#that last one is a complaint that can be levied at far more studios than just bethesda i know

[illuminatedmoth]

starfield still blows btw

[fuzzyporcupine]

lead me with your hands tied | chapter two

chapters:

1 - 2

summary:

In the midst of a crumbling kingdom at war, Levi Ackerman is commissioned by King Jaeger to paint a portrait of his overzealous son.

–

“You don’t think I’m worthy enough to be the king?”

“No, I think you’re a spoiled brat who would rather play with pomp and circumstance than save his own people from starvation,” Levi spat.

Levi’s eyes were closed when the door to his room was opened once more.

“Enjoying your bath, sir?”

Startled, his limbs flailed in the water, soaking the tiles below. Cursing beneath his breath, Levi turned his gaze to give a half-hearted glare at the girl. Her hands were full of linens and fabrics, meant for him, he supposed. “It’s fine,” Levi finally answered, shoulders relaxing as he attempted to lean back comfortably into the tub. “Where’s Petra?”

“Oh, the Madam is preparing your studio, sir.” The girl nervously shuffled her feet, a piece of dark brown hair gracing her cheek as she shifted. “I’ve been told to bring you a change of clothes.” Levi opened his mouth to interject. “The Madam insisted,” the girl spoke before she could hear any complaints. “I’ll just gather your things and return them after they are washed, sir.” His consent was apparently not required as the girl dropped the linens off onto the bed and began collecting his items off the coffer. She was quick, pale hands hastily gathering his belongings. However, when her grasp hovered over the white cravat, Levi jolted upwards.

The sudden movement caught the girl’s attention, downturned olive eyes seeking out an answer to the distraction.

“I’ll…” He felt trapped between her leering and the tiny confines of the bath. “Leave it.” Her hand was still floating in midair above the object, thin brows now furrowed in question. Levi swallowed hard, hands beginning to slip on the sides of the tub. He didn’t want to explain - shouldn’t have to - to some servant girl why he insisted on washing something as inconsequential as a cravat. It wasn’t made of some rare, expensive material. Hadn’t been passed down from generation to generation. It was a simple item of clothing that, nonetheless, had Levi going white-knuckled.

The girl seemed to notice, curious stare fading into a look of something that appeared close to understanding. “Yes, sir.” Her hand dropped audibly to her side. “Of course.” She shuffled out of the room quietly, leaving him anxious and hung over the side of the bathtub like a true and tried idiot.

He looked down at the tile where a large puddle of water had congregated from his splashing. Stared at his warbled reflection as it shook and rippled with every drop that fell from his head. Wanted to reach inside that image and shake the bastard’s shoulders. To rip all those tainted, gruesome memories out of that mind.

That poor, poor mind.

There was a feeling pooling in his gut. Fear? Disgust? He couldn’t pin it. Only knew that the water which once felt like a sanctuary from all of travel’s aches and pains was starting to slowly drown him.

The tile was cold against his bare feet and toes curled as an unpleasant shiver traveled down his spine. The chill quickened his pace to the bed, eager to examine the clothing brought before him. Levi was almost positive that nothing would fit properly. He was, as loathe as he was to admit it, a small man. His uncle had always chucked the lack of growth up to Levi’s malnutrition as a child. But Kenny was no doctor, and Levi tended to never believe a single sinister word that weaseled out from those thin lips.

Fingers twitched anxiously at the thought of dragging their touch across the fine fabrics laid out across the bed. The dark blues and soft beiges complimented each other wonderfully, and Levi secretly hoped that the king would not be expecting the items back after he was finished with the commission. The linen glided effortlessly over his skin, smooth and soft. Surprisingly fitted, as well. Levi would have to thank Petra for her keen eye, he thought.

No sooner than he had finished fastening the last button of his tailcoat, the door creaked open again. This time, however, it was Petra’s face that greeted him and not a nosey servant girl.

“I take it the attire is suitable?” Her hands had migrated to her hips, and Levi couldn’t help but feel like a child who was about to be scolded. Maybe the servant girl had said he was an ass. More likely Petra just had a good intuition.

“Not bad,” Levi said, hands running down the front of his cinched waistcoat.

