#there's even full skeletons that are dressed and posed

[khazrablood]

As someone that grew up with Roman Catholicism, the aesthetics go hard architecturally and are metal as fuck when it comes to saints and their relics. The rest of the religious structure can go fuck itself.

Really wish tumblr had a "people are appropriating and misusing elements of my faith and that is offensive" option for reporting posts...

CATHOLICISM 👏 IS 👏 NOT 👏 AN 👏 AESTHETIC 👏

[bubblewrapsnek]

Phantomarine Reread: Chapter 1

For this chapter I don't have too much to elaborate on so it'll probably be mostly stuff I enjoy about it so uhh enjoy!

Let's begin:

The cover of the chapter is just very fun and good, I love how in a full page what acts as frame is the composition itself, using the rock as both a titlecard, flat space made to have Phae stand out in the centre thanks to less detail around her, and has a couple skeletons climbing on it too making it interacted with the enviorment too, it's just very good, plus lots of cute critters

Bonus, pretty lady with pretty dress

One sword lady just happy to be there, good for her!

Cheth working like a lamp, getting turned off as soon as Phae chickens out is a very good bit xD

Something I also enjoy a lot from this chapter is just how present those godly veins are

You can clearly see them flowing into everything Cheth uses, they work at being somewhat subtle to me, at a first read I just assumed they were for flare, it's a god in the sea hopping bodies, of course he has an aura, but going back they are very consistantly threads coursing through what he touches and moves, around him at all time, and it makes the reveal that those aren't something he causes, but those are HIM very fun to go back to

Also Cheth being so unserious even when angry, giving eyelashes to a t-rex HE CHOSE TO THROUGH A HISSY FIT WITH, THIS GOD CHOSE THE DINOSAUR FAMOUS FOR HAVING TENEE TINY ARMS TO PERK THEM UP AND SHOW ANNOYANCE, love that for them

Something else I want to point out is how Phae is never still, every panel she is moving, posing with dumb bravado sometimes downplaying it a bit, it keeps her expressive and alive even when the obvious main show is Cheth's flamboyance and shapeshifting circus play, and that in itself is also a very fun thing, in a revolving door of actors, the play doesn't loose itself, Cheth's emotions are readable, a character is expressed constantly and flows nicely into a variety of states, and for both of them, keeping this bravado will pay off later in the chapter VERY well

Great visual, the veins themselves working as the smoke, showing he is loosing patience, he is fuming while being underwater

Another bonus point: Extremely rare instance where I find M!Cheth looking hot in a sense of coolness instead of the usual lovely dork clown (he is hot in both ways but this is a different taste)

Plus

The facless crowd of red eyes not playing, smiling or fooling around anymore, they are finally dead set on her, she created a play for them and he provides the pressure of an audience, more than the panel before, with her literally being portrayed in front of the t-rex's mouth, this feels like the maw of the beast surrounding her, sizing her and ready to devour her, ready to have her be part of the facless crowd of observers, very spooky

And this feeling of the maw of the beast pays off, 'cause shit gets real very fast, Cheth doesn't take it lightly and goes for the throat with a question that not only he thinks she would never know, but that hurts so so much, (and also shows what is in his mind when dealing with royalty, not the attacks towards him directly, not the damage to him, but the countless children who have been deprived of a family due to all this). This works as a tone shift, the first, altho minor, payoff from the swagger set up early in the chapter, and this question hits you in the face hard and fast

Cheth's frame while asking this is almost as big as the burden of that knowledge, a question so heavy the panel under it is quite literally being smothered, Phae's face accomapanying the reader who didn't expect the shift

And this leads to another piece of characterization that will come back later, Cheth cares for children, this isn't just a question done to hurt her but it's something he cares for, and why do I say this? well it's something I read not only in what will be said later on in other chapters, but in Cheth's reaction when Phae actually can provide an answer

He is confused, but also looks genuinely worried about her, he is dumbfounded AND concerned for the woman who showed to care about something he thought she would have only superficial empathy towards, for the girl who just admitted to being herself a lost child in grief (little headcanon, the cat showing up is there to be ready to help in case it got too far)

Something else I want to make note of that I find very compelling:

The background, Phae answers and the background goes BLANK, until now it consistantly framed her in either blue or red, either in Cheth's play or taking a step back from it, but now, this is something that wasn't part of his tease, this wasn't something he thought would happen, Phae's care and grief quite literally breaks Cheth's overwhelming, presence here, it feels as if not only is he shocked, but he is giving her a brief moment to breath, letting her have some space for just a moment, I love it

And this also leads to a moment I find very interesting, and I would like to give my reading to

The way I read it as of the time of writing this, is that Cheth has a deep fondness towards humanity, the anathema comic shows a devotion to his love for the people he fares in the afterlife, for the children of man who have all but forsaken him, and here he is ANGRY, but why would he be angry that the king actually cared for said people? I can think of one reason: at this point he has been waiting for a sign for 5000 years, made to sit back and watch for ages the humanity he loves sending their man foolishly to die in a war against him in which he isn't even participating, and I think he might have internalized how the people he loves have accepted a doctrine against him so deeply that they deem the sacrifice of their lives and the suffering of their children as worth less than fighting him. But what does he learn now? that the king, the guide of this war, feels guilt over this, that the mean leading all those people to die had to find a way to cope with how terrible that weight is, that they haven't forgotten how precious the lives of his people are, AND YET HE KEEPS SENDING THEM TO DIE, EXACTLY LIKE THEY DID FOR THE PAST 5000 YEARS. This is beyond foolish, this is pure denial of knowing that what you are doing is terrible, and thinking you can offset it by being kind instead of working on the problem at the root of it, I too would be angry if the man leading those fathers and mothers to abandon their children tried to save his conscience by doing charity instead of preventing those deaths to begin with.

God this came out rant-y, and probably not perfectly worded

Moving on

Remember when I spoke about how the constant expressiveness and bravado of the characters is a great setup, well here we get to the first very big payoff in my opinion

Once again, Cheth's overwhelming red get's completely broken, stark white coral framing the object of something that deeply hits him and breaks his flow, he stops to a screeching halt for the first time, speechless and astounded. without all that overwhelming presence before, all that bravado, this loss of control would hit so much less and it doesn't stop here, no this is the first punch of a two hit combo, the proverbial quiet before the storm

And this also leads to another reversal in their constant duel present in this chapter, up to now all of this has been a back an forth, a dance where Phae responds in kind to Cheth's provocations, and here, she doesn't reflect an attack, but just like Cheth seeing her at a low before had him react with a look of pity, she responds here with the same concerned expression

Sadly, Cheth isn't in a place where vulnerabilty is something that can be helped with pity or comfort, not now

Now all he is, is a raging storm of emotions

And how does he get back control of the scene? he lashes out, he once again becomes overwhelming, the entire scene becomes a vortex of red and anguished faces, Phae's bright yellow gets tinted in a red glow, something deep within him has been touched

And MY GOD is the subsequent page a mic drop, the red slowly drifts to the bottom, her emotions are settling down, there is a moment of reflection and quiet, of many things she probably couldn't hope to think about for such a long time finally piecing together, and with those elements coming into place, here comes a new face that we will come to know along the way, not only is this a new face in the chapter, this is an expression of Cheth's state of mind in my opinion, as we will later learn that the sign he was waiting for, all he is doing and setting up, it was all in the name of a promise made to this face. at least, this is my read atm, we'll have to see how the story unfolds to see how well it fits

Have you ever seen a lady so beautiful you forgot you are dealing with Satan and decided to flirt? Phae sure has

And here we arrive at the reason I said Phae's tired reaction to the death of children was the "minor" payoff to the bravado shown

Cause damn here we get to the main show of her fall

But also, shock factor aside, I want to point out how this is the first truly mean spirited move Cheth has made thus far, the question of children came from a place of care, this is purely mean, nothing can come from being this petty and evil in action, it's almost parody of the demonic figure he gets painted as, almost...

Yeah you all probably know what I'm getting at, this is the first action she takes after learning of the bonefish, of the sign, and we later learn that she actively decided to play up the evil aspect Phae knows her as, painting herself as a disgusting villain because that was the role she thought would work, after all, would kindness and explaining have worked? she is basically programmed to hate them...

And with this Cheth has completely put the curtain back on, the second act of the play has started and they are both the director and the actors, the scene once more tinges itself in overwhelming red as they start their show

After this point the chapter is quite straightforward to me, tho it doesn't shy away from some very neat shots that end up being some of my favourites of the entire chapter

Like this one, it creates a very good feel of having Phae on the backfoot, the textbox itself works in presenting her driven in a corner, against a wall, even amidst a boundless ocean she has no escape, and Cheth taking center stage to the panel also works in establishing them once more in control

Meanwhile, I honestly can't even explain why I like this laugh so much, it's just so visceral, so played to an extreme, the sea itself is laughing, Cheth looks like he could fall over on their back from how the laugh is bending them, you the reader aren't safe from the thunderous laughter as the panel itself breaks down, becoming seafoam, you are seeing them explode over the question of Shoshanna's return and once again, Cheth is playing up a villain, we see later down the line how the argument of Shoshanna breaks them and tears them down, and here I think they are masking it, they play up their bravado to an higher degree than ever before, a villain so incredibly sure of themselves that they can stop and laugh so much they aren't even seeing you anymore, they are completely exposed, not a single shade has their eyes open to keep watch on you

What grief could ever deserve such a boisterous mask?

AND HE KEEPS GOING, HE KEEPS UPPING THE FACADE

He both becomes and rides a wave about to wash Phae away, he both is master of a distaster and the disaster itself, all this part feels like is him deciding to play the villain and putting on his best theatrics to deliver it, they become mean, deameaning, ruthless, the teases don't feel as fun anymore, Phae isn't in a place to make it a back and forth anymore

The chapter starts as an ebb and flow between our main characters, but by the end there is no more pushback, Cheth has become a flood and Phae has lost the ground she was so confidently standing on before

And she manages to get a hold for a last desperate second, she has been pushed so far back in a corner that she lashes out violently, but in the end, even this is futile, in the end...

The tidal wave has crushed her, and she can do nothing but break.

[darkonekrisrewrite]

Bnha heroes vs villains honest trailer (parody) part 2

Dabi-obviously-not-touya-todoroki, a villain that wants to follow stains will in destroying fake heroes and their place in hero society-

-while listening to every "fXck you dad" song on his way to the hairdresser for all the essentials, because everyone wants to look great on their special day.

Toga Himiko, the evolutionary endpoint of all love obsessed schoolgirls and cosplayers-

-her greatest deception in convincing others that she's just that, instead of a girl driven to madness by her own power and society's rejection.

Also due to the fact that she’s mostly only able to communicate through romantic one-liners.

Together they'll confront the heroes and the heroes will face them, all trying to reconcile their world views while beating the shXt out of each other.

Though Deku spends most of the final War in a Beach Day episode.

And Shigaraki spends it posing like he's a dragon ball z villain.

But taking hits like he's Krillin.

Then the Todoroki brothers face off in a battle of hot vs hot/cold/extras.

Before the whole family gets involved in the fight like it's a reality TV show.

That'll be one awkward family dinner.

And finally, toga vs Ochako takes the series into full Shojo territory, complete with dramatic proclamations and the resulting stabbings-

-resolving in heartfelt confessions and floating light bubbles.

Are there romantic implications when the villain says that blood is her romance, and the hero replies that she'll give her own blood to them for the rest of her life?

Hmmmmm???

So strap in, for a story about conflicting ideals and standards of living, in a world ruled by power and oppression.

Where all of that will fly clear over a lot of people's heads, because the setting doesn't look like a futuristic dystopian landscape ruled by an uncaring well-dressed government that has its children fight for the benefit and entertainment of their society...

Even though it actually kind of does.

Well as long as none of the kids ever get killed, it's not really-

Oh...

Starring:

Memories spoken; no bones left unbroken! 

Every-time we touch, you get to crumbling!

Sans the skeleton

We're halfway there!

The red means I love you!

