#ive been a little swamped with things lately ;;;;;;;

[a-libra-writes]

👉👈 can i get some nicodeme savoy romantic hcs please? Im thinking he and s/o (or crush) probably work together or smth bc that's how i personally see a relationship with him or even Serafine working, but feel free to go about it how you like ^^

Hehe I got a bevy of Nico requests, this one is gonna be some Romantic HC's (like ive got with the others) with additional HCs of working with him on the bottom!

Nico's a pretty easy guy to start flirting with. If there's a handsome fellow or lovely lady who wants his attention, who is he to refuse? He takes it in stride, not really pushing or pursuing too hard - you set the speed. The only time he'll put on the brakes is if you're clearly angling for something serious; Nico is quite upfront about wanting a more casual relationship.

While he's flirting with you, Serafine likes to do the same, even if just to bug him or interrupt. They've always been like this with each other's romantic interests, and have even shared flings. Note if you aren't comfortable with it or aren't interested in women, she picks up quickly and doesn't continue her flirtations. The teasing will be endless, though. No escape.

(Sometimes it actually bugs him out his sister will interrupt right when the flirting gets to something more. He just makes a mental note to pay her back later.)

Nico definitely takes you places that aren't traditional dating spots ... The Marigold room, boxing matches, rowdy and cramped speakeasies he heard about from a cousin of a friend of a friend. While he'll also go places you suggest, these spots are where he seems to be most relaxed and in his element. And if you're masc or present as such, it's much easier to be physically affectionate and open in those underground places.

Also, showing you off is fun! Nico will say as much. Whether you're at his side or in his lap, he has a comfortable yet steady arm around you to make it clear who you're with. He really loves it when people try to flirt anyway, just so he can stop them short with a "They're a little occupied, don't you think?" and give you a kiss right on the neck. He is shameless.

Actually, he thinks it's kind of funny when others flirt with you, and then you immediately shoot them down once he shows up. Huge ego boost, as if he needs any more. Almost makes being late to the date worth it.

And on that note, Nico is a very affectionate guy. He's most likely going to be the bigger person between you two, which he likes. Nico likes picking you up like it's nothing, giving you big squeezing hugs, and carrying you around. It's extra fun when you get flustered and embarrassed. He likes kisses and making out and really doesn't care who sees, though Serafine will toss something at him when it's time to stop and get a room.

Also, he's surprisingly conservative with his energy when he isn't fighting, so he likes lazy days with you, too. Resting his head in your lap, rubbing his cheeks against your's when you wake up together and going back to sleep. He's actually pretty damn content with just snuggling. It's fun when you're smaller because he can just lean and flop on you and you can't do much to move him. Serafine knows if he doesn't come home, he's probably at your place, so if she needs him she drives by there and blares her horn until he comes out. Oh, and if you like his accent, he's definitely playing it up and thinking up silly petnames for you.

(Not a serious relationship tho)

He doesn't like talking about the relationship being "exclusive", just stating that he'd rather not be tied down and he doesn't get why you'd want to complicate things. That's the claim, but it's pretty clear to his sister that he's lost interest in his other dalliances. Nico just shrugs and tells her they aren't as fun. She tries to suss out your feelings on the matter as well, but she'll always be on her brother's side, and she won't convince him to be something he's not.

You'll actually get the big guy talking about his childhood, and the swamp they nearly died in. He likes hearing about your's, especially if it was very different from how he grew up. If you're well-off he likes teasing about you being an "uptown cat" whose messing around with a stray, but it doesn't truly bother him. Nico might even be willing to meet some family members, but never in a formal setting, and he won't try to smooth his rough edges.

He is what he is, and there's really no changing it. Still, it's obvious Nico cares for you dearly, even if he doesn't wax poetic about it or go about it in a traditional way.

If you both work together, that's just fine for him - more time to spend with you, and you both would get closer much faster. Having to rely on someone in a gunfight and trust they won't chicken out or abandon you will do that.

The siblings might prefer having you on their jobs over Mordecai, if you're more prone to "fun" and chaos like they are. Nico likes to show off for you and flirt mid-firefight, and just laughs if you scold him. He's more situationally aware than he appears, though; if you're in danger he's quick to leap to action, just as he would for his sister.

He's probably gotten himself hurt doing that, though he isn't bothered by it. Nico has a remarkably high pain tolerance and would probably walk off a bullet wound if you and his sister didn't stop him. More than once he's showed up to your home bloody, having gone to you before the Marigold doctor. Can you blame him for wanting to be fussed over by you instead of that old man? At least if he's hurt on a job you're both at, you can drive his ass to proper medical care.

Oh, and he's not above giving you a kiss before and after a job. Or during, if there's a quiet moment. Hey, he's still paying attention (probably). Serafine just rolls her eyes and tells him to focus (or you to stop encouraging him), but she plays along if Mordecai is around. The shadowy cat is making disgusted noises and very bluntly telling you two to focus and do those things elsewhere.

Also, work with the Savoy siblings long enough, and you're likely to be inducted into their whole 'Maitre Carrefour' group, and it ... may not be entirely optional. If you're loyal to the siblings, Nico will convince his sister to not bother you so much about it, but it's clear Serafine wants you to be a part of it. The three of you end up being a well-known trio amongst the Marigold gang, which would only make Mordecai more wary and unwilling to be 'friendly' with you three (actually, the blatant PDA probably bothers him more.)

[echos-castle]

Bubba….:(

I can’t regress right now but I wanna- what do I do? :(

-🐢

hi pumpkin, im so sorry this reply is so late, ive been so swamped with school and stuff rn.

i hope you were able to regress but if you still want some tips i can tell you what i like to do when im having trouble regressing. ill often put on a comforting show or movie, or some music if i feel like it. if i have free time, ill do some activities that make me feel small, like coloring and drawing, doing crafts, finding little worksheets to do (can you tell doing creative things really makes me feel small heheh). if i have a lot of energy i might put on some music and have a little dance party by myself, or ill go play in a park or playground! sometimes im really sleepy though, and i just wanna be tiny and cuddle my stuffies and snuggle up in a blanket and watch a cozy movie. this is just stuff i like to do to help me regress, but i hope this gives you a few ideas <3

[inflatablelugia]

i love motley jokerman bungle a lot, same with his little yellow boyfriend (i don't remember this one's name) and the clown witch looking lady with the crocodile face (maribel i think) theyre all very cool and whimsical fellows who i enjoy greatly 😊

🃏YES that was Motley and Ragtag, ive been at a loss for what to do with motley lately

🟢Maribel was like a shopkeeper

🟢x2 She had a little sister named Matilda

Who was supposed to be a party member in an rpg, as the witch character next to 2 vampires and a zombie rabbit. 🟡🔴🟢🔵

🏡Outside of Jasper's mansion is many things. Like a Swamp.

🟢x3 Maribel and Matilda's mother Margatroyd lives in the swamp and her head was the foundation for their shack. 🏠

im never sure what i should just blurt out and what i should put behind a paywall lately but im enjoying writing all this on my phone on the train. i remember damn everything about my oc lore im just the only person who knows much of it rn.

[bimboficationblues]

whats the good comics to read? ive read & liked hellboy & flex mentallo, watchmen was pretty good. did not rly enjoy punisher that much tho i read a lot of it like 15 years ago. ive read a couple of batman runs as well tho aside from killing joke idr which ones.

caveat that I've been mostly reading Marvel stuff of late and I kinda dropped off comics like...a month and a half ago or so cause of work and pivoting to interest in film, though I'm hoping to get back into it. But here are some things I've enjoyed!

The original Stan Lee and Gerry Conway Amazing Spider-Man runs are great if you want old-school character drama and have the patience for excessive exposition. The same caveats go for Chris Claremont's tenure on Uncanny X-Men which are some of my favorite cape comics ever. This run is really long, so if you want a condensed idea of what it's like, "God Loves, Man Kills" is a great graphic novel that kinda captures the spirit of that era and its core characters, and I also adore the Starjammers/Brood Saga. The New Teen Titans by Marv Wolfman, which @radiofreederry is chronicling as she reads it, works for similar reasons as Claremont's X-Men, which it was emulating and in some ways surpasses.

