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howthesleeplesswander · 2 days

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This has been on my mind for long but I’m gonna do this - please reblog this if you’re comfortable with pre-establishing relationships. I do not mean “met at the grocery store two weeks ago” or “have a common friend”, but rather stuff like “have been best friends since kindergrden”, “go for a beer every friday”, “friends with benefits”, “dated in highschool”, “hate each other’s guts because -insert reason-” etc. Something meaningful (but not necessarily shippy) and I mean with muns/characters you have not interacted with, because I cannot believe I am the only one who prefers jumping right into the heart of the human interaction.

#《⭒✩⭒ || trouble in dreamland (psa) 》#this!!!#I'm totally down to plot any kind of pre-established relationships! 🙌#it's just as fun to establish a dynamic between characters through OOC chatting! uwu/

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howthesleeplesswander · 3 days

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Happy Birthday, Baizhu!

Good morning. How have you been holding up recently? Any discomfort?

I've prepared a whole range of medicinal foods to help fortify your body, and Qiqi has also gathered some rare herbs for you.

Also, take this herbal bouquet I put together for you. It'll have a calming effect if you put it by your bedside.

If you'd rather not see the flowers wilt away, you may also decoct them. I'll show you how a little later.

#《⭒✩⭒ || visage: mortally coiled (baizhu) 》#AHHH IT'S MY DENDRO BABYGIRL'S BDAY 😭#that means it's been ~1 year since hoyo finally made him a playable character too #bless 😔🙏❤️#and also bless for this gorgeous art!! ;w;/

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howthesleeplesswander · 3 days

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It wasn't until Zhongli commented on the inappropriateness of his excited demands that Childe even realized how else they could be interpreted. Not that he wouldn't have withheld them, anyway. Especially since he wouldn't exactly mind it if Zhongli disrobed for either reason.

But before he could poke fun, it was his turn to be taken by surprise. For a moment his eyes went even wider, thrown by an absurd swoop of the traitorous organ in his chest.

Well, well—! Talk about a change in tone!

The grin lighting his face gained a wolfish edge once he recovered. "Oh, really? You know, when you put it like that, it sounds a lot like you're asking me on a date." An elbow propped on the parlor counter between them so he could lean in closer. His gaze flickered to where a gloved hand held Zhongli's collar closed. "As if I'd refuse such a tempting offer, especially from you."

But he blazed ahead before that final sentiment could be dwelled upon. "What time are you finished here? How about I come by to pick you up after?"

The abrupt change in tone of their conversation is all the former archon needed to know that he has succeeded in making his point in this little debate of theirs.

"Quite the difficult position to be in but a necessary one," Zhongli nods in agreement. "May your family remain in good health and the weight you bear upon your shoulders be a manageable one."

While they conversed, the consultant is fondly reminded of just how unpredictable his companion can be. No matter the setting, Childe always seems to know just how to throw him off pace; a refreshing departure from routine that he has come to appreciate.

Surprise reflects clearly in Zhongli's eyes as his brows raised and gloved fingers deliberately held his collar closer in answer to Childe's attempt at peering.

"Master Childe, your eagerness for me to disrobe is...flattering but I must say this is hardly the appropriate avenue or time for that."

Amusement - or perhaps a hint of his own subtle mischief- slips through in the curve of his smile.

"Perhaps I could be more persuaded to do so over dinner. What do you say?"

@howthesleeplesswander

#grislyintentions #《⭒✩⭒ || interaction: child of the abyss (childe) 》#HELP I'M STILL CACKLING OVER THIS #zhongli: take me to dinner first #childe: GLADLY--TONIGHT IT IS #he is very excited and also very curious about zhongli's intentions here 😂#is this an actual date or just a formality?? FUCK IF HE KNOWS but he's gonna FIND OUT

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howthesleeplesswander · 5 days

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Attuned as he was to Ryunosuke's...well, everything—he sensed the disquiet that ironically led to a prolonged silence. Previous levity slipped from Kazuma's expression the longer it lasted, until he studied that handsome profile with patient concern.

In the calm after the storm, for the first time since the incident aboard the SS Burya, Kazuma felt right again. Thus, one could imagine his surprise when the very person who was the source of so much of that comfort called it all into question. Two little words formed a would-be innocuous question, if not for all they'd been through since their departure from Japan. If not for all that Kazuma's own actions had put them through. His steps drew to a pause.

"Ryunosuke." The utterance held the same confounding amalgamation of untold strength and debilitating weakness that Kazuma always felt in his partner's presence: firm with resolve, yet so tender. Unhesitatingly, he tugged Ryunosuke aside so the pair stood on one edge of the sidewalk to allow other Londoners to pass by. Yet even if the Queen herself had strolled past in that moment, Kazuma's gaze couldn't have been persuaded away.

"Surely you must know that I already have—and I owe a great deal of that to you." Now standing opposite, Kazuma held his hands in both of his own. "In my blind thirst for justice, I would have condemned another innocent man while the true culprit walked free. It's because of you that Lord Stronghart will pay for his crimes."

But he knew Ryunosuke: how he was blind to the profound effect he had on those who shared their lives with him. "Don't try to downplay it," he preemptively scolded before the other could interject, with fondness playing on his lips and a warmth in dark eyes that could never be done justice with mere words. "You're the reason that my father's spirit can finally be at peace, as can I."

A squeeze of his partner's hands affirmed that truth. "The role you played in putting everything to rest...I never would have asked that of you. I spent most of my life preparing to come here, and yet nothing went as I'd planned. I didn't think...I had no idea what it would do to me. Perhaps if I'd known..."

Viscerally, deep in the core of himself, Kazuma was aware of his family's blade at Ryunosuke's side: a reminder of the demons within his heart, born from a lifelong lust for vengeance. But he banished those shadows for now with a shake of his head. "I still have my own actions to atone for, but...If I'm being entirely honest, with my father's name cleared and you by my side, my soul is the most at peace that it has ever been."

