#arts snippets

[awriternamedart]

Narukami Yu wasn't the touchy type. He wasn't against it or anything, it just wasn't really his vibe most of the time.

That was, until Hanamura Yosuke came into his life.

Yosuke wasn't a big touchy person by any means— he was actually pretty distanced from a lot of the people around him. Chie, Yukiko— he rarely came into physical contact with them. Even when Kanji, Teddie, Rise, and Naoto came into the picture, his gestures never went beyond fistbumps or the occasional handshake.

In fact, the most he had really noticed was that he was okay with giving Nanako a piggyback ride.

Which is why, when Naoto came up to him as they were finishing up preparations with that simple observation, it threw Yu for a loop.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that Hanamura is far closer to you then the rest of the group." They said, rather plainly. It was if they were stating just simple fact, like 'you can breathe air.' "You and him often exist in each others personal space. I'm surprised you two don't have a duel tactic like Amagi and Satonaka, or him and Teddie."

Yu had kind of blanked on them, admittedly, humming noncommittally before Naoto turned the subject back to their tactics for battle. But it had circulated around in his mind, suddenly becoming far more aware of his partner's antics.

Like whenever they were idling at Junes' for some reason, Yosuke would be leaning towards him, if not on him if Yu was sitting down. Or he'd sidle right next to him and elbow him in the side to get his attention, or constantly be next to him whenever they were resting or sitting or in preparation phases. It was a little embarrassing as he became so aware of how close Yosuke simply just resided near him— but it wasn't anything he couldn't handle.

Until he realized Yosuke had stopped.

It was strange. There was this chill that seemed to permeate when he first noticed it. It began not long after Naoto had brought it up to him, when Yosuke seemed to suddenly disappear from his side. It wasn't that far away, he was still nearby, but now there was this distance. It was unfamiliar, chilling.

He didn't like it. Not one bit.

Yosuke seemed surprised when Yu divvied up the exploration team into pairs this time around, and took Yosuke with him. It wasn't meant to be any sort of serious mission, he was just looking for some items for some people, but when even Rise and Teddie were paired up to scope out the place, it was a little concerning.

Especially when Yu took Yosuke as his partner for this investigation.

They were barely a few rooms in when Yu suddenly pulled them to a stop for a break. Yosuke had barely even broken a sweat from the two fights they had gotten into, wiping his blades clean as he looked to his partner, who had sheathed his own blade and set it aside.

"You good, partner? If I didn't know better, I'd say you made up a ruse for us to hang out!" He had to poke fun a little, but genuine concern colored his voice. Yu cracked a faint smile at that before he set his sword down. "Seriously, Yu— whats going on-!?"

His voice taped off into a small squeak when Yu suddenly collapsed on top of him, arms loosely wrapped around Yosuke's waist. A small sigh escaped him as he shoved his face into Yosuke's shoulder with a faint murmured apology.

"Sorry."

"Woah-hahah- a little close there, Yu— the others, they could— you uh- you— whats going on-?" Yosuke scrambled to gather his words, idly pushing on Yu's body to no avail. He gave up after a few seconds, stiffly just standing still, "Seriously, whats with you??"

Yu seemed to pause for a second, though he didn't budge much. If anything, his embrace got tighter.

"You've been avoiding me."

Yosuke flinched immediately, and Yu knew he had hit the nail on the head. So it had been purposeful.

"Geez, you- you noticed that..?" Yosuke murmured, ears turning a vibrant red. before his voice got a little bit louder. "Whaddya mean, partner? I haven't— been avoiding you. I'm right here!"

Yu stood up just enough to give Yosuke an unimpressed look, he had heard him clear as day, and Yosuke took all but two seconds to crumble, sheepishly folding his arms as Yu finally stepped away.

"Sorry, partner— I thought you wouldn't notice.."

"So you were avoiding me." Yu put his hands in his pockets, bangs drifting as he tilted his head to the side.

