#i wore it to a festival very fancy

[lochlot-moved]

BRIG MAN

[rooksamoris]

I've come to humbly request and spread propaganda for Jamil L/N.

Jamil taking his s/o's name strikes 3 birds with one stone: freedom from the Asims (you can't tell me there hasn't been a single Viper who didn't marry into another family and adopt their trade), freedom to marry the love of his life, and guaranteeing freedom for his descendants. Depending on how things go with Najma, they could erase the Viper name and, by extension, their servitude.

Also how does he react being called Mr.L/N?

💞 — in which jamil marries you and takes your last name.

💞 — jamil viper x reader

💞 — warnings: none, this is pure fluff and romance

💞 — 1.2k words. i ended up writing a mix of drabbles and headcanons <33 your propaganda turned into me making even more propaganda for this idea. honestly, seems very plausible that he would do something like this.

“I’ll take your last name. If we want to get married, I have to take your name, or else you’d be stuck serving with me,” Jamil said, breaking the silence. His eyes remained on the book in his lap, looking through the various pictures from his parents’ wedding. He would be wearing his father’s old garments. 

The man had an intricate belt with a jambiyah (dagger) tied around the waist of his thobe (long dress-like garment), and his hair was done in various braids with a shemagh (men’s headscarf) tied over it. He had a few ornate pieces of fabric draped over him like a cape and a spot of henna on the inside of his palm. The usual kohl (eyeliner) was a bit smudged from all the festivities—Jamil had never seen his father look this happy. 

His mother was dressed similarly, with old pieces of gold and silver jewelry about. Her big earrings had matched the rings his father wore, and she had kohl drawn on both her eyes and her chin, in the shape of ancient tattoos. Here hair had scented plants interwoven in the strands, and Jamil wondered if he should do the same with his hair, draping a shemagh over it. It seemed like something you would enjoy, and he would enjoy you taking them out at the end of the night. He spoke again, “What do you think of that?” he asked, concerning him taking your name.

You smiled and rested your head on his shoulder, flipping the page to another picture of his parents’s wedding, this one featuring his mother shyly lifting a piece of her sitara (long piece of fabric with various designs which directly translates to ‘curtain’) to hide her face from her husband, “I think it's a wonderful idea.”

🩷 — Taking your last name was probably the best decision he could have made. He indulged in the marriage festivities with you for both your sake and his parent’s sake. What he was excited about was signing the contract that officially gave him your surname—freeing him from the shackles of the Viper clan.

🩷 — He did it after the festivities when it was just the two of you guys and the imam as well as a legal advisor. You both were still in the wedding clothes, sitting on an ornate rug with a little table in front of you. 

🩷 — Jamil could feel the tremors of his heart in his hand as he lifted the pen and signed his name beside yours. This time, Viper was nowhere to be found.

🩷 — With that, Jamil shook hands with the imam and then handed the page to the legal advisor to be put in the Scalding Sands’s records. It all felt so surreal. He glanced over his shoulder to see you gleefully talking to the imam about the marriage and showing off your wedding band. 

🩷 — It was a thin gold ring that he had made with the antiquities left by his family. Nothing fancy—he wanted to give you diamonds, and yet you were so smitten with it and him.

Once nightfall came, Jamil lay beside you in your bed. A bed for the both of you. It was a bed he bought under his new name, Jamil (L/N), under the surname you gifted him. His charcoal eyes watched as you sat down at the edge of the bed, your night robe dipped down your back. It matched his nightgown, save for the patterns. He helped you fall in love with the comfortable garb of his homeland.

You turned slightly to see him, your eyes growing tender at the sight of him all disheveled. This was a sight just for you, “What are you thinking about?” you asked, reaching out to take his hand.

Jamil pulled you closer to him by your hand, forcing you to lay on top of him. He kissed your knuckles, “Thinking about you, hayati (my life),” he muttered, before letting his hand trail up your arm and to the back of your neck. His gaze had softened and his features relaxed, “Thank you,” 

You did not need to ask why he thanked you. You knew he felt indebted to you for being patient with him and becoming his spouse. You gave him the greatest gift ever, freedom. Free to be yours, free from Kalim Al-Asim. You freed his descendants… he would spend the rest of his life as your husband, repaying you with kisses across your skin and warm meals in your belly.

🩷 — It takes him a long time to get used to his new name, as well as his newfound freedom. After your wedding, he takes you out to do many of the things he could not do before, such as travel to another country, but even simple things like going out to parks.

🩷 — He did not have to worry about Kalim anymore, just your and his enjoyment.

🩷 — Jamil still has yet to get used to being called by your surname. When he notices it, he is filled with a smug and quiet pride, but most of the time he just ends up ignoring whoever is calling for him, or glancing over at you in confusion, thinking that they are speaking with you and not him.

🩷 — This was particularly apparent when it came to the reunion at Night Raven College.

🩷 — He did not want to go, but he could not reject you either. You were excited about seeing your silly friends, and who was he to stop you from going? Instead, he just sighed and went along with you, standing off to the side and watching as you ran about to gather Ace and Deuce, as well as greeting your other friends.

“If it isn’t the new Mr. (L/N),” Azul approached his former classmate with a suave grin. He had grown up, but it was clear he still kept that usual ‘evil businessman’ charm to him. His suit was freshly pressed and his hair, which had grown a bit, was brushed back neatly. Though, he was still wearing the same thin-rimmed glasses.

Jamil turned around when he heard your surname being called, and it took him a moment to realize what was happening. He was your husband. Sure, he remembered your wedding—he carried a picture from it all the time, but it was still strange hearing it affirmed by someone else. He tried to hide how happy he was to hear it behind a raised brow and his usual frown, “What do you want, Azul? My spouse isn’t going to be pulled into one of your schemes anymore,” he said, arms crossed.

Azul laughed at that, tilting his cane a bit as he leaned away from Jamil, “You wound me, Jamil. As if I would try anything like that anymore,” he replied, and the irony was not lost on him at all. Instead, he sighed and watched as Jamil’s eyes found your figure again. You were chasing Epel around, trying to get a hug from your old friend. It was just like before, except now you wore a ring from Jamil and he wore a name from you.

“You don’t seem so poor and unfortunate now,” Azul said.

Jamil could not bite back the slight twitch of his lips, “Not at all.”

[missjoolee]

Chapel of Love

1.1k words

The barest hint of hot, dry air ruffled against the baby hairs on the back of her neck doing little relief. Long gone were the multi-layered stage outfits, having learned she needed something more breathable underneath the stagnant tent two days ago at the start of the music festival. Instead, she wore a poofy crop top with shorts, and she could feel Luke’s eyes roaming the revealed skin of her shoulders, midriff, and legs with each song they sang together. He'd been winding her up with each set.

Her hands grip the top of the mic stand as she leans into where the mic sits, holding herself in place where normally she would be dragging it over to share with Luke in this moment. But they are halfway through the seventh and final set and his eyes weren’t the only thing she could feel looming nearby. Just outside the Loud & Local tent sat the “Chapel of Love”. And the next lyrics were too close to vows that she might do something stupid if she got too close to him. Why had they written them this way, again?

They hadn’t seen the simple archway that signified the “chapel” when they had arrived to set up, the van being parked on the other side of the tent that held the stage that they would share with four other bands over the three day festival. And when they finally had a chance to roam the festival grounds, Reggie pulling them to the food truck selling fancy milkshakes, they saw it but didn’t know what it was. Even on the information board sporting a map, it was just a tiny innocuous dot.

It had been later on a water run that Alex and she saw a small gathering of people under it, two of them sealing their love with a kiss. Apparently, you could get married at this festival.

"Huh," Alex had said, taking a drink from his bottle and then resting his arm on her shoulder. "That's a decision." "I don't know. I think it's kind of sweet," she'd responded. A snort rang out from above her head. "Of course you would say that." She'd sent an accusatory glare up at him, dropping her shoulder so his arm would fall way. "What's that supposed to mean?"

She had known exactly what he meant though. Her eyes close against the crowd in front of her and drift open to her left, knowing exactly where Luke would be.

She can feel electricity thrum through her body as she begins the call and response moment.

"I've got a spark in me."

She can see the confusion on his face, but he smiles at her as the words slide out of him with ease.

"I've got a spark in me."

She closes her eyes against the assault of love intertwining with the electricity already coursing though her. In her mind, the simple archway looms above them. This is why she was fighting her entire being from going to him. It was too soon. Too impulsive.

"And you're a part of me."

She can't escape the feelings that have been building with each performance they've done this weekend. The euphoria of performing their music with the her best friends, and the man she loves, not caring that she shut her eyes in an attempt to block it out.

"And you're a part of me."

Luke's voice right next to her sends a shiver across her shoulders, her eyes jumping open to see he'd closed the distance to share a mic with her. Not letting her run from him, not realizing she wasn't running. She was trying to reign in some very impulsive thoughts. She can see the concern in his eyes behind the determination and can't help the smile that graces her face, softer than what is normally part of her stage persona.

"Now till eternity."

His response is accompanied by the smile he normally saves for her when they are in the studio. One that Alex and Reggie unfortunately have to put up with because it side tracks things often enough. "Now till eternity."

The mental reigns she's been wrestling are completely forgotten about. She's a goner. Their voices twine together like they have thousands of times before.

"Been so long and now I'm finally free."

The rest of the set goes off without a hitch. The adrenaline and dopamine high intoxicating. She feels Reggie's arm go around her shoulders as Luke's goes around her waist and she looks at all her band-mates with pride. This weekend was amazing and did a lot to promote them, even if they were competing for attention with signed bands that have been around a whole lot longer on two other stages. They take a group bow to the crowd before they disperse like the non-existent wind.

Luke's arm tightens and he leans down to her ear to be heard. "Everything okay?" His voice is raspy and a bit lower than normal from doing seven performances in three days.

Perfect. The word rings in her head, bolstering her onto her toes next to his ear so he can hear her response.

"Marry me." Her own voice rough, lower and more sultry than she expected.

He looks surprised as he processes her words, but not like they made him uncomfortable if that same smile he saves for her lighting up his face means anything.

"Yeah. Okay."

She grabs hold of the hand on her waist, interlacing their fingers as she heads for the exit of the tent with determination. He drags behind her a bit.

"You mean right now??"

The first flicker of doubt hits her. "Yes?"

He drops her hand and scrambles to get the guitar strap over his head. "Oh hell yeah."

Her smile is so big she can feel the ache in her cheeks but she doesn't care. He wants this as bad as she does.

A voice interrupts them. "Uh Julie? Luke? Where are you going? We have to pack up our stuff so Midnight Mayhem can go on."

Reggie looks confused, his thumb pointing over his shoulder off the back of the stage. Alex's looks suspicious. Julie can feel heat soar to her cheeks as she looks up at Luke's face and sees the eager giddiness there and then back at Alex. Yeah, that tracks.

"Sorry guys. Got a little distracted. Band meeting after we get everything packed up."

She pulls Luke back over to their gear to begin packing up. Squeezing his hand before dropping it to unplug her keyboard.

He looks at her with confusion. "Band meeting?"

"We'll need witnesses."

"Riiiiiight. Nice."

[flowersandbigteeth]

Your villainous voidbeast husband has a visitor

Voidbeast (Valerian) x female reader

General Plot: You are having dinner with your voidbeast husband and he gets a visitor

Part One, Part Two, Part Four

W: minor character death, yandere behavior

Word Count: 1K

You chewed on your small slice of pizza staring up at Valerian decimating his much larger one in awe. His teeth were just…very, very big, shredding circles of sausage the size of saucers. 

He glanced down at you. 

“Do you like it?” he asked and you nodded, remembering to eat. 

“Yes, it’s very good,” you said, politely. 

“The servants will make you anything you like, you need only ask,” he explained. 

He watched you stuff your little cheeks with pizza, pleased he could be feeding you his food under his roof. It was a dream come true. He’d watched you all those years, struggling to make ends meet, wondering where your next meal would come from. He’d tried to help you in his own way, but he’d promised himself he’d let you live your own life and not interfere. Now he could take care of you properly. He smiled absently down at you and your eyebrows rose wondering what he was planning. 

“So…what do you normally do around here?” you asked, curious what a void beast got up to. 

He shrugged. 

“I was in a pretty intense war with the locals before I went to collect you,” he admitted, “but I think that’s settled down now.” 

“So…the moon…” you started to say. 

He smirked at you. 

“I left a reminder in the sky for them the next time they think to dabble in magic,” he said. 

You swallowed a bite of pizza heavily. 

“But now that we have a wedding to plan,” he beamed, “I will make sure they worship and adore you.” 

“You know that’s really not necessary,” you said, “I’m really a simple person. I don’t need to be…worshiped.” 

“Nonsense,” he snorted, “they have nothing better to do. Worshiping you will build character and you deserve it. Perhaps we can organize a festival in your honor every year on our anniversary and they can bring gifts to lay down at your feet.” 

You wiggled nervously on  his lap as his plans got more intense. His claws scraped your back in circles as he planned. 

“I’ll have them erect a statue to honor you as their goddess in the capital city!” he boomed, then chewed a claw, “no…one statue is not enough. There will be a statue in every township, covered in flowers…and every firstborn daughter must be named (Y/N)!” 

You waved your hands at him. 

“But then there will be images of me everywhere,” you argued, “do you really want people staring at me all of the time and saying my name? What if they have improper thoughts?” 

He thought about this for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. 