Eternally, Ryunosuke would argue one of Kazuma’s greatest skills was being a distraction. (And yes, he himself was hardly innocent; he knew he could just as well be the same in return, but at this point, he’d claim it was deserved.) Said distraction could mean anything—and became all the more impossible to ignore in the courtroom—but even here… Whether Kazuma intended it or not, he did an exceptional job of changing a subject before it had a chance to even stretch its wings.

Because, observant as Ryunosuke had become in recent months, he caught the shadows momentarily drifting across his partner’s face. Like a sudden flurry of spotty clouds blotting out an otherwise sunny day, the prior contentment riding every line of his expression faltered. And Ryunosuke knew then the cause of the fleeting shift in mood; he resolved to do something about it. Next chance he got, and perhaps with a little help of a great detective’s creative daughter who’d be thrilled to put together another outfit—

But there Kazuma went with his distractions. In the blink of an eye, Ryunosuke had other things to think about. (He wasn’t going to forget, though!)

“Right, well—” Though his first word came out as more of a squeak, he gathered himself promptly. “It wouldn’t be the first time some massive responsibility was shoved onto me.” Ryunosuke pursed his lips in some meager effort to be cross, but none of that quite managed to sully the fondness in his eyes. He hoped the light squeeze he offered Kazuma’s arm was enough to communicate he wouldn’t be letting any amount of freezing happen.

No matter what it took to accomplish that.

As they began a leisurely walk along the streets, it dawned on him—perhaps at the same time as it dawned on Kazuma—that this was the promise. This was what Kazuma had proposed ages ago, what Ryunosuke had come to London anticipating from the start only to discover… Well, when it came down to it, he wondered how much of that impassioned speech had been genuine knowing what he knew now: all the baggage once buried beyond anyone’s reach.

He nearly jolted when he heard Kazuma say those words again, and once more, Ryunosuke pondered if everyone around him really could read his thoughts. His attention dropped—strangely guilty—as he walked a good block before managing a sound. “Is it?” Ryunosuke ventured softly at first, steeling himself before attempting a sideways glance. “Th-that is… After everything, I mean— I truly hope you can find some peace, Kazuma: whatever that may look like for you.”

#tenacquity #《⭒✩⭒ || interaction: sword of justice (kazuma) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || bond: there’s love above love and it’s ours (tenacquity) 》#you bet they're gonna enjoy each other's company to the fullest B3c #HE IS THE MASTER OF SNEAKING IN SOME B) AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY XD #he's gotta keep ryuu on his toes 😔🙏 it's a job he takes VERY seriously #the only job he takes MORE seriously is telling ryuu how incredible and loved he is at every opportunity 😭😭😭#HE WILL NEVER STOP BEING GRATEFUL FOR ALL RYUU DID FOR BOTH HIM AND HIS FATHER #he owes his darling so much and he isn't afraid to acknowledge it!! ;;/#asdjfj;dkkd kAZUMA JUST LOVES HIM SO MUCH??? LIKE THERE ARE NO WORDS TBH #and everything they've been through has only amplified that love x9283842043738 #“I'M SO NORMAL ABOUT THEM” I SAY AS I LAY FACE-DOWN SOBBING INTO A PUDDLE ON THE FLOOR TTATT ❤️❤️

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howthesleeplesswander · 6 days

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@tidaltow continued from here bc Liam's curiosity cannot be satisfied XD

The crease in Liam's brow furrowed deeper—and it had nothing to do with the calculus homework taking up most of his side of the lunch table. "Ugh, you're right. That's so much weirder knowing that they're all real. God or not, I don't wanna see that." To be fair, it wasn't like the Greek gods were known for their modesty. But still, how did naked statues like that even happen?

Was leaving off the clothing all the sculptor's idea, like some creepy way of trying to prove their obsession devotion? Or did Zeus interrupt them partway through a masterpiece like, 'No, no—how dare you put clothes on me'? Again, he wasn't sure which option weirded him out more.

Not that he had time to ponder before it was his turn to nearly choke. "Please don't give him any reason to smite me." With the supernatural insanity constantly cranked up to eleven in Beacon Hills, his odds of surviving to graduation were already touch-and-go. Then again, if Percy's very vocal displeasure with the gods hadn't gotten him electrocuted yet, some random kid from the town that was too whacked out for the gods to touch with a ten-thousand-foot pole was probably safe.

Which meant that, after studying the card presented across the table, he barely spared a thought before delivering a verdict. Guess he'd give Zeus reason all by himself. "Really? A stuffy suit? I would've pictured Zeus as more of the 'frat boy' kind of guy. Ya' know: prime toga real estate." Sure, it made sense for the king of the gods to have puffed-up CEO vibes, but what about all the trouble that he was responsible for in plenty of Grecian myths?

"Dionysus doesn't surprise me, though. At least he's not like Coach and can't decide which awful type of gym teacher to be." Though, if he could actually drink like Coach, that might be a different story. "How did he of all people end up as one of the heads of Camp Half-Blood again?"

#tidaltow #《⭒✩⭒ || interaction: puppy pack alpha (liam) 》#and Liam will take every opportunity to HEAR about them!#including listening to Percy dunk on them ruthlessly XD #I'm living for these two spending their lunch together and chatting about their curiosities like this ;w; 🙏#they're both so chill and open about each other's worlds in spite of all the weirdness that comes along with them #we love seeing these boys being so comfortable together and being such great friends 😭❤️#I hope you don't mind me continuing this! I needed more of them being bros in my life 🥺

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howthesleeplesswander · 6 days

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#《⭒✩⭒ || visage: sourwolf (derek) 》#i s2g the alternate title for teen wolf could be #“making Derek Hale's life difficult: the show” aksdjflkds #thank goodness he has the other characters to support and love him through it all 🥺

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howthesleeplesswander · 12 days

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surprise starter for @jackdup bc kaeya could not be stopped (as usual) 8'D

“Word around this quadrant of the galaxy is that you can hold your alcohol with the best of them.” The velvet purr of Kaeya’s voice served as an introduction as he slid into the seat beside the bar’s mysterious patron. “Care to put that to the test?”

