#i have various pictures up for reference but also this one just makes me smile a bunch so here it is by itself

[heartvisor]

:)

#gaoo #i have various pictures up for reference but also this one just makes me smile a bunch so here it is by itself #shinkrblog #krtext

[its-time-to-write]

hi i love your work.

can i get touch deprived reader with jamie or roy

you totally can! It just comes at the low, low cost of way more words than you bargained for. Fair warning, Jamie isn’t even introduced for a good solid chunk of the first half. I also have been touch deprived so this is based on personal experience lol.

I feel like I let this get away from me in the same way the Vienna fic got away from me😂

sinking into your worn out mattress

It’s the same routine every day.

Wake up, get dressed, go to work, come home, make dinner, fall asleep, repeat.

It’s not a bad thing, necessarily. You’re nothing if not efficient, maximizing your time to the best of your abilities. It’s not the most glamorous thing in the world, but you enjoy it. You’re lucky enough to be working on your supervision hours under a renowned psychologist, Dr. Fieldstone in London, and it’s paid. Over half the people in your cohort are struggling through unpaid internships and juggling a second job just so they can make ends meet. You’re all propelled forward by the promise of better pay as soon as it’s all over, dreaming of the days you can own your own practice.

You’re not even sure how you landed this internship, as Dr. Fieldstone rarely ever takes on interns. (She’d tell you later it’s because she saw the same potential her supervisor saw in her.) But you have it, and you’re now assisting her in her on-location therapy to various sports teams. You’d been at a rugby club for a few months, but now it’s time to move on. Dr. Fieldstone was asked to come back to a previous club and although she’d never admit it, you know it was her favorite group to work with. It’s the only club who’s picture is on her desk. It makes you smile every time you see her surrounded by a rowdy-looking group of footballers and two very American coaches. She had said that the one with the mustache was no longer at the club, but the bearded one still was along with the angry looking man to the side and the short, grey-haired man.

You’ve seen the photo so many times that you have everyone’s faces memorized. You’re secretly excited to meet the team that made Dr. Sharon (in her colleagues’ words,) loosen up.

You weren’t friends, with Dr. Sharon, never once dropping the “doctor,” that preceded her name, but she would occasionally swing by your standard housing with a bottle of wine after a particularly difficult day. 

“This job can be emotionally draining,” she’d say. “I always wished I had someone there for me at the beginning.”

She rarely smiled or showed outward affection, but you understood that this was her way of saying she cared. 

But now you’re packing up your flat into your car, and headed to your new quarters in Richmond, London.

—

It’s apparent that Dr. Sharon has a strong connection with the players. There are a small few who allow you to run each session, most preferring to stick with who they know. Your days are mostly filled with analyses and treatment plans, with about two real session a week, one with Rojas, D and Maas, J. You don’t even sit in with Dr. Sharon much anymore, as the thought of an observer makes some of the players uncomfortable.  

It’s stressing you out.

How are you supposed to fulfill your hours when you can’t even get consistent sessions?

Dr. Sharon, in her limited kindness, refers you to a friend of hers in town. 

“She runs a small practice and works mostly with women. You’ll be able to keep your housing and fulfill your hours. If you need anything, you know where to find me.”

You look at her. “Right,” you reply, “because you’re going to have so much time to help me out between all the things you’ve got going on.”

She rolls her eyes good-naturedly. “Listen. Since you’re not my intern, I can become your therapist. I’ll even give you a discounted rate since you’re still interning. We’ll set up weekly sessions. You’ll be fine.”

You’re still not sure. Dr. Sharon can see the apprehension in your face. “Alright,” she says. “If you schedule our sessions in the evening and cook dinner, I’ll do it for free. It’ll be informal, one therapist to another.”

That’s big. She rarely does anything for free. In a moment of boldness, you say that to her face.

She cracks the tiniest smile. “It’s possible that I’ve grown fond of you. And even more possible that I’m addicted to your cooking.”

Huh. You suppose miracles do still happen.

—

Sharon is over for dinner for the third time in a week, and you’re suspicious that she might actually enjoy spending time with you. You’re laughing about some stupid story that happened during a natural environment observation (it involved a slip n slide, an obscene amount of shaving cream, and footballs being thrown at players heads) when out of nowhere you feel tears slipping down your face.

“Oh my gosh” you say while maybe laughing, maybe crying, “I think I’m broken.”

Sharon (she insisted you drop the “doctor,”) asks, “Are you alright?” and you shrug while you begin full-on sobbing.

“I don’t know what’s happening,” you say between gasps. “What the actual heck.”

At that, Sharon grins. You’re retaining some element of your humor, despite actually crying.

“Just go on and fucking swear already,” she says. “I think we’re past a truly professional relationship.” 

You shake your head. “No!” you say. “No, my mum wouldn’t like it.” Fresh tears start to fall at the mention of your mum. Sharon is actually concerned now.

“I’m not sure you’re alright,” she says, and you shoot her a no duh look. “Let’s discuss what might be the root of your issue. Have you been feeling differently lately?”

You’re wiping your eyes and trying so hard to get it together. You’re not even sure what your problem is. You were pretty sure you were doing fine, but you think back to your week. It had been pretty standard, nothing out of the ordinary. You shake your head.

“There is nothing too small to mention. Anything out of your usual routine? Physical discomfort, emotionally-draining sessions?” Sharon asks.

“No,” you reply, tears almost under control. “Wait. Yes.”

Sharon looks at you expectantly. “God, this is going to sound dumb.”

She reaches out to pat your hand. “There’s no such thing as too dumb,” she says in her therapist voice. 

The gesture is so much like something a sister would do. 

“Right,” you say. “Ok. My, um, the insides of my elbows like, hurt? They just feel weird, I don’t know. It started two weeks ago I think and usually I can just pinch them and it’s fine, but that’s the only thing I can think of, I guess.”

Sharon has gone full therapist, and is giving you an analytical look. “Hm,” she says. “Tell me more.”

You shrug. “There’s not much to tell. It’s not like painful, it just feels weird. I hug my pillow when I sleep and that also helps. Um, I push up my sleeves so they go around my elbows and the pressure helps.”

She asks, “When was the last time you saw a friend?” and you can’t think why this is relevant. But you also can’t remember.

“Probably since before I moved,” you say.

“And when was the last time you saw your family?”

You begin to see where she’s going.

“God,” you groan. “I’m an idiot.”

Sharon laughs. “Do you see why it’s so difficult for therapists to self-diagnose? We’re so busy trying to save the world that we forget to save ourselves.”

“But it’s so stupid,” you say. “It’s like, one of the most basic forms of self-care.”

Sharon shrugs. “Touch-starvation is a real thing. It manifests itself in different ways and apparently yours manifests itself in your elbows.”

It’s so ridiculous that you laugh. She does too, and reaches out to squeeze your arm. “I’ll be more mindful of it,” she says. “In the meantime, you need to find yourself some friends. Some people your own age. I’m prescribing you at least two nights out a week.”

You knit your eyebrows together. “I don’t even know where I would go. Or how to meet people. Or what to say!”

“That’s the problem with us therapists,” Sharon says. “We’re really best in a clinical setting. Shouldn’t be let out of the house, really. How about this; next time Richmond has some group event, you come. They’re a rowdy bunch, around your age, too. It’s an incredibly healthy environment, and you’ll be easily accepted. It will be a nice gateway to having a social life. There’s a match this weekend and they’re almost guaranteed a win, so keep your calendar open.”

You open your mouth to protest but Sharon holds up a hand. “I’m prescribing this as your mentor, not as your friend. It will be a healthy change of pace, I promise.”

—

Seeing AFC Richmond in person and off the pitch is like an out-of-body experience. 

You’re putting names to familiar faces, and getting a crash course on their personalities. 

You know Dani and Jan Maas from your short stint as their counselor, and they’ve taken it upon themselves to introduce you to everyone else. Dani is holding your elbow to guide you around to all sorts of people, and you can physically feel the serotonin production in your brain. 

You meet Higgins and his wife, the hosts of this barbecue as well as some of their children. It’s hard to miss them because they keep coming up to shoot Dani and Jan with nerf guns. They’re weirdly prepared, pulling out their own from thin air. 

“Don’t worry,” Jan says, “We’ll defend you.”

It’s very much like a large family gathering. You meet Richard, who kisses your hand and comments on your beauty. Zoreaux, who smiles and asks if you want anything to drink. Bumbercatch, who asks if you can read minds. And finally, Roy and Keeley who are standing in the kitchen and definitely were not kissing right before you walked in.

“This is one of our coaches,” Dani beams. “He and Keeley are very much in love, but they will not admit to  each other, least of all themselves.”

Roy says, “Oi!” while Keeley blushes. Jan shrugs.

“It’s true,” he says. “There is no point in dancing around it.”

“Fuck off!” says Roy, and Jan and Dani are saved from certain death by head-butt as Keeley steps between them and says, “It’s nice to meet you! We’re so glad you could come,” and wraps you in a tight hug.

She’s small, but she’s strong. You have trouble breathing for a moment in the best possible way.

“Heard you work for Dr. Sharon,” she says. “That’s got to be fucking difficult.”

You laugh. “Yeah, but not in the way you’d think,” you say. “I’d already sold my soul to my education long before I met her. She’s actually trying to help me get it back.”

Keeley grins. “Is that why you’re here then? To reinstate your soul?”

You’re cut off from replying by the appearance of someone new. This one is in Sharon’s picture too, standing in the middle slightly to the left and smiling with the tip of his tongue sticking out. You always thought he seemed like one who looked so happy and carefree because he actively chose to be that way.

“Who’s reinstatin’ their soul?” he asks, squeezing in between Dani and Keeley.

“This one here,” Keeley replies. “You met her yet? She’s Dr. Fieldstone’s protégé.”

“Oh,” you say. “No. Not really. I was just doing my internship with her, but I had to move because…” you hesitate.

“Because no one wanted to talk to her except me and Jan,” Dani helpfully fills in. 

Jan adds, “They were all intimidated by the fact that she is close to their age and so beautiful, as well stuck in their ways of having Dr. Sharon. Only Dani and I were willing to give her a chance, and she actually helped me through some important life decisions.”

You had? It hadn’t seemed that way at the time. You feel less crappy about your time at Nelson Road, though. It wasn’t like they didn’t like you, they just preferred to stick with what they know. That, you can understand.

“Mint,” Jamie says. “So you ain’t the team’s shrink anymore?”

Roy rolls his eyes. “Fucking observant, you are. She hasn’t been around in fucking ages.”

Jamie shrugs. “I was just checking!” he says defensively.

You smile. “It’s alright,” you say. “I’m sure you’re busy, and there’s always a lot of people coming and going.”

That seems to surprise Jamie. Almost as if he isn’t used to people defending him. You file his reaction away in your brain, adding it to your collection of knowledge about the football team that made Sharon zip across England for.

—

It’s been two and a half hours, and you’ve have more food and laughter than you’ve had in ages. Dani and Jan Maas had left your circle in the kitchen a while ago, fulfilling their promise to chase around the youngest Higgins boys as well as Roy’s niece Phoebe, and another girl who’s name you didn’t catch. Sam has joined your group now, and he and Jamie are funny together in a way that reminds you of your brothers. They’re constantly ragging on each other, teasing Roy, and throwing things.

Jamie, it seems, is the comedian of the group. You can tell he’s showing off, presumably because there’s a new face. When it’s time to eat, he says, “Stick with me, love, that way you don’t get stuck next to some uncultured animal,” even though Sharon is there and you’d be fine to sit with any of the boys.

But, he’s already grabbed your hand and is pulling you to a spot near Roy and Keeley as Sharon looks on with an amused expression. You send her a single pleading glance (although you’re not sure what you’re pleading for) and she just gives you a shooing motion. She’s happy to sit with Rebecca and her boyfriend. And someone who’s name you’re pretty sure is Coach Beard. 

Ever the gentleman, Jamie pulls out your chair for you before settling into his own. There are tables all throughout the house and a few in the front yard, and you’re glad he picked one outside. It’s a little cloudy, but nice weather.

And god, there are people. People who are talking to you, hugging you, tapping you on the arm and holding your hand, even if it is just to make sure you don’t get separated in the stampede to find seating. Your arms aren’t even a little sore, and you can feel Sharon’s observing eyes on you. You know for a fact she’s going to have a lot to say next time you have dinner, but for now all you can think about is the way Jamie’s arm is pressed against yours, as he leans in to explain a football term that Roy just used to threaten Jamie with.

—

You’re not sure how long this party is supposed to last, but it’s three hours later and there is no sign of stopping. The sun is just barely starting to dip, and time has lost all meaning. You don’t know if the meal you ate was supposed to be lunch or dinner but it doesn’t matter because you’re so full that you can barely make room for the pile of desserts that Mrs. Higgins has pulled out. 

You’ve moved inside now, since Jamie pulled you through the dessert line saying, “You have to come with me, so I can put my dessert on your plate. That way grandad can’t have a fit.” You understand that “grandad” is Roy.

You’re smart enough to notice that Jamie’s hand is in yours at every opportunity he can find, and that he’s still holding it even though you’ve finished your dessert and are flopped on a couch inside. He’s absentmindedly rubbing circles with his thumb as you chatter on about nothing. 

“Oi,” he says, when you’ve lapsed into silence, “is this alright?”

You’re not sure what he means until he holds up your still-intertwined hands.

“Keeley says I’m more touchy than most. Don’t want to fuckin’ weird you out or some shit.”

You smile. “You’re fine. It’s actually really nice.” You decide to leave it at that. No point in explaining touch-deprivation to the cute footballer you just met. Talk about oversharing.

Jamie smiles back, a real one that lights up his whole face.

“Mint,” he says.

—

“Jamie’s romantically interested in you,” says Sharon’s voice through the phone.

“How do you know that?” you ask. It’s the morning after the Higgins party and you only have a 2pm session. Sharon texted you to call her as soon as you woke up, so you do and she drops a bombshell on the first ring. You doubt Jamie would have told her this himself, as Dr. Fieldstone isn’t one to break a confidence.

“Basic body language,” she replies. “Repeated physical contact, the way his body was angled toward yours all day, the fact that he went out of his way to make you smile. All classic markers of romantic attraction. Any trained therapist should be able to pick up on it.”

What she means is, you’re a trained therapist. You should be picking up on it.

“There’s no way,” you say, but it comes out more doubtful than you’d hoped. 

“Right,” says Sharon, “there’s no way. In the same way that there’s no way I’m only mentoring you because I see myself in you.”

“Oh,” you reply weakly, because that’s a lot to unpack. 

“Oh,” she mimics. “Right. Well. I’ve got to go. Make sure you remember the mental exercises I gave you. Therapists need to take care of their minds too.”

You say thanks and hang up. 

Oh.

—

You’re home again from your session, and you are tired. It was mentally exhausting and all you can think about are the pair of sweatpants in the drawer by your bed and the box of pizza that should be at your flat in fifteen-to-twenty minutes. That was about thirteen minutes ago, and you’ve just been puttering about since placing the call and changing out of work clothes. 

There’s a knock on the door and you say a quiet yes, before hurrying to answer. You open the door to two people on your doorstep instead of one.

“This your pizza?” the delivery boy asks. You nod, thank him, and hand him the money. He’s gone so you acknowledge the other person in front of you.

“How’d you know where I live?”

