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mysteryshoptls · 7 months

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SSR Rollo Flamme - Student Council President Robes Vignette

"...How carefree."

[Noble Bell College – Bell Tower Interior]

Rollo: Sigh… There is a slight chill. In addition, the sun is rising later as each day passes.

Rollo: Heh… This is a wonderful season. The time I must spend exchanging idle prattle with my idiotic classmates grows shorter.

Rollo: Now, before everyone awakens, I will do what I can to fulfill my duties.

Rollo: …And it would be a nuisance if I were to be spotted by those irritating bunch, as well.

[Noble Bell College – Bell Tower Upstairs]

[gargoyles clanking around]

Rollo: AUGH, SILENCE! You blasted gargoyles.

Rollo: All your merry romping is completely undignified. Can you not settle down for even a single moment?

[gargoyles happily clanking around]

Rollo: Ugh, yes, I will be sure to tend to you all next weekend. After all, I cannot tolerate abandoning a task that I have taken on.

Rollo: If you understand, then leave me be. I have more important matters to attend to.

[gargoyles clank away]

Rollo: …Finally, they've left. Good grief, they are indeed a troublesome group.

Rollo: It is repulsive enough that they operate on magic, but they are much worse in conjunction with all that atrocious noise...

Rollo: If their whole purpose of existence were not to protect the bell tower, I would have long ignored those hunks of stone.

Rollo: …Would you not agree, dear Bell of Salvation?

Rollo: Heheh. You are as beautiful as ever today.

Rollo: How wonderful it would be if everyone were just like you.

Rollo: You ring when you should ring and are silent when you should be silent. Nothing could be more appropriate and certain.

Rollo: …Ah. The sun will rise soon.

Rollo: I should finish cleaning before the bell ringers arrive.

Rollo: Please bestow upon us your beautiful resounding tones again today, dear Bell of Salvation.

[Noble Bell College – Courtyard]

Rollo: It's finally time for lunch.

Rollo: This should be a good distance away so I would not have to suffer the prattling of those unpleasant mages. I shall rest here…

???: Oh, President, here you are!

Rollo: Hm?

Vice President: I was searching for you, Rollo-kaichō. Why are you eating your lunch all the way out here?

Rollo: Oh, it's you…

Vice President: I see you're having bread for lunch. I never see you in the cafeteria, so I had no idea.

Rollo: That's right.

Rollo: 2 croissants and 16 singular grapes, as well as one cup of café au lait.

Rollo: That's all. That is my lunch every single day, 365 days a year.

Vice President: Eh, every day? YOU HAVE THE SAME THING FOR LUNCH EVERY DAY!?

Rollo: With a strict routine, I am able to forgo any unnecessary desires. It is rather refreshing. I wholeheartedly recommend you try it as well.

Vice President: I-I don't think I could do it. I'd probably get tired of the same stuff quickly.

Rollo: …How unfortunate that you are not a kindred spirit. More importantly, you had some business of me?

Vice President: Ah, right. Your professor was searching for you just a moment ago.

Vice President: It sounds like they wanted your permission to publish in a newspaper the essay you wrote on your impressions of that one book.

Rollo: A newspaper? …You wouldn't happen to be referring to the "Shaftlands News," that I read for my morning paper, would you?

Vice President: That's right. It's absolutely amazing that you'll be featured in such a big newspaper! That's Rollo-kaichō for you!

Vice President: I also heard that you were the only one who received a perfect score on the Potionology test in today's class.

Rollo: Hmph. It's nothing of import.

Vice President: No need to be so humble! Why, just the other day, you even brought to bloom a water blossom that is said to be very difficult to cultivate. The professors were very impressed.

Vice President: I truly hold you in high regard. There is no other mage at this school that has as much exceptional expertise as you!

Rollo: Is that so? …How ironic.

Vice President: Is something the matter?

Rollo: Nothing of concern. Rather, thank you for your message. Sorry to have caused you trouble.

Vice President: Not at all! But since I'm here, could I take lunch with you?

Rollo: …Well, I am just about done eating. I will be heading right to the professor's office now.

Rollo: Forgive me, but I must head out. We can partake in lunch together some other time.

Vice President: Alright. Then, we'll do it some other time!

[Noble Bell College – Lecture Hall]

Rollo: …How carefree. Why would he speak to me so familiarly, when he cannot even understand my thoughts…?

Rollo: Ah, but there is no time to dwell on that. I must head towards the staff room.

[City of Flowers]

[enters store]

Rollo: Hello.

Rollo: …Yes, that's correct. I would like to order the usual letterhead and envelope. Yes, one of the white ones.

Rollo: …Heh, I agree. Even if it may be considered an anachronism, I believe letters are wonderful tools.

Rollo: It may not be as convenient as sending an e-mail or making a phone call, but with more care and thought placed into each word, one can avoid any careless language.

Rollo: Hm? There is a cheaper stationary set similar to this one, from a different maker? …No, I am perfectly content with my usual fare.

Rollo: I could not bring myself to change the physical appearance of the letter after writing them for so long. I prefer to keep my things consistent and orderly, after all.

Rollo: …Yes, indeed. Thank you for everything, as always. Goodbye.

[leaves store]

Rollo: …A superb shopkeeper. As one would expect from a resident of the city that the Righteous Judge loved so.

Rollo: As a student of Noble Bell College, I must strive to be just as noble.

Rollo: …This city is a pleasant place to reside. The people are amiable, and the scenery is fantastic.

Rollo: However, all these beautiful flowers were originally cultivated with magic…

Rollo: Flowers… Magic…

Rollo: Mheh… Hehehe… Hehehehe…

Goat: Baa, baa.

Rollo: Hm, a goat, is it? What do you hope to gain from nestling up against me?

Rollo: Perhaps you are hungry. Unfortunately, I don't have anything that you could eat.

Rollo: If you are hoping for me to feed you, you would be better off finding someone else…

Goat: Baaa～

Rollo: What? …Are you attempting to snatch my stationary!?

Rollo: How vile… No, you cannot have it. I am very partial to this specific stationary.

Rollo: Moreover, eating paper will cause you digestive issues. I shan't think any less of you. You should give u… Hey, let go this instance!

Goat: Baaa～～

Rollo: You wretched goat! If you do not release my papers, I will have to just…!

Rollo: Ah. No, there are too many people who may see…

Rollo: If you weren't a creature cherished by this city, I wouldn't hesitate to send you flying.

Rollo: Consider this a narrow escape.

Goat: BAAA!

Rollo: Don't you dare gnaw on my robe! I may find the City of Flowers to be spectacular in and of itself, however I cannot approve of these unsanitary conditions.

[Noble Bell College – Student Board Room]

Rollo: "In conclusion, I am doing as well as ever. My best wishes to you both, as well." …

Rollo: …Perhaps that is a tad too formal.

Rollo: No matter. It is enough for my parents to hear that I am doing well here.

Rollo: They have always been worrisome…

Rollo: Much too worrisome… Ever since…

Rollo: …

Rollo: The fire…

Rollo: …

Rollo: …Well. I suppose I could provide additional updates in the letter.

Rollo: I'm certain I will be unable to fall asleep sufficiently tonight, at any rate. I'll continue revising it as much as possible.

Rollo: I have nothing but time, after all…

Requested by @raven-at-the-writing-desk.

#twisted wonderland #twst #rollo flamme #twst rollo #twst translation #twst glorious masquerade

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pendarling · 2 months

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Bracelet Exchanges

"What's this supposed to mean?" Hero raised the bracelet to eye level and took in the smooth braided leather attached to a small bell.

Sidekick smiled sweetly, "Aww, who gave it to you?~" Their thumb ran along it. "It's a tradition during the festival that when someone likes you they'll give you a bracelet." They played with the bell. "And listen to that sound!"

They didn't get it, probably because this was Hero's first time attending the festival. They've never heard of a tradition like this, but whatever Sidekick said was likely true. In that case, Hero felt flattered to have been approached by a stranger and given the beautifully decorated piece.

