#pomodoro is wearing me out

[minispidey]

03: Barbie and the Giftshopist.

Steven Grant x f!bimbo!reader. previous part. series masterlist. next part.

03. Everyday she wears pink.

(A/n: your feedback on the last chapter about me writing the moon knight system is so amazing tysm! i referenced mpgis here and more legally blonde. i wanna note that reader has been a lawyer for a couple years now and amazing at it 🤸‍♀️ btw update tags are open!)

warnings: mention of cock, swearing and cursing, mention of blood.

the cock line is from my bubs @ominoose ily

"This isn't just a date. This is a date!" You told yourself as you threw random articles of clothing behind you as you hunted for a specific dress.

You thought maybe you shouldn't wear pink. Maybe you have a pretty dress he hasn't seen you in.

You barely slept due to excitement.

The way he talked and looked at you made you swoon over him. Just thinking about makes you-

You squealed as your leg involuntarily kicked up. You blinked twice in confusion "That is so weird..."

Maybe you were horny.

"Oh gosh, not again. Bad leg!" you scolded your beautiful leg as it kicks up again "Down girl, down! No nasty thoughts about... about... about the hot neighbor across us- no!"

You almost moaned at the though of his lips against yours... You shuddered as you kept remembering the way he looked at you. You laid down in the pool of clothing as you imagined how your little lunch date will go.

As usual, you two walked out of your flat at the same time, discussing where the two of you were going for lunch.

"Wetherspoons..." you parked your pink corvette outside, looking at the flowers decorating the place. Your high heels clicked on the pavement as you walked inside, still in your pink work suit despite planning on changing.

It was a busier day than you thought, but of course lunch time is important.

Your eyes lit up as you spotted Steven, sitting up rather stiff "Stevie!" you smiled as you walked over to his table "Hi, so sorry I'm a bit late. Traffic and all."

But Steven looked back at you with such a loving look in his eyes "It's alright, love. I haven't been waiting long."

The truth is, he thought you weren't gonna show up.

"Have you ordered yet? Gosh, you must be starved." you opened the menu and browsed.

"I haven't." he shook his head, opening his menu as well.

"Cross examination was a success." you smiled "Next week's the next trial with the witness."

Steven didn't know what you were talking about, it was out of context "That's great!" he responded.

"So then he was like no and I was like, you are. Then he was like no but then I was like you are! And he was like, I kinda am. So long story short he's like, totally gay." you said as you looked at your compact mirror.

"Thank gosh I figured it out, because no way can he say my Chanel is so last season when his shirt is so last year. My client was totally bugging, but we figured it out and I, like, totally won that. How about you, Stevie? How's your day?"

Steven smiled back at you "T'was alright, love. Just the usual." he says sarcastically "Donna's been a real-"

"Excuse my language— Bitch? Cunt? Pain in the ass?"

He chuckles "Yes. A pain in the arse, love."

"She always sounds like she's giving you a hard time. You sure you don't want me to talk to her?"

"I don't think it's lawyer-worthy. It's really alright, love." Steven shakes his head "Just another typical day."

"Yeah, which can be classified as workplace abuse."

"Really. I'm fine."

You press your glossy lips into a thin line before sighing "Alright. But if you need someone to represent you in court, I'm your girl." you playfully winked at him.

Steven blushed before nodding "I'll keep you in mind then." a waiter comes up to the two of you and he began to order "-and a cocktail. Uh, how about you?"

"Um, I'll have the Soup of the Day with half a baguette, and Pasta Pomodoro with salmon. And— wait did you say a cocktail?" you blinked twice at Steven "I'll have a cocktail too, thank you."

You smiled at the waiter as he repeated the order to you two before walking away.

"Jeez, Stevie. It's only lunchtime." you giggled at him.

"I-I just wanted something strong."

"Work's really stressful, huh?"

"It really is." he sighed "Working late again tonight. But this uh lunch date is really cheering me up."

Your cheeks felt hot, making you smile "That's so sweet... tell you what, I'll pick you up from work tonight again. I'm working late too anyways."

It was Steven's turn to blush. His hand shakes with his head "You're way too nice. I don't wanna bother you. It's quite overwhelming too." even his ears turned red.

"Steven, you shouldn't turn away blessings." you winked as you giggled. Your cocktails were served just a few minutes later.

"I haven't had a cock in a while."

Steven felt his drink rush to his nose and he quickly grabbed a napkin. He coughs a few times before looking up at you.

"Oopsies, I meant a cocktail." you covered your mouth, smiling "Well, I mean... I haven't had that in a while either."

You took a sip of the drink and Steven stared at the lipstick mark left on the edge of the glass. You always wore a certain shade of lipstick, and it always drove him crazy.

There were times he'd imagine smudging your lipstick... in more ways than one.

After lunch, the two of you laughed as you drove to the museum. Steven just kept falling more and more into your wonderland of pink and diamonds. He stared at you with half-lidded eyes, listening to every word you said.

The thing about Steven is that he loves to ramble and talk a lot, and so do you. He knew you were perfect.

"-and I was like, thank gosh I talked her out of buying an orange chiffon scarf. It doesn't suit her spring tones at all! There's a fine line between terracotta and brown."

That evening, your pink corvette was parked outside of the museum, waiting patiently for Steven after a long day of reading case papers. You puckered out your lips to reapply some lipstick before popping and smiling at your reflection.

Your freshly manicured nails tapped on the steering wheel while humming a small tune.

Then suddenly someone knocks on your window.

"Steven?"

He looked like he was roughed up, red staining his clothes, but it's not his blood. It didn't even look like the same clothes he was wearing during your lunch date.

"Oh my gosh, Steven-"

...but that's actually not your main concern.

"-I told you, blue and black as a combo is a total crime against fashion. If it were me, I'd make it law." you groaned, opening the locks of your car "Get in."

His eyes widened but he doesn't respond, only taking the passenger's seat like you commanded.

"Oh, you have a little stain there." you pat the patch of blood using a pink handkerchief with lace trim and your name embroidered on the corner.

He continued to stare at you as you took his hand and placing your handkerchief on his palm "Here. You can give it back to me some other time because I seriously I need to take you shopping this weekend."

You thought maybe he's always tired after work, that's why he's so quiet, like yesterday.

"Maybe I can figure out your color palette so I know what looks best on you. Your shirts are cute, I'd have to admit, but some of them are... meh. No offense but some prints are worse than the last. OH! I know, we'll do a whole shopping day on the weekend. An hour or so won't cut it. I know it's your weekend off, but trust me when I say when your pretty neighbor's a fashionista, your life is gonna change."

Steven looks at you from the mirror's reflection before shifting his eyes towards the body— Jake. Unlike Marc's creepy silent behavior from the night before, Jake actually looks at you as you went on and on.

He even responds with small nods.

"Can we not make this a habit? First it's Marc pretending to be me in front of her, now it's you. I don't need your help with her. Can I please go in my own pace?" Steven tells Jake, but Jake shook his head in a not now kind of motion.

As Jake entered the apartment after waving goodnight to you, he's met with a poor attempt of a glare from Steven "Don't look at me like that, you wanted the girl so I gave it a push."

"I want to do this on my own. Marc doesn't want me to, I don't know about you, but I don't need help. Can I please do it my way? It's all I ask."

"Can you ask her out?"

Steven pressed his lips into a line before letting out a sigh "Give me the body. I'll... try."

"Alright, alright. You go on ahead."

Steven, now in control of the body, swung open the door and he sees you struggling to find your keys. You blinked twice before smiling at him "Hi again, Stevie. My keys are just- ugh, a lot." your keychains jingle as you tried to find the right key.

"Can we go on a date after shopping this weekend?" he blurts out quickly. Steven was red as a tomato "D-Dinner date."

Your eyes lit up and you felt the butterflies in your stomach again "I'd love that! I'll just- oh! I found my key!"

And you also found the key to your locked-up heart.

UP NEXT: the best weekend ever! a date with steven and a little breaking and entering 💅

tags: @red-hydra @monsterroonio @pastelpinkpilatesprincess @letmehavemyfictionalmen @uncle-eggy @superduckmilkshake @3zae-zae3

#moon knight #steven grant #jake lockley #marc spector #x bimbo!reader #x reader #x you #bimbo reader #moon knight system

[cowardnthief]

10 actual ADHD study tips

from a student with ADHD

(or if you just have trouble concentrating)

1. put your phone in different room.

no, really. there can be any number of excuses not to (i use it as an alarm/timer, what if there's an emergency, but i use it during breaks) but i guarantee that you will focus better without the ability to check your social media. if you're genuinely worried about missing a phone call, don't put it on silent, and leave it across the room so you can hear it, but make sure it's out of reach.

2. invest in some noise-cancelling or muffling headphones.

they're a life-saver. i use them to help with sensory overloads, but now i wear them pretty much every time i study. regular headphones with some kind of neutral backing noise also work pretty well.

3. don't listen to music.

maybe somewhere, somehow, there exists a person who can actually listen to music and focus, but i've never met one. my adhd means i get distracted by anything. i'm a good multitasker, but not when the task requires lots of thought, like my science or math homework, or that english essay i've been putting off. if science is distracting for you as well, put on a neutral background noise (no, not lo-fi hiphop beats - unless that works for you). i usually put rain sounds or white or brown noise (the latter is my favourite).

4. break big tasks into small chunks.

you've probably heard this one before, but adhd makes tackling big tasks seem really daunting. like, where do you even start? before beginning a massive project, make a list of every little thing you need to do. it might seem stupid or excessive, but i can't stress how much it helps. it also gives you a sense of accomplishment whenever you knock a task off the list.

