#difficult to draw but. good practice at least

[atmospheral]

"You surprise me, with all your talk of breaking the cycle of violence. And now this?" Mihawk mutters.  "I surprise you," Zoro repeats, leaning in closer almost conversationally. "Let me ask you this: have you ever seen a wild animal and been sure it wouldn't bite? Because I haven't." —Ch. 20, Tiger by the Tail by Vandereer (@dandunn) 

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

[strawbebbiesart]

clean 🦆🛀🫧

(part 2)

[mocury-moto]

wow my artistic confidence just skyrocketed okay good to know

[lurochar]

The Shadow will Play

'Behave'? What did that mean?

In which Alastor’s shadow "plays" with you and you find out something very interesting about your lover.

Alastor’s Shadow x Reader

18+ MDNI

Part 2

‐-------------------

“Behave.”

It had been his Master's orders and he was trying so hard to abide by them, but you were just making it so difficult for him!

What exactly did ‘behave’ mean? It's not like his Master gave any examples in which he could follow through.

Did ‘behave’ mean not going out and slaughtering a few unlucky Sinners?

Did ‘behave’ mean not pulling a few pranks on the hotel residents and staff?

Or did ‘behave’ mean not getting amorous with his Master's lover?

(Shouldn't he be able to touch? He was a very part of Master after all).

It seemed that his Master had not told you to behave as you were touching him freely, causing him to shudder from your pleasant warmth.

“You're so cute~” You always did love how affectionate Alastor’s shadow was as it rubbed against you like a giant cat. “Is there anything you want to do today? I don't think Alastor will be back until tonight.”

The shadow tilted its head before its grin widened and it let out a series of chirps. It pushed you back on you and Alastor’s bed, cooing as you let out a surprised noise when it clamored over top of you, “W-what are you doing?”

The shadow's tail wagged as it thought back to the times where he was just a voyeur when you and his Master engaged in intimacy and knew he wanted to draw those pretty sounds from you.

“W-woah!” Your eyes widened when the shadow eagerly began to pull down your pants, probably ripping parts in the process with its claws. “Did Alastor put you up to this?”

The shadow paused for the briefest of seconds before chattering, nodding its head as it finally managed to rip your pants off.

“Well, if he’s okay with it…” You muttered, shivering slightly when you felt the shadow's two cold hands on each thigh, spreading them as you flushed at the… odd situation you found yourself in.

But if this is something Alastor wanted, then…

You jumped when your panties were practically torn off you and cool fingers were parting your folds. You shut your eyes, expecting to feel discomfort or even pain since you weren't prepared in the least and not at all wet.

The shadow tittered, using his thumb to rub circles around that nub of flesh like his Master did and as expected, you let out one of those pretty sounds that had his ears twitching.

“That… feels good.” You sighed, feeling a heat in your lower belly begin to ignite. You glanced down curiously, aching a bit when its thumb left your clit, moving so its face was directly at your cunt.

Before it could dig in, it reached up, catching you by surprise as it took hold of your arms and placed your hands on its ears, pointing at them and chirping.

“You want me to pet them while you do that?” You asked and received a nod in return. “If you're anything like Alastor, and I'm sure you will be, I'm not sure I'll be able to,” you got a sound that sounded like a huff, “but I'll try! I will!”

The shadow seemed satisfied with that.

The shadow parted your slippery folds again, keeping them spread and it was quick to bury its long tongue in your dripping hole, causing you to shudder.

Like Alastor, it could elongate his tongue.

You groaned, feeling its tongue lap at every little crevice of your pussy, slurping up your slick like a mindless animal, “H-hah, yeah. Oh, r-right.”

You squeezed its ears as promised.

You almost shattered when you felt a small vibration in your core and you barely heard something – a sound that you never heard the shadow make before and once more, to be sure, you squeezed the shadow's ears.

Again, there was that sound and that oh-so good vibration and with the absolute tongue fucking you were getting, you were gonna cum with that next one.

But that sound – what was it and why was it familiar?

The shadow ears twitched when you squeezed them again, hearing your moans while your legs spasmed around his cold body and he tried the best he could to lap up your slick as your hole clenched around his tongue.

Your noises were so pretty~♡

(He wanted more).

It took a few moments for you to gather your senses as you slowly sat up, seeing the grinning shadow practically make heart eyes at you.

But before that, you needed an answer to a question (and possibly, another answer to another question).

“That noise you made when I touched your ears, was that a deer bleat?” You asked, causing the shadow to nod and you to be taken back for a second.

 ‘I’ve touched them before, and Alastor or his shadow has never made that sound, so maybe it's just a sex thing?’ 

“If I touch Alastor’s ears during sex, would he bleat too?” You asked, thinking back and you always wondered why your lover seemed dead set on you not touching his ears during intimate times, but you had just respected his wishes and never went beyond that.

The shadow nodded.

“That’s so cute~!” You smiled brightly, bringing the shadow in for a hug and it purred, tail wagging, “Thank you for telling me this! How can I repay you?” You almost regretted asking as the shadow immediately pounced on you, ready for more of you.

His Master wouldn't be back until night, after all.

[artsninspo]

Richmond Inc.

「 ✦ full library & archive ✦ 」

「 ✦ aaron pierre & characters library ✦ 」

♠ summary: Terry Richmond is your boss, and the illustrious CEO of the worlds best and most elusive private security firm. Only he didn't get to where he is now by being nice. As attractive as your boss is, you find it difficult to swoon for the green eyes giant when he is perpetually unpleasant and demanding.

♠ pairing: Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre - Rebel Ridge) X Black Reader

♠ word-count: ~1.1 K

You look away from the light eyed adonis not wanting to get glamoured by his green eyes. Your coworkers swoon and you wonder how it’s possible for them to forget his chronic dissatisfaction and scathing temper. Running a tight ship is the understatement of the century. The former military man sure acts like he’s still on assignment. If it was up to you the last place you’d be is under his smug gaze as he details what's gone both wrong and right about the last assignment. He has no business being as mean as he is. His size alone is grounds for him to be more cautious and gentle with his employees. with. Anyone who’s as tall as he is with a body built for combat should always be careful to be considerate.

“Y/N” his baritone voice calls drawing you from your thoughts.. Looking up your eyes meet his for the briefest of moments. You consider quitting in an instant bracing for him to rip you apart for some infraction.

“Sir?” You respond.

“Great work, the logistics were perfect” he says and it’s high praise coming from someone who rarely acknowledges great work with praise”. Eyes dart away from him to you and you force a casual smile.

“Just doing my job” you nod hoping he moves on. The debrief continues and you recognize the clamouring to impress him and for his attention. It’s not in you to placate anyone least of all a man that’s so stern all the time. Looking at the clock your body settles knowing relief is soon. For all the boss’ faults punctuality and timeliness isn’t one of them. His phone alarm sounds signalling the end of the meeting and you stand first. Your male colleagues stand too but a couple of your female colleagues take their time. 

“Y/N I’d like to see you in my office in five” he says.

“Ok” you respond heading to the bathroom first. When you’ve relieved yourself of your nerves you look in the mirror and practice a detached but engaged expression. When you fail to convince yourself of the contrived demeanour you sigh silencing your phone and making a mental note to find a new job. Grabbing your tablet for work you enter his state of the art office with seconds to spare. His eyes shift rom the clock to you and he holds out his arm signalling for you to take a seat. You oblige.

“How are you?” He asks.

“Fine and you?” You ask not missing a beat.

He nods, smiling slightly. “Good” Impatience flares in your expression and his smile deepens as he looks down at the paper on his desk. It’s an odd sight to see him smile for anyone other than clients.

“Your reviews are stellar. Both your team and directors have glowing reviews for you. Your end of year compensation will reflect that” he says and your excitement flares.

“I do my best” you respond in acknowledgement.

“There will be a vacancy in the director slot and everyone tells me you’re good with people. Are you interested in being on the ground?” He asks.

“No” you don’t even have to think about it. It’s most of your colleagues' dreams. To rub elbows with the who’s who of the world in need of private security. A few of your former female director colleagues are now kept women to filthy rich businessmen.

“No?” He seems surprised.

“No thank you.” You correct, not wanting to draw his ire. His thick brows furrow as he looks at you confused. You only manage it seconds before looking away. He sits back in his chair and you look anywhere but his eyes.

“Would you prefer another position?” He asks but all directors work closely with him. Even from your office you’ve heard him ripping into them on several occasions for mistakes. Director means his personal pawn. It means two am pick up times and calls at all hours of the day and night. Family strain and inconsistency for everyone who isn’t the job. It means he has full control over you, your decisions, company, medical history, romantic partners and every other significantly private thing.

“I’m quite content where I am now” you respond honestly.

“Is it the compensation? If it’s unsatisfactory there is room for negotiations” He explains but  you don’t think there could ever be a number to justify what that position would do to your nerves.

“I can do my job well enough now. My confidence in my abilities isn’t the same for a director position. I can’t commit to more hours or the sporadic demands. Nor am I interested in the travel aspect. My hours now with occasional overtime is what I can manage. I don’t ever want to underdeliver and I know I would as a director” you lie and his skepticism is proof he’s not buying it, at least not fully. 

“I can think of few things more compelling for a young woman than international travel with every luxury” he says.

“You’re the furthest thing from a young woman” you mutter, speaking out of turn. Thankfully his eyes light and he seems more amused than annoyed. He reaches for his glasses taking a file from the folder organizer on his desk. He swipes his clearance fob over it and light flashes into his eye before the file opens. The way his muscles contract for the simplest gestures is sinful. He studies the papers flipping through them and then looks back up at you.

“Is it the dog?” He asks, revealing he’s looking into your file.

“Pardon me?”

“Your dog, is that why you don’t want to travel or take on the promotion?” He asks. You’re the reason. You think to yourself, but it's hardly an appropriate response. “Or has something changed in your personal life?” He pries acting like it’s within his authority. 

“I have nothing I want to flag or discuss” you respond succinctly. Mr. Richmond nods and removes his glasses before putting the paper back into its folder, locking it and setting it back into the organizer. His notifications sound and he checks his luxury watch. He’s so fucking fine. You swallow knowing he’s probably the worst with women.

“You’re free to go” he says dismissively, back to his asshole ways. 

“Good day” you respond but it seems to make him flinch slightly.

“Good day” he responds and you leave.

Author's note: i'm trying to be better about hoarding drafts. So here's a little Aaron fic for the girls 🖤 how do we feel about mean terry? don't forget to ❣ Like, ❝ Comment, ↺ Reblog ☑vote on the polls

002 ⇛

tags: @meadows5 @wnbweasley @becauseimher @ariiaeltheedonn @woahthatshitfat @miniaturehideoutmentality @kokobells @ffenthusiastt @sowhatariyana @1xtral1983 @theegoddessofmelanin @fictionalreads @roxytheimmortal @fairytale07 @rampsen @rosey1981 @lauraaan182 @lynaye1993

[softersynths]

How did Shifty feel about Ford and Stan fighting?

