#some of these are taken under water which makes the colors look different

[sturgeonposting]

Do you love the colour of the sturgeon?

Which one?

[serpentface]

Hibrides at the annual Rites to Anaemache on the Brilla River, checking to make sure she's doing this right. (Feat. a rather docile captive-bred leucistic hespaean, which has no fucking idea that it's a valuable offering and is about to die).

The hand position here is one of three key gestures against evil, a basic method of self-purification that can dispel minor evils, in this case being used to purify oneself before entering the sanctified riverbank.

Under normal conditions, yearly festivals are held during the peak of the dry season throughout Imperial Wardin, taking place at one or more temples to Anaemache that can be found on the banks of each major river. Anaemache is the Face of God that looks upon fresh water, rivers, rains, seasonal flooding, cyclic fertility, fertility of wild plants, the fertility of crops, female fertility, and pregnancies.

The rites have a set date at each temple (which may differ across the region due to variance in the average timing of the wet season), and take place over a full day, from one sunrise to the next.

The rites have a dual function. It takes place at the height of the dry season to encourage the return of the rains and the health of the river via the mass offerings that occur, and to impart Anaemache's blessings onto attendants. Most attendees are women, though farmers and other agricultural laborers will often attend regardless of gender. It is considered ideal for all women of marriageable age (a category which includes young girls who have reached menarche) to attend yearly to ensure their fertility, but this often lengthy journey is impractical for the average person to take every year, and in practice most women who attend for personal fertility matters are those who are pregnant or actively seeking pregnancy.

Most bring offerings to the river, the most basic of which can be grains, fruits, spices, or flowers (it must be a seasonal growth, ideally one that requires the rains to occur), and the best of which are sacred animals to Anaemache such as the reed duck or hespaean. Sacrificial stock vendors will often set up camp near the river temples (though are banned from temple grounds) at this time of year to hawk live animals to pilgrims, which can be a very lucrative job when done correctly. Other vendors will sell dried flowers, grains, spices and fruit for the same purposes (a less lucrative but often more stable job).

Offerings of plant matter are cast into the river directly by the pilgrims, while animal offerings are brought to a temple priest (usually set up downriver to the rest of the crowd, they must remain in the river from the start of the rites to the end) to be properly sacrificed. The animal must first be blessed and invoked as Anaemache Itself (as it is replicating God's sacrifice in creation and becomes It at the moment of death). The act is done with a quick and deep slice across the throat, allowing all of the blood to flow directly into the river. A priest will anoint the offerer's tongue with a single droplet- the animal has become the River Face of God and its blood imparts a strong blessing, taken into the body for the effects to become physical and binding.

Important parts of the sanctified body are removed for use among the temple priesthood (in this case, mostly feathers), and the rest of the corpse is placed on a continuously maintained pyre to be burned. The ashes will be collected and scattered into the river after sunrise to mark the end of the rite.

Sacrificial river animals are liable to escape into the river when brought en-masse, and one that does is considered to have been spared and blessed by Anaemache and will be left alone. Populations of water birds around these temples will often display striking and unusual coloration due to genetic input from escaped domestic/captive bred animals.

Regardless of what one offers, the offering must be made before the offerer touches the water. The participant will then remove some or most of their clothing (the minimum is shoes, the maximum is everything BUT underwear- full genital-baring nudity is socially problematic and metaphysically vulnerable when in public, and thus avoided) and enter the water. One should ideally fully submerge themself, but touching the silt with bare feet is adequate. It is then that the participants say their prayers and ask for any specific blessings- a pregnancy, the safe delivery of a child, a bountiful harvest, fruitful trees, clean drinking water, plentiful grazing, a good stock of fish, etc.

After one says their prayers and leaves the water, their part in the rite is over and they are free to go home, or alternatively stop by the celebrations that frequently crop up along the roads. In a good year, food and drink vendors, traders, the mass of pilgrims, and other opportunists will amass and form temporary mini-towns along the roadsides (or temporarily invade nearby villages), which can be excellent places to eat, drink and/or hook up.

Hibrides has shelled out a significant amount of money to a street sacrifice vendor for a near-perfect offering, to pray that she will be blessed with a healthy pregnancy and bear a boy, mostly so that she can be done having children. The rains have been inadequate (or have outright failed) for five years at this point, and the Brilla river is scarcely more than mud. God doesn't seem to be here at all. She doesn't have her hopes up.

[craykaycee]

sneaks onto ur dash to talk ab one of my aus with these magma doodles------

This is a Street Artist AU I-- basically adopted from @starrspice (thank you, lovelyy!!) This is a post-fire AU where the DCA escapes the fire themselves and into the city. They're stripped of the proper prompts and triggers for their childcare and entertainment programming, but are able to find something their coding can latch onto: a group of children who need entertainment. They modified their performance and entertainment programming with their arts and crafts protocols to create art as a performance!

More details (so many details-- I went off xDD) and designs of the AU, of which I've titled "City Lights and Paint Water", under the cut :3c

They're pretty beat-up from the fire, and without proper access to maintenance, they've retained the burn marks, splattered paint, and other grime associated with being outdoors. Over the months as street artists, passersby donate their old paints and other supplies, hence the oversized trousers and worn apron! (P.S.: cloth placement is more accurate in the magma doodles)

Sun and Moon each have preferred mediums and styles!

Sun prefers acrylic paints and spray paint, his paintings a controlled chaos with loud, scattered colors, large brushstrokes, and splatters. His paintings always have a lot of movement due to his freeform painting style, splattering paint and getting a laugh from the kids.

Moon like to work with watercolors and colored pencil, the colors more muted with small pops of brighter colors (such as lights within windows). He likes to capture the lights of the streets, wondering what the true night sky looks like, his art giving a soft and ethereal mood.

Then we have our Main Character (MC), the viewer/reader! They're a graphic designer for a big corporate tech company, tasked with making pamphlets, brochures, posters, et cetera for the company. Though they do good work as a graphic designer, their true passion is fine arts, but their work isn't taken seriously due to its "childish" appearance despite the real-life deeper meanings. In the meantime, they create for themself, crafting and making trinkets for their apartment. They even make some of their own clothes, made up of several different garments to make something one-of-a-kind. Their outfits are fairly chaotic, typically accompanied by a hair accessory, but the patterns and colors compliment each other well.

MC grew up in a rural area, and still love the open and free areas it provides, but they had to move to an urban city for work and better opportunities. It's a big step up from their small town, overwhelmed by the activity. At the start of the story, they feel disconnected from their work, drained by the cookie-cutter bland work of their graphic designer job, but it's the only way they can reliably earn income.

The story starts with Sun spotting MC beyond the crowd, rushing somewhere. He continues to see them in the distance, unable to approach them due to their haste. He's mesmerized by their appearance, drawn to their creative expression just in their outfit. Moon catches a few glances of MC in the evenings, but doesn't have the same draw to them as Sun, figuring them as just another "everyman" in the crowd. One day, in MC's haste, they lose a paper from their portfolio. When Sun catches it, he sees a presentation sheet of several different designs meant for a business card or a t-shirt emblem. Sun is astounded by them, making MC more interesting than they already were.

It's not until about a week later that Sun takes an opportunity to return the paper and give his compliments. When he does this, however, MC's face falls before forcing a polite smile, thanking him. Before Sun could say anything more, they're gone.

There's so many small moments I'd like to explore, but that's the set-up :3cc I nearly have chapter one (1) completed, two (2) chapters after that already planned. The chapter length is pretty short right now, but I don't know if I wanna beef them up or keep them at this shorter length. We'll see! :D

Welp, these are my boios! I hold them gently in my hands and present them like a proud parent

[jaylleoo14]

An Indirect confession 

Unbeknownst to his knowledge of those simple words

>GN!ReaderxJade

A/N: For those who don't know, in Poetry there’s this thing where if you ask someone if the moon is beautiful it basically is an indirect way of saying “i love you.” And if the other person agrees then they are basically reciprocating and its mutual, so I guess you can get the gist of where this is going >:) muehehe (also sorry if the writing is kinda dry 😭My brain juices were not juicing 😔) This is also pretty lengthy so I apologize for the long read ^^;

[wc] 12.2k words

[disclaimer] Jade 

[characters] Jade, Ortho, Deuce, Jack, Grim, Floyd, Azul

Normally students tend to avoid going to Octavinelle, the dorm that seems notorious for its shady under swept deals and the students residing there seeming to be all hushed and tight lipped about certain information. Some things they shouldn't know, yet they do and it makes you wonder how exactly they get such information. Yet one thing is undeniable, and it's the fact that they have a great cafe which tends to be overpriced, but usually of befitting prices for what they serve and provide. 

Mostro Lounge, a chic sea themed cafe which is managed by Azul Ashengrotto and runned with students from all other dorms who seek to make extra cash. Its meals and tableware, everything from the music to the decor and the overall vibe was perfect for one to leisurely dine in and perhaps hang out and study. The calming hues of blue and purple, a shimmering accent of silver which compliments the place helps create a nice pleasant place and provides a great aesthetic. It surely did look pretty and elegant, the food there being just as delicious and the drinks delightful as the jazzy music sets in the vibes. 

Nov - 12, XXXX

It was during the colder season where the sun usually starts to set earlier and the days would be shorter, the nights getting longer to be able to view the starry sky. Although not too late, the moon had already risen and was in full view. You sat near the glass wall where a full display of the waters were open and of view to you, nothing letting it shy away from watching eyes. Nothing roamed in the waters as you can make out, the only thing lighting up the dark void passed the glass being the lights illuminating the room you currently were dining in. Different colored corals and sea plants can be seen wavering around on the floor-the currents making it wave around slightly, its movements kind of enchanting you as you zone out for a bit watching the steady pacing. 

“If you aren’t going to eat your food then I call dibs!” Grim exclaims right at the same time he snatches up your plate of food, to which you ordered some simple and light vermicelli noodles. The bowled plate is taken away and you didn’t even seem to mind honestly. The soothing jazz music, the calm night in the lounge, and the background noises of side conversations from other students which can be heard as the workers walk by to drop off their orders or bust their tables. It was almost lulling you into a state of drowsiness, the temperature just right for you to even take a nap right here and now. 

“Tonight is very nice, don't you think Grim?” You say almost absent mindedly as you continue to stare at the empty waters. Your form is still like a doll as you keep your eyes on the glass pane window. 

“Because you’re treating me out for food? Heck ya! Nyahaha!” His response only prompts you to roll your eyes and a smirk spreads across your face as you sarcastically shake your head. 

“Yea well maybe I won't next time. After all, what are the chances of you getting all full marks on Crewel's potionology test?” Grim can only respond with a confident and upbeat response, ensuring that he is bound to continue to excel and this was just the beginning. You can only scoff but in all honesty, you can't deny that you were indeed proud of him for being able to reach a perfect score. 

And if it weren’t for Jade’s help Grim wouldn’t have done so well. 

“Are you enjoying your night here in our humble dorm, Prefect?”

Speak of the devil. Jade comes up with a hand placed over his chest, giving you his signature smile as you turn to look at him, your head no longer facing the pane glass wall. Grim is engrossing himself in the food, perhaps the reason why he isn't feeling too timid with his presence at the moment.

“Surprisingly.” Your answer was short and blunt, but it was enough for Jade to chuckle a little as he finds amusement in your rather tired honesty. 

“Well I’m pleased to know that you are enjoying yourself in our lovely sanctuary (y/n),” his usual politeness being one of his main outward characteristically point. A yawn escapes from your mouth, placing a hand over to try and show courtesy and politeness as you nod your head to his response, not being so responsive. 

“You seem to be quite exhausted, Prefect, perhaps you should start heading back. Or if you want, we can lend you a room. For a certain price of course.” You don't even need to look at him to know that he has this sly little smile plastered on his face until Grim interjects before you can respond.

“Nyah, we actually prefer to go back to Ramshackle now that we are done eating, right my henchman?” 

“Once I’m done with my drink, then we’ll head back,” and just as you said, you reached over to cup the blue wine glass that was filled halfway with a fruity and sweet concoction of juices that danced on your tongue when you took a sip. Wanting to occupy yourself with something, you play around with the metal tube as you proceed to enclose your lips around the straw to take a generous sip of the beverage. Its taste was able to freshen you somewhat as you closed your eyes and relaxed a little on the leather seat, the smell granting you a satisfied hum. Grim next to you could only whine for you to hurry up - not wanting to stay any longer in the presence of one of the eel twin, but just to play around spitefully you purposely started to drink a lot slower and Jade can only watch as he’s always done and squint his eyes a little as his smile widens. 

Jade’s attention is brought onto the glass wall that he noticed you were staring at before, looking up only to be met with the glimmering silver that soaks into the waters swaying waves. The full moon looks back down at him as he continues to stand in front of your booth, continuing to sip your drink as Grim starts to lay next to you to take a nap.

“The moon is quite beautiful tonight, don't you think Prefect?” He says it ever so calmly, saying those words as if to spark another conversation with you. Though it only prompts you to start coughing and hacking as you accidentally slurped in your drink a bit too fast and it ended up going to the wrong pipe. You’re practically hurled over, hitting your chest as you wipe your mouth and Jade can only watch with wide eyes.

“Nyahh!? What happened?!” Grim springs up from the sudden jerking motion of your coughing figure and you clench the ledge of the table sitting at the end of the cushion.

“My, did I say something out of the ordinary (y/n)?” Once you look up to find his full attention on you, you can only try to calm down and inhale a breath as his display of a friendly smile bore into you. Why are you making such a big deal? It’s not like those words had any meaning in this world, so there's no need to be making such a big deal (y/n)!

You’re quite embarrassed honestly, especially because you thought he just confessed right then and there. But of course, that can't be the case because those words don't mean anything in this world like it does in yours. Quickly reaffirming yourself in your head, you let out another cough to clear your throat and catch your breath. 

“A-Ah, no uhm, I thought I misheard you is all haha. But ahem, I would say that tonight is rather lovely haha.” And you try to regain your composure as you divert your eyes and finish up with your drink. A small hum can be heard from Jades tall figure as he places his fist over his mouth. “Well, I see you are rather more awake now. Pray do tell what you misheard, I am curious to know what got you so worked up dear Prefect.” 

Your cheeks are only decorated in more of a slightly deeper shade of red, and suddenly the straw is very interesting to look at as you twirl it around in between your gloveless fingers. “You won’t get it, it won't make sense anyways. Just some nonsense.” You can only wave your hand dismissively and he can't help but grow even more intrigued as your brows furrow and you continue to brush it off.

“How unfortunate you can’t seem to try and help me understand, even though I went through all the trouble to help you and Grim with your studies. I find that rather unfair especially since I see that you two have bore fruit in your success due to my aid.” 

His words help you gain back your composure, resteeling yourself as you straighten your back and shoot him a placate smile. “Hmm? Whatever do you mean Jade? I’m paying you back by visiting you and dining at the place you work at so you can gain income. I think that’s plenty enough to repay you.” He only squints just slightly at you in response and you’re pretty sure you can feel as if you’ve triggered something in him be it good or bad - that's something you don't really wanna find out though.

“Oya? You came to see me specifically? I don't see it as a valid reason enough considering that's how one would usually repay others when they are indebted to them.”

You slightly pout at him, and as usual Jade always seems to counter your attempt of being sly and snarky with his own silver coated tongue. “Whaaat? Are you saying my visit isn’t enough for you? How could you, even though I came all this way just to see YOU specifically.” You lean into the cushion almost dramatically and animated to further emphasize your offended playful nature. 

He seems to be fairly accustomed to your playfulness and responds accordingly. “Although you claim to come over to Octavinelle to come visit me specifically, I account this is the first we are talking since you made your appearance. I believe Floyd has interacted with you more than I have today.” 

“Okay well point is, I still came over for you. And to express my thanks I was helping the profit of the Mostro Lounge. Not only will you benefit but Azul would greatly appreciate my patronage! Plus, Floyd is happy knowing I'm here. See? Everyone’s happy!”

Finding the littlest details possible, you make it as important as ever. But Jade is not fooled by your little over exaggeration and nitpicking. Of course, one would know another's tricks well when they themselves do it. And he seems to find great entertainment from the way you carry on with this drag. He truly does feel a sort of fondness for you with the way that you are. Not that he’s ever said however. 

“Are you assuming that I am satisfied with what you’ve offered me?” When you look up at him you can see the way his eyes look more meticulous now, as if he’s observing your every move. Dissecting you piece by piece as he awaits for your response, patiently waiting for when he could strike and counter your words. You leave your mouth slightly agape for a moment thinking carefully for what your next words were to be, carefully trying to see what you could say in response - however the pressure of having to hurry and say something quick overrides you because if you don't, then it would be like you couldn’t match up to him. Not like you could ever, but it wasn’t a nice feeling when you let others know they have a winning upperhand. And he seemed to relish knowing that you were feeling this pressure from the way he was looking at you.

“I am assuming you aren’t dissatisfied with it.” Putting up an undeterred front, you do your best to try and keep a steel-like straight face as you stare at his mismatched eyes. 

