#foods based on favorite food answers from that questionnaire

[bunnymajo]

1st batch of @sonic-oc-showdown gifts for some little guys that fought well and deserve a good snack.

Sasha for @c0ngatime

Lori-ki for @julie-su

Tabi for @nintendoni-art

Curie for @riftclaw

Dusty for @starlitskvaderart

[nocturnalazure]

OC Deep Dive Questionnaire Tag

I've been kindly tagged by @anamoon63 (thank you, dear ❤️) for answering this questionnaire on Ralph!

What uncommon/common fear do they have?

People dying because of him. Either because he would cause their death, or because he wouldn't be able to protect them.

Do they have any pet peeves?

Littering and cruelty to animals. Cruelty to any living thing, actually.

What are 3 items you can find in their bedroom?

A lot of mess because Ralph is a messy guy, a backpack with more mess inside that he carries around everywhere he goes, and a collection of maps (he loves them, he's never made the switch to technology).

What do they notice first in a person?

Their smell. Even as a human, that's what stands out the most. If he turns into his werewolf form, or if he knows the person quite well, he's able to deduct a person's state of mind just based on what they smell like.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how high is their pain tolerance?

It's a 10 for Ralph. Werewolf transformation is incredibly painful. But once he's in that state, he barely registers pain.

Do they go into fight or flight mode when under pressure?

Fight, it's not even an option. Under threat (or what his body identifies as such), he automatically turns into a werewolf.

Do they come from a big family/are they a family person?

We don't know anything about Ralph's family. They're all long dead anyway. When we met him first, he was living by himself in Moonlight Falls. He's a loner, and has lived most of his life alone. Starting a family was never Ralph's objective. He would be afraid to pass on his curse. That being said, he also has a pack instinct and being alone for too long in the past made him depressed and aggressive. In the end, he needs to be part of a community. He deeply cares for those around him, so in that sense he'd make a good family head.

What animal represents them best?

A WOLF, DUH. 🐺

What is a smell that they dislike?

Vinegar. And of course, that's what Bonehilda cleans the house with.

Have they broken any bones?

He broke his arm a long time ago when he was still working as a truck unloader (that was before his curse).

How would a stranger likely describe them?

Gruff and unsophisticated. :D But with kind eyes.

Are they a night owl or a morning bird?

Both, actually. He likes getting up early but he can also stay up late. As a werewolf, he never feels the need to sleep.

What is a flavor they hate and a flavor they love?

His tongue is very sensitive, so he doesn't like acidic and spicy foods. What he really can't get enough of is meat (particularly bbq).

Do they have any hobbies?

He's good with manual work, like tinkering and DIY. Not particularly a hobby but he likes the feeling of being useful. He also loves camping and hiking.

Boom, surprise birthday party! How do they react to surprises?

The only person who'd throw him a party would be Pippa and she knows it would have to be a small group. Ralph would be a bit self-conscious, but happy. It'd be a good reminder that he's got friends now.

Do they like to wear jewelry?

Technically, no. But he would if it meant something special to him.

Do they have neat or messy handwriting?

It's a tiny scrawl, totally illegible by anyone but himself. He applies a lot of pressure to the paper.

What are two emotions they feel the most?

Loneliness/solitude: it can be a sort of harmony with the rest of the universe when he's alone and in nature, but it can also be very sad when he's forced to avoid people.

Do they have a favorite fabric?

Fleece.

What kind of accent do they have?

I'm very bad at accents. I imagine something close to Scottish?

Tagging @danjaley, @kimmiessimmies, @nekrophoria and @eljeebee!

[kaylinalexanderbooks]

OC questionnaire

Thanks to @drchenquill here, @somethingclevermahogony here and here, @mk-writes-stuff here, @elsie-writes here, and @dyrewrites here!

My last questionnaires:

Robbie, Gwen, Maddie, Noelle, Jedi, and Kelsey here.

Carmen, George, Akash, Sam, Lexi, and Ash here.

Gabriel, Carla, Parker, Rose, Alex, and Ewan here!

Below the cut I'll do: Liam, Hye-Jin, Wendy, Wade, Issa, and CJ!

#1- Liam

Which color do you hate?

“Beige. Oh my God, it's just a boring color. I thought that we were past this. Different shades of beige and brown are being used to be the ~aesthetic~ of so many people on Tiktok. Ma'am, where are you from, Boringsville??? I'm not dissing brown. Brown is a great color. But beige??? Who thought this would look nice on anything, much less everything? Why are all of your walls beige--you look like you live in a sandcastle. Man, I feel bad for Hye-Jin. Her powers appear beige! You poor thing. I have brown. An awesome color, remember. So earthly. Anyway, beige can go die with the sand in the Yukon River Basin for all I care. If I go into your house and see one beige wall, I'm leaving. A rainbow is weeping. You disgraced the rainbow. How dare you.”

If all the sounds in the world would cease to exist, which sound would you miss the most?

“I don't see the point in making me choose a favorite sound. Also, how do you know sound stopped? Ceased to exist? Sound exists as a vibration through matter. Why would that vibration suddenly stop? How do you know we didn't all just go deaf? That's a significantly more logical explanation than sound disappearing. And if you think I don't have an answer and am just avoiding the question, you're very mistaken. I'd miss people's voices. For a variety of reasons. Connection, analyzing tone, nuances of emotion or thought, even my own voice. Sure, I'd be able to learn a gesture-based language--I am not saying voice is the most important thing to hear. But considering I like a good oral debate, I would still miss it, even if it would take me time to adjust to the new mode of speaking. Next!”

What is the first rule you learned as a child?

“You are going to have to rebel and argue your way out of everything. You may or may not be able to tell, but I am a strongly opinionated person. I can make an argument out of everything. Knowing how to back stuff up with logic and facts to get your way. Push and push and push. Know your shit. If you're wondering how this was the first rule I learned, one of my first memories is refusing to eat my carrots because they were bad. I was...three and a half maybe. And I told my mom, 'if I eat these carrots, I will throw up, and then I'd have to eat more food, and you get mad when food is wasted'. I then ate carrots and threw up. Never had to eat them again.”

#2- Hye-Jin

What is one embarassing memory from your childhood that you can't shake?

“Oh, oh no. First day of class, kindergarten. I had to introduce myself in front of the class. I was so excited for my first day of class. I wore this cute little dress, my hair in high pigtails and bows. But when I stood in front of everyone else, I got so sick I threw up. I think I ate something like prune juice in the morning. My dress was ruined. Had to be walked to the nurse to change. Wore that the rest of the day.”

What would you take with you if you were trapped on a desert island for one week?

“Food, water, and shelter. Sunscreen. I'm not pale, but that doesn't mean I'll be protected from UV rays. I would like a change of clothes just so I feel clean. I wouldn't mind bringing one person along with me, but you said what, so that may not be an option. But I really think I could do it.”

What is your favorite animal?

“I actually really like snakes. They're super cool in terms of design. Love reading about them, and I have a snake themed room!”

#3- Wendy

What is your favourite animal?

“Changes depending on the day. Yesterday it was tigersharks. Today it's a water dragon. Tomorrow it may be a capybara.”

Do you have any obscure skills? What are they?

“I can basket weave. Some people think that's obscure.”

If you could change one thing about the world you live in, what would it be?

“More hours in the day so I can do what I want to do.”

#4- Wade

What is your favorite song?

“Rasputin. How can you not love that song? Mr. Brightside is up there, too.”

Do you like consuming happy, positive media, or sadder, more thought-provoking media?

“I like both. You need a balance in life. But thought-provoking in general. I like thinking about things, analyzing them. Not necessarily sadder stories, but thought-provoking.”

What is your favorite type of weather?

“I like it warm and sunny, but enough cloud coverage. The kind of weather where everything is greener, that makes you say out loud, 'it sure is a beautiful day.'”

#5- Issa

When is the last time you were afraid?

“Last week, I was staying up late working on an essay. I was home alone--something I rarely am with six siblings. It was eerily quiet. I already felt uncomfortable. I was on the phone with Alex, multitasking, so I could have someone to talk to to ease my nerves. She got up to pee, which left me alone in my living room for a few minutes. In that time, I heard a banging on our garage door. It was harsh, constant. I thought someone was trying to break in. Then as quickly as it came, it was gone. Alex got back on the line then. I would've felt much better if whatever that was happened any other time.”

Does the fear haunt you still?

“Not really. It was only a minute, maybe two. Took about an hour talking to Alex. But I stopped working on my essay for the rest of the night. Not that I didn't try, but Alex convinced me to stop when I couldn't concentrate due to my heart pounding.”

What do you do when you're afraid?

“What's with all the fear questions? Well, I usually stand my ground. I yelped a bit when that happened. I was frozen for a bit, but I actually was about to get up to check what the banging was when it stopped.”

#6- CJ

What was your favorite toy as a child?

“I had little mini figurines of a bunch of Puppets* characters. I liked them because most of my playtime consisted of me ordering them based on height. After I lined them up, I would play. I also liked burying a bunch of rubber balls in the yard, leaving them there for, like, a week, then digging them up again. My shovels were definitely a favorite. There was also some cool Alii tech thing that simulated growth of a plant. The entire life cycle, in fact. Man, that was awesome.”

What makes you laugh every time you see it?

“Issa and Alex invite us to their improv shows each Friday. Issa is the best at anything they give her. I could watch her all day. She loves putting inside jokes in her skits for me, and is great at linking back previous gags. And then Alex wins Can You Ask a Question? each time. But it's hilarious how she and Issa interact. One time, Wendy laughed harder than I'd ever seen, and she spit out her drink. Then this one asshole Ellie slipped on it during her turn. So yeah, the improv shows.”

Who is the most annoying person you know?

“Issa is annoyingly optimistic sometimes, but that's why I love her. Parker is also a bit annoying at times, but he's funny as shit, so I don't care. Gabriel is quite annoying. Everyone tells me that we're very similar, but I don't see it. Honestly, yeah, it's Ellie. I didn't want to say she was annoying cause she's mainly rude. She's constantly making fun of me for everything I do. Like she doesn't like how organized and specific I am for some reason. She asked for a pencil once, and I told her no, I have my pencils for a very specific reason, and don't let anyone else use them. I think she's hated me ever since. It's probably not as petty as that, unless it is. I don't know. Thankfully, I don't know her well enough to answer that question.”

*this universe's Muppets

TSP intro

I'll tag @gracehosborn @little-peril-stories @willtheweaver @willowiswriting @rickie-the-storyteller @mysticstarlightduck @badluck990 @unrepentantcheeseaddict @winterandwords @oh-no-another-idea @awritingcaitlin @cwritesfiction + anyone else who would like to play!

EDIT: I DID NOT GIVE YOU QUESTIONS OH MY GODDDDDD I'm so sorry

What's something that was horrible in the moment, but in hindsight is hilarious?

Do you often get lost in thought? Where does your mind go? How do you focus?

Who do you worry about the most?

TSP tag list (ask to be +/-): @thepeculiarbird @illarian-rambling @televisionjester @finchwrites

[tildeathiwillwrite]

Tag Game: OC Questionnaire

Thank you to @willtheweaver for the tag here, @the-golden-comet for the tag here, @fourwingedwriter for the tag here and @paeliae-occasionally for the tag here! I let them build up lol whoopsie

My Questions:

1. Would you ever give up your dream if it meant that the dream of your closest friend/ family member would be fulfilled? 2. Have you ever had any recurring dreams/ nightmares? 3. What is one skill that you wish you could learn?

4. What is your greatest fear? 5. What happened to your biological family? (Because no one in fantasy has a bio family) 6. If you could visit any point in your world’s history, (or any point in your story if it is based on earth) when and where would it be?

7. When was the last time you slept well at night? 8. What's your favorite comfort food? 9. If you could go anywhere in your world, where would you go?

Tagging @phoenixradiant @illarian-rambling @somethingclevermahogony @faytelumos @pluppsauthor

@thethistlegirlwrites @dyoniawrites @grimmdivinity @writer-of-worlds and open tag! :D

Your Questions:

1. What genre of story would you rather be in? (as opposed to the one they are currently in) 2. Do you think you'd survive the movie A Quiet Place? (must stay as silent as possible or alien creatures hunt you down) 3. What's your idea of a quiet get-together with a close friend?

The Gunblade Duo will be answering the questions since I'm rewriting their first meeting scene in The Hunter, the Myth and the Cure!

1. Would you ever give up your dream if it meant that the dream of your closest friend/ family member would be fulfilled?

Draven: Ha! I'm doing that right now! Octavian wants to track down his people, he needs someone to have his back, it's even more chaotic than my old life, I love it. Octavian: *barely audible* ...I don't know. I'd like to think I will.

2. Have you ever had any recurring dreams/ nightmares?

Draven: I never remember any of my dreams. Not that I sleep much to begin with. Octavian: Yes. I still have nightmares about my imprisonment and certain events prior to it, even though I was unconscious or... what's the word... entranced? Bits and pieces, but real enough. My mind forgets, but my body remembers.

3. What is one skill that you wish you could learn?

Draven: Octavian's teaching me hand-to-hand for when we inevitably get to the point where I run out of bullets. Wish I could learn how to make more bullets and fix my guns when shit happens. Octavian: Tracking someone across dimensions. It must be possible, I've met Jumpers who work as bounty hunters and seekers, but they've refused to help. Or, failing that, communication across dimensions. That I know for sure is possible, I just need to figure it out. Draven: Yeah... doesn't help that most Jumpers we've met are assholes. Barring the pair from Somnia, that is.

4. What is your greatest fear?

Draven: Getting stranded, closely followed by losing my guns for good. Octavian: ...losing control again.

5. What happened to your biological family? (Because no one in fantasy has a bio family)

Draven: I assume they're still alive. They seemed alive and well when I went and got myself disowned. Octavian: I never knew my parents, or if I have siblings. All that information was kept strictly confidential, and devar agents start training young. I... I hope that when we find my people, we find them too. Draven: Celestials, I cannot imagine you as a child. Or an infant. I can try, though, and little Octavian in my mind's eye is absolutely adorable. Octavian: 'Little Octavian' can and will kick your ass.

6. If you could visit any point in your world’s history, (or any point in your story if it is based on earth) when and where would it be?

Draven: Personally I'd love to go back to before the plague fucked everything up. Maybe meet that thief Octavian's mentioned a couple times. Give him a handshake for fucking over the Draigo. I doubt he's alive anymore. Octavian: I want to kill that magician a second time. Preferably before she attacked those Watchers.

7. When was the last time you slept well at night?

Draven: *prolonged, mirthless laughter* Depths if I know. Octavian: *lips pressed together in a thin line* Unfortunately, he's correct.

8. What's your favorite comfort food?

Draven: Food is food, anything goes as long as it's warm. Even better if it's heavy on the spices. Octavian: Venison, or maybe rabbit? Things I hunted myself. Draven: Are humans on that menu? Octavian: Cozenson... Draven: I've seen you maul people. Do they or do they not taste good? Octavian: ...no comment.

9. If you could go anywhere in your world, where would you go?

Draven: Eh... when you have the entire universe at your disposal, Valaria seems so small and insignificant. I don't know. Octavian: I think I'd go and visit Reese. Draven: I change my answer I'm doing that too.

[nintendoni-art]

Oh yeah, there's an OC tournament, isn't there?

