#so hopefully i can do those artworks with him i wanted to before

[rainbowratsstuff]

I've finally made a ravenpaw design that I feel happy with ^^

Also some ravenbarley because they're cute 💙💜

[brokenpieces-72]

Task force 141! Gangster x Reader

Truth or Pain

This is part 3. Part 2

Leave a comment if you want to be tagged in future posts.

You’re hanging out with Soap again and he watches you work on a your newest piece. You enjoy moments like these. You feel like yourself, and like you aren’t forcing your part. Soap was impressed with your skill. You were very good with your hands, and your work was great demonstration.

“You want to try?” You offer Soap a brush.

“You think I can make somethin as good as you?” He asks taking up your offer.

“Try it.” You say. A small voice in the back of your head suggests getting him on vandalism but you ignore it. He takes the brush and adds a bit of colour to wall… in the form of a very crude doodle of himself.

You finally take a break with him, warming your hands on the hot cup of cocoa.

“So what exactly do you guys do? Like I’ve seen you guys work but… I don’t get it.” You say, breaking the silence.

Soap thinks for a moment before answering. “We do what needs to be done.”

When he looks at you to see your reaction he finds you silently asking for more details.

“The Los Voqueros sell medicines. Simple stuff that’s not easy to afford. Painkillers, allergy meds. Ya know Farah, woman that ‘elped ‘ide us when those cops tried to grab us? She’s a bit of a vigilante, keepin some big corporation from ruin’in her neighbourhood.

“The problems with the world canna be solved by cops and white collars. They don’a’ven want to. We do. We set the world right, and we ‘ven ave a little fun on the side.”

He gives you a soft elbow to the arm. You smile. But underneath there’s a few things going on you’re not telling him. He’s given you two statements. One that can be used on Farah Karim, for aiding two criminals. The other could start a hunt for the Los Voqueros and their shipments of drugs. It wasn’t what you had been sent to find but it was a start. You might actually be taken seriously at the precinct, people might actually start having faith in your abilities. But… Farah had shown you and a few others kindness and trust. Her neighbourhood was constantly being targeted for demolition and businesses. You knew how expensive medications and drugs could be, you had needed them before yourself. As you sat there continuing to sip your warm drink, you started to ask yourself if this was truly what you wanted to do. The cops were bringing down people who were just trying to help. Sure they clubbed and partied on the side but hell, who doesn’t take some personal time?

You decide to keep the information to yourself for now, after all, Graves would only ask for a report on Soap and Ghost. Farah and Alejandro weren’t the priority.

You think back to your father. He was trying to help too. But it got him killed. You couldn’t let a bunch of gangs run free just because they were trying to help. The man sitting next to you had killed people before. He beat up good cops, stole shipments of drugs, and made it difficult for businesses to expand and grow the economy.

The rest of the day goes by fairly casually. You don’t give Graves anything on Soap, because well, he hadn’t given you anything. Nothing you could prove. Graves is frustrated, but he’s honestly too tired to care and leaves soon after.

A few more weeks go by and try to keep tabs on everything you can. The Los Vaqueros approved of the artwork you came up with, and now they were deciding where they wanted it. Hopefully they would give you a chance to be alone to work on it and you could find more evidence. Soap had mentioned helping with recent shipments so maybe you could get something from there.

The location was an old and empty warehouse, practically deserted. Alejandro and Rudolfo went with you to the location to show you where they wanted it.

It was more like where they wanted you though. Next thing you know, Rudolfo has you pinned against the wall while Alejandro is yelling questions.

“What are you looking for?”

“The fuck are you talking about?!” You yell. Rudolfo holds you tighter by your jacket. “Why are you here? What the fuck you want?!” Alejandro is pissed, but you have to stay quiet. You can’t give them anything.

“For the fucking mural! You asked me to!” You choke out. Rudolfo is ordered to drop you and you hit the floor, coughing.

Alejandro is nowhere close to being done with you. A good man he may be, but with traitors? Few could tell you how that went.

You’re met with a boot against your ribs as a warning.

“Why are you really here… out with it.” He warns.

“I don’t kno-“ before you can finish you get the wind kicked out of you.

“You know damn well why you’re here…tell me now.” He orders. Rudolfo keeps an eye out while Alejandro continues interrogating you.

“What are you talking about?!” You manage after regaining some air. He holds up his phone and shows a photo of you… in uniform.

“What are you looking for?” He asks. There’s some lenience as he lets you get to your hands and knees. Alejandro helps you stand by grabbing you and pinning you to the wall again. You try to kick him off, your heart pounding in your chest and ears ringing in your head.

“Start talking!”

“I don’t know what you mean!”

“I know you’re a fucking cop!” He yells. “You’re undercover! I know you are, so start talking! Who else is undercover? What are you trying to find?!”

“Get off!” You yell back. At this point you’d have enough evidence for assault, but right now you were fighting to remain an assault victim.

“Not until you tell me who else is undercover with you.” Alejandro demands, you get punched in the gut making you cough. “Tell me and you walk away!”

“I…don’t…” another hit, this one to the face. There’s footsteps but you barely notice them. He grabs you by the jaw and gets close.

“Talk and I won’t tell Soap… you walk away and nothing happens…”

“…I’m a cop…” you admit. You were scared. You didn’t know how he knew. You weren’t supposed to say anything. When he brought up Soap though… Soap was the only one who seemed to put any trust in you. Losing that would hurt more than anything Alejandro could do to you.

“Where are your partners? Who are they?” Alejandro asks, his rage reducing a bit. Before you can answer though you hear a thick Scottish accent shouting and Alejandro pulled off of you.

You fall back to the ground and see Soap and Alejandro arguing with Rudolfo nearby trying to break them apart. You can barely make out what they’re saying, but eventually two hands grip your arms and help you to your feet just as Soap turns to you.

“Come on kid.” You hear a deep British voice say and you look to see Ghost is holding you, and lead you out of the warehouse while Soap follows not long after.

Ghost gets you to a car, telling you to get in the back which you do and you sit patiently for Soap to come along and sit in the passenger’s seat. They don’t say anything to you, just start driving.

As they get on the road Soap speaks up.

“Where we takin the cop?” He asks.

Your heart plummets when he says it. The way he says it tells you he’s pissed. With you.

“I’m taking Y/N to a hide out. The boss can deal with them.” Ghost said.

Soap looks back at you in the rear view and you look away. Not out the window, but more at the door. Your body was sore from Alejandro, and you were tired. You were too nervous to fall asleep.

When you get to the hideout, you sit up so Ghost can open the door. He jerks his head signalling for you to get out of the vehicle, and you do, keeping your head down. You can’t look at either of them.

Ghost leads you inside with Soap following behind you. He opens the door telling you to sit down, before stopping Soap from going inside and shuts the door.

“The fuck is this?” Soap asks annoyed.

“You’re emotional MacTavish.” Ghost tells him.

“Have fuckin right to be. We trusted ‘em and-“

“They were doing their job.” Ghost finishes the sentence.

“They used us.”

“You knew this was possible… like father like child.” Ghost reminds him. Soap is still pissed and kicks the ground hard in frustration. Ghost just folds his arms, and leans in front of the door frame letting Soap get his colourful Scottish phrases rattle off while tossing and kicking anything he could get his hands on.

You can hear them from outside and you consider running off, running away and not looking back. Soap and his men had given you a chance, a chance you had been waiting for. Soap was your friend, and he would defend you to no end. Any of his men tried to get handsy or get too drunk and go off he was beside you, jabbing back at them. He talked you up to Rudy and Al, assured Farah you were a good person, kept you close to his side… you start to wonder if it had all been for the case, or if you had done it because you felt like you were a part of something for once.

Ghost soon comes back inside, Soap is nowhere to be seen.

“You broken?” He asks. You fight your tears and shake your head.

“Take your jacket off and roll up your shirt.” He orders. You slowly stand and do as he says, showing a couple bruises. Ghost sighs and gets an ice pack from his freezer handing it to you along with a rag. You take it already knowing what to do, while he pulls up a chair and sits in front of you.

“What’s your name?” He asks.

“Y/n… y/n l/n.” You say shifting a little as you placed the ice pack to one of the bruises.

“…you’re a cop.” He says. You nod, despite the statement being rhetorical.

“Soap was aware that could be the case… given your father.” He says. You look at Ghost.

“You…”

“We knew your dad. All of us, including the boss. Good man.” He said as if trying to end the discussion. You two sat in silence for a bit while you mulled over what he said. Your father was a cop, did he do the same thing? Go undercover? Did Graves know?

“Keep the pack.” Ghost says standing up. You follow him to the car and he takes you back to your apartment. Before you exit the car he gives you a piece of paper.

“Text this for a ride.” He says. You take it.

“Could you tel-“

“No.” He says. “Tell Soap yourself.”

You nod and leave the car and go inside to your apartment. It’s late, almost midnight and god knows how long Graves has been waiting.

You knock on your own door and Graves soon opens it. When you walk in you hardly pay him any mind as he’s demanding to know where you’ve been. He keeps asking even while you’re getting some painkillers for your soreness and now headache from Graves.

