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bbyquokka · 1 year

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Just saw Han’s star nails and idk why but I can imagine him letting you paint his nails and he can’t help but coo at how concentrated you are and he’s just admiring how excited you are trying out a new design 🥺

lazy days and painted nails

FLUFF BELOW CUT – MINORS, AGELESS & DEFAULT BLOGS; DNI

warnings: gn reader, idol jisung, established relationship words: 0.5k ~ (587)

dont repost. dont translate. feedback and reblogs are highly advised and appreciated!

“baby, it's time.” jisung looks up at you from his position on the bedroom floor. lay flat on his stomach in just a white vest and grey sweats pants with a manga in front of him.

it's stray kids comeback in a few weeks and jisung is taking this time to relax for a while before things start getting hectic again. he doesn't mind things being chaotic, he likes it, keeps him busy. but he hates being away from you so he wants to spend the free time he has now with you as much as possible.

“nails?” he asks as you sit down on a pillow in front of him. you nod as you put the nail polishes, file and clippers down.

“comeback is soon and i want to do your nails.”

“ok. be my guest baby.” jisung sits up, willingly giving you his right hand. you like painting his nails just as much as he likes watching you do his nails. it's like you're with him when he is away, in a weird yet beautiful way.

“what design are you thinking off?” he asks, watching you file his nails and get rid of the dead skin and cuticles.

“something to do with stars. was thinking stars on all your fingers because y'know, five star.” you giggle.

“clever. just like the album, i love it.” your cheeks turn a soft pink colour as you open the nail polishes. you start by painting his nails, careful not to flood his cuticles or get any on his skin.

jisung watches you, smiling to himself. he reaches out with his free hand to tuck your hair behind your ear gently, which causes the tips of your ears to turn red and heart to thump like crazy against your rib cage.

“you're so beautiful, yn.”

“shh. don't make me lose focus.” you mumble.

“i can't help but speak my mind when it comes to you.” you give jisung a simple “mhm”, a sign that you're half listening. you stick your tongue out in concentration, one of the many habits jisung loves about you.

“even now you're acting so cute. with your tongue sticking out and the way your cheeks are so pink because of me.”

“ji!!” you whine, sticking out your bottom lip as you mess up one of the points of the star. “now i have to start all over again.”

“don't” jisung stops you from grabbing the remover by grabbing your hand gently. he intertwines his fingers with yours, pulling you closer to him.

you stutter. your faces are getting dangerously closer and closer to each other.

he's so close. you can see the fine detail of his textured skin. the skin on his lips, the mole on his cheek. his long lashes and cute button nose.

“you don't want me to fix it up?” you whisper, as you close your eyes.

“no.”

“but why.” jisung pulls you onto his lap gently, holding your waist. his breath fans against your lips as he leans in, tilting his head to the side.

“because it shows that someone i love has done my nails. i don't want them to look perfect, i want people to know, to see that you did my nails. it feels like you're with me.”

you whimper softly as his lips press against yours in a gentle, sweet and delicate kiss. your lips move together in sync, creating a perfect rhythm that allows you both to get lost in.

“it's imperfectly perfect and i love that.”

note: anon, we must have the same mind because i too, also thought about painting his nails and just soft bf jisung. im so soft for him, more than usual and idk anymore. f u jisung /af

tags (open): @sstarryoong ; @myprwttyhan ; @fairylouist ; @septicrebel ; @bbujiikseu ; @alyszaen ; @writerracha ; @aestheticsluut ; @xcookiemonsteer

#[ anon. ]#skz fluff #stray kids fluff #skz soft hours #skz soft thoughts #stray kids soft hours #stray kids soft thoughts #jisung #han jisung #jisung fluff #han jisung fluff #jisung x you #jisung x reader #han jisung x you #han jisung x reader #skz x you #skz x reader #stray kids x you #stray kids x reader

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jjenjoyer · 1 year

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roslyn - jj maybank

warnings : mentions of abuse, injuries, angst to fluff, heavy themes, sad jj (a crime punishable by death)

summary : jj shows up to your window in the dead of night, desperately in need of patching up-- and a hug would be nice too.

playlist:

last words of a shooting star - mitski

i bet on losing dogs - mitski

roslyn - bon iver

[lower case intended ; third person pov ; 1.3k words]

gentle tapping from outside your window pulled you from your sleep, (if you could even call it that, insomnia has been kicking your ass lately) startling you, the idea of it being an intruder flashing through your mind before you remembered that your best friend since kindergarten and crush since 5th grade, jj maybank, had done this a couple weeks prior, although the reason for it wasn't as pleasant and romantic as one would expect.

suspecting a repeat of that incident, you stood and jerked your curtain open, the moonlight highlighting the unmistakable silhouette of jj crouched at your window. you hastily opened the window, catching the boy as he practically fell into your room.

the faint illumination your fairy lights provided gifted you the ability to see the palette of texture and colour on his face, highlighted by the dried tear stains streaking his cheeks.

your heart sunk, the only word you could utter was his name, the heartbreak evident in your voice. you knew all too well the struggles jj went through at home, the boy was forced to watch his dad fall apart after his mother died in an accident when he was in primary school, eventually losing all conscience and beginning to take his anger out on the being who resembled her down to the dimple (a rare yet heavenly sight). he, of all people, was the last person to deserve it. nobody deserves to feel threatened in their own home, but especially not the brightest, kindest, most caring boy you know.

you thanked whatever gods were out there that you decided to start working out a couple years ago, as it came in handy in the process of practically carrying jj to your bed, the mattress sinking under his weight as you shoved your ikea shark into his lap, letting the barely-present boy know that you were going to get the first aid kit you kept in case of this exact scenario repeating. he looked worse this time though, and you hoped the kit would be enough, knowing his hatred for hospitals.

returning a couple minutes later with the first aid kit, along with all the spare bandages of various shapes and sizes you found in the drawers, a pair of ice packs and a water bowl, your eyes locked on jj, sitting in the middle of your twin sized bed wrapped around the large shark plushie, cradling his right wrist (with oddly devoid of blood knuckles) with a pained expression and dull eyes that lit up slightly at the sight of you, to which you smiled softly, taking a spot in front of him after flicking on the bedside light for a better view.

your breathed hitched at the gut-wrenching sight, yet you kept your composure. you had to be strong for him.

he watched silently as you dipped a small cloth into the slightly soapy water bowl, wiping the blood from his eyebrow, nose, cheekbone and lip, disinfecting it and blowing on the area to ease the sting, a trick you had learnt from your mom, later proceeding to stick cute blue band-aids with stars on them over his nose and cheekbone wounds, those being the biggest.

he finally cracked a smile upon seeing you pull the band-aids out.

"i didn't think you would actually buy those."

"don't be silly. you said you hated the plain ones, so deal with it, my north star."

the statement was true though, jj pouted relentlessly when you stuck a plain band-aid on him last time, and he would always be the brightest star in your night sky, leading you home wherever you might be. all factual.

you then gave him the ice pack with the instructions of placing it over the bruises, and the fact that he took the ice pack in his left hand confirmed your suspicion.

"can you move it in a circle?"

jj tried rotating his wrist, which moved at 10 fps, but hey at least it moved. he then moved it up and down, wincing slightly at the action.

"i think its just sprained." you stated, hearing a sigh of relief escaping the blond boy's lips.

after wrapping his wrist with the ace bandage and sticking a ruler inside it as a makeshift splint, you instructed him to take his shirt off, to which he saluted you with a "yes ma'am.", and proceeded to struggle, possibly a trap, since he whistled suggestively when you helped pull it over his head. ok, you walked right into that one, but it was good to see his humour come back.

the sight was bittersweet, the soft light hitting his incredibly toned torso like an artist's brand new wooden palette tainted by an assortment of purple, yellow, green and maroon shades of oil paint, as no matter how much he scrubs at it with turpentine, the essence has already sunk in for eternity-- even once the colour is gone, the oil residue will remain, buried deep.

you couldn't do much for his torso but ice it with the second ice pack, rubbing his back as he cringed at the contact.

once satisfied, you rummaged your closet for those black adidas men's shorts you bought against your mom's wishes and handed them over to jj, since there was no way you were gonna let him sleep in those dirty cargo shorts, and you turned with your face against the closet door as he changed, the sounds of struggle nearly prompting you to help him, but you assumed he wanted privacy. its not like you haven't seen him in his underwear, john b's pantsing prank was diabolically brutal-- speaking of which, why didn't he go to john b for help?

you were ripped from your thoughts by jj's voice stating that he finished.

you pulled him up to the pillows, where you laid beside him after turning off the bedside lamp, the fairy light's soft glow creating an ambiance in which you couldn't help but pull him into you, hugging the boy tightly as he trembled in your arms, subtle shivers which morphed into full-out richter scale level 9 shaking as he sobbed into your shirt, to which his hands clutched on for dear life. you rubbed his back comfortingly while whispering assurances into his hair, interrupted only by the odd kiss for what seemed to be an eternity, and eventually the sobs turned into sniffles as he pulled himself up to your level, storm-laden blue eyes piercing yours, the turbulent ocean trapped behind them seeping into your body, flooding it with pure intensity.

"do you want to talk about what happened?"

"not really..."

a silence washed over the two of you, before jj broke it hesitantly.

"you.. do know that i love you, right?-"

"yeah, j. of course, i love you too."

"-...not in that way."

your eyes went wide as you came to the conclusion that your entire "unrequited love" soap opera was a concept made up by none other than yours truly. however, you knew better.

"tell me that again in the morning, when you're thinking clearly."

jj sighed, having no will to fight, and nodded, placing a kiss to your forehead.

"i will. thank you, for everything. goodnight my darling."

"goodnight j."

the following morning, you had woken up earlier than jj and decided to make him his favourite chocolate chip pancakes, knowing he needed that right now. as you were pouring the last spoonful of batter onto the pan, you felt a large pair of arms snake around your waist, along with a head finding its spot in the dip of your shoulder, blond hair peeking in through your peripheral vision.

