#Make the comics the games the art that would bring me joy and happiness | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

starflungwaddledee · 7 months

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Okay you gave me permission so now it's time to go fully autistic

*inhale*

So something I'm really interested in (mostly for my Bandee x Marx bias) is that comic with Marx and Bandee interacting, like, what's their relationship in this au, how'd they get to that point and heck, what was even happening? also it kinda seems like Bandee may be the main guy in this au or is just really important which makes me happy as Bandee isn't treated the best by Nintendo at all (hell, Sakrai said he didn't add Bandee into smash because he didn't like him) so seeing Bandee get the spotlight always brings me joy

And about the Meta and Galacta comic, it seems like Bandee plays a factor here too, with the mention of him being what gets the most reaction out of Meta and that makes sense because canonically Bandee is the weakest of the four and most likely to die quite easily, so it would make sense for the others to be protective of him

ALSO META BEING SEALED AWAY AND GALACTA SAYING HE'LL TAKE GOOD CARE OF, I'M ASSUMING BANDEE, DOES THAT MEAN GALACTA TAKES META'S PLACE??? HELLO???

anyway hi im really invested and also your art is fucking astounding

hell yea, fully autistic! the best kind of message! thank you also for the sweet words about my artwork ahhh! but hoo boy isn't this The Ask Ever. okay, let's get into it!

Bandee is, i think maybe obviously, my most specialist little guy ever and everything i make is likely about him in one way or another. so you're correct that he is indeed the main guy in both these AUs; he is the central protagonist which i think he deserves!!

(but he does also go through the angst blender a bit, just like... a warning. i adore happy endings but before that i do tend to meat-grind my faves pretty well in the drama machine.)

clockwork heart is actually a spin-off of awtdy (we do a little AU-ception in my household) which is our* primary au. (*a lot of my au work and headcanons are fleshed out very collaboratively with my girlfriend! the initial concept for awtdy was her idea, which i then very meanly shoved my bandee-important agenda into lmao)

awtdy sets this basic alternate world-state: during the Haltmann invasion, Galacta Knight defeats Meta Knight in battle and makes a wish on Star Dream to trade places.

this causes all sorts of terrible fun problems for everybody and basically gives rise to a bad timeline that a lot of folks do not come out of intact (rip floralia)

the Meta Knight vs Galacta Knight comic covers an important turning point in the story, where Meta Knight lets slip that he cares about Bandee the way he cares for Kirby. Meta Knight has an especially strong reaction to this for two reasons:

one is because, as you said, of the three remaining heroes Bandee is the most vulnerable-- seasoned and experienced fighter he may be, but against someone like Galacta Knight? 💦 he's still ultimately just a mortal dude. this obviously puts him at terrible risk, because Galacta Knight also considers him far more expendable than Kirby.

"i'll take good care of him" is transparently a threat and not actually... you know, kind.

secondly is because (unbeknownst to Galacta Knight) Bandee uniquely remembers Meta Knight. he knows that the timeline is screwed up and Galacta Knight is not meant to be there, and is actively working to rescue his real dad mentor. Meta Knight knows that if he's found out, Galacta Knight won't hesitate to kill him.

suffice to say the guilt of this would drive him capital i Insane!

as for the Marx "hurt like hell" comic, I am actually sorry to have to tell you that that scene is their first ever interaction in this au! 😂 in this alternate version of the story Marx is also aware of the timeline fuckery (due to his existence as an eldritch, temporal little creature) and he tracks Bandee down late in the game with a risky trade offer; which Bandee refuses. that's what's pictured in the comic!

it goes on for quite a long ways after that; though I don't know if it'll tickle your ship dynamic quite right because Marx is mildly antagonistic towards Bandee (and everyone) the whole time. so while they are cursed to be Stuck Together By The Narrative they are not really close or even particularly friendly.

they do indeed interact in it quite a lot, and I personally think Marx would gladly shoot his shot if he was offered it; but Bandee is neck-deep in a different ship for the entirety of awtdy and is especially miserable/pining as hell throughout clockwork heart.

but that's okay because Bandee is, uh-- totally fine!! he's normal. he's fine. he's very very fine and things will be very very okay.

#hopefully this last lil doodle is not too dark?#wanted to give u something for your marxdee needs bc i feel like i'm letting a fellow bandee rarepair shipper down 😭#watch me skirt actually dropping my rarepair tho. even rarer than marxdee apparently!#anyway thank you so so much for this ask and your interest?! blew my mind that anyone cared even a little bit about the stuff i'm making <3 #my art #bandana waddle dee #awtdy au #clockwork heart au #asks #cw angst #cw blood

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chaoticrobotics · 9 months

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Please don't rush your comics take it slow and steady I know many people are eager to see more from your comics but please don't forget your human you need to take breaks from time to time art burnout isn't a joke I myself was once a artist and i quit that because it didn't bring me much joy anymore because of excessive burnout so please from one artist to another Take a breather maybe plan what your gonna do for the story going forward maybe take some inspiration from the game or something though whatever the outcome I will honor it.

Oh don't worry about the story itself. I have it all planned out and am absolutely not changing it (other than possible dialogue changes, I have the major plot points all set though). So that's not the issue.

It was the actual art itself. You are right, art burnout isn't a joke, and honestly I'm pretty sure I've never been closer to quitting art than when I was making Security Alert. The only difference with me is, art is one of the very few things that bring me any sense of joy. It's literally either a select few video games, or making art/stories, and at the time of making Security Alert I was in a video game burnout too and struggling through college.

All of that built up to make me miserable to draw and probably super depressed looking back at it (though I wouldn't hit a true low until my last semester, if I was still trying to do the comic then I don't think I would have made it).

Anyway, thank you for your words. I do appreciate them! I am going to take my time with this comic. Maybe even try out a different format or something. Smaller parts or less detail in the art. I just want to get the story out, and since I am not a writer, I have to draw it. But I'll definitely be taking my time when drawing it.

I'll be honest, I don't know how many people might have realized it, but I am a serial procrastinator that needs deadlines to get shit done, and I get stuff done all in one go or not at all. So all those big parts I posted? Those were all done in basically one sitting. Some of them were done in 3 days with me getting a total of like 3-4 hours of sleep on the weekend, not even counting the editing I did for videos. So you can probably see why I started to resent the comic and start to burn out from it.

I'm literally just rambling now, but I wanted people to know a little bit about what I went through since I know not everyone will be as understanding as you or other people who have sent in kind words to me in the past. I've learned my lesson then, and since I am not in college anymore, I won't feel rushed to get things out before the weekend is done or be rushing myself to make people happy.

It honestly all really sucks because I was always so happy to post the comic/tiktok and pass out finally, then to wake up to a flood of nice messages. But it would all too soon go away because only a day (sometimes not even) after posting people would be demanding the next part. It just sucks since I did have fun a lot, but also had that fun drained away just as quickly.

I don't even know what I am trying to say anymore. Thank you for the nice words. I will keep to my word about not rushing myself or pushing myself too much. I do feel like I am, at some point, going to try doing what I did before and pull all nighters and fuck up my sleep schedule drastically, but I'm hoping I will recognize the signs this time and take a step back once I possibly start doing that.

So don't be upset (saying this to the general audience/whoever reading this, not specifically you) if at some point in the future, if the comic does continue, that there might be another hiatus. Will definitely try not to go on a basically year long hiatus like I did last time, but depending on how my mental state is, it might be a pretty long one.

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sage-nebula · 1 year

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why do you like the idw comics? i've seen ppl talk abuot how sonics character is written poorly and the plots arent good and are copies of stories from archie so i was wondering your thoughts ?

I'm going to assume this question was asked in good faith, but also put up a disclaimer: I'm not interested in arguing about the IDW comics. If you don't like them, that's fine! Everyone has different opinions on things. But I'm ✨ 🎶 a 32-year-old lady 🎶 ✨and I don't have the time or energy to argue pointlessly with someone about why something I really like is bad, actually. So if you reblog this to tell me why it's bad, actually, I'm just going to block you. And I also don't want to further engage with asks debating about it. Whether you call it arguing, discourse, or whatever, I'm not here for it. So please don't bring it to my doorstep again.

That said:

I like the IDW Sonic comics because I find them to be very fun and engaging. I like these characters and I like seeing them put in situations. For the most part, the events and characters in the comics jive with what I'm used to from the games, to the point where honestly they all blend together in my mind, which is why you see a lot of IDW stuff in the Sonic fics I write. I love most of the original characters. I love all of the unbreakable bond content we've gotten. I love the angst and drama that we get because it's dramatic without it tipping into something unbelievable for the series. I love that any romance that happens in the comics is toned down and off to the side and that the friendships come first. The art is magnificent. And I can tell that a lot of joy and love goes into these comics—joy and love for the art, the characters, and the world—and that's not always a guarantee when it comes to licensed media. So the fact that the people working on the comics are Sonic fans first and foremost, and that really shows in the work, is something I enjoy a lot.

There is not a single piece of media out there that is perfect and without flaws. The Sonic games—all of them—have flaws. The Archie comics had flaws. The Sonic animated programs have flaws. Non-Sonic media has flaws, too. This is because every piece of art that has ever been created was created by human beings, and human beings are flawed creatures. Our flaws transfer into our work. But as a flawed human, I can engage with media that has flaws and still enjoy it. I can say, hey, maybe "Trial By Fire" wasn't the most interesting arc in the world to me because it was very Belle-centric and I'm not a fan of her character, but the comic as a whole is still enjoyable to me and so I'm willing to keep reading. The pros outweigh the cons here. And I can also say, this is a comic that makes me happy, so instead of focusing on the aspects of it that I'm not a fan of, I'm going to instead talk about the aspects of it that I love, and not engage with people who hate the comic and spend their time talking about how much they hate about it. Because that is not a productive use of my time and energy, and I only have so much time left on this earth. How much, I don't know. I could die tomorrow. But if I do die tomorrow, then I want to die knowing that I spent my free time doing things that brought me happiness, rather than anger and upset.

Again, if you don't like the IDW comics for whatever reason, that is fine for you. Everyone has different tastes, and the world would be really boring if we all thought the exact same things all the time. But having said that, freedom of speech means that while you're free to say what you want without persecution from the government, it doesn't mean that others are required to give you a platform and engage with your opinion. I really like the IDW Sonic comics. They make me happy. And fruitlessly arguing with people whose opinions I will never agree with any more than they will agree with mine does not make me happy. There are things that are worth fighting about in this world. Civil liberties, for instance. Workers' rights. But a comic series about brightly colored anthropomorphic animals is not one of those things. I'm not going to waste my time fighting about it, and I would recommend that you not waste your time fighting over it, either.

So tl;dr:

I like the IDW Sonic comics because I think they are fun and engaging. And I don't like arguing with people who dislike them. So if you feel the need to do that, please go do it with someone else, because I am not interested. Thank you.

#anonymous

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serencefrostbite · 1 year

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TLDR: My first ever complete drawing, thanks tumblr and the "cult of the lamb" fandom for helping me find enough motivation to learn how to draw!