Jamie shrugs. “Asked Dr. Fieldstone. She isn’t as scary as she looks.”

“And why are you here?”

You place the pizza down on the small table in your entryway. It hasn’t escaped your notice that Jamie is practically standing in your doorframe now, inches away from you.

He wraps his hands in the front of his shirt. “Isaac was telling me about body science,” he says. “Been teaching me how to read people and shit based on how they move.”

You nod. Body language. Yeah, you know a thing or two about that.

“Anyway, he said you thought I was proper fit. Which is good, because I think you’re proper fit. But, just in case he were wrong, I thought I’d come over and give you a chance to tell me.”

His left hand is on the doorframe now, and you can see the top of his tattoo peeking out from under his bright orange hoodie. There is exactly one inch between you two as he slants his body toward yours.

“You can tell me to bugger off, if you want,” he murmurs. “Won’t hurt my feelings.”

You don’t say anything, just stand on your toes the tiniest bit so he has better access to your mouth. 

You can feel his breath when he pulls away.

“Oh,” he says, “I didn’t come here for sex. Me mum raised a gentleman. I’d buy you a coupla dinners first.”

“Shut up and kiss me already, Tartt,” you say, and he’s grinning, free hand cupping the back of your head.

—

You think that’s probably the fastest you’ve ever gotten into a relationship.

“Labels are important, babe,” Jamie had said that night. “How else will you know if food is poisonous?”

You’re pretty sure he’s talking about checking for allergens, but you don’t correct him. You’re on your couch watching a movie with his arm around your shoulders. He’s playing with strands of your hair and it’s strange that you’re this comfortable with a boy you just met yesterday.

Because he is a boy. You’re the same age, but you feel impossibly, inadequately young. He plays it off as youthful exuberance, and you’re sure it’s an advantage on the pitch. Your age doesn’t feel like an advantage to you, but you can’t change it so you might as well just deal with what you’ve got.

You can be professional in the morning, but right now you’ve got a cute, fit boy who thinks you’re cute and fit and so far has not given off red flags. You’re extra alert ever since your call with Sharon, trying to pick up on every subtlety, but you stop trying as soon as Jamie rolls up a piece of pizza like a burrito and tries to fit it all in his mouth. You know that Sharon would have been the first to tell you if this was a bad idea, and the fact that she even told you Jamie was interested is basically like her giving her blessing.

Jamie leaves too soon, but he does so with your number in his phone and the promise of “a proper date,” as soon as you both can manage.

—

“A proper date,” turned into two proper dates, then three, then four, then seeing each other steadily throughout the weeks, then your first sleepover after the third week. Your skin was all tingly when Jamie invited you over to his for dinner, telling you he was going to cook for you. You knew exactly what was going to happen that night and made sure you were prepared. 

You dressed nice, in clothes that gave him easy access to your skin underneath. 

“Am I rushing this?” you had asked Sharon the day before. “I’m asking you as my mentor. Am I being an idiot?”

Sharon had taken a moment to consider before answering. “You’re smart for your age. And wise beyond your years. I don’t think you’re being an idiot. We can’t let our work consume us, no matter how important it is. You’re a brilliant therapist. You’re always giving yourself away to those around you. You deserve something for yourself, and you know how to pick a good one.”

You hugged her for those words. She seemed startled, but accepted it. You didn’t think life could get much better. 

You were wrong. You discovered life could be so much better the moment Jamie’s hand slid under your skirt and you were kicking off your shoes on the way up the stairs. 

“Stay,” he whispered when you were done. “It’s fuckin’ late anyway. You can use my shower and wear one of my shirts. I have an extra toothbrush. I fucking hate sleeping alone.”

So you’re in one of his t-shirts and your underwear, arms wrapped around Jamie’s waist. 

You think what am I doing? but Jamie presses a soft, sleepy kiss to your temple and you think maybe you’re doing something right.

—

It’s been a hell of a week. You’re swamped, Jamie’s always at training, and neither of you have been able to make the time to see the other in days. Your inner arms are sore again, and your dinners with Sharon have been short and extremely clinical in a way you desperately need. However, once-a-week therapy is not enough to get rid of the feeling you have, and you wake up throughout the night holding your pillow as if it were Jamie. 

You’ve gotten used to having his hand in yours, your head on his shoulder, knees touching and arms wrapped tight around your body. Having it taken away is worse than before, because at least then you didn’t really know what you were missing. Now, you feel as if you’re going to die unless someone does something, even if it’s just a high-five. 

You’re sitting at your kitchen table, one knee pulled up to your chest as you review case notes. Your food has gone cold because all you can do is cry. You’re so tired and so lonely and it shouldn’t be this way, but it is and you’re just over it. There’s a knock at the door so you wipe your eyes and answer it, hoping you look normal.

It’s Jamie.

The moment you register who it is, you’re launching yourself into his arms, wrapping around him like a spider monkey. He laughs. “Hello to you too,” he says, spinning you around. He stops when he feels you shaking in his arms. 

“Oi,” he says, frowning a little, “you alright, love?”

He can feel tears on his neck.

“Babe,” he says, “did something happen at work?”

You shake your head, face still buried into the crook of his neck. “I just missed you,” you croak, voice muffled.

Jamie chuckles at that. You’re lucky he’s strong, because he’s able to carry you to the couch like it’s nothing, kicking the door shut behind him without losing his balance. He settles with you in his arms, rubbing a pattern on your back. 

“It’s alright, love, I’m here,” he says, and you’ve never been more grateful for the fact that he calls you love more than your actual name. It’s like he’s always reminding you how he feels about you.

You just hold him tighter, letting the terrible feeling you had all week fade away. When it’s mostly gone, you pull away so you can look him in the face.

“I- I have this thing,” you say. Jamie looks concerned.

“Are you dyin’?” he asks.

“No!” you reply. “No, I’m not dying. I have- I’m touch-deprived. I let it get really bad sometimes and then I can physically feel it. You can look it up, it’s a real thing.” You don’t know why you feel the need to defend yourself. Jamie’s just looking at you, all quiet seriousness.

“That what it’s called?” he asks. “I know what you mean. Fucking had it two years ago. Used to egg Roy on just so he’d push me around and the lads’d have to hold me back. Wasn’t near me mum anymore, so I didn’t have anyone to hug me or anything. Sounds dumb, but… I just needed someone to touch me. Like if they didn’t, it meant I didn’t exist. Fucking mental.”

“Mental,” you agree.

Jamie smiles. “You’re the fucking best, you know that?” he asks. “I’m never bored when I’m with you. Came over to see if you wanted to watch a movie or play video games.” 

He’s stroking your cheek with one hand, other still wrapped around your back.

You smile back. “I really, really love you Jamie Tartt. I’ll play video games, I just don’t want to play FIFA.”

Jamie’s smile drops. “Shit,” he says, and you think it’s because you don’t want to play his favorite video game. “You weren’t supposed to say it first, I was. I was gonna tell you tonight anyway.”

“It’s not a big deal, babe,” you say.

“No.” He shakes his head. “It’s a big fuckin’ deal. Now I’ve got to make it up to you.”

“No you don’t,” you say.

“Yes I do,” he replies. “I’m gonna tell you every fucking day how much I love you. I’ll drive home early from away games just to hug you. I want you to always feel like you have the love you deserve.”

You’re at a loss for words.

“Cat got your tongue, don’t it?” Jamie asks cheekily. “Not a problem, babe. I know how to get it back.”

#jamie tartt x reader #jamie tartt fanfiction #jamie tartt imagine #jamie tartt x y/n #jamie tartt x you #jamie tartt #ted lasso

[mdzs-owns-my-ass-i-guess]

WangXian go to a bar together because Wei Ying wants his husband to try some more types of alcohol and see if he likes anything other than wine

The bartender is this cute, friendly lady that explains LWJ all sorts of facts and ingredients about the various types of spirits on display and he ends up trying a bit of everything

All is fine and well until it's time to go home and Wei Ying realizes that a bit of this and a sip of that got his Lan Zhan absolutely blackout wasted

So he orders an Uber and tries helping Lan Zhan to his feet.

Except...

"I cannot go home with you, I have a husband."

"I know, I am your husband." Wei Ying laughs. "And we are going home right now."

"Maybe so. But I am very inebriated right now and you might not be who you pretend to be and take advantage of me. So please provide some proof we are married before we go home."

Wei Ying huffs, fond and only a bit frustrated, and lifts one of Lan Zhan's hands, a gold band shining on his ring finger. "Our wedding rings are inscribed with 'I whatever you', a reference to how I confessed to you when I thought you were going to move out from our dorm room and I'd never get to ever tell you how I feel."

Wei Ying drapes Lan Zhan's jacket over his shoulders and zips up his own as he continues. "We married on June 1st because it's the first day of Pride Month and you wanted to make a statement to your uncle. Also the wedding favor we got him was custom-made to be rainbow-themed."

Wei Ying fishes through his wallet to leave a tip to the barmaid. "Then when we came back from our round-the-world honeymoon, I pranked you with a fake pregnancy test but instead of being angry, you used it to tell me our adoption process for A-Yuan had finished and we now keep it in a box with other memories because you wouldn't let me frame it with our family pictures."

Throwing one of Lan Zhan's arms over his shoulder, Wei Ying slowly drags his husband towards the door. "When Jin Ling turned one year old, and we were at the party celebrating you specifically went up to Jiang Cheng, called him a cunt to his face and then pretended to be drunk to avoid a fight even though everyone knew you were sober. Jin Zixuan found this so funny, he almost dropped A-Ling and shijie didn't let him hold the baby anymore for three weeks afterwards."

That gets a little chuckle out of Lan Zhan, even if it throws his balance a bit. Wei Ying supports him still. "We have three bunnies, Potato, Radish and Peony. I named them because your naming track record includes you naming your family heirloom guqin after yourself when you were 7 because you thought it was the coolest name in the world."

The Uber arrives just as the pair make it out of the bar. "That proof enough I'm your husband?" Wei Ying asks, breathing only a bit more heavily with the effort of carrying Lan Zhan.

Through his drunken, hazy mind, Lan Zhan smiles, dopey and full of love. "I love you, Wei Ying. Always."

The horn of the Uber interrupts the romantic moment

#mdzs #mo dao zu shi #wangxian #writing attempts #wwx #lwj #idk i thought this was funny and cute

[the-secret-keeper]

This just sort of came to me. Enjoy, I guess.

gn!reader x Barbatos

obey me x twisted wonderland

It sucks but it's here. Enjoy!

TW:

Talk of malnutrition, extortion, major leg injury (though not described graphically), angry demon boyfriend

(Reader is referred to as mc)

"You're going to be late, and if you're late you can't buy me more tuna!" Grimm whined.

I laughed lightly, before glancing back down at my phone. I gently smiled at the picture, before shaking my head and putting it away. Quickly getting up and stuffing everything I needed into my bag, I raced down the stairs.

"Finally." Grimm rolled his eyes in frustration.

"Good luck at your meeting!" The ghosts called from their various positions in the house.

"And don't forget-"

"The tuna, I know."

I nodded at my own words, beginning to take a step forward when I was overcome with a strange sensation. A sensation I had not felt since I came to this place. It was so sudden and extreme that I stepped on the wrong board, causing my left leg to go through it.

The scream that almost erupted from me got caught in my throat, but that didn't stop the stinging tears forming in my eyes. The reason for them, I wasn't sure. The pain from my injury, or hope from this new feeling.

I didn't register what was happening around me, unable to process everything going on. But I gathered what happened before I was lifted out of my trap.

Grimm panicked, knowing the ghosts couldn't help, and he couldn't do much. So, he went off to find someone else. It didn't take long, I don't think, as it isn't unusual for the first years to hang around my dorm even when I'm not there.

It was Jack and Sebek who hoisted me out of the hole. Ace and Deuce were arguing over the best thing to do.

"-here." I mumbled, finally deciding they were tears of happiness, just as they began to leak down my cheeks.

"What?" Jack asked. I stood up, ignoring the fact that I shouldn't be moving my leg, and without the adrenaline I wouldn't be able to.

"What do you think you're-" I didn't let Sebek finish his loud, scolding rant.

"He's here!"

Running out the door and through the mirror, I didn't even realize I had forgotten my bag. Filled with all the documents Crowley had so graciously asked me to do. It didn't matter though.

Because he was here.

And that meant that I would be ok no matter what. He would make sure of that.

There was blood trailing behind me as I sprint-limped through the halls. I was out of breath, and no doubt making my already severe injury worse. I didn't even wait to let them take the splinters and possible nails out.

Although, I must commend the other students. They could tell I was on a mission, and stayed out of my way. Whether that be because they didn't want blood on their uniform, or they were scared of what I would do, I'm not sure. I don't care.

The door flung open before I could register that it was me who had opened it. My eyes frantically scanned the room, wanting, hoping, that he would be here.

My eyes landed on him.

"Barbs," I softly spoke, leaning on the door for support, "you're here!"

"My love." He rose from his seat, also in shock.

"I," I stepped forward, using my good leg. "I was so scared!" I finally let the dam break as I collapsed, knowing he'd catch me before I hit the ground. "I was so scared, Barbs! I didn't know where I was or how to get back." I sobbed into his chest.

"Hush, my love, it will all be alright now." I clutched onto his shirt for dear life, as he ran his gloved fingers through my hair.

More than anything, I remember my cries echoing, as if it was just the two of us. I couldn't expect anything less. Barbatos is the only one I have ever trusted to allow my facade to break in front of. Though we have an audience now, it changes nothing.

I have never felt more safe than when in his arms.

"MC, please remove yourself from our guest and compose yourself."

"I hate you!" I screamed, causing Crowley to shut up, and everyone to look at me in shock. Well, more shock than before. "I can't take it anymore! Living in that building, dealing with Overblots, doing your job for you! I haven't eaten in three days because you cut my food budget for being unable to complete an impossible task!"

Though not directed at me, I could feel the death stare of my lover. His hold on me tightened, though it remained reassuring, and he never stopped toying with my hair. He was angry. But his main focus was me.

"Come, come now MC. I've been tru-truly generous. Letting you stay on campus. For, for free!"

"Are you saying their accusations are false?" I heard Diavolo ask. "That they're lying?"

"Well, n-no."

"Then you're agreeing that what you've been doing is inhumane?" Lucifer prodded.

"That's not at all what I meant!"

"I agree with our guests." Riddle spoke up. "Dire Crowley, this has gone on for far too long. Abusing your position to extort a student. Into doing your work no less when they have nowhere else to go."

"I agree. Though I had no idea it was to this extent, MC has done nothing but amazing feats for your school. The only reason this place isn't overrun by Overblots and is still functioning is because of them." Azul piped in.

"Show me their living quarters." I heard Mammon demand quietly.

And then I knew that shit was about to go down. My boyfriend is protective, and should he see fit, he would act without permission but it's rare. Mammon? Mammon doesn't want or need permission from anyone. The only way to stop Mammon at this point in time from tearing Crowley limb from limb is to have Diavolo or Lucifer intervene. But I doubt that would happen.

"I beg your pardon?" Crowley stammered.

"Perhaps you misheard me, Bird Brain. Show me where they've been living since they've come here."

"What will that prove?" He tried to distract. "Surely you'd rather have the announcement of your arrival commence first. Let's tell the students!"