The duo walked around for some time until Sidekick paused in their step. "Augh… maybe I shouldn't have drank so much at the cafe…"

Hero looked around and spotted a bathroom, "I'll wait for you out here. Why don't you use the restroom?"

"Ugh… my bladder is about to burst. Make sure not to get lost without me." They called back as they walked toward the door of the small building.

Hero watched them as they left, their eyes concentrating on the door until they could see Sidekick again. Hopefully, they didn't take too long. Sidekick had a habit of staring into the mirror for longer than needed.

A heavy weight landed on Hero's shoulder, and they snapped out of their thoughts, "You look lost." A familiar smile appeared, and Hero took a step back.

"Villain?"

"The one and only." They pointed at themselves confidently.

"Wh-what're you doing here?"

As if offended, Villain scoffed at them and dismissed their question, that cunning smile making its reappearance again, "Y'know, I had a feeling you'd be here, some stupid arrangement like this could easily lure the good little citizen in you right out."

Hero frowned at their comment; they made it seem like they were a lot more susceptible than expected. "I'm not easy to lure…" They grumbled, annoyed.

Villain aimlessly let their eyes explore their surroundings. "Really? Because right now there's hardly anyone around to notice you're dissaaperance."

Hero clicked their tongue, "This place is full of people."

"It's a lot more psychological, Hero. I'm more likely to get away with a crime solely based on the assumption that no one will step in to help you."

Hero looked at them, puzzled.

"The bystander effect. Search it up."

Their adversary had a bizarre way of making jokes; they sarcastically laughed and turned away. Just how long was Sidekick going to fix their hair? The door poured out dozens of other guests; children buzzed around with balloons and colourful hula hoops too big for most of them to utilize.

It was a summer afternoon and, by the looks of it, midday. Hero wiped the sweat from their forehead. They couldn't blame Sidekick for taking that many drinks, they supposed; it was sweltering out here.

The bracelet on their wrist chimed at the motions of their hand. Villain, who had been quietly observing them, took note of the small leather band. Their hand instinctively grabbed Hero's arm. "And what do we have here?" Hero turned their attention back at Villain. Their interest was piqued all over again, "Looks like our hero has an admirer now, hm?" They sneered.

Even though Villain's remarks were usually playful, this moment felt a bit… guarded. Hero was slightly put off before recovering their voice, "What? It's just a dumb thing." They pulled their hand away.

It didn't look like Villain took too kindly to being disregarded; their demeanour changed, and they crossed their arms. "Fine. Keep that shitty toy if it makes you happy."

Hero only shrugged but didn't notice Villain had already walked away until it was too late.

Sidekick had returned by then and looked the same as when they left. For whatever reason, keeping Sidekick busy for ten minutes had done Hero a favour.

"You're back."

Sidekick seemed much refreshed as they adjusted their clothes, "Yeah, there was a lineup in there. I'm just lucky there was still toilet paper."

The sun still beat down on them; Hero squinted in the distance, partially looking for shade and partly searching for Villain. They didn't like their abrupt departure; it wasn't like their usual self to leave without saying goodbye.

"Wanna get lunch?" Hero began walking toward the scent of food.

"Yesss, please." Sidekick patted their stomach, "I'm starving." They came up along the fence of the festival, a row of food stalls of all kinds stretched down the walkway.

The formation that they were sorted into allowed guests to be served from both sides of each food stall. Luckily, the city thought ahead and duplicated certain popular foods like the deep-fried corndogs, fries, and ice cream stalls several times around the area.

"Oooh… I'm thinking pizza." Sidekick said they waited for Hero's response.

The pizzas sold here were always larger than average, and Hero didn't have as big of an appetite as Sidekick. They glanced around for a second option. "I think I'll just get a poutine."

Sidekick pulled out their wallet and gave them ten. "They sell the good orange juice there, Hero pleeease get me one." They pushed the cash into their hand. "Keep the change."

"Ah, no, I'm not taking your money." They handed it back to them.

Sidekick shoved it in their direction again, "Just take it, just take it."

"No, I can't-- I can pay for your drink."

"I don't need it, it's extra change; pocket money."

Hero shook their head rapidly, but Sidekick eventually won and spun on their heel into the crowd as soon as they ensured Hero's grip on the note was firm.

"Sidekick!" their voice was chased away by the noise of the crowd. They might as well go along with what they were asked.

When Hero eventually made it to the stall, they spotted Villain again, as if they were in no way a threat to the other citizens. Their eyes met, and Hero had discreetly pushed their bracelet up their arm and out of view.

Villain beckoned them over. They were unsure if they should bravely face them, but now that Villain knew for sure Hero had seen them, it wasn't like they could leave.

"Waiting to eat too?"

"Just felt a little hungry." Hero mumbled.

They chuckled, "We have the same eating schedule, huh?" They grabbed their arm and pulled Hero into line with them.

"Villain, I can't step in front of other people." They hesitantly tried leaving, but Villain kept them close.

"Don't worry about it, these people will get their turn eventually. What's a few extra minutes gonna do?"

They didn't want to say they were surprised at all when Villain paid for their lunch and even for Sidekick's drink, but they were undoubtedly flattered to have it happen. They set it down on a nearby table and packed in the bottled orange juice and bill into their bag.

Hero shyly thanked them, although they knew Villain's eyes still stared harshly at the little leather bracelet. They honestly had forgotten about its significance, but Villain had made their point pretty clear earlier, so it should've been a sign.

"No need to thank me, consider it a gift." They reached out, and Hero flinched, "I'm not going to kill you, Hero." They laughed and took their other hand, slipping on a small chain bracelet.

They stood awkwardly, too intimidated to leave but unwilling to stay. "What's this?"

"You don't know anything about this tradition?" Villain grinned widely; a sort of satisfied realization must've hit them. They weren't sure what the deal was with every other person expecting Hero to know so much from what little information they'd been given.

"Why are you asking me like I'm supposed to be taking an exam afterwards?" They closed their bag and swung it back over their shoulders. Villain couldn't believe it. Hero wasn't even aware of the implications behind the bracelet. They didn't mind a little obliviousness from their rival as long it kept them entertained.

They licked their lips excitedly, "Enjoy your lunch, and don't take that off until the end of the day." Hero curiously stared at them for further insight, but Villain had only left them to their own devices as they made their way out of view.

As Hero returned to the pizza parlour, they found Sidekick sitting at a table under the shade of a tree. "Oh, thank God," Sidekick took the bottle from them and immediately rested their cheek against the calm exterior. "You're my saving grace, Hero." They reached an arm out to them, "I wanna tell you a secret." They leaned in as Hero pulled out their poutine and a wooden fork. "I honestly only came to this festival for the food and drinks."

Hero laughed, "You're so predictable." They took a bite and recalled the cash still in their bag, "Sidekick," They pulled it out and handed it to them.

"What? You're paying me back?'

They shook their head and swallowed whatever was left, "No, I--" they stopped themselves, "uh-- a kind stranger, paid for our stuff." If Sidekick knew they ran into Villain, they would worry. They couldn't have that while they were enjoying time together; it would ruin their day. Besides, Hero was always away at work; they might as well not make their break day about it.

Sidekick didn't mind much attention to what they said aside from slowly nodding as they drank from the bottle. They set it down and watched Hero for a few extra seconds, "You got a new bracelet."

They pointed at their wrist. Hero redirected their eyes to the silver chain. "Oh, yeah."

"Wow~ even as a citizen you're still popular with the public."

Hero smiled softly; if, in this scenario, Villain had counted as a regular person, then it would be true. "I wonder why it's different though." They played with it.

Sidekick pulled out their phone, "Give me a second. I wanna know too."

"Not even the all-knowing Sidekick has an answer?" Hero nudged them slightly with their foot, and Sidekick pushed them back in response.

"Shut up. I know that the leather one means they like you. Or loyalty, or something."

Sidekick looked up from the screen. "Okay sooo…" They scrolled, "There's a wooden bracelet that means desire to marry, a black one with a red stone is lust."