J. Michael Straczynski's Amazing Spider-Man run...there are two options here: 1) Just read the period where John Romita Jr. is the artist, which ends with "The Book of Ezekiel" arc. This is the strongest and most consistent section of the story. It actually made me cry at least once or twice. 2) Read the whole run, but recognize that it *will* shit the bed at least three times, two of which are mostly pointless and skippable ("Sins Past" and "The Other"), one of which is both one of the worst stories ever told and fundamentally damaged the character to this day, *and* the unfortunate, editorially imposed conclusion to the whole creative run ("One More Day"). However this section also includes two of my favorite Spider-Man stories ("Mr. Parker Goes to Washington/The War at Home," imo the only part of Civil War that actually proved the value of the event, and "Back in Black") so it depends on your patience and willingness to deal with wack stuff in order to get to good parts.

Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo's Fantastic Four run is like, really charming and beautiful and silly but moving. Honestly a perfect run imo.

My favorite Batman story is unquestionably The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, which was a big influence on the Matt Reeves Batman movie (which is also my favorite Batman film). Really embraces the character's detective qualities, which is when I think he's most interesting - I don't need him to be doing a lot emotionally or be the most unconquerable creature with tons of prep time, I need him to be Hercule Poirot in a silly suit. But if you want a great detective story without Batman's baggage, Denny O'Neill's The Question is so so good. Funny, dark, politically charged, philosophically poignant. Kind of ends unsatisfactorily but the ride there is really good detective drama.

If you like Hellboy, it's worth checking out a lot of the late 80s DC/Vertigo lineup which aimed for weirdness and high concepts. This includes Alan Moore's Swamp Thing, Gaiman's The Sandman, Hellblazer, Animal Man, and Doom Patrol. Double-recommendation for Doom Patrol and Animal Man, because both were written by Flex Mentallo author Grant Morrison.

Let's see...George Perez's Wonder Woman is a cool mix of grounded drama and high-fantasy. I like it best when Perez is on pencils and writing, not just the latter. Hawkworld is the only good Hawkman story. Morrison's All-Star Superman is great but requires a lot of Superman familiarity to really appreciate imo. Warren Ellis's time on Thunderbolts is a fun little action/psychological thriller comic. Brian Michael Bendis' Dardevil is actually really good, it's the only thing he's written that I think is great without any qualifications. Gail Simone's Secret Six is a fun variant on the Suicide Squad concept. I like 2000s She-Hulk, Ghost Rider...the first forty-two issues of Ed Brubaker's Captain America is honestly a pretty sick spy thriller.

if I didn't' mention something well-regarded or contemporary here (e.g. Mark Waid's The Flash) assume I just haven't read it yet, I have an extremely long spreadsheet of things to read. This got pretty long but yeah, that's a bunch of stuff I've read and enjoyed!

[forestshadow-wolf]

I.S.B.T.P.K.F.T.S moments (chapter 4- Part 1)

Fic link written by @tavtarnish. Please go check it out. It is fantastic!

if anyone was invested in this at all, I sincerely apologize for not updating this for so long, I don't really have a reason other than I just got lazy. anyway- ONWARDS!!!

chapter 3 || Chapter 5

The opening of the chapter

The way it definitely implied that soap has undoubtedly been at it for a while. Long enough to settle into a routine. It also shows his frustration really well. The strength that he's hitting, and they way his mind still continues to wonder

Remembering hearing his mother call him angrily from the house

I feel like this is such a core memory for me. Also idk if anyone else had the experience where their parents kicked them out of the house during the summer and then got mad when they didn't make it back in time for dinner. Like I'm sorry?? All you said was go outside, and didn't give me a time to be back? Kinda got off topic here, the point was: core memory unlocked

Little john trying not to make the punishment worse by being gentle with the the door and stuff

I honestly have nothing to say at this point, it's just super relatable to me

Idk if ive said this before but his sisters' names

I just think they're lovely

They way he feels guilt even as a child for not being there to redirect or avoid completely his mother's anger

This makes me so sad :( bb it's not ur fault

The casset that he and his sister were fighting about just days earlier as an apology!!!!!

This is exactly how it is to have siblings, like you'll be at eachother's throats and then something happens and then it's like it never happened. Also never once has a verbal apology been as affective as an action

Also being able to feel the anger flowing off his mother... like that's when you know you're in some deep shit

The whole come home by the time the street lights come on

Is accurate. Relatable. Especially getting back late because fo the changing season...

The disappointment in his mother's voice

That one hurted just a lil bit bc disappointment is always just that much worse than anger isn't it??

And he understands her frustration

That just makes it all the worse, right? I mean he just wanted some more time to have fun with his friends, but that left his mother swamped with everything else. It's really a lose lose situation :/

Not bringing up his father "after the last time"

Knowing when to pick his battles. But also what happened last time?? I can only assume lots of yelling and crying and and just :(

The following quiet

And it's like nobody except you can feel the tension still in the air, and it's like the smallest thing could set everything off again

Im ignoring something for right now I will circle back to it in a moment. But lemme just say his father?

I'm not liking the vibes I get from him... there I said it. I don't like him

His mother brushing over his hair and the back of his head

Look I know I've been making it seem like I think mary is a bad mom, but she really isn't. She's just overworked and doing her best. And john understands that but he also needs to be able to be a kid. And mary needs help around the house bc there is too much to do and only one of her

Ok back to the thing I ignored. The way he wishes for her to just get angry

I think maybe it's bc when people are angry it's easy to deal with, either you argue back, stay quiet, or say/do whay they want you to right? But with the disappointment it's almost the same response just with no visable reason for it. It's harder to deal with because we as people are not taught how to fix it other than to "do better next time" but how does that fix what happened now?

I also want to pint out the bolded part

Bc like the yelling is so much easier to deal with than the calm voice. Maybe it's bc you can still feel the pent up tenson that might have normally been released with the yelling

Also he wonders if it makes him a bad son

And I think, maybe normally people don't wish for that, but it doesn't make him a bad son. Like I understand so completely how he feels, and it's so real that it's devastating. And it doesn't make him a bad son. And I know that because maybe for him it's just easier for him to deal with physical problems than it is for him to deal with whatever this is.

And then the last line of the flashback

God!! I just know he was beating himself up after that. I do. I just know. And it's the perfect segue back into the present moment.

Getting so lost hin his head that he forgets he's even really doing anything

I guess forget isn't really the right word. Like he knew enough to keep doing it, but kinda just tuned everything else out.

The way it all just bubbles up

The lights just too loud, the air hot and heavy with anger and frustration. And he's still aped up despite all the energy he spent. And he tried, he really does try to keep himself composed. But the irritation makes his bones buzz, and he just needs to do something, anything to get it out. And he's so worked up that he doesn't even realize he split his knuckles until he looked at them.

And then it keeps building

It's too much, all of it. The steaming anger, the loudness of the lights, the way his hair remains untamed despite his efforts

Focusing on his hair again, idc what anyone says, his hair is actually such an important part of him. So his hair getting in the way, in his face, even after he tries to rake it out of the way... maybe kinda like how he's having trouble with his emotional regulation? It's kinda like his emotions are clouding his rational thinking, which is a perfect lead to my next point.

Where it all finally boils over

He shouldn't, he knows he shouldn't. But the useless buzzing is still in his bones and flowing through his veins. And he just has to do something or he might just brun from the inside out.

And then the immediate regret

"If it isn't the consequences of my own actions" for real though this is actually an important part. Because sometimes even if it's a personal issue you have to choose the lesser of two evils, even if you don't know you even have options. Also I think the is very much foreshadowing what will happen if he doesn't properly acknowledge the problem, and also shows what it is doing to him in a physical manifestation.

Also perhaps symbolism of not actually vomiting... because ya boy is emotional constipated

Ok im gonna end this here for now, because if this sits im my drafts any longer it'll never get posted. Also sorry if this isn't as indepth as the other parts, I'm doing all of this on my phone.

