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redstarwriting · 11 months

Text

the clash | ii. time bomb

hobie brown x goth!reader

word count: 1.5k

genre: enemies to lovers

warnings: language, insults, hobie hating you, you hating hobie, y’all almost fight twice lmao

a/n: felt bad only posting the first chapter, so here’s the second one as well! i’ll get the third one out as soon as i can, but a bitch has work tomorrow and the next day. please enjoy chapter two everyone! and if you wanna be added to the taglist just let me know! :)

now reading: ii. time bomb

previous chapter: i. hey, ho! let’s go!

next chapter: iii. black planet

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Hobie swings his way to where he’s sure Gwen is, and in doing so he will probably also find Miles and Pavitr. He’s sure he looks like if someone said the wrong thing to him, he would punch them in the face, because honestly? He just might. And he doesn’t care. You pissed him off. With your stupid opinions. People like you are the reason anarchy can never succeed, you’re either all in or you’re all out. He hates the way you dismissed him, which is a shame because he really thought you were drop-dead gorgeous.

Speaking of drop, that thought makes him drop. Like, actually. He face plants.

He groans. Fucking hell, he’s never had to deal with this type of hatred before. Usually, it’s just cut and dry ‘I hate you cause xyz’, but fuck you are making it hard. While he hates you for what you said, he loves your style, and he respects you standing your ground and not giving into him with your beliefs, but at the same time, you piss him off. He glances around, “Meant to do that.” No one in particular hears him, but he quickly webs off again. He searches for bright blond hair, and sure enough, he sees Gwen. She’s chilling in the common room Hobie claimed as his own a while back. He claimed it by… redecorating. He just made it feel more like home, and since Miguel is such a lame ass, he didn’t appreciate all the colorful spray paint and broken furniture. But Hobie doesn’t really give a fuck. As he gets closer, he can see that Miles and Pavitr are there too, and… absolutely fucking not.

He lands directly next to you with an unamused look on his face. “And who invited you into my home away from home?” You look at him and roll your eyes. “This your place? Well, that explains why it looks like someone gave Mayday Parker a 50-pack of markers and told her to go to town in here–”

“Ha ha. Funny.”

“–and to answer your question, I invited myself,” you say smugly, and he narrows his eyes at you. “Don’t try to make me like you, it’s not gonna work, love,” he growls, and everyone can tell by the way he said love that he certainly did not mean it as a term of endearment. “I wouldn’t dream of it, mate,” you say, imitating his accent in over-exaggerated way. “I don’t think they are actually calling him their mate,” Pavitr whispers to Miles, who gives him an expression practically dripping in ‘no shit.’ Hobie tears his gaze away from you and looks at Gwen. “We need to show this twat around,” he huffs, and Gwen raises her eyebrows. “We? Isn’t that your job,” she says, and Miles nods. “Yeah, I remember you said you made a deal with Miguel that–”

“I don’t give a fuck if it’s my ‘job,’ when have I ever followed the rules of a fuckin’ job?” he seethes, and you snicker. “Aw, how endearing, the punk rebel has a job. I’ll be sure to go to Miguel and tell him you’re doing amazing, so that you don’t get fired, in fact, you could get promoted!”

“That’s it,” Hobie growls and turns to you, grabbing the neck of his guitar and getting ready to use it. You smirk and slightly crouch, ready to jump away or towards him, based on his next move. “OKAY! Okay, we’ll help you just put the damn guitar down,” Miles says, jumping between the two of you. Hobie looks at him before looking at you with a deep frown. “I don’t need help. I just need to make sure other people are here, so I don’t murder this nitwit,” he says, tossing his guitar back so it hangs off his back again. “If anythin’, you’re helpin’ them.”

“I don’t need help either. Especially not yours. I’ll find my way around here myself,” you say, crossing your arms. He turns and offers you a smile. “Well now that you say you definitely don’t want my help, looks like I’m gonna be that friendly neighborhood Spider-Man and assist you.”

“My hero,” you say sarcastically, pushing past him and walking out of the room. He motions for the others to follow you first, and walks out last, slinking in the back. Gwen takes up the role he usually plays in showing everyone around. You nod and listen, occasionally asking a question and cracking a joke. He hates to admit it, but your jokes are actually very funny. It’s refreshing to hear deadpan, straightforward, dry comedy instead of the puns and silly jokes all the other Spider-People love to make. But he doesn’t laugh. Doesn’t even crack a smile. Just watches you.

‘Like a creep,’ you think, catching him staring at you for what feels like the 50th time. But you’d be lying if you said you didn’t like the attention you were getting from him. Truthfully, he’s probably the most attractive person you’ve ever laid eyes on.

Such a tragedy he’s also the worst person you’ve ever had the displeasure to speak with.

“Your suit is so cool, by the way,” Miles says to you, and you give him a grin. “Thanks. Made it myself.”

“Yeah. I can tell,” you hear Hobie pipe up, and your head snaps towards him. “Because it’s so stylish, fashionable, and better than anything you could do yourself?”

“No. ‘Cause it looks like it was put together by a colorblind toddler. If you look close enough, the blacks don’t even match,” he says, smirking. Now this was a lie. All the black in your suit was a perfect shade of raven, he just knew it would piss you off. And it did. “Fuck you. At least my suit doesn’t look like a twelve-year-old who just discovered Hot Topic for the first time,” you hiss, and he scoffs. “Watch your fuckin’ mouth there, mate.”

“You watch yours, mate.”

“Okay, both of you shhhhhhh!” Gwen says, and you both look at her. “Don’t tell me what to do–”

“Stop talking like me!”

“What?! You stop talking like me!”

“Oh my God, the romantic tension is through the roof right now!” Pavitr suddenly pipes up, and now the both of you are staring at him, dark expressions on your faces. “I’d rather be eaten alive by a single piranha so it would take days until I finally succumbed to the sweet release of death,” you hiss and Hobie nods. “Finally. Somethin’ we agree on.” He turns and looks at you, and you roll your eyes at him. “Way to de-escalate, buddy,” Miles whispers to Pavitr, and Pavitr sighs as Miles walks a little faster to catch up with everyone else. “But I was being serious…”

Gwen continues to show you around, and when she finally finishes, you all are back at ‘Hobie’s common room.’ You walk back inside and sit on the tattered and broken-down couch. The way the room is decorated is kind of cool, you must admit. You’re just not a fan of the mismatched colors everywhere. And it could use a couple more decorations. Like bat skeletons. Or just live bats. That would be adorable. “Thanks for showing me around,” you thank Gwen, Miles, and Pavitr. “Not you, though,” you say to Hobie and he snorts. “Good. I wouldn’t want you to thank me for anything.”

“Why do you two hate each other so much? Didn’t you literally just meet?” Miles asks, looking exhausted from the snarky remarks coming from both of you. “We did,” you confirm. “And we don’t get along cause they don’t have any strong belief system.”

“Yes, I do! I’m just realistic, and he can’t understand that,” you say and he rolls his eyes. “Realistic, eh? I already told you I led a rebellion.”

“And I told you it doesn’t matter because everyone is shit. How many villains have you fought since this rebellion you led?”

“None of your fuckin’ business.”

“So, you’ve fought at least one. What did that rebellion get you then, huh?”

“I recommend you shut your fuckin’ mouth before I shut it for you.”

“Please, do try. I need a new skeleton for my collection,” you growl and the two of you jump at each other. Luckily, Gwen and Miles web both of you and hold you back. “That’s enough of that,” Gwen says. “I have an idea,” Miles says, “why don’t we go visit your universe, (Y/n)? Maybe then Hobie can see why you’re so… negative.”

“I’m not goin’ anywhere near that place,” Hobie nearly yells. “Good. I don’t want you there anyway.”

“On second thought, I think it might be very eye-opening to see the world you grew up in. Maybe I can team up with your sinister six and put you in your place,” he spits out at you, causing you to glare at him and flip him off again. “A field trip sounds fun, especially after all this just happened. Maybe it will help the two of you lighten up,” Pavitr says, and you both roll your eyes. “Fine. You can all come. But if you step one toe out of line, Hobie–”

“What? You’ll yell at me?”

“No. I’ll torture you to the point that you would beg me for death.”

“Promise?”

“Always.”

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『 tag list 』

@casmosmoon* @khaleesihavilliard @sparklyphantom @weyrrii*

*if you are italicized - i am unable to tag you for whatever reason, feel free to reach out and see if we can fix the issue

#hobie brown x reader #hobie brown x y/n #hobie brown x you #spiderpunk x reader #spiderverse x reader #hobie brown #spiderpunk #spider-punk #spiderverse #theclashofthespiderverse

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beom-pyu · 1 year

Text

txt as your boyfriend

txt x g/n!reader , tags; headcanons , fluff , non-idol au? , happy soft mushy feelings ew , no warnings!

(rest of the members after the cut!)

｡ °₊ yeonjun

∙ matching outfits allll the time

∙ if he sees a cute hoodie online, he'll buy you guys matching ones and surprise you with it

∙ takes aesthetic pictures of you

∙ you used to hate his constant candids of you because you were a little insecure

∙ but he always captures you in the most flattering, heart wrenching pics ever

∙ he wants you to see yourself in the way that he sees you

∙ a cute pic of you stopped on the sidewalk to pet a dog is his lockscreen <3

∙ constant forehead/top of the head kisses

∙ if he's slipping past you while you're cooking, he always plants a quick kiss on the crown of your head with a small "love u" before going back to whatever he was doing

∙ kissing your forehead is a mandatory step in his a nighttime routine

∙ when he has you wrapped up in his arms at night, your head resting on his chest and he just presses a few kisses into your hair before snuggling into you tighter

∙ fixes your hair and clothes for you

∙ makes it super romantic too

∙ like he'll run his finger down your cheek before tucking some hair behind your ear, gazing down at you with the most infatuated look ever

∙ if you try to cover your face in embarrassment, he'll gently remove your hands and cup your face in his before muttering how pretty you are

∙ "my pretty baby."

∙ soft smiles and loving gazes as he watches you do things you're passionate about

∙ like you could be reading a book on the couch and he'd be at the other end with your feet in his lap, just massaging your legs while watching you silently

∙ you've gotten used to the feeling of his eyes on you

∙ he just loves watching you exist

∙ like he's always in awe of your beauty, no matter how many times he's seen your face

∙ gives you those hugs where he wraps his arms around your neck and pulls you into his chest

∙ works especially well if you're shorter than him

∙ shows you off

∙ he's always posting you on his instagram story with captions like "my everything" or "my angel <3"

∙ wants everyone to know that he's proud of the fact that you chose him out of all the people in this big ole world

｡ °₊ soobin

∙ exists at your every beck and call

∙ you said you're thirsty? he's bringing you three water bottles in the blink of an eye

∙ oh your shoulders are tense? he's working his nimble fingers into your muscles with soft neck kisses in between

∙ he wants to make your life as easy as possible, and he's willing to do whatever it takes

∙ pouts with a small "hmf" when he wants kisses

∙ which is a common reoccurrence because he always wants kisses

∙ nuzzles his head into your neck when he laughs

∙ plays with your fingers when he can't fully hold your hand

∙ or has an arm around your waist to keep you close at all times

∙ takes silly couple pictures with you and makes them his profile picture

∙ feeds you

∙ he'll do that dumb airplane move and you'll just blink at him like "what..?"

∙ and he just goes "ahhh" with that cute little smile and you have no choice but to roll your eyes and give in when he looks that adorable

∙ please play with his hair, it's his favorite thing ever

∙ your hands are so gentle and calming, so it always helps him fall asleep

∙ gives you his jacket whenever you show even the slightest sign of being cold

∙ like he'll wrap it tightly around your body and kiss your nose when he's satisfied with the bundling

∙ always goes to you when he's feeling down because you always manage to lift his mood

∙ like you'll be laying in your bed on your laptop, and when he comes home, he's immediately at your side

∙ he hates feeling like a burden so he doesn't say anything until you ask him what's wrong

∙ and he just spills everything out as you hold him

∙ he feels comfortable showing you his emotions because you always take care of him

∙ especially because he's always the one taking care of you, so you appreciate when he lets his guard down around you

｡ °₊ beomgyu

∙ quite literally your bestfriend

∙ lovingly teases you because your reactions are so cute

∙ always kisses the pout off of your lips so you can't be mad at him

∙ he is soooo clingy

∙ always has to have a hand on you, whether it be holding yours, resting on your back, slung over your shoulders

∙ baby just loves being close to you

∙ teaches you how to play his favorite games

∙ sits you on his lap as he explains the controls

∙ but he may get a little sulky when you turn out to be better than him

∙ he'll be like "i let you win that time!" and you'll be like "you wish!!"

∙ tickle fights

∙ he lets you do his makeup or paint his nails if you ask very nicely

∙ but only if you let him do yours in return (and he's absolutely horrible at it every time)

∙ takes candids of you, but they're TERRIBLE

∙ like you'd be mid bite of a big sandwich and you just see the flash of his phone go off and you freeze

∙ and then you proceed to chase him around, whining at him to delete the picture with him cackling in the background

∙ you two are always bickering like an old married couple

∙ but you can never stay upset at each other for longer than 10 minutes before one of you gives in

∙ he's obsessed with kissing you

∙ will find any excuse to do so, even though you guys are quite literally dating

∙ "if i eat this in 10 seconds, you owe me 10 kisses"

∙ "gyu, you can literally just ask me to kiss you"

∙ "okay, but where's the fun in that..?"

