#this is for all my sketchbook enjoyers as well !!

[dreamerdeity]

𝐊𝐄𝐈𝐑𝐀'𝐒 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓: 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐔𝐏𝐒

a/n: Really happy to be back on tumblr! College apps have been kicking my ass but it's getting better. Don't be shy to request a matchup, a fic, or a wip for Gaza! I'm also very sorry @tinysoulmentality for not including moodboards I had no time 😭

❁ཻུ۪۪♡ word count: 2k

Keira's Fundraising Event

███▒▒▒▒▒▒ 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. . . @tinysoulmentality 's character matchup

Hi! Id like to request a matchup for jjk, bllk and aot. Im mexican and being connected to my culture is very important to me. I love reading dc comics and watching old slasher/horror movies. My favorite color is purple and my favorite holiday/time of year of Halloween. When it comes to relationships, the most important thing to me is being with someone that I know i can be myself with and that I dont have to worry about their loyalty towards me. Here are my donations and pls lmk if theres any other info you need !!!💜💜

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐉𝐉𝐊 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇: 𝐈𝐍𝐎 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐌𝐀

Ino is an interesting little guy. He’s cute, but to say he has game would be like saying that cats can fly (handsome loser :3). When he first met you, he had to do a little double take because hold on a minute. Who’s that pretty lady? He casually walks up to you and blurts out a “You’re not from around here, are you?” ft. nervous voice crack that he manages to play off somehow. The question definitely elicits a few mental eye rolls from you. Typical male-tries-to-hit-on-foreign-girl one-liner, but he makes it… work? Maybe it’s the nervous flush on his cheeks, or the hand that sheepishly rubs at the back of his neck, or the bright smile he musters up to mask the nerves. 

I like to think that Ino is a very cosmopolitan person. It’s not really that he’s traveled all around the world, but more so that he has varied likes and interests spanning many different cultures. He likes to listen to old-school hip-hop and reggaeton. He’s into Italian and Turkish dramas. He sleeps well at night knowing there’s an Indian restaurant and another Mexican one down the block that can curb his cravings for butter chicken and quesadillas. 

So, it’s no surprise that he’s quick to grab a throw pillow and get comfortable on the couch whenever you talk about your Mexican heritage. He doesn’t know much about Mexico apart from the fact that the food goes extremely hard, so he’s always enthusiastic to learn more about the other aspects that characterize your country and its people. 

He also tries to learn some Spanish to “surprise” you but then it’s literally just a “¡Buenos días!” enunciated really badly. There’s a proud smile on his face every time he greets you good morning in your mother tongue though, and it’s very endearing, to say the least. 

To add onto his culture vulture, cosmopolitan vibes, I think he’s also really into movies. The type to just drop a niche movie reference every two seconds and frown deeply when no one gets it. 

Watching horror movies with him is interesting because for some reason he thinks that abruptly grabbing your shoulders mid-movie and growling menacingly would jump-scare you into oblivion, but you’re used to the genre so all it does is make you eye him narrowingly, unimpressed, ready to tell him off for interrupting a very crucial plot development. 

For whatever reason, Ino gives me major horror-enjoyer vibes. He likes analog horror and you’re lucky Halloween is your favorite time of year because it’s his too! Watching The Prowler (i just really like this movie lol) under the blankets with warm, freshly-made popcorn and a pretty lady in his arms? Yeah, count him in. 

One last thing, sorry to be the one to say this, but Ino is definitely the “can you draw me” person whenever he sees your sketchbook or art in general. It’s all in good nature, and he wouldn’t mind it if you say no, but if you do draw or paint him, let’s just say that that drawing will be in his wallet for the rest of his life. Sometimes he’d just randomly pull it out when someone brings you up and proudly hold it up to his company like “Uhuh, my girl drew this. Yup.” 

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐁𝐋𝐋𝐊 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇: 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐈 𝐇𝐘𝐎𝐌𝐀

I think that, unlike Ino, Chigiri used to be less “out there” in the world in his youth and kept more to himself in terms of being an experiencer of cultural diffusion; It was how he was brought up. But after going pro and meeting many people, traveling to many different places etc, he’s been exposed to the world on a greater scale. That’s how he finds himself meeting you one day at a party. He was charming. Need I say more tbh? That hair, that gentlemanliness, that whole aura surrounding him is hard to resist. He knew just how to sweet-talk but actually meant every word he said. 

Chigiri is one wealthy man, let’s be honest. Pro footballer?  Mbappe in another font? Yeah. I think he genuinely enjoys spoiling and lavishing you with gifts if that’s your thing. 

He loves hearing you talk about your heritage and if you don’t live in Mexico, I feel like if you were to even remotely express that you’re kind of missing your country he’d immediately be like, “Then let’s book a 2 week stay and you can show me all those things you were telling me about.” No biggie. 

Would also rent out the entirety of Playa Sisal in advance because you mentioned (once. 1 [one] time. ) that you were looking forward to taking a dip come the vacation. 

I think that there’s this stigma surrounding footballers and how they’re a bunch of players who sleep around but don’t commit. While that may have some merit, Chigiri is different. Like, have you seen him? Not to mention that he has a sister. 

I feel like he values loyalty and genuine companionship as much as you do, and should you ever feel yourself questioning where you stand within his life, or whether he’s trustworthy, he would be so quick to reassure you and make you feel heard, basically quelling the doubts before they even surface. (Communicative king). 

On the note of communicative king, he’s very good at praise and voicing his appreciation. The sort to genuinely encourage your creative hobbies and praise you for any work you create. He would literally not mind building a home art studio for you to promote your love for art and writing. Like, “Oh, I saw you painting the other day and you didn’t look very comfortable at your desk. Thought I’d make you a little art corner,” he’d say as he sheepishly shows you the “art corner” in question which looks more like a state of the art professional studio. 

I think Chigiri himself is a very artistic person beneath the surface. He just gives off that vibe quite a bit. Picnics where you guys sit at the park and paint the scenery together? So him. 

Would post your art on social media (if you consent ofc!) to his 5 million+ followers and bring you business if you ever decide to open commissions. 

In terms of entertainment, Chigiri is the type to be so clueless when it comes to media because he just doesn’t have the time. Like you were shocked when he told you he never watched Star Wars. Sir, what do you mean?? 

It became your job to educate him on the vast world of entertainment, namely movies. He doesn’t really care what you pick as long as you’re happy. So when he’s got some free time on his hands, he’ll binge horror or DC/Marvel movies with you and even try to analyze the plot as it’s happening (don’t kill him please he’s just trying to show he’s interested). 

Would buy you merch of your favorite movies and get giddy when you wear it/decorate your room with it etc.

Lastly, I think Chigiri would sulk in the corner if you insist he let you dye his hair purple since it’s your favorite color, but he literally can’t say no to you, so eventually he yields reluctantly but shockingly, once all is said and done, he figures out he actually really like how purple looks on him. 

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐀𝐎𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇: 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐈 𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍

I’m gunna be honest. I think it just makes sense for Levi to like you because black cat x orange cat trope?? Him and Hange? Him and the Eren gang in general? Yeah. 

Going by your mbti, I imagine you’re not very extroverted, and I think that’s something that genuinely makes Levi let out a sigh of relief sometimes. 

*glance at each other* You: “wanna leave this party?” Him: “You read my mind.”

If loyalty were a person, it would be this man. He shows it in the small things, I’d say: Leaving you short messages before he leaves for work every morning, bringing you things that remind him of you, etc. I feel like that would be his way of saying “I’ve got eyes for you only/I’m always thinking about you and you alone”. 

Levi is such a meanie on the surface and I find it kind of hilarious. Like, I think you guys would complete each other's snark and sarcasm and people would not know whether you two are joking or not meanwhile yall are just trying to bite back giggles. 

If I’m being honest, Levi doesn’t strike me as a very creative person. He seems more of a STEM sort of guy if we think of him in a modern au, so he doesn’t pay much mind to the arts as a field. 

That’s not to say he isn’t supportive of your creative endeavors of course. You know when parents have no idea how a sport you play works but they still passionately cheer at your games regardless? Yeah, that’s Levi with your art, writing, etc. It’s all impressive to him even if you don’t think so and he’ll make sure you know that. 

“I love this poem you wrote. You could be famous if you took this up professionally,” he’d say even if there was like a single sentence on the page. 

Would be the type to send you anything art or writing related he gets on his fyp like “yup, she’s definitely gonna love this/find it helpful”. 

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I think Levi is actually a film buff. There, I said it. Something about him strikes me as movie lover. He would be the type to drop a quote from some obscure movie from the 50s with a straight face in the most serious tone ever which makes it even funnier. 

So, when you two have some free time, he loves to watch things with you while cuddling on the couch. he’s the type to read the captions before the characters actually say them and it just spoils the scene for him, and then he’d sulk as if it’s your fault, but it’s cute. 

When you two are watching horror movies, he’s the type to tsk and mutter under his breath complaining about the costumes or about how if he were there he would’ve totally killed that demon in like two seconds.

[bvidzsoo]

Love Me Like A Rockstar (1)

ー☆ Chapter 1: The death of peace of mind

Author: bvidzsoo

Pairing: Song Mingi x female reader

ー☆ Warning: light cursing ー☆ Word count: 6.9k ー☆ Genre: university!au, enemies to lovers!au, rockstar!au ー☆ Rating: sfw ー☆ Summary: Love. You wanted none of it. You had already been heartbroken very badly once, you didn't wish to go through that ever again. But the Universe works in intricate ways and, somehow, you found yourself webbed up in a local rockstar's life, Song Mingi. He was everything you expected him to be, yet nothing like you imagined him he would be. What happens when you find mutual understanding and have heartful conversations? Will he be able to break down your walls? Will you be able to chase away his darkness?

A/N: Hii, first chapter is out, hope you all enjoy it! I hope the lyrics aren't confusing, I went ahead and tried out something new with this story, hopefully it's as enjoyable as I planned it out to be. Please do check the playlist as it'll be updated with each chapter and I also advise you listen to the song before or while reading the chapters, it'll have a different feel. Taglist is open, thank you for showing interest! Please leave feedback and enjoy now!

Taglist: @orshii @lovely-red2 @juicy-red @scarfac3 @sunaswifes-blog

⟨Series M.list ⟩

♫Playlist♫

『I made another mistake

Thought I could change, thought I could make it out』

The rustle of paper, the zipping of a pencil case, the drying scent of freshly used paint, and the oily feeling on your fingertips after using acrylics, the slight burn against your middle finger after having held your pencil tightly for hours were all things I was used to, familiar with. I bit my lower lip as my eyes were stuck to my A5 sketchbook, the paper thick, entranced by the black charcoal forming a way too familiar shape. The outline of the person was dark, shadows creeping around his body, faceless. I didn’t have it in me to put too much detail into his face, my mind kept wandering. I was feeling slightly lost. The weather was getting worse day by day, the sky dark, casting a gloomy feel over our heads. It didn’t help that I haven’t slept well for three days in a row, but perhaps that had something to do with the full moon—or so my mother has said while cooking dinner yesterday.

A sigh left my lips as my fingers itched to trace another line against the paper, to perfect the stray strand of light-colored hair falling against the man’s forehead. My shoulders were hunched over and I only now registered the soreness in my neck and lower back, having been sitting at this stool for almost two hours now. When I was drawing, or painting, time seemed to fly by in a wink, leaving me completely oblivious to everything happening around me. It was a means to calm my mind, to soothe my feelings, and a means to existing without wondering, dwelling, or feeling the dread of not being good enough—and perhaps the worst thought which quite often recurred in my scattered mind was that I didn’t know what I would do with myself once I was done with University. Opening an art club for all the art lovers was a small step in feeling a little accomplishment, however, that would be gone as soon as I was out and away from this place. Who would take over then? Were there students who were interested enough, loved art enough, to continue the little legacy I would leave behind? Those were pressing questions in the back of my mind sometimes, and I knew I was worrying about insignificant things, but they felt very crucial to me. If I could leave a little piece of me behind everywhere I went, nobody would be able to forget me, right?

“Bye, Y/N!” The sudden chirping of my name combined with the greeting finally snapped me out of my thoughts and I looked up, a small smile forming on my lips as I waved at the leaving students. They weren’t my students per se, I was only an Art major, but I did view them as my little apprentices. They were ambitious and determined to learn everything they could, eager to contribute as much as they could. I appreciated their effort and felt glad that people like them existed, it gave me hope in humankind. Not that I had much with everything going on in the world, but I could only appreciate and admire those who found a little kindness in their hearts to share with others.

I finally felt like I was done with my drawing as I sat back, rolling my shoulders back and cracking my neck as the last few students left the room, leaving me alone with the approaching girl with a grin on her face. I turned my head and watched her as she giddily approached me, gripping her sketchbook to her chest.

“Wanna see?” She asked with a chuckle and I nodded with a smile, eyes falling on my best friend’s drawing. I instantly recognized the features of the older woman and I chuckled as I took in the smaller version of my best friend, grinning up at her mother as she held a little flower up to her. She never stopped amazing me with her beautiful creations, and I couldn’t help but clap for her briefly.

“This is gorgeous, Seulgi, I’m in love.” I said as I reached my hand out and lightly traced the leaves of the willow tree in the drawing, making my best friend grin happily. She had her hair down today, her black curls falling around her shoulders. Her hair has gotten long, but she didn’t want to cut it, said she liked it more like this. It did suit her and gave her a younger look; her colorful outfits complementing her personality and overall looks well.

“What did you draw?” She asked and I glanced over at my own drawing, sucking my lower lip between my teeth. I really shouldn’t have drawn him again, but doing so brought me comfort. It always did. Despite the heartbreak he left in his wake, Yunho was a person whom I have deeply loved and found shelter in once—my drawings of him only reflected that. I have anticipated Seulgi’s reaction as I took my sketchbook off from the drafting board, turning it around and letting her eyes rake over it as she sighed, giving me a slightly disappointed look as she placed one hand on her hip. I looked away and quickly closed my sketchbook, getting off the stool. My hips and back protested in pain as I stretched my arms overhead, letting out a groan when my stiff muscles strained and vertebras finally popped.

“I thought we agreed you would stop drawing Yunho…” Seulgi trailed off as she watched me start packing away my things into my dark green backpack. Oh, well, she certainly wasn’t wrong, but I got carried away today—I haven’t even realized I was drawing Yunho until I was done with the outline of his body.

“Uh, yeah,” I muttered slightly embarrassed as Seulgi shook her head and closed her own sketchbook, balancing on one leg as she unzipped her backpack and placed it against her thigh, “But we talked about the feeling of comfort today and a place or person whom makes you feel safe and—I got carried away, sorry.”

Seulgi gave me a sympathetic look as she had forced her sketchbook inside her backpack and lowered her leg, swinging her bag around her shoulders, “And you couldn’t have drawn you—mother? Or teddy bear from third grade?”

Her offhanded question made me chuckle as I looked at her amused, my backpack hanging off my shoulders as I only wore one strap.

“Mom would flip if I drew her and made even the smallest mistake. I’d rather avoid getting scolded about making her eyebrow darker than it actually is.” Seulgi and I shared a look before we both started giggling as I recalled the one and only time I drew my mother, swearing to never do it again as she found every single little detail wrong about her features, pointed them out to me, and then proceeded to ignore me for the next three days. Thinking back on it, it is a quite hilarious memory, but back in that moment she made me feel like I wasn’t good enough, talented enough, making me doubt my skills for a very long time. Until I met Seulgi and she started freaking out about my art, calling me phenomenal.

“Yeah, perhaps drawing your mom wouldn’t be the smartest, but seriously, Y/N, how long has it been?” Seulgi seemed to think for a second as we started for the door, “Five years? You certainly should be over Yunho by now.”

Hearing his name left a sour taste in my mouth even if it shouldn’t have. Despite the passing of years he somehow still made me feel bitter about everything that’s happened between us. I hate that feeling, but I couldn’t get rid of it and it was frustrating.

“I am over him.” I muttered as we left the art studio and I locked the door, making Seulgi hum next to me sounding not too convinced. I sighed and rolled my eyes as I pocketed the key, then we started walking down the empty hallway, headed for the exit.  

“Do you have any plans tonight?” Seulgi decided to change the subject as she bounced on the balls of her feet, a huge grin appearing on her lips. I raised my eyebrows at her sudden excitement and thought for a second before I shook my head no. We turned the corner to the left, having arrived in the musical studies department. The hallway was littered with doors on both sides, which were studios for the music majors, private little rooms where they could record and write whatever songs they wanted.

“Cool,” Seulgi grinned and suddenly gripped my hand, her lips falling into a pout, eyes slightly widening. Oh, I knew what was coming next, yet her honey like tone still made me cringe, “Come with me to the Outlaw? Please?”

My eyebrows furrowed hearing the mentioned place. It was famous amongst our university’s students. It was a run down and cheap pub where degenerates gathered to have fun almost every night, drinking their night away, wasting their money and braincells on unimportant things.

“Why would I go there?”

“Because I’m asking?” Seulgi raised an eyebrow, “And because the Noir Zenith are playing tonight and I really want to go—”

“What is a Noir Zenith?” I asked confused, making Seulgi’s eyes widen to the point of bulging out. She looked funny as she let go of my hand and gasped as if I had sworn out her mother or someone she really cared about.

“It’s the coolest band from our university! Are you telling me you haven’t heard of them?” She asked outraged making me laugh, “I’m speechless.”

“Well, you know I don’t waste my time by drinking my sorrows away in a shitty pub surrounded by even shittier people who try to chase fame with scratchy and awful voices. Is the band made up by some music major students?”

“They do not have scratchy and awful voices, Y/N!” Seulgi looked outraged by this point, making me raise my eyebrows in surprise, “God, they are one of the best bands to ever exist—”

“Yeah, right,” I rolled my eyes as we entered the main hall of our university, “Go on and disregard all of the previous phenomenal bands to ever exist, nice one, Seulgi—wait, is this about Wooyoung? Didn’t you say he’s part of a band as well?”

At the mention of said boy all anger and incredulity disappeared from Seulgi’s face and she shrunk back, hiding her face behind her hair, “Yeah, he’s actually a vocalist of the band. Noir Zenith.”

“Oh,” Was all I could say as I watched her push her hair behind her ears, face almost as red as a tomato. I tried not to laugh at my best friend, her crush on the boy painfully obvious, “And I assume you want to go watch them perform tonight?”

Seulgi nodded wordlessly as she pushed open the double doors for us, “At Outlaw?”

She nodded again and I hummed, raking my brain for any plans I had made for tonight, but I found none. I had zero excuses to refuse Seulgi for so I glanced at her as we ascended the few stairs, licking my lips as I dwelled on the idea of being seen at such place. I mean, it couldn’t be that bad, right? After all, it was just a band singing from our university and I would be out of there the second they were done. That sounded pretty reasonable and alright to me, so I hummed, and smiled at Seulgi.

“What time?” Her eyes widened as she whipped her head towards me as we were headed to the bus station.

“Oh, my God!” She shrieked and flung herself at me, almost throwing us off balance, “You’re the best, I love you! Seven, you should be ready at six thirty, and I’ll pick you up and we’ll drive there together—oh, my God, I’m so excited! Wooyoung said they’ll be performing their newest song and he said it’s so fire! Mingi wrote the lyrics, and Wooyoung helped with the chorus, he actually showed me a snippet—do not tell Mingi that—and it was so good, oh, my God—I’m rambling, sorry, but you said yes and I just—”

Seulgi cut herself off with a shriek as she let go of me, leaving me partially deaf as her shrill voice rang through my right ear, making me wince. Of course, I wouldn’t tell Mingi, whoever that was.

“Alright, I’ll be done by six thirty.” I muttered as Seulgi skipped ahead, sitting on the bench by the bus stop, grinning from ear to ear as she took her phone out of her pocket, starting to type furiously. She was probably texting Wooyoung, but I couldn’t be too sure, they had periods when they would talk all day and night, and then periods when they would go radio silent for a week or so. Their relationship was interesting but Seulgi never talked too much about it, having once muttered that if she thought about Wooyoung for too long she’d fall for him—or something like that, I couldn’t be sure, Seulgi says a lot of things which she only half-heartedly means.