So around 4-5 weeks ago, I think, the "cult of the lamb" storm hit me hard. I came across some comic dubs videos on youtube, found the artist's tumblr page through the description of that video, and rapidly discovered more and more artists in the fandom from there.

You all are so good at what you do, with so much passion that I would've never dreamed to achieve. Each drawings, fanfics, OCs, AU world buildings, etc... you guys made is like a bowl of hot noodles in a cold night. It's been so long since the last time I wanted to be a part of something this much!

Yet, I had none to bring to the table, and that made me so sad I had a minor crisis that lasted for days, just my self-loathing and my talent-less butt (lol). I kept roaming this site though, and seeing how you guys enjoying yourselves with all the arts and shenanigans surrounding this little game pushed me further than anything else had managed to for.....well, maybe the last 10 years of my life. I didn't stop at "oh woe is me" , you all pushed me to "I want to be like that".

So, with the help of a friend, I started learning how to draw, and after weeks of fumbling about, I finally managed to draw something "recognizable".

She's supposed to be a "cult of the lamb" OC , but as you all can probably see, her outfit doesn't really match the game for now. I drew this on actual paper too, so it's quite dirty and probably hard to see, and it's NOTHING compare to the average drawings you all make XD, but, she's the first one I ever drew with my own hand, and I'm happy I did it.

So, I post this pic here, part as a step to overcome my self-doubt, and part to offer my first child to tumblr (get it? Because this whole thing start from a "cult" game? I'm hilarious!)

So thank you tumblr, "cult of the lamb", and everyone who unknowingly gave me this joy in life (well, some among you may know ;) ).

P.S: I'm not confident enough to mention names yet because i don't know how the youtuber and artists would feel about some randos with eldritch horror level of drawing mention them by names lol, but maybe someday, when I think I'm good enough. The game is still a bop though even after finishing it, 9/10 would make pact with emo god cat again.

#serence's doodles

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honouredsatoru · 3 years

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JJK Characters x You on a date

notes : I tried including Gojo's love for Digimon since I also grew up watching Digimon and loving the anime with all of my heart, also because Gojo's seiyuu, both Japanese and English versions, voiced for characters in Digimon, so I wanna pay homage to the both of them. other than that, I also included my love for arts and history, something I tried to incorporate into my writing, just to make it like.. lilith's style, ya know?

extra notes : also I wrote megumi for Elli, just because haha.

warnings : slight cussing. not proofread lol. other than that, none. 100% fluff!

characters : gojo satoru, fushiguro megumi, kugisaki nobara, nanami kento, itadori yuji.

Gojo Satoru - Arcades, vintage shops, especially collectors, especially Digimon, comic book/manga stores.

[Your name]! [Your name!]! Look, look! It's the Digimon Adventure V-Tamer 01 series! All 9 of them! Let's get in!"

"Ahh hold on. Towu! We're supposed to visit the cat cafe, you promised that you would go with me and take pictures with the cat hairband on! And I'm starving!"

You jokingly scowled at him, tapping your Doc Martens feet on the ground, arms folding.

"Fucking adorable. Let me see if I can tease her more, hah." A smirk soon appeared on this blue-eyed darling of yours.

"Let me get the manga and I promise, I'll go to this cat cafe with you, baby. Hm?"

"Oh alright."

"I love you, sweetheart. I know how much you wanted to go there but the manga. I- ahaaaa"

He started pouting as he kept pointing in the direction of the Digimon manga by the window. You quickly opened your camera, taking pictures of him sulking, emitting a soft giggle that actually made his heart squeezed with joy.

He presses his lips against your forehead, thumb circling your cheek, gently squishing them before opening the door, yanking you into the comic book store with him. You vowed to hide the comic books once he goes on a mission. After all, he made you wait a month before the two of you finally get to go to this cafe you always wanted to visit.

"Baby, I can read what you're thinking. Your face shows it too. Hehe. Watch me hide your panties."

Taking in a few gulps of air to deepen your breath, you opened your eyes, to meet the love of your life's own eyes, snickering at you, his large hands on the crown of your head before ruffling your already messy hair. There is no way you can stay mad at this man, as childish as he is, you know he loves you and deep down? He knows you love him too.

Itadori Yuji - Thrift stores, internet cafes to play online games with you, cinemas.

"Candy! [Your name] love! Don't! Make! Me! Ahhh cover up for me! I am gonna lose! I am gonna-"

He turns around to face you with soft eyes, his eyebrows slightly droopy before looking back at the computer, taking in the seconds in his head to register the fact that he lost in his mission with you in Inferno.

"Awww sorry babe. I mean.. you just started playing CSGO, so tell me, why- again- damn it- you wanna- AH. Damn it! Throw the fucking grenade! I mean why you wanna play this game, you need more practice- FUCK YOU."

Gentle chuckles were heard, emitted from his throat, his soft, peach toned lips landed on your cheek repeatedly as he rubbed soothing circles around your back.

"Breathe, bunny baby. You're so feisty whenever you start having online matches. Breathe. I love you, and I don't want you to get your blood pressure rising because of these dumbos, hm?"

Your lips curl into a faint and appreciative smile, nodding while your eyes are glued to the screen, ignoring the fading laughs and snickers from the people acknowledging your mini rage.

"I love you too. If I win, I'm getting us boba and chicken nuggets. So let me fight them, okie?"

"Yes ma'am!"

Megumi - Museums, art galleries, photo exhibitions, aesthetic cafes.

"Oh Gumi bear, look at that! That is the Raft of Medusa, it was done by Thèodore Géricault, he himself interviewed two survivors from the shipwreck."

He looks over your eyes that shine with excitement and pure happiness.

"Art"

Was what he thought every time he laid his sight onto you. God knows that he falls in love with you every single time he is blessed with your presence. Resting his arm around your waist, pulling you closer, inhaling the scent of mixed berries and wild roses, he swore he heard his heartbeat increasing every two seconds in a span of one minute.

"Oh really? What do you think this painting is all about?"

Glancing at him before returning to the painting, you puffed your cheeks, pressing your lips together with your index finger curled on your chin and your thumb under it.

"Lord, she is so cute whenever she does that. Can I kiss her? Should I? No wait, she's trying to tell me her own interpretation of this painting. To me. Oh wow. I'm gonna kiss her... later. I can't interrupt her." That is all he could think of. You. He is deeply, madly, beautifully in love with you.

"In my opinion, it tells me the ways of how men, or human beings, seek out in order to survive. When we are at the brink of desperation, insanity, happiness, greed, lust, desire, wrath, grief, don't we all do things unimaginable to help us go through the day? They even resolved to cannibalism. I think even I would commit to that if I was in an extremely dire situation."

You looked at him, a wide smile on your face, emitting a soft giggle that entered his right ear and stayed within the chambers of his mind. He closed the spaces between the both of you, sealing his lips onto yours, with the intention of making this very moment last a little longer heavy within his heart.

"Art."

Was what you thought of him.

Nanami Kento - Theatres, historical museums, fine dining restaurants.

You squealed, lightly clapping your hands as you ran to a block of marble, your foot tapping against the floor. He chuckles, hands in his pocket, taking fast strides towards you.

"Namnam! Look look! That's the Parthenon Sculptures! It was founded in hm... Athens, yes! If I am not mistaken, around 438 to 432 BC. These sculptures decorated the insides of the Parthenon, it is a temple located at the fortress of the Athenian Acropolis. It is said that this temple was built to appreciate and worship the Goddess Athena, she was the deity worship in Athens. Also, ah ah! Did you know that the word parthénos means "maiden", "girl" or ‘virgin"? And I-"

You look at him, your magnificent lover wearing a dark brown trench coat, with ecru brown trousers and a black turtleneck tucked in, his neck layered with white gold necklaces. Your hand unconsciously scratches your sideburns, giggling at the side of his stoic expression, eyes piercing yours beneath that yellow-green glasses he constantly has on his chiseled face.

"Oh... I am sorry... I didn't mean to bore you. I was just so excited because you know me! I love anything that is related to ancient greek history and mythology. I can't seem to get enough of it and it is absolut-

"I'm not bored, [your name]. I was just paying attention to every single word that pretty lips of yours uttered. It's magnificent that you knew all of this. It shows just how smart, curious, bright your mind and soul is. And darling?"

"Huh?"

"I am lucky to be blessed with someone like you. With Gojo constantly following me, there is no way I can read the books I bought for myself. However, having you around, breaking the ice with your random history tib bits, I feel like I am reading the pages, savouring each word, alphabet, sentence, thus expanding my quest and love for knowledge."

You looked down. Normally, you're not the type to tear up this easily but seeing how this man, this angel of a man, appreciates the little things you loved and adored, you can't help but let the waterworks out. You lifted your head up to meet his gaze, the tip of your nose slightly stuffy. You grabbed his arms, clinging onto him, the difference of height and size makes it sweet to the eyes of strangers surrounding you both.

"Oh Namnam. Thank you so much. This means the world to me. Shall we... go and see the best of Ramesses the Great? I've loads to tell you!"

Nobara - Shopping malls, ferry rides, beach dates, parks with cherry blossoms.

"Baby... tell me, have you ever seen anything as joyous as the ocean?"

You two stood by the seashore, fingers intertwined, your head resting on her shoulders, the sound of the seas splashing against the rocks and the warmth around your foot, it tingled but it feels good at the same time.

"I don't want this moment to end, [your name]."

"Why is that, pretty one?"

A faint sigh leaves her lips, you feeling her body loosen up.

"I just.. school is sort of stressful so my time spent with you liberates me from the pressure, fatigue, and image of curses embedded in my brain. Walking with you... through this airy womb of skies and clouds, don't you know it makes me happy?"

You leaned closer, pressing a soft peck on her cheeks, earning yourself a pair of scarlet cheeks with a gorgeous smile from the one next to you. You turned yourself to face her, hands on her shoulders, bringing her body closer to yours.

"Whenever and wherever you need me, I will be there. I might not be perfect, but I am gonna do my best to be the one you can always count on."

You pressed a kiss on her left cheek.

"I love you."

A kiss on her right cheek.

"I love you."

A kiss to the lips of the woman whom you shared your entire universe with.

"To the moon and back, I love you, Kugisaki Nobara."

The end.

tags : @tojisveryown @sookyshima @megumifushi @sixeyesgojo @sirthisisa-wendys @sasso-oda @fushigurocockslut @nkogneatho @kotarousgf @noritoshiikamo

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ut-poppy-askblog · 3 years

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The Future of Omega Timeline: Poppy's Story

I am writing this way in advance, I have finished animating all of the main cutscenes, and I'm mainly working on the music for the "Act 1 Finale", as I write. I wanted to write this to talk about the fact I even got to this point at all, and what comes next for this project.

For starters, like most usually say when they reach a milestone such as this, I never thought this project would reach this many people.

I started this project with the mindset that no one was gonna really pay attention to it. The concept has always been pretty niche, so I was mostly doing it for myself. ... And yet, two years later, the blog is nearing 900 followers.

I'd like to thank everyone that has stuck by these two years, seen the asks, read the story, done fanart for the AU...

