#it mostly just need some proper clean up and stuff

[swiggity-swexual-i-am-asexual]

Basically, it’s discovered that to help stabilize Danielle, aka Ellie, it’d be best to have her be smaller. She refused to be turned into a kid by Frostbite/her own power ability, when Danny remembered the shrink ray his parents made. The side effect is that they’re kind of stuck as humans when they’re that small—they can use some ghost powers, but basically, it’s a weird side effect of the shrink ray. That’s canon, by the fucking way, lmao

Anyways, so Ellie agrees, and Danny will shrink himself with the ray to her size to help her out when needed/when she wants company her size, with Jazz, Sam, and Tucker occasionally helping out. Sam buys one of those really ornate Victorian dollhouses, with wooden everything, and Danny does some… renovations… so that it no longer opens and is a proper house. There’s still some oddities because it’s a dollhouse originally, but it was easier and faster to give her a home. One of the first additions was a water/wastewater system, followed like two hours later by an electrical system. Since it was so small, Danny was able to do it fairly quickly in his big size, occasionally going small and using the small window for using his powers to double check on things.

The water system had to be refilled every week, unless hooked up to a plumbing system in a house, which Danny made some outlets for in Jazz’s room—it was easier and had significantly less questions/didn’t stand out as much if placed in Jazz’s room. They usually did it every three days, though, as the plug-in process was still a bit… hinky. The tanks for holding the water were in the ‘basement’, which was mostly inaccessible from the inside of the dollhouse but basically looked like a big stand the dollhouse stayed on. Like someone ripped a full house out of the ground WITH the basement attached. There was a small access hallway down some stairs in the house for the clean water system, though.

The electric system was fairly simple, as it didn’t cost much energy to light a dollhouse and heat/cool water. There was an AC unit, Ellie’s request, but it hardly was used and was fairly efficient just due to pure size. It was fueled by ecto batteries, which Danny made sure had a few rechargability options—just because it was efficient energy didn’t mean it didn’t ever need recharging. There was a very small ecto filter, but due to its relative small size, was easy to clean and was fairly stable, so they had a whole closet of them just chilling out, both filled and empty. The battery itself could be charged by ecto sources, Danny’s own blood, or ambient ectoplasm gained by using something that looked like a solar panel and a satellite dish had a child that the batter could be placed in. The hookup also allowed for like… normal D cell batteries.

They would buy dollhouse furniture, and occasionally just buy the big version then shrink it down. Ellie had a huge old house to herself, basically, might as well go ham. And she had a fun time with the designer doll clothes Sam liked to get, although the cheap doll clothes from the store were also fun. Best option was just buying normal clothes and shrinking them, but using things that were already small or just making stuff using normal sized objects was fun.

At some point, though, the Fenton siblings decide to go on a trip. Ellie begs to be taken along, and Jazz agrees—there’s a doll showcase in Gotham, and Jazz wanted to see if anything caught Ellie’s interest. Danny, having a room in the dollhouse himself, also went along. Might as well make it a sibling’s trip, right?

Ellie can be full size for small chunks of time, which they did while exploring the expo. They found some cool things to add, and some doll clothes Ellie was far too interested in trying on, as well as some to force on Danny later. He sighed, but like—that’s his little cousin-sister, he’d put up with it. After all, he learned how to plumb an entire (miniature) house in two days when she refused to move in until it had a fully functional bathroom, so.

Anyways!

They have a fun time, and sure, lugging the relatively giant dollhouse was a PAIN, but it was Ellie’s home, and some stabilizing tech made it relatively safe to move without risking everything freaking breaking. They load everything in again, and the dollhouse is now restocked with clothes, tiny furniture, and a lot of shrunken supplies—some foods are just hard to work with full size, and are easier to shrink, okay? Also soap, paper goods, pencils and pens, books, etc. Jazz loads the thing into her car, and Danny offers to stay with Ellie in the dollhouse—so Jazz gets them in, and shrinks them down, holding onto the shrink ray in the meantime.

All is going relatively well in Gotham traffic until there’s a rogue attack.

Go figure.

Jazz ends up unconscious, and Danny and Ellie can’t do anything before the rogue is taken care of and a paramedic team comes up. They hide back in the dollhouse, listening as the medics say she seems to be okay, just unconscious. A relief, but now they’re taking Jazz away. Fenton luck states she’s one of the few actually injured. The Bat Brigade comes by, and Batman notices that there’s a wallet for one Danny Fenton. Red Robin confirms that Jazz was likely here with at least two other people, based on the ticket stubs for the expo. However, there is a strange lack of social media presence, Danny doesn’t have a photo ID, and there’s no way of knowing for SURE that it was just Danny with her, if it was just two other people, or if Danny was in the car with her. Still, as they can’t find him but DO have his sister and his wallet, they assume he might be missing, possibly kidnapped.

The Gotham PD of course take in the car, although it’s pretty trashed. Knowing well and good that the dollhouse and such things are actually quite expensive, Commissioner Gordon mentions that it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Batman to maybe hold onto the Fenton’s things that *aren’t* related to the investigation.

Batman just takes everything. Including a rather peculiar looking gun that seems to have sustained some damage during the attack and car crash.

Gordon sighs. Figures.

So, Danny and Ellie end up in Wayne Manor. Most of the things end up in the Batcave, but Alfred insists that they place the doll things upstairs in the manor proper—the cave isn’t *that* damp, but doll things are small and delicate. So, upstairs they go.

At first, it’s fine. Danny and Ellie are fine in the dollhouse, and it’ll be at least a week before any of the systems NEED to be worked with.

Then Ellie ends up with a massive migraine. She gets them, on occasion, a sort of growing pain. Usually, they just shrink some medicine for her as she needs it, because she’s like—twelve. While they did have some medicine that had been pre-shrunk, when they were stocking up in Gotham, it turns out pain medicine was more expensive there. Not by much, but they figured—they’ll just stock up in Amity Park, they’ll be there in two days.

Haha. Nope.

So, Danny finally has to venture out. He lucks into finding the first aid kit—why there was one in the main living room, he’s not sure—and is currently working on trying to get open the blister packet of an ibuprofen when Alfred finds him.

Alfred stares at this tiny boy with a tiny make-shift knife trying to get into… over the counter pain medication.

Danny stares at this butler guy who had very gently cleaned the outside and noted the strange fact that the dollhouse did not open.

Danny waves at Alfred.

Alfred waves a tiny finger back.

“Hello,” Alfred says softly, which is fantastic because loud noises could get painful—part of the reason for Ellie’s headache was an argument between Tim and Damian. “How do you do?”

Danny hesitates, before he makes an exaggerated so-so gesture.

“You understand me?”

Danny nods—it’s rare for people to understand what he’s saying when he’s 5 inches tall.

“How wonderful,” Alfred smiles. “And how can I help our young guest tonight?”

Danny gestures to the blister packet.

“Pain medication? Isn’t that a little bit large for you.”

The teen thinks for a second on how to communicate. He points to the pill, then makes a slight show of pretending to grind something, like a mortar and pestle.

Thankfully, Alfred got the idea. “Would it be easier if I ground it up for you?”

Danny takes a moment to think before accepting with an enthusiastic nod.

“Very well,” Alfred says, taking the blister packet in one hand. He then hold his other out, palm up, like a platform. “Would you like to come with me?”

Danny ‘his survival instincts died when he did’ Fenton gets into Alfred’s hand.

Alfred grinds up the pill into a fine powder. Danny hands him a tiny bottle—still large in Danny’s hands, as it was not a shrunk bottle—that he had tied around his waist. Alfred fills it, and hands it back.

“I assume you came from the tiny house we have in our living room?”

Danny again nods. Alfred takes him there, setting him down outside the front door. Danny bows, and sure it’s Japanese as hell, and he’s white as all get out, but it’s a generally understood gesture of thanks. He hopes.

Alfred understands it just fine. “I bid you goodnight, then. Perhaps we will talk more, when you are feeling better?”

Danny hesitates, again, but he nods. Alfred had been nice enough, so far.

Danny heads in, quickly measuring out the medicine—shrunk pressure plates and scales and weights made what it was measuring relative—to him the weights on the hand balance scale felt the same weight. Ellie got her medicine, and they both went back to sleep.

He told her in the morning what happened. Ellie was strangely gung-ho about meeting this butler guy, and so—when no one else was around—, she and Danny went onto the tiny balcony as Alfred came in to dust.

“Oh my,” he said. “There’s two of you, now. Should I expect more?”

Both of them did an exaggerated ‘no’ dance.

“Very well, I don’t believe I’ve introduced myself. I’m Alfred Pennyworth, the family butler. Welcome to Wayne Manor.”

[manikas-whims]

Skincare with the LADS Men

inspired by THIS recent text with Xavier where he said we left our pack of face masks in his fridge 🥺

SYLUS

🐦‍⬛ He maintains good skincare and overall hygiene. He's the type who's like “if i’m going out to commit some illegal deeds or kill an enemy, might as well look good doing it. His healing ability helps maintain a better skin as well.

🐦‍⬛ When you find out, you're kind of surprised that he's so well-maintained. And he takes offense that you'd have such low opinion of him just because of his profession. He scoffs. “Your assumptions wound me, kitten. Even the leader of Onichynus cares a little for his appearances.”

🐦‍⬛ Luke and Keiran later on giggle and reveal to you how their boss makes an extra effort to look better whenever you are coming to see him.

ZAYNE

❄️ There's a difference between hygiene and skincare. So just because he's a doctor, doesn't necessarily mean he's good at taking care of himself. Yeah he might take a bath and always put on clean suits but he doesn't really bother much with skincare itself.

❄️ It's not that he cannot do it but he simply doesn't have the time for it due to his packed schedule at the hospital. Almost twice or thrice when you surprise-visit him during his late night shifts, you've found him shaving his stubble at his office’s washroom lol. There are some faint cuts on his jaw and you fuss over them much to his delight.

❄️ His skin and body suffer mostly due to his eating habits. More often than not you've caught him sneaking way more macarons than good for his teeth. Not to mention, he doesn't eat proper meals due to his work.

❄️ “It’s not what it looks like. I'm a doctor. Obviously I know how to manage my health.” He laughs sheepishly because it's not often that he's on the receiving end of scolding, especially from you. You end up having to pay regular visits and watch over him for a while, bringing in full meals as is needed for him.

RAFAYEL

🌊 Thanks to him working at odd hours, eating at odd times, passing out on the couch every now and then that it's expected he'd be careless but he does in fact take proper care of his skin. And it's better than yours. (well ofc his Lemurian genes are partly to thank but he's a fish out of water so he does need to take care).

🌊 He knows his skin is amazing and he'll make a show of it in front of you. Not to make you jealous but because he wants you to praise him for it, call him pretty and handsome. “Come onnn!!” He drawls out. “Admit that I’m way prettier than those idols you're a fan of.”

🌊 Definitely enjoys doing skincare routines with you. Will indulge in manicures and pedicures if you ask, chatting with you all the while. Even recommends certain products that would benefit your skin. And offers to do your facial and massage.

XAVIER

⭐ Canonically isn't concerned with skincare. Even MC is shocked at the fact that his skin is doing so good despite any proper care. Probably the type who uses those “5 in 1” products 😭. Or grabs just any product without much care for the actual ingredients involved. How his skin and hair are doing alright? You have no idea..

⭐ You offer to do his skincare and he agrees because that just means he gets to spend more time with you. Enjoys the sensation of your hands on his face. Melts into a puddle if you wash his hair. You also try fixing some of his eating habits because alternating between cup noodles and meat ain't it. And though it takes a while, you figure out his skin type and help him get his own products.

⭐ You both develop a habit of putting on sheet masks while watching late night movies or playing video games. Sometimes you two just end up lazying around and talking about mundane stuff.

⭐ But even if you set up a whole routine for him, if he stays over at your place, then he's definitely using your shampoo. And if you ask him why, then he smiles innocently and answers, “Oh..it’s not that I am particularly biased to the product. It’s just that I like it when I smell like you.”

» MASTERLIST «

[raisin-writes]

one piece men hcs: period sex

featuring the blorbos of my choice- law, bartolomeo, bellamy, corazon, and doflamingo

warnings: blood (obviously), narsty boys (looking directly at barto), smut, period eating

nsfw under the cut, minors dni 🫵👁️👁️💢

Law:

• im sorry babe, he may be a doctor and he may not be squeamish about touching peoples organs and blood, but he will not go down on you on your period 😔 (coward).

• hes kinda weird about period sex, he'll do it if you ask him super sweetly and look at him with those big pathetic puppy eyes, and he'll sigh dramatically and agree to it, but he really doesnt like doing it on the bed, he prefers the bathroom where its easiest to clean.