[wannabepapa]

@widenmyhips here, just jumping in with some possible writing inspo? your cold weather/winter scenes are so cute but do you have any scenes about being pregnant in the summer, when it’s sunny and warm? love your work ✨

hi darling! thank you for the compliment you are very sweet. i'm glad you are enjoying my work because lately it feels like i have not been doing a very good job at my words coming across as comprehensive or even readable.

—

and for summer vibes? i can only imagine that being relatively uncomfortable. i live in the south and it is absolutely disgusting with the humidity making it like a swamp. worst of all the poor thing having the first trimester in the cooler months then as they get bigger the temperature rises? that would be a miserable existence without doing everything in your power to stay cool

↳ when you are wearing clothes they are very thin and breathable to not overheat. lots of short and loose tank tops or even no shirt on at all (those who have a chest would wear a comfortable bra) ↳ you're carrying around a huge water bottle to keep hydrated. no matter how awful it is to constantly have to pee you would much rather drink all the water, liquid iv, and electrolyte water so you don't feel like garbage later ↳ there is a small battery powered fan that goes out with you to keep you cool. it's not even a hot day most of the time but the child growing in your belly makes you so hot there is already sweat at your hairline when you step outside. you can't even have your partner hold your hand or stand too close because of how hot you feel ↳ your freezer is full of ice pops and ice cream for when you need a little pick-me-up. that old wives tale about having something hot to cool you down was a mistake—you did try it and not only did it make you break out in a sweat but the baby went crazy kicking your insides. never again. only cold things from now on ↳ naked is the only way you can sleep in the later months of your pregnancy. you sleep in the guest room with a fan blasting on you with nothing covering your body while your partner is asleep in the other room. it's hard being alone with no one to rub your belly when the baby gets active at four in the morning or kissing you good morning but you don't want to freeze your partner with the fan on you. ↳ in your last months in the privacy of your home you've got little on but underwear (bra if you have a chest or start developing them) when no one is around. you've been on leave for weeks now so you didn't need to wear anything. anyone that tries to come over know to call first before dropping in so no surprise nakey times traumatize people. not that you care. you're gravid and very uncomfortable in your house, it's not a bad thing. plus you're body is beautifully round everyone should be jealous.

that's all i have right now sorry! hope i did this justice

[pumpkzsafeplace]

hi pumpkin !!

so i hav a cg and shes really really nice but lately i feel lik shes getting bored of me ;; i always gotta text her first an she takes a while to respond

im not sure what to do , ive been getting hesitant to message her even when im little because of this and i realllly dont want to bring it up . is tjere some way i can try to talk to her more or anything

─•~❉᯽❉~•─

hihi lil bug’ 🌼

things like this can happen from time to time honey <3.

caregivers can get swamped up with school work, adult work or just day to day life in general. it doesn't mean that they don't care about you any less, it's just hard to look after someone whilst your struggling a little yourself <3.

i would maybe check in on her whilst your in big space and just see if everything is okay with her. if so, then maybe you could work out a routine so that you don't feel like your forcing her to be there & she can hopefully give you the full attention you need without being pulled away with other things <3.

i know it's such a difficult situation, so i'm wishing you all the best little one! & i hope things improve! <3

big big big hugs from me!

-🍰

[youresupervalid]

Hey tumbr i need some criticism

So ive been doing some writing and id like to know what yall think of it ^^

The clink of a cup rings throughout the restaurant as it hits the coaster. The one placing the cup is Jubilee. “BZZZZT” the piece in their ear rang throughout their head.

“Hey Juby baby!!!! Let me just say that you did an exquisite job on the last run”

You could hear the smirk he was wearing.

This dickweed really has lost the plot. A guttural groan escapes their throat.

“Oh what's wrong J-”

“Just tell me what you want from me… and don't call me Juby!”

“Oh come on hun you're no fun… Alright look there's this little place a little north of great Eiston, 

It's the corpse of an ancient empire.'' He says this as if he's trying to sell them on the idea.

“Now supposedly all the history and value has been left untouched.” again the complexion in his voice is one of a door to door salesman.

“Heh. you talk about it as if you actually care about the history and you're not just gonna sell it off without a care in the world” as they say this he scoffs, and a ding plays in their head as the location is added to their database.

A low pitched hum plays as he hangs up. Jubilee quickly finishes their food and heads up to the counter. Almost slamming their hand against the wood”

Almost in a whisper they speak “Hey the food was great… Alright look i was sent here to kill the chef as payment for what she did to Aoron”

The cashier's eyes widened with fear. “Butttttt ill count the food as payment enough” they pull out a piece of paper and write down an address.

“Give her this” written was the address of someone who had helped Jubilee get away from their past life.

If you asked Jubilee why they did that, a consistent answer is not something you should expect, because truthfully they did not know. The chef was a bad person, yes, but so was the one who contracted jubilee. Both saving and killing her would be bad karma.

They turn around and leave the restaurant without even a single complaint from anyone inside.

Jubilee would be walking to Great Eiston as vehicles are for people with money, not someone who's just barely getting by.

They instantly set off. Bringing with them all that they had… which was not much but they cherished every item in their possession. And off they went searching for an ancient empire lost to time.

The scurrying of frogs can be heard as a boot hits the ground.

“Who builds their empire in a fucking swamp” they ask themself. Jubilee tends to talk, argue, and question themself, no clue why they do it, they're just like that.

Murky, grimy, salty, smelly, all things I did not want to be surrounded by today…

Every step produced a sludgy squelching sound from beneath their boots. Until eventually they stood upon a pathway leading towards Great Eiston.

As they step foot through the gate of Eiston, an almost…. Sultry smell hits their nose, it's a pleasant yet weird shift from the scent just outside the walls. A city of great magnitude, everything promised in tales of this place were present and yet…. It's so soulless and empty, not empty in the way of people, there were almost too many of those, and yet…. Just empty.

But they did not care, they were just thankful they had made it inside before the sun began to set.

They had never really ran into the creatures of the night, they were always a little too careful as to not be out that late, however they had heard tales and stories of the horrors after dark, and somehow they just knew to stay away from the darkness.

They had no idea where they would hold up for the night, they just hoped they'd find an all night bar or something and just wait out the night, and that's exactly what they found.

Walking in they spot a free seat next to an old bloke and a… interesting creature side by side. The creature was very pale in complexion, with semi long hair and a bow in it.

As they sit down the guy pipes up. “You got nowhere to stay?”

Jubilee's head basically locked onto him at that moment, with confusion in their eyes.

“You dont look like a local… we have no where to stay either heh” he said in an almost regretful voice

“The names Hansen” he smiles, staring at the beer on the counter “what's yours?” he holds out his hand for a hand shake as he asks

“J-jubilee” they say in a shaky voice shaking his hand.

A small squeak type sound escapes the creature's throat. “Oh it likes your name heh” he awkwardly scratches his head.

“Whats its na-” he cuts me off before i can finish “Dung Bung… or thats what i call it” he looks at Dung Bung “and it seems to like the name so it's kinda stuck”

“Here let me order you a drink” he says as he looks up at my face “o-oh….”

Jubilee had a screen where their face should be, some may simply mistake it for a mask but upon further investigation it would be clear that it was no mask.

“How did that…” he cut himself off nervously.

“I.. dont wanna talk about it.” they awkwardly say twiddling their thumbs with regret and sadness in their voice

“Fair enough!” he thinks for a minute…

Jubilee shows him their hand knowing what was on their mind, built into their arm was a capsule injector. Hansen instantly understood that that's how they ate and drank.

He picked up the beer he had ordered a while ago and took a long swig, as he clanked the cup upon the table once more he joked “I don't think they sell capsule beer here” he chuckles a little.

They snicker in response. “Alcohol doesn't work on me anyway” they say in response.

“Oh well thats shit” he says chuckling as he takes another swig

“So how did you two meet?” they ask gesturing towards dung bung

“Oh man that's a long long story man…. Hey tell you what, ill make you a copy of my diary if you really wanna know” he says half joking.

“Ill have to take you up on that!” they say as they start gasping and almost fall to the floor.

