#feel so lucky to live in a world where some amazing works can be found online

[went-out]

Fanart for Retail Therapy by Hocus on AO3... Or inspired by it?  

for @friendshipgun 

#retail therapy #in the spirit that I crave verse #friendshipgun #wintersberg #ethan winters #karl heisenberg #like thank you for sharing #no background #because I didn't know what to make #since they travel so much #fanart #my art #kinda #How do you express your gratitude in a convincing way #feel so lucky to live in a world where some amazing works can be found online #for FREE! #THANK YOU!!!

[cutielando]

lucky number 100 ~ lando norris

Summary: Lando finally gets the win he deserves in his 100th race.

Word count: 1.2k+

Other works: my masterlist

♡♡♡♡♡

100 races.

If someone had told you that you would be with Lando and see his 100th race with McLaren, you would've probably laughed in their face.

You and Lando have been together for years, you being by his side ever since he started his racing career. You had never missed a race, not a weekend went by when you weren't seen on the paddock proudly wearing your boyfriend's number on your back.

With the COTA Grand Prix coming up, it also being Lando's 100th race in Formula 1, it was safe to say he was more nervous than he usually was.

That is precisely the reason why it was 1 in the morning before race day and Lando couldn't get himself to go to sleep. Thoughts plaguing his mind, all sorts of scenarios regarding the race going through his head.

You had fallen asleep earlier that evening, having been exhausted by the qualifying and everything. However, you woke up a little past 1, stretching your arm over Lando's side of the bed in search for his warmth but you were met with the cold sheets, making you frown.

"Honey?" you called out, rubbing your eyes and waiting for a response.

When you couldn't hear anything, you pulled the covers off your body and took Lando's hoodie that had been discarded on the floor and pulled it over your head.

You opened the door to your bedroom and walked out, quietly searching for your boyfriend in the middle of the night.

You found him sitting on the couch in your living room, watching TV with the volume down with a lost look in his eye.

"Baby, what are you doing up? You need to get some sleep before tomorrow" you said, making your way over to him and sitting down next to him, snuggling up in his arms.

"Sorry, I couldn't sleep. Kept fidgeting so I decided to come out here so I wouldn't wake you up" he wrapped his arms around your shoulders and kissed your temple, savoring the feeling of your body snuggled up to his.

"What's got you worked up?" you whispered, trailing one of your hands up and down his chest, knowing it was one of the things that helped calm him down in any situation.

"The race, I guess" he shrugged, not being able to really pinpoint the trouble himself.

"What about the race?" you pushed, knowing he had to get whatever it was off his chest.

"I don't know, I just feel like everybody expects me to win because it's my 100th race and everyone will be disappointed if that doesn't happen and I'll let everyone down"

You nodded your head, understanding now where he was coming from.

A lot of his fans and people in the F1 business are constantly talking about him winning this race, how amazing it would be if he did it and how it has been long overdue, which obviously puts a tremendous amount of stress on him.

If he does deliver, he's going to be on top of the world. But if he doesn't, people are going to judge, they're going to talk shit and judge him.

"You don't have to listen to anyone. Screw what other people are saying, you don't need to put this pressure on yourself. Just drive how you know you can and let the result be whatever it may be. I'm still going to be proud of you, regardless if you end up being P1 or P20, baby" you raised your head and took his chin in your hands, making him look at you.

"You're not going to be disappointed if I don't win?" his voice was so soft and vulnerable, it made your heart break at the thought of possibly being anything but proud of him.

"Baby, no. I'll be proud of you if you finish first and I'll be proud of you if you finish last. That doesn't matter to me. All that I care about is that you are safe and come back to me in one piece. I love you, and I'm always going to support you in everything, but you need to stop letting these things get to you. You know what you're capable of, put that talent to use and have fun"

He sighed but a small smile made its way on his lips before he slowly nodded his head.

"You always know what to say, one of the many reasons why I love you" he leaned in and pecked your lips, bringing you into an even tighter hug afterwards.

"I should consider switching my job as a full-time wag to being a motivational speaker" you joked, enjoying the sound of his laugh filling the room.

♡♡♡♡♡

"10 minutes to go" Lando's engineer said as he poked his head in his driver's room where the two of you were hanging out.

Lando nodded and his engineer left, leaving the two of you alone again.

"This is it" he spoke up, looking at his hands which were fidgeting on his lap.

You took his hands in yours, intertwining your fingers with his in order to calm him down.

"Remember, don't push yourself too hard and risk crashing or getting hurt. It's not worth it. You'll get your win, baby, but don't push it today if it's not meant to be. Be safe, please"  

Lando nodded and gave you a reassuring smile, kissing you deeply after you stopped talking.

You squeezed his hand as you pulled away and stood up, motioning that you should get going.

You walked with him until you got to his car, giving him one final kiss before he got into the car and put his helmet on.

Lando's engineer motioned for you to join him, giving you a pair of headphones so you could be up to date with everything happening.

You all watched the formation lap before every driver got into their respective positions. You held your breath as you saw the lights before it was time to finally begin the race.

Lights out.

♡♡♡♡♡

He did it.

He had won first ever race in F1. 

You couldn't explain the pride and love that filled your heart when he was the first one to see the checkered flag.

He had absolutely dominated the whole race, managing to overtake every single car on the track and maintaining his position when it seemed that he might be under attack.

You don't think you had ever seen him drive better than he did today.

"Y/N! I did it!!!" he shouted as he ran to you, helmet and balaclava already off.

"I'm so proud of you, baby!!" you squealed and jumped into his arms, squeezing him like never before.

"Oh my God, I did it, my love. This is all for you" he exclaimed, holding you tightly and squeezing your waist.

"No, Lando. This is for you. You've been waiting your whole life for this, you've worked so hard all these years and today everything finally paid off. I'm proud of you to the moon and back, baby" you pulled away from the hug just enough so you could lean in and kiss him, pouring every single feeling of pride and adoration for him into the kiss.

"I love you so much" he muttered against your lips, refusing to let go of you when his PR manager called him for some interviews.

"I love you too, my winner"

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[archiveikemen]

Liam Evans Main Story: Chapter 25 (Crazy Love)

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection. I do not own any of the original content. Please support CYBIRD by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

❥･• Warnings and FAQ

If life was a fairytale, it’d be easy to be happy.

As long as you refrain from “doing the wrong things”. For example…

Entering a forest that’s off limits, opening a door you shouldn’t, knowing a forbidden secret, and—

…

Kate: Thank you so much for the help you’ve given me all this time.

Colleague: I’m going to be so lonely without you here. But I’ll always be hoping for your success. Take care, Kate.

My colleagues bid me farewell after I told them that I would continue my service to the imperial court.

I reassured them that there were amazing people at the court, and working there would be like a promotion.

They were delighted to hear that. But had I told them what my new job truly entailed and who I was living with, their response would definitely be much different.

At least, that was me a month ago.

I said goodbye to the post office that smelled like ink and walked away, wiping away the small feeling of loneliness.

…

London, the capital of England, was the world’s most prosperous city under the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria.

Everyone lived their lives by their own desires, and today was no different.

In a corner of the street, I spotted a poster of my lover.

(Ah… it’s a poster of Liam.)

The poster announced the performance of a new play at The Scala called “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame”, with Liam starring as the main character.

And the premiere was tonight.

— Today, I’m lying to Liam about one thing.

Liam was unaware that I was going to watch the play.

(Liam got me tickets for the closing show, but I bought myself tickets to the premiere without telling him.)

(As a big fan of theatre, of course I have to secure tickets for myself!)

(Also…)

Liam was always gifting me bouquets of flowers, so I wanted to surprise him tonight by buying him flowers too.

(Fufufu, I hope I can give him a surprise.)

…

I went to a flower shop in the ever so lively Leadenhall Market to choose flowers for Liam.

(What kind of flowers should I get him? There's Gerbera, Cosmos… Ah.)

Amongst the various flowers on display, I found some modern roses that resembled the colour of Liam’s hair.

Modern roses were the flowers Liam often gifted me.

(... Yep, I’ve decided. I’ll go with these.)

Kate: Excuse me. Could you kindly put these modern roses into a bouquet for me, please?

Florist: Sure! These flowers are pretty rare and we don't always have them in stock. You’re very lucky.

Florist: By the way, did you know that modern roses have a very wonderful meaning in flower language?

Kate: No… what do they mean?

Florist: Modern roses signify “gratitude”. For example, you’re grateful to have met someone.

(“I’m grateful that I met you”.)

(I don’t think I’ve ever said that to Liam.)

– Flashback Start –

Kate: Thank you so much, Liam. I’ll be sure to cherish them well, so that they’ll keep blooming for a long time.

Kate: If I display them by my room’s window, they’ll definitely bring a smile to my face tomorrow morning…

Liam: If flowers can make you smile every morning, then I’ll give you however many flowers you want!

– Flashback End –

Ever since we met, Liam has gifted me countless bouquets of flowers that signify “gratitude”.

(What was Liam feeling each time he gifted me those flowers?)

(Has Liam… ever received such beautiful flowers from anyone?)

Throughout his life, there was probably not a single person who celebrated his existence.

Liam was physically and mentally wounded, to the point where he felt hopeless and wanted to give up on himself.

But I believed that Liam possessed a pure heart that cherished the people around him dearly.

It must've been so painful for him to live in such a cruel world with that kind heart.

I wished that he would throw his kindness away instead of bear the burden of his pain and suffering, but that was definitely not the kind of person Liam was.

(I can’t turn back time, but I can still express it to him from now on.)

(From now on, I’ll tell him often how grateful I am for him.)

(I’ll continue celebrating his existence.)

…

Seated close to the seats on the first floor of the theatre, I watched the curtains rise for “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame”.

– Flashback Start –

Tom: Liam, overcome your struggles. After “Hamlet”, play the role of Quasimodo in “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame”.

– Flashback End –

Just like he promised to that day, Liam portrayed himself as Quasimodo and overcame all odds as him.

Quasimodo (Liam): “This world I live in can be so cruel that there are times I want to look away from it, abandon it… and even stop living.”

Quasimodo (Liam): “But, even so… I have to keep on living!”

Quasimodo (Liam): “Until the day this heart stops beating…!”

The final lines were followed by an atmosphere so silent you could hear a water droplet fall.

— One second, two seconds, three seconds.

Then came a roar of non-stop thunderous applause.

I stood up from my seat and clapped for Liam as he stood under the spotlight during the curtain call.

(Ah… he shines so bright. So, very, bright.)

His graceful bow towards the audience made him look like a beautiful star people longed for, but I knew that my hands could touch that star.

Curly Haired Lady: … *sniffle*

Freckled Lady: Goodness, why are you crying? … *sniffle* I’m crying too. Something feels different about Liam, don't you think?

Curly Haired Lady: … Yeah. I can’t really say it well… but he seems much happier than before.

Hearing the voices of Liam’s passionate fans made my lips relax into a smile.

(Ah…)

My eyes met Liam’s from afar.

Liam: :D

(H-He noticed me.)

Liam flashed me a broad smile when he saw me, and winked at me.

Liam: ;)

Curly Haired Lady: Kya! H-He just…! Liam just winked at me!

Freckled Lady: Y-You fool! Liam winked at me! ME!

Curly Haired Lady: Nooo, me! Liam~! I love you!

Freckled Lady: Not fair! I love you too…!

Liam: :0

Liam: Haha.

…

One of the theatre members told me to wait for Liam on stage, and so I stood there on the empty stage after all the audience had left the theatre.

The spotlight above was so bright, I involuntarily squinted my eyes.

(... With a light this bright, there’s no escaping from or hiding anything.)

Whether it's in the light or in the pitch darkness, there was no such thing as remaining completely unharmed.

Sometimes, life can be so cruel that we feel like throwing it away.

Liam: Kate.

Kate: … Liam.

Despite that, I never want to let go of this miracle — every moment when our eyes meet, when we're breathing together, and when my heart races with excitement at the sight of him.

However embarrassing it may be, I held tightly onto even the tiniest bits of hope, wanting to live.

Until the day darkness comes for us.

Standing face to face with each other, I held out the bouquet I had hidden behind my back to my lover.

Kate: Congratulations on the premiere, Liam! Also…

Kate: Thank you for being alive.