So This is Zori, and I'm gonna do my best to answer some questions about them! Shout out to @bunnymajo who alerted me to this OC questionnaire and @bunniibones who I commissioned a while back for this character that I've colored in!! ✨How did you come up with the OC’s name? 

Got stuck and wrote a bunch of "Z" names, and picked out the one that spoke to me the most. Then double checked to make sure it didn't mean anything terrible in other languages and found out that "Zori"/ "Zouri" was a type of Sandal. Decided to roll with it.

🌼  - How old are they? (Or approximate age range) One Hundred and Eleven years old. [Around 14-16, age range]

🌺- Do they have any love interest(s)?

Depends on the continuity I use them in, but in the project they originated from, they do have a small crush on someone. S'just they aren't sure if they're even real...

🍕  - What is their favorite food?

Smoked/Preserved Fish, but they can be bribed rather easily with baked goods as long as they aren't too sweet.

💼  - What do they do for a living? Chao Guardian and General World Protective Services.

🎹  - Do they have any hobbies? They adore learning about new things to the point where they'll "borrow" objects. They also like people watching while doing scouting work, and pranking said people with their powers/skillset.

🎯  -What do they do best? Surprisingly, Electromagnetic Flight. Due to clarification on their species being unavailable during their creation, since nailed down Zeti lore is nigh impossible to find their fine attunement on electromagnetic fields found in nature, they can just straight up fly. It's like how spiders do it. Side note, now you know that spiders can fly. You're welcome.

🥊  -What do they love to do? What do they hate to do? When it comes to things they love, If they aren't taking a lazy flight during dusk/dawn, they'll actively go out and see if anyone they know needs assistance with anything, and if not, put themselves through self-imposed challenges in order for something to do. When it comes to things they hate, it's being forced into fights. It's not that they hate fighting, that can be part of one of those challenges they give themselves. It's being forced into a fight where they know the thing they're fighting could be weaker than them, because it's not a fair fight. They also aren't huge fans of being forced into hopeless fights, but that doesn't mean they'll back down from said fight.

❤️  - What is one of your OC’s best memories?

Another one of those answers that depends on continuity. But generally said memory would be about helping a friend with an important task if it means they follow their dreams. Or hell, making new friends, to begin with.

✂️   - What is one of your OC’s worst memories? Goodness, quite a number of continuity based questions this thing has... But lets see....I suppose in a general sense, it would be ones where despite all their strength or abilities, they're in a situation where they're utterly helpless to do anything.

🧊  - Is their current design the first one? Nope! Original design was far more lanky with more feminine attributes, looked a bit more like Zeena, really.

🍀  - What originally inspired the OC? Several Months of Studying both the Chao systems from SA1/SA2, as well as the A-Life System from NiGHTS. I also needed an antagonist in a thing I was writing. It was literally by sheer chance they turned out to be a Zeti, since when brainstorming, a copy of Lost World was being played nearby.

🌂  - What genre do they belong in? ...Dungeon Crawling Roguelike with Pet Sim Elements? Nah, but for real, they'd do well in either Action or Slice of Life stuff.

💚  - What is your OC’s gender identity and sexuality? Non-Binary Panromantic

🙌  - How many siblings does your OC have?

Biological? None. Adoptive? ....One. Depending, once more, on continuity used.

🍎  - What is the OC’s relationship w/their parents like?

They don't really remember their biological parents, but they do have a good relationship with the gang of violent criminals that have adopted them. It's ok though, they're chao, so they're super adorable violent criminals.

🧠  - What do you like most about the OC? I don't know. Maybe it's the fact that they tap into a part of my psyche that still believes in the inherent goodness found in mankind, maybe it's cause they're really fun to write/draw about, it is a mystery...

✏️  - How often do you draw/write about the OC?

Too Much/Not Enough.

💎  - Do you ever see yourself killing off the OC? ...

Don't worry about it.

💀  - Does your OC have any phobias?  They aren't really scared of a lot of things, but being enclosed/trapped does stress them out a little.

🍩  -Who is your OC’s arch-nemesis or rival? Zori's worst enemy is their own sense of loyalty and inability to stay down when it's obvious that they're outmatched in a fight.

🎓  - How long have you had the OC?

Oof, I think they're around 5-6 years old... ----

I think that's all I got for right now, but I do suggest ya check them out over at the tourney that @sonic-oc-showdown is holding out rn, and vote for them if ya like!

[mxvanrichten]

We did a lil fun questionnaire for our characters in our Curse of Strahd campaign so I wanted to post the answers for Silas.

1. What location encountered in the campaign has your character felt the most “at home” in, or just generally liked the most?

Blue Water Inn is probably the most at home I feel. It’s cozy, surrounded by good people, and it was our first safe space, so it always feels safe even now.

2. If your character had time to pick up any artisan’s tools, game set, instrument, etc., what would it be?

I think cooking tools because Silas would love to pick up cooking more. He is good at making teas and drinks, but cooking is something he hasn’t quite mastered.

3. Does your character ever want to “settle down” with a spouse, children, house, etc.?

I don’t think Silas has ever really thought about that. He’s never really had someone he’s ever considered that with. I don’t think he’d want kids, but I could see him settling down with someone and having a dog.

4. What battle in the campaign has been most memorable to your character?

I mean I think we all know this one lol. In Berez when he got his ass handed to him by Baba Lysaga and her bitch ass house.

5. If your character wasn’t whatever class they are, what would they be instead?

I could see him being sorcerer or something way different and not magic based like a ranger since he prefers to take fights from afar rather than up close typically.

6. What animal best represents your character?

I think a dog because he is protective of the people he loves. Oh, and because he begs for attention. Lol.

7. Does your character regret any particular choice the party has made?

He is not feeling great about leaving Emil behind with Ludmilla.

8. What would your character say their best trait would be?

He would say his looks.

9. What is your character’s greatest fear? Deep, irrational?

He is afraid of dying alone or being forgotten. He’s also afraid of heights.

10. What are your character’s hobbies and interests outside of their class?

He loves writing. He keeps a journal that he fills with random thoughts, feelings/emotions he’s afraid to share out loud and just general note keeping.

11. What would be your character’s theme song/favorite band/favorite genre of music?

I feel like he would listen to 70s/80s goth shit for sure.

12. What stereotypical role would your character play in a high school AU/if they attended a normal high school? (Nerd, jock, bully, goth, etc.)

Goth nerd

13. What colors are associated with your character?

Red and black

14. What is your character’s favorite spell? If they don’t use spells: what is their favorite personal weapon/combat maneuver/skill/etc.?

Spirit guardians because he channels things that have meaning to him for the imagery to motivate him.

15. What is your character’s favorite food? Beverage?

Food? Probably warm soups or stews. Beverage? Wine or Tea

16. What makes your character feel safe?

His mom’s necklace he wears and his loved ones.

17. Where does your character see themselves in 20 years?

He always saw himself traveling and helping different churches around. He’s not particularly religious as in his youth (because he had to be), but it’s what he knows. Now he still wants to travel and help people, but maybe in a different way.

18. What is your character’s guiltiest pleasure?

He loves good gossip and loves going to bars and flirting for drinks.

19. What is your character’s biggest flaw?

His fear of showing emotions/feelings

20. What, currently, is your character the most curious about?

If there’s any way to get out of his deal with Sykane.

How van Richten feels about him.

[violetrainbow412-blog]

Makeup [S.B]

Sirius Black x plus size!reader

Word count: 1.8k

Warnings: a toxic relationship history and a bit of insecurity because of it.

A/N: I did a questionnaire a few days ago to see what kind of reader you would like me to do. This is the first one I do base on that questionnaire and I want to say the following:

The only reason the reader is specified as "plus size!reader" is that if there is someone who fits this description, feel comfortable.

You will never see something like "her FAT body" NO, NEVER

Much less that the One shot revolves around their weight (neither nationality, nor gender identity, nor sexuality nor all the things that they put in that questionnaire). I only write about NORMAL people in normal situations. All bodies are beautiful, we are all beautiful.

So, if you are a plus size person, welcome. If you are not, you can also read it without feeling left out in any way.

I really hope that you feel comfortable with everything I write and that you know that I seek to be as inclusive as possible. Without more to say, thanks for taking the time to read my stuff. Tell me your opinion, if you want!💕

You looked in the mirror one last time.

Sirius, the boy of your dreams, had asked you out on a date and you wanted everything to be absolutely perfect.

You had met him because you both lived on the same floor of the condo block and it was inevitable to bump into him from time to time. It wasn't the best place to live, it was small and a little dirty, but it was the only thing you could afford and the fastest you could find after that happened.

You liked the way Sirius smelled because when he crossed the corridors, you could perceive a mixture of leather (you supposed it was due to all the clothes he used of this material) and an elegant cologne that drove you crazy.

At first, it scared you a little to see him with that piercing in his eyebrow and his multiple tattoos, but later you realized that he was really nobody to be afraid of, on the contrary, he turned out to be a very tender and sweet boy.

The first time you spoke to him it was because you were struggling to open your door while carrying boxes and bags that you had brought from the supermarket. The boy noticed you were having trouble and walked up to you to offer his help, so (still a bit wary) you said yes.

Once he held your purchases, you could open the lock, but when you turned around, you noticed that Sirius was secretly looking at the contents of your bags and when he realized that you had caught him, he blushed.

"Sorry I'm a little gossipy," he said shyly "I'm Sirius"

"I thought you were a gossip"

"No, my name is Sirius" he laughed and it was your turn to blush.

"Oh, sorry"

"Okay, anyone can get confused" he murmured with his charming smile, handing you what he was holding in his hands "I live in the 512" he informed you. Of course, you knew he lived in that apartment; you had seen him come into its thousands of times "In case you need anything. You know, some plumbing or things that have to do with tools and that shit of men" he murmured kindly. You frowned a little and then he quickly added "I mean, it's not that girls can't do that and it's okay if you know how to do those things, you seem like a smart and capable person. It's just that sometimes it's tedious and requires strength... and it's not that you don't have strength, I mean...” Sirius couldn't continue because he heard you giggle and then realized he was looking like an idiot “Just call me if you need anything and if you want to do it, yes?” he explained to you and you nodded with a smile.

"Thanks for offering your help Sirius" you replied, looking at him over your bags.

"You’re welcome, miss..."

"Y/N" you completed. He smiled and wrapped a dark curl around his finger that fell unruly from his ponytail.

"I'll see you later then, Y/N. It was nice to greet you" he said by way of farewell and you nodded to respond.

You haven't felt like this with any guy since you met your dear (sarcasm) ex-boyfriend. The insecurities that he had created in you kept you from thinking about having something else later and you honestly didn't feel ready to have your heart broken again.

But Sirius continued to be kind to you. Whenever he looked at you, he made an effort to have a topic of conversation, even if you were not so eloquent, and little by little, he was gaining your trust and your affection. As the weeks went by, you became good friends who chatted in the elevator or occasionally (when you weren't late for work) went downstairs just to share a little more time.

Until one day Sirius showed up at your door with his clothes stained with something that looked like paint, his hair tied up in a messy way and smelling of burned food. He was so beautiful in his own way and you were so afraid of falling in love with him because you knew beforehand that having something else would be impossible.

After all, no boy would ever love you. It was something that your ex-boyfriend had commissioned to get very well into your head.

"Go out?" you asked a little confused after he asked you. You didn't want to misunderstand things.

"Yes! We could go wherever you want. For ice cream, to dinner, to a park, to the cinema... I don't know, wherever you can think of”

"Why?" was the first thing that occurred to you to ask. Now it was Sirius' turn to look confused.

"Well, I thought it would be an opportunity to meet and... spend more time together" he explained and although you had understood the idea it seemed impossible to think that the boy had any kind of interest in you "But it's fine if you don't want to, I don't pretend be upset"

"I'd love to," you rushed to say, fearful that the opportunity would slip through your grasp. You saw him smile and after exchanging a few more words he left with a smile that you couldn't see, but that was pure joy.

Finally, the day of "go out" arrived and you were about to tell him that you could not go. You were nervous, more than nervous you were anxious about what could happen or what he could say about you.

You had searched your entire wardrobe for something decent to wear and after pulling and removing and taking out the clothes and trying them on, none of them convinced you. You looked in the mirror and didn't feel like it was enough of an outfit to date a man as handsome as him. In the first place, you did not even know why he had chosen to go out with you, because, although you considered yourself a nice person, you could not boast of being the most interesting.

Don't think about it, don't think about it, you kept repeating yourself as you continued to get ready and looked at the wall clock waiting for the time for Sirius to knock on your apartment.

Once you were with your outfit ready, you looked yourself up and down and although he did not completely convince you, you decided to tell yourself that you looked beautiful. Still a little nervous you looked at the makeup bag that was under some things on your dressing table. You hadn't put on makeup for years, because you were still scared to hear the comments in your head with that horrible voice.

You look like a whore.

You shook your head to ward off all the negativity and taking a breath you plucked up the courage to open the zippers and remove the beautiful makeup that you had abandoned. When you were finishing and without giving a chance to regret there was a knock on the door that took you by surprise. You went out and found Sirius wearing a striped t-shirt and ripped jeans that reminded you of that blond singer... Kurt was his name?

"Wow" you heard him say and he caught you staring at him adoringly. But you noticed that he looked at you the same "You are beautiful" he said with a smile. You frowned, again a little afraid that he was lying, but you tried again to push away those ideas of self-sabotage and smiled widely.

"I'm glad you like it. You look very handsome, you look like...”

"A rock star? I know” he said winking at you and managing to make you laugh “It's a joke, thanks for the compliment, sweetie” he replied, with his pretty smile of sealed lips. Just when you were smiling at him you watched him pay special attention to your makeup and put on a face that completely terrified you, taking all your confidence.

"Something wrong?"

"Your makeup" he pronounced. You felt your heart squeeze a little.

"You do not like? I can go take it off if you find it ugly or something like that…”

"Ugly?" he asked offended "No! It’s beautiful, but I feel like it lacks a touch. You know, the cherry on the cake that stands out in your eyes” he explained. You looked at him confused for the third time and he snapped his fingers as if the answer had suddenly come to his head "Eyeliner"

"Eyeliner?"

"Of course! Don't you like to use it? " he said kindly, turning his head to the side. You denied.

"I never learned how to do it" you lied. There was a bit of truth to it, but it also had a lot to do with the fact that he kept repeating that you looked vulgar with the eyeliner.

“I'm good at it! Come with me,” he murmured. He took your hand carefully and dragged you gently through the hall until they reached his apartment. You were a nervous wreck when he invited you to join him. "Sorry about the mess, I'm really the most distracted person on the planet and I forget to arrange things," he said with an embarrassed smile. You looked at some vinyl lying around, clothes, food packages, paintings, a guitar. There was a certain peace and beauty within all that mess, completely reflecting the boy who was desperately searching for his favorite eyeliner.

"Come," he asked once he left his room. You sat in a red leather chair he had and he leaned in your direction, very close to your face "Raise your head and look slightly down" he asked you and you listened. He took you by the chin with one hand and you saw him stick his tongue out just a little bit (as a sign of his concentration) while drawing on your eyelids. When he indicated that he had finished you saw him smile from ear to ear, which you imitated when he saw yourself in a mirror.

"Wow..." you whispered. Years ago, you loved putting on makeup and especially eyeliner, so seeing you again like that you were surprised. Besides, he was right, his hand was excellent at it.