“You’re correct,” he said, cupping your cheek in his large fingers, “I don’t want their dirty eyes on you! We’ll have to scrap the statues. In fact, any graven image of you that I haven’t personally commissioned will be outlawed and the name (Y/N) will be banned. Only you can use it.” 

You let out a relieved breath. 

“If you say so,” you said, taking another bite of pizza. It was actually very good. 

He looked down at you for a moment, the corner of his mouth quirking up, before he rubbed pizza sauce off of your cheek with his thumb. 

“Master! There’s a magician here to see you!” 

One of the purple demonlings that made up Valerian’s staff ran into the room. 

Your void beast groaned and rubbed his temple. 

“Not this again,” he grumbled before waving his hand. 

“Send him in!” he boomed, then to himself, “might as well get this out of the way.” 

A few minutes later a thin man with a goatee was standing in front of you dressed in a very fancy getup. He wore silver spaulders shaped like ravens heads and a long trailing, black cloak. A wide brimmed hat draped down over his eyes. 

“I’ve come for the girl!” he snarled. 

Rude! You thought, chewing your pizza. You’d gotten pretty comfortable in Valerian’s lap and were getting full, maybe a little sleepy. He was trying to pull you away from what was about to be a very satisfying nap. 

“Identify yourself, traveler!” Valerian’s voice echoed off the high ceiling. 

“The fortune teller sent me! I’ve come to free the maiden and claim her purifying magic as my own!”

He dramatically threw his hat off revealing a glossy head of long black hair. 

“I’m the magician Uleus Ezaprix! You will come to fear my name!” 

You choked on the bite in your mouth. What? Purifying magic? 

Valerian snorted. 

“That old hag is just telling you what you idiots want to hear and taking your money,” he said, twirling a claw in your hair, “(Y/N) is a harmless human with no special magic, not that it’s any of your business.” 

You found yourself relieved to know you weren’t harboring some kind of secret curse you didn’t know about and took another bite of your pizza. 

Uleus pumped his fist in the air, drawing dark energy to it and manifesting a staff. 

“Silence beast!” 

An energy bolt came flying in your direction, freezing your mouth midchew, but Valerian waved a lazy hand and it bounced away. You swallowed, glancing up at him, but he was looking angrily at the magician. 

“You are interrupting (Y/N)’s dinner,” he snarled, “you’ll give her indigestion!” 

The arm around your waist tightened, pushing a puff of air past your lips in a soft burp. 

“See?!” he snapped. 

Your eyes swung to the magician, whose own eyes were glowing a weird blue color and he was chanting some unintelligible words. 

“Really? He’s going to do the thing? I told them not to use magic…” Valerian mumbled to himself while he stood up, arranging you carefully in the center of his large chair. He patted you on the head before he turned on the magician, who appeared to be in the middle of some sort of transformation process. 

He grabbed him around his thin waist with his large hand and womped him head first on the ground. Uleus went limp and his magical field dropped like a light going out. 

“I’ll be right back, (Y/N)!” 

Valerian left the room dragging the unconscious magician behind him. You looked around and started to climb down from the large chair when the entire building quaked with a massive BOOM! 

You shrieked, covering your head and ducking under the chair. 

“(Y/N)?” Valerian’s grumbling voice drifted down to you, then his face appeared as he knelt down to peek into your hiding place. 

“Did I scare you?” he cooed, dragging you out by your ankle as your fingers scrambled for purchase on the marble floor, and pulling you in his arms, “I’m sorry. I had to rearrange the sky a little bit. Those humans have to understand, they can’t take you from me. Wanna see?”

You nodded feebly, wondering what “rearrange the sky” meant. 

It quickly became apparent as he carried you onto his balcony. The moon had a hole blasted clean through it, forming a forever crescent shape. You gasped at the spatter of moondust clouding the sky that used to be solid rock. 

“I did that for you,” he said, pulling your chin in between his thumb and his forefinger, “and I’ll do far worse. I’ll swallow stars for you, (Y/N).” 

“O-Okay,” you murmured, your heart skipping in your chest. 

He’d blasted a hole in the moon!

[lykaios2]

cowboy f!Leo propaganda but fanfic >>>>

(cowboy f!Leo x fem reader and yes its placed in the wild west)

The doors of the saloon burst open, and everyone turned their heads to see a mysterious figure standing in the cloud of dust that had formed. He scanned the room in front of him, before making his way inside. He was a tall, muscular man with a relaxed, almost unbothered look on his face. He donned a traditional cowboy hat and a long, flowy beige coat, both with a dark blue trim. As he walked to the counter and began to make conversation with the bartender, everyone resumed their activities.

You sat alone at a table, only wanting to enjoy the background noise of all the happenings at the saloon. It was a familiar, comforting sound, and a nice way to relax after a long day. In fact, you were so absorbed in the bustling atmosphere that you hadn’t noticed the man from earlier take a seat next to you at your table.

“Pardon, m’lady, I hope you don’t mind if I sit here.”

“Oh, not at all.”

“Thank you very much, then.”

Now that you could see him up close, he seemed a different person. He had a smile on his face now, as opposed to the not-so-friendly look he wore earlier. From the way he carried himself, you would think not to mess with him. But he was quite relaxed now, humming along to the tune of the music and enjoying his drink. He didn’t seem to be doing much else, so after a minute of silence, you struck up a conversation again.

“So, what brings you to these parts? Don’t believe I’ve seen you around here before.”

“Ah, same as ever. Been looking for a new place to settle down. I’ve been on the road for quite some time now, so it’s real good luck to find a place like this to cool my heels.”

“Have you walked all this way?”

“Oh, heavens no. A man would be crazier ‘n horse feathers to make that kind of trip on foot. I got my trusty steed set up in the stables for the time being.”

“Right, ‘course. So then, whaddya think of our town here?” He looked around, as if to recall everything he had done so far. It wasn’t much, though.

“Can’t say I know too much about it, but I’m takin’ a fancy to it so far.”

“Well, why don’t you stay a while? It’d be my pleasure to show you around, if you’re feeling up to it.”

“Well, I’ll be damned. A kind soul you are, ma’am, and a darn good-lookin’ one too, I must say. I’d be delighted to have you as my guide.”

You blushed a bit at his comment. Not only was he a kind gentleman, but a sweet-talker too. He just smiled innocently, as if he didn’t know what he’d just done. After he finished enjoying the festivities, you led him out into the town. He followed you around as you showed him all the shops, the hotel, the well, and the residential areas.

“What’s your name, by the way? I don’t believe you mentioned it, and I’ve been wondering what to call you by…”

“Oh, my apologies, ma’am. The name’s Leonardo, but you can just call me Leon.”

“Leonardo. Quite a nice name. Sounds very formal.”

“Why, thank you. My dear papa gave it to me.”

“Haha, who else? How is your papa? Still around?”

“He is, thankfully. He’s getting up there in years, though. Doesn’t have much time left in this world. I’d hope to maybe get settled down somewhere before he moves on, so he knows that I’ll be happy.”

He looked a bit sentimental. He went on to tell many stories about his father, and his three brothers. His adventures were incredible. As he talked through the night, you watched the sun go down and the moon come up. After a little while, he stopped talking, and looked up at the night sky, watching the stars. Soon after, he got up from where he was sitting and stretched out his arms.

“Well, it’s gettin’ quite late, I suppose we should be hitting the hay now. Although…” He looked around. “…I don’t believe I’ve got a place to stay.” He turned to you with a sheepish smile on his face. “You wouldn’t happen to have a spare room, now would you?”

“Oh, yes, I do have a guest room, if you’d like to stay.”

“Why, darling, you are just the nicest person I’ve ever met. You know…” he said, taking your hand. “I think I might just stay here a while. Those other towns I came across, they were alright…” he brought your hand up and placed a soft kiss on it. “But none of them had you in there.”

[inspectorcrayon]

It's about time this gets finished- A compilation of Windell's skins that took months to complete. So why did I spend so much time drawing back sides to his skins? It's the skulls, baybe. Its always the skulls. Me rambling about design notes under the cut- It's Very Long.

Nostalgic Windell's design is in part, made to contrast regular Windell's appearance. Windell wears blue and Nostalgic Windell wore a brown jacket.

This is what he wore in his last day on earth, right before he gets yoinked to the Constant. He has a festive look as he disappeared during a trip to a carnival. ------ Windell's Guest of Honour was designed really early on, along with his Survivor and Triumphant. Which was around 2017ish.

GoH Windell never deviated much from his oldest design, I didn't really put much thought on his outfit other than 'Windell, but fancy'. He loves dolling up people but he's not really a fan of partiying himself, that's why he looked really sad here. ---- The Survivor skin was... It was a mess trying to make it not at all cluttered.

I loved the idea of him looking stitched up and sporting a stubble along with other accessories, but I decided to drop that in his more recent designs because idk, I just personally didn't like how he looked in my new style. I'm just very uncertain with this design in general. The stitched pants was something I think is neat ig. ----- Roseate Windell went through a lot of changes because I didn't know what to do with him for a while??

My main problem with his earlier deisgns was I was trying to make him feel 'distinct' like a proper skin from regular Windell. And I just struggle to give him a hairstyle that is not only not a pain to draw every time but also... actually nice to look at??.

I hit that sweet spot in his 2022 design and as MUCH as i LOVE his tentacle-like, spiny coat, it just doesn't look good when I imagine them as dst sprites. (It's not like I'm actually gonna make sprites of this skin but making sprites for his mod made me understand dst's design conventions(?) a bit more??)idk.

Roseate went from 'ew he looks really boring to me' to 'omg a personal fave'.

Also he looks like this without his extra coat ----- Gladiator Windell... Fun fact: His armor is heavily inspired by Killer Queen from JJBA.

It really shows in this old portrait pic. Simplifying his design was painful but it had to happen. I had no idea how to color him back when I first designed him so I just did the easy thing and colored him with Windell's existing palette. I made him grey in his final redesign because again, I didn't want him to look too similar to his usual look, but I doooo think the blue looks better on him ngl... -----

I love Snowfallen Windell (Even if his hair will give me grief one day) He took some inspiration from Elsa frozen.

Though, he did have an older look. As with most of my 2020 designs, as much as I love the older version, his hair just doesn't look like a separate skin. Hence he changed radically in his redesign. The final design is in a way, a fusion between the older designs. ----- Contender Windell is a case of me designing a skin and ending up with a suit. As much as I adore suits, they can begin to look same-y after a while.

I watched some WWE as a kid and I always found it hillarious to see suited people in the ring. Windell's first design here references that. Also there's the steel chair meme. I like the concept but he looked really plain next to the other contender ppl when I drew him fr. The 2022 design is the result of trying to fit him in with the others and I think he looked great. His final design didn't change much apart from the hair to further make him different from Windell's og hair. ----- Magmatic Windell The Magmatic skin set itself is a bit of a mess when it comes to theming. So I just took reoccuring design features and mashed them together for this.

Fire nation fashion, gold(?) accessories and flre-like hair. There's little thought involved in the process. Though, the addition of the red tattoo-like markings on Windell made him better to look at ig. I dare say, this design warmed up to me. ----- So many horror icons... but which one would Windell embody? His Hallowed Nights is the Corpse Bride (but genderbent) and I had fun with this one.

I know, I know this is yet another suit, but he has enough details to offset that. For a dash of irony, he's supposed to have drowned. :) -----

Windell is Irish (Welll, Irish-American to be specific) This is all the notes you'll need-

His final design have better colors :D ----- I decided to go by a theme among my own ocs with the Merrymaker skins based on A Christmas Carol, since Maxwell is clearly Scrooge. Merrymaker Windell is another one of my personal favorites-

He's supposed to be the Christmas Ghost of the Past. ----- Windell used to have a proposed mechanic where each skin has several designs and they get cycled every time he gets ressurected through a certain way.

Victorian Windell's final design is heavily based on a particular alt of his og victorian design that I liked more. I just added stuff to make him look cooler :B ----- There is little in the way of customization in the Line Cook set. But whatever, he still gets a skull on the back of the fit.

His frock used to be green too. ----- His Halloween Costume is of a tentacle. His favorite mob.

I made his redesign also akin to a little gnome/witch. Also someone called him Gargamel once and that makes me smile to this day -----

Swashbuckler Windell already existed long before Klei released the set. He was part of a pirate au and he's supposed to be a pirate hunter.

So ig he became canon when Klei decided to make that set. His cape had to go though. ;-; His final design was also partly inspired by P from Lies of P. ----- Moonbound Windell was a challenge to design as he's supposed to bounce off from his Tri design. This skin is supposed to be everything that Tri isn't and so his colors will have to be mainly white and I had to discard my first design of him

I loved WX's and Webber's moonbound designs so that also bled onto Windell's. As Triumphant Windell is calm yet menacing, Moonbound Windell is an angrier Windell. Alter whispered forbodden knowledge onto him and that only Pissed Him Off. ----- Maquerader Windell is heavily based on the costumes they wore in Cats (The Broadway one). Particularly Mr. Mistoffelees. I hated doing his lineart, but coloring really endeared him to me. Now, he's also very much beloved. ----- So Klei releases either a Nostalgic skin or a skin that's really out there with it's theming whenever a character refresh happens. This is what Windell would have in that case- Windell's refresh skin would be themed around being a sailor, inspired by Ishmael from Moby Dick. It's kinda a what-if as well. What if Windell decided to confront his fear of the ocean head on, becoming a sailor and joining a group of whalers. He still hyperfixates on the ocean as he does in canon. Also here's an alt design for this particular skin-

----- And last but not the least- Triumphant Windell OH BOY. Man has history- Way before Klei unveiled the triumphants, I had this idea for a really old rp where Windell decides to join the shadows like Maxwell as Their spy in exchange for shadowy powers and stuff. But the twist is, he Looks Like Everyone else to blend in better. I loved the idea, but then when the triumphants came around. Windell just looked so plain next to them and so I drew this doodle and that was before I became inactive in the fandom until 2020.

