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So I just saw a post by a random personal blog that said “don’t follow me if we never even had a conversation before” and?????? Not to be rude but literally what the fuck??????????
I’ve had people (non-pornbots) try to strike conversation out of nowhere in my DMs recently, and now I’m wondering if they were doing that because they wanted to follow me and thought they needed to interact first. I feel compelled to say, just in case, that it’s totally okay to follow this blog (or my side blog, for that matter) even if we’ve never talked before.
Also, I’m legit confused. Is this how follow culture works right now? It was worded like it’s common sense but is that really a thing?
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#i hope you like it friend <3#and that it's not too early to post this#but thank you for an amazing friendship these past few years
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[GIF Description: A looping gif of Ai Hoshino from Oshi no Ko, the stars in her eyes big as she opens her mouth and beams with her hair flying outwards to match. End Description.]
...I love this, Carim. And I love you. It's not too early for friendversary gifts at all, and thank you for the amazing friendship these past few years too.
There have been a lot of times in said years where I've been down in the dumps, often from work, self-confidence, and a lot of other things, but your friendship helped me in standing back up again. It's why I'm still keeping up my own writing even after the Fate fandom had me let go of a few people in the process.
Seeing the Servants all help an overworked Master relax on another date? Definitely worth it too. And seeing some of my oldest Servants bond like this while allowing others to redeem themselves? Amazing.
You're amazing. Thank you for staying with me, beloved friend. Here's to another year.
Personal Holiday
In which the simple pleasures are the most important, and making sure that an overworked Master receives all the due care of a guest is at the top of someone's list.
A gift for @writer-and-artist27, for an early friendaversary.
"What," Medea began slowly, "is all this?"
"Cooking, of course." Circe replied, dusting her chosen work area of the kitchen counter with a thin layer of flour. From a large wooden bowl nearby she scooped out a heavy-looking ball of dough, neatly plopping it down on the floured area and beginning to work it with her hands. "Would you mind stirring the pot on the stove? This will keep me busy for a moment."
Medea's gaze flicked towards the aforementioned stove, her brows lifting in curiosity as she closed distance. Indeed, pot was gently simmering away on the heated eye: a thick golden liquid just beginning to cling to the sides of its vessel. The smell of honey was strong and uplifting, filling her senses with nostalgic familiarity. Her body moved of its own accord, grabbing a spoon and stirring the sauce so that it wouldn't char.
"Honey glaze?" She mused, studying the way the liquid moved as she stirred and analyzing the aroma that rose from the pot. "And orange citrus. This isn't for your kykeon?"
Behind her, Circe let out a deep, beautiful laugh that filled the kitchen around them. For a moment Medea almost felt like she was back on Aeaea, learning how to mix poultices and potions as a young girl.
"Of course not. I'm well aware of how that would be received." Something rippled through her fellow Caster's voice, just on the cusp of bitterness and yet it retained a layer of humor. "No, there'll be none of that here today. I thought our dear Master might like a reprieve from those oily, heavier dishes for her outing today, so I decided on something fresher."
"It's not your turn for cooking duty." Medea pointed out, extending her senses to check for other Servants nearby. The answering blaze of Tamamo Cat's spiritual energy came as a bemusing relief, although it was deep in the kitchen's freezer area. "And you decided on this yourself?"
She half expected to hear a heavy slap of dough meeting the counter's surface, but it was no more forceful than strictly necessary.
"While I admire those Servants' dedication, they aren't the only ones who know how to prepare a meal." Circe's voice was distant, composed, and when Medea chanced to turn her head to look, the goddess' expression was simply one of focus on the task she had assigned herself. "Besides, as I said, a heavy meal isn't the best way to enjoy an outing."
"I see." Satisfied with how the sauce had cooked down, Medea reached out to turn down the heat and raised the spoon out of the pot to run her finger over it for a taste. The natural sugar from the honey and the oranges had given it a warm, comforting flavor and she couldn't help but steal another taste as it briefly soothed an almost-forgotten ache in her soul. "No enchantments. But it's very good."
"If you steal another bite, I'll turn you into a pig." Circe warned, the words themselves offset by her chuckle. "But go ahead and test all you like. That Cat will be doing the same."
