#maybe I'm Improving with Practice or something... hmmm....!

[chiropteracupola]

For the color palette prompt: Nick in Alloy, Scarecrow in Self, and/or Scraps in Brash?

Or if you want one palette for all three, um.... *stares at the selections for far too long* ...Individuation?

I wanna belong to the world / A mirror that shows technicolour / I'll be a magnificent girl!

[retiredteabag]

Haiii um I came for an adviceee

Feel free to ignore ^^

I know I'm an asshole for feeling this way, and this is stupid

But I can't help but felt envious of fellow fanfic writers who just seem way better Like in this fandom I'm in, some of the new writers just gain attention with just one fic and I have to wait days & days and then too get no recognition maybe

I feel I'm just that bad as a writer but I don't know how to let go of this cuz it makes me happy too. Ik i should only focus on being letting my thoughts out & forget about it but It just happens that I can't help but compare and wonder what I do wrong

I'm sorry for barging in on you with this! Thank you for reading i really appreciate it

Hmmm, okay, for starters, I don’t think you’re an asshole for being disappointed. Jealousy in every form will always be negative but I understand that it is difficult to not compare yourself.

“I don’t know how to let go of this because it makes me happy” - you definitely don’t have to let go, if you like writing, then write. Write for yourself, write what you want, write what makes you happy.

If you struggle with grammar or syntax, practice is the only way to improve so “letting it go” wouldn’t solve anything. I’m not going to pretend to be some incredible writer, I still reread some of my stuff and notice grammatical errors or improper sentence structure.

If you’re writing fanfiction, I’m going to go out on a limb and assume you read fanfiction as well. If that is the case, when you next find something that you really enjoy, try and study it rather than just reading it.

I don’t have time to read much fan fiction anymore but when I do, I always find myself analyzing the choices of the writer. It helps me think and allows me the chance to understand good formulation in writing.

Do remember that nobody is becoming popular by a one off story they wrote without any thought. Don’t compare yourself by assuming it was easy for someone else. If failing at first is enough to make you give up, you definitely are not cut out for writing. Or much of anything else really.

In order to excel, you must do hard things. I love the scene in “Whiplash” when J. K. Simmons is asked about discouraging someone who could potentially become great at their craft and his response is “No, man, no, the next Charlie Parker would never be discouraged”.

Remember to tag your fics, use a clean, concise, and consistent theme, and write what YOU want. If you get popular doing something you hate, you’ll burn out, no matter how many people read your stuff.

Lastly, a lot of this is luck, I’m grateful to everyone who reads my stuff, I’m sure there is someone else out there a million times better then I. Don’t just assume that you must be bad at something because others can’t see how great you are.

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Ortho Shroud - Bloom Birthday Vignette

"Happy Birthday"

[Ignihyde Dorm – Birthday Party Venue]

Ortho: It's like a dream come true to get interviewed for my birthday as a student here at Night Raven College.

Ortho: And on top of that, thanks to my big brother, I was able to retrofit my gear to look just like everyone else's outfits… I'm super happy.

Ortho: Oh yeah, I should make sure to capture all this on film. I wanna show this to my brother… Oh, and my dad and mom.

???: Film? …I suppose I'll have to ask later. Pardon me.

Sebek: Happy Birthday, Ortho. It seems I have been tasked with being your presenter today.

Ortho: Woah, hey! Sebek Zigvolt-san! Thank you. I look forward to it.

Sebek: Right… You mentioned just a moment ago that you would be capturing this on film. Essentially, does that mean you intend on recording my words and actions?

Ortho: Yep. And if you make any mistakes, maybe Malleus-san will end up seeing alll your embarrassing moments. You better do good.

Sebek: Humph, as if I would disgrace myself before someone like you. I shall read out the first question now.

Sebek: “Are you good or bad at flying?”

Ortho: Hmmm, that's a toughie. I mean, especially since I'm a humanoid…

Ortho: I can't just cast magic on a broom and fly like you or the other mages here.

Sebek: Hm? You mean to tell me that you do not usually use magic to float in the air?

Ortho: Yeah. It's more like technomantic energy… Maybe it'd be easier to say it's a hybrid of electricity and magic.

Ortho: By swapping out my gear or any attachments, I can increase my speed, or even fly for longer periods of time.

Ortho: For me, as long as I have technomantic energy, I can fly wherever I want…

Ortho: I can even fly no problem through difficult obstacle courses, or fly at a constant speed.

Ortho: That's why for a little while after I became a student at Night Raven College, I made sure to observe the flight and P.E. classes.

Ortho: Unlike you guys, it's not like I would gain any stamina or strength through training, after all.

Sebek: You were observing us? I suppose I do recall seeing you flying with some of the students last week or so.

Ortho: Oh, so you saw me. Actually, I recently started helping out by supporting Vargas-sensei during his classes.

Sebek: You're supporting…? As in, as his assistant?

Ortho: Yep. During flight classes, I fly along my classmate's brooms and capture data on their form and time.

Ortho: Using that data, I'm able to identify everyone's habits and weaknesses and provide suggestions for improvement.

Sebek: Hm… That would indeed be helpful to be able to get an objective analysis of my flying posture.

Ortho: Right? And Vargas-sensei praised me too, saying, "When you're around, the students' muscles gleam even brighter"!

[Ignihyde Dorm – Birthday Party Venue]

Sebek: Next question is…

Sebek: “What is something that made you glad you could use magic?”

Ortho: Eehh, that's another tough one.

Ortho: I might have been able to develop a soul that can use imagination like you guys, but it's not like I can actually use magic…

Ortho: Because all of my functions are based on technomantic energy…

Ortho: But if I were to answer as a student of a mage institute should… IT'D HAVE TO BE THAT I'VE MADE FRIENDS HERE!!

Sebek: You're a student of the most prestigious Night Raven College, and your answer is to speak of the friendships you've developed?

Ortho: Yep. Because I came here originally as one of my brother's "gadgets," I was able to meet a ton of living people…

Ortho: And now that I've started taking classes as a student, I've had the opportunity to come in contact with so many more people.

Ortho: I had a ton of fun with the groupwork we had the other day. You know, the one where we had to study up on some of the legends of the Great Seven.

Ortho: You did that in your class too, right?

Sebek: Indeed. I found writing a report in a group of 4 to be a rather impractical assignment.

Ortho: Oooh, so you don't find group work to be practical, huh. Interesting.

Sebek: From the way you speak, it seems to me like you look upon that sort of assignment favorably.

Ortho: Yep. Whenever I listen to other people's opinions, even if we're reading the same story, everyone has a different interpretation, so I find that super fascinating.

Sebek: Interpretation?

Ortho: I guess I could also say that everyone values different things.

Ortho: And then I realized that the thought that everyone puts the most value in is strongly connected to their past experiences… their "memories," so to speak.

Ortho: For example, if you were born and raised in Briar Valley, you would've probably heard so many anecdotes of the Thorn Fairy from a young age.

Ortho: That's why there would be more passion, more zeal in the discussion about her.