Without waiting for an answer, Kaeya flagged the bartender and ordered a bottle of their finest—and strongest—aged whiskey. “Start us off on the rocks, if you would: for me, and for my friend here.” As the barkeep set to work, however, his attention never strayed from the other man's profile. A coy, inviting curve adorned his lips.

“First one to feel the effects loses. And the winner gets to decide how the rest of the evening will go." The playful notes of a chuckle dipped Kaeya's tone lower. As he claimed his own first glass, he gazed at his companion through long lashes. "How about it? Are you in?”

#jackdup #《⭒✩⭒ || interaction: prince of lies and snow (kaeya) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || verse: borderlands (kaeya) 》#us: timtam can hold his liquor like a champ #kaeya: 👀 and I took that as a challenge #asjdflasdfj i'M SORRY ABOUT HIM AS USUAL 8'D #I hope you don't mind bby! ;w;/#kaeya isn't afraid of the borderlands universe 😤 HE'S GONNA TAKE IT BY STORM #do I have details figured out atm? NOPE #but that's future me's problem 😂 FOR NOW WE'RE WINGING IT FOLKS

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howthesleeplesswander · 13 days

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“Do not expect people to tell you the truth because they also lie to themselves.”

— Don Miguel Ruiz

#《⭒✩⭒ || musings: prince of lies and snow (kaeya) 》#he saw this and SLAM-DUNKED THE REBLOG BUTTON SO FAST asdjfkds

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howthesleeplesswander · 13 days

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Derek was all too familiar with this kind of darkness. Painfully. Intimately. The uncertainty and despair rolling off of Scott in waves resonated with the part of his heart that wrangled with those exact feelings day after day.

Why go on? When everything you loved, everything you cherished more than the blood in your veins and the air in your lungs, was snatched from your mangled fingertips or laying in shattered pieces at your feet, that thought was a relentless plague, whispering in your ear until that dark nothingness looked so enticing.

Why go on?

It felt shameful to think. It felt weak. But after sinking into that mire...it became a legitimate question. Why continue to breathe in the toxins when the alternative hurt so much less?

"I thought the same way after the fire." Mournful eyes trailed down to pierce a spot on the floor. A deep crease marred Derek's brow as he forced out words that tried to stick in his throat—too dark for the light of day, but necessary in this moment. There was no sugarcoating it. That wasn't what Scott needed, anyway.

"That 'darkness' you're talking about? It's real, and it's tougher than any werewolf or chimera out there. When it gets ahold of you like that...it isn't weak to think that way. It proves you're human. But having those thoughts isn't the important part."

Derek had never talked about this before. It wasn't until he tried to that he realized the weight of that reality: his stomach churned like it was trying to claw its way out of his body, and he had to forcibly reign in his emotions before the chemical response could add to the weight on Scott's shoulders. "After the fire...I did something that I regret. Something I can never take back. It's more than just being alive when you feel like you shouldn't be; it's guilt, and rage, and pain, and shame, and grief for everything you lost. I can't tell you how many times I asked myself the same questions."

He shook his head somberly. "It's not easy. Nothing is ever 'normal' again—and it hurts, every day. But you learn to carry the pain until it becomes a part of you. Then it's what you do with it that matters. You choose what that pain makes you."

He drew in a slow, unsteady breath: evidence of that same pain echoing in his chest cavity even now—and evidence of his power over it. It gave him the strength to meet Scott's eyes with a gaze that was earnest and raw. "Living is always the right choice, Scott. You all taught me that."

scott can read it on derek's face as clearly as he can read the chemical response. he hadn't witnessed it himself, but braeden had eventually told him what happened. that derek had died at la iglesia. that she'd watched the light leave his eyes and when she felt for a pulse, there wasn't one. he came back — he came back evolved, but he came back different. a weight you'll have to carry now. that's the part that doesn't feel like a choice.

he doesn't know how to admit that he was ready for the alternative. that he was so tired by the end of it all, letting go was a release. a reprieve. he let go with regrets, but they didn't matter anymore. nothing mattered, because it was over. he doesn't know how to admit that he hadn't refused to give up : he had given up. for those fifteen minutes, he was done, and it was okay.

only, it wasn't. it was cold, dark, empty nothing and he'd let it take him in a way that he'd never done before. the ice bath brought him to bardo, to the space in between, except that there was no in between this time. it feels less like an admission than a confession.

" but maybe i should have. " that feels wrong to confess, too. derek's looking at him like there's something worth salvaging and it triggers a sharp ache just below his sternum. to contradict him would be a disappointment. proof that scott hadn't only failed to earn that kind of faith, especially from somebody like derek, but that he didn't deserve to keep it, either.

scott shakes his head like he's trying to clear it. " the thing is, i don't know if it was the right choice. i don't even know if it was a choice. all i remember is this ... darkness. that's what deaton called it, " he adds, still holding eye contact. " he said that it was like a darkness, around your heart. he told us that, stiles and i, when we were trying to find the nemeton last year. we were in the water for hours, but — we weren't dead. not like that. so how do you ... "

he tapers off again. hands between his knees, winding his fingers together like puzzle pieces that don't fit.

