#Character reflection

[aventurineswife]

You know those videos of Dads and their dad reflexes with their baby’s? Like how they catch their kids before they land on their heads? Can I request Aventurine, Sunday, Dr Ratio, Blade, and Jing Yuan doing that?

Not really part of the request but I like to think Yanqing made it his mission to be a “big brother” to his generals new baby and has had a moment where he was alone watching the baby and saved it from hitting their head poor guy probably panicked💀

Caught in the Moment

Tags: Aventurine, Sunday, Blade, Jing Yuan, Ratio, Domestic Fluff, Fatherhood, Protective Dads, Gentle Moments, Character Reflection, Calm Affection, Parenthood, Quiet Peace.

Warnings: Mentions of past trauma (Blade), Mentions of immortality (Blade), Mild violence (mentions of near danger).

A/N: please, he probably had a heart attack! 😭🙏

It was a quiet evening at Aventurine's lavish home, the dim glow of luxurious lamps casting a soft hue over the room. He sat at the long, sleek table in the dining room, tapping a pen rhythmically against the polished wood as he mulled over some calculations. Despite the grandiose trappings of his surroundings, tonight wasn’t about strategy or high-stakes games—this was his time with the child.

Aventurine’s latest gamble was one he hadn't anticipated: fatherhood. And while he was known for his cunning and calm in the face of danger, he had no strategy for this—no game to play. His child was his greatest unknown, and they had a way of defying expectations.

Suddenly, from across the room, the unmistakable sound of small feet scurrying broke the silence. Before he could register the moment fully, there they were—his little one, gleefully running toward him. But, alas, the floor was slippery beneath their tiny shoes.

Aventurine’s heart skipped a beat. Without thinking, he pushed himself from the table, his expression an unreadable mask, though his body tensed as he tracked their trajectory. His child, still oblivious to the danger, began to stumble—hands reaching forward for balance, their tiny body tipping perilously.

His movements were lightning-quick. Without hesitation, he swept in and caught them mid-air, lifting them up just before they could crash into the floor. His arms cradled them with the same calculated precision he applied to business deals.

They giggled, unaware of the near disaster, while Aventurine couldn’t suppress a small, wistful smile. The adrenaline rush of the moment lingered for only a second, but it made him realize that, in this chaotic game of life, he���d finally found something worth playing for.

"Careful there," he said, his voice light and playful, masking the fleeting unease he felt inside. "You’ve got to pace yourself in this game."

The room was bathed in the soft glow of early evening, a tranquil calm that was almost otherworldly. Sunday stood by the window, his gaze drifting toward the distant horizon as he reflected on his recent decisions. His mind, always occupied by existential ponderings, occasionally sought refuge in the simple joy of watching his child play.

They were playing by the couch, their little fingers gripping the soft carpet beneath them as they tried to stand, tottering on wobbly legs. Sunday smiled softly, his eyes flickering with pride. A part of him couldn’t help but admire the resilience they displayed—a quality he himself had struggled to find in his own past.

As they took another step, Sunday’s serene focus shifted into mild alarm when they lost their balance. Their body tipped forward, heading toward the edge of the coffee table.

Without a moment's hesitation, Sunday’s wings fluttered slightly—a subconscious reaction—and he moved forward, his tall figure flowing across the room in a series of graceful strides. He reached out just in time, his hands effortlessly catching them before they could collide with the table.

The little one blinked up at him, eyes wide in surprise, and he simply smiled softly, cradling them close to his chest. It was the kind of simple moment that his idealistic heart cherished—a moment that needed no words, just the soft comfort of protection.

“You’ve got to learn to balance in life,” he murmured gently, his voice like a soft breeze. “But don’t worry, I’m here to help you.”

For a brief moment, he felt the conflicting pull of his old idealism—his desire to shield them from harm, even if it meant navigating the murky waters of his own internal struggles. But for now, he let that quiet turmoil fade into the background, focusing only on the warmth of the child in his arms.