5. if you know you're gonna procrastinate, try and do it productively.

this one is one i'm still getting used to. i realised, after hours of sitting at my desk, not wanting to start on my essay but not wanting to actively NOT write my essay, and just generally feeling like shit, that it would have been better to spend those hours doing that thing i wanted to do (learn that song on my guitar, finally finish the painting sitting on my desk, write the poem that i had scribbled in my notebook a week ago). if you know you're not going to get started on your work, you might as well do something else that isn't as pressing but you still need to get done. it's okay not to be 100% productive al the time.

6. have a clear workspace.

this is a big one. i found that having a lot of stuff on or around my desk just makes me feel fenced in. i like to have 1 lamp, 1 cup of pens/pencils/highlighters, a cup of tea, tissues, and whatever i'm working on. when you're done with a task, PUT IT AWAY ASAP. that way, it doesn't build up, and you can feel ready to start on the next thing.

6.5. eliminate distractions.

i feel like this relates to the point above, but don't have lots of visible posters/lights/tempting tasks. maybe close your blinds or your door, or study in a library instead of your room if it is too bright and colourful.

7. the pomodoro method (organising your breaks).

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS. the pomodoro method involves working for a consistent slot of time (usually 25 minutes, but whatever works for you) and then having a short break (5-10 minutes), and then a long break every 2-5 "slots" (15-20 minutes). if you don't trust yourself to stick to a timer, get a cute app on your laptop - there are heaps of different themes, and it will help you organise your time and tasks. instead of thinking about a task like "it will take me 2 hours", think about it like "it will take me 4 slots of time", and it will be much less daunting.

(note: for your breaks, try not to reach for your phone/social media. this is a rabbit hole. maybe draw for a minute, or read a few pages of a book. do something you can easily and quickly put away.)

8. organise yourself, but try not to hyperfixate on it.

apps like notion can be really helpful when organising tasks/your workspace, but they can also suck hours of your time away if you're not careful. not everything has to be perfect/meticulously planned, and you're not working on your homework by planning your weekly schedule. speaking from experience, it's really easy to get caught up in something that may feel productive, but really isn't.

9. this is really niche, but... for my reading-glasses wearers:

WEAR THEM WHEN YOU STUDY. i'm very mildly farsighted, which means wearing glasses when i read for long periods of time helps me prevent headaches. technically, i can go without them, and for a few years i usually did, but i've noticed that wearing them when i study has the benefit of getting me in the right headspace, and also stops me from looking up or around my room too often, as the prescription makes me dizzy when looking at things far away.

10. just get started.

i know you hate hearing this, but usually, knocking one or two things off your list can help you get motivated. often, things that seem really difficult or time consuming aren't as bad once you've gotten started.

good luck!

#gonna be so embarrassed if i post this and no one sees it but eh #i'll use it for myself #ironically i wrote this instead of studying #feel free to rb with your own tips #adhd #actually autistic #study tips #actually adhd #adhd in #neurodivergent #executive dysfunction #living with adhd #adhd post

[daydreamingyuta]

Strawberry Sunday│Jaehyun

Sunday’s were your favorite day of the week. It had become tradition for you and Jaehyun to spend every Sunday you could together, relaxing. The only rule to your Sunday’s together was that you were not allowed to worry or do any work at all. It was a whole day strictly meant for relaxing and enjoying each others company. 

You both took this rule very seriously and most Sundays spent together, you both didn’t lift a finger to do anything. But this Sunday was a little different. You suddenly got the very strong urge to cook something. Not that cooking was ‘work’ but it did have the tendency to stress you out and not taste as good as any takeout you could get. So when you told Jaehyun this, you expected him to laugh and ask you what restaurant you two should order from for dinner. 

“We actually should make something.” Jaehyun says, surprising you.

“Wait really! But we don’t know how to make anything.”

“We’ll figure it out. Just as long as it’s not anything too complicated.”

Excited by this, you two hop off of the couch to see what you already had in the kitchen. As you two rummage through the fridge and the pantry, you find that you had all the ingredients to make penne pomodoro, which was one of your favorite pasta dishes.

“Pasta’s easy enough to make”, Jaehyun says as you show him the ingredients. “But we should make a dessert as well.”

“Strawberry cake! We have everything to make it!”

Jaehyun smiles at you cute excitement, “I’ve seen those before, they look really good.”

“Okay! Let me look up a recipe for everything. We have to follow it perfectly because otherwise it’s going to be a disaster.”,You say pulling up the recipes from pinterest. 

When you finally find one that looks the best, you two began making the penne pomodoro first. It’s pretty easy because you two aren’t making the pasta from scratch or anything. 

Halfway through, it seems that Jaehyun has everything under control, so you decided to start working on the dessert. This way it will be baking in the oven by the time you guys are eating dinner. 

You preheat the oven and then grab the box of strawberries. You wash them off and began cutting them up. Lost in thought, you didn’t hear Jaehyun come up behind you. But you did feel his arms wrap around your waist and his head rest on your shoulder. He watches you cut the strawberries as you slightly lean into him, feeling his warmth. 

You feel slight disappointment as he removes one of his arms that was wrapped around you, thinking that he was going to go back to cooking. But he leaves his other arm right where it is while the other pushes back you hair. He returns his arm back around you, hugging you tight and places the sweetest little kisses on your neck. 

“Hmm, smells so good baby.” 

“I don’t really think you can smell the strawberries Jae.”

“You’re wearing that new perfume I got you?”, He says while softly nibbling at you ear.

“Maybee.” You say, trying to get away because you’re ticklish but in reality you never want him to stop. You relax when his head goes back to rest on your shoulder. “Can I ask you something, Jae?”

“Ask me baby.”

“I love you so much.”

“That wasn’t a question.” Jaehyun says in a whisper.

“I know, but you’re being all sweet and it’s making me nervous and I can’t think straight.”

Jaehyun softly laughs, “I love you so much too y/n.”

He goes back to making dinner while you finish dessert. Everything honestly smells so good and by the time dinner is done and the cake is in the oven, your mouth is watering. 

You grab a plate but Jaehyun takes it from you, “I got it love, go sit down.”

He fills your plate with food as you sit down. He sets your plate in front of you and places his in front of his seat. You two take the first bite together and it taste so good. It’s not gourmet or anything, but for two people who don’t cook very often, it was very tasty. 

Once you two are done eating, you continue to sit at the table together, lost in conversation. You smile when you see that way Jaehyun is staring at you right now. He is looking at you like you are the most beautiful person in the world. And to him, you are. He can never get enough of you and he never fails to make you feel loved. 

The sound of the oven beeping takes you both away from your conversation. You get up and take the cake out, smelling the sweet aroma that fills the entire kitchen. You set it down to cool for a while. 

Typically after dinner on your Sundays together, Jaehyun would relax while playing some music on his record player while you read. This Sunday wasn’t any different as you grab the book that you were currently reading and Jaehyun grabs an album. 

You two cuddle on the couch together, Jaehyun with his eye closed enjoying his music, and you lost in your book. Once his album was finished and you had read a couple of chapters, you two decided that it was time to try your dessert. 

He cuts two pieces for the both of you. You two take a bite and it is everything you were hoping it to be. It’s light and fluffy and the strawberries tasted perfect. 

Days like this filled you heart with so much joy and love. You were so happy that you could spend time with Jaehyun in this way, not having to worry about a single thing. You two have always been each others safe space, when everything just got to be too much, you could escape to your little world together.  

#jaehyun #drabble #fluff #nct #nct 127 #k-pop

[inexplicablymine]

@welcometololaland you have DONE IT AGAIN. bows down.

Rules: List your WIPs below (if you only write one fic at a time, feel free to include future WIPs/ideas!) then answer the following questions. Then, tag as many people as you have WIPs (or more).

I am humbly here to present my ABSOLUTELY insane WIP list for the Firstprince fandom and tell you a little more about them!

(Also to those who asked about WIP’s in my inbox those answers are coming ~ if anyone has any more questions or wants more ask box is open! I’ll be answering all of those tomorrow instead of (or with) Seven Sentence Sunday!)

Thank you to @welcometololaland for ANOTHER amazing weekend game truly a blast. To @kiwiana-writes @daisymae-12 @orchidscript @happiness-of-the-pursuit @gay-flyboys @rockyroadkylers and @anincompletelist for the tags I LOVED reading all of your words and answers.

If you have prepared yourself, then forge on ;)

1. WIP List

- The Firstprince Files

- The Ties That Bond Us

- Super Six and the Siren’s Call

- Looking for Orion

- Balls to the Wall

- Fifteen Hours Till Forever

- Watermelon Sugar

- Mr. Party Hardy (Mr. Bodypillow AU)

- Mr. Move It Move It (Mr Bodypillow AU)

- Mr. Massage (Mr. Bodypillow AU)

- S.M.U.T.

- No Laughing Matter

- Sweater Weather

- Ground(s) Up

- Delilah

- Minty Fresh

- Beast I’m an Animal

- Mind Over Matter

- [Switchback]

- [World Cup AU]

- [Orchestra AU]

- [Yoga AU]

- [Rugby Video AU]

- [Star Trek AU]

- [Oxford Slut Era AU]

- [Model/mistaken identity AU]

- [Pomodoro Method AU]

And probably more but that’s enough for now lmao

2. Which of your WIP’s is currently the longest?

Definitely Super Six and the Sirens Call. Currently at 48K but over the next two months I think a few of my other multichaps will also match it for length.

3. Which WIP do you expect will end up the longest

The Firstprince Files. The outline for it is 37 chapters long and the first two chapters that are written are clocking in at about 13K right now.

4. Which WIP is your favorite to write/the most enjoyable to write? Why?

Going to go for broke here ~ my co-writes (Super Six and the Sirens Call w/ @read-and-write- and @happiness-of-the-pursuit, [Switchback] w/ @celaestis1, Watermelon Sugar w/ @heybuddy-drabbles, and S.M.U.T. with @affectionatelyrs) have been a BLAST. The words flow, I'm obsessed with the stories, getting to read others words and then add your own and make good soup will always be fun.

