wallacepolsom
i don't do bad sauce passes
Peter Solarz
Mike Driver
Kaledo Art
pixel skylines
titsay
dirt enthusiast
$LAYYYTER
RMH
TVSTRANGERTHINGS
🪼
izzy's playlists!
occasionally subtle
Kiana Khansmith
Show & Tell
Jules of Nature
trying on a metaphor
roma★
Stranger Things
seen from Malaysia
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seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from New Zealand
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seen from Austria
seen from Singapore
seen from Malaysia
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Malaysia
seen from Singapore
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seen from United States
seen from T1
@lunarslice
#𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒆 . a study in mastering the blade , loss of everything precious , never ending cycles , several swords , and the encompassing moon . * independent and selective blog for jingliu of hoyoverse's honkai: star rail as written by thorn (28 , she/they/he) .
rules && credits below .
did a massive purge. might remake Jingliu. idk.
Jingliu's concern is appreciated, but he lets it roll off his back nonetheless. Working on a silly little project like that in his spare time will be relaxing, especially if it's for her. Sometimes he needs to get his hands on something other than a weapon, or some other device of warfare he's been commissioned to create. He loves his work, but the intense focus can... drive him a little crazy if he doesn't pace himself. He's been told to 'get a hobby' on several occasions, mainly by Baiheng, and tinkering with something inconsequential is as far as he's willing to compromise.
There still is that odd tension between them, like a shift in their normal relationship that's long since settled into a comfortable routine. Jingliu seems anxious, fidgety, a far cry from the confidence she usually displays, which endeared her to Yingxing from the first moment on. Kindred spirits and all that.
He's honestly not faring that much better, not in the face of something real, something he never thought he would have to confront. Being quietly in love has always suited him well, he has never understood pining, or people who would be heartbroken about not being able to speak their feelings out loud or have them returned. Jingliu has loved him for years already, and that love is something Yingxing is very familiar with receiving. This... if this is what he thinks it is, will be far from an unwelcome change, but still one he does not feel equipped to handle gracefully.
In that way, it's a comfort to see Jingliu so awkward. He almost wishes he could film this moment, only to be able to look back on it years into the future and remember how cute she looks like this, avoiding his gaze, struggling to word a proper compliment. It makes him want to laugh, but that would sound too much like he's laughing at her, and she certainly deserves to be met with more gentleness than that.
But then, she seems to settle back into herself, and her next words come out with the expected surety. Yingxing, though having somewhat expected them, still freezes for a long moment, before he lets out a breath of laughter, uncrossing his arms and shaking his head. Now, suddenly, he seems unable to shake the smile that has made its home on his face.
"Baiheng is a romantic at heart, but she overestimates my ability to pick up on hints," he jokes, "I like you for you. The directness is part of it, and one I've always appreciated. Now..."
He takes a bold step towards her, and reaches out to place a hand atop of hers where she's been fidgeting with her fingers. "The question is, are you going to do something about it, sword champion?" A raised eyebrow, an open challenge. He's also not going to try to be anyone else in how he approaches this, and he's sure Jingliu will appreciate it in turn.
Jingliu's mind is muddy like the sea near busy ports, murky and shaken. This is no typical conversation about battles or swords. This is a conversation about feelings. HER feelings. She's not used to being so bare to anyone, Baiheng shakes her truth from her for the most part. With a bit of a small gasp, she's taken away from her void by the gentle touch of his hand on hers.
Frozen, crimson eyes meet his, softening as they feel the calmness between them. Of course. This was them. They've been in sync for years long before this and she knows they'll be in sync for years after. There's no need to fear. He will catch her. A gentle smile graces her features, one that's only shown itself in few occasions. One that's been reserved for him alone, it's different than all the others. Shy and tiny, but with a great potential to grow until her mouth opens, producing a familiar, dulcet giggle.
