#so this event was the highlight of the patch for me

[samudrarthaa]

i love the astral express trio so much, your honor...

[gallusrostromegalus]

My housemate reminded me of a flashbulb memory I have that I really wish I had a photograph of because it would be a magnificent image to inflict on the internet at large with Zero Context, but I'll try to describe it here, and then draw it after dinner.

Image Description:

As seen from about three feet off the ground: Interior, the den of an american suburban house built at the height of the atomic age and still decorated like it years later. There's dark wood paneling about halfway up the walls that offsets the almost neon pink-orange light of late sunset visible through the large window. Every object in the room is highlighted by the last of the sunlight. The only other light in the room is a TV set that was manufactured the same year Howdy Doody debuted on air, now broadcasting PBS Newshour in black and white.

Closest to the viewer, there is a small end table with a Nearly Full Martini glass, and a Half-empty glass Martini Pitcher, indicating that two of the five martinis it holds have been poured out.

Just behind it, an old man sits in a chair that was bright green and yellow when it was new but is now more Grellow. The man is in his mid-sixites, somewhat heavyset, with a full head of snow-white hair and thick glasses. He's wearing a dark brown tweed suit with leather elbow patches, and a white cotton button-up. He's watching the news with a calm and dispassionate demeanor. Tired, but still engrossed with the world's events. He's wearing dark brown penny loafers and garish argyle socks.

Behind him is a couch that is a matched set with the armchair, with the same Grellow chevron pattern, but there is a very large crochet afghan that has been spread out over the back to be decorative and maybe protect the couch from it's current occupant: a 120lb Wolf Hybrid.

She's seated lengthwise on the couch, like she had also been watching PBS Newshour, posed like a sphynx. She's close in wieght to the man, and definitely taller than him if she stands up, with a dark gray agouti coat and a bit of white countershading from the trace of domestic dog in her. She's turned her head to the viewer, bright yellow eyes focused on them, and the fur of her head and neck haloed with the sunset. She is pleased to see the veiwer, which means most of the teeth in her lower jaw are visible in her canine grin. The effect is very menacing if you don't know her.

Clutched rather neatly between her front paws is a second, identical martini glass, only not nearly quite so full as the old man's.

Title: "Oh, I didn't think you'd be back for another hour/GODDAMIT EDWIN"

[sirfrogsworth]

This is some speculative bullshit. I swear if these people saw me in 90 degree heat while wearing a suit they'd think I was a demon. My face turns beat red and I look like a damp naked mole rat.

I don't think some people realize how different you can look under various lighting conditions.

Specular highlights are direct reflections that appear as bright spots or sparkles. Think catchlights in the eyes or glare on the tip of the nose or glistening on freshly glossed lips.

Usually light obeys the inverse square law. It reflects much dimmer the farther it travels. But not *direct* reflections. So things like mirrors, glossy surfaces, or drops of water can all reflect light straight back instead of scattering and diffusing it. So that directly reflected light remains the same intensity as the light source.

Now imagine a powerful spotlight that is 50 feet away. It has to be super bright to light a person up on stage because it is so far away. Every time you double the distance, light diminishes by a factor of 4. But all of those little beads of sweat are reflecting the full intensity of the spotlight, so they light up like a Christmas tree on someone's face. And they kind of group together to create bright patches on his skin. Our brains have been trained to register that as sweating. And the brighter and larger those patches, the sweatier we assume someone is.

You can see just how bright his sweat was reflecting by looking at the catchlight in his eye.

Look at the exposure of the whites of his eyes compared to the catchlight.

So he looks red from the heat and the lights are making his skin look super clammy. And as a fun bonus, a small, hard light source exaggerates pores, blemishes, wrinkles, and skin texture.

What's interesting is if you move that spotlight closer, the specular highlights will start to appear dimmer.

This is because the light source doesn't need to be as bright because it is closer. And those direct reflections match the intensity of the light source. They also spread out and appear softer because the light source is larger. Larger lights are more flattering.

John basically had everything working against him in this situation and now people think he's doing coke again because the event didn't set up a lighting truss a little closer.

Also, everyone's memory of what John looks like is mostly from TV appearances. They don't typically see him right after a jog, so their mental image is skewed towards a single circumstance.

This was only a few months ago where he is wearing makeup and under professional studio lights.

And here he is... fucking yesterday.

Maybe the fancy lights and makeup are covering up his drug addiction.

Here he is in the temperature controlled SNL writers room under soft room lights. Again, yesterday.

Looks fine to me.

I know he is a celebrity and he'll be fine, but a bunch of people who struggle with addiction are going to see all of these people judging and speculating and being shitty because a person was hot. And that sucks.

[fuckyeahdindjarin]

Seams drabble: Patch

{ Part IV: Notch | Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist }

Rating: None

Summary: Ellie finds a Pride-themed sew on patch that leads to revelations.

Warnings: Pure fluff and love for this girl, some angst, coming out, total disregard of canon because I don't know how it goes in the game.

Word count: 1.3k

Notes: This idea struck me out of the blue many months ago, and I was waiting for 'the right place' in the series, until I mentioned it to a dear friend in passing conversation and then I just started writing it. Very lightly edited. Set at unspecified time frame after Part IV.

Ellie hums to herself from her spot in a cosy corner of the Outfitters, one watchful eye on the door. It’s an uncharacteristically slow Saturday, but she’s not complaining - she has her hands full.

A big canvas sack lies empty on the floor, its contents strewn haphazardly all over the wooden floor. The mess drives you up the wall, but you know better than to question her (very questionable) methods, so you’re ensconced in the safety of your studio while she sorts through the clothes and odds and ends that the patrollers brought back from their most recent outing.

Though infrequent - most settlements around Jackson have been painstakingly pilfered for anything useful over the years - it’s her favourite duty at the shop. Lucy is looser with the rules, but sometimes, you let Ellie keep little knick knacks that won’t sell.

The teenager goes through the pile thoroughly. Shirts go in one stack, jeans in another, followed by shoes, hats and scarves. Turning to the heap of smaller loose trinkets, she separates mismatched buttons, safety pins, shoelaces and zippers (as Maria always says, every little help), when something colourful piques her attention.

Plucking the piece of fabric out of the jumble, Ellie recognises it as a decorative patch that she’s seen sewn onto bags and shirts. It’s the size of her palm, cut in the shape of a rainbow, the colours still bright. Over the arches, bold white text outlined in black spells out NYC PRIDE 2003.

Tucking it into her pocket for now, she quickly finishes the rest of the sorting. Clothes go into the bin to be collected by the laundry, shoes for the cobbler’s, and accessories into a box to be priced and shelved.

Ambling into the back of the shop where you’re busy hemming a pair of jeans, Ellie plops into one of the rolling chairs, straddling the back of it, and the wheels screech as she careens across the floor to your sewing station.

Your lips quirk as you look up briefly at her. ‘Find anything interesting?’

‘Just this,’ she replies, flashing you the patch and reading aloud, ‘NYC Pride 2003. What does that mean?’

‘There used to be a big pride parade for the LGBT community every year in New York City,’ you explain. ‘They used to close down the streets and everything for it, it was a huge event.’

Ellie blinks, your answer taking her by surprise. She clears her throat, a distant buzzing at the back of her head as she turns the patch over pensively in her hand. ‘What - do you know what it was like?’

‘I’ve never been to one, but it always looked incredible. People used to line the streets in support, and everyone dressed up. There’d be rainbow flags everywhere, floats, dancing, music, and of course, it was an important way for the community to highlight and push for LGBT rights.’

‘You mean -’ she pauses, the unfamiliar feeling of stumbling over her words making her hands sweat. ‘You mean, people would just be out in public, like, being themselves?’

‘More than that - they were celebrating themselves.’

Ellie doesn’t realise she’s fallen quiet until you speak, ‘You can keep it if you want.’

Her head snaps up, disoriented. ‘Keep what?’

‘That.’ You nod towards the patch she’s clinging onto so tightly that her knuckles have gone white.

Panic prickles the back of her neck, an embarrassed heat suddenly making her want to pull at the collar of her flannel. But then you shrug and say, almost flippantly, ‘It’s pretty.’

‘Yes,’ she blurts out in hasty agreement, letting out a breath she’s been unconsciously holding. ‘It’s very pretty.’

Ellie is relieved when you turn back to the sewing machine, leaving her to retrace her steps to the front of the shop. The patch sits on the counter, where she leaves it, as she goes about her business for the rest of her shift.

Her eyes travel to the rainbow, and she thinks of how she wasn’t like the other girls at school, who fawned over dogeared photos of singers and actors long dead. She thinks of how she’s always known she’s different, but didn’t have the vocabulary to express it.

She thinks of Riley.

Riley.

For Riley.

When half three rolls around, you spot the teenager lingering by the studio doorway out of the corner of your eye, her backpack dangling from her fingers. Any other Saturday, you’d be lucky to catch the blurry shape of her shadow when she gallops out of the shop, throwing a see ya over her shoulder.

Thrown by her silence, you prompt, ‘Yes, Ellie?’

Scruffing the tips of her well-worn sneakers on the floorboards, she bites her lip in an atypical display of hesitance. ‘Pin, could you help me sew the patch onto my backpack? Please?’

You smile, eyes soft. ‘I’d love to. C’mon.’

‘You don’t have to do it now,’ she protests, feigning nonchalance, but her twitchy hands give her away. ‘Like, whatever, it’s no big deal.’

Wanting to put her at ease, you shrug. ‘No time like the present. Where do you want it?’

Putting her bag on your work surface, she points. ‘Guess right here under the wings.’

‘Perfect. Can you unzip the bag for me?’

You have Ellie hold the rainbow exactly where she wants it while you thread the needle, and you start sewing it in by hand, stitch by tidy stitch. It barely takes a couple of minutes, but time is of the essence - you haven’t heard the girl take a single breath of air since the anchor stitch.

Snipping off the thread with a flourish and giving it a once over, you grin. ‘There, all done.’

Ellie ducks her head, quiet as she takes the bag from your hands, running a thumb over the arches of the rainbow. Without a word, she suddenly throws her arms around you, hugging you tight.

‘Thanks, Pin,’ she mumbles into your hair.

Your heart swells, and you squeeze her back even tighter. ‘Anything for you, kiddo.’

On Monday morning, Ellie hovers in the hallway outside the kitchen, observing.

Joel is at the table, oblivious with his back to the door, her breakfast of two fried eggs over and easy and toast waiting at her usual spot at the table. Taking a deep breath, she bites the bullet and walks in, backpack in her hand.

‘Mornin’,’ grunts Joel, almost done with his own eggs, sunny side up.

‘Morning,’ she parrots back as she makes herself comfortable.

She usually just dumps her bag on the floor, but today, she pulls out the chair next to her and drops it into the seat. The unusual movement catches Joel’s eye, and he takes a good long look at the backpack.

Eventually, he points vaguely in what she assumes is the direction of the rainbow patch, and says, ‘That looks new.’

‘Yup, Pin helped me sew it on.’

He purses his lips, asking around a mouthful of egg. ‘You know what Pride is?’

She swallows thickly, and it takes a beat to unstick her tongue from the roof of her mouth. ‘Yeah, Pin told me.’

He nods, then turns his attention back to his plate with no fanfare.

