#but I don't know why anyone would associate me with colors

[respectthepetty]

What do you mean you're a small blog?

You'll always be famous to me for pioneering the Alans Scale of Anger and I think you also do that other thing with... Colours? 🤔

I AM a small blog!

Y'all just think I'm something more because I'm always here, reblogging, living in the tags, and being unhealthy about mis tóxicos. I'm everywhere, all the time, and being really loud about it, so it just feels like I'm bigger than I really am. I'm like Kimberly in Pit Babe. My blog is tiny, but I cast a large shadow solely because of how much space I take up posting every two seconds.

But if there is one thing I want to be known for, it's the Alan Scale.

It's been serving me well for over a year, and I'm sure it will be of use during my SOTUS rewatch since, apparently, thinking I was going to get less than 216 votes was a mistake when I ended up with 535.

However, I think the votes have more to do with Tumblr folks liking polls, and not the size of my blog, but I like that people really showed up for their favorites, so now I'm watching THREE shows for June! I'm going to start with the winner, Love in the Air, because if I like it, I'll watch Love Sea when it's released. But only if I like it!

I'm going to watch The Untamed in the middle since it is the longest, and it's color coded, which is not super important to me or anything. I just happen to write about colors every now and then. But it's not like a big deal or something I'm "known" for.

Which is why I think the Alan Scale really is my thing! I hate on a lot of stuff hence the Pride Petty Watch, Petty Prison, and Grudge Garden, so Alan has been useful in gauging my anger. It's also why I'm saving SOTUS for last. I'm fully prepared to be upset, so Alan and the other Petty Watches will hopefully calm me down.

Thanks to everyone who voted in my teeny tiny blog's little petty poll to pick my Pride watches!

[agoodflyting]

Why Aziraphale is completely ridiculous in the Bastille scene (and I love him so much for it)

A while ago I posted a comparison of Aziraphale and Crowley's costumes in the 1793 flashback in Good Omens and I wanted to add these little tidbits. (Because they haunt me.)

I feel like most people know this but IF YOU DON'T, Paris in 1793 is right in the middle of something called La Terreur.

HISTORY LESSON If you didn't learn this in school the French Revolution was when, after years of escalating social tension, a coalition representing the working classes of France revolted against the monarchy, violently overthrew King Louis XVI, and declared France to be a republic.

The new National Convention governing France ruled that King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette were traitors to the people of France because of how they had spent ridiculous amounts of money on luxuries for themselves while vast numbers of the lower classes were literally starving to death. (keep the bold in mind - wealth and class disparities were one of the key causes of the whole-ass revolution)

In 1793 (year of the flashback) both the King and Queen were executed by guillotine for their crimes.

This kicks of something called The Reign of Terror (La Terreur if you want to be French about it). A multi-year-long period in which the National Convention goes on a bloody witch hunt for any and every member of the middle or upper classes who could even possibly be considered a traitor by those same standards.

If you A) had money or privilege, and B) had ever used your money or privilege to treat yourself, you were getting executed. Over 25,000 people died during the Reign of Terror, half of them by guillotine. In fact, the iconic guillotine was used because it was physically impossible to keep up with the sheer number of people they were executing in Paris every single day.

Some things that could get you killed (actually and completely seriously) during the Reign of Terror:

Implying in any way you were sympathetic to the monarchy

Having a noble title

Having expensive things

Wearing expensive, luxurious clothes (*cough* AZIRAPHALE)

helping or sympathizing with anyone who did any of the above

a working-class person saying you were mean to them once

And then there's this bitch...

I AM NOBILITY PLEASE KILL ME So we have established that Paris in 1793 is in the middle of a frenzied, state-sanctioned bloodbath in which the working classes are massacring everyone even remotely nobility-adjacent. And in the middle of this frenzy, Aziraphale proceeds to roll up in Paris in this outfit:

How will this outfit get him killed? Let me count the ways...

First off- at this point everyone with even the tiniest shred of self- preservation is hiding the fact that they are in any way associated with the monarchy. The wealthy are straight-up abandoning mansions. The middle-class are plastering over decorations to make their house look 'poor'. The only people dressed remotely decent are the guys leading the National Convention and that's just because nobody can stop them. Everyone else is in 24/7 peasant cosplay or else they are covering themselves in cockades and sashes on to show they're pro-Republic.

Aziraphale is basically a giant shiny white sign saying I AM NOBILITY PLEASE KILL ME.

First off the lace jabot and lace cuffs are both associated with the old-school wealthy in the 1790's.

His coat is also decorated in gold braid and silver buttons, which are both marks of wealth and luxury.

He basically looks like he works for Louis XIV - not just rich, but old school rich.

We know it's his natural hair color, but hair powdering (with clay and starch) had been a big trend with the rich all throughout the 18th century to get that clean white venerable look . To someone who doesn't know it's natural, it would very much look like he's wearing hair powder.

He's wearing shades of cream and white, which are very hard to keep clean and clearly states that the wearer is rich and can afford the upkeep necessary to keep an outfit like that stain-free.

He's wearing white knee-breeches and stockings, also called culottes. See above about laundry and how rich you had to be to wear white, but also working-class men wore long pants like this:

A large faction involved in the Revolution were the Sans-Culottes (no-culottes aka we wear long pants LIKE GOOD OLD WORKING MEN). Culottes are specifically associated with everything the revolution hated. That's right - Aziraphale is literally wearing The Fanciest of Fancy Pants in a city where a group called The Men Against Fancy Pants are running around murdering people.

And then there are his shoes.

Oh god his shoes

I could do a whole post about Aziraphale's blessed little white satin pumps and how ridiculous they are.

Actually I might just do that because this is getting so long and I still have to talk about the brioche.

So I can't remember if it's in the script book or if it's from Neil Gaiman's tumblr, but it's apparently canon (?) that Aziraphale was going around in that outfit asking people where he could get crepes and brioche when he was arrested.

The Affair of the Brioches

So... uh... we've all heard the line attributed to Marie Antoinette- how when she was told that her people were starving because there was no bread left in Paris, she famously said...

It's morphed into 'let them eat cake', but the line is first recorded as, "Then let them eat brioches."

While it's unlikely she ever actually said it, the important thing is that... people in 1793 would have thought she said it. It was used as political smear to show how arrogant and out of touch the monarchy was. Marie Antoinette in particular was reviled by the people of France, who thought she was the main cause of their economic problems. That's why she was executed too.

Bread and brioche and the lines between poverty and privilege were a big thing in Revolutionary France. There was a lot of political connotation to what you ate. The French Revolution came about because of decades of suffering among the lower classes of France. It wasn't something that some dudes just decided to do. The people of Paris have been through years of the absolute worst, most oppressive poverty and starvation you can imagine, all while watching the rich throw money around crazy.

So let us recap.

Aziraphale is dressed so ridiculously posh that he looks like a joke parody of a nobleman... and he is bumbling around Paris during the Reign of Terror. Asking people. For brioche. How I imagine everyone looked at him:

It is so astoundingly tone deaf and tactless. He is basically cosplaying as Marie Antoinette and then going around asking the poor for cake.

I just.... Aziraphale. babygirl. no. oh no. You're lucky they even bothered to take you to prison. I am amazed Crowley ever let him live that down.

I have no conclusion other than this. Aziraphale is ridiculous and I love him so much.

YES YOU REALLY SHOULD SIR.

[s1llydr3amscape]

Maybe it was the friends we made along the way!

My security breach cast re-imagined when we first got the posters and merch leaks!!! I changed them into ocs because after seeing their in game designs I fell in love <33333

Another reason why Vanny is my fave is because I don't have to design her clothes /j

Extras and ramblings under the cut :

Zoomed in because I drew them on the same canvas like a goober :

Many reasons why I chose to make the way it is are cause hehehehe

-I didn't like Roxy at first because off that funko leak being a reused model of Foxy. So I made her a hyena recolor using his model because I think they're cool, yet I still kept the fact she's the shortest because of Foxy in fnaf 1 being the shortest!!! And it did sorta happen with her being his replacement 😭She has short hair because I think one of her main appeals would be she would change up her hair every other week.

-Freddy is a moon bear because I miss Lefty. Also cuz I thought Fazbear Ent developed enough technology so that they could change colors during the night/dark like in the posters making them blacklight/neon. Also once again I miss Lefty and Also Nightmare. He had blue eyes freaky like that because I think FazEnt was developing new technologies to recognize guests by having their main stars test them out. And it did happen in the game so yay!!!

-I genuinely didn't think Bonnie would show up because off the leaks but at the time everyone designed their own version off him and so did I!!! I made him white and brown as a homage to Vannys help wanted mask. The blue streaks in his hair also relates to my Vanessa design. Reasons for this is because with how advanced the AI it was to trick them into thinking they were eachother friends. Why because the heartbreak would've been catastrophic.

-Chica didn't change much but I added brown because I love the color brown it is my top 1 color with purple following behind. Also because I love gradients I fucking love gradients you bet your ass if I add gradients I could <333 She has feather hair like that because off Big Bird I saw in a short fnaf sesame street horror yt video and that scared and gave me nightmares because of this one scene of a lady giving birth to his kid??? Idk it scared me alot. She's my favorite tho <3333

-Monty didn't change except he had circular glasses because I wanted him to match with Roxy as the newest additions to the Fazbear brand!!! Also man I wish one of them was a drummer but I couldn't decide between if Roxy or Monty would get it. I also didn't know Roxanne would be racing and gave her rock climbing. Reasons cause imagining her chasing you being able to climb walls would be scary. My only wish Is that I made his snout longer I want you to be able to hold it like a weapon

-They all have eyelashes because I think that is epic!!!

-Freddy is the tallest. Bonnie and Chica are the same height and Roxanne is the shortest

Might redraw them in my oc world version (if anyone would be interested it's basically also a robot story with my old fnaf oc's now turned rivals to Fazbear Entertainment) and not simplified but my other wips need me they are calling for me they are telling me to finish them and I must!!! Probably

And here's my older art after we got to see the game and the designs are wack oughhh :

They would've fought with my pink yellow blue Vanny design!!! Which is the only one I redesigned because I love Vanny to much... You can see her pre-design here and oughh Pink Vanny <3333

-If you look closely Vanny has a Dino looking tail!!! And that's because I thought hey imagine each time we defeated an animatronic she'd sew a piece off their body onto her suit! So when we killed Monty she'd scavenged and get his tail!!! With Chica she got her chicken feet!! And with Roxanne she gets her teeth!!!

-Why because I associate her with Pinkamena cupcakes so much. Also to add onto my previous statement with Bonnie looking like her old mask. She changed her suit in the final act to solidify herself as the bad guy (final boss) who had been using the animatronics for his own gain.

-Man I never draw Chica with her head bow now that I think abt it same with Vanny's whiskers god what was I thinking!!!

Also sorry they're oddly cropped I watermark my stuff to remember what year I made them in and my old username is bad 💀

[littlxpxtal]

Dress

TYRANTS || STORY MASTERLIST PAIRING: rafe cameron x fem!reader WARNINGS: MDNI 18+ Content, swearing, sexual content, drug and alcohol use, violence WORD COUNT: 2.8k

Our secret moments in your crowded room

They got no idea about me and you

Say my name and everything just stops

I don't want you like a best friend

Only bought this dress so you could take it off

December Continued

Rafe waits a few seconds before following me into the bathroom, keeping an eye out for anyone who might’ve seen us go in together.

“Okay take a few with the flash and a few without” I say, handing him my phone and propping my body up against the sink.

“Didn’t think I was actually gonna take pictures” he grumbles, sitting on the lip of the tub and angling the phone up towards me.

“Thats why I asked you up here duh.” I say in between flashes. “Lemme take some of you.” grabbing the phone out of his hands I take a few images of him before he stands up and presses my arms to my sides, pushing me up against the sink.

“I have a hard time believing this is all you wanted to come up here and do” he murmurs into my ear, pushing my hair back off of my neck, pressing a wet kiss on my shoulder.

I can smell the peppermint lingering from his mouth as his lips trail up to reach my chin.

“I told you, you were my photographer tonight.” I say simply, opening my phone to inspect the images he captured. 

“You know, I love to see you in all black, like you normally wear. But red. Red’s my favorite color. Did you know that?”

I did know that. I’ve known since we were little that Rafe always picked out red toy trucks, red swim trunks, he had red bed sheets back when he slept in a twin sized bed. I remember when we were little kids running around figure 8, he would wear a red cape. He also has a red scooter that he wouldn’t let anyone ride, except me. His notebooks in school were always red, and when he got a bike for his 10th birthday he got a matching red helmet. I had always associated Rafe with Red, I guess I didn’t realize it until now. 

“I remember” I say, finally letting out the breath I was holding as his hands graze over my body, pulling my dress up ever so slightly.

“I could never tell what your favorite color was.” he says, letting out a chuckle before pressing kisses along my jawline.

“You always wore purple bathing suits, but would throw a tantrum if you didn’t get the orange towel. Your bike was yellow but your helmet was pink. And you always wore those green sneakers until they practically fell apart.” I giggled, remembering those pair of green Converse I wore until the soles gave out. I smile at the thought of simpler times, when Sarah and I hung out every day, Rafe terrorizing us on the playground, always demanding to be it during tag, tackling us to the ground. 

Lost in thought, I barely realize Rafe is sliding my panties down my legs. I btie my bottom lip and look up at him, remembering all the history we had together, how we went from childhood friends, to hating each other for years and then to this. Whatever the fuck this was.

He turns me around to face the mirror, pushing me forward. I hear his pants unzip and fall to the ground.

“So what is it?” he asks, running a finger through my folds. I let out a groan and squeeze my eyes shut. “What’s your favorite color?”

He teases my entrace with his cock, pushing slowly in and out, inching deeper and deeper in. I let out a gasp and clench the sides of the bathroom sink. His arm snakes around my front, pulling me closer to him.

