* / SWASHBUCKLER .

moved !

[riidcr-archive2]

Remember when I said I won't move ? That was a lie ...

[riidcr-archive2]

    @ausdauer​​     ›     i stick out like a sore thumb.

        ❝   𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐄.   ❞        assurance comes softly with a light laugh,     her little pout making it impossible for him to take it as seriously as she needed him to,     not when she was dressed like a red panda from head to toe,     cheeks flushed in clear embarrassment that somehow complemented her costume even further.     Joining the school play really seemed like a good idea until the final rehearsals,     in which she had to show up and walk halfway across school dressed like a fluffy animal,     something about living the character their teacher had been talking about,     but even Eugene himself with all his dramatics thought it was a bit overboard.     Aware of her embarrassment,     he stepped out of the car and walked with her to the stairs,     her hand in his,     squeezing with all her might,     maybe he should've signed her up on the football team or something of the sort,     but it can't be that bad,     right ?        ❝   It's gonna be alright,     Iz.     Rapunzel is supervising the whole thing she'll be there if you need anything.   ❞        he told her,     kneeling down before her to adjust her custom a bit.        ❝   But if you're really that uncomfortable we can call this thing off,     just gimme the word.   ❞

[riidcr-archive2]

     @sharedpractice​     ›     i was born with these powers.

      𝐇𝐄'𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐌 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐋 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘,        sports weren't really an interest of his,     he never participated in any team,     preferring the outdoors kind of activities he picked up since reckless childhood,     which was arguably more dangerous than chasing after a ball for hours on end,      [  or so he'd assume.  ]      And although his friend wouldn't find a similar joy scaling buildings,     it would seem the two of them had found a way to compromise.     Tep's return to basketball was a big deal for him,     even if it had been more for the purpose of coaching than actual playing,     Eugene knew the man was itching to play.     So upon hearing about the great iron heart's first demonstration for the school's selected team,     he rushed to drop everything and be there.     And indeed,     his reputation held true to his skills.     Playing on the field seemed so natural to him,     his speed and timing was phenomenal,     Eugene can now understand why he's so invested in the sport,     it was like coming home to him.

        ❝   Vice claw,     was it ?   ❞        the question comes so casually as he walked with tep back home,     there was an evident limp in his step after the game he hadn't had the heart to disregard and leave him to walk all the way alone.        ❝   How did that come all about ?   ❞        curiosity is met with the other's signature sense of humour which made him chuckle,     powers,     yeah,     he supposes so.        ❝   Alright,     mister talent,     keep your secrets.   ❞

[riidcr-archive2]

     @inspectorboobzilla​      ›     i know you'll leave soon.

      𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐇𝐈𝐌,        to abandon without blinking an eye,     to cut the rope of attachment at the source before it's too solid for him to cut through,     as though it had been a deadly snake he had to escape its bite lest its venom leads into his own demise.     That's how closeness felt to him at most times ;     a danger only the wise knew better to avoid,     no matter how enticing and comforting it may seem,     trust was fatal,     people were disappointing.     Experience and past heartaches taught the adventurer to keep his distance,     step away when he began to feel himself being involved into others business.     That's what Shura was,     just business,     and he was extending his work stay for longer than he preferred.     She was a good ally,     a lighter weight that made him forget his own troubles for a little while.     It was the nights that brought back that heavy dread,     when solitude left them vunreble,     too exhausted to maintain appearances,     in a desperate desire to be free of the lies that shaped their lives.     Instances of transparency the rogue despised,     or rather,     feared,     and wanted nothing but to flee from.

      The urge to run had begun to take its possession upon his thoughts,     often times he seemed distracted,     not at all there,     mind elsewhere.     The road was calling and the utter,     unrestricted freedom that came along with It.    Not to be tied to anything or anyone was a state of being he seems to prefer greatly when in compare to the many troubles company would bring.     He hadn't the slightest clue where he was headed,     only that he was leaving,     the thought alone giving him a sense of comfort he knows to be temporary,     but it was safe,     in what little sense of the word his kind is allowed to have.     It was by midnight that the urge could no longer be restrained,     the pale moon lighting the field was inviting,     the deep darkness the light couldn't reach brought wonder,     maybe he'll head South and uncover this mystery his heart is most anxious to explore.