Hasen and Dung look over as jubilee as they fall to ground grasping at their chest as they try to pull something out of their pocket, soon they pull a capsule out and shove it into their arm and inject it. Once they do so their breathing slowly returns to normal.

Hansen helps them stand back up. “Hey dude are you alright?”

“Y-yeah… it's just…” they sigh “My body starts to reject all this” they gesture to their face and arm “if i don't take that medicine every now and then” they look down at their feet almost disappointed “i must have forgotten today…”

They look up at Hansen, as dung bung wraps its hands around Jubilee in a big hug. its big jumper is so soft. Jubilee started to cry… or whatever constitutes crying for them. They spent the night in that bar, talking with Hansen and Dung.

Eventually morning arose, and they felt something new… they almost didn't want to leave, they inquired with Hansen about their feelings.

“You made some friends,” he answers wearing an almost sad smile “oh here” he hands them a book “told ya i would” he chuckles.

They look down at the book, the front cover reads ‘The diary of a nobody’ seems a little too humble if you asked them but oh well. They look up at Hansen and go to hug him, he reciprocates with a big warm hug.

Jubilee would stay if they could… but they had to go and so did Hansen, their paths were in opposite directions. “Hey,” he piped up, passing them a paper. “Those are my digits, message when some time wont you?” they nod.

“Well… goodbye” they say, as they turn around and head north. They were never good with goodbyes.

Jubilee's whole character basically changed back there… they had never met someone who was so nice to them. They look down at the book and paper before slipping them into their bag. 

The sludgy sounds as their boots hit the ground had returned as they set off out of the soulless city and back into the murky swamp.

“BZZZT” the sound of the piece in their ear startels them.

“Ayy lee, how are you going out there hun?”

Fucks sake he does not give up

“Hey atsou…. Please stop calling me hun” they say in a tone similar to the action of slamming your head against a wall.

“I’m almost at the ruins” they sigh.

“Oh good to hear…. Oh shit gotta go " a low humming “bzzt”’ plays as he hangs up.

The glimmering of a once great empire shines just within their vision, something that truly would have brought many to their knees back in its time. Such a glimmer fades the second the fullness of these ruins enters your view. 

Old, decrepit, smelly, and dirty, are all descriptive words for this place. and yet not a single one fully encompasses the vast disgust this place entails.

He never told me this place was a waste dump, that dickweed.

And that it was, a waste dump, bags and bags of trash strewn about with no rhyme or reason. Slimy, sticky, gooey, none of these words can fully describe the vibe of that place.

If you thought that simply being in a swamp was bad enough, you truly were not ready for what awaited you just beyond the gate.

An all encompassing smell of rot, and god knows what else, attacks your nostrils the second you get even 10 metres within range of this ghastly place.  

Jubilee notices two figures moving just beyond some rubble, they go to duck behind a bench beside the pavement, and observe the figures.

The one on the left had a tall muscular build with long messy red hair. She wore a maroon turtleneck jumper with armor and leather straps on top.

Whilst the one on the right had a shorter slightly less muscular build with short-ish parted hair with a light pink on one side and a light purple on the other. She wore a shirt with the sleeves ripped off and a sleek black long sleeved shirt underneath, and had armor on top also.

They were chatting whilst plucking at the rubble until they eventually pulled out an old book. Jubilee thought to themself how much they would get for bringing such a book back.

their thought was interrupted as one of them started approaching their location. They panic and decide to just stand up and deal with it.

The shorter one jumps back and screams a little “w-who are you…. Are you a raider???” 

The talker one buts in “Tom… we’re raider you idiot”

The shorter one whose name seemed to be Tom was blushing, and so was the taller one although you couldn't really tell through their darker complexion.

Jubilee had run into other raiders in the past but those raiders were triggerhappy and not very talkative.

“Alright to business. What are you doing here?” The tall one asks this in a manner that seems like they are trying to be intimidating but she is very much failing.

“I could ask you the exact same thing” they say in a jokey tone whilst having their hand ready to grab the iron on their hip in case anything happens.

Everyone goes quiet until the short one just starts laughing. “Hah told you that wouldn't work Wof”

Wof begins to laugh as well “well stranger, we’re here looking for anything to sell off… and i assume you're here for the same thing?”

Jubilee nods their heads. “Well” Wof says with an energetic tone in their voice “I got dibs on that store over there” they say jokingly “Just don't go where we are going and we won't go where you're going” she says smiling.

The short one is already off into one of the buildings looking for value.

Jubilee once again nods and begins to head off to a building, and begins to scavenge through the trash, and filth.

[somari64]

little late uploading this here, but i did a doodle in tribute to charles schulz’s 100th birthday. peanuts has been a monumental influence in my life and art, especially the comic strips. charles’ story made me want to pursue art as a career, and his work has been so empowering in the way he writes his characters. i wish i could do something larger scale, but ive been swamped with other things going on in my life. but for now i just wanted to give some love to my favorite cartoonist and comic strip.

many artists and comic strips today have also been doing tributes to schulz. check out the tag #Schulz100 both here and on twitter to see some of them. you can also visit the charles m schulz museum page in the link here to check some out: https://schulzmuseum.org/tribute/

[zillyeh]

Hello Bess! What have you been up to lately? How are things with Zippie?

oh zippie and i got back from vacation to the woods a little bit ago!! we went to the swamps and ive been like, wanting to go back ever since lmao. we r doing rly good, i think that trip was like, really really good for us...

ive kind of just been hanging out though! goin to church, giving all my money to the café that we opened across from the jack... checkin in on how things are going when zippies busy, stuff like that, hahaha

oh, crying abt new wooper also. like a lot.

[zero--sum]

im now gonna be logging in personal updates with this project on here, as a way to sort out and unscramble my ideas, and for me to look back on once im done this monstrosity. or for others to look back on if this becomes the next undertale or something. even though im not making this game for recognition or anything. but i digress!

im on vacation right now, and i think it helped unclog my brain just a little bit, which is better than nothing. tomorrow im heading back and im gonna be swamped with some volunteer work i need to do, but at least that'll get me outside of the house. even though im on vacation in a really nice place with a lot of nature, i miss my pc and i miss resident evil. i also miss our coffee maker. all coffee ive had in the past 4 days has fucking sucked, dude!

since i'll likely be too busy the next few days for proper writing sessions, i think my goal is just gonna be sketching things out, cause ive been in a more draw-y mood lately. i need to figure out characters, mostly side characters. emma sent me the reference notes for her character, and it's really nice to have something solid to work on, plus another idea to bounce ideas off of. this project wouldn't be happening without emma and lilly! i would've given up months ago without them.

since i only have my laptop with me right now, i have limited games. ive really only been playing baba is you, which i bought forever ago, but its really fun. and frustrating. i lovelovelove the minimalist-ish visuals and the sound design.

[grungusdollar]

dissociates hardcore while drinking lemonade

[unoriginalmess]

A Second Mask: Chapter 4

Did that just happen?

Hello guys! It's me. I'm finally writing again. Sorry about the delay. I'm going to explain more at the end of the chapter, but I'm just going to keep the beginning short. So here is chapter 4:

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To say Adrien was concerned would be a huge understatement. He was downright disturbed. Its been weeks and still Marinette hadn't changed back to the happy, peppy, nice girl that he knew. AND SHE WOULDN'T EVEN TALK TO HIM ABOUT IT!

He tried to talk to her for a whole week after her original trasformation, but after the repeated firm rejections, he stopped altogether. He figured that maybe with some space, she might be able to work through whatever she was going through, but at this point, he's losing hope.

When he is feeling this distressed about something, he usually turns to his lady, but she has been acting weird too. Ever since she suggested they start sparring, she's started to show that she is going through kinda a rough time as well. She is the same ladybug when everyone is watching, but when it's just the two of them, she looks sad and tired. She has also started saying some concerning things while they are sparring. She has started talking about how she has started taking being Ladybug and the Guardian more seriously, and how she has less distractions now, which would be a good thing if she didn't say them so sadly.