Outside of my cowrites? … hmmmm honestly I am obsessed with mystery and plotting out The Firstprince Files was truly a delight, but I enjoy writing all of my fics otherwise I wouldn’t write them.

5. Which WIP do you find the most intimidating to write? Why?

The Ties That Bond Us. It’s a Bond/Q actor AU and there are already SO MANY great ones (and ones being written), and there is an extensive amount of epistolary writing that comes from different authors of articles and media works that need to have a distinct voice in order for the work to really work. I don’t know if I even have a distinct writing voice let alone if I can wear the masks of a bunch of other voices in a convincing way.

6. Which WIP do you experience the most self-doubt about. Why?

Whichever one is currently being written/focused on/about to be posted? It’s not a one size fits all answer, but at the moment I’m writing this it’s my Halloween Huh fic. It’s done and posted- ready to be revealed. I made myself go read it out loud one last time to hear it back (newsflash I hate doing this but I still do it because it helps) and that just made me doubt everything hahaha.

7. Which of your WIP’s will you seek out a beta/sensitivity reader for? Why?

All of them. I always have a beta, I am incapable of posting a non beta’d work I have too much anxiety about it. The Firstprince Files deals with some much heavier themes so I will likely want a sensitivity reader there for those, and Super Six and the Sirens Call has quite a bit of Spanish in it that we have beta’s checking on.

8. Have any of your WIP’s been struck by the curse of writers block?

Yes this is why I have so many … (joking). Yes and no. I will just power through to write a bad section to have words on the page and then come back to fix them later which helps. I have a focused few WIP's that I work on at a time (small rotation inside the big rotation). The rest of these have an outline and a doc and at least a little bit written, but will not receive heavy work on them until I go through what’s first on my internal fic calendar.

What is in the current small rotation? SSASC, Looking for Orion, Watermelon Sugar, [Switchback}, Minty Fresh, my Mr. BodyPillow follow ups, and The Ties That Bond Us is my Nano project this November.

9. Which WIP has your favorite OC? Tell us about them?

At this moment Watermelon Sugar which is a co-write threesome for Threesgiving with @heybuddy-drabbles. Our third member of the threesome is AMAZING and we love them so much and we are very very excited for them to come into everyone else’s world as well.

10. Which WIP is the sexiest?

This is a toss up between [Switchback], [World Cup AU], Watermelon Sugar, and [Pomodoro Method]. We will see when they are finished what I think really takes the cake there.

11. Which WIP is the angstiest?

I mean chapter two of Looking for Orion, but The Firstprince Files has quite a bit of angst. I don’t really write a lot of heavy angst or I haven’t yet we will see if the reception to LFO changes the tide there.

12. Which WIP has the best characterization (in your humble opinion)?

Looking for Orion at the moment, but I’m really hoping that Mind Over Matter takes that one when I have more written on it.

13. Which WIP has the best scene setting (in your humble opinion)?

Oh my, Super Six and the Sirens Call has quest locations that change in a rotation. Truly I can't tell you more but it is SO FUN truly so fun. The Ties That Bond Us also just is jet-setting movie stars in Bond movie locations, stunt training, doing interviews in wild places, and campaigns in larger than life locations. So that is ridiculously fun to write and I hope it is just as fun to read.

14. Which WIP have you worked the hardest on?

Super Six and the Sirens Call. This work has a promo schedule there is art being made, there are docs linked within docs. When I say this became a big brained thing it’s a big brained thing.

15. Which WIP do you have the highest expectations for? Why?

I try not to ever have expectations, it’s better that way I find ~ but based on reaction and excitement (my irl bookclub today made me promise to send them a link) I would say Super Six and the Sirens Call. Outside of that I just hope that if one person likes it then it is doing it’s job which is to create joy. (but internally we all have those fics that we hope do a little better than others for one reason or another. My Mr. Bodypillow follow ups I hope people enjoy, my two longer Multichapter works I am deeply attached to, and Looking for Orion I am currently a bit obessed with and I hope others get obsessed with it too.)

16. Do you dream about any of your WIP’s?

NO I DONT DREAM BUT @happiness-of-the-pursuit LITERALLY DREAMED ABOUT ONE OF MINE THIS WEEK SO I'M COUNTING IT.

17. Do any of your WIP’s have any particular complexities that your other fics don’t?

[Orchestra AU] is meant to be read at pace with the classical pieces that are titled in the top of the chapter which is fun and funky but is going to make pacing HARD. Because people read at different times. + that posting schedule is supposed to mimic the NYC philharmonic concert series performance schedule.

The Firstprince Files has a lot of real world implications for the characters as it is a suspense mystery novel that requires so much research on realistically how things might work or play out.

The Ties That Bond Us is going to have SO Much coding in it for the media chapters and I am now thinking I’m going to do art for it which rip me I guess (hahaha).

[Switchback] has a lot of POV changes which requires a delicate hand to know when to stop and start a perspective

Mind over Matter and No Laughing Matter are meant to be laugh out loud funny and I’m going to need help with both of them for that … truly

A lot of the one shots I struggle with because I want to give the story enough depth while still not expanding them into multichapter works, which is something I struggle with.

18. Which WIP is the funniest or has the most humor?

Reiterating above, Mind over Matter and No Laughing Matter for sure.

19. Do any of your WIPs contain outside POVs or a deep dive on a character other than the main ship? How are you finding that process?

Super Six and the Siren’s Call DOES and it’s SO FUN. Truly it has been a BLAST To get into the heads of these other characters, and flesh out how they see the main ship as well.

The Ties That Bond Us, every other chapter is an outside POV from the media perspective which as I mentioned earlier creates a lot of work for voice and structure.

20. Tell us one thing we don’t know about one or more of your WIPs.

Hmmm some super fast fun ones

- 14 of the WIP’s on this list are MultiChap works

- 4 of them are co-authored works

- The Firstprince Files has been outlined since February of this year and The Ties That Bond Us has been outlined since March. (They are my oldest outlined works but they are also long works).

- 6 of these works are my FirstPrinceWeek works that I will still publish. I got sick and had an “AO3 author note” standard few weeks which put me behind. I do have one FPW fic published so far.

- Balls to the Wall started after a conversation about how criminal it is that Starbucks doesn’t sell the "Off menu but actually on menu now because it is in the app" Medicine Ball Tea in take home form so you can make it yourself when you are sick.

- All of these are for Firstprince but I now have an IRL who told me TODAY that she wants me to write Tarlos so I better get started on finishing all of these.

- [Rugby Video AU] and Ground(s) Up are both based on TikTok’s that I saw and immediately went "ahhhh yes that’s firstprince."

- All of my Mr. BodyPillow follow up’s will have “Mr.” In the name, and the title of the collection is Mr. Ace Alex, though there is a bit of a push for me to rename it the snerdle collection.

- My ask box is open if you want to ask about any of my WIP's :)

And now I will be tagging my entire moot list because I have too many WIP’s (jk but … prepare for the wall of tags) there is no pressure here but this has been a DELIGHT to read through everyone’s and I want to read about a million more!

@affectionatelyrs @historicallysam @rmd-writes @treluna4 @cheesecurdsgravyandfries @cha-melodius @arand0mdutchgirl @adreamareads @vonpeepsisback @clottedcreamfudge @cityofdownwardspirals @14carrotghoul @cricketnationrise @myheartalivewrites @xthelastknownsurvivorx @mudbloodpotter05 @everwitch-magiks @leaves-of-laurelin @celeritas2997 @athousandrooms @smc-27 @three-drink-amy @sprigsofviolets @heartitinthesilence @sherryvalli @weighty-ghosts @heybuddy-drabbles @read-and-write- @raysletters @thesleepyskipper @kill8a @babiemonk @suseagull04

#lola's wip tag game #tag game #fic tag game #WIP tag game #WIP's #inexplicablymine wip #inexplicablymine #ao3 #firstprince #fanfiction

[lunebits]

how i study with autism

hello !! so i never really see anything about trying to survive the hell that is high school when you’re trying to study with autism ?-?!? so i wanted to make one with my own tips !! it’ll be organized by section dw <3

part one: morning/night routines + going to school

it’s important to know what you can/cannot do! (the things i can’t do i call “land mines” btw bc if i do them it’s only a matter of time before i explode) for example: waking up before 6:15am for me is a landmine. studying in the morning is a landmine. being late is a landmine, etc.

also, for me mornings are usually overstimulating, so i read and i wear my comfiest clothes and use a blanket when i’m eating breakfast !!

basically the whole point is to make a morning routine that avoids your landmines! and gives you ample time to get ready to go out into the world.

at night, i give myself a hard stop time. i have to get things done, or at least partially done, by that time. for me, it’s 9:45 !! when i stop at that time, it gives me time to unmask in my room and stim before going to bed.

also keep your routines simple. i always have trouble remembering really complex routines! so usually i remember that i have to read, take care of my hygiene, pick clothes out, and go to bed.

i’m not saying you should go to sleep late or early, but if a lack of sleep causes you to meltdown the next day …. GO TO SLEEP !!!!!!

for the longest time i felt really weird bc i went to school w/o a comfort item before i realized … my phone is my comfort item … ANYWAY the point is being a comfort item to school ++ anything else to get you through that sensory hell.

most of the time, you can spend lunch in the library if the cafeteria is too much for you. also, go to the bathroom for a few minutes when you get overwhelmed during class. it’s helpful, and i promise you look normal. don’t worry.

part two: planning

my two main systems planning programs are google calendar + todomate. they’re easy to be flexible with and they’re easy to use!

i write my tasks during the day using todomate. it’s just easier. then, to motivate myself later when i’m working, i write them in my bullet journal.

i actually Don’t Timeblock because i tend to feel really stressed when i get off schedule by even just a minute.