Liam: T-These flowers…

Liam: … Haha. … It’s my first time hearing someone thank me for being alive.

Liam awkwardly accepted the bouquet.

— He smiled with genuine joy.

Kate: I didn't expect you to see me from the stage. I wanted to surprise you.

Liam: These eyes were made to look for you.

Liam: By the way, what were you looking at just now?

Kate: I was looking at the spotlight. It’s so bright.

Liam: When you lie down here and look up — it’s even brighter.

Liam laid down on the floor and patted his side, motioning me to lie down next to him.

Following him, I joined him on the floor under the bright spotlight.

(Woah…)

Kate: The lights kind of look like the stars in the sky, don't they?

Liam: … Yeah, I know.

Liam: Hey, Kate… do you know of this saying?

Liam: The moment you get to a place where the stars are within an arm’s reach, you’ll find it difficult to breathe. Within seconds, you’ll be on your way to heaven.

Liam: I don’t really understand, but for some reason it’s just always in my head.

I found myself staring at Liam’s profile as he spoke.

Kate: … If you could go to that place where you could touch the stars, would you want to?

Liam: If I could touch the stars… huh.

Liam reached a hand towards the spotlights hanging from the ceiling.

Liam: Even now, I still long to touch something as beautiful as the stars.

I recalled the day when he told me that everything apart from himself was beautiful.

Liam: But…

He pulled me close with an outstretched arm, firmly holding my shoulder.

Liam: Right now, however dirty or ashamed I feel… I much prefer being able to touch you like this.

Liam: I always will.

Liam: Perhaps, this way, I’ll always be happy.

As Liam spoke with a soft smile—

I leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss on the neck.

Liam: … It tickles.

Liam just living on with a beating heart was enough for me to see him as the most beautiful person in the world, like the brightest star in the sky; and yet, he would most likely spend the rest of his life refusing to acknowledge his beauty and wishing to become a star while carrying the burden of his permanent scars.

(Even if you never realise how beautiful you are, I’ll always stay by your side and watch over you.)

Liam: I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Liam: I don't know what will happen, but I think it’d be nice to have you with me…

Liam: I hope that you’ll have me in your eyes tomorrow too…

Kate: What are you talking about…? I’ll always be waiting for you to spend our tomorrows together, until you get sick of it.

Liam: Then… let’s be together until the very last second of our lives.

Liam: Ahh, I’m looking forward to tomorrow…

Enveloped by the light that resembled the stars in the sky, we waited for our tomorrow to come.

Our hearts beating together.

#ikemen villains #ikemen series #cybird ikemen #otome #cybird otome #ikevil main story #liam main story #liam evans

[carnationworld-writings]

Guess it's never really over (Caspian x fem!reader)

To read my other works, check my MASTERLIST !

Paring: Prince Caspian x fem!reader

Universe: The Chronicles of Narnia

Word Count: 1363

Requested: Yes, by so amazing annon 💜

Warnings: Mention of longing, crying, separation from loved ones, and food.

If I forgot about anything feel free to write to me. Your wellbeing is important to me!

Summary: Where she and Caspian meet again in a different world.

You went to Narnia with the Pevensies on their second journey there. You immediately fell in love with this world and the young prince you met there. You were lucky enough to be able to come back to Narnia to the Dawn Treader and have more time with Caspian. You spent every minute you could together. You tried to help him as much as you could. And he made sure to show you that he appreciated it. Your safety was the most important thing for him. 

When you found all the lost lords and defeated the darkness, you met Aslan holding each other's hands. You all could not believe that it was yours last time there. You allowed Lucy and Edmund to say their goodbyes to the young king, and then you fell in Caspian's arms with tears. 

Caspian held her close to him, gently stroking her head with his hand. She leaned into him, quietly sobbing into his chest. He needed to close his eyes to stop his tears. 

"Love… it will be alright. I am sure that one day we will meet again. "He moved so slightly to take her face into his hands. He gently whipped her cheeks, trying to smile at her, but she could see his pain. 

"I don't want to leave you. I needed to do it once, and I lived the whole year with this longing. I am not sure if I can do it again." 

"You can. I know it. It will be hard at first, and trust me… I don't want you to leave Narnia. But I have a feeling that you are needed in your world. You can find happiness there, even if now you think it's impossible." Caspian gently stroked her cheeks and kissed her forehead fondly.

"How can I find happiness when I leave my heart with you here?" She moved her hand to the back of his head. 

"Someday… someday someone special will cross your paths, and you will feel whole again." Caspian's voice shivered at the thought of his lover with someone else, but he knew it was true. "I will always be part of you, just like you will always have a special place in my heart. I will always love you." They both could hear Lucy sobbing even more when Edmund tried to smooth her.

"I love you, Caspian. Truly and forever." He leaned down and gently connected their lips. She felt thousands of butterflies in her belly. But then the thought that it was one last time painfully squeezed her heart. 

You came back to your world. You tried to learn how to live there again. You had Lucy, Edmund and even Eustace to help you - they all saw your suffering. You ended school and found work, trying to help people. Even when you tried, there still were days when the only thing you could do was wrap yourself in the blanket and think about the young king. 

One day, you walk home after work and do some quick shopping (after all, you need something to eat). When you looked around, wanting to cross a street, your heart stopped - on the other side, you saw Caspian the Navigator. 

She stopped suddenly in the middle of the street and couldn't believe her own eyes. Just a few steps before her was him - Caspian. He was in his Narnian clothes, and a few people who passed him looked at him strangely. The bag she was holding fell to the ground, and her hand went to her mouth. She blinked a few times, but he was still there, and his eyes finally fell on her. Firstly, shock replaced confusion, and after a few seconds, a wild smile - a smile full of love - showed on his face. It was his smile that made her sure that it was him. She started walking, and the horn from a passing car awoke her. She looked around and tried to safely come to him. She stood before him, and tears came to her eyes. 

"It's you… you are here." She whispered, and he nodded. 

"I am, love. I still don't know how, but I am here. And I think that you're the reason I'm still here." She sobbed loudly and fell into him, nearly knocking him over. He hugged her tightly, lifting her a little and taking a deep breath. "You have no idea how much I missed having you in my arms." He whispered into her hair, kissing the top of her head. 

"I think I know… because I dream about falling asleep with you next to me every night." She smiled, snuggling her face into the crock of his neck. 

After a while, you both returned for your things. You showed him the way to your home. The whole time he looked around, charmed by your world. He asked so many questions, and the only thing you could do was smile when you answered him. He held your hands tightly when he watched passing cars, fascinated by them. All you could do was to bring his hand closer to your heart, watching his face. At that moment, you could watch how he changed in the time that passed, and he only became more handsome (and before you thought it was impossible...). You asked him if he wanted to meet with Pevensies immediately or if he'd like to rest and change first. At his request, you brought him to your home. You found some more appropriate clothes for your times for him. When he walked in, you couldn't tear your eyes from him. He looked so different but still so, so good. 

You prepared some tea and something to eat. You talked about the time you were separated. Caspian told you how he came to your world. He told you how everything was in Narnia after your departure. He made you laugh and smile more times than you did since you returned from Narnia. You showed him how different things worked - his favourite being the radio. You watched him with a big smile, and when the ballad started, he stood up before you with an outstretched hand in silent question. 

She took his hand, and he led her to the centre of the small room. He brought her close to him, and she rested her head against his chest. They started to gently sway just like years before at his coronation ball. He rested his head against hers, and they both closed their eyes, wishing for this moment to last forever. After a few moments, when the song had changed, she looked up and slowly brought her hand to his bearded cheek. She caressed it with her thumb, making him smile. He rested his forehead against hers, squeezing her waist gently. 

"I still can't believe I can hold you in my arms again." He whispered, feeling how she moved her hand to the back of his neck. "I dreamed about it every night since you disappeared. And every night, I prayed that I'll have the opportunity to tell you how much I love you once more."

"And we have it." She smiled, nuzzling her nose against his. "We are here together. And I will fight even with Aslan himself to make it stay this way. No matter where - here or in Narnia - I will fight for us to stay together. But… Would you like to stay?" He heard the uncertainty in her voice, and it squeezed his heart painfully. He stopped his movement and looked straight into her eyes.

"With you, my love, I would stay anywhere - just to be with you. Here, in Narnia, in the deep of the sea. It didn't matter. I want to be with you." She could fight the tears that came into her eyes. Caspian rode his hand and gently whipped them with his calloused fingers. With a slight movement, she softly pulled his face closer to hers. Finally, she connected their lips to a kiss full of love, longing and a promise of a better future. Because even if they didn't know at that moment how they would do it - they would spend it together. 

Author’s note: Thank you so much for reading! If it’s not too much trouble, I would love to hear your thoughts about it. Any feedback is greatly appreciated and motivates me to work.

I am sorry about every grammar mistake and misspelling. English is not my first language.

Klaudia  💜

Taglists are always open! If you want to be added fill this up or send me an ask!

Caspian taglist: @elennox03​ @live-love-loki @effielumiere​ @blackst0nes7077​ @mystic-writings​  @radcloudenthusiast​ @siriuslyslyslytherin​ @90steaology @mandos-crest @kaqua​ @aleksanderwh0r3 @anne-kollay​ @my-love-i-am-a-mess​ @crowssixof​ @x-heartrender-x @siriusbarnesslut @sassybadqueen​  @mrs-brekker15  @florqlness​ @multifandomrandomgirl​ @ctrl-z33 @aleksanderblack @wecallhimbrowneyess @nyx2021​ @poisxnedmind​ @rominaszh @sophiavrodrigues @frutilooplupin​

#prince caspian x reader #prince caspian fanfic #prince caspian fanfiction #prince caspian fic #prince caspian #prince caspian imagine #Prince Caspian X Fem!reader #prince caspian x you #prince caspian x y/n #King Caspian #king caspian imagine #king caspian fanfiction #king caspian x reader #king caspian fanfic #king caspian x y/n #king caspian x you #caspian x reader #caspian x you #king caspian x fem!reader #The Chronicles of Narnia #the chronicles of narnia fic #the chronicles of narnia imagine #chronicles of narnia #narnia imagine #narnia

[whatgaviiformes]

i'm absolutely windswept

I started Thunderteers in May of 2019. I remember very distinctly being out to dinner with Hubs, coordinating the AU concept almost entirely for a long, epic first story. We were at a Chili's and I had my usual indecisive platter of appetizers as my meal. As of today there's only been 3 chapters of what mapped out that day. Some of it made it to paper. I've never been great at those long epics - I love reading them, but my writing brain is most solid with the 1K-6K word length.

So I started building the world with fic. I wrote about Virgil playing the violin, and how he made music. I explored Gordon's accident, and what it could've happened in place of a hydrofoil. I reached for Military!Bros instead of my usual FishTank, and explored the truth behind legends. I forced myself to make and break OCs, spent way too much time researching when songs were created, recipes of the time, if certain animals were classified the same way, and what name a city may have had in 1774.

Other things I decided not to research at all.

Above all that, before I posted a new story or fic, I asked myself if the imagery was there, and was it something I was proud of? Because I knew - the only way I could get others to set sail with me, was to make sure I was taking you on the journey. Not if it was historically accurate, but does this feel like our boys, and are they interacting with the environment in a way that feels like it would still be them? Is it possible to still see Gordon? Still see Scott?

That was my first AU.

Naturally, in asking myself this, I've had different images in my head all this time, and I was lucky enough this month to have the chance to ask the amazing @chenria to bring one of them to life for me. You can find the post below:

Sailor Gordon by Chenria.

Go like it, reblog it, send her support, consider joining her patreon if you can. She knocked it out of the park, and in so doing - inspired me along the way.

If you decide to read Thunderteers, just know - it's not always beautiful.

But this one - it's all love and heart. I've written the snippet for Windswept as a thank you to chenria's amazing work, to everyone who puts up with my reblogging posts for the age of sail (#ships ships ships) or who tag me in things to see, or have Wellerman living rent free in their heads and let me play along. Thanks to those that have read the story, maybe cried along, or sent me words of encouragement.

Thank you for letting me experiment with language and story, and sometimes - when I get really lucky- for the words I've written to matter to you.