Not entirely sure if he caught the nuance but her mind too in knots to care, Ellie picks up her fork and doesn’t think twice when he gets up to put his dish in the sink.

She nearly chokes on eggs when strong arms close around her shoulders in a vice-like grip, scratchy beard on her temple, Joel’s voice so thick that it makes her think if she turns around, she’ll see tears in his eyes.

‘Proud of you, baby girl.’

Later that afternoon, Joel finds you alone in the shop, restocking the women’s outerwear rack.

You toss him a smile over your shoulder. ‘Hey, what are you doing here?’

‘Lucy ‘round?’ he asks.

‘When is she ever?’ you quip with no bite.

Three steps and he’s spun you around by the waist, soft lips latching onto yours in a sweet kiss with just a hint of heated aftertaste that has you swaying on your feet when he pulls back.

A breathless laugh bubbles in your throat as you palm his whiskered jawline. ‘Why, thank you for that, Mr. Miller.’

The corners of his eyes crinkle, and he brushes his nose tenderly against your cheek. ‘No, thank you, sweetheart.’

Notes: I hope I wrote Ellie's coming out as sensitively as I hoped to. As I mentioned, I have no idea how or if she comes out in the game, but despite being such a chatty teenager, I think she'd find it difficult to broach the subject with Joel in conversation. For me, this was a fun way of weaving in her part-time job at the Outfitters and Pin into her coming out story that stays true to Ellie's character. I hope you enjoyed this - comments and reblogs appreciated as always!

P.S. I am not 'back' back, so I don't know when I will next update Seams. Thank you for your patience while I try to navigate my way back to some semblence of writing regularly, whenever that may be.

Thank you @firefly-graphics for the dividers ❤️

[olivyh]

Fluff/crack hc

Dorm leaders get Kabedon by an S/O who didn't know they kabedon'd the Dorm leaders cus Yuu wanted to get their attention and say something they deemed important

A/N: Sorry for the long wait! Studying in another country is taking a lot more out of me than I thought it would, and I've been pretty drained of motivation ;;;;. Hopefully it gets better once I get more used to living here and used to being so far from my friends and family, but I'll see where it takes me! I do see all the requests and I'm very grateful for all your support and kind comments- they're all getting be through these times <<3333 I couldn't thank you all enough for your support and I'll get back into my groove soon I hope!

Riddle:

"-and as of right now, there are currently fifteen students who have told me that they will be unable to complete their tasks necessary for the upcoming unbirthday party which, unfortunately, means-" He rambled, shuffling the impressive amount of papers he was currently holding in his arms- all annotated and marked appropriately and according by date and subject. He was walking through the main hallway with the prefect after classes and was currently incredibly stressed about the events that had unfolded since he woke up. 

First, he had gotten several messages about things that had gone wrong yesterday due to a brutal storm that had run its way through his dorm overnight; consisting of ripped-up bushes, frightened animals, and overturned tables (not to mention the countless roses that had been plucked from their homes and thrown about the area). That was followed by multiple complaints about food being stolen from the kitchen (he was confident that the culprit was a certain red-headed card soldier who had been getting on his nerves day in and day out since his arrival at NRC). Following that, many students had told him that they were sick and unable to perform their duties for the day. 

Riddle felt as though his head was going to explode from stress, and he found himself rambling to the one person on campus who he felt was sane enough to understand his inner turmoil. 

"Riddle!" He gasped when his back met the cold stone wall and a hand was placed beside his head. All his worries seemed to be ripped away from him as his brain as the only thing he could focus on was the rapid thrumming of his heart beneath his uniform and how close his friend was. His mouth opened and closed for a moment as he felt his face heat up. He felt as though he couldn't breathe from the close proximity. 

"Finally," They sigh, leaning back and giving him some room to catch some much-needed air. "I was telling you that we passed the cafeteria. You mentioned that you didn't eat lunch."

"Right..." He mumbles, his voice much too small for his liking. They back away and, for a moment, Riddle wishes that those few moments of suffocation would last just a little bit longer. The more he reflects on it, the quicker his heart beats. His hands begin to tremble and he barely notices when more and a few papers slip from his grasp and fall to the floor. His face heats up once more and his breathing becomes erratic the more he looks at the prefect, the sensation becoming too intense before he finds himself stammering something about a text from Trey and running off, leaving the poor prefect in a confused daze behind him with only the echo of his heels clicking behind him.  

Leona:

He was currently trying to nap beneath the large canopy of a tree nestled deep within the botanical garden. The warmth of the sun seeped in through the vast windows that were cut in a way that decorated small patches of the ground around in the shades of the rainbow, highlighting the bright hues of the tropical flowers that he was surrounded by. He was skipping class again, as per usual, after having been victim to a three-hour-long call from his family. All he wanted to do was to rest in the small patch of grass that he'd claimed as his own and sleep until it was dinner- which wouldn't be for another five hours from then. 

He had found the most perfect spot- just hidden away from any prying eyes and surrounded by the scent of the nearby flowers, but not close enough to get sprayed by the water that would rain down when the sprinklers went off. He had just closed his eyes when he caught a familiar smell lurking in the bushes. 

"What do you want, herbivore?" He groans, peeking an eye open and squinting against the bright light. The human stands over him, hands on their hips as they cast a shadow over his form. 

"Ruggie sent me!" The beastman rolls his eyes and allows the opened one to slip closed once more. "Come on, Leona! You can't miss another class..."

"Why not?" He scoffs, rolling onto his side so he was facing away from them. He feels their hand land on his shoulder and tug lightly in an attempt to get him to look at them once more which, of course, fails. He can admire their determination in most situations, but in this kind of scenario, he can't help but feel annoyed at their insistence. 

"You have to graduate at some point!" Leona sighs and rolls over, making the human slip with a yelp that makes his eyes shoot wide open as he finds himself directly under the prefect. He smirks and tries to ignore the way his stomach flutters at their proximity. 

"Is this how you want to wake me up?" Leona chuckles. "You're awfully brave, stomping into the lion's den." He basks in their flustered expression before flipping the roles, successfully pushing them onto the dirt and laughing loudly at the way their face morphs into something much more intense than it was previously. 

"Leona..." Their quiet, flustered voice reaches his ears and he tilts his head, sitting back on his heels and allowing them to sit up, barely catching their embarrassed stammers and excuses before they run back into the gardens, disappearing between the bushes. 

He chuckles and leans back into the grass, finally able to take the nap he so desperately wished for. 

Azul:

He was currently hunched over his desk, well past the hours when he should have been showered and in bed. The rest of the Mostro Lounge was dead silent aside from the soft sounds of bubbles that emanated from the hallway and the occasional clink as he bumped into his glass of water, which bumped into the inkwell of his bonefish pen. The only other sounds that echoed throughout the room was the scratching of his pen and the occasional drawn-out sigh from the merman as he slaved away at his desk. 

His entire body ached and his eyes felt as though they were being weighed down with lead, but he had to finish the final budgeting for the lounge before dawn. If not, then he would be behind on all the other work that he had to get done- such as ordering supplies and creating menus for the next month and a half, as well as filing any reports for damages caused by rowdy guests or the notorious eel that would throw things when he had gotten into one of his moods or would draw on plates when he felt like it. 

He didn't even feel when he had dozed off, only knowing that he had blinked for a little too long before he was spun around and roughly jostled out of his dazed state. He blinks widely up at the person who currently had their hands on either side of his desk, effectively trapping him between them and the piece of furniture. Their proximity alone was enough to wake him up, leaving the mer feeling as though he'd just been plunged into the water of the Coral Sea. 

For a moment his mind was racing with thoughts about how he currently looked- he was sure that his glasses were askew (and likely smudged due to his slow, sleepy movements), his hair was probably a mess; sticking up out of his head in each and every direction, and his uniform was comprised of nothing more than his loosely buttoned white shirt and his untied bowtie that hung loosely over his shoulders. 

On the other hand, he couldn't focus on anything more than the little details he could never really see of the prefect- the way their lip juts out when they're nervous, the little lines in the corners of their eyes from when they smiled, and even the way their hair framed the face that he would watch day in and day out. 

Once his brain clicked, he scrambled for some sort of purchase, effectively tipping his chair back and making his head hit the desk with a thud as pain shot down his spine from the impact. He hit the ground with a groan before the prefect helped him up, walking with him back to his room to nurse his injury. He couldn't tell if his face was burning and his heart was constricting from embarrassment or affection, but he decided that he couldn't care either way. 

Kalim:

"But then we could find some new animals to add to the dorm! It would be fun, right?" The heir was currently trying to brainstorm ideas on how to make his dormmates seem less... drained. For the past couple of weeks, due to finals, he noticed how exhausted many of them were. His concern arose when some of them even turned down dinner in favor of studying or sleep. He wasn't exactly sure how he could help them, considering that the most he's been able to offer thus far was a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, as well as festivals and parties (that many of the students also declined). He was at a loss for what to do until he decided to do some research, which lead him on a tangent in his room, late into the hours of the night. The windows were wide open, which allowed some moonlight to creep in and join the warm light of the magically-lit lanterns and the quiet music that played off his phone- now cast onto his bed and long forgotten in his whirlwind of planning. 

"I really don't think that animals would help much," The prefect sighed. That makes him stand still for a moment, sighing and casting a sad glance over to the former. He continues to pace, mumbling different ideas out loud and hoping that they would pick up on at least a little bit of what he was saying. Before he knows it, he's yelling excitedly and practically skipping around his spacious room, hands flailing as he jabbers about possible plans to improve his dormmates' wellbeing. He doesn't even notice when the prefect begins to call his name. 

"But if it doesn't work, then what?" He finishes, taking a deep breath to look over at them. He takes notice of the concerned look on their face, his energy instantly dissipating as he rushes to their side. "What's wrong? You look sad..." 

"I'm not sad, Kali. I'm just a little worried. You're not responsible for everyone's happiness," They explain and Kalim feels his heart shatter as confusion clouds his brain. 

"I'm..." He pauses and smiles, letting out a short, silent laugh. "I'm a dorm leader! I have to!" 

He gasps when he feels himself trapped suddenly against his wardrobe, cutting off his train of thought roughly as he sucks in a deep breath. 

"What are you...?"

"So you'll finally listen to what I'm saying!" 

He nods and tries to ignore the feeling in the back of his mind that begs him to squirm. He has been close to the prefect before, yes, but never for a long enough period of time. He'd only done it to help them learn how to do the dances of his hometown, or when he would clean up with them (or attempt to, at least). But this felt completely different from all those times before...

"I'm... listening," He breathes softly after a long pause, making his friend back away for a moment. In that split second, he desperately wishes that he could be as smooth as the princes in all the fairytales he'd grown up reading and pull them back, fighting back the urge to get closer to them once more. 

Vil:

"In just a moment," Vil murmured, leaning in closer to the mirror that sat at his desk. The lights would have been blinding if thy hadn't reflected off his light violet eyes so brightly and highlighted each and every product that he layered on his perfect skin. He had a meeting in just an hour, and he was already running behind schedule. His dearest friend, the prefect, was currently lounging on his bed, sprawled out and scrolling on their phone while he focused on perfecting his makeup for the undoubtedly long and boring few hours he had ahead of him. 

"Vil-" They whined loudly and, in the corner of his eye, he could watch them dramatically throw their arms in the air and flopping them beside their head as they look into his eyes from the background. 