• usually he's kind enough to finger fuck you when you ask for it, but hes quick to pull his hand out of your pants and run to the sink to wash his hands off before shooing you to bed with a peck on the forehead. hes a busy man, hes got work to do.

• when he does have time, though, he'll make sure to take proper care of you afterwards.

• he'll offer to bring you water, a snack, pain meds, a towel, a hot pack, hell he'll even carry you to the shower if your legs are too shaky to stand on and clean you off with a gentleness so rarely seen from a man like him.

Bartolomeo:

• NASTY BOY ALERT 🚨🚨🚨

• you dont even need to ask, he'll be able to smell a hint of blood from across the room and hunt you down like a shark.

• begs you to let him eat you out while on his knees, massaging and pawing at your thighs.

• "c'mon sweetheart, i just wanna help ya~"

• VERY enthusiastic eater, if he could stick his tongue up any further into you he would.

• likes when you sit on his face so he can feel the blood and cum dribble down the sides of his face.

• as he's fingering you, he'll suddenly pull his bloody hand up to his lips and suck the liquid off each digit before shoving them back inside you to do it again with a big cocky grin.

• hes fucking ravenous.

• fucks you like an animal and likes watching you coat his cock in red multiple times.

• truthfully, there might not be much blood left to leak out of you by the time hes done with you.

• dont worry, he'll make sure theres plenty of cum to leak out instead.

• hes super super sweet afterwards.

• "im so sorry, i didnt think i'd get so carried away there," he'll scratch the back of his head sheepishly.

• acts like a mother hen while he cleans you up so youre all nice and pretty again- hes usually pretty good about cleaning up after himself when it involves you.

• gets sad and confused when you vehemently refuse to give him a big wet kiss afterwards.

Bellamy:

• another nasty boy, but its more of a theatrical thing.

• hes fine with licking other peoples blood off his face, this isnt much different to him.

• he does play it up for you a bit (and the invisible audience in his head, he has to look cool for them always).

• makes a big show of lapping it up while locking eyes with you.

• the wide, wolfish grin on his face while his tongue swipes over the stray blood dripping off his lower lip makes you whine.

• he'll finger you whenever you ask even when you arent menstruating, it makes no difference to him, he just likes seeing you come undone on his hand.

• will let you dry hump his towel-covered thigh if hes too busy with something like a log or a paint manual (hes a study-at-the-last-possible-minute kinda guy).

• he'll fuck you however you need him to.

• want him to put you in a mating press and make you squirt all over his stomach?

• no problem.

• need something slow and tender like sitting in his lap while he gently rocks into you?

• he can do that too.

• hes a man that aims to please, and will almost never turn down the opportunity to stuff you full of himself.

• surprisingly decent at aftercare.

• he'll make sure youre mostly clean and get some water for you both before he stuffs you under his arm like a teddy bear to cuddle.

Corazon:

• hes surprised when you first ask to have sex with him on your period.

• he didnt think he would be very into it at first but the seemingly deeper intimacy of it...

• and the way youre so much more weak and pliant for him when youre like this... it does something to him.

• something clicks in him that hes gotta take care of you.

• only you.

• he's reluctant to eat you out, but he'll do it while looking up at you to make sure youre enjoying it.

• hes careful with foreplay and even more careful with the main event.

• the tenderness of the moment will probably make him cry, he feels so connected to you like this.

• doesnt even let himself savor his own release (if he even cums at all, your pleasure is so much more important in this moment) before he trips over himself to get you snacks and water and pain meds and anything he could possibly think to make you more comfortable.

• make sure to cuddle him tight and give him a big thank you kiss for all his hard work.

• he might cry again, hes just so full of love right now.

Doflamingo:

• on one hand, he thinks its kinda dirty and filthy.

• but on the other hand... hes kinda into the dirty and filthy aspect.

• he doesnt eat you out, but if you really beg him, he'll make his string clone do it while he holds you.

• even if its not the real doffy, his tongue alone makes you melt into a puddle on the mattress.

• as soon as you've cum enough for his liking, he'll shove the clone out of the way and get to work on stretching you open for himself.

• hes not very comforting, but he'll make sure youre more than satisfied so long as he gets satisfaction too.

• is decent enough to let you adjust to him but his patience does have a limit, so hurry up and relax for him already, hes got other things he needs to get done today.

• hes not as gentle as you want him to be, but he'll get you to the finish line even if you cant keep his pace.

• having you so sensitive and compliant for him like this makes him all the more cocky (unfortunately).

• heavy on the teasing dirty talk.

• "so weak and helpless for me, pet... what would you even do without me here to take care of you?"

• always makes you cum hard on his cock; if you squirt, all the better for his ego.

• he has to admit, something stirs in his gut when he sees your blood dripping out alongside his cum.

• not very hands-on with the aftercare portion; it truthfully wigs him out being that vulnerable, even if its you.

• he'll send a maid in to help you clean up with anything that you might need or ask for.

• what really surprises you is the pretty bouquet that comes in along with the other aftercare items.

• ...

• it doesnt happen very often, but he'll stay to cuddle with you for a little bit before the maid comes if you manage to grab him before he leaves- you dont even have to say anything for him to know what you want.

• he supposes he can indulge you sometimes.

[f4nd0m-fun]

DPxDC - Mafia Ties

Good parents Fenton and redeemed Vlad escaping to another universe with Danny, Jordan, Ellie, Jazz, Tucker, and Sam because of GIW chaos getting so bad they literally need to go to another world to get help, only for the portal to close, and they can't open it from this side. Jordan is Jazz's age maybe a year older and Ellie accidentally got deaged to her actual age give or take which is probably about a year and a half old. Yes it's the Family Breakfast ship.

@hallowsden

Cue Vlad doing his whole possession stuff to not only get them new identities but carefully accumulate a small amount of wealth, not enough to be suspicious in his opinion but still.

The Fenton parents start looking to see if/where this world has ectoplasm because the kids, and maybe Vlad, need it. Hel, maybe the parents accidentally need it too after all those years of exposure.

I know everyone chooses Gotham for this stuff, but also that's about the most I know about DC and it has a Lazarus pit underground so we're using it.

Vlad doesn't get back into the proper businessman profile, too many eyes for him to feel safe after the GIW disaster, but he does end up a Mafia boss, or at least tries. Also, Hood becomes a new 'son' obsession for him, yeah he has Danny and Jordan and Ellie but this kid is also ghosty and probably hungry or something, right?

Hood doesn't get what's up with this weird older man who always has a baby with him, let alone why he'd even bring a baby along to mafia stuff.

Vlad thinks it's safer to have Ellie in mafia meetings than be left with the Fentons during their research obsession periods because they will literally not pay attention to anything else unless it's an emergency, it's not their fault, they're learning to manage it though.

Speaking of Fentons, they work on clean energy manufacturing topside, but underground they deal with weapons. Mostly they supply them to Vlad's crew, since that's basically their testing grounds, but they also don't make anything that's actually lethal. Vlad isn't a fan of guns though but he isn't about to bring out his plasma blasts if there isn't a good reason. (He pretends anyone who sees him cackling like a maniac hit their head, he did say he hates using guns after all).

Jordan and Jazz are probably about 17/18 now. Jazz is going to college, while Jordan slips his way into the kid's mafia (yes he knows he's a kid now too, shut up, he used to be 24). This is half to annoy Vlad and half because he's curious. Jazz, of course, with a little help from both Vlad and Tucker in getting her grades moved between universes, is in college soon, and manages a full scholarship (not that Vlad wouldn't have paid if he still had his old money, in fact he might even be a little jealous that he wasn't the one to pay for her schooling).

Jordan looks a little more like Vlad than he does Jack, due to the way the ghost half fusion effects everything, but he also looks more like Jack than Maddie because Jack is what Danny would have grown into anyway.

Ellie of course just looks like a nearly carbon copy of Danny of course, just baby and female.

Danny, Sam, and Tucker are all going to Gotham Prep, if Vlad can't pay for Jazz's schooling then he's paying at just some for theirs (they might have partial scholarships but not full ride). Danny still sneaks out at night because he can't stand sitting still after a long time of being a vigilante and ends up running into the Bat. He promptly apologizes for invading his haunt and flees.

If any ships, I'm thinking Jazz/Jason and Jordan/Dick, but I'm a sucker for everlasting Trio and Tim also has a trio of his own.

Back to Ellie and Vlad. He of course is trying to keep any 'Meta' rumors on the downlow, but she's just a baby. The harness she's in is ghost proof mostly so she can't just phase out of it, but you try changing a baby's diaper and they just turn intangible, or put then down to nap when they start floating. Hel, imagine setting her down for two seconds, she accidentally makes a shield, and now she's crying because she wants to be held. Sure, Vlad and Danny both, Jordan and Ellie too, can go through shields in human form, but that doesn't mean it doesn't sting or something. Eventually it gets figured out though.

I wonder how long it takes Jason to figure out that this Jordan fellow is related to Vlad. 😂

I also wonder what it would take for Vlad to actually use his ghost form outright, what kind of threat he'd expose himself to for the sake of his family. Just, shoving the kids at Jack - "Darling your aim is iced tea, let Maddie and myself handle this" - and doing what he has to.

And, yes, even as a Mafia boss he refuses to actually swear. Also, he probably still goes by Plasmius, the way his other form looks does NOT help the vampire rumors. Let alone the- well, I read a post on here a while ago where Ellie Danny and Jordan were deaged and needed his ectoplasm to survive. Imagine being a Plasmius goon in a meeting while he's trying to rock his baby to sleep and she's just sucking on his hand. You don't think much of it until you see he's bleeding and, even though it's technically red, your pretty sure it's glowing green and you're not sure if you want to ask (you won't but still). Plus, he's not even reacting to what must be a fair bit of pain, right?

Honestly, there's probably a betting pool about the whole weird family.

And of course I'm bringing in my Alfred Clockwork storyline. Flashpoint Thomas is Frighty, dead Thomas is Pariah, and Gotham is Martha. The moment Vlad finds out that Jason's grandparents are some of the most powerful ghosts in the realms (or at least this side of them in Gotham's case) he's like "okay I won't interfere, but maybe he'd like a friend? He doesn't seem to know a lot of ghosts.' (he tries to figure out which kid would be a better fit and that's when he finds out Jordan's been working for Hood this whole time. "You didn't tell me?" "You didn't know?!") 😂

Basically, give me a Mafia family who's major story plot isn't even the bats outright, it's just trying to survive after fleeing a world that may as well be destroyed at this point. Sure, they interact with the bats, cross paths, maybe even a couple relationships, but, overall, the Fenton-Masters are just outsiders in Gotham, learning to adjust to this new life.

[murdrdocs]

PLS do an NSFW alphabet for Finnick Odair.

I'VE LITERALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT THIS NONSTOP. PLSSSS

i got u bae !!

A = Aftercare (What they’re like after sex)

soo incredibly doting !!! no matter the intensity of the way he'd fucked you before, he's cleaning you up and accompanying you in the shower and holding you close when you fall asleep

B = Body part (Their favourite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

of his, he likes his back. it's weird, niche, but he's a strong swimmer and he does so much work with his trident so his back is absolutely ripped. for you, he loves everything. cliche, but it's wholeheartedly true. absolutely loves your face, though. loves kissing it all over.

C = Cum (Anything to do with cum basically)

likes to cum on you more than he likes to cum in you. cumming in you isn't something he's against, he just doesn't want to rush the relationship along. plus, he likes how you look with him cum on your body.

D = Dirty Secret (Pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

wants you to tie him up and dominate him one day ... but he doesn't know how to bring it up

E = Experience (How experienced are they? Do they know what they’re doing?)

we all know he's experienced. that's it.

F = Favourite Position (This goes without saying. Will probably include a visual)

missionary, the classics, but he likes to elevate it sometimes (mating press, spread eagle, etc.) also likes cowgirl a lot

G = Goofy (Are they more serious in the moment, or are they humorous, etc)

really likes giggly sex. when you're slightly intoxicated, or just drowsy from the late night, and you're both giggling between kisses and moans.

H = Hair (How well groomed are they, does the carpet match the drapes, etc.)

super well groomed like he has wax appointments and shit

I = Intimacy (How are they during the moment, romantic aspect…)

massive romantic. intimate sex gets him off like it doesn't feel right if at least one layer of intimacy isn't there. usually in the form of heavy petting, kissing everywhere, calling you pet names.

J = Jack Off (Masturbation headcanon)

doesn't do it that much. usually only jacks off if he's in an extreme bind. even if you're gone, he would wait until you got back (makes the experience better tbh)

K = Kink (One or more of their kinks)

bondage (he's good with ropes as we know), pregnancy, edging! (both ways)

L = Location (Favourite places to do the do)

anywhere on property that you two own. maybe in a bathroom at an event but that's a strong maybe.

M = Motivation (What turns them on, gets them going)

literally just you. like that's it, that's all.