*****

Windswept (~500 words)

As far as clouds go, Gordon is among the strangest. The wind tugs at his clothing, hanging loose and informally on his silhouette, and at his hair where he stands aloft amidst the sails. The seabirds close to shore weave their dance between the ropes above, circling him curiously. Even though his form is strange to them, he’s not unwelcome in their home in the air. If anything, he’s just a part of the flying clouds that make up the rigging of their ship.

The gulls’ calls sound like laughter, and he smiles with them. The birds will accompany the ship for a time, darting towards the quick meal at the bow where the front of the ship often disturbs the sea life below. If the voyage is to be a lucky one, they’ll grace the wood of the ship with a gift or two that’ll be left to wash away only with the next rain.

Gordon can feel the sway of the ship stronger from above; though with the Thunderbird still anchored close to shore, the waves are gentle as they lap against her firm hull. The movement is a tease for the voyage ahead, as Gordon has always found himself more comfortable in their journeys out to sea than he’s ever felt in his tentative steps on land. The ship has watched him grow and come of age, from awkward limbs racing up the rigging, to strong shoulders heaving her lines and helming her wheel. She’s given him the freedom to roam, to explore lands and seas unknown, and even with the thrill of adventure, Gordon feels most safe in the comfort of her embrace. If that isn’t a home, he doesn’t know what else is.

He knows her in the early morn - the way the sunrise paints cotton and how the mist tingles at the fuzz on his arms at the start of his shift. He knows the echo of their shanties within her oak beams, and the squeak of her joy when the creatures of the sea ride along with her bow waves upon them really catching the wind and when the tang of citrus remains on his tongue from breaking fast.

He knows her in the rain, the smell of wood and cotton when burdened with wet from above as well as below, the crackle of lightning in its brief and staggered illumination of her flags. He knows her in the cold, when the puff of his breath is visible and the wind cuts into his skin. Among whales, massive and elegant as they groan their song into her hull.

He knows her in the evening – Virgil and John’s cooking and their different nuances for flavor and spice, the vibrato of Virgil’s violin paired with the warm timbre of the Scott’s cello pulsing along her foundations. The way she creaks below Alan’s eager footsteps.  He knows the soft glow around flame-lit lanterns in the darkest of night and the hush of melodies uttered in multiple languages up towards twinkling stars. The way his hammock rocks him to sleep with her movement.

He knows her in both fair winds and motionless skies, in the brightest of sunlit days and the most cloud-covered of nights. Through doldrums, archipelagos, and the far reaches of the seas, and along coastlines, he knows her.  

And his soul trembles just as she does, her unfurled sails shuddering in anticipation of catching the wind.

TBC..?

#gavii scribit #privateers!AU #thunderteers #there might be more to this moment eventually but for now a small snippet of a scene

[blacksa1t]

Hello! long time no see.

Funny enough, as i have checked Deviantart daily, favouriting people artworks and trying to interact with them when i can, but never had the time or motivation to post my own works.

WELL, this journal may get a bit long as i'll ramble a bit about the year that is about to end in \\looks at clock \\ 20 minutes from now. So if you don't want to bother with that you can scroll at the bottom to the text in bold that will say 'PLANS FOR 2024' if you are more interested into that.

Now, let's get started.

2023 Has been quite a year for me.

Started quite rough, due to past mistakes and behaviour on my part towards some people that was uncalled for- which also brought me to be less online and rather stay in a confort zone, sharing mostly art with friends i knew i could trust and helped me see my mistakes and how i did grow out of it and how i still can better myself. The large influx of AI art has also unconsciously made me post less art, it has been a grim year for artists and if you are blocked, its solely because you used AI or NFT. Nothing personal, i just dont want to be part of your art theft thats all.

But other than that, 2023 has been a great year, with so many things happening that i barely can recall all of them.

One of the most important-which now feels like such a far memory- was finally getting rid of the two jobs i had at the same time. They were extremely time consuming and stressing and i am so incredibly grateful to have found a job now that has amazing coworkers, a great sense of teamwork and a work that relates and fuels one of my passions.

Having only one job, which also is an online one, gave me so much more time to take care of myself and my hobbies and while i did not post as much as i would have liked this year i drew so fuckin much compared to the previous years.

I finally feel more confortable with my art, being able to exercise on the daily, and i have big hopes to keep improving next year <3

The second, but not less important, is regarding my relationships. I still see myself as part of the asexual spectrum but i found someone that truly cares for me, that helped me go trough very rough times, that has supported my artwork and my headworlds so much that i know i would not have developed them this much if it wasn't for them.

They are one of the sweetest and smartest people i ever met and i truly think they deserve the world and more, someone that i had the pleasure to pass so many months together on shared vacations to each others houses.

And for this, i am happy to say i am in a relationship with them <3

I also met so many incredible people this year. Made some amazing friends, artists or not that have made me laugh and cheered me so much this year, and for that i feel very lucky to have met them.

I could keep talking about this all the time, but enough cheesyness in here.

This point also connects to the one above, as i am also for the first time thinking of moving from my country, Italy, to live completely somewhere else with my partner. We already looked at places and while nothing is set in stone we hope to manage the move by the end of this 2024!! very excited and very scared since i would move to a foreign country, but i feel reassured to have someone to move out with rather than doing it alone.

Other important things for me this year were my phisical and mental health.

My previous jobs was very stressing, having to deal with the public most of my day, especially in the ice cream shop where temperatures were KILLER, and did not help the moods.

So i decided around september to visit a psychologist, both for my stress and to better myself with people, to face my fears and other things i had to push aside for the sake of having no time to look into them.

AND i started working out more frequently, which having a home job i sure need since i am sitting most of the time in front of a pc lol.

I am surely missing something, but thoose were the things that i am more happy for and that make me excited for the year to come.

'PLANS FOR 2024'

Well, this is where i say a bunch of stuff and then maybe do half of it, but i want to keep positive that with more time in my hands i will be able to work more on all i have planned.

- Posting Art / Where To Find Me

I know i say this every year lol. But i want to believe that i can manage this time around. I will try to post at least once or twice a week. I have a lot of backlog of art i did in 2023 that will save me from scrambling to do art at the last minute just to upload it, so i am not too stressed about it.

I am also trying to see where posting art at this point is...worth it. I have Twitter but the place i a hellhole, been tempted to just use it to browse stuff rather than posting personal work.

Tumbrl seem to be a nice choice and i do have a Bluesky profile, so i'll try for sure to be more active there!

Here are my social links

bsky.appBlacksalt (@blacksalt.bsky.social)

https://twitter.com/Blacksa1t2 !

At some point i will see if i will open commissions or not, its been a while (like 2 years lol). But if you are interested send me a message and we can talk about it!

i have a very very good job so its not my main worry, but i do enjoy drawing for others and i've been thinking of reopening commissions for a while now.

-Inverted ARPG

This is a project i honestly dont know when i will have something concrete on, but i do want to try. For who has followed me for a long time, you know i am a huge sucker for apocalypse scenarios and that i have my own headworld for it. Well i thought it would be cool to make it an ARPG, with the possibilty of a player joining either the 'survivors' or the infected, the 'savagers'. A lot of it is WIP and i am not ready to show much of it yet, but i hope to be able to share with you all this year!

For now, you can see the wonderful art i commisioned @\ Ebonmere for one of the starting places on the map, the Riverside Bullwark

-Ayrum ARPG

So! this is not my project, but the one of my boo Umbrace <3 shes been working on it for a long time now, and while its still in progress she did a lot of work for it in 2023 and i want to be part of this beautiful, alien world.

You can read about it here, they do have a discord so hit me up if you are interested in peeking in an see how things are going!

docs.google.comARPG planning

Do know that its not playable right now, and its all a work in progress.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's all! i apologize if i made huge writing errors, im stinky like that

I wish you all a great year, crossing fingers it will be better for all of you <3

#blacksa1t #my_art #oc

[justagalwhowrites]

Hi Kit!

First off, I've really admired your writing, Lavender is one of my favorite things I've ever read. I even made a Lavender friendship bracelet so I can have Lavender Joel with me whenever I want.

Second, I've been getting into writing FF lately, starting with a Jackson Joel story. I'm about 12K words in and I've been struggling a lot with thinking my writing isn't suitable for posting and a lot of self doubt. I was wondering if you have any tips you wish you had known before you started writing FF, or even how the heck do I find someone to be a beta reader? Do you have an editor or beta reader, is that something I even need?

Thanks Kit!

OMG Hi Bestie!

I'm so sorry it took me a bit to respond to this. I wanted to make sure I thought about it before replying. You are so so kind to say such lovely things! And a LAVENDER FRIENDSHIP BRACELET?? That's AMAZING! I love that this story meant so much to you that you want to carry it with you out in the world!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE that you're writing! Jackson Joel is so special, he's such a gorgeous character and I'm sure your writing is doing him justice in exploring these sides of him.

Self doubt is a BEAR, I tell you what. I'm riddled with it, personally! Every day I'm on this site or on AO3 and reading things that are better than what I write and I spend a LOT of time comparing my work to other people's in my head. It's part of why I don't really reread my own work, I think. I know I won't be as happy with it as I am with other people's writing and it'll just get me down. But... I share it anyway! It's hard sometimes, especially if a chapter feels really good or really personal, and I always have this underlying fear that "this is it, this is the chapter where everyone who reads my work wakes up and realizes that I'm shit, actually, and they decide to let me know it." But that's never happened.

Part of fic, for me, has been pulling me out of that shell creatively. I've written stories for years - decades! - and I can count on one hand the number of people who have read them before I started writing and sharing fic. These stories just live in my computer or in notebooks in my basement and that may be all they ever are. Overall, people are remarkably kind and supportive and it feels really, really good to share something I made with other people.

I think some things I wish I knew is 1) that the sharing part of writing can be a really fun - if anxiety inducing - part of the process and 2) negativity isn't the end of the world. While almost everyone has been insanely lovely (probably kinder than I deserve tbh) I have gotten a few negative comments and whatnot and yeah, they definitely sting. But ultimately, it's just one person's opinion. It doesn't change the satisfaction I felt writing these stories or the fulfillment I found in telling other people about these characters and the lives they're living inside my head. People can dislike what I made - you can't please everyone! - but it doesn't take away from how it felt to create and share it. I think, as long as you're telling stories because you want to explore those characters or themes or what have you, you'll be satisfied in it and readers will, too.

As far as beta readers and editors go.... I don't really use either one! My process is write the chapter, read it to make sure there isn't anything too egregious, share it. If I sit on it too long, I go back and rework and rewrite and it'll never see the light of day. But that's me! Everyone is different, I don't think any two people have the same process. And if you're interested in connecting with other writers and are comfortable, feel free to DM me! I'm happy to help and there are some Discords I'm in that have other, fabulously lovely writers who do things like beta for each other and give feedback on plot points and all kinds of beautiful collaboration that I'm so lucky to be a part of.

I do have some tips for editing, as a former copy editor, though! I recommend reading the chapter twice, once for overall story and flow (basically, does this chunk of the story make sense?) and then once for the nitty gritty stuff. Highly recommend the second read be done out loud, as silly as it might feel. It will force you to slow down so if you left a word out, you're less likely to gloss over it, or if a sentence doesn't make sense, you stumble over it and have to think it through again. Stuff still definitely slips through - it's bound to when you edit what you write! - but it's helpful.

Anyway, I hope this answers your question!! I really really hope you share your story with us. It's always great to see the community grow and give more people outlets to share their stories with us!!

Good luck, Bestie! Love you!!!

#fanfic #send asks #kit answers #writing

[mungoose]

When you can't finish writing a fic so you instead write headcanons that basically turn into a short fic.*sigh* Here also have my shitty phone edit, cuz there's zero drawing energy :P

(Please accept my dyslexic non-native speaker Mungrove trash that I humbly present you.)

Eddie has decided that they are going to be friends. People aren't allowed to sit alone apparently. Or sulk in corners. Billy hasn't been back for long and honestly he has a hard time dealing with all the trauma. He doesn't have the energy to pretend that everything is fine or that he's the king of the hill anymore.

He doesn't understand how, but Eddie worms his way in real easy. He's disarmingly friendly and makes him laugh for the first time in a long time. And just like that Billy is suddenly trailing after him like a lost puppy begging for scraps.