∙ you guys joke around a lot because you know that you are each other's safe space

∙ you can always be yourself around beomgyu, and he loves that he can do the same with you

｡ °₊ taehyun

∙ mention anything you want around tyun and he's buying it for you in a heartbeat

∙ you could mutter how a necklace was pretty as you passed a shop, and it'd show up in your mailbox within the next 5 business days

∙ secretly loves when you wear his clothes

∙ you could walk out of your bedroom with one of his t-shirts on and his hands would be all over you immediately

∙ kisses the back of your hand while looking up at you with his pretty doe eyes

∙ literally makes you feel like royalty

∙ holds the door for you everywhere you go

∙ even if you beat him to the door, he'll literally jog to grab the door handle first

∙ never gives you unsolicited advice, but if you come to him first, get ready for a philosophy session

∙ he just wants to see you being your best self, so he's always open to giving you advice when you want it

∙ comfortable silence

∙ like you could be doing your own things in silence, and still feel like no time is being wasted because you are just that secure in eachother

∙ don't worry though, he makes sure to slip in a kiss every few minutes

∙ he isn't one to be sappy with his words, but when he does verbally compliment you, it's the most heartfelt sentence ever

∙ like you'll just be cuddled up next to him on a lazy day that consisted of napping, kisses, and more napping

∙ and he'll just slip out a, "being with you makes everything make sense"

∙ and you're just like "where did that come from?"

∙ and he just shakes his head with a smile and kisses your lips so tenderly, you forget everything you were going to say

∙ late night drives

∙ you'll call him at 1 a.m. because you can't fall asleep, your mind too full with thoughts and stress and the weight of life

∙ and tyun will be outside your place in seconds

∙ he lets you be the dj as he drives, rolling down the windows a bit to let the cool breeze run through the car

∙ his right hand is firmly planted on your thigh, glancing over at you every now and then to make sure you're okay

∙ and he lets you talk his ear off with the softest, most fond smile resting on his lips, just happy to see you feeling better

｡ °₊ kai

∙ napping together is the biggest love language in your relationship

∙ it'll be midday on a weekend and he'll come over with a few of his plushies, clad in character themed pajamas

∙ and you'd have your own character themed pajamas on too

∙ he loves sleeping on your chest, or as the big spoon

∙ napping together is just so soft and intimate to him

∙ plus he gets your beautiful face being the first thing he sees when he wakes up, which is a win in itself

∙ comes up with a new stupid pet name for you every single week

∙ one day you're "babe", the next day you're "boo bear", and the next, you're somehow "sweetie honeybun baby"

∙ he just thinks it's funny to see the confusion on your face as the names get worse and worse

∙ he lives to make you laugh

∙ he'll send you every funny video he comes across, or crack the most random jokes just to see your smile

∙ always looking for your praise and approval

∙ he could get a new haircut and you'd be the first one he texts with a selfie asking "new cut, does it look okay?"

∙ and even though you say yes yes yes, every single time without fail, he still does that shy laugh and the tips of his ears go red and turns into putty

∙ he's literally your boyfriend, but he has these moments where he can't believe he's your boyfriend

∙ like you could randomly straddle his lap while he's sitting on the couch and push his hair back with your fingers before kissing his nose

∙ and he'll just be staring up at you with the prettiest sparkly eyes and let out a quiet "woah", out of breath by simple looking at you

∙ back hugs back hugs back hugs

∙ if you're out at an event with friends, he'll just be hanging off of you like a koala

∙ literally doesn't care about pda

∙ he's super shy, but nothing but pride fills his chest when you hold his hand in public

∙ or if you lean up to kiss his cheek while standing in line to order ice cream

∙ you always manage to give him those goofy little butterflies in his chest

reblogs are highly cherished!

masterlist

©️BEOM-PYU

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fictionalwh0ree · 2 months

Note

May i please request Billie x super girly/soft reader? They were friends for years and recently started dating and everyone has always questioned their relationship since they're polar opposites? Tysm!

pink bows- billie eilish

summary: you and billie are completely different, but thats what makes you great. unfortunately, not everyone sees it that way. when some of the hate gets too much, billie knows how to comfort you. word count: 1.4k warnings: none

billie eilish was indubitably the most gorgeous girl you’d ever seen. with the perfect balance of masculine and feminine energy, the perfect balance of cocky and humble, it was hard not to fall for her. you’d known since the moment the two of you became friends that you liked her in a more than just friends way. nothing had happened between the two of you until a couple months back, and when she publicly came out, she also revealed your relationship to the world.

people had known about your friendship, her posting you frequently on her story. people always replied, saying you guys were goals, your contrast being perfect. see, while billie opted for baggy clothes and a hat, you always leaned towards a tank top and a mini skirt, or a nice dress. you always stood out by her side, especially when you wore pink, which was usually. whether it was a pink purse or some detailing on your clothes, you always had it on. you loved the support you got from her fans. they were a light amongst all the hate you received as well.

so, when billie posted a photo of you two kissing, and then when she took you to the grammy’s as her date, you expected more support than what you’d got. besides the blatant homophobia, your dissimilarity had gone from something that made you “goals” to something that got in the way of dating. you received many messages saying things like “what do they even have to talk abt?” or “they literally have nothing in common, this has to be pr.”

you focused your energy on ignoring the comments, taking moments to appreciate the supportive fans who seemed overjoyed with the announcement. when the hate seemed to slow down, billie posted you again. this time, the two of you were matching, both of you in pink tshirts. billie’s shirt was baggy and paired well with her jeans, while yours was a tighter fitting tank paired with a jean skirt. despite all the positivity, new hate comments were coming in. people accused you of trying to turn her into you, saying you were taking away from her style. this was only on one end of the scale, your dms had become flooded with death threats too.

it started to become a lot. you started to pull away from billie a little, taking a little longer to answer her messages, making excuses to not see her, avoiding being in any photos she took. you couldn’t avoid her forever, though. billie wasn’t stupid. being new to the relationship meant you were both afraid to have serious discussions, worried about how it would turn out. on your side, you were scared that billie would think you were stupid or weak for letting the haters get to you. on her side, she was scared to ask what was wrong, worried that you’d either fallen out of love with her or that she’d push you too far.

the last straw was when you finally made plans with her to go get food. she stopped in your driveway, knowing you were probably strapping your heels or running back for your keys that were adorned with a pink bow, and pulled out her phone. she didn’t even realize when you’d walked out of the house until you pulled open the car door. she looked up at you, smiling, until she took in your outfit. you were in simple jeans with a black long sleeve, basic shoes, your hair down, and no makeup. there wasn’t a hint of pink, or girliness, in your outfit. her smile faltered and she tilted her head to the side in confusion. you planted a kiss on her lips in greeting.

“hey,” you said.

“hi,” she said back, uncertainty still evident.

“whats wrong?” you asked, knowing full well what was up.

she started the car, beginning the drive before she spoke again.

“uhm, nothing,” she said, “its just… i’ve never seen you in an outfit like this.”

“do you not like it?” you asked, worried, “i-i just wasn’t feeling the pink.”

“no no, you look great baby,” billie objected, “but, you weren’t feeling the pink? i never thought i’d hear that from you.”

“does it matter?” you snapped, “we’re just going to get food. sorry i don’t wanna put on a dress and heels.”

you crossed your arms, looking out the window. you heard billie sigh and if you would’ve been looking, you would’ve seen the way she bit her lip in thought and glanced over at you, plotting her next words.

“y/n whats been up with you recently?” billie asked nervously.

“what do you mean?” you said.

“well, i don’t know, you just haven’t been yourself recently,” she took a breath, considering whether or not she’d say what had been on her mind.

“do you- do you not like me anymore or something?” she said, eyes flicking between you and the road.

“no, no, billie, thats not it. i promise,” you said, turning to face her while grabbing her hand off the console.

“okay,” she said, smiling a little out of relief, “then what is it? and don’t say nothing.”

“honestly,” you breathed out, “i was just trying to fit in with you more.”

“fit in with me more?” she asked, confused.

“i don’t know, it feels kind of stupid to say,” you confessed honestly.

“it’s not stupid, baby, i promise. just tell me,” she comforted, placing a kiss on the back of your hand.

“well, ever since we went public, i’ve been getting all these comments and dms about how i’m taking away from your style when we match, and how we don’t match, and how we look like a pr stunt because i dress in pink and girly and you don’t,” you said, looking down.

“i guess i just got tired of it. i want people to see us and know we’re together, for real,” you muttered.

“y/n,” billie said, squeezing your hand, “how could you call that stupid?”

“i just shouldn’t have let the hate get to me,” you said.

“its not your fault,” she said, finally arriving at the restaurant drive through.

you sat still for a moment as she ordered the food and picked it up. she parked in the parking lot, finally looking over to you for more than a second.

“y/n, i like your style. i don’t want you to change, for me or for anyone else. part of what makes us work is that we’re different. i know its annoying having people think it isn’t real, but we know the truth, that’s what matters,” she said, taking your hand in hers and placing a kiss on the back again.

you looked at her, biting your lip shyly. you smiled slightly, trying to fight it a little, but it was hard. your cheeks were burning as you looked at her.

“there’s that pretty smile,” she cooed, smiling back at you.

“i love you,” you said.

“i love you more,” she replied, leaning over the console to kiss you on the lips.

she snagged your house keys from the cup holders in the middle, untying the pink ribbon that adorned it.

“give me your hand,” she spoke.

you offered it to her and she gently picked up your left hand, carefully tying a bow on your ring finger, making you blush harder. you quickly rooted through your own bag, finding and untying the pink bow that was on your car keys.

“give me yours,” you said.

she gave it to you, and you tied the ribbon on her ring finger, just as she had done to you, before leaning over to kiss her lips briefly. you pulled away, holding her hand and admiring the two pink bows, knowing one day those bows would become rings.

“lets go,” you said.

she pulled out of the parking lot and as she drove, you snagged a picture of your hands, one that was sure to become a wallpaper, a constant reminder of your love and how it transcends what anyone thinks.

#billie eilish x reader #billie eilish #billie eilish imagine #billie eilish x y/n #billie eilish x you #billie eilish fluff #wlw

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broomsick · 5 months

Text

Self-care & connecting with nature deities during the wintertime

Is it still possible to connect with harvest and nature deities such as Freyr during the cold season?

Long answer short, yes. Obviously, absolutely. But you all saw that answer coming, right? So I’m here to give you some ideas, as the person who’s favorite season is winter and who made it their mission to help everybody like winter just a little more. And since I feel especially close to Yngvi-Freyr when it comes to the Gods, I will use him as an example throughout this post, though a lot of the following could apply to most nature deities.

Let us first examine a common misconception before we get to the bottom of this topic: the fields don’t die when the sun sets on the 31st of October. The earth still lives under thick layers of snow. The process of dormancy is absolutely crucial to the cycles of nature. And if, like me, you find Freyr to be a sort of guardian of these cycles, then you’ll know he manifests himself in so many ways, even where you might not think to look.

Have you heard about the holly and ivy tradition? It was common during the European Medieval times to decorate houses and halls using holly and ivy, because they were the two plants with leaves that stayed green, even in the dark and cold of winter. This type of practice is often referred to as "bringing the outside in", and it's something I'm quite fond of. I've no doubt it could be a great help if you're the type to feel depressed during the winter time. It's a way to remind oneself of how everpresent nature actually is. Lots of greenery remains despite the snow! And to ackowledge this fact and to work with it is such a great way to connect with nature Gods in general! It goes to show that you appreciate their blessings all year round, not just during spring and summer. While it's true that in many cases, the presence of deities such as Freyr may feel somehow "dimmed" during the winter time, I assure you, they don't disappear once the first snow falls! On the contrary, they are every bit as present and active as when spring comes! They simply manifest themselves in a different manner.

When winter comes, I love to work with evergreen spirits. I incorporate spruce, fir and cedar into my practice and in my offerings. I won't go into too much detail for this topic however, because I've written posts that pertained to it in the past (namely, this post on tree work and this one on land spirits). Since I don't have easy access to holly or ivy, I make due with evergreen! Not with any actual branches, except when I'm lucky enough to find some that were torn away by the wind. But rather, using representations of it. In the same manner, and in the spirit of "bringing the outside in", it's also possible to decorate using representations of the sun! Harvest deities such as Freyr are often associated with it due to its crucial role in the cycles of plant growth. Candles also make for great solar symbols, and to place them around the home is like lighting a handful of little suns to bring much needed light and warmth inside. What's more, lighting candles on the winter solstice night is a widespread practice among pagans today! It serves to symbolize the return of the sun, as the days start to grow longer again. Until then however, it can be soothing for one to light a candle every morning before school or work, and to call upon any harvest, nature or solar deity of their choice to ask for strength and motivation throught the day. Even when it's difficult for us to feel their presence, they always hear us.

Now, how to actually feel more connected to nature? Oftentimes, connecting with nature and connecting with Yngvi-Freyr are one and the same. And on a more personal note, a lot of the advice I received from him pertained exactly to that: I believe he's often urged me to go spend more time in nature when I am going through rough patches. I know the cold and the cloudy weather can make it depressing for a lot of people to go out. My advice on this is to take it step by step: no need to go on long, four-hour long hikes right away! After all, there is already much beauty to be seen close to home. And I can't put enough emphasis on that: dress warmly! Also, as a tool for motivation, prepare a treat for yourself to enjoy after you've gone out. Part of what makes me enjoy winter so much is the thought of the warmth and light which await inside after I’ve gone out into the cold. The home is as sacred as the outside world! So why not buy, or prepare a batch of cookies, a cup of hot chocolate or a spicy dinner! It's something I love to do as a way to motivate myself to go out more often. And I like to offer part of these to local land spirits and to the Vanir, to show my appreciation for the beauty of this season. Just as an aside, I find snow water to be a great such offering as well!