The laboratory-like atmosphere of Ratio’s home was filled with the soft hum of mechanical devices and the constant presence of books and research papers, creating an environment that was always abuzz with activity and intellect. Despite his usual air of self-assurance, today was different. Today, he had been tasked with looking after his child while he took a break from his intellectual pursuits.

Ratio was sitting at his desk, absently fiddling with his latest experiment, when a sudden shriek broke his concentration. Looking up, he saw his child—still too young to understand the consequences of their actions—leaning precariously over the edge of the nearby chair, trying to grab at something just out of reach.

Ratio’s heart rate quickened, but only for a moment. He had no time for hesitation. A flash of motion, and before the child could tumble from their position, he was there. His hand shot out, fingers grasping the back of their tiny shirt as he yanked them back into his arms.

"Impressive," he muttered under his breath, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he straightened them up in his arms. "Calculated risk taken... or perhaps not. Should’ve known better than to allow you to wander too close to danger."

The child, seemingly unperturbed by the near-miss, giggled and reached for his glasses, earning a soft chuckle from him. His reaction was a blend of calculated precision and the rare warmth he afforded only to those few who had earned it. He placed them back on the floor gently, adjusting his posture as he turned back to his work.

"Always be careful when testing boundaries," he murmured, his tone both pedagogical and affectionate. "Though, you’ll likely break a few rules before you understand the full implications."

The quiet flicker of pride—almost imperceptible in his usual cool demeanor—was enough to remind him that perhaps, just maybe, there was more to life than pure intellect and unrelenting pursuit of knowledge.

The night had settled over the Xianzhou Luofu, its vast corridors bathed in soft moonlight as Jing Yuan sat on the large velvet sofa in the living room. The quiet hum of his surroundings was a welcome change from the bustle of his duties as General. Tonight, however, was not about politics or strategy. It was time with his child.

They were seated on the plush carpet, playing with colorful blocks, the room filled with the gentle sound of their laughter. Jing Yuan's eyes flickered from his quiet reflection to the playful movements of the child, their small hands stacking the blocks with surprising focus.

Just as he was about to indulge in a rare moment of relaxation, the child, a little too eager in their exploration, began to stand, wobbling unsteadily as they took a tiny step forward. Jing Yuan’s eyes narrowed slightly, tracking every movement as they teetered dangerously close to the edge of a low table.

In an instant, his reflexes kicked in. He rose from his seat, his tall figure moving with an elegance that belied his usual languid demeanor. Without a sound, his hands shot out and caught the child just before they tumbled forward. The child, now cradled safely in his arms, blinked up at him, startled by the sudden movement.

"Careful," Jing Yuan said softly, his voice filled with a calm, knowing affection as he gently set them back on their feet. "It's easy to forget your balance, but it’s important to always be mindful of where you’re going."

The child giggled and reached for his arm, as though offering their own small form of reassurance. Jing Yuan smiled, his eyes softening in that rare moment of warmth, the fleeting sensation of peace that he had worked so hard to cultivate within the Xianzhou now extending to the quiet sanctuary of his home.

The dim light of Blade's home flickered, casting long shadows across the room where Blade sat, his arms folded across his chest. His usually cold, calculating demeanor was softened for the moment—he was at home, a place where the sharp edges of his mission seemed to dull just a little. His child, their presence almost a contradiction to his tortured past, was moving around the room, their tiny steps full of excitement and exploration.

His eyes followed them with a trace of something unspoken in his gaze. For all his power, his immortality, and his resolve to bring an end to his suffering, this—this quiet domestic moment with the child—was a reminder that there were things beyond his tragic existence.

But it didn’t last.