“Nothing happened.” You say.

“Somethin happene-“

“Nothing… got into a fight that was it.” You say.

“You start it?” He asks.

“…no.”

“Who did?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“It does matter sergeant, now start talking!”

“I don’t know anything!” You yell. Your whole body tensed as it felt like you were at the warehouse getting questioned again. You flinched when he got closer. You clenched your fists digging the nails into your palms.

“Sergeant this is getting ridiculous. I have half a mind to take you off this case.”

“Then do it…” you mutter. At this point you don’t care. You’re in pain and this case made everything you had started to care for fall apart. What had Graves honestly done except tell you, you weren’t ready and remind you of the expectations you had being your father’s kid? Soap knew your dad, and never once reminded you of living up to him.

“What?” Graves looks at you stunned.

“Do it. Take me off the case. It’s probably for the best.” You say shrugging. Graves looks at you pressing his lips together. He shook his head.

“Your fath-“

“I don’t give a fucking damn about my father or how I’m his disappointment of a kid okay? You’re right I’m a fucking joke being his kid.”

“I’ve given you a chance to prove yourself!” Graves argues.

“And what have I done? Nothing! I’m a glorified tagger that’s what you said right?! Fine! Then I’ll be one! You gonna arrest me then?” You’re staring him down now. He just looks back, hiding his surprise. If Graves was being honest, he was tempted to do so.

“…I’ll be back in the morning.” He says and leaves your apartment. As soon as the door closes your pain opens. You’re hurting, he can tell. Something happened that scared you and that’s all he sees. He doesn’t know what’s going on deeper. The act was working but on him. The act of joining a gang in order to get closer, but that wasn’t an act to you. Not anymore. You clean yourself up, apply ice to your bruises, and stare at your father’s badge. How much did he know? How much did any of them know? You keep asking questions the whole night.

Price is sitting at a booth in a restaurant going over some paperwork when Johnny strides over and sits in the booth across from him. Price finishes the sentence he was reading and looks up.

“You knew this could happen.” Price says calmly.

“Don’t fuckin remind me…” Soap grumbles.

“How is l/n?” Price asks. “Simon told me he sent her home.”

“He did… Alejandro got to her before I ever could.” Soap comments.

“Yeah well, from what you told me, she won’t be for long. She has my number and if she was talking cops would be knocking.”

“Now what?” Soap asks.

“We wait.” Price tells him.

Taglist : @H0n3y_L3m0n

[roseartsandfics]

Chibi Crisis Core Art Dumps

Here are the art dumps of the characters from Crisis Core FFVII Reunion in a chibi style ❤️ Well, I had to have confidence since people chosed go for it on a poll about drawing Crisis Core characters, so I thought a chibi style of them would be a good start to start drawing some Crisis Core goodies and TGA goodies :3

SPOILER ALERT FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T PLAYED CC FFVIIR THAT I AM ABOUT TO TALK ABOUT!!!

1. "I knew you would had faith in me of having some improvements as SOLDIER!"

"Yeah. Great work, now get off me."

Zack hugging Angeal after possibly managing to having some improvements as becoming 2nd class as I believed. I think the cutscene where Zack managed to hug Angeal after he decided to recommend him 1st Class SOLDIER before heading to Fort Tamblin is one of my favorite x3. I believe this would be the reaction Angeal had given after the hug before lol. Zack is such a dork, but a lovable dork x3

2. Just Cissnei sitting on a bench comfortably ❤️

3. Genesis with a rose 🌹 (he looked utterly handsome with a rose, but would be better if I drew him without the chibi style lol)

4. Sephiroth collecting his thoughts before every mission (I just COULDN'T. You can tell how he possibly feels of every war and mission. Poor guy :(. I just WANT to hug him 🥺)

I was doing really well in Crisis Core Reunion, despite the mistakes and missable things here and there. Otherwise, I'm doing really well! Possibly not getting 100%, but oh well lol. The game is so much fun, I just have to keep my fingers crossed to get a chance to beat it 🤞

Both Cissnei and Genesis are kinda hard to draw, but otherwise, not too bad :3. Hopefully I can do my best to improve on drawing the SOLDIER boyos (and the Turks, which is my first time drawing them) :3

Sephiroth was so much fun to draw! Angeal was pretty fun as well, but Zack? He is pretty difficult to draw. Gotta improve it somehow *bonks my head with a hammer*. Anyways, Cissnei became my favorite female Final Fantasy character already after playing part of chapter 3 in CC earlier, and was not expecting her to return in Rebirth :). Welp, have a great evening!

Angeal Hewley, Zack Fair, Cissnei, Genesis Rhapsodos, Sephiroth and Crisis Core - Final Fantasy VII - Reunion ©Tetsuya Nomura, Hajime Tabata, Yoshihiro Hirota, Mariko Sato, SQUARE ENIX and Tose

Artwork ©RosePrincessArts

No copyright infringement is intended

Used: Sketchbook app from iPad

[corrodedcoughin]

Something inspired by this beautiful golden hour artwork

His back is aching and his stomach hurts and there's still half an hour to go until he can go home. With Robin gearing up for finals Steve has had to take on more solo shifts and it's been a strain on his ability to survive a work day without Robin. They joke that they can't do anything without each other but Steve really is convinced that she has both halves of their combined brain while he has their coordination. Case in point; his stomach makes an unholy noise in retribution for Steve forgetting his lunch /again/. The gnawing feeling subsides as he pats his belly, eyes flicking back to the clock; 25 minutes now. Pulling back his shoulders and straightening his back he grabs a rag and surface cleaner hoping that nobody comes in looking for a movie so he can hopefully get out the door on time. If he switches the door sign to 'closed' as he cleans the glass? Well Keith doesn't have to know.

By the good graces of the universe the traffic is minimal and Steve is pulling up to Eddie's while the sun is still up, but in a way that's giving everything a golden glow. He pulls himself out of his car and tosses his keys between his hands as he makes his way up to the trailer, already feeling the tension in his back melt away knowing Eddie is inside. He's barely in the door before a pair of shorts are thrown at him 'it's after five harrington, this is a no jeans zone. get those offensive bastards off your legs right now'

Eddie is smiling at him from the kitchen, over the top ogling as Steve takes his jeans off and pulls the shorts up, grateful already for the elasticated waistband on his hips rather than the stiff material from before. Steve starts to make his way to Eddie, planning on inspecting whatever mess he'd clearly been making in there but Eddie stops him with one hand on his chest and another holding a bowl of steaming food.

'Ah ah Stevie, come on. Couch.' It should sound like an order but with the gentle tone its more of a question, Eddie asking Steve to just follow him, so he does. Simple and easy.

Guided to the living room, Steve settles down on the couch with Eddie making space for himself between Steve's thighs. Steve in turn, pulls him close, feeling content when Eddie's back hits his chest and places a kiss to the back of his head. It's not quiet, not with the tv on but Steve can't bring himself to raise his voice 'missed you' he murmurs into the space as he takes Eddie's hand in his own and delights at the feeling of pressing skin against skin as Eddie's equally short clad legs sit between Steve's.

'missed you too,' Eddie take's their joined hands to his lips, kisses Steve's knuckles 'and uh I know its not what you are used to but I made dinner? Just saw you forgot your lunch again and I don't know man, if you hate it don't tell me, don't think my fragile and tender ego could take it' Eddie laughs as he finishes but the truth sits evident in his words, he wanted to do something nice for Steve, wanted to show him he cares.

Steve couldn't care if it was a slice of toast and a glass of milk, the fact it Eddie looks after him in ways that sends Steve's heart into the stratosphere. He also knows that Eddie wants to give Steve more, everything, wants to give what he thinks Steve gave up when he abandoned his reputation. The thing is, right here, in this moment, thinking about the friends and family and life he has now? It's more than he can comprehend, so much more that what he had when he had a high flying social status and it's perfect.

He doesn't have the words to convey it, not right now with his mind liquified from work. So, he leans forward and grabs the bowl Eddie placed on the coffee table, reluctantly lets go of Eddie's hand and takes it bite. Humming around the mouthful Steve leans back, pulling his boyfriend back with him with one arm and keeping the food upright with the other 'it's perfect Eds, thank you'

Eddie wriggles into a comfortable position and takes the bowl from him 'hey sharing is caring harrington!' It's said with a smile and open mouth as Eddie chews. Steve can't help himself but laugh at the ridiculousness that is Eddie Munson. Leaning down to kiss the other boy's cheek 'love you eds' Eddie turns slightly, pressing a quick kiss to the side of Steve's mouth 'love you too. now shh Tom Selleck is on the tv and he needs my full undivided attention'

The night continues with Eddie feeding alternative bites to Steve and himself. Short conversations fill the space and Steve feels at ease as the comfort of the evening fills his bones.

[serosluv2]

hi love! idk how long ago you posted that you wanted sero requests but here i am.

tattoo artist!sero and it’s like your first time getting tattooed and he talks you through everything that’s going to happen and everything that he’s doing and just making sure that you feel safe. i acc love it so much honestly it could be his partner or a complete stranger but honestly OBSESSED with this idea rn it’s doing my head in i just NEED it on paper

thank u sum for the request & i love tattoo artist!sero !!