I know that I’m not revolutionizing the pagan scene with this post, as there’s only so many ways to connect with nature during winter. I think it’s important to keep in mind that the snow, rain and cold that this season brings is just as much part of nature as the greens and lively colors of spring and summer. For this reason, they are just as much a part of nature deities and what they represent. Deities have so many facets and depth, and it can be so fulfilling to explore these different aspects, and the way we perceive them. While it’s true that spiritually speaking, it often feels to us heathens as if Skaði is somehow “taking” Freyr’s place in the order of things for the time being— much like the Holly King takes the Oak King’s place in Celtic folklore. This doesn’t make it so he disappears! In my experience, he presides over the cycle of seasons as a whole, and he is every bit as present for his followers as he is during the winter. I can connect with Skaði during the summer in a similar manner. And I’m sure that the same can be said for so many other harvest deities.

#my ideas #yule #winter solstice #paganism #witchcraft #pagan #norse paganism #polytheism #rituals #heathenry #norse polytheism #deity work #norse gods #spirituality #deities

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strawberrystepmom · 4 months

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senku x f!reader. reader has a background in agriculture. reader is referred to as princess in jest and the unpacking of the reason it upsets reader follows. reader and senku are both 25. post canon au where he and the other ishigami village settlers find a small settlement in california. robert is an oc created specifically for the au. wc 1.7k

divider thanks to @/cafekitsune as always

“You and Gen have a lot in common.”

Snorting at Senku’s words, you dab at the droplets of sweat on your hairline with the back of your gloved hand. He hasn’t been superbly helpful weeding the carrot patch but at least he has been decent company, the two of you working in parallel worlds and occasionally exchanging remarks about what you’re doing. This is generally how things just go when you’re together.

You won’t go so far as to say that you enjoy him, you barely know the man who stepped foot on shores not far from where you are now a little over a month ago, but it’s pleasant to have someone around who will listen to you ramble about whatever has been on your mind. You don’t judge him and he has never judged you, a silent mutual understanding that people will be people, the thread that ties the two of you together.

It doesn’t mean he isn’t observant, though, and he’s all too apt to share said observations with you.

“Why do you say that? Is it because we are both charming, hilarious, and beautiful?”

Senku chuckles while you wipe your free hand on your pants. Very glamorous, you think and laugh to yourself quietly. The sun hangs high enough in the sky you know it’s midday and you offer small waves to everyone who passes by you, smiling big enough people can see it even from a few feet away. You don’t have to do this but you go out of your way to do it, something that always strikes Senku as funny.

“Humble, too.” The scientist remarks and you look up at him, noticing he’s jotting notes away in a leatherbound notebook he swiped from the medical barn.

He has a makeshift ink pen, an invention of his own making, and he’s jotting down thoughts of how to improve the settlement. Watch towers, another well, perhaps mechanized farming equipment to keep you from having to do as much heavy lifting as you do.

“So you agree?” He chuckles again at your words and keeps scribbling, raising his brows. “You know I don’t point out the obvious, princess.”

The recent nickname makes you scoff but your cheeks warm. He heard the village doctor and navigator, two of your closest friends, call you the name in jest and he couldn’t possibly let it go considering what an apt descriptor it is.

“Don’t call me that, it’s bad enough that they do.” Sighing, you reposition your sunhat before leaning down to dig up another weed. “There’s nothing princess-y about me.”

Tossing a carrot down, you decide to rest a moment and sit down next to him in the yellowing grass. The weather is still moderate and pleasant but six weeks from now, it’s likely a small blanket of snow and frost will cover the world and your plants in the process so time is of the essence with the less hearty members of the settlement garden. You feel Senku looking at you but don’t entertain him by glancing back, situating yourself and stretching your legs out in front of you.

“No?” Senku shoots back and you groan, laying back in the grass and closing your eyes. He looks over you and shakes his head, placing the notebook on his thighs where his legs are crossed. “Let’s be honest with ourselves here. If this were thousands of years ago, you’d be in a big tower in a pretty dress waiting for some muscle-brained knight to come and slay a dragon for you.”

You want to be offended but you’re instead curious about what exactly makes him feel that way and how it relates to you and Gen at all.

“What do you mean? I can take care of myself and have managed to do it pretty well so far.”

Senku shakes his head. He can tell you aren’t offended thanks to the lightness in your tone and he appreciates that you don’t read between the lines considering there are none when he comes to him. He says what he means and you listen to it appreciatively.

“I’m not saying you can’t, I’m saying you inspire that kind of action in people.” He shrugs. “Think about the stories I know you used to read. A princess never has to ask for devotion, she simply gets it.”

Raising a brow, he meets your eyes and glances further out in the distance where one of the villagers he brought with him, Ginro, slumps in the fields while pulling weeds. The blonde man keeps glancing in your direction and waving before tilting his face downward to make sure you notice that he’s doing what you asked him to.

“I’ve never seen Ginro work so hard,” the scientist sniffs and you laugh louder than intended, bringing your hand to cover your mouth to stifle the noise.

“Not very fair of you to start with the easy target, Ishigami.”

He snickers and looks across the settlement, seeing if he can spot any of the others he has brought with him that have been more than happy to assist with anything you ask them to. You flash a smile, flutter your lashes if you have to, and shit seems to get done. It’s how you did things before you were petrified too.

“I overheard Hyoga arguing with Robert about being the one to escort you on the next foraging expedition.”

Thinking about the white haired man you feel a little uncertain of yourself and you look away. You find him extremely handsome despite his evasive nature and the two of you have only had a handful of conversations but he’s surprisingly helpful when necessary, you simply go out of your way trying to avoid asking for his help because he makes you nervous. Robert, on the other hand, is an issue that has followed you even thousands of years into the future (pro tip: don’t get petrified and then depetrified near a man harassing you in a club) but he insists on being your personal security whenever he can.

You make a note to genuinely contemplate trying your luck by asking Hyoga personally to accompany you but for now, you turn your attention back to your spiky haired companion.

“No you didn’t. Besides, we haven’t even planned a trip before winter even though we need to make one.”

Senku purses his lips and continues to look around the lands surrounding him.

“When have I ever lied to you?”

Considering his question for a moment, you hum and tilt your head. He hasn’t lied to you but this specific instance feels like a stretch.

“So you heard Big Mouth Bobby mention me and now I’m a princess? Seems like that criteria is a little unfair.”

Senku shifts where he sits and stretches his legs out in front of him to match your position. You shade your eyes from the sun with your palm and look up at him to find he’s glancing over his shoulder at you, shaking his head.

“You seem to think I’m telling you that it’s a bad thing people like and want to be liked by you.”

Shrugging, you settle back against the grass and kick your feet gently. He watches your every move and you feel observed and viewed rather than enjoyed, something about him that always makes you squirm despite yourself.

“Maybe you’re right.”

Senku smiles.

“I’m always right.”

You laugh and shake your head, shutting your eyes to keep from being further intimidated by his weighted glance. If he has any other assessments he’s clearly going to keep them to himself so you press forward, sun warming your face while you speak.

“I don’t get how that relates to me and Gen being similar though. Is he a princess too?”

A chuckle from your companion. At least you can always make him laugh even if you know your other charms won’t work on him. Looks have no effect on Senku nor do fluttering lashes or cute, coy smiles - he judges people off of their character only and you admire the depth it takes for him to do so.

“Oh yeah, that.” He picks his notebook back up and begins scribbling again. “You’re both very persuasive and understand people better than they think.”

Giggling, you sigh contentedly and even Senku finds himself a little bit drawn to the sound. You are charming and sweet and funny and perhaps a bit too honest beneath the slightly self deprecating humor you use to keep people from knowing who you really are. Even Senku can acknowledge all of these things - they’re true, after all. Proven and quantifiable.

“Well, thank you. The power of people skills can never be underestimated in a world where half of the people you meet want to kill you and the other half probably want to kill themselves because we don’t have social media to numb their brains.”

Again with that too honest humor. The scientist shakes his head and scribbles down a doodle for the vision he has for the tower he’s going to build in the coming weeks, halfway between your fields and the little cabin you call home. It’s the perfect position to see the entire settlement and he assumes the only reason you don’t have one yet is that you’ve lacked the people to assist with making it.

He may not be a muscle-brained knight, saving you while you sit forlornly in a tower, but he can be the genius that builds the tower you’ll help create the future society all of you will someday live in from. It’s a far more noble cause if you ask him.

“Keep it up.” He adds simply and you shield your eyes from the sun again, opening them to meet his. You offer a thumbs up and a grin and he shakes his head.

“I am going to tell Gen you called him a princess, though.”

Senku scoffs and leans back, still glancing down at you.

“Well then you’d be lying and it isn’t good to lie, now is it?”

You sit up, ready to argue back and forth but you’re interrupted by Ginro calling your name from a distance and approaching you, three carrots in his fist. Senku rises to standing and reassuringly pats your shoulder with the hand not holding his notebook.

“Looks like your savior is on his way, princess.”

You sigh, shaking your head and waving the scientist goodbye when he parts, watching him leave before plastering on your best persuasive smile and greeting Ginro exuberantly.

#senku x reader #ishigami senku x reader #senku ishigami x reader #kendall writes

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themidnightcrimson · 1 year

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Mentor—part one. | w. maximoff

summary: in which you are wanda's young newlywed neighbor, and she graciously offers to mentor you on wifely duties.

warnings: 1950s!wanda, top!wanda, innocent!reader, magically enhanced strap, strap sucking (r giving), riding (r receiving), manipulation, corruption, let's pretend they had straps in the 50s, my coochie was niagara falls after writing this

this post is for 18+ only. minors: do not interact.

masterlist.

Manicured fingers pushed the thin curtains to the side as green eyes peered through the window. It was the first time Wanda had ever seen you. She saw your husband first, stepping out of the driver’s side of the car before going to the trunk and picking up one of the many boxes that were stuffed in there. She noticed that the For Sale sign planted in the front lawn of the house had a big, red sticker slapped across it that read SOLD. Then she saw you.

You stepped out of the car wearing a pretty green dress that was short enough for the breeze to flitter it up your thighs. Your red lips parted in a smile as you embraced your husband, wrapping your arms around his shoulders and kissing him before he turned to take the box inside as you took a smaller one out of the trunk.

Wanda was always friendly with her neighbors but not close with them. Agatha was her closest neighbor, although that was not from Wanda’s end of the friendship. But when she watched you walk up your driveway to your newly bought house right across the street from hers, then stop and slowly turn around, your eyebrows sewed together as if you knew someone was watching you, she couldn’t help but let her interest pique.

Wanda was quicker to get close to you than she was with any other new neighbors she had before. She brought you casseroles and cakes and invited you to barbecues and dinner parties. When you attended a pool party at Dottie’s house and wore such a teasing one-piece swimsuit, she found herself obsessing over you every minute of the day. As she kissed Vis goodbye every morning, she would watch you kiss your husband goodbye instead of watching Vis’ car leave like she usually did. When she would fold clothes and wash dishes, she wondered what you looked like doing the same. She started to call you nearly every day when both of your husbands were at work. She would keep you on the phone for hours, asking you questions that started to become more and more personal.

Your husbands also got close. Wanda always got excited when you and your husband would come over so the men could drink and watch TV while you and Wanda prepared dinner in the kitchen. She realized quickly that you were quite young and still a newlywed; you’d gotten married right before moving in across the street, which was only a month ago.

Wanda also learned that you were quite an innocent little thing.

“W-what?” you choked on your lemonade that Wanda had made extra sugary for you since you were a ‘sweet girl’. Her question had taken you off guard so that you had coughed mid-sip of your lemonade, the drink splattering down your chin.

Wanda quickly leaned forward from where she sat rather close to you on her sofa, wiping the lemonade off your chin and lips. “It’s just a question, sweetheart,” she said in a comforting tone as she licked the lemonade off her fingers. Your cheeks burned more at the sight of her red lips sucking her finger than at what she had asked you.

Wanda had asked about your sex life. You figured that was probably common for housewives to talk about amongst one another. Your husband was outside helping Vis repaint the picket fence around their front yard, so it was just you and Wanda alone.

“Um,” you began, your heart beating hard in your chest as Wanda calmly watched you. Her red hair was made into perfect curls that rested around her neck, her deep red lips taut as she waited for your response. Wanda had taken you in under her wing as the new couple in the neighborhood, and you had appreciated her guidance and her friendship. It was the only real friendship you ever had, in fact, since you had gotten married off so soon in your adulthood. But Wanda seemed to get very personal sometimes, and sometimes she lacked an understanding of personal space. You had lost count of all the times she had let her hand rest on your lower back for lingering moments. She was very touchy—always grazing your arm or touching your hair. Recently, she’d gotten comfortable enough to touch your face, whether it was caressing your cheek or wiping lemonade off your lips. You weren’t quite sure how to voice your concerns about the closeness of your friendship, but Wanda was older and wiser and certainly had more girl friends than you did; so you went along with all of it in your shy, timid way that Wanda found incredibly endearing.

“Our sex life…” you breathed, lowering the icy cup of lemonade to your lap as your cheeks blushed. “Well, it’s, um…” you began, before you looked back up at her. “Isn’t that thing sort of… private?” you chuckled nervously.