Hero scooted closer to Sidekick and tried to decipher what they could from the screen. "Where's the chain?"

Sidekick sat up, "Hold on. I can't see with your hair in the way." They watched Sidekick's eyes dart left and right as they read the page, "Okay, so the chain one basically means all three."

"All three?"

"Who the hell gave you that?" They took Hero's wrist, disbelief written on their face as they studied it. "Geez, they must have it bad for you. There's only like a hundred of these in the city."

Their eyes widened. "They aren't sold?"

Sidekick shook their head, "Tradition says you gotta give it away to another person. When you do find someone you like you gotta hand it to somebody new so they can give it to their love interest next, never sell."

Hero blushed deeply. They didn't consider that Villain might've liked them like that. Maybe they were naturally born stupid at blatant advances. "Oh…" they played with their hair, their other hand working at the fries around the gravy, too swept up in their thoughts to properly eat. Maybe they'd see Villain again, and next year, they'd give them a chain bracelet, too. It was only fair that they expressed their gratitude in some form.

~~~ MASTERLIST

#mutual pining #enemies to lovers #fluff prompt #heroxvillain #villainxhero #hero x villain community #hero x villain #villain x hero #pining #pining prompts #jealousy prompts

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yourlocalstranger123 · 1 year

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Hi! its me again.do u write for the side characters too?if yes can u do a hc of how they would react if a really short MC can pick them up?if u don't write them can u do it for the bros btw can I be ✨anon?thx in advance!

YES! hiii ✨️ anon!

Obey me! x short! Reader

How do they react to short! MC picking them up?

Damn, you're hella strong.

[Part 1]

Part 2 (side characters)

Sorry in advance, some of the pictures idk who they came from.

Characters: obey me, brothers.

Bold is reader. (Reader is like dominant)

Warning; long, slight begging(light), good boy mentions, VERY VERY SLIGHT sussy, ¡!cringe!¡ (I need help with my life)

Note; the picture is an example/how they look like. You'll understand when you read one of them.

~Oldest to youngest~

LUCIFER

Twitter artist: kuso_gk666

Lucifer was in his office as usual, doing work. Although today would be his last day of his pride.

"Luci! You promised me you would sleep!"

"Ah, sorry dear. Just few more papers, I'll go to sleep."

You knew he wouldn't only do a few papers.

"Luci, you don't want me to do this."

"Pfft, what are you gonna do? Pick me up?"

As he said smirking, looking down to you. 'Your just too short' He thought.

"Yes."

"Wha—"

He flinched when he didn't feel his feet on the ground. He looked at you baffled. His face was red as his eyes. He didn't expect that!

"P– put me down now!"

"Awww, did someone's pride been broken into pieces by short little me~?"

You gave him a smirk, snarking at him. His face was so easy to read. He really thought you could do nothing because of your height? Oh he was so wrong. You went on the bed but did not let go.

"[Name], were already on the bed. Put me down already!"

You wouldn't let go that easily now would you?

"Say the special word then."

He was confused. 'What special word?' He thought.

"Hah...I guess I just have to tell you. Beg."

He was bewildered by your response. He tried covering his face but you grap his wrists so he couldn't cover his face.

"I guess I'm not letting you go now."

He doesn't want you to let go He looked away, hesitantly....

"Please.....[name]?"

Augh- that hit you right in the heart. You let go of him, slowly putting him on the bed. Putting the blankets over him.

"Good boy. Now that wasn't so hard is it?—"

He felt the smirk on his hand that was covering your mouth.

"Sh- shut. Let's just go to sleep."

Now you do it every time he does this. He always expects this. His face shows annoyance but you knew...He loves it

MAMMON

Twitter artist: kurekachan

Note; well I didn't originally found this on Twitter, I was on Reddit and I saw the art and in the comments, the person who posted it linked the artist and told me it was in Twitter and the account. I didn't press the link so if I was wrong I am so sorry

"Pfft, wow. Never thought I would see the great Mammon get tied hanging upside-down."

"H– hey!.....augh, lets not talk about this, let me down!"

You didn't budge and just looked straight in the eyes. He knew what you wanted, you wanted him to beg for it.

".....please, pretty please [name]!"

You quickly untied him but he still didn't feel his feet touch the ground. You were carrying him! Just how??? You were so short!

"Let's go shopping, yeah?"

His eyes brighten up, although the tip of his ears is still bright red.

"Are you gonna let me down now?"

You didn't awnser and just ran out of the door.

Rumor was that there was a speedy midget carrying someone to the mall with the avatar of greed

He wonders why you bought some bunny ears.

LEVIATHAN

Twitter artist obm_kuki

You guys wanted to go home, play some video games and watch anime. But Levi got a twisted ankle from running too fast and tripping, and this is how you got here.

"I can still walk!"

"With what workable leg."

"My right one!"

"...you damn know that you cannot walk unless you drag yourself right?"

"...."

"Hahh....I guess I gotta—"

*swoop*

"AaaAAaAH?!"

You made a mental reminder to buy some earplugs. Damn you almost needed a docter-

"P- put me down!"

"No. You have a twisted ankle AND no one is literally Here beside us so no one is gonna see us. Jeez."

"Fine...."

*later*

"PFFT AHAHAHAHAHAHA, I CANT— BREA- BREATHE!" Asmodeus was laying down, gasping for air. While the other brothers were trying to not laugh. Attempt failed Apparently, your other friend (me 🤭) posted you two on media, and Asmodeus saw it.

Now Levi is in his room, not even budging when hearing a conversation about ruri - Chan or his beloved video games. Although he did want to just bust down the door when he heard you talking about a new game. He is the one who is supposed to do that with you! My, my! So jealous

Perhaps he would come outside if you come in his room and convince him?

SATAN

Damn....Satan may have mistaken your alcohol as water.

Welp! It's your responsibility, not mine! Cya—

"Hgnh....[name] don't go!~"

Great. He can't correctly walk anymore, and if I leave him alone he'll destroy everything if something goes wrong! What did you do shortie? You picked him up.

"Ah— oh! Pfft, why are you picking me up? What? Am I a cat or something? Haha!"

You can smell the awful smell of alcohol from him.

*later that day*

"Why is Satan screaming and running around? And why is he red?" Beel asked, concerned also because he could destroy everything. And the kitchen!

"Well apparently [name] picked him up but he kept bothering them. So [name] decided to prank them when he gets sober up. [Name] put him in a maid dress with cat ears and tail, then they made a video. And Satan remembers when [name] picked him up." Lucifer told beel, as he glared at the laughing Asmodeus.

Yeah, Asmodeus didn't go unharmed well he did since he can't get his precious skin get damaged! but the area around him didn't.

Video;

"You like the outfit hm?"

Yeah! I- its like a cat!"

His word slurred but you still understood.

"Can you say that you won't ever drink anything that's mine without permission?"

"AhEm, I won't ever drink anything that's yours without permission!"

"Good boy—"

Satan turned it off quickly. Embarrassed, he still remembers so vividly of the warmth of your hand on his face. How he felt when you said 'good boy.'

ASMODEUS

Obey me

It's his birthday! You wanted to take a picture of him. After you took the picture you noticed he didn't move.

"Hey, let's go. We don't wanna miss your party now do we?"

"Of course darling! It's just....I think my leg gave out on me—

oh– oh my!"

"This fits you as a pReTtY LiTtLe PriNcEsS."

"H- hey!...well that was pretty funny"

You smirked at his confession. You could never get tired of his beautiful smile.

"But I didn't expect you were so strong but yet so short!"

"...."

'Damn....he was right though' you thought.

You both went in the party, it was truly a good day. Soon to be a good night. He surely would have a beautiful lustful smile.

BEELZEBUB

Twitter artist: SnailTato

You saw him in strength many times. Now you wonder how strong you were! And thats how you and Beel got here.

"[Name], I don't think this is a good idea though. Are you sure?"

"Yup! I am NOT gonna go back to my words. Heh."

You had to do some convincing that you wouldn't be squished by him. He shut his eyes then he jumped, he felt arms carrying him. He opened his eyes and saw you....how??? You were so short though! And He was huge!

"See! I'm strong enough!"

*later*

Beel was piggy-back riding on you, Diavolo was impressed by your strength! Luci was very, very concerned. He was ready to put a safety magic spell just for in case. You also gifted Beel pocky sticks. But he was still hungry, for your warmth. Maybe you could hold his hands/body in a different way hm?