His 2020 incarnation was from a joke I made about Windell's 'real' triumphant was this jock who is also a bully and he has an eldritch car that he uses to run over ppl in the Constant. Also he's voiced by Bo Burnham :B Shortly after that I released his non-joke Triumphant design, which was heavily based on his 2017 version. He also can turn into an eldritch creature made of needles and yarn. He's called The Yarn Man because of this. More on Yarn Man- (cw: there is body horror) My problem with Yarn Man is, his hair just changes in every drawing because I didn't know how to properly draw it. Until his 2023 version. _____ THERE YOU GO. THE WINDELL SKIN LORE.

[slavghoul]

hey slav! im relatively new to the 'fandom' [god i fucking hate that word] and could you maybe explain the different eras of ghoul costumes? they're really confusing. thanks!

With pleasure!

Opus Eponymous (2010 - 2012)

The very first ghoul costumes were modest, to say the least. Unlike the Papa costume, which was custom-made specifically for Papa by a local seamstress in Linköping, the first ghoul outfits were store-bought monk costumes from Buttericks, a Swedish fancy dress shop. Only the grucifixes were custom made, based on a design by TF. These costumes were used early on in the band's life in 2010.

With 2011 came more funds and more possibilities, therefore the costumes got an upgrade. At some point Omega earned his elemental symbol (aether), which was the first time the band used them.

In the summer of 2012, Papa and the ghouls debuted their new, white outfits whose purpose was basically surviving the heat of summer festivals. The reactions to the new look were… lukewarm. It was the only time the band wore bright colors and also the first time that the ghouls wore masks other than a simple cloth covering their faces.

Infestissumam (2013 - 2014)

New Papa, new ghouls. Kind of. In the Infestissumam era, all ghouls earned their elemental symbols and fans began using them as their names. They are wearing Venetian masks called the "bauta", similar to the white ones above. The stage attire did not change much throughout the duration of the era. Much of the vision for the design came from Omega.

Meliora (2015 - 2017)

2015 was a year of total costume revolution both for Papa and the ghouls. The horned masks made their first appearance - probably the most iconic of all masks thus far. Also, pants. Once again Omega was responsible for much of the design.

Prequelle (2018 - 2020)

In 2018, the band grew. Added were new stage musicians responsible for not only instruments, but also backing vocals - as such, the masks needed to be amended to allow them to sing. Costumes became much, erm, tighter - and, surprisingly, that is not without reason. To quote Tobias: "At first, our image was a bit clumsy, but when I noticed [that carnality plays a big part in our performances], I came up with some new ideas, such as that everyone should wear pants and move around the stage more. I’ve put more emphasis on carnality." Welp, there you have it. All stage attire was designed by Bea Akerlund.

With Prequelle came also masks made for the female ghouls. While the Prequelle ghoulettes were not the first women to play in the band, they were the first to receive custom masks.

Impera (2022 - ?)

Those who were here on the fateful day of January 20, 2022 when the first photos of the new ghouls appeared online may remember the utter, total chaos that ensued. A lot of people simply could not believe that these were the new ghouls and tried to justify it any way they could. But as with many things, most simply needed time to grow accustomed to the new look. The costumes were designed once again by Bea Akerlund and the masks by a Ukrainian artist Bob Basset (responsible also for Papa's amazing bat wings). According to Tobias, the inspiration were Tusken Riders from Star Wars.

Worth noting is that the ghouls have capes - unfortunately, they quickly proved to be too uncomfortable to be worn on stage, so a few ghouls have ditched them.

And that's the costume story so far. Thanks for reading!

[mjoffic]

last minute shopping - eddie munson holiday blurb

I work retail and this popped in my head while refolding a graphic tee table and it's truly just a bunch of fluf and eddie being a cute boi

~ enjoy and happy holidays ~

word count: 1.2k

The holidays. A time focused around family, the reason for the season, cozy sweaters and hot cocoa. Twinkling lights couldn't be missed for miles as every house had some sort of big bulk convenience store decoration. No need for 'frosted windows in a can', oh no, Hawkins was seeing a very white Christmas with snow fall never ending and the chill of the wind cutting through every jacket and parka leaving no survivors behind. The joy was like an electric buzz in the air, only one thing could diminish the feeling.

The Starcourt Mall.

Eddie wasn't the best planner, never had been. Despite this year trying his best to be on top of the holidays he still had yet to get something for Uncle Wayne. With Christmas Day only two days away, it was a scramble for the perfect gift and it was absolute hell trying to get anywhere in the mall.

He could try The Gap? Nah, too pricey.

Maybe a gift certificate to Scoops Ahoy? But when would Wayne ever find the time to use it? He's always working.

Eddie sighed in frustration, running a hand through his mop of curls. He took a moment to look around the area, peeking over the heads of bustling mothers herding their kids to meet Santa, dads sitting on benches with shopping bags galore, teenagers running around the food court with their Orange Julius's sloshing all over the place. This was a nightmare. Slim pickings. Would Wayne be upset over a hand drawn card?

He was near giving up when he spotted Macy's on the far end. It was a department store, and while it seemed busy, it wasn't as congested as the inner workings of the mall. He squeezed his way through and slid through a sliver of space in between two groups of families; one included a mother scolding her husband for losing their credit card, the other group had a child crying over not getting the remote control car on the front table. Eddie pursed his lips, so glad he wasn't in that stage of life just yet.

There seemed to be never ending options for Eddie to look through, he wondered why he hadn't stopped in in the first place. It also made this decision much more difficult. He knew that he would definitely be walking out with something, no doubt, but genuinely the starting point slowly began to stump him and he felt his once eager energy depleting. A three pack of ties? When did Wayne dress up? A mug? Sure, lets add to the hundreds of them adorning the trailer wall. Maybe a fancy glass set? Even if the glasses were on sale, it was definitely out of Eddie's comfort range of spending.

"Well the sign says fifty percent off!"

A screech from an older woman pulled Eddie out of his daze and his attention turned to the scene on his right.

"Ma'am, I understand your frustration, however the sign details specifically to the gift sets. This sweater is on the table, but is signed for thirty percent off."

Eddie shifted his gaze from the woman, red in the face, almost matching her Christmas red sweater, to you. You stood behind a counter, not currently in use to ring up customers, but he noticed a stack of scarves next to you. He assumed you'd been cleaning up. You wore emerald green, very festive, and an elf hat to match. Despite your professional aura, the bell on the end of hat could almost send him into a fit of giggles every time your head even moved an inch.

"I'd be more than happy to show you-" you started, before being interrupted.

"You can show me to your manager! This is false advertising!" the women shouted, drawing a few more eyes into encounter.

"Ma'am, I'll have to ask you to keep from yelling in the store," you responded, face void of emotion. "If you would let me-"

"I'll yell if I want to! This is a free country!"

Eddie watched you take a deep breath, before picking a landline off the counter. You typed quietly while the woman continued her banter. You faked a smile to her before speaking again. "Hi, hey Ron, it's Y/n! Yeah, yeah, doing good, hey listen, would you mind sending security down to gifts? I have a disgruntled customer who refuses to listen. Awesome, thanks so much!"

The womens jaw dropped as you placed the phone back to the receiver, Eddie snickering quietly at this interaction.

"Who do you think you are!" the woman shouted, feigning a hand to her chest dramatically. "Do you know who I am?"

You smiled and shook your head, folding your hands on the counter. "No, ma'am, I don't! However I am the manager of this department and am asking you to remove yourself before security gets here."

The woman stared dumbfounded, slowly backing up from your bubble. Eddie stared in wonder at the interaction, and if he was honestly, completed turned on by your dominance.

"Merry Christmas!" you smiled, waving as the woman moved away from the scene.

Eddie noticed security at the end of the walkway and he shook his head, laughing slightly. Finding the nerve to walk up to you, he leaned softly against the counter and looked to the way in which the Grinch had left. "I think that was better than any of those movies playing in the theater right now."

You looked to him when he had approached, and smirked a bit at his words. "I try. Gotta keep some sort of sanity in this place."

"I get it, it's a madhouse in here," Eddie nodded, giving his best smile before extending his hand. "Eddie."

Your smirk simmered into a smile and you shook his hand back, nodding. "Y/n."

"Well, Y/n, I'm wondering if you might be of some use to me," he said, straightening back up.

"Oh?" you questioned, crossing your arms.

"Yeah, I mean, you are the manager of this department," Eddie said. "I'm in the works for the perfect gift."

"Ah," you nodded, stepping out from around the counter and glancing around your section. "Mom? Sibling? Girlfriend?"

Eddie stifled a laugh and he slowly followed beside you. "Uh, no mom. No siblings. And no girlfriend."

Your face erupted in pink and you stumbled over your words. "Oh, um, I'm sorry, I just assumed-"

"Hey, hey," Eddie grinned. "All good here. I'm shopping for my uncle, wanna try to find him something nice. Not much of a budget but I figured I'd find something on sale."

You felt your panic subside and sat a cool hand against your cheek, the heat subsiding. "Well, I'm sure we can find something perfect for him! Maybe something for you? Doesn't hurt to treat yourself sometimes."

Eddie pursed his lips a little bit and dug his hands in his pockets, following slightly behind you. He watched the way the bell of your hat jingled with every step you took. You arms slightly swayed when you walked, and you barely made a sound when taking a step. He began to notice the little things, and started to quietly thank the stars he'd came into the mall after all.

"I think I already have."

[darkhangels]

15. silent night

enjoy the silence masterlist

morpheus x f!reader

warnings: smut, minors DNI, P in V, oral sex (male recieving)

words: 8117

A/N:  Ok so firstly I would like to say I am so sorry to admit but yes this is a Christmas chapter...I know, I know its way too early but I've been writing at a way faster pace than I expected so unfortunately you may just have to cope with it. This is the longest chapter yet and one of the first chapters that came to my mind when I started toying with the idea of writing this fic. I hope yall enjoy!

It was Christmas Eve.

And you were late, very late to the dreaming.

You would normally be in bed by now if not already in the dreaming. First you closed the coffee shop extremely late due to the mass amount of last minute shoppers needing caffeine, then you missed your bus and ran into Veronica. And then of course you had to go get food for dinner, which was also very late. Now you were walking the dark cobbled streets home, something you rarely did at Morpheus’ request but you had no other choice, Uber and taxis' way too busy taking people to and from parties and pubs to celebrate Christmas Eve.

The run up to Christmas left the weather glacial and bitter as the nights only seemed to grow darker and darker. Everywhere you went the same Christmas songs haunted you, despite the fact that they had been overplayed for weeks now. You shrugged your hands into the pockets of Morpheus’ long coat that you so proudly wore practically everywhere you went.

The streets were getting busier and busier as people rushed to get their last minute gifts and food for the big day, practically a stampede of forgetful boyfriends and stressed mothers flocking to every single shop in hopes to find the perfect present to gift their loved ones.

Despite your aversion to Christmas, this year you were in at least a bit more of a festive mood. After all, everything in life had been so perfect recently you couldn’t help but smile at all the festive cheer going on, but that doesn’t mean you were still Christmas’ number one fan.

You did however love the gift giving, this year you had brought Lorna a massive stack of books (not from the same bookshop you brought that book from obviously) that you knew she’d love as she was an avid reader, fantasy books, romance books you name it, you knew her favourites and knew she would adore these too. For Veronica, you had brought countless vintage perfumes, Veronica loved to collect anything vintage that was to do with cosmetics: Makeup, hair, you name it! So imagine your luck when you had walked into a particularly fancy antique shop only for there to be a whole collection of 60s perfume waiting just there for you.

Morpheus had crossed your mind, obviously, Lucienne and Matthew too! But you were unsure that they even celebrated Christmas, was there even a point in buying them gifts? Were you even in that kind of a relationship with Morpheus yet, bringing each other presents? Though you might’ve doubted it, you would’ve loved to have gotten him a present. There is nothing more satisfying than buying someone the perfect gift and watching their face light up and you wanted nothing more than to do that for Morpheus.

But what the fuck do you get Dream of the Endless?

You shoved your guilt for not getting him anything down, it was stupid. Did he even know what Christmas was? Surely so.

It's fine. You were overrthinking.

Normally you’d also have your Mum to think about but it wasn’t looking like you were going to see her anytime soon so you just didn’t bother. And so Christmas shopping was incredibly easy this year, and though you were still not fully welcoming of the holiday season, you were kind of looking forward to this Christmas.

Spending it with Lorna, Veronica and mutual friends would be a thousand times better than having to go to your Mum's place. Of course, there would always be one person missing, making it perfect for you. But you were lucky enough to even spend time with him in the dreaming, let alone in the waking world, so you were not entirely too fussed about that. Besides he’d probably go on a massive rant about how he actually inspired Christmas and religion and blah, blah with his all too big ego.

You smirked at the thought of him, as the two of you had gotten closer you found him winding into your thoughts like that. And your heart softly ached at the thought of his face, the way he touched you, his voice. Everything about him.

And yet you also started to fear.

You had cared for him.