Does he take a side? Or does he stand to the side, and hope they work things out?

Also weridmagedeon…?

Does Shifty ever end up having at least a decent relationship with Ford or Fiddleford or both?

How does he feel about his…would they technically be his niece and nephew? Uh—second cousins I guess? American family naming conventions are confusing. I say this as someone who is half.

Also do you have sweet moments to share about Uncle Stan and Shifty/Nicky?

I want to draw a lot of this but for now I'll answer in text........

Shifty reacts like a kid watching their parents argue: with worried helplessness. At least at first. He missed Ford terribly, but Stan was a father to him for much longer. When Shifty learns that Ford intends to kick Stan out at the end of the summer, it causes a great deal of friction between them. He’s no longer the clingy pet that Ford left behind, he’s a person who loves Ford’s brother deeply, which Ford struggles to understand.

As for weirdmageddon... I think maybe he ends up with Soos for most of it. When they reunite with Stan and the refugees at the shack, Shifty is able to reconcile with McGucket, and they help build the shacktron together.

Post-canon he has a good, if occasionally strained, relationship with both of them. Negative feelings and memories are difficult for him to let go of. But he still wants family in his life, and seeing the process of Stan and Ford (as well as Tate and McGucket) reconciling helps him a lot.

I think the first time they 'meet' after McGucket gets his memory back, Shifty calls him 'Uncle Fiddleford' without really thinking about it, and all of McGucket's paranoia gets blown out of the water. His wariness of Shifty dies when he meets him with a clearing mind and sees, in place of a monster, a frightened, lonely young man - one whose feeling of loss, and confusion over his identity, he deeply relates to. McGucket's guilt and Shifty's bad memories make them hesitant to reach out to one another (and McGucket's erraticisms still startle Shifty after 30 years of avoiding them) but after Stan and Ford leave for the Arctic, they spend a lot of time catching up. They could potentially get to the point where Shifty is calling him 'Pa' rather than 'Uncle Fidds'.

He loves the twins, and wants to be liked by them. The 'Nicky' identity is invented by Shifty and Stan once they learn the twins will be staying the summer, explicitly to be a "distant cousin" that their parents "forgot about" (him being anything other than a Pines never even crossed their minds). He's distant at the beginning of the summer bc he worries about revealing himself, but becomes like a big brother to them both as he gets more settled into the role. His modus operandi when interacting with them is “what would Stan do with me” - and then he does that. A lot of riding on shoulders and affectionate noogies. He tries to steer them away from Gravity Falls' weirdness with little success. He bullies Dipper a little too. LOL.

As for sweet moments...... As a kid, Shifty would occasionally turn into a dog (or some other furry animal) and sleep next to Stan in his bed. Stan kind of misses it (he would never admit this). Shifty can also turn into inanimate objects (albeit living ones) and in the first couple winters frequently turned into scarves and coats for Stan to wear. Yes, Stan found it strange and clingy - but when you’ve spent months freezing in your car, you’ll take what you can get. Stan also teaches Shifty a lot of best practices for shoplifting and identity fraud. Which he uses frequently. lol

[sabertoothwalrus]

hi!! do you have any advice on how to finish projects faster? or at least more efficiently? i take a few days to finish a piece (1 or 2 days at minimum) and i want to learn how to refine my process

that can depend a lot on what kind of look you’re trying to achieve, and what exactly is slowing you down!

things you can do if you take too long doing lineart:

Practice sketching in pen & marker! Do exercises that train your hand to be more efficient. If you can draw the same thing with 5 lines that previously took you 20, you’ll cut down on time.

Try a different brush! Maybe the one you’re using is too soft, and you have to keep going back over the lines to make them dark enough. There might be another brush that gets the same result with less effort.

Zoom out! On paper, a drawing that’s 2 inches tall will take wayyyy less time than a drawing that’s as big as your torso. When you zoom in, you’re essentially making the whole drawing bigger. When I draw, I like to be able to see the whole pose. If you’re worried about it not being perfectly clean, I promise you, no one is paying that close attention.

Skip the lineart entirely! Odds are, your sketches might already be pretty clean. If it takes you 20 minutes to do a sketch and 2 hours to do the lineart, but the lines look almost the same, then why bother doing the lineart?

similar advice for coloring/rendering!

Maybe it’s your art software! I can color 10x faster in CSP than anything else, because CSP makes it really easy to color in flats.

Limit how many types of brushes you use. There ARE certain effects (like convincing digital watercolor) that really do need 5-10 different brushes to get the look Just Right, but going through your tool menus to swap brushes will add time. When I render (which is rare, honestly) I stick to one, maybe two painterly brushes.

other general advice:

Don’t be so hard on yourself! Honestly, 1-2 days is still objectively pretty fast!

If you’re a perfectionist who will arbitrarily spend too much time fiddling and fiddling until it’s justttttt right, try setting timers! Give yourself a predetermined amount of time for the lineart, for the coloring, for the rendering, etc and MOVE ON once that timer goes off. Not everything you do has to be your magnum opus.

Use keyboard shortcuts!!!!!!!! I don’t like using screen tablets, especially if I can’t use shortcuts. If you have a tablet with programmable buttons or some kind of remote, that can work too. I see people use bluetooth xbox controllers sometimes, which is a good option if you already have that. Personally, I use so many shortcuts that there are never enough buttons to program, so I just stick with a keyboard.

JUST KEEP AT IT! The more you draw, the faster you get. I avoided doing paneled comics for nearly 10 years cause they took so much effort, and would only do comics where each panel was its own layer/image. After enough time doing that, I eventually got good enough at everything else to do with comics that the paneling aspect wasn’t that difficult anymore.

[ryukatters]

don’t go - k. bakugo

a/n: I’m so horny for this man I can’t even think straight. This was supposed to be short and fluffy but now it’s turned into this. I would say sorry but I’m not. (Yes I am alive)

pairing: katsuki bakugo x fem! reader

wc: 1.5k

content/warnings: smut, unprotected morning s*x, begging, overstimulation, bkg is obsessed with you, also completely not proofread

Your boyfriend Katsuki is clingy. Very clingy— in all senses of the word, and you’re convinced that if you open a dictionary right now his name would show up as the very definition of it. Bakugo would live under your skin if he could, or at the very least come up with a way to keep you in his pocket. 

As lovely as your boyfriend is, his innate urge to smother you in affection poses a problem in times like these— early mornings where you have to get up and get ready for work. 

“Katsuki, I need to go to work. Go back to your side of the bed.”

“Just quit,” he murmurs, “I’ll take care of ya.” 

“As appealing as that sounds, no. I need to get up and do my part as a functioning member of society.” Any attempt to leave your shared bed is shut down by Bakugo, his strength easily overpowering yours as he wraps his arms around you and lays on top of you. 

“But you’re my pillow,” he says with a bit of a sigh, pressing his into the crook of your neck, melting further into you. His hot breath tickles your skin, and it’s enough to have your heart pounding along with a familiar warmth in between your legs. Katsuki is observant to a fault, he knows you better than the back of his own hand, and knows just what to do to turn you into putty. 

His hands snake up under your (read: his) shirt, kneading your breasts. You let out a sharp gasp as he tweaks your nipples and sucks a love bite at the junction of your neck. He hums in appreciation as he slowly leaves a trail of wet kisses down your stomach, stopping just as he reaches your underwear. 

He traces your slit, eyes darkening as the fabric begins to dampen with your slick. “So wet for me already, baby.” It’s not a question, it’s a fact that he already knew. Katsuki wastes no time sliding the garment down your legs. He takes a moment to run his hands up and down both your thighs before prying your legs further apart, exposing yourself to him completely. He can feel his mouth water at the sight of you. 

Katsuki can’t help but moan the minute his lips attach themselves to your clit, sucking fervently. “Always taste so good, princess.” 

You take a moment to glance down, which proves to be a mistake. Katsuki’s practically making out with your pussy, and when his eyes meet yours, they’re nothing short of lovesick. His vermillion orbs draw you in, and they’re absolutely magnetizing. You have to close your eyes to stave off your orgasm for a little longer. 

Katsuki can’t help but grind against the edge of the bed to feel some sort of release. He’s so fucking hard. He thinks he’s growing delirious. Katsuki swears he can cum from the taste of your pussy and the sound of your angelic voice filling the room with a sweet symphony. When you let out a particularly breathy call of his name, he has to will himself not to finish in his boxers, which is already usually a difficult enough task on its own, but now it's almost impossible from how impossibly hard he is with morning wood.

You grind against his mouth, hands carding through his hair as your orgasm rapidly approaches. Katsuki is more than eager to be used as a means of getting there. Even as you cum, he continues to fuck your hole with his tongue and lapping up your pussy. It’s only when you begin to push him away does he feel the need to lean back, a loud pop reverberating as he does. 

“You gonna be a good girl and let me take care of ya?”

“Mmm, fuck. Yes, ‘ki.”

“Good girl,” he coos, his lips pressing against yours with fervor. You allow him to deepen the kiss, sucking on his tongue. He moans appreciatively, hips stuttering as he continues to grind against you. The head of his cock bumps against your clit over and over, smearing precum all over your pussy. His tip just barely presses against your fluttering hole, and you can feel your insides ache with anticipation and utter need.

He’s teasing you. You’re overstimulated yet somehow unsatisfied. Your pussy is craving to be stretched out, and Katsuki is making sure he’s doing everything but that. He likes getting you like this— needy, clingy, nearly delirious as you beg for him. He likes to think of it as reparations for how insane you make him feel on the daily. 

You’re not sure how much more you can take. 

“Katsuki, please,” you whine, lifting your hips to grind against his dick, hoping to get what you want, what you need. You look up at Katsuki and for a moment, you think you’ve got him— think that you’d be able to look at him with those doe eyes and get what you want easily, like always. He never could refuse you.

But he merely smirks, and uses one hand to press you back down into the mattress. 

“Tell me what you want, princess. You know I’ll make it good for you.” 

“Want you to fuck me, ‘ki.” 

“Yeah?”

“Mhm,” you whine sweetly. 

“I’ll give you what you want baby,” he affirms, the timbres of his voice reaching the depths of your soul. He uses both hands to press both of your legs by your shoulders, cock lined at your entrance. I always do, don’t I?

You can’t stop the moan that tumbles out of your lips as he fills you up. Katsuki presses a kiss against your forehead, relishing in the way you tighten around his dick. 

The familiar coil that’s been forming in your tummy is threatening to unravel, if your stuttered moans and breaths are any indication. Katsuki seems to know this too, as he pulls out right before you hit your climax. You whine at the sudden lack of overwhelming pressure, and Katsuki’s quick to silence you with a hard stare. 

His breath ghosts against your lips, vermillion eyes burning into yours with intense, unspoken passion. “What’s wrong, princess?”