Ortho: And some may believe that their idealized versions are more correct than a proper database.

Sebek: Idealized, you say? The Thorn Fairy is absolutely a great being. No amount of praise would ever be considered to be too much.

Ortho: If you're that adamant, then we should have a discussion about it sometime.

Ortho: During class the other day, I sourced documents from my database and soundly destroyed all the inconsistencies in their arguments…

Ortho: So I wonder just how far you'll be able to keep up with me, Sebek-san.

Sebek: Don't you put me in the same category as your classmates. I have read an abundance of books on the Thorn Fairy.

Ortho: Oooh, so you're saying you might actually have a leg to stand on. Then this might actually be promising.

Ortho: Alright, then let's pick a day for our discussion sometime later. Heheh, I'm looking forward to it.

[Ignihyde Dorm – Birthday Party Venue]

Sebek: This is the final question.

Sebek: “How do you spend your days off?”

Ortho: Hmm, there's a lot I do, but… I guess I often find myself watching movies or stage plays online.

Ortho: Recently, though, I've been spending lunch or tea time with my dorm and classmates.

Sebek: Lunch and tea time? You don't eat, though.

Ortho: Yep. But my goal there is to just chat with everyone. I also listen to their grumbles about their studies or relationships with others.

Sebek: Humph, how absurd. What good will come of listening to other people complain? Why don't you try spending your time doing something more worthwhile?

Ortho: Ehh, but it's pretty interesting. Just by watching how people react over every little thing helps me learn, too.

Sebek: What do you mean, learn?

Ortho: I've found that all the stories I hear from people are really good references for me to look back to whenever I need to act a part.

Sebek: Act a part…? Ah, right, you joined the Film Research Club. So essentially, you're saying you're feeding off of human interactions.

Ortho: Ah. This past weekend, we didn't have a club meeting, so I went into town with my brother.

Sebek: Your br… YOU MEAN TO TELL ME IDIA-SENPAI ACTUALLY WENT OUTSIDE!?

Ortho: Yep!

Ortho: We play this one game that uses our phones' GPS function, so sometimes we head out there together.

Ortho: We'll go to a restaurant that's an in-game spot where we'd be able to gather items and pick up some food that we'd already ordered online…

Ortho: And once we get to Whistle Park, we'd eat at one of the benches there. After that, we'd plan out the rest of our day there.

Ortho: And then, when he's done eating, we'll walk around the park looking for items, or have some encounter battles.

Ortho: Kinda sounds fun, like a real picnic, right?

Sebek: I can't say I know what game you speak of, but… It definitely does seem like you have a good time.

Sebek: Back home, my parents, older brother and older sister would always take me to the park to spend time.

Ortho: Heh, sounds like you and your family are pretty close, too. That's just like us!

Ortho: Me and my brother, as well as our dad and mom, used to go play at the nearby park, or even at a forest or river back in the day, too.

Ortho: …Although ever since my brother started to shut himself inside his room, we haven't been able to go anywhere as a family anymore.

Sebek: Well, it seems Idia-senpai has gotten to the point where he can actually go outside again. Perhaps there will come the time that you will be able to travel somewhere as a family again?

Sebek: That person needs to leave the house more. You should do what you can to take him out camping, traveling, or what have you.

Ortho: Yep, you're right. Sebek-san, thanks for your advice!

Sebek: I'm your presenter, after all! It's only natural that I should be able to present this sort of advice.

Sebek: You may come ask me anything you wish when you plan to take your family on a trip outdoors.

Sebek: The interview has now concluded. Here, your broom. There are blue flowers in the center of the bouquet, it suits you rather nicely.

Ortho: Woah, this is my first ever personal broom! I didn't actually think I'd get one.

Ortho: There's so many different kinds of flowers here. I'll have to fly carefully so as to not blow them away with my jets.

Sebek: Take this broom and take flight. That is testimony to your status here as a student of the most prestigious Night Raven College.

Sebek: Don't you dare show us a shameful sight on your birthday, Ortho.

Ortho: Of course! Make sure you keep your eyes on me while I fly, Sebek Zigvolt-san!

Ortho: it's time to show off the special gear that I made specifically for today. I'm totally gonna shock everyone who gathered here for me.

Requested by @rotattooill.

[juhihuji]

Hey bestie! I just wanna say I really love your art style, you and a few others inspired me to do my own art with the naruto characters. I'd like to know where you find your reference images or how you're able to create those dynamic poses? Sometimes I struggle to find the specific pose I'm looking for. I hope to see more great stuff from you 🔥❤️ :')

WAAA you're so sweet thank you!! 😭ah I don't know if I can help much lmao hmmm...for dynamic poses specifically I just do it from my imagination based on whatever I'm inspired by atm...like if I read a fighting manga I'll have fighting poses on the mind but idk if the forms are correct LMAO...Or I'll draw from imagination then use videos of the actions I'm trying to capture to help adjust them to make them look more accurate? The only time I use close references is for more complex character interactions (like naked hugging :)) cuz they can get quite tangled up so I'll look at...those types of photos/videos and even 3D models if it's a very specific pose/angle I want :•O I guess I'd say I've done gesture drawings for practice which might have improved my drawing from imagination I like this Youtube channel for practice and warming up! It's just the usual trying to capture the gesture or feeling of the pose quickly, maybe exaggerate it a little bit...I think it's best to practice gestures, construction, and anatomy in combination to be able to do dynamic poses from your head cuz you can probably imagine something way more dynamic and cool than most refs you can find lol I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful OTL

[lilacella]

So, Sirius didn't like being touched. And James liked touching. A recipe for desaster, one would think, but with James everything was different. When James had hugged him in the bathroom in first year, it hadn't felt overwhelming, restricting or otherwise unpleasant. It had felt safe. When James grabbed his arm to excitedly pull him towards the Quidditch field on game days it felt nice. When James casually wrapped an arm around him when they sat together, Sirius melted into his touch, reveling in the warmth of James' body. So maybe he liked being touched, but only by James.

Reindeer Games

Previous Next

Chapter 2/5: Third Year

"Can you two tone it down a little, please? I'm really tired," Remus mumbled in his pillow. It was already past midnight but Sirius and James weren't ready for sleep yet. There was so much to do, so much to plan!

They had just gotten the map to finally work! Well, at least it was moving now. The accuracy of the marker positions still had room for improvement - people seemed to be walking straight through the walls, sometimes at unreasonable speeds - but overall it was syncing with the castle. It had taken them two years and many late night trips into the forbidden section to do this and they were very proud of themselves. Of course Remus and Peter had helped, but the intricate magic at the core of the map had been their work.

"Oh come on Remus..." James complained.

"Sorry but I really need to rest. Can't you just continue this tomorrow?"

That wasn't an option at all. So instead Sirius decided to pull James from the floor over to his bed:

"Just come over, James. We can close the curtains and use a muffling spell."

There they were laying now, on their stomachs, shoulder on shoulder peering onto the map. Sirius chewed absentmindedly on his lip.

"We should protect it somehow. What if someone catches us with it and takes it? We'd loose all our work!"