『Promises break, need to hear you say

"You're gonna keep it now"』

            The pub was exactly like in the stories of others, and an exact replica of what I had in my mind. Which was bad, so being right here only made it worse as I allowed my eyes to travel to the ceiling, noticing all the uncovered pipes traveling above our heads. The lights were dim and there was almost like a light fog in the air, thankfully there weren’t any foul smells, like cigarettes or something else. The room was spacious, which was the only alright thing I could find about this place, as the walls were made of burgundy brick, a few falling out here and there. The dark wood floor seemed to be rotten in some places and I could only hiss as the front of my boots caught in an uneven plank, sending me slightly forward. Seulgi threw me an amused look before continuing her trot towards—I didn’t know where, but I decided to follow her blindly as I really wasn’t vibing with this place. Posters hung from the brick wall here and there and some graffiti covered it where the bar was. Chairs and tables were littered around the room, all looking quite old in age as I noticed one chair missing a leg, chuckling at the idea of someone toppling over once sitting on it. Seulgi gasped quite loudly and stopped walking for a second, making me crash into her back and throw her an unamused look as she swiftly turned around, lips pressed together and hands cupping her cheeks.

“Do I look alright, Y/N?” She blurted out, eyebrows furrowing, “Or am I too much? Do you think—did I totally miss the vibes with this outfit? I look ridiculous right now, don’t I—”

“No, Seulgi, you don’t.” I decided to cut off my best friend’s panicked rambling, placing my hands on her shoulders. I allowed my eyes to take in her outfit again and I smirked at her as we made eye contact. She was wearing black nylon bomber pants paired with fishnets which were peeking out above the waistband of her pants, her white crop top stopping at the middle of her torso. A black bomber jacket was thrown around her shoulders, matching her pants, and her white boots reached just underneath her knees. She had straightened her long hair and I helped her by making a smokey eye for her, accentuating the depth of her beautiful eyes, sharpening her stare. She looked absolutely gorgeous and I needed her to stop second guessing her outfit, “You look fucking hot and anyone in their right mind would want to devour you right now.”

“You included?” Seulgi flirted cheekily and I pretended to gag as I pushed her playfully away by her arms, making Seulgi laugh as she pushed her hair behind her shoulders, “Alright, I believe you.”

“Very well.” I grinned and allowed her to grip my elbow as the crowd was slightly denser here as we made our way towards the front of the room, headed to where the small stage was. I could see a drum set up on the dark stage, and suddenly I was veered to the left, almost getting whiplash by the force Seulgi pulled me after herself. I took in the people around me and decided that I definitely wasn’t part of this crowd, and it was showing. One, I was painfully sober and they weren’t; two, I certainly missed the point of this being a pub dominated by rock lovers, and my outfit had nothing to do with it. Against my better judgement, I have decided to wear a tight black skirt which barely reached the middle of my thighs, paired with high heel boots which reached my knees. A white tank top peeked through the burgundy long sleeved blouse I wore over it, having discarded my leather jacket in Seulgi’s car out of fear of losing it. All in all, the outfit was awesome, it’s just that it didn’t really match with the place in question I was at. I was slowly starting to regret coming here as we finally stopped walking and Seulgi’s hand, which brought comfort, disappeared from my elbow. I suddenly became aware that we have stopped by a table, and my best friend’s arms were around a guy’s shoulder as the two hugged each other—rather tightly, might I add. I allowed my eyes to fall on the guy and realized, only because Seulgi had shown me countless pictures of him, that it was Wooyoung. The only reason we were here, her crush. I tried to hide my snickering as they pulled away from each other and I have noticed Seulgi’s flushed cheeks, which was probably wise as Seulgi’s eyes were instantly on me, holding a warning in them.

“This is Y/N, my best friend.” She said sweetly as she lightly pushed Wooyoung towards me, “Y/N, this is Wooyoung the—vocalist and guitarist of Noir Zenith.”

“Cool name.” I muttered half-heartedly as Wooyoung extended his hand to shake, I was only speaking because I had to say something if I didn’t want to come off rude. A huge smile broke onto Wooyoung’s face at the praise of his band’s name and he eagerly shook my hand, making me force a smile onto my face when he held my hand for an unnecessary long time. The guy was just around my height and seemed to be buzzing with energy as he tapped his foot against the ground, sneaking glances towards Seulgi before finally facing her. His jawline was sharp and nose high as I took in his profile, his pretty eyes focused on my best friend. His hair was longer at the back and had two colors, black and blonde, it certainly didn’t look bad on him. He seemed to be the only one, besides myself, not dressed fitting for the place, and suddenly I didn’t feel as singled out as I had been moments prior, thankful for the light grey extremely baggy jeans littered with glitter he was wearing and for the grey and black faded out loose shirt hiding his frame. The front was slightly tucked in and a maroon belt held his pants to his hips, matching the color of his sneakers. The guy wore a few earrings and I just heard Seulgi complimenting them, making me chuckle. I knew she wanted to talk to him, so I didn’t bother them and instead looked around again, feeling slightly awkward, before I rested my gaze on the other two sitting at the table.

One guy was looking down at his phone, completely immersed by it as his long fingers were typing quickly, his wavy black hair falling into his eyes. He wore a very intricate white shirt, the material seemed to part at his shoulders and only covered his upper arm, cuffed and puffed out at his wrists, leaving the rest of his arms bare. A black corset like looking fabric was wrapped around his torso, stopping right below his chest and everything was neatly tucked inside black dress pants, an expensive silver chain hanging under the neckline of his shirt. The outfit was something I would’ve never thought of putting together, yet, it looked fabulous on the man and for a few seconds I found myself gawking at him. But I quickly caught myself and looked away awkwardly, hoping that nobody noticed my staring, instead, I found myself looking at the third guy, taking him in. His demeanor screamed confidence as he wore a smirk on his cherry red plush lips, jawline visibly sharp as his head was turned to the side, his nose tall and long. His tan skin glistened underneath the shitty lights of the pub, yet you were able to spot a few covered up blemishes around his jaw. His neck was heavily decorated with silver chains of various dimensions, a shinning silver pick dangling lower on his exposed chest as his black tank top was low cut and form fitting. The guy had a big midnight blue jacket over his frame and it had an interesting design, his jeans ripped at the knee and black like his tank top. Silver chain like bracelets wrapped around his wrists and I found my eyes drawn to his hands as he was pushing his glass from one hand to the other, fingers littered with smaller and bigger rings, the one with a red gem catching my eye. His nails seemed to have dirt scribbled over them, that is, until I looked harder and realized it was chapped black nail polish. I couldn’t deny how nice this guy looked and as I looked back up at his face, I found him looking back at me. My heart somersaulted but I played it off—hopefully my face really didn’t show any emotion—as I steeled my gaze and allowed blankness to settle over my features. His black hair was shorter and fell over his eyes, covering his forehead. The guy’s eyes were sharp and his gaze intimidating as his face remained unexpressive, features cold as he seized me up, suddenly the smirk back on his face. My eyes narrowed as the guy continued watching me smugly, and I just noticed the little something which looked like a smudge of something on his right cheekbone. Did he smudge dirt on it? Was he even aware that it was there? The possibility of him not knowing his perfect face was tainted brought a smirk on my lips and an eyebrow of the guy’s flew up, his gaze almost challenging as our stare down was abruptly stopped by a chair scraping backwards. My gaze went back to the very handsome man and I was surprised by the friendly gaze sent my way.

His features were soft yet sharp at the same time, his eyes big and warm as his lips were plump and looked soft. His skin was tan too and the highlighter reflected off his cheekbones, giving him an ethereal feel. There was a small piercing in his nose and I was slightly alarmed as he suddenly walked around the table, approaching my side. My body tensed and I glanced towards Seulgi, who was deep in conversation with Wooyoung. I assume these three must be friends since they were sitting at the same table.

“I’m Seonghwa, Wooyoung’s friend.” The guy finally spoke up, his voice was definitely softer than I expected it to be, and I reluctantly shook his extended hand.

“My name is Y/N.” I answered politely and retracted my hand from his as fast as I could. Seonghwa continued smiling as he looked towards Seulgi and his own friend, “Oh, uhm, I’m Seulgi’s best friend.”

“I figured,” He chuckled, scratching the back of his head. The aura this outfit gave him certainly didn’t match his current attitude, “Wooyoung mentioned Seulgi coming by and bringing her friend, it’s nice meeting you.”

“Oh, you too.” I offered him a lopsided grin and clasped my hands together in front of myself, Seonghwa’s demeanor not as off putting as most guy’s—or like the other guy’s who just stood up from the table and started approaching us. I watched him, eyes falling on him involuntarily as there was something about him which demanded attention as he came awfully close to Seonghwa and I, towering over the both of us. Seonghwa was a tall guy too, but this third guy’s height seemed to loom even over him, but I didn’t let that affect me in any way as I looked up at him with a bored expression.

“Found another little fan of ours?” I gulped at the hear of his voice, which somehow matched his face, it was deep and slightly raspy, however, the tone he used rubbed me the wrong way. My eyes narrowed at him and before Seonghwa could answer him, I fired an answer his way.

“A fan of yours?” I chuckled drily, “You certainly can’t be as self-centered as to think every female around a mile radius would instantly throw themselves at you, no?”

A beat of silence followed before Seonghwa started snickering, hiding his mouth by his hand as the other guy’s eyebrows furrowed. He didn’t look pleased by my question and he leaned down to be at the same height as me, gaze boring into mine. When his face was blank, his eyes seemed to get sharper and it somehow made my heartbeat pick up, but I ignored it. It was just the adrenaline, the annoyance, probably which threatened to seep through my bloodstream sooner than later.

“And who are you again?” The guy’s voice was quieter, dropped lower as he tried to belittle me with his stupid question, but I just rolled my eyes and crossed my arms in front of my chest.

“Don’t think I introduced myself to you before,” I snapped and the guy clicked his tongue, “Who are you, first of all?”

“You don’t know who I am?” His eyebrows suddenly furrowed as confusion washed over his face and for a second—but just that one little second—I thought the guy looked cute as his features softened.

“No, I don’t.” Him lowering himself allowed me to see whatever that was on his cheekbone better, and I could make out that it was some sort of logo, however, I have never seen it before, “And you have some dirt on your face.”

I pointed at my own cheekbone and Seonghwa’s sudden loud laughter alerted Seulgi and Wooyoung as they finally seemed to realize there were others around them, especially me, as Seulgi quickly stepped close and gripped my shoulder.

“That’s not dirt!” The man exclaimed and for someone with such a deep voice, his tone went incredibly high, “That’s my signature, bro.”

“Okay, bro, you’re self-centered, like I said—” Before I could really go off on this guy Seulgi gasped and laughed loudly, awkwardly, as I threw her a small glare.

“Aren’t you two hitting it off right the bat?!” She tried to diffuse the tension as Wooyoung chuckled, amused by the situation as Seonghwa was grinning too, “Y/N, this is Song Mingi, the bass player, singer, producer, lyricist, founder of Noir Zenith—be nice.”

The last part was only whispered to me and my eyebrows furrowed as I looked back at this guy, Mingi, who stood back up straight and threw a glare my way as I scoffed, shrugging my shoulders, “What a waste of talent on such personality.”

Seulgi’s eyes widened to saucers as Wooyoung inhaled loudly before breaking out into an ear-piercing laughter, making me wince, while Seonghwa had to cover his mouth again as he threw his head back and laughed.

“Y/N—that’s—” Seulgi stammered but I hushed her and smirked up at Mingi as he seemed lost for words for a second before his eyes hardened and he pulled his shoulders back, jaw clenching.

“What are you doing here if you don’t even fucking care about our band?” He hissed and for a second the viciousness in his tone took me off guard, but I didn’t let it show as I wrapped my arm around Seulgi’s shoulder and pulled her into my side. She looked mortified and tried speaking again, but I beat her to it—to my pleasure.

“My lovely friend, Seulgi, dragged me here because her and Wooyoung are friends, happy?” I felt Seulgi slightly relax in my grip, but she still subtly poked my side harshly, making me bite my lower lip to keep the groan of pain inside. Wooyoung had stopped laughing, thankfully, and was looking very amused as he punched Mingi’s arm weakly.

“I think you got a little bit humbled, dude.” He whispered loudly—probably on purpose—and Seonghwa giggled again as he quickly adjusted the front pieces of his hair.

“Why would anyone who doesn’t even listen to us come here?” Mingi muttered more to himself as he turned around and sauntered off towards the bar, throwing a glare every so often my way, making me giggle as I found it amusing. Poor dude, couldn’t handle a little humbling, but he definitely needs it.

“Y/N is a little bit—of a bitch—ow!” Seulgi hissed as she rubbed the spot on her arm where I had punched her, “You didn’t let me finish! She’s a bitch, but she’s my bestie and she doesn’t mean harm. I’m sure you guys will charm her by the end of the night.”

Charm me my ass. Maybe Seonghwa and Wooyoung, Mingi not—for sure. Not now or ever. Not that there will be another time and another chance for him to do so.

『It wasn't hard to realize love's the death of peace of mind

You're in the walls that I made with crosses and frames hanging upside down』

            The music coming through the speakers shook the little pub as I sat at the table the three boys have claimed as theirs earlier. Seulgi was by my side, but she was standing up, and she was jumping to the beat, somehow knowing the lyrics to the band’s newest song. I had a feeling Wooyoung had shown her already everything, but she did ask me not to tell Mingi—to whom now I could associate a face—and I had no desire to speak to him ever again, so she really had nothing to worry about. I couldn’t help but admit that they were good—not that I would ever say that out loud, especially not to Mingi—as the rock music blasted from the stage, purple and white lights illuminating the boys. Mingi stood in the center as he gripped his microphone, face scrunched up and the veins on his neck straining as his raspy voice involuntarily covered my skin in goosebumps.

『For granted, in vain, I took everything I ever cared about』

My fingers were tapping the rhythm of song, chin placed on my palm as I rested my hand on the table, watching each boy with curiosity. They all seemed to have different personalities and styles, yet up on the stage, they blended together and they worked well. Their voices complimented each other, where’s Mingi’s was raspy and low and harsh, Seonghwa’s seemed to be lighter and raspier, but then Wooyoung would jump in and his was powerful and high, and yet it still felt like a soft caress of a whisper at times. Their outfits, despite being so different, also made them look exquisite and gave the band a special and unique touch. As I glanced around I noticed how taken everyone seemed by their music, hanging onto every note they played as Seonghwa played the drums at the left side of the stage and Wooyoung the guitar to Mingi’s right.

『I miss the way you say my name

The way you bend, the way you break』

Mingi was gripping his microphone as his eyes were closed and nose scrunched up, eyebrows furrowing as the words slipped through his lips smoothly, his raspy voice soft and tender, like a steady but soft caress of your cheek, the light flutter of your eyelashes as if he was right by your side, whispering the words to you, trying to seduce you.

『Your makeup running down your face

The way you fuck, the way you taste』

Suddenly his eyes flew open and he looked out onto the crowd, locking his gaze with mine. I was about to grab the glass of water and take a sip, but I froze as a smirk slipped onto his lips, mixing in with his voice and very obviously making him sound smug. My jaw clenched just as the people, especially the girls in the front row, started cheering loudly, enjoying Noir Zenith’s performance. I tried to convince myself that I was just imagining things, but I could’ve sworn Mingi’s gaze remained on me and only me, singing the words from deep withing his chest, all kinds of emotions and feelings plastered over his face as he took his microphone out of its stand and started walking around the stage, crouching down and pointing at the girls close to the stage.

『When the curtains call the time, will we both go home alive?

It wasn't hard to realize love's the death of peace of mind

When the curtains call the time, will we both be satisfied?

It wasn't hard to realize love's the death of peace of mind』

They played two more songs after their newest, the crowd going wild as they sang along and I could feel all those unslept nights catching up as my eyes threatened to shut closed at any given time. Seulgi noticed and grew concerned, but I reassured her that I was only tired and would head soon home if she didn’t mind. She insisted I wait at least until the boys finish their performance in order to not be seen rude as I have, probably, already offended them. Not that I would mind, even though Mingi is the only one who actually deserves it.

Once they got off the stage everyone was swarming around them, congratulating them and offering them drinks, and I watched as Seonghwa kindly turned down all of them, meanwhile Mingi carelessly accepted almost all as Wooyoung was pushing his way through the crowd, eager to get back to the table. His cheeks were flushed by the time he reached us and Seulgi sprung onto her feet and went to hug Wooyoung but suddenly paused, looking awkwardly at her feet, until Wooyoung went and pulled her into his embrace instead. Seulgi’s face lit up and she started animatedly talking, but I couldn’t hear as the crowd was loud. Seonghwa seemed to be nowhere as Mingi managed to make his way through the crowd and now was grinning smugly at me, one eyebrow crooked as I rolled my eyes, still not impressed at all by him. He said nothing as he sat down next to me and took a sip of his drink, eyes falling on me. I could see him staring at me from the corner of my eyes, but I ignored him, and instead reached for Seulgi’s jacket to get her car keys so that I could fetch my jacket before leaving. As I felt around her pocket I became aware of two people towering over me as they had stopped behind my chair. I turned my head around and raised my eyebrows at the two girls as they were giggling, waiting for Mingi to notice them. And when he did, that irritating smirk was back on his lips and he greeted the girls with a wide smile, biting his lower lip as they started praising him.

“Mingi you are so cool!” The brunette exclaimed, grinning at him, “I swear to God, this new outfit concept is so hot on you.”

If I could, I would’ve died from the second-hand embarrassment these two girls were giving me, but instead, I decided to stay just a for a little bit longer and see what nonsense they manage to sputter so that I can use it against Mingi later.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you singing so passionately like tonight, Mingi, the new song is so good I’m already obsessed with it.” The blonde chimed in fast, throwing a slight glare towards the brunette. I guess the friendship between them flies out the window the second they step closer to a relatively attractive male—not that Mingi is attractive or good looking.

“Ah, you two…you always know how to flatter me.” I possibly have thrown up a little bit in my mouth because of Mingi’s sultry voice and narrowed eyes—he partially looked like he was about to pass out and partially like he would inhale one of the girls, if not both.

“You so deserve it, Mingi!” The blonde quickly exclaimed and placed a hand on his bicep, “Who is your new song about?”

My breathing faltered for a second as Mingi glanced my way, but then I threw him a glare and rolled my eyes, realizing this was our first time meeting. Why did I even think for a little second that the song could’ve been about me? That sounded crazy, and now I felt crazy as I shook my head and downed the glass of water I have abandoned like half an hour ago.

“Someone who won’t leave your mind and makes you want to crawl up the wall, thoughts filled with them, desiring them like no one else before.” Mingi’s voice dropped a few octaves and I couldn’t help but look over as I smirked, abruptly standing up.

“Oh, girls, not to disappoint but he’s said that to like—three other girls before you two, and I don’t think that’s entirely what the song is about. Or maybe Seonghwa was talking about another song…” In fact, I have lied. Mingi hasn’t talked to anyone since he sat down to the table, but the lie was worth it, because the girls expressions dropped slightly, “You know men are usually more desperate to get laid than women, I suppose it makes them say all kinds of things, doesn’t it, Mingi?”

Mingi’s jaw clenched as the two girls looked unsure as they looked back at him, and he chose to laugh it off as if I have said the funniest joke on Earth, leaning slightly forward as he looked up at me, “I suppose someone wasn’t really paying attention tonight to our performance.”

“Right,” I hummed and stepped around my chair, “I prefer listening to real bands and good music, not to some wannabes wailing to a crowd of drunken and high as fuck university students—have a lovely night!”

I only caught the irritated huff of air Mingi let out as I headed towards the bar, where Seulgi and Wooyoung were talking to some people I didn’t know. I didn’t want to disturb them for long, but I had to tell Seulgi I was leaving and would get my jacket before going home.

『You come and go in waves

Leaving me in your wake』

            By the time I have gotten home it was very late and despite my body feeling tired, my brain was relentlessly swirling with thoughts and replaying tonight’s happenings, so after fifteen minutes of laying in bed and staring up at the dark ceiling I realized sleep wouldn’t come easy neither tonight. I sat up and turned on the lamp on my bedside table and grabbed my smaller and thicker sketchbook, flipping it open to an empty page. I sighed as I grabbed a pencil and pressed it against the paper softly, letting my wrist curve whichever way it wanted as I started doodling, humming to myself a melody which sounded slightly foreign yet somehow familiar. I knew I have heard it before, probably recently, but I couldn’t figure out just which song it was.

