#nuttys palette challenge

[gumnut-logic]

Thank you to all those who participated in this challenge last week. Remember, there are no deadlines on any of my challenges, only the ones you set yourself. The aim is to inspire and that does not have a time limit :D

Week Four

Totally self indulgent this week as I take a comment from @gaviiadastra​ and run with it.

This week is FISHTANK!

If you would like to join in, have at it. Write, draw, paint, craft, scribble, whatever works :D

The Details

I will post a small palette of colours, on Sundays.

Take the colours, which will not be precise, because I’m too lazy to get out my Pantone swatches, and colour matching sucks across monitors and printers and yeah, it’s a graphic design nightmare. So take the approximate colours and do something with with them. Art, craft, traditional, digital, performance, big, small, using all the colours, one of the colours, a derivative of the colours, fanworks or not fanworks, whatever works. I know, getting the creative brain to produce anything is a pain in many body parts. And writers, if this floats your boat, grab it and let’s go sailing :D

Post it to your blog (or not, but I’d love to see it anyway) and tag with #nuttypalette (the whole challenge title is too long and it abbreviates to npc which while I love Ryan Reynolds, isn’t really what I’m looking for :D )

How I ended up doing this

Okay, I’m possibly nuts, actually, probably nuts, but I’ve been looking for a way to activate my art a bit more. I can draw, paint, whatever and I have a studio full of glorious equipment that is barely getting used.

I had thought to start a sketch book, but the problem with that is that not all my media can be supported in a sketch book and plus I am horribly hard to tie down into one thing (you may have noticed).

I was pondering away and it occurred to me that the one thing that links all my art and craft media is colour. This combined with the fact that I have a pile of beads lined up on my desk in colour combos waiting for me to action something with them. They are like mini palettes.So what if I come up with a small combination of colours every week and do whatever with those colours?

I know I’m not the first to have this brain wave, but it struck me as something I could do, so I’m doing it. Initially for the month of February and see what happens. It may fizzle into nothing due to being back at work :( but at the very least I’ll end up with a little bit of creative stuff done?

So I’m slapping it here, in case anyone would like to join in.

Have fun :D

Nutty

[phading]

Thunderbirds Light!

I've been all about angst lately so I thought it was time to serve up a little palette cleanser ...

Part of Nutty's FAB-FIVE-FEB Challenge 2024: "Scott" and "quiet".

[whatgaviiformes]

Craftworks: You're My Satellite

I had some decent light, so I was able to get these loaded and tagged this morning, so I am happy to present my lesson/experiment/exploration in colorwork: John.

Four colors, but I love the layers all those different shades add to the design elements of this doily.  I think our resident genius would appreciate that I used this as a learning opportunity, always pushing his mind into so many fields our John. The colors here overlap slightly with Nutty's @gumnut-logic's palette challenge, but not perfectly. I went with shades that remind me of John's uniform, his hair, the silver for the metallic of Five. In the end, I think it gave me John and a bit of TB5, both, which I am 100% okay with. I've always seen them both as so colorful. The holograms, the pathway lines around her gravity ring. Speaking of rings, I adore the block of that blue-green around the middle.

Pattern: Ember by Grace Fearon Yarn: I used scrap thread, most of which is Hobbii Rainbow Lace or Aunt Lydia's, all size 10 thread. Here are recommendations for something close to this: Hobbii Rainbow Lace in 031 "Blue", 035 "Petrol Blue", 057 "Orange Aunt Lydia's: Dark Royal, Peacock, Pumpkin For the shimmer, Aunt Lydia's Silver Shimmer. (Who had the grand idea to try to do color specific designs while also trying to do a no buy, honestly!) Hook size: 1.5 mm Finished Size:  14 inches

More of the Thunderbirds inspired doilies here:

Scott - “Hypersonic” - Pattern Asha by Grace Fearon Gordon - “Four” - Pattern Cassini by Grace Fearon Virgil - “Stability” - Pattern Tallulah by Grace Fearon Penelope - Pattern Penelope by Grace Fearon

[weirdburketeer]

For @gumnut-logic week 6 palette challenge.