"Now it's perfect, right?" he said excitedly. Perfect, that's how Sirius described what was in front of his eyes.

"Yeah... it looks much better" you admitted shyly. You couldn't believe that Sirius could make you feel so comfortable and calm, as well as help you maintain your confidence in yourself.

"I just hope I don't meet jealous guys for not having someone so pretty accompanying them," he said flirtatiously, making you laugh because of your nerves and making you blush "Shall we go?" he asked smiling and extending a hand to help you up.

You looked at him, still amazed to have found someone like that in your life, and took his hand with a smile.

Who would say that sometimes love stories begin like this?

TAG LIST: @aleksanderblack @voidamy @blackst0nes7077 @bruxa0007 @fictionalcharactersworld @falcvns @iwritesiriusly @navs-bhat @aleksanderwh0r3 @myalupinblack @bohologyc @ itzzzcookie @sexysirius

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[whump-a-la-mode]

Maybe, if you have any extra time, would you consider doing a continuation of the good villain rehab center prompt??? 🥺

🥺 I loved writing that one. Here you go! Just as a heads up, I’m going to start making prompt fills like this a little shorter, just because they’re starting to pile up a little. I wanna make sure I can answer all of them!

Thank you so much for the request!! Continued from here. This one is fluffy but also just a little sad.

CW//Hospital setting, pill mention, nausea mention, low self esteem

Visiting hours were from one to four.

That was the first thing Villain learned about the Supervillain Memorial Villainous Recovery Center, or, as it was far more commonly known, for the sake of brevity, the RC. That visiting hours were from one to four.

They could not help but hear the fact, echoing in their mind, as they glanced to the clock. Half after noon.

Half an hour.

Lunch was served at noon sharp-- they had learned that, too. Villain glanced down at the plate, sitting on the desk before them. It had been picked clean, to the point of nigh-spotlessness, leaving behind only the smeared residue of sauces and spices.

Two days. Three, they supposed, now, since the clock’s hands had already passed well into the afternoon. Three days, spent at the RC.

72 hours. Not counting the time they’d spent without their consciousness intact.

They sighed, placing down their fork-- a real, metal fork-- and listening to its soft clatter against the porcelain dishware.

Visiting hours were from one to four. Meaning that, in half an hour, Hero would be there. They’d grown familiar with, though not particularly fond of, the knock on their door-- the age-old call: “Villain, you have a visitor.”

Lunchtime had quickly become their least favorite time of day.

Things were peaceful before food was served. They woke up when wakefulness stirred them, spurred by no alarm, human or otherwise. The room was... comfortable. Light coaxed its way between the shades of their closed blind, leaving sunspots on the wood-paneled floor.

Though they awoke alone, when they emerged from bed, it was never long before someone came to see them. Doctor, it had been so far. A face they had learned to find kind and welcoming, even if their movements still made them uneasy.

Every day, the doctor would coax a light knocking upon their door, greeting them with a soft call of ‘good morning.’ They would ask how they had slept, how they were doing.

It was always the less practical questions that came before those of a medical nature. ‘Have you been feeling well?’ ‘Is there anything you need?’ ‘Would you like some tea?’

Then came the medical questionnaire-- a short affair of simple ‘yes’s’ and ‘no’s.’ Yes, their head still hurt. No, they weren’t having any trouble breathing. Yes, they were drinking their water. And their pills. Based upon the doctor’s warm, content smile, Villain’s recovery was going well, though they never mentioned the way that the taste of smoke refused to remove itself from the back of their tongue.

And, finally, the apologies.

To Doctor, Villain’s living conditions must have seemed to be torturous, considering the way they spoke of them.

“I’m so sorry you have to stay in here. Your doctors want a clean bill of health before you move to the main wing. It’s flu season, they say. Something like that could land you in the hospital while your lungs are still weak.”

“Are you sure you’re okay? Maybe you could come visit with the nurses for a while... Oh, you must be so lonely. Are you sure there’s no one you want to call?”

“You aren’t getting bored, are you? The library is just down the street, are there any books you want? There’s a TV in the employee lounge...”

Yet, despite their countless worries, each and every one went unfounded. Villain’s room was a cell, yes. The door was locked. The window was bolted shut. They were a prisoner, and they knew that.

But, inexplicably, they were happy. On the first day, they had gone so far as to wonder if their food had been tampered with. They’d soon found otherwise, however. There was a far less sinister explanation.

They were simply happy. Perhaps not euphoric. Not overjoyed. But... content.

The time they spent in their cell was serene. Staring out over the window, watching the ocean play, the flowers in the botanical garden flash their extravagant petals. On the second day, when their fatigue had receded, they had obliged one of the doctor’s many offers. A book from the library.

Later that day, a chatty intern had brought in five, jabbering about how they didn’t know how fast of a reader Villain was.

So far, they’d only gotten through one, flipping leisurely through its pages. There was something nearly overwhelming about the experience. Letting the words flow to their mind as waves whorled in the ocean outdoors.

Prisoner or not, they were happy. They enjoyed their cell. There was room to roam, room to breathe. They couldn’t remember the last time they had been able to simply pause. To let every part of them relax.

And, during most of the day, they did relax.

Except during visiting hours. One to four.

Villain’s gaze glanced to the clock. 12:45.

Three days they’d been in the RC. Three days Hero would visit. Even if the hour had no struck yet, there was no doubt in their mind that the hero would be there, right on time, smiling and bringing gifts. The first day, it had been cookies. The second, a handful of candies. Today, they’d promised a brownie.

Villain never ate the food. It went right in the trash, every piece of it. It wasn’t an act of spite, not an act of distrust. But an act of nausea. When Hero left after their visits, they had no desire to eat.

Hero was... nice. That was undeniable. They entered with a grin and left with one, even as it fluttered throughout their meeting. Never had they uttered to Villain an insulting word, an aggressive tone. That was exactly the problem.

Why?

Why hadn’t they harmed them?

By name alone, the RC would have made any villain keep far from its walls. A recovery center was certainly a misnomer, a joke at those inside. Those being held captive, broken down and shattered into fiberglass particles of themself.

Because the heroes were evil. They were in the wrong. Regardless of what they said, regardless of what the public thought, it was the villains who were fighting the good fight. Any facility they had control over was certainly a torture chamber, intent on inflicting nothing but suffering on those inside.

Not bringing them tea and library books.

During visiting hours, from one to four, Villain would hardly speak. They allowed Hero to do that for them-- even as they asked them questions, requested their input, nudged them for anecdotes. There were no words that villain could say that would sound right.

So, they listened. Listened to the hero’s stories, how their day had gone, what stupid think their drunk teammates had done last weekend. Yet, they never strayed to topics of villainy. Never to topics of work. When such things would come up, they were brushed over with professional efficiency. ‘Then we fought downtown, but you’ll never guess how Teammate managed to set off the fire alarm.’

Because they didn’t care. Hero didn’t care.

They didn’t care that they were speaking to a villain. One who had caused untold harm, unending, ceaseless, meaningless destruction. Every time they prompted Villain to speak, they struggled to open their mouth. To let a stream of apologies spill forth, greater than the ocean outside their window.

But, not a single word would emerge. Because it wouldn’t be enough.

In the Supervillain Memorial Villainous Recovery Center, Villain was recovering. That was the problem.

They didn’t deserve it.

[damianwaynerocks]

Zuko & The Waynes

atla/batfam crossover

taglist: @bi-fr0000g​

Part 2

Summary:  Prince Zuko has just seen a light; the Avatar has returned. He was just about to go capture him, when he falls through a portal, and lands in Gotham City. He’s angry. He was just about to regain his honor, to regain his father’s love. After he is adopted by Bruce Wayne and becomes Zuko Wayne, the second youngest child, Zuko starts to have second thoughts about regaining his honor. Living as Zuko Wayne makes him think that maybe, just maybe, he’s deserving of love just the way he is.

pt 1

Part 2:

"Word of advice; never check your hashtag."

Zuko muttered a thank you to Dick as he set his phone down to take a cup of tea being offered to him by his older brother, who say down himself and leaned his elbows on his knees. He smiled softly as he looked at Zuko. "Look, everybody thinks that we care about their opinion. They feel like their opinion on things we do matters, especially the negative ones. Plus, a lot of it's just for attention, just to get us to see it and say something."

"Don't worry about me," Zuko sighed, "I'm used to people saying things like that."

"I'm sorry about that." The two say in silence for a few minutes, before Dick perked up. "I forgot!" he fumbled to grab the remote, "I was going to show you Brooklyn Nine-Nine!"

"What's that?" Zuko asked, taking a sip of his tea. "This is really good, by the way, almost as good as my Uncle's."

"Thanks, Alfred makes the best tea," Dick replied, going to Hulu on the tv, "But Brooklyn NIne Nine is amazing! It's a cop show but so funny at the same time!" He pushed play, and sat back to watch.

It was funny. Zuko laughed a few times. He couldn't stay focused for long, though. He was nervous. His interview with Gotham Gazette was coming up the next week. He'd given interviews as Prince of the Fire Nation, but he'd always been with his father and sister, never really speaking unless agreeing with his father.

As if sensing his nervousness, Dick spoke. "Hey, I know you're nervous about the interview, but I promise it'll be okay. It won't be televised, and Bruce paid the Gazette to allow a family friend, Lois Lane, to interview you. She knows about all of this, including you being from another dimension, so it'll be easier."

Zuko took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "Who is Lois, exactly?"

"Superman's wife," Bruce said as he walked into the room, holding a manila folder in his hand. He smiled. "How are you doing, Zuko?"

"I'm fine," Zuko said, crossing his arms  after he set his tea down on to the coffee table.

"It's okay to be nervous, it's your first interview," Bruce said kindly, sitting on the other side of him "I was for mine." Zuko looked up at him with a raised eyebrow.

"You? Nervous?"

Bruce laughed. "Oh, yeah. I was terrified. I was about your age. The Gazette wanted an exclusive about the new Healthcare program Wayne Enterprises were putting together- which I had little to no part of since Lucius Fox was running it for me."

"What'd you do?" asked Zuko, shifting to face the man.

"Alfred phoned the Gazette and played the sad orphan card for me so I could get the questions in advance," Bruce explained, smoothing the folder on his lap. "Lucius told me the answers to all of them, and so I knew what to say when the interview came."

"Lucky," Zuko snorted. Bruce smiled softly.

"No. Not luck. I just had people that loved me looking out for me." He handed Zuko the folder. "I called Lois and asked her to send over the questions she's going to ask you. Look through them to prepare for your answers, and if you need help, just ask." He ruffled Zuko's hair as he stood up and left.

Zuko blinked, and opened the folder. He read a few of the questions, and groaned. At Dick's questioning look, he said, "Half of these are way too personal, and I don't know what the other half of these mean! Current tv obsession? What lyrics from a song mean the most to you? Anakin Skywalker or Obi-Wan Kenobi?"

"What about Anakin Skywalker?" Duke piped up, sticking his head in the room. "I don't know what we're talking about, but if it involves Anakin, I want in it."

"Lois sent over the interview questions for Zuke," Dick explained, ignoring Zuko's protests against the nickname, "And some of them involve pop culture." Duke looked at the paper over Zuko's shoulder.

"I can help with these," he offered, "After that month mission in San Fran, I'm taking a week break. I can educate you on the icon that is Anakin Skywalker and all the other stuff."

"Okay, thanks," Zuko replied. Duke grinned.

"Now come on, we're binge-watching all the seasons of Clone Wars."

-_

Zuko and Duke were inseparable for the next week, constantly talking about the interview. Duke was telling him all about Star Wars, showing him his Spotify playlist, going to the Gotham Fashion Show, and trying new foods, to name a few.

"You're taking my sparring partner, Thomas," Damian had snapped on the third day.

"Sorry, man, Zu and I have stuff to do!" Duke had replied as he dragged Zuko to the garage by his hand, not looking very sorry at all. Duke had taken to calling him 'Zu' and if he was being truthful with himself, Zuko didn't mind it. They'd become very close.

It was the day of the interview. Zuko was nervous as he and Duke ran over his answers again.

"And remember, if you forget one, just say what you think," he was saying as Bruce straightened his tie. Bruce nodded in agreement.

"And I'll be right behind the camera," the man added, "If you get overwhelmed, tap your leg three times, and I'll interrupt you so you can get a break. Zuko nodded.

"Thank you," he breathed. Bruce and Duke smiled at him.

"Zuko," a woman with long black hair in a white blouse got Zuko's attention, "We're ready."

Zuko took a deep breath as he walked over, sitting on the couch they'd brought into the room for him and Lois to sit on. A broad man with black hair and glasses was behind the camera- Superman, Zuko remembered -smiled encouragingly at him. Usually, Bruce had told him, a man named Jimmy was Lois' partner, but Bruce had requested Clark just in case Zuko had accidentally revealed something incriminating.

"Okay, Clark," Lois said, making a motion with her fingers, "Let's do this." A red light blinked on the camera, and Lois turned to Zuko with a smile. "So! Zuko!" she grinned, "It's nice to meet you! How are you feeling?"

Just say what you're thinking, Duke's voice reverberated in his head. Zuko's voice didn't tremble when he finally spoke, "I haven't felt anything in years."

Lois blinked. "Oh? Did you have a rough life before you met Bruce?"

"Something like that." Lois smiled sadly. She knew the truth, as Clark had told her.

"I'm sorry about that," she said, before clearing her throat. "So! The Gazette put together the 'twenty-one questions' questionnaire for you to go over! Does that sound good?"

The interview was a blur. He remembered telling her that he liked Anakin more than Obi-Wan and that his favorite song was Choke by I DON'T HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME. He told her that his favorite part of living with Bruce was Alfred's tea because it reminded him of how his uncle would make it.

"Thank you for your time, Zuko," Lois smoothed her skirt in her lap as she smiled warmly, "It's been lovely to meet you."

"And we're good!" Clark said from behind the camera, giving the two a thumbs up. "You did great, Zuko!"

"Thanks," Zuko replied, releasing a breath he hadn't noticed he'd been holding.

"Hey, dad!" a boy around Damian's age in a Superman hoodie with black hair and blue eyes flew down the stairs until he right in front of Clark. "Can I spend the night?"

Clark looked at Bruce. "If it's okay with Bruce, sure. As long as you're back tomorrow by noon."

"It's fine with me," Bruce agreed. Jon grinned.

"Yes! Damian, it's a go!" he threw his arms around Clark. "Thanks, Dad!" he turned to Zuko and held out his hand for him to shake. "Hi!" he chirped, "I'm Jon, Damian's best friend! It's nice to meet you!"

"Uh, nice to meet you, too," said Zuko, taking the Kryptonian's hand. Jon's eyes lit up.

"Do you like smores?" he asked. Zuko's eyebrows furrowed.

"What's that?"

"Jon," Bruce said sternly, "You and Damian are not starting a fire in this house. Not after last time." Jon’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

"But Mr. Wayne-"

"Jon," Clark cut him off with a look, "Bruce said no."

Jon sighed. "Aw, fine. But come on, Zuko, let's go!" he picked Zuko off of the ground with startling strength and carried him to Damian's room.

"Don't carry me!" Zuko snapped, shoving the boy off of him and dusting off his clothes. Jon laughed.

"Wow, Damian! He's just like you!"

Damian scoffed from where he was sketching on his bed. "Don't be absurd, Jonathan." Jon raised an eyebrow.

