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@hopingforjustice​ said:

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Ask the mun! | Accepting

😡 :  Worse role play-related encounter and what advice you would give to others to avoid similar situations? 

 The worst I can think of is four years ago. An old mutual [ who I was previously pretty passive and accommodating towards ] straight up asked me to use my muse to assault their child muse [ don't really want to go into detail but you get the picture it was gross. ] It scared the shit out of me and I stopped writing for a couple of months completely after they asked. I think the best way to avoid encroachment of your comfort zone is to KNOW your limits and be very clear with what is alright and what is out of the question with whoever you write with. I still struggle today with being firm with people, but that situation taught me that it's important to put your foot down on stuff.

♀ :  A trope you catch yourself falling back too often? 

UhHH big stoic villain men & unhinged nasty villain women aksfhJDJGK. Villains are my most common trope, I fucking love writing them and their individual mentalities. I kind of struggle with extroverted protagonists because I tend to internalize a lot of my writing with a character.

☿ :  A trope you dislike? 

 Love triangles, 100%. I rarely see them executed well, and it always feels like there’s a blindingly obvious choice or its just pretty much a coin toss for person A when person B and C are equally viable and attractive. Shallow, boring and done to death skfjkg.

☯ :  Greatest challenge to writing your character? 

 Actually keeping him interested in someone/something. Naturally, he will switch off or flat out dismiss anything he doesn't deem either as a threat or as directly important. Because of this, Vanilla also tends to be pretty ‘black and white’ with how he reacts to things -- he's either a belittling asshole or a passive sycophant. But it can be kind of fun to force him into a more gray area when facing a situation or muse outside of his normal framing.

▼ :  Are there popular head canons for your character that you disagree with? Why?

I don’t like the fandom's tendency to project all of Vanilla's fanatical and ruthless behaviors into some whiny one-dimensional yandere trope, or an incel that will lose his shit if DIO isn't constantly throwing him a bone or is interacting with other characters instead of him. People tend to forget that Vanilla's most common state of being is calm and level-headed, it’s how he’s introduced and acts through most of his screentime and that won't crack even in life or death situations. I agree he has an explosive temper that he struggles to ground himself from, but the reason he went ham on Iggy in the first place was because, in Vanilla's mind, he was forced to defile an image of his God that he's completely devout towards [ the literal only purpose he lives for. ]

 like a shadow, he followed right behind vanilla’s steady steps until they came to a stop; the waistcoat lied down as a makeshift blanket for the vampire to take a seat. it was far from what he was accustomed, but despite the richness that he had gained over the years, DIO remained humble in that sense. there’s no protest as he joins besides vanilla ice, feeling like a child all over again while memories of the past flash before his eyes.

   his servant’s words draw his attention like metal to a magnet; golden hues fixated on the man’s troubled expression as he spoke briefly about the significance of this place—a part of himself that was clearly guarded underneath that snarl. his wound remained open, it seemed.

  to DIO, this was not a display of weakness, but one of vanilla’s trust. the vampire himself hadn’t been able to speak out his truth, all written down for his eyes only & never to be spoken out loud. it took courage to do so, and for that, he relied on the other as if he was his right hand. his devotion to him, not only shown by following orders, but also by allowing himself to be this vulnerable in his presence. the act itself was enough to move the vampire, allowing a hand to rest atop of vanilla’s own.

  “—i see.” his response is short and simple, because there would be no amount of words that he could offer that would change what had already happened. the past was untouchable, and whatever reassurance there was to offer would be proven to be insignificant in the grant scheme of things. DIO preferred a different approach. “every man and woman working under my name have something in similar, and that is the hardship that they had to endure throughout their lives. you’re all outcasts, including myself, and it’s for that reason that i gathered you all.” a pause. his stare drifts to the hard surface of said rock while fingers of his free hand reach out for it to touch as if he could still feel the warmth of vanilla’s body from that fateful night. “my life growing up was far from glamorous, but that did not stop me from climbing at the pinnacle. it’s why when i look at you, or the others, i see more than what society made of you. i see potential.”