"Her name is Tamamo Cat." Medea pointed out, just in time for the door to the freezer to swing open and the Servant in question to proudly stride out with a tray of selected meats in hand.
"Woof! I didn't know you wanted to use the kitchen too, Medea~" Cat's deep golden eyes settled on her and Medea held herself firm against the urge to buckle under that intense gaze. "Are we having a party? Is Cat invited?"
"She wanted to make sure I wasn't going to poison everyone, Cat." Circe interjected, taking a bench scraper from her assembled supplies and beginning to divvy out chunks of dough. "Which is fine by me. What sort of main dish did you decide on, hm~? You were in there a long time."
Medea blinked, taken away from her concerns by the easy back-and-forth chatter between the two as Cat rounded the counter to begin her own prep. After a moment's pause she breathed out a tiny sigh of relief, setting the pot further up on the stove so that the sauce wouldn't burn.
"Alright." She began rolling up her sleeves, then tying back her hair once those were secured. "What do you need me to do?"
Circe's expression brightened, and Medea recognized it as the joy of finally being included in something after a long time of lingering just outside of it. The realization didn't dampen her suspicions, but she could sympathize with the feeling.
"There's a bag of shelled walnuts and a bowl of apples to your left. Chop those up for me would you, while I finish up with these?"
Medea turned, and indeed there were batches of ingredients carefully staged by the stove that had been clearly intended for preparation. She chose a knife from one of the drawers and began to work after exchanging a look with Cat, but the Berserker only winked playfully at her as she deboned a hefty piece of meat with her bare hands and claws.
Gradually the smell of baking bread filled the kitchen, accompanied by the scent of fruits and roasting meat. Circe moved around the kitchen as easily as if it were her own laboratory, her wings tightly folded to permit more space and limit potential accidents as she fetched ingredients. As dishes began to appear in the sink, the faucet turned on its own and soapy bubbles soon covered the lot so that they could soak and be easier to clean.
Halfway through grinding and slicing herbs for Tamamo Cat's dish, Medea realized what it was that Circe was making and the knowledge made her brows lift once more as she shot her aunt a glance.
"Tsoureki and milopita?"
The look Circe sent her way was oddly triumphant and a little fond as her wings fluttered a little behind her. Her workstation had been cleared and now a wealth of vegetables dominated the space in front of her, as if she'd conjured half of Novum Chaldea's garden just for this.
"Vy likes her hugs, doesn't she?" Circe mused lightly, beginning to gently slice and chop a red onion. "Well, not from me of course, but people the world over like to call milopita a warm hug on a plate. She can't be upset with a little bit of cuisine even if I'm the cook, hm?"
Cat let out a deep rumbling purr as she added a generous dollop of yogurt to the pan before her, tail swishing behind her. Whether it was intended as agreement or not Medea wasn't sure, but she decided to take it as an expression of approval at the very least.
Picking up a towel, Medea gave Cat a respectful berth as she switched focus to the dishes now wetly gleaming by the sink. They'd scrubbed themselves to a perfected clean shine, and she took her time drying to pick her words carefully.
"Is this about the unexpected visit to the Aegean sea, Circe?" To her knowledge, other Servants within Chaldea had taken to calling that instance something along the lines of Aegean Breeze, which to her just sounded like a bad pitch for a candle or similar product. It certainly didn't take into account what had transpired, or what it meant to the goddess across from her.
"I haven't a clue about what you mean." Circe hummed after a second's pause. The careful shnick and crunch of vegetables under her knife never faltered, and her voice was measured and steady. "But I do know that every guest is to be treated according to the law of xenia, and since she and her Archer are going out for the day it's only fitting that we do our part, hm?"
"Belated, isn't it?" Medea remarked, returning several pans and bowls to their respective places before doing the same with the utensils. "I don't think they're returning to those islands today." Unless it was for material gathering, which wasn't typically suited for treating like a date. Although, she supposed, one could argue that it almost was if Vy and her chosen Servant took all day for the venture.
The click of Circe's tongue against the roof of her mouth said enough, and Medea almost had to stifle a smile from forming on her face.