Eddie saw his discomfort around the world saving gang they were saddled with and decided to become a buffer between them. How he manages to do it without pressing any of Billy's buttons baffles him just as much as it baffles Max. She won't even be subtle about it, will just straight up gape at him if he doesn't act like normal.

This one time Billy snapped at the kids, trying to intimidate them, so Eddie snapped right back. But he also calmly explained why not to do it and then laid down some rules.

Usually rules make Billy want to break them. But Eddie isn't unreasonable, he doesn't shame Billy. He just wants him to be better and adjust. Billy can do that, especially now that he has someone that believes he can. Someone in his corner.

Because Eddie doesn't take others snapping at Billy either. He will bodily stop fights before they happened, which is stupid, Billy is stronger than him and Eddie is fully aware of that, since they play-fight and wrestle regularly.

Eddie just doesn't take bullshit from anyone and will loudly point out discrepancies. He couldn't care less about whether he's making a fool out of himself or not– he'll act like some jester even –if only it diffuses the arguments.

When Billy gets worked up about shit and the walls start closing in, Eddie will straight up just sit on him. Make him lay down on the floor and straddle his stomach. Force him to slow his breathing. If he's lucky Eddie will lean down and hug him. Tears don't feel as shameful if he hides them in Eddie's hair.

Sometimes Eddie makes him feel like he's an aggressive abused dog Ed adopted at the pound. One that gets showered in affection and is gently corrected before it bites. He has caught himself more than once looking to him for approval after interacting with other people and thats fucked right? He used to be at the top of the food chain, people looked to him for that shit.

Ed has really good weed and he lets Billy steal the joints right from his lips without complaining, because Eddie is a sharer. He will share anything with Billy, music, food, alcohol, weed, jewelry, bed and any clothes that fit him. After a while he even makes Billy share his friends.

Argyle is easy, he's from Cali too and stoner chill. He also makes amazing food, even when high as a kite. Jonathan is harder, it takes for them to have a munchie talk, where Eddie joins in and they bash their shitty fathers. They found common ground there and after Billy promises to beat the ever living shit out of anyone harassing Will, which diffused any lingering tension.

Billy really likes Gareth, dude has some rage issue of his own, so Eddie must have found loads of practice here in how to handle Billy's moods. They regularly hang out in the junkyard trashing shit. Eddie's other band members join them at the quarry to throw rocks like they are all ten again. Only now there's beer and good music.

How can Eddie be such a nerdy dork and then shred like a god on his NJ Warlock? It's unfair how he can just shed his small town skin and suddenly ooze that confident sexappeal. Billy is in trouble isn't he?

He hangs around when they have band practice. Sure, they play a lot of covers, as new small bands do. But they're good at it. Their originals are actually pretty decent too. Billy likes just lazing about on their old stuffy couch and wonder if he would be any good at playing something himself.

Eventually Eddie spots that spark of interest and has Jeff help in teaching him guitar and Frank the bass. He chooses the guitar, an acoustic one for now, since it's easier to practice with. It's not like he's joining the band, just getting a new hobby. At least that's the original plan. He's getting obsessed with getting good at it quickly though.

Since he's spending most of his free time with Eddie now– how did that even happen –he can't avoid being exposed to Eddie's other hobbies, mainly DnD. Billy knows he's truly fucked when he actually starts considering joining in. Ed speaking so passionately about something, even if it's super nerdy, just makes Billy smile softly at him instead of feeling annoyed.

So he has a mental breakdown. He's finally fallen in love with someone and it's Eddie the freak Munson, a guy, who is currently his best friend. Who strolled into the imaginary dog-pound and said "I'll pick that one, the one nobody wants. The one you want to put down. All he needs is to feel safe and loved."

And Eddie succeeded. And it fucking terrifies Billy. Because what if Eddie doesn't want him, like that? What if he accidentally lets some of his true feelings slip and he loses the best thing he's ever had? What if he realizes that Billy's been making up these elaborate reasons and excuses to share his bed, because of some not so innocent feelings? That Billy is actually a creep, that likes to be surrounded by the smell of him, that he sniffs the shirts and hoodies he borrows? Thinks of him when he cums?

Billy is a coward, but he's also weak. And so even if he does try to distance himself, he always folds when Eddie chases after him. Now it feels like they're back to before, when they first met and Eddie would lure him in with treats and gentle affection.

Steve's friend Robin– a very blunt but friendly girl –tells him he's being an idiot. That he's actually really hurting Eddie like this and should just come out and admit his feelings, because everyone in the group knows except Ed. Apparently Billy isn't exactly being subtle with the way he looks at him.

Steve claps him on the shoulder and reminds him how open, accepting and kind Eddie really is. He's not going to have a negative reaction even if he ends up not being interested. Honestly, Billy knows he's right. He should just rip off the bandaid, because hurting Eddie is the last thing he wants to do.

So he does, nervous like nothing else. To a point where Eddie freaks out thinking Billy is about to tell him something awful. And then when it's out, Eddie just sits there staring blankly at him before laughing so hard he cries. The emotional whiplash of the situation makes Billy want to storm off but Eddie grabs him and kisses him.

Billy will never admit to the sound he makes and kissed him back like his life depends on it. Kissing someone has never felt this good, has never made him feel this much joy.

According to Eddie, he's really dense because he's been flirting with Billy shamelessly for months. But Billy just thought it was playful banter. Bros call each other baby and babe all the time right? In a playful totally not gay way, right? It made Billy's insides squirm, Eddie's too apparently and turns out it feels a million times better when you know you both do actually mean it in a gay way.

Anyway, guess he has a boyfriend now. Eddie Munson, a nerdy, kind, somehow also sexy, freak and most importantly:

The love of his life.

I don't know what I'm doing. Satan take the wheel!

#mungrove #billy hargrove #eddie munson #my posts #my edits #i wrote something #I see that many of us think of Billy as an abused dog who needs to be showered in love. #Like he might bite but honestly that's ok ♡ #Eddie is a giver of affection and anything else you might need #Soft nerdy boi ♡

[peonierose]

Home is where the heart is

Book: Open Heart x Red Carpet Diaries Crossover

Pairing: Bryce Lahela (M!MC) x Luna Auclair (F!OC)

Rating: Fluff

Words: 3,000+

Summary: It’s Christmas time. Luna and Bryce get visited by Ethan & Hayley. But it looks like Luna gets to fangirl a little first.

A/N: I’m participating in the @choicesficwriterscreations Holiday Event as well as @choicesdecember2022 Day 7 - Middle of the Night

It’s that beautiful time of the year. Christmas. Though it is a very non-white Christmas in Hawaii. We still enjoy having a great dinner with family and friends. Sharing laughs and great stories. Exchanging gifts.

Our family loves to spend time at the beach. Going surfing, swimming, and having a great time with the family.

These are things that we want to do with our kids when they arrive in March next year.

When I think back to last year? So many things have changed.

Bryce and I were living with Keiki in Boston. I was working at that awful art gallery, which I’m glad I quit. I found something new and something better.

I proposed to Bryce. Which he still doesn’t shut up about. He says ”She put a ring on it“ I laugh silently at that.

B and I moved to Honolulu. We came back to where we both feel at home and alive. It’s our happy place, because home is where the heart is.

We’re carving our own path. Both B and I. While he works at the Kuakini Medical Center I accepted a job offer to teach art at the University of Hawaii.

Months later Bryce and I got our own little miracle when we found out we were expecting twins. Two girls. Can you believe that? It’s still insane to me and I have to grin at that.

We’re getting married, though we’re postponing it for the time being. We’ve both got so many things going on we just don’t want to get married in a hurry and without our close family and friends on our special day.

We also made some new friends. Two wonderful and amazing women. Meilani and Aubrey. Who are a great addition to our friend group.

”Luna?“

I get thrown out of my straying thoughts when I hear a deep male voice.

I sigh as I have to look up and up.

”So what’s on your shopping list? Did we get all the ingredients for the cookies, pies…and tartelettes? I don’t even know what that is, to be honest,“ Ethan says and moves the shopping cart further down the aisle. Past the bread and cereal. I have to grab some lucky charms for Bryce.

Ethan and Hayley are visiting us for a couple of days, before they fly back to Boston. Let’s not forget Jenner. Cutest dog in the world.

So I took Ethan grocery shopping. Best idea ever.

Damn, I hate the fact that Ethan is so tall. I basically have to run to catch up with him.

”Can you slow down? I’m way shorter than you and I’m also 6 months pregnant.“ I say and Ethan slows down blushing furiously.

”How’s the pregnancy going? Any weird food cravings that drive Bryce up the wall?“ he jokes and laughs.

”Does Bryce count as a food craving?“ I ask.

I am trying to act serious but I have to laugh at Ethan’s expression. He looks as if he bit into a lemon.

”I shouldn’t have asked,“ he mumbles.

I want to pat his shoulder but reach his midriff instead.

I grin.

”Don’t get your panties in a twist my little orange blossom.”

He sighs but endures my teasing.

”I know you love me too much to say anything about these cute little nicknames that I use. Between you and me I know I’m your favorite person next to Hayley.“

He just gives me a look and I grin.

”No weird food cravings. If you don’t count peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with banana slices inside as a food craving. Bryce makes a really good one. His pj and jelly sandwiches are the best.“

”Yeah because he can’t screw that up.“

Ethan laughs.

I pinch his arm and he rubs it afterwards.

”Don’t be mean. You don’t have to play the role of the grinch. It’s too early for that.“

I say and ask him to hand me the shopping list. To see what else we need.

We’re all going to make some delicacies this Christmas.

All of the Auclair family. Meaning me, my cousins Soraya, Evie, and Sky. My gran, my grandpa, mom and dad, my aunt Joe and my uncle Joseph.

Everyone is making a Hawaiian specialty. Can’t wait for that food fest.

Keiki and Bryce are going to help too. Although Bryce is just going to steal cookies and act as if the dog ate them. Nice try Lahela.

Soraya and her girlfriend Meilani, who is my OB/ Gyn and works together with Bryce and his other colleague Aubrey will join us too.

Maxi my best friend and her lover? Date buddy? Adam. I honestly don’t know the status of their relationship, but I’d say it’s somewhere between figuring things out and it’s complicated.

Maxi's mom Amara is going to be there too.

As for Maxi‘s brother Caelum? I don’t think he’s going to join us. Since he and Maxi have to meet again and start to patch things up. I just don’t think they are at that level yet. Rebuilding a relationship takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight.

But hey Christmas miracles happen all the time. I‘d wish they would be as close as they were before Maxi's dad died in a car accident.

Let’s not forget my brother and sister whom mom and dad recently adopted. It’s their first Christmas with all of us. It’s going to be magical.

A static voice sounds from the speakers above.

”Attention all customers. Don’t forget today is 50% off on all products from the produce and dairy aisles.“

Ethan and I move further into the condiments aisle.

”I need some cinnamon. For the snickerdoodles.“

I say and when I turn around I can see Ethan looks like a kid on Christmas morning. I smile and love the fact that he feels open enough to share his feelings. Whether he voices them out loud or just shows them.

We reach the produce aisle. Ever since I got pregnant with the twins I‘ve started to love fresh fruit and vegetables more and more.

I grab some mangos and look up when I almost drop said mangos.

I sigh and gently put the mangos into the shopping cart.

”Oh my god. Do you know who that is?“ I grab Ethan’s shirt.

Ethan looks around and tries to figure out who I could mean.

”Who?“

I take his chin and move it in the direction I meant.

”It’s Matt Rodriguez. Oh my god, I need to get an autograph. How do I look?“

Ethan eyes me as if I don’t have all cookies left in the jar.

”You look beautiful as always, but what about our ingredients for the cookies?“ he asks, looking down into our shopping cart.

”Who cares about cookies when you have Matt Rodriguez standing at the produce aisle.“

I say getting super excited.

”Who is Matt Rodriguez?“ Ethan asks.

”Have you been living under a rock E?“ I shake my head in disbelief.

”Does Bryce know you have a crush?“ he chuckles.

”Pfft. Please his guilty pleasure is Matt’s movie, Cactus Rose. We watch it together all the time.“

Ethan whistles.

