#always catch me in the artist alley

[mortellanarts]

2023 go bye bye

[chongoblog]

gush about how much you adore your boyfriend

Oh my god, easiest thing I’ve ever been asked to do.

My boyfriend is so fucking cool. First of all, he’s a badass and amazing artist, and if you’ve seen his art, you know that he’s amazing at that. Not only that, but he ran an entire artist alley at Sonic Expo all by himself (let’s gooooo). He’s incredibly funny, and is so good at making me laugh in ways that always catch me off guard. He’s adorable, to the point where 50% of our conversations to one another are so disgustingly cute that outsiders simply cannot handle it. Most importantly out of everything, he has an enormous heart. I remember I was on the phone with him once while he was walking around, and between him ordering some food I heard him talking to someone that didn’t sound like a cashier, so I asked, and he told me that someone outside the shop asked if he could get a coffee for them, which he did, no questions asked, if only to help a person out.

That was the moment I knew I loved him.

And he carries that energy of kindness with him every day, in everything he does, to everyone he meets. I’m so so lucky that he loves me too.

[art]

Creator Spotlight: @66sharkteeth

66 is a comic artist and the creator of City of Blank, a WEBTOON original series. They worked in the game industry at companies such as 2K Games before entering the field of comics. They began their career in comics at Tapas, where they worked as an editor and lead typesetter, before being signed to create their own original series on WEBTOON.

Check out our interview with 66 below!

Have you ever had an art block? If so, how did you overcome it?

The short answer is yeah, I’ve definitely had one. Overall, I feel like doing a lot of style studies during that time and trying to use new brushes helps a lot. In addition, because I’m a comic artist, I feel like writer’s block is in the same field, and with that, I’m really fortunate that I have an editor that I can work with, who helps me a lot there. Whenever I am stuck at a plot point in my comic, I can always go to my editor, who helps me hammer things out.

What medium have you always been intrigued by but would never use yourself?

Animation. Of course, everyone loves animation. I went to school for game art and design and even did some animation courses, and I am just not cut out for it. I don’t enjoy the process, and I am not good at it. Animation is beautiful, and I admire people who can do it. I’d love for my work to be animated some day, I’m just not capable of being the one to do it haha.

Warm tones or cool tones?

It really depends on the scene! Especially in my comic, I really go with both of them, just depending on the moment in the comic. There was a major character death, and that scene was almost black and white. But normally, the comic is very vibrant, and people really like it, so when I switch it to a more cold tone, it makes the scene that much more impactful.

What is a recent creative project that you are proud of?

Honestly, my current comic, City of Blank, takes up 100% of my time. But recently, I did a plushie campaign where I worked with Makeship through Webtoon to design the plushies and do a little bit of marketing for them. So that’s fun and different from what I normally do!

When planning a comic or a story, what do you do first, character design or character outline?

Normally, I have a design, and I fall in love with the character design, and then I find a role for them. That’s how a lot of my characters have started. Also, that’s how I’ve been tackling new projects that I want to work on after City of Blank. I just came up with a character, and I’m trying to make a story around them.

What is a convention experience that has stuck with you?

Meeting readers and realizing how much my work means to some of them. Some of them have started their own comics, having been inspired by mine. Learning that I’m part of the reason they started their own comic journey, the same way I looked to other inspiring comic artists to start mine—it means the world that I’m in that position now.

Top tips on setting up an Artist Alley booth?

Let’s see…bright, sparkly colors! I think just trying to make sure that the booth is eye-catching. I ended up making a big shiny banner for New York Comic Con, and I know many people stopped by because it caught their eye and they’re curious about what it is. I know a lot of people are selling merchandise of popular media. Even just a banner of your brand to get them curious about who you are and maybe interested in seeing what you make and taking a business card so they can look you up later. It’s better than someone just buying a pin and forgetting you exist. Lastly, put out a tip jar. You never know just how generous your fans are feeling.

Who on Tumblr inspires you and why?

I’m mostly involved in the webtoon sphere! I am definitely inspired by my fellow Webtoon creators, @lark-wren, who created the series Woven. I love their work and seeing them interact with their readers on Tumblr. Same with fellow Webtoon creators, @miranda-mundt-art and @astrobleme-enterprises, who created Lovebot.

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing, 66! Be sure to check out their Tumblr blog over at @66sharkteeth and follow their webcomic, City of Blank, over at WEBTOON.

[tainted-liquor]

✮ 4th Baby Mama‧₊˚ ⋅ 「15.10.23」 ft. Earth42 Miles G. Morales

ingredients; Sugar, kisses, n a lil bit of smiles!

Listen, ik you said make it just one, but a part 2 is going to be made lol

It was a warm day out in Brooklyn, New York. The air gently caressed and kissed your skin, leaving your blue plaid skirt flowing as you trekked through the messy streets of Brooklyn. You paid no attention to the gunshots, explosions, or any of the...cherry-wine tinted 'spills' coming from a random trash bag in the alley. You mumbled along to the music you had blasting through your blue metallic beats, putting a slight pep in your step as Summer Walker spoke to your soul.

"I wanna start wit' yo mama, she shoulda whooped yo ass..." you grunted, giggling to yourself before swinging open the massive oak doors to Brooklyn Visions Academy. You felt rather giddy about the day ahead, knowing that you would be getting robotic babies as part of your home economics class. The problem was that you didn't know who you would be partnered with. It was all shits and giggles, and you were pretty sure the task would be as easy as ever. No matter who you were partnered with! Right?

No.

You made your way to the locker, checking your lashes and light makeup in the small mirror you had placed in the top right corner before placing all your unnecessary materials inside the navy blue metal. You did a quick fluff of your slick low bun and threw on your clear-framed glasses. You opened up your spearmint mentos gum, popping two small pieces in your mouth before closing your locker and proceeding through the bustling halls to find your friends. You lowered your headphones down to your neck, pausing the music and locating your girls all crowded together in what sounded like frantic whispers and sharp giggles. Catching up to the rest of the group, you merged into their tight circle to see what was going on as they all looked down at each other's phones.

"Yooo, what's happening? What y'all lookin' at?" You inquired whilst pulling out your phone and opening your school email. You turned your head to face your friend, Tierra, watching as the cyber-blue hue illuminated her facial features as she stared down at her screen with a hand over her mouth. Layla spoke up, nudging you gently so you could see what she was talking about, "They picked the partners for the...the fuckin' baby project at random!" She giggled, tears pricking her waterline as she flipped her screen to show you what was on her phone. You scanned through the list, eyes widening when you came across your name right next to Miles'.

"WHAT!" You shouted, breaking out into laughter with the rest of the group. "They paired me with my fuckin' ex, at least you got that quiet kid!" Tierra grunted, whacking you on the shoulder with a rolled-up homework assignment. You nearly fell on the floor, gripping Katie's shoulder while she held up upright. The idea of raising a baby, real or not, with a stranger sounded hilarious. You weren't mad, but he wasn't exactly the partner you wanted. You originally hoped for one of your girlfriends, or maybe even a cute guy from the basketball team that you could yap about later. But alas, the forms were out and the choices were final, so there was nothing more that you could do.

You were familiar with Miles; saying hi to him now and again in the hallways and always getting the same upward nod in the process. He was known to be an adept artist who wasn't big on having a large circle of friends, but that didn't mean he was weird. You held your stomach as you wiped your tears, easing into the steady flow of conversation your friends began to hold before it was time for you to head to your advisory. You waved bye to your friends before heading to Mrs. Thomas’ classroom for said advisory, where she covered the school's upcoming events and big tests we needed to be ready for. You fiddled and played with a loose curl in your bun, pulling it down and watching as it sprang back up at an instantaneous rate. 

The room was dull and filled with nothing but sleep until the bell rang, signaling for everyone to file out to their next class. You hastily grabbed your things, panicking slightly at the fact that in the next 30 minutes, you would be classified as a ‘mother’. The classroom was warm and comfortable, allowing your nerves to relax slightly as you sat in your usual seat. It didn’t take long for more voices to pour in, loud gossip and strained laughter filling the room as everyone took their respective seats. ”Girl this class finna be the death of me…how we havin’ kids at 8:35 in the morning!” Your friend Jayda mumbled, finally sitting down next to you as your teacher prepared to start today’s lesson.

“Nah that’s what I’m saying…Like, tell me how I got-” you began, cutting yourself off as soon as Ms. Kaylee cleared her throat and stood up from her desk with a warm smile. She spoke, her voice cutting clearly through the silence that hung over the room like a mistletoe over a pair with chemistry as thick as butter, “Alright, everyone! I’m sure you saw the email about your partners for your week-long project, but in case you didn’t have time or missed a couple of lessons I’ll go over everything for a couple minutes before we get started with our gender reveal!” You tensed in your seat, looking over at Jayda with wide eyes and an upside-down smile. The classroom door came swinging open, revealing a Miles who had a tiny matte-black bandage right next to his lip. His uniform jacket was missing, his tie askew, and his sleeves were rolled up to his upper bicep, displaying a ton of tiny scratches and a small bruise above the curve of his elbow. 

The teacher glared at him for what felt like a minute, calmly pulling him to the side to discuss his entrance while you glared at him, too. But you weren’t staring because he was a disruption to the classroom. He looked delicious like this…when he was finally out of his usual blue school hoodie and grey slacks. You watched as he nodded at the teacher, towering over her 5’4 stature before you felt a light tap on your arm. 

“Ayo, stop drooling girl we see you” Jayda laughed, giving her a firm eye-roll as you watched Miles stroll back to his desk and sit down. Ms. Kaylee let go of a deep sigh, shaking her head before continuing with her speech. She gave a brief explanation of what it was that we’d be doing, what the final goal was, and how we would be graded on our project. She clapped her hands together, setting out a bunch of baby holders and car seats before rolling out a massive case labeled ‘RealCare’. “Alright! When I call you and your partner's name, please come up and grab one bath bomb and a pail of water”

The people around you made quick work of finding their partners and grabbing the necessary supplies between chortles and hushed conversation. Your chest felt heavy as you talked Jayda’s ear off, nearing the order of people that you last saw on the Google form she had emailed you earlier. You perked up as soon as you heard your name, turning around to see Ms. Kaylee check off two spaces on her clipboard before beckoning the both of you to come up and grab your things. You sighed, getting up from your desk and grabbing a plain white bath bomb and a small beach pale filled with lukewarm water while Miles grunted and grabbed a car seat, muscles tensing and flexing under the weight of the surprisingly heavy chunk of plastic. He turned over to look at you, nodding his head back to his desk as a signal for you to follow him while you waited for the teacher to finish reading out the pairs. 