With the way his eyes go back to their non-disturbing look you can only assume you satisfied him with your play of trying to be undisturbed. The tension is then suddenly broken when Grim lets out a complaint, saying how he’s tired already and that he just wants to go home now. Sprawled over your thighs as his back lays against them as if he was putty, an unprompted sigh escapes your mouth and you pick up grim in your arms, standing up as you begin to excuse yourself. 

“Goodnight then Jade, I’ll excuse myself now.” 

“And as is the same to you, pleasant dreams to you Prefect.”And with that, Jade goes ahead and picks up the empty porcelain dishes and the glass cup, remnants of eaten food and a little puddle of liquid to show it had been put to its intended use. 

‘I came all this way to see YOU specifically.’ Your words replay in his head as he walks back to the kitchen, a slight sulky pout on his face to which no one is able to witness. 

“I wish you could say that more often my dear (y/n).” Setting them down into the sink, the water runs as he turns on the faucet. The pressurized water splashes as the dishes make contact and he can only stare down at it as he begins to think of you. A little susurrus naturally slipped out under his breath as the sound of running water deafened his words of one sided longing. “Hmm, it seems that they were trying to avoid agreeing about the moon… ” 

On the walk back to your dormitory, Grim looks up at you from where you hold him in your arms. “Hey Henchman, did Jade say something funny back there?” 

Looking down at him, the pale ashen color of the moon's rays blanketing you both as it illuminates your path, you can only give him a slightly wide eyed response. “It’s nothing. Just something from my world is all. What he said about the moon, it means something in my world…” Your voice can only trail off as you think back to the incident, the familiar expression of embarrassment starting to bubble up again as your face heats up to which you can't help but bury your face in Grims fur as you recall what a stupid reaction you must’ve given. Grim is grumbling and complaining as you indulge in his fuzziness, seeming a bit shocked and confused from your sudden outburst. “Yer squeezin’ me ahhh!”

Loosening your grip on him, he lets out a dying wheeze as if he finally escaped from a crushed boulder on top of him. The sound of your shoes walking softly on the ground fills the air aside from the huff you let out as you try and sort yourself out. 

You’re overreacting here (y/n), Jade doesn’t love you. He doesn’t even know what those words mean! And even if he did it’s not like you love him either. Though that simple phrase was enough to have you thinking about him the entire walk back, perhaps going to give you some sweet dreams just as how he wished you back when you left. 

He definitely knew what he was doing-as the leech he is-was able to slither his way into your thoughts as planned and stick there. Something similar to a parasyte as one can compare. The way he just sticks in your head as you now roll in bed, constantly replaying his words. Why do you keep replaying these words? Why does your heart race when you replay the scene in your head over and over again and you remember how his voice sounded? Why were you starting to make random scenarios in your head, visualizing him and you wa- SNAP OUT OF IT (Y/N)! 

Sure no ones ever said those words to you before but you have to remember that it means nothing! So what if the moon is beautiful? That's all there is! You must be crazy if you think you may be coming down with something regarding that little slimy eel. He doesn’t know what those words mean anyways, why would he say that to you?

Point is, he doesn't know. End of discussion!

. . .

He knows. 

Oh he soooo knows, though you don’t know he knows. At least, not yet.

Moving the pawn over to create space for the castle to move, Jade makes his move while hovering over the wooden chess pieces. Closely calculating every piece carefully despite there being no other attentive player on the other side. Not wanting to catch your attention like a snake hunting for its prey, he goes ahead and advances forward quietly.

Nov - 6, XXXX 

“Deuce! Jack! W-wait up for me, please!” You tiredly try to jog towards Deuce and Jack, though you would say it's less of jogging and more so walking at a jagged pace. Sweat drips down your form, drenching you and stains of sweat are pitted on your underarms and chest. You slow down, bending over as you place your hands on your knees to catch your breath. The sun's rays washing over the lands as you three stand beneath it, its heat adding onto more of excretion of sweat. 

“N-Never again. You two are trying to kill me!” Huffing and gasping desperately, Deuce comes over to pat your shoulder in hopes of comforting you. His hand placed softly atop of your draping shoulder as he slightly bent down to your crouched figure. “Sorry (y/n), I didn’t consider how today's club session would be like for people who aren’t accustomed to running so much at a consistent rate.” You can tell by the tone of voice that he genuinely felt guilty having you get put up with all that running, and Vargas being Vargas was not so lenient. 

“My feet are in so much pain. It feels comparable to wearing heels the entire day, I hate this so much.” A feigned sob is ushered out and as the reliable person he is, Jack comes over to try and comfort you as well. “I can lend you an arm if it helps. Really, you should have expected that much running at least when you offered to come participate in the track and field club.” To be fair, you only came because Deuce wanted you to check out the club in hopes that you’d be interested in joining. So you gave it a shot.

Never again. Jack shakes his head as if scolding a little child and the sound of him clicking his tongue can be heard, his brazen feathered white locks of hair swishing from side to side as he jerks his head. 

“I can lend you my arm as well! Please don't hesitate to ask for my help if you need it (y/n)! I’ll gladly let you rely on me.” Deuce’s sweet fluffy voice reminding you of a newborn hatched chick makes you soften up a bit, and despite being so sweaty you went ahead and latched onto Deuce as his offer seemed much more friendly and welcoming. He seemed to not mind it though, and Jack seems to not care whether or not you planned on relying on him. Though you acknowledge his outwardness to help. With a settled huff, you three began to walk down the dirt path that maps out the campus. 

“Maybe my feet hurt because I don't have the proper footwear.”

“Your preparation skills are even worse than I thought (y/n).”

“Look, what's done is already done okay? No need to keep saying stuff that would get me into a dour mood Jack.”

“You’re right, I didn’t mean to restate the obvious then if you’ve already acknowledged it.”

His words just make you hit him slightly on the arm, not in a hurtful way but a hit that was as light as when the waves would crash onto your feet in the sand. He didn’t mean to sound ill willed, but he has his ways of showing concern for those he cares about. He grimaces for a bit but simply overlooks it knowing that was just your usual play, noticing the way his ears would twitch from your usual playfulness - you guys had a comfortable dynamic and it showed.

“If you don't have any proper footwear, we can go stop by Sam’s shop and buy you some.”

Deuce suggestion diverts your attention back onto him, your arms still linked together as you lean on him for support while you stagger off, giving him a reaffirming nod. He seemed pleased to be of help to you, as if fulfilling the role of a good friend. 

 “Yea, let's go. I need to buy me some new socks anyways.”

“Socks? Not shoes?” 

“I don't think the problem is with my shoes. Although it may not be all the best to comfort me in running, it still gets the job done.”

Jack can only look down to observe your shoes as if to analyze what you said is true, trying to identify whether or not your words support your claim. His yellow sunset gaze which could be compared to how the sun's rays shined is heating you all right now as it bores down on you.

“Jack, before you say anything. Don't.”

“I wasn’t.”

“Don't look at my shoes, I’m poor okay. I feel like you’re secretly judging me.”

“Not exactly judging per say.”

“See! That doesn't make it any better.” A light chuckle originates from Jack as he playfully looks over to you, a small smile soon cracking on his caramel skinned face as his voice dies down. 

“How are you feeling Prefect?” A firm hand is now gripped on the other side of your shoulder, the feeling of your sweaty and sticky body meshing with your clothes as your scent muddles in with the fibers making up the cloth hugging your figure. Deuce has been walking alongside you now for the entirety of your guys walk as you head towards Sam's Shop, still quite a distance away. Feeling the need to check in on you, he continues to firmly lay his hand on your shoulder to better comfort you. 

“Deuce, you’re so considerate. I feel like I might just let out a heartfelt sob for how sweet you’re being right now.” You let out a feigned exasperated sigh - in response though Deuce’s reaction is one of surprise which you could feel without even looking at the way his body stiffens a little.

“E-Eh? This really is nothing though (y/n), you’re in pain after all. It would only be natural to help someone in need.”

“True, but you know this really helps a lot. I’m in so much pain, I practically don't wanna walk anymore.” 

“You’re over exaggerating a bit,” A little quip response from Jack makes you pout and shake your head to show you denied it. 

“Not true! Gosh if I had a significant other or something I'm sure they wouldn’t mind carrying me! Ah the convenience of having someone like that.”

“Do you really think they’d do something like that for you?” 

“Would you do that for your significant other?”

And without a second thought, he immediately answers. Only then does he seem to find how meaningless his question was upon answering yours. 

“I think having a significant other would be nice, but I don't think that's something I am trying to actively pursue right now.” Deuce chimes in his own thoughts and you let out a little laugh which also chimes just as beautifully.

“I think you’d need to be better at talking to girls first before you even consider trying to pursue one.” Light hearted laughter airs around you as you lean into his arm, your shoulders bumping up rhythmically. 

“W-wha-!”

“The last time you talked to a girl, or tried to court one - if you can even call it that - was the ghost that kidnapped Idia.”

Deuce sputters out, feeling a sense of embarrassment as you tease him about his interactions with the ghost bride, his face burning a bright red like the cards in which glossed a new coat of red paint on white roses. Besides you both, Jack takes into consideration your walking speed. He truly was showing consideration in his own way and it was something you didn't mind at all, in fact it made you feel appreciative for what he was doing. He would be leaving the two of you in the dust if he wanted to, only showing that he does indeed care about you. Deuce does the same of course, considering you are latching onto him for support as you stagger about. 

“I would understand why Deuce would just freeze up like that. When it comes to expressing those types of feelings it’s always better to actually be sincere about it.” Jack has always been more on the serious side, always viewing the perception of love as something that should last forever between you and your partner. A sense of loyalty and something not to take lightly of.

Love has many different meanings to it. A vast broad way to make a connotation of sorts which could be related in any way whatsoever. Something that you blatantly already knew of course. “Ok mister love counselor, I get that part alright? Besides, it’s not like you have to actually say you love them, I think it’d be harder to believe if you did say ‘i love you’ though.”

With his ears flattening with your sarcastic remark he should’ve known better than to say something that has at least more than once been thought about. 

“She didn’t require you to say ‘I love you.’ As long as you were a good enough candidate to fit her unrealistic, old fashion, and cliche ideal standards then you’d be good to go.”

“Okay but I meant it in a general sense. Not just for the incident with Eliza.” 

“What do you mean?” His question beckons to be answered as his tail waves from slight confusion, Deuce also sharing a similar if not more confused look. 

“Well if someone told you they loved you in a romantical sense, would you believe them?”

“Am I supposed to doubt them? That’d just be rude and disrespectful to their feelings.”

“Me personally, you could say it would also depend on who's confessing to me.” 

“That's true too Deuce. I could say the same. But I don't know. How could you believe someone who would confess such strong words towards you? I find it a bit surreal.”

“Has anyone ever confessed to you (y/n)?”

“Shut up Jack.”

A low snorkeling chuckle comes out unprompted as he muses himself in your dejected response and Deuce can only shake his head a little from the way the two of you have been slightly bantering with each other. Usually it would be Jack to be the one shaking his head, but you tend to bring out the mischievous and playful side of him. 

“I’m going to take this personally and hope that you also take me not taking your arm personally too.”

Jack is visibly taken aback with your proclamation as his ears perk up. “How childish!” 

“No it's not! You basically just told me that I'm not attractive!”

“Don't put words into my mouth!”

“Or! Perhaps you do have secret admirers and they are too scared to confess (y/n)”

Silence fills the air as you both have failed to think of such a possibility during the small moment of your little bantering, both your heads turning to look at Deuce who gives you guys a more serious face.

Relaxing a bit as Jack and you jaunted down, you go back to your usual casualness as the three of you continue your way to Sams. Your destination is not too far off as you three have been filling the time with conversation, making the walk feel shorter than usual. “Oh that might be true for most people. People may just be scared to confess to others.” 

“I mean you can always indirectly confess you know. A lot of people do that instead of outwardly confessing.” 

Deuce's eyes widen a bit with a type of child's curiosity and it only prompts you to further expand on what you meant. “Do you mean like a love letter?” Jack inquires and gives off from your earlier proposition. 

“Yeah, basically. Or you can say something to convey your feelings to them.” 

“Such as?” Deuce with his ample experience seems to show quite the interest despite stating some time ago that pursuing someone was not something he was actively trying to do. Though he still valued it as something to consider for future references in the case that a situation were to spring up and prompt him to initiate. 

An endearing smile scrawls on your face as you peer over to Deuce, Jack also listening intently as well. All this talking seems to have distracted you from the pain in your feet, but despite your hold on Deuce’s arm loosening you continue to keep your arms linked together anyways as the cool breeze comes to freshen you three up.“Well, there is this saying in poetry back in my world some people were fond of using some time ago. You basically ask someone if the moon is beautiful, and that's basically saying that you love them. If they agree with you then that's them reciprocating your feelings.”

“Ah, really? That’s some interesting and creative way of doing it. I feel like I wouldn’t be able to tell at all and only see it as a regular question though.” Deuce still nonetheless finds it rather intriguing. “Really? I’m sure there must be a saying similar to that here.” As you make it up to the shop, finally arriving after what felt like a short time despite the lengthy conversation, you find a familiar face. 

“Oh, is that? Ortho!” Waving over to Ortho, he reciprocates the friendly gesture and waves back. Seemingly, it appeared that Ortho just came back from some shopping from Sam's shop, quickly walking over in a spring-like gait.

“Ah! It’s (Y/n)(L/n), Deuce Spade, and Jack Howl! What a pleasant surprise to see you guys. Are you guys planning on getting something from Sam's shop?” His friendly personality was warming as usual and he was one of the people here whom you got along fairly well. 

Finally latching off of Deuces arm you decide to give it a try to stand as you also intend to approach Ortho with a welcoming and friendly smile. No longer leaning your weight on Deuce to help support yourself, you wince a little but endure the pain as you apply your usual weight onto your feet. Ortho seems to automatically notice and with the way his brows furrowed to show concern, Deuce and Jack come from behind standing close in the case that something happens.

“Ah prefect, you seem to be in pain! Your pain receptors and heart rate along with your tissue sensors seem to indicate you have a sense of soreness on your feet! Have you been over exerting yourself perhaps?” And as usual, due to Ortho’s inbuilt sensor indicator he seems to be all the more observant about your throb. 

“Aha you could say that. I joined Deuce and Jack in their club today so that's why. So here we are to buy some comfortable socks for me in the near future if this does happen again.”

Your lighthearted laugh doesn't seem to shake off Ortho’s concerned looking face however, so he offers to try and heal you up with some ointment packed on him. You’re grateful really, but you don't really feel all that comfortable taking your shoes and socks off right now in front of your friends after a hearty run.

“Oh no thank you Ortho. I really appreciate it but I’m sure I’d be better with some rest after. On another note, how about you search something up for me?” Your sudden change in topics catches Deuce’s and Jack’s attention as they both stare at your back as if knowing what you plan on asking. 

“Oh sure! If you insist so then I’ll leave you be then Prefect. What is it you wanted me to search up? I can get it in a blast!” His enthusiasm felt infectious and it quirks a small smile on your face despite the enduring pain. His body language conveying as such similar to how a human normally would if not for his obvious robotic decals and constructure. 

“Could you see if this saying means anything? ‘The moon is beautiful, isn't it?’” In a docile manner he quickly gets to it and with a few audible beeping computerized clicks he announces some articles and other works of literature where such a line would be found; similarly fitting the words or having the words exactly but not in a way to express someone's affection for another.

“Ah, I see. So your world really doesn't have that saying around.” You didn’t sound disappointed per-say, but you didn’t really expect much either. Upon noticing your lack of reaction, Ortho tilts his head curiously. 

“What were you hoping to find Prefect? I’m sure whatever it was we can find it together!”

Shaking your head lightly you only cross your arms and let out a slight sigh. “You see, back in (y/n)’s world, that saying is an indirect way to say ‘I love you,’ something you say to confess your feelings apparently.” Jack comes from behind and now to the side of you as he makes his presence more prominent. With an intrigued shine in Ortho’s eyes, he grips on his grocery bag slightly and brings a delighted fist up over to where his mouth would be. 

“Ah! On the way here were you guys perhaps talking about ways to confess to someone?”

“Er, not exactly. The topic kinda just happened as we were talking about how to indirectly confess to someone in general.” Deuce also comes in to step up from behind and by your side now as he too makes his presence more prominent. 

“Oh I see, the topic of love and confessions! How wondrous, should I search for some other ways to indirectly court or express your feelings towards someone?” 

Bringing a hand up to stop Ortho, you give him a little small smile to assure him that it wasn’t needed. “Thanks for the offer Ortho, but that was all I wanted at least. Everythings rather copacetic right now anyways haha.” 

“Anyways, we should better get going since I have some plans later.” Jack begins to announce as he proceeds to walk up and you soon follow after in a wobbly state, though still managing, as Deuce follows behind intentionally there to look out for you in case you’d need assistance. 

“Aww well alright then, it was nice talking to you guys. See you some time!” And with a fleeting goodbye wave, the three of you go ahead and approach Sam’s shop. Ortho now off with a tune playing as he goes down the dirt path road back to Ighynide. 

“Oh? How fascinating. To think such simple words convey tremendous feelings, fufu. Perhaps I should try saying it to them sometime when I have the courage.” Near the building of Sam’s shop, a ludicrous tall shadow looms behind a fairly covered tree.