James nodded in agreement.

"We need a password. Like the Portals to the houses. It should stay obscured until you say it."

"Hmmm...what should we take though? It would be an issue if we forgot it."

"It should have a meaning for us." James leaned a little against Sirius, eliciting the familiar tingle on his skin that he always felt when they were touching. It was nice being so close to James.

James squinted his eyes.

"Maybe an oath? Like...I solemnly swear that I..."

"Am up to no good," completed Sirius with a giggle that James joined immediately.

"Yes, that's perfect, let's go with that. If the others have a better idea we can always change it. Let me do it."

James pulled the map towards himself and started casting charms onto the thick paper. Sirius put his head onto his crossed arms and watched him. He liked watching James practice magic. He was good at it. Something about the way he uttered the words and how his face looked when he concentrated made Sirius feel warm and fuzzy. James really was his best friend.

They spend some more time tinkering with the map but, as time passed, both of them became more quiet. Sirius was awfully tired. But he didn't want James to go yet, didn't want to give up the casual intimacy of sharing a bed, a space where it was just the two of them.

Both of them had now fully laid down, sharing Sirius' pillow and duvet. It was starting to get a little chilly with the December air permeating the walls of the castle. They weren't really talking anymore, just looking at each other, every once in a while one of them would crack a stupid joke, making the other break out into a sleepy giggle.

"I'm so tired," James mumbled. "But I don't want to leave. It's so comfortable."

Sirius smiled into the pillow.

"I mean, if you want, you can just stay here."

"You sure?" James asked, eyes already closed. Sirius reached out to remove his glasses.

"Sure. Bed's big enough for both of us 'innit?"

James made an affirmative noise and soon his breathing evened out and he was fast asleep.

Sirius wanted to do nothing more than join him in his peaceful slumber, but he couldn't. It wasn't because he wasn't comfortable. He really was. James was warm and he smelled good and Sirius didn't mind that they were touching a little. It was rather that his heart just wouldn't calm down. Maybe he had gotten too excited about the map? Or maybe he was freaked out by the dark. That happened sometimes, although he didn't really feel scared right now. Still, he shuffled a little closer to James, just in case it helped. It didn't really. But being close to James was nice. It was really nice. Sirius caught himself wishing that James would always sleep next to him.

And, from now on, James did. Not every night, but often enough, the two of them fell asleep sharing one of their four-posters. It was just more convenient like that, they told the others: They could stay up and talk as long as they wanted, without getting on Remus nerves and it was more comfortable than their usual corner on the dorm room floor. Wrapped up in the same duvet, and sometimes in each others arms - in a small bed you had to somehow organize yourselves - talking and snickering until they both drifted off to sleep. Sirius secretely loved it when James threw an arm around him in his sleep or moved his head onto his chest. He liked touching him. And there was nothing wrong with that. They were just good friends sharing a bed.

In general, Sirius wasn't much of a fan of other people touching him. He despised people that tapped his back with their finger to gain his attention. He didn't like it, when someone randomly put their hand on his shoulder while they talked. He didn't appreciate people hugging him when he was upset - it only made things worse.

Touch had always been something he viewed as a massive breach of boundaries. At home, there was none of it. Sirius couldn't remember that his parents had ever hugged him. He wasn't even sure if they had carried him as a baby since he remembered that his younger brother Regulus had always been either pushed around in his cradle or carried by their houself Kreacher. When his parents touched him, it was about control. His father would put a hand on his shoulder to steer him into the direction he wanted him to go. His mother would grab his arm to keep him into place, grab his chin to force him to look at her.

So, Sirius didn't like being touched. And James liked touching. A recipe for desaster, one would think, but with James everything was different. When James had hugged him in the bathroom in first year, it hadn't felt overwhelming, restricting or otherwise unpleasant. It had felt safe. When James grabbed his arm to excitedly pull him towards the Quidditch field on game days it felt nice. When James casually wrapped an arm around him when they sat together, Sirius melted into his touch, reveling in the warmth of James' body. So maybe he liked being touched, but only by James.

And with their new co-sleeping habit further normalizing their physical closeness, James reached out for Sirius more and more.

"There aren't any more seats," James says as he squeezes with Sirius onto a single armchair in the common room ending up almost sitting on his lap.

"I just need something to figet with," James explains to Remus, who watches questioningly how James is playing with Sirius hand while they are talking, absentmindedly brushing his fingers over his or pushing his hand up Sirius' sleeves, touching his arm.

"I'm just tired," Sirius says as he drops his head onto James shoulder when they sit together in the library.

"All the girls do this too," James says, when some of his Quidditch teammates give him weird looks for holding Sirius' hand on the way to class.

"It's cold!" Sirius says when James and him snuggle up together under a blanket, while they plot the next prank with the other two.

"Do you think this is weird," James asked as they both lounged on Sirius bed again. James head was resting on Sirius chest, looking up to him, Sirius was drawing circles on James arm with his finger.

"Why? Do you think it is?" Sirius tried to hide the uncertainty in his voice.

"No. I think...I think were just friends. And there is nothing wrong with friends...well we're just hanging out aren't we?"

Sirius nodded.

"Yeah. Why would there be something wrong with that?"

James smiled and sighed comfortably. Then he reached out for Sirius hand and intertwined their fingers. Sirius wondered whether James could hear his heartbeat speed up. But if he did, he didn't say anything.

When summer rolled around, Sirius had gotten so used to constantly touching James that the thought of spending two whole months without him seemed much more daunting than it usually had been anyways. On the last night before the ride home they were laying in James four-poster, tightly snuggled up against each other. James had tucked Sirius in his arms and was playing with his fingers.

"I will miss you," Sirius said quietly, feeling awfully heavy. James squeezed his hand.

"I will miss you too. It really sucks that your parents won't let us meet."

Sirius sighed and pressed his cheek against James' shoulder. He could feel tears burn in his eyes. He really didn't want to go home. He wanted to stay here with James. He also didn't want to cry, but with James it was so easy.

James immediately picked up on his sadness and hugged him tighter.

"It's okay. We'll just talk through the mirrors!"

Sirius sniffled and nodded. The mirrors. At least they would be able to see each other this time.

"I just hope my parents won't catch me with it. They'll definitely take it away."

"But couldn't you just make a new one? You made these yourself, didn't you?"

"Yes but I'm not sure how long it would take. It's a pretty finicky spell. And I would have to make a new pair. So I wouldn't be able to call you until I'd given you the other..." His voice trailed off at the thought. A tear trickled down his cheek. He needed James.

**

"We have to talk quietly," Sirius whispered into the mirror. "Otherwise Regulus might hear and then he certainly will tell mother."

"Okay," James responded with a hushed voice. Sirius smiled. These little talks with James every night, hidden underneath the covers in case someone came in, the only light coming from his wand, were the only thing that kept him afloat during the long days at Grimmauld Place 13. He hated this house. It was dark and narrow and always felt cold despite the many fireplaces. From everywhere the portraits were watching you. Sirius had long stopped feeling at home here. Sometimes he just wanted to run away.

