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xamag-draws · 16 hours

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BBR thoughts 2024

Since I mentioned that I finally dusted off an old project of mine and was ruminating on how I'd remake it, I thought I'd elaborate a little, now that I've solidified some concepts. For funsies

This is gonna be a bit of a long and unfocused one, but I don't share my personal thoughts here often, especially the stuff about my projects I always marinate in. And for once it's something that people have existing context for, so hey why not

So for anyone who hasn't been following me for a gajillion years, The Black Brick Road of OZ was a webcomic that I posted around 2013-2015, back when I was in highschool going on college (which is kinda crazy to think about). It was sort of a darker twist on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, although I definitely leaned a lot more into dark humor more than anything in those first few chapters

I don't think it's available to read anywhere anymore, and I know people have been asking me about it. So here's the full proper archive of BBR, as full as it can be with deceased Flash

I totally used it as an excuse to shamelessly and self-indulgently experiment. It had interactive pages and GIFs and was wayyy too overproduced for what I could handle or what was necessary, but I did have great fun making it while it lasted

Unfortunately, that excess and the fact that I've changed too much as a person by the time I was in college is what ultimately killed it. The direction I wanted to go in was practically unrecognizable from the original idea started back in 2011, so there were many old hold-ups that I felt ruined it

At the time I kinda wished I could start/rewrite it all over, but considering that I pretty much had the entire script done at that point, it felt like a pointless sisyphean task. So I just put it on a shelf and didn't look back for about 8 years, because I didn't know what else to do

Now to be fair, the nature of my art has always been iterative and cyclical; when I feel like my creative juices have run dry I prefer to leave a project to marinate and move on to something else; cycle through other old things and bring in new skills and perspectives into the mix when I'm ready again. Not very productive, but it is what makes me happy to work on my OCs; I'm doomed to hit a wall with them eventually and I need some time to be able to find a new direction

So that said, I'm glad that BBR was left to marinate for that long. I don't think I was prepared, emotionally or intellectually, to tackle it again until now. The Wizard of Oz book (and the entire series of them, really) has always been near and dear to my heart, but there's a lot of context around it that I'm only unpacking now that I'm older

I think I always inherently feel negatively about the stuff I've made in the past, like its faults always jump out to me more than the positives, especially the more time passes. I've never liked that, and I do really appreciate the kind things people have to say about BBR to this day. The fact that it still can be recognized and remembered is very sweet

When I left it, I already found it "kinda cringe", and that feeling only deepened with years. When I took my first look back at it, asking the question "how would I rewrite it now?", at first I took a very cynical approach, as in "everything would have to be torn down"

But the more I sat on it, the more I found that I still see some merit and charm in the ideas I was putting out; I just didn't know how to execute them at the time (not to pretend that I know what I'm doing now, but I certainly know more at least). Turns out a lot of my old concepts could be changed substantially with just a few small tweaks. So I'd say that's a nicer way to think about my previous work

If you haven't seen yet, I posted a first draft of my new designs for some of the characters (the main group, the Goods and the Wickeds). Definitely subject to change, but more or less how I see them now

I'm just playing with these concepts; by no means would I attempt to remake BBR right this moment. Call it a pipe dream among my other ones. But just for fun, this is the direction I'd like to take:

Nowadays I'd probably make it a visual novel, with more emphasis on the visual part than the novel because I'm no English prose writer by any means. It'd still let me play a little with the interactivity while helping cut some corners on the drawing part (only some, I imagine I'd go hog wild anyway)

I've always intended for some events inspired by the sequel books to take place in BBR's past. Stuff like Jinjur's revolt or Ozma's rule preceeds the main events here. So I think it would be fun to follow the past of a few key characters alongside the main story. One chapter focusing on the present quest to see the Wizard, then one focusing on the past events (that are maybe reflective thematically); rinse and repeat

I'm also sticking a little closer to the original text in some regards. Not everything that I enjoy from the books would be translated here, it's still just a very loose fantasy on the material; but I'd like to be closer in spirit at least

I like mature, wise and powerful Glinda, I like kind and vulnerable Tin Man, I like the Wizard being a pathetic yet loveable liar, so I'm sprinkling in more of that for example

I'd like to keep some whimsy, but make it more grounded and a bit more serious to be coherent in tone. I think the original TWWOOZ book was a more realistic fantasy in some ways, even for the standards of the time; I like its simple but vivid tactile descriptions and details like bringing attention that Dorothy needed to eat and sleep

I find it funny that Baum specifically was averse to making his books scary or unpleasant, finding that unnecessary for telling a compelling kids story, but they still can get pretty dark and disturbing, at least for our modern sensibilities. Let's just say that I intend to use the Evoldo and Chopfyt storylines for my purposes. In that way, I feel like a "darker" Wizard of Oz retelling can still mostly be tonally in line with the original and balance it with enough heart and occasional humor

I slowly grew to appreciate the quaint old-timey quality of the original series, as well. The first book is both timeless and very much a product of the 1900s. Originally I tried to give it a little modern or at least anachronistic spin, but it was moreso because it's what I knew best, so these days I'd rather intentionally lean into the time period. Still not fully historically accurate by any means, but at least directly acknowledging the influence

The events of the story span across 40 years of these characters' lives, so I'm drawing inspiration from the entire so-called La Belle Epoque: the time period around 1880s-1920s. Basically I'm cooking, and my soup is old Victorian fashion morphing into Edwardian fashion and slowly inching towards flappers

Some new Dolly outfits

Lots of crazy things, political changes and innovations were happening at the turn of the century, which I think is noted and reflected by Baum in the books as well; the character of Tik-Tok might not blow any minds now, but he was one of the first robot characters in literature at that point; and don't even get me started on Jinjur, etc. Plenty of really interesting stuff one could lightly ponder in an Oz adaptation these days

Aesthetically, art nouveau has always been a big artistic influence for me, and it'd definitely be its time to shine here. John R. Neill's illustrations of the Oz books often keep me company as well. Nouveau architecture in particular fits that fairytale whimsy extremely well imo

I'd allow myself a little bit of art deco here and there, but ultimately its intimidating geometrical splendor is an antithetical to the flowery nature of nouveau and I associate it with a completely different era. Definitely fitting some characters like my Wicked Witch of the West, but shouldn't be overused

One of my main problems with the original BBR was that eventually I lost track of what it was even about; and the original ending felt too mean and unfulfilling to be worth it. Now I'd like to stick to the theme of home and family as my main theme, but in a different, more bittersweet way than in the book

An interesting connection I made is that a lot of my aforementioned older key characters (the Witches, Jinjur, the Nome King, etc) all came from the same reformatory as kids, that's how they know each other. In my recent research I learned that in those reformatories it was usually frowned upon to release the children back to the families, which were seen as the original corrupting influence regardless of the circumstance. The reformatory did everything in its power to cut that connection and make itself the only family those wayward kids were supposed to know and love. That's an unexpected tie into the theme of home that I'd like to explore as well

So yeah that's the current state of it. I have a bunch of outfit concepts I'm slowly cooking, although I'm now sure whether I'd post them... But I do miss these funny guys, and I'm glad some people still do as well :)

#my art #xam rambles #the black brick road of oz

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haikyu-mp4 · 23 hours

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Saving up

word count; 2761 – f!reader, this is not my best writing but I got the idea and just had to write it

Ever since your first year in high school, you thought Kunimi Akira was shy. He didn’t interact with many people and you could barely imagine what his voice sounded like if you tried to. Then you became desk mates for your second year and you weren’t so sure anymore, because now you heard his voice all the time.

The volleyball player would rest his elbow on his desk and lean a cheek on his hand so he could look over at you, who diligently tried taking notes. Your class had a study hour halfway through the day to ensure your notes were up to date before going to lunch, but Kunimi often used it to sleep. Often, but less frequently this year.

When he didn’t sleep, he was watching you. Now and then, he would reach over with a pencil in his hand to draw something stupid that messed up your perfect notes. Sometimes it was just a line across the page and other times it was simple drawings.

You would glare sideways at him, holding your pen up like it was a weapon and it never failed to make him smile. “Sorry, I thought those were my notes.” he would say, so shamelessly teasing you and sticking his tongue out.

People in your class had noticed how the two of you started spending time together even when you didn’t have to, like how you would come over at lunch to give him the juice box he ‘accidentally’ left behind on his desk. Or how he would come slightly late to practice because you asked him to help with a subject he was better at.