Sneaking behind one of his towers, Jade picks up one of his pawns and sets it forward, diagonal to yours. Now swallowing and taking out one of your pawns he’s able to decrease your chess pieces. Moving your king further back out of sheer blindness and fear, all to which you know you should protect, Jade proceeds to think of his next move; now eyeing the knights in the back row which was still perfectly not in use aligned with his king and queen. 

Nov - 6, XXXX

“Sometime ago from the mirror chamber over to the botanical garden I saw Jack, Deuce, and my darling pearl (y/n) coming from the field as I made my way. I must admit, I indeed felt irked that they were clinging onto Deuce like that. However I kept my composure and decided to stay hidden and observe, something that I have always reaped benefits from.”

“To continue along, as I was listening to what they were talking about it appears that they were on the subject of how to court someone indirectly. Oh what a valuable insight to what my dearest has to say!”

In the botanical garden there sat the infamous student, Jade Leech. With no one around in the greenery place, there he sat talking to his mushrooms to which he cared for tenderly. In the placement of actual companions who could listen to his lovesick woes and scheming little ploys, it seems that he much prefers talking to his own plants which grow healthily from his careful attentiveness and candid affection. 

“Would my little shrooms care to know what it is my dearest had said?” To no response from the fungi planted in its bed of components, he only lets out a more passionate look to compel more. 

“The only thing they talked about was this saying back in their world. The person who asks if the moon is beautiful is quite frankly another way to profess your love in poetry. If the person who you asked it to agrees then they basically are reciprocating your mutual feelings. Isn’t that lovely?”

No response. If someone were to witness this surely they’d think that Jade would be a little crazy. Not like he’ll let anyone see him in this state though. Lest if they do then pray to the sevens that they would be able to see the next day come.

Adjusting the lighting to perfectly fit the conditions to aid its growth, Jade lets out a beaming smile as he thinks about the two things he tends to show more prominent love aside from his familial relations. You and his mushrooms. 

“If I continue to engage in social interaction with (y/n) then I am positive the likelihood of them returning my feelings would be higher. I’ve been doing so for the past few months now, perhaps I should start planning my confession.”

Sitting on a bench, he slumps in his folded arms ensuring that his head or arms were away from the bedded fungi; the edge of the earthy wooden table. Flashes of your face and scenarios playing in his head arise like a continuous movie film on repeat, the sound of your laughter and the feeling of his heart racing in his chest felt like he was immersed in the movie he was watching. Oh how he could replay them over and over again, a goofy love-stuck smile curling on his face as he buried it deeper into his arms.

“Jade! There ya are!” A sudden voice calls out to him and he springs up from surprise. He didn't hear anyone come in, just how long has he been in his own little world?

“Ah Floyd, what are you doing here?” Standing up from where he sat, he began to approach Floyd as he was coming over towards his way as well. A prime smile on his face yet he looked brighter than ever. 

“Azul needs ya. You’ve been gone for awhile, thought ya went out to the mountains again,” swinging down with a huff as he sits himself on the bench, he leans his head back to give him a rather laid back smile. “Good thing you were in here though, wasn’t plannin’ on tryna get you back all the way from the mountains.” 

“Oh my, did I perhaps lose track of time? Thank you for letting me know Floyd, I'll be sure to hurry along then.” The materialistic multitudes of sound coming together as Jade brushes and pats himself come together to accompany the brightful air around him. “Ah? Yer bein’ all smiley Jade, is it cus of these damn mushrooms or somethin?” 

“You could say it’s part of the reason, Floyd.”

With a click of the tongue and his brows slightly twitching, Floyd bounces up with a swift swing of his legs and starts walking alongside Jade. “Ugh, is it shrimpy again?”

“Gasp! How did you know?” As Jade makes a feigned gasp and his hand placed over his mouth, Floyd can only roll his eyes and shake his head from his fake and obvious display of faux surprise. “Urgh, keep yer lovey-dovey thoughts to yerself. I aint tryna hear all that sappy and weird stuff again.” 

“Oh dear, and here I thought you actually secretly liked to hear my woes Floyd.” With the both of them now walking off, Floyd and Jade start to talk about other affairs as they head back to Mostro Lounge.

Without realizing it, you move your castle over and take out his pawn resting on the black squares making up the chessboard. Too infatuated with his own plans, he fails to see you make a move with your knight and you proceed to place it on a white square. Ready to defend what you have left or ready to steal his pieces. 

Nov - 8, XXXX

The indifferent sounds of inharmonious male voices fill up the school halls as they go by their constructed schedule of schooling. Classes are left empty momentarily as students leave to head on and transition over to their next subject whether it be magic history or astrology, or perhaps they may skip and find the chance to slack off. 

A diversity of students are scrambling around and covering the school grounds, if seen above it might be like seeing a field of colorful jelly beans laid out on a structured maze platform. Stepping out of the classroom which is labeled at the top “1-A,” you and Grim along with many others go by the schedule as well; stepping out of the classrooms to head on over to their next classes. 

“Raaah~! I almost fell asleep there. Can you believe we’re gonna have an upcoming test in Crewel's class?!” 

A yawn can be heard and ushered out from your little fur ball of a companion, Grim. Resting on your shoulders you can only respectively share the same tired stare on your face as you step out into the school corridors. “We have a day or two maybe to study for it, it should be enough time to cover what we need to go over.” 

The wintery dim skies makes the air around you a bit more chilly than normal, making you feel a little drowsy even. “Mrmgh, why’d we have to get out of bed ~? It was the perfect temperature to sleep in!” As he then closes his eyes while resting on your shoulder, you can only give a sigh and roll your eyes as you make your way over to your shared class. With heavy eyelids and heavy limbs dragging your feet, you lazily make your way past the cluster of students. 

“Yea no kidding, I wanted to sleep in too. Any second longer and I would’ve succumbed to the comfort of our bed.” Bringing your hand to your face you start rubbing your drowsy eyes. “God the weather is so perfect to sleep in. A cold morning is so nice.” 

“I agree, I feel rather closer to home the more the temperature drops.” 

“WHAT THE FUC-/ NYAHHHHH!”

As you and Grim jump up into the air - his fur all frayed and animated looking like those Halloween black cats up on display windows during the spooky-season sales - Jade stands behind the two of you with a casual smile on his face. 

“Fufu, well I see you are rather more awake now.” Alongside him stood Floyd and Azul, the most recognizable sea trio ever. Floyd seemed to also be in a sleepy state as his slanted eyes were closed and his stance being all lazy and slump-like. Azul, ever the dashing man he is, looks back at you with a formal smile. 

“I must agree with you there Jade. Although the weather cannot nearly compare to the temperature at home, I find the cold to be rather comforting.” 

“W-What the hell Jade? Don’t pop up out of nowhere like that.” As you place your hand over your chest, the feeling of your heart beating rapidly due to the fright can be felt and heard in your eardrums. “Apologies, my intention wasn’t to scare you, Prefect.” Although you can't be too sure if he really was genuine with that apology, the look on his face said otherwise. And with a slightly scoffing click of the tongue you fix your posture and stand up with a straight posture to address him. 

“What do you guys want?” After you’ve calmed down, you press your palms on your hips, giving him a more stern expression. Grim is practically still recovering from the sudden scare as he clings onto your leg. “Oya? Asking us what we want? Why aren’t you a generous one (y/n).

“Indeed, if that's the case then I would like-”

“You know damn well that's not what I meant!” 

“Oi, shut it will you? Yer loud voice is botherin me.” Floyd speaking up in irritance causes you to divert your attention onto him and you flinch back a bit, making note of controlling your volume. Coming up to stand in front of Jade now, your attention is now placed onto Azul, his pristine air around him calling for professionalism. “To be quite frank, we heard your little call of distress just now and would like to offer assistance.” Smiling ever so politely as he places his hand on his slightly puffed up chest, you can only feel a sense of dread for what's to come. 

“You want to help us study for our upcoming potionology test? Why? What’s in it for you?” 

Feigning a shocked and offended look, Azul shakes his head slightly and you continue on just stare at him with disinterest. “Why, out of the goodness of my heart of course! I’m just trying to help my dear friend, yes? I’m just trying to show my comradery because friends are supposed to support and help each other.” Hearing his words make you snicker, and Jade can’t help but be amused a little at the show displaying your interactions with Azul. 

“Hmm? Shrimpy and little seal needs help with their studies? Oooh count me in~ hehe” Finally feeling awake with a sense of amusement, Floyds demeanor shifts to a more sneaky and cunning air around him. “Wait, I didn't even agree to this!” Grim lets out a similar statement as well, picking him up into your arms as you hold him for a sense of comfort. 

“Now now no need to be so rude. We merely just want to help.” You know damn well that he has other intentions other than to simply just “help,” and what other perfect way than to try and take advantage of the fact that you two had an upcoming test. “No way, I'd rather have someone else tutor us.” 

“Oh how your words and hostility wound me (y/n),” bringing a finger to swipe at his fake tears Azul then moves to the side and switches back up once again. “Very well, if you refuse to take my assistance then why not choose between the Leeches to tutor you?” 

Giving him the most “Are you serious” look ever towards Azul, you divert your eyes to look over at Jade and Floyd who stood beside each other. It was like you were in a bachelorette/bachelor show right now having to pick between which twin you wanted to date as Azul was the host. “W-Wait I never-”

“Time’s ticking Prefect, unfortunately we all have classes to attend so hurry won't you?” 

WHY IS HE PUTTING ME ON THE SPOT?!

Grim being firm with his whine and response simply says he doesn't want either and jumps out of your arm, scrambling off to class without you, seeing that you really were left alone in this situation. Thanks so much “companion.” Darting your eyes back and forth to Jade's polite yet somehow eerie aired smile and Floyd’s amused and up-to-no-good lazy smirk, you frantically blurt out one of their names without much thought. 

“J-Jade!” It wasn’t an easy pick, but in all honesty at least this eel can try and be tame for the most part. So scratch that, it was a rather easier and obvious pick. With a pleased smile on his face, Jade simply places a hand over his chest as if he was glad to have been chosen. “I will do my best to tutor you well then Prefect. Thank you for choosing me.” Ding Ding Ding! And it seems that (y/n) chose contestant number 2! Jade Leech! 

“Ehhh? Why didn’t ya pick me shirmpyyyy? It would’ve been so much more fun. Oh well, I’m not really feeling like tutoring ya no more anyways.” 

You guess calling Jade was a good call, but the slight glint in his eyes causes some uneasiness in you. Letting out a slight chuckle and a one-sided crooked smile, you look up to Jade who now as well stood in front of you. “Aha, yea.. I look forward to it as well.” As you make up your quick plans of when and where to meet, you four all go your own separate ways to head over to class. Thinking to yourself, you really had no choice or say in this with the way they gave you no options whatsoever.  

“Look at you looking so chipper Jade.” Floyd slightly remarks as out of the three, Jade's smile is ever so radiant. 

“Yes, I'm quite pleased that the plan went rather well.”

“‘Pleased’ is such an understatement. You seem more ecstatic to say the least, like how you are always with those batches of mushrooms.”

“Urgh, don't even mention 'em Azul. It's already enough having to hear him talk about his mushrooms and “Shrimpy this” or “Shrimpy that,” blergh.” 

“I’m glad to know I am not a direct victim of his ramblings with you in my stead.”

“Oh how you both wound me so.” And as the three walk off in the opposite direction, the show of bachelorette/bachelor has ended with you and Jade going to meet up for your little date. With Grim being there of course, but under Jade's care he is a rather easy case to take care of and Jade will ensure that things will be under control now. 

The first drops of snow in your heart flutter down as the first lingering thoughts of Jade come hither to rest in your mind. And as Jade proceeds to move his knights in places to ensure his next move winds up being a success, slowly breaking down your wall of pawns to get to the heart of what makes you stay in the game, to obtain your king and end the game. Slowly but surely, his methodical and strategic thinking would lead him to success and only then, would he be able to have your king. A game of chess to where you don't know you’re playing as he stares down at the chessboard.

I’ve been seeing him more often lately… A lingering thought nestles in as you make your way over to class.

Three pawns down, no moves made, and a clear break through heading towards your unprotected king. An open line is presented and clear for him to make a bold break for it. With slight hesitation as he's about to pick up his knight, he then draws back his hand and proceeds to bring his king up instead. 

Present Day 

Nov - 15, XXXX

“Hey Henchman, is it just me or have we been seeing Jade a lot more often recently?”

“Glad to know you’re finally noticing Grim, I've seen him around much more frequently since a couple months ago too. It’s quite…. Odd honestly.” 

I kinda wanna see him some more though…

 “You think he’s trying to get something from us?” Perched on the top of your head, Grim tilts his head forward a little to try and make curious eye contact with you. With his pitchfork-like tail wagging around in the air, you casually make your way down the stairs from NRC’s main building to head back to Ramshackle dorm.

“I hope not. Not like I'll just let him anyway, man I hope we don't see him again.”

I wonder where he could be right now… could he… be busy? It’d be nice to see him again…

With a lift of your foot, another step is placed off the hard slate wooden stairs as you now continue onward. Classes have ended and an assortment of dispersed students with colors consisting of their respecting dorms filter through the halls quickly. Some going back to rest in their dorm rooms, others maybe attending after school club activities, or perhaps some going to pursue their other hobbies. Whatever time is available, every student here uses it to the fullest.

“Ya could say that again. If he comes by again then I’ll just blow out my flames and cook him dry! Nyahaha!”

His arrogant laugh makes you roll your eyes as a soft smile forms on your face, slightly shaking your head with Grims weight on top. “Hah, sure, whatever you say Grim.”

“It's THE Great Grim!” 

With a flick of your wrist and a scoff, you couldn't bother to resay his name just for his own satisfaction even in a sarcastic manner. Tilting your head in a mischievous manner, you feel the weight of Grim scrambling and jumping off with a hoarse yelp coming from him. As he lands on his paws, you let out a giggle watching his scowling face directed towards you. 

“I was trying to look at the sky, but you were in the way, Grim hehehe.” Knowing that was not at all the case, before Grim could retort he pauses and it causes you to stop in your tracks as well. Standing on the gray pavemented pathway near the open ended exit from which you both came from, you looked down at Grim a bit curiously. “Grim? Why’d you stop?”

Now on all fours, Grim perks his head up as if tailing an annoying fly around his head. With more cat-like animatics, Grim starts swirling his head just slightly and sniffing as if he can see a delicious aroma in those cartoon episodes. “Somethin’ smells good…” 

The cold weather makes it hard for odor particles to pass through due to the more compact molecules, however you can tell just how drawn Grim is to whatever may be causing the smell. Taking a big inhale, you try smelling whatever it is that Grim may be smelling, your chest puffing up as you take in a big amount of air in your lungs. 

“I don't smell anything Grim, what are you-”

“Ah! Over there!” It seems he has found the source of whatever it may be he was smelling, pinpointing it rather quickly as he scurries off. “Ah! Wait Grim! Where are you going?!” Before you can follow suit, not so far off a voice calls out and grabs your attention. 

“Ah, good evening prefect.”

Turning your head around, you’re met with no one but Jade. His voice divulging you and making his presence known. Although so suddenly and randomly, you can’t help but feel a sense of tingling in your chest.

Jade!

“J-Jade! What are you doing here?” Changing your position from almost sprinting off, you shift yourself back to face Jade instead to properly converse with him. Upon looking up at him, you note the clouded and dull gray skies as it soars vastly. 

“Classes have ended some time ago, I was merely on the way back to my dorm. I would assume that it’s the same for you, yes?” Jade stood comfortably, not another layer of clothing on him in sight to withstand the colder weather while he sticks to nothing but his usual uniform wear. You, on the other hand, had a thicker jacket on top of your uniform to help adapt to the temperature around. 

“Well, I was. That was until Grim ran off somewhere again. Hah, seriously I might as well forget about trying to chase after him. He can come back whenever he wants.” With a defeated sigh, you slightly slouch forward with your arms swinging from back to back. 

“Hmm well if that's the case, may I walk you back to your dorm?” 

You’ve been getting used to how casual he’s been lately, considering the amount of times you’ve been seeing each other through mere “coincidences.” Though recently whenever Jades around you can't but help to have that lingering feeling of wanting to stay with him just a bit longer. Whenever he leaves he immediately fills up your mind whenever you allow it to and you can't help but let your mind wander. Is this perhaps…?

“Hello? (Y/N)? Are you spacing out?” With his hand waving in front of you to snap you out of your daze, your unfocused stare comes back into reality and out of your thoughts. “Huh? What?” 

How adorable…

“I asked if I could walk you back to your dorm. If you aren’t feeling well then-”

“Oh no! I’m perfectly fine! I just spaced out for a bit haha. But uhm, I don't mind if you did accompany me back.”

In the way you responded allowed you to give you a sense of freedom to where you aren’t actually giving him a direct and decisive response. More so an indecisive one. Slightly fidgeting with the hem of your jacket you give him a lightly aired chuckle to ease up the atmosphere. 

“So I would say you want me to accompany you back, correct?” 

“Well I didn’t say that I didn’t want you to accompany me”

“You’re rather indirect with what you want (Y/N).” With a slight tut, shaking his head like a common motion of showing one's dismay you can only rile backup to defend yourself with reason. 