"Let's see; grumpy, not liking being carried at first," he was counting on his fingers, "Trauma, a little scary, black hair, little to no social skills-"

"Hey!" Zuko and Damian interrupted simultaneously. Jon laughed.

"I'm just saying! Anyways, Bruce said we couldn't start a fire for smores."

Damian groaned. "That is so unfair! The chandelier incident was not our fault!"

Zuko blinked. "That... what incident?" Damian waved him off.

"Never you mind. Father is just being unreasonable." he paused. "Jonathan, what exactly did he say?"

Jon cleared his throat before lowering his voice several octaves in an impression of Bruce. "You and Damian are not starting a fire in this house." Damian smirked.

"So we cannot start a fire, but he said nothing about Zuko, the firebender!" he turned to Zuko, "We will go get the supplies. You stay up here. We'll use these to communicate." he tossed an earpiece into his hand. Zuko frowned.

"We need an earpiece just so we can get food?"

Damian gave him a disbelieving look. "Zuko, at this moment there is a Kryptonian, my father, Drake, Thomas, and Lane in this house. We have to cover all of our bases."

Zuko rolled his eyes but put the device in his ear anyway. Damian did the same. Jon was staring at the door, using his x-ray vision to see if anyone was coming. He didn't need an earpiece due to his superhearing.

"Alright, I will go get the marshmallows and graham crackers, and Jonathan, you go get the chocolate from Drake's room," Damian commanded in his voice typically only used for missions. "Zuko, you stay here, and do not let anybody know our plans."

Jon and Zuko nodded, the Kryptonian's serious and the firebender's condescending. Damian gestures to the door. "Let's be off, Jonathan." the two left the room, leaving Zuko standing.

Zuko looked around Damian's room. The walls were bare aside from two swords mounted above his bed and a framed picture of all of his bets above his television. Zuko was accepting the fact that he would be bored whenever there was a knock on the door.

Clark walked in, looking for Jon, but frowned when he didn't see his son. "Where are Jon and Damian?" he asked.

"Play. Dumb," Damian hissed in the earpiece. Zuko put on a confused expression.

"Who's Damian?"

"Not that dumb!"

Clark rolled his eyes fondly, clearly not believing him, but not wanting to push him. "Whatever. Tell Jon I said I love him."

Zuko nodded. "Will do, sir!" he said. Clark nodded, and left.

Jon was back in the room shortly after with a box of chocolate under his arm. "Golly," he gasped, "Tim's room is booby-trapped to the extreme! I barely made it without tripping any of them!"

"That is because you are an imbecile," Damian said from the doorway with a box of crackers in one hand and a bag of marshmallows in the other. He looked at Zuko with a deadpan expression. "You have much to learn when it comes to lying."

"He believed me, didn't he?" Zuko countered, crossing his arms over his chest. Damian rolled his eyes.

"No, he did not, he just heard a distress call from Metropolis and he did not have time to wait," he replied matter-of-factly. Jon's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"I didn't hear a distress call."

"That is because you were too busy trying not to get trapped in one of Drake's childish snares."

"Why does his room have those, anyway?" Zuko asked.

"Because he is worried somebody will come in and steal his things," Damian explained, "as he thinks that anybody with time on their hands would care enough to snoop through his stash of Penthouse magazines."

"What's that?" Zuko and Jon said at the same time.

"Pornography," Damian replied, opening the bag of marshmallows and pulling one out. He put it in between two of the graham crackers, and grabbed a square of chocolate to add. He looked at Zuko expectantly as he impaled it with one of the swords on the wall.

"Light a fire, Zuko," Jon explained, doing the same thing as Damian. Zuko obliged, a fire igniting above his palm. Damian and Jon put their smores in the flames, letting them toast. After a minute, Damian pulled his out. He handed the sword to Zuko.

"Here, eat." It was more of a demand than an offer, but Zuko didn't argue. He took the smore from the tip of the blade and took a bite. His eyes widened.

"This is amazing!" he praised, taking another bite. Jon smiled brightly.

"Right? They're the best!"

"They are a delectable treat," Damian agreed, taking the sword back from Zuko to make himself one. "Even if they are for children."

"Don't forget forbidden."

The three jumped at the voice, the flame fizzling out from Zuko's hand as he saw Bruce standing in the doorway with a frown on his face. "I thought I told you all that you could not start a fire!"

"On the contrary, Father," Damian contradicted, "You said that Jon and I could not start a fire. You said nothing about Zuko."

Bruce narrowed his icy blue eyes. "You're a smart boy, Damian, you knew what I meant. No patrol tomorrow!" Damian's eyes flew open.

"But Father-" he protested, but Bruce cut him off.

"No, Damian, you disobeyed me. And you, Zuko," he turned to the firebender, "No going to John Mulaney's show with Duke tomorrow."

Zuko's jaw dropped. "But-"

"And you, Jon," the Bat ignored him, setting his eyes on Jon. "I will be informing your mother of this." Jon paled.

"No," he whispered, "Not that. Anything but that."

"Yes," Bruce said sternly. "Now, I have work to do." Before he could walk out, Zuko's voice stopped him.

"That's it? Aren't you going to hit us or something?" he asked, confused. That's what fathers did whenever their children misbehaved, after all. They disciplined them.

Although it was impossible to tell, Bruce's heart cracked at his son's bewildered face. "No, Zuko," he answered, his voice much gentler now, "No. A father should never hit his children."

After Bruce left, Damian groaned, throwing his arms into the air. "This is ridiculous!" he seethed, "No patrol? For making smores?"

"My mom's gonna be so mad," Jon whimpered, closing his eyes as though that would erase the image of Lois' disappointed smile out of his head.

Zuko, though, was silent. Bruce's words were running through his mind. A father should never hit his children.

_

Zuko awoke the next morning to texts from the group chat.

Frowning, Zuko opened his twitter as he stood up, stretching. His eyebrows furrowed as he read.

"What the heck?" he muttered as he texted the group chat a response.

"Well," he said aloud as he put on a shirt and prepared to go downstairs for breakfast, "Alrighty then." As he made his way to the kitchen, the voices of the other boys reached his ears.

"If we were in a band, I would be the lead singer!"

"No you wouldn't, you can't sing!"

"What the hell do you know, Drake, you have barbecue sauce on your toast-"

"Damian don't fucking swear-"

"Jason! Stop teaching him those words!"

"How I eat my toast isn't relevant to the fact that Dick can't sing-"

They stopped arguing as Zuko entered the room, sitting into the seat next to Tim and rubbing his eyes. Seeing Tim dipping his toast in barbecue sauce, he wrinkled his nose in disgust and got up from his seat and moved to the one beside Duke.

Tim didn't seem phased. He pointed his toast at Zuko. "You went on a midnight drive with Dick, right? Was he a good singer?"

"No," Zuko replied bluntly, meeting Dick's pleading look. The acrobat scowled.

"That is false! False! I am a great singer!" he huffed, "Just ask Superman!"

Jason laughed. "Dude, Clark was lying! He's too nice to tell you the truth! You royally suck."

Bruce was sitting at the head of the table reading the newspaper, sipping his coffee as he tuned out his children's argument. Finally, he cleared his throat.

"The gala's tonight," he said, "And I want everyone on their best behavior."

The gala was for Zuko. An event to celebrate the Waynes bringing in another child.

Zuko was not excited about it.

The day was spent with preparations. Getting the ballroom ready, running over what to say when Gretchen Milliana made you comfortable, and ballroom dancing.

Zuko was not very good at the last one.

"Okay, so, you might need more professional help," Dick admitted after the second hour had passed. "Never fear! We'll get Cass."

Cassandra Cain, the only female Wayne, was in the dance studio. Zuko had only met her a few times.

"Hey, Cass!" Dick greeted as they entered the room where a girl of Asian descent was practicing ballet. "Any chance you can help Zuko get the waltz down before tonight?"

"Sure," Cass replied, stilling her motions. "Come here, Zuko." She placed his right hand on her waist and put her own on his shoulder, interlocking their other hands. "Like this."

She began leading him in the dance, but within two steps, Zuko stepped on her feet. "I'm sorry," he muttered. Cass shrugged.

"It is alright," she paused, "Think of it as if you were in combat. As though you're learning a new fighting technique."

That worked.

After ten minutes, Zuko was starting to get the hang of it. Cass was a good teacher. And surprisingly, Zuko found himself having fun.

The two danced around the room to a Beethoven song. Zuko had a smile, a real smile on his face. He liked it. It was peaceful. It was graceful. It was fun.

"Very good!" Cass praised, "You're a natural!"

Zuko laughed nervously before asking his question. "Do you think... do you think you could show me ballet sometime?" he asked, his face red. Cass smiled.

"Of course! You're a great dancing partner!"

_

Eight hours later, Zuko was in a suit. He pulled at the collar nervously. Duke saw this, and stepped in front of him to straighten his tie.

"No worries, dude," he said, "It isn't that bad. Besides, aren't you a prince? You've probably been to a ton of these things."

Zuko shrugged half-heartedly. "Yeah, but it's different."

"Then don't make it different," Duke replied, "Just put on your Prince Zuko face and pretend like you know what you're doing even if you don't. Fake it till you make it."

Zuko did just that. He put on his Prince Zuko face and acted.

He stood by Dick most of the time, his older brother doing most of the talking for him. But, as all good things must come to an end, Gretchen Milliana asked him to dance.

"You're a good dancer!" the forty-year-old woman purred, "Who taught you?"

"Cassandra," Zuko replied simply. "She's a good teacher."

"She must be," Gretchen smirked. The conversation continued, Gretchen flirting with the sixteen-year-old until he was red in the face. Finally, the song ended, and he said a polite good-bye and went back to find Dick.

"How was it?" Dick asked.

"Take a guess," Zuko grunted. Dick sucked in his teeth.

"Yeah, she's something else. Very yucky." Zuko raised an eyebrow at the word choice.

"Yucky? How old are you?" he taunted. Dick rolled his eyes.

"Twenty-three, which makes me your elder and therefore deserving of respect." He showed Zuko his phone. "Look at my post!"

Zuko looked up at Dick. "Where'd you get that picture?"

"The paparazzi work fast, my guy.”

_

After the gala, Zuko was making his way to his room, when Tim stopped him.

"Come on, I have a favor to ask!" he said, leading him into the Cave where a girl with blonde hair and star earrings was waiting at the computer.

"Zuko, this is Cassie Sandsmark, also known as Wonder Girl," he introduced. Cassie shook his hand.

"Nice to meet ya, Zuko!" she greeted.

"You too," said Zuko, before turning to his brother. "What do you need?"

"So, my team and I have been tracking a magyntite dealer for months," Tim began, sitting on the chair in front of the computer. "Magyntite is a chemical that, when coated over something, makes its durability increase ten-fold. Like, if you made this stuff into a suit, even a punch from Superman wouldn't hurt you."

"It's from the planet Tatooine," Cassie added, "No relation to the Star Wars planet, though. Total coincidence."

"We tracked the dealer to Gotham, and he's having an auction at one of Falcone's clubs. They're calling it 'Masked Magicians Monday,'" Tim said, cracking his knuckles.

Zuko interrupted him. "What does this have to do with me?"

"We need to infiltrate it," Tim explained,  "and we need your help to do it, Zuko. You and Cassie are going to pretend to be a magician couple."

"No offense, Zuko," said Cassie with a glance at him before looking at Tim with a raised eyebrow, "But why isn't Bart or Kon doing this?"

"Because they don't have experience acting as a fancy socialite. Zuko does, being a prince as well as being apart of a gala."

"I don't have experience either!"

"I know but like, you're the only girl." Tim rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly at her glare.

Cassie sighed. "Alright, what's game plan?"

"You and Zuko go to the party in Carnevale masks- I got one big enough to cover your scar-" he added as Zuko opened his mouth, "And when it's time to bid on the magyntite, you get it. I've got $50,000,000 in cash."

"Sounds easy enough," Zuko said. Cassie nodded in agreement.

Tim sucked in his teeth. "Yeah, this is where it gets weird though. Whoever the dealer is is bonkers. Really weird rules. You have to have a date to get in, and you have to be in a relationship with the person. And you have to be convincing. Like if they suspect you're faking, you'll get kicked out."

"That sounds fake," Zuko grunted.

"That's what I thought, too, but it isn't," Tim argued, "This dude only wants couples. Maybe it's a sex thing?"

Cassie scrunched her nose in disgust. "Whoever this guy is, he sounds like a creep. Why does he care?"

"Who knows?" Tim shrugged, "And another rule is that you have to show that you can do magic- real magic, not that children show magic -at the door. I figured Zuko would light a fire in his hand."

"Does he have to say a spell?" asked Cassie.

"Yeah, just come up with something," Tim said to Zuko. "Also, for obvious reasons, you guys need to think of fake names. I have your ids all set up, but I was gonna let you pick your names so it's easier to remember."

Cassie turned to Zuko, putting her hand on her chin and scrunching her face up in an exaggerated thoughtful expression. She furrowed her eyebrows. "You," she pointed her finger at Zuko, "Look like a Dylan."

"Dylan?" Zuko echoed with a frown. "I don't like it. That doesn't sound regal enough."

"Oh, you want a regal name, Your Majesty?" Cassie bowed dramatically before flashing him a grin. "Okay! What about Henry?"

"Henry is... acceptable," Zuko replied, rolling the name around in his head. Tim furrowed his eyebrows, his mouth agape.

"Tell me you didn't pick Henry because Timothée Chalamet played Henry V in that movie."

"That's completely the reason and I'm not even remotely sorry about it," Cassie huffed, placing her hands on her hips dramatically. "I've said it before and I'll say it again; if I don't marry Timothée Chalamet, my life has been a waste." Tim stared at her as if she'd grown another head.

"You've saved eleven people from dying this week alone."

"A waste, Tim. A waste." The corners of her mouth turned up as she looked at Zuko. "Your turn, fake boyfriend, pick a name for me."

Zuko sized her up, thinking, but the only name that came to his mind was 'ty-lee' and he certainly couldn't give her the name of his sister's best friend.

Cassie shifted her weight from one leg to the other impatiently. Zuko's eyes zipped around the room and landed on an empty starbucks cup. "Uh, what about Larissa?" he finally said

"Larissa," Cassie hummed, "I like it!"

Tim gave Zuko a strange look as if to say why did you give her the name of our favorite starbucks barista?

Zuko gave him an anxious look in return as if to say I don't know I panicked.

"So what about last name?" Cassie asked, seemingly oblivious to the silent exchange. "Are we married or what?"

"No," Tim answered, "You're engaged."

"Ooh, that means a fancy ring! Score!" Cassie cheered. She gave Zuko a friendly nudge. "And you'll get one too! Though you're probably used to fancy things, being a prince and then being a Wayne and all."

Zuko shrugged. "I'm not really a jewelry person."

"Well too bad, fiancé of mine," Cassie wrapped her arm around Zuko's waist and gave him a playful side hug, "You are now! Come on, we should get ice cream or some thing else so we can get used to each other so the chemistry seems real and all."

Zuko sent Tim a glance over his shoulder as Cassie grabbed his hand to pull him to the motorcycles. She handed Zuko a helmet and revved up the engine. "My mom doesn't know I have this, so keep it a secret."

"Your secret's safe with me."

Cassie was a bad driver.

Zuko didn't get scared often, but riding with Cassie on a motorcycle? A terrifying experience.