A couple of friends started teasing you about it, mentioning how the two of you kept acting all cute and how disgusting it was. You laughed with them, but you weren’t sure if you should. Was this anything more than Kunimi distracting himself from boredom? You couldn’t call what you had very romantic yet, which it didn’t have to be, but you had hope brewing in your stomach that this might turn into something. You’re quite the hopeless romantic.

“Speaking of dating, what’s you guys’ dream date?” one of your friends asked before scooping a spoon of yoghurt into her mouth. “Because I would love a romantic picnic in my near future.”

Your friends all pitched in as the conversation focused on one person at a time until it ended up on you. Unbeknownst to you, Kunimi strained every muscle to hear your answer from where he sat just a few tables away. “I think an art museum would be cute. You can take nice pictures and either make fun of the paintings or appreciate them. Then maybe go for hot chocolate after.” you explained, fiddling with your fingers as your eyes lit up from imagining it. That was your style. Kunimi nodded to himself and mentally pressed save on the information.

When the volleyball tournament started, your friends asked to go see the school’s team in action, and you perked up when you remembered Kunimi was on the team. You nodded eagerly and all of you made plans to go after school. It was lonely during the school day as you kept glancing at the empty desk beside you. Somewhere out there Kunimi was playing volleyball while you were stuck here without him.

All of you rushed out of the classroom as soon as classes ended, switching into outdoor shoes before making your way to the bus stop. You could definitely be accused of looking a bit too excited.

It wasn’t the most crowded game, so you found some good seats and the team was already playing. Your cheers blended into the classic school cheer, filling you with school spirit. There was no use denying that your eyes were stuck on Kunimi, but you noticed how he wasn’t giving it his all. This made you frown, curious as to why when you knew how much he liked the sport.

It was the third set and all the other players were getting visibly tired as their legs fought against them and their sweat seemed to be flying.

But not Kunimi. You watched as Yahaba, the setter, started setting up even more attacks for Kunimi. Subconsciously, you started leaning forward in your seat and got even more engaged, excitedly yelling his name whenever he scored a point. When his teammates patted him on the back, you finally saw that smile. The smile he would give you when he seemed proud of your reaction to his teasing. An excited smile.

“That’s typical Kunimi,” one of your friends said. She had been following the volleyball team closely because of her interest in the sport. Despite getting rejected from the manager position, she still came to watch, which you admired greatly. The hope of Aoba Johsai going to nationals didn’t end with Oikawa.

“How so?” you asked, hoping she could hear you over the crowd.

“He always saves his energy, acting all lazy for the first sets and then using that energy when everyone else gets tired.”

“Oh, how interesting.”

When the games finished for the day, Aoba Johsai had still not lost. You and your friends were walking out of the building and you listened with a grin as they kept excitedly discussing the highlights of the last game until you heard someone calling your name.

You turned around, eyes scanning the area until they settled on Kunimi. Your face lit up and your guy friend made kissy noises before one of the girls hit him over the head. Agreeing with on where to meet them later, you met Kunimi halfway. “Hi,” he breathed out.

“Hey. You were great!” was all you mustered to say, feeling a bit shy even though he didn’t know how hard you had been staring at him earlier.

“I didn’t know you were coming,” he said, squinting at you accusingly.

“We decided on it earlier today,” you told him, looking to the side for a second as you hesitated. “I got lonely without my deskmate.”

Kunimi cursed his ears which suddenly felt a bit too warm. Is there a chance you came to see him? He knew he had to go back to the team any second now, so he cleared his throat to break the spell you put him in. “I’ll be back to bother you soon,” he assured you, making you chuckle.

“Hopefully not too soon, you guys need to go to nationals!” you said encouragingly, leaning on the pads of your feet.

He nodded, glancing over his shoulder and back at you. “Fine, but I miss you too.” You hadn’t even said you missed him, but the sentiment was there. Hearing him say it so directly made your heartbeat quicken and you weren’t sure what to say.

A silence fell over you as you leaned a bit closer. Kunimi slowly put his arms around your back and yours went around his neck as you pulled each other in for a soft hug. It recharged your battery and you could swear you heard him take in a deep breath before you pulled away. A bit awkwardly, you stepped back from each other.

“Good luck tomorrow, Kunimi.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you soon.”

Kunimi had the faintest thought that he might have jinxed it as they were on the bus back to the school. They lost in the second game of the day, not even making it to the finals. He should be frustrated. He should be so angry that they were defeated, but he wasn’t. Because the next school day, he could meet up for class and see you.

You didn’t mention their loss, which he appreciated since he wasn’t sure how to explain that it didn’t bother him that much. It did irk him how your smile still seemed a bit more pitiful than sweet, so Kunimi tried to do everything like you always did. Draw in your book, bump your arm and steal sips from your iced tea. Thankfully, it seemed to work, as you gradually got back to your normal teasing and Kunimi could hear your laugh again.

At some point, the doodles he left in your book moved from where they ruined your notes to where there was still space left as if he wanted you to leave them there. You paused for a second instead of pretending to attack him. Then Kunimi would watch with interest as you started adding to his drawings, making them more detailed or into something completely different. It was fun, knowing he could steal your attention away like that. Maybe this is working out.

“Would you teach me to play volleyball?” you asked him one day, quite suddenly, which made him choke on the iced tea because he tried to speak at the same time. “Karma,” you mumble, smirking and taking your bottle back.

“You want to learn volleyball?”

”That’s what I said.” He stared at you for a moment before shrugging.

That’s how you ended up outside of the gym before his practice. He told you someone was using the gym for extra practice, so you just asked to borrow a ball and went outside instead. The weather was quite nice, and you were not that used to seeing Kunimi with the sun on his face. It suited him.

He showed you how to receive, telling you to squat a bit with the ball instead of flailing your arms too much. It kind of worked out. The ball eventually started moving back towards him after a lot of laughter and attempts. Yahaba walked past at some point and did a dramatic double-take when he saw who was spending extra time practising. And with a girl, nonetheless. He totally took a picture for the group chat that Kunimi would shamelessly save later.

After doing this for a while, he asked you to try and bump it a bit higher. You tried with a focused look on your face and it went off a bit to the side, so he moved to catch it. “If you get it up above my head,” he gestured where his arm to show you. “I can set it up for you. Then you hit it with your palm like bam to spike it back,” he instructed, demonstrating with the ball.

You nodded, still unsure if you would be able to, but you were a bit excited to try. Using some beginner’s luck, you managed to bump it up high enough for him to set. Your eyes were glued to the ball as it came back towards you. You lifted your arm and hit your palm against it, watching it fly sharply back at Kunimi.

“Grea-” Right into his forehead. You covered your mouth with a gasp, running over to where he was now holding his head.

“I’m so sorry, Kunimi!” you yelled, holding his shoulders to make him look at you as you begged for forgiveness. “I didn’t even think I would hit it.”

“I didn’t think you would either,” Kunimi teased with a slight strain in his voice from the pain, naturally resting his free hand on your hip. When he finally removed the hand from his face, you winced at the red mark on his forehead. He was moving his face weirdly as if checking all the parts were still there, and it was so cute that you weren’t sure if you were breathing at that moment. “At least you didn’t get my nose,” he said, laughing a bit which made you smile, relieved.

“I didn’t mean to, I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” he assured you, suddenly very aware of how close you stood and how you were holding each other. He stuttered and you noticed at the same time, making the both of you take a step away from each other. Your cheeks were burning from the embarrassment of hitting him with the ball like that and then this. “I have practice now, though. See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, of course. I’ll see you.”

Once again, your friends were teasing you relentlessly. “You hit him in the face?” Their cackles rang through the air and you hid your face in your hands.

“I forced him to teach me just so I could spend time with him and then I bruised his perfect forehead, what’s wrong with me?” you complained, definitely feeling a tad dramatic.

“Shut up. He was probably thrilled that you took the initiative, that lazy bastard.” someone said, and you lifted your head to glare at him for the comment. Taking in a deep breath, you cross your arms on the table and lean on them.

“I want to kiss his pretty lips so bad but I’m not even sure he likes me like that,” you mumbled.

“Now that is just pathetic,” another friend answered. Brutal. “He obviously likes you, now stop talking to us about your dreams and start chasing them.”

You looked across the cafeteria, finding the guy with the middle part who looked bored as he listened to a friend talking. “I just want that little bit of extra effort, you know?”

“Why haven’t you asked her out? I’m pretty sure she would say yes,” Kindaichi wondered as the two were getting ready for another practice.

“It’s not the right time yet,” Kunimi answered, not sparing his friend a glance.