And Utena Rizzako 

Too cool for hero school

(Left out the closing line, does anyone have any ideas?)

[atombonniebaby]

Question: What do you use when modeling your pictures? I saw some Fallout 4 dadcready pics with Duncan (which is absolutely adorable I love it UGHHH) do what program did you use?

Hi! (Apologies for the lateness, I only just saw this in my inbox!)

Screen Archer Menu(SAM) is the tool I use! 🙌🏼

SAM has a lot of features, but the most notable are: Adding pre-made poses to characters or using the skeleton rig to adjust poses or make your own

Adjusting the placement of characters and items (also allows turning off collision - which I've found extremely helpful when I get stuck in something 😅) - you open the console to select the NPC/item. This also works for placing hats or weapons that I drop from my inventory! No collision means I can place them wherever I want 🙂

Choosing which weather you want adjust the sun placement. Add lights (if you install SOE workshop pack) Jumping to ANY exterior and interior location in the game. - Even London to Boston! 🙌🏼🤣

Editing Character's heights, add facial expressions (either animation flavours from the game or morphs) and you can access Looks Menu from SAM too!

Giving you access to every item from base game and your mods for dressing up your characters and the set. (this can be outfits and weapons, items you'd pick up in the world and even full buildings and NPS!)

As for Duncan, well, I spawned a child NPC and edited him using SAM!

Lastly, I guess storytelling plays a part, I have an idea of a scenario I want to make and then I use the tools available to make it happen, Sometimes it's as easy as dropping some poses on the characters, other times I need to get creative (that Flamingo snap is a great example of that! 🤣)

I've found myself spending upwards of an hour dressing a set and posing the characters! I find the whole process quite relaxing! 😅

[yuimatsumatsuno]

im so sorry for req again pooks…. Ur writing skills r too cool fr… but theres this idea thats stuck in my head… (im the anon who req the little sister hcs)

may i req a hc of the osomatsu brothers finding out their younger sister is a magical girl? (think of madoka magica or sailor moon) I remember in the show, choromatsu said smthing abt magical girls and i was like “idea!”

(Also can i be 🥭 anon?)

WOAHH THIS IS SUCH A COOL IDEA !

don't worry, 🥭! I'm not against it at all. Of course you can, I think it's cute! thank you very much <3 also sorry if it didn’t turn out as you expected, this is my first time writing something like this..

matsuno siblings x Madician girl s/o

PLATONIC

TW//CW: ???

Osomatsu’s first reaction will be something like.. “..huh.. HUH.. WHAT-“ at first he will think that you are joking, but after he saw Ichimatsu-cat and was literally able to return from Hell, he really doubts . Once he has verified that it is true, he will be genuinely shocked and delighted. the first question he will ask is “so.. does that mean you.. like.. will transform into an anime girl in dresses and bows?” in fact, he is still in shock, having realized how little he knows about his younger siblings. but in fact, he is truly delighted. he would love to see you in a cute dress in the style of Sailor Moon or Madoka.

It’s impossible to explain in words how much Karamatsu admires you. Of course, at first he will deny that he just saw his little sister transform into a magical girl, but he will say something like

“✨✨✨heh.. our world is full of malice and injustice.. and I am happy to be the sensei of the protector of this ci-“

for which you will probably hit him on the head with a magic wand (or whatever you use) in the middle of his ballad.

so, are you going to look me in the eyes and then tell me that Choromatsu won't be crazy about you and won't be your number one fan? this guy is damn proud. he won't be able to believe that his little sister is the one he admired most in the anime. but if that happens, the first thing he'll probably do is faint or do a "SHHEEEEEEEE" pose. don’t be surprised if suddenly he starts begging you to see you in your magic dress.

Ichimatsu... somehow he doesn’t care? even if you are a real cruel witch, he still considers you a close person and favourite little sister. Of course he will be surprised, but doesn’t he himself have skeletons in his closet? Moreover, this guy in the dark alleys transforms into a cat, you are both in the same boat.

It's hard to tell what Jyushimatsu thinks. his first reaction would be cat eyes and a sleeve covering his mouth, his question would be “but can you still play baseball with me?” and if your answer satisfies him, he will return to his usual facial expression and continue to play with you as if nothing had happened. His reaction is the calmest, one might even say strange. The main thing for him is that you can still play with him and spend time.

Todomatsu is FUCKING surprised. It will take him several days to realize what he saw. but when he calms down, he will start crawling towards you, making cute eyes and acting like a cute big brother (don't trust that devil). Every time he sees you, he asks you to take a photo in your magical form so that he can show off you to beautiful girls. (HE'S FUCKING USING YOU, KICK THIS ASSHOLE'S ASS)

[duskwoodgirl4life]

I want to say thank you to @digital-corruption for giving me the awesome clown idea for this Halloween Oneshot.

I was busy getting ready for Jessy's yearly Halloween party. I had spent months trying to decide what to go as. In the end I chose to go as catwoman Jessy and Cleo helped me with the costume making sure it was perfect for the party. I stand In front of the mirror adjusting my costume when my mind drifts back to the last time I saw Jake. It has been 6 months since I last saw him. 6 long months had passed me by. I hadn't heard a word from him in months. He told me the last time I saw him he was in the process of clearing his name and that he would no longer be wanted by the government. I get snapped out of my thoughts as my phone buzzes picking my phone up. I see that Lilly texted me.

Lilly: hey, me and Dan will be at your place in 10 minutes to pick you up

MC: hey, okay I'm almost ready see you in 10

I put my phone down and finished getting ready putting my eye mask on. I am all set to go, I see lights outside and see Dan parking his car on the driveway. I grab my purse and jacket and go outside to greet Dan and lilly. "Damn MC you look amazing in that outfit" I smile and hug Lilly and Dan. "Thanks Lilly, you look amazing yourself, and Dan, check you out dressed as James Bond." I can't help but laugh when Dan does his James Bond pose. All 3 of us walk to Jessy's as she doesn't live too far away. A part of me does want to enjoy myself tonight but I can't help but think about Jake. I hope wherever he is and whatever he's doing that he's safe. I can't handle the thought that he might be in danger.

We finally reach Jessy's apartment. She has spiderwebs on the outside of her front door and skeletons hanging from the door. Before I can knock on the door Jessy opens it up and wraps her arms around me. "I thought I could hear voices out here, MC you look amazing you look so smart Dan and lily you look cool dressed as a nurse" Jessy moves to one side and lets us in her apartment is decorated from top to bottom. "This is my favorite time of the year. I love the spooky season, I love what you have done with the decorations Jessy" the party soon gets underway everyone is having an amazing time. The laughter is echoing around the room and the drinks are flowing.

Everyone at the party is all dressed up. Thomas and Hannah have come as Morticia and Gomez. Jessy is dressed up as Regan from the exorcist Jessy is as always been a true horror queen. Richy has come dressed as a mummy and Cleo has come as a tiffiney from the bride of Chucky. Everyone looks amazing. You could see all the effort they had put into making their costumes look the part. There was just one person missing in all this Jake.

I stand by the window looking out at the parents with their children trick or treating everyone to have such a wonderful time. The leaves lightly blowing along the streets as I look out into the night I see a figure in the distance. I can see it starting to get closer as they come into view. I am able to see that it's someone dressed up as pennywise. There is something odd about them; they only appear to be wearing a mask and not the full costume. I think no more of it and come away from the window and grab myself another drink. Jessy walks over to me and sits down putting her arm around my shoulder. "He will be okay you know, and I'm sure he will be with you soon" I didn't need to explain to Jessy she knew how much I love and care for Jake.

Something was a little different with her. She kept smiling and winking at me, "how much have you had to drink?" Jessy just chuckles at me and pat's my shoulder. "I'm just in a good mood is all MC, when you're ready come and join the rest of us" I don't even know how much time passed I just sat looking out of the window. Watching the streets clear as everyone makes their way back home just as I was about to look away I see the figure in the clown's mask again. Whoever is out there is just standing and looking up at the apartment. I decide to go find out who it is but before I can the figure disappeared out of sight.

Every now and then I kept seeing the figure appear and then disappear as if they were trying to decide what it was they wanted to do but couldn't make their minds up.

As the party starts to wind down I help Jessy to bed. She's drunk more than she wanted. I place her down on her bed and cover her up and close the door behind me. I decided to clear up by putting everything into bin bags and taking them to the dust shoot. When I walk back to the apartment I notice someone walking into Jessy's apartment. Everything inside me just stops. I feel like I am frozen to the spot. Somehow I manage to make my legs move and walk into the apartment I see the figure standing by the window. I muster up all my courage and confront the person. "What are you doing here? If you don't leave I will call the police" the figure slowly turns around and stands there looking at me my whole body starts to shake as he starts to take off his mask.

My eyes widen as I see black hair spil out of the mask, bright oxen blue eyes looking back at me. My mouth fell open and my eyes widened. I couldn't believe what I was seeing right in front of me. There was standing the man I had longed so much to see. "Hello MC" a smile spread across my face tears of joy fell from my eyes. "Jake, you're really here? Does this mean?" Jake smiles back at me with so much love and happiness in his eyes. "Yes MC I'm free no more running away no more hiding. No more being away from the woman that I love so much" I walk over to Jake and wrap my arms around him. I can feel his arms holding onto me. The scent of his colon invading my nostrils, the smile on my face only gets bigger and bigger.

Everything about this night started out just getting through the night, now it's turned into the best night of my life. One that I will never ever forget. I have my soulmate and best friend. "I'm sorry I scared you MC, that was not my intention, I've been wanting to come and see you all night" I can't help but smile at Jake's shyness. "It's okay Jake, I'm just glad you are here with me in my arms I've missed you so much" Jake places a soft kiss on the end of my nose. "I love you MC" my whole face just lights up at Jake's words. "I love you to MC"

[the-hunter-himself]

Mr. Robbertson; An Introduction of The Hunter

Carefully sculpting the foam on his grasp, he ensured every little detail counted. The round eyes of the deer, symbolize the innocence of a herbivore as a prey animal. He let his skin trace the surface, feeling the early step on his soon-to-be mastercraft. He didn’t often show his scarred hand, always covering it with gloves. Only a few people he trusted had seen the history of blood and scars tattooing his skin. His chest huffed and puffed, in pride and joy. Taxidermy was always therapeutic for him, even if it took days to weeks, even a full month to finish. A beauty in the macabre of death, like giving the dead life once again in eternal perfection. It will never rot in the depth of the earth, no filthy underground creature will eat its skin, always on pose. He wished that one day, he would not be buried, but preserved in his beauty forever, being a part of history and making people amazed on his perfectness. Elegant, exquisite, gorgeous, all men and women will swoon even on his dead body.

After making sure he missed no details, he took one last look before putting the skin on the mount. Perfect, is all he could think. He carefully placed the synthetic eyes and skin on the mount, as its new “Skeleton”. An Albino White-tailed deer, with red glass eyes shining. Some who saw it would consider it either as devil incarnate, or a fallen angel. A beauty for Hunter. His fingers linger longer before he moves to the finishing part. Sewn the skin to cover the mount, putting it inside its eyelids, brushing it to remove excess fur. And here, at last, his new master craft.

Right before he put it in the museum, a loud bang from the opened door was heard, He looked behind, relieved it was no other than his most loyal friend, and guard. People would be horrified by her look, like looking at the legendary chimera creature. Half of her face was human, the other half was…lizard looking with the skin and flesh merged as one. Scars all over the other half face, some lines still bleeding thoroughly. Her teeth were human no more. She walked like a giant lizard monster in that Japanese movie. Hunched, robotic tail moving side to side, her legs being a bit disproportionally big from her body size while her feet were heavily deformed. On her back, you could see how they replaced her spine with a strange machine, glowing red like blood flow, and some bone spikes emerging acting like dorsal fins. The constant pain was all she felt. to the point she become numb.

“Ah, isn’t it my little Lizard monster ? Do you need anything? New clothes? Meat ?” He greeted her in warm arms, offering her necessity.