"I'll show you." I had calmed, moving slightly back from Barbatos's chest. "I'll show you everything." I promised, a bitter and malicious glint in my eye that caused everyone from NRC to flinch. "But I must be carried. I have been, injured."

"Oh, allow me to take care of,"

"Dire Crowley." I said sternly, glaring at him. He froze, practically shaking in his old man shoes. "If you touch me I will command Satan and Belphegor to go berserk on you. No. Command isn't the right word. I will allow them."

"You, don't,"

"Have the gall? Or is authority the word you were looking for." Barbatos helped me to my feet. "I think you misunderstand your current position, Crowley. I have no reason to fear you anymore. Because anything you will try to do to me from this moment forward? Will only result in your death."

#twisted wonderland #twst #twisted wonderland x mc #twisted wonderland x reader #twisted wonderland x obey me #twst x obey me #obey me #obey me x mc #obey me x reader #obey me barbatos #obey me barbatos x reader #obey me barbatos x mc #angst with comfort #I bet barbatos makes great crow #tell me what you think he'd make crowley into #i think whole roasted crow #fanfic #imagines #my fic #reader insert

[shineonyoucrazyyandere]

Hello, I hope you don't mind if I share a weird headcanon of mine 👉👈

I normally see people talking about Kakyoin make drawing about you but what if Jotaro does that too? The reason I have this headcanon because I remember the scene when Jotaro using Star Platinum drawing the fly he saw in the picture, and he draw it so well. It makes me think that maybe Jotaro has talent in art too. Jotaro's style will be realistic style while Kakyoin will be more like cartoon/anime style.

Imagine their sketchbook filling with so many drawing of you 💕 Jotaro will watching you from afar, sketching you with your cute smile, your beautiful eyes, he captured it all. For Kakyoin, I think he will even make up characters (oc) that look like you and him and ship them together lol (this headcanon inspried by my friend, she actually do that with her crush).

Thank you for reading my ramble, glad to talk with you :D I would love to hear your thoughts about my weird headcanon

P/s: Love you writing so muchhhh 💝

This is fun stuff, I could eat it up all day. Thanks for sending it in, so I can blabber my mouth about it

This always internally bugged me so I’m very thrilled that someone brought up how well Star Platinum drew that fly. I suppose it’s kind of easy to gloss over for a lot of people compared to Kakyoin’s scene of painting on that canvas. (Then again that fly was kind of important to identify to figure out where Dio was so then again it’s “???” for an explanation)

Anywho, I’d say signs point to Jotaro being able to draw, and I think it’s a hobby he prefers keeping to himself. Like you said of him having a sketchbook, almost no one sees what he draws in it and he doesn’t want anyone else to see it especially if it’s various sketches of you. So more than likely when he does do so, he’s somewhere where he won’t be pestered by school girls, or whatever punk tries to start a fight with him.

I’d also like to think he goes back and lingers on prior stuff, just staring at it for a little while. This applies usually when you’re out of school sick (which he’ll probably stop by later anyway with or without your knowledge). But there’s something comforting about seeing every piece of your visage in his sketchbook. Literally no one else knows about this sketchbook aside from maybe Kakyoin (Holly has her suspicions he takes a sketchbook around but she smiles not pestering her son on his hobbies as she thinks it’s adorable).

For the most part art wise I think Jotaro sticks to traditional art, maybe a dabble of charcoal but he prefers pencils. Maybe watercolor if he ever went beyond, but traditional with pencil/pen is the easiest way for him to pull something out at his leisure. Would he let you see? Maybe eventually when he gets you where he wants you, or if the cat is out of the bag early and you see it and you’re not quite with him yet. Let’s just say seeing that may speed up him taking you.

Kakyoin I could definitely see diving into the oc type of thing, he’d certainly reference an artstyle of a manga you like. (Don’t ask how he figured that out so quickly). Though he definitely loves putting some passion into his artwork and occasionally shamelessly make sultry artwork of you and himself. He loves painting the most as he spreads colors, mixing them into the wondrous hues that is your skin tone. Or splashing watercolors in a notebook, that looks something out of a fairytale. Soft and warm lighting….oops he’s getting a tad bit excited.

He definitely presents pieces that are obviously meant to be stand ins for the two of you. That no one else would ever be wiser too, yeah you might have this odd feeling something’s not quite right, but there’s nothing there you could really prove other than observe just how pretty the composition is. If you compliment it, that just fuels this man’s desire further.

Biggest takeaway here is Jotaro and Kakyoin very blatantly have their own styles whether sticking with black/white/grey, or full on color. Both would be pretty in their own right, and their style choices speak of their personalities without saying a single word.

#yandere imagines #yandere jjba #yandere jjba imagines #chitchatwithcrazyyandere #yandere headcanons #yandere kakyoin #yandere jotaro

[jamdoughnutmagician]

New Ink

Tattoo Artists!Eddie x Reader (Fluff)

Getting your first tattoo should be a nervy experience, but having a cute tattoo artist to hold your hand through it, then surely things aren't all bad? (sorry I suck at summaries)

Also, let it be known that the authour doesn't have any tattoos, nor does she know anything about what it's like to get a tattoo.

*actually update, the author now does have a tattoo 😛*

Word count:1,680

Masterlist Eddie Munson Masterlist

You pushed yourself through the door of the tattoo parlour, and began to make your way towards the front counter where a boy with hazel brown eyes, a shaggy mess of brown hair and a sleeve of various different colourful tattoos greeted you.

"Hi there, I’m Steve and welcome to Hellfire Tattoo Parlour, what can I help you with today?" The boy smiles brightly.

"Um, well, I'd been considering getting a tattoo for a while, and I was wondering if maybe you have any available slots?" You ask, slightly nervously.

"Is this your first time getting a tattoo?" He nods, looking up at you

"Is it that obvious?" You chuckle.

The boy flips through his register book for a moment, before turning to look back up at you. 

"Well, first of all I would have to book you in for a consultation with one of our artists, you know, to talk about what you want and what not, and since it’s your first time getting a tattoo we’ll be able to talk you through what goes on.” he explains.

You nod, as you listen to what Steve has to tell you.

“We’ve got a space for a consultation in a week's time? How does 11:30 sound to you?”

“That sounds great, thank you!” you smile.

“Perfect! I’ll just schedule you in here.” Steve nods, turning to write down your name and contact details in his appointment book. “Let me also just say, that if you have any picture references, or pictures you want to bring in to help us get a feel for what sort of design you would like, then that would be helpful.” 

“Oh okay! Thanks!” 

“Alright then, that’s you all booked in for a consultation next week! We’ll see you then.” Steve tells you with a friendly smile

You thank him once more before leaving the tattoo parlour with a pep in your step, happy that you’d finally bit the bullet and made the first steps to actually getting the tattoo.

“Hey Harrington, who was that girl?” Eddie says as he casually strolls up to the front counter. “She was kinda cute, don’t ‘ya think?”

“That was a new client, she’s booked in for a consultation next week, with you no less, so if you could keep it in your pants until after everythings all sorted that would be great, Munson.” 

A heated flush crept up from Eddie’s chest and bloomed over his cheeks in a scarlet blush. Busted.

He swallowed down his embarrassment and promised Steve to be on his best behaviour next week. 

Sure enough your appointment rolled around and you found yourself sitting on the small couch with your artist, Eddie. He was tall, dark, and far too handsome for his own good. His hair is tied back in a loose, messy bun that rests at the nape of his neck, and his intricate gathering of smaller tattoos that make up one larger sleeve piece sprawl from underneath the sleeve of his Metallica t-shirt. However it’s not that draws you into him. It’s when you look past his septum pierced, freckled nose, that his big chocolate brown eyes draw you in. The way they sparkle with a honeyed glow under the studio lights of the tattoo parlour.

“So what sort of tattoo did you have in mind?”

“Well, you know Lord of The Rings?” you start cautiously. 

Eddie nodded, it was one of his favourite books, and when the films had come out, they too had become fast and firm favourites of his.

“I really wanted Arwen’s evenstar.” You explain. “And I was thinking of having it by here” you continue running your hand against the side of your ribs.

“So, Harrington was telling me that this is your first tattoo?”

You nod as he continues to speak.

“Well let me just tell you that the ribs can be a particularly sensitive place for a tattoo, I should know. I’ve got a sword right here" he says pointing to the right side of his torso "..And that hurt like a bitch." he chuckles. 

“Well I was kind of hoping to have in a discreet place, besides I’m a tough girl, I can handle a little pain.” you tell him confidently.

“Well it sounds like you know what you want, how about you give me some time to put together a design for you, and you can come back later on to see if you like it or if there’s anything we can tweak and then we can go from there?” he proposes.

“I like the sound of that!” 

“Great! If you swing back at around 2:00, then I should have a sketch for you to review.”

“Okay! Thank you so much!” you say standing up and offering your hand up for him to shake. “2:00 it is.”

He gladly takes your hand, giving it a friendly shake.

“I’ll see you then." And with that he bids you goodbye, and watches as you make your way out of the shop.

He waits until you're completely out of sight before huffing out a breath.

"She's so cute. I'm fucked." he sighs.

"Yes. Yes you are." Steve laughs, clapping a hand on Eddie's back. “Now shouldn’t you be getting back to work?”

Eddie is just putting the finishing touches on his sketches of your tattoo design when you come back into the shop.

He welcomes you to sit on the couch in the studio so he can show you his work.

"So here's the design I had sketched out, let me know what you think of it." 

"It's perfect!" You beam brightly. 

"Really? Because I did have a few other sketches done if you wanted to see?" He offers.

"No, no, this one's perfect! It's exactly as I had imagined in my head!" You tell him.

"Well, thank you, I'm kind of a Tolkien fan myself, and those films are very dear to me, so I should know what the Evenstar looks like."

Not only was he cute, but you had a shared interest, and that just made him all the cuter in your eyes.

"I've got no other clients for today, if you're up for it I could do it for you now?" 

You nod excitedly, eager to have your very first tattoo.

"Thank you! That sounds great!" You tell him with a smile.

"Awesome! I'll just get everything I need set up and I'll come get you in a bit, okay?"

Eddie has you lie down on the padded table in his tattoo studio, the leather of the dark cushions squeaking as you adjust yourself to be comfortable.

“Can you just roll your shirt up for me, please” he asks with a smile as he snaps on a pair of disposable gloves.

You roll up the hem of your shirt to expose your ribs on the side where you want your tattoo.

“..and your um-your bra too please..” he stutters out, fighting against the blush rising to his cheeks.

Way to keep it professional, Munson.

You pull the band of your bra out of the way, allowing him to lay down a tracing outline of his design on your skin.

“If you need to take a break anytime, just let me know alright, this is gonna suck for a short while, but it’ll look so good in the end I promise. You’re in very safe hands.”

The tattoo machine whirs into life, as he reaches for the gun and begins to trace the stencilled outline on your ribs.

It hurts. It feels like a thousand tiny knives stabbing you repeatedly, but you’d put on a brave front after being very bold about your high pain tolerance.

“You’re doing really well, y’know. If I’m being honest I cried like a wimp when I got my first tattoo” he jokes about himself as he catches you grimacing when his needle runs over a particularly sensitive spot.

You take a few shallow breaths as he continues with his work, pausing every once and a while to wipe your skin and to give you a small break.

He continues his work once more, adding the finishing touches to his design until it’s complete.

“Alright, that’s you all inked up! There’s a mirror over there for you to go check it out.” he tells you, peeling off his gloves. 

You get up off the table and make your way over to the full length mirror to see your new tattoo in all its glory.

“Oh I love it!! It’s so good!! You did such a good job on it! Thank you so much!!” you praise him brightly.

“Well thank you, it’s nice to know my art is appreciated so highly.” he smiles back at you. “Now let’s get you sorted out and wrapped up.”

Eddie wrapped up your tattoo in a thin layer of plastic wrap and talked you through the proper after-care etiquette for looking after your tattoo.

You hand him over the money to pay for your tattoo, with a smile.

“Thank you so much, again. If I ever decide I want another tattoo I’ll definitely be coming back here and asking for you.”

“Well it’s always good to see off another pleased customer, I’d be more than happy to tattoo you again if you want, tough girl.” he chuckles, throwing an adorably cheeky, boy-ish grin your way.

“How about I give you my number, and maybe we can discuss my next tattoo over drinks? Say.. maybe this Friday at 7.00?” you offer up hopefully, desperately wishing that you hadn’t read this wrong. “There’s a great bar in town that does a great Old fashioned.”

He flushes with a pink blush as you grab a sharpie from the pen pot on the desk and write your number on his other forearm that isn’t covered by a sleeve of ink.

“Sure. Friday. 7pm.” he nods “It’s a date, tough girl.”

You leave Hellfire tattoo parlour with some new ink, and a pep in your step at having secured a date with the cute tattoo artist.

@penguinsandpotterheads @itsfreakingbats @xxhellfirebunnyxx @munsonology @ali-r3n

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x reader fluff #eddie munson x fem!reader #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson x female reader fluff #tattoo artist!eddie

[lets-try-some-writing]

I am imagining baby starscream calling ratchet mama like miko taught him and ratchet just *hugs tightly while silently crying in pure happiness *

Adorable. I refuse to not write about this scenario. Ratchet needs this sort of affection gosh dang it.

Call him Mama, It will be Cute

During one of his stays at the Autobot base, the children ended up on sparklingsitting duty due to a handful of various reasons. And while Smokescreen was technically the one in charge, he was more interested in his video game than Starscream. As such he was not aware at all when Miko began teaching Starscream to say one word in particular while pointing at pictures of Ratchet. Starscream being the innocent little angel that he was, caught onto Miko's teachings quickly.

As such when the team returned to take Starscream out of Smokescreen and the children's care, Ratchet was hit with the biggest bombshell of his functioning. Never in his life had he ever expected to be called by any terms of endearment by a sparkling. He had always been referred to as Ratchet, Medic, or Caretaker by any sparkling he did have the pleasure of caring for. And so when he came to collect Starscream and was met with a joyous cry of "Mama!" he was speechless.

Ratchet: w-what?

Starscream: *making grabby hands* Mama!

Ratchet: *looking around just to be sure that Starscream was talking to him* Me? You are calling me Mama?!

Starscream: *smiling* Mama!

Miko: *quietly* Mission success.

Ratchet was not quite sure what to make of the human term of endearment but it still meant the world to him. It was not the same as being called Sire, Nurturer, or Caretaker, but it was still a wonderful feeling. He was hardly able to keep his composure as he picked up Starscream with utmost care and held him lovingly. The medic had to leave the room to go calm down once he had his fill of Starscream repeatedly calling him by the human title.

The team were left dumbfounded by the event both because of Ratchet's reaction and Starscream's seemingly out of the blue speech. And while they were left mostly in a state of shock for a while, a sense of rivalry quickly grew among them. Every single member of the team wanted Starscream to call them something now that Ratchet had been blessed with that honor. This led to more than one passive aggressive argument between different bots as they tried to convince Starscream to call them something.

Smokescreen and Bumblebee regularly fought over the right to be called "big brother", often leading to a tussle as they both tried to convince Starscream to call them by their desired title. Arcee, despite not being the biggest fan of Starscream, was determined to gain the title of "Aunt" even if it killed her, (although she never voiced this) and so quietly attempted bribery with energon goodies when possible. Bulkhead and Wheeljack very nearly destroyed their friendship with how hard they both vied for the right to be called "Uncle", with both trying their hardest to make life more difficult for the other until they came to a truce. Ultra Magnus, much like Arcee, also wanted to be called by a title and not so subtly tried to bribe Starscream as well, quietly warring with Arcee and trying to make his own bribes better than hers.