“Don’t tell me you’re saving your energy until the last round for dating, too,” Kindaichi said, some disbelief painted between the words because he hoped that wasn’t the truth. He thought you deserved better than that, but then again, who was he to judge?

Kunimi frowned, mumbling something under his breath and putting his jersey on. “Not really, I was saving up money.”

Kindaichi looked confused. “How’s that relevant?”

“She told her friends she wanted to go to an art museum,” he said under his breath because he didn’t want anyone to overhear. “If I went all out and asked her out right away, we couldn’t go where she wanted.”

Now Kindaichi was glad he wasn’t currently dating anyone, because how could he compare to this? He didn’t think Kunimi would ever beat him in effort. “So, you’re still saving up for the first date?” he asked, checking if he heard him correctly.

Kunimi finally smiled a bit, lifting two pieces of paper, tickets, to show them off. “Just got them, now I just need to ask.”

“I was wondering if you would like to go with me to the art museum tomorrow,” he asked, holding out two tickets for you to see. It was for the best museum you could go to from where you were, which you had been eyeing and wondering if you should go to even if you had to go alone. You looked at the tickets in his hand and then back up at him with the most entrancing sparkly eyes he had ever seen. That’s what gave him the guts to add “As a date.”

“That sounds perfect, Kunimi.” You slung your arms around his waist in a hug and he hugged you back, making his soft chuckles ring in your ear while his breath hit your neck. It gave you goosebumps and you stayed in the hug for a second longer than necessary just to enjoy it.

Indeed, it was perfect. The two of you took lots of pictures, getting all the best angles for Instagram and laughing at the bad ones. Kunimi wasn’t the most educated on art, but he liked hearing you talk about it. You were watching a particularly grand painting, giving him your thoughts on the artist’s mindset while painting it. When you looked over to see if he was following, he was already looking at you like you were the one who painted it. He laced his fingers with yours, holding your hand through the whole thing and sometimes making funny comments when the artworks were especially difficult to defend. When you were done, you could truly say it was everything you imagined and more. Kunimi could confidently admit he never spent his money on anything better.

And after you treated the two of you to hot cocoa, he followed you home. At your door, he reached around your back like he had done before, but instead of tucking his head in your neck, he put his lips on yours. What a sweet kiss it was, satisfying every dream you had about it.

Kunimi was never shy or too lazy. He just saved up to get you what you deserved.

masterlist

#haikyu #haikyuu #haikyu x reader #hq x reader #fanfiction #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu fluff #haikyuu x you #hq #haikyu fluff #kunimi akira #kunimi x reader #aoba johsai #seijoh

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planefood · 2 days

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Thinking about the Birdie stuff brings up some really nasty feelings the art community is a shit show and in no way safe for kids, speaking as someone who was really screwed up in animation meme spaces after getting in close contact with an idol of mine when I was 12. I won't bring up who, It happened almost a decade ago and I have no evidence for it and that person doesn't seem to be actively posting anywhere now anyway. They made like one or two massively popular flipaclip animations and fucked off. Plus I feel like it wouldn't be good for me and I'll also not allude to what took place specifically for that reason That being said when it all came to a breaking point I was blamed for everything that had happened by the people around me, the 12 year old in the situation in a group of 20 something year olds.

I have a lot of people around me who were in similar art spaces in their early pre-teen to teen years suffer the same fate. I either have to grapple with the fact those events changed me in such a way that I simply gravitate towards people who had similar things happen to them for comfort or that this is happens so frequently that a majority of people I know have been screwed up by something like that. I'm not really sure I can handle either of those explanations but I think we all know its probably the latter.

But it did change me in a way that it probably effects my life in small and subtle ways that build up that I can't pick up on and it scares me, this shit really messes kids up. I'm one of the lucky ones because my experience wasn't used as fodder by adults in the community to make videos about mocking the victims in these situations for acting like unemotionally regulated children (which children often act that way for the record) or just retraumatise the victims by making think pieces about the predators for money. I've seen grown ass adults call obviously groomed children irredeemable monsters with no thought and no guilt for something I know they can't control because they're just kids. How does that help anyone? When I was a kid I already blamed myself for everything that happened and it took a lot of self reflection to realise it wasn't my fault. Also now that I'm the same age as the people were when they did that stuff to me as a kid I know it's not normal for adults to be interacting with random 12 year olds online anyway.

I still have people to this day bring up what has happened to me and try blame me for it. So just a reminder for anyone reading this that has gone through shit like this that it wasn't your fault that it happened no matter what anyone says if someone victim blames you about it I will kill them badly

#tw grooming #tw trauma #sorry this stuff is heavy this topic really rattles me

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eveistdiepommes · 3 days

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Classes Start !

“World Academy is like… suuuuper prestigious! Everyone who goes there is either at the top of their class, or they had the money to get in! Either way, you’re surrounded by brilliance no matter which hallway you turn down!”

Hiiiiiieeeee everyone!! Welcome to my newest AU! If you couldn’t tell, it’s a College AU! I’ve been struggling recently with making art, but yesterday something clicked and I started doodling tons and tons and this was the result! Safe to say, my art block is at bay for now!! I started doodling for this AU because I wanted to tweak my art style a bit and because I just wanted a universe where lighthearted, funny things might happen! And as I drew and drew, I started thinking up more lore, more character backstories, and just having a ball thinking of all the characters’ dynamics! So, welcome to World University!

(Character bios and info below!)

Feliciano is quite brilliant in his own unique way, as Lovino knows and as Ludwig will find out. Feliciano has the amazing ability to draw what he sees photorealistically, and his brain seems to be able to break down architecture to its finest detail. His paintings are breathtaking, his skills are unmatched, no wonder he earned a scholarship! Ludwig, who was so sure of who he was, starts to question everything after returning a blueprint the elusive Feliciano had dropped. Ludwig comes from a very prestigious family, a family of winners, a family of business. So of course, he is to follow in his father’s footsteps, just like his older brother is. But… What if he… doesn’t want to do that? What if wanted to explore other ideas, other concepts, where nothing is concrete and everything is colorful? It’s scary… not being sure… But he is sure of one thing! Feliciano is quite beautiful.

It’s a hassle to deal with his brother though! Calloused and on guard, Lovino is always there to speak up on his younger sibling’s behalf, maybe a bit too much. Lovino just gets worried, as their family does not come from money. He doesn’t need some rich assholes picking on his brother like kids did in middle and high school! Working as a model, Lovino is starting to gain attention, which means more money to support him and his brother. And he is just fine with this. He never thought this would be his profession, but he can’t deny, it is a big confidence boost!

Arthur was never a fan of his parents. They pressured the hell out of his older brothers, and then they turned their sights on him. Their pressure was harder on him though, as it wasn’t just to do well, but to do well and be “ladylike.” Safe to say, as soon as Arthur escaped to college he completely abandoned what they had taught him, finally cutting his hair, finally dressing how he wanted, finally living how he wanted to live. And when they came to visit one year, and saw the changes he had made, they were furious. One thing led to another, and Arthur lashed out, declaring that he was dropping out of college to pursue what he wanted to pursue. And he soon learned that his parents had cut him off from their funds completely, leaving him stranded in the town.

Francis is idolized around the school, mostly by other fashion students. Many have confessed their crushes to him, only to be met with a chuckle and gentle rejection. No one understands him! In the years before, he hadn’t been so reserved, flirting freely with peers and what not. But something has changed, and sometimes, people have seen him at some grungy joint where the scene is way too sketchy and the music is way too loud. After Arthur got off stage, it was Francis’ cue to follow him. He heard something curious the other day, something he wanted to ask Arthur. So, meeting him out back, Arthur scolded him for sneaking up on him. And through a game of mental chess, Francis had learned that what he heard was true; Arthur had no safe place to sleep. He decided then and there, Arthur would be going back to his dorm, even if he had to sneak him and that obnoxious guitar case in.

Kiku could relate to being pressured. It was a hassle just for his family to let him choose illustration as his major. But once he was set, he was achieving what was expected of him, he excelled. That was, until two years in he got sick. See, Kiku has a very weak immune system, it had given him issues in his childhood, and now it seemed such conditions were back to haunt him. After taking a year off, he’s been struggling to get back to the top. His anxiety has risen, his focus seems to be dwindling. Arthur helps him study, and what a kind and noble thing to do. But some days, he just needs to let off steam and go to the arcade to set a new high score on one of the many rhythm games. What he was never expecting… was to be challenged by the human embodiment of the sun.