“Wassup, Miles” you beamed, pulling up a chair in front of his desk so you could sit face-to-face with him while you placed the sunny yellow pale on the desk, holding the bath bomb as delicately as possible in your cupped hands. He nodded upward, setting the car seat on the floor next to him and cracking his knuckles. His skin was perfectly smooth, his braids laid neatly at the tip of his collarbones and he had a skinny but lean build on him. It wasn’t long after you took note of him avoiding your gaze that the teacher spoke up, instructing you to all drop your bath bombs in the pail of water and then rinse your hands at the sink. You squealed in anticipation, making sure that Miles was watching as you dropped the chalky white bath bomb into the sparkling clear water.

The bucket exploded with color, white foam suddenly turning into shades of bright pink and pastel fuchsia. You beamed from ear to ear, pure joy and excitement illuminating your face as you joined the rest of the class in their shouts of joy, exclaiming their ‘babies’ gender at the top of their lungs. Miles smiled slightly, nodding with a content expression before he leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling. Shortly after everyone's joyful exclamation, the teacher wasted no time in collecting everyone's attention and going over the plan for the next week. “You will need to devise a custody plan with your partner, so this means exchange numbers or whatever you need to do now. You may now all come up and select your baby” Ms. Kaylee explained and gestured to the now-open box.

You went up with Miles, quickly scooping up a pretty baby doll with deep brown skin and curly brown hair. You analyzed her little face, taking in her deep black eyes and light pink headband that came with her matching pink onesie while Miles got your baby bag full of supplies and wristbands. Miles cleared his throat, holding up his phone before mumbling “Just send me what days you want me to get her and I’ll make it work.”

You nodded, putting your number in his contacts and vice versa. “Actually,” he stated, gently taking the baby from your arms and hoisting up the bright pink baby bag. “I got her until lunch today. I’ll come find you and we’ll work sum’ out,” he shrugged as you handed him back his phone.

“Oh aight, bet. What we naming her?” You asked, attempting to reach for the car seat, but being instantly denied by Miles. “Uhh…” he mumbled, visibly blanking at the idea of having to name his baby. “Uhh…Anylah?” He smirked, attempting to cover up the fact he just thought of a name on the spot. You looked him up and down, playing over how the name sounded in your mind before nodding slowly. Miles let go of a deep breath, posture relaxing only a fraction before he reached into the bag to put on both of your orange wristbands.

“Aight, I’ll catch you at lunch,” Miles stated, making his way out of the classroom with a heavy load of baby items and a fake baby. You made your way to your remaining 4 classes, internally groaning at how fast the time was passing by.

“She ain’t even tell us these fuckin babies cry…I didn’t know that shit made noise! It started going off in the library!” Your friend Jayda moaned, attempting to shush her fussy baby she named Mariah. “The fuck you mean you didn’t know they cried…it was literally in the paper she gave us about the babies?” You asked, looking at her like she had a second head. She shrugged, eyeing you with slightly widened eyes and a smirk to silently convey that she didn’t read the forms. “JAYDA!” You giggled, half-shoving her as you opened up the doors to the cafeteria. The line was nothing short of demonic, so you decided to hop a couple of places forward with your friends who had already made it to the cafeteria.

The food was mediocre, but at least it was edible. You sat with your girls for a good 5 minutes, enjoying your food and conversing with each other before you spotted Miles making his way over. He held the baby like a football, making space for himself at your table with a low “excuse me” in between you and Tierra. “Aight so my schedule is weird cuz I have work some days, but I’ll make it work what days should I get this thing?” He asked, his voice low and stoic as he began typing away in the notes app on his phone. You gave him a playful glare, attempting to push down the smirk that was forming on your face. “Don’t call her a thing, this is your daughter,” you joked with an exaggerated roll of your eyes. “But you can take…Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday!” You exclaimed, taking the baby from Miles and checking your calendar. Great, Wednesday!

“My daughter huh? Aight, I gotchu,” he sniggered before tucking his phone in his back pocket. He tapped on the table, shooting you a wink you swear you hallucinated before retreating to his group of homies without another word. Your head dropped down to your fake baby, fighting back a smirk as you submerged yourself back in your conversation.

Whatever you thought this project was going to be, you certainly didn’t anticipate anything from the road ahead.

It was 1 AM, and your arms felt sore from the constant rocking of this baby that weighed nothing less than 7 pounds. You changed what felt like 4 diapers, fed her for almost 20 minutes, and spent your night pacing through your kitchen to calm her down. You whined along with the baby, praying to whoever was listening that she’d be finished soon. You grabbed your phone from your shorts pocket, quickly dialing up Miles as a last attempt. You felt like you were intruding on his private life, but something in this goddamn world has to give.

The phone rang twice, sighing to yourself when you heard the familiar ringtone come to an abrupt stop. There was rustling, what sounded like a low breathy grunt, before Miles picked up the phone. “Yo…what’s good, whatchu need?” he mumbled, his voice sounding sickeningly velvety as he attempted to shake the sleep from his vocal cords. “Uh, hey. Anylah won’t stop crying and I don’t know what to do…Can you come help, please?” You winced, balancing your phone between your cheek and shoulder. He made a low noise that sounded like a cross of a low hum of approval, and a groan of missed sleep before he got up, stretched, threw on a quick hoodie, and knotted his sweats. “I’ll be over in like…a couple minutes” he grumbled, hanging up almost as soon as you could say “thanks.”

He knocked at your front door not even five minutes later, leaving you to drown in his shadow as he stood over you with a tired, blank, and semi-serious expression. The frosty air from the outdoors nipped at any inch of skin it could find purchase, leaving you to beckon him inside the door as quickly as possible. You handed him the crying infant, watching as his eyes widened by a fraction before returning to their initial low post. “Damn, not even a hello?” He chuckled as he took a wailing Anylah in his arms, rocking the baby at an oddly specific angle. “I know you didn’t just pull up to my crib talkin’ like someone's absent baby father…” you joked, rolling your eyes and taking your respective place back on the couch. 

“Hello, Morales.” You commented, leaning your head on his shoulder sleepily as he sat next to you on the couch. He nodded, somehow managing to hush the baby within the first 45 seconds of holding her. You huffed, feeling slightly irritated at how he managed to finish what you were attempting to do for over an hour in only a minute. “You were rocking her…too fast,” he slurred, clearly tired as he attempted to hold his eyes open. You didn’t even realize that you had fallen asleep, attempting to reach for the baby before ultimately clocking out for the night.

You woke up feeling groggy, sluggish, and plagued by a small migraine. Both Anylah and Miles were nowhere to be found, feeling around for your phone only to grab a purple sticky note stuck to the back of your phone case.

‘Went back home.’

You sighed, shooting Miles a text immediately that let him know to not disappear like that with the doll. You got ready for school, taking a scalding hot shower and repeating your daily routine of thoroughly scrubbing and exfoliating your face. You threw on your uniform, prioritizing the aesthetic of your uniform as you tugged on some rather cutesy slouch socks. You skipped breakfast at home, opting to grab something from the cafeteria before slipping out the front door and facing the cold air once again. Damn, this day was bound to be long as hell.

You reached school, giggling at your phone down the street as you ‘bickered’ back and forth with Miles.

‘alr alr mb. I didnt think it thru.’

‘Fym you didn’t think it through? I thought I was finna fail’

‘u actin like sb baby mama rn.’

‘Ntm now’

‘my fault’

You powered off your phone, jamming the smooth plastic case into the deep pockets of your black shorts under your school skirt. Today you had a class on burping babies and how to properly dress them for the winter, eagerly anticipating the cute little coats they’d provide for your shared babydoll. You took your seat, silently doodling in your notebook until you heard the familiar cold tone fade into the classroom. “Qué quieres decir? Esta mi mamá del bebé es ahí mismo,” he chuckled, carrying both the baby bag in one hand and Anylah in the other. “Baby mama is craaazy…” the boy he was talking to muttered, looking utterly tired and vaguely annoyed.

He took his seat next to you, giving you an upward nod as he cradled Anylah in one arm while he mindlessly scrolled through his phone with the other. 

“Not you calling me your baby mother…”

"It's funny"

Tags ♡

@ashsostrangee @chessboxx @janaeby @faeriesoiree333 @fivestardior @an1bara @bachirasegoist @milesnanana77 @niaurluv @sp1derw1re @ban-al3x @we-loveebony @kae2kaee @dxrlingcc

[bastardblvd]

submitted entries for the slimeball alley on bastard boulevard collab event. please be mindful of content warnings and boundaries set by authors. want to join? read our guidelines here.

KEY: 🦠 = NSFW ⚠️ = DARK CONTENT

"DOUBLE DOWN" by @ryndicate 🦠 ⚠️

fem reader x slimeball!hirofumi yoshida, reader x stepbro!denji

"didn't know you were into that kinda stuff."

"SAFETY FIRST" by @strawberrystepmom 🦠

fem restaurant manager!reader x fake OSHA inspector!jiraiya

when an inspector unexpectedly comes to your restaurant, you figure out how to get yourself out of trouble.

"A RIDE FOR A RIDE" by @thus-spoke-lo 🦠

afab reader x taxi driver!zoro

it's 3am and walking home from your shitty job at the diner seems like a drag, so you call a cab, hoping for a quick trip back to your apartment so you can finally catch some sleep. your moss-haired, muscle-bound, directionally-challenged cabbie definitely gives you a ride you didn't expect.

