#i tried a different shading method hope u like it ^^

[duckieduccss]

Sleepy Friend✨✨

I finished more actually art last night & for that i decided to share it here too :)

Ive been taking general art suggestion from instagram. Mostly just to have more ideas of what i could draw next. I got suggested to draw Anguirus & thought of ways to do that. Ultimately, i did a sorta mix between them & Goji. I also kinda made a story at the same time too

On peaceful afternoons, both of them (Godzilla & Anguirus) would both go spend time together. Doing things to share time with each other. But of course after some time, they do need to take a moment to rest. One of Goji’s favorite things to do to past time while resting is doing a little bit of fishing (helps them relax). Anguirus just enjoys taking small naps in the shade while Godzilla continues to find some fish maybe. They enjoy moments like that honestly & makes for the best way to finish off a great day together

[really do appreciate this request⭐️]

[iraprince]

gonna show u guys a little opalescent highlight hack i threw together today

rainbow gradient above your main figure (i usually have all my main figure folders/layers in one big folder, so i can clip gradient maps + adjustments to it!). liquify tool to push the colors around a bit. STAY WITH ME I KNOW IT LOOKS STUPID RN I'M GOING SOMEWHERE WITH THIS

THEN: set it to add/glow (or the equivalent in ur drawing program), lower the opacity a bit, and apply a layer mask. then u can edit the mask with whatever tools you like to create rainbow highlights!!

in this case i'm mostly using the lasso fill tool to chip out little facets, but i've also done some soft airbrushing to bring in larger rainbow swirls in some areas. it's pretty subtle here, but you can see it better when i remove the gradient map that's above everything, since below i'm working in greyscale:

more granular rambling beneath the cut!

u could also just do this with a brush that has color jitter, but what i like about using layer masks for highlight/shading layers is how simple and reversible it makes everything. i can use whatever brushes i want, and erasing/redoing things is super low stakes, which is great when i often approach this stuff with a super trial-and-error approach.

example: have u ever thrown a gradient w multiple colors over an entire piece, set it to multiply etc, and then tried to erase it away to carve out shadows/highlights? it's super frustrating, bc it looks really good, but if u erase something and then change ur mind later, u basically would have to like. recreate the gradient in the area u want to cover up again. that's how i used to do things before figuring out layer masks!! but masking basically creates a version of this with INFINITE undo bc u can erase/re-place the base layer whenever u want.

anyway, back to rambling about this specific method:

i actually have TWO of these layers on this piece (one with the liquified swirls shown above, and another that's just a normal concentric circle gradient with much broader stripes) so i can vary the highlights easily as needed.

since i've basically hidden the rainbow pattern from myself, the colors in each brushstroke i make will kind of be a surprise, which isn't always great -- but easily fixable! for example, if i carve out a highlight and it turns out the rainbow pattern in that area is way too stripey, i can just switch from editing the mask to editing the main layer and blur that spot a bit.

also, this isn't a full explanation of the overall transparency effect in these screencaps! there's other layer stuff happening below the rainbow highlights, but the short version is i have all this character's body parts in different folders, each with their own lineart and background fill, and then the fill opacity is lowered and there's multiply layers clipped to that -- blah blah it's a whole thing. maybe i'll have a whole rundown on this on patreon later. uhhh i think that's it tho! i hope u get something useful out of this extremely specific thing i did lmao

[d-wi-fmp]

Designing an environment [9 - this is a cry for help]

My next problem was something I very much had not forseen.

This looks more like a hotel than a bank.

I put this down to two causes - the floors and walls are too uniform. As seen in the image below, it needs to be broken up. I plan on using different methods for this, including: - windows - bookcases - areas without wallpaper - doors - elevator enterences [?] Adding more desk space would be on the list however I did that without adding to a post as it didn't feel notable enough.

The first sprite I made was a very basic window based off the ones above, with a frame and shading. Unlike my last attempt, I don't need to worry about lighting - just creating visuals to break up the uniformity. By layering this over a texture that uses the same absolute scale/location as my wallpaper, I could possibly create a view from the window that changes with the perspective.

My options for this view were somewhat limited, however. Given this was supposed to be a bank, I imagined it in the middle of a city - probably New York or Paris. Unfortunately, I knew I would not have time to draw a skyline or cityscape so I would likely need to just use a preexisiting image.

In particular, a black-and-white image could be good, as it would feel more appropriate given the time period [and distract less from the gameplay]

Most of the Parisian photos were watermarked and therefore unuseable, so I went with New York - this fit better with the mobsters though. These were the two photos I thought were best - both could feasibly be taken from someone in a building, both from around the 1950's, and both were pretty high resolution. I'm leaning towards the coloured one as it has a fair nicer view.

Through using material with my layer and position jank added, I got the windows to overlay onto a universally mapped new york view. However, they wouldn't move against the player.

I figured that I would likely need to redesign my material. I tried using the above forum post and everything broke to an unexpected degree

I tried everything I could, but the problem was I needed to split R and B so I could change them independantly, but I had no way of recombining them

But I might not need to. In theory, if I could find a way of linking a panner to the player's location [relative to the window], it could move independantly. I'm fully aware this is probably going to be fairly expensive but I just want it working.

I tried asking Chris and he wasn't sure how to get to a working outcome with what I had until finding the above tutorial, at which point he gave me this to work with

I implmented this in the window as it said to and I tested to see if it was working [it was] but the values had no effect

These did nothing.

Eventually I elected to do what I had initially planned to and create a jank solution with a panner. After a number of tests, redesigns and having to reload the editor because panners simply just did not, I managed to get some semblance of a system working. The problems, however, were twofold - the panner always went FAR too fast, regardless of the actual given value, and would reset when it wasn't active instead of stopping at where it was.

Eventually, using the aboce tutorial [and without panners], Jake managed to covert my texture into a HDR [and, in turn, a cube map] and used this as below.

Whilst the final result was not perfect, it does create the illusion of perspective. I could also improve this by tweaking the HDR image if I find the time. As it is, however, this solution is nowhere near as expensive as some of the other ones I considered and does, in fact, work to some degree.

[shakirawastaken]

dsmp if... they were teachers!

they are all high school teachers 

dream: stats - gives his class random stats facts about each exam they take - “the median was 25.8% and the mean was 50% and the mode was 72% andt he t-test showed the results were statistically significant” - wears a green button up formal shirt . every day. with different shades of green  - tries to tame his hair every morning but we’ve all seen that shit. its a mess its so fluffy - you try to fix it in the morning but by the time he gets to school its fucked - “whats the probability mr wastaken’s hair is gonna be tamed today? i bet 5 dollars on 13.2%” “...i hear you guys you know” - is always 20 minutes early - never more than that tho - speedruns grading tests  - if a kid is slacking in class, he makes sure that reflects on his grade - he has this big project each year where he asks all the kids to make a project that relates stats to their real life - his favorite thing ever - he’ll come home and be like “dear, tubbo had this amazing idea, the kids are so innovative”  - tearing up cause his students - best friends with sapnap - u make him a lunch every day and he just trades it with sapnap - everyone thinks hes in an affair with george but he tells them everytime that he has a lovely s/o at home  - one of the teachers everyone has a crush on  - is always standing at his desk like in front of it and leaning back - does not use the whiteboard he just has slideshows  - the room is sparsely decorated - its mainly old projects that people did - has a wall with all the cards and stuff kids gave him, its behind his desk 

sapnap: pe/ basketball + football coach - bro - he’s the type of coach/teacher that when he has one of his atheletes in his class he’s RUTHLESS - “pick it up tommy!! is this how you’re gonna be in the game on friday!!! i hope not!!” - jokingly ofc - if ur not one of his athletes he’s nice dw  - still makes everyone call him coach tho - how on earth do u spell athletes i think that’s right - will let you sit out if he can tell ur hurting - knows when a kid is faking it - BUT if you use the “im on my period” trick he doesn’t even question it - “coach im on my period” “okay ur good sit out for today” - likes giving romance advice for some reason - “coach :((( jared blh blah [insert problem]” “omg okay here’s what u do” - pretends he’s in a relationship with karl (u know about it ofc) - so when u show up to one of his games and kiss him all the players are like - “YOURE NOT DATING MR JACOBS” and he just laughs and kisses you again - wears shorts or sweats with a tshirt no matter what - “im a pe teacher fuck professional”  - makes fun of dream for like no reason  - his favorite unit is the flag football unit and his least favorite is the line dance one - but uses it as an opportunity to play country music and visit his roots amen - just imagine sapnap teaching u line dancing HAAHAH okay im done here 

george: comp sci - doesnt give a shit about lesson planning - shows up, glances at the syllabus and just jumps into it - it ends up working in the end - believes in a work to learn method - he doesnt teach, he assigns projects and helps the kids out - so if the kid is like comp sci EXPERT they can just pop off and george doesnt have to worry - but if the kid struggles a bit heres there to help :] - the whole room is blue cause thats all he can see - he looks so uncomfortable when he wears like long sleeve button ups so you unbutton the first one every morning before he leaves  - refuses to wear casual clothing to school ever  - unless its pajama day ayeeee - once he was teaching the whole class how to download something or some shit and forgot to stop sharing his screen  - so he went to text you he was like “doing good love? see you later :]” - and everyone was like - “MR NOTFOUND??” and he was like “wot.” “YOURE NOT DATING MR WASTAKEN??” “no ofc not mr wastaken is ugly” - cue the sounds of breaking glass from mr wastaken’s room  - he has a tv on display outside his classroom where he showcases his student’s work - for his final he just gives them a theme and says “go off” - they could make a video, a game, a simulator - whatever they want - 1) its less work for george 2) its more entertaining - once made them all code valentine’s day gifts for you - you teared up ngl  - seems like he doesnt care but wants all his kids to succeed - is REALLY good at being patient and helping a kid out but loses all that patience when it comes to other teachers (sapnap, quackity)

karl: chem - absolutely loves the science goggles look. has them on his head always - also lab coats with sweater vest period ahh period uhh  - only doesnt give a second shit about any other science but chemistry - loves lab days like on GOD - the man lives for the one lab where u put sticks w diff elements in the fire and watch the fire change color - guys i swear im a stem major - sapnap comes to watch that lab everytime. every period. even if he has a class - knows sapnap pretends to date him and reciprocates it all through the year - but theres that one kid who remembers his “get to know me” slideshow at the beginning of the year where he had a picture of you two - “mr jacobs..i dont believe ur dating coach sapanp” “whaaaat, pshhh, u lying” - makes so many chemistry jokes with you - “hey baby i think we got chemistry” *giggles manically* “why did you say that” “its literally my job”  - cue a thumbs up from u and an eye roll from him - genuinely loves being a teacher tho - the interaction he gets with students >>>  - he loves the feeling when a student comes up to him after class or even after theyre finished with his classes and go “hey what you taught me really helped” - loves it when a student keeps in contact with him, making him tear up and shi

quackity: spanish - this one was quite..obvious - chaotic teaching style, it doesnt work for everyone - but ITS FUN - lives on teaching through games - kahoots, quiz, scavenger hunt, anything to get out of a slideshow he’ll do - and he figures it out - his quizzes and tests are generally harder than what the games cover but hes a fair grader like he gets that he made it harder - LMFAO HAS A UNIT WHERE HE TEACHES FLIRTS AND SHIT IN SPANISH - brings u in to teach - LMFAOOO “hola amor” “hi?” “what does that mean class” “hi love” “wtf” - laughs maniacally  - also this scenario - “hey mr q can i get extra credit for this” “for what” “ *student swears agressively in spanish*”  “....yeah ill give u some points dont tell principal phil” - jokingly pines over both coach sapnap and mr jacobs - “guys coach sapnap *heart eyes* and mr jacobs *heart eyes*” “please just teach us spanish” - but everyone knows its a joke and ur it for him - he LOVES the food unit - he borrows the kitchens from the home ec room to teach people how to make traditional spanish foods - but GODDAMN he cant cook  - so it ends badly - also he has a thing on his wall for the fifa world cup where its like an elimination thing - face painted his face the mexican flag when the game happened - was this close to cancelling class when mexico was out

wilbur: theater  - i wish he was MY theater teacher in high school - one of the only non-toxic teachers - wears a long ass coat i forgot the name - TRENCHCOAT. for dramatics. its giving severus snape  - always wants to put on musicals but phil said  “you can only do one musical per year” - does that tik tok trend where he has a wall of musicals and rips one off each day and the last one standing is the one they put on - tries so so so hard to get the rights to hamilton, doesnt obviously - so he does stuff like in the heights, dear evan hansen, etc - IF A KID WRITES A MUSICAL AND APPROACHES HIM YOU BEST KNOW HES ALREADY SAYING YES TO PUTTING IT ON WITHOUT A SECOND *THOUGHT* - he loves supporting his students in stuff theyre passionate about even if it isnt music/theater related - once went to the schools water polo game cause one his student mentioned offhandedly in class that they didnt have anyone coming - tommy is his teacher’s assistant person  - he runs the improv lessons while wil observes him teaching - “okay kids youre all aliens and ur abducting mr soot” “tommy..” - its so funny when theyre together  - rumor has it theyre brothers along with mr blade and phil is their dad - “class please, philza minecraft is not my father.” “okay son” “PHIL WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE” - brings u in one day with the excuse of teaching them how to be in love - in reality just has a whole class sing a long to disney love songs while u sit there like why am i here - you pressure him to put on shows YOU want to see - “wil put on high school musical” “nO! WHAT AM I in high school thats so basic” “yes. you are in high school. technically” - puts on high school musical - HES THE TEACHER WHO SHIPS KIDS TOGETHER in the form of making them play love interests  - its giving mrs darbus from high school musical - i was in high school musical i played sharpay 

lmk if u want to see more members as teachers!! :D and what else u want to see period sorry it was so long okay BYEEE

[xkotaro16w]

How about a scenario where Leona decides to challenge his GN! S/o to kiss him in only one spot other than his lips? It then turns on him when s/o ask to kiss his scar on his eye. When he asks why, s/o just tells him that despite everything that happened in his life, he is still here. That is the mark of true bravery and determination. And that s/o is happy to meet and be Leona. Wholesome, genuine compliments that stun/fluster Leona in a way he didn’t expect. Wholesome & fluffy plz! Thanks!