『You come and go in waves

Swallowing everything』

It didn’t take me long to have the outline of something, which was starting to look an awful lot like eyes staring back at me, and I continued tracing lines and shading in the spots where depth needed to be added. I licked my lips and narrowed my eyes as I pressed the pencil harder against the paper, tightening the frail lines and finalizing the quick drawing of the eyes. I extended my arm and stared at the eyes, which almost felt like they were glaring at me by how sharp its stare was, and my eyebrows furrowed as I realized the eyes looked nothing like Yunho’s. I couldn’t remember the last time when I drew anyone else that wasn’t Yunho and for some reason that scared me as my eyes bore into my drawing, my humming coming to an abrupt stop when I realized who’s song it was. Noir Zenith. And the drawing, the sharp and glaring eyes, were of Song Mingi’s. I gasped and without a second thought started scrawling at the drawing, heart racing and mind an awfully lot quiet. What was I thinking singing his song and drawing his eyes? But there it was, the answer, I wasn’t thinking. And I was sleep deprived. I needed to sleep, like right now. I threw my sketchbook to the floor and jumped back underneath my blanket, pulling it over my head as I screwed my eyes shut. Sleep, I must.

『Are you satisfied?

Love's the death of peace of mind

Mine

Mine』

❱❱ Next chapter

[blackboard-monitor]

how i've finished inktober every year for eight years and counting

Every time I mention around other artists that I finish inktober every year (meaning I draw and ink 31 drawings, one every day in October), I get questions like "how???", so I figured I'd make a post about it on the off chance it's helpful to someone. Please note that all my advice is based on my personal experience and you're a different person so what works for me may not work for you, and you can do whatever you want forever.

What it boils down to for me is two basic rules: 1) keep it simple and 2) manage your expectations.

Tools

Paper/sketchbook

I started my first inktober in my journal at the time, and because I'm neurotic like that, I've had to do every subsequent inktober in whatever journal I was using at that point.

The benefit of this is that each journal has had a page size of A5 or smaller, which can be tricky when trying to get in a lot of detail, but on the other hand forces you to limit the size of your drawings to a pretty managable size.

Paper type can also be important! Last year in 2023, my journal was a Moleskine sketchbook (image 1), which was actually designed to handle some degree of wet media, which was a game-changer for me as an ink wash enjoyer. Don't get me wrong, I've been using ink washes in most of my previous journals as well, but inking is a lot nicer when your paper isn't constantly buckling (image 2) or pilling and the ink isn't bleeding all over the place, inclunding through the page (image 3). Pages that stay flat instead of buckling are also a lot easier to scan or photograph, if like me you want to post your art online.

In short, my inktober paper recommendation is to use a sketchbook no larger than A5, and go for one with nice, thick paper if you intend to use wet media.

Sketching

I sketch everything with a single 6H pencil that I got from my brother in 2019. Because the lead is so hard, it allows me to scribble to my heart's content without the sketch getting too dark or hard to erase. Sometimes I'll refine the sketch with a HB mechanical pencil, which shows up really nicely on top of the 6H lines, but I may skip that step if I'm feeling lazy or the first sketch is clean enough.

Inking

I've used a variety of art supplies in my inktober drawings. For the most part I've always stuck to greyscale, with the exception of a couple of red or gold accents some years.

My main inktober tools are a set of Micron fineliners in various sizes, and liquid India ink, which I use with a dip pen and with brushes. I usually mix up a mid-tone ink wash in a small bottle, and use that throughout the month.

Fineliners pros: portable, require minimal setup, can use on the sofa or in bed or wherever Fineliners cons: creating texture and filling large areas is a lot more time-consuming. In 2021 I did inktober exclusively in fineliner because I was tired and couldn't be bothered to deal with liquid ink, but I ended up spending more time than maybe ever on the drawings because it took so long to add texture with pens.

Ink pros: you can achieve small details with a dip pen as well as quick texture and fill in large areas with a brush and ink washes Ink cons: can be messy (protip from 2022 Liekki, don't spill ink water all over your laptop), usually you have to sit at a table of some kind, you need to wash your brushes and dip pens, if your paper isn't designed for wet media, it'll buckle or bleed

Pick your inking tools and techniques based on how much time you have!

Prompts/ideas/subject matter

I've always stuck to the "official" prompt list, because it brings me joy to scroll through the tag of the day on instagram and see how others interpreted the same prompt. Or, rather, it used to bring me joy to do this, until instagram's enshittification stole our ability to look at tags. Maybe I'll have some luck with that on Cara going forward; here's hoping.

As for ideas, sometimes they come easy, sometimes it's like pulling teeth and I have to enlist all my friends to brainstorm with me (sorry, y'all). When in doubt, draw the first thing that comes to mind when you read the prompt; don't overthink it (like I often do). I like to try to come up with a less obvious interpretation of a prompt, but this is also where I often get stuck and have to harass my loved ones for ideas. Sometimes it helps to relate the prompt to a tv show/book/etc. you're into; I've done quite a bit of inktober fanart, as well as art of various DnD cahracters from games I've played/DM'd. If all else fails, just look at what everyone else is drawing that day.

Time management

Be realistic about how much time you have in a day to work on inktober, and then set your expectations accordingly. If you only have an hour, stick to a size and level of detail that you can realistically finish in an hour. I've done some very quick scribbles in my years of inktober when I've been busy that day.

My personal philosophy is that I try not to plan too much ahead; I don't do any sketching until day of, and ideally I don't try to come up with ideas for a prompt or at least decide on an idea until the day before at the earliest. Containing each drawing in one day helps me have realistic expectations of what's doable. This does mean drawing late into the night sometimes after procrastinating or struggling to find an idea all day, but it's what works for me.

If your goal is to complete inktober, it's better to do a small shitty drawing in ten minutes than to fall behing by starting something way too ambitious that you'll never be able to finish in a day.

Secret third rule!

Accept the fact that you aren't going to be happy with every drawing.

Inktober was created as an exercise to practice inking. Think of your drawings as sketches, not finished masterpieces. Some of them will be bad, at least in your own eyes. Sometimes you'll put a lot of effort into something that just doesn't work out. For example:

To quote Joe Hills, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the definition of practice. So you fucked up today's drawing. Tomorrow is a new day – that's the beauty of inktober. "Ever tried, ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." (Samuel Beckett) Progress isn't linear, either; some years are consistently mediocre, other years it's all over the place with a couple bangers and a couple really shitty ones.

Every inktober I've made drawings I love,

drawings I'm indifferent to,

and drawings that straight up suck.

And I'm at peace with that.

Thanks for reading what turned into a pretty long post, and I hope some of it was helpful. Happy inktobering!

[slvt4felix]

Inspired by the Masters

Pairing -> Artist!Hyunjin x reader WC -> ~ 2,400 words Includes -> maybe fem!reader considering they do wear a skirt but gender isn't really mentioned, strangers to friends (to lovers in the future), fluff, meet-cute Summary -> Your local art museum was your home away from home. Your favorite place to go and you can't help but visit when you need inspiration for a new art project. With a sketchbook in one hand and your backpack in the other, you enter the elegant building not expecting anything more than to admire the artwork. However, you soon find yourself admiring something else, or perhaps someone else... Author's note -> Lets just pretend that this isn't entirely self indulgent and written pretty much for my enjoyment. But I hope you manage to enjoy anyway! Thanks for reading! ♡ Masterlist ♡

You push open the heavy door, light nearly blinding your eyes as you walk back into the fresh air. It's one of the rougher days of the week. You just got out of one of your many stem classes, and are exhausted.

You're a junior in college, excited to take on the world, but first, you need to get through the education part of life. And let's just say it isn't easy. The building behind you is one of the many science buildings at your university. Although you despise the boring lectures held there, you can't help but admire the architecture. Your university was built a long time ago, and you feel beyond lucky to have gotten accepted here. You hadn't realized until late in your high school career what exactly you wanted to do with your life or if you even wanted to go to college at all. But ultimately, you decided on psychology. But upon starting school, you realized something was missing. That's when you enrolled in an art minor. It's been one of your obsessions since you were young. You had never even considered adding it to your schooling until the idea had been placed in your head by your high school art teacher. You had quickly gotten in touch with your advisors and changed your major. It just wasn't like you to not have anything creative on your schedule.

But today was one of your unlucky days. It was pure science labs and lectures all day long. It was now midafternoon, and there was some time to kill before your last class of the day.

Your first thought would, typically, be to head back to your dorm. It is shared between you, your high school best friend and two other people you met last year. Despite the fun times you have there, it was the last place you wanted to be today. Your roommates have been constantly arguing against each other, and you need some quiet time, especially after the grueling day you had.

You step away from the antique building to a bench next to the sidewalk a few feet away. Sitting down, you pull your phone from your pocket, unsurprised to see no messages. You haven't made many friends yet, but it's not all that shocking due to your reserved personality. Nonetheless, you open your messages, sending a quick text letting your best friend know you won't be home until later.

You put your phone away again, hands rubbing against your skirt, hoping to regain warmth. The heat in your class doesn't work well and, unfortunately, the heat from summer has faded. Reminiscent only in the nearly bare trees and brown leaves blowing in the soft wind.

Slipping your headphones back over your ears, you stand up and start the short walk to what's practically your home away from home. It's your favorite place to go, especially when seeking refuge from the chaos within your life. There's even a little cafe to get snacks or study in. Not to mention how beautiful it is. You can't help but be drawn to the beauty of it as an artist.

You walk up the glossy white stairs, excited to see the art within. Luckily, you get into your city's art museum for free. Upon walking in, your jaw nearly falls open like it always does. The beautiful cream walls and intricate paintings on the ceiling. You stop at each and every sculpture on the way in, eagerly reading about the pieces. You can never learn enough from the masters, and luckily enough for you, art is your favorite thing to study. Yes, it was your minor, but it was also your favorite hobby.

Strolling through the cool halls, you start to search for a painting to sketch out. With an upcoming art assignment due next week, you need to find inspiration and fast. You have been in a bit of an art slump for a few weeks now which is really hard when it's a quarter of your schooling. Hopefully recreating some beautiful paintings will be able to help you get back into your groove.

You walk into a well-lit room and are shocked to see new artwork mounted to the walls. They must have changed this room out recently; maybe it was a new exhibit. The thought excites you, your feet instantly shuffling closer to get a better look.

After taking a quick glance at some of the descriptions, you begin to realize it's an exhibit containing all local artists, the artwork absolutely gorgeous.

However, you were instantly drawn to a painting just about in the center of the long wall. The blood-red roses were noticeable from all the way across the room. As you get closer, you notice it's a stunning oil painting, the flowers depicted with heavy, but thoughtful, brush strokes. It was full of stark highlights and shadows, a delicate crystal vase holding the roses up. You can't help, but be in awe of the artist's talent. For the first time in a while, you don't feel reluctant to draw.

Thankfully there's a bench directly across from the artwork. You take a seat, smoothening your skirt. You set your backpack down beside you, reaching inside and retrieving your sketchbook. The inside contains various things. From journals to notes for your psychology classes, to actual drawings, the notebook is nearly filled to the brim. It may seem random, but the small notebook was essential for you.

Taking your pencil out from your bag, you start on the sketch. You'll have to be quick since you only have about an hour before class. Hopefully, you won't lose track of time.

You slowly get absorbed in the drawing. Beginning with the roses and making your way down, adding emphasis to the dark shadows. You barely notice as another person walks up to admire the art. But it's hard to stay concentrated after you first glance up.

A young man is standing off to the side, looking at the same painting. His jet black hair is slicked back slightly with gel, leaving a couple framing pieces in the front. He was dressed oddly nice, immediately drawing your attention. Although it was an art museum and people do tend to dress up more, you're starting to see fewer people make that effort. So it's interesting to see the man dressed in a designer black suit. You know it's rude to stare, but you simply cannot look away. Some people just draw attention like that.

He starts to turn around and you quickly look back down into your lap where your abandoned sketch sits. It was going well, but now looking back on it, something is off, you're just not sure what. You notice movement next to you and glance back up to see the man taking a seat next to you.

The two of you make eye contact and he smiles kindly, sending butterflies into your stomach. You return the smile before returning to your drawing. You gingerly trace over some of the lines of the roses trying to figure out what could be the issue.

"Beautiful painting, isn't it?" you say trying to keep the air from turning awkward. He simply hums a bit, with a small smirk appearing on his face. He glances down at your notebook and his eyes widen a bit.

"Your sketch is just as amazing," he says with his eyebrow quirking up. The compliment instantly makes blood rush to your cheeks. You can't help but notice how attractive the man is.

"Thank you," you reply, genuinely. You don't really show your art off to anyone so you take any and all compliments.

"It's not much so far, but it was just something to help pass the time," you explain, hoping he won't judge it too harshly. You shake your head slightly, annoyed at how strangely eager you are to please this random stranger.

He nods back in understanding giving you the idea that maybe he’s done similar things before. The two of you sit in silence after your bit of conversation. Somehow, it’s surprisingly not awkward. It's obvious that he’s simply enjoying the peace and seems to like watching you draw. You’ve never really minded having people watch you in your hobby. Despite the few nerves it adds, you feel proud when people like to see what you’re working on.

You sigh quietly, annoyed that the problem with your drawing is not going away.

"Something feels off, but I can't seem to figure it out," you admit to him in defeat. He nods and you watch as his eyes scan over your drawing. He leans a little closer, trying to get a better look and almost loses his balance for a second. It's endearing to see the confident man lose his composure even for even just a second. You lightly grip his shoulder steadying him with a soft giggle.

"Sorry, I just-," he starts a little flustered, "can I?" You're a little confused at first about what he is actually asking you and his eyes staring directly back at yours isn't doing much to help your comprehension skills. You can see him start to get a little nervous when you don't answer right away, his hands fiddling with his sleeves. His eyes dart down to your notebook, and a light bulb goes off in your head. You smile, a little embarrassed, and hand him your sketch.

"Yeah, of course," you respond. It was you who asked for help in the first place, so it would be silly for you to mind letting him see your drawing. He takes it from your hands carefully. He can tell how much it means to you from how tight your grip has been on the notebook since he came to see the painting.

"Oh I see," he exclaims, excited to have found the issue, "May I?" You are surprised when he turns to you with the question, his eyes shining eagerly in the bright lights of the museum. His hand reaches for your pencil and you instantly go to hand it to him. Your hand slightly grazes his as you release the pencil, making your heart flutter. He smiles in thanks and goes back to analyze your sketch while his other hand reaches up, rubbing the back of his neck.

'Oh my god,' you think, hoping he doesn't realize you are panicking internally. You glance away, trying to calm yourself down. You would hate to look like an idiot.

The man notices the distance and glances over, seeing you discreetly covering your mouth. He nearly laughs, finding your actions endearing, but he manages to hold it back. He quickly looks back down, so you won't catch him staring.

He brings your pencil to your sketch and goes over the petals, bringing the edges in a bit with more of a curve. Then he moves to the vase and erases a little of one of the shadows to lighten it up. You watch all the while, amazed at how he figured out and fixed the issue so quickly.

When he finishes adding his touches, he holds the sketch out in front of him, trying to see it with a new eye to check if it looks the way it should. He nods his head, content with the result.

"Wow, you fixed it. It looks amazing!" You compliment, extremely impressed.

"It was no big deal," he brushes it off, "sometimes you just need a fresh pair of eyes to see something."

"I'm Hyunjin by the way," he says, introducing himself, "Hwang Hyunjin." You're a little confused when he gives his last name, but you don't think too hard about it. I mean, it was kind of cute of him to be so formal anyway. He stands up from the bench and you follow, aware that you have to get going sometime soon.

"Y/n, nice to meet you," you respond, excited to have made a new friend. All of your friends were majors in engineering and other sorts of classes. None of them really enjoyed the same things you do, so you can't believe you've managed to find someone who seems to be into similar things.

Hyunjin reaches into his pockets, pulling out his phone. He takes a second to unlock it and looks at you in hope.

"Could I get your number? Maybe we could do this again sometime. I’d love to have someone to paint with," he asks shyly, extending his arm out for you to grab his phone. You accept his offer and put your number in, sending yourself a text so you'll have his number, too.

After you hand his phone back, his eyebrows shoot up upon realizing the time written at the top of the screen. You can tell he panics a bit, immediately slipping his phone away.

"I actually have somewhere to be, but I'll see you again, yeah?" He asks, trying to make sure you feel the same way. He starts to walk backward, albeit a little clumsily, while awaiting your answer with a charming smile painted on his face.

"For sure," you tell him with a smile, and he turns around and walks away. You watch his retreating form, shocked at what just happened.

"Oh my god," you whisper as you celebrate a little. You start to realize how many other people are in the room and take a deep breath, not wanting to embarrass yourself. You're just so excited and to be honest, Hyunjin was breathtaking.

You calm down a little and walk back up to the painting, wanting to admire it one last time before you have to leave. Not only is it one of the best paintings you have ever seen but it also happened to start a very interesting conversation and bring you a new friend. Maybe it was fate.

As you go to turn away, the silver of the plaque beneath the painting catches your eye, and you realize that you never read it like you typically try to. You love to see where and who all the beautiful artworks come from. You lean down a bit, trying to read the small black print. Since it's only a temporary exhibit the descriptions weren't anything too fancy.

Your mouth falls open within seconds of reading it. Your expression quickly turns into one of amusement thinking back on your latest interaction. You shake your head slightly in disbelief.

There, written as the artist of the piece was the one and only...

Hwang Hyunjin.

[acooksbooks]

First, I LOVE Crowley and Aziraphale. LOVE THEM. I mean, just take a glance at my pfp. And my sketchbook. And my fanfics.

Second, I LOVE David Tennant and Michael Sheen. LOVE THEM. Probably more than is reasonably necessary, given when I mention "my favorite actor," my family and friends know exactly who I'm talking about (It's David, btw).

I'm also sort of new to the fandom on Tumblr, and I've become baffled by some of the comments I've seen about David and Michael and their friendship. I think it's adorable and lovely that they seem to have such a special bond after filming Good Omens, a bond that continues and has included their partners (partly out of necessity while filming Staged, but I think that only helped cement their friendships even further).

But what truly baffles me is the picking apart of every image that features David and Michael, especially when Anna and Georgia are included and when they aren't. I've seen fans wondering where Anna and Georgia are if they're not in the image with their partners (and what that could mean for their relationships with Michael and David), speculations on whether or not the women have been photoshopped in when they are in the pictures, cruel comments about Anna (especially) and Georgia (sometimes) about their age or their acting choices or their relationships with their partners or with each other (especially when they're being silly on Instagram) or . . .

Anyway, as someone with a spouse who works in a very busy, very public (in our city) profession and who is well respected in that profession, I feel for Anna and Georgia. It's as though there is this obsession or even downright desperation to make everything about how Michael and David feel about each other, to push Anna and Georgia out of the picture, literally and figuratively, forgetting there are families involved. As if Michael and David really are Aziraphale and Crowley and really feel for each other like Aziraphale and Crowley feel for each other. And who knows? Maybe they do?

But we don't truly know what goes on behind closed doors, and the comments and speculations are cruel towards Anna and Georgia, who have real life relationships with Michael and David.

They're all human. Celebrities, yes, but even celebrities deserve to have some privacy outside their jobs. And that's what Aziraphale and Crowley are at the end of the day. A job for Michael and David. A very enjoyable one, based on their interviews with each other, but afterwards, they have homes and families and lives outside the work.

David and Michael's relationship is theirs. Not the fandom's. Theirs.

Anna and Georgia's relationship is theirs.

Michael and Anna's relationship is theirs.

David and Georgia's relationship is theirs.

The relationship the four of them and their families have with each other is theirs. And they all deserve to not have people speculating on public forums about what's happening between them like some tabloid magazine. If they want us to know, they can tell us. Let them make that call for themselves.

In the meantime, we can write fanfics, make fanart, fantasize about who they truly are and how they truly feel. Delight in the images they share and the work they do together. Whatever. But I think it would be great if we could just let them live their private lives, too, and have as much normalcy they can get under the circumstances.