"I wasn't avoiding. I was just— putting more distance so you weren't uncomfortable!" He stumbled over his words, trying to brush his hair out of his face. "Naoto asked me about it so I figured you must look uncomfortable or something, so I just—"

"Did I ever say I was?"

Yosuke's face got redder.

"N-no, but—.. no. No, you never said anything." He gave up trying to defend himself under Yu's pointblank stare, hanging his head. Yu at least chuckled a little, getting Yosuke to glare at him— which only got amusement in return.

"What did Naoto say? They only mentioned that you were closer to me then the rest of the group when they talked to me." Yu had to admit he was a little curious. While Naoto was a valuable asset to the team and was only attempting to connect by sharing their examinations, Yu knew Yosuke would probably overthink it just that little bit.

"Sh- they only said somethin about me only really bein touchy with you. Or something like that." He looked to the side, pushing his headphones up a little. "It was a- wait, they said something to you as well?"

Yu nodded.

"They had mentioned to me their surprise that we didn't have a joint attack, and that you and Teddie instead had one instead of me and you." He rolled his neck a little, before looking bacl to Yosuke with some sort of forlorn look on his face. "Can I hug you again?"

"Wh— dude, seriously?!"

"You haven't been near me in a week and a half. I miss you." Yu's plainspoken nature never failed to throw Yosuke off guard. He said whatever he wanted to, with this same sort of smoothness that made it seem like no matter what the words were, he was going to be right. Yosuke could only stare at him blankly, cheeks burning a brighter red by the second, before he relented under Yu's stare, groaning.

"…you can't say stuff like that, partner." He put his arms out, Yu's face lighting up with the barest shift in his calm expression. Almost immediately he was melting back into Yosuke, this time his face nearing Yosuke's neck, arms tighter as Yosuke hesitantly put his hands on Yu's back. "Not to me.."

"Why not? Its the truth. Why would I deny you the truth?" Yu was genuine, but he couldn't see the scarlet that drowned Yosuke's face and neck, the tips of his ears matching the rosy red as his heart raced, faster then he had even at the riverbank. He didn't respond to Yu's question, instead just curling his hands into fists and holding onto Yu's school uniform jacket.

Hate it as he may, he had missed their casual intimacy too.

-

Casual Touch - awriternamedart

p4g has gripped me so tight im about to pop its not funny anymore

[eggwishing]

I ONCE TRIED TO WASH THAT SCUFFED OLD THING WHILE HE WAS TAKING ONE OF HIS NAPS, BUT WHEN I TOOK IT OFF HE WAS WEARING ANOTHER IDENTICAL ONE UNDERNEATH! AND ANOTHER! I GOT THROUGH TEN MORE LAYERS OF THE SAME THING BEFORE HE WOKE UP. I WAS SO FRUSTRATED! WHERE DID HE EVEN GET THOSE FROM? THEY ALL EVEN HAD THE SAME STAINS!!

[awriternamedart]

-- Drunken Verdict - Neuvillesley / Wriolette -- Warnings for - Swearing, Sexual Innuendos and Connotation(no actual sex L), mentions of alcohol and hangovers, implied vomit. --

Remind Wriothesley to never drink with strangers again.

The moment he opened his eyes, white walls and far too many windows practically assulted him, something that normally would have just made him turn back over and sleep off the hangover. But it was the next morning, and work waited for no one.

Grumbling to himself as he slowly sat up, he could practically hear Sigewinne's lecture from there, Wriothesley sat on the bed for a few more moments, bleary, half awake thoughts chasing each other in circles around his head.

...wait, white walls and windows?

Wriothesley lurched forward, stumbling on his feet as his headache flared from sudden movement. He caught himself on the bedframe, steadying his balance before he took a breath. Admittedly he did jolt a bit from the unfamiliar texture of the wood, but he was far more concerned with a few other things.

Like where the fuck he was, and where the hell his shirt went.

Ok, he had to gather his thoughts. Getting himself together took a few more moments then he had hoped, hindered by both the unfamiliar enviroment and the dull throb of his head, but he managed. Wriothesley knew what danger felt like, and nothing about this place was raising major red flags or warning bells.

