#modern error

[falloutbradreviews]

Defects - Modern Error

I think I’ve talked about it before, but metalcore has evolved into what I’ve seen referred to as “Octanecore.” That’s the combination of metalcore and hard-rock, where metalcore bands become more palatable for mainstream audiences by throwing in more hard-rock sounds and ideas, named for Octane Radio, but it’s not all bad. Some of my favorite bands went in that direction, especially Beartooth with their last couple of albums. Their last LP is a metalcore album with some of the best hooks I heard all heard, and it worked awfully well, but that’s because Caleb Shomo is one of the best songwriters in the scene. That’s not true for every band, unfortunately, but there are tons of decent ones in this space.

Enter the band Defects, a British band that’s been getting a little bit of buzz, especially with their debut album, Modern Error, being finally released. I saw this album on the new releases within Apple Music, and I was debating on checking it out, so my curiosity got the best of me a couple days back. I ended up listening to Defects, and honestly, it’s a decent little album. I say “little,” but this album is actually 50 minutes long. That’s the first issue this album has — it’s way too long. Albums like this don’t need to be an hour long, unless you can back up that length and make it interesting, but this album doesn’t quite do that. After a couple of listens, this album already started to wear on me, despite still being solid for what it was.

I think that’s the key, though. It’s solid for what it is, so if you enjoy this type of metalcore, you’ll dig this album, but if you don’t, you’ll get nothing out of this. The heavier moments are pretty cool, albeit nothing special, but another big issue that this album has is that it repeats itself quite a bit with its ideas. This album alternates between the hard-rock and metalcore sounds, but it does open up a bit more in the second half, so you get some slower and more atmospheric moments, but it still gets derivative of itself. If this album were a lot shorter, I think I’d really enjoy this, and to an extent, I do like it, but it’s such a slog to get through sometimes. There’s a lot of the same song structures and ideas being repeated here, but if you love this kind of metalcore, I don’t think it’ll bother you.

At 50 minutes, it’s kind of a long album, especially for its sound, but if you like this kind of stuff, I think you’ll have a good time with it. If anything, I can appreciate this as a debut that shows a lot of potential. If they honed their sound, they could easily become one of the heavyweights in the genre, so I’m gonna keep my eyes on these guys, even if this record doesn’t quite become an album of the year contender. Not everything needs to be, as I’ve said before, but it’s good for what it is. I like it, but I don’t quite love it, although that doesn’t mean this is outright bad. It’s worth a listen if you enjoy modern metalcore and this new wave of “Octanecore.”

[gbhbl]

Album Review: Defects - Modern Error (Mascot Records)

You don’t have to always relate to an album’s theme or concept to feel what the band is trying to say. Sometimes, the experience shared is so powerful, that it hits hard regardless of a personal connection. There might be no better example of this in the modern times than Defects’ long-awaited debut album, Modern Error.

UK metallers Defects will release their profoundly personal debut album, ‘Modern Error’, on May 24th, 2024, via Mascot Records. They have also revealed the video for their brand-new song Lockdown. Conceptually, it is a deeply cathartic album that acts as a vessel for singer Tony Maue to organise his thoughts on the trauma of being taken into care at a young age. Threaded through the album are the…

[sabertoothwalrus]

you guys asked for more tallman/modern au chilshi. I was gonna do a whole lore dump with all my headcanons but it ended up being bullshit comics

[queenie-ofthe-void]

No one's really surprised to see famous rockstar Eddie Munson show up to the 2024 Paris Olympics. His close friendship with three-time medalist gymnast Chrissy Cunningham had the press working over time when the pair were first spotted six years ago leaving a fundraising event.

However, no one can seem to figure out why- in Chrissy's down time- the metal head is frequently spotted at the men's swimming events. Everyone knows Munson's queer, but he's not the type to show up just to oggle some poor, unsuspecting athletes (he is, but the press don't need to know he's a bit of a freak).

Prime time news coverage chock it up to Eddie supporting the best of the USA's Olympians, including Steve Harrington, who just broke the world record for men's fastest 100m freestyle. They'd pointed out it wasn't odd he was there, since he also made appearances at other events with up and coming stars, such as Lucas Sinclair for men's basketball and Nancy Wheeler for women's skeet shooting. When asked about it, he'd laughed it off, saying swimming was Chrissy's favorite sport to watch and he promised he'd fill her in on what she missed.