“No I'm not! I said I didn’t-! Hah, whatever. Fine, I would like it if you were to accompany me back to Ramshackle Jade.” 

“Fufu very well then. It would be my pleasure too.”  Seriously, he seems to always have a way with words. Putting you on the spot like that so easily and casually. 

But at least we’d be able to spend time together again.

The two of you make your way back over to Ramshackle, following the usual pathway you commonly take when out of classes. The silence lingering between you both causes you to fidget some more as you try to make it obvious you're not at all bothered by it. Staring straight ahead while you see Jade in the corner of your eye next to you as you both walk along-side each other, you can only wonder why he isn't saying anything. Usually Jade makes conversation with you whenever you two are together, perhaps he just isn’t feeling all that talkative. An unfamiliar tension is slightly there, one that wasn’t there before and you can't understand why but to only question it. 

Perhaps it's the cold, but you feel your cheeks slightly growing a little red. What other reason could there be? Next to you Jade remains silent while peacefully walking next to you, and without your knowledge, he smiles just slightly feeling a slight of anticipation.

“Curious, but do you maybe know why Grim ran off (Y/N)?” Jade finally breaks the silence by asking a question, you feel a slight relief in your chest. 

“Aha, I don't know. He said that he smelled something good… Maybe food? Probably someone is snacking around here and he may be a victim to Grim’s antics and persistence haha.”

“That is not the case” Looking over to Jade who sounds so sure of himself, it quizzes a question out of you. “What do you mean? How can you be so sure?”

“Why, I would know of course. Because I was the one who placed some salted steamed fish near the bushes.”  

“What? Then why’d you ask?!” With a nonchalant smile on his face it can only be contrasted to your taken back and startled reaction. Placing a hand on your back, Jade continues the path while guiding you along to continue further with him. “Wait, more importantly why did you do that?”

Jade stays quiet, that smile still on his face as he continues to keep his hand on your back. Wait, now that you think about it you two are going off course and straying from the usual path you take to head back to Ramshackle. With your heart quickening in your chest, you can only start to nervously sweat at where this is going. “U-Uh Jade? Where are we going? What are you doing?” 

As his eyes slowly turn to look at you, his head still facing forward however and his smile ever the same, you can't help but to shiver a bit and get a feeling that whatever he’s planning isn't going to go well. “Oya, there’s no need to be so nervous now. I thought we might take a detour to enjoy the weather a bit more.” 

“No but uh, you didn't answer my ques-” Suddenly bringing his hand from your back to wrap around your shoulders, he draws you close into his side and it prompts you to stop your walk and just freeze from the surprise. “Why? Well I simply wanted to be alone with you of course.”

Your whole right side of your body is pressed up against his left side. With wide eyes, you don't dare to look over to Jade, refusing to let him see your sudden flusteredness. Your heart is beating so loud that you’re hoping that he can’t hear it as well. His arm around you almost longingly, the sudden stillness as you both don't move a muscle, and the sound of your heart beating at a rapid pace as if on a roller coaster. You really wish you could say that the whole reason your face is red is because of the cold and your body temperature just suddenly dropped! But it would make more sense that you’d be blue and purple then red… So then why exactly are you-

“Oh dear, look at you getting so red in the face. Do you perhaps like the weight of my arm around you?” You didn’t even notice, too occupied in your own thoughts and spacing out, that Jade had proceeded to lean forward to be face to face with you. “Wha-!”

A pleased smile is formed as he sees you snap out of your thoughts and he leans back up and adjusts his arm around you to let it sit more comfortably. Looking back up at the scenery the sky has to hold, he holds you ever so lovingly and affirmably. 

“J-Jade what is- what are-! What’s going on!?” Matching the weather, you freeze stiffly in his hold, unfamiliar to his loving touch. It was rather unusual for him to make such a bold and tender move, a foreign feeling yet for you to adjust to. 

The sky is covered in splotches of clouded gray cotton, the meek shine from the sun is still blocked by the airy cold sheet of gas yet still blinding to look at. Inhaling the dewy air that gives oneself a sense of refreshment, Jade closes his eyes and tilts his head up to admire the brightened gray scale that vasts above you both. 

“Tell me, Prefect,” beginning to speak calmly, you try to distract yourself from your close proximity and focus on what he had to say next. “The moon is quite beautiful, is it not?” 

“What?” Killing your stiffness, you’re found to be quite dumbfounded and caught off guard. “What are you talking about Jade? It’s still daytime and the moon isn’t even-”

Pausing, you let his words sink in. The moon isn’t out. His arms are around you. You both are together, secluded. You are alone with him. No Grim. No Deuce. No Floyd. No Azul. Just you and him. 

Badum. Wait, is he…

Badum. Did he just tell me…

Badum. Badum. Badum. He knows what that means…

Badumbadumbadumbadumbadum! He just told me he loves-!

“Cat got your tongue? I hope that isn’t the case, it was the only reason why I sent Grim away from us after all.” His thumb is soothingly rubbing circles into your arm while he keeps you in place, ensuring you don't spring up or leave from his hold in any way. This was like his own way of trying to calm you down, fully aware of how thunderstruck you may be at the moment; the motions of his gesture somewhat helping. 

“Jade.”

“Yes?”

“Back in the lounge…. You….”

“Yes, indeed. I said the same thing then as well.”

“Then you… Are you saying- that you… Did you just…”

No longer looking at the sky, he turns his head to give you his full undivided attention, waiting for you patiently to make your conclusion. Still refusing to look him in the eyes, you droop your head lower just a little as you feel yourself getting smaller in his arm. Bringing your hands together, your fingers start to fiddle with each limb and cloth it can find near its reach, usually playing around with the hem of your uniform under the blanket of your jacket. 

Slightly opening your mouth, your brows furrow and you swear you can feel your knees go slightly weak if not for the support of his arm grounding you. “I…”

This man is playing with me right now. 

Without even having to look, you can just feel his eyes on you. Finally reverting back to your more casual self, you shake your head with a sigh feeling more calm. “Hah, okay Jade I love you too.”

“My, what a bold confession there.” 

“At least I didn’t confess indirectly.”Finally looking up at him, you give him a bit of sass as you roll your eyes and a chuckle escapes his lips. His grip becomes slightly more firm and if you were to lean on his chest, you can swear that his heart was beating just as loudly as yours. 

“You’re finally looking at me, my dear Pearl.” His eyes soften as you look into his olive and golden eyes, his voice laced with such affection that it makes your body feel tingling with how much warmth it held despite the cold air. “Pearl…” Slowly repeating what he said quietly, letting the words sink in further more, your eyes widen and a slight sparkle glosses over. His other hand comes over and cups your cheek, rubbing his thumb against the softness it brings. “Yes, my Pearl.” Jade droops his head lower till your foreheads touch, releasing his hold on your shoulder to then cup the other side of your face. Your cheeks might just be comparable to that of a hand warmer, but you can't help it. Not when he’s being so tender like this. Not when he’s locking eyes with you while giving you the most love-stricken smile ever. Not when you two are so close. “The moon is very beautiful right Jade?” You softly lull out, the growing thoughts of him filling up your head space.

“Very, it really is beautiful.” A little giggle ushers out, a giddy smile and tender hands. A loving look and a fond voice. A dovey feeling and a pacing heart. There, on the side of the public pavement road, stood two lovebirds where the trees bristle through the wind and hide them both perfectly. “It’s very enchanting if I must add. The moon that is. In fact, its shape and glow is similar to one of a pearl. A very beautiful one indeed.”

Tilting your head a little closer, your foreheads staying connected as he continues to hold your face and your hands on his, his words only make you quirk a wider smile. “You know, you’re making my heart beat very fast right now you know that? If I die because of you, you’d be put behind bars.” 

“Hmmmm, really now? And what makes you so sure I'd allow them to catch me so easily?” 

“Why do I like you?”

“In fact you don’t. You professed you love me not too long ago.”

“You’re right, unfortunately. I do, in fact, love you Jade Leech.”

Months of preparation, months filled with longing, months filled with shadowed moves, months filled with perseverance and patience, Jade Leech has finally accomplished what he’s worked for in one swell swoop from you. A kiss to the lips from the person who he always loved from the sidelines, now here in his hold as they reciprocate his mutual feelings. 

Can we stay in this moment forever?

Watching you with the way you close your eyes just to kiss him, can he just stay in this moment forever? Forever to see the way your lashes sprawl out, long enough for him to count each and every piece of hair. Forever to feel your lips against his, long enough to remember the sensation and feeling of your soft lips. Forever to engulf himself in your natural aroma, long enough to have a sense of peace when he smells your scent. With his eyes open, even in the kiss he can't help but to just close it. Not when someone so beautiful is right in front of him. The first to place a kiss and the first to draw back from it, you quickly turn back around and bury your face in your hands. 

Ah, they're getting all shy now. I wish it would have lasted longer…

“Ohmyfuckinggodijustkissedhimmmmm!” Whilst squealing in your hands Jade comes over and wraps his arms around your hunched figure, fully embracing you as he starts to feel gushy himself and nuzzles his cheek on the crown of your head. A big goofy silly smile on his face. 

“Oh what’s wrong my dear Pearl? You’re so red that it can rival Riddle's hair.”

“Hah, I wonder who’s causing such a symptom.” Removing your hands away from your face, you turn your head to meet Jade's beaming smile and red cheeks with your slight pouty and red face.

“I would gladly like to proclaim that I was the cause of such said symptoms.”

“Gosh why did I even-”

Turning his head closer to yours as he leans over your shoulder, his voice suddenly becomes low and serious. The way he can suddenly change the mood with his tone tickles your ear and sends chills down your spine in a good way. His arms around your figure hugging you securely like a vine wrapping itself against a gate. 

“I want to be the only one to make you feel this way, to have you look this way, to have you react this way. I would gladly like to be the reason for it knowing your affections for me are genuine. Just for you, I’d love to be that reason.” 

… 

“Fufufu, oh? To think your face couldn’t get any more red. Look at you, oh how wrong I was~”

“Jade you little-!” 

Turning around to engulf him in the same manner, you bury yourself in his chest. There you go, now you can confirm for real that his heart was indeed beating just as fast as yours. Standing still to hold each other in your arms, your red and burning face finding shelter in his bosom while he radiates a silly smile with red coated cheeks, you take the time to remember how things even came to be the way they are now. And as the two of you indulge each other, far off in Ramshackle dorm Grim is looking around to see if you’ve yet arrived. 

Moving his king up now in front of yours, thinking you’d make no move, he’s caught off guard as you pick up your king and take his. After all his chess pieces have eaten yours, nothing left but your king stood hopeful for him to take. Yet what a surprise of events that your heart took in the final move. It was a checkmate, and in the palm of your hand you gently held his king close to your heart. 

tag! - @thehollowwriter @pandaforcexd @officialdaydreamer00

I hope you guys enjoyed this read, sorry it took forever!

[prettycottonmouthlamia]

My re-reading project has gone reasonably well, my ADHD is still untreated so I often have a lot of trouble actually starting (Who is Real consistently created this roadblock in my mind for whatever reason), but it was re-reading Under Tides that has had me sitting down and digesting it for some time.

Under Tides has a dramatically different tone from pretty much every single other event that I've read so far. It's a very moody work, dramatically more so than previous events (and, definitely in comparison to Stultifera Navis), both in story direction and in art direction. The residents of Sal Viento are drawn in a way I find really compelling for the nature of the story: they look like they've had the life and energy sucked out of them, and share the same muted palettes with the Inquisitors. It really makes the Abyssal Hunters standout in comparison to the rest of the world, in Skadi's vivid reds, Gladiia's blues, and Specter's monochrome colors.

This piece, on top of just being absolutely breathtaking honestly, is a really good example. Sal Viento sits, tilted in ruins into the sea, but at this angle it feels impossible to tell where the land begins and where the ocean meets the city. It makes Sal Viento feel very isolated from the world, and it is in many ways, and I in particular like the way the support structures at the right, now broken and falling apart, make Sal Viento feel skeletal. How much has been destroyed, taken by the sea? It's great.

But Skadi is the only splash of color. Skadi's red stand out amongst the very muted blues, the blues that feel barely distinguishable from the dismal grays of rain clouds and brackish water, and the sterile colors of Sal Viento. Skadi and the Hunters are the only splash of life in this landscape; even the Inquisitors cannot be said to do this, because much if not all of what the Inquisitors leave in their wake is death.

But it's also a much darker story than usually, and that's a bit surprising considering how much fare Arknights up to this point has had with the ideas of corporate corruption, discrimination, and cleansing. It's a lot to do with how the characters are positioned to each other: the people of Sal Viento are almost zombie-like, being slowly eaten away from ingestion of Seaborn flesh, and are intensely paranoid and disapproving of outsiders. Only Anita stands out amongst them, a beacon of innocence and curiosity that hasn't been stamped out yet by the constant erosion of the tides. Skadi and Gladiia are both oppositional to each other and oppositional to everyone else in the story. There's no real sense of cooperation or camaraderie between any of the characters outside of Anita, which creates a really rather oppressive atmosphere. The dark parts of Talulah's story in Chapter 8 stand in contrast to the warmer parts of her relationship to Alina, Frostnova, and Patriot, and it stands in contrast with Amiya and Ch'en. Maria Nearl's attempted assassination at the hands of the KGCC stands stark against Marcus and Zofia's support of her and her naive ideals.

There's no contrast in Under Tides, it's a constant gloomy, dark feeling, it's being in a cave that's constantly damp, dripping, and moist. That works really well for the type of story it wants to be, especially for its climax moment, where the first time character's connect with each other, it is portrayed in the form of a mental breakdown.

"She is a monster. She murders her own kind. She for her own kind murders her own kind. She by her own kind murders her own kind. The eyes of the people in the streets are filled with warmth. They don't know anything. The eyes from the research institutes and in the tents are filled with ice. When the hunters sleep, there are patrollers guarding. No. Those aren't guards. That night patrol doesn't serve the hunters. The patrollers are waiting for the hunters to become monsters."

Aside from her, anyone and everyone probably knew. Sea monster. And–she has already committed the gravest sin...

I killed it. I killed her. I killed Him.

There's some questionable writing decisions made in this chapter, especially with the way that Anita and Irene have a habit of narrating action scenes in dialogue, but this will not be what I criticize. This is the climax of the story: where the truth of the matter, where Skadi understanding the bizarre idiosyncrasies of her biology and what they mean, causes her identity to collapse, leaving Skadi to try and grab at anything she can.

And she grabs onto being a monster.

Becoming a Seaborn is in some ways both an invasion and a form of acceptance. Your biology changes, but the outcome is not a guarantee. Skadi only avoids her fate here because Gladiia deliberately took a massive injury as a trap. If that hadn't been intentional, if Gladiia truly took a mortal wound, Skadi would have fallen right there.

"Your neural cells are rapidly metabolizing. Remember, you are a hunter. They can't do anything to you."

It's truth and its untruth. The extent to which Skadi's condition can be directly tied to her biology is questionable: we've already seen this questioned in Skadi's own monologue. But as long as Skadi remembers that she is a hunter, that she has a purpose and can resist, she'll be fine.

It's good, it's a fantastic climax that leads to the rather nice and cathartic reunion amongst the Abyssal Hunters. Really liked this event.

[medra-gonbites]

Baldur's Gate 3 Companion Head Canon Filmmaker Edition

Depending on your crew, filmset can be the best time or the worst time of your life!  While kicking back and playing Baldur’s Gate I started to wonder what kind of positions would the gang assume on a filmset.

Here is my personal HeadCanon for the tadfools (+ Jaheira, Halsin, the Dead Three and Withers) if they were to be on a film set.

Astarion | Costume 

Of course Astarion would be in charge of the costume department! Not only because he can sew and design the best costumes with utmost skill, if you provide him with nothing but rags, but also because he would make sure the actors are always decent and taken care of. End of a risqué scene? Boom, he is already there with a robe, some blankets and a water bottle. “Let’s take you back to the changing room darling!"

Besides he is very fast and stealthy which would be a perfect time saver for in between takes: last minute check and tweak before we start rolling? Watch him dash to unwrinkle fabrics or refasten pins: 0 second lost.

Shadowheart | Production Design

Shadowheart would love to be in charge of the decor. Already in pre-production she would have a blast skimming flea markets and brocantes to find props and elements to create the perfect set, although she would probably be able to craft it from scratch if needed be, and could create an atmosphere with nothing but cardboard if she had to. She would keep track of all the props and organize them in a neat fashion. She would be so focused there is no chance you would end up with a continuity error (not in her department anyways!).

Karlach | Light Technician

Karlach has a light crew vibe to herself. She would run around rolling and unrolling cables, carrying and setting up C stands, activating generators, going as far as powering them herself if she has to. Watch her set up the lights and filters like it's nobody’s business. Sandbags? No worries she can carry 20 at a time. She can hold a reflective panel above her head for hours without breaking a sweat. Friendly and motivated, she is a wonder to work with and the camera crew has no issues communicating and coordinating with her. Tell her what needs to be lit and she will make sure it is. Let there be light!

