#the most beautiful pallette ever and i want it again

[cottoncandycasketspray]

[miraclemaya]

Miss Maya,

Do you think that Sayo would ever be able to catch on to some of Chisato’s issues and adapt her behavior to make things easier for her? I feel like it’d probably be too big a task for her, but not impossible with enough time and help from others.

Regardless, what I really wanted to pick your brain on is Chisato’s reaction upon realizing that Sayo is being considerate and mindful around her. Or even that she’s doing it in a way that’s helping her change and grow.

Would the revelation that someone is changing her for the better scare her? Enrage her? How would the thought of her girlfriend seemingly walking on eggshells around her make her feel? It feels like it’d be a juicy moment where she recontextualizes a lot of Sayo’s actions.

Then again, I only know of these young ladies through your postings on their escapades, which is why I am eager to hear your thoughts.

Hello anon!

Sayo would definitely catch on yes. Much of my posting focuses on Chisato because I'm ill about her, but really I think even with just canon, Chisato and Sayo are more similar then they are different. Both are people hiding very particular feelings of inadequacy or meaninglessness behind their masks. Of course, Chisato's are more varied and complex, but that only works better because Sayo is an honest girl and I believethat would help her see past Chisato's walls a little bit. As for Maya headcanons, Sayo could, if not exactly know, be able to very accurately guess a lot of the particular feelings of predatoriness that basically subsume Chisato's being when it comes to sex and romance in my mind. And Sayo would 100% try to help her, even if they were just friends, I think. She's a kind and earnest girl.

As for how Chisato would react, well I think Chisato is deeply aware of how unhealthy a lot of her mindset is, but it's just not something she can let go of, or perhaps it's only in certain moments of lucidity that she can acknowledge how not good it is. Like, obviously Chisato is aware she's surrounded by a bunch of gay girls, that at least amongst her peer group it is a normal and accepted thing right? But she can't shake the constant need to perform a certain kind of cishetro femininity that has been her grounding point and also defense for so long but also has rubbed off onto what core self of her's there is. And then like other general, perhaps you could say BPD problems with relationships she'd have right, like Chisato has been an actress for a long time, and though part of her hatred of it stems from her ever constant need to wear and develop new masks one after another until whatever 'Chisato' is supposed to be is slowly lost, I think perhaps there are other parts of the job that she does not like. Like she's most certainly been treated as a sex object to some level for a while I feel like, I mean even just pastel pallettes has some bikini events I think, but certainly there is very little chance that this hasn't been the case before as well right like Chisato is used to being desired in a way that is purely objectifying, so she is probably aware that her reaction to a relationship that is not that would most certainly not be healthy. Like her, for example, getting upset when she perceives Sayo as not finding her attractive or mocking her apperance or something like that is sprung from her own ideas about her worth that have formed because of all this constant proping up as an object of beauty and dwsire that has been done to her, so like if Sayo isn't 100% attracted to her, it must be over because what else does Chisato have, she's barely even a real person. But she'd also be aware enough that she knows that this is an unhealthy thing for their relationship right, she knows she's overreacting but she can't help it as it were.

Would Chisato be upset if she realized Sayo was trying to help her? I don't think so, at least not like a normal type of upset. I think a part of her would be in disbelief that Sayo cares even that much about her, another part cursing herself for manipulating Sayo into trying to fix something that is unfixable, another part desperate to repay Sayo in some way for it, and another part that just genuinely loves Sayo even more because of her care. She would certainly be uspet by her ever constant revelation that she is, as you put it, making Sayo walk around on egg shells, which only unfortunately makes those eggshells more prominent. That's the thing, it's all feeding into itself and it's making it worse and better it's a complicated thing is what I'm getting at, their relationship I mean.

But it certainly is not hopeless. I need to get around to writing the ChisaSayo fic, but in my mind their relationship starts purely sexual, becomes romantic and they start dating, and then Sayo starts trying to rope Chisato into her hobbies. And I genuinely think that's probably one of the most important things she could do for Chisato, both because the reassurance it would offer of Sayo introducing her to all the different parts of her life and also because Chisato needs some hobbies, needs things outside of acting, to better differentiate her sense of self from her masks as it were. And I think she'd be very glad to do it by Sayo's side as well.

[candycoated-rage]

hazbin hotel review (first four episodes, spoiler free)

i literally only watched the show to see if it was any good outside of the ads and the hate on twitter and... its very hit or miss

im not gonna address ANY of the controversies in this show because it will lead to a biased opinion, but if you wanna look into the controversies, go ahead. this is only reviewing the show itself. not the producers, just the show. the cut underneath is gonna be long so be warned

the humor is either pretty good or very bad. and most of the time, most jokes are dragged down by ones before it or proceeding it. i personally find some visual gags funny, but most of the jokes revolve around swearing, sex, and violence. if you're into that, i won't judge. but i personally really don't like it.

the animation can be really beautiful at times! but i've also noticed a lot of animation errors. nothing major, but the most common one i've seen is that many charcters have a different lineart color than other characters (for example, angel dust as pink line art, while charlie has black) and it makes it look as if the characters are on completely different planes. theres a scene in the first three minutes of the show where charlie is holding onto vaggie, and it looks very unnatural to me. this isnt to mention the character design, as well. personally, i love the designs for characters like Velvette, Valentino, Nifty, and Sir Pentious, as well as a lot of the background characters. however, i don't like the designs of characters like Vox, Alastor, Angel Dust, and many more. the silhouettes of many characters end up looking extremely similar, and with the mostly red backgrounds in the show with most character's colors pallettes being shades of red, it makes it hard to distinguish the background from the character itself. the backgrounds are BEAUTIFUL, though. they're genuinely stunning, and i love the art done for them. it makes the world feel lived-in.

the show is a musical, and many of the songs are either very good or very annoying or forgettable. my favorite of the few we get is alastor and vox's song; i love the fast pace, the bickering between the two, and their general "tv and video" and "radio star" theme. on the other hand, both songs in episode three are extremely forgettable to me. i watched the episode not even an hour ago and i don't remember either of them. i also find Poison a very annoying pop song, and i really don't like that it's been stuck in my head ever since i heard the chorus. but, despite that, the music is usually the most consistently good thing throughout the show.

the voice acting is fine. some voice actors do great! alastor and husk have very unique voices, and they fit the character very well. however, my main criticism with the voice acting is angel dust. the accent is very jarring to listen to, and it feels pretty fake. again, very hit or miss.

the plot itself is what i don't like. the show often stops in its tracks to dump information on you, and it feels very shoehorned in. some episodes also have very generic plots, especially episode three. i could predict what was going to happen every step of the way. the structure makes it feel almost like it's for a younger audience, and not for adults.

overall, i personally think the show has its highlights, but i wouldn't go out of my way to watch any more. there are much better shows for mature audiences out there. if i were to rate the series, it would be around a five or a six for me. it's not atrocious, and if you enjoy the show for what it is, i completely understand. there are some great moments in the show! however, i wouldn't recommend this show for someone who likes adult animation.

tl;dr, it's a fine show, i have a very mixed opinion of it. wouldn't recommend unless you want some pretty good songs and some nice animation.

[natasha-in-space]

Sweet Begining

Ray/cmc Lila Lancelot;

A birthday gift to @marshmallowprotection! I hope I did Lila justice, as I love her to the moon and back, and want only the best for her. This drabble takes place in the first few days after Lila's arrival to Magenta, the bond between the developer and his precious tester growing stronger by the day.

Once again, happy birthday, Kait! :D

"Oh... Ray this dress is stunning..."

Lila had no idea how in the world did Ray manage to get all of her measurements this precise and accurate, but in the end, she decided to brush it off as sheer luck and his caring nature coming into play. After all, he was always so considerate of all her needs... Even when she tried to hide something from him so as to not bother him too much. Everything in her life seemed to get better and brighter by the day ever since she came here. Sometimes, she even doubted whether or not this is truly a reality she's living or just a sweet dream her mind has carefully sewn together in order to keep her painful heart at peace.

She is helping to create something great, a wonderful game that will undoubtedly help so many people in need once it finally reaches its proper release, a game the characters of which she has already become so very attached to.

She lives in the most beautiful and comfortable conditions she has ever lived in, and to top it all off, everyone treats her with such sincere kindness and respect, that she was seriously considering on staying here for a longer period of time once the testing will inevitably come to its end. Especially with Ray slowly but surely becoming one of her closest friends, their bond blossoming by each day.

Sure, sometimes the characters of this game seemed weirdly realistic for a simple dating sim, but then again, it was easy to brush it off on the professionalism of the developers. Or... rather, a developer? Maybe Ray was the only one doing it. He never shared much on the developing process with her, and it's not like she was knowledgeable on the field of game design.

In any case... Today, they were planning on taking a walk in the garden, which was truly gorgeous on the eyes, not to mention the fragrant scents of various flowers blooming and flourishing in the warm summer sun. This certainly wasn't the first time Ray would take her out there, but today was a rare occasion of him managing to catch a break during the day, rather than in the middle of the night. What she wasn't expecting though, was for him to bring her a small gift in the form of a beautiful puffy dress that matched his suit perfectly in its colour pallette. It was a perfect combination of her sweet style with his daily outfit. And yes, she liked it, very much so. No, she absolutely loved it. Ray was so considerate of her interests and hobbies, and it was making her heart flutter just to think of him carefully researching through his options, determined on picking the one that she'd definitely like, while at the same time, one that would remind her of him whenever she wore it. It was... not something she was used to. To be cared for like this.

But, it was nice.

She had no idea what was so special about her for Ray to choose her as his tester... However, without a doubt, she was forever grateful for this opportunity. This was becoming so much more than mere entertainment to her, and she was anxious to see what her future holds in this magical place.

Ray couldn't help but smile at the charming sight of her timid yet happy smile. He liked seeing Lila smile so much... Seeing her eyes twinkle with joy filled his chest with so much warmth, he felt like there was nothing he couldn't do, if only that meant that his actions will bring about another smile on her face. He wanted his lovely princess to always keep smiling at him like that.

To always keep smiling... He only wished that he'd be the only one privy to such an enchanting sight, however selfish this wish of his may be.

"I'm happy that you like it!" Still, clearly embarrassed by the praise directed at him in her sweet voice, he couldn't help but look away for a brief moment, hoping and praying that he didn't seem too weird in her eyes. "I... tried really hard. This dress really brings out your beautiful eyes. It reminds me... of sweet chocolate."

He put his glowed hand over his heart, feeling its steady beat and still unable to suppress his smile as he looked her over, mesmerized by her elegant beauty. She was making him come alive with such simple words... He couldn't imagine choosing anyone else to be his tester.

"Ah, jeez, you're spoiling me..." Lila giggled in embarrassment, absentmindedly playing with her carefully styled curls. She couldn't help the warm blush gradually covering her cheeks at his sugary compliments that just kept making her heart flutter like a hummingbird's wings. Taking in his appearance more closely, she couldn't help but furrow her brows, noticing deep dark bags under his eyes. "But, you look very tired... Did you have trouble sleeping again? Maybe it'd be better for you to use this break to take a nap, rather than waste it on entertaining me?"

It's true that his Savior gave him a new urgent assignment in early morning, so he had no choice but to fulfill it. Well... He slept for about one hour at most as a result of that. Although, he did initially plan on sleeping for an hour longer today, since Lila insisted on him taking better care of himself. But, then again, this sort of thing is merely part of his routine at this point. Nobody ever worried about him getting enough sleep, before Lila came here... Didn't he always look like this?