“Easterman needs you.” Tilting his head, he looked at her curious.

“Oh? The gentleman need me now?”

“You know it ain’t good if the guards told me to send the invitation message rather than telling you outright.”

Hunter frowned with his nose crinkled. What does he need now? Did I not satisfy him enough ? Hunter nodded. “I’ll be right back.”

There in his elegant room, sleep two of his dogs. There was no duty assigned, so they used their leisure time to rest. Sat in front of his dressing table, he combed his hair and reapplied his makeup. An eyeliner to define his gaze, soft pink lipstick and blush on his cheeks, thick eye shadow to give him a smoky eye look, and some faint eyebrows pencil coloring. He gave a little kiss on his reflection, making sure his lipstick was correctly applied. Satisfied, he tidied up his suit and went to the Murkoff security that guarded his home.

“I’d like to meet the man himself, please.”

—

In the cold, almost dark room, there He stood. There was no restraint, just him standing tight nicely like a gentleman. Hands-on back, with a smile on his face. “I see I have not satisfied you enough, Easterboy. Do we need some…private time again?” Hunter looked through the camera lens, with a seducing look.

The shadowy man on the TV took out his cigarettes, exhaled the smoke, and sighed heavily. “I'm not here for some flirty time, Hunter. I need to talk about your performance.”

“Which…performance hmm?”

“Don’t act stupid unless you want the lower treatment, like the others.”

Hunter clicked his tongue. “Fine, I'm here to listen. Whatever for you, spoiled boy.”

“Your dog and your guard, teach them to be more resilient, fast, and agile. The Reagents assigned to your trials? They got it all too easy. In fact, I'm not even impressed with their A grade.”

“I believe they did a good job, Hendrick. It was just you that hard to satisfy. Sometimes I’m tired of doing everything you asked. Including..” Hunter hunched to focus on the camera lens once again. “..in Bed. Does your deary wife know about it? Or it’s because she wasn’t able to do it, hence asking me?” He whispered. “You need to know what is enough.” He stood straight once again.

Easterman exhaled sharply. “Are you trying to fight back now? Against me ?”

“No, I'm just standing on my side. Yesterday you praised me, and now, you criticized me despite the performance all the same. What was that for?”

“I don’t expect the perfect man I know to be stagnant, not showing any improvement. They have been the same for a whole month. I noticed many Reagents picked your Trial for easy grind. I don’t want them to find an easy way to quit just to escape. I want them…to learn.”

“Well, they are getting smarter. Isn’t that what you want? What should I do? whip my dog? I’m no cruel master. They are strong because they are trained with love !”

“You have become imperfect !”

Hunter was alarmed with Easterman scolded him. Imperfect.

“You hear me? You are the spoiled one. I gave you so much privilege, treating you differently, yet you become spoiled rotten. I expected your trials to teach them a valuable lesson, not some kind of easy way to escape. I am ashamed, I have picked many reagents that didn’t deserve their A grade and put them in lessons. And you, Hunter. If your trials failed to teach and produce high-quality Reagent that knows about our ideology in Art, History, and Trade…” Easterman inhaled his cigar, then exhaled it.

“I will take every privilege you have and put you in the same position as the others. Mark my word, you flawed hunter.”

“You take back that right now! You take it back you fucking fuck impotent piece of shit, worthless fuck that even failed to keep one fucking wife !”

The security guards rushed into the room and restrained him. Hunter struggled tremendously, almost overwhelming the securities with his stubbornness. One of them shot a tranquilizer on his neck as he was pressed on his back and finally tied up.

“Fucking god damn fuck !” He growled, trying to get up and fight the drugs inside. His soft manner turned into a wild beast, breathing heavily with growls as his eyes slowly become heavy.

“ I’ll come to your office and fuck you right there, Easterman.” He whispered as he looked at the camera.

—

“How’s the meeting ?”

Hunter slowly opened his eyes, lying on the floor of his living room. He groaned, trying to put his mind together.

“Doesn’t end well I see.”

“Shut up, Apin.”

She just chuckled and continued chewing her dinner.

He slowly got up, feeling his whole body and eyes heavy. He exhaled, sat as he gained his full cocnsious. There he sat, heads down thinking of his revenge. Imperfect, Flawed, what else he would call me?

“You got a job tomorrow ?”

“Hmmm? let’s see.” Apin looked up for a moment, “Nah. Tomorrow is the ladies’s turn to hunt those poor rats heh. I go chill with Danny.”

“Spare some time for me, we got important things to do.”

--

[gravityfallsweirdgirl]

Darkwing vs art the clown

DARKWING IN: terrifier

It's all starts at a Halloween carnival, It was a crisp, clear evening at the Halloween carnival in saint canard.

The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, the smell of caramel apples, and the twinkling lights of rides and attractions.

illuminated by flickering lanterns shaped like jack-o'-lanterns.

As visitors stepped inside the boardwalk, Drake and gosayln arrived for a little father and daughter bonding.

they were greeted by an array of carnival rides, The Ferris wheel was draped in cobwebs, with seats resembling giant pumpkins, slowly turning under the pale glow of the full moon.

The carousel featured mystical creatures like skeletal horses and ghostly griffins, their eyes glowing eerily as they spun to a hauntingly whimsical tune.

The midway was bustling with activity, filled with stalls offering an assortment of Halloween-themed games and prizes.

They watched as Children and adults alike tossed rings onto witch's hats, shot water guns at moving targets that resembled creepy clowns, and fished for rubber bats in cauldrons filled with bubbling, glowing green liquid.

"I love Halloween" gosayln says.

"So do I kiddo reminds me when I was a kid, I always go as Darkwing duck" Drake says.

"Like you always do on Halloween"

Booths were festooned with strings of lights shaped like tiny skulls and bats, casting an eerie but festive glow over the crowd.

Food vendors tempted carnival-goers with delicious treats that matched the spooky theme.

candy corn in every imaginable color, and cauldrons of bubbling witches' brew—actually steaming cups of hot apple cider.

There were also stands offering pumpkin-spiced everything, from donuts to popcorn, and even cotton candy spun into the shapes of ghosts and goblins.

"But you know what I like best about festivals?" Gosayln asked.

Street performers added to the carnival's magical atmosphere. Fire breathers and jugglers in skeleton costumes amazed onlookers with their dazzling acts. Stilt walkers dressed as towering vampires and mummies roamed the grounds, posing for pictures

"Hmm? The rides?" Drake says.

with excited children. Fortune tellers, with their crystal balls and tarot cards, invited curious visitors to glimpse into their futures, their booths decorated with twinkling fairy lights and draped in deep purple fabrics.

"No, the hunted houses"

The highlight of the carnival was undoubtedly the haunted house, a grand, decrepit-looking mansion at the center of the grounds.

Its façade was covered in creeping ivy and cracked stone, with ghostly figures peering out from the windows.

The two look up at the hunted house, "haunted houses, don't they scare you"

"I'm not afraid of haunted houses, in fact nothing here scares me" Gosalyn loved haunted houses and all things spooky.

"Oh really?" Drake asked.

Throughout the carnival, costumed attendees added to the festive spirit.

"Yeah all of these are nothing but fakes it's what I like best about Halloween, I especially love the hunted houses because I know nothing bad will ever happen to me, well...not with you around" she looks up at him with sparks of joy in her eyes made him smile.

Witches, vampires, zombies, and a myriad of other spooky characters mingled with the crowd, laughing and enjoying the various attractions.

The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, screams of delight from the rides, and the occasional playful scare from costumed performers.

Gosayln gets nudged by someone, "what the-" she looks back to see a tall clown black and white carrying a trash bag.

"You ok?" Drake asked.

"Yeah this rude clown bump into me"

"And you don't like clowns"

"Nah not really much of a clown person"

"Well I wouldn't blame you, clowns are scary"

But Gosalyn Mallard was on a mission. She wanted to find the perfect souvenir from the haunted house to give to her biological father Jim starling during her next visit to the prison.

"Oh speaking of which I promise dad I would get him something I wanna give him a souvenir"

"So what did you had in mind:  some sort of plastic skull or fake slime " Drake asked.

"I don't something creepy, I'm gonna go check the haunted house to see what I can find" so she eagerly made her way to the eeriest attraction in the carnival.

"Ok...be careful" The haunted house loomed ahead, draped in cobwebs with eerie lights flickering in the windows.

She entered with a confident stride, excited to see what scares awaited her inside. But outside a tall figure saw her go in and followed.

The house was filled with the typical haunted house fare: skeletons popping out of closets, ghostly figures drifting through hallways, and eerie sounds echoing through the rooms.

Gosalyn chuckled at the jump scares and marveled at the spooky decor. She was having a great time, completely in her element.

"Ok what to get for dad" she muttered repeatedly.

As she ventured deeper into the haunted house, she wandered till she bumped into a creepy clown.

a strange, silent, and bald mime clown the same one form before, he stared down at her.

"Ah! Oh geez, you scared me" but he started grinning at her.

At first, she thought it was just another part of the attraction.

"So what are you supposed to be some psychopath demonic clown, murdered at this carnival and now waiting for an innocent girl to fall into your trap After all, what haunted house didn't have a creepy clown?"

But he didn't say anything, "ok I love to stay but I need to find a gift for my dad so see ya" she moved on, walked over him.

But soon she realized the clown was following her, she looks back to see him following her.

"Do you mind"

Gosalyn tried to lose him by weaving through different rooms and doubling back on her path, all the while pretending to be scared in case it was all part of the act.

But the clown's persistent presence started to unsettle her. The grin never left his face, and his eyes followed her every move.

Finally, the clown cornered her in a dimly lit room filled with fake cobwebs and plastic spiders.

"What do you want from me? Leave me alone" Gosalyn's heart raced, and her breath quickened.

"Hey-hey back off, my dad is here and he'll make you feel-s-sorry" The clown's grin seemed to widen as he loomed closer.

She tried to back away, but there was nowhere to go. Panic took over, and everything went black as she passed out from fear.

"AH!"

When she woke up, she was in the arms of her father, Drake Mallard, who had come running when he heard her scream.

"Gosalyn, gosayln? Wake up are you okay honey?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. He patted her face delicately.

She looked around, dazed and confused, and noticed that the clown was gone.

"Huh?"

The memory of the clown's menacing grin and the feeling of being trapped came rushing back, and she screamed, tears streaming down her face as she was gripped by a panic attack.

"There-was-a-c-c-crrr-eeeee-e-ppp-y cccc-clown!"

"A clown where?" He looks around to find no one.

He felt her shivering, "shhh, it's ok honey, he's gone" Drake held her tightly, soothing her as best he could, she gripped on the sleeve of his plaid purple shirt.

"Shh It's okay, Gosalyn. You're safe now. I'm here." He cups the back of her head, burying her head in his chest, arms wrapped around her as he strokes her hair.

As she calmed down, Drake helped her out of the haunted house by carrying her, keeping a watchful eye out for any sign of the creepy clown.

As they made their way back through the carnival, Drake stopped at a stall selling small, spooky trinkets. "How about we get something from here for Jim?" he suggested gently.

Gosalyn nodded, her eyes scanning the array of items until she found a small, intricately carved wooden bat. It wasn't from the haunted house, but it was perfect.

They left the carnival, and Drake promised her that they would figure out who the clown was and ensure he wouldn't scare anyone else again.

Despite the terrifying encounter, Gosalyn was determined to get a souvenir for Jim.

[justsome-di]

Nobody Ends Up Dead in a Bathtub, Everyone Keeps Their Organs: Chapter 35

Summary: Alex is an ordinary, highly-introverted office worker. He clocks in and out and goes home to his little apartment he shares with his younger sister. He hasn’t dated in years by the time his co-workers set him up on a blind date.

The only issue is he and his date are not on the same page. At all.

While Alex thinks it’s a normal date, Damián is under the impression Alex is a client who paid to be there. No-so-quickly, they realize something is up. It’s all a prank. Damián is a sex worker Alex’s co-workers hired as a sick joke.