"COMPLIMENTS TO THE CHEF" by @thus-spoke-lo 🦠

afab reader x slimeball line cook!sanji

a few nights pass after the sordid events of "a ride for a ride", and you're working another late night shift at franky's flapjack shack with sanji, that damned pervert cook. sanji manages to piss off your only remaining customer for the night, leaving the two of you alone in the restaurant. soon, things start to heat up in the kitchen--and not just because that one oven door won't close all the way.

"TITS FOR TAT" by @bloompompom 🦠

sorority girl!reader x tattoo artist!eren jaeger

"i hope you have a good idea about how you're going to pay for that tattoo..."

"DELIRIOUS" by @saccharine-darlin🦠 ⚠️

fem camgirl!reader x slimy sex shop owner!gojo x sex shop employee!getou

"your conservative town is something you've never thought that would let a sex shop pop up, it seemed too good to be true, and little did you know after the first time you visited you'd be caught in a web by the two perverted men who run it and quickly you learn that they always get what they want."

“PAY UP!” by @zeninsama 🦠

fem babysitter!reader x designer sunglasses model!gojo satoru

satoru's poor time management has you working overtime, and this cheap bastard has something other than cash to pay you with

"GOD BLESS ME, IT'S SUMMER" by @dolcezzzza 🦠

afab reader x slimeball ice cream truck driver!nicholas d. wolfwood

"open up."

"TRIPLE STRIKE XXX" by @em-plosion 🦠

new employee!reader x bowling alley owner!satoru gojo

"the animated neon signs glowed brightly against the wet pavement and the ‘help wanted’ flier in your hand. having to move to this hell hole of a town was bad enough but trying to find a job in it was worse, at this point this shitty bowling alley seemed to be the best option."

"HANDS TO YOURSELF" by @agirlwithapen 🦠 ⚠️

reader x dirty old man!kishibe

you’d purposely chosen the early morning transit. today was a big day, you see. you were interviewing for a position your friend had offered. it was your chance at stability, financial stability. “first impressions count.” you remember telling your soon-to-be boss over email. they do.

"CAN I HAVE A NUMBER 5?" by @gunfiendbabymama

yuuta okkotsu vs. aki hayakawa

the mcnuggets showdown.

“HONEY TRAP” by @maliciouslove 🦠

fem reader x slimeball starbucks barista!denki kaminari

having a slimebucks apron is equal to having unlimited rizz (source: me) and denki proves it by bedding his brand new colleague on her very first day of work.

“THE HR FILES” by @if-dreams-do-come-true ⚠️

afab reader x corrupt cop!kishibe

kishibe is a shameless corrupt cop with a penchant to make inappropriate advances at fresh faced interns and the reader is unfortunately his newest victim.

"STICKLER" by @princess-okkotsu 🦠

after a run-in with grimetown's sleazy cop nanami, you've come to the dmv to replace the sticker that was stolen off your car from a certain freeloader. you've got to convince the dmv employee, a stickler for the rules, that you quite badly need this problem squared away today.

[katsukikitten]

kitten hi! i’m thinking about your villain au with bakugo 2dai. how does your first encounter go?

It's a terrible time for Katsuki. He has a perfect record, any villain he spots he catches within a few minutes and the longest being 24 hours. But this is due to his intense studying and watching. It's subconscious for him to review old reports or listen to word of mouth or to watch videos on the end on how a villain fights or acts. He's adaptable even if Katsuki bitches about change.

But he's never, ever had to come across a villain more than once.

Until me and I should be an easy capture I really should and the only reason they're sending Katsuki is because I've evaded tons of heros. Mina, Momo, Denki, Sero, Shouto, and even Izuku.

My quirk is copy cat and I move a lot like a cat (some aus I have cute cat ears and a tail! But always copy cat quirk) I just steal things. Information, money, jewelry art. My favorite thing to do when I'm feeling extra angry is ruin billionaires lives by exposing them or forcing them into contracts that would benefit their tired over worked employees.

ANYWAY

Since I'm cat like I'm hard to pin down. You know when you're trying to hold a real life cat and unless you scruff them it's like trying to hold onto water. I just slip through fingers, get out of traps like a little escape artist.

And I taunt him, especially using his quirk on him!

"Hmm did Izuku send his precious Kacchan?" And Katsuki is already HATING that I know that stupid nickname only Deku is allowed to call him.

He chases me, thinking he's leading me to the trap he set up and he does but the catch is, I know the trap is there. I'm playing along and oh the poor big hero gets caught in his own trap when he turns down the alley and his own partners zap and tape the hell out of him.

[exrankluck]

Dear Vocalist Momochi Translation — ＠ SHI・BU・YA!!

disclaimer: some things might be inaccurate or awkward.

this is a bonus drama that came with the original season 1 cd !

ディア ヴォーカリスト エントリーNo.2 モモチ ドラマCD ｢プライベート・ヴォーカリスト＠SHI・BU・YA!!｣ 【タワーレコード CD2巻購入特典】 [豊永利行]

Hey, did you find anything good?

You need to look properly. We came to Shibuya so you could help me choose some clothes.

Just pick something that catches your eye for now. Or else you'll be here forever trying to decide.

What is this? It's lame. Rejected. The color scheme is ridiculous and the design is childish.

I mean, isn't this the same store that A came to the other day? And he liked it a lot.

Uwah, he came here too. This is the absolute worst.

Ah, this store is no good. There's another place I go to a lot, we can look there. Let's go.

Tch, what are you doing? Didn't you hear me say let's go?

sigh Seriously, can you stop messing around?

Shut up. It's your fault for spacing out.

Come on, just be quiet and....

What's that?

Ah! This cologne!

This is the one I used to wear!

Eh? It was discontinued a while ago, but they're still selling it here...!

I'm surprised you noticed it. Did I tell you about it before?

Hmm, what is it? Did you really like it when I used to wear it?

Should I buy it then? But the one I'm using now is pretty good...

Hey, which one do you like more, the cologne I'm wearing now or that one~?

It's fine, I'll let you choose the one you like since we're on a date.

Come on, smell. Which one?

Hey, don't be shy. I can't tell if you like it if you react like that.

If you're not going to answer me, I'll just keep teasing you like this~

Hehe, you're blushing again.

...Hey, which one do you actually like?

Hmm, I see. Then I'll go ahead and get this one.

Ah, the staff at this store are known to be flirty, so you don't need to come with me.

[3:08]

Ugh, Shibuya is way too crowded, isn't it?

sigh I should have just made you decide at the first store.

There's no way I'd be okay with this. I hate this scramble crossing in front of Mark City the most because there's too many people!

And there's always pickup artists trying to hit on girls here. I mean, is this really the kind of place you like?

Hmm. Alright, let's just cross quickly then. A clueless girl like you could easily fall prey to those guys.

Come on, let's go. You're not allowed to leave my side.

Tch, don't be so slow. Pay attention -

- What happened? Of course, it had to be one of those pickup artists.

Sorry about that, it seems like my girlfriend accidentally bumped into you! ...Tch, he's ignoring me? I apologized, so what's his problem?

Huh? Why should I be worried about you? It's your own fault, right? For bumping into that guy.

Or maybe you were trying to get his attention and did it on purpose?

Don't say anything. I don't want to hear your excuses right now.

Come on, let's go before the light changes.

There's still too many people around here.

Come with me.

I told you to stop talking!

Just be quiet and follow me.

[5:13]

Ugh, you're so annoying! What's with you?

Didn't I tell you to be quiet?

It's a back alley....? So? Is there a problem with that?

Besides, isn't there something more important than shopping right now?

Hey, how much more do I need to hurt you for you to be satisfied?

I'm grabbing you tight like this so you can feel the pain in my heart.

Why are you trying to run away?

You're really stupid.

There's no way you can get away from me.

But I actually like that clueless side of you, you know~?

That's why I can't hate you even if you flirt with other guys.

Wait, you didn't even realize you were doing it, did you?

You made eye contact with him, that pickup artist.

Flirting with a guy like that? Are you kidding me?

Hah? You're saying it's my fault for pulling your hand?

But I was just trying to help you since you were walking so slowly?

And then you say something like that. Isn't that too much?

I won't stop. Because it seems like you don't understand anything.

Apologize. Say you're sorry. If you're really regretful, it's normal to apologize.

Huh? That's it?

Tell me what you think you did wrong.

.....Okay, I'll forgive you~

But in return, do that thing you always do.

I'm telling you to kiss me.

Heh, look around, there's no one here.

I mean, there's no way I'd make you kiss me in front of other people.

I brought you to a place no one would notice for a reason, right? Think about it.

Come on! Do it. You can, right?

Hey, is that all?

That's not nearly enough.

Come on, one more time - and do it properly this time.

Hey, don't be shy.

I want to kiss you.

Kiss me.

Quickly.

That's right, you should have just listened to me from the beginning. Understand?

I don't feel like going to any more stores. Let's just stay here and have some fun instead, ne~?

[8:50]

Nevermind. I thought about it, but it's impossible when I can still smell that man on you.

Hey, take it off. I won't touch you unless you do.

At least the cardigan for now.

Hmm, so you don't want to get close with me, huh?

sigh What's your problem, shaking your head no like that?!

It's finally my day off and we're on a date, so don't piss me off anymore!

...Oh, that's right.

I just bought the perfect thing.

Hehe, look, it's the cologne you said you liked.

If you put this on, the other smell should go away a little.

Come here, show me your neck. I'm going to soak you in my scent.

Hm, it tickles? Just endure it a little longer~

Mm... okay, that should be enough.

Hehe, now you smell like me. It's not bad.

See? How's that? It's good, right?

Well, it is the cologne you loved before.

You can keep breathing it in until you get tired of it.

In the meantime, I'll play with you.

Ah, I'm fin~ally back to having only my scent on you.

Hehe, you're making that face again.

You really do like being forced like this, don't you?

I like it too. I want to do more and more.

Hey, open your mouth a little more.

It's not enough yet.

Not until you and I become one.

Don't ever leave me.