You were afraid you had possibly pushed Wanda away or made her feel uncomfortable that she had offended you, but she only grinned and tilted her head. “No, darling, women talk about those things together all the time! Go ahead, I’m all ears.” She lowered her head, and you didn’t catch the darkness under her brow.

“Well, it’s…” you said again, shifting on the sofa and trying to figure out what you wanted to say. “It’s not very…good.”

Wanda’s brows sewed together in concern. “You mean the sex?”

Your entire body was heating up due to the explicit topic of your conversation. “No—I mean, I don’t know. I don’t think I’m as…experienced as he is.” You glanced past Wanda to see your husband through the window, crouching by the fence with Vis. It was true that you had been harboring an insecurity about your ability to please him. You’d never been with anyone before him, and in your month of marriage, the few times you had been intimate with each other always fell below the mark. You had expected great passion and pleasure, but all you got were a few thrusts before he rolled over and went to sleep.

“Oh, honey,” Wanda cooed, reaching forward and placing her hand over yours. You startled at the touch as Wanda scooted closer to you so that you were almost touching. “That must be so difficult, especially since you haven’t been married that long at all.” You nodded as she moved her hand to your hair, tucking some of it behind your ear. There were a few moments of silence before she suddenly said, “You know, I think I have a great idea.”

Wanda planned it all so perfectly. She set up a hunting trip between Vis and your husband that would put them hours away in the forest for a whole night. They were to leave after dinner and return at lunch the next day, with Wanda preparing dinner and you preparing lunch for them to pack. Your hands trembled the entire time that you cut the sandwiches and packed them safely in brown paper—you were entirely uncertain about Wanda’s plan that she only vaguely explained to you.

She said she wanted to be your mentor. Since she was older, wiser, and more experienced, she said she had so much knowledge to offer you about the intimacies of marriage. You hadn’t quite caught her drift until she told you to stay the night with her while your husbands were gone so she could teach you some things—about how to please your husband. You expected her to have some sort of sultry magazine to show you, or perhaps she would simply sit you down while you had a private moment and tell you some tips or tricks. You never expected what Wanda really had in mind.

The four of you ate dinner at Wanda’s dining table, and you were silent for the majority of the time, too nervous to eat much. Wanda was cheerful and charming as ever, and your husbands took off once they were done eating. You helped Wanda to clean up the table, complimenting the dinner and helping her to wash dishes. You didn’t say anything about what was going to happen afterwards, nor did she, as if it was just a perfectly normal dinner between two women.

The time came when the kitchen was all cleaned up and the leftovers were put in the fridge, and Wanda turned to you. She smiled softly, reaching for your hand and taking it in her own. “Follow me, sweetie.”

You found it hard to breathe as Wanda led you up the stairs of her comfortable home, bringing you into her bedroom. It felt wrong to be there in such a private room that she shared with her husband, although it was just a normal bedroom with a perfectly made-up bed and a bathroom attached to it. Wanda kicked off her heels in the corner, and you did the same, feeling the carpet soothe your aching feet.

“Now,” Wanda sighed, standing in front of you and caressing your arm, which both soothed your nerves and worsened them. “You told me that you’re a little…innocent in the area of…wifely duties,” Wanda said her words carefully, having to stifle the crawling smirk on her lips as excitement whipped within her. Her heart was beating hard in her chest with anticipation as you stared at her nervously. You were so young and so innocent, and while she had felt a swirl of guilt when she made this devious plan, she assured herself that she was only being a good mentor to you—even if it was to her own greed and fascination with you.

“So, I’m going to mentor you tonight,” she continued, rubbing her palm over your shoulder and letting it cup the side of your neck. “We’re going to pretend that I’m your husband, and you are your own pretty little self,” she said quieter, and the casualness with which she spoke made your face go red. This couldn’t be normal, you thought to yourself, but you reminded yourself that Wanda knew so much more than you and that you should trust her.

Wanda looked over your face for a moment before she suddenly leaned closer. You froze, confused at what she was doing, until her breath fanned across your mouth and her lips pressed against yours. It was a fleeting kiss, because you jumped away from her touch and placed your hand over your lips, eyes wide.

“Wanda!” you exclaimed as your lips buzzed from the brief kiss that had you instantly feeling so many different, confusing things all at once.

“Sweetheart, relax,” Wanda purred with a smile as she neared you, placing her hand back on your neck. “I’m your husband, remember?” Her hand settled on the curve of your waist, and a wave of heat passed through you all at once. “Surely, you kiss your husband, don’t you?”

“Y-yes,” you stuttered as you looked up at her, the room starting to spin. “But—”

“Shhh,” Wanda shushed you, pressing her red fingernail against your lips. “How am I supposed to help you learn if you won’t let me teach you?” she whispered lowly, leaning down close again. You held your breath as you felt her lips graze yours, your varying shades of lipsticks mixing as she tantalized your lips. Something about this felt so wrong that you were about to crawl out of your own skin, but something about it also felt so right as Wanda pressed her lips against yours fully, her eyelashes tickling your cheek as they closed.

You were like a statue as Wanda moved against your frozen lips, until she pulled away to whisper against them, “Kiss me back… kiss me like you kiss him.”

She gave you a moment to nod before she kissed you again, and this time you moved your lips against hers. You had never thought much about how you kissed your husband, but in that moment, kissing Wanda, you considered every move and felt desperate to kiss the right way, the good way, in whatever way made her pleased.

So caught up in trying to kiss her well enough, you didn’t notice that your lips turned hungry and the kiss fiery. Finally, Wanda pulled away, and you instinctively chased after her lips until she gently kept you away with a hand on your chest. She looked down at you, smirking, and you realized you had completely ruined her lipstick that was now smudged all across her mouth.

“I’m sorry,” you breathed, shrinking within yourself at embarrassment over being too eager.

Wanda shook her head and cupped your cheek. “Don’t apologize, sweetheart. That was great. You’re very good at kissing.” Her voice sounded strained as she discreetly licked the taste of you from her lips, and you worried that you had made her uncomfortable.

You blushed under her stare as she slowly backed away from you towards the bed, sitting on the very edge. “Undress,” she simply commanded you, and the order made you stiffen.

“Undress?” you echoed.

“Mhm,” she hummed, something glinting in her eyes as she stared at you.

“Completely?” you squeaked. Only your husband had ever seen you naked before, but even with him you had never undressed in front of him while he watched.

Wanda nodded, letting her palms rest on the bed as she leaned back and crossed her legs, squeezing them rather hard together. “Come on, sweetheart. It’s part of the lesson.”

She was right. Did you expect her to just kiss you forever and suddenly you would be perfect in bed? Hesitantly, you started to unbutton the buttons of your dress, one by one, noticing the way Wanda’s eyes followed your fingers. You took in a deep breath and let the dress slip down to your ankles, revealing your frame dressed in only your undergarments now. Wanda’s lips parted at the sight, but when you made no motion to take the undergarments off, her perfect brow arched high on her forehead.

Complicitly, you reached to your back and unhooked your bra, letting it fall before you slipped your panties down. Goosebumps rose on your skin, and you resisted the urge to cover your private parts as you stood completely nude in front of Wanda who sat on the bed and darkly watched you, eyes raking down your figure as she sucked her tongue. Finally, she filled the silent air between you. “You are beautiful.”

Not letting too much of her lust for you show, Wanda snapped out of her trance and motioned for you to near the bed. You complied, following her finger until you stood right in front of her. Wanda eyed your body with hunger as she placed her hands on your waist, letting them glide upwards and turn inwards at your chest, taking both of your warm, soft breasts in her hands. Alarms blared in your mind at the touch, though it was not because it was uncomfortable, but rather because your nipples hardened at how much her gentle touch pleased you.

“You are so perfect, sweetheart,” Wanda breathed, and you wondered why she seemed as on edge as you were. She squeezed your tits, which caused you to let out a tiny squeak that made her smile. “Does he tell you how pretty you are?”

Your face grew even hotter at her compliments. Your husband had of course complimented you every now and then, but he never admired you with his eyes the way Wanda was. He never touched you just to feel you and appreciate you. He never had to control his breathing while letting out his compliments to your beauty. You had never felt this way before.

Wanda let her hands fall down the flat of your stomach, turning outwards to slide around your hips and down your backside, stopping to gently grab the hills of your ass. Your breath hitched at the feeling of her warm, soft hands grabbing you, and the way that her eyes seemed to darken by the second.

“So perfect,” she mumbled under her breath as she moved her hands to your thighs, gliding upwards until she let one hand slip between them and cup your heat. You jumped at the sudden contact that felt rather intrusive, but Wanda just marveled at how wet you didn’t even realize you were. “My, my,” she whispered as she soaked her fingers in your wetness, and as her fingers brushed your clit, you felt the heat in your face drop to your stomach and blossom there. When her fingers started to move towards your entrance, your hand involuntarily snatched her wrist. Her eyes flickered up to yours again, seeing the hesitant look on your face. “Trust me, sweetheart.”

You needed to trust her if you wanted to learn—you knew that. Although you kept your hand on her wrist, you loosened your hold, allowing her to slip one finger inside you. You heard Wanda gasp as your eyes closed at the penetrative feeling. She let her finger submerge deep inside you, curling it and swiveling it around to feel every inch of you.

“You are so tight,” Wanda groaned, using the next few silent moments to simply feel you.

Then she dragged her finger out and, to your utter shock, slipped it in her mouth. Your mouth fell open in surprise when Wanda’s green eyes fluttered shut and she let out a sensual moan as she sucked on her finger that was coated in your arousal.

“W-wanda,” you stuttered, and she opened her eyes and removed her finger to look at you, licking the remaining taste of you from her lips. “I’m really appreciative that you’re trying to help me, but… How is this going to help me better please my husband?”

Wanda gave you a warm smile and stood up, taking your face gently in her own. “I was getting to that, sweetheart. Stay here—I’ll be right back.”

You watched as Wanda disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. The room feeling cold and quiet now, you sat down on the edge of the bed and hugged your body. Was this normal? Was this wrong? Why was Wanda able to get you wetter and more riled up than your own husband? How would he feel if he knew that Wanda had seen you and touched you like that?

Before you could further dissect the complexities of the situation, the bathroom door opened. When you looked up to see that Wanda was standing there completely naked, except for something strapped onto her hips, your mouth fell open.

Wanda’s eyes ate you up predatorily as she sauntered towards you, but your eyes were stuck on the long, thick thing between her legs. “What is that?”

Wanda neared you and placed a gentle hand on your shoulder. “Some call it a… marital aid. It’ll help me teach you how to make your hubby feel good.” She was getting tired of having to refer to your husband to get you to cooperate, as she wanted to just have you all to herself. She didn’t want to scare you away though, which was also the reason why she went into the bathroom so she could snap her fingers and use her secret magic to enhance the strap-on dildo.

You eyed the thing fearfully as Wanda crawled onto the bed and sat against the pillows, spreading her legs a little bit as her strap pointed upwards. She tapped her thighs and gave you an assuring smile.

More curious than anything, you crawled up the bed towards Wanda, and once you had gotten over the object between her legs, you couldn’t help but stare at her nude body. She was so beautiful and so perfect, and she giggled when she noticed the way your eyes trained on her bare chest as you kneeled between her legs. Your cheeks blushed as you realized she had caught you staring, and although you felt the need to apologize, you felt that wasn’t the strangest thing about this situation.

Wanda reached out and stroked your hair as she began, “Tell me. Have you ever pleasured him… orally?”

Your eyes widened as you slowly shook your head, feeling embarrassed that you hadn’t done that with your husband yet. He was more traditional and never did anything outside of missionary that lasted thirty seconds.

Wanda smirked, excited to be the first one to have your mouth. “You do know what I’m talking about, right?”

You nodded from under her hand stroking your cheek. “I’ve heard girls talk about it before…”

Wanda nodded and then placed a hand on your shoulder, guiding you down. “Lay down on my lap, dear.”

Slowly, you lowered until your elbows were laying across her thighs, and her strap was inches from your face. You looked up at her doe-eyed, noticing the dilation in her pupils. You didn’t know that Wanda about to feel everything she was going to make you do.

“Okay, now just put your mouth on it,” she told you, unable to find any better words for what she wanted you to do. You looked at her hesitantly, so she gently stroked your hair. “Don’t be scared, sweetheart. I’m going to teach you how to use your mouth.”

Nervousness filling you, you opened your mouth and placed it around the large object, closing your lips only a few inches down it. Your mind started to process the fact that this object was much larger than your husband.

Wanda had to bite her lip to keep herself from moaning at the sensation. Cradling your head, she recovered herself to tell you, “More, baby. Put it all inside.”

Obeying her, you lowered your mouth down and down, trying to take it all in until the tip suddenly hit the back of your throat, inducing you to gag. Scared, you instantly removed your mouth from her, looking at Wanda with frightened eyes that involuntarily watered.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Wanda assured you, leaning forward to give you a kiss that, admittedly, calmed you down. “Go slow, my love,” she whispered, leaning back again and guiding your head back towards her strap.

Taking a deep breath, you reminded yourself that you needed to be good to please. So you opened your mouth and slowly took her length into it again, and when you gagged again, you tried hard to keep your mouth on it.

“Good girl,” Wanda said in a rather breathy voice. “Now suck.” Her hand was tangled in your hair as you suctioned your mouth, and you felt her fingers tug on your hair.

“G-good,” she breathed, “Now move your mouth up and down, okay? I’ll guide you.”

Her hand guided you by your hair to move your mouth up and down her cock, and you didn’t stop to think about how she could have felt you sucking. Each time the tip hit your throat, you silently gagged, and after a few minutes, your face was covered in tears and saliva.