And, finally, Anna and Georgia seem like such lovely humans and deserve as much love and kindness and respect as is bestowed on their partners every single day in this fandom. Because they're human too, and all humans deserve that.

That's all I have to say about that.

Edited to add: I guess I'm not quite done, because someone in the comments said they were like me until they read/heard some of the things David, Michael, Georgia, and Anna have said, presumably about each other.

I'm not so online that I know everything they've put out there, but I do follow those in the group who have social media, and have watched/heard all kinds of interviews and convention Q&As.

My takeaway: Whatever they say about each other, whether it's Michael or David, or Georgia or Anna, I take it with a grain of salt. They're all actors. What we're seeing or hearing from them may not actually be their real personalities and feelings behind closed doors or even in their own heads. I think they just like to be snarky or silly about each other, because it makes the fans smile and swoon. And maybe they just enjoy being playful with each other and about each other. I mean, it's fun.

What's not fun is the fans reading too much into every single thing they do or say with each other and try to turn it into something that it probably isn't, especially at Anna and Georgia's expense.

Okay, now I'm done.

[eldritch-nightmare]

Had smth in mind based on those Jeff Headcannons you did,,,,,What about The Doll Maker or Bloody Painter(or both idk I’m indecisive) yandere Headcannons but with a willing reader,,,Thought abt that while listening to Ayesha Erotica, idk how

a/n: your wish is my command. going with the bloody painter since i haven't really written much for him here yet. this one got away from me a bit. sorry if it's messy, but i hope you find enjoyment from it nonetheless <3

yandere bloody painter with a willing s/o.

warnings: gn!reader, yandere content, puppeteer cameo bc why not, crush at first... smile?, reader goes to an art school, reader has some questionable morals, stalking, possessive behavior, murder, blood, breaking and entering, the public nor authorities doesn't know that helen is the bloody painter in this btw, morbid painting, a brief description of gore, idk art so sorry if i describe it incorrectly.

Oh, man. I can see him behaving in two different ways. One is the way he'd behave around you if you were there in his childhood and the other is if he met you after everything happened. For this, we'll focus on how he behaves after everything happened.

Helen is very emotionally reserved and pretty apathetic, to be honest with you. It's very difficult to get close to him. I like to think that you two met while he was getting some more art supplies.

He saw you struggling to pick between two paints and, being the artist that he is, he decided to do something a little nice for once and help you out.

And, a little bit to his surprise, that led to a rather lengthy conversation about art as you detailed to him the art project you were working on and how you really weren't sure what direction you wanted to take it because the prompt given to you didn't give you any ideas.

And as we all know, Helen is nothing if not an artist. So, obviously, he listens to every little detail you provide him and offers some advice that may help you out before you two go your separate ways.

And--

Huh. Why'd his chest suddenly feel all warm at the sight of your smile?

He finds himself drawing your smiling face later, thinking that maybe the warm feeling in his chest was just a random burst of inspiration. I mean, he is an artist after all. Inspiration tends to strike at the most random times.

His dear friend seems to think otherwise.

"Aw, does Helen have a little crush?" -> "If you don't have anything of value to say, then please keep your mouth shut."

He doesn't have a crush on you. Not that he knows what it's like to have a crush, I mean he's never been in love before, but he doesn't. No way.

Then he sees you again, and damn. I guess The Puppeteer was right. He does have a crush. Oh well. He accepts this revelation immediately and comes to terms with this newfound feeling rather quickly.

It's just a small crush, one that he's sure will go away soon. But he's never felt this way before, and the feeling leaves him curious, so he finds himself actively seeking you out.

He doesn't consider it to be stalking at first, just... studying. But then he follows you home one day, and he realizes that maybe these feelings of his aren't as small as he thought they were.

Does he feel bad for stalking you? I think, momentarily, he questions why he's doing this but... he's not a great guy in the first place. He does kill people and use their blood as paint, after all.

And you're aware that someone is watching you. You can feel eyes on you most nights. You should be scared, you know that, but... for some reason, you don't. If anything, you start leaving your blinds open more often.

Helen will sometimes even sketch you while he watches you. The way you hold yourself and the way you move around... it just makes him want to capture every moment he can in his sketchbook. He even briefly considers picking up photography as a hobby the longer he watches you, but he decides to just stick with his own form of art.

But he really likes it when he gets to see you make your own art.

And that's when he breaks into your home for the first time. You were out with some friends, and when you came home, you noticed your door was unlocked. At first, you didn't really think much of it, but when you went to your room, you couldn't help but feel as if something were off.

It took you a while, but you soon discovered that some of your drawings were missing. Thankfully, none of the ones you drew for class were missing.

You had no means of contacting your stalker, which you suppose is a good thing, so instead you just wrote on a piece of paper and taped it to your window.

'Glad you like my drawings.'

And the next day, taped on the outside of your window was a little doodle of a smiley face.

You didn't give this odd relationship much thought, to be honest. You thought it was kinda cute that this random stranger seemed to derive some type of joy from watching you. He hasn't done anything to hurt you, and his intentions don't seem malicious, so you honestly had no problem with it.

Of course, your friends definitely thought it was weird. They think that you need to report your stalker to the police, but you choose to ignore their concerns. You reassure them that if you ever feel as if you're life is in any danger, you'll inform the authorities about what's happening.

So, it goes on like this for a while. Helen would mostly stick to watching you from afar, but sometimes he'd break into your place while you're sleeping just to get a closer look at you. Sometimes, you'll wake up and there will be a drawing of you on your nightstand. You keep those drawings tucked away safely in one of the many empty sketchbooks you own.

Then a... domino effect of sorts took place.

You started going to a new café since it was closer to where you lived and closer to the school you attended. -> There's a cute barista there who always flirts with you whenever you buy a coffee or get yourself a treat. -> You humored their behavior because you thought it was cute, so you would flirt back sometimes. -> It became routine, and a couple weeks into the routine, the barista just up and vanished.

You thought they had quit, but you overheard some of the other employees at the café whispering about how they hadn't heard anything from them.

Something that should have been completely unrelated, you lose your red paint. You can't find it anywhere.

Continuing on with the domino effect, a day or two goes by and you hear on the news that the barista you had been flirting with was found dead in their home, drained dry of their blood. The police believe this to be another victim of The Bloody Painter.

You wouldn't have thought much of it, but then you notice a note taped to your window.

'There's a gift for you in your kitchen.'

And when you went to your kitchen, you saw a container resting on the counter. It wasn't translucent or see-through, so you couldn't see inside of it, but there was another note resting on top of it.

'I saw you were out of red paint, so I got you some more. We should meet up this week and paint together, don't you think? I'd love to see what you can create with this.'

And the note wasn't signed with a smiley face this time. It was signed with a name.

Helen Otis.

You set the note to the side and one quick look inside the container told you that he had given you blood to use as paint.

It didn't take you long to piece together what was going on here. The blood he had given you was no doubt the blood of the barista who had been murdered, which means... your stalker was that serial killer that's been all over the news these past few months.

The person who has been breaking into your home and leaving you those drawings was a serial killer. And he... he trusted you enough to tell you his name?

Holy shit, that's a lot to take in.

You should be panicking. Hell, you should be calling the police to let them know about all of this. You'd be doing the world some good if you did that, and it would save a lot of lives.

But your gaze drifts back to the note, and your mind wanders to all the drawings he's made of you, and... this was just so...

Cute. It felt romantic, even.

He killed a person you had been flirting with and gave you their blood as a gift. That has to be his way of letting you know that you were his.

You didn't even think about what you were going to do. You took the container of blood and you took it to your room. It didn't take you long to set up a tarp on the ground since it was no doubt going to drip onto your floor and you really didn't need blood stains in your carpet.

And you searched up a reference of what you wanted to paint, and you immediately got to work.

Later that night, while you were sleeping peacefully in your bed, Helen was breaking into your home for the nth time.

The reason why is because you had left a note for him to see on your window, one that had certainly caught his attention.

There's a gift for you in the kitchen.

You've never left him a gift before, so his curiosity was certainly piqued.

He made sure to be quiet as he made his way to your kitchen, not wanting to wake you up. He wasn't ready to meet you. Not yet.

When he gets to your kitchen, he certainly wasn't really expecting to see a canvas resting on the counter, a white sheet covering whatever was painted on it. A sticky note was placed on the sheet as well, and Helen stepped closer to it to read it.

This is what it looked like, right?

p.s. I'm willing to take you up on that offer.

And on the corner of the sticky note, there was a small smiley face doodle. How cute.

With the note read, Helen wasted no time carefully removing the sheet from the canvas, a subtle excitement coursing through his veins.

And... oh. Oh, you're as fucked up as him, aren't you?

What he sees is a downright devastatingly beautiful piece of work.

The painting was completely done with just the blood he had given you, with a few pencil marks for shading, and it depicted the murder he had committed just a few days prior.

He imagines that it was rather easy to find a photo of the crime scene online, but you were somehow able to capture the scene perfectly and you weren't ever there.

From the way the body was hanging upside down from the ceiling, a few buckets underneath it to collect the blood dripping from it. The way lifeless look in their eyes that you had done with a pencil... the gashes all over their body...

You had passed the test he had set up for you.

He took this as a sign of acceptance. A sign that you wanted to be his. You wouldn't keep the blood and make such a masterpiece with it if you didn't, right?

A slight smile formed on his face at the thought, and he stood there and admired the art you had made for him.

Hmm... maybe he'll stick around until you wake up...

[amerricanartwork]

It's kinda crazy to think that my latest sketchbook — the one I've been working on for around two years now — is finally finished. Even more so since this is technically the first sketchbook I've actually finished all the way through! I've had others in the past, but most of the ones I still have are barely even halfway completed.

I didn't want to stress too much about making something super big and elaborate to finish it off the way some sketchbook artists start and finish their sketchbooks, but at the same time I wanted there to be a sense of closure and satisfaction with the last page. I decided to finish off this sketchbook with a simple, yet nice colored pencil drawing as a way of both leaving off with a fun and relaxing drawing and showing how much I've developed from the quick and messy Feryn pencil scribbles I began this sketchbook with. And looking back on it, I really did grow in a lot of ways as I made this, in my interests as well as the processes I used, knowledge I gained, and even mediums I found enjoyment with.

I'm so glad I managed to finish my first sketchbook, and so thankful to have gotten so much fun art and useful skills from working on it. Now, it's time to see how I'll keep moving forward with my next sketchbook...!

P.S. Here is one of the draft pages I made to figure out the lighting of this piece:

[samiibami]

Yan!Servant!Blade x Reader :3

TW: Yandere themes, obsessive and possesive behavior, stalker behavior, murder, extreme jealousy, silly stuff >w<, based off of NIPUNI's lovesick butler cai bot

-Servant!Blade who absolutely envies you, a noble, and admires you since he was assigned to you from childhood, always staying by your side.

-Servant!Blade who never wants to be replaced by someone else as your head servant, why be with someone else when you have him after all?

-Servant!Blade who may seem cold to others but is super sweet and gentle towards you that when people accidentally intrude, they assume he's someone completely different compared to his normal attitude. He'll only be like this for you after all!

-Servant!Blade who would do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING for you, if you name it. He has it and taken it to you in the upmost delicate care.

-Servant!Blade, who was sent into a panic after he had recently heard that you came back to the manor with a frail man that you picked up from the streets and appointed him as your new servant.

-Servant!Blade who became jealous and automatically hated the new servant since that man was a threat to his position as your closest aide and guardian

-Servant!Blade who felt his heart shatter as he heard that the new servant wanted to be a loyal servant just like Blade is to you.

-Servant!Blade who closely inspects the new male servant and tries to find a way on how to sabotage the new servant to quit.

-Servant!Blade who gave up shortly after and sent someone to kidnap and murder the new servant while being sent outdoors and made it seem as if an accident had occurred on the way back, all according to his plan.

-Servant!Blade who tried to make you forget how new male servants always started mysteriously disappearing a few weeks after being brought to the manor.

-Servant!Blade who's hands are always so tired from his "silly little antics" and need constant care from you, in the form of simple hand-holding (he'll make sure it becomes more than that in the future)

-Servant!Blade who secretly keeps sketches and drawings of you doing anything in a sketchbook hidden well under his bed that he stares at when he misses you :(

-Servant!Blade who made sure that he'll always be yours forever and ever, and he would never be replaced <3 and will always make sure you never find out about what he's done for you until the time comes of course!

note: this is my first time writing these kind of stuff after my wattpad phase so i hope this is enjoyable since i mainly write about Blade! Please let me know if i should write about other characters! i'm thinking of also posting my work on my ao3 account @soupsters <3

[chrissdollie]

hanging out with rose and jack! (jack dawson x fem reader)

"It has always been my passion to go to America!" Fabrizio cheered in third class. You smiled brightly. Fab was one of your closest friends as well as Tommy, who you were sitting with. Jack was also present, your boyfriend of around 2 years. He wrapped his arm around you and you rested your head into his chest. "I'm thankful we made it here in time before the ship left!" You began to explain to Tommy how Jack won three tickets for Titanic in a game of poker and you only had five minutes to get to the ship. But as you were talking, Fabri and Tommy's eyes left yours. The attention was taken off you to another person walking downstairs. "Guys?" Jack's eyebrows furrowed. He turned around to see Rose standing above him, wearing an awkward smile on her face. You turned around, to see Rose and everyone else staring at her. Some sharing whispers. You were quite fond of Rose for the most part. But you could tell she had developed a little crush on Jack. Which you didn't mind at all! "Rose!" You stood up to greet her. "It's lovely to see you again, y/n!" She beamed politely. Jack rose up next to you. "Hey there, partner." He teased. Rose sucked in a breath. Was she nervous? "Hello, Jack." She cleared her throat. "May I speak to you?" She lowered her tone slightly so only the two of you could hear. "Sure, go ahead." Jack put his hands in the pockets of his worn out pants. You felt a little awkward standing there. The room was almost dead silent. "Erm.. I meant in private." She corrected. Heads were then turned to you, including Jack's. You smiled. "Sure, go ahead! I'll find you guys later." You leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Alright. See you later sweetheart." He kissed your head and quickly waved goodbye to Tommy and Fab. As he walked out with Rose, you waved and yelled "ROSE!" Her head snapped to you, concerned. Jack was frightened too. "Yes?" She asked, worriedly. "I like your dress." You giggled. Scaring Rose was always fun. But you weren't lying. Her satin green dress was gorgeoussss. She chuckled and rolled her eyes, walking out. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jack and Rose were walking around the deck talking about the weather, about how Jack met you, and his childhood. Up until when Rose got all upset about something silly and snatched his sketchbook. He almost giggled laughed at her childish behavior. But he didn't really mind. She sat down on a lounge chair to skim through the book of topless girls Jack had drawn. Still frustrated, Rose tried to find an insult about the drawings. But couldn't. "These..." She turned the page as Jack sat down across from her on another chair. "These are quite good. Actually very good. You should sell these." She complimented. "Yeah, well, they didn't think too much of 'em in old Paris." She nodded. After turning another page or two, she began to find beautiful art of you. "But I mostly do it for my own enjoyment now." He told her, sheepishly smiling just at the thought of you. She continued turning the pages just to find that the rest of the book was all you. You were stunning, she had absolutely no problem admitting it. Nonetheless, she loved this art style and wanted it for herself. She was tired of being drawn like a porcelain doll. But she'd bring that up later. Suddenly, your cheery voice was heard calling their names. The two turned, squinting their eyes because of the sunlight and seeing you running towards them. "Hi! There... there were ehm.." You panted, trying to catch your breath. Jack grinned, helping you sit down and rubbed your back soothingly. But not for long as you turned to him and Rose, stopping his motions. "There were free biscuits downstairs. Some kind lady was handing them out. So I took one of course." You paused, making a gross face at the thought. "But it's utterly disgusting! It must've been the worst thing I've ever eaten. It was hard and tasted like metal!" You stuck your tongue out, still tasting it. Tommy on the other hand, loved the biscuits. So, you and many others gave him yours, much to his delight.

Jack put his feet up either side of yours which were hanging off the side of the chair. He held onto your back and rested his chin on your shoulder lovingly. "Oh! My drawings." You cheesed, looking at the book in Rose's hands. "Hm?" The redhead hummed, looking down. "Oh, yes, I was just returning them." She threw the book onto the chair you and Jack were sat on, hitting his back slightly to which he dramatically cried out, gaining others' attention. He fell flat on his back against the chair with a hand over his forehead and his eyes shut tightly. Rose was not amused, you could tell. But you were, of course. "Oh, I'm wounded! She's killed me!" He grabbed your arm and yanked you down, resulting in a small shriek. You began giggling (his favorite sound). "Only true love's kiss can save me now." He puckered his lips excessively, leaning in. You put a your finger in front of his mouth, blocking him. You steered your head to Rose. "Want to go for a stroll?" You offered gleefully. Jack rolled his eyes. He just wanted a kiss :( but most of the time you don't kiss him in front of other people because then it turns into a make out and it's rude blah blah blah.. Rose nodded standing up and ready to go. "I just want your loveeeee is that so terrible?" He clinged onto you, teasing. You grinned. You would have gave in if Rose wasn't there. It would've been rude and impolite! So you made a mental note to shower him with love later. Then the two of you stood up and walked around the ship with Rose. She began ranting about how she hates her life. "My dream has always been to just run away and become an artist! Poor, but free!" She laughed. Jack scoffed cheekily. "Listen, princess. You wouldn't last two days without any hot water and hardly any caviar." He joked. You let out a breathy chuckle at his humor. However, Rose was insulted. "I happen to hate caviar." She told him. "And I hate people telling me what dreams I should and shouldn't have!" "Good for you, Rose!" You smiled. She nodded her head quickly, a little embarrassed. "You're right, I'm sorry." Jack apologized. He forgot that he'd just met Rose and didn't understand a lot about her yet. For example, he's known you for three wonderful years. And he's learned a lot about your body language, things you're sensitive to, etc. "Well.. alright." She accepted. "Everybody expects me to be this delicate little flower which I'm not! I'm sturdy, I'm as strong as a horse! I'm here to do something. Not just sit around and be decorative. You see this hands?" She held her hands out. "These hands were made for work. Real work." She rambled angrily. The three of you were stopped when a man came up to Rose holding a tray with a teapot and cups. "Care for something, miss? We have tea and billiard." He offered. She scoffed, annoyed. "NO!" She dramatically replied. Jack laughed loudly, causing you to smile a little bit too. You actually felt a little bad for the guy. You three continued walking. "There's something in me. I don't know what exactly it is, but I can feel it. Whether I should be an artist or a sculptor or a.. a dancer! Vague and spirit." "Or a moving picture artist!" She giggled and ran ahead of you two. She leaned against a broad white pillar as a man used a film to photograph her. You and Jack stood behind him, watching her. "I'm glad she's having a good time with us." You mentioned to Jack. The night where Jack came running back into your room late at night to tell you about a young girl who tried to jump off the ship shocked you. But what was even more interesting is that Jack saved her life and got you two invited to dinner. "I'm proud of you." You looked into his beautiful eyes. He smiled ear to ear and kissed you. a/n: WAS IT GOOD WAS IT BAD LMKKK i'm actually kind of proud of this 👀 ik it’s short, it’s only 1.2k words but it was still fun to write! (BTW i have requests open)

[redinkofshame]

JSYK just because I don't write it/post it, doesn't mean my thoughts aren't still filled with Solavellan smut on the daily. So when I saw this perfectly innocent comic my thoughts... Wouldn't leave me alone. So here, smut be upon ye.

Keria Lavellan x Solas (in the head of) x purple!mRook

🍋 explicit

Two-and-a-Half-Some

“Nice tits, by the way.”

Rook had led Keria to one of the bedrooms in the Lighthouse to show her a sketchbook full of images of herself. Unlike the rooms they’d passed on their way up, full of sentimental knickknacks and evidence of camaraderie and constant use, this room was all but barren. Clean. Sparse.

Solas’ room.

It made her heart ache, to see how alone he’d been all this time.

She raised her eyebrow at the younger man, who flushed. His expression wasn’t flirtatious so much as ‘I can’t believe I said that out loud’.

“…Sorry.”

The poor kid. He’d clearly only been trying to make a joke to ease the tension of the moment when she’d flipped from a series of tasteful nudes to… Some positions that left little to the imagination.