[useramor]

fall out buck

talking to @soleadita​ about buck’s taste in music and i started to ramble about his top fob songs from his high school years in the replies, but it got too long so i’m making a proper post about it here! i’m a firm believer buck went through a mild edgy phase. he started high school in 2005, aka the year from under the cork tree by fall out boy was released, and i’m entirely convinced that album set the tone for the rest of buck’s high school years. so here, in my professional emo opinion, are buck’s favorite fall out boy songs. 

this is only including songs from albums that would’ve released during his high school years, if anyone wants a part 2 with the other fob albums or even other artists lmk

(i’m working with buck being born in 1991 btw because we don’t have a strict timeline for that)

also i’m putting this under the cut because it got so very long, but if you’re curious and don’t feel like reading everything i had to say, here are the songs i chose:

- our lawyer made us change the name of this song so we wouldn’t get sued - i’ve got a dark alley and a bad idea that says you should shut your mouth (summer song) - 7 minutes in heaven (atavan halen) - XO - i’m a lawyer with the way i’m always trying to get you off (me & you) - the (after) life of the party - bang the doldrums - G.I.N.A.S.F.S. - disloyal order of water buffaloes - (coffee’s for closers) - what a catch, donnie - 27 - pavlove

(in order of release)

from under the cork tree (2005)

this album would’ve come out right as he was finishing middle school, so he went into his first year of high school with these songs already released. it was the (private) soundtrack to his summer (he was not about to get called gay by the other guys he was trying out for the football team with, thanks), you cannot convince me otherwise.

our lawyer made us change the name of this song so we wouldn’t get sued

first track baby opening song to the album!! i feel like, at fourteen in his small town in pennsylvania, he felt really edgy for liking this band. for liking more alternative music in general. and he liked having that sort of control over feeling like an outsider, because he’s felt a little off his whole life, but now he was choosing to be different. 

lyric buck wrote on his arm in sharpie during math class: 

I’ve got a dark alley and a bad idea that says you should shut your mouth (summer song)

i feel like this was his favorite track off this album. he listened to the lyrics for the first time and felt a little bit like someone carved his chest out. 

lyrics that made him the most insane (all of them. this song is so buckcoded but i tried to narrow it down):

7 minutes in heaven (atavan halen)

this is definitely the song he most related to when he listened to this album again as he got a little older. 

lyrics he used to skip over but that now make his chest feel tight:

(like come on lmao this is so buck coded it’s painful)

XO

buck at fourteen just liked this song. his parents hated it, especially when margaret bothered to listen to the lyrics and realized exactly what the song was saying. 

lyrics marge hated the most (and that, in turn, buck liked the best):

infinity on high (2007) 

this album would’ve come out in the second semester of his sophomore year, for reference he’d be fifteen going on sixteen

i’m a lawyer with the way i’m always trying to get you off (me & you)

new album! i feel like this would be his first favorite song, and he’d have it on repeat for days until he got sick of it. the sexual innuendos meant more, too, now that he was a little older.

lyrics he sang to the point where he’d get kicked out of class for singing too much:

the (after) life of the party

he listened to the very first line of this song and related to it on a level he simply could not explain. also he belts the chorus in the shower to this day (eddie finds it endearing, even if buck’s terrible).

the first line in question:

bang the doldrums

i feel like this song, like 7 minutes in heaven, is one he liked more as he got older. at fifteen/sixteen he liked it, but at 18, 19, 20? i can just imagine buck went back to this song and listened to it so often even his roommates learned the words. 

also it’s objectively hilarious that this song was originally written for shrek

lyrics:

G.I.N.A.S.F.S.

y’all get it. this was one of his favorites in high school. buck goes back to this song after eddie leaves the 118 and he’s with taylor. 

these are the lyrics that would make him grip the steering wheel so tight his knuckles would turn white:

(like come on lol. especially considering this song is literally titled gay is not a synonym for shitty it’s so stupidly fitting lmao)

folie a deux (2008)

this album came out his senior year of high school (he would’ve been seventeen)

disloyal order of water buffaloes

okay there’s a lot here but i think not just lyrically but sonically buck really loves this song! the quiet, organ intro that immediately jumps into a guitar and then loud, booming drums? come on, it’s so fun :) and i do think that buck relates to a lot of it lyrically as well. it became an instant fave the second the album started (literally, because this is the first track)

the lyrics i feel like he related to most at angsty seventeen:

(coffee’s for closers)

i don’t have anything particularly intelligent to put here, i just feel like this is the song he listened to when he would work out, just listen to the beat, to patrick’s vocals, and let any meaning of the lyrics fall away as he ran around his neighborhood. idk i just imagine him bopping to it on his ipod.

his favorite lyric:

watch a catch, donnie

this one is one of buck’s favorite fall out boy songs because he simply loves it. i feel like they’re a very personal band to him, i feel like he relates to a lot of lyrics and we know buck feels so much so deeply, that being able to just belt out to this song and listen to it and enjoy it without it cutting all too deeply is nice.

that being said, this lyric definitely hits home for him:

27

this was his PEAK #edgelord song. this song nearly convinced him he should start wearing guyliner. he played this song for a girl once and she hated it, but instead of seeking her approval he just turned the volume up louder and never spoke to her again. peak angsty, edgy, high school buck every time this song came on. he thought the lyrics were inspired. and the fact that this song is about the 27 club? he found that so creative. loser (affectionate).

also he loved to sing the guitar solo as loudly and obnoxiously as possible in the shower

his favorite lyrics:

pavlove

yes, he owned the deluxe version. obviously.

rolling with the fact that buck is seventeen going on eighteen here, and knowing he just gets more and more reckless as he got older, i feel like this captured some of his self destructive tendencies in a way that made him feel uncomfortably seen. 

i could honestly put the whole song here, but especially this lyric:

(”i wanna make you as lonely as me” like that’s totally angsty teenage buck towards his parents)

anyway this is horrifically long. let me know if you want a part 2 :)

[chaifootsteps]

Anon roll call? I’ve never tagged myself with a name but I’ve sent quite a few anons to ramble about character design and story structure and the like!

Guess you can call me feather anon or 🪶! I’m in my early twenties and first discovered Viv through her Die Young video. I loosely followed her after that, I really liked watching her speed paints and I’d watch some of the other short animations she’d post. I really enjoyed her art style for how expressive and colorful it was- I know we all like to poke fun at the whole “sparkle dog design” thing but I think if Viv continued to strive for improvement then her art really could have been something fun, colorful, and eye catching! My brain always connected it to those Lisa Frank books and stickers-

I’m an artist and a writer, though it’s hard to find the time to engage with them as much as I want to. I love storytelling and analyzing media- I think it’s fun to critique things and it helps me develop my own skills as a storyteller. I like to try and find the positives in media and focus on the things I like, but it is fun (and healthy!) to be a little hater sometimes.

I really did enjoy the concept of Hazbin Hotel presented by the pilot- it was clearly a labor of love- and I really did enjoy the first season of Helluva before Viv decided to start retconning and dropping all the previous set up that drew people to the show in the first place.

I have my own stories I would love to develop sometime in the future- likely through webcomics or just plain writing. I love fantasy and dnd-type settings. I am obsessed with horror and gore- body horror is right up my alley and I love creature features and monsters! I am a monster lover to my soul <3 very aroace but I would romance a dragon if given the chance!!

Don’t think there much beyond that. I haven’t left a lot of the fandoms I’ve been in since I was a kid: MLP, FNAF, HTTYD, Pokemon, LOZ, etc etc. But I also love shows like Bojack Horseman and The Thing (1982) is easily one of my favorite movies. I’ll try to sign my asks off after this but no guarantees I’ll remember! I’m a very wordy person so it might be obvious who I am lol

🪶

High five for dragon romancers! Also, in an eerie coincidence, Lisa Frank was a raging asshole too.

[lilhawkeye3]

most of y’all probably haven’t heard of Ken Lashley.

He was credited in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. He’s an instrumental reason in how we got to see Shuri become Black Panther on screen. He’s a prolific artist in the comic book community and has done work for Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Hasbro (just to name a few).

I first met Ken Lashley at a comic con in 2017. I’ve run into him nearly every year since then. His table is always a gathering of Black excellence and art excellence alike. He’s got a moment for everyone. Cons are a whirlwind of meetups and somehow he’s remembered me every year. It’s always fun making con friends that you get to catch up with on the circuit.

I was at NYCC last month and had a signed autograph of a celebrity stolen from me while in artist’s alley, which I meant to gift to a friend. It was the end of the day, artist alley was closing, a tired security guy let me back in to search for it bc I was practically bawling.

Ken and his wife and two of their friends saw me practically having a breakdown and not only helped me search for it, but offered to wait in line the next day to get me a replacement. And like… I can never thank any of them enough. It’s something that speaks a lot of the con community but also just was so kind of them.

Anyways. Just a little story about someone involved with Black Panther that might make the film a bit more special for y’all too.

[heleentje]

Modern revalink where rito and the other races of hyrule aren't human. A vauge enough premise that you can assign your own prompt to it, or mix with other prompts

So I'm not sure if you meant are human instead of aren't, but the idea of a modern!AU with all the races still being exactly themselves intrigued me, so I ran with it!

Feat. Link as a merchant who always knows exactly what you need and Revali who is both figuratively and literally buying none of it.

The marketplace is one of those that claims to be open to everyone, but is really made for Hylians only. A Gerudo might still find her way around, but the stalls are built too low for the Zora, and the lanes are too narrow for any Rito to spread their wings. Truly, Revali would never have come here on his own. But Molli had begged for it, and he finds it increasingly hard to deny her anything.

He still isn’t entirely sure what her goal is. She walks through the market with single-minded purpose, ignoring all the stalls she passes by, even the ones Revali thinks she should enjoy. He trails after her, feeling wrong-footed between the many Hylians and disliking every second of it.

“Molli,” he calls out when she passes yet another stall he expected her to stop at, one with plenty of books and comics that should have been right up her alley. Molli doesn’t stop, but at least she slows enough for him to catch up to her.

“What’s wrong?” she chirps, eyes darting from side to side as she rapidly scans the stalls.

“What are you looking for?”

“A merchant!” she announces, as if there aren’t dozens of stalls and even more merchants in this square. Fortunately, she continues quickly. “He always knows what you need!”

That sounds entirely implausible to Revali. “And where did you hear that?” 