—𝙻𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚊 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚊𝚛 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚜 𝙷𝚒𝚜 𝙶𝙽!𝚂/𝙾 𝚝𝚘 𝙺𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝙷𝚒𝚖 𝙱𝚎𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝙷𝚒𝚜 𝙻𝚒𝚙𝚜—

Summary: Scenario/short scenario where Leona challenges his GN!S/O to kiss him only one spot other than his lips. S/O chooses his scar on his eye and tells him it’s a mark of true bravery and determination. S/O is happy to meet him as well.

Pairing: Leona Kingscholar x GN!S/O.

CW: Fluff/comfort, grammatical error, OOC.

A/N: Omg... THIS IS VERY SWEET ASLKEFJKENFALFAWKFNW ૮₍ ˃ ⤙ ˂ ₎ა VERY SWEET EKFABWKJAFJN ૮ ˶´ ᵕˋ ˶ა I hope u like this ehe (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ

Leona loves his S/O, his herbivore. He won’t say it out loud, words aren’t that strong as actions. He chooses actions rather than words to show how much he loves his S/O. Kiss is one of his methods to show his love.

The way you kiss him on the lips is his favorite. The taste of your sweet and soft lips makes him wants more of it, the taste of it. He will never have enough of it, either get bored of it. 

But what if he asks you to kiss him only one spot beside his lips? Can you choose? The answers that he knows are forehead, cheek, neck, and nose. Do you have another option, herbivore?

One day, he decided to give you the challenge. In the Botanical Garden, he sits beside you, tail wraps around your hand, asks you the question. Not long after that, he feels a pair of soft lips on his scar on his left eye. His eyes are wide open, you just smile softly at his reaction.

“Why you choose that part, herbivore?”

You comfort him, you tell him that despite everything that already happened in his life, he’s still here. Stays alive, sits lazily beside you, and feels comfortable around you. He’s here with you, in his favorite place at NRC.

His scar on his left eye is a mark of true bravery and determination. Just like a lion he is, he’s brave. He will face anything without any fears, knows the capacity and the power he has can defeat it. The strong ambition he has shown you that he’s a determination person. 

As his S/O, you’re happy to be with him, to be by his side. You feel like you’re the luckiest person ever, became his S/O makes you feel very lucky. People can say anything about him being the second or number 2, he’s still number 1 for you and in your eyes.

Although he’s lazy, no, he’s not lazy actually. He doesn’t want to do it because he knows no one will ever compliment how hard he works for it, whereas he’s still a king in your eyes. How could you not feel very lucky to have a lion king beside you and be your partner?

Leona can’t believe this; your compliments are genuine. He feels it. He knows the different between fake and genuine compliments. Stuns there as he listens to you give him more compliments. A light red shade appears on his face, how can he get this kind of compliments from someone like you?

Do you really feel lucky to have him as your partner? It should be him who feels very lucky to have you as his S/O, albeit you’re not a royalty or a noble person. It doesn’t matter who you are and what are you, you are you, his precious S/O. 

He tries to hide his flustered face with a smirk, says that you’re very cheesy. You know him better than anyone else, he loves your compliments. With your last words before cuddle with him, you give him another kiss on his scar.

“I feel so lucky to be with you, Leona.”

I DO NOT OWN TWISTED WONDERLAND & DO NOT REPOST MY WORKS.

[boognish-worshipper]

Remember the Rain

praying this is the final part of “Sunrise, Sunset” by the time i’m done omg ,, lamar finally talks it out with frank. i was tryna keep the titles consistent with a sky theme? wasn’t sure what to name this one at first, but i settled on naming it after a i song that i felt was sorta fitting lol ,, also lamar’s dramatic when drunk, that’s jus how it’s gonna be

oh and i included one last convo w/ that psychic lady bc each character got three opportunities to speak to her lol

//

The night Franklin and him fought was the third night in a row Lamar couldn’t sleep right. Then it became four. Then five. Six. He had hoped after the first couple days of Franklin being mad, that it’d all blow over and things would go back to normal. That he wouldn’t ever have to say anything about what he felt deep down. Even though he told himself he had to, he wouldn’t. He waited it out, and still hoped it would all just fucking blow over. That wasn’t what happened of course.

An overcast sky was spread over LS, light rain tapping against Lamar’s window. As cheesy as it was, it reflected how he felt. Another day had passed. Franklin wasn’t picking up, not even reading his texts, nothing. He called a couple times at first when the fourth day of the silent treatment occurred, then tried a few more times to contact him in the following days. It had grown into a long and sad string of texts.

franklin.

dog

plz

pick up

answer me

plz?

c’mon frank i told you i have nothin goin on with yo auntie

i wanna talk things out with you.

u ain’t let me finish explaining

text me when u read this. plz bro

He sighed. This was hopeless. He set his phone aside, still laying awake. A buzz came right after. Fucking finally, something.

fuck you

we got nothin to discuss

He didn’t know how to feel. This was fucking him up and he couldn’t think straight. He tried calling him once more, the ringing as he waited for a pick up mocking him. Voicemail yet again. How many messages had he tried leaving at this point?

for fucks sake frank pick up

u ain’t doin this to me rn

jus let me explain myself

He stared at the ceiling yet again, like it would have all the answers sprawled out for him. As he did, he focused on how the rain had picked up, coming down harder. Then he felt his phone buzz.

no

now stop blowing my phone up

i’m tryna sleep

Lamar was never one to be sensitive, but he felt so crushed right now that all he could do was cry silently to himself. He didn’t even have Chop around anymore to comfort him like he normally would whenever Lamar was going through something. Would he even see him again? He lived over at Frank’s now. Fuck. Did this mean they’d have to share custody now? If he wasn’t so upset, he most likely would’ve laughed at the idea of it. He was letting bad thoughts consume him, turning to a last minute resort of drinking to try stopping it. This kind of thing rarely happened to him, these kind of feelings weren’t common. He knew no other method of trying to stuff bad feelings down, working through a 6 pack of beer on his own, followed by a bottle of some type of random liquor. Anything to stifle the pain in his chest, although it didn’t accomplish much other than making him feel even more queasy. He left one last voicemail, choking back a sob. Or what he had thought would be the last one. He lost count.

“Franklin. Please jus’ talk to me already man. You- you believin’ what you wanna believe right now, you ain’t even givin’ me a chance. You my best fuckin’ friend, don’t that mean shit to you anymore? We.. homies n shit.” He sniffled, cringing to himself when he said the words “best friend”. Franklin was so much more than that to him.

“Ion… Ion think I can live without you in my life. You can’t hate me man that shit.. that’s fucked. This is fucked. I’m fucked.”

A strong feeling of humiliation hung around him for many reasons, one being that he was fully crying now, over the phone. He couldn’t get any lower.

“You jus’ mad right now. But you.. you won’t be, eventually. Right? Please get back to me soon. Please. I’d rather fuckin’.. die or sum’ than have you hatin’ me n shit. At this point I might as well.”

After hanging up, he decided to visit that site one last time. His tears blurred his vision, making it harder to type. The shit in his system didn’t help either.

lady

i fuckef up

thsi is yo faukt

What now? Why are you back?

frankljn hates me

He does? That’s not right.

damn straighy it fuckign isnt

No, I mean that’s not correct.

There’s no way that he could, even if it seems like it right now.

jus fuckin tell me whst to do

That’s out of my hands.

is not u fuckin wirch

*withc

*witch

Look, I really don’t know how else to help you. I don’t have any other visions to offer. You’re on your own.

They do say though, that dreams are visions themselves.

dont fukcin speak in riddles rn

Precognition, Lamar. Just have faith

prewhatnow

n yeah. faith. bc that helps so fuckn much

All I can say to you is good luck - it’s all coming together. Just wait.

th fuck does that mean?

It means that you’re stressing too much - you better sleep it off. Farewell Lamar. You’re gonna have a killer hangover you know…

SERVICE UNAVAILABLE. PLEASE TRY AGAIN LATER.

The notification did nothing but make him more upset. He calmed down eventually, the crying and alcohol tiring him out. He blacked out soon after, not remembering when he fell asleep.

For the first time in a while, he dreamt about the two of them. The start of the dream showed a radiant sight before them, the sky lit up in a million shades. Chop was laying beside Franklin, head on his thigh. All three of them sat on a grassy knoll, a soft breeze blowing through each blade. Franklin turned, Lamar not taking his eyes off him since the dream started. He only noticed the sky’s wide color palette because the intensity struck Franklin’s face just right. He looked right into Lamar’s eyes, speaking softly.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“What?”

“You had so many opportunities. So many times, I thought that you would. I got my hopes up, you know. I waited. When Tanisha left.. I only had you.”

“Tanisha..”

“I still love her. I.. I think apart of me always will, but I love you just the same. Even if you drive me up a Goddamn wall sometimes. You both mean the world to me.”

Franklin looked back at the view ahead. A heavenly indigo replaced the vivid hues from before.

“But she’s gone now. Shit ain’t the same. All I know is you stayed when she didn’t. Even when she got pulled outta the hood and made some kinda new life for herself, you never left my side. Never changed yo loyalties.”

He turned back to face Lamar again. His eyes were glassy, the glow of the midnight sky reflecting in them.

“So why didn’t you say somethin’ sooner?”

“Franklin.. I ain’t deduce that shit ‘til now.“

“You really didn’t know?”

Even in the dream he could feel that previous frustration occur in his mind. Was he hiding in a glass closet or something? He could only let out a wry laugh.

“Yeah man. I was a fuckin’ fool, jus’ like you always said.”

“Damn straight.” He chuckled, and Lamar came to the conclusion that he could listen to that laugh forever. Franklin’s face then fell solemn.

“Y’know I really thought that.. I really thought that you jus’ got with someone else. Not even jus’ my Aunt. I saw how you wanted to get away from me, and I thought…” He stopped himself, petting Chop’s head.

“I.. wanted to be happy if you was, but the thought of that at all bothered me.”

“Why?”

“Cuz you were all I had, dog. Mike n Trevor, they have their own lives, their own history n shit. I can’t always rely on them. Denise don’t give a fuck what happen to me. You my lifeline dog, I’ve known you for years. I didn’t want you to forget me over a chick or sum’. That day you acted all different n shit, it worried me.”

“Hey man, y’know I ain’t ever gon pull that shit on you. I’m with you for life.”

“Then don’t pull other kinda stupid shit on me.”

“Whatchu mean?”

“You can’t ever die on me bro. That ain’t how this shit works.”

“Ay man, I don’t plan on dying jus’ yet. Not unless yo ass by my side. Not ‘til I tell you I…” He couldn’t finish the sentence.

Franklin got closer to his face, cupping his cheek. His eyes shone as the stars around them fell from the sky, akin to raindrops, hitting them. Everything about him was flooding Lamar’s senses, and it felt surreal, between his aroma and all the other things he loved about Franklin. Golden flecks covered them both, and the stars continued to crash down. The sky was growing darker than before.

“Just say the words Lamar. Say them and this shit’ll be over.”

“How?”

“Well first you need to wake yo ass up.”

“Huh?”

“I said wake up, fool!”

Lamar’s blissful dream had been interrupted by an unknown figure shaking him, literal raindrops hitting his face. He was still bleary eyed, only seeing a vague silhouette in front of him. A wet slap to the face rattled his brain around, the hangover settling in. Shit, was he still drunk? What time was it?

“Lamar! Get up!”

“Oh.. Th’fuck? Who- who that is?” He grunted out.

“It’s me you fuckin’ clown!”

“Frank?”

“Who the fuck else?”

“Why are you-”

He was abruptly yanked out of bed, thudding to the floor with a small “oof”.

“Get up you punk bitch!”

“Franklin what the fuck-”

He was grabbed again, tossed back onto his bed. Franklin straddled him, shaking Lamar by the collar.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” He said, Lamar getting another slap to the face.

“What in the fresh fuck is you talkin’-” Another slap.

“15 fuckin’ missed phone calls! 15! Are you fuckin’ nuts?!”

Lamar’s eyes practically popped out of his head. 15? What the fuck did he say to him?

“I did what-”

Franklin shook him even harder by his shirt, stretching the material out. He was straining his voice now.

“You had me worried like fuckin’ crazy! I thought you was in some sorta fuckin’ trouble again! You blew my phone up when I told yo ass not to, and then didn’t fuckin’ pick up after I heard the first couple special messages you left me!”

Oh God. This was it. He told Franklin everything, didn’t he? The color drained from his face.

“Oh fuck me..” He mumbled, putting a hand over his eyes.

“What?!” Franklin yelled, shaking him again. Lamar’s head was pounding.