After reassuring that they’re both okay, Alex decides he wants revenge for both him and Damián. The plan is to use the stigma of sex work and start a 6-week, scandalous fake dating scheme with a big finale at the office Halloween party. Alex’s co-workers will be too horrified to try to prank him again. At least, that’s the plan.

You can also read this on AO3. If you don’t want to wait for new chapters, the complete story is on Patreon for only $4 with bonus stories! If you’re enjoying the story and want to support me in other ways, consider dropping me a message in my inbox or reblogging this post!

Fun fact about this chapter: on Patreon, there's an extra chapter that goes right before this one

The office had been transformed. Orange and black crepe paper and balloons hung from the walls. A few skeletons sat at desks, posing in a way someone thought was comical. It was still an office, but it was a festive office.

Alex got no joy from it. Not that he loved it all years prior. The decorations were tacky and always sparked some arguments about what was going where. The booze table was the best part of it all, and it filled Alex with such awful, gnawing dread as he watched the bottle slowly drain through the night.

“Damián’s not coming?”

Martin whispered it the first moment Alex was alone with him and Sam. Their sympathy and support would have been much more appreciated if they weren’t dressed in a confusing couple’s costume. Or possibly the same half of two costumes. They were both Luigi, complete with green hats and overalls. Alex preferred to not ask for any insight on their decision.

“We kinda,” Alex waved his hand, “called the whole thing off.”

“The whole thing like your revenge prank?” Martin asked. “Or the whole thing like whatever relationship you two were starting?”

“You two were starting to date for real?” Sam asked. Her voice was heavy with sorrow. Apparently, she was aware of the scheme but wasn’t kept in the full loop of Martin’s speculation.

“It wasn’t a relationship,” Alex said. “I was just paying him to do dirty work with me. We decided it wouldn’t be good to have him here tonight.”

“Shame. I was starting to look forward to the look on Andrew’s face when he saw you two together,” Martin said. “And besides, I was really rooting for you two as a legit couple.”

Alex clenched his jaw. They would have never been a legit couple. Their whole relationship had been based on lies and money. It was stupid to think that anything healthy could have ever spawned from it. Everything after the night at Dorothy’s was enough to prove that Alex wasn’t good material.

“For what it’s worth,” Sam said, “you’re still welcome at our place anytime. Maybe Kris and Clara can help you find someone new.”

“Thanks, but I really think I’m giving up on the whole dating thing. It’s clearly not right for me.”

Martin groaned. “See, this is how everything started. You’re so miserable.”

“Martin,” Sam scolded.

“No, I mean.” Martin tried again. “You put yourself down so much. That’s why Andrew thought of the prank.”

“What? To give me new-found confidence?”

“He made some joke about how you’d probably turn someone down even if you paid them to ask you out in the first place.”

And Alex had proved him right. Great. Just when the night couldn’t get any worse, he had delivered an accurate punchline to a joke after a six-week build.

Alex couldn’t even entertain the idea of being with anyone else. Damián had been so perfect.

When he was putting out candy for the night, he thought about how much Damián would have loved it. The rest of the party planning committee set up Halloween decorations around the office, and Alex was reminded of Damián’s marigolds. Kyle from accounting said they were dressing as Princess Di for the night, and Alex craved a lobotomy and for the universe to cut him some slack.   

He wondered how Damián was doing. If he had physically recovered and if the drugging had taken a large toll on his mental health. He hoped Damián had managed to eat.

Alex’s phone was burning in his pocket. He wanted to text Damián and ask how he was, but he told himself that there was no way Damián would want to hear from him. He had blown his chance at being supportive, and he was starting to regret it. Not for his sake but for Damián’s. He deserved a better support system. But Alex didn’t deserve any second chances.

“No Marcus tonight?”

Alex looked over his shoulder. Andrew was approaching with some woman Alex had never seen before—and would probably never see again judging by the embarrassed look on her face. Andrew was drunk. Messily so. It was quite an achievement as the liquor table had been planned to keep everyone from getting anything more than slightly tipsy. If Alex had to guess, he would say Andrew had snuck in his own booze. Interesting as Andrew’s intentions were only to pre-game at the office and go off to other parties later.

Stu was nowhere to be seen.

“No,” Alex said.

“What? Did he have someone else to date tonight? Couldn’t pencil you in?”

“Fuck off,” Martin said.

Alex’s eyes widened. Sam looked startled but jumped in.

“Yeah, he’s with your mom tonight,” she said.

Alex’s eyes narrowed toward her. He supposed he adored Sam now, but her comebacks could use a lot of work. But it did serve its purpose. Andrew was upset.

“You’re better off without him,” he said, thumping Alex’s chest. “Just make sure you get tested.”

His date looked horrified. She was speechless. Her mouth hung open as she stared between him and Alex and Martin. She tugged on his arm, trying to get him to walk away. Alex felt bad for her.

“Andrew, seriously, fuck off. You’re making an ass out of yourself,” Martin said. “And seriously? Who gets drunk at a work party? That’s so pathetic. Why not go home for the night before you really regret anything?”

“Just because you’re woke all of a sudden, Martin—“

“Shut the fuck up,” Alex snapped. “Do you seriously hear yourself speak? Ever? You are such a narcissistic piece of crap. You don’t know what you’re talking about half the time, and you’re—you’re such a piece of shit. Someone has to tell you that. I’m sorry.”

Andrew scoffed, but he didn’t say anything else. He turned around and started his unsteady walk toward the door. His date was left behind, mouth still open.

“I’m sorry about him,” she said.

“When did you meet him?” Martin asked.

“This week. On Tinder.”

“Yeah, you might want to unmatch with him.”

“I might.” She looked at Alex. “And I’m really sorry if you’re going through a breakup. I just broke up with my boyfriend of two years. I get it.”

Alex politely nodded at the poor woman before she ran off. He hoped she faked sick or made up an emergency to get away from Andrew early.

“I don’t believe anything that happened between you and Damián could have been worse than what Andrew puts women through,” Sam said.

Oh, how she was wrong.

Alex watched everyone around him. Most everyone was in costumes. There were a few fellow people like him who weren’t dressed up at all or sported a headband with ears or horns. But everyone, except him, seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was nothing new.

Alex’s phone buzzed once. He assumed it was Eve, sending him the planned “I caught the kitchen on fire please come home” text. His excuse to leave the party, finally there.

But when he opened his phone, there wasn’t a text. There was, instead, a Venmo notification.

Marcus sent you $625

His phone buzzed again.

I don’t accept full payments that early in advance. It’s unprofessional and ruins my organizational system.

Alex locked his phone. Whatever Damián was scheming, it would have to wait.

His phone buzzed again.

Also, I’m outside. Let me in. It’s cold.

Maybe it couldn’t wait.

Alex pushed off from his desk.

“Where are you going?” Martin asked.

“I have a thing to take care of.”

“Are you coming back?

Alex shrugged.

He slid past a mermaid and a pink guy from Squid Game to get out the office door. He grabbed his coat on the way out and found a window in the narrow hallway to look out of. Damián was standing on the sidewalk, six stories down. He was a speck. But Alex recognized the coat and the way he held himself. His arms were crossed over his chest, annoyed and confident.

“Shit.”

Alex rushed to the elevator. His heartbeat was crawling up his chest and throat and into his ears. Why had Damián come back? Alex had been cruel and made it very clear that he wanted Damián to keep his distance—for his own sake.

The second he stepped outside, a gust of wind slapped him in the face. Damián uncrossed his arms and shoved them in his pockets. His brow, which had been creased, relaxed upon seeing Alex walk up to him.

“Why are you here?” Alex asked.

The overhead lighting that came from the building cast long shadows over Damián. His eyes looked hollow, though they may have looked like that anyway considering everything he had been through. Damián tried his best to stand tall, but Alex could see the subtle way he hunched in on himself, the way his shoulders were rounded forward and the way his chin was so slightly tucked towards his chest.

“Let me talk,” Damián said. “Before you say anything, let me talk. I rehearsed this.”

“Alright.”

“First, fuck you.”

Okay. Alex deserved that.

“How fucking dare you,” Damián went on, though it sounded like his anger wasn’t particularly aimed toward Alex. His words were harsh, but his tone was still soft. “I wanted you to see me the night I was roofied, and you say you never want to speak to me again?”

“I know—“

“I’m still talking. I was vulnerable. Letting someone see me that way was embarrassing. I wanted to see you for comfort, and you somehow interpret this entire past month as you being toxic towards me? What the fuck? Is that how low your self-esteem is? Do you think I had Leo call you as some sort of punishment?”

“No.”

“Then why the fuck would you end things?”

“I don’t know, Damián!” Alex wasn’t one to raise his voice, but it felt like the only way he could get all of his anger out. Anger at himself, at the man who drugged Damián, at everyone who had ever hurt them both. “I got scared! I got scared that I was part of this whole system that gets you drugged like that, and I—“

Alex couldn’t talk anymore. He choked on his tears. Again, he was crying in front of Damián. And he half-expected Damián to step forward and comfort him like he had the times before. But Damián did not. He stayed where he was. It felt right. Damián shouldn’t have been the one doing the comforting.

“You have a thick head, don’t you?” Damián said. “How many times do I have to tell you that you’re not exploiting me? People… do things for power or bragging rights or whatever. And, yeah, they do it to me because they know they can get away with it. But when I take a safe, ethical gig, and you say that that contributes to the whole mess—that feels like you’re saying that my career choice is the reason someone would drug me.”

“That’s not what I’m saying.”

“I know.” Damián finally closed the gap between them. He took Alex by the cheeks. His hands were cold. “I know that’s not what you’re saying, but you’re thinking about this whole thing wrong. I’m a person who works with other people. Just because there are some issues in the industry, it doesn’t mean it’s all rotten. It doesn’t mean I still don’t get value out of the good parts of it.”

“But—“

“But nothing. The good parts of the job are really good. Sex work can be amazing. I get to meet people I wouldn’t have otherwise met. Like you. I’m really glad we met. I’m really glad we’ve spent the six weeks together. And I don’t want that to stop just because you feel bad about what other people do.”

Alex nodded, still crying. He saw Damián’s point. And if Damián had gone all this way to come to see him, then he must have been serious. Words seem to have a deeper meaning when they came only a few short days after trauma, in the cold.

If Damián was willing to give him another chance, then maybe Alex deserved it.

“I’m sorry,” Alex said.

“It’s okay.”

“I didn’t mean it when I said I don’t want to see you anymore.”

“I thought so.” Damián stroked his cheeks with his thumbs, wiping his tears. “I thought we had a good thing going.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. But if anything between us is going to work out, you can't feel guilty about every little thing. And I know that's hard. I know it's hard because we're queer and because I'm a sex worker and because I think we've been conditioned to believe people like us don't get to have happy relationships. But Alex, you have got to try for a happy life. You have to try to tell yourself that you deserve to be happy—because you do."

“I can try.” Alex pulled Damián’s hands away from his face and held them. “But you have to work on yourself, too.”

Damián faltered. Then he rolled his eyes. “Well, usually, I’m perfect—“

“That’s what I’m talking about! You can’t hide behind jokes.”

Damián looked a little caught off-guard. Like he wasn’t expecting the tables to turn on him or for Alex to be so assertive. Alex was still riding the high from telling Andrew off.

“What do I have to work on?” Damián asked.

“You shouldn’t fast for days. It’s really unhealthy. And I know that that’s a lot to deal with, but you’re asking me to work on my anxiety, and I want you to try to work on that.”

Damián was grinding his teeth. “I can try.”

“So, we’re both trying?”

“Yes.”

A shiver ran through Damián. Alex looked behind him. They could still go in for the party and finish off their plan. Or they could just leave. It didn’t feel appropriate to go back up with Damián. There was no point anymore in making a big show about them dating. He wanted to spend the evening with Damián for reasons other than spite. And he didn’t want to bring Damián to a room full of jerks who would only stare in disbelief and disgust.

With the confrontation with Andrew just earlier that hour, though Andrew had left, Alex couldn’t stomach the thought of putting Damián in any uncomfortable environment.