"What did you do today," he asked James. James detailed reports about his fun summer activities always cheered him up. The more James talked, the more it felt like he had been with him. When James had finished he leaned his head onto his hands.

"And you? What did you do today?"

Sirius sighed heavily.

"Not much. Hid in the library most of the day. Regulus had his awful friends over."

"Crouch and Rosier? Can't you just hex them?"

Sirius shook his head.

"I mean...I could, but this is isn't Hogwarts. There is only one person who could have done it in this house and...I just want to get through this bloody summer." Sirius dropped his head onto his arms. He missed James painfully.

"Right. Get it. But it's just five more weeks," James tried to cheer him up unsuccessfully.

"That's so long! I wish I could just drink a potion and sleep through it."

"I don't think that would be healthy."

Sirius shrugged. He didn't care about that.

"I just wish you were here. Or I was with you."

"Yeah that would be nice. I miss...I miss you. Maybe we should have exchanged sweaters or something, so we'd have something of each other."

Sirius heart skipped a beat at James' words.

"We could do that next summer." He paused and rubbed his eyes. "Merlin, I'm so tired."

"Do you want to stop talking?"

Sirius hesitated for a moment.

"Can you...Can you maybe just stay a little. Until I have fallen asleep? Just tell me something. About Quidditch or whatever you want..."

"Yes. Sure I can do that. Sooo...brooms! Did you know they are making a new Cloudsweeper? It's supposed to be twice as fast as the Dragoncatcher 79 Pro..."

Sirius leaned the mirror against a book, still under the blanket and got cozy. He closed his eyes and let himself drift off, the comforting sound of James voice lulling him to sleep. He couldn't wait for September.

[sunfloo-wers]

four for the character questions?

OK OK OK OK FOUR

(I'm so tempted to make this about the Colors too, and do like 5 different ones (one for Four, one for each Color, but we'll see how it goes)

favorite thing about them

I can't pick between character design and personality sooooo

I really like the tunic, I know it's a color pallet nightmare and shouldn't work, but it makes him visually stand out against the greens and blues of most of the chain, which I think is fun! (also pretty colors) (and smol)

From a personality/characteristics view point, I really like the complexities with his character! It's really difficult to see him as a 2d character, because of the Colors, which I think is really fun! Stick four different, but still somewhat flat sometimes (as is their point kinda), characters together and you get the real humanity of a fully fleshed out person unavoidable in the character!

least favorite thing about them

Hmmmmm, this is difficult because I love the little guy, but I'd have to sayyyyyyyy... drawing the bangs/headband thingey? from a purely selfish point of view, because I do like how they look, and it's a fun way to differentiate character designs, they're just so hard to drawwwww

favorite line

Not really a line, but when he just fucking cackles in Dawn pt4 when Wars says "I think you ought to practice some teamwork. It could use some improvement."

brOTP

hmmmmmm, I'm very fond of Four and Dot's platonic relationship, but I'll get into that more in a later section soooooooo

In the chain at least I think Four and Wind are cool because of the underestimation bondings be it because of age, or babyface/height, or just being the small ones! Although, Four and Sky is also a really nice dynamic... AND the Four and Legend one is real fun, both because their personalities work very well together, and the whole Palace of the Four Sword angst potential >:3

Honestly I could speak towards any sort of within the chain relationship and can't pick just one :(((((

OTP

Four and Shadow, I am nothing if not predictable (more specifically Vidow because of the manga, but BlackSmith (or whatever the Four and Shadow ship name is) is fun too!). They're just adorable and horrible okie? :3

nOTP

I'm just generally not a big fan of romantic Four and Dot, no disrespect to people who do like it, but I think they're better as besties! Like, I think MC!Link at least was very young (and FS(A)!Link was also fairly young I think, but more of an early-middle teen than like 8 or 9), so romance was probably the last thing on his mind, just "I gotta save my best friend!"

And! They've known each other since they were children because their parents were friends and Hyrule Town is a fairly small town, no? This could be argued towards a friends-to-lovers plot line technically, but I just automatically file "known each other as kids" under "a subsection of siblings" because of my own experiences (and the aroaceness) sooooooooooo... yeah...

random headcanon

Colors: I think Red and Blue bake stuff together a lot and give it out to the rest of the people of Hyrule Town for fun, or maybe they open a bakery! (this is all after the events of lu, or before I guess)

Four specifically: I really like the idea that he keeps a journal/diary. Writes down everything type journal. This is a fairly popular head cannon I think (maybe????) so for an out of left field one have... uhhhh...

He goes crazy for raspberries. Sure why not, that feels like it weirdly works for some reason

unpopular opinion

I don't think I really have that many unpopular opinions (unless something else here is that) buuuuuuut, maybe something about him being at least a little morally grey? Like, I get heros and all that jazz, but like... let him be at least a little morally grey hmmm?

I guess that's not really unpopular, I just see "hero character is good' and think, how about no, not exactly, and for him it works!

song i associate with them

Okay, I don't have one for Four, couldn't find one in the "all o' it" playlist, but I did find one for Vidow so I hope this suffices:

Little Soldiers by The Crane Wives

(I am nothing if not a puppet for the Little Soldiers Renchantyn propaganda, and it has only made me realise it kinda works for these two as well)

favorite picture of them

As you've probably assumed by now, I cannot pick just one sooooo:

He's so little, so very smol, and the overhead pov just makes It so much more apparent hehhe (also angy little guy)

This one is just hilarious due to the context, another iteration of little guy

and these two because they are new and we all love them :P

(all art credit to Jojo over at @/linkeduniverse of course)

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

This was really fun thank you so much for sending it in! :D

[sharkrocket]

Since today is white day (opposite to valentines day where men in Asia gift chocolate to their girlfriends / the person they like) do you think artemy or daniil would gift the other one something like that hahahaha?

https://www.reddit.com/r/RATS/comments/o1p9fp/i_made_marshmallow_and_ganache_filled_chocolate/

MARCH 14TH AHHH I FORGOT

Hmmm, that's a good question, WOULD they participate in these kinds of holidays? 🤔 I'm trying to think.... I get the sense that maybe they're more acts of service kind of people? They show that they care through practical, useful and tangible means... Which! Can sometimes include gift giving depending on if one or the other notices the other having a particular need that would improve their life

But, there is something VERY funny about Daniil handing over chocolate rat marshmallows and being like "they reminded me of you" with zero elaboration

[chainoftalent]

Im currently half way done with the draft but like.. It's a madoka magica crossover with kokichi barley having any lines idk why i did this to myself but next time imma do normal headcannons💔

Practice practice practice! No one's expecting your first fic in a genre to be perfect keqing, it sure sounds interesting though! My advice for making sure the character shows up more? Hmmm, well if you're writing an actual story you could either frame it from their pov which inherently forces them to be a focal point.

Really its hard to point out what you could improve without seeing it myself. For general advise, keep practicing and that even if kokichi isn't currently on screen, that doesn't mean he isn't having an effect on the plot, you can have him off screen but still having him in the characters minds and thoughts by having his moves butterfly effect out.