Ivan had lived a quite solitary life until now. Even when he started college, many did not seem interested in being his friend, maybe because of his intimidating stature, or his accidentally off color comments. But when he dances, he frees his mind from any troubles, completely absorbed in the music. One would never guess from his height and build how easily he can float through the air, and it’s quite exhilarating to watch! Well, according to Yao! The ever energetic Yao met Ivan in a class they shared, and for the first time in his life, Ivan had been approached with a beaming smile and sparkling eyes. Yao was innocently curious of Ivan’s diet and workout regiment, exclaiming how cool he looked unabashedly. This made Ivan’s face red! He had never been fussed over, his sisters didn’t count!

Alfred heard all about Ivan from Yao, becoming excited at the prospects of more friends! Alfred seemed like he was the polar opposite of Ivan in the friendship regards. Almost anyone at the university could easily find themselves talking to Alfred, he was just that personable! But Alfred didn’t have many close friends. He had his twin Matthew of course, and he had Yao and Ludwig, but that was it! No one really stuck around beyond small talk. Maybe that’s why he went out of the way to climb through a forming crowd in the arcade one day to see just who had all eyes on them? He wanted attention too, you know? To say he was surprised would be an understatement. The guy his eyes landed on playing the game was like expert level good! Being the cocky guy he is, he couldn’t help but offer a challenge, even if he was sure he’d lose. That guy was just too cool! He wanted to be closer!

Matthew has struggled in school in the past. It’s not that he doesn’t understand, it’s just that he could never get the words out to explain his understanding. Oral presentations were living hell, as was socializing and trying to fit in. But with his twin brother’s help, Matthew got through high school and made his way into college. The change of pace was rough at first, often resulting in meltdowns from not comprehending what he felt he should be comprehending. His grades were excellent, and his love for nature and the arctic were always very apparent… maybe even too apparent. See, that’s what he couldn’t comprehend still; he couldn’t socialize. Alfred talked to people so easily, but Matthew struggled greatly. He knew from a child he had selective mutism, but it seemed that even when he wanted to speak, he’d choke! His palms would get clammy, he’d start collapsing in on himself. And then the dreaded day came where he had to give an oral presentation… in college. If it weren’t for his white haired peer, he surely would have gotten a bad grade. But miraculously, with Gilbert, he started finding his voice.

Gilbert does not care what his parents expect from him. He doesn’t care what anyone expects from him, well, except for maybe one person… But either way, Gilbert is a completely free spirit, doing what he wants and making his own way! He’s a class clown, often cracking jokes at the expense of the professors, but when he heard that soft little giggle cut through the crowd, his interest was definitely piqued. He attempted to speak to Matthew after that, being met with a stumbling, awkward response, which was somehow even more endearing. Gilbert learned quickly through Ludwig, who was told by Alfred, of Matthew’s past, his struggles in socialization, and his lonely habits. How could anyone not love talking to him? He had a bear fact for every conversation! What is there not to like? Gilbert was quickly becoming attached.

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merrymorningofmay · 16 hours

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I saw your post about how hard things have been lately and I was wondering if having people boost not just war/survival related things, but also positivity would help? Ukraine has such a rich and beautiful culture; I'd love to know if there are good tags for finding information and examples to boost to show people that and if you think that would be genuinely helpful?

Sorry if this is worded oddly. I hope you and your family stay safe and that this ends in victory for your people soon. <3

thank you for the kind words and support!!

as for your question: it's not odd at all, but i have kind of mixed feelings on the matter, so this is gonna be long i'm sorry....

first i'll say this: celebrating and promoting ukrainian culture is always, unambiguously, a good idea, because historically it's been largely underrepresented and understudied (and appropriated and/or miscredited by. Some Country. anyway). i like to think it's also helpful to our plight, however marginally, because people are more likely to sympathise with someone familiar and relatable, and engaging with ukrainian culture/boosting ukraine's presence anywhere can help bridge that gap.

as for online sources to share, i can definitely recommend ukr_arthistory (ukrainian art) and old_ukr_books (vintage book illustrations) on twitter, and also vintage-ukraine here on tumblr. if you'd like to help promote ukrainian artists on here as well as on twitter, #украрт, #укркрафт are the tags you wanna check out. living artists could always use some engagement/commissions

this list is quite short, to my shame, but again, fellow ukrainians are very welcome to add their own suggestions! (guys, please do)

i have my own reservations, though. see, there isn't a single aspect of ukrainian culture, art, life that hasn't been affected or retroactively reframed by the current war or by the long gruesome history of russia's colonialism in ukraine. the war is a part of us, it's a part of me, and any attempt by a non-ukrainian to draw a neat line between the two feels. unearned and violating? somehow? (again, these are just my feelings; e.g. i never trigger tag my war posts because nobody gets to have the fun parts of me and filter out the war part of me. other ukrainians may have different feelings)

and especially now, when the political and battlefield situation is at its bleakest yet and ukraine has been making less and less headlines, hearing non-ukrainians praise the resilience of the ukrainian people or repeat the comforting "kyiv in three days" platitude makes me feel bitter more than anything, because like. we shouldn't have to be this resilient! we're resilient because our allies are failing us and our only other choice is death! sure they didn't take kyiv in three days, but if they take it in three years instead i'll be just as dead in the end! you feel me?

this, of course, isn't to imply you did/were about to do any of that; i'm just trying to explain why i can't just answer "yes, by all means" to your (respectful and valid) question.

i guess the bottom line is: sure, do share and celebrate the beautiful, joyful, fascinating things about ukraine, as long as you also share and engage with the serious stuff. unfortunately, the bad news are the priority right now. i sincerely hope we live to see the day they won't be.

#rereading this i realise that the whole paragraph about resilience had nothing to do with your question and i could've omitted it altogether #uhh. consider that one a rant tangent i'm sorry #mari asks

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missatan · 3 days

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📩 Simblr question of the day: Who's your biggest inspiration/s on Simblr? Mention them! Tell us why you like them!

oh god, i have so many and i know i am missing some! i sat on this for a min so i could remember!

@gleamer: Their renders are fucking gorgeous, but I also LOVE how their sims interact with each other! I love how much depth and emotion they put into their faces! They have inspired me to do that for my sims just to show who they are as people. Also, their sims are so beautiful!!

@crsentfairy: INDIE!! Gods, where do I start? Her sim style is beautiful and instantly recognizable. I don't need to see Indie's username up above to know that she made them! I love her way of storytelling instantly grabs you at the heart and I love how in depth each oc is! I LOVE how she writes dialogue. Each character SOUNDS like their character if you get what I mean.

@diactrl: MY WIFE!!!! ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS!! MY POOKIE!!! <3333 Dia is ridiculously talented with how she creates renders and sims. The way she styles her sims and it adds so much personality to them too!! Not only does she make the hot ass sims, but just her presence forces me to finish my own shit!

@rosymiel: JESUS CHRIST THEY ARE SO GOOD AT EDITING!!! I remember years ago when I first followed how much I was in awe with how they render then paint over it. Their edits are pure art and so beautiful!! I have always wanted to get to that level!!!

@yngblkarawak: THEY ARE SO MUCH TO SAY!!!! THE WAY THEY STYLE SIMS! THE WAY THEY MAKE SIMS! THE WAY THEY RENDER! THE WAY THEY PUT TOGETHER IDEAS I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO CAPTURE! THE WAY THEY CAN MAKE A SIM LOOK EXACTLY LIKE A PERSON! THE WAY THEY PUT 2+ HAIRS TOGETHER! JUST EVERYTHING!!!! ABSOLUTELY STUNNING ALWAYS!

@vampiremilfs: Nez was one of the first people I came across on tumblr that made me want to get into renders and editing! Their renders feel as if they're from a movie or a video game! I am ALWAYS in awe when they post a render of their sims. they're also so fucking hot and get me foaming at the mouth!!!

@blackskorpi0n: JAKLFJFSKJ STORM!!! They are my blender queen!!! I am always in awe when they create a render and how they put together ideas. I truly feel as if I'm part of their sim's words. The way they do textures, their editing skills, how they move hair perfectly to go with the motion (does that sentence even make sense?? idEK!)

there is so much more and i know I'm blanking. But so many people on this app inspire me SO much!!!! it's a lil art gallery here

#tysm for asking!!!#asks

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hyacinthoideshispanica · 1 day

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A modern Feysand au where Rhys just took over his father's company and is trying to make it his own. So, he's creating new job titles, firing people who only work there because of nepotism, and in his free time, he likes buying paintings from CursebreakerArt.com to decorate and liven the building up.

Feyre is a struggling artist who is only able to afford rent because some random guy keeps ordering from her shop and she's not complaining, but he's bought so many, and who needs that many paintings?