“Do you want to go anywhere else?” Alex asked. “We probably shouldn’t stand out here all night.”

“Can we just head back to your place? I don’t want to be around too many people right now.”

“Of course. But I think we should Uber. You look cold.”

“I’m freezing.”

Poor thing. He had gone all that way to chase down Alex and was going to need to be thawed out by the time they got home.

They sat down on a bench while Alex called for a ride. Damián buried his hands into his coat pockets again. Alex scooted as close to him as he could to share body heat, and Damián leaned into him until there wasn’t any space between them. Alex let him initiate all of the contact, only letting their bodies touch where Damián wanted them to.

“I feel better now that we talked,” Damián said.

Alex did, too. He felt like a weight had been lifted, and he could breathe easily again for the first time in days. Or maybe ever. Though, a little ache that settled in him days ago didn’t let go.

“I was reading all of this shit after I saw you,” Alex said. “I was trying to find help for sex workers who get assaulted.”

Damián’s shoulders went limp. “That’s very kind.”

“But all I was finding were people in forums asking if—asking awful things.”

“Yeah, I know. I know what you’re talking about. It’s whatever.”

“It’s not whatever.”

“It’s not, but—I can’t let some randos on the internet get me down. They’re kinda pathetic for posting that shit in the first place.”

“How do you just go on with your day knowing that people hate you? And for such stupid reasons? For the most brainless, absolutely bullshit reasons?”

“The way I think of it is—I’ve been trying to do all this work on myself. And I really support myself and my career decisions. Deep down, past everything I regret doing to myself, I do love myself. I love myself way more than anyone else can hate me.”

Alex didn’t have much experience loving himself. That must have been part of what had attracted him to Damián this entire time. Damián was a lot of things Alex wished he could be.

And maybe that was part of the problem. Alex had learned to hate himself so deeply, had grown to believe that everything he did was wrong and embarrassing, that he thought the pure act of falling in love with someone had to be wrong.

But he did deserve to love someone. And he deserved to be loved back.

“Damián?”

Damián looked up. As his head turned, Alex took him by the cheeks and kissed him, and Alex knew he had made the right move. For once.

“Wow. Did my tough love really work that well?” Damián’s hands were cold, but Alex didn’t flinch when he wrapped them around his face. “You are full of surprises, Alex.”

He brushed a fallen lock of hair from Alex’s forehead.

“You should have believed me when I said I liked you,” Damián said.

“I still don’t know why you.”

Damián scoffed. “Alex, you’re kind and smart, you’re incredibly down to earth, and you’re very cute.”

Alex scrunched up his nose. “No one’s called me cute before.”

“Seriously?”

“Well, my mom has. But I don’t think that counts.”

“You have very lovely, very big brown eyes. You could make me commit murder for those eyes—“

“That’s extreme. I would never ask you to commit more than light arson.”

Damián laughed. “You’re funny, too. And you have this cute, round face. And I noticed the other week that you have freckles. You’re cute all over. You’re like a little dumpling. I don’t believe that you can’t see it.”

“You shouldn’t be the one comforting me.”

“Well, I gave you the chance to comfort me, and you didn’t take it.”

Alex grimaced. He might as well ask. “Can I have a second chance at it, then?”

Damián sighed, dramatically. “I guess. What would you say to me if I gave you a second chance?”

“I’d ask how you’re feeling. You always check in with me. I should check in with you.”

Damián nodded. “I’m… okay. Not great. Physically, I’m over it, at least.”

“That’s something.”

“It is. It’s something.”

“Can I help? With any of the emotional stuff?”

“You’d be surprised by what simple company can do. Just don’t run away again.”

The Uber pulled up as a violent shiver wracked Damián’s body. Alex began detailing what they could do at home, thinking it should have been his burden to make those decisions for them both. He insisted they eat—that Damián try to eat—and could watch a movie. Eve would be out at her party for a while longer, but when it was over, she and Leo could make their way back, and they could all hang out together for the rest of the night if Damián was up for socializing.

Alex spoke quietly so the driver wasn’t forced to hear every single detail of their plans. All the while, Damián listened to Alex, his head on the headrest, his body relaxing in the heat of the car.

[bakugoyelling]

Sweet mimmy it has been far too long!! I love your giyuu commission it’s so cute 🥰 so I gotta know what’s yours and giyuus little fall/October/Halloween traditions!? Bonus for Tamaki as well 🥰

eee (〃ω〃) hi vixen!! thank you, I love it too and thank you for asking such a cute question!! I love an excuse to think about doing things with my faves 🤭🍂 i wrote some things for both tamaki and giyuu <3

Throughout Fall, Giyuu and I go on little dates about once a week. We go out to different cafes or restaurants to try something off their seasonal fall menus — pumpkin pancakes, caramel apple lattes, harvest fall salads! It’s something fun and delicious that we look forward to! Especially Giyuu, if he’s had a tough week at work.

He also takes me apple-picking 🍎🧺 we pick the best apples we can, save a few to eat during the week, and then use the rest to bake something! He also looks really good plucking the apples that I can’t reach ;)

For Halloween, I enjoy decorating our house. Giyuu doesn’t really care, but he does go along with what I want 😆 So when I start decorating, it puts him in the spirit, and that makes me happy ( ◠‿◠ ) because then we get to have fun together! We carve pumpkins to decorate our front porch, and he does sweet stuff like buying me the skeleton cinnamoroll! Mitsuri also has a Halloween party every year, so we dress up for that! But my favorite part is the photo booth because while we stick to fairly tame poses, the last picture on the photo strip is always Giyuu going in for a kiss, or him pretending to bite me while he squeezes my boob — yes, he has gone dressed as a vampire more than once, and he looks sexy every time!!

Fall is Tamaki’s favorite season! He just loves the feeling of it. When he was younger, his mom would take him to the pumpkin patch every October. So, that’s something we do too! We like to get apple cider donuts, walk around, and do all the fun activities. If Mirio and Nejire tag along, the four of us like to go through the corn maze too! They also are the ones that persuade us to go to a haunted house every year! Mirio loves the thrill of them and while Tamaki isn’t the most excited about going through them, he still walks ahead of me and holds my hand the entire time <3

For Halloween, we do the typical movie night while eating Halloween snacks (I just love any excuse to make things lol) And even if we don’t plan on dressing up or giving out candy, I still like to decorate the inside of our place with lights. I like how it looks, and it sort of sets the mood, because, I’ve said this before but Tamaki loves lingerie 👀 so for Halloween, I like to wear a sexy little outfit for him 🫣

We also like to go on walks around the park during Fall, especially when the leaves start to change. Whenever we go, I always end up picking up acorns 😆 I like the ones that still have the tops on because they’re so cute lol Then after I’ve found one Tamaki starts looking for more. 🤭 Which turns into us having pockets full of acorns! Fast forward to winter and we’re still finding random acorns lying around the house or in the pockets of our pants 🌰

[butchdarling]

[ID: Cartoony fan art for The Locked Tomb with the characters in a modern setting. The first five images are a comic.

Image 1: Gideon opens the door to a kitchen wearing sunglasses, a black t-shirt, and jeans. Harrow, dressed as a skeleton is adjusting a bowl filled with small red boxes. Gideon yells "HARROW (extended with unnecessary Rs and Os)! you got the candy for the trick or treaters?" Harrow replies "yes"

Image 2: An above shot of Harrow holding out the bowl to Gideon. An arrow pointing to the bowl says "nothing but mini boxes of raisins"

Image 3: Headshot of Gideon looking unimpressed saying "harrow what kind of sick twisted prank is this? there [sic] not even the yogurt covered ones"

Image 4: Full body shot of Harrow still holding out the bowl to Gideon. She replies "what? raisins were my favorite thing to get as a kid"

Image 5: Gideon smiling smugly as she ruffles Harrow's hair; Harrow glares at her. Gideon says "well not every kid is evil and heartless like you"

Image 6: Three drawings of Camilla and Palamedes in paired costumes: Camilla as a salt shaker and Palamedes as pepper, Camilla as a parrot and Palamedes as a pirate, and Camilla as Mario and Palamedes as Princess Peach. Palamedes strikes various poses for each costume; Camilla has the same neutral stance and unimpressed expression for all three.

Image 7: Gideon in a confident stance with her arms thrown out as Harrow looks at her, annoyed. Harrow asks "What are you supposed to be anyways?" Gideon replies "i'm johnny bravo!!" Harrow says "i don't know who that is, and you look just like you always do" End ID]

IS IT CLOSE ENOUGH TO HALLOWEEN TO POST THIS?

[lagamesanglia]

Character Body

I made the body of the character over the course of the last few days. I went through many clothes ideas before deciding on this very casual one. The reason I didn't make him in his firefighter clothes as that's simply what he'd wear on duty, and though in the game he's working, he's clearly not actually out firefighting. This shows the player their character is working somewhere else (their head) to show how mentally exhausted the character is. I took the jacket from a coat my dad wears that was brought up recently to give to my brother, and found as my dad is middle aged this works well. I gave him simple boots and smart trousers to show this man isn't dressed to slack, and to show a sense of formality.

I obviously then made the choice of making him headless, as his head is what he'll be holding to get around the game, and this will really emphasise showing that.

I began using the help of a video to make the skeleton for the model. I made the main one at the bottom that serves as a parent of all the others, and then the hip bone to the chest. I then ended up finishing making the clavicle which was parented by the chest bone, to the wrist. With the wrist I extruded the upright bone in the image and cleared it and separated it from its parent, then made the hand parented to it. I have come across an issue when trying to make an inverse kinematic for the lower arm and the wrist where the option won't appear when the bind is pressed.

I found a solution to the problem which was to change the bind to Ctrl Shift K, as something on the AMD software was nullifying that bind from working.

Mesh wont move with armature? : r/blenderhelp

Here is the solution to the current problem where the mesh wont move with the armature, even when attached.

This solution didn't work, so I will keep trying.

After another day of suffering and getting nowhere I came across a potential solution, but didn't have time to do it. I had to delete all the excess faces where the jacket, shirt and skin merge into each other.

Due to it being 4 days of absolutely no success, despite the FMP's immediate success, I'm debating moving on. I have spent 20 hours over the course of a week trying to fix this one model all for nothing, due to the difficulty it has caused, I think it's better to try something else.

I have tried to delete the faces that overlap and join it all together as to avoid this problem from happening, as it worked yesterday. This didn't work.

Even though the skin and the shirt are separate, and the bones are attached to the skin, it moves and massively warps the shirt, and there is no answer as to why that I have found a fix for, despite trying. Weirdly, it is fine on the other side.

I have been trying to fix this now since last Thursday, and today is Thursday. To resolve this, I will focus on other things and remake the body from the start in my spare time.

I remade the character without using any solidify modifiers and it worked, though I still needed to tamper with the armature. Making the jacket as an extrusion was too hard, so I might make it as a seperate model put over it and see if that works.

Due to the armature not seeming to like models that are seperate mesh with the main mesh, I remade the belt buckle on the character's body.

With pose mode, I gave the character a resting position to have when stood still, and due to the time left it might be the only pose, though I might try give it a quick walk animation in my spare time.

I also rendered the pose with the character's head to showcase the full character.

I added a quick walk animation for the character from Mixamo, to be added to the game either for the entire project or until replaced.

[fastlanehqs]

WELCOME TO MIDWAY, DUDE. Take a look our checklist for a few little deets before we get started.

OOC INFO

alias: ade

age: 27

pronouns: he/him

timezone: gmt+2

triggers: [REDACTED]

what made you want to join fastlanehq? i absolutely love love love groups set in the past!!! 

if you aren’t chosen for your first skeleton choice, what are your second and third choices? [REDACTED]

are you applying for a wanted connection? if so, which one? —

anything else? fountain of sorrow - joan baez

IC BLURB

[DANIEL EZRA, CIS MAN, HE&HIM] Well, well, well, [FRANKIE TERRELL], after that stunt you and your friends pulled, half of town didn’t think you’d make it to graduation! Let alone turning [18]. You’re getting a reputation as [THE TERRY BRADSHAW] you know, it’s all the talk around [MIDWAY HIGH SCHOOL]! Nevertheless, Principal Grauss announced your postgrad plans to [PLAY FOOTBALL FOR GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY] when you walked across that stage and got that diploma. Folks around Midway will always remember you as [HARD-WORKING & SOCIABLE] and [SECRETIVE & SELF-DEPRECATING].