BELPHEGOR

Deviantart artist: il-lumee

You were so tired of waking up and seeing belphie sleeping on the floor beside you with a pillow and a blanket. Like seriously! If you wanted to sleep near our wonderful, darling [name] then just sleep on the bed not the floor and if there's no space just wake them up.

As much it was rather cute, but still no.

The next day, you stayed awake but pretended to sleep. You heard the door creaking and a loud

*thud!*

He fell didn't he....you stood up and walked to him. He woke up but still half asleep. Until he saw your face and didn't feel the ground.

He jolted

"Stop moving around, where did this sudden burst of energy from the avatar of sloth, you sleepy head."

Well how do you feel when you see a shortie picking you up!

You set him on the bed, you spoon him.

(He probably likes being the big and small spoon)

He sighs. Well, at least he doesn't have to sleep on the hard floor just to be next to you. He falls asleep as he snuggles closer to you.

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sabertoothwalrus · 2 years

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eep sorry if youve been asked this, but when u go abt drawing bgs for ur comics, do u look up references or use imagination, and how do u practice drawing bgs for storyboards rather than illustrations? im rlly not sure where to start, and i feel like a lot of advice focuses on rendering bgs rather than it feeling ~lived in~ or actively being used or augh not sure how to say!!

hhhh ok this is something I am also still in the process of trying to figure out, and I am not a professional storyboard artist so I will attempt to answer to the best of my ability.

when it comes to storyboards, the amount of detail bgs will have during the boards phase will depend largely on both the studio AND the specific production. some 3D shows will have a render of a commonly used room the board artists can angle around for their shots. Adventure Time boards tended to be pretty loose, while the Owl House boards are EXCEPTIONALLY clean. DTVA seems to have bgs created in a several step process, and I'm not exactly sure of the timeline, but I know they have vis dev artists that do more illustrative, conceptual drawings to get the vibe, then the board artists draw out what general angles will actually be used, then layout artists/bg designers who actually go in and DRAW those bgs and add in all the little details, and THEN the colorist comes in and...colors it. I don't think every studio distributes the work in this same way. Not every studio is going to want board artists to draw clean backgrounds, but MOST will get pissed if you refuse to draw them at all djfhgdjf

If you want some tips about adding small details, this has some really useful advice.

I don't add lighting or grayscale values to my comics unless it's important to the tone/clarity, and I think that's generally the case with boards too (at least for TV, I don't know as much about boarding for feature). Here's some advice about adding lighting.

^ here's a bg I put a little more effort into than usual. I referenced some images of thrift shops I pulled up on duck duck go, some of my own memories of thrift shops I've been to, and even went on the shiftythrifting tumblr. This was just a silly comic I knew I'd be posting on tumblr rather than a serious board, so it didn't matter to me if it was perfectly clean or not. some of the shapes are... vague. and loose. but who cares sdjhfjd I think (?) it conveys the concept that this is a thrift shop.

^ for THIS comic I wanted imply hunter crowded them in the bathroom to "talk in private" which felt like a very 16 year old thing to do + there were already some nifty references of the Noceda's bathroom. and listen I know it's not perfect. I didn't draw ANY perspective guides, did more trial and error than I probably needed to, the cabinet is WAY too high. (even in the original, why is this bathroom so spacious???? why is the toilet so far from the wall where the toilet paper is???) but even with all the mistakes, it doesn't matter! no one probably noticed while watching. you see it so briefly, and your attention is still focused on the characters.

I'd say the main thing when drawing bgs for storyboarding & comics is to focus on Perspective and Composition above all else. It's ok to be loose, but make sure you still have Clarity. Be mindful of proportion ("how big is this character in comparison to the objects around them?") and angles ("if this is a low angle, shouldn't I be seeing the ceiling/sky?") etc etc because even if you know you won't be drawing it perfectly, it helps to still have it in mind.

#art help #perspective #backgrounds #comics #storyboarding #photos

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kitcatttt · 6 days

Text

Serious post.

Hi guys. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear from me considering my last post, and no, I’m not back permanently, but there is something I feel I need to make a post about.

Disclaimer: Do not harass the user mentioned in this post, I do not wish any harm onto them.

If you have been in the TPC community since January of this year, you know about the drama involving the user Cintagonisupset. If you’ve been keeping up with his blog (only reason I have is because I do 100% expect him to make another post about me and/or my friends) you would have seen one, or both of these posts.

Now, you might be wondering, why am I bringing these up? Both of these situations are extremely unfortunate, and they would be, if he wasn’t lying.

I know that it’s a bold claim to make, but it isn’t inaccurate. I may not have concrete confirmation of him lying, but I have more than enough evidence.

For the first image, he legit just- didn’t leave tumblr. He just pinned that post and kept on tumblr like normal. For the ENTIRE time he was supposedly gone, he was still reblogging posts, just putting in tags that he was “still gone”. After about,, maybe a week or so his pinned post was back to the usual one and he was posting like normal. Not to mention, a little ways through that whole leaving tumblr bs he had changed the pinned post to this. “I hope y’all bitches burn in hell” (actual picture to be added once I fucking find it AUGH)

(UPDATE I GOT IT) And the second image? He claimed. To have to be sent to a mental hospital because of a mental breakdown. That is EXTREMELY serious. Do you know how in need of help you need to be to be admitted to a mental hospital? Do you know how horrid that would be to fake? Now, I haven’t been to a mental hospital myself, but I have several friends who have. Hell, I even have a IRL friend who has been to one AND has written a 10 page research paper on them. They have all stated to me that they wouldn’t let a patient keep their phone, and my IRL has stated that the wait times there would most likely keep them in the hospital for longer than they supposedly were in there.

All of this alone isn’t enough for me to claim that he faked it, seeing as he is in Canada and I’m in the US, and they most likely operate different than here. But you know what is? The fact that he has deleted EVERY SINGLE POST HE HAS MADE ABOUT HIM BEING IN THE HOSPITAL. Sure, he could’ve gotten out early, but why delete all of the posts about it, and not at the very least make an update post on his condition? I know for a fact that there are still people that care about him, and not making a post about his condition when he CLEARLY has the ability to be on tumblr seeing as he deleted all his posts mentioning the hospital is extremely suspicious, and basically proves that he has ulterior motives for making these posts.

What do I think these motives are? Well, I believe that he is trying to make anyone who checks his blog that was involved in the drama against him think that he’s gone, so that they stop checking his blog for good. Then he gets rid of or hides/buries the posts and goes on with life like nothing happened. I honestly don’t blame him for trying this, as trying to get out of drama with desperate tactics isn’t that surprising and is not that odd of a response. BUT LYING ABOUT GETTING SENT TO A MENTAL HOSPITAL??? YOU REALLY COULDN’T THINK OF ANYTHING BETTER??? Honestly, it makes me sick. Seeing someone fake something as SERIOUS as that. Makes me sick.

I do not wish harm on him. I wish for him to heal. I wish for him to get the help that he needs. From his repeated behavior, there appears to be something wrong with him mentally. While I do not enjoy claiming this, it’s the most logical explanation seeing as he’s been doing shit like this FOR OVER 4 YEARS. He genuinely needs professional help, and I pray that he gets it. But for now, all we can do is defend ourselves if he decides he wants to attack us yet again.