“Glad to hear it, sir.” Petra hesitated, mouth opening and closing as if she were trying to find the right words. “You scared poor Emmie to death, you know?” she finally spoke. Levi pressed his lips tightly together, not necessarily keen on the idea of a refreshment course in etiquette. “She said you near leaped out of the tub like a madman.”

Levi scoffed, “I think your poor Emmie may be suffering from a case of exaggeration.”

Petra’s lips quirked at that, the stern look in her temple softening a touch as she regarded the man. “She didn’t seem to think so, Mr. Ackerman. You had the girl in practical tears.”

“I tend to have that effect on women.”

Petra huffed overdramatically, “Of that I’m sure." Levi was positively certain that he should be affronted by the agreement. There was a mischievous twinkle in the woman's eye that begged otherwise. “Come now. The studio awaits.”

Levi brightened at the thought. He had traveled so far, and the idea of the studio was the only thing that he was sincerely looking forward to. To hell with the royal family. Levi just wanted to paint.

Petra led him down the hall, under the vast stone arches that supported the great structure. Their footsteps were muffled by the expanse of red that flowed from the singular carpet extending down the path. It was a rich, luxurious scarlet that brought warmth into an otherwise cold corridor. Beyond the rug, there was no other color. Only a bland variance in the shades of grey amongst the stone walls. It was a stark difference to the vibrant Jaeger family crests that flew their proud viridescence along the castle like a silent battle cry.

Or silent subjugation, Levi thought.

They paused at a twisted, metal staircase - the thing looking archaic and out of place amongst the brick and mortar.

“It’s this way,” Petra said as she lifted the hem of her dress. “Watch your step, sir. The stairs can be most unforgiving should you take a fall.” Levi imagined his head splitting open like a melon against the thick stone walls. To be fair, the splash of red would do the hollow halls a favor. However, the color would, ultimately, clash with the carpet.

He held on tightly to the narrow stair rail. It was rusted beneath his hands, a rogueish vermilion staining the black metal. The steps ached and creaked loudly in opposition to his frame being carried up their spine. Thankfully, the journey did not ascend too high, only above to the next floor. It was here that Levi was met with a door. A large, black door that seemed more imposing than all the castle grandeurs combined.

“We had to improvise where to place the studio,” Petra explained. “There’s been no need of one since the young Majesty’s mother passed.”

Ah, yes, Levi remembered her. Well, at least remembered hearing the tales. He’d never been so lucky as to meet the woman in the flesh. The beautiful and elegant Carla Jaeger. Shinganshina was truly a different land with the queen on the throne. Her peaceful hand helped keep the king’s tumultuous relationship with Marley in check. Some say it was her doing altogether. There was truly no one better fit to rule over the people. And then she died. Suddenly and with no warning, leaving Shinganshina with a manic king and two motherless sons. Soon after, the fragile peace with Marley had launched into an all-out war.

The residents of Shinganshina could do nothing but watch the world around them crumble while silently mourning the loss.

“A shame,” he murmured, sharp eyes studying the intricate patterns warped into the wood of the door. Looked a lot more likely the room would be housing an alchemist’s laboratory than an artist's workshop.

“Indeed.” Petra voice had lost the giddy edge, and she wrung dainty hands as the true intent of Levi’s comment weighed heavily in the air. It appeared that not only the villagers were still feeling the ill effects of the queen’s loss. The woman seemed to steel herself as she took a deep breath, “Forgive me, Mr. Ackerman. You’ve only just arrived, and I am already burdening you with unpleasant memories. You must think me a very poor excuse for a housekeeper.”

“It’s no trouble-”

“We shall make a glorious evening of this yet!” A pale fist was raised high into the air as she beamed with triumph. Levi couldn’t help but offer her a subtle upturn at the corner of his mouth.

“Come, look at what we've pieced together for you,” Petra said as she pulled on the large, bronze handle. “I’m sure you’ll be absolutely marveled.” Levi had his suspicions. It was foolish to think that the king knew a single element that would be required of an adequate studio.

The entrance opened with a satisfying click, followed by a long drawn-out creak that preceded a breeze of cold air from the other side.

And then, light.

The room was positively bathing in it.