"i meant it."

"perfect timing, ninja. so did i."

he spun you around, tilting your chin up with his good hand, pausing for a moment to see if you wanted it, before you both brought your lips together, a kiss long overdue.

"ok now gimme them pancakes, i came here like a floating cartoon character at the smell."

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okayplanetary · 1 year

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so Shining Nikki just dropped a huge free QOL update in the dye shop with almost no acknowledgement of it?? i'm losing my mind

the new mode layers dye colour over the existing hair colour, so effects like streaks and gradients are preserved. The result is gorgeous and it makes such a difference!! This is literally everything we’ve wanted since the dye shop launched.

There’s no extra cost to unlock and you can easily toggle back to the solid dye mode if you’re going for that flat-colour pastel look. It works on all dyeable styles whether UR, SSR, or SR.

As a bonus, layering green dye over pink hairstyles (or pink dye over green hairstyles) in the new mode now gives you beautiful rich browns.

The update's impact is most obvious on textured or multicolour hairstyles, of course, but single-colour hairstyles also now benefit from a much bigger range of hues!

seriously, look at these pre- and post-update comparisons—i can’t stop drooling over the colours!!!

#shining nikki #shining nikki crafting #shining nikki update #paper games #dress up game #can you tell i had way too much fun with this today

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mofffun · 4 months

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ep43 Shugoddom revelations:

Gira's birth:

The Hustys played loyal for 2000 years waiting for the chance to overthrow Dugded.

Gira's mother was impregnated when Corsus asked for a "force of destruction" so he could continue serving Dugded in his quest to tidy up the universe.

Gira's mother died when she gave birth to him.

Corsus didn't know Gira's true power then and treated him as a miracle but secret from anyone outside of the castle.

"Gira is just my only brother"

Rainbow Jururira:

Gira named Rainbow Jururira because it tasted like rainbow ("seven colours") and the texture is a jelly.

Gira was fed Kuwagon's shugod soul to be the "tool" to Dugded's destruction.

The "Evil King" perosnaility and memory loss are effects from consuming the Kuwagon soul.

The person eating will behave closer and closer to an insectoid lifeform (more violent) and forget they are human

Boshimaru died defending Gira from Kamejim.

Racules made Rainbow Jurira himself per Corsus's instructions.

Corsus's plan:

Because he is dying, Corsus rushed to tell Racules "the truth" - what should only be made known through the coronation ceremony in the land of death, the one place Dugded isn't supposed to overhear.

Corsus planned to hide Gira away and feed him more shugod soul so that he is "easier to control" as a tool.

Corsus did love Gira and treated him as family, but he chose the people over his son as the king's duty.

Corsus: If you understand how hard it is to lose your family, imagine what is is like for the millions of people. To protect the people now, their families in the future, forget your heart.* That is what it means to be king. [*lit. "kill your (individual) self"]

Neither father or son wanted to say "the people are mere tools".

Racules promised Gira he will protect him once he is king. Gira should just stay Gira himself.

Kamejim and Glodi killed Corsus because the caught wind of his betrayal.

The official records said Corsus passd away due to sickness.

Wrath of Gods:

Having made up his mind to oppose Dugded, Racules hid Gira away in the orphange away from him after Wrath of Gods.

Wrath of Gods occurred as a warning to humanity.

Racules was instructed to turn a blind eye in Wrath of Gods.

Rita: You also wanted Gira to have a normal life?

Raclues: He is still forced to take up the fight. After all, I was merely satisfying myself.*

Rita: Gira himself chose to fight. You have nothing to do with it.

Raclues: That's right. Gira is Gira. He is not anyone's tool.

*戦う使命を押しつけた｡しょせん独り善がりだ｡

Racules requested the trial to be erased from records and his name remain "the worst king in Chikyuu's history" because he doesn't want to set an example for future kings to sacrifice the people in pursuit of some greater justice. He ackowledged he sacrificed a large number of peolple on his own accord and did not wish for sympathy.

Racules received a death penalty but "victims" reported that it is not enough. His sentence is suspended in a deal to give his life fighting.

Rita: In order to defeat Dugded, live as the tool of Ohsama Sentai.

Gira: If you do put the people above everything, you should already know the answer.

Racules: I… I will fight. I will give my life to save the people!

Gira: The king will protect all his people. The people will protect those within their reach. Now is the time to realize your ideal kingdom.

Gira: [I finally get my message across].

Others:

how/why Dugded revives: "I am the Creator. I can even create myself!"

Yanma copied ZERO'S god-killing power onto their swords.

That's Kaguragi at 10 years old because Toufu's children are "well-fed and well-rested"

the kings' psyche de-aged too so Yanma can't help but play a prank and Jeramie doesn't know what to do without his mother. Himeno hates it but she "can't leave those idiot boys alone"

#kingohger #ko43 #kingogher spoilers #mon mon

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oneatlatime · 9 months

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The Siege of the North Part 2

Last episode of the season! I'll post some season round up stuff over the next few days.

The last episode ended super abruptly, so a refresher: -Aang and Zuko are in a snowstorm and Aang is currently hypnotised by a Yin Yang fish -Katara, Sokka and Yue are in the spirit oasis moping about losing Aang to Zuko -There’s a big fuck off Fire Nation Armada parked out front -All current trends point to the Northern Water Tribe being a finely ground and toasted paste by the end of the day

Episode Time!

I don’t know, did Katara really do everything she could? She could have called for backup. Although given Zuko’s track record with taking out scores of guards when the plot requires (hello Blue Spirit episode), I guess it probably wouldn’t have made a difference.

Ignore Momo for a minute and look at this grass texture. I can't decide if I like it or not. It's certainly doing... something?

Is this the spirit world? I'm loving the colour pallette. Since Aang's dreams tend to be sepia-toned, does that mean he dreams in the spirit world?

This monkey guy has so much personality. I love how our first look at this sacred, spiritual, mystical place is an antisocial jerk. Lovely subversion of expectations.

Roku has unparallelled jumpscare abilities.

I have to say the sound design on the ice cracking under Zuko's feet is spot on. That oddly hollow yet muffled thud is exactly the noise ice sheets make when they go.

Poor Aang getting dragged like a kitten. He's got to have frozen skin by now. Should have taken Iroh's advice and covered his ears.

I don't think Aang moves once during Roku's speech about the spirits crossing over. I think he's a freeze frame of animation, something which this show usually avoids.

Judging by the musical sting it's supposed to be a serious line, but the way Roku feels the need to clarify that the Face Stealer will steal your face got a laugh out of me. Was anyone expecting him to do anything else?

"They call him Coe, the Face Stealer. Be careful, or he will validate your parking."

Where did he get fuel to burn? And why does he feel the need to monologue? And if struggling and fighting is what made you into who you are, maybe you should give being lucky a chance, because you're not exactly well-liked or very good at what you're supposed to be doing.

Inclusivity win! These non-benders get to torch the water tribe too!

Ballistic water canon portholes - that's neat.

Those long range grappling hooks are probably the fire nation's most effective weapon.

Please die please die please die please die please die please die

How rotten do you have to be inside, that when you find a giant underground hidden library, you use it to find out ways to wipe out civilisations? And celestial bodies? Zhao is honestly so pathetic. Ruthless, and somewhat effective sure, but you're gifted a giant underground secret library and all you can think to do with it is use it to kill people? Pathetic.

This spirit world stuff is so neat. The scale, the lighting, the animals, everything is slightly off in a way that feels deeply alien. I like.

Get your mind out of the gutter.

The squealing strings in the spirit world are fantastic. The composition of this shot, also fantastic. The colour pallette; fantastic. I would love to live in the spirit world if I wasn't in danger of losing my face.

The face stealer recognising the avatar is chilling. Really adds a sense of the ancient. And whoever is voicing him had the time of their life. Deliciously evil moustache twirling stuff, but still with an underlying very real threat.

I love Sokka's logic here. Co-opt enemy's strength; make it serve you. Zuko being persistent means that there will still be an avatar to save once Sokka catches up to them.

This whole encounter with the face stealer is a cut above. They really pulled the stops out for this finale.

I don't think this is the Blue Spirit, but it's close.

I KNEW those fish were thematically relevant. What a completely unexpected reversal too! Those spirits you're asking for help? Actually, they're asking you.

It pays to be nice! This is why Aang has to stay such a nice boy! See? It pays off!!!

Looks like someone was a little slow with the whole 'conquering the enemy before their main source of power turbo charges them' thing. We've got floor is lava: tank edition, ice machine guns, and Poophead turning a whole row of soldiers into popsicles. Good stuff.

I absolutely hate Poophead but I have to admit it's satisfying watching him go 1 v dozens in tornado mode and kick fire nation butt.

That panda has some powerful breath. And I love that morphing effect between big cuddly guy and horrors beyond description.

"Oh No! Where's my body?" That's pretty funny. I don't think it's supposed to be, but it is.

Forget about the panda, Aang has powerful breath. He just wallpapered Zuko to the cave wall and travelled like 100 feet in the opposite direction.

Keep inching along buddy.

"That won't be enough to escape" "Appa!" "That probably is."

Forget about Aang wallpapering Zuko, Katara just turned him into a floor mat from 40 feet up. How many concussions has Zuko had in the last week?

If that rope is so quality, why did you cut through every loop rather than untie it and save it for later?

Of course Aang has to bring Zuko back. Aang is a nice little boy. That's what nice little boys do, and they get repaid for their kindness down the line with things like rides from giant pandas.

Imagine if Zhao had grabbed the wrong fish? It's a good thing that the moon spirit has a built in indicator light. What would the ocean do if it was in trouble? Get more blue?

Yue exposition. Yue is a moon horcrux. Oh this won't end well.

How long do you think Zhao spent composing his little speech? How many crumpled up parchments did he go through before he had the words just right? Do you think he practiced in the mirror while holding up a sock in place of the moon fish?

Get his ass Momo! I love how the guard in the back is like "nah, I'll let the lemur do his thing. Dude deserves it honestly."