That didn't stop fans online from obsessing over small details, including Eddie's repeat appearances at the swimming events, where he only showed once for anything else that wasn't Chrissy's competitions. There was no way he could keep Chrissy filled in on what she missed when he only showed up to meets Harrington competed in, not all men's swimming events.

Fan edits of Eddie Munson clapping a little too hard, screaming a little too loud, and overall just a little bit more excited for Harrington's podium than Chrissy's gold medal spread across the internet like wildfire. One blurry shot caught Harrington briefly look in his direction when he won his silver, but it was hard to be certain.

Tucked into bed after another long day of interviews, Eddie pulls up a few of the best fan edits Jeff and Gareth sent him earlier. It's become a bit of a habit over the past few weeks to watch his favorite ones before he goes to sleep. He feels the bed dip next to him, a warm hand slide over his chest and a leg push between his own.

"Aww babe," Steve coos, "did we get new ones today?"

Eddie leans down, dropping little kisses on his husband's forehead. "Apparently Jeff says these ones are even more convincing than last week's."

Steve hums a content little sigh before nuzzling into the crook of Eddie's neck. They've been riskier about public appearances this time around compared to Tokyo, but they've agreed to publicly come out after this year's games are over. So, why not have a little fun with it?

They release a fan edit of their own later that year posted on the official Corroded Coffin profile. It's a reaction video of them watching all of their favorite tiktoks and fanart and Tumblr posts. They laugh, point out inaccuracies, answer fan questions, and post a few pictures of their own, including the two of them standing under an arch of flowers exchanging rings.

[jaboody]

every night before bed i give thanks to jeffrey fowler for letting shadow have expressions other than angry

[golyadkin]

you can trust them, they're super scientists

[kaktusjin]

[sandeewithtwoe]

I have a headcanon that Ink likes modern art

The painting they’re looking at is “Who’s afraid of red yellow and blue” by Barnett Newman

Ink belongs to comyet

Error belongs to loverofpiggies

Error: Ugh! Why did we even come here??

Ink: cmon! There’s a painting that reminds me of you!

(Both are looking at Who’s afraid of red yellow and blue”)

Error: Are you saying I’m a piece of shit?

[meatballsu]

can't be drunk but can be tired

that checked shoulder bag is Core‘s btw

[buff-muffin]

I’ve been slowly brewing up little One piece canon compliant head canons. These could be used to write little stories if I or someone else wanted. But I just want to get them out of my head so here you go.

Just an FYI. I’ve only finished pre-timeskip so spoilers for till the end of marineford ig and if something is proven different by Oda or later on in canon. I want y’all to know I really don’t care.

1. When Shanks was visiting Foosha village he had never actually heard of bug fighting neither had almost any of the crew. To little Luffy that was essentially a hate crime and he ran out of the bar so fast all of them thought they had upset the boy. He returned around an hour later with two large bugs in his hands and the crew got to watch them fight. Thoroughly smashed and here to enjoy Luffys interests they got WAY too into the fight and started placing bets and were screaming, cheering for their chosen bug. Never had the town seen so many grown adults so worked up over two bugs on a bar table.

2. Nami helps Usopp with his hair care. Back at Syrup village he normally had the kids help out when it finally needed to be washed. But now on the Going Merry he didn’t exactly trust a man with three swords or Luffy near his hair. And Sanji wasnt much help either. He was scared to ask at first but after Arlong Park Nami agreed and it soon become tradition for them to kick Sanji out of the kitchen for Usopp’s hair day and spend the whole time talking and gossiping. Sanji was and still is jealous about it but it’s completely platonic

3. (continuing after 2) Chopper was the next member to join the ‘hair care club.’ While his hooves aren’t the best for helping out with washing or braiding, and his human form’s hands were too big. He liked hearing about what went into caring for different hair textures. And he just liked to be helpful. However it was through being in the hair care club did Chopper realise that being part human because of his devil fruit meant his fur needed to be washed way more often than it did. And after some trial and error with wash frequency and products, they found the perfect combo that leaves him adorably soft.