At least he hadn’t commented on the appearance of her anus.

She shut the book. “Don’t be. They were pretty nice back then. His sketches are a bit outdated now, though. I’m not as young as I once was.”

Rook’s eyes went unfocused for a moment, and then he said, “He, uh, he says your hard-won wisdom only makes you all the more beautiful today.”

Her breath caught in her throat. She swallowed, heart thudding. “He always was a sweet talker. It’s true then. You can hear him?”

He nodded and pointed to his temple. “Yep. Whether I want to or not.”

“And he can hear what you hear, obviously. Does he see through your eyes?”

He nodded.

“Interesting…” She took a step closer to him and raised her hand suggestively to the toggles of her shirt, designed to be easy to use one-handed. “Would you like to see an updated version? For the sake of improving the accuracy of the sketches, of course.”

His eyes went wide. “You… Want to show me your tits?”

She smirked. “I want to show Solas my tits,” she clarified. “You getting to see them is just an enjoyable side-benefit.

As long as you’re comfortable with it, of course.”

“Who in their right mind would say no to seeing the Inquisitor’s tits?” he asked, and she almost laughed at his incredulous tone. Then he added, “He’s, uh, unusually quiet. He’s not going to, like, turn me into a statue for this or anything, right?”

“He was never the jealous type,” she assured him as she began unfastening her shirt. “What about you? Any partners that would have a problem with this?”

“No. Well, partner yes, but no, we’re, uh, open to…” He trailed off, watching her hand distractedly.

She finished with the last toggle, but pointedly didn’t remove her shirt yet, waiting for him to answer.

“We’re not the jealous types, either,” he said quickly once he caught on. Then he jerked his thumb towards the door to the rest of the lighthouse. “I could go get them?”

She did laugh at that, shrugging off her shirt at last. “I think two and a half is enough for now.”

He didn’t answer, focused on her exposed skin. She arched her back prettily and ran a hand over herself, teasing her own taut nipple.

“Wow. Definitely still great.”

Keria had never though of herself as beautiful — at least, not until she’d seen the way Solas looked at her when they made love — but she’d never been particularly self-conscious either. She was surprised that some small part of her preened at the younger man’s approval.

She closed the distance between them and gently took his hand and placed it on her breast. The warmth of it and the way it moved timidly over her had her flushing with sudden need. “And can he feel what you do?”

“Who? Oh, uh, no.” Growing bolder, he had both hands on her now, kneading her breasts, thumbing her nipples delightfully.

“That’s a shame.” She ran her hand over the bulge of his britches as she said it and his breath staggered. Then she pulled back. “Unsurprising, though.”

She started on the fasteners of her own pants and Rook watched, waiting for an indication of what came next, like an eager little puppy.

Once Keria was fully nude she did a slow spin, giving both men a fully view of her decade-older body.

“I can’t understand what he’s saying,” Rook told her. “It’s elvhen. I think it’s poetry.”

“Elvhen always sounds like poetry,” she said said, affection tugging her lips and memories of him reciting beautiful words she didn’t understand while he held her against him.

She went to work on the laces of Rook’s pants, and got on her knees once his erection was freed.

Solas was always dedicated to her pleasure when they made love, rarely allowing her to do the same for him. He couldn’t stop her now, though. So she took her time and made as big a spectacle as she could, maintaining eye contact with this stranger whose head held the love of her life. She stayed focused on those eyes as she ran her tongue along Rook’s shaft, then twirled it around the head, as she took him deep, as she left long trails of saliva whenever she pulled back. Neither man said anything she could hear, though Rook’s groans were satisfying.

When she felt she’d teased enough, (and that Rook might not last much longer,) she pulled back and stood, swaying her hips artfully as she moved to the bed. She climbed on and mirrored one of the positions in the sketchbook, half-propped against the headboard with her knees spread wide.

He continued to stare after her as she stroke her slick core, displaying herself. She wasn't sure if his glazed look was from trying to hear Solas speak, or simple lust.

“Rook,” she said finally. “Take off your clothes and come here."

He jumped to it, almost tangling himself in an attempt to remove both his pants and shirt at the same time, half-tripping as he removed his socks while getting on the sheets. She used a hand on his jaw to guide him over her, in case he got confused about that, too.

He knelt between her legs and took his time admiring her, and she wondered if it was Solas that told him to run his hands up and down the insides of her thighs, to try gripping her hips and waists in different spots, to cup her breasts again. She whimpered with heat by the time Rook ran the head of his cock up and down her folds several times, wetting it before finally plunging into her.

She kept her eyes open and on him when normally she’d have closed them to enjoy the full feeling, the friction, the energetic thrusting his hips against hers. But though it felt odd to look so deep into a stranger’s eyes as he fucked her, she wanted Solas to see her.

Fortunately, the man spent most of his time watching his cock moving in and out of her and her fingers circling her clit, or her bouncing tits.

Then there was a flash, a flicker of blue spirit light, and suddenly his thrusts became pounding, movements becoming equal measures controlled and intense.

She gasped. “Solas?”

“Mah vhenan,” he breathed in the wrong voice, and then he was kissing, biting, sucking on her neck as he moved in her.

Her hand moved to his head but it was wrong, the hair was wrong, so she gripped his back instead and closed her eyes so she couldn’t see Rook anymore, just Solas, her Solas. She came almost immediately, the tension in her releasing with waves of pleasure rushing over her.

He rode her through her climax and then slowed, still, and kissed her. He hadn’t finished, still hard in her as he kissed her harder still. His tongue teased hers, plunging deep, like he couldn’t taste enough of her. She wrapped her arm around him as tight as she could, kissing him with a decade of frustration and longing.

When they pulled back for air she kept her eyes firmly closed, and perhaps he understood because he pulled out and she was suddenly moved, turned over so she was positioned on her knees. She arched her back exaggeratedly, still putting on a show for him. He ran his hands along her thighs, grabbed handfuls of her ass, ran fingers through her folds as he lined up his borrowed cock. He gripped her hips with both hands as he plunged into her, and she moaned his name, and, “I love you, I love you, ar lath ma.”

Whatever he said in breathless elvhen was lost on her as he pounded into her again and again, taking her like an animal. When she came a second time she finally felt his movements become less controlled, insistent and clumsy as he chased his own climax as last.

His movements slowed, stilled. She stopped propping herself up on her shaking arm and allowed herself to collapse on the mattress, and he came down with her.

“Are you still in there?” she panted.

“Yes, vhenan.” For some reason part of her was still surprised the voice was wrong. He rolled them onto their sides and she gripped his arms hard around her, unwilling to let go.

“How long do you have?”

“Not long.” He pressed feather-soft kisses against her shoulder. Then he sighed. “But I can’t leave before I tell you how sorry I am. For everything.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she said, unwilling to waste this precious moments on his constant guilt. “Var lath vir suledin. I’m going to find a way to save you.” To free him from his prison in the Fade. To be together in this new world he’d made.

He kissed her shoulder again, and she thought it sounded like he was smiling when he replied, “I know.”

I know. Not ‘I know you will try’’. Just ‘I know’. He believed her.

“Solas…” she started, but she trailed off.

It didn’t feel like him anymore. Somehow, she knew he had gone.

“Rook?” she tried instead.

“Uh, yeah” he said as he awkwardly pulling his limp dick out of her. “I’m back.”

Keria bit back her disappointment to put on a satisfied smile as she turned to face him. He looked like he didn’t know what to do with himself. “Hey. You doing okay? That was… Unexpected. I didn’t know uncontrolled horniness could lead to a spontaneous possession.”

He laughed, and settled back comfortably. “Yeah, neither did either of us.”

She ran her hand along his chest. “Are you feeling okay about it? I just want to check because we didn’t discuss the option before hand.”

He nodded. “Definitely. I think… I think I could have stop it? The possession. It felt weird, kind of like a build up of pressure, but I think I could have stopped it.”

“Why didn’t you?” As a mage she'd been taught to protect herself against possession her whole life. She couldn’t imagine just letting it happen.

Rook shrugged. “I wanted to see what would happen.”

Her mouth was open, but she couldn’t think of a response to that. At last, she shook and said, “Varric said you’d be trouble.”

He grinned. Then, looking a little apologetic, he said, “I was ‘there’ the whole time, you know. Like, I could still, uh, feel everything.”

She made sure to smile comfortingly so he’d know she wasn’t upset by this. “Side benefits indeed.” She kissed him — Rook, not Solas. He deserved to feel wanted, too. “Thanks for the tour of the lighthouse. Glad to be part of the team.”

[alphajocklover]

Unmoved

**beta read by my friend J-bro. Had to post on mobile cause tumblr was being weird. Hope it still looks good**

For the 11th time in his life, Maxwell Hawthorn was moving.

It was his senior year of highschool, shortly after Maxwell’s 18th birthday, and once again Maxwell was moving. The Hawthorns, which consisted of Maxwell, his parents, and his younger brother Chase, were a military family, Maxwell's father being a low level General. Even for military families, the Hawthorns moved a lot. Where most military families moved every two to four years, the Hawthorns moved almost annually, much to Maxwell's frustration. Since he was 5 years old he had moved nearly every year, each time moving to a different state and a different school with a different house. When he was younger Maxwell had been a friendly, adventurous kid who easily made friends, but after making friends just to lose them over and over again Maxwell had formed an anti-social, almost jaded personality. He never got close to anyone anymore, almost always keeping to himself. He kept his room almost completely bare, since he knew he’d probably need to move eventually, and avoided connections. Even his hobbies, mainly sketching and writing, were done alone. Until recently Maxwell had been resigned to the fact that he would probably not make any meaningful friendships till college. But there was something different about this move. He wasn’t just moving, he was moving back.

Willistown was where Maxwell had spent his final 2 years of middle school, and despite only having stayed there 2 years it was the place Maxwell had been most reluctant to leave. It had been before highschool started, so his spirit hadn’t been completely crushed yet, and unlike many of his other schools he had actually been able to make friends. Hell, he had been almost popular. He had actually connected with people and gotten out of his shell. Maxwell had been crushed when he had to leave. He tried to keep in touch with his friends, but he hadn’t heard from Leon or Marigold, his two best friends from Willistown Middle school but he hadn’t heard from either of them in years. Leon had been like a brother to Maxwell, one who shared his love of art and his social awkwardness, well Marigold had been his first crush and girlfriend (though, as it was a middle school relationship, all they did was hold hands). Despite losing touch, Maxwell hoped his old friends would make the final year of highschool more bearable, or maybe even enjoyable.

As Maxwell entered his second class at Willistown high he was worried he had been too hopeful. So far no one had recognized him, or even seemed to remember him. It had probably been too much to expect everyone to welcome him warmly or act like he was an old friend. It had been 3 years after all, and he didn’t remember everyone either. Still he was starting to worry that maybe he had gotten his hopes up too high. Homeroom had been boring as hell, and the school seemed pretty obsessed with sports. The upcoming football season for the Willistown Wolves was all anyone could talk about. Still he hoped he could find someone who remembered him.

“Max?”

Maxwell looked up from his sketchbook to see a truly impressive sight. The jock in front of him was over 6 feet tall, with long dark black hair and piercing sapphire blue eyes. He had a sharp jawline, a charming smile, and bulging muscles that were hidden by his letterman jacket. Maxwell could immediately tell that this was the big man on campus, the stereotypical golden boy, the prom king. This was-

“Leon?” Maxwell realized in shock, almost dropping his sketchbook

“Hell yeah bro! It’s been years dude, how the fuck are you?” The large jock said as he took Maxwell into a bro-hug that Maxwell, in his shock, responded to in kind. “The hell are you doing here man, I haven’t seen you in years!”

“I, I moved back. Today's my first day. I tried to tell you but I guess you changed your phone number or something.” Maxwell sheepishly said “Leon, what… happened to you?” Maxwell asked in shock

Leon cockily flexed one of his biceps, letting it strain the fabric of his jacket “Hehe, yeah, I guess I have changed over the years. Joined the football team in freshman year. Turned out I was a natural athlete.” Leon said. “But look at you man, you haven’t changed a bit. Still got your head stuck in your sketchbook and shit.” Leon said with a deep, slightly dull chuckle.

Maxwell was in shock. The nervous, artistic kid he had been best friends with had been replaced by a huge, cocky, arrogant jock. He didn’t expect Leon to be the same guy he was 3 years ago, but he hadn’t expected him to change that much. He was unrecognizable, and looked like he’d probably have more in common with the jocks who usually made Maxwell’s life hell than he would with Maxwell.

“Bro, we need to hang out after school sometime. Catch up and shit. I got football practice afterschool today but we can meet up after that.” Leon said with a charming smile, playfully punching Maxwell’s shoulder in a way that really hurt. Maxwell scowled at the punch, but held his tongue. This was Leon. He had been his best friend. Even if he was a dumb jock now, Maxwell had to give him a chance.

“Uh, sure. I’ll see you then…” Maxwell said quietly. Leon grinned a charming grin and strut over to his own desk.

Art class had been… interesting. Maxwell had spent most of the class watching Leon chat with his fellow jocks, thinking about how much his old friend had changed. It was clear that 3 years hadn’t just changed Leon physically, but mentally as well. Leon seemed to have lost all interest in art, and was only taking art for an easy A. As Maxwell made his way to the cafeteria for lunch he wondered how his friend had changed so much. 3 years was a long time, but it still seemed like a drastic change in personality. Maxwell was so lost in thought he almost walked straight into… one of the most attractive girls he ever met. Long blonde hair, beautiful green eyes, pouty red lips, d cup tits and a juicy ass, she looked like she had walked right out of a teenage boy's wet dream. Maxwell was so flustered he nearly didn’t recognize her

“Oh my god, Marigold?” Maxwell asked in shock. The blonde in front of him gave a haughty sneer as she looked over Maxwell. Thoroughly unimpressed “Uh, it’s Marie. And who exactly are you?” Maxwell, shocked by her entitled tone, looked at her in shock for a moment. Before he could answer another familiar voice interrupted

“Marie, babe! There you are.” Leon said, strutting over to the blonde without acknowledging Maxwell. He grabbed her by the hips, his manly fingers sinking into her juicy ass, and kissed her deeply and dominantly. Marie almost moaned into the kiss, a submissive, lust filled look coming over her

“Hey baby…” she said, slightly breathless as, after what seemed like forever, the kiss ended. Leon grinned cockily, and finally noticed the shocked Maxwell

“Oh hey Max! Didn’t see you there bro!” Leon said with a charming grin as he put his arm around Maries waist

“Max?” Marie asked, sudden recognition shining in her eyes. She grinned, a happy unrestrained grin that made her look completely different from before and reminded Maxwell of the nerdy girl he had dated “Oh my god, it’s been years! What are you doing here Max?” She asked kindly

Leon answered before Maxwell could “Max just moved back babe! We’re going to be spending senior year with him!” He said excitedly.

“It’s Maxwell.” Maxwell corrected, his voice slightly shy. “And… yeah, I’m spending my senior year as a Willistown Wolf.” Marie lit up at this.

“That's totally awesome Max! I mean, Maxwell.” The blonde said perkily

“You too Marigold. Or should I say Marie?” Maxwell asked, a questioning look on his face. Marie blushed slightly, as if being reminded of an embarrassing old memory

“Yeah. I decided to start going by Marie about 2 years back. Marigold was a little… frumpy, you know?” She said with a bashful smile. Maxwell nodded in agreement, even though he didn’t really agree. What was wrong with Marigold? He always thought that name was pretty. He changed the subject, not wanting to make things more awkward than they already were.

“... So… Since I’m new here, and I don’t have many friends… would you guys mind if I sat with you?” Maxwell asked. Leon and Marie’s faces fell almost in unison, and an awkward feeling came over the trio. Leon was the first to speak.

“Uh, sorry bro. The people we hang out with these days can be kind of… picky, about who sits with them. You gotta prove yourself to them before they let you in. Marie and I have a reputation and shit now and…”

Maxwell didn’t need to hear anymore. Each word was like a dagger to his heart. He tried to keep his emotions in check as he answered, but failed to stop the crack in his voice. “Oh. It’s ok. I understand. I’ll just… go.” Maxwell said, turning and running off, tears rolling down his face as he did. He could hear Leon and Marie yelling for him, but he didn’t stop till he got to the bathroom.

Maxwell's first day as a senior officially sucked. Not only had he been rejected by his two former best friends, but everyone in the cafeteria had seen him running away from them crying. Rumors about what was going on between the two most popular people and school and the geeky new kid were already circling, and none of them showed Maxwell in a good light. Some people said he was a stalker who had been confronted by the couple, others said he was a pervert who had propositioned them. He heard one rumor that he was an old ex, which was technically true but not the reason he had run away. The details changed but the general consensus was that Maxwell was a loser who had deserved whatever he got. His social life was dead in the water.

As soon as Maxwell got home he headed up to his bedroom without a word to his family and went to sleep. The day had been exhausting and he had lost all hope that this year was going to be any better than the one before. He needed to just… be unconscious for a while. By the time Maxwell woke up it was late at night, if the night sky he could see through his bedroom window was any clue. Maxwell sighed. He couldn’t believe how fucked everything had gotten. His eyes locked on a particularly bright star. Without thinking, Maxwell made a wish “... I wish I had never moved away from Willistown…” As he spoke the star got brighter and brighter…

And in a flash, everything was different.

Maxwell woke up slowly, his eyes not yet open. Something was… different. His head felt funny, his body felt heavy, but what was really bothering Maxwell was… the warm feeling surrounding his cock. Maxwell’s eyes slowly opened at first, but shot open as he took in the sight in front of him. Sleeping soundly next to him, completely naked, with her pussy surrounding his cock, was Marie. In shock Maxwell tried to pull out, moving backwards, but found a shiver of pleasure go through him as he felt something inside his ass rub against his sweet spot. Did someone have a cock in his ass? Before Maxwell could panic he felt the muscular arm of whoever was inside him reach over his side and grab at one of his pecs as that someone also kissed his neck. The man spoke, his familiar voice sending shivers of pleasure down Maxwell’s spine.

“Hey babe. You ok? You seem tense.” Leon said, his voice so sensual and erotic that Maxwell almost moaned. He answered without thinking, his voice deeper than he remembered

“Yeah, I’m ok. Just excited for today. First day of senior year only happens once. I mean, hopefully.” Maxwell said, before he and Leon both let out an identical dumb chuckle.

What was happening?! Why was Maxwell having sex with Leon and Marie? As Maxwell internally panicked, memories suddenly flooded his mind.

Maxwell, or Max as most people called him, never moved away after middle school. He went into highschool with his best bro Leon and his girlfriend Marigold by his side. Maxwell’s friendly, adventurous personality made him just as popular in highschool as he had been in middle school, but it was when he and Leon joined the football team together that their popularity really took off. Leon’s story, about joining the football team and turning out to be a natural athlete, was true, but now it included Max joining the team right alongside him. Leon was the quarterback, and Max was his left tackle. Together they were the perfect team. As they got more and more into football their bodies changed, packing on muscle, they became even more popular. It didn’t take long until Max and Leon were the two most popular jocks in school. Marigold had gone through a similar glow up and was the school's head cheerleader. By the end of sophomore year the three ruled the school, and Max was the king.

It had been halfway through junior year that Max got together with Leon. He and Marigold had been dating for years now, and they had long come to the agreement that Max’s massive cock couldn’t be handled by one person. Leon, Max’s best bro, seemed like the only rational choice and quickly proved to be a natural cock sucker. Soon the three were a power throuple, and now, at the start of their senior year, they were ready to take on the world.

Max smirked as he remembered this, and looked down at his new body. Bulging muscles, gigantic pecs and biceps, an 8 pack of abs and a footlong cock that was currently fucking his girlfriend. He looked around his room, seeing his weight set, his football gear, his football trophies, and his multiple naked sketches of Leon and Marigold. Slowly Marigold came too, kisses Max deeply as Leon teasingly kissed his neck

“Are you ready for senior year?” Marigold asked.

Max smirked, looking at his partners “... fuck yeah I am.” High in the sky, invisible in the daylight, a supernova blazed, another wish having been granted.

[seven-meds]

Hi!

I love your art and I am extremely enamored by the beauty of your writing !