With a sudden, clumsy movement, the child, still unsteady on their feet, lost balance and began to fall towards the sharp edge of a table. Blade’s instincts kicked in—no hesitation, no thought of consequences. His hand shot out and, with uncanny precision, he caught the child in mid-air, their small form colliding gently against his chest. For a moment, the stillness was overwhelming. Blade’s heart didn’t beat, but in the silence, he felt something stir—a fleeting warmth that felt both foreign and familiar.

"Watch your step," Blade murmured, his voice low but laced with a tenderness he couldn’t quite hide. His gaze softened as the child looked up at him, a wide grin on their face as if nothing had happened.

The child wriggled out of his grasp, reaching for the toy they had been playing with earlier, completely unaware of how close they had come to danger. Blade stood for a moment, his gaze lingering on them, before a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips—an expression he rarely wore, but one that seemed to fit in this quiet, domestic world that somehow had found its way into his immortal existence.

"Even the smallest steps can be dangerous," he murmured, almost to himself. "But I’ll always be here to catch you."

And with that, Blade returned to his silent watch, torn between the eternal path he had chosen and the fragile peace that, for now, seemed to be the only thing worth holding onto.

[brucewaynehater101]

WHUMPTOBER 2024: PROMPT #9

Bruises, Obsession, "frame me up on the wall to keep me out of trouble"

CW: Codependency (not directly stated as such)

Brief synopsis: Tim reflects on why he became Robin

Batman needs a Robin. He does. Tim has done the calculations over and over and over again.

Batman can not exist by himself. He can not work alone. He specifically needs a Robin.

Cases solved increase, victim casualties decrease, injuries sustained decrease, Bruce's mood overall increases, and crime rate is drastically lowered. Tim's done the math. The math points to this deduction.

Batman needs a Robin.

Even through the changes in who wore which cape, the calculations still pointed to this fact:

Batman needs a Robin.

It's vital to Batman to have a Robin. It's vital to Gotham to have Batman.

It's easy for Tim to support that cause.

So, Tim gave all he could to Bruce. He helped him when he fell back into bad habits again and again and again and again and again.

It doesn't matter that Bruce hurts Tim sometimes. The man never means it maliciously. 

Tim even feels sorry for Bruce and his tendency to always lash out and hurt those he loves. He feels bad that the man needs Tim to help him and that no one else could or would.

This is why Tim became Robin. It's why he rarely directly confronts Bruce for the risk of Bruce not allowing that help. It's why he doesn't argue with the man in order to keep the peace. Tim just maneuvers behind Bruce's back.

It doesn't matter that Tim finds himself resorting to methods that make him uncomfortable or that he’s becoming shaped in Bruce's own ill-fitting shadow. As long as Batman is needed, Tim will be needed.

No matter the way it scrapes at Tim's need for independency.

Before he threw on a cape, Tim had friends. It wasn't easy to maintain friends, but he didn't lie to them. He didn't have to hide injuries, ditch plans, and spend most of their hangouts worrying about whether Bruce would be alive by the time Tim returned. 

With the stress and the tragedies and the way that Robin seemed to consume Timothy Drake, he looked up one day to realize he lost all of his friends. Robin had friends, important and deeply cherished ones, but Timothy Drake didn't. Between all of the death and Tim's distance, he lost everyone dear to just Tim. His only connections were through a mask.

Tim only realized that after the fact.

Bruce needs Tim, even if the man had plenty of other people to rely on.

He does.

And Tim? He's not Robin anymore. It has always been a temporary gig. No one has been an adult and Robin. Children grow up.

Still, Tim became Robin for Batman. He became the Dark Knight’s pillar, his light. He sacrificed so much because Batman needs a Robin.

And he still needs Tim.

So, Tim became Red Robin because Bruce still needs Tim.

[big-cheesy-productions]

The Crimson B*st*rds

Pathfinder Campaign Character Reflection

Session 1-2

Context: After surviving some sick games at the prison for the guards entertainment, Ren and Willow are reunited with Sloan and Percy. Together again, they are offered a deal from the Warden: do his dirty work and gain their freedom back. They all agree, Ren desperate for freedom, Sloan looking for gold, and Percy doing anything to avoid going back home. The work brought our newly formed party to Dusthaven, a small town with a big mystery...