"Ah... I do have a lot of work to take care of. But, it's my duty to make sure you're happy while staying with us." Ray took a small step forward, hoping to reassure her worries. She is so caring... "Don't worry about me. I'm just a little tired, but I'm fine, really. Spending time with you gives me more than enough energy. So? Are you alright with accompanying me?"

He was still unsure about so many things when it came to communicating... Having friends, or any close company for that matter, wasn't something he had a chance to experience before. But whenever he was next to her, he truly wasn't afraid to try and be a bit bolder with his desires, despite all his fears and doubts,

When it comes to Lila, perhaps, what attracted her to Ray most of all was his personality. She did have the tendency of being perceived as somewhat naive or even weak due to her kind and caring nature... And while it definitely hurt to be treated like that by the people she trusted, she never let it make her cruel. No, she wanted to treat the world around her with kindness, to give those she met warmth that she never got. In truth, Lila wasn't stupid or naive... She merely made a conscious choice to try and see good in everyone.

But, Ray... He never once tried to take advantage of her soft nature. Moreover, he openly admired her and treated her with the same respect she has given him. It was easy for her to start feeling comfortable in his gentle presence.

So, she humored him. "Of course... You know how much I love visiting the garden with you. But hey, you should still rest, you know?"

It wasn't long till the pair were leisurely strolling down the beautifully adorned halls of the building, Lila's hands holding onto Ray's arm as she eagerly chattered about his game, hoping to provide as much helpful feedback as possible. Neither of them minded any occasional passerbys rushing by to go about their daily tasks, too engrossed into their private talk.

"-I'm sure many people will like this game... But, I wanted to ask you if we'll be in touch after the testing ends? I would like to continue spending time with you even after my departure." Lila smiled, a hint of melancholy flashing through her eyes. She wasn't confident in outward asking to stay here quite yet. Not before Ray confirms that it would truly be okay for her to want that.

He hummed, somewhat nervously darting his gaze from side to side, as if he was unsure on how to respond to that. "Ah, well... I have been developing my AI's for a very long time. Thank you for your praise, I really appreciate it. And... I'm sure we'll... keep in touch. Actually, there is a way for you to stay here indefinitely... I was planning on bringing it up with you some time further into our testing. I'm happy that our hearts seem to have connected once again."

It did feel wrong for him to lie in her face like that. But he knows he's doing it for the right purpose. He's doing this to save her. He knows about Lila's pain more than anyone else. She's the same as him, which is why saving her from that cruel outside world is so important to him. But, for that to happen, he must act carefully and not rush things. That's what his Saviour told him.

And, the more time he spent right by her side, the more intense these feelings of his got.

Still, for now... He needs to keep this facade. He is sure that, one day, she will be happy in their paradise, once she finally comes to know everything as it truly is, and is, at last, saved by his hand. She will be just as happy as he is. She just has to wait a bit. And it seems... He's getting more impatient by the day.

Through all his daydreaming, he didn't even notice them finally coming out into the warm sun in the garden, not until the fragrant scent of flowers hit his nose. But, even that did not keep his attention for long as he lowered his gaze at his precious tester, smiling tenderly at a small bud of red camellia's to her right.

God... He wanted to hold her hand so much...

Instead, he awkwardly cleared his throat, trying to brush away all these unwanted fantasies filling up his mind like a swarm of determined bees. Taking a step closer to her, he couldn't help but smile, uttering a small compliment without even giving his words a single thought before they flew off the tip of his tongue. "As expected, you look very pretty. I was hoping to see you in this dress surrounded by my favorite flowers... I wish I could take a picture of you. I know you'll make a perfect member for our growing... company."

"Um... But, I don't really have any extraordinary skills. And it feels kind of unfair, you know? It's better to accept those who can bring plentiful of help with their abilities. I still think this garden is much more pretty than me, but thank you, haha. It feels like I'm in a fairytale every time I get to come out here." Lila looked around at the various buds with a gentle smile on her plump lips.

Ray sighed dreamily, continuing to watch her as she rustled about the garden. So honest and kind... So much so, that she would rather give up a good position to others who might need it, than take it for herself. He was surprised that Lila sometimes described herself as incapable and unworthy, despite these wonderful traits he found so dear in her. As if she didn't notice her own perfectness whatsoever. But it's... It's so obvious to him.

Ah, he certainly did not make a mistake with his choice.

"No, you're just the right fit for us. I'm sure you just don't realize your own potential quite yet." He smiled at her, following her along further into the lush bushes. The beauty of the flowers long lost on him, as he kept his gaze trained on her back, observing her long curls flowing in the wind. "And thank you for the compliment. Actually... I planted some of the flowers here myself."

A little embarrassed, he scratched the back of his neck, hoping that he didn't sound too show-offish to her. "Well... Only a few, really."

He carefully pinpointed a few white lilies growing nearby. 'Purity and innocence'. They suit her. Lila as a whole... Could be compared to a flower in his eyes. So beautiful, kind and gentle... and just as fragile. More than anything else, he wanted to be the one to protect her from any harm that could come her way.

At this point, his staring has become adamant to even Lila herself, as she turned to look back at her friend over her shoulder. Perhaps, that's partially due to the fatigue he was effortlessly fighting off this whole day. Either way, she didn't seem to mind him always observing her from afar, much to his relief.

Yes, he definitely didn't get enough sleep. Though, Lila couldn't help but admit that he looked kind of cute, so drowsy and clumsy like that. Letting out a soft giggle, she took one of his hands into her own as a way to gently attract his attention. "Hey. You're obviously tired. Come on, we still have a lot of time ahead of us, it'll be better for you to get some sleep..."

Ray's pale cheeks turned a charming shade of pink almost in an instant. Wide-eyed, he stared down at her tiny soft hands clutching onto his boney bruised fingers, even though she couldn't see that ugliness behind the safety of his gloves. But... He couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like for her to touch him without any fabric getting in the way.

No, no, no, he shouldn't think of such inappropriate things when she's right in front of him, caring for him with only pure intentions on her mind!

"Ah- Y-yes, I mean, no, it's... It's okay, really!" He stuttered, not making any sense and feeling his head slowly starting to heat up, like an overworked computer. It's pretty ironic how easily flustered he gets from just one single touch, when his thoughts and daydreams can get as far away from innocent as they can get. Though, this tiny pang of shame in his chest helped him regain his composure, finally managing to give his tester a proper response. "No, it's all right, really. Spending time with you is more important."

He chewed on his bottom lip, guiltily admitting his mistake without any way for him to avoid talking about it now. "I rarely manage to organize a break long enough to take a walk with you... Not to mention during the day. I do not want to miss this opportunity. Besides, I know how excited you were for this..."

"Hmm... Then how about you take a short nap right here in the garden or in my room? I'll wake you up later, promise." Lila retorted just as smoothly and gently as before, a patient smile still adorning her soft features. She could be stubborn when it came to those she holds dear... and she was determined on making sure that Ray rests for at least a little while, instead of powering through his sleepiness just to spend time with her. They could come up with a compromise, after all.

"Uh- But..." He seems even more confused and embarrassed by her suggestion, clearly loosing all his former princely composure without even putting up a fight. "Is it really okay for me to do that?"

He didn’t quite understand how he was supposed to sleep right here in the garden, but something told him that his heart just could not take any more of such fantasies today. They... were just fantasies, right? There's no way Lila would... want to be this close to someone like him. Especially once he messed like that because of his own insecurity.

"Of course it's okay... I wouldn't propose anything to you, if I didn't want to do it with you, trust me." Instead of getting mad at him or asking for him to leave, she merely giggled again, slightly tilting her head to the side and making a stray ray of sunlight land right onto her hair in the process. If it weren't obvious to him before that Lila was, in fact, an angel, now he knew it for certain. She was practically glowing as she stood there, her eyes locked solely on him, and nothing else. It took of all his willpower to keep his focus on her quiet voice. "So, what will it be? Are we returning to my room or staying here?"

"Well... I don't know..." His fingers twitched nervously in her grasp. She was asking for him to decide? He felt so weird, being asked to make a decision for himself like that. Won't he just mess things up if he starts acting however he wants to act? But... He didn't want to upset Lila, too. So, anxiously, he responded. "May I... rest here then?"

He did not want to go back, being in the sunlight felt too good to give up. But... He still had no idea how is he supposed to sleep here. Questioning her didn't feel right, though. So, he just went with the flow, hoping that his princess will guide him even when he's so unsure of himself.

"Okay." The young woman, on the other hand, merely nodded to his decision and, after a bit of looking around and careful wandering about the garden, she apparently took notice of a small corner next to the small patch of freshly planted begonias. It was a peaceful little island of sunlight, like a tiny oasis. She knelt down in the lush grass, patting down the fabric of her dress adorning her knees. "Come on, join me, Ray."

Oh God, she was asking him to lay his head on her lap.

Did he understand her right? Or-

"W-what? Here?" He felt like his heart was about to, quite literally, burst out of is chest any minute now. His feet were frozen in place, as all he could do was just stand there and gawk at his tester, unsure if this is just one of his many dreams he mistook for reality. "But-"

Lila's all the same sweet and patient smile already gave him all the answers he needed. Damn it, he got the chance to be so close to her by her own request, and now he is too embarrassed to act on it. Ray could practically hear his other half going crazy from his indecisiveness inside his own head. Shutting his eyes tightly, he took the first step into the unknown.

"O-okay. But, please tell me if you get uncomfortable..." Shakily, he slowly lowered his head into her lap and... It took all of his inner strength not to hide his burning face into his palms as soon as he felt the warmth of her body so, so incredibly close to him. "Is this... okay?"

And, as he cautiously looked up at her, his breath got caught in his throat at the sight. The sun was shining right above Lila's head, creating a sort of halo around her face as she met his fearful gaze with one filled with silent promise of safety.

"It's more than okay, I promise. How about... I hum you a lullaby to help you relax? It's what my... sister used to do whenever I was too anxious to fall asleep."

Ray gulped. "I would love that, princess..."

[anchanted-one]

9 and 29 for the SWTOR asks?

Thanks for the ask!

09. Favorite planet

Alderaan. Everything about the world appeals to me, from the color pallette, the rolling hills and meadows, the snowcapped mountains, the majestic thrantas, and the architecture of their cities. And then they had to give it the best planetary soundtracks to drive home how peaceful it really is.

29: Companion you wished you could’ve romanced?

Disclaimer: I'm pretty happy with Lana, and would rarely ever pick a different LI other than for role-playing and gags.

That said, here goes.

This might be strange, but Senya Tirall, Shae Vizla, Pierce, and Talos Drellick. And if we're allowed to add a companion to the roster, Satele Shan.

1. Senya Tirall is still beautiful on top of being decisive and strong. And as Valkorion says, she never gives up. That trailer for KOTET just brought out the absolute best in her. She's also soft-spoken, funny, and deadly. I'd loved to have delved deeper into a backstory that didn't involve her kids and ex, or explore a life beyond kotet. I'm sure she's coping, living happily. Maybe she took the opportunity to retire. But it would be cool to have her as an LI.

2. This might be strange, since I think Shae might outwardly appear like she's nearly as toxic a partner as Kaliyo. Her idea of a date night might be hitting a pub or two before heading to a fight club amd knocking the flashlights out of each other's bazonkas. They'd argue incessantly, seemingly on principle. But then danger would round the corner and they'd show everyone how tight they really were, and have each other's backs. Over time, they'd grow closer and start telling each other their secrets.

3. Talos Drellick (i should stress bisexual romance, since vanilla comps didn’t have that option). And this is especially true of an Inquisitor, who might be a scholar and researcher. Drel has a real love of learning and archeology which he may share with SI. This might endear him to them. They might go on digs together, then marry for convenience and mutual respect as much as romance. I would definitely choose him over Ashara with a male Quizzy, if Lana was out of the question.