You shake your head in the negative. “Wanna cum, Katsuki. Please.” 

He starts thrusting again, slowly and with purpose. His eyes never leave yours. It doesn’t take long for you to be on the brink of an orgasm again. “You want to cum, right baby?” He smiles when he sees you nod. “You can cum,” he says carefully, “but only if you do one thing for me.” 

“I’ll do anything Kats,” you manage to choke out. Katsuki continues to pound into you, the sound of skin slapping filling the room. You really would do anything, Katsuki’s own desire and utter want for you is so persuasive that you feel compelled to follow. 

“Don’t leave,” he whispers, lips pressing a chaste kiss against yours. “Stay with me, today.” There’s an urgency behind his words despite them being said so softly. 

Fuck it. 

You barely manage to let out a stuttered “yes, ‘ki,” before you reach your peak. The pleasure rolls over you in waves, tears threatening to spill as Katsuki continues to drill into you, chasing his own high. A few particularly rough thrusts punctuated by staggered moans let you know that he’s cumming. 

Katsuki manages to plop right next to you, bed shifting under his weight. You lock eyes as you both try to catch your breaths. He gives you a quick smile before pressing a kiss to your sweaty temple, one arm wrapping around you to pull you against him.

“So…” he starts, his eyes brimming with satisfaction, lips upturned into a smirk. He knows he’s won. “Ready for round 2?”

[legendofmorons]

Written in the stars (forever on loop) chapter nine - Poker face

Pairing: pre poly! Chain x reader, Wind & reader

Rating: T

Summary: When plans are interrupted you find yourself with some skulltulas. Thankfully you reunite with the chain, unfortunately the reunion dosen’t last as long as you want.

(Aka: Spooky meets the chain and Warriors wouldn't let me give him a gentle realization... also Sky is have a Bad time at the end (off screen but you'll see why)

Warnings: Spiders, cursing, Canon typical violence, minor injury, water

Other: If I missed anything, please let me know.

Previous Masterlist Next

-------

Dark sits in the shadows with his darling lamb, watching excitedly as Onyx's plan takes effect. He watches wave after wave of increasingly difficult monsters swarm the damnable heroes.

"What do you think, my dearest viper?" Onyx asks as they lean their head onto his shoulder.

Dark gives a vicious grin that's far more like a shark than a hylian. "Your cruelty is unmatched."

"Flattery will get you everywhere," Onyx purrs in a voice like honey covered blades.

Dark chuckles, pressing a kiss to their forehead.

There's the sound of a scream from a monster and a few curses.

"Perhaps a few more lynels?" Onyx muses to themselves.

"Why not draw it out?" Dark suggests.

"Oh, I am."

There's a ripple of light magic that reeks of Hylia. A shift in the world as a portal opens.

Dark growls lowly, "I sent them away!"

Onyx frowns, looking up at him. "What?"

"The Golden Bitch herself sent (Y/n) here."

"No," Onyx hisses.

"Would I lie to you?"

Onyx mutters darkly and pulls on their magic to call off the other waves. Of course Hylia is able ruin everything. She's very good at it.

Dark is quick to pull at his own magic to try to get the more dangerous monsters away for the moment.

There's urgency neither wants to examine. They don't have time for it anyway.

Stupid Hylia, always ruining their fun.

"Demise curse it," Onyx sneers.

There's an urgency to it that neither wants to examine. It's not any personalized attachment it's just buissness.

The monsters that were practically queuing up are sent to other times without a thought.

"I really hate geozards," Wind groans from his fight.

Onyx snickers, "Good."

Dark sighs, "If only this wasn't interrupted."

"Come on, we should get out of here before they finish these off," Onyx sighs.

They both stand, and Dark snags his darling lamb's hand with a grin.

Onyx lets him drag them away, running after him as they keep their fingers lacing together. They aren't looking to be separated again.

"You got those skulltulas, right?" Onyx asks.

"Maybe!" Dark calls as he sinks them through the shadows and into a place far enough away to not see the heroes.

He's had enough of their faces.

"I'm sure it'll be fine," Onyx says, mostly to assure themselves.

-------

You don't sleep well the night after you go through the portal alone. Spooky is a reassurance, but making camp by yourself in a strange place is... not your favorite.

Morning comes to chase away the dreams of a past you aren't ready to fully delve into yet. Phantom touches almost linger, but they are easy to brush aside.

Knowing for sure that you are the Hero's Soulmate is strange. Soulmates are such a strange concept, at least to you.

How can you be that lucky? To have a perfect match every lifetime?

Knowing you've lived multiple lives in this world is even stranger.

It explains a lot, though.

Is the fact that you're both Link's soulmate and someone who's lived a dozen or more lives in Hyrule account for you being so heavily drawn to the Legend of Zelda?

Does it make your fascination forgivable?

You can't say.

You aren't sure it matters...

But now that you accept the truth, you are remembering more and more. To the point you are ready to go shake your past lives because who is that far gone on some man? (You are, apparently.)

Breakfast isn't anything fancy, just a little bit of the rations you got from older Wind. It's enough to keep you going though, and that is always a plus.

("Breakfast is important, Sunshine!" An older teen with sandy hair defends as he presses your favorite meal into your hands because he knows you've been so busy you are forgetting to eat sometimes.)

After you eat, you start walking again, following Spooky.

Spooky seems to have a destination in mind, moving around confidently.

Every once in a while, they pounce on a leaf or make a low chitter sound at a bird they can't reach.

It's adorable in the 'kitty!' sense.

(Who knew ambush predators could be so sweet? Oh, that's right, every cat person ever.)

Walking alone where you have no idea where you are and the knowledge monsters could be anywhere is awful. You think you prefer the tension that the boys have going on. At least they also provide security and extra swords.

There's a deep empathy for each of your ... the ... your boys. (They are your boys, though, aren't they?)

Each of them have been alone like this, especially Wild, Sky, and Hyrule.

Spooky rubs against you as if sensing that you need to come out of your mind to focus on your surroundings.

It's probably a mile or two in that you hear hissing and clicking.

Oh shit.

That can't be a skulltula... right?

You turn to the right and catch sight of a good five skulltulas. Two in the trees and one on the ground.

Great.

You know what's worse than one giant evil spider?

Five.

Five giant evil spiders are worse.

These are so much more terrifying in person.

"Well... fuck," You groan.

Is running an option?

You hesitate too long.

The spiders are already almost to you.

Fuck.

("Skulltulas are the worst," an older teen bemoans to you as you comb your fingers through his hair. "Getting them off walls is still in my nightmares.")

How are you even supposed to flip these things to get to their weak spot?

You step back a little to create some more space and grab your sword.

Spooky growls low and long, tail swishing as they stand at your side.

The fight is a blur. Half instinct and half clumsy inexperience leads to what is probably a weird show.

Dodge.

Kick.

Strike.

Deflect.

Pain laces through your leg at a branch ripping into the skin.

Blood.

Spooky flips a skulltula with a growl.

You plunge your sword into the beasts weak spot.

It dissapears in a shrieking hiss and puff of dark magic.

"Good kitty!" You call.

The fight goes on like this.

You keep the attention, dodging and sometimes stumbling, while Spooky waits to ambush and flip them over.

You finish off the last skulltula with a victorious cry.

As soon as you finish the last spider off, you look to Spooky.

"Good kitty!" You declare again.

Spooky sits down and starts panther bath time.

Which is probably a good plan.

You put your sword and shield back where they go before taking stock of your own injuries.

There's the cut on your shin, shallow but painful and bleeding.

There's quite a few bruises.

Wincing, you press your fingers to a sore spot on your bicep. The bruise there isn't any fun but you'll live.

You could use potion from Legend, but you don't want to waste it on something like this. There's something in your mind that says you need to save it for something worse.

("If we're ever separated and you're low on supplies, you should try to conserve potions and faries, firefly," a man says gently as he wraps you in his arms. "I hate to say it, but still...")

These half memories are driving you up a wall, and they don't even have a license to drive. It feels like there should be commercials for a class action lawsuit.

You sigh, reaching into your pack for your water and some bandages.

You'll have to clean it better later, but for now, clean water to rinse and sterile bandages is better than leaving it open to the elements.

You rinse the cut and wrap bandages around it. You tie off the bandages before putting everything else away.

By the time you're ready to move more, Spooky is sniffing the air. They sniff the air the way that cats do when they smell something they want.

Oh?

Spooky starts walking into the trees before they stop and look back to you.

Well, who are you to ignore them?

You follow them into the trees.

Spooky leads you through the forest with insistent looks and lashing tail. They seem antsy about moving to wherever they are leading you, and after the ambush of skulltulas, you are eager to follow.

Stupid spiders.

"Where are you bringing me?" You ask as you duck under a branch.

Spooky stops, tossing you a look as their tail lashes a little faster.

"Oh, come on, Spooky, I'm exhausted. I hate those stupid spiders."

Spooky lets out a crooning sound and levels you a look.

You laugh, reaching the panther and scratching behind Spooky's ear. "Thank you for saving me, pumpkin."

Spooky rubs up into your palm before they stand and start walking again.

They walk a little slower this time, leading you until you are just before a clearing and you can hear voices.

Oh...

Did Spooky just bring you back to the boys?

Bad kitty!

(You don't mean that Spooky is an angel.)

Well, if this is how things are going to be... at least you won't be the only one with a sword now.

(And if you are honest... it's sort of a nice idea to stay with your boys and get to know them again.)

Spooky sits in the treeline, waiting for you.

You huff, breaking through the trees, "Really? This is what you wanted me to see?"

The entire chain has stopped what they're doing to look over.

Several go still.

At least six pairs of eyes go wide.

Wind gasps, calling your name excitedly.

You wave, "Hey, sailor."

Epona neighs happily before trotting away from where Twilight is brushing her and over to you.

Spooky sits just behind the treeline, watching.

You gasp, hugging Epona happily when she reaches you. "Sweetheart!"

Epona huffs affectionately, bumping her muzzle along your shoulder.

You happily fish out an apple to pass to the mare. You hear the youngest snicker at the sight.

"What are you doing here?" Wind asks as he joins you and Epona. "What happened to your leg?"

"Spooky lead me here after some skulltulas got the drop on us." You wave off, stepping to the side but still petting Epona.

You don't want to come off as weak or childish... and really... there are worse monsters.

("Don't downplay your feelings just because others might have it worse. Your experiences matter, my love," a man with a green headband and mossy eyes says as he presses a kiss to your cheek.)

"Skulltulas?" Legend asks tightly. "Are you okay?"

"Spooky?" Wind asks.

"Yes, I'm fine - oh!" You glance around realizing that Spooky hasn't come out. Well, now, that is just rude. You call out, "Spooky, here kitty kitty kitty!"

"A cat?" Twilight perks up.

Wild and Hyrule also seem curious.

Spooky stalks out and runs themselves to you on the side opposite of Epona before going to sniff Wind.