”I’m seeing Bryce in a whole new light.“

I grin and can’t believe my luck. To meet an actor I admire and let’s be honest he’s hot. He’s got nothing on Bryce of course, but still, he seems nice and he’s a damn good actor.

I look up at the ceiling.

”Santa, if you're out there, thank you for making my wish come true. I promise I’ll make Bryce’s wish come true too if I can get Britney Spears to sign an autograph.“

Ethan snorts.

”Santa doesn’t exist.“

I gasp and look at Ethan as if I swallowed something rotten.

”How dare you, sir! I don’t even recognize you, Ethan Jonah Ramsey! I’d never think that these are the words that would come out of my male best friend's mouth.“

Ethan shrugs his shoulders.

”Well I was just honest. So how about that autograph?“ he asks and points to Matt who is moving his shopping cart away. I’ve got to go there and ask him for an autograph and maybe a selfie.

”Nice segue. Don’t think this conversation is over. But autograph first, cookie ingredients later.“

I breathe out and take all my courage to go over there and ask Matt for an autograph.

”Excuse me?“ I ask and Matt turns around flashing his megawatt smile. I swear I sighed a little.

”Yeah?“ he asks still smiling.

”I don’t want to be rude but my fiancé and I are big fans of yours would you maybe sign my…“ I ask and realize I don’t have anything for him to sign.

He smiles and gets out a card with the logo of his latest movie Cactus Rose to sign for me.

”Could you make it for Bryce and Luna? Otherwise, he’s never going to believe me I met you,“ I smile and Matt grins.

”Officially I’m on vacation with my wife who’s here somewhere. Here I’ll sign these for you Luna.“

I smile and just nod. Not able to form words.

”I’m sorry I’m usually not that starstruck. I think I’d be even more starstruck if I met Frida Kalo or Pablo Picasso.“

When Matt looks at me with a confused look on his face.

”I’m an artist and work as an art professor at the University of Hawaii.“

Matt’s eyes widen.

”No way! Really? You know it’s funny my wife and I are looking for an artist. We wanted to commission a piece for our new home here in Honolulu. Would you be interested in making an art piece for us? I wouldn’t want you to overwork yourself,“ he says and points to my stomach.

”Oh don’t worry I’d tell you if it was too much. But you know what? You can always check out my art pieces for art on the fence. It’s a non-profit group of local artists who present their work. You can take a look and even buy some art pieces. But if you’re looking for something specific I’m sure we can work something out.“

Matt grins and hugs me.

I must’ve squeaked like a mouse.

”Damn I’m sorry I didn’t mean to hug you too hard. Are you alright?“

He asks concern lacing his voice.

”I was just hugged by Matt Rodriguez. Santa sure was good this year.“

He smiles and we exchange numbers. He promises to reach out so we can meet and discuss the art he’d like to commission.

He walks away but then he comes back.

”Can I take a picture with you? I think you’re one of the prettiest pregnant women I’ve seen, including my wife, so I’d really love it if we took a picture together.“

Matt asks, smiling.

Again I just nod.

We take a pic and he waves goodbye. I must’ve looked like an idiot.

I stand there holding my phone and the autographs and just smile.

As I walk towards the shopping cart where Ethan is waiting for me, a grin on his face, I feel as if I’m floating on fluffy clouds.

”Happy?“ Ethan asks.

I nod.

”Very.“

He shakes his head and grins.

I can’t stop smiling all the way to the cash register. We pay for all the ingredients and go to the parking garage. Hopefully, we got everything, and in my fangirling haze, we didn’t forget any ingredients. If not I’ll just send Keiki or Bryce to the store.

When we reach home I almost rip the door open in my haste to get inside.

Jenner greets me, his tail wagging.

I pat him, walk further into the house and he looks with sad eyes at me.

”Sorry buddy I have to share some news afterward you can have as much Luna time as you want.“

He licks my hand I and I smile at him.

I look around for Bryce as Ethan gets the ingredients inside. He said he won’t let me carry the groceries.

My mom smiles at me and Hayley greets Ethan with a kiss.

”Bryce is outside with Keiki.“

Mom says and I nod. Jenner walks over to Ethan. Who showers him with love.

I spot Bryce and walk towards him and almost knock him over in his seat.

He laughs and steadies me so we both won’t fall over.

”Looks like someone missed me.“

”You’re a sight for sore eyes.“ I hug him, because despite my fangirling moment? He’s my forever love.

I inhale his scent of fresh laundry, the ocean, and Bryce.

He kisses my temple and I relax in his arms.

We hear footsteps and see Ethan walking outside, as he joins us in the garden. He hands me a glass of hibiscus lemonade. My gran made it fresh this morning and brought it over.

”Guys you won’t believe who I met.“

Bryce and Keiki share a look and shake their heads.

”Who?“ Bryce asks.

”Matt Rodriguez. At the produce aisle.“

”Come on there’s no way you met Matt. Pics or it didn’t happen.“

Bryce says and looks at me as if he doesn’t know if I’m making it up or not.

I grin and can’t wait for him to eat his words.

”Oh I got pics alright babe. I got a job for a commission for Matt freaking Rodriguez. He gave me his number and wants me to commission an art piece for him and his wife.“

Bryce and Keiki speak at the same time.

”What?“

They both scoot closer as I show them the picture of me and Matt. Both of us smile at the camera.

Ethan grins as Hayley walks out too.

”What are they all so excited about?“ she asks.

Ethan shakes his head.

”Luna met some guy called Matt Rodriguez. Don’t know who that is. So now everyone is fangirling over him. Even Bryce.“

Hayley squeals and joins the fangirling fest too. Ethan just shakes his head.

They all enjoy some time in the sun until they move back inside to prepare the sweet delicacies.

Three hours later….

”I know you love the British bake-off, but it looks as if you’re not very good at making pastries or sweets in general, am I right?“

”I don’t watch the British bake-off.“ Ethan replies but I just can’t take him seriously when he wears an apron with the face of the grinch. He lost a bet against Hayley and now has to wear it.

I laugh and Hayley joins me but tries to turn it into a cough when Ethan turns around to look at her.

”Even though he watched many episodes he can’t make a pie. Or cookies. Let’s not even talk about pancakes.“

Hayley laughs and steals a piece of apple that’s lying in a bowl for the pie filling.

”You can’t make pancakes? Oh, don’t feel bad pumpkin spice. Bryce can’t make them either.“

I say and roll out the dough for the pie crust.

”Hey come on.“

Bryce says flustered.

”You know it’s true B.“

I say and take the pie crust and put it into the tart mold. So I can pour the filling in and make a beautiful apple pie.

”You’re probably right.“ Bryce sighs.

Ethan grins.

”You folded so quickly.“

He says to Bryce.

Bryce just winks at him.

”Although I’d say Bryce is a little better at pancakes than you are Ethan.“

Bryce kisses me on my temple.

”Beat that Ramsey. Lunes knows her stuff.“

Ethan just stares at us until he smiles.

”I just can’t be mad at Luna.“

Ethan admits.

Hayley grins.

”He’s having a hard time saying no to you.“

Hayley grins and Ethan just sighs but nods.

”He’s not the only one. I meant myself if it wasn’t clear.“ Bryce grins and hugs me from behind.

Everyone laughs and has a great time.

I grin and we continue making pies. Cookies. Anything sweet.

Bryce steals cookies again and tries to blame Jenner.

Shaking my head at him, because we all know he ate most of the cookies.

4 a.m.

I walk down because I didn’t feel Luna next to me in bed.

When I walk down the steps I see a blue light coming from the tv.

Luna snuggled on the couch and enjoying some apple pie.

”So that’s where you disappeared to.“

I say and Luna almost jumps off the couch. Her apple pie flies out of her hand, but I catch it before it can land on the floor and create a mess.

”Oh my god you scared the hell out of me. Never do that again. It was just getting interesting.“

She glares at me.

”You look way too cute for me to be mad at you.“

I notice that Luna isn’t alone.

”Hey buddy. Why is Jenner on the couch? Shouldn’t he be with Ethan and Hayley?“

I ask and Jenner scoots closer to my hand so that he can get some pats. I grin and pat him behind his ears.

”He got kicked out.“

She replies and sits down again.

”Oh? Oh! Got it.“

We both grin as I join her and she leans into me. Jenner doesn’t want to feel left out so he joins us too.

Sprawled over our legs.

”I hope he’s potty trained.“

I smack him on his arm.

”Bryce! Poor Jenner is potty trained. If you’re going to watch tv with us, there are no mean comments allowed.“

”Am I forgiven?“ I ask and hand her apple pie back to her. She sighs.

”Sure.“ She says and I grin at her.

”So what are guys watching?“ I ask.

Luna swallows a bite of apple pie.

”Sailor Moon. Jenner and I are huge fans. It’s just getting interesting.“

”Oh my god. It’s been a while since I’ve watched Sailor Moon.“

I say and steal a bite from the apple pie.

”Wait, you've watched Sailor Moon? That’s really hot.“

She says and stares at me as if she’s seeing me for the first time.

I laugh.

”It was one of Keikis favorite animated tv shows of all time. Next to Scooby-Doo and Power Puff Girls. But Sailor Moon was Keiki's favorite. Every Sunday morning she’d get up early and tune in for Sailor Moon. At first, I didn’t want to admit that it was good but I started to like it. I even bought the mangas. They’re really good.“

Luna gasps.

”I love the illustrations. I’ve wanted to try myself at creating mangas. You know art is very widely ranged. So manga is a part that I haven’t branched out to yet but I’d love to.“

Luna gets all excited and I’m happy for her.

I love her, even more, when she’s all excited and passionate about a new area of art or a new art piece.

”You can borrow my mangas if you want.“ I offer and she nods.

I smile as we continue to watch Sailor Moon stumble upon a cute cat with a moon on her forehead.

Luna smiles at the cat and we keep watching episode after episode until we all fall asleep right on the couch.

It’s a beautiful feeling to fall asleep next to the person you love the most.

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#Home is where the Heart is #Open Heart #Red Carpet Diaries #Bryce Lahela #Luna Auclair #Ethan Ramsey #Haley Valentine-Ramsey #Matt Rodriguez #cfws holidays 2022

[paigenoelchas-blog]

Feels Like Home

28: Plans

Mahri's POV:

"It has been more than I would have expected. He is unbelievable. He knows just how to drive me wild...Yes, a lot more adventurous and the things he says and how he lowers his voice to say them, turns my stomach into butterflies. I can not resist him...I am doomed and that is part of the problem. Wait, let me text you, he may come back inside any minute and I don't want him to hear."

I move to the couch, closer to the fire, missing the warmth that he brings to my life. The thought of the last few days makes me grin, well, more than grin, It makes me smile from ear to ear. He is a wonderful secret that I am lucky enough to get to know. He not only treats me with so much love and respect, but he also pays attention to all of the things that I whisper. He seems to know what I need without asking.

I have been amazed at how easily our worlds melded over the last few days. I love waking up to the smell of coffee, knowing that I am the first thing that he thinks about when he wakes up as he is mine. I love falling asleep and feeling safe and warm, trying to make him feel my love as we fall asleep tangled up in each other.

I also love his intuition in the area of a scandalous nature. When he gets in the bedroom, he can be gentle and incredibly loving and the next moment, turn into a dominating presence, controlling our movement, pacing, and ultimately our satisfaction. I trust him. In the past, I always had to have some form of control, with him I can be free to enjoy the lovely things he wants to show me. His hands move across my body as if I am a precious treasure one moment and the next, he becomes more desirous, grappling and taking my body as if I am his prey. It is the perfect amount of gentleness and desire.

He is the perfect mix of a love that is pure and holy, dangerous and completely sinful. I am lost to it and to him.

I love him in so many ways. He is right, though, we are going to have to figure some things out before the fears of the past threaten the happiness of our tomorrows.

This is why I absolutely need to talk to Jessy. She has the words that I need to hear and will tell me the right move to make.

I pull the blanket up over my lap and settle in. I have a feeling this conversation may last a while.

Mahri: Ok, now I can talk freely. Well, I can text freely. If I hang up expectedly it is because he has returned and I have a promise to fulfill.

Jessy: Do I want to know what the promise is?