“So good,” Wanda breathed, letting her eyes close as she felt you suck her off. She had been so curious as to how your mouth would feel, and now that every glorious inch was inside that warm, wet mouth of yours, she was in heaven. Your hair looked so pretty splayed across her thighs, your ass on display as you kneeled forward, the way your face had grown red and wet from your tears. She was lucky that you weren’t looking up at her when you started to grow comfortable and suck even harder, swirling your tongue around her length, because the look on her face was pure pleasure.

“Keep going, sweetheart,” she told you, and she couldn’t help but thrust her hips up a little into your mouth, listening to the sounds of you choking on her. She was struggling to control her breathing, and when you noticed and lifted your head to ask her what was wrong, she pushed it back down, lodging her cock deep into your throat. “You’re doing so good, sweetie,” she choked before she could no longer speak, having to bite down on her hand to restrain her moans as she came in your mouth, hips stuttering as her hand harshly tugged your hair.

Nearly blinded from her orgasm, Wanda quietly panted as she came down, watching you still work her strap, oblivious to the fact that you had just gotten her off.

“Alright, that’s enough, sweetheart,” Wanda said, and you lifted your mouth off her cock. She could have came again just at the sight of you, lips all red and swollen, saliva covering your chin, tears glistening on your bright red cheeks. Some of your mascara had melted around your eyes, and you looked so perfectly ruined. But she wasn’t done with you yet, not when she finally had you doing everything she asked. She was greedy, especially when it came to you.

“Hop up,” she told you, guiding you to sit up on her lap. She could feel your wetness on her thigh that had amplified while you pleasured her. She took a moment to kiss you, straightening your hair and wiping the liquids from your face.

“I’m assuming you have never ridden him?” she asked while her thumb swiped across your puffy lower lip, and you shyly shook your head. Wanda smiled at this also as she reached under you and took her wet shaft in her hand, letting the tip push against your entrance. Your eyes widened as you grabbed onto her shoulders. “It’s just the same, except you’re on top, doing all the work,” she told you as she swiveled the tip around your hole, her breath shaky. “This is very important for you to learn,” she said more firmly, and eventually you nodded in agreement.

She slid only the tip inside you before taking your hips and guiding them down. You hissed as her cock started to fill you, too focused on the stretch between your legs to notice Wanda’s subtle groan.

“It’s so much bigger than him,” you whined as pain filled you, but Wanda’s hands kept your hips under her control.

Wanda inwardly smirked at the compliment. “You can take it, sweetheart. Just keep going.” Wanda’s eyes fluttered closed when she finally felt herself all the way inside you, and it took all the strength within her to not flip you over and start fucking your tight pussy until it was completely ruined.

You whined and nuzzled your face against her shoulder, afraid to move your hips from the pain. Wanda, though eager, let you sit still for a moment, trying hard to keep her own hips still. Eventually, she started to guide you up, and you struggled through the pain as she slowly slid you up and down her length.

“You’re doing so good, sweetie,” she purred, again thankful that you weren’t looking at her as her mouth fell open. She let you go slowly for a few minutes until she could tell you were getting used to the pain. Wanda was growing way too frustrated, so she breathily commanded, “Ride me—faster.”

Lifting up from her shoulder, you noticed a strange look on Wanda’s face. Nonetheless, you did as she said, moving your hips on your own. Her strap was so deep inside you that as the pain melted away, pleasure throbbed within you. The stretch that previously hurt now felt like euphoria as you started to bounce on her strap, catching your own rhythm.

Wanda was about to go mad from having to control herself and her expressions, gently rubbing your lower back to make sure you felt okay as you started to ride her. She watched in adoration as you let out little moans, your eyes fluttering closed. She felt your walls clenching and throbbing around her, and you were so slick and wet that your juices dripped down on her thighs.

“Just like that,” Wanda gasped, letting out a guttural moan that made your eyes snap open.

“Wanda, what’s wrong?” you asked, assuming that the expression on her face was one from pain. You started to slow down, but she grabbed your hips and forced you to keep going, and the pleasure that brought you made you completely forget everything else.

Wanda thrust her hips upwards in motion with your own, fucking you so hard and so deep that your vision started to grow splotchy. You felt this strange pressure in your lower stomach, your insides starting to pulse and tingle as if something was about to happen.

“Wanda,” you pleaded, tapping her shoulder. Her eyes were closed in a concentrated look as she fucked you onto her strap, taking complete control. “Wanda!” you exclaimed, and she finally opened her eyes to look at you with concern. Worried she was really hurting you, she was about to stop until you said, “I feel like I’m going to pee.” You said it with such conviction and embarrassment that she almost laughed, until she realized that you had apparently never orgasmed before, not from yourself or your husband.

“Shhh,” she shushed you, thrusting up even harder. “It’s okay, just keep going.” She was starting to sweat, and you could see the glisten on her forehead as her cheeks reddened.

All thoughts of how this was going to help you please your husband left your mind as that pressure grew strong within you. You squealed and buried your face in Wanda’s neck, losing all inhibition and throwing your arms around her neck as she kept fucking you. Finally, that pressure broke, and pure bliss washed over your entire body. You couldn’t control the shrieks and moans that left your lips, and Wanda couldn’t control her own as she came inside you, her hands bruising your hips as her thrusts stuttered. You felt fire all over your entire body, but it felt so amazing. It was like there were a hundred heartbeats all going at once inside you, and when you finally started to calm down, you had never felt more relaxed.

Whatever had happened to you had happened to Wanda also, because when you pulled away to look at her, she looked just as spent and out of breath as you were.

Remembering the situation, Wanda regained her composure and grinned at you. “Good, very… very good.”

You let your finger wrap around one of her red curls, and Wanda grinned up at you. You felt something… different. As you thought about going back to your husband and doing with him the things Wanda had done with you, you didn’t want to do it. You had never felt with your husband the things you had felt with Wanda in your short time together. You didn’t even want to leave her arms, whining when she started to move to get up.

Surprised, Wanda leaned back down and snaked her arms around you. “You don’t want to get up?”

You shook your head, just staring at her as if she was a new creature you had never seen before. Not even having to ask why you were staring at her so, Wanda just held you closer to her, keeping herself inside you as she whispered in your ear, “I can’t wait to show you so many more things.”

#wanda maximoff x reader #wanda maximoff #scarlet witch #elizabeth olsen #lizzie olsen #lesbian #lgbt #marvel #smut #nsft #dark!wanda #dark!fic #wanda maximoff x f!reader #wanda maximoff smut #wanda maximoff x y/n #50s wanda #mommy wanda

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morbidsmenagerie · 4 months

Text

Making Better State Insects

So at some point I stumbled across a list of State Insects. Honestly I wasn't even aware states had "state insects", but as I looked down the list my disappointment grew. A vast majority of states had selected the European honeybee (which is not even native) as their state insect, with monarch butterflies and ladybugs being the two runner ups. I thought this was a damn shame because there's so many interesting insects in the US, so I'm making a better official new list of state insects.

For this list my criteria are:

Insect must be native to the state

No repeats

Insect must be easily observable to the naked eye

I also had general guidelines of picking insects that were relatively common (based on inaturalist heat maps of observation) and picking insects that were cool or interesting. Some of these insects I picked because I thought they were important parts of the areas culture and experience (lovebugs, toebiters, and periodical cicadas) and some insects I picked just to raise awareness that they exist in the US.

I also don't think I gave anyone huge L's, no mosquitoes, louses, cockroaches, ect, because my goal of this list is to get people interested in their native insects and I want it to be fun to find and observe your state insect.

Also some states get gold stars for picking state insects that already meet these criteria and are cool so they get to keep theirs. Some states also have "state butterflies" or "state agricultural insect" which for this list I'm ignoring, you can keep those I'm just focused on state insects. Slight disclaimer also, I've only ever lived in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and South Carolina, and all these states are keeping their original state insect. So all the insects I'm choosing are for states I haven't lived in. Also I'm not including photos in this post just for my own sanity.

List under the cut!

Alabama

Old: Monarch Butterfly

New: Giant Leaf-footed Bug (Acanthocephala declivis)

Leaf-footed bugs are cute, they're big, they're stanced up, the males have big back legs, you've probably seen them. Being true bugs they have piercing mouthparts and suck plant juices.

Alaska

Four-spot Skimmer (Libellula quadrimaculata)

Alaska gets to keep their old state insect, it's a cool dragonfly and apparently was partially chosen to honor bush pilots who fly to deliver supplies in the Alaskan wilderness, so really cool!

Arizona

Two-tailed swallowtail butterfly (Papilio multicaudata)

Arizona also gets to keep their state insect. Kind of a shame because Arizona has a lot of cool species, but it did meet my requirements and they get points for choosing a different kind of butterfly.

Arkansas

Old: European honeybee

New: North American Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus)

One of the largest assassin bugs in the US, these guys are appreciated by gardeners for their environmentally friendly pest control. They also look badass.

California

California Dogface Butterfly (Zerene eurydice)

Endemic to California and on a stamp! Again, kind of a shame because there's a lot of cool insects in California, but I respect this choice, especially since California was the first state to designate a state insect (1929).

Colorado

Colorado Hairstreak Butterfly (Hypaurotis crysalus)

Same deal as California, the state's name is in the common name, unique butterfly found in the four corners region. Just get a stamp or something soon!

Connecticut

Old: European Praying Mantis

New: Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)

You picked a state insect no one else had but went with a nonnative mantis? Here's an insect that'll make you stand out and it's a native species. Lesser known than some of the other giant silk moths, the Cecropia moth is the largest native moth and has some truly stunning colors.

Delaware

Old: Convergent Ladybeetle

New: Periodical Cicada (Magicicada septendecim)

Cicada's had to be somewhere on this list and Delaware was one of the main hotspots for brood X, one of the largest broods of the multiple staggered brood cycles. Hey, they have a lot of history in America. Accounts go back as early as 1733, with Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin making a note of them.

District of Columbia

Old: None

New: Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

The Entomological Society of America is trying to get the Monarch Butterfly added as our national insect, so I think that's reason enough to let DOC claim it.

Florida

Zebra Butterfly (Heliconius charithonia)

Florida gets to keep their state butterfly, but the populations that have existed in Florida are in steep decline. Ideally I would want being the official state insect to come with some protections, hopefully people can get invested in reintroducing them.

Georgia

Old: European Honeybee

New: Horned Passalus Beetle (Odontotaenius disjunctus)

Also called bess beetles or patent-leather beetles, these cute guys are important for forest systems because they eat decaying wood, helping to break down felled trees. They're cute beetles that squeak when disturbed.

Hawaii

Kamehameha Butterfly (Vanessa tameamea)

An endemic Hawaiian butterfly named after a ruling dynasty of Hawaii. Their population is under threat, as with a lot of native Hawaiian species, so I think this is a good state insect to build protections and activism around.

Idaho

Old: Monarch Butterfly

New: Ice Crawler (Grylloblatta sp. "Polaris Peak")

Look Idaho, I have to admit that even though I've traveled extensively through WA, OR, CA, and NV I've never stepped foot in Idaho and I don't intend to. Your state exists in a weird liminal zone, not really the pacific northwest but not really whatever Montana is either. Your state isn't even all in one time zone. So look, I really wanted ice crawlers to be on this list, but they're exclusively found on mountains in the pacific northwest and Sierra Nevadas. Normally I would've given them to Washington or Oregon, but those states already have state insects that work for them. So your state gets ice crawlers, and they do exist in Idaho in the panhandle. It's not an L, ice crawlers are amazing extremophiles that crawl over snow in high elevation mountain peaks. They exist in their own unique order and theres only one genus in the US, with different species being region locked, sometimes onto specific mountains. Their thermoregulation is so delicate, the warmth of someones hand holding them causes them to over heat and die. They're cool, unique, and weird, and let's face it so is your state. At least I didn't take a cop out by picking the potato bug.

Illinois

Old: Monarch Butterfly

New: Red-banded Leafhopper (Graphocephala coccinea)

Leafhopper done Chicago style.

Indiana

Old: Say's Firefly

New: Common True Katydid (Pterophylla camellifolia)

I wanted to give you Say's Firefly. I really did. But when I looked on Inaturalist not A SINGLE OBSERVATION was listed for the species in Indiana. I'm even going to post pictures.

So even though this is extremely funny I'm giving your state the Common True Katydid instead. Large, loud, and easy to spot, these guys can frequently be heard chirping in trees. Not only do different populations have different rates of chirp, but the rate of chirp is also so predictably dependent on temperature that you could make an equation to tell the temperature based on chirp rate.

Iowa

Old: None

New: Westfall's Snaketail (Ophiogomphus westfalli)

Really cool clubtail dragonfly that's almost exclusively found in Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas.

Kansas

Old: European Honeybee

New: Rainbow Scarab (Phanaeus vindex)

A kind of true dung beetle, they play an important role in removing waste. And although they don't roll waste like the stereotypical dung beetles, they are extremely pretty.

Kentucky

Viceroy Butterfly (Limenitis archippus)

This is fine.

Louisiana

Old: European Honeybee

New: Lovebug (Plecia nearartica)

Look, one of the southern states was going to get this one and Louisiana has a majority of the observations for them. Although annoying, it's things like having to scrape thousands of flies off your car that makes the Southern experience. Embrace it!

