#and write some comic strips to draw out when i feel like it

[celtic-crossbow]

Skin You With My Tongue

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader

Setting: Alexandria

Warnings: Poorly written smut, p in v, fingering, oral (fem rec), brief hand job

Summary: What has gotten into Daryl? It doesn’t matter because you like it!

A/N: I haven’t been feeling great but I wanted to finish this before taking a break. Then I’ll work on my last request. Once again, I don’t think it’s great but ah well. I’m trying to just be thankful to be writing again. I hope some enjoyment comes from it!

You had no idea how you’d ended up in your current predicament: flat on your back, naked, with an equally naked Daryl Dixon devouring you like a man starved. You weren’t complaining by any stretch of the imagination. Though he had claimed to have little experience, the man deserved medals for the sounds he was wringing out of you with his tongue.

Anyway, back to the question of how did you end up here?

The day had started like any other. Your group was still new to Alexandria. While most had been given jobs, you and Daryl had not yet been set to work by Deanna. So, Rick had easily agreed to letting you both go hunt. Daryl had refused to give up his crossbow when you had first arrived in the community, but you had to sign out a weapon.

“Bullshit.” Daryl growled from where he leaned against the doorframe of the armory. You couldn’t say that you didn’t agree with him.

Regardless, you played by the rules, got your gun, strapped the weapons to the back, and climbed onto Daryl’s bike. He had decided the two of you could go further out today, not having much luck the past couple of days in the direct vicinity.

Daryl was your closest friend in your tight knit group and had been since you all had been forced to wander around in the cold before the prison. He was difficult to read and his emotional walls were high and thick. Somehow, you had been able to scale those walls, if not shatter them completely. You accepted him without question but you didn’t take any shit from him either. You weren’t afraid to call him out. In fact, the first time he had willingly come to sit next to you by the fire was just after you had asked him if he was “violating the Georgia sodomy law by having his head that far up his own ass.” You’d been close ever since.

You wrapped your arms tightly around his stomach and rested your chin on his shoulder, making kissy noises at him when he glanced back at you.

“Stop.” He grumbled before starting up the motorcycle. You simply gave his midsection a squeeze and could practically feel him roll his eyes as you headed through the gate.

The first part of the day was uneventful. Daryl stashed the bike before you walked and walked, finding nothing to track. About midday, the two of you came across a gorgeous lake. The water was clear and having only crossed two walkers on your trek there, you decided that a swim was an excellent idea after lunch. You didn’t ask Daryl, truly figuring he wouldn’t mind and that, hell, maybe he’d even join you.

You didn’t look at him as you stripped down to your bra and panties, mismatched as they were. If you had, you would have seen him comically fumble and drop the piece of dried meat in his hand.

“The blue hell ya doin’, girl?” He snapped after righting himself.

“Cooling off.” You gave him a smile over your shoulder before mimicking his frown with added exaggeration. “Maybe you should do the same, you old grump.”

He scoffed, keeping his eyes averted. “You’re bein’ careless. Careless gets ya dead.”

“I’m not going in unprotected!” You spun toward him, drawing his gaze toward you before pointing to the small knife tucked securely between your breasts. You couldn’t help but laugh when his face reddened and he looked away so quickly that you could swear you heard his neck crack. “I won’t be long.”

And you weren’t. Barely twenty minutes later, you were sitting down next to him, fully clothed albeit damp, but feeling much better.

“Ready to head out?” You asked cheerfully.

He did not share your enthusiasm, scowling as he stood and secured his crossbow to his back. “Been ready.”

“Well, aren’t you just a bucket of sunshine?” He had already stalked off by the time you gathered up everything. You had to sprint to catch up.

After a couple of hours, Daryl finally caught the trail of a deer and began tracking it. You followed quietly, watching his methods and learning everything you could. You knew how to hunt, thanks to him, but you were always eager to sharpen your skills. When the animal was finally within sight, the archer kneeled after signaling for you to stand still just beside him. He was lining up the shot when something caught his eye to the right of where you stood.

“Get down!” He whispered sharply, grabbing your arm and pulling. The sudden jerk caught you off guard and you were thrown off balance, crashing into him. He fell flat on his back with you on top, your palms on either side of his head with your chest almost directly in his face. With half a dozen walkers shuffling into the area, you couldn’t move lest you be detected.

The deer sensed the danger and ran, the group of undead following mindlessly. As they passed where you and Daryl hid, you instinctively lowered, feeling his breath against your shirt. It took several minutes for the threat to move far enough away that you felt comfortable to lift yourself up and sit back, effectively placing your ass on his stomach.

“Well, that sucks. That was a big doe.” You complained. When he didn’t comment, you looked at him. He was propped up on his elbows, looking anywhere but at you. His face and neck were flushed all the way to the tips of his ears. “You okay?” You queried with general concern.

“M’fine. Can ya get offa me?”

“Oh. Right.” You stood quickly, as did he. His back was quickly turned to you.

“We’re done. Let’s go.”

Your head tilted, brow creased in confusion. “We’ve got hours of daylight left. Shouldn’t we—”

“Said we’re done.” He was already walking away, leaving you staring at his back and wondering what you’d done wrong.

The ride back was tense and silent. You even chose to just lightly place your hands below his ribs and keep some space between your bodies instead of how you would usually have a tight hold on him.

When you entered Alexandria, Daryl parked the bike and got off, leaving you there, confused and more than a little upset. He passed Rick by without a word, the former sheriff turning to look at you with an eyebrow cocked. You gave him a shrug.

“I have no idea.” Shaking your head, you grabbed the gun from where it was secured to the back and went to sign it in before returning to the home you shared with Daryl and Carol. He was nowhere to be found on the first floor, leaving you to assume he had retreated to his room in the basement. With a heavy sigh, you went upstairs to shower.

Evening was upon you before you knew it, the sun having only set a few minutes before Carol invited you to walk to the other house for dinner with the group. You weren’t feeling all that hungry so you told her you’d be there in a few minutes. It was a lie. You had no intention of leaving your room.

Turning over onto your side, you closed your eyes. You had just drifted off when there came another knock. “Ugh.” You groaned and threw back the blankets, remaining in just your tank top and underwear since you didn’t plan on leaving with her. “Carol, I really don’t—” Once the door opened, you screeched to a halt, meeting the impossibly blue eyes of your favorite bowman. “Daryl.” You blinked at him blankly.

“Hi.” He nearly whispered. “Can I, uh—?” He gave a vague motion toward the inside of your room.

“Right. Uh, yeah, right, sure.” You stammered while stepping aside. He stepped in and you turned to push the door closed, a gasp leaving your mouth when you felt him press himself against your back. “D-Daryl?”

“First, the lake. Then your tits in my face when the walkers came. An’ now—this?” His finger was tracing the outline of your panties over your hip.

“What? I didn’t—”

He growled, a low sound in his throat, as he spun you around and pressed you back against the door with his body. He grabbed your chin to force your gaze on him.

“Didn’t what? G’on. Tell me.”

“Daryl, I didn’t mean anything by any of that.” You gulped, though you weren’t afraid. Exactly the opposite. Heat and wetness was pooling at your core, your skin feeling electrified where he was touching you. Nevertheless, you couldn’t lie to him. “I really wasn’t trying to fuck with you, I swear.”

There was an instant change in his eyes and it broke your heart. He released you with a muttered “shit,” his hand rubbing at the back of his neck. The dim light of your bedside lamp was enough for you to see his face reddening and the slight tremble to his frame.

“Y/N, I—fuck—m’sorry.” He quickly attempted to sidestep you and reached for the doorknob, but you were faster and blocked his path. His head shot up, eyes wide and panicked. He had absolutely misread the day’s happenings but he wasn’t wrong on one thing.

“I wasn’t intentionally fucking with you.” You repeated, your tongue snaking out to wet your lips before you continued. “But I would have if I had known it’d end with you here like this.” His arm dropped away from the knob and you entered into his space, pressing your chest against him to hover your lips over his. “I’ve wanted you for so long, Daryl Dixon.”

And now you were here.

“Fuuuuck!” You moaned, pressing the back of your head into the pillow before raising it to look down at the man between your thighs. Your fingers twisted and tugged his hair as your hips rolled, grinding your cunt against his tongue. Daryl growled against your clit, the sound vibrating against the swollen nub. His large hands pressed down on your inner thighs, holding you open while also effectively rendering you immobile.

A whine slipped past your lips when his tongue once again pressed tightly against you, sweeping up and down before he closed his lips around the bundle of nerves and sucked. You tried to lift your hips but he pressed down harder, his nails biting into your skin. He removed his mouth from you, dark eyes glaring from just above your mound.

“Be still.”

His gravelly voice was even lower, darkened with lust and demand. You found you couldn’t help but obey. Breathing through your nose, you nodded eagerly. He kept his gaze locked on your face while his right hand lifted from your thigh, fingertips whispering over your flesh to dance down to your core. He ran a single digit through your slick once…twice, never breaking eye contact.

Your hands left his hair and fisted into the sheets of your bed, but otherwise, you remained frozen in place, panting through the pleasure of stretching around his middle finger breaching your opening. He slid in to the first knuckle, then the second, pausing only briefly before pushing in all the way. The sound that left your throat was positively sinful. You dropped your head back to the pillow and focused on not moving.

“Good girl.” He praised you, rewarding you by drawing his digit almost all the way out before sinking back inside, thus beginning a steady rhythm of which he continued. When you remained unmoving, he lowered his head once again to lavish attention onto your clit.

Who was this man? This was a completely new Daryl. In control, demanding, vocal, and positively panty-dropping. A new part of him for you to accept and adore. A part of him that, to your knowledge, only you had seen. One that you definitely hoped you would see again and again!

“Daryl, fuck!” You cried out when his index finger joined the first. You shivered almost violently when you felt him smile against your pussy.

“In a minute.” He purred, pumping into you faster.

Your hands moved from the sheets to the headboard, palms flat to keep the thrusts of his hand from pushing you upward. The moans and cries were constant, his mouth and fingers igniting a fire low in your belly. The knot was twisting tighter and tighter, and you grit your teeth when you felt the sparks of it begin to shoot down to your toes and up into your chest.

“Nngh, Daryl! I’m—” You panted, eyes screwed shut and legs trembling. He curled his fingers, driving them against that soft spot inside you mercilessly while his tongue and teeth tortured your clit. Just when you thought you might die from the pleasure of it all, that knot in your belly pulled taunt and snapped. Wave after wave of euphoria traveled through you, broken moans of his name tumbling from your lips like a mantra. You had grabbed his hair again at some point, holding him against your center with your thighs attempting to trap him there. He didn’t seem to mind, too busy eagerly lapping at the nectar you spilled while riding your high.

When you went limp against the mattress, he pulled his fingers from within you, leaving you to whine at the emptiness they left behind. You were still pulsing with the aftershocks of your orgasm when he pressed one last kiss against your sensitive clit before sitting up on his knees. You blinked away the haze in your vision to watch him suck on those two fingers that had just fucked you senseless, your juices still glistening on his face.

You weren’t sure what came over you but you dove forward almost clumsily while he wiped his mouth on the back of his hand. He caught you easily with the other arm and pulled you against his chest, your arms encircling his neck to pull his lips to yours. The kiss was desperate, all tongues and teeth. The absolute need to be close to him in that moment was something you couldn’t explain. When you pulled back to look at him, your pupils blown wide and lips swollen, it was as if he understood before your sex-addled brain could form any words.

“I gotcha, girl.” Daryl said softly, a contradiction to how he had commanded you only moments prior. You nodded and let him kiss you again. It was tender this time, slow and deliberate. The archer began to lay you back. He caught himself with one arm while the other stayed behind your head to control your descent until you were once again on the pillows.

His mouth left yours and began to roam across your jaw. He nuzzled his cheek against yours in a way that you found absolutely adorable but then he was pressing open-mouthed kisses below your ear. Large hands traveled to your chest to cup both of your breasts, calloused fingers exploring the supple mounds before settling to roll your pebbled nipples between them. He kissed his way down, that sinful mouth eager to take over worshiping that part of you.

“Daryl,” you gasped, arching up into him when his mouth closed around your right nipple, “mmmm, Daryl, please!” You could feel his erection against your thigh, hot and hard and yet completely ignored. “Please—” you tried again, the plea coming out more like a pathetic whine.

“I know whatcha want.” He murmured against the skin between your breasts. He latched onto your left nipple with his teeth while his left hand took over stimulating the right. “Whatcha need.” You did the only thing you could and twisted your fingers into his hair, drawing your bottom lip in between your teeth with a quiet whimper. His touch left you suddenly and you opened your eyes to find him directly above you and lowering down until his lips were just barely touching yours. “But I wantcha to say it anyway.” You felt every syllable against your mouth, the simple action enough to make your cunt clench around nothing. Goddamn, this man knew how to play your body like an instrument.

His fingers were ghosting down your left side only for his hand to maneuver between your bodies. Grasping his cock, he slid it through your folds, gathering your juices in agonizingly slow strokes. Each time the tip of him grazed your clit, your back arched from the mattress with a cry on your lips.

“Say it.”

“I want you, Daryl.” You whined, anchoring your legs around his hips. You dug your heels into the skin just below his ass in a desperate attempt to pull him into you. Too bad he was much stronger than you.

He hummed in response but only began to stroke himself, spreading your slick along his shaft. “Tell me whatcha want me to do, girl.”

You couldn’t take it anymore. You were going to literally combust if he wasn’t inside you at that moment. You weaved your arms underneath his and pulled at him. “Fuck me, Daryl. Please, please, fuck me!”

He chuckled. The asshole actually chuckled but you didn’t care because he then immediately entered you in one fluid motion, burying himself to the hilt. His arms nearly gave out as your wet heat welcomed him, stretching and molding to his cock as if your body was made just for him. He groaned, dropping his head to your shoulder but you were too far gone to notice. The pleasurable burn of accommodating him brought you to new heights. You almost came right on the spot.

