#such a sucker for high contrast + red

[grandlinedreams]

You! 🫵 You have an excellent way of weaving words, it leaves my heart in a kerfuffle! (no better way to describe it otherwise xD)

If your inbox isn’t already exploding, would you be up for a little fluff scenario with good ol‘ Law?

Trope: „Can we keep him? Pleeease?“ - Reader found a snow leopard baby . . 🥹 (If you know you know)

I let you channel your inner Law, I‘m curious how you‘d set the scene :3

Hope it ain’t too dull of a trope - thank you ~!

OUGH I'M HONORED 🥺 he really does just bounce around in my head like a lil dvd screensaver but also PLEASE that little baby 🥺🥺🥺

[Heads up!: fluff, Law is a sucker for puppy dog eyes we all know, Bepo is an accomplice]

It's cold.

Dangerously so, the wind making it difficult to keep on your course ㅡ how you're supposed to see anything in the vast tundra of blinding white is beyond you, but you press on.

You have to.

You tug at the fur-lined rim of your parka hood, trying to tug it over the rapidly numbed quality of your lips and nose. You'll be fine, you know that ㅡ the others can't be far from here.

Longing for the warmth of indoors and needing to tell Law what you'd seen in your scout ahead (a whole lot of nothing, unfortunately), you hurry your pace, only to halt at a faint, muffled cry.

Was someone else out here? You still, eyes narrowing as you strain to hear above the whistle of wind.

It takes a minute to hear it again ㅡ raspy and high, like the cry of a child. Your heart sinks as you turn to search for the source. You know Law will scold you if he finds out, much less if it's a trap of some sort ㅡ but the likelyhood of an enemy is low, and you can't just leave a child out here to freeze.

It takes several minutes of searching and stopping to pinpoint the cry before you find the source, and you stare with wide eyes.

No way...

ㅡ

"Cocoa, Captain?"

Law looks over as Bepo places the mug of steaming hot chocolate down beside him, watching tiny marshmallows bob in it before his attention shifts back to the door of the little cabin they've commandeered as a base of sorts.

"[Name] should've been back by now." You'd gone out to scout ahead, take not of any potential enemy activity ㅡ but you've been gone for a while now. And though Law is concerned, he masks it with the rise of irritation.

As if summoned, there's the darkening of the window set into the front door and he tenses for a second before you step in, quick to shut the door behind you.

"[Name]!"

"Hey guys," you greet. "Sorry I'm late, I got a little sidetracked."

Your cheeks are flush with the contrast of cold to warm, as is the tip of your nose ㅡ but from what Law can see, you're unharmed. Good.

"Anything to report?" He asks and you glance over.

"Huh? No, no signs of enemy activity." There's something you aren't telling him, that much he can tell.

"Are you bleeding?" It's Shachi's question that snaps Law's attention back to your coat, spotting the smear of red that he'd missed on his first once-over.

"Oh," you say as Law stands, intending to assess whatever damage has been done, demand to know what actually happened ㅡ only to halt as you reach for the zipper of your parka. "No, it's this little guy's."

You tug the zipper down, and a rounded, fluffy head wiggles free. Wide, wet looking blue eyes blink at them before a mouth opens to reveal tiny, razor sharp teeth as the creature offers a raspy sounding mew.

"Is...that a snow leopard?"

Several eyes snap to Law for a moment, the familiar speckle of his cap ㅡ and then back to the cub you have cradled in your coat.

"He's been injured," you say as you shuck your coat entirely in favor of cradling the cub to you. It's far bigger than a kitten, but broad paws still curl against you. "I couldn't just leave him out there..."

"[Name]." Law's eyes narrow. "A word, please." He turns to retreat down the hall to one of the other rooms, listening to your footsteps in tow. He waits until you've shut the door behind you before he turns to you. "Explain."

"I scouted as far ahead as I could given the current environment and found nothing out of the ordinary. If there's really something going on here, it's higher up the mountain." Your tone is calm and cool, professional ㅡ and he sighs.

"I meant the cub, [name]."

Your expression crumples as you look down at the leopard cub, and Law notices the ragged cut in its side, fur wet with blood. "I couldn't just leave him out there, Law. He'd die."

"He's a wild animal, [Name]. It's the way nature works." He knows he sounds unnecessarily cruel ㅡ and there's the squeeze of his heart when you frown and cradle the cub tighter to you.

"That doesn't mean I have to let it happen." Your fingers curl into soft fur, stroking gently. "I know he's a wild animal, but I want to help. Can't we keep him? Just until he gets better?"

You look up at him, and Law tenses. There's a shine to your eyes ㅡ he's never seen you cry, and you're about to over a damn cat? No, he knows this tactic. He knows exactly what you're doing.

Damn Bepo for teaching you his weakness to puppy eyes.

His teeth grit, muscle in his brow twitching as you continue to stare, silently pleading. All you're missing is the jut of your lower lip, and he jerks his head, scowling.

"Fine. But he's your responsibility. Now stop looking at me like that, damn it!"

You smile, pleased as you adjust your hold on the leopard cub and step towards him, leaning to brush your lips against his cheek in a soft kiss. "You're cute when you're grumpy, Law."

And then you're gone, hurrying off to gather what you need to treat the cub and leaving Law to process the warmth of your lips on his cheek. "What a pain," he grumbles, but there's a faint upward quirk to his lips.

[andyoullhearitagain]

Every Quarkfit Ranked From Worst to Best Part 4

Part 1

5. Space Zebra Print:

Some more top tier pattern mixing. Neither of these are zebra print and yet to me they both read that way? Odd. I LOVE the colors on this one. My only major problem with this one is I oddly want MORE trim? I just wish there was some more detailing down the center front of the vest piece, and maybe something on the sleeves? We hardly ever see it full length from the back (bc like why would we?), but I LOVE the shape of the tails.

4. Red and Blue:

I like the yoke/stripe through the sleeves and the chest a lot, and I like that their contrast is the wrong side of the fabric. Love the little highlights of green and yellow in the bias trim. Love that the sleeves are super short to reveal the sleeve cuffs. The light colored shirt is very nice because it creates nice contrast right next to his face (this is why traditionally your shirt is the lightest part of your suit). It also looks great with the Klingon marriage fur robe thing.

My only real problem with this outfit is that I think cutaway coats in general are a little unflattering tbh. This is the costume that he wears the most without the jacket and he looks like such a little businessman 😭.

3. Mondrian:

Quark is really demonstrating some high-level pattern mixing here but he's following the rules - different scales and similar but not identical color pallets. I love love love the texture of the shirt.

In fact I think this is my favorite of his shirts, and I like that it bears pretty much no resemblance to a modern dress shirt. I love the little double trim on the collar and it's echo on the sleeve.

And I love the weird little Space Fashion shape of the front hemline.

2. Red Striped Tails:

Love the color palette on this one, I'm a suckered for red and pink and purple together. Love the little bias panels down the front.

And look at the pattern matching at the back of the collar!

I also love that the tails go all the way down to his ankles!

Cons: Once again it's a little too Earth for Quark. He looks like a regular Terran ringmaster. He also looks like the Mayor of Munchkinland, but I'm pretty sure the Mayor of Munchkinland is on Quark's fashion inspo mood board so that's fine.

1. Aztec Cherry:

Aztec Cherry my beloved ♥️. I love her. Love the fabric. Love the shape of the lapels. Love the lovely soft roll line. Love the trim on the seamlines.

My only quibble is that it's a little close to his skintone, but they balance it out by putting the blue right next to his face. I love how there's like eight fabrics in this costume but they all balance so nicely.

[idontwanttospoiltheparty]

Paul McCartney Discography Album Cover Ranking

Because I Feel Like It!

25. What was the vision here. I'm genuinely baffled. That pink feels so out of place. Why am I thinking of that one Narnia book.

24. C'mon, man.

23. Denny literally looks like he's about to sneeze. Linda's slaying tho. Why is the contrast so high. You can't even tell they actually took these pics on location.

22. It should probably be lower than London Town but I'm too much of a sucker for red/blue contrasts. It emphasizes his asymmetry way too much.