Maine

Old: European Honeybee

New: Brown Wasp Mantidfly (Climaciella brunnea)

I really wanted these guys to be somewhere on the list. Neither a wasp, mantis, or fly, these are predatory neuropterans related to lacewings. They have raptorial front legs (resembling a mantis) and their coloration resembles paper wasps that they live alongside. Weird, unique, and wonderful!

Maryland

Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas phaeton)

This butterfly might've been picked for the resemblance of the state flag. It's in decline in it's native range, so hopefully more awareness and consideration to state insects will help push conservation efforts.

Massachusetts

Old: Ladybug

New: Hornet Clearwing Moth (Paranthrene simulans)

Hornet mimic moth, the caterpillars feed on chestnuts and oaks. All lepidopterans (moths and butterflies) have modified hairs on their wings that form the "scales" that give this order their name. For this moth though, parts of it's wings don't have any scales so it more convincingly resembles a hornet. Underneath the scales, butterfly and moth wings look pretty much like any other insect's wing. Cool!

Michigan

Old: None

New: American Salmonfly (Pteronarcys dorsata)

The biggest salmonfly in North America. They make excellent fishing bait, and several fly fisherman use salmonfly lures to catch trout. Their nymphs are also an important indicator of water quality, with them being one of the first species to disappear in the presence of pollution or contaminants.

Minnesota

Old: Monarch Butterfly

New: American Giant Water Bug (Lethocerus americanus)

Also one of the ones that had to be on the list somewhere, and the Inat heatmap says Minnesota. Toebiters are part of the experience, and they are cool and ferocious looking.

Mississippi

Old: European Honeybee

New: Eastern Eyed Click Beetle (Alaus oculatus)

Click beetles have a cool adaption that allows them to launch themselves in the air to avoid predators. This makes an audible sound, hence their common name. The Eastern Eyed Click Beetle is one of the largest and most striking click beetles in the US, with large false eyespots on their thorax.

Missouri

Old: European Honeybee

New: Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pensylvanicus)

A soldier beetle that feeds on aphids and small plant pests, these beetles also eat pollen and nectar from flowers. They don't harm the flower, and though their common name reflects their preference for goldenrod flowers, they're also an important pollinator of the prairie onion (Allium stellatum). This is a native species of onion that grows from Minnesota to Arkansas.

Montana

Old: Mourning Cloak

New: Western Sheep Moth (Hemileuca eglanterina)

Mourning Cloak butterflies do technically work for my criteria, but I wanted to showcase some more regional insects in this as well, as Mourning Cloaks are found throughout North America and Eurasia. The Western Sheep Moth is an absolutely stunning giant silk moth, found throughout the western United States. Although not as big as some other silk moths, the bold orange and black coloration on these make them absolutely stand out.

Nebraska

Old: European Honeybee

New: Blowout Tiger Beetle (Cicindela lengi)

A tiger beetle with unique patterns, these guys are active predators and are particularly difficult to spot because they run extremely quickly. They seem to be pretty cold tolerant and exist from Colorado up into Canada.

Nevada

Vivid Dancer Damselfly (Argia Vivida)

This damselfly was picked as Nevada's state insect because it's widespread throughout the state and matches the state colors, silver and blue. That gets my seal of approval!

New Hampshire

Two-spotted Lady Beetle (Adalia bipunctata)

This is fine.

New Jersey

Old: European Honeybee

New: Margined Calligrapher (Toxomerus marginatus)

A pretty hoverfly, they strongly resemble bees in both looks and behavior. Larvae feed on common plant pests such as thrips and aphids, while the adults sip nectar and pollinate flowers. These helpful attributes make it something the Garden State can appreciate!

New Mexico

Tarantula Hawk (Pepsis grossa)

New Mexico wins the official state insect list by a landslide. Not only is the tarantula hawk a super cool and formidable insect to showcase, but New Mexico's state butterfly (Sandia Hairstreak) was discovered in New Mexico. No notes 10/10!

New York

Nine-spotted Lady Beetle (Coccinella novemnotata)

A native species of lady beetle that's been in decline in recent years, New York is one of the last remaining states where they've been spotted. I also appreciate that New York designated a specific ladybug species instead of just saying "Coccinellidae species".

North Carolina

Old: European Honeybee

New: Eastern Rhinoceros Beetle (Xyloryctes jamaicensis)

A large native species of rhinoceros beetle. They breed in ash trees, and are under threat due to competition from the Emerald Ash Borer.

North Dakota

Old: None

New: Nuttall's Blister Beetle (Lytta nuttalli)

As with all blister beetles, these guys have a chemical defense. Unlike the more famous Bombardier Beetle thought, instead of being black and red they are iridescent red/purple and green.

Ohio

Old: Ladybug

New: Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)

Look, when the one thing everyone knows about your state is that it sucks, it's time to lean into it. Bald-faced hornets, everyone knows them, everyone has opinions about them, and they get a lot of attention. I don't think I have to explain this one anymore.

Oklahoma

Old: European Honeybee

New: Giant Walking Stick (Megaphasma denticrus)

The largest insect in the United States. Being a native walking stick, they're less damaging than the imported invasive walking sticks that are heavily controlled.

Oregon

Oregon Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio oregonius)

Oregon in the common name and in the species name, and also has a stamp!

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Firefly (Photuris pensylvanica)

Pennsylvania in the common name and species name. If fireflies weren't already on this list I would've made sure to include them somewhere.

Rhode Island

American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus)

When I saw this on the list I was worried. American Burying Beetles are one of my favorite insects, but they're extremely endangered now. I also thought they existed more in the midwest, so I was worried I would have to change this one because it violated the "native to the region" rule. But! To my pleasant surprise, not only did their historic range extend to Rhode Island, but there is actually a carefully maintained wild population on Block Island. They estimate between 750-1000 individuals live there, making it one of the few remaining places where the American Burying Beetle still exists. Excellent work Rhode Island!

South Carolina

Carolina Mantis (Stagmomantis carolina)

This is fine. I wanted to give South Carolina the Palmetto bug but they're actually not native.

South Dakota

Old: European Honeybee

New: Golden Northern Bumble Bee (Bombus fervidus)

"Save the bees" should really be focused on native pollinators, many of whom are in decline. There are a lot of species of native bee you can feature as a state insect, with the Golden Northern Bumble Bee being a particularly large and striking species.

Tennessee

Old: Firefly and ladybug

New: Black-waved Flannel Moth (Megalopyge crispata)

Seriously look them up, these guys are adorable.

Texas

Old: Monarch Butterfly

New: Rainbow Grasshopper (Dactylotum bicolor)

It was really hard to pick an insect for your state. The Texas Unicorn Mantis was a contender but I eliminated it because it's really only found in the southern part of Texas, so it was between the Rainbow Grasshopper and the Eastern Velvet Ant (or Cow Killer). I went with the Rainbow Grasshopper because it's more wide spread and common, and occurs everywhere except the east part of Texas. But the Eastern Velvet Ant only occurs on the east part of Texas, maybe you should get an East and West Texas insect? I also thought more people have probably already heard of the Eastern Velvet Ant than the Rainbow Grasshopper, which is a shame because they're super interesting to look at.

Utah

Old: European Honeybee

New: Mormon Cricket (Anabrus simplex)

Mormon Crickets are not true crickets, and instead closer related to katydids. Their common name comes from an early account of Latter-day Saint settlers in Utah. In 1848, a swarm of Mormon Crickets decimated the settler's crops, so the legend goes that they prayed for relief from this plague of insects. Later that year, a swarm of gulls appeared and ate the crickets, thus saving the crops. This is recounted in the "miracle of the gulls" story. To recognize their contributions, the California Gull is commemorated as Utah's state bird. I thought it was fitting then that the Mormon Cricket be recognized as your state insect.

Vermont

Old: European Honeybee

New: Long-tailed Giant Ichneumon Wasp (Megarhyssa macrurus)

A pretty wasp with an extremely long ovipositor, these wasps are common in deciduous forests across the eastern United States. They can't sting, and instead use their long ovipositor to stab into tree bark and deposit eggs on the horntail larvae that burrow into the trees.

Virginia

Old: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

New: Giant Stag Beetle (Lucanus elaphus)

A large stag beetle native to the Eastern United States. Although not as well known as their similar looking fellow stag beetles from Japan, these guys are a lovely chocolate brown instead of solid black. Like most stag beetles, they breed in decaying wood.

Washington

Green Darner Dragonfly (Anax junius)

I imagine this was chosen because it matches the flag.

West Virginia

Old: European Honeybee

New: Appalachian Tiger Beetle (Cicindela ancocisconensis)

This tiger beetle likes hilly terrain. As with all tiger beetles, they can be hard to spot because they run across the ground in search of prey. They are fast! But this can make it more rewarding when you finally catch up to one.

Wisconsin

Old: European Honeybee

New: Phantom Crane Fly (Bittacomorpha clavipes)

Don't believe old wive's tales about crane flies drinking gallons of blood, they are nonbiting. Those striking black and white legs are hollow, and are held out when they fly, making an extremely distinct sight that's been likened to sparklers or snowflakes.

Wyoming

Sheridan's Hairstreak (Callophrys sheridanii)

This is fine.

#insect #insects #state insect #long post #list #text post #entomology #bugblr #invertebrates #invertiblr #inverts #invert

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teaboot · 1 month

Note

Since I've seen many posts about people missing how common asks used to be, I have been trying to send to more asks to engage more. I really don't want to bother anyone though so I'd love to know if you enjoy receiving asks and if so what kind of asks. Detailed? Vague? Work? Fandom? Movies? Books? Childhood? Gardening? Thoughts? OTPs? OCs? I'm sure there are way more categories, I'm not limiting you to these listed options. Perhaps if it's an easier question what types of asks do you not like?

pPAAASGGFYGGJIK THANK YOU?

Detailed asks good yes

Vague asks??? Do not understand but open to the concept

Fandom: My first Fandom was X-Men, then Lord of the Rings, then Homestuck, Transformers, Fullmetal Alchemist, Teen Wolf, Avengers (first movie, when it came out), Batman, Overwatch briefly, Mass Effect, Gravity Falls, Trigun, and now my sister's getting me into Call of Duty! Feel free to ask about any!!

Movies: Yes movies are a great topic I have SO MANY

Oh lord I haven't consistently been up to date on books in FOREVER but yes books are good, you can ask book questions, I'm reading a lot of old classics and recently finished Pride & Prejudice, am now on The One That Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

Childhood- oh my god bud you have no idea

Gardening- My house is full of plastic plants on account of how good I am at killing things

Thoughts- Always

OTPs YO YES

OCs? YO YEAH GO FOR IT I NEVER TALK ABOUT THEM aaaaah I need to start writing again- I've been working on an urban fantasy for like. God like 7-8 years now

If I don't like an ask I'll just ignore or delete it but not much is off the table. I will not answer where exactly I live, who I am, if I'm a specific person you met, etc. for safety reasons.

I've worked in sex education so I can answer questions on that topic but if you get too personal or abrasive I will not respond.

I'm regularly flooded with donation requests and it's often too hard to figure out which are real and which are scams using stolen legit posts so as a general rule I do not spread those, I'm sorry.

And if you pop in to sexually harass me or use abusive language towards myself or others then I'm just gonna block you and delete the message.

If you want to warn me that a post I shared came from a bad source I do appreciate that, but if I do my research and can't find a legitimate reason to block someone then I probably won't.

I consider Legitimate Reasons to block someone on recommendation to be abusive language and behaviour, threats, bigotry, propagation of misinformation, production of AI content, and encouragement of dangerous behaviors that pose genuine harm to self or others. I'm not gonna block a random cause they enjoy Steven Universe and you think it's annoying. We all like stuff.

Womp-womp.

Thanks for asking!!! I probably shoulda talked about some of this myself, lol

EDIT: Terfs and radfems are block on sight, it's not your fault you're dumb but I am not capable of educating all of you

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anti-spop · 27 days

Note

Hello! I just saw ur post saying g hintlow is badly written in your opinion. Could you please tell me why you think so? I'm kinda curious?

I also didn't really like huntlow since it kinda came outta no where all of a sudden but what do you think??

*cracks knuckles* (just kidding lol)

Honestly, I just think H/untlow has several writing problems. I'll be pointing out the main reasons I think so under the cut. If anyone who follows me or comes across this post ships H/untlow, it's totally fine, just please don't send me hate for what I'll say here:

Hunter and Willow have nothing in common. The show forces the "half a witch" thing onto Hunter despite the fact he was never called that anywhere in the show, he's usually just called annoying or a brat. Besides, Hunter could be a metaphor for disability considering he doesn't have natural magic powers (until the show decided to kill off Flapjack, but I'll get into that later). However, Willow is not the case. She may not be good at abomination magic, but she's incredibly powerful with plant magic. But for some reason, the show treats these experiences as equals, even though that's a thing Hunter has more in common with Luz than Willow (and in this case I'm not talking through a romantic lens).

Hunter and Willow are out of character. Hunter, the prodigy and the emperor's right hand, becomes utterly pathetic and wimpy just so Willow can look like a badass girlboss. And Willow then just comes off as cruel sometimes. I appreciate Willow for being nice but also being a badass, but even then, Willow was never cruel prior to her meeting Hunter. She apologized to Luz when she realized she could've hurt her, and when Willow met Gus she was patient and understanding, teaching him a breathing technique to calm him down. I'm not saying Willow has to be overly nice, but she just randomly captures Hunter to make him join her flyer derby team. And at this point she doesn't even know that Hunter is the Golden Guard, so she just... attacks a random kid and scares him for no reason. Worse yet the fact that she drags him into the ground THE SAME WAY BELOS DOES in Hollow Mind. Even after Hunter tells her he's "half a witch", Willow isn't patient with him, she's just a brute again. Which is my next point:

Unhealthy power dynamic. Hunter refers to Willow as "captain", and it's honestly a red flag to me. I am NOT saying Willow is abusive. However, we have to remember that Hunter's abuser uses his position of power to mistreat him. Hunter looks up to someone who's not an equal to him and in turn, he does not value himself. And Willow never seems to realize it and explicitly say that she's not his leader, she's his friend. This pairing is basically the girlboss/malewife model, but not only does it not make sense, it's not healthy for Hunter to fall in love with someone who has power over him, and who might be paralleled to his abuser as I pointed out before.