Could we have some more specific examples of consequences beyond "balance" and "Chaos" for killing the moon? I don't think Zhao the asshole is going to pay attention to consequences unless they directly affect himself.

Zhao is way too fond of the word traitor. That's two people he's called traitor who are actually just people he personally dislikes.

You know you done goofed when kindly tea uncle promises to beat your ass. Zhao, meet consequences that directly affect you.

The face of a man realising he has, in fact, done goofed.

That's twice now these fish have yanked Aang around. Powerful fish. Did the fish call upon the Avatar or was Aang so angry that he went glowy and the fish took advantage?

FISHMAN

oh boy these guys are dead. So dead.

Tired of failing at capturing the Avatar, Zuko instead turns to trying to kill Zhao. Brightest idea he's had all season.

"Then at least, you could have lived!" Bold talk for someone who's already lost one duel to this guy and is currently losing the second. Unless you meant to flop backwards off that bridge?

Ooof. But she was always on borrowed time, wasn't she?

He just batted them away like balls on a pool table. So casually cutting through tonnes of steel and people. Fishman is killing thousands. I bet Aang's not too happy about that.

Ouch. More Sokka trauma!

Fish spirit dropping Aang off like he's bumming a ride to school, not killing probably 10 000 + people.

How am I supposed to take this seriously when Zuko's doing silly little summersaults?

Zhao is such a baby. I sincerely hope he's dead now too.

Bit of an abrupt tonal change. And yes, it's LONG past time you helped out the south. I hope Kanna is informed in exacting detail of her grandaughter's Pakku-bahsing exploits. She'd be so proud.

This scene should have come before the scene with Katara and Poophead. Would have avoided the tone switch. Also is that a tree to the right?

"So proud. And sad." OUCH.

Not-fun fact: there are four humans in this screenshot.

I'm guessing that was the firelord? I suddenly see where Zuko gets his muppet voice.

Mark Hamill?!?!

Final Thoughts

Where is the line between self-sacrifice and suicide? Because I have to say, Yue was very determined to do her duty. I guess that's one way to get out of an arranged marriage.

So glad to not see her fiance again, because then I can pretend he drowned. I bet he and Zhao are having fun out asshole-ing each other at the bottom of the sea.

Sokka!!! Somebody needs to give him a hug and get him into the care of a trusted adult immediately because the last thing he needed was MORE duty-related trauma. I bet he views what happened as him failing in his duty to the northern chief. He pretty much says as much when Yue chooses to save the moon. Obviously, there was rationally no way out of that one, but since when are emotions and trauma rational?

Yue describes her saving the moon as her duty, but it was also her choice, and I bet that's the first free choice she's ever gotten to make. Sokka didn't prevent her; he let her choose to do her duty. He definitely had objections, which he voiced, but he let her go once she brought up duty. It's so awful that Yue's first time having her choice respected (dare I say, having her own agency respected) is when she chooses to die.

She is dead, right? Her body evaporated and she's in the moon now. On the moon? Is she the moon? Did she replace the old moon? Or did the moon let her have a few seconds as a ghost for closure before she went to the afterlife? I don't know the mechanics of this.

Poor Aang just killed thousands of people, even if he was fish-possessed at the time. Katara's about the only person who emerged from this episode ok. She got to one-shot Zuko.

Fish possession-induced mega-fishman is not a solution I could have ever predicted to the problem of a whole fleet that needs getting rid of. It totally fits, despite it being a strange idea to contemplate in isolation. Aang pulls (rather, the fish pulls) a move straight out of Pacific Rim and it works.

The spirit world was really capably done. Creepy yet alluring, seemingly detached and untouchable yet both in tune with the real world and vulnerable to the things that go on there. And how clever was it to have Aang go to the spirits for help, only to find out that the spirits need his help? I love that reversal. It really ups the stakes. In any other fantasy story an appeal to the council of higher beings of whatever would either result in help or a refusal. Imagine calling up your godly bosses with a problem only to have them beg you for help? It's kind of chilling. Both in how close things came to disaster, and in the fact that humans in the real world actually have the power to pose that much of a threat to the spirits. Again you see why it's important to have a bridge between the real and spirit worlds: because traffic either way poses a threat to both sides.

What is up with Zuko? He failed the whole season at capturing the avatar (a task at which he was outclassed by episode 3), and now he doesn't have the resources to even try. So he's no longer a villain (not the he was ever good at it), he's no longer even a threat. He's a concussed vulture's meal on a raft. Is he even going to be in the next season of the show? What role could he possibly fulfill? He'll be just... there.

I had tone problems with this episode. A couple of places where I'm pretty sure I wasn't supposed to laugh, I did. And there were a couple of pretty corny set up lines. Yue discussing how there was no hope gave me Helm's Deep flashbacks. I think maybe this episode should have been a little longer in order to make the tone switches more gradual. And I get that, as a kids' cartoon show, they have to end the season on a happy note, but was there anyone in the main or background cast that didn't have a reason to end this episode seriously bummed out? Momo maybe. Appa's empathetic enough to be sad that Aang is sad. Yes, the North is saved, but the princess is dead, there are presumably thousands of enemy corpses bobbing around beyond the wall, and who knows how many water tribe people got crushed by fireballs.

The last three episodes have really been one big story. Katara's part was really over by the opening scene of the siege of the north part 1, which is about where Aang's part began. The real through line that ties these three episodes together is Sokka and Yue. These last three episodes have been low key Sokka episodes (and Yue episodes by extension). I think it's a sign of good writing and engaging characters, that the season finale of a show named after its main character can put a huge amount of focus on someone who isn't the main character and still have it feel natural.

Turn Sokka into a girl and beat him down with the expectations women face in a patriarchal society, and you get Yue. They are each others' mirrors, which is partially why they connect (the other reasons being Sokka is a breath of fun fresh air and Yue is gorgeous and desperately lonely). While I would give an arm and a leg for a version of the show where Yue joins the Gaang and travels around the world with them, being exposed to opportunities for growth and adventure and becoming her own person rather than an extension of her tribe's will, I think it also makes sense that Sokka and Yue ultimately can't be together. I'm having trouble putting this into words, so bear with me, but I think because Yue and Sokka are mirrors, and largely mirrors of the more burdensome aspects of their lives (ie duty), then wouldn't them getting together limit them? Halt their growth as characters? Would they not drag each other down? Under the right circumstances (like peace) they could help each other grow, but in war time it's probably not a good idea to have two self-sacrificing members on your team.

I know Aang had some crazy stuff happen to him this episode (and last episode too), but so much of what happened to him literally happened TO him. He had no say in the matter. He got yanked around by spirits, fish, and Zuko. Which is why the Sokka x Yue storyline was more interesting to me. Poor Aang may have a hell of a time processing all that yanking around, but that's not in this episode. Sokka and Yue actively making choices are in this episode, and their storyline has had three episodes to develop, so the payoff feels more earned.

The soundtrack was great this episode, especially in the spirit world. Deliciously creepy stuff.

Visuals were gorgeous. I especially liked the beige palete of the spirit world and grey-blue palette during the mega fishman scenes. The creeping blue veins were a good way to express the scale of mega fishman's power without just colouring the whole frame bright blue.

Zhao honestly got exactly what he deserved. It must have been a fitting end for his character because it left me highly satisfied.

Yue deserved better, but if the chief is to be believed, predestination is both a thing and unavoidable in this world, so she got the only end she could ever have. I love characters with quiet strength, but I love them more when they don't have to die.

Overall a good episode! It had to wrap up so many storylines that it ended up going all over the place, with some necessarily expository dialogue that felt clunky. Poor Aang featured surprisingly little in his own show's finale, if you discount when he's fish-possessed. Sokka got his heart ripped out and stomped on, as did the chief. Pakku has hopefully set himself up for a hearty slap from Kanna. Zuko and Iroh survived, but that's about all that can be said of them at the moment. I feel like maybe Katara will be carrying the Gaang for the next few weeks.

#atla #avatar: the last airbender #the siege of the north part 2 #avatar the last airbender

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squircatlies · 11 days

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Today is the day I unleash my Mr. Bonzo fanart upon this webbed site.

This post is relatively safe up until the cut.

Is the *tips fedora* meme over a decade old? Yes. Do I care? No, absolutely not.

Now this is where I recommend "getting off" this post to anyone bothered by graphic depictions of body horror, blood, violence, or Mr. Bonzo (monster, not mascot like above).

I know the first image is silly, but I cannot stress enough how serious I am when I say:

Proceed at your own risk.

Now that you have chosen to continue, I have arranged the images in order of least to most vile and disturbing (though that might be slightly subjective on my part).

Remember that you can click off this post at any time.

Final warning: split tongue Bonzo.

I tried channeling Julia Drawfee with the lineart a little bit. Didn't feel like shading that one, so it's a bit flat.

Where did I lose my colours? Plot twist: the first image in this post is actually the last I've made, so technically I gained the colours. I wanted it to have more of a cheery vibe, unlike the ones under the cut, which I wanted to be kinda dreary and I feel like adding too much colour can mess that up.

Alright, I'll address the tongue. Remember how his head splits in tmagp 12? Yeah, it's a nod to that and also I asked myself "how do I make his design worse than it already is?" and that's the only answer I could come up with. I debated adding stitches connesting the two halves of the tongue but couldn't figure out how, so you're welcome. It will be present in all the upcoming drawings as well.

The next one is bloody, but it's not that much worse than the previous one overall.

I was playing with filters after I was done with this piece, because I felt like it lacked something, but didn't know what. Really liked this one, I think it's some sort of a gradient map. It pixelised the image and adjusted the colours a bit, it also really made the blood pop out, though it covered up some of the details.

Why did he lose his hat? It's stupid and hard to draw.

You may have noticed the artstyle change a little, the previous images having neat lineart and little to no shading. That's because I am using different tools, sketchy and soft brushes, that allow me to experiment with lighting and textures more (plus the aforementioned filter altering the image even further).