Probably a kind stranger who took pity on him, thats all.

Scanning through his groggy mind, Wriothesley couldnt find any evidence to say otherwise. The night had been rowdy, he had gotten dragged into a drinking night with some of the Mermonia folk after dropping off a report to the Palais and then..

Nothing. He could vaguly pick out blurred hints of roaming the streets afterward, but nothing that pointed to where he was. Given his current state of dress as well as the fact he wasnt the type to go for a drunk hook up, he could probably rule out that as well.

Though, not totally. It was still in the cards, even if it wasnt somethin he felt like he'd do.

He wasnt exactly sober and able to assess his capacity in that state, after all.

Archons, Im startin to sound like Neuvillette. The thought flitted across his mind, making Wriothesley snort. It spawned the idea of the high and mighty Iudex being drunk off his ass into Wriothesleys mind, something that seemed so farfetched he almost questioned if Neuvillette could actually get drunk.

He was getting off track. This was all proving to be a potential nuisence, so he really should just find his clothes and leave as quietly as he could. No need to stir up trouble in the Court of Fontaine.

Granted, this wasnt the first time something like this had happened. He would have to make mental note of the address and send them a letter of apology later, perhaps some compensation for taking care of him. And he didnt want to overstay his welcome either, though he had to admit, this place was far fancier then he initially expected.

Whoever lives here must be a high-end kind. Hopefully not someone bratty, those types were the most tiring to deal with.

Finding the crumpled fabric of his shirt and shirtvest in a nearby hamper, Wriothesley was quick to discover why it had been discarded.

"..Eugh." Nevermind. Not wearing that outside.

They probably wouldnt mind him borrowing their kitchen sink, right? Bathroom sinks tended to be to small.

Sighing to himself, Wriothesley put the clothes back in the hamper, carrying it out the room. There goes his hopes of leaving this place unnoticed, but whatever. He could deal with that as he got there.

Activity and clambering could be heard as he descended the stairs, surprised to hear someone awake. It had to be early, the sun was barely peaking over the mountains! Who in their right mind would be awake at this hour?

With resignation, Wriothesley followed the sound, sure enough finding the kitchen he so desired. He ran a hand through his hair before stepping into the doorway, sighing.

"Yo, sorry- ..what the fuck."

"Oh, your awake." Turning the heat down and setting the pan aside, Neuvillette brushed off his hands and faced Wriothesley, concern practically radiating off him. "How are you feeling? Did you drink the water I left for you on the bedtable?"

"....Neuvillette." Nothing was quite getting comprehending at the moment, sorry. It took Neuvillette getting closer for Wriothesley to move himself, glancing around the room as everything clicked into place.

Well, mostly everything.

"Yes, Wriothesley? Are you sure your feeling alright? You were in quite a state last night." The Chief Justice stepped forward again, this time reaching forward to press the back of his hand against Wriothesleys cheek. He frowned when the Duke flinched back, but did not pursue, dropping his arm.

"'Quite a state', eh?" Of course, he would end up here. Just his luck to run into Neuvillette while absolutely shitfaced drunk, how annoying. Forcing a chuckle, Wriothesley shifted his hold on the hamper, bringing Neuvillettes attention to it. "Look, Im sorry for the trouble- Ill just clean this and be out of your pretty hair. Where's-"

"Theres no need. If you would like a shirt, you may borrow one of mine, and we can take this to a proper cleaners at a later date." There was no room for argument either, Neuvillette taking the hamper from Wriothesley and placing it aside. His nose wrinkled a bit from the smell, something that Wriothesley didnt miss, but he didnt complain. Instead he actually smiled, tugging Wriothesley further into the kitchen. "Lets get you something to drink to ease your hangover. I was going to prepare some tea later, but you woke up far earlier then I was expecting."

With no room to refuse, Wriothesley found himself being dragged to a quaint window table, overlooking the whole of the Court. The height was a little dizzying, but Wriothesley managed, glancing about the kitchen as Neuvillette returned to the stove.