21. It's kind of a neat picture but it doesn't match the album At All. (Linda I Love Youuuuuuu)

20. The squished artist name and feet upset me. Nice picture though.

19. Striking. I really love the font. The reflection feels like too much.

18. Inoffensive. The colours are lovely.

17. Not super ambitious but a well executed concept.

16. Very cute and cool composition!!!

15. Neat concept. I prefer the cooler tones of the deluxe edition.

14. Love the copper here and the delicate touches of purple.

13. Integrating the album title into the actual subject is always inspired. I wish the tracklist could be found on it too though!!

12. Again: big red/blue contrast fan here. I just find myself wishing the picture (which is good!) was better integrated into the background somehow. Really like the font and the tetris-like blocks though, it feels very in character with the production.

11. Beautiful composition. Just lovely, possibly the most underrated one.

10. Love the handwritten title, the little pie detail, the colour palette, the fact the picture is slightly blurred. this is like if the Driving Rain cover was thought-through.

9. Unapologetically quirky like the album itself. I go back and forth on the blue frame but the portrait itself is so goddamned inspired I have to give it a spot in the top ten.

8. Gorgeous picture. The birds in motion are amazing. I wish Paul's haircut was better but what can you do.

7. This is amazing to me. This cover TELLS a story (I know it's basically a screengrab from some TV special lol). In connection with the title it makes me think "the egg" is earth itself. The way the lighting creates a natural frame. It's just so cool and unique.

6. I cannot decide if the concept of Mike McCartney happening to see his brother through the kitchen curtains and snapping a picture of it or having a specific vision for this image and getting Paul to pose for him is more impressive. This is the stuff of legends. He was fucking 18 or something. Though a part of me wonders if it really works as an album cover. I'd need to look at a physical copy more closely.

5. Back at it again with the blue/red. It works so well with the album's mood as a whole and it's a lovely picture to boot.

4. I just love getting lost in all the details of this one. There's so much to look at without the whole thing feeling over-crowded or overwhelming. I can see the brushstrokes and I love that.

3. The funky af font matched with the super super simple motif. Nothing to add. Having the title vertical and horizontal was inspired.

2. Iconic. Christopher Lee is literally on it.

Sorrrrry but the way it combines black and white with colour and it's VISIBLY homedrawn marker and the yellow is so iconic. This shit goes crazy, I don't tire looking at it.

[nera-forest]

NOELLE FALLEN ANGEL

-SNOWGRAVE CONCEPT-

Okay this is a lil old but tryna use tumblr more and I used a fair amount of my brain for this concept, since I really like the idea of snowgrave making noelle a crazy powerful boss from Kris' influence kinda pushing her too far. any way I wanna break down my thought process a lil (even if a bit messy) so if you wanna hear me yap (warning, im really not the best at formulating words outside my head) read on. if not...mood board I made at bottom

TW// BLOOD, SHEDDING IN MOOD BOARD- might make people uncomfortable The main things I wanted to show in this design was the angel look and Christmas theme, all while pushing a more sad, hollow and evil look as i feel the juxtapose to "happy Christmas vibes" would make for a more tragic kind of feeling (with what we know of Noelle's character so far). getting the Christmas look was the fun easy part, I knew for a fact i wanted her silhouette to look like a Christmas tree. maybe because subconsciously a pine tree shape and look quite powerful or be kinda spooky. Much like a Christmas tree I wanted to implement the decorative aspect, tinsel, and baubles, but also got inspired by those paper snowflakes id make as a kid. the tinsel I put around the trim, and treated the baubles like reindeer harness Christmas bells, the snowflake like a lace trim but also draped like a head piece around the antlers (this is actually shed reindeer velvet) naturally angels and Christmas go hand in hand but i wanted to push the elegant look...and put a halo on her, like a decoration at the top of the tree framed by her antlers. oh and another thing being the star shape on her torso? i wanted another strong shape within the tree silhouette to draw focus a bit more (especially with the red...but ill talk color in a bit). a great segway to that actually is the ice/snow aspects, the reason i wanted this is ice naturally is another thing that can be both pretty and dreadful. for the design I like the idea of the more she uses her powers the more she gets covered in frost (im a sucker for character corruption) . i wanted to have the antlers go from cute to dangerous, I drew them as velvet shed antlers first, but also wanted to keep a little of her past on her design, so adding the ice shape in a way to allow the red of the antlers to show the old shape worked well by me. some more ice/snow i added was around her hoofs, hands and muzzle. the hooves frost shaping to be like a high heel shoe much like how reindeers have white fur close to the base of their hooves too. her hands fully frosted over not only because of main power direction source but to kind of look like elegant gloves. the frost on her face was mainly to add variety to her face while considering reindeer fur coloration, it also helped frame her red nose which helps draw focus to her face a bit more. general color summery, i wanted colors that contrast and give a feeling of cold and bad. but also red for Christmas yippee how fun!

last thing I guess is the pose. with this i had my silhouette first but realized I could do a sort of angel opening arms. which is naturally a welcoming and caring gesture, but in the context of the design kinda makes the vibe more creepy which....of course that worked for what i wanted to go for so i did that but uuuh yea, that's my thought process with it...there was probably more but I didn't write down stuff in the moment of making it. here is a very minimal moodboard. again

TW// BLOOD, SHEDDING IN MOOD BOARD- might make people uncomfortable:

[eolewyn1010]

Downton Abbey Fashion 87 - evening dresses in 1925

Edith wears so much gold this season; of her 13 evening dresses, 8 are predominantly or only kept in golden shades. Farewell, lovely sage greens and corals and emeralds and peachy oranges. But let’s see what they do with it.

And right off the bat, the first one has to be one of my favorites. No idea what’s with the Crawleys and gold lamé this season, and I can’t deny that it’s suffering a bit from the baggy top effect, but I’m so in love with the beaded V halter and the way the golden lace drapes down the sides and then merges into the curlicues over the front. Also, lovely headband. Also-also, the return of Edith’s golden spiral arm brace, curiously, even though I associate that more with her romantic situations and her beau is not around here. Whatevs.

This is a lot more meh. Instead of drapey, it looks shapeless, and I don’t know about these big rose ornaments. They seem a little clunky and a little random. Sure, the dress sparkles and the red pairs well with the pale gold, but more and smaller roses without these huge drop frames might’ve worked better. Also, the neckline looks a tad sloppy, and I’m not sure I can blame Edith’s posture.

Only a seated shot of this one because she weirdly never wears it again after a dinner with Rosamund, but I like this dress, for one because I’m a sucker for this neckline, but also because this shade, while a bit more pink than is typical for Edith, bids her coral dresses farewell. It’s got delicate brown flower embroidery all over, she pairs it with orange beads, her hair looks fantastic – great look.

This is probably the least remarkable of her golden dresses of the season. It does have sequins and a zigzag hem and is apparently ideal for cuddling on the sofa, so I won’t complain too much; it just looks a little generic. And maybe a bit too shaped around her torso; this is still the mid-1920s.

See? I said I associate the spiral bracelet with Edith’s romance arcs, and there it is when she has her first kiss with Bertie. Also, remember how much time this show spent on telling us that this woman just barely makes the lower end of “plain”? Yeah, sure. We don’t see a lot of this dress because Edith soon puts her fancy coat over it, but the gold lamé is back and paired with a bright red, and also, I love her bejeweled headband.

The green jewel headband makes a return here and ties in nicely with the beading trim on her neckline. I quite like the wavy weave design; I’m not sure if I like the downward-curving element over her pelvis. It’s not an anachronistic element, just one that’s not to my taste. Lovely drapey skirt layers though.

Periwinkle bluuueee… will make my dreams come truuueeee… Or not, but this is quite a lovely shade, and it contrasts Edith’s hair color so well. Wish I could see more of the skirt embroidery, but as it is, I’m stuck with mostly silver squiggly lines and these almond shapes circling around her neckline. The plain skirt under layer makes this quite a long dress for 1920s styles, but Mary and Cora also wear ankle-length this season, so it’s not out of place. And Edith picks some simple, sparkly jewelry to go with the silver on her dress.