Alright, I feel like this last image deserves a separate warning. It references episode 12 (spoiler ahead), specifically the moment before the bartender loses a hand, though it's not entirely accurate. It's rendered in more detail than any of the previous images, so keep that in mind before scrolling down.

Basically it's pov: Bonzo licks your hand.

I feel like I could've made his tongue bigger in this one, it seems kinda small compared to his mouth. I really like how the skin on his face ended up looking. It took a lot of work.

The spit makes it look weirdly sexual, doesn't it? Listen, that was not my intention, but I'm not erasing it. I set out to make the worst thing I could and, though not without cost, I have achieved it.

I tried splattering Bonzo in blood, but it wasn't really working for me and it covered up a lot of the detail I liked, so I just put it in the background.

The human hand is drawn from reference, which I found by googling "hand reaching out away from the viewer". And let me tell you: google is shit at looking for drawing references, but I figured it was just going to be a sketch to explore an idea, so I didn't bother trying to get a better one. And then I fixated on it for a couple hours, you know, like a normal person.

I literally (and I mean no exaggeration) dusted off my drawing tablet after a few months of no use to spend the entire weekend, after tmagp 12 came out, glued to the screen making those images, except for the b'onzo one, which I made this evening.

Just to clarify: I drew all of those by myself. No filthy AI image generation is allowed in this house. I am capable of committing far greater sins than an artificial intelligence ever will.

The only thing left here is to extend my sincere congratulations/condolences to whoever got this far. It's up to you to either think you're brave or realise that you're foolish for doing so, but be comforted by the fact that at least you didn't make this post, which I cannot say for myself.

#this might be my worst post yet #i was so preoccupied with whether or not i could i didn't stop to think if i should (make bonzo worse)#do i regret it?#no #here's the sewage stew i promised/threatened you with a few weeks ago #the magnus protocol #tmagp #tmagp shitpost #long post #fanart #tmagp fanart #bonzo #mr bonzo #content warning #body horror #blood #violence #get bonzed #posts that would send me straight to a psychiatric ward were anyone i know irl to find out i made

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faytalepsy · 5 months

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Process of my HEX Gift

I finally remembered to take a few screenshots of my progress stages and I always wanted to do a walkthrough post so here we are!!

I did not have a specific prompt from my giftee, except for the ship which was Silrah so I decided I wanted to draw a cozy romantic Christmas scene.

Which totally showed in my first sketch...definitely... My first sketches mostly look unrecognizable and there is no real system for them because it's just lines for my brain to visualize where I want everything to be. Sometimes they look like this, sometimes they are more light/shadow inclusive. The next step was to work out the poses for Farah and Saul and as you can see, I was struggling. 🤣

When I finally found the pose I was looking for and fleshed out some elements in the background it was time for one of my absolute favorite parts.....that I forgot to screenshot....THE VALUES Which is me trying to figure out the lighting by blocking in light and dark areas with various shades of grey. But because I forgot to take a screenshot (and the value layer that I normally keep until the end for reference disappeared into the void of procreate) we will skip straight to the colour! I very roughly block in the areas with the colours I have in mind to see if everything fits and change what I don't like yet. When that is done I now have a finished concept which I need to refine and then paint!

And now I reached the point of actual background design which was HARD. I looked at many pics of Farah's headmistress' office to try and get a feel for what items might be in her private suite. The mantle of the fireplace looked very empty even after I added the little astrology magic thing and the flowers so I decided to add a circle just like the ones in her office as @septemberrie deducted. I also played around with the design of the fire guard because I wanted it to have that elegant whimsical fairy vibe. I added a lamp inspired by one from Sims 4 and a book in the foreground to hide the awkward angle they are sitting at. For the frame on the wall, I wanted a moon-themed design but it took me a while to figure it out, which is why I left the frame empty for now. Then it was time for lineart and actually sketching in the elements I wanted to be in the background. I usually set my colour or value layer and the sketch layer to 20% and draw over it.

You might also notice that the wrapped sword disappeared...which I regret to this day because I simply forgot to paint it into the rough lineart and only remembered when Skye asked what's supposed to be in the remaining present. Maybe I will add it at some point because now Saul has no present...except for Farah. But the square box present was meant to be Saul's present to Farah and originally I wanted a jewelry box but it was too small to see so I just....put a bigger box. Creativity *sparkles*

Another thing is that from the rough line-art to the nice line-art (yes I always draw my line-art two or three times.....even though line-art is my least favorite stage probably) the Christmas tree is losing a lot of ornaments. Originally I wanted to put in way more stuff like small straw stars or figurines but after painting a million tiny branches I started regretting every life decision that brought me to this point so I simplified the tree. A lot. In the end, I don't regret that because I think it fits them even better. Silrah don't strike me as people who go all out on Christmas and rather just decorate small and tastefully (given they would even celebrate because Otherworld= different culture, but we ignore that piece of worldbuilding for this Christmas-themed drawing)

Next I block in every area on a separate layer so I can alpha-lock them for the painting process. At this point I was getting too annoyed with the tree because painting it was a pain in the ass so I started shading and painting in textures and finishing everything else before even continuing to block in the tree.

The whole image was still too cold at this point so I went in with one of my favorite parts: atmosphere and then lighting bringing it all together and making the painting shine! Painting light is so much fun and I definitely want to learn more about lighting and structure to get better at it but I really love it when someone compliments the light in my art!!

I also finally added the title of the book in the front. I wanted it to be something about magic that Farah would read and looked at various old book covers with pretty lettering. I decided on "The Story of Magic" because I found a very pretty-looking reference cover with exactly the letters that I needed to spell.

And then....something was still missing......THE TREE. (I didn't take a progress picture at that stage that's why it's already in the pics up there but in the end I still had to draw the light on the branches and after doing about four or five of them I decided the effort was not worth the result and did the light reflection very very roughly. But I don't think anyone except me really notices.

And tada the finished Christmas drawing!

#my drawing process #fay draws #was this coherent? I hope it was coherent #I actually love sharing my process #it's so much fun to talk about all the work you did after you already finished lmao

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diezmil10000 · 10 months

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Hi hi, hope you're doing well!! Wanted to ask if you could explain how you pick colours! They're always so appealing to look at... (If you could also explain how you pick blush colours it'd be great! I never manage to pick good ones, no matter how hard I try :'))

hi anon, i'm doing fine!! it's summer right now where i live and that's healing all my problems (⁠◡⁠ ⁠ω⁠ ⁠◡⁠)

i have recorded the process of some of my drawings and everything is posted in my youtube channel (in twitter too), so i'll drop the link here and try my best to explain the coloring part to you. the short answer is that none of the colors you see in my drawings are similar to those i initially picked.

i try to keep my lineart loose but i pay attention to the outlines so i can quickly select the outer parts, invert the selection and fill it with the bucket tool. my base colors are all 100% opaque and i don't use any fancy brushes here.

as to how i pick colors, i never use the color picker tool, i eyeball everything. that's important for me because i tend to make all of them warmer: the greens are dark yellows, the pinks are light reds, and everything that's close to blue is very desaturated. i do this even for drawings that turn out much different later, unless i have a very specific vibe in mind from the beginning. i also never use pure whites for anything, and if something is black i make it part of the lineart.

then i always color my lineart!! there's no trick to that, the layer is in normal mode and i just paint it with a darker color than what's below it. i usually add the shadows and highlights at this stage of the drawing too. you're going to kill me for this but shade with gray set in color burn or linear burn (never multiply). i just don't want to think about color variety at this stage because it makes things more difficult for later. sometimes i add textures and some basic color correction here (curves, color balance, layers set in overlay, etc.) but i mostly leave that for the next part.

as to how i choose blush colors, i usually pick the base color and move it towards the saturated end of the color wheel, and a bit more pink. sometimes i add a multiply layer and airbrush hot red over the base colors at low opacity. coloring the lineart with hot colors surrounding the blush areas helps a lot too :)

i also almost always duplicate the lineart, blur it and set it in linear burn (i paint this layer in a light gray). this adds a lot of depth to the drawing, especially if later combined with the bloom effect.

the key to why the colors in my art pop so much is that i don't enjoy drawing as much as i enjoy postprocessing pictures 😂🤣😅👌✌️👍 once i'm satisfied with the "base" colors i merge everything except the background, open a new canvas and go crazy with filters and textures. that's why i use ibispaint X even if i do the lineart elsewhere (krita), and even if it works a bit wonky with big canvases.

i do something different for each drawing here, so first i'm going to explain my reasoning so that you understand my process: i used to have a problem of using very strong colors that overshadowed my beloved lineart into which i had put a lot of effort, so my goal nowadays is to make everything look less contrasted without losing the visual impact of saturated colors. that way the lineart remains a strong point and not just a way to separate one color from another.

what i usually do is duplicate the new merged layer, set it to exclusion mode, add a gradient map and play with the opacity. then i duplicate that and do the same thing with another gradient or another blending mode. i tend to add like 3-6 layers of bullshit over my drawings, including textures and other filters like "bloom" or "sharpen". i understand everything that's going on there but i don't think too deeply about it, i just pick whatever looks best.

for the final touches i always pull up the saturation and contrast (since a lot of it gets lost in the process), and i usually have to manually change some colors (ibispaint X has a filter to do that) or tweak the curves. then i add chromatic aberration, noise set to overlay and little polka dots set to linear dodge.

here are some comparisons of the before and after of recent drawings. the 1st one is very subtle, but you can clearly see how much warmth and depth it gains it gets after all the postprocessing. the 2nd one is so different that i understand why you're curious about how i pick colors. i don't think i can replicate that look just from picking nice colors, there's a lot more going on!! the 3rd one personally feels like it had potential lost (i liked the yellow highlights), but the colors were too strong and all over the place, so the finished result looks more intimate and calm and i like it a lot more.

thank you for the interest anon, i'm very happy that you like the way i color things and i hope i have explained myself. good luck with your own journey!!