"Your Vision, shoes, jacket and other articles are in my foyer." Before Wriothesley could even ask, Neuvillette answered, looking back over his shoulder. "You gave me quite a fright when you showed up at my doorstep, so I left everything there when I got you upstairs."

"Wait- 'At your doorstep'?" Pausing at that, Wriothesley looked sideways as Neuvillette brang a teabag and the kettle to him, setting it down on a hotpad before going to grab some cubs.

"Yes, do you not recall?" Something akin to amusement danced among the rays of the rising sun on Neuvillettes face, placing a cup for the both of them before taking a seat himself.

"Archons, no. I don't remember shit if Im being frank." Gratefully, Wriothesely picked up the kettle to prepare his tea, just the way he liked it. "Learning that I showed up at your door is embarressing as is. Spare me the mortifying details, but curiousity is getting the better of me."

"Well, you did ask to sleep with me." Neuvillette took a sip of his drink.

A beat of silence passed.

"...I fucking what." Red flushed Wriothesleys ears, his eyes standing out more starkly against the darkened skin. If his tea had been ready, he would have spat it out in shock.

"In your exact words-"

"Nope, no, I don't want to know." His head fell into his hand, a long-suffering groan escaping him. Actively cursing his drunk self out, Wriothesley couldnt even bring himself to look the Iudex in the eye, dragging his hand down his face.

"You already asked for clarification, do you wish for me to stop?" Neuvillette looked as passive as ever, but Wriothesley could see the amusement in the corners of his eyes. He settled for glaring at the Chief Justice, getting a huff and another sip in return before Neuvillette placed his cup down. "Ill take your silence as a no. I will continue, then."

-

Neuvillette was used to strange happenings. He wasnt fond of them, but they did occur, and he had learned to live and let live a long time ago.

Hearing a knock, followed by a rough thud against his front door late at night though, it put him on guard. No one had dared to attempt robbing the Chief Justice in Neuvillettes memory, but there was always a first.

With caution, tips glowing a bright blue in preparation for self defense, Neuvillette entered his foyer right as another knock accompanied by a voice echoed in the room.

"Neuvillette? Your Honor, are you home? Its cold-" The words were slurred together, muffled by the door, but nonetheless, Neuvillette recognized it after just a few moments, throwing caution to the wind and opening his door.

Sure enough, standing on his doorstep was the Duke of Meropide, hand in the air as it preparing to knock again. He nearly did to, until he seemed to realise the door was no longer there.

A smile split across Wriothesleys face.

"So ya aree home. An' here I was thinkin ya were still at the Palaiiisss!"

"Your Grace." Trying to be courteous despite the late hour, Neuvillette glanced over Wriothesley to assess if he was ok. There werent any noticable injuries at least. "Your up late. How can I help you tonight?"

"Mmn, jus' got invited out ta drink wit' your overworld folk. Can I come in?" Shuffling his feet, Wriothesley looked.. strangely agitated. It was unusual to see him this physically expressive, something that concerned Neuvillette, so he stepped aside, inviting Wriothesley in without much thought..

..before immediately having to catch the warden as he tripped over his own feet in the doorway.

"Wriothesley!!" Even the late hour couldnt keep the worry from spiking in his heart, steadying the Duke to the best of his ability before he nudged the door shut with his foot. This was not good, Wriothesley was clear not in any state to be upright. How in the Sovereigns names did he make it all the way to Neuvillettes residence without issue?

With a bit of prodding and handiwork, Neuvillette managed to get Wriothesley onto a couch. Taking his coat and accessories off to ease his burden was rather easy, Neuvillette placing his gloves and Vision on the nearby table before taking his shoes and jacket and putting them in their proper place.

The entire time, Wriothesley was mumbling, drunken rants that were either undecipherable or complete nonsense. It wasnt until Neuvillette informed him that he was going to fetch Wriothesley some water that the Duke spoke again, unfocused eyes finding Neuvillette in the dim light.

