#Genuinely surprised I was able to draw something like that on paper…

[quikyu]

Cornerstone Pon doesn’t get enough love… here’s a sketch I made of it that I like!

#pokemon #ogerpon #quikyu artiste #wip #Genuinely surprised I was able to draw something like that on paper… #Does this mean that… digital art isn’t cheating..?!??!?

[moonriverrise]

Steve has a secret, well “secret” may not be the correct way to describe it. He has something for himself, thats what. Ever since he stopped playing basketball and doing swim competitions once he graduated he's had way more free time, which at first he filled with shifts at Family Video, or bothering Robin.

Then, when she started school he started doing art more. Which, may come a surprise to many, as he never really talked about his interest in paintings and old art.

Greek sculptures that are able to show life in a still ethereal way, while still being able to twist it at their will. Renaissance oil paintings, capturing tragedy yet still being able to portray it as beautiful, in their own terrible twisted ways.

He likes sketching on paper, painting on canvas. His paintings aren't usually too different from the things he sees around him. Honestly thats the only things he paints, people, his friends, places he goes, things he sees that stick with him, dreams, moments that play on repeat in his head.

Around his Junior year, after the Demogorgon, Steve had turned the sad basement in his sad empty house, into his own space. A place where he can go and do his art, hang it, play music on his walkman, or using the record player he got from a pawn shop a few months prior. Somehow the basement is the only space that actually feels like his in his house, not even his bedroom.

Steve’s art was not very consistent to be honest, mostly the kids and Robin, landscapes that he liked, the Demogorgon/dogs, the Mindflayer (he needs some way of getting those out of his head, and somehow drawing them down feels freeing.) He does have a few paintings of Nancy from when they were together, she’s become less of a model for his work after everything though.

The last time he painted her in a painting alone, was one of that bathroom in a girl he barely knows’ house, a spilled drink on Nancy’s dress, and red solo cups littering the counter.

Steve’s art shifts though, after a moment that will never leave his mind. He knows who Eddie Munson is, obviously. How could he not? Honestly Steve isn't that surprised Henderson and the others befriended the guy, he does run a DnD club.

But then, Henderson needs a ride home after their club meetings because his mom is working late, and then Lucas and Mike’s parents are also asking Steve to pick them up too. Babysitting duty, as per usual.

Steve arrives a bit earlier than he planned. He didn't have any project to consume himself into, hitting an art block begrudgingly. But then, Steve sees Eddie Munson, sitting on a fake throne, watching the kids and other club members argue, he has his chin rested on his fist, and he's wearing a white tank top, showing off his shoulders, given the fact it’s still September.

The lighting of the small theater room captures Steve’s interest like a moth to the flame, and he is regretting having left his sketchbook at home, even though he never draws around the kids or anyone he knows.

Eddie Munson’s face and curly locks fill up the pages of Steve’s journal and some canvases for months after, and Steve rarely genuinely complains about coming to pick the kids up.

Afterwords, months later from that day. Chrissy Cunningham dies, and Eddie Munson almost goes with her. God, or whatever deity that was looking down upon him, was on Steve’s side in that moment, when he was able to revive Eddie and then drag him out of the Upside Down.

Steve gets closer with Eddie after that, they become actual friends. Steve was so used to witnessing his muse from afar, it was so…exciting, to see Eddie in all his glory, just a few feet away, and his smile being directed at him.

“Do you even have any hobbies, Harrington?” Steve blinks. Him, Eddie, Robin, Nancy, and the party, are all hanging out by the pool. Steve is lounging on one of the chairs, sunglasses over his eyes as Eddie talks beside him.

“What?” Steve responds.

“I mean…I like barely ever see you do anything besides sort Movies at Family Video, or boss around the kids. Like, what do you do when we're not all together?” Eddie asks, moving his hand a little as he talks. Steve thinks for a moment.

“Funny,” Steve answers instead. Eddie scoffs.

“I'm being serious, man! What do you do?” Eddie laughs a little, most likely at the ridiculousness of it all. What would Steve know, Eddie is like a puzzle, and Steve has to take every minute slowly, deciphering everything he lays out for him, via tongue or action.

“I don't know, what do you do?” Steve says, almost carefully.

“Band stuff, DnD, Writing,” Eddie lists. “And I guess saving the world now, but thats a bit of a side hussle.” Steve scoffs.

“Whatever, man.” And thats that, they don't talk about it again. But it sticks with Steve, because his friends really do think he doesn't do anything with his life. It's not like he has college classes to study for, so what does he do?

Later, maybe two or three weeks after, Steve decides he wants to show Eddie his space. The two of them are alone, Robin is in Nevada, visiting her grandparents, so the trio’s usual movie night is cut down to a duo’s movie night.

Although Steve finds himself mostly focusing on Eddie and his beautiful hair sitting next to him, than watching ET. The little alien scares him a bit anyway. Eddie notices him staring though, his eyes flickering to meet Steves, then a smirk spreading across his lips.

“We are watching a movie, lover boy.” Eddie says. Steve goes red, his gaze shifting to his lap. Steve furrows his eyebrows then stands and shuts the TV off. “Woah! Hey!”

“I want to show you something.” Steve says, it's a bit quieter than he meant it to be, but his tone indicates something to Eddie, which has him staring at Steve, starstruck.

Steve walks out the room and hears Eddie follow him. He gets to the basement door and opens it, flicks on the stair light.

“Basement- woah- okay, guess I'm getting murdered. Thought I’d go out in a more metal way than this.” Eddie says as they walk down. Steve laughs a little and shakes his head.

“I just think you should see this.” Steve says. “Nothing life threatening, I promise.”

“Alright, I trust you, Stevie.”

“Good.”

Steve turns and flicks on the light as they step onto the concrete. The lights flicker on, revealing the paintings on the walls and art supplies on the tables and counters.

“Woah-” Eddie says. “Is this, all your stuff?” Steve sighs, he folds his arms and faces Eddie. He looks shellshocked.

“Yeah.” Steve says. “You said I don't have any hobbies, I do, actually.” Eddie looks around, walking slowly.

“Is that Henderson? Why is he wearing yellow gloves?” Eddie asks. Steve walks over to a painting of Dustin from Steve’s angle while they were walking on the train tracks, a bucket of raw meat is in one hand and he's wearing the headphones for his radio.

“D’Art,” Steve says. “That was when we were leading him away. I made that one after everything happened. I was trying not to think about the Demogorgon stuff and everything, so I just drew him. I have one of Max from that day I never finished painting in a stack I think too.” Eddie doesn't say anything for a minute after Steve is done explaining.

“You can paint.” Eddie says, though not like a question. “These are beautiful…” Eddie looks around and walks to another one he sees. It's one of the Byers and Hopper’s, all hugging while laughing. El looks the happiest. Steve had painted that after they had all gotten together after everything. “Why…didn't you tell anyone?”

“About what?” Steve asks, folding his arms as Eddie brings up a hand to touch the painting.

“This- Steve, you're amazing at this. These are…” Eddie trails off as something catches his eye, he slowly starts to walk towards a big painting propped up behind one of the tables laid out in the middle of the room. Steve walks to him to see which one he's looking at.

An angel, knelt over a puddle, crying as it stares at his reflection, which is blurred and dark. He stands in a forest, his wings are long and huge, sprawling out above him.

It’s one of Steve’s bigger ones, the inspiration came from a dream he had after they had read about Icarus in his english class back in Highschool.

“It’s… magnificent.” Eddie whispers. Steve smiles gently at Eddie’s reaction. Eddie backs up a bit and looks away from the painting. “Is that me?” Steve follows his eye, to the painting. Eddie walks towards it, Steve stays behind him. It’s the first one Steve ever made of Eddie, the one of him on the throne.

“Yeah, it is.” Steve says. “I made that the first night I came to pick up the kids.” He says. “The first time I met you, actually met you.” They share a look.

“You are incredible, Steve Harrington.”

#this was way longer than i meant it to be #steddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #steve x eddie #stranger things #stranger things 4 #steddie ficlet #sock meister drabbles #hope yall liked this cuz it got kinda stuck in my head after i had a whole class on art and the renaissance so

[xxsabitoxx]

Pale Blue [2] No Context Teaser Suguru Edition

A/N: taking a little break from my finals just to share this cause I miss writing Pale Blue and physically cannot wait for this week to be over.

Pairing is Geto Suguru x Pregnant Reader

“She will be the last client for this year, please let any new potential clients know that I will not be able to meet with them until after the new year.” 