You told him that you had cared for him.

But you knew you were past that point now.

You didn’t know what you specifically felt for him, but it was far more than you had ever felt before, and it was far too all consuming to not notice.

You pushed the grim thoughts down as you always did, choosing to simply live in the moment and enjoy the present instead.

Finally arriving home and shutting the door you arrived home with a huff as you collapsed onto your sofa, just about ready to fall asleep and finally see Morpheus. Of course that was until there was a knock at the door you groaned, stumbling away from your comfort and opening the door tiredly.

“Mum?” You almost shouted, dumbfounded at the sight of the woman in front of you.

She was rather uncomfortable, you noticed, fidgeting where she stood and plastering a nervous expression on her face. “Hello, dear” She chirped quite quickly.

You looked around her for Mark or maybe for a person holding a gun to her head, that would explain her strange expression and the fact that she was here at all, she hadn’t visited your apartment in years, she’d always pass judgemental comments on the way you and Lorna had decorated. “Are you okay?” You slowly asked, your forehead creasing in confusion.

She nodded firmly. “Quite well”

And she just stood there staring at you, a nervous smile on her face waiting for something.

You sighed before mentally cursing yourself. “Would you like to come in?” You hesitantly asked.

She nodded and you opened the door gesturing for her to come in as she hurriedly stumbled through the doorway.

You shut the door as she looked about, peering awkwardly. It had been years since she had been here. “Does Lorna not live here anymore?”

You shook your head. “No, she moved out a couple of months back”

Your mother nodded before she turned back to you with an apprehensive expression. “Here's your gift” She held out a messily wrapped present.

Your mouth parted in confusion and you wondered if maybe you were being set up, anxiously you took it from her before slowly muttering, “Thanks Mum”

Your eyes snatched up to hers. “I didn’t get you a present, I assumed you wouldn’t get me one” You said slightly coldly.

Her smile faulted and she swatted her hand in the air, shaking her head before plastering the smile back on. “Don’t worry, open it”

With a slight humourless chuckle you shook your head in disbelief before turning your attention to the present in your hand. It was extremely light, and soft. You pulled at the wrapping paper, slowly revealing the contents inside.

Your eyes widened before you swallowed and looked up to her with a glare.

She had bought you a toy raven.

A stuffed child's toy raven.

The irony was astounding.

She chuckled nervously. “I thought it was funny because of your nightmares”

Funny. You tried to see the humour in the situation, of course she had no idea of the levels of irony behind the gift, if she had maybe it would’ve been funny.

In fact if she had been there and supported you whilst you were waking up every morning with a tear stricken face and clutching onto your chest for dear life then maybe, just maybe, It would’ve been funny.

But she hadn’t been there.

She didn’t know.

And she had no right to be making jokes about such things like you were old friends.

You bit back tears. “Funny?” You repeated.

She paled at the expression on your face.

You stared at the toy in hand, it was kind of cute. Would definitely make Matthew mad and in turn make you laugh. But that's besides the point.

You slowly looked up to her again. “Mum, did you know I had that nightmare every night for almost forty nights?” You muttered.

Your Mum stiffened.

“I went to the doctor, a psychiatrist, I thought they were going to lock me away” You whispered. “Do you know what it's like to fear going to sleep every single night?”

She remained quiet, her gaze turned to the floor.

“Because I do, I still do”

She flinched ever so slightly. “How did you make them stop?” She asked quietly.

You bit your lip. “By doing something really stupid, but it worked”

“What was i-”

“It doesn’t matter” You quickly interrupted.

You had never seen your mum so quiet before.

“And this?” You motioned to the toy raven. “Is exactly the kind of stuff I’m talking about, my life may be just one big joke to you but it's my life”

“And it’s not your fucking entertainment” You glared.

Your mother looked up at you slowly, “I had no idea”

“Because you never ask”

She flinched again and you sighed, swallowing down the lump in your throat. The two of you stood silently as you rested against the kitchen counter chewing on your lip.

“I came here to apologise and now more than ever I realise just how wrong I am, how wrong I have been” She swallowed. “I’m sorry”

Your eyes snatched up to hers, wondering if you had misheard her. Her eyes were glassy and you soon realised she was tearing up. “I’m so sorry”

She quickly ran to you and engulfed you in a warm hug. And you stiffened.

For how many years had you waited to hear those words?

It would’ve been so much easier to throw her off of you, tell her to get out and that you never wanted to see her again.

But your mother had never apologised to you before.

And she was not one for giving hugs either.

You sighed and threw your arms around her, taking in the rare but enjoyable moment.

“Will you forgive me?” She quietly muttered.

You winced your eyes shut, Well, Christmas spirit and all that , swallowing your pride. “Yes”

You heard a sigh of relief come from your Mothers lips before you stiffened again. “But if you do this again, I will cut you off” You spoke harshly but sincerely.

“Of course,” She nodded.

Silence grew over the apartment and it was peaceful, oh so peaceful.

Your Mother and peace were hardly a thing that went hand in hand, but you let a sliver of happiness and forgiveness draw into your heart.

She pulled away and drew her attention back to the stuffed animal in your hand. “I’ll take it” She sombrely muttered, reaching for it before you moved it out of her reach.

She looked up at you, her eyebrows furrowed.

And you nervously chuckled. “Well I never said I didn’t like it”

Your Mum let out a chuffed smile for only a second before making her way to the door, you following soon behind her. She stopped in the doorway turning slowly to you, before hugging you again. “Merry Christmas”

“Merry Christmas, Mum” You smiled softly into her hair.

And for a second you felt like a carefree child again.

She pulled away and considered you for a moment. “You seem different, dear, happier. You’re glowing almost”

You blushed and let out a laugh. “That’s what everyone keeps telling me”

She gave you a knowing smirk, studying your face with full eyes. “Seems like love to me”

You blanched ever so slightly at the word.

Love.

Was that what it was?

“Whoever he is, I’d love to meet him one day” She continued.

You nodded weakly at her with one last goodbye before she left, leaving you to ponder whatever the fuck just happened?

And yet you were too tired to even think about it, instead you trudged to bed welcoming the warm embrace of sleep.

-------------------------

“She’s here, My Lord!” Lucienne called out as she was the first that spotted you.

You creased your forehead in confusion, as you walked towards Lucienne as she fiddled with her glasses in relief.

“Kid, we were starting to get worried!” Matthew croaked.

They were all gathered in the library staring at you with unreadable expressions though you noticed Morpheus’ posture soften as you arrived. You realised that the only other time you had been late to the dreaming was Halloween night, which might’ve raised concerns but you assumed that Morpheus would’ve just figured you were running late.

“Sorry I know, I’m late but I had to close the shop late and then I missed my bus, ran into my friend, had to find something to eat, then walk home and then my Mother paid me a visit” You spoke at an ungodly speed as the three watched you with furrowed eyebrows trying to take in everything you were saying.

You missed the way Morpheus’ jaw tightened at the mention of your mother.

“And Y’know it's really busy on the streets tonight seeming as it's Christmas Eve-”

Matthew cawed, interrupting you. “Wait, it's Christmas Eve?”

You threw your gaze to the bird. “Yeah” Before turning back to Morpheus with a nervous sigh. “So, I’m sorry for being late”

He nodded slowly in understanding as he walked to stand beside you, a silent hello that made your stomach flutter with butterflies and you had to bite your cheek from letting the massive smile that wanted so desperately to grow on your face from showing.

Matthew flew up to your shoulder. “Kid, how did you completely forget to tell me it was Christmas tomorrow?”

You shook your head and looked at Lucienne and Morpheus. “Well I mean I just assumed you didn’t celebrate Christmas here, I mean you do have a walking-talking pumpkin for a groundskeeper but I thought that was as far as holidays went around here”

Lucienne smiled. “We don’t celebrate particularly though it is hard to not feel the festive spirit of humans in the dreaming when we have children dreaming of Saint Nick tonight of all nights”

You smiled warmly at her, “Yeah I bet”

“When I was alive Christmas was my favourite time of the year, presents, big dinners, family get-togethers, it was the best” Matthew Chirped. “What about you, Kid, surely you have some big plans right?”

You smirked at Matthew, you always loved when he spoke about his human life, he was really the only creature in the dreaming that knew what it was like to actually live a mortal life, not just base assumptions on what they had seen. “Nothing too crazy, just hanging out with friends, not really that big of a fan of Christmas”

“Why not?” A curious deep voice came from beside you, you turned your gaze up to Morpheus.

“Well, y’know family Christmases aren’t always very smooth sailing and so I’m afraid I have more bad memories from this time of year than good ones”

Morpheus nodded slowly in understanding.

“Never thought you’d be a Scrooge, Kid” Matthew chuckled.

“Hey, I’m not a Scrooge, besides I’m actually in the festive mood this year” You grinned at him.

The conversation died and after helping Lucienne with some books Morpheus eventually whisked you, stealing you for himself as he pleasured you in the secret halls and nooks and crannies of the Palace making you giggle and hold your breath at the danger of it all, any moment one of his subjects could’ve easily walked past and heard the two of you. You were doing so well to have hidden your affairs with the King you didn’t want to blow it just because you moaned too loudly.

Morpheus on the other hand seemed as though he almost wanted to be caught, not caring if he heard footsteps drawing near or what not. It was his realm after all, and he was their King he could do exactly what he wanted to in his own palace and what he wanted was to hear you scream so prettily for him.

It didn’t really matter anyway, the final destination at the end always stayed the same. His bed.

Which is where you found yourself now. You were laying on his lap, silk sheets draping over both of your naked bodies, enjoying the peaceful calm that washed over you whilst in his hold, the post orgasm euphoria radiating off of the two of you in waves.

The smell of sex drifted through the air and your breathing had slowed down back to a normal rate after the world-ending orgasm you had minutes ago.

Morpheus sat up right against the pillows, his hair even messier than usual and his posture all the more ethereal as his white skin clashed against the dark sheets of the bed.

You doubted you would ever get over just how beautiful he was, every time you saw him you blushed and struggled to find your words. His gaze could make you feel so small and yet so seen at the same time, you wished only to be by his side every moment of every second.

You were getting far more than attached by this point, you felt extremely clingy though it seemed Morpheus didn’t mind or rather he didn’t particularly notice.

Morpheus however went about his business in the realm only waiting for the hour you would return back to him. He wasn’t quite sure what it was but a strange feeling would crawl up his spine when you weren’t there.

You would wind your way into his thoughts and he would smile softly to himself before feeling a painful tug on his heart, he soon realised what it was.

He would miss you.

And it made him feel like a fool. You were there with him for twelve hours at a time, more than enough surely to satisfy and yet he always yearned for more.

Not just sex either, though that was something that burned within his body like a treacherous disease clinging to him.

No, but the softer moments like this very one. Just drinking in your presence, you on his lap beside him.

How it should’ve been.

So when you were late to the Dreaming not only was Morpheus concerned as to your whereabouts but he was impatient.

He had spent every hour since you had left him last, counting down to this second.

And you were late.

He thought he’d be angry with you, perhaps he’d start to draw away from you again. But the second you arrived all of his anger just dissipated into nothing but a mere memory.

You had him wrapped around your finger and yet you had no idea.

“You mentioned your Mother?” Morpheus whispered.

You hummed.

“Before, in the library”

Your lips parted. “Oh yeah, it was strange, actually, really strange”

His silence probed you to continue.

“Well, she came to my apartment which she never does and she handed me a Christmas present so I opened it” You licked your lips. “And it was a toy Raven”

Your eyes flew to Morpheus as his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “I know, I know. I panicked for a second thinking maybe somehow she knew about you or Matthew but no” You scoffed. “She said she saw it and thought it was funny because it was like my nightmares”

Morpheus stiffened and he looked down at you, his lips parting in surprise as his eyes darkened.

“Yeah, I told her the truth about the nightmares, how I had them for so long and how,” You swallowed. “Not funny they were”

You shook your head still in disbelief as Morpheus watched your every movement. “And that’s when the strangest thing happened, she apologised”

You looked up at him. “Like actually said sorry, I thought I was going mad”

“And then we hugged, said Merry Christmas”

And she told me I was in love.

You flinched at the memory before swallowing slowly. “And then said Goodbye”

Silence fell as you thought about the conversation with her.

“All I’ve ever wanted was for her to apologise and she finally did and yet I thought it’d feel more,” You searched for the right word.

“Satisfying,” Morpheus croaked.

You nodded and bit your lip. “Yeah, more satisfying” You chuckled in disbelief. “Family, so confusing”

Morpheus hummed in agreement, mind casting back to his countless family dinners. “On that I can agree with you”

He hardly spoke about his siblings, nor his parents for that matter but from the limited information you had been told you realised that he was closest with his elder sister Death and has a rather conflicted relationship with his younger sibling Desire.

You couldn’t imagine Morpheus as a brother nor the fact that he had two elder siblings, you wondered if you would ever meet them though you doubted you would want to meet Despair or Desire after the stories he had told and well Death was inevitable, after all.

You thought back to the interaction with your mother, your lip curling up at the thought of the toy raven. “The toy raven is quite cute actually, I may name him Matthew 2.0”

Morpheus' lip quirked up. “He may have something to say about that”

You shrugged. “Not if he doesn’t know”

Morpheus looked down at you, a mischievous glint in his eye. “And you have that much trust in me that I won’t tell him myself”

You smirked. “Well I think Dream of the Endless probably has more pressing matters to concern himself with, don’t you?”

“Maybe so” He smirked back.