As for Optimus, no one besides Ratchet would have noticed if they cared to look, but he was vicious in his efforts to be called "Dad" or something similar. His methods were so subtle as to be non-existent to an casual observer. But by taking full control of handling Starscream's naptimes, he gained a whole window of opportunity to exert his influence. He had nearly an hour every single day to tell stories to Starscream and subtly point the sparkling toward calling him "Dad". And while Ratchet did see this effort, he did nothing to stop it so long as he got to handle Starscream's bedtime routine.

Of course once it came time for the Decepticons to have their turn taking care of Starscream, the team did not hesitate to rub their successes in their faces. Ratchet made quite of show of being called Mama as he handed Starscream off, much to Knockout's rage. And Optimus managed to get Starscream to call him Dad as he was returned to the Nemesis, prompting murderous glares from Breakdown and Soundwave as Optimus just smiled.

The Vehicons all immediately descended on Starscream like hungry vultures once they heard the news. Each and every one cooed at Starscream when possible, doing their best to draw out a call of "Brother" from the sparkling. Soundwave swiftly began fighting against Optimus, doing everything in his power to be called "Sire" in order to stand on equal footing with the Prime. Knockout upped his caretaking efforts in a desperate attempt to convince Starscream to call him "Nurturer" or any variation of mom that he could conceive. Breakdown also worked extra hard to make Starscream happy to try and get the little seekerling to call him some variation of Dad. All the while Megatron watched the proceedings with growing exhaustion as both Autobots and Decepticons began the most passive aggressive war of words and influence he had ever seen. More than once he retired to his quarters to drink his problems away as the conflict reminded him of dealing with politics far too much.

#maccadam #transformers #transformers prime #transformers sparklings #starscream #team prime #decepticons #ratchet #sparkling starscream #the baby doesn't know whats going on #but he gets free goodies so he is happy

[yandere-writer-momo]

Heart Shaped Wound: Yandere Various Baki x Reader

Author’s note: Trying to keep up with my daily updates. My goal is to make this the first story I have ever finished.

Also, I have been experiencing baby fever and that baby smell just sends me over the moon. It’s like a drug so I used that as a reference for the baby scene.

._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.

    Katsumi and (your name) bonded as they exchanged moves. Katsumi’s smile never leaving his face as she perfectly imitated his karate demonstrations.

     “Are you sure you weren’t meant to fight karate?” Katsumi chuckled, (your name) smiling back at him.

     “You flatter me too much, Katsumi. You’ll inflate my ego too much.” (Your name) and him continued to perfectly move in sync, Doppo watching from afar with a smile. He was thrilled his son found someone capable. 

     Doppo excused him and his wife away. The two of them needed to give the young couple some alone time. Yet they found (your name) and Katsumi to be so cute together.

      “If your head gets too big then you can rest it on my shoulders.” Katsumi teased, (your name) suddenly grasping his shoulders.

     “You never took me dancing.” (Your name) smirked at Katsumi’s flustered expression. The young woman leaning into him. “I’m quite upset with you about it.”

     “I can take you dancing this weekend then.” (Your name) pressed her lips to his cheek, pulling her body away from his. 

     “You can dance with me now. Let’s spar.” (Your name) got into a stance, Katsumi chuckling. “Playfully of course. I’m not going to try to break anything on you.”

      “Alright. But I will take you dancing sometime.” Katsumi promised, (your name) smiled.

     “I’ll hold you to it then.” Katsumi got into position, the two smiling at each other. “Ready? Go!”

     Katsumi just narrowly avoided a kick from her, a whistle escaping his lips.

     “Jeez, trying to take me out already?” Katsumi admired her spins and jumps around him. His leg kicking right into hers. Neither one of them using much strength. 

     “Sorry I was a little too excited. I wouldn’t want to damage your handsome face.” (Your name) twisted her body again, he foot lightly tapping Katsumi’s stomach. “Boom. I could’ve shattered your ribs right there.”

     Katsumi chuckled, stopping his hand just near her left shoulder. “And I could’ve shattered your left shoulder.”

     The two laughed, continuing to pretend to land blows. At least until (your name) wrapped her legs around Katsumi and flipped him over on his back on the floor. Katsumi laughing loudly.

     “Hey! I thought we were playing.” Katsumi laughed as (your name) straddled his waist. Katsumi cheeks blushing. 

    “Do you concede?” (Your name) asked, Katsumi smiling up at her.

     “I will if you give me a kiss.” Katsumi whispered, (your name) placing her hands in his thick black hair with a smirk. (Your name) softly pressing her lips against Katsumi’s. “I concede.”

     “Dork.” (Your name) rolled her body off of his. “Are you ready to finish things up here? We have a date after this still right?”

     “Of course. I was thinking we can get some sushi.” Katsumi pushed himself to sit up, his eyes never leaving (your name)’s. “We could watch a movie at my place.”

     “Sounds good. We should probably change. I feel like I’m a little stinky.”

     “You can shower at my place too. It’s only a block or so from here.” Katsumi smiled, (your name) smiling at Katsumi.

    “You’re too sweet for you own good.” (Your name) gave Katsumi a peck on the cheek. “Let me grab my work clothes and we’ll head out.”

     Katsumi almost pinched himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. This whole relationship with  (your name) felt so surreal to him. Katsumi never pictured himself having a girlfriend nor having a girl over to his house. He just hoped Retsu behaved. Heaven forbid the Kenpo master tries to steal his girlfriend. Katsumi would kick him to the curb.

     “Ready, Katsumi?” (Your name) had already changed back into her work clothes, the karate uniform she wore was neatly folded in her arms. “Do you want me to put this somewhere?”

      “Yes I am. And we can wash it at my place. You can put it in my gym bag.” Katsumi held an arm out for her to take.

     “Wow, what a gentleman.” (Your name) giggled as Katsumi blushed. Turning his head the other way. “I’m glad you’re out of that cast. It’s nice being able to touch both of your arms.”

     “I’m just happy I heal fast. Now I can hold you better.” 

     “You’re literally such a dork.”

.

.

.

     Katsumi and (your name) held hands as they walked down to get some takeout sushi now that the rain stopped. Katsumi now wearing a navy blue shirt and black drawstring shorts.

    “This place is one of my favorites to get food from. They offer all kinds of foods but the sushi is the best.“ Katsumi rambled as (your name) hung onto his every word. Katsumi was adorable whenever he talked about something he was passionate about. But then again, Katsumi was always cute. “I have about five places I usually get food from.”

     “Katsumi? Can you not cook?” (Your name) curiously tilted her head to the side with a smile. 

     Katsumi blushed, turning his gaze to look at the ground. So he couldn’t cook? (Your name) might have to take it upon herself to teach him.

    “No… I’m a kitchen disaster. My mom almost had a heart attack when I burned water.”

   “I didn’t even know that was possible but it’s okay, Katsumi. I can do the cooking whenever you come over.” (Your name) smiled warmly at him. “But I’ll try my best to teach you.”

    Katsumi cleared his throat, his eyes nervously darting from side to side. Should he say what he was thinking or keep it to himself? Well they were pretty much dating so it shouldn’t be a big deal if she tells her what he’s thinking.

    “I really enjoy your cooking. I wish I could eat it every day.” Katsumi whispered softly, his eyes staring lovingly at (your name). 

      “Maybe one day.” (Your name) smiled at him. She still wasn’t sure about who to be with so far. She had a lot of options.

     It’s a shame Katsumi took the maybe as a yes. He was going to have to figure out where they were going to live. He’s probably ask her to move in with him next month or maybe he could find a new place without Retsu by the beach where (your name) lived?

     The two stand in front of the sushi restaurant, Katsumi opening the door for (your name). The young man giving her a bow.

      “Thank you, Katsumi.” (Your name) walked in, Katsumi following behind her. 

     “The menu may look a little intimidating but it’s all good.”

     “I’ll let you pick it out, I’m not too terribly picky on what to eat.” (Your name) told Katsumi with a soft look on her face. 

     “Of course. I’ll order really quick if you want to take a seat.” Katsumi smiled, pulling out a chair for her. “I promise I’ll be right back.”

     “You’re fine, Katsumi. I promise I won’t run away.” (Your name) placed her hand on Katsumi’s that still rested on the back of her chair. “You’d probably chase me down anyways.”

     “I like chasing you.” Katsumi smiled before pushing her chair in to sit at the table comfortably. “I’ll be right back.”

      Katsumi placed a kiss on her temple before leaving, (your name) deciding to admire the various decor in the restaurant until her eyes stumbled upon a sight for sore eyes. A baby in the booth across from her. A chubby cheeked baby full of rolls.

     (Your name)’s eyes sparkled at the little babe tucked comfortably in their little carrier with a blue blanket. A thick tuft of soft black hair sticking out from under their tiny cream hat. 

     (Your name) nearly squealed when the baby yawned and opened its eyes, (eye color) eyes staring into her (eye color) eyes. Oh wow. This baby had her’s and Katsumi’s color palate. It was surreal.

     “Do you want to hold him? I see you staring at my baby boy.” The baby’s mother piped up from the booth. (Your name) quickly scurrying over to see the baby up closer. The baby cooing at her, reaching its chubby arms towards her. The mother handing (your name) some hand sanitizer to put on her hands.

    “How old is he?” (Your name) rubbed the hand sanitizer on her hands, her eyes never leaving the happy baby in front of her. 

     “He’s about two months.” The mother unstrapped her baby from its carrier, handing (your name) the baby. 

    “Thank you so much for letting me hold your baby.” (Your name) smiled, tucking the baby securely in the crook of her arm. The baby happily squealing in delight when she rocked him.

     “Are you a mother as well?” The young woman asked (your name) with a smile. “You’re a natural with him. He’s usually fussy.”

     (Your name) nearly melted when the baby stared up at her with its sparkling eyes. It’s chubby hands reaching towards her face. And not to mention… how good the baby smelled. Why did this baby smell so good? 

     “I’m not a mother. I just like babies.” (Your name) replied, trying her best not to bury her face into the baby’s hair to inhale more of its scent. Did all babies smell like this? This should be illegal. Babies should not smell so good.

    “What about a boyfriend-“

     “Hey I got the sushi-“ Katsumi’s eyes widened at the sight of (your name) holding a baby in her arms. It’s black hair and (eye color) eyes turning Katsumi into a puddle instantly. This was not helping Katsumi’s baby fever at all.

    “Oh. Sorry, Katsumi. I saw this little chunker from across the booth and I had to go see him.” (Your name) showed Katsumi the happy garbling baby. Katsumi set the bag of takeout on the table to stand before (your name) and the baby. His dark eyes sparkling as if he just discovered the most fascinating creature in the world. 

     The mom gave Katsumi some hand sanitizer as well, her eyes softening at (your name)’s and Katsumi’s expression at her baby. Seems both of them loved kids, which was perfect for a relationship to work. The mother knew the young couple before her would be great parents.

    Katsumi held a hand out to the baby, the baby grabbing his finger before trying to put it in its mouth. Katsumi smiling so softly at (your name) and the baby.

     “Oh goodness, you’re so precious.” Katsumi cooed, (your name) giggling at his baby voice.

   “We’ll have to go soon, thank you for letting me hold your baby.” (Your name) smiled at Katsumi and the mother.

     “Of course. Maybe I’ll inspire a young couple to tie the knot and have one of their own.” The woman winked at (your name) and Katsumi who both turned a bright red. (Your name) quickly handing the woman her baby. 

     “Thanks again.” (Your name) thanked the woman, Katsumi giving the woman a wave. Katsumi scooped up the takeout bag before holding his hand out to (your name). 

     “Have a good one you two!” The woman waved good bye as her baby giggled. The couple dipping out immediately before they were hounded about having kids some more.

     As soon as (your name) and Katsumi stepped out, the both took a breath of relief.

     “That could’ve gotten bad.” (Your name) joked with Katsumi. “That baby smell was getting to me and I felt the baby fever coming. They shouldn’t smell so good. It should be illegal.”

    Katsumi stifled a laugh, his heart clenching a bit in his chest. Did (your name) want kids? That baby looked almost like a mixture of the two of them.

    “Do you want kids? You looked so natural holding that baby.”

     “Maybe one day. After I get married.” (Your name) thought aloud. “I’m still not sure on what I want but I probably would get married one day and have a baby. It’s just a scary thought. I don’t know if I’d be a good mom or if it’s even safe to have a baby with a fighting lifestyle.”

     Katsumi traced circles over (your name)‘s hand with his thumb. His voice as soft as a whisper as he muttered, “I want marriage and kids too one day. My parents are having major grand baby fever too so there’s a bit of pressure on me to get married and settle down.”

     “I could tell. They were watching me like a pack of wolves.” (Your name) giggled, Katsumi blushing.

     “I’m sorry about them.”

     “My mom is the same way, so don’t worry about it too much.” Katsumi smiled at (your name). “I wonder if she’d ever be willing to come to Japan to see me. I’ll introduce you to her if she ever does.”

     Katsumi felt his heart thump wildly in his chest. She wanted him to meet her mom? Were they getting serious already? Oh god, his heart couldn’t take this.

    “I’d love to meet her.” 

    “Do you think you could stick with me that long?” (Your name) playfully hit Katsumi’s arm. “I can be a lot to handle sometimes.”

    “I really like you so I’ll make it work.” Katsumi beamed at (your name) the two continuing their way towards his house.

     A familiar red head seeing the entire exchange with wide eyes from the convenience store from around the corner. Baki didn’t know she was still seeing Katsumi. He had thought she had already made her choice in dating Hanayama, not to mention he heard from Jack that Jack was also seeing her. 

      Would she give Baki a chance as well? He’s had more dating experience than all of them so perhaps he should use that to his advantage… Baki was sure he could make her see him as a man instead of a little brother with time.

._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.

Author’s note: finally updated! I’m obsessed with writing fluff with sinister undertones.

#baki hanma #baki the grappler #female reader #yandere #yandere imagine #yandere fic #jack hanma #baki x reader #kaoru hanayama #katsumi orochi #yandere x reader #baki son of ogre #yandere x you #baki the grappler x reader #yandere baki #baki kaoru hanayama #retsu kaioh #kiyosumi katou #smut #baki dou #grappler baki #yandere jack hanma #hanma fluff #yandere male

[musekicker]

A au, not canon scenario of a date between my oc Ghost and @projectaffectivity Julia. This turned out fun to write and longer then I had first planned it to be. (( I really hope I wrote Julia right. Do let me know if somethings off. )) Quick edit: A slight misunderstanding on my end that actually in this Au that Julia would not refer to herself as Julia, but rather 19. Me and her creator have agreed that put this down as a note before the story makes more sense then me going back and changing every mention of her name. So kind of a au of a au.

Normally Ghost was not one to dress up. Her job in life after all required a lot of fighting. And also being a monkey, even a part robot one, she didn't have need of actually wearing clothes. And if she were to wear clothes they were more in the style of casual and comfortable. Her favorite of these looks being a t shirt that said "Plant Life" and had a picture of window sill with various cartoon style plants on it.