“Blue” I finally let out, and he pushes himself fully inside of me, covering my mouth with his hand. Blue, just like the color of the sky on a clear day in the outerbanks. Blue like the color of the sea from my back patio.

Blue like Rafe’s eyes. 

“You feel so good pretty girl” he growls into my ear, pounding me from behind. Our eyes interlock in the bathroom mirror, I fight the urge to roll mine in the back of my head, overwhelmed at the pleasure I was feeling from his dick and the sight of him fucking me in this bathroom.

There’s a knock on the bathroom door and my eyes widen in fear.

“OCCUPIED” Rafe shouts out, slamming into me, causing me to yelp into his hand. Tears brim my eyes and he moves forward to plant a kiss on my cheek.

“You like this don’t you?”  his free hand trails down my body, reaching my clit, and he lightly taps against it. I moan against his hand, bucking my hips up against his hand.

“Asked you a question” he says, placing another light tap against the top of my pussy. I nod my head aggressively up and down, speaking a “yes” into his hand. His palm was probably covered in my spit, and I feared the sight of what it would look like underneath when he finally released his hand. 

As if he could read my mind, he leans in close, his face against mine, staring at me through the mirror. “If I let go of my hand you gon stay quiet?” I nod my head up and down vigorously and he slowly releases his hand, and places it on my hip. He starts to rub circles on my clit and my head falls forward for a second, trying to control my breathing I squeeze the sink until my knuckles turn white. His hips rock back and forth at a steady pace, using his hand on my hip to guide himself. I can hear the sounds of skin slapping echo through the bathroom, and his soft grunts vibrating through his body, trailing up through my spine. I whimper beneath him, feeling myself reach my climax.

His tongue runs up my neck and I look up to make eye contact with him once again in the mirror.

“Cum for me pretty girl” he whispers into my ear before sucking on the sweet spot beneatht it. I tremble beneath his touch, my legs starting to give out as I come undone. I lean against the sink for support, and he pushes himself deep into me, leaning against my back as he finishes quickly after me. 

He tosses the condom in the trash and cleans himself up with a tissue. He bends over and pulls my underwear up and back on, pulling my dress down before he put his pants on. 

“I gotta go, Tops gonna be wondering where ‘m at and I told him I’d be sellin tonight” I nod my head in response and watch him exit the bathroom. I lock the door behind him and walk back up to the mirror, inspecting my face. It wasn’t as horrible as I thought it would be. I reached into my purse and started to reapply my makeup. A knock on the door makes me jolt.

“Occupied” I squeak, trying to mimic Rafe’s inflection.

“Its me” I hear Sabrina’s voice come from behind the door. I apply the finishing touches to my smudged lipstick and unlock the door. She slides in and locks it behind her.

“Have you been in here the whole time?” she questions as I pack up my purse.

“No I was roaming but came up here to piss. Whats up?”

“I’ve been looking for you. And Tops been looking for Rafe.” 

I shrug my shoulders nonchalantly and look back into the mirror, blotting my lips on a tissue.

“Haven’t seen him.” For a second I feel bad about lying to her, but I really didn’t want to have this conversation when I really didn’t want people to know. Not that I didn’t trust Sab, I just wanted to keep it to myself until I was ready to accept the fact that I've been fucking Rafe Cameron. 

She squints her eyes at me and I toss my tissue into the trashcan. I watch as her eyes trail down and she stares at the condom wrapper sitting ontop.

“Cmon” I say, grabbing my phone and purse off the counter, unlocking the bathroom. She follows behind me silently as we make our way back into the crowd. We find Topper, Kelce and Rafe in the backyard, sitting at table, with a crowd around them. I see Rafe with a stack of money in his hand, a blunt hanging out of his mouth.

Topper is laid back on the couch, head handing off the back, a bottle swinging around in his hand as he sings along to a rap song playing softly from a speaker. Kelce is railing a line, passing the little tube he used to a girl sitting on his lap. She leans down to the glass table and snorts the line. I look over at Sabrina and she shrugs. 

There’s no chairs empty for us to sit, so we stand idly around until Topper finally notices us. 

“My favorite ladies” he slurs. Sabrina giggles as he reaches out a hand and winks at her. She reaches out and he pulls her onto his lap. They start chatting about god knows what and I stand awkwardly to the side, looking around at the people starting to slowly leave as the party dies. I check my phone to see its 1:33. I hadn’t even realized how much time had passed. 

“Rafe why don’t you offer the pretty lady a seat” Topper finally says after a few minutes. He glances up at me for a second and scoffs, returning back to counting his final stack of cash before stuffing it into his backpack. Top lightly kicks him with his shoe and Rafe rolls his eyes, and pulls me down by my arm onto his lap. 

I lightly slap his face with my hand. “That was fucking rude.” I spit at him, ripping the blunt out of his mouth and putting it into mine. He stares at me in disbelief while Kelce watches in amusement. 

“Play some Cudi” I say to Topper, reaching over to grab an unopened beer bottle from the table. I hand it to Rafe to open for me, sprawling my body out more against his body. He grunts in response and cracks the top off with a bottle opener from his keychain.

“Actin like a real brat” he grumbles in my ear. I take a puff and pass it to Sabrina. I giggle and fall back into his chest.

“You love it” I sigh, my arm grabbing his bicep. My legs intertwine with Sarbina’s on the couch as we pass the blunt back and forth between each other before Rafe finally intercepts, grabbing it from my fingers, taking a quick drag. He grabs my face in his hands. I open my mouth in response and he leans closer, shot gunning the smoke into my mouth. I inhale, taking in the secondhand smoke and blow it out of my nose. 

“Wait that was cool I wanna try!” Sabrina exclaims after watching us intently. I grab the blunt from Rafe and push myself up on his lap. His hands stay placed on my waist as I lean forward and repeat the same actions Rafe just did to me. 

“Jesus” Kelce mutters, taking a drink from his bottle. Sabrina and I giggle at each other and I pass her the blunt before settling back into Rafes arms. 

“You need to get laid Kelce” Topper calls out across at him. He shakes his head.

“That’s my goal for this trip man”

“Where are you going?” I inquire, turning my head to him. The crowd has started to filter out, a few people lingering in the living room, the backporch empty except for us now. 

“Bahamas. We’ll be back for new years though. I leave Sunday” Kelce answers before finishing his beer and standing to get another one.

“Dudes totally not gonna pull” Topper jokes.

“Are you going anywhere for break?” Sabrina asks him.

“Yea we’re headed out to Fiji tomorrow, Well I guess today” he motions to the clock on the porch that shows its now 1:45am. 

“Damn. I’m just going down to the Keys” she huffs.

“You think Fiji is cool? Rafe’s going to freakin Bora Bora until schools back in session” 

“That’s still just as far” I finally remark.

I didn’t know he was leaving. I wasn’t surprised. The Cameron’s always take extravagant trips when the kids are out of school. I hadn’t asked Sarah where she was going this year, but we haven’t talked much since my birthday. I had also been avoiding her because I felt guilty about hooking up with Rafe and keeping that secret from her. 

“Where are you goin Y/N?” Topper asks. I adjust myself in Rafe’s lap, taking a swig from the bottle. 

“‘M stayin here. My family usually comes in for the holidays. They’re kind of a big deal for my mom. Both of my parents have big families and like to have them over for Christmas. It’s tradition.” 

“Damn I wish my family could stand each other to stay in a house together for the holidays” Kelce says in response as he returns, cracking open his new beer and tossing the cap onto the table. 

“I usually escape to my room after I’ve answered enough questions.” I say.

Not mentioning to the group how lonely it gets in the Outerbanks when everyone goes away. For the past few years I had been able to escape down to the cut where I would celebrate the holidays with JJ and John B, bringing them food from my family's feast and the handmade presents I made them every year. It made me sad to think I wouldn’t be allowed to see them this year. 

I also felt a ping of sadness at the thought of not seeing Rafe until we got back to school. I didn’t know why I felt this way. It’s not like we actually hung out, but I had been seeing him so often recently. 

“I think it’s time I head home” I finally say, pushing myself off Rafe’s lap.

“I can drive you.” Rafe says, starting to sit up.

“Mom said no drinking and driving.” I state, leaning down to give Sabrina a hug goodbye.

“Come see me before you leave okay?” I whisper into her ear. She nods her head, her eyes red and droopy. 

“Get her home safe” I instruct Topper. He smiles at me and waves goodbye.

“Bye Kelce” I say, waving at him before grabbing my purse off the table. Rafe is still trailing behind me as I enter the house. 

“I said no drinking and driving” I say, without turning to look at him.

“I know, I’m gonna walk you home.” I scoff and finally reach the front door, opening it and turning back to him.

“Not necessary.” I begin the shut the front door on him before he holds a hand out to stop the door.

“I said I’m walking you home.” I roll my eyes at him and start for the sidewalk. He catches up to me and stands dangerously close.

“You didn’t tell me you were leaving” I finally say after a few moments of silence.

“Thought Sarah might’ve shared that information with you.” I shake my head in response.

“What, y’all don’t talk anymore?” he asks.

“You and your friends are kind of making that hard.” I snap at him.

“I see.” he responds simply. A few more moments pass before he speaks again.

“You know we can like text and stuff”

I raise my eyebrows and turn to look at him

“Is that so?” I ask, a smile quivering on my lips. I almost want to laugh but I realize he’s being serious.

“Yea you can send me pictures of your cookies and cute little Christmas jammies and I’ll send you shirtless pictures of me on the beach.” I finally laugh and shove him lightly with my shoulder.

“I started watching Game of Thrones” he says, and I gasp in response letting out a shriek.

“AND?”

“Its actually pretty good. I downloaded some episodes to watch on the plane tomorrow.” 

“I knew you liked it.”

“I like the gore and violence. Not a fan of the incest” he says, nudging me back, a goofy smile splattered across his face.

“You get over it after a while” I say. My house not too far in the distance. 

We walk around the house and I lead the way to my side doors, turning to face Rafe, unsure of the proper way to say goodbye without making it weird. 

“You know she’ll forgive you right?” he says. I sigh and look down at the ground.  “I haven’t told anyone so she won’t find out from anyone but you, when you’re ready,” he assured me. He leans forward and places a soft kiss on my cheek. 

“See ya next year pretty girl” he says with a smirk, sending me a wink before turning around and walking out into the darkness.

Previous Chapter | Instagram AU | Next Chapter

[samatheia229]

Rise Ponderings:

The Turtles With Japanese Names

I've seen a lot of headcanons lately that support the "Rise boys' given names ARE their colours and they only got the artist names later on" narrative so I'd like to share my own.

Rise Splinter is undoubtedly very Americanised but I think that despite him forsaking his familial duties and old life, he’s still Japanese, is still a Hamato. So, subconsciously, he gave the boys Japanese names (of their corresponding colours, of course).

On that note, for all that Splinter has Celebrity-Who-Gives-Their-Kids-Unique-Names energy, I believe that he would still have enough decency to give them somewhat proper Japanese names not just 'Aka', 'Ao', 'Murasaki' and 'Orenji'.

However, for a period of time, the English-colour-names Splinter uses in the show would have been how addressed each other because they are, for the most part, an English-speaking household. Until an eight-year-old April came along insisting that those weren't 'real names', the turtles English names were 'Red', 'Blue' etc. 

After adopting 'proper' English names, those became the common form of address, though Splinter still calls them by the English colours because it's a habit for him. They don't mind.

They don’t use their Japanese names often. It’d mostly be during serious-talk time, in official stuff, calling someone by their full name or teasing. 

Ironically, in Splinter's (read: my) effort to not be a basic bitch, most of the boys' Japanese names are female. You can bet they tease the shit out of each other about it. The only one that actually takes offense to the teasing is Donnie whose name is very common and recognisable, so he always gets asked why he has it and/or if he realises that it's a girly name. 

The Names

*NOTE: I'm using Kanji here. Fair warning, they could be written wrong, so if there are any Japanese speakers out there, do correct me.

Hamato 'Raphael' Shuiro

Shuiro 朱色 = vermilion

Raph’s name is the only one that isn’t a real given name but I thought it suited him.

Colour Symbolism:

Besides being one of the most dominant colors in Japanese culture, red is associated strongly with authority, strength, sacrifice, passion, joy, and happiness. It's also regarded as an auspicious color in Japan.

Frequently said to have Eldest Daughter Syndrome by the fandom, Raph is the ultimate authority among the brothers. He self-appoints as leader not because he necessarily wants to be, but because as the oldest and the biggest, he feels like it's his responsibility to look after the others. Which often takes great strength and sacrifice. Surface Pressure from Encanto, anyone?

Furthermore, red, specifically vermilion, is very symbolic in Japanese architecture:

Red is the color of torii – Shinto shrine gates – temples, and traditional daruma dolls. Red is said to scare away evil spirits and represent protection, strength, peace, and power. 

All in all, very fitting for the big brother and family protector, if you ask me.

Hamato 'Leonardo' Aoi

Aoi 青い = blue

Aoi is a unisex name; meaning hollyhock flower when used for girls and blue for boys. I'm using the male meaning for Leo. 

Colour Symbolism:

Blue commonly represents the sea and the sky (for which Japan is surrounded) and symbolizes purity, dignity, calmness, stability, security, and fidelity. Blue is also regarded as a lucky colour.

In this case, blue is rather in juxtaposition with Leo's personality, but looking at it from a franchise perspective, blue is indeed a leader's colour.

Back then, Japanese society was strictly hierarchical and displayed through the colour of their robes. Of the colors that were allowed for common folk, the color blue was work by higher ranking people. It symbolized wealth and prestige, while also remaining a color of the common folk.