"Be that as it may, they won't be going hungry. I'm sure everyone here can appreciate that at least."
Any response Medea could have made to that was cut off by a giggle from Tamamo Cat, the other woman quickly turning down the stove eye she'd been using and stirring up the mixture in her pan with a delighted look in her eyes. "Alright, it's ready for those veggies! Give 'em to me, woof!"
-
"...that's a lot of food." Robin commented as Medea let go of the basket, his look of surprise quickly shifting to one of amused curiosity as he looked up at her. "You and Cat really outdid yourselves here, Caster. Pretty sure we could even feed Artoria with what's inside here."
From one of the tables in the cafeteria, a blonde Saber's head turned at the comment and the two Grailed Servants exchanged a fond but loaded look over Medea's shoulder. At Artoria’s side, Achilles was digging in to his meal with relish and only stopped to take a hearty sip from his cup.
"It wasn't me." Medea informed him, brushing down her robes with a studiousness that belied the fatigue tugging at her arms and back. It felt satisfying, yes. But cooking for long periods of time was a tiring business, similar to alchemy. "Cat handled the main course, but someone else took charge of everything else."
"What, seriously?" Robin's eye widened, and he glanced at the basket with renewed interest. Medea felt a little spark of pride at how well the enchantment on it was holding. Otherwise, she would have been seeing him off with at least three filled to bursting.
"Archer..." Medea began, the corners of her lips twitching downwards for a moment before she caught herself and sighed. That drew his attention, and he didn't resist when she set a hand on his shoulder and steered him closer to the cafeteria door so that they could have some privacy. "I know that it may come as an unpleasant revelation, but today's cook was actually Circe."
She felt his shoulder stiffen under her hand and the air around them grew tense for a moment. And admittedly, even having been in the kitchen herself for several hours and watching the process unfold, she understood what he was feeling.
"I tested the ingredients and dishes myself, when I got there. So did Tamamo Cat and Archer Emiya, when he returned from training. Nothing poisonous or dangerous was used, and the only enchantment on the food is one of my own - to keep it fresh until you and Vy find a place you want to eat." She withdrew her hand only to fold her arms across her chest, sighing as he processed this information. "I understand why it may seem strange and unlikely, but I was there for much of the preparation and actual cooking. Cat confirmed with me that all was well for the time I wasn't there yet."
"So it's all safe?" Robij mused, turning the basket around in his hand thoughtfully. "I don't mean to sound like I don't believe you, but this is the Hawk Witch we're discussing."
Medea nodded, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "It's safe, and as Cat put it, full of love for what it's worth. I believe my aunt when she said that it was a gesture of xenia." It felt strange to say, when they were all so far from home and long gone from that time. But she did believe it, and it must have shown on her face because Robin gradually relaxed after a moment of studying her expression.
"Xenia? That like some kind of rule or something?"
"Put simply, it's treating a guest with honor and respect while they're in your home. Hospitality, if you will." Unbidden, a smile crept up and she let it, shaking her head slightly. "The gesture is sincere, even if it may be hard to believe. But if you would rather not chance it, Cat did include some food in there that my aunt had nothing to do with. They're marked with a stamp in the shape of her paw, for reference."
At that Robin smiled, a dry chuckle easing out of him as he rubbed the back of his neck to relieve the lingering tension. "Well. Good to know, I guess. I won't lie and say that I'm, we're, not grateful for the consideration. But guess it can't hurt to ask since you were there for the whole thing - how is it? The food, I mean."
"Delicious." Medea deadpanned without hesitation, her serious expression unchanging even when he barked out a laugh in surprise. "I mean it. It tasted just like home to me."
His mirth subsided a bit at that, but a faint twinkle in his eye remained as he got his breath back. "Home, huh? That means a lot coming from you."
"Indeed. But if you need further testimony, just know that Achilles is already on his fifth plate."
Robin let out a whistle, brow raised high before he shook his head. "Well, no promises, but I'll pass on what you told me to Vy. She might try some of it, she might not. But thank you for telling me all that."
"Of course." Satisfied, Medea let her arms fall back to her sides. "Have a good time out, Archer. Or date, whatever it is."