Hmm I guess I could put it like ...

If it's short, center it either on kokichis pov or keep it contained to a specific few scenes, and if it's long make sure that even if he doesn't get a lot of ACTUAL screen time, that his presence is still felt by things that happen around the pov character.

A character having less lines is a powerful tool as well, show don't tell after all. Kokichi doesn't need to actually say a single word if you can get down having his presence in a story. Not every story needs to be like that of course, but if you're struggling to write him lines, maybe try a story with more of a focus on atmosphere?

So I guess I'm assigning homework (lighthearted you don't have to do this I just think it'd be a useful writing exercise) Your mission if you choose to accept is to write something at least 3 paragraphs long and have kokichi either never speak at all, or speak only at the very end. See if you can still make his presence prominent without him speaking or speaking very little.

Even if you can't do it this could be really good practice of when to show vs when to tell, because despite how the saying goes, you do actually need to know when the proper time is for to describe something and when you just need to go "they flicked the light switch" and move on

[lisutarid-a]

[Gakuen K] Yatogami Kuroh Route Translation

Shooting star

LIST OF CHAPTERS

[Translation under the cut]

Saya: Hello! …I guess there's no one here today.

Saya: (The third semester starts tomorrow. Maybe everyone doesn't have time for club activities)

Saya: I think I'll have a cup of tea…

Kuroh: …I'll have one too.

Saya: K-Kuro-kun, when did you…!

Kuroh: No, I was sitting there from the beginning.

Saya: Huh, really? I was sure no one was here…

Kuroh: You came because you have some business with those guys?

Saya: Un-uh, I didn't have any business, I just thought I'd come by and see if you guys wanted to hang out.

Kuroh: What about winter vacation homework…?

Saya: I finished it yesterday.

Kuroh: I see. If so, do you want to hang out with me?

Saya: With Kuro-kun?

Kuroh: Yeah. If you're okay with that.

Saya: Of course I'm okay with that! Fufu, I am glad I came to the clubroom. Well then…

Choice: [Hang out in the clubroom] ❤

Saya: How about we hang out here?

Kuroh: There's not much here to do.

Saya: Playing cards…I think we shouldn't touch them, because they are Shiro-kun's personal belongings.

Saya: It would be no good to borrow them without asking. Hmmm…

Kuroh: Then how about cooking?

Saya: Cooking?

Kuroh: Yeah. I brought all the cooking utensils here. Feel free to use them.

Kuroh: It's been a while since I've had your cooking. Besides I'm hungry.

Saya: I got it. I'm still far from Kuro-kun's level, but I'll cover it with love!

Kuroh: Fu…I'm looking forward to seeing how much you've improved.

Choice: [Go hang out outside]

Saya: How about we hang out outside?

Kuroh: Outside…Where will we go?

Saya: Hmm…maybe to a park? Like, we could take a walk while chatting slowly…

Saya: Are we gonna look a bit like an old married couple, I wonder…?

Kuroh: M-married couple…!

Saya: Ah! That was just an example!

Kuroh: Ahh, yeah. I know. I guess I don't have enough practice to be upset about something like this…

Kuroh: All right, shall we go outside for now?

Saya: Thanks for staying late today.

Kuroh: Yeah, I enjoyed it, too.

Saya: Ah, shooting star!

Kuroh: Where?

Saya: It's already gone.

Saya: It was unexpected, I wish I could have made a wish…

Kuroh: Is this the saying, "If you repeat it three times, it will come true"? Is it possible to repeat it three times in a single moment?

Saya: If you try hard enough, you might be able to do it.

Kuroh: By the way, what do you want to wish for?

Saya: There's a lot of things…I wish everyone in the Silver сlub good health, good studies, and always get along with Kuro-kun.

Saya: I think that's all.

Kuroh: …I don't think you'll be able to repeat it all at once.

Saya: Eh, I guess I was too greedy. Let's reduce the number of them…

Kuroh: Then it would be "get along with me", right?

Saya: Eh, I can't exclude that.

Kuroh: It's okay. You don't have to wish it on a star. It's just a matter of us caring for each other.

Saya: I see…You're right.

Kuroh: Next time you see a shooting star, you'd better pray for Shiro and Neko to graduate safely.

Kuroh: …Well, see you tomorrow at school.

Saya: Uhm, be careful!

[Prev chapter][Next chapter]

[ben-10-setting-omnicrom]

Got curious and went looking found a couple of good Omnichip fics!

https://www . fanfiction . net/s/7069714/1/She

https://www . fanfiction . net/s/12725806/1/Time-Lost

https://www . fanfiction . net/s/7183371/1/Soccer

https://www . fanfiction . net/s/6830164/1/Falling-Into-Something-Better

https://archiveofourown . org/works/46513858

https://archiveofourown . org/works/53275801/chapters/134823271

sry, you have to remove the spaces but yeah hopefully you like some of them 😊

Ooooh nice. Hmmm. I can't seem to copy paste any of them unfortunately. Maybe after I post?

Just a fyi in the future so other people can know, imo it's best practices to post the summary along with the links to stories so people don't have to look for it themselves and be disappointed in what they potentially find.

Tho idk if an ask has a word limit haha.

If I'm able to copy paste I'll edit this post to include the summaries of them here.

I'm hoping at least one of these are good lol because there are hardly any fan art of Elena too let alone with Ben which is really unfortunate.

To them, I'm a she. A thing. A being. A body. A monster. A poser.

Ben 10, K+, English, Angst & Hurt/Comfort, words: 350, favs: 5, follows: 2, Jun 10, 2011, Elena V.

Ben loved her once, but the woman who was currently holding the life of his friends for ransom wasn't the Elena he had once known. My take on what might have happened if Ben had been forced to choose between saving his friends, or losing Elena. An AU of Revenge of the Swarm.

Ben 10, T, English, Hurt/Comfort & Drama, chapters: 6, words: 7k+, favs: 32, follows: 19, updated: Nov 25, 2018 published: Nov 14, 2017, Ben T., Elena V.

A series of what can go on with soccer that can lead to that puppy-dog love of Belena.

Ben 10, K+, English, Romance & Friendship, chapters: 14, words: 11k+, favs: 20, follows: 15, updated: Sep 11, 2012 published: Jul 15, 2011, Ben T., Elena V.

She was trying to be the voice of reason, but he wasn't making her job too easy. *Can be interpretted as friendship or romance. Take your pick.

Ben 10, T, English, Friendship & Hurt/Comfort, words: 2k+, favs: 17, follows: 3, Mar 16, 2011, Ben T., Elena V.

It's amazing, Elena thinks, how badly a person can miss something that they never had.

Or, Elena pines and schemes.

Language: English Words: 666 Chapters: 1/1 Collections: 1 Kudos: 18 Bookmarks: 4 Hits: 319

A mysterious virus begins turning Ben's friends and family against him and he finds himself powerless to stop it. Elena, who has recently re-entered Ben's life with promises that she has improved, is the only one left to stand with him.