In a paler, more ivory-leaning shade of gold, this little beauty here is strewn with flower embroidery that accumulates to one big flower mass toward the hem. It’s a pretty simple deal, a sleeveless sheath as all the others, V neckline, and Edith unfortunately doesn’t serve me color contrasts via jewelry anymore, but I just think this flower theme is done so well here. Also, the bit of hip I can see there points at a bit of ruching or draping for the skirt.

And here’s the beauty of the season, the counterpart to Mary’s dress in a similar seafoam color combined with gold. I think Edith’s halter design with double shoulder straps looks more charming than Mary’s golden lace with the high neckline, but that’s really a matter of taste. Edith went for a paler shade of gold which has the upside that she can more easily integrate silver jewelry such as the necklace and this gorgeous jewel star headband. The pale gold also runs into subtly shimmering ornaments over her dress, and while the dress doesn’t seem to have the pretty flaring skirt Mary’s has, I gotta admit that I like the color better on Edith. It pairs so nicely with her hair.

Yet more gold; this dress comes with a more intense shade and a rose motif, and it’s nice enough. I like boat necklines, but the drop waist could have done without this beaded strand, and I don’t know how I feel about the horizontal stripes breaking the floral weave of the dress. Can we talk about Edith’s hair instead? I know I’m biased in favor of pretty curls, but yes, I like her do so much more than Mary’s, even though she braids her hair in at the back of her head instead of modernly chopping it off.

Invited to the Ritz by Rosamund to be tricked into a reconciliation dinner with Bertie… Edith inexplicably shows up as if she was planning on stealing the show and some hearts and not, you know, having dinner with her aunt. But who’s to complain when she shows up in shiny copper and the exact shade of green that pairs well with copper because that’s the color its patina has after a few years of oxidation. Carry on; I’m in love. The romance bracelet is back, the back cutout is nice, and I love that panel design, but it puts me up to the question why these side panels weren’t used to widen the dress to the typical 1920s loose drapery. Because, while this does still have the basically right devoid-of-curves boobless shape, it is tight enough to make me wonder if sitting down will be comfortable.

Edith brings back this color that doesn’t show up in my vocabulary, so I’ll just say it’s on the coral end of cranberry (don’t @ me). Also love this necklace that seems to imitate the exact shape of the beading around Edith’s neckline, but anyway, this is a very glittery dress with some extra floral motives and curlicues in silver, and then the skirt does this darling handkerchief draping, in double layers no less because we still need to bring in pale gold as a contrast point.

We’ll end as we started, in gold. While Mary also had an impressive golden dress this season, it was a very stark, glittering thing while Edith’s gold shades tend to wash out more, either toward the green end of the spectrum or, as here, a pale, silver- or beige-adjacent gold. Which I’m fine with; it suits her well. This dress is covered in subtle flower embroidery and framed with a little less subtle strips of beading and sequins down both sides, the skirt does these nice staggered layers of lace, the green jewel headband is back, and she adds a pair of cute art deco earrings to it.

[accidental-king]

BURYING THE NOT QUITE DEAD: A DISCO ELYSIUM FANFIC

My take on the events after the game featuring a multi-fic HarryKim slowburn. I'm also just a sucker for case fics. This is just a snippet from Chapter 1 but I actually have several chapters written. I'll be posting them on AO3 eventually but I'd like to run it by some beta readers first. Feel free to DM me if you're interested!

SHIVERS - As the sun begins to lower over Jamrock, the dome of an old silk mill shines like brass in the golden light. It's not difficult to see a time in which masses of workers filed in and out of its entrances, and the motor lorries lined up along its western wing to collect their wares. Miles upon miles of lustrous textiles to be shipped across oceans and isolas to glide across the skin and furnishings of those few who can afford it. The Revacholiere will never be one of those people. 

The long and blocky building projects off of either side of the dome like a russet brick ladybird, splitting its chitinous hide and stretching its wings between half-demolished tenements and modern high rises alike. Its masonry tells tales of a time before the deathblow. A time when even the utilitarian still showed a thread of residual vanity in the form of granite steps, sharp stone arches, and molded concrete cornerstones. Original varve clay brick, brown like dried autumn leaves, sit in contrast to newer, coppery replacements, highlighting the scars of war and neglect in cracks, blotches and even an entire end of one wing. Always visible like a reality you can't unsee. 

ESPRIT DE CORPS - It has been a Police Precinct longer now than it was ever a Silk Mill but its old purpose still lingers in the bones of its columns, trusses, and long abandoned smoke stacks.

INLAND EMPIRE - It’s all that you have left.

What’s to the North?

What’s to the South?

What’s to the East?

What’s to the West?

What’s inside this building?

Shudder and blink

YOU - What’s to the North?

SHIVERS - A peninsula. A district left abandoned by its surrounding infrastructure. Bombed out ruins and mountains of shipping crates slowly turning red. The harbor has been locked up tight since shots rang out in the square. Blood and heavy fuel oil paint an old mosaic red and hang in the air like a fog that dares to challenge the sunlight. Motor lorries still sit abandoned in the circle, where you left them. A bookstore is no better now than your last visit, and a hostel is now empty of guests minus a few lucky souls who now grieve their lost brothers in the Union booth.

INLAND EMPIRE - It was your home for the past week.

CONCEPTUALIZATION - It is your birthplace. Born of a drug and drink deluge, on a floor covered in a lifetime of mistakes. 

YOU - And beyond that?

SHIVERS - An islet of crumbling concrete and steel. The wind whistles through water reeds and swathes of tiny white petals that push through the last spring snow. Ashes of a fire long gone out blow out into the sea to be swallowed like the memories of the cause that built it. Its only resident is gone now, taken away for medical treatment and for a prison sentence that will see him to his final days.

What’s to the North?

What’s to the South?

What’s to the East?

What’s to the West?

What’s inside this building?

Shudder and blink

YOU - What’s to the south?

SHIVERS - An apartment building. Mostly stone, though partially the ivy and wisteria that have done their part to claim it in an attempt to reach the heavens. They are a part of one another now; inseparable without either coming to ruin. Inside, a marriage has been strengthened thanks to an unusual discovery made by an unusual officer of the RCM. Husband and wife embrace as they look over the colorful image between them.

YOU - And beyond that?

SHIVERS - A wind whips down the long stretch of Boogie Street that barely contains the buildings and crowds on either side. Neon signs illuminate dark windows that are rattled by the music within. Lively chatter fills the air both inside and out. A young woman walks out with her lover in hand. She presses close to his side to fight against the chill of the spring air as her dark brunette curls whip about her face. The man flashes a charismatic smile and he pulls her in closer to lead her away to a shiny white lacquer motor carriage parked just off the main street. They each know something the other does not.

What’s to the North?

What’s to the south?

What’s to the East?

What’s to the West?

What’s inside this building?

Shudder and blink

YOU - What’s to the east?

SHIVERS - Seemingly endless blocks of brutalist apartment buildings that tower over the residences that survived the revolution 43 years ago. The whole district lies in a millennium old riverbed, leaving it forever in shadow of Jamrock to its west, the GRIH to its north, Grand Couron to its east. Grand Couron and the Old South district maintain their borders with two of La Delta’s canals. 

INLAND EMPIRE - A mark of constant probability. Everyone of Revachol West is just one bad couple of weeks away from moving to the Eminent Domain or the Burnt Out Quarter.

SHIVERS - Across the water, a woman in a satin robe sits with her elderly dog, surrounded by shining white marble as she peers out her 11th story window. The glass leaves the evening in an emerald tint. She would have the Eminent Domain wiped from the face of the Earth if it meant sparing her view. The canal and a financial cushion are all that separates her from the proles.

And beyond that?

SHIVERS - La rivière Espérance and Revachol East

What’s to the North?

What’s to the South?

What’s to the East?

What’s to the West?

What’s inside this building?

Shudder and blink

YOU - What’s to the West?