" how did you do it? come back from that. how did you act like everything was normal, when it just feels like — i don't know. like you shouldn't even be here at all? "

#kindofuneven #《⭒✩⭒ || interaction: sourwolf (derek) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || verse: seasons 5-6+ (derek) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || iconless thread 》#don't mind me as I lay here face-down in a puddle of my own tears aslfdkfj #DEREK ACTUALLY OPENING UP ABOUT SOMETHING??#THIS IS NOT A DRILL #EVERYBODY REMAIN CALM #AND MARK THE DAY ON YOUR CALENDAR TBH BC WHO KNOWS WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN #he really does care about Scott so much #and TRUSTS HIM so much to BE WILLING to let down some walls when he can tell that Scott needs it ;;

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howthesleeplesswander · 13 days

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Luckily for his oh-so-secretive company, Baizhu was always too preoccupied to notice any reaction he gave when an attack crept up on him like that. It was difficult to focus on anything else while struggling to breathe.

Unluckily for his company, however, the same didn't apply to Changsheng.

Though she said nothing as conversation resumed, her tongue flicked playfully against the shell of his ear with a hiss too low to carry, yet recognizable by the doctor as stifled snickering. Rather rich of her to laugh when her gift was the cause, but Baizhu resisted rolling his eyes. Best to let the moment pass.

In the wake of what had just happened, the irony of Kaz's comment on tea spurred a laugh from the doctor's own lips. As if tea deprivation would be the reason he keeled over. If only he would be so lucky. "How considerate. Not to worry, though; while there are plenty of health benefits, I wouldn't impose it on you if it's not to your taste."

But his amusement faded as Kaz's tone went quiet. When he offered a smile, it was equally soft with sincerity. "I look forward to it," he said, a simple truth that fueled the ridiculous little flutter in his rib cage. Before evidence of that weakness could show, Baizhu set his tools down and cleared the air with a short huff. "Well, I think your prescription should be ready by now. Come on back; then we can discuss the more sensitive details." Then, to the snake upon his shoulders, "Would you please inform anyone who comes in that I'm consulting with a patient and will be with them shortly?"

Changsheng sniffed haughtily, but she was too accustomed to the request to argue. Someone had to watch the storefront, after all, and Gui's absence left no other options. "Fine," she sighed. Begrudgingly, she slithered down Baizhu's arm and settled in a pile of coils on the counter. "But make it quick."

With that, Baizhu pivoted on his heel and gestured for Kaz to follow. Passing through the curtain behind the counter that led into the clinic, he immediately veered into a storeroom. Moving aside a crate full of dried sweet flowers revealed a vial of cloudy, deep purple liquid.

"It's non-lethal, as always, but just a few drops ingested by mouth will completely paralyze the body for about two hours." He picked up the vial and gave it a swirl, scrutinizing the color before flicking the side of the glass. Tiny sparks danced through the tornado within: evidence of successful Electro infusion. He hummed in satisfaction.

"Now, I must caution you: contact with your skin won't have the full effect, but it can cause numbness and significant lack of coordination." Thus the great care he employed when holding the vial out for Kaz. "If anyone else will be handling it, I'd advise them to wear gloves, as well."

How do you know? the good doctor had the cheek to ask—just as amusing that he inquire something to which he already knew the answer as it was amusing he continued to play this game of “innocence.” While he promptly shrugged it off with that knowing little glimmer in his snake-like eyes (to this day, Kaz still figured they had a little something to do with his chosen companion—a bond of a more literal variety, he’d pondered), Kaz himself realized the true question to be asked had just one change of word:

Why do you know?

The point was no one needed to wonder how Kaz got his information. As blind as most simple-minded were to their habits outing most everything about them—where they kept their secrets, both physically and mentally—and therefore shocked by the very notion of anyone discovering them, the “how” was never an important aspect. It shrouded what really was integral: Why would Kaz Brekker want or need this information about me? (And sometimes, when someone reached that point of dread, fear did all the work for him; he never needed to do anything else.)

Information all on its own was exceptionally more powerful than most people realized. One man’s horrible secrets could break him worse than a well-aimed swing of a cane against his kneecaps. The “why” surrounding Kaz’s knowledge of Baizhu’s seemingly obsessive and relentless search for immortality should’ve easily been just another notch in his belt. Another string to pull. Another way to keep the doctor obedient and under his thumb.

But then again…

When the doctor split into a fit of coughs—deep, gut-wrenching, full-body coughs—Kaz flinched. He always did. Every damn time. His veins suddenly felt like threads of a web yanked toward his center, tensing his muscles, tangling into something resembling a fist that closed around his chest. At the same time as Baizhu was trying to catch his breath, Kaz too struggled over an exhale; he was abhorrently grateful for the commotion covering the quake.

By the time Baizhu recovered, so had he.

“I don’t,” he confirmed Baizhu’s earlier musing about an appreciation for tea—well, the lack thereof. Kaz didn’t feel the need to elaborate that the tea wasn’t the reason he’d be back. “But it seems to somehow count as a hobby around these parts; I’d hate to keep you from indulging. You might keel over, otherwise.” With the way some people were infatuated with the stuff, Kaz wouldn’t be surprised.

A posture gone somehow stiffer after Baizhu’s fit only then began to loosen just barely as Kaz drummed his fingers on his cane—almost as if he were a statue learning to move, one little twitch at a time. He cleared his throat gently, pinched his nose at the uneasiness it birthed, and glanced off toward the doorway. “I’ll be in Liyue for awhile longer,” he confirmed, voice suddenly so much quieter. “Expect a visit.”