No way an exact replica of your colours Nutty,but close enough?

[anjalishopping]

5 Easy Sesame Oil Hacks for Authentic Asian Flavors: Help You Cook at Home Better

Sesame oil, the number one choice in many Asian cooking recipes, is not only limited to the finishing option. Despite the fact it is only one item on the list, the flavour and fragrance of hazelnuts can be an absolute game changer and transform simple home cooking to something that might appear on restaurant menus. where do you begin? Nallennai and gingelly oil, both terms for untoasted sesame oil, are particularly common in South Indian cuisine and boast a number of health benefits.

Here are 5 easy sesame oil hacks to unlock authentic Asian flavors:

1. Choose Your Weapon: Hand-made vs. factory-made, paying attention to details both small and large. Untoasted Sesame Oil

There are two main types of sesame oil: burnt and unburnt while waiting.

Toasted Sesame Oil: And this is when the real taste sensation comes: the unforgettable dark oil with a unique, walnut-like flavor that I cannot get tired of. It is just the right climax for making finishes for the noodles, stir-fries, spring rolls or dumplings. Hence, low smoke point is why it is not to be applied in high heat cooking.

Untoasted Sesame Oil: This liquid oil is considered to be a gentle and smooth flavoring which is different than full flavored extra virgin olive oil. It is suitable for family grilling, as well as to be used in salad dressings and drizzled over prepared dishes for an appetizing and nutty flavor. Its smoke point is high and hence allows lighter frying which is required in sauteing.

2. Unleash the Power of Sesame Oil in Marinades:

Sesame oil will add flavors of unparalleled intensity to the marinades for meats, tofu, as well as vegetables. Apply two teaspoons each of toasted and untoasted sesame oils (for personal taste) along with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a small measure of honey to form an oriental marinade with which you will soak the dishes to result into soft and delicately flavorful dishes.

Challenge: Marination is the process through which liquids enhance our food with their flavors, a feat that requires time. Rather than last minute marinating especially the commonly used liquid marinades should be for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

3. Sesame Oil Magic for Noodles and Dumplings:

An adornment as simple as drizzling a few drops of toasted sesame oil suddenly creates an unexplainable elevation in the taste for noodle dishes and dumplings. Adding a layer of nutty richness, and creating a very balanced and aromatic flavor palette; this augments the quality of the food.

Impact on Flavor: A little is a much. Scale a couple of drops of toasted sesame oil and then add to your taste. Over killing is bad because it will overpower other flavors and make it unreasonable.

4. Don’t Forget the Dipping Sauce:

Sesame oil, which is commonly used all over the Asian region, becomes a main ingredient in many of these dipping sauce formulations. Mix it with soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil and a pinch of sugar for a dip that would be nice to serve on dumplings, spring rolls, and grilled meat.

Experimentation is Key: Go with your taste and alter the ratios of sesame oil, soy sauce, and vinegar to keep creating the unique blend of dipping sauce just the way you like it.

5. The Secret Weapon for Restaurant-Style Stir-Fries:

Sesame oil is a basic ingredient that professional chefs universally use to heighten the levels existing in any dish. Next, put the vegetables and your protein on medium-high heat and proceed to stir-fry and then add a little sesame seed oil to it just before serving. This vanification of sleeping will in the end uplift the pleasant smell of the stir-fry and will give it that slightwise nutty touch making it extraordinary.

Remember: Additionally, sesame oil has the property of easily burning. Introduce it literally in the last minutes before cooking as it can taste you bitterly otherwise.

Nallennai vs. Gingelly Oil:

Both nallennai and ingelly are just different for sesame oil, fortunately untoasted usually used in South Indian cuisine.