Vertical windows lined the outer wall, reaching nearly from floor to ceiling. The effects of the evening sun shone unconstrained through the glass, painting the room in a bewitching orange glow. So, the king did know something about the art of portraiture after all. Or perhaps this was all Petra’s doing. Turning to look at the bright, expectant smile lighting up her features, Levi suspected it was the latter.

There was miscellaneous furniture placed throughout the room. A plush green sofa, purple needlepoint armchairs, a rustic wooden bureau. However, what stood out most of all to him was the fireplace. Elegantly crafted from carved stone and decorated with hints of teal and gold, the fireplace seemed to perfectly embody the image of an ideal royal heir. Strong and bold, yet handsome and rich. Levi detested the thought of comparing it to a spoiled brat, but couldn’t deny that the object would be the perfect backdrop to the painting.

“Isn’t it wonderful?” Petra’s smile had not faded as she stood in the doorway. Levi felt a bit like their roles had been reversed - Petra morphing from chastising mother to expectant child eagerly waiting for praise. He indulged her, giving a quick nod of his head.

“You’ve done well, Ms. Ral. I look forward to capturing the prince’s likeness here.” The words were a half-truth. To paint again and be compensated for his talents, that was what he yearned for. The damn dirty prince could burn in a thousand hells as far as Levi was concerned.

“I am honored, truly, sir.” Petra bowed lowly. He stiffened, not accustomed to the actions one would typically reserve for nobles and royalty. If only the woman knew that she was most undoubtedly wealthier than the man to whom she so easily bent her head. “I will have one of my girls bring your supplies here if that is quite alright?” He could easily manage this on his own, but Levi was positive that Petra had certainly already sent one of the servant girls into his room. Agreeing with her now was simply common courtesy.

Levi made a vague noise of approval. “Of course.” He turned to begin a more thorough inspection of the studio when the sound of quickened footfall called his gaze.

“Oh, Mr. Ackerman, I’m sure that you are eager to get to work, but you must remember.” Levi quirked a suspicious brow. “I said this would be a most glorious evening. What is a magnificent affair without a proper meal to finish off the day?” Petra looked at him as if she were anticipating an answer, but Levi fancied that the woman would enlighten him without his query. “His Majesty has ordered the chef to prepare the finest venison and vegetables I’m sure you’ve ever indulged upon. You are the guest of honor, after all.” Levi tried not to let his expression sour. This was inevitable, wasn’t it? He could not very well manage to paint a picture of the king’s son without at least meeting the royal family first. The thought alone made Levi’s skin itch.

"That's not necessary," he tried, tongue heavy in his mouth as he searched for a suitable escape.

"Oh, don't be silly, Mr. Ackerman," Petra laughed, "I'm sure you are absolutely famished. And His Majesty insisted, after all." Levi felt his face morph into a sneer as his jaw tightened.

His Majesty insisted.

Of course, the bastard insisted.

“As His Majesty orders.” Hopefully, the venom in his tone was not too apparent. If it was, Levi would simply blame it on the journey. A strenuous voyage could make any man affable. Petra's smile fell, and Levi inwardly cringed. He'd have to watch his mouth, the damned thing it was. Got him in a fair amount of scuffles in his youth. However, the stakes here were much higher than a black eye or bloody nose. “Lead the way,” he continued, trying not to sound so incredibly vexed. Petra nodded silently, all former excitement replaced with a disposition as if she’d just sentenced a man to place his head on the block.

“Certainly. Please follow me, sir.” She quickly turned on her heel, the bounce in her step replaced with a rigid tread. Thin nostrils contracted as he heaved a deep sigh.

This was inevitable, Levi reminded himself. And he began his march towards the dining hall, leaving the cold chill of the studio behind him.

[ycmiis-blog]

now recording {chapter two}

When upcoming YouTuber Lucy Heartfilia finds herself collaborating with popular channel Fairy Tail, she ends up getting more than she bargained for. ( ff.net // ao3 )

( ONE )

i didn’t mean to update this quickly it’s 2:30am and it just sorta...happened. my b. but anyway, enjoy a just dance competition because??? why not??

"Alright, it's time to plan our schedule for the next month."

There's a collective groan from almost everyone in the meeting room. The only exceptions are Erza, who was the one that spoke, Freed, Mirajane, and Kinana. Natsu holds his head in his hands at the horrifying thought of planning. He knows that being such a successful channel comes with baggage like this, but he prefers to leave the planning to the others, like Erza and Mira, who actually know what they're doing. He would rather just show up, record, then go off and have some fun.