"I can see why your mom doesn't want you to have one of these," Zuko gasped as he hopped off the motorcycle, putting a hand over his chest. "You're a terrible driver."

"No, I'm not!"

"We almost died!"

"But we didn't!" Cassie countered. She walked ahead of him towards the building. "Anyways, let's go eat ice cream! Your treat, since you're rich and all."

"This ice cream better be good, or else," Zuko grumbled. Cassie laughed.

"What are you gonna do, break off our engagement?" Cassie had a twinkle in her eyes as she spoke. "Whatever shall I do?"

Zuko rolled his eyes and led her to a table. Their waiter arrived shortly, holding a notepad and pen. "What can I get you two?"

Before Zuko could say anything, Cassie interrupted him. "Vanilla milkshake please, two straws," she said sweetly. The waiter chuckled, his eyes flicking between the two of them, and walked to the back.

Zuko gave her a look. "Two straws?" Cassie shrugged.

"Hey man, the event's tomorrow night and no offense but being romantic doesn't seem to be your forté. We're gonna have to do a ton of couple stuff so you get used to it."

"I can be romantic!" Zuko protested, "I've had a girlfriend before!"

"Oh yeah? How old were you?"

"Thirteen!"

Cassie laughed. "In my book, any relationship thirteen and younger doesn't count."

"Well, we must be different then," Zuko grumbled, crossing his arms.

Cassie's eyes softened. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"You didn't."

Cassie clearly didn't believe him, but she didn't press it. "So! What do you like to do for fun?"

"I don't do fun," Zuko replied, looking out the window. Cassie rolled her eyes.

"Oh wow, you are so Bruce's kid. But seriously, Zuko, everybody has something they do for fun! You have to have an idea."

"I mean..." he wracked his brain for an answer, and remembered Cass. "Turns out I like dancing. It was outlawed in the Fire Nation, so I'd never danced before. My sister Cass was teaching me how to ballroom dance and I actually really liked it. We're gonna start doing ballet together." His face turned red as he realized what he'd just admitted. A boy? Doing ballet? His father would have scoffed at him, calling him pathetic.

Cassie shocked him by giving him a warm smile. "I love that! Cass is the best ballet dancer I've ever seen, you're super lucky to have her!"

Zuko looked down. "I'm not lucky," he said darkly, "It's like my father always said; my sister was born lucky, while I was lucky to be born."

Cassie scowled. "Well, that's awful to say! I think you're very lucky! I mean, hey," she leaned back in the booth, putting her hands behind her head and smiling, "You get to fake-date me! The great Cassandra Sandsmark!"

Zuko snorted a laugh, which made Cassie's grin widen.

"Score! I made you smile! We'll be a believable couple in no time."

The ice cream arrived, and Cassie put the two straws in. Telling him to 'drink up,' Zuko took a zip.

"This is really great," he said. Cassie grinned.

"Ice cream's so good, man, I'm glad you like it."

"I'm exhausted," Zuko complained, leaning back. He was still in his suit from the gala.

Cassie waved. "Hi, Exhausted, I'm Cassie!"

Zuko gave her a weird look.

Cassie frowned. "You know? You said you were exhausted so I said 'hi, exhausted?' It was a joke."

"It was a bad one."

She scoffed. "As if you can do better!"

"I have plenty of jokes!" Zuko argued.

"Oh yeah? Tell one!"

All Zuko could remember was half of the joke Iroh had told him the night before he's arrived in Gotham. "My uncle used to tell me this one all the time. I don't remember all of it, but the punchline was 'leaf me alone, I'm bushed!'"

Cassie sucked in her teeth. "Tt. You know, a joke is only funny if you tell the entire thing."

"Okay, Damian," Zuko retorted, referring to her use of the sound Damian constantly vocalized.

"Speaking of Damian, what's it like living with him?" she rested her elbows on the table. "Tim says he's a nightmare, but surely he's got his moments, right?"

Zuko didn't respond for a moment, his mind wandering to a few days prior, whenever Damian had invited him up to his room to paint the sunset with him.

The two were silent, nothing but the sound of paintbrushes gliding along canvases filling the air.

"The League of Assassins told me many things." Damian's voice broke the silence, not looking up from his canvas. "They told me that they were great, that they- that we were only killing because we had to. That we were doing good work. That we were going to make the world a better place, start a new, good world order, and that I would lead it."

"I know what you're trying to do," said Zuko shortly, not looking up from his painting.

"I am simply relaying facts to you," Damian denied, "Anyways, I believed that I was doing good. The murder, the cruelty- it was all for the greater good. But... but it wasn't. It wasn't good. Murder is murder. We were using murder as a way to gain power, to gain control over everything. Not to make a good world. They didn't care if the new world is good, as long as they got to rule it." His eyes flicked to Zuko briefly, before returning to his painting. "It took me a long time to realize that. That I was being used. I was a pawn. They didn't love me, I was a weapon. A tool. Something they could use to get what they wanted."

Zuko didn't reply. Surely his father wanted to love him. After all, he was giving him a chance to regain his love. He only had to capture the Avatar. And the Fire Nation was the greatest of all. They were doing good, helping the world.

And yet, the more he thought about it, the more Zuko realized that he couldn't find any instance of the Fire Nation doing something that would directly benefit the Air Nomads, Earth Kingdom, or the Water Tribes. The more he thought about it, the more he noticed the similarities between the Fire Nation and the League of Assassins.

The more he thought about it, the more he realized how different Bruce Wayne was from Fire Lord Ozai. The more he thought about it, the more he realized how different his relationships with Tim, Duke, Damian, Dick, Jason, and Cass are from his relationship with Azula. The more he thought about it, the more he realized how much safer he felt at the Manor than he ever felt at the Palace.

And the more he thought about it, the more the hand holding his paintbrush shook.

"Living with Damian gives you a headache," Zuko finally answered, taking another sip of their milkshake.

[redisriding]

Tell us about yourself!

Yikes! So I didn't really know where to begin with this one, Well I was born on the banks of the river... Nah! So I googled “fun get to know me questions” and the resulting questionnaire had 371 questions. I decided to answer the first 100!

Strap yourself in, because HERE WE GO! 

1. What is your full name?

Red is Riding ;)

2. What does your name mean?

Funny story, so I actually created this alias to partake in some underground hedonistic activities. When I went to start my Tumblr I just decided to use the same one because I’m not very creative and didn’t want to make up a new one. I never thought that this blog would become as popular as it has, and now I couldn’t be bothered changing the name. It does make me laugh though, if only you people knew what I used to get up to under this alias. 

3. Are you named after anyone?

Little Red Riding Hood?

4. Does your name make any interesting anagrams?

I don’t think so, but maybe someone smarter than me could figure it out. 

5. If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

I would probably change my real first name if I could as unfortunately I share it with a reasonably well known facist.

6. Where are you from?

A small European country. 

7. Where were you born?

In the capital city of that small European country. 

8. Where did you grow up?

In the suburbs of the capital of that small European country. 

9. Who did you look like growing up?

A member of the band Hanson, if they had red hair and wore those terrible 2000’s wire rimmed glasses. 

10.What are your best characteristics?

Oh gosh, isn’t it embarrassing to talk about your good traits? Especially when the way you see yourself is often so different from the way others see you. 

11.What are your favorite things about yourself?

Honestly, I’ve great boobs.

12.Which of your parents are you closest to?

Depends on my mood.

13.Which of your parents are you more like?

I think physically I’m more like my mother, but my character is closer to my father. 

14.Are your grandparents still married?

Yep, on one side. On the other side my grandad is dead and has been for a very long time. 

15.What relative was important to you growing up & why?

I guess my grandparents, they are the only members of the extended family I ever really saw growing up. I was never close to my uncles, and my aunts and cousins all live in different countries. 

16.What is one thing that you’ve never revealed to your parents?

Anything about my love life, we just don’t talk about it. Ever!

17.What would your parents have named you if you were the opposite gender?

I’m actually not sure. I know they had lots of other traditionally female names picked out, but I don’t know any male names they had for me. I’m not sure if they knew early on if I was going to be a girl, would make sense though.

18.What do you call your grandparents?

I call one of my grandmother’s by her first name, and my grandad, grandad. 

19.What is your best physical feature?

My boobs!…I have pretty eyes too.

20.What is your biggest accomplishment?

Probably getting into University and graduating top of my class.

21.What is your biggest fear?

Having all my joints simultaneously dislocate. 

22.What is your biggest regret?

The way I’ve treated certain people over the years.

23.What is your eye colour?

Blue.

24.What inspires you?

Hope that tomorrow can be better.

25.What is the most important thing in your life?

My family, and my future. 

26.What has required the most courage of you in your life so far?

Hummm, I’m really not sure about this one. 

27.Who is your favourite actor?

I truly could not name a single actor.

28.Who is your favourite actress?

As above. 

29.Who is your favourite celebrity?

I genuinely have no idea.

30.Who is your favourite musician?

Lorde has been getting me through this quarantine, but my favourite singer/band is/are Florence + the Machine. Maybe that dates me. 

31.Who’s your favourite person in the world?

I can’t choose just one! 

32.What is your favourite childhood memory?

I’m very lucky, I had a really marvellous childhood. I guess I have some great memories of playing with my brother as a child, but I’m not sure I have a favourite memory. 

33.What is your favourite colour?

Teal. 

34.What is your favourite cultural activity?

I love going to the theatre.

35.What is your favourite drink?

Water is the thing I drink most often. I don’t like tea or coffee, and I only drink alcohol in social settings not alone of an evening.

36.What is your favourite fairytale?

I’m actually not sure. I know it’s not quite the same but I was never allowed to watch the Disney princess films growing up (a lot of which are based on fairytales) so I can’t say I am particularly attached on any. Although, in answering this question I have remembered by blog name so I probably should say Little Red Riding Hood. 

37.What is your favourite food?

Potatoes, they are so wonderfully versatile, I will never get bored eating them.

38.What is your favourite holiday destination?

There is so much of the world I have not yet seen and I cannot wait until we’re allowed to travel again. The last big trip I was on was to Canada, Vancouver, and it was amazing. 

39.What is your favourite ice-cream flavour?

Ice cream does not agree with me at all, I always thought I was lactose intolerant because of it (I’m not), but I did love a pistachio ice cream as a kid. 

40.What is your favourite music genre?

According to Spotify my most listened to genre is “alternative” whatever that means.

41.What is your favourite physical activity?

Hiking. 

42.What is your favourite quote?

I don’t believe I have one. I do know someone who has “live laugh love” tattooed on their foot. Take from that what you will.

43.What is your favourite snack?

Tbh I don't really snack (am I coming across as awfully boring in these questions?) I love three big meals a day. I will eat an apple or something if I need something pre dinner. 

44.What is your favourite song?

Either Fascination by Alphabeat, Prayer in C by Lily Wood and the Prick, and Robin Schulz, or Brimful of Asha by Cornershop, the Fat Boy Slim Remix. Those songs never fail to put me in a good mood when I need it. 

45.What is your favourite sport?

To watch? Rugby. But I am OBSESSED with the Olympics, especially the winter olympics.

46.What is your favourite time of the day?

Early evening. 

47.What is your favourite type of clothing?

Dresses…with pockets! Or jumpers, I love a big wooly jumper. 

48.What is your favourite way to pass time?

Read.

49.What is the name of your favourite restaurant?

My favourite restaurant is called Dishoom, but unfortunately it has yet to make it to my little European country, so it’s a real treat if I get to eat there. 

50.What is your all-time favourite town or city? Why?

I don’t have one.

51.What is your favourite candle scent?

Probably a classic vanilla, but not an overpowering one. The vanilla candle from IKEA is the NICEST. 

52.What is your favourite social media channel?

Probably Twitter, although Tumblr is my place for escape. 

53.Where’s your favourite place to take an out-of-town guest?

Ugh I hate being the one to choose where we go. I think it’s because I’m a Libra. 

54.What was your favourite subject in High School?

Okay now this is a fun fact, I didn’t actually go to school. I was “Home Educated” which is ideologically different form being Home Schooled. There was no curriculum for me to follow so I could basically dick about doing whatever I wanted during the day. I did study Law which I really enjoyed, and I went onto study it at University. 

55.What was your least favourite subject in High School?

Again see above. Although I do remember crying every time my father tried to teach me maths. To this day, I’m still not sure how to work out a percentage, let alone anything more advanced than that. 

56.What was your favourite TV show when you were a child?

Sabrina the Teenage Witch (the Melissa Joan Heart version) or anything with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in it (have I dated myself again?)

57.What do you love about your favourite TV Show?

They were fun. I wanted to be them!

58.Are you scared of heights?

Nope, but I’m scared of falling and shattering all the bones in my legs.

59.Are you high maintenance?

Definitely not.

60.Are you more inclined to “build your own empire” or unleash the potential of others?

I don’t know what this means, but fuck imperialism. 

61.Are you more likely to avoid conflict or engage it head-on?

Ugh, I hate conflict, like I go all trembly, but if there is something amiss I can’t not confront it.

62.Are you a dog person or cat person?

I really adore animals, I had hoped to get a cat during this long and lonely lockdown but my landlord wasn’t keen. If I had more time and space I would love to get a dog, it’s just not feasible in my life at the moment. 

63.Are you a fan of any sports team?

Just my national team no matter what the sport.

64.Are you a good cook?

I like to think so.

65.Are you an early adopter or late-adopter?

Depends. I don’t always love change.

66.If you had more courage what would you do differently in your life now?

I don’t think having more courage would change anything in my life right now. 

67.What is good about how you are living your life right now?

Oh gosh, I’m so incredibly lucky to have the like that I am living right now. Truly blessed, but at the same time, I have got here because of all my hard work and determination. 

68.If you could eliminate one weakness or limitation in your life, what would it be?

I’m not sure if this strictly answers the question, but I wish I could be kinder and more sympathetic to people. I can be harsh on people I care about because I want to see them do well in life and get frustrated when they are doing things that so obviously curtails their ability. I’ve lost friends because of it. 

69.Who has left the most impact on your life?

I don’t think I can name just one person.

70.What aspect of your life needs tremendous improvement?

My love life. It’s not existent. Truly. I don’t even have a far away crush on anyone at the moment. I desperately want to experience romantic love, but it’s scary and you have to allow yourself to be soft and vulnerable which is not something that I am very good at. I also have a lot of negative thoughts/self doubts about whether I am good enough to be in a relationship, or worthy enough for love. It’s stupid, obviously, everyone, flaws and all is worthy of love, but because of things that have happened/been said to me I do kind of have this negative chatter of “who could ever love me” or fear people thinking “god love the poor guy who ends up with her.” All that said, I have never actually met anyone who I’ve really liked, let alone anyone who has liked me back. The closest I’ve got, is I’ve been in lust twice in my life with guys, who objectively speaking, I would never think I would be attracted to.

71.What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen in your life?

I’ve see a lot of weird things tbh, but the first one that springs to mind is that every year we used to go to these big gatherings of families who home educate their children. Now, there are two groups of people that tend to home educate their children 1) EXTREMELY religious families who don’t want their children going to secular schools, and 2) new age hippies who don’t want their children to have to conform to the rigours of school. When these two groups meet…it is interesting. The religious families usually have a lot of children (10+ in many cases), while the hippy families wander around semi-nude and breast feed their children until their grown (7+ years in many cases). So at these home education conferences, the hippy parents would be wandering around, leaky boobs out, and the religious babies would be wandering around because their parents have too many children to keep track of. Whenever one of these babies wandered within range of the hippy parents, they’d take them, and latch them onto their breasts. Absolutely bizarre stuff.