Conclusion:

Sesame oil is a super ingredient that can really help you become a master in Asian cuisine with these tricks of the trade at your home. These tips are handy, and they are going to supplement the flavor, aroma and consistency of your meals. Hence, you can introduce diversified foods to your menu. OK, people, go for your bottle of sesame oil and start your journey into one of the most diverse and delicious cuisines in the world!

[sweetlog]

Squirrels and Their Culinary Delights: Exploring the Nutty Preferences of Nature's Foragers 🐿️🌰🍽️

Nuts Galore: A Squirrel's Culinary Symphony Squirrels are renowned for their love affair with nuts, and the array of nuts they adore is as diverse as their acrobatic antics. From acorns to almonds, pecans to walnuts, these furry foragers showcase a culinary symphony that spans the nut kingdom.

Acorn Adoration: A Classic Squirrel Staple The humble acorn, nature's bounty tucked within a sturdy shell, is a classic favorite among squirrels. These resourceful creatures are known to stash acorns in various hidden caches, creating their own pantry for the colder months. The love for acorns is so profound that some squirrels have perfected the art of "husking" them to access the tasty kernel inside.

Walnut Wonders: Cracking the Nut Code Walnuts, with their tough exterior and rich, nutritious core, present a challenge that squirrels seem to relish. Armed with strong jaws and nimble paws, squirrels adeptly crack open the walnut's hard shell to savor the delicious treasure within. It's a spectacle that showcases their determination and ingenuity.

Pecan Perfection: A Sweet Nutty Treat For those with a sweet tooth, pecans are a go-to treat. Squirrels indulge in the buttery goodness of pecans, showcasing their refined taste for the finer things in the nut world. Whether nibbling on them right away or storing them for later, pecans are a cherished delicacy.

Almond Adventures: Nutrient-Rich Morsels Almonds, packed with nutrients, are also on the squirrel menu. These health-conscious foragers appreciate the energy boost that almonds provide. Squirrels are known to munch on almonds while perched on branches or even on the ground, displaying a versatile dining etiquette.

Hazelnut Hues: A Nut with a Distinct Flavor Palette Hazelnuts, with their distinct flavor profile, add a touch of variety to a squirrel's diet. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or tucked away for future feasts, hazelnuts showcase the diverse palate of these culinary connoisseurs.

[sasgardening]

Cricket Cuisine Unmasked: A Peek into the Dinner Plates of Nature's Minichefs

Revealing the Culinary Secrets of Nature's Minichefs

Embark on a fascinating journey as we unveil the culinary secrets of nature's minichefs in "Cricket Cuisine Unmasked." Beyond their role as chirping insects, crickets emerge as culinary maestros, orchestrating a dining experience that challenges the conventional. Join Snip A Sage as we take a peek into the dinner plates of these extraordinary minichefs, exploring the nuances that make cricket cuisine a hidden gem in the culinary world.

The Intricate Palate of Cricket Gastronomy

1. Gourmet Microcosm: Cricket's Intricate Flavor Palette

Within the microcosm of cricket gastronomy, a gourmet adventure unfolds. Crickets boast an intricate flavor palette, ranging from earthy undertones to nutty nuances. Each dish on their dinner plates becomes a sensory masterpiece, showcasing the sophistication of taste that defines the culinary journey of nature's minichefs.

2. Harvesting Nature's Bounty: Cricket Culinary Exploration

Imagine crickets delicately harvesting nature's bounty, feasting on tender leaves and hearty grains. This culinary exploration shapes the dinner plates of these minichefs, infusing their cuisine with a diversity of flavors. From the meadows to the fields, crickets curate a dining experience that mirrors the richness of their natural habitat.

The Artistry of Cricket Farming

1. Precision Dining: Crafting Culinary Marvels

Cricket farming transforms into an art of precision, where each mini chef's dinner plate is crafted with meticulous care. Farmers curate the cricket diet, blending leaves and grains to create culinary marvels that showcase the artistry of cricket farming. The precision in their dining habits contributes to the extraordinary nature of cricket cuisine.