"It won't be long, I promise!"

"Nonsense," He sighs. He couldn't deny that he was hungry and, normally, he was practical about his eating schedule. He ate three square meals, and carried around a healthy snack for if he felt as though he needed something extra to get him through the day. Today, however, he had skipped lunch due to rehearsal, and he was certainly feeling the effects now. He could always ignore this and opt to eat at a later time, perhaps once the meeting was over and he could grab something quick from a nearby restaurant. 

He turned to face them, only to notice that they were hovering over him and had slammed their hands on his desk loudly, startling him slightly as he jolted. He was surprised, if he was being honest- he wasn't expecting this type of reaction to come from the sweet, sweet prefect. 

He sighs, looking up at them with an eyebrow quirked and a small smile on his face as he observes their annoyed expression, before watching as that expression shifts from annoyance to realization to embarrassment. 

"Are these the lengths you're truly willing to go to?" He chuckles, determined to turn the tables. He leans in, enjoying the way the prefect seems caught like a deer in headlights. He leans back and goes back to his makeup, making eye contact with them in the mirror and smiling once more. "Nevertheless, you'll have to wait."

He can barely catch their groan filled with disbelief and annoyance before he continues on his work. 

Idia:

"But if I log in for the rest of the week, I should still be at the top of the charts, right? But then, my next problem would be that I hadn't grinded for enough lucky stars yet!" Idia was currently pacing in his room, ranting to his newfound friend as they sat on his bed, listening to his problems eagerly as he carried on. "If I log in, I'll be caught up, but not caught up enough to get the new SSR+ that everyone else probably already has!" He throws his hands up in the air, noticing how, out of the corner of his eye, his firey hair lit up the room in shades of amber as he got more and more worked up. "I mean, how unfair is that? I have to go to school! They prob don't even have to do that or dorm leader stuff, so that's exactly how they got ahead of me! Which sucks!" 

"Idia..."

"I mean, I've been playing this game since the release and suddenly all these Magicam normies suddenly get the sneak on me because they just joined? I'm glad the fanbase is growing but I mean come on!"

"Idia!"

"And then they're completely mischaracterizing them! Like, absolutely butchering the characters! Shadow isn't all gloomy all the time- he actually has a soft spot for his teammates which is so cool and also such a big thing for them to ignore!"

"Idia Shroud!"

"And I saw on Magicam that they were completely ignoring the plot and the character development- like, in Blade's SSR+ that was released last year, she clearly mentions the main plot and how much it changed her as a person! And people still have the audacity to ignore her!" He was pacing more quickly now, rambling so quickly that he already felt his mouth going dry. The headphones around his neck blasted the ambient music from the paused game on his PC, but he could care less after seeing one particular post that got him worked up. 

He felt himself getting pushed to the wall as he stared down at the prefect in shock, his hair turning a bright crimson as his face went a similar shade. He stammered for a moment before biting his lip to shut himself up, feeling the way his heart hammered in his chest and made his head dizzy as the world around him spun. 

He was being kabedon-ed. 

Just like in all his shows. 

"Th-this-"

"I asked if you wanted something to eat," He could only muster a nod before he gulps, biting his lip once more as he gasps for air and his knees go weak. "Idia."

"How did I-," He murmurs, suddenly feeling faint. "-get this route?" Idia whispered the last word as he felt his entire body go limp as he passed out. 

Malleus:

He had been more than fortunate to have made such a close friend- one he can call his first in his very long life thus far. As of recently, however, he'd noticed that his affections had become more than simple friendship- the seeds have been planted within the cold thorn walls of his heart and had begun to blossom into fragrant roses that constricted his chest and dominated his every waking thought. More often than not, he had been able to surpass this feeling that had consumed him, placing on his mask of contentedness whenever they would look his way wearing the smile that would make his heart melt and the fireflies that would often surround him fly a little faster in bright yellow streaks against his pale skin and ivory hair that framed his narrow face. 

Now had been one of those moments. They were currently exploring the forest around campus, and Malleus finally had the opportunity to show the prefect a small meadow hidden just outside of the sports field- a bustling meadow, filled with wildflowers that sprouted out of the ground and painted the scenery in all the colors of the rainbow and insects buzzing from flower to flower contentedly. He cast a longing glance over to the human, smiling softly at their awed expression- mouth hanging open as their eyes were so wide he could practically see the entire meadow reflected against their irises. 

He had wished so desperately to capture this moment in a little bubble, to place it upon a pedestal in his treasure room and gaze at it whenever the nights seem to be too long. Oh, how he wished he could hold their face in his own hands and that the chill of his skin wouldn't give them a shock. He longed to live with them in this meadow- perhaps run far away from his life of nobility to do just that. 

He could practically feel it- the warmth of the sun against his face and the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders as they forage for berries- perhaps they would even take a small nap among the flower fae living in the area, only to wake at sunset and move to make a warm meal together in the small kitchen of their cottage. 

Suddenly, he's trapped between a small tree with the human in question practically pinning him against it. His eyes widen for a moment as his mind freezes, struggling to understand the sudden proximity. 

"Mal-" Before they could finish their sentence, he had vanished in a cloud of fireflies, leaving the concerned human dazed and alone in the middle of the field. 

From that point onwards, Malleus was forced to endure Lilia's incessant teasing about his reaction.

[violetsiren90]

Under the Hunter's Moon

Pairing: Yoongi x f!Reader (What the Moon Saw universe)

Genre: drabble; non-idol AU; friends to lovers; young love; autumn/harvest vibes, pure unadulterated fluff

Summary: A disappointment turns into something unexpected when Yoongi encounters you outside of your cliffside haven.

Content warnings: PG rating, but ALL my content is off-limits to minors; depictions of underage smoking; allusions to divorce; school bullying; Yoongi being a scaredy cat on rides lol; mentions of eating and food; allusions to a difficult home life; cuties at a carnival 💕; brief feelings of panic; riding in the back if a truck sans safety restraints.

Word Count: ~3200

Author's note: I spent my birthday today at a little pumpkin patch by the sea. I'd been wanting to go since getting the idea for this drabble a few months back. I felt like I got to ring in the next year with them, somehow. I felt them in the salty breeze and I heard them on the crash of the waves. They are so precious to me. ❤️

If no one has told you yet today you are loved and so worthy of it! 🧜‍♀️💜

He had found you sniffling under a sprawling valley oak that had tilted its way over the aged planks and posts of the two-rail fence and stretched out toward the naked expanse of the strawberry field and the last fiery rays of the late-October sun. He and Hoseok had broken away from the pack of boys he hung around with to find a quiet nook for a smoke. When he had seen you look up at him in surprise from where your face had been buried in your drawn-up knees, nose red and cheeks stained with tears, he had shoved a cigarette into Hobi's shirt pocket and sent the freshman packing. Now Yoongi was sitting next to you in silence, his back to the trunk, stealing furtive glances at you between drags. You heaved a sigh and leaned back against the tree, your shoulder brushing his. 

"I'm okay," you murmured, drawing the back of your hand a last time over your eyes, mascara that you rarely wore smudging across your knuckles.

"Yeah?" he asked, his gaze trained over the mulched land that stretched from the tips of his Converse to where the dying light strained out to bathe his soft, porcelain features in a golden sheen. "You here with somebody?"

"I...was...I guess," you muttered despondently. "Don't really know why I ever let myself believe they would want to hang out with me. Should have just stayed home like last year."

You kept your gaze from his, your eyes instead catching the movement of his slender, athletic legs stretching out in front of him and kicking up little clouds of silt that caught here and there as they dissipated over his light-wash skinny jeans.

"What are you doing here, anyway? You hate crowds."

You felt his shoulder shrug against yours.

"It's the Fest," he remarked, "Everybody goes."

Every year on the Friday before Halloween, your high school loaded its coastal-dwelling autumnally-deprived students onto busses for a forty-five minute drive inland and into agricultural territory to attend the massive Fall Fest for which its hosting county was acclaimed. It was the highlight of the semester - more anticipated than the winter formal - and for good reason. Tickets purchased upon entry (and sold in homeroom two weeks in advance) could be traded for carnival rides and games and seasonal attractions, while a little cash could afford attendees delicious treats and festive souvenirs.

You had never really seen what all the fuss was about. But, then again, events of such a nature were infinitely more enjoyable when one had someone with which to share them - a novelty you had never been afforded until a week ago, when Miranda Dallet and another girl from her posse had asked you to sit with them at lunch. When they asked you to attend the Fest with them you had been surprised, a feeling which had given way to one much less pleasantly anticipatory when Miranda had begun asking you about your newly-divorced father's house - the one just a few miles into town from the Fest grounds, and the one he had apparently told Jacqueline Peters' mother had a hot tub and a 50-inch flat screen TV.

When your father had agreed to let the lot of you stay over at his after the big bash, the reaction of your new acquaintances had you feeling the tiniest bit proud, even if you knew you were being used...you had never really had girlfriends before. Their squeals of excitement and insistent vows that you were the best had lit a little candle in your heart you hadn't even realized existed. Its flame had grown brighter over the days that followed as you planned outfits and borrowed lip gloss and let the others style your hair. And then, half an hour ago, it had been snuffed out when your father had called to cancel last minute, and the news had seen Miranda call you a liar and a poser, thereby revoking her friendship, her crew, and the white puffer jacket she had insisted you borrow, to leave you crushed and alone beside a candy-apple cart.

Your heart sank at the prospect of recounting your pathetic tale to Yoongi...but, he never asked. He merely finished his cigarette, tossing the butt into the upturned soil, and then standing and brushing off his jeans, shoved one hand in the pocket of his bomber jacket and extended the other down to you. You took it and let him pull you to your feet. As you swiped away the smudges your tears had made of the supposedly waterproof eye makeup, you felt Yoongi's gaze drift over you. You blinked up at him questioningly.

"You look...different," he offered, shoving his other hand into its corresponding jacket pocket.

You wrapped your arms self-consciously around the bare inches of your midriff. A trip to the local mall with Miranda and company after school the previous day had resulted in the purchase of your current attire: a light-pink spaghetti-strap tank that hugged your torso, ruched sides pulling it well above the studded waistband of your snugly fitting lowrider jeans, accompanied by a pair of hoop earrings larger than you had ever worn and which were nearly as shiny as your lip gloss. Temperatures remaining in the low seventies well into the late days of fall allowed teenage girls across your county to continue their relentless pursuit of getting dress-coded in the name of Brittany Spears. At events like these, however, the chaperoning staff were wise enough to let it be, as such efforts would likely result in wasted funds and totally empty busses. You had decided to take the plunge and wear something rather decidedly out of character.

"Well," you huffed, "I couldn't come the way I usually dress..."

Yoongi's brow creased.

"What's wrong with how you dress?"

"Ah...I don't know...I just wanted to look nice, I guess."

He nodded, eyes on his shoes.

"Do I look...bad?" You asked quietly, smoothing your hands down over the denim of your pants.

Yoongi looked a bit surprised when his eyes flicked up to yours again, and then they softened as he answered.

"No...no, of course not."