“Fuck.” He breathed against your neck, fighting to keep himself in check.

After you both had a moment, Daryl pushed himself up onto his forearms, drawing back his hips slowly before snapping forward and earning a broken moan from you. The feeling of him moving inside you was overwhelming, the push and pull driving every thought from your mind to leave only the ability to feel. And you wanted more.

You clawed at his back, each thrust forward tearing a cry from your throat. You barely registered that his mouth was on yours, but responded immediately, craving the taste of him. The smoke and pine mingled with the taste of your cunt on his tongue and you couldn’t get enough. You swallowed his delectable moan when your hips came up to meet this thrusts, the sound of wet skin slapping echoing off the walls of your room. Bringing a hand to his hair, you pulled his head back, pussy clenching when the action made him hiss between his teeth.

Teeth met his skin, biting down just above his collar bone. The salty taste brought a moan into your throat. You marked him there, sucking hard until you brought blood to the surface and then you released him. “You—feel so good.” You panted before your mouth was back on his. He pulled back suddenly and you whined at the loss of his weight but then he was sitting back on his knees, grabbing your hips and fucking into you so hard that you saw stars. It was just on the good side of painful, your cunt spasming around his cock as the familiar heat began to build in your belly.

Daryl didn’t stay that way way long. He released your hips and leaned forward to use the headboard as leverage, pounding you with such force that you again had to brace yourself with your palms. Your cries mixed with his moans and grunts and you prayed that Carol was still away. The angle was intense, each thrust had his tip pressing roughly against your sweet spot, building your pleasure at a pace you wished would slow.

“Daryl, I’m—I’m gonna—” you couldn’t get the words out between breaths and moans, but he knew from the way you tightened around him that you were nearing the precipice. And he was determined to throw you over the edge first.

He released the headboard and grabbed your arms, yanking you up while he sat back on his heels. You grabbed for his shoulders and then encircled his neck, resting one hand on the back of his head and the other on his shoulder blade. He moved his hands to your hips, helping you to bounce on him, spearing yourself on his cock and driving it deeper. Your moans became pleas and then a chant of his name, mouth hanging agape between words and breaths and eyes screwed shut.

“Cum for me.” He grunted against your jaw and that was all it took. You were almost certain you screamed but you couldn’t hear it, vision blacking out as euphoria swallowed you. You came back to yourself as the waves began to ebb, Daryl continuing to fuck you through. Your body felt heavy and uncoordinated and you pulled back a bit to clumsily seek out his mouth, greedily drinking down each sound he offered as he chased his own release. His grip on your hips would leave bruises, but you couldn’t find it in you to care.

His movements grew sloppy and you could feel him beginning to twitch and pulse inside you. You pulled your mouth from his and watched him until he pulled you from his lap. You moved quickly, aware of his actions, and wrapped your hand around him, pumping him fast and hard. He pressed his forehead against yours, his hands gripping your thighs while he fought to breathe through the sensation. His teeth were clenched and his eyes tightly closed, sweat shining on his skin and you were sure it was the sexiest thing you had ever seen.

Half a dozen more strokes before you twisted your hand and he cried out, muscles freezing and face contorting into a grimace of pure ecstasy. He breathed out your name, hips jerking and ropes of cum painting your hand and both of your thighs. No, that was the sexiest thing you had ever seen.

You pulled his mouth to yours before he could come all the way down, relishing each twitch of his muscles. When you pulled away, he finally opened his eyes and swayed on the spot. He seemed dazed but when his gaze met yours, he leaned forward to kiss you. It was gentle, almost hesitant. As if he didn’t know whether or not you’d welcome it.

“That was amazing.” You whispered, finally catching your breath.

“Yeah.” He replied quietly.

You brought a hand to the side of his face, watching all the courage melt away. His already flushed face was growing impossibly redder. You couldn’t help but smile. He had been dominant and commanding only to morph right back into the Daryl you had fallen in love with.

Your eyes widened.

Shit.

You were in love with him.

You were actually in love with Daryl.

You didn’t move when he got up to grab a towel, slipping on his boxers while he was at it. You still didn’t move as he cleaned you up, his mouth moving once he was done but no sound registering. He snapped his fingers in front of your face and you flinched.

“What’d you say?”

“Ya okay?” His brow was drawn inward in concern. He looked so, so nervous and you just wanted to pull him onto the bed and hold him.

“Yeah, I’m great.” You beamed.

He nodded and worried his bottom lip between his teeth, glancing over at his clothes. “Guess I should go.”

Your face fell as he reached for his pants. “Why?” Daryl froze and looked at you, head tilted. “You could stay. Here. With me.” You offered, your own face reddening. He stayed in the awkward position of halfway reaching toward his shirt but was obviously considering your words.

“Ya want me to stay?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I really do.” You smiled sincerely. He nodded and straightened, coming back around to the other side of the bed. He sat stiffly against the headboard, chewing his lip again. You started to lean against him when there came a soft knock at the door. You both looked up and then at one another.

Busted.

You both scrambled to get dressed and it would have been comical had you not been thinking of who could be on the other side of the door. Carol. Rick. Michonne. Oh god, Carl! You looked back at him just as he pulled his shirt over his head, an apologetic expression on your face. Turning the knob and pulling the door open, you smiled innocently at—

No one.

“What the—” You leaned out and looked down each hall to find them empty. However, at your feet were two wrapped plates of food. One with a note addressed to Daryl and the other to you. In Carol’s handwriting.

You looked around for the woman once more while picking up the plates and stepped back into the room, kicking the door shut. Eyebrows raised, you crossed the space to hand Daryl his and then placed yours on the bed, removing the note and unfolding it.

“Good for you. Now tell him that you love him.”

You almost laughed but held it, simply folding your note and putting it in your bedside drawer. Daryl was looking at his own with a raised brow before he folded it and put it in his pocket.

“M’starvin’.” He announced, plopping onto your bed while unwrapping his food. He watched you smile and follow suit, gaze lingering just a moment longer than necessary.

His note?

“Don’t be stupid, Pookie. She loves you too.”

#murda writes #daryl dixon #daryl dixon fanfic #daryl dixon fanfiction #daryl dixon x reader #daryl dixon x y/n #the walking dead #daryl dixon x you #daryl dixon smut #daryl dixon x female reader #Spotify

[lackadaisycats]

What would be your best tips when creating a comic series? I'm creating one and I want it to be entertaining.

Write and draw what you love. Comic-making is challenging, intensive work. The sense of accomplishment at the completion of each page or chapter is fleeting. You'll be spending the majority your time immersed in the process of writing and producing the artwork. If you enjoy that part - the making - because it's all about things that are deeply interesting to you, you'll be able to get somewhere with it.

--------------

Work with your strengths and quirks, not against them. I've seen a lot of artists decide the only respectable approach is to endeavor to craft a massive lore-filled epic or something...as a first comic no less. And then, when that goes on for longer than their ability to remain interested in it, it becomes a tedious obligation. Then the artist gets stuck in a cycle of beating themselves up emotionally and feeling like a failure for wanting to stop and move onto something else. Try to figure out what kind of writer/artist you are. A sprinter? A marathon runner? Do some small experiments if you need to. See how you fare making a single page. Then a single chapter. Would you want to tackle a whole graphic novel this way? If your brain is wired for short bursts of inspiration and focus, try short form story-telling, vignettes, anthologies. If your primary interest is topical gag/strip comics, make those. You can do amazing things with any type of comic. Just don't set yourself up for misery by, say, expecting to fundamentally change yourself into J.R.R. Tolkien for the sake of your project.

#lackadaisy #lackadaisycats #comics #advice #writing

[jupitercomet]

Congrats on 2k!!! Such a well deserved milestone!!😘

🐇 what is your process of writing? Do you just use docs or write on paper first? I love learning about different ways of the writing process for people🤗

🐖 for Bradley and Toots…Bradley does ice baths once in awhile, before/after a match and Toots worries he gets too cold so she checks on him quite a bit and when he finally gets out he teases with a cuddle but since he’s so cold she pulls away and he’s all “warm me up then toots” and then there’s some steam😏😏🧊🔥💨

I have the spelling of a six year old, so I write on google docs first and then move it over to tumblr and edit/format it! also feel like I'm exposing that I get horn-knee at the weirdest times but we ball 🫡

warnings: language, smut - (fingering, cockwarming, daddy kink, dumbification, size kink)

“How are you not cold?” You peek curiously into the bathroom, eyes taking in the sight of Bradley sitting in a tub of ice.

He cranes his neck to look at you lazily. “You wanna join, toots?”

“No way,” your eyes widen almost comically. “I’ll get hypothermia. I don’t understand how your toes aren’t falling off.”

The timer on Bradley’s phone goes off, signifying he’s iced long enough, and he shifts as he gets up. Your mouth feels heavy as he stands, beads of water rolling across taut muscle. They cling in droplets to his chest hair, glistening off his tanned skin. You swallow thickly, your gaze traveling down.

“Can feel you staring.” Bradley says simply, not even looking as he steps out of the bath. In any other state of mind, you would have argued that it’s impossible not to look at him, but almost embarrassingly, you can already feel the thought becoming hazy in your mind.

Your mouth opens and closes a few times, like just the sight of his cock has you tasting him on your tongue, and you blink.

“You goin’ dumb, honey?” Bradley looks up from where he’s patting himself down with a towel. 

Though your desperation is evident, he still ignores you, deciding to forgo the towel once he’s dry and moving to turn off the bath. You whine, but Bradley’s single look from where he’s bent over the tub is enough to make you quiet down again.

He straightens, facing you fully, and the sight almost has you dropping to your knees. Your panties drench in arousal and you follow his happy trail and defined v-line with your hungry gaze. Bradley can only watch in mild amusement as you strip quickly.

“Please.”

One word has you gasping on the mattress as Bradley fits his third finger inside you, stretching you open with cold digits as his thumb draws tight circles on your clit. The pad of his thumb is like ice against you and you let out a shaky moan at the feeling of it on your sensitive bundle of nerves.

Bradley’s eyes are dark as he watches you take his fingers, eyes trailing down, and he growls lowly. “One day, I’m gonna fuck this pretty ass of yours.”

Your eyes roll back at the thought and you clench around his fingers. 

“Yeah?” You hear Bradley smirk more than you see it. “Knew you’d like that. Filthy girl. But right now you’re gonna take daddy’s dick, honey.”

He pulls his fingers out of you, sucking your slick off of them lewdly, and you whine at the emptiness. Bradley manhandles you on top of him, giving his length a stroke before he lines it up with your hole. The head of his cock catches your entrance and your nose drops into the crook of his neck, mewls of pleasure leaving your lips as he sinks you down onto him slowly.

“Look at you, toots,” Bradley coos when your hips meet. “Used to only be able to fit the tip in before you started cryin’. Take my dick so well, honey.”

Your brain feels fuzzy and you can feel the head of Bradley’s cock in your guts, but you know your manners so you breathe, “Thank you, daddy.”

Bradley chuckles at your response, stroking your back with gentle fingers. “Good girl, tootsie.”

He settles on the headboard of your bed, shifting inside you in a way that has you gasping against his neck. You’ve gotten used to his size at this point, the stretch now delicious, but he has yet to start moving inside you. Testingly you roll your hips, blinking in hazy surprise when Bradley plants you to him with firm hands.

“No, toots.” Bradley smirks against your temple, reaching to lay a blanket over you both. “Silly baby, you gotta warm daddy up. My toes’ll fall off.”

#bradley bradshaw blurb #bradley bradshaw smut #bradley bradshaw x toots #monsters in the dark #under the hard deck #bugs hits 2000 #buggy's got a pen

[gynandromorph]

i was rereading the samwich sketch comic recently, and it gave me a question, if it's not too spoilery to ask!

when emily says she's moving away, does she just mean out of her family home, or AWAY away, as in she'll be effectively removed from the story from that point onwards? (...although i imagine jessie would probably pull her back in at some point)

she's moving AWAY away.

she has a child and a partner whose safety she needs to prioritize now. i wanted to eventually draw a strip of she and her partner arguing about her visiting her parents on father's day (the day that screenshot is from), because jessie would most likely also be there. emily functionally cuts all contact after this scene, but she doesn't actually appear in it for the audience. her parents don't even feel like her parents anymore anyway. her last... canonical appearance is actually very early into act 2, a bit after Jessie meets Shiloh. i was thinking about adding more small indicators like dodging Jessie's texts in revisions, but the above scene makes it pretty obvious that she didn't appear in the story anymore because she was avoiding Jessie. she has one other appearance, in act 3, where

***HUGE SPOILERS!!!!!!***

Jessie destroys the entire universe and rewrites it all from scratch, but she is written by her sister. i felt bad about writing her out so early. it was really the nicest outcome available to her, though.

#idletry spoilers

[indiana-jonas]

The two invisible steps before you make something

When I made comic strips in the past I would often jump straight into drawing the first panel. I’d just wing it and then improvise each following panel. Sometimes it worked out.

An improvised strip from my old series “Us with plants on our heads.”

But often it just turned into nonsensical crap.

I don’t get this one myself.

I often started drawing a strip and gave up cause I didn’t know what to do.

I thought I was supposed to be able to fart out great comics with ease. But I squeezed and squeezed. I was too eager. Without being aware of it, I tried to do 3 steps all at once. To continue this (f)art metaphor - before anything comes out of you, you’ve gotta 1. find something you want to eat, 2. digest it, 3. let it come out. The problem was that I hadn’t eaten or digested anything.

To put it in a more dignified way.

The first step is to search,

the second is to make sense of,

the third is to make it.

I used to skip the first two steps, I wanted to get straight into making shit. But that often turned into nonsensical crap, or I would run into a wall and give up.