Wyll | Acting

The charisma, these dance skills, the whole blade of frontier performance that radiates main character energy? You cannot convince me Wyll is not born to stand under the spotlight or in front of the cameras. At the beginning of his carrier had a preference for theater but he prefers cinema because it gives him the opportunity to do several takes and indulge his perfectionist side. He would be on set early to rehearse and he would be an absolute treasure to the rest of the crew. Very talented and humble, the best actor to work with!

Gale | Director of Photography

I will not budge: Gale would be in charge of the imagery. What angle, what move, what ratio, what color? He'd know what’s best to tell the story and his composition would always be on point. He’s got 10 different lenses, he made the shotlist six months before the shoot and he went on all the location scouting rekkie, even the ones he did not have to attend. He also checked the location at different hours to have a look at the natural light change through the day. He is very patient with his assistants and with the lighting crew which he would always give a hand to set up the lamps (literally thanks to the old mage hand). Don’t touch his camera though, he will fight you.

Lae’zel | First Assistant Director

“Ok, we have a schedule and we have to make sure we respect it. How much time do you need to build this scene? 10 minutes? Do it in 5!”. Lae’zel would be such an efficient first AD but she also would become the scapegoat of the set because of how demanding and blunt she would be. She doesn't mind and she knows its a status that often comes with the job. At the end of the day, everyone would get to leave on time though (or barely a few hours of overtime) and everyone would be grateful for it. You can and you will have a drink with her afterwards and all will be forgiven.

Halsin | Safety Coordinator

Obviously, Halsin would be in charge of safety; because film is fun and should remain fun, no matter how serious it is for some: nobody is getting hurt on his watch! 

Intense traumatic scene with an actor? He will be a perfect intimacy coordinator: he knows how to handle personal space and aftercare. Tricky stunt? He’s got a first-aid kit ready (not that you will need it as he made sure all equipment necessary for the stunt are secure). Animal Handling? Yes, he got that covered too, the creatures will be treated as royalty and he can even shape shift to keep them company. Child actor on set? Did he mention he can take care of that too? Beyond all this he will make sure everyone in general is keeping healthy, calling for breaks, making sure everyone has enough to drink and/or eat which he will remind the whole crew to do because they tend to forget.

Minthara | Production Manager

Yes, Minthara has arranged the location, the catering, the shooting authorization and pretty much all the rentals that you need for the day. You better be on time on her set: the call sheet is precise and so should you. She will make sure everything that has been arranged will proceed as expected but should the unexpected occur last minute? Well that’s not a problem because she is cool as ice and can perform under pressure like none. There, she fixed it, and with an hour to spare. After the production, she will chase you and spam 3 reminders a day for you to send your invoice and receipts (she gotta book everything for the accountant!).

Jaheira | Location Manager

Jaheira is the first and the last on set. She gets the keys to places, she relays the instructions on where to find what, what is off limits and what can or cannot be used.  She will make sure everyone parks at the right spots, that people that are outside of sets are not hindered by your crew, and that the place is given back clean (or cleaner even). She is always very sweet to the person in contact, be it the owner of the location you're shooting at, the caterer or curious bystanders who come to investigate. She also keeps an eye on the carpooling schedule. Nobody will be forgotten on her watch.

Minsc | Boom Operator

Minsc is in charge of taking sound. He listens carefully to every take to make sure there are no parasites or interference; if he doubts he will ask Boo to double check for him. He will mic up the actor very gently, giving them funny lines to say to test the mic. He finds it hilarious to call out farts when he hears them in his headphones; he will then ask loudly who it was. Often it is himself.

Tav | Writer/Director

It is their story and you better believe they will see it through. They wrote the damn thing, they gathered the right crew and they will direct it all. They call the shots and make the decisions. At the end of the day they call action and cut. Whether it is a happy or bad ending, the story will have 3 to 5 acts and it will be sent out to all the A list festivals of Toril.

Durge | Director/Producer

It is their story too but they did not write it, however they did make sure it was possible to make it by any means necessary! They are in charge and they even have a cap and a chair to prove it. They had a megaphone too at some point but it was misplaced (stolen by Astarion who got fed up with all the yelling).

The Dead Three | Executive producer

These three are power hungry, ruthless and bloodthirsty, of course they are producers! They know where the money is, they know how to get it, they know who to play and sweet talk to get it. Orin tends to be more artistically involved in the project but Gortash has the people’s touch and will be in charge of handling communication and distribution. Ketheric will make sure the money gets where it needs to go and will be in contact with the subsidies and fundings to provide reports and deliverables.

Withers | Storyboard

It is Tav and Durge’s story but Withers illustrated it. Visualization goes a long way for the whole crew and it is nice to have something to fall back on when the chaos of the shot list overwhelms you. Thanks Boneman!

Do you agree with this? Do you have other characters in mind that could be useful on set?

Did this spark an AU fanfic idea within me? Maybe...

[sleeplesssmoll]

Before summer ends how about hcs of a pool day with the timekeeper fam? >:]

I did a summer thing before but it was beach focused:

However, pools are very different because they tend to have a lot of heavy gatekeeping. I think Vertin might try to create a “pool” in the Wilderness so her less human-esque arcanists can play around freely without judgment. Since the “pool” will be a section in the Wilderness the water will be stable and free of contaminants (loading screen lore). This is great since there is no chlorine/bleach that could affect Jessica's fur or Getian's feathers. Also, there's a strict swimsuit policy. Sweetheart and a few other bold arcanists make this a necessity and Vertin has to explicitly warn her crew that they have kids amongst them. While everyone's wearing swimwear, Vertin's dressed like a lifeguard. Shorts, t-shirt, cap, whistle, everything.

The pool area has more than one pool!

There's a shallow one for the smaller arcanists and it's surrounded by toys like water noodles, balls, etc. La Source claimed this pool as her territory and permits the children arcanists to join her (also because Vertin told her to play nice). She'll spray the “adults” with water to keep them away. Erick and the others follow suit. Erick is pro at making big waves because of her strength.

Erick and La Source also create currents for their handmade toy boats. Erick's looks like a viking ship, Eagle's is a more traditional but well-made sailboat, and Mondlicht's looks like a pirate ship because Regulus got involved. They play with the ships when they need time to recharge their batteries for more pool battles.

Pavia likes to bother them, specifically Mondlicht and they engage in dramatic water gun duels.

Then there's a larger pool that has varying depths. Jessica likes shape-shifting as aquatic monstrosities and messing with the others (except Blonney). Regulus has taken it upon herself to “capture the beast” in an intense game of tag. Blonney finds the whole thing cute and hilarious but Vertin had to step in when they nearly scared Sonetto half to death. Getian sticks to the shallower end and uses it like a refreshing bird bath. He splashes around exactly how you're imagining it.

The old souls hang out in the last pool, which is more of a hot-tub/hot-spring. Eternity, Shamane, and a few others linger here. They drink and converse. Apple loves drinking and talking about philosophy but he stays with A Knight on edge of water since he's afraid he'll get cooked. 

Tooth Fairy hunted down the people without sunscreen and forced them to wear it. She's especially strict with Vertin since the Timekeeper isn't in her suit so she's fully exposed to the sun. Vertin tries to explain that the Wilderness’s sun isn't the same as the real deal, but TF doesn't care. The only thing she knows for certain is the damage the sun can do and Vertin has negative melanin. Even her hair doesn't have color! TF also looks great in her swimsuit and Vertin's been giving off “Stop ogling my mom” energy when anyone looks too long. 

That being said, Vertin's been caught staring more than once but plays it off. This is based on Vertin's interactions with other people she finds attractive. For example, the way she perceives Eternity and Tennant in AS, and the language she uses when describing Sonetto and Schneider. She’ll also compliment people without thinking much of it but gets flustered if she’s the one receiving the compliment.

Horrorpedia likes to laze around in a big floaty. The ghosts (Click, Poltergeist, etc) push him around the pool for fun and he lets them.  Lilya and Druvis are off to the side under an umbrella. Occasionally the others hear Druvis laughing, which is very rare. Druvis does eventually enter the water and Sotheby ends up stealing her away to play.  

Vertin ends up falling into the pool because she was staring again and didn't pay attention to where she was walking. Sonetto runs over to not realizing she's the reason Vertin slipped. The others pretend they don't see what's going but they're definitely going to gossip about it later. 

However, some of the other crew members are seeing Vertin's scar for the first time since the water made her shirt transparent. Sonetto's covering her front by hugging her but her back is visible. Also, Vertin’s first instinct when hugged is to return the hug. Lilya saves them from their awkwardness by bringing Vertin a towel. The cute scene of Sonetto and Vertin being flustered together is marred by the scar. 

Bunny Bunny brings out refreshments and snacks! Bette helps her carry them out. I feel like they'd be friends. 

Sweetheart doesn't get in the water. She'd rather sit in a chair with her shades on and vibe where people can admire her.

[whydontyousaeso]

“Better in person”

You live as a cam girl, you always had made your money that way. But how does it end up when one of your top fans, and a pro wrestler, gets a date with you?

Warnings- SMUT!!! MINORS DNI!!!! Semi public sex, cam girl au (if that’s even needed)

A/n- first work to be posted here! Honestly pretty excited for what you guys think. Feel free to reblog and like, and my request are still open! Love you guys and merry Christmas!

You sat down your keys and walked into your bathroom, checking the time on your phone.

3:30

That’s good, that meant that you had 2 hours to get ready. One of your top fans had won a date with you, and while you were excited, you were nervous too. You’ve never been out on a date with anyone, so this would be new to you.

You jumped in the shower, deep washing your hair and doing your entire body clean. You knew he had high expectations, any man who payed thousands of dollars to see you naked had high expectations.

His username was rh0d3y, he had told you in conversations and private video calls that he was well off money wise, so he would make sure you were taken care of on the date.

Not that you needed it, but it was always appreciated.

By the time you finished your shower and your hair, it was almost 5. You sent him a quick text, making sure he was still good for tonight.

“Hey rh0d3y, hope you still good for tonight?”

“Of course, I’ve been thinking about it all day. Which dress will you be wearing?”

“Whichever one you want, I have some different silk dresses if you want me to wear one of them.”

“If you have a blue one wear that one, if not wear red”

“I have blue, I’ll use that one then ;)”

“Great, also the reservation will be under ‘rhodes’”

You gave his last message a thumbs up and walked into your closet, pulling out the dark blue dress you had told him about. It came down to your mid thigh when you sat down, and was a sleeveless top along with it. It wasn’t one you could wear a bra with, due to the spaghetti straps, but it wasn’t like you planned to need it anyways.

You threw on your matching underwear, a dark blue lace pair, and slipped into the dress, looking at yourself in the mirror. You debated sending a picture to him, but decided against it. You slipped your heels on and touched up your makeup, slipping a lip gloss into your purse. It was time to go, damn you were nervous.

when you got to the restaurant you were able to skip the line of people waiting and go straight to the front desk. “Hi, do you have a reservation?” The lady at the front asked, “I don’t, but my date does, it’ll be under Rhodes?” The girl tapped the screen and smiled, “of course! Follow me, he’s in one of our private rooms.”

Private rooms? You weren’t aware that they existed in the restaurant. As she lead you back a tightness started in your stomach, you couldn’t tell if it was excitement, nervousness, or just straight up lust. You hadn’t really seen him before, so for all you know it could be a 70 year old man waiting for you.

You were quickly proven wrong though. As soon as she opened the door you were greeted by a young man smoking a cigar. You saw his eyes light up as he stood up quickly. “Here you go ma’am, just let us know when you’re ready to order.” You smiled and nodded as she walked away, making your way in the room.

“Rhodes?” You asked the tall blond, “you don’t have to call me that, feel free to call me Cody dear.” The tightness in your stomach worsened, it was obvious what it was now. You nodded once more, sitting down across from him. You watched the way he moved, the way his blue suit hugged every muscle of his. It was almost unfair that he had hid this amazing body from you.

“So what do you do for a living Cody?” You asked, taking a sip from the water they had set out. “I’m a professional wrestler, like for wwe.”

“Oh really? You’re gonna have to take me to one of your shows, I’m interested now.” He smiled, looking at your outfit, only then did you realize that you were matching colors. “The dress looks amazing on you, blue really suits you” you saw his eyes darken as he looked you over.

“I’m sure it looks better up close, if you want to see.” You slid out of the booth, walking over to his side. Almost instinctively he turned towards you, opening his lap for you to sit on. You straddled one of his legs, placing your hands on his broad shoulders. One of his hands went to your waist while the other went to your thigh, squeezing both lightly.

“You look better in person than you do on camera.” He mumbled, leaning up to press his lips against yours. You moved on of your hands to his cheek, deepening the kiss and pulling his face towards yours. You felt his hands go to your ass, grabbing hard. You arched your back and moaned, pressing your breast up against his chest. He pulled away momentarily, dragging your straps down your arms, slowly exposing your tits. “I don’t even know where to start…”

“Well what are your options?”

“Fucking you dumb right now or going slow and taking my time with your body.”

“I think I know which one you want.”

He laughed, turning both of you around and laying you down on the booth. You moaned softly as the cold leather hit your bare back. You watched as Cody started taking off his jacket, but you grabbed his arm. “Don’t take it off, leave it on.”

He smirked and leaned back down, rubbing his hand up your thigh, higher and higher. “Mmm, Cody please”

“Shhhh it’s okay, I’m getting there baby girl trust me.”

You felt his hand remove from your thighs and whined. “Hey hey calm down baby girl, I’m about to give you what you want I promise.” He mumbled against your lips as you felt him undo his belt buckle, it didn’t take but a second for you to feel his dick on your clothed cunt.

“You ready darling?” He asked, moving your underwear to the side. You simply nodded and bit your lip, sure you had sex before, but nothing like this. You knew it was going to be good the moment he grabbed your waist.

He slammed into you, both of you letting out deep groans and loud moans. “God, are you always this tight?” You bit your lip and shook your head, squeezing your eyes shut as he slammed his hips into yours.

He gripped your thigh, pulling it higher up to go deeper. You were seeing stars just with him thrusting, you could only imagine what the climax was going to feel like. Not that you were going to have to wait long, he knew what he was doing.

You were lucky enough to snap out of the self pleasure mindset that you were in and snap back to reality, opening your eyes to see Cody hunched over you, mumbling dirty words and phrases in your ear. You reached around his broad figure and dug your nails into his back, hearing him chuckle.

“Is this better then any of the little toys I see you use to play with yourself? I bet it is, isn’t it?”

You could only let out little gasps for air, leaving red marks behind on his back. Your mind was foggy, and your eyes were starting to tear up. You’ve never had an orgasm that made you pass out, but today might actually be the day.

“I hope you don’t mind me cumming quick baby, if you got me on a good day we would keep this going for hours.” He grunted as he sat up to look at you.

“Just cum, please” that was all you could mumble through your hazy mind and teary eyes. You felt the tightness in your stomach become unbearable, something that had never happened before. You closed your eyes and let it snap, releasing all your fluids that had built up, causing you to scream from the extreme pleasure.

You couldn’t hear his mutterings, or see the way he bit his lip and slammed into you deeper then ever, releasing his own spurts into you. It took you everything to stay awake, you were exhausted. As both of you panted and tried to catch your breath you heard a chuckle from him.

“So would you like to start off with an appetizer darling?”

[dudewotheck]

writing prompt - kara and lenas first date goes wrong on so many levels.

@catwoman33100 thank u for this prompt, this was hilarious to visualize, hope u like

After finally, finally mustering up the courage to ask Lena out, and receiving a shy but vehement yes in return, Kara had settled on what she feels is a good and balanced plan for their first date - after she insisted that she’d take care of setting it up.

A picnic. Simple and intimate. Not at the local park downtown, no, at the regional one with a lot less foot traffic a little outside of the city. It’s scenic, with creeks and trees scattered all over - she’s actually been meaning to go check it out again after she chased down a bad guy through its landscape a couple months back. Not to mention, Kara sees the opportunity to finally showcase her food-making abilities (which are way better than her baking ones) remembering Lena saying something about how much she loves a good pasta salad. She just so happens to have a go-to recipe for that, amongst other things.

Kara gives her a time to be a ready, and a dress code (comfy-outsidey, in verbatim) revealing nothing else for the sake of a lovely, heartfelt surprise. She throws on her nicest pair of khaki shorts and a tank top/button up combo, gently arranges all the food stuffs into a cooler, checks the time and flies off to Lena’s balcony, goods in hand.

She’s already standing outside waiting for her when she lands, smiling so blindingly bright at her as she touches down. Lena’s got on similar shorts to hers, but her top is a light colored blouse that perfectly contrasts her own dark button up. The only thought that goes through her head is that Lena looks so pretty. That being said-

“You look so pretty.” Kara states wistfully, completely bypassing a proper greeting.

Lena chuckles, graciously taking the flowers. “Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself, handsome.” She says quietly. They stand there blushing and bashful for a few moments before Lena decides to do some questioning, eyes falling on the cooler. “So, what do you have in store for me, miss Zor-el?”

Kara fawns at the use of her Kryptonian name, opening her arm that’s not carrying the cooler. “Grab on and you’ll find out.” With a raised eyebrow, Lena walks forward and wraps her arms around broad shoulders, Kara’s arm closing in around her. They’ve flown together like this a few times already to get to whatever destinations, and despite Lena’s distaste for heights, it’s a lot different for her when she’s flush against a warm, toned body. Kara takes off grinning to herself. Hopefully Lena’s impressed with this.