She nodded quickly before departing, leaving Suguru alone again as he reached for the paperwork he set down. “What a kind heart you have, papa Geto.” Suguru hadn’t even been able to read the next sentence, laughing softly at Mimiko’s comment. The brunette girl was kicking her feet, coloring intently beside her sister on the plush rug Suguru had put in just for them. “It’s important to help people in need, you know. She seemed like she could really use it.” He smiled fondly at the two sisters, listening to Nanako hum softly as she scribbled onto the page. 

“I guess you’re right.” 

“You guess I’m right?” 

Mimiko nodded, stopping her coloring to look up at Suguru behind his desk. “Yeah, I mean you really don’t need to help anyone. But you choose to do so even when you don’t have to. You have a kind heart, papa Geto.” The small girl repeated her initial statement, smiling softly as Suguru’s expression morphed into one of genuine surprise. He couldn’t bring himself to say anything, watching her small head turn back to the paper she was drawing on, starting to hum along with the tune Nanako had set. Suguru sat there, wondering how a child could think of such things. 

He saw himself as anything but kind-hearted at this point in his life. But still, he didn’t have the heart to say those things, especially not to a six year old. Suguru had barely reached for his paperwork again when your face crossed his mind, making him freeze once more. You had been a constant thought in his mind since the day he left. Not even an hour had gone by where you didn’t consume his thoughts, knocking the air from his lungs and paralyzing him for a moment. He missed you. Fuck he missed you terribly and it was enough to render him utterly immobile at points. 

Slowly, he forced air back in his lungs, your smile leaving a permanent mark engraved in his mind. He didn’t regret anything he did up until this point, well maybe except for one particular thing. He didn’t take you with him the day he left. He knew he loved you too much to force you into this kind of life, he needed it to be a choice you made out of your own free will. Something cheesy about loving someone meant setting them free when the time came had crossed his mind when leaving you that letter. Leaving it on the bed he once called his own, so long as you were in it, it was his. 

But still, the choice to leave it all up to your own free will did nothing to fill the void beside him each night. How desperately he wished you were laying beside him, curled perfectly into his embrace, face snuggled into the crook of his neck. Your natural musk mixing with your perfume, your hair tickling his hands as he held you tight, your chest rising and falling evenly as you slept. He ached to hold you again, finding it hard to fall asleep each night in your absence. But he had made this choice, he had to own it, even if that meant you weren’t a part of his life right now. 

“But he knew, deep down, that it was only temporary; you'd come back to him.”

#banners from benkeibear <3 #may's pale blue 🩵 #geto suguru x reader #geto suguru x you #geto suguru x y/n #geto suguru smut #geto suguru #suguru geto #hidden inventory arc #jjk angst #jjk anime #jujutsu kaisen spoilers #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jujutsu kaisen fanfic #jujutsu kaisen smut #jujustu kaisen #jjk #getou suguru x reader #suguru x reader #suguru x you #suguru x y/n #geto suguru angst #geto angst #suguru angst #jujutsu kaisen scenarios

[bsd-elle]

Thoughts on Buddy Daddies Episode 9

I have so many thoughts about this episode and it all stems from P.A works' fantastic SUBTLE writing choices.

This episode, on paper, sounds like a pretty cliche sports day episode, but they somehow managed to show us the character progression and the relationship progression between the characters.

The biggest progress we can blatantly see is Rei taking an effort to help Kazuki more.

And we can see that Kazuki reacts accordingly.

Kazuki is surprised by this development, and voices his concern.

Rei was genuinely impacted by the events in episode 7, realizing that he was pretty 'useless' when it came to raising Miri, and has taken the initiative to give a helping hand.

And what I love about that is, we know that Rei had absolutely no clue how to work a microwave or any basic cooking, so for him to automatically suggest and start making onigiri shows that either he had previously asked Kazuki how to make simple items, or two, he was more observant when Kazuki was cooking, because he wanted to be able to do more, do anything to make his little girl smile.

And it's so wonderful to see them actually bring up this plot point and continue it, rather than letting it be a one-off plot point.

They pick up on his interest to be more involved and we see him actually trying.

Knowing the unfortunate circumstances of his childhood, it's not that Rei doesn't want to help out or get into Miri's activities, but rather that he simply doesn't KNOW what to do. Doesn't know what's right.

His hesitance throughout the Episode is evidence of that, his hesitance to give Miri his riceballs.

He genuinely looks so sad, feeling like he can't compete with Kazuki's sheer talent with cooking.

His hesitance to even cheer for Miri.

Growing up in a family full of espionage and assassination, quietness and taking up little to no space must've been embedded into his system, into his psyche, and the fact that he's actively trying to be loud, to draw attention to himself, just shows the effort he's putting into taking care and raising Miri, something his father never attempted to try.

And both Kazuki and Miri appreciate his efforts.

They understand that he's trying and are so enthusiastic and receptive to his attempts.

Which is why he takes it to heart that Miri fell down because he was 'loud'.

I think, in that moment, he thought that he failed, that failure is never acceptable.

But, that final reassurance from Miri (in the cutest way possible), that he didn't fail, he didn't do anything wrong, and Miri considers them all to be a family, something he never had, something he's never known, that's all he needed to realize that, yes, maybe he'll fail, but at the end of the day, Miri is happy, and there's nothing else that matters.

The other one I wanted to talk about, which is definitely more subtle, but the progression of Kazuki and Rei's relationship is truly so beautiful.

Kazuki treasures the help Rei attempts and supports him in every way possible.

When Rei said that he wanted to make riceballs and was worried if Miri would like it, Kazuki instantly reassures him that Miri would love it.

In fact, he proudly proclaims to Miri that Rei would be making onigiri. And I'm sure that if he hadn't, there might be a chance that Miri wouldn't have been able to eat it, while Rei was clouded by his doubt.

When Miri says that she likes the onigiri and she thanks Rei, Kazuki immediately tells him, "hey, you did good, look our daughter agrees too. You're doing good and trying, and we both see that".

When Rei is drowning in his self-loathing about potentially causing Miri to lose the gold medal, Kazuki tries to reassure him and tell him that he didn't do anything wrong.

Finally, when they're walking back, Kazuki tells him that he's proud of him, that he worked hard, and you can tell that Rei really appreciated that, to know that his efforts were being accepted.

And that's why their relationship grows in such an organic manner, Rei puts in the effort, tries his best to help out to the best of his abilities, and Kazuki reassures him, let's him know about things that he would have no idea about, and vocally supports him.

And Miri, my sweet angel, with her bright personality and even brighter smile, constantly comforts both Kazuki and Rei, that she's happy, that they ARE a family.

The reason they are a family is because each one of them helps each other, is an equal part in the group.

And at the end of the day, they're just all trying their best, taking one step at a time, while the others, cheer them on.

(And this picture is the perfect symbolism of that sentiment, Rei awkwardly trying his best to smile, and Kazuki physically trying to bring him closer into the picture).

#buddy daddy spoilers #miri buddy daddies #rei buddy daddies #kazuki buddy daddies #buddy daddies #anime #manga #bd #kazuki kurusu #rei suwa #i had so much to talk about but I tried to concisely explain it even though I'm losing my mind #kazurei

[sirhyst]

Edgar Allan Poe (bsd) fluff alphabet (A - E)

————————————————————————-

Activities – What are their favorite things to do with you? How do you spend your free time?

When Poe isn’t surrounded by ink bottles and scattered papers, he loves to sit with you while watching a movie or just listening to music. he works his brain a lot without many breaks, so he loves to sit with you while you play with his hair—he can’t help the goofy smile plastered on his face. However if you stop rubbing his head, he’ll look up at you like you just insulted him. Sometimes he’ll read to you, or if tiredness has finally caught up to him, he’ll ask you to read to him.

Boo! – How do they feel about surprises, giving and receiving?

Surprises - Poe doesn’t mind surprises. But even when he has his outbursts of confidence, as soon as he becomes the centre of attention, and has a million eyes on him, he panics. If it’s a more intimate gather with you, possibly Ranpo and Mushi-kun, he’s not as awkward.

Giving- Poe loves to give. He’s very reckless with his money, so you’ll probably have to genuinely tell him to slow down on the gifts.

Receiving-even though he would buy you an entire private island, he’d cry of happiness if you gave him something as small as a drawing.

Comfort – How do they comfort you when you’re upset? When the tables turn, do they come to you, or try to handle it themselves?

Poe panics if he finds you upset, but instantly overcomes his awkwardness. He’s the type to simply place an arm around you, and listen quietly when you’re ready to talk. Depending on the severity, he’ll use his ability to write up a little getaway for you both.