Tonight though was a special event where she would at least get a bit dressed up. A black, silky blouse as a top. Her love of plants would still be on display in a small way with the rose shaped button on the blouse. Her pants were black as well, with small, red thread embroidered flowers on the cuffs of the pants.

Not her normal look but she did think she was pulling it off well. She certainly hoped her date would agree.

Speaking of her date , Ghost was fairly certain that she could tell who her date was amidst all the beings in this room though. They were the only other robot monkey in the room.

A bright blue robot monkey stood in the entrance of the restaurant that they had planned to meet at. They were dressed for a date too. Wearing a top mostly a grey color with small pops of lavender in a fan shape, repeated on the top in a pattern. Her pants a shade of green that worked with the grey and lavender. Ghost thought the outfit looked nice on her.

The other monkey saw Ghost at the same time Ghost saw her.

"You're Ghost."

The way that the other monkey had spoke was very matter of fact. Ghost nodded in reply to that statement.

"You must be Julia." Ghost said.

It took a little bit for this first in person meeting to not be awkward. Thankfully it wasn't along while. Maybe it was because Ghost had time to think after they had been seated and ordered their food. So she was the only to really start conversation.

"So your profile said you're studying different recipes from different places in the galaxy?" Ghost said.

Julia nodded.

"Among other interests, yes. That is one of them. For you, I know you are a guardian of sorts. What do you do when you're not protecting the galaxy?" Julia asked.

Ghost was quick to talk about her main interest outside of fighting.

"I like plants. I mean, that I like growing all sorts of plants. Taking care of them too. I have a bunch of them in my room. Hold on, I got pictures." Ghost said.

She lifted up her left wrist to bring up a hologram screen. Then she searched through her images files before turning herself in a way that Julia could see the pictures easier.

Ghost showed of the pictures of her plants like one showing off pictures of their pets. There were five of them that were current. Though she did have some pictures of some plants she had had in the past. And as Ghost shared the images she would talk about the type of plants they were.

"You really do like your plants." Julia observed.

Ghost gave a slightly awkward shrug with a just as awkward smile.

"Yeah... I really do." Ghost said.

"With so many types of plants and their uses alone that has to be a big topic." Julia said.

Ghost was still searching through images before stopping at one plant in particular.

"This one is my oldest plant." Ghost said. "I um.. call it Bob."

"Any reason why Bob as a name?" Julia asked.

"Nope. Just was the first funny name that came to mind. Something that makes me grin a bit." Ghost explained.

Looking at the plant closer Julia could see how tall the plant was. It appeared to be in a cactus family too. Though appearances could be deceiving. Either way, Ghost clearly saw this plant as very important.

"Is it hard to grow?" Julia asked.

Ghost shook her head.

"You can get these plants in a lot of plant stores because they are easy to care for. Leave out of direct light, water rarely. Very hands off. This one is special to me though." Ghost explained.

Where there had been a spark of joy in her eyes only moments ago, for a second that joy seemed to falter and there was a look to Ghost's face now. Almost a faraway look. As if thoughts were caught on a old memory. She broke out of that memory quickly enough and moved to turn the hologram off.

The food had arrived to the table before Julia could ask about the slight change in expression. So that topic ended up forgotten.

Ghost had ordered a steak dish with a nice serving of mushrooms. Julia's food was fish with a side of salad. Both of them had plenty of food on their plates. But that did nothing to stop Ghost from indulging in a food habit she had.

The first time Ghost had taken a piece of food it was a cherry tomato. Small and easy to stab with a fork. She hadn't even been looking at Julia's plate when she did it. Ghost's eyes were still on Julia as they spoke more about their various hobbies and interests.

It was not a big deal to Julia. She could not taste the food. Eating right now was more all for show. Julia was however curious to see how much of the food Ghost would end up taking without even realizing what she was doing.

So Julia just let her keep doing in.

As time passed, Julia's and Ghost conversation continued. As did Ghost's occasional food stealing. She was stealing a small amount of everything it seemed. And for the most part she didn't seem to realize that she was doing it. She wasn't even looking at the plate as she did it.

Eventually Julia did comment on the habit. Though not at all in a unfriendly manner.

"I've noticed you lean towards food with mushrooms in it." Julia said.

Ghost stopped mid spearing of the mushroom she had chosen as her next snack. She then noted where her fork was and winced.

"Oh.. oh sorry. This isn't exactly polite to do on a date is it?" Ghost said.

To Ghost surprise Julia did not seem to be bothered. She waved a hand as it waving off the subject itself.

"It's fine." Julia said. "I can consume food and drink but I can not taste it."

Ghost was curious now.

"Really?" Ghost asked.

Julia nodded.

"I can however tell other things about the things I ingest. Such as the fact that these mushrooms have been roasted at the right temperature that it should be at it's best. More so for someone who enjoys mushrooms in general." Julia explained.

Ghost took another one of the mushrooms off of Julia's plate. She ate the mushroom and nodded.

"Yeah. These ARE pretty good." Ghost agreed.

"You have no need to steal anymore of them." Julia said with a soft smile as she pushed her plate with the mushrooms towards Ghost.

Ghost smiled as she took the plate to drag it the rest of the way in front of her.

"Thanks. And for the record I'm actually being pretty polite because I didn't use my sais to pick up the food I stole." Ghost said.

"A interesting use of a weapon." Julia said.

Ghost grinned again. She still was using a fork to spear the mushrooms with even with mentions of the sai.

"The fact that they are using this kind of mushroom is interesting." Julia commented.

"Oh?" Ghost asked. "Why is that?"

"For one thing this place is calling itself a slightly more upscale place. The type of mushrooms they are serving and how they are serving it suggests otherwise. Like it should be for a cheaper place." Julia said.

Julia launched into a whole lecture on the topic of the common type of mushrooms she had seen in restaurant settings in her research so far. Ghost was not normally one for listening to such lectures because of how often Gibson would launch into those himself. However, the subject and the fact Julia was less dry as she talked about the subject was a good combination that it still had Ghost's attention.

The bar was separate from the tables. So after they had finished their food, Ghost and Julia made their way over to the bar. There was a bit of activity at the bar that the two had to wait a bit before they could order. Ghost was honestly fine with that as it gave her time to decide on what she wanted to drink. Ghost gave the drink menu a glance before looking to Julia.

"So you do some bar tending. What would you suggest?" Ghost asked.

Julia hummed slightly in thought before she had a good answer.

"I find most tend to enjoy this drink more often then not." Julia said. "But don't hold me to that."

"Fair enough." Ghost said.

Once Ghost had gotten up to the bar Ghost made the order. When the bar tender started to put the drink together Julia could not help but notice that their techniques were not exactly up to professional. Julia frowned at that.

Julia was about to warn Ghost about the fact that this drink quality was likely bad. But Ghost had already been handed her drink and had taken a sip. That sip alone was too much for her as Ghost nearly spat the drink out onto the floor. She forced herself to swallow it to prevent having to have someone have to clean up the floor.

"Oh that was bad. And really sour." Ghost said. "What was the drink called again?"

"The Risk." Julia said.

"Yeah, a fitting name there." Ghost said.

She glared in the bar tenders direction, pointing right at the glass.

"Is the reason why you call the drink that because you're taking a risk of getting sick if you drink it?" Ghost asked.

The bar tender was not a fan of Ghost's commentary. He glared back at Ghost and snapped back.

"Not my fault somethings wrong with your taste buds." the bar tender said.

Ghost was about to snap something back when Julia took the glass from Ghost and without a word took a sip of it herself.

"There is a large amount of the chemicals you would find in very sour things in this drink." Julia said.

"Hah!" Ghost said. "She can't taste and she knows your drinks aren't good too."

The bar tender was even less happy at that comment. He was about to snap something back at Ghost when Julia had made her way to behind the bar.

"Hey! What are you doing back here!?" the bar tender snapped.

"Making my date a actually good drink." Julia said.

A crowd was gathering now. It only got bigger as Julia started to do one of the things she was best at. Julia not only knew how to put on a show with her bar tending but she also had the very important knowledge in making a good drink paired with the more showing off skills.

The bar tender had made a move to stop Julia but the crowd booing at him each time his tried deterred him. Long enough that Julia finished making the drink.

"Try this." Julia said to Ghost.

Ghost did. She had expected the drink to be better then the one she had gotten a sip of earlier. Chances were it had to be. She was still caught off guard for how good it actually was.

"Oh! That is so much better!" Ghost said.

With that confirmation that the drink was good, everyone but the still very annoyed bar tender clapped. But it wasn't until Ghost clapped that Julia bowed, acknowledging the appreciation for her skills.

Ghost and Julia were escorted out of the restaurant after that. Even so Ghost seemed pretty positive about the whole thing.

"Well, I enjoyed myself." Ghost said.

"Even though we got kicked out?" Julia asked.

Ghost smiled.

"Yes. Even though that." Ghost said.

A short silence. The Julia spoke the as of yet unasked question that needed to be asked.

"Would you be interested in a second date?" Julia asked.

Julia hadn't realized how much she had been nervous about what Ghost's answer would be until Ghost smiled wider. Signaling her answer more likely to the positive.

"I would." Ghost said.

Julia felt the shoulders she had not realized she had been tensing until then relax.

"I already have a thought for a possible date. We both have a interest in plants. I specifically more interested in edible plants. That said, maybe a foraging for edible plants outing?" Julia suggested.

The idea must had interested Ghost because her eyes seemed to almost light up at the mention of it.

"That sounds like a fun time! I'd love to." Ghost said.

They exchanged communication information. When they parted it was with positive feelings that they hoped to both experience again with each other.

#srmthfg #other people's ocs

[victorluvsalice]

AU Thursday: Smiler's Otherland -- Outfits!

Time to cover what Smiler's wearing during all these adventures in Alice's Wonderland, Victor's Otherland, and their own Otherland! My attitude toward their various outfits can be summed up thusly --

AAAAAAAAH WHY DID I GIVE EVERYBODY SO MANY DOMAINS WHY DID I DO VICTOR VERSIONS OF ALICE'S DLC STUFF NOW I FEEL OBLIGED TO DO THEM FOR SMILER TOO SO MANY FUCKING OUTFITS AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH

*coughs* Uh, yes -- got rather a lot to get through here! ^^; And I fully admit that I am struggling to come up with an outfit for every domain and situation -- as indicated above, it's a lot of fucking outfits! Especially when you remember that I also have to do outfits for Alice and Victor for Smiler's domains... *facepalm* Anyway, here's what I have settled on for the time being:

Smiler's Outfits:

Smiler's Own Otherland --

Smile Always: The equivalent of Alice's "Classic" blue dress, this is what Smiler wears in their own Smile Street domain, as well as any domain in Alice's Wonderland or Victor's Otherland that doesn't prompt a unique outfit (such as the Vale of Tears or the Living Dead Forest). It's a yellow-and-black-striped suit (think the variant Beetlejuice suit (courtesy of @the-crypt-o-club) my Smiler Van Liddelton Sim sometimes wears in their vampiric dark form -- actually, don't think that, let me just show you:

Cripes, remember when Smiler used to live in Britechester? This is a blast from the past...)

Anyway, yes -- yellow-and-black-striped suit jacket and pants like the above; black waistcoat with decorative yellow stitching; a yellow-black-and-white spiral tie (picture one of the eyes of The Smiler logo overlaid on a tie); white shirt; and black shoes with yellow laces. They are basically the exit tunnel from The Smiler coaster in human form. :p Oh, yeah, and if their eyes don't naturally glow bright yellow, they do now! Which holds true for all of their Wonderland outfits.

Neurological Reprogram: The outfit for their X-Sector domain, based off of Dr. Gladwell's outfit from the Smiler Takeover "Fear Test!" Gladwell's outfit, for reference, is a white labcoat that buttons up in the front (in a kind of wrap-around style, though it doesn't go very far around), a white shirt, a black-and-white-striped tie, black pants, black shoes, and yellow glasses. Smiler's outfit is very similar in make, but is a little more colorful, as is their wont -- a yellow wrap-around labcoat; a white shirt; a yellow-and-black-striped tie; black-and-white-striped pants; black shoes; and yellow spiral goggles. Gotta lean into that yellow!

Let Me Entertain You: The outfit for their Musical Mayhem domain, based off Felix E. Lated's outfit from the Celebration Stage! Felix's outfit, for reference, is a glittery yellow jacket, a yellow shirt, a black-and-white-striped bow tie, black pants, and white shoes. Once again, Smiler's outfit is similar in make, but has a bit more color and a few more patterns -- a slightly longer glittery yellow coat (going down to about the top of Smiler's thighs) covered in sequined black and white spirals; a yellow shirt; a rainbow-striped bow tie; black pants with white stripes; and white shoes with yellow laces. Because they gotta stand out on that stage. :p

Ministry: The outfit for their Sanctuary domain, which in this case doesn't have a specific inspiration (though it is supposed to have Kelman vibes, at least) -- a pale gray suit jacket and pants; a white shirt; a slightly darker gray waistcoat; a white tie with the Sanctuary Logo stitched on it in black; and black shoes. Basically, this outfit is meant to be completely clinical and colorless, which Smiler absolutely hates. But well, this is the suit that goes with the domain where all their fears and anxieties live, so why should it be something Smiler LIKES?

Alice's Wonderland --

Splashdown: Smiler's Deluded Depths outfit! This is an old-timey bathing costume like the one Victor wears, only Smiler's top is more like a tank top, and their shorts are shorter, as they're more comfortable showing more skin. The suit has alternating black, white, and yellow stripes, with the yellow stripes glowing. And instead of Victor's seaweed tie and waistcoat, they have a straw boater hat dyed black with a yellow hatband, attached to them with a black chin strap -- so it can be worn on their head or left to float slightly behind their neck. Nice and summery for the waters of Wonderland!

Fifty-Two Pickup: Smiler's Queensland outfit -- and for those of you who remember the first "Sharp-Dressed Victor" post and are like "wait, isn't that the name of Victor's Queensland outfit?" -- well, Smiler's stealing the name because I feel it suits them better. XD (I'm trying to come up with a new name for Victor's outfit -- "Aces Wild" sounds good...) Anyway, it's a dark purple suit jacket and pants; a white shirt; a dark yellow waistcoat with decorative purple stitching; a white tie with the card suits embroidered on it in red and black stitching; and black shoes with purple laces. Figured this one would be a good one to lean into the purple with, given that "royal purple" is a thing.

Advocate: Smiler's Dollhouse outfit! The inspiration behind this one are the various costumes the actual ride employees wear, because I figured it wouldn't be hard to put a more "kiddie" spin on those. As such, the outfit consists of yellow overalls over a black-and-white-striped shirt; black-and-white-striped high socks; and purple shoes just for fun. Very bright, and something I could see a young Smiler wearing under the right circumstances.

Hysterical: Smiler's "Hysteria Mode" outfit! Yes, they get access to Hysteria Mode, though in their case they're not so much bloody as they are glitchy -- the inspiration for this suit is the static and glitches that show up in the various Marmaliser videos and the Smiler Shop TV. We have a white suit speckled all over with lots of little multicolored squares (black, gray, yellow, red, green, and blue) that are meant to look like pixel-y static, with larger concentrations on the left shoulder and right leg; a matching white waistcoat with more squares sprinkled across it; a white shirt; and black shoes. Their eyes also become full black-white-yellow spirals, like in The Smiler logo, with yellow "blood" leaking down their cheeks, and their grin stretches PAINFULLLY wide across their face. Their weapons all end up splattered with yellow and purple "blood" as well -- and as indicated in the Weapons post, this is the only time any of them do direct damage, instead of just stunning enemies or turning them over to Smiler's side. Basically, Smiler is Laughing Mad when they're in this state -- best to give them their space!