Mahri: Probably, but I am not going to tell you. :)

Mahri: I need your advice.

Jessy: Where do we start?

Jessy: So, you should be happy that you two have shared these last few days and that you can't resist him. This is what you want right?

Mahri: I am incredibly happy. So much so that I don't know what I will be like when the world returns to normal.

Mahri: I have just gotten used to our life here together.

Mahri: I think I have really screwed things up for myself.

Jessy: What do you mean by you screwed things up for yourself?

Mahri: I have just felt, for the past few days, that this is where I belong, in this house, with him. When life goes back to normal, there will be many days that I won't see him. He travels and I work weird hours. I don't know if I can go back.

Jessy: What are you saying exactly?

Mahri had the feeling that her friend knew exactly what she was saying, but she also knew that she had to be able to admit it in order to push the fear aside. Jessy was making her come to terms with her own thoughts.

Mahri: I want to be with him all of the time and I want us to be in the same house.

Mahri: In this cabin in the woods.

Mahri: I want us to live a life together.

Mahri: I want to wake up next to him and spend our nights together and I sound pathetic.

Jessy: You sound like you are in love and found the one that you want to be with. What is the problem with that?

Jessy: By the way, I am proud of you for admitting that and confronting the fears in your life.

Mahri: I guess these fears are nothing compared to werewolves.

Jessy: I would have paid to see you punch that guy.

Mahri: It was definitely something and afterwards... Jake was very...

I send the text and stop to think of the bar after the incident and the kisses that made it impossible to return to the casual way things had been before. I have been lost in a memory for way too long when my phone dings..

Jessy: Very?

Mahri: appreciative of my ability to stand up for myself. I was rewarded.

Jessy: I bet you were.

I can almost see the smile on Jessy's face and feel the heat on my cheeks which are surely accompanied by a rosy tone.

Mahri: That is the problem. In that moment I knew that there was no going back. This time at the cabin with him has affirmed my position. I knew in that moment and I know now that this, he, is my forever, without a doubt.

Mahri: and now that I know, I don't want to wait another day for it to be a reality.

Jessy: So that is amazing news. Right?

Mahri: But I told him that I wanted to take it slow, remember? Now I have to wait for him to be brave enough to ask for more. He won't demand any further commitment for a long time. I made sure of that.

Jessy: Have you told him that your feelings have changed?

Jessy: Don't you think that his may have too?

Jessy: You said he has been much more confident in the last few days.

Mahri: That is different. That physical confidence comes from the heart. What I am talking about is a decision that is from the head.

Mahri: When and if he asks me to move to the next step it will be something that will have been analyzed from every direction. He is afraid of losing me because I walked away the last time he tried.

Jessy: That was months ago.

Mahri: Yes, but Jake has assured me that He will do "nothing that would risk our separation"

Mahri: He doesn't exactly know that he can't lose me now. Not ever.

Jessy: I think he knows, somehow.

Jessy: Have you tried to tell him that you aren't afraid anymore?

Mahri: I have made many suggestions and hinted at things.

Jessy: He is a man. Subtlety doesn't always work with them, sometimes you have to be direct and lay it out there. In words that he can't ignore.

Mahri: Maybe. I don't want to force him into anything.

Jessy: Are you kidding me? He would love to be with you too. I know it.

Jessy: He doesn't have to be the one to ask. You could be the one to ask him for more.

Mahri: Maybe, we will see.

Mahri: ...

Mahri: Enough of me. How are you and Dan doing?

Jessy: He is still a big dummy, but we are happy.

Mahri: Like together, officially, happy?

Jessy: Yes.

Jessy: Are you mad?

Mahri: Does he make you happy?

Mahri: Does he treat you well?

Mahri: Has he stopped drinking?

Jessy: Yes, like a queen, not a drop since that night at the bar.

Mahri: I am happy for you. We need to hang out. Dan is a lucky man.

Mahri: I have always loved Dan and now that we are all in a good place, I can't think of anything better than the two of you together.

Mahri: Maybe Dan can let Jake know how much I love him.

Jessy: I am sure that Jake knows, but if you want me to have Dan push him a little...

Mahri: Yes, please.

Mahri: So, dinner as soon as we can get out of the snow? You two can come to our place.

Jessy: Your place?

Mahri: His cabin is what I should have said.

Jessy: You said it right the first time.

Jessy: And yes, both of us would love dinner with the two of you.

Mahri: Perfect.

Mahri: Wait, he is there isn't he? Dan, I mean.

Jessy: Maybe...

Mahri: You two have been snowed in together as well?

Jessy: ;)

Mahri: I want to hear all of the details.

Jessy: Another day when we are alone. Being snowed in has been good for all of us, it seems.

Jessy: I have some of my own questions to ask you. I need more, but Danny Boy over here doesn't need to hear any of that.

Mahri: It would traumatize him even further, I suppose.

We both laugh and it feels good to be close again.

Meanwhile, Jake's POV:

I go check on the car to see if I could shovel us out. The weather isn't looking good, the snow has stopped, but the air is still freezing and the ice still clings to the walls and the path. The clouds hang low in the sky and the cold engulfs all of the open spaces. I can tell that we have a least a couple days left before we can dig our way out of this. Not that I hate anything about the idea of Mahri and I being locked inside our own world for a couple more days, but it gets us close to Christmas and I have one thing left to buy for her. I need to get out to get that done.

I start the engine and let the heater run a bit. Everything outside is covered in snow. I can't help but think of the last few days that we have shared. It has been a gift, not to only be with her but to be in this place without fear, in a world where time has seemed to stop and the problems of the real world are pushed aside. It is beautiful and I love all of the time that the two of us have been spending together.

I love everything about it actually. I love all of her ways and all of the ways that we work together from the intimate to the inane. Every instant with her is bliss, from the way that she lets me take control in the bedroom, the way that her body feels next to mine, the way her lips taste, the way that I feel when I am inside of her, the way that she screams my name and the husky tone her voice takes on when she is satisfied. These moments are exquisite. All of these things are amazing, but the things I love the most are the early morning when the world is asleep and she is in my arms, when I can fall asleep to the rhythm of her breathing. I love making her coffee in the morning and knowing the smile that she will have on her face. I love knowing that I shouldn't talk to her for at least half an hour until the coffee kicks in. I love that spot on the couch where we read stories and learn more about each other, the ways her legs intertwine with mine, and the ways she cuddles into my side the second we sit down. I love the way she chuckles in the dark and the way her intoxicating aroma follows her from room to room.

Mahri is always on my mind. I am never far away from her in my thoughts, though soon, when this snow clears, I won't have the day-to-day with her. Our time will be left to a date night here and there coffee in the mornings, maybe some time crammed in between meetings or travel. That isn't enough for me. Not anymore, not after the taste of what life would be like for us if we shared it together. I want to ask her to move in, but I am still afraid that I will scare her off, that she will run, and that I will be left with a broken heart that can't be repaired.

Deciding that my question couldn't wait any longer I texted Betty to see if she was available.

Jake: What are you up to?

Betty: Riding out a freakish storm.

Betty: What arre you up to?

Betty: How is Mahri?

Jake: She is well, how do you know she is with me?

Betty: Where else would she be?

Jake: At home with her friends, stuck in a car somewhere. She could be a million places really.

Betty: You would have found her, you would not have spent all of this time without her, the worry would have made you mad by now.

She is right. I would have found her, Betty always knows.

Betty: Why are you texting me all of this? Just call me, weirdo.

I dial her number, and the numbers hit quick and staccato. To say my fears out loud seems so vulnerable and pathetic, but she is right, this conversation will be better handled when we can actually hear each other's voice.

"Hey, ok, so what is going on?" Betty inquires, "...and what is that noise?"

"I am sitting out in the car, the heater is kind of loud." My teeth had finally stopped chattering and I was able to keep the cold from my voice.

"Why? Trouble in Paradise?" She asks though I know she knows the answer. This is not how I would react if there was trouble between the two of us.

"No, quite the opposite. It has been a wonderful few days," I admit.

"...So did you? You know... seal the deal?"

She can be so intrusive sometimes, and so annoying.

"Jakey?" She persists.

I refuse to answer for a moment, questioning the call in the first place. She isn't going to take it easy on me.

"Yes," I didn't want to respond to her inquiry. "But that is all of the information I am sharing on the subject. Ask Mahri if you want to know more. She may share with you whatever she likes." It seems that this moment should be shared between the two of us, but Betty wouldn't have let it go. "Why do you have to be so nosey?"

"I ask because I care." I can see her shruggung her shoulders. "So were you both satisified...or was it such a horrific experience having her and being snowed in that you have to hide out?"

"She is incredible." Damn it. She got a little more information than I would like to share. I don't want to disrespect Mahri in any way. " I am hiding out because I want to make sure that I have many more times with her."

"What exactly are you trying to say?"

" I don't want to be a dumbass."

"And you want your best friend to tell you that you either are or you are not being one?"

"Precisely." I answer quickly, "I want her to move into the cabin with me. I don't want to spend more time apart. I want everyday to have her in it. I waited too long to find her and be free to have a normal life."

"Then ask her to move in with you, dummy." I can almost hear the chuckle, but she manages to stifle the laugh and I am grateful for it.

"What if she says no? What if it is too soon?" I ask.

"What if it is not?" She has to answer this question with a question?

"I can't lose her." I admit.

"Ok, I know that you are scared. I know I told you to take it slow. I also know that it hasn't been long since that conversation, but i also know that she is crazy about you." I can hear the lightness in her voice and know her words are true. More importantly, I know that she has hope for the two of us.

"I am scared that she will run away," I continue.

"She won't, " Betty answers in complete confidence. "She is afraid of me. I told her that there would be repercussions for breaking you heart."

I appreciate her attempt at lightening the mood. "How do you know that she won't run?"

"She won't run from you. I don't think that she can live without you any more than you could without her."

"What makes you think that?" I ask even though I am pretty sure that I believe her.

"Were you there the night of the haunted house? Did you see the way you two acted as if no one else existed? Did you not see the way that she looked at you with eyes filled with so much more than love? Did you not feel how well she fit in your lap, how it felt to have her by your side?" Betty proposes a series of questions.

I know the answers.

She allowed for a long pause to let the memories of that night weave their way into my heart, then continued, "I know you did because you were beaming and the love that she had for you was shown right back at her through your own eyes. If I didn't like you both so much, I would have left. Disgusting."

"Disgusting? Do I have to mention all of the shenanigans that you and Philip shared that very same night?" I tease her.

"No, you do not." Her voice is firm, letting me know that I should drop the subject quickly.

"Do you think she will respond favorably if I ask her for more?" I realize my formal voice has returned. A habit that I have been trying to break.

I could hear her eye roll. Then the sigh, " That is a question I suppose that you should ask yourself. I am a firm believer in trusting your gut. You know the answer."

"I may think I know the answer, but I...."

She interrupts me, "Get your ass out of that car, walk into the house with purpose and kiss her like she has never been kissed before. Have your way with her, make her coffee, ask her to dance or rub her feet or whatever you two find romantic. Tell her how you feel. It doesn't have to be a magical place with flowers and roses...."

I interrupt her this time, "Maybe not roses, but what about peonies?"

"Oh, the man has a plan. Do you want to run it by me first? You know to make sure that you aren't going to be a dumbass?" I hear the smile. She loves a good plan and I know she will tell me all of the details that I have not imagined yet.

"I think so," I respond with laughter in my voice. "Be gentle in your critique. I am delicate with regards to my love." I smile, glad that she knows I can handle her toughest critique and always want her input.

"Like a flower, I know, princess. Lay it on me." her words are laced with sarcasm.

I have had a plan for weeks now, but I won't admit that to her. I have just been waiting for the right time.

I put the phone closer to my face in a conspiratorial posture, "So, I was thinking...."

#duskwood jake #duskwood jake x mc #jake donfort #jake x mc #duskwood mc #mc x jake #duskwood mc x jake #iamjake #duskwood #mc duskwood #jake gvf #duskwood everbyte #jake duskwood #duskwood fandom #duskwood fanfiction

[ridiasfangirlings]

1/3) Homra are firefighters who use their abilities in their work: they can turn on the aura and enter a burning building, envelop a person on fire with aura and safely pull him out of the fire, they can control the spread of fire and extinguish it with the help of their abilities alone. Scepter 4 police officers that also use their abilities at work. The Sarumi used to be the best firefighter duo, but Fushimi left for Scepter 4.