And a personal message to Cintagonisupset, if he just so happens to be reading this. Your actions severely upset me. This post has not been made to wish ill will onto you, but to bring to light something that you have done wrong, that is genuinely disgusting in my opinion. You have made callout posts for way less. Again, I do not wish any harm onto you, so do not wish any harm onto me. Or do. It’s just more evidence against you.

If anyone has read this far, thank you. Once again, do not harass Cintagonisupset, that is not the purpose of this post. Thank you, and have a wonderful rest of your day.

#cintagonisupset #drama

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good-chimes · 1 year

Text

The Ether Object File

[static]

b-00: Hello?

[static]

b-00: Hello? Anybody there?

[static]

b-00: Dark in here. Pretty dark! I’m just. I’m just going to take three more steps forward. No wall this side. Okay. Gotta be someone in here. Hello? Hello? Can you hear me? Oh, that’s a wall. I’m just going to--AUGH.

b-00: OH MY GOODNESS.

b-00: Why did you do that! I have a HEART, you know, and shock is MEDICALLY INADVISABLE.

b-00: …

b-00: Oh, you’re a person. That’s your face.

b-00: Are you glued to the wall? Is that a bit of your body? Here, make the thing glow again. The thing. What is that thing—oh, it’s a skull. A pile of skulls. That’s. That’s a lot of skulls.

Ether Object: I make them.

Ethor Object: When I die.

b-00: Well, it’s nothing to boast about.

Ether Object: Aren’t you scared?

b-00: I’M NOT SCARED OF YOU.

Ether Object: Mm-hm

b-00: …

Ether Object: …

b-00: Do you need me to be scared? I can be scared if you want.

Ether Object: …

b-00: Is that an extra arm? Oh, my hand went right through it. Very nice. Very chic. How do you make them? Can you do more?

Ether Object: …

Ether Object: Er.

b-00: What about legs? No? Oh come on, that one’s barely an arm. If you’re going to manifest tendrils of darkness put some effort into it, for goodness’ sake. This is pathetic.

Ether Object: …

Ether Object: You’re a funny guy.

b-00: I’m SPARKLINGLY WITTY.

Ether Object: [laughing] If you say so.

b-00: Also, I’m moss.

Ether Object: Moss, huh?

b-00: Yeah. I’m scientifically fascinating.

Ether Object: Aren’t we all?

b-00: I’ve had three papers written about me. They keep taking more pictures. Who can blame them, though, you know? I’m gorgeous.

Ether Object: Uh-huh.

b-00: You’re gorgeous too.

Ether Object: [laughing] That’s the first time I’ve heard that in a while.

b-00: You’re welcome!

Ether Object: How did you get here? Aren’t you a subject?

b-00: Oh, I go visiting. It just took me a while to down get to your level. You’re the only one here, you know that? I think there’s only one level further down than this.

Ether Object: There’s no way you go visiting. They’d lock you down the first time you left your cell. You’d trip the sensors.

b-00: What do you know, Mr Tough Guy? Huh? I’m here, aren’t I? Maybe I’m just very good at it.

Ether Object: I don’t know how you got out, but enjoy it, I guess? They’re not going to let you pull this again.

b-00: I gotta go. They miss me when I’m not there, you know. Terribly. Weeping scientists all over the place. It’s very sad.

Ether Object: Sure they do.

b-00: You want anything while I’m out? Groceries? Milk?

Ether Object: You’re headed for your own Category Three containment, buddy.

b-00: They’ll never do that to me. I’m everyone’s favourite. Anyway, I gotta run, I’m a busy guy, lots of places to be, people to see. Bye!

Ether Object: …

Ether Object: You still there?

Ether Object: …okay.

Ether Object: Good luck.

Author's note: I was going to post this as part of a larger narrative, but I had to put up a preview in honor of this incredible art by co-conspirator bdoubledealing. More to come...

#ethoslab #bdoubleo100 #hermitshipping #ethubs #lab escape au

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wordgirlnextgen · 3 months

Note

Next gen meets mbgau rp Steven was happily whistling to himself as he was carrying the laundry basket upstairs. He liked to enjoy doing the simple, mundane, tasks of everyday life. It was something he valued and felt as a reprieve to his chaotic and suffering past. As Steven passed the bedroom of his eldest child Chase, his ears caught the sound of verbal grunting and shouting. Steven paused, a confused and worried expression now plastered on his once serene face. He stopped whistling to try and hear what was going on. "Stupid...dumb...no way...Augh! Son of a..." was all that Steven could make out. The man clearly recognized his son's voice. Steven knocked on the door gently but also with some firmness. "Chase is everything okay?" Steven called out. There was silence and faint sounds of shuffling before the door opened. Steven looked up to see his 18 year old son Chase who now was even taller than his father due to his alien genetics. Steven took mental note how puberty also affected his son's physical appearance somewhat as Chase now exhibited some of...Alex's features. Steven internally shook his head. He did not want to go on that emotional tangent right now. By the look on his son's face, Chase was clearly frustrated and upset about something, though due to his inherited Boxleitner stubbornness, it didn't seem like he was ready to come clean about his issues yet. "Oh hey dad. Uh yeah everything is fine just working on something." Chase admitted to his father. "Oh what are you working on?" Steven genuinely asked. He wondered if it had to do anything with Chase leaving for college soon. Once again, Chase seemed hesitant to give a straight answer, opting to scratch the back of his head. After a few moments of silence Chase finally opened up. "Well actually I might need some advice for something. Since I'm 18 now, I decided to change my hero name since Amazo Lad won't fit anymore. Could you help me with that dad?" Chase hesitantly asked his father. Steven beamed. "Of course I can help you son. I'm sure we can find a new hero name for you." Steven replied. He set down the laundry basket and followed his son to his desk. Steven could see there were a lot of pieces of paper tossed about. Some were crumpled, some had a lot of pencil scratches on them. Steven could tell his son had put a lot of effort into this name change. "So do you have any ideas for what you want to be called yet?" Steven asked Chase.

"that's the tough part...I don't want to let go of the name fully." Chase admits. It's was painful to guess why. Infact Steven knew exactly why. He placed a hand on his son's shoulder giving him a comforting squeeze. Steven thought for a moment. "Well we can think of something similar to Amazo..." Not Amazo guy. But Amazo something... He thought.

Something that was still connected to the roots whilst being it own thing.

He held his chin as he pondered. Walking deeper into the room.

"will tell you what we can take this and try pairing it up with some qualities about yourself. " He picked up a few of his son's crumpled up failed attempts to take a look over at them.

#next gen au #wordgirl next gen #Rp #Mbgau #Crossover #au crossover

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irafuwas · 1 year

Text

After the recent encounters with Sebek and Lilia’s tsums, Silver suspected his own tsum must be out there somewhere, waiting for its turn to make an appearance. What he was not expecting, however, was to wake up one morning and find a whole trio of his doppelgangers sitting on his bed.

But they aren’t tsums. Sitting astride on the pillow next to him are three tiny, humanoid creatures with silver hair, white skin, and eyes a curious blend of blue and purple. One creature is dressed in the Diasomnia dorm uniform, another in the school’s PE uniform, and the third in the white lab coat and green goggles that students wear for alchemy class. Each one is no bigger than the palm of his hand.

He wonders if they’re stuffed animals, or perhaps some playthings his father had left on his bed as a prank, but quickly discovers that isn’t the case when the creatures stand up and scatter as he reaches out to touch them.

Still half-asleep, Silver hastily gathers the three little oddities in his arms and calls Lilia and Sebek to the dorm lounge. He stops by Malleus’s room on the way and goes to knock on the door, but can’t bring himself to lower his raised fist onto the wood. He continues to the lounge, not wanting to disturb their young prince.

Lilia leans over and picks up one of the creatures - the one dressed in a tiny Diasomnia uniform, hat and all - and it lets out a startled squeak as he raises it into the air.

Sebek twists his face into a grimace. “Blech! It squeaked! Not only do they physically resemble rodents, but they sound like them, too.”

“Did you just call me a ra-”

“Wait, is that a tag affixed to its back? Is there something written on it?” Sebek asks. He points to a white strip of paper peeking out from underneath the creature’s coat.

Lilia turns the creature over in his hands and brings the tag up to his face, reading aloud the miniscule text as he squints.

“It says… Nui..guru..mi? Nuigurumi? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