"That is not a cat!" Legend tenses immediately, eyes wide.

"Get that - thing 'way from Epona!" Twilight hisses, rushing towards his horse.

"Wind get back here." Warriors says sharply.

Wind laughs, letting Spooky sniff him. The boy seems fairly unbothered and almost seems to feel a rush of delight.

Twilight grabs Epona's reigns and tries to tug the mare away only to be met with an unwilling to move horse.

"Hey now, Spooky is a good kitty." You say, reaching out to pet the panther.

"That's not a cat!" Twilight manages.

Several others make sounds of agreement.

Time looks like he's silently praying.

Sky looks ready to laugh or cry.

Four is not looking at you, fists clenching so tightly his knuckles are white.

Legend still hasn't let his muscles relax.

Spooky rubs along Wind happily before circling around to sniff Epona.

Twilight gets between Spooky and Epona, hand on the hilt of his sword.

"Hey! You hurt my cat, and I have to break your legs." You say sharply, genral animal love over riding any dislike for conflict you may have.

"If yer- pet hurts Epona-" Twilight grits out.

"Spooky won't."

"That thing -"

Spooky slips by Twilight and weaves between Epona's legs, purring as they rub up on the mare.

"What in blazes?" Twilight gapes.

"Good kitty!" You clap.

Spooky weaves around to you again, sitting at your side. Their tail lashes as if daring the chain to comment further.

"Where'd you find Spooky?" Wind asks with bright eyes.

"Spooky found me, walked right up to me in town while I was sitting outside. They like napping on me."

"D'ya have some sorta magic over animals?" Twilight wonders

"No?"

"Let me get this straight," Sky says slowly, his voice tight as he walks over. "Some stray panther came up to you in the middle of a town, and you- let it nap on you now?"

The wood carver looks like you could push him over by blowing on him.

"Yes. You can't move a sleeping cat," you say as if this is obvious.

Really thought that's just one of the rules of being a cat lover.

"That is a panther!" Legend calls with a straining voice.

"Big cat." You shrug.

"Predator!" Warriors groans.

"Hylia, help us," Four manages weakly.

You wave them off. "Spooky is a good kitty. They helped me kill giant evil spiders."

Spooky preens as if they understand that they're being praised.

"You're my hero." Wind informs you breathlessly.

"What? Why?"

"I want a pet panther."

"I think I'm Spooky's pet." You laugh.

Spooky just starts purring.

Wind laughs, too.

"Wind no one is getting you a panther," Warriors grits out lowly.

Wild is creeping over now, staring at Spooky with bright eyes.

Ah, yes, champion of the wilds... of course, he wants to meet the big cat.

He's always so good with animals.

("That is a bear - why are you trying to register a bear at my stable?" A man demands as someone with a bow on their back grins down at him.)

Spooky looks to Wild and yawns.

"We are not keeping a panther," Time says as he pinches the bridge of his nose.

You frown immediately, "Why not? Spooky's a good kitty."

"We don't keep wild animals as pets," Time sighs.

"He's right," Twilight agrees immediately.

Warriors crosses his arms, "Panthers are dangerous."

"You guys keep Wolfie," You protest on instinct despite knowing the wolf in question is really just Twilight.

It's maybe a little underhanded, but you really want to keep Spooky!

Also, it's probably easier for everyone if you aren't separated since Spooky dosen’t like that.

Stretching the truth still feels a little weird...

You've committed, though.

"That's different," Twilight defends quickly.

To be fair to him, it is different.

"Spooky is friendly! They kill monsters, they hunt their own food, they're a good gaurd cat," You reason.

Warriors just stares at you with the most deadpan look to date. "That is a wild animal."

"Preadators are horrible pets," Legend grits out.

"Still think I might be Spooky's pet," you shrug.

Hyrule bites his lip before he mutters something to himself. Looking somewhere between amusement and disappointment.

"Not better," Four manages finally.

Wind rolls his eyes, "Spooky seems fun!"

"We can't just keep a panther," Four says as he stares at the panther in question.

"Counter point," Hyrule pipes up, "How are you going to get rid of a panther that's adopted someone?"

The others all fall silent, trying to take this question in. It's a good question.

How do you separate a panther from their person?

Wild manages to kneel by Spooky and begins petting them. A soft, wondrous smile spreads on his face.

You smile softly, "See? Spooky's sweet! Isn't that right, pumpkin?"

Spooky gives a low rumble.

"Farore on a stick," Legend groans, earning himself several dirty looks.

"Spooky's a good kitty. They helped me kill skulltulas! And you saw that they like Epona!" You coax, repeating several earlier points.

Spooky is purring now, happy to lean into Wild's hands.

Twilight just stares at you with a face that a mix between resignment, fondness, grief, and exhaustion.

"If this goes poorly we get rid of Spooky," Time sighs.

Sky, Legend, and Four look distinctly sea sick.

Warriors looks like he might scream.

"Yes!" Wind beams.

You smile at the kid, trying to ignore the fact that you know his future. That's a weird thought.

At least you know he lives through this.

"Yer sure Spooky is friendly?" Twilight asks, something weighty in the words.

"To us? Absolutely!" You say firmly.

Twilight frowns but he steps closer.

He steps close enough to hold a hand out to Spooky.

Oh!

Oh yeah!

Twilight is a cat person.

("The barn cat had kittens today 'n they're cuter than a bug in a rug, darlin'!" A man grins at you as he takes your hand, alreadytuggingyou towards the barn.)

Spooky sniffs the hand and then nudges it with their nose.

Twilight steps closer again and starts petting their face gin slow and cautious movement.

A smile starts to creep up on his face. Something deep in your soul soothes at the image. He has a nice smile.

(You miss it.)

You glance around the others while Twilight, Wild, and Wind love on Spooky.

Warriors and Time stand together now, discussing something in tight tones.

Legend and Hyrule sit together and keep eyeing Spooky. Hyrule seems curious, but Legend looks ready to run.

Sky and Four are also eying Spooky, but Sky seems curious in addition to weary.

You frown.

Legend looks ready to absolutely bolt, and Four doesn't look much better.

Oh.

Right.

Minish and rabbits are technically prey.

Fairies are hit or miss...

Four won't look at you.

It makes your heart writhe and flail miserably, but it's obvious enough. Four doesn't want anything to do with you just now.

It hurts to know he dosen’t want to speak with you, but that's his right.

You move away from Spooky and the three males who are loving the panther up and start towards Legend and Hyrule.

Legend looks to you with wide eyes when you stop before him and Hyrule.

"Are you two okay?" You ask.

"Uh- fine!" Hyrule says way too fast.

"Just... not a fan of wild animals..." Legend manages faintly.

You smile softly, fondness you aren't ready to examine the origin of seeping into your being. "It's going to be okay. Spooky won't attack, and if for whatever reason they do, I'll stop them."

Legend swallows hard, "Don't do that. It's fine..."

"Hey, it's going to be okay, I pro-" You start only for Hyrule to interrupt.

"No promises!" Hyrule yelps as he grips his tunic in both hands tightly.

"Okay?" You manage, more confusion than anything.

Oh.

Promises.

Like in the dream.

("Honeybee, you have to be very, very careful when you interact with the Fae," an older teen says as he holds your hand in both of his. "You can't make Promises with a fairie. That's so dangerous... even if it's me.")

"Just... I don't like Promises." Hyrule says softer, looking away.

"Okay, that's okay. I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry. It will be okay, though. Spooks is a sweetheart."

"I- Jesus jumped up christ," Legend laughs shakily, "Who gets adopted by a panther?"

You shrug a little, "Me, apparently. Maybe I'll befriend a rabbit next."

The rabbit comment is a spur of the moment joke out of your mouth before you register it.

Legend's ears dust pink at the tips, his eyes are wider yet. He almost squeaks when he asks, "Rabbit?"

"You never know," you say.

Legend just nods dumbly.

"Is your leg okay?" Hyrule asks, bringing the injury up again.

"There's a dull ache, but I'm fine it's not too bad."

Legend looks you over, hand twitching as if he wants to touch you and is holding himself back.

Apparently accepting that you're their soulmate allows your memories and intuition to start surfacing more.

It's... strange and sort of nice to know the chain so much better... but you already know them, even before.

This makes your head hurt.

"I could heal it?" Hyrule's offers.

You shake your head, "No thanks. Save your magic, I'll be okay."

"Are you sure?" Hyrule frowns.

"I'm sure," you say.

Your words don't seem to reassure either man much, but they seem to drop it.

"Well, it's good the skulltulas didn't win," Legend manages faintly.

Hyrule elbows his predecessor sharply.

You snort. "I'm glad about it too."

Legend gives a weak smile.

"You should go get Spooky before Twilight tries to pick them up," Hyrule says with a soft laugh as he points to the scene behind you.

That's probably a good idea.

You offer your most reassuring smile, "Spooks will love you, trust me."

You turn to go save Twilight's spine from his apparent need to lift a panther.

"We should keep moving soon," Time calls out.

-------

Warriors watches you, Wind, and Legend. The captain notes how Sky is in front of you walking with Four. nearby but far enough away for you not to pull him into the conversation.

You're snickering as Wind flits about you and Spooky.

Warriors still can't believe you have a panther.

His Dove would never bring a panther to the group.

Wait.

Fuck.

His Dove would absolutely do that.

He gives a slow, heavy sigh that does nothing to diminish the aching fondness.

Warriors shouldn't think you bringing home a random panther is adorable. He really, really shouldn't.

He does anyway.

He finds himself tuning into your conversation.

"Keep your panther on the other side of you," Legend groans when Spooky tries to sniff him again.

You snort, gently pushing Spooky away. "Be nice, pumpkin."

Legend just sighs, "I can't believe you're calling that predator something so sweet."

"What can I say? It fits," You laugh, scratching Spooky's face.

Wind glares at Legend. "Are you giving them shit about the best cat ever?"

Warriors agrees with the groan Legend gives.

"Wind," you sigh.

"All I'm saying is that hearing a predator get called 'pumpkin' is strange," Legend says easily.

"That's ridiculous," Wind scoffs.

"Okay, well, Ledge has a point," you shrug.

"Ledge?" Wind snickers.

Legend just sighs heavily, with far more token exhaustion than anything. "Just shut up, sailor."

"What, you don't mind being called Ledge?" Wind grins.

"I won't call you that if you don't want me to?" You offer.

Warriors can barely stand this conversation, and he isn't even in it.

"It's fine," Legend says with only a little panic. You know the normal amount of panic.

"You sure?"

"It's fine," Legend waves off.

"Oh, that bridge dosen’t look steady," Hyrule says from ahead.

That last bit feel ominous...

The group gathers around Time a few feet from the bridge.

"Maybe one at a time?" Warriors suggests.

There's a few rounds of agreement, and then there's the debate of who goes first.

Wild and Time go first.