#greedbent #《⭒✩⭒ || interaction: mortally coiled (baizhu) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || bond: he’s got two little horns and they get me a little bit (greedbent) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || verse: main (baizhu) 》#ajsdflkdj I'M CRYING HELP #both from Kaz's emotional constipation AND his internal reaction to Baizhu's coughing fit #CRYING OVER BOTH BUT IN VERY DIFFERENT WAYS ASDLFKJD #IT'S OKAY MAN we all know how Kaz is by now and we all love him for it! 😂🙏#he may not express it externally but his internal reaction MEANS SO MUCH ;;#Baizhu would swoon if he could see how much Kaz DOES care X'D #meanwhile Changsheng DEFINITELY caught that lil hiccup in Kaz's composure and is just B3c teehee #she's just as sneaky as these two are tbh XD #it's so sweet of Kaz to be concerned and to offer what help he can for Baizhu's search even without knowing the details! ;w;/#WE LOVE THESE SHADY BOYS WHO ARE BOTH SECRETLY SOFTER THAN THEY SEEM 😭

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howthesleeplesswander · 13 days

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kaveh and baizhu chibis!!!

#《⭒✩⭒ || visage: mortally coiled (baizhu) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || visage: penniless prodigy (kaveh) 》#LOOK AT THESE LIL BLORBOS #“I LOVE THEM” I SAY AS I PUT THEM IN THE HYDRAULIC PRESS

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howthesleeplesswander · 16 days

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"...Who are you?" Confusion scrunched Liam's brow as this girl he was sure he'd never spoken to before started chatting at him like they'd been friends for years. But, no, wait...there was something familiar about her. Was she in one of his classes? No, that didn't feel right...She didn't look old enough to be one of his mom's or stepdad's friends, either. What else could it be?

A momentary, absolutely insane thought that she smelled familiar crossed his mind, but was just as quickly shoved aside.

It wasn't until she name-dropped that he remembered seeing her hanging around Scott and his group of crazies. Liam took an immediate and obvious step back. "I'm fine," he bit out, paired with a wary glare. "Look, if you know about the whole 'casually kidnapping me' thing, then you should know that me and Scott aren't friends—and neither are we. Just do both of us a favor and leave me alone."

@howthesleeplesswander / liam

"Okay, so, your dad's probably not going to be my biggest fan---" Then again, Elle's not sure what kind of 'doctor' mister Geyer is and at this point she doesn't know if she's allowed to ask. "---'cause this is probably not conducive to, you know, remaining healthy, as one should. But I wanted to make sure you're not absolutely traumatized by that stunt Scott and Stiles pulled 'cause that was fucking nuts. And speaking of which: I got you a box of baklava to make up for that. Got you the good stuff too. Drizzled with extra honey. Consider it a... sweetened olive branch."

#nose stealer #《⭒✩⭒ || interaction: puppy pack alpha (liam) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || verse: season 4 (liam) 》#tysm for the starter! >w</#I hope this works okay but let me know if I need to fix anything!#sorry Liam is immediately being unfriendly asjflkd #you hang around with Scott?? you're IMMEDIATELY getting the biggest side-eye no matter how friendly you are to him first 8')#for all he knows she could've drugged the baklava to kidnap him again asdklfj #just give him some time 😂 he'll warm up eventually

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howthesleeplesswander · 16 days

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How many of your co-workers did you just eject into space to get rid of me, huh?

#《⭒✩⭒ || visage: company man (rhys) 》#THROWS ALL MY FURNITURE WHILE FOAMING AT THE MOUTH #no listen this entire scene makes me feral #but eSPECIALLY this exchange alkfjsdfkds #Rhys spent so long idolizing Jack and WANTING to be just like him #all while KNOWING how BAD he was #yet the moment Rhys does something on par with Jack's level of genocidal mania??#the moment he realizes “oh god I just killed thousands of innocent people I AM like Jack”??#THAT is when he realizes that he wants to be BETTER than that #like don't get me wrong he can be RUTHLESS if you're a business rival or something #but he isn't heartless and cruel like so much of Hyperion #he doesn't ENJOY hurting ANYONE; especially innocent people #he took down Helios to STOP JACK from doing that with his “army of Jacks” plan #only to realize HE just killed innocents instead asdlfakdj #he absolutely carries that guilt with him for a looong time #but at least it drives him to make Atlas BETTER ;A;/

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howthesleeplesswander · 17 days

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Immediately, Kazuma shook his head at the foible of guilt in Percy's tone. "I said 'doing what you can,'" he reiterated in a tone that was soft but stern; understanding of where the feeling came from, but still having none of it. Percy, Grover, and Annabeth were all so strong, and even more so together. They were doggedly tenacious when their minds were set to a task, and far more capable than most their age—but even so, they were only three people. They were still kids with their own lives to live.

"Even if Chiron or the other counselors knew, no one would expect you three to locate Nico all on your own. Any effort you've all been giving is more than would ever be asked of you. And it's more than worth the significance it deserves."

And of course, the discretion that the situation demanded posed another issue on top of it all. It wasn't as if Percy could announce to every other demigod and all their allies to be on the lookout for a missing child of Hades so they could help with the search.

"Now that I know, I'll begin searching, as well," he declared without hesitation. After all, Kazuma had freedoms that Percy simply lacked, both as a demigod and an adult in the ordinary world. It'd be much easier for him to search than it would be for them. "I already come and go from camp as I please; no one will think anything of it. There are a few places I can check without raising any alarms."

Naturally, though, Percy should have concerns considering the sensitivity of the information he'd just shared. Kazuma wasn't offended by a question he'd expected from the start. "You have my word." The resolve in his eyes as he nodded was as solemn of an oath as the one he spoke, "I would never do anything to put any of you in harm's way. I swear that I will do all I can for Nico while prioritizing his safety above all else." Just as he would do for any of them; hopefully that went without saying.

But his edges soon softened, and as a small smile returned to his lips, he once again rested a hand on Percy's shoulder. "Let me handle the search for now, alright? It's about time you three let someone else carry the burden for a while."

It wouldn’t be wrong to ask Why Kazuma?