Silence ensued with the two of you again.

“I may be late to the dreaming again tomorrow night, I’m going to Lorna's for Christmas so I can’t say for sure” You said.

He nodded slowly in understanding, “Do you truly dislike it?”

It, you realised being Christmas.

You chuckled, your laugh reverberating on Morpheus’ lap, unsure why he cared. “I don’t dislike it, I like giving presents and seeing people happy but it's just a bittersweet time of the year” You explained. “Always has been, maybe that’ll change after this year”

He remained quiet before he leant down and softly kissed your temple.

You beamed up at him before shutting your eyes transcending into the bliss of the moment.

-------------------------

The streets were uncharacteristically quiet as everyone had locked themselves in for the day, the winter sun casting a mystical glow onto the world as if it almost knew what day it was.

With a slow stretch you got out of bed making your way to the bathroom to begin getting ready for the festive day ahead.

When you got to the house you were extremely impressed. Lorna and Veronica had decorated to the nines. Lights hung in almost every room, garlands streaming around the perimeter. The Christmas tree had been decorated to perfection, no doubt Veronicas work not Lorna's.

They welcomed you in with a hug and a Merry Christmas as you placed a present under the Christmas tree and said your hellos to the other guests. You knew a few mutual friends and Lorna's sister and her boyfriend of course as you beamed at them wrapping them in warm hugs. The smell of cinnamon and roast chicken wandered through the air from the kitchen as faint Christmas music could be heard over the echoes of laughter and joyous voices.

You had already felt so much lighter and in better spirits than you would normally have been if you were with your family.

Sat on the sofa you gladly took a drink of Coca-Cola deciding to go minimal with alcohol this year, you did not need to be hungover tomorrow and you had strictly stayed away from alcohol after that night.

“I love your coat!” Gwen, Lorna’s sister beamed at you admiring the long black fabric engulfing you.

You blushed. “Thanks, it's a friends”

Lorna gave you a knowing smirk. “Friend?”

You shot her a glare.

Lorna took a long sip of her vodka cranberry as she smirked at you over the top of her glass

------------------------

Morpheus was deep in thought on his throne for what felt like forever before his mind was made up. With purposeful strides he made his way to the palace library.

“My lord,” Lucienne greeted.

“Lucienne, I have come to tell you that I shall be out in the dreaming for some time creating new dreams”

Lucienne nodded though her forehead creased ever so slightly. “Sir, did you not already make new dreams a little while ago?”

Morpheus swallowed before croaking. “Yes, but this one is special, a gift”

Lucienne nodded in realisation as she tried to hide her smirk.

“I trust you can watch over things for me” Morpheus spoke.

Lucienne smiled. “With pleasure, My Lord”

With that Morpheus exited as Lucienne followed him with her knowing gaze as a smile crept onto her lips.

------------------

It wasn’t long before the dinner was cooked and you had given a copious amount of compliments to Veronica for her Christmas Dinner. You spent the rest of the afternoon playing board games that ended in light hearted arguments and fits of giggles before slowly people started to go home, leaving you, Lorna and Veronica and Gwen and her boyfriend.

Deciding this was the best time to exchange presents you had all sat down in the front room. Lorna and Veronica were of course over the moon with the presents you had gotten them. For Gwen and her boyfriend you gifted them some old wine you knew they’d love.

Veronica had gotten you a bunch of art prints that were beyond beautiful, Gwen and her boyfriend a collection of gourmet chocolates.

Lorna grinned at you mischievously before handing you your present. “You may wanna open it at home”

“Ok, thanks Lorna?” You frowned in confusion. Curiously you took the wrapped box from her and set it aside ready for it to be opened later.

Night started to draw in as the sun disappeared and the moon took her place in the sky. Everyone was snacking on leftovers and curled up with one another on the sofa.

It was perfect.

You had finally had the perfect Christmas.

The one you had dreamt about since you were a child and yet, there was still one thing missing.

You looked to the couples beside you, Lorna on Veronica's lap, Gwen leaning into her boyfriend's warm hug and a soft pinging sensation entered your heart.

Oh how you wished Morpheus was here.

It was great being in a relationship with the king of Dreams for so many reasons. If you want practically anything he’s more than happy to give it to you. Hungry? Your favourite food would be in front of you in seconds. Need something to wear? A new dress will appear on your bedside.

He’d give you anything and everything without you needing to ask and it was amazing.

And yet.

Deep down you mourned the fact that you would never have this.

A domestic Christmas, him properly meeting your friends, falling asleep together.

All that tooth-rotting sweet shit that you yearned for and that he could never give you.

He wasn’t a mortal.

And you were.

You sat up from the sofa, a new twist of melancholy spiralling down your throat. “I think I’m going to get some air really quick”

Veronica frowned at you. “You okay?”

You smiled and nodded. “Yeah, I’ll be back in five”

Heading to the door you crept out, as the cold wind hit you almost instantly in the face. You sat down on the footstep of the porch as you watched the empty and desolate street in front of you. Christmas lights glowed against the ink black sky, a few stars spotted around, some were covered by dark clouds.

You rested your chin in your hand and let out a small sigh as the echoes of your friend's laughter from inside the house filled your ears, your eyes fell back to the sky as you admired the cold moon.

Trying to cast the miserable thoughts out of your mind.

“Still stargazing?” A deep and gentle voice croaked from the pavement in front of the streets.

Your heart skipped a beat as you looked up to find Morpheus stood staring at you with a soft smile on his face. Your face lit up in confusion as you scrambled to your feet. “Morpheus, what are you doing here?”

He slowly walked forwards, silently before stepping onto the porch next to you as you turned to face him.

“Changing your opinion”

Your lips parted in confusion as you let out a chuckle. “On what?”

“Christmas”

You couldn’t help the grin that grew on your face as you blushed madly, your heart soaring at a million miles per hour. “You don’t have to be here y’know, I’m fine honestly, If the dreaming needs you-”

“The dreaming,” Morpheus interrupted you gently. “Is in the perfectly capable hands of Lucienne”

You nodded and smiled softly. “I know but-”

Morpheus stepped back ever so slightly, as he tucked his chin “If you don’t wish me here-”

Without even thinking about it you grabbed his hands and pulled him back to you. “No, Morpheus, I want you here” The grin returned to your face and Morpheus looked down at your hands in his as his features softened.

His gaze lifted up onto the arch of the porch, you looked up, following whatever had caught his attention, only to find some Mistletoe hung neatly in a red bow above the two of you. You let out a stupid snort and Morpheus watched in amusement. “This is so cheap, you know what this is right?” You looked down back to Morpheus.

A small smirk tugged at his lips. “I do believe I am aware of certain festive customs”

You shook your head in disbelief before you furrowed your eyebrows in confusion looking back up to the plant. “Wait, I swear that wasn’t here bef-”

You were cut off by Morpheus placing his lips against yours gently. You left your words unsaid as you melted into the tender kiss, your hands flew from his grasp to instead clutch onto his lean upper arms as you reached on your tiptoes to fully reach into the kiss. Morpheus’ hand wrapped around your back pulling you into him and helping keep you up right.

Slowly the two of you pulled apart and you couldn’t wipe the stupid smile off of your face as you stared into his eyes. The two of you lost in the moment before you softly leaned up to kiss him again, a strangled groan coming from the back of his throat as you clung onto his coat trying to pull him down so you could reach his lips. He softly threaded his fingers through your hair. And you slipped your tongue through his lips as another grumble racketed from his throat.

In one extremely quick motion the door swung open and you pulled your lips away from Morpheus, though your position stayed the same. The two of you dared to look to the now open door though you could both see Lorna staring at the both of you in your peripheral.

“Fuck” You muttered under your breath, only Morpheus being able to hear it.

You anxiously looked up at him, his eyes only on you, his expression so normal. Reluctantly you remove yourself from his grasp as he also rather reluctantly stepped away, still only watching you. You slowly turned to the open door, quiet as a mouse.

Lorna stood with a shit eating grin on her face. “I thought you said you were going outside for some air”

You nodded and started to stumble over your words. “Mhm I was and then I ran into Morpheus here-”

Lorna’s forehead creased in confusion. “I thought his name was Murphy?”

You gulped feeling Morpheus’ and Lorna's gaze both on you. “Yeah well, it’s short for Morpheus”

Lorna nodded, still with that smug look on her face, before she turned to Morpheus. “What is that, like Greek?”

Morpheus tore his gaze from you to Lorna. “So I believe”

She nodded and she quickly looked at you before looking back at Morpheus, your face silently pleading with her not to embarrass you.

“Well you are of course invited in, after all I’ve heard so much about you” Lorna beamed smugly. “I’m sorry I couldn’t introduce myself at the coffee shop, I’m Lorna”

You flushed and sent her a death glare before you shyly looked over at Morpheus, his expression unreadable. He gave a curt nod. “Morpheus”

“So are you going to come in?” She asked, her eyes moving between the two of you.

You looked at Morpheus, and honestly all you had wanted to do was to take him home as the night grew older. “Actually Lorns, We were thinking of heading home”

You could feel Morpheus’ gaze on you as you said the words though you still only looked at Lorna. “Oh, ok” She nodded.

“I’ll just grab my coat and presents and say my goodbyes” You awkwardly smiled as you started to head to the door before casting Morpheus a glance.

Lorna looked between the two of you. “You're not going to introduce him to everyone?”

Your eyes met Morpheus as you let out an anxious breath. “You can, if you’d like to”

Morpheus nodded and he strode up the steps beside you, placing his hand on your lower back as he always did when you were together in other people's presence. Lorna stepped aside with a victorious smile as she let the two of you back in through the door.

He clung to you like a deer in headlights.

He had met so many mortals. All of these mortals in their dreams, knew their every unconscious thought and yet, he had never felt quite so nervous.

As you stepped into the room, Lorna followed close behind, the two of you stood side by side as everyone's gaze turned to the brooding figure beside you.

They all fell rather silent and you couldn’t blame them, hell, you had been the same when you first met him. His presence was all consuming and something that was not easily missed. His very look was enough to send someone to their knees. Feeling Morpheus’ hand tense on your back you plastered a smile on your face. “Morpheus meet everyone” You coughed slightly. “Everyone meet Morpheus, My-”

You paled. You had never said what you were.

Frankly you weren’t at all sure.

You were his and that’s all you knew.

Neither of you had ever confirmed a relationship past that.

You swallowed your anxieties.

“My boyfriend”

You hadn’t missed the way his hand tensed again.

It felt childish describing him as such. He was so much more than that to you. Perhaps there wasn’t a word for what you were, but you were mortal and so were your friends, how else could you describe it.

Everyone's face dropped first before they smiled erupting into a small echo of ‘hellos’ and ‘welcomes’. You let out a small sigh of relief as you felt Morpheus beside you relax ever so softly in his position as he gave everyone a curt nod.

You leant up to his ear as he dropped his head down to hear what you were going to have to say. “I’m just going to grab my coat and say goodbye, then we can go”

He nodded at you and you left his grasp in search of your coat and presents, leaving him awkwardly stood by the door.

Veronica smirked as she looked at the brooding figure. “So I guess it’s your coat she’s been wearing for these last couple of months”

Morpheus’ lip twitched up. “Perhaps”

“And the reason why she’s been so different” Lorna added with a smirk of her own.

“Different?” Morpheus�� eyebrows furrowed.

Veronica snorted. “Oh yeah, dude, she’s been way happier and more herself”

Morpheus’ gaze turned to watching you as you milled about picking up your presents and shrugging on his coat. His eyes soften watching you do the most mundane things before pulling one of your friends into a hug and saying a hushed goodbye.

You made your way over to Veronica next, pulling her into a tight hug and thanking her for her presents. Then Lorna, giving her an extra long hug, before you reached Morpheus’ side as you waved goodbye to everyone with a gentle smile. Morpheus chose to nod as his exit.

The two of you stumbled out of the house finally left alone as you slowly meandered down the path. A content smile on your face.

“Boyfriend?” An amused voice next to you spoke.

You turned to him with a grumble. “Shut up, I didn’t know what else to call us”

“I believe you mortals called it courting once upon a time”

You smiled before rolling your eyes. “And now we call it dating”

You turned up to him as his eyes shone in the moonlight, his face lit solely from the Christmas lights hung upon the streets. The way he stared at you made your knees feel like jelly and your heart ache.

Your lips collided into his and he softly cradled your head with both of his large hands as he passionately tasted your lips, going back to when you were interrupted as his tongue slipped into your mouth and you let a high pitched groan of want and need leave your throat. “Take me home” You hoarsely whispered.

“As you wish” Morpheus responded, pulling sand seemingly from out of nowhere and whirling it around you, as you covered your eyes and leant into them.

When you opened them again you were in your front room, you dropped all your presents at once and shrugged your coat off before colliding into Morpheus, your lips connecting with his yet again, with a want and need. He responded just as quickly, taking his own coat off leaving him in his shirt and trousers as he pulled you into him, the kiss deepening and becoming sloppy and messy.

The two of you barely stumbled to your bedroom as you couldn’t disconnect from one another. Morpheus pulled off his shirt, momentarily stepping away from you before you latched onto each other once again.

He sat on the edge of your bed bringing you closer to him as you straddled him before gently pushing his chest down so he was laying down. You bent over him, kissing him before removing yourself from his lips and gently brushing your lips against his jaw making your way down to his neck and a soft groan came from his throat.