❛ Well , I have a few ideas . . . ❜
Her voice is soft, with a few tinges of seductive trills to it. Boots click against the ground as she closes the space between them. Her previous, nervous hand finally reaches out, cupping his cheek with the upmost gentleness. She has never touched someone with that kind of gentleness. There's always some rough edge in it, even when she pats Jing Yuan or Baiheng. This was different. Maybe, that's how he could long since tell that she had a blazing soft spot for him. She'd add such loving touches that it would take a blind person to miss it. Even then, Jingliu failed at hiding more... complex emotions from those close to her.
❛ You wouldn't mind , right ? I have permission ? ❜
One last check. One last opportunity to back out and yet ... The need is far greater. The call of his lips is one she needs to listen to. Jingliu presses her soft, pink lips against his.
Music. A chorus. Is this what heaven is like? So many thoughts swirl, but most of them are all about him. How his lips feel, how undeniably warm he is against her body, in her hands. She couldn't bare to let go again. In her mind, she makes a silent promise. She would never let go. Not ever.
@draconicfool : i'm supposed to be rescued by my true love! [he would say this]
The swordswoman doesn't even give him a second glance as he complains of her rescue. To her, the act is just the day to day. It was a strange concept for her to even hear that people expected to be rescued by some silly measure called love. Mettle is what truly mattered. What if the one you love isn't equipped for that kind of thing?
Even the people who she finds herself incredibly close to didn't all start as masters of what they do now. Jingliu shrugs it off as she continues the princess carry and hops to the nearest, safe location.
❛ Such bellyaching won't do you any good here . You need to think about the way you expect the untrained to come for you . Well , no matter . It's why I'm here . ❜
PROMPTS FROM SHREK * assorted dialogue from the 2001 film, adjust as necessary
two things, okay? shut... up.
you didn't slay the dragon?
some of you may die... but it's a sacrifice i am willing to make.
they judge me before they even know me. that's why i'm better off alone.
how will you kiss me?
that wasn't in the job description!
what is so funny?
let's just say... i'm not your type.
pick me! pick me!
i've got a dragon and i'm not afraid to use it!
now really, it's rude enough being alive when no one wants you, but showing up uninvited to a wedding?
it's a compliment! better out than in, i always say.
you can't tell me you're afraid of heights.
let's do that again!
what's that? it's hideous.
only a true friend would be that cruelly honest!
well, technically, you're not a king.
the battle is won.
so where is this fire-breathing pain in the neck, anyway?
hey, don't look at me. i didn't invite them.
it's on my to-do list!
you're meant to charge in, sword drawn, banners flying!
that's not the point!
huh, celebrity marriages. they never last, do they?
that'll do, [name]. that'll do.
you're going the right way for a smacked bottom.
well, that's not very nice. it's just a donkey.
where are you going? the exit's over there!
i have to save my ass.
what kind of a knight are you?
i was talking about the dragon.
man, this would be so much easier if i wasn't color-blind.
we can stay up late, swapping manly stories, and in the morning... i'm making waffles!
whoa, look at that. who'd wanna live in a place like that?
that... would be my home.
i think i need a hug.
you're a monster!
we were forced to come here!
you know, you're really quite a decorator!
it's amazing what you've done with such a modest budget!
i like that boulder. that is a nice boulder.
you know, not everybody likes onions.
everybody loves cake!
i don't care what everyone likes!
have you ever met a person, you say, "let's get some parfait," they say, "hell no, i don't like parfait."
end of story! bye bye! see ya later!
parfaits may be the most delicious thing on the whole damn planet!
it talks?
i'm not the monster here, you are!
now tell me, where are the others!
eat me!
i've tried to be fair to you creatures, but now my patience has reached its end.
all right then! who's hiding them?
oh you're going to love it there.
men of his stature are in short supply.
it's getting him to shut up that's the trick!
hey, what's your problem [name], what you got against the whole world anyway, huh?
i'll find those stairs.
look, i'm not the one with the problem, okay? it's the world that seems to have a problem with me.
do you think he's maybe compensating for something?
hey, where're you going?
oh man, i can't feel my toes!
take a look at me. what am i?
doesn't that bother you?
man, i like you. what's your name?
you're so wrapped up in layers, onion boy, you're afraid of your own feelings.
there you are, doing it again!
oh... oh this is all my fault.
you can't do this to me! i'm too young for you to die!
you gotta warn somebody before you just crack one off, my mouth was open and everything.
believe me, if it was me... you'd be dead.
i steal from the rich and give to the needy.
man, that was annoying.
i was sent to rescue you.
i'm supposed to be rescued by my true love!
your job is not my problem.
you love this woman, don't you?
i don't want to rush into a physical relationship.
like that's ever gonna happen!
why are you following me?
stop singing!
it's no wonder you don't have any friends!