You smiled gratefully and his dark eyes went wide like a baby's as he tilted his head down, glancing about as he drew his bottom lip between his teeth and raised a hand to scratch behind his ear. If you hadn't known better, you would have thought he looked a bit shy. Was he shy? Something inside you preened a bit at the thought. Your bashfulness having dissipated, you moved your hands to clasp behind your back. Yoongi cocked a brow, a little grin tugging at the corner of his mouth as he stripped of his jacket and held it out to you.

"Looks a little cold though," he remarked, a teasing glimmer in his eyes.

"I'm fine, thank you," you huffed, feeling a bit caught, and crossed your arms in indignation.

He shrugged, still smirking, and tossed the jacket over his shoulder.

"Suit yourself," he remarked, "But it's gonna be a lot chillier when it's dark."

"I'm leaving anyway," you sulked, trudging toward the low fence and clambering over it.

"Why?" Yoongi asked quickly as he followed, nimbly vaulting the wooden structure and coming to land beside you.

"Because I got ditched. I'm not gonna wander around here alone like a loser."

You glanced at him out of the corner of your eye, and watched him physically swallow the joke that had formulated on his tongue about it being too late for you in that regard. Instead he reached up and poked you on the cheek.

"So don't go alone. Come with me."

You blinked at him. You had never once hung out with him outside the ledge. There had been the occasional brief wave of a hand across a parking lot or small affectionate smile when passing in a hall, but never so much as a word between you when at school. It had been an unspoken mutual agreement, keeping the worlds of your lives and the ledge separate. It kept your shared hiding place a haven from the rest of it all - one that you both desperately needed. So, his proposition caught you off guard and feeling a little uncertain. Yoongi must have realized your quandary, because he draped his jacket gently around your shoulders and gave you that little hopeful raise of his brows you'd have moved mountains for, and before you knew it, he was ambling alongside you as you trotted towards the lights and laughter of the rides.

It was strange and new, being with him like this, and you began to realize that even though you could read his face like the pages of a book and stood gatekeeper to many of the secrets of his gentle, burning heart, you'd never seen the sweet little smile that cotton candy caused to bloom on his lips, or how quickly it could vanish at the prospect of riding the slingshot. This being so, you couldn't help but take him in like some lovely unknown creature as you sat beside him on the Ferriss wheel and watched him glance nervously toward the ground growing further and further below.

"You okay?" you asked in amusement, glancing at his whitened knuckles where they clutched the safety bar across his lap.

He hummed in assent, now peering down over the tips of his shoes. You followed his gaze, leaning forward and consequently causing the little bucket seat to rock as it climbed toward the peak of the structure.

"Yah, yah, yah, yah!" Yoongi hollered, eyes wide as saucers as he yanked you back upright and only succeeded in rocking your seat more violently.

You didn't understand what he said next - he had slipped into Korean - but you were laughing too hard at his terrified and exasperated expression and how he clutched your arm to pay any mind to what he had to say.

The Ferris wheel proved to be the sole ride of the evening, as Yoongi flatly refused to endure another, and you made your way into the stretch of grounds that smelled like cinnamon and grilled meats and sounded with booth attendants enticing festivalgoers to try a hand at winning their wares. You stopped to toss a few coins onto dishes, coming infuriatingly close with your third penny to winning a giant Pikachu plushie.

You then proceeded to toss and toss until you had nearly exhausted your change purse without luck - only pausing when Yoongi appeared at your elbow with a two corndogs, slipping one into your hand. You protested at him spending his money on food you knew, though simple, could not have been cheap. He ignored your indignation, however, leading you back into the bustle and sermonizing over the rigged nature of the coin-toss game.

You looked down with a small plaintive smile at the paper boat encasing the deep-fried fare in your hands. Yoongi, though sharp and driven, wasn't a good student. He had a reputation for slacking off on assignments and cutting classes that won no favors with teachers who would never know that he had been working two jobs under the table since he was thirteen. That without his help his family would likely lose their home. That he had bought his mother nearly every single earthly possession she had. That the dinner you were holding meant a hell of a lot more than just a few bucks for some carnival food.

He was still chatting on in an endearing, self-satisfied drone, eyes half-lidded and head tilted back pedantically, when you suddenly slipped your arm under his, squeezing his bicep affectionately.

"What?" he looked down at you, interrupting his own stream of thought.

You shook your head as you took a bite of your corndog and grinned up at him through full cheeks. He let out a chuckle, taking a bite of his own.

"Were you listening to anything I said?" he grumbled in lighthearted accusation over his own mouthful. 

"Of course not," you hummed, bumping his hip, and causing him to stumble beside you.

He grunted, the corner of his mouth pulling up just ever so slightly. 

"Fright walk!" you crooned, pointing at a structure decked out in campy cobwebs with a lopsided grim reaper standing wobbly attendance at the door.

"Nope," Yoongi shook his head, tugging you suddenly in the opposite direction.

"Chicken!" You whined.

"Korean. Fried." He deadpanned with a straight-lipped smile and you nearly choked on the last of your corndog as you snorted with laughter.

Yoongi grinned down at you. There it was on your pretty lips again, that smile that lit up his world like a beacon in the night. If someone had asked him if it was more important for the sun to rise in the east each day or for that smile to reach your eyes, he would have plunged the very earth into darkness every time, deny it as he might.

"Come on," Yoongi murmured.

Weaving through the booths, stray leaves crunching underfoot, he led you to a long line of festival goers queuing up to pile into the beds of big trucks loaded down snuggly with bales of hay.

You had only been in line a few minutes when you heard their voices behind you. You recognized Miranda's snicker and your stomach twisted into a knot. The brisk breeze suddenly tripping over you from behind carried with it their mirthless laughter, and you froze in place as your body and mind waged a war of priority over delaying your tears and moving your feet.

A victor was never decided.

Your swimming eyes blinked and saw him, his little smile and soft, determined eyes, as he moved in front of you, pulling up the collar of his jacket on either side of your face. He held it there, steady hands, the fabric brushing your hot ears as his eyes locked yours and silently told you to breathe, wordlessly promised it would all be alright. The sights and sounds of the festival faded and all you could hear was the soothing, rhythmic crash of the sea.

"Want to get out of here?" Yoongi asked lowly, after a long moment, gaze still holding your own.

You nodded and he took your hand.

Yoongi borrowed your cell phone to make a call and walked with you down the dirt road that opened into a rural highway from the mouth of the festival grounds. As you walked you told him about the girls. About your father's broken promise. About the not being needed, and not so not being wanted. He let you pour out and sift through your anger and hurt in the company of his gentle and receptive silence.

Half a mile's trek brought you to a tiny gas station, its aged, yellowing sign flickering to life as the sun finally yielded the dim glow of its last strains to the darkness beyond the strawberry fields.

Yoongi bought two cans of cola from a buzzing old vending machine, handing one to you as he sat beside you on the iron bench chained to the side of the building. The stars began to peep out and speckle the sky as the full moon tipped over the eastern horizon to find you, much to its surprise, quite far from your little ledge, though still side by side. It watched you curiously until its flaxen beams were joined by a pair of bobbing headlights as a truck rumbled up off the road.

"Thanks, hyung," Yoongi clapped the driver, a handsome older boy who glanced between the two of you with a sly smile, on the shoulder before gripping the edge of the bed and bracing a foot against the tire to hop into the back of the truck. He turned and held a hand out for you.

"We're riding back there?" You asked skeptically, glancing over the dusty plastic ridges of the bed.

"We never got that hayride," Yoongi said with a shrug, and your heart squeezed in your chest as you grabbed his hand and let him pull you in.

You scootched against the back of the cab, pulling your knees up to your chest. The warmth was quickly dispelling in the darkness, and cool air whipping around your body as it dipped through the bed made you shiver. Your eyes flicked to Yoongi's bare arms.

"Here, thanks for the loan..." you murmured, shrugging the jacket off and holding it toward him.

Before he could refuse to take it, your ride jostled on the unpaved road, tossing you across his lap. His arms caught you, and after a moment's hesitation, pulled you to his chest and over his right leg, fanning the jacket out over your bodies. Your back to his chest and his arms around your waist, he held you, as he had a dozen times before. A dozen times and your heart still fluttered - fluttered and then settled into safety as you settled into him.

An hour or so later, Yoongi reached up to lift you down onto the sidewalk. You didn't notice as your eyes caught his - sweeter and rounder - how his hands lingered a moment too long at your waist. The driver asked if Yoongi wanted a ride back to his place and he declined, thanking him again. The older boy said Yoongi owed him a fishing trip and Yoongi chuckled, waving him off as the truck rolled down the street.

Your house was dark, and Yoongi walked you to the front door, hands stuffed in his pockets. You turned the key in the lock, and then you turned to him.
You took him in as he looked down at you, his pretty, soft features concealing none of his affection. He swallowed, shifting on his feet.

"What?" he asked.

"Thank you," you murmured earnestly.

"For what...?" and he began to scoff gently, but your answer came too quickly and sincerely for him to protest.

"For tonight. For every night," you sighed a little breath full of aching gratitude. "For being my friend."

His lovely dark eyes widened and his lips parted and suddenly you found yourself raising up on your tip toes to press your mouth to his cheek.

You did it before you could stop yourself and you turned before you could look at him, and you slipped into the quiet house, closing the door behind you just a bit too quickly - so that he wouldn't see, so that your eyes wouldn't give you away.

In doing so, you had missed it.

But the yellow hunter's moon gazing fondly down through the dark, wispy clouds had seen.

It had watched you kiss the boy's cheek. It had watched you hurriedly take your leave. And while you sighed wistfully on the other side of the door, it had watched the boy raise his hand to touch his face, walk back down to the street, and quietly lose the battle he had been fighting all night - every night, in fact, since that first on the cliffside. 

It had watched him fall in love with you.

-Fin-

[aemondsbeloved]

Poppies and Aster

pairing: Aemond Targaryen x reader

summary: on a warm day, Aemond spends his time with you, his lady wife and your two daughters in the gardens at the Red Keep. His duties, what others may think when they see him vulnerable with his family, and everything else does not matter so long as he is with his little family (1.1k)

notes: reader is disabled but what disability she has is not specified (she does use a cane which is mentioned), very fluffy, dad Aemond, this is unedited

If someone had asked you those years ago when you were still a maiden yet to be wed if Aemond Targaryen would be sitting in the secluded patch of grass in the royal gardens having a picnic with you and your children on a sunny afternoon you might have laughed at the prospect.

As cordial as Aemond had been even before you were betrothed and merely two people who attended the same certain events hosted by the King and Queen, he had never been one for slowing down. You would have said all Aemond loved to do in the afternoon was train with Ser Cole or perhaps spend time in the library reading.

But out in the gardens? Where everyone would see and perhaps stare at him? Oh no, you would never find him there.

He had once told you after you were betrothed that he disliked the gardens because people tended to… stare, to say the least. Perhaps in the secluded part of the library or in the training yard no one cared to pointedly stare at his scar or eyepatch. In the gardens this was not the case.

And yet here he was with you and your two daughters. Aerea past her seventh name day and Daena past her fifth. Your eldest sat besides yourself and Aemond with a sketchbook in her lap as she drew the bush not far from your family’s spot in the shaded patch of grass. You smiled at the sight, her face scrunched up so slightly in concentration. She would suck in her small cheeks when she did this and purse her lips in focus, making her look much like Aemond. Her hair so silver highlighted by the sun and the breeze that drew wisps of her hair from her braid made her look even more like him.