4. (also continuing after 2) Robin was the fourth member and was invited to join before the events of Skypia. Nami asking if Robin could braid her hair while she did Usopp’s. But Robin just quietly confessed she had no idea how to braid hair. Seeing as no adult in her life wanted to sit down and teach her at Ohara. Seeing that as an atrocity, the hair care club had their first offical meeting. Where they showed Robin all sorts of braids on both Nami’s hair and Usopp’s

5. (continuing after 4) Robin quietly found herself very proud of the knowledge of knowing how to braid. And on quiet hours on the ship while she was reading and everyone was doing their own quiet things. She often used extra hands to add little braids to Luffy’s hair while he either fished or napped. Luffy is completely aware she is doing this yet never thought to bring it up. He loves little acts of affection from his crew and waking up to braids in his hair never fail to make him smile.

6. (continuing after 2. This is the final one I swear) Brook is the last member of the hair care club. While he lets Chopper check his ‘roots’ and general hair health he actually knows how to do different hair styles for Usopp’s hair texture and happily teaches him as well as the others and now Usopp can finally branch out in hair styles

7. one of Luffy’s favourite pass times is to listen to his crew mates talking about their dreams. He sits at the table listening to Sanji tell tales about the all blue. Or listen to Franky and Robin ramble about work. He listens to Zoro talk about people he wants to fight, and the islands Nami wants to visit. He’ll listen to Chopper’s doctor mumbo jumbo and Usopp talking about plans for new weapons. He loves listening to Brook’s songs but he’ll also hear tales about the skeleton’s old crew and stories of Laboon. He tries to ask questions to sound interested but it normally just gives people the idea he’s not paying attention. So instead he gives them encouragement. Because his favourite part, is seeing the way their eyes light up talking about something their truly passionate about, and the shameless smile they give him knowing their captain would never once make fun of their dream.

8. Robin quickly found comfort in Luffy after joining the crew and for a while she couldn’t figure out why. Until she realised his ‘shishishi’ laugh sounded just like Jaguar D. Saul’s, the giant she met growing up. And when she realised it was the first night she slept soundly on that little boat.

9. After loosing his arm Shanks went through a really annoying yet hilarious adjustment period of getting halfway through a task before realising he needs two hands. His crew always laughed when Shanks did his ‘wait how am I gonna do this’ pause. And while they always help him out when he needs it. They know he will figure out how to open things himself. Hopefully without his teeth.

10. Ace very proudly has a scar on his arm from where Luffy accidentally bit him once way too hard while fighting. When Dadan patched him up and told them it was probably gonna scar Ace was pissed, Luffy was wailing in apologies and Sabo had been dying of laughter that Ace’s first ‘cool fighting scar’ was his brothers teeth mark. Now though? Among the other battle scars Ace’s skin bares. That scar is his favourite story to tell. And all of the Whitebeard pirates know to. Never let their fingers near Luffy’s mouth.

[gbhbl]

Defects Announce Debut Album 'Modern Error' - Released May 24th Via Mascot Records

UK metallers Defects will release their profoundly personal debut album, Modern Error, on 24 May via Mascot Records. They have also revealed the video for their brand-new song Lockdown.

UK metallers Defects will release their profoundly personal debut album, Modern Error, on 24 May via Mascot Records. They have also revealed the video for their brand-new song Lockdown. Listen/Pre-Order HERE. Recently the band have been confirmed to play at Download (UK), Graspop (BE), Rockharz (DE) and Rock The Lakes (CH) and have just announced that they will join Orbit Culture on their UK &…

[hplonesomeart]

Here’s a Mr. Puzzles sketch I did shortly after watching the Mario mustache episode kerfuffle. He really looked beat down emotionally near the end after loosing what he thought would be the key to success (aka loosing Pedro & and failing to harness the powers of the mustache). I just feel so bad for him. He desperately needs a fun vacation episode or something lighthearted again- just like the Despicable Me one was :((

On a brighter note I’m glad we get to see more fanmade face models implemented, I believe a few where made either by JustSomeDrone or perhaps Richard Animations. Bear with me I’m still getting used to all the people in this fandom lol. The expressions look great and I wanted to reference the crying one because that’s new to me. I don’t really like how it looks in this art though…but maybe because it was my first attempt and I still need to get familiar with it. Probably also is tripping me up because I’m very unsure how to translate it into my artstyle while still staying semi-canonical lol

Anyways main point of the art here: I was thinking Mr. Puzzles would benefit from eating some comfort food after the end of the episode. Drinking one of his juice boxes to take his mind off of things, kinda like his own personal Happy Meal. Maybe he’d try some of Bob’s burgers if that didn’t work. Although I’m not sure how much tolerance he has for those substances used in it <<

[transformers-synergize]

What year does synergized take place?