The good thing is, the sparring has given him a chance to get out his aggression because of the whole Marinette-situation and his anger at his father in a safe environment. He didn't like the idea of hitting Ladybug at first (especially in the face) but with her not holding back on her hits, he felt more comfortable doing the same. It has helped them fight better too. He hopes that whatever Ladybug is going through in her civillian life will work itself out soon, but until then he will be there for her. He just needs to figure out how to be there for Marinette.

•••

Felix was making good progress with Marinette. After they first asked marinette about (insert fashion question of your choice here, I legit know nothing and I didn't have time to research anything for this chapter), she had started answering their questions on a daily basis. After a couple of days of that, she had started to rant to them about different things in the fashion world that were bothering her, exciting her, or confusing her that particular day. In response to that, they had started to respond to her rants with their own opinions on the subjects and even start their own rants.

It had gotten to the point where Felix would now consider them to be friends, though they know that Marinette would never call them as such, it was fine with them. They know she has trust issues, and they can understand why, so they are fine with being friends in everything but a name.

Felix was looking forward to their daily banter as they waited in their seat for Marinette to arrive. When she did, she was followed by a very pissed-looking Alya. Felix turned to look at her and noticed that she had what looked to be tears forming in her eyes. What they didn't notice was the little black butterfly that had entered through the window in the back of the room, and was making a beeline towards her.

•••

Marinette walked to school in yet another one of her newest fashion creations: a pair of oversized grey ripped jeans and a navy blue sweatshirt. She was actually really liking her new look, and the comfort that it offered was just an added plus.

She was actually feeling excited to talk to Felix about Gabriel Agreste's newest fashion flop. They were the only person that she had met that actually cared about fashion as much as her. It made her happy to talk to them. It kind of scared her how excited she was. Shouldn't she be distancing herself from everyone? she thought to herself. No. Felix isn't my friend, they aren't close to me, they are just someone I talk fashion with. Like a coworker, yeah. Totally. Felix is just a coworker. ("Liar" says the inner voice in her head)

She was shocked out of her thoughts when she was pulled to the side by someone as she entered the courtyard. Her mind immediately thought of an akuma, when the person spoke.

"Marinette! Girl," Oh it's just Alya. Wait Alya? "How long are you gonna keep up this cry for attention? Are you really THAT jealous of Lila? I know that Adrien likes her, but that doesn't give you the right to act like this! And you are hanging out with Felix, who accused her of sexually harrassing Adrien on their first day here-?" She looked absolutely furious at her, but Marinette had heard enough. She cut Alya off in the middle of her presumably long rant.

"ALYA!" Said girl jumped at both the inturruption and the tone of voice used, "First of all, this isn't a cry for attention, if anything its a cry for leaving me the fuck alone. Second of all, I'm not jealous of Lila. I'm not in love with Adrien anymore, and haven't been for a while. You knew that I was dating Luka right? Why would I care who Adrien likes? Lastly, I am allowed to hang out with whoever I choose, whether you like them or not. It's none of your fucking business Alya, and if you think that I'm just some jealous, attention-seeker why do you even care?" With that last question she stormed off to the classroom, leaving a speechless Alya behind her.

When marinette sat down in her seat, she just kept thinking about how Alya was just talking to her. How could she think that about her? They used to be best friends, and Alya wasn't even concerned about her not talking to her anymore, she was just concerned about her being "jealous of Lila". It made her so furious that she could feel tears trickling down her face. She sees the black butterfly out of the corner of her eye and without hesitation grabs it out of the air.

(Next part is taken from this post by @bigfatbreak)

"Go ahead and akumatize me- See what happens, Hawkmoth!" She screamed the words with a slight madness that the energy of the akuma was giving her, "Every leash has two ends! I just have to pull until I find where you're holding it!"

At this point, the entire class was frozen in place watching her and listening to her crazed-sounding voice threaten an actual terrorist. Marinette felt Hawkmoth's confusion and terror through the bond. What in the- She's sensing me through the Akuma?! The akuma then started to fly away, and when it couldn't it zapped her hand like it was made of lightning and fluttered through the same window it came from. Marinette felt like she had failed yet again and collapsed down on her desk, muttering, "Uuuuggghh. It escaped anyway... What a waste. I didn't realize that Hawkmoth was such a coward. He usually likes grandstand..."

She was startled when her hand was picked up by Felix's, "You likely scared him off by managing to locate him like that... A risky move, I should mention. I would ask that you not attempt that a second time. No one knows what his akuma is truly capable of. You'll want to keep off of this hand for a while, too."

"Oh, are those the doctor's orders? Why, Felix, it almost sounds like you care about meeee." Marinette was all too amused by Felix's concern for her. She also liked to tease them... AS COWORKERS DO.

"I have an investment in your presence. Now don't be cheeky and let's get you to the nurse's office," They said while holding her wrist and gently pulling her in that direction.

Marinette scoffed, "'An investment in my presence'??"

Felix chuckled while still semi-dragging her by the wrist towards the front of the room, being careful not to hurt her injury even worse, "What did I just say about being cheeky?"

On their way out of the door they passed a VERY distressed-looking Adrien. He seemed to be sharing the sentiment with the entire class of: Did that just happen?

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

And thats chapter 4. It is VERY LATE! I know. I've been swamped with work, and when I went to write it, I had zero ideas on how to write this chapter. I never ended up getting those ideas. I just went where my writing took me, so if it doesn't really match the characters that's why. I will try to be better at updating regularly, but it probably won't happen. Sorry to everyone with a normal sleep schedule, but this is the time that I write things. Also I didn't have my outline with me while writing this chapter, so it might not have everything I planned to write in it.

I would like to thank you all for all of the support I've been getting on this fic. Despite all of the chapter delays, you guys have stuck with me through all of it, so thank each and every one of you. I love seeing so many people loving this au as much as I do. Without you guys this story wouldn't exist, and I would've stopped writing it after the first chapter.

As always, constructive criticism is always accepted. I love being able to improve my writing whenever possible.

Thank you for reading. Have a nice day/night/whenever you are reading this. See ya next time guys, gals, and non-binary pals.

Taglist

@queer-illusion @apasponsor @heckinggremlin @1-ahiro-1 @hewantedbeefintheparkinglot @sassakitty @lennauts @rianoel @dorkus-minimus @khneltea @welp-that-was-unexpected @mlnchlymrshmllw @lovelyautumnsunflower @chariphrasis @lovesbooks @komatsuna-yuki @polyvirnl @innocentlyguiltyfrenchfry @qhobias @ive-tumbled-down-a-rabbit-hole @hammalammadamdam @cloudydaysomewhere @alcoholic-barney @basenikon @xxbehindthemaskxx @corporeal-terrestrial @shadowymemoirs @moonlight-densetsuu

[basilly]

how they react to you falling asleep on facetime || irl!p!multiple x reader (separately)

. includes: p!tubbo, p!ranboo

. pronouns: they/them

. requested, but you, their best friend falling asleep on facetime

. see part 1 here!

tubbo:

. tubbo was actually trying to bake a midnight snack with lani, who you were also semi-close with

. you wanted to watch, and so he set you up on his phone so you could see most of the kitchen

. it was late, so tubbo and lani were trying not to make too much noise

. you were lying in bed, getting comfy and ready to watch this hopefully(?) good diy baking show (food network has nothing on them and quackity)

. they hadn’t even finished when you had fallen asleep

“okay, 30 minutes in the oven and our food should be ready!”

“is y/n still on facetime?”