2. Terroir of Cricket Flavor: Dinner Plates with a Culinary Identity

Similar to the concept of terroir in winemaking, cricket flavor carries the distinctive mark of their environment. The terroir of cricket flavor becomes an essential element of their dinner plates, reflecting the unique characteristics of their culinary landscape. This culinary identity adds depth and authenticity to the dining experience of nature's minichefs.

Nutritional Brilliance on the Menu

1. Protein Elegance: Elevating the Minichef's Dinner Plate

Crickets grace their dinner plates with protein elegance, offering a nutritional profile that rivals traditional meat sources. The protein richness elevates the dining experience of nature's minichefs, contributing to the overall culinary brilliance that defines cricket cuisine. Each bite becomes a testament to the protein prowess of these extraordinary minichefs.

2. Essential Nutrients Symphony: A Nutritional Feast

Beyond protein, cricket cuisine orchestrates a symphony of essential nutrients. From vitamins like B12 to minerals such as iron and zinc, their dinner plates host a nutritional feast. The harmony of essential nutrients adds a layer of health benefits to the culinary brilliance of nature's minichefs, making cricket cuisine a holistic dining choice.

Culinary Extravaganza: From Tasting Menus to Home Delights

1. Gourmet Delicacies: Elevating Cricket Dining to Extravaganza

Picture indulging in gourmet delicacies curated by nature's minichefs. Tasting menus in high-end establishments showcase the culinary extravagance of cricket dining. From cricket flour pastries to exquisitely seasoned roasted crickets, these gourmet delicacies redefine the dining experience, elevating cricket cuisine to an extravagant affair.

2. Home Cooked Wonders: DIY Cricket Culinary Adventures

For the home cook, cricket cuisine becomes an invitation for DIY culinary adventures. Infuse cricket flour into your favorite recipes, experiment with cricket-infused sauces, or create savory snacks featuring roasted crickets. The dinner plates of nature's mini chefs inspire culinary wonders in kitchens around the world, bringing the extraordinary to home dining.

Conclusion

"Cricket Cuisine Unmasked" provides a rare glimpse into the dinner plates of nature's minichefs, revealing a culinary world that is both intricate and brilliant. From their gourmet microcosm and the artistry of cricket farming to the nutritional brilliance packed into every bite, crickets showcase a dining experience that transcends expectations. As you explore the culinary secrets of these minichefs, prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary dining journey orchestrated by nature's tiny culinary maestros.

[thebasketleaf]

Matcha in the Modern Kitchen: Innovative Recipes Beyond the Traditional Cup

For centuries, Matcha Tea has held a revered place in the world of tea, celebrated for its vibrant green colour, earthy flavour, and unique preparation ritual. But in the modern kitchen, matcha has transcended its traditional boundaries, becoming a versatile ingredient that lends its rich taste and striking colour to many innovative recipes. Matcha has become a culinary superstar, from sweet to savoury beverages to baked goods. Join us as we venture into matcha beyond the teacup, exploring the creative and mouthwatering possibilities this green treasure brings to the modern table.

The Green Elixir: A Brief Prelude to Matcha

Before we dive into the world of culinary exploration, let's revisit the essence of matcha. Derived from shade-grown green tea leaves, matcha is a finely ground powder with many health benefits. Its high concentration of antioxidants, amino acids, and chlorophyll has earned it a reputation as a superfood, promoting wellness and mindfulness.

Sip and Savor: Beyond the Classic Matcha Latte

While the classic matcha latte continues to captivate palates, the versatility of matcha extends far beyond a steaming mug. Picture yourself sipping a refreshing matcha iced tea on a sunny day, the vibrant green inviting you to embrace its refreshing flavour profile. Or consider a creamy matcha smoothie that blends the richness of matcha with the creaminess of your favourite ingredients.