WRITING SAMPLE

Nostalgia’s a drug, and sometimes your character catches themselves thinking about the good old days. Describe the last school dance they attended– the good, the bad, and the poofy.

senior prom night goes pretty much exactly how frankie imagined it would. he picks [MISS AMERICA] up with his truck, all scrubbed clean and smelling fresher than it’s ever been. they take photos, five different poses, bright and wide smiles in each, the color of his tie matched perfectly with her dress. they pick their friends up on the way over, much to [MISS AMERICA]’s dismay who clearly wanted the night to be just about them but frankie, well—he promised and he’s not the type to go back on his word. 

it follows a script until it doesn’t. he dances with her, makes sure to stick close when she needs him to; smiles and politely jokes when their history teacher asks about their future, even though the entire conversation makes him feel like his skin is about to scorch itself off his body. then [THE BURN OUT] catches his eye—they know, they get it. so frankie excuses himself, says something about the bathroom but instead, he follows [THE BURN OUT] out of the auditorium.

they’re quiet, the two of them, as they walk down the empty school halls. they roam around trying to find an empty classroom with the doors left open and finally, they do. they have homeroom here, frankie notices. miss collins always complains whenever he and [THE BURN OUT] try to talk to each other so they have to resort to passing notes. frankie has a box full of them at home. he doesn’t have the heart to trash them for some reason.

they close the door, put a chair against the doorknob because they don’t feel like being found. they settle on the floor all the way in the back of the room so even if someone were to peek through the glass in the door, they probably wouldn’t notice them.

“had so many teachers ask me about my scholarship and moving. i’m getting real sick of it,” frankie says when he can’t take [THE BURN OUT]’s expectant stare any longer, even though he knows that they know what’s causing his mood to plummet tonight. they know everything, they’re the only one. 

he lies down with his head in [THE BURN OUT]’s lap and talks—and talks. about how he’s not sure of anything, about how he’s scared, about how he can’t see himself leaving, about how he can see himself leaving but to do other things, not the ones he promised his dad he’d do. when he’s done pouring his heart out, he goes completely quiet for a while and [THE BURN OUT] lets him. 

he’s lucky that they get back to the auditorium they do because they’re just about to announce king and queen and [MISS AMERICA] looks like she’s about to chew someone’s head off while her eyes scan the crowd in search of—well, frankie. 

he goes home with the crown and an uneasy feeling in his stomach, which he hopes goes away by morning. 

[tickle-page]

Day 22- Skeleton

Mikey, Donnie, Leo, and Raph

Lee: Mikey

Ler: Donnie and Leo, Raph’s just watching😌

Summary: Mikey decided to dress up as a skeleton for Halloween as soon as he woke up. He couldn’t wait for tonight so he wanted to do it, not realizing Donnie and Leo would want to tickle him.

A/N: This takes place when Mikey is 13, Donnie and Leo is 14, and Raph is 15. Mikey is just too damn cute, I have to give him some tickles. I’m not really good at making jokes like Leo, but I’ll try to capture his humor😭.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

“Hey guys, how do I look~” Mikey posed like he was flexing his muscles in his skeleton costume. He had a full back suit w/ white stripes indicating bones.

Donnie and Leo was currently making Raph look like a clown for his costume. Donnie working w/ the costume while Leo was working w/ the makeup. The three ninja turtles all looked up stopping what they were doing, gasping and awing at their cute little brother. “OMIGOSH!! You look so cute, Mikey!!” Donnie and Leo both rushed over to him, hugging him and complementing him on how adorable those bones looked on his tiny body. Though it was totally out of Donnie’s character to do that, but he couldn’t help it, Mikey did look cute standing there.

Leo was pinching his cheeks, while Donnie was grabbing the fabric on his suit saying something like “What is this made of?” The orange ninja turtle couldn’t control his giggles, making them audible to his two older brother’s hearing. Even Raph.

“You tryna look big and bad when ur this ticklish?” The second oldest brother teased, making his little brother avoid eye contact giggling again, but instead of ticklish giggles, they were nervous ones.

“DHohohon’t even Leo, ur the most ticklish turtle, if I ever seen one.” Mikey giggled pushing away their hands which hasn’t even started moving, yet.

“Ok? What if I am~? We need to tickle you to find out, right?” Leo smirked eyeing his younger twin brother. Like twin telepathy, the third oldest one knew what his older brother was saying and pounced on the youngest one, supporting the back of his neck so he won’t have a severe head injury, or smthing.

“Be careful now, guys. We don’t want Mikey not being able to go trick or treating bc he got tired from the torture u boys put him through.” Raph laughed.

Donnie used his arms that extended from his shell and pinned Mikey’s arms above his head. “Whahahahait, guys. We cahahan talk about this rihihihigt?”

“Nope.” Leo quickly said, tickling his sides. Squeezing them, and scratching them. Scribbling up to his bottom ribs and back down to his waist line. “Hey, Donnie, why are skeletons so calm?”

The scientist knew his older brother would make some type of skeleton joke, “Idk Leo, why?”

“Because nothing gets under their skin. Hahahah!!” Leo tickled the sides of his stomach. At this point Mikey doesn’t know whether to laugh at the joke or the tickling. He’s kinda doing a little bit of both, though, Donnie was not phased.

“Ohihohohokay, okay. I got another one for u, Donnie. This one will sure to make you laugh. What does a skeleton buy at a resteraunt??”

“Ugh, I don’t know Nardo.” Donnie sighed, rolling his eyes at his brother’s useless puns, but they seem to be effective for Mikey.

“Gaghahahahaha, Leo! Plheheheheegease!!” The orange ninja turtle withered in place.

“Spare ribs!!” Leo clawed at Mikey’s ribcage, vibrating a finger in the digits playing the counting game, as he knelt down and nibbled on his ribs. “Mmmm~ these taste so good, got any bbq, Donatello?”

“Pfft- shut up.” Donnie snickered, but Leo wanted him to laugh at a joke, not snicker.

“Ok ok, fine, one more. If this doesn’t make u laugh, then the only thing that will, is being tickled. Why didn’t the skeleton laughed at the joke, Mikey?” Leo stopped his tickling so his youngest brother could answer.

“Ahahah… Ihihi, don’t know. Why?”

“Because he didn’t have a funny bone.” Leonardo tickled his elbows, making the latter scream and bounce. “Donnie? I think we just found Mikey’s new worst tickle spot.” Leonardo grinned, exploiting the new area.

“NOHOHOHOT THERE!! NOHOHOT THEHEHEHRE!!!”

Donnie laughed at his reaction, joining his twin brother. Let’s just say, the disaster twins only stopped because his younger brother was pleading for his life.

[regentbison]

Things that happened today (October 6th) at Beetlejuice broadway:

For starters. The makeup. Alex’s makeup was pretty bad ngl, his face was completely bleach white while you could see his hands and they were skin white. Also his beard and his wig being different colors pisses me off

Leslie stuttered a tiny bit during a line but nothing really more worthy

There were lines here and there when Alex seemed like he was trying to remember what he was supposed to say. Maybe it was on purpose tho

Alex have so many thumbs up during the first act especially. He was throwing them around like one would think Beetlejuice would throw gang signs

Kerry seemed tired at the beginning of the show, it gave Barbara a more “oh my god I am so over this shit” fell and I was kind of there for it

I think something was wrong with the mixer or some of the mics? Kerry’s especially. There was a bit of an interference noise whenever she sang especially and all of the girls sounded a lot quieter than the boys for some reason

The book came down a little bit late, and the fire started up a little bit early. I think there were just some technical issues tonight

But the head worked! It didn’t jump out the second Alex opened the crate like it usually does but once Alex stomped his leg it came up. Very fitting.

There were some improve lines here and there by Alex (like usual)

When he threw the book into the fire (I don’t remember the words exactly) he said smth about the book being only fifteen and got getting to see life

“Dress like a baby” “what the shit Adam”

Elizabeth is as much on a dork on stage as she seems to be backstage. When she came down for the suffer party she struck a little ballet pose and then did a jump with her leg up like she was someone who knew nothing about ballet pretending to be a ballerina

During the part where Adam (Charles) throws “lettuce” out of the bowl during Day-O Elizabeth coauthor two pieces, seemed very proud of herself, looked around to see if anyone noticed, then played with them a little before dropping them again

Kerry laughed a couple of times when I don’t think she was supposed to XD it was adorable

During the bouquet toss in creepy old guy Kerry threw it so high it went right over everyone and Adam (Charles) fought it instead of Leslie

Alex ✨spit ✨

He spit one time right in Elizabeth’s face and I don’t think she even noticed

When burning the suicide note, Alex let go of it a little bit late and it nearly singed his wig

Also the book nearly fell in the trap door, it bounced a few times before landing near/under the little table

Leslie broke. It was during the part where Beetlejuice says it’s time for him to go. She laughed out loud then turned around for a full minute or two. Probably to compose herself

Alex made fun of Elizabeth here and there and used a British accent for some lines

Can’t forget to mention the bow. Fucking amazing

“Skeleton ballerina baby debut!”

That’s all for now I think. If I remember anything else I’ll update

[let-them-read-fics]

Bite

Pairing: Vamp!Lisa x Human!Fem!Reader

AU: Vampire

Word Count: ~ 5,564

Warnings / Misc. -- Mentions of Blood

Disclaimer: This writing is a work of fiction, and no disrespect is meant for those mentioned herein.

A/N: Hey everyone! I'm alive! School has kept me crazy busy and I've had my hands full with other things as well, but I finished writing this one and I wanted to share with you lovely peeps. To everyone who stopped by to check in, and to those of you who’ve been patiently waiting, thank you endlessly. I love having you as my readers 💜

PS ~ I hope this isn't too bad for my first one shot in forever! Also, happy Lisa era. I’m so proud of our girl!

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Saturday, October 31st

You look like an idiot. 

The nurse uniform you have on is obnoxiously cliché; short and tattered in various places to really sell the "sexy" aspect of it, little is left to the imagination. Fake blood stains dot the flimsy material in random patterns and mat some strands of the tacky blonde wig atop your head, making you look like something out of a B-movie at best. 

A bonafide, absolute idiot. 

When you express that sentiment to your best friend, she just rolls her eyes and holds out one last costume for you to try on. She had a few lined up in case you didn't like her other options, and clearly that's come in handy; you've already worked through the previous picks, so she crosses her fingers as your eyes skim over this one.

"Humor me, will you?" She asks, hoping that you'll give in and at least check this last one out. 

"Fine, but this is your last chance. It had better be good." You raise a pointed finger at her in warning. 

"I have a good feeling about this one," she says, smiling as you take the bag from her and slip into the dressing room one final time. 

Her phone chimes soon after, and she's quick to retrieve it from her pocket.

Willow: Are you guys almost here?? Jackson's been asking about you.

Your best friend bites her lip at that, nervously nibbling on it as she rereads the message to make sure she didn't imagine the last part. She's liked Jackson since middle school, and he'll be swinging by the party that you've all been invited to; that's one of the main reasons she begged you to come with her tonight. 

Y/BFFs/N: Still getting ready. We'll be there ASAP tho!

Willow: Alright, we'll see you soon. Don't take all night, or else👩🤛

Y/BFFs/N: Yah, cut the violence!

The sound of your best friend's soft giggling fills the air just as you manage to fasten the costume's last zipper and pull its hood over your head.

Surprise etches its way into your features as you do a spin, taking in the sight of yourself through the full length mirror of the dressing room. The outfit's red and black color schemes complement each other beautifully, giving you a powerful and sensual appeal that the other costumes didn't even stand a chance of doing. You look alluring in every sense of the word. 