3. Pierce is there too. He'd make a good alternative to Quinn, for those who feel annoyed that he chose Darth Wide over us. Am I giving too many LIs to Warrior? Ahem.

4. Satele might be out of bounds but she's a temporary comp... so does that count? (She's also a bisexual option)

Anyway, there are several classes where she might end up as a comp, chief among them the Sith Warrior (balance for Scourge). That Talz companion (Broonmark?) ranks with Skadge and Rusk as the most fillery companion in my book. Zero personality, designed to fill a numerical quota.

Warrior might find Satele on Hoth after a series of twists which saw her leave the Republic in order to combat a threat (real original, i know!). Sparks might fly with a Light side Warrior (the male can't romance Jaesa) and they'd somehow end up on a date. On Dromund Kaas. Sweating bullets. And they'd have a strained but functioning romance.

Knight might also get Satele (instead of Rusk. Ostensibly to keep an eye on Scourge). So... I've said before that I'm not too fond of student-teacher romances. Still, it'll be fun to watch Kira making gagging noises in the corner as Satele tried outdated pickup lines on the Knight. It would also dig deeper into her past for those who want that. Any doubts she might have about leaving Jace and Theron might get addressed, especially a new one now that she's seeing someone again)

[invisiiblesmoke]

Mila smiled, nodding at his question and her heart soared as she saw their little daughter make hands to want to be picked up by her father once again. There was no denying just how much of a daddy's girl their Teddy was, always asking about him, asking to face time whenever they could while he was away. Mila would be a fool to admit that she didn't still have big feelings for Carson - he was the only man that had ever made her feel safe, made her feel truly loved and seen. He had given her the most beautiful gift in the world, their beautiful little girl - and whenever she saw Teddy and her wild curls and her little laugh, her goofy at times stubborn personality, she saw Carson in her.

"Oh yeah, Teds here has the best pallette. I make her some really good stuff and we make it together. She loves being in the kitchen. Yesterday we made shrimp scampi and she lived for it. She's courageous with her food, just like you." Mila smiled. "We're both so glad you're here, Cars. I - I hope we can - start over maybe, you know? At least try to." She looked up at him, blushing, always the shy one out of the pair of them. Teddy giggled at this, pointing to how her mother blushed and Mila just tickled her in Carson's arms.

"Oh yeah, get some sprinkles. I'm going to get a cone too, Teddybear. I'll get my favorite, cookie dough." When the brunette ordered for her and her little girl, there were some nice benches to sit on, Teddy of course insisting on sitting on her father's lap, licking at her cone, offering some to Mila and to Carson.

"You have a chef job now, Cars? Me and Teds would love to come see you work, wouldn't we, Teds?" The little girl nodded vigorously, laying her little head against her father. "And of course, whenever your apartment is ready, let us know - I'm sure Teddy would love to have some sleepovers. She has dance class soon, if you wanted to come and watch her - that way, you know - you and I can catch up, Cars." Mila suggested, blushing a little bit.

"Hopefully she likes my food, does she have a good palette or is she only eating mac and cheese?" He hoped that she took after the two of them, since they were both chefs but hey, maybe she didn't.

"I missed you guys." It was hard. Being away from them, leaving things unresolved with Mila, all of it. It felt like a part of him was missing when he was abroad. Being back with them, it almost felt unreal. He was happy being with the two of the, that was for sure. But seeing how much he missed with Teddy too, that also made him full of regret. Seeing her in front of him, it made him wish that he could go back in time.

"Hell yeah I'm gettin' that. I'm almost in the mood for sprinkles too since I know Teddy's gonna want me to add some color." He said looking down at their daughter. Even after the few years they weren't together, not much had changed about him, except for the fact that he missed her. He truly wished that things had been different, that they had gone to Europe together. However, that wasn't going to happen.

[jean-does-not-have-a-horseface]

How about a Levi x reader where his baby kept asking for him when he was at work so the reader has to call him while he’s in his office and him and the baby have cute convos on FaceTime even though they can’t even talk yet

Oh woah I loved this so much anon, I hope you enjoy my sweetheart 😭👉🏻👈🏻 everyone thank you in advance for reading I love yall

Pairing: Levi/ Reader ft baby Kuchel

Tags: fluff, domestic, daddy Levi, drabblity drabble

Warnings: None it's just that Kuchel is the sweetest baby and Levi is a workaholic dad and he canonically loves rice okay?

Face time

Golden rays of light peaked through the gaps of the story curtain illuminating the otherwise dull, gray and overly cold office, basking the walls in mellow tangerine. The bubbling sound of the well known ringtone filled the room, lingering as it bounced form wall to wall, getting louder with each passing second.

With tired eyes, Levi took a good look around the room before picking up his slim device in his hands. His finger dragged the jade button of acceptance, his chest leaving out a heavy sigh as he finally let go of the round, metallic pen that rested between the digits of his right hand. His face lit up, pale skin shimmering under the pumpkin colored light, his cheeks puffing up with a fresh huff of air.

"Dadda!"

The high pitched voice caressed his ears softly as his eyes squinted in pure delight masking the stoic man's face with a rather rare expression. His obsidian orbs were glued to the screen, his finger coming to lightly stroke down upon the pixels that formed his daughters teeny chubby face.

"Hey Levi, are we bothering you?" You asked waving an enthusiastic hand at him.

"Oh" he paused "Not at all, I needed a break actually."

The little girl cheered on your lap, her significantly smaller fists quivering before her collarbones on pure happiness.

"She can't wait for you to get home." You announced and your daughter nodded vigorously. "She blurted something about beauty and the beast while I put on the songs earlier. Tell daddy baby!"

"Booetey dah dah beeat!"

The little baby spoke with half confused expression on her face as her grey eyes wobbled with want between you and Levi. A tiny miscellaneous smile appeared on her lips, her few sets of teeth peaking slightly through her cherry lips as a sound of laughter escaped her upon realisation of her actual words.

"Okay, Beauty and the Beast it is!"

"Are you going to watch all of it Kuchel?" You smiled at her, poking the tip of your finger in her squishy cheek.

"Ya" she spoke with a sly laugh.

Levi sighed, running a hand through his shaggy bangs as he watched whike you struggled with trying to softly take Kuchel's hands away from the phone. The baby whined slightly, her chubby hands coming to softly tap onto what Levi guessed were her little thighs. Instinctively Levi brought down the bar on top of his phone eager to check at the time.

7.30 pm.

The ravenette's head throbbed from all the paperwork he had supervised and signed during the day. His mind run to you as his eyes watched you sympathetically. His chest was burning at the thought of coming home to you, taking a hot bath and sinking into the comfortable couch that stood proudly in your living room. He was growing impatient as he thought about your hands on his nape, rubbing soothing circles on his sore skin as he held Kuchel on his lap while the TV played her favorite Disney princess movie.

Damn he wanted to come back home. He didn't want to be stuck here behind enormous piles of paperwork just to get a decent paying promotion.

His sore arm felt like a log as he moved the phone to another spot, the camera quickly catching another angle of his sharp face. Deciding to ignore it he felt his eyes squinting once again at the sight of his daughter's bubbly little speech.

"You're tired, aren't you baby?" You inquired, your lips pushing into a thin line.

Levi took his hands off of his forehead and tried to half chuckle at you, yet the exhausted look on your face prevented him from doing so. Kuchel couldn't seem to sit in one place as she chirped for him, screaming occasional father honorifics at him as she tried to grab the phone off of you. Secretly, Levi resented that you had to stay with Kuchel for most of the day while he was trying to get that promotion.

But more money meant that you could out her in a good daycare once you'd have to get back to work after your maternity leave expired. And Levi felt responsible to help as much as he could when it came to his family so long as he could enjoy cozy nights at home like the one that was currently inside his head.

Seeing that his tongue had grown dry despite the bittersweet saliva of hunger, Levi savored the mellow taste as he felt his stomach spread and buzz in protest to its emptiness. Hunger growled angrily at the fleshy walls of his digestive organ and seeing that it was past his usual dinner time, Levi clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"Do you need anything to eat?" Levi questioned, his eyebrow cocking slightly at you as he spoke. "I think I should just come home, I'm too tired for these shitty papers."

"Languageeee!"

Kuchel screamed as you smiled at her father. With a slight nod and the familiar look of assurance on your face you told Levi that he shouldn't have to bring any take out for you to eat, you could just cook and call it a day, but that man clashed his tongue to his pallette as soon as you uttered that, a somehow sly smirk formed over his face.

"I actually want to cook alone with you, you brats. Wait for me won't you?"

"Of course we will baby!"

Another couple of bubbling giggles echoed through the walls of his office, this time acting as the only warmer he could ever need as the sky turned into a soft mixture of azure and violet. You and Kuchel waved maniacally at him, sending him a thousand kisses through the screen before pressing the button to hung up.

Immediately, Levi pushed his chair back, his legs straightening as he stood half exhausted and half proud over his spot. Shoving away any trace of paperwork that was on his way, his mind run through all the recipes he was eager to try out tonight as his mouth almost drooled at the thought of all the rice he cook for the night.

Oh, perhaps you could make fried rice, he told himself, almost smiling at the thought, that seemed like a great idea.

Taglist: @sasageyowrites @nobody-knows-anymore @ackermans-freedom-inc @ladyofpandemonium @hawkssnugget @berrijam @callmepromise @levisbrat25 @melancholicmonologue

[lovee-infected]

I enjoy reading character analysis to understand them more and I've also noticed that some insert fics are like too exagerated and their personalities are far from the canon twst. I think some writers are just basing their fics to others and and makes conclusion about it and ignore important details or text on their cards?* And as a reader, I do sometimes think that "this" character are like that. Like Vil, being portrayed as narcisstic and beauty obssessed charac, I think he isnt like that and theres more to him than we think. Sorry for the long ask✌️

You're totally valid anon and I see your point, you know while I agree that each idea and interpretation on characters is worthy on its own and no one is bound to having a specific opinion or belief, getting too wild with personal fantasies and ignoring the originals can totally ruin the writing. Characters are often mischaracterized especially in reader insert fics and the most annoying part is that almost everyone is making the same mistakes about him-! Like some of the noticable mistakes would be:

(1) Femininely has nothing to do with Vil's terms of beauty

Oh lord what can I say- It's even against what Vil himself directly said through chapter five and how he cleared his point on male and female equal, and you can tell he is pretty strict about it.

Like did you just forget what he told Epel when he complained that he doesn't want to act like a girl: “a boy getting embarrassed about ‘acting like a girl,’ -- what year is your head stuck in??? did you take a time machine from 100 years ago??”

He doesn't seem to be one to appreciate the concept of labeling beauty as a female-only thing and on the other hand, he doesn't really seem to like the way women can be looked down on while being compared to men either. He seeks equality, and beauty wasn't ever defined as a feminine act in his dictionary; while there are tons of requests asking for: Vil forcing their trans s/o to wear more feminine clothes/ Vil asking their fem! s/o to wear more feminine stuff an look cuter/Vil complimenting s/o's appearance for not being feminine enough/... And literally TONS of requests like this. Please, you're forgetting one the most important parts of his personality, he considers male and female to be equal and it's so hecking important to show that he holds respect for all genders nonetheless.

(2) Vil's maturity is often ignored

Honestly, within all twst characters Vil's maturity on its own really impresses me. From the way he speaks to how serious and sincere he is all I gotta say is this man is waaay different from the way he's charactetized in most of the fics. Idk why but, he's sometimes charactetized as a guy who's ready to boil you alive if you dare touch any of his expensive make up pallettes or eyeshadows. Oh please, Vil isn't an angry child.