That being said, Leo's a little different from his predecessors. Eventually, he will grow into the role of the leader we know and love. But even when he was unburdened from being leader, he was still the strategist. Leo's leadership in fights is a balance between what is uniquely Rise and the mission-mindset of the leaders in blue who came before him, strategies that are fun, wacky and maybe a little unorthodox yet still as effective for the team.

Hamato 'Donatello' Sumire

Sumire 菫 = violet

Sumire is usually a girl's name but I don’t think Splinter would’ve cared all that much about gender.

Donnie doesn't either and even likes his name, though it has caused him a lot of grief over the years. A lot of people think it's strange for a guy with his personality to have such a feminine name, and he's really sick of having to defend his name after introducing himself. Part of why he wanted 'Donnie'.

Colour Symbolism:

Like in the West, purple in Japanese culture is associated with royalty, as purple dye was rare and only available to those of a higher status. It can also reflect on nobility, spirituality, and wisdom.

Out of everyone, Donnie embraces his colour about the most. His clothes are purple, his tech is purple, his lab is bathed in purple lighting. Purple is Donnie's thing. This, in a way, ties in with the colour's exclusivity back then.

Flower Symbolism:

In Hanakotoba (flower language), the meaning of violet is sincerity, a small love, and a small bliss. Violets are a common gift, as they are an ideal way to show appreciation for a family member or friend and to express sincerity or love.

I think this is very Donnie. What he lacks in the emotional department, he makes up for  through his tech. He creates things for his family, making them all kinds of personalised gizmo. Sometimes it results in disaster but the intention to help is there. Gift-giving is his love language.

Hamato 'Michelangelo' Mikan

Mikan 蜜柑 = tangerine

Mikan is a common Japanese girl name. Baby girls named "Mikan" are usually joyful, positive-thinkers, smiley and generally happy people.

Mikey loves his name and doesn't care that it's girly and cute, no matter how the others tease him about it. (SIDE NOTE: I swear the near-matching names wasn't intentional. I was just looking for a name that means mandarin orange for a bit I'm writing).

Colour Symbolism:

Orange is symbolic of love, happiness and the sun.

The youngest of the family, Mikey is optimistic and cheerful. He brings joy and colour to the household through his art. He encourages everyone to be express their love openly and always tries to be supportive.

Fruit Symbolism:

Besides good fortune, wealth and longevity, the fruit mikan can be tied to family because of its role in Japanese traditions. In Japan, there is a word “Kotatsu de Mikan”, which means:

A family sits around a kotatsu (a traditional Japanese table with an electric heater attached to the underside), watching TV and eating mikan —  the traditional picture of a harmonious family seen in the wintertime.

TLDR; I really love how each turtle has a role to play in the family, how their respective colours are so appropriate for who they are as people, and I wanted their Japanese name to reflect that.

Mikey is all about family. He's the heart, always the peacemaker, always bringing everyone together.

----------

[markanddebbie-protectionprogram]

comparison and analysis on eve and mark's colors

i know this miggght be me overthinking but i really need to get it out of my system ahahajshajsha

Pink is definitely Eve's signature color, it's the main color of her costume yet somehow you don't see that in her casual attire. As for Mark, no doubt his signature color is blue (even yellow can be included), and that's obvious in both his costume and his casual attire.

this post contains pics from season 1 and the atom eve special, putting a cut here cause this is lowkey long so,,,, oops-

Eve wore pink a LOT when she was a kid, it's in her every outfit throughout all the time skips in the special. When a character has a signature color, it's something that's reflected in (nearly all of) their outfit/s.

So where did the pink go on Eve's casual attire on season 1? Where did she even got the idea of wearing yellow of all colors when it's so far from her favorite color? There's red that when you mix it with white, it gives you pink. So she could have had a red top and white pants in her current casual attire, but that's not the case.

We got our answer on who she got the idea of wearing yellow from in the Atom Eve special: it was from Betsy.

There's a key thing that I noticed from the shade of yellow Betsy wore and what Eve is currently wearing. Betsy's yellow seemed happier. It was more vibrant.

Comparing Betsy's yellow to Eve, Eve's yellow is lighter. It's dull. As if it was drained of its vibrancy. And with what we saw of Eve's past in the special, it checks out that she must've have become so, so tired of so many things.

In animated series, yellow is often associated with warm, happy, and energetic characters. But when it comes to cinematography, yellow represents other things. From the link, I think cowardice is the symbolism of Betsy's yellow - due to her fear of Eve not being "normal" and her inability to accept Eve as she is. And @mandareeboo even pointed out Betsy telling Eve to "try harder" which leads to the symbolism of yellow that I associate with Eve: insecurity. There is no bigger source of insecurity than having your own parent say that to you, especially at a young age when a lot of things feel they're scary and overwhelming that you need a parent to guide you through it but instead they just tell you to repress yourself.

It's no wonder that Eve's yellow looked pale in comparison to past Betsy's yellow, pretending for years must have been exhauasting.

(Before anyone comment that Zak could be the reason Eve wore yellow instead of Betsy, I have an explanation I'm going to be giving later so please bear with me on this one hahahsdfjahsfda)

Now on to Mark!!

In the Atom Eve special, Debbie wore no shades of either blue or green. In fact, her top's color leans more to give a nod to Nolan's signature color (red). That, and their family pictures from season 1 showed that aside from Debbie, there was a time that Mark wore red too.

Compared to Eve and Betsy, I find it so fascinating that the opposite applies for Mark and Debbie.

We can see that kid Mark's shorts and top are currently the colors of Debbie's top and pants.

It was a nice switch to see the mom's colors reflecting her child. You often see the kid copying the color of their parent/s. This doesn't necessarily mean Debbie copied Mark, as a mom, this is her way of commemorating her son.

The two stripes on Mark is a brighter shade of aquamarine while Debbie's top is a darker shade of Caribbean green, and both colors are near to each other in the color spectrum. Which is definitely something we can describe their relationship: they are close to each other.

I always thought that the stripes across Mark's chest was sort of a subtle design thing to show that he keeps his mom, who represents his humanity, close to his heart. Seeing that Debbie got her colors from kid Mark adds a whole new layer to it.

This is the part where I compare the then & the now:

The reason why I mentioned Eve would never have picked up yellow with Zak in mind was that he was just a temporary figure in her life. Eve used to wear pink so much before, it was her favorite - so one can assume that the color itself brought her joy. You see Betsy wearing pink (this is the episode Eve left "home"). So my reasoning for Betsy wearing this color was to appease Eve, while Eve wore yellow to represent her trying to please her mom.

For Debbie and Mark, it was crucial for Debbie to wear the colors Mark wore as a kid. Throughout the series, we see how desperate Mark wanted to be like Nolan, to be good with his powers so he can be a good hero. One would think that Mark would have incorporated red in his outfit, but he didn't. What stood in the place of red in Mark's outfits was yellow, a color that's close to red in the rainbow arrangement. Using the same link for the meanings of the color yellow in cinematography from earlier, Mark's yellow symbolizes two things: naivety and idealization.

See how Mark has a yellow button-up underneath his sweater? It's his naivety about his father, it's not all out there yet it's on all the ends of his sweater as if making sure you know that the yellow is something that should be seen. And Mark's yellow I in his costume? That's idealization. In his eyes, Omni-Man is (probably, I can't speak for Mark 100%) the best hero. He idolizes his dad, there was never a doubt about it. He has put Nolan in such a high standard that there was more yellow in his costume to represent his idealization rather than his own signature blue.

That's why it's so important that Debbie wore his colors from the Atom Eve special in season 1. That Mark sees that on his mom. It was a reminder of kid Mark. That even then, he was just as precious. That he mattered even wayyyy before he had powers. That he mattered because of his humanity.

[inhales deeply to catch my breath] NOW FOR THE FINAL PART!!

i'm sorry this is so long i had so many thoughts about colors, color symbolism in characters is so personal to me.

you guys can skip these pics and list cause this is kinnnnd of a stretch now hahajsdfha - feel free to go straight at the portion after the bullet points end, that's just my final ramblings dedicated for season 2

Back to topic of colors!! It's obvious at this point how relevant both Mark and Eve's moms are when it comes to their colors. So it leaves me with two remaining things about Mark and Eve: (1) the color red on Mark on his casual outfit and (2) the color pink on Eve on her casual outfit

The only moments we saw red on Mark that isn't blood is when he wore his bag. Now I know this is a pretty small thing but that bag could literally be ANY other color - and it isn't, it's specifically red. It could have been white to match his shoes or black to match his hair but it's neither of that. It's red. It's Nolan.

I think it's really important to know the relevance of that red bag, especially in those two pictures. (1) The moment Todd was harassing Amber and Mark wanted to intervene, it's totally obvious that Mark carries the heavy fact that at the moment, he's powerless unlike his dad. And it sucks. Cause he's his father's son and even though he carries his blood, at the time, he doesn't carry Nolan's powers. It doesn't stop him from defending Amber, but it still hurts bothliterally from Todd's hits and emotionally. Mark's carrying the feeling of inadequacy cause he has no idea how to defend himself in this situation, his dad never taught him how to fight because he didn't have powers.

(2) The second picture was Mark rushing to school because his training with his dad made him late for class. He got powers now, and it's literally dragging him from his education (among other things and that's including his relationship with Amber). His power of flight, no matter how fast it is, doesn't get him to places on time. Even when he got his powers, he still had problems. They actually piled up now.

Now as for Eve, sure her casual attire doesn't have any pink on it but her bags are pink!! (1) The first picture of her was when she and Mark met at school. During my first watch, I found it cute that she held on to the straps cause it's a little habit of mine when I wear backpacks. Then at the (2) other picture where she had her luggage out so she can run away from "home", I noticed they're pink too. And it's a small observation but compared to Mark that just lets his bag hang down, Eve holds on to her bags.

The bags are both pink, and pink is her color. It's not a piece or part of her, it's her. Pink has been something she deprived herself to wear but it's something she still wants to keep, even if it's just with bags. It's the thing she's comfortable to carry, it's something she wants to hold in her hands.

I know bags are a practical item for any student to have and I overthought a lot about their bags' colors but yeah hahasdfjasdfha I'm done with that now

CLOSING WORD TIMEEEE HAHAHADSFAHFAHA

man that was a lot, anywayssss

The season 2 poster showed that Debbie has a new outfit. As for Mark and Eve, they're both wearing their hero costumes.

Slight spoilers from the comics: When Nolan left, there was a time that Mark began to dress himself in a style similar to Nolan (I can't tag op for some reason :(().

I feel there's a big chance Mark and Eve will also have new casual attires this coming second season.

Mark is likely to dress similar to Nolan just like in the comics. He will definitely have questions about his identity now that he knew the truth about Nolan, so I think Mark won't be able to wear his usual colors to show that he's figuring things out.

Mark could also wear that blue and black costume, the one that doesn't have the yellow anymore. Because he won't be idolizing his father's heroic persona anymore.

Mark, of course, misses his dad but he won't be looking up to him anymore after what happened.

As for Eve's season 2 casual look though, now that she has her own treehouse and starting to feel free from her parents, I hope she allows herself to incorporate pink in her clothing. She deserves it <33

[show-us-kaidenshenandoah]

i was watching the movie again and went "...wait a second" at the designs of The Gammas (or Gamma Mu Mu). i looked up trivia and couldn't find anything to confirm (or deny, i guess) my thoughts, so i guess?? this is a theory? (someone with a DVD/Bluray version, please check the Special Features for me to see if anyone mentions this. i have no idea) i'm surprised i haven't seen this parallel thrown around more but yeah, i think im onto something if this is a new thought in the Goofy Movies fanbase lol

sorry for the low quality of the image, ill type the transcript up in the post to make up for how blurry my text is. there just isn't a lot of pictures of these guys, period, much less that i could find of this specific scene so i could make my point

but yeah, my theory is The Gammas are all based off the classic villains in the Mickey-Donald-Goofy multiverse (plus Bigfoot, but i know many people noticed the redhead member of the Gammas is just "a shaved down version of Bigfoot" from the first "A Goofy Movie" lol)