"Holy shit," your best friend says when you emerge, striking a pose. "You look hot!" She squeals, clapping a few times in quick succession. 

There's no way you think this one looks bad. 

"I think Wanda would be proud," you grin, tilting your head up and wrapping the cape around your neck. 

"One hundred percent," Y/BFFs/N nods adamantly, in total agreement. The Scarlet Witch getup really compliments your features. 

"Now," she starts, changing topics as she looks in the reflection of her phone's dark screen to adjust some of her hair that's gone astray. "Let's pay and then go. Willow's looking for us, and my future man's wondering where I am, too." 

"Hell yeah!" You chuckle, patting her on the back. "I'll help you finally land him so you can stop pining."

You watch as she takes a moment to decide between coming up with a decent rebuttal to defend herself or agreeing with you, and you smile when she goes for the latter. 

"I'd accept nothing less," she says, holding her head high like a princess. "You are my wingwoman, after all." 

"And the best one in town," you add, tugging her towards the register. She reaches into her purse and pulls out the money to pay before politely handing it to the cashier. 

The teenage boy takes it with a small smile, though the action looks a little comical as his upper lip gets caught on the cheap, plastic fangs he's sporting. His knock-off version of Dracula is definitely…. something… and you can tell that his managers forced him to wear it for the holiday. 

"Come back and s-shhee us," he says, handing your change back. Your best friend takes it, failing to contain her laughter at his messy speech. He blushes crimson, likely cursing the plastic teeth for making him look a fool. 

"We surely will," you respond, giving him a comforting smile to keep his embarrassment at bay. He nods gratefully, and you're quickly pulled out of the store by your best friend. 

"Happy Halloween!" You shout over your shoulder, accompanied by the chime of the bell over the door. 

"You too," he calls back, letting out a soft sigh. 

---

20 Minutes Later -- The Party

Upon rounding the front of your car and stepping up onto the sidewalk outside of Willow's house, your attention is immediately caught by the numerous decorations that she put up last week. 

"Huh," you mumble, gazing up at the skeleton that towers above you, standing 12 feet tall. "I think it's safe to say that this is her favorite holiday…" 

"What makes you think that?" Your best friend plays, feigning ignorance as she pops up from behind a life-sized, animatronic Jason Voorhees. 

"I don't know," you tut, admiring Willow's hard work a little longer. "Just a feeling." 

Y/BFFs/N giggles in her unique way, making you smile at the sound as the two of you make your way up the path towards the house. You gaze down at your feet, careful to step on the stones of the walkway and avoid the motion-activated hands that scramble out of the weeds to grab unsuspecting guests. 

Having known Willow your entire childhood, you've grown used to her ways. 

*knock knock*

A strong, iconic synth bassline sounds off from inside, filling the otherwise quiet night around you with its catchy beat as you wait to be let in. Its sound is well known, and you almost instantly recognize it as "Sweet Dreams" by the Eurythmics.

A few seconds later, you hear clambering from inside, followed by concerning groans and shouted apologies. 

Y/BFFs/N arches a skeptical brow at you, perfectly mirroring your thoughts.

Directly after, the door swings open in a flash, and you're nearly tackled by a whizz of curly hair. 

"There you guys are!" Willow shrieks, pulling the two of you close as she nuzzles her face against your cheeks. 

"Yep, here we are," you struggle out, nearly being strangled in her tight grip. She responds by squeezing you even tighter, blinded by her joy at seeing you again. 

After all, it's been a while since all three of you have had the opportunity to spend the night partying together like this. 

"Can't… breathe," Y/BFFs/N squeaks, successfully getting Willow to release you. 

"Sorry," she apologizes, stepping back. "I'm just so happy you're here." 

The freckles that spread across the bridge of her nose look especially adorable with the blush she's sporting, and her shy grin makes you forget about the near-fatality you just encountered moments before. 

"We're happy to be here," you reassure her, returning her smile. 

Your best friend agrees from beside you, nodding her head with a happy look of her own. "Believe it or not, we've missed your weirdness." She adds, cocking her head to the side. 

Willow giggles again, and her eyes crinkle up into those half crescents that could surely melt even the iciest of hearts. She's practically sunshine in human form, and you have to resist the urge to shield your eyes. 

"Yo, Willow! Who's at the door?" 

Jackson.

You feel your best friend tense beside you, and you subtly pat her leg to calm her down. 

Willow falls silent, though her lips go through the beginning stages of answering him; they open and purse, but she quickly halts her reply and shuts her mouth. She knows of Y/BFFs/N's crush on him, and she doesn't want to say the wrong thing. 

Plus, if the lovesick girl wants to run and hide in the bushes, Willow's silence could buy her some time to slip away. 

But alas, she doesn't. 

Jackson appears in the doorway a mere 5 seconds after asking his question with a beer clutched in his hand. He moves to lean against the wooden frame as his pearly smile beams at you, and Y/BFFs/N audibly swallows at the sight. 

For someone who's usually so confident, she can really be shy sometimes. 

"Lovely to see you, ladies," he greets, putting his free hand in front of him as he bows. His accent is modeled after that of Jack Sparrow, as is his surprisingly well designed costume.

You nod back at him. "Hey, Jackson. Long time no see." 

You elbow your best friend when she remains silent for a beat too long, and the action snaps her back to reality. 

"Yeah, hey Jackson." Her voice is quiet -- she doesn't trust it to refrain from cracking.

He smiles, not failing to notice the nervous aura that's quickly taken over the girl beside you. Her eyes nearly pop out of her head when he gives her a curious once-over, and you take that as your cue to save her from the impending embarrassment that's lurking just around the corner. 

"Alright, guys!" You clap, stepping forward. "Let's get to partying." 

Her shoulders relax, and you feel her slip her hand into yours as you enter the house, squeezing twice as a silent thank you. 

15 Minutes Later

Willow stands beside you in the kitchen, mixing a few things together in one of the millions of red solo cups that she bought for tonight. You sneak a peek over her shoulder at the concoction, seeing its light blue color turn purple-ish as she adds a new liquor into the equation. 

In comparison to typical house parties, this one is relatively small; most of the rooms are filled with people, but it's a comfortable amount. Maneuvering around the place is fairly easy, which is always a plus when you're coexisting with sweaty, drunk people. 

"Willow, love, why did you buy so many cups?" You ask, toying with the ripped plastic packaging of one of the stacks. 

"You know I like to be prepared," she laughs, brushing off her major miscalculation. "Plus I can just use the rest of them at my next party." 

You nod, knowing she's right. "Are you having another soon?" 

"I think so. Jiu and her crew are coming back in a couple weeks, so I thought I'd surprise them with one." 

You scoff, humor laced in the sound. "What, they didn't get enough partying done at their university already?" 

Willow turns around, grinning at you as she hands you your drink. "Evidently campus police keep a close eye on them. Siyeon whined about that a lot when she called me." 

"Sounds like her," you chuckle into your cup as you take a sip. 

PFFT

"Eww, Willow! What did you put in this?!" 

Your spit take didn't land on anyone, thankfully, but it did capture the attention of some people nearby. You wave a hand at them as a silent apology, and they go back to their previous tasks. 

The curly headed prankster covers her mouth, though the action does a terrible job of quieting her maniacal laughter. 

"You're lucky Y/BFFs/N isn't over here," you say, wiping your lips with the back of your hand. "She'd avenge me." 

Willow uses a napkin to dab the tears of laughter from her eyes. "Why else do you think I waited until she was busy with Jackson?" She asks, motioning to her lounge room across the foyer. 

You look inside, spotting Y/BFFs/N holding a pool cue in her hand as Jackson sinks another shot into one of the corner pockets. 

The sight reminds you of the pep talk and 2 shots of liquid courage you gave her earlier, and how she disappeared with the promise to make a move and actually talk to him. Now, she looks completely absorbed in whatever banter they're sharing, and although your violated taste buds still ache from the sickly-sweet mixture that Willow made, you wouldn't want her to be anywhere else. 

You can get your own revenge. 

Sneaking a glance around the kitchen, you search for something to help with your retaliation. A small package of streamers lays abandoned on the island, forgotten to be put up earlier, and you slyly grin. Their ribbons sparkle with glitter, shimmering as the multicolored party lights stream in from the living room and land on them. 

It's as if the universe is putting a spotlight on them, just for you. 

After side eyeing Willow one final time to ensure that she isn't catching onto your plan, you act quickly. She stands beside the counter, right where you left her, and you dart to the island to grab the streamers. Your fingertips soon gain purchase on the packaging, and you tear it open in one swift motion. 

Her gaze locks onto yours just as you near her, but it's far too late for her to get away. 

"Take this!" You declare, upending the baggie atop her head. She shrieks as they cascade down her body, getting caught in the creases and wrinkles of her costume as they go. A small wave of glitter tumbles out of the bag as well, coating her hair and clothes. 

Boy, that'll be fun to try and get out later. 

Her head slowly raises once you finish your assault and place the baggie on the countertop beside you, but the look in her eye is unlike anything you've ever seen. 

"You're dead," she warns. Just as the smile drops from your face, an even larger, more sinister one begins forming on hers. 

The floor creaks beneath your feet slightly as you take a step back, and you know you have to high tail it out of there if you want to evade her. 

"Catch me if you can!" You shout, springing into action. You turn around and dart out of the room, gliding past numerous partygoers in the hall. 

Willow's choice of footwear works in your favor, you soon realize; the sharp rapping sound of her heels pierces the air behind you, serving as a tell of how much distance is between you.

Her unstable platforms buy you a little time, and you thank the universe as you rush through the living room and back towards the foyer. You plan to cut across it and hide out in one of the bathrooms until she drops her plan for revenge. 

A grin pulls at your cheeks as you skid into one of the walls, looking like a character from Scooby-Doo as you will your feet to work correctly again and get you to safety. Willow laughs behind you, joining in on the fun. 

"Perfect," you mutter under your breath, spotting a clear path through the foyer. It leads under the stairs, and you can see the open door of the bathroom from where you are. 

Your feet take you past a handful of drunk people, bobbing and weaving through them with ease, before you're racing towards the restroom to take cover. 

Before you can make it there, though, you collide with someone rather abruptly as they step straight into your path. 

Your eyes shut tightly as you brace yourself for impact with the ground, but it never comes. The person reaches out and catches you before you can hit the floor, and a soft apology slips past their lips as they scoop you up. 

Upon hearing that uniquely feminine voice speak its regret again, you peek your eyes open. What you see nearly makes the woman's effort to keep you upright moot; she's so gorgeous that your legs almost give out from underneath you. 

Dirty blonde locks cascade over her shoulders in soft waves, half-mussed, half-pristine from your run-in. Her doe eyes are a velvety chocolate color, and you find yourself getting lost in them. Flickers of red show in them, illuminating almost rhythmically the longer she admires you. 

Are those contacts? You ask yourself. They have to be. 

She seems to be just as affected by your presence as you are of hers. 

"Y/N, I'm coming to get you!" 

Willow does her best to sound like a villain from a 90s horror film as she clambers her way closer to you, bumping into a few people on the way. You're brought out of your stupor by her rapidly approaching footsteps, and you take a step away from the woman. Her hands fall from your waist, where they had previously been resting. 

Stealing a quick look at the bathroom, you feel your stomach turn.

Damnit. Someone's in there now. 

Screw this sexy stranger for distracting you. Now you'll have to deal with Willow's wrath. 

"What's wrong?" 

There's that voice again. 

Part of you wants to brush it off and slip away quietly, but an even bigger part of you is determined to stay where you are and tell her. Something about her pulls you in, and you're having a hard time denying it. 

"I need to hide. I glitter-fied my friend and now she's coming after me." 

The woman's plump lips pull back in a humored smile, and she nods as a chuckle leaves her. "Right," she says, like that's a common occurrence. "I can help, if you'd like." 