The third step (to make it) is the most obvious one. Despite it being the most obvious step, I got completely stuck on it because I hadn’t gone through the first two.

If you are reading this, it’s likely you already know how to make something. I think these first two steps are identical no matter what medium you are creating in. So I will take the liberty of not going into detail about how to make something.

Instead of trying to think of products first, what any creative person should try to do is think, search and wonder. Think about real things, notice what makes you feel stuff - what is close to your heart if everything else is stripped away? Ideally projects will emerge from the collection of the thoughts you have collected, or at least be designed/conceived in a way that can package your thoughts as nicely as possible.

Search

There’s nothing quite as uninspiring as a blank canvas. 85% of the time a blank canvas only makes me feel dread or boredom. If you come up with a great idea while looking at a canvas it’s not because you looked at a canvas, it’s despite looking at it. Whatever great ideas I have managed to conjure while looking at that white rectangle has always come from something else - an inspiring movie scene, something from my day, a lingering thought, or a line from a song.

Now I’ve abandoned blank canvases, I never start from one. Neither when I write or draw.

Instead, I live in search of noteworthy thoughts. Regardless of whether you know what a thought will be useful for, jot them down somewhere.

To search is just to live life with a keen eye, ear and heart and to make sure you don’t forget.

When I stare at a blank canvas The Search becomes stressful and I want to avoid it. But in reality, if I admit that The Search is part of the process, it becomes the most peaceful and interesting step of them all. It’s just living with a secret mission - to be human and to find out what’s special about that to you.

And of course you need to make sure you don’t forget those thoughts for the next step.

Make sense of

Now that you’ve been out in the world and discovered stuff, it’s time to sit down somewhere, sift through and examine your haul. You might be overwhelmed by how much is in there. You’ll never be able to use everything. So you just gotta use your intuition. See what stands out, group things, talk with someone - do ANYTHING you want with it until you find what’s hiding there.

Your notes are a collection of countless puzzles. Some puzzles are hundreds of pieces big, others are just one or three. Some pieces fit into more than one puzzle. You don’t know. Often you’ll have to find a few pieces in your head to complete a puzzle, while other pieces might still be hidden out there in the world.

The way to make sense of a puzzle is to try to put it together, or to be literal; try to explain it as clearly as you can. Ask yourself, “how can I prove to someone else that this is true?” And ideally not just make them understand it, but also feel it. That’s the puzzle you gotta solve.

Let me give you an example.

I found myself frustrated that we live life too much through screens and I want to make a Space Deer comic strip. That’s the idea I want to make sense of and the filter that I will examine my idea through.

First I will ask myself, “ok, why is that idea true?”- I think life needs balance, you shouldn’t stare too much of it away through a pixelated representation of it. Then I ask myself, “how should we live then?”- We should go outside and get our boots in the mud more, what we will really remember is probably gonna happen out there. And then I try to think of a situation where I can show as clearly as possible that this is right. I’m afraid this message might be tired or preachy, especially if I would aim the message directly at someone like us (you know, someone who’s currently looking at a screen). Luckily the imagery of my comic gives me other symbols to play with.

So I thought of how I could show that in four comic panels and wrote down this.

Space Deer walks on a desolate planet. They encounter a mars rover. They scream “get out here and live!!” NASA people see Space Deer through their screens.

It’s simple, but it gets the idea across. Normally I would like to make it clear that Space Deer is really out there and living freely, to show what these researches are missing out on. But in the comic we will see Space Deer explore and go on all kinds of adventures, so that’s something I didn’t feel like I needed to put more emphasis on. I trust the reader to make that connection themself.

Sometimes making sense of an idea can be much harder, in this example the idea was an entire puzzle on its own, or maybe I had the remaining pieces in my head already. Sometimes all you need is just one piece in front of you to know where to look for the rest.

Make it

And then of course the last step is to just make it. (Step 4 is to share it. Step 5 is to repeat it.)

I have made decent comic strips despite jumping straight into drawing, or so I’ve thought. Thinking back on it, I just managed to search and make sense of an idea as I was drawing. I didn’t magically skip two steps, that’s impossible. I was just not aware of what I was doing.

Now that I know the steps, I’m much better at understanding why I tend to get stuck in different parts of the process.

In reality these steps are not always as clear cut. They will blend into each other, you might do some back and forth, making sense of and making something is a fuzzy line. This is not so much a step-by-step process as it is a journey you have to go through. It has definitely helped me to be more methodical and intentional about it though. I’ve set myself up in a way where it’s fun for me to get each step done. I might go into that in the future.

If you only take one thing with you from this - I hope it’s that you will be aware of and feel more at peace with the first two steps.

--------

If you found this interesting then you might enjoy these blog posts too.

When you don't know what to draw

I will never find my art style

Lazy imagination isn't bad

Thank you for reading my thoughts!

#artists on tumblr #indiana-jonas #writing #drawing tutorial #art advice #comic strip #creativity #art block #writers block

[velnna]

This might sound like an odd question but I’m planning on making my own comic at some point and I was wondering if you had any advice? Specifically in making the plot, deciding what each character does and maybe panel/page composition and how to make harmonious colour palettes?

Also one more question but when you were at the beginning of developing Stray Souls did you post little lore/plot snippets and character doodles/info or did you mainly wait until the comic was out?

(Sorry I know this is a lot but I was just wondering sort of what your process is because everything seems so seamless and well-put-together :> )

Ehh first of all the seamless and put-togetherness is an illusion 🫠

A lot of my work is built organically (fancy way of saying I just sorta wing it) and very dependent on what makes me excited at each given point. Generally, I come up with an idea for a character or a plot point and from there start branching out.

Say, I create character A. A needs a story so I create some beats for them, a beginning-middle-end type thing. While thinking of this, characters B, C, etc pop up as placeholders/devices for A's story, and the world gets shaped around it as well. Then suddenly something in the world gets decided that in turn changes A's story a little, and so on. Then I go into B, C, etc and do the same thing (build a story, let it bleed into the world and let the world bleed into it).

There's pros and cons to this sort of thing of course. Most of the time I over-develop characters or world bits that are completely unnecessary and clutter the narrative (especially when it's something like a comic, where things need to be explained visually and economically), and because of this sort of chaotic process I also tend to get entangled in my own concepts and lose track of my main threads. I don't dislike it entirely so it's just a matter of figuring out what works best for your own goals and processes.

Some general advice for comics that I've learned from trial and error: try stripping your story down to its bare bones and see what you absolutely need VS what's there for flavour or added context. Only add flavour once you're sure you can tackle the minimum, both in writing and artwise. Keep your character designs simple if you value your hands lol. It's fun to design complicated details but you WILL get tired of drawing them after a while. Sometimes it's ok to tell and not show 🤷‍♂️ if you're a one-man team sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet. Bear in mind that long stories will take YEARS to complete in comic format. Not an end all be all, but you do need to think about that. Also just go for it once you've got a structure you feel good about. I personally don't like over planning and don't even script things, so I don't think you need to have everything on paper before getting some chapters rolling. Most of what I've learned about comics has been making them, not thinking about making them. Oh, and readers tend to be more lenient than we give them credit for - if you're passionate enough about your world or characters, chances are at least some people will be interested regardless of whether you think art or writing are up to par

As for the other question, I spoiled the shit out of stray souls before launching it and still kinda do it for fun LMAO. Nothing too serious ofc but I've always loved giving people an insight into characters and world outside of the comic since the comic itself is a little peek into the whole thing. It also kinda serves to keep people interested imo

And I just can't keep my mouth shut about my stories lol

#q&a

[brawltogethernow]

Who is your least favorite spider-man writer and artist and your most favorite artist and writer of spider-man?

Picking favorites feels surprisingly tricky, not because I can't but because Buscema edges out Romita on art but Conway edges out DeMatteis on writing (by dint of spending thirty straight years + 20 more off and on kicking my ass and how when he falls on his ass it remains fun for me), and these names next to each other are nothing. This is a stupid combination. Really highlights how superhero comics are made by teams and a single dude cannot guarantee quality if they're not vibing with the rest of the carpool. But if I'm picking a team the seventies beats the nineties, and it's sooo disingenuous to try to narrow down one pair of names when that era was Lee/Romita bleeding into Lee/Conway/Romita into Conway/Romita/Kane, also every few issues Mooney dips in to push the Peter having pretty eyelashes agenda and then leaves. Like some of the best art in this era had Kane doing pencils and Romita inking, and I like their combined style more than Romita penciling his own work if we're talking the period where he was still a full time illustrator, but I midkey dislike Kane's pencils inked by everybody else. I looked up who was illustrating 90's Web with Conway on scripts and it turns out the art I like best is a penciler and inker team and the quality takes a dive whenever either of them takes a month off and leaves the other one in a substitute's hands. You know! Team efforts! Anyway here are some iconic combinations in no order cherry picked to cut out overlap and sneak more people in.

Yes Please:

DeMatteis/Buscema

SSM #180

There's a rhythm to this team's work I've full stop never seen anywhere else.

Lee/Romita

ASM #83

The Vibe.

Conway/Andru

ASM #145

The number of times Gerry Conway has kicked my ass. u_u With Romita Sr. and Andru the most distinctive art trait is the faces - Andru's were never as doll-perfect as Romita's, and that's kind of the best thing about them?

Now guys I hate on the other hand. Way less complex. Debated whether to answer this because I try not to go on about who in the industry sucks at their job but this is not because I couldn't.

Please No:

Spencer/Otley

ASM (2018) #30

It should have been difficult to outdo the preceding run, but writing that was simultaneously nonsensical and insulting, deflated pacing where each issue achieved about as much as a single newspaper strip, a teeth-first art style where every face sports a pained grimace and the meandering composition always scores a D-, and the finishing touch of colors that I can only describe as Averaging Out to Oatmeal...combined to create some of the worst comics I've ever seen. Spencer and I appreciate so many of the same comics and his understanding of what makes them good is so poor that it's almost like receiving a personalized hate letter.

Slott/anybody

ASM #546

He can write well which just makes it worse. I don't even know where to start enumerating his crimes. Like do I just pick one anecdote? When there are so many?

Land (the porn trace guy)

Symbiote Spider-Man: Alien Reality #2 but I could have opened anything and found a bad traced yelling face

You know. The guy. Who traces from porn. That guy. He remains gainfully employed despite being known for this. Does he have dirt on an important executive?

Campbell (yes he watermarked the one on the left two separate times AFTER signing it)

ASM (2018) #2 variant, Renew Your Vows #11 variant

If you're distant from the recent comics scene it's hard to convey how omnipresent this guy is. He's like the comic sans of artists. After having the way he draws women ripped to shreds by social media over a decade ago, Campbell doubled down and has since then drawn hundreds of pinups of identical women in invisible high heels making the exact same face. Singlehandedly a huge factor in how people visualize MJ becoming "skinny carrot top with a pointy chin and freckles". He's proud of this.

#letting the negative explanations get longer because with the good ones i want people to go see what the hype is for themselves! #not with the bad ones lol. lmao. i'll take that bullet for you. #asks answered #anonymous #spiderman #marvel #spidey

[northwindow]

favourite podcasts? (If u don’t mind sharing)

yeah totally! here are some—

a recent favorite is you must remember this, the film history podcast by karina longworth. the show explores everything hollywood's first century can tell us about the surrounding cultural ideals, shifts, etc. and it's so impressively researched by someone who knows a ton about movies. i started with the most recent season called “erotic 80s” and now i'm in the middle of “make me over” which is about hollywood and the beauty industry. cannot wait for the next season "erotic 90s" but thankfully there's also a huge back catalog.

aack cast, jamie loftus' podcast miniseries about the cathy comics. you don't actually have to know much about cathy to enjoy this lol, the comic is sort of a gateway to investigate the lives of boomer women when it comes to feminism, consumerism, work, etc. it's a mix of interviews, jamie's writing, and even some narrating of the comic strips. i really like all of jamie's shows, she has a really natural style that is funny and curious and heartfelt. her lolita podcast is another favorite that is stylistically similar but obviously heavier territory.

between the covers with david naimon is a longform author interview podcast, i love it because david is best interviewer i have ever heard in any context. he really close-reads his guest's books and comes up with these very thoughtful thematic questions that draw out conversations about craft, social justice, society and culture, feelings, and a million other tangential things. i would recommend starting with an episode about a book you've read before, but now i use it for recommendations or just to listen to interesting people talk even if i don't know their work previously. i also really like commonplace with rachel zucker which is similarly in-depth, it has a different but also wonderful interview mood.

some other shows i like: the allusionist, everything that branched off you’re wrong about (YWA, you are good, maintenance phase, if books could kill), twenty thousand hertz, decoder ring, literary friction, poetry off the shelf, vs., thresholds with jordan kisner, articles of interest, american hysteria. when i just want to listen to friends talking i like poog with kate berlant and jacqueline novak. and the podcast form of democracy now for news. always looking for new stuff if anyone has suggestions! ❤️

#i also like the poet salon but it’s been ages since they updated #i loved reply all before it imploded but now it’s like a sad memory

[its-elioo]

As someone who is long-time fan of Mlp EG and who has just finished watching TFP, your fic is true delight. I read it 5 times at least and it is still awesome. You perfectly matched girls with their autobots partners just as well as you did with decepticons as their evil counterpart. For example Twilight/Shockwave - both have high inteligence, but while one uses it for greater good and to help the others, the other abuses it to gain power and hurt the others; Fluttershy/Soundwave - even thought they are both animal lovers and quiet types, FS is just very shy girl while SW is calculating sadist; Rainbow/Starscream - Apart from being queer icons (If you can look at these two without the word gay constantly entering your mind, congrats, you´re legit cishet) they´re actually pretty similliar in function and personallity wise. They´re both eccentric, aroggant showoffs and are also fastest on their team. But it´s their differences that are making them great foils. RD is impaitent hothead, who jumps straight into action without the second thought, while SC is great schemer, who has his plans planed out. RD is literally element of loyalty, while SC is mostly loyal to himself and etc. I can´t wait to see all their interactions in the future. If you´re interested in some writting advice, there is one minor thing that can be fixed : your description of characters feelings and thought. You start explaining how and why they feel that way instead of giving readers benefit of the doubt. The best term I can think of is that you are describing a picture. Like you want us to see, hear and understand everything at once. It creates unnecessary sentences or whole paragraphs without which some emotional moments would have sounded better. For example if paragraph in Ch.2 with sentence "She was too stuborn." it would have sounded so much better. Or sentences like "She was too precious." are also kind of waste of space since they don´t tell anything new.It´s not worst type of description,but it can create a feeling that you don´t trust youre readers to read from emotions characters alone. Many new writers and comic artists are often doing this. It can be solved 2 ways : by improving their writing or start drawing comics. I´m sorry if I confussed you in some way. I tried my best to explain it, but english is not my primary language. If you don´t mind, I would recommend fics from @whatwooshkai to see what I am talking about ( it´s mostly TF shipping stuff, but man, the writting is so good that I can´t stop reading even if I wanted to). Overall great story and art, just writting needs a little improvment.