... Of course, let's not forget to thank all of my lovely friends and team members (Dihze, Lolika, Doku, Cap'n Toad, Tyrone, AJ, Cerulean, SKL, Mrky) that helped me throughout this whole thing. This would have never been possible without them.

... I cannot stress this enough, really.

Half of the fun of working on Poppy, for me, is always the back and forth between me and my friends. Talking about hypothetical plot points, how characters would answer asks, how they'd feel about other characters, or the OT should look or sound— that is and will always be what brings me the most joy about working on a project like this.

Not to mention all the friends that I've made through working on Poppy. Jakei, Yugo, poody_blue, Cerulean, blaize.mayes, and so many more I can name off the top of my head that have influenced Poppy to become much bigger than I originally intended.

Even though I will be the first to say that this AU is not perfect, and really, it never will.... It has reached so many people and inspired others, even brought more attention to the Omega Timeline itself, that I am honestly glad it exists as it is.

Originally, I was planning to do just like, 5 sprite comics and end it in less than a year. But now I've made 3 sprite based animations, totaling around 20 minutes, and many comic pages, a 30 long original soundtrack, and the blog has almost reached 900 followers.

It's hard to believe I did all of that, even if I had a lot of help along the way.

Regardless of how reception turns out (I'm still quite unsure on how people are going to feel about it...), it's honestly a huge thing for someone like me to have reached this point.

If you don't know my history with the Undertale community, I don't tend to finish or see through most of my projects.

But now that I've finished this video, I feel I am confident enough with saying that I am going to see this project through, one way or another.

Regardless, I figure people are going to have questions After the finale is out. I've lined up some of the ones I can think off the top of my head:

"Is the blog over?"

No, not yet, obviously. It's why it's called the "Act 1 Finale". There will be more in the future.

"How many acts will there be?"

3. What the other two are like, I cannot tell you, but we have a promising outline.

"What will happen to Poppy and the rest?"

All in due time. Did you read the ask above?

"What about Poppy Buys Milk?"

Like I've said before, the game is going to happen. It canonically takes place before the events of act 1 finale, specifically before "Happy Birthday, Mon" (Present), so most of the characters are unaware of what befalls them later.

"Are there plans to redo the act 1 things?"

Only the Dusted and Poppy spar. That is genuinely the only comic I'd like to remake in some fashion. It's bad and dumb.

As for more scenarios that ocurr during Act 1's time, though, I have no comments yet.

"When will character asks return?"

Once Act 2 starts. But that will take a bit to get it out.

To make up for it, though, I will likely be posting scrapped concepts, concept art, unused or old music, and story drafts, so I hope that'll hold everyone over until we can start.

... That's all for now. Again, huge thanks to everyone for sticking around and checking this little blog. If anyone has any Omega Timeline and otherwise out of character questions, you can send them here. (I've cleared out the ask box, so I'll be able to catch them more easily).

#ooc post #announcement #a thanks

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caveangelascendant · 3 years

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all of the hyperfixation asks. go. I am setting you free

making this one a twofer bc 1. i am crazy but i am free 2. it is literally impossible to answer some of these doing my current biggest one 😭

📃 what is the plot of your hyperfixation? and is it a movie, game, show, etc?

🔥 tallahassee is a normal and fun album about two spouses with a healthy and loving relationship that only bring out the best in each other. they survive also. i promise <3 counting the webbed site 4 this alongside the music btw 📺 the property of hate is a CRIMINALLY underrated webcomic about a rejected tumblr sexyman and his adopted human daughter as they run around what is probably one of my favorite fantasy settings ever

📌 how did you find your hyperfixation?

🔥 remember that week on tumblr where it was all no children memes? well. also i watched moral orel with vee (who sent this ask, everybody say thank you vee :)) and that planted a sleeper agent in my brain. it was then activated sometime in like... early? mid september? when i gave in and listened to the whole thing through during two back-to-back classes i have in the same room 📺 OK OK so one time i was chillin in vc, also with vee, and someone i followed on here reblogged a post of rgb getting the shit beaten out of him like 10 times in a row. i knew that i had definitely seen him somewhere before, but i couldnt place where, so we started getting to the bottom of it and ended up dming each other our reactions until 2 am. irl savepoint

✨ what draws you towards your hyperfixation? what is interesting about it?

🔥 i fucking LOVE music with lore. it just EXUDES vibes, helps me make art more. tallahassee is different from my other music hyperfixations + faves feat. lore in that it's not about, like, time traveling ghost wizards or some shit, so i do appreciate that about it. makes it very flexible for cooking new and delicious guys or spicing up previous ones, which i have done like 4 times in the past 2 months. shoutout to every funny bitch that reads fun sleepover with the besties. no thats not karkat from homestuck. also i enjoy interactive webbed sites and early 2000s stuff 📺 IT'S SO GOOD? IT'S JUST TOO GOOD. i hadn't felt whimsy in years but tpoh made me feel like i was on a field trip to my city's batshit bonkers science museum in 3rd grade again. all the character and environment designs are bursting with so much life and personality and joy that it is impossible not to love it oh so very deeply. it restored my faith in the medium of webcomics and made me feel excited to work on mine again.

🎥 do you have any favorite scenes from your hyperfixation?

🔥 from the album? im gonna have to go with like all of have to explode. idk something about that vibes. i live in fucking OHIO and the summer our ac broke was miserable so i've been like 28% there. clearly i liked it enough to write dungeons and dragons fanfic about it. website? def the letter from ray on the porch. it is so darkly funny to me. the way he signs off with a smiley face... convinced that if it was made in 2021 he would have opened it with "Hey besties," 📺 the scene where hero figures out the name of the world, no fucking doubt. looking at that made me so happy i almost cried. i cannot explain the amount of unadulterated joy this comic brings me

🎶 if your hyperfixation has songs/an ost, what is your favorite song from it?

🔥 still embarrassed that i panicked and told my mass media teacher "idylls of the king bc it's calming". un fucking doubtedly old college try. organ solo AND "the way those eyes i've always loved illuminate this place / like a trashcan fire in a prison cell / like the searchlights in the parking lots of hell". how the hell am i EVER supposed to be the same after hearing that?? how is ANYONE??? GOD. god. i also accidentally wrote in my essay that

💕 tell us about one of your favorite characters and why you like them!

🔥 hm well i have a paragraph or two in my wip director's cut of a school essay that is currently *checks notes* 4.5k long about how the album's language and structure take the alpha couple not as individual characters, but only as a couple, two halves of an inseparable and terrible whole. i like them in a "*starts the deathmatch and watches*" way. so instead i will talk about my fave from my wip webcomic that accidentally has the same plot as this. this is robin larappeler they r the lady on the right, please excuse the fucked up anatomy. i drew this at 2 am in august then forgot about them for a month. she is my first tumblr sexywoman, she cannot speak french, and i believe in her.

📺 YES OMG i would fucking KILL for everyone in this comic, but especially cell (she's my icon). i love her oh so very much. she is a grandma hedgehog made of colors and sewing pins and love. i am literally her irl. i ask all of you to please picture her when you think about me.

💔 tell us about one of your LEAST favorite characters and why you dislike them.

📺 i will beat dial to death with a baseball bat in an arby's parking lot. i dont trust him

🏳️‍🌈 do you have any headcanons (lgbt, race, neuro, etc) that are important to you?

🔥 THIS WILL SOUND SO FUNNY BUT YES ACTUALLY. i was telling my friend bt about this album while we listened to the beginning in his car and when we got out he was like "so... are they detectives?" i dont even know how he came to that conclusion AT ALL but now i like to imagine that they're, like, rogue private eyes because it's hilarious. it's just not relevant to harry's journey so we dont ever see it. i also think that they've committed murder at least once and forgot about it, also because it would be hilarious and in-character. there is a whole page in my notes app that is an utterly incomprehensible stream of consciousness about this. i do think that representation headcanons abt this would be top tier, tho. Diversity win! The spouse in a mutually abusive relationship with you that burned down your house with both of you inside is a bisexual woman of color! 📺 rgb is canonically bi so i don't! in my brain hate is very pretty tho. so i think that counts. another win for the gays

🍀 do you have any kins or comfort characters from your hyperfixation?

🔥 no and thank god 📺 OH RGB IS A COMFORT CHAR DEFINITELY. hes such a scrunkly, i wish he was my dad

💎 are there any fun facts or trivia that you would like to share?

🔥 live recordings of no children are DEFINITELY insane summoning rituals. im going to need you to find one and listen to it RIGHT NOW unless you are in my discord server and i have already tormented u with one. best ones will have drums 📺 hmmmm well i don't have any trivia unfortunately :( i am trying to improve my spanish by reading the translation tho!

💢 what do you NOT like about your hyperfixation? is there something you would want to change about it?

🔥 i saw a review that said the limited instrumentation holds it back from truly conveying the emotions at play, and i would like to disagree. clearly you've never heard of vibes 🙄 📺 i would want it to update faster 😭

#a dragon tail #ask games #theleastcarefulofgamedevs #friendposting #venus you have given me SO much life #asks

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walkerwords · 4 years

Text

“Cartwheels and Key-chains” Jesus x Aaron

Request from anonymous: So it's not an x Reader, but can we get some Jesus x Aaron spending time with Gracie 🥺 pretty please

Word Count: 3999

Warning: None

Song I Wrote To: “Grow Old With Me” by Tom Odell

Note: I love this pairing so much. In the comics they have a relationship and I so wish they would have done it in the show. Jesus was one of my favourite characters and I miss him! I hope this little one shot brings you a bit of joy! Happy Saturday!

--------

The sun was high in the sky by the time Jesus arrived at Alexandria.

Beams of warm light filtered through the canopy of trees that surrounded the town. Jesus had always loved Alexandria. While the Hilltop was his home, whenever Jesus came to visit, he felt like he was stepping back in time.

While the town had lost a lot of its original charm after the Saviors blanketed it with fire, Rick and Michonne had made sure to rebuild it. Even now, with Rick Grimes gone, Alexandria still stood proud and while her gates were currently closed, Jesus always had a way in.

He approached from the South, sneaking through the brush. When he got close enough to the wall, he whistled twice. It didn’t take long for a less than melodic whistle to return. Jesus fought down a laugh as Judith Grimes came out of the shadows with a grin on her face.

The little Grimes had grown up in front of all of them and Jesus couldn’t help but smile every time he saw her. Especially because she looked so much like her big brother now. Carl’s hat, now hers, sat proudly on her head, shielding her young face from the afternoon sun. Her wakizashi was strapped on her back and the colt python was on her hip. Both weapons reminding everyone who her parents were. A Grimes through and through and one of Jesus’ favourite people.

“We need to work on your whistles,” Jesus said walking towards her and giving her a big hug. Judith laughed as he picked her up and held her tight.

“I’m trying!” she said with a giggle as he put her down. “Scott says I’m getting better though,” Judith said proudly. Jesus tapped the brim of her hat with a smile.

“Okay, okay,” he conceded, “How are you, Judith?”

“I’m okay,” she said, “How’s Hilltop?” The two of them began walking through the woods, towards the other gate.

“Good,” Jesus said, “Tara says hello and Enid wanted me to tell you that she loved the bracelet you made for her. I haven’t seen her take it off since.” That information made Judith beam.