He let out an embarrassed sound at that, but flicked a vague salute her way before taking his leave. She watched him disappear down the hall, then turned to make her own way back towards the line and secure herself a plate. Tamamo Cat shot her a wink at the counter, and beyond her Medea could see a brief glimpse of Circe in the kitchen, her hands once more dusty with flour as she worked out spheres of dough for loukoumades.
Taking her tray, Medea chose an open spot by herself close by the wall where fewer Servants had gathered and settled in. The darkened parchment paper in the center of her tray normally would have looked odd, but she unwrapped it with a sense of eagerness and breathed in the aromas of klephtiko and the thick slices of bread it had come with. The first taste filled her senses with rich warmth and savory pleasure, drowning out the hustle and bustle of the cafeteria around her.
It wasn't perfect. There were missing notes of herbs and the particular kind of meat that had been popular during her lifetime, and the style of cooking was slightly different. But it did indeed coax up memories of home.
Like a warm hug, she thought to herself, blinking back the faint mist that had settled over her eyes. Rather than dwell on it and lose her appetite, she took another bite and gave herself over to the moment, sighing as a long hardened knot in her chest began to loosen.
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reblog to give the person you reblogged from the strength to complete The Task™
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Apples to Grapes
In which Malleus suggests a way to pass the time while working on lab prep for Potionology.
"Tell me about your home." He says, slicing through a mandrake root and sorting the pieces.
Epel's expression twists, a pinch of disbelief and confusion disrupting the previous look of focus. He glances around them as though expecting the professor or his housewarden to be lurking somewhere, reprimand already on their tongue. Satisfied that they are alone for the moment, he flicks a glance up and comes back with, "Why?"
"Why not?" Malleus returns, dropping the last of his current mandrake into a mortar and cleaning the knife. It is a good blade - a pleasant surprise to find that Crewel maintains his other tools as well as he does his riding crop. "We have a few hours to go. This way you won't be bored."
Perhaps something in his tone comes off as offensive, or he's failed to explain himself properly again. Epel stares at him as one might a posturing animal, debating between fight or flight.
Spade had given him such a look once, but that had turned into a favorable exchange for them both. Hopefully that will be the case here.
"Well…" the word comes out awkward, arched composure dissolving into a warmer drawl that he's heard in passing. "Ah can't really-- ahem, I can't really think of what you'd like to hear about it. Um, sir. No, yer-- Your Highness--"
"No need to stand on ceremony, Felmier." He hasn't been given permission to refer to him by his given name, so he doesn't. "I'd prefer it if you spoke as though we were in your home."
That earns him a doubtful look, but after a moment's pause Epel starts to speak uncertainly at first, then with greater confidence as he cocks his head attentively and moves on to the next stage of ingredient prep. It takes a moment for the rounder vowels and slang to register in his head, but after a minute he can follow along well enough to get a mental image of the place Epel calls home.
Sebek had been effusive in his recount of Harveston, but hearing it from Epel himself was different. Little details crept in that only a born resident might know: an unevenness in the cobbles of the town's fountain square, how spring thaw meant one needed to watch for flooding in the lower parts of the orchards, how difficult it could be to find help during harvest season even with Epel himself there to assist with a broom and his magic.
He'd half a mind to recommend visiting there to Lilia, when the next break came around. Something that perhaps didn't require letting anyone in the council know, so that it wouldn't have the trappings of a formal visit.
Perhaps his grandmother didn't need to know either, if he truly wanted to be a menace. Nothing like fleeing to the countryside when least expected - something that human royalty appeared fond of doing as well.
"Thank you." He allowed himself a smile, signing off on the sheet pinned next to their workstation now that cleanup was done. "See? We made it through without losing our sense to boredom."
"Yeah…" when he turned to look, Epel's face was scrunched up again. "Don't really get it, but thanks fer lettin' me bend yer ear. Ah-- um, I hope it was interestin'."
"It was. Before I forget, your payment for the story."
"Wha- " Epel flinched in the light of the conjuring, slowly peeling his eyes open after several seconds had passed. Then he stared, amusingly uncertain and faintly alarmed by the bushel of yellow grapes now taking up a portion of the table in front of him.