I want to finish this already long post with few questions:

1.What is group dynamic with eachother? I mean in and outside of their decided pairings. I can see Sideswipe and Rainbow´s relationship as chaos siblings and that Rainbow is definitely driving Ratchet insane, but what about the others? I´m courious to know.

2.Did you already started writting the next book? If not, do you have planned when you will start?

3.Do you consider draw this as a full time comic or at least draw some parts of it? Or drawing some strips of your incorrect quotes?It´s just that you´re artstyle is so pretty and redesigns of the autobots and girls are great. It´s shame to see so little of them.

4. Did you thought about getting your comics dubbed on youtube?

5. Do you draw ideas from the asks from your followers on Tambrlane or you take commissions only? Like if they had a idea for a comic/sketch and they post it to you, would you draw it? If not, could they draw it with your redesignes?

6. What gave you idea for this crossover? My best guess is that comic from Hasbro.

Holy- I never thought I would get such a long ask.

*rolls up sleeves and rubs hands*

Okay, let’s do this!

First, I want to thank you so much for the kind words, the fact that there are people who got really interested in my fic makes my heart flutter. <3

And I really love it when readers point out small details that I haven’t thought about that much while writing! Thank you a lot for the advice and recommendations, I really appreciate it! I will keep that in mind!

Now, to answer your questions:

1. You are absolutely correct about Sideswipe and Rainbow’s relationship, in my opinion, they will be the best chaos siblings (I am 100% sure that most of the members will go insane because of their pranks) I could write more detailed headcanons for them and the others too.

2. The next book is nearly finished, I will make sure to post it at the beginning of January.

3. I will drop more art soon, promise! Sorry for the lack of content, I’ve been pretty busy for the past few months. But now I’m finally free and I will certainly start drawing again! I also have several ideas in mind for some parts of the next book.

4. I don’t mind my comics being dubbed as long as I’m credited and they’ve asked for permission.

5. Again, if I’m credited and asked for permission, there will be no problem for other artists to draw my redesigns. I don’t usually take requests and it really depends on my free time and motivation, but if I really like the idea that has been suggested, I would (probably) draw it.

6. Good guess! But actually no. I was really into this crossover way before Hasbro decided to make a comic of it. I’ve been into a lot of fandoms and reading crossover fanfics basically became like a hobby to me. I got a lot of inspiration after I accidentally stumbled upon some pretty good written Tf/Mlp fics, but it took me a lot of time to finally get enough courage and start writing my own. I’m more than thankful for the support and love that I was given through the years! It really motivated me to keep on going!

#ask #crossover stuff #robots and magic #thank you for the questions!

[rainbowmoonstonestories]

Let Your Dreams Be Your Wings | Chapter 11

Chapters: 11/? Fandom: The Sandman (Netflix 2022, minor content from the Comics) Rating: Explicit Relationships Dream of the Endless/Morpheus x F!Reader  Characters: Dream of the Endless/Morpheus, Lucienne, Matthew the Raven, Mervyn Pumpkinhead, Hob Gadling, Death, Rose Walker, The Corinthian, other minor Sandman characters, Original Characters. Warnings: 18+ content (minors DNI), explicit sexual content, POV switching, very long chapters to read. Summary: You always dreamed of becoming a successful Fashion Designer, sharing your creations with the world and making your father proud. But with him being very ill and so many costs solely weighting on your shoulders, things didn’t go as planned and you had to take a different path instead. An interesting offer led you to the elder Alex Burgess and you were hired as a new housemaid for a very good pay. However, your kindness and outstanding empathy convinced the man to give you an additional task for a doubled compensation; gaining the trust of Dream Of the Endless, held captive into the basement for over a century. Despite the shock of finding such an ethereal entity stripped of all his clothes and contained into a confined space, you had to accept for the sake of your father. But the more you got to speak to the mysterious anthropomorphic personification who didn’t utter a single word, the more you were lost into his eyes that, conversely, seemed to contain the entire universe. A deep connection formed between the two of you, separated only by a thick layer of glass.

Little did you know, what started like a simple housemaid job was about to change your life forever.

Credits: The moon dividers were made by firefly-graphics

Tagging: @number-0-iz. If anyone else wants to be tagged in the next updates, let me know! I noticed that Tumblr sometimes won't let me tag everyone for some unknown reason, so if it comes to that I can at least send you a message to notify you.

You can also read this on AO3 if you feel more comfortable!

Right when you feared losing the man you wanted to spend the rest of your life with, Ella's suggestion turned out to be the best decision you could ever make. However, as your relationship with Morpheus grew, more secrets about yourself began to surface. Secrets that you were still unaware of.

Writing a love letter proved to be more challenging than depicted in movies. Your pen hovered above the paper, frozen, and you repeatedly withdrew it when nothing came to mind.

You didn't struggle with knowing what to write, but rather with finding the right words to express what was inside you. Guilt, love, fear and shame were all swirling within you simultaneously, leaving you uncertain about which one to convey.

Ella had graciously given you permission to leave work a little earlier, solely for the purpose of going home, resting, and potentially writing that letter without any unnecessary delay. It may have seemed absurd to leave your job for such a reason, but your friend appeared unusually eager to learn about the progress of your relationship with Morpheus.

It took you several hours to compose the first paragraph, as you frequently left the table, pacing back and forth, and consuming at least three bags of calming tea in an attempt to soothe your nerves. Ultimately, you made the choice to release everything at once, beginning with the first thought that crossed your mind and the words you would want to share if Dream were standing before you.

After discarding approximately ten crumpled sheets that now littered the floor, you took a deep breath and resumed your seat. You allowed your hand to move with the same fluidity as when you were drawing with your pencil, letting your emotions be imprinted on the page in ink.

𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒉𝒆𝒖𝒔,

𝑵𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏. 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒅—𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒅.

𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆. 𝑰 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒋𝒖𝒅𝒈𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒄𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒏. 𝑴𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒊𝒆𝒔.

At the conclusion of each paragraph, you found yourself pausing and revisiting what you had written, carefully re-reading your own thoughts aloud.

𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒅𝒖𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒅, 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕, 𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅, 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆.

𝑰 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑨𝒔 𝒂 𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏, 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒅𝒐 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒖𝒍𝒈𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔.

𝑫𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒚 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝑰 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔, 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒃𝒆 𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆.

The mere thought of losing him indefinitely, of never glimpsing his face again in your waking moments or within the realm of dreams, caused your heart to constrict with agony.

Your hands began to tremble, prompting you to slow down your writing in order to prevent any potential damage or smudging of the text.

𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒉𝒆𝒖𝒔, 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒚. 𝑴𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒕 𝒑𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒖𝒑𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇, 𝒔𝒐 𝑰 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖; 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕. 𝑴𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆.

𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒘. 𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅, 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒐 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒔.

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒚. 𝑰𝒇 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒐 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆, 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒅, 𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒈𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔.

You reminisced about the initial encounter when you first laid eyes on him, trapped in that glass enclosure, exuding an aura of desolation and defeat. The intensity of his gaze and the regal poise of his seated form left an indelible impression. You recollected how your emotions blossomed for him even before knowing his name or hearing the sound of his voice.

Maybe your love was deemed toxic, misguided, and unrequited, yet you couldn't fathom a life devoid of it. The thought of existing without the presence of that love was intolerable to you.

𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝑰 𝒔𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓. 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑰 𝒂𝒔𝒌 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒂𝒔 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆.

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆, 𝒎𝒚 𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔. 𝑨𝒏 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒖𝒑𝒐𝒏 𝒖𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏.

You pondered whether your proclamation would be too audacious and inappropriate, but you were determined to follow Ella's advice and unleash the truth that resided in your soul.

𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒖𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒈𝒐 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒎𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆.

𝑰 𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒐 𝒇𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚. 𝑰 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔, 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒎. 𝑻𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒏𝒐 𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒆.

Once again, you felt the tears welling up at the corners of your eyes. You lifted your head and silently cursed yourself for being so sensitive and vulnerable, again.

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅𝒍𝒚.

A tear escaped, smudging the ink that had not yet fully dried.

𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒉𝒆𝒖𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒊𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆, 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈.

A self-deprecating laugh escaped your lips as you felt utterly pathetic and hopeless, writing a letter that you didn't even know how to deliver.

𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒋𝒖𝒅𝒈𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒏.

𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆,

𝒀/𝑵

You read the entire letter once more, then twice, three times, and continued to do so until you lost count entirely. As the sun neared its descent, you clutched the sheet in your hands with such intensity that you feared you might inadvertently tear it.

A part of you believed that the letter was adequately written and required no further alterations, but you couldn't shake off the fear of him discarding it without even giving it a glance or, worse, scoffing at its sentimental tone.

In the end, you let your shoulders slump as you gazed at the folded paper with his name inscribed on the front. "Ridiculous," you muttered, rising hastily from the chair and making your way to the balcony. "It's far too cheesy. This won't work.”

You retrieved a lighter from one of your drawers, along with a small ceramic bowl that you positioned on the ground. The air outside grew colder, but you paid it no mind. Placing the folded paper over the bowl while holding it, you used the lighter to ignite the bottom corner. Your gaze remained fixed on the flame as it started small, slowly engulfing the entire letter in its embrace. Dream’s name vanished, taken by the transforming embers.

You allowed the remnants of the paper to slip from your grasp, watching as the fire consumed it completely and eventually diminished into the bowl. Sitting onto the armchair positioned in front of it, you kept your tired eyes on the flickering flames, captivated by their sinuous dance.

In that moment, you became acutely aware of your exhaustion from the lack of sleep. Struggling to stay awake, your eyelids grew heavier, making it increasingly difficult to resist the drowsiness.

You adjusted your posture and took deep breaths, but despite your efforts, your head gradually drooped to the side as the world around you faded away.

In an instant, you were engulfed by a profound sense of nothingness, until your surroundings began to take on a different form.

You found yourself unsure of your whereabouts. The environment appeared hazy and indistinct, yet you felt a sense of tranquility as you strolled along what seemed to be a lengthy bridge. Without hesitation, you continued onward, drawn towards the white light that awaited you at the other end.

As soon as you passed through the gate, vivid images began to materialize before your eyes. The place you arrived at seemed strangely familiar now, as if you had encountered it in your past.

In a sudden moment of realization, you identified it. The once shattered and deteriorating stained glass windows were now restored to their former glory, radiating an array of vibrant colors. The majestic throne above you stood with its grandeur, evoking power and significance. The curvaceous staircase at the center had been meticulously repaired and polished, exuding a newfound elegance. Even the floor beneath your feet was pristine, resembling a flawless opaque mirror, devoid of any debris or traces of dust. The Greek statues adorning the columns emanated an imposing and commanding presence, their eyes seemingly fixed upon you.

As you stood in the opulent throne room, you marveled at the lavishness of it. The embellished walls and the magical ambiance created a sense of peace and beauty, but a tinge of unease crept over you, causing you to fidget nervously with your fingers. You anxiously awaited either a transformation of the scenery or for yourself to awaken, fearful of the return of Morpheus and the realization that you were an uninvited guest in his realm.

You surveyed the unchanging nature of the dream, making a determined decision to take matters into your own hands. Perhaps by venturing far enough, you could escape the confines of the castle without losing your sense of direction.

You turned to leave, but before you could take another step, your progress was abruptly halted by the resounding voice of Morpheus. His commanding tone had a grave authority, freezing you in your tracks.

"Wait."

Sensing his presence growing nearer, you could hear Morpheus approaching with a composed gait, causing your anxiety to heighten. As he slowed down in front of you, your nervousness intensified. IIt took a moment for you to gather the courage to lift your eyes from the floor.

"I know I have no right to be here. It wasn’t my intention to come," you asserted.

“I invited you.”

As you finally forced yourself to properly meet Morpheus' eyes, your tense state began to soften. His unwavering stare mixed with yours, his countenance austere and solemn, yet there was a subtle undertone of sadness evident in the tightness of his jaw.

“You did…?”

Acknowledging your confusion, Morpheus nodded before speaking. "There is a matter that we need to discuss," he stated, his voice carrying a sense of heaviness.

You felt a spark of optimism, knowing that you still retained your connection to the Dreaming and that he wanted to communicate with you in person even after your earlier altercation. Still, the atmosphere was undeniably stressful, and you felt as if a knife was lodged in your abdomen, draining you of all your energy.

"I assumed you hated me for the things I said to you," you declared.

Morpheus was astonished and looked at you as if you had just told the most abominable joke in the history of comedy. "Hate you?”

“You don’t…?”

"My love, I may have given you the wrong impression," Morpheus said, gazing at you with a somber expression on his face. His eyes showed concern, while his features revealed a distinct degree of distress.

Once again, you were addressed in that affectionate manner, causing your stomach to flutter and turning you into a puddle of mush.

“Don’t call me that. You’re confusing me right now.”