N = NO (Something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

he can't hurt you even if you want it, he refuses to do anything with piss, and blood, and weapons

O = Oral (Preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc)

munch!!, likes receiving head but giving it ?? he loves it sm. super good at it mostly because he'll listen to you really well and he'll do whatever you want

P = Pace (Are they fast and rough? Slow and sensual? etc.)

depends on the day and the occasion, usually in the middle, long, deep thrusts

Q = Quickie (Their opinions on quickies rather than proper sex, how often, etc.)

prefers proper sex but quickies can get him off super well as long as you don't do it too often because then he'll feel detached

R = Risk (Are they game to experiment, do they take risks, etc.)

willing to at least strongly consider things at least once, will try some stuff once. just wants you two to have a healthy sex life so he'll do what he needs to do.

S = Stamina (How many rounds can they go for, how long do they last…)

crazy stamina can go multiple times in a sitting and he can do multiple times in a day (morning in the bedroom, right after in the shower, afternoon in the kitchen, night in the living room, etc)

T = Toy (Do they own toys? Do they use them? On a partner or themselves?)

has a cock ring, but most toys he owns he buys are for you. will 100% use toys on you in the bedroom like his ego won't get in the way at all, will use toys on you like in a mutual masturbation sense

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

he's such a tease omg. it's pure fun for him, making you whine and squirm and beg, but it's worth it in the end because he'll always give you what you want

V = Volume (How loud they are, what sounds they make)

not that loud, he likes to listen for your sounds. but he's a moaner and groaner, maybe a whine or two when he first slips in or when he slips out after he's a little overstimulated

W = Wild Card (Get a random headcanon for the character of your choice)

probably into japanese bondage and he probably likes having sex on the beach late at night/during sunset

X = X-Ray (Let’s see what’s going on in those pants, picture or words)

great length to girth ratio, cut, tip flushed a light red almost pink

Y = Yearning (How high is their sex drive?)

super high during the honeymoon stage (both when you first get together, and during your actual honeymoon), but it mellows out after a while together

Z = ZZZ (… how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

really depends on the day but he always tries to make sure you fall asleep before he does

[meedoo1809]

(Alrighty, this is a risky experiment and my first time trying this.

Let me preface this by telling you this is objectively not good, and you shouldn't be expecting anything before you start reading.

This is just Charles of my imagination and how I'd like him to be. Oh, and it is missing a couple of alphabets.

Ok, now you can continue)

Charles Xavier

NSFW Alphabets 👀

A = Aftercare (What they’re like after sex): He cleans up himself and probably makes a bath for you. Then you sit together and read or some cute shit.

B = Body part (Their favourite body part of their partner’s):  He loves your neck and collarbone. Basically biting it, sucking it, giving you hickeys that are borderline visible when you're wearing normal clothes.

C = Cum (Anything to do with cum basically…): Idk I feel like he would go with your preference.

D = Dirty Secret (Pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs): He would probably not mind a threesome, being a kinky telepath. But he'd be constantly in your mind saying naughty stuff to remind you of your true allegiance.

E = Experience (How experienced are they? Do they know what they’re doing?): Probably has a fair amount of experience under his belt during his university years. He knows what he is doing but is different depending on the partner. Tries to cater to their individual needs.

F = Favourite Position : He is into everything but probably more into those where you face each other. Like you straddling his lap.

G = Goofy (Are they more serious in the moment, or are they humorous, etc):  He is absolutely the biggest tease ever, is goofy and teases you until you get very turned on and then he gets turned on because he is invading your mind and then it all gets serious suddenly.

H = Hair: Being the rich gentleman he is, yep he probably is well groomed.

I = Intimacy (How are they during the moment, romantic aspect…): How much more intimate can you get if he's in your mind whispering nothings all the time, if his emotions are yours and yours his.

J = Jack Off (Masturbation headcanon):  Oh he loves it. Especially when he catches you having dirty thoughts.

K = Kink: Public sex, very risqué. But he don't let anyone see it obviously although he is heavily tempted to.

L = Location (Favourite places to do the do): Everywhere in that big mansion of his. Even though he is scared of the mutant kids intruding, he is thrilled to do the deed in the office, in the big expanse of the garden, beneath the old tree, on the old vine-grown garden chair, pressed on the brick wall outside the house.

M = Motivation (What turns them on, gets them going): 

Mostly your dirty thoughts of him while he is working or cooking or teaching. At the time he sends you a warning, and at night he fulfills your fantasies.

N = NO (Something they wouldn’t do, turn offs): 

Controlling you in the bed is something he would never do. He wants you to do the things you want to not what he does. Controlling people have bought nothing but sadness and horror to him.

O = Oral (Preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc): 

Loves giving oral. He loves going down on you and see your mind disoriented while he does so. He whispers encouragements like "darling, you should say something."" What do you want me to do? " "sweetheart, I can't hear you" "Don't tell me this is your limit, love" .

P = Pace (Are they fast and rough? Slow and sensual? etc.): 

He is excruciatingly slow. (Idk how many times I am gonna bring up telepathy because I fucking love it)

He loves drawing out each moan of yours until he is so turned on by your pleasure that he starts to pick up pace and then fucks you like no end.

Q = Quickie (Their opinions on quickies rather than proper sex, how often, etc.): always, but then fills your mind with what he would like to do if they had more time.

R = Risk (Are they game to experiment, do they take risks, etc.): 

Yeah, he is pretty kinky. Like I said, public sex is a kink of his.

S = Stamina (How many rounds can they go for)

Telepathically unlimited, and that's probably enough for you too.

T = Toy (Do they own toys? Do they use them? On a partner or themselves?): 

He loves toys. He encourages you to use them when you're not next to him. And he reads your thoughts while doing so. He loves whispering " darling, go on, I'll help you with it" " oh my sweetheart can't handle it, is it too much for you? Let me make it better" while he is in the office not breaking a sweat and you're in the bedroom.

V = Volume (How loud they are, what sounds they make): 

He moans and he loves it when you moan. Even though he can hear your thoughts, it never feel enough until he makes you moan out his name like a prayer.

W = Wild Card (Get a random headcanon for the character of your choice): I like to think he is a switch. He loves to bottom and top depending on what you're both feeling at the moment.

Y = Yearning (How high is their sex drive?): He has a moderate libido. Does not need to fuck all the time but when he does, you can guarantee it's about to be a spiritual experience.

Z = ZZZ (… how quickly they fall asleep afterwards): He reads to you and tucks you in. After which he falls asleep.

Thanks for reading if you did lmao.

I'll never be doing this again because it's embarrassing af for me as a sexually repressed person.

[the-s1lly-corner]

Various crps x reader who struggles w/ self care

I miss old creepypasta fandom sometimes (unrelated to the post)

Characters: slenderman, eyeless jack, nina the killer, masky

Notes: reader is GN, can be read as romantic or platonic, very self indulgent for the admin but hes keeping it mostly open/vague so those can also enjoy this, admin uses any pronouns for nina

CWs: none

SLENDERMAN

still in love with the idea that hes not fully aware of your needs as a human but hes knows the bare basic minimum- something about him not being a human himself and not regularly interacting with them to know what to look out for blah blah blah/lh

notices youre a little more down than usual and he does his best to find out whats wrong- are you sick? tired? hurt? is his human okay? its kind of like seeing someone fret over their pet, except its this old cryptid and his human friend

mostly stands off to the side and quietly passes you some water and snacks, keeps your glass full so you dont have to keep getting up- or a bottle of water if you would prefer!

though its not unlikely for him to get more assertive with his care, he might just pull you away from bed and try to get you cleaned up. if you let him hes going to be doing everything for you

will interfere with outside things so you can have a day to yourself to rest and recover (ex. fizzing out work calls, messing with any electronics if anyone is bothering you, ect ect, god forbid someones actually making you feel horrible on purpose)

EYELESS JACK

very good at reminding you to drink water and take your meds (if you have them), i like to think that sometimes he lives vicariously through you because you can still eat human foods and that bleeds into generally what you need to put in your body-

what i mean to say is that he is great at keeping track of things for you if you struggle with it! time, energy, or just not having the motivation, hes making sure you get what you need even if you cant do it yourself

does his best to get you some extra boost of vitamins and stuff in an attempt to boost your energy/mood, obviously he knows its not going to be a magic fix but its better than nothing.. hes the one cooking though! for reasons that align with the first bullet point!

very straight forward and blunt when asking if theres anything wrong, he can come off as disinterested or annoyed based off of his tone but genuinely hes trying his best to help you open up... jack himself isnt used to opening up so he doesnt have much experience being gentle and soft

brushes through your hair before you both go to bed

NINA THE KILLER

nina can be a bit of a hypocrite when it comes to this sort of thing as they tend to not... take very good care of themselves.. though its mostly out of not remembering to keep to a routine

does her best to get you to go out and do something with her that will eventually lead to you taking care of yourself in some way- asking you out for lunch or doing an activity that gets you extremely messy so you have to go take a shower

if your lack of proper self care is caused by any personal struggles you may be facing, nina makes it more than clear that you can go to them to talk

easily the most non judgmental person ever, you can tell her nearly everything and shes not going to think of you any differently

opens up about her own struggles to make you feel less alone

THE monarch of reminding you to take your meds, if you have them

MASKY

watches you from the side like a cat, kind of just keeps an eye on you throughout the day to make sure you're still kicking

will push a plate of snacks and your meds to you- like a cursed little charcuterie board!

he would make you a meal but ignoring the fact hes not a good cook at all, he feels it would be easier on you to just have snacks.. better something than nothing

will keep you in bed if youre tired or sore, will keep you pinned to him if he needs to- you might just take it as him wanting to cuddle...

and he never cuddles so to you this is a once in a blue moon experience!

or do you need to get up and stretch? hes going to do something to get you up, be it pestering you until you come to get him to pipe down or trying to get your assistance for something

might even lift his mask up next to you to get you to brush his teeth with him

[obsessedelusional]

broken, but together, whole

paring ↬ König x Fem!Reader

summary ↬ You had a terrible accident at your last place of employment. The need for a fresh start brings you to Kortac, where you meet König. His constant gaze leads coworkers to believe he has feelings for you. Telling you all the reasons why you they think he’s a freak, including why he wears a mask constantly. Making you realize you two might have more in common than you thought..

word count ↬ almost 4k jc

Feedback & Reblogs are helpful and extremely appreciated ♡

⊹ ꙳ ✦ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹

Your recent employment in Kortac was a simple transition. After an incident that lead to several months in the hospital, all healed up you decided it was time for a change. Moving and finding a new job.

Mostly everyone was easy to work with, welcomed you with open arms. No one knowing of your incident, made it easier to pretend that it never happened. They kept you very busy, constantly traveling to accomplish different missions.

The only one to not make a single attempt at being friendly was Konig. You didn’t understand his dismissive attitude toward you. That never really stopped you from saying simple hellos everytime you met his unwavering gaze when he was around.

His gaze unchanging as you smile before continuing what you were doing before he entered the room. When he was around, it felt as if his eyes never left you. Trying to convince yourself that you were being delusional. Only to catch his stare every single time you looked his way.

The group just came back from an exhausting mission, three days spent without a proper meal or bed has led the lot of you straight to the mess hall to eat. Some going straight to their quarters to rest or clean the built up filth from the previous days. As you enter the mess hall, you come to a halt your tired body knocking into someone. You immediately register who and what just happened, looking up to see Konigs eyes piercing down on you from under his mask.

“Sorry..”

“Kein Problem.” He mutters, his accent heavy. Speaking the first words he’s ever spoken to you. Two simple words, completely harmless but why are they making you feel something? You shake it off, grabbing a tray of food and sitting with some of the friends you made since joining.

“What’s his deal? Before you came around here was always holed up in his room. Now he just looms over everyone, staring at you.” One of the girls ask, pointing to Konig who’s per usual has his eyes on you.

“I don’t know.” You sigh, looking away from him.

“He’s a freak. In all the years I’ve worked with him, he’s not once said a single word to me.” Another woman adds, talking as she stuffs her face.

“Maybe he’s just shy.” You suggest thinking about the fact that he spoke to you a few moments ago even if it was brief.

“Maybe he has a crush on you.” She retorts, laughing as if him having a crush on you should upset you.

“And if he does? Would that be so terrible? Have any of you ever even tried to talk to him? Like genuinely?” You ask. Not one of the people sat at your table can say that they gave Konig an honest chance at a conversation. Which has you thinking maybe you should be the first one to try. You sit there listening to them go on about their own beliefs on why he is the way he is.

“Well I heard he never takes that mask off cause he’s all disfigured under it.” Someone announces.

“Yeah something about an explosive going off in his face.” Another chimes in, making you realize the two of you might have more in common than you thought. You look back to where Konig was once sat, he’s no longer there. Feeling bad because he most certainly had to have heard at least some of this conversation.