Besides her in Aemond’s lap was Daena with a cluster of violet and blue colored flowers in her lap. Her head of silver hair was bowed down in concentration as she threaded them together in the shape of a crown. She always insisted on wearing her hair down, detesting braids of any kind. Gods forbid you keep her hair out of her face. Sometimes when her Aunt Helaena persuaded her she would have her hair braided around her head like a halo if only because that is how Helaena always wore it. But now with her hair down in its natural state you could see how her curls that looked striking like your good mother’s went past her shoulders and were picked up in the breeze.

Aemond insisted their silver locks and violet eyes that looked just like his did not make them look like him at all. Frequently he said they had all of you, your nose, your lips, your eye shape. “A good thing,” he said to you once in your chambers as the sky set in deep oranges and pinks in the early eve. From his seat in the chair by the fire he had a strikingly calm and fond energy about him. “They’ll be as beautiful as their mother.”

Now, his book was long forgotten besides him as it laid in the grass. You were no better as your embroidery was in your lap, the needle having not been picked up in quiet some time. The cane by your side had been placed on the grass was a reminder of how long you had been here.

Daena beamed as she lifted up the finished crown in her hands to examine it. She turned around in her father’s lap to face him. Silently she lifted the crown of purple and blue flowers to Aemond.

“For me?” he asked her, gently moving his hands in front of her.

She grined toothily. “Blue poppies and purple aster,” she looked down at her flowers as if to check she got the color and names right. It would not surprise you as she was as meticulous as Aemond was. She looked back up at him and looked more giddy than before. “Just like your eyes Kepa!”

Years ago when you had first come to court you would have thought Aemond tempermental at best. The very first rumor you had heard from another lady your age was that he had screamed at a servant when she saw him without his eyepatch on when bringing something to his chambers. As you saw him with your daughter, tilting his head down so she could place it on his head, you were glad you never paid attention to those rumors. His hands were strong and could kill but he only held the ones he loved with gentleness and loved them with reverence.

The people of court could never know how much Aemond loved his family.

He looked over to where his elder daughter sat on the grass beside him, finishing the sketch of flowers she had been working on. The charcoals of beautiful vivid colors he had gifted her from Essos had gone to good use as the deep pink of the flower came to life again on her sketchbook. “How do I look?” he asked her with a soft smile.

For the first time that afternoon the concentrated look of sucked cheeks and pursed lips disappeared and she gasped in wonder, reaching the gingerly touch a blue flower. “Ao jurnegon gevie, Kepa.” You look beautiful, Father.

Was it the reverence for her father that made him smile or was it simply that he was with his family on an afternoon of such bliss? Maybe it was something that he did not think he deserved when he was younger and always thinking of the legacy in histories instead of the people around him. Aemond reached out and stroked the side of her head lovingly. “Good,” he chuckled approvingly. “Your valyrian improves every day, jorrāelagon zaldrīzes.” Dearest dragon.

At her father’s approval Aerea beamed much like her little sister, though hers was remarkably less toothy. It was a beam of a smile all the same. Daena went back to making another flower crown which you suspected would be yours. After that she would undoubtedly make her big sister one too.

Your little family was content here in the shade and as another breeze picked up Daena’s silver curls, you had no intention of picking up the embroidery in your lip. Glancing at Aemond who you found already looking at you with a soft, loving smile, you returned his smile and knew that like you, he had no intention of picking up his book either.

If some ladies and lords in the court caught sight of the fearsome Aemond Targaryen with his family they made no move to make it known. Years ago Aemond might have wanted to avenge any slight, even that of a whisper about him that was mere gossip, but now he seemed to care little for that.

+

taglist: @itsghostgirlyo @rosaryos @cullenswife @whatafreakingloser @witchofthenorthstar @m-indkiller @somemydayy @malfoytargaryen @bellameshipper @targaryenmoony @regandjamielola @tarrgaryenss @khaleesihavilliard @lacunaanonymoused @joliettes @mxrgodsstuff @margaglitterdeath @simplyarryn

comments and reblogs are always appreciated <3

[azurestar]

Just for fun, some DC Christmas fic recs.

only you will have stars that can laugh by silverwhittlingknife (@silverwhittlingknife)

You coming over is possibly the only thing that’s gonna stop me from wanting to punch your dad in the face, Dick doesn’t say. My current Christmas Day plans are 1) pace around at home, and 2) try not to obsess about what Bruce is up to, so trust me, you’ll be an improvement, Dick doesn’t say. Tim's alone on Christmas Eve. Dick finds out, and fixes it.

A beautifully crafted portrait of Dick and Tim’s relationship; perfectly captures their dynamic and the love between them.

Christmas in Kansas by Unpretty (@unpretty)

Clark Kent invites Bruce Wayne and Diana of Themyscira to his parents' house for Christmas. It goes, in general, pretty okay.

A heartfelt exploration of the Trinity’s relationships with each other and with the Kents.

Season of Grace by shobogan (@shobogan)

Barbara decides to have a little Christmas gathering of her own.

Barbara invites Stephanie, Helena, Cassandra, and Jason over for Christmas. A well-characterized piece that highlights the similarities between five of the more isolated members of the Batfamily.

Good Tidings by Thistlerose (@thistlerosie)

AKA "How I Spent My Winter Vacation" by the Justice League

A lovely piece on the Justice League and the relationships within it. Sweet and heartwarming.

It's a Wonderful Earth-218 by BeatriceEagle (@beatriceeagle)

As Blüdhaven burns, Dick makes a wish that he'd never been born. He wakes up in a world where that's true, being followed around by a supervillain who just really wants to get back to taking over the world.

Inspired by It’s A Wonderful Life; an excellent character study of Dick Grayson, his relationships, and his impact on the universe as a whole.

Patches by ryoukootonashi (@junkoandthediamonds)

It’s Christmas eve, and presents are exchanged.

Tim and Kon exchange gifts. Cute and heartwarming, a testament to how much they mean to each other— even as Kon wishes for something more.

The Fundamental Things Apply by Thistlerose (@thistlerosie)

Well, thought Shayera, it's not Christmas if I'm not getting thrown out of some dive.

A bittersweet moment between Shayera Hol and John Stewart, as they start to bridge the distance still between them.

Jason's First Christmas, by lurkinglurkerwholurks (@lurkinglurkerwholurks)

It's Jason's first Christmas. All of them.

Jason Todd throughout the years, as his life changes over and over— and as he loses his family and regains it.

Desolation Row, by Havendance (@havendance)

“I won't stop you,“ Batman says. Jim shoots. [At the end of No Man's Land, Jim Gordon kills the Joker.]

A haunting portrayal of the aftermath of Sarah Essen’s death, and the weight of Jim’s decision.

I Saw Grayson Kissing Santa Claus by pupeez4eva ( pupeez4eva)

It’s Christmas time, and Damian is on a mission - to stop this ‘Santa Claus’ fellow from molesting his older brother.

One of the first Batman fics I read; still makes me laugh to this day.

Tea for Two by Zahri (@zahri-melitor)

Barbara Gordon and Sarah Essen are still learning what it means to be a stepfamily. Three Mother's Days and other family holiday events.

Barbara Gordon and Sarah Essen through the holidays, as No Man's Land approaches and arrives.

Tradition by shobogan (@shobogan)

Cass spends Christmas Eve with family.

Cassandra and the Gordons share Christmas dinner.

Don’t You Forget About Me by sohotthateveryonedied (@sohotthateveryonedied)

A mysterious stranger visits the Batfamily during the holidays. He remembers all of them, but they don't remember him.

A sweet-yet-heartbreaking piece that highlights how deeply important Dick’s relationships with his family are, even when they don’t remember him.

[eternalchiyo]

Everlasting Spark ~MANIAC 02~

Chiyo didn’t feel like going back to her room to sleep anymore. Living with the Mukami messed with her biorhythm, as they often were awake during the day, completely different from the Sakamaki who would usually sleep at that time, not to mention that she now was scared to get another strange dream if she drifted back to sleep. She really didn’t want to risk it.

Maybe a walk in the garden would help her think about something else.

Even though it was early in the morning, the sun was so bright she had to shield her eyes. Warm, spring sunrays tickled her skin. It was a strange experience, being out and about at this hour, the world looking so much different than at night.

Once her eyes had adjusted, she finally was able to walk around and look at the plants. There were several rose bushes, but she noticed that there were quite a few apple trees growing there as well.

Cursed fruits.

She walked a bit further and found that there were a lot of other vegetables and fruits growing there. A strange noise came from the strawberry field, and she couldn’t help but look, curiosity taking over. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Yuma crouching in the dirt. Hoping that he hadn’t noticed her yet, she turned on her heel in an attempt to make a swift escape. Every time she saw that guy’s face, she felt like she was back in that forest, watching Shuu cry out for his dead friend while the world around them drowned in flames.

“Oi, Sow! Watcha doing there, runnin’ away like that?!”

Chiyo stopped in her tracks, wincing.

“I’m not goin’ to eat ya, so don’t act like I’m tryin’ to do that every damn time ya see me!”

She turned around reluctantly and saw how he was walking in her direction. Great, she thought to herself. And she thought she was doing such a good job avoiding people too, especially him.

“Why do ya always do that?” he asked.

“Do what?”

“Lookin’ at me like yer seein’ a ghost!”

Chiyo frowned, looking up at him skeptically. He was tall and big and generally did not seem like that boy from long ago, well except for his face of course. That one looked almost the same, as if you transplanted it directly from one body to the other. Yuma himself did not seem to remember anything though, up to the point Chiyo started to doubt herself. They did say there was at least one Doppelgänger of oneself existing at the same time, after all.

“Yer actin’ the same way that NEET does, ‘s creepin’ me out to be honest…”

So, Shuu had managed to run into him as well, huh? Did he not remember him either? But if Shuu also acted this way, then maybe Chiyo was not going crazy. Or at least not because of this.

“You just… remind me of someone…” Chiyo said.

Yuma raised his eyebrows. “Must’ve been some guy, makin’ y’all react like this.”

Oh, you have no idea, she thought to herself.

“Anyway, if yer gonna just stand around here like that, make yerself useful and help me in the garden for a bit,” he said, turning towards the patch of strawberries. Chiyo thought that they would taste delicious in crêpes.

Without being able to protest, she soon found herself in the very same strawberry field. Sitting in the dirt was not her favorite past time by far. Good thing the dress she decided to wear wasn’t light colored. She looked at the tiny bushes bearing fruits, the vibrant green leaves in stark contrast with the deep red of the strawberries. When was the last time she saw such a natural looking fruit? Has she ever? All of the fruits over in this world were neatly packed in plastic and back at home she only ever looked at food that was already served on the table, on the rare occasion she decided to eat it.

Harvesting all of these seemed like a tough job. Not one she was particularly keen on doing either. Then again, she’d take whatever got her as far away from Ruki as possible right now; he did not seem like someone who would go crouching in strawberry fields. However, she hardly knew him, as recent events highlighted painfully, maybe he was a strawberry enthusiast; who was she to tell. At the thought of him she rubbed the side of her neck where she had been bitten before.