“Well, I’m glad!” Judith said and Jesus was always surprised at how well-spoken the kid was. Then again, according to Maggie, Carl was the same way at her age. She was quiet for a bit as they walked and then eventually Judith slowed down and looked up at him with those big eyes of hers. “Have you seen my Uncle Daryl?” she asked softly. Jesus knew that she missed her uncle a lot ever since he left to live in the woods and search for her dad. He also knew that Daryl missed her too, as well as R.J. who also frequently asked about him.

Daryl visited Hilltop occasionally to trade and essentially just let them know that he was still alive, but Jesus had a feeling Daryl wasn’t visiting Alexandria as much as he used to. At least not since the Jocelyn incident. Though, he had seen the archer not that long ago when he came into Hilltop to grab some materials to make more bolts for his bow.

“I saw him a couple of weeks ago,” Jesus told Judith. “He’s doing good and he even has a dog now.”

“A dog?” Judith asked, excited. “I wanna meet the dog.”

“Next time I see him, I’ll tell him. I promise,” Jesus said with a smile that Judith mirrored. “Okay, Miss Grimes, we have a mission to complete. Are you with me?” Judith nodded seriously and they picked up their speed towards the gate.

While Jesus knew he wasn’t prohibited from entering Alexandria, Michonne was still wary about people coming and going. And of course, if he just walked in, people would want to talk to him, especially Gabriel, Siddiq, and Rosita and while he loved his friends, there were only two people he wanted to see.

Jesus followed Judith through the woods. Running into a single Walker, Jesus let the little Grimes take it out. With two strikes of her sword, it was down and she finished it off easily. Just looking at her now, he knew that Rick would be so proud of his little girl.

Judith took him along the steel wall and to the gate. Scott was waiting there as always. He nodded to Judith as she slipped through the gates and purposefully turned his head away from Jesus who followed her. Scott was smiling as he joined in on the game. Judith saluted the Alexandrian guard and then took Jesus’ hand and pulled him along the back of the houses.

The two of them crept around like spies, hushing each other whenever their footsteps became too audible. Judith kept low to the ground, stopping dramatically and peering around corners. Jesus watched on with a permanent smile on his face. Eventually, they reached their destination and Judith turned to face him. “Mission accomplished,” Judith said proudly.

“Always a pleasure, Miss Grimes,” Jesus said with a deep bow. Judith curtsied back. “Now get going before we are discovered,” Jesus said in a hushed tone.

“Good idea,” Judith whispered back before hugging him again. Jesus squeezed her back and then she skipped off towards her house, most likely going to find her baby brother. Jesus watched after her for a moment before focusing on the task at hand.

Sneaking around the back of the house, Jesus silently ascended the back stairs and peeked into the window. He spotted her immediately. Gracie was sat at the kitchen table coloring on a piece of paper. Her dad, Aaron, was nowhere to be seen.

Very gently, Jesus tapped on the window. Gracie looked up from her art and instantly spotted him. She grinned wide at him, waving. Jesus pressed his finger to his lip with a wink and Gracie mirrored his movement. Looking over her shoulder, Gracie got up from the table and moved towards the back door. Jesus met her there and she opened it slowly. “Hi, Jesus!” she said in a loud whisper. Gracie stood aside as Jesus slipped into the house. He pulled off his leather duster and draped it over a chair before turning to the young girl.

Kneeling down to her level, he offered his hand to her. Gracie gripped it immediately and shook it twice before sliding it back and then joining their hands again to make a wing shape with both of their palms. The secret handshake finished with a snap and then Gracie was wrapping her arms around his neck. “Good to see you, kiddo,” Jesus said, hugging her.

“Daddy’s in the other room,” she whispered as she stepped out of his arms.

“You wanna help me surprise him?” Jesus asked and Gracie nodded excitedly. Gracie took Jesus’ hand and led him down the hallway of her house.

Aaron had blanketed the walls of their home with Gracie’s artwork as soon as she first picked up a marker. There were also little knickknacks dotted around the home from all the runs Aaron would go on. He always made sure to bring something interesting back for his daughter. Then, of course, there was the wall of license plates that Jesus had always found very endearing. It was just one of those things that made Aaron, Aaron.

Jesus and Gracie were silent as they peeked around the corner, but the living room was empty. Gracie looked up at Jesus, confused. She then let go of his hand and looked towards the small dining area, but Aaron wasn’t there either. Jesus entered the living room, suspicious, and then out of nowhere, he was tackled.

Gracie yelped in surprise as her dad flew at Jesus, taking him to the floor in a single move. She began laughing as soon as Aaron lifted his prosthetic arm in victory while his other held the other man down. “Finally!” Aaron called out with a laugh.

“I heard you coming,” Jesus argued, his voice muffled by the rug he was pressed into.

“Yeah, I’m sure you did,” Aaron said with a roll of his eyes. Jesus pushed him back, swinging his leg around, and catching it behind Aaron’s knees. Aaron went down hard and Jesus grinned down at him from his kneeling position. “Letting your guard down once again,” Jesus said, shaking his head in mock-disapproval. Aaron sighed, letting his head fall to the ground.

“My turn!” Gracie yelled as she jumped onto both men, flattening them instantly.

“Oh no!” Aaron cried out. “She got us!” Gracie wrapped her arms around both of them as she laughed and Aaron and Jesus feigned exhaustion as they were taken down by the eight-year-old.

“We surrender!” Jesus called, waving an imaginary white flag. Gracie pushed up onto her knees and looked down at both of them, her hands going in the air just as her dad had done moments before.

“I win!” she exclaimed with a toothy grin.

“That you did, Gracie girl!” Aaron said, sitting up. “And you know what winners get?”

“Lunch?” she asked hopefully.

“Heck yeah!” Aaron said as he grabbed her around the waist and hauled her to her feet. Gracie reached for Jesus and he let her pull him up off the ground.

“Okay, when did you get so strong?” he asked her, ruffling her hair.

“I’ve been practicing all the stuff you showed me last time you came to see us,” Gracie said proudly. She dropped into a defensive stance and Jesus mirrored her. She giggled as she jabbed at him and he took the hit clutching his arm dramatically. Gracie giggled at his fake pain.

“The two of you hang out way too much,” Aaron said as he watched them with a smile. Jesus winked at him and then Gracie began skipping towards the kitchen. Aaron nodded his head towards his daughter and Jesus followed.

Gracie sat back down at the kitchen table as Aaron went around the kitchen prepping her lunch. Jesus snatched an apple from the bowl on the table and perched on the kitchen counter to watch Aaron make the sandwich for his kid. Aaron looked at Jesus with amusement. “You know, normal people tend to use chairs, Jesus,” he said, pointing to Jesus’ crossed legs. Jesus, however, just happily munched on his snack.

“So, how’s it going around here?” Jesus asked, fiddling with the fruit in his hands.

“Good,” Aaron said, “got a nice amount of crops growing and everyone has been helping out with the harvest. The kids are doing well in school and I think Eugene is trying to increase the distance for our radios.”

“Sounds promising,” Jesus said, running a hand through his long hair. Tara had been trying to convince him for her to let her cut it, but any time she would come at him with scissors he’d go hide in the attic. Nobody was touching his hair.

“What about you? Is Hilltop still good?” Aaron asked and Jesus sighed.

“Yeah, I mean, we’re managing. Got a good harvest this year as well. And Enid, well she pretty much deserves an M.D. at this point. The girl can fix anything up as you well know,” Jesus said with another wink. Aaron rolled his eyes, but the smile remained on his face. Gracie then interrupted, bouncing on her heels.

“The other day,” she began, “R.J. found a frog and started chasing us with it.”

“Why?” Jesus asked, immediately enthralled by the girl’s story.

“Because Judith said that R.J. was bouncing all over the place and he said that no, he didn’t bounce because he wasn’t a frog. And then I said that frogs don’t bounce and that they hop,” Gracie said.

“Which, of course, they definitely do,” Jesus agreed, biting into the apple.

“Right!” Gracie exclaimed. “So, after I told him that, he still said they bounced and then he ran away and when he came back he had an actual frog in his hand! I don’t know where he found it but then he started to chase us with it. Judith and I had to hide in Rosita’s kitchen until he left.” Gracie shuddered at the memory of the frog and Jesus had to bite his cheek so he didn’t explode into laughter.

“R.J. is acting more and more like his dad every day,” Jesus said. “Did you know Rick did the same thing to me when we met?”

“No, he didn’t!” Gracie said.

“True story, ask anyone,” Jesus said, completely serious. Gracie looked to her dad and Aaron nodded as well.

“It’s true, I was there. But Rick had two frogs instead of one,” Aaron continued. Gracie looked at them in shock while both men nodded to one another.

“I don’t believe you,” she said, suspiciously.

“Believe it or not, kiddo,” Jesus said, “but it’s true.” Gracie looked gobsmacked at the information and it brought Jesus a lot of happiness to see it. It was the little things in life.

“Gracie,” Aaron said, “go wash up before lunch, okay? We’ll talk more about frogs later.” Gracie bounced from the room and up the stairs to do as she was asked. Once his daughter was out of earshot, Aaron put down the food in his hands and turned towards Jesus. “What’s really going on with you? And don’t say you’re fine. I know you, Paul.” Jesus leaned against the wall, looking at the man before him. The humor quickly evaporated from the room as Aaron switched into his “serious mode”.

“I’m just feeling a bit overwhelmed,” Jesus admitted. “Tara wants me to be taking charge of all this stuff and I can’t even keep my head on straight. I don’t know why they thought to elect me to lead them.”

“Because you’ve always fought for Hilltop,” Aaron explained. “It was you that convinced Rick to even see that there were other places out there. You were the one who warned us about Negan and the Saviors and you even introduced us to Ezekiel and the Kingdom. Whether you want to believe it or not, Jesus, you were the one to bring us all together. You lit that initial flame.” Jesus smiled softly, looking down at his hands.

“You know, Rick didn’t much care for me when we met,” Jesus said, laughing.

“He punched me when we first met,” Aaron recalled fondly. “He thought I was trying to lead them into a trap.”

“Yeah, that sounds about right,” Jesus agreed. “She’s a lot like him, don’t you think?”

“Judith is definitely special,” Aaron said, knowing where Jesus’ thoughts were. “I wish he could see who she’s become.” Jesus reached out and rested his hand on Aaron’s shoulder, rubbing a small circle with his thumb.

“I miss him too.” Aaron leaned into Jesus’ touch, sighing with content. Their sweet moment was then interrupted by Gracie running back into the room announcing she was ready to eat.

The three of them sat around the kitchen table eating the sandwiches Aaron had provided.

They shared stories of what was happening in both of their lives. Aaron mentioned Eugene was doing science experiments for the kids and Laura and Rosita were teaching the kids how to handle horses.

It was odd for Jesus to listen to what was happening in ASZ. He was trying to catch up with everything all at once. These were the days that he wished Michonne would be a bit more lenient with opening up the gates again.