Your mouth made its way to his collarbone and left kisses down his chest and then stomach landing just before his trousers. You could see he was hard through his trousers and if that wasn’t enough the way his jaw was clenched was more than enough to tell you how you had worked him up.

With a small smirk, you looked up at him through your lashes before curling your fingers round his trousers and pulling them down, inch by inch.

You left a kiss on his groin and a clenched hiss left his lips before you took his length in your hands, and oh so slowly stroked it. His head flew back against the pillows as a grunt left his throat. You shyly took it in your mouth using your tongue to leave feverish strokes that made Morpheus moan like a madman.

Fitting him all in was hard but you were determined to make him undone as you quickened up your pace hearing the way the moans tumbled from his lips, his breath only quickening by the second.

Tears stung at the back of your eyes as you bobbed your head up and down, hearing Morpheus start to unravel before he growled and gently grabbed your hair pulling you away from him. You looked up at him confused before he rasped so roughly you only caught the last words of his sentence “...inside you”

You pulled away taking off your last items of clothes, Morpheus watching you like a predator stalking its prey. Gently you lowered yourself onto his length with a hiss, steadying yourself onto him getting used to the feeling at this angle before rocking your hips back and forwards in a steady rhythm. Morpheus placed his hands on your hips giving you more support as you rid him, causing him to throw his head back again.

This was a very rare occurrence. Normally he was the one taking charge, pleasuring you and putting you first. But tonight you wanted nothing more than to please him and watch as he fell apart underneath you. You wanted to be good to him, show him how much you felt for him.

He started to rock into you and a moan escaped you as he thrust so deep, hitting just the right spot. You fastened your pace in response and he let out a low grumble. “Always so good for me”

You started to clench around him, and you placed your palms on his chest to steady yourself as your thighs started to shake before he released himself into you and you started panting on top of him, incredibly sweaty and worn out.

Morpheus’ hand wrapped around your neck and pulled you down to him as you engaged in a lazy messy kiss. You eventually pulled yourself off of him and leant down beside him in the bed, your body weak from the work out, as your heavy breathing filled the otherwise silent walls of the room.

Slowly Morpheus sat up and drew closer to you as his lips found your necks, making you even more weak in the knees, you let out a tired whine as he made his way to your breasts taking one bud in his mouth and making your head spin with his tongue. Your hand felt his hair as you gently caressed his head, your eyes shut in pure bliss.

One of his hands trailed down your stomach to your entrance before starting to stroke your clit so slowly and gently, making you desperately and tiredly mewl. His head was by yours as you could feel his hot breath on your ear, lips brushing your cheek as you desperately started to shake at the feeling of his fingers starting to speed up. Your moans becoming louder and louder. “Morpheus!” You gasped as two fingers entered you, his thumb brushing your clit as you writhed in pure ecstasy.

His lips gently nibbled on the lobe of your ear as his gingers pumped in and out as you desperately neared your orgasm. Calling out his name with a mixture of ‘Oh!’s and ‘Please!’s. “Let go” He whispered gently in your ear and that's exactly what you did, as you clutched the bedsheets, gripping with white knuckles as you saw stars.

Morpheus removed his fingers from you and you both collapsed against the bed, sweaty bodies intertwined as you rested against his chest, weak from your orgasm. He gently started to stroke your hair out of the way of your face and you had wondered if at some point in the day you had maybe died and had drifted off to this heaven instead.

“Are you alright?” He gently asked.

You smiled lazily up at him. “I’m far more than alright”

Morpheus’ lip twitched up. “I know the feeling”

You smirked up at him as before you rested against him, his warmth completely encompassing you as the feeling of his hands slowly stroking through your hair made you melt into him. And before you knew it you had drifted off into a serene sleep.

-----------------

When you arrived in the dreaming you soon realised that you were not in the library like where you usually would arrive. Instead you were just outside the palace. Stars littered the sky as you realised it was night time in the dreaming, not necessarily a regular occurrence but nor that rare. You had expressed your deep found love for the beauty of the dreaming at dusk and nightfall many times to Morpheus who always found your wonder so enchanting.

It took him a few minutes to arrive as he sauntered up to you, his black coat behind him, looking certainly more put together than when you had left him in bed. You couldn’t help the smirk that grew on your face as he drew nearer.

“Care to explain why I’m not in the library, My king?” You asked, a faint trace of mischievousness in your voice.

He looked down at you softly and gently. “I’m afraid I have to steal you away from my librarian and Raven for tonight”

Your forehead creased in confusion. “Why?”

He reached his hand out. “Come, I have something I wish to show you”

Though incredibly suspicious and confused you took his hand as he led you round a way of the dreaming you had never been before going past wonders you had never even heard of.

Eventually Morpheus drew to a halt, slightly anxiously looking at you before grabbing your hand again as the two of you climbed a hill. This had to have been one of the highest points in the dreaming if not the highest.

Morpheus stopped yet again and blocked your gaze, moving in front of you. “We are here”

Slowly he pulled away and you stepped forward looking back to him with a confused gaze as he nodded his head motioning you to move forward.

You took a few steps and on top of the hill in front of the two of you stood a lake, a beautiful sapphire ever flowing lake that perfectly reflected the unimaginable constellations of the sky above. Your head snatched up to the sky and considering this was the highest point of the dreaming you could see the stars all the more clearer.

The only thing that could leave your lips was a gasp as you marvelled and stared at the beauty before you turned around. From up here you could see the whole of the rest of the dreaming. The palace lit up in gold, The river you sat by, fiddlers green. All of it.

Your breath hitched, as your mouth hung open unable to form words at the view, you looked back at the lake and the stars, before eventually turning back to Morpheus. “It’s beautiful” You whispered weakly.

Morpheus stared back at you, a deep intensity burning in his eyes. “It's for you”

Your heart skipped a beat. “What?”

“I made it for you” He repeated his voice as soothing as a lullaby as he stepped closer to you.

Your breath hitched. “Me?”

“You once told me how much you loved water and wished it was eternal night” He looked down avoiding your gaze. “Here in this spot of the dreaming it will stay eternally night forever”

“How is that even possible?” You gasped.

Morpheus cocked his head. “You’ve spent enough time in my realm to know that anything is possible here”

Your eyes started to burn as tears formed in your eyes, your mouth gone dry, he had remembered everything you had said about the stars, about your love for water. All of it. “Morpheus, I don’t know what to say” You admitted, as your voice wavered hoping your emotions spoke for themselves.

“Then say nothing” He softly answered. “It is a gift”

You looked back at the lake and the stars before looking round to the rest of the dreaming, one silent tear escaping your eyes as your heart throbbed. You turned back to Morpheus and threw your arms around him as you collided into his chest. “Thank you, Morpheus, thank you so much”

He looked down at you swallowing harshly, relief overtaking him as he saw your gratitude, knowing you indeed liked his gift. He closed his arms around you, holding you in his grasp as he leant down to your ear. “Merry Christmas, My rogue dreamer”

The two of you spent the rest of the night sat by the lake, stargazing and talking about anything and nothing all at once. Before you left to drift away to the waking world Morpheus turned to you. “Did I succeed?”

“In what?” You chuckled.

“Changing your opinion of Christmas” Morpheus asked, his lips twitching up.

“You succeeded admirably” You turned to beam at him. “Best Christmas ever”

[asexual-but]

A Surprisingly Silent Night

Secret Santa Gift for @eunoiaaaivy

Zhongli is a favorite of mine <3

Here's something hurt/comfort fluffy for a cold holiday ^^

I am so sorry for how late this is.

Overseeing the world, playing the game.

Granting strength to the most beloved of worshipers, grinding artifacts for your team.

Showering them with your love and trust, pulling them on whatever banner had taken up your fancy.

This was horribly overwhelming, and soul-crushingly lonely. To be regarded as above everyone meant that you had no peers, no true friends. Not anymore.

Your previous life seemed so far away, everyone you had known, loved, even hated... Gone. Slipped from your grasp like sand. It was immensely lonely and very... Strange. Like your memories were only a distant dream, though a majority of your life was spent immersed in it. As far off memories from the deity everyone held you as started taking hold. Power cradled in your arms, respect holding people at your feet. You had seemingly everything.

Yet you longed for nothing more than the relative simplicity of your previous life. Even if the world fell at your feet and the skies and mountains would split at your request... What good was this power when you were alone in it?

Everyone loved you, but it was a distant and reverent type of love. One that never let them get close.

Except...

As your memories of the creation of the Teyvat returned, you found yourself mourning a great deal. Friends, lovers, all turned to dust in the face of your pure immortality. Now, in modern Teyvat, the only familiar face among your acolytes was Zhongli.

A favorite of your when you thought this was a game, and one of your most devout followers. Though not without reason. Zhongli had known you before you left Teyvat. A young, rash god who wore his heart on his sleeve and was often bowled over by other gods at the time, who used his anger against him. He learned to control himself. That much was obvious.

In the infancy of his godhood, Morax, like many godlings, followed you closely a duckling. They gained power and learned to control it by basking in your shining divine aura. He had been fierce and capable even then. But you were there to protect him, even when the others teased him until he swore he'd have them in their graves.

Now Morax was refined, polished like a fine jade. But still he sought your attention and presence more than anything.

Being so ancient, and having been so close to you even back then, Zhongli finds himself reminiscing. Sad eyes follow you as he notes the ways you have changed, and the ways you have stayed the same.

Your presence now staves off the erosion, reverses it even. You are comfort. But you always seem so far away... Not in the way it seemed when he was young, where you were busy and yet the picture of true divinity. But in a sad, lost sort of way. Zhongli could only stand watch over you as your power returned in full. A slow process, but one which was very exciting to the eldest of your worshippers.

But still, many of the Adepti agreed that something had been bothering you, and so the "revived" archon of Geo was sent to your side with a new task.

Find out what is bothering The Divine Creator, and remedy it.

Winter was always a somewhat difficult time for you. Perhaps the winter holidays were a time of joy before, but without the friends, family, and familiar festivities...

Winter in Teyvat was just as cold, and just as dark. From where you sat, seasonal sadness seemed like it was inevitable now. No festive lights, and no friends to join you.

You considered your options, perhaps you'd visit a temple of an old "friend," someone you only remembered through memories you didn't feel like you made. Or maybe you could take a look around the same game areas you'd already explored a million times.

Your personal chambers were warmed by a gentle fire which gave you some pleasant ambient noise, but somehow it felt too quiet here still. But an unsure tap at the door broke that monotony.

Walking from your place by the window, you opened the door to greet your guest. You weren't sure who to expect. Though, you weren't entirely surprised to find Zhongli. He seems to be at your side as often as possible, a consistent presence that was oddly comforting.

"Your Grace, may I enter?" Zhongli bowed as he requested permission to enter your home. You held back an urge to sigh, and stepped aside to let him in.

As he walked in, he took a good look at your space. It was simple, you decorated it with familiar plants and patterns. It reminded you of home, but Zhongli was seeing it as a holy site. He complimented the style, and was sure to make note of your choices. These would shortly become more common throughout all of Teyvat.

But his attention drifted back to the problem as your polite smile fell, and you went back to your place beside the window.

Zhongli was here for a visit. Perhaps you'd have him listen to stories from your home. Maybe you'd spend your time near your winter holiday season reminiscing about times you'd never get to enjoy again. But before you could offer to tell him, he cleared his throat, and caught your full attention again.

"Your Grace... we, the Adepti and I, have noticed that you haven't been acting quite yourself in the last few days. You've been more reclusive, and it has brought us a bit of concern. If it is not an overstep on my part... may I ask what troubles you?" Zhongli stepped a bit closer to you, but did not meet your gaze.

Oh. So they'd noticed.

You shook your head.

"Don't worry about it, Zhongli. I'm just..." You paused to consider how best to word it.

Venti had told you before that you didn't need to miss anything from your previous life,that everything you could possibly need was in Teyvat. But that couldn't stop you.

"I'm just missing old times is all. In the other world, I'd be celebrating the holidays with my friends." You said it. You told the truth and watched closely for his reaction.

Zhongli's eyes narrowed in thought, and then you saw the flicker of curiosity on his face.

"Holidays, Your Grace? What was it that you celebrated back then?" You'd clearly had his interest now.

You smiled fondly and sat beside the fire, gesturing for him to join you near the dancing flame.

"If you can do one thing for me, I'll tell you all about it." You offered as he sat with you.

Zhongli nodded. "Whatever it is you wish, I will do, Your Grace."

"Call me (_), and please... I just need a friend." You reached for him and grabbed his hand gently. He nearly flinched away in surprise.

"It is horribly lonely here, and I have so many people who love me... But none who really know me... So please, Zhongli.... Will you be my friend?" You pleaded with him. Somewhere in your mind you expected he would never refuse you, but Zhongli was full of surprises when he really wanted to be.

For the first time ever in his memory, Zhongli held your gaze. He looked into your eyes and saw a reflection of himself long ago. Having lost so much to become an archon, he too was once gripped by loneliness.

But couldn't change your form and seek company of the common people, and you couldn't return even to places you missed, even if the people who mattered to those memories weren't there with you.

And so with a gentle smile and nod, Zhongli placed his other hand on yours.

"Of course, (_), I will be your friend."

[missoneminute]

Continuing my journey through combining my two obsessions - perfume and The Libertines. In this edition, fragrances directly linked to the band in various ways.