“Franklin.. what.. what I say on there? I barely remember a thing, let alone callin’ yo ass.”

“You seriously don’t fuckin’ remember?!”

“Yeah. Seriously, man.”

Franklin slid off of him, putting a palm to his face. He breathed through his nose hard, trying to calm down. Lamar realized he was drenched from the small downpour outside. Pellets of rain thumped against the window as a reminder that the storm never went away.

“You.. fuck, man. You started sayin’ all this shit about how bad a fuckin’ friend you was. That you, you was hidin’ all this shit and couldn’t live another day without tellin’ me.”

Okay. Good. He didn’t tell him the truth.

“You told me you wanted to die dog. Didn’t realize yo dumbass was safe n sound asleep in yo fuckin’ bed.”

“Oh.”

“…’Oh’? Is that really all you have to say?!”

“F, I was jus’ drunk. It was dumb of me, I know, but I.. It’s nothing, okay?”

“Don’t do this shit to me man! I’ve already dealt with enough of yo fuckin’ schemes n shit-”

“Frank.”

“It’s 3 am! You had Chop barkin’ his Goddamn head off the whole night!”

“Franklin.”

“Then I race my ass over here to find yo drunkass self passed out in bed-”

“Franklin.”

“What! What?! You finally gonna put yo two cents in for once?”

“Stop yelling. My head hurts like a bitch right now.”

“Good! I’m fuckin’ glad because I know mine does as well you fuckin’ asshole!”

Lamar looked pathetically up at him. This was getting out of hand. He let it go on for too long.

“Why did you come here then?” He croaked.

“Because you were fuckin’ sobbin’ into the phone! All I heard was you cryin’ like mad fuckin’ crazy and it scared me. You don’t ever do that shit, not even when you fucked up.”

“How much I say?”

“I got the first message pretty fuckin’ clear, the rest was jus’ incoherent bullshit. I barely got through the second one before speedin’ on over. You sounded hurt n shit, I thought something happened. I thought you was a goner.”

“No weird shit though right? I ain’t say nothin’ bad?”

“What? Lamar, what the fuck are you on about? I just told you what yo ass cried out to me! I couldn’t even understand any of the other messages!”

“Okay, okay. That’s.. good I guess.”

“That’s good? Fuckin’ hell, why did I come here? You- ugh!”

“Franklin. Can you jus’ sit down before you pop a fuckin’ blood vessel? You stressin’ for nothin’.”

If anything, Lamar should be the one stressing right now. He had been so close to confessing without knowing. Franklin sat next to him, arms crossed.

“Franklin.”

“What.”

“I’m sorry that I scared you. I didn’t mean to.”

“Well good fuckin’ job, you accomplished that real well didn’t you.” He said, sarcastically applauding him.

“I thought you were cutting me off for good homie. You think I was gon’ let that happen?”

“Lamar, that still ain’t a good reason to freak me out like that in the middle of the night.”

“It’s only cuz you hadn’t been listenin’ to me bro. I’ve been wanting to tell you somethin’ so badly lately and I never.. got the chance.”

“Then do pray fuckin’ tell LD, what the fuck is so important that you had to do this shit to me at 3 AM!”

“Franklin man, c’mon-”

“No! Don’t start!”

Franklin stood, heading for the door as he spoke. He stopped in the threshold.

“Tell me what the fuck is goin’ on with you, or I’m leavin’ yo sad ass here to wallow. I mean it L.”

“Don’t be like that. Please man. I want to, but I-”

“Jus’ fuckin’ tell me! Why won’t you tell me?!”

“Frank-”

“I dragged my ass all the way over here for nothin’ didn’t I? You ain’t dead, you ain’t sayin’ shit, you jus’ bein’ so- ugh! Fuck!” He threw his hands up, exiting Lamar’s bedroom.

“I’m done man, fuck this.”

“Franklin wait- don’t go-” He pleaded.

Franklin did nothing but leave him stranded again, thunder rolling far in the distance. Lamar ran after him as he walked out the door, hearing the rain heavily hit the pavement. His mind was racing far ahead of him. Franklin was leaving, he was leaving for good, and he couldn’t. He can’t. That’s not how it’s supposed to work. Franklin can’t do that, he can’t-

His mind had gone so far away, that he didn’t even realize that he had tackled Franklin to the ground. The two of them fell to the ground with a loud splat, followed by sounds of pain.

“Lamar what the fuck?!”

“Don’t go! Fuckin’ hell, I gotta chase yo ass and for what?!”

“Get off me dog!”

“No!” Franklin was pinned beneath him. The raindrops that rolled off of Lamar hit him in the face.

It reminded Lamar of when they were younger, playing football or whatever sport they could outside even as the deluge soaked them both to the bone. The roles had been reversed, with Franklin constantly knocking him down onto the grassy sludge. They got quite an earful from Lamar’s mom as they tracked mud in the house upon returning. It was a memory amongst many that stuck with him like glue. Those memories couldn’t go away. Franklin couldn’t go away.

Tears mixed in with the rain as he yelled out to him.

“You fuckin’ idiot! Why you makin’ this shit so hard for me?! You keep leavin’ before I can even finish!”

Franklin struggled to break free from Lamar’s grip on his wrists, huffing as he looked away.

“Look at me!” Lamar shouted, grabbing his face with a free hand.

“I didn’t wanna fuckin’ tell you like this, but Jesus Christ! For fucks sake you stubborn asshole-”

He was doing it. He bit the fucking bullet.

“You know how we got into that fuckin’ argument last week? When I told you that I was dealin’ with that whole love thing, I wasn’t talkin’ about yo Aunt, a hoe, nobody else! I was talkin’ about you!”

Lamar threw himself off of him, stumbling backwards. Franklin propped himself onto his elbows. He finally said it. He said it, and he was far from finished.

“But you didn’t wanna fuckin’ listen! And now I’ve fucked our friendship over for a second time! All because of you! This whole thing has been drivin’ me fuckin’ insane lately, and I couldn’t do shit about it! I tried so, so hard to avoid this, but nothin’ ever goes my way, huh?! Every time I think a plan of mine’ll work, it doesn’t! You know why?!”

Opening his arms wide, he spoke loud and clear, finishing his rant.

“Lemme remind you: I’m Lamar fuckin’ Davis! The biggest fuckin’ fool, fuckin’ clown, fuckin’ whatever you wanna call me! Lamar Davis, the most naïve bitch on the planet! Fuck me for thinking that this would ever go well!”

Now it was his turn to leave. But he didn’t go back into his house. His legs moved for him, walking in no particular direction. He just needed to get away from Franklin, not caring about how damp his clothes were now. He was shaking, and he didn’t know if it was from the rain or the range of emotions he was flying through.

He could hear a pair of sneakers squishing behind him. Franklin was running, and he was catching up fast.

“Ay Lamar! Get back here!”

Oh fuck. He was chasing after him now. That’s not good. Lamar started running himself, not caring about possibly slipping and falling on his ass. Only a few hours ago, he had told himself he couldn’t be without Franklin. Now all he wanted to do was run away.

“Lamar!”

Fuck fuck fuck.

He wasn’t fast enough. The second time they hit the ground, Lamar had the wind knocked right out of him, the duo splashing right into a puddle. Hands gripped his shoulders, flipping him around.

“Lamar!”

There were only a few instances in his life where Lamar felt small. He’d always been big in character, big in height, and according to him, big in other ways. But this was one of those moments where he couldn’t help but flinch, wanting to collapse in on himself. He was so tired.

“If you gon’ beat my ass or somethin’ jus’ get it over with.” He sighed, shutting his eyes tight.

When he felt nothing but raindrops touch his face, he opened his eyes slowly. His heart sank when he did. Franklin was visibly upset, guilt in his eyes.

“Lamar. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

A wave of déjà vu washed over him. Oh. So that’s what precognition meant. Motherfucking psychic lady.

“You should’ve jus’ told me man.”

“I tried dog. You wouldn’t hear me out.”

“Cuz I.. I thought you got with someone. I didn’t wanna hear it straight from yo mouth if you was.”

He shifted up, Frank sitting in his lap.

“Y’know I always thought that.. Part of me jus’ kinda thought that it’d always be the two of us. I’m never gonna get Tanisha back.. but you..”

Franklin looked away.

“You a crazy ass loyal motherfucker man. You stuck by my side no matter what, and some dumbass part of me was convinced that you… I mean fuck, so many times I thought you would jus’ flat out say something. Somethin’ so I could stop waiting for the one other person I had known forever to just say that they fuckin’ loved me like that.”

Lamar blinked, rainwater getting into his eyes. It wasn’t quite as serene as his dream had been, nor was it verbatim, but Lamar didn’t care. There was something about the way the water droplets sat along Franklin’s face, highlighted by a streetlight behind him that made him look angelic.

“When you started actin’ all weird it jus’.. made me so fuckin’ mad man. I thought you was gon’ pick someone else over me. Jus’ like Tanisha did.”

“Franklin..”

“So why didn’t you jus’ say somethin’ sooner? I waited. Hell, I don’t even know why I did at first.”

“Franklin.”

“But now I’m realizin’ you must not have even noticed yoself what you was feelin’, when I fuckin’ did. I noticed and you didn’t and-”

Lamar grabbed him by the face, grip surprisingly strong after being in the rain.

“How many times do I gotta say yo name for you to hear me?”

The rain kept falling, never slowing for either one of them. Yet, it felt like time stopped. Lamar chuckled lightly.

“Franklin Clinton and Lamar Davis. Two of the dumbest motherfuckers in LS. Homies for life.”

“Yeah. Homies for life.”

His hands never left Franklin’s face. He pressed their foreheads together, lowering his voice.

“I love you, bum ass bitch.”

“Yeah yeah. I love you too.”

He kissed the top of his head, moving his hands down to embrace him in a tight hug. When was the last time they did this? As he thought it over, he could hear Franklin’s voice muffled against his chest.

“Don’t scare me like that again. Next time save us both the trouble n jus’ spill yo heart out. Dramatic motherfucker.”

The words had no malice in them, Lamar feeling him smile as he said it. He kissed him once more, and they just sat in the rain, feeling it bathe them in fond memories.

//plz listen to remember the rain by 21st century it’s so good 💔😭 anyway ya i decided to end it on a sorta happy note !!!!! franklin is a stubborn guy smh,, sorry for any typos lol also i rlly had no idea where i wanted to go with this so sorry if it’s weird or whatever

[madfantasy]

Hi, I hope your day is going well :)

I'm about to experiment digital art for the first time, and I'm a little nervous... do u have any tips (maybe about the art program ecc.)?

And where should I start as a beginner?

Hello dear🌟

Thank you, and congratulations on the new experience and I hope you find it thrilling! I'm not a tech savy or hardly know enough to use the full capacity of what those programs offer. But I can tell you few things about it, specially based on my practice coming from a traditional background.

But first, talking about art software; there's alot. Depending on what device you're using for a start. My main mane is Sai paint tool 2, and Clip Studio Paint, both PC windows solo and both are not free, so I recommend MediaBang. Its the closet professional free software out there I think. Can be used on all systems, windows android and iOS, if I'm not mistaken. So if you got a pc and android phone, you can easily draw on both with a drawing tablet that works on pc and android! (I only tried it recently tho so I can't tell its a smooth working method)

I was going to recommend you FireAlpaca too as it stood as a replacement for Sai for years but now I downloaded to test and it turned out to be another 'simpler'... mediaBang 8l

I think its a very simple nice way to get you started, its not cluttered and you can find labels easily, now I spent some time on it. It has wonder stabiliser, actually the best on any other software I used. I know it can be a help to get your strokes more clean but there will be ways the debate of not over using them so you wouldn't relay too much on them, which I think its valid, but we are dealing with computers here that has to process everything we move in a certain way, and if your normal strokes on it looks much awful on screen than what you normally do on paper, than some stability tweaking is much better than continuing frustration. (But that's just me side tracking)

The easiest steps into making digital art with any app would be:

Finding a favourite Brush. You can almost use one brush throughout the whole drawing process by minding the size and the density of the brush and really keep tweakingit to your liking. But of course, it can be much neater, and easier, to use a brush for each purpose. Using a hard ege brush like ink to draw lines or sharp edges. Using a soft brush to add shade or color or blend, you can use an airbrush. For blending colors, you can always use watercolour brush, smudge, or blur.

Using layers. One of the best things about digital art is the ability to use layers. You can use as many or few as you like. The starter layer can be the sketch, you lower the opacity and add a new layer on top to ink or define the sketch, when you done you can hide the lower layer by clicking the eye icon and you got yourself a squeaky clean mess, heh. You can also using the blending mode with layers. Let's say you want to add light to your painting, you add a new layer and set ilthe blending to "Add". Then choosing light orange color you draw the sun beam or light up few areas as you like. You can experiment with all of the blending modes as each create a different results and helps tie picture together.

Using Filter. It can help you adjust the picture to the desired hue, saturation and contrast. There's all kind of ways to fiddle with these, you can always Google them to have more understanding of what you're doing. If not, do what the rest of us surely do; slide those bars mad till everything looks pretty, hehe

This is just me nitpicking, but I love to erase with my favourite brush instead of using the eraser, cuz then you keep the pictures harmonious with brush strokes even when you erase something it wouldn't stand out too much in the picture and doesn't introduce unwanted contrast within the drawing's lines, if I'm making any sense. Anyway, you can do that simply by clicking on the transparent square near the colors.