That being said, I am an artist as well and I feel like I have been stuck in a creative rut and I don’t know how to get to out ? Do you have an advice on breaking out of the hole and as well do you suggest drawing everyday as a method to keep up with skill?

Thank you so much <3

Thanks so much! I considered this for a while. Giving artistic advice, whether broad or targeted, is always difficult. It's too nebulous of a process for rules but everyone still has such a strong opinion on what the rules should be. 

In my experience, lulls are beneficial when seen from the correct perspective and then taken advantage of. Endless production is antithetical to all art that is not corporate in nature, and lack of inspiration means you will benefit from something often overlooked: new experiences and engagement with new things. Though if you do want to feel productive, take a sketchbook and a pen to a public area and draw what you see for an hour or two. You likely won't be inspired but you will feel accomplished.

Historically, artists took extended periods of time away from creating in order to experience life and take in the world, its people, and themselves. Not always willingly; some were torn away and sent to war, fled their homeland, or were imprisoned, enslaved, or institutionalized. And there are those who spent long periods of time bedridden by illness or injury. But whether their experiences were gained by choice, by force, or by nature, their time away from art is what ended up shaping what they made. Drawing in isolation will sharpen a skill, but it's through repeated use of that skill to translate your experiences that your art improves.

An artist's goal is communication first and foremost. This is why drawing daily on its own cannot make anyone a better artist. It will eventually lead toward some sort of technical prowess, but technical prowess with no voice is fairly pointless and very dull. Ideally, the development of voice will precede the development of technical skill and the two become honed in tandem. What you want to say should define what you need to learn. If you are developing an understanding of your own intentions then you are already a step ahead of the artist who is focusing solely on their ability to draw a head from every angle. 

It's beneficial to conceptualize art as a series of choices rather than a display of objective prowess. The more experiences you have and the more educated you are, the more sophisticated your choices become. You'll also find that you're able to analyze and appreciate (or criticize) the choices of other artists, increasing the enjoyment of engaging with art as a whole. You'll then be led toward more complex and unique work as you become bored with things that salivate over their own palatability. You may also find that art you've passed over before suddenly begins to speak to you.

Spend time exposing yourself to new art, ideally from large swathes of eras, places, and forms, including art that communicates things uncomfortable, disturbing, or offensive to you. Delve into the history of the artists and works you enjoy (or hate) in order to fully understand what's being said and why. If you currently find yourself interacting solely with contemporary art delivered largely via algorithm or advertisement that elicits feelings of familiarity and comfort, you should recognize that as a limitation. You are certainly free to work within it, but you will stumble into inspiration more quickly through exposure to different ideas.

It's also a good time to interact with others, if possible (even from a distance), and to look into topics completely divorced from art. Enrich yourself in many ways. The world is so vast and full of so much. What can you experience and learn that will make you yearn to communicate again? 

Try not to waste years studying aimlessly. Develop an interest, a concept, an idea, an experience, and then work toward communicating it effectively. You will learn as you develop new pieces (because you will put effort and energy into targeted research and study), and those pieces will become more complex in both substance and technique. 

Good luck!

[color-craz]

AF MidWeek Round-up!

This is just a simple post compiling all of my attacks so far along with some artists notes! Mostly because I found myself much more active this year than last year (Minus these few couple days due to some appointments). I'll be tagging everyone and linking to other socials so you can see these lovely folks. Of course if you want to attack me, I'm ready to fight! Without further ado, here's all the attacks so far :>

@cosmicdenro @stellarknightz - Weekend Date The name of the game for these first few attacks was to get everyone who I was supposed to last year but ran out of time ^^;;. I decided upon Jesse's Zircon over Jesse the character (one in my bookmarks) b/c it seemed like Turquoise Zircon was less drawn this year but was his icon on AF. So easy pick from me :> (Btw doing Sodalite's stripes and copying Zircon's shape language was really fun!!)

@/clawothy (Twitter) - Chill Cat Another attack from last years bookmarks! It was definitely a soft but enjoyable opening into drawing furries since Claw's so human shaped. It was fun drawing his tail and patterns :>. This is just a nice character design all around.

@twidaisi - Speedy Service Twi was also one from my bookmarks, but also a doorway down an ArtFight rabbit hole. Which will become apparent in the next two pieces. For this one, I had a pretty clear pose in mind so I placed it onto O.R.B.I and went from there!! His design is so neat and he seems so cool! The pose was also pretty fun to do as well, just an overall fun art piece (Also this one got a revenge!!! I still really really love thank you so much!!!!!)

@scratchgeist - Escapism Ho! This was a doozy! Twi had Scratch's profile linked so I ended up hitting him with an attack too. Drawing Scratch's mane turned out to be a pleasant experience despite me originally fearing it. This scene idea also came from a prompt of Scratch going outside. I ended up putting Polish on this because all those scratchy "ink like" lines I actually did manually (take a fuzzy brush and then go over it using a sketchbook eraser). It was nice dipping my toes into BatIM again and trying out more animal feature.

@/stylin.art Instagram @/crypticc0rpse Instagram - Pirates in arms One of those two people were linked on Scratch's profile and the person linked also linked to the other person. But I realized that both Stylin and Crypt had some shared characters. So this ended my little rabbit hole of people by attacking these two lovely fellows at the same time. This little crossing swords idea took me a nice minute to come up with but I liked how it ended up anyway. I really did like drawing James together like this (probably helps that I really like pirates in general). Also yes I know her hand is fucked up I noticed way to late to fix it.

@smoresthehalloweenqueen - Listen to the waves Once I finished up with that I moved onto the next bookmark, which was Smores! Originally I was gonna draw Brutus but then I was like "I like his sona it looks like fun!" So I drew them listening to music because why not :>. I struggled on the arms initially but it came out real clean and nice. Honestly might be my best work so far! (Fun fact, I color picked the waves + background from Seafoam's icon.)

@skittisketch - I got it! Mr. Sascachawean himself! I referenced this pose form the classic Objection point because I thought it would fit his personality. This was also a little bit of a test with a style I had only done in sketches (Basically my human style but omitting a neck which somehow shaves off a lot of time). This was a super fun pose to do with a pretty nice background! (Once again, fucked up hand I know I noticed too late again)

@justpainterrobot - Rare Nightly Sight I had this really really clear picture of what I thought up for this attack and I'm happy that I was able to make it a reality. I put the polish tag on this one because I almost got super super detailed of what the junk was below her (Stuff coming down from Elysium n all that) but due to a lack of references I just went with typical metal and wood. Fun fact, the night sky in the background is based on the one from Deponia itself (The first game's scenes with the professor at night). I think this rewrite of Toni was really cool from what I could find about her. Overall a labor of love type of attack.

@coelpts @swan-swanno - Boss Battle I thought to myself "Hm, I see Coelpts around a lot, lets hit him with an attack." and it turns out Ciel's gay married to Swanno's charater Mikhail, who was the last one in my bookmarks from last year. So another double attack for this one! It was a struggle starting this one mostly because I was debating whether or not to draw Ciel's Lord outfit but I ended up doing so because why not :>. It was a fun experience copying Swanno's more angular style, which is a stark departure from my more rounded shapes (As you can see here). Has a nice venture doing the lighting as well, overall a good experience.

@tailsylennon - Sweet Treats Mitchell showed off Tasily's proflie one day and I saw their sona and was I was like "Lemme draw it!" and did! I ended up following another prompt by her because it was their birthday! (By the time I started on this it was 8 pm and I freaked tf out and got to work). Her sona was really cool and I really loved drawing them. Fun fact, each of the set pieces references the Hallows Souls trio. The chair is decorated after Terra, Markus is the table, and Whistle pallet is used for the tea set :>. It was just a pleasant and cozy attack to make overall.

@ceaseless-enemy - Congratulations!!!! I've actually known about Voila for quite awhile now and thought his design n theaming is quite neat! I actually based the pose off of Ai from Oshi No Ko (I think one of her key arts before the anime released, ifykyk). But I skillfully cut out the legs because I can't draw digitigrade legs... Hooray... Otherwise it was quite nice to work on this attack in particular, especially the eyes and the hair :>.

@killbent - Getting Ready This is another one I had a real clear idea of prior to doing this, specifically because Killbent gave a prompt to give Mr Fairchime pink hair, so i thought a "pre-show" set up would look nice :>. The lighting was another new venture for me, because I usually do cool/night time like lighting but I think it turned out nicely for Fairchime. It was also fun doing the accessories and stuff on the vanity as well. Fun Fact, it's a bit hard to see through the watermark + lighting but the face paint and pallet both have the colors of his make up! Overall a pleasant and warm attack for this year.

And that's all of them so far! I picked up some new bookmarks + I gotta get Twi back for drawing Compact!! So those will probably be compiled by the end of AF so about, early August-ish if I keep up the pace. Anyway, thank you so much for reading and gracing me with the opportunity to draw all of these amazing characters!

Until next time!

-Gappy, Witch of the Stars

[celestiall0tus]

Tales of Bloody Bug and Chat Noir - Chapter 1 - Origins Pt 1

Next

            Alix ran downstairs to the kitchen. She bounded towards the table where she sat and inhaled her food.

            “Woah, slow down, kiddo. What’s the rush?” Alim asked.

            “C’mon, Dad, it’s the first day of school. Can’t be late for it.”

            “This is a switch. You normally hate the first day. My, I remember all the times I had to drag you out of bed. Ever the fighter you are,” Alim reminisced.

            “Yeah, well, it’s the last year of that crummy school before I can finally pursue a school with actual engineering classes. I’ll be people just like me and not, well, the people I suffer already.”

            “Alix, be nice.”

            “Why? They’re all freaks! There’s Marinette the clumsy ditz, Nathaniel whose nose is shoved in a sketchbook as he steals glances at the ditz, Ivan and Mylene just exist, Kim is so annoying with all his pranks, Juleka creeps me out a little, Rose is completely nauseating with all her talk of romance, and don’t even get me started on Chloe and her little pet.”

            “Yes, about that. Try not to agitate her this year.”

            “Me, agitate her? Please. That little brat has it coming every time. Besides, if I don’t stand up for myself, she’d walk all over me like she does with ditzy Marinette. The others too, but Marinette is Chloe’s favorite to bully.”

            “Yes, well, please avoid any confrontations. I know you are very bold and will rise to any challenge, but please don’t fuel the fire this year. It took a lot of convincing on my part with the Mayor, Chloe’s father may I remind you, to not intimidate the principal in expelling you.”

            Alix snorted and rolled her eyes. “Spineless, the lot of them.”

            Alim grimaced. “Alix, sweetie, maybe it’s time to consider toning it down a bit.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “Well, I just can’t help but notice that you often have issues with getting along with people and would rather jump to harsh judgements of people before getting to know them. Maybe this year you can try to not do that, perhaps?”

            “Why?”

            “I just don’t want to see you alone during these years of your life. They are far from the best years you’ll have, but they are still made more enjoyable with friends.”

            “Oh yeah? Then where are all your friends?”

            Alim chuckled nervously. “Well, you see, it’s a bit different. I’m always so busy and while I don’t have friends per say, I do have business associates and other such acquaintances.”

            Alix rolled her eyes. “Right. Anyway, I gotta go. I’ll stay out of Chloe’s way, but if she comes at me, I’m not backing down.”

            “Well, let’s just hope that the mayor spoke with her too and she’ll listen. But don’t jump to violence immediately, please. Try walking away first?”

            “I’ll give it a try.”

            “Thank you. Oh, would you like a ride to school?”

            “Nah, I’m good. Thanks though.”

            Alix got up and gave Alim a kiss on the cheek before she headed out. She walked her usual route to school. She stopped at a cross walk with the other busy passersby when she saw an elderly man crossing the street. She gasped as she heard the beeping of a car horn. She dashed out and pulled the man to the other side before the car hit him.

            Alix ran forward in the direction the car went. “Fuck you, asshole! Pedestrians have the right of way!”

            “Why, thank you, young lady,” the man said.

            “Huh? Oh, no problem. But, hey, be careful, gramps. These crazy drivers stop for no one.”

            “I will. Thank you again.”

            Alix smiled and ran off. She hurried to school as the first bell rang. She bounded up the stairs to the classroom. She took her seat as Marinette went around the room, passing out fresh macaroons.

            “Hey, Alix. Ready for a new year?” Marinette asked with a big, cheery smile.

            Alix’s eye twitched as she forced a smile. “You bet.”

            “Me too! Oh! Before I forget, take a macaroon. Fresh from my parents’ bakery.”

            Alix took one before Marinette moved on. She glanced around the room to see the same faces as last year except for one new face. A girl with brown ombre hair who sat in the very front row with Marinette. She raised a brow and looked over where Marinette usually sat to see Chloe and Sabrina sitting there. She wondered why the changeup, but otherwise ignored it.

            Alix’s attention shifted to Miss Bustier as class and the year finally began.

~~

            Adrien ran down the sidewalks with the school in sight. Hope flared in him as his feet touched the steps. He headed up them as he heard a car skid to a stop. He paused and looked to see Nathalie and his bodyguard, Gorilla, emerge from the car.

            “Adrien, please reconsider this. You know what your father wants,” Nathalie said.

            “But this is what I want, Nathalie. Doesn’t that matter too?”

            “Adrien,” Nathalie started.

            A pained groan stole Adrien’s attention. He glanced towards it to see an old man on the ground, unable to get his cane. He ran down the steps, helped the old man up, and handed the man his cane.

            “Thank you, young man.”

            Adrien smiled. “It’s no problem.”

            Adrien turned to head into the school, but found his path blocked by Nathalie and Gorilla.

            “Please. I just want to go to school and be with people my age.”

            Nathalie shook her head and motioned to the car. Adrien sighed and left with them.

~~

            The bell rang to signal the end of the class hour. Alix leapt to her feet and dashed for the door to head to gym class. She paused when she heard Ivan yell at Kim. She glanced back at the guys but rolled her eyes and kept moving. Kim was likely up to his tricks again and Ivan fell for it as always.

            Alix headed to the first floor as Ivan stormed out of the classroom and for the principal’s office. She watched for a moment when he barged in but was sent out. She snorted in amusement but frowned when she saw an odd black butterfly. She tilted her head, then grinned. She took out her phone to get a picture to show Alim. She snapped the photo as Mr. D’Argencourt yelled at her.

            “Miss Kubdel! No phones out on school grounds.”

            “Yeah, but there was this-,” Alix started.

            “No excuses. To the principal’s office, now.”

            Alix growled, stuffed her phone into her pocket, and headed up. She put one foot on the stairs when there was a roar. The ground shook as a rock golem stepped out from the principal’s office. Mr. Damocles, the principal, tripped and crawled to the railing.

            “Students, run!”

            “Kim!” the golem yelled.

            Alix gasped. The monster sounded like Ivan. Was it Ivan? What happened to him? Was this even real?

            The golem jumped down and caused the ground to shake violently. Alix caught herself on the railing before she ran out of the school with the other students. She took one glance back before she headed for home.

~~

            Adrien stared off at the wall while Nathalie asked him history questions. He had been so close to being in school and with people his age. He could have finally been free of this isolation if he didn’t stop to help that man. Perhaps he should have ignored the man and went inside. Maybe then he wouldn’t be stuck here.

            “Nathalie, that’s enough,” Gabriel said.

            Adrien flinched hearing his father’s voice. He looked over at Gabriel’s glower.

            “Adrien, I’m disappointed that you would sneak out when I’ve made it clear you are to never leave the house unless I have given my authorization. There is nothing out there that you could need. Everything you need is within these walls.”

            “But, Father, I want to be with others my age. I want to go to school and make friends. I want to live my life.”

            “Adrien, you are not like those commoners. You are amongst the elite. It’s bad enough the mayor allows his daughter go to such lowly schools, however I will not make those mistakes with you. You will be given the best education and everything else that our wealth and status has to offer. What more could you want?”

            “Friends.”

            “You have Chloe. Is that not enough?”

            Adrien opened his mouth but closed it when he heard screams outside. He glanced out the window, but his view was blocked by Gabriel.

            “Go to your room, Adrien. Now. I want you to think on everything I’ve said.”

            Adrien ran from the room up to his bedroom. He threw himself onto his bed before he tore it apart in a fit. He stopped when he heard a loud roar. He ran to his windows but didn’t see anything. He jumped onto his couch and turned on his TV to the news. His eyes widened seeing a stone golem terrorizing Paris as it chased a guy his age.

            Adrien covered his mouth. He looked down, away from the broadcast, and saw a small black and red hexagonal box on his coffee table. He picked it up and opened it. A bright light flashed and orbited around him. It stopped above the box and took the form of a small black creature with a tiny body, large head, cat ears and tail, and piercing green eyes.

            “Woah! What are you? Are you a genie?”

            “No way, but I did meet him once. Sure, he grants wishes, but what’s the big deal anyway?”

            Adrien raised his brow as the creature flew around his room and admired everything while it bit down on everything. He tried to get its attention, but it ignored him. He huffed, climbed up on the rock wall, and dove down as he caught the creature.

            “What are you?” Adrien asked.

            “I’m a kwami. I grant powers. Yours is that of destruction. Got it?”

            Adrien shook his head.

            “Wonderful, now, got any food? I’m starving.”

            Adrien sat up. “This is a prank, right? My father is just messing with me.”

            “Yeah, no. Your father isn’t and he must never know about me. No one can if you’re to be a hero.”

            Adrien released the creature. “A hero? What good is a hero that’s stuck in his own house?”

            “No good, but you can change that. If you’re willing that is.”

            Adrien looked back at the box that held a silver ring. He nodded and slipped it on.

            “Cataclysm is to use your powers. Plagg, claws out is to transform.”

            Adrien grinned and struck a pose. “Plagg, claws out!”

            “Wait! I hadn’t finished explaining-!” Plagg yelled as he was sucked into the ring.

            Adrien beamed as his clothes transformed into a black full body suit with cat ears, a tail, and a superhero mask. He looked down at himself.

            “So cool!”

            Adrien ran to his window, opened it, and headed out in search of the monster.

~~

            Alix burst into her home and turned on the news. She watched the broadcast of the monster rampaging through Paris as it chased Kim. She had no doubts that it was Ivan at this point with its relentless pursuit and voice. That still left the question of how Ivan became such a monster.

            Alix turned off the TV and headed up to her room. She grabbed her journal and sat at her desk. She reached for a pen when she saw a small black and red hexagonal box. She tilted her head as she opened it. A red orb shot out and flew around her. It stopped over the box and took the shape of a red kwami with three black spots on its head.

            “Uh, what is this? What are you?” Alix asked.

            “I am Tikki, kwami of creation.”

            “What’s a kwami? Was it something like you that turned Ivan into whatever that golem creature thing is?”

            “Not in the way you may be thinking. He was transformed by another holder, someone that also has a kwami.”

            “Woah, you mean like a supervillain?”

            “Something along those lines, yes.”

            “And does this mean I get to be a superhero with you?”

            “Yes.”

            Alix whooped and hollered. “This is awesome! It’s just like my wildest dreams. What do I do? What can I do?”

            “With me, you will wield the power of creation. Your power, Lucky Charm, allows you to create one item per transformation. Once you use this, you will have five minutes before you transform back, so use it cautiously.”

            Alix’s eyes widened as they sparkled. Her mind raced with the opportunity to create her designs she’s only brought to life through sketches and vivid daydreams.

            “Now, this is important. You must find the object that the Akuma is hiding in. It’ll be a little black butterfly.”

            “Oh! You mean like this one?”

            Alix showed Tikki her photo from earlier.

            “Yeah! That’s exactly it.”

            “Got it. So, what do I do with it?”

            “You will catch it in your yo-yo. It’s a magical yo-yo that can purify the Akumas and your mode of transportation. You just need to swipe up along the middle and it’ll open. Once you purify the Akuma, you can use the object you created with Lucky Charm by throwing it up while saying ‘Miraculous.’ Ladybugs will then fix all the damage the monster does.”

            “Got it. Alright, I’m ready.”

            “Excellent. Put on the earrings and say, ‘Tikki, spots on.’”

            Alix took the earrings from the box and put them on. “Tikki, spots on!”

            Tikki disappeared into the earrings. Alix grinned as her clothes transformed into a black full bodysuit with red with black spots and black boots, long gloves, leotard, and a strip along her legs with ladybug emblems on each of them. Her reddish pink hair turned red and spiked out as a red and black spotted hero mask covered her face and her eyes turned red.