London by Burberry - Notes of Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Musk and Sandalwood. Released in 2006. This is for lovers - of London. The imagery around this chic and clean little affair has always been a romantic postcard to the city that birthed it, and the iconic checked Burberry fabric wrapped around the bottle itself speaks to the rebirth of that heritage trend made edgy and new - most beautifully showcased in the infamous prison gates photos in 2003, where Peter and Carl each wore a matching Burberry trench and passed a Burberry scarf between them. Fake, probably, but that iconography was the absolute height of indie rock fashion.

Bluebell by Penhaligon's - Notes of Lily-of-the-Valley, Cyclamen, Cloves and Cinnamon. Released in 1978. Widely reported as a favourite perfume of Kate Moss during the time she and Peter were dating. I may not be much of a fan of hers, but who didn't want to know what Pete Doherty's girlfriend smelled like? Earthy, with its crushed flowers and herbs, a tad exclusive, with it's fancy lineage and posh price, but genuinely vintage - this was the exact sort of scent an indie girl in the 2000s picked if she wanted to stand out from the crowd.

Opium Pour Homme by Yves Saint Laurent - Notes of Black Currant, Star Anise, Bourbon Vanilla and Cedar. Released in 1995. Named by Peter as his favourite fragrance in the 2000s. I've never known if he was kidding, given the name - but this is a scent that absolutely suits him, and is my favourite for men of all time. Opening with bright, juicy berries, drying down into sweet vanilla and rich spice, it's an addictive potion that suits its moniker and defies the astringent, bathroom cleaner trend in men's fragrance with a high fashion dazzle that takes some courage to wear.

Bottega Veneta by Bottega Veneta - Notes of Bergamot, Jasmine, Leather and Patchouli. Released in 2011. This is a personal entry, as it's the one perfume that has gotten me a compliment from a Libertine. I am an aggressive over-sprayer, but only this one has elicited a comment, from Carl, after he embraced me following the Sharabang gig in 2018. "You smell amazing!" he said, to which I replied, "I think it's the leather", meaning the leather notes in the fragrance. "Leather?" he replied, completely confused. I didn't get a chance to elaborate, but this is indeed a leather bomb - loud like a brand new jacket, or better yet luxurious heels straight out of their box, with the crisp deliciousness of bergamot making it syrupy and lending a mouth-watering air. Tragically discontinued.

Comme des Garcons 2 Man by Comme des Garcons - Notes of Smoke, Betiver, Saffron, Leather and Incense. Released in 2004. One of the fragrances Carl mentioned wearing in the 2000s. A churchy, waxy, smoky scent that brings to mind a snuffed candle and is very evocative of the year it was released. Makes absolute sense that it's one he'd enjoy, leaning both into an esoteric side with it's midnight potions of nutmeg and mint, and a rock 'n' roll core with it's leather and incense - reminiscent of the intoxicating mix of sweat, tobacco and leather you'll find sticking to a musician fresh off a stage.

Ambre Sultan by Serge Lutens - Notes of Resin, Amber, Myrrh, Benzoin, Sandalwood, Vanilla and Myrtle. Released in 1993. Opulent, gothic and very warm, this unisex fragrance is another Carl listed as a favourite back in the day. If 2 Man is churchy, this one is culty. Again, it suits him - it's like festival hippy oil taken to it's most concentrated conclusion. I don't know if he still wears either of these - he smelled great in Melbourne in 2018, but when I asked what he had on, he joked, "Lynx Africa!" then denied he was wearing anything. Likewise, Peter arrived at the Hackney gig in 2019 smelling deliciously of something very like Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille, but when I asked him what he had on, he just said, "I smell like a polecat".

[simplyclary]

I Loved How Good You Looked: A TZP 2023 Fashion Wrap-Up (Part 2)

(Edit by yours truly)

In this continuation of our stroll in the Taylor Zakhar Perez fashion memory lane, I'll bring you the various TZP looks in the latter part of the year, ranging from haute couture to street-chic delights. These are his more recent looks but still, prepare to be immersed in a variety of colors, textures, and silhouettes that promise to redefine the very essence of fashion.

With that being said, let's reset the spotlight and continue our fashion journey and remember the multitude of reasons why Taylor Zakhar Perez is a certified fashion stunner.

The Clooney Foundation Event- September 2023

Taylor in an all-black ensemble?? Yep, that's enough for me to be mesmerized. Add that he’s sort of clean shaven here with his usual tousled hair. That is a perfect combination of a look for me. It's simple but screams elegance and sophistication.

In other photos, his coat is unbuttoned and his Versace tank top could be seen and also a little choker necklace around his neck that is so thin you could barely see it but yes, he was wearing like a dash of silver jewelry during this event.

Fun fact, he said on one of his IG stories that he was supposed to wear like a brooch [that’s like $35,000] but he broke it prior to the event. That is true ACD/TZP fashion, if you ask me.

SCAD Savannah Film Festival- October 2023

(Photo credits to SCAD Savannah on Pinterest)

This event, the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, was one of the highlights of my October. It was one of those events that I really looked forward to and when the day came, I woke up to many pictures and the fandom was just collectively happy.

Taylor's outfit during this event was the definition of casual but make it designer and sustainable. He wore a wool Prada shirt with pants and shoes. He also had a blazer (that I like to believe was his custom-wool blazer that he got in Australia). His usual tousled hair and stubble adds a little grunge to the overall look but he still managed to pull it off in true TZP fashion.

This day (and outfit) is one of my many favorite TZP moments in 2023 because this was the day he was recognized for the talented human that he is.

GQ Men of the Year- November 2023

This is one of those TZP looks that had me going extremely feral that I thought I would not make it to my 24th birthday (well, I did). I did somehow also pray for this because during the morning of the event, I thought to myself: “If Taylor comes in an all-black outfit similar to what Alex wore in the Paris scene in RWRB, I will go feral and cry!”.

Well, it happened. He did show up in an all-black ensemble to the event. I think that was the memo or the dress code of the event but still. Like an answered prayer maybe? But at what cost? My sanity!

His inner shirt was so tight that my eyes immediately saw his six-pack abs. Like I’m not surprised that Taylor has abs, of course he has, but still, to see it through his super-tight shirt made my brain react a certain way. I mean, to be completely honest, I saw his face and hair first (which is always lovely to see) but man, once I got to his lower torso, non-verbal words were spoken.

The black jacket and pants were just an add-on, but dang, that super tight shirt was the highlight of the look for me and it still lives in my mind rent-free.

Ferrari F1 Event- November 2023

Taylor, again with the gray? Seriously, what do you have against color? (Again, kidding)

With this outfit, it's gives me the vibes of like a fancy mechanic of some sort and considering that F1 is a car event, that seems fitting. To me, the savior of this outfit is the yellow inner shirt. If it was only the grey outer jacket, I would not have loved it as much. The yellow adds a pop of color to the dullness of the gray, much like sunshine peeking through gray clouds.

I can see people wearing clothes like this to events like the F1. Just make sure to add pops of color to gray to not make it seem dull and lifeless.

Only Natural Diamonds Campaign- November 2023

*Alexa, play Cowboy Like Me by Taylor Swift*

I know we're supposed to mind the diamonds that were used for the jewelry, but tell me how are we going to mind the diamonds if the model is so handsome? Like how?

Also, I'm not the biggest fan of cowboy and western things, but this could've been the beginning of my obsession with anything western. But like the cowboy hat, the tank top, the boots with spurs, the horse, the sandy desert, that just screams cowboy aesthetic all over the place, and I'm so here for it.

All of the looks and BTS photos and videos for this campaign was what kickstarted my fan-casting of Taylor as the swashbuckling bandit Zorro. Like simply imagining him as Zorro is enough to send me screaming.

Somebody cast him as like a cowboy or a rancher in a film and I will definitely watch that because just based off of this shoot, he was radiating so much cowboy vibes. TZP is one handsome cowboy!

Balenciaga Event- December 2023

This event somehow happened out of nowhere for me because I thought fashion week was done, but apparently not.

Taylor's look for this event was an all-black ensemble which would usually get me screaming and feral but somehow, this look did not do it for me. Maybe it was the bagginess of the jacket and pants, but there was definitely something that did not do it for me.

I would like to say though that the leather jacket was a good choice, because even though it is sunny in L.A, there's that underlying winter chill so a jacket is always a good thing to have on hand during the chilly winter months.

Academy Gala- December 2023

I really feel like the fandom moved on way too fast from this look, because I distinctly remember the day after this event was a war zone for the fandom, especially on social media (don't tell me to talk about those days, because those were tough days for me and my dearest TZP Squad).

But let me bring you back to the look of this event..

Taylor wore a custom gray Prada suit to this event. He accessorized the look with a necklace that peeks from his collar and a watch. He was every bit the dashing man during this event. He definitely left me breathless when I saw this look. Definitely one of my top favorites of the year.

This was also his look when him and Nicholas Galitzine took a picture for a very much awaited RWRB reunion, and that is a memory that I love and adore so much. Like the proverb says: Good things come to those who wait.

GQ China Trip- December 2023

Ahhh, Taylor's GQ China trip, the gift the fandom deserved after the [social media] war. Kidding aside, yes, this trip of his was a real gift. Despite the jet lag that I know he was feeling throughout his first days there, he still managed to slay and look amazing with every fit that he wore during the entirety of his trip.

From black to white, from lavender to pink, Taylor rocked every color of the rainbow in this event and he looked stunning in every one of them. He looked like a dashing prince in the all-white ensemble, he stepped out of a lavender haze in the lilac fit, he went for a stroll around nature in the brown jacket with a white t-shirt and jeans combo. I have no words for how good he looked in every single fit.

This was also the perfect getaway for him and also became a chance for him to connect with his Chinese fans, which was a joy to see when pictures and videos were shared on social media. A memorable event to somehow end the year with, in my opinion.

PORT Magazine Photoshoot- December 2023

One look at this photo was all it took for me to silently scream the name "Wolverine".

Like the upturned hair, the dark stare, the all-black outfit was enough for me to associate him with Wolverine. I also love how his white sneakers added a little bit of light to his super dark outfit.

This is only one of the many unhinged photos that he shot for PORT magazine. Like this whole photoshoot was the definition of unhinged.

I also love how it somehow fulfills a bit of Taylor's dreams because once in an interview (or a livestream on IG), he said that given the chance, he would love to become Wolverine and I love how this photoshoot gave him a chance to somehow fulfill that dream of his by making him look a little bit like Wolverine.

I'll take this version of his Wolverine for now, but I'll continue to manifest that Marvel actually considers him for Wolverine (That's just me...)

Tatler Tea Interview- December 2023

Ahhh, the Tatler Tea Interview, one of my new favorite videos of him.

His outfit here was just amazing, like the embroidered flowers on the sleeves and collar of the top is beautiful. It is a lovely outfit to wear when you're having tea with someone. I also like that the color of his outfit kind of matched the overall vibe of the setting. Kind of like a gloomy winter type of feel, where the air is cold and you just want to sit inside with a lovely cup of tea.

Also, the way he looks at the sky with his chin tilted up and his hair is swooped to one side, it's just a pleasant sight to see and it's a lovely way to end the year.

That's a Wrap on the TZP Fashion Wrap-Up!!

And that's it for a beautiful stroll through the TZP fashion memory lane. Looking back on his fashion this year, it's impossible not to think of the many reasons why he's truly a charming fashion stunner and the next gem of fashion that the world has to look out for. These were definitely TZP style moments that made 2023 truly unforgettable.

From the runways to the streets where fashion became a living, breathing art form, Taylor has surely celebrated the creativity and expression that defined the world of style. Each ensemble, every accessory, and the bold choices made by designers have left a mark on the canvas of Taylor's fashion landscape this year.

As another year approaches, I will eagerly anticipate the trends that Taylor will slay in the coming year. I know he will continue to carry forward the spirit of experimentation, individuality, and boundless creativity while maintaining a sense of sustainability.

Thank you, my dears, for joining me on this stylish stroll. If you've made it this far, congratulations and props to you! I can't wait to continue seeing Taylor wear some more styles in the chapters that lie ahead.

To my dearest Taylor, stay fabulous, stay true to your style, and may the coming year be filled with endless opportunities to express yourself through the artistry of fashion.

Should I do this again next year? Maybe.. I'll let time decide.

Until the next fashion wrap-up!

[rachellesedai]

A tiny holiday fic for Lockwood and Co. I've only read the first two books so please forgive any inconsistencies. I just love them so much.

Lockwood & Co Happy Holidays

“What are you doing?”

Lockwood’s cool voice startled me and I teetered on the stool I’d dragged into the living room. I put out a hand and steadied myself, careful not to knock any of the artifacts off the wall where I was attempting to affix a string of lights. Only then did I half turn and look down at Lockwood standing below me, his hands on his hips. I couldn’t tell from his expression if he was amused or annoyed at the transformation I had worked on our little sitting area.

Cut paper snowflakes covered in silver glitter were tacked up in various spots. A few even hung from the ceiling tied to bits of string. An evergreen garland with sprigs of plastic holly wound its way along the shelves and an old-fashioned Christmas village adorned the mantle.

“I found a box of decorations in the basement shoved behind some old sparring equipment. I thought we could cheer the place up a bit.” I turned back to the wall and secured the lights. I bent to step down and found that Lockwood had crossed the room and was holding out a hand to assist me. I took it and hopped down, but rolled my eyes at him. “You hate it, don’t you?”

“No,” he said slowly, “It’s very… festive.”

I peered into his eyes, my stomach tightening as I worried I’d trampled on some old family tradition or brought up an unwanted memory. I opened my mouth to offer to take everything down when George burst into the room. He still wore his puffy coat and his cheeks were red from the cold.