Imagine AU where maybe everyone knows about King powers and they're kinda 'normalized' in the world, like everyone knows about Homra and their fire powers and that's why they work as firefighters. Their powers are uniquely suited to dealing with fires, they can protect civilians trapped inside burning houses while also shielding themselves, say the Red power even has some strength against smoke inhalation because it makes a kind of shield that just filters out the smoke and repels the fire using a much stronger fire. Yata and Fushimi join Homra after the two of them are saved from a fire by Homra, they were living together in this run-down apartment that wasn't built to code and the two of them ended up trapped inside their apartment expecting that they were going to die. Instead Mikoto bursts into the room and saves them both, afterward Yata was so amazed that he asks to become a firefighter too. Fushimi goes along with Yata but really he dislikes using the Red power and he isn't a fan of fire, beyond that maybe he has a lot of trouble firefighting anyway because his stamina isn't the greatest. He feels like Yata's too focused on Mikoto to realize that Fushimi's unhappy and eventually Fushimi decides to leave Homra and join the special police force S4 instead.

This drives a wedge between him and Yata, though the police and the firefighters don't cross paths often whenever they do Fushimi doesn't hesitate to remind Yata that Homra are just a bunch of worthless punks who are lucky they found a job that can make use of their only talent. Yata hates that Fushimi's acting like this now, he can't understand why his best friend left him this way and he's angry and frustrated and can't stop rising to the bait every time Fushimi taunts him. One day though Homra is dealing with an arson issue and Yata notices that Fushimi isn't with the police,when he tries to ask though he just gets blown off with a 'that person is no longer here.' What Yata doesn't know is that Fushimi is currently working undercover, Munakata has sent him to hunt down the dangerous cybercriminals known as jungle and infiltrate their lair. No one except Munakata knows about this, all of S4 think Fushimi has betrayed them and Homra has no idea at all where Fushimi's gone.

Fushimi finally manages to work his way up through jungle's ranks, he discovers that they've been behind the rash of fires happening in the city lately. He sends the info to Munakata but gets caught before he can escape himself, in order to buy time for S4 to come and catch jungle he goads jungle's guys into beating him up. In the end jungle's leader, Hisui, states that they cannot stay in this hideout any longer, he has Fushimi tied up and left in the building and then orders his men to set it on fire. Fushimi's lying there half-conscious and vaguely aware of what's happening, giving this bitter smile as he thinks how ironic that even after he left Homra he's still going to end up dying by fire anyway.

Scepter 4 manages to catch jungle before they can escape, at the same time Homra arrives to handle the fire. Yata's annoyed that S4 is going to get all the glory for capturing jungle when it's Homra who will be stopping the fire, that's when he hears one of jungle's guys mocking S4 about how 'that traitor' still won't make it out alive. Yata feels this sudden sinking feeling and demands to know what the guy is talking about, this is when Munakata reveals that Fushimi has been infiltrating jungle for the last few weeks. Yata finds himself suddenly frantic as he asks where Fushimi is then, like didn't you guys get him out. In response Munakata only looks towards the burning building and imagine Yata just moves on instinct, not waiting for the rest of Homra and not even entirely aware of what he's doing until the moment he runs inside the burning building.

Yata runs through the building yelling for Fushimi, maybe he's so frantic that he isn't even keeping his power up properly and he gets a little singed. He's starting to panic, like what if he's too late what if Saruhiko is dead, and that's when he spots a soft glow of unmistakable Red power. Yata runs into the room where Fushimi is lying half conscious and glowing with a faint Red light. Yata goes to him, grabbing him and yelling his name, Fushimi looks up at him hazily and murmurs 'Misaki...?' before sagging in Yata's arms as his Red power finally dies. Yata lets the glow of his own power cover Fushimi's body as he drags Fushimi's unconscious body onto his back, vowing that he's going to get Fushimi out of here no matter what. He manages to get Fushimi out of the building just before it collapses, the rest of Homra moving in for the cleanup as Yata lies there panting and clinging to the unconscious Fushimi. Munakata has an ambulance called for Fushimi and imagine he lets Yata go along too, stating that 'this person will take care of Fushimi-kun's welfare best, I suspect.' Yata's still there at Fushimi's bedside when Fushimi wakes up, clinging to his hand and telling Fushimi that he better not ever do this to Yata again, like what was I supposed to do if you died.

#sarumi #Talking K #and then they kiss #oh maybe Yata has to give Fushimi mouth to mouth after saving him #y'know to help him #and also because it would be romantic and dramatic

[justforbooks]

What is Lucky Girl Syndrome?

“I just always expect great things to happen to me, and so, they do.” With those words (and more) describing her impossibly charmed life, a 22-year-old TikTok influencer ushered in the “Lucky Girl Syndrome,” a viral trend wherein people (mainly girls and women it would seem) are encouraged to accept that just believing all good things will come to them can make it so. It’s as much positive psychology as it is toxic positivity, depending on who is being asked. Here’s everything you need to know about Gen Z’s obsession with Lucky Girl Syndrome.

Okay, so what, exactly, is Lucky Girl Syndrome?

It’s basically the belief that “affirmative mantras and a positive mindset in life will bend everyday events in your favour,” according to the Washington Post. Its “founder,” New York-based Laura Galebe, gets the “most insane opportunities” thrown at her from, like, everywhere, she explains in her viral clip. “Nothing doesn’t ever go my way.” Thoughts like, “nothing ever works for me,” never enter her mind-set. Lucky Girl Syndrome started trending soon after New Year’s Day. On TikTok, people are crediting the LGS mantra for helping them score raises, amazing apartments, cheap flights. Videos with the #LuckyGirlSyndrome hashtag, the Washington Post reported, “have been watched a collective 149.6 million times.”

Is it new?

Not really. It’s more a Gen Z spin on old concepts like positive manifestations, Vox reports, meaning “the practice of repeatedly writing or saying declarative statements in the hopes that they will soon become true.” TikTok has an uncanny knack of making “even the most stale, ancient ideas seem suddenly urgent using one simple trick: give it a new name,” Vox’s Rebecca Jennings wrote.

Essentially, manifesting hinges on the belief “that we can change and shape our lives just by the way we think,” according to the Newport Institute, a mental health treatment centre for young adults that has produced an FAQ on Lucky Girl Syndrome. Also known as the law of attraction, manifesting “gives us the sense that we can create order in a world that feels chaotic and unpredictable.”

That sounds peachy. Couldn’t we all use more positivity?

Well, yes, studies have found that positive thinking can be a salve for anxiety. It may help bolster the immune system and lower blood pressure. It can make people feel more confident and more resilient.

“There’s nothing against wishing,” said Gabriele Oettingen, a professor of psychology at New York University and author of, Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation. “Our wishes are an expression of our needs, of what we don’t have,” she said. Her own research has shown that “optimistic expectations” help motivate people to work toward achieving goals, and not just click their heels three times.

Positive manifestation, Alyx Gorman wrote in The Guardian, shares some features of positive cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on enhancing that which helps people flourish. The difference is, cognitive behavioral therapy is anchored in science.

Still, the notion that if you just wish for something hard enough it will “manifest” itself is a seductive one. It alleviates people of actually having to work at achieving goals.

“As much as we might like to tell ourselves otherwise, we can’t transform our lives, luck and circumstances simply by telling ourselves so really, really hard that we can,” writes Roisin Lanigan in Vice.

“There are going to be, unfortunately, some situations in life that we are not able to manifest and think our way out of,” psychologist Carolyne Keenan told the BBC. “I would be concerned about people being in a situation where maybe that’s not going to be an effective strategy.”

What is it that people don’t like about this?

Lucky Girl Syndrome conveniently glosses over barriers like poverty, and systemic racism and inequalities. An argument could also be made that believing in luck “is an entitled luxury for the privileged,” according to Newport’s national advisor of healthy device management, Don Grant.

Indeed, Lucky Girl has been called “icky,” the “smuggest” TikTok trend yet and “the peak of the internet’s delusional era.” A defiant Galebe challenges her followers to, go ahead, “Try being delusional for a month and tell me if your life doesn’t change.”

Thinking positive thoughts and pushing away self-limiting ones is generally a good thing. Humans have an inherent negativity bias. “Thousands of years ago, our brains were constantly scanning the horizon for threats,” Louisa Jewell, author of Wire Your Brain for Confidence, told Forbes.

“Whether conscious or subconscious, (people’s thoughts and beliefs) strongly affect what we want and whether we succeed in getting it,” Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck told the magazine.

But ignoring reality isn’t helpful for mental well-being. “Trying to manifest change — and failing — can make people feel worse,” according to the Newport Institute.

“(It) triggers disappointment for some whilst others completely lose their confidence,” Lucy Baker, a U.K.-based confidence coach, told the New York Post. Believing one is the “luckiest person on planet Earth and luckier than any other living being can be dangerous.”

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at http://justforbooks.tumblr.com

#JUST FOR BOOKS #Lucky Girl Syndrome #ντράπηκε και η ντροπή

[sotisha]

Tonight is the New Moon in Aries heralding in a powerful new start. This is also the start of a new year in Astrology, the zodiac always begins with Aries. This will be a very intense period of new discoveries and new awakenings. We will be able to see what needs to be seen in order to fill in the gaps we have been missing and piece together the puzzle. We will see the world with a sharp clarity.

This New Moon is truly a new birth of life, inspiration and ideas. It is energetically connected to the womb of evolution, like a butterfly coming out of it’s chrysalis. The earth is changing now all around us as it wakes for the Spring, we are also waking up to what we need to do to grow and move on in our lives. Any plans, thoughts or actions seeded now could grow into something amazing.

So much of what has been suppressed is coming to the surface, this New Moon is about truth and seeing what is really there and not what we want to see. This will be a time of seeing illusions about ourselves, illusions about others and illusions about our world, all of these illusions will start crumbling away so we can rebuild on what is real and true.

This New Moon is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Ram. Aries is the sign of bravery so find your inner spiritual warrior who will guard your back and help keep you stay focused on your destiny. don't be afraid to ask for more, think big and dream big. With this potent Aries energy we have the chance to make important changes in our lives. It's time to make some solid yet realistic plans, and to set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings.

This New Moon is ruled by Mars the God of war so there may be some arguments or pent up anger being released in the next few days so try to stay calm and avoid conflicts. This is a good time to look at our personal relationships, either with family, a partner, work or friends. Look at what may need improving and how to make things better. It is also a time to work on our relationship with ourselves, to realise your inner beauty, and pat yourself on the back for all the hard work you do. You will get a boost of new found confidence.

During the next few days you may experience high emotional surges, there will be more intense weather patterns, such as storms or thunder. You may be feeling that you need to get moving in your life. There may be some anxiety and impatience over where you are and where you want to be. There will be more spirit/ghost sightings. People will be acting more assertive and arguments will happen. Pets may start acting strangely.

The New Moon in Aries makes a bold statement and thus leaves no stone unturned as it may symbolically or literally directly point the way to the path that is yet untraveled. Within the unknown or unfamiliar, the universe has the opportunity to bring in wonderful surprises. This is a time to make wishes and go for what you want. Aries is a fire sign and is full of ambition and determination, use this energy to go for and get what you want.

This New Moon is all about change, it is a breath of much needed fresh air. Get rid of old baggage that holds you back. Let the fire of Aries cleanse and heal you and burn away any negative energy. This is a lucky time, so do things that you felt you couldn't do in the past, be a bit bolder, a bit louder, ask for what you want from the universe, let your thoughts and desires manifest into something real.

Have a blessed New Moon, may the Goddess watch over you.

#new moon in aries #aries moon #new moon #moon #full moon

[betancovrts]

the mortal sun has risen and set a thousand thousand times, and goddess of blessed death macaria is yet bound to the earthly realm, the reincarnation loop continues. this time their mortal coil has taken the shape of brandon larracuente, a human born on 3rd of december, 1995, a sagittarius and named lucas betancourt.