#ask #anon #diez's art thoughts

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lieutenant-speirs · 1 year

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Sitting across the table from you, Sergeant Martin had been watching you rapidly zone out from the conversation of theo ther soldiers around you. “Hey Peanut… You okay?” the endearing little nickname falling from Sergeant Martin’s softened voice pulled you back from your thoughts.

Your eyes shift over to his features, which were studying yours intensely. You simply nodded and gave him a small smile. One he did not return, but merely raised his brows slightly. “Really? ‘Cause it looks like you’re about to cry.”

You try to maintain your smile but you can feel your lips twitching as they fight to drop the smile, tears welling up in your eyes before you even had a chance to blink them back. “I’m fine.” you stupidly try to convince him, knowing your teared-up features were evident that you were lying. The wobble in your voice only adding to your lie.

Instead of just sitting there and arguing with you, Sergeant Martin gave a small tilt of his head, a gesture of ‘come on’ indicating for you to follow as he stood up. You slowly rose too, not wanting to bring unwanted attention to yourself for breaking down. Keeping your gaze down, you followed Sergeant Martin outside as he lead you around the side of the building that offered a little privacy. Soldiers were still walking around but none were within eavesdropping distance. Few might be able to catch glimpses over ruins of the stone fence but that was something that couldn’t be helped with the foot traffic of soldiers on guard, on patrol, carrying out whatever duties were required of them.

Sergeant Martin took his typical position when he wasn’t impressed; arms crossed at his chest, intense gaze, shoulder leaning against the brick wall of the building. However, it wasn’t because he wasn’t impressed by the situation, rather…it was fucking freezing. But this was as private as could offer right now. You’ve all gone through worst. Bastogne, notably. Blue eyes on you, he patiently waited for you to say something but you kept your eyes down on the ground, as though you suddenly found his muddy boots incredibly interesting… The texture, the colour, the small cracks of the mud still embedded on the leather boot…the contrast of the brown mud against the grey stones of debris that-

“Peanut….?” His voice pulled you out of your thoughts and your eyes quickly flickered to his, as intense as his gaze was, there was a softness showing through his blue orbs.

You swallowed down the whimper that arose in your throat, giving a small laugh instead; a nervous tic of yours, before your eyes finally lifted to the grey skies which mirrored everything you felt. You pursed your lips together and ran your tongue along your lips before slowly letting go, only for your teeth to catch your bottom lip and pressing hard, not enough to draw blood… but enough to try to ground you in that moment.

Brows that were generally either downturned when your bad, or resting when you’re happy (your only two moods), were now upturned in a worried manner. Letting go of your bottom lip, you let out a small gasp before finally finding the words to explain…Eyes resting on a focal point on the stone wall. Anything but directly at your Sergeant. He didn’t seem to mind.

“I…um…I got a letter….” you started but then stopped. In your mind, it explained everything. But to Sergeant Martin, it explained nothing except that you must’ve received some bad news. So he gently prompted, “A dear John letter…?”

“No.” you laughed softly, the idea so absurd that someone might actually like you in that sense… The laughter quickly died down as a painful emotion washed over your features “A…It’s um…My…Dad. He died.” “…I’m so sorry….” came the hushed apology as Sergeant Martin’s heart dropped. It was all he could say. Despite his usually tougher exterior, he was still extremely sympathetic in situations like these. It’s never easy losing your parents. You shook your head. You didn’t want sympathies. They don’t bring back the dead and you’re not the type to fall weak to it. “How’s your Mom?” “I don’t know…ask my Dad? They should be reunited now but I’m…stuck here without them. All alone.” Sergeant Martin watched as your smile at small attempt at humour quickly faded into sobs. Everything you had at home was gone. It was just you, your mum and your dad. And then just you and your Dad.

Your Dad couldn’t sign up for the war due to his declining health. But you could. And you did. To make him proud.

But when you signed up for the war to become a medic, you thought you’d be assisting in medical tents near the front lines… not actually be on the front lines. You took it all in stride but you never anticipated the pain of working tirelessly only for the wounded to die on you, you never anticipated watching your friends die before your eyes or underneath your working hands…

And now this.

The one thing the War couldn’t touch… and still managed to rip your only other loved one away from you.

Sergeant Martin knew how strong you were. Many of the men doubted you, shamefully including him, but they were all proven wrong by your strength and resilience. You had become their boulder; a safe and stable place to lean on. In the end, he was glad you were part of his platoon.

The division was split up into platoons. There were two medics; you and Doc Roe. You got paired with, what you thought, were the meanest assholes of the group. You were slowly proven wrong. Probably because when they bite, you bit back harder. Thus earning their respect because you could hold your own. Sergeant Martin had been the trickiest to earn his respect. But in time you did.

You certainly didn’t think a day would come where you would be the one needing a shoulder to cry on.

A hand flew to your mouth to stifle the sobs that finally rose from where they had been squashed down for days, your other hand resting on your knee to steady yourself as you hunched over.

“Oh, peanut…” you heard him softly mutter that endearing nickname before you felt yourself being pulled against him as he hands wrapped around your arms and guided you upright into his chest. His arms immediately wrapping tightly around you. His lips pressing against the side of your head as his arms were strategically placed so it wasn’t inappropriate. One arm around the upper middle of your back, the other arm wrapped around your shoulders, holding you firmly to him.

Any strength you had that you were holding onto, immediately melted beneath the warmth of his embrace and your heartbroken cries soon turned to muffled cries as you turned your head into his chest and trembled violently with each sob that racked your body. As muffled as they were, they still caught the attention of nearby soldiers who would either look around for the source of the sound, or they’d see it but the death stare from Sergeant Martin over the top of your head was enough to keep them moving. He had to wonder whether anyone else in the building could hear you.

Sergeant Martin felt a tight tug at his jacket and then two little points of pressure at his sides, coming to realise that you had moved your hands to grip him for support. “Breathe, Peanut…” he reminded you when your sobs threatened to turn into hyperventilation. His hand soothingly rubbing your back in an attempt to ground you and calm you down. But he never hushed you. Just simply being a friend to lean on and letting you get it out. You’re no good to them if your mind is preoccupied elsewhere while on assisting on missions as their standby medic. And they can’t rely on Doc Roe when he’s currently needed elsewhere.

Lieutenant Speirs walked past and his eyes zero’d in on the source of the sound. An unreadable expression on his face…. Disapproval? He looked questioning at Sergeant Martin but the Sergeant merely pressed his lips together and give an ever so slight shake of his head, indicating bad news from home and that you weren’t alright. “Best get yourselves inside, Sergeant. No point standing out in the cold. Thought you had enough of that in Bastogne.” “Will do, Sir.” “Get yourselves a cup of tea, too.”

No, it wasn’t disapproval. It was a situation where Speirs wanted to help but didn’t know how. Little did the Lieutenant know that by simply offering the suggestion of a tea, was plenty help in itself.

This wasn’t a situation like Blythe. He saw Sergeant Martin offering comfort to the one person everyone thought would break at the very beginning but proved them all wrong… obviously it was something more than a feeble case ‘I’m scared’.

Lieutenant Speirs knew.

Blue eyes watched as Speirs walked away without a second glance to you both.

Your sobs had quietened down and Sergeant Martin loosened his arms around your back and rubbed your arms. “Lieutenant Speirs has a point. It’s fucking freezing. You right to go inside?” “Yeah. Let me just take a moment.”

Sergeant Martin stepped back a little bit but he stayed a moment longer, not leaving that personal space where there’s barely a gap between you. Just in case you needed an extra hug. Which, deep down you did but he’s already done so much. You smiled a wobbly smile up at him as you took a step back and inhaled a shaky breath. “You go in. I need a moment.” you reassured him. He looked like he didn’t believe you, and probably didn’t, but nevertheless he gave you that warning look that you all knew not to fuck things up, and left to turn the building and walk back inside.

You wiped at your face and leaned back against the brick wall. Sighing harshly and closing your eyes to the heavens. God, you didn’t think it’d hurt so much to lose your Dad but it did. It hurt knowing that you haven’t even turned 30 yet, and you lost both your parents already. This wasn’t supposed to happen for another 20 or so years! You took in deep breaths, trying to calm yourself down and place a reality check on yourself. You’re alive. It’s more than you can say for many that died in vain…

Sergeant Martin walked back inside the abandoned building and began barking orders. “Webster! Brew some tea. Everyone else…” his voice dropped to a more serious tone as he walked over to where the majority of his boys were. They were a little team, situated in an abandoned building while awaiting new orders. The whole squadron on standby. “A certain little peanut out there isn’t doing too good and needs our support.” “What happened?” “Bad news from home.” “We all get bad news from home, Sarge. Dear Johns…Dear Janes…” “No. Not when the only family you have left is gone.” The intense stare that Sergeant Martin has, made sure to dead-stare everyone individually until these thick imbeciles of his finally got the message. “The Old Man?” Malarkey quietly asked. Sergeant Martin simply nodded. Malarkey swore quietly under his breath. It’s no lie to say that Malarkey is well-liked by everyone, and he gets along with everyone. So it’s no surprise that he knows more than Sergeant Martin would. You having told Malarkey many stories, and him swapping his own. So, he fills the rest of the team in as to why this was more serious than some random family member dying. “(y/n) lost their Mom years ago to TB or Pneumonia or somethin’… Parents had a child before (y/n) but it died. Ended up bein’ just them and their old man. No siblings. No Aunts or Uncles.”

Again, Sergeant Martin let that small piece of news sink in before he spoke again. “Which is why I want you to all sit up at the table and give them the support they need. Do I make myself clear?”

A low, hushed chorus of ‘Yes Sarge’ was given before Sergeant Martin walked away and the boys went back to doing what they were doing. Some were playing cards, some were reading books or letters, some were writing letters, some were making conversations.

Sergeant Martin’s gotta hand it to them though…. Because as soon as you walked down the stairs, neither of the boys looked up or treated you with special treatment. They carried on as if nothing happened. Malarkey glanced up from smoking his cigarette quietly but said nothing. He watched you walk outside with Sergeant Martin so it’s no surprise he’s a little curious.