—

Since yesterday afternoon you kept thinking about Konig, hoping to get him alone so you could try to talk to him. He never showed up for dinner or anything that day. Probably locked away in his room but there was no way in hell you were just going to knock on his door. So you waited, deciding it would happen whenever it was meant to be.

You get to the mess hall early for breakfast with full intentions of grabbing a cup of coffe and a breakfast burrito and be on your way. A busy day ahead of you, a lot you need to accomplish on your day off. Never entirely sure when they come so taking the opportunity to get personal things done.

That’s until you turn around from the coffee table, burrito in hand and see Konig sat alone. He’s busy reading something, looks important. He looks like he doesn’t want to be bothered. Yet your legs lead you to his table, sitting across from him.

“Morning.” You say, so casually as if this a regular occurrence. He only looks up from his papers, confusion appears in his eyes. That quickly fades to his regular stoic gaze before looking back down, ignoring you entirely.

“Whatcha reading?” You ask, unwilling to give up so easily.

“Nothing.” He says, voice filled with annoyance. But it’s another word, so you smile before continuing.

“Well it’s obviously something. Or else you wouldn’t be reading it.” You respond, your silly tone not matching his energy. His eyes leave his reading again to look at you. Still filled with annoyance aimed at you.

“Report. It’s a report for the next mission,” He explains, now sat back in his chair. His attention on you fully.

“Boring.” You reply, causing his to furrow his brows. You wouldn’t know unable to see his features. He’s suprised by your bluntness, they way your talking to him like it’s an everyday thing.

“Can’t that wait? We only get so much time off and you’re wasting it working.” You ask, mostly curious using this an attempt to find out more about him. Maybe he’d let slip some details of his life outside of his job.

“I am always working,” He explains, you’re grateful he’s responding at all even if his answers are short and lack any real insight on him.

“That’s just sad. You don’t do anything else? Never kick back and relax? Have a little fun? That’s no way to live.” You prod into his life and he can’t help but wonder why you even care enough to ask. Wondering why you decided to bother him at all. Slightly annoyed that you claim his way of life is sad but he knows you’re right.

“It’s my life. I’m fine the way it is.” He replies. You go to speak but he’s not done yet.

“I must go.” He adds, already standing up and leaving. Not giving you an opportunity to try and convince him otherwise. You say goodbye as he steps through the door to the hallway, where you can no longer see him. You smile to yourself, satisfied that he talked to you at all and didn’t immediately dismiss you.

Konig on the other hand is completely beside himself, overwhelmed by the small interaction. Praying that was a one time thing as he makes his way back to his quarters. Not realizing that him simply responding opened a whole new chapter for his life: you.

—

Every day from that point, when Konig was near so were you. At first he’d brush you off or respond with one worded answers. Pretending to hate every second but enjoying your company. Finding himself wishing you’d find him sat alone somewhere on the base, so you’d bother him.

Ask him about his day and any other things that came your to your mind. Listening to you rant about your day or your current hyperfixation he didn’t understand. He’d mostly sit in silence but it was okay because you did more than enough talking for the both of you. He could listen to you talk all day long and not get tired.

Early in the friendship he gives you a nickname, calling you Schatz. It takes a lot of begging but eventually he explains that it means treasure. He doesn’t elaborate past that but it makes you feel special. Grinning like an idiot every time it leaves his mouth.

Months had passed of you two becoming friends. Eventually you convincing him to tag along with your other friends on the base. He knew the second you asked, it was game over because he was considering doing something he refused for years simply because you wanted him to.

It started with him sitting with you and your friends. He was sat in silence but he enjoyed every moment. Konig wasn’t socially awkward he just didn’t care to share conversation with ones he didn’t care for. Which made you feel special, he was allowing you access to a part of him that not many experience.

Just as you expected nobody really understands your friendship with Konig. Often questioning you when he’s not around, never hesitating to stand up for him. Making sure everyone knows how important he has become to you. That you won’t stand for any slander of König.

Everything was going great, until it wasn’t. You had this overwhelming feeling that König was avoiding you. He was holed up in his room more than normal and when you did see him in the hall he’d walk the other way. The few times you were able to get him alone, he’d say something about being busy. Leaving you alone as he makes an escape.

You two has made so much progress. Out of no where, he was shutting you out. One day as your walking past his office, the doors open just enough to see him alone. It takes all your courage but you let yourself in. Preparing yourself for the conversation that’s about to be had. He doesn’t even look up from what he’s working, even when you shut the door. Letting it close hard to notify him of your arrival. He’s not stupid, he knows your there. He’s ignoring you.

“König?” You ask, finally breaking the silence. His attention snaps towards you. He looks at you from under his sniper mask, his ice blue irises almost piercing right through you.

"Yes?” he replies quietly in a deep voice. He sounds annoyed.

“Is there a reason why you’re avoiding me?” You ask while König turns his focus back to what he was working on, not looking back up at you as he answers.

"I have my reasons," he says in a terse tone. His voice is cold and unfeeling. You don’t give up yet, pressing him for more information.

“What? Did I do something wrong?” You question.

"Ja," He answers bluntly.

“What did I do?”

"That isn't important," König says quickly, looking away from you. He sounds irritated.

"I'm not interested in explaining myself to you," he adds. He goes back to focusing on what he was working on before.

“Where the hell is this coming from? Quit dismissing me like that, like I don’t mean anything to you.” You reply, your tone turning from concern towards annoyance. He looked up and he looks at you for a few moments, as if he’s trying to decide what to say.

"I don't want to be near you," König answers sharply, still not looking up at you.

"I'm tired of you constantly wanting my attention, always expecting me to drop whatever I'm doing to spend time with you.You want more than what I can give." He doesn't hesitate to say what he knows will hurt your feelings. And boy does he hurt them, you’re angry now.

“You are so fucking dramatic. It’s called being friends. Maybe you’re not use to having any friends. Don’t worry, I won’t bother you anymore.” You are almost yelling but the time you finish, leaving his office before he can respond. Once you’re gone he’s sat there alone, staring at the door. Regret immediately washed over him but it doesn’t matter he’s too late.

You start walking away from his office, finding yourself feeling pretty heartbroken. Your throat starts to feel tight. As your walk towards your quarters, tears begin to fall but don’t fully release until you’re alone. Wishing for nothing more than for things to go back to how they were.

Feeling absolutely devastated the fact that he basically said you’re too annoying. Once believing that he enjoyed your company, liked your personality. You don’t what to think anymore. A small part of you thinking he might have had feelings for you. Where did the once sweet, caring man go?

—

It’s been three days since that terrible encounter. You’ve begun to avoid König. Easy enough when he doesn’t want anything to do with you. Unfortunately for the both of you, you still work together. With an upcoming assignment you will have no choice but to see him.

You walk into the armory on a mission preparation day to check for any updates. You sigh in relief when you don’t see him in his regular spot, where he’d often spend his time tinkering with weapons.

"Schatz," König's voice, still sounding cold and distant, resonates through the room. You mentally scream a few cuss words before facing him. A nick name that used to bring you joy causing you distress. He's in his all-black uniform, his sniper mask covering his entire face beside his irises that remain piercing and blue.

“I’ll just come back later.” You say, turning to leave.

"Where do you think you're going?" König's voice echoes through the empty room.

“Away from you.”

"Wait." He crosses the room in three swift steps and puts his right hand on your shoulder, stopping you from walking away.

"I need to talk to you."

“No fuck you.” You spit, turning to face him. He’s taken back by your outburst not expecting such words coming from you.

“Don’t say that.”

“I’ll say whatever the fuck I feel like. You’re a real asshole. Making me give a shit about you, just to push me away. And then to blame it on me being too much for you to handle, you’re a fucking coward.” You let the words out, all the anger you have being let out finally.

"Coward? A coward is someone who is afraid of facing their fears," he says sternly, moving his head closer to you. He's almost nose-to-nose with you, his eyes locked onto yours.

"I'm not a coward," he says coldly. He moves his right hand to your chin, forcing your head to look at him.

“Yes you are. I know for a fact that you have feelings for me. And that fucking terrifies you. Instead of facing those feelings, you push me away.” You snap back, still only inches away from him.

"I didn't push you away because of my feelings. I pushed you away because of your feelings," König says quietly, still staring at you and not blinking.

"I'm not what you want. I'm not good enough for you."As he says those words, an intense pain fills his eyes for just a moment before he re-wears his cold, stoic mask.

“You couldn’t have come to this realization before making me fall for you?”

“If I could go back in time and stop myself from meeting you I would," König says quietly.

“I never intended for you to fall for me but it’s too late…” His voice trails off, you can tell he’s thinking carefully about the next words that he will say.

“I want you.. I need you but-..”

“But nothing. The only one making this difficult is you. Quit being an asshole and pushing me away, we could be together.” You cut him off not letting him finish.

"I know," König says quietly, not disagreeing with you at all.

"I don't know what I'm doing. Everything I do feels wrong. I'm scared." He says, nervously fidgeting with fingers.

“Scared of what?” You question, noticing his nervous habit. Taking his hand in yours. His gaze goes up from his hands to your eyes. He takes a shaky breath.

“You're perfect." There's a hint of sadness to his voice when he says the word 'perfect'. It sounds like he knows something you don't.

"And that scares me. I'm scared that once you realize I'm not perfect," he leans in even closer to you, "you'll leave me."

“I’m not perfect, nobody is. I don’t give a fuck about any of that.” You respond, your hands still in his as he nervously rubs his thumbs against your hands.

“Have you ever wondered why I wear this mask? Why I never take it off?”

“Sure but it doesn’t matter. I don’t care what’s under there. I like you for you.” You say, trying to reassure him.

“You don’t understand, you never will.” As he speaks, you see something in him break. He leans back and brings his right arm up to the sniper hood covering his face. He stares at you for a long moment before finally taking a deep breath and removing his mask.

You can't hide your shock as you see his face for the first time. The left half of his face covered in scars. The biggest one going down his face, through his eye and down his chin. The right half of his face, the scar of a burn taking up most of this half. Under the mask, none of this noticeable. The black eye makeup is smeared around his eyes. The eyes that look at you with such sadness as he waits for a reaction.

“Please.." König says softly, his voice filled with shame and fear. His scars are now plain to see, exposed and raw. Your heart breaks for him as it suddenly becomes clear that his pushaway behavior was motivated by shame and fear... not anger and disinterest.

“König..” You whisper his name, cupping his jaw. Letting your thumb gently rub against his bottom lip.

When he doesn’t stop that simple touch you let your fingertips gently touch the scarred tissue on his face. Making König close his eyes and take deep, shaky breaths.You can tell that he's not used to anyone touching him, and that physical touch of any kind is almost overwhelming for him. But at the same time, he craves to feel loved and cared for... the way he leans into your touch. With his eyes closed, you kiss him.

After a moment of uncertainty he kisses you too, his scarred lips touching yours. This is his first actual kiss, since the accident and he's unsure of what to do, but the tenderness in his touch still surprises you. You feel his tongue touch the corner of your mouth, exploring your lips as he tries to mimic your movements.

You feel it in your heart to be patient and understanding with König, and seeing him finally let himself open up to you and give in to what you both want melts your heart. König wraps his arms around you, pulling you close and letting his scarred skin touch your bare skin.

You break the kiss to breathe, but there's nothing but silence in the room. Then, you look into König's eyes. They're filled with warmth and tenderness, his scars suddenly not seeming to matter anymore. König's scarred fingers lightly brush your hair as he gathers his thoughts.

"I... I don't know how to say this," he sighs, then finally just blurts it out.

“I love you. I think I have for a while, and I haven't wanted to admit it to myself..." König leans forward, his scarred face now visible, and looks you directly in the eyes.

"I'm broken. I've always been broken, and I've always been scared that I'll never be enough for someone like you..." He explains, sadness heavy in his tone. Even after the kiss you two shared after you seen his face and didn’t run away, he’s still insecure.

“You are enough, more than enough for me. Quit doubting yourself, so I can show you the love you deserve.” You explain, taking his face in your hands forcing him to look at you while you speak. König is shocked by your words.

"But... how could anyone love me, looking the way I do? Knowing all the things I've done? I've been a soldier my whole life. I've hurt people, killed people. And I'll never not be that person." He closes his scarred eyes, trying to hold back emotion.

“I'm... I'm a monster."

“You are not a monster. Just because you’ve done bad things doesn’t make you a bad person. Ever since I met you, you have been nothing but kind to me. You make me happy, you make me feel safe. At least when you’re not avoiding me because you think you know what’s best for me.” You explain, letting your hands continue to explore his face. You cup his chin, kissing his lips before moving my lips up his scars. Pressing sweet simple kisses along his scared face. Letting him know they don’t scare you.