“My apologies.”

Taking a deep breath, you pinched the bridge of your nose in frustration and asked, "Morpheus, why am I here?”

The King of Dreams looked down and slowly opened his coat, reaching inside. This simple action revealed a breathtaking detail that you hadn't noticed in your dreams before: the interior of his garment was a cosmic marvel, adorned with twinkling stars and swirling galaxies that seemed to move in a mesmerizing parallax effect. Withdrawing his hand, he held a folded paper between his fingers. You observed as he contemplated it for a moment, then handed it over to you with a gentle, almost timid gesture.

"What's this?" you asked, taking the piece of paper from his hand and turning it to examine it.

Morpheus offered no response, and the way he looked at you made it clear that he wanted you to open it. The paper appeared strangely similar to the letter you wrote for him, until you noticed his name on the outside.

You quickly unfolded it and perused its contents. To your astonishment, you indeed recognized the letter that you set of fire just moments before drifting into sleep. It contained the very words that poured out from the depths of your soul, written in your own distinct ink and calligraphy.

A surge of intense embarrassment washed over you, causing you to wish you could disappear into a dark void. "This... how...? I burned it on the balcony, how is it in your possession…?”

"You are displeased. You have devoted effort into writing this for me, and yet you did not wish for me to read it?”

You stuttered. “No. Yes. I mean… I don’t know.”

"It is beautifully crafted. The words you have penned are remarkable in their composition."

"It's horribly cheesy."

"No."

"Yes."

"Then why did you write it?"

You swallowed hard, closing your eyes. "You sent me away, and I thought I wasn't welcome here anymore.”

"Severing your connection to the Dreaming is not my intention," he expressed in a calm and measured tone of voice. “It never was. And it never will be.”

Unable to continue reading the letter, you folded it back up and tucked it securely into the pocket of your jeans. His pouty expression was incredibly comical and the cutest thing you had ever seen, resembling an offended grumpy cat. But as much as you wanted to lighten the mood, now was not the time to beat around the bush.

“You haven’t answered my question. Why am I here? Is it because of the letter?”

Morpheus paused for a moment, taking a step closer to you with a hint of hesitation in his words. "You have shown me immense kindness and concern. Yet, I repaid you with complete dismissal. I had no right to exile you from the Dreaming.”

You let out a sigh. "You told me to hold my tongue.”

"I... I did not give the situation the attention it required.”

You chortled softly, looking at him with teary eyes. "Is this your way of saying that you're sorry, by any chance?"

"Perhaps."

You shook your head. "You told me about Nada, revealing a significant detail from your past without me even asking. But then I pushed you to share something more, something you weren't ready to reveal. Not now, maybe not ever."

Your anguish highlightened the contrast between your humanity and his eternal lifespan.

"I hurt you, Morpheus.”

It was in the nature of the human species to succumb to temptation and fulfill their desires, often disregarding the consequences that mere curiosity could bring. Your fascination with the King of Dreams had veered onto an incorrect path, fueling an insatiable craving to uncover details about a past that Morpheus only wished to bury in the sands of time.

"You are mistaken," he corrected. "It was them. The Three that are One twist their words and reveal only what they want you to hear. They wield control over the threads of destiny, using their artistry to manipulate their stories as they see fit.”

"What do I have to do with them, anyway? Is it because of Paregoros?" you inquired.

He hesitated. "This, I cannot explain. They utilize their abilities to trade their knowledge for inexplicable gifts, and sometimes they make such deals purely for their own amusement.”

The machinations of the Fates seemed to be specifically targeted at Morpheus himself, and the idea of being manipulated solely to harm him stirred a furious and indignant sensation in you. The manifestation of such derisive insanity provoked both anger and loathing.

Nevertheless, despite being a victim of a similar form of control, the benevolent purpose behind your intentions remained unchanged.

"Morpheus, as I mentioned in my letter, it was not my role to determine whether you should feel guilty about what happened to your son.”

Morpheus looked downward, processing your explanation and giving you a silent permission to continue.

And so you did. "I know I shouldn’t have done that. Still, you can raise your voice at me, be angry with me, or even send me away if that's what you wish to do. But whatever your decision, know that I won't stop searching for you in my dreams."

His attention returned to your face, and his lips parted in a silent gasp as his eyebrows furrowed. "Do you still wish for my company? Even after everything?"

You shrugged. "Is it really so surprising to you?"

"Y/N, fulfilling my duties as Dream of the Endless is of the utmost importance to me. I am unable to provide you with everything that a typical human man is capable of giving.”

Your blood began to boil, and you let out a loud scoff. "Oh, screw that! I never asked you to forsake your role for me. Yes, I cherish our encounters in the Waking World, but I would never want you to jeopardize your realm again just to fulfill my desires. When I chose to be with you, I understood the implications.”

Your voice echoed off the walls and columns, carrying a power that exceeded your intention.

But you had more to say. "I know I can never be deserving of you. As a human, there’s no way for me to reach your level."

His expression softened. "Do you truly believe that I see you as unworthy of my time and affection?”

"I don't know, Morpheus. Sometimes, you make me feel like the most magnificent goddess in the entire universe. But other times, I feel like nothing more than an ordinary dreamer lingering in your realm.”

"Y/N, please listen to me.”

The tears that you had struggled to hold back finally broke free, cascading down your cheeks and wetting the floor below. They served as a symbol of your inherent emotional vulnerability and sensitivity, amplified within the realm of dreams.

You swiftly wiped away the tears with your fingers, erasing the glistening paths as soon as they appeared. "Fine, I'm listening.”

"Why are you crying...?"

You averted your eyes. "Nevermind. I said I'm listening."

“Y/N-”

You raised your hand, stopping his words from continuing any further. "Don't. Please. Just tell me what you need to say. I can handle it.”

Morpheus was rendered speechless, his attention fixed on the wetness beneath your tear-filled eyes. You wished to be seen as something other than a victim deserving only pity, but you feared that you were inadvertently giving him that very impression.

The sound of a heartbeat suddenly filled the space, starting at a faint volume and growing in intensity. It seemed as if the walls themselves were trembling with each pulse, coming alive and resonating with the steady sound in the air.

And then you realized that it was emanating from your own heart, beating so hard in your chest that the dream itself reflected its rhythm. All your emotions left you feeling vulnerable and exposed in a way that Morpheus had never witnessed before, not even during your brief moments of intimacy.

As the surroundings began to blur, the Endless moved closer, placing his right hand against your chest, maintaining contact.

"Look at me," he murmured, his voice barely audible and becoming a distant echo. "Feel me.”

His eyes served as an anchor, keeping you suspended between reality and your dream, firmly rooted and focused on his aura. A surge of power burst forth from his palm, resonating in your heart and engulfing your entire being with warmth and calmness. As the sound of the heartbeat gradually grew faint, all your distress and uncertainties melted away. Your eyes remained locked on his face, and you clutched his arm tightly for reassurance and security.

You came to the realization that there was no better moment than the present to let out those essential words, regardless of the result, even though you were already convinced that it was evident from your letter alone.

“I love you.”

While you were certain that he was well aware of your emotions, a look of surprise still appeared on his face when he heard your declaration.

You smiled serenely and said, "Don't worry. I don't have any expectations from you.”

While the idea was heartbreaking, if you could have a small corner in the Dreaming and find solace in his embrace from time to time, you would be entirely content with what he could offer.

"I won't put pressure on you. I won't ask for anything you're not willing to share, either. Just... please, keep me by your side. That's the only thing I ask.”

You disliked how desolate you sounded, but in the end, it no longer truly mattered to you. The only thing you wished for was another chance with the man you loved.

His hand slid from your chest to glide through your hair and gently brush against your nape. His mouth drew closer to yours, almost grazing your lips but not quite touching them.

"The depths of my feelings for you surpass even time itself. If you truly desire me, then you shall have me. As the King of Dreams and Nightmares, as Morpheus, as all that I am.”

You quivered at his words, so profound and melodic, stirring both excitement and need. Your heart raced once more as you whispered in response, "That's exactly what I want. The real you, just as you are."

As his forehead gently touched yours in a beloved manner, your fingers tightened their grip on his sleeve.

Amidst a mix of hope and apprehension, you gathered the courage to ask the question that had taken shape. "Morpheus, do you love me...?"

You braced yourself, almost expecting a negative response despite his actions and the words he had just spoken.

Your assumption couldn't have been further from the truth.

“Immensely.”

The brightest smile graced your lips as soon as you heard his admission. Your hands reached down and took hold of the edges of his coat, gently pulling him closer. As you kissed him, the Dreaming responded with a burst of vibrant colors pouring from the windows behind the throne, surrounding both of you in their radiant glow. Morpheus intensified the kiss, exerting more pressure with his mouth and hand on your head, deepening the bond between you. Your tongues entwined, and your breaths merged into one.

You could sense his love and remorse in the way he touched you. Dream of the Endless was a fervent lover, occasionally restraining himself, yet constantly prepared to give his everything during every intimate moment. Regardless of how he spoke to you and the emotions he evoked with his actions, the fear of being merely a temporary flame always lingered in the depths of your mind.

However, now, even with the uncertainty of a future together with an immortal being, you were resolute in cherishing his tenderness - embracing each other, locked in a passionate kiss, and feeling his closeness against you - an experience you were unwilling to interrupt.

He cherished you. And he longed to be with you as much as you wanted his presence in your life. This newfound understanding propelled you to heights of bliss and exhilaration, awakening your senses as you embraced him, your arms encircling his neck while his hands settled around your waist, holding you tightly. Time seemed to slip away as you immersed yourself in kisses and cuddles, reveling in each other's presence for as long as you could maintain your clarity.

Your lips traced a trail along his cheek, your knuckles gently caressing the contours of his face as you brushed his hair aside. He was entranced by the moment, closing his eyes and tightening his grip on the lower part of your spine even further.

Morpheus was proud, hot-headed and quite impulsive. Yet he was also kind-hearted, generous, and unwavering in his integrity despite the obstacles and hardships he faced. You were determined to remain by his side until the end of your days, striving to shield him from sorrow or betrayal in a universe teeming with dangers beyond his grasp and influence.

Nestling your foreheads against one another again, you exhaled profoundly. "I suppose I am forgiven, then?" you queried him.

"My love, you have done nothing that warrants my forgiveness," he clarified.

When he pulled away from you, you felt that there was something he wished to share. You stayed composed, waiting for him to find the right words, holding his hands in yours.

"The words that I have spoken to you... I...”

You raised your index and middle fingers to his lips. "I know you didn't mean it. You were angry, and I don't hold it against you for feeling resentful.”

He tenderly grasped your wrist, holding it firmly as if attempting to prevent you from departing. "No matter. I cannot absolve myself of the guilt that stems from my mistake.”

Your lower lip trembled, not from the pain you had experienced, but from the sentimentality that his considerate words evoked within you. "And I reopened an old wound, pouring salt into it. We're even.”

His lips gently pressed against your fingers, the firmness indicating a strong need to hold them. "Perhaps, with time, I will share more with you - about Calliope, my son, my family... and myself.”

You smiled softly, but then shook your head. "Please, don't push yourself. I know you trust me, I don't need anything else.”

He released a silent sigh, his expression displaying evident relief.

"Listen," you told him, cupping the sides of his face in your palms. "I promise you, regardless of the Fates or any other obstacles, I will never let that affect me again. I want you to talk to me whenever you feel like it - if you ever feel like it.”

Morpheus maintained his gaze on you, remaining steadfast and unwavering.

"I don't need to know every detail of your past. What's important to me is who you are now, and I apologize for not realizing that sooner."

While you were aware that he wasn't flawless, your own imperfections nearly shattered your relationship. Morpheus had just as much to learn from you as you did from him. He was the missing half that made you feel whole, and you were the piece he had finally discovered for his eternal puzzle.

For the first time since you met him, you witnessed a genuine smile spread across his lips. It was a wide, sincere, and affectionate grin that made you fall even more deeply in love with him than you had ever imagined possible.

In response, you devoted yourself to expressing your feelings of love through your subsequent actions, showering him with quick yet firm pecks all over his face. Morpheus let out a brief chuckle, placing his hands on your neck and returning the kisses to your mouth, slowly but resolutely. His thumbs gently glided back and forth along your jawline, sending delightful shivers of contentment coursing through your body.

After placing one more gentle kiss on your forehead, Morpheus released his hold on you. The illumination around you took on a dreamlike quality, causing his eyes to shimmer with a mystical gleam.

As you moved your hands to your pockets, you noticed that the folded letter you had placed in your jeans had disappeared. You took a moment to contemplate the situation before raising an eyebrow in his direction, conveying your suspicion.

"Morpheus? What happened to the letter?"

He tried to conceal a smirk, but you could still catch a glimpse of it at the corners of his lips."I have no idea."

You couldn't help but let out a laugh, partly from amusement and partly from disbelief. "You're so sneaky! Did you put it back in your coat?”

With a playful demeanor, you reached for his coat again, gripping its lapels and opening it to take a peek inside. The celestial spectacle within was truly breathtaking, causing you to pause in awe and admire its beauty.

"What's on the other side? Does it work like Mary Poppins' bag?" you jokingly inquired as you peered into the depths of his garment, curious about what secrets it might hold.

"Why are you all so obsessed with this Mary Poppins?" Morpheus asked with a hint of curiosity.

"Mary Poppins is a timeless classic. Are you telling me you never watched it?”

"I did not.”

You gasped. "That's sacrilege! You know what, I can ask Hob if he wants to join us for a movie night. You absolutely have to see it, it's so delightful and heartwarming!”

His expression appeared so indignant that you had to stifle a laugh from escaping.

"I will pass."

"Oh, come on, it will be fun!"

"No."

You playfully pretended to judge him, adopting a serious expression and placing your hands on your hips. However, your self-control didn't last long, and you quickly abandoned your act, wrapping your arms around his shoulders and hugging him tightly. The force of your embrace caused him to take a step back as your bodies collided.