The things the software vary the most on is textures and endless ways to editing the pic, and of course, how smooth the program works with brush strokes and editing them and huge files of canvas. But it all will come in time and you can learn about them easily to find what suits you the best by experimenting on them!

Here's links to more random art tips if any could help:

Art-ing attitude +Simple colour theory

Expressions and posing

Blur and blend

I hope this is of help in any way and I haven't confused you more x'

Wish you all the best, and cheering you on🙌🔥

[ponds-of-ink]

At long last, we have reached Sinbad and his reason for the letters. Let’s get into the story, shall we...?

As soon as he had reached the top of the stairs, Danglars dutifully stood behind Andrea. He motioned for Maximillian to do the same, then watched as him follow suit. The bat-like youth stood as a fanged protector over his uncertain cohorts. Well, provided they didn’t displease him during this meeting. Then he considered hissing to be a good enough warning.

Andrea opened the door with his typical dramatic flair and smug, toothy grin. “My dear Sinbad, how are you?” he cried out, briefly forgetting his newly assigned role. “I’ve come right on time, just as you asked. Now, what’s this about a mission?”

“I was about to ask the same thing, but the thought of us sharing a task has intrigued me,” Danglars responded, putting away his annoyance as he moved to Cavalcanti’s side. “Tell me, were there any hints in your letter about this ‘mission’? Any locations? Guidelines?”

As Andrea tried to brush away the former Baron’s questions, Maximillian moved further into the bedchamber. It was a surprisingly plain room for such a mysterious man to stay in. One bed with simple bedposts, one desk covered by various books and papers, one chair to sit at this desk, and one window to peer into the streets below if it wasn’t blocked by cloth curtains at the moment. The only thing that was remarkable was the man currently occupying the chair I had just mentioned. He was a tall, pale figure with clothes fitting for either a stroll in the dark or a funeral fit for a man of honor. His posture claimed that he had a regal charm about him, but his shade of pallor and dark circles underneath the eyes proclaimed him a prisoner of wretchedness. He was a contradiction in many places, but never when it came to his focus. His mind was preoccupied by his studies until he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. “How are you able to read in the dark, Monsieur?” the owner of this hand asked, shaking the laborer out of his work.

“My eyes have been trained to see through the dark,” the man answered, tearing himself from his books and addressing Maximillian. “It’s like when a soldier is tutored in combat. He is clumsy and faltering at first, but he soon gets used to each action and movement.” He paused to read the room. A few yards behind the young newcomer, Danglars read a section from an old paper while Andrea fooled with some trinket. “I see I need to apologize for my strange introduction,” the man continued, a reddish tint briefly coloring his face. “I was so engrossed in my final preparations that I forgot my guests were already on their way. Please, young Morrell, be seated.”

Maximillian obeyed, but chose to sit on the edge of the bed. Once the others noticed his action, they dismissed their methods of distraction and paid close attention to the room’s resident. The man rose from his seat with three papers in his ink-stained hand. “Though I may not be who you have imagined me to be, I am the Sinbad who wrote your letters,” he announced, surprising Andrea and Maximillian. Danglars shook his head. “The only thing I imagined differently about you was your ability to sleep,” the guide remarked. “What frenzy has gotten you this time?” 

“One that I’m sure you will understand in due time,” the man known as Sinbad replied, more somber than annoyed at the implication. He then gave each of them a paper before continuing his speech. “On to the reason I called all of you here,” he said, leaning on one of the bedposts. “I’m sure you’ve noticed that Marseilles is not in the most favorable of conditions.”

All three nodded, but with different expressions. Maximillian bit lit lip, Andrea rolled his eyes, and Danglars looked on with a darkened brow. 

“My primary mission, above all else, is to understand why it has come to be this way and how we can fix it,” Sinbad explained. “And, in order to do that, I feel we must travel to Marseilles’ most ill-fated spots and uncover the truth behind their most atrocious events. On your papers, there is a map of an area selected for you. If you know the town’s layout, you might recognize each spot.”

Maximillian glanced down at his map and read the most visible words. “Why, mine is the Chateau D’if itself!” he cried, showing his piece to his companions.

“Impressive, if we’re ranking by how much your area has an eerie atmosphere,” Andrea snarked. “Mine is just some country house on the outskirts. I think it starts with ‘A’ and ‘u’.” He then peered over Danglars’ shoulder and lifted an eyebrow. “Well, looks like you have the Catalans to cover,” the vampire grinned, flashing his sharp canines. “That must be fun, getting to know where your friends really went.”

“The fact that the legend has reached you, of all people, really astonishes me,” Danglars answered, rolling up his map like a scroll without even looking at it. “But I will still choose to ignore the past. If there’s any new monsters lurking in their place, I am willing to at least investigate.”

“For once in my lifetime, I agree with Danglars’ sentiment,” Maximillian said firmly. “If Edmond is the one being haunted, you cannot convince me to refuse to help him. He will live beyond this grim landscape, if his father or mine could not.”

The mention of “Edmond” caused Sinbad to tremble. He paced up and down for a few seconds, hoping the darkness would cover his misty-eyed expression. After recomposing himself, he cleared his throat. “A very admirable idea, but he may be as lost as his loved ones,” he corrected solemnly. “All we need to focus on now is the loose ends time has left us to tie up.”

“Why do you insist on using ‘we’ and not ‘you’?” Andrea asked.

“Because I am coming with you, more or less.”

“But to which place? The island fortress? The country house?”

“To all of them, if I can time my arrivals correctly.”

Andrea gawked. “Look, my bat-like abilities might help me travel faster, but you are a mere man!” he exclaimed. “How do you expect yourself to reach three distinct and separate locations in one night?”

“Who told you it was one night?” Sinbad asked indignantly.

Andrea fell into deep thought. Maximillian slowly raised his hand. “I believe it’s because he’s a vampire and therefore needs to stay in the dark,” he said with no hesitation. “As for you joining us, I respect your decision but I still wonder why you’re doing it. What is your personal reason for being so involved?”

Sinbad smiled imperceptibly. “Because some time ago, I made a promise to myself,” he said in a warm tone. “A vow to avenge those who have been wronged. Little did I know that this would extend to an entire town and far beyond my expectations, but here I am. All I ask is that you join me until it is completed. Then, do what you want with your lives.”

Danglars crossed his arms and bobbed his head, Andrea grinned with a gleam in his eyes, and Maximillian saluted as his heart soared within him. If it meant freedom for themselves and the town at least two had grown up in, they were satisfied. Now was the question: what were they supposed to do? Thankfully, Sinbad came prepared. 

[theshatteredrose]

A Gathering of Guardians: Prologue (Chapter 15) - Etrian Odyssey Nexus Fanfiction

AN: Ah, another really long chapter. Over 6 thousand words. It won’t end. Send help.

AO3 | Wattpad | FFnet

Chapter 15:

Isiah made his way down the hallway that Axel had suggested to him. One side was a wall of windows that looked out over the main courtyard yard. The other wall was a series of doors. All shut for the time being. About half way down the hall, from what he could estimate, was a set of tall swinging doors. And they were propped open.

Pretty obvious that they led into the clinic.

He idly fiddled with the pockets of his coat as he stepped inside. He had to admit that he was slightly nervous. Only slightly, of course. He had been working in his dad’s clinic since he was born. Tharsis was all that he knew. To be working elsewhere was a significant change for him.

There was also the fact that Isiah had never really gotten along well with other medics. It had always been him and his father. Doing their own thing. Going at their own pace.

Isiah wasn’t exactly worried about working with Lynus. He had gotten to know him pretty well through their letters. And he appeared as harmless as a creampuff. He had also gotten to know Derek through their letters, too. So, it wasn’t those two he was apprehensive about.

He just hoped there wasn’t a staunch, by the books medic that would start shit with him. His father had dealt with that. And Isiah had, as well. It was incredibly agitating to have someone harping on you all the time.

Shaking his head to rid himself of that current thought pattern, Isiah stepped through the opened doors. In front of him was a large wooden desk with a few flies already scattered across it. To his left was another door, an office if he were to guess. And to his right was the medical bays. Eight beds. Four on each side.

And there were two beds with curtains drawn around them. One on the right wall, furthest from the door. The other on the left wall, second from the desk.

Hm. Appeared to have patients already.

The curtain from the bed furthest away suddenly moved to the side, and Lynus stepped out. He held a folder in his hand, to which he kept his attention upon as he idly drew the curtain close behind him. He paused for a moment to scribble someone into the folder as he absentmindedly walked through the bays.

Before Isiah had to announce himself in some way, Lynus lifted his head up and smiled. He wasn’t surprised in the slightest. Much like Nitish often was.

“Isiah. I see you’ve found the clinic,” Lynus said as he drew closer, his smile taking on a more apologetic slant. “Sorry for leaving so suddenly.”

“It’s fine,” Isiah replied with a slight shrug before he motioned toward the two occupied bays with a tilt of his head. “I assumed you were called away for a reason.”

Lynus glanced over out of habit, his smile faltering further as he nodded his head. “Yes. I have a couple of patients in my care right now.”

He obviously wasn’t going to say who they were (as if Isiah would know) and what thir ailments were. Which was fair. So, Isiah instead took another glance around the clinic, noting the equipment and necessary materials.

“Hm. Not a bad set-up, I have to admit,” Isiah said.

Lynus nodded his head as he folded the file shut in his hands and placed it under his arm. “I was surprised, too. I do hope the number of beds we have are enough, though. I’m also thinking about asking Villard whether I can turn one of the storage rooms into a library of sorts. To keep the reference guides within easy access.”

“Yeah, that would be a good idea,” Isiah said as his mind momentarily drifted toward the items and materials he had brought with him. “I have a few things of my own. I imagine that you do as well.”

“Ah… I brought half of my clinic, honestly,” Lynus uttered as an unexpected light flush appeared on his features and he idly scratched his cheek. He then coughed lightly and motioned to the door that was to the left of the entrance. “Moving on, this is the office. Villard initially presented it to me to use, but if you need a space of your own to work on a project, you’re more than welcome to use it, too. Only fair, since there are other medics who would know their guildmates better than I could.”

Isiah followed Lynus into the office and took another moment to inspect his surroundings. Large wooden desk that faced the door and window that looked out over the clinic. Bookcases already filled with books. A filing cabinet close to where the desk was situated. Not a bad looking setup either.

“You do have a point,” Isiah said idly. “But I do hope that my pack of idiots don’t get into too much trouble.”

Lynus offered a light laugh as he walked over to the desk and set down the file he had been carrying. “I hope so, too.”

“Lynus?”

A man with long brown hair and piercing golden eyes stepped into the office, he being the one who called Lynus’ name. He wore long purple robes, dissimilar to that of a runemaster however.

“Hm? Is something wrong?” Lynus immediately asked the newcomer.

But the man shook his head and turned his attention toward Isiah, which was rather unexpected. “No. I just sensed a different presence.”

Lynus made a noise of understanding and moved to step out from behind his desk to approach the two of them. “Then let me introduce you; this is Isiah, from Tharsis. Isiah, this is Oracle, leader of the Aurora guild in Armoroad.”

“Isiah, huh?” Oracle said before Isiah had the chance to respond. “So, you’re the Demon Medic. You sound fun.”

“Who told you that?” Lynus asked, exasperated.

The corner of Isiah’s mouth twitched into a half smirk. “It’s fine. The title doesn’t bother me. In fact, it’s frightened many a patient into compliance.”

Oracle folded his hands into the sleeves of his robes. “But threatening them has to be quite entertaining?”

Though the question was highly unexpected, and asked in a totally deadpanned manner, Isiah shrugged. “Sometimes. Especially if I’m in a bad mood. Other times, I just want them to get out of my office.”

“Hm,” Oracle hummed in thought for a moment before he nodded his head. “That’s reasonable, yes.”

Lynus uttered another sigh, which caused Oracle to turn his attention toward him. And in the same deadpanned manner, asked Lynus an equally unexpected question; “You’ve never had to kick out a patient? Or quite literally kick a patient?”

“No,” Lynus practically blurted out, somewhat taken aback by the question. “I mean, I’ve had my share of difficult patients. But I’ve never had to resort to…drastic measures.” He paused for a moment and idly dragged a fingertip over the braid near his left ear. A wince flittered on his face for a moment before his expression smoothed out. “Though…I have seen other medics at the hospital resort to such methods.”

“Oh?” Oracle murmured idly as he leaned forward, as if to get a closer look at Lynus. “You really are such a sweetheart, aren’t you?”

Lynus immediately blushed. “U-um. I don’t know about that,” he stammered.

“Please,” a new voice scoffed. “You are Lagaard’s resident sweetheart.”

The blush remained on Lynus’ cheeks, which seemed to enhance the pout that appeared when his gaze shifted toward the door. “Don’t you gang up on me, too,” he objected.

Isiah turned to look over at the door to see another man with short red hair and glasses. He wore a medical coat similar to Lynus. Though he was taller than Lynus was and appeared rather nonchalant.

“I would do no such thing,” the other man returned. “Derek would get protective of his adopted son, hm?”

It appeared as though Lynus tried to glare at the other man, but it was honestly a simple pout. He certainly didn’t have an intimidating bone in his body, did he?

“Purposely changing the subject; has Derek finished with his preparations of the hospital?” Lynus asked.

“Smooth transition,” the man joked in response before he shook his head. “No, not yet. He’s still fussy about getting it the way he wants.” He then turned to Isiah and looked at him curiously. “And I take it you’re Isiah?”