Sergeant Martin walked over with two cups of tea and passed you one. “Thank you” you politely said as you wrapped your cold fingers around the warmth of the mug. It’s not as warm as Sergeant Martin’s hugs but it’ll do. Another tilt of his head towards the table was given and you followed quietly as you both sat down with your tea. The teabags were stale but it was better than nothing and a somewhat nice break from the terrible coffee.

Malarkey had swapped smoke for tea as he poured himself a cup and walked over to join you at the table. You glanced over at your friend and smiled softly, he smiled back but said nothing. Malarkey barely smiles these days but when he does… it’s rather sweet. However, he had since watched his two bestfriends die and that did a number on him. Just like the letter you received had done to you.

Liebgott made his way over with his own cup of tea and sat down with a huff, rolling his head back and slouching in an uncomfortable position that’s probably comfortable to his long limbs.

Slowly… one by one… including Webster, who received a small nod rather than a death-stare from Sergeant Martin, made their way over and sat down at the table.

Everyone was silently sipping away at their tea until Sergeant Martin broke the silence. “Since we’re all here, I want to make a toast.” “Hear, hear!” “To peanut… we couldn’t get through most of our days without you ordering us around like a mother hen. Both your parents would be proud.” “To Peanut!” Liebgott said as he raised his cup of tea a little, followed by everyone else who chorused a ‘To peanut!’ making you laugh.

Why do you get the feeling the nickname is going to stick?

You raised your mug politely with a soft laugh.

Malarkey leaned over, his shoulder bumping against yours as he quietly reminded you, “You’re never alone, (y/n). You have us. We’re not much, but you have us.” You bumped your shoulder against his, laughing softly “Thank you, Malark.”

You sat there, quietly listening to everyone. Cold fingers wrapped around the warm mug of tea, nursing the warm liquid. You glanced up and saw Sergeant Martin watching you. You smiled softly, mouthing a ‘Thank you’ and he simply smiled back and gave a wink.

#Operation Peanut Endearment #Sergeant John Martin x Reader #John Martin x Reader #Johnny Martin x Reader #TW: Grief #TW: Loss of Parents #The fic started out strong and then I don't know what happened #but it's long overdue on my to-do list so I'mma post it #Have it - take it - I don't care #Not my best but not my worst #Could be better #Soft spot for Sergeant John Martin tho #He'd give the best hugs

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spiderziege · 1 month

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hi! I love your art, particularly your line art! I always get stuck focusing on perfecting my line art and it loses the fun traditional sketching feeling and yours keeps that which I love!! I noticed that you block colors out with warm and cool values before painting/ coloring the rest of your art. Is there a logic applied to how you select what gets warm vs cool colors and how it affects the final piece?

thank you so much!! im glad you like the lineart, its always my favorite part of the process :] a good trick ive found to keep that feeling for the lineart is to avoid using the 'undo' tool as much as possible, instead only use the eraser. at least for my latest drawings, my approach was basically to use a slightly bigger lineart brush than necessary and then clean up everything with the eraser - that way i have more control over the line thickness too

for the colors, im not really sure what you mean? i usually jump straight into coloring with the 'final' colors and just use the fill bucket and the color slider thingie to adjust (plus very minimal shading & grain texture etc at the end of course). i usually have a very rough plan for a colour scheme in mind (especially which parts i want to be darker, which lighter, where to put the focus etc) but ngl sometimes the end product looks completely different from that plan, with the colouring process i mostly just go with the flow haha

#tbh im really not an expert on colourign so sorry if i misunderstood your ask ^^'#asks

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aotoreiki · 1 month

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Rei's aura abilities, and how aura is written here...

Given the vagueness and general lack of information in canon about the exact mechanics of aura, different people have different interpretations of it and how it works for their muses and writing. The following is to reference for my muse and my own worldbuilding. It isn't intended to affect anyone else's and differences can be treated as natural variations of a complex mechanic; but please do respect this for my muse and my writing.

As of time of writing I haven't caught up with the Journeys section of the anime where aura is used more. I need to watch it so I can see how it works there and decide what to incorporate into my own stuff. Until then, my hcs are based only on the material preceding it.

The "aura" being referred to here is specifically the kind of aura in things like Riolu's and Lucario's dex entries, Aura Sphere's name, and aura guardians in the anime. There is a specific term for this in Japanese, differing from general-use "aura", which unfortunately doesn't carry over into the English. To explain a little better: While other instances of the word "aura" in Japanese such as those used in reference to Z-Moves or Xerneas' and Yveltal's Fairy and Dark Auras use オーラ (literally representing the pronunciation of the English word, written using katakana), there is a different word used for "aura" as relating to Riolu and Lucario. Words used for the latter are 波動 or 波導 (hadou, share the same pronunciation). A more literal translation is wave or wave-guiding, respectively. I find the fact that a different, specific term is used is interesting, that it's fun to explore the potential meaning of it, and I just always think it's a shame when a translation loses or muddies any original nuance... so that's why it matters to me, personally.

I don't treat aura as being 100% synonymous with life energy. They're closely linked, but not entirely the same. Life energy or infinity energy is a more general and broad term. Not everything that contains life energy gives off a discernible aura wave, in the same way that a living thing does. Likewise, aura is based in the life energy or essence of a living thing, and is intrinsically linked to it. Life energy itself as found in other states is far more raw.

Disclaimer of course that anything is liable to change as I learn more and further develop my headcanons. Now, on to the muse...

Rei has always had a potential affinity for aura, which he inherited from his father. However, it was very weak and for most of his life it remained dormant, and did not manifest in a noticeable way. It only became active in his adult years, during/post-Team Dim Sun, due to exposure to the Shadow Crystal's energy and influence.

He is very sensitive to the sensory aspect of aura, and he has a poor ability to regulate the information that he picks up through it. He gets easily overwhelmed, and so he often deliberately dampens or blocks his own aura-based sensory abilities.

Speaking of which, he experiences aura as its very own separate and distinct sense. He does not literally "see" auras. The best he would be able to describe it would be like textured vibrations that carry various information, which he "knows" (intuitively decodes), but even this falls short because it's not a true physical sense. He can relay what he learns from them, and describe the impression they gave him as well as any associated mental imagery or traits (which is where things like colour or brightness would come in). This is referring to the typically invisible aura wave. If aura is manifested in a way that's visible to the ordinary naked eye, he can then literally see it in the same way that non-aura users can too.

Similarly, he does not literally read minds or thoughts in a way that would give him a word-for-word representation of someone's inner monologue. He instead perceives the emotion, or the thought's core concept and its meaning near-instantaneously. He would be able to paraphrase your thoughts, rather than state them exactly.

This is also how he potentially communicates via aura with other aura-sensitive beings. He would project his own aura wave, which carries his thought information and feelings, which they can then perceive and understand the meaning of. He's not at the stage of being able to use true telepathy or to speak in someone's mind.

Aaand more about what he can do with it will be added here later.

#NEW REWRITTEN POST OF THIS #to replace the old one #wip of course but the foundational stuff is here #headcanon ✻ i’m doing this for peace

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foxes-that-run · 5 months

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https://twitter.com/the1975_thteam/status/1739467891333124239?t=1HUC4lNfSCu9W17MRIFFQw&s=19

If true... 🤢🤮

It’s a screenshot from a TikTok, the extra verse is weak compared to the real second verse that is missing to try to fit it in, the song doesn't make sense without this part of the song:

Send the code, he's waitin' there The sticks and stones they throw froze mid-air Everyone wants him, that was my crime The wrong place at the right time And I break down, then he's pullin' me in In a world of boys, he's a gentleman

This TikTok version has replaced that with:

Lights Blink. Losing my mind What we think happens to rhyme I drink. drink Fortunate timing Days shrink into long nights now Plus 44 on an American phone Cat eye running down her cheekbone But it's elegant I tell her, "You are not a slut. You're just relevant" And then she called me a gentleman.

Hmm OK. Quite the downgrade there.

Taylor met Matt Healy in December 2014 - 2 months after 1989 was released. So if for some reason Taylor did cut one of the best parts of a song about her feelings about fame and desire to make it about some guy saving her and getting a call from the UK on an American phone (WTF?? +44 shows on any phone outside the UK. Do Americans know +1 shows for them too?! 🤣) Then the copyright for that version would be 2023, not 2014 as the real vinyl says.

Also it just doesn't look right, there is:

Matt Healy's name would not be squished between Jack and Patrik Berger's.

The grammar is incorrect, in the real one Taylor has a full stop, but not Jack because of the '&' with Patrik, however in the fake Jack has a full stop and it uses an 'and'. Also the title text is the wrong colour.

The text at the end goes below the copyright.

In the real version there are 3 white stripes for 3 writers, but it's weird Matt Healy wouldn't get one of his own. Also the text boxes are too bright, and the bird and song next to it to try to hide that.

There is a lot of texture on the sand under the words, on the real one the text is over a plainer part of the sand.

Also it's odd that 1975 appears Courtesy of is listed at the end.

It’s presented as a main album track - on her biggest album, album of the year which had no features on the main. The bad blood feat Kendrick was on the single, not even original deluxe

For comparison this is the real vinyl:

#slut! taylor’s version

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messeduploser · 5 months

Text

If there's a self help side of Tumblr, Hello sisters and other pals I need help.

(Please be kind. If you have any ill intentions I recommend look at some other post. Thank you)

I want to improve myself, but whenever I try I just fall back to my old habits.

I want to be more self-loving and having confidence.

I want to be person that people will feel comfortable around but before that I don't even know how I should make myself be comfortable around other people, my mind goes full blank.

I have undiagnosed audhd and avpd

I don't have any funds to go to a therapist. I don't know If my countries psychiatrist would even believe me.

I would like a detailed help if it's possible.

That's why I want the help of you guys,

I can list my issues if you need it.

