LOL). So with that I would say that I imagine things.

Sensitive to even the smallest changes around me — YES: 95%; NO: 5%

— “So many voted for YES!”

Aren’t all otokoyaku in Flower Troupe like that? I do observe changes and say, “Is this a new skirt?” or “Did you change the way you do your makeup?”, but I’d also realise “isn’t she feeling well?” “Did something good happen”. But in order not to make this a trouble, I’d also be conscious of the timing that I tell [these observations] to others.

Sometimes lying is necessary! — YES: 40%; NO: 60%

— “Because I’m foolishly honest~”

For lies, I won’t say them and I don’t want to say them because people’d find out if I do say it. I’d hate it the most if people thought “What you’re saying now is different than what you said before!” So if it’s in inevitable circumstances [to lie] I’d want to be very prepared for that. Even though I won’t say lies to preserve myself, I may probably lie if I were to protect others.

The “Leave it all to me” type — YES: 58%; NO: 42%

— “There’s more YES than I imagined!”

Probably because I have a firm body… (LOL) If that’s the case, then it would be super cool, but unfortunately I’m usually not that type at all I think (LOL). I’m an elder daughter, and I’m also the leader among our Flower Troupe doukis so I’d have to be responsible sometimes, maybe that’s where the image came from.

Won’t be affected by the majority — YES: 85%; NO: 15%

— “That’s true!”

Usually, if there’s a majority supporting this side, I won’t change even if I heard their reasons for it. Even though I’d accept and agree with “This is the reason why they are the majority!” In the end if I really am [in the minority], I’d be okay with it even if there’s something wrong about my reasoning.

No. 2 —— Role creation –Creating the character–

“Messiah -The Legend of Shiroh Amakusa-” Matsudaira Nobutsuna

— This musical is about the rebellion against the ban on Christianity in the early period of Edo era in Bizen Shimabara. Matsudaira Nobutsuna are one of the important roles in the shogunate against the Christinas.

Before receiving my role, I had the opportunity of going to Amakusa for work (*recording Sky Stage programme) that the performance was set in. While I related the feelings of the suppressed Christians at the time, I was able to see such history about them in the information centre. But when I received the role, I turned out to be a role in the shogunate. He holds a stance of evaluating whatever is happening, and he’s also the one to command open fire when the attack [against the Christians] started… I would say that he’s a role that mentally exhausted. He's a historical figure, but for me that time he was too grand of a person and I was very worried since he was so different from me and that I worried too much and I was far from relaxed… Just because I want him to look grand doesn’t mean I can exaggerate the acting. Also, even when it’s about the way I speak, I want to articulate even the last of my words, so as to present this role to be someone capable of giving orders.

— When you’re acting as someone that’s far from yourself, how do you make that work?

I’d imagine as to “why is this person thinking like this?” He works for the Tokugawa family and also someone who feels that he has to protect the shogunate, but at the same time have the feeling of wanting to save the people of Amakusa who were being suppressed. He was someone who could not be relieved form this dilemma but had to call shots painfully. Even though on stage the shogunate is obviously outnumbered, yet when facing Asumi [Rio]-san’s lead and the energy of the people, I’d have to convince myself that I’m leading a majority of soldiers with me and I felt that significance to show that every day. He’s someone that I would want to act again one day.

“Gin-chan’s Love” Kuraoka Ginshiro

— He’s self-centred but also a movie star that you can’t hate – Gin-chan. This is a restage but how did you create this role?

When I’m watching this performancer as an audience, I’d relate to Yasu’s feelings. Like Gin-chan’s not bad? Even if he’s an adult man, how could he go around and about being this selfish. With that as a start, while reading the script and discussing the plot with other cast members, I started to think what kind of Gin-chan exactly am I trying to create here. This performance only shows a brief moment of Gin-chan in his life, so I’d have to imagine how the rest of his life looked like. At first, I want the audience to be able to objectively imagine that there’s a reason for being full-out self-centred, so I wanted to create him as “someone quite cute”, but that’s not the real him, [I hope to act as Gin-chan] that people who didn’t realise his arrogance before could have a natural reaction, words and actions.

— Amidst all things, his colleague “kiddos” still envy and admire Gin-chan. Was there a change to your impression of before and after acting as (Gin-chan)?

About that, I think this is a nostalgic, little love story. Even though he treated his kiddos and also Yasu (Hiryuu Tsukasa) very cruelly, everyone still followed him because he still clearly shows how he loves them. Gin-chan is somewhat quite “pure”, he has faith that people whom he trust believe in him and does not question that. But this is not easy to do, that if I’m not playing him, I don’t think I’ll be able to understand him.

“Jirokichi of the Wind –Night’s Flight Over Edo–” Saburouta

— As an honest young man who doesn’t lie, he’s an innocent role mistaken for committing murder.