(also, im a novice at learning about this extended Mickey-Donald-Goofy multiverse, im still new to the Carl Banks comics and havent seen all the media. so forgive me if im wrong at any point and please kindly correct me ♡)

so there's:

named: Bradley Uppercrust III — no idea if he is based off of anyone

named: Tank — based off of: Pete / Peg Leg Pete (but make him unrelated to PJ, basically) (hence, why he looks the least like his source, if im correct. he has a shirtless scene where he's revealed to have a farmer's tan, that i think you could argue is a very subtle nod that would have been slightly closer to a Pete-like coloration. but yeah, if im right, they had to make Tank's pallette lighter ao he wouldn't be mistaken as a relative of PJ's)

unnamed bearded member — based off of: the main Beagle Boys trio (Babyface) (Bigtime) (if you don't know the lore: there's a lot of Beagle Boys as the gag is they're a BIG family, but the main trio in the original "Ducktales" show is the first set of parentheses. the second set of parentheses is their names in the classic Ducktales comics. both the original "Ducktales" show and the reboot "Ducktales" show features both sets of the trio/s though. though the Carl Barks version of the comics preferred the route of "they go by their prison-numbers rather than their names". also, inbetween the two "Ducktales" TV shows, a lot of Disney media just merged the two trios into one kind-of-amorphous trio, as far as i can tell, like with "Mickey, Donald, and Goofy: the Three Muskateers". but still, they're part of a HUGE family who tend to be clones of said main trio. but i digress. they're a confusing family lmao rip)

unnamed member wearing sunglasses — based off of: the main Beagle Boys trio (Bankjob) (Bouncer) (i like to think his sunglasses (and i guess also the unnamed bearded member's glasses, but mainly these sunglasses) as a homage to the Beagle Boys' black masks lol)

named: Slouch — based off of: the main Beagle Boys trio (Bugle) (Burger) (also: im entirely banking off differentiating Bugle/Burger to Slouch and Bankjob/Bouncer to sunglasses-guy on how Bugle is commonly reffered to as "a hipster" and i personally associate fedoras with a similar type of crowd. i could have those mixed up tho, idk, neither of these guys even have any lines lol but i do like the idea that maybe the fedora is flipped like that as a reference to the Beagle Boys' billed caps? idk, that might be a stretch) (i would also like to mention i hc these guys are The Beagle Brats now in college-age, who are an unnamed trio that goes by "1, 2, and 3" in the comics but, from what i can tell, that the Beagle Brats in general (not 1, 2, and 3 specifically) were first seen(?) in the "Ducktales" original show (who also have a v small cameo in the reboot) that were meant to parallel the triplets Huey and Dewey and Louie; these specific ones im talking about the nephews of the general-amorphous-main-trio of Beagle Boys, but it is possible to call any Beagle Boy who is young a Beagle Brat. but, yeah, i have no basis for why i think Slouch and the other two are specifically the Beagle Brats 1, 2, and 3; that's entirely headcanon)

unnamed member that's a redhead — based off of: Bigfoot in "A Goofy Movie" (again, i know a lot of people caught this one lmao)

unnamed member that has black hair — based off of: Mortimer Mouse (who was once also known aa Montmorency Rodent/Rodawn, but they've been retconned into being the same character by now, but that'a a tangent.) (if you don't know the lore: Mortimer is a bit complicated to describe? but the tldr is that he's basically Mickey's love-rival for Minnie. to go more in depth though, uh, he's more wealthy, usually, and claims to be "in love" with Minnie Mouse but is also a jerk and she generally does not have any interest in him (well, unless the plot the writer wants includes a love-triangle). Pete is usually considered a more recognizable villain, so Mortimer rarely shows up, esp since Pete can be easily be written as also harboring feelings for Minnie. so sometimes shows re-write Mortimer from this personality so he is more distinct, sometimes as a toxic friend of Mickey's or overall bad influence but well-intentioned; so the character has some flexibility. but i know him best, as do many others, via his "House of Mouse" recurring role where he'd show up just to try to break Mickey and Minnie up or otherwise flirt with any female guests. i think he works well in competition wirh Pete, who has more of a Goliath-and-David relationship with Mickey when Mickey and Pete are antagonistic, as Mortimer is an antagonist that is just as clever and capable as Mickey (if not more so, since he is clever, competent, and generally wealthy enough to have more resources than Mickey) but does not have Mickey's sincerity or good intentions. though i dont mind how kid shows re-write him either, i think toxic friends and bad influences are good lessons for children to learn. i like Mortimer being a frenemy who has good intent but bad follow-through lol but anyway, thank you for allowing me this debatably-overexplanation of Mortimer since he's my favorite and also, uh, the only one here where #1 he isnt in the Goofy Movie series and ergo may not be known to others, #2 has a consistent personality beyond "bad guy in story" i can talk about unlike the Beagle Boys trio/s and their huge extended family of might-as-well-be-clones, and #3, again, he's my favorite if you couldnt tell lol) (also, i do think you could argue this unnamed character's quiff is a nod to Mortimer's mouse-ears tho, since there's a curve and all. and then the idea he has some stubble as a possible ref to Mortimer's whiskers is hilarious to me if my theory has water and he was intentionally designed after Mortimer lmao)

anyway, i apologize again if this idea has been discussed before. i really did try to google if anyone was spreading the same idea that The Gammas are just a fun College AU-Variant of these guys already

+ bonus, since i mentioned them, The Beagle Brats:

please let me know if you think the idea has merit, and especially let me know if Bradley is a reference to anyone (tho i can also fully buy Bradley being original to this movie!) thanks so much for reading ♡

ps. i am dyslexic so do forgive me for any misspellings. i am editing this unseriously from my phone ✌️

[chand-ki-priyatama]

Ek Khat meri Pyari Sakhi ke naam ...

@btw-its-tamanna

Someone as beautiful as her name... Someone whose name means "Desire" and thus is desired by all.... To my Bestie "Tamanna" aka Jalebi and pishachini

From her Sakhi Rasmalai and Chudail aka me Kaya ek kaviyitri aur lekhika

Someone who's like sunshine in winter

Someone who feels like a warm hug after crying....

My bestie, Jalebi, pishachini, sakhi, sister from another mother, gawar , pagal and in short everything

Dear Sakhi ,

I wish you were here with me , we would have been besties irl too. I remember when I first interacted with you, pretty awkward wasn't it but look us now , behaving like two peas in a pod..... This actually proved that the best people are the most unexpected ones .....

You are the most opposite of me , me being outgoing, talkative, bubbly while you being shy , reserve and childish , yes I am the mature one but as said "opposites belong to each other" so in a sense we pretty much complete each other

We are always together in everything although not physically but whenever you see the stars and moon remember that they bind me together with everyone and whenever you feel alone just look at them somewhere I am doing that too...

They bind me to you

You are the most beautiful and sweet girl Jalebi... and even talented as hell , you won't accept it I know but you are....

These are your vibes according to me :-

You are the shoulder I cry on you are the one I rely on...

छू कर मेरे मन को किया तूने क्या इशारा

बदला ये मौसम लगे प्यारा जग सारा

I associate these lyrics with you cause you make me feel myself....

You are the literal ray of sunshine who can brighten up anyone's day with just an interaction with her....

Now imagine we met and you know my obsession with Polaroids so think these pics as them...

I am like your elder sister (even if it's just by days) so I know the best for you... I'll always make you remember that there's someone who's worshipping the ground you walk upon so never lower your standards for someone cause you deserve the best...

I'll definitely meet you irl once as we always discuss then we'll go on a tour together (hopefully) and Jalebi trust me or not I don't know about you but for me you have become an inevitable part of my life , so if you ever think I'll leave you , Nah never cause I am way too connected with you and the fact that I am clingy as hell...

If you were a colour I'd say you are blue cause Those with Blue color personality strengths tend to be enthusiastic, sympathetic, communicative, compassionate, idealistic, sincere and imaginative....

We both love reading that's the thing which is common in us , but you know what ,there is one more thing which is - we both love by our whole heart and soul..... we both would put ourselves at stake to protect our loved ones....

And that's why I admire you so much , in such a short span of time you have managed to be my favourite quite fascinating isn't it...

Whenever call you names , whenever I tease you , kabhi kabhi thoda daant bhi deti hu but trust me it all shows my everlasting love for you....

You definitely are Naina from yjhd cause you are that silent type girlie who'd let her loved ones go for their best you'd never even once try to come between their dreams....

You are so silent on group VC but whenever we are alone you seem to talk so much I don't know if it's because you don't want me to be upset or cause you genuinely enjoy talking to me, it's a dilemma fr

And whenever we text we both have so much to say , I've been through hard times the past month , so thank you so much for always being there for me..... thank you for making me believe in friendships again cause honestly I lost my faith way too early but guess what - you and few others revived it....

I know deep down you desire someone who can love you unconditionally, who is not going to judge you , someone who will cherish you.... You'll find that guy Tamanna , it's just the matter of time , you'll find someone jis par aap haq se keh sakti hai ki "ye sirf Mera hai" , and upon getting unrequited teenage crushes/love isn't it a part of growing up , let us experiment and experience the beauty of this sweet agonizing love... And as I always say , jab bhi kisi se mohabbat ho Jaye - "Mohabbat karlo par khuda se kaise ladoge kyunki do tarfa Mohabbat nahi kismat hoti hai " and it's true to an extent... So apni do tarfa kismat ka itminaan se intezar Karo kyunki sabr ka fal meetha hota hai....

And now imagine me playing a guitar and singing "long live" by Taylor Swift to you...

All these lyrics I dedicate them to you :-

"Will you take a moment?

Promise me this

That you'll stand by me forever

But if, God forbid,

fate should step in

And force us into a Goodbye

If you have children someday

When they point to the pictures

Please tell them my name

Long live the walls we crashed through

I had the time of my life with you"

So Yeah pretty much a beautiful song isn't it....

You are the brightest star in my sky and are loved and cherished by me always.... You cheer up everyone's life and we all are lucky to have you....

Just so you know I love you to the moon and back and will always desire the best for you... I'll always be by your side

As I always say I'll dedicate these songs to you and it's voice note well I already sent it to you....

Now I think I have spoken enough

So signing off pishachini

~With love always

-Kaya 💗

[nail-art-no-jutsu]

I'm thinking about Kakuzu and Hidan and nail polish because ofc I am, and no I don't actually want it to be a jutsu, I want all the Akatsuki to do it the hard way

Kakuzu

he learns quickly and doesn't see why others have trouble with it - especially Hidan

he does one coat and one coat only, to save up, luckily the stuff they all use is quite opaque

he's good at not getting any polish on his fingers, again, cause he wants the bottle to last as long as possible

he doesn't need his hands to turn pages while he reads, he can use his tendrils for that, so he does his nails before reading time and lets them dry

he's grateful for the dark brown, the only thing that would be worse than being partnered with Hidan would have been ending up with one of the bright colors that other Akatsuki members got

Hidan: "So there's something worse than being partnered with me?~ <3" to which Kakuzu glares

Kakuzu won't use nail polish remover cause that costs extra, he waits for that one coat to chip to the point that there's only a little bit left in the middle, and paints a new coat on top of that, and ends up with a number of bumpy layers

he's just efficient at it, it doesn't really look all that great from up close

Hidan

he absolutely sucks at painting his nails. absolutely sucks

no patience, no focus, he'll do one nail and then he'll go "Hey Kakuzu!!" cause he's already done a whole entire nail and he's bored

Kakuzu is still trying to think of some kind of way to get Hidan to associate nail polish with Jashin-sama, but no luck yet, that dark green shade is to blame, why didn't they give him red to remind him of blood? white to remind him of bones?

at one point Hidan learns to weaponize his crappy nail painting skills and make Kakuzu do his nails for him

but not by complimenting him on how much better he is, Hidan already knows that flattery won't get him anywhere - instead he "accidentally" knocks over the bottle and lets it spill, and after a very unpleasant lecture about wasting the product, Kakuzu accepts the reality that it won't get done without him

and the perfect time for that is when Hidan is lying down in his prayer circle

Hidan doesn't really start praying until Kakuzu is done painting his nails though, he likes to watch Kakuzu focus on him so intensely, just like when he stitches him up, and most importantly, he loves knowing that Kakuzu would never ever do this for anyone else <3

[kuni-is-daddy]

Comfort!Wanderer x Female Reader

Tw: Hints of depression. If you don't know scaras backstory ur gonna get spoiled.

Ft: Teasing,f/ngering, Riding, Scara praises u, aftercare?,he calls you a good girl

Wordcount: 1.77k

CW: Minors do not interact past the cut! This is a NSFW post

ScaraMasterlist

Before you two go on another outing, 'Hat guy' reluctantly asked nahida for help on another one of his gifts to give you...

"Remember hat guy! if anything happens ring the safety bell, okay? And keep in touch while im at vanarana. I want to make sure you two have an awesome time!" The small archon tippy toed, while 'hatguy' leaned down as she tied the trinket to his feathered ornament. "Tsk- Buer, im far from a child. I dont need anyone to hold my hand like one." Nahida looked up at the puppet, "Really? you never mind ms Y/N holding your hand though." He diverted his gaze and mumbled to himself. "See? I knew you'd like it. Oh right! your gift!"

Hat guy fixed his posture, "Here! Make sure you give this to ms y/n." In her hand was a book of photos she put together for him with little stickers of slimes and aranara with smiley faces, handing it to hatguy as he took his time with each page and noticing the many 'new' pictures, some being ones he didn't give to the lessor lord. "Your a stalker now too? I guess reading minds isnt enough for you." Ignoring his comment buer took out another book. One titled 'Nahida's sumeru travel guide' with a cover drawing of a purple cat barely paying attention to the light green cat. "Do you have to insist on making everything look like a coloring book..." Nahida didnt reply, mearling looking away and humming a tune similar to the aranara while he began his walk to the park.

Whenever you two would hang out together it was in the library within the akedemiya or anywhere he chose. Sometimes as you held his hand walking through the peaceful park your mind would fill the silence in the worst ways possible as he stared at your now frowning expression. "I dont know Kuni, is the akedemiya even worth it anymore? Theirs people smarter than me there anyway." Kuni stopped in his tracks. "But isnt the whole point of the akedemiya just to major in a 'hobby' you like?." he raised an eyebrow. "Well..i guess..but..Theirs obviously people better than me at it." "Id disagree. Besides their Irrelevant. Shouldn't you just do it and have fun. Huh.. I thought thats what hobby's we're. Something for idle bodies to enjoy." You sighed at his response and sat on the bench. "Its not that simple kuni, I have to get a job and- my family what if i have to provide for them too. Ontop of that there really unfair. Why am i putting my heart into this just for it to be a flop." 'A flop?' At your wording he was brought back to his association with the kaedehara clan. Every now and then he'd overhear niwa talking with others over its upending struggles due to the rise of his mothers sword art. Spreading around inazuma like wildfire and Leaving the clan to struggle in its contribution to the arts. But only in a matter of time kuni was able to 'eat' and drink his favorite tea with them in celebration of their success. We're all the struggles just the divine tricks to see who is worthy? was a god playing tricks on you? 'It couldnt be like that..' Kuni put his gift on the bench, and held your hand while sitting with you

"Maybe im overthinking kuni..I-i just dont know.." It pained him to just look at you like this. Tired. Just so tired mentally and physically, tears dreaning down your eyes as you measly sat on the bench. You began to get up, Remembering your responsibilities. "Its fine kuni, you know- maybe I just need some rest! at home!" 'she said that before' He held your hand, uncomfortably tight. His mind always thought to the worst and he never wanted to loose you because of it. Often getting angry at himself for assuming you'd do such a thing..or likewise to what he did. But this time, He just couldnt let go. Was he scared? As much as you implied, you'd never do such things It always rang in the back of his mechanical ears. If only he was still a harbinger, He would've did everything in his power more then he could now to get you the stable income or whatever humans would need in any region or place in teyvat you wanted. Just say the word and he would've done it regardless of her 'excellency' but he couldnt now, all he could do was use this 'curse' which he called emotions to help understand you. "Kuni-...Please let me go....Im alright." you sniffled. He immediately noticed your change in tone. It was soothing just how you always talked to him yet he still felt wary.