Together, they must figure out why Elena is unaffected and if her immunity can be replicated. Ben finds himself forced to put his trust in Elena blindly as they race against the clock to find a cure before the effects of the virus are irreversible... Because if they fail, Ben's life will never be the same.

Language: English Words: 19,678 Chapters: 5/7 Collections: 1 Comments: 24 Kudos: 18 Bookmarks: 4 Hits: 437

These look plenty fun thanks for the recs haha

[pink-strawberry-kissess]

i love your writing sm! Some of ur fics are my favs of all time ^-^ I want to write aeon but i struggle really hard with starting to write and then liking what i write after. do you have any tips? >-<

ahhhhh!!! tysm!!! ahhh!!!!!! that means a lot to me hehehe

hmmm i suppose i would have a few questions also tho!

sometimes getting inspired in my main issue! making some time to just read a few fics or watch aeon scenes or listen to music that makes you think of aeon can get the ball rolling. i really feel as though having a good clear idea or motive can help with at least starting. i have a difficult time writing an entire fic if i don't have an ending in mind also- this is something to maybe consider. if you don't have a clear ending, at least work through the various stages before getting started if you don't have a lot of your story already thought about it can be hard to start- BUT if you don't have an ending in mind then writing scenes and bridging them together could be an alternative until you can figure out an ending!

what are you not liking about your writing? :< i'm sure that there's still aspects that you like!

sometimes just getting started and posting can give you the motivation to post more! sometimes the interaction from the fandom can help too! :>

i can understand it can be daunting if you've never posted before, but the problem is also realizing that you will always get better with practice! you'll never improve if you don't try, and even if you wanna write privately and then keep at it until you're happy enough with something to post then- then do that!

writing should always be for yourself and if you're not happy with what it is, then try to figure out what is it exactly that you're not happy with. is is pacing? dialogue? characterization? there's lots of things that could be worked on!

i dunno i hope that was helpful! if you wanna go more in depth feel free to send me a dm :>

[cookies-over-yonder]

do u have any tips on writing/posting fics? im posting my first one tomorrow and im a little nervous about it!! also i just love ur writing :]

!!! that's exciting!!!

as for posting fics, i totally get being nervous about it, and i would say don't overthink it but maybe that's hypocritical of me as someone with debilitating anxiety JAHDKRBMDLG but. i would say focus on the positives of sharing your work with the world. i love sharing my art and writing with the world especially fan content because i've created something for another creation that i love and now i'm sharing it with other people who love that thing and it's just a cycle of love and love and love and love and i'm rambling now but do you know what i mean?

as for tips on writing, hmmm.... i've been writing for a few years now and i would say the best general advice i can provide is to keep practicing. i know everybody says that though. something especially is to focus on practicing aspects of writing that aren't your strong-suits. if you focus on exercising specific aspects of writing then you will surely improve at those parts, as opposed to constantly writing without a specific focus in mind. HOWEVER, while i do that sometimes, i mostly just write for fun. and i am a huge perfectionist but a great tip that my bro lucas gave me before is to be the most self-indulgent you can be when you're writing because if you're having fun then it translates into the writing. i've had multiple people tell me actually that they can tell i was having fun while i was writing my fics and i think that's the greatest thing. it doesn't have to be perfect!!!!! i think the most important thing is for it to have heart!!!! :DDDD

i hope this helps ajslakdkakfajdf!!!! if you have any more specific questions about writing i can help too. this is just sorta general advice heheh :) <3

[paleparearchive]

Sunflower of the Beginning

Van Gogh's promo 4★ story (1/3) ( 1 - 2 - 3 )

Location: atelier (morning) ; kitchen (morning) | Characters: Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Michelangelo

Van Gogh: Hmmm, should I put a brighter color here? But then the overall balance would be... Ugh, it's difficult…

(All the painters belonging to the Palette Museum are well-known people. I'm the only anonymous one, being one or two steps behind everyone else... No, maybe a thousand steps behind.)

(Still... I want to become a great painter like everyone else. To get good at it, I have to paint a lot.)

Now that the deputy director will be here, I’ll practice painting more and more!

(First, I need to complete this sunflower painting–)

Ah, my stomach is growling. Come to think of it, I haven't eaten anything since this morning… I think I'll take a break.

—

Da Vinci: Oh, Van Gogh-san. It is nice to see you.

Van Gogh: Nice to see you, Da Vinci. Were you also on a break, by any chance?

Da Vinci: Yes, I was painting until a while ago, and I cut it off just in time.

Van Gogh: No way, me too! Do you want to take a break together?

Da Vinci: It is fine for me. I will prepare tea for you as well, Van Gogh-san.

Van Gogh: Thanks!

—

Van Gogh: Aaah, delicious… I'm glad we stocked up on breaad~

Da Vinci: I did not realize you had been painting since this morning without a break. You need to take breaks in moderation, okay?

Van Gogh: Hahaha, I just got carried away. I've been trying out different things. I wonder why it's so difficult to draw exactly as I imagined…

Hey, how can I become a painter as good as you and the others? I'd love some advice, if you want!

Da Vinci: I do not know what kind of advice I could give you... Besides, I am younger than you.

Van Gogh: “Don’t know” is not an option. Your paintings are so wonderful! Just looking at them makes my heart ache. I always want to be able to draw pictures like that too.

And it doesn't matter if you're older or younger. I have a lot of respect for you, Da Vinci. I'm open to any advice as long as it's to improve my painting. So please!

Da Vinci: Van Gogh-san… Fufu, your words are always so straightforward and ticklish.

Understood. Then, my advice is–

Michelangelo: … Urgh, you were here.

Da Vinci: Michelangelo… It is rare to see you come out of your room.

Michelangelo: I just came to get a drink because I ran out. I'll be right back in my room.

Da Vinci: Yes, a person like you is best suited to spend time alone in a room with the curtains closed.

Michelangelo: T-The hell? You didn't have to put it that way.

Van Gogh: (Oooh noo, what should I do! Suddenly, the mood turned nasty…)

Rembrandt: Ah, so everyone was here. I bought some snacks, do you want someee?~

Van Gogh: Rembrandt-san, you came just in time…!

Rembrandt: Just in time…? I don't really understand, but my recommended sweets are– Woah!?

Michelangelo: Wait, why are you comin’ here rushin’–

*THUMP!*

Rembrandt: Owow… Sorry, I tripped over my foot.

Van Gogh: Are you two okay!?

Rembrandt: Yes, I’m fineee~

Michelangelo: … Me too.

Da Vinci: I am glad to see that you are not injured. Rembrandt-san, please watch your step when you walk. Michelangelo... How slow can you be if you cannot dodge something like that?

Michelangelo: I-It’s harder to avoid somethin’ so sudden.

Da Vinci: It is always the case that Rembrandt-san will fall down, so it should be somewhat predictable.