instead i work in hour long blocks using a 50/10 work/break pomodoro thingy ;; and i don’t assign tasks to each block either i just do them as best i can. for me, it reduces stress bc usually i can look at my todo list where i’ve defined exactly what i need to do and then just work for as long as i need. my only concern is stopping by 9:45.

i use a notion calendar to plan my studying for tests. here’s how i plan for them !! :

i usually give myself (if possible) a week before a big test to study the material. under the event, i add a todo list that where i put exactly what i need to do on what day to stay on track. the important thing is to not overcrowd a day! NEVER !!! extend the amount of days you need to study if you have to, but never overcrowd a day. especially if you don’t know your workload before that day.

overall, keep it simple. planning isn’t actually doing, so don’t overexert yourself when planning. it’s important to understand yourself !!

part three: actually doing stuff !

lets be honest — assignments are actually hell and i hate them but i have to do them to get good grades

essays: break down the prompt or assignment task and outline your essay RIGHT AWAY. ik it’s hard to get an idea initially, but a little brainstorming doesn’t hurt. a lot of the time, you can actually implement stuff about your special interest in them to make arguments and points, etc. also, plan out when you’re gonna write what parts of the essay. and follow said schedule.

general homework assignments: usually these are completion, so honestly just sit down and get them the fuck done. the most important thing is that you actually understand what you’re doing. i mean, do you really understand how to solve that math problem? what that literature discussion question is asking?

projects: do your part of the project. break the parts down and delegate them to different days and actually do the project. also, i try to work alone most of the time bc it’s just easier, so do try to ask about working alone if you need to.

i can preach about actually doing shit but that doesn’t keep the demons that are executive dysfunction, anxiety, and depression at bay. here’s how i deal with them:

executive dysfunction: mine usually goes away with a plan. if i physically can’t bring myself to do something, i set a timer for 10 minutes, where i promise myself at the end of that time i’ll do something. usually something completely unrelated to work like making tea or tying my hair up. usually that’s enough to get me moving and actually get me to my desk, or at least pull something to do out.

anxiety: this is literally going to sound silly but i actually just make tea. the tea is warm and it grounds me, and it forces me to get up. i also get a blanket and wear something comfy. and usually on bad anxiety days i try to get done earlier, or just do the bare minimum.

depression: this is especially prevalent for me on the weekends. i am so lethargic on the weekends. the first thing i fucking do is actually shower. go take that shower. if you’re still not feeling it, make your favorite drink, even if it’s just drinking gatorade at 3am. go play your favorite instrument or do a puzzle. just do something. hopefully, it’ll be enough to get you to do some of your work. remember, doing bare minimum is completely fine. you don’t have to do everything at 110%. things can be 50%, 60%, or even 35% if that’s bare minimum.

part four: actually studying

here’s where i have to be like … this is what works for me. and you can adjust things as you need. also keep in mind that i go to a stem school lol

general and misc studying tips

body-doubling helps me a lot, so i study or work with study with me videos online. they come in all types, so it’s easy to find one that fits me for that day.

choose music your brain can take for that day. some days, i can study perfectly with lyrical music. but other days it’s too much so i need instrumental music.

oh, read textbooks like they’re books first. i swear. i usually go slower when i’m trying to take notes on the textbook. but if i read the textbook first like i’m just reading it for the sake of it, suddenly it gets less daunting and i can take notes later when i go through it again.

general review process (this is an everyday thing, usually.)

i collect the notes i took from my classes that day

i reformat them but make it fun style (ex: history notes are turned into a mind map or review questions, math notes are turned into me explaining a problem, etc.)

that’s literally it — these will be important for studying later.

studying process (basic process of how i actually study)

class notes — take notes and ask questions if you don’t understand smth.

general review (see above)

study for the assessment a week before.

ok this section is actually how i study for assessments

i always ALWAYS identify my weak spots first. to do this, i take one practice test or complete a review sheet my teachers gave me. if there isn’t one, i make my own review questions (these are usually for more concept based subjects)

then i ask my teachers questions if i don’t understand something. they should be open to helping you.

actual review methods now !! here’s what i do:

problem-based subjects (math, mostly):

i set a timer for 10 minutes and do as many problems as i can. idk why but i find this hilariously fun. i grade myself after and then reward myself with something — very often a sip of tea.

also most of the time i think of it like solving a puzzle, so i generalize solving into a process scheme, which i write down. (ex: step one: isolate y, etc.)

the bottom line is that practice questions are your best fucking friend. be buddies with those practice questions. so millions of them until you’re comfortable with the fact that you can do most of them.

content-based subjects (history, literature):

ok honestly i basically make a dnd game out of history. LISTEN ITS FUN OK like history is a series of events in your campaign and you can walk through the way things affected people and use fun dnd terminology if you need to.

also those mindmaps from your general review earlier? yeah those. use them !!! i do whats called blurting, where you essentially just dump everything you remember down. use the mindmap you made to check your understanding.

sometimes, like for art history, i’ll use flashcards to study. actually go through them — don’t just make them and call it a day and never look at them again. for me, i randomly separate them into piles. if i get through a pile without getting any wrong, i give myself a treat! if i don’t, i move on and just repeat that pile again later.

concept based subjects (like science):

science sucks for this but most of the time you need to understand and internalize the concepts so that you can apply it to questions. ap style questions do this a lot.

like with history, i do a lot of blurting. talking out loud also helps me think through how to explain things.

i also have this mind palace game where i assign a particular room in my house to a particular topic. then, i go to that room, recall everything i know and check myself. if i got it all right and didn’t forget smth, i take an item from that room and move onto the next. if i didn’t get it all right, i still move onto the next room, and i’ll repeat that room again later.

textbooks usually have good review questions. DO THEM!!!!!! and use the textbook to revise your answers and then answer them again.

ok i honestly think that’s it pls tell me if i can add stuff

#being autistic #autism #studyblr #studying with anxiety #studying with autism #study motivation #study tips

[scorchieart]

Second to None

Characters: Belle, Chevalier Michel, Clavis Lelouch, Nokto Klein, Luke Randolph

Genres: Action, Suspense

Wordcount: 2.1k

A/N: This is a quick fic based on @the12thnightproject's Reverse Ask Game challenge! I chose 7 of Spades, and my prompt was “No Beta we die liek men.” I had the idea for this story sitting in my mind for months, ever since I started really craving Chevalier's faction to hang out more, and today was finally the day to execute it. True to form, I set a pomodoro timer for 3 hours and worked straight on this story with zero backtracking. I only quickly read it once over to check for grammatical & spelling errors (I hope I caught them all, those keep me up at night) but the rest is pure, raw Scorchie-brain. I only ask that you don't think differently of me after reading this, though I completely understand if you do...

Warnings: Fighting, mild descriptions of injuries, unedited work.

I tripped on the last step and met a facefull of gravel. I considered myself fortunate that I did not wear glasses, but in my current situation, the fact I wasn’t knocked out cold was a blessing.

Making sure I wasn’t bleeding—a blood trail was the last thing I needed right now—I picked myself up and ran in the direction of the forest. The stables would be too obvious for someone making an escape, and the palace grounds were crawling with soldiers and guards whose loyalties I did not have the luxury of time to decipher. I prayed no one would consider the looks-like-she’s-running-for-her-life woman grounds for suspicion as I swerved off the cobblestone path onto grass that grew grungier the farther I went.

Night frost and thorns pricked my skin as I burst through a patch of gangly rose bushes into the forest, but I didn’t dare stop and catch breath. My heart pounded louder in my ears with each hulking tree, looking more monstrous and mangled than the last. I think I heard an owl hooting from above, but my gaze was preoccupied with making sure I didn’t trip on anything else. I’d read about adrenaline sharpening senses while dulling others in the moment, but this is the first time I’d ever experienced it firsthand. Even if I couldn’t rely on my ears, at least my eyes were working overtime. And I could definitely do without the pain in my no-doubt twisted ankle slowing me down.

Roots and leaves, I told myself, just avoid the roots and leaves. I jutted my head in so many directions to avoid so many crisscrossing branches I was surprised it didn’t fly off my neck. Perhaps it was because my shoulders remained immovably stiff since I hightailed it out of the castle, but frozen muscles were a natural reaction to that lot chasing after you. 

That insatiable lot and their thunderstruck faces all trained on you at once. I’d sooner fall face first into a giant cauldron full of sizzling gravel than wish to encounter them again. But runaways can never count on their wishes coming true.

Perhaps it was the cacophony of crunching leaves beneath my feet. Or that incessant owl hooting overhead. Or the fact that my attention was solely focused on advancing deeper without looking back. Whatever the reason, I was spotted. And I was wholly unprepared for what followed. One moment I was pushing a bramble of spiderweb-encrusted twigs from my path, and in the next I expelled the entirety of my breath out of my lungs in one go, my back knocked hard against the base of a tree, and numbing stars and a flash of red invaded my vision.

“Give it back,” a burly voice breathed onto my face. The overwhelming odor of honey and sweat punched my nose harder than the words. It seemed as though smell was my dominant sense at this time. 

I wriggled my legs in an attempt to kick him away, but Luke surprisingly maneuvered his massive body to avoid most of the blows. The ones he couldn’t avoid hit him softly in the chest, as though they were little more than the beating of a butterfly’s wings. He didn’t get any closer, though, like he was waiting for me to tire and give in to his demands. But I wasn’t going to succumb that easily. As soon as my vision fixed to focus again, I would make a run for it. But just as I could start to make out the frenzied features on his face, a new smell entered the scene: the crisp, tart aroma of freshly plucked vetiver.

I managed to roll onto my side just before Luke was shoved straight into the tree trunk. My entire body vibrated with rising dread as Chevalier grabbed a fistful of Luke’s cherry hair and pulled his body to face him. Flakes of bark chips stuck to Luke’s face as he glared back at his leader, and his angry huffing intensified with each passing second.