Innovative Eats: Culinary Adventures with Matcha

Let's dive into culinary creations, where matcha takes centre stage. Imagine savouring a bowl of matcha-infused oatmeal that combines the nuttiness of oats with the earthy essence of matcha. Visualize a luscious matcha avocado toast that pairs the creaminess of avocado with the vibrant hues of matcha. The possibilities are as boundless as your imagination, from matcha pancakes to matcha energy balls.

The Sweet Symphony: Matcha Desserts That Delight

Matcha desserts are a dream come true for those with a sweet tooth. Picture a velvety matcha cheesecake with its luxurious green hue and delicate bitterness, perfectly balanced by a lovely crust. Envision a batch of matcha macarons that look like vibrant confections and carry the distinctive flavour of matcha. Matcha's natural affinity for sweets opens up a world of delectable possibilities, where each bite is an enchanting journey of flavours.

Savoury Surprises: Matcha in Unexpected Places

While matcha is often associated with sweetness, it's a gem that shines just as brightly in savoury dishes. Imagine a matcha-infused vinaigrette drizzled over a fresh salad, infusing every bite with herbal sophistication. Envision a creamy matcha risotto, where the boldness of matcha complements the dish's richness. Savoury matcha dishes challenge conventions and invite you to explore a new dimension of flavour.

Beyond Edibles: Matcha in Mixology and More

The magic of matcha extends beyond the realms of food. Imagine sipping on a matcha-infused cocktail that marries the elegance of tea with the playfulness of mixology. Or consider incorporating matcha into DIY skincare products, harnessing its antioxidant properties to nourish and rejuvenate your skin. Matcha's versatility doesn't stop at the kitchen; it extends to your glass and skincare routine.

An Art and a Palette: The Aesthetic Appeal of Matcha

In the modern kitchen, matcha isn't just about taste; it's a visual masterpiece that transforms dishes into works of art. The vivid green colour of matcha adds a pop of vibrancy to every creation, making each dish an Instagram-worthy delight. The artistry of matcha isn't confined to its flavour; it's a palette that elevates your culinary presentations to a new level of aesthetic pleasure.

In Conclusion: A Green Revolution in the Modern Kitchen

As we conclude our journey into the world of Matcha Tea beyond the traditional cup, we're reminded of the green revolution that has taken place in the modern kitchen. Matcha's transformation from a tea ceremony staple to a culinary chameleon showcases its adaptability, versatility, and undeniable allure. Whether you're sipping a matcha latte, savouring a matcha-infused meal, or marvelling at a matcha-inspired creation, one thing is clear: matcha's journey in the modern kitchen is a culinary adventure that invites us to explore, innovate, and celebrate the enchanting world of flavours, colours, and possibilities.

[soniabigcheese]

Challenge Accepted

Taken from this post .... Nutty's Palette Challenge

I give you Lady Penelope, 60s style, albeit a little crudely and using as close a match as possible to the colours using what I have to hand ....

Ta daa!

Lined paper, cos all that I had handy

[gumnut-logic]

I love it! 😁💙💙💙 Perfect 😁

I’m taking @gumnut-logic​‘s palette challenge as an excuse to try some new things :P I still vastly prefer doing simple sketches on paper when I do art but since colour and digital art are scary that means I should jump in head first if I want to do it at all…. right :D

anyway have a Scott hand reaching out to save someone

[gumnut-logic]

This week’s palette challenge.

These are the colours I’ve been working with for the last week with an idea that has me all excited :D They are shades of pink, burgundy and gold/bronzes.

At some point I will post some of the results from this little venture, but for the moment, I’m keeping them under wraps :D

But I am excited :D And have had multiple credit card accidents this week in relation to this new project :D Oops :D

Nutty

(I hope I can share some inspiration, or even just some yarn porn :D )

[pareidoliaonthemove]

Okay, so I've spent almost a week fussing with this, and it's not going to get better, so I'm sending it out into the world.

This is my answer to Week 1 of Nutty's Palette Challenge, a computer generated simulation of a cross stitch design (because 1 week to design and stitch a pattern isn't going to happen with me).