Van Gogh: N-Now now, calm down, both of you. Rembrandt-san, say something too–

Rembrandt: Aah! The sweets are shattered! I must have crushed them when I fell… But it's not like we can't eat them... So it’s okay. Which one shall I eat fiiirst?~

Van Gogh: Uhm…

Da Vinci: Oh, maybe you have been too reclusive and your reflexes have dulled.

Michelangelo: Ugh… I-It doesn't matter if I have slow reflexes or not, it’s got nothing to do with creatin’ a work of art.

Van Gogh: (Maybe it’s getting a little out of control? I’ll take shelter in the atelier while I still can…)

[mellow-worlds]

Today's walk made me think about uni. About the opportunity to meet new people and live adventures with them. I wish for a friend whom I can confide everything with. I wish to be a better person so I wouldn't have to be ashamed of all the things I would then confide.

I wish there was someone I could play my instruments for and they wouldn't judge me for being bad, but still enjoy it (gosh I need to practice more). I wish for someone who was as insomniastic as me so we could be awake together. I wish for someone whom I could have fun with, who made me laugh and who would tell me interesting stories.

Ok I could list a thousand more things. I could list three thousand more characteristics I'd like to find someone with. I could wish for a friend three thousand times. I really want to have a deep intimacy with someone who's my friend. Someone who always wanted to spend time with me. It's ok.

I need to work on myself. I need to work on my self-worth so I'm not as dependent on other people for that anymore. Yeah. I need to better myself. Have something to actually show for. Hmmm... How does one go about starting to like oneself?

Sometimes I think that I am pretty ok. Right now I feel ok about myself. Sometimes I get cocky and think I'm a very cool person to hang out with, actually, someone people would want to be friends with if only I could open up. Sometimes (maybe most of the time) I feel like the worst person on earth and that everybody rightfully hates me.

Maybe I really should try to open up more. I've made advances with T and F, I think. But still... I'm always very quiet and barely integrate myself in conversations, especially when there's a group that's a little bit bigger.

I think that, apart from being pretty shy, I also just don't have a lot to say. I'm not very clever so I don't easily come up with something to say and often, if I speak too quickly or without thought, I end up making a fool of myself.

Still, I should try to open up. To be someone who people actually listened to. I feel like I get overheard really often and I couldn't tell you why that's the case.

Anyway. I don't know how to stop being selfish, shy, self-absorbed. I need to improve those things to get liked by people. And I need to improve my self-worth. For one, I want to stop living like this, it's not that much fun, and I want to be less of a narcissist. Yeah. That'd be nice. I'll try to figure out how to achieve these things and we'll see. Let's hope for the best.

[prettycottonmouthlamia]

She walked quickly through the streets, trying her best to be seen for as little time as possible. So had began the weekly visits to Will, the man who was slowly teaching her the words. It was a slow process, but she was happy with every single new word she picked up. The world slowly made more sense, it became easier to grasp.

But she was always afraid that eventually she would be punished for this. That her learning the words would be a forbidden practice. That the "Happy" mask wouldn't be enough to stem their anger. Once they got angry enough.

The last time, they ripped the "Happy" mask off of her face, and shattered it.

Through one of these side roads, she was stopped by the presence of two women that she recognized. She slinked away, doing her best to blend in with the shadows. She had learned the word "cruel" and knew that these women were "cruel". So she needed to stay safe from them.

"It's really exciting news isn't it? They say that a Prince is going to be coming through any day now! Do you think that he's looking? Should I propose to him?"

"That's just silly. We can barely consider ourselves a backwater town to begin with. Who knows why he's coming through here anyways, from wherever he's from."

"Wait, do you not know? Do you pay that little attention to the world?"

"So what if I do? I have better things to do than to be tempting the husbands of good women at that pub of yours."

"Well!"

The two women stopped talking and stomped off away from each other. She didn't understand what had just happened. A lot of the things she witnessed in the village were things she couldn't understand. But there was one word she had that she wanted to know more of.

---

"Pu...rinse...hmmm...oh! Prince!"

The Maskmaker nodded, her hands fidgeting with each other.

"Of course I'll teach you that one but...may I ask why?"

She slowly wrote her response out on the paper. It had been a few weeks, but her ability to quickly write hadn't improved. Her writing had to be special, although she had no idea why. It was something of great importance to her.

"Heard women talking. Prince coming?"

The man nodded repeatedly, before chuckling to himself.

"Oh, of course. That's right. I had honestly completely forgotten. The Prince of my country is traveling through here. I believe he is supposed to be marrying the Princess of this land, whoever she may be, and this is just one stop on his journey. With their marriage, the lands will be united, so my guess is that he is taking the long route through."

The Maskmaker simply looked at him, before swapping out her masks again. This time it was a new one, a complex pattern of lines and shapes that didn't seem to represent anything. Will stared at it for some time before laughing a bit and scratching his head.

"That's a new one. What does it mean?"

She wrote down one word onto the paper.

"Confusion."

"Ohhhh, I see. This is probably a lot for you to take in, sorry. A Prince is...well a very important person. Maybe you'll get to see him? I'm not too familiar but I've heard he's a very kind person."

The Maskmaker sat in place for a long time, not moving except for rummaging about in her outfit. Will simply sat patiently and waiting for a response. Initially, he had been very alarmed when this had first happened, but learned that this is what happened when she was deep in thought. She simply froze in place. Then, all of a sudden, the masks changed again. From "Confusion" to "Excitement".

"Hahahaha, well it's good to have something to look forward to. I don't want to promise anything though. He'll likely be very busy. Let's start on our words for today."

---

The sun was beginning to set when they had finished. The Maskmaker had put back on the "Happy" mask. Learning was fun and enjoyable, and the food she was eating her was better than the scraps she had gotten used to. It was a place of calm and serenity that she quickly grew to like.

"Now for the last words. Would you be able to describe yourself for me?"

She paused, before writing a word.

"Happy."

"Well, okay, that's how you're feeling. But I was looking more for a physical description. I want to see how you describe yourself, right now."

Another pause, this time a lot longer. The pen repeatedly touched its tip to the paper, before being almost imperceptibly lifted back up. Then, finally, words began to be written out.

"Clay gears blood dirt water mask. Mask covers bad thing. Stolen thing. Make masks. Maskmaker. Different."

She stopped, the pen rapidly flitting back and forth as she moved her two fingers. Then, she continued writing.

"Made of clay. Gears. But have blood. Dirt gets on. Need water. Mask is good. Mask is safe."

Will sat down, putting his chin in his hand as he read the words, before looking at and staring at her.

"You seem to be made of the same stuff as I am. Flesh and hair and blood. You're a person, just like me."

The Maskmaker sat still for some time, before just shaking her head. She had some to be something different from Will. People didn't mistreat him, they didn't treat him with scorn and bitterness, they didn't call him filth.

So, she had to not be a person. Just a doll with a stolen face.

As the first, gentle beams of sunlight pierced through the small windows, illuminating the gentle wisps of dust flowing on the wind, as the birds first began their beautiful songs, communicating unknown knowledge in an language that could not be deciphered, a young girl stirred. She got out of her bed, and the first thing she did to start the morning was to take her thin blanket, and wrap it around her face, framing it and hiding it from the world.