He, of course, knew why she didn’t. Everyone knew something had gone down when Michonne’s old friend, Jocelyn, had shown up, but nobody ever discussed the details. Jesus had once wanted to ask Daryl about it but taking one look at his friend’s haunted face, he dropped it and never brought it up again.

Relationships and friendships of all sorts were being tested in the post-Grimes world, but Jesus was determined to keep the one he had with Aaron and Gracie. They were too important to him to give up.

Looking across the table at the father-daughter duo, warmth swelled in Jesus' chest. It was clear to him then, that not only were Gracie and Aaron family, but they were what Jesus needed to fight for.

Aaron caught him looking and raised an eyebrow at him. Jesus smiled back at the man, kicking him lightly under the table. Aaron's gaze lingered on him for just a moment longer before returning his full attention to his little girl.

"Jesus," Gracie said, "are you scared of the Walkers?" Jesus wasn't surprised by the question at all. These kids, no matter where they grew up, were used to all of the monsters and chaos the apocalyptic world threw at them. Asking about Walkers was just like asking what day it was or what someone's favourite color was. All a part of the new normal.

"It depends, Gracie," Jesus said honestly, "If there are only one or two and I can see them coming then no, but if there are a lot and my friends are in danger, then yes it can be a bit scary." Gracie nodded thoughtfully at his words.

"They scare me," Gracie admitted.

"That’s okay,” he assured her. “It’s never a bad thing to be afraid or tell people you are.” Gracie nodded, happy with his answer, and returned to her food. Aaron was looking at Jesus with admiration and gratitude in his eyes. Since losing so many people, the kids of the communities relied on being raised by the whole village. These moments were what the kids needed the most. All the advice from others and especially people that cared about them as much as Jesus cared about Gracie.

As they finished lunch, Jesus said he had a gift for Gracie.

“Look in the inside pocket of my coat, G,” Jesus said as he popped the last bite of sandwich into his mouth. Gracie grabbed Jesus’ duster from the back of the chair and hauled it into her lap. It took her a few seconds, but eventually, her small hand curled around a small object tucked away inside the coat.

“Daddy, look!” Gracie said, holding up a small key-chain. Aaron looked at it closely before he began howling with laughter. In her hand was a little souvenir Nevada license plate key-chain Jesus had found in an old house a few weeks back. Jesus had thought it was appropriate for Aaron’s little one to have her own collection of State merchandise.

Gracie had the biggest smile on her face as she twirled the little key-chain around her finger. “I’m going to go hang it up next to yours,” Gracie said to her dad as she got up from the table. She quickly ran to Jesus and gave him a hug. “Thank you, Jesus,” she said.

“You’re welcome, kiddo,” he said with a smile of his own and watched her skip away.

“Where did you even find that?” Aaron asked as he cleaned the table.

“I have my ways, Aaron,” Jesus said and Aaron tossed a dishtowel at him with a laugh.

Once Gracie had added her own little plate to Aaron’s larger collection, she wanted to go outside and practice her cartwheels so that is exactly what they did.

Aaron and Jesus sat on the back steps while Gracie practiced in front of them. Jesus would call out pointers with every cartwheel, somersault, and handstand she did. Anytime the martial arts master would visit her, he would make sure to teach her something new. Aaron was always grateful as he wasn’t ready to start teaching his kid how to handle weapons. This way, Gracie was learning how to defend herself safely.

Jesus had offered to do this when he noticed Gracie kept asking why Judith was training to kill Walkers and protect people and she wasn’t. While Judith was older, she also had Michonne as a mother who was training her with the sword and she had grown up around fighting and weapons.

In Gracie’s case, she was lucky to be born at the start of the war and hadn’t had to see much combat. Aaron was hoping to keep just a bit more of her childhood intact before handing her a weapon, but both men knew that sooner or later, she would have to learn just as Judith, Henry, and every other kid had to.

As they watched her tumble around, Aaron reached over and took Jesus’ hand in his own. Instantly, they both relaxed. “I know you worry about her,” Jesus said softly.

“It’s more than that,” Aaron admitted. “I know that if something happened to me, there are people around that would take her in without question.”

“But?”

“But she’s already lost two parents and if I were to die, physically she’d be okay, but emotionally? I can’t even start to imagine how she would cope with that.”

“Aaron,” Jesus said gently, “you can’t let yourself think like that. Yeah, we all know that every time we leave the gates, there is that chance, but we’ve lived through some pretty screwed up stuff and we’ve always come out alive.”

“Not all of us,” Aaron reminded him and Jesus squeezed Aaron’s hand tighter, well aware of all the losses that came from the war against the Saviors and before.

“Not all of us,” Jesus agreed. “You know I can’t promise anything, but I am going to do my damn hardest to make sure you come home to her every night.” Aaron looked at Jesus and he couldn’t believe he had found someone like him through all of this. After losing Eric, Aaron never thought he would find another person to share his life with and Gracie’s life as well. Paul Rovia had taken Aaron by surprise all those years ago and still, he was fascinated by him every day.

“How did I get so lucky?” Aaron whispered. Jesus shrugged, lifting their hands and pressing a kiss to the back of Aaron’s.

“You are way too good looking to be that corny,” Jesus joked. Aaron snatched his hand back with a laugh and Jesus only followed after him. He grabbed Aaron by the chin and pressed a firm kiss to the other man’s lips. Aaron sighed and smiled into the kiss. When Jesus pulled back, Aaron was still grinning.

“Says the man that goes by the name ‘Jesus’,” Aaron pointed out. Jesus rolled his eyes but smiled back nonetheless. He then dropped his head onto Aaron’s shoulder and watched as Gracie executed a perfect round off, landing with her hands up in a gymnast pose.

“Did you see that!” she exclaimed, beaming at them both. Aaron and Jesus both clapped and cheered at her accomplishment. Gracie ran towards them and jumped onto them, wrapping each arm around their necks and holding them close. Aaron and Jesus held the girl back, looking at each other with love as they hugged her.

It was the little moments such as these that made the trek to Alexandria worth it. It didn’t matter if communities weren’t speaking to each other or that monsters walked outside the gates. Right now, at that moment, all that mattered was Jesus hugging his found family. One he would have never found if he hadn’t of ran into Rick Grimes and Daryl Dixon that day all those years ago and stole their supplies. Without the Saviors, he would have never fought alongside Aaron and they would have never found Gracie.

In some ways, Jesus was grateful for everything they had gone through. Their losses made them stronger, their victories strengthened the camaraderie between their people, and everything else in between was just meant to be.

As the three of them sat on the back steps of Aaron’s home, they listened to the musical calls of birds that sang in the trees, reminding them that while the world tried to die, life was still shining through and that was something worth smiling about.

TAGS: @thanossexual @felicisimor @yes-sir-hotchner

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nightsoulsworld · 3 years

Note

If you are still taking request, I would like a TMNT match up 🥺 I'm 5'5'', skinny, but not-in-love-with-my-body asexual girl, who is a lil bit awkward socially, but if I befriend someone I become open and energetic. I'm protective, supportive, get frustrated quickly and I am almost always ready for fight for my friends. Sometimes loves to talk, sometimes I hate, but I'm good listener. I have trouble speaking about emotions, but I can't hide them anyway, so I'm getting just more angry and frustrated. I just need understanding and peace and quiet when I'm asking to leave me alone. I also have problem with sleep. In general: I'm angry and tired, but loving mess.

Love playing video games, drawing (mostly digital), making jewelry, cosplaying and collecting thing. I read books, comics and manga. Watching a lot of anime, movies (mostly horror, sci-fi and action). I like to write down my thoughts. I listen to a lot of music, mostly jeez, indie, rock and country. I wanna learn some martial arts. Always love to hear about the hobbies of others. How much I love animal- especially turtles, birds and cats!!

I don't know what should I write- I don't know how to talk about myself because I am too scary and insecure about lol

Love your work anyway and have a nice summer day!!! 🥰🥰💞🥺

Hello! Thanks for asking. I really appreciates that you love my work. I'm so happy and nice summer day to you as well!! 💜💖💖💖💖. Happy Fourth of July 😘😘😘

Here we go

I think your match is...

Donnie

He fell hard for you

He was so surprised and amazed you weren't afraid of him

Deep inside of him he was so happy and he was jumping of joy

He loves spend time with you

He really appreciates how you care and listen him

He likes to play video games with you

He is so happy when you are around and that really bring up his spirit

He will help you with everything you have problem with

He helps you to express your feelings

He really loves your artwork and he can't wait for your another work

When you draw him, he's so happy

He's so proud of you

He's not much into horror movies, but he's happy to watch some good sci-fi movie with you

He don't have much time to listen his music, so he always ask you on your fav music

He's so happy that you want to learn martial arts ; he will happy to teach you Ninjutsu

He treat you like his princess, you are his whole world and he always be there for you 💜💜

I hope you like your match 💙. Have a nice day / evening/ night 💖😍

#wrr000 #nightsoulsworld #tmnt 2016 #tmnt leonardo #tmnt 2014/ 2016 #tmnt donnie #tmnt raphael #tmnt+matchup #tmnt bayverse #tmnt match up #tmnt donatello #tmnt headcanons #tmnt match ups #tmnt matchup #tmnt matchups

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felixstudies · 5 years

Text

some back to school tips

since i'm going back to school in september (my final year of high school!!!) here are some Tips™ that make my life a little easier!

SLEEP. I know, everyone says that. BUT. There's nothing worse than going to school after less than 7 hours of sleep for me. I'm that person who will faint if they don't get enough sleep so I treat it very seriously. Remember to sleep!

BE KIND. It’s easy to fall into indifference. Be kind to your classmates. Treat yourself well. Even little things will influence your mood and help the day pass quickly.

RESPECT SCHOOL EMPLOYEES. Teachers notice when someone is polite and doesn’t disturb them. Maintaining a good relationship with a teacher might help you a lot during the school year! It helped me get a better final grade in Physics. The teacher told me that my behavior in class influenced my grade (for the better!). The same goes for other people working at school. Those who clean the halls or make your lunch are extremely important - and they’re people, too. Saying hello to them isn’t that difficult.

ENJOY THE WEATHER. Back to school season also happens to be the nicest season of all (imo) - AUTUMN! Think of a way to enjoy the sun and all those little things autumn brings to our lives: pumpkins, colorful leaves, perfect coffee weather... Try studying outside or go on a walk, if you can. Visit a local library. Studying by a window also works well!

BE YOURSELF. Is it the most boring advice in the world? Some may say so. But, entering my final year of high school, I’m so glad I’ve listened. School is definitely the time to figure yourself out and try new things! But don’t change everything in yourself just to impress someone. You are a human being. You are not made for consumption.

EXIST OUTSIDE OF STUDYING. It’s something I had a problem with for quite a long time. I think it’s especially relevant in the studyblr community, where we post pretty pictures, talk about our progress and generally focus on our studies. And there’s nothing wrong with that! But make sure you have a hobby not connected to studying. It can be anything you want! It will help you find joy in life.

CREATE THINGS. You don’t have to be good at it. Do it for your own enjoyment, or for the therapeutic feeling. Journal, write poetry, doodle, arrange flowers... There are so many things you can do and the feeling of having created something is incredible. I made a weird mini flower vase shaped like a flower. Is it Art(TM)? No, but I’m happy about it.