Also he often decides to keep his anger in, though you can tell when he's mad by just looking at his face. Clinching fists, trying not to talk and most likely, walking off or asking people to leave him alone until he calms down a bit is most likely his usual way of expressing his anger, but I've seen him being described as a loud, feral figure like Riddle is! Oh god no- Are you just ignoring how calm and collected Vil often tends to be?

(3) What's with the potato fetish?

While it's canon that Vil can sometimes call people around him potato. You may like to know that in some languages, potato is translated as "Apple of the ground", which can be an interesting reason of him using this nickname for people.

Watching Vil call students potatoes can be as entertaining as watching Malleus play with his tamagotchi, but again, it's important to realize that you don't have to only use potato when you're thinking of what Vil might say in a reader insert/situation!

Come on there are hundreds of different statements and sentences you can use other than just 'potatoes' and it'll get boring to read him saying the same nick name over and over in a fic. Good lord of course this isn't the only word he uses in communication so please try to avoid using it too much. This, is NOT the only word that he knows to use! (Seriously though I've seen being used like 6 times in a 500-word drabble)

(4) Please avoid spreading false information about him and his personality

Funny how I'm saying it here, but don't forget that you do not own him! Vil Schoenheit is a property of Disney/ Aniplex and all, which means that no one can certainly decide on his sexuality/ background/ unexplained character details unless it's officially announced.

Why am I saying this? Because some people are seriously going to far! I've seen people attacking others saying that Vil's pronouns are She/Her and not He/ Him like: EXCUSE ME...???

I don't want to get into details explaining how this drama is going but I've got to say something anyway, YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO DECIDE ON HIS PRONOUNS! None of us do!

It's totally okay to have your personal preferences on his pronouns or anything else, but you must avoid spreading such information and forcing them on others as long as they aren't confirmed! Please keep your headcanons for yourself and don't confuse the fandom with them. Everyone's free to have their own headcanons but it's never okay to force them on others!

(5) Vil has a LOT to talk about other than just beauty!

Man... sometimes I feel like the fandom is just doing him dirty. Most of the reader inserts, fics , and even Vil memes have something to do with beauty while it's important to try and look through his personality as well instead of just sticking with the beauty aspect.

For example, through the Halloween event, I couldn't be any more surprised when Vil found the crying child who had lost their parents through the crowd and instead of just leaving them to headmaster or asking someone to take care of them he actually started to play with the child and entertrain and confront them on his own! That was probably one of his sweetest moments through the whole game and it really changed my mind about him! It was great to know that Vil as well can have a softer side when it comes to children, just imagine how good this can be used while writing a father AU for him!

His talents on the other hand need to be recognized, for example: his acting skills back in the ghost marriage proved how much of a great actor he can be and this can also give us lots of ideas to use in writings. On the other hand he's much of a celebrity on his own ( Woop- he's also got 2m followers on magicam) which gives us another great plot to write for him.

The way he is around close friends, how he compliments them and gets complimented by them in return, the way he manages Pomefiore and tries to put the students into doing their best in using their skills and lots of more interesting details that can be found through his stories are there to tell you that he's a lot more than just a beautiful Queen. A considerable part of his background as well is going to be released at he end of chapter 5 (Yes baby after the overblot Vil) and I hope that gives us all the opportunity to come up with stronger personalities and plots next time that we're describing or even, characterizing Vil!

Lmao I kind of rushed to finish this so I didn't get to talk about him as much as I wanted to, but hope that this is useful anyway.

[jangmi-latte]

❞ 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞, 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞! ❝

➻ content: sweet apples and...saliva?

➻ warnings: extra diabetes!

➻ comments: goodness, seems like hunt and felmier are exhausted...

— to my french customers, please do alert me if i used your language wrong. i’m double checking the translations in google translate for it to be accurate but i prefer it coming from you.

— big thanks to @yourlittlerunt (aka rook's twin brother) for correcting me!

"Roi des Poison?"

Rook looked around the room in worry. Vil was nowhere to be found. It is very unusual for the said dorm leader to not be up around this time of the day. It was nearing classes and Pomefiore hasn’t seen him around. Of course, Rook took it upon himself to go to Vil’s room. Nothing.  He texted Epel, the first year being the first contact

    He’s not in his room.

The blond male sighed and closed the door once he had left. 15 minutes left before classes would start. Vil could be anywhere, he could be in classes right now as he searched. That’s when Rook’s phone dinged.

    I haven't seen him either.

Have you tried his lab?

Again, Vil would be anywhere. With a hand through his hair, Rook walked over to the room Epel had mentioned and entered, "Vil? Are you in here?" he called.

Silence. He walked inside, surely he must be crouching somewhere. Still, nothing. Just as Rook was about to leave, glass breaking was heard in a distance and a small giggle. "Qu’est ce que c’était? [What was that?]" he mumbled and began his search once more. Another vile broke and Rook quickly went to the slightly open cabinet.

“These rats.” He was about to close the door before a small cry was heard inside the cabinet. The male quickly opened the door once more and to his surprise, there was a baby–no, a toddler, inside the cabinet.

"Ookie!"

"Eh?"

A boy that looked too much like Vil crawled out of the cabinet and into his arms. "Oh, what in blazes is a baby like you doing here?" Rook grumbled and held the baby at arm’s length. The toddler babbled and clapped his small hands. "Ookie! Ookie!" He made grabby hands to Rook. Another thing, he’s naked.

"I came here for Vil, not you. Though if I do get my suspicions correct, you may be Vil." Rook carried the baby on his hip. "Oh well. I’m sure he would appear somewhere else if it's not you. I have to get you to the professor," he announced and the kid simply sneezed.

"How adorable!"

Before heading out, Rook went to his room and searched for any alternative clothes he could give the child. He doesn’t have baby-sized clothes that for sure. Neither does Vil nor Epel. He scratched his cheek, deep in thought, then snapped his fingers.

"I can only think of one solution, for now." Rook grabbed a cloth from his drawers and laid it across the bed. The little boy, who obediently sat on the bed with his big eyes staring at Rook, babbled before being carried by the huntsman, "Shush."

"Shoosh!" he repeated with a giggle.

Rook placed the boy on the cloth. "Now stay still." He began to wrap the cloth, as secure as he can, around the little fellow’s hips. At least he has something to catch his pee and poo. Cleaning is going to be a problem. Rook did not sign up for a babysitting job nor does he know how. He needs a little help from a certain first year. He carried the boy and proceeded to head to class.

As expected, the moment he walked through the halls of the school building, all the students that were running to their classes had halted on their steps and stared at the vice prefect dumbfounded. The unfazed man walked inside his first class, Magical Alchemy. “Professor Crewel, do excuse me for being late.”

"Why do you have a baby in your arms, Hunt?"

"You see, I was looking for Vil, but I saw this child in the cabinet."

"Hunt."

“Oui?”

"That’s Schoenheit."

"Figured. I guess my suspicions were correct, indeed."

Rook looked at the kid in his arms. Little Vil was holding onto his magic pen, too concentrated on trying to remove the gem as he has his lips in a pout. Professor Crewel was correct indeed. Beautiful blond hair with purple highlights and purple eyes. The cutest and most beautiful baby he has ever seen.

"Oh dear, Roi des Poison what ever did you do in that lab?" Rook mumbled.

Divus cleared his throat. "Hunt. We will look at this matter later. Schoenheit is under your responsibility for now. Meet me after classes are over. Now be a good boy and go to your seat." He continued on with classes after Rook had agreed.

He walked over to his sit and placed Vil on his desk. He was receiving looks and whispers, mostly about how cute Vil is or what mishap has caused the prefect to turn into a sapling. Either way, he’s getting more attention now. Rook sighed and leaned on his arm, "You’re adorable." He poked Vil’s chubby cheeks and received a smile in return. Only four pieces of teeth are shown and it sent the blond squealing and bouncing on his seat.

“Hunt!”

“Apologies, professor!”

Ah, small babbles and giggles had made the class chuckle in delight.

"Vil is already stunning, it’s no surprise–" Cater snapped another picture. "—that him being so small would make him so cute!" he cooed and squished Vil’s cheeks. Rook snatched the little boy from the third-year. "Of course! He is the Vil Schoenheit after all," he proclaimed whilst Cater just shrugged and continued to admire the shrunken dorm leader.

Vil was placed on the table once lunchtime came, some have approached and played with him for his cuteness. He loved the attention but getting too much cheeks squishes and hearing loud noises had made him cry. Which resulted in Rook getting protective and shooing the students away. All except Cater who’s very much gentle with the kid.

Now, little Vil is sucking on sliced apples while Rook looked around for a certain first-year. He texted him once more.

    What’s taking you so long?

Epel responded.

    I'm sorry! Professor Trein held me back.

Placing his phone back on the table and adjusting his hat, Rook looked at Vil who stared at him while sucking on the fruit. "Is there anything you want?" he asked.

"Appie..." Vil babbled and released the apple from his mouth. Rook pouted and took the slobbery fruit from him and cut it into smaller bits.

"Don’t you have any clothes for him?" Cater had asked.

"Non. As if I would have any clothes for an infant."

"Senior!" someone called out along with fast footsteps, "Ah, Epel. Finally," breathed Rook.

Epel slowed down into a walk once he has gotten closer to the third-years, "What’s the problem– oh.." he began to ask, yet the moment his eyes settled on the little Vil happily eating the small apple slices, he has gotten his answer.

"How?"

"I have no clue."

Sighing, the first-year scratched his head. "At least he isn’t going to nag again," he mumbled.

"Did you say something?"

"N-Nothing! Have you asked Professor Crewel?" Epel took a seat beside his senior.

"Professor Crewel said to meet him after classes. You and I have taken full responsabilité over small Roi des Poison."

"W-Why am I involved?"

In the midst of the conversation, Vil’s eyes have caught sight of the feather that adorned Rook’s hat. His stubby legs trembled as he pushed himself up from where he sat. He reached his small hands out then plucked the feather from Rook’s hat. Cater looked up from his phone and quickly grabbed the baby before he could topple over the table.

Rook and Epel snapped their heads over to see Cater holding the laughing baby before he placed him back on the table. "Vil–" Rook furrowed his eyebrows at the sight of the feather in Vil’s hand. His own gloved fingers touched his hat before pouting, “Ah. I suppose you could have that for now,” he sighed. Vil giggled loudly whist waving the feather. “Ookie!” he cheered.

“Yes, I’m Ookie.”

“He’s cute.” Epel commented and gently pulled the baby to where he sat. Vil innocently tilted his head to the first year, he thrust the feather to Epel and waved it. The purple-haired student blinked and gave a small smile, “He can stay like this. I’m fine with it.”

“Then you take care of him.”

"I don't know how—"

A sudden stench was smelt by the third-years. Even Cater had scrunched his face, "Did he..." he began. Rook slowly looked at the quiet toddler on the table, Epel stared at him with wide eyes. Vil was just blinking and the feather he had fun playing was now being held gently on his lap. All three students stared at each other before Epel raised his hands, "Not it!" "Cater, you do it."  "Ah well, you see Riddle needs me! I need to go now! See ya, little Vil!’

Cater quickly stood up and ran out of the cafeteria. Rook groaned and looked back at the baby. Vil's big purple eyes innocently looked at the vice dorm leader and sent his little smile. Poking his tongue on the inside of his cheeks, the hunter picked up toddler, and stood up. "Monsieur Apple Princess, come and assist me to Mr. Sam's shop!"

"B-But—!"