Then Hyrule and Sky

Then Wind and Twilight go.

Four goes after that with Legend.

Your turn comes, and you cross it, with Warriors, making it halfway before the bridge breaks, and you both fall.

There's a heart-stopping stillness and cracking sounds.

Warriors manages to make panicking eye contact with Time as the old man grabs Legend and Sky to stop them from running at you two.

The bridge gives out, and all Warriors can hear is screaming and air.

There's screaming of both of your names and Warriors has just enough sense to reach out and grab your wrist.

His hand closes around your wrist just before you both plunge into the river.

All sense of direction is lost in the current.

Water rushes around him, pressure changing.

He tightens his grip on your wrist.

Light is visible.

Warriors feels you try to get to the light, so he kicks his feet to try and help, still holding your wrist.

There's pressure and then -

Warriors breaks the surface in time to see you.

You give shuttering, wheezing coughs.

He hopes this is the worst of your problems.

-------

Next

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[study-diaries]

How To Study Multiple Subjects

As someone who had studied 4 subjects plus 2 languages and additional courses and extra curricular when i was homeschooled and in high school, obviously i got used to studying multiple subjects. It's fairly easy and interesting.

Here's the thing, multiple subjects is a blessing in disguise. It's easy to study many subjects because you have variety. Your brain loves variety. So, here's some tips...

Maintain Good Study Material

The mistake most students make is that they don't have the basic ground foundation. They don't know what's on the syllabus, how its structure is. Literally nothing. Many students i know, only search for their materials like two days before their exam and they panic. So, gather the following at the beginning of the school year/semester:

Textbooks (If you have any)

Practice papers

Previous year papers

Extra reading materials/ Reference books

If you don't have any textbooks. Go through the topics that you have and gather resources from different sources.

Different Notebooks For Every Subjects

I really don't understand the concept of using a single notebook for like 5-6 subjects. Like, you literally can't manage it. Even if you divide sections in the book, it will get confusing and sometimes the pages won't even be enough. So, just get a notebook for each subject. It will help you stay organized.

Divide Subjects.

Every subject is learnt and graded in a different way. You can’t use the same study techniques for every subject you have. You have mostly 3 types of subjects:

Memorization based

Practical/Question based

Theory/Essay based

You use different study techniques for different subjects. Memorization based subjects require more revision. Practical/Question based subjects require more practice. Theory based subjects require you to learn how to format your information.

Read up more: Division Of Subjects

Easy VS Difficult Subjects For You

Take a paper and write all your subjects. Now, draw a line and write your difficult subjects on one side and easy subjects on the other side. And then rate it from the most interesting to the most boring and categorize it. And then rank them on which ones take the same place. You'll get an idea of where you stand with your subjects and now you can study accordingly.

2 Subjects Per Day

This is the most important one i always recommend. If you're studying, then only 2 subjects per day should be taken up for it. Pair an interesting subject with a lighter one. If you hate accounts or find it difficult but you love English, then that's your combo. Make combinations and write them down. You can change them any day based on mood or you can keep them the same. It's up to you.

Standard Subject

I usually like to have at least one standard subject every day. That was accounts for me because i was so bad at it. The goal is not to ignore the subject until it is harder than usual. The goal is to study it every day. That subject must be your weakest one.

Breaks

Breaks are really necessary. I advise you to not allot a certain time limit for the break. Rather take a break when you actually feel tired. If you've worked for 2 hours straight, then you deserve an hour of rest. If you worked for just 30 mins and you feel tired, take 15 mins as your break. Divide your work time by half and that is your break time.

Subject Alignment With Energy

Your weakest subject must be done in your highest energy in order for you to grasp the actual concepts. That's the main aspect of it. Low energy = Easy subjects. High energy = Harder subjects. You have to identify your core energy grids and align your subjects accordingly.

Chunk Information

Group all your facts together. Instead of studying like everything is completely unrelated, study like it's all connected. If you want to learn something, chunk all your facts together. Create a visual chunk. Make everything related.

Use Mnemonics & Storytelling

Learn with these two. These help you to remember easily. Make stories and catchy phrases to remember points/facts. These are like the building blocks of studying anything. Stick small notes to your books writing the small stories and phrases beside the topic so the next time you want to revise it, it's easy.

Cheat Sheets

Create small cheat sheets. Write them down. No digital notes. Because you have physical copies. Make formulae sheets, theories, everything for every subject you are learning and keep them in different folders. Don't mix your sheets. You'll get overwhelmed. During revision, this will help a lot.

Fake Exams & Improvement Sheets

Create a fake exam environment. Sit on your desk with a timer, take a question paper and act as if you're actually writing the exam. Do this at least once and note everything. How much time you take to answer each question. What are your mistakes. Which section is your weakest. Note them down and most importantly, your overall improvements you should make.

For me, I did this for accounts, and it gave me so much clarity especially the improvements. I used to go through this improvement sheet before my actual exam and i did not repeat even a single mistake again. The trick is to keep updating the sheet by adding improvements from your actual exams too.

Testing At Random Times

I did this mostly during travel time. If i learnt a specific topic some time ago. And if i had nothing to do then I'd just mentally ask myself a question about that topic and answer it. Many times, even i am surprised the questions i ask, it gives a deep understanding of the topic. I used to even connect it to other concepts. Ask questions relating both. It's even better if you jump from one subject to the other.

Connect Similar Topic

Connect all your related subjects. Everything in school is somehow connected. I usually used to connect economics and business studies concepts. Sometimes even computers so... Connect them.

Practice Subjects Need More Time

Subjects like Accountancy, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Maths need more time because they are in one way more practical. They require practice. Whether it be experiments o through sums. Invest more time in these subjects.

PYQ's

Use past year question papers because nothing shows important topics like pyq's. Note and mark the repeated questions and review them repeatedly. This really helps.

Read up more: How do you actually use previous year question papers

__________________

Hope this helps :))

[suzukiblu]

WIP excerpt for belconna behind the cut; “Damian gets a Pocket”. (( chrono || non-chrono ))

The rest of the school day passes uneventfully. Damian takes a math test and completes a science lab and turns in an English paper and draws several studies in art class and still does not encounter Beloved’s point of origin, and remains unsurprised. He did not expect to, after all. 

Beloved’s point of origin needs Robin; not Damian Wayne. 

And certainly not Damian al-Ghul. 

Beloved remains concealed for the duration of the day, and after classes conclude, Pennyworth picks Damian–picks them up, Damian supposes. Though it is not an occurrence that he will have cause to become used to, so it hardly matters. 

Or rather, it is–unnecessary, again. 

Obviously. 

Damian submits a request for a detour in their standard route. Pennyworth acquiesces. Damian continues to not understand the unneeded additional steps in a process that could be accomplished with a single order, but Father’s household is hardly as efficient as Damian had once assumed it must be. Unfortunately, a lack of efficiency does not change the standards of behavior currently in place, nor the manners considered appropriate, and so Damian currently must be “polite” by Father’s standards by wasting both his and Pennyworth’s time and energy. 

Damian does not comprehend how wasting finite resources and creating unneeded distractions can be considered polite by any standards whatsoever, but Father has proven to be uninterested in outside opinions of his household’s behaviors. When Damian has previously made requests of various household members to be presented with the logic behind Father’s standards and the application thereof, he has typically been addressed as if he is being deliberately difficult or purposefully misunderstanding, and the requested explanation is is either not provided or is delivered in unclear terms that do not, in fact, present any form of explanation. 

Damian has since moved on to independent research, given the subpar quality of available intel. His research has yet to yield any reasonable explanation of Father’s “polite” inefficiency either, but it is less irritating a process and he is confident in his ability to eventually deduce one. 

Though that is also a waste of time and energy, if again an unfortunately unavoidable one. 

The detour is to a small mid-end shop, its wares largely generic and inexpensive but generally acceptable. It specializes in Pocket-appropriate goods and services. Pockets of course have no true material “needs”, in the sense that they do not require food or water or environmentally-suitable clothing or protection; do not even require medical care or armor. They cannot starve or dehydrate or be injured, even by other Pockets. 

Yet Beloved showed up looking bruised and hungry all the same, and even if he had not . . . 

Damian would best arrange for his comfort either way, though he is certain Father will not approve of the indulgence. The . . . distraction. 

It is only temporary, so it will not matter, Damian tells himself. 

It will not. 

He uses the personal discretionary funds that Father refers to as his “allowance” to purchase a basic supply set of the sort that is traditionally exchanged between newly-recognized soulmates in several cultures, though most certainly not in the League. The practice is old-fashioned in America, but logical in Damian’s eyes as a provided demonstration of shared investment in the developed bond, and proof of both capability and willingness to provide. Typically Pockets manifest after the relevant soulmates have known each other for some time, so it is a natural enough method to display such investment and ability, in his opinion. 

Using his personal discretionary funds for this effort will, Damian presumes, at least make Father less disapproving of the indulgence. Father has attempted to encourage him to purchase other indulgent things with it, after all. Damian has not yet deduced which specific indulgences Father will consider to be acceptable, but the fact that he is making an effort to purchase something that qualifies as one may make Father less disapproving of just which one it is. 

That is not likely, but at least referring to Father’s previous statements is a reasoning that Damian can present if questioned. 

He cannot imagine Beloved’s point of origin being in a situation where he could perform the traditional exchange of supply sets, but it remains . . . unnecessary. Damian’s “allowance” is more than sufficient to provide for Beloved. 

He momentarily considered the appropriateness of purchasing a matched pair of supply sets, but . . . 

It is unnecessary. Whatever Pocket manifested from . . . him would have no need of nor desire for such supplies, and therefore Beloved’s point of origin need not supply them. Such a set would only prove an inconvenience to one clearly in a compromised position in life and likely unstable housing, either way. There is no purpose in Damian burdening his soulmate with such inconveniences. 

The Pocket will not last either way, and so it would be–disingenuous, Damian thinks, to present Beloved’s point of origin with such an item. 

Or more accurately it would be . . . unfair, perhaps, when their Pockets will only be temporary. Likely a civilian would have expectations upon manifesting a Pocket; expectations that Damian could not fulfill for them. Expectations that they would likely be–disappointed, to not see met. So it would be disrespectful to waste their time in such a fashion as pretending otherwise. 

Father can insist that he waste Pennyworth’s time, if that is his preference, but Beloved’s point of origin is . . . not of concern to Father. Beloved will only be a temporary presence, so nothing about his presence need be any concern of Father’s. 

Damian will handle the situation in the way that he is required to–Robin will handle the situation in the way that he is required to–and that is all. 

Beloved remains concealed for the duration of Damian’s time in the shop as well. He did not hide from Pennyworth or Drake in the manor, nor hide from Pennyworth in the towncar, but the school and shop both he kept himself hidden for. Damian observes and notes the information–recalls that he revealed Beloved to Drake deliberately after hiding him himself, and that Drake has Pockets of his own–but is less certain of why Pennyworth was an exception. 