One day, after mailing the latest orders out, Feyre decides to walk around the city and eventually notices the help wanted flyers for Velaris Co. everywhere she looks. She's curious. She's heard of this company before, and apparently, the ceo is an absolute prick, but the pay and benefits are supposed to be fantastic. So, she takes a flyer, and after a few days of no new orders, schedules an interview.

Rhys goes through the list of the days scheduled interviews. Normally, a ceo would be too busy to conduct interviews on their own, but he wants to show he's different from his father, and he wants to know every employee as a friend, not just someone who works for him. He scans through the list, and one name suddenly catches his attention. Feyre Archeron. He knows that name. He's seen that name elegantly signed on almost every painting on this floor and has seen it scribbled on a little thank you note that comes with each order. Feyre Archeron, creator of CursebreakerArt.com, is interviewing at his company that afternoon.

Feyre walks into the interview room slowly, suddenly self-conscious about her paint stained sweater and leggings. This place was really nice and really professional. She was way in over her head to even think of trying this! She should have washed the paint out from under her nails! She should have worn a pencil skirt and blouse!

Feyre's thoughts are cut short when Rhys enters the room and then suddenly stops. Then, their just staring at each other in silence. Feyre thinks Rhys is not only the handsomest man she's ever seen but that he must also be appalled by her appearance and it was definitely a mistake to come here.

Rhys, on the other hand, was 100% prepared to gush about how much he loves her work, that is, until the moment he actually saw her. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and he had not been ready for that at all.

Feyre gets up, starting to apologize for wasting his time, saying she'll see herself out, but Rhys stops her with only two words. "You're perfect."

Feyre blushes fiercely, then Rhys clears his throat and begins talking to cover up what he just said.

"For the job. You're perfect for the job. You see, a lot of my employees have young children who spend the day in our care center or go there after school. I was hoping to hire some new employees, people who are passionate about something like art, cooking, or music to come in to spend time with the children during the day and teach them."

"I see... and you think I'm perfect for that job from just one look at me? Without even looking at my portfolio?"

"Ms. Archeron, off all the interviews I've conducted today, you have been the only one to dress appropriately for children and not an office. You're covered in paint, so you're clearly passionate, and I already have most of your portfolio hanging in my office or in the hallways."

#acotar #feysand au prompt #modern feysand au #rhys and feyre #rhysand #feyre archeron #feysand

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buckets-of-dirt · 1 day

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Top 5 things to find on an excavation (artefacts or non-artefacts; 'find' can be interpreted however you like)?

1. Cats

Can you say "site mascot"? Nothing turns a crowd of archaeologists into a cooing mess faster than an unexpected kitty, no matter how tough and professional they try to pretend they are. They're usually very pushy site visitors, but they're so dang cute that I don't even mind when they step into my unit without permission. Though there was the one that rolled in poison ivy and then immediately demanded scritches...

2. Stories

Those once in a lifetime finds you'll still be talking about at parties when you're 80. The trowel that went missing. Assemblages that create little mysteries you'll never unravel. The time the truck got stuck. That Tim Hortons your crew is never allowed to go back to. Your first projectile point. How hard so-and-so cried on backfill day

3. Friendship

Excavation crews share a special bond that can only be forged through engaging in many hours of often-tedious manual labour together over a few weeks or months. And you'll need this bond to get through (especially with the kinds of deadlines you have to work under in CRM). You may never see some of these people again, but if you're lucky you might find a lifelong friend or several down there in the dirt. Even the short-term friendships you form are important, though, because excavations aren't always within commuting distance of your home and it's pretty miserable never socializing with anyone outside of field hours

4. Artifacts that clearly belonged to kids

Toys, learning aids, first attempts at tool making, all fantastic. Even frozen Charlottes and tiny shoes, both of which are often seen as "creepy", make me smile. I am not immune to evidence of people being people, okay? Go look at the toys found in the Indus Valley sites (particularly the MANY found in the cities' extensive drainage systems) and remember how to feel joy

5. Textiles and textile-adjacent artifacts

We all knew this one was coming, let's be real. It's no secret that I love textiles. Several of my hobbies are fibre arts and I'm always looking for new ones to try, and this love of textile technologies extends into my archaeological work. Unfortunately for me, textiles themselves rarely survive in most contexts. But happily, there are other artifacts related to textiles that do survive. Buttons, thimbles, needles, loom weights, beads, spindle whorls . . . and then there's certain pottery decoration styles that everyone who knows me is thoroughly sick of hearing about. I will put down whatever I'm working on, no matter what, to go see any find related to textiles

#thanks for the ask!#I tried very hard for this to not turn into a list of artifacts I desperately want to find #original post

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praetorqueenreyna · 3 days

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Tamlin is shocked (and a little scared) when his ex-girlfriend's sister stops by his flower shop. Featuring Florist!Tamlin and Tattoo Artist! Nesta.

For Tamlin Week Day 3: Flower Languages. Click here to read on AO3, or continue reading below!

@tamlinweek

“I have a question for you.”

Tamlin jumped and dropped his shears with an aggressive clank. He was trimming the ends of yesterday’s flowers, his headphones blaring Hozier as he focused on his task. He hadn’t even heard somebody enter his flower shop.

It took a second for him to place where he had seen the modestly-dressed woman before. It was Nesta, one of the three sisters that ran Archeron Tattoos next door. Immediately, Tamlin was on guard. A year prior he had had a disastrous relationship with another sister, Feyre, which had ended so badly he wouldn’t have been surprised if she had set his shop on fire. For months after, he had avoided even glancing at the door to the tattoo parlor. Things had settled down and Feyre even had a girlfriend now, but that didn’t stop her from giving him the stink eye whenever they crossed paths. He had been so busy deliberately not looking over there that he barely knew anything about the other two sisters.

“Um, yes?” he stuttered, aware that he had been staring blankly at her for way too long.

Nesta raised an eyebrow. She didn’t seem like she was here to murder him, but also didn’t seem like she was thrilled to be there. “I need reference photos for a piece I’m doing this weekend and can’t find any online. If you have the flowers here, I’d like to take some pictures.”

Tamlin could have pointed out that she didn’t actually ask him a question, but to be honest, Nesta was intimidating. She was almost as tall as he was and, though he outweighed her slim frame, she seemed like the kind of person capable of getting what she wanted. Besides, the request wasn’t unreasonable and there was nobody else in the shop right now.

“Sure. What flowers do you need?”

Nesta pulled out her phone and thumbed through it until she found the list. “Yellow hyacinth, foxglove, cowslip, marigold…” She rattled off about a dozen of the weirdest flower requests Tamlin had ever heard. He was used to people requesting orchids and roses, not wolfsbane. There was an awkward pause when she finished talking and was waiting for him to respond.

Tamlin cleared his throat. “I’m sure I have some of those. I’ll be honest, it’s a rather…unusual set of flowers.

“I’m aware. You know about florigraphy, correct?”

“Yeah. Flower languages.” As a florist, Tamlin had come to know the most common flowers used to convey meaning. Red roses for true love, white tulips for remembrance, etc.

“Exactly. My client just got out of a shitty relationship, and she wants a huge floral sleeve celebrating that. And instead of using flowers that represent love and peace and all that crap, she wants flowers that say ‘fuck you.’ Turning those negative experiences into something positive.”

Tamlin had never thought to use flowers to convey anger or spite, but he could see the appeal. He was certainly well versed in bad break ups. He led Nesta around the shop, pulling out the flowers from her list that he did have in stock. To his surprise, she asked for his opinion. They talked through each flower, Nesta taking pictures of them from every angle while Tamlin Googled its meaning. Nesta was extremely meticulous. She lined up the flowers next to each other, studying their color and shape against each other to make sure they’d make an aesthetically pleasing art piece. Many of the flowers with negative connotations were yellow, which she said didn’t tattoo as well. They finally settled on black dahlia (betrayal), narcissus (selfishness), and columbine (folly).

“I think I’ll frame them like this,” Nesta mused, placing the individual flowers on the table in an artful array. “With the praying mantis in the middle.”

“Why a praying mantis?”

“You know, that whole thing where the females rip off the males’ heads after they mate.” Nesta gave a devilish grin. “Very empowering.”

“That’s not true.”

The easy-going atmosphere that had developed between them collapsed. Nesta scowled. “What?”

Tamlin, who by now was wishing he had ever learned when to shut the fuck up, stammered, “It’s a myth, that praying mantises do that. A very common one, lots of people believe it!”