Percy had been keeping this information close to his—and Annabeth and Grover’s, technically—chest for months, now, committed to discretion for the sake of Nico’s protection, knowing the more people who were in on this little secret, the more likely an eventual leak would happen, so. . . . Why Kazuma? And why now? There was the easy answer: Percy trusted him. But then the argument against him was just as easy: Why not Chiron? Why not any other kids here you call your friends? Where’s that trust?

“Trust” really had nothing to do with it. Percy trusted Chiron would do what he felt was right, and maybe what was the smarter thing to do, but did he think Chiron’s idea of “right” would line up entirely with his own—? Debatable. Percy trusted his fellow demigods wouldn’t do anything to hurt Nico, but did he believe Nico’s existence would be at all comfortable the very second everyone knew his parentage—? Oh, gods no. And speaking of the gods . . . Well, whether or not Percy trusted them was a whole can and a half of worms that really didn’t need to be explored right now— To be continued.

The point is, as much as Kazuma was a mentor and someone Percy looked up to, he was all that and more as a friend. He was wise, but not in that annoying and condescending way most adults purposefully or not tended to be around kids. He understood the plights of half-bloods on a personal, relatable level, not the Oh, tough luck, kid; but the gods have more to worry about than their children feeling unloved, so get over it dismissiveness. He was, in so many ways, someone Percy aspired to be.

Y’know, if Percy even managed to live to sixteen, for starters . . . much less to adulthood. (But, see, that’s exactly the thing here: if Kazuma was a demigod who actually survived this long, he was doing something right; Percy would try to follow by example.)

He didn’t actually need anything from Kazuma here. Percy just kind of wanted to get all of that off his chest to the only other person he felt comfortable telling, and without a word from his mentor, his breaths already started coming easier. But even so, and even when Kazuma surely knew all Percy required was that listening ear, he went above and beyond like he always did. And soon enough, a gaze once trained almost pitifully at the ground turned to watch Kazuma’s profile.

It felt good. Not just that the information was in a new pair of hands Percy trusted, but that the owner of those hands was already navigating it all with meticulous care. Any part of Percy that was guilty for dragging another friend into this was choked for the time being, and while Kazuma expressed his own take on the matter, complete with praise and reassurance regarding Percy’s handling so far, Percy’s chest swelled with new warmth.

He couldn’t be sure what he was doing was right, but if Kazuma at least understood . . . maybe that was enough.

Only that the mention of his and his friends’ efforts to find Nico sort of made him immediately feel like a failure seconds later. “Uh, well . . . ” Percy wanted to mention he had been pretty busy with stuff like math tests and history essays and whatnot on the “I’m still totally a normal teenage boy” side of his life, but he figured that was a bit of a given. “We probably could be doing more.” Maybe that was where some of his guilt was coming from. “I mean, at this rate, none of us can even be sure that he’s even still . . . ”

His not finishing that statement was equally a lack of need and desire to.

“You promise you won’t tell anyone—?” Percy hardly needed to ask, but he still studied Kazuma as keenly as if he’d find any trace of a lie in his expression. “At least until we know for sure where he is and what’s become of him?”

#tidaltow #《⭒✩⭒ || interaction: sword of justice (kazuma) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || verse: PJO (kazuma) 》#HAHA AWW IT'S OKAY HE'S ALLOWED X'D #this poor thing has had so much on his mind and has been shouldering so many burdens ;; it's no wonder he's got so much to think/say!#Kazuma is just so honored to be the person Percy trusted with this! 🥺#and he's ON IT don't you worry 😤#he isn't one to sit on his hands; if there's something he can do to help he'll do it no hesitation!#LEAVE THIS IN KAZUMA'S HANDS FOR NOW AND FOCUS ON BEING A KID FOR ONCE PERCY BBY ;3;/

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howthesleeplesswander · 18 days

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“👋 Good; you’re not busy.” And even if the CEO was (which was the more likely scenario for the freakin’ workaholic), he hardly has a choice but to suddenly be distracted, as Timothy’s already halfway across the office in a series of long and eager strides. When he makes it to Rhys, he wastes not a second more: a hand grips that unfairly distracting waist, yanks him forward, and Timmy claims that kiss he’s been craving since . . . well, probably ever since the last time he left Promethea. You know, totally not even slightly pathetic, but what’s a man to do?

// i wasn't kidding with my warning last night 〔´∇｀〕

Answered! || @jackdup

((alkdfjskd weeps softly into hands over how cute these two are ;A; 💕))

Except that anyone who knew the Atlas CEO also knew that he was always busy. On this particular day, the last two hours of Rhys' afternoon had been spent on a call with an insufferable requisitions manager who refused to take "no" for an answer no matter how many different ways Rhys shut down his proposal. If he had to listen to one more half-assed argument he was liable to pull his hair out.

Thus the initial swoop of dread in his stomach when the door to his office burst open because ughhh, this clown's rambling would be ten times more excruciating in person. But a glance at the doorway brightened his expression from 'about to commit murder' to a genuine grin for the first time that day. Just seeing Timothy again worked such wonders at easing the weight from his shoulders that, not for the first time, Rhys wondered if he was the biggest sap in the galaxy. (The answer was a pretty solid probably.)

"Oh, hey! I wasn't expecting you! Not that that makes it less great to see you, obviously—lemme just..."

But by the time he hopped up from his chair, Tim had already crossed the vast office, and the intent in his eyes as he closed in short-circuited Rhys' brain. Oh, he knew that look. "Orrr not, ho-kay—" His voice fizzled into a super composed and not at all pathetic sound that he failed to swallow. At least he had the sense to put his line of the call on mute before he was swept into a passionate kiss.