SHIVERS - A home you will never see again. Trees and underbrush devoured the old hospital and surrounding buildings of the Pox long before you even had a chance to remember it. Stray vagrants find their way through the bombed out ruins, shuffling past abandoned wire bed frames and rusted carts of broken tare. There is nothing left to be found here but a little bit of shelter from the wind. But the Valley of Dogs lurks nearby and most know never to stay unless they’re entirely out of options. This place will likely never be safe again.

What’s to the North?

What’s to the South?

What’s to the East?

What’s to the West?

What’s in this building?

Shudder and blink

YOU - What’s in this building?

SHIVERS - As day begins to fade and the lights begin to slowly begin to blink on across the city, multi-story factory windows will slowly transition from the concealing darkness to exposing illumination of what is no longer the East Insulindic Textiles Company. The loading docs have now become the motor pool for the 41st Precinct of the Revachol Citizens Militia. An old Coupris 40 whirs past a vehicle of a similar model and one of a decidedly newer model as it turns into the garage for the evening. Both MCs it passed do not belong to the 41st.

Inside the building proper, a stern looking man in a well tailored uniform walks toward the elevator at a brisk pace. His left breast is heavily decorated in medals and ribbons. One from the Suzerain, three from the Commune, most from the Moralist International. He bears the weight of the whole city on his shoulders but he carries it with an air of pride and authority. He’s heard tell of some strange happenings and without seeing it for himself, he’s not sure he believes it. 

Across the precinct, in the East wing, tucked into the far end of the first floor an eclectic group of men sit inside a dimly lit Lazareth. Three surround one in a way not too dissimilar from how the interviewee had been earlier in the day.

What’s to the North?

What’s to the South?

What’s to the East?

What’s to the West?

What’s in this building?

Shudder and blink

YOU - A violent shudder passes down your spine and you find yourself suddenly aware that you have been staring off into the ether for about 3 minutes. You are one with your body once more.

PRECINCT 41 - The Lazareth Office of Dr. Nix Gottlieb is small despite the size of the precinct that it maintains. Cabinets and shelves line just about every surface in some manner or capacity. And each and every surface was crammed packed with medical supplies, specimens, and piles upon piles of folders and textbooks. There isn’t much space to move, let alone work. The center of the room is dominated by a surgical table that is currently sporting a flimsy pad that serves as a cushion for your injured ass.

INLAND EMPIRE - This is the closest thing to private healthcare you’ve seen in years.

PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT - Your bullet riddled leg has already been looked over. You’d managed to pull your stitches and partially reopen the injury during your little jaunt about Martinaise and the islet.

PAIN THRESHOLD - You wish you’d been unconscious like the first time you got sewn up. Gottlieb is quick and efficient but he’s merciless in the empathy department. In other words, you cried. And your leg still hurts like a bitch.

EMPATHY - Kim radiated pride and relief behind his subdued expression when the doctor had complimented his work.

ESPRIT DE CORPS - [legendary: failure] He’s just glad it wasn’t worse.

NIX GOTTLIEB - The doctor is a bespeckled elderly man, dressed in civilian clothes, a dark, woven turtle neck covered by a brown blazer that stopped fitting him in the shoulders about 10 years ago. His forehead and brow are permanently creased by stress and a deep look of concentration. His brow deepens when you shake yourself out of the thought. “Welcome back, Detective.”

RHETORIC - That was sarcasm. He doesn’t care.

PERCEPTION [smell] - On his breath, mingled with the scent of Tioumoutiri cigarettes, you catch a whiff of peppermint schnapps.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY - If we play our cards right, maybe he’ll share a belt.

VOLITION - We’ve been clean this week. Don’t fuck this up now.

NIX GOTTLIEB - He scratches at his wispy white hair and beard as he speaks over his shoulder at two other men. “And how long would you say these episodes tend to last?”

KIM KITSURAGI - Your partner of the last seven days looks between you and the blue notebook in his hands, occasionally flipping through its pages. He still stands in his field attire; Orange nylon bomber jacket zipped up to his collar, white crew shirt hidden beneath it, brown aviation mechanic pants tucked neatly into his black boots, and his brown leather driving gloves. 

KIM KITSURAGI - He thumbs over a couple of pages before answering, “Anywhere between a few seconds to several minutes. This… is one of his longer episodes.”

CONCEPTUALIZATION - Wait! Has he been taking notes on you?

LOGIC - [medium: Failure] Of course not. We’ve already established that this is his method of working through his thoughts. This is likely a method of recall for him.

TRANT HEIDELSTAM - A lean blonde man in a tailored suit looks over you from where he stands, with fascination glittering in his hazel eyes. You saw a similar light when you spoke with him in front of the defunct Feld R&D when he spoke of their pre-revolution efforts. He was also one of the only ones in the fishing village who stood up for you against your partners onslaught of insults.

ESPRIT DE CORPS - This man is a special consultant taken onto the Major Crimes Unit in C-Wing. His well-traveled knowledge and personable demeanor has lent itself invaluably to the task force.

AUTHORITY - /Your/ task force.

INLAND EMPIRE - Not anymore. You’ll be lucky if they’ll even let you back into the field as a patrol officer, given the circumstances.

TRANT HEIDELSTAM - “And what do you experience during these… lapses, Harry?”

HALF LIGHT - Don’t. This is a trap.

[RHETORIC - challenging] Explain the skill set

+1 Kim is here -1 Butcher doctor -1 This sounds insane

[VOLITION: legendary] “The city speaks to me sometimes.”

+1 Revelation in the church +1 She loves you -1 This sounds insane

[DRAMA - godly] Convince them your thoughts are normal (lie)

-1 Kim is here -1 Butcher doctor -1 You’re already insane

“A real shit show of internal monologue that drowns out the world around me.” [continue]

Really? Anything else?

YOU - Really? Anything else?

CONCEPTUALIZATION - Nope.

[RHETORIC - challenging] Explain the skill set

RHETORIC [challenging - Failure] What spills forth is a vomited spew of half finished sentences, aborted gestures, and some words you’re pretty sure you’re misusing. You throw in some apologies and self-depreciation for good measure like a dog half-heartedly trying to bury its own shit.

NIX GOTTLIEB - “Try again. But in Vacholian this time.” His arms cross and his fingers drum impatiently on his bicep.

[RHETORIC - challenging] Explain the skill set

[VOLITION - legendary] “The city speaks to me sometimes.”

+1 Revelation in the church +1 She loves you -3 This sounds insane

[DRAMA - godly] Convince them your thoughts are normal (lie)

-1 Kim is here -1 Butcher doctor -3 You’re already insane

“A real shit show of internal monologue that drowns out the world around me.” [continue]

Really? Anything else?

YOU - “Just a real shit show of an internal monologue that drowns out the world around me.”

KIM KITSURAGI - “It’s inconvenient at times, but he often comes through with concepts and ideas I never would have considered. Unorthodox as it may be, it was invaluable to the investigation.”

DRAMA - [Medium: Success] He means it, sire.

EMPATHY - He’s concerned about your well being, but he also doesn’t want to see you misrepresented in the eyes of these men.

+1 Morale

[wazzappp]

I am a woman of weak will with no excuse for this @moosemonstrous thank you for being my most trusted enabler advisor and @cicada-candy thank you for your encouragement <3

WOE. GHOST RIDER MAGICAL GIRL AU HELLFIRE GALA FITS BE UPON YE.

Ok so the first genre is High fashion/Familiar themed!

Robbie is in something edgy and asymmetrical. Lots of variations in texture with solid, glitter and mesh areas. A fun grungy makeup style that I thought would suit him well. The more solid areas have a snakeskin texture that I'm not sure came through in the image export sorry lol. Delicate silver pieces help to balance out the harshness of the general aesthetic of the dress. Overall tried to mimic the slithering motion of a snake with the twisting pattern of his dress materials and made it a little more obvious with the snake bracelet.

Danny's focuses on layered sheer materials. Lots of feather and wing embroidery to connect him to his familiar. Nice silver chain around the waist to give the dress some shape and structure and help separate the top and bottom areas. Leg slit to create some interest so things aren't too symmetrical and boring (also you have moose to thank for the boob window lmao). A fun little wing pendant for the back detail ties it together pretty well I think.