“Dalia told me at school,” Molli says, still stepping forward with determined strides. “He gave her some really nice berry seeds, and she never even told him she wanted a garden!”

Ah, a children’s playground story. No wonder Molli is obsessed. Revali follows behind her, amused enough to even brave the marketplace. Best case scenario, she’ll have an interesting story to tell her parents. Worst case, it’s a scam artist and Revali will have fun eviscerating them.

Molli only finds the stall she’s searching for at the very end of the marketplace, where the stalls have already thinned out and Revali finally feels like he can spread his wings again. Calling it a stall is probably giving it too much credit: it’s little more than a blanket spread on the ground with an eclectic collection of goods on it. Most of the people here try to stick to a general theme, but just from a quick glance, Revali has already spotted everything from a toaster to a dustbin to what appears to be a cuckoo clock.

The stall owner is another Hylian, pretty unremarkable as far as they go, with blond hair and a slight stature. He’s nodding earnestly as one of his customers gestures widely, clearly in the middle of expositing exactly what he needs. The owner frowns for a moment, before nodding and shifting item after item in the mess he’s made of his stall. He finally emerges again with… an empty glass jar?

It must serve its purpose, because the man looks ecstatic, thanking the stall owner profusely before skipping off. No payment has exchanged hands, Revali notices. He wonders what exactly this man is playing at.

Before he can warn her, Molli has already run up to the Hylian.

“Hello!” she says. Revali quickly positions himself behind her to provide some intimidation, in case the man thinks he can scam a child. The Hylian’s eyes quickly glide over him before settling on Molli.

“Hello,” he says. His voice is far softer than Revali had expected, not at all suited to a salesman hawking his wares. “Can I help you?”

Molli nods vigorously, but refuses to follow up when the man waits for more. Revali would chastise her for it, or at least say he did if her parents ask, but he’s grudgingly interested as well. If this man can really tell what a person needs just by looking at them, then figuring out what Molli is looking for should be a cinch.

“Ah, I see,” the man says with a faint smile. His blue eyes shine. “Did you hear the story?”

Molli nods. The man crouches, rummaging again until he reappears with an old leather-bound book, the front of it emblazoned with a white bird. Molli’s eyes go wide when she accepts the book, flipping through it. It’s completely empty.

“For your stories,” says the man, smiling. Molli chirps out an ecstatic thank you, but Revali’s eyes narrow.

“How much?”

The man waves a hand. “No charge. I have too many things anyway.”

Revali doesn’t buy it — nothing is ever free. But Molli is already running off again, happily clutching her new notebook, and so Revali has no choice but to follow, leaving the weird Hylian behind.

[rinwellisathing]

Get to know my OCs: Love Test Reactions:

Sentry Ojeda:

Partnered: "Heh...a little tame for me, but I'll do it for you, love."

High approval: "Eh...sure, why not? If for no other reason it'll be hilarious."

Medium approval: "Nah... I don't really feel like it...seems kinda twee..."

Low approval: (Sentry bursts out laughing, nearly coming to tears.) "Oh god....really? Fucking really? Ohhh fuck me...no...absolutely not."

Questions : Sentry can be brutal, visceral, but inside of him lies an artist's soul. What is Sentry's truest expression?

Answer: painting sweeping scenes of horror and bloodshed

A paladin is a paragon of faith, devoted wholly to a cause or a being. From what does Sentry draw his power?

Answer: Vengeance for himself and for those he loves. He is their justice.

Born to the cold stone and high walls of the city, Sentry is a Solitary creature very often. For whom does he set aside his solitude?

Answer: animals, especially those forgotten and unnoticed by most. He feels a kinship.

Jaina Thalassia:

Partnered: "Of course! But be warned, a captain knows her crew better than any."

High approval: "Sure, why not? Carnival games are always a treat."

Medium approval: "Whoa! Easy there sailor, I don't think so..."

Low approval: "Reel yourself in, mate, you're not quite the catch you think you are. No thank you. "

Questions: A storm at sea, Maiden of the Tempest. Jaina's heart and mind rage like an angry tide...What calms her storm?

Answer: music, the songs of her people from haunting siren song to raucous shanties.

The past haunts us all, like a ghost from the deep. What haunts the captain's daughter?

Her near inevitable death from her illness once the tadpole no longer suppresses it.

A captain is only strong as her crew. Who does Jaina trust most in hardship?

Her family.

Kroger of Creche K'liir:

Partnered: "As you say, my love. Let's test our mettle."

High approval: "I suppose I can spare the time."

Medium approval: "oh....no....I really don't want to, actually."

Low approval: "I can cure so many things, but evidently not your delusions."

Question: Kroger unites magic with the natural world to strengthen his healing abilities, to strengthen his knowledge...but what is his greatest weakness?

Answer: not understanding hidden meanings others seem to grasp so easily.

Kroger, a devoted healer and man of faith. What is his greatest regret?

Not seeing through Vlaakith's lies sooner.

What does Ghustil Kroger consider his greatest honor?

Healing the sick and saving lives.

Octavia of Creche K'liir:

Partnered: "Yes! I believe my notes on you are most thorough, my love!"

High approval: "Have you been studying me? How exciting!"

Medium approval: "oh....um...huh? I wasn't paying attention..."

Low approval: "you are not a subject I'm interested in studying."

Questions: Octavia dwells on her research most heavily, what is her favorite area of study?

Answer: the Weave and it's wonders.

The scholar is a gifted, studious person...What is Octavia's greatest goal in life?

To bring knowledge to her people and better their lives beyond just warfare

They say knowledge is the enemy of fear, but all beings fear something...what is Octavia's greatest fear?

Being useless to her people.

Jackal Silk:

Partnered: "Oh anything you say, my master!"

High approval: "what, me? You're sure?"

Medium approval: "Not really my cuppa, boss..."

Low approval: "I should gut you for that. Find someone else, you insect."

Questions: Jackal, a predator hunting his quarry in the dark...what hunting ground does he prefer?

The dark alleys of the city are his home.

Even a creature of rage and hate wants for something, what is Jackal's greatest ambition?

To become a terror enough to strike fear into the matriarchs of Menzoberranzan

Even a predator feels fear, what quickens the heartbeat of the proud Gloomstalker?

The asylum walls

[hinamie]

artist asks!!!! 11, 18, 25, 38 (how often do you get/use new brushes? + bonus: what drives you to do so?) <3 <3 <3

!!!! hello sam :3333

11. how many art-related blogs do you follow?

for like. art resources/tutorials off the top of my head I don't think i actually follow any??? or if i do I am not aware ? they all might b inactive . but in terms of like. just regular artists.....I Beg Of You Please Do Not Make Me Count.....

18. what are you currently trying to improve on?

I'm always passively trying to work on anatomy and push myself with new or difficult poses/angles !! lmhs megu and yuuji have been great for that with hands and legs respectively :3

25. do you like to draw in silence or with music?

ive said it before i will say it again if i can hear the world around me while drawing the music is not !! loud enough!!!! currently been grooving to sou's entire yt discography that man does not Miss

38. open question: how often do you get/use new brushes + what drives you to do so?

a!!! whenever I open csp I like to quickly skim the free section of the assets page and see if anything there catches my eye,,,but tbh even if something Does, most of the time after I download it I have a bad habit of overlooking it and instead sticking to my same tried and true brushes gshjgjd what can i say i'm a creature of habit :') although sometimes like. a certain element of a piece will require me to look for something specific (had to look for a Dust Cloud brush the other day . embarrassing . I thought I had one.) . however !! with my most recent brush set purchase (VERY ooc of me to do btw) what happened was I had stumbled across an ask someone had answered about Their go-to brushes and they included a link and i got curious,,, so i took the bait i followed the link and in the preview images that were included to show the set off i went !!!!!!! they were SO up my alley it was love at first sight so after all of 2 minutes deliberation i took out my credit card. no regrets tbh i love them <3

artist asks !

[neonscandal]

Neon, from all openings and endings songs of BNHA & JJK, which are your fav? Why?

Ooof, you're probably expecting really deep analysis to accompany these likes but my pleasure is not always that deep so please lower your expectations! I'm usually listening and looking at the animations for easter eggs and vibes, if anything, I don't religiously look up translations. Some of your questions are so funny to me, I'm sorry to disappoint if this wasn't what you were expecting!

This is a light skinned man. IYKYK

JJK

Off the top of my head, I feel like JJK has no misses? Hitting different vibes but nothing that feels like a theme song. Don't get me wrong, I love a good "Gotta Catchem All" or Pokemon Rap, too, but I prefer songs that don't feel out of place if it just popped up on shuffle, you know?

KaiKai Kitan - THE TROLLING.

Lost in Paradise - Catchy AF. Plus, this was as close as we were getting to a filler episode. I love how "simple" the illustration style is but the animations of each character have so much personality in their movements. Plus, provided a solid cozy cosplay on the last day of cons when you want to dress up but don't want to be encumbered as you hit the dealer room and artist alley.

Give it Back - even without the translation, this is sad. The animation is sad. The idea of this day that never happened when you think about the canon timeline is sad. It inspired a mediocre lil oneshot because why would they do this to me, specifically? This, of course, is animating something so realistic but ethereal.

Ichizu - okay, so maybe I looked up the translation to this one too and just.. SatoSugu.

Where Our Blue Is and Lantern - make me want to burst into flames? Also, I had a no-sleep-epiphany the other night where, if Geto was the last blue spring of Gojo's youth and blue is the basis of Gojo's strength then... I failed to make a sensical connection because I clearly don't rest and I'm unwell. It's currently 3:45AM. But it was something along the lines of equating that Gojo is not at full strength without Geto.

Specialz - this animation is just. 😘👌🏾 Also the breakdown at "I love you, baby". Nevermind that it is synonymous with tragedy and trauma. King Gnu clearly must have known that when signing on since a great deal of JJK songs are theirs

More Than Words - Again, simple illustration but also capturing this idea of youth for the trio which... after S2 is so *melt emoji*?? I think the theme of romanticizing life and their connection to one another while actively contrasting with murder and mayhem is so funny to me. 🥲

God tier level looping, tbh. Ty for your service @osakaxkobe

MHA

Def more of a casual enjoyer for the music on MHA. Especially since the brain rot for this series didn't set in for a very long time so I had to go back and look up each song.