When he’s upset, he’s a little nervous to come forward, in fear of being a burden to you. Depending on how upset he is, he’ll slowly walk up to you and stand there still feeling like he’s bothering you. Please hold his hands and give him lots of kisses :(

Dance – Do they like to dance with you? How good of a dancer are they?

Poe knows how to ballroom dance. When he’s feeling extra playful he’ll put on a song with a waltz rhythm and pull you from whatever you’re doing. This is the perfect moment to show off his ballroom dancing skills and feels pride being able to teach you if you don’t know how.

Excitement – How do they act when they’re excited? What excites them?

He can’t stop smiling and makes little noises if he’s excited. If he’s just come out of a writersblock and finally has an idea for his book, his eyes light up and he’s practically running around the house giggling. I see him as the type to be so excited that he hugs you tightly, or spins you around with lots of kisses. He always fears rejection, so when you ask him out (even if you’ve been dating for months/years) he acts like you’ve just proposed to him.

#bsd #bungo stray dogs #bungou stray dogs #headcanon #bsd headcanons #bsd anime #bsd manga #bsd s4 #anime #bsd poe #bungo stray dogs manga #edgar allen poe bsd #poe bsd #bungo stray dogs season 4 #bsd edgar allan poe #bungo sd #bsd imagines #bsd fluff #fluff alphabet #bsd poe x reader #edgar allan poe x reader #poe x you #poe x reader #bsd season 4 #bsd x reader #bsd x gender neutral reader #bsd x y/n #bsd x you #bsd x gn reader #bsd ranpo

[frostfall-matches]

[ matchmaking... ]

@the-soul-of-a-morningstar : [ match report ready ]

your match is…

✦ Husk

-> There’s a good balance of similar and contrasting traits between you two. You’re a bit friendlier than Husk but not overbearing, which works quite well in your favor. You’re able to chip away at his tough exterior little by little without annoying the grouchy cat demon too terribly much. Ultimately, it’s a fairly smooth introduction! He appreciates that you’re social enough to keep the conversation flowing, but chill enough to naturally know when the interaction is over. You each tend to stick to your preferred groups of people, both assuming a similar role - a role you two will end up sharing if your friend groups blend, or you’re assimilated into the rag-tag Hazbin group. This just means that you two value the same sort of things when interacting with those you care about, especially in the way that you’re realistic, perhaps even a bit cynical, but still willing to help your pals out when they need it.

-> Husk would be slightly surprised but also amused at the softer side that only your partners or good friends tend to see. He has enough life experience to know not to judge a book by its cover, of course, but some level of assumptions will still be made. It’s only natural, after all. So when your cooler, biker guy persona drops and Husk sees the side of you that frequently blushes and giggles whenever he does something remotely romantic, it draws a chuckle out of him. He thinks it’s cute! Very endearing. (And don’t worry, he still adores the biker bad boy front you have going on). Funnily enough, you’ll also get to experience Husk softening up, showing a sweet side to you that no one else is allowed to see.

-> He rolls his eyes at your use of petnames and cheesy letters, but appreciates them much more than it initially seems. Husk will grumble anytime some sort of petname rolls off your tongue (just don’t call him kitten - he’ll show his claws), but it sometimes makes him a bit flustered, deep, deep down. He’d rather die than admit that, though. He’s not much for using petnames himself (they’re cheesy and he feels like a silly lovesick teenager if he tries using them, so he just doesn’t), but he’ll give you one or two personally curated nicknames that he tends to call you when you two are alone. Similarly, anytime you write out some sappy letter proclaiming your fondness for him, he hides how much your written words shoot straight through his heart. He’ll gruffly thank you for the letter or card, but you can’t help but grin when you notice how gingerly he folds up the paper, tucking it away safely.

-> He craves your affection and validation more than you expect. Your tendency to play up being a gentleman and treating your partners like royalty just totally melts him inside. Husk is a bit jaded and reclusive, and likely hasn’t had a deep, loving connection with someone in quite some time. He didn’t think he missed the warmth of a stable relationship - not until you two got together, that is, and you started spoiling him rotten. When you two are alone, you’ll be able to see more of his genuine reactions, such as the content smiles when the two of you cuddle up with each other, or the way his own words of fondness escape his lips as he compliments you and tells you how he really does adore you even if he isn’t the best at showing it.

-> Husk is more likely to lean towards a serious relationship than a casual, temporary fling. He simply does not have the patience or energy to be messing around in relationships like that. Being as prickly as he is, too, he simply does not bother with very many people - so relationships in general aren’t in abundance with him. However, that proves to be an easy indicator that he’s serious about it when he finally decides to pursue a relationship with you. It definitely takes him a while before he gets to a point where he decides “yeah, I think dating him would be nice” but he’s more than willing to make the first move if you haven’t done so already. Husk is loyal, willing to put in the time and effort necessary for a stable relationship (after all, you already put in so much time and effort just to get close to him and worm your way into his heart).

-> While he may not participate in your hobbies, he’s glad that you have interests that make you happy and keep you busy. It’s good to have things to look forward to, things that enrich your life. And even though he may not participate in them, that doesn’t mean he isn’t involved on the sidelines. He’d love to have a chance at seeing you act on stage - considering what he initially knew about you, he never took you to be a theater type of guy! And yet, knowing what he knows about you now, he feels that it really suits you. Not everyone has the balls to get up on stage and put themselves out there, but you do, and he’s proud of your bravery and skill. As for your love for biking… Well, he thinks it’s cool as hell, even if it can be dangerous. He totally gets that your new motorcycle is your baby, too. Husk probably won’t suggest it himself, but if you ever offered him a ride on your bike, he won’t say no.

-> He likes your personal style a lot. It’s classy, but cool. Trendy, but timeless. You put care into picking out your outfits, you like looking nice, and Husk can appreciate that! He has a very particular sense of style himself (whether most would consider his magician hat stylish or not is up for debate), and it compliments yours. He quite likes the fact that the two of you tend to look pretty snazzy side by side. There isn’t a huge clash between your styles, but you two don’t dress exactly the same, either.

-> Your humor? Well, it’s hit or miss with Husk. You might get a chuckle out of him, or he might roll his eyes at your antics. Depends on what mood you catch him in, really. Thankfully, he’s not really the type to be put off by your sense of humor, even if he doesn’t laugh at it. Still, the grouch isn’t completely humorless himself. Husk quite enjoys casual banter - nothing too crazy or out of pocket, but some light ribbing here or there is totally fair game, and he’ll even start it sometimes.

#user matchup #exchange #i was tossing around several ideas for your match but this one just stuck #i promise i didnt just pick him bc you said you shared quite a few similarities lol. i feel like this just WORKS #getting this done now bc i'm busy busy this weekend #hazbin hotel

[irishais]

Muse A reaches in Muse B’s direction, just to offer them something, and Muse B flinches. They are both taken by surprise. - Squall and Seifer

Afterward, there are celebrations, parties, a whirlwind of events that the freshly-minted Commander of Balamb Garden couldn't escape even if he wanted to.

And, god, he wants to.

Which is why he's here, sitting on the furthest dock that he could get to without a boat of his own, in the dark, watching the party go on without him. Fireworks, music-- he can participate in it all from here, without having to actually participate. Or dance.

He's very tired of dancing.

"Well, well." A masculine voice, drawing every syllable in those two words out far enough to hurt. Heavy footsteps follow, setting the dock to tremble slightly.

Squall sighs, because of course nothing peaceful can last, and looks back over his shoulder. He's expecting anyone else-- Irvine, Zell. Nida, even.

He gets Seifer goddamned Almasy instead, standing there holding a six-pack of beer and a pizza that's already greasing through its thin white paper box, standing in the ray of moon like it's a spotlight just for him.

"Could it be? Commander Leonhart, in the flesh?" A grin, and his title rankles in Seifer's mouth, like something sour.

Squall sighs again, and shakes his head, moving to get to his feet. "I was just leaving."

"Nah, it's fine. Sit down." Seifer does just that, too, gracefully without trying, and drops the box of pizza between them, ripping one of the beers out of its plastic prison. "You playing hooky?"

He lets himself lower back down, hesitantly, and shrugs. Something in the water splashes-- he squints, trying to see, and can't.

"A man of many words. As always."

"Shut up."

Seifer snorts, sips his beer. "I see we're trying complex insults now."

Seifer hasn't offered, and Squall doesn't ask, just takes one of the cans for himself. It's cold, sweaty, probably from the gas station up the road where they don't ask for ID. It's also sour and too hoppy for his tastes; he grimaces and keeps drinking.