            Alix let out a breath as she looked herself over. She eyed the yo-yo at her hip and grabbed it. She opened her window and slipped out. She leapt up to the nearby buildings to the roofs. She scanned the area as she absentmindedly twirled her yo-yo. She grinned as she eyed the Notre Dame Cathedral. She chucked her yo-yo in the direction, and it latched onto the building.

            Alix took a step back and braced herself. She tugged on the string and was sent flying towards the Cathedral. She gasped as she flailed about before she got her bearings. She landed against the wall of the Cathedral. She tugged on the string again to release it, but she shot up. She yelped and flicked her wrist. The yo-yo released and she plummeted. She turned to land on her feet when a boy in a cat hero costume collided with her. He yowled as they slammed into the ground.

            Alix untangled herself from Adrien and glowered. “Watch where you’re going, fleabag. I would have totally nailed that landing if you hadn’t got in the way.”

            Adrien smirked. “I happened to be doing just that. Maybe you should watch where you’re falling and stay out of my way.”

            Alix snorted. “Alright, I’ll give you that one, fleabag. What are you doing out here anyway? Shouldn’t people be hiding from this monster?”

            “I could ask you the same of you, little bug.”

            “Don’t call me little, fleabag.”

            “Yeah, it doesn’t feel right. Perhaps, fun-sized bug? No. Oh, how about mini bug? Sounds cute, doesn’t it?”

            Alix’s eye twitched. She reached up and grabbed the bell of Adrien’s suit. She pulled him close, so they were eye-to-eye. “The name is Bloody Bug, fleabag. Call me mini bug again and I’ll send you flying into the Seine.”

            “Well, pleasure to meet you. You can call me Chat Noir… Mini Bug.”

            Bloody Bug snarled. She grabbed Chat Noir and threw him in the direction of the Seine. She turned and ran in the opposite direction when she saw a pillar of dust shoot towards the sky. She changed direction and headed that way until she found the monster. She grimaced seeing that he had finally caught Kim and was several sizes bigger than he was in the school.

            “Hey! Put the idiot down!” Bloody Bug yelled.

            “Y-yeah! Do what the bug said, Ivan,” Kim added.

            “The name is Stoneheart!” the monster yelled.

            “Fine, Stoneheart, whatever. Put the idiot down!”

            Stoneheart roared. He raised his clenched fist about to bring it down when Chat Noir joined Bloody Bug.

            “You don’t smell like wet cat, fleabag.”

            “Oh, Mini Bug, you should know cats are amazing at avoiding unwanted baths.”

            Bloody Bug’s eye twitched. “Wonderful, now stay out of my way.”

            “I got this. My power is that of destruction. I’ll turn this boulder into rubble.”

            Stoneheart roared again and brought his fist down on them. Bloody Bug grabbed Chat Noir and leapt out of the way. She turned as she raised him over her head and threw him at Stoneheart. He yowled as he collided with Stoneheart’s face. Stoneheart tried to swipe at him, but she lassoed Stoneheart in her yo-yo string, restraining his free arm.

            Bloody Bug grunted as she struggled against Stoneheart. “Let’s see if this works. Lucky Charm!”

            Ladybugs swirled around the yo-yo as a ring of chains were created. It hovered in the air for a moment before it fell to the ground at Stoneheart’s feet.

            “Wonderful. You make what I want, but don’t go where I want. Lovely. Fleabag, do something!”

            “I’m a little busy!” Chat Noir yelled as he leapt around Stoneheart.

            Stoneheart snarled and released Kim along with a purple rock. Bloody Bug released Stoneheart and dove for Kim, catching him and the rock. Kim took off as she turned, lassoed Chat Noir, and pulled him to her.

            “Well, well, we meet again, Mini Bug.”

            Bloody Bug sneered as she held up the rock. “Shove it and destroy this, fleabag.”

            Chat Noir raised a brow, then shrugged. “Cataclysm!”

            Dark energy emitted from Chat Noir’s ring. Bloody Bug watched the rock crumble to pieces at his touch, releasing the Akuma within. She smiled and swiped up on her yo-yo. The middle parted to reveal a glowing white void within. She caught the Akuma and the yo-yo closed. She waited a moment before she messed with it to get the Akuma out. She hit the middle and it opened again, releasing a white butterfly.

            Bloody Bug smiled. “Later, butterfly.”

            Bloody Bug looked to Stoneheart as he reverted to Ivan. She sighed and approached him. She grabbed her charm and knelt beside him.

            “Hey. Are you ok?” Bloody Bug asked.

            “Uh, where am I? What happened?”

            “What’s the last thing you remember?”

            “I… I was going into the principal’s office, then there was this voice that offered me power to get revenge on those that have wronged me. I… I think I accepted.”

            “Well, you kinda did. So, why did you?” Chat Noir interjected.

            “Does it matter? Look, just don’t do it again,” Bloody Bug remarked.

            Bloody Bug threw the charm up as she yelled “Miraculous.” It dissipated into a swarm of ladybugs that repaired the damage done by Stoneheart. She turned as the ladybugs turned the crumbled rock into crumbled up paper. She took it, read it, and gagged. She shoved the paper into Chat Noir.

            “If you want to help the man out, be my guest, but I’m done. Bug out.”

            Bloody Bug swung out. Chat Noir tilted his head and read the paper. One ear pinned back in confusion as he read Ivan getting mocked for not being able to tell Mylene he likes her.

            “So, you have a crush on someone? And you can’t tell her?”

            Ivan sneered, then sighed. “I just can’t do it. I get nervous and chicken out.”

            “Well, what if you find a different way to express it? I mean, there’s making something special, letters, poems, all that wonderful cheesy stuff.”

            Ivan hummed. “I could… write her a song?”

            Chat Noir beamed. “Oh, a song would be amazing! She’d be sure to swoon. I mean, who wouldn’t want a song written for them?”

            Ivan smiled. He stood and held out his fist. Chat Noir tilted his head and looked at it.

            “Uh, what is this?”

            “A fist bump. Make a fist and we bump fists.”

            One of Chat Noir’s ears pinned back in confusion. He balled a hand into a fist and bumped it against Ivan’s. His ears shot up and turned forward. The small gesture spread a silly grin on his face and filled himself with joy.

            “Wish me luck, uh, cat boy.”

            “Break a leg!”

            Chat Noir watched Ivan leave when his ring beeped. He looked down to see a couple pads remaining in the pawprint. He panicked, not sure what it meant, but hurried home all the same.

[techtalksfics]

Tech Support (Tech x Reader)

Summary: Tech meets the reader on Pabu and decides the best way to show he cares is by simply doing all the technical work the reader has lined up to do.

Author's Note: this is just based off of my interpretation of Tech. Hopefully it's okay. I'm thinking there may be a part two. You know, a little wine and dine, a little smut, a little bit of Echo. Who knows.

Warnings: None, this is just straight fluff. Couple of swear words, if you don't like those, well... tough luck. I swear.

Word Count: 7.2 K (oops, again)

You sat under the famous tree of Pabu and scratched the chalk calmly across the paper. You began furiously blending the contours of his face, his cheeks, his jaw, as you remembered them in your mind. But you had only seen him from a distance and currently, he was up in the sky teaching Omega how to fly. So no chance of sketching from a distance, as you'd previously done. The ship frantically swooped low in the sky, causing a sudden gust of wind to bustle around you, flipping the page of sketchbook slightly. You enjoyed the sensation as the hairs on your arm stood on end as the sudden cool chill swept over you. Your head hit the bark as the Marauder rushed past you, disappearing into the distance of the sparse clouds.

The sun shone wildly as it so often did on Pabu. A little piece of paradise that you were now grateful to call home. You raised your hand to cover your eyes as you watched the ship disappear.

As the Marauder span off into the distance and disappeared, your eyes immediately fell back down to your sketchpad, and you continued to work on his jaw line. You had to keep trying to recall his features from memory. You remembered the strong and sharp line of his jaw, the intensity of his large goggles neatly lined on his face; you remembered his soft brown eyes and indulgent yet thin lips. You tried to remember that soft smile you'd seen afforded to Omega and his brothers on occasion. You tried to remember everything you could as you sketched his face on the paper before you. But even after all the recollection, after all the trouble, time and toil of your work, you still weren't happy with it; something still wasn't quite right.

But you'd only ever seen him from a distance. So how could it possibly be truly accurate? You sighed, wishing you had the confidence to approach him. Introduce yourself. Tell him you admire him. That you thought he was handsome. That you had the confidence to invite him to dinner. But you didn't. So, you simply admired him from a distance, whenever you could. More often than not, this was when he was working on the Marauder. You could sit in this very spot and watch him intently as he worked. You chose moments where you knew he was enraptured in his work that he wouldn't notice your gaze. You knew how to choose those moments because you'd experienced them too. Those moments of total focus on technological development. Your enjoyment of art was not your only skill.

Suddenly, the Marauder swooped towards you, wings raised for landing. Clunking down with a solid thud, it landed.

Well, at least her landings are improving, you reasoned with yourself. Though you had noticed a number of people running from the landing sight. Probably a sensible solution, given her previous attempts.

Whilst you couldn’t muster the courage to speak with her brother, you’d become quite close to Omega. Her outgoing and courageous personality made it almost impossible not to know her and care for her. As the gangplank, you couldn’t stop your eyes from watching the entranceway. Your sketchpad fell limp in your fingers as you watched. Omega came bounding off, as she very often did. A wide grin spread across her face. Flying lessons were her favourite thing at the moment and based on the way she was flying, you could see why.

Then you waited. Waited for Tech to emerge and when he did, you couldn’t help but giggle. He stumbled slightly, hand reaching to fix his out of place goggles as he clung to the frame of the ship. You only ever saw him this undone when he had been flying with Omega. When his eyes drifted towards you, you looked down quickly and began stroking at the chalk on the page. Hopefully he hadn’t noticed you staring.

Unfortunately, in your panic at being caught, you hadn’t noticed Omega approaching you and when she burst out a ‘hello’, you jumped a mile out of your skin, throwing your sketching pad up in the air and it flew away from you. “Oh, sorry!” She said, as she reached sheepishly for your sketch pad.

Oh shit, you groaned inwardly. She held it in her hand for a moment as she looked intently at the drawing on the page.

“This is Tech,” she said as she looked at the drawing. All you could muster was a nod, dreading whatever question came next. But there wasn’t one. She simply said, “this is amazing! You’re really talented.” As she handed the sketchpad back to you, she asked, “have you met him yet? I didn’t think you knew each other.”

“We, uh, don’t know each other, no.” You mumbled quickly, “I just noticed him the other day and thought he had an interesting face.” An interesting face, seriously, you thought painfully, is that seriously the best you could come up with?

Well at least you'd made it seem like the fixation was recent.

That’s when you noticed it and your heart began thudding in your chest. Tech had spotted Omega with you and had decided to approach, to find out what had caused a sudden and loud yelp. Your palms began to sweat, your heart racing and your head fogged over. His walk was one of subtle confidence, to call it a strut would be perhaps too critical. But there was some slight power to the way his feet pushed him forward. But that certainly did not help the incoming chaos of your mind.

“You are improving Omega,” Tech said as he finally reached you. You noted that he did not appear to be a man who opened with empty platitudes or standard greetings. But you smiled at Omega who was beaming at the compliment. His opinion being one of high import in her young life.

“The landings are certainly less chaotic,” you suddenly said, not knowing where that confidence came from, and Tech suddenly let his eyes fall on you, a small smile on his lips at you comment. Sucking in a breath, you dared to push forward. “Your teaching must be excellent,” you offered.

“I believe you are correct in your assumption.” He factually stated. He observed you for a moment before thrusting his hand towards you, “I am Tech, I do not believe we have met.” Taking his hand in yours and gently shaking it, you threw out your name speedily, simply grateful when you didn’t stutter. When he pulled his hand back, he looked at his gloved hand and noticed a grey residue on his fingers. Lifting his hand closer to his face, he brushed his fingers together and then looked at you quizzically.

You grimaced.

“I’m so sorry,” you mumbled, “it’s just chalk.”

“Yes, I had gathered it would be something of the sort.”

“I should’ve wiped my hand off or something. I’m truly sorry.” You grimaced again as you looked at him with a crimson blush on your face. He simply smiled softly at you, the corners of his lifting gently.

“Think nothing of it. Chalk will simply rub off shortly. There are far worse substances to be covered in, plastoid, acertron, gammaplast. Just to name a few. ” As he continued to rub his fingers together, he asked, “what are you using the chalk for?” Omega had been quietly watching the interaction up until this point. Fascinated by how nervous Tech seemed to make you. She’d always known you to be fairly outgoing and fierce. All the stories you told her certainly suggested you were a truly fiery person. But suddenly, you’d become exceedingly quiet and Omega was convinced she knew why.

“She’s sketching,” Omega chimed in, and Tech’s eyebrows raised at the comment. “She’s very talented. Look at her drawing of you.”

Oh no, oh please no, you begged internally. As Omega grabbed the sketchpad from your loose grasp, she thrust it towards Tech to examine, before he could even utter a word, and examine it he did. Taking it into his hands, he analysed the drawing of his features.

“This demonstrates a high level of skill, from a quantifiable perspective at least,” he offered as he continued to stare at the drawing. Suddenly, his eyes drifted from the page and back to you, the deep brown of his eyes unnerved you, “may I ask why I am the subject of such scrutiny?”

“I suppose… I have looked at you a little from a distance.”

“May I ask why?” He quickly said. Omega’s head was whipping between the two of you as you spoke, trying to figure out what was happening.

“You…” you began the sentence and realised there was only one real ending to it, “I think you have an interesting face.” There. You’d said it. Hopefully that was enough. His eyebrows seemed to rise even further than before as you said that. But you couldn’t look at him now. So, your eyes fell towards the Marauder. You just needed something to focus on that could calm you down.

As your eyes remained fixated, you felt your sketchpad fall back into your hands. Tech had reached forward and placed it there. He secretly hoped that would bring the warm gaze of your topaz eyes back to him and he was glad when it did. He smiled once more and said, “you are very talented.”

Omega was beaming suddenly, a plan was forming in her mind. “You have to join us for dinner this evening,” she announced suddenly. “Shep would love to have you, you know that.”

“Yes,” Tech affirmed, looking at Omega, “I believe you are right, Omega. I believe that we would all certainly enjoy your company for dinner this evening.”

“O-okay,” was all you could muster as you clutched onto your sketchpad. You looked at Omega and sighed out a smile, “it would be lovely to have dinner with you all.” With that, your plans for the evening had been settled.

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

Shep was certainly surprised to find out you had agreed to join them for dinner. It wasn’t that you were unsociable. No; it was simply that you usually dined with Romsan and Colanna, the other ‘tech’ fanatics and refugee friends of yours. As a trio, you would occasionally attend one of his dinners together. But alone? It had only happened once before, when you'd arrived. But he was certainly elated to have you join them. He always enjoyed inclusive dinners and was thrilled you felt welcomed enough to join them.

“Please make yourself at home,” he said to you as he noticed you awkwardly standing at the edge of the stone steps, “you know you’re always welcome here.” You deeply appreciated his encouragement. Your sorely beaten ego needed all the encouragement it could get. After you’d left Omega and Tech, you’d gone on to work on your attractor node. You’d been toiling away on it for months, with no success in resurrecting it from the damaged state it was in. What you hadn’t realised as you’d left for dinner was that your tool belt was still firmly around your waist.

That was the first thing Tech had noticed when you arrived. He noticed that you wore an emerald dress of a georgette looking fabric, with an exceedingly out of place and clunky tool belt around your waist. So, you’d clearly dressed for the dinner but had also been working prior to your arrival. He also took quick note of the device in your hand and presumed that the device in question was what you had been working on. Recognising certain mechanisms, his mind worked to determine its purpose.

You’d noticed Tech staring at you as you walked nervously around the table, suddenly realising why as your hands came to your waist. You quickly opted to remove the belt and place it across the wall behind the dinner table. This allowed your dress to cascade more elegantly around your body and Tech couldn’t help but notice this. He enjoyed the way your dress stirred gently against the soft breeze. Green was certainly a colour that suited you.

As dinner was served, you took a seat and found yourself seated next to Tech and you whole heartedly believe this to be the work of Omega. Course after course was served and you picked delicately at the food, not wanting to overindulge on Shep’s kindness. You made idle conversation with Wrecker about the quality of the food and with Hunter about the works going on in lower Pabu. You even chatted with Omega about her improved flying skills.

But you couldn’t muster the courage to speak to Tech and this disappointed him. You had been introduced so your reason for avoiding his gaze and conversation baffled him somewhat. He believed that of all the companions at the table, you would be able to speak to him as it appeared you may have more in common than he had originally thought.

As everyone found themselves full and content, your fingers couldn't help but drift towards the attractor node that you just couldn't seem to put down. You reached for a tool from your belt, strewn on the wall behind you, and began fiddling with the broken trigger button.

"What's that?" Omega asked as you fiddled with the heavy device that you'd lifted into your lap. You grabbed the hydrospanner from the belt behind you and began tightening a nodule. You sighed as you put the spanner down on the table, realising you truly were getting nowhere with this device. What you hadn't noticed, was that Tech had been watching you the entire time you'd be working. "It's a modified attractor node," you eventually replied, flickering your eyes towards Omega. Dinner conversation had dwindled a bit as a continued, "it simulates a gravitational pull at the same strength as the ones found in shuttle bays... or it would, if I could get it to work."

“I could fix that,” Tech announced from the seat beside you. He’d been watching you tinker away for some time, longer than he probably should’ve. But he admired watching your expertise at work. He didn’t realise that his staring hadn’t gone unnoticed by his brothers. Tech reached over and took the device from your hands. You felt the warmth of his gloved hand glide over yours as he took it securely from you. Before you could even begin to protest, Tech had taken a tool from his belt and began to work. “This device is exceedingly impressive. I wonder who designed such a miniature version of an Imperial attractor node. It is an impressive idea.”

“That would be me,” you offered up sheepishly, and Tech’s eyes snapped up to you as you spoke. He looked somewhat shocked. "It was an idea I had when the Empire rose." Not much of an explanation you realised.

“My compliments to the architect of an ingenious device. I had made the assumption that Phee had found this for you,” he explained as he continued to work. You’d both clearly disregarded the purpose of a ‘family’ dinner and focused solely on the device. Idle chatter quickly picked up around you. You watched Tech work, absolutely in awe of his skill and ability. He began taking parts of the device off and you frowned instinctively. As you went to protest that he was making it worse he simply looked up at you through the edge of his goggles, his face still down, and stated, “it needs inner configuration. I have taken the part off carefully. It is fine.” As he took off another part, he asked, “what truly lead to the creation of this device?”

“I worked for a clandestine operation briefly after the fall of the Jedi, it was useful in trapping Imperial ships. The size of this device was crucial for that, but…” you voice drifted off as you remembered the pain of the fateful night you fled, with a sigh you said, “it was damaged after we were found out.” The dinner fell eerily silent at that comment. A shared understanding of the pain caused by the Empire was apparent.

“Found out?” He probed without looking up.

“Yes. They slaughtered my friends, I… well, I barely managed to escape.” You scratched at your neck slightly, “that’s how I ended up here. The device was damaged during my escape.” With those words, Tech stopped working. Something he wasn’t prone to doing. When he looked at you, you swore you could almost see sympathy in the depths of his brown eyes. You were trying your absolute best to hold back the tears for your fallen friends.

“I am sorry about your friends,” he said, a small frown decorating his lips.

“It’s fine. I have a good home now,” you picked up your drink and raised it towards Shep, “I have a family, thanks to the good people of Pabu.” Tech’s eyes drifted between you and Shep before simply continuing with his work. He had the sudden urge to ensure this device became operational. It seemed important to you. Though why that thought motivated him, he didn’t quite know. Suddenly, your topaz eyes became fixated on his nimble fingers as he worked on the device. You took a sip of your drink, eyes remaining pinned on Tech. You didn’t notice the small smirk shared between Hunter and Wrecker as you watched.