72.Who is the best teacher you’ve ever had?

Myself. 

73.Who is the biggest pack rat you know?

I don’t know what this means. 

74.Who is the first person you call when something exciting happens?

If it’s a big enough deal to call someone, I’ll call my parents, but usually if something exciting happens I’ll just message my friend group.

75.Who is the first person you call when something horrible happens?

Same as above. 

76.Who is the worst boss you’ve ever had?

I had to sue her to get her and her husband to pay me for the work I did. 

77.Can you close your eyes and raise your eyebrows?

Yep? Can you not?

78.Can you do a split?

No, but I want to learn! I have really tight hamstrings so that would be good to stretch them.

79.Can you touch your nose with your tongue?

No. Can you?

80.Can you whistle?

Yeah.

81.Can you dance?

Everyone can dance, the question is whether you can dance well or not! I have no rhythm or style, but get me on a dance floor and I’ll bop my socks off.

82.Do you remember your dreams?

Sometimes. 

83.Do you save old greeting cards and letters? Throw them away?

I save them for a while, but I’m not overly sentimental. 

84.Do you sing in the shower?

Never. 

85.Do you sleep with the lights on or off?

Off. 

86.Do you spell the colour as grey or gray?

Grey you weirdo! 

87.Do you take any pills or medication daily?

Never.

88.Do you prefer kissing or cuddling?

I like kissing because it’s hot and fiery and I think I’m reasonably good at it. Cuddling is the best but it’s something I struggle with as I find it far too intimate. See my answer to Q70.

89.Do you prefer that people shoot straight with you or temper their words? Why?

Hit me between the eyeballs with the truth, please! I just like people who are clear and direct about their intentions, it means everyone knows where they stand. 

90.Do you prefer Titanic or The Notebook?

I saw a black and white documentary about the Titanic when I was a very small child (maybe about 5 or 6) and for a long time I thought that was the movie Titanic! I have seen neither the real film Titanic nor the Notebook, although from what I know of the latter I don’t think it would be my thing.

91.Do you have a catchphrase?

I don’t think so, but maybe people in my life would be better at answering this question. What is it that I say a lot?

92.Do you have a garden?

I wish!

93.Do you have a hidden dream that you’ve never shared with anyone?

I’m taking this to mean a goal or aspiration, and not something that I have subconsciously dreamed and been too embarrassed to share? I would love to write a book one day. I’m work on something periodically but I’m not sure if anything will ever come from it, a gal can dream though!

94.Do you have a tattoo?

None! I’m kind of a commitment-phobe, I’m not sure if you’ve noticed?

95.Do you have a whole lot of acquaintances or just a few very close friends? Why?

Both! I know lots of people in passing, but the people I consider actual friends, who know what is going on in my life at any given time, I could count on my fingers.

96.Do you have any allergies?

Not that I’m aware of…

97.Do you have any birthmarks? If so, where?

I used to have one on my back, but it’s faded as I’ve aged.

98.Do you have pets?

Not at the moment.

99.Do you hold any convictions that you would be willing to die for?

That is a big question. I think however, if there was a guarantee, that sacrificing my life would make the lives of others immeasurably better, I would be scarified. I have plenty of convictions that I’m willing to protest/riot/go to prison for.

100.Do you carry a donor card?

Bit ominous after Q99 but yes I do, and my driver’s licence states that I’m a donor.

I’m not sure if this is at all what you were hoping for in asking this, but I honestly had the best fun answering these questions! :)

[apprenticeofcups]

hello! i just found your blog and love it! i was wondering if you had any tips on creating an apprentice? mine is literally a self-insert with a name change. although i still want my mc to be like me, i want to develop her storyline and such more. you’re a great writer, so i was hoping you’d have some pointers. it’s all right if not! hope you have a great day! x

Thank you so much! 💖💖 I’ll do my best! 

For general character work, I have a handful of character-building resources I use for D&D that are always helpful, and when in doubt, if I can’t decide on a character trait, I make a list of six or eight or ten possibilities and roll the dice 😂

My Apprentice specifically, I built from the outside in - name & appearance first, then went deeper from there. After that, I picked out his zodiac sign, which gave me a good base for his personality (need help choosing your apprentice’s sign?), and his LI profile: favorite flower, food, and drink. They’re small choices that are easy to make, but it still forces you to make decisions about your character, and you’d be surprised how much those tiny details will tell you about her! 

From there, I tracked down a bunch of OC/Character/Apprentice Ask memes, sat down, and made myself answer every single question. Here are a couple I used: 

Ask My Apprentice by @vesuviass

Apprentice Asks by @spicedswordfish 

some cute and unique asks (first-person) by @repxsed via @collective-laugh

Apprentice Questionnaire by @photosyntheticfox (long, includes Grown-Up Questions)

NSFW Alphabet by @savingforme11111

Bonus: Creating Character Flaws via @spilledthoughtsuniverse

If you don’t know the answer, just write something down. You can always go back and change it. And when you can, try to answer in first person! It’ll help you develop how she talks while you build her backstory (instead of getting her whole history written down and then totally blanking when you have to write dialogue for her - which used to happen to me all the time).

If you’d like to use it for reference, here’s my profile on Valentin (based on an MC Questionnaire by @julian-plz)

When building her outfits and style of dress, think about why she dresses the way she does. Are her clothes based on her profession? Her social status? Does she want to be looked at, or looked away from? What does she want to show off? What does she want to hide? Not everything has to be a work uniform or a family heirloom, but clothes are to personality what speech is to backstory.

Historical Costume Resource Repository

I would avoid building your MC “for” any one LI. People don’t actually “complete” each other, and trying to leads to toxic relationships. I always had Muriel in mind as Valentin’s “canon” partner, but when I played through Asra and Nadia’s routes, I was surprised at how compatible he was with them, too. Make her a whole person in her own right - it’s more fun! I promise, they’ll still fall in love with her.

Above all, whenever you get stuck, it’s better to pick something and roll with it than skip it and come back later. Characters grow and change over time (Julian’s concept art, anyone?), and it’s always more fun to give yourself more material to fine-tune than to have huge holes in their backstory because you don’t want to make the “wrong” decision. It’s your concept - there’s no possible way to fuck it up. ☕

[theisaacking]

The 12 Declarations of The King Day 3: Questionnaire

1. Does your muse sing? Do you have a voice claim for them

Isaac can sing very well. I don’t actually have a voice claim for him though. Maybe I’ll try finding one now that I’m thinking about it

2. What is your muse’s favorite color?

Isaac loves bright colours like yellows, reds, oranges, baby blues, violets, and neon greens. I think he appreciates all the colours though, given his artistic eye. 

3. How does your muse like their eggs in the morning?

Isaac likes his eggs scrambled, due to the fact that any time he attempts to make them himself, they end up being scrambled because he’s a terrible cook.

4. Pancakes or Waffles?

Waffles. With every type of topping imaginable. He brought Alek a tray of waffles once.

5. Ice cream or Cake?

Cake.

6. If your muse had to pick one person to leave all your belongings to when they die, who would they pick?

Jackson.

7. Has your muse ever done something they instantly regretted?

lol much like my answer to this question on Christopher, the answer that comes to mind relates to his secret. I think there was a certain amount of regret that came when he slept with Callie too, but his regret for that became more pronounced over time.

8. Is your muse afraid to admit when they’re wrong?

I don’t think so? Certainly not as much as Christopher is. I think most people are a little afraid to admit when they’re wrong, but Isaac tends to not shy away from it too much. 

9. What is your muse’s favorite joke?

His favourite joke was when he stole Jackson’s toothbrush. Also any and all of the King jokes that he makes.

10. If your muse had to pick one food to eat for a week (and only that food), what would they pick?

Probably toast, because it’s hard to screw up toast and if he has to cook this thing he’s eating for an entire week, anything more complicated would probably be detrimental to his health

11. Does your muse like animals? If so, do they have a favorite?

Isaac likes animals. He prefers dogs over cats, but he has both. I think he’d probably tell you that his favourite animal is a lion for obvious reasons, which is funny given that I just said he likes dogs more than cats.

12. If your muse could have a pet at school right now, would they?

He definitely would. He’d have his dog Arthur (who, you guessed it, is named after the famous King himself)

13. Does your muse play video games? If so, do you have any favorites?

Isaac doesn’t play video games too often. I think he likes them, but they’re not really his thing. 

14. List 5 Things that Make Your Muse Happy

1. Acting 2. Directing 3. Being around people he doesn’t feel the need to put on a show with 4. Travel 5. Luxor Academy

15. What is a popular book that everyone loves that your muse hasn’t read yet?

Isaac hasn’t read all of the Harry Potter books due to how busy he was growing up. He’s started them and intends to finish them at some point, but has only read the first three in the series.

16. If your muse could choose to have any accent from anywhere in the world which one would they choose?

God it really depends on the day with this kid. 

17. What’s your muse’s go-to cure for dealing with a breakup?

I don’t think Isaac has a go to cure for a break up. I think he wallows in his emotions for a long ass time like the Pisces he is.

18. Skittles or M&Ms?

Skittles.

19. Pens or Pencils?

No preference.

20. Does your muse have a favorite quote?

This is another thing that probably changes day to day, situation to situation.

21. Does your muse like being caught outside in the rain? Why/Why not?

God does he ever. He loves it. He finds it fun to play in the rain.

22. How does your muse’s handwriting tend to look like? Do you have a font (or handwritten example) for them?

I answered this one when I reblogged the meme awhile ago. Isaac’s hand writing is impeccable because it was something he was drilled on by Disney as part of his perfect image that he was supposed to have.

23. If your muse could have any superpower, what would they pick?

Flight. He loves seeing the world from above and frequently goes on hot air balloon rides.

24. If your muse had to give up one thing forever, what would it be?

He said video games to this one I think. Like I said, he likes them, but he could live without them without much issue.

25. Does your muse have a favorite scent?

Outdoor smells like grass and flowers.

26. Is there any colors your muse dislikes? Why?

As an artist, I don’t think there are any colours that he hates. He appreciates their place in the universe.

27. If your muse were in a zombie apocalypse, where would they put their team’s base? (Examples, a hospital, a mall, etc)

His answer to this was the back of a moving truck (like a U-haul) 

28. If your muse could change one thing in the world and have it guaranteed to never be altered further, what would they change?

Definitely the way that a lot of people treat Jackson. He’d make it so that everyone could see Jackson the way he sees him.

[lobselvith8]

The Outer Worlds OC Questionnaire: Javier Ramirez (Supernova)

I decided to answer The Outer Worlds questionnaire that I read here. It’s a bit lengthy, but it gave me the opportunity to put pen to paper about the character I created for TOW.

Also, to clarify a misunderstanding going around: flaws are not automatically assigned to you in Supernova. You have a choice as to whether or not you’ll accept an offered flaw like you do in the other difficulties.

👨‍🚀 - What colors/songs/words do you associate with your character?

Colors: Yellow (due to the color of Javier’s eyes, an aesthetic choice based on Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles).

Words: Latino. Aquarius. Mars. Science. Freedom.

Songs: 

Sounds From Another Planet by Japanese Breakfast. 🎶

Nobody by Mitski.  🎶

Animus Vox by The Glitch Mob. 🎶

💼 - Were they ever affiliated with any of the corporations prior to coming on the HOPE? If so, how did their opinion of them change once coming to Halcyon?

Ramirez had experience with the Corporations before, but not specifically with Halcyon until the mission with the Hope. He did not have a positive view of the Corporations before becoming one of the Colonists on the Hope, and that view didn’t improve after landing on Terra II.

🌎 - How was their life on Earth like? Who did they leave behind? Are there any aspects of their old life that they miss?

Javier was not born on Earth; he was born on Mars and he grew up there.

Like the Martians of Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles, Ramirez has distinctive yellow eyes. A number of minute things that he took for granted separate him from the Earth-born Colonists of the Hope. Two moons, Phobos and Deimos, were a natural sight for Ramirez, while the singular, unnamed moon of Earth seemed peculiar.

Javier cared about Mars, but he felt it was in a subservient position to Earth, one which seemed impossible for him to change. There was no modern Agüeybaná II or Ramón Emeterio Betances for him to rally towards.

🚀 - Why did they sign up to be a colonist on the HOPE? Did they know anyone aboard the ship?

Ramirez wanted a fresh start for himself, and he saw this as the best choice out of limited options that he could pursue. Ramirez would have preferred to be an explorer like his Taino ancestors from Puerto Rico, but he was instead in a precarious position where he was under the thumb of Halcyon.

There were no friends of his among the Colonists of the Hope.

🌟 - What are their highest attributes & skills? Aptitude? Did these attributes influence Phineas’ decision in entrusting them to save the colony?

Javier has very high intelligence; Phineas pondered that if he had Ramirez’s brain 30 years ago, Halcyon might not be in the mess that it’s in now.

Phineas noted Ramirez’s high perception, something that was gifted to the Colonist through the advances of modern science correcting his near-sighted vision; he observed that Ramirez’s sharp eyes seemed sharper than a pteroray.

Javier had moderate charisma. He had grown up as a shy and introverted child, and slowly came into his own as he found his place in the field of science, which gave him a confidence that he lacked in his younger years.

However, Phineas hoped that Ramirez was good with a gun due to his lack of muscular athleticism.

Upon Phineas making his decision, he noted Javier’s file read that he was adept with mag-locks, and he had been a Level A Scientist Assistant, a rather lowly position. Phineas also recognized Javier as a fellow tinkerer.

👽 - Do they have any phobias? What are they?

Flaws? At the moment (with the Captain having recently landed on Monarch after receiving two keys for the moon), he has Plasma Weakness (which one could construe as an issue that resulted from his physical weakness) and he is Far Sighted (which means he is not adept with melee weapons).

⚖️ - Do they believe they’re doing the right thing? How often do their morals conflict with the tasks they’re given?

Ramirez initially contemplated leaving Halcyon until Phineas pointed out that there were no systems in the vicinity that he could make it to given the finite flight capabilities of the Unreliable, so he has been unwittingly thrown into a situation between a fellow scientist and The Board.

Javier’s views certainly dictated how he handled the crisis of the Vale, and he found the initial anti-corporate speech by Graham appealing (when the Unreliable reached the atmosphere). It’s what he wanted for Mars - autonomy from the corporations that seem to have seeped into every aspect of societal life for Martians. However, Graham’s prioritization of his Philosophism over human lives has soured Javier’s view on him.

Ramirez is morally flexible - now that he’s on his own, he’s interested in his survival, so he is willing to steal or work for the morally dubious folks who comprise Sublight, but he’s not looking to do it at the cost of genuinely helping the Corporations (although he’s willing to make them think that he’s on their side to gather intel and avoid making himself a target).

💥 - When conflict arises, how do they handle it?

Javier attempts to resolve certain conflicts without violence when he can - he spared Jeremy despite the order from Ludwig to terminate the mechanical, he talked down Reed so that he didn’t have to kill the Edgewater guards, he was able to convince MacRedd to hand over his lighter rather than assassinating him, and he spared Rachel Lockwood instead of killing her as Sophia Akande commanded.