"What are you doing out here, anyway?"

It's Seifer's turn to shrug, an expansive motion. "I didn't get an invitation to the party." Obviously. It doesn't have to be said-- he can read between the lines.

"Yeah, well. Next time, don't start an international incident, and I'll get you on the guest list."

It's probably too early to joke about it, but Seifer laughs anyway, far too pleased to be genuine.

"I'll keep that in mind."

Silence follows, but it's not weird-- not companionable, but not weird. Which is interesting, considering that six months ago, they had been actively trying to kill each other. The first cans are empty faster than either of them probably expect; the pizza follows, and Squall doesn't realize how hungry he is until two slices vanish down his throat.

He pulls a couple more beers out of the rings, since it seems like fair game now, and reaches out to hand one to Seifer-- he jolts, like he's been startled (or shocked, Squall can't help but thinking.)

Both of them stay still for a moment, and he sets the can down on the weathered wood instead. Seifer waits until Squall's hand pulls back before he takes it, pops the tab, drinks.

"You good?" He regrets saying anything the second he does, but call it morbid curiosity. He's got a title, an office, more money than he'll ever be able to do anything with. Trauma. Sleepless nights. A sorceress girlfriend on a train back to Timber as they speak.

Seifer had gotten several months in the local prison, cooling his heels while Garden tried to figure out what to do with him. Trauma. A torn-apart knighting and a report in his file about maiming several inmates during his stay.

(It's why Garden took him back, keeps him on a short leash doing clean up work for basically no pay.)

Seifer stares at him like he's just spoken a different language, or grown an extra head; for a second, Squall thinks he might just shove him in the ocean for asking.

"--Yeah. I mean, this is bullshit," gesturing to his back, where there's a tiny scar and a tracking implant embedded deep, "but I mean... Better than being locked up."

A shrug. They're going to be fluent in shrugs by the end of this.

"What about you?"

He has to think about it, but eventually nods. Resists the urge to shrug again. Fails.

"Yeah. If you need anything..."

"I'll be fine, Leonhart."

"Okay."

They drink. Across the water, above the blue glow of Garden, fireworks explode.

#fic tag. #seifer almasy #squall leonhart #ff8 #ffviii #ff8 fic #sorry this took a minute!!

[cosmic-kaden]

distraction incoming!

what are some of your f/os' secret talents? do they have a secret skill hidden in there somewhere, like knowing how to draw, being good with a weapon they don't normally use, etc? :3

also I'm sorry about what's going on. big hug/comforting warm drink from me if you're not into them <3 hope you feel better soon <3

Ah, thank you Kuroh! This was very fun to think about <3 I appreciate you! Thank you for your kind words. I'm actually about to have a coffee (I'm pretending its from you now! LOL)

Kylo - This man can play the piano, I don't care what anyone says! I hc that he can play and play it so well!! <3

Charlie - Actually good at video games. Like surpasses my ass at it. He doesn't tell anyone because usually people think games are childish. Fun fact he learned after seeing my S/I play because he wanted to find something in common at first but oops he actually genuinely loves video games and he's super fucking good at them T_T and I'm jealous /lh

Mills - Surprisingly good at hand to hand combat! Which was a surprise because he has only ever been seen with a gun in his hand lsdkfjsd

Matt - Super good at poetry, like insanely good at it which you wouldn't think he'd be the type given his very aggressive personality (at least what he portrays to others)

Ronnie - Can predict the weather with incredible accuracy! I dunno how or why but he can and it's scary /lh

Flip - secretly a very masterful cook! Like you would assume by looking at him that this guy lives of take out but it couldn't be farther from the truth! He makes all his food and preps it for the upcoming week and its GOOD like SO GOOD! lol

Paterson - Is secretly amazing at origami lol I won't elaborate further. Hell yeah stuff made out of paper!

Phillip - This guy knows how to do calligraphy. Why? Not a clue but he's very good at it and it's very pretty. 10/10 has sent his brother Paul, a note written in perfect calligraphy that simply said "Dear Paul. fuck off. With love, Phillip" ….they were in the same room LOL

Jude - Jude knows how to lock pick. My self insert seen him in action one time when they lost their keys and Jude offered to help. Kaden thought he'd call a locksmith or the super for the building but nope! just starts picking the lock with surprising ease..

Adam(Sackler) - He has two. the first one is being able to burn anything he cooks LOL secondly, he is really friggin good at sign language~! The day he heard me say that I'm slowly losing my hearing he got to learning… what a sweetheart ^////^

#Thanks again ldskfjs

[anonymousj3ster]

Chapter 4- White Rabbit

I smirk as I saunter around the circus, giving Gangle a wave as I pass her.

"Nice comedy mask you made yourself, Crybaby!" I call over my shoulder as I walk. The bunch of ribbons gives me an uncertain smile. "...Thanks!...?" She says. My smirk widens. I couldn't wait to break that mask later. I twist my head around to look at Zooble and Pomni. The jester was sitting criss-cross, leaning up against a oversized block, drawing in a notebook she had found. The jumble of parts was lounging on top of the block and peering at the notebook, seeming interested in whatever Pomni was sketching. I stride a bit closer.

"-pretty good." Zooble was saying. Pomni glances up at them, eyes wide in mild surprise. "Thanks." She mumbles, turning her attention back to the notebook, the pencil in her gloved hand dragging across the paper.

"What are you losers up to?" I drawl, reaching for the notebook. The jester clutches it to her chest, her colorful eyes stabbing into me. "Just drawing." She bites out. "Well, I wanna see." I say. I mostly was just doing this for a reaction, since her and Zooble were the easiest ones to piss off in the Circus, but a small part of me was genuinely interested in what the short girl was sketching. I reach out again, snatching it this time.

"Jax!" Pomni snaps, jumping to her feet to grab it back. I grin and hold it teasingly above her hea!, just out of reach. She jumps up for it a few times, before stopping and just glaring at me, crossing her arms. I chuckle at her, before actually looking at the drawing. My eyes widen as I become mildly impressed. It was an almost finished drawing of Zooble and Gangle sitting together on the stage. It was surprisingly good. The jester had managed to capture the uncaring nature of Zooble in the way their leg was slung over the edge of the stage, the other stretched out in front of them, one hand raised as though they were speaking. Gangle was only partly drawn, only her happy mask, but somehow Pomni had managed to make the mask look reflective in the picture, though it was only drawn with a normal pencil. I flip through the pages, thoroughly enthralled now. There were drawings of Ragatha, of Kinger, Bubble, even Caine. And, of course, the exit door. I quickly flip past those pictures, ignoring the squirmy feeling in my gut. I was about to throw the notebook onto a high pile of junk so Pomni would never be able to get it, when something catches my attention. Drawings of a tall rabbit, smirking as though he didn't care about anything, as though he was hiding a million secrets and wasn't planning on telling anyone. Like he had the perfect words to piss someone off, but was waiting for just the right moment to say them, waiting for the target of his bullshit to be on the verge of snapping. Relaxed postur@, wide smirk, small pupils and faded overalls. I stare at the pictures of me for a heartbeat before snapping out of it and hurling the notebook into the pile of junk.

"Not bad, PomPom." I drawl, striding away and smirking at the sounds of annoyance I left in my wake.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had taken me a full 20 minutes to climb the pile of junk to get my notebook back, but I had done it. I grin and hold it up triumphantly, like it was a trophy, before cautiously beginning my descent. I make it about 2% down the pile before I slip and plummet to the black and white checkered floor, the impact knocking the wind out of me. I groan, staying still for a moment.

"Pomni! Are you ok?" Gangle asks, hurrying to my side. Zooble had left after Jax's stunt, wishing me luck on getting my notebook b#ck.

"I think I'm fine." I say, slowly sitting up and wincing at the already receding pain. "I...think I'm gonna go to my room." I mumble, standing. Gangle gives me a slightly worried look.

"...Ok." She says, watching with with blank black eyes. I sigh and start walking toward the direction of my room, before pausing. Did I really want to go back there? Back to the claustrophobic prison of red and blue? I look over my shoulder. Gangle wasn't anywhere to be found, probably having left to find Zooble. I glance at the entrance of the tent, suddenly wondering what was out there. I had of course been out of the tent a few times searching for an exit, but I hadn't really looked at any of the locations, hadn't really processed what anything looked like. I step out of the tent, squinting at the bright daylight. I look left and right. To the right was the long path to the Digital Lake, and to the left was the Digital Carnival.