      '   I know you'll leave soon.   '

      Words softly spoken interrupt nightly meditation,     gaze avert from the window to meet his companion in the eye,     there was a touch of melancholy he could read with ease,     but refuses to allow his resolve to be weakened by it,     as much as it aches so deeply for him to be so cold-hearted.     The thief simply shrugged,     seeing no point in denying the truth,     she guessed right.     Though,     he hoped he could slip away while she was sleeping again so neither could bother with goodbyes.        ❝   You're fun,     gorgeous.     But sticking in one place for too long isn't really my style.   ❞        he kept it at that,     turning to look out the window again.        ❝   Besides,     you're a big girl,     you can stir up enough trouble without my help.   ❞

[riidcr-archive2]

    @inspectorboobzilla​​     ›     if you need backup, i make great backup.

      𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆,        chocolate hues not parting from hers,     doubting,     distrusting.     The rogue can't deny her skill,     how many times her quick thinking had got them out of trouble the two of them were equally responsible for starting.     However,     Flynn was more than aware her assistance wasn't purely out of the goodness of her heart,     it was always beneficial,     or for the sake of her own amusement for the most part.     She'd purposely hang back and let him get caught in order to have a laugh,     of course she knew he could figure his way out eventually,     but that's beside the point.     When frustration about current heist in mind is expressed,     Shura was unusually willing to offer a hand,     a first that hadn't quite surprised him as much as he thought it would when she was on her second round of drinks,     cheeks flushed with a careless hum in her tone.     Appearance deceive the beholder,     except for that who went about concealing through appearances in a diffrent manner.     This was another chance for her to make fun of him,     and he wasn't going to hand it over on a silver plate.        ❝   Like hell you do.   ❞        The thief muttered,     folding his arms against his chest as he leaned back against the chair.        ❝   You're just gonna bet on me like last time,     it's easy money for you,     that it ?   ❞

[riidcr-archive2]

    @fatesdesign​​     ›     whatever happens,     i'm in your corner.

      𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐒,        a ghost of a smile,     warm,     and almost real.     It's a sweet little thing,     hope,     a quality most commonly found in others,      [  moreso in her  ],      he fails to comprehend the purpose of.     His world had often been bleak,     barren of childish daydreams early maturity taught him to let go.     He had allowed himself a little piece of the unreal despite strong desire to remain detached and away from eventual disappointment.     However,     stubborn will finds this fairtale rather enticing,     a free chance for a new adventure he couldn't possibly ignore.     Witches,     hidden cottages in enchanted woods,     goats,     lizards and most importantly,     murder hair,     that's how Rapunzel precived it,     he on the other on,     liked the way it glittered beneath the moon like starlight,     flowing behind her like a silver stream now that it's free of countless braids and useless charms.     He still hung into a crescent-shaped charm nonetheless,     tied onto the hilt the of his sword for the sake of remembrance rather than good luck.     His hand rested there,     covering the charm intentionally.     Although feelings had been declared with an impulsive kiss on his part,     he still held back a tad,     not wanting to hear another      '   you do care,     Flynn Rider !   '      Gina had given him enough looks,     he wanted to keep what remained of his dignity for a little while    ...    if he possessed any to begin with.     This journey had managed to help him forget a little about his life,     but distraction does only little to erase a past of crime.     The irony struck him long ago,     when the sunken feeling that took over him every time he saw her translated into affection,     to eventually reveal itself in the poorest of ways that led to their argument.     Flynn still had his worries,     and rightfully so,     for a thief to fall in love with a princess    ...    that could only end badly.     He had become gradually silent the more she speaks of the castle and how her life would be there,     a silence that radiated gloom which always hid behind a charming smile.     It wasn't his intention to spoil her daydreams,     but the more he's reminded the more distant he was beginning to feel,     as though he was running out of time and we supposed to flee.

        ❝   Sounds exciting.   ❞        a nod is given,     deciding to humour her for the most part when lips seemed like they wanted to express a though he found it best to remain hidden.     And that sweet hope leaves him for a moment,     just a moment,     until that fading warmth manifested itself with a single touch upon his arm,     softly tracing a still healing scar there.      '   whatever happens,     I'm in your corner.   '      he heard he say then,     reading his mind in a way that somehow comforted him.        ❝   Uh,     y-yeah.   ❞        he stammered,     taken aback,     feeling the heat raising on his cheeks.     Gaze averted from her,     free hand rubbing at the back of his neck in clear embarrassment.        ❝   Likewise,     witchy.   ❞

[ausdauer]

“  you’re my family.  ”

@riidcr || Soft!