Rook rubbed his face in distress. Little Vil has scattered the powder everywhere, he doesn't want to sit still, and he tried to touch the makeup pallettes that Rook accidentally left on the bed. Epel was trying to distract the little boy with the plushies they have purchased, however it seems like Vil was more interested on trying to eat makeup bruhes.

"I thought he was a good baby..."

Epel deadpanned and shook his head. "Babies are too curious with stuff. Vil�� I-I mean senior Vil wasn't an exception, I guess," he stated and gave the bee stuff toy to Vil. The feather that was plucked from Rook's hat is now forgotten as it stayed on the bed.

The vice dorm leader sighed and grabbed Vil once more. "Roi des Poison, do stay still," he practically begged. A hunter does get tired too, you know. Little Vil giggled loudly before biting on the bee. Quickly, Rook laid the baby's lower half on the diaper and swiftly attached it around his hips. Just in time as Vil started to wiggle and babbled before crawling away.

"Fini! [Finished!]"

Vil crawled towards Epel and sat in between his legs. He started to babble incoherent words that made both males confused. "Huh?" they said.

A knock came on Rook's door. "Vice dorm leader?"

"Come in!"

A Pomefiore student peeked his head in, his eyes going to Vil, who's eyes are starting to water as he continued to nibble on the bee, for a brief moment before looking at Rook. "Professor Crewel is calling for you in the lab," he said.

With a nod, Epel carried the sniffling baby as both males headed over to Pomefiore's laboratory. There, Divus was crouched right beside the cauldron, inspecting what seems to be a broken vile. "Professor," Epel called out as he bounced Vil in his arms.

The older male hummed and held up the broken vile. "Hunt, do you have any idea what happened before Schoenheit turned into a child?"

Rook shook his head before walking towards the cauldron. He looked inside then glanced over at the spilt potion on the ground. "Is this nectar from a Hibiscus flower?" he asked. Just as those words slipped from his lips, Vil started to wail.

Epel reflexively started to bounce the child in his arms more. "Shhhh.." he shushed and poked the saliva-drenched bee to him yet, to no avail, the dorm leader still continued to cry.

Divus hummed. "I knew it. It appears Schoenheit tried to create another moisturizer by using nectars from both Hibiscus and Hydrangea flowers," he began before walking over to the cabinets.

"Isn't Hibiscus nectar...." Epel trailed off. "I don't know how to say it but...fragile to other elements?" He continued to hush the little baby that continued to wail. Rook, being worried by Vil's sudden tantrum, approached the two and took him in his arms.

"Rather than fragile, Hibiscus nectar has a strong trigger effect on other elements . Pouring more than three drops of its nectar can cause a big error to the chemicals. I believe Schoenheit accidentally dropped it and spilled more than half of the vile into the cauldron. The room smells, he must've inhaled quite the smoke." Divus went back to the cauldron, holding viles with two different colored liquids.

"So, him being in the cabinets meant that he tried to reverse the spell.." Rook hummed as Vil clinged on his chest. Sniffling and hiccuping as he made grabby hands towards Epel who held the little bee.

"Correct," Divus commented. Carefully, the professor poured the liquids into Vil's unfinished product. Meawhile, Epel had given the little bee to Vil, the toddler taking it into his arms and proceeds to cuddle with it.

"Do you have any milk formula?"

"No/Non." replied the two students.

With a click of his tongue, Divus sucked the finished elixir into a syringe. "It's now your turn to find a way on how to make him drink this. By the look in his eyes, you'll be having a hard time to make Schoenheit drink this." He gave the syringe to Epel before bidding his students farewell.

Rook has never been THIS tired. Taking care of a little kid, his dorm leader at that, was something he did underestimate. He has misjudged Vil being a sweetheart as a child. Who knew the most beautiful man in the whole school shared his own mishaps in his early days. Of course, Rook wouldn't be surprised at this point. Vil is full of surprises after all. They have only knew each other for three years, there is still more to uncover.

"Ah..." Epel opened his mouth as he gently moved Vil's head. He tried to make the young one to mimic him but, as soon as Vil's eyes locked overbat the syringe, his small hand went flying, nearly hitting the syringe before burying his face on Rook's chest.

"No!" he whined.

"Vil.." Rook grumbled and took a deep breath before smiling. "Do you want more apples, Roi des Poison?"

"Appie!" cheered little Vil once he looked up at the vice dorm leader.

Green eyes looked towards the young freshman. "Come now, Monsieur Apple Princess. I have errands to run and a uniform to clean."

My, my, it seems little Vil has drooled on our hunter's uniform.

"Are you sure this will work?" asked Epel who placed the child on his bed. The two now resided in Vil's room as it was the safest place for Vil to return back to his normal state. Yes, the baby only has his diaper on so, there was a big possibility for him to be naked once he shifted back.

Rook pulled the syringe's needle out of the small apple slice. The now empty container placed out of reach as he could see Vil's curious eyes staring at it. "I'm sure it will!" Rook gleamed before handing the apple slice to Vil.

The child eagerly took the fruit and ate it. His two sets of teeth biting down on it while his lips began to suck. Epel groaned and rubbed his face. "He's not eating it! I-I mean—"

"Just enjoy your last taste of freedom of speech before he comes back to normal, Epel."

Rook placed the blanket on Vil's head before placing his hands on his hips. He watched Vil eat the whole fruit with a small giggle. The confused freshman blinked, about to respond before a big gush of smoke scattered around the room, leading both males to cough and cover their noses.

"Ugh..."

As they continued to swatting the smoke away from their faces, the blanket now held a bigger body from the little child that once sat on the bed. Once the smoke was cleared off, Rook looked over at the bed and big smile of relief danced acrossed his face.

"Roi des Poison! You're back!"

Vil moved the blanket away from his head and massaged his temples. Groaning and blinking his eyes once he has completely adjusted. "What happened?" he mumbled and looked at Rook and Epel with confusion. "What are the two of you doing in my room?" He furrowed his eyebrows, his sharp purple eyes now held authority and not the sweet little innocence it once carried.

Epel stiffened and gulped. All the relaxation that he felt when Vil was a sapling disappeared. He was nervous now. Vil is back to the way he was.

"I-I.." he tried to think of excuse. Oh, thank Rook for intervening!

"I'll explain everything once you dress up, Roi des Poison. You might get a cold!"

"Why am I naked?!"

[humaforever]

Quality time/Huma fic

It was a bright Sunday morning in Auradon. The sun was blasting, but when was it not in Auradon. Most of the people were out strolling around the beautiful city on this perfect day. But not everyone. In room 24 on the side of Auradon prep where the girl's dorms were located was a beautiful dark-skinned girl with amazing turquoise hair along with a pale boy with ebony hair. Harry and Uma were currently in Uma's dorm room. Uma was on her bed reading over a legislation Ben wanted to make for the "Isle reformation committee." Uma oversaw this committee, she knew what was best for the isle. As for Harry he was spinning in a chair looking through the things in said girl's vanity. Uma had no idea why he was there, he looked extremely bored and Gil had invited him to go with him, Jay, and Carlos to get lunch. But Harry had declined. Uma didn't mind his company, but he was being nosy, and it was distracting her.

"Hey Harry" she finally spoke up now getting very irritated by him

"Hmm?" He responded as he continued to look through her things

"Can you please stop...whatever it is you're doing"

"Ugh!" He threw his hands up and just started spinning more in his chair

"Woah, what the hell was that? Fricken drama queen" Uma responded more irritated than ever. What he just did was not cool with her. "What's wrong" she asked trying to take a calm stance on this

He just walked over to the bed and flopped down at the bottom of the mattress.

"Okay then, take your time" Uma said rolling her eyes and furrowing her eyebrows.

Uma continued to look over the document not having the energy for this. A few minutes passed when Harry let out a long hard sigh into her comforter.

"OKAY what! You obviously want my attention! Stop acting like a baby and tell me what your problem is!" Uma shouted

Harry turned around and looked at Uma as a smile started to grow on his face

"Sorry captain, I was just wondering when you were going to be done. It seems like one of us is always busy and we haven't been spending quality time together anymore." He stated

Uma scoffed at him "Quality time huh? Okay so what did you want to do?" She asked putting the document on her nightstand deciding to indulge him

His expression immediately changed, and his face brightened with excitement "Can I do your makeup!?" He asked excitedly

My makeup! She thought. Uma fully trusted Harry with most everything including when it came to her appearance. He would help her pick out her outfits and do her hair sometimes but her makeup. He wasn't the best at doing his own makeup. Although the charcoal eyeliner he used brought out his beautiful eyes it could definitely look well...messy at times. And it definitely wasn't something she wanted on her face. But he looked so excited she didn't want to spoil his excitement. He was also right; they hadn't had much time to spend together just the two of them.

She must've been thinking for a long time because his face fell, and he looked away

"Its okay if you don't want me to, it was just a suggestion" He said voice sounding incredibly sad

So sad that it made her heart swell, not in a good way. She never wanted to be the reason for his sadness "No, no, umm, I guess...umm if you really want to you can"

"Really!" He said face lighting up again

"Yeah" how could she say no when he looked so cute

**********

"Alrighty I think I found one"

They had set up two chairs at her vanity. She laid out her makeup and took off the makeup she previously had on while he looked for a reference photo to follow. At least he wasn't just going to do his regular makeup routine on her.

"Can I see it?" She asked

"No, it's going to be a surprise" He said looking over her makeup

"Please"

"No"

He opened one of her eyeshadow palettes and picked up a small brush

"Wait you're starting with eyeshadow?" Uma asked skeptically

"I was planning on it. Why am I not supposed to"

"Most people start with foundation but you can do whatever you want"

"Mmkay which ones that" Harry questioned

"Here" Uma said holding out a bottle of a dark liquid substance

He took it and pumped some of it out on a larger brush

"Oh Harry" she said watching the whole thing

"What now?"

"You were supposed to use this" She said holding up a beauty blender "The brush leaves it uneven"

He took the beauty blender from her and sighed "okay, thanks, but please stop telling me how to do it. I really appreciate it but you're kinda taking the fun out of it"

He tried to rub the foundation he had just put on the brush onto the beauty blender. All while Uma pressed her mouth into a flat line deciding not to mention how he was supposed to wet the beauty blender first.

He gently grabbed her face and started to apply the foundation. Covering all areas of her face.

"Close your eyes" Harry said fully concentrated on his work, she had to admit it was cute how focused he was

So she obliged and felt the large sponge glide across her eyes. When she could tell he stopped she opened her eyes.

"Alright I don't really like it but I don't care. I'm doing eyeshadow now." He declared

"Can I look at it?" Uma asked

"No, it's gonna be a surprise"

Even though they were sitting right next to a mirror she was still going to ask for permission to see the look because this was Harry's time to shine and she wouldn't spoil it for him.

He settled on a small palate and started to put the powder on a brush

That's my bronzer pallette! She thought

"Close your eyes again for me dear" he said inspecting the powder ratio on the brush

When Harry started to apply the eyeshadow (bronzer) he did it so incredibly gentle that it was extremely ticklish on her eyes and made them start to water. Uma had peeked a small look at him. He was so close to her face, so concentrated, and oh yeah did I mention cute.

"Open"

When Uma opened her eyes Harry immediately noticed they had watered up.

"What happened? What did I do? Did I press too hard?" He asked somewhat frantically

"No, nothing, you didn't hurt me. The brush was tickling my eye" She said with a laugh

"Oh" he said with relief "Hey, do you have any brightly colored pallettes?"

She didn't bring those ones out on purpose she didn't want to look like a clown. But oh well she had already come this far.

*****

After Harry had spent a large amount of time trying to get both eyes the same and perfect, also quicky putting on eyeliner. he was ready for lipstick.