JOHNNYYYYYYYYYY pulled a LOT of Avril Lavigne vibes and I'm honestly not sure why. I guess I just really wanted to see in some 'trashy' Y2K fashion (trashy in quotation marks cause I think it's COOL actually) and she's the first person that came into mind. Fur at the top of the dress contrasts with the shiny/glitter material on the rest of it. White tips on the ends of his boots and gloves because of Zaradogs lil sock feet <3. A fun ponytail with some black chain necklaces finishes everything pretty well.

FRANK. DIFFICULT AS ALWAYS. HAD to include fur I had to connect him to Cat-stle somehow. Other than that his look is very Matrix inspired. Very slick and fairly practical. SPIKY ass boots and a fun laceup back add some detail to the otherwise very simple fit. Some mesh areas on the jacket also include just a little bit of variation in texture.

BALLROOM LOOKS!! We getting FANCY.

Something light and fun for Robbie with LOTS of gradient chiffon. A more solid waist wrap to help eccentuate a more solid shape for the more drifting ends of the dress. I'm a sucker for sheer sleeves brother I have no excuse.

EEEEEE PRINCESS DANNY COMING THROUGH!! I LOVE how this one came out! Fun off the shoulder moment with gloves to make sure his arms don't look too plain. Faux silver corset that dissolves into layers of sheer glittery material to form a full length ballgown with lots of nice volume.

JOHNNY YOU GAVE ME TROUBLE. Wanted to include lots of geometric shapes (moose and I looked at QUITE A FEW reference images) so I was able to fit that in with the tessellation patterns on the sleeves and mesh sides, as well as the triangular shape of the top area of the dress. Tried not to overdo the gold glitter by limiting it to a strip down the middle with longer black panels on the sides.

Frank with a VERY classic look I'm a sucker for a square top. He's also got the fun mesh sleeves, this time with some lace patterns. Layered skirt with a bit of volume and glitter ends (I'm a SUCKER for glitter ends). Vibrant red top to show off his signature color with some ribbing to mimic a corset.

AFTER PARTY DRESSES. Fuckin. Euphoria lookin ass dresses. Idk man I just love these kinds of dresses and thought I would go ham at the end for one final nonsense fun look.

[kavalyera]

My top 5 list of the cuntiest most amazing outfits served by John Wick characters(because the costuming team always be serving goddamn). Anyways hear me yap I’m in a party bored out of my mind

spoilers for all movies in the John Wick series, be warned!!

5. Ms. Perkins — John Wick(2014)

Goth as hell, fucking love it. It was SUCH a serve. Everything is black as shit. The leather boots and gloves?? This entire outfit just screams 2014 goth chick and you know what, she slayed it so much. Too bad she doesn’t get quite enough recognition which is utterly heartbreaking💔💔 Those boots are such a slay and that bag too. I remember watching John Wick for the first time and looking at her and going “is that a 2014 tumblr girl.” And knowing the fact it’s canonly set in 2014 just really makes this all so funny and in a way realistic.

4. Marquis de Gramont — John Wick:Chapter 4(2023)

I like to call this outfit the “let them eat cake” fit because he’s French, an aristocrat, and he was eating cake in this scene. They really put Bill “campy horror boyfriend” Skarsgård in high waisted trousers and a slutty waistcoat. The red is so nice in this scene, it really went well with the golden sunlight that the Marquis is often drenched in. And that pocket watch too is just exquisite. His suit is such a breath of fresh air from all the black/dark outfits that stayed constant throughout the movies. Love how all of his suits are literally not tactical at all and just style. Really solidified his character as a spoiled cunt.

3. Akira Shimazu — John Wick Chapter 4(2023)

Rina Sawayama was so good as Akira oh my lord. I was literally lost for words that mother Sawayama came to slay(she could beat the hell out of anyone) and this outfit!!!! I’m such a sucker for tri-color outfits especially when there’s like two colors that are the same/shades and one color that just heavily contrasts it(in a good way). Oh and the battle outfit underneath was also awesome, love how the costuming team also takes into account that almost everyone in the movies are either hitmen or just need to be fighting.

2. Sofia Al-Alzwar — John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum(2019)

First off, I love the Cassablanca Continental, its like the best(in my opinion) out of all Continentals seen so far. I love the entire aesthetic of the place and the fact that Sofia absolutely manages to blend in quite well. She matches the decoration of the Hotel. And that sheer black coat combined with the belt of coins(?). Also, that cute pup<33 I love the embroidery on this, I’m such a sucker for embroidery like on her coat.

1. Gianna D’Antonio — John Wick 2

Holy shit!!!!! Mother Gianna D’Antonio!! Slayed her 10 minutes of screen time fr. That sparkly dress underneath her fur coat. Oh and that coat! I love it so much, I’ve been trying to find like something that resembles it. I am genuinely so in love with Gianna’s outfit in her death scene. Despite the sparkles and sequins, it manages to stay classy which is probably because it’s Claudia Gerini. And seriously, her hair too! Everything about this entire fit just makes it amazing. The sparkling dress makes Gianna eye-catching at the party which is what she probably would have wanted. I am so incredibly salty there wasn’t much else to see from her because I just know that she would’ve had better outfits or a better presence if her brother didn’t send John to kill her.

All in all, the costume teams of all movies managed to make such a good set of clothing for the characters. It gives so much life to their characters and the fact their actors managed to understand their characters too makes this all so beautiful to watch. I’m such a fan of costuming in movies and AHHHHH!!!! I truly do believe that outfits help a lot with audiences getting an idea of a character<333

thank you for reading<3

[sylaurin]

People I want to get to know better

Tagged by @primamchorus \0/

tagging @cindernet-explorer @selnyam @thefreelanceangel @ahollowgrave @zylphiacrowley and anyone else that wants to!

Last Song: It's All White Noise by Charli Morgan a pretty relatable song to anyone that struggles with creative block. Favorite Color: *points to pinned post* Yeah, I like orange. Also deep reds and teal (and anything high contrast like neon/hot colors really) Currently Watching: Noir, an early 2000s era anime. Been on a "girls with guns" kick lately. (I blame Kab's mom, lol) Last Movie: Bound, the Wachowski sisters first movie! It's a fun little thriller with some hot lesbians. Sweet/Spicy/Savory: I'm a sucker for sweet and savory things. I like spicy too but not as much. Relationship Status: Been with @ainyan for 11 years now! I refer to her as my wife but we aren't legally married (just polycule things, lol) Current Obsessions: Kabniel and her parents (Iskra and Thiago) as usual XD. I've been mildly obsessed with playing Zenless Zone Zero (I know, evil gachas *gasp*) Last Thing In My Search History: "ffxiv copypasta" lol because I made a dumb meme with Iskra using a shot from a recent scene with her

[aro-pancake-writes]

As I have brain rots of one Sam Coe, just watched Kinky Boots, and I'm a bit of a sucker for fashion, let's do this.

Spoilers for the main quest.

AFAB/NB Dusty.

Also, Dusty is smol, somewhat curvy, but hides their body with looser clothes.

(the song I listened to while finishing this up)

"So, the Lounge. Are you sure about this?" Sam asks me, waiting at our rented room at the Volii hotel, while I finish getting ready in the bathroom.

"Yes, cowboy." I say, touching up the last details of my makeup and adding another layer of hairspray on my hair. It took long enough to make, and like hell it'll fall at the first chance it gets. "We gotta get the VIP balcony for Walter. It's not my fault that they decided to make this damn meeting at the lounge." Tho I'd never admit aloud that I'm loving the chance to dress up a bit. It's been so long.

Taking a seat on a stool, I put on the high heel boots and zipping it up. It's sparkles and sequins all over, matching the short red and black dress. It's unusual, different from anything I've had since leaving Neon.

The dress is tight, barely long enough to reach the middle of my tights and cover what really matters, the bust almost has my breasts popping out. A stark contrast to the working boots and cargo pants I've grown used to.