Reminder, I love each and every one of you SO FUCKING much. If you forget, I will be sad! You deserve to eat, be hydrated, loved, and accepted! And you are by me! Keep your spirits up!
Additional notice: I'm currently trying to figure out apartment stuff. I got approved for a place closer to work so I'm not waking up at 4:30am to make it on time at 8am to work. So, the packing and just working have been keeping me locked away in my head. School has also been on the back burner... I'm trying guys. I promise that when it all seeps back to normal content and replies will flow more naturally. For now, bare with me. I'm very overwhelmed with the transitions IRL. I love you! You're all in my thoughts.
@xianzhou-craftsman
snowy white locks, broken up by inky streaks, sway slightly as he moves his head to meet her gaze. unlike her, he rarely sleeps. obtaining rest lost its meaning so long ago. he no longer bothers to try. “ damn, thought you'd sleep forever. ” his voice is lower than usual, but still sounds as rough as before. with one finger, he slips it underneath her chin to tilt her face upwards, causing their eye contact to be even more intimate. “ .. when i agreed to meet up, didn't think you'd literally fall asleep on me. got me wonderin'. was that your plan from the start ? ”
A frown decorates her face when she thinks he's a bit disappointed in her for sleeping as long as she did. Though, it doesn't last as he forces her gaze upwards. A shiver runs down her spine at the slight loss of control the action makes her feel.
❝ To sleep? No. That just happened. ❞
There was a hidden element to this. Mostly, that she enjoyed it and now getting up was impossible. She's beginning to drag it, really. She stops, slowly whispering.
❝ Do I... really have to get up? ❞
Her voice comes out, breathlessly. He has her almost begging. She just wants to remain comfortable. At least, that's what she tells herself.
unlike his counterpart, inei does not harbor any ill feelings towards her. who is he to care about what she's done to someone he barely knows ? zouin has always been much softer towards other people, growing attached relatively quickly, trusting others all too soon .. despite his insistence that he does not trust easily. though he did not expect to find himself in such an intimate position with her upon first setting eyes on her, he doesn't have anything to complain about. she smelled nice, familiar .. corruption of another kind runs through her blood, and it is addicting. if only he could have a taste. his thoughts get away from him, as fingers play with long locks.
A light whine leaves her freezing lips as she stirs in her sleep. Her arms manage to wrap themselves around him, tighter. Closer, closer... the warmth is there. Even in her sleep, she searches for him. Her face buries into him, his scent filling her sleeping lungs. After what seems to be a half hour of rest, she finally grunts. Pale eyelids hidden by her blindfold finally open, oh.
❝ My... apologies. ❞
Her body doesn't move away just yet. Perhaps, she enjoyed his warmth all that much. The situation should be a little awkward, but her movements are slow. Her eyes don't leave his. Part of her hands linger on him. There was much being left unsaid for the moment. She should be more careful.
"I worry when y'say that after I go eat."
It was a tease of his own in a way. To think he could smell like anything other than death during the weeks when he had to tend to that cursed hunger. Yet its comforting in a way, too. That she finds even those oddities to feel warm. To feel comfortable for her.
He rests his chin atop her head as they stand together. His gentle fingers still running through her hair. They were alike in that matter, he supposed. Learning of how personal relationships should work from those around them. He'd never been particularly close to anyone but his father growing up, after all. And Ryuusei but he was, perhaps, a very special case.
A little sigh leaves her mouth before she starts peppering his face in kisses. She starts giving them up fast before slowing down to more meaningful, lingering kisses.