He'd definitely shortened the makeup look by not adding any of the highlights, concealer, and what not. Anyway, Harry had chosen a dark cherry red color for her lips.

Once he had applied it he looked very satisfied.

"Okay, last but not least, time for blot"

"Blot? You know about blot?" Uma asked

"Of course"

"Hm, well I have some tissue ove-"

She was cut of by Harry firmly planting his lips on hers. Just as her eyes began to flutter shut he pulled apart.

"Perfect! Well you can look now"

Uma nodded slowly regaining herself. Seeing the small amount of lipstick he had on his lips. When she turned to the mirror. She was very surprised to say the least. He had done a fantastically blended, sparkly, gorgeous eye makeup. The colors worked so well together and against her complexion. Even the bronzer as eyeshadow looked good, she may have to try that more often. The eyeliner he did was actually pristine with a perfect cat eye. The lipstick matched well and complemented her face.

"Ta da! You like" He asked

"I love! When did you get so good at makeup?"

"I uh, I practice sometimes. I mean practice other things than my regular guyliner. I've been wanting to ask if I could do your makeup for a long time now but I thought you'd say no" he said shrugging while looking down at his hands.

Uma's expression went soft. "You can always do my makeup"

He smiled at her. They kept their gaze on each other not breaking eye contact. She leaned in for another quick kiss. Light, soft, passionate, but short.

"Well I don't know about you but I'm ready to paint the town. Show off my new look. Wanna come with me" Uma said

"I'll follow you to the ends of the Earth captain"

[hecate-spawn]

an shiraishi for both ask games!

Christ thank you so much

So for the first one

Blorbo: An Shiraishi my beloved <3 ever since I started project Sekai she's been my favorite

Scrunckly: Emu! She's always so happy and energetic and cute and kind and just 🎉❤️🎉 like I would want her as a best friend and I'd want to spoil her and smother her in hugs

Scrimblo blimbo: Honami! I actually like Honami (and most of the prsk cast) and there's a lack of content and focus for her. Like, she's so ridiculously nice, and sweet and caring. Even after everything that happened to her in middle school

Gulpo shitto: oof. Going with Taiga. He's actually super cool and I love that he's like an uncle to An and a mentor to Kohane. Also is it just me or is there a little tension with him and Ken?

poor little meow meow: Kanade!!! Omg she is pathetic in a nice way. She literally gets no sleep and works so freaking hard and I feel like the fandom sleeps on her while focusing on Mizuki, Ena, and Mafuyu a lot (not to they aren't amazing I just want people to love Kanade more)

horse plinko: Akito. I think it would be fun to annoy him

eeby deeby: Rui. I want to see what happens

okay and now for the second one:

An Shiraishi

Sexuality headcanon: lesbian. I can't reaysee her as anything else

Gender headcanon: girl. Cis or trans who knows. She's just very tomboyish.

A ship I have with said character: AnHane!!! I love them so much top ship. Kohane has so much respect for An and is doing her best so she can be as good as she is. An's doing her best to be a good partner having never done this before. And when Kohane gets better and is getting lessons from Taiga An worries she won't be good enough soon. They both want to be the absolute best for each other and I think that's beautiful ❤️ also in canon An said she's going on a date with Kohane in her 3 star from the time to hang out event

BROTP I have with said character: An and Haruka. They're so great. When Haruka stops being an idol she immediately tells An and when she decides to start back up again the first person she tells is An. They're such good friends and colorful pallette shows that. I love their friend rivalry. I headcanon they do morning runs/jogs together

NOTP with said character: AkiAn. I ever much do not like it there's like no romantic subtext for me at all. Also I see An as a lesbian. I just don't like it, gives me the ick. However if you ship it that's fine

Random headcanon I have of said character: likes Shonen anime. I feel like she wouldn't be on electronics a lot but she totally watches Shonen anime, maybe even with her dad. She also knows her street like the back of her hand and is good in gym and biology

Overall opinion of the character: favorite project sekai character deserves all the love and the fandom should stop using her as a background character for Akito and Toya

And we're done, thank you so much for the ask <33

[ameliterature]

I haven't written one of these in forever so here goes:

Is this it? Is this what Neil has been looking for all this time? That feeling he was searching for in acting, in Dead Poet Meetings, in defying his Father, in defying Welton... This, however, it was a different feeling than any of those combined...

Neil was, for the first time in his entire existence, alive. Silly, he thought acting was what made him feel truly alive, then again it was just the byproduct of finally freeing himself from the grasp of his Father and Welton. But this? This was different.

Todd, when they first met, never really made his tummy rumble and his chest rattle, not like it did a few months ago. Todd was a slow, tender, variable to the feeling Neil would soon acknowledge as the best emotion of his life. Todd’s warmth crept up to him in moments he didn't even think could use warmth. Neil had thought just the ambition and drive to do what he wants was enough to call 'living'. But with Todd... it's like... he didn't have a choice, his body, his mind, they couldn't help but feel even more real when they were with Todd. Neil never knew his heart could literally skip a beat, he never knew he could sweat outside of sports or hot weather, he never even knew he was into blondes (or guys for that matter). Todd was like an inevitable force in Neil’s life that he was finally able to encounter once he was able to act. Being free from his father’s judgement made him freer to think, and because of that, Neil stopped worrying about his sexuality or what he expected in a partner, all he knew was that Todd made him feel alive.

It was no surprise to Charlie either, that Neil would succumb to his teenaged whims and ask him how to ask Todd out. With a scoff, his best friend agreed but in the condition that Neil switched seats with Cameron at lunch (long story). Neil was more than elated when Todd said 'Yes', all because Todd said it so softly and so sweetly to him. To Todds defense, when a guy who’s accidentally covered in pollen, running from bees, and holding a bunch of roses spelling out your name, you'd want to be gentle.

Their date was very much like the two of them when they were alone in their dorms or out in the campus. They visited a quiant Museum up north, some antique broadway props place Charlie recommended, the two had endless comments on every display there. They then arrived at a small bookstore nearby, it sold second hand books for a buck each and you can bet Todd lost his week's allowance in that place. (Neil wasn't lucky either when they happened upon an antique Shakespearean Playbook). It started to rain after that so they scurried over to a small diner and ate garbage plates of fries, gravy, mashed potatoes, and menacingly delicious pork baby back ribs. It wasn't the most elegant of dates, but Neil had never felt so happy just spending more time with Todd.

Every word that came out of Todd’s mouth was golden. His anecdotes, his cheap shots at Neil’s sauce covered grin, his soft compliments, his even softer way of saying 'I'm happy you like me back'. Neil could die here, salt and sauce covered, and he wouldn't mind. The milkshakes helped clean up their pallettes and their napkins cleaned their exteriors from smelling like 10 dollar diner dishes.

When the rain subsided, the two managed to walk out into a secluded park and spend their last few date hours there. Todd's brother was going to pick him up around that town for a family trip the next day so Neil had to go back to Welton alone. The brief disappointment was cut short when Todd's face was about a few centimeters away from Neil’s.

"I really enjoyed our date." Todd's voice was so beautiful. "I hope you'll ask me out again with less pollen in your hair."

"I'll try," Neil chuckled, his sugary breath matching Todd's ever-nearing ones. "I can't promise I won't ask again soon, though"

"I hope you do."

Neil’s first kiss with Todd was like the whole world stopping just for him to feel this exact moment. The world stopped to let Neil feel his heart beat, his senses emerge, his skin heat up, his lips melt at the touch of Todd's equally nervous ones. In a split second, Neil was reborn, like a lightning bolt from the sky reanimated him and brought him back to life.

Pulling away was like exhaling too long, he needed to breathe him in again. It wasn’t a problem though, Todd saw the look in his eyes and gave him another kiss. This time longer, giving their lips time to match up and lock. Weirdly matching each other's lips perfectly.

As they finally stop, right before Jeff had pulled over to the corner of the street, Todd smiles and discretely squeezes Neil's hand. "I'll see you when I get back on Sunday. Thank you for today."

Needless to say, Neil’s walk back to Welton was filled with butterflies his his stomach and they where carrying him all the way there.

Neil after his first date with Todd:

[queensandkingsofattolia]

How about whichever four questions of your choice to answer for the asks?

Ooohh! Thank you, Anon! *goes to sift through questions* 

EDIT: This was a lot of fun to do so thank you again, Nonnie! 

12. What are your 5 favorite songs right now?

Beautiful That Way - Il Volo | I am back listening to these guys after while and this is such a quiet and sweet and pretty song. (I also managed to sneak it onto @ewokshootsfirst dinner playlist at her wedding reception!) 

Only Angel - Harry Styles | I love his whole debut album but I was reminded of my love for this particular song the other day. 

Cioa Adios - Anne-Marie | Stumbled on this song by accident and have been listening to it on repeat ever since. 2002 is also super catchy. 

Eleven/Play - Todrick Hall | This video is just…so good, and I constantly find myself humming both songs. Painting In The Rain is also really good, but in the painful way. 

Familiar - Liam Payne & J Balvin | I wasn’t going to include this one but in the name of being honest, I’ve been playing it nonstop since I discovered it 2 days ago. 

22. Where would you like to travel? I would love to go back to New Zealand ASAP because it is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen in my life. I created a bucket list just so I could put “Hike the Samaria Gorge” on it, and I’d like to travel through most of Greece and the Greek islands. Italy has always been on my list of dream places to travel. Confession though, a lot of my obsession with the Mediterranean has to do with the Queen’s Thief. Taking an anthropology class this past semester further cemented my fascination with Roman, Greek, and pre-Greek, e.g Minoan, civilizations though. I think Morocco would be a beautiful place to visit as well. 

53. Favorite makeup brand? Fun fact, I am obsessed with makeup. I’m not very good at it, but I love it. You can use makeup to shapeshift however you want and I think that’s pretty darn cool. My favorite drugstore makeup brand is Wet’N’Wild because their MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner and Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer are essentials in my daily routine. For higher end makeup, I really like Tarte, especially the Tarteist PRO Amazonian Clay eyeshadow pallette. 

145. Tea or Coffee? I will take any and every opportunity given to me to talk about my love for coffee! From espresso to the rest-o, I love it all! I’ve recently started trying to experiment with cold brewing coffee at home. If anyone has any tips/suggestions for making cold brew, I need some help! 

Part of: Put A Number In My Ask

[somewhereapart]

There's No Such Thing As A Free Ride (2.2)

For OQFixItWeek, Day 4. A follow-up to my piece for Day 2.

It's funny how things work out.

It's been a year since they returned to this land, a year since her sister poisoned the curse meant to bring them all back here. A year since she met Robin at that farmhouse and caught the arrow he sent sailing at her head.

Just under a year since her sister tried to roll back the clock on everyone, turn back time so that she could be Leopold's daughter instead of Regina being Leopold's wife.

She'd promised that she'd take everything meant to be hers, that she would get everything Regina had ever stolen from her, everything she'd ever wanted.

It's funny how things work out.

That's what Regina thinks as she sits in a glider, in a corner of a little girl's nursery, in the home she now shares with Robin and Roland more often than not. It's not official, them living here – because Roland is still very much attached to his many uncles, and Robin still very much attached to sleeping on a lumpy bed pallette under the stars for some reason – but it's been days, weeks it seems, maybe even months now, since they've spent more than a few nights away.

And Henry is back, too. Still. Has kept his room here at her place most nights, the over-cramped loft of the Charmings' abode unable to hold a candle to a door he can close and home-cooked meals from Mom.

Although, admittedly, the home-cooked meals are fewer and further between, thanks to the warm little body resting against her chest as she rocks and rocks.

She'd forgotten how exhausting it was, raising a newborn – even one who isn't colicky, one who doesn't cry for hours on end.