"C'mon, the sooner we get this done, the sooner we can leave," Laxus grumbles. "What do we need to plan? Just Fairy Family Friday? What else?"

"Fairy Family Friday for the next month at least," Erza starts, sitting in her chair at the head of the table. "And the gaming channel is going to need someone to fill in for a bit since Alzack and Bisca have appointments most days next week."

Bisca rests her hands on her swollen belly as Alzack says, "I will know if any of you touch anything on my desk. And that includes people already part of the gaming channel." He sends Bickslow a look, but the man in question feigns ignorance, whistling to complete the look until Evergreen nudges him in the side.

"I'll do it!" Cana volunteers, and if Erza hadn't confiscated her alcohol at the start of the meeting, she'd likely raise it like a toast. "I live with these idiots," she gestures to Natsu and Gray, "so I know what I'm doing. Get ready for some Grand Theft Drunk Driving!"

For the first time since the meeting started, Natsu grins. "Hell yeah! You sure you don't wanna practice at home? I'm gonna kick your ass, you know."

Cana whacks him in the head. "Don't be stupid, I'm great at games. Who dominates Rainbow Road back at the apartment? Hmm?"

Natsu bows his head. "You do."

"Exactly."

Natsu starts to retort, but Mirajane interrupts before he can. "Sorry, changing the subject! Can I propose a guest for Fairy Family Friday?"

Erza seems surprised by the sudden change of topic, but seems to welcome it. "Go ahead."

"Well, you know Lucy, the girl Levy did that collab with? She, Lisanna, and I have all been fans of her for so long, and we'd love to have her on, please, please please?" Mira bats her eyelashes, even though she knows it won't work on Erza. It's just Mirajane being Mirajane. "She's already met a couple of us, so it's not like she's a total stranger. Levy even has her number!"

When Levy smiles and raises her phone, Erza nods. "Alright, why not? I don't know which night you want to invite her to, but if she's anything like you guys, then perhaps Singstar or Just Dance?"

"Why not both?" Lisanna suggests, and the gleam in her and Mira's eyes are not to be trusted. There are many things that go over Natsu's head on a daily basis, but everyone in Fairy Tail knows never to trust the Strauss sisters when they're up to something. Is it Lucy? What did she ever do to them? Though if Levy's in on it, it can't be all bad. If he can't trust the sisters, he'll have to put his faith in Levy.

Erza also looks suspicious, but she has no reason not to let Lucy come both days, so she says, "Sure, I trust Levy will be able to get in touch with Lucy and fill her in?"

"Yep, leave it to me!" Levy says, and that's the end of that, but the meeting continues.

Fairy Family Fridays are always filmed exactly one week in advance. It's the only day of the week where everyone is free to participate, and so when Fridays roll around, everyone sets the lounges up on set as well as the game or activity they're doing. This week is Just Dance, and Natsu is pumped up. It's not his area of expertise by any means, but he's confident that he can beat Gray, at the very least. And that's all he needs.

He's helping Elfman connect the PS4 to the TV when he hears an unfamiliar voice from the entrance (he's memorised everyone's voices, it's kind of his thing) and looks up. There's Lucy, looking slightly overwhelmed as Mira welcomes her inside, and he vaguely remembers Levy mentioning that she films at her house, not a studio. It might even be her first time at an actual studio, and he can understand how she feels. He was the same when he was first introduced to the building he calls his home away from home.

They start soon enough, all of them sitting down in the spacious set, some on the floor and others on the actual chairs. Lucy is instructed to hide behind the sofas until she's introduced and she laughs, but complies as Warren does the countdown until they start.

Three, two, one.

"Hellooooooo, Fairies!" Mira says. She's considered the face of the channel, considering her modelling contract and unwavering charisma. "We're back with Fairy Family Friday, and today we have a very special guest with us! Drum roll, please!"

The rest of the group slams their hands and feet against anything they can touch until Mira signals for them to stop. "The one and only, Lucy Heartfilia!"