After a moments pondering, I decide to go left. I frown at the too-bright grass, kicking a few pebbles and rocks that I found along the winding path. It all felt too happy, too positive. I glance at the carnival and want to vomit. The carnival was surrounded by small plastic rainbows, with a tall slide, Ferris wheel, and a small assortment of tents within it's perimeter. I punch a rainbow, growling softly as I walk in. I make a beeline for one of the tents. It was small, striped blue and white. But it seemed the least nauseatingly cheerful, so I step inside. I blink, rubbing my eyes. It seemed a lot bigger on the inside. And...not tent-like at all. In fact, it seemed like a normal room. The walls were not the walls of a tent, but were completely solid like the walls of a house. They were a comforting dark blue, and there were random gadgets and screens thrown everywhere. I pick one up, frowning, before something rectangular and re$ catches my attention. An exit door? My head snaps up-but it's just a normal door. I stare at it for a moment, before a loud noise suddenly grabs my attention.

I flinch. It sounded like it was coming from outside the tent. I slowly walk out, my eyes snapping from side to side trying to identify the source of the sound. It was high-pitched, almost a hum. I slowly creep toward the direction it was coming from. It becomes louder and louder with each step I take, until I stand in front of the source. It was a cotton-candy machine. I slink a bit closer, peering into the bowl where the sugar was supposed to be poured. My eyes widen. Inside was a small, light purple creature. Bubble. The AI pet was munching on the spun sugar, making a high-pitched humming noise of joy with each bite. I watch, entranced for a moment. The bubble turns a little, looking for more cotton candy to eat, and sees me. We both don't make a single movement, as though frightened of startling the other. Then Bubble shoots out of the machine like a cannon from a rocket, zooming past me.

"Hey!" I shout, spinning around to chase him. I hadn't seen him since the day Caine had disappeared. Did he know where he is? What was happening? The small bubble dashes into the tent I had just been in. I rush in a second later, watching as he phases through the door I had been puzzling over just minutes before. I've got you now, I think to myself, racing for the door after the normally cheerful nuisance. But instead of going through it like Bubble had, I slam into it at breakneck speed, falling backwards. My last though before I lose consciousness is fuck.

#tadc #pomni #jax being an asshole #bubble #kinger

[nothums-from-tj]

Welcome back to TJ’s craving content for a niche ship/fandom and only has enough energy for hcs: Blinkley (Daph/Velma) edition

This is going for “What’s New, Scooby-Doo?” (Velma being Jewish and Hispanic in this canon), “A Pup Named Scooby-Doo”, and “Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated” along with several movies. Currently watching “Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!” so if I reblog w more there will be some adding from there. If you write/draw any of these PLEASE ping me/rb this post bc I can’t get enough of them rn

V calls Daph looking to vent rq and realizes like half way through part of said vent has to do w her crush on Daph so she switches to Spanish and Daphne’s able to pick up some of it due to whatever French she knows and the similarities of Latin languages and she’s very confused when she repeats back what she could kind of understand and Velma is very embarrassed

for some particular reason Shaggy has to be somewhere Scooby can’t be and Velma is his go-to dog-sitter (based on APNSD The Computer Walks Among Us, “Please, Scooby—for me?” + she kissed his cheek, “Aww, I’d do anything for you, Velma.”) and I just very much like the mental image of Scooby curled up at her feet or something while Daph’s over and they all just watch a movie or smth

following “Moon Monster Madness” Daphne can’t sleep for the life of her bc she can’t stop thinking abt this interaction and she just has to call Velma, it’s 2:00 in the morning and to her it doesn’t matter bc she needs Velma to know that she matters so much more than what she thinks after she didn’t really get a chance to say so beforehand [EDIT: written now haha]

Daphne loves watching Velma work, especially her thinking faces and stimming

thinking abt Large Dragon at Large from WNSD and Velma’s COSTUME with her and Daphne talking abt it beforehand and V’s so embarrassed to show it to Daphne bc she thinks it’s ridiculous so then jokingly Daph keeps accusing her of picking something “scandalous” (“does it show too much of your shoulders or something ;)” “I hate you”) and because Daphne genuinely can’t think of another reason as to why Velma would be embarrassed to show it off she puts it on for Daphne and she thinks it’s literally the cutest thing ever

due to past issues of Men™️ they both have crazy low expectations of relationships when they start dating, like heartbreakingly low- Velma getting a bit emotional when Daph isn’t ashamed of her/their relationship or when she wants a day to the both of them rather than constantly including friends/avoiding alone time; Daphne tearing up when Velma’s interested in what she has to say and makes sure she knows her opinions are valid/acknowledged/cared for; and both of them are pleasantly surprised when they make equal effort rather than begging for the bare minimum

whenever they spend the night together + Velma’s up too late working too hard Daphne will pretend to be asleep and pull a cat-like move in the sense of being cuddly as inconveniently as possible, trying to “shift” to cover her papers or laptop with her arm or slowly try to cover Velma/her papers when on her computer so she could be bothered just enough to not actually be annoyed and enough to give up and go to bed

even if it’s not the greatest in the world, Daphne’s in love w Velma’s singing voice and always encourages any bit of confidence boost she gets

Daphne tries to remind Velma that she’s gorgeous and stunning in every way especially (not because of) knowing that she has a few issues with her body image + Daph just loves her sm

similar to the previous, Velma will often try to find ways to compliment Daphne that don’t involve her physical appearance to show that she sees/acknowledges more than that

Velma started crushing first—they were in early middle school, Daphne started having a phase of calling her friends pet names and Velma’s poor gay heart could not take that (totally not how I got my first crush what r u talking abt)

in middle/high school during lunch/recess, Daphne would often sit with Velma and read under a tree in comfortable silence or Velma would try to sit with Daphne and her friends (Daph enjoyed reading w V more than V enjoyed being w her clique + that is more than ok <3), though of course they’d have their separate times when they’d want to too

Daphne loves going to hockey games w V bc she thinks it’s the funniest thing seeing how hockey can get so violent so quick and how V is just all over that (she also just loves seeing Velma get excited abt things)

Daphne would watch Jack Stauber’s “Opal” day in and day out and Velma would happily watch along; Daphne more or less comforted in not being alone as a child of neglect, Velma nitpicking the art style and the metaphors and how absolutely genius work it is

Velma seems like a clarinet player to me (as a clarinet player myself oops) and I think Daphne would have a lot of fun on low brass even if her parents keep pushing her to do flute or piccolo or something on top of piano and/or violin

I have more they’re just not in my phone so I’ll find them hopefully in the morning if not some other time😭😭😭😭 I wrote them in a notebook for class in my senior year of high school (3 years ago) so I guess I’ll be on a mission to find this particular notebook bc I hardly used it for actual class stuff

#blinkley #velma x daphne #daphne x velma #scooby doo #what’s new scooby doo #scooby doo mystery incorporated #a pup named scooby doo #moon monster madness

[ddwcaph-game]

Do you know the white crayon trick? I'm not really sure what it called but it's that if you draw/write with white crayon on white paper obviously you won't be able to see it, but if you shade on it with a pencil/color it with watercolor you will be able to see whatever it is you made with the white crayon! Now, how would f6e+B react if the mc have a crush on them so they slip them a piece of paper with the writing "Don't throw this away until you figure it out!" with a pen and nothing else (1/2)

(2/2) Atleast that's what it looks like, but mc actually writes "I LOVE YOU" on the other side of the paper with white crayon so that they would only be able to read it if they do the trick. Which of them would figure it out? How would they react if they find out (regardless wether or not they'll actually able to figure it out)?

Heehee. Ohh, I missed answering crush-related asks. I'm always happy to get them! 😊

I mean, I haven't tried that personally, but I imagine it'd work well enough! Let's see...

Well, if you're giving him a pen along with the paper, he'll figure that out sooner or later, although the paper might be folded ten different ways or have some holes in it.

Upon finding out what the message is, Wayne will be very much a flustered mess and be speechless on the spot, and then try to hide the message if he's with someone else. It's not very easy to fluster him if he's expecting it, but very easy if he's not, hehe. 😄

The next day (or after recess), Wayne will shoot a paper airplane back at MC with a white crayon drawing of something cute and a haiku ending with something along the lines of "And I love you too".

She'll probably ask Wayne to try to figure out what it means, and find out that way, but if Wayne isn't around, she might try drawing or writing on the paper herself with a message to MC and accidentally find out that way.