He also avoided killing Herbert through stealth and disabling the machines via the nearby terminal.

🌌 - How did they adjust to life in Halcyon? Did they assume Alex Hawthorne’s identity, or did they maintain their own?

Ramirez didn’t assume Alex Hawthrone’s identity; he consistently identified himself by his real name when he met people.

🏭 - Are they pro-board or anti-board? Why?

Javier is anti-Board. Aside from his upbringing on Mars that shaped a lot of his political views (as well as growing up learning about the Taíno Rebellion of 1511 and the Grito de Lares), he was abhorred with the extreme capitalism and corporate conformity during his visit to Edgewater, where he saw the horror of Spacer’s Choice and how the denizens were basically dehumanized and valued only by how much they produced for Spacer’s Choice. Discovering that Spacer’s Choice wiped out an entire facility of people to cut costs and make a profit only cemented how he felt, and his discoveries later on (particularly in Byzantium) have only further fueled how he felt.

However, he does use his knowledge about Phineas to act as a double-agent, feigning allegiance to Akande to get intel about the motives of the Board.

🤝 - Which factions did they align with?

Ramirez aligned with the Deserters in the Vale who wanted autonomy from Spacer’s Choice. He assisted the crew of the Groundbreaker who wanted to keep their independence from the Board. 

The Captain provided help to Udom Bedford, although he had no true loyalty to the Board.

While Javier mostly provided the intel to Gladys, he assisted fellow scientist Orson Shaw, who rewarded him (at great risk) with the Ulti-Nature when Auntie Cleo shunned Shaw’s proposed weapon due to market saturation.

🌝 - Which corporate jingle gets stuck in their head the most? Any favorites?

Admittedly, C&P sometimes gets stuck in his head.

🛰️ - What do they like to do in their downtime?

Writes in his notebook (including charting the stars that he sees), plays the board game in his room, and watching noir aetherwave dramas.

🍭 - What’s their favorite Halcyon food? Are they a picky eater?

Upon landing on Terra II, it was a basic diet of bread and water to stay alive in an unfamiliar world. Purpleberry Crunch, Purpleberry Punch, and Knock You Out Bar would be his favorites at the moment. Ramirez also has Deep Fried Cysty-Bits from time to time.

🔫 - Favorite weapon?

At the moment? Plasma rifle, modded with Extend-O-Sight and Mag-Num.

💧 - Do they regret any of the decisions they had to make? What do they regret the most?

The decision in the Vale was difficult, but the Captain felt he made the right choice: giving the denizens a chance to build a society where they wouldn’t be beholden to the Corporations.

Working for Sublight has been lucrative so far, and he hasn’t felt that he has had to cross any serious moral lines yet (against innocent people); he recently confronted Clive Lumbergh for Catherine, who he set up by altering his financial records after finding out that Clive was using human bodies.

🛸 - How do they feel about being tasked with reviving the other colonists? Of being Halcyon’s ‘only hope’ for salvation?

Javier finds the task daunting, but he slowly came around to the idea that helping Phineas is the best course of action.

❤️ - What is their relationship with the other crew members? Who do they get along with the most?

Ramirez has a good relationship with the members of his crew, although the nature of his ties with each one varies.

Javier treats Ada well, and is curious about her inception as well as the nature of the changes that Hawthorne implemented; he has noted that she seems to miss Hawthorne despite her claims about lacking sapience.

Ramirez looks after Parvati and Felix, who are younger than him, while he feels like he’s more on equal footing with Max, Ellie and Nyoka.

Sam simply seems content to clean.

🤡 - Do they have a romantic interest? How does that relationship begin?

Javier does not have a romantic interest at this time. He has a friendly rapport with his crew, however.

🔮 - Random Fact.

Ramirez is right-handed.

[kaylinalexanderbooks]

OC questionnaire

Thanks to @illarian-rambling here and here, @mk-writes-stuff here, @somethingclevermahogony here, @mysticstarlightduck here, and @elsie-writes here.

Ahh these built up again!!

I did another one here where I answer for Robbie, Gwen, Maddie, Noelle, Jedi, and Kelsey.

I'll do the same and answer one OC for each set.

#1- Carmen

Theoretically, since she'd never answer these willingly

What's your favorite legend and why?

“I suppose the one about the cloud riders from Atsila's culture. Maybe because of her, maybe because I like the idea of uncontrollable things being controlled.”

How do you celebrate your birthday?

“I don't. Bad memories. But Jedi makes sure to do something kind for me.”

What's something you'd regret if you died without doing?

“Not finishing what Atsila started. And also organizing the entire base. And the online data collection. And the lab. The alphabet. The local library --”

#2- George

What's the best thing you've ever eaten?

“Oh my powers DEFINITELY the mini cake thing from Ceteri. Cupcake? Yeah that. It was chocolate I think. Don't know about the frosting. I ate way too many last time Noelle brought them. She's warming up to me.”

What's the worst injury you've ever had?

“Physical or emotional? Haha sorry - I have injured myself quite a bit while running at top speeds. We speedsters have faster... Everything *wink* - but I mean I can heal faster which is very helpful. But even with a faster runtime, I make the same mistakes as everyone if I'm distracted. I've hit things, and at top speeds *cringe* yeah it's not fun. Ran into a concrete wall once. Concussion and a few broken bones. More than a few. Eh, I walked it off.”

Do you wish you looked different?

“Nah. Pretty happy with how I look! I guess I wouldn't mind Carla's eye color. That is not fair - neither of our parents even have amber eyes. What recessive gene did she pull out?”

#3- Akash

What is your favourite weather?

“When it's sunny, but not hot. Nice breeze. Not too cold or harsh. Just...total peace. Robbie likes it a little cloudy. I dunno, maybe that's cozy for him. But I happen to like the outside.”

Where would you want to take someone to hang out or on a date?

“For me, I wouldn't mind the classic dates. Movies, dinner. But Gwen... I'd do something special. A cultural gallery or a bookstore. Maybe a play. A Superman-esque flight around the city perhaps.”

What’s your least favourite food?

“Oh my gosh man - I hate asparagus. So many people like it, but I'm sorry. Can't stand the stuff.”

#4- Sam

What is the strangest thing you've ever stolen?

“In fourth grade, this girl Emma brought a laser pointer to school. Well, it was a pen with a built-in laser pointer. I thought it was cool. So I had to stay after school for the music play I was in, and as I was walking from the bathroom, I saw the pen on the floor. I picked it up. Emma was a little rude, so I kept it. She never asked around for it, so I felt okay after that! Plus, I couldn't pass up the opportunity for a pen laser pointer!”

What is your least favorite food?

“Mustard. Can't stand it. Wait, does that count as a food? Okay, nevermind. Uh.... Tomatoes. It's a texture thing.”

Who is the strongest person you know?

“Akash for sure. He's been through a lot of crappy things, and people treated him meanly for stupid reasons. But he's still so positive and helps a lot of people! Plus he's probably the funniest person I know besides my brother. But Akash is just as much a brother to me as Robbie.”

I don't think I've posted much about Sam - other than her excerpts. That was fun!

#5- Lexi

What's your worst fear?

“Oh. Okay. Wow. Um, well, there's my actual phobia of physical contact, haphephobia. Not sure if that counts or not. I guess other than that, it's losing all my friends. Most of my elementary school friends went to different middle schools, so I haven't seen them in person for a while. I don't want to lose anyone else. Ever. I'm not sure what I'd do.”

What's your love language?

“Well, it's not physical touch! *Laughs* I guess quality time. Actively doing things with someone else. That's the best I could ask for.”

When are you the happiest?

“When I'm with my friends! Just whenever we're doing whatever! As long as they're happy, and we're happy together.”

#6- Ash

Would you ever get high and if so, what is your drug of choice?

“First of all, I'm thirteen. Second of all, yeah probably - it'd be a fun risk to take. Not sure what drugs I'd take though. *Pauses* Hm. There are these devices I found that stimulate my telepathy. I wonder if those are anything like drugs. If they are, then whatever those are most similar to.”

Three things you would buy at the store to freak the cashier and the person behind you out

“Walmart has these cheeseburger onion rings I noticed last time I was with Mary. I may buy that just to make the cashier think I have terrible taste. In actuality, I'm just curious. Maybe an urn or something dark. Ooh. A pregnancy test. That would freak a lot of people out. *Pause* Was that too dark?”

What stupid opinion are you willing to die for?

“That American cheese tastes good. Liam told me it tasted like plastic. I'll admit, I need to try more cheeses. He was right about that. But plastic? Come on. He's just mad that Muenster isn't a Canadian invention.”

Why is writing Ash so HARD

Tagging @jezifster @sleepyowlwrites @dyrewrites @willtheweaver @theeccentricraven @writeouswriter @tabswrites + ANYONE

Your questions are:

How good are you with people?

How would you function in a group project?

What's your most valuable possession?

TSP intro

TSP tag list (ask to be +/-): @thepeculiarbird @illarian-rambling @televisionjester @finchwrites

[blueboxesandtrafficcones]

Queen of Hearts - Chapter 10

Thirty-year-old Rose Tyler’s matchmaking business is doing very well indeed, bringing her clients such as celebrities, athletes, and the now-happily-married son of the mayor.  All of which brings her to her newest client - one whose royal rank is a far cry above her own title as Queen of Hearts.

Ian, King of Gallifrey, calls off his wedding four weeks before the happy day as he realizes he can’t spend another minute of his life with his betrothed.  The catch - he must take a wife before his Coronation, only a month away.  In desperation, his sister and aunt conspire to find him is happy ever after - and it’s going to take a master matchmaker to do it.

-

Based on the Hallmark Movie ‘Royal Matchmaker’.  Chapters will be posted every Sunday.

As always, beta’d by the wonderful @stupidsatsuma​!  @doctorroseprompts

Masterlist  |  AO3

---

Friday, April 12th

The next morning, Rose was just about ready to give in and ask how Mel had breakfast delivered when a knock on the suite door preceded Ryan the footman poking his head in.

“Ma’am?”  He offered out a silver tray, a folded piece of cream stationary perfectly centered on it.  The Gallifreyan coat of arms was embossed on the top in gold and scarlet, looking terribly fancy.

Rose scrambled up from the floor, where she’d been in the middle of the file folders on each of their remaining candidates.  With any luck, the pool would be narrowed further once she got the King’s assessments of each woman back. “Thank you!”  Opening the note, she found perfect handwriting inside that read:

Rose,

Please join me for breakfast.

Ian

“When you’re ready, ma’am,” Ryan said politely, and she nodded.

“One minute.”  She darted back into her bathroom, pulling her brush through her hair again and refreshing her lipstick before returning to the main room, tugging at the hem of her skirt.  “Hopefully we’ll have the new list by noon, and we can reevaluate then.  Text me if anything comes up.”

Mel laughed, shaking her head.  “Go eat, find out how last night went,” she ordered.  “I’m going down to the breakfast room soon, see who turns up and get the gossip that way.  We can compare notes whenever you’re back.”

“You’re an absolute angel,” Rose declared, before following Ryan down the hall towards breakfast.  She straightened her outfit on the way, wondering who all would be at the meal and how the evening had gone.

She was escorted to their now-typical dining room, the more intimate one from Monday evening.  Entering, she was slightly surprised to find the King already there, sitting in his usual spot and writing away on a sheet of paper.

He was alone, and her heart unclenched.

Something alerted him to her presence and his head jerked up, a smile spreading across his face.  “R- Miss Tyler!  Thank you for joining me, please, have a seat.”

To her surprise he practically ran around the table to pull her chair out for her, waiting until she sat to push her back in before returning to his own seat, putting his papers away without an apparent second thought.

“How was your evening?”

Rose arched an eyebrow, barely noticing as their food was delivered and the servants slipped out of the room.  “Busy with the final touches for tomorrow night.  Yours?”

It hit her like a bolt of lightning before he even opened his mouth, the reason for his good mood.  Oh, God, no.  He found someone.  Then she realized what she’d thought with horror.  No, that’s a good thing!  That’s why we’re here.  He was supposed to find his perfect queen last night.  Regardless, tears welled in her eyes.

“It was fine,” he shrugged, “I’m just finishing up the reviews now.”  He gestured towards the folder, which Rose realized must contain the after-meeting questionnaires she’d asked him to complete.

“That’s good,” she choked out, toying with a bite of waffle.  “Your comments will help up guide you further, or possibly re-expand our pool if need be.”  Waffles were her favorite food second only to chips, but at this moment, she couldn’t even bear the thought.  “How many women do you want to keep?”

Ian gave her an odd look, unusually serious even for him, before quirking his lips into a smile.  “Keep?  None.”  The strange look flashed in his eye again, but he just shook his head.  “I’m not looking for a harem. I was speaking to Donna though – she said you had a woman on the list who wasn’t there?”

Rose nodded, pasting on a numb smile and hoping he couldn’t see her lack of enthusiasm.  You’re a professional, act like it!  “One, yes, a French diplomat’s daughter – we’re still trying to get her to come at least for a visit, but she’s currently on a private yacht in the Mediterranean, and we’re having trouble getting in touch with her.”

“All right.  What happens in the meantime, then, oh wise one?”

A dozen things hovered on the tip of her tongue, but what came out was, “Today, each woman gets an hour of your time, just the two of you, so you can get to know each other better.  Then the fundraiser tomorrow night - I expect we can eliminate at least another one or two based on their reactions to the event. Then early next week you’ll spend a day with each of the remaining matches, amidst your other duties.  They’ll shadow you somewhat as I did, to dedications and speeches and such.  If our long shot surfaces long enough to get her here, you’ll spend some time with her as well.”

“And when do I need to choose?”  Despite his earlier enthusiasm for his steak and eggs, he was now pushing bits of egg around the plate in circles with his fork, staring at the food without seeming to see it.

“I recommend by next weekend,” Rose said softly, “so you have at least a few days before the engagement party to focus on each other and be sure.  Well, as sure as you can.”  It was a tight timeframe, too tight, but all she could do was cross her fingers and hope for love at second sight, if not first.  Come on, Reinette, answer your phone!

“Do I have to marry one of these three women?  If I found… found someone who suited me better?”  He raised his head, watching her expression intently, and she floundered for a moment.

He’s not saying what you think he is, the little voice in the back of her mind that sounded like her mother whispered.  Don’t be so presumptuous.  “That’s not up to me,” she said truthfully.  “The Princess hired me to find you a wife – I certainly have no authority to force you to do… anything.  If you were to find someone… someone else, I’d be happy to run you both through our program, find your compatibility percentage.”

“Even if it cost you your fee?”

“I just want you to be happy,” Rose blurted with far more honesty than she had intended, eyes widening for a moment before trying to backtrack.  “I mean, my whole mission is to help people find love.  I want everyone to be happy.  You know?”  She chewed on her bottom lip, and for a moment, she imagined he was staring at her mouth with longing.

“I understand.”  The King nodded, and the tension vanished.  “Anyway, is there anything I can do to help with planning for tomorrow?”

-

Donna shut the door to Lungbarrow House with a relieved sigh, reveling in the peace and quiet after the organized chaos of the ballroom in preparation for the fundraiser, now a little over twenty-four hours away.  The servants were done for the day, the children still at the Center, and she had the house entirely to herself.

“Angel?”

Opening her eyes, she found her husband standing in front of her watching with a concerned expression.

“Hi,” Donna breathed, stepping forward into his waiting arms and sinking into him.  “Oh, it’s so nice to see someone sane.”