Song of the Session:

Content Warnings: N/A

~

Despite being in the desert, being out of the prison is like drinking from an oasis. And my thirst is finally quenched for the first time in weeks. It’s a moment of respite, before I remember once again where we are.

The wheels are turning in everyone’s heads, we can see it. Is there a trick? A catch? A trap that we’re missing? Is this all part of a sick game? But if the choice is parting ways in Dusthaven and being hunted and chased like before, or returning to the prison where my fate is sealed, well, that’s hardly a choice to me. 

I wish Percy had just stayed, gone home like I begged her too. Does she know something? Percy is dangerous, but she's lost too, not to mention convicted. I don't think I could ever change her mind at this point. And now with her… development… It seems we’re stuck together. It's dangerous to continue on with these strangers, thieves, and bounty hunters. But it's too dangerous not to. They know the desert better than Percy and I. Between facing the dangers of people and the dangers of nature, I'd rather take the dangers of people. People can be killed. I'd rather it not come to that.

Willow and I go to see the psychic. I know plenty of people claim to be psychic, to swindle people out of their money, so we ask a simple question to see if she’s the real deal. I’m glad Willow asked first. She’s real, all right. I want to know what the psychic would see in me. Answers? Truth? Just a reminder of what was? But I would prefer to ask in private. Though, I don’t think I would actually get answers. I doubt my dead would want to speak to me…

~

As always, feel free to send me any questions!

[jojaxcola]

we're like eighty percent sure that's just water

[jojamart mockumentary #2]

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[squidpedia]

processing trauma is not an option when algebra class starts in like 10 minutes. Lock in Block out😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[tazmiilly]

[bunnygirllover45]

Here's my own tutorial on how to sleep with your kidnapped victim partner. I did not take comfort as factor btw I think this was a trend?? I don't know I just remember seeing similar drawings before.

[lowpolyanimals]

Yoshi (Low Poly) from Super Smash Bros. Melee

[orbiiance]

i was a very vocal president c!tubbo defender back in the day. they were massacring my boy !!!

[aventurineswife]

Hiiii! Could I request Aventurine, Ratio, and Sunday after forgetting about an important event of the reader’s? Like the reader asked them to come to something with them but they forgot and didn’t show. Thank you so much and have a great rest of your day :>

“I never meant to hurt you, but I did”

Tags: Aventurine x Reader, Ratio x Reader, Sunday x Reader, Established Relationship, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Conflict, Personal Growth, Regret, Redemption, Miscommunication, Character Reflection, Sincere Apology, Vulnerability, Emotional Vulnerability.

Warnings: Hurt/Comfort Themes, Light Angst, Potential for Emotional Misunderstanding, Slight Emotional Intensity (due to regret and apologies), Focus on Interpersonal Conflict/Resolution, Characters may be self-critical or overly remorseful.

The grand hall was dimly lit, a few candles flickering by the entrance, casting long shadows across the polished marble floor. You paced in front of the door, glancing at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time. It was an important event, one you’d invited Aventurine to join. It was supposed to be something special—something you hoped he’d remember. Yet, there you stood, waiting. Waiting for him.

A faint smile tugged at your lips, despite the disappointment gnawing at you. Aventurine had never been one to adhere to time, his whimsical approach to life often leading to unpredictable results. Still, you had hoped, even if just for a moment, that he’d put aside his high-stakes dealings to show up for something that mattered to you.

Just as you began to lose hope, the door creaked open, and there he was—Aventurine, his usual confident smile plastered on his face, though it faltered slightly as his eyes caught the frustration in yours. His tousled hair fell across his face, and the telltale glint in his eyes seemed a little dimmer today.