Apparently, his nervous explanation was pathetic enough to convince Nesta that he wasn’t trying to talk down to her. She tilted her head, appraising him with cool gray eyes, wordlessly waiting for him to continue.

“Well, um, the study where the females eat the males was done in a lab, and they were starving and stressed out. Afterwards, they were observed mating in the wild, and it doesn’t really happen.”

“So you’re telling me a bunch of people had to go out and watch bugs have sex?” Nesta asked in a deadpan voice.

“I guess? I don’t actually know all the details. It can’t be as weird as I’m making it sound, but—”

“Relax, I’m kidding,” Nesta grinned at his obvious discomfort. Tamlin noticed she had a dimple in her left cheek.

“Oh.” Although she didn’t seem like she was going to bite his head off anymore, Tamlin scrambled to find something to recover the conversation that he had derailed. “You could do a spider. For a lot of them, the females are way bigger and more powerful than the males. And the males have to bring them presents to avoid getting eaten.”

“Mhmm, I like that. Thanks.” Nesta paused in the doorway. “You know, you’re not as much of an asshole as I had thought.”

“Thank you?” There was barely enough time to comprehend what she had said, then she was gone.

Tamlin spent the rest of the day thinking about her. And Feyre. He had assumed that Feyre had told her sisters plenty of stories about how terrible he had been. Some of them would even have been true. He had spent the past year trying to forget one Archeron, only to fall headfirst into another. It was so stupid. They had talked for twenty minutes about flowers and she had smiled at him. Still, every time he entered or left his flower shop, he couldn’t help but glance in the doorway of the tattoo parlor, hoping for a glimpse of Nesta.

***********************************

That weekend, he was closing up the shop when he heard a knock on the door. He had already locked it and was busy sweeping, and he approached the door ready to politely tell the overeager flower buyer to fuck off. His irritation transformed into elation when he caught sight of Nesta through the glass. He hurried to unlock the door and usher the tattoo artist inside, along with the petite red-headed woman that accompanied her.

“Hey, hope you don’t mind us barging in,” Nesta said. Before Tamlin could say that she could barge wherever and whenever she wanted, she nodded towards the other woman. “This is Gwyn. I just finished up her sleeve. I told her how you helped me, and she wanted to come by and thank you in person. And show you the final piece.”

Gwyn was wearing a tank top, and one of her arms was a riot of color. Tamlin couldn’t see the details of the new tattoo under the saran wrap that currently covered it.

“Oh. Of course, you didn’t have to do that. I’m happy to help,” Tamlin replied, flustered. Gwyn was staring at him with big blue eyes. They were a little puffy, as if she had been crying, which Tamlin assumed was the result of getting a tattoo for hours upon hours. She was grinning though, clearly pleased with the completed work.

“Well, thank you still. I really appreciate it. Especially the bug info. I would have been so embarrassed to find out the mantis stuff after I had already gotten the tattoo.” She stepped forward and held out her arm. “Do you want to see it?”

“Sure, I’d love to.” Gwyn pinched the edge of the saran wrap between her fingers and peeled it off. The surface of the tattoo glistened with ointment, but it was still breathtaking. The flowers that he had Nesta had picked out absolutely glowed, bright bursts of red and purple and yellow and green against Gwyn’s pale skin. In the middle of the flowers was a black widow spider, glossy black with the distinctive red hourglass on her abdomen. It was an absolutely stunning piece of artwork.

“Wow,” Tamlin breathed. “It’s incredible.” He lightly touched Gwyn’s wrist to tilt her arm so he could see more of the tattoo, then realized what he had done. “Oh shit!” He jerked his hand away. “I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have touched you without asking.”

Rather than being annoyed, Gwyn was blushing furiously. “It’s okay, you can touch.” Nesta snorted, and Gwyn shot her a look that Tamlin couldn’t interpret. “Just not on the ink. It still hurts.”

“I bet.” With his fingertips, he rotated Gwyn’s arm back and forth, taking in every little detail. “Amazing. Just amazing.” He let her arm go. “That guy doesn’t know what he’s missing.”

“Yeah, fuck him.” Nesta slung one arm around Gwyn’s shoulders, careful to avoid the new tattoo. “You should totally have gotten to kill and eat him.”

Gwyn giggled. “No argument here. I should get going, my roommate is probably out front waiting to pick me up. She waved bashfully at Tamlin. “Bye, it was nice to meet you. And thank you again for all the help.” With that, she slipped out the door. Nesta watched her leave with an amused smirk. It felt like there was an inside joke that Tamlin was missing out on.

“What are you laughing about?” he asked, feeling bold.

“Nothing. Just that you’re challenging Gwyn’s new resolution to swear off men forever.”

“What? Me?”

“Yes, you. Being all cute and respectful like a Victorian gentleman.”

Now Tamlin was the one blushing, his ears were practically on fire. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“And the little wrist touch. I’m surprised she didn’t swoon directly into your arms.” Nesta grabbed Tamlin’s hand in a mock imitation of his own interaction with Gwyn. She was rougher than he had been, jerking him forward into her. She had missed his wrist and instead had her hand wrapped around his palm, a mistake he was grateful for, since hopefully she couldn’t feel his blood pounding.

“I didn’t…I wasn’t…” Tamlin’s head was a buzz of static. He couldn’t even breathe with Nesta right there. She was so pretty and so terrifying, which apparently was exactly what he found attractive.

“Relax, I’m messing with you.” She released him and stepped back. “Seriously, you’re a good guy. Stop by next door any time. I promise I’ll tell Feyre not to bite your head off.” With a cheeky wink she left, the bell on the door tinkling faintly behind her.

***********************************

He could do this. He was not going to chicken out, like the last three times he had tried. The cowardly part of his brain was screaming at him to turn back even as he locked the flower shop behind him, but he ignored it. For the first time since his breakup with Feyre, he entered Archeron Tattoos.

All three sisters were there. Feyre, thankfully, was working. She was bent over someone’s ankle, carefully sketching lines with her tattoo gun. There was a brief flash of regret, but nothing more. They were never meant to be, and they were both happier now. Feyre looked up when the door opened and did a double take. She took a few seconds to properly glare at him, then returned her attention back to her client. Tamlin exhaled in relief; a part of him had fully expected her to attack or yell at him.

Elain was behind the counter. She had revved up a formulaic greeting before she realized who he was, and cut herself off mid-sentence. Tamlin gave her a distracted wave, not wanting to get sidetracked. Nesta was in the shop, organizing bottles of colored ink. He cleared his throat to get her attention.

“Hey.”

She looked up, and smiled. “Hey.”

Tamlin looked around, painfully aware that Feyre and Elain could hear everything they said. “Can we go somewhere to talk?”

“Sure.” Nesta led him to the back of the tattoo shop, where they at least had a little more privacy. She turned to him and folded her arms. “What’s up?”

Tamlin had rehearsed the next part a million times. And instead of saying any of that, he pulled a flower out of his pocket and offered it to Nesta. “I brought this for you.”

“Oh. Thank you.” Nesta carefully took the flower, which now had a crumpled stem and smashed leaves.

“It’s a pansy,” he explained. His mouth was inexplicably dry and his voice sounded weird in his ears. When they had been doing their florigraphy research together, they had run across the pansy on multiple sites with multiple meanings. One meaning had stuck out to him, and he hoped that Nesta had remembered it as well.

“You occupy my thoughts,” she murmured. She smiled that dimple smile that left Tamlin weak in the knees. “You’re cute.”

“Oh good, you remembered,” was all that came out of his mouth.

“I did.” She laughed and tucked the pansy behind her ear. “Tamlin, would you like to go out with me sometime?”

“Yes. Yes. Definitely.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up at six.” She lifted herself up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the lips, then darted past him. Tamlin stood there, stunned, waiting to wake up.

On his way out the door, he stopped. “Bye, Feyre,” he said loudly.

“If you hurt her, I’ll kill you. Asshole,” she said in reply.

It wasn’t great. But it was a start.

#acotar #a court of thorns and roses #tamlin #pro tamlin #neslin #nesta archeron #tamlin/nesta #tamlin/nesta archeron #tamlin week #tamlinweek #tamlinweek2024 #tamlin week 2024 #fanfic #my fic #THE PARTY CONTINUES

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werewolfsmile · 2 days

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tysm for answering my qs about werewolf!eliot !! not to keep bugging you lol but i remember you mentioned in the tags of a post one time about a hc/au of parker being some sort of fae or otherworldly being who’s just kinda found herself here in the non-magical world - could you elaborate on that? like how come she’s in the non-fantasy part of the leverage universe, or whether the other characters know, etc? only if you want to of course, no pressure :) i’m really enjoying reading your posts about all these ideas!