(They are from official sites. They explain all my issues)

1. Having a short attention span and being easily distracted

making careless mistakes – for example, in schoolwork

appearing forgetful or losing things

2. Easily distracted. Getting sidetracked and failing to finish tasks (even fun tasks such as video games or a TV serie

Being unable to stick to tasks that are tedious or time-consuming

3. Appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions

4. Constantly changing activity or task

5.Having difficulty organising tasks

6. Being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings

7. Fidgets sometimes

8. Being unable to concentrate on tasks

excessive physical movement

9. carelessness and lack of attention to detail

continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones

10. Poor organisational skills

11. Inability to focus or prioritise

12. Continually losing or misplacing things

13. Forgetfulness

14. Restlessness and edginess

15. Mood swings, irritability and a quick temper

16. Inability to deal with stress

17. Underachieving at work or in education

18. Trouble developing and maintaining relationships: Often struggle with making friends, or sharing interests.

19. Showing more interest in objects than people

20. Limited interest in others

21. Behavioural issues like self-injury or self-isolation

22. Little eye contact

23. Sensory issues

Distinct reactions to:

lights

tastes

smells

sounds

colours

textures

24. Having hard time communicating with others

25. Feel likes the world is against them

26. Terrified of starting something is they're not immediately perfect

27. When ever someone pays on the hand-arm even if it's a light touch it still somehow hurts

27. Difficulty with expressive and receptive communication

28. Poor adapting to change: Age-appropriate schoolwork or tasks may not be problematic, but a child may have a hard time changing activities or trying new ways of doing something.

29. Challenges adjusting to different social situations: They might become upset in new social situations and not understand social "rules" and expectations.

30. Repeating the same actions, activities, movements, or words: They may line up objects or do other activities over and over again, even if there is no obvious reason for doing so.

31. Difficulty with back-and-forth communication: They can find it hard to hold a conversation and use or understand body language, eye contact, and facial expressions.

32. Trouble expressing yourself verbally: You may say things that seem blunt, or have trouble describing what you are thinking or feeling.

33. Having a poor self-image, seeing themselves as inadequate and inferior.

32l4.Being overly concerned about criticism or disapproval.

35. May be reluctant to become involved with others unless they know for sure that others will like them.

36.Experiencing extreme anxiety (nervousness) and fear in social settings and relationships. This may lead them to avoid activities or jobs that involve being with others.

37. Being shy and self-conscious in social situations due to a fear of doing something wrong or feeling embarrassed.

38.Tending to exaggerate potential problems or misinterpret feedback as negative.

39. Seldom trying anything new or taking chances.

Basically the signs of audhd and avpd

#self love #self care #self help #mental issues #mental health #psychological problems #adhd #audhd #avpd

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yoshiyakiryu-archive · 2 years

Note

oh my god. joshneku 10, 30, 31, 60. please.

10: Describe their first date.

First date that they both understand to be a date. Joshua asks Neku out "as a joke," only to have Neku take him up on it.

"Okay," he says, "name your terms."

Joshua is suspicious but intrigued. This sounds like a game. Joshua likes games. He asks if there's a prize. Neku turns a little warm around the cheeks and says there can be. Immediately, he can see he has Joshua's full attention.

Neku scrambles to keep this in hand before homicide becomes involved. Prizes need a win condition, he reasons. Joshua wants to go back to what the prize entails. Neku tells him to shut up and help him pick a way to win their date. Joshua immediately vetos truth or dare, suspicious again. Fine. No probing questions. No UG involvement either. Neku shuts down the mention of a timer before suggesting a scavenger hunt. He'll name an item for Joshua to locate, and then they switch once he's found it. They'll go for a walk, and then for dinner while they play. Joshua frowns. This doesn't sound that interesting, but it doesn't sound like a trap either. He again wants to know about the prize.

Neku hasn't thought of one yet.

Scratch that, not entirely true. He hasn't thought of one he's comfortable suggesting at the moment. Neku says they can work that out when they get to it. Joshua looks annoyed by this point, but agrees, arms crossed and pouting.

Neku can salvage this. Neku can salvage this fast.

"First challenge," he announces, feeling bold, smiling nervously, and sure he's warm enough to be radiating clear across the road. Joshua will get the hint. "Find my tongue."

30: Your OTP gets to pick out each other's outfits; what is each wearing?

The problem here starts with Joshua believing that people, and moreso people who are exhibiting a behaviour in his direction, are more likely than not going to try to get one over on him. His options, to his mind, are a) to open his soft, fluttery heart to Neku, putting him in something both handsome and comfortable, betraying all the care and attention he's carefully catalogued about Neku's preferences right down to fabric texture, cut, and colour coordination, and risk being made a fool of in return (likely, as even well-meaning, Neku has no compatible fashion sense), or b) put Neku in something mildly embarrassing and leave him self-conscious about it, enjoying the show with no risk of being alone in his predicament.

Which is all to say: Neku doesn't end up in much of anything at all.

Joshua knows Neku's hot, and he's showing it off. He'll have the relevant assets showcased, brightly framed, accessorised, and vacuum fitted. Maybe some short heels to emphasise the legs without tripping him or making Joshua look too small at his side. People are going to stare. Joshua wants them to stare, which is why the outfit is exclusively neons. If nothing else, people won't be looking at whatever Neku has *him* in. Neku is expecting this. He knows Joshua knows he's expecting this. Joshua knows Neku knows he knows Neku is expecting this. Neku's resigned to it, even if he doesn't really get it. He knows Joshua, and knows he can either prove Joshua's misgivings right by dressing him in something he'd find humiliating, or let himself be solely embarrassed in an overt gesture of spite, trust, and excruciatingly forced but ultimately tenacious naivety.

Which is how Joshua ends up in Neku's comfiest, most appalling faux sportswear, complete with the headphones collaring his neck. Neku'd sign his name, but that might be going too far. The combination means Joshua is thoroughly doomed to losing this round of wits.

31: Can they sit side by side without touching the other or are they handsy? (lacing fingers, touching knees, etc.)

Yes, they can sit without touching. Up to a point. Whoever is more jittery will find something to fuss over on the other eventually, or start knocking their shoes together "accidentally."

60: Who pulls the other closer when they’re sleeping?

Both sleeping? Neku. Joshua either sprawls or sleeps like a pretzel, neither of these with any regard for who's next to him. Neku lays half-curled on his side and cuddles in his sleep, and will attach himself to whatever of Joshua is in grabbing distance. So if Joshua is awake, which is usually, he makes sure he's within arm's reach and gets his snuggles in while Neku is 100% not going to be conscious they're happening.

#here u go #<3 #asks #twewy #joshneku

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the-salem-devil · 2 years

Note

Ok you or anyone can fight on this but, imagine Mackenzie with reader who has a symbiote

LEECH ON LOVE [PART ONE]

Mackenzie Hunt/Symbiote!Reader

Words: 2,762

Summary: MC gets a symbiote, Grace goes missing, this is the backstory, exciting stuff will come soon, this is just the foundation :>

January 12th, 2010, 7:52 PM.

The sun was setting, darkness quickly swallowing the trees of the forest that surrounds me, the day was finally coming to the end and I felt a rush of relief, despite how guilty it made me.

I turned twenty today, Grace had decided to go all out with what little money our grandma had left behind, I awoke to frozen chocolate chip waffles and the rest of the orange juice in the carton, I appreciated it so much, but I didn’t feel much like celebrating,

Our grandma had died only a few months ago, and I had to drop my trip to sunny Spain to take care of my little sister, I could tell how bad she felt about it, and did everything in her power to be less of a burden and I constantly reassured her I’d drop anything for my favourite little sister.

But I couldn’t deny the tiny, aching bit of resentment, Nana was always too old to really care for Grace, so the responsibility had been left to me, I was looking forward to spending some time being me, discovering myself, who I am when I’m not being a mother responsible older sister.

Shaking my head softly, I cleared the thoughts out my head and continued to trek home, stewing on these thoughts would only put me in a foul mood, there is no point in spiralling, it was late, and the small light from the sunset will evaporate soon.

The thick, tall trees blocked off the sinking star, the inky colours made the trees all blur together, so when a soft, distant red light highlighted the bark it drew my attention quickly.

I stepped towards it, narrowly missing tripping on a pulled out root, I peeked behind the tree and saw the light only grew, I glanced at the trail that lead to my truck, it was late and Grace would be getting worried, she was quite a anxious person, and even was hesitant to let me go on this evening walk.

I could tell whatever was glowing was close, nothing could be bright enough to stretch that far, I bit my lip, ever since I’ve retaken the role of Grace’s protector, I haven’t been able to do anything fun, it’s always job searching and budgeting, it wouldn’t hurt to give into my ever persistent curiosity this one time, right?

The small smile that stretches across my lips convinces me, I sprint softly through the narrow row of trees, mentally marking where I was so I could return when I was done.

Grandma was always chuckling about how nosy I was, and how my snooping will get me in trouble one of these days, it made me snicker slightly, I admit, I was always was quite curious as a child and never quite grew out of it, it’s something the close people in my life have grown begrudgingly fond of.

As I inched closer, the brightness only grew, a red illumination that pulled me closer and closer, until I was brought into a crater I didn’t remember from my childhood, something laid in the centre, evidently the cause of the destruction, it was a large rock, red glowing cracks all over it.

My heart was thumping in my ears, I remember all the alien documentaries i’d stayed up way too late watching, if this was a real life spaceship I was going to lose my shit, whether that was a positive or negative thing I have yet to figure out.

As my feet moved me closer, I felt my stomach twist, parts of my mind were screaming at me to turn back, I didn’t know what this was, if it was dangerous or not, but something stronger pulled me closer, until I was hovering right over the boulder, it reached my thighs, but it was thick and wide.

Warmth radiates off the rock, especially from the glowing red cracks, so bright it was almost blinding, I reached a hand out, brushing it lightly on it, the texture was indescribable, soft and silky but rough at the same time, hard.

The rock splits, cracking at the lightning speed of my breath hitching, something black slithered out of it, wrapping around my arm with a vice like grip, it was gooey and sticky, briefly reminding me of those slime souvenirs in the tourist traps i’d almost been tempted into.