“I was here first,” growled Luke, wrapping his hands around Chevalier’s wrist and yanking it off. Chevalier only spared me a passing glance as Luke slowly rose to his feet and reached for his sword.

“If we are ranking validity by seniority, then I have you beat, Jumbo. I had been sitting in the office long before any of your arrivals.” Chevalier cleanly unsheathed his sword and pointed it at Luke.

“And since when did sitting on your lazy behind count as seniority?” Luke spat as the two began to circle each other. The section of forest we occupied could hardly be called a clearing, and my heart stuck in my throat at the thought of the damage they could do if they actually began to fight. I primed my knees and followed their movements, desperate to find an opening to escape before it all went down.

“That hardly constitutes a retort, coming from you,” snorted Chevalier. His eyes locked briefly with mine, a silent command of “I will deal with you later,” but I quickly turned away and focused back on the gallowing trees surrounding us. Just a second… one second is all I’ll need to slip away.

But my pleas were ignored. Luke kicked the ground and lunged at Chevalier, thrusting his sword directly toward his heart. Chevalier effortlessly sidestepped and punched Luke in the gut, sending him tumbling backward, coughing and sputtering. But Luke quickly recovered and launched again, this time aiming his swing for Chevalier’s head. With perfect timing, Chevalier ducked and jabbed the hilt of his sword again into Luke’s stomach, but instead of backing up, Luke released his own sword and wrapped his arms around Chevalier’s neck, bringing him to the ground with his superior weight as they fell.

This was my chance. I steeled my knees and grabbed the nearest trunk to me for support. Chevalier repeatedly rammed his elbow into Luke’s chest only a few paces beside me, and though it looked like Luke possessed the strength of a boa constrictor encapturing his prey, I could see his hold slipping as Chevalier persisted his attacks. I began inching away, my hand plastering to any tree I passed like a lifeline, my eyes glued to the struggle I left behind. I would only allow myself to tear away from the sight as soon as I could be sure they hadn’t noticed my departure, but just when I had passed my seventh tree trunk, a new contender entered the ring.

It was as though what I had been watching previously moved in slow motion. In an instant, something shifted in the trees behind the brawling pair, swift and nimble like an autumn gale. Branches and leaves shook in its wake, and the once hyper-focused Luke diverted his attention to the sound. Chevalier snatched the chance to give a final push and disentangle himself, knocking Luke out in the process, but as he reached to retrieve his sword, he was seized once more, this time from behind.

Nokto’s silver hair gleamed ominously in the pale moonlight as Chevalier stood, the younger prince’s arms firmly wrapped around his shoulders. Chevalier grabbed at Nokto’s hands and tried to pry them off, but Nokto only climbed higher on Chevalier’s back, using his legs to try and push Chevalier back to the ground. 

Chevalier growled when Nokto jabbed a knee into the back of his thigh, but he didn’t yield. Instead, he raised himself to full height and rammed backward into the nearest tree, squishing Nokto into the trunk with all his might.

“Nokto!” I cried, but immediately regretted it. Nokto’s ruby eyes found me in the darkness and glared with the ferocity of a beast on the prowl.

“You… stay—” he wheezed, but before he could get out any more words, Chevalier silenced him with a backward headbutt into the tree. Nokto gasped and tightened his grip, but two more strikes from Chevalier slackened them entirely, and he fell limply to the ground to join the fallen Luke.  

Chevalier wiped his face and stared at me, and I bolted from the scene as he reached for his sword once again.

My limbs stung as I zipped back through the bramble. Half-broken branches and fallen twigs told me this was the direction I came through previously, but I shuddered at the thought of returning to the palace after what I just witnessed. Now more than ever, I was assured that I needed protection, but could I be guaranteed to find it back at the palace? But with a bloodthirsty Chevalier only paces behind me, what choice did I have?

“I heard a fight. I’m amazed you made it out in one piece.”

I foolishly whipped my head around to the soft voice, and found myself enclosed in a sheath of purest white. My head grew numb as disorienting fragrances of lavender and soil overpowered my nostrils, but two hands firmly gripped my arms before I collapsed.

“Oopsie! My dear, you can barely stand! You look like you’ve just seen a ghost… or worse.” Clavis’s dulcet tones whispered dottily in my brain, and I fought between the urge to rip away or remain trapped in his arms. Chevalier… Chevalier was coming… Clavis could protect me.

“What has you so frightened, little bunny?” he continued, turning me to face him. His golden eyes shone like lanterns to salvation. A safe haven just within reach. “Could it be you encountered something so terrible, so savage, so brutal that you cannot bear to repeat it?” His grip slackened only slightly, like a tamer easing an animal into his care. Into his trust.

“Tell me everything, give it all to me, and I promise I will make it all go away.” His gaze was all-encompassing, and his words comforting and inviting. It was an enticing offer, how could anyone refuse in my situation? I wanted to spill out my heaving guts to him, to pass on the torch of my burden to someone else, and above all take a rest. To leave this dark and foreboding forest before someone else showed up and led me astray, before someone broke this brief respite I somehow called my own…

Wait a moment, wasn’t Clavis one of the people I had been escaping?

I broke eye contact and looked over his shoulder. Chevalier emerged from a thicket of brush, looking seconds away from breathing fire. A hobbling Luke appeared on his right and a bleary-eyed Nokto on his left, the latter’s nose red and swollen like a ripened plum.

It was as if I’d woken up from the most dangerous dream. The dread of my situation resurfaced in an instant, and horror bubbled in my chest as I felt Clavis’s hand rummaging through my pocket.

I clutched Clavis’s shoulders, stomped my heel onto his foot, and jammed my forehead into his nose. Clavis let out a piercing shriek and released me, but as I pulled away, the object he’d grabbed from my pocket slipped out from my skirt and fell to the ground. A single cookie, now broken into dozens of pieces, lay on the forest floor. All four princes stared mutinously at its crumbly remains before turning to me.

I jerked myself out of Clavis’s reach and ran back. The castle was in view now; if I could just make it past those rose bushes and call for help—

Wham!

Something pink and soft collided with me as I reached the thorny bushes and I fell on my backside. Shaking my head from the dizziness, I looked up to see Yves rubbing his forehead, a frilly basket hooked in his left arm.

“Good grief, and I thought my faction was petty over the last sweet!” he said, helping me stand. “If you’d just stayed a minute longer, I was going to tell you I had a second batch in the oven.”

“You couldn’t have said that sooner?” Nokto yelled. My cheeks burned as he and the others caught up to us, their previously angry faces melting into vexation.

“Heh, sorry. Didn’t mean to go all dramatic on you all,” I said, clenching my teeth. Yves’s mouth gaped open as he watched his brothers limp over, and he squeaked in surprise when Luke deliriously walked straight into a tree trunk. How I wished news of this evening wouldn’t reach Sariel.

“You were fortunate tonight, simpleton, but now you know not to trifle with such matters in the future,” Chevalier said, as Luke pried himself off the trunk and dove for Yves’s basket while Clavis and Nokto compared their face bruises like trophies of war.

Yeah, I thought this was really fun. Thanks for the slumber party invite, Impromptu!

Taglist:@atelieredux @queengiuliettafirstlady @violettduchess @venulus @thewitchofbooks @leonscape @rhodolitesrose @venti-tangents @dear-sciaphilia @ikesenwritings @myonlyjknight @ladyofcrowsx

If you would like to be added or removed from my tag list, please send me an ask or a message.

#ikemen series #ikemen prince #ikepri #belle/emma #ikepri belle #chevalier michel #clavis lelouch #nokto klein #luke randolph #ikepri chevalier #ikepri clavis #ikepri nokto #ikepri luke #scorchie writes #cw: fighting #cw: injuries #unedited

[digitalgirlguide]

Kimmy’s Digital Diary: I owe it to myself to be the best version of me possible

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾. ‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

As we step into the new year of 2024, I think to myself ‘what can I do differently in 2024?’ I’m not one to sit on my hands and wait until a new year started to make changes to my life but I would be lying if I didn't say that the sparkle surrounding the prospect of being an entirely new person in january while reflecting on the year in december didn’t excite me. I’ve been taking my vitamins, getting my ass in the gym, solidifying my beauty routines and trying to become an all around ‘it girl’. BUT it's time to wholeheartedly embrace the essence of the 'it girl era' with even more aggression and tenacity than before. Being mediocre has never been in my cards and I want so much out of this life that I have to do more.

The Enchantment of Your Signature Beauty Routine

The first thing I had to get right was my natural look. My go-to ‘If i have 5 minutes to be outside can I I do it?’ signature makeup look. And this is from someone who just started learning about makeup in 2016…where we did full faces and the thickest eyebrows possible. I had to think about what I wanted my staples to be that would always be in my collection. Now I’m a girl who likes a nice dewy look and whenever I wear makeup people don't even know I’m wearing it!

Think of makeup not merely as a beauty enhancer, but as a canvas for self-expression. Whether you resonate with the 'less is more' philosophy, cherishing a dewy no-makeup makeup look, or you're a glamour enthusiast who wouldn't part with her winged eyeliner for anything, your makeup style is an extension of your identity.

My personal go-tos for my 10 minute routine

FOUNDATION:

Sacha Cosmetics Cream to Powder Foundation- Perfect Spice

e.l.f halow glow liquid filter - 6 tan/deep warm

CONCEALER

e.l.f hydrating camo concealer - medium peach

BLUSH

sacha cosmetics powder blush - claret

SETTING POWDER

sacha cosmetics buttercup setting powder

SETTING SPRAY

urban decay all nighter

Yet, the magic doesn't end there. Scents have an enchanting ability to stir emotions and weave memories. Do you find joy in the freshness of citrus, the elegance of roses, or does the warm, comforting aroma of vanilla speak to your soul? Discovering your signature scent is like leaving traces of your personal brand in every room you enter.