Everyone of the cast members have vibrant personalities, and we got to hone these roles to make their personality stand out deeper, and for me the task is to create this colourless, transparent, clarity in this role. How should I play as a good young man who would never kill anyone and present it to the audience and to the other characters. Because he doesn’t have flaws, so a single mistake may not make the impression memorable to someone, that thought was very intimidating to me.

— So how did you dig deeper into creating this role?

I felt relieved that everyone helped me by thinking that this man is not someone who would kill others, so I would try to show a greater smile, I’d do my best to be on time, I would deliver what I’m saying clearly…and I’ll do everything of these actions to make people think I’m a good man. But it’s not just thinking that he’s a good person, even when he was being beaten up and punched, he was someone that had a strong will and thoughts for the one he loves, I can’t miss those parts either.

“CASANOVA” Priest Marino Barbi

— He’s part of the clergy, but he’s made a move on several women and got into jail – Priest Barbi. He’s probably someone difficult to relate to, but how did you feel?

I think he’s a cruel guy, he misused his position as a priest to tempt other women (LOL). For me, even though I’m always aiming for people telling me that I’m “so cool”, the musumeyaku would also scream and leave, and I would be belittled and I thought is this okay!? (LOL). Even now, I’d still say that “I liked this role” yet also think if I could have received a little cooler role!?, this is probably his charm.  The result of being the one who understood him the most [as the actor playing him] is in the end still thinking, “I just comforted the woman a little and yet I was jailed! Even though I did nothing wrong!” (LOL)

— Barbi broke out of jail while cooperating with Giacomo Casanova played by the then-Top Star Asumi Rio-san and the interaction of lines you two had was memorable.

At first, everything was already uttered quickly (LOL). I couldn’t grasp correctly how the scene where he first met Casanova was like in jail, so we rehearsed together many times. on stage, I’d think constantly that I have to do this correct every day, but I’d also make use of whatever new things are happening on the performing day. Being able to learn and act alongside Top [Star]-san is something that I’m very grateful for. Even for Barbi, meeting with master [Casanova] was like transforming my life into rose colour (LOL).

“I LOVE EINSTEIN” Thomas

— This performance shows a world where people could not live without androids, how was this rare imaginative world view to you?

There were some ways in acting that were difficult, and this was Tani (Takaya)-sensei’s debut work, so Sensei worked with us together to discover more about this musical in the classroom. Even the smallest kind of questions were in my consideration. But when I finally realised what Sensei wanted to portray was the “love” in Takarazuka musicals, that felt a closer approach for me.

— When the protagonist Albert who looks like human is also an android himself, that was a shocking development.

Even though this was clearly shown in the last of the first act, when I read the script, I was also very shocked. Thomas was the younger brother of Mileva and the wife of Albert who died in an accident of inventing the android. Then after his sister’s death, [Thomas] was the character who continued to help Albert in creating the android together. In order to know how this all happened, he found two pen caps in a box at his home which were named “Dr Albert” and “Sister”. After that, since Thomas always loved playing with dolls, now he wanted to try speaking for himself. He’s happy when he sees these “two people” in his hands, but he realised that this was something he made up…he’s a sad character. Even though this involves some role play, but I really discovered much from this role and found this profoundly interesting.

No.3 — Minami Maito Choosing The No. 1 of Flower Troupe

Challenger No. 1 — Reaki Mira

She has such skillfull hands! knitted my name on this parker [bomber jacket] with the font from the song “DYNAMITE” of my favourite group BTS. I wondered if she asked for a professional to help her do this! and I’m really happy that she did this so beautifully and challenged this difficult task for me. I can feel her love.

—— REPLY: I’ve been enjoying making these for a long while, and I want to do this well to profess my love for Minami-san by doing this task, so I demonstrated this challenger spirit! I’m so happy that you liked it and felt that way!!

Communication No. 1 — Hozumi Mahiro

Even though this was during the Special Live “Aqau Bella!!”, if it wasn’t for her, I probably would have failed as an MC. Since we’re both quite shy people, it took us quite a while to get along well and talk more to each other, but I respect her for having a great choice in words and the way she speaks is amazing. I think this is agreed by everyone, right?

—— REPLY: We’re truly shy, but I think it’s because I’m able to break through the barrier and share everything to Minami-san (LOL). I’ve always been careful with my choice of words, because I want to express my feelings well with my diction and dialect.

Strong mentality No.1 — Mihane Ai

She’s another person that I respect. Speaking of strong mentality, if there’s something that doesn’t go right, she’s very strict on herself, and is hardworking when engaging in performing arts. She really doesn’t give in on anything. Even if she’s listening to my little advice, her attitude and her perseverance is so very adorable.

—— REPLY: Ah~~~~ I’m so happy~~! I can’t say anything except for thank you… I really thought I was living through the days when I didn’t like how vulnerable I was…I will work hard even more!! Minami-san, I love you!!