Yuma looked like he was fully in his element, doing garden work. It was as if he was still the same as he used to be back then. Shuu sometimes used to tell her a bit about the ‘adventures’ he went on with Edgar. How they would collect firewood in the forest and how Edgar would teach him how to properly use an axe. He would also share the apples from his own garden with him. God, she hated apples so much because of this! They sometimes used to be the exclusive topic of the day even! What a downer in her mood... and it hadn’t been that great in the first place.

She and Yuma collected strawberries in silence for a while until Chiyo decided to break it:

“Can I ask you something?”

“Huh? What is it?”

“How did you… end up with Ruki and the others?”

She tried to ask her question sensibly, not knowing what or if it would tick him off. Last time she saw him before his ‘death’ he was running into the village fire like the moron she thought him to be. And Shuu never mentioned Edgar having any siblings, that coincidentally also were Vampires, so this was not a natural arrangement. Chiyo had barely managed to hold Shuu back from going after him; Shuu was an idiot too. A kindhearted idiot-kid.

And she was a coldhearted monster, because she would have never run into a fire to save any of her family. But wasn’t that exactly what she had always strived for? Being like the Vampires back at home, who had little remorse for people dying? Would those four guys ever run into a fire to save each other? It was quite obvious they weren’t related by blood, yet they still called themselves brothers and lived like a family. What a curious thing.

“Aren’cha a curious one…” he said eyeing her suspiciously, gaze locked into a frown.

Chiyo shifted uncomfortably and shrugged; she had never liked being observed like this, much less when the person looking at her in that way was actually supposed to have been incinerated centuries ago. Speaking with ghosts had never been on her list of things to try, even when her actual house was haunted by them frequently.

“You don’t think four people that aren’t really related to each other, living in a big mansion, pretending to be a family is bound to raise this exact question?” she asked. She had no idea where her sarcasm came from, she really should have held her tongue. This guy was massive, her own small frame tiny in comparison, and she was sure that if he wanted, he could tear her head off and play ball with it easily. And she liked her head being located on her shoulders.

“Ya clearly don’t know shit ‘bout family if ya go on spoutin’ garbage like that,” he said. He picked a few more strawberries and placed them into the basket before looking at her again.

“There’s a buncha things that make for a way stronger bond than blood, ya know?”

Chiyo would have loved to say something in return, but the truth was… Yuma was right. She had no idea what a real family was! Her own father hated her, and her mother was dead. And if she weren’t dead, she would probably hate her too.

“So those things you are referring to…”

“Make us family,” he said.

So, he wouldn’t tell her how he met Ruki. Not that she was really that surprised, they barely knew each other, after all. It was worth a shot though, she really wanted to know how they came to be this way. How did they stay hidden in the demon world for so long? There just was no way they went undetected like that. Sure, there was no way to know every single Vampire, but Chiyo liked to think that she had quite good intel, with being invited to banquets and other festivities. This manor did not exactly make her feel like these guys were poor either, so it was unlikely that they just were unimportant like that. If they were unimportant, they wouldn’t be here interfering with King Karlheinz’s sons in the first place. Granted, the past few decades she had avoided any ball in Eden in fear of running into Shuu, so she might have missed some things. Though, the king’s sons were as clueless as her.

The longer she stayed here the more it added to her confusion. She came here with questions that she wanted answers to; answers apparently nobody was willing to give her. Why couldn’t she be more patient or menacing… she could probably get answers out of everyone if she were menacing and scary. Yet everyone kept comparing her to tiny dogs instead – even Yui.

“I think I’m gonna go,” she said standing up and patting at her dress to get all the dirt away as best as possible.

“Giving up already? Damn ya aristocrats are all the same, huh,” he scoffed.

“The sun is giving me a headache.”

It was true, her head suddenly was pounding aggressively, and her vision started to get blurry. Black dots started dancing in front of her eyes and she felt faint. She groaned, rubbing her temples in an attempt to make it go away. She heard Yuma in the distance, calling out to her as she lost her balance and lost consciousness.

The headache came before she even opened her eyes. Moaning she sat up in… her bed? And she was in her pajamas?

“Damn it… what happened?” Her hand immediately went to her head in an attempt to soothe the pain in her temples.

“Ya passed out cold, like some damsel in distress.”

Yuma put down a bowl of something steaming hot right next to her before slumping into the chair across the room.

“Wha… what are you doing here?” she asked. Chiyo felt like her personal space had been violated again. And by a dead man no less! The way he so nonchalantly sat in that chair, resting his ridiculously long leg on top of his knee, thrumming with his fingers on the armrest and looking at her with this scrutinizing look. Couldn’t he just leave?!

“Weird way of thankin’ someone for bringin’ ya a meal, after bein’ out for a whole day,” he said and crossed his arms in front of his chest. Chiyo’s head snapped towards the tray with the bowl that had been placed next to her moments ago. It looked like savory rice porridge, with a fried egg on top. It smelled delicious, although Chiyo wasn’t sure if it was because it was actually delicious or because she hadn’t eaten in a long while.

“I…” suddenly she felt stupid. He was showing her kindness, and she acted so hostile towards him. In no way was he obligated to look after her. He could have just left her outside, but he didn’t…

“Don’t look so suspicious about it, I made it, so it’s not as good as Ruki’s, but’s still edible,” he said.

Chiyo took the bowl into both her hands; it felt warm and comforting. She looked up at the man across from her.

“That’s not it… I…” she sighed, “…thank you.”

Saying these words was ridiculously hard for her. She felt so embarrassed she could feel her cheeks flush as she ate the porridge.

“The hell are ya blushin’ for? It’s not a romantic gesture, so don’t even think about me in that way! Ruki would kill me if that happened.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

She looked up from her meal in confusion. Quite frankly, she wasn’t sure which part of his statement she was more surprised about. The fact he’d think she would ever consider seeing him that way or the fact that Ruki would disapprove of it happening.

“Huh?”

“What do you mean Ruki would kill you…?”

“He barely allowed me to carry ya inside, took care of changing yer clothes and all himself. Honestly, I know that guy said you were important or some shit, but I think the way Ruki behaves is way too much.”

It seemed like he was thinking out loud more than he was actually talking to her, but it also raised even more questions. ‘That guy’ said she was important? Who? And more importantly, had Ruki Mukami actually dared to undress her while she was unconscious?!

Heat rose to her cheeks as a thought of the scene invaded her head. Clearly, she was wearing bed clothes, which meant at some point her other clothes must have left her body, and if she could trust Yuma’s words, it was Ruki who took over after she was brought to this room. The possibility that he undressed and dressed her with closed eyes was really slim.

Suddenly she flung the blanket out of her way and stomped out of the room after discarding the empty bowl on her bedside table. She could faintly make out Yuma’s yelling in the distance, but there was a ring in her ears that made every sound seem extremely far away, almost as if she was underwater. She made her way over to Ruki’s room and threw the door open without knocking.

“Ruki!” she yelled at the man who sat in a chair, reading a book.

He looked up at her and raised an eyebrow.

“Guineapig,” he said.

Chiyo entered the room, the door closing with a loud bang behind her. She was furious!

“How dare you just undress me while I was unconscious?! None of you have any decency, do you?”

Ruki’s expression seemed unfazed by her outburst, bored even. He shut the book with one hand and sighed before standing up, looking down at the girl.

“I understand you are upset. Fine, I shall take note that next time you end up ill and bedridden I will just let you sweat it out covered in mud and dirt. And after you recover you then can take care of the dirty bed sheets, if you have no regard for the hard work of others. How does that sound?”

Chiyo drew away from him. She had nothing good to respond to that.

“Y… you know that’s not what I mean…” she said. Why did she have to feel so small every damn time she talked to him?

“Do I now?” He took a step towards her, and she flinched.

“You cannot possibly be upset because I saw your body while I changed your clothes, because if you were…” he looked her up and down, “you would not have come here barefoot, wearing only that sheer night dress of yours.”

The girl gasped and looked down. The light fabric was slightly see-through, the realization making her wrap her arms protectively around her upper body. She felt like her face was burning up at this point, but she still looked up at Ruki with a frown. If anything, it was his fault for choosing a nightgown that was like this!

He made another step forward and she forced herself to stand still, pretending like she didn’t want to run away as far as she could from this man. The way he made her feel scared her.

“I do wonder,” Ruki said.

Suddenly his arm wrapped around her lower back and pulled her into him. Out of surprise she lost her balance and put her hands on Ruki’s shoulders instinctively. Her chest was pressed firmly against his now, the fabric rubbing uncomfortably against the sensitive skin.

“…are you pretending to be this innocent on purpose?”

His dark eyes were studying her, as if she was some sort of mystery to be solved. Analyzing her every move, her every action. She could feel the need to squirm under his gaze, yet she was also unable to look away. Her breath quickened and her cheeks felt even hotter than before.

“Lilith is a natural temptress after all,” he said in a low tone as he lowered his head, stopping right before their noses could touch. It was as if a magnetic force drew her closer to him. She wondered; how would his lips taste on hers? Would they be just as cold as Shuu’s?

Shuu.

She swallowed hard. There was something carnal in her that really wanted to push her over the edge. As if it was cooing sweetly into her ear to forget everything and just give herself to the man right in front of her. That man whose arms were wrapped to firmly around her, taking her breath away but also giving her balance.

But thinking about Shuu tugged on her heartstrings. She couldn’t kiss anybody other than him, could she? She closed her eyes, hoping to regain some sort of composure this way. Ruki’s face was still right in front of hers and she could feel his breath on her skin.

“Let me go…” she whispered eventually.

And he did.

She looked at him in confusion until she regained a sense of self again. When she realized what had just happened her eyes widened in shock. She gasped and took a few tentative steps back, panting heavily. Then she turned on her heels and ran out of the room, shutting the door behind her loudly.

Her feet wouldn’t stop running until she reached her room and was able to lock herself in it. She slid against the wall, her whole body trembling. Nervousness? Arousal? Who could even tell?

Oh, this wasn’t good at all!

[gracev0609]

I Can Be Myself With You

Josh X Danny X Y/N

WC:1.3k+

Join the Iced Chai gang at their first Pride!

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

Applying the last bit of your makeup before applying your rainbows you let out the breath you didn't even realize that you were holding. This year was going to be fun, you could feel it in your bones. You were going with your family to your town's Pride event. Your heart warmed in the previous days every time a package arrived, the package of pride pins, and the flag patches to attach to you and Josh's matching denim rompers, and Hazel's tiny rainbow tutu. Now you were all dressed in your gear, applying the finishing touches to your outfits. Your gorgeous Daniel had on his usual form fitting black t shirt, joggers, and backwards baseball cap. He attached pride pins to his hat and had multiple rainbow beaded bracelets on his arms. You and Josh decided to match, both wearing light wash denim rompers to which you attached pride flag patches to the back of, and placed pins on the lapels. Your darling Hazel had on an adorable smiley rainbow onesie, with a matching tutu. Looking down at your hands you smiled, rainbow glitter covered your nails. The previous night Danny insisted that you all had matching painted nails, Hazel included.

Walking towards your kitchen you found Josh cutting up fruit and arranging it on a plate for your daughter. Peering at his project your heart swelled, he was arranging strawberries, oranges, bananas, green grapes, blueberries and blackberries.

“A rainbow?”

He smiled, eyes crinkling,” It felt fitting for today. Want some blueberries?”

Without waiting for your answer he handed you a small bowl of your favorite fruits.