And then Rosie will spontaneously combust into squeals, blushes, and giggles. She'll try to find MC as soon as possible for a hug, and ask if they really mean it. And then she'll hug MC again, whispering back an "I love you too" before immediately offering to treat them at the canteen (or something from their sari-sari store if they're at home). She'll be blushing the whole time and trying to give MC compliments back in return.

If she was with Wayne, she'd probably make her own white crayon message to give back to MC with a matching compliment (along with a coupon for a free hug).

Lily would immediately figure it out, although she'll hide that fact to MC when she sees the message, and try to act like she hasn't figured it out until the next day.

When she sees MC again, she'll ask them to help her with something else first before she tries helping MC with the paper. Then Lily gives the MC a different paper with "Solve: 128√e980" written on it.

(If MC doesn't know what that means, she'll cover the top half of the equation to spell out "I love you". And then she'll say, "You sent that message to me first, ya dingus" before turning her back and leaving with a smirk) 😄

JM will be too busy and probably forget it at some point, but he'll keep it safe inside his bag, until Little B finds it and accidentally reveals the message. He could probably figure it out on his own, but he knows to ask Lily first when it comes to cryptic messages.

He'd be surprised, but unless MC was very forward in their crush on JM, he'll just think that it was a prank/dare from Wayne. If he's sure that it's genuine, he'll try to find MC as soon as possible and give the paper back, asking MC without eye contact, "Is this a message for me, or am I supposed to say it to you?"

B will just crumple the paper into a ball and throw it in the trash can (or back at MC) immediately.

...but assuming B has reluctantly joined the group again after the events of Volume 1, B will be like "Okay?" and just keep it for later, confused about what it is for.

B will remember it again later and figure it out after some time, and immediately assume it's a stupid joke or something.

Some time passes and MC asks if B has figured it out yet. B blurts out "Oh, it's I love y—" before realizing what they just said. B tries to rephrase the sentence, but they just storm off, throwing the crumpled paper back at MC, thinking that they knew it was a prank all along.

And then B will notice if the MC has been kind to them lately, and try to figure out what MC is really up to. MC can't really mean that, right?

#f6e #brandon/beatrice #crush options #dear diary asks

[freckled-moss]

Autumn Tea Chapter 4

Lockwood & Co.🌸Historical AU🌸Locklyle

1575 words

Chapter 3 , Chapter 5

Part One

“Good morning, sir,” Lucy entered Mr. Lockwood’s office the next morning with his tea.

He looked up from the papers he was working on and smiled at her, “Good morning, Ms. Carlyle.”

She walked towards his desk in silence and yet again placed his tea on the small exposed bit of desk before turning to leave.

“Ms. Carlyle?”

She stalled at the door and turned back towards him. He was looking at her with a face she couldn’t quite pin down.

“Do you enjoy gardening?”

Lucy paused, not expecting the question. Mr. Lockwood was still staring at her. Had he seen her working the other day? Was he offended that she thought his garden needed work?

“Yes, Mr. Lockwood,” her worries hardly showed in her voice.

“Good, I was thinking I needed somebody to start working on the gardens. In case company visits, you know, and thought it would be quite convenient if someone already here knew how to do it.” He backed up in his chair and began rummaging in a lower drawer, “I had already asked Holly about it, but she said she didn’t nor did she know anyone. So I guess luck would have it that you do.”

He seemed to have found the thing he was looking for with an “Ah!” and his head popped up to look at her again before he brought it out, “Of course, that’s if you have the time to.”

“Yes, Mr. Lockwood. I’d be happy to.”

He smiled as if he knew she would say yes, “Wonderful. Here, take these.” Finally, he brought out what he had been looking for, and Lucy saw baby blue, women’s gardening gloves in his hands. She tentatively took them from him, and when her hand brushed his she found they were much softer than she was expecting. “Tell me if you need any other equipment.”

He smiled once more. This one seemed to lighten the room as he beamed, and Lucy bowed lightly (she still didn’t know if she should, but better safe than sorry) and left the room.

In the hall, she smiled to herself.

Sweep the entrance, dust the drawing rooms, clean the dishes…

And now,

Work on the garden.

Part Two

Anthony Lockwood, despite George’s claims, was beginning to like Ms. Carlyle’s “too sweet” tea. The sugar coated his tongue nicely and the lesser amount of milk let the water properly wash it away.

He looked back to his work.

Finally, the linens had been found. They were in Oxford, apparently, and Anthony was in the process of writing a letter to the shipment manager.

Her hands were calloused.

Finishing the letter, he stuck it in an envelope, sealed it with wax, and set it aside to give to George later.

Just the fingertips, though, her palm was soft.

He picked up the next paper. It was a letter from Fittes Enterprising.

Why were they calloused?

The letter discussed the business trip he was taking next week to Paris. They were offering him lodging. He still needed to create an itemized list of what trade needed to be discussed.

He wanted to hold them.

Part Three

“Lucy!” Holly waved her down from the stairs, “I apologize for not seeing you this morning! I’m still not used to having another hand in cleaning.”

“It’s alright, Holly,” Lucy stopped sweeping to look up at her, “Perhaps you should just write me a list of greetings and duties to paste on the door?”

“Oh no, that’s much too impersonal,” she seemed genuinely offended at the implication, and Lucy giggled.

“Mr. Lockwood gave me another job.”

Holly seemed surprised, “Did he now? What was it?”

“Just to clean the garden,” Lucy shrugged, “Didn’t you know? He said he also asked you about it.”

Holly stood for a moment as if she was trying to remember something, “Oh… oh, yes!” she smiled, “It must have slipped my mind. Anyway, you don’t have any new duties today. Do be on time for preparing lunch, though.”

“Yes, ma’am,” she mockingly saluted, and now Holly giggled.

Lucy watched as Holly turned and walked away down the west hall. She had never thought she’d be able to make such fast friends, especially with a girl who giggled over shop windows. Her mother always told her not to bother with girls of that type. She had better things to do.

What did Mother know anyway?

She found her chores were easy. She swept the floor and dusted the rooms quite quickly and found she still had a half hour before she needed to head to the kitchens for lunch. She supposes she could start working on the garden, but she wouldn’t get much done, and decided she should instead explore the rest of the estate. She should probably be well-acquainted with where she lives, after all.

She chose the hall that leads into the second floor of the east wing (there were three floors to the estate, not including the basement). It was quite a dark hall, the west wing seemed much more lived in, and she continued down it without running into anything particularly interesting for a while. Paintings and shelves filled with trinkets and artifacts spotted the walls like they did in the drawing room she was interviewed in.

Eventually, she came across two large double doors that were slightly cracked open, and upon peering inside, found that it was a library.

She had never seen so many books at once. She doesn’t think her old house even had one in it. She wandered further in, looking up at the filled shelves.

Three windows lined the back wall and looked out into the forest surrounding the back of the estate. Sunlight filtered through them and the beams highlighted bits of dust in the air. In the middle of the room was a table, and off to the sides in little clusters were armchairs or sofas. A mini staircase sectioned off another balcony floor that contained even more shelving.

It was beautiful.

All the books were different colors, and the furniture had similar engravings as that of her bed. Mr. Lockwood seemed to have a liking to the designer.

She wandered towards a shelf near her and looked at the books.

Richard II, King John, Macbeth-

“Ms. Carlyle?”

She jumped and gave an embarrassing squeak before turning around. Mr. Lockwood stood behind the railing on the balcony.

Part Four

Anthony most certainly did not expect someone to enter the library while he looked over the histories, but the door most certainly opened.

Standing from the armchair on the balcony, he walked to the railing expecting to see George ready to inform him of something or Holly ready to clean. Instead, he saw Lucy Carlyle crouched over the Shakespeare section.

For a second, he didn’t say anything at all. Her demeanor was changed from how he always saw her, full of wonder.

Her eyes seemed to sparkle, and her shoulders were relaxed. He wanted to join in quiet companionship, but stopped himself. Unprofessional.

“Ms. Carlyle?” he said instead.

She jumped with a squeal, and he felt bad for startling her, but found her reaction a bit cute despite himself.

“Mr. Lockwood!”

“I’m sorry to startle you. I wasn’t expecting company.”

“Neither was I…”

There was an awkward lull. Ms. Carlyle looked awkwardly at the ground, and Anthony wished he hadn’t said anything at all, for then she would still be looking at the books with that gaze of wonder.

He had said something, though, so he would say more to try to fix the mistake.

“Do you enjoy reading?” he started down the stairs as she replied.

“Oh, I don’t know. I can read, but we never had many books around where I grew up.”

He went to stand beside her then. She looked up, and he smiled. She seemed to relax.