Taking in a deep breath, I get up. It takes a moment to find my footing again after so long, but it's as natural as before after a couple steps. I'm ready to face the world.

~~~

There's the sound of heels on the metal floor, as they step out of the bathroom.

"So you're ready to-" Sam turns to look at the captain, and stops. He'd never known they could dress up like that.

His gaze is burning, making them regret the choice of clothing and covering their breasts with their arms, taking a step back into the bathroom to change into their usual clothes.

"You look..." Like someone straight out of his wet dreams. He's looking for words, feeling his pants getting tight and about to burst. "Amazing."

It makes them stop mid-step. He likes it. He has a lot in his mind, and none of it include leaving this room before someone comes charging for it.

"I'll just change to something else..." They start, turning away from him. "It was a dumb ideia."

"Don't you fucking dare to change." He pulls them back against his body by the waist. The heels make up for the usual height difference between the two of them, putting their hips level up with his perfectly.

They take in a second to process his words, the way he's holding on to them, and the... That's not his pistol in his pocket.

"You'll stay right in those clothes. But I'll have to be close to you all night, darling." He's possessive when whispering in their ear. "If anyone else touches you, I might go feral."

~~~

Leaning into his touch, I allow myself to smile. I've wanted him to look at me as more than just the captain for a long time now. And it feels conflicting. I also want him to look at me in my normal self, but this attention feels great.

"We gotta go, Cowboy." I say, stepping away from his grip. If I stay there, we might not leave this room.

He grunts as I open the door, heading out to the elevator.

The city is exactly the same, at all hours. So we go straight to the Lounge.

Despite the overly possessive cowboy keeping a hand on my waist all the way, there are still glances and people catcalling me. Some back off when Sam looks at them sideways, others require a growl, but there's one, at the door to the lounge. He stops right before us, smiling at me.

"Hey there girly." He stinks of fish and Aurora. Of course. "Bet ya I can do you better than Laredo here."

"Don't think so." I say, grossed out and pulling Sam to go around the guy instead of buying a fight.

Not that we could get inside before he wrapped a hand on my arm, pulling me from Sam's arms.

"Are ya sure? I'd love to know how much he's paying for you, then." Paying? Do I really look like...

My train of thought is cut by me falling into Sam's comforting arms, and the man on the floor with a hand on his chin.

"Please, sir," Sam's politeness is uncanny, "do refrain from touching my partner. They're already taken."

Before there can be any answer, we're slipping into the lounge. I hold on tight to Sam's hand, not wanting to get lost from him.

I want to make a beeline for the bar and get us that VIP room, but I'm held back in the middle of the floor. Turning back to Sam, who pulls me up against his body and into a dance, I'm about to melt.

No. I need to remember what I'm here for, and it's not to dance with the cowboy.

I try again to make my way to the bar, but I'm held there as he moves against me.

"Darling, we need to make it like we're not here on business." He whispers in my ear, and I really need to step away from him. But, he's right. Pleasure before business is the way things go here.

One drink, two drinks, a dance, and I'm confident that I can order that VIP room.

Sam keeps me at his hip as we go back to the bar. I have my face on his neck, basking in his scent as he talks to the bartender about the room.

There's laughter from the bartender, and I look at him.

"You don't feel like giving us a show, then?" His question makes me blush. "Here. Go on. You'll enjoy it."

I take the key and we leave the bar with a bottle of vodka.

The room is quieter, comfortable with a sofa and a large window overlooking the dancefloor.

I hear the door closing, and find Sam stalking me like a predator. He's hungry, and I'm the only meal be wants. I watch, standing in the middle of the room, as he sits on the sofa and gestures for me to join him, sit on his legs.

I go, taking slow steps, and turn to sit next to him.

He's not taking it.

"Not now, Sam." I say when he tries pulling me up. "We still have to leave here at some point, and I'd rather not have a cleaning bill."

"And I'm willing to pay for it. But whatever you're comfortable with, darling." It's his turn to lean into my neck, laying soft kisses and bites. "We can go back to the hotel right now. What do you say?"

He leans back, looking into my eyes, and I kiss him. It's our first kiss, and no one would say do on the way we've been touching eachother for... Months now. The soft caresses, looking for any excuse to touch, any reason to be near...

"Let's go then." I get up, ready to leave this place, the loud music and flashing lights.

"Just one thing first." He stops me with a hand on mine. "Don't want you to be cold out there." He places his jacket on my shoulders. Damn thing is bigger than my dress.

I slip the jacket on, taking a second to enjoy the scent of leather and Sam it bears.

[cauterisen]

@electricea asked:Ship Bias!

SEND SHIP BIAS FOR ME TO TALK ABOUT UP TO FIVE SHIPS. (ACCEPTING)

going with my haikyu ships for this one! i'll try and be brief and sum up what it is that i love about them but i've been thinking about them recently! love getting to write these ships with my rp friends and all the dynamics i've built with them over the past little while

kimiko/hinata

kimiko and hinata are both such excitable and energetic characters! i love the two of them growing closer together in kimiko's senior year and being the best of friends and bonding over volleyball but just being able to be comfortable with each other as well… i really love the idea of them reconnecting in brazil and kimiko's friendship with both raimundo and hinata bringing them together yes

kimiko/kenma

childhood friends who grow apart but come back together… kenma was definitely one of the people that she missed the most after leaving tokyo for miyagi in her high school years and i love them reconnecting gradually during their second year! they nicely contrast with each other with kimiko being outspoken and upbeat and kenma being more chill but also sharing a love of gaming and competitive spirits… also kimiko/kenma 4 gaming youtube power couple of the century

kimiko/nishinoya

kimiko and noya are definitely best friends, even if i think that kimiko is close to all of her karasuno second year friends and vice versa. i think they've got a special bond and they hang out a lot alone apart from all of the others and i just think! they're super supportive of each other and each other's hypeman for sure! also kimiko and noya deserve to travel the world together and maybe even elope in the future i mean

kimiko/oikawa

i love the shared mutual sky/light blue aesthetic, for one thing, but i like that they can be open and silly with each other aside from the perceptions that other people might have of them and that they can be vulnerable with each other and heartfelt at the same time. kimiko and oikawa both being used to being the center of attention and being put on pedestals but being able to be themselves around each other without worrying about what anyone else thinks is so important to me!

kimiko/yachi

opposites attract, for sure, at least on the surface… i just think that kimiko makes yachi a bit braver and kimiko a bit softer and more sensitive and contemplative and they round out each other so well! i do feel like they'd probably get off on the wrong foot at first with kimiko's in your faceness being a bit much for poor yachi at first, but nothing they couldn't work through! they're just so sweet to me and really love them a lot… how they help each other grow…

kimiko/yaku

last but not least… on a surface level, i'm a big fan of kimiyaku bc i'm a sucker for visual contrasts and i think the fact that they're both a blond/brunette AND red/blue ship is super neat (especially since neither of them have the stereotypes of either and are kind of reversed) but i also just love the the fact that they're rivals who also greatly respect each other and are friends who are still nice to each other despite said rivalry who become lovers (who never lose that competitiveness even when they're together)

[elleplaysotome]

Discovered you through IkeVil! I love your humor and got even happier when I read that your Tumblr is a safe space for asexuals. Thank you for making me smile today!

What's your favourite thing about each character?

Omg hi! This is so sweet thank you for making me smile!! I'm always happy to provide a safe space for aces!!

I'm studying abroad rn and super busy so I haven't had enough time to really start Ikevil ENG😭 (also why it's taken me a few days to answer, I'm so sorry!) my knowledge on the characters is a little rusty, but that being said:

Mostly what I've loved most ab the Ikevil characters is the character design! I think that with otome games, the way a character is designed goes with their personality a lot and that is especially true with Ikevil, which I think is super cool. The color schemes used for them are also very eye-catching. I LOVE the contrast in William's color scheme, for example. How bright the red is in his eyes and how white his hair is. For Liam as well, the tiny light green-blue accents on his outfit really pull his design together!

As for each character specifically:

William is a great posterboy because he still has the same almost "perfect man" qualities as the others, but with the villain twist of the "I can make her worse, but who she was always meant to be" type trope.