"You deserve something in exchange for your time." Peeling off his gloves, he stuffed them into a pocket of his labcoat for the moment. "Those are grown in the castle garden, and often are a favorite come summertime and autumn."
"That… I-I didn't…" Epel's stare kept darting between him and the fruit. "But I didn't really do anything?"
"Really." He mused, taking perhaps a little too much pleasure in how the boy was squirming. "I thought it rather pleasant. But if you're worried about the safety of consuming these, consider them a gift. If you don't like them, well, mayhaps someone in your dorm will."
"You brought these from your home? Really?" Another glance between him and the grapes. "Jus'… just like that? A-all the way from th' Valley?"
"Simple things are the easiest to teleport and summon." Although what he considered simple rarely matched up with what others considered simple, he'd learned. "A basket of fruit is no trouble, even if there are continents in-between."
"You…" whatever he was about to say, Epel seemed to catch himself before the words could actually escape.
A pity. He was so lively when he let himself go.
"You won't… um, you won't get in trouble though, will you? I mean, won't somebody be missing these?"
"No." He couldn't help but chuckle at that. "The only ones who have access to these are my grandmother and myself, save those we decide to gift them to. You are quite safe from retaliation, I assure you."
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writer-and-artist27 · 13 days
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Evening/next day reblog, I guess.
o(_ _o)
Or, for the author, after spending more than a month at a desk that isn't hers from cross-training going on only to find out her work counterpart - as in first workplace friend since leaving two bad lab jobs - who has been occupying author's desk is making so many mistakes in the meantime to the point of HR getting involved, as well as apparently not helping out enough and pushing stuff on author instead...
There was a lot of rage and venting to process. A LOT. Hence returning to Salem.
Content warning for graphic violence and emotional hurt. Because this was a doozy to write, even with how quickly it all came together.
Dedicated to @partialdignity, @teddog, and @langwrites, since all three heard about my "vent" chapter and encouraged me to get it out in a healthy manner.
AO3 link here. OST Playlist here, with all the new songs included.
Now to sleep off this rage because the trolley doesn't move without the author to get to work. And it's 10:43 pm when the author posts this.
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writer-and-artist27 · 13 days
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[GIF Description: A looping gif focusing on the eyes of Ai Hoshino from Oshi no Ko, where the stars in her eyes intensify from the light swirling inside. End Description.]
Honestly, Carim, thank you. Considering how tough the most recent Passing Days chapter was for me to write personally, this kind of fluff returning back to Luluhawa and recounting my own recent weekly dates just warmed my heart so so much.
It always takes friendly love to get me out of the dark corners of writing, and you more than delivered, friend.
Thank you. I love you. c (^_^)c
Title: Eddies and Currents
Fandom: Fate/Grand Order
Character(s): Original Master(s) (Fate), Robin Hood | Archer, Achilles | Rider of Red, Ereshkigal | Lancer, Artoria Pendragon | Saber
Summary: After the conclusion of ServantFes, there is one final day where one can enjoy their summer vacation. Robin and Vy set out to make the best of it, savoring the peace of a hard won victory and better memories for the road ahead.
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Commissioned by @writer-and-artist27, thank you!
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writer-and-artist27 · 14 days
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Or, for the author, after spending more than a month at a desk that isn't hers from cross-training going on only to find out her work counterpart - as in first workplace friend since leaving two bad lab jobs - who has been occupying author's desk is making so many mistakes in the meantime to the point of HR getting involved, as well as apparently not helping out enough and pushing stuff on author instead...
There was a lot of rage and venting to process. A LOT. Hence returning to Salem.
Content warning for graphic violence and emotional hurt. Because this was a doozy to write, even with how quickly it all came together.
Dedicated to @partialdignity, @teddog, and @langwrites, since all three heard about my "vent" chapter and encouraged me to get it out in a healthy manner.
AO3 link here. OST Playlist here, with all the new songs included.
Now to sleep off this rage because the trolley doesn't move without the author to get to work. And it's 10:43 pm when the author posts this.