. . . it may have been the drop scones, Damian reflects resignedly, and finds it outright depressing that Beloved came out for drop scones, of all things.

[cheapshrimpysheep]

Sending Love - Part 2

SUMMARY: How do they react to seeing you make a heart with your hands for them in the classroom? And how do they reciprocate you?

CHARACTERS: Scarabia (Kalim; Jamil); Pomefiore (Vil; Epel; Rook); Ignihyde (Idia; Ortho) & Diasomnia (Malleus; Silver; Sebek; Lilia)

TAGS: Fluff; GN Reader; Bullet Points

WORD COUNT: An average of 200 words per character.

COMMENTS: Some are longer than others because some of them would take longer to reciprocate your heart. Or at least I think they would. And since I decided to write for all students and there are 22 of them, I divided this into 2 parts.

Sending Love - Part 1

CONTEXT: You two are in the same classroom (for whatever reason) sitting relatively far from each other. It was a class with Professor Trein.

Kalim is easily distracted. And now that you're in the same room as him it's difficult for him to concentrate for more than two minutes in class.

When you look at him, he is looking and smiling at you with his chin resting in his hands.

As soon as you make a heart with your hands for him, he at first is surprised, but in the next second his smile gets bigger, and he reciprocates your heart by doing the same with his hands in a very non-subtle way.

Which makes Professor Trein draw his attention and give him a quick scolding. And consequently to you too, because it was obvious who Kalim was looking at.

He will continue to be distracted by your presence despite everything.

After class he will apologize for making the professor scolding you too. But he doesn't want to apologize with just words, so he invites you to go eat lunch at Scarabia.

Jamil is practically never distracted, but he is always attentive and with his guard up. So it's not difficult for him to feel that you are looking at him.

He discreetly looks at you with a look that says a polite "What?"

You make a heart with your hands for him and he automatically blushes, and looks away from you as if he wanted to hide his face.

But then, he realizes that you might think he doesn't feel the same way about you and decides to look back at you while your gaze is still on him.

He's still flattered and slightly embarrassed when he makes a heart with his thumb and forefinger for you.

After that, every now and then, he will look at you for a moment. And if you notice and look at him with a smile, he will try to hide his slight flattered smile with one of his hands.

Vil isn’t the type to get distracted in class, but he is the type to check in on the other students for a moment. Or at least the students who interest him. Which, in addition to the other Pomefiore students, right now, is also you.

If, by chance, you're not looking at him, he'll be happy that you're paying attention in class. If you are looking at him, he will also smile, but in a smug way. He understands that you can't help but look at him, but you need to be attentive in class, sweet potato.

When you make a heart with your hands for him, he smiles slightly, as if even though he was happy about it, he was still repressing you with his eyes for not paying attention in class.

He won't reciprocate your heart. Yet.

If after that you start paying attention in class and show yourself to be a good student, the next time you look, then yes, he will make a heart with his thumb and index finger and wink at you.

Epel is a dedicated student, but that doesn't mean he doesn't get distracted from time to time, especially during boring moments.

If you're also looking at him, he'll give you a small smile as if to say: Are you bored too? While dangling the pen in his fingers.

When he sees you making a heart with your hands for him, he is so surprised that he drops his pen on the head of the student in front of him.

Epel apologizes, but the other student is upset with him. It was Professor Trein who stopped them from starting a fight with a warning.

He sits down and looks at you with a sulking face, as if he's blaming you for what happened, but at the same time flattered.

He won't reciprocate you yet, because he's still a little sulky. But later, when you look at him again, he will make a heart with his thumb and forefinger at you, but with an reluctantly look on his face. That's because those hearts are cute and he doesn't like to do cute things, but for you he does it hoping not to be noticed by the others.

Rook is impressively... strange. At the same time as he is paying attention to the important parts of the class, he is also paying attention to you.

When you look at him, he is already looking at you, and he smiles charmingly at you.

You decide to make a heart with your hands for him. His reaction: BEAUTÉ! But not out loud, you can hear him say this in your head when you see his eyes sparkle looking at you.

He makes the same heart with his hands for you. Without caring about the students seeing you two doing it, just making sure Professor Trein doesn't see so you don't have any problems.

Next time your eyes meet, he will reciprocate your initiative the first time by blowing you a kiss this time.

And now whenever you look at each other it will be implied that you should exchange hearts and/or kisses with each other. And remember, you started.

IF for some reason, or obligation, Idia is physically present, his posture and expression will clearly say that he does not want to be there mainly out of boredom or annoyance. Besides social anxiety.

You'll have to try a few times until he does NOT immediately look away when he notices you looking at him.

You will smile at him first and wait for him to smile slightly back. And then yes, you make a heart with your hands for him.

The ends of his hair will turn slightly pink and he will cover his head with his hood. Professor Trein does not reprimand him because he understands it as an act to prevent the flames in his hair from distracting the other students and because he knows Idia's social anxiety problems. So he just ignores it.

For a long time, he doesn't look at you again during class. At least not when you're looking at him too.

Only at the end of the class, seconds before the students started to pack up their materials to leave, do you decide to look at him one last time.

And you see him looking at you, with his bangs slightly pink and making a heart with his thumb and index finger at you. Fingers close to his face so he could pretend he was just adjusting his hood before leaving.

You’ll probably receive messages from him telling you not to be so cute in class because that is a type of attack in which he has a disadvantage.

Ortho is a robot, he doesn't necessarily need to pay attention in class. he only does it or pretends to do it to have the experience of a human student.

One of his interests, more than classes, are his fellow students. So when you look at him, he's likely to look back at you and you'll see his eyes showing the smile that his covered mouth can't.

You make a heart with your hands for him in response to his cute look. Which made him even cuter because now, in addition to smiling, he was a little blushing.

He reciprocates by making a heart with his hands for you too. A heart like the one you made.

You provided him with yet another new student experience for his data.

Of course Malleus is focused on you as much or more than he is on class. You certainly interest him more than whatever Professor Trein may be teaching about something that Lilia must have already told him.

So when you look at him, he's already looking at you, and he gives you a little amused smile.

You make a heart with your hands for him, but he doesn't really understand what you're doing at first. Only a few seconds later does he remember Lilia doing that one day and explaining to him what it was.

When he realizes this, you watch him widen his eyes in surprise before his smile widens charmingly. You really are full of surprises and he loves that.

He makes the same heart for you, but it ends up being a little crooked, which only makes it cuter.

If any student looks at any of you judgementally, he will receive a frightening and penetrating look from Malleus, causing him to cower in that instant.

Now he doesn't care about class anymore. You definitely made his day. And you can see, if you look at him again, during the rest of the class, him smiling as he looks at you.

Silver really tries hard not to fall asleep in class. So he tries to pay attention to the Professor when he is awake and not to the other students.

But sometimes no matter how attentive you want to be in class, the subject simply bores you so much that you can't pay enough attention, doesn't matter how hard you try.

And it is at these times that a sleepy student starts to look around to try not to fall asleep. This is when he looks at you and coincidentally (or not) you look back at him.

If you smile at him, he will smile at you back, that little smile that on his face means a lot. And then, you decide to make a heart with your hands for him.

He looks slightly confused before abruptly turning his attention back to Professor Trein because he asked the class a question. He doesn't reciprocate your heart, at least not for now, because he's unsure whether you really did it or whether he dreamed it up.

Only after the class is over will he come to you and ask: “Hi, um, did you use your hands to make the shape of a heart?” You say yes. “And was it for me?” You confirm again. “Oh, I’m really sorry I didn't reciprocate. I was a little drowsy and didn't know if it was real or just a good dream. I'm afraid it's a little late now to do the same for you. Is there anything you would like me to do? I would really like to show you that the feeling is mutual.”

Sebek is like a soldier even in class. So he will not take away his attention from class under any (or almost any) circumstances. So you're the one who's going to have to get his attention somehow if you want to do this and see his reaction.

You still consider looking at him until he feels your gaze and looks back at you. But this could take a long time and you might get a warning from the Professor. So, as someone who clearly spends a lot of time with Ace, you crumple up a little piece of paper and throw it at him when the Professor isn't looking.

Like a good soldier trained by Lilia, Sebek catches the paper moments before it reaches his face without difficulty, and looks at you with that extremely disapproving look.

This is your opportunity and you don't waste time making a heart with your hands for him. His disapproving face instantly blushes and he looks away back to the professor. If he opens the paper you threw at him, he will see a heart drawn on it and he will blush again.

No matter how many times he looks at you again during the rest of class, he won't return your heart. You misbehaved, making a student lose attention from class for something so frivolous, you don't deserve a heart made by his hands.

“HUMAN!” He'll call you out in the hallway after class, and scolds you for what you did, saying that you, more than him, should pay attention in class instead of sending papers to distract others. “And just to be clear, I didn't dislike your gesture, but you must not do it in class.”

Let's face it, Lilia doesn't even need to pay attention in Professor Trein’s class. He probably already knows more than he is taught.

So most likely when you look at him, he is already looking at you with his chin resting on his hands. Being cute as always. And he will smile at you.

The plot twist here is that before you can make a heart with your hands for him, he's the one who makes it for you first. If you pout at him because you wanted to be the one doing it first, he'll put on his "I'm innocent" cute face.

You make your heart with your hands to return his and he smiles even more at you. His cheeks even turn slightly pink, making his smile even cuter.

During the rest of the class, whenever your eyes cross, he will make more hearts with his hands for you, in every way he knows how, or just wink at you, if he thinks he can be caught with the hearts.

You must reciprocate them all if you can, otherwise you will have to deal with the weight on your heart of seeing his sad face looking at you with puppy eyes.

If you would like to read more from me, you can find it in my pinned post: INDEX

[moonstruckme]

Hi, I love your writing, I recently read your James Drabble about reader and James being domestic and reader eating all the blackberries. It gave off such summer comfort vibes, I was wondering if you would be able to write something with either James or Remus (you choose I love them both) and reader going to a farmers market or just laying in the summer sun while reader reads and maybe tracing lines on her back. I know I gave you a few ideas, but if you’re comfortable writing something, anything thing would be good, your writing’s always good.

Hope you’re having a lovely day :)

Thanks for requesting, hope you're having a lovely day too <3

James Potter x fem!reader ♡ 794 words

The sun is warm on your back, beating off the white of your book’s pages so glaringly you’ve had to put on your sunglasses to read comfortably. The top you’re wearing is cut low in the back so you can soak in the rays, and you’ve laid a blanket down on the grass to do just that. James is meant to be running the trail around the park, but he’d announced his break twenty minutes ago to snack on the strawberries you’d bought at the farmers market and has somehow fallen into tracing shapes on your bare skin. 

You’re pretending to still be immersed in your book, but it’s growing difficult. 

“What are you doodling back there?” you ask him. 