❝ Accept my love, will you? You smell good before and after. I just happened to catch you and say it now. Unless you think my nose is broken. Then that's a different discussion. ❞
She looks up at him with a cheeky grin before going back to burying herself against him. There was love there and a deep appreciation. The two had a lot in common, kindred spirits. For now, Jingliu just wanted to enjoy the moment. He was so soft with her and she appreciated him for it so, much. It was rare that she was gazed upon with anything other than fear. Of course, she longs to return the favor and give him a place to belong. A place where there is only love and acceptance.
"Ah, how the mighty do fall," There was a perverse delight in watching her struggle, her once-defiant form now succumbing to the inexorable pull of exhaustion. His arms, already poised to catch her, enfolded her with a surprising amount of gentleness. His touch was almost reverent as he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, his fingers lingering to caress the delicate strands. "Sometimes, the mind simply surrenders to the body's need for rest," he mused, his chest rumbling with his husky murmurs.
His smirk, though softened, retained that predatory gleam, an unspoken promise of his dual nature. He knew trust was a scarce commodity in his world—a laughable notion when cast in his direction. Yet, this raw, unguarded vulnerability she's displaying before him stirred something unexpected within him, a flicker of emotion he had long thought extinguished. "Rest, then," he whispered, his voice so soft it barely disturbed the air. "For when you awaken, the world will be as unforgiving as ever, and so will I."
Anticipating her reaction upon waking within his embrace brings him a twisted form of amusement, his mind weaving through possible scenarios as he chortles lowly beneath his breath. His posture, unconsciously protective, belies the chaotic nature within him as he watches over her slumber with a curious blend of predation and unexpected tenderness.
He would be waiting a while. She hadn't slept in days so, even this situation was a miniscule respite of the horrors that swayed outside and within. For some reason, he was the warmest "bed" she had ever had. Abusing the privilege came easy as she slept for a solid five hours. She shifted every now and then, almost tricking him that she had woken up several times over. Instead, she just rolled closer or even wrapped an arm around him.
Little whispers of unintelligible words left her mouth, each a hidden secret that could only be deciphered by her closest friends. Too bad most of them were far or dead. At one point, she muttered the word 'soft', probably at the feeling of his own body against hers.
After some more turns, she finally opens her crimson eyes. The realization of things doesn't even hit her right away. In fact, strangely all she does is whine and dive deeper into him. More sleep. She would deal with him later.
❝ Good night... ❞
".... You made it to the counter this time" Up until now the angel had been silently observing the scene but seeing just how anxious Jingliu was Robin felt the need to make her presence known. So she Appeared in the exact spot the woman had retreated to.
"That's progress ..... however" she paused, lips pursing while her brow furrowed.
".... they may get the wrong idea if you keep fleeing like that. You're a strong, beautiful and bright young lady .... I have no doubts they'll be captivated by you. You just need to... take that one brave step and ... order a coffee. -Break the ice .... hiding that cute face away from them won't help you, ya know?"
A pained whine leaves Jingliu's tired lips. How long would this happen for? She had been longing to confess for months, to grow closer to the cute barista that captured her heart with a simple smile. Unfortunately, there has been no luck to be found. It's gotten so, bad she has prayed devotedly to the fathers above and even scored an angel to help with this little project.
Yet there was still hesitation in her heart. Fear consumed her. Nobody likes to be rejected, after all. She looks at Robin, pleadingly.
❝ They're just so, gorgeous! I get tongue tied. I feel so, hot. I freeze in my place and I can only ever manage to run. I know I'll give them the wrong idea if I keep going like this... What kind of coffee should I get? ❞
She didn't even like coffee.
Eros had become rather used to dealing with the fallout of any arguments that involved Jingliu. Not that they happened often, but she never seemed the type to back down until she found herself victorious. He wanted if she had always been like that or if perhaps it was a side effect of the mara. Not that he'd ever ask. Not that he minded. And on this night at least, he'd gotten an inn room. And carrying her didn't prove an issue- not when he was deceptively strong for how small he was.