König breathes in sharply as your lips hit his scarred skin. Your kisses feel incredibly tender and loving. He closes his eyes as you continue to explore his scarred face with your lips. As you continue to kiss his scars, he lets out a deep breath and lets his head rest against you. You take his hand, pressing delicate kissing to his scared fingers.

Your gentle touch makes him feel loved and wanted, not a monster or a killer or a scarred beast, but a normal person who can still be cared for and loved by someone else. He finally opens his eyes and looks at you.

“You don't... you don't care what I look like, do you?"

“No I don’t. And I’ll spend the rest of my life reminding you if that’s what it takes.” You reassure him.

"But my scars... how can you not care about them? How can you love someone with all these scars?" König takes a deep breath and slowly caresses your cheek with his scarred hand.

"You have scars too, don't you?" He asks and now it’s your turn to come clean.

“I haven’t showed anyone since it happened…,” You whisper pulling up your shirt exposing the burn scars that run up the side of your body. Yours are a lot more recent than his. It’s obvious there’s a lot more under all the clothes you’re wearing. You see König's jaw drop slightly as you expose your scars. You see a look of raw emotion in his eyes, like he just saw you naked for the first time. A gentle smile spreads across his face as he stares at you, and his eyes begin to glisten.

"You... you understand?" he whispers.

“Yes.. I understand.”

König leans in again and touches your burnt skin lightly with his scarred fingertips. He traces your scars with his thumb, looking up at you to make sure you see the love in his eyes. He caresses your scars as if they're an intimate part of your body, like he's finally touching a part of you that no one has ever touched before.

"You understand my scars... you accept them... and you still love me." His voice breaks as he whispers these last words, and you can see tears beginning to well up in his eyes.

"I love you..." He leans in and kisses you passionately, grabbing your hips and pulling you closer.

Your scars, his scars, they're both part of your past, but they don't define you. You both have wounds that are still healing and scars that will never go away. You'll both carry them for the rest of your life, but you carry them together. You're both broken, but together, you're whole.

[itsdrawingmen]

I just wanted to put them in these tees, and then I wanted to give them funky outfits, and then this sorta just came together. I wanted the tees the other way around, but you just know Zen would start getting his panties in a bunch.

Okay, so headcanon time:

Yoosung's sprites and official art see him mostly wearing slimmer-fitting stuff, and looking reasonably clean-cut unless he's at home - less normal and boring than before uni, but still pretty toned down. After all, he's been taught to be proper. However, his striped tees and colourful pins already appear as a kind of style search, as does his little layering that he has going on most of the time. After he loses sight in his left eye and spirals into depression, he loses a lot of weight and finds that all of his clothes now hang on him and are way too big. At first, he just tries to hide in all that fabric, wearing stuff on top of one another to cocoon in, then it becomes more of a search for comfort, trying to get at least a little of the physical touch that he craves in this way. Somewhere along the way he realizes that the loose chunky layers feel really good and comfortable, and he begins actually liking the look of them. He also starts stacking accessories, mostly bracelets, also as a physical reassurance. This change in style marks his drift from his family's control, supported and encouraged by Zen (who is a little overprotective because he's projecting, but also because he gets a firsthand glimpse into what Yoosung's parents are like and realizes that's No Way To Live). He embraces a lot of his nonconformity here, and becomes way more comfortable in his skin. He does still wear slimmer fits, especially shirts (because now he has all the physical reassurance he needs), but his clothes become way more feel-good, relaxed, and funky.

Zen, for his part, goes through several different phases. When he runs away from home at the ripe old age of fourteen, he's trying his best to look adult and accentuate what little muscle he has, so he's constantly wearing skin-tight tees and jeans (some of them becoming so tight for the sole reason that he's outgrowing them). Then puberty plays a very funny joke by giving him hips before it gives him shoulders, and he gets his first actual leather biking jacket, with the help from the guy responsible for too many of his firsts. At that point Zen is still quite skinny, soft, and fragile, and his attempts at masculinity are childish. After being abandoned (again) by the person he loves, he starts his journey of hardening up and growing a carapace, which reflects on his style becoming way stiffer and more leather. Of course, he has little choice because he mostly survives on hand-me-downs, but those worn-out too-big too-stiff clothes make him feel better. This especially spikes after a certain event that he doesn't really talk about, when he completely stops appearing in public with his jacket unzipped. Then, after some drifting, he finally finds people he can trust and starts spending more time on actually pursuing his dream than trying to just barely survive. At that point he enters a new phase where he starts craving normalcy. His style becomes way simpler and more toned down. He chooses mostly soft, pliable clothes, nothing tight and nothing loose, no unusual cuts, mostly monochrome. He has very few clothes and he picks and chooses them to match in all combinations. And that stays true up until Yoosung's presence in Zen's flat (and heart) introduces colour into his wardrobe (and life). Zen is still more into classics, at least in terms of cuts, but he becomes more likely to pick an outlandish accent colour or texture. He's not big on accessories, unless it's something Yoosung gives him, in which case he always wears it in secret, close to skin under his clothes.

[dumbdomb]

Read my pinned post BEFORE you interact: like, reblog, reply, dm, ask, or follow. Must be over twenty-five years of age to interact. 25+ only. You do not have my consent to "Like" this post without reading my pinned first. MDNI.

Men: Hard BLOCK ME right now if you're "mostly straight" or "attracted to women" or "like whatever you're into" (including "just posting stuff you like" and "posting whatever you want to" and other variations of this statement) and your blog is mostly about M/F relationships, thin white and nude women, unrealistically large ass and breasted women, female nudes, rule 34 underage cartoon anime girls in nude or sexual scenarios, or mostly just imagery of women, only going to like or reblog visuals of my body, or following my blog after liking or reblogging visual content of my body, don't know much of anything about gender and sexuality, pretend to not be an allocishet male by using inaccurate labels and keywords you don't even understand the definition of in order to hopefully avoid getting blocked or to receive nudes from people who clearly have boundaries against allo cis het men interacting with them (like i do), or if you have "women dni" in your description or pinned.

helping my friend get over their nerves for an upcoming exam on proper techniques when using a speculum on really tight patients... (of course, they'd ask me for help.) we try to keep things as professional as possible, but in a safe and comfortable environment. just the two of us friends, studying together like we always do. they place each of my soft, recently pedicured feet in the makeshift stirrups- making me jump and pull my leg back when they accidentally tickle my foot. we both laugh briefly and move on. they place a bedsheet over my legs for privacy, and awkwardly- yet firmly- reposition my hips low over the table's edge. (which makes me suddenly feels very exposed in front of my friend, but they're so gentle and kind about it.) they put on gloves and, cautiously, almost hesitantly, carefully graze past my thighs and softly pull at my outer labia. letting everything bounce back into place as they inspect different parts of my vulva. my breathing has already changed, but i try to keep calm. they ask if it's ok to begin checking me internally, and i nod affirmatively. they get some lube on one hand and use the other to place on my lower tummy, sliding one finger inside my hole- and for a moment, i swear they had held their breath... they lubricate my opening and slide another finger in, nearly filling my small, tight cunt. i try to focus on staying calm, breathing, meditating, but i notice a slight, subtle, side smile as my friend slides their fingers in and out of my hole- occasionally pressing down on my tummy. they remove their fingers and begin cleaning up... confused, i reassure them it's ok to continue (somewhat missing the feeling of them inside me). they've wiped some of the lube off my vulva and removed their gloves already, placing each hand on my hips as they casually hover over me, asking, "are you sure?" saying i looked a little nervous, their eyes glancing over me as they lean back. i didn't mean to, but i felt my cunt twitch hard with an ache to be touched again, right when they glanced down. (i hoped they hadn't noticed, and kinda wish they did!) they looked off to the side, over study materials, and sat back down in front of me. their hands running over my thighs, hips, and holding at my waist as i watch the top of their head lower under the sheets still covering me. suddenly, i feel their breath on my vulva- quickly followed by their incredibly warm and soft lips, slowly, planting a big kiss on my clit!! (omg. i was so shocked, there's no way i could've stopped my cunt from immediately throbbing hard and clenching in need for more... i've never felt more embarrassed and vulnerable in my life!) i just heard them laugh, holding my thighs firmly in place like a big hug, and then felt their slimy, hot tongue widely licking over my entire vulva. 😵‍💫

Read My Pinned BEFORE you interact! 25+ only.

NO: lurkers, likes only, inactive, empty, or blank blogs. DO NOT LIKE MY CONTENT. DNI. ♥️

[jackdaw-kraai]

Hey! You! With the teeth!

This is your daily reminder to care about your dental health!

You need to brush them at least once a day with a clinically certified toothpaste for at least two minutes, twice daily preferably! Your teeth and your gums! Because plaque mostly builds up around the base, and that’s the stuff you need to clean away! Electric toothbrushes are recommended due to a more thorough cleaning, though manual ones are good too! Just use them and clean all the way to your back molars! And remember to replace your toothbrush at least every three months!

You need to clean between your teeth at least once a day too! With floss, or as many dentists recommend, toothpicks! These are recommended because many people don’t know how to properly floss, but toothpicks are a lot more intuitive! They come in many varieties, wood, rubber, or little brushes! If you use wooden ones, remember to soften them first with a bit of water! You don’t need to do this with rubber or brush ones, and unlike the wooden ones, those are often reusable! Insert whichever one you choose between your teeth until you feel friction between the toothpick and teeth! You need that friction to remove any plaque buildup! It may hurt a little and even bleed a tiny bit during the first few times! That’s completely normal and expected, it’ll get better with time if you keep it up and do it daily! Usually after two weeks people notice improvement! If you don’t, talk to your dentist! There are times when a toothpick can be too big though! Don’t force a too-large toothpick through a place it doesn’t fit! You want a little friction, not a need to force it! If you use reusable toothpicks, remember to rinse them thoroughly after use, just like toothbrushes!

You should also go for a checkup with your dentist at least once a year! Preferably twice! Don’t be ashamed if you got a cavity or otherwise damaged or hurt your teeth, the dentist won’t judge you! They are there to help you and keep your teeth healthy! They understand that life happens and sometimes shit gets fucked! They’re tooth doctors, they don’t judge you for getting sick, they just want to help you get better and keep healthy afterwards! If any part of this post is difficult for you to keep up, ask them for help! They will probably know some way to make this all achievable for you!

Teeth are important! They’re not just bones in your head, they have shit connected to them and inside of them that’s important! Teeth have nerves inside of them! They keep your jaw in proper shape so that your inner ear stays stabilized! If you lose your teeth, your bones shift and your hearing gets worse! Teeth are directly connected to the blood supply of the rest of the head! If you get an infection in them that goes untreated, it can transmit through the blood to the rest of your body and then shit’s really fucked!

Dental health is important! If anyone says otherwise, punch their teeth in and see how quickly they change their tune! This has been a shouted dental health message!

[esmeriandreamer]

So I've been replaying "Unpacking" again, and I feel like writing down my thoughts on the game, but mostly about what I like to call the "Boyfriend level". There will be spoilers for the game in this, so I will continue below the cut, and please play this game if you have the chance.

Okay, so, as many of you know, Unpacking is about you taking on the role of a girl growing up and moving house throughout her life, unpacking her belongings and filling the new space with them. And as you go, you learn more and more about our MC. Starting with her childhood bedroom, then her going to college to study illustration, and then her moving in with her roommates, who are all nerds just like her.

And then, we get to the infamous boyfriend. And even playing this for the first time, the space felt... off. Before, our MC lived in places that were filled with personal touches, colours and trinkets. The BF's place is mostly grey, hyper-modern. Of course, there are personal touches, and hints at his hobbies, like the coffee-making supplies and the collection of videogames. But it feels.. off. The things that our MC brings to this house clash with the obvious aesthetic this guy has.

Now, aesthetics aside, there is something else that made me feel frustrated and a little uncomfortable about this level. Something that many people who played this game probably noticed too, and something very familiar to those of us who date cishet men.

This man hasn't even made space for you in the house.

Like yeah, sure, there is enough room for you to put your stuff away, but many things are placed in such a way that you're forced to move things aside to make space. Like the drawers in the bedroom. Lord almighty, the drawers. Underwear and socks are strewn around inside, forcing you to rearrange it so you can put your own damn stuff in. You even need to move his clothes and damn SLIPPERS in order to put everything away neatly.

Same as the kitchen. Dude, you have more than enough cabinet space, use it?? Put your coffee supplies in one place, not all around the kitchen, and why the fuck are you using a whole drawer for two tools??

It is frustratingly familiar, mostly because the game is about you doing all the unpacking and rearranging yourself. You are already cleaning up after this man, and you haven't even fully moved in yet.