Focus would fall briefly to the cooling sand enveloping around his calf in a course reminder, each grain clinging to his skin as it had so long ago. He could recall his bottled distress that night cracking from the mere annoyance of sand getting in his eyes and hair, the prospect such a mess as his only bedding driving him to drive his fist into the side of the rock with an indignant cry. It hadn't helped, of course, and had only ended up sending new pain down into his fingers for him to nurse until dawn. Now, he would merely pass a glance back to the previously struck landmark behind the pair... his fingers would clench lightly by his side. It was unchanged, unaffected by his visits both then and now -- a humble spectator, unaware of the sand dunes constantly shifting around it: Ice almost envied the lifeless relic.

An abrupt start coursed its way through the servant's frame when he became aware of the unintrusive hand perching gently upon his own tight fist, palm immediately easing under such a hold. He would look around steadily towards the vampire now, that rock immediately discarded for the immediate thoughts that came to mind. Looking to those fair features, Ice would find pangs of solace begin to seep their way into the mangled wounds stretched through his mind. It was merely temporary, the cooling comfort soothing the sting that immobilized him. It felt as though any feat were possible when he was at his Lord's side, the past nothing but a hurdle he could glide over. It was dangerous to get drunk off of such a notion, for not even the vampire could erase the past -- better yet, he welcomed it with open arms.

"... You saved us."

The words were murmured softly, his gloved hand shifting softly until he would manage to angle his pinkie finger out enough to wrap it tentatively around the other's index finger. He would still to the motion for a few moments, as if uncertain of its permittance. It made an exhausting addition to his already weighted thoughts, and it wasn't long before he found himself settling for the momentary comfort instead. Dark eyes had softened noticeably to the unrelenting assurance from the other, their shimmer practically spilling adoration unknown to mere words: Ice would have faced it all again to continue holding this man's trust.

   the world sensed no threat despite the obvious aggravation that the other stand presented, exuding the same confidence ( or indifference? ) as the man he was supposed to protect. golden hues fixated upon the bony fingers that reached out for its own head, mimicking is actions. something so simple shouldn’t have any relevance whatsoever, but to stand that did not see much out the outside world, as ironic as that may be, the gesture was one that caused intrigue.

   its large hands let go of the edges what gave the illusion of a helmet and were displayed at the creature to show it meant no harm. the world was curious to see if its actions would be imitated once more, almost expecting so after witnessing just how compliant humans were to whatever its master said. the connection that they may be one of the same in that sense, hadn’t occurred to the humanoid-looking stand. it remained blissfully ignorant that the gesture was out of confusion rather than any sort of devotion; pressing a palm against its shoulder much like its master would often too to touch a birthmark that wasn’t there.

As predicted, the Stand's talons had promptly slipped down the drape of fabric, its sinewy chest contracting in resemblance of a focused breath once its idol hunch was regained. Communication alone had been enough to sooth the edge of its vocalized agitation, the label of 'enemy' hurriedly discarded without the usual cues of aggression or retreat to state otherwise. Such responses were engrained into Cream's memory bank as that of those it sought to kill, enemies and victims alike. This gold Stand was deemed as neither -- but a new category entirely. It was unfortunate that no simple answer could be shared by tongue, ironic for the blind sanctity ghosting beneath them.

There was clear interest once Cream would notice the other's unknowingly characteristic gesture to clutch the back of its neck. The bestial Stand would crane its head visibly, curiosity rooted to a sudden click of what should be under the large hand. The image would spin in Cream's recollection... Shapes, a jagged spiral of five sharp points -- a star, the star-!