Peace Sign - my niece and nephew dance to this song dramatically and, knowing none of the words confidently, sing anyway. I think it's the instrumentals and the clapping that does it for me haha

Odd Future - lowkey meets the "appears on shuffle without being too embarrassing" requirement but, with MHA being as pervasive as it is... will not beat the weird kid allegations if this pops up because I think it's recognizable

Merry Go Round - That "Hey Brother Listen" popped off so does the crescendo.

Hitamuki - I just like the graphical switch up to the comic book style because isn't it so silly and cute just to preface some trauma??

North Wind - are you kidding me? Showing all these critical moments from Deku's first. person. perspective. to elevate how important the people shown are when we've had largely the whole story from his actual first person perspective? As he's running to catch up to everything the story has built up to like running through a museum exhibit. Inspired. Beautiful. No notes.

Sketch - for the depression. ✨

Datte Atashi no Hero - just... fantasy AU. Song I can do without but who am I to ignore the best AU illustrated and animated? A nobody, that's who.

Believe - Hawks really said "The next time the cherry blossoms fall, I hope we will all be smiling" and then everything went to shit.

Shout Baby - less song more visual commentary. Hero or villain, it all started where Class 1A is right now, some of it even sooner (like with Tenko).

[undercoverwizardfanfiction]

Title: Carry (2022 rewritten)

Verse: ROTTMNT

Summary: A visit to a local convention goes wrong when Donnie gets overstimulated. Now it’s up to Leo to get to him and get him home

For: Helle.Horse who helped me proofread all these!

Characters: Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo, Splinter

Pairings: LESS THEN NONE

Warnings: Overstimulation, Meltdown

Leo is undeterred when he turns from the novelty drink booth and sees the snack court filled with cosplayers, hipsters, and exhausted parents. He’s been going to conventions since before he could blink, so Leo quickly finds a path between the giant catbus, the five stormtroopers, and twelve vloggers talking into their phones. He weaves his way through the crowd until he catches sight of Raph’s waving hand at a corner table. “Nice spot, hermanos! Upwind of the nerds and the least amount of stains,” Leo exclaims before dumping the hotdogs, nachos, sandwiches, food, and drinks all over the table. He snatches up the large novelty cup that looks like an upside-down Jupiter Jim helmet before Donnie can take it, “Nope, sorry, Don-Tron. I called dibs.”

“Fine, whatever, I hope it was expensive.”

“Oh it was! Thanks for treating me by the way!” Leo tosses Don’s wallet back to them. They juggle it between his hands before glowering at Leo as he takes his place by Donnie. “Did you get your autograph from the Rupert Swaggert Celebrity Impersonator of the Rupert Swaggert Celebrity Impersonator,” Leo asks Mikey.

“Yeah! Just before he got into a fight with the original Rupert Swaggert Celebrity Impersonator! It was awesome!’ Mikey hugs his new autographed (slightly torn) photo to his chest before he takes out his autograph binder and places it in its new slot. While not part of the official circuit, New York Not Comic Yes Con was a pop-up convention they had heard about a few years ago. With no warning or flyers to announce it.

The con would randomly appear in back-alley hotels and convention centers and draw in nerds like moths to a flame. How they managed to have any vendors at all with such short notice (Donnie's convention algorithm gave them five hours notice at best) was beyond him, but it was full of reclusive celebrities and rare items that made Leo drool in his sleep. Finally, Raph stops chugging his walking taco and, after choking a moment, gasps for air. “Alright, men, we’ve hit the Sci-Fi Alley, the Fantasy Alley, and the Sci Fi Fantasy Alley. What’s next on our list Dee?”

Donnie, who had been counting through his wallet and shooting glares at Leo, pulls up his tech gauntlet, “Well, there’s always the Fantasy Sci-Fi Alley. And the Science Fantasy Fictional Alley. There are a few celebrities I signed up for ahead of time, you’re welcome, but there’s also Artist alley, and the Hot Gazpacho and Cold Soup live show cook-off in three hours.”

“They’re doing that again,” Leo asks. “Last time they let those two in the same convention, they-”

Before he could finish, Mikey put a hand over Leo’s mouth, “We don’t speak of it.”

“ANY WAY, it's a full schedule. We have time for a quick bite, but we gotta get back to the floor again. So, men, consume!”

With the ferocity of middle-aged coyotes attacking a pre-black Friday sale, the brothers dived back into their food. It was only after Leo tore into his fifth Korean hotdog that he noticed a distinct lack of movement from Donatello. Instead, his brother had pulled off his headphones, twisting the ear clasp and making minor adjustments. ‘You ok, Dee,” Leo asked, “Are your headphones on the fritz?”

“Yeah, they’ve been acting up ever since Yokai Mart,” Donnie looks them over, “I've fixed them in every way possible, but they keep malfunctioning at the worst time.”

Leo sits up more, looking back to the convention and its sea of noise and overstimulation, “Um, do we need to head home or..?”

“Don't you dare. New York Not Comic Yes Con only pops up once a year, and I’ll be Splinter's hairy elbow if I miss it.” Donnie gives the headphones one more twist and puts them back on. He must have noticed the concerned look on Leo’s face since he rolled his eyes, “If you’re really concerned, you can rub my shoulders. I got shoulder-checked by a Boba Fett cosplayer an hour ago, and I’ve lost feeling in my neck since then.”

“No problem!” Leo stuffs the last of his food in his mouth and scoots closer, his fingers already set to work on rubbing Don's neck. Despite Don’s nonchalant attitude, the soft shell visibly sighs and relaxes more, which is enough to let Leo know he’s doing a good job, and he focuses on that for a few minutes.

Until Mikey suddenly spits out his milkshake and points back into the convention, “THE DIRECTOR OF JUPITER JIM SAILS THE SEVEN GALAXIES IS HERE!!!”

“WHAT NO WAY!” Leo turns to see a Convention helper putting up a new sandwich board. He immediately jumps up, picks up the signal (despite the worker shouting after him), and runs back to the table to read it better. “Steven Stephen Steinburg is doing autographs in five minutes?! He never shows up to conventions! Last I heard, he was sky diving into volcanos to do research for his next film!”

“I heard he was going undercover as an undertaker for his next big movie, Undercover Undertaker!” Mikey reaches over and yanks the sign for him to show Raph, “We’re going, right? We have to! No one has seen him in public in twelve years! Not since he got into that fish slapping fight with Marcus Moncreif!”

As Raph goes to answer, there's a loud and distinct “A-HEM” that comes from the other side of the table back to Donnie. Who reaches up and waves off Leo’s message, “In case you forgot what I told you exactly twelve minutes ago, we have a packed schedule. That is when the line to the Jupiter Jim screenings opens up. They're supposed to be showing the entire Jupiter Jim prequel movie with two minutes of never before seen footage that will forever explain the toe sock debacle. And I warned you before we got here that every time you break the itinerary, I get to pick the next movie we watch, and so far, I get to pick three,” Donnie says with a smirk so villainous Draxum would be proud.

The three looked at each other in a mild panic, knowing Donnie had just bought the “science of socks, a twenty-part series” he was dying to watch. But, as usual, in a true crisis just like this, Raph and Mikey look to Leo desperately for a solution. Leo, always having a plan, gives them a grin and a wink, “How about this, Don, two of us wait in line for the screening, and the other two go meet the director?”

Donnie gave him a hard look. Despite his grin, Leo felt bad for breaking the schedule so often. Conventions were not always the most manageable landscape for Donnie to traverse. Especially one that gave them no real time to prepare for, and breaking the schedule only added to that stress. Finally, Donnie lets out an overly dramatic sigh, “Ok, fine. I know this is important to all of you, and whoever stays with me with will complain, looking at you Leo, so how about I’ll hold our spot and you three can go-”

Raph hops to his feet, “THANKSDEEYOU’RETHEBEST!! Mikey! Periscope mode to find us the most direct route to Steven Stephen Steinburgh!” Mikey scrambles up Raph’s shell and holds his hands to his eyes as binoculars.

Leo looked at his brother, “Remember Dee, if you need us, text us. Ok? Let us know if something goes wrong with your headphones.”

Donnie rolls his eyes and brings up his tech gauntlet, “Puhlease, even fritzing, my headphones are at 76% performance capacity. But if you don’t bring me back a cool gift I’m picking out the next eight movies-”