It's supposed to be a tocan sitting on a branch with a hibiscus flower in the background. Maybe if I fudged and used a larger palette? Or ditched the flower?

Definitely a learning experience, and at least a base to start working off.

[shinyzango]

Heard you can’t think of anything to draw for your nutcracker stuff. So, Behold! Here’s a list of ideas for ya. Hope it helps!

Explore side characters (via design or something else) -The Mice -The fairies -Fritz -Clara’s parents -Harvest mouse -Hildebrand -That douche bag of a king, the princess, the queen Explore other character relationships -Clara and her brother Fritz -Fritz and Hans (toy state) or Post curse -Younger Hans and the fairies -Clara and the Fairies -Hans and His uncle Drosselmeyer -Clara and Drosselmeyer -Mouse king and his soldiers Revisit old ideas -Human size Hans -Ice skating Clara -Hans' Nightmares -Covers with your new adaption title -Old Drawing challenges like the colour palette, emoji, etc. -SUPPLIES -Continuation of unfinished ideas/ comics

Redraws - Could be redraws from old drawings OR - Screen redraws from your favorite nutcracker movies, plays, stories, etc. Welp! Thats all I got for now. Feel free to ignore this ask altogether

I would also suggest getting yourself in the mood. There's nothing like revisiting Nutcracker stories, movies, plays, and putting on nutcracker music to get yourself in that Christmas nutcracker mood! Return to what got you into this in the first place! Get cozy, get nutty.

Omg haha thank you very much for the thought!

As much as I do have a lot I can work with, sadly I'm mainly going through an art block which is making me hating everything I draw, and I keep seeing drawing as a chore, as much as I do miss it. Which really frustrates me.

Also the situation at home I'm stuck into doesn't really help me on this matter and get in the right mood jdfkgn hopefully things will get better soon...

Thank you very much, though! I'll definitely keep this list in mind if this is what you all want to see.

[tsarisfanfiction]

So this has taken me... a while.  Since April, I believe.  A scene from one of my #irrelief offerings to @gumnut-logic​‘s challenge - Riding the Dragon, or more specifically, the part 2 - Return of the Dragon, (written using one of @louthestarspeaker​‘s prompts) sans background because I suck at backgrounds.  Might see if I can throw one in later but for now my hand is cramped as hell and I’m happy with the boys.

(Getting this scene in my head is actually what inspired me to write the part 2, as a fun fact)

The best bit, but also the hardest bit, was designing all their bags, and most of the detail is lost in the full image so I’m gonna shove some close-ups of those under the cut because Scott’s bag in particular I am blaming for my hand cramp.  I’m super proud of it, but heck was it a challenge.

I also have to thank Nutty for the colour palette help, because my knowledge of colour theory is pretty much zilch, and my various friends from across the Pond who replied to my “help what do American teenagers decorate their bags with” with “pins and keychains.  lots of pins and keychains”.  Hence Scott’s bag.

[fallenfurther]

The release

Written for @gumnut-logic‘s Sensory Sunday Challenge - Taste. It’s ended up a different brother for each sense. This one is for all those Virgil fans out there, it started with a cup of coffee and a sunrise and ended up with an exploration of many senses. Enjoy.

******

The warmth seeped through the mug to his hands as the sea breeze whipped his unbrushed hair. As he stood, his eyes swept across the ocean and he watched the sun rise over the horizon. The waves crashed against the rocks at his feet, sending fine salty spray into the air. It filled his lungs and seeped into every pore. The taste of the sea only enhanced the scene before him. There was something about the crashing waves that captivated artists and he was no exception.