“Working on my cursive,” he says, drawing a loop next to your spine that makes you shiver despite the warm day. “My teachers were right, I lost the skill once I stopped practicing.” 

“You’re writing? What are you saying?” 

“Nonsense, really. But—hold on, I’ll try to write something and you tell me if you can understand what it says.” 

You laugh. “Okay,” you say, but James presses a hand to your back to still you, shushing with mock seriousness. 

“Shh, lovie, you’re shaking my canvas.” 

You set your chin down on the blanket, giving up on reading and closing your eyes to decipher James’ messages. 

His finger makes a couple of odd loops on your back, and you guess, “Do?” 

“Yes!” 

Another series of loops. They tickle as they get lower, and James tuts when you wriggle slightly. 

“Wait,” you say, “I didn’t get that one.” 

Your boyfriend sighs heavily. You think you can hear a smile in the sound. “Fine,” he says with great reluctance, “I’ll do it again, but please try to pay attention this time. I’m trying to ask you something urgent.” 

You smile to yourself, but focus in as he traces the letters again. 

“You?” 

“There we go! Knew you could do it. Alright, stay with me…” 

James makes it fairly easy on you. The majority of the words are short and simple, only a few letters. Do you want some…

You get stuck on the last one, making him repeat it a few times, slower and slower, until you guess, “Strawberries?” 

“Finally.” James lets out a big breath, drooping forward so he’s laid across you with his chin digging into your back. “Angel, you know I love you, but I don’t think that was my cursive’s fault. I think you need to work on your reading comprehension skills.”

You roll your eyes. “How is asking me if I want strawberries urgent?” 

“Because I’m about to finish them off.” 

“Wait, actually?” James’ weight lifts off you as you push yourself up on your elbows, turning to see the container of strawberries you’d bought only an hour ago. It had been heaping then, but now there are only a handful left. “Jamie, really?” 

He at least looks appropriately abashed. “You weren’t reaching for them,” he says, tanned shoulders creeping upwards, “and they’re really good! How much restraint am I expected to exercise here? I’ve left you five.” 

“I haven’t been reaching for them because I don’t want to get my book sticky.” You pout, exaggerating your distress for what you know it’ll get you in return. “I didn’t expect them to all be gone by the time I was ready.” 

“Aw, sweetheart, I could’ve helped you with that.” He picks up a strawberry by its stem, holding it out for you. “Here, open.” 

You sigh but tip your mouth open obediently, biting off the tip. Sweet, slightly sun-warmed juice explodes into your mouth. 

“That wasn’t hardly a bite at all,” James chides. “Have another.” 

You do. “I’m beginning to resent you more now that I know how good these are,” you tell him. The sweet tang lingers on your taste buds even after you’ve swallowed. “We should only get our fruit from that vendor from now on.” 

“They clearly know what they’re doing,” he agrees. He gives you another strawberry after the first is finished, musing while you crunch, “Come to think of it, I’m starting to suspect you only pretended not to know what I was writing so I’d give you a back massage.” 

You laugh. The thought actually hadn’t occurred to you, though his touch had felt nice moving over your back. “Write me another message, and I’ll let you know.” 

James swipes a finger up the length of your spine, laughing when you squirm at the odd tickle. “Would you like me to bring you a glass of lemonade while I’m at it?” he asks.

“Mm, that’s alright. We just need to find some palm fronds for you to fan me with, and I think I’ll be set.”

[mondaymelon]

— 𝗵𝗶𝘀. ♥

໒꒱ || :feat~ diluc, venti, xiao, abyss!aether x gn!reader ໒꒱ || cw: this wasn't supposed to be yandere... but it morphed into one. (WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE SOFT XIAO AND EVERYTHING... mb) ໒꒱ || ᴛᴀɢʟɪꜱᴛ (open!) : @manager-of-the-pudding-bank, @iamdedinside, @ilyuu, @achlysis, @swivy123, @solxima

⤷ how they make you theirs. ♥

A heart-shaped box of chocolates and a fresh bouquet of red roses? There's no doubt it's DILUC who's left them on your doorstep.

It's not uncommon for the stoic man to find it difficult to express his emotions... and often, the redhead feels as if you aren't aware of how much he adores you.

Ah, but then again... his affection for you is much more intense than he'd like to admit, so perhaps it's for the better that you remain unaware.

That said, it can't hurt to leave a couple of gifts for you, right? Presents are a thing that are meant to make one happy, and whenever you're happy, so is he. Anything from sweets to flowers, possibly even a handful of jewels or a pendant... leaving them for you is the least he can do to make sure you know how loved you are.

Or perhaps... "love" isn't exactly the suitable word to describe the expanse of emotions he experiences whenever he sees you... after all, how could a mere four letters explain such a feeling that seemed to consume him, devour him whole?

But that aside, if you happen to confront him about the matter, softly thanking him with a faint tint to your cheeks... be careful, he might not be able to hold back his feelings any longer! As soon as you excuse yourself, Diluc mutters into the air, one gloved hand tentatively covering his mouth, his face flushed beyond belief.

"Ah, next time, should I gift you the severed hand of anyone who dares touch what is mine?" ♥

What should've been just one drink with VENTI has turned to two, to three, to...

It's almost laughable, how the drunken bard has practically attached himself to your arm, clinging to you what seems to be rather loosely - yet the moment you try to weasel out of his grasp, his arms tighten around yours.

You can see by his dazed expression and the way a drunken flush has descended across his face that he's far from sober... and you're quite sure that you aren't better off yourself. Sensing his gaze, you turn as the male begins to speak, his words hopelessly slurred together.

"Hey hey, why do you keep trying to... escape...?" He pouts as he leans closer to you, pressing his face against your arm. "I...I'm not that unbearable, am I?"

"Eh? No... it's just a little hot in here... and you're too close. Back up a bit, would you?"

"Don't wanna." Did he usually act like this, or was his current state just making him all the more clingy? You supposed it didn't really matter, but the room did seem quite warm, especially with how Venti's heat mixed with yours... oh, were you blushing? Was that what it was?

Perhaps that would explain the way there's this odd thumping in your ears... is that your heart's own rhythm? Ah, no, it must just be the alcohol taking its toll.

"Hehe," Venti's voice somehow rings crystal clear amidst your foggy senses. "You're quite cute when you're like this, you know~" Since when had you leaned into his arms? He speaks some more, but his next words are barely heard by your ears:

"It makes me want to lock you up so that only I will be able to lay eyes on you... a beautiful dove that is mine." ♥

There was something about you that seemed to draw XIAO in, a something that seemed to enrapture him.

And that fact, in and of itself, frustrated him. To feel so attached to something as fleeting as a mortal? Mortals, whose life could be vanquished like one blowing out a candle?

Ah, perhaps "frustrated" wasn't quite the word for it. After all, an angered someone wouldn't monitor your every move, would they? ...But he's doing this for your own good - at least, that's what he tells himself. Humans are fragile, more than anything, so he'll take the matter of your life into his hands and make sure you won't ever get hurt! He's truly being the benevolent adeptus, isn't he?

Oh, but now you seem worried, all of a sudden. You're trembling in his arms, weakly telling him about how you can always feel someone's gaze on you - how you're scared, how you... need him?

Fuck, he can't control the twisted smile that makes its way onto his face. You've admitted it, haven't you? You can't live without him.

And that's exactly what he wants.

To be beside you every waking second, to own your gaze, to own you... yes, he needs you as much as you need him.

As you curl up in his arms, basking in his quiet warmth as you slowly drift into sleep, his voice emits the quietest whispers.

"Don't worry, love. As long as I'm here, you won't ever need to worry about anyone. Your gaze, your attention... it's all mine." ♥

He had already traveled these lands once, and AETHER's once vibrant world had grown gray... except...

Oh, but then you appeared. An anomaly, but a welcome one nonetheless.

Yes, you were something stunning.

In this dead realm, you were alive. Alive in the way you looked at him and alive in the way your eyes seemed to light up at the sight of him. It's something that starts off small - that is, his feelings for you. For the time being, delightfully innocent. Yet those emotions would only begin to swallow him whole, to consume him, bind him into a pit of no escape.

When had these affections grown so dire?

Perhaps he had merely turned a blind eye. He is well aware of how his heart longs for you, how his mind has grown clouded with nothing but thoughts of you, how he wants you to be his, and his only... ah, but was that truly such a selfish thing to hope for? Surely not. After all, in such a place he resided in - where all would heed to his beck and call... surely he could have you, right?

"My prince, is something wrong? You've been acting distant all morning." You trail after him as he attends to his work, eyes full of concern.

He turns, slowly. "Why are you so hesitant to call me by my name?"

"Oh, but I could never..." You shake your head at the thought.

His eyes narrow as he takes two swift steps forward, grabbing your chin in his hand and forcing it upwards. "Then take it as an order. Say my name."

"...Aether."

It sounds so perfect on your tongue.

"Ah, that's it. Let my name grace your lips, and don't you dare let it go. After all, and I'll make sure of it... You're mine." ♥

(a/n) boo bitches im back &lt;;33

[cosmicgendershifter]

So there's some conflict in the OFMD fandom here, I think partly triggered by the PCCP situation, about how to draw the line when it comes to the relationship power dynamics surrounding Ed as an indigenous man. This is definitely a topic worth discussing, but it's got lots of difficult grey area too, which can make for a fraught conversation.

Many of us love imagining a soft dom Stede/sub Ed dynamic and Ed taking on a "babygirl" role. I'd say there's textual evidence to support this. At the least, the show makes it clear that Ed has the desire to step back from a leadership role so he can behave more softly/"femininely" and receive, mostly from Stede, the love and care he's not gotten to have much before. I think it's important to note that, despite the societal imbalances at play, it is not inherently demeaning for people of color to be submissive with white partners, the same way that it's not inherently demeaning for women to be submissive with male partners. Sometimes it goes that way as the natural result of human diversity! Likewise, we all have our moments of softness or "femininity," and we all need help and caretaking at different times in life.

However, the Gentlebeard dynamic does need to be approached thoughtfully because of the characters' races. It's hard to parse out where loving dom/sub caretaking crosses into racist paternalism. I think most of us agree that PCCP went too far in his fics--though that's hardly the worst of the problems we've had with him--so now our community has to consider how to better navigate the relationship from a power dynamic standpoint.

Certainly it helps to keep in mind how multifaceted Ed is, that his desires for rest and domesticity and love coincide with a high level of competence in the pirating world. It helps to make sure that Stede has his moments of being cared for too, no matter how you believe their overall relationship dynamic or sex life might go. I've seen some good points about not decontextualizing moments on the show that are focused on race, and the fandom has talked before about how hygiene and hair care are racialized topics that must be handled very carefully. I'm grateful for any further advice that people, particularly POC, can offer on this topic.