You're welcome! And you're definitely not bugging me, I love getting the chance to ramble about my thought lol (werewolf!eliot post here) (link to the post and my tags that started this)

Honestly I don't have as clear ideas for Parker as I did for Eliot, but I imagine her being some kind of changeling or air/wind sprite that was left with humans for whatever reason.

(ooh i'm getting more ideas for this the more i think about it..)

okay, Parker is actually half-fey, half-human

no one really knows who her parents were or how she came to be on her own (me included lol), she was just found on a doorstep as a baby

the people who took her in had their own issues and the state eventually intervened and sent Parker into foster care

she found out at a very early age that she was different to other kids - she could move around without making a sound, she could fit into tiny spaces - all very helpful for a young girl in a foster system that was chewing her up and spitting her out

she also discovered that she could ... not turn invisible exactly, but she could be less visible if she wanted to be; all she has to do is think about not being seen and people's eyes just drift over her

Archie had absolutely no idea what she was when he got his hands on her, but even he knew that she was beyond just a gifted child

he only realised there was something magical about her after she fell off the roof of the warehouse he'd been training her in - then walked it off like it was no biggie

fey creatures love puzzles and riddles, so of course Parker has always had a natural affinity for puzzles (aka locks)

her super artistic talent is a trait that is Entirely Parker and, given that she entered a life of crime early and was surrounded by artistic masterpieces all the time, she never even considered that other people would draw/paint/whatever with any lower skill level

this contributes to her not understanding what the fuss is over art

she gave herself the name Parker when Archie met her and asked her name; it was the first thing that came to mind

she doesn't remember her birth name and isn't bothered by that in the slightest

Eliot was the first of the team to figure out she was fey - being a werewolf, he can smell and/or sense that kind of thing on others

Hardison suspected something was up with her, but then felt bad for thinking that, but then strange things kept happening around her so he started to keep a list ...

pretty much Hardison has a red-string conspiracy theory-style board of Parker Things. He's too terrified of offending her to ask her outright, but he's more convinced every day

(he's also more in love with her and just thinks her fey-ness is another thing to celebrate)

Parker finds Hardison's board of Parker Things and is utterly fascinated. It's like he understands her better than she understands herself. He's super flustered when he finds her poring over the board and tries to make excuses, but Parker's quick to steamroll over that and demands if he knows what she is

Eliot finds them 15 mins later, stuck in an endless loop of confusion over which of them actually knows what Parker is

he just rolls his eyes, says she's half-fey, it's obvious, like, "what? it's a very distinctive smell!"

which leads to how the hell would he know what the fey are and Eliot's like, oh crap, right, they still don't know I'm a werewolf whoops

Hardison and Parker stage a coming-out for her to Nate and Sophie

(Eliot refuses to be involved but still gets roped into carrying the banner. He's still finding glitter in his hair weeks later)

Sophie is thrilled about the reveal and confesses to being a siren (or some other supernatural/magical creature that can manipulate people, idk i have less thoughts about her than i do about parker)

Nate is all like are you kidding me right now what the hell is my life

after a lot of badgering, he confesses he didn't know about Parker, although he has been ... aware of magical beings for some time

no he will not be discussing this any further, can we just get back to the con now??

Parker finds that, now she's aware of her fey-ness, her magical abilities develop further

she doesn't quite gain the ability to fly but ... yeah okay, she can pretty much fly

she wants to test how far this flying ability goes - by, of course, jumping off tall buildings with Hardison in her arms (and no harness for either of them)

Hardison flat out refuses this, so Eliot somehow finds himself the unwilling victim

of course, Parker masters flying while carrying people in no time and proves it to Hardison by just grabbing him and jumping off a building one day

(he's still in therapy for it)

Parker also discovers she can make herself kind of ... misty

this skill is harder to learn but she's already been able to make her hand go misty and whoosh inside a lock

picking the lock is harder in this incorporeal state but Parker's instincts say there's a way to do this, so she keeps practising until she can pretty much disintegrate herself and float through locked doors to rematerialise on the other side

it's a nightmare for the whole team because, sure, it's not like locked doors stopped her in the past. But now she's so excited about it all the time that any concept of privacy completely leaves her brain and she jumps in and out of rooms and safes etc any time of day or night

Wow. This ended up longer than expected! Guess I did have some ideas about fey!Parker after all..

#parker leverage #leverage #fey #fey!parker #i need a tag to keep track of these...#leverage fantasy au #alec hardison #nate ford #sophie devereaux #eliot spencer #as always feel free to add your own ideas to any of this!#@ aardvaark sorry i didn't answer your questions about why parker ended up in the human world #just magic i guess #my posts #asks #sorry i forgot to include a link so i've edited this post ugh my bad

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cemeteryspider · 2 days

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Hi! Ok I’m here with my request I was wondering if I can request Rex dating a fem!reader who’s like raven from dc? Like powers and all that and Rex is just so in love with her 😔(May it please be like dating hc’s? Please and thank you🫶🫶🫶)

Rex-Splode Dating Headcanons

Rex-Splode! Rex Sloan x Raven! Reader

Trigger Warnings: Nightmares

Word Count: 925

You met Rex during Guardians of the Globe tryouts. You had also seen him get his ass beat by Monster Girl. Luckily, after this incident, he was less of a douche overall.

However, things changed once the Guardians started to become a team. He would try his best to be around you whenever he could. You would be running on the treadmill, and then all of a sudden he was running next to you. You could be making a sandwich, and he would be making his right next to you. Or you would sit and read your book, and he would scroll on his phone near you, occasionally glancing up at you when he thought you didn't notice. You did.

Then one day when you were pummeling a punching bag, he asked if you would like to get coffee sometime. You knew he had feelings for you, and you felt in your bones you should say yes.

A date to an art gallery and one dinner later, you and Rex made it official and told the team, who seemed shocked. Either you were exceptionally good at hiding your relationship, or they just couldn't believe you would date Rex.

~~~

You love your personal space, Rex also loves your personal space. The two of you could be walking down the street, it would have to be hand-in-hand, or maybe his hand would be in your back pocket. This annoyed you to no end at first but quickly you understood the constant wanting to be close to you was because he wanted to protect you. You would never admit it, but you loved him.

His favorite time to be in your personal space is during a fight. He would bottle the feeling of you guys standing back to back using your powers to protect each other. When you crushed invading aliens who wanted to kill him, he never felt safer. You made him feel safe.

Simply, he loves to make you laugh and smile. Even though you keep a straight face and hard demeanor around other people, you are a totally different person than when you were with Rex. Somehow his silly sarcastic personality leaked through into yours, and he could make you giggle without even trying.

He loves to see you train with the other Guardians, especially Invincible. Being from a demonic bloodline, you could go toe-to-toe with the Viltrumite, without too much damage, and more often than not you would best the newer hero. After all, you could practically tear Mark apart with the darkness you controlled if you wanted to.

Of course, he hated when he had to fight you. Not because he was scared he would hurt you, no, he was scared you would hurt him. Even going easy on him, you would beat Rex easily. Teleporting away from any explosives he threw your way, and wrapping smokey black tendrils of darkness around him or, as gently as possible, throwing him into a wall with your telekinesis.

You would always apologize profusely after taking him down, but he would always reassure you that he loved you and your powers. Maybe you would even explore using your powers in more intimate places in the future.

~~~

However, once in a battle with Machine Head and his goons, you start to be overwhelmed with the other's pain. When Rex saw you fall to your knees all he could see was red. You held your head in your hands and started to feel yourself lose control.

Your eyes glazed over black, and you screamed. At this point, Rex had just taken out Machine Head and started running over to you as objects all around you started to float and shake. Kneeling next to you, he took your hands in his.

"Hey, babe, come back to me, everything is going to be okay. You just need to come back," Everyone who wasn't passed out on the ground looked at the tense scene in front of them.

They all knew what could happen if you truly lost control of yourself. You had once leveled a skyscraper only to rebuild it moments later.