More basic for Liam, but him being a theatre kid is very funny to me, as someone who did theatre crew a lot in high school.

Based on what I know ab Harri, he might end up being a favorite of mine. I can see him being the type of head-over-heels otome LI that I adore. (Don't know for sure yet tho!) His color is also my favorite color lmao.

Roger is the doctor, which I have historically enjoyed the trope of. Ikerev Kyle, my beloved🥰

Elbert is my current favorite, and I think he'll stay that way! I love the pretty boys and I think his curse is very interesting.

I'm gonna be so real I don't think I'll like Alfons💀 I'll still read his route when it comes to ENG, but I can tell it'll be a situation where I like the route itself but not the character (happened to me with Luke and Rio from Ikepri)

Jude reminds me of Ikepri Silvio, my absolute beloved, so I am very excited for more of him. I love his character type a lot, and I love that the concern he has for Kate and her normal life is clear from the beginning.

Ellis is another contender for a favorite of mine! I'm a sucker for dark purple charcters, but I'm also so curious about him and his curse!!

And Victor is just hilarious, he kills me every time. He's also very intriguing and I love seeing theories about him, but I mostly just love how funny he is! His energy really completes the dynamic between all the characters lmao.

Sorry if this was super long I tend to have a hard time being concise with anything😭😭😭 but thank you so much for your ask! I really love seeing other aspecs in the community!

[arcxnumvitae]

1. What does your muse smell like?

A subtly sweet scent almost like a fruit candy! It's her shampoo.

2. What do your muse’s hands feel like?

Soft minus the callouses on her palm from where she's held her sword for practice and drills. It sometimes catches people off guard to feel the roughness on her palms. Minglian isn't self-conscious about it or anything, the callouses are all physical proof of her hard work and practice! Remembering them makes her pretty pleased!

3. What does your muse usually eat in a day?

Whatever her teacher cooks. She keeps insisting he doesn't have to make so many meals for her, but she can tell that he likes to cook for her and also likes sitting down and having a meal together, so she doesn't push it. She's partial to snacking as well whenever she's sketching or drawing and is basically a habitual snacker. Snacks when she's bored. Trendy things too! Like boba, cheese tea, whipped coffee, that jiggly cheesecake, so on. Also cute desserts! She's a big sucker for a super cute dessert.

Unlike some of the other fossils (dragons) Minglian is more likely to eat cuisine other than the not modern Chinese food her teacher is always cooking, she's always looking for new things to try.

4.  Does your muse have a good singing voice?

Yep! Like Huaxiu, she hums or sings idly whenever she's doing a chore or something. She'll also sing to herself under her breath when she's drawing. Like snacking, it's something she does without thinking and when she's a bit understimulated.

5. Does your muse have any bad habits or nervous ticks?

She shifts a lot on her feet when she's nervous. It's also incredibly easy to tell in general from her demeanor whenever she's feeling nervous about something, she's not very good at being discreet about her emotions.

6. What does your muse usually look like/wear?

Certainly less expensive-looking than Huaxiu. I...don't know how to describe it? Cute in a refined way? Minglian's liable to wear longer skirts more than she will pants, but she's not wholly against pants. She almost always has some sort of ribbon, pin, or accessory in her hair, and it's rare she wears it totally loose. Be it pigtails, space buns, a high half-up ponytail, she always has it done in some way.

7. Is your muse affectionate? How much? How so?

Oh absolutely. In contrast to the fossils (dragons) around her, Minglian can naturally be very physically affectionate with friends she considers of a similar age range, i.e. "not an elder." Depending on the situation or person though, she might try to restrain herself a little. It all depends. Overall, she's a very sweet girl.

8. What position does your muse sleep in?

Slightly curled on her right side. Nothing of note about her sleep pattern. Like the other Red Eyes, she doesn't have to sleep, but she chooses to because why not. Sometimes it takes her a minute to get going in the morning though.

9. Could you hear your muse in the hallway from another room?

Eh, yeah? She talks at a normal volume without anything of note. Her voice may raise in pitch slightly if she's excited or agitated in any way, which could make her all the more easier to hear.

[eolewyn1010]

Downton Abbey Fashion 13 - post-war indoors fashion

Back on the day dresses, house dresses, tea gowns, whatever they may be called! And, obviously, plenty of nice blouses and skirts.

Heh, I shouldn’t have put so many of Violet’s day dresses into the outside category; now I only have two left. But they are some of the few I haven’t seen her wear a hat with, so… Here, have a purple silk dress with a sleeveless black robe over it. She keeps this into season 3, and interestingly, she’s starting to give up on the upper arm puff that always inclined me to read her dresses as late Victorian.

See here, another holdover to the next season, an ice blue velvet robe (although admittedly it does look quite grey in several shots) with fitted sleeves. I’m of course a sucker for the fabric, but also for the pearls she usually combines with this. You can still scare me off with high lace collars though. Violet, how is this not scratchy as fuck?

--------------

With this season, we get a look at a blouse as a separate piece instead of an underlayer to a dress more often, so check out Isobel here. Someone put quite some time into the whitework there, birds and flowers, it would seem.

The second season is also when Isobel starts claiming red as one of her colors, for example with this neat house dress. It’s kept quite simple, but that only serves to underline the wild print of the collar. Cute, I like it.

Speaking of red, of course it can also be paired with stripes. It’s a nice blouse, don’t get me wrong, and I’m starting to be really intrigued by the way the front is usually ruffled a bit in the shoulder seam, but my brain associates the way she’s knotting her scarf in the first picture with our old East German equivalent of scouts (Jungpioniere, if you’re curious), so I find that funny.

I cannot tell for certain the fabric of this one, but I think it’s silk satin? Anyway, it’s very silvery and shimmery. And again, this ruffling in the shoulders. It has a nice effect on the front, tossing up folds that play with the light on the material.

Last but not least, another of those frustrating dresses that I have no idea what color it is. Is it grey? Dark blue? Who knows?? It definitely has cuffs, a buttoned front, and a white collar, I can tell you that much. This dress kinda says business; Isobel wears it a lot for her activism.

--------------

Two blouses for Cora this season which are not dramatically different; Cora is also quite set in her style before the 1920s throw some of that over. The first one has some lovely pastel flower embroidery on the shoulders, the second has a few pin tucks to both sides, but they look to be of a similar material and they do what the styles of the upcoming seasons will rob Cora of – gather in around her waist to make her look even more slender than she is anyway. Edwardian illusions, man.

Speaking of Edwardian, one of Cora’s last “old-fashioned” dresses, as in, a layered Edwardian dress with a ruffled chest area. This is one of the dresses that feel vaguely Titanic to me. It even looks a little old if I may say so; the velvet seems kind of worn here and there in the back. Is this an original? Or maybe it’s the light. First picture shows a couple of little flower embroideries on her sleeve cuffs, second that the silk sash around the waist doesn’t quite match the color of the dress itself which, for once, looks a little detrimental to me. They should have either gone with something of the exact same fabric or with something entirely contrasting, e. g. a small metal belt.

Is it any news that I’m weak for pinstripes? Cora looks lovely in this black silk dress. It’s not quite embracing post-war fashion yet, but it is a great deal more streamlined than the red velvet dress, tucking in at the waist not with gathers, but with neat pleats. It’s also keeping a lot more tidy with the decorations; the only points not made out of the same fabric are the lace collar and the silver buckle.

Printed silk blouses – I have to admit that I find these much more interesting to look at than the white ones. Also, this skirt with the silver buckle, a repeater for a good reason. Yeah, I know Elizabeth McGovern has an enviable waistline. No need to rub it in. The orange blouse lets the wild pattern do its thing, the silver-grey one allows itself some additional structure with the ruffled shoulder fronts and, if you look closely, a double-breasted closure.

For another lovely dress we see on Cora several times into the next season, we go with black chiffon and large golden flowers. Also familiar elements by now: the wrap top and the style of collar. It’s gotten to the point where I think I will miss these collars when the 1920s costumes stomp them into dust.