NAME. lucas daniel betancourt. AGE. twenty six. BIRTHDAY. december 3, 1995. GENDER. non binary. PRONOUNS. he / they. SEXUALITY. pansexual.   ZODIAC. sagittarius. OCCUPATION. personal trainer and wait staff/server at cedar & stone. HOMETOWN. arecibo, puerto rico. RESIDENCE. atlantis apartments, magnetic island. PETS. jinx, a black maine coon cat. ABILITIES. premonitions of death and hearing the whispers of the dead. FULL POWERS. being able to sense the coming of death, control the passage of souls, communicate openly with the dead  and lucid dream and astral project.

≿   ✧   ┊   𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍   ┊   ✭    ≾

hi there! my name is sam and i’m coming in hot with my new baby lucas  ♡ he is VERY new in my mind so... there’s still things i need to figure out about them. ( since i’m the kind that just figures out as it goes... still questioning if that works out for me or not but oh well ) here’s some bits of info about him though! 

born and raised in puerto rico lucas’s birth wasn’t really... planned at all. his parents like to say they were a happy but extremely unexpected surprise and while they weren’t the richest when it came to belongings they made up for it with all the love and will to succeed both his parents had. ( though they did start to be more careful, which meant he remained an only child )

he wasn’t the kind of kid that had it all as soon as he was asked and while they couldn’t deny he’d sometimes feel a little jealous of other kids that did have the means for that. he understood there were more important things, and well... that just made the rare moments where he’d get an amazing toy for his birthday or christmas all the more incredible.

in school he wasn’t the smartest, there were some subjects ( like math and science ) that were just like an entirely different language for him. he’d much rather play around with his friends and run around the playground but he still managed to stay in the curve. anything he could to not make their parents worry.

his life went from watching their parents trying their best to make ends meet to... getting presents more often and having more than enough food on the table when his dad found a new job. though it meant living his old life and many friends behind, moving to magnetic island sounded a lot like a new adventure and he’d never pass that opportunity. and so at 14/15 ( my math sucks... so around that age ) the entire betancourt family packed their things and moved across the globe for new beginnings. 

he’s been living in magnetic island ever since and while he did/does miss his old friends he managed to make a life of his own! went to college to study physical therapy ( sports were always the thing he liked the most and he thought knowing how to recover from injuries would be useful for him and others as well ) and is currently working as a personal trainer! 

other than that he’s a very... happy go lucky pal. the kind that doesn’t really let anything faze him or gets stressed out... they just go with the flow. or at least that’s what it seems... since when they are stressed out it’s all an internal chaos. 

he seems very sure of himself and for the most part he is but there are always those moments of self doubt/insecurities... especially when it comes to this very weird ( in his opinion ) gift of predicting when someone is about to die... and these odd whispers they hear from time to time... this is something that makes him feel extremely paranoid but at the same time it’s like the most natural thing in the world. it’s a bit of a pain but they also can’t imagine not having that ability. 

lucas can admit it’s a bit... morbid but there’s something reassuring and almost sacred in knowing that someone’s time is about to end, just like there’s beauty in the start of a life there’s a part of them that thinks even though it is sad... there’s something enthralling in the end of one too especially when it’s someone that has lived the good life. so far he’s been able to predict the death of a few people he’s known but no one too close to him... maybe when that day comes it might change his outlook? 

i think that’s pretty much it for him! like i said details still need some adjusting, but... for the most part! please come love them  ♡

#≿ ✧ ┊ 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓 ┊ ✭ ⊰ ❝ about. ❞ ≾ #eternal! intro #/ this is it... for now! #i'm gonna try to make something a bit better when my internet connection isn't a royal pain in the butt

[miasfoxxden]

I tried to quit when you went to shit, when you proved to the world that you only cared about yourselves and not the people who needed you most. But here I am coming back for more like a god damn junkie. I kinda hate this, not gonna lie, but there's really nothing else like VRchat.

VRchat is a weird and amazing thing when you're queer. The aging 2019 Unity Engine LTS build it uses, although held together by duct tape and super glue, provides near infinite capabilities for self expression to those who have the time and patience to understand how to use it's SDK toolkit alongside other community tools like various Blender Plugins. It goes without saying, for those such as myself who have struggled with their own identity for a long time, this shit will crack eggs. And it shattered what remained of mine in the beginning of 2020. This is why this badly written and mismanaged clusterfuck of a Unity game holds a special place in my heart.

To make a very fucking long story short, I've been on VRchat since basically the beginning. My earliest memories of VRC were in late 2017, early 2018 where everything was far more raw, simple, and experimental. VRchat itself was a blank canvas, and on that canvas was a tight knit community that spawned an iconic culture all to its own. And yes, before anyone asks I do know de wae. But for those early years, mainly because of my lack of budget and stable income, I was tied down to just keyboard and mouse controls from a desktop PC. It's a sub ideal way to play VRC but you make do with what you have in that kind of situation and make the best of it. So when I had the means to get my own headset in the beginning of 2020, an Oculus Rift S, you can bet your ass the first thing I loaded into was VRchat.

Before we continue, I need to introduce the concept of phantom touch or phantom sense. Phantom touch is a term that was originally for amputees who could feel their missing limbs when given certain stimuli, typically some form of mirror therapy or sometimes via ones prosthetics. Phantom senses in VR are along the same lines. For all intents and purposes, your avatar in VR is the same as your body to your brain. Now, not everyone gets this, and those who do get it in varying amounts in just different ways. I'm admittedly on the more extreme end of this, as far as my brain gives a shit my avatar is my body and that ends up causing some interesting sensations. Most importantly, it pretty much drives my own choice of avatar since a lot of options out there just don't feel right. Yeah an avatar may be super cute or super funny but with that level of immersion for someone like myself it becomes very apparent that a lot of things will give full on dysphoria. This isn't really limited to anything either, I've noped off of cute looking avatars for a variety of reasons, sometimes even just small things like clothing, hair style, body proportions, height, etc. On the flip side of that, the right avatar can relieve a lot of dysphoria for someone like me who does experience gender dysphoria regularly in their day to day lives. So what were my options then?

Wade through a lot of public avatars until you find something anywhere between just right to perfect. The world of public avatars available is almost limitless, as games driven by user generated content tend to be so there's plenty of options.

Make your own avatar, either from scratch or a prefab base. This is again where the limitlessness of the engine comes into play, where the only limitation is your own technical abilities with Unity SDK, and tools like Blender or Maya.

I got lucky and took option one. I found one that felt just right, a Tda based red haired fox girl in a cute hoodie, crop top, and jeans, and only needed a few minor tweaks. While there was a bit of a language barrier, the creator of this avatar and I got something worked out and the image above is the result. This is me. This was when what remained of my egg, so to speak, was completely fucking shattered into oblivion. This was where I realized that "Nah yeah I'm not fucking cis," after years of going back and forth and being on the fence about my own sense of self. Ultimately, VRchat ended up a coping mechanism for my dysphoria. I was free. I was me. I ended up parting ways with the guy who made the model posted above for reasons I won't get into. I was never given the source files to update the model to SDK3 so where it is now is where it will be forever until SDK2 gets dropped entirely. So, in mid 2021 when I found a prefab base that was relatively well support and easy to work with on booth.pm called Imeris, I jumped on that. I re-made me.

Maybe to a bit of an extreme, but whatever. Bouncy squishy boobs on my chest makes girly gender euphoria go brrrr in a way I can't get over. But this is how I stayed for about a year without any major changes save for some new outfits every now and then.

In August, 2022, VRchat implemented EasyAntiCheat into the game. The reasoning for it is all over the place and while I have some insider information as to why it's not been stated publicly and I don't feel like getting sued into oblivion. But regardless of their reasoning, no matter how much public backlash they got, no matter how many members of the community who relied on third party client mods for accessibility for various disabilities and basic usability and quality of life functions not present in the base game, they pushed the patch out live anyways. They pushed out a patch knowing it broke compatibility with some Oculus headsets and software, this even was noted in the patch notes. They didn't care about us. That much was clear.

I swore off VRchat then and there, but the reality is the other options all sucked. NeosVR had NFT integration which is something I despise on principle. ChilloutVR, while promising, still lacks a lot of the functionality for their dev tools that makes a lot of my shit work. It was on par with early VRchat SDK1 and SDK2 tools, which compared to SDK3 with Udon were beyond archaic. I tried to give that some love, but it's so far from ready to take the place of VRchat that I couldn't switch over. Maybe some day, though, CVR will be in a position where it's a suitable place to call my home in the metaverse.

So after dealing with VRC being broken for months on my machine, I finally figured out a workaround. Turns out my main issue where VRchat was crashing to desktop was because of some sandboxing options I had enabled way back when I was still running Windows 10. Disabling these settings fixed the crashing to desktop, but Oculus overlay still crashes any time the virtual desktops are used. This, however and unfortunately, is a documented issue because of how EAC works, and there's no real fix for it. In any case though, I can be me again. And while unfortunately a lot of my friends have left VRC entirely post EAC update, there's still enough to justify sticking around.

At the time of writing this, I'm a month out from hopefully receiving hormone replacement treatment and beginning my transition proper. It's a bit overdue, admittedly, but I know some day soon I'll feel comfortable in my own shell. For now, this will continue to be my escapism from the dysphoria that's plagued me for years.

Stay floofy~ 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈❤️

#VRchat #gender dysphoria #transfem #the trans experience #metaverse #trans rights

[maitanii]

So I received this ask but I don't why I can't answer it normally, so I'm going to write it here because I'm really passionate about what I do. Hope you see it anon 🌸🤍

Being a journalist is hard.

It's fucking hard.

It's frustrating.

But, it's also the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Because it has made me more human.

I chose this path back in 2016, when I downloaded Tumblr for the first time and US elections were around the corner. Honestly, i didn't know much about it, but I found it quite interesting (and Donald Trump was named like Donald duck, so it was funny). When he actually won, I went to school the next day and my English teacher was crying. And I couldn't understand why it was a bad thing. I didn't know much English and politics at that time. So she explained to me what It meant. And I became interested in knowing how things were developing in the US. And I started following the news. And the rest is history!

JOURNALISM (long post ahead):

Being a journalist is dedicating yourself to the people, because you're telling them not only what to think, but how and why should they think.

Now, i'd like to start by saying that journalism is completely different depending on which part of the world you are from.

Thankfully, I'm from a country with freedom of speech and even though our government is far from perfect, it protects us. On the other hand, you can work in any newspaper without having a degree, so it makes the system corrupt, and it's hard to get hired without having contacts (this is different in other European countries). This is the first downside that I find, but as I said, it changes depending on where you are from.

Another bad thing it's that nowadays, journalism has lost the trust that it used to have. It's so easy to post a video on Twitter, write the words "breaking news" and scare hundreds of people. Social Media has done great things, it allows me to write this! But it also changed journalism. And young journalist are paying the price of being called liars.

Humanity changed, and following Darwinism, to survive, journalism had to adapt. As we say in my country, dress me slowly because I'm in a hurry. In order to do things good, you have to do them carefully. But we live in a hurry, and we need to know things quickly. Fake news, clickbait and many other dirty techniques have developed because all we care about it's making money. Making money fast.

Now, starting with good things: you get to know the world.

Last year, I had the chance to interview a young man from Senegal who is training to compete in the next Olympic Games. I talked with a Moroccan influencer that spreads body positivity. I got to know a teacher who spent some years in Syria. I have always been an open minded person, but journalism changed me even more.

I get to do the things I love the most: reading and writing stories. But this time, everything is real.

Also, knowing a second language is so useful and amazing. People don't understand how incredible it feels to communicate with people from all around the globe. Interviewing someone in your language it's great, but in another language? It's just, woah, they understand me! (I have to say that I'm lucky that my first language is Spanish)

Journalism is the fourth power. For real, is such a powerful profession. You are in charge of investigating what's going on and tell the people on a daily basis stories from everywhere. People do not seem to ealize the impact that it has.

I'm not going to lie, sometimes i's depressing. My body is here, but my mind is in Ukraine, Iran, Taiwan. I have anxiety issues and this year, the world's current situation has not helped. But at the end of the day, I go to sleep having learned something new.

I hope I helped you a bit. In case you have another question, here I am!

PS: English is not my first language, so if you don't understand something, let me know!

#—marta talks