"No."

"No? Wriothesley, do not be unreasonable, the water will help you to regain-"

"No. I dont need to be sober, I came here to ask you a question."

For a moment, Wriothesley looked startlingly clearheaded, gaze narrowing in on Neuvillette with intent. It was all the Iudex could do to watch the Duke get up with minor difficulty and stop directly in front of him, eye to eye.

"I want to fuck. With you."

"..Excuse me?"

Over the years, Neuvillette had heard of people being infatuated with him, sometimes even hearing or recieved confessions via letter or word of mouth. Whether romantic or sexual, it wasnt like Neuvillette was completely inexperienced with dealing with either.

But he had never been asked quite so bluntly.

"Ya heard me. I wanna fuck with you. Sleep with you. Whatever you call it." Wriothesley took Neuvillettes hand in his own two, lifting it up between them. "Cmon, I know ya like me, and I think I like ya, so lets just do it."

"Wriothesley, you are drunk. I hardly think you know what your asking for." To his credit, Neuvillette did find this mildly amusing. Wriothesley was a dear companion of Neuvillettes, afterall, and neither had been exactly subtle in harboring their attraction toward the other. To hear Wriothesley himself even confirm there was something between them was greatly appreciated, but he was careful not to show any of that, gently removing his hand from Wriothesleys grasp. "Im afraid Ill have to say no."

He would prefer to hear it from a sober Wriothesleys lips instead.

Wriothesley, on the other hand, seemed to hard disagree.

Practically wilting on the spot, Wriothesley hoisted what could best be described as a pout onto his face, dropping his hands as he turned away from Neuvillette. The Iudex was admittedly surprised by this, reaching out to put a hand on Wriothesleys shoulder.

"Wriothesley-"

"So ya dont like me." Neuvillette paused as Wriothesley looked over his shoulder, shocked by the look of pure hurt on the Dukes face. Oh, no, this was not what he had meant.

"No, you misunderstand. I enjoy your company, Wriothesley, I do." Sighing, Neuvillette couldnt keep the fond, small smile off his face.

"But you won't sleep with me."

"These are two seperate matters, Wriothesley, and you are drunk."

"So you'd sleep with me if I was sober?"

"Well, no-"

"So you don't like me."

Another sigh escaped Neuvillette, the man finally rounding around to face the Duke head on. "Wriothesley, you are acting like a child. You know very well why I wouldnt sleep with you immediately, and especially not if your drunk."

And still, Wriothesley avoided his gaze, pointedly looking in a different direction. It wasnt until Neuvillette noticed the start of tears gathering in Wriothesleys eyes that realization hit him.

This was genuinely how Wriothesley felt, deep down, brought out by alcohol and likely a drop of self loathing buried deep.

Unsurity snagged Neuvillette in its grasp, that taunting feeling of being far out of his jurisdiction coming in full force. He didnt know how to express himself fully, much less help another with their own emotions, but he had to try. Thinking about Wriothesley crying because of him, well.. he quite hated the idea.

"My dear Wriothesley, look at me, please." At the gentle plea, Wriothesley finally turned to face Neuvillette. His cheek met a gentle hand, a thumb brushing the beginnings of a tear aside.

"I am not rejecting your feelings, Wriothesley. Do not mistake that." Wriothesley leaned into Neuvillettes touch as he spoke, listening with rapt attention. "I simply- oh!"

Arms wrapped around Neuvillettes waist, Wriothesley tugging the man forward to put his face in the Iudex's shoulder.

"So.. ya do like me." The words were incredibly muffled, but Neuvillette heard them nonetheless, a fond huff escaping him. He reached down, returning the embrace with a warm smile.

"Yes, I suppose I do."

-

"You then proceeded to pass out on me, so I had to assist you in getting to my bedroom before you ended up making a mess of yourself and getting yourself comfortable in the bed."