The first blunder happens 2 1/2 minutes into their 3 minute long flight, when they hit a patch of icy air that causes Lena to dig her nails into Kara’s back. The sensation startles her just enough to lose grip of the cooler, sending it spiraling to the ground below. The drinks, the pasta salad made with love, gone in an instant. There was even a hidden bouquet of sunflowers in there that she was gonna give to her.

“Kara, it’s okay. I’m actually glad it was the cooler and not me.” Lena tries to console her while they’re in line at her favorite sandwich place.

“But Lena, I made it for you - and, and there were flowers-“

The second blunder happens after they’ve taken their newly bought food to the park, finding a cool and secluded picnic table under a tree to set up at. Right as Lena is about to take her first bite, guess what happens? A bird. And its excrement. Perfectly placed on her sandwich.

It takes Kara a solid 5 minutes to convince her to take hers. She had a big breakfast anyway- ( a lie, she hadn’t eaten a bite of anything the whole day).

The third blunder happens when they’re walking alongside one of the creeks, and Kara spots a frog on her secret quest for wildflowers. “Oh! Oh wow! Lena, look-“ She takes a few steps toward it. “It’s a fr-“ And promptly trips over a rock and tumbles directly into the muddy stream of water before she can consciously do anything about it. So much for superpowers.

The fourth blunder comes seconds after, when Kara remembers herself and flings her body out of the water with haste, wiping mud off of her face as she accidentally bumps into a nearby tree. There’s a thud, and a buzzing sound, and then - oh. It’s a beehive.

There’s already screaming as she registers everything.

Wait, did Lena say that one time that she’s allergic?

A couple minutes later, at the DEO due to Lena’s insistence of ‘not wanting to be photographed like this’, Alex is being frantically greeted by a muddy, disheveled sister and a blotchy Luthor with still forming hives. “What the fuck happened you guys oh my god-“

“Bees. Lots of them. Antihistamines. Now.” Kara sounds like she’s hyperventilating.

“It’s a mild allergy darling, please relax.” Lena says, completely unconcerned with her own situation. “I’m going to be fine.” She pats Kara on her damp back as she heaves panicked breaths. “I didn’t think I’d need an epi-pen today-“ She adds on in a whisper.

Alex is back with the medicine within a minute and Kara is still working on her breathing. “What the hell were you guys doing to end up like this - hunting down Sasquatch?”

Kara and Lena speak at the same time. “First date.”

…

“WHAT-“

[fl3shm4id3n]

𝓦𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓻

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐲. 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐥��� 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.

ᴀᴇᴍᴏɴᴅ ᴛᴀʀɢᴀʀʏᴇɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ᴠᴀʟʏʀɪᴀɴ! ʏɪ-ᴛɪꜱʜ! ꜰᴇᴍ! ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

Tw: reader has white hair and blue eyes.

Author’s note: Last night I couldn’t sleep, I also had been thinking of this kind of scenario/headcanon for a while now. I just wasn’t confident enough to post this sort of thing since I didn’t think people would like it, in which I hope you guys will. I again did research but please let me know if I did anything wrong and I’ll do better in the future. Google translate was used so, pretty sure non of what I used is accurate. Ima work on a part 2 for sure

Who would of thought that their were still people from old Valyria, your family was one of those people. You had the white hair but instead of purple eyes, your eyes were blue, blue just like the water in which your dragons could breath.

Your dragons were also different. They had the body of a snake, head of a lion along with sharp talons and horns They spit water instead of fire, they also had the ability to turn to snakes when they were weak. They also caused it to rain or any kind of natural water disaster if its rider was in some kind of distress. 

No one has really heard of your house, or should it be called clan. In Yi Ti you didn’t go by house, but clan. No one really had heard of the L/n Clan. Your clan was of noble statues, they also had some connections with the Emperor. Your clans traditions were similar to the Targaryen's but not quiet.

One day Aemond had taken Vaghar for a ride, he wanted to go further, he wanted to see more, be around other places so he did. He took his dragon farther away from Westeros to the East.

As he flew what felt like hours, he and his dragon needed a break. He landed on a forest, a very green forest with a big river. As Vhagar rested on around some trees, Aemond walked towards the river to have a drink of water. The ride was exciting. He sat down, listening to the sounds of nature until he heard something. It wasn't Vhagar who was sound asleep. It was something else.

It sounded like growls but way different along with splashing, also a woman’s laugh? Aemond wanted to investigate, so he got up and walked towards the noise. The curiosity was getting to him, ever since he was a child he was always curious about things.

As he got closer, the growls and splashing got louder along with the laugh of them woman. If anything happened, he will defend himself. He began to walk slowly, going behind some bushes. As he got closer to the little crack of the bush he saw who was making the noise. 

It was a woman, but not just any woman but the woman had long white hair. He got a closer look, he noticed how her eyes were blue, a lovely shade of blue. Who was she? What she one of his Uncle’s bastards? He thought as he then saw how the woman was then splashed by water making her laugh, that laugh sounded lovely.

He turned over and saw a beast, a huge beast. He noticed how the beasts had light teal scales, white fur around the head running down its long body, also with four sharp looking talons. He also didn’t miss the two dark blue colored horns and two long strings that were framed under his nose. It was also huge, not as hug as his she-dragon but it was big.

Aemond noticed how the woman was speaking to the beast in what he assumed was High Valyrian. He saw how the beast opened his mouth towards the woman, he thought the beast was going to burn alive but instead of fire coming out of its mouth, it water. This beast spit water, that action caused the girl to laugh again.

He thought of leaving but he wanted to see more, he stepped closer, causing a loud noise to be caused by the branches of the brush. Then the beast turned his head from its who he assumed was owner, towards the bush. He got a glance of the beasts blue eyes. That same color similar to the woman. 

The girl had tried to get the beast to look at her but instead the beast walked over towards the bush, growling. Aemond panicked, instead of bursting out, he stayed still, not wanting to cause any commotion. The beast stopped, right in front of the brush he was hiding in, then the beast opened his mouth and he saw water bubbling up, then it hit him.

A strong force of water hit him, knocking him out of the bush. Now he was drenched covered in dragon smelling water. He groaned since the force of the water was greater than when he gets knocked down during his training. The beast got closer to him, Aemond tried to crawl away from the beast but then the girl got in front of him “stop!” she shouted in high Valyrian. The beast then stopped, seem its owner in front of him.

Then she turned towards Aemond, now he got a good look at her. She was beautiful, the most beautiful woman he has ever seen in all the Seven Kingdoms. He saw how her hair was long but some was held up by gold hair clips, her eyelids were a light peach color with a little line that ran across her eyelid, red colored lips, pearl tear shaped earrings and her riding attire was the color gold or was it really gold? She looked like a goddess.

“你可能是誰？你確實像我，但不完全像。你是誰？“ And who may you be? You do look like me but not completely. Who are you? You demanded, he could not understand a word you were saying “I’m sorry, I do not understand you” he said as you then caught that he was a foreigner. “Oh! My apologies, you must not be from around her, let me introduce myself, I am L/n Y/n, and this is my Dragon Ao Bing.” You said as he now understood. This beast was a dragon. He got up from the ground, his riding gear still drenched in water. “I apologies for my companion here, he was only protecting me.” You said as Ao Bing growls in a form of an apology. 

“It’s alright, I understand, I am Aemond Targaryen” he said as you nodded. “Oh, a Targaryen, I’ve heard of you” you said as you walked towards the river again, removing your shoes and dipping your feet in the water. Aemond followed but sat with his legs crossed, a few feet away from you, since your dragon was glaring at him.

“So, your highness, what brings you in Yi Ti?” you asked as your feet played with the water. “I wanted to go further, further from where a normally go by.” He said as he looked at you, captivated by your beauty. You nodded as your dragon laid down next to you, keeping a close eye. “Interesting” you said as you looked at the one eyed prince. He was handsome, very handsome. He reminded you of those princes that you read in those fictional books.

The whole time you and Aemond talked, he’s learn that you have both mother and father along with two older sisters who also had dragons, along with your mother. It turns out that your father has married into the L/n family instead of the other way around. He was very interested in you. Hours past, the talks continued, it was getting late now. The sun began to be replaced by the moon and stars. 

“I should get going my lady” Aemond said standing up, luckily his riding gear had dried a bit but was still a bit damp. You also got up and put your boots back on. “Me too, or else my sisters will come searching for me” you said as you walked towards Ao Bing who had been waiting for you. “Will I see you again?” Aemond asked before you got on the saddle “I’m always here with Ao Bing, stop by when ever you like” you said smiling as you got a hold of the reins. “Till we meet again” you said as you told your dragon to take off. 

Ao Bing moved back wards and took off into the sky. How was that possible? He had no wings? Aemond watched, shocked seeing that the beast was able to fly with out any wings. He went back to Vhagar who had now been awaken, once he got on the the saddle he also took off. Once in the sky he looked around trying to get a glance of you and your dragon, but no you were gone. He hopes on seeing you again, may be he’ll return to you after his duties. 

[a-deed-without-a-name]

can you tell us about your aquarium

This is the best ask I have ever received. I hope you know the gates of Heaven have opened for you and only you, Anon.

Short answer: this is it.

Long answer under the cut. Very long, 'cause it's my birthday weekend and my gift to myself is I'm gonna gush about my stupid tank.

This is the smallest tank I've had in years - a 3.6 gallon Fluval. It absolutely counts as a nano tank, which has been both a challenge and a relief.

(My last tank - which I had to get rid of years ago, the last time I moved - was a 40-gallon that mainly featured very dumb dojo loaches and destructively horny oranda goldfish. I miss them every single day but when I surrendered them to my local fish store, the 90-year-old proprietor told me very approvingly that it's very rare for orandas to breed and dojo loaches usually don't get as big as mine did, so that helped soothe the sting a little.)

This one's technically a betta tank, but I'm still split on if I'm ever gonna put a betta in it. The literature on how much room is humane is split and it's really the luck of the draw if your fish will tolerate the inverts or harass them to death.

For now, it's just neocaridina shrimp (mostly red rilis, although a lovely orange lad and a blue juvenile snuck in there and I'm looking to get a few more color morphs), bladder snails, a ramshorn named Guts, and plants. I did not actually buy any of the snails, which is a quintessential aquarium-owner experience.

I've been working on this tank for a few months now. It's my first heavily-planted one, and it went through a few stages.

First off: I fell for a carpet seed scam.

Yeah. I know. I should've done more research. On the plus side, I got very, very lucky and wound up with something that can actually grow immersed (some kind of hygrophila, I'm 99% sure). For now, at least, it's eating all my ammonia, so yay, and I'm watching it and my water parameters like a hawk to make sure I can go full teardown at the first sign of melting.

(If I were smart and hard-working, I'd've taken everything out and redone it all soon as I figured out what a colossal fuck-up I'd committed, but I am me, so we're waiting, watching, and taking baby steps towards un-FUBARing the tank.)

But the java moss and tiger lotus, at least, are real plants, and they're doing great.

Had a few issues with the neos, but they've stabilized.

And I just recently rescaped the entire tank! Including adding in some more plant variety and tearing out ~60% of the hygrophila (yes, I disposed of it safely, I'm not going to be the reason that shit winds up in the Colorado River).

The goal is eventually to remove all of it, but for now, what's left can stay; the animals like it and I don't want to stress them out anymore.

They seem to be doing great since the rescape; much more active now that the tank has some different environments for them to explore. They love their cobblestone path.

I've got a good male/female ratio on the neos, lots of wee baby bugs swimming around, and my girls keep getting knocked up!

Harlot.

(Ignore the tweezers. Long story. And the discoloration on the hygrophila; after rigorous water testing and pinching and poking the leaves a whole bunch, seems like its ugly ass just Looks Like That. So glad my dad bought those stupid seeds.)

And that's my aquarium. I've got a little bit of duckweed in there that's not growing as fast as I'd like, and my tiger lotus does not seem inclined to make lilypads any time soon, so I'm planning on getting some water spangles for aesthetics and also shrimp thrills.

I might post some more photos once the spangles are here and I've picked up a few more shrimp colors from my LFS - I don't want everyone to be brown in a few generations, but. Some more diversity would be cool, I think.

[dirtwatchman]

PARTIES: Caleb (@dirtwatchman) and Wyatt (@loftylockjaw) TIME: Current (May 18th) SUMMARY: Wyatt brings Caleb a present. He's not home right now but Aesil is happy to accept once they see what it is. WARNINGS: None

How the hell this guy had a lover, Aesil would never know. From what they had observed over the short time they had followed Caleb they knew the guy was as awkward as awkward could get. Not to mention, he smelled. It was like death had warmed over and latched on to his skin…which should have made people want to stay away, right? Was this normal now? It couldn’t be, right? They’d been getting looks all morning when they were out earlier. Either Caleb’s nose didn’t work well or he was noseblind to whatever waves of stench would roll off of him because it was making the demon’s eyes water as they waited for some guy named Wyatt to show up. Apparently bad hygiene didn’t deter someone from wanting to have some sort of relationship with the husk he’d taken over. 

They so wanted to blow their cover so that they didn’t have to pretend to like these people any longer. The ancient woman roaming the halls of this place was enough to deal with, did they really have to add another person to the mix? Right, they had to keep up appearances. At least until they had everything they needed to raise Andras and watch everyone suffer under their cruel thumb. 

Fortunately, this town was rich in the occult and the supernatural, a melting pot of all the ingredients they’d need to do this, so they’d at least ended up in the right place when they were summoned. Unfortunately, that meant they couldn’t disappear into the woods to never be heard of until it was time for Andras to squish them all like the bugs that they were.

Almost forgetting that they were waiting for someone to show up, they were slightly startled when there was a knock on the door. Eyes rolling, they did their best to mimic the nervous boy, which wasn’t too hard as waves of Caleb’s anxiety started to appear beneath the surface of their hold. “Uh, the door’s open!” The question was; did Caleb usually make food for this person? What were their normal activities together aside from the fun ones? There was no hope of the boy giving them any sort of answer as they were sure he was trying his best to protect Wyatt so they grabbed Caleb’s phone to quickly scroll through the text messages between the two. “This is nauseating…” 

Aesil looked up as this Wyatt approached and quickly had to wipe the surprise from their features. Okay…Caleb had good taste. Why was he with this dope? “Hey, I was about to pull up some kind of take out if you want to order in?” Because they didn’t want to go out unless they knew it would be a fun time and they had a feeling that the two of them would have different versions of fun…

Stepping into the home after hearing Caleb calling out to him, Wyatt switched the container he held from one hand to the other, taking care to make sure the door was clicked shut behind him. Meandering his way toward the source of the voice, he made note of the brief look of surprise on the other’s face, but it was gone so quickly that he wondered if he hadn’t imagined it. Take out? “What, you find a place that delivers offal? Color me surprised.” He wore a smile as he strode into the room, pausing as a peculiar smell hit him. After taking a second to adjust, he realized where it was coming from and frowned ever-so-slightly.

“Oh, Firebug… I ask this in the kindest way possible, but when's the last time you had a proper meal, darlin’? You're lookin’...” and smelling… “a bit more dead than usual.” Concern flashed over his features as he walked up to the zombie, not finding the smell horribly offensive (he'd eaten dead things before, after all), but it would wear on him after a while. Hell, it'd wear on anyone. “Ain’t a problem, though! I got a surprise for you here that ought to fix you up faster than a knife fight in a phone booth!” He lifted the container in his hand, angling it so Caleb could see the brain matter through the glass. “Got it fresh for ya n’ put it on ice til I could make it over—and before you ask, no, it wasn’t responsibly sourced. I’d say the hunter that thought she could take me on was bein’ pretty irresponsible.” 

Offal? Shit, maybe they would have a good time together if they went out. There were downsides to this body but they were starting to find the good things as well. Watching the boy dig up bodies was a reason they had made the final decision to overtake him, after all. This also explained the treasure trove of body parts stored in the basement. But Aesil had to be careful from now on. They’d already messed up at playing Caleb with this person and being what they were to each other the demon knew it was only a matter of time before Wyatt knew something was completely off. 

It did come as a relief to know that this awful smell wasn’t normal. The dead comment was a surprise though as they hadn’t noticed that the heart hadn’t been beating inside Caleb’s chest until Wyatt said it. They’d lived without a heart for so long that it had seemed so normal not to feel the blood pumping through the boy’s veins. Still, they should have recognized the stench immediately. “I guess it has been a while.” The demon ran their fingers through Caleb’s curly hair the way they’d seen him do on occasion when he was anxious, trying to look embarrassed that Wyatt had to endure the smell coming off of the body.

Curiosity hit them like a brick as Wyatt continued on, but when he held up the container and the brain came into view, everything started to click into place for the demon. He needed brains so the body wouldn’t rot…zombie. This man was a zombie. No wonder it was so easy to possess him, even for a demon who didn’t have much experience with it all. Was it normal for the undead to walk the earthly plane like this? More importantly, would Caleb enjoy that his lover brought over a fresh brain for him?