“Thanks hermano,” Leo yells as he stuffs his souvenir cup back into his backpack and runs after his brothers, barely managing to wave back at Don before he hurries not to lose track of the others.

~~~

One thing to be said about conventions was that no matter what was going on, there was going to be a long ass line. But, thanks to Mikey’s expert periscoping, they could find the fastest route through the convention and see the new ‘Stephen Steven Steinbugh’ sign just as it’s set up, putting them only twenty places in line behind the front.

But Leo quickly sidesteps to keep another stormtrooper from stepping on his foot, ‘OW! Hey Mikey, you think you can share the perch or-” But Mikey had already given him a devilish grin and laid across Raphs shoulders like an evil cat, ‘Ok, you brat.” Leo says with no venom but smacks at Mikey’s foot.

“Hey!” Raph gives him a light elbow jab, “He got there first. So suck it up like a big turtle.”

“Yeah, yeah, fine.” Leo tilts around to peer at the time, then back to the line, “Do you think we’ll make it back to the movie in time? It wouldn’t be fair to Donnie to hold our spot the entire time.”

“Yeah, if he gets inside before we get back, he should see it without us. But we have an hour, so it should be ok?” Raph glances at him with an expression Leo recognizes a mile away, “I mean, I know he’s capable, but-”

“As long as he has those headphones, he’ll be ok.” Conventions had always been a big source of family fun in their family because they didn’t need disguises. Splinter had taken them to conventions ever since they were little, but because of the noise level, Don hadn’t always gone with them. During those times, Leo would stay home with him and have their own fun (or Leo would bug him so much that Donnie would beat him up with a pillow). But Don’s noise-canceling headphones allowed him to enjoy the conventions to the fullest without being stimulated or overwhelmed.

As the line shifts forward, Leo feels his phone vibrate in his fanny pack, but it’s already stopped by the time Leo pulls it out. Flashing the screen to see three missed calls from Donnie and frowns, “Hey guys, check your phones real fast and tell me if you have a missed call from Dee.”

The two of them look at him, confused, before they do as they are told, ”Yeah, from a minute ago,” Mikey says, holding it out for Leo to see. Raph has the same thing. But, of course, it wasn’t exactly a secret that conventions didn’t have the best cell service, and it could have easily been a buttdial.

But….

Without hesitation, Leo steps out of line, “Guys, I’m going to go wait with Donnie and check on him. If you can, get Stephen Steven to sign my Jupiter Jim Gym Towel,” and he starts at a quick pace. Ducking and dancing around cosplayers, his phone vibrates again, but before he can answer it, the call drops again, and he doubles his speed. He recounts the path back to the screening section and picks out the long line. Usually, it wouldn’t take too long to pick out a giant, green, soft-shell turtle, but come on. They were at a sci-fi convention. They had seen twelve turtle cosplays on the way to get pretzels. Thankfully, Leo saw his brother near the front of the line, before a teenager with gauges that would make the turtle tank tires jealous, and behind Eda, the Owl Lady cosplayer. His brother was jabbing furiously at his gauntlet, his headphones hanging off his forearm. His eyes were drawn in a panic that would have sent Leo spiraling if he hadn’t taken a deep breath and taken Donnie by the shoulders, catching his attention, ”Don, what's going on? What’s wrong?”

“Hey,” the guy behind him snaps, “No cutting!” But Leo ignores him, and thankfully Don does too. His brother’s gaze was a mile away, wrapped in stress lines, and at first, Leo was not sure if Donnie even noticed him when he went back to jabbing at his gauntlet.

But he started stuttering a response, “S-something went wrong. I-I tried adjusting the-the volume, t-trying to fix them, but-then they started letting out this loud noise and I-I couldn't take it. N-now there’s nothing but noise and-and-and-and-,” Donnie desperately tries to blink away his now rapidly filling tears, “I can't breathe-”

Leo opens his mouth to say something, anything of comfort that he knew would be hollow against Donnie’s now overstimulated mind, when the guy's voice speaks again, “Hey spaz, if you’re going to cry, get out of line.”

The red slider pivots hard, his fist twisting the teen’s shirt up tightly and yanking him close so that the now terrified teen could only see into his eyes. “If I ever see or hear you talking about my brother with anything lacking the same dignity you would give someone without a disability, I will send you so far into the earth, not even the Devil will be able to find you.” Leo released the teen. In his panic, the guys already white complexion fades to ghost-like. Once Leo drops his front, the guy takes several steps back out of line before turning and taking off like he expected Leo to chase him down.

It takes Leo a moment to come back, and he takes a single deep breath. He turns his attention back to his trembling brother, who now has his hands clasped on the sides of his head. It's then Leo notices that the headphones hanging around his neck are faded. After a moment, Leo realizes they’re giving off a high-pitched noise that immediately makes him wince and hover his hands by his head. Before Leo can try and discern what's wrong with them, they give off a flicker and an audible electric spark. Leo quickly reaches forward and takes them off Don’s neck, not that Don notices. The blue brother is unsure how to turn them off and stop the noise, so he wraps them up in one of his convention t-shirts. Leo quickly puts them in his bag before they can hurt anyone. “Dee come on, let's go,” he says as he raises his hand, but Donnie shakes his head furiously.

“NO. I said I’ll wait, and I’ll wait-”

“You matter more than a stupid screening, Don.” Leo tries to recount himself and forces himself to take another breath before stepping back to Donnie. He gently puts his hands on Don's shoulders to ensure he has his attention, but not necessarily his eye contact (which he knows can be difficult for Don in situations like this). Unfortunately, Leo is more than painfully aware that Donnie is shaking so hard he could pass out. “Dee, I won't make you go. I won't take that autonomy away from you. But if you want to go, it's ok.”

He doesn’t rush Donnie for an answer. Instead, Leo forces himself to have patience through willpower alone. He had made the mistake of taking the decision away from Don regarding his mental health and meltdowns and promised not to do it again. Even if it hurt to see him struggle. Thankfully no one behind them in line is complaining or trying to move around them. Whether out of respect for the situation or fear, Leo was going to threaten them, too; he didn’t know. But Don finally looks up to him again and gives a small, barely noticeable nod.

Leo tries not to look too relieved. “Ok, bud, let's get you some air,” he says, wrapping his arm around Don's shoulders, who in turn leans heavily against him. It was far quicker to get out of the convention than it had been to get to Don in the first place, despite the fact they were not going against the tide of conventiongoers. But when they finally reach the cold New York night air, Leo first moves Donnie off to the side and out of the way of people entering the convention. As soon as they're out of the way, Donnie drops so fast Leo’s afraid he’s actually passed out. But instead, Donnie is now in a crouched position with his hands rubbing at his face. Leo quickly squats next to him, “Don, hands, hands. Remember what Dad said. Do something with your hands.'' Leo puts his hands out instinctively but stops himself from restraining Don’s hand. Thankfully Donnie starts fluttering his hands instead. When Leo’s phone starts ringing, Leo moves to kneel in front of his brother. If only to shield him from the scrutiny of people passing. He presses the back of Donnie’s head, so his face is safe in the crook of Leo’s neck as his free hand pulls his phone out and answers, “Raph?”

“Hey, what happened? Is Dee ok?”

“Don’s headphones are malfunctioning and he’s having a meltdown.” Leo gives Don a small, supportive half-hug.

“Should we come to you? We can meet you.”

Leo goes to answer but feels Donnie shake his head. Question answered. Leo starts rubbing Don’s shell, “No, Donnie wants you guys to stay and have fun. I’ll take care of him.”

There's a pause on the other side. Leo can only imagine Raph’s crestfallen face looking at Mikey's. He knew how much Raph struggled to let someone else take care of his brothers, and he knew there was a good chance Raph would ignore him. But after he sighs, Raph says, “Ok. Keep me up to date, and just look out for him. Ok?”

Leo allows himself a smile for the first time since Donnie’s failed phone call. “Of course,” he says before hanging up.

“Why?”

The voice is so alien and unlike Don that, at first, Leo is sure it’s someone else watching. But the voice came again, “I-I was so careful. I checked th-three times. B-But it still failed.” Don’s body tenses, his shoulders trembling like weakened floodgates before a hurricane of emotion, “I was careful,” his voice cracks as he hides his face again. Seeing his usually boisterous, loud brother so small was painful. Leo takes a few minutes to simply hold him and comfort him before he tips Donnie’s head down to rest his forehead on Leo’s shoulder and speaks quietly, “Dee, is it ok if we go home? We don’t have to if you don’t want to. I'll do whatever you want.”

Don nods quickly, which is more relief than Leo wants to admit. He takes Donnie gently by the shoulders and guides him back to his feet. Don’s movement is so slow, but Leo doesn’t have the heart to rush him. “Do you want to ride on my shell,” he asks. When Leo gets another nod, the blue turtle turns, crouches down, and waits for Don to climb up with his forearms wrapped around Leo’s collarbone. Had Don been more aware of what was happening, he would have beaten the back of Leo’s skull for robbing him of his dignity. But when Leo stands back up, he feels Donnie curl up with his face hidden by the back of Leo’s neck as a small sob escapes him.

Leo tilts his head back to touch Don’s for a moment before he sets off.

~~~

The walk home doesn’t take nearly as long as Leo expects, but it is still too long for his liking. The sooner he got Donnie home to a more familiar space, the better. Through creative thinking, Leo can slide down the ladder by placing a foot on either side of the ladder and using one hand to hold one of the sides and go down. (Actually, he would have been more impressed if he hadn’t been so intent on getting Donnie home.) Halfway home, Leo feels Don squirming and takes it as a hint to set his brother back on his feet carefully. He waits to see what Donnie will do, but when nothing happens, he reaches around and wraps one arm around the purple turtle’s shoulders, his other hand holding Don’s, and Leo guides him along.

When they reach the lair, they see Splinter at the entrance with one of Donnie’s hoodies and a worried look on his face (Raph must have called him ahead of time). When they’re in eyesight, Splinter hurries forward and takes Donnie’s free hand, “Purple, are you alright?”

Donnie looks at their father, and his eyes swell with tears again. He falls on his knees and presses his face into Splinter's robes, weeping long held-back pain. Splinter looks at Leo and hands him the hoodie. In turn, Leo kneels to wrap it around Don’s shoulders. Despite his desire to be more active, Leo steps aside and heads to the kitchen to ensure he’s not an audience member of Don’s low point.

He starts setting up tea, and as he waits for the water to heat up, he sits at the kitchen table. He pulls out his souvenir cup and looks over Don’s headphones. He didn’t have the trained eye that Donnie did with electronics, but he was good at picking out details. Before he could discern anything, the headphones spark, and a jolt shoots up Leo’s fingers forcing him to drop them in shock (pun intended). “Hey,” Leo snaps, looking at the headphones as though the turtle expected them to retaliate again. ”That's NOT what you’re designed to do,” he snarls. Leo picks up the novelty cup and washes it out just as the kettle starts whistling. He mixes some tea, and it's not until he pours the water into the cup that Leo notices his own trembling hands. The turtle flexes his fingers and lets out a small sigh before heading back towards Don’s room, where he had seen Splinter guiding him. He steps to enter when he hears, “Dad, I said I didn't want to.”

“I know Donnie, but I thought after tonight you might reconsider.”

Leo blinks. He knew better than to eavesdrop, but unfortunately, it was in his nature to snoop. So, he leans closer to the doorway and listens, “I thought you said you wanted to give me a choice in the matter,” Donnie questions with a bit more hint of his sass, but not enough to cover the pain in his voice.