There is no set year, but it takes place sort of in the mid-2000s, at least technology-wise for humans. Aesthetically, it's somewhat a mix of multiple decades.

I set the technology at the mid-2000s for two main reasons. One a lot of my inspirations for this project are shows/comics from around that time, and two, the major reason I don't want to write smart phones or modern type social media. I don't find it fun to write (mostly modern social media integration), and what is considered modern changes so fast. No matter how up-to-date I try to keep it, the nature of a long-term project like this, it will fall behind anyway, so why not set it slightly in the past where I already know we're human technology is at and will go...

I kinda got a light alt-history thing going on where no real-world brands, cities, or countries are name-dropped. It feels pretty close to our world, but occasionally, a character will mention something like "at least Earth only had one world War" or how theirs a town that and all the people living in it mysteriously all turned into solid metal like 300 years ago, also it just a tourist attraction you can just visit now or religions/holidays being lil different from the real-world ones, the vibes are definitely east coast America, and it is sorta set there but it is definitely not a 1 to 1 with the real world (sorta how Steven universe handled things)

[ghouldtime]

Attending a Fantasy Ball with Captain Price and Ghost

Been seeing those events on my feed and they are SO sick and you know my first thought is always going to drift right back to the COD boys

(Disclaimer: I'm so sleep deprived this is all I could muster 😭 my life is wild rn)

Captain John Price

He's admittedly quite surprise you asked him to attend with you. After all, the captain isn't exactly known for his put-together manners and formality for those events. Sure, he's been to military ones - but those are full of people who he can shoot the shit with, who know him, and who know his mannerisms and are similar themselves. They're not civilians and they certainly are no strangers to his stories and well.... how he is

Price isn't, by any means, exactly plain crude or unput together. He's just rougher around the edges, more grizzled than his kind face lets on, and has far more bite to him than expected for those who don't know his background. He's pleasant company as long as you can handle his banter and gruffness, but he's not exactly the usual company for formal events for that reason. Plus, he's not exactly one to 'take it easy' or to actively go out to those events himself

But hey, if you're going out of your way to ask him, who would he be to deny? It's good to stretch his legs and attempt to be somewhat sociable with people outside of the unit and military alike. Not that it's exactly his cup of tea, but at least it's something to do and puts him out of his element in the best way. He's got to be able to navigate these things somehow and it gives him an opportunity to work on his people skills - and his ability to blend in

Besides, he gets to do it with a pretty thing on his arm ;) that makes it far more bearable. And he's spending time with you - surely it can't be that bad. You seemed to excited so humoring you is the least he can do

He actually has to look into the event itself to know what's expected - seeing as he's never BEEN to one of these things (he didn't even really know it was a thing either). It's not within his usual scope of hobbies or things he's used to, so he wants to go into it with at least half an idea so he's not fumbling through it. He's a captain, for Christ's sake, he still has a reputation to uphold. He's not one who likes being surprised. "Always be prepared" is something he absolutely takes to heart and it wouldn't be any different for this

He ends up going to Laswell to help get an outfit put together. He's a man of many things but fashion has never been his priority, he simply wears what's comfortable and what works. The last thing he wants to do is stand out like a sore thumb or embarrass you or himself. He knows Laswell has an eye for this thing more so than him, and asking her is his best bet (he'd never hear the end of it if he asked any of the boys)

In the end, he settled on a dark navy and black three piece suit. It's embroidered with starry accents - and a few rhinestones (courtesy of Laswell), with a few silver metal fittings to match. He isn't one to accessorize and grumbles when Laswell pins the brooches and chains on him, insisting he doesn't need all that, but the SECOND she turns her back he's checking himself out in the mirror.

