Quoth the Raven

Gabriela Merle for WC "Never, nevermore."

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

paintingfeverdreams:

A few of those drawings were on the risque side, and some downright embarrassing–but art is meant to be honest; vulgar and explicit in its purest form. Not necessarily sexual, but there should be no holds barred in order to preserve its integrity. If Yusuke’s message wasn’t obvious enough, there had been some prose about love and pain and even hatred scrawled out in kanji along the margins, a few crossed out with eraser marks. Even some of his sketches were furiously erased, scratched over and scribbled on in frustration, but still created a type of harmony that doesn’t exist in perfection–his humanity is apparent, frustrated and longing and unfulfilled. 

Sometimes, the world doesn’t offer enough and so beauty must exist somewhere in this reality even if it must be weaved from nothing. 

“…Of course. I’ll keep that in mind.” Goodness knows it will be some time before he could work himself up to come close to filling it, but it is a nice feeling that there is someone who has taken some interest in his progress. 

“Oh…” Yusuke glances around, looking or a subject of some kind before his eyes fix on Gabby again. “It’s no problem…I’ve practiced drawing in vehicles. I have a steady hand…” he hums to himself for a moment. “Perhaps you could  be my subject? If that’s okay with you, of course.” 

“Oh? You will? That sounds great.. I’ll be holding it to you then, Yusuke” A tepid smile, trying to hide the excitement hidden beneath her skin. She’s just thankful for this -- that despite being dragged from her real world she can still appreciate her favorite interest. 

Lashes pinned together a few times as she rapidly blinked, his question catching her off guard. The former discussion of the train was practically whipped out and her enthusiasm was practically crawling out of her body, and hopefully seeping over into him. If it wasn’t such a tight space she’d have probably been bouncing all over, but instead she offered her consent with a nod full of adrenaline.

“I’d be honored, really! Modeling is sort of.. my passion.” Bringing herself to admit it was extremely hard for some reason. Was she afraid to be judged by him, or even rejected? The case could be a matter of many issues, but despite that her sheepish voice broke out and she had made her decision to tell him. “Do you want me to move anywhere specific, Yusuke?”

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

paintingfeverdreams:

He doesn’t know exactly why he apologized, either, and gave a little shrug with a shake of his head n response. “A force of habit, it seems.” 

Yusuke knows what drawing is on each page, though he still peeks over to keep track of what she happens to be looking at. Now seeing the book in another person’s hands, he realizes what a fixation he had on Akio. A dreadful thought, what if that made him uncomfortable? Akio  never acted as if he minded either way, and in fact, encouraged Yusuke to do whatever he could as long as it helped him improve. Still, Yusuke could see how it may appear to be an obsession from another person’s perspective. 

This feeling, he thinks, he can describe as being shame. Now Akio doesn’t even speak to him, so what was it all for? Yusuke didn’t draw Akio because he wanted to draw–he did it so he could hopefully become closer to him. Certainly his ulterior motives were inappropriate, but those times he had spent with Akio as his subject made him feel like he could become closer than anything else ever could. 

“Oh…Th-thank you very much.” Yusuke doesn’t know what else to say. That’s the purpose of art, he feels, to communicate feelings and ideas across a medium. He could consider this a success–so then why does he feel so empty?

 “…That sketchbook is newer, so it is not quite filled up yet…ah, but that is the beauty of emptiness…infinite possibilities.” Yusuke lightens up significantly at this epiphany. He needs to do this because he loves it still, and ignore all the rest, even if it takes him some time. The mind is a dangerous thing to let stagnate; he needs to let it flow again. He owes it to meeting Gabby. 

“…I could draw something for you right now, if you’d like?”

Thoughts that he must have been having were truly different from her own. Despite the err, exotic poses his model always seemed to be in she was only drawn in more. Brows would occasionally furrow in wonder on certain sketches compared to other ones. She had to ponder how many of these were drawn whilst the man he drew was doing something else. Very rarely were there any images that seemed as if this curly-haired male was looking straight at the artist -- but each time she came across one it was obvious even to her, these were not fixed poses. He was always sketching this boy, as often as he could.