With a few more tugs it felt as if his grip only tighter the more you tugged. In defeat, you brokenly sighed and sat back next to the puppet. A part of him was irked at your own confusion. But he never once regretted trying to comfort you through it when, and when you didnt ask. Even awaiting you at your home before you messaged him. It felt as if you sat in the park for hours within cold silence as your throat and chest burned trying making out words but every attempt was cut off by insecurity.

You always knew he loved you, but even your black and white reality began looking different colors. You shuttered while looked at him again, meeting eyes and Surprised that his hat was off. Resting on the bench's crook. "How about..I join the akademiya with you?" you let go of his soft hand, beginning to wipe your eyes until he pulled a green cloth with flowers printed on it out his pants pocket, Damping away your tears as you subtly smiled and sniffled. "I never knew you we're into cute things like this kuni." 'cute?' "Well. You can always rely on this..unique archon of yours to make her presence." you didnt ask any further. "Why do you want to join the akademiya?" "Isnt it obvious? to be with you. and for buer to stop annoying me." he mumbled the last part. "But you dont even have a major or-" "The archives of inazuma can use a rework. I find it ironic how beelz- the raiden shogun is portrayed as some. Beneveloent god, that pursuits eternity." He smirked, Writing a thesis might be one of the most indirect ways he could show up his mother but that had to wait.

You we're more important, and always have been since you entered his life. Kuni noticed his gift. "Oh yeah. Here." he handed you the bag. "Whats in it. More bitter tea for me to try?" he blushed at your answer. "Just open it." you smiled at him again and looked at the pictures in the book. Trying to hold back a laugh at the picture of nahida whacking him uptop his head for god knows what. He looked at the picture, intrigued on why you we're laughing. 'buer you had one fucking job-' then back at you again. "No need to thank me- i-" cutting him off, you kissed kuni on his cheek "I love it kuni." 'his skin is so soft~' you thought. "Then I guess I should thank you too." The puppet shifted closer to you moving the book back in the bag and out of your view behind him. "W-wait kuni- not here we're in a park!" he sucked his teeth and still moved closer to you, sinking his face into your neck as you leaned back "And? thats even better, every person here can know how important you are to me. Got a problem with that?." He began tugging at the buttons on your shirt "Or..Does my baby want to continue this at home? I'll let you choose this time."

----

You fumbled with the keys as you locked the door behind you. Kuni was already tugging onto you. Biting and leaving petals of kisses along your neck. "K-kuni~ slow down.." you moaned. "Shit..Love it when you say my name too. This beautiful body is all mine." you turned around to face him, being greeted by his kimono barely hanging onto his shoulders to cover his lean form behind his turtleneck. "Your staring again…Like what you see y/n? Its all for you." He picked you up, bringing you to your bedroom littered in papers, pens and books on your desk. "huh. Do all scholars have a messy room like this?" He chuckled. "S-shut up.."

Kuni laid you onto the bed, observing your body before trailing his hands down to your pants. Letting out a groan. "God. Your fucking beautiful. How dare you treat yourself like this." He slowly tugged your clothes off. Then rubbed his hands along your thighs, spreading your legs and revealing your wet slit. "You want it gentle baby?" you nodded. Sinking his head inbetween your legs, he began licking on your bud. "Kuni~" "Shh…Relax..for me pet." your thighs twitched at the name. "Oh? you like being called that too…ill- mmm~ remember that" he sunk his tongue inside of you, moaning into you incoherent praise. "f-fuck..you- mmm taste- s' good." you rubbed your hand through his hair. Pressing him farther onto you. Usually you didnt take the lead or have him bottomed out for you like this. But it was your special night, as many we're yours to come. Kuni didnt want to stop for celestia itself to make sure you felt loved just as you made him feel. "Wahnt me to stop baby- you- ah..i know you like it." "N-no kuni~ please dont stop." you said while pressing your thighs closer against his head. "Hah..How about my fingers, want that too?" Kuni licked at his fingers after pulling away from your wet hole with a gasp for air. "Yes master~" his cock twitched in his pants. He knew you wanted it slow but god the urge to take you right then and there. He inserted two of his fingers as your walls clenched, slowly shifting in rhythm of his fingers. "Arent you eager hmm? Already want me inside dont you? Thought you wanted me to be gentle." He smiled, Thrusting his digits faster inside you. "K-kuni!! please.. I- ah..hah.." "Yes baby? what does my good girl want." kuni leaned down to you, wanting to hear your delicious moans. "Inside..Please..want you inside~" "Hah..Theres my pet." The two of you switched positions. Kuni laying his lean body on your bed as you climbed ontop of him, slowly sinking him inside you.

"K-kuni..your so big," "And hah..your so warm..oh shit~." You began moving, bouncing up and down on kuni's length. "Oh god baby..L-look at you, bouncing on master so ah-well.." His praise filled your ears, making your body heat up. You two interlocked hands as you both chased your highs. The sound of skin slapping and your wet moans echo'd around the room. "Yes..Yes y/n- fuck yes. I L- ah.. Love you so fucking much, dont stop. dont stop." He squeezed onto your hand, eyes slightly glowing from his pre sloshing up and down inside you. "Kuni~ m' close..Im gonna- i-" "Thats it- just like that- cum for me~ let me hear those beautiful moans-" From his bittersweet praise you came onto his length, squeezing his hand 'tightly' as he soon came after you, Painting your walls with his warm seed. You collapsed onto his chest, Still inside him and coming down from your high. His chest wasn't rising up and down.. which creeped you out a little but you didnt mind.

The two of you laid in the bed. Mumbling every now and then about earlier as he stroked your hair. "I dont expect you to get well instantly y/n. Thats not how things work." "Yeah..Then i guess id be like some sort of puppet right?" you chuckled while trailing your hand along his chest. "Right.." kuni laid his head back. "What im saying is that you have to try at your own pace to get better. Regardless of everyone, its your life you have to live. And i..hate seeing you dwelling here when I know there's someee things your good at. If you get discouraged, I'll be there for you." "And if your not..?" he sighed at your reply. "That'll be rare. Then Call me and we'll go for another walk if you want. Im sure that childish archon has plenty ideas too."(He thought back to the bell). Some of his advice was stuff you've already heard. Even though it is easier said then done your heart warmed at his ideals. He even wanted to get in the akedemiya just for you, he was willing to do so much. Even if you felt better for a day or made the smallest progress Kuni would be proud.

Thank you for reading and I wish you the best :)

[illuminatedquill]

Story Summary: It has been 10 years since Lothal was liberated from the Empire. As the annual memorial ceremony marking this historic event approaches, close friends and associates of the legendary Rebellion hero, Commander Ezra Bridger, are interviewed for a documentary being made to celebrate his life and achievements. Captain Garazeb Orrelios, a close friend and comrade of Ezra Bridger, has volunteered his time for the first interview.

First of a Five-Part Interview Series

The dive I find Captain Garazeb Orrelios, call-sign Specter-Four, is far from the Galactic Core and serves a peculiar type of clientele: current and former Republic fighter pilots, smugglers, Mandalorians, and any who find themselves wandering beyond the usual travelled routes of the galaxy. Sitting on a non-descript barren planet floating in the middle of an otherwise empty sector of space, the establishment has gained a remarkable reputation of being a "neutral place" among the people who live out here beyond the prying eyes of the New Republic. Mandalorians, bounty hunters, and even some of the more reputable smugglers all habit here semi-regularly.

Noting the name of the establishment before stepping inside from the arid heat, I am greeted by the murmur of quiet, friendly talk. The space inside is half-filled, scattered with an eclectic array of different species wearing the colors of their chosen affiliations.

I spot Garazeb "Zeb" Orrelios waiting for me by the bar. Next to him is his partner, Aleksandr Kallus, an Imperial defector who once worked for the infamous Imperial Security Bureau. They wave me over to begin the interview.

Captain Orrelios; Agent Kallus. A pleasure and privilege to meet you both.

[Kallus nods in acknowledgement and sips at his drink. I get the sense he is studying me closely.]

Ah, don't mind him. Just old habits from the war. You can just call me 'Zeb', by the way. All my friends do.

If you don't mind, then I'll do just that.

Sounds great. So, you're here to talk about that goober, eh? About time he got a documentary. Deserves one, just like that Skywalker fellow everyone's talking about.

Goober? You mean Commander Ezra Bridger?

Oh, we're using the official title for him are we? He'd have a good laugh about that. 'Goober' is a nickname me and Sabine used for him. Cause he was a goober - it just fits, you know? Oh, he hated it at first but grew into it over time. Especially since Sabine used it so much. Said it made him feel special, when I asked him about why he didn't seem so bothered by it anymore. She didn't have nicknames for anyone else on the crew. That was always used just for Ezra . . .

[Kallus nudges him with an elbow. The Lasat shakes himself and looks embarrassed.]

Uh, you're not here to listen to all that, though. Sorry. Getting lost in old memories. I figure you want to hear the more interesting stuff.

No, this is perfect actually. This is definitely what I would want to hear in a documentary about Ezra Bridger.

Well . . . if, you're sure. Go on, ask me some questions then. You want to know how we first met?

I'd appreciate if you just wanted to talk more about Ezra himself. What kind of person was he?

[Zeb takes a moment to think about this. Then he points up towards the ceiling, where a row of various stormtrooper helmets - all different designs - hang from strings like grim trophies. With a small smile, the Lasat reaches up and taps one of them, a scout trooper variant.]

He was a thief. When we first met him; a street-rat that hit up the occasional unlucky Imperial patrol for food and supplies. Plucky little kid, if you can imagine, stealing from these Imps and bucket-heads. They would have shot him dead if they caught him - or worse, considering what he turned out to be.

I'm sure you've seen Sabine's mural on Lothal. How strong and serious he looks. Ezra was that, sure, but he was so much more also. If he ever comes back, I'm sure his head will swell just seeing how good she made him look.

He had a collection of these helmets when we took him on the Ghost. Sabine painted a few of them, as a gift. They were always his favorite. Over the years, as he grew up and the war continued, the collection stopped growing. Our enemies were multiplying . . . the goober needed to focus. So, I started to collect them for his sake.

[I observe the collection of helmets and note that there must over a dozen different variants hanging from the ceiling. Almost every type of stormtrooper design is present from the Empire's reign. Some of these would go for an astonishing number of credits on the black market.]

It's quite the collection. I'm sure Ezra would love seeing these.

Yeah. Took a bit to get all of these. He was just a kid, you know? I don't have any other input for this documentary, but I really want you to emphasize that Ezra Bridger was just this pipsqueak when he first joined. None of us knew what would happen to him, or what he would do. Not even Kanan.

He was just a kid who needed a home. So, we gave him that. I didn't always do right by him - to be fair, he was kind of annoying at times like most humans his age - but I hope . . . I hope he knows that I wouldn't change a thing about any of it. He was our kid. We loved him.

[Kallus pats the Lasat's shoulder affectionately. Zeb clears his throat, looks away for a moment to compose himself.]

I know you'll probably want to focus on the more heroic aspects of him, but that's how I remember Ezra. He was a goober. He was a kid. He and Sabine shouldn't have been fighting this war; sacrificing so much for it. That's the job for us adults. We're supposed to be making this galaxy a better place for them. Not the other way around.

A thief turned rebel. It's not an uncommon story for those who served in the Rebellion. The Specters were an already diverse group of individuals -

Not individuals. We were a family. Not in the literal or traditional sense, though. Sure, Kanan and Hera took on a more parental/mentor role in the group and, to some extent, you could view Ezra and Sabine as their kids. But it was also more than that. We were more than that.

We bled, suffered, sacrificed, and cared for each other. We cried for each other. And, yeah, we annoyed the kriffing stuffing out of each other. It was . . . in some ways, it was more fulfilling than my time as an honor guard.

How did Ezra fit into your group?

Heh, not easy at first. Hera was the only one who really made an effort at first. Kanan was still reluctant to take him on as a student, despite Ezra being gifted in the Force. Sabine - well, she's Sabine. Also didn't help that the goober had the galaxy's biggest crush on her during those early months.

Poor kid. Looking back on it now, I suppose I could have been nicer. He had to share a room with me, you know. I'm a huge snorer.

[He chuckles at this, sharing a look with Kallus. His partner just rolls his eyes and takes another sip of his drink.]

Yeah, it was rough for that first year. Everyone sort of eased into having him around as a permanent crew member after they had their own special moments with him.

Me and him - we stole a Tie Fighter one time, did you hear? That was a fun joyride. We were sent out to get meilooruns for Hera and . . . things sort of spiralled from there, heh.

When Hera and Kanan found out we were both sentenced to cleaning duties for a solid month. But that wasn't the event that really brought Ezra closer to the crew.

What was it then?

[Zeb takes a long sip of his drink, suddenly looking sad.]

Finding out about his parents. We didn't know . . . none of us know, until we caught up with Ryder - Governor Azadi Ryder, I should say - later on. They were still alive, incarcerated in a max-security Imperial prison somewhere.

After Ezra sent out his message to the sector, they must have heard him somehow. They rallied the other prisoners, started a riot. Ryder was stuck in there too; managed to escape because of their efforts.