On top of that, while moving in of course means you'll have to put many of your belongings amongst his, you can't even hang up your diploma in a proper place. I mean, yeah, with the "place objects everywhere" option you could hang it in the bathroom, but you should be able to at least hang something you're proud of in the living space or the bedroom. Your drawing supplies need to be tucked away too, or lost in his things.

No wonder this girl moves back out not even two years later.

And the "moving back in with your parents" level is just.. heartbreaking. The music is sad, and you can feel the depression just oozing from this level. The photo of the boyfriend and MC has to either be hidden away or pinned to the corkboard with one pin through his face.

Luckily, the next level where she gets her very own apartment fills me with joy. Finally, there is a space you can fully embrace as your own, not a student flat you can't permanently stay in, or a place you share with others. Every room is yours to make your own, especially the studio.

And then, the girlfriend moves in.

And it's so different from when the MC moved in with her boyfriend. She's made space for her new partner, made room in the closet, and space on the bookshelves. And instead of clashing, the gf's things complement the home and tell who she is.

She graduated from some type of film school. She adores plants and cares for them a lot. She's Southern or Eastern Asian, or even a mix of both, judging from the dragon statue, the spices, and the cute tiger plush she clearly got to compliment the little piglet, either as a gift or something she got herself. There are books and a beautiful blanket in the moving boxes, and she just feels... safe.

Where I could picture the MC tiptoeing around the boyfriend's aesthetic, doing all of this unpacking by herself, the girlfriend feels like she's unpacking with us, bringing warmth and non-judgement along, making the apartment a home.

And what an ending. An actual house where both of them can be happy, where they can be who they want to be, and where their bundle of joy will be raised with love.

I love this game so much.

[pavaal]

mari mobamenco masterpost

unlike most of the masagoto conversations, a lot of these were not retranslated because i no longer have the original japanese, but i just wanted to compile them! i did find a couple things that i never translated that were sitting in a word document so those are new, but mostly they're just cleaned up to make them easier to understand and less clunky to read.

my next plan for translation stuff is to tackle the mini-dramas in yomecolle! i have some of the cards already translated in my tag, but there are a few things i skipped, and i'd like to put together a proper script for the cards where masayoshi and goto were specifically talking to each other. after that, i bought some magazines that i'd like to translate the blurbs from!

for now, enjoy mari+masayoshi and goto+mari having inane chats about nothing.

MARI+MASAYOSHI

Masayoshi: When you’re trying to persuade someone to do the right thing, you absolutely can’t give up! Mari: That’s sooo boooooring. Masayoshi: I’m sure everyone could understand each other if we just tried to communicate! Mari: Well, I’ll leave the talking to you!

Mari: Omawari-san wa inu ~ ♪ Masayoshi: What are you singing? Mari: "Inu no Policeman!" It's my new song. Masayoshi: It's… interesting… Mari: It's good, right?

Masayoshi: You're very cat-like. Mari: You think so? I guess I've worn cat ears in promos and things like that. Masayoshi: Now that I think about it, you were such a kitten when we first met! Mari: Are you trying to give me a compliment? (Another one that needs some explanation. Masayoshi says that Mari was 猫をかぶってた, which literally means "wearing a cat [costume, in the case of Masayoshi and Mari's first meeting]" but has the idiomatic meaning of something similar to "a wolf in sheep's clothing." Masayoshi accidentally (?) said that Mari was only pretending to be sweet, but he literally meant that she was dressed as a cat.)

Mari: I heard you refuse to use an umbrella. Masayoshi: Actually, there's a very profound reason for this… Mari: That's okay. I don't need to know. Masayoshi: If you're going to bring it up, please listen until the end.

Masayoshi: What are you doing? Mari: I’m preparing outfits for our police friend~ Masayoshi: Oh… Goto-san would look good in this one! Mari: Right?!

Masayoshi: Cats are pretty cute, huh? Mari: Oh, are you a cat lover? Masayoshi: No, I actually prefer dogs. Mari: Yeah, I can see that… you do seem like a big puppy. Masayoshi: D… do I really come off that way?

Masayoshi: What do you like to do in your free time? Mari: I like to cause a little trouble! Masayoshi: Can you really call yourself a hero with an attitude like that?! Mari: It was a joke! A jooooke!

Masayoshi: It's dangerous for girls like you to go out alone at night! Mari: Don't worry! I mean, I save YOU all the time. Masayoshi: Um, that's a different issue entirely. Mari: Anyway, let's make this city safe for everyone to go out at night! Masayoshi: Yes… you're right! Let's do our best!

Mari: I need some advice! Masayoshi: Yes? What is it? Mari: I don't know what kind of attack to debut next. A taser? Blunt force? Or maybe… an explosion would be best? Masayoshi: Um… I'd like to recommend something more gentle…

Mari: I've been in a great mood recently! Masayoshi: Me too! Mari: I wonder if it's because I got to see a certain officer the other day…? Masayoshi: I also saw Goto-san a few days ago!

Mar: I've been in a great mood recently! Masayoshi: Oh, really? Mari: Yeah, I kind of feel like… maybe I'm the most important person in the world? It's like I can do anything!

Masayoshi: Last night, I dreamt Goto-san made me curry. Mari: Huh?! Invite me next time! Masayoshi: But it was only a dream… Mari: Yeah, and I wanna have this dream too!

Mari: What type of person is that policeman interested in? Masayoshi: Goto-san? Um… His girlfriend, and people who email him a lot, I suppose… Mari: So I'll start by sending him 100 emails a day! Masayoshi: That'll just make him angry!

Masayoshi: I'll take care of things here! You go ahead! Mari: Huh? Isn't that what a sidekick would say? Masayoshi: No way! It's a hero's line! Mari: Then… I'll take care of things here. You go ahead, junior!

Mari: Do you have many friends? Masayoshi: No, not really. Mari: Is that so? Masayoshi: It's hard to find people to share my hobbies with. Mari: I hate to say it, but I know that feeling…

MARI+GOTO

Mari: I wanna eat your cooking. Goto: Anything in particular? Mari: Anything that you make is fine by me! Goto: Then I'll heat up some instant curry later. Mari: You know, when I said "anything," that wasn't exactly what I meant…

Mari: Who do you like more, me or Samumenco? Goto: I don’t like either of you. Mari: Then… who do you like more, Samumenco or your girlfriend?! Goto: Huh? Why wouldn’t I pick my girlfriend?! Mari: You hesitated just now! Goto: I didn’t hesitate!!

Goto: What do you do in your spare time? Mari: I don't actually have that much free time… I have to compose songs, learn routines, things like that. Goto: Right, your job keeps you busy. Mari: Lately, I've also had to prepare a variety of uniforms for you! Goto: I never asked you to do that!

Mari: Now that I think about it, I had a bounty on my head too, didn't I? Goto: Yeah, when everyone was running around for information. Mari: Honestly, the amount was way too low! Goto: THAT'S what bothers you? Mari: It should've been 100 million, at least!

Goto: I haven't been able to take a break in forever because of you guys. Mari: Got it! Let me apologize by taking you on vacation! Goto: What kind of vacation would THAT be?!

Goto: What do you think about getting cosmetic surgery and stuff like that? Mari: Ick! I would never. Goto: That's actually quite sensible of you. Mari: It's because my body is already 100% perfect!

Goto: Being an idol seems really busy. You must be exhausted. Mari: I find a way to make time! Goto: Don't you ever sleep? Mari: Well, you know, in meetings and stuff. Goto: Don't do that!

Goto: Do you even have a license? Mari: Of course! Goto: For driving? Mari: Yeah! My most recent driving instructor even said that my driving was the best it's ever been! Goto: Somehow… I feel bad for him.

Goto: You and Masayoshi kind of have similar tastes, huh? Mari: What do you mean? Goto: Like your costumes, for example. Mari: Don't be stupid! My costume is ten thousand times better than his! Right? Goto: …no, they're pretty much the same.

Mari: Omawari-san wa inu ~ ♪ Goto: What are you singing? Mari: It’s my new song—“Inu no Policeman!” Goto: Huh. (There’s no way it could be about me, right?)

Goto: What is it about me that makes freaks like me so much? Mari: You’d call me a freak when I'm standing right in front of you? Goto: Ah… sorry. I was thinking about Masayoshi. Mari: So you totally ignore that I like you too, huh…

Mari: Don't you want to join us heroes? Goto: I'm already a cop, so that's like a hero of the common people. Mari: Well, the uniform is good, but it's a little plain… Goto: It's plain work, supporting society.

Mari: Hey, officer? Where can I buy a gun? Goto: No way. Don't buy one, don't use one, don't even WANT one. Mari: Yeah, that's what I thought you'd say… I guess I'll just have to use my shock baton and explosives! Goto: Don't use those either!

Goto: Whenever you get photographed as Flamenco Girl, you always face the camera and strike a pose. Mari: Of course I'm gonna pose for the camera! Goto: I guess that comes with being an idol. Mari: No, I've been this way since I was a little girl!

Goto: Do you want to see a movie sometime? Mari: I've only got the Red Axe movie, but guys like that, right? Goto: Why do both of you only have these hero show theatrical releases…?

Goto: You and Masayoshi both live in really nice places. Mari: Why don't you spend the night sometime? Any time you want is okay with me! Goto: Absolutely not.

Goto: Ever since I met you, it feels like it's been nothing but losing tickets. Mari: You don't think meeting me was like winning the lottery?! Goto: No, it was more like blowing my savings on nothing. Mari: You're supposed to be happy we met.

[simp999]

A New Home Ch. 32

Various! Splatoon Manga x Skilled! Isekai'd! Reader

Wc: 1.1k

A/N: Wattpad readers are much bolder. You guys just don't have the guts to comment how you "hope both sides of my pillow are warm" or "when I get you, wolf. When I get you". /silly

Leo Playlist!

Back to the start! Previous Next

Before you could register the score, you were tackled to the floor. You gently nudged Leo away from you as much as you could- but given his reaction, you already knew the answer.

You'd be battling Emperor.

You wheezed out to Leo that he was squeezing too tight, and so he let go to go hug- Goggles?? And Goggled hugged back just as excitedly? Eh, whatever floats their boat.

Next came a soft hug from Milo. Almost relieved, you thought. He gently pet your tentacles and gave them a tiny kiss, saying how proud he was of the family. Aww.

It felt all too quick- the congratulations, the meeting between the S4, team Yellow-green, and the teams that had just battled.

To be honest, you just wanted to get home and relax, maybe you went on autopilot for a bit. In a good way.

That night, you all went to sleep early, completely exhausted by your battle, along with thinking about your next one. Luckily, you were given three days for preparation before facing the King, not including today.

"So, what now, Boss?"

"Now?..."

You thought for a moment, muscles sore.

"...We rest."

Leo does a small fist in the air while Milo relaxes his shoulders. Tasha's eyebrows appear to be less furrowed as well.

You all relax together by watching movies for the first bit, you and Leo snuggling if you're comfortable with it- he always was a sucker for physical affection. Milo plays with his hair as it's in reach while Tasha leans on the arm of the chair, cleaning her weapon in the dark. Milo pauses to turn the movie's volume up because Leo's crunching is a bit too loud. He offers you some and you decline, figuring candy doesn't sound the best after such a big battle. Milo has some chocolate milk at the ready, he claims it's great after exercising, just not before.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The next day, You, Milo and Tasha were sitting in the living room when Leo barged in, accounting that there was a SquidRacer tourney starting soon and drop-ins were allowed. He already had half his arm in his hoodie sleeve when Milo spoke up, saying he needed to be home while he made the family's meals for the day, saying they'd take a long time because they were intricate.

"I'm fine goin' on my own!! I'll kick ass, don't you worry!"

Milo offered you a slightly concerned look, and you asked Leo if you could go with, to which he surprisingly seemed excited about your offer. You slowly put on some proper clothes while Leo impatiently waited in the doorway. Before you could leave, Milo handed you a bag with drinks and snacks, paired with a smile and wink.

Leo did well in his first round, but there were a surprising number of people that wanted to join. Which meant lots of downtime between games, which led to you two chit-chatting and snacking while watching and "analyzing' (as Leo called it-he really just sat with a smile on his face) the other players.

"Sooo what's your favorite game?"

You thought for a moment- you didn't really have an answer since- y'know, you were kind of... in it.

"I don't exactly have one, what's yours?"

Now that got him talking. He went on and on about this game called Super Squid Bros 3. Gesturing with his hands often.

"Yeah! I had lots of time to play toooons of games as a kid! It was pretty nice!"

Oh? Did he grow up rich or something? Not to sound rude but... he didn't really give off those vibes. Or maybe you just couldn't get emperor out of your head. Prince in nothing like him either.

"We kept all our gaming consoles from family members, and dad's consoles were always my favorite! Mostly Nintendo stuff. I miss the days where I'd sit and get a buncha one-ups for him while he'd go make himself a coffee."