Wriothesley dropped his head into his hands, groaning out of sheer embarressment as the tale was recounted to him, bits and pieces coming back to him. Practically downing his tea in one go, all Wriothesley could feel was the red raging through his face and neck, flustered in every sense of the word.

"Look, Your Honor-"

"We are alone, Wriothesley, no need for honorifics."

"Seriously- Ok, look, Neuvillette, we can just forget this whole thing-"

Neuvillettes teacup clinked as it was set down again, interrupting Wriothesley.

"Why should we? We're both aware of our mutual attraction."

"Well-" Wriothesley paused, an incredulous look on his face as he finally looked up at Neuvillette. "..What?"

"Were you not listening to my testimony? I did state the attraction was mutual, did I not?" Folding his hands in his lap, Neuvillette pinned Wriothesley with a hard stare, raising a brow. "Unless, in your own words, you 'don't like me back."

Wriothesley broke their stare down after just a few moments, hints of laughter shaking his head as Neuvillette took another drink.

"Your a right bastard sometimes, Neuvillette."

"How do you plead, then?" He only peered at the Duke over the rim of his cup, a knowing look on his face.

"Im gonna say guilty."

I'm probably never gonna write this but there's a fic idea that hasn't been leaving me aLONE

So imagine Wriothesley wakes up hungover at a place he doesn't recognize. This has happened before, he's gone home with people he didn't know and didn't remember the next day, yada yada yada. So he starts going around the room, trying to figure out wtf happened last night, checking every corner for any detail and he concludes he's at a random girl's place again. He goes down in the kitchen and boom - Neuvillette. Wrio is confused as shit obv. THEN Neuvillette starts telling him about what happened.

Basically, drunk Wrio knocked on Neuvillette's door at an ungodly hour, tried to get some, got none, cried about his life for a bit and then passed out drunk. Wrio is embarrassed af and Neuvillette is just rlly concerned for his well-being

Now one of the main reasons I won't write this is because idk how to end it

[eldritch-ace]

I love this trend and I’ve been seeing some regional Mikus, so take a New Mexican birthday girl in honor of Zozobra and hatch chile season. 🌵🫔⛰️

[existwound]

can you believe these guys still dance around each other at every reunion even years later???

[xitsensunmoon]

Guys I love hands so much... But why they be so difficult to animate 😭

[saltystingray]

Drowning in anger unfiltered, i see now we are two sides of the same coin. There is no glory to be had, and pride has no place here. May the best man win.

(Do not edit or repost)

[cacaocheri]

thinking about how sun is a touchy bastard and needs to be soooo sneaky to get closer to yn

[scriblesandbits]

So god created us in his image, right? And that’s cool and all but what if it turns out god, like, hates his own image??? What then????

[tweedfeather]

One day. 💕

[awriternamedart]

"How do you do it, gambler?"

Aventurine glanced up from the drink in his hand, an identical one clutched tightly in Dr. Ratio's.

"Do what?"

"Maintain a relationship."

Aventurine blinked, before his head shot up again to look at the doctor. Veritas didn't even spare him a glance, eyes glued to the scene in front of them— a grand IPC ball, held for investors and connections to be made. It was always a busy and grand event, one the Intellegensia Guild had to attend to maintain the IPC's investment.

It really wasn't Dr. Ratio's scene, but he had been chosen as their representative anyway.

"I'm not particularly adept at that, my dear doctor." Aventurine chuckled, watching the alcohol swirl in his glass.

"You are far more able then I am. Even upon falsities and fake promises, you managed to chat and converse with people in a sort of ease," Ratio slowly tore his eyes away from the crowd, glancing back to Aventurine before his eyes dropped to the floor in front of him. "..Its admirable."

Aventurine could just barely process what Dr. Ratio was exactly saying— direct praise?? From the good doctor himself???— before Veritas set down his now-empty drink on a bypassing waiters tray.

"Do you ever feel.. second-rate?"

Aventurine paused, taking another languid drink as he contemplated. It wasn't often the dear doctor opened up— he should tread carefully.