The moment their lips met, it suddenly felt like it had been ages since he'd last had this instead of a few weeks. Equally eager (and fully accepting of his "sappiest bastard in the universe" title at this point), Rhys grasped at Tim's shirt to keep him close and kissed him with a fervor to make up for the time they'd spent apart.

...All while an obnoxious voice squawked from the screen on his desk. If Rhys hadn't cared before, he definitely didn't care now, so...Begrudgingly, one hand relinquished its hold in favor of slapping blindly at the desktop until the call clicked off. "I dunno what I'm more glad for," he murmured amid fleeting snatches of breath, "this, or finally having a reason to hang up on that guy."

#《⭒✩⭒ || interaction: company man (rhys) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || bond: I can make your hands clap (jackdup) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || answered ask 》#《⭒✩⭒ || iconless thread 》#AHHH THIS WAS SUCH A DELIGHT TO RECEIVE TTOTT #DON'T WORRY TIMTAM YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE BURSTING AT THE SEAMS TO LOVE ON YOUR BAE #they have been unleashed and now cannot be stopped X'D #smash cut to Rhys calling Lorelei like “you handle things for the rest of the day”#“something urgent came up I HAVE TO smooch this boy senseless RIGHT NOW”#among other things B3c #tysm for sending this in darling! ;w;/ 💗💗

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howthesleeplesswander · 18 days

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"I'll be sure to do so," Kaeya affirmed. As troublesome as the Withering Zones sounded, he had his own reasons for traveling all the way to Sumeru. He could only be away from Mondstadt for so long; he didn't have time to waste on intervening any further than reporting the problem to the proper authorities.

Though he kept an eye on their surroundings as they traveled, most of the Knight's attention was captured by his companion. Her every word broadcast the passion she held for her studies. Outwardly, he listened with polite interest, but the tainted, Abyss-born truth beneath the facade had to wonder...

Did she have any idea how cruel of an irony it was for Sumeru to have an entire discipline dedicated to studying the stars? To not realize the sight of the stars every night was a privilege that the fickle powers of Celestia could revoke at any time?

But of course not. It was hardly her fault; the entire populace of Teyvat failed to see what was right before their eyes, like the stars shrouded by the light of day: still there by all logical accounts, yet unseen. Ignored.

"All interesting questions," Kaeya agreed in a tone that betrayed none of his inner cynicism. "I'd be curious to know what answers you find."

But their conversation diverted along with their path as they veered into a grassy field littered with massive, furry beasts. Kaeya blinked at the nearest one with a slow shake of his head. "Unfortunately not. The cavalry sometimes ride horses in Mondstadt, but I'm afraid we don't have anything like this."

"It's horrible," the Rtawahist student nods in acknowledgement to his remark. "Withering zones are great threats to the rainforest in Sumeru. Not only do they spread randomly, they also cause the surroundings to decay and turn all creatures near it's tumour aggressive. So if you come across any areas like that in the wild, be sure to inform the Forest Rangers about it okay?"

True to her word, Layla led the Captain through a winding path. It is plain to see from her smile that she's pleased her suggestion was acknowledged by the other. As they ventured deeper down their path, they would soon spot signposts crafted from twine and wood pointing them towards the city.

She is silent as she contemplates his answer and nods in acknowledgement.

"I think so too. The students in my darshan believe there is knowledge to be found within the sky. We specialise in illuminationism; studying the stars and other disciplines. I believe if we can harness these secrets and produce a breakthrough, it can help change life on Teyvat for the better."

Maybe it seems a little far-fetched to others but this is something she truly wished to set her heart to. Starlit eyes cast their gaze up towards the skies again in quiet resolution.

"What lies beneath the skies? Can we use the stars to trace the frequency and path of leyline disorders? There are so many mysteries to uncover..Ah sorry I've been prattling on again. Um here-"

Their travels have led them to a grass field where many shaggy-haired sumpter beasts lumbered about as they grazed. In the midst of them stood a merchant who waved at the duo once they were close. Layla returns the wave briefly before she turned to her companion again.

"Do you have any experience with riding sumpterbeasts?"

@howthesleeplesswander

#grislyintentions #《⭒✩⭒ || interaction: prince of lies and snow (kaeya) 》#aww that's so sweet!!#I'm so glad Kaeya can put her at ease! 🥺#he's enjoying her company so far!#even tho he's gotta still be a cynic at heart asdjflk kaeya plz X'D #that's just how he is tho so plz don't take it to mean he's NOT enjoying himself ;w;/

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howthesleeplesswander · 21 days

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Every time Rhys dared to think Hey, wow, okay, I might finally be getting the hang of things! the universe threw something else at him that knocked him on his ass like it was hellbent on making him the butt of as many jokes as possible. There was no other explanation for how he'd ended up sitting across from the last surviving body double of Handsome Jack: aka the absolute mother of all ridiculous, uncomfortable situations.

Finally thought you could catch a breather after dealing with Maliwan? Nope! Time for the cherry on top!

And yeah, duh, obviously Rhys knew that Timothy wasn't Jack. But wow was it hard to remind his stupid brain of that when he looked and sounded exactly the same.

At least the tablet in front of him spared him from attempting eye contact. It had been propped towards him against the edge of the table since he'd sat down, definitely because he was engrossed in something very important and not because he'd spent the last five minutes of stilted conversation clicking back and forth between the same two programs while trying to get a freaking grip.

Thank God Timothy wasn't wearing anything resembling holographic blue or Rhys would've had a heart attack from catching a glimpse in his peripheral.

"I mean—yeah? That pretty much sums it up. What more of a reason do you need, right?" Rhys forced a laugh and hated how hollow it sounded in the tense air. "Amiright? Aha...yeah...y-you get it." Ugh, it'd be more merciful if the ground opened up and swallowed him whole.

But before anything dramatic could save him, there the universe went again, and man—how was that fair? This was already weird beyond all measure, yet all it took was the tiniest inconsistency to sucker punch him with how ridiculous that was.