Still, some part of you listened to Rex and allowed yourself to come back to wherever in your mind you retreated to. You allowed yourself a vulnerable moment, letting yourself slump into Rex's arms. He held you tight until the medics arrived, and still held your hand when you were carried away on a stretcher, even though you promised you could walk.

~~~

Rex could never let anything bad happen to his girl. You were his everything and the only person he would let his sarcastic walls down for. You appreciated the black roses, and eventually black dahlias he would get you after telling him it was your favorite flower.

He would bandage your wounds after a battle, once you took care of him because you always insisted on patching him up first. Kiss your bruises whenever he sees them. He would put his arms around you when he saw your eyes unfocus and zone out, and bring you back to reality.

He would tell you he loved you at every chance he got and showed you off every time he got the chance.

"Look at this picture of my girlfriend, she's so hot"

"Did you see her fight? She's just so amazing"

"Ah she just makes me feel, so differently than I ever have before"

He practically drooled every time you walked by him. He loves the way you look. Anything you wear he wants to rip off of you and start to kiss every part of you. It could be your skin-tight leotard and cape, your casual sweater and jeans look, or your silly Rex-Splode pajamas he got you as a joke.

(The pajamas do something to him idk)

~~~

Rex has always helped you with the nightmares that plague you when you sleep. When Rex lost his hand in the fight against the Lizard League, you still regret not being there, you helped him through his nightmares. Soothing his mind and, with his permission, lulled him back to sleep with your powers. He knew that subconsciously you were calming him down to the best of your ability, and he knew why he always slept better when you were around.

You treated Rex like more than he ever saw himself as, and he didn’t treat you like the monster you felt you were. You each healed something inside the other, and if that’s not love then you don’t know what is.

#rex splode x reader #rex sloan x reader #rex x reader #rex sloan #invincible series #invincible amazon #invincible #invincible animated series #mark grayson #invincible fanfic

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spider-chris06 · 2 days

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Ngl, it's actually worrying how there are people who mischaracterizing Gwen Stacy and unironically think that she's an edgy with suicidal thoughs who does not know how to interact with people and a lone wolf when she always was literally all the opposite.

Or worse still, some try to minimize or erase her evolution as a result of his character arc by implying that, for example, during his stay in Spider-Society she did nothing but get depressed like Peter B during his flashback in ITSV when doesn't exist a single source that supports that, on the contrary, both the creators, the directors, actors and the art book itself literally said that she did the complete opposite of that, maturing, making true friendships and progressing in her social skills.

They did exactly the same thing with Miles the past year with his "Sunshine-boyification", and I still don't understand what the purpose of this is? Why want to transform a character into something totally different?

And I say this as a fan of her, of Miles and of all the characters in the Spider-Verse, I have had my own personal problems, some of those were no small thing at all, but I was always optimistic and that is something that characterizes these characters.

Its optimistic and positive messages inspires me and A LOT of people, and seeing that there are people who want to change that for something that the creators NEVER intended to do is uncomfortable and exhausting.

And you don't need to be insulting me, if you don't like what I say, ignore me and go on with your day calmly.

I'm not going to be a sellout to make everyone happy.

To everyone else who follows me and shares my opinions, even if they are few, thank you, really.

#gwen stacy #spider gwen #spiderverse #spiderman #miles morales #across the spiderverse #spiderman into the spiderverse

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dayangaytransman · 3 days

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Warnings: mention of Transphobia, Homophobia, Self harm, Suicide, Gender Dysphoria and depression

I translated this with the help of AI so I don't know how much of it is correct. Sorry for bad english

I just want to share this; otherwise, I might do something that makes everyone upset

I am a Trans man/Transmasc/Genderfluid person. I use any pronouns except She/Her.

In my country, they won't let me transition, but they also don't want me near them pre- transition

I tell doctors and people who say they can help me that I need testosterone.

But they tell me if they give that to me, I will have a beard and I will regret it! I want a beard! WTF!

A doctor said to me that he cannot give me testosterone, but I can buy it and inject it myself! They don’t sell medicines like that without a doctor’s permission.

I look like a woman, or a 12-year-old cis boy.

I am 19 years old

And when people meet me, a grown man, they see a child and act accordingly. They call me little and short, and I can’t tell people in public how old I am, but they always ask.

I hate myself because I don’t look like the grown man I am. I am 153 cm and 42 kg. I am short, skinny, and have a baby face.

I sometimes present as feminine, and when I do, people in public say unkind things to me. They even try to harm me.

I live in a place where the government executes gay men and I am afraid when they see me as a gay boy.

I live in a Muslim country, so they expect me to wear a hijab, even though I am not Muslim.

I can’t transition here, even if they allow it. The doctors don’t know what they’re doing. I don’t want to be a laboratory mouse. Once, the most famous doctor was accused of killing a person just from a mastectomy! I want a healthy, beautiful, normal body.

I can’t travel for transition because I am very poor, and in my country, even $10,000 is a lot. Even with 100 years of working, I couldn’t accumulate that much money.

But they won’t even let me work or study! Many LGBTQIA+ people here have been expelled from school.

In my country, a trans person is a psychopath. Many of us don’t have an ID ( of our true gender) , and we can’t live like this.

I can’t attend classes, such as an art class, or visit any doctor. They require an ID, and even when they don’t, I don’t want to out myself or have them touch and examine my body.

I experience all forms of dysphoria that exist. I am dealing with depression, childhood trauma, ADHD, social anxiety, among other issues.

I tried to kill myself twice. I have left school. I don’t want to leave the house, but I am trying to change these things, and I can’t seem to do so.

And you know what? Nobody cares!

Do you think all transgender individuals speak English and reside in countries that are friendly to the queer community?

I cannot create a GoFundMe here; there is no supportive organization or similar entity available. Everyone here hates me and can easily kill me.

I am gay, and my relationships have always been toxic.

Men do not perceive me as a man.

My father left me; my mother just doesn’t care about me, and my brother is my biggest enemy.

I cry every day, and I don’t know if I want to be alive anymore. When I tell all my friends and family, even those who can see my tears, they don’t care.

I don't know what to do.

I see people on the internet who just need to turn 18 to transition, try a little bit harder, or travel to another city.

I do not have these privileges. I have wanted testosterone for four years and have tried to obtain it in the way the government indicated, but they have not provided it to me.

I hate my chest, My high, My face, My... My everything

I feel inadequate because I am unable to study, work, or even travel to see my boyfriend and best friend.

I remain alive because if I were to die, there would be no one to feed my cat. He/it is all I have in this world.

People often ask whether I am a girl or a boy. They always tell me that I am short and small, and insist that I can’t be older than they are.

I AM A GROWN ASS MAN!

Imagine calling Tom Ellis or Henry Cavill cute, little, and girlish.

And when my gender changes because I am genderfluid, it gets worse. And I don't feel like a woman.

Nobody here understands what ‘non-binary’ means.

They don’t understand the meaning of ‘trans’ either.

They refer to us by a term that I cannot repeat because it is an offensive word. A bad word that means: a person who is a prostitute has two genitals and is mentally insane. And they want transgender individuals to fully transition. Otherwise, they won’t give them an ID. And who do you think are the ones who say who is trans and who is not? The government! Actually, it’s the psychologists, but mostly the government. You need to prove yourself to them, and I tried hard, but I failed.

Even my family doesn’t see me as an adult—a man who is 19 years old.

Most of the day, I talk to AI because it is kind and knows what it is doing.

Here people think we are sex workers. That Trans people are always horny!

I have dysphoria, so I am not horny, even when I want to be. I can't even masturbate. I can't even look at it.

Here if they find out, they can send me to jail because I am an AFAB person without Hijab. All the people here are transphobic and I can't do shit about it.

And... Nobody in the world cares... I have no doubt that you do not even know the geographical location of my country.

Queer people in my country are the most miserable people on the planet. And they are against each other more than anywhere else. Gay men don't want me around them here ,same as Trans men. And they all hate non-binary people, Polyamorus people and people like me who have more than 10 labels.

I want to grow one day and become an artist, a writer, and an LGBTQIA+ activist. But also I want to kill myself. I want to become manly, sexy, hairy, and big But on the other hand, I want to hurt myself. I want to study philosophy, literature, and languages, but I also hate them because they don’t include someone like me.

I want to write LGBTQIA+ stories in my native language to contribute to my community. But this is illegal here.

I want to do anything and everything, but I know all of this is a dream, and just a dream

All I can do is cry and wonder if I should kill myself

I am sorry if this makes you upset, but I need to say these things to the world.

I wish I were AMAB, or if not, a wealthy person so I could transition. And if not that, then Canadian, European, or even American, so the transition would not be just a dream. Or if I am none of these, at least to not have all the dysphoria in the world, from top to bottom, from voice to face, to height to hips to…

Why? Just... Why?

#gender dysphoria #transgender #trans man #genderfluid #lgbtqia+#sorry for being depressing #nonbinary #transmasc #ai translation #this is my first post #this is my life #i am scared #i don't know how to tag this

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