He toyed with the buttons of the controller that he brought himself.

"Dad wasn't around lots, but he sure was fun when he was! He taught me how to play, and I took his skills and multiplied em' by twenty!"

Hah, that seemed excessive. But that makes some more sense now.

"You don't have any siblings?" He really did cross you as a younger sibling type.

"Nahh- wouldn't've had any time to play if I had any older siblings I figure, y'know? But I did have this real close friend who was like a brother to me! His name was Zack, miss the guy. He stayed back home."

It was soon his time to battle again, and you cheered him on. His 'backstory' wasn't all that surprising for how he seemed- his personality and all. You're glad he grew up being able to find a favorite hobby so easily. He's also great at bringing people together and making friends, which is quite a skill.

You look over to him, who's chatting it up with his opponent. It seems friendly- the both of them are giggling at something he said. The opponent points at his controller and you see their lips move, and he gets all starry-eyed. It's cute, really.

As expected, he gets into first place. You two fistbump as you walk by each other, you heading to take his seat to play your following match. A well- aimed green shell at the last second lands you in first as well on the third lap, making you let out a short sigh of relief. Of course you'd love to battle Leo- it's only right.

You hear Leo on the phone, and he's giving you a not-very-patient look. He swiftly hands you the phone as Milo says hello. He was just calling to say that dinner was almost ready, and he was wondering if you guys would be back soon. If not, he could put your guys' stuff in the oven a bit later. He wasn't expecting you guys to be this long, but this is "much more important" Leo claims. It doesn't take long before you're facing off in the finals against Leo and two others.

The first two rounds he's much ahead of the other racers, you on his tail the whole time to give him a false sense of confidence. On the third lap, green shell in hand, you hesitate for a moment. You quickly glance over at how excited Leo seems, and that childlike enthusiasm convinces you to miss the shot on purpose, allowing him a close win.

You sigh with a shake of your head and smile on your face as you lift his hand up to proclaim the winner.

.

.

.

Feb.28.24

Next Part

[decks-writing-blog]

Whatever the Fuck Benrey Is: Chapter Three: Feel Bad For Him

Chapter One: Never Stayed Dead

Previous Chapter: But You Owe Me

~

‘Sulky’ was the only way that could describe Benrey’s attitude. Short noncommittal answers were his only replies when Gordon asked him about this or that clothing item. And he didn’t say anything unprompted as he followed. He was utterly unhelpful in every way but he wasn’t being an active nuisance or wondering off again so it was preferable.

Gordon put up with it for as long as he could bear before giving up and just picking stuff out for Benrey without even bothering to ask. Probably because he was used to see Benrey in blue, he ended up picking out mostly blue and other cool coloured clothing. It would make the inhuman yellow he’d chosen for to put in his eyes pop but most people would likely assume he was wearing contacts. Anyone wearing such contacts would want them to stand out, thus making them less suspicious.

Blessedly after paying for everything, they were allowed into the changing rooms so they could spend the rest of their shopping trip in real clothing. Immediately Gordon felt better; he was clean, safe, and wearing proper clothing again at long last. And their group no longer stood out even a little, making the fear of anyone noticing them and asking too many questions much less potent.

As they set to grocery shopping, Benrey continued to sulk as he followed along at the back of the group. Apparently he was really upset about no one being willing to buy him a new PS3. As long as he was expressing that in sullenness and not trying to kill them though, Gordon didn’t care. Let the bastard be unhappy for once, he deserved it after all the misery he’d put Gordon through.

Without easy access to a fridge and the only means to cook anything being the microwave in the hotel’s cafeteria area, the kinds of food they could get were limited. But anything was better than living off of vending machine snacks and dead pigeon that was always undercooked in some places and burnt in others. Somehow though despite how much soda they’d drank during that same trip through hell, Gordon just barely managed to convince to not add it to the list here. They could spend their money how they wanted of course but packs of soda were always bulky and they had enough to carry already.

Luckily the walk back to the hotel wasn’t long even if it was uncomfortable carrying so many bags at the height of the day’s heat. Not so luckily though, upon inquiring at the front desk, there were no new rooms available. Gordon had to continue sharing with Benrey. Tempting as it was to complain to the receptionist or the rest of the Science Team again, he didn’t bother.

As soon as they were back in their room, Benrey dropped the bags Gordon had given him to carry and wondered over to flop face first down onto the bed. Ignoring him being the easiest thing to do, Gordon set to putting stuff away. Including Benrey’s clothing, not a job he should have to do but he wasn’t in the mood to start something. Their share of the groceries, he put some in the night stand, the rest he left put in a box next to it.

Once everything was put away, he sat in the chair and pulled the phone out of its cradle, resting it on his lap while he dialed. By some miracle he remembered his supervisor’s phone number after only a little bit of thought. As usual, because the asshole never picked up his phone, it inevitably went voice mail.

“Hey, if you’re not dead,” though there was a good chance he was, “it’s Gordon Freeman. As you probably know, stuff kinda exploded and went to hell during my last shift. So I’m calling because I don’t know if I technically still have a job at Black Mesa or not. So I’d like news on that as well as compensation since it was a workplace accident and all that. Also uh… I got a thing that I need help handling. I can’t talk about it over the phone because it’s sensitive company stuff,” and because Benrey, the exact thing he was talking about, was right there, “but it’s important. So get in touch soon.” He gave the hotel name and his room number before hanging up with a sigh.

Probably the guy was dead so he’d have to go further up the chain of command if he wanted any hope of getting confirmation on his job status, compensation for his suffering while on the job, and/or answers on what he was supposed to do with Benrey. Perhaps all the way up to Administrator Breen,himself. Normally he would’ve balked at such a thought but after everything he’d been through he’d run out of fucks to give.

Though the situation with the US military did make it a bit more complicated. They could threaten to turn him in if he tried to demand anything from the company. But then he could in turn threaten to spill the news of the incident to the public if they tried. Or heck, he’d taken part in plenty of top secret experiments even before this latest fiasco that he could threaten to reveal too. He didn’t currently have any proof of any of it – it had all been in his office or living space at the Black Mesa facility – but he could bluff and say he did. Perhaps he could even head down there to get that proof.

The thought of returning so soon sent a chill down his spine. But… it might be a smart idea. Everything should’ve calmed down by now both in terms of the aliens as well as the military. They could check to see if any of the possessions were salvageable and well, there might be survivors they could help. And if Gordon really did have to black mail the company to get them to compensate him and the rest of the team, having the means to actually do so before he even needed to threaten it would be helpful.

If they were going to go down there, the sooner, the better. … He didn’t want to though, not today. It was too soon, he needed some some time. Tomorrow would be better. If they heard nothing from Black Mesa by then, he’d talk to the others about renting a car and heading down there to see if there was anything to see. For now, he was done thinking about it.

Instead, he looked over at Benrey, still lying face down on the bed. It couldn’t possibly be comfortable but he didn’t seem inclined to move any time soon. “How long you planning to sulk for?” Talking to him might be a bad idea but the silence was too heavy.

Benrey’s response was so muffled by the pillow his face was pressed into, it was indecipherable. Gordon could just get up and leave him there, would be justified in doing so too, and go talk to the others instead. But Tommy had made a good point about all their fun stuff being gone or at least currently inaccessible. Fun stuff wasn’t necessary for survival but it was necessary for thriving and after everything they’d been through, fun distraction would not only be really damn nice but also much deserved.

Since starting college, Gordon hadn’t had as much time to play video games as he’d have liked. Getting hired at Black Mesa had given him a little more time since he lived and worked in the facility but he’d mostly been focused on work. They’d been working on some pretty cool projects after all… though they seemed less cool now. Getting lost in video games was more appealing of an concept than ever. And there were by far worse coping mechanisms he could be tempted to turn to if he resisted this one. Benrey being a gamer too meant he could kill two birds with one stone; fun distraction for himself and something to keep Benrey occupied and hopefully content enough to not cause more problems.

With a sigh, Gordon stood back up and put his shoes back on. “I’m about to head to the used game store, you wanna come with?”

For a moment it seemed Benrey hadn’t heard or wasn’t going to respond but after several seconds he twisted his neck to look up at Gordon. Far enough that it looked painful but he wasn’t human so he was probably fine. He opened his mouth but Gordon quickly cut him off before he could say something stupid.

“We’re getting an old, used, cheap console with old, used, cheap games, nothing new or expensive. I only got so much in savings. But I am willing to buy a couple games solely for you if it’ll keep you from being a nuisance and if you promise to behave. Understood?”

Benrey pushed himself up and was back to his feet in seconds. “Yeah, yeah, understood.”

“You promise to behave?”

“I promise to behave. Let’s go.” It was quick and Benrey was already starting for the door so it would have to be good enough for now.

~

Despite having made it clear that he was a Sony fanboy, Benrey was the one who suggested they get the Game Cube instead of the original Play Station because, “There’s more good games for it.” Which was true, the store’s selection of Game Cube games was almost twice as big as it’s Play Station section.

He was also the one to suggest they get multiplayer games. Gordon didn’t like the idea of playing games with him but after some thought he agreed that it was a good idea. Since they had to share the console, they were bound to end up fighting over it, having some games they could play together should mitigate that to some extent. Besides he did like the idea of occasionally playing with Tommy, Bubby, and Dr. Coomer if they desired to as well.

In all, the shopping trip was quick, easy, and Benrey was relatively well behaved the whole time. They walked away with a Game Cube, four controllers, two memory cards, a decent handful of games and three Beyblades from the toy box next to the cashier for less than a brand new PS3 would’ve cost. Gordon had checked to see if he could get Dr. Coomer a SNES and Super Punch Out but the latter wasn’t in stock so he put the idea on the shelf for later.

For now instead, during the walk back to the hotel he stopped by the 7/11 to get everyone their own two litter bottle of soda – all on brand, unlike the cheap stuff available at Black Mesa’s vending machines – and at Benrey’s suggestion a box of on brand candy too. It wasn’t much but he owed the Science Team his life so he wanted to do something at least kind of nice for them. Benrey got included solely because he was physically with Gordon at the time and well, he was feeling generous so why not?

“They got pizza too,” Benrey said as he bumped his shoulder into Gordon’s as he made his third and final trip to the counter – having only one real hand meant he couldn’t carry it all at once until it was bagged and Benrey’s arms were full with their game purchases, meaning he couldn’t help.

“Yeah, and?”

“Could get some… maybe?”

“What? No. Have you ever had 7/11 pizza?”

“Nope. This is my first time inside a real 7/11.”

Damn, another reminder that Benrey probably spent his whole life locked up inside Black Mesa. Gordon still refused to feel bad for him though. The world had been better and safer with Benrey contained. Now apparently it was Gordon’s job to prevent him from running amuck and causing untold chaos until he could get him to someone who could contain him again.

What were the pay rates for babysitting whatever the fuck Benrey was? Had to be pretty high, right? Between that and the compensation he was owed, he should be set for life. Maybe he really could retire and spend the rest of his life goofing off and playing video games online.

For now though, he finished putting the last of his purchase on the counter and said to Benrey, “Well, trust me, unless you’re high enough that you’re happy to eat literally anything, convenience store pizza is garbage. Like, it’s worse than frozen pizza.”

“Oh, no thanks then, frozen pizza’s pretty bad. It’s too cold and the plastic wrapping gets stuck your teeth, real uh… real awful. The cardboard ain’t bad but can’t save it.”

The cashier ringing everything up chuckled, clearly believing it to be a joke. Gordon wasn’t so sure. It was tempting to ask but he didn’t need to know and just laughed along instead because Benrey eating a frozen pizza straight out of the freezer, packaging and all, was a pretty funny mental image.

~

Upon returning to the hotel the first thing Gordon did was unload all the sodas and candy, much to the delight of the Science Team. Especially Tommy once the Beyblades were brought out for him too. Sunkist had apparently caught up and seemed excited too. Gordon would have to get her a bone or toy of some sort eventually. Which he would have to talk to Tommy about to ensure he got here something that wouldn’t be dangerous to her health if she had an allergy or whatever. That was for later though, for now he just wanted to go back to his own room and relax for a bit.

Even before Gordon was quite finished closing the door behind them, Benrey was off and starting to plug the Game Cube into the TV. Being an older console and an older TV, they were perfectly suited to each other. “Wanna play Melee?” Benrey asked as he turned towards Gordon, holding up the appropriate game box.

“Sure. Go easy on me though, I’m, uh, down a hand.” Later he was going to have to do some research on how difficult it would be to get or make a controller meant for use with a single hand.

“Of course, of course. Gotta go easy on the noobs otherwise they ain’t gonna wanna play anymore and then that’s no fun.”