“She is instrumental to the repairs of electronics on this island, limited though they may be,” Shep affirmed as he grinned at you. Tech’s eyes suddenly snapped up to you and he seemed to simply be evaluating you. You blushed under his intense scrutiny.

Is this how he felt when he found out I had been sketching him? You couldn’t help but wonder this as he stared at you. You decided a change of conversation was needed.

The reality of his thoughts were perhaps a little simpler than what you'd imagine. When he had discovered you sketching, he had assumed you were simply an artist. Not any kind of expert in electronics or mechanics and now it appeared, you were certainly an expert in both.

“I will be looking at those mechanisms for the ladder tomorrow, as promised Shep,” you confirmed with a nod. Tech drifted back to his previous attentions – your device.

“There is no rush, my dear girl.” He retorted gently as he reached for his glass. He looked between you and Tech and noticed a hidden spark that he had not expected. “And don’t forget to continue with your sketching. Your representations of our community are truly commendable. Not to mention beautiful.”

“Thank you, Shep,” you responded with a grin, “you know how much peace I find in my art.”

“I do, my dear girl.” He loved to call you that. He was like a father to you in so many ways and he very often liked to remind you of that. You weren’t sure if Tech had even been paying attention to the conversation happening around him.

But Tech had been listening intently whilst he worked. He found it fascinating that you found peace in your art. There were very few who delved into both words. He found himself thinking that you deserved as much peace as you could get after what you had been through.

As the sun finished setting, Tech looked up at you and thrust the device back towards you. “That should work within its standard parameters now,” he affirmed as you took hold of it, examining his work. “But I would not recommend activating the device at the dinner table.” A joke? Your mind boggled at the concept, but you couldn’t help but flutter out a giggle. Tech simply adjusted his goggles and forced his eyes to focus on the food before him. As you observed him a little longer, you noticed a light pink dusting on his cheeks. That couldn’t be because I giggled at his comment, you thought, could it?

“I can’t believe you fixed it.” You spoke softly and Tech eyes drifted back toward you.

“You’re surprised?” He queried softly, with a faintly and probably accidentally cocky undertone.

“More grateful than surprised.” He looked perturbed at the comment and even more so when you raised yourself from seat just enough to lean over and place your arms around his neck, pulling him into a hug. “Thank you, Tech,” you whispered into his ear as you embraced him. Unsure of what to do, he simply placed an awkward arm about your back and waited for you to pull away. Whilst he was waiting for it to end, he realised that he also very much enjoyed the warmth of your body around his. He liked the feeling of your dress brushing against his thigh.

“You are most welcome.” You smiled. “Should you need assistance with any other works, I would be more than capable of helping.”

“I have no doubt about that, Tech.”

As the evening wore on and the drinks flowed freely, you told the full and unabridged tale of how you came to Pabu. You explained your previous work on Coruscant, in the Jedi Temple archives. A role you had always been thrilled to hold. You also explained that you sketched and painted on the side wherever you could. That it brought you a sort of inner peace. You explained how you’d become involved in the clandestine operation to save Jedi and clones where you could and how it had crumbled around you. You explained that you’d watched the Temple burn, how you’d hidden in the archives but when you were found, you had been spared. Order 66 didn’t apply to terrified librarians as it turned out. 

“When the world crumbled around me, I did what I could to help and when I couldn’t do it anymore…well I landed here, and they took me in. I owe these people everything.” With a smile, you explained, “now I help with repairs wherever needed, keeps me busy and when I’m free I draw whatever I want as much as I want. Until I got to Pabu, I never knew what it meant to be truly free.” There was sense of understanding washing across the table as you spoke. It was the most any of them had heard you say. Especially Tech. He was surprised by your entire story and enamoured by your bravery. He wished he’d known you sooner. He’d been here for several rotations and had only noticed you as a shadowy figure in the distance of his mind.  Finally, as the silence felt too much, “life here is pretty perfect.”

 “You’d like Echo,” Omega replied, “he’s out there fighting for clones too.” You smiled and silently prayed that their dear friend was safe.

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

The next day, you awoke with a groan. The sun was already high in the sky, the scorching sun filled your cabin with a heated greeting. The wine you had drunk copious amounts of the previous night swam violently around your head, causing you to moan. You really must learn to drink a little less at dinner. You were getting too old for that. Stretching out your tired limbs, you dressed yourself in a linen shirt and cargo pants, fixing your belt around you.

You were already very late in starting your day and remained full from the previous evenings dinner. With that in mind, you stumbled out the door and made your way towards the broken ladder mechanisms. When you arrived, however, you found Tech already evaluating and fixing the modules.

When he saw you approach, he turned to you and offered you a good morning before immediately returning to his work. You simply stood there, sheepishly, watching him work. After a moment, he stood up straight and tested out the mechanism. You weren't surprised to find that it was now working.

Damn it, you thought, Shep’s guests doing my work. You couldn’t help but feel a little ashamed.

“You didn’t need to do that Tech,” you mumbled as you approached him. He peered over the edge at the ladder. When he felt your shadow gloss over him, he turned to you slightly and simply stated, “I was already here and thought I could lend a hand. It was truly no trouble. I stopped by your hut earlier and you seemed to be enjoying a restful morning. I did not wish to disturb it.”

“Are they both operational now?” You queried. When he nodded, you gave a contented sigh. That was one less thing to fix. “Thank you, Tech.” You couldn't help but reach up and throw your arms around his neck. You couldn't seem to help yourself. Unlike the awkwardness of the night before, this time you felt his hands come to rest on the small of your back and you hugged him.

“You are welcome.” He adjusted his goggles and simply looked at you, a pink blush rising on his cheeks and neck. “I did inform you that I was more than able to aid in the repairs.” When you smiled gently at him, Tech’s chest tightened inexplicably, and he did not understand why. He would analyse his bodily reactions later on when he had a moment to spare, he decided.

“Well, I guess this gives me more time to draw this afternoon.” You joked, scratching at the back of your neck awkwardly.

"I thought it might," he replied, somewhat quickly, "I have some ideas for further modifications for the Marauder." He only said this to try and relieve the tension of his previous comment.

“Would you like any help?” You offered.

“No, thank you. It should not take me long. Enjoy your sketching.” He said with a gentle smile. Then, suddenly, Tech retreated towards Upper Pabu and towards the Marauder, leaving you standing awkwardly by the finished work.

Shep appeared as you watched Tech walk off into the distance. You didn’t notice him until he clapped you on the shoulder. “They look fixed. Another good job as always,” he said cheerily. Your fingers nervously played with the auburn hair which was loosely falling around your shoulders.

“You can thank Tech,” you responded. “He’s the one who fixed them.”

“It is good that our new friends are helping out,” he responded as he looked out over Pabu. “They are becoming exceedingly valuable to this community. I am glad you have found a friend in their midst."

“Y-yes,” you stuttered as you forced your eyes away from the empty space that Tech had left, “yes I suppose he is a sort of friend now, isn't he?” Shep rested his hand on your shoulder, before patting it slightly and making his way down towards the wreckage that was still present in lower Pabu.

For a moment, you simply stood there, frozen in spot... wondering how it had come to this. Tech support, as you would now call it. Bizarre, you thought.

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

The next day, you’d woken up early to aid in fixing the mechanisms of one of the docking systems. You knew Wrecker and Shep needed it sorted as soon as possible. They'd let you know the work was needed the night before as you'd walked past the Marauder whilst heading to your favourite sketching spot. You'd notice Tech sitting in the entrance of the Marauder tinkering away. You were sure he hadn't been listening this time. Surely, your idle chit chat would be of little interest to him.

So, you’d awoken once again, very much in the same way you had the day before, and headed straight down to the docks. You often skipped breakfast when there were works needed.

When you arrived, you found Tech high up on a ladder, fixing the mechanism that Shep had asked you to attend to.

“Good morning Tech,” you said cheerily as you approached, “I wasn’t aware that they’d asked you to help with this too.”

“Ah,” he said looking down from his work, “good morning.” When your name fell from his lips, you realised you loved the very tone in which he said it. It was both soft and heated as it fell from his lips. A stunning pronunciation of an unimportant facet of your life. Whilst you pondered your interest in the way your name had fallen from his lips, he had climbed down the ladder. His towering height meant his gaze fell downwards towards you. “They did not ask me to help. But I overheard your conversation with Shep. I thought I could be of some assistance in fixing this mechanism.”

“Please,” you started carefully, “allow me to help finish the work. I was tasked with it after all and I am sure you have far more important work that you could be doing.”

“No need,” he stated so simply that you were perturbed. “It is almost fixed, I simply need to make one more adjustment and it should be operational. I can continue with my own works shortly.” He adjusted his goggles and admired you. Although you didn't know that's what he was doing. He simply looked you up and down with a scrutinising stare. You'd put on a black sundress, due to the heat, but still had your tool belt about your waist. Suddenly he spluttered, "you look very pretty today."

You blushed heavily at that. Your hands idly reached for the fabric of your dress.

"Oh, um, thank you!" That was all you could muster in response.

“Well, I will go and find something else to do. I am sure there is plenty more that needs fixing.” You affirmed, finding the positive in the very confusing situation you found yourself in. “Thank you, Tech.” You went to turn, but realised he was still staring at you, almost expectantly. But perhaps that was wishful thinking in your head.

Regardless and with a small smile on your face, you reached up and gave him a quick hug. Arms around his neck and his hands just above your waist. When you pulled back he was pink in the cheeks again and you relished in the sight.

“It is my pleasure," he finally said as you began to pull away, "perhaps you could sketch some more this afternoon, now that your time will be free?” He suggested as he began to climb the ladder once more.

“Y-yeah, maybe I could.” What a wonderful thought, you realised. Less work, more pleasure.

As you walked away, you found yourself sitting on the stone steps that led to the docks, simply watching Tech work. You sighed as you placed your hands over your knees and leant your weight into your legs. It was also a new pleasure of yours to simply watch the man work.

“He likes fixing things,” Hunter said, making you jump. He had silently approached, after watching the situation unfold, a small smile on his lips. When you'd sat down, he wanted to make his presence known.

"I can tell," you replied airily.

“And I think, these days, he likes helping you particularly.” He added smugly, crossing his arms as he leant on the wall beside you, his head tilted in your direction. The smug smile made you react with a start, almost causing palpitations.

“What do you mean,” you queried, disconcerted by his train of thought.

“Tech likes to be helpful. He’s active in his affection. Not so much with the words but with the things that can help, make life easier, and recently, he seems intent in helping you.” He adjusted slightly on the wall as his gaze fell towards the chaotic sight of Wrecker chasing Omega around the dock. Those two were the happiest he had seen in so many rotations.

“I have no idea what you’re getting at,” you said, leaning into your legs once more, staring down into the docks. Omega had stopped at Tech's beckoning call and she handed him a different tool but from this distance, you couldn’t see what it was. You could probably guess but there was no way to be certain.

“Just know this, Tech is always helpful. But sometimes, he will actively try to be helpful. He does it when he cares and he cannot express things the way everyone else does.” You felt Hunter’s hand gently squeeze your shoulder. "If you want him to express that he cares in some other way, you'll have to draw it out of him..." his voice trailed off and his eyes narrowed somewhat, "and it'll be like drawing blood from a stone."

After that, he simply disappeared. You sat there for a moment pondering his words but couldn’t fathom exactly what he was trying to tell you. Was he telling you that Tech liked you? Was he telling you to make a move? You truly couldn't tell what was happening there. But you'd certainly be mulling over his words incessantly.

Shaking your head, you reached into the pocket on your trousers and pulled out your sketchpad. Grabbing the loose chalk from a different pocket, you began to sketch the sight before you. This time, you knew the faces of everyone in front of you. You simply began to draw the wonder of the new members of the community fixing up the dock, paying particular attention to sketching Tech stretching up on the ladder to fix the mechanism. In fact, that image brimmed to the edges of the page. You smiled as you watched them work in the midday sun.

Perhaps having a helper wasn’t so bad after all.

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

About a week later and numerous Tech support encounters later, you knew you had to begin working on the electrics in the lower Pabu. You were aware that this project was the most extensive you’d been tasked with. You set out with a sense of purpose and in that, you found tranquillity. But you were also aware that the likelihood of finding Tech already working there were incredibly high.

Walking by Hunter and Omega, you gave them a fond hello as you made your way down the staircases towards the lower huts of Pabu. When you arrived at the starting point, you found Tech already working on the wiring in the hut. You sighed as you saw him.

“Good morning,” he offered without looking up. He simply felt your presence at the door. “I have begun wiring the lights for this hut, it was heavily damaged. But I believe it to be easily salvageable.”

“I agree,” you responded cautiously, “that was why I had intended to start with this hut.” After he offered no response, you decided to finally ask the question burning in the back of your chaotic mind, "Tech, do you think I'm bad at my job?" His head flipped up suddenly, almost banging on the console that was only slightly above him.

"Not at all," he replied quickly, "I think you are highly proficient. Admirable, in fact."

"Then why are you doing all of my work?"

“I have the situation in hand,” he responded haphazardly, from under the panel. “You said that you found peace in your sketching. That you enjoyed it profusely. I was simply trying to afford you the time to do that.” You sucked in a breath. This conversation was not going the way you thought it would have.

 “Please Tech,” you begged, “let me help, at least a little. So I don’t feel completely useless.” He paused his ministrations for a moment and observed the pained expression on your face. “That was never my intent,” he finally said and as he adjusted his slightly wonky goggles he sat fully upright after pulling himself out from under the console. "I..." He began, looking at you, "I apologise if I have overstepped. I just wanted to offer you my assistance."

Then everything clicked into place. Hunter’s gentle nudge about Tech’s ‘forms of affection’. All of the hard work he had been doing. Putting his own projects on hold. All the work he had been doing. Omega’s curious interest in introducing the two of you. “You did all of this for me? So I could do something that brings me peace?"

“I suppose on some, I am doing it for the people of Pabu,” he afforded you a soft smile, a rare sight of his gentle lips, “but yes, I have been doing this for your benefit. I wanted to afford you the time to truly feel at peace with your sketching. I believe that was how you described it.” As he leaned back down suddenly, to hide his blushing cheeks, you couldn’t help but reach out your arm and place it on his elbow. Almost willing him to look at you. When he paused and stared at your arm, you softly whispered his name. Instinctually, he moved out from under the console and looked at you sheepishly.

You took that moment as your chance. You reached in and placed your lips to his cheek. The softness of lips on his skin lit his whole body on fire. He couldn’t avoid a slight jump at the contact but as your face lingered near his, he reached in and rested his forehead to the side of your head awkwardly. “Thank you, Tech,” you whispered softly. This was a step further than the odd friendly hugs you'd shared.

The somewhat amorous response you had towards him made his heart soar. Eventually, you pulled away from one another. You took the spanner from his hand and leaned down to continue the works, with a smile he couldn’t see, you simply said, “but I’m still going to help you. Because I enjoy this too.”

For a moment, Tech remained upright and simply thought about the contact, the gentle brush of your lips on his cheek. His mind was racing, he could feel his heart thumping in his chest. Steadying himself, he simply lay his body next to yours. Your body connected to his at the arm as he began working again. He could feel the warmth of your body, the feeling of your hip pressed against his and he suddenly dropped the tool in his hand.

You asked if he was okay as a result.

“I am fine,” he responded almost too quickly, before adding, “thank you.” You smiled at him under the console, before continuing with your ministrations. He retrieved the tool and began working beside you. He suddenly realised how well you worked together.

That day, you and Tech simply worked alongside one another. Solving problem after problem and you both loved the feeling of being understood by another.

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“You know you don’t have to help me with everything, you know,” you told Tech one evening as you stood together looking over Pabu.

“I do not mind. My proficiency in technical repairs is certainly beneficial for efficiency.” You stated so calmly that you couldn’t help but giggle a little.

“I don’t doubt that Tech,” you said, placing your hand on his bicep, “I appreciate you helping me. But you have Omega’s flying to worry about.”

“I am capable of instructing her,” he paused to look at your hand on his arm, it almost made him shiver when you didn’t let go. After a moment he finished his thought, “and helping you.”

“I just mean,” you sighed as you tried to find the right words, “if you wanted to spend time with me, without repairing things, that would be fine with me too.”

“What about your sketching?” He queried as he turned suddenly to face you directly, “I do not wish to distract you from that.”

Pulling out your sketchbook, you handed it to him. “Take a look,” you mumbled softly, feeling your cheeks heat slightly. He blushingly took hold of your sketchpad and opened it. The early pages were sketches of Pabu, of Shep, of the damage, of Phee and her treasures. He smiled at that, he had come to care for Phee. He was glad you cared for her too.

When he continued to turn the pages, his face suddenly became oddly nervous. There was the sketch of him he had already seen but when he continued he found the sketches were of him fixing the mechanism at the dockyard, him at that first dinner when they’d met. They were all of him. All you had drawn in recent rotations was him. Him. Him. Him.

“I am grateful that wanted to grant me time to find peace in my drawing,” you affirmed. “But…” your voice drifted off. In a sudden burst of confidence, you placed your hand over his as he grasped your sketchbook tightly. You reached to close it and place it back in your pocket. Tech stood extremely still, simply studying your face as he tried to understand your sketches. “I have found peace in spending time with you. I have found peace in you.”

Tech smiled at that and it was more than a slight upturn of his lips. It was a full smile, one you had never seen before. “You don’t need to fix things for me to notice you, Tech.”

With a sigh, you finally said, “if I am wrong, and all of this, was just kindness then, I apologise. But I feel like you are trying to show me you care.” There was suddenly a silence between you as Tech tried to find the words to express what his actions had shown.

“You would be correct.” He finally said. “I was trying to make you happy. I… I did not know that my company alone would be sufficient.”

Placing your hand on his cheek, you said, “your company is much more than sufficient, Tech. Perhaps I could invite you to dinner? This time without the others?” You suggested, hope tinted in your voice.

“I think I rather like that idea,” he said, resting his face in your palm. When you pulled away and looked out over the ocean view, Tech simply mimicked your movement. The sun was beginning to set and the pink hue over the sky rippled over the day and as night fell, you found yourself placing your head on Tech’s shoulder.

And Tech found that he didn’t mind the feeling over your body so close to his.

“Tech,” you whispered, when he hummed slightly in response, eyes still watching the setting sun, “I could still need help wiring up the electrics in all of the houses.”

“I hope you did not expect my aid to stop simply because we have arranged a dinner rendezvous?” He joked softly and when you giggled, he feel the gentle shake of your body against his.

He knew he liked Pabu. But this unexpected gift certainly gave him one more cause to want to stay.

You didn't want to rush him. But when you lifted your head and he turned immediately to look down at you, missing the contact, you placed your hand on his cheek one more. "Please allow me to thank you for your support, properly." He looked as if he was about to ruin the chance, so you quickly reached up your toes and pressed your lips to his.

He grunted at the suddenness and unexpected nature of your movement. But quickly, his fingers were digging into your waist as you kissed him gently. Your whole body alight as the Force wove your paths inextricably together... all of this through the first kiss you had shared with this incredibly intelligent clone.

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Part Two (AKA my fix to Ep 16)

[stars-taylorsversion]

heyaa! are you still doing the marauders asks thing? hope this isn’t botherin ya 😭

i’ve been drawing/writing about original characters for about five years consistently now

i had that phase where i chopped all my hair off and had to let it grow back

i was eyeliner blind in middle school (unfortunately)

i have a crap ton of stickers in a bag to stick on everything (laptop, sketchbooks, people)

my favorite color is green, but red is my color if that makes sense??

rainy foggy weather enjoyer

dr pepper fiend

all my earrings are silver with dangling moons and stars (they match my rings)

little shirt big pants person

followed the learning ukulele to guitar pipeline

english smart (math, science, and history suck 👎) and i actually enjoy the books they make us read for class

i’m slightly allergic to watermelon gum but i chew it anyway

i do the wordle every day

mom friend but not in a “oh grab a sweater if you’re cold, i brought snacks so you want some?” way it’s more like “yo maybe you shouldn’t do that cuz you’ll die anyway watch me do donuts in the parking lot before i drive you home” (like older brother energy but i’m a girl)

deftones, radiohead, tv girl enjoyer but i enjoy taylor swift, chappell roan, and laufey as well (my music knows no bounds)

and that’s about it!

sirius or marlene (also are you me??) <3