Mira and Ephraim Bridger are listed as -

Still missing, I know. But they're dead. Ryder says he saw it happen, and we have no reason to disbelieve him. I know there was no record or recovery of their bodies. Believe me, we tried looking. Once the war ended, Hera and I tried to track down any lead to see if we could find anything - even just a scrap of their clothing for Ezra's memorial.

Nothing. They were lost, just like the countless others the Empire buried.

Just you and General Syndulla? What about Commander Wren?

She was . . . she was dealing with her own personal loss, at the time. We extended the invitation, but she never responded.

I thought the Specters were like a family? But records state that you all went your separate ways after the Battle of Lothal. You led your own squadron of pilots, while Hera Syndulla was promoted to the rank of General. Commander Wren -

Sabine was the only one to stay behind, yeah. We found a holo-recording, stashed away in his old comm-tower. Left there just for her. She changed after watching it. Hera and I never knew what he said to her.

Hera had Jacen not too long after that battle. I took Kallus back with me to La-Liresan, to help fortify their defenses, gather volunteers, and coordinate supplies with the Rebellion. And Sabine . . . well, she had her promise to Ezra to keep.

We lost Kanan and Ezra so quickly, one after the other. It just hurt too much for us to stick together after so much loss. We were all living reminders of what had been sacrificed. And staying on the Ghost - it felt too big, too empty without those two.

[The Lasat takes another big swig of his drink. Kallus glances at him, worried.]

I don't know how Sabine does it. Living there. She never went back home. She could have - but the crazy girl chose to stay. And she lost so much afterwards, too . . .

We all had our own things to focus on after the battle. The war had begun in earnest. The Rebellion had declared itself on a galactic stage after the Battle of Yavin. We were on the run, fighting for our lives, fighting to see another day.

Hera and I . . . we made the choice to move on. She had Jacen, alongside her duties as a Rebellion General. And I found new purpose with protecting my resurrected people on their new planet. We had to move on. Ezra would have wanted us to move on.

Do you remember the last conversation you had with him?

[Zeb seems to shrink within himself.]

I - I don't. I hate that I don't. I can't remember if we spoke before Kanan's death, or after. When Kanan died, everything else after that just turns to a blur.

You'll want to talk with Hera or Sabine, if you're looking for specific details about any of that before his . . . his disappearance.

Official New Republic record states that Ezra Bridger died during the Battle of Lothal. You believe otherwise?

[Kallus' gaze snaps to me, intense. I plow forward with my questions, trying not to show how unnerved I feel from the former ISB's agent scrutiny.]

I don't know. I want to believe, you know? But it's been so long. No one who has disappeared into the Unknown Regions has ever come back. Not even Thrawn came back. Wherever they went . . . there would have been a sign, I know it. Ezra's a smart kid, he would have figured out a way to send a signal or something.

Did he inform you of his plans before he left? Anything about where he planned to take Thrawn?

Ha! That was the whole point. Crazy goober. Part of me thinks he was making it up as he went along. But Ezra was a Jedi. A damn good one, too. Kanan would have been proud to see him at the end, leading the way for everyone.

To answer your question: no. Ezra didn't tell us anything about where he and the purrgils were heading off to. I don't think even he knows. Only the Force knows.

You never went looking for him?

[Zeb is silent, staring into his drink. Kallus watches his partner quietly. After a long moment, he stands up abruptly.]

I tried.

[Zeb turns and leaves through a back door leading into the kitchens. Kallus sees him go and then turns back to me.]

It's a sensitive subject for him, you have to understand. He wanted to look for Ezra.

Why didn't he? Ezra Bridger was his friend.

I forbade him. He was going to get himself killed. Zeb kept volunteering for missions farther and farther from the Galactic Core. Hera and I realized that he was scouting in the Outer Rim, looking for signs - any trace of Ezra Bridger or Grand Admiral Thrawn.

He got too reckless. People on his squadron almost died. After that, he was forced into retirement. Hera's intervention is the only reason he's not rotting away in a New Republic prison right now.

Zeb retired and settled out here? I don't understand. Why didn't he go back home?

[Kallus signs, takes another sip of his drink.]

He's still looking for Ezra, in his own way. Zeb had to get creative, you see. He had been stripped of his license to pilot. So, he found a plot of land on a planet no one was interested in and bought it with his pension. Pitched the idea of a bar for New Republic pilots flying patrol missions way out here as a place to rest and recharge; a chance to stretch their legs, after spending hours in a cramped cockpit.

Pilots who have been flying all over the Outer Rim. Who have probably seen and heard a few interesting things in the course of their duties.

Now you get it. He owns this bar, listens to all the folks who come in. Still looking for leads - anything he thinks could lead to Ezra.

He even named the bar in memory of him. I think he hopes that Ezra might wander through this sector in space someday, see the bar's name, and get curious. A fool's hope . . . but I dare not take it away from him.

But he can't follow up the leads himself, since he no longer can fly.

Correct. So, he sends the information to the one person who is still looking for Ezra Bridger.

Which is . . .

Sabine Wren.

[He pauses, thinking for a moment.]

Are you planning on interviewing her for this documentary?

Yes, of course. It wouldn't be complete without her. Why?

I advise caution. She was the most affected by Ezra Bridger's . . . absence. Time and further tragedies have not made her kind or open to company of any kind. Even from close friends.

[There's a yell from the kitchen. Zeb stumbles out, covered in soot.]

Kallus, the blasted caf maker is malfunctioning again! Help me out here, would you?

[Kallus sighs and rises from the bar. I take this as my cue to leave.]

Oh, by the way. I haven't heard anything regarding this documentary. It seems rather hush-hush for something like this. I've been asking around and no-one seems to know anything.

It's meant to be a surprise for the citizens of Lothal. The anniversary is coming up. My benefactor suggested it as a gift, to help commemorate Ezra Bridger's heroic sacrifice for the planet.

[He narrows his eyes at me.]

A surprise, hmmm? I'm sure. And who is this gracious benefactor supplying the funds for this project?

I'm sorry, I can't disclose that. They are a private person. I hope you understand.

[The former ISB agent stares me down. After a tense second, he relents.]

My apologies. Old habits die hard. If it's alright, could you send a copy to me and Zeb for review once all this is finished? It would be greatly appreciated.

I'll be sure to do that. Convey my sincere thanks to Zeb, if you can.

Of course. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to prevent my partner from burning this establishment down.

Leaving the way I come in, I turn around outside the old bar and take a quick picture, for my own record, of the name now that I know the origin behind it:

EZRA'S ROOST

END OF INTERVIEW 1

NEXT INTERVIEW: GENERAL HERA SYNDULLA

AFTER-REPORT

PRIVATE CONNECTION ESTABLISHED

The Benefactor: Were there any issues?

?????: None. Although the agent accompanying Orrelios seemed suspicious at times. I managed to prevent any further inquiries into my work, however.

The Benefactor: Kallus is intelligent and extremely competent at what he does. Do not underestimate him. It is likely he will continue investigating behind the scenes.

?????: Still unsure what it is you're looking for with these people. Seems like they don't have the information you're seeking. The Benefactor: That is for me to decide. Continue with your work.

?????: Of course. Logging out now.

CONNECTION TERMINATED

[maniculum]

Bestiaryposting Results: Raggfong

This week's beast was the Raggfong, much to the dismay of everyone who is sick of birds. Again, sorry, there are a bunch... and the random distribution put a clump of them in December/January, so it's going to get worse before it gets better. If it helps, imagine it's some kind of ritual to empower the birds currently eating the Gävle goat. Or maybe a "Twelve Days of Christmas" sort of thing -- we've already had the partridge.

Also again please forgive me if I fail to string sentences together properly -- still sick. Covid, actually, turns out. The brain fog is difficult; almost forgot I was supposed to do this today.

Anyway, here is the link to the entry that our artists are working from:

(Why did I redact the Greek and Latin names for the coot? I'm not making any effort to hide its identity... baffling choice on the part of Past Me.)

And if you have no idea what this is about, you should take a look at https://maniculum.tumblr.com/bestiaryposting for an explanation and previous entries.

As usual, art will appear in roughly chronological order under the cut.

@elodieunderglass (link to post here) responded days before anyone else with this image, which successfully conveys a lot of emotion in my opinion. Those are some very communicative facial expressions on the birds. I particularly like the coot, and how it's positioned to shield the chick from the sun. The real gem here, however, is the text of the post linked above, which I would describe as a prose poem about the bird depicted. I'm genuinely a bit blown away by it -- go click the link and read it for yourself.

@embervoices (link to post here) has got some kind of effect going on here that I don't know enough about art to describe, but I like the way it looks. Her post mentions the phoenix connection, which I think comes through pretty clearly in the design and pose. The linked post explains some design decisions, including which real-world birds were the inspiration for this one.

@silverhart-makes-art (link to post here) helpfully specifies that this Raggfong is resting on a bed of sea kale. The design of this bird is very good, I think, conveying a certain gravity one does not always associate with seabirds. I also like the effect created by the background; it kind of looks like it's the cover for something, you know? The linked post explains the various birds from which the artist borrowed features and why, and also discusses the evocative nature of the entry this is based on -- I'm glad people are enjoying that aspect.

@rautavaara (link to post here) has made the executive decision that this bird is actually a frog, and the drawing is frankly too pretty for me to have any kind of problem with that. Look at that border. And the wonderful color palette. Also there's a flying frog, which is very cool.

@cheapsweets (link to post here) notes an emerging theme in these entries that birds (except coots) are jerks. I honestly can't remember how consistent that theme is across all the birds... I know there are some the author likes, but there are also definitely going to be additional Birds That Are Jerks in future. I like the crown-like crest on the Raggfong, and I'm impressed by the dedication involved in doing all those little body feathers with a fountain pen. Also, if you look closely, you'll see that one of those chicks the adult Raggfong is carrying has been shown staring off in the same direction as its parent, while the other has its head turned and its eyes closed, meaning we can expect it to join the coots off to the right... and there's already a young Raggfong there, too. The linked post contains a detailed explanation of design decisions, which you should go check out. (Also, thanks again for providing alt text.)

@coolest-capybara (link to post here) has employed her usual medieval stylization to depict a Raggfong inspired by an albatross (on the grounds that they are a seabird with "judgy" eyes... you know, I can see it). I am absolutely delighted by the scrungliness of the chick being shown here, which does indeed have the "muppet made from dryer lint" quality of a real albatross chick. They have also included a series of pictures that show the whole life cycle, which I've decided (after substantial back-and-forth) to not copy over here as there's a certain color-of-the-sky quality there, but which I strongly encourage you to click on the link and look at for yourself. I particularly like that the coot in the "life cycle" picture appears to have a couple Ilyechams in her flock in addition to the new Raggfong.

@moustawott (link to post here) describes their Raggfong as a gannet mixed with an eagle, and it looks pretty majestic, honestly. The background really enhances that effect, and I think it makes a much more entertaining contrast with the two little chicks being carried below. There's a certain severity to the design that I think is fitting.

@pomrania (link to post here) has ditched the whole "coot" thing for a more direct interpretation of the Raggfong's "common counterpart", which they deem the "Ritchfong". I kind of like the idea of two related species of bird that the human observer has interpreted to have class divisions. The crest on the Raggfong is also a very appropriate touch, I think. The linked post contains additional detail on design decisions, and links to some process images, so go check that out.

@treesurface (link to post here) has decided that the Raggfong should actually be a sort of insect that people mistake for a bird, which I think is quite clever. They explain their reasoning for that a bit more in the linked post, along with some other notes on design and execution that I think are worth reading. I really like the concept that the "unmoving wings" are elytra, and the kind of glittering quality that they suggest here. (I also appreciate that they provide their own alt text.)

@karthara (link to post here) has drawn a Raggfong in several scenarios to express the behavior described in the entry. I really like the overall design here, with the feathery tufts on its head. Also charming is that one flying up near the sun -- it looks so happy to be on fire. The linked post explains the design decisions and the real-world birds from which karthara has taken inspiration. They also mention they included the coot chicks after looking them up and seeing how colorful they are, so I did a quick google and found this great headline:

(Tl:dr coot parents show preference for more colorful chicks, so the later the chick hatches, the more colorful it is, allowing it to compete with its larger, older siblings for food and attention.)

And finally, the Aberdeen Bestiary depiction:

The one diving into the basin just looks so goofy to me, sorry. Anyway, as I'm sure everyone has guessed, this is the eagle.

Yeah. I know. The whole "fiery rebirth" thing sounds like it should be the phoenix, but this bestiary has an entry for "Phoenix" and it's not this one.

Regular listeners to the Maniculum Podcast may recall this particular eagle behavior coming up before, in the quiz-show episode we did for the second part of "Sidrak & Bokkus". I still don't really know where this idea comes from, but there you go. Eagles.

I feel like there's some kind of comment that could be made over the lack of compassion shown by the medieval eagle here and, you know...

... but I can't quite formulate it, so you'll have to write your own.

Anyway, see y'all next week for our next beaſt.

[gallusrostromegalus]

Any plans for Kensei and his 69 protege Hissgi. Hated how they were like this guy inspired a background character so cool that we gave him his own light novel series but he's gonna release his very cool looking bannaí twice and you don't get to see either fight implying he lost offscreen

…No one told Kaname about their "69" tattoos.

The issue was not that anyone was trying to keep them secret. The issue is that nobody knew Kaname didn't know.

Why would he? It's not like they come up in conversation- Shuuhei's in particular is as plain as the nose on his face (kind of literally), so nobody mentions it, like people don't typically comment on someone's hair color in conversation that often. It's at the first post-Aizen moon-viewing party in Shunsui's back garden that the subject finally comes up.