You've been thinking about this for quite some time. Ever since you saw your eldest cousin with their first tattoo when you were much younger, you’ve been dreaming about getting your own.

On an impromptu girls' trip into the bright city of Tokyo, your closest friends, Momo and Ochako, convince you this is the time! “but I need to do so much more research about what place I want to go to! what sized needle I should get, and… SO MUCH MORE!” you say in the dimly lit bar, tipsy enough to even be thinking about this idea but not so much that you’re stumbling. “Oh, com’on Y/n !! my girlfriend knows this guy who owns a tattoo place, I think it’s near here, and he’s like, so legit ! she only goes to him and his people.” Momo chimes in. This made you even more unsure. You love Momo’s girlfriend! She is cool and funny but the crowd she runs with is… a wilder than you’re used to. “Is this the same guy that almost got us arrested at that house party?” you say back, reminding her of that night year or two ago. “oh my lord no !!! That’s Denki. this guy is Sero, he is super chill, an amazing artist, and can do anything. even those super small, dainty ones you like.” After about 3 more drinks, the three of you guys are outside by the bar, and Momo is calling this Sero guy, asking if his place is still open. and it is.

After about a 10 minute walk, you arrive at the place. “Tokyo’s Ink” looks cool enough. Rustic and dark enough to draw in the right crowd but oddly clean and tidy enough so no one thinks it’s some sketchy dump. you stumble in with the help of Momo and are greeted with a tall male at the front desk. “uh.. Momo, are you sure she’s ok to like do this?” aww sweet. you think. he clearly cares about his clients which makes you more open to trusting him like this. “yeah yeahh she’s fine. not as bad as ochako though.” momo replies, laughing before she notices- oh shit. where’s ochako? after mumbling you can’t understand between the two tall dark haired people, she dashed out, assuming to look for her. “so, y/n right? i think we met a couple times when you went out with momo and jirou.” oh yeah. You remember seeing him in the crowds with Jirou’s ragtag friends group. “oh yeahhh. you used to have a lip piercing, where’d that go?” you ask, peering up at his face. “oh i uh, got into a fight and it got ripped out.” he says so nonchalantly, leaving you stunned, wide eyed. “holy shit!” “yeah, so you’re thinking of getting a tattoo?” he says and sits back on the desk in the entry way. You can see him a little more clearly now and he’s gorgeous. His hair looks clean and soft, a little outgrown mullet but it looks good. His hands show the ends of some complex artwork going up his arms. even though his lip ring is gone, he still has a lot of other jewelry hanging from him. Earrings and bulky silver rings and a thin chain around his neck. “um yeah i’m definitely getting ones,” you say a little louder than you intended. “but i need to know you are like, legit.” you say and he laughs. It’s a nice, deep laugh that makes your heart do flips. He says he can take you to the chair where he’ll go over the procedure and you can ask any questions you want. “so hopefully you’ll come back when you’re in a better, state and we willl start by sketching out some designs of the tattoo you want. we’ll work on that untr it’s perfect for your pretty self,” your ears perk up and blush at his comment. He notices and smiles back at you, “then i’ll print it out as an outline and trace it with a marker on the spot you want, once that placent is where you want it to be then we will start inking.” he says.

Sero starts talking again. About needle sizes, ink color, if you wanted shading and color or just an outline, blah blah blah. As much as you wanted to, you couldn’t focus on his words when he looked like that. he sat directly in front of you, legs slightly spread, you could see the tension his muscular thighs were putting those tight black jeans through. Sero, with his pericings almost glistening in the overhead light, a light that contorted the muscles of his arms, was slouching and leaning forward ever so slightly so that you could see down his thin and baggy white t-shirt to his chest. He stopped talking but you couldn’t tear your eyes away from his torso. god he looks so good.

He said something. Your name maybe? Then he was standing. It only took half a step until he was towering over you. His hand reached up to caress your jawline and lift your chin up to him. You could smell him now. Not the sandalwood that aired in the shop but him. He didn’t smell like a cologne, more like fresh sheets, warm vanilla with a hint of that manly musk. “you got it, princess?” he said. you could feel his warm and calloused hand against your hot, soft skin. god he definitely works out. you don’t get calloused hands from tattooing. you thought. “um yes. i-i- i’m sorry what do i got?” you replied. Suddenly the buzz you felt in the bar was back but this wasn’t from alcohol, you were high off something else. He laughed softly before saying “i asked if you understood everything i just told you. we you want i can schedule you for an appointment tonight.” his hand dropped from you face and planted on the table behind you. He was leaning down, closer to you. You could practically feel his breath, his lips on you. Sero’s eyes darted down to your lips, then slowly back up to you. His eyes were determined. Searching for any discomfort in yours as he slowly, and i mean slowly, attempted to close the distance between you two until,

ba dingg !

the bell above the door jingled, causing the both of you to retreat quickly. “Found her !!” Momo exclaimed as she was dragging a very sad Ochako, face covered in ice cream, by her side. “O-Oh great !” you said standing up. Sero stood and backed up, giving you room to walk to your friends. He went behind the front counter and grabbed his scheduling book out from under it. Opening it he look at back at you, “so are you free next friday?” he asked clicking his pen, looking at you. “um, oh yes. yes i am after 4pm!” you replied. he scribbled something down and looked back up at you. “great then. i’ll see you at 5:00pm next friday.” he said with his million dollar smile. Momo then proceeded to tell you how late it was and how your group should probably turn in for the night. “I’ll walk you guys out!” Sero jumped into the conversation following Momo and Ochako already half way out the door. Then he put his hand on your lower back, guiding you out of his shop. You turn your head to thank him for letting you come in way past business hours. “don’t worry about it princess, it was my pleasure.” he whispered back to you. his lips softly kissing your neck for the first and last time that night before leading you out.

god you can’t wait until friday. now you just have less than two weeks to figure out what kind of tattoo you want.

[thatmooncake]

hi hi!! i saw your reblog of your therapist au art and noticed in the tags that you dont mind answering questions. i hope its alright if i ask you one or two!!

so, you mention in the background section of the au that moon was used to trap souls inside dreams (or something similar to that.) will that be addressed in the future?? i feel like thats prime material for angsty stuff and moon feeling bad about what happened in the past :< not to mention the whole fazbear entertainment thing lending you the therapy bots and them linked to dream experiments is shady (as per usual with fazent.)

(also not as important, but is the whole "trapping souls" thing a reference to somniphobia, the book in the tftp series?? i actually havent read the story personally, but from a brief summary, im getting those same vibes lol. could be entirely a coincidence, but if not, thats cool either way!!!)

and on a more lighter note, can they eat stuff in this au? if so, id love to know their favorite ice-cream flavors! its a weird question to suddenly ask but for some reason this au is giving me "its a summer night, im up way too late, and im eating ice-cream when i shouldnt" type of vibes

anyways!!! im sorry i think i rambled too much but i love your guys' au, and yall's artwork!! cant wait to see more of it, hopefully in the future!

(p.s. unrelated but i thought moon,,,had the bisexual colors in his irises,,,)

Ooh yay hihi I love AU asks!

So! The dreamscape is going to play a big part in the therapy bots AU, and the angst and drama is very much ongoing - it might seem like fun and games at first exploring the therapy themed concepts, but you’re absolutely right, there are massive Somniphobia style undertones there. Moon’s dreamscape is designed to pull you in and it can be addictive and …energy consuming. Or should we say life force consuming?

Moon meanwhile? He feels closer to you in the dreamscape than in the waking world …at first. All the souls he steals become a part of him, in a sense. Remnants of them continue to float around in the dreamscape if you look hard enough, like when you start peeling back the wallpaper of a new house that used to belong to someone else. For the longest time Moon has not really been able to interact in the real world, and honestly most people in the dreamscape very rarely interacted with him either up until the very end, being far too wrapped up in exploring the vast dreamscape which moulds itself around their wants and needs. He’s been kind of used to his role as a passive observer, or a creature without much identity at all. But this time around, because you think he’s a therapy bot, he’s a part of the action. He’s actually being played with. This is unusual for him, and his feelings get a little more muddied over time.

Sun and Moon can absolutely eat in this AU - it was one of their ill-advised “upgrades”. And as the three of you start sharing some soul energy - uhhh, bond with each other more closely, they start to gain the strangest senses too. Senses they’ve never had before, like smell and taste. And they do not know what to make of this. But they do know that Sun likes neapolitan flavour (don’t ask him to pick just one, they look so pretty together!) and Moon likes mint chocolate chip flavour (yep you heard me, mint is good). And that having ice cream late on a summer night is what it’s all about (well, ask Sun about that one - Moon thinks you ought to be sleeping, but he’ll allow it this one time).

Never apologise for rambling I love rambling :D (also everyone who’s mentioned all the pride flag colours you are absolutely correct Sun and Moon say gay rights)

[insomniac-jay]

WIP Time

Chapter 3: Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood

A lot was on the agenda today: rehersals, picking up dresses and shoes, getting hair and makeup done for tonight. Those could all wait until Monochrome was finished paying a visit to another friend of Helene and Felix's, one Mr. Roald van der Woodsen. Mona likened him to Dorian Grey--ungodly handsome on the outside, but horrifically ugly on the inside.