“uhh let me check”

. tubbo had found you asleep, and upon seeing your relaxed sleeping face, he went  (⌒‿⌒)

. he then quickly told lani and made their voices even quieter (if possible)

. he set his phone back down, making sure to look over every so often to make sure you were still sleeping, he didn’t want to wake you up

. still hung up tho when they were done so he didn’t waste your phone battery, although he wanted to make sure you didn’t wake up in the middle of night

. he knows how much sleep is important

. did send you a text: hey you fell asleep on facetime but i hope you enjoyed your sleep, thanks for accompanying lani and i ヽ(*・ω・)ﾉ

ranboo:

. ranboo was doing another long stream that day, and earlier you had joined him, but you had to get off to go to sleep

. so instead, you decided to facetime him while he streamed

. he would often talk to you and chat could hear you, but only u could see him, mask off

. you’ve been best friends for a while, even with a small channel so you knew what he looked like

. after getting settled into bed, you listened tentatively, although getting a bit sleepy

“Okay chat now i just have to dodge and-“

. it wasn’t until much later he noticed you had fallen asleep

. once he noticed- first thought was “wow they look so good sleeping” but would get a little flustered and not know what to do

. brain kinda short circuited

. he had gone silent for a while, until a mod dmed him if he was okay

“Sorry chat! I got a little distracted but im okay! Y/n is asleep though and left!”

. would lower his voice immensely and keeps you on facetime

. checks every so often to make sure he doesn’t wake you up- actually tries not to do anything that would remotely wake you

. will mute on stream and whisper things like “good night y/n” and “youre the best friend anyone could have”

. would then boast how good of a friend you are on stream

“there was this time i was exhausted and swamped with work and y/n helped me out- theyre the most amazing and absolutely the best person ive ever met.”

. just very precious and hes very happy to have you

an: i got two requests for this! so i did the rest of the three! requests are open!

so many followers and notes- you all are insane! <333

[ellitx]

Chapter 5: Reticence

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁

previous || next

art belongs to _01ki_

word count: 3.5k

           Night had fallen fast upon the ruins. The hours that had gone by that were previously painted with hues of red, orange, and pink had all but faded leaving only a matte black canvas with no stars to be looked upon.

           The darkness was thick and only a small source of light had allowed you to see a limited portion of your surroundings. Other than the darkness and yourself all that seemed to exist was the cold wind that brushed against your bare skin.

           Cold water soaked your whole body, almost freezing as it went. Your face is drenched, the drops coming together to run into your eyes and drip from your chin. You released a shaky sigh and lowered yourself even further at the lake to cool down your burning face.

            Today was rather… eventful, so to say. You bit your lower lip remembering the time you had gotten intimate with him. It made your heart race and face go burning hot just reminiscing those scenes that happened an hour ago. You sunk yourself even more until your entire head was submerged by the cool waters. 

           Stop thinking about it!

           You scolded yourself and shut your eyes tightly to erase the salacious thoughts breaching your head. Truth to be told, you still can’t believe if it was real or just a fragment of your imagination. If it’s the latter then you should be ashamed of yourself for having thoughts such as that.

           Forgive me father and mother and to the Celestia! You cried internally and buried your face in your hands. The water did not even help you to cool down your already burning face, sinking yourself further and deeper into the lake.

           But even so, you can’t help but remind yourself how much Venti had poured his love onto you. His kisses were desperate and needy, clinging and holding you close to him in fear of losing you. Your fingers lightly traced the edge of your lower lips faintly remembering how his lips brushed against yours.

           The beating of your heart raced and you lifted yourself, gathering the air you needed after letting yourself doused underwater. Another sigh spilled from you as you gazed upwards and stared absently at the blank canvas of the midnight sky.

           A promise to stay together…

          A sudden worry about your wisp friend has entered your head. You do wonder if he has really disappeared or not. It feels odd he’s missing in the group as the three of you are always together. You pray to the Celestia that he’s fine and safe, hoping he’ll come back to the two of you.

           Your mind fades into dullness and everything is a foggy illusion. The quietness of the spring calms you; taking your mind off of things. All the things you honestly are unconcerned about. It’s the water. Your mind swirls, and it’s like standing on an everlasting waterfall. Ever so beautiful, but it can never last.

           You blinked and your scrutiny went towards the stream, noticing a turquoise light shimmering underneath. A brow arched from your front in curiosity, letting yourself sit properly to get a good look at it.

           Like a butterfly that was tranced by the sight of nectar, you were attracted to the mesmerizing glow of the waters. Unable to turn away, you reached for it and felt your own fingers roaming on your leg.

           Your leg…? Now that you take a closer look at it, with a little bit of trouble observing in the dark, there were marks circling around your thighs. A light teal jagged pattern surrounded it combined with little shapes of triangles and diamonds.

           The calmness that once blanketed you was now replaced with turmoil. You can feel the uneasiness in your chest waiting to take over. Perhaps it only wants to protect you but there really isn’t any danger. It sits there like paste propelling you towards anxiety you just don’t need.

           You let out a slow controlled breath and attempted to loosen your stiff shoulders. You closed your eyes and took a deep breath to calm yourself and say the marks have no effects on you— or so you think it was. 

           Though it was once again discarded the moment your eyes cast towards your chest and shoulder. A shape of a diamond was plastered right above your chest, with little triangles left on the edge. You were definitely sure they weren’t there before yet the marks continued appearing that almost coated half of your entire upper body.

           A sense of dread washed over you at the display of these unknown symbols that appeared out of nowhere. Maybe you should go back to Venti, you’ve been staying here for who knows how long now, not to mention there are monsters lurking here that might attack you. 

           You’ve cleaned your body already and you don’t want to make him wait for you any longer. Standing up, you wrung your hair and let the chilling waters drip back to the stream. The fact that the marks glowed even more peeved you that it might attract attention from anything wandering nearby.

           Unfortunately, the gods didn’t heed your pleas of hoping no one will see you. Your body shivered when you felt eyes piercing right through your back, watchful and almost too engrossed. You covered your chest and turned around to see any entities within your call.

           Your throat bobbed in fear and anxiety, hastily grabbing your clothes in an effort to hide your bare self. It didn’t do much to cover you entirely, but it was still enough to obscure your front. 

           “Venti…?” You shakily asked out to the quiet ruins. You already expected only silence to greet you until a familiar chiming of a bell reached your ears. As the light drains away there is barely enough even for shadows. Whether you like it or not, the darkness comes and under it everything in this forest is hidden. 

           Even the stars and moon cower behind a dense layer of cloud, giving the air that tincture you associate with the world before a storm. 

           Your ears become sharper and your mind paranoid, every snap of a twig is a predator, even if it is a fawn. For each aroma, your brain jumps to the most fearsome thing it could be and your body prepares for flight, fright, or freeze.

           For the most part, you just freeze. Running will give your position away and you’re not much of a fighter. All you can do is wait while the blackness comes and pray that the dawn is not far behind. 

           You settle in for a wait but it’s only minutes before a strong gust of wind charged at you. You shut your eyes and held your feet onto the ground, clutching onto the cloth as your hair fluttered against the air.

           The small chiming was louder than before, almost close to you. You slowly opened an eye, taking a peek up to the time that white dotted eyes were staring at you. You shrieked in alarm and fear, startled by the small creature abruptly appearing right in front of you.

           Your feet slipped in sheer panic, accidentally causing yourself to fall down and swamped yourself by the chilling waters of the lake.

—

           “Th-thank you…” You muttered before taking the dry cloth offered to you by your dear wind wisp friend. It indeed surprised you to see Barbatos was here all this time. You thought he had suddenly vanished during the war against Decarabian as Venti had never really mentioned or talked about him when you were with him.

           Well, it was a little bit of your fault you never asked about his whereabouts. Still, you were relieved and glad to know he was still alive and well all these years. A small smile crept to your face before patting his head in thanks.

           Barbatos nuzzled on your hand then looked at you expectantly before flying over your shoulder. You blinked in confusion then giggled before carefully handling him on your palm and putting him down.

           “Stay right here, okay? I’ll go change for a while.” You stood up from your kneeled form and headed behind the tree. However, your little friend followed after you making you stop in your tracks and furrowed your brows in worry.

           Barbatos tinkled in delight and continued cuddling on your shoulder to erase the frown glued to your face while he rubbed himself against the diamond symbols on your skin. You awe in wonderment when a faint glow emitted from both you and him, though now was not the time to be amazed. You don’t want to get yourself cold from this breezy air, and as much as he was being cute and all, you still need to dress.

           “I’ll be really quick! Just stay awhile for a bit.” You pleaded and this time he reluctantly abided by your words much to your relief. You made your way to the large plant as you hurriedly slipped your arms on the sleeves and tied the back of your dress, untucking your hair after that as you flipped it over your shoulder.