You erupted into laughter, utterly joyful. "I'm just teasing you, my love!”

Morpheus eased into your hold, his touch growing tender as he softly stroked your back, his hands gliding up and down in a comforting rhythm.

After sharing a flurry of affectionate moments, you loosened your grip around him and looked directly into his eyes. "You know I would never ask you to do things you don't want to, right?”

He nodded in agreement, gently tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. "I do.”

"I still want the letter back, though," you stated firmly.

He grinned mischievously. "It belongs to me.”

“Oh, does it now?”

“It has my name on it.”

"I set it on fire!" you retorted.

"Everything that is written in the Waking World finds its place in the Dreaming. The library contains every book, every piece of literature, and every letter that has ever been created, or ever will be,” Morpheus stated.

“Lucky me,” you responded ironically.

“Why did you burn it?”

You nibbled on your lower lip, feeling a warm blush spreading across your cheeks as you remembered the weaknesses that had compelled you to write the letter. "I thought you wouldn't like it."

"It is a thoughtful and sincere gift. One that I have never received before," he acknowledged, his words filled with gratitude. They carried a certain charm, akin to honey enveloping you with its irresistible allure.

You made a clicking sound with your tongue. "Fine. I surrender.”

“A wise decision, my dear.”

You couldn't help but chuckle and replied, "Just as long as you don't hang it on a pillar or a wall.”

"I might decide to frame it."

"Don’t you dare!"

Since your last visit, your father couldn't shake the sound of your question about your origins from his mind, and the pain that he had painstakingly tried to erase for many years came rushing back into his heart with full force.

In truth, since you left to pursue your independence, he found it incredibly difficult not to reflect on what he once had, and the experiences that you, regrettably, never had the chance to partake in. Taking care of you on his own had never felt like a burden, but there were moments when he believed you would need your mother more than anything else in the world.

A movie played on the screen in front of him, but his mind was elsewhere. He sat on the couch for quite some time, lost in thought, as his mind and heart battled each other repeatedly. He understood that he had no alternative, and every action he took was solely for your benefit from the very beginning. However, the fact that you had dared to seek further information about your family lineage was a perilous path, one that he knew he couldn't tread alongside you.

Almost instinctively, as if guided by an unseen force, he reached for the wallet tucked in the back of his trousers. Carefully unfolding it, he slid two fingers into one of the compartments, retrieving an old Polaroid picture filled with cherished memories from the past.

In the picture, his younger self was beaming at the camera, while the face of the woman next to him was barely visible. Somehow, the only photograph he had of the two of them together happened to capture the woman he loved partially obscured by a peculiar rainbow-like reflection, rendering her features unclear.

Even so, he still remembered the woman as vividly as if it were yesterday, and the resemblance you bore to her reminded him of her beauty every time he laid eyes on you. It was bittersweet, yet he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in the woman you had grown into. So courageous and resolute, so resilient and selfless, never letting go of your dreams despite how much his illness may have hindered your progress.

He found himself chuckling softly, wiping away the tears that welled up in his eyes and streamed down his cheeks. However, his moment of solitude was interrupted when a knock sounded at the front door, loud enough for him to hear it in the living room. He startled slightly on the couch, clearing his throat and wondering who could be visiting at dinner time. He certainly wasn't expecting you.

Your father hesitated, contemplating whether someone had mistakenly arrived at the wrong house. However, a second, slightly louder knock resonated through the corridor, convinving him to rise and investigate for himself. He paused in front of the door, his gaze fixed on the polished wooden surface and his uncertainty growing. Nevertheless, a voice within urged him to trust his instincts, to open the door and welcome whoever was on the other side into his home.

His heart pounding, he slowly undid the locks and gripped the cold handle in his hand. He had to take a deep breath to steady himself before turning it and opening the door, the faint squeak echoing in the air.

As soon as the door was open enough for him to catch a glimpse of the visitor at the entrance, he felt his breath catch in his throat. His eyes widened in shock, and his fingers involuntarily slipped away from the handle. He had to take a step back to reassure himself that he wasn't hallucinating, his hand instinctively covering his mouth as a fresh wave of tears welled up at the corners of his eyes.

There she stood, the only woman he had ever loved, the one he believed he would never encounter again. She looked exactly the same as the day they first met, so flawless and otherworldly, without a single wrinkle marring her smooth skin.

She smiled, suppressing the pain and blinking rapidly to hold back her own emotions. Her voice, like a forbidden song, whispered his name.

"It's been a long time, my love."

Since your sweet reconciliation and the officialization of your relationship, Morpheus felt as if he could walk on clouds. The ongoing work to repair the damages caused by humans in his realm was still keeping him and Lucienne busy, and while balancing his duty as the King of Dreams and your increasingly demanding job, he couldn't spend as much time with you as he wanted.

He cherished every moment he could be in your company, feeling his love for you grow with each passing second. You were a beacon of light in his dark existence, an anchor in the storm, and his hope to shape a better future for himself.

But despite the strong, unusual positive feeling he had in his heart, the weight of an undisclosed secret was starting to be a problem to him. Morpheus knew that you would have wanted to be informed, and didn’t wish to continue deceiving you when you always shared yourself openly without any hidden agendas.

Unfortunately, just as he made the final decision to reveal what he had discovered, he received an urgent request for a meeting in the Waking World. The fact that your realm had been chosen for the occasion was quite unexpected, and he couldn't help but anticipate that things wouldn't go in his favor at all.

He sat in front of a pond, watching the ducks swim peacefully. His hands were crossed in his lap, and he pouted in concentration as he waited for his interlocutor to arrive. The two of them had never crossed paths before, although they were well aware of each other's roles and reputations. However, what worried him the most was the clear subject of their impending conversation, as he was no longer welcome on that specific side of deities.

Beneath the surface, the Endless felt restless. His greatest desire was for you to maintain your happiness and well-being, but this was one of those rare moments when he wasn't quite sure what to expect.

As Morpheus looked up from the water in front of him, he was struck by the remarkable resemblance the approaching woman bore to you. The sound of heels hitting the pebbles grew nearer, each step calm and steady. He became completely still, hardly even meeting her familiar eyes.

She sat on the bench beside him, maintaining a certain distance between their bodies. For a brief moment, silence enveloped them as she calmly brushed her hand along the grey cardigan she wore. Everything about her was flawless, from the meticulously styled hair to the perfectly manicured nails.

At first glance, one could easily mistake her for an ordinary human being, but Morpheus could discern the unmistakable divine aura radiating from her presence.

"Greetings, Oneiros. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Dream Lord." she said. He immediately detected a hint of irritation in her voice.

“Greetings to you, Paregoros, Daimona of consolation. I’ve heard you wanted to speak to me.”

The deity smiled, crossing her legs and resting her hands upon them. "Indeed. We must discuss something that we both consider to be of utmost importance.”

Morpheus swallowed, stealing a quick sideways glance at her. “I suppose.”

"Let's skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point, then. What do you say?”

“Very well.”

She took a deep breath, closing her eyes and straightening her posture. "I'll be blunt with you. I am fully against your relationship with Y/N.”

He pressed his lips together, his expression growing tense. "Is that so?”

"You can't possibly blame me for that, can you? Or have you conveniently forgotten what you did to Calliope?”

His knuckles turned white as anger surged inside him again. "May I remind you that she was the one who abandoned me?”

"You destroyed her life, Oneiros. Rest assured, I won't let you do the same to Y/N.”

His eyes darkened, and the tension between them grew palpable. The air crackled with electricity, to the point where the wind picked up its pace, as if two forces were clashing.

"It is not for you to decide," he retorted.

"Perhaps you're right, but I won't stand by and watch her crumble because of you. She’s not a Goddess, Oneiros. She deserves someone who can truly appreciate her, a mortal man who can grow old with her, devoted and unwavering.”

His heart sank. As much as Morpheus was deeply and completely in love with you for who you were, he knew that you were destined to leave him behind, your mortal flame getting extinguished.

"Is there any other reason for you to meet me here?”

Paregoros nodded affirmatively in response to his question. "Indeed, there is something else that we need to address.”

"Then speak clearly.”

She let out a heavy sigh, leaning back against the bench. "She must not know about me. Under no circumstances should you reveal the truth to her.”

Morpheus turned to face the woman completely, and as their eyes met directly for the first time, the gravity of the situation became apparent in both of their expressions.

"Are you asking me to deceive her?"

"Isn't that what you excel at?" She retorted, her tone laced with bitterness. "You create dreams and nightmares, twisted realities that are aimed to distract the human mind.”

"I will not do that to her," he asserted firmly.

For a moment, Paregoros appeared taken aback. "If… if you genuinely care about her as you profess, then you must."

"And yet, you had the audacity to tell me that I am not allowed near her.”

His words stunned her, and he could see the sadness in her eyes as she averted her gaze. "Do you think it was easy for me? I had to sacrifice everything I held dear. You, more than anyone else, should understand the weight of fulfilling your duty.”

"As a matter of fact, I do," he replied.

"Then I trust your judgement, Oneiros.”

Could he truly face you, knowing that he was keeping such a significant secret from you? Would he be capable of looking into your magnificent eyes, pretending that the truth you had always known was the only reality?

"The consequences of her knowing could be dreadful for Y/N," she explained. "She would search for the truth, for me. She might not find peace until she uncovers it, losing sight of her own goals in this realm. She would begin to question her own nature, overwhelmed with a sense of confusion and disorientation.”

Morpheus couldn't deny that what Paregoros was describing had some truth to it. But at the same time, he had immense faith in you and your resolute determination.

"You are underestimating her, Paregoros. After all, she has accepted me despite everything I have done.”

Her focus shifted back to him, her eyes widening and her mouth slightly ajar. She pondered his words for a moment, deep in thought, before a gentle chuckle escaped her lips.

"You might have a point, Dream Lord. It appears that I don't know her as well as I believed.”

He remained silent, sitting there motionless, waiting.

“Still, there are rules that we all must adhere to. Isn't that correct?”

As someone who had broken those rules multiple times, Morpheus understood their significance.

“Yes.”

"Then I hope you won't let me down," she said, her voice filled with a blend of uncertainty and entreaty. "I know who you are, but please grant me this one request.”

He sincerely wished for an alternative solution, a means to inform you about the most significant aspect of your existence. While you never explicitly discussed your family with him, except for your father's illness, Morpheus had the power to delve into the depths of your dreams and unearth aspects that you may not even be aware of yourself. There was something missing, a part of you that you had never dared to explore, believing it to be lost forever.

In the end, he had no option but to submit to the will of the deity, even if it meant suppressing what he knew in your presence.

“As you wish. Your daughter will never discover the truth. Not from me.”

Without waiting for a response, he rose from the bench and walked away, never once glancing back at your mother. The woman’s eyes were brimming with sorrow and despair, etching holes into his retreating figure.

The following night, Morpheus took you to a place you had visited together before. It was the forest he had created for you on your first full time in the Dreaming, complete with colorful flowers and magical Moonstone rocks. Everything appeared exactly as you remembered - not a single glassblade was out of place, and the minerals glowed with increasing intensity as you both approached the majestic clusters. Everything looked like a scene straight out of an RPG, with its fantasy-inspired aesthetics and breathtakingly surreal visuals.

Morpheus remained strangely silent, his gaze locked onto the Moonstones, which greeted him with a dazzling brillance. He raised his hand towards one of the rocks as you stood closely behind him, observing his actions and marveling at the enchanting scene. His right hand was bathed in a gentle, light blue energy as something became clearly enclosed within his palm. When he turned towards you, it was apparent that he was clutching one of the stones in his fist. But as he extended his hand and unfurled his fingers, you were shocked to find a beautifully crafted necklace delicately resting against his skin.

The Moonstone was noticeably smaller compared to the ones embedded in the clusters, yet its intricate details were still mesmerizing to behold. A soft blue glow swirled around its pearly surface, adding to its magical allure. A silver pendant securely held it in place, connected to a short chain of the same color.

Morpheus patiently awaited your reaction, and it took a moment for you to comprehend that he was actually offering the necklace to you.

"It's absolutely stunning," you whispered, gently brushing your fingertips against the smooth surface of the Moonstone. "Did you make this for me...?”

"This Dreamstone will provide you with protection. A part of me resides within this jewel now.”

You looked at him in complete shock. "What...? Morpheus, no. I can't accept this," you protested, gently closing his hand again and pushing it away.

"Why not?" he asked, his expression a mix of confusion and hurt. He seemed genuinely perplexed by your rejection.

"I can't take your power away. You need it," you explained earnestly with concern.

"My love, the fragment of my essence that I infused into this Dreamstone is not nearly enough to weaken me. I am far more powerful now than I ever was," he reassured with tenderness and sincerity.

"But... why...?”

"Because I need to know that you are going to be safe even when I am not beside you," he answered softly, his words laced with emotion and a deep sense of care.

Your heart pounded heavily in your chest. "Oh, Morpheus.”

He took a step closer, gently grazing your cheeckbone with his knuckles. "If you keep this with you at all times, I will always be there to protect you," he murmured. “Please, accept my gift.”

You couldn't help but notice a hint of desperation in his request, and the last thing you wanted to do was to fuel his worries with your unjustified refusal.

You smiled brightly, brushing your hair away from your neck and turning around. "Will you put it on for me?”

Morpheus responded with a soft hum, and you could feel the coolness of the metal against your collarbones as the Moonstone descended and settled delicately underneath. With the necklace securely fastened, he lovingly traced his hands along your shoulders and upper arms, planting a gentle kiss on the side of your head. The stark contrast between his sweet, affectionate gestures and the angry version you had recently encountered was striking. Yet, you found yourself growing to appreciate every facet, every aspect of his entire being.