Samurai Spirit No.1 — Kaga Ririka

I immediately thought, this would be Ririko-san (Kaga)! Of course she’s like that on stage, that even if she’s already a beautiful person, but inside she’s very manly!  This is an impression that hasn’t changed ever since [Takarazuka] Music School in our Yokasei-Honkasei relationship. I love Ririko-san who doesn’t change and is often directly progressive and moving forward.

—— REPLY: For me who wasn’t so capable, the only thing I could do was continue to push in what I do. I wonder if this is inherently a personality of mine. But I was able to show that side of myself because Maiti (Minami) would always come over and talk to me with a wide and open heart!

Gentle No. 1 — Kureha Maki

Maikotsu has always been this amazing person on stage. I often think that she looks like an English gentleman!? She so tender and she has that god-winning talent of finding the right timing to call to others. I think that she can express her gentle gaze to her partner as well.

—— REPLY: I never thought of myself like that, so receiving such comment just made me laugh out loud, like “It can’t be~” (LOL) But since Minami-san said to me, “now you should continue to show your best stage appearance to the readers  and the audience”, I will continue to work hard!!

(Right to left)

First is a heart ♡

And also a star ✩

M from “MINAMI”. The “kyun” (small heart) pose is also a highlight.

(Right to left)

Holding pen lights with both her hands and swinging them vertically, horizontally and infinitely...

What a fantastic shot!

Concluding this wotagei in the end.

[kbthebearcat]

Art from January! WALL OF TEXT INCOMING (I copied and pasted the desc I typed out on DA hgngh…) I looked up poses for some of the characters that inspire me when it comes to Troy’s character and his world.

The ones I picked here are Fred from Scooby Doo, Doyle from Galaxy High, and StarLord from Guardians of the Galaxy. 

All of these character I feel share similar traits and energy. All of them can be goofy and silly or like to crack jokes,  and even have similar physical characteristics. Fred is usually depicted as being a bit out of touch and does some pretty unexpected and funny things, also gives off “himbo” vibes. His actions or methods to catch the bad guy can seem unorthodox, but still work. Overall just quirky, but means well. I see Troy as that too. Unless it’s a very serious situation, Troy’s silliness and goofiness is going to come out while he’s on the job and in uniform, but that doesn’t mean you can’t count on him to get the job done.

In the more recent stuff they show Fred to have an obsession with nets and traps, and that reminds me of Troy and his love for tacos. He also just gets excited or really happy about certain things in general, which makes me think of Troy too, because he can get like that about things. I could have chosen a lot of poses and expressions with Fred tbh, but I saw him making that one in a clip I was looking at, and I just got an urge to draw it. 

I haven’t gotten to watch every episode of Galaxy High yet, (there aren’t that many as the show didn’t last too long) but from what I’ve seen, there’s a lot of elements in there that inspire me, not just the main character. The overall plot of him and another human girl from earth being chosen to attend a high school in space is already interesting to me. There’s aliens of all kinds co-mingling, futuristic tech, space-related hijinks, and just good-ole 80s vibes! Which of course, I always enjoy. 

Doyle himself is pretty much a jock. Not an extreme one, but I’d consider him being in the category. He’s sporty/athletic, plays football. That reminds me of Troy because he’s athletic and sporty too and plays basketball. That’s why I thought that pose there would be a good one to try.

They make Doyle out as meaning well too, but since he’s a teenager his choices aren’t always the best. There’s usually a lesson to learn at the end of an episode. Even though Troy isn’t a teenager, he’s still a young adult, and can honestly still act like a teen or big kid anyway.

ALSO Doyle works as waiter at a diner, and Troy works as a waiter at a restaurant when in hooman disguise! I didn’t even know about Galaxy High when I made that a thing for Troy, so I thought that was an interesting similarity as well. I’m tempted to draw Troy in the outfit Doyle wears just for the fun of it.

Annd then we have Starlord, who may be the least surprising choice here…. He’s a part of a group called “Guardians of the Galaxy”. They travel around space helping people, fight bad guys… and there’s some comedic flare thrown into the mix. I mean, that’s pretty much Troy’s concept in a nutshell. Starlord himself reminds me of Troy in a lot ways. I could see Troy listening to oldies music while in his ship, or exploring a planet, jamming out and all that. Cracking jokes while he’s fighting with something or someone. All that stuff. 

Whew boy, uh… sorry for this wall of text here. If you made it to the end of this then kudos to you haha. ;w; Just felt like giving a bit of explanation for each character here… there’s many more characters that have inspired me with Troy though. 

Also this was a experiment here, taking screenshots or looking up pics of characters that inspire me and trying to redraw their poses/expressions. I gotta do this more. I’ve never really gotten to before but it really helps with going out of my comfort zone and exploring a character more.