Virgil raised the mug to his lips, inhaling the sweet smell as it ran down his throat. The rich flavour chased away the salt leaving a soothingly bitter aftertaste. He drained the last of it before settling down on the rock beside his satchel. The worn brown leather was perfect for containing and protecting his art supplies. Slipping his hand under the flap Virgil retrieved his sketchpad and charcoal pencils. Laying the book on his legs, Virgil started sketching the sunrise, the waves crashing against rocks and the odd bird which passed over the island. Occasionally he'd raise the pencil to his mouth in thought. The sweet soft wood danced along the top of his tongue as he nibbled the end of the pencil. It was a bad habit and occasionally he got the metallic tang from the charcoal when be bit down a little too hard.

It was a rare thing, for Virgil to be up at dawn, even more so to be out on the cliffs with a sketched. But when he had woken up and seen the first hints of dawn, the views had beckoned him. Virgil refilled his mug from the large thermos, the bitter fluid helped to fight the cold bite of the morning wind. It’s cool fingers brushed through his hair, causing the strands to dance along his forehead. He slipped a few coloured pencils from their sleeve and swept them across his paper, trying to capture just a little of the beauty before him. He could already visualise the paints he was going to splash on the canvas when he finally got time to recreating the scene. The island was an artist's paradise. There was always something to paint or sketch. The seasons changing the image in a different way to the weather or time. He'd watched rocks fall from cliffs as they gave in to the might of the sea, he'd seen trees felled by gale force winds, their exposed roots like tangled hair, and he'd seen animals thrive in the natural reserve of the island, young birds taking their first flight and caterpillars becoming dainty butterflies.

Lost in the beauty of the world around him, Virgil sketchpad filled up with charcoal and colour. His mind shifted away from the last rescue, all the worries and pain being blown out of him by the wind. His hands worked with ease as his heart soared with the birds he was capturing with swift dark lines. Content. Virgil was in the moment, his moment, on their Island. There was a silence in the howling wind and a calm in the crashing waves. There was no comm in his ear, not background noise of brothers or terror of screams and people calling for help. He was alone. He was at peace. He could pick himself up, dust himself off and start to heal the wounds the tough rescue had left behind.

Virgil's heart lightened with the sky. When the sun had risen about the horizon, it was time for Virgil to out his pencil down. He rolled his shoulders. His muscles were stiff but the tension he'd gone to bed with had been shed, leaving only the usually worries behind. He had brothers to chase up, to wrangle out of bed and sit with. Virgil had to make sure they were coping and doing so in a healthy way. He let the pages of the pad gently fall closed and packed away his things. His hand brought the mug to his lips only for him to splutter at the now cold tart liquid. He'd been so lost in his work his coffee had cooled. He fed it to the plants beside him before moving to sit against a tree. Pouring himself a fresh mug from the thermos, he drank again. The comforting nutty flavours of his favourite ground washed over his palette, bring a sigh to his lips. Leaning back, eyes closed, Virgil took in the island with his ears, listening to the music it created. He lay there long after he had finished his coffee, content to just sit in peace with the island. His eyes remained closed, his breathing slowed, and he relax. He stayed that way until the slow rhythmic pounding of Scott's feet halted before him.

[eirabach]

For @gumnut-logic ’s FabFiveFeb Challenge

Prompt Three - Virgil

["I’m trying!” / Hard]

Gonna have to beg forgiveness of you Nutty cause this isn't a story at all, just an attempt to get into the head of the bro i struggle with most. I love you Virg, why will you not speak to me son. 

Time spent alone in the villa is hard to come by, not that Virgil generally minds, or, in fact, is technically alone now. He’s not. Scott is here, or at least he’s out there, just beyond the picture window, jetpacking his way up and down the huge skeleton of the new Zero X and giving Brains a hernia in the process. The Mechanic is somewhere down in the bowels of the lab running over a few final figures, so Kayo’s almost certainly down there too. She likes him, he can tell, and for all her fierce faces Virgil knows that she above all of them is probably the quickest to forgive a man who’s suffered at her uncle’s hands. Family matters to Kayo, and family blood is best kept on family hands.

If the Hood tries to come for the Mechanic again, it won’t be a Tracy boy who leaps to his defence. The women have that more than covered.