The family tree project at school was difficult for her. An orphan, left at the doorstop of a convent with nothing but a letter saying what her name is and her birthday. She struggled in foster homes, never having been adopted until her own social worker had took a leap of faith with her. It worked. Eugene understood her better than anyone had before. He was patient but firm when needed.

However, this project was too much, she was acting out again, getting kicked out of her class so she didn't need to hear or talk about families. Eugene wasn't her dad, but he was as good as. She saw him as one. But he was in the same boat as her; both orphans without a clue on who their parents are.

Eugene had been called in to talk about her declining behaviour, how things were improving just to plummet so quickly. Isabel waited outside the classroom, head hanging low, worried she would have disappointed him after the promise she had made to keep her grades up. But as he came out of the office she looked up, big green eyes full of apologies.

He said nothing, but his actions were enough. His hand outstretched, ready for hers to take it's spot, he wasn't angry or upset with her. It was enough for her shoulders to relax. Until they got to the car. Isabel knew the speech was coming, but what he said took her by surprise.

You're my family

Isabel let herself smile, quietly taking it in before she turned away, "Samson had a whole four pages of family" she muttered, looking down at her fingers. "I shouldn't have ripped it up" Isabel added, feeling terrible for her actions, but jealousy was a tough thing to control sometimes. "Caitlin said my tree is so small it's a weed" she added, defending herself on why she had pulled the brunette's hair and stuck gum in it. She was remorseful, it was just difficult.

[1498592-deactivated20250707]

Rapunzel, Pascal, & Flynn Rider from the Disney Princess book: My Book of Everything - Stories, Stickers, Coloring and Activities (2017) [✩]

[riidcr-archive2]

    @drengjar​​     ›     "Married!?" The sailor stopped a moment from unloading the goods off of the Coronian ship as he looked at the former thief. "Ye finally asked 'er!" A mighty laugh escapes from the right hand of Berk as he slaps the back of Eugene's shoulders and flattens the man completely to the docks below. "Thatta boy!" He hadn't noticed right away he had flattened the other to the ground for moment before looking and seeing what he done. "Aye sorry mate." Eret was a bit remorseful as he offered his hand to help Eugene back to his feet.

        𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐓 𝐒𝐋𝐈𝐏 𝐒𝐎 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘,        thinking Eret had been around when Rapunzel announced the news to hiccup when greetings were over and done with.     Of course Eret had an inkling to where the former thief's relationship was headed with the princess,     and Eugene made no effort to hide away the fact that he had been saving for a ring with his own money,     an accomplishment the sailor would effortlessly understand the value of after a similar life in poverty,     to be able to obtain something through hard work and not simply theft was a drastic difference Eugene felt most proud of,     even showing the ring in question once he bought it,     months prior to the proposal,     which he rightfully had his worries about.     He felt ready,     but what if she wasn't ?     Patience proves its worth,     as he decides to take the matter with ease and wait for the right opportunity.     Some time to get away from royal life in their little cabin in the woods,     with her parents' blessing,     he asked,     she said yes !     Although he's not entirely keen on sharing,     that warm smile on his lips had given him away,     seemingly in a better mood that he hadn't paid Hiccup's annoying attempts any mind at all.     When Eret asked about the unusual change,     he simply spoke,     perhaps comfortable sharing with him as he had before with such an genuine friendship he found with the other.     And immediately he heard the excitement in his voice before he could see it upon his features    ——    not that he had a chance to spare a glance his way when the first thing he knew was stumbling off deck and into the dock. 

       ❝   No,     No,     you're good.     That's,     uh    ...    a reasonable reaction.   ❞        he dismisses his concern,     hand raising to give the man a thumbs up from where was now lying.        ❝   Though I gotta say,     you're way nicer than the guys I'd hang around.   ❞        he mumbled,     reflecting on his brief partnership with the stabbingtons.     He shuddered,     pushing the thought back as he allowed Eret to help him up.        ❝   But yeah,     I asked her like a month back,     I would've wrote but,     Rapunzel wanted to tell you guys in person.   ❞

[riidcr-archive2]

    @dragetunge​​     ›     "So...you're getting married huh?" The viking questioned as he looked at the other. "You better be good to her." Hiccup never really had siblings but both he and Rapunzel had grown close enough that he considered her close enough to what he thought a sibling would be like.

      𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓.        Eugene knew it was only a matter of time before Rapunzel had sent out letters to inform everyone of their little development,     and sometimes she saved up the news to share with a loved one in person,     to savour a feeling she never knew she was lacking by sharing her happiness with someone,     or having one that cared enough to listen.    it was endearing,     seeing her bounce excitedly on the ball of her feet,     smile broad and sweet,     like the gentle ray of the sun on a spring morning.     The whole kingdom had been informed,     her cousins in Arendelle and now everyone in Berk was soon to find out about the proposal.     On his end,     he hadn't told anyone,     not that he had a family to tell,     and those few he called friends would most likely hear about it from Rapunzel,     frankly,     he felt more comfortable with her taking the lead on this end,     aware of all the talk and curious questions that would arise that he had neither the patience nor manners to keep up with.     He tended to his usual business while the rest talked.     Although they're on a visit,     the trade between Berk and Corona was more active than ever,     he and Eret spent all afternoon loading and unloading goods.     Dinner in the great hall wasn't something he was planning on missing however.     He joined in quietly,     saving a spot for Rapunzel who he couldn't see but heard clearly amongst the loud cheers.     It wasn't long before he had company,     one that stared at him in distaste a bit more than usual.

        ❝   Nah,     I bought the ring for funsies.   ❞        Eugene joked but gave a nod to confirm the question.     Of course hiccup knew,     he's the first Rapunzel would run up to with the news.     Still,     the thought of marriage brought an odd kind of joy within him as well,   a sentiment he hadn't anticipated to ever have that effect on him after a lifetime of solitude.     There wasn't an ounce of hesitation when he looks back upon it or for the future they might share,     come what may,     she's worth all the hardships that awaits them.        ❝   Man,     If I was dumb enough to hurt her in any way,     you can kill me with my own dagger.   ❞        a bit of an exaggerated response,     but it was one that he meant wholeheartedly.        ❝   I get your concern,     I'm not perfect in any way,     but I love her and I want to do right by her    ...    she deserves to be happy.   ❞

[riidcr-archive2]

    @soldiersscream​​     ›     i've heard a lot about you.

      𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐅,     𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆,        how long had they been keeping him in this stuffy room ?     He hadn't bothered to count the hours,     more than aware of the outcome of all this tireless questioning.     Curse that vile woman,     she seemed so determined on keeping Rapunzel miserable by using any means necessary,     taking no account to how extreme and immoral they may be.     But he's one to talk,     reckless history served as a golden ticket for her to keep him away,     and yet current plight doesn't concern him when in compare to the one left in gothel's care    ——    if he were ever to call it as such.     With the secret being out,     there's no telling what she would do with her,     Flynn had attempted to talk them into looking into the situation but no one seemed listen,     their eyes had told him everything he needed to know.        ❝   Shit    ...   ❞        a heavy sigh escapes him,     face buried between his arms as he leaned against the table.     Would Rapunzel be okey ?     Did Gothel already do something ?     Train of worries interrupts with the click of the door,     Flynn looked up,     not recognising the man    ...    great,     someone new to question him for another hour,     he hadn't the patience for it.

        ❝   Yeah,     I'm sure you have.   ❞        he retorts,     glaring at the other.        ❝   Whatever speech you have rehearsed,     save it.     I didn't do anything and that's all you're getting.   ❞

[riidcr-archive2]

    @thecommanderzoe​​     ›     what do you say  ?     truce ?

     𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓-𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐇𝐔𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐈𝐗 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐔𝐏𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑,        suspicion evident across features,     trust usually given without a second of thought is put into question,     and he finds himself pondering upon it for long.     If it had been his very life on the line she wanted him to entrust her with,     he wouldn't hesitate as much,     but when the matter regarded their own personal war    ...    There's no ounce of faith to be found in him.     Perhaps he's too guarded,     or perhaps he had simply grown accustomed to her ways,     she screwed him over more times than he can count,     always falling for her pleading eyes,     choosing to forgive in the name of friendship    ——    a though the former thief would have laughed so rudely about whenever the prospect of attempting such closeness would brought up to him.