Lilia looks up at Sebek and Silver, and both boys shake their heads in bewilderment.

“You guys haven’t either, huh. Hmm…” Lilia turns the creature in his hands this way and that, looking over every inch of it as though searching for some hidden clue that might unravel this mystery. “Well, for the time being, I say we just keep an eye on them. Just like we did when those tsums appeared.” Lilia sets the creature down on the floor and it toddles over to hide behind his legs, staring up at the three of them with unblinking eyes.

“I think that’s a good idea, father,” Silver says. Sebek crosses his arms and huffs, “Of course it’s a good idea, you twit! This is Sir Lilia we’re talking about! Legendary general of-“

“Anyways,” Lilia interrupts with a laugh, “We’ll need to figure out what to call these things. “Nuigurumi” is a bit of a mouthful, but I think “nui” would work just fine.”

Before Silver can open his mouth to voice his agreement, Sebek lets out a cry and starts clawing at his back.

“Augh!! Silver, unhand me at once!!!”

“I’m not touching you?”

Sebek spins on him like a panther.

“I know that!” he spits. “Clearly I was referring to the miniature Silver that’s presently crawling around on my back!!”

Silver sighs and plucks the nui off the other boy, but it quickly wriggles free from his grip and jumps down to the floor. It races over to join the other two nuis clinging to Lilia’s legs.

“Hmph! Wretched little things…” Sebek mutters.

“How about this: Just so we know who’s talking about what, w’ell call this little one “Dorm Silver”, this one “PE Silver”, and this one “Lab Silver”? Does that sound alright?” Lilia offers.

Sebek and Silver both nod, frowning.

“Why must those creatures insist on accompanying Sir Lilia everywhere he goes? It’s vile. Do they not understand he requires his personal space?”

“Yeah, it’s a real shame.”

Lilia, with the nuis in tow, had announced he’d be eating lunch with a few of his classmates so they could work last-minute on some group assignment, and Silver and Sebek agreed to wait for Malleus at their usual table. Sebek rips a massive chunk out of his turkey sandwich and chews noisily as he glares at the nuis from across the cafeteria.

“And why are they so determined to do every little thing for him? Look, now the one in the gym uniform’s trying to pour Sir Lilia’s tomato juice for him! As though he were but an infant! Do they not realize he’s more than capable of tending to his own needs?!”

“Reminds me of a certain someone.”

“Whoever that may be, I should hope they’d learn to cease with such unsightly behavior!! It’s truly maddening!”

Sometimes, Silver just can’t tell if Sebek is joking or not, and he doesn’t have the energy that afternoon to try and find out. But Sebek is right, the nuis havebeen hovering around his father nonstop the past few days – taking turns riding on Lilia’s head and shoulders any chance they can get, and happily fetching black licorice and other snacks for him from the dorm kitchen while he games.

And they haven’t just been doting on Lilia. Silver didn’t need to chastise his father for picking up the tv remote with his feet again that morning, for Lab Silver knocked the device out from between Lilia’s toes with an angry squeak before Silver could even say anything.

Although Silver’s been enjoying the short reprieve from having to keep an eye on his father’s antics, he’s also been perplexed by the man’s behavior the past few days. There are moments when Lilia grows so quiet and so still that Silver wonders if he’s still even there, and he’ll look over and see his father cradling the nuis in his arms and rocking them with a gentle sway.

Something tugs at Silver’s heart when he sees his father smiling down at them like that - with all the warmth and reassurance of a childhood summer. But he doesn’t know what that “something” is, can’t find a name for it as he’s plunged once more into that same broad expanse of emotions his father has pulled him down into countless times before. He gropes blindly through the water, desperate to find his answer, but his pale hands are empty each time he surfaces.

Silver blinks away the heat threatening to build in his eyes and turns his head, scanning the cafeteria for that familiar shock of brightly dyed hair.

When Malleus comes over to their table a few minutes later with his lunch tray in hand, he notices Silver looking at something in the distance, his thin lips pulled into a frown. He asks if something is the matter, but the boy doesn’t turn around as he quietly replies that everything is fine.

Malleus follows the line of Silver’s gaze and smirks. “Heh. Are you jealous of all the attention those little creatures are getting, perhaps?”

Silver whips around and stammers, “I-It’s not that! It’s just… I’m not sure, really. I’m just not used to seeing father act so… mushy? I guess.”

Malleus’s smirk melts away into a soft smile. “That’s just how he is with infants. He was like that with you, too, you know. He still is, if you ask me.”

“Ah.”

Silver feels his face grow hot. He ducks his head and pokes listlessly at his salad.

By the time Silver gets back to the dorm that evening, only the green glow of the candles lining the hallways lights his path. I bet everyone’s retired to their rooms already, he thinks to himself as he walks through the dimly lit corridors. He hadn’t meant to stay out so late - his study session at the library was going so well until that familiar pull of drowsiness began whispering its temptations into his ear. The sun had long set by the time he finally woke up.

Silver stops before his room and pushes the door open with his free arm, careful not to spill the books and papers he’s balancing in the other. He starts to reach out for the light switch, but stills his hand midway. There’s someone in here. Squinting, he tries to peer into the mass of shadows that stretch out before him, but he can’t discern one black shape from the other.

He unclips his magical pen from his belt and holds it up. Three sets of beady, auroral eyes reflect the light radiating from the pen’s gemstone.

“Ah, it’s just you guys. I apologize, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Silver reseats his pen and flicks on the light switch. The three nuis stare back at him from where they sit on this bed.

Silver thinks back to the past few days. This must be the first time he’s seen them away from his father; they’ve been glued to his side ever since they appeared. Concerned, he sets down his school materials on his desk and pulls out his phone.

I found the nuis in my room. Is everything ok?

It doesn’t take long for Lilia to message him back.

Yes, pop music club meeting is running late. Can you look after them for me until I get back?

Silver responds that it won’t be a problem, and he can feel his lips tugging up into a smile after Lilia sends a slew of hearts and bat emojis in reply. A quiet squeak pulls his attention from his phone, and he looks down to see the three nuis gathered forlornly at his feet.

“What’s wrong… Ah, are you sad because father’s not here?”

The nuis nod.

“Don’t worry, he’ll come back eventually…” And then after a moment, he adds, “He always does.”

The nuis squeak happily, and Silver motions for them to follow as he heads to the door.

“Come, I’ll make us some coffee and we can wait for him together.”

#lilia vanrouge #twst silver #sebek zigvolt #malleus draconia #txt #im “”“patiently”“” waiting for my tiny silver nuis to arrive

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heysawbones · 1 year

Text

It’s 2:40 in the morning. I can’t sleep. Have the beginning of MO… in prose form.

February. The office of Emperor Steven Lee Crossroads XXXIX, whose full title we won’t trouble ourselves with right now. A young man named Bob leaned all his spindly weight on the double doors into his father’s office. Bob - The Crown Prince - had an important development to discuss.

Light flooded the doorway. Bob held a practiced forearm to his eyes, squinting. The back wall of the office was nothing but windows, which sounds nice but existed mostly to intimidate visitors by blinding the shit out of them. The windows had curtains, and the Emperor had functional arms and legs, but for reasons clear to nobody he often blinded visitors he had no apparent desire to intimidate. His son was no exception. Bob made his barely-seeing way to his father’s desk.

“Father.” He cleared his throat.

The older man looked up from a scattered pile of paperwork. “Ah. Hey, kid.”

Bob palmed sweaty hands all over his school uniform. This was more nerve-wracking than he’d like to admit. “I have something to tell you.”

“Oh? What’s on your mind?”

“Well, uh, do you remember Starlett Vandiver? She was at the TAKES fundraiser ball.”

“I know who she is.” The Emperor tilted his head.

“Oh! Good, yes. Good. Well!” Hands clasped behind his back, Bob rocked forward onto his toes. “We’re getting married!”