John has never been a vain man but for once, he's actually fussing over his appearance, running his fingers through his short cropped hair and over his beard, trying to make sure he looks good from all angles. He might grouse on how he feels ridiculous and doesn't need to have all the glitz and bling, but there's something to be said about actually dressing up for once in his life

He's not wearing his boonie hat or his beanie, trust me, this means a lot for him not to do that. That might as well be the greatest testament to how much he cares for you

He's still wearing a bullet proof vest under it, though. Make no mistake. He's still locked, loaded, and yes, he's got a gun and knife to boot. You can never be too certain for things like this where he has no idea who is in attendance

He's not exactly sure how to feel about this whole thing but after getting ready, he's certainly feeling as confident as he looks. However, any thoughts about it or himself leave the moment he finally sees you

His world is full of gore, grit, and grime that it's easy to forget such beautiful things can exist. And he's not talking about your outfit choice alone as is, no. As pretty as that is, he's fixated on the small smile on your face and how almost bashful you seem under his scrutinizing gaze. He's never seen someone look so radiant

While he was so busy preparing for the ball itself, he forgot one crucial thing - that you were going to be dressed up too. It didn't register, didn't even come as something he'd think about until you're right there in front of him

Thank god his years of training meant he could keep a decent poker face even as his heart sputtered, but that didn't stop his eyes from falling all over you, before they're meeting yours. John has never been one to hold back, especially not with the words he says. "Don't you look absolutely ravishing, love." Is the first thing he says before he's slipping your arm in his, already leading the way

The second you get to the ball, he's already scoping out everything there is to it. From the people to the exits to anything that can be a threat. He's even holding you a bit closer to him as he takes in the environment, keeping you pressed to his side. Old habits die hard and he'll be damned if he doesn't use all he knows - especially seeing as you're right there at his side

There's the smallest bit of constant tension in his form as the weariness that never leaves his eyes lingers, but the moment he knows everything is secure, his attention is right back on you. Anyone else who wasn't close to him would miss the way his eyes soften around the edges, the ghost of a smile curling on the edge of his lips as he nods to the crowd, "Shall we?"

Seeing as he's very much here for you, he's letting you set the pace for the night and he's following suit. Want to dance? Lead the way - he's no master at it but he'll be happy to guide you to the rhythm. Want to socialize? He'll be there, hand on your hip, holding you close to him as you talk.

He'll always be keeping a look out, even if it's from the periphery of his vision. He'll stay relaxed as much as he can but with there being so many people and so much going on, his mind will always be in over drive. However, he'll still indulge, he'll still happily be as great company as he can as he keeps you on his arm or beside him

Speaking of, he's not letting you out of his sight. It's not that he doesn't trust you, it's that he doesn't trust others nor the event space itself. Did you see those windows? A sniper's dream - he would know. He feels better knowing you're nearby and he can grab you at a moment's notice

With him sticking near you, you're pretty much always going to have a hand on you. Whether that be on your back, shoulder, arm, hand, or knee - he's keeping you close. He'll back off if you say something but feeling you there grounds him in the moment. He's a bit more touchy-feely, and a whole lot more affectionate, but the environment calls for it, love (at least that's what he'll tell you)

Before the night is over, he WILL be pulling you in for at least a single dance. It's a ball, aren't you meant to do that? He didn't get all dressed up to sit on the sidelines. Doesn't matter if you're clumsy or uncoordinated, he's had worse than someone stepping on his toes

He'll take you by the hand, guiding one to his hip and clasping the other in his roughened, calloused palm as he intertwines your fingers. The lingering musk of tobacco clings to him, ever present despite the fresh cologne he wore as he pulls you into his chest. The hand lingering on the small of your spine sure feels far more intimate as you meet his gaze, the crinkle returning to the crease of his eyes as he leans in, his breath fanning against your ear as he whispers, "I can show you another kind of dance later"

His chest vibrates with the rich timbre of his chuckle against you, heady and rough much like the scent that clung to his clothes. Whether he was joking or not is hard to tell as he keeps you buried into the warmth and steady weight of his body, not letting you pull back as he slows his sway. But the way the hand on your back slips a fraction lower, his thumb tracing small circles, it sure doesn't feel like it. Nor does it as his lips skim the shell of your ear, his hand squeezing yours tighter in a silent promise.