Lucy pops up from behind the couch and the group applauds, Cana even drunkenly cheering for her. Natsu notices just how composed she is in front of the camera. Despite filming in front of so many people with no real script to work on, she's doing fantastically. But it's early days. Perhaps she's just a really good actress.

Mira waits until Lucy squishes between Evergreen and Lisanna before continuing. "Today we'll be playing Just Dance, since all of you love watching us make fools of ourselves so much that you requested it nonstop! We'll be participating in teams of four, and the team that scores the most points wins!"

"We had to kick Vijeeter out 'cause otherwise he'd kick our asses," Gray calls out, and everyone laughs as Vijeeter pretends to be offended from behind Reedus' lighting panel.

"I've already decided your teams for maximum entertainment," Mira says, and there are a few protests, but she doesn't let up. That's Mira for you. "As much as I would love to separate the Raijinshu, I also can't wait to see them dance together, because we all know that's disastrous, so they're team one. Team two is Elfman, Lisanna, Kinana, and Laki. Team three is Levy, Jet, Droy, and Alzack. Team four is Natsu, Gray, Erza, and Lucy, and team five is Cana, Nab, Max, and myself!"

Natsu whines. "No, don't put me on the same team as the ice princess!"

"The fuck did you say, flame brain?!" Gray shouts from the opposite couch, but Cana uses her high heels to stab him into sitting back down. He yelps and Natsu laughs in satisfaction.

Erza swivels around to face both of them. "Are you two going to fight? I won't have any fighting in my team."

Natsu and Gray both squeak and sit up straight. Some of the other suppress giggles, including Lucy, whose eyes are flickering between the three of them in amusement. At least she's not finding them to be weird. He supposes that would make her just as weird, wouldn't it?

"Alright, team one is up first!"

Erza's intimidation is forgotten for the moment as Laxus and his team rise to the challenge. Everyone knows that Laxus has never been fond of Just Dance, mainly because he thinks he looks like an idiot (which he does) and because he's the worst one out of his team. Bickslow is enthusiastic, but he doesn't have the best coordination, and he happens to make up random moves as he goes along. Evergreen is decent enough, but her heels probably aren't helping. It's Freed that's the most graceful, though, and at least three quarters of their score is thanks to him.

"Seriously, dude, how do you do that?" Bickslow asks as they return to their couch. Freed just smirks and shrugs.

Elfman, Lisanna, Kinana, and Laki take centre-stage next. Elfman is hopeless when it comes to Just Dance, so it's really up to the other three to carry them through. Lisanna is light on her feet, though she sometimes moves too far to the side, bumping into people as she goes along. Kinana is a bit too slow, quickly getting confused with the dance moves and rushing to start the next one when she takes too long. Laki is probably the best of the team, but only by a little. They quickly overtake the Raijinshu, much to Bickslow's complaints.

Next is team three, and Natsu knows how this one plays out before it even starts. Jet is going to be too fast, Droy is going to be too slow, and Levy is going to be just right, providing the PS4 doesn't have an issue with her height. It happens sometimes, and he knows she hates it. Alzack does his moves half-heartedly until Bisca shouts from beside Vijeeter to put more effort into it, and he actually becomes a reasonable player. They still take last place.

"Avenge me, Lu-chan!" Levy cries dramatically, flopping into Lucy's arms, and Natsu has to wonder how they managed to become such good friends in such a short amount of time.

Lucy promises to do as Levy wishes, and soon she and Natsu are joining Erza and Gray in front of the screen. Erza insists on having Gray on one end and Natsu on the other, which Natsu takes as an insult to his self-control, but he doesn't dare defy Erza. No one defies Erza.

"Our guest gets to pick the song," Erza says, allowing Lucy to have free reign.

Lucy decides on a girl group song that Natsu only vaguely recognises, but he has no time to dwell on it. He starts dancing, his expression one of complete concentration, and he's only somewhat aware of those around him. He knows that Gray is most likely being lazy with all his moves for the sake of his cool and collected image and that Erza is giving it her all. Sometimes she even shouts for them all to step it up. Lucy, who is right next to him, doesn't seem focused, but only because she doesn't need to be. She's grinning and having a good time, getting perfect scores. She's doing better than all of them.

"Go, Lucy!" Levy cheers from behind them, and that only seems to encourage Lucy more.