Isiah nodded. “That’s right.”

“I’m Darrell,” he finally introduced. “I work at the hospital with Derek.”

Aha, the name was familiar. “Ah, yes, he mentioned you, too.” Hard worker, had no tolerance for stupid explorers, more than willing to use unconventional methods to give healing to a patient. Whether they wanted it or not.

“Sounds like him,” Darrell replied with a shake of his head. “He’s such a dad, honestly. Though, he claims he doesn’t have any favourites, Lynus is definitely his favourite son.”

That brought a smile to Lynus’ face and he made no attempt to dispute the claim. In fact, it seemed to make him happy to hear it. He still had a light dusting of pink to his cheeks, though.

“Lynus,” another new voice interjected. “I have that book you wanted.”

Once again, Isiah turned to look over at the door of the office. This time, however, two figures appeared. One with white hair and glasses, about Darrell’s height. And with him was another youth, with orange hair and eyes the same shade of violet of Lynus’, and about the same height.

“Hm?” Lynus made a questioning sound before he brightened with realisation as the man with white hair handed a leather-bound book to him. “Oh, thank you. Yes, this will be useful.”

Lynus opened the book, seemingly prepared to flip through the pages there and then. He soon snapped the book shut, however, and offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry, introductions,” he said as he turned his attention toward Isiah once more. “Isiah, this is Simon and Remedy from Etria. The other medics I told you about. And this is Isiah of the Phaedron guild.”

Isiah turned his gaze toward the other orange-haired medic and arched an eyebrow. “Hm? Remedy?”

“Yes, a medic called Remedy,” Remedy instantly replied, his expression tired and his shoulders slumped forward in a sign of exasperation. “My mother was a psychic. And before you ask; Lynus and I aren’t actually related. We just look similar in appearance.”

Simon chuckled lightly into his hand. “He had been asked that a lot, you could say,” he explained before he turned to Remedy. “Though, to be fair, you two do look like brothers.”

“I guess,” Remedy said as he straightened his posture and sheepishly scared his cheek. “It doesn’t exactly bother me. I guess it’s just a nervous tic at this point.”

“Good, more medics,” Oracle unexpectedly stated as he also turned his attention to the two newcomers. “Have you two had to get violent with a patient?”

Simon gave Oracle a puzzled, yet somehow exasperated look. “That certainly was a random question.”

“And we’ve moved on from that subject,” Lynus quickly chided.

Oracle, however, shook his head, completely dismissing the disapproval. “I haven’t. Well?”

Oracle’s pointed stare was rather…piercing, causing Remedy to shuffle uncomfortably on his feet. “Um, well, I’ve haven’t had that many patients. I’ve mostly been out in the field. They’re pretty compliant there.” He paused with a wince. “Although…”

“Although?” Oracle pressed.

Remedy lifted his hands to sheepishly press his index fingers together in front of him. “I hate to admit this, but I’ve had to shoot a couple of them.” He immediately blushed a crimson red and scrambled to explain himself. “It’s medi-bullet! Don’t get any wrong ideas!”

Simon smothered an obvious snort of amusement. “Remedy has some gunner skills. Medi-bullet is a gunner’s skill where it’s basically a tranquilizer dart with medica infused within it,” he explained once again. “Allowing for you to literally shoot a patient.”

Oracle nodded his head in understanding. “Interesting,” he said in a total deadpanned manner as he regarded the white-haired medic. “Have you done such a thing?”

Simon shook his head. “No, fortunately.”

“He has some landsknecht skills, though,” Remedy added quickly.

“Yeah?” Darrell said, perking up in interesting. “I do, too. Used to be a landsknecht myself before changing to medic.”

It was always good to know that his fellow medics had weapons if they needed to defend themselves should the need arise.

“I have a few mace and driveblade skills myself,” Isiah revealed.

Oracle turned his piercing eyes in Isiah’s direction once more. “I don’t know what a driveblade is, but I assume it’s fun.”

Again, Isiah felt his lips twitch into a half-smirk. “Puts the fear of god in others.”

The guy reminded him of Kalan a bit. Kalan was a little bit sassier, though. He couldn’t help but wonder if the two would get along well with all their deadpanned snark, or become rivals. Should be amusing either way.

“Do you have a weapon of choice, Lynus?” Remedy asked.

Lynus immediately appeared uncomfortable by the question. His discomfort wasn’t overly obvious, but he did pale slightly and his hands fidgeted with the buttons on his medical coat. “Um…No, I’m not one for weapons, I’m afraid,” he admitted. “Axel wants to teach me some sword skills, though I’m reluctant. I…I’m just more focused on healing.”

“With such a protective guild and husband, he doesn’t need to use a weapon,” Darrell interjected quickly, somewhat protectively if Isiah was to be honest.

Oracle may have caught onto that, too, as he tilted his head to the side questioningly. He looked at Lynus for a moment before he righted himself. “I take it they can be rather violent?” he asked instead.

Lynus uttered a weak laugh. “Um, they can be…” he muttered.

“Rightfully so,” Darrell added protectively again.

“Hm,” Oracle hummed lightly. “Looking forward to seeing that.”

Isiah fell silent as the other medics speak with Oracle, indulging him in his odd questions. His gaze wandered over toward Lynus and he noted that he didn’t look as uncomfortable as before. His smile was placid, his expression gentle.

And yet there was something…vulnerable about him. Darrell’s protectiveness was blatant. And Isiah got the feeling that he would be willing to turn violent if he needed to. Honestly, Lynus reminded him a bit of Nitish; delicate and gentle, even in the face of adversity.

There was definitely something painful hidden behind Lynus’ outward appearance. Isiah was used to looking out for vulnerable people. He was surrounded by them, after all.

Well…he’d just have to wait to see what happened next. One thing he was fairly sure of, he was going to be fine working with these guys. The next few months should prove interesting.

… … … … …

Lynus leaned back into his chair as he idly rubbed his forehead with his hand. Before him sat two files. One was easy enough to deal with; Zalaph and his bout of bronchitis. The other was quite complicated. Zydon and his curse. He had a fever earlier that morning and his guild were rightfully worried. So, brought him to the clinic and refused anyone but Lynus to inspect him.

The fever was due to the curse. It was feeding off of his aura. So, in order to weaken the curse, Lynus needed to find a way to strengthen Zydon’s aura.

And Lynus knew a little about that.

Lynus felt the approaching aura before he heard the footsteps. He immediately recognised the presence, though he had only known him for about two days. But Nitish’s aura was quite beautiful, peaceful even.

So, while he couldn’t sense anything to worry about in his aura, Lynus placed his hands upon the desk and pushed himself to his feet. And he wandered from his office.

“Nitish? Something wrong?” Lynus asked just as the blond-haired runemaster stepped into the reception of the clinic.

Nitish shook his head and folded his hands delicately in front of him. “Not at all. I’m just taking a stroll to get a sense of my new surroundings.” He paused as he looked around the room. “So, this room is the clinic?”

Lynus nodded as he took a moment to glance around also. Thankfully, both Zydon and Zalaph had been returned to their rooms, under the watchful gazes of their significant others. So, the clinic was empty for the time being.

“Yes. It’s well equipped, thankfully.”

Nitish turned his gaze toward Lynus once more and offered him a small smile. “Un. I don’t know if Isiah had told you, but I have a few medic skills myself. As does Varuna.”

“Oh yes, he did,” Lynus said, brightening upon the memory. “Your specialist skills will be grateful beneficial. Though, I hope we won’t need to use the materials here all that often.”

“Yes, me, too,” Nitish immediately replied. His gentle expression soon shifted into that of unease. As if he was struggling with something internally. “Um…can I speak with you for a moment?” he finally asked as his hands fidgeted in front of him.

“Of course,” Lynus immediately replied and motioned toward his office. “Would you like to speak in my office?”

Nitish nodded his head and he followed Lynus into the smaller room. Nitish remained standing as Lynus closed the door behind him. He continued to fidget with his hands for a moment before he nodded to himself.

“Is something bothering you?” Lynus asked as he approached him.

“I don’t know how to begin,” Nitish stated as he stood facing Lynus completely. “But…do you remember the letter than Isiah sent you a little while ago requesting help for an ill guild member?”

Of course, he remembered that letter. How could he not?

“Oh, yes, I certainly remember that,” Lynus replied as his hand subconsciously raised to his chest, over his heart. “I felt the urgency in Isiah’s letter and knew immediately that the situation could soon turn dire.”

A pained expression flickered onto Nitish’s face. “Y-yes, that was true. Well, that patient was-”

“The one called Achyuta?” Lynus gently interrupted.

Nitish nodded his head. “Yes, that’s right. Did you sense something?”

“I sensed the healing of his lungs,” Lynus explained. “Signs of healing leave small imprints, as it were, on the spirit. They’ll heal, along with the scars on his lungs.”

“I see,” Nitish sighed, quite relieved to hear that. He straightened his posture slightly. “I just…wish to thank you, for what you’ve done.”

Lynus tilted his head to the side. “Hm? It was Isiah’s doing, really.”

Nitish smiled softly. “But you helped. You gave us light during those dark times. And I…”

The memories attached to his words were obviously quite distressing. So Lynus stepped forward and placed his hand on Nitish’s arm, gently interrupting him once more.

“It’s ok,” Lynus said. “You don’t need to use any words. I understand.”

“I’ve been wishing to write to you ever since,” Nitish said, becoming quite emotional. “But I don’t know what to say. I still don’t. I don’t know how to ever repay you.”

“You don’t have to,” Lynus interjected before he reached out with his other hand to gently touch Nitish’s other arm. He then looked into his eyes as he spoke in the most reassuring tone he could muster. “Nitish, listen, you’re one of the reasons why I dedicate myself to healing. Kind people like you, like Achyuta and like Roxbury, deserve to live long and healthy lives. That is my goal. For everyone to be free of suffering and to be safe. I don’t need any payment. Knowing how grateful you are is enough. Sincere gratitude is the best payment a healer could ask for.”

Nitish stared at him silently for a moment. Studying him. Studying his aura. Soon, he smiled softly and whispered in an equally gentle tone; “…Thank you.”

Lynus gave his arm a light squeeze. “You’re welcome. Are you feeling better?”

Nitish nodded his head. “Yes, I’m feeling lighter now.”

Lynus smiled in understanding as he released his hold on Nitish’s arms. The runemaster took a half step back to silently compose him. As he did so, Lynus took a moment to inspect his aura out of sheer habit. As he did so, his attention was drawn to Nitish’s left eye once more.

“Um, do you mind if I ask you about your eye?” Lynus asked before he had time to reconsider.

Nitish tilted his head to the side questioningly before realisation set in and he straightened. “Oh. I’m partially blind in this eye. It was the result of head trauma from childhood,” he explained.

“Ah, I see,” Lynus uttered as he raised his hand to gently touch Nitish’s forehead, the other leaning his head forward to allow him to do so. As he inspected Nitish’s eye, a slight frown tugged at his lips. “The scar tissue is quite old. I’m afraid, without major surgery, your sight won’t fully return.”

Nitish was quite curious to hear that. “Really? I never put much thought into it, to be honest. My sight has been like this for years. I’ve grown accustomed to it.”

Lynus lowered his hand to his side and nodded his head. “Honestly, any interference may make your vision worse. Well, since it’s not affecting your quality of life, there’s no need for anything intrusive.”

“Yes, that’s true.” Nitish smiled and placed a hand against his heart. “But thank you for taking an interest.”

But Lynus shook his head, his smile turning somewhat sheepish. “No. I’m just really nosy. Doesn’t help that I can see auras. I can see ailments in others they don’t even know about themselves. It’s still rather awkward walking up to someone in an attempt to give them medical advice.”

Nitish laughed into his hand. Good. He was peaceful and relaxed once again. The need to show gratitude must have weighed heavily upon his mind for some time. It was a relief for him to finally get it off of his chest.

Honestly, that only further justified the lengths Lynus had to go to, to find the necessary materials and information. He knew it would go to a good cause.

Nitish tilted his head to the side for a moment before a knowing expression appeared on his face. “Roxbury will likely wish to speak with you, too,” he unexpectedly said.

Lynus tilted his head also, and quickly noted of a growing familiar presence. “Ah,” he uttered as he straightened. “Then I'll tell him exactly what I told you.”

“Thank you,” Nitish said once more as he bowed forward slightly. “Goodnight.”

“I hope you rest well,” Lynus returned, which earned him another small smile from Nitish.

Without another word, Nitish turned and walked to the office door and let himself out. He left the door ajar behind him, however. He was likely to walk past Roxbury on his way to his new room, and was likely to encourage his guild leader to speak with him.

So, Lynus waited. If he could ease the burden of another, then that was what he would do.

A few moments later, Lynus felt Roxbury’s aura approach and his footsteps soon followed. Lynus stepped out of his office as Roxbury paused by the doors of the clinic. There was a sense of hesitancy in his aura, as well as a bit of guilt. As if he was worried about bothering him.

“Hello, Roxbury,” Lynus greeted warmly so not to startle the other man. “Inspecting your new surroundings?”

Roxbury jumped ever so slightly before he turned to grant Lynus a somewhat sheepish look. “Um, yes, you could say that,” he said as he stepped further into the room.

“Is there something I can help you with?” Lynus asked.

Roxbury didn’t immediately reply. He thought to himself for a moment, internally battling within himself to find the right words. “You mentioned something when we first met,” he finally said. “About me doing well.”