Victor's Otherland --

Paintbrush Person -- Smiler's Sketchbook World outfit! Which, as you might imagine, is inspired by a paintbrush. XD Look, Victor's suit for this world is inspired by his sketchbook, while Alice's dress is inspired by the pencil she favors for sketching -- I had to keep to the theme! (And yes, after realizing I called Victor's suit "Paperman," I decided Alice's dress had to be "Pencil Girl," and thus...) Though I partly chose a paintbrush because it was an easy way to get some yellow tones into the outfit -- gotta keep on theme there too. Anyway, this is a suit with a golden jacket and waistcoat (to represent the metal "ferrule" that holds the bristles); a black shirt with a pinstripe pattern (for the bristles themselves); a tie that's all multicolored splotches like paint splatter; black pants patterned with grey swirls to suggest wood grain (for the actual handle); and black shoes.

Still In Progress --

Hatter's Domain: This is one of the outfits I've been struggling with, since -- well, as seen above, Smiler already has a "tech domain" outfit for their own Otherland, and I wanted to make this one distinct. The best option I've come up with so far is to base it off of the magician from Meet The Ministry, since that's guy's black outfit with the long black coat actually matches Alice's Steamdress and Victor's Steamsuit aesthetically the most. (Though I imagine Smiler's will have yellow worked into it -- maybe a yellow shirt or waistcoat?). I also don't know what I'm going to call it -- feels like it should be Steam-something, but... *shrug*

The Mysterious East: I have no idea what I'm going to do with this one -- I guess by necessity it would have to look like Victor's jacket and pants, and I could probably do purple silk with yellow, black, and white patterns, but I don't know what those patterns would be and how to make their version more unique. Hmmm...

The Butterfly Jungle: I almost know what I want to do with this one -- I want it to be based off Sir Algernon (or possibly Sir Algenon, I've seen both spellings), the explorer character who's become a kind of mascot for Alton Towers, and call the outfit "Sir Algie." I'm just having a little trouble pulling it all together -- especially since there's two distinct looks to work with. The Sir A animatronic on the airship in the Alton Towers hotel sports a classic flight cap with a propeller on it and a pilot's brown jacket with a fuzzy collar; while the Sir A performer is a much more classic steampunky gentleman, with a long brown coat, a waistcoat, and a fancy top hat (along with long flowing curly locks). I really like the propeller flight cap for Smiler, and the waistcoat -- I KIND OF want the jacket as well, but I worry that it'll be too hot for the Jungle. Just something I need to think about more.

The Magic Tower: I really don't know what this one will look like yet, I just know that purple and yellow swirls are a MUST. Though, thinking about it, I always have them as having a love for chemistry, so maybe something that makes people think "alchemist?" Hmmmm...

Orchestralia: Another outfit where the problem is "they have their own musical domain and thus their own musical domain outfit, so how do I make this one distinct from that?" Looking at Victor and Alice's stuff, I went with "stripes and musical notes" as a key theme for both -- maybe Smiler has something similar, only their stripes and notes are at an angle or otherwise a bit wonky? And their version would definitely have to be more colorful... Pondering continues!

Victor And Alice's Outfits:

Updates To Previous Outfits --

Beloved(s): Okay, so -- you know how I've been calling Victor's blue suit that matches Alice's dress "Classic" or "Alice Classic?" Well, I had a brainwave a little while ago, and decided that it should instead be "Beloved" to reflect the fact that he's dressing like his beloved. :) And thus, when he's in a situation where he's with Alice AND Smiler, the suit changes to "Beloveds," and gains elements to reflect both of them! Basically what I was thinking is that the suit jacket and pants stay Alice blue, and the shirt white, but Victor now has a yellow waistcoat, yellow socks, and a tie that has a smoky yellow-and-purple swirl pattern on it. And their tie clip is now a silver A and a golden S joined together. All of it reflecting just how much he loves both of them. <3

Smiler's Otherland --

Joytide: Alice's X-Sector dress, based on the outfit the Agent Joytide actors wore in the Fear Test! Because if Smiler's got the Gladwell look going on... It's sort of like the Dollhouse dress when it comes to the basic fit, but the top is black leather with big yellow buttons, while the skirt is yellow and black plaid patches that don't really line up with each other. Her boots also get yellow laces, and her eye shadow turns yellow, natch.

Agent: Victor's X-Sector suit, based on the outfits of the wandering Ministry agents during the Takeover! It's a nice simple black suit with a bright yellow shirt; a black-and-white-striped tie; a spiral-patterned yellow and black waistcoat; yellow socks; and black shoes. Oh, and sunglasses if appropriate. :p I thought the look suited him well.

Get Corrected: Alice's Sanctuary dress, based off -- well. Based off the straitjacket "dress" she gets in the Rutledge section of Alice: Madness Returns, because Sanctuary is a horrible asylum along those same lines! Though, at least in THIS dress, Alice has her arms free if she needs to fight... The outfit itself is a drab, off-white, sleeveless gown with a limp skirt hanging down just below her knees, and a bunch of black leather belts around the bodice, secured in the back, with the Sanctuary logo stitched above her right breast in black. Her signature omega is tied around her neck with a fraying string. Oh, and no boots -- much like in the Rutledge hallucination, she has to go barefoot. I'm sure she's thrilled. :p

Cedars: Victor's Sanctuary suit, based off the outfits of the male patients in Alice's Rutledge hallucination! And also the kind of stuff Miles Cedars was wearing during his time as Kelman's patient in the Smile Always series, hence the name. It's a dull gray t-shirt top with the Sanctuary logo stitched over the right side of his chest, and matching dull gray drawstring pants that don't QUITE reach his ankles. And yes, again, no shoes for the "patient." Someone get these people some socks at least, I'm sure those floors are cold.

Still In Progress --

Musical Mayhem: The only thing I know right now about Victor and Alice's outfits for this domain is that they'll have to be glittery to match Smiler's. I suspect Alice will be in something blue and white, but I'm not sure exactly what the dress will look like yet...and Victor's suit is a complete mystery. I'll come up with something, I'm sure, but I need to think about it some more.

Whew -- yeah, it is a lot, isn't it? And I haven't even finished all the domains yet...or done Smiler versions of the A:MR DLC dresses. *thunks head against desk* Basically, expect an update to this post at some point in the future, once I've puzzled a few more things out.

#valicer #wonderland #otherland #otherlands #smiler alton #the smiler #smiler otherland #fashion #sharp dressed man #(or nonbinary person in this case) #I also keep wanting to give Alice a yellow apron on her Classic dress whenever she's in Smile Street #it just feels appropriate you know? #anyway yes here are the outfits I have managed to puzzle out for your enjoyment #it's been a while since I've done stuff like this #I'm out of practice #kind of want to make some sort of master doc for Alice Victor and Smiler's various Wonderlands #listing domains common enemies most notable inhabitants #all these fucking outfits #stuff like that #perhaps I will one day #more likely I will forget once this series is over but #it's nice to dream :P #I do at least want to finish coming up with Smiler's outfits for Alice and Victor's worlds #and Victor and Alice's Musical Mayhem looks #that's the core stuff #we'll see what happens! #queued

[twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat]

I was sketching earlier just for funsies and…. It made me think. How do you think satosugu would feel with an artist!reader who uses them as drawing references teehee… like maybe you ask satoru to go fetch you ur workbook and he goes into ur room & gets confused and ends up stumbling upon your sketchbook…. And he’s like oh a little peek couldn’t hurt!!! And then he finds various drawings of him and sugu, and gets such a sappy fuzzy feeling in his heart because you captured all of their features perfectly, even down to the little details about their appearance that the average person wouldn’t really take note of :((( this could also work in different au’s tho… merman sugu perhaps? Maybe he’s having a little sleep on the nice cold bedroom floor and wakes up n sees reader in a baggy hoodie + sketchbook and colouring pencils/pens in hand admiring his tail and making sure they get every pretty colour right <333 or royalty au where satoru and suguru are royalty of some kind… reader is the kid of someone unimportant and they both stumble across reader’s art room while causing mischief one day and satoru decides then and there that you’re THEIR honorary artist and you will paint their portraits from now on whenever it’s necessary <33 he’s bratty but we love him. Back to canon jjk universe…. I’m thinking abt how it would be so much cuter if they had no idea reader was an artist like. Satoru jokingly takes what he assumes is ur diary and waves it around in the air so u can’t reach it…. Threatening to read it unless u give him a kiss (he wouldn’t actually read it but he wants his kiss leave him alone) and he accidentally drops it and it falls open on a page that’s just full of drawings of him and sugu with a few hearts dotted around and just so many sketches of them smiling… maybe little notes reader added about how pretty stsg are…. Satoru is sooo giddy and so teasing like he’s so honoured u think he’s pretty enough to DRAW and sugu is just as flustered but he hides it a lil better…. :3 Sorry I’m actually going insane right now SEDATE MEEEEE EYGEHEHUJJEURHUHH 😭😭 I hope ur doing well tho !!!! I’m glad to see there are more anons joining the party hai hai hello fellow anons !!! TAKE CAREE MWAH MWAH🧁🍰🍨🍦🍩🍪🍫🍮🥞 <<< MANY SWEET TREATS JUST FOR U!!!! :3 — stsg anon <33

STSG ANONNNN MY LITTLE GUARDIAN ANGEL this concept has been rotting in my brain ever since i saw this…… u r very bad for my health…. 😥😥

ARTIST!READER IS ALWAYS SUCHHH A TASTY CONCEPT and ofc i agree w u….. stsg would absolutely eat it up. they would BOTH be so soft for it but in different ways i think…..

likeeee w satoru i think he’s super flattered and impressed and giddy bc!!! you drew him!!!! :33 you think he’s pretty enough to draw!!! you love him so much!!!!! and obv he would LOVE posing for you……. until he finds out he has to sit still for like an hour LMAO 😭😭 but i just know he’d get so excited once it’s finished….. he looks at it and you’re all nervous hoping he’ll like it and obviously he does. literally jumping up and down with joy + picking you up and spinning you around + kissing you silly bc you’re so talented and sweet and he’s soooo in love w you <333 def calls you his little picasso. that’s the only artist he knows . he’s a dork but we love him.

aaa but then!!! sugu!!!!! :(( i think he’d be the weakest for this tbh….. i picture him as an artist type more than toru so he’s just??? so touched???? and i think we all agree that he’s a big sap…. huge on homemade sentimental gifts……. so when he sees the drawings i think his heart just melts 🥺🥺 he would pose for you if you asked nicely (he’s just playing hard to get <33) and contrary to toru he would sit perfectly still the whole time. waits until you’re finished and praises you sooo much when he sees the result <333 he’s so impressed with you!! wowow!!!! just stunned!! awestruck!!!! would 100% try to return the favour too…. i picture him as a sketcher type. makes a very pretty little sketch of his beloved and is uncharacteristically shy when giving it to you… our sweetiepie :>

this could also work in different au’s tho… merman sugu perhaps? Maybe he’s having a little sleep on the nice cold bedroom floor and wakes up n sees reader in a baggy hoodie + sketchbook and colouring pencils/pens in hand admiring his tail and making sure they get every pretty colour right <333 or royalty au where satoru and suguru are royalty of some kind… reader is the kid of someone unimportant and they both stumble across reader’s art room while causing mischief one day and satoru decides then and there that you’re THEIR honorary artist and you will paint their portraits from now on whenever it’s necessary <33 he’s bratty but we love him.

AND THISSSSS STSG ANON MY LITTLE GENIUS artist!reader/mer!sugu 🥺🥺🥺……. oh he would be so flustered. so embarrassed. VERY impressed though... what if he leaves a couple pretty seashells by your pillow…. as ”payment”……………. mer!sugu the actual loml aaaaa stsg anon you’ve broken me T—T AND THE ROYALTY AUUU that’s such a cute idea too!!! bratty lil royal!toru…. reader being their honorary artist……. that’s soooo good <3 now i’m just thinking of what the portraits would look like HHHH they’d be so pretty!!! :(((

anyway this concept is just the CUTEST <33 tysm for the meal as always!!! i hope you’re doing so so well and taking care of yourself :3 ALSO I AM MUNCHING ON THE SWEET TREATS and sending a bunch of flowers and treats ur way immediately🌻🌸🌷🌹💐🍓🍒🍪🍰🍦🧁

#ily!!!!! sending u the fluffiest vibes :3 #no bc imagine. artist!reader/toru/artist!sugu…. u and sugu are just constantly drawing together all smiley and sweet :3 #and then there’s toru. lazing around. whining for u to draw him… hehe he’d be so cute #and obv u DO end up drawing him a whole bunch but he’s so cocky abt it that u hide the drawings sometimes 😭 to keep him humble… #aaaa this concept is just sooooo fluffy….. i love it sm <333 genius as always my dear stsg anon i am in awe of u #ask tag ✩ #stsg anon !! ✩ #mer!sugu <33

[sterlingarcher23]

ElMax: Linking arms and fusion

"Like a string between two tin cans.", Dr Walter Bishop.

I try to point out the several elements and clues, direct and indirect ones, that foreshadowed the fusion (or mind-meld) of El and Max.

These clues are littered over the show through various visual elements (maybe there are more, I didn't notice) - and sorry if there are repetitive statements.

-1. Sent into the future -

Let's start with the "Back to the future" reference

They show us the process from Max been taken her ability of vision, killed by the "silver cat" (person in front of her), revived (looking at El) and then her mind disappearing (sent by El into another dimension according to the script) ...

But if that's true, the next is El who dies /disappears right after. The moment they actually link is not visible to us, Max reappears/wakes up, her ability vision is gone (sunglasses) but here she is connected to El symbolized by the armlink who is giving/sharing her ability to see. (It is possible that this may be connected to a certain degree of brain damage that El showed to be capable of circumvent or repair when she touches her mom and Billy - the clue isn't entirely clear but some sort of "healing" when El connects to people happens.) It looks as if they are making the jump together - the time jump. So it it is possible that El does it right before the S5 time jump and not afterwards. This is however more an educated guess.

Further underlining this is the JC Penny brand and Back to the future...

Outatime says the plate. It can be understood as either "having no time" or "outside of time" like in a dimension that's stuck in time/timeless. - An endless summer. - A neverending story - Max's poster's.

"When this baby hits 88 miles per hour you're gonna see some serious shit."

In other words: they put the whole thing basically in front of us within a few seconds. They show the audience the future, both of Season 4 , then time travel... sorry, time jump at the start of Season 5: El & Max are permanently linked.

Something will likely happen between 87 and/or to 89. Both years seem to be of importance.

We're gonna see some serious shit....

-2. A window... into the future -

This is mostly used to prove Byler but what it also and more importantly shows is Elmax: literally.

While drawing Max, we can literally see El's face in Max's head, looking at us through Max

After she's done drawing, El is in Max's head, she looks away from us. Max is looking at us, smiling. The thought bubble isn't just the piggyback but showing both of them in one world, picturing another dimension inside of Max in which both exist: the, as I call it, "Spirit World".