Shunsui's Moon-Viewing parties are appropriately named in the sense that most of the partygoers do end up looking at the moon- often after becoming so intoxicated that they fall over in the garden and decide to stay down in the grass and admire the celestial bodies. Before that phase of the evening, things can get rowdy. While some of the party members are listening to Shunsui and Shinji grow more frustrated as they attempt to explain the Transit Of Venus to Rose and Love, who are having difficulty with the difference between orbits and rotataions, let alone axial tilt, others are laying bets with Ukitake over the Kenpachi-Vs-Everyone-Arm-Wrestling-Tournament.

"YAUGH!" Kensei shouted as his knuckles crack against the edge of the table as Kenpachi claims another Flawless Victory. "MOTHER FUCKER!!" he shouts, squeezing his hand and reddening knuckles. Lisa pokes Kensei in the back of the head as Ukitake balances out the wagers and takes his generous bookie's fee. "Why are you being a weenie, your tattoo had to hurt more!" She teases. Kaname speaks up from where he has been quietly lounging in Sajin's lap and asks "-You have a Tattoo?"

"YEAH!" says Kensei, immediately forgetting his pain at the delight because he gets to tell someone about the tattoo again. "I got it the night I became captain, to commemorate my service in the sixth and ninth divisions!"

"-And after Captain Kensei saved me and my class from a mass hollow attack, I decided that was the kind of fearless Shinigami I wanted to be, and dedicated myself to that path with a matching one!" adds Shuuhei.

He and Kensei high-five while Kaname squints suspiciously.

"…What does this commemoration and dedication look like?" he asks, a little too casually.

"I got the numbers 6 and 9 tattooed over my manipura chakra, because that service is the source of my strength!" Kensei explains.

"-and I got the same pair on my face, so I see it every time I look at myself, to remind me of my commitment!" added Shuuhei.

Kaname twitches. "You mean to tell me you both have been walking around with tattoos of the number 69 in prominently visible locations this whole time?"

"Yeah!" Said Kensei.

"…Kensei-san. Did someone suggest this design to you?" He asks, gripping Koumori's hilt.

"Yoruichi-san did!" Kensei says, too thrilled with the joy of sharing this story to notice Kaname's darkening aura.

--- In the human world, Yoruichi's teacup splits in half.

"Aw. Fuck." She sighs.

---

Kaname sighs. Perhaps it's not as bad as it seems. "You gentlemen are aware that there's a slang meaning associated- stop trying to shush me Jushiro- there's a slang meaning associated with the number?"

"There is?" Shuuhei asks, genuinely oblivious.

--- The teapot cracks into perfect sixths.

"What did you DO?" hisses Urahara. ---

"The term 'Sixty-Nining' colloquially refers to the act of mutual oral sex between partners." Kaname says flatly, Sajin halfway to grabbing his face to muffle him before remembering that Kaname is absolutely not above biting him when annoyed, and he's well past annoyed now.

There is a moment of silence at the moon-viewing party.

"-This is not an obscure bit of slang either, I'm not sure how either of you have managed to maintain total ignorance of it." Kaname frowns in the general direction of Ukitake and Shunsui, who absolutely should have shared this Fun Fact earlier.

Kensei and Shuuhei continue to ponder this revelation in shocked silence.

"Is that why people keep offering to give me blowjobs?" Shuuhei finally breaks the silence.

"Oh! because the numbers each kind of look like a mouth and a dick!" Kensei realizes in a flash of insight several centuries overdue.

"NICE!" they agree, and high-five again.

"I'm quitting." Kaname groans, despairing.

"You can't quit." declares Yamamoto from the lawn, where he has gone directly to the Moon-viewing phase of the party. "If you quit, I have to promote someone, and that means we have to have a Captain's Meeting. You remember the rule: no more than one Captain's meeting per decade."

"Ah. Yes. There has already been enough violence." Kaname nodded, recalling the destruction that followed every captain's meeting he'd ever attended. "What do you propose then, Sir?"

"Get another bottle and come join me. The moon is beautiful tonight." he waved.

"...I'll take your word for it." Kaname sighed.

[echos-gal]

Point and Shoot

Crosshair x f!reader (Rotating POV)

Summary: Crosshair is new to Pabu and is struggling to adjust. He is smitten when he meets you, the local garden shop owner. Mutual shyness, is-this-a-date-or-not mishaps, and finally opening up.

Rating: SFW. Pure fluff. Some self-hate, mentions of regret. First kiss.

A/N: This is my first fic ever, pls be nice ;u; I honestly might make this more of a slow-burn series eventually, but for now... enjoy!

-----

The first time Crosshair saw you was at Pabu's summer solstice festival. His brothers had dragged him along, hoping that he would finally start socializing with the other islanders. He was still overcome with guilt, anger, and grief from his time with the Empire - trusting others did not come easy to him. And who would want to associate with damaged goods? If the nasty burn scar on the side of his head wasn't enough, he was convinced his past would surely scare anyone away.

But as Crosshair and his brothers walked through the crowd, something caught his eye.

As Pabu's floral expert, you had a small table set up with cuttings of various blooms, helping children make flower crowns and necklaces. The sun shined on your cheeks as you smiled. You looked up just in time to catch him staring, eyes sparkling as you waved at him shyly.

Crosshair did not return the wave. In fact, he was too embarrassed to acknowledge that he had been caught admiring you. You were easily the prettiest girl he'd ever seen.

Realizing that he'd stopped in his tracks, he quickly turned away to catch up with his brothers.

"HA! Yeah, we saw you staring," Wrecker exclaimed, beaming. "Don't blame ya." He winked, causing Crosshair to scowl.

"I don't know what you're talking about." replied Crosshair.

Hunter, always the diplomat, attempted to calm the situation by explaining that you were a gardener who provided the islanders with flowers for nearly every occasion. You had started up a small garden center after moving to Pabu as a refugee. Crosshair committed your name to memory, repeating it over and over in his head as the solstice sun set.

-----

Ding-ding!

You straightened up, wiping the dirt off your hands onto your apron. Why do customers always stop by when you're in the middle of repotting plants?

"Welcome! How can I - oh, hello Tech!" you exclaimed with a smile, realizing who your visitor was. Tech shared your love of rare floral varieties, and often stopped by to discuss your shop's latest botanical acquisitions. He'd purchased a couple bouquets recently as well, which you'd later seen lovingly displayed at your friend Phee's house.

"Anything I can do for you today? Or are you just here to browse?"

"Well, er, I was wondering if you might have, uh, any potted angiosperms native to the planet Medita." Tech replied nervously.

"Phee's home planet?" you asked, grinning. You turned around to take a look at your inventory list as your friend rambled excuses and stuttered about the weather.

"Well, I've got a couple diff-" You froze. Turning back towards Tech, you'd noticed someone lurking in the shop's doorway.

"Ah, yes. I neglected to mention - that is my brother Crosshair. He is a recent arrival to Pabu. Crosshair is not one for extensive conversation. However, he did surprise me by requesting to join in this errand." said Tech.

"Oh." You quickly glanced again at the doorway, not wanting to scare his brother away. Maybe he was just shy. "Well, anyways. I do have a few pots of native Medita flowers if you'd like to have a look."

You showed Tech a shelf full of brightly colored blooms, each one different from the next. He was intrigued, commenting on every plant and taking out his data pad for reference.

"And this would be the Coastal Indigo Coneflower- the variegated variety - correct?" asked Tech, skimming his fingers over the blue flowers' multicolored foliage.

"That's right. It only grows on Medita's eastern hemisphere, in the right soil conditions." you replied.

"Fascinating..." said Tech, adjusting his goggles and leaning in closer for inspection. He was distracted for the time being, and you couldn't help but peer over his shoulder at his less talkative brother.

Crosshair still hadn't fully entered the shop. The tall, slim man stood awkwardly in the doorway, making an obvious effort to look everywhere but towards you. You recognized him from the solstice festival, although you doubted he remembered you. Tan-skinned and brown-eyed like his brothers, but with an entirely different demeanor. Reserved, scowling slightly. You could just barely see the thin lines of a tattoo inked over his right eye and eyebrow. He had short grey hair that stopped at the right side of his head, revealing a large patch of scarred skin above his ear.

'Maker,' you thought to yourself, 'he's gorgeous.' You hoped the heat in your face wasn't visible.

"I will take this one." said Tech suddenly, snapping you out of your daze. You headed to the counter and rung up the beautiful potted plant he'd selected, crossing it off your inventory list.

"She'll love it," you said quietly as he turned to leave.

He smiled sheepishly. "I do hope so."

You waved goodbye as he rejoined his brother at the door. As you locked eyes with Crosshair, your grin widened, and you could swear you could see the ghost of a smile on his lips.

-----

He was an idiot, thought Crosshair. You were so gorgeous and he was a damn fool.

"I do not understand why you refused to enter the garden center," said Tech. "Are you allergic to the pollen? I was under the impression that Hunter was the only one who suffered from a histamine reaction due to his heightened senses triggering an immune response..."

Crosshair ignored his brother's rambling, thinking about how you'd smiled at him moments ago. The whole reason he'd gone with Tech was to see you again. Ever since your brief encounter at last week's solstice festival, Crosshair couldn't keep you out of his head. But doubt and nerves overcame him, preventing him from sweeping you off your feet as he had in his dreams. All he could do was stand in the doorway and pretend not to care.

Your warm smile, however, melted something close to his heart.

-----

"Crosshair! All you need to do is ask her on a date! I'm sure she'll say yes! Maybe a cafe? A walk on the beach? Ooh, I know. You can take her shooting!"

Omega was the only one Crosshair spoke with openly about his growing crush on you. He knew she wouldn't tease him like his brothers might. And she seemed to be full of enthusiasm about the possibility of Crosshair having a girlfriend.

"Can't. Pabu's not exactly the place for blasters." said Crosshair wearily.

"No, no. Not with your rifle. With your camera!" Omega exclaimed.

Ugh. She wouldn't let this go, would she? Crosshair, itching to point and shoot as he'd always done, had picked up photography in an effort to do something productive with his enhanced eyesight. The use of a scope, the mechanics of holocameras, and the feeling of aiming at something felt familiar to him. The fact that his shots wouldn't kill was an unexpectedly nice change of pace. Island life was starting to feel more natural.

"Maybe." he replied.

"YES." said Omega defiantly, ignoring her brother's hesitance. "I've seen your photos. They're great. I'm sure she'd love to see them - and you've taken tons of nature pictures. Show her your flower collection!"

"It's not that impressive."

"Tech said your shots were better than most of the references on the holoweb. And that you could make a lot of credits if you printed and sold them."

"I just do it to keep myself busy."

Omega crossed her arms. "Look, all you need to do is ask if you can photograph her garden. She's got tons of rare flowers. Ask her about them! Strike up a conversation!"

"You know I'm not good at that." said Crosshair.

"Then let your camera do the talking!"

Crosshair considered his options. Omega was right (as she usually was) - this was a great excuse to get to know you. If you didn't seem interested in him, he could easily play it off as just wanting to photograph rare flowers. If you did seem interested, he could ask you to accompany him to his usual nature photography sites around the island. They were all dateworthy, but the waterfall on the far side of the island was like nothing else. He made up his mind.

"Fine," he groaned, "Tomorrow."

-----

You knelt down over a tray of tiny seedlings, misting them with the hose nozzle's finest setting. Too much water pressure and they would be flattened. Soon they'd be ready for transplanting into their own individual containers.

Ding ding!

"Welcome! How can I help you?" you said as you got up, realizing that your visitor was none other than Crosshair. You silently wished that you weren't covered in dirt at the moment.

"Er- I, uh, I'm Tech's brother. From yesterday. I was wondering if I could take pictures of your plants," he said. He seemed nervous.

"Oh! Crosshair, right? Omega mentioned your nature photography last time she was here with Echo." He looked startled. "She said you're fantastic," you added with a smile.

"It's just a hobby to keep me occupied." said Crosshair, avoiding your eyes and fidgeting with the lens cap of the camera slung around his neck.

"Well, by all means take some photos! I've got some bulbs from Naboo that are just starting to bloom, and some climbing vines in the back trellis-" you paused, noticing his eyes wander towards the sprouts you'd been misting.

You led him over to the tray on the ground. "These aren't super impressive yet. Desert Aster shoots," you explained, gesturing towards one of the small green plants. "I've just watered them."

"Hm." grunted Crosshair, turning on his camera and pointing it towards the tray. He was completely still for several seconds, staring into the camera's viewfinder and barely breathing. You held your breath too. He seemed like a pro at this.

Click!

He straightened up, studying the camera's display screen. Then he turned it towards you, again avoiding your eyes.

The screen before you showed tiny shimmering water droplets atop the asters' minuscule leaves. The vibrant green plants stood out against the moisture-darkened soil. He had even caught a sunbeam, lightening part of the photo with translucent gold.

"That's incredible," you exclaimed in awe, smiling at him. You thought his ears looked slightly pinker than usual. "I didn't know aster shoots could be so beautiful. Do you only shoot shoots?"

Crosshair's mouth formed a faint grin at your joke. "No, I shoot other things. Animals, waterfalls." 'Droids, people.' he thought bitterly, another kind of shooting coming to mind. He shook his head to rid himself of the thought. He was a different person now. He was trying.

There was a stretch of silence as he fumbled with the lens cap again. You brushed some dirt off your apron, hoping it would mask your sudden shyness. You were sitting so close. Crosshair cleared his throat.

"Would you want to... come with me? Next time I'm out?" he asked quietly. He seemed very determined to affix his lens cap in exactly the right position, looking downwards at his hands.

Your breath caught in your throat. Was he asking you out? Could this be a date? Surely, he's too handsome not to be taken already... right?

"Yes! Yes. I- um, I'm off at six. Unless you wanted a later date. DAY. A later day," you rambled.

"Six is good." he said shortly. He got up and walked towards the door. "I'll be back then." And with that, he left.

-----

Crosshair showed up outside the garden center just as you were locking up. You waved eagerly at him. He held a hand up in greeting. 'I cannot screw this up,' he thought, taking in your beautiful features.