Law may have been his profession, but making passes at Mona, and just about any other attractive younger woman, was his passion. Roald's wandering eye found itself on Mona too many times for her liking. She avoided being alone with him and forbid him from ever touching her. The man was old enough to be her father making her more digusted by him.

Stealing from him was payback for everytime he settled his perverted eyes on her. Roald had plenty of magnificent paintings that'd look better in the homes of others or herself.

And this time, she had help.

Pushing open the doors to his sitting room, Monochrome snapped her fingers as two henchmen, Tint and Shade, appeared at her side. The pair released the robots to carefully take the original artworks out the frame and replaced them with black and white replicas.

"Get these outside to Neutral. Don't let van der Woodsen see you," Monochrome ordered.

"What about you?" Shade asked.

Monochrome gave them a wicked grin under her mask. "I'm going to pay him a personal visit."

Creeping her way through the manor to his office, careful not to make any noise, she found her way to his bedroom. Her steps slowed the closer she got.

Light poured out the crack to let Monochrome looked inside. Sure enough there was van der Woodsen and a young woman in his bed. Have mercy on that poor lady. Before she could strike, she heard the lawyer say something.

"I tried to hire some of his men, but he just laughed at me!"

Monochrome narrowed her eyes as she listened in. Pressing a button on her helmet, the conversation was recorded. Could this have to do with Francis's death?

"There's nothing to worry about, Helene. Everything's said and done now. Sad to see the boy go. Business is business though."

Balling her fist, Monochrome made her escape out a nearby window. Revenge would have to wait. For now, she needed answers to questions.

Mona looked at herself in the mirror. Dressed in an elegant white gown, this would be her first public appearance since Francis's death. While unsure if this was the way to go about it, she needed the money. Moreso now that a baby was coming.

"You look beautiful, madame." Salome stared in awe of her mistress.

"Thank you, Salome." Mona reached for one of her many purses to pull out a stack of cash. Then, she placed it in Salome's hand and closed it. "You can take the next month off. I know you've been wanting to visit your family again."

Salome's eyes widened. "Madame, I-"

"You've been at my service since you were 18. Relax and return to your family." Mona saw her younger self in the maid--a young woman trying to get by in the world.

Tears welled in Salome's eyes as she nodded. She walked to the door, stopping to face Mona one last time. "Thank you, mistress; and good luck."

Mr. Calhoun's estate was nothing short of amazing, packed, lively. Guests greeted her with bright smiles, handshakes, and even some kisses. Halle and Mamie soaked up every bit of attention they got, flirting with the sons of a few guests.

Mona searched around for the host. She didn't forget to bring her contraband. Art theft was just like traditional art. Getting buyers was the hardest part; even more if it was stolen. Hopefully selling them to Calhoun and his associates would bring in a profit or at least some money.

"Thirsty, Mrs. Beauvais?"

Mona mindlessly took the drink from the offering hand, thinking it was a server. "Mèsi."

"You, uh, told me you got some things you wanted to show me."

Mona's eyes widened realizing that Calhoun gave her the drink. Curse her for being so unaware! That was no way to treat host nor potential client. "My apologies! I was looking for you everywhere!"

Mona led him out a back door to where her car--which contained the stolen art--was. Calhoun called a few of his men to come and take the goods inside so he could look at them. He then handed her a large stack of money.

"What's this for?" Confused, but not complaining.

"You kept your word. I respect that." Putting an arm around her, he walked her back inside. They walked into the room where his associates waited. Mona did her best to hide nervousness. These weren't record executives or curators, these were crime bosses. Never did she think she'd be making deals, and money, with them.

Calhoun did most of the talking.

"Gentlemen, this is Mona Lisa Beauvais. She's got some stuff she wants to sell ya and myself. Can't hold her for too long, though, she's here to perform for my wife."

With the snap of his fingers, his men brought in the stuff. The bosses looked over each artpiece with keen detail. Some scratched their chins estimating the values of each in their head.

Twisting a bracelet, Mona waited in nervous patience.

@floof-ghostie @calciumcryptid @mayameanderings

[artvinyl]

Uncovered: 75 Dollar Bill - Power Failures

The shortlisted album artworks have been announced for our annual art prize Best Art Vinyl 2023. We now begin to delve into the creative process behind some of the 50 nominees. First up is 75 Dollar Bill's re-release of Power Failures for the first time on vinyl. We were lucky enough to catch up with the band's guitarist and album cover designer Che Chen.

Che Chen founded 75 Dollar Bill in 2011 with percussionist Rick Brown. He tells us, "I wanted to be a painter before I wanted to be a musician, so the visual aesthetic of the band has always been really important to me. I've done the artwork for all of our physical and digital releases, and many of our posters and fliers too."

Che Chen flyer design work for 75 Dollar Bill

Che Chen explains, "Power Failures first came out as a digital release on Bandcamp in July of 2020. It was our first pandemic summer, Trump was still president (hopefully for the last time!) and George Floyd had been murdered by Minneapolis Police Officers earlier that summer. There were protests everywhere, against police violence, institutional racism, wage inequality for essential workers, etc. The title of the record was very much a response to all of this, the way the pandemic exposed the failures of the state on all these different fronts."

The use of text-based artwork has in fact been a consistent theme for the artist, he told us, "Text has always been central to the visual language of the band, and many of our record covers feature text as the only "image" in the designs. This approach made sense to me for Power Failures, since the title was very evocative of everything that was going on, but also open-ended enough that I didn't want to add an image that might get in the way of whatever associations someone looking at those words might have. I wanted to push the idea of a text only image a bit by using the typography to create a pattern (of W's in this case) which is only broken by the album title. The digital album just had the single square image as its artwork, so when Karl Records in Berlin offered to make a vinyl edition of the album as a gatefold double album, we got to expand the art significantly. I repeated this process on the back cover with the band name and changed the background colour. The  LP centre labels refer back to the font and colour schemes of the front and back cover. I should also mention that the beautiful inside layout was done by Roland Küffner at Karl who did a fantastic job."

We asked Che Chen about the techniques he uses for his artworks, he explained, "The fonts I've used in most of my designs are actually from industrial moveable rubber stamp type. I've scanned physical prints of each set, several versions so that there are multiple versions of each character with slightly different imperfections, etc. I like the physical character of these fonts, how each impression is unique. For our first LP, Wooden Bag, Rick and I actually hand stamped the covers for the entire first edition using this rubber stamp type, but these days I mostly do the type setting on the computer."

Chen Chen got into music as a teenager in the suburbs of Washington DC in the 1990s when the post-hardcore scene around Dischord Records was thriving. The DIY ethos of bands taking control of their own production, from running their own labels and booking their own tours, to playing protests and benefits for local causes and working the door at their own shows, was and is still a big inspiration to him.

He tells us, "I've tried to carry those ideals on in my own work as best I can. Doing the art and the design for music projects I am involved with (and occasionally for friends) feels like an obvious extension of this. I love bands and labels that have a strong visual aesthetic and also really respect when artists are resourceful and can make striking designs using sometimes limited means. Sun Ra's home made jackets covers for his Saturn Records LPs and Harry Partch's Gate 5 Records are both examples of this for me."

Taken from the 'Sun Ra: Art on Saturn' Book - The Album Cover Art of Sun Ra's Saturn Label

U.S. Highball |Gate 5 Records, Issue No. 6 (First pressing, inscribed to Amos Vogel in 1960) Hardcover – January 1, 1956

Che continues, "Lisa Alvarado’s screen printed album covers for the Natural Information Society records and her paintings that hang while they play (she plays harmonium in the group too) are another perfect fusion of visual and musical aesthetics to me."

Mandatory Reality by Joshua Abrams & Natural Information Society. Artwork by Lisa Alvarado

Power Failures by 75 Dollar Bill on Karl Records is shortlisted for the Best Art Vinyl 2023 Award. Artwork by Che Chen.

[kamikotorayama391]

Some news!

So, umm... For the starting, a few days ago I had a conflict with another artist because of copyright, which was a little stressing. Fortunately, we quickly found a conclusion, but the sediment remained. To prevent this from happening again, I have added a few points to the terms of service. Aaand I want to share some news with you all OwO

Some new commission rules:

1) If something does not suit you in the commission, don't be shy to tell me while the working is still in progress so that I can definitely fix it in no time. Until the result satisfies you by 85-100 percent, and the full payment has not been made, I will polish and change the drawing to suit your wishes.

2) Do not ask me to redo someone else's work if you are not satisfied with the result provided to you by your other artist. I don't want conflicts with other authors, I just want to do my job calmly and honestly and do what I love. However, in case of any copyright problems, I will be the first one who has to deal up with the mess, not you.

3) I allow my works to be used as references or even a base for your work, but try to avoid direct copying or tracing. Wait at least a month before trying something of this. Try not to use any commissioned artworks for these purposes (if it's not a commissioned reference image or a reference list of course).