He placed the arrangement in front of his baby, watching as she dug into the snack. Moments later her face was tinted with red and purple berry juices. Once she was finished, he cleaned her sticky face and fingers. Day by day she grew into her features looking more and more like Josh. Her lips pink and pouty, her tiny teeth growing in had a large gap in between the front two. Her eyes were a beautiful brown, the exact shade as his, framed by thick strong eyebrows. The curls on her head were growing in fast, a beautiful light brown framing her small face. She didn't look like you in the slightest, but that was fine.

Danny made his way to where you sat at the kitchen table with your fruit, while Josh whisked Hazelnut away to get her in her outfit.

Danny set his armload of cosmetics down, a fun colorful array of rainbow sparkle highlighter, and rainbow rhinestones.

“Want me to do your makeup Danny?”

He smiled, his perfect smile peeking through,” Could you? And then I can do yours if you want.”

Opening the rainbow highlighter compact you swiped your finger back and forth gathering an ample amount of product. Swiping your finger across his cheekbone you smiled as a sparkly rainbow appeared. Repeating your actions you did it along his other cheek.

“You look gorgeous Daniel.”

He smiled, his dimple showing,” Okay let me do you.”

Waggling your eyebrows you made him giggle,” Not like that! Your makeup!”

He mirrored the actions that you did on your face, dusting your cheeks with shimmering rainbows.

“You're so beautiful baby… I love you.”

He leans forward placing a soft kiss to your lips,” I love you too Danny.”

As if on cue as soon as Danny finished your makeup Josh came back with Hazel in her colorful outfit.

Josh laughed, setting her down in your lap,”The princess is ready for her sparkles!”

Danny once again loaded up the product on his fingers, swiping it along her cheeks making her squeal. Next, Josh leaned in, silently asking for them too. Afterwards Josh patiently applied rainbow rhinestones to his, yours and Danny's cheeks, further accentuating the rainbows.

With the car already packed with her diaper bag, carrier and emergency change of clothes Daniel asked if you were ready.

“Yup! Let's blow this popsicle stand!”

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

The event was held in your local park, there were vendors, music, and places to sit under the trees. As you loaded up Hazel's bag on your arm you caught sight of Josh and Danny, you couldn't help but melt. They were standing by the side of your car, Danny was wearing Hazel's carrier on his chest and Josh was adjusting the straps making them longer since he was the one to wear her last. Once he was situated he plucked your sparkly baby from her car seat and secured her to his chest.

Josh gave her a little pet on the head and a kiss to her forehead before reaching up to kiss Daniel. Josh rounded the car grabbing the large blanket from your arms and grabbing your free hand in his.

As you walked to find a spot to set up under the shade he asked,” So what, this is called Pride in the Park?”

You hummed in agreement.

“I think it'll be good for us who've never been before, it looks nice here.” Josh motioned to himself Danny and Hazel. It was your loves first pride and you were so thankful to celebrate.

You all did a lap to scope out any vendors you would want to stop at before settling down in a lovely spot under a large shady tree. Settling in you chatted, reveling in the love all around you. Beautiful hues of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and indigo swirled around the park. Everyone seemed happy and joyous, your eyes met Josh's, he leaned in, kissing you. When you departed from his lips you found Danny's, kissing him with the same passion.

Josh's voice was heavy, wet with emotion,” Thank you both. I can be myself with you.”

Danny pressed a kiss to Josh's lips, Josh's hand reached out his thumb rubbing softly back and forth across Hazel's head as she was still strapped to Danny's chest.

Danny spoke quietly,” I love you so much Josh. I'm so happy, for you two, for me. For us. “

Basking in the soft June breeze the four of you were quietly enjoying your time, watching and listening, holding your Hazelnut making her giggle.

Two familiar women wandered past your blanket, cloaked in orange white and pink accessories, you spoke up,”Ashlee, Megan?”

The petite woman with a short blonde bob turned towards you,” Oh my god Y/N?! How are you?!”

Standing you gave them hugs, these were the friends you had gone to pride with years ago.

“I'm amazing, how are you?!”

Megan held you tight, in a genuine squeezing hug,” We're married now!”

You give her another squeeze,” That's amazing I'm so happy for you.”

Shuffling sounds behind you drew your attention back to your loves,” These are my partners, we're also married, Josh and Danny,” you gestured to each man before picking up your daughter,”and this is our daughter Hazel.”

You watched your friends melt when they gazed upon your little girl, “She's gorgeous Y/N, oh my god look at her little baby rainbows!”

After they showered her with love your boys introduced themselves, your friends fawned over Josh, joking about how they understood why you picked them. Then they turned their attention to Danny, complimenting his beautiful eyes and gorgeous curls. After awhile you said your goodbyes, promising to meet up again soon and not let so much time pass.

Your family settled back down on the blanket, leaning into Danny you rested against him, taking a moment to enjoy the day. His fingers softly brushed up and down your arm, a small comforting gesture.

You sighed, gazing at him and then to Josh and Hazel who were both laying down on the blanket,” I'm really happy.”

Daniel kissed the side of your head, gently squeezing you into him,” I am too.”

As you laid there on the blankets on a beautiful June afternoon, you felt peaceful, total contentment and love. You were so happy for this life you had with your daughter, Josh and Danny.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[wystaria-garden]

🍀 The Beauty of Eorzea: Gridania 🍀

Author's Note:

Heya! I want to start a little series for myself that showcases the beauty of places in Eorzea (and perhaps other places..!?) I Gpose a lot, so finding a lovely spot to take the perfect picture is very satisfying for me, so this will also help me remember those lovely spots haha! I thought I'd post since it may be useful for others. I will showcase main areas and highlight areas that I think deserve some more spotlight. Any further author's notes will be written like this!

☘️ Section One: New Gridania

New Gridania is one of my main hub areas! ☺️ I love hanging with my friends here. I'm a member of the Twin Adders and my WoL's first citystate was Gridania, so this place holds a special spot in my heart. That's why it's first in this series!

New Gridania is a lush rural city area surrounded by rivers and lakes. Important landmarks are the Archer's Guild, the Carpenter's Guild and the Order of the Twin Adder, one of the Grand Companies of Eorzea. You will find lots of green and flowery areas, along with natural wood and stone finishes. The Carline Canopy's interior is a sight to behold.

Upon exploring further into the citystate, you arrive at your next destination.

☘️ Section Two: Old Gridania

Another common area for me; I make great use of the Market Board and can be seen rushing from it back to the Inn in New Gridania frequently to make outfits. 😂

Old Gridania continues the lush, natural areas and is home to many important places. Be sure to stop by the Shaded Bower-- with the Rosewood and Ebony Stalls-- as they are filled with merchants that have any and every item a fresh-eyed sprout could desire! Other important landmarks include the Conjurer's Guild, Lancer's Guild, the Leatherworker's Guild and the Botanist's Guild, along with Min Khetto's Amphitheatre (which was rebuilt after the Calamity) where seasonal events are usually held.

In this area particularly, there are a few highlights that deserve to be seen.

✨ Section Three: Highlights

First off is... the Conjurer's Guild!

Nestled deep inside a large tree, the Conjurer's Guild is a perfect place to add a spooky or calming vibe to your poses! The glowing flowers in the main hall are a sight to behold.

Another highlight, in my opinion, is the Botanist's Guild.

The Botanist's Guild has a large area of farmland where you can find many flowers and crops! I absolutely love the green and orange pumpkin patches, along with the lettuce patch. The inside of the Botanist's Guild also surprised me with how beautifully decorated it was. There are some massive pumpkins in there!

That is all I have for the citystate of Gridania! I hope you enjoyed reading it. I just thought it'd be a cute idea to showcase some nice areas I found, and plan to do other areas like the Black Shroud and such later on. However, I am a disabled artist that rarely has free time, so the posts may be few and far between. Even so, I hope you enjoy them. 💖

[lemonmatronics]

So after watching a ton of restoration videos with objects that are super rusty it’s gotten he wondering if Mecha getting refurbished would really be that bad?

I’ve openly been against cleaning them up for 2 main reasons

1- It looks cool on all of them and that color of rust on Mecha is hot as fuck sorry

2- I feel like, especially for Mecha whose colors have drastically changed, getting them all back in tiptop shape and what they used to be like really takes away from the character growth.

Their physical appearances really highlight the changes they’ve been through and how independent they are now. Mecha looks less like Sonic than ever before, and is happy with that. I feel like they all hold pride with the bodies they’ve fixed and built, and that’s really sweet to me

But the reality of it is their bodies rusting is dangerous for multiple reasons, and you could easily play the “it’s fiction card” (I have) but speaking from a realism perspective

Rust not only makes it harder for moving pieces to,, well move, but it also makes metal deteriorate. Stuff like this is what put the thought of Spark actually outliving him in my brain instead of the robot outliving the breathing being but THAT’S for another day

So, it would do them all good to be cleaned up right? But it also would go against their character growth

well only if you do it wrong

I do think there’s a way you could have Mecha be refurbished and it work, and it boils down to some pretty simple things

-Let him keep the tattered cape after

-Eye/Brain is stil cracked (too dangerous to mess with that) and using its blast still knocks him out

-He keeps his replacement limbs, maybe put a casing around that saw foot at most

-REPAINT. Oh my GOD do not make him blue

You could follow every step above except the last and keeping him blue would fuck it all up. Let him simply be repainted into a nice rusty red brown color, maybe even cover up that blue patch to highlight ALL of Eggman’s (literal) control of him is gone after the events of the mini series

Making him blue, and look more like Sonic, would easily be the worst choice refurbishment wise. Replacing limbs right by it but doing that is kinda impossible anyways

So I’m now of the stance that I’m not 100% against fixing them up, but damnit if they do so they better do it right or else I will still riot

I am that scrapnik island bitch I’m not the one you wanna disappoint IDW

[scriberat]

tagging @thydungeongal since you're the one who got me thinking on it.

the post regarding severity of HP and hits and depth of damage on the body in ttrpgs has got me thinking about airships again (what doesnt)

SO

on a watership, there are a few layers of differing severity for an attack to land on: below the waterline, above the waterline, the masts, and the powder room. here, ive outlined how immediately fucked you are based on what gets hit. - mast, whatever, steering is screwed (also goes for the rudder, youre not done for but your steering is.) the bottom part specifically is highlighted because thats the part most likely to hit the deck and deal additional damage when it does - above the waterline, way worse as that is a hole in the ship itself. structural integrity is down but overall, it's not the end of the world and you can limp without really limping until you get to port to fix it, and things might collapse from above but youre still in good shape - below the waterline is... obvious. while it can be patched, someone has to be there to do so within a few minutes or youre going to sink where you are, and the larger the hole, the less time you have. a badly wounded ship means fewer fighters as you need to dedicate the bodies to fix the issue before everyone goes under - powder room. if you've got cannons you have a powder room which means an entire central spot full of explosives <3 one hit here and you're looking at a catastrophic event. best case scenario, you lose half the ship in a kaboom.

now, of course, not a lot of people are going to be aiming for the powder room, as a captured ship is a solid 40k in your pocket, 20k after repairs, and since most crews dont even number a hundred, thats a hefty sum in your pocket post-sale, or you can increase your own sea strength for higher payloads along the way. worth it to box the crew and save the boat.

airships, on the other hand, seem to have that in reverse, in which the hull itself is mostly expendable as long as you have the mode of locomotion and standing room. the integrity of an airship comes down to how it floats and how it propels. traditionally on that front, there are balloon types and sail types with engines. - with balloons, popping that balloon will result in the entire airship sinking. the balloon is "below the waterline." - with a sail-and-engine, the engine is akin to the powder room, a OHKO spot

THEREFORE

to roll this well, the dice master in question would need to roll a die per cannon. if the ship being attacked takes up 10 squares and you have 5 cannons, each cannon would have a chance of dealing damage. the cannonballs should be able to pierce about 50 feet, so the closer you are the further the cannonball can go. then you have to consider if the cannons are on the gunwhales or gundeck for the elevation, and the further they are away, the more likely theyll hit the next layer down, though the power is also reduced.

rambly

nat 20 roll on the cannon that's facing the powder room will cause an explosion. anything less won't as it's difficult to ignite powder with a lump of iron.

so basically: roll for each cannon involved, calculate based on map distance, account for any armor that the ship may have (plate the sides), and you can make the ships themselves into players in a battle, and each table player can handle a part of it, from steering to loading and firing, etc.

grappling and boarding are also a part of this, but i havent gotten to that yet. itd shrink the focus lens from the ships (environmental) to the decks (stage) though

[storycraftcafe]

How do you go about setting up a chapter? Do you plan ahead or just start writing and see where it takes you? Or do you do both?