Lynus nodded. “You’re wondering how I knew about the injury to your side?”

Roxbury’s hand inched toward his side, where a scar was both physically and spirituality. “It’s not that. It just…I wanted to thank you for your help in easing that wound.”

“It was Isiah who did the work,” Lynus replied with a knowing smile. “I simply gave him the materials and support needed.”

“Yes, I understand that,” Roxbury insisted as his hand rested against his side and a soft, yet distressing expression appeared on his face. “Honestly, it’s not the injury itself that has me seeking to show gratitude. It’s just…”

Lynus might have some idea to what Roxbury was insinuating; he wasn’t just relieved that he was free of his injury. He was relieved because it meant someone close to him wouldn’t go to potentially extreme and dangerous lengths in effort to heal him.

Of course, he wasn’t entirely sure that was the case. But the distress in his presence…he had felt it somewhere before.

“Roxbury, you don’t owe me anything, you know,” Lynus stated in hopes of pulling Roxbury from his obviously painful musings. “And I assume that Isiah feels the same.”

“W-well, I tried to thank him, too,” Roxbury admitted as he idly scratched the back of his neck. He then sighed and shook his head in an exasperated, but somewhat fond manner. “But he won’t have it.”

Lynus had to smile. From what he knew of Isiah, he definitely appeared to be the type to dismiss any displays of gratitude. Not that Lynus could find it within himself to fault him for that. He did the same thing, after all.

“That’s because seeing you alive and well, seeing you with your family and guild is all the gratitude he needs.”

Lynus then stepped forward, and much like he did with Nitish only moments ago, placed a hand upon his arm and offered him a sincere smile. “Roxbury, listen; when a medic chooses a guild and chooses to heal a guildmate, they don’t do so out of obligation. They do it because they genuinely care for the members of their guild. Isiah loves and cares for you all. Even the ones he grumbles about. He did what needed to be done to help you. It’s what he does. What I do. I’m glad that I was able to help support him. But he was the one who healed you. I was simply an avenue he needed to reach his goal.”

Roxbury looked at him wordlessly for a moment, openly stunned by what he said. His expression soon softened and a gentle smile appeared on his lips. “Hah, I see. Honestly, what would we do without medics?”

“That’s something you won’t be finding the answer too anytime soon,” Lynus said as he gave Roxbury’s arm a light squeeze before he stepped away.

“I certainly hope so,” Roxbury said in earnest before he straightened his posture slightly and bowed his head in a similar way of Nitish. “Well, I’ll leave you be. Thank you for speaking with me.”

“Not at all.” Lynus’ response was immediate. “Feel free to drop by any time for any reason. Someone is bound to be here.”

Roxbury smiled again. “I’ll remember that. Well, goodnight.”

“I hope you’ll rest well in your new surroundings,” Lynus uttered once more and watched as Roxbury turned and stepped out of the clinic, immediately turning left to head toward his new dorm room to rest.

Lynus was about to return to his office when he sensed another presence. It definitely wasn’t a threatening presence. In fact, it was truly benign. And familiar.

“Hello?” Lynus said questioningly as he stepped out into the hallway.

From the right of the hallway, another figure emerged. Despite the array of golden dancer jewellery he wore, he was surprisingly silent in his movements. He also held a very sheepish expression on his face.

“Sorry if I appear as though I was eavesdropping,” Mahalah said as he approached Lynus. “I was just checking up on everyone.”

Lynus smiled comfortingly. “It's completely fine. I have that habit, too. Much to Axel's chagrin at times.”

Mahalah smiled in return, actually comforted by his words. His expression soon turned curious as he folded his arms across his torso lightly and tilted his head to the side. “You have quite the gift of speaking the right words, at the right time.”

“Hm? Do I?” Lynus asked as he rested his hand against his chest. “I was simply speaking the truth.”

Mahalah’s gentle smile returned. “That's why they're so appreciated.”

Lynus took a moment to study the other man before him. He had a gentle aura of his own. Very humble and warm. Yet, encouraging and understanding. “Roxbury is very important to you, isn’t he?”

“He’s my brother,” Mahalah immediately replied. “We’ve been together since childhood. His home life wasn’t the best. And he carries a lot of unnecessary guilt as a guild leader.”

Lynus felt a light sense of protectiveness appear in his chest. But he brushed it aside for the moment. “He truly has a gentle soul.”

“And a heart of gold,” Mahalah replied immediately again before he sighed and shook his head rather sadly. “That’s why I’m so protective. I need to let go, I know. But still…”

“Now, you don’t need to let go completely,” Lynus interjected before Mahalah could travel further down that thought path. “He still wants you in his life. Roxbury has a big heart. So big that he can share it with many people. Including you.”

For the third time that night, Lynus was stared at with an expression of surprise and curiosity. And like the other times, a soft, sincere smile was soon revealed. “…You’re right. Hah, you really are incredible at giving advice.”

It really was a habit now, wasn’t it?

“Well, my goal is to ensure that everyone lives long, happy lives,” Lynus stated.

“That’s a truly wonderful goal,” Mahalah said, his voice as sincere as his aura. “I’m glad that we agreed to join.”

Lynus nodded his head. “I’m glad, too.”

“I best leave you be,” Mahalah unexpectedly said. “I have a few more guildmates I want to check in on.”

“Of course.”

Lynus stepped to the side to allow Mahalah to move on his way. He knew better than anyone the need to ensure that one’s guildmates were safe and secure in their surroundings. Especially in new surroundings. He couldn’t help but read his presence again and that feeling of protectiveness returned. So, he called out to him.

“Mahalah, I hope you remember to look after yourself, too.”

Mahalah paused in his steps to turn and grant him a curious look. “Hm?”

“I'm a care-taker, just like you,” Lynus explained. “And I have the habit of neglecting my health for the sake of others. Just like you.”

Mahalah was silent. He appeared as though he wanted to refute that, out of sheer habit than anything more. But, instead, he sighed softly. “...I guess I can't deny that, can I?”

Lynus smiled comfortingly once more. “I'm afraid not. No offense to Isiah, but there’s definitely a few members of your guild that I want to mother.”

“I know what you mean,” Mahalah replied around a light chuckle. “They won’t make it easy, but do keep trying. They deserve it.”

“I will certainly try.” Lynus presented his promise by resting his hand over his heart. “Well, it’s getting late. Perhaps you should retire for the night. All those introductions were sure to have tired you out.”

Mahalah nodded his head before he gave Lynus a rather stern look, his hands on his hips. “You should rest, too.”

“I will. Once I finish something in my office.” Mahalah’s eyes narrowed at that and Lynus had to smother a laugh of his own. “Yes, really. I promise,” he said as he raised his hands in a pacifying manner. “Just a few more minutes.”

Mahalah laughed lightly once more, honestly amused by his response. “Alright. Just this once,” he joked in response before his gaze softened, “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

With another graceful nod, Mahalah turned and continued on his way. Out of sheer habit, Lynus watched until he could no longer see him, though he could still sense his aura. It was lighter now. More relaxed and comfortable.

He was glad.

Lynus turned to wander back into his office when another presence pulled him to a stop. His brow furrowed as he glanced down the hallway where Mahalah had disappeared in. Not a moment later another figure was seen.

“Villard?” Lynus questioned, somewhat surprised to see the elderly war magus roaming about. But perhaps he, too, was simply making a lap around the Sanctuary out of habit.

“Ah, Lynus,” Villard greeted in response. “Had a few visitors, I see.”

“Yes, I've had a steady stream of them lately,” Lynus answered politely. His interest was piqued when Villard came to a stop before him. “And what can I do for you, Villard?”

Villard folded his arms into the sleeves of his cloak. “I have a request.”

“Yes?”

“I want you to accompany me to Iroys when we land.”

Lynus was taken aback by that. “Oh?”

Villard nodded his head again, but sharply this time. “Yes. You see, Roux, a good friend of mine, has a grandson who is very ill. It's not your conventional type of illness, either.” He paused for a moment as he shifted uncomfortably on his feet. “He was taken at a young age and forced to endure years of putting his health at risk for the selfishness of another. It has taken a great toll on him.”

Lynus felt a wave of nausea wash over him but he pushed it back. “I see.” He swallowed thickly. “You wish for me to meet him?”

“Yes.” Yet another sharp nod from Villard. “If you have any insight, it would be greatly appreciated.”

“I understand,” Lynus said as he forced a smile to his lips. “Of course, Axel will likely want to join us.”

Villard huffed out a laugh. “I expected as much. Very well, when we reach Iorys, I’ll escort you both. Until then.”

With nothing more to say, Villard turned and moved back along the hall from where he came. Lynus watched until Villard was no longer within sight before he raised his hand to his chest in an attempt to subdue the pain he felt. A sharp pain to his heart. No, it wasn’t a physical pain. He wasn’t experiencing a heart attack or anything of the sort.

His heart hurt because of memories.

“…the selfishness of another…”

He…

Lynus shook his head and ventured back into his office. Only so he could put his research away for the timebeing. He just needed to be with Axel and his family for the moment. And to tell Axel that they, too, would be visiting Iorys with Villard.

And…he hoped that there was something he could do to help that person.

… … … … …

Maginia’s arrival to Iorys certainly wasn’t unexpected, nor was it unannounced. But it sure did surprise a lot of people when the large behemoth of a machine flew past the city in search for a suitable place to land.

Drayce was thankfully still awake when the flying city rumbled past. He couldn’t imagine what kind of shock and fear he would have felt to awake suddenly to the trembling and shaking of his surroundings. One earthquake was enough for him, thank you very much!

Everyone had already gathered into the dining hall for breakfast, though many members of his guild weren’t all that hungry. They were too nervous to eat. And honestly, Drayce couldn’t blame them.

They were anxious about joining Maginia’s voyage to Lemuria. While they were somewhat interested to see the mysterious island for themselves, they were also rightly nervous. They had niched out a rather suitable life here in Iorys, with an encouraging prince as their supporter, and awesome people to help should they need it.

They were also worried about…a certain member of their guild.

Drayce ventured over to where his grandfather stood by the window, looking out toward the large city of Maginia. “We’ll need to visit Ramus soon, won’t we?”

Roux nodded his head. “Yeah. From what I understand, Princess Persephone will wish to speak with him first. Best let them have their private conversation first.”

“And your friend? Villard?”

“Yeah, he’ll be there, too,” Roux answered, a serious expression on his face. “And, hopefully, that person would be there, too.”

Drayce looked toward the seating area of his guildhouse. To where his brother sat by the fireplace. In his wheelchair. A pillow behind his head as he dozed quietly. His expression free from pain. For a short while at least.

“You think they can help?” Drayce asked softly, his voice hitching in his throat.

“I hope so, my boy,” grandpa replied. “I hope so…”

[viduregia-blog]

-- Prompt 01: Questionnaire

(content warning for: disordered eating, maybe substance abuse?) 

01. Tell us about your character’s name. Was it given to them or chosen? Does it hold any special meaning? If your character has aliases or nicknames, how did they get them and what do they mean?

Her birth name was largely picked because one of her moms thought it sounded pretty-- it’s not much deeper than that from an in-fiction perspective. 

And Uria Grata, the primary alias that she uses, is the name of a girl whose identity she stole... So it was picked for that reason LOL. Her second most used alias, Violet Waxbi, was designed to help her blend in among various different groups while on the job. 

Out of fiction, I’m a giant fucking nerd and adapted her birth name from that of a brood parasite (aka bird that puts its eggs in the nests of other birds), and her aliases are both plays on the name of the bird that this specific brood parasite takes advantage of. 

Also when she was a kid some of the other gang members called her Songbird (because i said so), and she still occasionally uses it as a call sign or whatever. 

02. What is your character’s relationship to their homeworld? Do they hold fond memories of it, or do they hate it? Are they still here, and if not, do they miss it?

i mean............... she’s definitely not still there! kinda sucks when ur planet goes boom but she’s coping ! sort of !! sure wish more of her family and friends had gotten off planet with her !! 

So mostly she tries to avoid thinking about Taris. But. There aren’t many positive memories of the planet itself, it was dirty and and oppressive and, later, war torn. Most days she didn’t see the sun, and good food was hard to find at the best of times. Memories of the people there are much more favorable, though, and sometimes she misses that. Sometimes she even misses the smell and everything just because it was so familiar. 

Getting off Taris was one of the best things she ever did, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt sometimes. 

Getting her family off Taris was just as important, even if it took a lot of convincing-- but with the Exchange taking over, even they could see that things weren’t likely to get better. A good quarter of the Hidden Beks had managed to find refuge elsewhere before the quarantine and Taris’ eventual destruction, Vidu’s family included. 

03. Describe your character’s relationship with those who raised them. Was it positive? Negative? Neutral? What sorts of ideologies were they raised with, and do they still stand by them now?

She loves her moms!!! and the other older swoop gang members that helped them raise her! Loves them so much she almost didn’t leave for Coruscant when she got the chance but they weren’t gonna stand for that... It was a very tearful mushy goodbye. 

Growing up, there was a lot of emphasis on loyalty and working for the good of the group, and she still carries that with her, though she’s expanded her gang to include the whole of the Republic at this point. Just one huge family. Also, a healthy dose of distrust for strangers. 

04. What is your character’s relationship with the Force? Is your character Force-sensitive? Whether or not they are, do they believe in it? Do they lean more towards the dark or the light or are they somewhere in between?