           You placed a hand on your chest, feeling the steady beat of your heart against it. It still scares you what these designs on your skin are, though you do feel some sort of aura mizzling over you.

           A pang of throbbing pain in your head struck you; it seems like you’re exhausted. The headache told you it was time to rest someplace quiet, to ride out the storm within your brain, for in time pain does ebb.

           There are days tiredness comes in both forms, physical and mental. Your body really needs to rest as well as your mind, to get rid of the anxiety swarming your entire being. Without rest, your body will spiral into exhaustion.

           A yawn escapes from you and you notice Barbatos from the corner of your eyes peeking behind the tree. You gave him a tired smile and motioned for him to come closer to you. 

           You really have to look for Venti, you don’t know how long you’ve been making him wait for you. Albeit you’re really drained and sleepy, you have to force your legs to carry you in search of the said bard.

           Barbatos took notice of your fatigued state and tugged your sleeves in a struggle to make you stay awake and catch your attention. “We… We need to find Venti.” You mumbled as another yawn evaded.

           He furiously shook his head and urged you to sit down on the ground, making angry jingling sounds. As if he’ll let you wander in this kind of time. It’s already late and dark, not to mention how tired you look so far. 

           You sink down onto the ground and rest your back against the rough trunk of the tree. The sleepy feeling must be how Teyvat feels when the summer has passed when it needs all those months to regenerate and come back in the spring.

           The small creature flew over to you and settled himself on your palms. The tunes that he played to you to dreamland is a song you’ve heard and thousand times before and never enough. The chords are like a well-worn path, one your brain follows along willingly.

           The mellow tinkling lulls you to sleep. In moments, your body relaxed, breathing steadily.

           After making sure you were dozing off and in deep sleep, Barbatos took his chance to nestle himself on your neck. He can’t believe his powers drained out after marking you, and it’ll take a whole day for him to recover and revert himself back to his human form.

           He didn’t think ahead and carelessly poured out his Anemo powers onto you just to let the symbols design your skin. He channeled himself onto you, letting the small wisps of wind gradually restore his powers.

—

           The reverberation of a wistful sigh grabbed his attention, perking his head at you in silent concern.

           Your eyes wandered everywhere, almost like a frantic search. Barbatos doesn’t need to ask what— or rather who you were looking for. It was already obvious to know who it was. It’s none other than him— or should he say, Venti.

           You puffed your cheeks, slightly vexed your lover has left you all alone. “He even promised to stay with me… and now he’s breaking it?” Hearing your muttered words made him panicked as he swung his head, trying to defend “Venti” in his current form.

           A series of continuous wailing of a bell made you look at him before giving a mirthless chuckle and fondle his hooded head to calm him. “Maybe he just went somewhere to do something…” You said cheerlessly, gazing over the waters of the lake to distract yourself.

           You shouldn’t think of things like that. You know he won’t ever do that to you and he never will. You looked over at Barbatos and propped your chin on your palm, playing with his little antennas.

           “Well, at least you’re here with me~ I really miss you a lot.” Your laughter was so free and pure, so childish despite the one you recently gave that sounded so empty and hollow. It came to his ears in a tickle and bounce— and it was only the moment he could do nothing but join in such generous mirth.

           You leaned back and placed your hands on the ground to support your body as you looked up to admire the blue sky. The sensation of calmness and serenity wafting through you eased your mind and body, taking in the gentle breeze of the old ruins.

           The tiny elemental being watched you in admiration. Your eyes blinking from time to time that allured him, allowing your lashes to flutter softly. Your eyes are simply spellbinding and captivating that he could get himself lost in there.

           He unconsciously floated to you and snuggled himself on your hands. The memories of you and his friend being together made his heart wrenched in shame and guilt of what he was doing. He thought he was already sure the feeling that caged him was already absent, and yet here it was again coming back to humiliate him, one that he absolutely resented.

            Your hums created a wordless melody of sweet-sounding harmonies, echoing in the winds to send it along to the other side. Until your next words that created a song had battered him with hurtful misery. 

           “Fly, fly away. Like a bird in the sky. See the world on my behalf, to the heavens may you fly.”

—

           The sky was black tranquility married to the poetry of stars. It was the softness that called your body and brain to rest and let the heart go to its steady rhythm. Night came as a reward of sorts, a restfulness above to calm the soul.           

           The two of you traveled to the garden you once slept in, hoping Venti would be there. You’ve been waiting for him to come back the whole day and there was still no sign of his presence greeting you. You were nodding off as you continue and patiently await, expecting him to come back to you.

           You pulled Barbatos close to your chest, absently staring off at the cecilia flowers he had come to collect for you. The petals shined brightly under the moonlit sky. Indeed it was beautiful and radiated elegance because of its pure colors and one of a kind flowery, though a feeling of sorrow ran through you the more you looked at it.

           Fiddling the stem between your fingers, you brought it close to your nose, breathing in the fresh scent that reminded you of him. You were getting drowsy and drowsy as time flew by, each second felt like an hour the more you waited.

           The collection of various flowers placed on the ground cushioned your fall as your petite body collapsed. Your wisp friend let out a frightened chime and summoned the winds to immediately check up on you.

           A sense of relief washed away his worries that you were simply asleep and tired. It’s already time and he can feel his energy recovering— enough to alter himself back to his human form. It was all thanks to your anemo energy within you that allowed him to transmit the vitality from you to him.

           He glided to the bushes, facing the small pond as it mirrored his appearance. A gentle gust of fresh air blows around him, the leaves dancing with the winds in his direction.

           He has always loved the wind, for it comes to him so boldly, touching his skin. In soft breezes, it is finer than silk, smoother than water. In the gales it sings through the trees, sending loose leaves on a dancing fun air ride, hypnotic and beautiful. Almost like how the crowds have gathered around him to listen to the strumming of his lyre.

           Today is almost still and he found himself in silent anticipation. His gaze went back on the rippling water, reflecting his appearance once again. Turquoise optics stared right back at him, eyes casting downwards to his chest while his fingers trailed over the same marks drawn on your body.

            His pale skin allowed the symbols to gleam even more in the garden. Its teal light granted him to feel the Anemo ran through his body, the powers returning him once more in need to go in search for the true beholder of the winds.

            Venti turned his head to look at your sleeping form. His eyes glued to the pattern on your thigh, faintly glowing that matched with his. Now, where were his clothes? He remembered he left it here before he was reverted to a little elemental wisp. 

           His hands reached for the white top that draped on the tree’s branch, slipping his arms on the sleeves and slowly buttoning up his shirt before leaving the top open to observe the marks drawn on his chest. The more he looks at the patterns inscribed on both yours and his skin, the more his heart raced in incitement and interest.

            His hands hovered to his mouth to hide the wide smile and blush that clambered up on his front. This is bad, really bad. He was smiting for you all over again just like before. It reminded him that he was the one who covered you with these and how much you enjoyed it when he was creating it for you.

           His throat bobbed before shaking his head to erase the thoughts, letting himself focus to get dressed. Venti had finally finished wearing his attires, leaving the cape and midsection outfit left on the ground, not bothering to wear it anymore. He carefully approached your unconscious form and knelt down to brush your hair away that had fallen from your face.

           Your soft skin felt ticklish as you squirm in your sleep when his fingers brushed your cheeks. You slowly opened your eyes revealing the kindly tranquil of [eye color] orbs and met gaze with him.

           Your entire body system awoke, the exhaustion was all but gone when you immediately pulled him into a tight hug. Venti wrapped his arms around you and cradled you in his arms, kissing your head as a greeting.

           You buried your face on the crook of his neck and clutched onto his shirt firmly. "Where have you been?" Your voice wavered when you asked if he could faintly hear your soft sobs against him. “Sorry for the sudden disappearance. Something… came up.” His words trailed off causing his excuse not to be really effective which he already expected to happen. 

           There’s nothing he can do about it when he is in that situation, but he was very reassured that he can finally hold you close to him. Not being able to show his affection for you was unbearable especially how you were so worried about where he had gone off to.