The star that marked the man of utmost reverence in its life-long user -- a man that Cream wouldn't hesitate to gut and maul its own master for with a mere flick of his wrist: for all its instincts, the simplicity of self-preservation was nowhere in sight.

there’s not much of a response from the stand’s behalf, simply standing there as he observed the other cautiously approach—it was not perceived as a threat. the world’s emotional response was minimal, and like its master, it held a sense of confidence that was reflected in the way it didn’t recoil to seeing clawed fingers get closer to its face. in a blink of an eye, the stand would be standing somewhere new and history would repeat itself.

    the world recognized the people that were devoted to its user, but not the stands, reason why it became so wary in the other’s presence. its intentions weren’t clear as they would be if accompanied by the user, making it difficult to differ from friend or foe.

   the helmet-like head was tilted to the side, its intuition being that this creature of darkness was just as confused over the world’s appearance and vice versa. the humanoid features that it possessed weren’t hidden in the way that the other appeared to think. thick fingers reaching out for its own head to curl around each side of its head and ‘prove’ that what it intended to do was impossible. the world could not hide its true nature.

Like a walking record, Cream's bewilderment would relay instantly when it was once again deprived of establishing physical contact. Talons would drop clumsily by its side, a weighted sway of the skull carrying that decrepit stare over to the Stand's newfound post. It moved without any illusions, but prowess that Cream would never witness with the naked eye. Such a lack of defense evidently frustrated the creature to no end, an impatient snarl whirring dryly between clamped jaws while its frame restlessly veered around once again. Confusion alone would begin to spark an offensive response at the forefront of its impulses, hooked toes ebbing their way over the floor in the beginning of an urge to lunge. Danger. More careful.

The drifting reminder drew a long, irritable whine from its empty throat, stalking turning quickly to pacing on the spot again for the silent reigns of caution that continued to tighten their hold. Without Cream's master in sight to defend, the build-up of aggression would slow significantly, reduce to a mere display of aggravation for not immediately getting its own way: could something so minor be the thing to break this thinned peace?

Just when it looked like the skeletal beast would begin to dizzy itself in circles, it had stilled completely to the abrupt gesture of the golden Stand's broad digits reaching up to pull at that strange shell, movement now only emitting from Cream's body in ragged, concentrated exhales through the chest. It was entranced by such a simple gesture, and when the being's supposed cover did not slip away from its skull, focus had quickly turned into confusion. No tricks this time, and Cream could not suspect insincerity. This was the other Stand's true face after all... Why didn't it recognize it as such beyond vague familiarity?

  there’s little that words alone can do, and though his sentence was short, it appeared to have the desire effect on his subordinate. the subtle change in demeanour was observed with curious eyes and a smile that creeps onto his features. a silent nod given to the words that finally left out of vanilla’s mouth after a moment of silence. what kind of thoughts plagued his troubled mind would remain a mystery until he felt ready to speak even though the vampire could’ve very well used one of his stand’s ability to figure out the truth. there was nothing like hearing it directly from the other’s lips—a signal of his trust.

   “—i know.” the vampire spoke with faith, unable to imagine vanilla ice of all people, being one to hold information from him.  DIO knew that he could’ve simply asked and force the man to tell him everything there was to know, but the appeal would be lost if so. what attracted him the most about his servant, wasn’t his devotion. it was everything else that led up to that.

    his hand is removed after a couple of seconds, allowing the other to continue moving through the streets until pavement existed no more, and the two left prints on the sand. it truly felt as if they were stepping into another world, far from the hustle and bustle of the city—a forgotten part of old cairo.

    the chill air of the night was pleasant against alabaster skin; the glow from the moonlight highlighting the vampire’s features every time the light  hit him, adding to the otherworldly beauty that he possessed.  like an oasis in the middle of the desert, his presence in such a place stood out the most.

   “do you remember on the night we met, vanilla ice?” he speaks without giving the man a glance; the corner of his lips showing his amusement. ”it was a cold night like this one, and we walked, and walked until you found yourself at home.” but now they were doing the opposite, as i they were following those tracks that were left behind. “you had faith in me when everyone else had disappointed you. i suppose i never thanked you for that.”