"How?" You ask, your brows momentarily knitting together in confusion. When she unties and opens the black cloak that's wrapped around her body, your breath catches. 

"You in?" She asks, side eyeing the foyer as Willow nearly careens into the Egyptian vase that her mother bought her last year for Christmas. 

You take a deep breath and hold your hand out to her just as Willow rounds the corner, and she swiftly pulls you in close before you can be spotted. She winds the cloak around both of your bodies, concealing your faces as the fur-lined hood falls atop your heads. 

Unconsciously, you wrap your arms around her waist and pull her flush up against you to further ensure your safety. She quietly grunts when she stumbles over her own feet, falling into you a little. 

"Sorry," she whispers, though her third apology of the night is unnecessary. You almost want to thank her for what happened.

Especially when her warm breath fans across your right cheek, where her head is angled. 

Every breath you take pushes you closer to each other, and the satin shirt she's wearing slides against your heated skin. She swallows thickly as one of your hands falls to the small of her back, testing the waters. 

When she shifts a little to encourage you, you're acutely aware of the thigh that's worked its way between your legs. 

When did that happen? 

You bite back a sigh as she just smirks, quietly shushing you. 

Willow thunders by, shouting your name and threatening to throw you into the pool when she tracks you down. You want to laugh at that, but you'd honestly welcome it right now. Some cold water would surely bring you to your senses after being led astray by this goddess in front of you. 

Her footsteps grow distant as she makes her way outside, still searching.

The two of you remain as you are for a couple more minutes until you're certain that the coast is clear, and then you part. When she lowers the cloak, you look away; a deep blush has worked its way up your neck and across your cheeks, and letting her see it would surely make you die of embarrassment. 

She keeps her eyes on you as she reties the cover around herself, attempting to get a read on you. The bashful aura that's befallen you is cute, no doubt, but she can sense your arousal. She can smell it on you, and the scent is beginning to drive her crazy. 

You fiddle with the sleeves of your costume, readjusting them nervously.

"So, um… thanks," you say, sneaking a glance up at her. 

The red hues in her eyes are even more pronounced now, and the sight makes you press further into the wall behind you -- the one that you were previously pushed up against. 

"No problem," she smiles, showing off her pearly white teeth. Two of them catch your attention; a set of fangs now shine, looking alluring and threatening all at the same time. 

There's only one issue: you're certain that they weren't there when you first bumped into her. When did she put them in? And why do they look so real?

The feeling of her hand landing on your forearm pulls you away from the millions of questions that're firing off in your head right now. 

"May I ask your name?" She politely requests, dipping her head down sweetly. 

"Y/N," you breathe out, quickly realizing that you'd do just about anything she asked you to. 

"Y/N." She repeats, allowing the letters to blend in her mouth as they roll off her tongue. She looks satisfied for some reason as she says it again, trying it out. 

"I'm Lisa." 

"It's nice to officially meet you," you smile, reaching a hand out. Her touch is gentle but firm as she takes it, shaking it with ease. 

"Likewise, beautiful." 

The grin on your face only widens at the name, and you pull your hand away out of fear of what she might do next. She's already putting you under her spell, and you're sure that another touch would have you fully entranced. 

She studies you with pursed lips for a moment, clearly debating on something. Her eyes flicker over the dips and curves of your body as a smirk grows on her lips. 

"What are you thinking?" You question, curious but teasing. 

"That I'd love to have your body on mine again." 

She's bold, and she says it like the fact it is. No shame, no bashfulness. Just true, honest desire. 

You bite the inside of your cheek at her bravery, silently thanking the universe for it. The likelihood of you gaining the courage to make a move is slim to none even in the best cases, and this was no exception. She already has your heart skipping beats and you've only known her a few minutes. 

"How about a dance?" She suggests, quirking a brow. The look on her face disarms your defenses, and you take a deep breath before agreeing to your demise. 

"That sounds wonderful." 

She dips her head again, hiding her face away momentarily, and you think it's the cutest thing ever. 

She's shy all of a sudden as her cool demeanor slips up a bit, and that never happens. You might just be her downfall, too.

She holds an elbow out and steps forward, allowing you to link your arm with hers and cuddle in close. 

Her eyes scan across the living room as she studies it, but she's unimpressed. 

Sweaty, winding bodies thrash around to some upbeat pop song that's been overplayed on every radio station in town for weeks now, and the idea of taking you there puts her off. 

When a drunk boy comes into view with a dildo strapped to his forehead, her mind is officially made up. 

"Let's go outside," she says, leading you through the patio doors. 

A quaint gazebo sits on one side of the yard, and the dance floor that Willow's family installed a couple years ago occupies the other. Both are decorated with string lights in combinations of gold, purple, black, and orange. Other ornaments adorn the surfaces as well, and you smile when you spot a comically large spider sat atop the gazebo's roof. 

"Where would you like to go?" Lisa asks, keeping her voice low. It's calm and deep, running a chill through you. 

Softer music plays out here, offering a totally different vibe than inside. Some couples -- many of them introverted, assumably -- sway on the dancefloor as the DJ that Willow hired takes a sip of her drink on the raised stage. She adjusts a few switches slowly, not rushing for a second.

"Let's try the gazebo," you decide, glancing over your shoulder at Lisa. She's looking away, but you don't think anything of it as the two of you fall in step with one another on your way over. 

Shit, Lisa thinks to herself. 

Her plans to come to this party, feed, and make a quick getaway are totally derailed. She'd hoped to find a victim that she was attracted to but didn't like, if that even makes sense, and feed like the animal she is. Then she would leave them like all the rest, drained but still alive, and slip away. 

But now she's met you, and any desire for those plans have been thrown out the window. 

You interest her, and that doesn't happen often. She hasn't met someone who's been capable of doing that in years, and she's intrigued. Something about you just pulls her in, inexplicably, and she knows her feelings would be glaringly obvious if you saw her face right now. 

"Woah, look at this," you sigh, stepping out of her hold to check the place out. A bench runs the perimeter of the gazebo, only stopping at the doorway, and the lights look even prettier from inside. They shimmer, looking like star showers as their strings hang down in the windowless openings of the building. 

Lisa quickly learns that she loves seeing you like this. Your eyes are alight, and your sweet smile of wonder warms her heart. Her hands slip into her pockets as she eventually manages to take her eyes off you, following your lead as she admires the decorations. 

She does a twirl, looking around. 

"It's gorgeous." 

"I know, right? This is totally up Willow's alley," you say, grinning at the mental image that you can conjure up of her giddily spiffing the scene up. 

"I'll have to thank her for making it look so special, then," Lisa says, smiling. The place really makes you feel like you're in your own little world; everything about it is just right. The ambience, the decor, the company… it’s perfect, and Lisa's content with how the evening is playing out. 

Her fingers skate down your arm as she nears you, trekking their way down to your palm. She takes your hand and spins you, watching with admiration as your hair flows in the breeze. Now facing her, you thread your fingers together around the back of her neck as she encircles your waist with her arms. 

"Why have I never seen you around?" You ask sincerely, looking up at her. 

She hesitates briefly. "My university is a few towns over. I just come here to visit my family every few months." 

Not a total lie, she thinks to herself. 

"And stop by terrible parties like this, of course." You add, smirking. 

She shakes her head at that. "No, I can't say I do. I just decided to check this one out on my way to my friend's house." She explains. 

Underneath your cloak, her hands find their way to the small of your back. One stays put while the other dips a little lower, testing the waters. 

"And besides," she starts again, feeling you pull her closer. "Meeting you here automatically makes this an awesome party. Not terrible."

"Cheeeesy!" You scrunch your face up and groan, making her laugh. 

"Maybe, but it's the truth." 

"Sure, Lisa." 

She shakes her head and you laugh lightly together, still swaying about. You hold her close enough to rest your head on her shoulder, and the pads of your thumbs rub small circles on the sensitive skin of her neck. She hums at the feeling, and you take note of the way she relaxes in your arms. 

The night breeze appears again, performing a flowing dance of its own as it lulls past you in waves. A slight chill resides in it, mixed with a generous amount of the day's sweet, fading heat, and you're at peace. 

The slow song that had been playing across the yard ends delicately, parting with some melodic feature that resembles a warm embrace, and it blends seamlessly into the next song. 

Turning Page, you recognize it as.  

Huh, how ironic. One of your favorites. 

Lisa's lips brush against your cheek as she turns her head slightly, whispering, "I like this one, too." 

How did she know? You ask yourself. You hadn't said it out loud… 

Maybe she's just a good guesser. Yeah, that's gotta be it. 

You feel yourself melt as she begins singing the words to you. It's hushed and sentimental -- meant only for your ears to hear, and that makes it even more special to you. 

"If I had only felt the warmth within your touch"

She croons, pressing her cheek against your warm skin. You blush, catching yourself when you remember what the next line of the song is. 

"If I had only seen how you smile when you blush" 

She brings a hand up to cup your cheek in her palm, and her other arm remains around you, holding you tenderly. 

"Or how you curl your lip when you concentrate enough"

Now, her thumb runs across your bottom lip. You look into her eyes and find them an even deeper shade of red than they had been before, but it doesn't frighten you for some reason. She glances down at your mouth again, fighting her impatience as she waits for permission from you. 

"I would have known what I was living for all along"

You nod and lace your fingers in her locks, and she doesn't waste another second. 

She leans in, humming against your lips when they meet hers for the first time. Her lipgloss spreads across them upon contact, smudging its precise application, but she doesn't seem to care in the slightest. She draws you in closer, and you bring both of your hands around to cup her face as you deepen the kiss. 

Her mouth is welcoming against yours, and it moves languidly as you get adjusted to one another. Every move makes you feel dizzier than the one before it, and swarms of butterflies take flight in your stomach with no signs of stopping. 

She nips at your bottom lip as her hands dip far lower than before, now kneading your ass as your kisses continue to work her up. 

"Fuck," you curse, breaking away from her lips to catch your breath. She's stolen it all from you, and yet she's still not ready to give you a rest; her mouth drops to your jaw, embracing your skin there before moving down to your neck. 

She doesn't realize how dangerous the game she's playing truly is until it's almost too late. 

Her lips press to the area just above your pulsepoint, where she's learned over the years that blood pumps the hardest and tastes the sweetest. She draws it into her mouth, swirling her tongue over the area as her ears perk up at the breathless sound of your moans. They spur her on, and she nips at the skin, surely leaving a hickey. 

Her senses become even more clouded when you say her name, the title caught somewhere between a whine and command, and she feels the strong impulse to claim you. The sensation is overwhelming, and she knows you can feel it too. 

Your hands tug on the collar of her shirt as she lets her fangs fully extend, no longer suppressing them. They rake across your pulsepoint, making you shiver against her. 

"Please…" 

That's all you manage to get out before they pierce your skin, eliciting a whimper from you. Blood fills her mouth instantly, sliding across her taste buds in velvety waves and calming her constant craving. Your hands tighten in her hair, and the delicious twinge of pain that it provides only encourages her more. 

Your blood is different than anything she's ever tasted; it's richer -- sweeter. A throaty groan leaves her as she savors it, and you shut your eyes in pleasure. It's addicting, but she knows she has to stop herself before she hurts you. If she continues like this much longer, she won't have the willpower to let go. 

She retracts her fangs as she licks your taste from them, and then you feel her warm tongue clean the wound she made. It stings a bit, but in all the right ways.

When she pulls back to look at you, she finds your eyes half-lidded and a pleased smile on your face. It nearly kills her, then and there. 

Her gaze flickers back to your neck to admire the hickie she made earlier, but what she sees surprises her. Below it is a darker, more prominent marking that she's only seen other vampires leave behind before. 

Definitely not a hickie.

Your brows furrow as you look at her neck as well, noticing a faint outline of something growing darker by the second. Blinking a few times to ensure that you aren't hallucinating, you find that it's really there. 

"Lisa, what's on your neck?" You ask. 

"A soulmate mark." She responds, feeling a sense of belonging settle over her as she looks at you again. You just confirmed her suspicions by asking that.

"Same as yours," she smiles.