"So, where to?" you asked. The sun was just getting ready to set, and you knew that anywhere on the island would soon look brilliant.

"The west side. There's a trail next to the park. It's not far." said Crosshair. "There's people." he added quickly, realizing that taking a girl on a remote first date seemed sketchy. Had he even made it clear that this was a date? Did she even want this to be a date?

"Oh, I know. The park is always full of families at this time of day," you said with a chuckle. "Lead the way!"

Together, you walked the short distance to the park. As usual, parents and children populated the field and benches, laughing and playing. He stopped at the trailhead, where you could hear a bubbling stream.

"Here," he said, gesturing towards the stream's direction. "You've been here before, right?"

"I have. I sometimes walk here on weekends," you said, running your hand along some leaves from a drooping tree branch. An elderly couple exited the trail, hobbling along slowly while holding each others' hands. You wished so badly to be holding Crosshair's.

-----

The two of you entered the trail and walked along the water. You said hello to each passerby, cheerfully waving as they strode along. Crosshair seemed to shy away from the others, ducking his head or purposely looking towards the stream. You wondered if he'd made any new friends since coming to Pabu. He felt like he belonged here, didn't he?

Crosshair slowed down and pointed towards the stream's opposite bank. There, pouring over a ledge a few feet up, was a glistening waterfall. You'd passed it before while walking this trail, but never took the time to stop and really observe it. It disappeared and reappeared in a few rocky locations above where it splashed into the stream, creating multiple tiny falls. The setting sun cast a gentle light on the curve of the water as it bent around the rocky ledges.

You noticed Crosshair get his camera out and lower himself onto his stomach, resting while propped up on his elbows. You did the same, daring to come shoulder-to-shoulder with him. As he adjusted his camera to photograph the falls, you took in his profile. His nose was long and straight, a few freckles here and there. His eyelashes were longer than you'd initially thought, and despite the grey hair, his eyebrows were dark. As he squinted into the eyepiece, you noted how his tattoo scrunched up.

Click!

He looked at the camera screen. Not bad. Satisfied with the shot, he turned towards you, only to find you staring at him intently. Crosshair was suddenly self-conscious. You'd settled on his right side, with a clear view of his burn. A constant reminder, every time he looked into the mirror, that he'd once tried to kill the very siblings that brought him here. A permanent relic of his misdeeds. An ugly sign of an ugly past.

"I know." he said angrily, shifting his shoulder away from yours.

"Know what?" you asked. Had you upset him?

"I know it's disgusting. The scar." he grumbled. His face was now facing forward again, contorted in anger, and... shame?

"No, no, no. Oh, Crosshair, that's not why I was looking at you," you said, daring to reach out and touch his opposite cheek, turning him back to look at you. He yanked his face back.

"Then why? Didn't my brothers tell you about me? How I used to work with the Empire? All the terrible things I've done?" he asked, voice faintly shaky. He ran his fingers along the bumpy scar tissue.

"Yes. They did," you said, gently removing his hand from the scar. "They told me about how you changed. You're here because you turned against the Empire. Even when you were a prisoner, you risked your life to warn them. I don't know all the details, but I can tell you're a good person, Crosshair."

He looked at you, finally making eye contact. His eyes were wide, a deep and beautiful brown. The anger in his face turned to surprise, as though he hadn't expected your kindness. Crosshair's hand, now held by your own, reached up and settled into your hair. He leaned closer, his eyes on your mouth. You closed the distance.

His lips were soft against yours, his kiss hesitant and sweet. You placed your hand on the side of his face, slowly running your thumb along his cheekbone. You separated, barely touching, breath on each other's lips, before coming together again. He kissed you like you were made of glass, afraid you'd shatter beneath him. You breathed a quiet sigh and deepened the kiss. You felt his tongue on your lower lip.

You shifted yourself onto your back, feeling the cushion of the grass beneath you. You reached your hands up gently onto his shoulders as he leaned down, quickly putting his camera aside. He didn't hesitate. Crosshair smashed his lips to yours, and you to his. You smiled into the kiss and felt him do the same. The two of you parted, panting lightly, noses touching.

The moment was short-lived, however, as you heard kids running along the trail. You pried yourselves apart, hoping you weren't spotted. You realized that it was getting late - it would be dark soon. You looked shyly at him. He had no problem looking you in the eye now, a gentle expression on his face. He wasn't scowling like he usually was.

"I do really like you, Crosshair. And I meant what I said. You're a good person." you said softly.

"Hm. I think I like you, too." he replied, the corner of his mouth turned into a lopsided smile. "We should probably get going. It's getting dark."

-----

You walked back along the stream, brushing your fingers against his. He took the hint, locking your hands together. You exited the trailhead hand-in-hand as the elderly couple had, your previous wish fulfilled. How had you been so lucky, to find someone like him?

He walked you back to your house, only a short distance from the garden center. Along the way, you both stopped to admire the setting sun. Crosshair snapped a few photos of the gorgeous landscape - and of you, when you were busy admiring the sky. How had he been so lucky, to find someone like you?

As you came to your house, you slowed. "Crosshair," you said, "I never told you why I was looking at you. Earlier, by the stream."

"Hm?" prompted Crosshair, raising his eyebrows.

"It's because I couldn't believe I was with you. I've liked you since I first saw you at the solstice festival. You're beautiful- on the inside, too."

Crosshair had never been called beautiful before. Beauty was for the landscapes he photographed, and the flowers you grew. For sunsets and for you. He was a former soldier, now broken and burned. He'd been tossed aside by the very people who made him. Withdrawn and troubled and... beautiful. Maybe if you thought so, it could be true.

"If you say so."

He leaned forward and kissed you again, both hands tenderly cupping your face. You smiled up at him.

"Hey, you never showed me your waterfall picture!" you exclaimed, gripping his wrists still on either side of your face. "You have to show me tomorrow. Or another day. Whenever you're free again."

"Tomorrow." He kissed your forehead. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Crosshair," you said, slipping into your house and closing the door gently, with one look back over your shoulder.

Crosshair walked back to the small house he shared with his brothers and sister. No doubt he'd be grilled by them on how his date went - Omega had surely told everyone. He sighed, and his mind wandered back to you. Maybe he was a good person. If you of all people saw something in him, that was enough.

[emeritus-fuckers]

“Alstroemeria” ♡ Cardinal Primo x gn!reader platonic drabble (fluff)

Dedicated to @thecuriouss. I suck at fluff. I'm sorry.

There was something peaceful about the Ministry's garden. Maybe it was the colorful flowers. Maybe it was the fact that not many people spend much time there, each Sibling of Sin dealing with their own work and responsibilities.

Maybe it was the fact that it was a good place to hide from all your worries. You could hide behind a tree, observe the colorful flowers and just wait until you felt like you could function again.

Or... you could be caught by a certain long haired blonde Cardinal in his early thirties. The oldest son of Papa Nihil Emeritus, Primo, seemed to share your fondness for the garden, though he never exactly said why. He just seemed to always gravitate here in his limited free time, usually with his two younger brothers, who would run around playfully or enjoy calm walks with him and ask him all about the flowers. Surprisingly, he seemed to always know the answer.

It took some time, since he wasn't too fond of people in general, but you became rather close friends with him. And since Primo Emeritus didn't have many friends, he seemed to really cherish the ones he did have.

And somehow, he seemed to know when one of said friends needed him. Which meant that, of course, he found you, sitting under a tree and watching the colorful flowers.

"That's alstroemeria." Primo announced instead of greeting you like anyone else would. He seemed to like making you jump in surprise, as there was always a sparkle of amusement in his eyes whenever he saw you acting like him randomly popping up was giving you a heart attack.

"Alstro... what?"

"Alstroemeria. The Lily of the Incas. Represents compassion, patience, appreciation, humor, understanding and loyalty." he explained, his gaze focused on the flowers. Primo rarely looked at you directly. He seemed to associate it with all the nonsense he had to deal with as future Papa.

You were both silent for a while, you still sitting on the ground, your back against the tree and him... well, he stood like he was taught to. Perfectly. His back completely straight, his hands behind his back as he looked in front of him. He almost looked like a statue.

Then again, considering his upbringing, being born only to ensure the bloodline wouldn't be broken... and yet, he was a good person. A complicated, yet good person. After all, he took raising his brothers onto himself, just so they could have a childhood.

"It's a... flower of friendship." He added after a while, hunching slightly. A sign that he was relaxed. And a habit that will probably cause him back issues when he gets older.

"Friendship?"

He hummed, clicking his tongue before slowly sitting down on the ground as well, despite how he'd usually scold you for doing that. You were tempted to point it out and maybe if you were in a better mood, you'd actually do it. But not right now. Right now you just wanted to enjoy his presence.

You rested your head against his shoulder, closing your eyes. He didn't really do anything about it, but you knew by now that he was comfortable with you, since he didn't even flinch. If he was uncomfortable, he'd simply get up and leave.

"Yes. I have personally requested to have them planted here." He admitted, his voice much quieter than usual, but not quite a whisper. It was a rare moment of peace in his life.

"Why?" You asked quietly, closing your eyes for a bit as you gently reached to hold his hand. He let you do that, intertwining your fingers together and humming softly.

"Because I've noticed how... fond... you are of this spot. It's always the same tree, facing the same direction. I figured... you'd enjoy those flowers here." He admitted, looking away, using his free hand to play with his hair. One of the small ways he allowed himself relax around people he trusted. There was something almost cute in it.

"You... had the Siblings plant those flowers here for me?"

"Don't think too much about it." He blurted out quickly, looking away with a slight blush. You giggled at his reaction. For someone so good with people, Primo was terrible when it came to dealing with those he actually held close. Unless, of course, it was about his brothers.

You smiled softly, relaxing against him. It was now that you noticed just how much all those negative emotions you felt earlier have worn you out. And his presence was soothing. Comforting. So soothing and comforting, in fact, that you ended up napping against him.

And Primo, despite all the work he still had to do, let you do that. Because he knew he wasn't good at showing affection. So instead, he would go along with what you did. And if you decided to use his shoulder as your pillow, then Primo Emeritus would not be moved until your nap was over.

And while you slept, he could look at the alstroemerias. The flowers he grew so fond of recently, because they reminded him of you. One of his closest friends.

This really was a good place to plant the flowers of friendship.

~

Written by Jez.

Taglist: @charlie-is-a-menace @copias-fluffy-asscheeks @lunarsromantichomicide @randodummy @tuttifuckinfruttifriday @calliedion-dungeon @randominstake @nuntia @dio-niisio @mamacarlyle @firefirevampire @mybotanicaldemise @emo-mess @natoncesaid @sirlsplayland @ouijaboardemo @lightbluuestars @igodownjustlikeholymary

[emelinstriker]

Hey hi its the high dream anon again. I was curious if you put any thought into what Mei, piggy and them would be doing during esau or if they're in it, cause man, I had a dream about it and it made me cry cause angst, but I wanted to know if you had any thoughts before I shared

Okay so- I haven't really gotten to the point of expanding more on the side of the non-servants since the servants aren't even really done yet tbh- DBK and PIF would also still need some more expansion on their angst about Red Son's disappearance.

But I do have some angst in store in terms of the timeframe of Wukong bringing MK to the palace and how his friends reacted... c:

So basically, you know how MK and the others traveled to Flower Fruit Mountain to give Monkey King his staff back so he could fight the Demon Bull King? The moment where he's separated from the others and they thought he died is when MK was first fully introduced to the blue champion. Their first meeting is most definitely more different though than in the show. Sadly not as comedic fhgnfhg He also did wake up from the crash with some odd pain in his back. But it felt rather mild at first.

Anyway, after the first DBK battle and all that, the moment where Monkey King basically sealed up part of MK's powers is when he was infected. This did seal up part of his powers as planned, but not exactly like in the show. Instead, this is why ESAU!MK is such a landmine and seems to be docile, before snapping in an instant, and turning docile again. Monkey King's power only seemed to enhance MK's sudden jump in emotions, between seemingly being mentally in another world or having a sudden emotional spike aimed aimed at someone or something.

And a bit after the entire battle with the Demon Bull Family, MK just suddenly... disappeared. He already seemed a bit off during the battle, and even somewhat back when he first met the void-black eyed monkey, but then he simply went missing.

His friends got really worried and have been trying to look all over Megapolis for him, but he just seemed to have disappeared without a trace. There wasn't even a single sign of him ever having returned to his room afterwards.

It's unclear what all they've tried doing to find out where he is and most likely save him and bring him back since it felt more like he was taken away by some force. But there was indeed heartbreak, anxiety, as well as hope and a bit of lack thereof through the desperate search for the noodle delivery boy.

They didn't want to believe they've lost him just like that. They never even had any confirmation on whether or not he died, so Mei would've probably been the one to assume he got kidnapped.

And only a long while after that did they see MK again. Now as a monkey in yellow armor and void-black eyes, just like Wukong.

Mostly seeming emotionless, not remembering them. His friends.

And worst of all is that they don't know if they can even help him. Especially after he disappeared as quickly as he showed up, only having been looking for something to retrieve. Which just made them feel all the more helpless.

But he seemed to be in a form of trance with how emotionless and non-reactive he was acting while looking for something. So Tang was theorizing MK might be possessed by a monkey demon. Mei even tried grabbing him at one point to try stop him from ignoring her and he didn't seem bothered by it and just carried on with his mission he was focused on.

However, after the noodle boy disappeared, there wasn't much they could do. They didn't even know how to "bring him back to his senses" due to how they've never seen him or anyone in such a condition..

If there's typos or anythin like that- oop- but my brain is scrambled it's almost 11pm I'mma sleep now gn8 fhgnfghfnhgfg specifically only colored MK's name at the point of him already being an official servant. Same with only Wukong's name since he doesn't remember his name/title as Monkey King and therefor doesn't really associate with it.