“Did you make this gingerbread, Lucy?” he asked, taking a large bite, “It’s quite g—” George stopped mid-sentence, his eyes widening. “What’s all this?”

“Lucy’s done some holiday decorating,” Lockwood said, “It’s quite lovely, don’t you think, George?”

“I thought you hated Christmas,” George stammered, taking in the lopsided miniature tree on the coffee table, “A load of sentimental nonsense, I think you said.”

“I don’t hate Christmas,” Lockwood muttered, at the same time I said, “I should have asked you before putting it up. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Lockwood said, glowering at George.

I shrugged. “My mum always thought decorations were a waste of money. I guess I was always a little jealous of all those cute little houses covered in pretty lights with their fancy trees and perfect little families inside. When I saw the box I just really wanted to put lights up everywhere and have a real holiday for once.”

I looked away, my cheeks heating up. I hadn’t intended to say all that. The last thing I wanted was for the boys to feel sorry for me. I brushed a bit of glitter off my jumper and wrapped my arms around myself. I studiously avoided looking at either George or Lockwood. The multicolored lights blinked on and off as a thick silence hung in the room.

“Well, I think we could use some Christmas cheer after last week’s job,” Lockwood said, “That abandoned school was enough to dampen anyone’s spirits.”

I sighed. He was right. Dealing with the ghosts of so many children had been depressing, if not terribly dangerous. I risked a look at him and saw that quirky little smile he always used to try and tease me into a better mood.

“A little nonsense will do us some good,” he said, an encouraging lilt to his voice, “What do you think, George?”

“I think it’s fine as long as there is more of this gingerbread,” George said, “In fact, I have something that will make it perfect.”

I looked inquiringly at Lockwood as George hurried out of the room. He shrugged at my unspoken question. “I have no idea.”

I looked around the living room; the glow of the lights reflected off the glitter on my handmade snowflakes. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

Lockwood’s fingers brushed mine and I realized he was still standing quite close to me. “If it makes you happy, Lucy, I’m all in,” he said in a low voice. I turned and looked up at him. His eyes were warm and sincere. A riot of butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

“I’m very happy,” I whispered. Lockwood leaned in. Our foreheads almost touched.

At that exact moment, of course, George returned. He had shed his coat and was lugging the skull, an old cassette player, and a dusty shoebox shoved under one arm. He was also wearing an alarmingly large Santa hat.

I shook my head, laughter bubbling up as George placed the skull on a chair and put the Santa hat over the top of the jar. “I think we should see just how much Christmas cheer this thing can stand,” George said, plugging in the cassette player.

The shoebox, it turned out, was stuffed with cassette tapes in tiny plastic boxes. George selected one, popped the tape in, and pressed the play button. A slightly tinny rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” filled the room. The skull materialized, an expression of disgust forming for an instant before it dissolved into a sullen green glow.

Lockwood smiled and gave my hand a quick squeeze. “I’ll make some cocoa,” he said.

Soon Lockwood, George, and I were curled up in our chairs, sipping cocoa, and listening to George’s very eclectic collection of Christmas carols. I looked over at Lockwood who had tossed aside his magazine and was leaning back in his chair, regarding me thoughtfully.

Thank you. I mouthed. He nodded, a rather satisfied smile on his lips. I smiled back and settled down to enjoy a rare quiet evening at home. “Happy Christmas,” I whispered to myself, confident this was going to be the best holiday season ever.

[sarcasticscribbles]

Artschool Dropout

I made a thread about how and why I became an artschool dropout, and want to share it here too. Storytime! It's mainly a highlight of parts I despite in the art worlds; capitalism and superiority. My experience was affected by the environment, and hell was a bad environment

Back in the distance year of 2019 I went to an(community) art college in like the *fancy* part of my area. I lived across the lake on the countryside, so I was not prepared for this environment. Rich people cosplaying poor is the best description. Fancy clothing made to look dirty and no-one wore shoes. It was very networking-vibe, with "omg we HAVE to talk more later" but never doing so. Like nurses energy. To be fair I became more and more non-approachable as time went on.

A good note is that Swedish education is normally free, even uni degrees, but this one cost money. It was that was never addressed or mentioned when I applied; that's on me maybe, but the few friends I had didn't know either. A lot was beaten around the bush when it came to expenses. A big draw for the school was a trip they made to Berlin during a film festival. Once the time came around they mentioned the cost for the trip (which was not mentioned before, I thought it was included) and kinda of shamed people if they wouldn't pay and go. Saying how its a highlight of the education and the few staying behind just watch movies for a week. In addition, the film festival wasn't included in the price, and we would have to pay extra to go. It was supposed to be a week, but two days was for travelling by train.

The price was something I would rather use for a private Berlin trip. It wasn't a lot, but I refused to do it, mainly for how indirect they were with everything. A friend and I said we wouldn't go and a staff complained how they would have to keep the school open just for us.

My classmates weren't an issue, it was the teachers and system, which all just felt like a money laundering scheme. One day we travelled to Stockholm, and we were tasked to go four hours alone, sit and stare at an object and think what it made is feel. Those were the instructions.

Four hours. Alone. Then home.

I and one other instead went to grab a coffee and trash talk. Once the time was up, I just made up on the spot "what it made me feel" and he gave me a job well done. I understand the assignment, but the execution from the teacher was all wrong.

It wasn't my crowd tho, I came from a gaming development High school while these people were like, social studies. I'm used to a nerdy crowd, is what I'm trying to say.

I have two funny examples:

I was talking to some guy during a break the ice get together with the whole school (very small school) and I explained I studied video game development before, and he said "omg that's so cool!!" And I answered, "yeah! Do you play?" And he said "yes, the piano :)"

And other time we were talking about painters, and when they asked me who my favourite was, I thought I would joke and said "oh, donatello :) because I love purple" and NO ONE got my tmnt ref and instead thought some Italian Renaissance was my favourite artist.

But back to the main issue, it was the school: First day our teacher handed us supplies from a closet and I was like "wow! Thank you! When these run out (BECAUSE WE'RE FKN ARTISTS) can we grab new ones in the closet?" And she said "no :) this is for the two years you are here" Like eight different hardness pens and a block of paper.

My worse experience was that every Tuesday was lecture day (although we didn't have grades nor exams) and all students gathered in a dark room to look at a PowerPoint about culture and people.

Fun in theory, but again executed so badly. My last lecture one teacher said "oh, and we gotten complaint not everyone can take notes during the presentation, so we thought one from each class could take notes and share with everyone else later :)! Any volunteer?"

Like ??? What? I raised my hand and said "you have a PowerPoint there? Why can't just share the presentation with everyone if they want to go back later?" AND SHE ANSWERED "that is a great idea, but unfortunately that would take weeks. So this is a better alternative:)"

TO THIS DAY, I DON'T KNOW WHAT SHE MEANT BY THAT

Smaller details ; expensive lunch, creepy teacher keeping images of women's privates on screen (and I'm an artist I don't mind nudity) pointless activities and little progression. I can't give it a fair judgement, I only lasted three weeks but jumped in the opportunity to leave.

Cherry on top was I had communicated in private with my mentor about quitting and the day it was decided I had to go back to get my stuff and have one last day and the teacher (not my mentor) exclaimed in the shadiest way "Sophie? I thought you quit" I hadn't told my friends yet.

Last day I replaced all my supplies with new from the fancy closet, and me and my friends stole coffee from the cafeteria during lunch (it was only included if you bought food) to celebrate my time. We all hated the system of the school, but all of us loved art.

My experience is mainly the environment the school was located in; upper-class pretending not to be. The people were alright and i got a few friends before quitting. It was also traditional, general art when I prefer digital art. The school, system, and teacher were hell, which is a shame because it took something I loved and turned it into all the things I hate. i don't regret going and I don't regret quitting when I did. Best thing to come out of it was my literal label Artschool Dropout

[silvyysthings]

WTF is going on? Serious business if Timmy had to be deployed again. This time it isn’t at Tito’s tacos to wait for her security guards with no Kylie in sight like back in April. No this time he agreed to stealthily drive his brand new car down his very own driveway into the street followed by Kylie’s super fancy car for a photo and article for Page six and Daily M. Apparently both cars had black tinted windows with Timmy being described as “the CMBYN star who wore a chunky chain, hat and mask” followed closely behind by the reality star who was described as looking up at to the paps with a hat and mask with long eyelashes peering through. Let me guess you can buy those eyelashes on her website? Also was it them? They could of been anyone. Both car brands were mentioned repeatedly so was it sponsored? Did they both get a financial cut or a free car? Certainly hope so because nothing goes better with Casual love than a shit load of Cash. Also didn’t Dmooo say Timmy was at All points music festival in East London on Sunday spotted which started last Thursday coincidentally the same day kylies car (not her but her car) was seen leaving or parked like she was leaving at the bottom of his driveway. So either Timmy flew from the Uk to L.A quickly via Kylie Air or someone on his team drove his car and let the the paps in. Got to love celebrities pretending their privacy is being invaded in a gated community…. Sure Jan. I mean how did either of them know to wear masks and hats inside their tinted cars unless they called the paps and knew they were waiting?

for what it's worth to me it looks like him but you can't say/knows when or where 🤷‍♀️ I haven't seen her

[avionvadion]

Also, something just occurred to me and I started cackling really hard. Like yes, Inuyasha is going to be super protective of his sis-in-law, but I can already recognize the sheer crisis of interest and trouble with processing he'll have when he finds out Irene is PREGNANT. By SESSHOMARU. It's SESSHOMARU'S kid. Irene is going break her lil bro-in-law's brain and he won't have his emotional support Kagome there to help him yet. Poor Sango's probably gonna be caught in the middle of this. 😂

Miroku is going to be Inuyasha’s therapist throughout the whole thing, but at the same time be the WORST person to ever talk to about that subject because he’ll go way into detail and start wondering about Sesshomaru/Irene’s steamy night in the forest. Inuyasha is going to be in such strong denial, and it’s even funnier because HE’S THE ONE WHO FIGURES IT OUT FIRST.

Straight up, a couple weeks to a month after the festival, Irene is gonna be helping Sango and Miroku with Kin’Gyo and Inuyasha is gonna walk up to chat with them, stop, freeze, grow horrified, and just stare at Irene before pointing and going, very very loudly, “No. No, no, no, no, no!!!! WHAT DID YOU DO!?”

“What?”

“You did NOT sleep with Sesshomaru!”

“…HAH!? Don’t just freaking scream that!!!!”

“NO. TELL ME YOU DIDN’T. IRENE. TELL ME YOU DIDN’T SLEEP WITH SESSHOMARU RIGHT NOW.”

Irene, starting to panic: “…Oh gods. Inuyasha. Inuyasha, what’s going on? WHAT DO YOU KNOW!?”

Inuyasha, losing his mind, utterly horrified: “WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN!??? HOW DID THIS HAPPEN!?”

Irene: “DOES IT MATTER!? HOW DO YOU KNOW!???”

Inuyasha: “SO YOU DID SLEEP WITH HIM!??? UGH! EUGH! EWWW! WHY!? WHY HIM!?”

Irene: “ANSWER THE QUESTION!!!”

Inuyasha is unresponsive. He’s just crouched down with his hands on his head, muttering to himself in complete horror and disbelief that Sesshomaru was capable of doing such a thing and that he did it to his friend and that said friend is pregnant.

There are things in this world Inuyasha did not want or need to know. This is one of them. But it’s staring him in the face- hitting his nose- and oh GODS he’s going to have to stab Sesshomaru now but also oh GODS this isn’t actually happening right? This is just a fever dream, right? Sesshomaru doesn’t actually fuck, right? Inuyasha isn’t about to be an uncle, r i g h t?

Miroku and Sango are just like: 😳🫢

Sango looks at Irene screeching in panic at Inuyasha to answer her and explain, before turning to face Miroku: “I’ve always wondered when Irene and Sesshomaru would get together.”

Miroku: “I’m honestly surprised Sesshomaru didn’t act sooner.”

Sango: “Ha! I always thought Irene would make the first move.”

Miroku: “Ah, my lovely wife, Irene may have fallen first, but Sesshomaru fell much harder.”

Sango: “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Miroku gestures to Irene throttling Inuyasha, shaking him by the collar. The half-demon is screeching for her to let him go because of how horrifying her scent is, but isn’t shoving her away. “This. This is what it means.”

Sango, realization dawning: “…Oh my gods she’s pregnant.”

Inuyasha, on the verge of tears: “SESSHOMARU ISN’T ALLOWED TO MAKE ME AN UNCLE THAT’S NOT HOW THIS WORKS!!!”

Irene: 🫨🤯😱

Okay but like on a more serious note I have been thinking about when Sesshomaru sneaks Irene away into the forest, he also kinda marries her there. Like nothing really fancy, but he takes out a white shiromuku hood (like the one she wore on her way to meet Ryuno) from inside his haori and drapes it over her head and shoulders before leaning down to kiss her.

Just something very simple, subtle, and sweet, and sort of like eloping, I guess- but also only Sesshomaru is aware they’re married, lol, until he has to go get Irene and baby Sora from Koga’s (courtesy of Sango and Kirara) because she panicked and ran away, in which he probably says something later about how he had to “find his wife that ran away”.

Like there’s no way Sess would have a proper wedding, but like I could totally see him doing something really simple and sweet with just the two of them in the forest deep (Hehe) that pretty much results with them being married.