Gordon could perhaps find reason to be annoyed with being called a noob but it had been a long time since he’d played the original Smash Bros back on the N64. Back when the Game Cube was new, he’d considered himself too cool for Nintendo. So this was his first time owning one and thus, he was a noob. Nothing wrong with that though.

***

Even when going as easy on Gordon as he could while still actively playing the game, beating him was almost trivial. Benrey had never even played Melee against real people before but Gordon took only slightly more effort to beat than the easy bots.

Normally Benrey would’ve teased him to hell and back for being so bad but he knew why Gordon was playing so poorly. Game Cube controllers were designed to be used with two hands. Gordon straddled his on his gun hand while awkwardly splaying his left hand over it. Technically he could press the buttons and move the analog stick at the same time but not with any degree of finesse.

If Benrey had known leading Gordon to the soldiers would result in him permanently losing a part of his body, he wouldn’t have done it. There was being bad because he’d been wronged – and so Gordon would pay more emotion-filled attention to him – and then there was his actions resulting in Gordon having only one functioning hand for the rest of his life.

“If humans don’t grow back cut off bits does that mean they also don’t, uh… come back when you kill them?” He eventually had to ask once he’d knocked Gordon down to his final stock for the third time.

“Nope. As a popular meme says, ‘people die when they are killed’. It’s permanent unless it’s the kind of thing a doctor can resuscitate someone from. That’s pretty rare though.”

“What about Bubby? He comes back when he dies and he’s human.” Or at least Benrey was pretty sure he counted as such.

“He does?”

“Bro, you saw him die at least like… twice, I think. He comes back.”

“Well… Bubby’s special. He was made in the lab so even if he is human, he’s got stuff going on that the rest of us don’t. Normal humans stay dead when they die and don’t grow back lost body parts. Heck, you injure us bad enough and we’ll be permanently fucked up because of it.”

“Damn. Your species don’t got much going on, huh?” And their little fight took on a whole new meaning. Benrey had thought they’d been mostly still chill even if they’d been actively trying to kill each other. But if death was permanent for humans that meant the nothingness between it and reformation would be permanent as well, right? Making trying to kill someone a much bigger deal than Benrey had thought.

“Hey, we got plenty going on, we’re just not immortal or whatever like… whatever the fuck you are. What even are you?”

Before answering, Benrey won the round. It was so easy it wasn’t as fun as it could’ve been. While the announcer claimed him the winner, he looked over at Gordon sitting on the chair next to him. “I’m not human.”

“Yes, we’ve established that but what are you?”

Benrey hadn’t considered that question in a long time and it had been even longer since he’d cared. “I don’t know.”

“What? How do you not know what you are?”

“Just don’t.” He was Benrey and he wasn’t human, what more mattered?

“They made you in the lab too, didn’t they?”

“Um… maybe. I’m not really sure. All I remember is the lab though so probably, I guess.”

Gordon was silent for a few seconds, his face full of thought before it scrunched up in sudden anger. “God fucking damn it!”

“Whoa bro, why you so angry?” Benrey wasn’t always great at telling what kinds of things would make people mad at him but he was pretty sure that that shouldn’t have. What did he know though? Sometimes people just got mad at him even when he didn’t intend for them to.

“I’m not… or I guess I am angry. But not at you and it doesn’t matter right now. Let’s just shut up and keep playing.” He turned his attention back onto the TV, pressing start to get them back to the character select screen.

After switching characters to Link – he had a sword so he was cool – Benrey rested his controller on his knee and bent his right arm around behind himself. Playing one handed was only fair, right?

Somehow Gordon didn’t seem to notice until he won the round and turned to look at Benrey again. Whatever he’d been going to say died on his lips and his eyes widened a bit surprise. “Oh, I guess that explains why you were playing so much worse suddenly. You don’t uh… don’t gotta do that for me.”

“Nah, beating you’s too easy, gotta even the playing field a bit to make it more fun.” And it had been more fun, certainly it meant he could put real effort in without it being a steamroll. He’d even lost that round, pretty handily too because Gordon had more one-handed practice at this than him, but it was only a matter of time before he got his mojo back. And then when he started winning again, he could tease Gordon for being bad.

“Oh, um… okay then, I ain’t gonna complain about that, thanks.” Gordon turned his attention back on the game and started the next round.

***

Gordon had been planning on not tolerating sharing the bed with Benrey again. He’d been intending to insist Benrey sleep on the floor or in one of the chairs. But then Benrey had inadvertently made Gordon feel bad for him. No wonder he was so fucked up and weird, he’d spent his entire life in the lab and didn’t even know if he was made in it or they’d just found him super young and kept him around to experiment on. Idiot didn’t even seem to understand how fucked up that was which just made it worse.

Bubby had a similar life story – though he at least seemed to understand that it was horrible to some degree – which largely had to do with why Gordon had forgiven him for his part in the betrayal. Just like he’d forgiven Dr. Coomer for the whole clones trying to kill him thing. Being part of or the product of an unethical science experiment was bound to result in acting out a little, being a little strange, and maybe not fully grasping the ethics and impact of one’s actions. And so Gordon should forgive Benrey too, shouldn’t he? He didn’t want to though.

And so after wrestling with the thought on and off for hours, reaching no conclusions, it was finally time to go to bed. He’d planned what he was going to say earlier at Target; ‘You’re sleeping on the floor tonight.’ A statement, not a request, brooking no room for argument. ‘You’re not human so you don’t need to sleep in a bed. Beds are for humans,’ if Benrey tried to argue. But even if he didn’t forgive and thus very much wanted to not share the bed with Benrey again, he did still feel bad. Bad enough that making Benrey sleep on the floor seemed too harsh and with no other options available, that meant sharing the bed again.

It was big enough for two people though, no cuddling or touching necessary if they stayed close enough to separate sides. Which would leave them close to the edges, perhaps more than Gordon preferred but not so close they’d for sure roll off. They were both full grown adults, they could handle sharing a bed without making it weird. But wait, Benrey wasn’t human so…

“You’re an adult, right?” Gordon asked as stepped out of the bathroom, wearing the pajamas he’d bought from himself earlier.

Benrey looked up from where he sat on the chair by the window. “Uh… why you asking?”

“Just you know, you’re not human so I figured maybe you’re in like a larval stage or something and you’re gonna one day make yourself a cocoon and transform into something more monstrous. Like how caterpillars turn into butterflies or whatever.” Or like he had in Xen but more permanent.

“Nah… I don’t think I can cocoon myself. Though I guess I’ve never thought about it before. I could try it.”

“I’d prefer if you didn’t. I mostly just want to know if you’re a child or adolescent version of whatever you are. I’ve been assuming you’re an adult this whole time but like, I don’t even know what you are and neither do you apparently so I could be wrong.”

“I’m full-grown. Or uh… full-grown in that sense. I can physically grow bigger, just don’t want to.” Great so he had no excuse for acting like an immature little brat at times. Except he still did because he’d been raised in a lab as a science experiment. Probably no one had ever bothered to try to teach him how to behave and thus even now as an adult he had no idea how to properly interact with others. That didn’t mean Gordon had to like him or forgive him but it was another good reason be the bigger man and not let Benrey get under his skin anymore. And so…

“Good, great. That means we can both be mature adults about his sharing a bed situation. There doesn’t have to be anything weird or uncomfortable about it. We were too tired to discuss or even think about it last night so let’s do this now. You sleep on one side of the bed and I sleep on the other and we don’t touch, got it? I request the side closest to the door.” That way if anything tried to attack through the window, he could make a run for the exit. Though, probably an attack was more likely from the door so maybe window side was better. It’d be easier to get cornered there though so actually…

“Oh, I thought you liked touching.”

Gordon flinched out of his thoughts as he looked over at Benrey again. “What made you think that?”

“You slept in the middle last night.” He stood to walk over and point to said middle. “Made it hard to join you without touching so I thought you did it on purpose ‘cause you wanted to touch.”

“No, I just wasn’t thinking.” That at least explained why they’d woken up so close. “Sorry, I guess. But we’re on the same page now though, right? No touching.”

“Lame bro, that sucks. But fine, whatever, no touching.” He genuinely sounded disappointed.

“Why is that lame?” And should Gordon really ask? It was too late now though, his bad tendency to speak before thinking coming back to bite him again.

“You’re warm. It feels nice.”

Oh, that wasn’t so bad. A bit weird but not anything super creepy like Gordon had feared. “All right, uh… good night then.” He turned off the lights and got into bed, staying just far enough way from the edge for there to be only little danger of rolling off in the middle of the night.

Chapter Four:

[jbbartram-illu]

Hey hi hello!

I’m a big fan of your work, I bought a small raven witch from you, which I love and cherish, and I was wondering if I could ask you what kind of tools you’re using for your sgraffito?

I’m getting back into ceramics myself, and I just got a little jackalope cup back from the kiln, where I tried to sgraffito détails in my slip, but the cobalt was meltier than I anticipated and it covered most of them. I think I need to work on my application, but also that a thicker line might help, and I was wondering what you were using?

You can check my stuffs at @unnamedartist-portfolio if you want, and if you have any advice, I would be so honored to hear them!

Hope you have a fantastic day! :)

Hello @iam-adreamwalker! My apologies for taking 500yrs to reply to this - I've only just now found the time to take some better photos of my sgraffito gear.

These are basically all of my sgraffito tools, but you definitely don't need this many (I just have a pottery-tool-buying PROBLEM). My core tools are the ones to the left - the two pointy sticks & the two carve-y guys. Both of the wire loop tools are by Kemper, and I'm not 100% sure the brands of the sticks. The colourful set is from Xiem and is nice if you're doing a ton of sgraffito work, because it offers so many options for carving! I especially like the round-loop tools for carving feathers.

Here are some close-ups of my main tool gang:

I especially like the darker-brown stick tool because its point is slightly rounded, making it easier to scrape the slip off the surface of the clay vs. just making a deeper line that won't be as dramatic (more on technique later!).

Speaking of rounded-tip tools, I just realized I forgot my other favourite, a core tool that could replace the lighter-wood pointy stick in my Most Important Sgraffito Tools ranking - the ball-ended, double-sided stylus! This thing is a tiny powerhouse and, like the more rounded point on the dark-wood stick, it gently draws the slip off the clay rather than gouging:

Next up, slip! I'm not sure what you were using as your colour layer, because you mentioned that it ran/moved on the surface of the clay, which my stained slip doesn't do. Did you mix glaze into the slip? Or were you working with a powered pigment?

When I'm making coloured slip, I use a powdered pigment called Mason Stain, which can be used to dye slip, clay, and clear glaze bases (eg. to make translucent celadon glazes). I use a couple different brands, but it's all called Mason Stain.

If you're a sensible person you can find proper recipes for mixing the slip and the stain, but I honestly go by how it looks - I add it to the slip a few spoonfuls at a time, mix, and see how pigmented the slip looks. If you want to really make sure the pigment is well-mixed you can get a stick blender from a thrift store or attach a mixing head onto an electric drill (something I'd like to upgrade to as the stick blender is SUPER messy & hard to clean out), but I mostly just mix it really well with a stir stick.

Once it's mixed, I keep my slips in these little self-sealing glass containers from IKEA, which stop it from drying out too fast (I tried keeping slip in regular jars & it turned into a rock...you definitely need a container with a rubber seal on it!). You'll still need to add water here & there, but it can sit for weeks without too much concern.

My slip is a little thick & gloopy, so I usually brush two layers of slip onto the leather-hard sculpture, letting each dry before I put on the next coat, and I let it dry until it's no longer at all tacky before I start carving (otherwise things WILL smudge and it WILL be terribly messy.

Finally, technique! I did take a look at your blog & the sgraffito project you mentioned & one thing I noticed was that your scratch marks were very deep and didn't reveal much clay under the scratched-away slip. This is an easy thing to have happen, especially if your slip/clay/both are still too wet or you're putting too much pressure on the carving tool.

My best tips for remedying this are:

Make sure the slip isn't at all tacky to the touch & that the clay underneath is leather hard.

Go very gently at first! It doesn't take much to scratch the slip away and you can always come back and take away more slip/make your carving area deeper if you want to, but you can't put the clay back!

Use the carving tools at an angle to the clay (somewhere around 45º ish, this is not a hard science), not perpendicular to it - this will stop you from stabbing straight down instead of scraping. If you've ever done linocut prints, think of the angle you hold the linocut tool at - sgraffito is generally a pulling-towards motion vs. a pushing away one for lino, but the angle is important either way!

Having even just a small variety of tools (eg. my core 4-5 as shown above) will also help, as you'll have options for line-weight/how much slip a tool takes off.

Phew! I sort of got carried away there, but I hope this was helpful?? If you have any more questions (or if anyone else does), please don't hesitate to ask! I'm still planning on making a proper sgraffito tutorial/series of tutorials, but need to find the time for all the filming/editing that requires.