And do not forget to LAYER YOUR FRAGRANCES GIRL.

From the shower gel, to the body lotion to the perfume combinations. Make sure your notes match to create a custom signature scent that will have everybody asking you what fragrance you’re wearing. But we all know, pretty girls don’t share those combinations.

And then, there's your unique style. Whether it aligns with classic chic, boho vibes, or the boldness of street style, your fashion choices should resonate with your personality and instill a sense of empowerment within you.

You don’t have to conform to Tiktok niches but you can mix and match those styles until you get one that feels authentic to YOU. Remember, it’s better to have your own aesthetic than trying to keep up with trends that don't match your personality.

Goal-Getting: Your Moment is Now

Let's shift gears and talk about pursuing your aspirations with unyielding determination. It's the perfect time to outline major goals for the first quarter of the year. Dreaming of launching your own business? Let's sketch out the plan. Eyeing that well-deserved promotion? Let's craft the path towards it. This is undeniably your year, your time to radiate brilliance. Always remember, every achievement begins with the courage to take that first step.

Here are a few tips to staying on top of your studies in 2024:

Use the pomodoro method - its much easier to break things down into smaller chunks than sitting down for hours studying

Invest in cute study supplies (trust me it makes a difference)

Set a study schedule and stick to it

Practice ‘recall’

Have a study scent - to help with recall. Memories are triggered by scent!

Mind and Body Wellness: Embrace Strength Training and Pilates

Exercise is more than sculpting the perfect physique; it's about decluttering your mind and discovering the incredible strength within. Introducing workouts like strength training and Pilates into your routine can be truly transformative.

Strength training empowers you, fostering a sense of strength and capability, and guess what? It contributes to maintaining a harmonious metabolism. On the other hand, Pilates transcends physical fitness; it's an intricate dance between mind and body. Improving flexibility, posture, and even mental wellness, Pilates is a holistic embrace of your well-being.

Let's get into it, The Action Steps

Here's your glow-up game plan:

Curate a beauty regimen that is an authentic reflection of YOU. Remember, it's not about following trends; it's about celebrating what makes YOU feel stunning.

Chart out ambitious goals for Q1. Break them down into manageable tasks and start the journey towards realizing them. Your dreams are deserving of your pursuit.

Infuse strength training and Pilates into your fitness routine. Your body and mind will express gratitude for the nurturing care.

Remember, the path to becoming the best version of yourself is a steady journey, not a hurried sprint. Take each step with intention, celebrate every small victory, and, most importantly, embrace your unique beauty and strength. Here's to a luminous and confident 2024 ✨

#it girl #that girl #pink pilates girl #clean girl aesthetic #green juice girl #clean girl #pink pilates princess #digitalgirlguide #digital diary #kimmys digital diary

[xoxo-susu]

Coquettifying this semester ⋆。·˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧。⋆

Hello loves ♡

My first class of the semester starts this week, so I thought I'd make a lil post on my favorite school tips and tricks for Spring 2024 :)

Studying and homework ⋆。·˚ʚ 🩰 ɞ˚‧。⋆

🩰 White noise. If you struggle with zoning off while you work, white noise is exactly what you need. I personally prefer pink or brown noise because it's a little deeper and softer and white noise just makes me think of falling sand.

🩰 Stay on top of your assignments. In the beginning for me especially, it's so easy to let things slip. Do not do it. It will impact your grade for the rest of the semester. Trust me, I'm speaking from experience. Try and do your homework right when you get home. That way, you maximize relaxed time without worrying about assignments.

🩰 Keep your study space clean and cute. You're not going to feel motivated sitting at some grungy old cardboard box that smells like leftover pizza! Try and make your study place somewhere you enjoy to be. And keep it clean!

🩰 Pomodoros. I love love love pomodoros. They help me stay so much more focused because it's like a challenge to study through the whole time. If you don't know what a pomodoro is, this link explains it pretty well ♡

🩰 Find what works for you. I find I focus best in the morning. Some people feel like they're at their sharpest at 2:15 PM. Experiment a little with a low-pressure assignment and figure out when you work best. Once you do, schedule your assignments accordingly. The hardest go during that time, but the easiest go when you're least motivated. Also try and go to a coffee shop or the library! It's sooo motivational.

🩰 All nighters. These are great for romanticization purposes and nothing else. Get. Your. Eight. Hours. Of. Sleep! Unless you only found out about an assignment the night before its due and there's no other option, do not do it! You need rest for your brain to function properly. There was a study I remember hearing about where one group of students crammed for a test the night before and the others slept well, and the well-rested ones got higher scores.

🩰 Study groups. If you work well with other people, do this! But if you get too distracted, don't do it.

🩰 NOTION!!!! Notion is SUCH a great and aesthetic website to get organized.

At school ⋆。·˚ʚ 🎀 ɞ˚‧。⋆

🎀 Ribbons. Ribbons are such a coquette staple. Put them on everything! Especially your hair.

🎀 Take cute notes. Make them something you'd like to look back on! Buy yourself a new pack of pink highlighters, write in juicy black pen, doodle bows, use washi tape, whatever you think looks best. Even try and make your homework look pretty. My spanish midterm project was a coquette work of art.

🎀 Look your prettiest. Again with the ribbons--put them in your hair! Wear cute mary janes. Brush your hair. Take a shower before, if you can. Wear a vanilla or rose scented body mist. Put on some cute rings. If you have a uniform, wear a cozy scarf and as much jewelry as you can.

🎀 Books. Bring a book with you everywhere. It will make you look so educated and elegant. Some of my favorites are Little Women, Heaven to Betsy and Betsy in Spite of Herself, Jane Eyre, Sense and Sensibility, Sad Cypress, Death on the Nile, Anne of Green Gables, and Betsy was a Junior and Betsy and Joe. The Betsy books are perfect because each one is about a year in highschool, and they're so coquette and vintage and she's such a study icon and ugh.

🎀 Make good friends. Having a good group of people to motivate and uplift you is sosososo important. Get rid of the ones who hate to see you succeed. And it will make school feel like someplace you're genuinely excited to go to.

🎀 Don't skip classes. Just don't. It's not the vibe.

🎀 Be nice to your teachers. If they really suck then they really suck. But your school year will be so much easier if your teachers like you and know of you as a good student.

🎀 Try and find 'your place'. Not like that. Literally. Try and find a little nook you and your group can claim as your favorite.

🎀 Make your supplies as cute as possible! Get a cute bag or backpack if you can. Pretty stationary will help you romanticize so much. Get rid of the ugly neon yellow pencils.

Coquettifying ⋆。·˚ʚ 💌 ɞ˚‧。⋆

This is the best part!

💌 Watch GRWMS and coquette school vlogs.

💌 tie a bow on everything.

💌 Lipgloss, lipgloss, lipgloss! Pale pink and shimmery.

💌 Make a coquette academia pinterest board, like mine.

💌 In the words of our icon @coqxettee, "Study and work hard. Being intelligent is attractive, gorgeous and most of all, one of the keys to success." Read her posts too, all of them are just lovely for romanticizing.

💌 Take care of yourself. Face masks while studying, matchas on the way to school, gua sha before going to sleep. AND STAY HYDRATED!!!!

💌 Get a cute lotion for school. The glossier one is great but a bit on the pricier side. Bath and Body Works has a lot of great alternatives (but some of their stuff has been said to cause cancer so mb look into that)

💌 Cute little claw clips in your hair or on your bag. Emijay has an ADORABLE one, but there's also a really cute temu dupe.

💌 Find your signature scent, or make it seasonal like I do!

💌 Keep a diary. Fill it with sweet memories, funny pictures of you and your friends, deep quotes, and lipstick kisses.

💌 Mary Janes. Period.

💌 Get cute frilly socks and dainty jewelry.

💌 Shower every day.

💌 Go thrifting.

💌 Try and take a walk every day, even if it's just up and down your street.

💌 Keep a bouquet of fresh flowers in your room.

Okkkkk that's the end! I hope this helped out with any coquette issues. ily all smmmm byee! ⋆。·˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧。⋆

#coquette #bows #pink bows #girlblogger #coquette girl #new year 2024 #baby pink #heart shaped sunglasses #pink #hearts #cinnamon girl #school #college #university #high school #exams #finals #born to die #this is what makes us girls #this is a girlblog #idk how to tag this #vintage #vinyl #pretty #coquette moodboard #moodboard #notion

[tote-bag-study]

how to romanticize college and other helpful tips

hey guys!!! 

this is actually an assignment for my social media class i am taking this summer, but i thought it would be a good idea to share how to romanticize college and some other college tips to go with it. 

first...dorm room ideas

i recomend making a shared pinterest board between you and your roomates (if you chose to live with others) before you guys start buying your room decor. 

you need to start the romanticization of your college experience before you even sit down in a classroom and start taking notes. make your dorm room a space you enjoy. so decorate it exactly how you want to and make the space your own. don’t be afraid to have your interests as a part of your room decor. your part of the room is a reflection of you. 

here’s some inspo for you guys

i really like this one lowkey

now for fashion

if you haven’t found your personal style yet (me my freshman year of college) or you have a pretty set sense of style already, you need to be aware of what the weather is like where you are going to school. i go to school in northern indiana and had to learn (as a socal girlie) that sometimes you have to give up being fashionable when it comes to crazy weather conditions like extreme heat or snow (in my case). even when you have to sacrifice for the weather you should always try to look your best in your own style while still being comfortable in your own skin. i know the sweatpants are calling your name bestie....they do that to me too....of course they are amazing to wear to stay comfy, however, they shouldn’t be an all the time thing when it comes to outfits. 