I mean maybe if you squint real hard there might be a hint of force around her but like....... Not enough to do anything with. Once in a blue moon she has a gut feeling abt something and it turns out right, but like, it’s probably just intuition? She does believe in it well enough, though-- like, she’s seen a few Jedi at work. They do fancy stuff that seems to support the whole force thing. She doesn’t think about it very much, but she knows it’s out there. 

If she had more sensitivity she would rest somewhere in the middle, though. She’s all about shades of gray. 

05. What three word would you use to describe your character? What three words would your character use to describe themself? What three words would someone close to them use?

me: determined, resourceful, scattered

vidu: i don’t have time for this (yes she knows that’s more than three words) 

del, sis agent: stubborn, protective, hot

06. Describe your character’s aesthetic. Do they tend towards fashion or function? Do they like to accessorize? How does this extend into their own personal spaces, such as their home or their workspace?

god she misses the days when aesthetic didn’t matter as much..... she spent her whole youth running around in whatever fabric she could throw on at the last second.... although occasionally she made the whole gang attend her “fashion shows” but even then, it was mostly her making her brothers and anyone else nearby dress up silly...... 

now, though, she has to dress up and accessorize properly as a matter of survival. if she doesn’t look the part, who knows what’ll happen? this applies to her apartment, too-- it very much looks the part. although, it and her desk are also Always some level of a total mess. there’s lots of shoving dirty clothes under the bed when someone comes to visit. 

07. What are your character’s vices? Guilty pleasures? Bad habits? Weak spots?

in her down time, she’s a real sucker for anything that feels luxurious. vidu almost never takes a day off, but u can bet when she does she spends the whole day in the bath!! u can also bet she spent most of at least one paycheck on super fancy soft sheets, and has more nice alcohol in her apartment than she does food.

she does have the unfortunate habit of substituting drink (alcohol, caf, experimental energy drinks, protein shakes, etc) for food, though, and most days she only eats once because she forgets so easily. she’s just not used to food being that easily accessible!! she probably never will be!! and if she’s not in polite company, chances are high she’ll scarf her food so fast it gives her a stomach ache... 

other bad habits: having zero relationships outside of work, and finding dares almost impossible to resist

08. Tell us about your character’s relationship with food. What are their favorites? Do they enjoy cooking? Are they adventurous? Will they eat absolutely anything or are they hard to please?

Oops i guess I talked about it a little in the last question, BUT.... yeah, she’s not great about food. As a kid it wasn’t always easy to come by, and now that it is she doesn’t know what to do with it. How do manage eating schedule?? How do GROCERY SHOP?? ???? ? No. If she doesn’t snag something at work then she’s either not eating or she’s ordering out. 

Pretty sure Vidu has never cooked-- that was more her brother’s thing. She’s not like, burn water bad, but.... She does avoid it like the plague. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t occasionally hoard food when she does remember to go shopping, though. There’s a lot of shit in her cabinets that never sees the light of day. 

In terms of what she will eat, though.... I mean she’s eaten things a lot grosser than anything you’ll find for sale on Coruscant. She can and will eat bugs off the ground on a dare. Let’s leave it at that. 

09. How does your character feel about engaging in relationships—romantic and / or sexual—with others? What is their history like? Do they fall in love easily? Are they constantly in and out of relationships?

Vidu’s never really been in an official relationship yet, and she’s dead set on keeping it that way until her single status stops being a career asset. At the moment, being able to flirt around without worrying about someone getting hurt is too important to risk a relationship. 

She will occasionally have a one night stand, though, when she’s not too busy. It’s just nice to indulge in the fantasy, sometimes. She's developed a number of crushes throughout her life, but has yet to follow anything through. 

Also it’s kind of a given, in her mind, that she’ll end up sleeping with someone for career favors someday, but it hasn’t come to that yet. 

10. What is your character’s pain tolerance like? Can they hold their own in a fight, despite injury? If someone hurts them with the aim of gaining information, how much can they take before they cave?

I mean she certainly doesn’t like pain !!! She’s also incredibly stubborn, though. So it ends up like this: she’ll whine for an hour about a stubbed toe, but she’ll keep working on a sprained ankle without saying anything to anybody (limping pathetically around the office and then straightening up whenever anyone comes into view..... Faster limping when they turn away). 

Also if she ever gets tortured, she’s already worked out that she’s going to take as much as seems plausible and then immediately start lying her ass off. Come up with a story and stick to it. Last just long enough that it would seem like she’d broken for real, and then start giving false information out the wazoo. With this method, she hopes to never actually find the limits of her pain tolerance cause she doesn’t know what they are and she doesn’t want to. 

11. What is your character’s weapon of choice? Are they more skilled as a melee fighter or do they have more skill with ranged weapons? What’s their fighting style like? What sort of training do they have behind them?

Vidu tries to avoid combat as much as possible-- even when things got bad on Taris she made herself useful by transporting supplies and doing basic first aid, rather than being involved with the fighting too much. 

That being said, she also has stupidly good aim. She’s been handling blasters for most of her life, and has spent a lot of time doing target practice, but has more limited practice with moving targets. It’s been more than enough to keep her alive in any combat situations that have come up, regardless. 

12. Does your character have any words or catchphrases that they say frequently? Tell us about how they picked them up.

When she took on her new identity, Vidu did a whole overhaul of her vocabulary. There was just too much that was indicative of where she came from-- now that it’s been a few years, she rarely makes slip-ups anymore. Also, given that 90% of her interactions are work related, she’s in customer service voice (and the stock phrases that go with that) like... Most of the time.

13. Tell us about a negative experience your character has had with either the Jedi or the Sith, and how this has affected their standing. Whether currently aligned or unaligned with either faction, if forced to choose, how would they side?

i mean the sith blew up..... her whole planet and a good number of people she considered like family. there’s no coming back from that, she’s gonna be down with sith till she dies. Outside of that, though, she’s pretty forgiving. See: going to work for the republic after they royally fucked up defending her planet. She hasn’t had many experiences with the Jedi outside of bureaucratic nonsense, but she would still pick them over the sith any day. 

14. How would your character react to seeing a relative or friend on the opposing side of a battle or mission?

I mean she’d certainly try to avoid fighting them until they had a chance to explain themselves. If it came down to it, her aim is good enough that she can generally fake missing people by inches, if she needed to uphold a cover but still wanted to let them get away. 

It would certainly warrant a good talking to later though!! 

15. Describe a memory that your character finds embarrassing.

That time her older brother talked her into sneaking out in the middle of the night to try out a swoop bike for the first time. It turned out it was broken and minorly exploded when she turned it on, naturally alerting all adults in the area. Her brother was gone by the time they got to the scene, but Vidu had tripped getting off and was dealing with a busted nose for too long to escape. 

It’s mostly embarrassing because she should have known better, her brother was always pulling shit like that. 

16. What goals does your character hold for themself and what steps have they taken towards achieving them? How far are they willing to go to reach them? What is their be-all and end-all?

Destroy the Empire. Not really. I mean yes, really, in the moments when she lets herself go really hog wild with the daydreaming, but. She doesn’t imagine that will happen in her lifetime. In the meantime, she’s content to aim for running the Strategic Information Service and getting it really set up to start crippling the Empire’s operations. 

Her steps have been pretty good so far, she’s already in a position of some mild authority within the organization, and she’s slowly building a network of powerful people that value her opinion. She’ll get there someday. The ends justify the means, in this case, so...... She probably wouldn’t stoop to murder but even that is a tiny bit questionable depending on who it is.

17. What is the one thing your character would change about their life if they were given the chance? What other lives could they have lived as a result?

Taris not being blown up would be..... nice..... Most of the things she would change are so far outside of her control that it’s not even really worth dreaming about, honestly. If Taris hadn’t been blown up, if the Mandalorian Wars hadn’t fucked them, if Taris hadn’t been a shithole in the first place-- it’s not worth thinking about. 

There’s a small, secret part of her that thinks maybe a nice calm life with her family would be okay, living under the radar on Bogden with them, setting up a chill lil smuggling operation. Would be great, even, but honestly even in her daydreams she knows that she would get bored of that really quick. She doesn’t know who she is without some kind of crusade. 

18. Living in such a high-conflict time, how does your character feel about doing what they must to survive? Will they hurt or kill others—either directly or indirectly—to protect themself and / or those close to them? If so, do they regret it when all is said and done?

As mentioned previously, she’s a big proponent of the ends justifying the means. If it’s to protect herself or others, she has no qualms about killing or maiming, and she’s done it before. For reasons less vital than defense there would be... Hesitation. She hasn’t been put in a position to find out, yet, whether or not she’d be willing to kill someone who’s not a direct threat in order to guarantee the success of a bigger picture goal. If she did, though, she would be torn up about it for a while. 

19. What is the biggest problem your character is currently dealing with?

Vidu’s job is consuming her every waking moment, right now. It’s a good distraction, honestly, from having to think about everything that’s been lost in the fighting. Her biggest problem right at this particular moment is that one of her agents didn’t return from a mission recently, and she hasn’t been able to re-establish contact for a good while, so she probably has to recruit someone knew to re-establish coverage in their sectors. 

20. Give us 3+ headcanons of any length or subject matter.

okay here we go again: 

1. Agents: Vidu’s first recruit was a smuggler named Del Kos, and her suspiciously well trained travelling companion, Scorpio, though he’s technically not on the payroll. Anyway, Vidu and Del get along really well and it’s actually terrible when they end up on the same planet cause Del inevitably gets Vidu drunk, and Vidu is both a lightweight and a really rowdy drunk, so Scorpio always has to step in and manage things or it ends with Del starting a bar brawl while Vidu goes full wrestling announcer voice and takes bets from her perch atop the bar. 

At the moment, Vidu also manages two other official agents, but I want to leave those open for later development so I’m not gonna go too much into them. 

2. Bike Skills: Vidu’s actually really good at swoop bike racing but she can’t tell anyone!! It would blow her cover!! But she is, at all times, dying inside that she doesn’t get to flaunt one of her biggest pride points. This only really becomes a problem when she sees someone watching a swoop race and can’t contain it anymore and becomes the most obnoxious sports fan right in their ear. 

3. Sexuality: The girl is a big ol’ gay, zero interest in guys, but flirts with them all the time to get what she wants. She can’t help it if they’re easily manipulated!! 

bonus. Give us a list of any length telling us why our “fave is problematic.”

is she tho...? i mean.... is she?

jk of course she is: 

she stole a whole ass identity and is living a lie she drinks more wine and caffa than she eats food she probably lets her agents get away with more than she should she’s working really hard to get everyone she works for wrapped around her finger doesn’t have any friends outside of work  crosses professional boundaries with the work friends she does have her apartment looks like a whirlwind went through it at all times so does her desk someone save her poor coworkers and the janitor

[pleasurextreasure]

Ascension (pt. 1/?)

genre: mama!exo, reader x baekhyun

warnings: none yet

word count: 1.6k

prompt(s): Holders have always been shunned by the world, until an organization came about and started to kidnap their race to experiment on - your brother being included. You planned to only take him back until your plans take a complete twist when you cross paths with Baekhyun.

a/n: gotta make admin kay suffer sometimes too you know - ➵admin kiki

Ξ r e q u e s t Ξ

I shouldn’t be here. None of us should be here.

I’m not sure how all of this started; How we all got confined to this white-walled place and spending our days worrying over who would be the next to be experimented on. We’ve lived these past few days in constant fear and deprived hope, wondering if we’ll ever make it out of here alive. If we’ll ever make it out of here at all.

They treat us like rats, their methods filled with punishment and reward. If we don’t cooperate, we’re tased or beat, on rare occasions, and drugged before they roll us away on a gurney to our indefinite doom. If we’re smart and cooperate, they barely use any force in bringing us to our experimental room. I’ve learnt bending to their will and going along with their rules is less painful.

My fingers rub against the metal bracelet they gave me upon my arrival here. Subject 4, it reads. I never really thought much of the number. Am I their fourth experiment? The fourth prisoner here? I throw these thoughts away because they don’t make much sense. Jongin, the tanned boy across the hall, bears Subject 88.

The two of us had arrived the same day, or at least that’s what he’s told me. I had woken up in this white-walled room and panicked, darting towards the metal black door - the only thing in this room that actually had any color to it - and yelling through the small barred window. That’s when Jongin told me to shut my yap or else they’ll come back. Back then, I had no clue who ‘they’ were.

But now, I’m afraid of ‘they’.

␛␛␛␛

The screams are loud. So loud that I can hear them even when I press my hard pillow against my ears and crawl up into a ball. They’re so loud. I wish they would stop but if they did, that would mean one of two things. Either their session ended or they died on the hospital table. I would much rather opt for the first.

I feel bad for the poor guy, Subject 94. He’s so skinny for his height that I wouldn’t be surprised if he tipped over from the blow of a wind. He came in just this morning. I don’t know his name, though. Which is sad because if he was to die on that table, I wouldn’t be able to mourn for him properly because of the unknowing of his name.

I clench my eyes shut when another ear-splitting scream makes its way into my cell. I want to leave this place. I want to go anywhere but here. Some place where I won’t have to worry about hiding my ability and live in worry, wondering when the next person will find out my secret.

But I’m here because of that specific reason. They found out. They watched me and watched me, waiting for the perfect chance to accuse me of magic. I don’t dabble in magic, though. I was just born with this. It’s not like I wanted this power that allowed me to summon light. I didn’t ask for any of this so why am I being punished for it? Because I’m different?