If you picture this image 3-dimensional, it shows a head with two faces. The closest to this is the Roman god Janus, the god of duality, transition, portals, passages and gateways.

This means that Max will technically be a hybrid:

One body - two minds.

-3. A shield of Blue and Yellow-

Blue and Yellow refers to El and Max: it is connected to Hopper as well, since he gave El the hair tie of his daughter Sara. - The Russian code says "in the west" - for Russians everything west of Russia is "the West" including the entire US (meaning not just California)

The color of reins and saddle of the horse gives us a clue who is doing what: A driver pilots a vehicle, a co-driver in a rally navigates and tells the driver where to go.

The show even explicitly shows us Max "driving" while El "co-drives", the reins and saddle appear later in Season 4. Both elements belong together and foreshadow Season 5.

El's bestowing/sharing her ability of vision with Max is like telling her where to go because Max herself can't use her ability of vision anymore. - A precedence and proof for this to be possible is in Stranger Things itself in which the Mind-flayer/Henry from within the Upside-down uses Will and later Billy, through a connection they are able to see and feel through them and vice-versa.

The shield is a clear indication of two elements in one: both colors, Blue and Yellow, are combined in one object: El's & Max's minds fused in one body.

And speaking of shields and Back to the Future (Remember that the UD is stuck in time) :

-4. Mustard and Ketchup -

There's also the use of Mustard and Ketchup as some sort of a "metaphor" for Max and El and the way these are used is consistent with the use of the window or the shield in the painting:

The Pac-Man neon sign communicates that Max who is "mustard" then "consumes" El who is "ketchup" so to speak - similar to what Henry does with his victims but El consciousness stays intact as a separate entity within the mind-dimension that's connected to Max. Brenner describes Henry using psychic absorption as "consuming" - one could argue that Max "absorbs" El entirely while El then stays a separate entity and her consciousness is not destroyed in the process.

The Pac-Man also eats the red ghost and El dresses as "ghost" to Halloween - Ghost=consciousness:

The clue that concretizes this are the raincoats in Season 3: El's raincoat is red outside and is just a slightly darker shade of red inside, while Max's is yellow on the outside but red on the inside. Ketchup is inside of mustard.

Max holding up both belts implies that she is both, mustard and ketchup.

El also wears a yellow belt, yellow pants and a yellow hat: that's a reference to the earlier conversation in which Max tells El that she just has to try something on that feels like her. Having something on, like a costume or a disguise is then connected to the Madonna song angel "You are an angel in disguise. I can see it in your eyes." El having Max "on" meaning being inside of her. Her wearing yellow like the belt on the outside is a reversal of Max wearing red inside of her raincoat.

In essence: Mustard eats ketchup - ketchup is inside of mustard - one is both: ketchup and mustard. ElMax. Literally.

We know how the Duffers like to communicate and foreshadow by using props and this is the most blatant use of this so far. Even blue and yellow in regards to El and Max is used very subliminal with accessories on their wrists.

It should be noted that the neon sign has interesting colors: the last ghost, Clyde, should actually be orange but it's yellow. It's unclear if it is an original or a prop.

- 5. Foils -

It's in Season 4, it is explained by Henry and Dr Brenner what he does. El would logically be the antithesis to this. And Owens said "I believe you're the cure."

Meaning El is the antidote to what Henry did to Max, bestowing/sharing memories and abilities, likely able to repair neurological trauma as she did with her mom for a short moment when connecting to her.

And everything you actually need is in Season 4: "When One kills, he doesn't simply kill. He consumes. He takes everything from his victims." Including their memories and abilities. ; etc etc. Now flip or better mirror the concept of Henry. "You're the cure", Owens says to El. The cure for what Henry does.

The Duffers love mirrors. What do you get: El as Henry's foil mirroring what he does and she already showed us parts of this: Henry/00I killed Max from his mind lair while connected to her. - El/0II revived Max from her mind/the void while connected to her.

"See and feel everything" - Will was only possessed by a piece of the mind flayer Through the connection this was technically true for Henry and still is as we learned from Will who describe Henry's feelings by the end of Vol2. - "Can't feel or see anything." Imagine now El fully possessing Max from within the mind dimension through a psychic connection (as it was hinted that Max is psychic too)

-6. The rose-

The promo art and actual Creel house rose is linked to El and Max as well, it shows their colors, blue and yellow. Specifically, blue inside of yellow, similar to the Pac-Man eating the red ghost or "Ketchup inside of mustard".

Blue is inside of yellow because it's, well gold... Gold has a yellow shade because it absorbs blue light. Yellow absorbs Blue.

-7. Fusion cuisine-

-8. You will need to fly-

Dr Brenner said "If you want to stop One, you'll need to do more than walk, you'll need to do more than run... You'll need to fly. "

Flying like doing something deliberately (till now El more accidentally stumbles or falls into memories) but also as a Legend of Korra reference because the Stranger Things writers tweeted about "korrasami". Or like the DeLorean flies powered by "Mr Fusion". Fusion. There's a lot of direct and indirect references made to Back to the Future that are related to El & Max.

A fusion. Love and symbiosis...

Star Trek Discovery, if in fact an influence, can be counted as a direct reference to the idea of symbiosis, as well as Legend of Korra that was in fact officially mentioned and is therefore an inspo, this includes the fusion between Korra and the spirit Raava.

Not to mention several moments of dialog or lyrics used: "You are an angel in disguise, I can see it in your eyes.": Max is the "disguise" for the Angel inside of her, El, but you can see it in Max's eyes.

Or "Dream a little dream of me" telling the audience that Max can visit El in the alternate dimension when she's dreaming of her. This hint is much more on the nose. - Maybe, guessing here, to keep the Void important, this will become sort of an intersection, a crossroads between the kind dimension and Max's mind in which they can meet each other without Max going to sleep. Like Henry putting someone in a trance but in this case it happens to have a little private chat: Max talking to herself when talking to El who appears to her as a mental projection outside would be seen as odd and can be problematic at times. (TV-shows and movies have done this before in which one person talks to a "ghostly" appearance that's only visible to said person. So, this isnt out of the ordinary. )

Think of Max's body as a machine ; you need to be able to feel and see to move around without outside help: this is why they took these abilities and connected them to the ways of Elmax and Lumax love too. It needs two pilots to move this machine, similar to the concept of a Jaeger in "Pacific Rim" in which two people mind meld through memories. The best pilots are family members and (potential) lovers: "The deeper the bond, the better you fight." - "If you want to stop One... You will need to fly." - Likely that "Pacific Rim" is an inspo in parts too.

By creating this dilemma and putting Max's mind into another dimension that she can't leave without help and a substitute to replace her, which likely is the same reason why Henry sent the Demogorgon to kidnapped Will, they forced this fusion of the minds. And through Henry/the Mind-flayer (and Will) we know that it is possible in Stranger Things. If Henry can do it, possessing others with help of the mind flayer and meld his victims memories and consciousness to him, so can El do this in reverse: mind-meld with someone. Since it's Max's body, she'd be the primary consciousness, while El resides in the "Spirit World" both permanently connected (likely trough this world's equivalent of the particles that Henry formed into the mind-flayer), sharing memories, emotions,... everything and have their own world with their rules inside of Max. "We make our own rules."

It's technically pretty simple do be honest. Just me writing about it makes it look convoluted. The Duffers said that everything for Season 5 is setup in 4 and that the coma is important. They kind of explained basic principles already in Season 4 by showing us El and Henry as foils, real mirrors, and that there's actually a deeper connection between El and Max even without them being together. They took a page from Back to the Future 2 in which the events (of the third movie) were foreshadowed by using props and wardrobe. So it's all served on a silver pattern...

And David Harbor's statements about it since it's related to his own character is in line with the emotional idea too: it's moving and beautiful. El fulfilling a promise so to speak because "Running up that hill" is technically that - a promise. So are the song lyrics of "Separate ways (Worlds apart)" and "Neverending Story". They are promises.

And friends don't lie.

Depending on the way of counting (some elements can be seen in combination or separately), there are about 6-10 elements or instances, references and at least enough elements in the show itself that foreshadow this fusion. It's not unheard of similar things, it's neither revolutionary or impossible in the world of Stranger Things. The way they do it and bring it on screen will however be unique. Especially if well done.

I rest my case.

#elmax #max mayfield #elmax nation #elmax supremacy #elmax my beloved #stranger things #el hopper #elumax #elmax is real #Youtube #elmax is endgame #Elmax analysis #stranger things analysis

[gible-love-nibles]

Eternal Diva Fic (Part 7)

Another breather-ish chapter today. I had a lot of fun with the exchanges here because these are wholly unique. Also some Big Thinking.

Trigger warnings for mentions of implied falls to death (it's finally said here that they're fine), mentions of an explosion (which didn't hurt anyone), and threats of harm (the one saying them doesn't do anything and they apologize; they're referring to a third party who does not show in this story at all).

Also vague spoilers for Azran Legacy here? They're really vague, but I love the idea of dropping hints of stuff to come.

Word count: 1.7k / Previous / Next

After reaching the castle, dodging guards, and a lot of wandering through random halls, I found myself in a cozy bedroom.  It was decorated with a large bed, some tables and chairs, a couple dressers, and a piano.  There was even a large patio to watch the sea.  

All the usual things you'd find in a bedroom.  

But the thing that caught my eye the most were the framed pictures.  All of them had a sandy blonde girl at various ages.  And I felt like I recognized her from somewhere.

I pulled out the little book talking about the opera and the performers and opened it up.

Right there, the opera writer’s dedication: I dedicate this opera to my memory of my daughter, Melina.

She was Mr. Whistler's daughter.  So this must've been her bedroom.  Was this like a summer home for her then?

I went over to the piano on a whim.  There was a picture of Melina and Janice together.  It did seem like they were friends from how Janice and Mr. Whistler spoke to each other.

But there was also a piece of sheet music on the piano's tray.  “A Song of the Sea,” it was called.

A Song of the Sea… a song on the seal…  I pulled out my drawn music sheet.  Maybe this was all a giant coincidence.  But it seemed more likely that these were all connected somehow.

“…I hope my music teacher can forgive me for how this is going to sound.”

I started with A Song of the Sea.  Surprisingly, the muscle memory came back pretty quick, and it started to sound like a song.  Very pretty.  I didn't quite get how it was a song of the sea specifically, but I decided that shouldn't be the thing I should dwell on.

Then I tried the song I had made from the stars.

Then I hummed the Song of the Sea while I played the song from the stars. 

It came to me like a jolt of electricity.  They were all connected.  But how?  And why?

I felt the wind blow on my back.  I whipped my head around just in time to see a man in a cape, a pointy hat and white mask throw open the curtains of the patio dramatically.

It all came crashing back: the confrontation in Misthallery with his giant digger robot.  The cold, calculated confidence… barely even a thought of mercy toward the professor and his friends… it rooted me to the spot.

"Descole..."

"Hello Miss Clare," he greeted coolly. "It's so nice to finally talk face to face without that pesky professor and his posse."

He started to approach, and I gripped the piano, some of the keys making a discordant chord.  But still, I tried to look tough and not like I was one second away from bolting out of the room.

Even with the mask obscuring them, he looked me straight in the eyes. "Well?  You must have questions for me.  You sounded so confident earlier during our little tête-à-tête on the radio.  What's happened?"

Ohhh, the smugness in his voice made my blood boil.  But my voice wouldn't let me say anything.  I just glared at him.

He went from smug to... contemplative. "...A song with no rhymes, but still harmonious," he said quietly. "A painting that needs a strange angle to see its true beauty.  A poem full of subtleties that one would need a lifetime to understand.  That's what you are, dear.  You really do fascinate me, you know.  And this whole game has proven that in spades to me."

“.........What?  What are you talking about?” My face must've reflected how utterly baffled I felt because he smiled and snickered a bit.

“Good.  That knocked you out of that.”

Ah.  That was just to get me to talk. “Jerk,” I said a bit more forcefully than I intended.

“You're only saying that because you think I'm lying.  But I'll repeat myself: you must have questions.  About this island, about my involvement.  I'm an open book, if you'll just come with me dear.”

It really wasn't the open invitation he was making it out to be.  He probably knew this castle like the back of his hand, and he had goons all over the place.  He had me cornered, and he knew that extremely well.

“…Fine.  Lead the way Descole.”

“Marvelous.” He offered his arm to sling mine around, but I wholeheartedly rejected it.  Luckily, he only seemed amused. “There's that feistiness I remember from Misthallery.  Now, let's be on our way.”

~

I glared a hole in the back of Descole’s head as we walked.  Maybe he felt it after a while.

“You’re awfully quiet,” he commented.

Now that the fear was mostly gone, it was replaced with rage. “How… how do you live with yourself?”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“All those people on the Crown Patone is what I mean!!” I yelled. “All those people who didn’t win the game!  You dropped them down into trap doors to die!  You blew up the entire ship!”

“...Oh dear, you really believed that.”

“What?”

“Sweet girl, I assure you no one was harmed during that little game.  That’s all it was: a game.  Everyone who lost was sent back to the mainland on a submarine.  They must have made a whole ruckus on it by now.”

“But… the timer and the--”

“Well, of course I had to time you.  It was a competition; we can’t have everyone winning.  And the puzzles would be much too easy to solve with unlimited time.”

“But-- But-- But all those tickets!”

“That was just a bit of fun on my end.  If I was going to sit through that dreadful opera all those times, I’d get to do something amusing with it.  And building all these contraptions does get awfully expensive.”

“THE SHIP BLOWING UP??”

“What?  Am I not allowed to add a little… What do you Americans call it?  'Pizzazz'?” I glared at him with added venom. “You don’t believe me.  Fine.  A moment, please.”

He snapped his fingers and one of his henchmen handed him a bulky little box with a screen in front.  It looked like a makeshift TV.  Descole pressed a few buttons, and then flipped the screen so that I could see it.

It was turned on to a news report.

“And we have some breaking news.  Early this morning, a submarine came ashore bearing the members of the missing audience members from the Crown Petone, the theatre that vanished last night.  Singer Janice Quatlane and composer Oswald Whistler are amongst those still missing.  Survivors are reporting that they were all part of a bizarre game that had promised them eternal life.  Search parties in the area are attempting to find the other missing people.  We shall keep you posted on any developments as and when they happen.”

Beep. The device shut off.

“Like I said, the news had a riot with this story.  That was the report from just this morning.”

…No matter how I approached it, I just couldn’t see a way that Descole could’ve faked a whole news report.  I just had to take his word for it.

The masked man put the TV down for one of his minions to pick up later. “Now really, let’s get moving.  We don’t have the day to dally around.”

“...What do you really want here?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

“Does it have something to do with Ambrosia?” 

He actually stopped with that question.  He turned around, and-- though the mask obscured it-- he gave me a hard look.  It seemed like I hit the nail on the head.  I pressed my luck. 

“I mean… You were after an ancient Golden Garden in Misthallery.  And now you’re on a deserted island where this ancient kingdom was.  What are you looking for in these places?  What’s so special about—”

“Stop asking questions.” Descole’s voice came out jagged and harsh, and he glared at me.  I froze and swallowed a bit.  After that though, the masked man let out a deep sigh.  

“You don’t know the Pandora’s box that you risk opening with your inquiries.  There are people out there who will see your good and curious nature and you puzzling over these things, and turn you to minced meat.  If you think I’m bad dear… they are worse.  Much worse.”