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writer-and-artist27 · 16 days
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i am taking your face in my hands, i am gently smooshing it, and I am saying lovingly, with every fiber of my being
please tell the creators of things you like that you like those things
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writer-and-artist27 · 18 days
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Not getting a response from someone right away doesn’t mean they don’t care about you. It doesn’t mean you’re not important. Even if you know they have free time or are actively on their phone. They might be busy, drained or just aren’t up to talking. It doesn’t mean they don’t care about you.
Technology has made a lot of people feel that they should get quick responses. But that’s not how it should be.
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writer-and-artist27 · 19 days
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reblog to give the person you reblogged this from a fucking break
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writer-and-artist27 · 21 days
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Please Reblog is Your Blog is Safe for Non-Binary People.
If my mutuals can’t rb this then we can’t be mutuals
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writer-and-artist27 · 21 days
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to you, it’s a shitty sentence. to some random bitch 500 miles away, it’s a fire line that’ll haunt them for the next 17 years.
you don’t know how impactful your writing is because it’s been in your brain for far too long now. you’ve stared at it for hours and repeated “this sucks” over and over again to the point that you killed your capacity to feel anything about your work.
but trust me, once you get your shit out there, someone’s gonna go over that paragraph you hate and go “jesus fucking christ” and put the book down to have an existential crisis.
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writer-and-artist27 · 22 days
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reblog if you’ve read fanfictions that are more professional, better written than some actual novels. I’m trying to see something
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writer-and-artist27 · 23 days
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It’s valid if you are not into the same interest as someone whether that’s a hobby, their favourite band, show or etc. But it’s completely rude and unnecessary to go out of your way to act like you’re disgusted or appalled by their taste. If someone invites you to partake in a hobby you’re not into, it’s okay to say “that’s not my thing but I hope you have fun!” But comments like “ugh, that’s so boring. I don’t know how you could love something like knitting” aren’t necessary and can be hurtful and make someone feel ashamed/embarrassed.
This also includes joking comments about someone’s favourite things like “wow, someone needs to teach you about good music” or “it’s okay. I can still be your friend even if your taste sucks”.
Please just let people enjoy their interests without making them feel bad about them.
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writer-and-artist27 · 24 days
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[Image Description: A pastel-metallic watercolor painting found in a sketchbook of a large red-crowned crane bumping its beak against the nose of a Dratini (creating a small star in the air) while both are floating along in the water. Above the two animals' heads is the header of "Happy 7th friendversary Lang & Osie - Vy, 4/1/2024" with two small pink hearts. End Description.]
To @langwrites and @windwardstar. When I post this drawing (3/31/2024), I'm a day early, but I wanted to give this to you two because tomorrow marks 7 years since I first talked to you on FFN. With Tsuruya, a Dratini, and my own attempts at watercolor paints. A lot can change in 7 years - COVID, college, jobs, so on - but I'm glad I got to know you. I still am.
Here's to another year of friendship. Thankie for staying with me.
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writer-and-artist27 · 27 days
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#this is really good vy#you did amazing
...Coming from you, Carim, this means the world.
( ^◡^)っ♡
Thankie, beloved friend.
Or after running to the trolley late from sweat thanks to trying to pull a specimen that didn't exist in the lab, @teddog encouraged writing things. This is thanks to you, Ted. :)
A chapter inspired by the few double-dates I've gone on, and the many many weekly dates I've had with my real life Robin.
AO3 link here. OST Playlist here, with all the new songs included.
Oh, and for those of you looking for the karaoke songs used in the chapter proper? Linked here too. (And all songs previously used in the OST Playlist.)
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writer-and-artist27 · 28 days
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Or after running to the trolley late from sweat thanks to trying to pull a specimen that didn't exist in the lab, @teddog encouraged writing things. This is thanks to you, Ted. :)
A chapter inspired by the few double-dates I've gone on, and the many many weekly dates I've had with my real life Robin.
AO3 link here. OST Playlist here, with all the new songs included.
Oh, and for those of you looking for the karaoke songs used in the chapter proper? Linked here too. (And all songs previously used in the OST Playlist.)
6 notes · View notes