He hadn’t properly noticed before, but her hair was quite short. The part not covered by her bonnet barely reached past her chin, and he wondered if the rest was the same.

“Well, I won’t mind if you borrow some of these,” he gestured at the many shelves, “I certainly have enough.”

She looked surprised before she smiled the grin that looked a bit more like a grimace, “Thank you, Mr. Lockwood, but I wouldn’t know where to start.”

“Let me suggest something then,” he grinned before he started off toward a shelf on the further side of the room, “You might like Evelina, though one of my personal favorites is Robinson Crusoe.” He scoured through the books before pulling out the two mentioned, and turned towards her. “Here you are.”

“Thank you, but you really don’t need to.”

“I insist.” He smiled once again, and she finally seemed to completely relax. Anthony could feel his grin soften as she took the books from him and held them to her chest. “I’ll be off then. Have a good day, Ms. Carlyle,” he said, and walked past her towards the door.

“Mr. Lockwood?”

He spun around, “Yes?”

She was still turned away from him, but slowly pivoted until the sun from the windows highlighted her profile.

“Call me Lucy, please.”

“…of course,” he breathed. He stood, staring for maybe a second, then turned and walked out the door.

Anthony Lockwood never considered himself a religious man, but Lucy Carlyle’s silhouette against the soft sunlight glow was the closest thing to ever turning him devout. 

#autumn tea #lockwood & co #anthony lockwood #lucy carlyle #anthony lockwood x lucy carlyle #lucewood #locklyle #fanart #fanfic #moss draws #moss writes

[wanderedaway]

Okay, that last part is like a lot, so feel free to just answer - let's spread some happiness around! --

List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the ask box of the last 10 people that reblogged from you!

I want to update quickly and say, I’ve really been looking forward to the new chapter, but for reasons, I’ve had to take a step back. Things escalated so quickly over the last couple days and then the whole month so far has just been very unkind. 'Cause April wasn't great exactly, but it's been a heck of a lot better than May has been. No idea what the deal is because several other people in my life are not having a good time, either and it’s taken everyone by surprise. Don’t know if there’s some kind of misalignment in the stars or something nefarious happening behind the scenes, but it’s pushing me and other people to their limits, it seems.

Anyhoo, onto the ask. (I had to rewrite all this because tumblr flaked out on me.🥲)

1. A small act of kindness I can provide for someone. Whether it’s helping someone with something, or buying someone their favorite drink as a pick me up, or lending a listening ear, or saying just the right thing they need to hear (doesn’t happen often, I don’t want to lie to someone, so I use this sparingly. I’m also not great with words. I often surprise myself as often as I do to the person on the receiving side of it.), or wrapping a gift with personalized paper and touches, etc. etc. I get genuine happiness from it. Anytime I provide a little bit of kindness that I know someone might need, I’ll give it willingly.

2. Spotify. Lol, it really has changed my life. It’s so nice to have so much music in one place. And then to be able to discover new songs or rediscover old ones from another time in my life.

3. Indulging in my favorite drinks or foods. Bonus points if someone surprises me with one. My favorite coffee right now from Starbucks is a chocolate cream cold brew (and the baristas add vanilla and white mocha to mine because they know that I like mine on the sweeter side.) I had two of them yesterday and it was worth it despite the side effects. (But I’ve realized that I can have dairy??? I haven’t been paying too much attention, but I know I’ve had more than that I thought I should, but I’ve felt fine otherwise.) 4. Our cats! They’re so fun and sweet (when they want to be). I particularly miss my brother’s cat, but he moved away a few months ago. DaVinci is secretly the favorite. He’s the best one to hug. Lucy will secretly love you and then for the sake of looks, will bite or claw you to make it seem like she doesn’t. And then Sadie, I call her the favorite child. She was the stray we picked up and she really is the sweetest, but every now and then, I think the title gets to her head and then she’s clawing one of the chairs. But yeah, just cats in general. You might catch me watching videos of cats probably more often than I should. It might be a problem.

5. Any time spent being creative. Especially since it’s so hard to come by lately. I haven’t done any drawing or painting in 8 years. It sucks seeing all that time go by not maintaining the few skills I had there, but I’ve managed to pick up a few other ways to keep that creative outlet. The little bit of writing here and there I’ve managed to get out and then dusting off photoshop when the inspiration strikes.

Thank you Shet! 😘💕

#asks #weirdly enough i kinda feel better now than i have all day #what sorcery is this? #thank you shet! ❤️

[shayartg310]

What is an Art Director?

Although often hard to define with its everchanging meaning, an Art Director is almost always a multifaceted creative with the skills to oversee the creative direction of all aspects of a project. They are the ones who conceptualize ideas to be executed with the intent of elevating meaning and bringing clarity. Art Directors often know when to take a step back from a project and begin to look at the bigger picture. As a leader, they need to stay up-to-date with current trends. Dan Mall said it best when he described the difference between an art direction and a design with the words

“If I tell my wife that I love her, but say it with a frown on my face, she’ll get mixed signals. If I say it nonchalantly while watching TV, she might not fully believe it. But when I say it with a genuine smile and a bouquet of flowers, my meaning is clear.” - Dan Mall 

in which the love is the art direction and the smile and vibrant red of the roses is the design.

COLLINS - Crane

While scrolling through COLLINS' list of projects, I couldn't help but be enamoured by their design for the brand Crane. At first, I thought I had stumbled upon an album cover. However, after I dove deeper into their 'project information' tab, I discovered that to my surprise, this was simply a paper company. This one specifically is an example of a stationary set. I began to think, "How could such a boring thing like paper draw my attention so much?" Not only did this design direction pull me in, but it also made me appreciate the way they were able to make something as simplistic as a paper company appear as something so beautiful and meaningful, going back to their roots and drawing upon the company's history with the Art Nouveau movement to evolve their brand identity.

If I had to choose three words to describe the guiding principles of this project, I would choose:

Elegant

Timeless

Complex

[erabundus]

@ruinlost &&. said... “Biig brotherr!!” Taiyang calls out to ren gleefully hopping up to him holding a smallish looking box in his hands with his signature big grin,and farrow was steadily catching up to tai (if he had lungs he’d practically be out of breath) holding his own box which was about medium size. [“Happy birthday ren,we wanted to try and both be present to give you your gifts this time”] the automaton said giving a small smile,taiyang nodded before holding up his own “yep yep!,we hope you like em big brother!” In taiyang’s box sat a blue wooden cat ,it was a but rough around the edges,it had a playful smile painted on it ,”I see a lotta animals like you!-so mama helped me to make you one you can take wherever you go!”  Farrow held out his gift box next ,[“I thought a bit about this one took me a bit to put together…I think this may come in handy”] in the box ,one would find what looked to be a kit of some kind nice and neat-with the materials to make a good amount of paper lanterns,as well as a few starconch’s to the side. [“theres one more thing—anhe his preparing grilled fish tonight if you'd like to have some?”] -farrow & taiyang!

he  turns  around  at  the  sound  of  a  familiar  voice,  blinking  in  surprise.  the  movement  startles  a  tiny  bird  that  had  been  making  itself  comfortable  on  the  wanderer's  outstretched  finger  —  and  it  flutters  away  with  an  IRRITATED  CHIRP.  ren  hardly  seems  to  notice,  however;  he's  far  too  distracted  by  the  scene  that  presents  itself  before  him.  farrow  and  taiyang,  bearing  gifts  that  the  wanderer  can  only  assume  are  meant  for  him.  (  he  hasn't  forgotten  what  day  it  is,  no  matter  how  much  he  may  want  to.  )  the  entire  scenario  feels  equal  parts  mundane  and  fantastical.  a  few  short  years  prior,  he  never  would  have  thought  such  a  scene  possible  —  nor  would  he  have  DESIRED  IT,  too  preoccupied  with  old  grudges  and  all-consuming  obsessions.  it's  strange  to  think  he  existed  in  a  stasis  of  sorts  for  so  many  centuries,  only  to  have  his  life  undergo  dramatic  changes  in  barely  a  fraction  of  the  time.  even  now,  he  finds  himself  feeling  a  bit  overwhelmed  whenever  something  occurs  that  would  be  all  but  impossible  in  what  hateful  existence  came  before.

unsurprisingly,  he  counts  his  CURRENT  CIRCUMSTANCES  among  them.  the  balladeer  had  no  interest  in  birthdays  —  nor  anyone  who  considered  his  existence  something  worth  celebrating.  he's  still too  accustomed  to living in  that  mindset.