Lieutenant Simon "Ghost" Riley

He would also be incredibly surprised if you asked him to attend a ball. He's known for being the opposite of social and certainly won't make the acquaintanceship of most people, nor would he talk to them. He's "leave me alone" personified. Simon isn't one to go out in public just because he wants to or for frivolities. And he's most certainly not one to go out to big parties. They're too loud, too many people, and too much he can't count on

As much as the idea unsettles him and is out of his usual comfort zone, if you're asking him over the others, it's clearly for a reason. Maybe because you like him, maybe because you feel secure and safe around him (he's built like a brick shithouse, anyone would if he's on their side), maybe a bit of both. The point is you asked HIM, you actively want him to go with you, no mater how introverted he might be.

He'll begrudgingly agree after much deliberation. It's not an easy choice because he really doesn't like crowds or that level of people. He's had too many bad experiences with that and has worked his fair share of innocent events that turned south quickly. Even thinking about it puts him on edge. Anywhere with large groups of unarmed civilians has him instinctively alert, even if he knows nothing will happen.

However, you'll be there. It's just one night, and its high time he got to attempting to be slightly more social, even if it's only for a few hours. The regret of not going and of seeing the look on your face if he turned you down would be too much to bare. It sounds like you really want to go with him, already knowing how he is, which meant you likely wanted to spend the quality time together over focusing on the event alone. Passing that up is something only a fool would do. He only has so many people in this world left who matter and he'll be damned if he's pushing them away

He also knows you'll be considerate of him and his needs - otherwise, he would've never said yes, never let you close, and certainly never would have let you rope him into such a thing.

The concept isn't entirely foreign to him, he's worked at events like this and higher stakes events like formal balls and galas where important political figures attended. It's just he's never been to one himself. He never even went to a school dance. Simon has always been a bit of a loner and dances weren't something that appealed to him, not to mention the fact that he was never asked out. There's always a first time for everything

Much like Price, he too is researching - he's in the same boat of "Always being prepared". That means knowing the building, knowing the area, knowing the schedule of things, knowing WHO might be attending, and figuring out how he should be acting and dressing for this. Being certain of those things that he can know and control puts him in a more steady, prepared state of mind and gives him something to focus on. He'd rather know and be ready if things went south than be scrambling.

Believe it or not, he actually does have a fashion sense - he just usually doesn't choose to demonstrate it, since he's usually in work mode anyhow or in the privacy of his own home. He's also making his own outfit, seeing as finding his size isn't exactly an easy thing when it comes to formal wear. Most simply don't make things that suit his taste, build, and brawn alike. He KNOWS how to sew and will be using that to his advantage

Surprise surprise, he's wearing black. He knows it flatters him, it's his aesthetic, and it helps him blend in if need be. He'll settle on a black button down shirt, a black and gold jacquard vest, a matching tie, and slacks to tie it all together. That's not to say it's simple - please, he's added accents wherever he can, he's anything but a boring man. He's someone who has to add his own flair to it, whether that be the black embroidery on the silken sleeves, the lace trim, or the golden whorled accents creeping up on the edges of the vest of a shimmering thread, and the gold buttons and cufflinks holding it all together. He takes pride in how he appears

Naturally, he's also wearing a black tailcoat with the same accents, thank you very much. And of course, he's sporting a brand new skull mask. Seeing as this is a formal event however, he's traded in his trademark mask. He doesn't want to be recognized in that way. It's still very much a mask, granted, and it's still a skull. Not a humans though, he chose to model it after a badger's. It matches the whole outfit, being made of mostly black with gold etching painted along in a splintering pattern

And because he's extra, he had to get matching gloves with the same skeletal bone outline as his regular - however, this time it's in gold and tipped with short metal claws. He's going the extra mile if he has to go to this and he's making sure that he's looking like the absolute most while not drawing attention like a bad signal flare. He wants to look good for not only himself, but for you as well. After all, you asked him to be there - he's going to honor that the best he can and the privilege that that is

Similar to Price, he's also wearing a bullet proof vest underneath and is also carrying too. His beloved knives are coming along with, not that many people would notice until it's too late - if he had to use them, that is

Naturally, he knew you'd be dressing up too. He'd heard bits and pieces of what you'd wear, but nothing prepared him for the sight that greeted him. Nothing COULD have. Anything that had been in his mind paled in comparison to what he was witnessing in the flesh, his breath leaving him the second he caught the fading rivulets of the evening light on your form. He doesn't think that his battle-hardened, jaded mind could have come up with something even close no matter how hard it tried