This is the minimum that immediately formed in my head. Perhaps something will change again, but hopefully not soon

THE NEWS!

Thanks to amazing @chaos-le-mieux , I've learnt that Boosty allows the payment in USD, and the payment process is improved (I think??? I didn't try it myself,but he said so, and I trust him)

Moreover, the subscriptions are also available in USD, that would kinda give those who wishes to subscribe an access to all that's already placed there and will be posted there in the future, including comic storyboards and spoiling streams

And, um... Be kind to each other❤  

Love you all! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

[lakevalorr]

Welcome back to the Scarlet Files: an overly simplified playthrough of Pokémon Scarlet! Let's welcome back María, and jump straight into Paldea Part II Part II!

(Pssst! Potential Spoilers up ahead! Be careful, guys!)

Okay, so I may or may not have accidentally went into the False Dragon Titan fight early, oops. Uhm, anyway, Dodonzo was taking care of by Penelope, but Tatsugiri had to be taken down by Diego. Also, hi, hello, I would absolutely die for Arven and his pubby.

I would also die for my little dragon puppy bike. Also, he can climb now. Great job! That's Path of Legends done!.. for now.

*slaps roof of ScarVio* this game can fit so much androgynous character design in it. Anyway, Ortega was pretty cut and dry, thanks to Carmen.

A quick break from the normal photos to bring you this quote from Nemona.

No, I am not rapping here. Needless to say, Ryme was an absolute pushover; Penelope and Diego made quick work of her team. Speaking of Penelope and Diego, if you haven't already, feel free to check out artwork I made of them. ;)

My worst enemy: ...Rhythm Games. The battling portions weren't too bad, since all I had to do was use Penelope to sweep the floor with those Psychic types. Now, it's onward to Victory Road!

Buuuut, first, I had to make a pitstop to Fury Falls in order to challenge Eri, the last of the Team Star bosses. This... gave the most trouble, by a long shot. Diego took care of most of her team, but in came Revavroom, and the tables got turned. Diego and Carmen were both taken down, and, I had to resort to using Fernando. My original plan was to have Fernando set up a Reflect (or, try to, at least), and then have Santiago come in and clean up using Last Respects.

Well, Fernando decided to survive a 3 Attack Boosted High Horsepower, AND set up the Reflect! I couldn't bare to see him taken down afterwards, so I kept him alive, and he managed to take down the cursed Revavroom. What an absolute lad! Who would've thought that the weirdest member of my team would carry this hard?

Okay, so, uhm... I don't have any pictures to post here relating to Starfall Street or Victory Road, so, here's a quick re-cap:

Surprise, Clive is actually Clavell, and he fights us, and we win. Then we have to fight Penny, the true boss of Team Star, and we win. Penny may or may not have broken a few laws in the process, but that's okay. Starfall Street done!

Elite Four time! We pass the test (somehow, I don't know how, lol), and we take 'em on. All of them are pretty much a cakewalk. Geeta is our last obstacle, but, she, too, goes down after a few turns. Victory Road done!

Again, I have absolutely zero pictures relating to Area Zero and the Great Crater post game shenaniganry. Re-Cap Time!

Koraidon helps us glide into Area Zero, but immediately goes into hiding. I wonder what that could be about. All of a sudden, weird Pokémon start to show up, including Great Tusk! Who could've seen that coming!? Also, Sada is dead, and evil Koraidon killed her.

Now it's time to fight AI Sada. We easily defeat most of her team, but then Roaring Moon comes out. In the end, Ástrid comes in clutch and gets a victory for us. Unfortunately, Paradise Protection doesn't want us to save the world, so it locks all of our Pokémon up.

So it's time for Koraidon to shine! In his true form! He easily makes quick work of the evil Koraidon (before almost getting taken down with a boosted Giga Impact-). The world is saved!

Group Photo! Five members of a team, five unlikely friends, five absolute dorks who somehow managed to save the world from... the Past! Now we've got time enough to spend some time alone. But, this still isn't over. I've still got a few loose ends that need to be tied.

Stay tuned for the (hopefully) final conclusion! In Paldea part ii!

[jojolovenotes]

( Hugs your ✨dating sim event✨!

I'd love for my character, Jennifer, to go on a date with Rohan Kishibe please! I can see her inviting Rohan to a high profile art gallery opening somewhere in Tokyo, so they can spend some long overdue time together!

They can love the artworks or be sassy about what's been created if it's really ridiculous, and match it up against their own art. As a a painter, her own style is autobiographical, sludgy and realistic while telling the tale of her own dramatic life lol. Either way, they bring out the best in each other and have fun with the date!

Jennifer would try to be detached enough to not show her growing feelings for Rohan, but honestly her big laugh and generous grin give her away everytime.

Thank you so much! (っ.❛ ᴗ ❛.)っ )

♡ Dating Sim Event (Closed) ♡ Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry this took so long!! but I wanted to make sure to get it done before this year was over!! ;w; 

Rohan had been invited to many art galleries before, but this time it was different. This invitation had been more of a date, and while Rohan was usually good at keeping his cool, the thought had been enough to make him feel just a hint of nervousness. ‘Come on Rohan, this isn’t like you...’ he mumbled to himself as he finished getting ready. It wasn’t like this was their first date together, but it had been the first time Rohan actually wanted to do something for Valentine’s Day. Normally this would be a holiday he would want to avoid - the overcrowded restaurants and the shops filled obnoxious pink and red displays of various stuffed animals and candies to gift your significant other. At least the art gallery should be a bit calmer today compared to those packed restaurants. 

He made it to the art gallery rather early as he hadn’t seen Jennifer just yet. He looked around hoping to be able to catch sight of her, but it seemed she had caught sight of him first. Soon enough Rohan felt someone’s hands suddenly cover his eyes. While he’d like to hope it was Jennifer, there was always the worry that maybe it was a fan who recognized him and wanted to chat or get an autograph. 

“Jennifer? That better be you.” Rohan tried to sound playful, but maybe there was a little hint of irritation in his voice. 

“Of course it is, or were you expecting someone else?” Jennifer uncovered his eyes and laughed a little. She linked arms with him and leaned against him giving him somewhat of a soft side hug. 

“No, of course not. I’m glad it’s you.” Rohan leaned back against her direction just a little bit. 

Jennifer was smiling to herself, hopefully Rohan didn’t notice just how much. She still wanted to keep him guessing even though it was clear she occasionally flirted with him. Still, it was unclear to Rohan just how serious Jennifer was about him - even then despite this being a ‘date’ Rohan wasn’t sure if she meant in a romantic sense or if it was just her being nice in a friendly way.  Maybe it would be best to stop overthinking and just enjoy their time together...

The gallery certainly had a lot to offer. The pair spent a lot of time carefully dissecting each piece of art - some of them had positive opinions for the pair to share, while there were pieces that seemed to baffle the pair. Some of Jennifer’s comments on the pieces they weren’t very fond of made Rohan chuckle a bit. It was such a different experience to experience art with someone else. Normally he would often go to these galleries alone - which he didn’t mind, but now that he had been here with Jennifer he realized there were a lot more things he’d like to do with her at his side. 

Her smile was something that was now burned into Rohan’s mind, he felt inspired all of a sudden. He knew when he got home her inspiration would be put on a canvas, but he was unsure if he’d show her his work. Still, he didn’t want their time together to end just yet. He was a bit nervous about asking, but he hoped to be able to spend a little more time together after the gallery.

“Would you like to join me for dinner?” Rohan asked this rather quietly. 

“Of course I would!” Jennifer’s smile widened. “That means you’re buying right.” she teased with a playful wink. 

“Only because you asked nicely.” Rohan teased right back. 

Maybe tonight one of them would finally confess their feelings for each other. It seemed like the time was just right... 

[ofpineapplesanddawns]

"it's hard to not want you, love." With castor and Arthur possibly?

I am so glad that there are a few people out there who enjoy this ship.

This is part of that little au where Arthur and Castor are both involved with Ten (along with House, but he gets pushed aside for these two because he is a jerk).

On with the fic!

--

"I know it's probably not to your tastes," Castor spoke as he walked past two of his guards, gesturing for them to stand down as he and Arthur made their way into a room, "but hopefully you'll be comfortable."

The private quarters of Castor's home was spacious, minimalist, and illuminated in calm blues and soft whites, much like himself. Arthur glanced about, a dark spot of black and red in the room, it was a lovely contrast. "From what your dear Doctor has told me, you have bar of your own that is much more... old timey? Yes?"

"In a sense, but still modern enough for the era that I am from." Arthur said before his attention moved from a piece of artwork to look at Castor. "It is... nice of you to invite me into your home."

"Ah, well, you've always been invited. I mean, the club is part of my humble abode."

"I meant your private home, not what you let people typically see."

Castor blinked, then his lip curled upwards. "Yes, that's true. Though I do let people see my home, but only the most important people get to."

He approached the android and ran a finger across the back of his neck, getting a curious, questioning glance from him. "And am I important?"

"Oh," The smile showed teeth now, "you are the most important person, darling." He said before adjusting that silly bow tie, it made Arthur stand out among the normal people in his club, he loved it.