“It is still your choice. I will never force you to do something you’re not comfortable with or ready for,” Splinter pauses, “Leonardo, stop being the busybody and get in here.” Oops. Too tired (and too ‘Leo’) to feel shame, Leo steps in with his tea. Donnie was sitting on his bed, wrapped in a weighted blanket, wearing his hoodie as Splinter sat by his side, holding his hand. Splinter looks to the cup and turns back to Donnie, guiding his face to look at him, “Please rest. If you need me, let me know. I love you,” and he gives him the smallest of pecks between Donnie’s eyes before standing up, “I’ll let Red and Orange know you two made it home ok.” Double oops. Yeah, Leo had forgotten to do that. Now that his adrenaline was fading, his sense of humor was coming back in full swing. As Splinter passes him, he pats Leo on the forearm, “You did good, my son. Thank you.”

Leo, who typically survives on validation alone, can only manage a weak smile as he pats his father’s hand in return before Splinter disappears towards the kitchen. The two were now alone.

Donnie quickly scrubs his eyes on his sleeve, but Leo does not indicate that he saw the movement as he sits on the edge of Donnie’s bed. “Made you some tea, bud,” he hands the cup to his brother, to which Donnie gives him a puzzled look, “I cleaned it out, and I owed you a souvenir, right?”

Donnie looks at it again. “I mean, I did pay for it,” he says before sipping from it, “Thanks.”

“No problem. Is there anything else you need? I can leave if you want,” Leo offers, though he’s hoping Donnie will tolerate his presence a moment longer. Donnie sips from his new souvenir cup, thinking, “Um, actually, the weighted blanket isn’t helping, can you..” he lets it drift off.

With a smile, Leo squirms around until he’s sitting behind Donnie. “Tell me if I squeeze too tight,” he says as he hugs Donnie tightly from behind. Though Donnie was the most touch-intolerant brother, it was discovered early on that pressure was one of the main things to help him lose stress. It worked the same way a massage worked for Leo, or a warm blanket worked for Mikey. And even now, Leo feels Donnie lean back against him, and some of the tension leaves his body. “How are you feeling,” Leo asks.

“Tired. Drained. Embarrassed. The usual.” Donnie sips from his tea, giving his new Jupiter Jim Novelty Cup a slight smile that Leo pretends not to notice. “Sorry, you had to leave the convention because of me.”

“Eh, don’t worry about it,” Leo says, tucking his chin over Don’s scalp to further his role as a pressurized armchair, “There were way too many Bakugo cosplayers this year anyway.” He pauses for a few seconds, waiting to see if his weak joke had any effect, but Donnie just sips from his cup, and Leo decides it's time to ask, “What were you and Dad talking about?”

“He,” Don pauses, “He wants me to go to therapy.”

“I…” Leo pauses as well, “oh.”

“He thinks I’ve been having a harder time lately and that talking to someone who isn’t as close to our situation might help. He was going to ask Hueso if he knew any Yokai therapists I could talk to, but….” If Donnie is trying to hide the resentment in his voice, he’s not trying very hard, “What no one seems to get is that it’s been a rough couple of months. And I’m not ready to lay on a couch and pay someone to tell me I have superiority issues or drug me up.” Finally, Donnie twists to meet Leo’s eyes, “You think I should go,” he says in a tone that dares Leonardo to agree.

“I didn't do anything! I’m just trying to be a living weighted blanket!”

“You didn’t have to.”

“I’m not-” Leo takes a deep breath. Then, to buy time, he squeezes Donnie tighter and rests his chin on Don's shoulder, “At least he’s giving us a choice.”

Donnie blinks back at him in surprise, “Us?”

“Yeah, Dad's been trying to talk all of us about going to some sort of counseling of some sort. He thinks it has something to do with, you know, the never ending insomnia. And the anxiety might have something to do with it, but I don't know. He might be reading too much into this. He only raised us and sees things about us no one else sees.”

For a moment, the two sit in silence. Leo hugs Donnie an inch tighter and rests his head against Donnie’s, who does the same. “Dee,” Leo starts, “I’ll make a deal with you. A twin pact. I’ll think about going to therapy if you think about going to therapy. Is that fair to you?” Leo’s not sure what to expect as an answer, but Donnie nods the best he can with his head leaning against Leo’s.

“Yeah fine, we’ll get a professional to tell us which one of us is more screwed up.”

Despite himself, Leo smiles, hugging Donnie as tight as he can, saying, “Deal, but it's definitely Mikey.”

[distopea]

Happy (??????) Birthday my dear Rain 💕(and please forgive me). You know when inspiration strikes, it commands, and dammit ... It's about them. Goodbye, dear friend, good travel, an⌇aftertaste of a lost home ( 𝙊𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧 / 𝙍𝙖𝙪𝙢 )d enjoy your 28th year with this absolutely awful prompt of mine ✨

@cantuscorvi

He could feel the sun on his olive skin burning slightly in the middle of the season. His chestnut eyes were lost on the poppy fields in front of us, the sounds coming from the King’s manor echoing in the background. It was sundown outside, the sun already describing its final curve in the sky. The colors were vivid; a mix between pale pink, vivid orange and nuances of green. Oliver had always loved this particular scenery; it felt quiet, far from the general hubbub of their lives. He had the sensation that the sky was a painting; he could understand why so many artists had tried their best to reproduce it onto their canvas. But truly, there was nothing matching the vision through his own eyes. There were no skills in this world capable of reproducing what an iris was able to see. 

Oliver looked aside, his blue strings falling onto his forehead, while he observed a very serious Raum sitting next to him. They had never come back here for years. Perhaps even decades now. It felt quite unfamiliar for them to be sitting on those large stairs made of stone, observing nature in silence. It was such a comfortable silence though; no argument, no petty remarks. They had bruised each other enough to know there was no point leaving another mark at that moment in their lives. Oliver felt at peace, closing his eyes to enjoy the last moment of the sun decaying, and the quiet sounds of the wind in leaves. 

“You know it’s not going to be forever like this. This means nothing.”

Oliver blinked once more, coldness invading his body. He played with a few rocks under his boot, and eventually gave a shrug. “Yeah, I’m aware. But I still like it.” He answered, but he couldn’t help noticing the undertone in Raum’s voice. It was something even rarer than their mutual quietness. Something that could only announce darker times. Oliver shivered, while the sky began to lose its colors. Now there was barely any warmth to envelop his shoulders, and just for a moment, he felt like this boy he had been once. Fragile but unique in his own way. Just like their relationship had been so unique after all. Raum was right; it meant nothing, and it wouldn’t stay like this forever. 

The sun disappeared behind the hill, the sky now wrapped in its best blue shades. He had always loved this color more than anything else. Cold, or electrifying; didn’t they say that the flames were even warmer when they were blue? That was why he had decided to dye his hair a long time ago. Blue was the color of both his sorrow and freedom; the color of his soul. Oliver sighed, pain appearing for the first time within his chest. He knew it wasn’t normal; he knew that he was supposed to be free from this sensation. But was it something else? Was it the sensation of his heartbreak?

He blinked, again, turning his head aside to catch a glimpse of Raum’s face. Nothing. No one was sitting by his side. The courtyard was empty of his presence; even his fragrance was gone. 

“Raum…” 

“I’m here.” 

“Raum…” 

He coughed, a splash of blood escaping his throat. The taste was so bitter, rasping against the walls of his mouth. He gripped the air, trying to find Raum’s hand in the middle of this chaos. There was no poppy field anymore; no manor, no sunset to watch. He was slumped and laid in the back alley of a dark street, the concrete underneath his body as his last bed. He blinked, again and over again, his vision now so blurry. But his eyes were so dry; staring at the darkness, and the man loomed over him. Even God was mocking him right now, preventing him from capturing the perfect image of this imperfect lover. 

But God… God, he had loved him. 

Oliver tried to smile, but it only turned into a small grimace. There was something strange about losing all that blood. At first, coldness was piercing through his limbs, like infinite little blades toying through every inch of his body. But now… Now he felt as if he was relaxing in a warm bath, unable to know if he was in pain or not. After all, he had been born cursed; eager to experience everything but unable to feel anything.

“I saw the poppy field,” Oliver said, quietly. He could tell that Raum was looking at him. “You know… The one in front of the house. When we were sneaking in the backyard during those parties…” He swallowed bitterly, his throat dry. It was as if all his saliva had turned into sand. He could barely feel his tongue; yet, he wanted to tell him so badly. “I think… I think I was a hell of a dancer, ugh. I think I danced like no one has ever danced before.” He smiled, then coughed again. “Fuck… I was so good, wasn’t I?”  

He heard a slight chuckle, and a horn in the distance. The city was so lively at the time of his death. The only source of warmth was coming from Raum’s hand plastered onto his bleeding stomach. It was a lethal shot; they both knew it. A whore couldn’t run away forever from the Cleaners; even less when a certain Requiem would be the one in charge of his execution. They had both pretended it couldn’t happen, but they had been fools. 

But only those in love were fools. 

Oliver mapped his stomach until he found Raum’s hand. He was aware of the consequences of his death, but at the same time, he wanted to relieve his lover from his guilt. With no strength whatsoever, Oliver intertwined his fingers, staring at the shape looming over him. Only now did he regret all those times he had pretended he didn’t care to know what Raum looked like. He was craving to see his face properly. 

“This is not your fault,” Oliver whispered, determined. He even frowned while those words left his mouth. For a man who had spent his entire adulthood lying over and over again, there was nothing but the entire truth capable of rolling on his tongue right now. “You did nothing. I was already trapped when you found me.” He tried to move, but his body couldn’t do it anymore. Darkness was spreading its wings in front of his eyes, but he fought it. He hadn’t finished saying the things he wanted to say. 

“It’s fine… It wasn’t meant to be forever.” Oh, he was back at lying again. He pinched his lips together, circled Raum’s fingers a bit harder than before. 

“It was like my dancing…,” Oliver whispered, feeling that he didn’t have the strength to fight it anymore. The world was cold and cozy, and his consciousness barely floated anymore. His thumb described a small circle on Raum’s hand. “It was… so good… So good…” 

Nothing but a veil of dark. 

He couldn’t hear the horns from the city. He couldn’t even feel Raum’s hand. He just knew that he was at peace. He was free. 

He was with the man he loved. 

And just like that, Oliver King pronounced his very last truth.