Ruined character arcs. I think most of us agree that Hunter's character arc was unsatisfactory as he became another Caleb without ever processing it, but Willow was definitely done dirty as well. Willow never had her own episode, not even Understanding Willow was about her, it was more about Amity. Any Sport in a Storm also focuses more on Hunter. Even Gus had more character development than Willow, despite the fact he was also done dirty in the end. Willow's breakdown wasn't carefully developed, it was never hinted in Thanks to Them or anywhere before that. It came out of nowhere in For the Future, and in turn it just pushed Hunter's character (and Gus, literally) aside so he could save Willow. And this is yet ANOTHER point I hate:

Willow only reciprocates Hunter's crush when he gains powers. Seriously, for the longest time I didn't even think H/untlow was going to be mutual. Only Hunter seemed to be attracted to Willow, by blushing and being shy around her. Willow never seems to see Hunter in another light in the following episodes, not even in Thanks to Them despite them living with each other for months. That only happens in For the Future, which left a bad taste in my mouth. Like I said before, Hunter might be considered disabled, but his disability is "cured" with magic, and ONLY THEN does Willow fall for him. That contradicts the entire message of the show, which welcomes and celebrates disabilities.

And overall, Hunter and Willow never have a genuine emotional connection. Hunter has more connection and things in common with Luz, Gus, and even Amity (and sadly, his parallels with Amity were never really explored after Eclipse Lake). Hunter and Luz don't have magical powers. Hunter and Gus are both taken advantage of by others, and they have an identity crisis, not knowing how to trust themselves anymore. Hunter and Amity then, they were both raised in an abusive household and they're expected to be someone they're not, and they have to push everyone else down so they can be better. But Hunter and Willow don't share this kind of connection. They might touch on the "half a witch" thing but that never deepens. And in For the Future, it comes off as rushed, and Hunter has to push down his grief for Flapjack to save Willow. Not to mention Gus and Hunter never get to talk about Caleb - Gus always knew about Hunter's secret, and not even THAT gets a satisfying payoff because the show is more concerned in making H/untlow canon. But that would have to be its own post.

Sorry this got long, lmao. I have very strong feelings about how H/untlow was handled. I actually used to ship it at first, I think it COULD'VE worked. But they don't even seem to be close friends at the very least. It sucks because even R/aeda was written better despite the fact it had less screentime than L/umity. Sure, Eda and Raine were ex-lovers, but I thought their relationship was written very well for the most part. I don't know how the writers dropped the ball with H/untlow this way.

#asks #toh critical #anti huntlow #<- tagging for blacklist #not spop #abuse tw

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waokevale · 3 months

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Looks at you with my eyes sitting in front of you like I'm interrogating you (but it's actually a really nice cozy room). I have heard tale of this WXwood ship. Tell me what you find compelling about the ship I'm considering joining you in WXwood land. Literally just say words at me I'm listening

Alright, very well then, so I shall! 🫡

At first, it was kind of an ironic ship for me, because they seemed like the classic "opposites attract"

But once I got digging, I found they're not actually that opposite, they share plenty of things in common and neither is actually a black or white character. Inevitably I became enthralled with this ship and now it's one of my top 3 or so OTPs.

Here's my reasoning and what I found:

1. WX-78 is actually a bit of a softie if you dig through their quotes enough. They act tough and logical to presumably hide whatever ounce of empathy they have left, that didn't escape them completely. (But they're not doing too good of a job)

Etc. They either use this uncharacteristically soft tone or hide a kind gesture or well-intentioned thought behind robotically constructed sentences and insults.

And of course, I don't have to show the quotes for machines or metallic structures, since WX openly sees them as their family and acts basically the same as Wormwood does with plants.

Meanwhile, Wormwood isn't always an empathetic creature. He can sometimes be callous, apathetic and even have favorites amongst plants (and people too), though he doesn't directly state that. He also isn't as dumb as he portrays himself to be, he definitely knows something, but either has too limited English speaking skills or is actively choosing not to say much.

He often sobs or cries when a creature dies, but there are times he reacts with either "whoops", "oh" or "too bad" like it's a small inconvenience at best.

And those are only some of the examples (I can't show them all since I'm answering this on my phone and therefore there's an image limit)

2. Here's a reason why, despite being vastly different at first, they'd ultimately become friends:

WX-78 actually likes plenty of things that correspond to Wormwood, it's likely for them to eventually settle, once they know enough about him.

And what are those things they like, you might ask?

Bees (going back to their previous quote) since WX is frankly enamored by bees, and since Wormwood blooms, there's countless of them surrounding him. if they were to hang around him, they'd hang around bees too. 👌

Their quote for green gem is: "PRESSURE AND IMPURITIES HAVE PRODUCED PLEASING PERFECTION" which is. well. Something.

They're very fond of pumpkins, describing them as: "IT HAS A PLEASANT SHAPE" while their seed as "IT IS A SOURCE CODE FOR PLEASING PLANTS" And guess who just happens to have a pumpkin skin ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

The lunar affinity. WX practically WORSHIPS the moon, it wouldn't be surprising that, if they found about this aspect about him, they'd get very excited and embrace it, because c'mon, it's the moon. They have dozens of quotes describing how THE MOON IS SUPERIOR, I wouldn't be able to fit all of them into this post, just trust me on that.

WX-78 doesn't hate all organic life, besides they're just playing out a role. But they do certainly appreciate some plants, such as potatoes and lureplants. The former because they can relate to them (potato battery) and the latter because "AWW, IT'S JUST AS EVIL AS I AM". Would it be too farfetched if with his influence they'd grow to appreciate organic life more?

3. Wormwood's quote for W.A.R.B.I.S armor suggests that he admires WX and would like to mimic them. (Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery after all)

4. The survivors farming animation is quite charming, I certainly loved their small interaction there. They're also shown in the official Return Of Them vignette, farming on the side.

5. I like the fact that one of them is afraid of water and the other of fire. Adds an interesting dynamic.

6. They just work. Despite wanting to "DOMINATE ALL ORGANIC LIFE" WX-78 appreciates people who can stand up for themselves. I'd guess Wormwood would be a huge pushover at first, no doubt, but with their influence, he would certainly have to grow a spine (metaphorically speaking)

Likewise, WX-78 struggles to show kindness to non-robotic creatures, because they fear they might come off as WEAK and SENTIMENTAL. Things they loathe to expose about themself. Wormwood could help them show that it's okay to love organic friends and be nice to others! (sometimes at least.)

I'd say they balance out each other perfectly and that is quite rare to see in modern pairings. While they'd definitely struggle to get along at first, they'd surely grow fond of the other one day :)

I hope this convinced you. if not, I'll try and dig up some more stuff. Then again, keep in mind that there aren't many canon character interactions besides whatever crumbs we've got from their quotes and official animations.

#dst #wxwood #dst wx78 #dst wormwood #why you should ship them #hear me out!!!#they actually work great together

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atlaculture · 1 year

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Cultural Fashion: Kahola Pt. 2 - Clothing

Kahola is a character from Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game Core Book. He is the child of Southern Water Tribe pirates. His design is inspired by Ainu culture.

As this is not the first time I’ve written about Ainu clothing, expect a lot of quotes from my previous posts. I think one of the reasons Ainu clothing was chosen for Kahola’s design is the preponderance of blue in traditional Ainu clothing, just like in the Water Tribe. There’s actually a practical reasons for this:

The color blue is actually closely associated with the Ainu people, due to natural indigo (aizome/藍染め) being one of the most common and resilient traditional dyes in Japan.

So if you ever wondered how the Water Tribe gets enough blue to dye all of their clothing that trademark color, they likely get it through trade with ATLA’s Japan-equivalent, Kyoshi Island.

Regarding the patterns and designs all throughout Kahola’s design...

Traditional Ainu decorations favor bold, geometric shapes along the openings of the clothing. These decorations were seen as charms that warded off evil spirits and protected the wearer, hence why the the patterns appeared on areas of the clothing considered vulnerable: Collars, cuffs, hems and backs... From a practical standpoint, adding embroidery and applique to the areas most vulnerable to wear and tear extends the life of a garment, in addition to adding aesthetic appeal.

Unlike the designs of the Kyoshi Islanders--- which had to be simplified for animation purposes--- Kahola’s Ainu-inspired clothing gets to be as beautifully elaborate as its real-life inspiration. The embroidery and appliques (kaparamip / カパラミプ) added to the robes are said to be imbued with the love and soul of the embroiderer. The designs of these appliques are inspired by aspects of nature that Ainu people view as embodying strength and protection.

For example, the swirls on Kahola’s leggings are called moreu (モレウ), meaning spirals. These spirals are stylized representations of whirlpools, symbols of power in Ainu culture. Considering Kahola is both a waterbender and a pirate, he likely shares a similar reverence for them. The designs on his lapels are called ayusi (アイウシ), meaning thorns. This design is meant to ward off evil spirits from the wearer, just as thorns ward off predators from plants. Finally, the boxy patterns on the coat are called utasa (ウタサ), meaning intersecting shapes. They do not seem to represent any specific element of nature, but appear to act as general protection charms.

Finally, underneath their distinct robes, Ainu wear form-fitting undershirts and leggings. It’s worth noting that the patterns on Kahola’s sleeves loosely resemble Ainu hand tattoos, which also acted as protective charms. He also wears sandals, which are quintessentially Ainu (and Japanese) footwear.

Overall, I like Kahola’s design almost as much as I like Tsemo’s; I just wish it was for a Kyoshi Island character instead of a Water Tribe person. Both of his parents are Southern Water Tribe pirates so his choice of clothing doesn’t really make sense for the arctic seas. And Ainu aren’t any more known for being pirates than any other Asian ethnicity. I believe he was primarily given this design to distinguish him from the other waterbenders in the game. Personally, I would’ve put Kahola in a parka, put his guardian (Honu) into a Yakut-inspired dress, and have Honu come from the Northern Water Tribe. That way you’d have a SWT, NWT, and Swampbender character.

Like what I’m doing? Tips always appreciated, never expected. ^_^

https://ko-fi.com/atlaculture

#avatar #atla #Avatar The Last Airbender #water tribe #Kahola looks exactly how I imagine Sokka and Suki's child would look #Can I just pretend he's Sokka's kid?#Cultural fashion #avatar legends

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holywizardheart · 2 years

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Why do people fall in love with you?

Please don't take it too seriously. 😉This is a common layout for everyone. You can choose one of three options and take what resonates.💕

Please enjoy this reading🐶

☕Pile 1☕

Hi, guys let me start this reading. You guys are very understanding and responsive people. You always accept the person as he is and never go against them. You always try to be active and energetic in contact with people. You mind your own business, especially when it comes to relationships. You strive to avoid all sorts of love triangles as much as possible. Because you know it won't end well. People admire your unusual aura, it feels like you are not like other people. You're completely different. You are also very responsible about business and are a determined individual. People like this trait of your character. Reasonable and logical, a little cold when it comes to work or business. You can have pets or love taking care of animals.

Sagittarius placements, Saturn dominant, Cancer placements, 2nd house placements

🍃Pile 2🍃

Hello, pile 2, welcome to my reading. Wow, girls, you are so hot and attract a lot of male attention. But you know it's like you're always rejecting them. To be honest, I feel a little sorry for them. They then suffer from the fact that you often ignore them and do not pay due attention. You are also perceived as an energetic and cheerful person. Maybe because of it, they fall in love with you? As I mentioned, you don't get into a relationship quickly and it will take you a lot of time. But people appreciate the help and support from your side. You always cheer up and give pleasant memories. You're like an ouch of the sun and people like it. For some, it may be difficult for you to take the first step or start something new. But you are a quite curious person. Perhaps you like to study and learn interesting facts. That's why people fall in love with you. Maybe you're good at communication and sharing ideas. You love spending money on yourself and dressing stylishly. Do you like plants or generally being in nature?

Venus dominant, 3rd house placements, 2nd house placements, Jupiter dominant

👑Pile 3👑

Hi, option 3 I am very glad to see you in my post and let's get started. Wow, you radiate such confidence and harmony. You must have high self-esteem and know your worth. Quite stable and prefer living only for yourself. There is also certain greed here, and perhaps you don't like spending money. To this, I also want to add that you are friendly and polite to everyone. People like to spend time with you, and it always causes them admiration and delight. But like other people, you have your worries and responsibilities. People notice how you try to pay attention even if you have a mountain of work. You are very curious and expect bright perspectives from the future. You are optimistic about everything that surrounds you. People fall in love with you for these character traits.

Sun dominant, 4th house placements, 2nd house placements, 1st house placements

Do you find interesting skateboarding or riding a bike?

#pick a picture #pick a card #pick a pile #pick a deck #pick a side #tarot reading #tarot witch #daily tarot #tarot deck #tarot cards #free tarot #tarotblr

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hlficlibrary · 10 months

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✤ Secret Relationship Fics ✤

A series of posts with the top five fics of each category by kudos plus five more hidden gems from that category! Remember to leave kudos and a comment on the fics you enjoyed to show your appreciation! You can find our other recs here.