The answer was an overwhelming ‘no’ as they let the man’s emotions bleed through their thoughts. Which was so stupid to them. This man should have been elated but he was more worried than anything. That’s alright, Aesil was in a generous mood after seeing the gift, they would show gratitude for the both of them. They let his lips pull up into a grateful smile, eyes shining. “And you thought of me?” He was liking this Wyatt more and more, even with the stupid pet names he enjoyed using. Anyone who brought a brain to someone he enjoyed spending time with was worth their time as well. “But what are you going to eat, love?” The word felt like acid on their tongue and they fought the urge to blanche at it. They had to butter him up though. They hadn’t even gotten to the hunter portion of this tale and they wanted an explanation. “We can cook something up while you tell me this story because it sounds like a…doozy. But I should probably eat this first.” 

Wyatt smiled appreciatively—he was glad for Caleb’s response to the fresh organ, having worried that it might have crossed a line too far, even if it had been acquired in self defense. “Sounds good! And don’t worry ‘bout me… the previous owner of this here thinkin’-meat was plenty of food for the rest of the week.” Truth told, he could have had more, but human food wouldn’t sate the hunger that kept him in fighting shape. No, that would require another reptilian romp through the wilderness and raw meat and bone. “But! Lemme saute this thing up for you, yeah? Warm it, give it a little kick with some spices…” He knew how Caleb liked it, after all. 

Leading the way into the kitchen, Wyatt made himself comfortable in the workspace, already familiar with the layout and where things were kept. Fetching a skillet from the cabinet, the lamia set it atop the stove and started rifling through the spice bottles. “You won’t believe it, actually… I met two hunters in the woods not that long ago! One was there specifically for me, she’d been tailin’ me for weeks, pardon the expression. She thought she had me cornered—” she had “—but she wasn’t ready for my particular brand of whoop-ass.” He turned, spices in hand and grinning gleefully. “Made quick work of her once she came at me. Saved the head for last so I could make her death worth twice the trouble it’d cost. But then wouldn’t you know it, some other jackass arrives on the scene and gets the same idea in his head that he’s gonna ‘take care of me.’” He worked as he spoke, oiling the pan after it had had a minute or two to heat, plucking a few bits of brain from the glass container and dropping them onto the pan, enjoying  the sizzle that followed. “Didn’t get to do much before he was gettin’ all wrapped up by vines. Me too, actually. Dragged us both underground, wouldn’t you know it.” Spatula in hand, Wyatt pushed the brain matter around in the pan and started adding spices with the other. It didn’t smell half bad… “Had to team up to get out of there, which was probably the worst part of it. That guy was a real piece of work. What was his name… Emilio?”

Aesil would have preferred the brain raw and bloody to preserve the integrity of eating the organ that fueled a human. But they had a feeling that Caleb preferred it the way Wyatt was suggesting so they didn’t protest the idea. Fucking zombie was pathetic. Their interest peaked even higher though when Wyatt mentioned eating the rest of this person, eyes plastered to the man. Was he a zombie too? No, he wouldn’t have offered the brain if he was or would have least wanted to share, they thought. However pathetic he was, at least Caleb’s life was becoming more interesting to them. “I’d love that, actually. Thank you.” Again, they had to swallow down the irritation that came with having to use those words but they smiled through it.

All they could think about was whether Wyatt was something they could use. The ritual they needed to prepare required many different ingredients so there was plenty of opportunity to put whatever he was to use here. In the meantime, they were glad that the man knew his way around the place because they sure didn’t. That would have been awkward. 

There were no hints to his particular brand of supernatural as Wyatt told his story but Aesil was thoroughly enjoying it. He took pride in his kills, something they believed everyone should do, and they appreciated that fact. Turns out, they wouldn’t have to kill the lover after all. At least not yet. “Vines? What type of vines?” They let a quiver of worry slip through in their words, eyes dragging over Wyatt to feign concern. Caleb would care if he had any wounds that needed to be patched up, they knew that much. But then they lead into the next question with a hint of excitement in their voice, believing that the zombie was all in on this murder thing. “Is he still down there with the vines or do we need to take care of him?”

A curious expression crossed Wyatt’s face then, one of bemusement. “Not sure, really…” he answered the first question slowly, still considering the second. It wasn’t really like Caleb to jump so quickly to violence. Strange, that. Maybe it was a side effect of not having had a proper meal for a while? That made sense to the lamia. The hungrier Caleb got, the more violent and unlike himself he became—he’d basically said as much some months ago. This shouldn’t have come as a surprise, so Wyatt just smiled and shook his head. 

“Now now, firebug, don’t be hasty. Idjit’s well gone from that place, off to bigger n’ better things… woulda killed ‘im, if not for him helpin’ me outta there.” He was a hunter, after all, and what kind of hunter didn’t really matter to Wyatt. It wasn’t a distinction he cared to make, they were all equally as shitty as the last. At least, that’s what he was telling himself. He wasn’t going to admit that some small part of him had kind of felt bad for Emilio, and maybe even ended up liking him.  “Maybe next time, though, ah? He was a grumpy sort, can’t imagine he’d be happy to see me if our paths ever crossed again. Would probably give me good reason to bite his stupid head off, too.” Happy with the state of the brain matter (and not wanting to overcook it), Wyatt fetched a plate and scooped the viscera onto it, taking a fork out of the drawer with his free hand once he’d set the pan back down and sliding it over to Caleb. “Eat up, you wily thing,” he said with a smirk. “Maybe we oughtta start huntin’ together. I know you’ve been makin’ due with corpses from work, but… we could get you fresher. Even if it ain’t always human, you know? Brain’s a brain, gotta still be good, right?”

They’d said something wrong. They knew it as soon as Wyatt made that face. Did Caleb have any fun or was he just content with letting his friends get all of the danger? Frowning at the words, Aesil tried to think back on any gestures the man made when he was nervous, the demon starting to pick at the table cloth next to them. It was a delayed reaction and Aesil knew it but maybe Wyatt wouldn’t see through it. “I think I just wanted to do something for you, you know? Since you’re risking a lot being so thoughtful to me. Plus, I don’t like that he went after you at all.” 

The bloodthirsty part of Aesil came out as they eyed the brain, eyes glinting. Just the idea of turning a human into a meal for themselves was enough to bring their spirits right back up. Getting rid of the smell of this body was a very big bonus. They were already mid bite before Wyatt spoke, mirroring his smirk. He didn’t have a clue, did he? They wondered how far they could push this now. Maybe Caleb should know how much this man actually knew him, or didn't in this case.

Again, things started to fall into place with Wyatt’s words. That was why the zombie was digging people up, he didn’t want anything fresh. The panic that Aesil could feel at the suggestion was enough to clue them in to that. Another bite was had, the demon not caring enough to compliment the chef, before they responded. “Actually, I think human might be good for me. I should probably try to prevent…this, from happening again.” They gestured to their body before they looked up, Caleb trying to fight this agreement every step of the way, but Aesil only smiled. “I think I would like that though. I’m starting to come around to the idea, anyway. This is becoming a lot to handle.”

The sentiment, despite probably being gruesome to the majority of audiences, warmed Wyatt’s heart. And again, it surprised him. Not that Caleb wanted to do something for him, or that he disliked that the shifter was hunted and threatened by others, no—those things made perfect sense. It was the offer (or desire?) to willingly maim another person that struck him as strange. Or, not strange, for he wasn’t exactly an upstanding, moral citizen, but rather out of character for Caleb. Caleb, who was for all the world a soft spoken, soft hearted man. So unlike the types that Wyatt usually consorted with, and perhaps that was the very reason he kept coming back, disregarding everything he’d ever said about not wanting to commit to anyone. 

Not that this was commitment, but it was more than he’d ever tried before. 

Maybe that was the reason he was finding it so easy to justify these new behaviors in his head. He wanted Caleb to like him, and not just the socially acceptable persona he often wore. He wanted Caleb to like all of him, the parts of him that devoured his child siblings and often beat and butchered other supernatural creatures to the brink of death and beyond. It was folly, he knew, but he wanted it… so he chose to accept this new truth of the zombie sitting in front of him, hoping that it was real. The idea that there could be something nefarious at work had not yet crossed his mind.

Wyatt sat down beside him, nudging him with his shoulder. “Oh yeah? Well don’t worry, mon cher. We can definitely hunt the types that deserve it.” To hunt a truly innocent person would be too out of character for Wyatt to accept as real, he knew that much. And frankly, he didn’t really enjoy the idea of that. He generally liked people! It was just the ones that wanted him or people like him dead that he took issue with. And if Caleb was willing to take that at face value and get himself some better food in the process, well, what was the harm?

As Aesil watched Wyatt they felt a smug sense of accomplishment as Caleb’s disappointment became clear. Either the man didn’t know the zombie at all or something else was at play here. They had seen the gears turning in Wyatt’s mind, witnessed the multiple emotions that flit across his features, it wasn’t hard to surmise that the acceptance of his suggestion meant something to him. What it was, Aesil couldn’t begin to guess. It was the satisfaction of proving something to the man lying in wait under their skin that kept them happy though, knowing the chaos it could cause if Aesil ever decided to choose another body.

If they let Caleb live, that is. Which was unlikely. Right now they were enjoying torturing him enough to keep it up.

They took their last bite, realizing how much the food was affecting the body now. The stench wasn’t gone but it was easing up a little as their energy levels rose significantly. But the suggestion of only going after people who deserved it was boring, draining in itself. “Deserve it, of course. I wouldn’t imagine it going any other way.” Because saying otherwise was far too obvious. Aesil wanted to play a game with the two of them, not completely blow their cover. It was too early on to do that. “When are you going to be hungry again, love? Maybe we can go as soon as you are? I have to take the plunge sometime…” 

Maybe a little eager. It seemed that even the one who deserved death wasn’t enough for the regular occupant. Caleb was angry now, the hint of a smirk playing on their lips as that emotion came to the surface even if they didn’t understand why. Bonding time with Wyatt should have made him happy.

“Ah! Well…” Wyatt only needed to eat once a week or so, but that was assuming the rest of his time was spent rather relaxed. Because of his fights at the Pit, which could be multiple times a week sometimes, he often required a much heartier diet. So, in spite of the fact that he’d recently consumed the majority of at least one human being, he knew he was going to need more again after his upcoming fight. 

“A few days, probably?” He noted that the side effects of not having eaten seemed to be easing up for Caleb already, glad that the man’s body seemed to always go to work so fast. He wished he had a healing ability like that, honestly… it would certainly lower the stakes in the Pit fights, anyway. He was a quick healer when full, but nothing like Caleb. 

Wyatt stood again to clean up the dishes he’d made, pausing first to press a kiss into Caleb’s soft curls. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss, but he was far from clever enough to figure it out, so he just chalked it up to his own bizarro adventures over the last few days. Setting the container of the leftover brains in the fridge, he gave it a shake of his finger before moving on to hand wash the skillet he’d used. “What’s left there ought to get you through until then, yeah? If we need to go sooner, we can.” He was a little thrilled by the idea, strange as it seemed. 

A few days, they could handle that. Even if they were itching to get their hands on some of these humans, patience was key here. Caleb probably would have been pathetic and tried to put it off as long as he possibly could so it only made sense. The idea of it though, the very thought of being able to put their teachings into practice, was so enticing. Enough so that when Wyatt placed a kiss to the top of their head, Aesil was almost ready to say fuck it all and start right away.

They stood to their feet, coming up behind Wyatt silently as they listened to him speak. They were thinking about taking one of the knives in the sink and plunging it into his throat but two things stopped them; the idea of that blonde wench coming in before they could clean it all up and the longing to know what exactly Wyatt was. If he was dead too, a knife to the throat would only be an inconvenience but somehow eating most of a human didn’t scream zombie and vampires only wanted blood. The other undead fed off of feelings. Which meant he had to be something else.

When Wyatt turned, Aesil plastered a smile to Caleb’s lips, pretending that they weren’t just thinking about murdering him in cold blood for a simple romantic gesture. “It should be, yes. But if not I have stock down in the basement.” Or so they thought. That had to be why the lock was on the door, right and why the wench stayed away? “Just let me know when you’re ready and maybe we can go out to the same area. I want to get a look at this hunter if he’s still around.” Tilting their head, they looked down at the sink that was almost completely empty now. “Do you want some help? You’ve been doing all the work here and it’s kind of my house.” 

“Don’t worry about it, cher. I work in kitchens all day, s’what I’m used to,” Wyatt laughed. “But! Will do. About the hunter, I mean. I’d say he was cute, if he didn’t have the personality of Oscar the Grouch. You know, that muppet that lived in a garbage can.” Scrubbing clean the last of the utensils, Wyatt set them on the dishrack beside the sink and turned fully to meet Caleb’s gaze, pulling him in close. A smile danced over his lips as his thumbs hooked through the belt loops of Caleb’s pants, leaning himself back against the countertop. “Now, see? Those are rapid results I can get behind.” He gave the other a wink before elaborating. “You’re smellin’ fine as a tulip, my dear. Indulge me then… what do you say we make use of the time we got before your roommate gets home, ah?” The weariness from lack of sleep was threatening to catch up with him again, and he’d do just about anything to chase it away… granted, this was the most fun, preferred method. 

There was a flash of irritation in their eyes as Wyatt pulled them closer but Aesil hoped he would misconstrue the why, maybe think Caleb didn’t like him saying another was cute or something. The demon didn’t know how far their relationship was at this point but jealousy had to come into play at some point especially if they were sleeping together. They brought a hand up to rest on Wyatt’s collarbone, an attempt to keep him from leaning in further but also a reason to have their hand close to his neck in case this started to get too intimate. “Maybe not fast enough to be honest. I’m still feeling a little…gross.” They tried to look apologetic but weren’t too sure if they were conveying it well. How did one screw their face up into that sad little puppy dog stare that made them sick? “Next time I promise I will more than make it up to you.”

But there would be no next time. After being in this man’s arms Aesil was sure they would be avoiding contact with him as much as possible and Caleb would be dead when they tired of this body. Poor little Wyatt would have no one to play with soon. “You look a little off yourself now that I’m not so ravenous. Maybe you should lie down…”

Hm. Disappointing. But valid, he supposed. Wyatt shrugged, releasing Caleb and putting his hands on the sink’s edge instead. “No worries,” he said half-heartedly. It wasn’t that he wanted to push Caleb into something he wasn’t feeling right now, he just… needed distraction. He needed things to keep him awake, and the zombie’s suggestion that he might need to lay down was the exact opposite of what he was looking for. This disappointment was likely reflected in his expression and the way he pushed himself off of the counter, eyes downcast while he moved away from Caleb. “No, it’s…” He couldn’t outright lie, or Caleb wouldn’t understand. But he couldn’t share the whole truth, either. Ugh. “I’m fine. Uh. I was really hopin’ to…” His voice trailed as he glanced around the kitchen, trying to pluck an excuse out of the air. “... this… isn’t about you, cher. I promise. I just need to… be… around people. I don’t want to sleep.” The why, he couldn’t say. “It’s a whole thing, it’s complicated, but… look.” He finally turned back to Caleb, looking apologetic. “Maybe I oughtta go. Again, this ain’t your fault, yeah? I just…” He huffed out an exasperated breath and put on a lopsided smile, stepping closer to Caleb and putting a hand on his shoulder. “I don’t wanna annoy you. I’m glad you’re feelin’ a little better, but I’m not gonna ask you to come with me or do anythin’ you don’t got the energy for. So… I’m gonna go, okay? I’ll text you.” 

Oh, did that offend him? Aesil raised an eyebrow as Wyatt stepped away, the ghost of a smirk once again making an appearance. Was this supposed to be a transaction of sorts? Intimacy for a cooked brain brought to them by a man who was supposed to care, right? Of course, the demon didn’t care, preferred that they keep this distance until they could justify killing one or the other…or both. But Caleb’s sadness was leaking through their mental blocks and it was delicious. They wanted more. 

“Ouch.” They whispered it, letting the hurt they could feel lace into their voice. If nothing else had been convincing that day, they knew this was going to be the winning performance. Even if Wyatt was trying to explain himself and Caleb’s emotions started to turn to worry, Aesil made sure to take another step back from him to cause more of that anguish they had felt seeping in. 

They shrugged his hand off their shoulder and shook their head slowly. “No, you’re right. Maybe you should go. Thanks for the food and everything, I’m sure I’ll feel better soon.” Arms crossed over their chest, the demon tried to school Caleb’s features into feigned indifference all while letting some emotion shine through. They should win a damn Oscar. “How about I text you instead?” 

This was a familiar scene, wasn't it? Wyatt had been here many times before, trying to bridge a gap that had formed swiftly with his careless words. He was so good at saying the wrong thing, at holding back the parts of himself that would be better at explaining these things… Just tell him the truth. Tell him you can't sleep, tell him you're afraid and it's only getting worse, tell him that you just need distractions, that it doesn't matter what form they take—

Instead, the shifter pushed a hand into the pocket of his jacket and stood a little taller, matching the indifference on Caleb's face with his own. Even though it hurt, deep down in places he dared not touch. It was always going to be this way. 