For once, his mind fell silent, still, as his breath caught in his throat. Any possible thought escaping him as he froze, his deep brown eyes darkening as he stared. He couldn't help it - he was used to seeing dark nights, dark clothes, and even darker deeds. He wasn't used to seeing the equivalent of light incarnate, a beckon of warmth in his normally abyssal world

Thank goodness for the mask. He'd have been a goner without it hiding the shock on his face. It took everything in him to swallow, schooling himself back into his usual calm, resigned stoicism as you drew closer. "You clean up nicely," He mused, genuine but more bantery than what he wanted to say, "Not gonna give me a twirl, darling?"

He hopes that by masking it with his sense of humor, you wouldn't notice how his fingers twitched or how uneven his breathing suddenly seemed to be

His traitorous heart didn't calm until you finally arrived at the venue - not that he'd admit it or say anything out loud. Being there gave his mind a task, a purpose, something to focus on aside from how he faltered whenever he looked a bit too long, a certain warmth that was usually so foreign in his heart making itself known

He too is one who is figuring out all the exits, who is where, and what's going on. Vigilance doesn't leave him just because he's off duty. It's ingrained from how he scans the room to how he has a hand on you at nearly all times, never once losing track of you and refusing to break the contact he has (whether that be physical or even simple eye contact)

No matter what you do, he's hovering like the worlds most menacing shadow. He's never far or out of reach, unless maybe you're going to the bathroom. Even then, he's waiting outside of it, keeping an ear out and his eyes trained on the hall. He's not here because he wants to attend a ball, he's here for you

(Have to break this up due to the text block limit lmao)

He's a silent sentinel, only really talking to you, not even bothering to engage with others or entertain any of their notions. Small talk? Not going to be happening, he's going to put out his most disinterested expression and will keep to himself. If others are asking if he wants to join an event, he's declining unless you're the one saying yes. He's not there for the party, he's there for and because of you, and he's making that clear

Call it poor etiquette but he doesn't care when he's not there to make friends and he won't be seeing these people likely ever again. Manners never really were his thing. Besides, if they really wanted to be his friend, they'd read his vibe and promptly leave him be. He's much like a feral cat at times and needs space, he'll come to you if and when he's ready

You'll be the one leading and he'll simply be following, living up to his name as he haunts your every move. While he's not chatty to or with others, he's still very much himself around you. He's leaning over your shoulder to whisper a bad joke in your ear or a sly innuendo that'll have you flushed in no time, batting at his arms as he chuckles. You don't need to see his face to know the smile in his eyes or feel the rise and fall of his chest as he silently laughs at your reactions

As the night draws to a close, he'll take you by the hand with the excuse of needing to leave early to beat the rush of traffic of people who are about to leave. However, when the cool night air greets you, you're not met with a parking lot or being rushed to the car

Instead, he's stopping you almost abruptly when you're both standing in the moonlight, the motion causing you to fall right into his arms which suddenly bracket you against the cushion of his chest

The way his gaze softens is almost imperceptible underneath the shrouds of shadows cast by his mask, but you can feel it in his half-lidded stare and the tender way that he keeps you close, strength belied with how soft he held you

He doesn't say a word - remaining still enough in the moment that when he finally moves to cup your face, it feels as if it's happening in slow motion. You swear he's leaning down closer, closer, until - you feel the pad of his gloved thumb swipe at the corner of your mouth, Ghost mindful of the gilded claws just enough to barely scratch the surface of your skin in a way that has a shudder run down your spine. "You had a little something right there...." He murmurs, peering down at you through those pale lashes of his that seem even more striking against the moonlight. The small up-down shudder of his chest, despite the lack of noise that escapes him, tells you once again he's laughing. Bastard.

[sonknuxadow]

genuinely the sonic and shadow generations thing sounds so fake but everyone keeps talking about it as if its real so i have no idea how to feel about it . i mean its not that i think its impossible but this whole thing sounds like something people would say when theyre just making shit up and calling it a leak

[huh-enheim]

I'm no medievalist so most of the anachronistic fashion fantasyisms fly straight over my head but it does amuse me that chilchuck owns a shirt with a fully modern attached soft collar. pretty much just a normal ass dress shirt