- Top 5 H/L Fics -

1️⃣ Fall Into Your Gravity by @zarah5 (E, 74k)

AU. In which Harry is an overnight pop sensation and Louis steals plants, Zayn pulls Liam's proverbial pigtails and Niall's really just pleased there are more girls for him.

2️⃣ Emperor's New Clothes by sunsetmog / @magicalrocketships (E, 92k)

The fact that Louis’s most precious belonging was a cat with a face like thunder and an uncanny ability to cover every single inch of Louis’s clothing with cat hair was something that Louis chose not to think about too much.

or: Harry’s a pop star and Louis isn’t, and there’s a non-disclosure agreement where there used to be a relationship.

3️⃣ Hands Clasped Tight by @afirethatcannotdie (E, 44k)

“What am I looking at here?” Harry asks.

“This, my friends, is a ‘proof’ Instagram account, run by your students,” Liam announces.

“It’s got all this stuff about how the two of you are together,” Niall adds.

“I heard about that,” says one of the math teachers. “Confiscated a kid’s phone today when they were looking at it. I have to say, the evidence that you’re dating is pretty damning.”

“Really,” Louis says dryly. “Do you think being married for three years might have something to do with it?”

Or the one where Harry and Louis are high school teachers and their students have been playing matchmaker for over a year. Little do they know, Harry and Louis are already married.

4️⃣ Learning to Breathe by youcomecrash / @drunkharrystyles-blog (E, 110k)

He’s playing football at one of the top universities in England and he should love everything about his life right now, but instead he’s moving backwards. How does your past fit into your present? Louis is still figuring it out.

5️⃣ so keep my candle bright by whisperdlullaby (E, 78k)

louis returns to his hometown after four years to find that the reverend’s son has done some growing up of his own.

HIDDEN GEMS:

💎 Caught In Your Gravity by @lululawrence (NR, 62k)

It felt like the blood froze in Harry’s veins even as he got a bit lightheaded. He hadn’t even made it two practices, only one of which he was remotely in charge of, without giving it all away and now he and Liam were both absolutely fucked.

“Shit,” Harry breathed out. “Who all have you told? Does everyone know? I thought I covered it better than that…”

“No, no,” Louis said quickly. "They’ll figure it out soon enough, though, because they’ll get used to you changing things up, but you’re only going to trip over your so called Americanisms for so long before they realize it’s because you don’t actually know fuck all about football.”

Harry sighed. “Yeah. I figured. I just need to bullshit for long enough to allow Liam to get the situation figured out from his end.”

“Right, which brings me to my entire point. I think we can find a mutually beneficial arrangement with all of this.” Louis leaned forward. “You need to learn the ins and outs of the sport incredibly fast. I can help you with that.”

“What do you want in exchange?”

Or, an AU inspired by a 30 second trailer of Ted Lasso that doesn't actually have much in common with the show at all.

💎 Old Photographs & Times I'll Remember by @jaerie (E, 54k)

Carefully he set that negative down and lifted the paper to see there was another beneath. This one again was a young man, this time posed against an antique car. He lifted a few more negatives out one by one, each a portrait of the same man with various backdrops. The man in a meadow, in an office, leaning against a doorframe — even one in his underwear grinning at the camera. On the edge of each negative printed in slanted, handwritten characters were the initials and date. H.S. 1924.

He quickly but carefully packed them back into the box and buzzed with excitement. He couldn’t wait to develop them to see exactly what had been captured in the images. It was a find that felt like a puzzle to piece together.

H.S. was likely the man in the photographs as well as the owner of the suitcase. Who was he? Why had his suitcase found its way into Niall’s attic? Was he still alive and well somewhere in the world?

A camera, a suitcase, and a relationship forged through time.

💎 On Thin Ice by @neondiamond (E, 16k)

As the goaltender for one of the best hockey teams in the world, Harry never expected participating in his second winter Olympics would be so eventful. His hidden long-term relationship with the captain of their biggest rival team may have something to do with it.

💎 I Can Build Your Heart A Home by LiveLaughLoveLarry / @loveislarryislove (T, 10k)

“I was just thinking," Niall says. Did you know that Louis came out as gay last year?”

Harry nearly chokes on his drink, just barely managing to swallow. “Hrng,” he manages, trying not to cough. “Um. Yeah, I think I saw it on Facebook. Good for him.”

“Well.” Niall shrugged. “I figured it just made sense."

Harry feels goosebumps rise on his arms. “What do you mean?”

“I just think you and Louis should date,” Niall says. “I think you’d be good together, you know? You were friends in high school, weren’t you?”

“Erm.” Harry swallows. “Friends isn’t exactly the term I’d use.” Niall doesn’t need to know what terms he would use.

Or, Harry and Louis kind of secretly sort of dated in high school. Now it's two years later and they're both back in town for Christmas and it's awkward. Until it isn't.

💎 Battle Of The Balls by bluegreenish / @greenblueish (M, 5k)

“Rim of the hole, Haz, really?” he gazes at the camera again. “This is getting demonetised and honestly, rightfully so. How are we still allowed to make videos? YouTube, why don’t you just do yourself the favour and delete our channels?”

“After everyone sees that I win this game though,” Harry winks, dimples still showing.

or, the one where YouTubers Harry and Louis play Golf With Friends, go to the pub with Niall and return home six hours after posting the video.

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maniculum · 5 months

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Bestiaryposting: Holghras Results

Now for what everyone -- or at least a certain percentage -- has been waiting for: the results for the Holghras! Anyone who found that sentence confusing can catch up by checking this page: https://maniculum.tumblr.com/bestiaryposting .

This time around, they should all fit into one post, as the response was a little smaller. I see how it is: everyone wants to draw Spooky Corpse-Eater With Magic, but nobody wants to draw Horny Bird With Problems.

I kid, of course. The Wutugald had some pretty clear visual elements that people could hook onto, but the Holghras entry is mostly about its behavior and doesn't give much information on what it looks like beyond "it's a bird". So it's pretty clear why people might have a harder time drawing artistic inspiration from that one. (And I really and truly appreciate those of you who took a crack at it anyway.) The level of physical description is going to vary a lot entry to entry, I'm afraid -- to some extent I think it's about whether it's an animal the reader is expected to be familiar with, but there are definitely a few detailed visual descriptions of animals most medieval Europeans would have seen because the author wants to do some symbolism. So it's a toss-up. Anyway, here's the link to the description people are working from:

And the results, again roughly in order of appearance. If yours isn't here, let me know -- I saw one post that said something about Tumblr eating their original attempt, presumably out of Bird Homophobia. I'm happy to reblog any that I missed due to Tumblr's functionality.

@bruncikara (link to post here) gives us our first interpretation. I really enjoy the medieval bestiary style, including the use of the Generic Medieval Plant that always reminds me of mutant asparagus. I think the border is designed to evoke the thorns in which the Holghras nests, which I also appreciate. The bird's pose, flat on its back with its neck curved up, is great, and it's shown performing its signature Hide With Dirt move. I think at least some of the inspiration comes from quails here, judging by the head... feather... thing... [Wikipedia break] ... okay, apparently it's just called a "plume", which I should have guessed. This is the first example of the common (and correct!) assumption that the Holghras is a member of the order Galliformes.

@jamiethekeener (link to post here) gives us this one, also posing with its signature dirt clods. I'm reminded of a cardinal, personally. The artist provides a brief comment on their design, noting that they are not a bird expert. I think this is a pretty cute juvenile bird, and the way it holds the dirt comes off as kind of playful.

@silverhart-makes-art (link to post here) has produced another very naturalistic drawing, which (in my non-expert opinion) manages to look very much like a real bird without specifically looking like any bird in particular. They apparently do know birds, because they specifically name-drop Galliformes in their description of their design decisions. I like the decision to also include one of the bird's Signature Behaviors, i.e., the mother carrying her chicks.

@pomrania (link to post here) has given their Holghras a selection of striking features, which they explain in their post. There's a lot in that post, actually, and I really enjoyed reading the whole journey of this particular drawing. You should go read it too -- the post linked above also provides a draft version, a link to a series of progress sketches, and a link to an explanation of their design choices that includes rumination on how to make a bird look "slutty". Go check it out, we'll be here when you get back.

@sweetlyfez (link to post here) describes her design choices briefly, indicating that her goal was to pick Bird Attributes that could look unsettling in combination and suggest that the bird depicted has a "terrible sex life". Mission accomplished, I think -- that bird does not look trustworthy. Also now we know that thing on its head is just called a plume, so good for us. I really like the effect the -- watercolor? I think? I don't know art -- provides, and that seagull-esque spot on its beak really is a great touch.

@rautavaara (link to post here) has done another beautifully stylized drawing with a very pleasant color scheme. They provide a brief explanation of their design decisions in the linked post. I'm particularly struck by the fact that this version of the Holghras apparently carries its young in the same way that the folkloric version of the stork carries babies: in some kind of cloth wrapping held in the beak. I also like that the chick's feet are sticking out.

@mobileleprechaun (link to post here) apparently had some trouble posting this, but I'm glad they got it through, because it's delightful. I like the little bird on the right with its feet sticking straight up, and the other one under its mother's wing/arm. When I first saw this, I was briefly puzzled why the drawing contrasted male and female birds, because they looked quite similar -- then I noticed the tailfeathers -- then I looked more closely at the male's tailfeathers and cracked up a little bit. The linked post provides a brief explanation of the design decisions, including why the wings look so much like arms. It also has a couple tags that I find funny.

@karthara (link to post here) provides this excellent image as well as a brief explanation of their design choices. I love the over-the-top tailfeathers on the extremely-sexy purple male Holghrases, and the babies dangling from under the female's wing, and the fact that the clod of dirt being held up by the juvenile is at least as big as the bird holding it. Also, those ridiculous tailfeathers are apparently inspired by the Onagadori rooster, which means we're back with the Galliformes.

@embervoices (link to post here) did this adorable drawing of the juvenile Holghras. I particularly like that she's taken a different route than having it just hold up the dirt: this one apparently has a little hidey-hole like a trapdoor spider. This is just very cute all around, I like it.

@cheapsweets (link to post here) provides this excellent and action-packed depiction, along with a wonderfully detailed explanation of their design decisions. (I love reading those.) From their post, it's clear that they also know more about birds than I do, and also name-check the Galliformes as the most likely category. Apparently the bird-people of Tumblr have this critter's number. Also, that is a masterful depiction of a bird running off with an egg, I have to say.

@coolest-capybara (link to post here) has done another medieval-styled rendition, which I really enjoy. This is also, I believe, the first appearance of a human in any of these drawings. (Well. Live human, at least.) I enjoy the depiction of the female bird doing her fake limp to lead the human away from her nest while the males engage in their weird drama up in the right. They provide an explanation of their design choices and inspiration in the linked post.

@scarlettbookworm (link to post here) has given us a drawing that showcases several of the odd behaviors described in the entry. The linked post also provides a description of their design process and an explanation of their decisions. I think this is another very cute picture of a bird holding up dirt, and I enjoy the one at the top shouting "HOLGHRAS!" The egg-stealer over in the bottom right is very good also.

@moustawott (link to post here) has drawn this very vulture-like Holghras in what I have to say is a very well-done bushy area. I had to look twice to realize the background was actually cleverly-arranged splashes and blobs of color that strongly suggest that we're in a bush. Very good art, love the style, and that fuzzy baby Holghras is cute as hell. The linked post provides an explanation of the design decisions.

@strixcattus (link to post here) gives us this rendition of the Holghras, which they describe as being inspired by a prairie chicken and a potoo. Prairie chickens are, of course... Galliformes. Another tally mark in that column. I'm particularly delighted by the giant mouth on the chick in the bottom right. As they did last time, the artist has provided a detailed modern-naturalist interpretation of the animal, which is of course in the linked post. I recommend checking that out; maybe it's just because I'm the kind of huge nerd that I am, but I think these are great.

@treesurface (link to post here) gives us a Holghras that they describe as a cross between a bird of prey and a bird of paradise, which I think is a pretty good idea that fits both the aggressive behavior and the mating behavior described in the entry. I enjoy the fact that multiple artists have decided this bird Likes Big Tailfeathers (and it does lie, but about different things).

@ashfly (link to post here) gives us this picture of a juvenile Holghras holding up its clump of dirt. They also indicate that they have an idea of what it is, which I really hope they'll share now that it's posted and the bird's out of the bag, because I was 100% certain nobody would guess this one. The fuzzy bird is cute, of course, and the rainbow legs are really striking. (Pride legs, perhaps?) I also like that it's clearly looking over at the "camera" to see if we're buying it.

And finally, the official medieval depiction:

... hm. Yeah, some absolute bastard apparently cut out a bunch of the miniatures in this manuscript at one point. Luckily, we have the Ashmole Bestiary over at the Bodleian Library, which is extremely similar, so we can get an idea of the image that was here:

And also, this entry in the Aberdeen Bestiary comes with two images. Here's the other one:

I'm going to assume the choice of coloration was up to the individual artist and the missing Aberdeen illustration was also brown, because the Ashmole version of the egg-stealer also has the more colorful pattern:

Anyway, in case you haven't recognized it from these helpful and very accurate images, this is the partridge. Now you know what's going on in those pear trees.

I don't actually have anything else to add about that. I was frankly a little surprised there was even an entry for "partridge".

#maniculum bestiaryposting #holghras

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