When the song ends, they bump themselves up to first place and Natsu lets out a big whoop, high-fiving Lucy. "Nice, you carried us through!" He looks over at Erza. "Can we keep her?"

Lucy bursts out laughing, her face flushed from what Natsu assumes is embarrassment as she rushes over to Levy and gives her a hug.

"Celebrate while you can, buddy," Cana says, stepping forward. She hasn't taken her shoes off, nor has she put her flask down. She only lets it go when Mira snatches it out of her hands. "Our team has myself and Mira. We're gonna kick your ass. And so are the boys, as long as Nab gets off his lazy butt and stops just staring at the screen." She lightly kicks Nab in the back.

Natsu doesn't want to admit it, but Cana and Mira are good. Max isn't half bad either. Nab needs work, but he's better than he was last time they played, so Natsu can't help but be slightly proud. If only they weren't about to completely destroy their score.

Team five takes first place and both Natsu and Gray groan in unison, only to glare at each other afterwards. It's lucky - for everyone else, anyway - that Erza's between them to stop them from starting an all-out brawl. And he's sure that Cana wouldn't want anyone stealing the limelight of her victory away, either. She can be petty like that.

"Winneeeeerrrrrrs!" Cana says, sliding onto her knees and playing the air guitar. She then turns to Gray and Natsu with a sly grin. "I'm the winner, so you have to do all my chores this weekend."

They groan again.

Once filming is officially over, everyone usually pitches in to get some dinner, which is exactly what they do tonight. Subway sandwiches are on the menu, and since they were in last place during the game, it becomes team three's job to write down all their orders and carry them all back to the studio. This leaves Lucy without anyone she really knows, so Natsu decides to take the initiative and sit beside her as they wait for their meals. It's the least he can do when she worked so hard for their team.

"That was fun, right?" he says, practically falling on the couch beside her.

She's startled for a moment before she turns, and she laughs lightly. "It was! Other than the collab with Levy, I'd never filmed with anyone before. And definitely not with so many people. It was fun."

He looks at her, surprised. "Wait, really? I just sorta assumed you were hella popular with all these collabs and stuff since you're a natural on camera. And Levy, Mira, and Lisanna are always talking about your videos, so I thought you were used to it. Do you do YouTube full time?"

The smile she gives him is regretful. "I wish, but no. I haven't been able to find another place in my area that allows pets, or that I'll be able to afford if I quit my current job. It's either one or the other."

"Does it have to be in that area?" Natsu asks, tilting his head. "I mean, Levy said you were, like, an hour away or something, right? Wouldn't it be easier to move closer to here?"

Lucy looks at him, blinking, and it takes him a moment to realise where he went wrong. She may be here today, but she's not actually part of Fairy Tail. She doesn't have any reason to live in the area. She just blended in so well with everyone else that he, once again, made an assumption. He can almost hear Gray's voice in his head calling him an idiot.

But before he can rectify his mistake, Lucy just shrugs and looks straight ahead, out the window. There's not much to see, just the car park. "Well, there's nothing in particular tying me to where I am now, I guess. I could pretty much up and move anywhere if I had to."

"So, why not live around here?"

Both of them look up at Mirajane as she sits beside Lucy, a smile on her face as she continues. "We'd love to have you here. You fit right in with us! And it's always nice to have another makeup and fashion girl with us."

Lucy looks like a fish, her mouth opening and closing, and Natsu can just imagine the little bubbles and beady little eyes. "Wait -- wait, would that be okay? To be one of you, to be here -- I wouldn't want to disturb -- I mean -- you all just met me --"

Natsu decides to take the initiative just as team three walks in the door. "Hey, guys! How do you feel about Lucy joining us as a member of Fairy Tail?!"

There's a chorus of cheers and Natsu laughs as he watches Lucy's eyes grow even wider. Alzack drops her sandwich into her lap, but she barely notices. Natsu laughs as she tries to find something, anything, to focus on, but ends up looking like a lost child at a carnival. Mira seems to take pity on her, patting her back and readjusting her sandwich so it won't fall off her legs.

"Just think about it, alright?" she says. "We're a pretty relaxed group around here."

Lucy lets out a shaky laugh, but her eyes are lit up like fireworks. "No kidding."