“... yeah. Sure. You text me.” He knew Caleb wouldn’t. He knew that if he walked out that door, it would be the last time he ever saw him, spare maybe the rare run-in in town. Was he okay with that? Did he want to just let the pieces lay where they had fallen on the floor, arranged to discreetly spell out their tumultuous fate like sopping clumps of tea leaves in the bottom of a mug?

That was too many fucking metaphors. 

With pain in his bright eyes, Wyatt turned and left the kitchen, not speaking another word as strode towards the front door, gripping the knob tighter than he should have and closing the door a little rougher than he would have liked.

Whatever. Wasn't the end of the world.

[queen--kenobi]

Okay so my writing brain isn't working right now but. I want to try and stimulate it. So have some HCs of Tyland x sugar baby!reader

Modern AU, under the cut for slight NSFT

Tyland only signs up initially on the site for two reasons. 1) it'll get Jason to quit trying to set him up with people. Partially because it's annoying and partially because Jason doesn't exactly take into account Tyland’s type. 2) he's about at the age he's either got to find a sugar baby or a long-term gf/wife. Or come out as gay (listen idk why this man gives me bi energy)

Tyland is ruthless in his search for the perfect sugar baby. He does have a couple initially who are more what people would expect from him? Because people sorta assume "oh well someone who's looking for a sugar baby is looking for a vapid bimbo type". So Tyland does have a couple initially but they're not what he's looking for

Until he sees your profile. He's intrigued because you seem a little different. You are trying to pay for school, which isn't uncommon, and you seem to have a fairly good head on your shoulders. He goes back and forth with you, and he finds he enjoys talking with you

Tyland starts with little gifts. He's sort of wary of being taken advantage of (hypocritical? Probably). He starts by sending you bracelets and earrings and necklaces when you get good grades on tests. It's his way of testing the waters

Eventually, he meets you in person. It's very covert and in a place that makes you feel comfortable. Tyland doesn't want either of you to be mobbed by random paparazzi. They don't follow him around, but his name does draw attention

Tyland enjoys your company far more than he expects to. The two of you end up staying and talking longer than he thought you would

After the initial meeting, Tyland begins to find excuses to see you more often. He also sends more gifts to you. Has a bad day? He's sending your favorite flowers to you that day, and then the next day you're getting a custom Tiffany bracelet with matching earrings.

Obviously he ends up getting you your own penthouse. That's just a given

The two of you sort of fall into a more physical aspect naturally, but full on intimacy doesn't come for a bit

What breaks the dam is a fancy event Tyland brings you with him. It's the first time he's brought you with him to an event like this, and it's an overnight trip

Tyland doesn’t just buy you a dress and heels. He buys you everything. I'm talking jewelry, shoes, clothes. He even buys the lingerie you wear for the event

Yes, it's red. It's red with lace and garters and stockings and a corset. It's got gold hooks and clips. Yes it's Lannister colors what else did you expect

The two of you spend the event teasing each other, pressing against boundaries. What makes it all the more fun is that since everyone thinks Tyland is boring. No one even thinks the two of you could be teasing each other under the table

[its-zur1]

The horses gallop through the newly discovered land. The wind shoots the soldiers right in the face, hitting them with a familiar scent of salt.

They've seen salt before, they know the smell of it, but this is different. The salty aroma is much more stronger, more than they've ever felt before.

And there, they see it. The sea, the giant, never-ending pool of water - the reason they traveled all the way there.

The reason behind so many dedicated hearts.. Now they are finally worth the sacrifice.

They arrive, still on their horses, and stare. It's so beautiful, gorgeous, breathtaking even. And it's real, it isn't any story from an old book full of fairy tales, it's all real, right in front of them.

Connie and Sasha are the first ones to get off of their horses, dragging Jean with them. Slowly, most of the soldiers who've survived get off too and approach it. The kids run around, screaming, giggling, laughing, splashing the water on themselves.

Yet, there are some who are still taken aback by the sight of it. As smart as Erwin may be, his mind can't quite catch up. He's done it, he realises.

A smile, a big one appears on his face, he looks like a child who was just given the finest candy, and Levi sees it. He doesn't think the man has ever looked so happy in front of others. Here, he isn't a commander. Here he is a human, just a person.

Erwin jumps right off of his horse, with Levi copying him. The blonde man then breaks into a run, out of nowhere, just sprinting down to the beach, waving his arms around in pure joy and happiness.

How childish of him, Levi thinks, even though he runs right after him, and they both go straight into the water. Erwin gasps at how cold it is, but they both quickly take their shoes off, walking right into it once again.

The sand under their feet shifts with each step they take, and Erwin can't help but feel even more excited, giggling at it. He watches small fish swim right by his feet. He looks at all the seashells, trying not to step on any.

When the water reaches his ankles, he stops, and turns around, staring right at Levi. His teeth still shine bright at him, and Levi returns the smile. Even if it is a small one, it still says everything it wants to, which is enought for Erwin.

He grabs Levi's hand, and begins walking further into the sea. He stops only when accidentally stepping on a shell, almost falling.

If it wasn't for Levi catching him, he'd be wet from head to toe. Levi's always there when Erwin needs him, and Erwin adores that so much.

They're close now, so close. The feelings, the passion, it's all there. Erwin looks around; the other scouts aren't close, not that they would be paying any attention to their captain or commander anyway, they're too busy playing, having fun.

The blonde picks up a shell, admiring how colorful it is. His sleeve is now wet, but he doesn't mind.

Levi stares at the object in Erwin's hands, at his face, and the way he observes it. Seeing Erwin this happy makes his heart flutter in his chest, makes him feel butterflies in his stomach, as if he was a teenager, falling in love for the first time.

Which he is. Although, he's fallen for Erwin long ago, but it looks like this might just be the right moment to act on it, as it finally feels like the hell they've gone through will get easier.

And perhaps one day, the two of them will get out of the hell completely, settle somewhere where the flames won't reach them. This looks like a good place. The house could be on the hill..

_____

Yes, I'm alive. I apologize for any mistakes.

[sanddusted-wisteria]

Adventures in MTAS datamining (pt. 1/?: art assets)

Because I am incredibly normal about this game, I’ve been poking around in the game’s files (and MTAP’s, too) pretty much ever since I got it. Unity games are pretty easy to datamine, since tools are already out there, which is incredibly fortunate for fueling the hyperfixation. I wanted to share some of the more interesting things I’ve found on my travels. Spoiler warning: There are some midgame spoilers below (i.e. starting with the water tower). There’s also one thing that might be a future spoiler, which is at the very end and marked accordingly.

General disclaimer: If you’re curious to try datamining out yourself, feel free to ask me for how-to’s, but please be careful! Never edit the game’s files directly. Make copies and back up your save files. You’ll also need a good amount of RAM (I recommend at least 16 GB) to be able to handle tools like AssetStudio, since you’ll be loading assets directly into memory. And MTAS has a lot of assets. You may also encounter unreleased future content in there...so preemptive spoiler warning for that as well.

Since there’s so much to dig through, this post will only focus on some of the art/visual things. These can either be found under StreamingAssets > AssetBundles, or StreamingAssets > AssetBundles > art_asset. I can’t really comment too much on the 3D assets (meshs, textures) since I don’t know too much about modeling, but here are some other interesting things I found!

Cutscene thumbnails

You can find thumbnails of the cutscenes without the builder in them. The in-game album uses different thumbnails, which look like screenshots taken when it’s playing for the first time (hence why skipping a cutscene won’t put it in your album). Some of them actually really nice. Wallpaper-worthy, even.

The one they use for the kidnapping cutscene is incredible.

(ask people who don’t play mtas to caption this image.)

Newspaper photos

In The Tumbleweed Standard, the monthly issues are accompanied by these photos. Something about the filter makes it look pretty. Here are my personal favorites:

Family photos

You ever wanted to see the photos in the NPCs’ houses up close? Now you can! They’re all super sweet. Welllll, most of them.

(My favorite one’s the one with babby Heidi 😭 [far right, midway down])

It’s still unfortunately kinda blurry, since they’re meant to show up pretty small in-game. Hopefully you’re still able to see them.

Here’s a bit of a buffer before the last thing I have to show, since it’s probably the one thing that could be a future spoiler. If it is, it’s probably fairly minor. Hop off now if you don’t want that.

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Fine with maybe being spoiled? Alright, here we go...

Lastly, I leave you with a forbidden image:

...I’m sorry, who is this???

So, uh...Qi has an alternate set of character art. No other character has one (except Elsie for story reasons). I assume this’ll be a DLC outfit, like those in MTAP? Kinda weird how only one would be loaded into the files so far. The asset name doesn’t really give any pointers, it’s just marked as ���Qi2″. It only exists as character art, no model or texture or anything like that.

So is this past Qi? Future Qi?? Qi for one day if he’s forced to wear something nice for a change??? It looks like the neat and complete version of his normal outfit. You can see the same shirt and tie, same pants (except they aren’t rolled up at the ankles anymore?), same shoes. I’m also just now noticing that his suit jacket’s the same color as the mobile suit, haha funni joke. Again, not a single other character besides Elsie has an alternate outfit yet in these files. What is this for?! I have no fuckin clue, but I can say that Qi cleans up pretty nicely 👀

(kinda wish he kept the messy hair, tbh. doesn’t really look right without it)

And that’ll wrap up this little datamining dive! I’ll probably come back to the art in the future, once more gets added, or if I find some other things to share. In the next parts, I’ll be showing off some of the audio and text data, but I do want to wait until future game updates for some of it. Hope you found this as interesting as I do!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to continue reeling from the psychic damage that full-suited Qi’s done to my poor little brain.

ETA: i just realized that it looks like the fucking onceler’s outfit. i am deeply sorry for putting the image of onceler qi in your head

  or am i

Edit 2: Unfortunately, as of several beta builds pre-release, full suit Qi has largely been removed. The full art version isn’t in the files anywhere, but there are still some map icons of him. Not sure if this is something for postgame content or a romantic mission they didn’t have time to add. We’ll have to see :P

ngl i kinda prefer scruffy qi over this lol

[lya-dustin]

Shock and Delight

Chapter 7

Aemond knows exactly at what Helaena is hinting.

Subtlety has never been a skill she knows.

“She beat a man for burning down her school last I went to Dragonstone.” His sister said as she combed his hair like he was one of her children.

“I know why Rhaenyra wants me to wed her daughter, but why are you shoving her my way, sister.” He sat still for her but did make his displeasure known with a huff.

Had to be obvious with Helaena or she wouldn’t capture the meaning of it.

Oftentimes insults would be lost on her until someone explained it plainly and it was always Aemond who had the misfortune of explaining it to her.

“You are lonely, and you see her as Aemma and not the future queen of the realm.” His sister answered as if it had been obvious.

“I am not lonely, I like being alone, which is utterly different.” He says in his defense and ignoring the second part all together.

Helaena and Aemma had always been friends. Inseparable when they all lived in the Red Keep and always butting heads with mother and the septas in charge of their lessons.

Aemma and Aemond had bonded over their lack of dragons until the Pink Dread happened and she was taken to her grandmother for asking why Criston was still a Kingsguard after killing Ser Joffrey Lonmouth. She had been Aemee to him, Aemee who liked books just as much as he did, Aemee who claimed Silverwing the same day she turned eleven.

“Just give it a chance, for me.” Helaena looked at him with her dreamy and slightly misty eyes knowing he’d agree to anything because no one could ever say no to her.

Despite her naivety, Helaena could manipulate you to do her bidding. Often people forgot she was an adult and not a child stuck in her own world.

“Fine, but if it goes to hell, I need your word you won’t try again.” Aemond agrees and throws in his condition knowing his sister will keep her word.

Shouldn’t be that difficult, Aemond is the king of being rude and off-putting.

Sweet Aemma will end the night as disappointed as all the ladies before her.

It's almost mocking.

No, its actual mocking and Rhaena hates that she’s getting the best seat in the house for this wheelhouse wreck and having to water it down to prevent getting caught.

“When in Dorne do as the Dornish do.” Aemma said with an impish grin and twirled in her green satin dress.

Baela had chosen a teal too close to green and Rhaena had been bribed into wearing the matching one.

“I think Ser Criston might take offense at that.” Rhaena comments as she found the emerald earrings that matched her brooch.

“Oh, it’s just harmless fun, Rhae. Besides Rhaenyra said as part of these celebrations we may be forced to wear their colors and they ours. If we start now, we get the advantage.” Baela approached this as a battle strategy, a hobby of hers now that Jace is grandfather’s first mate aboard the Sea Snake. “As the Yi-Tish general Sun Tzu said, to know your enemy you must become them.”

The Stepstones were also Baela and Rhaena’s dowry, so it was in their best interest that they be completely under Velaryon control. A paltry excuse Jace gave as he joined grandfather’s latest campaign that did not work as intended.

For now, everyone believes he is doing it to gain an advantage over the Queen’s sons by being a warrior in the true sense of the word and not because he intends to wed Baela on their next name day.

“Aemma called the queen tacky for it.” She points out as if she hadn’t transcribed Aemma word for word that night.

“Yes, I did say that because it’s the truth. I merely want to fuck up her evening for sending Lyonel my way.” Aemma clarified as they left her rooms. “Who knows we might gain some ground by showing green is merely a color.”

“You’re playing with fire, Aem.” Rhaena cautioned.

“Oh, sweet sister, fire doesn’t burn a dragon.” The heiress dismissed her worries with a wave of a hand.

Green had become her armor since that night.

A safe and meaningful color that said she wasn’t the weak little girl wearing a crown too big for her. A color that said she wasn’t just Alicent, she was Queen Alicent.

A color that told you she would fight tooth and nail for her son’s rightful crown.

“That color suits you so well, niece.” She hears Helaena say sweetly with no malice whatsoever.

Queen Alicent chokes on her water when she sees her enemies’ children wearing her color.

“Lady Grandmother, are you well?” The doe eyed little snake has the audacity to ask as comes in as green as a honeydew.

A rotten honeydew.

“I am, thank you for asking, your highness.”  Alicent hides her irritation well enough. This evening can’t end soon enough. “I don’t think I recall you ever wearing green.”

“Well, it’s such a nice color, I don’t see any reason for me to pass up the opportunity to wear it.” The princess had already ended the fashion of ostrich feathers for girls coming out into society, now she came to end the fashion of wearing your factions’ colors to show your loyalty with a polite smile and gossip sheets.

Rhaenyra and Rhaenys did well. Had she been a boy or become a warrior like Princess Alyssa, she would have been unstoppable.

But the crown was Aegon’s right because of his birth, even if Aemma was Alysanne reborn as her mother’s faction has claimed, she couldn’t steal her son’s rightful inheritance.

Or your place in the order, a voice whispers in her ear.

Alicent resolves to put that out of her mind until she sees Helaena’s placements at the table.

On the outside they looked perfect together, the rider of the largest dragon, the prodigy who mastered all he could be taught by maesters and masters-at-arms alike, the worthier son sat beside the heiress, the girl who rides Queen Alysanne's dragon, the young woman who is more than capable enough to rule and knows it.

But they cannot. Not when they lose everything because what mother can choose which son dies?

No, Helaena must’ve not thought this through. Yes, it must have been a coincidence, there was no way her sweet daughter would encourage anything between Aemond and Aemma.

Aemma was meant to become their hostage by marrying Lyonel, Aemma couldn’t marry anyone else, least of all, her second eldest son.

Despite the tension and their attempts to lighten things up dinner is rather boring.

Aemma is made to sit next to Aemond, and he is not in the mood to humor her in the least. Speaks when spoken to and save for, could you pass me the bread rolls, he has not supplied conversation.

A very dull evening.

“Is the evening not to your liking, Aemee?” he asks mocking her with the childhood nickname she’d almost forgotten. If the question hadn’t been intended to aggravate her, she would’ve been touched by him remembering it.

And because Aemma has lived with Daemon for nearly eight years, she knows the best way to make him shut up is by ignoring him.

They thrive on provoking people and if she denies him his sport, he will look elsewhere for it.

“My sister has thrown this dinner for the sole purpose of sitting me beside you, I would think you’d be pleased about it.” He begins again, assuming she’d been part of this scheme.

“Well, you thought wrong.” Aemma said simply and helping herself to the simple but fine fare Helaena had put out.

He was the perfect suitor, a dragon rider, high enough in rank and in his mother’s faction to give them a good advantage, but unfortunately, he is Aemond.

Aemond who lost his eye to her younger brother, Aemond who calls her mother a whore and Aemond who loves his mother beyond anyone else save Helaena.

He was as unsuitable as Lyonel Hightower.

What the fuck was Helaena thinking?

“I’m surprised to know you aren’t part of my sister’s scheme.” He admits wanting to keep the conversation going despite her not wanting to. The tables have turned and Aemma is not liking this one bit.

When she wanted to talk to him, he barely gave her two worded answers. She should repay him with the same coin, but she is annoyed. It’s not like there is anything else to speak about other than the gossip sheet Daeron is so interested in or Daemon’s new campaign on the Stepstones.

“Are you so full of yourself you think every lady in court desires you?” Aemma asks, looking to hurt him and feeling some triumph when his eye shows she hit her mark. “Believe it or not, I still think you are the second to last man I’d ever consider for a husband.”

“Glad to know Cousin Lyonel is still dead last.” He remarks dryly.