Fingers would tug subconsciously over the short sleeve of Ice's waistcoat, his hair strung out behind him like a spiral of serpents slivering feverishly in the wind. It was only natural for the surge to pick up once they would pass the sand dunes, a glance back reducing the lights of Cairo's city to a mere, scenic view. He had seen it more times than he could count, yet, it was the first the man had been able to do so without anger or fear to cloud his vision. It was nothing more than a landmark under the blanket of stars tonight.

They would walk for some time, the sand dipping and rising like suspended waves that the servant would mindfully draw out as to grow the pace steadily on the vampire's unsullied feet. It was by a large stone that Ice seemed to have finally reached a steady halt in pace, his strides carrying him closer to the shelter of the landmark where he would lower himself into a crouch. With his long engrained shifts to the bits and pieces of his attire, that heavy waistcoat was drawn abruptly down his back and strung over his forearm, the warmed fabric methodically unfolded until he was able to lay it across the sand like a blanket.

He would peer back to his leader, as if to indicate he could have the seat when he came to notice he wasn't looking, broad back turned to his makeshift guide with near-translucent skin alight under the moon. Vanilla was struck silent by the image for a few long moments, his own offer long forgotten by the time DIO had begun to quietly relay their brief history.

"... I remember like it was yesterday, my Lord. You don't need to thank me for what you did for my life."

Confirmation was wary, as if unsure of the necessity of voicing such a claim. The memory was bittersweet, like the comforting touch of a cool hand while he had been caught in a sickly haze. It would only reaffirm his gratitude, after all, he would have undoubtedly been still stuck there without that hand to hold... perhaps worse off even.

Nobody would have come looking for him.

An ugly snarl was twisted from Ice's features, his head finally dropping away to gaze upon his laid out waistcoat against the stone. He could look upon the mass more fondly if he reached, its presence soothing for a time he had needed it the most. He would rub slightly along the back of his neck before opting in, words initially hesitant to the touch.

"This spot is where children would be sandboarding each weekend afternoon when I was a child."

"I would always come back here at night if things grew too difficult at home."

Strangely familiar, haunting almost to be close enough to touch this spot again. He could recall a time when this stone was as tall as him; now it barely went above his abdomen. He would settle in a hunch by the empty space of his splayed out waistcoat, the center remaining clear for DIO himself to rest upon.

𝐻𝐼𝒢𝐻 𝒫𝑅𝐼𝐸𝒮𝒯𝐸𝒮𝒮

The purple-haired woman acknowledged his estimation by peeking up from her makeshift head rest known as her arms. It’s then she placed her chin on top of them so she can simply gaze at the other freely. The flickering candle occasionally highlighted different portions of his face, causing Midler to notice how chiseled Vanilla’s jaw actually is. The dancer had been so focused on Sir DIO that she failed to realize that her other allies could also be ATTRACTIVE. Although, Mariah told her no one could possibly be more handsome than their fearless leader. She couldn’t help but doubt the other female Stand user. After all, she thinks that grandpa of a Joestar is somehow a ‘hottie’. Yuck!

Momentarily, she worried that the one sitting across from her could read her mind. He didn’t have that ability, right? Midler forced herself to think about their impending predicament instead. Just in case! That only bummed her out, though. It took everything within her not to let out a dramatic sigh. She’s sure Vanilla Ice is just as frustrated as she. In the end, she decided to keep the conversation going to keep her mind off of the glum.

❝How come you were out and about anyway? I don’t see you leave the mansion that often, if I’m recalling correctly.❞

Had Ice noticed her wistful staring, he would make no attempt to criticize nor comment on it, dark eyes remaining trained to the dirtied wedges along the floorboard until he was spoken to directly once again. A slight frown held his mellowed stare when he looked up, an instinctive inkling to defend his right to secrecy bitten back once met with innocuous eyes of sapphire. Her attempt to simply fill the silence was clear, a slight ease wedging into his otherwise guarded thoughts

It would only make things more unpleasant to protest.