I can’t help the squeal I let out, trying to yank my hand back while I stumble back, it didn’t seem to be trying to drag me towards it, instead pushing itself onto me.

This is it, this is how I die, by some weird black mush from space, Some grim parts of my brain had always wished to at least die in a interesting way but this isn’t what I meant.

My legs fall from underneath me, whatever it is has splashed onto my face, my vision is completely backed out, but I can feel the cold slush against the bare parts of my skin, somehow sinking inside.

And then there was nothing.

I’m on my back, the moon staring down at me with her cold, unwavering gaze, and I scramble up, there’s no trace of whatever I saw, the boulder sits there in two pieces, a dark grey with regular cracks, no red glow or black slush.

I feel lightheaded, my heart in my throat, I realise a few moments later I’m hyperventilating, although Grace bared the brunt of it, anxiety was something than ran in the family, so I shakily practise some of the breathing exercise I vaguely remember from my child therapist.

I keep running it over in my head, the feeling of it, it had to be real, I don’t think my brain could just make that up, no matter how tired I am.

I’m freaking out, and I know I need to calm down, but how am I suppose to react? I feel the strongest urge to cry, my anxiety and stress tipping over and overwhelming me, but strangely, something deep inside of me, something I must of never noticed..

Enjoys it, purrs at the adrenaline rushing through my veins, my fight or flight kicking in in case something else shows up, it fulfills it, it eats it up.

January 13th, 2010, 7:12 AM.

I don’t remember much of walking home, after I was no longer at risk of passing out, i’d scrambled out of there swiftly, not wanting to stick around to see if anything else showed up.

Grace was sitting there on the couch, the television flicked on although she clearly wasn’t paying attention, her nails were unevenly short, the skin around it picked red, she flew up when I pushed the door open, looking like she was about to sob with relief.

After I hugged her and comforted her, not willing to tell her about my odd experience, she looked hysterical enough already, I slinked onto the couch, ushering her to bed, insisting she was probably exhausted and should rest.

I fell asleep pretty quickly after that, exhaustion gripping me harder than that weird alien-slush thing, leading me to wake up now, feeling surprisingly good, the ache from my muscles had pretty much evaporated.

Getting up and stretching, a satisfying pop in my spine, I checked the time and made a small, surprised noise, I didn’t usually wake up this early, laying around until about eight o’clock.

I wanted to repay Grace for what she did yesterday, and for a apology about making her worry, though staying out that late wasn’t exactly my fault, though half my brain was convinced it must’ve been a dream.

But that cold, hard grip stopped my brain from writing off reality completely, my wrist turned cold at the memory, and I rubbed it slightly before getting up, hauling myself to the kitchen and opening the fridge.

There wasn’t much, money was starting to run out pretty quickly, I’ve been scouring for jobs but the town had began to act a little off around me, I couldn’t exactly place why but I hoped they warmed back up soon, I mentally catalogued where I hadn’t applied yet.

There was that clothing store, wait no, they shut down a week ago, and I’m not exactly the most fashionable girl out there, there was the bowling alley, but apparently some other guy had taken over for Raamis, I didn’t miss a lot about Havenfall but his loud, booming voice was something i’d grown to appreciate, over a long long time.

I didn’t exactly want to work at a greasy, deserted bowling alley, but option were slipping through my fingers, so I steeled my resolve and reached for the pickles.

Neither of us particularly liked pickles, but it was something that we had to eat before it expires, or at least, we would have if the jar didn’t crack under my fingertips, my palm stings sharply and I drop it with a gasp, shards and pickles dropping onto the floor.

I look at my palm, expecting blood or something gory, but instead, to my horror, the same black slush fills the cuts, stopping the tiny flow of blood before flattening, turning into my natural skin colour.

I scramble back, holding away my right arm like it might attack me, I grip the kitchen island hard enough that it crushes slightly with a loud crack, and my heart lets out continuous loud thumps.

It couldn’t, it was just a dream, it was all in my head and there’s no possible way that last night was real, my legs are shaky, and I find them unable to support me much longer so I sink to the floor, sucking in large breaths.

I can’t breathe, my lungs feel like they’re contracting, shrivelling up and rendering me unable to get that air I so desperately need, anything that was left in my stomach from the previous day feels like a stone, nauseating.

My breathing is so harsh and loud, I don’t hear the soft pads of footsteps down the stairs, and Grace rushes around the corner, squeaking slightly in surprise when she sees my state, immediately sprinting over to me and crouching down.

“Okay, I know it’s hard, but I need you to take some deep breaths! I’ll do it too, see?” She softly held my hand, taking a deep exaggerated breath, and I try to follow along as she repeats it, though it tends to fall off into shakiness during the exhale.

When the tightness in my lungs finally recedes i’m left thoroughly exhausted, and still quite frightened, “What happened? I haven’t seen you like that in a long, long time.” Grace frowns.

I open my mouth, intending to explain everything, but I see her face, she’s pale and taking deeper breathes than normal, I know how Grace is, she’s quite the empath and seeing my panic, especially because she’s always seen me as a strong figure, must’ve caused her some internal panic herself.

“I.. broke the pickle jar.” I gesture to the cracked glass on the floor, forgotten in my prior panic, “I woke up a little off, it probably just triggered it.” Grace frowns again, I can tell she doesn’t quite believe me, but seeing my state of exhaustion she decides to not prob me anymore.

“Don’t worry about it, sis, I’ll clean it up, you go rest.” She helps me up from off the floor and I clutch onto her arm, my legs still a little shaky and weak, she sets me down on the couch and skips away to clean up my mess.

I stare at my palm, there was no cuts, no blood, it looked perfectly normal, and that’s ignoring how I was able crush a jar that dense, my mind is stuck on that sliver of black slush I saw, and the events of the night before flash again.

I clench my open palm into a fist, laying it on my lap, and then I realise my other hand had ripped the couch, oops.

September 2nd, 2014, 1:02 PM.

That black slime turned out to be a parasite, and- ouch, okay, damn, an ‘symbiote’ which is a creature from space, so I wasn’t wrong about the alien thing, and now I’m stuck with this annoying, chocolate eating thing named Disarray, but I simply call her Ray.

She’s stuck around for, oh, four years now? We’ve unfortunately spent a hell of a lot of time together, and formed a begrudgingly alliance, She’s one of the only people I feel like I can be myself around since she can’t exactly seperate herself from me.

Ray has been my secret, my little skeleton in the closet ever since I got her, I’d decided to keep her to myself after Grace passed out at the sight of Ray engulfing my body, her black substance covering my entire form, her glowing red eyes becoming my own, it took a hot second before Grace become comfortable with her presence.

And now I sit in the greasy bowling alley I managed to get employed by, daydreaming about my nighttime, uh, ‘exercise’ whenever we get the chance to go to Indianapolis, running free and finally feeding Ray with the rush of adrenaline.

“You’re too unfit to go every night, so be glad this godforsaken hellhole is far enough from Indy.” Ray spoke in my mind, and I had to hold back a eye roll and snort, Dr, Escalona was sitting right next to me at the bar and I didn’t need him thinking I was crazy.

The bowling alley was deserted, my co-worker, JD, was stacking bowling pins in suspicious ways, my boss trying to stop them, and the doctor brooding with his signature glass of red.

My lunch break was soon, and thank god for that because if I’m hungry, Ray is ready to eat a child, which isn’t hyperbole because I’ve literally had to stop her from eating everyone in the diner, even Grace once, “Don’t shame my eating habits, woman, I’ve seen you with a whole bucket of KFC.”

I didn’t hesitate when Razi looked over at me, clearly fed up with JD’s shit, “You can go on your lunch break, [Y/N], I’ll hold down the fort.” He gave me a smile, not taking out any frustration with JD’s antics on me, which is good, I’m known to be temperamental at times, I don’t fare well with people being assholes for no reason.

“Well, if you’re taking a lunch break, I might as well too!” JD stoop up, knocking over the pins balanced in a peculiar way, I shut the door before I can hear Razi respond, jogging over to the diner.

“Yessssss..” I can hear Ray hiss in satisfaction when I step through the door, the smell of greasy fried food filling my nostrils, “Finally, you’ve been absolutely starving me.”

I can’t help the small sound that escapes out my throat, but luckily nobody notices, “Oh yeah, you were truly starved when you ate the entire carton of eggs this morning solely so I couldn’t have any.” I project the thoughts loud enough so she can hear, everybody in this town already treated me like I was cursed, talking to myself wouldn’t do me any favours.

I plopped down in a booth, I’ve been going to this diner for years now, so Luce didn’t even blink when I ordered enough for a entire party, but I blinked when she herself came to take my order, “Where’s Grace?” Luce frowned at that.

“She didn’t show today, honey, I assumed she was sick?”

Panic flares inside of me, “She was perfectly fine this morning?” I could feel my breathing start to quicken slightly, and Ray made a soothing noise in my head, “It’s fine, maybe she had a panic attack and stayed home?” she spoke in a calm voice, but I could feel anxiety and protectiveness flare inside her.

“Well, please let me know if she’s alright, and I’m willing to excuse a few days, she’s always been diligent in her shifts, I can turn a blind eye this once.” Luce said before she shuffled away, the diner was started to fill, so I couldn’t blame her for needing to attend to other customers.

I stood up, I needed to check on Grace, Razi wouldn’t miss me too much, and I knew Ray was nervous because she didn’t even complain about not eating, her denied protectiveness of Grace coming in full throttle.

She probably just forget to text.

BONUS BECAUSE I HAD TO MAKE A BACKSTORY FIRST, I’M SORRY BUT PLEASE JUST BE PATIENT PART TWO WILL HAVE THE GOOD STUFF:

I’m shit at art but please accept my offering :’D

#mackenzie hunt #hifl mackenzie #hifl razi #hifl mc #hifl diego #hifl jd #hifl #havenfall is for lovers headcannons #razi nassar #diego escalona #jd lovestruck #hifl antonio #antonio vasquez #Havenfall is for lovers

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