EAT. Your body is using a lot of energy for studying, absorbing knowledge, growing... Food is your body’s fuel. Without it, you will start having health problems. Make sure you’re nourished and hydrated!

and some little study tips too!

TRY STUDYING WITH OTHERS. Especially if you haven’t before. It may not be your cup of tea... but it might as well be!

USE YOUR KNOWLEDGE. “Well, Felix, how will that help me with studying?” I know. It sounds obvious. But it works! Try finding uses of what you’ve learned in your everyday life. For example, I use my literature knowledge when I talk about movies with my friends.

FIND WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU. Colorful, aesthetic notes? Amazing. Flashcards? Great. Typing up your notes in comic sans? Cool! If a study method works for you, use it.

IF YOU DON’T ENJOY IT, SURVIVE IT. It’s best for us to find something interesting in every class. But sometimes it just... doesn’t happen. If it’s an insufferable elective, you can drop it! No shame in that! But if it’s a class you have to take, do your best to survive it. Find a way to motivate yourself - maybe sit with a classmate who you like? Doodle things the teacher talks about? Play a game of how many times they say [chosen word]? Try not to hate the class and you’ll get through it!

USE THE REWARD SYSTEM SMARTLY. It’s really good to reward yourself for hard work. And it’s motivating! But don’t go overboard with it. Don’t say “I cannot watch this series until I get an A.” or “I won’t do a SPA day until I learn everything for the test.” You’re human. You deserve to relax. Self-care shouldn’t be conditional.

that would be it for now, everyone! i hope you’ll have (or are already having) a great school year! feel free to add any tips you have and enjoy your day! (and reminder to get a glass of water now!)

#studyblr #studying #study tips #study #back to school #school tips #high school #high school tips #school hacks #original #mine #polish studyblr #athenastudying #heyaly #heypat #gloomstudy #einstetic #eintsein #emmastudies

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junewild · 3 years

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tags masterpost

a couple of people have complimented me on my new tag system and a couple of people have asked me what tags go to what sort of content, so i thought i’d write up a little masterpost of what the tags mean, where they came from, and why they’re important to me! you’ll even get a sneak peek at a few tags that are very rare or have yet to be used 👀. this will be linked in my carrd when i get around to it. i’ve even tried to alphabetize them 😅 thanks for expressing interest, it’s very lovely of you all xoxo

#and i am close behind — home tag

a continuation of “the wild geese are heading home again” which is my nature tag. just for everything that makes me feel like i am coming home.

#and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart — quotes and words tag

from a poem by e.e. cummings. “and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart / i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)”. words are just hearts speaking to each other, after all.

#and i was like *screams* — space tag

from the jenny slate drunk history nasa episode, because she somehow manages to sum up fully 80% of my feelings about the universe in that one sentence

#angstposting — disordered thoughts tag

literally just stream-of-consciousness breakdown-posting. probably block this tag. i go back and clean it out after every breakdown.

#but they are all good stories — media analysis/literature critique tag

hilary mantel (whose work i have never read) wrote that “some of these things are true and some of them lies. but they are all good stories.” anyway, that’s how i feel about taking apart stories and narratives and looking at them from the outside.

#can you not hear the ocean in me — mental health and disorders tag

the non-breakdown version. from this poem, which i can’t find anyone but i think is a deleted inkskinned or caitlyn siehl one:

“i am alive;

can you not hear the ocean in me;

are you not aware of the war i am fighting ;

i am alive ;

you cannot take that from me”

#checkmate nihilism — crafts tag

higgsboshark wrote a lovely post about how knitting is a great treatment for existential dread & now that’s all i think about every time i’m crafting. checkmate, nihilism. look at this thing that i am making with my hands. it exists and it will change someone’s life.

#dumbposting — misc tag

for tag games and dumb comments and things that don’t fit in anywhere else.

#fashion is instant language — fashion/body art tag

okay. IS this a cliche prada quote? yes. but also, one of my first classes in college was about art & society & the first thing that we learned was that the human body is the first & most primal canvas. what you do with your body is a statement, a language you are sharing with the people around you. i get very emotional about it.

#felt rather than seen — poetry tag

YES i am a BASIC WHITE GIRL, thank you. the first half of the da vinci quote. “poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen / “

#fill your arms with the pink and white flowers — spring aesthetic tag

from one of mary oliver’s slightly less well known poems.

“do you also hurry, half-dressed and barefoot, into the garden, and softly

exclaiming of their dearness,

fill your arms with

the pink and white flowers,

with their honeyed heaviness, their lush trembling, their eagerness

to be wild and perfect for a moment, before they are nothing

forever”

#get in good trouble — activism/politics tag

are you really living if you aren’t making trouble for someone? write more letters. leave more voicemails. go to protests. join a mutual aid group. donate. there’s something you can do, even if it’s small.

#i am building a world that is worth living for — moral living tag

slightly different from the activism tag bc this is more about what you/i can do in everyday life to make the world a better place. these are my own words, reminding me that to stay alive i have to build my own life and live in it.

#i care to look on the outside like i do on the inside — gender/ sexuality tag

maggie stiefvater is a poet.

#i have a magpie mind — happy tag

laurie graham’s version of the quote goes “i have a magpie mind, by which i mean i see and hear little things - photos, fragments of conversation - and store them away for future use,” and that’s what this tag is. just a lot of lovely things that i want to look back on.

#i think i was a selkie in a past life — ocean/beach/selkie myth tag

someday i’m going to walk into the ocean and never come out again. j promised he would take me to a warm ocean where i can stand in chest-deep waves until i can’t stand any longer and i’ve never looked forward to anything so much in my life.

#i wrote my own deliverance — creation/writing tag

this is not an admission of guilt. hamilton has a lot of words in it and these happen to be very nice.

#it would be a merrier world — food tag

because tolkien was right.

#laughter for no cause — humor tag

funny things. half of a quote by louise glück.

#let the wilderness engulf us again — discourse tag

i believe this is by christa wolf. anyway this is how i feel when i read Discourse. let’s all just get swallowed by the wilderness. who needs civilization anyway.

#loveposting — affection tag

look, i’m just really gay and happy and i love my followers and my mutuals. let’s move on

#nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it — memory/emotion tag

yes, i have read everything ever written by l m montgomery, why do you ask?

#offspring of heaven firstborn — light tag

constantly debating about whether i should change this one. i just have too many quotes about light. and too many posts about light. and too much love for light. this one is by milton, from the third book of paradise lost, and i memorized the entire chapter as a teenager because my “history” “class” believed in memorization as a form of education.

#our bodies are meant to hold other bodies — sex/eros tag

from that little comic by grendelmenz (?). i KNOW it’s about cannibalism i DON’T care don’t @ me to love is to consume

#seen rather than felt — painting/visual art tag

and here’s the other half of the da vinci quote.

#she stood in desperate music wound — music and playlists tag

from “a crazed girl” by yeats. tbh i usually lie upside down in my bed in desperate music wound but this poem kept me going as a teenager

#simply because the world is beautiful — misc tag

i just think the world is lovely and i am glad to be alive in it. this is where the rest of the assorted content goes.

#someday you will be old enough to read fairytales again — fantasy/gaming/scifi tag

cs lewis got one thing right.

#stardust will turn into kindness — joy tag

okay. okay i am still weeping about this man and his chickens. this tag is for every small creature who brings me delight. https://everychickdeservesamother.com/2019/08/17/all-the-good-there-is/

#thank god for the months after may — summer aesthetic tag

i haven’t listened to ben rector since i was seventeen but this is a good quote anyway and summer flowers are the thing that keep me going through the winter.

#the first sign of civilization is a healed femur — civilization/altruism/kindness tag

paraphrase of the famous (possibly apocryphal) margaret meade quote. i saw a criticism of it by the green brothers, who were like “but lots of people/animals show altruism without any connection to civilization (eg buildings and cities and record keeping systems)” and i deeply disagree with them. civilization doesn’t require monuments, only people coming together to build (metaphorically) something bigger than they could have done as individuals. humans aren’t the only ones on that path, just the ones who’ve gotten the furthest down it.

#the great sweeping wind — autumn aesthetic

yes i am a shameless l m montgomery stan. anne of green gables is my kindred spirit.

#the quick and the dead — fungi tag

from the bible. you know. we all sin, we’re all alive or dead or both. fungi don’t care.

#the race that knows joseph — kindred spirit tag

haven’t gotten to use this one yet. looking forward to when i do.

#the wild geese are heading home again — nature tag

shortened version of mary oliver’s poem.

#there is a history in all men’s lives — history/natural history/anthropology tag

shakespeare knew how to use words. everything is history and i am excited about ALL of it. when will someone admit me into a grad school???

#we are the children of an indifferent universe — community/fandom tag

but, like colin meloy says, we are also the inheritors of a wonderful world. i think it’s amazing how we look at the universe around us and build communities and find meaning out of sheer spite. also i have got to refine this tag set better i can’t just shove ALL fandom content into one tag. stay tuned

#we don’t love this world without reason — awe/joy tag

from catadromously’s comic. this is for things that make me go “oh.” when i see them.

#we shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us — architecture/interior design tag

churchill can have one right. architecture is one of my favorite art forms & interior design is something i love looking at and doing. someday i’ll even be able to afford it.

#we will be better than we were — recovery tag

from (yet another) caitlyn siehl poem that reads:

“love is quiet love whispers “it is okay, we will be better than we were” and we are. we are.”

and we are.

#within me; an invincible summer — winter aesthetic tag

albert camus wrote that: “in the midst of winter, i found there was, within me, an invincible summer. and that makes me happy. for it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.” winters are hard for me, but i hang on anyway.

#you have no idea the joy that is coming — love tag

guess who this quote is by? if you guessed caitlyn siehl, you are correct.

#you pull out the wild in me - feral aesthetic

not feral, just… wild. i don’t know. i don’t think i made this quote up but i can’t find it anywhere else so maybe i did. i’m guessing it’s now-deleted inkskinned or bonemeadows.

#you’ve got to be kind — misc humans tag

kurt vonnegut. because yeah. we’ve got to be kind. that’s the only rule. we’re just humans and we have to be kind.

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throughthewwods · 3 years

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100 Days of Productivity. Day 56-ish

📚 wrote up my response to the book Heart Berries.

Now I only have my lit review to write and I am done with at least one of my Incompletes, which would be such a relief and motivation boost. Boarding myself up in my bedroom so Kiddo didn’t overhear as I plowed through hours of often graphic trauma material day after day was not fun for my PTSD. 😬

Glad to have it done. 🥳

🧡 Created a little game plan to give the next 6 months some direction

💙 did some house stuff that was bugging me

💚 worked out for the second day in a row without my leg getting angry

Woke up still in good shape today, so that’s delightful. I enjoy being able to walk without squinting in pain. seriously though, it’s a big deal. I can’t drive. I need to be able to still walk everywhere again once this house cat life is behind me and I can rejoin the world. this reoccurring strain is no Bueno.