"We were running low on essentials... Milk, eggs, and such. D'Arby wasn't willing to go."

Some strung excuse of being 'uncomfortable' with his language level, an addition that Ice didn't care to include for lessening his sentence’s judgement. The younger man likely knew they were going to have a downpour, hence no attempt to caution his ally: Ice would save any outrage he felt for him once he returned, his current companion safely dodging around the charging line of fire.

Both of the Stand user's current sentiments were ironically miles apart for their shared state of encasement, the servant's eyes drifting aimlessly over towards the emitted candle light to catch that fiery glint. Hopefully the wax wasn't the cheap kind to burn down quickly, the thought of being stranded in the dark grinding its heel further into his thoughts. Judging by the state of this place, such a tacky display wouldn't have been a shocking outcome.

His palm would come up to abruptly press above his brow, a war with the gloom already beginning to stain his thoughts. This wouldn't do. He was bound to wear himself out before even ten minutes was given the chance to pass... perhaps he ought to follow Midler's led intuition of conversation. He couldn't think of any other instance where he'd be bothering with pleasantries. A shallow breath was drawn in before he peered directly back towards the woman, his knuckles maintaining their perch upon the table while his head jerked slightly with indication towards her. His long hair would barely maintain a natural flow forward in its waterlogged state.

  the world was a stand that didn’t manifest itself all that often; like a child exploring their surroundings, ever curious as to what was there to encounter. perhaps, the apparition was a subconscious thought of its user—keeping eyes on everyone that inhabited under his roof while the vampire rested. it was rare that the stand would even move an inch away of that one he thought as its creator, but here it was as a silent vigilant.

   the pure gold hues that adorned its features inspected the area as a looming presence was sensed. just like its master, there was a creature that was almost engulfed by darkness itself, burning the stand with that penetrating gaze of luminous eyes. a glance over its shoulder was all it took for the world to spot the strange creature, using of its ability to stop time to approach it with caution.

    by the time that the hands of the clock began to turn again, the stand stood tall behind the skeleton-like creature, one that brought a vague sense of familiarity, like it had been seen somewhere. just like its master, the world had no sense over personal space.

Golden lustre's of flesh were ripped from sight in an instant, flattened snout prodding aimlessly into the dark before Cream could even register it was gone. Panic, primal twinges practically suspending its body as a braced chassis for the bewildered chortle droned through its hollow throat. Head swaying from side to side, it wasn't long before that same golden figure was registered for an instant behind the creature, far too close. A spray of saliva ripped from parted jaws, its response an instantaneous caterwaul that sent the Stand exploding forward in a fervent display. Long limbs would hinder the Stand's mass almost quadrupedal for an instant escalation, talons practically ripping up the floorboards under it as it veered around to indignantly face the Stand.

It didn't seem to care for the bits and pieces of homeware that were turned over noisily in its panic, limbs slowing into a coil abruptly as it gradually reared back up into its natural hunch. Here, then there... Fast-- no, something else: the unknown. Hostility? Was it an act of aggression? Facial cues weren't Cream's first line of scrutiny, head bucking down to take in the pose of the Stand's legs, the arch of its shoulders before looking to its hands. It didn't appear to be so, but this wasn't submission of a friend either. More investigation was required, More careful this time.

Motion of closing in was mirrored from earlier, this time, a rattle echoing through its broad chest in a persistent line of focus. An attempt of communication, perhaps -- or a warning. Anything between the two extremes was entirely possible. The closer Cream drew, the more its eyes began to flare, bright torches to illuminate the pale sculpting of the other being's lips and jaw. No more was revealed, that golden shell along the rest of its head obscuring everything but the eyes of a human. A trick or cover... the thing hiding this Stand's otherwise familiar face. Cream deemed it so without its master's hindrance.