TRUST ME!!! 

when you look your best you’ll feel your best and when you feel your best you’ll do your best. save the comfy clothes for long nights studying in the library. i’ll link some pictures to give you guys some ideas

i really like the earth tones and levi’s rn

also crop tops and baggy jeans are really cute

i have way more outfit ideas on my pinterest board that goes with this post

now onto school bags!!!!

this last school year i had a tendency of carrying both a backpack and a tote bag. i would keep essentials like my wallet, keys, water bottle, the book i was reading at the time, and my makeup bag in my tote bag and leave all my school stuff in my backpack. for this coming school year i found something super awesome it’s the green wellness tote by typo. this thing is GIANT and can carry everything i would carry in both my tote bag and backpack while still keeping everything organized. it has huge front pockets and a removable pouch on the inside of the bag so i can hold everything. 

i mean EVERYTHING!!!!!!!! 

i’ll drop the link in the link section of this post. 

but you can’t forget to personalize your bag. i use pins, pocket bac holders from bath and body works, and keychains to personalize my bag and put my own unique twist. trust me when i say having hand sanitizer on hand is extremely important so make sure you’re carrying yours at all times. i personally like the bath and body works hand sanitizers and the pocket bac holders for them are super cute. they actually just put their fall and halloween stuff out and i’m a fiend for that kind of stuff. 

now for some study tips

first things first you are going to college to get your degree so studying is important!! i feel like the best way to study is to make it fun for yourself. have your study spot, have a couple good playlists, noise canceling headphones, a study timer app, and get to it. i’ve found for me using apps like notion (you get the unlimited version of notion free if you use a school email) to take quick notes in class and then physically writing them out and make them as aesthetically pleasing as possible. writing pretty notes makes you want to look at them more and actually study from them. 

a study timer is extremely important!!! especially if you keep a study planner/journal like i do. it spaces out your study time and holds you responsible for your studying. i use the pomodoro method and am an active user of the forest app. if you guys want to be friends on forest i’ll put my friend code in the link section of this post. it’s honestly such a helpful tool for holding yourself accountable. if you don’t want to purchase an app there are a ton of free versions of the app out there that work just as well as forest. 

links

wellness tote: https://cottonon.com/US/wellness-tote-bag/1684455-04.html?dwvar_1684455-04_color=1684455-04&cgid=tote-bags&originalPid=1684455-04#start=4&sz=60

pinterest for this post: https://www.pinterest.com/rossejamss/get-into-it-yuh-college-edition/

study playlist 1: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/35MCxZePcfFVSBzlvDRynv?si=01af4965047344a4

study playlist 2: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vCbBiJYlVROLcrbLypgUZ?si=2dd3ac8e5e2f463f

study playlist 3: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0T2AhgtKGHzyZ3qjTWdSBg?si=260eefe677b9498e

forest friend code: 6H4PQVYSG

#student #study aesthetic #study #study inspiration #study motivation #college #studyblr #aesthetic #fashion #indie girl #tote bag #tote bag study #totebag #college student #college advice #pomodoro #forest app #academia aesthetic #indie academia #hot girl tote bag #hot girl semester #spotify #study playlist #hot girls study

[bratshaws]

goodness gracious 67. brb x oc

a/n: overprotective parents can be a bit of a pain * laughs in knowing how the fuck that is *

check out the fic's playlist made by the sweet @wiipes !!

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: fluff then angst because WHY NOT

chapters:

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26/27/28/29/30/31/32/33/34/35/36/37/38/39/40/41/42/43/44

45/46/47/48/49/50/51/52/53/54/55/56/57/58/59/60/61/62/63/64

65/66

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!!)

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @shrimping-for-all @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix

@lizzie-rdj @fanboyluvr @atarmychick007 @comebacktoearthpls

@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22 @hofficoffi @lexhalstead3 

@lorilane33 @legendarydreamersharkparty @luckyladycreator2 @emilybradshaw @j-6o @louisahale @leobabbyyy @kulicny @winter-run @ktjmac @graciereads 

-

One thing she hadn’t considered after agreeing to Marcus’ photo shoot was: how would her family react? Well it wasn’t like she agreed to do something that would be considered 18+ but still she’d be wearing less clothing than her family would be used to seeing. She took an Uber to her parents’ house, stopping outside the front door and inhaling deeply for courage.

She was almost thirty, she didn’t have to explain her reasoning to her parents all the time, she could make her own choices! And she’d need the money, which after calling Marcus one more time and him saying the amount she’d get she almost fainted. It’d be enough to finance a new car, and she’d have some left for when she and Rooster moved in together. 

Bea knocks on the door, waiting for her mother to show up and she does with a huge smile. Same actions as before: almost cry, then hug Beatrice, then kiss her cheeks over and over. The only difference was that she asked her about Bradley, which was more than a welcome surprise, “He’s at work mama.” she explains once she gets in and greets the pitties running her way, patting their backsides playfully, “I came to get some stuff from my old room…oh are you going somewhere?”

Her mother was dressed quite nicely for such an early morning, “I’m going to meet some of the teachers for a school meeting.” Claudia grabbed her red bag, messing around for the keys, “They want my opinion on the school.”

“But mama, you are already retired.”

“ I know, tesoro but, oh where’s the key!” Beatrice looks to the side where the said keys were on the coat hanger, lifting her arm and picking it up for her mother, holding it in front of her eyes, ‘Oh, thank you tesoro– but yes I know I am retired, but it’s…almost like a council of sorts?”

Beatrice lets out an ‘ah’. Her mother worked as a teacher for a long time, she was very respected within her school and with her work colleagues, so Beatrice thought it made sense they’d want her input in some changes they might have to make in the school, “Oh,well, I don’t know if I’ll be here when you come back so if I don’t,” she engulfs her mom in a hug, one that Claudia reciprocates and kisses her daughter’s cheek, “Ti amo, mama.”

“Anch'io ti amo, tesoro.” she lets go of Beatrice to walk out of the door, “Your dad is in the garden! Let him know you are here, okay?” the brunette nods, watching the door close and her mother’s footsteps get fainter and fainter until she hears the car leaving their driveway. 

Beatrice stands in the hallway for a few seconds, the two dogs by her side before she turns around to walk out of the glass doors and into the backyard. Pomodoro and Marinara rush out to play around the grass, completely ignoring a kneeled Rafael that was currently tending some of the herbs in his garden. Bea smiles, pushing herself off the door to step closer, hearing the voice of Luciano Pavarotti in the little speaker her father kept with him whenever he was out in the backyard, singing along quietly to the Italian tenor.

“Papa?” she calls, making Rafael stop his humming and look over his shoulder with his eyes widening behind his thick glasses.

“Bambina!” he calls, pulling out the garden gloves and dropping them on the fresh earth, patting his thighs as he stands up, wrapping Beatrice in a loving hug, “Oh, my sweet tesoro, what are you doing here?”

“I came to get some stuff from my old room.” she smiles, fixing the crooked glasses on her father’s face, wiping a bit of dirt from his forehead. Rafael furrows his thick eyebrows,  propping his hands on his hips with confusion.

“Get? Why would you want to get anything else? It’s fine where it is.”

She held back the sigh of absolute no surprise when her father said that, of course, he'd want everything from her childhood to stay there. But she had a long time thinking about it, her main goal was getting her journal and some of the stuff she had inside that room, some old memories she kept in a shoebox, “It won’t be a lot papa, I promise.” Rafael remained frowning, but he let out a sigh and a tilt of his head to signal he agreed. Beatrice smiled, thanking him by hugging his middle and then rushing inside.

Luciano Pavarotti’s voice returned, a bit louder this time, as she made her way up the stairs and towards her room. Her mother must’ve cleaned all the rooms up there because every door wafted the scent of jasmine from inside, including her old room.  Since she knew why she was there, she zeroed her sights on the little nightstand where her journal was, repeating the motion of sitting on her bed to open the drawer and pull it out with some difficulty yet again.

Bea stares down at the mermaid, then slowly opens it up to a random page. She didn’t plan on reading it, but she couldn’t help herself.

Feb.12th, 2005

Today is my birthday! I’m very excited!I’ll get the Avril Lavigne cd I’ve been wanting for months! We are going to Mr.Scoops to celebrate it too, and we’re bringing nonna! She’s been feeling very under the weather lately so this might be a good thing for her!:) 

I invited some people from my class, like Megan,Susie and Rooney! They said they’ll come over, they are my best friends! I can’t wait to see what we can do! Mama said I can even take more money to the arcade! I’m so excited!

Beatrice’s smile faltered just a bit, remembering that the said best friends were also the ones who abandoned her when they started high school. It was very fun back then, they did enjoy themselves but…well, it wasn’t going to last and she wished she knew. Not to mention this was her nonna’s final month, but she didn’t know that then, and her nonna just wanted her to have a good time even with her sickness taking over her quickly.

Bea shook her head, then flipped a few more pages.

June 24th,2008

I don’t really know what I’m doing wrong. Am I just a freak? I don’t know. I guess maybe I’m just weird…I mean, I have tried making friends ever since I got into high school and people don’t really give me much attention. Maybe I’m doing something wrong…maybe I should just keep it to myself–

She immediately turned the page, not having within herself to continue reading, clearing her throat when the discomfort of tears made its way to her eyes. The one page she landed however, made her immediately halt any movement.

May 21st,2009

I read in a magazine that if you write what you want with all your might, you will get it. So…well, I guess I want a boyfriend? A guy who really likes me, who is really in love with me and who isn’t…I don’t know weirded out to be with me either. He can be tall! I don’t mind. I kinda like brown eyes too, maybe a light brown. He could have an accent, he doesn’t have to be from Cali.

He has to have a pretty smile though, maybe it could be one of the first things I’ll see in him! It could happen right? He has to like dogs, like, really like dogs…he can be fit too (idk if that would even work for me LOL) but yeah he can be fit…or not! I don’t know, the magazine said to believe it no matter what but it’s kinda hard to me to actually believe it right now. I don’t know when I’ll meet him, hopefully soon? The magazine said to write an initial if I want to, but I don’t want to appear too picky.