I hope we can keep the nuances in mind. Focusing on how the fandom in general can address this dynamic is going to be more productive and community-supportive than calling out specific posts that fall into that nuanced grey area. Posts that are overtly racist do need to be flagged, and it's worth questioning people like PCCP who have problematic trends in their posts/fics/art. However, I still think it's best practice to give benefit of the doubt and to keep discussion more general so that people don't feel the need to mount defenses for themselves and can stay open to the conversation. I know these conversations are more difficult when you have trauma, and it's not fair that fans of color are carrying the burden of racial trauma. I don't want them to feel degraded or ignored; nor do I want people to feel kink-shamed or otherwise looked down on for needing/desiring help and care. I hope we can find something of a middle ground that avoids both those outcomes!

[signanothername]

hhhhhhh i love your art so much man it's just so rrrrrrrrg words can even describe it 💥💥💥

butt like like genuinely how do you figure out poses and shit that fit who you draw so well likeee

idk me personally i just struggle with that stuff, yk always stuck with the -looking front on with hands in pockets- or the dreaded -peace sign with hand in pocket- fjdjdj

sorry for the yap sesh butttt any advice would be like so cool

also the way you portray killer and nm is like godly just 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

HDHDHHDHD THANK YOU <333333

And oooh that’s a very valid struggle, cause the thing is, I used to struggle a lot with posing characters in a way that actually satisfied me, going for the stiff front look a lot dhdhhdhdh

But the thing is with art, is that it isn’t just lines on a page y’know? At least, I stopped treating my art as such, every time i draw an artwork i want the artwork to tell who sees it something, I treat every artwork as a story in of itself

Ok imma generally give you what I learned from my art journey so far, i’m gonna start with a more general advice and then get to how I choose poses for certain characters, and imma try to explain the best I can but I can be really bad with wording things so bear with me

Art can be difficult cause different art concepts are interconnected with each other, so sometimes you need to think of so many things just to be able to do something as simple as posing a character

Before we start tho, here are 2 tips:

-everything you know about anatomy? Throw it out the window, no i’m not joking I’m being completely serious

The reason many artists suffer with making dynamic poses is cause they think too much about anatomy, they think the anatomy should look correct and perfect, and no, anatomy is the biggest reason the pose you draw is going to be stiff, you need to forget “correct” anatomy if you want your poses to feel alive and dynamic

- practice gesture/figure art, IM ON MY KNEES I BEG YOU, cause it teaches you to let go of perfect anatomy and actually learn how to draw figures in motion (which is extremely important for fluid and dynamic poses!)

———

With that in mind, here are a few things i keep in mind when posing a character:

1- line of action

You hear these three damn words a lot yet no matter how much you research them you can never find a good explanation for what they mean (me after i researched this bullshit so much shbdhdhhs)

But simply put, think of the action line as the spine in a human, the more you bend it outta shape the more dynamic the pose is going to be

And it’s genuinely so important cause it can make a very simple pose such as a character standing doing nothing much more dynamic when you put line of action in mind

Even a very slight bend in the line can make the pose more natural/dynamic, because an action line dictates the movement of a character

So if you want to avoid a stiff pose? Avoid a straight action line (you gotta make that action line Queer af💅✨✨✨✨)

But here’s a mind fuckery, the tricky thing with action lines is that it’s better if you keep them in mind but not consciously think of them if that makes sense

You gotta understand them and implement them and practice them, but when you draw a character posing a certain way, thinking too much of the action line can actually make it difficult to maintain and in turn, makes your art stiff af too

Like you got to internalize this concept and to keep it in your subconscious rather than actually consciously think about it when you draw your artworks

Ok Anó, how the fuck do i do that? Start with practicing them consciously by actually drawing the action line and then the pose in art studies, and then level yourself up by practicing them by drawing characters posing a certain way WITHOUT putting an action line first, i’m sorry to say there’s no way around it, there are no short cuts

Here’s a helpful visual guide/summary of what i mean by the paragraph above cause words suck

(but sooner or later, what you learned gets burned into your muscle memory, and your hand would start doing all the work without you consciously thinking about it, then congrats!! Action lines are now part of your subconscious)

Ok but does that mean straight lines are bad/should never be used?? NO

I can never emphasize how important straight lines can be

One thing that’s beautiful in art is that there’s no such thing as “bad” or “wrong”, art is subjective, and something that’s perceived as “wrong” by one artist, can be right/ something implemented in another artist’s artstyle that makes it unique

In fact, straight action lines can be great to use depending on what you wish people to take/understand from your art (a simple example: a turn around reference sheet for a character tends to use straight lines, cause in a reference sheet you focus on clarity, and drawing with queer lines can cause that clarity to be thrown out the window)

But I especially love to use straight Action lines with Killer, I sometimes make him stiff as a fucking rock and it’s completely intentional on my part, cause i love to use stiff poses to enhance the uncomfortable/unnatural atmosphere Killer gives, or to further emphasize an already uncomfortable situation

So to summarize, if you wish your poses be more natural/dynamic and to avoid stiff poses, use queer Action lines, but straight lines are also great to use depending on what you want people to understand from your art

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2- perspective (camera angle)

Variety is key!

What is the perspective you want to focus on? I know this seems like it doesn’t have anything to do with posing a character, but it does, (remember, art concepts are interconnected!) cause the perspective you decide to draw from can also influence the pose you decide to draw or vice versa, and help you make the pose more dynamic

Hell sometimes, perspective can do the poses justice even if they’re literally the most boring stiff poses you’ve ever drawn chchchhcch

Like are you going to draw the character from an upper perspective? Lower? Fish-eye? Third person? First person?

Is the perspective tilted? Is it normal?

What is the perspective you want and why did you choose it? What are you trying to tell the people who see your art?

Here are a few tips when it comes to perspective:

-More dynamic perspectives (upper/lower) are good for artworks that have tension in them, or have some sort of stakes going on (fights, horror, uncomfortable situations)

That of course doesn’t mean they can’t be used to simply make your artwork look cool :D

-choosing how many vanishing points there are (one,two or three points perspective) can also make your art tell a different story depending on the situation you’ve chosen them for

-and most importantly, when you draw a pose, foreshortening is going to happen to the body depending on the perspective!!

But my point is, I make sure i draw in variety, sometimes I draw the character from upper, lower, tilted or even a mix of all of them, all to enhance my poses to look more dynamic/natural

Ok Anó, got it, but what if I don’t care to include a crazy perspective and i want to draw in a normal perspective? Then how do i make my poses more dynamic?

That brings me to my next 2 points

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3- camera shots

Same as perspective, there has to be variety!

Your art doesn’t always have to be full body, try to draw different shots, draw a headshot, draw closeup shots draw half bodies

If you go for different shots then you’ll be forced to think of different poses to fit such shots :D

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4-bodies are like little toys, break them

One thing you can do to bring more variety to your poses is to have different body parts facing different directions, not all limbs have to face the same direction >:)

Generally the characters don’t have to face front! Try to mix it up and draw from the side or back

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5-emotional weight and a story to tell

And this is where i’ll bring my point about treating my art as a story back

A really good way to actually put variety in your poses is to treat any sort of artwork/sketch you make as a story you’re trying to tell

Before you draw a character posing a certain way ask yourself, why is this character posing this way? What are/were they doing before that pose? Are they alone or are they reacting to something/someone?

Is there a point to them posing this way? (It’s ok if there’s no actual point to it! But the poses still would need to tell a story regardless)

Cause if you’re posing them reacting to another character (off screen for example), you pose them in a way that makes sense for their emotions of the other character right? (So if the character has negative feelings towards the other one then it makes more sense to draw them in a defensive stance or a fight or flight pose)

If you’re drawing them all alone then what are they doing alone, are they doing something important or is it their off time? If it’s their off time what are they doing for their off time? Do they like to spend it reading a book for example? What are they reading? Is it a horror novel that makes them scared? If yes then how do they deal with fear? Do they throw the book across the room or do they hide under a blanket?

Cause a pose also holds emotional weight, it shows you what emotions the character is exhibiting, it’s not just the expression of the character that tells you about their emotions, it’s their body language, and body language can be translated through poses

Let’s say they’re doing a peace sign pose for example, why are they doing it? Are they taking a picture with someone they love or are they doing it to annoy someone? Hell maybe they’re being forced to do it, and so they do it half heartedly maybe?

Get what I’m trying to say?

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And now with all of the above in mind, time to get to the most important thing and the main point of this post

How do I choose poses for certain characters?

6- personality

who am I sketching? Cause each character is unique and each character is gonna act a certain way other characters won’t, and depending on the situation, the poses change too

Understand the character and how they act, try to analyze them and take in their quirks and behaviors, and before you draw a pose for them actually ask yourself, would this character EVER do this pose?

Like you say you fall in the peace sign trap right? Now think about a peace sign pose, but with Nightmare… it doesn’t make sense right? Cause the pose is an absolute striking contrast to Nightmare’s personality, like Nightmare would never do a peace sign till the day he dies, hell i’m sure if he’s forced to choose between death and doing a peace sign he’d choose death (it’s a lot more mercifull than the humiliation he’d feel making a peace sign hcchchch)

See what I’m getting at?

For example, I draw Nightmare with his hands behind his back a lot, but you won’t see me do the same with other characters often, not cause other characters would never put their hands behind their backs, but because it’s a quirk in Nightmare’s character, Nightmare TENDS to do that a lot, he acts so formal and royal like, and so i draw him do it a lot

But here’s the thing, if i draw other characters having their hands behind their backs like i do with Nightmare, i do it in a way that makes sense for them! An example is how i draw Nightmare and Dream with their hands behind their backs :D

But I also keep in mind Nightmare’s character, so whenever I pose him a certain way, I ask myself “would Nightmare actually stand/sit/lie down like that?” If the answer is yes, then I continue, if not then i change it to fit Nightmare

To further explain, I tend to think Nightmare is defensive in nature, so you’d see that I also pose him in a way that reflects that, with his hands crossed in front of his chest for example or generally his hands close to his body, sometimes hunched in on himself, I also think Nightmare is egotistical and self centric, but most importantly, he sees himself as an elegant King, and so I draw him crossing his legs or generally have him sit in such a formal manner or a hand on hip kinda pose etc

So when you draw a pose ask yourself if it fits the personality, mindset, and pattern of behavior for said character!

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With all that being said, while it’s amazing to be able to do a variety of poses, I think it’s also important to keep in mind that art is supposed to be fun, take your time trying to learn, don’t overwork or frustrate yourself with learning new things, and it’s completely fine to not do poses that have meaning sometimes (do that peace sign to your heart’s content <333) it took me 10 whole years to get where i am today, and compared to many other artists my own progress is extremely slow, and it used to bother me cause I treated art like there was some sort of deadline above my head and that I should learn things in a timely manner (which is absolute bullshit), my point is, take your time with learning poses, even if it takes you years, the important thing is that you will get there eventually <33333

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Finally, here is one art resource for poses that i think is really good/useful

Keep on creating and hope my endless ramble helps a lil chchchchchch <33333