The pause before his father burst out laughing felt interminable. “Oh, kid, kid. Oh no.” He pulled his hand down his face. “Augh. Listen.” He spat disparate ha, ha, has as he shook his head. “Boy, you’ve never been too good with jokes. The ah, the timing’s all wrong. Just - turn around, walk out. Try again. I’ll laugh if ’s funny! Swear t’ Stal, I will.”

Bob was not fooled by his father’s diversionary tactics. This, he knew, was stress laughter. He held his head high and balled his fists.

His father sat back and started worrying a piece of paper between his fingers. “Bob.”

He stared. “This’s a joke, right.” He crumpled the paper.

Bob withered and couldn’t look him in the eye. “…No.”

The Emperor, a famously large man and privately infamous for emotional outbursts, flipped his desk. It didn’t go far, and landed on its side with a thud that reverberated off the walls of the sparse office. He hunched over the desk, chest heaving, head in his hands.

“Dad.” Bob little more than stumbled out of the vicinity of his father’s tantrum, and now approached as one approaches a frightened child - hands out, palms open. Quiet. Calm. “Look. Dad. It’s - it’s okay. We’re having issues with the Vandivers, right? This will make them stop parking the colony in stationary orbit and holding trade routes hostage. We can make some headway on that, ‘harboring terrorists’ thing. It’s going to help.” He came to a measured stop in front of his father’s fallen desk and slowly withdrew his hands, studying the tight lines of the man’s body and trying to tamp down regret. He hadn’t expected a positive response, but he hadn’t expected his father to react like a wounded animal, either. He’d hoped for some ridicule, maybe shouting. There would be eventual acceptance and acknowledgement of Bob’s initiative. A few more problems would be solved, and life would roll on. Bob could swallow his doubt.

He perked up when his dad straightened and dropped his hands.

“Kid. Listen to me. Y’ can’t do this.” Bob’s perkiness went in reverse. “You’re 17 god-damn years old. It’s-“ He sighed. “You didn’t already propose t’ her, did you.”

Bob frowned. “I have.”

His father frowned harder. “Do her parents know?”

“Of course they know. Everything’s been taken care of-“

“What do you mean, ‘everything’s taken care of’? Why would you -“ He began to gesture furtively. “You’re my son, Bob! You’re not -“ He looked around the room in desperation, as if there might be someone there to offer guidance. “You’re not a tool!” His voice rose. “I don’t need you t’ solve problems this way!” Bob’s father’s eyes met his, pleading.

“Dad it’s-it’s just a political marriage! This kind of thing happens all the time, what’s your p-“

“You’re throwing your life away.” His father’s roar shook the room. Bob stepped back, but would not, could not allow himself to back down.

“This is what my life is for!” Bob shouted back. “What am I, if I’m not a tool? It’s not like there’s some - perfect princess out there, waiting for me! It’s going to be fake anyway, so I thought, might as well solve some problems now instead of later! Why put it off? I’m expediting a solution!”

The Emperor fell silent, awestruck. He couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of his son’s mouth, and neither could his son. They sprung, unbidden and unwanted, from some unspeakable loci of teen angst with which he had no conscious connection.

In that moment, it was unlikely that there were any right words to say. The Emperor snapped a booming HA in Bob’s face, and the boy winced.

“Dad-” But he’d already gone. The man stuttered pained laughter as he wove toward the windows, tangling his fingers in his hair.

There was nothing Bob could do. He turned away in disgust.

---

Over the next six months, Crown Prince Bob Crossroads (the First) tried to convince himself that marrying Starlett Vandiver was a good idea. In some ways, it was. Starlett’s parents ran the Vandiver Colony, a manmade habitable satellite made of… space junk. The Vandivers liked to put their actual trash heap into stationary orbits that just so happened to cross trade routes from planetary settlements, then demand money to move the damn thing so said trade could get through. All parties were aware that this was extortion, but the price was not so high as to outweigh the advantage of keeping the peace. The Empire paid up, and the Vandiver Colony kept most of its crime and libertarianism to itself.

Now that Bob and Starlett were engaged, the colony stayed out of the way. This was good, but Bob had to admit that it might not have been worth his hand in marriage. The colony began to cooperate with extradition requests, which, while nice, was underwhelming. Bob thought that it might’ve been better to leverage his marriage for something more valuable, but it was too late for that. He couldn’t bear to tell his father about his second thoughts. His father couldn’t put a stop to the wedding without risking very real repercussions from the Vandivers, anyway.

The wedding came and went. It had a surreal quality, alternating between a blur of faces and crisp memories of hands on silverware, Starlett’s diadem, his father gripping a glass of whiskey like a lifeline. Starlett was beautiful, but that didn’t mean much to Bob. He didn’t know her, and she wasn’t making it easy to try. He thought she would photograph well, and she did.

They didn’t have a honeymoon. They didn’t have sex. They stayed up and played cards until Starlett went back to the party to talk to some friends. She didn’t return until the small hours of the morning. He was surprised when she crawled into his bed, with him already in it.

It was alright.

---

Bob had few expectations of married life. All the marriages he knew intimately were defined by the constraints of living in the public eye. It wasn’t always easy to tell who genuinely loved, or even liked, each other. For the most part, it didn’t seem to matter. As far as he could tell, things seemed to work fine if you could balance a sense of being on the same team, with staying out of each other’s way. His parents had utterly failed at this, and that was why they were getting divorced.

Or, so he thought.

Bob believed he was up to the task. He and Starlett could keep each other up to date on any important things they learned, that the other might not hear about otherwise. They could make fun of people together. He’d have her back and she would have his, even if they weren’t exactly goo-goo eyed over each other. Low stakes! Simple.

This “plan” had a fatal flaw. That flaw was that it required Starlett to talk to Bob, and that wasn’t happening. The contours of the problem were so unfamiliar to Bob that he wasn’t 100% sure if she was avoiding him, or if he had somehow failed to initiate the act of talking to his wife correctly. Maybe if he figured out whatever step he’d missed along the way, she would suddenly notice him. When it became clear that she was actively ignoring him, he knew things couldn’t go on like that for long. Maybe he’d offended her at some point? Whatever the issue was, it needed solving soon. He wasn’t about to live out his foreseeable future like this.

Bob came up with another plan. Instead of giving her plenty of space, as he had been, he’d actively engage her. He’d ride to school with her, now that she’d transferred to Madigan with him. He’d try to share meals with her. He’d invite her to… watch TV with him. Shit, he had to do something. Bob wasn’t sure he could solve the problem this way, but he was confident that he couldn’t make it any worse.

He woke up the first Monday back to school after the wedding, pumped and ready to take action: they would ride to school together, he’d decided. Bob was nothing if not proactive. Unfortunately, she was gone before he was even done getting dressed. She left makeup and mysterious metal implements strewn across the bathroom counter. The disorder struck him as disrespect on top of disrespect, leaving him to frown at himself in the mirror. What was he to make of this? Starlett made herself at home in his life, yet rejected him. Was he not the gateway to her legitimacy? She came from what amounted to a crime family, much as they might make efforts to appear to be a nation-state. Much as others found it advantageous to buy into the illusion, for the sake of the inconvenience it did the Crossroads. Surely, Starlett must know what the reality is. Surely, she must see the danger in turning him against her, especially so early in the game.

Game?

Bob paused and blinked back over his shoulder at his reflection. 17 god-damn years old. You’re throwing your life away. I don’t need you to solve problems like this. His father’s words echoed for what had to be the thousandth time, conveniently silencing the split-second of self awareness in which he questioned the wisdom of gamifying his own life.

Homeroom offered neither an opportunity to foist his presence on his wife, nor to avoid her entirely. It took him a long moment to recognize that one of the two-foot-high smiling faces on the overhead light projector, looking off into the middle distance was his own. The other was Starlett’s. He and Starlett were both fresh, glittering in royal finery and backlit by the halo of the setting sun.