“Hm, I’d like to see it when it’s finished then.” She paused and her head tilted subtly to the side, a few strands of hair falling over her face as she focused on him. It was always so astounding to hear such optimistic words -- especially from people who held such an aura of sorrow. Still, it looked as though going through his sketches brought his mood up.

“Eh? What are you going to draw then? We’re on a train after all. Maybe we should wait until we reach our destination, huh?” Really, what was there to draw on a train. As far as she could see it, there was nothing to depict beauty from here.

[fightingphobias-blog]

“The next time somebody says it’s a good idea to make crepes with children in the kitchen, punch them in the face for me.”

There’s an Azurill on the floor, crying next to an Eevee with crepe batter all over her face.

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

There might also be a crow flying in the window chirping for some of that crepe batter. Who knows-- actually nah we all know Yatagarsu is there squawking and hopping on the floor to try and peck off the batter from the Eevee.

[locksnorbolts]

“Whoops– Peter, you know better than that.” - Yeah, you’re not supposed to get caught.

Quickly, Marshall scooped up the Aipom before the little guy could enter that person’s open window, turning to offer the girl a sheepish smile.

“Sorry about that…. Kiddo’s real daring sometimes, ya know? Doesn’t get when he’s going too far.”

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

“Ahh-- I see. Pets can be troublesome sometimes?” The uh, animal in question confused her by it’s looks though but she --- actually no she was curious as to what it was. No doubt about that.

“So, uh. Not to sound rude or anything but... What is ‘Peter’ exactly? I’ve never seen an animal like him before.”

[paintingfeverdreams]

“Oh..yes, you are right. I have been here for quite a while and have forgotten how difficult the arrival can be. Forgive me for being insensitive.” Yusuke typically can’t being himself to emote properly on what the appropriate response is to certain interactions. It’s such a fickle thing, the rules and etiquette of being social. Yusuke had a top-notch repertoire at one time, thanks to Madarame-sensei; yet his time with the Phantom Thieves and eventually his time in Solitude brought himself to where he believe to be sub-par. It certainly didn’t help that his emotional health had been dragged through the mud.

But that  isn’t an excuse, either.

“Perhaps, yes. I can hope to achieve creating beautiful things once again. It’s a  matter of finding the proper muse,” he gave a bit of a shrug, and an almost-smile appeared on his face. “I appreciate your vote of confidence.” 

With that, he passed the sketchbook over, waiting in anticipation over what her reaction might be. The only person who had seen his sketchbook at all lately had been Akio. Since that incident when a much older book had been incinerated by an certain laser-eye-shooting brute, Yusuke became extremely cautious of who could handle his sketches.

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

“Hmmm? Why are you apologizing for that?” He seemed so quick to constantly apologize for such odd issues, and boy did it strike her as a little odd. Perhaps that was all artists though, from what she had noticed from other’s she had worked for. They all had their estranged quirks and oddities, sometimes even to the point of hardly speaking to her -- at least this guy wasn’t to that extent.

Listening to him, she wanted to offer more advice but her interest in the sketchbook really took over. Before she could offer any sort of statement she had to see his passion -- see what kind of artist he was himself! With that, she happily took the book and began flipping page by page.

Training her thoughts on each image she saw, to attempt to comprehend each image. Nearly every time that she landed on this raven haired trickster, it seemed less and less a simple sketch, and more as if Yusuke had been trying to capture the very core of who this person was. Ah, how envious that made her feel -- all of the artists she had worked for, including her best friend had never crafted such artistic beauty from her form. Was it her.. Or was it them, she pondered. 

“Yusuke-san, these are.. phenomenal? Just turning from one sketch to another.. I feel as though I can sense your emotions pouring into them.”

[than3tos-blog]

the greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to meme and be memed in return

Moulin Rouge sentence starters

Undertale symbol prompt thing

Send me “What’s that for?” and my muse will punch yours in the face

(send “you deserved it” and your muse will punch mine instead)

Send “💺” For my muse to sit on your muses lap.