Come to think of it, I recall asking Jongin what got him in here a few days ago. All I can remember is him saying something about not being able to disappear fast enough. I wonder what kind of secret ability Subject 94 has. Maybe I’ll get a chance to ask him when they release out into the courtyard for lunch later. That’s if he even survives until then, that is.

The first few days here are torture. I can say that with firsthand experience. All I can remember through the haziness of pain is a woman clad in a white dress and coat sticking a needle into my arm that was hooked up to a bag that held a bright red liquid. The burning sensation that followed the liquid was excruciating and I recall screaming out, asking why they were something like this. I’ve never done anything wrong so why was I being treated this way?

The days following that terrible event were just as bad. I would be unconscious for a good part of the day and during the times I was awake, I was whisked away to the experiment labs. I tried pretending to sleep one of those days, hoping they would be fooled and leaved.

I was wrong. So, so wrong.

They tased me twice for my offense and told me they know everything. And I believe them. They truly do know everything. When I sleep, when I’m awake, even when I need to use the restroom. They know all these things. Yet I know nothing of them.

I only know of the name of this building, W.O.M.A., which I had the misfortune of hearing when two workers walked by. I wonder if anyone actually knows I’m here. That I’m trapped in this cruel place along with other unfortunate souls who are fearing for their lives just as much as I am.

I shouldn’t be here. None of us should be here.

␛␛␛␛

The buzzing that comes from the doors when they open makes me wince. They’re loud and ear-piercing and overall annoying. It’s not like I can actually complain about them vocally, though. A punishment would come my way if I speak out of line.

The thin electric handcuffs around my wrists keep my nerves on edge, a reminder of how little freedom I now have. The person in front me shifts forward, meaning we’re moving again. I stare at the back of his head as I trudge along. Jongin manages to step on the back of my heel and I nearly fall into the boy in front of me.

“Sorry,” Jongin whispers, voice low and cautious.

I give the smallest of nods and continue to look forward. Looking back also results in punishment. The rules given to us on the day we arrive are too many to keep track of yet we are expected to know and follow them.

Rule 27: Look ahead at all times. Failure to do so will result in discipline.

I’ve only remembered the ones that would lead me to severe conditions. Although my time here hasn’t been that long, I’ve grown accustomed to how they work around here. You would too if it meant having your life dangling on a line.

The guard leading our group swipes his identification card in the courtyard’s security system and it glides open with an obnoxious beep. Outside, the sun is high and blinding, making me want to shade my eyes with my hands. But I can’t.

“Alright, you all know the rules,” the guard says. “No roughhousing or trying to use your… abilities. You know what’ll happen if you do.”

With those words, he allows us to roam free in the caged yard and takes his position by the door that was beginning to close. I cast a glance at Jongin and he motions towards the new boy, Subject 94, a few feet away from us who looks lost and unstable. I get the hint and lead us to him.

“Hi there.”

“Hello.” His greeting is firm and short. Unsurprising.

“I’m Baekhyun, this is Jongin.” I nod at Jongin who still stands behind me. “What’s your name?”

“Other than ‘Experiment 94’?” He snorts, eyes clouding with anger. “Sehun.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“Can’t say the same.” I don’t blame him. The only ones who we can truly blame are the people who brought us here in the first place. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be in this stupid cage.

“Would it offend you if I asked you why you’re, uh,” Jongin gives a helpless smile, “you know.”

“Why I was kidnapped?” Sehun tries. Jongin purses his lips. “I don’t know. I guess they didn’t like the fact that a kid younger than them could control the air they breathe.”

“So you…”

“I can control the wind.” He clarifies. “I can whip up a windstorm in the matter of seconds. I can even take away your last breath with the snap of my fingers. I can do anything you can imagine that involves the wind.”

“Sounds terrifying.” Jongin shudders at the very thought.

“Which is probably why I’m here.” Sehun muses. “What about you guys? What did they lock you up for?”

“To put it in short, I couldn’t teleport fast enough. Bastards caught me when I was off guard. I was literally on the toilet when they barged in.”

“Sounds like a good time to get the shit scared out of you.” Sehun’s comment earns a laugh from all of us. But our laughter soon dies down when the guard shoots us a warning look. The towering boy then looks my way. “And you?”

“I’m not sure how I would describe this but I summon beams of light?” He raises an eyebrow in question. This makes me nervous and I add in, “Well, and I can take it away.”

“That’s something.” Sehun’s eyes show the smallest hint of amusement and it makes me loosen up a little. “I do have a question. Why can’t I use my ability now?”

“It’s the stuff they put in us.” I say. “It neutralizes a part of our brain that controls our abilities. They have to give us daily doses because it can only stay in effect for so long.”

“So I’ll be getting another painful shot of that red liquid tomorrow, then?” Sehun grimaces at the thought and I sympathize with him. Mainly because of the fact he still has no idea of what he will be facing in his oncoming days. “Well I guess it could be worse. I could be dead.”

It’s a possibility.

[wannaonestars]

soulmate! park jihoon

okay in this au you have the “you see color once you meet your soulmate”

and gOD do you hate this method you have because what the heck you’re a fashion and design major

your whole life you’ve been working with clothes in black and white and shades of gray and you had to bust your ass to get into the top university in seoul for fashion

whatever mythical being it was that gave you this curse basically said a massive fuck you to your hopes and dreams like rip

in middle and high school you would literally people-watch in different areas and different cities to meet your soulmate 

actually you didn’t give a fuck about who your soulmate was you just wanted to see color and work with it to produce high quality works

and end the shitty friend moments when you’re shopping with your pals and they go “hey should i get the blue shirt or the red one”

you: oh i don’t know andrea i think the slightly darker shade of fucking gray looks nicer

andrea: :DD

SO one weekend you’re looking around some stores in this mall and searching for inspiration for your next piece

and everything’s okay and in black and white as usual when suddenly you saw this??? strange shade???????? not in black or white???????

you’re SHOOK and immediately just start darting your eyes everywhere

and finally when your eyes land on a person at the men’s section of the store a burst of saturation and color splashes in front of you

and everything seems to have just...come to LIFE

you’re shaking because everything you see now feels like a new experience....colors that you can’t identify are everywhere you turn and you’re so EXCITED to learn the names of each

you turn to your “soulmate” person with tears ready to fall but suddenly

you: oh my sweet baby jesus

you: can his fashion sense be aNY SH I TT I E R

your jaw is like on the FLOOR and you’re absolutely appalled by the young man looking through some sweatshirts

in your mind you’re furiously criticizing all the choices he’s made and making 

you: why in the world would he pair that shirt with that vest

you: sweetheart that is one hell of a stupid hat you’re staring at

you: is he actually serious about picking that vest

you: what in the world did i ever do to deserve this

you’re fuming at this point and you’re ready to either stomp over and hit him on the head to get his senses back into place or walk away and pretend the meeting never happened

but then he turns around and sees you and when his eyes widen you know there’s no turning back

also you realize he’s really cute so

he walks over all shy with a hand rubbing the back of his neck and a suppressed smile to hide how excited he really is

he says “so....i guess.....we’re soulmates?” with pink steaming cheeks

it takes you like a few seconds to get over how utterly cute that was and the you’re like “yes. and your outfit is a disaster. how dare you.”

and that snaps jihoon out of his bashfulness and he’s just?? excUSE ME???? what the heck do you mean my shirt is suPER cute thank you very much

and you’re like SWEETHEART the design on that thing is utterly atrocious it doesn’t match your face at ALL

and that’s how you and your soulmate got into a huge argument in the middle of the store with ppl staring and taking pics

a few minutes later a middle aged man comes over and taps jihoon’s shoulder and says hey we gotta go you can’t stay here and act like this

jihoon glares at you before he turns around and leaves and you’re just HUFFS i hope i don’t see that kid ever again........

literally two hours later you friends spam your phone with articles about “Wanna One’s Park Jihoon’s Intense Argument With Mysterious Person”

you’re on the verge of crying after realizing you bickered with a massively popular idol and your friends are like “what kind of flowers do you want us to leave at your grave”

you couldn’t focus on anything for a week straight and you’re so scared of stepping outside and having people recognize you so you started wearing masks and sunglasses all the time

it hurt your fashion common sense to wear sunglasses while it was raining but you were too terrified

but good thing was!!! you learned the names of all the colors you could and developed this habit of differentiating even the slightest shade like “that’s not just bLUE that’s cornflower blue with a tint of turquoise on the lower right”

it would only be a matter of time before you start addressing colors by their html code name lmfao

anyways your friends are recognize that your works are becoming a lot better and the color mixing seem smoother and more elegant than before

they ask you if it's because you met your soulmate and beg you to introduce him but you know that they’d lose their shit and fall on their ass laughing if you tell them it’s actually the park jihoon you accused of having disgusting taste

you actually feel really sorry....like however much you hated the way he dressed you shouldn't have criticized him like that man

you start researching him online and you get really interested because damn he has such a nice face

in your head you could conjure so many different combinations of outfits that could work fantastically with him

a few weeks later wanna one is doing a fansign meet and greet thing and jihoon is smiling at every fan and holding their hands and thanking them for their gifts and doing his aegyo

and suddenly.....he sees YOU right in front of him with your deep blue hat and heavy trench coat to avoid being seen

he flinches at first but he can’t be rude so he fakes a smile and just goes...”hi”

and you’re like listen....i’m like seriously sorry for that fiasco back at the store..... and you proceed to apologize several times before he’s like okay!!! i got it you’re sorry

and then you take out the bag you’ve been holding and hand it to him

“here,” you say. “i included a booklet inside.”

and then you just rAN OUT OF THERE like you didn’t even talk to the rest of the members who’re looking at your back like wtf was that????

after their schedules end and they’re at their dorms jihoon takes out the bag you gave him and sees the booklet that read “ok i know i said sorry but please take a look at the clothes i picked out for u” 

he’s so ready to get pissed to see you STILL criticizing his choices but then he sees all the clothes inside and the different outfit combinations drawn and written in the booklet....and he’s sOLD like these are so pretty and cute???????

and he tries everything on and woojin is like whoa and guanlin probably gets gayer

jihoon wears one set for his airport fashion the next day and all his fansites basically explode bc he reached another level of stunning

and his stylists and managers are like????? what the heckie HECK

jihoon’s all smiles and stuff and he’s....really grateful to you.....

like when he met you and found out that you were his soulmate he never felt more crestfallen because the relationship already looked darker than woojin’s past

but now...he just really wants to meet you again and thank you....and maybe talk over a cup of coffee....and just be........a soft couple that he’s always wanted to be in..........

jihoon became the top search on naver for the whole week and became the reason for your smile

it’s the first time that your work has ever been “publicized” in any shape or form and you’re so glad it’s receiving such positive feedback

a while later you get an email during your lunch break 

and the sender is.....CJ E&M entertainment

they somehow figured out that you were the one who gave jihoon his clothes and discovered more of your works from blogs and stuff and now they want to hire you as a stylist for wanna one and the meeting date is....in three hours

you drop your cup of coffee and spRINT out of your university to catch a taxi cab

when you get to the meeting place at the company you realize that frick frack botta bing botta boom your hair’s a mess and you’re sweaty and you haven’t showered in three days due to your schedule and you’re in no way appropriate looking to be hired to be a person who’s in charge of making people look good 

but a staff sees you and is like!! come in!!!!! and you’re like welp it’s do or die

and the company manager and wanna one members are all in a private room waiting for you and the manager starts this speech about how he adores your sense of style and how all the members would be happy to have you as their stylist and how much they’re willing to pay you but the whole time you’re mostly sneaking glances at jihoon

you know how sometimes you would sneak glances at someone who just so happens to look at you at the exact same time and it gets awkward and then both of you would look away really fast

that happens so many time with you and jihoon but...the fourth time that it happens he stares back just three seconds longer than before

he blushes SO hard because of how daring of a move that was and starts fanning himself and beside him jisung is like??? it’s like 20 degrees in here what are you doing

and then the company manager says to you “usually we hire stylists who are married to prevent any kind of special relationship between them and the members...you’ll be an exception to our rule. but the second that we see something suspicious or that you’re violating that rule, then....well, you can guess what might happen.”

and you’re like wow what the heck so i’ll lose my job for getting together with my soulmate

and then the meeting is done and the manager goes to get you your id card and all the paperwork and everyone pre much disperses except for you and jihoon

it’s a bit awkward with both of you staring at the floor....and then you try to break the silence with “this sucks”

and jihoon laughs and just says “it’ll be fine” and he looks up at you and takes a deep breath and goes “give me your number before they come back”

his heart’s racing and he’s almost afraid that you’ll say no

and when you say yes and take out your phone he feels six weights being lifted off his shoulder

and his head jihoon imagines all the possibilities for you two...snuggling besides you as he watches you draw ideas into your notebooks, holding your hand and telling you to pay a bit more attention to him, and smiling when you toss your notebook away, giving in, and leaning closer to him

you have to shake his shoulders to wake him from his daydream lol

you’re like listen bud ur cute i gUESS but we ain’t gonna kiss or anything until i organize your closet

and that’s probably when jihoon realizes this relationship will be anything but the perfect manhwa couple he’s always dreamed of

and suddenly he finds himself swiftly pecking your cheek and going “yeah well i just dID”

you:

you: 

the other 10 members watching from a crack of the door: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH

he saved u in his heart real fast