💚 I’m on 🎉Day 14🎉 of my super restrictive elimination diet!

And I only cheated a couple times in small ways 😆

🥳

Gawd I don’t want the last two weeks to be forever - I’m French. Fresh bread and butter is life. Cooking without any garlic and onion has been blasphemous 😬 but something I was previously eating was definitely making my digestive system unhappy. I hate to admit it, but there’s an obvious improvement and I’ve been sleeping better, which means waking up with more energy and mental faculties to handle existence. I also lost some of the Covid squish that’s had me feeling a tad insecure, so... I may keep at this. 🤷🏻‍♀️

💙 talked to my counselor finally for the first time in a month

He had some helpful anxiety grounding suggestions. By the end of our session I realized the only way I’m going to feel safe a.k.a. not anxious about my research methods class is if I go back to the beginning and review everything 🙄 ughhhh... yay... this morning I am trying to remind myself that having a plan you’re not thrilled about is better than drowning in no course of action.

This morning Kiddo is proud of how much her hand writing has improved over the last year. She is giggly showing me her comic about the rise and fall of a tiny Napoleon Bonaparte. She wants to join a drama club. I am laughing to myself at the fulfillment of a prophecy I foresaw when she was three as she faked a fall then came down the hall limping tragically.

Last night RB came over despite the brain zaps. At first I was a little nervous about what would happen if he weaned off the Zoloft, but the change has been positive. I can tell he’s generally happier and less stuck in slow motion. He is more talkative and lately, more inspired. His eyes are electric as he muses aloud the obscure parts he envisions needing for the sculptures he wants to build and explains to me some of the process of how recycled randomness becomes a desk lamp. His reignited artistic passion is an aphrodisiac.

More on happiness post-30’s:

Reflecting on a passing thought I had days ago, I ask him if the simple things that bring him joy post-30 are reminiscent of the things that brought him joy as a teenager? At first he said no, as who/how he is now is quite matured and removed compared to who he was then, but after more consideration his response affirmed my theory: For a time he let those joys go and in that time grew as a person only to be called to them again later. Something at the heart of it was still alive, but now in an evolved incarnation. He doesn’t make street art anymore, but there is still an edge to his drawings. His love of classic cars with age blossomed into rockability. He still enjoys travel, but with a greater appreciation for history and the aesthetic of decaying ruins. He is the butterfly that doesn’t relate to the caterpillar anymore nor the metamorphic goo, yet there are small, transcendental mementos, which remain home.

#journal #writing #my writing #100 days of productivity #studystudystudy #positivemindset #relationship #love #couples goals #existentialism #thoughts #30something #happiness #adulting #motherhood #parenting #RBlovestory

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yegarts · 3 years

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Meet Your Makers: Jason Blower

Presented by TIX on the Square

Few things are more powerful than our stories. They’re how we make sense of the world and our place in it. This week, we profile an artist who does just that — connects people to their memories through visual art. His name is Jason Blower, and you’ve likely admired his work or visited his online home, Snow Alligator — a whimsical collection of art and décor that takes its cues from Jason’s own story: a childhood of imaginative play, a spirit of positivity, and the desire to create communities from memories. Meet this week’s maker, Jason Blower.

TIX: Architecture, skylines, and the history behind city landmarks are strong themes in your work. Why do those narratives speak to you?

J.B: My Father has a grand knowledge of the history of the city, and as a kid I was often quizzed on names of places or told tales of what happened or used to be there. As I got older and talked to friends, I realized how many people know the history of places around the world, but barely grasp the history of our city—which is important. How are we to understand ourselves and the culture of the city if we don’t know or understand the choices of our past. I focus on so much of that to highlight that idea and for us to reflect on our own memories and choices of living in this city.

TIX: There’s also a lot of joy and humour in your work. Why are they important to you and your storytelling?

J.B: I suppose it’s because of my rose-coloured-glasses look at life. I tend to look at the positives and see life as an adventure. Frame of mind is so important in the pursuit of life because the “world” is an unforgiving place—it’s hard and there are setbacks, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t also beautiful and full of fun, too.

TIX: You’ve described your work as having a warm, mid-century modern aesthetic. What about that style suits your artistic strengths and sensibilities?

J.B: I think that the eras that grew out of the end of the Second World War were such a time of re-vigour—the change in the status quo and the feeling of optimism that came from the abundance that post-war offered. This was reflected in the artwork, design, and cartoons of the time. The simplicity of the style is appealing and easy to understand. Mixing the optimism and simplicity of the aesthetic, I think, brings back nostalgic feelings of youth. And most of us miss the days of our more carefree youth.

TIX: Tell us how your storybooks and comics evolved. Had you always wanted to combine writing with illustrating?

J.B: Oh, yes! Imaginative play was the foundation of my childhood. Action figures, running around in the ravines roleplaying, and reading comics were what nurtured me growing up. That sort of play evolved into games of “what if” and just built upon themselves until you were only making up your own stuff and no longer just copying things that you had already seen. For a long time, my artwork has been just glimpses into the stories that are in my head, or they have

been the explorations of figuring out the right stories. The storybooks and comics have just naturally evolved from single images, to a series of images, to a thread of images that are telling fuller stories.

TIX: In one of your blog posts, you talk about how the art on people’s walls says a lot about them. What does the art in your home say about you?

J.B: Oh, this is clever! I don’t have any of my own work up on the walls. I think that’s because I see them in my head all the time, so to have them on the walls would be redundant. Seventy percent of the art on my walls is that of my fellow art school friends, things we did in the final years of school. It takes me back to those days when we were learning and trying out so many new things. The other 20% is of artists I really admire. Their work is my own north star and reminds me of the path that I am on and the destination that path will take me. I suppose that’s true of all people—they have things up that say who they are or have been and want to be. The last 10% is of travel artifacts, visual journals that tell the adventures of where I have been.

TIX: In addition to buying artwork, how can people support artists and the art community?

J.B: Oh, by far, being an advocate is the most supportive way that people can support the arts community. The arts is what makes us human, without it we would be living in total utility. Living to just live is not much of a life. So to share the things that make you happy, what they mean to you, and demonstrate a life worth living is the best way for other people to see and appreciate the same things in life that you value.

TIX: What are you currently working on?

J.B: Currently I am working on completing a series of 12 Alberta landscape paintings, writing and development of a handful of storybook and graphic novel ideas, and a rotating list of commercial client projects.

Want more? Visit snowalligator.com and tixonthesquare.ca for the latest from Jason and other great artists.

Artist Bio

Jason Blower, a freelance painter, illustrator, and lover of all things whimsical and 80s, creates work inspired by the minimalism of the mid-century movement and naivety of folk art. His online home and brand, Snow Alligator, showcases whimsical and nostalgic illustrations and products that tell regional stories and spark fond memories of place and childhood through visual art.

#yeg #yegarts #yegmaker #meetyourmakers #edmonton #tixonthesquare

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fc5holidayexchange · 4 years

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FAR CRY 5 HOLIDAY EXCHANGE 2019 FIC

‘How the Tea Saved Christmas’

Female Rook/Joseph Seed, Joey Hudson, John Seed; when local barista Rook learns that the holidays are a not-so-great time for one of Hope County’s families (and her favorite customer), she takes it upon herself to learn a new skill to bring him a little Christmas Cheer.

@bintangy

“Here is my gift for the wonderful Tangy! I hope you like it and it brings you a little joy during this holiday season :)

If there was one thing Rook lived by in life, it was that if she was gonna do a job, she was gonna do it right. So when she’d gotten the opportunity to sling lattes part-time back in college, Rook decided she wasn’t going to give it the half-assed attempt most baristas gave it: instead, she spent her free time learning that foofy-foam art nonsense to take her skills to the next level. It had been entertaining to whip up frothy drinks decorated with all sorts of dumb phallic images for her friends, but the skill really hadn’t become important to her until she’d graduated and found herself with exactly zero job offers in her field.

With nothing else to turn to, she’d dipped back into the reliable work for the chance to earn the modest monthly rent for her apartment. And thankfully, instead of working for a soul-sucking corporate chain, Rook ended up at The Sheriff’s, an adorably simple coffee shop situated right in the downtown of Hope County suburbia. The owners, a perfectly darling family with a girl her age by the name of Mary May, had been graciously open to her idea of introducing art back into caffeine and were more than happy to let her produce her latte art for customers that specifically asked for it.

While not everyone was interested in the art form, some customers were more than happy to wait for whatever random art she decided to produce for them that day. Those that did ask for it were great tippers and had been vigorous at spreading the word about the girl creating painstakingly beautiful foam art in the idyllic little family business. Sales took off for the shop and Rook made more than she needed to get by in tips alone most days, but more importantly than that – she actually enjoyed what she was doing. It certainly hadn’t been what she expected to do with her life out of college, but the town had quickly absorbed her into their collective family, her employers especially.

“Rook! Got another one.”

Joey Hudson’s voice sailed across the shop and into the back where Rook was taking stock of the morning’s supplies. With a grin, Rook headed through the double doors and peered over the counter. A flash of blue hair caught her attention immediately. “Nadine, hi. What can I get for you?”

True to form, Nadine Abercrombie flashed a brand-new comic book proudly as she placed her morning order. When the enthusiastic young woman first began coming to the shop to ask for art of the newest comic book characters, Rook had been woefully under-prepared and un-researched on even the most ‘basic’ of characters by her standards; since then, Nadine had taken to bringing examples in hand.

Rook did an exemplary job of copying even the most ridiculous of superhero symbols if she did say so herself and jumped at the chance to replicate today’s choice character. She grabbed a large ceramic cup and tossed a quick, “Coming right up!” over her shoulder as she set to her task.

Nadine was more than happy with the work and eagerly delved into the pages of her comic with her latte in hand. Because of the small-town atmosphere, there were lots of regulars that kept to pretty consistent schedules. Sometimes, strangers passed through during peak tourist season which provided Rook with her greatest challenges, but for the most part Rook’ work was pretty consistent.

Joey eyed her from the register. “Think that poor girl will ever get out of this town?”

“Come on, Hudson.” Rook wiped down the espresso machine and turned to toss the rag at her coworker. “At least she didn’t have a choice in starting out here. Better than making the choice to move to a small-ass town like this.”

“Hmm.” Joey paused. “Touché, Rookie.”

With a roll of her own eyes, Rook countered, “Quit calling me that.”

The chime of the front door’s bell interrupted their banter. Rook felt a quick prod to her side and met Joey’s salacious grin before she turned and saw–

Oh.

It was her newest regular. From what she’d heard from the town’s gossip, the Seed family had remained largely reclusive though not unfriendly during their stay in Hope County. At the beginning of December and therefore the holiday season, Rook had taken it upon herself to up her game with the cutest possible holiday art. It was at that time that the newcomer had first entered the shop and Rook was taken by the way his eyes seemed absolutely enchanted by the perfectly outlined snowflake she’d etched into the foam. Now, the signature Seed-blue eyes were recognizable from a mile away and Rook felt rooted to the spot when she met Joseph Seed’s gaze across the counter.

A smile tugged at his lips as he stepped up to order. “Hello, Miss.”