“Ah, my dear,” he said, striding in and closing the door behind him. “I do apologize. You must know that time slips away when one is occupied with matters of great importance.” He tilted his head, his usual charm masking any guilt. “But, I see now that I’ve truly missed something… important, haven’t I?”

You crossed your arms, trying to keep your voice steady, though it quivered just a little. “I asked you to come. This was important to me, Aventurine. I thought you would remember.”

His eyes softened for a moment, his smile fading. He stepped closer, the atmosphere between you charged with an unspoken tension. “I know I’ve… often been a bit scattered when it comes to certain things.” He reached out, gently brushing a lock of hair behind your ear. “But, believe me, my intentions were never to let you down.” His voice dropped to a softer tone. “You mean far more to me than any of my games or gambles.”

You could hear the sincerity in his words, but still, the weight of the situation lingered. Aventurine, for all his charm and strategic brilliance, wasn’t always great at keeping promises.

“Just… next time, remember?” You managed, trying not to let the hurt show too much.

Aventurine’s usual confidence returned, and he gave a small, playful smirk. “I’ll make it up to you. Let’s call it… part of the game, shall we?” He raised a brow, as if daring you to challenge him. “I’ll plan the next big event, and I’ll make sure nothing will pull me away.”

Though you could feel your frustration waning, you couldn’t help but wonder if this was just another one of his high-risk gambles—the kind that always seemed to come with consequences. But, for now, you let the moment pass, giving him a faint smile.

“Alright,” you said softly, “but I’m holding you to that.”

Aventurine’s smile returned in full force, as if winning this small victory was all he needed to feel at ease once more. “Deal.”

The soft hum of the bustling lab should have been soothing, yet all you could focus on was the empty seat beside you. You’d prepared everything meticulously—an intimate gathering, just you, Ratio, and a few close friends. It was supposed to be a moment for the two of you to unwind, but he hadn’t shown up.

He was always so focused—always consumed by his intellect and his endless pursuit of knowledge. But today, you needed him to show up. You’d asked him, and he had agreed. Or so you thought.

Your fingers drummed absentmindedly on the table, your mind racing through the myriad reasons why he might have forgotten. Was he so caught up in his latest project that he lost track of time? Was it something more? Was this just another example of his dismissive attitude toward those things that didn’t concern him directly?

You let out a frustrated sigh, catching sight of the time on your wrist. That’s when the door to your home opened with a soft creak, and in strode Ratio, his usual confident stride unshaken by the misstep. His hair was slightly disheveled, his eyes scanning the room before locking onto you. He paused, his expression flickering with something akin to surprise.

“I... I did not expect this, honestly. I thought you had other plans?” he said, his words slightly flustered, as if he hadn’t anticipated finding you alone, waiting.

“You said you’d come,” you replied, trying to keep the sharp edge from your voice, though it slipped through. “I—we—needed you here.”

He blinked, seemingly taken aback by the hurt in your tone. His posture softened slightly, but his usual confidence still clung to him like armor. “My apologies,” he said, his voice a touch quieter. “I became… distracted by an unforeseen development in the lab. It seems I misjudged my ability to be present.” He paused, noticing the disappointed look on your face. “I’ll make it up to you. I assure you, this was never my intention.”

You tried to hide the frustration in your gaze, not wanting to push him too far, but the weight of his words did little to soothe the ache in your chest. He didn’t understand—not fully. He rarely did.

“I just… needed you here. Not the work, not the research. You.”

For the first time, you saw a flicker of vulnerability in his gaze. His gaze softened, the usual pride replaced with something gentler. He stepped closer, his voice quieter now. “I will be more present next time. I won’t let work overshadow this again.” He hesitated, then spoke, his tone much more sincere. “You deserve that.”

Your breath caught in your throat, and though the sting of his absence lingered, you allowed yourself to soften, giving him the benefit of doubt. "I know."