Arthur stared at him, blinking twice in that way that didn't seem quite human. "I don't understand."

"What ever do you mean?"

"I do not understand why you see me as the most important person to bring into your personal home. Shouldn't that be the Doctor?"

"Ah, true, yes, the Doctor is very important to me as well, and I've invited them up a time or two, but they don't always take my offer. The one time they did, we just talked for hours. Which we can do as well, but..."

The hand trailed down Arthur's chest and Castor looked at him, but Arthur still seemed confused. "But what? How does that make me important?"

Ah, yes, AI can be a bit tricky when it comes to emotions and desires. Castor remembered those very early days of his own existence before he became what he was today. "I like you, Arthur, quite a lot, and I want you here in my home with me. Alone."

It seemed to click after a very brief moment for Arthur to pick up on what he meant. "Oh."

"Yes, oh." Castor chuckled and fixed his jacket for him.

"But... why would you want me?"

"It's hard to not want you, love. I'm surprised that the Doctor isn't always trying to kiss that pretty mouth of yours, I've seen how they look at you."

Arthur became stiff, and he was sure that if he could, he'd be blushing. It's very curious how much of his android features transfers into this world, he really should allow himself to be more human if he so wished. "You've noticed that?"

"I notice many things, darling." Castor winked and took his hand. "Come, let's sit, talk. I'm sure we have much to discuss."

[icarustica]

I refuse to title this “Dear Diary”.

Future Wednesday- 

My mother (and the court) have decided that in light of the “traumatic” events resulting in the death of the last therapist I visited, that I am fully justified in my request to not see any more. However, they did issue me this journal. And they intonated that if I don’t have it filled out in six months I’ll have to see a prison psychiatrist rather than a suburban one.

I’m considering leaving the rest of this blank. I think that prison psychiatrist and I would have a lot in common.

However, doing so would mean taking valuable time out of my day to go see some random person well-knowledged with the minds of freaks and criminals, when I could just go ask Grandmama down the hall.

So I suppose I shall have to use my effortless writing talent to fill this journal. Perhaps this is a good thing. The book I finished at Nevermore is quite possibly my best work, and I feel trying to match it with another would be both taxing and fruitless.

So. News.

Pugsley and I have been spending some quality time together. Bonding. Or, I should say, I’ve been practicing my bonding skills. He was stuck in that chair for three days last week. He loved it.

Well, I told him, if he truly has retained his zeal for torture and masochism he should enjoy spending next year at Nevermore with me. I’m deeply afraid of what it will do to him. But I suppose him and Eugene will most likely get along. What a pretty trio we’ll make.

My phone is buzzing. I’ll be right back.

It was Enid. She calls me every day at varying times. I pick up once or twice a week, when I’m feeling rather talkative. Sometimes she’ll even let me get a word or two in.

She’s cut and dyed her hair again, and this time she’s added varying shades of orange to the back. I’m not willing to tell her it looks like Garfield vomited on her head but I am willing to raise my eyebrow condescendingly and let her figure it out on her own. Hopefully the abomination will be gone by the time we resume school. Four days. That should give her just enough time to work up the courage, shave it all off, cry, and reinvent her entire personality before we get back.

Xavier and I text once in a while. He’ll send me pictures of his new artwork, and I’ll send him the pictures of Thing’s progress at dissection. For some reason he doesn’t like those. He sends me the little thumbs down emoji, which I take to be Thing doing an excellent handstand.

He’s stopped having dreams. For the most part. One time he texted me in the middle of the night, when I was having tea with my mother, that he dreamed of blood. Blood in the woods.

Odd. But not odd enough to warrant an investigation. At least, not yet.

We have a new principal, apparently. Someone new. He used to go to Nevermore, and with a name like Thaddeus Croon I doubt he’s one of the outcasts who escaped the ever-pervasive sense of superiority that plagues the Nevermore elite. Somehow I don’t think I’ll like him any more than Weems. Actually, though it makes me question things to admit it, I might miss her towering gloom. Just a tad. 

I haven’t had any more visions these last few months. Mother says that’s good, that nothing terrible is going to happen, but I worry…

Well. I worry they are done for good.

Good riddance.

Class lists came in. I’ve picked my electives - Archival Literacy, Mythology, and of course Fencing and Other Sword Sports. Mother would cut off my head if I didn’t. And I doubt she wants me to have that much fun just before school starts.

Enid and Xavier have forced me to also request an art class. I only agreed because I need the credit. And because “Wounded Watercolors” sounded easy enough to get an A in. And besides, I can provide my own paint - blood makes such a pretty splatter.

That’s enough for now. I do wish I could do this with a typewriter. Quill and ink tire me.

Wednesday Addams

Pugsley and I keep a tally of how many small animals we run over on the way to Nevermore.

It’s a good way to keep our nerves down. 

“Wednesday,” he says, his voice like the tiny squeaks of the rodents beneath our wheels. “I’m scared.”

“Good,” I reply. “They’re going to eat you alive.”

I can hear him gulp.

“Seven,” I say as there’s another bump, rattling the car. “Best guess - racoon.”

He turns over the seat, looking as we speed past. “Close,” he says, the tremble in his voice smoothed. “Possum.”

“Interesting. They’re not usually on the road this time of year.” My phone is buzzing in my pocket. I know what it’s saying. 

u here yet? 

wednesdayyy

please please please pleaaaasee

ughh im so boreedddd bestiee

Ajax doesnt get here till wednesday and everyone is literally only sitting by their parents

wednesdayy

:’(((

the new principal looks so wacky loll

“Oh, Wednesday,” sighs my mother, twining her inky hair around her finger. Her eyes are doing that droopy thing. Like a begging puppy. “Promise you’ll take care of our sweet Pugsley?”

“If you recall, taking care of him is what sent me here in the first place,” I reply, keeping my hands folded in my lap. Nevermore looms in my mind. The damp smell of cobblestone. The questions that linger like dust on books. 

“Ah, yes,” hums my father, looking adoringly into my mothers eyes. “Our little protector.”

This is all feeling very familiar.

As we get out of the car, the fall leaves crunch beneath our feet. I suppose this year might be different, seeing as I actually get to start at the beginning. 

“Wednesday!”

Fuck.

I am tackled. 

Sorry, I am “hugged”.

By the brightest, furriest, strawberry-pink being I have the pleasure of knowing. She’s wearing the shawl with all the knitted fruits on it, and I feel a felted lime scratching my cheek as she squeezes. 

“Omigosh you’re finally here! I’ve been waiting for like hours and one can only eat so many of the complimentary pretzels. There’s so many new students, do you see them all? I’m pretty sure we’ve got the same room though because I asked around and nobody’s moved so far and like everyone in Macbeth got to put their stuff away earlier so I think that we’re roomies again! Isn’t that amazing!” she squeals.

I pull her away from me, look her steadily in the eyes. 

I watch her smile fade. 

“I missed you too, Enid,” I mutter curtly as I turn away, and the gleam is back in her eyes.

“In here!” calls a teacher, ushering us towards the gate. 

“Wednesday!” My head snaps to the left as I feel a familiar hand clasp mine. “Don’t talk to anyone,” I remind Pugsley as he clings to my side. We fall in line with the students and parents trickling into the courtyard. “You never know who people are here. If you want to eat the snacks, make sure it’s actually real and not the plastic stuff they put in the middle.”

“What if someone tries to be… nice… to me?” he squeaks.

“Bite.”

He nods.

“Is that your little brother?” Enid whispers to me, louder than most people’s shouting.

“Enid,” I say by way of introduction as we pass through the gates. “This is Pugsley. Pugsley, Enid. The biting thing does not apply to Enid, Pugs. Her niceness is tolerable.”

Enid glows with the compliment. “Pugsley,” she croons. “What an adorable name!”

I’m not watching him, but I know when my little brother starts to frown.

“He’s fourteen,” I remind her curtly. “I know he looks like he should still sleep in a crib, but try not to treat him like a baby.”

She winces. “Right. Sorry, dude.”

He shrugs. Then, his eyes light up. “Oh, wow! You weren’t kidding about the snacks!”

“Here,” Enid says excitedly, snatching his hand from my grasp. “I’ll show you the pretzels. They’re actually kinda good.”

And suddenly they disappear, my brother’s suit blending into the sea of parents, and Enid’s bright colors hidden behind tables and pillars.

I feel a cold hand on my shoulder. “Ohh,” sighs my mother. “I suppose we should find a table to sit at… gosh, your first orientation day. Gomez, do you remember…”

“Yes, mi amor,” he sighs, his hand dropping onto my other shoulder. I keep my vision straight ahead, because I know their mouths are like this close together above my head. “I remember so well. So very very well…”

“That’s rather enough of that,” I say roughly, plucking their hands off my shoulders. 

“Wait!” calls my mother as I march towards the stairs up to the balcony. “We’ll see you for goodbye, right? I don’t want to keep you from your friends, honey, but…”

“I will,” I say, stopping to turn for a moment. “Provided the goodbye is less than six minutes long.”

My father pouts. “Eight?” he says hopefully.

My brow lowers. “Five.”