You turned to face him, and the moment your eyes met, an irresistible urge took hold of you. you gently cradled his face in your hands and bestowed upon him a passionate, longing kiss on his soft lips.

"Thank you. I will never take it off."

"You should not," he responded with a subtle smile before leaning in to kiss you once more.

Little did you know, that pendant was about to become the key to saving your life. And much more.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 (currently reading) Go to Chapter 12 ->

#the sandman #dream of the endless x reader #morpheus x reader #the sandman fanfic #lydbyd chapter 11

[thescrolls-haveforetold]

Hey so in response to your art request callout, I've got two possible suggestions, one practical and one hopefully interesting? On the practical side I'd love I lineup of your OCs, names and pronouns and all that, because I've just found your stuff and I'm fascinated! And on the more creative side, I'd love to see a look at some of the crazy shit your Nerevarine got up to in their(? her? his?) early days on Vvardenfell! Like, the really early days when you're clearing caves and tombs and nearly dying constantly XD

i have like..40-50 or so ocs, so while that would take a lot of work (that i’m Far Too Lazy to even try to do) i will introduce the main group thru words

Kynwyn Heraclea Chirharia ‘The Dragon’/Maldovjun (little-dragon-king) is my last dragonborn, 15, she/her. she is a dragon in every sense of the word, she hoards, she steals, she collects and with her voice she kills. There’s more to her dragon bloodline than meets the eye. She brash, annoying and anything but selfless. But what can you expect from a kid. She is brunette, white strips of hair, big purple eyes and a mischievous grin

Valiel Hlaalu(-Septim) is my Hero of Kvatch, he/him, 38. Prior to the Oblivion Crisis, he was a courtesan by no choice of his own, by pressure of his mother to use his beauty to gain secrets for political advantages, he despises politics. He loves Martin, but he’s grumpy, rude but surprisingly down to earth for a noble from the imperial city. He is also a little stupid. He is a very pale dunmer with icy eyes, beauty marks and a scowl.

Nerevar ‘Neht’ Mora is my Nerevarine (who isn’t the nerevarine in a classic way, because he IS nerevar), he/they, the body he’s in is 25, but the man himself is at this point at least 800-900 or so years old, he himself doesn’t know due to him being snatched up by slavers at an early age. He is literally Nerevar. Just The Indoril Nerevar Mora stuffed into the body of some poor unsuspecting individual who had the shit luck to be hand picked by Azura. He is totally aware of his former companion’s troubles, and he hates them for it. He’s hedonistic, hyper competent, extremely intelligent and extremely difficult to kill. There is a reason the idea of Nerevar coming back was so terrifying for the Tribunal, and Nerevar, in the most literal sense, returned. As soon as the individual put on the ring Moon-And-Star, his consciousness and soul was sacrificed, and the empty vessel was replaced entirely with Nerevar’s soul and consciousness. Nerevar’s vessel is a redguard with gold eyes, branded with Nerevar’s partial heterochromia to symbolise who he is. He has long locs and a red jacket.

Gwyndir Shadowfoot is my Eternal Champion, she/he/they, I don’t have much lore on her yet, i do know she’s a werewolf bosmer. He has antlers, with an autumn colour palette, brown skin and freckles. They wear a green cloak.

Arenwe the Fair is my Hero of Daggerfall, he/him, again, there isn’t much lore on him. Arenwe is a long, fair haired pale altmer with pink eyes and a shy smile.

OBVIOUSLY HERE YOU CAN TELL WHO THE FAVOURITE IS LMFAO

in regards to cave trotting and stuff like that, i’d actually love to draw a comic or write a fic about it, I just don’t have that much faith in my author skillz to actually manage writing a fic . or a comic for that matter. Maybe at some point when i feel okay with it i’ll actually try to start mapping out Nerevar’s story

#the elder scrolls #tes #morrowind #elder scrolls #nerevarine #oc: indoril nerevar mora #oc: valiel hlaalu-septim #oc: kynwyn the dragon #oc: arenwe the fair #oc: gwyndir shadowfoot #THANK YOU FOR THE ASK BTW I HAD LOTSBOF FUN

[aevyk-ing]

DreamWorks4Me

If you've seen the news, DreamWorks as a studio is going through a huge change. They're going to start outsourcing every movie from now on and laying off almost 50% of their staff.

This makes me really sad for them and their legacy, so I wanted to share with you my fondest memories of their movies. Feel free to do the same!:

I didn't have a The Road to el Dorado copy while growing up. My best friend and neighbor had one and we would have an afternoon snack in her home, watch The Road... and then play. This was one of the two movies we rewatched the most.

I've always loved Chicken Run. I had this huge poster of it, but threw it away when I had a nightmare where the chickens started jumping from it. I still think it's Aardman's best movie and the one with the best soundtrack (which was also my introduction to both Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell!).

I sort of remember how Shrek knocked it out the park. There was a before and an after in animated movies.

While a lot of people say it's a bad movie, I kinda like Sinbad. The adventure, the character design, the places and Eris, of course.

I like Puss since his first appearance in Shrek 2.

I really like Over the Hedge. The music is great and the concept interesting. I remember reading the actual comic strips in the Sunday newspaper and I still have some of them.

While Shrek the Third is not that good, I really liked Artie for some reason. That's why one of the characters from my book Gotxinka is called Artii!

I wasn't much interested in Kung Fu Panda at the beginning, but it grew on me. One afternoon, the second and third movies were on TV, so I watched the first one and then put the other two on TV, binge watching the three!

How to train your dragon was the movie that helped me out of my depression and got me into cosplaying, drawing fancomics and writing fanfiction. And also got me into watching almost everything in English.

I love Megamind and will be forever mad I couldn't watch in on cinemas.

I know people don't like it much, but I find the Puss in Boots movie enjoyable.

I really liked Rise of the Guardians and it's a pity they didn't make more stuff with those characters. I almost cosplayed Toothiana, but did a casual version of her instead.

I couldn't watch The Croods in cinemas either, but I watched it in English a while after and fell in love with it! It's so creative and the relationship of Guy and Eep is so sweet.

I did my hair like Astrid to watch HTTYD2. That version of her outfit is my favorite cosplay of her.

And, of course, Riders of Berk were the first series I watched in full English. I didn't have Netflix when Race to the Edge aired, so I would get up early to watch someone streaming it and I had a blast. I didn't know if I should watch Trollhunters, but I saw a video with Kelsey Grammer and I'm so glad I gave it a try! The show helped me in one of my lowest moments (like HTTYD had done years before).

#dreamworks #me #personal #the road to el dorado #chicken run #shrek #sinbad legend of the seven seas #over the hedge #kung fu panda #httyd #how to train your dragon #megamind #puss in boots #rise of the guardians #the croods #riders of berk #race to the edge #trollhunters

[pastelprince18]

"Hello from Rayman Chibi!

"So you might be wondering why I'm submitting this here. For one thing, it's not entirely normal for me to post sketches of what I've planned out, especially considering my usual art-style, but I've been drawing this at school and I couldn't be any more prouder. However, that's only to cover up the other reason, which is to say that, yes, this contains some Rayman x Rabbid Mario (Punching Pals) content. And spoilers... I actually drew them kissing.

"Now I don't have a Nintendo Switch to play M+R:SoH's Rayman DLC, so to anyone seeing this, this contains NO SPOILERS FROM THE GAME WHATSOEVER. However, it may contain character inaccuracies (both visual-wise & personality-wise) as well as a bit of transphobia under the long 'read more' description, so here we go... Rayman in the Phantom Show but it took place in the Rayman Chibi universe:

"Click on 'read more' for context, but I have to warn you once again that this contains transphobia and a veeeery long type-out.

"Now you might be wondering, 'WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED IN THE FIRST IMAGE????' Well, allow me to explain:

"in my AU, Rayman is transfem and goes by she/her, they/them and even he/him pronouns (I'm not even joking, I'm pretty much one of the first people to outright make a more feminine Rayman and say she's trans and not genderbent), and while normally, it's not questioned or invalidated or anything since it's been pretty much normalized in my AU (since thankfully no one gave me even a slap on the wrist for that), here, this is probably the first time her gender identity was... well, questioned and invalidated.

"When the Rabbids (including Rabbid Mario & Rabbid Peach (as well as all the other playable Rabbids in Sparks of Hope & their DLCs because why not)) arrived, Tom Phan took over in writing the series and made it so that it had the drama of older arcs but better. However, Phan meant to make these events as accurate to the arcs Rayman and friends went through as possible, which yes, meant that Rayman would have to play as a guy all the time.

"However, Rayman isn't comfortable with this and gives Phan a piece of her mind, but Phan refuses to hear it and tells her that she's not supposed to be trans because he's been studying the audience and confirmed that the majority of them liked her as a man, so telling them that she's trans would risk losing a good chunk of her fans, including conservatives and people who were fawning over her. Plus he was like 'hey, femboys exist. Why can't you just be a femboy?' (Because she technically already is, dipshi-)

"This upsets Rayman, and it seems like she's the only one who's being stripped of her identity she's worked so hard on discovering, however, other characters sympathized for her and even plan on taking Phan down because of their creative differences. This is a series about Rayman characters doing dumb things, dang it! Who's to say who can do who (other than the fans)?? This led to other characters helping Rayman feel more welcome in her identity, from her usual friends assuring her that she's valid to the Rabbids not only making her feel more comfortable around them but also helping her rid her trauma to even Rabbid Peach even admitting that she too is a trans woman and even giving Rayman her wig and clothes that Peach herself made to wear for even a little while to feel the gender euphoria that she had. Rabbid Mario also helps in making Rayman feel better by whispering to her things that make her feel valid while on camera with her, and while at first he isn't used to referring her to her identity, he does learn this helps them form a more romantic relationship over time.

"However, it's by the end where Rabbid Mario decided that he's had enough of Phan's shiz, starting the first part of the sketched-out comic. After seeing Rayman protest to Phan one last time by taking off her bandanna and showing him what she's become, witnessing her being chained up and hearing Phan call her something along the lines of a 'deluded fool who doesn't even care for his fans' (interpret that however you want) Rabbid Mario ultimately defends her, saying that she's been struggling to find her identity and that that's just been happening behind closed doors. He then goes to Rayman and attempts to kiss her, but the chains pull her upwards before their lips could even touch.

"The other part happens after Rayman saved the Magician even after finding out his secrets (which I won't entirely be showing, and also Rayman calling the Magician 'Dad' isn't a spoiler; it's actually a callback to an old post I made back in 2021). Rayman asked if she could go see Rabbid Mario before he and the rest of the Rabbids go, to which the Magician obliged. Rayman comes up to Rabbid Mario and gives him a hug, thanking him and the rest of the Rabbids for helping her get the series back. Rabbid Mario takes the thank you for granted and asked if they could 'finish what they'd started' (referring to the attempted kiss in the first part)... and then... finally... they kissed.

"However, it didn't last long as Rayman still isn't used to kissing Rabbids and Rabbid Mario tasted a bit of alcohol on Rayman's lips. However, he does suggest that they do a redo when they see each other again, to which Rayman agreed. Then the Rabbids left. When will they return? Who knows..? Either way, everyone lived happily ever after. The... end..."

- Rayman Chibi _____________

HOLDS U AND HOLDS THIS FUCKING POST THIS FR MADE ME MY NIGHT AHHH!! I KID U NOT I YELLED AND SQUEAL KICKING MY FEET,,,,My god rayman being Transfem and rabbid mario comforting her and loves her for her AGHHHHH *SQUEALS* This is so beautiful chibi this is going on the fridge <33

#submission #rayman chibi #rayman #submeeshiin #rabbid mario #raving rabbids #rayman raving rabbids #mario + rabbids #mario + rabbids: sparks of hope #comic #chibi #chibi art #tom phan #phantom #rayman in the phantom show #rayman x rabbid mario #punching pals #sketch #kiss #the magician #rayman magician #tw transphobes #tw long post

[dokidokitsuna]

I like your Kirby AUs, but I'm very worried about Kirby H, when it will come back? 🥺

Mmmmmm...unfortunately, I don't think you're going to like my answers here. ^^;

On the off-chance that you mean the "animated" mini-series from Youtube, that's definitely dead. The comic dubs fill basically the same niche with a much higher production value and cleaner style; at this point going back to KHA would feel like a downgrade. :T

Now, if you mean what I think you mean-- the slice-of-fantasy-life comedy comic strip series-- I can't say anything definitively, but it's entirely possible that it may never come back. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I'm only using vague language because I did write some KH strips relatively recently-- most notably, the Kirby Fighters series starring MK and Dedede that I admittedly had a lot of fun with. ^^ I could see myself deciding to resurrect that someday...

...Realistically, though, the last time I worked on that was at least 2 years ago. ⚆u⚆ And since then I haven't even had ideas for any more...that one comic I drew with Morpho after Forgotten Land came out, that was the last one. And I wanted to write more at that time, but never came up with any.

So, a series I haven't touched in years, that I don't even think about creatively anymore...to me, both of those things together kinda signal the end of an era. =/ And I've learned from my Flipline Fandom days that when an era ends, it's best not to fight it. (btw, big hello to anyone still here who knows me from back then~)

The character concepts themselves (what I now call "classic KH") will always live in my heart and continue to inform the more modern AUs, as well as Magical Friends. And who knows: maybe the next mainline Kirby game will re-open that old wellspring of creativity. But right now, it's lookin' like the days of drawing silly gijinka chibis goofing around in 3 pages or less are basically gone.

#musings

[apirateslifeforbudgie]

I'm having a bit of a rough time lately...Can't really focus on any writing or one single piece of art for too long - I just keep jumping all around and it is exhausting. So...I just decided to talk about my main character since I'm feeling more comfortable with sharing things about her. And be warned, this will be all over the place as well.

Here is her SBS trivia:

And below the cut are lots and lots and lots (and I mean, a lot) of details of development, fun facts, and further info on my girl.