The garden was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves in the breeze. The sun was setting, casting a soft golden glow over the peaceful scene. You had planned a small gathering for the two of you—just you and Sunday, a rare chance to connect in a tranquil setting. But as the minutes ticked by and the sky darkened, you couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment.

You had asked him to join you today, a simple request really. You had hoped to spend time with him outside of his usual duties, but now you found yourself alone, staring at the empty chair beside you.

You leaned back against the stone bench, arms crossed tightly over your chest as you tried to keep your thoughts from spiraling. Maybe it was too much to ask for. Maybe, in his eyes, this wasn’t as important as whatever else he was wrapped up in.

Just as you were about to turn and leave, you heard footsteps. You looked up to see Sunday, his ethereal figure framed by the soft light. His wings fluttered slightly, and his eyes met yours—guilt clouding his gaze.

“I’m so sorry,” he began, his voice tinged with regret. “I didn’t mean to forget. My thoughts… wandered. There’s always something more to be done, but I shouldn’t have let it distract me from you.”

You uncrossed your arms, staring at him, not knowing what to say. Part of you wanted to be angry, to demand answers for his absence. But when you looked at him—really looked at him—you saw the weariness in his eyes, the conflict beneath his calm exterior. He’d struggled so much with balancing his ideals and his personal connections.

“I understand,” you said softly, your voice quiet. “But you did forget. You promised.”

Sunday approached, his steps slow, his wings brushing lightly against the air as he knelt beside you. “I know. And I can’t undo it,” he admitted, lowering his head in quiet shame. “But I’m here now, and I won’t leave. I’ll stay. You’ve always been there for me when I needed you… I only hope to give you that same reassurance.”

For a moment, there was silence between you. Then, slowly, you took his hand, offering him a small, understanding smile. "It's just... a little disappointing. But you being here now, it’s enough."

He smiled, a soft, relieved smile that spoke volumes. “Next time, I promise to be more present. To not let distractions pull me away.”

[curioscurio]

I'm rewatching Steven Universe and I will never forgive Fandom for what it did to her

[quantumshade]

there's an interesting thing rtd said from the commentary about the "real mom" line:

i get not liking the line but like. it's an intentional mistake and an intentional character choice, and something we'll return to in the future, and that seems like important context to have when talking about the episode.

[trashiiplant]

dandy's world doodle dump because I'm obsessed

[big-cheesy-productions]

The Crimson B*st*rds

Pathfinder Campaign Character Reflection

Session 0

Context:  A party name has finally been chosen, so you know what that means??? The return of character reflections! This time, following Ren Mithendril, an elven wizard who is haunted in more ways than one, in the desert region of Ko Bulsar. 

Ren was expelled from the College of Delynwerth under circumstances she will not say. Her earnest classmate, Persephone Cromwell, followed her, eager to prove her “innocence.” Captured by the bounty hunter, Sloan, Ren and Percy were brought to Del Ferram, a militaristic and corrupt prison, where Ren shared a cell with Willow Blackwell (@fiona-clawton), a sticky-fingered and fast-talking rogue, and Percy was treated as a guest while waiting for her family to retrieve her. 

And this is where we begin…

Song of the Session:

Content Warnings: N/A

~

It’s been a month here. Stuck. Trapped. Waiting. I don’t know where Percy is. Probably back home by now. She never should have followed me. Why did she follow me? To what end? So brave and naive... What a waste of her time.

 I cannot be here any longer. I watch my cellmate, Willow, and her restless fingers. She watches, searches, calculates. I believe she’s looking for the same thing I am: a way out. Perhaps we can use each other.

The hunger eats at my throat. I taste it always in my mouth. I hear it pounding in my ears. I try to swallow it. It’s all I can do. But I will not let them take me back. My foot is stuck in a trap, and I will gnaw my own leg off to escape.

~

I have reflections for 8 sessions so far and they are scheduled to post. Enjoy! And as always, feel free to send me questions!

[the-meme-monarch]

i love funny little cartoon characters especially when bad things are happening