The balcony has overgrown with ivy. There’s a little alcove I sit in as I watch the people mill around.

My phone buzzes.

Xavier: I’m going to be late. The storm is crazy on the mountains idk how bad it is for you up there

I look up at the sky, squinting. There’s a bit of a haze around the lake, streaks of rain far in the sky, and the clouds are a dusty sort of purple, but other than that there’s nothing too bad.

I shrug.

Wednesday: Okay.

And as I look down again, at all the milling people and the awkwardly standing teachers, I see…

Her.

Red hair like a rat’s nest, all curls and grease and wet strands. She’s leaning against the olive tree on the far right, near one of the alcoves that leads out into the sides of the castle. She’s got on a red and blue jacket with the most ridiculous amount of zippers I’ve ever seen. She’s built like a twig, like a fencer, a lean candy-cane of a person.

And she’s looking right at me.

Right then, I shiver. I remember those photos. The stalker.

She cocks an eyebrow and gestures with her head to the alcove by her hip. Pivots on a heel and disappears into the shadow.

I lick my lips, glance at the empty stage, and decide might as well. I never could resist a little danger. 

“Light?” she says, offering out a cigarette. Water drips off the ivy and filters through the leaves. The world is turquoise back here, in the little hallway between the garden and the courtyard. Crowded with plants and quiet. 

“No thank you,” I say, and she shrugs. She lights her own cigarette and the smoke filters through the shade. 

“Boring, right? This whole thing. They’re just repeating all the stuff they say in the pamphlet.” She took a lavender piece of paper out of her pocket, waving it around a little.

“Do I know you?” I ask.

Her eyes flick over to mine. Blue. Her nose looks like it’s been broken, and her face is dotted with dark freckles. The curve of her mouth is cruel. “Not yet.”

“Do you know me?” 

“Not yet.”

I stare at her as she takes another drag. “It is boring,” I admit.

She snorts, rubbing her peach-red nose with the back of her hand. “Incredibly.”

“Impossibly,” I agree.

“Indubitably.”

“Increasingly.”

She thinks for a moment, licking her lower lip. “Unendingly? No, that’s… dammit. I’ve got nothing.” She sticks out her hand to shake. “Fairly won, wordsmith.”

I shake her hand, nearly, almost smiling.

And she hooks her thumb in mine and pulls me close. “Reagan,” she says, eyes twinkling as my feet stumble a little. 

“Wednesday,” I say, refusing to admit my heart has tripped a little. Because that would be ridiculous, that a cheap trick would startle me so suddenly. But we are very close, very very close. My boot is in between her converse, and I’m pretty sure I’m stepping on one of the laces. She smells like salt.

“Nice to meet you, Wednesday,” she whispers, and I detect just a hint of a southern accent.

I swallow, pull back, but my hand is still hooked in hers. “What–”

“Wednesday!”

I’m getting really tired of hearing my own name.

It turns out the whole event has started, and my parents want me to sit quietly and listen as a slim man makes his way to the stage - dressed in white, like Weems. Part of me knows it’s some school tradition, but the other half notes the sly, almost casual smirk dancing on his face and I think it might be to mock her. 

Like wearing a wedding dress to a funeral. 

“Hello, hello,” he says, waving a hand high above his head. His fingers look like they’re made of matchsticks. 

I turn, catching Reagan’s gaze as she saunters to the back, tapping her cigarette out on the damp walls. Rain hangs in the air, and as my eyes track her through my peripheral vision I can’t help but note the fog.

Everything feels heavy. Weighted.

“My name is Thaddeus Croon, though I expect you’ll all be calling me Headmaster Croon,” he laughs, like he’d said something funny. His face is long and clean-shaven, he’s got clear laugh lines but no wrinkles around his eyes. He looks fake somehow, like a statue. “Though this might be my first year here, I can assure you I have plenty of experience. Three years at Rowaker’s Detention School for Unbecoming Boys taught me much, and no, I wasn’t there as a student.”

Now that seems to be an actual joke, which, to my dismay, elicits a laugh from my parents. 

“I did go to Nevermore, it’s true,” Headmaster Croon acknowledges, flashing a pearly white smile. I can almost see the backs of his molars, how far that smile stretches. “Class of ‘72!”

I frown. He doesn’t look that old. No more than 30.

“And I can see some of the same old cliques,” he sighs fondly. “The Stoners, hey, some of my best friends back in the day. And the sirens! Too cool for me, hey,” he laughs. But then his face draws serious. “Now. I don’t want any infighting this year. I heard that last year was a lot, for all of you. For a few of you in particular.”

I think his eyes flicker to me. But I’m not quite sure.

“So this year there’s going to be some changes. The basement has completed renovation–”

Suddenly, there’s uproarious applause. I see Enid jump up from where she was perched on a table, clapping. I can see the brightness in her face from fifty feet away. It’s like a bonfire. Burning up witches.

Croon holds up a hand, smiling. “I know, I know. Ten-year-long project, I’m told. But that means that Nevermore can officially house up to a hundred and fifty more outcasts!”

More applause. 

“I know, I know. Incredible. And why not, I thought, use this little victory to get rid of some of the silliest restrictions on entry.”

The quiet applause and chattering slows, and I narrow my eyes as I watch our doll-faced headmaster swallow nervously.

“Which is why this year Nevermore is officially welcoming back the magicians.”

“Holy shit.”

“Enid. Why is this so important?” I hiss, grabbing at her coat.

She’s buzzing with excitement, glancing furtively around at the uproarious crowd. Croon was immediately swarmed by outraged parents, and over the noise I can hear him placating their cries. “Okay, so,” she starts, waving her hands. “Like, a really long time ago, I dunno, back in the like steam-engine-Sherlock-Holmes-top-hat time–”

“The late 1800s,” I correct blandly.

“Yes! That. Probably. Back then, when they all had pocket watches and everyone dressed in black and white, there were these outcasts called the magicians. Basically, witches. Or wizards. Spellcasters. Gypsies. Whatever you want to call them.”

I frown. “Spells?”

“Yes. Their powers are basically like, grow things, summon things, or set things on fire or whatever. Nobody really knows - they’ve got their own communities all over the world. See, it’s hereditary but without training people can go their whole lives never finding out. Soo…”

One of my eyebrows raises. “So?”

“Sooo, when they were in the school everyone got super mad because they can pass. Like normies!” 

She’s waving her hands, and there’s a crease between her brows. “So everyone’s really annoyed at that. And then there was this whole crisis because they ganged up on a werewolf and used him for a ritual in Jericho! And like three people were killed and there was no way of knowing which magicians did it because they pass as normies,” she whispered, eyes glittering with the drama of it all. “There’s nothing about them that’s uncontrollable or weird. That’s why everyone hates them.”

I swallow. “Enid… if I were to lose my… without my visions, I’m…”

She waves a hand. “You’re homicidal,” she scoffs dismissively. “And enough of a freak they’d let you in anyhow.”

Aww. I think I’m blushing.

“But anyway!” she squeals, holding my shoulders as she jumps. “This is totally freaky and I’m living for it!”

Before I can speak, a hand claps on my shoulder. 

“Xavier!” Enid squeals, and she tackles him with a hug. “Omigosh, you’re late! You missed so much!”

Xavier chuckles, hands raised above where Enid is crushing his midsection. He looks up at me with laughter dancing in his eyes, patting Enid’s back with one hand as he looks me over. “The rain,” he explains, and almost on cue a clap of thunder resounds in the air.

The crowd quiets, then gets louder, murmuring. 

Croon stands on the stage, cupping his hands. “Alright!” he shouts, gesturing to the entrance. “Guess it’s time to say your goodbyes! Students, come get your packets from the front office before you go to the cafeteria - they’ve got your room assignments! Luggage goes to the hallway, lovelies, line it up A through Z!”

“Hoohhhmygosh,” says Enid, jittering. “Literally so cold. I’m gonna go see if we got Ophelia. Meet you guys in the cafeteria!”

She leaves.

Xavier and I stare at each other. He’s got on a brownish-red sweater vest and a big jacket, and his art satchel is slung over one shoulder. He’s cut his hair. “So,” he says, scuffing at the floor with one heel. 

“We should get our luggage,” I say, turning to go.

“Wait, Wednesday.”

I stop, back turned.

“There’s this thing happening tonight. Sorry I didn’t tell you earlier, sort of forgot. Jackson nabbed me on the way out to tell me. The Nightshades - we’re electing a new leader. Tonight. On the docks.”

That makes me pause. I turn, after a second, hands in fists by my side. “New leader?” I ask. “Bianca’s got one more year left.”

He shakes his head. “She’s not here, Wednesday.”

I frown. 

“Sorry,” he says, frowning too, but it’s an apologetic sort of frown. “I know. Weird, right? She didn’t even say goodbye properly. Listen, just… come out tonight to the dock. It won’t be for long.”

I consider it. 

“Fine.”

As I turn away, for good this time, I wonder if I truly want to go or if something else is pulling me there - the thread of mystery.  