Ophelia is a sweet-tempered baby – a pleasant surprise considering she's the child of the Wicked Witch and a wayward Wizard of Oz. Neither of her parents are particularly mild-mannered or good-hearted, although Zelena has been making strides.

Slowly but surely, with the help of Dr. Hopper's relentless patience.

She doesn't have much of a choice, after all.

After they'd managed to get the details of Marian's death out of her, she'd been given a quick judgment by the admittedly not-very-existent courts of Storybrooke. She'd murdered Marian, she'd murdered Neal. She was to be locked away beneath Storybrooke General in lieu of a proper jail to hold her, that leather cuff still wrapped around her wrist, charmed so that only Regina herself can remove it before her sentence is up.

There will be no secret alliances to free her from the price of her crimes.

Regina visits her weekly, always has, and they've slowly formed… an understanding, a sort of bond. She'd certainly inherited the Mills stubborn streak, Zelena, and Regina wishes that she could manage to convince her that she was better off growing up the way she had. Better off away from Cora's clutches.

But there's no amount of words that can heal the wounds of a mother's abandonment, it seems. At least not for Zelena.

It probably doesn't help that while Zelena lost, again, ended up locked away in a dungeon cell, no freedom, no magic – Regina got this.

Ophelia.

With her wispy ginger curls and her blue eyes. She's Zelena's mini-me, her child, her baby, and she doesn't even get to have that. Regina got everything she was ever owed, and then her own child on top of it.

But solitary confinement is no place to raise a child, and Regina is the baby's only family. It had been a no-brainer, and at least this way, Zelena gets to see her daughter once a week.

It could be worse.

It could be worse, but it's funny, isn't it, the way things all work out?

Zelena had wanted everything, and gotten nothing. Regina had wanted to die, to sleep forever, and instead she's gotten all this.

A full home, and a man who even at this very moment is walking into the nursery, smiling fondly at her and crouching next to where she rocks a milk-sated, burp-soothed baby girl. He smoothes a hand over Ophelia's so-soft hair, his voice easy and warm as he whispers, "How's our girl doing, then? Has she recovered from the horrible injustice of having to wear a clean nappie?"

Regina smirks, and nods at him, says, "She has. She's all clean and dry, and fed, and has decided that the terrible fate of having her diaper removed is maybe not so bad after all."

"Good," he grins, his thumb finding a tiny hand and drawing it to his lips for a kiss. "Then I thought perhaps her mother—"

"Aunt," Regina corrects, because she's not this girl's mother, not really. Zelena is, and she won't take that from her, even if Regina will be the one soothing every nightmare, treating every fever, enduring every tantrum.

No matter how many times Robin, or Snow and David, or even Emma does the same.

(It's funny, she thinks, how everyone is so eager to call her a mommy now, so eager to make this child hers, when they were so eager to act like she'd been a glorified babysitter and a poor one at that when it came to the years she'd spent raising Henry.)

Robin nods a concession, and amends, "I thought perhaps my beautiful lover might join the men of the house downstairs for a bit of supper."

"You cooked?" she asked, eyes lighting up at his thoughtfulness, although a little tendril of concern curls in her belly over him attempting to operate any of her kitchen appliances.

"I did," he confirms. "Henry finally told me about the grill you keep in the garage, and I've managed to make a whole meal over proper coals."

She laughs softly at that, shaking her head. Leave it to Henry to find the solution for the domestic not-quite-bliss.

"Dinner sounds wonderful," she tells him, sitting up a little straighter in her glider and letting her feet move carefully to the floor.

Robin reaches for the baby and Regina lets him take her, a gentle, practiced transfer of such a precious burden from petite and capable hands into strong and tender ones. Ophelia stirs, her face scrunching, her little legs drawing up as she lets out a tiny fuss, and Regina watches as Robin lifts the baby to his shoulder and shushes her rhythmically, adding a little sway and bounce to each step between the glider and the crib.

He's so wonderfully tender with children, she thinks. Such a good father.

For the briefest of moments she feels a pang in her middle, an emptiness in her womb that she'd decided would never be filled – but then she remembers. It doesn't need to be.

They have this.

Two boys of their own to love and share, and a little girl who will never know a life without the both of them. Could never know a day without the both of them, if only...

"Move in with me."

Robin stills, about to settle Ophelia in her crib, and turns instead to smile at Regina.

He looks a little bewildered as he says, "I thought I already had, milady. I've been here every night since you brought her home – save those two spent at camp for Little John's birthday."

He's right, she realizes. She tries to think back, but all those other nights apart had been before her life became a flurry of bottles and diapers and burp cloths and late-night feedings.

She laughs a little, tells him, "I suppose you have," and then, "But let's make it official. You live here now, you and Roland. With me, with all of us."

"As Her Majesty wishes," Robin says with a grin, pressing a soft kiss to Ophelia's little head and then laying her gingerly in her crib.

In the home that they share. With the children they'll raise.

Together.

It's funny how things work themselves out, in the end.

Review on Ao3 or FFnet.

[skinkcare-blog]

90 Questions, Beauty Edition

Helloooo, I’m starting to jumpstart my blog here. I really miss it, and a few encouraging people from my school have told me to start blogging and posting about what I love which is skincare and makeup. I saw two tags on tumblr and decided to form this 90-question tag. You’re free to take this if you want it, but I’d love to see your own answers!

1. Do you remember your first makeup item?

My first makeup item was most likely a cheap kohl liner that costed me like 20 pesos or something. Bands like Panic! at the Disco, Fall Out Boy, Greenday, etc. were really famous when I was in elementary school and my best friends started getting into putting heavy black eyeliner... of course, I had to follow!

2. Describe your perfect mascara?

I’ve got straight-ass baby lashes, and I think I’ve found my holy grail: Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir mascara! It’s really good and doesn’t smudge on me. The first time I put it on I was aoskdfasdfjhaeuirjhj!!!!!! WOW!!1 Are those really MY lashes! Wow! I put it right before my law school finals and was really happy the whole time because I felt so stinking’ cute with my lashes, lol.

3. What kind of coverage do you prefer from foundation?

Full-ass coverage to hide my imperfections. But that’s usually uncomfortable, so when I just have school or stuff, I do like light coverage.

4. Favorite high-end makeup and skincare brands?

For makeup, I have a favorite brand for each item like eyeshadow, lipstick, etc. It’s hard to choose. But I freakin’ love everything that Anastasia Beverly Hills releases. For skincare, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Herbivore Botanicals. Everything seems to work for me and my collection of theirs is growing.

5. What cosmetic and skincare brands have you always wanted to try but still haven’t?

Boscia. Vinter’s Daughter. Sunday Riley (I keep canceling my orders because I just can’t justify the price tags. Ugh). Laneige. Indie Lee. Chanel. Giorgio Armani. Guerlain. High-end stuff my broke ass can’t ever afford, lmao.

6. Favorite drugstore brand?

Maybe L’Oreal. I love their clay masks and the Miss Manga mascara too much.

7. Do you wear fake lashes?

Yes! But they’re such a hassle, so only when I’m going to some party (or when I’m taking selfies lol)

8. Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house without?

I would say lipstick, but the brows really make the face and these days I really can’t leave the house without putting on some dip brow. :( Kilay is life.

9. What is your most cherished beauty product?

I’ve got a lot since I’m finally, finally (after 120312932 trials and errors) finding my own holy grails, but it’s probably Glossier Cloud Paint in Haze. Started my whole “drunken blush” thing going on lately. It also lasts forever even on my oily skin. I put it on in the morning once, and when I went home my mom asked me “why are you so red? are you drunk?” And I just. Yassss.

10. How often do you shop for beauty products?

Too often for someone who’s kind of dirt poor and in law school, tbh. I pick up one or two items every week or two.  But again, as I’m discovering my HGs, I’m trying to cut down on my impulsive buying. (It’s hard.)

11. Do you have a “beauty budget” or do you spend freely?

As long as my parents are in a good mood I spend freely... just not excessively! 

12. Do you utilize coupons, reward cards and sales when you shop for products?

Of course, I try to. But sometimes I can’t wait to get my hands on a product so I just pick it up already!

13. What type of product do you buy the most of?

Lipsticks. I’ve got way too many. (70-something.)

14. Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics and skincare?

Avoid parabens! And sulfates! And weird things like bird poop and horse fat! (I know right?)

15. Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup?

Yes! Russian’s The Beauty Source in Makati! Super friendly people there. The sad thing is though, it’s all high-end. I mean I do tend to buy high-end stuff but things like La Mer are... phew. Never in a million years.

16. Do you like trying new skincare products or do you stick to a routine?

I love trying new skincare products because my skin is so problematic and I’m always trying to find things that’d work for me. 

17. Favorite bath and body brand?

I like The Body Shop, but my favorite scents are from Bath and Body Works.

18. Are you clumsy applying makeup?

I’m clumsy in general. So!

19. What do you apply first, concealer or foundation?

Foundatiooon. Duh.

20. What do you love about makeup?

It’s therapeautic for me, I found out. Like it makes me feel happy and calm whenever I do my makeup. Or even just do a swatch party.

21. Lipstick, Gloss, Lip Stain, Balm, or Lip Liner? 

I just discovered Peripera’s Ink Velvet tints, and though they’re a bit drying I love them. So I’ll go with those since they’re the only ones that stay on after I eat and stuff, lol.

22. How do you make your Lipstick / Lip Gloss last longer? 

I use lip liner, usually. And to make them last extra long you gotta stop licking your lips!  23. How do you pick a Lip Color that looks good on your skin color? 

I tend to not go for super light shades because those wash me out and just don’t look good at all on my skintone.  24. What are some cheap ways to take care of chapped lips? Good ‘ol lip butter and some sugar scrub. Or vaseline.

25. Favorite drugstore lip product? EOS lip balms are nice.

26. Favorite brand name lip product? Kylie Cosmetics (for liquid lipsticks and lip liners), Fenty Beauty (for dat mf gloss bomb!), Peripera (tints)! 27. Do you usually play up or play down your lips? Play down. I love MLBB shades. 28. Eyeliner in Pencil, Gel, or Liquid? Liquid. B-) 

29. How do you do a cat eye? 

I just... wing it! Honestly. I’ve been putting on fancy eyeliner since I was like 13 so I’ve got the hang of it now. (Still mess up sometimes tho. Blame the shaky hand.) 30. What do you use to remove eye makeup and mascara? Right now I either use Pixi double cleanse, Skininc coconut cleanser water, and Maybelline oil-based makeup remover. The Pixi one works the best but kind of stings my eyes. 31. How do you make your eye makeup last longer? Good eyelid primer! Setting powder!  32. Cream or Powder eye shadow? Powder since I have yet to try any cream eyeshadows. I tried using Glossier’s cloud paint in Dusk on my eyelids once... it was a weird, sticky mess. #nope 33. What tricks can you do to make your eyelashes look longer? If you’ve got baby lashes like me (who am I kidding, even babies have longer lashes than me), just use false lashes lol. 34. How do you brighten up your eyes? 

Glitter eyeshadow, inner corner highlight, concealer, nude kohl liner and black as FUCK mascara. Yes.  35. What color(s) go with your eyes? 

Warm shades. 36. Favorite drugstore eyeliner? 

I don’t use drugstore eyeliner!  37. Favorite drugstore eyeshadow? 

I also don’t use drugstore eyeshadow. I’m picky as hell. 38. Favorite drugstore mascara? 

L’Oreal Miss Manga voluminous mascara forever. 39. Favorite drugstore eye pallette? Eh, pass.