Another symbol-starter thing

Your daily dose of angst memes

Send me 😰 for a glimpse at one of my muse’s nightmares! 

Push the Button! - Send my muse two options and they will answer if they will push the button or not.

D. Gray-Man sentence starters

Adele voice: Hello

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

Kano | B-ko | Morgan

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

“Erm, It might not be my business but... It looks like your uh, pet is..” She drifted off, staring over at the strange creature as he barged into someone’s window. 

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

paintingfeverdreams:

Thank goodness for not being in as wretched of a state as when they first met. There still might have been some bruising on his face, but nothing to cause a fuss over. It certainly had been uncomfortable for  him in their first encounter, but what a relief that it hadn’t deterred her from continuing to speak with him.

Though, that may be subject to change once she begins to meet other people.

“I am glad to hear that…do let me know if you are in need of help with anything. It is a bit of an adjustment…ah?” It took a moment for him to realize that she had taken an interest in his sketchbook. 

“W-well, yes…but I’m afraid I haven’t for a while. I carry it with me still in case I feel motivated…” He feels silly admitting it that way; it’s the truth, but it must come across as pathetic. Yusuke had several drawings of Akio that he drew with permission along with a couple of candid sketches of people he had done for figure and gesture studies. There are a few still life drawings of floral arrangements and some landscapes, light studies, as well as a few detailed drawings featuring macabre abstract imagery. Yusuke didn’t know whether or not he wanted to share this with Gabriela, out of fear that she may find him odd or creepy. Then again, what does he have to lose? It would be even weirder to not show her. She might feel he has something to hide. In truth, he has plenty to hide, but maybe he is reading into it too much. 

“Would you…would you like to look…?” 

The offer he gave sounded delightful, seeing as much as she could tell so far the island was confusing. So many buildings seemed spread out, yet in the same sense so condensed. And a few of them, she really had trouble telling apart -- how would she even shop for groceries for herself if she had no clue where to get them? 

“Thank you for that, I’ll definitely keep it in mind then.” A gentle tug of her lips as she paused, thinking about how to next respond. “I’d say it’s a bit more than an adjustment, it isn’t every day you wake up freezing cold on a beach, you know?” Another quick pause between her words, a hand raising enough to push some hair back behind her earlobe. “Had I not bumped into you, I probably would have thought I was on a desolate, abandoned island.”

“Ah, you haven’t?” That subtle, but vibrant smile seemed to fade. A little disheartened that he was unable to keep up with drawing as of late. Being unable to actually have talent in the art’s always made her feel a bit jealous to an extent, but it only left a sour pit in her stomach to hear that talent of some sort was being put to waste. “...That’s a shame that you can’t find any motivation. But hopefully sometime soon, you’ll be able to?”

Once more, her eyes were lighting up. A rapid nod at his offer to see the book, perhaps even provide some critique if he needed it. “I’d be honored, if you’re willing. An artist’s work is always something to admire.” She hummed, holding a hand out in exchange for the book.

[paintingfeverdreams]

…Or he could be wrong. That doesn’t mean he is getting his hopes up, but he is glad to see a friendly face beside him now. 

He didn’t know how to respond at first. She had shown kindness so far, but would that change? Is it even safe to speak to her, with the fear looming that perhaps she might betray him at some point as well? Yusuke can’t help but feel apprehensive after everything that has happened. The island has a way of drawing in all types of people–some, who Yusuke assumes, are generally good. But perhaps for every decent person, there are at least ten miscreants and twenty more arrogant assholes. 

Yusuke can be as bitter as he wants about the island’s general populace; Gabriela doesn’t seem to be the type of person who would fall into that category. He will allow and arm’s distance in good faith for now.

“Gabriela…nice to see you again. How have you adjusted since I last saw you?” 