A cold-- no, frigid feeling started to seep into my bones. “Are… Are you with those people?”

I caught a brief glimpse of his eye under his mask.  It was filled with rage, white-hot like a fire.  But it disappeared right back into the shadow the mask provided. “No.  I’m not.  I’m against them.”

“Wh-What do they want?”

“...The less you know about them, the better.”

It was only then I felt my knees wobbling.  That left me with way more questions than answers.  But the answers I did get went deeper than I ever could’ve imagined.  

Descole wasn’t just looking for these landmarks of ancient civilizations for profit or fun; it was to stop someone else from getting to them.  Someone worse than he was.

Was the floor always shaking like that?  I felt weak and even a little sick.  I felt--

Something soft was draped over me, and that partially snapped me out of myself.  Descole was right by my side, gently covering my hands with his own.

“I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to frighten you, truly.” His voice was much gentler now, softer than I had ever heard it.  He almost sounded like a completely different person. “I’ve just seen them in action too many times.  I know what they are and how they accomplish their goals.  Just… focus on something.  Anything at all, and focus on that only.”

Maybe because he was the one talking, I looked at him.  Ultimately, I focused on the brim of his hat and the curves, plateaus, etc.  He seemed a bit ruffled by that, but he didn’t say anything.  After a little while of that…

“Are you feeling better now?”

“Y-Yeah.  I’m ok.”

“Good, good.  Excellent.  I’d hate for something to happen to you.  I… enjoy your company.  Immensely.”  We both resumed walking, Descole still staying close. “...I don’t want you caught up in my fight.  It’s… extremely personal.  It’s something I must settle with them on my own.”

“...Sorry for asking about all that,” I mumbled.

“You didn’t know.  You were frustrated and wanted answers.  I would be just as annoyed were I in your shoes.  You don’t need to apologize; I’m not angry with you.  …But thank you.”

#🐉🎮.txt #clare's writing #eternal diva au #seen a lot of things; places you ain't ever been 🐉💫 #lead me save me from my solitude 🎭🔧 #*(a.nakin sky.walker voice)* now this is where the fun begins #writing this part was SO fun; i loved sprinkling in the foreshadowing crumbs #and you're going to get a few more by the end of the story >:)

[fourseasonsfigs]

Piece of my Heart

This is another fig set where the name is too multi-layered and nuanced for me to understand. 悠悠我心 machine translates to Yoyo my Heart, which is pretty funny considering these two are on swings!

As far as I can tell, after some significant falling down rabbit holes, the name is part of a quote from a classic love poem (which is also referenced in another poem). 悠悠 seems to have connotations of 'leisurely' and 'over a long period of time', which when combined with 'my heart' seems very sweet.

I was very tempted to call this "Junzhe on Swings", like the literal American I am, but I found one reference to 悠悠我心 quite possibly, maybe, potentially meaning, 'piece of my heart', and my own heart went, awww. So here we are.

These figs certainly do have a piece of my heart. First, because I absolutely love the inspiration for Zhehan's fig. I'm not a fan of this crazy shirt by itself, but he looks AMAZING in this outfit. It's actually one of my favorites.

His waist. His hair. His forearms. His mile-long legs. His face. The whole look is very casual yet stylish. It highlights how strong and beautiful he is, while also making him look huggable, at the very same time. It's that perfect combination of strong and soft, which Zhehan himself said is a beautiful thing to be.

His smile. His jawline. His waist. I've always loved the cinched paper bag waist look, but I'm nowhere near tall enough to pull that look off. I really, really wish Tumblr let me have more than one video, since I absolutely love the video of him on the red carpet for this event. But, I have to keep single my video slot for a very special video.

After all, who can forget Zhehan telling this story:

Ahahaha! Incredible.

Junjun...well, the Damier Azur pattern is not one of my favorite Louis Vuitton patterns in general, but he looks great! Beautiful people are beautiful. They're obviously not going for "elegant yet huggable" for this look - they're going for full-out supermodel smolder.

Finally I can use one of my favorite photos of him! His face looks incredible. It's so sculptural. An absolute work of art. This photo also shows off his forearm here to excellent effect, AS you might have noticed, along with his elegant fingers. What a gorgeous pair they are.

Onto the figs! It'll be a bit of a mish-mash, photo wise. I actually got these figs a long, long time ago, and took various pictures in different points in time.

As you can see, they come with their swing bases, but no chains on the swings or a swing set, so I was waiting to post until I figured out how to display them.

The figs just push right into the pegs - they go in easily, but fit very securely and firmly. A+ fig engineering!

Here they are. And here they stayed, for a very long time. I searched around on Taobao, on Amazon, at Target - trying to find a plain swing that would match the figs. And by match I mean, not hot pink or a very baby version. Just something plain. I kept searching, getting distracted and then forgetting about it, and then remembering and searching some more, not finding anything and forgetting about it, etc etc. Until finally I found something that I thought would work:

I ended up with this little doll swing from Taobao after all. It came with a swinging bench, but of course, I didn't use that since my figs are the swings!

I wasn't sure what to use for the rope part of the swing, so I ended up using some embroidery floss I had around. I thought it matched nicely, and would be a good look.

And ta da! Not terrible, huh? Pretty cute! But wait. You might be asking, Lelanthe, why are the swings sitting on the ground instead of, say...swinging? It is a swing set, right?

Well that's a VERY GOOD QUESTION.

Let me illustrate. The figs, if suspended at all, even an inch, topple right over. The off-center weight of them pushes them right over. The number of times I tried to make this work, and a fig bonked right over and hit its precious little PVC head...why, it doesn't bear repeating. I certainly wouldn't want to hypothesize that there was any loud squawks of horror either, it just seems uncivilized.

So, dear figthusiast, I just took off the ropes and my figs are just standing by themselves on their boards on my display shelves, hanging out.

However, as I am sitting here tranquilly typing vs swearing sweating over these figs, I just now realize that the actual fix is to wire the ropes. If I have thick enough wire it'll hold the swings firmly in place, and the little platforms will not have to balance on their own.

Sheesh. Well, better late than never to figure that out. Alright, well, moving on to all the photos:

Very, very cute! I love the replacement of the LV logo on Junjun's outfit with the J&Z logo, and I love how they made the cinched waist look with Zhehan's belt.

Bring it in for a big ol' hug, you two!

Zhehan stands up just fine like this, which may surprise you because of all that ponytail he's got going on. You'd think the weight of that would topple him over, but it's actually Junjun that isn't very steady on his feet. I haven't wanted to stick these figs to standees of course, because I want them to go in their swings, so I've just used a bit of museum putty to hold him upright.

I picked a poor choice of background for these figs because of Zhehan's white outfit, but we'll just keep plugging away!

We can really see the fig forearms here! This is a well-matched pair indeed.

Zhehan's hair looks fantastic, as usual. You can see how the fig maker designed the whole top area to look pulled up, and the shorter hair below.

They're SO CUTE. Junjun looks a lot like his pictures here - the fig maker really got his hair. The detail on these figs is so good. You can see Zhehan's earrings well from this angle, as well as more of the details on their outfits and shoes. And of course, the blush in their faces.

This is actually one of my all-time favorite fig renditions of Zhehan that I have. Just a ton of personality.

More of their great hair styles. I am Team Long-Hair-Supremacy Zhehan, so of course this is my favorite look on him!

You've seen this angle on Junjun, but here's Zhehan too.

The box cards are super cute with the dog and cat, and match the artwork on the boxes:

Oh, I forgot, another reason I love these figs is that they can hold hands.

They can swing each other around in a circle!

Material: PVC

Fig Count: 330

Scene Count: 24 (I'm not counting this as a diorama)

Rating: These figs have my WHOLE heart!

[link back to Master Fig Index for more posts]

#junzhe #zhang zhehan #gong jun #word of honor cast #shl cast #figthusiast #junzhe on swings indeed

[2022-fiction]

Everyday I have been looking through that glass pane with my slight reflection in view. I am a Twinkie, 18% fat and 12% cholesterol… I am scrumptious, but that scrumptiousness only belongs to the mighty gods. Giants towering over our faces, and as I looked at their humongous fingers I prayed my rack would be chosen for the day… “Cookie Congratulations! ”- Snickers exclaimed, from a few rows behind, as I saw him fall with a huge smile on his face and I punched the air with tears of happiness. At the end of the day this is the dream of all scrumptious creatures… being grasped. As Cookie was cheering and going into the promised land through the magic tunnel I could only picture myself experiencing this. From the day I found myself at the back of the rack, and as the light started touching me more day by day I have been more and more concrete about my life purpose, making it to the end. “Twinkie?”- Snickers said, “What's up?” I responded, “How does it feel to be a 2?” referring to my rack position, “It feels like what once was a light breeze gets stronger day by day, like a volcano which gets more rowdy with every orbit of our planet, like two heads moving in slow motion, lips getting closer and closer with every passing night”. “I can feel it happening already!” he exclaimed, “it’s the ultimate transition! Also, cookie, what is my expiration date again ?” “It’s in 3 days, Twinkie,” he said in a saddened voice. Silence obviously followed, us scrumptious creatures do not like talking about expiries. The next day arrived, and just like clockwork the giant arrived, yet, this time it was different, a Snickers was chosen. I could hear my friend's joy as the coils in the carousel slowly moved forward. Later that day one of the gods blessed the twinkie kind and our carousel moved…  The same high I felt that first day I was pushed forward came rushing down my veins, it was a complete headrush… I was number 1. The rest of the day I did what every scrumptious creature does before they drop, self reflected on my arduous physical and mental journey through the rack and have late night conversations with my closest friends. As the sun rose once again the cycle repeated, but this time, as the god made his selection no one fell, he aggressively punched our home various times and then left. I knew everyone was confused, but no one said a word out of scaredness. The sound of a single set of footsteps finally broke the silence, “Mark, just change the products already, we already had a customer complain we turned off the machine” “ I am walking to the machine right now, don't worry, talk to you later”. The god finally approaches the machine, with a large box of red round objects in one hand, keys rattling on the other. As he inserted the keys into the hole in the pane the window swung open, and one by one with shrieks of horror the scrumptious creatures were replaced by the round red items, and thrown into a black bag. I was next, the god grasped me and even though I felt the high like never before, it was short lived as I fell into my final resting place in the bag.

#Youtube

[nsrecovery2022]

Today he is the perfect host, rummaging in his cupboard for premium tea leaves.. While she tidies a clutter of vitamin supplements and minerals from the work surface,h, he makes our drinks. A couple of years ago he was grinding his own cashew nuts for milk. He’s back on regular dairy now on account of it being too acidic, part of a well-researched ultra-healthy masterplan. He grabs the pot and mugs and leads me to a little round coffee table in a sunny nook off the lounge the size of Yorkshire.

Stadium Arcadium is not a concept album, but it bristles with the imagery of post-addiction spirituality. Kiedis, a follower of Kabbalah, the Madonna-endorsed branch of Jewish mysticism, says the album’s title refers to the quasi-religious euphoria of their stadium shows. Everywhere there are love songs, “I’m sorry” songs. On pivotal track Hey, you can almost picture Kiedis tossing his drug dealer’s mobile number onto the fire as he solemnly croons “I don’t want to, but I will”.

But inevitably there’s the occasional status report on “the 800lb gorilla”, Kiedis’s own term for the previously irresistible urge to destroy himself on drugs.

So it’s not without reason that I raise an eyebrow at a track called Charlie. Kiedis smiles archly and launches his explanation. “The guy who types up my lyrics said, IS this about…basically he thought I’d been on a binge. But I haven’t. Right now, it’s a 2 inch gorilla. There was a time in the early ‘90s when I would bet every cent I would die sober, that I had beaten it. That didn’t work. I’m not immune. I have a healthy fear of my obsession for heroin and cocaine. There are a few things you have to do for your mind if you’re a bit sick in the head. I do them”.

_____________________________

JT: What has sobriety meant for you personally? AK: Drugs and alcohol were an exciting shortcut to a false sense of well-being. They were like medicine to my spiritually deficient existence that stopped working and left me with an even bigger void. So, basically I loved them, but they didn’t love me back. Most people can’t relate to being powerless over mind-altering substances, so even some close friends give me the blank stare when I explain that I don’t drink or use at all. I totally understand that reaction because I can’t relate to what it might feel like to be schizophrenic or have manic depression. As for being in the stride of change, I love the recovery path. We all have a path and this one just happens to speak to me.

_____________________________

For a 43-year-old man who started shooting hard drugs at 14, and once complained that in New Zealand “there wasn’t enough cocaine in a small country like that to keep me satisfied for any length of time”, he is looking good. The muscly torso beneath the tight white T-shirt and black jeans suggest that Kiedis has swapped the crack pipe fort the gym- a very LA transition for an LA enthusiast such as himself.

________________________________

A cup of tea is offered – a long, intricate operation involving a glass jug of leaves, a plunger, and milk that Kiedis makes himself by grinding cashew nuts and blending them with filtered spring water. Most rock stars would find dunking a tea bag labour-intensive, but Kiedis is as zealous about his healthy lifestyle as he was about his mid-80’s one. The one that revolved around scoring heroin. Listening to a man whose skin literally glows with wellness telling tales of flea-pits and crack dens and the various Hollywood squats that for a long time he and his band called home has a similar surrealist to watching a safari-suited John Lydon on I’m A Celebrity – Get Me Out Of Here! gossiping with Jenny Bond.

_____________________________

At 42, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' lead singer is toned and hip, forearms blanketed with tattoos, wearing a yellow T-shirt with a naked woman on it. He's also incredibly calm and articulate. It's hard to believe he's the crazed frontman who has performed countless concerts wearing only a sock, had bones broken during a show and had a drug addiction for most of his life.

How do you draw the line between recreational drug and alcohol use and addiction?

I can't. That's my problem. I have a different reaction to drug use, for some reason. I never had a choice, really, and I suffered enormous heartbreak and repercussions for it.

What made you stop?

I was so physically and mentally sick of feeling horrible all the time.

So what are you doing different now that you think you can stay clean for good?

The main thing I'm doing now is trying not to be such a self-centered pig. Instead of the drive, the crazy need to get high, I try to think, "What can I do to be of service to the world?"

What do you focus on now that you're not focusing on drugs?

When you're using, your days are very spelled out for you. It's a kind of Groundhog Day way of life. You know what you're going after. Now I have freedom to create my days as I want to.

What do you do?

I have some kitchen rituals, like I make this big green concoction with all this good stuff, and I drink a strong pot of black tea and hang out with my dog by the pool

_____________________________

“Being a drug addict in recovery is actually a great place to be because you’re forced to be looking at the rancid layers of the onion that you’ve been carrying around for a lifetime. Whatever degree of struggle it offers me, I’m actually grateful for. It keeps me working towards change, it gives me the desire for change. I like to get rid of the things that truly don’t work for me – psychologically, spiritually, mentally or whatever it is that’s blocking me or bringing me down. It’s real freeing. The alternative is bollocks. You get to a certain amount of pain where you realise you’ve been doing the same stupid things for your entire life but because you’re in such a rut, you forget it’s possible to change. Then one day you realise that you will do whatever it takes to get rid of this stupid feeling that you’re having. I know what my sobriety date is, so it’s easy for me to add up the days and months since then. Sometimes it seems like a lifetime ago and sometimes it seems like yesterday. Sure I could go back there but I’m not interested in doing it though.”