“Trouble?”  Taking her by the hand, he led her up the stairs to their bedroom, settling on the bench at the foot of their bed and watching her with patient eyes.  That was one of the numerous things she loved about her husband, his patient, easy-going temperament.  They were polar opposites in many ways, but that only served to make them work.

Donna shook her head, sinking into his side.  “No.  Not really.  It’s just so frustrating!”

Her husband hummed.  “What?  Planning?”

“Ian!  And Rose.  God, Lee, they’re so stupid.  Both are still pretending that he’s going to marry one of these women she’s brought in, and it’s infuriating.  I’ve tried hinting to him about her, and it’s getting me nowhere!”

“Rose?  For Queen?”  Lee tilted his head against hers as he considered the idea.  “That… sounds like a good match.”

“Right?!  Oh, wait until you see how they look at each other tomorrow at the Fundraiser.  There’s no denying what’s there – except for them, apparently.”  Turning her head, she captured his lips in a tender kiss.

He returned it, deepening it, one hand coming up to cup her face, thumb brushing tenderly along her cheek.  “I wish them as much happiness as I have,” he whispered, raining kisses over her face.

“Lee?”

“Yes, Angel?”

“Stop talking about my brother and start taking off your shirt.”

“Yes, Angel.”

-

Saturday, April 13th

Contrary to Thursday night, when the guest list had only included himself, Donna, and the five ‘bachelorettes’ as he had taken to privately calling them, the benefit on Saturday was open to the public.  For twenty euros any citizen could gain access to the Palace, attend a talent show given by the children Polly and Ben cared for, have a nice meal catered by the palace kitchens, and mingle with the royal family.

Ian had made sure the casual nature of the evening was very clear to everyone – especially his potential brides.  He himself was dressed in work boots, jeans, a Queen tee, and a black jacket with scarlet lining he particularly loved even if Donna said it made him look like a party magician.

In a fit of whimsy, he had stationed himself by the entrance to the ballroom so he could shake everyone’s hand as they entered and thank them for attending.  He found it particularly amusing how many would almost brush past him, stop dead, turn back and fall into a deep bow or curtsey and stammer excuses.

So far three of his five potential brides had stopped by to chat, each dressed for a State Dinner.  They looked amazing, in ball gowns and large jewels – and entirely out of place.  At least that makes it easy to avoid them, he thought gloomily, all the while realizing the folly of such a thought.  He would have to marry someone in sixteen days, and they were the best a professional matchmaker could find for him.

Objectively he knew many kings married for money or power or treaty, that few had married for love.  That he should pick whoever would be the best queen and be done with it.  In this day and age with modern medicine, he never had to even sleep with her if he didn’t really want to; they had several other options of having children that in no way involved sharing a bed.  And they weren’t terrible, he could see himself with all of them in some way – in another life.

But that’s not the kind of marriage I want.  What he wanted, he considered wistfully as he watched Donna and Lee sway incongruously to a popular pop song and giggle together, was someone who loved him, and he loved her, and they could share a reasonably-normal life.

“Yes,” he heard behind him, and he spun around, eyes lighting at seeing Rose standing there holding two beers.

“Hello!” he said warmly, raking his gaze over her as he stepped closer, away from the door.  Finally, someone who listens.  She was in dark jeans and heels which gave her a classy but casual look, matched with a worn Queen tee and leather jacket.  She looked better than the women in their ball gowns, and his heart stuttered.  “Wait, what?”

Rose laughed, throwing her head back, but naturally, not in the performatively-seductive way some of the candidates had.  “Yes,” she repeated, “I can find you somebody to love.”  His blank look sparked another round of laughter, and she gestured at his own shirt.  “Isn’t that the single cover for ‘Somebody to Love’?”

Ian stared down at his shirt for several long seconds, but eventually his brain rebooted and he realized she was right, chuckling softly to himself.  “I didn’t even notice,” he confessed, “just grabbed the first one I saw.”  In hindsight, perhaps it was a bit too on the nose.

“Well, I like it.  And hey, we match!”  She pulled her jacket away to let him see the detail; sure enough it had the artwork for A Day at the Races, the album from which Somebody to Love had first debuted.  A perfect match indeed.

“So we do,” he choked out, voice huskier than intended, but she didn’t seem to notice.

“How’s it going so far?  Oh!”  She thrust one of the beers towards him, flushing.  “Sorry, I grabbed this for you then forgot all about it.”

Ian took it with surprise, lips turning up as he tasted it.  “My favorite. Thank you.”  How does she know?

“You looked like you could use a drink,” she shrugged, sipping at her own, before her eyes widened again.  “Because you’ve been doing so much talking! I thought your throat was probably dry, not that you were bored!”

He laughed at her slightly panicked expression.  “I appreciate the thought,” was all he said before changing the subject.  “How are you finding the event?  Are you pleased?”

Rose nodded, her whiskey eyes lighting again.  “I don’t have much experience event planning, but it was so much fun!  Choosing everything, trying to find the right balance between the formality they would expect from the Palace but a casualness to make the average person feel welcome instead of intimidated.  But you didn’t answer, have you had a chance to speak to any… non-subjects yet?”

A small clump of hair had escaped her fancy hairdo, hanging over her cheek, and it made it difficult to process her words for a moment.

Grimacing, he nodded towards the high-top where all five women stood, each dressed to the nines, looking utterly out of place at what amounted to a casual fundraiser.  It was fitting, given what his heart was trying to tell him. “Apparently I wasn’t clear enough.”

Rose clucked her tongue, shaking her head and tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, one that had been making Ian’s fingers itch to fix.  “Well, that’s disappointing.  Maybe they thought it was a test – the other way, I mean.  I don’t know.”  She huffed, irritated on his behalf, and he had to fight back a smile.

“By the by, the one in… what’s that color?  The reddish-pink one?”

“Coral?”

“Yes, her, and the one next to her in the bubblegum pink – I’ve had Sarah book them on the first train out tomorrow.”

Rose nodded, not looking surprised.  “If it makes you feel better, they were the lowest two compatibility scores of the five.”

A question was on the tip of his tongue, but he swallowed it down in favor of asking, “Any word on the French girl?”

“Reinette?  No, though we’re close.  We expect to get in touch by Sunday noon.”

“All right.”

They stood in silence together for the length of a song, sipping at their beers, and he tried desperately to ignore how right it felt, tried to ignore the advice she’d given him the evening before – he’d been up half the night with the realization that she was right.

He did know who he wanted, but she wasn’t his to have.

In the end, he would have to do what he always did – make do.

You can’t always get what you want, indeed.

[nyappyforeverbr]

100 Questions&Answers: Kanon MEMORIAL ARTIST BOOK

In addition to several photos AN CAFE Memorial Artist Book also brought an interview and a special questionnaire of 100 questions with each of the 5 members. Here is the translation of the 100 questions with Kanon’s 100 answers.

Translate: Japanese>Portuguese by Hiyori Portuguese>English by Shiro 001 How many sushi can you eat? I get worried about the price and I never go to my limit !! (this is sad) I'm sure it would get around 1000 easily 002 Which sushi's ingredient do you like? With omelette and dried ginger flakes 003 If you have to eat something until you die, what it would be?CalorieMate NOTE: Is a brand of nutritional energy bar and energy gel foods 004 Which kind of lamen do you think has the strongest flavor? Kara tsukemen by Mita-Seimenjo 005 What do you in like in a hot drink? Corn soup 006 Which mixture do you think most matches rice? Shogayaki 007 What flavor of chewing gum do you like? Grape 008 What flavor of candies do you like? Muscat grape 009 Soba or udon? Udon NOTE: Soba is a pasta made from buckwheat and udon is made from wheat only 010 Of your whole life, what was the most painful experience you've ever faced? (Referring to physical damages) When I fall from the tree 011 One part of body that demonstrates more confidence? Nose 012 What do you think about old times? Cave Cricket 013 If you had won 100.000 yen what you would make? (Around 900 dollars) I would buy a car 014 And about 100.000.000 yen? (Around 900.000 dollars) I would do something like the Mutsugorou Okoku did. NOTE: Masanori Hata is a Japanese zoologist, essayist, and filmmaker. Establish the Mutsugorō Animal Kingdom nature preserve, where he and his family live with over 300 wild and domestic animals. He is the author of over 100 books, including collections of his Mutsugorō essays on nature. In 1986 released the highest-grossing film of the year in Japan, Koneko Monogatari, filmed at the Mutsugorō Animal Kingdom. 015 I know this is kind out of reality, but if you could have a wild animal, which would be? It would be a mini pig. Because cuteness is the justice. 016 To Cook, wash clothes, clean the house. Which one do you do better? If you mean one that requires more of you, then wash clothes 017 If you were going for a walk with your girlfriend, where would you go? We would go to the circus 018 Where would you spend your last days of life? (If you were an old man where would you want to live?) and why? In Okinawa. Because if not, I think I would die of hypothermia 019 Is there anyone you consider to be the strongest person in the world? Yoshikazu Ebisu 020 An anime character, manga, etc. that you consider to be the strongest? Characters of mangas with jokes for students 021 If you could turn into some anime character or something like this, who would you choose? Nobita Nobi 022 First CD you bought? “Kaze ni Asobarete” by Aki Okui 023 Your preferred winter song? “winter fall” by L'Arc～en～Ciel 024 Your preferred xmas song? None in particular 025 Forgetting that you were part of a band, if you were about to start one, what would it take? And why? Guitar. They stand out 026 And what would be the name you would choose for the band? I'm accepting names at the moment 027 If you went to a desert island and could only take three things, what would it take? 1. Hoeing 2. Water filter 3. Potatoes 028 Do you know how to swim? I swim very well 029 Something you would never want to happen? Having to eat my own faeces 030 If you were a child, how would you like to be called? Those names that you need to guess based on writing or pronunciation NOTE: In Japan names are usually written in kanjis, however it’s possible change the reading of an ideogram to pronunciations not so well known, making it difficult to read the name 031 Do you speak when sleeping? If yes, talk about something already happened to you. No 032 If it was your last day of life, what would you do? I would be sleeping 033 What was the longest time you could stay awake? 36 hours 034 If you could become someone important in history, who would you be? Osamu Dazai 035 Do you use a lot of emoticon on LINE? Have you been using LINE lately? I'm not using too much because of my lack of time. However, when i use it's only with family and close friends. 036 What's the biggest lie you've ever told? I don't remember telling such a big lie. 037 Write the kanji that you think represents 2019 and why? 生 because it never dies NOTE: The kanji meaning is life, genuine, birth 038 The most expensive thing you bought this year? Having to pay the repair fee of the rented car 039 The most convenient thing you bought recently? Pocket Wifi 040 A number from 0 to 9 that you like more than others? 7 041 Your longest finger without the middle finger, is it your index finger? Ring finger? Or are they both the same size? More or less the same size 042 The word you most speak? “What?” 043 At what time do you think "I'm being bourgeois"? In metropolitan hotels 044 If you could have powers, which one would you choose? Power to stop time 045 If there was a magic word that said things would happen, what would it be? "Indeed" 046 If you have to choose a follow up for the curry what would it be? Pork 047 Some kind of punishment game you'd like to avoid? Eat stinky things 048 Do you like of a specific hour? Why? Around 18:00. If you just woke up at this time there's still a lot of things that you can do. 049 How much would you pay for a T-shirt? 3.000 yen (Around 28 dollars) 050 Tell something you would say to you 10 years ago. Congratulations 051 If it was 50 years ago, what would you be doing? I already would have incarnated 052 How could you imagine yourself 10,000 years ago? I would not exist 053 What is the first impression you have of each member of An Cafe? Miku: nervous, shy; Takuya: miss contest; Yuuki: "I don’t remember"; Teruki: Wear cool clothes. 054 If underwear could have another name, what would you call it? Panchu NOTE: "underwear" in japanese is "pantsu." Kanon only changed the "tsu" to "chu" which is also used in a much more informal language. 055 A live that you can not forget? At Budokan 056 During those 15 years which member has changed the most? Miku 057 Do you prefer the traditional breakfast or bread? I usually prefer bread058 A teacher you always remember?Tokoyoda Sensei 059 The most fun song in a live? “Laugh Song” 060 Where do you most like to do a live? Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall 061 A thing you most buy at a convenience store? Cigarette 062 If you were not an artist, which career would you choose? Japan Self-Defense Force, Tokyo Electric Power Company, (Stockist) in Sano, the agriculture company, CD seller, police officer, chief of a Buddhist temple, novelist writer, screenwriter, employee of a small candy store or some net cafe 063 Which city goes through your head before a live? Yamaguchi 064 A stationery item that you like? Those set-square that have a hole in the middle 065 An electronic device that you like? Lighting Fixtures 066 A person you think is erotic? Dean Fujioka. It seems that when they showed him, I was enveloped by some kind of sensation 067 What do you think of the vocaloids? I am very grateful to all the people involved in this 068 A TV show that you like? Goddotan and Yushaaaa 069 What's the first live you've been? Namie Amuro Chiba Marin Estadium 070 How many pairs of shoes do you have? I think about 10 pairs 071 What is your average time in the bath? 30 minutes 072 A mobile app you liked right away? Clipbox 073 Do you use a computer for what purpose primarily? Compose music 074 What have you found funny lately? A TV show where the artist of the show "Desu yo" says his climax phrase and Jiro Hachimitsu said that it is fun when people do it without caring about how they seemed ridiculous, the result at the end of the program, really was fun 075 Who would you most like to meet? None in particular 076 When you were a kid, who was your superhero? Kamen Rider BLACK 077 The flavor of Umaibo that you like? Takoyaki Note: Umaibō or "delicious stick" is a small corn cylindrical snack from Japan. 078 An entertaining artist that you like? Banana man, Ogoyahagi, Gekidan Hitori, Matsumoto Club, Aruko & Piece, Asozan Daifunka,Ucchannanchan 079 First time you did a makeup? First year of high school 080 Talk a little bit about your first live. As I had gone after (my work of) hand out letters on the evening, I didn’t participate of the rehearsal 081 Do you prefer night or day? Night 082 When you can't sleep what do you do? I don’t sleep 083 Not counting your part in the band, which musical instrument do you like? Guitar 084 The oldest memory you have? Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony 085 What color do you like? Blue 086 What is your favorite mascot? Funnashii and Nekkoro 087 Where do you usually buy your clothes? I don't have any in particular 088 Are there any manga or magazines that you buy frequently? Weekly Shonen Jump Magazine, Young Magazine and Big Comic Spirits 089 How long you already waited for a person who did not show up? 5, 6 hours 090 How many times can you do sit-ups? 50 to 100 times 091 At this exact moment how much you have in your wallet? 460 yen (around 5 dollars) 092 Which Cocoichi curry do you think is the most spicy and the topping? Level 0 is already spicy; pork topping Note: Cocoichi is a Japanese restaurant franchise specialized in curry 093 Subject at school that you was better? Japanese 094 Subject at school that you was worst? Math 095 What do you do before each live? I enjoy some candy 096 What is the essential item for a live? Cigarette 097 Are there any objects that you can not throw away? Protective Amulet 098 What do you usually buy at McDonald's? Double cheeseburger patties big size (is a limited edition available only in the evening) 099 What do you use at bedtime? T-shirts and jersey pants 100 Leave a message to Caffekos. It was great we met each other