Bob was reminded of how good he was at faking smiles. He couldn’t tell if Starlett was actually pleased or not, but by god, they were picture perfect together. She was every bit the princess, with auburn ringlets cascading over her shoulders, loose hairs catching the light. The low murmur of chatter rose until the teacher cut them off with a sharp “Now.”

“Vacation’s over and done with! Back to the ol’ grind, eh?” He responded to scattered snickering by clearing his throat. “I hope you all enjoyed yourselves. Especially you, Bob.” The murmur roiled back, burbling just out of Bob’s periphery. He smiled stiffly.

“As you all know, young Mr. Crossroads here was married while we were away.”

“Yeah, we know, most of us were there,” came a quip from the back of the room. Bob felt 29 pairs of eyes bore into him.

“Yes, well.” Their teacher flicked open a retractable pointer and indicated the light projection. The pointer went right through and tapped the wall, leaving a wavering hole in Bob’s magnified cheek until the teacher jerked the pointer away. “I still forget that these things aren’t solid,” he muttered. “Anyway. Anyway!”

When the picture changed, Bob had a split second of hope that he would not be the topic of conversation this morning. Unfortunately, the picture was also of him and Starlett, this time cutting the wedding cake. The Emperor hovered in the crowd, hands stuffed in his pockets and looking away from the camera. Bob assumed his classmates couldn’t tell the difference, but he could read his father’s exhaustion.

“As you also know, there are… issues around the marriage.” He rapped the pointer across his desk. “Marian. Issue.”

Bob caught one of his smaller classmates out of the corner of his eye. She sheepishly straightened in her chair. “Oh, um, the Empire and the Vandiver Colony don’t get along.” No shit, thought Bob.

“Yes. Many assume the marriage is related. Hanya.”

“They’re both like… 18.” A titter rolled through the class. Bob’s grip on his desk tightened.

“Darryl.”

“Look, straight up, no - no offense, Bob-“ He raised his hands in supplication as Bob’s frozen glare snapped to his classmate. “I totally thought he was gay. I’m -“ The class exploded into hoots and guffaws. Darryl gestured for everyone to tone it down, stifling his own grin. “I’m just - I’m just saying! It’s not a thing, I just thought that. It’s in WOW! Weekly this morning, so-“ He picked up an analog tabloid and flapped it around a little. His words were mostly lost to the riot of Bob’s classmates talking over each other about Bob’s voice - he doesn’t really sound gay, but what does that mean, anyway? -, his mannerisms, how attractive Starlett was. How Bob didn’t seem to have ever had a girlfriend. Did he have a secret boyfriend? Maybe he was one of those people who didn’t like sex at all. Or friends. The cacophony was in turn lost in the sound of blood rushing in Bob’s ears.

He missed the next 45 minutes and didn’t notice that time was a thing that happens until the bell rang. Bob’s classmates skittered and bounced out of their seats like pinballs, eventually filtering out the door. It didn’t occur to him to follow. He sat with his long legs awkwardly jackknifed under his desk, knees jammed hard into the underside.

How much of this happens because I act like it’s okay to treat me like a news item? Like it’s normal?

He jerked at the vibration of rapping on his desk. “Bob,” his teacher’s voice bordered on a whisper. “You alright?” Concern creased the man’s all-too-earnest face. Pissed Bob right off.

“I’m fine.”

The teacher’s face said he didn’t believe Bob. “You see, it’s not - that we want to hurt your feelings or anything, it’s just that - as the Crown Prince, you’re going to be the current event at times. Surely, you must be used to it by n-“

“I said I’m FINE.” Bob snapped to his feet and loomed over his teacher. The man shrank, just slightly. “When did I say I wasn’t? I didn’t say anything,” he hissed through clenched teeth.

“I didn’t say anything at all.”

He left his teacher wondering if he might lose his job in the next 24 hours and escaped into the seemingly less judgmental hallway. Sure enough, Bob’s peers were more concerned about getting lunch than they were about him. He, on the other hand, had no appetite. He stopped at his locker to put away some books, and retrieve another - an outdated, but still interesting, library text on robotics. He was peripherally aware of how his peers broke and peeled away to let him pass, but after years of not knowing how to address the habit, he’d decided to let it be. Bob suspected this wasn’t an issue his father had when he attended the same school, so many years ago, but was too afraid of spotlighting his own deficiencies to ask the man about it. He wasn’t sure when he’d grown afraid of asking his father questions about himself. He wasn’t sure why. This was the first time he’d even been aware that he was. He shouldered into the door leading out to the courtyard hard enough to jar the air from his lungs.

It was crisp out. Not quite cool, but with a brisk wind. A little too bright, perhaps. Bob made long, crunching strides over the vibrant, manicured lawn. He had a particular tree he was fond of, with roots just the right size to hold him and flat surfaces one could get away with putting a drink on. People were kind, or respectful, or fearful enough to leave him his tree. Bob settled in and cracked his book. He was keen on appearing busy; appearing nerdier than he actually was. Boring. Not someone to talk to, immediately after having been the center of classroom discussion - a time when, historically, his peers had wanted to check in with him after. It genuinely did not occur to him that this could be out of concern - that they might find it awkward to discuss him as if he wasn’t there, with him sitting very much right there - that they might worry about what that does to a person. They never outright asked if he was alright, so he assumed it was a morbid curiosity that brought them to poke and prod at him with questions. Maybe it was. Being paranoid and cynical, doesn’t make you wrong. In reality, he needed a moment to refocus himself on the plan. What mattered was that he figured out a way to connect with Starlett. He knew where she ate lunch, and with whom. What was the best way to approach the group? Should he just… walk up? Should he call out to her from a distance? Should he do it… assertively? God, what was he even doing wrong other than existing? Would she like it better if he didn’t exist?

“Hey.”

Bob looked up slowly, as if he hadn’t been jerked out of himself. Three of his classmates stood above him, apparently not dissuaded by Bob’s large and nerdy book. They all smiled.

“Hm?” He looked neither perturbed, nor pleased, to see them. Perfectly neutral. Blank.

“Congrats, man!”

The other boys nodded along, mirroring the leader’s enthusiasm. “Yeah, yeah, congratulations.”

Bob’s brow knit. He could not imagine what on earth they would be congratulating him for.

“I can’t believe you married a Vandiver! Shit, the hottest one, too.” The boy on the left drew a curvy torso in the air, provoking a subtle frown and toe jab from the leader. “I didn’t even know you were seeing each other.”

“No one did.” The redhead on the right spoke up.

“Yeah, no one did,” the three murmured to each other before looking intently to Bob, as if he might offer some explanation.

Oh. It’s this. Being congratulated on his marriage made him feel. Unsteady, almost queasy. “Thanks.” He cleared his throat. “You know it’s… politically sensitive. Nobody wanted to make room for speculation, before everything was arranged.”

This answer seemed to satisfy them, and they all nodded their assent. For a moment, there was silence. Then, a nervous toe twisting in the grass. “... Man, you should’ve told us sooner? Right?” The leader elbowed those to the left and right of him in an attempt to spur the kind of energy that Bob effortlessly sucked right out of the interaction. They all squared their shoulders before leaning in all over each other and gesturing enthusiastically, reading less as individuals to Bob just then, than a bumbling hydra. Out of the cackling and indecipherable, brotherly muttering came, “Yeah! Could’ve got your dad to lower the drinking age, like, we’d throw you one hell of a party.”

“Yeah, man.” Sexy-Torso-In-The-Sky grinned. “Best party you’ve ever seen, am I right? Am I right?” He turned to the leader, who had his arms around his compatriots’ shoulders and was already gently leading them away.

“Anyway, Bob,” He nodded back towards the tree, a momentarily illegible look quickly replaced with a bright smile. “Again, congratulations.”

“Yeah… thanks… again,” Bob called after them as they got smaller.

Sexy-Torso-In-The-Sky had a finger in the air. Bob could barely hear his declaration that Starlett was, in fact, hot enough to turn a faggot straight. The wincing was internal.

#modus operandi #prose #why the hell not I guess

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