Speaking of which.

Grandma is on shopping duty, out on the mainland, two overactive and over wrought blond grandsons sent to, ostensibly at least, keep her company and help with the heavy lifting. So why she’s on the comm to Virgil, her brows all puckered up, he isn’t quite sure. She’d caught him halfway through setting up his palette, but instead of signing off she’s lingering like a pale blue ghost and setting all his colours off wrong.

“You sure you’re alright up there on your own, kid?”

“I’m fine,” he says, lifting an eyebrow. “You sure you didn’t mean to call John? Mine’s hardly the loneliest spot in the cosmos.”

“I worry.”

This is new, the fretting. Grandma’s never been one to outwardly fret before, not unless the situation really called for it. Virgil alone with a paintbrush is definitely not a fret worthy situation.

“Everything’s fine, Grandma. I do do worse things than hang out in my own house you know. Daily.”

“I know. Just--” she wrinkles her nose, eyes flickering over to something out of frame, “take it easy, won’t you?”

He waves the brush as her. “I’m trying!”

“Well, make sure you try hard.” She sniffs. “The lot of you will be greyer than me by the time this is over.”

“Speaking for Scott?”

“Too damn late for Scott.” There’s a ruckus somewhere beyond her holocomm and Virgil watches as several rolls of toilet paper go flying behind her head.”You sure you’re okay?”

A familiar wail that speaks of sore losers and sorer winners echoes around the lounge, and Virgil grins. “You sure you’re okay?”

“Peachy. Behave!” She cuts the comm just as she grabs a passing yellow streak by the back of the collar, and brains him with a toilet roll.

It’s a relief to hear the hooting and hollering, honestly. They’ve all been getting a little testy, lately. Stressed. Worried. Fiercely determined and scared out of their minds. It’s only natural. To be expected. Not that any of this is expected. Wished for and hoped for and prayed for, sure, but likely? Not in the least. So he doesn’t blame Scott for being, if not unkind, at least ungentle. Nevertheless the fact remains that neither Gordon nor Alan have ever been any good at holding their hearts anywhere but right in their outstretched palms, and it would probably be best if they managed to bring their dad back to an island with all his sons on speaking terms. 

So it’s better, really, with John safe in space, to send the boys and Grandma out to terrorise minimum wage employees and to leave the sort of frenetic hurricane of anxious energy that dogs Scott’s every step to be contained, more or less safely, by a bottle of Scotch, a very fast plane, and Virgil.

Nobody has thought to save Virgil. 

This is -- not new.

Once upon a time, in a life before IR and orphanhood and fancy private islands, Virgil had taken a bit of a pop psychology course. Just half a credit toward his engineering degree, but it had sounded interesting and his dad had been mid-mid-life-crisis and it had seemed like it might be useful, somewhere down the line. And it has been, to a point. He knows his role.

He’s the Good Boy, the Caretaker to Scott’s Golden Child and John’s Lost Boy and Gordon’s Clown and Alan’s Mascot. He knows it, and he’s good at it -- insomuch as anyone is good at being dysfunctional --  but that doesn’t mean he always likes it.

It’s hard.

So he doesn’t much mind the alone time, such as it is. Not right now, not when even his vast and well curated reserves of patience are starting to stretch thin.

Alone time means he can paint without fear of a brother judging the tilt of their father’s eyebrows or the exact blue-grey of his eyes, play without the guilt of a missed memory triggering yet another explosion of emotion far too poorly contained. It means he can breathe, just a tiny bit easier, without the weight of four brothers and one grandmother and a sister and a genius or two sitting on his chest and demanding his attention. It means, for a moment, he can just be.

Drink an actually hot coffee. Have another go at those eyebrows. Mix another shade of blue. Play another half-written concerto with alarms scored all through. Have another go at saving something of himself, maybe, though from what or from whom he’s never entirely sure.

He’ll figure it out, eventually. He keeps trying.