[theold-ultraviolence]

Here to bother you, bestie! (as requested 😘)

I took the day off today so I could finish this stupid picturebook project which is due tomorrow, and it's actually going pretty well! I only have a few more books to review, and then I have to write the rationale for each of them. I swear this is the first time I haven't been last minute on a deadline, so let's hope my confidence doesn't jinx it!

How are you doing? Do you have any spooky plans for the weekend? Also, here's a Halloween-y version of "fuck, marry kill": scary movie marathon, haunted house, and costume party. Who would you choose for each out of Hux and the two Eddies?

Hi bestie!! So happy to see you in my inbox 🥰

I hope you can finish soon bestie! I’m rooting for you and a successful assignment! Since you’ve mentioned it I’ve been lowkey curious on the kind of picturebooks they are. But I’m happy to hear you’re gonna be done with it soon and that you got take the day off and not deal with teaching on top of it, at least for a day.

On my end, I’ve been bummed as hell because there’s this art grant that’s super prestigious and I didn’t get it for the 4th time. So that means no big financing for my artwork any time soon, and I was really counting on it 😣 on the flipside, this week me and a friend decided to treat ourselves and stayed at a hotel that’s super close to where we work so we can avoid the 1 hour daily commute back home at freaking 8pm that’s exhausting. So that’s been nice! Been eating a nice breakfast before work instead of quick toast so that’s been awesome 😩 My plans for the weekend include doing my bride!Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice photoshoot, so I’m excited for it! Hopefully I can watch more movies, because I feel like the month is flying by and I haven’t watched everything that I wanted!! 😭 do you have any fun plans?

OMG THIS IS SO FUN. I feel like all of these options are so great with all of them aaaaaaaaahhhhhh omg omg omg ok, I’LL GO WITH:

Hux for the scary movie marathon, because a haunted house and a party would so not be his scene. He’d prefer to cozy up at home and watch like a good psychological thriller rather than something campy.

Eddie Munson for the haunted house because I’d LAUGH SO HARD with him! I’m actually a chicken inside haunted houses, not brave at all, so I’d cling to him the entire time but I feel like he’d also be lowkey scared and we’d be laughing at how ridiculous we are.

Eddie Nashton for the costume party, because he’s just so goddamn cute and he’d give me an excuse to do one of those couple costumes and he’d go along with anything I wanted 🥺

[bramblesramblesintoshambles]

The Eclipse Dungeon (Part V)

So, this should be the final post I make about this. I'll hopefully run it for people soon and then I can make edits to it based on that. If anyone runs this or is interested in 13th Age then I highly recommend it. The system is extremely fun! I'm gonna get into the final part of this dungeon in a second. But to remind people of where the last post left off, the doors behind the Eclipse Queen had opened at her demise. From it steps the undead form of the Eclipse King, wearing golden armour and wielding the sword from the artwork around this dungeon. Your party, presumably on their last legs after the dungeon has forced them to expend those precious daily powers.

Full Heal Up

That's right it's time for the party to get a full heal-up! Now, most people new to this system might question what stops them from doing this before their big boss fight with the Eclipse Queen? Well in 13th Age the game master gives Full Heal ups at narratively appropriate moments. Typically, this is after 4 or so encounters. The dungeon puzzles and fights throughout it easily qualify for 4 encounters. So at this point it's quite appropriate to give them a little boost. In terms of how to frame it, the more dramatic the better. I think wording should very much vary from character to character. But I'm going to go for a "As the Eclipse King approaches you lift your sword, arms shaking, but it's not even from fear. It's exhaustion. You're tired, beaten and bruised. The weight of it all, causes your spirit to crumple inwards, until something changes. Beyond fatigue, doubt, pain, there's a gravity pulling your sword up not down. A heaviness which holds you up and demands you cannot fall!" At that point I'm going to improv something for each character, then I'm going to announce a Full Heal Up.

-Art by ALCD (Pixiv) taken from Twitter.

The Eclipse King

In terms of a physical description for the Eclipse King feel free to improv but this is what I have written.

"The doors swing wide and you all stumble back as heavy armour echoes in the rain. Those handsome murals and tapestries you've seen, even those on the walls of this hallway, look nothing like this. It's not a man, this is something cold. The helmet obscures his face but its not eyes looking at you from within there. Its an absence of a soul, registering the presence of something outside their vessel. The Eclipse King steps up to the corpse of the Queen, and to your surprise he kneels. His armour creaks as he deftly closes her eyelids, rain rolls down those dark cheeks like tears. You all realise, worse than what you thought, this is not some alien presence which devoured the innards of a once noble king. This is the chosen warrior of the Sun god, the ender of the calamities, the bringer of prosperity for his age. The rot of a demigod stands before you, all his wonder and majesty corrupted into the horror of it. He has no words, only a mournful and terrifying throatless cry as he moves to strike those who killed his wife, his love, his Queen."

After this you can go into the full heal up.

Now I looked around for stats to use and I think Human Zombie is gonna do great for us! We need to make some alterations! Unlike before I've gone in and actually edited the stat block to save time.

-Image from 13th Age SRD webpage.

I'm hopeful that this will be balanced however, I'll have to be careful in combat. But it should be fine. If things go badly we'll improv solutions, backbone of these games is improv after all!

A small note on the whole Undead Legion thing, he targets the suits of armour which contain mummified corpses he will not target the Eclipse Queen. He cannot bring himself to do it. However If you make him, I'd say it's only fair for him to take 1d6 Psychic Damage a round from it. Arguably you could also give him 7 damage from and +8 to attack rolls too. Depends how mean you want to be.

But after this battle both will be dead. I have my own thoughts for what his little lobby looks like. You can feel free to wing it though and tie to to player goals or icons or whatever you like. Have fun with it, have fun with the dungeon. I'm too tired to keep thinking about this, I'm gonna run it and maybe make changes but also maybe not!

[lisascr3ature]

Camellia and Daisy

flower asks!

camellia: i've always dreamed of visiting australia and italy since i was like 5. i want to see the sydney opera house and the beautiful beaches, i just feel this paradisiac feeling every time i look at pictures and see documentaries of australia. i feel like i'm meant to go there, it's something i have to do in this lifetime, like i'm supposed to. i also really want to tour pompeii, i've always been fascinated by it and it's actually one of my special interests/hyperfixations. i collect books, documentaries, artwork and replica jewelry, etc. and i've cosplayed cassia from the film pompeii (2014), i've gone to museum exhibitions, etc. and i'm just fascinated with ancient rome. i'm also part italian also i need to have my lizzie mcguire move moment, haha. i'd also love to see where the blue lagoon was filmed on turtle island in fiji.

daisy: my greatest accomplishment was making it this far lmao my senior project before graduating university with my bachelor's degree in english. it's not the education or the merit or the stupid piece of paper, but the fact that i got to bring my passion into my experience and dedicate my time as a student to my passion with no rules and i got to make it entirely my own and put my heart and soul into it. i wrote a huge paper on a deep character analysis of billy hargrove (stranger things), the most hated but truly misunderstood character on the show to defend him and explain that he wasn't a bad person. he was a deeply complex character who had been an abuse victim his whole life and reacted in such extreme/alarming/unhealthy ways from a place of trauma. i did my heavy research with a psychological approach, quoting and including excerpts from psychology professionals and studies on the long-term effects in abused children, using freud's psychological coping mechanisms with textual examples from "runaway max". i included detailed passages where billy was being beaten bloody by his father, tense moments of microaggressions that built up, insinuations, the description of a physical attack that wasn’t seen but heard, the constant threats, how nobody knew what happened behind closed doors except for max, how billy was unfairly regarded as a "monster" when the real one was his father just because he wasn't a sweet, sugar coated soft boi. i wish i could share it here because i nailed it, the information i delivered and the way i was able to make such strong points... i did it. i slayed. i blew them all away. i could have single handedly converted antis with this. either way, i proved them wrong in their hatred and even used the duffers' actual screenplay to reveal billy's true colors and that he was a hero, with the valuable and positive traits people are blind to because they only take him for the negative moments at face value. the class showcased their senior projects at a ceremony, and one girl came up to me and said she hated billy because "he was (....ist, ...ist, blah blah blah, you know what they say)" and i told her "well, that's why i chose this as my project so hopefully others can reevaluate him in a different light and appreciate him." and she walked away. not one of my snotty classmates even stopped to look at my beautifully done posterboard, which was honestly better looking than the rest of them (they just slapped lined paper on theirs, bare minimum) and i didn't care what those uppity, cliquey, preppy little brats thought because i got to make the biggest and most critical assignment of my college experience about something close to my heart. billy hargrove is my favorite character of all time because not only is he deep, multi dimensional and complex, but he's raw and authentic, unapologetic in his emotional intensity and he's just trying to survive an abusive parent. all things i can personally relate to.

i didn't care about the grade or any of that (even though I got an A+), this was a project that came to fruition out of pure love and the fire i have for pop culture and my fandoms. i finally got to apply that to my life and my current role, and i enjoyed every second of it and the powerful impact it had. i am still so very proud of it and have the posterboard in my room, i'm keeping it forever. dacre montgomery himself would be proud of me. i'm proud of myself and love that i had the chance and the time and creativity to do that, especially with the chronic limited energy and fast burnout that i have.