Hey and congrats, you are my first anon and my first asker! Thank you~ Grab yourself a drink, this got wordy.

Short answer: I plan enough to have a guide for where I’m going and then explore away, so a little of both. 

Long Answer: Out of necessity I’ve learned to be a planner with my writing. Having a guideline to follow that tells me where I am in the story and where I’m going and what I need to do to get from story-beat to story-beat helps me stay excited, focused and avoid any kind of writer’s block. 

I think of it like a roadmap. The story’s end is my destination and in the meantime I have all the information I need to get there via landmarks (story-beats and character arcs) and points of interest (cool scenes that I’m excited to write). It’s not set in stone and allows me to be adaptable and explore while still giving me a framework to work with (think theme, structure, etc).

Usually this ends up being a big document of dot-points organised into story-beats (Inciting Incident, Point of No Return, etc) and then very rough groupings that make up the chapters.

 I do this for any writing project I tackle (including this ask) and apply the same process to my chapters. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dived into a chapter with only a few details and found myself stalling or forgetting that I was supposed to foreshadow X or include scene or conversation Y. Let me know if you want me to talk about my planning process.

Also I’m a big believer in iterative writing and planning. I start with big broad ideas and refine until I have enough ideas, and write then rewrite until I’m happy. You'll see what I mean.

Here’s how I do Chapter Planning. 

As an example let’s say we’re a few chapters into a project. We have our protagonist Dan, a fairly badass hero with a dark past who lives in an apartment building next to Laura, a mysterious supporting character that eventually becomes his friend and ally.

In the previous chapters Dan has met Laura, learned a little about her, and noticed a few odd things like eyes that gleam in the dark and strange bruises. The last chapter Dan overheard Laura return home in the early morning via their shared fire escape, weapon in hand. Suspicions aroused, Dan has decided to follow Laura the next time she leaves by the fire escape and find out what she’s up to.

The first thing I do is check my outline which at its simplest form, looks like this:

Chapter 4  - Ben is suspicious and follows Laura - She is aware and they have a confrontation and are overheard by monsters - Fight - reveals they’re both not as they seem to each other - Decide to trust each other, return to Laura’s home to patch up and talk - Start of friendship. Reminder: Suggest Laura’s back story. Highlight character similarities.

The plan is for these two to become friends triggered by an extreme situation and the uncovering of secrets, and while this can be enough to start with, I prefer to have more detail before I start writing. How do these things happen? What time is it and what’s the setting like? Where do these events take place and exactly how?

At this point I have at least a scene in my head that I want to include, so I note that down and build from there, starting broad and elaborating as I go.

My notes end up looking like this:

Chapter 4: -Dan waits for Laura in a dark apartment, tipped off by the last chapter’s phone call. It’s 2am and cold. -Laura leaves and Dan silently follows at a distance through quiet streets that grow more empty. Dan gets a bad feeling. -Laura arrives at an empty boarded building frequented by squatters and seems to investigate, sniffing the air. She then enters the building and Dan follows. -Something is wrong. There are bad smells like urine and blood and rot. -Laura is waiting for Dan and she confronts him, telling to leave. They argue, Dan wants answers, Laura wants him to go. -Too late, they’re surrounded by monsters (Gaunts, skinny and human like at a distance but stretched and gangly with long limbs, claws and needle like teeth) -Laura passes Dan a weapon and they start to fight back to back and help each other. -Dan’s enhanced strength is revealed, as is Laura’s skill and yellow eyes. -Fight done, they have a stare down and lower their weapons. -“What the hell are you?” “... A werewolf.” “Wait what?!” -They dispose of remains and decide they need to talk and patch up. - Laura tense as they walk back and Dan muses on his options. - He enters her apartment for the first time, it’s warm, inviting and colourful. - Laura welcomes him and boils water for clean up and gets her advanced first aid kit. Many vials and things like suture and burn kits. - Talk - go over what they have in common, what his deal is and hers. Hint at Laura’s back story and trauma. Hint at Dan’s.  - They share some food (Laura is big on Old School Hospitality) and Dan realises he enjoys her company. - He offers friendship, she accepts, and he leaves.

 And this is usually enough for me to start writing. As I go I refer back to these dot points but I also give myself room to elaborate, divert and explore interesting ideas or things that make more sense than my guidelines. I let myself be very rough. I try not to worry about editing beyond fixing spelling mistakes and typos, and if a section isn’t working, I cut it out, go back a bit and try again. Afterall, writing is rewriting. You can always fix things.

Once the chapter’s been drafted, I give it a read, make a mental note of what I enjoy, what bores or confuses me and do some tweaking and rewriting. At this point if I’m on a third or fourth draft, I poke at my Very Amazing Alpha/Beta reader to try and catch anything I’ve missed.

And then I do it all over again for the next chapter, checking the story outline, adding any notes for future events or adjusting anything that needs adjusting and starting to write at least enough that it’s easy to pick up the next session.

Hope you got some ideas from this, anon! <3

[slayaemiko]

Xiangling’s Free Skin and Lantern Rite Goodies: A Genshin Update You Can’t Miss!

By Msal, avid Genshin Impact enthusiast and adventurer

Genshin Impact players, mark your calendars! Version 5.3 is shaping up to be one of the most rewarding updates in recent memory, and as a dedicated traveler in Teyvat, I’m here to break it all down. From free goodies to exciting new characters, this patch has something for everyone, and speculation is buzzing with anticipation. Here’s why this update is a must-play for veterans and newcomers alike.

A Winter Cheer for Xiangling Mains

Let’s start with the headline: Xiangling is getting a brand-new Winter Cheer skin, and it’s FREE. As one of the most versatile sub-DPS characters in the game, Xiangling is a staple in countless team comps. This new skin not only spruces up her look but also feels like a love letter to the players who have relied on her trusty Guoba and Pyronado since day one.

For free-to-play players, free skins are rare treasures in Genshin Impact, and the fact that this one is tied to the Lantern Rite Event makes it even more special. If you’ve ever wanted to showcase your dedication to this fan-favorite Liyue chef, now’s your chance.

The Lantern Rite Event: Rewards Galore

Image by Empress P on HoYoLab

Ah, Lantern Rite! The quintessential Liyue festival is returning, and as always, it promises a treasure trove of rewards. One of the biggest highlights is the Liyue Four-Star Character Selector. This feature allows players to choose any Liyue-based four-star character to add to their roster or enhance with constellations. Whether you’re picking Xiangling, Ningguang, or even Beidou, this event is your chance to boost your team.

But wait, there’s more. Speculation is swirling that Version 5.3 could include two free four-star characters. This would follow the precedent set by earlier updates, such as Candace’s free inclusion in Version 5.1 and the four-star sword giveaway in Version 5.2. Imagine the possibilities: doubling up on freebies in a single patch would cement this update as one of the most generous yet.

New Characters and Speculations

Source by Tumblr

Let’s talk about Lan Yan, the game’s first-ever Anemo shielder, who’s making her debut in the second phase of this update. From what we’ve seen so far, Lan Yan looks to be a game-changer, bringing a much-needed defensive option to Anemo-centric teams. While details about her abilities remain scarce, the buzz around her arrival has already made her one of the most anticipated characters of the patch.

Of course, with all the speculation, it’s worth noting that nothing is set in stone. The potential for a second free four-star character remains just that—a possibility. But if it does happen, it will make Version 5.3 a patch for the history books.

Why This Update Matters

Jessica Orr Senior Guides Writer - Eurogamer

Beyond the speculation, what makes this update stand out is the sheer accessibility of its rewards. Events like Lantern Rite are not just about the Primogems and Mora (although those are always welcome); they’re about celebrating the game’s vibrant world and fostering a sense of community. Free rewards like Xiangling’s Winter Cheer skin and character selectors ensure that everyone, from whales to F2P players, gets to partake in the festivities.

Final Thoughts

As a Genshin player who has spent countless hours exploring Teyvat, I can’t overstate how exciting this patch feels. Sure, some of the context is speculative, but that’s half the fun—piecing together leaks and official announcements to imagine what’s coming next. So, grab your resin, stock up on wishes, and get ready to dive into one of the most rewarding updates of the year.

And hey, don’t forget to log in during the event. You don’t want to miss out on that Xiangling skin—because trust me, flexing Winter Cheer in co-op is going to feel as good as pulling a five-star on the first 10-pull.

Stay tuned, Travelers. The best is yet to come!

[moesartblog]

Ok so here’s some of my (frankly embarrassing and based in no canon) thoughts about matter the events of ttd

First going through

And then arriving

And then random bulletin points

- Agrippa had already been there a fortnight before Danny showed up

- Agrippa and weyer are both physicians so they were able to patch daniel up pretty well

- weyer and Agrippa seem a lot younger than expected at first but bc of orb magic (🔮) they can literally rewind and fast forward their ages to the point there was blood offered to whatever particular orb (so like weyer could go back to his teenage years and Agrippa could go back to his mid 20s)

- they’re not on Alexander’s world at this point. Idk if I wanted it to be that they never were or that they left at some point. This is PURELY bc I don’t wanna deal with the drama of whatever the fuck was going on in Eden or whatever and also I want these three to live long enough to 1) tell a new fun story for myself and 2) maybe them helping a new amnesia protagonist

- over time daniel gains a weird connection to the shadow. Almost like a begrudging tolerance of it. I loved the theory that shadow had been aiding daniel in certain ways throughout the castle to kill Alexander and only fully lashed out once he throws agrippas head in the portal. The idea of it being a semi conscious being that sometimes doesn’t know it’s own strength is really funny to me

-I implied in a previous art that daniel has this ingrained connection to the orb he found, and the meta narrative explanation of him being able to see objects he needs highlighted is bc of the shadow or the orbs power gives so much potential for exploration.

- I’m still deciding the setting for this be world they’re on but I’m thinking it’s more secluded from any established place is there are any other humanoids there

- Danny gets a new not toxic father figure in Agrippa lol