Really he was just glad she'd calmed down enough to sleep. That she felt safe enough beside him to do so. Even as he'd set her in the bed she hadn't woken. So he'd take his spot beside her and open up a book. Something Ryuusei had recommended forever ago that he'd more or less ignored up until this point. Novels that weren't romances weren't really something he enjoyed all that much anyway. However, his attention shifted when he felt her burrowing a bit closer against him. A soft smile on his features as he reached down to play with her hair. Just watching her sleep for a moment.
"...anyone who saw y'like this could f'er'get how y'c'n be sometimes." He mumbled, smiling to himself. "Not me, though...I don't mind that part about ya...I think it makes things interestin'."
It was interesting, really. That the two of them had sides to them that others would ultimately reject out of pure fear, but here they were, completely content with knowing each other. They accept their traits as they are. Jingliu who knows this by heart, sleeps soundly. Even more so, when she feels his fingers on her hair. A small, pleased coo leaves her sleeping mouth as she nuzzles even closer.
The sleeping continues for about half an hour until she's roused from it, naturally. She whines as she tries to get her bearings. Where was she? Once she sees Eros, she calms down. Her innate trust in him makes it so, that wherever she is, everything must be fine.
❝ Are you okay? I didn't make anything difficult for you, did I? ❞
Though, she still manages to worry about the convenience of her friends. Her eyes look over his face to see if anything is weighing on his mind.
It's certainly the first time he's heard that in awhile. The way that she spoke must have put others off, he thought. But fortunately- he was someone used to being one the opposite end of that. That things he said and did were what made others nervous or scared. And yet here they stood- neither one seeming to get to the other. And for that he was thankful.
"I'll hold ya t' that then."
He tilted his head, bringing his arms over his chest. As if he had to think about the last time he'd eaten. Hand brought to his chin as his tall flicked back and forth. Where could they get something like that, he wondered. Without drawing what must have been too much attention. After all, they were- quite the odd pair.
"Eh, couldn't tell ya off th' top of m'head. But...somethin' sweet certainly sounds nice. S'been a bit too long since I had a taste of home."
His words produce a rare smile on her face. It's not as bright as it would show on someone less cold, but on her the smile is warm enough. She listens in while her mind works to choose a place they could perhaps pick something up at and walk off to a more private space.
❝ There's a little spot I know. It serves every bit of food that one could think of. Well, the least healthy type of food. But healthy isn't always healing for the heart, now is it? ❞
Her hand waves him over, a gesture for him to follow. A bit of walking later, the two find themselves at a tiny shop. It's the kind with a window and just a few chairs on the outside for guests to eat. Jingliu grins as she looks at the menu written on a plaque beside the window. Everything sounded delicious, but she was mostly captivated by the temptation of sweet meats.
❝ I know what I want. What about you? They have plenty of desserts too. I might get a chocolate mousse after some sweet chicken. ❞
Her breathing is a steady, quiet rhythm. It's a psalm in the night, decorating the air with its sound. Crickets and other singing bugs join with it, the music of it reinforcing the peace felt. Her comfortability speaks for itself as she doesn't even move once in @shisou 's arms. Jingliu looks perfectly calm, resting like a leaf floating slowly down stream.
When would she awaken? It could be until morning at this rate. She finds these arms the most calming, prefers them over the loneliness of a cold, lone bed. Yet she couldn't really hold him hostage for too much longer, could she? Perhaps, he'd shake her awake, but for now, the sword champion is content in her dreams.
I love all my mutuals with all my heart.
"Ya'd do that even if I did have somewhere t' be."
He was far too aware of it. Any time he was in the same space as her, she was snuggled against him like this. Though, usually they weren't standing in the middle of the living room. And usually it didn't start with so much teasing.
He was right. She would have done this even if he did have somewhere to be and it would be a whole scene to get away from her. Still, she tries her best to make him feel loved and appreciated. Even if sometimes, the situation could be skewed. Maybe, the explanation was her lack of understanding when it came to social relationships. She only held so many people close by and they had dynamics that weren't necessarily the norm either.
But right now, all she could think about was how nice he felt in her arms. Like a missing puzzle piece finally found, she melts right against him. Sometimes, her softness was palpable. He had a habit of pulling it from her.
❝ Are you wearing a new fragrance? You smell lovely. ❞