❝  i  don't  know  if  surprising  me  was  your  intention,  ❞   the  wanderer  says  aloud,  ❝  but  you  GOT  ME  either  way.  ❞   lips  curve  in  a  faint  smile  —  regardless  of  whether  he  deserves  it  or  not,  the  gesture  makes  him  GENUINELY  HAPPY.  that  feeling  only  grows  when  he  finally  opens  the  gifts.  he  is  universally  fond  of  most  animals  (  easily  preferring  their  company  over  that  of  humans  )  yet  ren  supposes  cats  are  among  his  favorites.  they  are  aloof,  independent  creatures  with  a  natural  aura  of  dignity  about  them  —  and  he's  well  aware  of  how  others  are  wont  to  draw  COMPARISONS  between  felines  and  himself.  ren  finds  he's  fairly  neutral  about  the  claims;  neither  acknowledging  them  outwardly,  nor  trying  to  dissuade  them.  attention  then  turning  to  the  other  gift,  he's  rather  pleased  by  the  collection  of  supplies.  the  conversation  he  and  farrow  shared  about  the  paper  lanterns  is  still  as  fresh  in  his  mind  as  most  things  are;  the  wanderer  knows  he  will  be  able  to  make  good  use  of  them.  

❝  thank  you.  ❞  ren  finally  says,  glancing  between  the  two.  ❝  ...  both  of  you.  ❞  he  isn't  particularly  good  at  expressing  tender  sentiments,  but  he  can  only  hope  his  siblings  are  already  ACCUSTOMED  ENOUGH  to  that  weakness  to  glimpse  what  genuine  gratitude  lies  beneath  such  short  words.  

❝  you  said  anhe  was  making  fish  —  ?  ... i'm  not  about  to  miss  that.  ❞

#ruinlost #( pls pls pretend i answered this in a timely manner VSKJFS )

[thecityofselcouth]

Having been scanning the crowd, Albert caught sight of the curly-haired woman from the fair, and his eyes immediately zoned in on the unwrapped burn on her arm. The burn made more sense now that he knew that she worked at Lane’s, but he still found himself scowling at the sight of it. His nose twitching in annoyance, he tried to remind himself that the burn and the woman were none of his concern. 

As she plastered on an obviously fake customer service smile, Albert schooled his own expression. He had noticed her tuck the injured arm closer to herself, like she was trying to hide it from him. Johnnie, across the table, watched the exchange curiously, and cataloged his impersonation of the way the woman had said Albert’s name to make Albert’s ears turn red later. Albert, however, internally panicked as he tried to recall the woman's name. Unable to do so, he returned her smile with a soft genuine one, “Hello señorita, may I please get a decaf coffee?” 

Watching Albert’s eyes flicker from the waitress’ face to the uncovered burn on her arm once again, Johnnie felt the impending lecture and rose from the table, excusing himself to the restroom. Albert looked back up at the woman, and her name finally came to mind. Ruth; her name was Ruth. Her name suited her, and now that he had remembered, he was upset at himself for ever forgetting. “How’s the arm?” he couldn't help but ask.

On his way to pretend to use the restroom, Johnnie stopped dead in his tracks as he spotted Fume Javachi behind the counter. He smiled to himself at his luck, and headed over towards her, sticking his hands in the pockets of his jacket. “Princesa, a little far from your castle aren't you?” he teased flirtatiously, a mischievous glint in his eye,  “Don’t tell me that pendejo has entrapped you with that baby face of his? From what I hear, he always comes a little short on confirming the rumors about him.”  He shrugged with a rueful smile, “But hey, what do I know?”

---

Margot, still feeling the effects of her morning wake and bake, slid in from the window to the driver’s seat as Kenna entered the car. “Oh you know,” a bubble of roguish joy sat in the bottom of Margot’s stomach, “since I’m able to do this-” She reached out to grip Kenna’s chin between her pointer and thumb, turning her head so that she could kiss her directly on the lips. Releasing her, Margot felt a boost of confidence as she observed the flush of red that covered Kenna’s features, and smirked to herself as she drove away from the curb.

With her mind still on Atticus and Wendy, Margot glanced over at Kenna out of the corner of her eye, and made a last minute decision. She turned left at a stoplight, instead of right towards her home, pointing them towards the center of the city. “I have a surprise for you,” and one for Atticus, she explained before Kenna could question her choices, and headed towards Atticus’ tattoo parlor.

Atticus sat at the drawing desk in the back office; the sound of graphite against paper drowned out by the music playing from hidden speakers, as he hunched over the piece he was working on. Yawning, he sat his pencil down and cracked his knuckles to rid himself of their stiffness. The tone that alarms him of the front door opening chimed, and he looked at his watch. It was still too early for his client, and he frowned, thinking it was a walk-in. He tattooed by appointment only on Sundays to make sure he could get home early enough to spend time with Wendy before her work week began.

He stood from his desk and adjusted the rolled up sleeves of his dress shirt before heading out of the back to politely ask whomever they were to come back again later. He froze, however, as he spotted a familiar head of dark hair. “Margot?” he raised a questioning eyebrow at her, as he continued to walk closer to her, “Is everything alright?” As Margot had only ever come to the shop with her mother or uncles, Atticus became concerned that something was horribly wrong. But then he noticed the second small teen nearby her, and his concern turned into confusion.

“Everything is fine, tio,” Margot felt bad to be the cause of the worry that had flashed across Atticus’s face as he had spotted her, and looked over at Kenna, who she was concerned was out of her element. She had not really explained herself any further on the drive, and had let the girl make guesses as to what her surprise was. None of them were even close to the reality that she had just placed them both in, and Margot felt suddenly as if she had done something wrong, which was not a feeling she enjoyed.

The tattoo parlor itself was probably overwhelming with its industrial black iron windows, dark hardwood floors and exposed brick walls that were covered in vintage photographs of mobsters and tattoos that Atticus had done. Not to mention Atticus, who stood at the impressive height of 6’4 and was covered from face to foot in tattoos, wearing tailored dress pants and a black button down. Her fingers twitching nervously, Margot motioned towards Atticus in a way of introduction, “This is Atticus Merno; Attie, this is Kenna, April’s sister.”

Atticus’s face flashed in recognition of both girls’ names, and he blinked in surprise. After giving Margot a look that conveyed that she was to explain herself later, Atticus smiled charmingly at the young girl and bowed his head in greeting to her, “Pleasure to meet you, Miss Kenna. My wife and I have been rather excited to meet you. I must say she may get jealous that I did before she could; she brags about your sister often." Now that he had the connection, he could recognize the girl from the photo in her case file, and he wondered what would have made Margot bring her to meet him. Perhaps the girl had asked, but judging by the look on her face as well, that was not the case.

---

As her head was jostled by Olly placing his arm under the pillow, Noah was reminded of the headache that came with being hungover. She usually never allowed herself to become sober enough to feel the side effects of drinking like a fish, and she was rather regretting not raiding the liquor cabinet in the kitchen. She groaned, “Watch it; I’ve got a headache from hell coming on.” She reached up to pinch his collarbone in retaliation.

Was she actively avoiding his question? Absolutely, but she didn't want to tell him the real reason she had been staring at him. He would probably make fun of her for catching feelings, and then do the serious worry brow look that he was infamous for. Adjusting her laying position to accommodate his leg being draped over her, she thought it best to continue to change topics completely, “Shall we do breakfast?” She looked over at the window to gauge the light coming through the closed blinds, “or maybe brunch? Bottomless mimosas and an egg sunny-side-up sounds like heaven right about now.”

---

Whenever Damian gave him an out, James, overjoyed, nearly contemplated kissing the man on the mouth. However, as he didn't want the beating that would surely follow, he decided that the out was good enough for him, and that he would find a way to make it up to him later. But as he realized that his friend had not just witnessed the she-devil - that he had supposedly spent the night with - threaten him, he scowled at the assumption that he would eat anything she had prepared. 

“Diavolo no, la cagna probabilmente avvelenerà comunque il cibo - Hell no, the bitch will probably poison the food anyway,” he muttered, his eyes finally moving from Veronica and to Damian, “Usciamo di qui - Let’s get out of here.” 

Hearing Damian say that they were leaving, Veronica frowned but turned away from the group so that her facial expression could not be seen. 

You really thought he'd stick around? the voice whispered, oh Ronnie, you really are stupid. Veronica continued to go through the motions of making omelets, but her inner saboteur continued, You attacked his best friend, what did you expect? Applause? The voice scoffed in her ear. Pathetic girl, when will you learn that you are nothing but a useless waste of space? 

Stop it, she told the voice but it continued to whisper negatives in her ear.