Though there was no malice behind it, Joey rolled her eyes and backed away from the register. For as many times as he’d been in the shop, Joseph had always asked for the latte art and had, since the beginning, maintained that he would like the pleasure of giving his praise directly to the artist. His gaze remained steady even as Rook took her place at the register.

“It’s Rook, please. I promise there’s no need to be formal.”

A mischievous glint entered Joseph’s eyes, one that told her he had no intention of breaking that tradition of theirs. Joseph had been a very quiet and agreeable patron prior to the discovery of her art. Now? He preferred making his orders directly through her and with an air of humor Rook was surprised to hear from him. The way that their banter brought a smile to his handsome face and brought out the lines around his eyes suited him. “But I thought the customer was always right, Miss.”

There wasn’t much Rook could say to that, so she instead focused on trying to tame the heat rising to her cheeks and asked, “What can I get for you today?”

As Joseph opened his mouth, another face suddenly peered from over his shoulder. The family resemblance was clear in both the eye color and the way that they lit up with mischief upon seeing her.

“Oh, Joseph, you never told me that the barista was as darling as her art.”

Joseph’s cheeks immediately flushed. “John.”

“Sorry, sorry.” What could only be the youngest Seed brother leaned his heavily-tattooed arms on the counter. “I’ll just have two shots of espresso. Need to stay awake through some horrendously boring briefings. Joseph?”

Almost shyly, Joseph asked, “Just a small cinnamon holiday latte.”

Despite the fact that John’s sudden appearance had taken her by surprise, Rook could practically feel her heart melting at the way Joseph always asked for the art as though he was bothering her. She’d make a whole fleet of art-stamped foam lattes if he asked for it. She set to the task at hand, putting up Joseph’s cup first to create her canvas before grabbing a smaller mug for John.

To her surprise, the younger of the two remained as Joseph walked the crowd in search of a table. John watched her with an air of badly-disguised disinterest that was shattered the moment he murmured, “You know he doesn’t actually drink caffeine, right?”

“Ow–” At the sudden remark, Rook jerked her head up and managed to catch her head on the cabinet above the steamer. “What do you mean, he doesn’t drink caffeine? He’s here almost every day.”

A smirk grew until it threatened to overtake John’s handsome face. “Of course he is.” And, with a conspiratorial wink, he leaned forward and whispered, “But have you ever actually seen him drink it?”

“No…” Rook was usually (and understandably) too busy to study Joseph while he sat in the shop. The most she got to experience was the way his features lit up at the recognition of whatever she’d made for him, but that in and of itself was more than enough for her. She absent-mindedly put the finishing touches on the edges of the ornament she’d etched into the foam and slid it across the counter.

“Hmm.” Without another word, John collected both his and his brother’s drinks and headed to their tables.

Now, Rook’s interest was piqued. All this time, she’d assumed that the holiday art had been keeping Joseph here; after all, he hadn’t started showing up in the line until she began the recent brand of holiday-themed latte art. She kept moving orders out and conversed conversationally with her regulars as they cycled through the line, but she kept a discreet eye on the pair of them sitting in the corner. To her absolute dismay, as time stretched on and the two of them moved from their spot, Joseph failed to lift his mug to take a drink even once.

She was immediately crestfallen. A small part of her had been excited about the idea of Joseph enjoying his drinks for her, and the thought made her feel stupid. As Rook kicked herself mentally behind the counter, John suddenly parted from Joseph with a touch to the older man’s shoulder and headed back to the counter.

Under the guise of handing her his used mug, John murmured, “The caffeine – it’d keep him up at night and he doesn’t sleep much as it is. Especially with the holiday season rolling around. It’s… a difficult time to say the least. For all of us.”

Oh.

So he’d noticed her sulking then, but rather than make fun of her, the lawyer with the sharp observational skills was trying to make her feel better. With a smile that almost didn’t match his abrasive nature, John added, “He likes herbal tea. Though I’m sure he’d miss out on your art and I can’t imagine you’d do as well with tea leaves.”

And with that, the two blue-eyed men were gone, leaving Rook stunned at the turn of events.

The coffee-fueled mogul of a family that ran the coffee shop was perplexed when she brought up the suggestion, to say the least, but they were thankfully willing to give it a shot. As shipping orders arrived with the usual holiday fanfare and the shop’s shelves began to be overtaken by the standard shades of red and green, Rook kept an eye out for a specific order and when it arrived, it did so with the air of Christmas arriving early.

She tried to tell herself that the excitement was because of the opportunity to learn and to expand business, not because of him alone. The mantra repeated itself in her head even as she lined up the first tins and placed the kettle on the range in the back kitchen while imagining Joseph’s face at his first cup. If the holidays were a tough time for him, the least she could do was teach herself how to make a decent cup of tea while incorporating a little art on the top still.

“What in the holy hell are those little shits?” Of course, Joey poked her head in at the exact moment Rook began reading through the first article.

With a sigh, Rook set her reading materials aside. “Tea.”

Joey fiddled with one of the tins, though thankfully, she didn’t move it far from the organized stack. “These tins are cute, but why are they here?”

“We’re adding tea to the menu.”

The squinty look Joey gave her wasn’t helping to fuel her resolve that this wasn’t just for Joseph. “You wouldn’t happen to be turning this place into the new hipster tea shop of the town because of a certain hipster-looking man?”

Rook sputtered indignantly but her denial fell flat. “The man-bun isn’t that out of control.”

The smirk on her coworker’s face faded as Joey dug through the next box and then peered out at the loading bay to the awaiting others. “You’re… you’re serious about this.”

With a sigh, Rook abandoned her current task and leaned against one of the stacks. Though the folks of Hope County were lovely people, she couldn’t help but feel that a real, genuine connection with another person was something she’d been lacking since she’d moved to the county all those weeks ago. That was, until the first night Joseph had come across the coffee shop looking every bit as exhausted and sleep deprived as John had said. The slightly offended look he’d tossed at their holiday display made more sense now. It was probably a fool’s errand, but she clutched to the moments she was sure she felt between her and her favorite patron. “Yes, I am. After all, we’d be stupid to sleep on expanding to a market that may very well do well in this town. For business, you know.”

“Mmn hmm.” With a humph, her coworker picked up a particularly large teapot and scrutinized it before settling it next to the other. “And when do we begin unveiling this newest product for the desired target ‘customers’?”

Rook scoffed, though she turned to her friend with the semblance of hope. “We?”

“Yes, we. Can’t let you venture out on the owner’s capital on your own.” Joey tossed her a grin that barely passed Rook’s own glee as the elder woman started on the work. “Besides, we’ve only got – what, a few more days until Christmas? If you’re gonna master how in the hell to make foam art on top of tea, you’re gonna need all the help you can get. And believe it or not, I’m a sucker for a good holiday romance story.”

With a grateful snort, Rook passed the nearest tin over. “Operation Herbal Holiday is a go.”

Keeping the tea secret under wraps became more and more difficult as the days passed, especially with the introduction of even more decorations and holiday-themed events at the shop. Unsurprisingly, Joseph was noticeably absent the day that Mary May’s parents hired actual Christmas Carolers to serenade the night-owls for their usual midnight cups of joe. Rook could only imagine what John had meant when he said that the holidays were an especially difficult time for the family; after all, she hadn’t had the opportunity to speak to either of them since that fateful encounter.

She was surprised when she straightened her obnoxiously-patterned holiday sweater at the chime of the door only to meet Joseph Seed’s apprehensive expression across the counter. It couldn’t have been past 7pm, but the poor guy looked exhausted. The pale-brown sweater that clung to his frame was noticeably absent of the cartoonish holiday imagery that all other patrons appeared to be wearing.

“Hi.” Rook surprised them both further by being the first to speak up. “I, uh, I’m sure you’re probably here for latte art, but can I make a different suggestion?”

As formal and quiet as ever, Joseph smirked, apparently more than happy to let her take the reins. “Of course, miss. I’m sure you probably know the coffee better than most.”

Rook set about grabbing the necessary supplies as Joseph slid to the other end of the counter, out of the way of prying customer eyes. With a nervous glance over the steamer, she prodded, “So… not getting much sleep this holiday season, I take it?”

If he was startled at all by the question, Joseph didn’t show it. “It is that obvious, huh? Well. As I’m sure you’ve heard by all the rumors by now, the holiday season is not one my brothers and sister and I usually partake in.”

“Rumors?” Rook was genuine in her confusion. Of all the stories she’d heard of the Seeds so far, none of them had detailed any specifically bah-humbug behavior from the quartet.

Another sound of surprise escaped Joseph. “The four of us all shared an equally difficult upbringing, and for various reasons, we’ve never really delved into the holiday spirit this time of year. Old habits, and all.”

“Ah.” With a swoop of nervousness settling in her stomach, Rook carefully slid the cup across the counter to him. “Well, I hope this helps. On the house. Happy Holidays, Joseph.”

Joseph glanced down, and the soft smile that had settled over his lips vanished immediately. He studied the little ornate Christmas Tree, complete with a small poked-out star designed on top, and appeared only more bewildered when he inhaled and noted the absence of the scent of espresso.

“It’s tea,” Rook offered as she twisted a towel in her hands. Joseph cocked one brow up as she continued, “I uh, may have heard one teeny little thing – that you prefer tea over coffee.”

“How-” With a pained groan that only came from the experience of an older sibling, Joseph rubbed a hand across his face. “John. I should have known.”

“It’s okay!” Rook exclaimed quickly. “I didn’t even notice all this time that you weren’t even drinking them…”

Long fingers settled around the warm mug as Joseph pulled it closer to him. “I’d hoped you wouldn’t. I would not want you to think I disliked the art.”

It was her turn to scoff. “You paid and tipped far too much not to be able to really enjoy it.”

Joseph blinked in bewilderment. “Not drinking it didn’t mean I wasn’t enjoying them. You make beautiful art and you are willing to share it with the rest of the world. That, in and of itself, is a gift that we are all very blessed to enjoy.”

“Yeah, well.” Rook tried to shrug off the heat that rose to her cheeks at his praise. “Now you get to do both. You know, enjoy the drink and enjoy the view.”

He sipped quietly at the tea before that playful smirk emerged, and Rook was again caught off-guard. “I may do just that. If, perhaps, the real view here is available for dinner sometime later this week? Assuming you do not have plans for the holidays.”

Rook barely contained the squeak that threatened to escape from thFCe finesse of the compliment. “Uh, no holiday plans for me.” With a grin of her own, she added, “That would mean we’d be making holiday plans together. Assuming you’re okay with getting into the holiday spirit suddenly.”

“Hmm.” Joseph savored another sip from the steaming mug before he settled the ceramic on the counter. “That would mean so, yes. I, like an unfortunate number of souls today, had forgotten that the holiday season is all about giving until you reminded me with how thoughtful and genuine your willingness to give was. Thank you, Rook.”

With a smile that only made her heart swell further, Rook risked a reach across the counter to brush his warm hands with hers.

#joseph seed/deputy #fluff #holiday theme #coffee-shop AU #no-cult AU #joseph seed #deputy oc #fc5holidayexchange #gift: fic #bintangy #submission

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