           The subtle kisses on his neck made his focus go back to you. Every time you place them there, he knew he’d adore you for all time. Those sweet kisses on his neck made his heart quivered as he pulled you close to him and lifted your head to meet with his gaze.

           The pout on your face induced him to want to shower you with kisses and apologize for leaving you all alone. His lips pressed against your head then close to your eye, from your nose to your cheeks then down to your lips.

           He was firm and gentle as he pulled you in, burning your lips with his mouth. You can hear the soft whisper of his breath as he exhaled. Venti inched closer and encircled his hand with yours, lightly pushing you down onto the ground as he penned you between him.

           His mouth moved downwards leaving a trail of kisses on your skin until he stopped on your neck. You whimpered as your body shuddered when he lightly nipped on it, giving small sucks that had you released a small cry.

           Even without telling a soul, it was common knowledge that both of you were lovesick and amorous. It was in the way your gaze lingered on one another, the way your voice became softer, and in coquettish smiles that he’d never worn before whenever he’s with you.

[tobi-momo]

nobody seemed to hear us, but we said it.

PROLOGUE | MASTERLIST | CHAPTER 02

— synopsis. back from Miyagi for a simple month, a welcome back party reignites the one relationship he wasn’t expecting. yours. it was obvious you hadn’t forgotten about what happened in high school, neither did he, but maybe he could mend the relationship back together. could he?

— warnings. cursing | drinking | implications of smoking (not from any of the characters, not depicted either) | kinda poor writing

— word count. 1.3k+

The alcohol was boring. The bitter taste of the IPA he took occasional sips of made his tongue sour and his eyes squint in annoyance. Everyone around him had been enjoying the event a lot more than him, he could see from the blaring music and the dancing and the shot-taking in the background of it all. It was boring. It was all so boring.

He nonchalantly shook girls off of his arm as they try to prop their breasts up and caress his bicep, “just wanting to dance”, and he rolled his eyes at the comments that his teammates (Koganegawa) throw at him, telling him he needs to lighten up, or he just needs to drink a little more to loosen out a bit.

“C’mon, Tsukki, just one dance?” A random girl had pleaded while hanging off his arm. Her lip poked out in a pout and her cheeks were red from the alcohol, but there was nothing in her eyes. He wondered if he had missed the gleam of desire or the sharp tint of lust in her pupils, but one glance confirmed that she just wanted to be with somebody for the night. He figured she was probably lonely, something he would never admit to.

“I’m good.” He returned his sights to the wall in front of him, half-covered in bouncing people and red Dixie cups being held in tight hands. He felt her hand slack down and her eyes roll, a grunt of irritation seeping into his hearing as she left. It was probably for the better, though.

He looked around briefly, only seeing his teammates either jumping around—Kyoutani, who grumped on the chair across the room—or people he had never seen in his life that just wanted to have a good time. If he didn’t see anyone he had met prior to leaving, what was the point of being here at all?

That was when he realized the hotel room got a little crowded as people kept entering, and he wondered if they might get kicked out if this continued. As he leaned against the wall, he questioned himself. He liked to do that. Maybe he should just leave. Although it would be a hard task, squeezing himself between sweaty bodies and he knew he’s probably going to get whipped in the face with hair and a couple of arms, but the air was getting too hot and he couldn’t breathe the same way with all the smoke in the air. So he got off against the wall and placed his half-empty beer bottle down on the dresser beside him, taking his jacket away from hanging on his arm and puts his arms through the sleeves, turning his torso sideways to walk out of the crowd with his body still intact. He cracked the door open, which surprisingly, there was no one before him in the hallway before he shut it behind him.

He could breathe again.

It was refreshing, even though the air wasn’t exactly chilly, it felt nice going down his esophagus and clearing his lungs. All he had to do was find his mother’s place, now. He walked down the hallway towards the elevator, pressing the L button before he backed up against the wall and waited for the doors to slide closed.

He wasn’t expecting anyone to stick their hand through the metal gates, but nevertheless, unexpected things happen all the time in the life of Tsukishima Kei, like the one time Kyoutani tripped over his shoelaces during practice before he jumped up to hit the ball, falling on his face in front of the whole team. He chuckled at that. The person who had been stumbling inside the metal box was heaving, frantically picking up their stuff as what he guessed they dropped just now—he wasn’t paying attention as he recalled a certain memory.

“Shit,” they whispered as they bent down to pick their phone up off the ground. They stood up after grabbing what they needed and flattened their clothes, then leaned against the elevator frame. He looked over with a newfound curiosity, his head tilted to the side while his eyes scanned over what they were wearing. Nothing extravagant, he noted as his eyes scooted upwards.

It was only when they lifted their head to say sorry that he lost his train of thought. Completely stumped, was he. Eyes wide with his breath slowed down almost to a complete stop, he stared.

And so did you.

• • • • • •

“You promise to love me forever, Tsukki?” You question with your hands carrying his, your eyes beading with excitement. He looked at you like he was nervous and he didn’t know what to say, his fingers curling in your palms and sweating a bit. Though, when he looked at you, he couldn’t stop the way your smile bled into his veins and rushed through his entire body, placing one of his own on his face.

He takes a deep breath and readjusts himself in your grip, “I promise!” He shouts it with determination, relishing in your giggles and throwing your hands up in the air with him.

The adults that surrounded you two, his parents and yours, clapped for you as if it were a link in matrimony. They cheered and laughed with you, praising you both for “being the luckiest people on Earth”. He smiles again, believing every word they said all the while holding your hand in his.

Lucky. Was that really what you were?

“Shit,” you mumbled again, only this time it came out as if you hadn’t seen something for a long time. He supposed he couldn’t blame you for that. “Ah, Tsukishima,” you marked awkwardly, dealing with the shocked stare he handed to you. “What-what are you doing here?” You stuttered over your words with an inhale as you get a grip on the event that just had to happen right now.

“Party.” He uttered out.

“What? You, a party? No way,” you offered a smile.

“Uh, I was just leaving,” he clarified, finally getting a grip on his vocal cords. “What floor?”

“Oh, just the Lobby, I’m heading home.” Your head turned back to the wall before you, waiting for the doors to close again.

“You still live here?” He muttered, a confused brow creasing his skin.

“Huh?” You turned your head again as the doors shut, thankfully not hard enough to cause whiplash, “yeah, I do. Pretty boring, right?” You chuckled it off, your lungs suffocating in the uncomfortable atmosphere. “I just haven’t had anywhere to go since college, so. But!” You raised a finger, not to let him jump to conclusions. “I have my own home. The market here is pretty cheap and I didn’t want to live with my mom.”

He nodded in understanding, finally allowing his neck to guide his head face-forward.

“What about you? I heard you joined a professional volleyball team, I’ve seen you on TV.”

“You’ve watched me play?” Even if your faces were turned away from each other, you knew exactly what his face looked like at that exact moment. You cursed yourself for it.

“Only a little bit, when I don’t have anything else to watch.” Did that come off as mean?

“I see. Well—”

The elevator dinged and the doors glided open with a crowd on the other side, rushing inside the box. You both dashed out of it, observing the rest of the passengers press practically all the buttons there was on the dashboard and argue over what food they wanted for dinner. Your heads slowly reclined back to each other, the same thing dressing both of your features. People.

A smug smile quirked the corners of his lips up before he turned around, walking towards the exit of the building. You slightly frowned at his hurry to get away from you, this feeling of something unresolved rising in your stomach.

“Hey,” you called over, watching his body halt and switch directions. “Wanna have a couple drinks?” You asked politely, raising your shoulders, “catch up?”

He nodded. Maybe the beer won’t taste that bad, he thought to himself while he waited for your legs to line up with his.

—author's note. HI IM SO SORRY FOR THE LATE UPDATE AND THE FIRST CHAPTER TOO 😩 ive been swamped in school work and im just trying to get caught up. im trying to make this story as captivating as possible, (yes i havent finished writing it, im that impulsive) so dont be afraid to send me suggestions! (i already have one and y/n is an artist 😌 - painter to clarify)

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