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

In the midst of greeting him, she had taken the time to look him over. He seemed much better compared to their original meeting. With a punch to the face and tears on his cheeks she had admittedly thought of him as none-to-cool. Not that she was all that fantastic and extraordinary in any way shape or form herself.. 

One object she caught in particular as she glanced over Yusuke, was the sketchbook that lay in his hands. Like any person when their interest was piqued, Gabriela’s normally dull-looking violet eyes shimmered. 

Blinking when Yusuke had spoke, she veered upward with a gaze full of questions.

“Ah, yeah I’ve settled just fine. ..Sort of.” She paused, another quick glance to the book before she asked her next question. “..Do you draw,Yusuke?”

[lefayete-archive-deactivated201]

The weather is really nice, actually. Mikleo is carrying a bag of groceries on his way home, and he sure is taking his time with his walk. It’s not that bad; the wind is cold but not uncomfortable as it had been the past months; snow is still scattered all about, blanketing the area with a calm and soothing tone; there’s a nice shade provided by the clouds and—

A crow comes nesting on his head with a caw.

Mikleo stops walking, and he doesn’t know what to do.

He doesn’t have the heart to shoo the bird off his head.

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

From the moment she had discovered his disappearance, Gabby was rushing out of her apartment door, practically flying down the stairs, and jumping out into the cold air. Yatagarsu was missing, and considering they had both just arrived, she felt a little disheartened being separated from her pet.

By the time she had finally found her feathered friend, the purplette was ungodly breathless. Her cheeks burning from the chill, rosy red color flourishing as her body tried to keep her warm. Stomping rightly over, she pointed a finger up at the bird, her face puffed up in anger.

“Gar-Gar, how did you get out of the cage?! And do you know how cold it is?! ..Ugh.-- --” Blinking momentarily, she glanced down at the head her companion nested in. Then back up, then down again. “...Geez. Did he inconvenience you? Do you need any help..?”

[paintingfeverdreams]

In a way, it felt as if he were gnawing his own ankle from a trap. 

Keep reading

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

The so called train that was going around the island.. Sure enough, like it had done so for every other person, had piqued her own interests. 

The time it had taken to find it was a whole secondary story that wasn’t worth regarding now that she sat on it. Chin in her palm, elbow on the window-sill as she stared outward. 

Perhaps maybe, the whole reason she had chosen to go on this wild adventure would be to meet some people, or even find an escape to return back to her own world? Doubtful that she even would end up managing to accomplish the latter ideal, the former seeming to be the best bet. 

Which, it did manage to end up that way. She didn’t outright notice him at first, but a simple glance around the train and her eyes lit up. Standing up from her seat, she skipped right on over to plop beside Yusuke, a gentle smile on his face. 

“Hey-- Yusuke, right? It’s a pleasure to meet you again!”

[paintingfeverdreams]

Yusuke glanced the note over, confirming that she had only been here for a short time. 

“Yes, this is standard for new arrivals…” he returned the note to her. “The community board will indicate to you where you will be staying during your time here…if you will please, come this way.” Yusuke turned on his heel, striding along the pathway back towards the community center. Already, he could feel the dread building in returning to such a place so quickly, but having a temporary companion put him at ease, if only marginally. 

He leads her to the structure, where the community board is hanging right outside, gesturing at it. “Your name should be on here, as well as your apartment number…” 

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

“..Eh? Standard?” A little shocked to hear that. After all, in what logical world did arriving on an unknown island with a note in hand seem well, standard. “..Eh? This place already has me figured out where I’m living?? What the..” Her gaze slid downward, trying to allow her thought process catch up to the rest of her body. A side-glance barely caught his moving feet, and her head swung up with her legs jogging after him. Can’t get left behind after just finding someone to help her.

“..Ah? This?” One shifted glance at the board first, then back at him, then back at it. Her FULL Name was on that thing? She had to double check for sure, and yes, there it was. Gabriela Merle, room 604.. 

“....Waaaah? How do they know my name-- and who even wrote this here? This.. .. what..”