40. Favorite brand name eyeliner? K-Palette eyeliner! Asia represent!

41. Favorite brand name eyeshadow? Anastasia Beverly Hills for powder eyeshadow, Stila (Magnificent Metals Glitter and Glow!) for liquid eyeshadow. 42. Favorite brand name mascara? 

Marc Jacobs’ velvet noir saved my life. 43. Favorite brand name palette? 

Kat Von D Shade and Light Contour palette helped me lose like 10 pounds. 45. If you can only use one eye makeup product, what would it be? 

Mascara, okay. 46. What is the difference between an eye primer and an eye base? 

Imo eye primers are more of like the “glue” that holds everything together and an eye base is what goes over the primer as like. The base color. Makes everything bolder, brighter and last longer. 47. Any tips on applying falsies? 

Pray. 48. Favorite brand of falsies? 

I really love Lilly Lashes but they’re mad expensive (like $30). 49. How do you pick your shade of foundation? Whatever says medium lmao I go with that. I’m shit at picking foundation and concealer shades but I’m usually like a pure beige/medium/warm beige/nude warm vanilla things like that. Yellowy. 50. What's a good foundation for oily skin? 

ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLEWEAR FOUNDATION SAVED MY OILY ASS SKIN. 51. What's a good foundation for dry skin? I’m not sure.

52. What's a good foundation for normal skin? 

Probably the Fenty Beauty foundation and every other foundation in the world, you lucky ducks. 53. How do you pick a foundation for your skin color? You pick one blindly and hope it’s a match. Hehe. 54. Tinted Moisturizer, BB Cream, or Foundation? Foundation. I love tinted moisturizers in theory but they don't work for me (for some reason the NARS one stings?) and BB creams are TOO white for me. 55. What is a BB Cream? Blemish Balm cream. Also known as the culprit for my ghastly white face in old pictures. Boo.

56. What do you use to apply your Foundation? Either a beauty blender or a foundation brush by Artis, BH Cosmetics or Real Techniques.

57. How can I make my nose look slimmer or straighter? 

Contour, boo. 58. Cream, Powder, or Liquid Blush? 

LIQUID BLUSH CHANGED THE GAME FOR ME. 59. Favorite foundation? 

Estee Lauder doublewear. 

60. Favorite concealer? The Tarte Shaptape is real good imo. Not sure if it’s holy grail material but it’s good for what it’s worth. 61. How do you conceal a pimple? I fail at that.

62. How do you conceal dark circles? 

First you gotta color correct (I use the LA Girl pro concealer in the orange shade) and then you put on the concealer. Use a beauty blender to blend the orange color corrector first then the concealer.  63. How do you get rid of or lessen dark circles? 

If you know the answer to this that doesn’t involve water or sleeping early, please hmu. 64. What is your daily skin care routine? Morning: wash face with my The Face Shop Dr. Belmeur foaming cleanser, tone with witch hazel, put on vitamin c suspension (The Ordinary), then Hyaluronic Acid (also The Ordinary).

Night: remove makeup with the Pixi double cleanse, cleanse with The Face Shop ^ cleanser again, use a mask, tone, put caffeine solution (The Ordinary) under eyes, put hyaluronic acid, then rosehip oil (The Ordinary).

65. What is your weekly skin care routine? 

Theta’s it. I use masks like Herbivore’s Blue Tansy as often as needed and advised. 66. How do you prep your face for makeup? 

PRAYER.  67. How do you take off your makeup? 

Double Cleanse, wipes, and Micellar Water (Garnier). 68. What are some DIY face masks? 

Honey + avocado + apple cider + oats.  69. Where can you buy face masks? 

I usually purchase mine from The Face Shop, Herbivore Botanicals, L’Oreal and just korean brands. 70. What facial moisturizer do you recommend? 

I don’t know. I want to try the Fresh Seaberry oil though. 71. How can I get rid of or shrink my big pores? THAT IS MY CURRENT PROBLEM. :( 72. How do you highlight your face? 

I use a good high-end highlighter (my favorite one is from OFRA), wet my brush using MAC Fix+ after dipping it into the highlighter, and bam. Cheekbones, nose bridge, tip of the nose and cupid’s bow. 73. How do you contour your face? 

I use either Kat Von D’s contour palette, or Too Faced’s milk chocolate soleil. 74. How often should you clean your makeup brushes? Depends on how much I use ‘em.

75. How do you clean your makeup brushes? I either use some soap + olive oil or the Daiso or Beauty Blender cleansers. 76. What are some inexpensive makeup brushes? BH Cosmetics’ are really nice!

77. Do you prefer matte or shimmer eyeshadows? I used to love matte shadows but now I super love shimmer shadow. 78. Do you prefer matte or dewy skin? Can I have dewy skin that doesn’t look oily, please.

79. Do you prefer matte or shiny lipstick / lipgloss? Matte because it lasts longer. 80. When did you start wearing makeup? Officially started getting really into it when I was like 13. 81. Who taught you to put on makeup? Myself. 82. What is your favorite brand of makeup? Already answered this!

83. What product do you never leave home without? I always have lipstick in my bag, powder be damned.  84. If you only had $50 dollars for makeup and skincare, what would you buy? I’d buy all the shit I have in my Althea cart (all skincare)! 85. Who is your favorite beauty guru on youtube? BRETMAN ROCK. Does he count? 86. How long do you take to get ready in the morning? Like half the day.  87. What online makeup store is your favorite? Sephora! 88. Who are your favorite beauty blogs on tumblr? Temptalia. Does that count? 89. How long should you keep a product? Until it ain’t spoiled, lmao. 

90. What product are you hoping to buy next?

Honestly, I really want the Fresh seaberry oil and I’m waiting for it to be in stock again. 

[queermtl]

All We Ask: An Interview with Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear

(Grizzly Bear L to R: Ed Droste, Daniel Rossen, Christopher Bear, Chris Taylor) Article by Mark Andrew Hamilton

At the very start, before the tours with Radiohead and appearances in Billboard’s Top 10 album charts, Grizzly Bear was a hushed, solo lo-fi bedroom project of Brooklynite Ed Droste. Openly queer from the outset, the whispered beauties on 2004’s debut full length Horn of Plenty brought a unique voice into indie folk all emerging through an unashamedly gay lens. Since expanding to a four-piece alongside Daniel Rossen, Chris Taylor, and Christopher Bear, Grizzly Bear’s subsequent records Yellow House, Veckitimest, and Shields were heralded as three of the best albums of the past decade. 2017’s Painted Ruins plays like both a culmination and expansion of everything that makes Grizzly Bear one of the greats – the epic soundscapes and swooning harmonies as razor-sharp as ever. In advance of their performance in Montréal at MTELUS on November 26, 2017, QueerMTL spoke with Droste about his experiences as an openly gay musician and how things have changed since Grizzly Bear’s early days.

QueerMTL: From the start of Grizzly Bear, you've been a proudly openly queer musician. How has the culture and industry changed since Horn of Plenty? Is it still important to identify as a queer musician? Have you ever been warned against doing so?

Ed Droste: It's true, I made the decision to not hide my sexuality from the get-go and as a result haven’t been asked much about it. The band isn't identified as gay or straight or really anything and many don't know my sexuality because it never comes up. Since it was never a problem for me to be open about it, it's harder for me to gauge how the industry has changed. But in general I would say the industry and society is much more friendly to the LGBTQIA+ community though there is still so much work to be done. I still know some closeted musicians which is surprising, but also more a result of their upbringing than the culture. I also knew some who thought they would lose fans. It's never anyone's decision to tell someone when to come out, but I know I've been listening to a lot of my peers grapple with it through the years and I'm happy to say a lot of them are now very out and proud and happy. Hi Rostam!

QMTL: Grizzly Bear have always taken on queer artists as opening bands or remixers, working with everyone from Owen Pallett to Phiiliip and now touring with the mind-blowing Serpentwithfeet. Is this an important thing for you? And how is it watching Serpentwithfeet every night?

ED: Watching Serpentwithfeet every night is truly a gift. We try our hardest to pick as much different types of support as we can. Luckily there are so many insanely talented queer people that we've never had trouble finding queer people to collaborate with or tour with! Personally speaking it feels good to not be the only queer person on the tour, so when there is another queer musician around it makes the whole experience more fun and comfortable. Not that anyone we work with have ever been anything but supportive, but it's definitely more fun.

QMTL: Now that the members of Grizzly Bear live across the US from one another, how has writing and recording together changed? How has the recording of Painted Ruins compared and contrasted to the earlier records? [And oddly enough, while posing this question in a café in Québec City, Grizzly Bear’s ‘Mourning Sound’ from Painted Ruins came over the sound system].

ED: Well we sort of had the same process. Three of us now live in Los Angeles, but during the beginning stages it was just Chris Taylor and me in LA, which meant we would go on writing retreats together which was a first and something new. Chris Taylor was always an integral creative force, but this time it was really cool to see his songwriting be a part of the process. In comparison to the past, we still went on various retreats in small groups but the biggest difference was that we didn't impose a deadline and made sure we had enough material we were excited with before we started to record it live which made the whole process much more playful and fun. I hope we don't take as much time off next go around, but one never knows.

QMTL: Painted Ruins presents Grizzly Bear with a new palette of colours and ideas – it sounds like the work of a newly refreshed and reinvented band and it's a record to be extremely proud of. In your mind, how does it fit into your discography? What do you most want people to take away from it?

ED: For me it makes total sense right now where we’re considering how happy and zen we are. It's also my favorite record we've made. I think it really represents a maturity from us and a freedom to experiment with tones and colours and new topics. I'm really thrilled with it.

QMTL: You've been an active centre-point of indie music for over a decade, and many of your peers have gone on to become leaders of the scene – if we can call it that. There's also a perceptible shift towards major labels for groups like Grizzly Bear (who moved from indie stalwart Warp to RCA for Painted Ruins), Feist, The War on Drugs and others. How do you reflect on what that "indie" atmosphere is like now vs. in the mid-2000s?

ED: Well I'm so grateful we came about when we did. The trend now is definitely more towards pop/rap and R&B, which is cool, but there's not a lot of room for guitar based bands right now and with the amount of music being released, it's so so hard to get your music heard. I can't imagine releasing Yellow House in 2017 and having anyone truly give a shit. We were so fortunate to come about at a time where people were really embracing music like ours and it was less of a singles-dominated culture. The shift to major labels is simple: there's very little difference between indie and majors now. Indies offer deals that resemble old school major deals and vice versa. One of the general reasons we switched was we loved the new team we were working with and wanted to try a new label out and the infrastructure was just so much huger on a global level. It's been an interesting experience. I can't say I feel that much difference other than a slightly larger radio presence, which again goes to show there's really almost no difference between the idea of indie and major anymore.

(Droste with Montréal’s Owen Pallett)

QMTL: What advice would you give young musicians – and in particular young queer musicians – in starting into a career in music?

ED: Man, it's hard out there, but don't be afraid to be open and yourself and also don't feel pressured to do anything you aren't ready to do yet. I would also say if you really really are passionate about what you are making, don't give up and don't be afraid to ask for help. I'm always shouting out bands on my Instagram stories or other platforms in an attempt to shine light on smaller emerging artists now that the former websites that once championed the underdogs mostly talk about pop culture and huge pop artists which is a massive shame.

For tickets visit: http://www.evenko.ca/en/events/12651/grizzly-bear/mtelus/11-26-2017

For more Ed Droste, check out: instagram.com/edroste

For more on Grizzly Bear visit: grizzly-bear.net instagram.com/grizzlybear twitter.com/grizzlybear

For more QueerMTL visit: facebook.com/QueerMTL instagram.com/QueerMTL twitter.com/QueerMTL