See what I mean? You turn your back for a moment, and suddenly dresses don’t even have collars anymore, just necklines, and asymmetrical ones at that. That’s pretty much the only point of interest; this dress appears mostly as a black blob. The depth of the black makes me think it could be velvet, so more favorable light might make it look quite spectacular fabric-wise… and since this is post-war style, it better brag with its fabric, because we ain’t doing shapes anymore.

So let’s collectively bid Cora’s waistline farewell as she parades it around in a tea gown of silver silk satin. (Or not a tea gown; I told you I cannot identify them for sure.) Regardless of the correct term, this is a lovely dress. There’s all this tiny-toothed lace around the collar and cuffs, and a matching buckle on the waistband, and a gathered waist, and everything else is just the fabric being wavy and shimmering. Because silk, you guys. She can afford it.

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Rosamund shows up in a glorious blouse that seems to consist predominantly of lace. Okay, the sleeves look a tad more solid, but someone thought they were lacking ten thousand pin tucks, so here we go. They always throw me for a loop when they take off the coat but keep on their hat. Why don’t they take their hats off when they’re coming for tea? On another occasion, she throws this yellow silk house robe with black velvet trim over her blouse, and anyone who can pull this off without looking like a bee earns my respect.

And for Christmas, she wears a Little Black Dress. Well, not so little yet – we’re still writing 1919. But I think the little chiffon jacket with the metal beading she wears over it might be misleading when, in fact, the dress is a very simple number that only barely still outlines the hip and doesn’t even have any sleeves at all. Keep up, Coco Chanel.

[damientheionandroid]

Damien's 20 Favorite Pokémon

Remember when I said in my first post that a Pokémon's alternate form sometimes out-shadows its base form?

Well...

3. Hisuian Samurott

I mean, as soon as I saw Hisui's take on the Formidable Pokémon, I could not see the similarities.

To be fair, I still think Samurott as a whole is one of my favorite Water Type Starters due to the samurai inspiration (similar to Kingambit and Kartana), its Dex Entry being metal as hell (it states that Samurott can silence foes with a single glare) and is one of the frontrunners of my recent Pokémon Black Playthrough.

But HOT DAMN, did Pokémon Legends Arceus really rope me in when they introduced the final evolution of Hisuian Oshawott.

The red-and-black color scheme on its shell and the wilder designs on its mustache contrasts with Base Samurott's lighter coloring and straight mustache, showing how Hisuian Samurott is more ruthless and callous. The pose is different too: now Hisuian Samurott is looking DOWN at you, disgusted that a weakling would challenge his might!

Hisuian Samurott even manages to outdo its Unovan Form with its Dex Entry: it doesn't care about a fair fight as it will pull every trick in the book to secure a victory; and whenever it sees an opponent, it will slash at them in a blink of an eye!

This brutality is fitting for this version of Samurott and I freaking love it! There is no way I'm going to use Unovan Samurott anymore; especially since it fell off during recent generations.

Looking at both of the Samurott's performances in the current meta is like night and day: Unovan Samurott has a defensive stat spread with some passable Offensive stats (though its Special Defense stat leaves a lot to be desired). Hisuian Samurott, meanwhile, has a more offensive stat spread, trading bulk for more Speed and has its Attack and Special Attack stats switched, which is more appropriate.

While adding an additional Dark Type to Hisuian Samurott means more weaknesses, it also means more super effective hits, especially for the Ghot Type which has been running rampant in this generation.

But by far the biggest buff that makes Hisuian Samurott a complete upgrade over its baseborn counterpart is its Hidden Ability. While Shell Armor does have its uses (especially against Flower Trick), it's situational at best. Hisuian Samurott, however, gets a new Ability in Generation 9 called Sharpness, which gives a 50% boost to all slicing moves. This is a borderline OP Ability on H.S. as it learns some powerful slicing moves, including its signature move: Ceaseless Edge!

With the same Base Power as Post-Gen 6 Knock Off but with 10 less Accuracy, you would think this would be a waste of a Signature Move. Well, I'm here to tell you that not only is Ceaseless Edge categorized as a slicing move; meaning that Sharpness boosts its Base Power to a decent 97, it also has the secondary effect of setting up Spikes on the opponent's side of the field! And since Spikes can stack on one another for added damage, Hisuian Samurott can just spam Ceaseless Edge as many times as it wants, making for a terrifying lead.

Of course, that's not the only move that gets boosted by Sharpness. There's also Razor Shell (112 BP after Sharpness) with a 50% chance to lower the opponent's Defense by 1 stage, and the stat-ignoring Sacred Sword that has a whopping 135 BP after a Sharpness Boost, stronger than Close Combat and High Jump Kick WITHOUT the detrimental effects of both moves!

And if you are sick of slicing sorry schmucks into sashimi, there are still other STAB options such as Sucker Punch for faster opponents as well as the unquestionable utility of Knock Off. Oh, and it gets Swords Dance too because as its Dex says: it's all about victory!

It's crazy when a Pokémon gets eclipsed by its alternate form. But in Samurott's case, its alternate form is objectively better in all aspects the original might as well not exist! But hey, that's New Toy Syndrome to you: something that is cooler and better will be preferred.

And in Hisuian Samurott's case, darker IS cooler!

[disneymarina]

Monster Boyfriends x Marina

Oh, Marina, you've got three demonically delectable male DnD slasher monster boyfriends:1. **Malphas the Malebranche**: He calls Marina his "Pit Princess," loving the dark contrast of her beauty against his hellish hue. Malphas favors her in gothic, Victorian-inspired attire, complete with a long, flowing black dress, lace gloves, and a cameo brooch.2. **Kor the Kobold**: As Marina's "Scaly Sweetheart," Kor adores her in his tribal, earthy style. He likes to see her in a simple but form-fitting tunic top and short pants, adorned with primitive, scaled accessories that evoke his own kobold heritage.3. **Xaren the Abyssal Aberration**: Xaren, her "Cthulhu Cutie," delights in Marina's otherworldly, Lovecraftian aesthetic. He encourages her to don flowing, tentacle-patterned dresses or outfits reminiscent of an octopus's underbelly, complete with suckers and a cephalopod-inspired headpiece.These three monster boys each shower Marina with affection, desire, and a unique, fantastical fashion sense that highlights her beauty amidst the darkness of their world.

Ahahaha, You want to know about your future boyfriends? And the outfits they will dress you in? Alright, I'll play along.1. **Berserker** - A big and strong warrior type. He'll call you "Little Warrior" or "My Mighty Minion". He'd dress you in leather armor, a tiny cape, and boots. Think cute barbarian style.2. **Sorcerer** - A mysterious spellcaster. He'll nickname you "My Little Apprentice" or "Spellbound Cutie". Expect to be dressed in a tiny pointy hat, a mini robe, and holding a toy wizard's staff. Adorably magical.3. **Rogue** - A sneaky, cunning character. He'll call you "My Sweet Thief" or "Little Pickpocket". His outfit for you would include a tiny masked hoodie and leggings. Stylish and stealthy.Ahahaha, Aren't these boyfriends and outfits great? Now, about that payment... You owe me now, human.

Alright, let's have some fun. Here are Marina's three male D&D slasher monster boyfriends, along with her nicknames and outfits from each of them:1. **Name:** Zorath, **Demon of the Abyss**

**Nickname:** Mischka (meaning "little mischief" in Russian) 

**Outfit:** A black leather corset with spikes, high-waisted fishnet stockings, and a short pleated skirt. Her gothic aesthetic is enhanced by a silver choker with a miniature demon figurine and dark, smoky eye makeup.

2. **Name:** Valkor, **Crimson Vampire Lord**

**Nickname:** Vampy (a playful diminutive)

**Outfit:** A sleek red latex bodysuit adorned with intricate silver lacework, paired with thigh-high crimson stockings and stiletto heels. Her ensemble is completed by a dramatic, raven-black wig and bold red lip color.

3. **Name:** Throk, **Ogre Bruiser**

**Nickname:** Ogrella (a cute, diminutive take on her partner's species)

**Outfit:** A black leather collar with silver studs, matching cuffs on her wrists, and a short, pleated skirt that highlights her pear-shaped figure.