Technically Rhys had never known the real Jack, but Nakayama's AI had felt real. It was impossible to not get to know someone who was a constant presence in your head. By the end, Rhys had learned more about Jack than he'd ever dreamed...like why the entire galaxy beyond his blind Hyperion followers hated him.

Reason #1 (of approximately 971398): Jack would never have apologized for anything.

Which was why those five little letters of "sorry" from Tim's lips sent the CEO reeling in a different way as his brain screamed Wrong! This is wrong!! Jack's voice had never known remorse, but this person who was the spitting image right down to every stupidly attractive detail wasn't Jack, so what the hell was wrong with him?!

"No, no no—you're fine," he managed after a mental slap in the face. "It's...it's not you, trust me." In more ways than one...yeesh. "Not that I don't appreciate it, but I definitely don't want you to blow up. Atlas prosthetics are second-to-none, but we haven't figured out how to replace a missing face, so, uh...Definitely don't chance it."

Finally, he forced his gaze up from the screen. An attempted smile felt stiff on his face, creeping into a self-directed grimace...which only grew more pronounced at the realization of how it would look from the outside.

"Look," Rhys breathed heavily, his free hand burrowing into the crook of his neck, "I'm not gonna pretend it's not weird, 'cause yeah, it...it really is—" he half-coughed, half-groaned at himself mid-sentence, "b-but again! That's...that's not anything to do with you, so really: don't worry about it, okay?"

He could only hope that the reassurance worked better for Timothy than it did for himself. "We'll add the whole 'face bomb' thing to the list, though. But first thing's first." Eager for a distraction, Rhys nodded at the bandaged stump so casually stretched between them. "Mind if I take a look?"

@howthesleeplesswander || plotted starter for rhysie cup! (´｡• ᵕ •｡`) ♡

“So, uh . . . Yeah, like—? What made you decide to rebuild Atlas and not, uhm . . . I mean, you were a Hyperion guy for awhile, weren’t you?” And you’re making small talk, aren’t you, Timmy Boy? Attempting. Important distinction. We’re attempting, kiddos. Call yourself a friggin’ actor . . . God.

Look, Timothy had been in his fair share of awkward situations. He’d been the cause of about 90 percent of those situations, which was pretty freakin’ funny when you thought about it: Handsome Jack being “awkward” . . . But, well, something here was awkwarder than usual. Like some higher power had taken that dial and turned it all the way to one end and forced these two poor souls to figure their shit out while said higher power kicked back, made himself a bowl of popcorn—hey! Maybe even ordered an entire pizza . . .

Ugh. Tim didn’t want to think about pizza for the next year at least. Scratch that.

He fidgeted. He’d been doing a lot of that since the Vault Hunters left him here on Promethea. You know, kind of like he was some stray cat they found digging through the nearest dumpster who should have just been ignored, but they weren’t heartless enough to leave him and figured You know what? Let’s toss this pathetic pile of matted fur onto some other asshole’s lap and wash our hands, be done with it. Even in their company, Timothy had felt the tension in the air between him and Atlas’s CEO (who was incredibly attractive for a guy who probably just sat behind his desk and cackled maniacally at the expense of others, by the way—? Why didn’t the damn VHs feel the need to warn him?). Now that the two of them were alone . . . ? Tim wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. Maybe both. Internally.

Externally, stumbling his way through a semi-normal conversation with probably the first semi-normal dude he’d met in what felt like centuries was the way to go.

“Stickin’ it to ‘The Man,’ or whatever?” Tim prodded after a pause. (“The Man” here very obviously meaning the jackhole everyone knew and the sane people hated at this point; Timothy didn’t need to spell that one out.) “God, sorry, I— I-I get it.”

Want to know the weird thing about losing a hand? It still somehow felt like it was there. Imagine the scenario: some disheveled, absolutely trashed representation of what was maybe a man at some point lifting his pathetic little stub of an arm to subconsciously futz with those damned latches on this stupid friggin’ mask only to realize . . . Well. Play it cool. (Which, by the way, meant doing that universal thing everyone did where he just flexed that arm in what was meant to look like a convincing stretch.)

Tim didn’t meet Rhys’s gaze. Funnily, he was pretty sure neither of them were doing great in the “eye contact” department (among about two dozen other departments). With a shake of his head, all he offered was “Listen, I’d . . . I-I’d remove the mask right here and now—might make all this weirdness, like, one degree less weird, but uh . . . hah.” Now the laugh was external, but not at all humored. “Really not convinced something won’t still explode if I try, so . . . Yeah. Sorry about the reawakened horrific trauma, I bet. I promise that's totally unintentional. If I was the real Jack, ya know, it'd be . . . it'd be intentional. But I'm not. So.”

#jackdup #《⭒✩⭒ || interaction: company man (rhys) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || bond: I can make your hands clap (jackdup) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || verse: BL3 (rhys) 》#《⭒✩⭒ || iconless thread 》#asdfjslkd nO /I/ APOLOGIZE FOR HOW LONG /THIS/ IS #there was too much awkwardness 8'D it couldn't be held back #these two are both masters of blab both internally and externally 😂 idk what we expected #plz don't worry about matching length bby! ❤️#BUT AHHHH TYSM AGAIN FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL STARTER 😭#we were both so excited to respond to it!! ;w;/#I am immediately both thriving and dying from their awkwardness together X'D #gdi VHs for leaving them to navigate this on their own #WHAT MADE YOU THINK EITHER OF THEM WERE EQUIPPED FOR THIS #FUCKIN VAULT HUNTERS 😂#but HEY they're both TRYING and we're very proud of them for that! ;3; THEY'VE GOT THIS #it'll be worth all the awkwardness in the end 🥺🙏💖

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