[paintingfeverdreams]

This is a bit of a surprise. Not many people seem to show concern about his well-being; or at least, that’s certainly how he feels from this pitiful perspective. But this is a total stranger, so perhaps that is subject to change should she take time to know him. A troubling thought.

“Ah…please don’t concern yourself with it. I have not had a very good day, as you can see.” Even his normally proper stature seemed to slump at the confession, and he just wanted to forget it for now. He turned his head slightly, trying to let his hair conceal the bruised portion of his face. This is a horrible first impression. 

“My name is Kitagawa Yusuke. It’s a pleasure to meet you, even if the circumstances are unfortunate. You appear to be lost?” Not one to venture out of his dwelling, portions of the island are still unknown to him. He definitely isn’t the person to ask for directions, but at least he can show her a way from the cold.

“I just came from the community center…” Hopefully the tensions had died down–even if Yusuke had vowed against showing his face there for another series of months, it did seem to get quiet by the time he left. 

“Shall I show you…? At least to give you a chance to warm up…” 

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

It’s only natural for someone to respond to a stranger in such a way. In a normal circumstance, she probably would have just shrugged a random stranger who asked such a question off. It seemed this island offered rather abnormal circumstances to bump into, and meet other people though. 

Very casually, her chin lifted and descended in a nod at his name, statement, and affirmation of her being lost. “Ah.. I think this note has information to go there?” Unfolding it and holding it out to him. “At least, to the community board? I’m not sure where I am exactly, right now.”

“Ah, can you show me? That’d be fantastic, really..”

[kitberly]

Job

While Ally was out looking for ways to decorate her place, she realized she should also be looking for a job so she could be on her own two feet. She wasn’t sure how jobs and money even worked here… So she found herself a drink and walked around attempting to find a pharmacy or lab.

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

Working was the furthest thought in Gabby’s head, considering Gar-Gar’s occasional appearance with expensive jewelry and the like. Well, okay, that and her arrival to the island having just occurred the night prior. At least she knew where her home was, but not much other than that.

Spotting a vending machine, with a young woman purchasing a drink herself, Gabriela couldn’t help but hop on over and knock at the side of the machine. “You know, sometimes you can trick these things to give two cans?”

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

“..Gar-Gar, did you really escape out of your cage again..?” The purplette stared at the open door, and then at the window that she had propped open the night before. Now she would have to go hunt him down. 

On the other hand, we have Yatagarsu who was flying all about, exploring his new realm to terrorize. Spying a particular looking person, the charcoal colored bird dove down and landed promptly in his hair, nesting quite happily before churring a coo-ing noise.

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

I’m going to do some starters with Gabby, who wants em?

Will be variations of Gabby, or Gar-Gar bothering people.

[paintingfeverdreams]

Try as he might, Yusuke couldn’t fight back the tears any longer. As soon as he had taken a few paces away from the community center, he had let them fall in streams. He seldom cries, but when he does, it’s best to let it be in private–and the pain had to come out somehow. 

Akio spoke the truth when he said that Yusuke is deeply inept in dealing with social situations. It made him wonder what the point of it all is anymore, perhaps it would be best if he kept to himself indefinitely. He can’t hurt anyone, and no one can hurt him. He pressed the ice to his face, trying to stave off the sting but really, he couldn’t say it hurt so bad compared to the ache in his chest.

He had his head down, and hadn’t noticed someone approaching until they had bumped into each other–why now?

Grimacing, Yusuke quickly wiped at his eyes, trying to focus his attention onto the young lady without looking too emotional. A fruitless endeavor, as she seemed to have taken notice. 

“My apologies…Can I help you?”

[whycrowswhyold-blog]

Considering her own experiences, it probably would have been better to just keep walking, not invoking her presence whilst someone was having their own emotional melt down but... Circumstances differ, and being in an unfamiliar place, with him as the first person for her to bump into.. 

“It’s.. -- Are you okay?” 

At first, she just wanted to get on her way, ask her question and move on. He seemed so let down-- deflated even? She couldn’t just let him go on without trying to lend out a helping hand, even if it wasn’t much..