       ❝   You ?     Asking for truce ?     C'mon hanji I'm not stupid.   ❞        the captian protests,     annoyed but still willing to listen to her plead her case.    They might have crossed the line a bit too much as of late,    and amusing as their bickering might be to the commander,     his patience is most likely to run out if either one pulled something off on a bad day.     It had only been a short while since Erwin asked him to tone it down,     and for him,     Eugene is willing,     for her however    ...        ❝   You gotta be more convincing,     I don't trust you,     and I mean that in full offence.   ❞        he said plainly,     arms crossing against his chest while expression is clearly judging her.

[riidcr-archive2]

  @fatesdesign​​     ›     "  You can't just climb your way into my room.     Mother might catch you   "

      𝐇𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒,        arms stubborn in pulling his body up and through the window,     the stakes not seemingly high for someone more than eager to do the opposite of what he's told,      [  though mainly,     rebellious nature is further motivated to break said  '  mother's  '  unnecessarily strict rules,     for he is certain if she can control the way Rapunzel breathed she would happily do it.  ]        Boots land carefully on the wooden floor,     hardly making a sound,     clear to inform her it hadn't been his first time doing such a thing.     He wanted to see her,     make sure she's alright,     not satisfied until he heard it from her in person instead from a vague text she'd often send when dear old mother was upset with her.    Had she skipped school because of her this time ?     Eugene wondered,    quietly taking note of her features as he stepped In,     no,     she didn't seem sick at all.

        ❝   What ?     No    '  good to see you  '    or anything ?     Ouch.   ❞        he frowned,     feigning personal injury,     back leaned against the window frame as though prepared to leave if she really wanted to be left alone.        ❝   You've been giving me a hard time about showing up on time and you don't show up at all,     I should be the one who's bothered here.   ❞        he pointed out,     frown quickly shifting into a sheepish smile.        ❝   Anyway,     uh    ...    I just wanted to check In,     see how you're doing.     And I got all those cupcakes from that place across the street and I sure as hell can't finish all of’em on my own.   ❞        it was a lie,     he brought them specifically for her,     but she needn't know that.

[riidcr-archive2]

Thinking about Eugene's hands ...

[weltenwellen]

Hanif Abdurraqib, A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance

[toriburger]

01. NOBITA - Ikaw Lang

?/?

[riidcr-archive2]

*    RAPUNZEL .

Once she left, clearly proud of her first prank of the day, she left to greet the kitchen staff, making sure they had the note of the change in Eugene’s breakfast. Rapunzel joined him at the table, smiling brightly when she noticed the new boots, “Maybe your old pair will turn up soon” she hummed, patting his arm as she took her seat. The princess done her best to try and keep her composure, doing everything not to tell him what was going to happen. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before their plates came out.

She held back her laugh, eyes focused on Eugene, ready to take in once again that look of surprise on his face as he saw the bigger fried eggs on his plate. “Gotcha again!” Rapunzel laughed, high fiving with Pascal on her shoulder, “They’re goose eggs!” like her jokes, Rapunzel had a habit of explaining what was funny, Little did he know she had swapped out the butter for margarine too. 

    𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐄,        he couldn't deny it,     a simple piece of wear that held a great meaning to him during a long life in poverty.     Whether Rapunzel had it in her intention to give him a new pair as part of a trick or not,     he wasn't going to complain,     maybe he'll thank her for it once all this is done and over with,     as it seems his share of surprises had hardly even begun.        ❝   I sure hope so.   ❞        Eugene humoured with a smile and a light shake of the head.     If anyone else had done it,     it would be a completely diffrent reaction,     perhaps she was aware of just how special she was in his book and had made sure to play her card at the right moment,     for truly,     he can't find an ounce of anger in him regarding the matter.     It felt more like a game,     a simple little thing he hadn't had in a long time and a missed activity for her to enjoy.     He sat down next to her once she was comfortably seated,     back leaned against the chair in dull anticipation.     He wasn't picky about food,      he'll eat just about anything he's served,     the commotion that surrounded the tables in the castle weren't his favourite however.

     Soon enough his dish is delivered along with its surprise,     the plate with nothing in it but an amount that is a bigger quantity of eggs he can't recall ever bring this greedy for.        ❝   Oh wow     ...   ❞        that was no chicken egg,     Eugene couldn't help but laugh,     a hand going over his face,     unsure if it's in disappointment or for the hilarity of the situation.        ❝   That's just ridiculous.   ❞        he commented,     poking at his food with a fork.        ❝   Well played,     goldie.   ❞