"I can't say for sure. Why?" He kept his tone even, trying not to distract from Veritas' thoughts. It was hard enough to get to know him in the first place, to squander his trust like this would be a waste.

The Doctor took a deep breath, practically hiding himself in the shadows of one of the many grand pillars decorating the room.

"I am not adept at conversation."

Aventurine could agree with that. Something about the doctor made it difficult to respond in kind— he was dry, a vague bit brutish, and if Aventurine dared, a little bullheaded. He seemed so sure of himself, founded confidence that was backed up by his many achievements. It was a little intimidating for the average person, he supposed. But as he looked on, that sort of Dr. Ratio seemed to fade ever so slightly, leaving behind someone who was still sure in his knowledge and discoveries— but struggled nonetheless.

"I find people.. grating, sometimes. But connection is one of the few necessities of livelihood, and so I try to converse with my peers as often as possible. It is.. difficult. It often feels as if they have no interest in what I am saying, neither asking questions nor inquiring further, and when I try to do so to show interest in their research, they often retreat back, saying it is not finished or the such. Offering to help only ever seems to drive them further away." Taking out the laurel clip in his hair, Veritas' thumb drifted over the gilded leaves, the polish in the finish reflecting his face back at him. "Despite my best efforts, I rarely ever follow up because I fear I intimidate them. I have seen them recoil at the mere sight of me."

Aventurine could just watch on in surprise— Veritas had never shown an inkling of this before. When he had first gotten to know the doctor, he had assumed Veritas simply didn't work with his peers due to a difference in dedication, or perhaps view. He was among the brightest and best in the Intellegensia Guild, always praised behind his back for being one of their stars.

Perhaps that wasn't the front Veritas had put up at all. Perhaps it was what Veritas was forced to wear in the face of his peers, forced to be seen as the cold unobtainable, the pinnacle of what they should be.

Being on a pedestal like that, it must be lonely.

"Do you not go drinking with your coworkers or something?" Aventurine leaned against the wall, cold of the stone seeping through his suit. Veritas glanced up at him, before looking back down.

"..I was never invited. It is against social convention to come along if you aren't invited, isn't it? I'd rather not strain and worry them more. It could impact them negatively if I were to come along and invite stress to what is supposed to be a time they unwind." He turned the laurel over in his hand. "..perhaps I missed my opportunity."

The light of the pedestal Dr. Ratio sat on seemed to blind all those who looked at it from underneath. They couldn't see his face, only his back— but as Aventurine leaned against the wall, gazing at the doctor in front of him, he got that different perspective.

There was.. resignation, in his eyes.

"Perhaps I am just doomed to be a looming figure above many. And yet, I'll still never be enough." His voice tapered off slightly, head dropping even just that hint bit more. "I am fully aware how much others are compared to me, and I hear them speak of my achievements behind my back. I wish they would stop, if I am being honest. Or at least tell me of my praise directly."

That surprised Aventurine.

"What, do people not give you a compliment or two? For someone so easy on the eyes and as esteemed as you, doctor, I find that hard to believe!" He chuckled— but it quickly faded out as Veritas looked to the side.

"Not often do I get comments directly on my achievements, no. Nor on my appearance, before you came along." He sighed. "You are.. the only person who does so."

The only one who's tried.

-

The Only One Whos Tried - awriternamedart

[sublimati0ns]

daily koss #18: guy who totally doesn’t have deranged kinks due to unresolved issues he really should work through … bsky

Trying to do the ‘post-war redemption (-ish) arc relationship thing’ means indulging your (ugh) (shudder) (gag) partner when he calls in a ‘weird interface favour.’ Sadly, you are less dense about his feelings than you used to be. What the frag was all that about?! (…Maybe you’ll admit it felt good in the moment, though.)

[hrokkall]

Mama gave me music lessons,

now I play the saddest songs

[bloominglegumes]

no ok i started spiraling into animated jazzwave ideas too its actually awful

[grimalkinscribbles]

I’d be that smug too if my face was in that kinda proximity to Ais’s perk tit