It was these moments, where she needed to start her day with food and drink, that the girl felt most vulnerable. She had long mastered the technique that would allow her to quickly hide her face if need be, but there was always a possibility that someone might end up seeing her. She never felt comfortable in these moments. Food was consumed quickly, unceremoniously, matter to be digested into energy and nothing more. Water was consumed merely for lubrication, to keep the internal gears moving.

After that came safety. She turned to the back wall of her little, squalid room, and removed the blanket for her head, before grabbing something and affixing it to her face.

A mask.

Dozens of them hung up on this wall. They were her lifeline and her life's greatest work. She had crafted all of these, by hand, out of the small makeshift kiln that she could barely make dry out the smooth clay. She had painted them with the scraps she could find and scavenge from the worlds of successful artists. Ascribed to each of these was an emotion. The mask on her face was the emotion of "Happy". She was happy, because masks were safe. They clearly communicated to the world the emotion she was experiencing. It was always "Happy" to start.

It was "Happy" when the kind old women would sneak her food when no one else was watching. It was "Happy" when someone bought one of the trinkets she had made the night before. It was "Happy" when she could go about her day without anything happening. She slowly packed a few more masks into her large coat, for the different emotions.

They were less faded and damaged than the "Happy" mask. The masks representing "Sadness" and "Anger" were rarely used. Even when she was feeling those emotions. There was a long crack down the middle of the "Happy" mask, from when the young men had harassed her and shoved her into the side of a building. She had to remain "Happy" still.

She was "Happy" when the mothers would sneer in her direction and tell their kids to stay away from her.

She was "Happy" when the kids stole the stuff she meant to sell so she could buy food.

She was "Happy" when the young lady screamed at her for her stolen beauty.

She could not be "Sadness" or "Anger", except around very few people.

There were masks on the wall for all kinds of emotions she had heard about it, and read in the tattered books she kept as treasures. "Jealousy", "Envy", "Depression", "Excitement", "Nervousness", "Fear", "Love", "Content". Some of them had been painted quite abstractly, interpretations of emotions felt by people that weren't her. They were the least faded of the bunch. They rarely came down.

What use was the emotion of "Love"?

The "Happy" mask would do. The "Happy" mask made people the most tolerant. It made her the safest, when she could hide her face from others. "Happy" was the best emotion, the most useful one. So it was the one she wore the most often.

The Maskmaker was always. "Happy".

[dazaikinning]

strange

part 8 (⁠〒⁠﹏⁠〒⁠) sorry for hiatus

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

it's 12:00 am and it's officially my birthday...ಥ⁠╭⁠╮⁠ಥ

here's the mention @thatdazaikin it really makes me smile seeing your reblogs everytime i finished writing this, my mental state is currently in the middle of good and bad right now but i'm still trying to improve. i hope you have a great day, please take care of yourself! (⁠´⁠∩⁠｡⁠•⁠ ⁠ᵕ⁠ ⁠•⁠｡⁠∩⁠`⁠)⁠ ♥️

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

"wakey wakey?" you woke up and saw you were already home, "who know you were this sleepy." he huffed. you immediately got off and started scratching your head nervously, "errm..i didn't mean to i was just too tired and uh.." you were panicking and felt your heart racing, i really need to practice calming myself down.

"hmmm?" he raised an eyebrow, "nevermind nevermind! i'll just get her?" you asked, "maybe i could come inside? it's fine if you don't want to i'm just a tad bit curious." he smiled, you couldn't refuse with that charming smile of him, of course you couldn't. "well it's a little messy so bare with it." you shrugged. you unlocked your door as dazai singsong his way to your house, "it looks pretty neat to me, ah helloooo little one?" he grabbed your cat and raised it and kissed it's nose, you were surprised that he didn't get any scars. "i'll be taking care of you from now on until your pretty little caretaker feels better okay?? she feels quite tired you know?" he smiled cheekily. pretty-?! does he really mean that?!

"oh and dazai!" you spoke, "hm?" he asked, "would you mind helping me with the exercises..? i really haven't completed it.", "of course!" dazai responded.

"of course, i'll just brew some tea real quick." you were walking up to your kitchen, "actually, may i have water instead? I'm really thirsty actually." he sucked in a breath and pretend to start choking and you eventually start laughing, "that's all you're gonna do to a dying person? laugh? that isn't nice hmph!" he crossed his arm and turned away with a pouted look, "alright alright i'll get the water so we can get started." you went to the kitchen and grabbed two cups of water. coming back you placed the water on the table and sat down, "shall we start?" he tilts his head and looked at you. nodding, he starts explaining the exercises and you admired him but was kind of jealous that he knows better than you even though he joined for probably about a month ago.

"and that's how you solve those equations! do you have any other questions?" he finishes, "no, i don't think i do, thank you for the explanation dazai! i didn't expect you to solve those effortlessly." you praises, he was looking at you and you looked back. making eye contacts with him. did i say the wrong thing? why am i so-

dazai suddenly burst out laughing as he left you dumbfounded, trying to process what had happened. "did you mean that? i mean it was simple but, i'm quite adulated." adulated, to feel flattered. "ah i do mean it." you smiled, "come to think of it, what time is it?" you checked the time and saw it was still 8:14 pm. wait, ITS 8:14??!! "ah dazai, i'm sorry i wasted too much time." you apologized, "non-sense! it's fine honestly, my parents are usually busy, especially my father but, i guess i'll be getting home now, it was my pleasure tutoring you." he stood up and bowed. "wait-! can i ask for something?" he turned back, "what could you want~?" he grinned. "do you still have that one book called i am a cat?" you requested. dazai sighs in disappointment and smiled, "i do, you wanna borrow it?" he handed you the book, "yes i do, thank you!" you excitingly took the book and thanked him twice as you took a look at the book, soy un gato by natsume sōseki.

"so what do i get return?" he pouted, "eh- 1,000 yen..?" you asked, "do i look like i need money?" he questioned you in a grumpy tone. "i mean you said to uh.." you were oblivious of what he wants. he sighs and patted your head, "it's fine~" he hummed. you were stunned, speechless, flustered, embarrassed. anything. his hand felt soft, i mean it isn't the first time but it's just unexpected everytime and it always made your cheeks red, if that's possible. sometimes you wondered if he always noticed your embarrassments everytime you talk to him. "i think it's time i get going now, it really was nice being able to hang out with you everyday and i do mean it." he said and smiled, his smiles always look so beautiful, making your heart fuzzy sometimes. "i'd say the same, but i guess i'll see you tomorrow dazai." you responded, you both suddenly heard a meow and looked down to see your cat somehow hugging dazai leg. "ah, i almost forgot about this small one, it's time to go home now~" he picked her up as she grasp onto dazai's chest, "alright, be safe you two." you both said your goodbyes and watched as he left. you sighed, "why am i so obvious with myself being flustered around him, it makes me feel like i'm making him uncomfortable or something. i don't understand!!" you then groaned.

you're almost like a problem i can't solve

---------+---------