🌙 Carmen is incredibly morally grey - I place her very firmly as a chaotic neutral.

🌙 Some cute, lighter things before I get in too deep with her character: As a child, she was very much a daddy's girl. She loves to make things; especially jams, wines (jet fuel, save for a lavender wine that is surprisingly pleasant), suncatchers, jewelry, and the occasional tambourine. She can read the stars. She really likes sweets - her favorite flavors being caramel, honey, and cherry. And she really loves peaches - her Devil Fruit was once a peach. As mentioned above, typically in a real-world setting, her mother is from Japan, so Japanese is usually a second language for her, but it hasn't come in One Piece. But she also really loves miso soup, especially when it reminds her of her mother's cooking. Her mother brushing her hair is a very fond memory for her, and she grew it out for her mother - playing with hair is a major sign of affection for her. She really likes the ocean and she misses swimming.

Anyway...

🌙 She won't hesitate to become violent - there's confidence in her abilities that can even overflow to arrogance at times. In fact, Carmen was so similar to Kid, I had to tone some things down. For example, in Gundam, she had the short choppy hair (which she gets at some point in every insert, but more on that later) and she always wore goggles either on her head or around her neck. She was a mobile suit pilot and she loved working on her machinery, so I took the tinkering and mechanic aspect away from her. Although...I do still have an old mechanic pin-up drawing I did a few years back...

🌙 Carmen still thinks robots are cool, though! Didn't take that away from her. She also likes dinosaurs, dragons, comics. Since the only one I'm aware of in One Piece is Sora Warrior the Sea, she's an avid Sora fan and goes straight to the strip whenever the paper drops. She also really likes anything considered scary and strange. She likes to catch spiders, lizards, insects. As mentioned above, she has a fascination with Thriller Bark. Her favorite holiday is Halloween - she loves all things Halloween. In the real world, the Monster Mash is one of her favorite songs.

🌙 Also...in a real-world setting, she fucking loves ALF??? (She's watching ALF all the time in Gundam)

🌙 Beyond her interests and sense of humor, she herself is also incredibly...weird? Strange? Off-putting maybe? Franky will describe her as sketchy earlier on (Wandering Star, episode 5), even as she warms up to everyone, I'm not sure that opinion really goes away.

🌙 Very much a trickster - it's her base for how she functions even later in work and play. If you've read any of Wandering Star, you know she absolutely cannot be trusted - not unless you truly get to know her, at least. But before that, she knows how to read people due to her job and absolutely will use it to her advantage.

🌙 She has ridiculous willpower when it comes to reaching her goals. Originally, she wasn't going to have Conqueror's Haki, but after reading more about it, I realized it would be absolutely fitting for her.

🌙 I kept with my other rules though. No Future Sight, she can't hear the Voice of All Things, and she is not a "D". Her middle name for well over a decade has been Dolores, so I removed it entirely for that purpose. While she is good with Haki because of her upbringing in a powerful kingdom with a Haki-based military and her family being personal friends with the Captain of the Guard who would train her from a young age, she is far less reliant on it now. However, she does often pair observation Haki with her powers, and has pretty much ceased use of armament. Her whole thing is just "don't get hit", which usually works out for her with her speed and precision - but is absolutely not always the case.

🌙 She doesn't like to use shields or wear helmets, even in battle. That was a big thing that came up often in her insertions for Berserk and Gundam. With armor, she just likes to keep everything light.

🌙 She doesn't like to wear shoes. That's just always been a thing with her. She will compromise with some black flats or comfy sneakers though.

🌙 I've noticed she's always incredibly nomadic. In AOT, it was the Survey Corps. In Berserk, she was a mercenary. In Gundam, she was Airborne. She holds rank across the board, too.

🌙 On that note, I'll say she feels very much like a natural-born leader. While she can be crude and cold (often) she still always very much cares for her men, and they give love and loyalty in return. In One Piece, you'll see what she was willing to give just to be sure her men had adequate training (for victory and survival), food, clothing, and shelter. Her and her men are always like a family, that's across the board. They like to sing a lot, especially around their campfires.

🌙 Singing and dancing is something that has carried over for her since I was a child. As much as I hate it, it is a major part of her as a character and has been from the start. In One Piece especially, after certain events you'll see she'll use singing to kinda self-soothe (also I've noticed when she sings, unless she's performing, it's always sad songs or love songs???), and dancing is very freeing for her. In stories across the board, she's always working at a club of some kind that leads into the main story. For Berserk, it was pretty much the same as One Piece when the Band of the Hawk came through. In Gundam, she was working in a far sleezier little place, stole a cop car to attempt to drift it to try to impress a guy and got arrested - with current world events, they gave her the option of prison or military. She chose military and went on to become a Major, and yes, at least one war crime was committed on her part. To further illustrate her brand of violence even from back then, there was one scene after she had just lost one of her men where she stepped on ground soldiers with her mobile suit, smearing a few of them.

🌙 The pilot thing always carries over in some way shape or form. If it's not a mobile suit or an aircraft, it will be a black Jeep or a black horse. In One Piece, she will come to find she adores sailing ships.

🌙 Another really big thing that will always carry over across the board is at some point, she will lose her hair. In Berserk, she willingly cuts it off out of grief. In Gundam, her hair is already short for the main story, and you get the event in a backstory OVA. For One Piece, I know exactly when it happens. Which, across the board, it is devastating because of how special hair seems to be for her.

🌙 Also for appearance, her weight can tend to slightly fluctuate as well. In the main story for Gundam, her stomach has a bit of softness. During WS, she's very toned, bathes often. Post-WS she's still fit, but her stomach is softer, she doesn't bathe as often (maybe every 3 days). Some TMI, she's not a dancer anymore, so she doesn't have to keep everything clean-shaven down there, and she doesn't. In WS, her scent was like a sweet spicey vanilla amber on her skin and flowery/fruity for her hair. After WS, she just smells like sea salt and her captain. Even though she has a pretty bad scar between her shoulder blades (that's new for her) she will probably get the moon phase tattoo down her back that she had in Gundam.

🌙 Aside from appearance, there are plenty of core story elements that have always and forever carried over and translated to the worlds, but I think that's all I'm willing to give for now while I'm actually posting Wandering Star.

🌙 For some more character development info: If you've been following me, you've probably seen me mention a handful of times I've had Carmen since kindergarten. My first memory of her is on the playground and she was a VeggieTales OC at the time (can you believe???) But her first full, actual insertion was Sonic the Hedgehog when I was in second grade. Fun fact: her eyes are still purple to this day because of her Sonic insert.

🌙 On that note, while she's gone through many changes and developments over the past couple of decades, you will see plenty other artifacts still shining through from her inspos. Esmeralda from Hunchback of Notre Dame was one to the point where it permanently affected part of her style (fully, depending on the world. But I love her One Piece insert because it somehow let her two distinct styles come together and kinda fuse).

🌙 If you've read episode 2 of Wandering Star, her meeting everyone was based off Esmeralda's dance, and even her family house words "Let Justice Be Done" spill over from that character. And those house words have been used in multiple inserts. Though I will say, over the years I've noticed she's developed her own darker sense of justice. Oh, also the Thane family crest carried over from Berserk (it's just Skull Knight's sigil - don't tell anyone).

🌙 Another huge impact for developing her to who she is today was Lara Croft (I was just...so into Lara Croft as a child...all the Tomb Raider games...man) - that whole 'tough girl' thing has stuck, but more importantly, it was the beginning of her dual wielding that was solidified with her Attack on Titan insert. Between the two, I've had her current fighting style for a while and was delighted when I saw how similar it was to Killer's own fighting style. Fun fact: when I make her in video games, I play as her - go for the choices she would make, the armor she would wear, the weapons she would use. In my thousand plus hours of Monster Hunter World/Iceborne and Rise/Sunbreak, I have only touched dual blades for serious gameplay.

🌙 Beyond dual-wielding, duality is a major character element of her I have picked up on over the years - how she's incredibly cold-blooded and brutal with enemies, but how she has such a sweet and devoted loyalty and a gentle heart for those she loves. I noticed duality even manifested itself with her power use in the world of One Piece, even as far as the attack names themselves in the form of a big scary word and a really pretty word (i.e. Eschaton Aurora). That's how it goes for all of her attacks, except one that isn't an attack - it's the softer, loving side of her power use and it's called Honeymoon, though it's never really said. So, there ya go.

🌙 Even further, she always has twins - Rae and Ciri (Raemond and Cirilla). BUT! Interestingly enough, if (and that's a really big IF) she reproduces in the world of One Piece, it'll just be a boy instead of the twins that's she's been having for over two decades. Which...i can't figure out why...But! I do have a name chosen for him! However, I came into this planning to kill her off before she reproduces - it was a rule when I gave in to her insertion. Think I'll just let things play out like I always do.

Anyway...that's enough for now. If you made it this far...wow. All I can say is I hope you like her! I realize she won't be for everyone, but that's okay! Her and her stories keep me going.

#one piece #one piece oc #one piece original character #my oc #original character #wandering star #carmen amsel #oc: carmen #one piece fanfiction

[wolame-o-ccx]

would genuinely love to see your process for sketching out your comics!! ive wanted to make my own but i have never really figured out the process and end up overwhelmed- and you're one of the folks who makes stuff in a style that I kinda draw close to, and u do ur comics with pencil and paper- so if you wouldn't mind in the future, it'd be really cool to see how you actually get everything planned :)

This ask is so cute :( probably genuinely the biggest compliment I've ever received! Well, no waiting in the future! I'll tell you now what happens behind the scenes! :)

SO FIRSTLY, I'd like to clarify I am in no way a professional or even close to one, I never even looked up how to do comics, I just kinda do them and use what I've read from DC comics and Pinterest tips.

But! Personally, I find that making comics is fun and that's what I strive on. I won't lie when I say my comics are pretty bland, the surroundings are empty and lame but I think the character's expressions and body language make up for it, and especially the script. So altogether in this post, I'll be breaking down how my comics are made!

↓↓↓ if you're interested, open up the full post!

1 - Scripting

In both dialogue and character detail/placing!

I use a notes app for when I get ideas!

* I usually don't do specific dialogue, only stating the idea and then coming up with dialogue in my head, but there are some exceptions where I do write down pre-thought-out dialogues you can see in the examples I put below!

With the idea / dialogue in tow, we can go to character detail / placing. I don't know the actual word for it but basically how the character acts in a specific scene / dialogue!

Character expression is especially important when it comes to any type of art, be it comics or animation as it can tell a story with little to no dialogue!

* panels taken from 1 and 2 for context

From here you can clearly tell their expressions well! Be sure to exaggerate!

2 - Limit planning

With Tumblr's 10 images limit, as well as Instagram if you post there, it's important to note that limit and know when to end the comic with a good panel where it doesn't feel like it's supposed to continue UNLESS you're making two parts!

I can't tell you how many times I've ruined my sketchbook papers trying to get a perfect script but I've been doing it long enough that my brain has adapted to the limit and every comic I've done since adapting had been a perfect ≤10.

But even if you decide to go with two (or maybe even more) parts, you should make sure it ends well still! Like a book! Those spaces between paragraphs and chapters and such!

Take these for examples too!

* panels taken from 1 and 2 for context

So treat it like a book! I guess ?

3 - Panel placement

This isn't a necessity, but my personal way of drawing each panel is having it scattered around randomly around my sketchbook. I don't use strips or anything like that as it restricts me because using strips on paper is a whole lot harder than on digital. Because I have such a wide area to draw, I'm less restricted from drawing any excess things I want to add in case my dialogue doesn't fit the panel or so!

4 - Draw

Now to put it all together and make the comic! I usually already have my vision in mind so I can just go draw it without a light sketch layer, but I do recommend it!

What that is is essentially a sketch but drawn like.. your pencil is hovered above the page? Like you don't press down on it or something like that. Basically a guideline! So do that if you need it, and when you're satisfied with how it looks, you can draw it! And make sure it's clear!

After that, it's just picture and post! (Make sure you crop it right tho!)

4.5 - BONUS / TIPS

When I started posting Belos drawings, I never expected it to get any attention or even end up as a whole AU 😭 I just drew him in a babygirl hoodie and people ate that shit up so now it's an AU 💀 and because of that you need to prepare personalized tags!

Tags like pitmdau or sharing caleb au ! Very very useful for navigation

More important than tags, make sure you have a Masterpost!

I'm aware mine are unfinished and very messy and I'm trying to work on that right now but it's very difficult but people really need it so when making Masterposts, YOU HAVE KEEP UP WITH IT. I slacked of for ONE POST and now it's a mess.

Also another important note you can only put 100 links in one post so you have to make more Masterposts to navigate through the comics 😭

5 - Have fun!

When getting into comic making, I think really the most important thing to keep in mind is your enjoyment in making said comics. Sometimes some things can burn you out very quickly so when you're getting into things like this, especially when you're not getting paid, you gotta make sure you have fun doing it. It doesn't matter if it doesn't get a lot of traction or not, it only matters that you are enjoying making and posting them!

I've experienced MULTIPLE burn outs from making too many comics for my TOH AUs that at some point I just completely died and lacked motivation. But what drives me into making them are other people's enjoyment! Their enjoyment gives me enjoyment which gives me motivation to make more. Someday I'll know the AUs I've created will inevitably be over, at some point, but right now I'm just having fun with the small community I've built!

So make comics, and have fun!

I hope this was helpful in any way. I just want to clarify that, again, this is my way of making comics, and you don't have to follow anything I put into the post. I'm mostly hoping this was easy to understand as well. I'm more of a visual learner so making up the words to make this was kinda hard so I'm sorry if some parts didn't make sense. If anything, feel free to hit me with another ask or a PM! I know me not posting seems like I'm inactive but I promise I check Tumblr frequently 😭

Happy posting!!! :3

#asks #pitmdau #sharing caleb au #masterpost