Well! I think this would be all? So,I’ll end it like this!

Beatrice stared at the page, rereading everything over and over until she hurt her eyes from moving them so much. Once she’s done, she closes the diary with her mouth still parted in shock…she completely forgot about this. She completely forgot about this. When she met Eric, she took it as a job well done! After all, he loved her,right? So half of it was true and she let it go…and yet, now, now she was noticing it was never meant to be for Eric. 

“Oh…my God.” she whispers, not knowing how to even react about that, how to even comprehend she basically described Bradley when she was sixteen years old? Beatrice sat on her old bed in complete shock, looking back at her closed journal, as if it somehow had a strange power she had no knowledge of. That was…really strange, but yet very reassuring? After all she did get the guy she wrote about, maybe not when she wanted but definitely when she was ready to.

Now she was definitely not throwing that journal away.

“Okay…okay…” she repeats, inhaling deeply with her hands folded on top of her thighs, trying to calm her wildly beating heart. She was a mix of surprised and overjoyed after reading that, biting her lower lip so hard she feared it’d break the skin, tapping the heels of her shoes on the floor as she looked at nothing. She really described Rooster, literally him when she had no idea he even existed. She picks the journal up after a while, holding it with both hands to look down at the dried glitter cover then hugs the journal to her chest with her eyebrows furrowed.

Beatrice clenches her eyes, feeling even more emotion bubble its way to the surface but she held it back in, she didn’t want her father to ask why her face was splotched because of tears.She eased out a shaky breath after hugging the journal tight, wiping her fingers under her eyes to wipe any tear that dared to roll out without her noticing, standing to her feet with the journal tucked under her arm.

She looks over to her single door closet, walking towards it with her eyebrows furrowed just a bit, then pulling the door open to check the insides. Some, if not most of her stuffed toys were inside in boxes of several sizes. Her old dollhouse was tucked in the corner, still inside the box it came in but definitely missing parts of the roof and her so-called ‘barbie backpack’ where she used to keep all her Barbie dolls was also next to it. 

Maybe she could donate those, she didn’t have many Barbie dolls and some of them were…passed on from her sisters, but she could figure out what to do with them right? Beatrice opened the backpack to see the contents, recoiling her head when she saw Ken’s body, more precisely his back and the outfit he was wearing. She had no memory of her Ken doll having a Hawaiian shirt and she was starting to wonder if there was something happening but this Ken doll had a shirt that looked way too much like the one she gave Bradley.

She drops the backpack to the floor, holding both of her hands up, “Woah, okay, hah,” she talks to herself, then looks around out of habit, “This is weird. This is very weird.” God damn it, what was going on? Was…was this some sort of sign from the universe telling her that she was meant to meet Bradley all along? That’s something her aunt Martha would say and…while it was a good loving thought, it freaked her out just a bit.

She was happy, of course, it was just strange to consider that. Beatrice looked back down at the backpack, then sighs, wondering if it was a good idea or not to mess with that…so much like the journal, she chose to not part ways with it, simply pushing it back inside her closet with her foot, pushing the door shut soon after.

That…was weird and she had no idea how to react to it exactly, so she just grabbed her journal, shoved under her arm and walked out. Her feet hitting the stairs called her father’s attention, the smell of fresh coffee signaling that he made some to himself, “Beatrice?” he calls, making his youngest daughter stop at the bottom and then turn towards the kitchen, where she could see her father’s thick head of hair appear by the threshold, “Come, let us have some coffee together.”

“Oh, ah,” she looked back at the door, then at her phone to check the time, it was still a few minutes past eleven, she knew Brad would message her in a little bit too because he’d be on lunch break, “Okay.” She places her journal inside her bag, the one hanging from the coat hanger and wanders inside the kitchen. 

Rafael smiles, grabbing a mug to pour her some coffee “Do you want an affogato?” she doesn’t have time to reply because her father is opening the freezer, pulling out a styrofoam box filled with vanilla gelato, plopping a scoop of it inside her mug, shoving a small spoon inside. Beatrice couldn’t help the smile, he’d always do that to her while she was younger. It was her ‘introduction’ to coffee, ‘There you go.”

“Thank you papa.” she says, even if the weather outside was a bit cold she couldn’t say no to an affogato, especially when it was her dad who made it. She notices his eyes are on hers as she moves the spoon around, waiting for her to take a bite - much like when she was younger - “Mmm,” she smiles chewing the coffee soaked gelato, “It’s really good, papa.”

Rafael smiles proudly, as if he made that gelato from scratch - which he didn’t -, nodding to her in thanks, “Did you get what you wanted?” Beatrice nods, watching her father lean his lower back against the kitchen counter as Beatrice remains standing, “Don’t you stand there, come on, sit. Sit!” He pulls out a chair from the kitchen table, pushing his daughter gently until she settles, “There, it’s like you are in a hurry.”

Beatrice just sips her affogato silently, but she does answer her father, “Yes, I just wanted to grab a book.” it was a lie, but not too bad of one. It was technically a book. If she said it was a journal her father would question what was in it that she wanted to remove from the house so badly? “And take it home.”

“Ah, yes, yes.” Rafael nods, sipping his own coffee quietly, then smacking his lips, “I was talking to a friend of mine, he can give you a nice car for the money you got from your old one.” 

“...oh…really?”

“Yes, it’s a van.” Oh God. “It’s very spacious, very good, you can put a lot inside.”

Beatrice laughs awkwardly, “Wow…a…van…” she repeats, shoving a spoonful of ice cream inside her mouth and immediately getting brain freeze. Of course he’d say that. “I..well, I’ll think about it papa. I can take Uber until then or Brad can drive me around if I need to.”

Rafael purses his lips in a frown, “Yes, yes but Bradley works. You can’t depend on him like that,” and what does she do? Clap her hands under the rain and hope for coins? 

“I don’t depend on him papa.” she says gently, “He wants to help me out until I get a new car, that’s all.” she twirls the spoon inside her mug, watching the vanilla gelato disappear inside the warm coffee, turning the dark brown into a foamy light beige. Rafael however, didn’t seem to believe it that much, the crinkle in between his brows - fondly called ‘the coin holder’ by his children - appeared as he listened to his daughter.

“Well,yes, of course. But he’s a busy man, he has to use his car.” Beatrice held back another sigh, leaning on a hand and glaring down at her affogato with a frown, “And a van, a van is good for you. Do you know why?”

She finally lets out the sigh, “No, papa, why is a van good for me?”

“Because it’s big, it’s spacious and it doesn’t call attention.”

She just stares at her father with a confused look, holding a hand up in questioning, “I…doesn’t call attention? What does that mean?”

“It’s also a 1975 van.” Oh God. “New cars are easy to spot, because of robbers.”

Beatrice couldn’t believe what she was hearing, “Papa.” she inhales to control her temper, “You have a porsche parked outside. It is a very nice car, being old doesn’t mean anything.” but her father just stared at her, just like Guillermo did the first time he went to the Hard Deck, “Look, papa, I appreciate it, but I will have to think about it, you know? Whose friend is it that’s offering me the car?”

“Oh, you know him, it’s Anthony. Anthony Schiazzo.”

“...Papa I don’t know who that is.”

“...Oh! Oh then it’s Sabrina who knows, he sold her the car she uses right now.”

Beatrice furrowed her eyebrows even more. She didn’t like how this conversation was going, “Papa, listen, I really appreciate it. I really do, but I want to…think about it some more, you know? I need to see what works best for me.” she finishes her affogato, the spoon tinkling inside the porcelain mug as she takes it to the sink, smiling at her father, “But I appreciate it, very much.” she leans up to kiss his cheek and hug his shoulders, “Thank you for the affogato, papa.”

Rafael follows his daughter towards the hallway, watching her pet the two pitbulls goodbye, “You are leaving already? You just got here.”

Beatrice looks over her shoulder, sliding the bag strap on, “Well, yes papa. I just came over to–” but her father looks so sad that Beatrice couldn’t even finish her sentence. It has been a while since she did visit, besides Christmas that is, and she was sure her parents missed her a lot. She chews her lower lip, clenching her bag strap, “Well,I mean…I…I guess I can stay a little bit more.” Rafael perks up with a smile, “Do you have anything planned?”

“I was going to the supermarket to buy ingredients for tonight’s dinner.” he smiles, “And buy another flea collar for Pomodoro,” the dog looks up guiltily, licking his maw apologetically towards the older man, “I’d like the company.”

“...well..okay.”

-

She follows her dad at the old supermarket, the one she came as a child many times before, following him as he picks up an eggplant from the pile,bringing it to his nose to smell it, ‘Here, tell me if it smells right.” he holds it back for her, Beatrice only leans her nose closer and sniffs it, giving him a nod, “Mm…hm! Yes, good.” he grabs a few more to place it into the colorful bag.

Beatrice could see eyes from the people she had known ever since she was a child, some of them friends from her parents who hadn’t seen her in months. “Ma che cazzo, five dollarsfor a potato?” She hears her father exclaim, putting down three potatoes and keeping only two, “I’ll plant some potatoes at home, this is a robbery.”

While she follows her father, she pulls out her phone to check if Bradley sent her a message, smiling when she sees his name pop up on her screen.

Roos (12:11)

Baby, I’m here :) Are you having lunch right now too?

Bea (12:11)

I’m actually out with my dad! Buying stuff for dinner :) How's your day going?

Roos (12:12)

Tell him hi from me and my day is going alright. Nothing new. Miss you :(

Bea (12:13)

I miss you too. We’ll see each other later tonight :3

Beatrice was so focused on answering Brad, she didn’t see her father stop and talk to someone, gesturing to Bea with one of his hands. She only looks up when she sees her father was no longer getting fresh produce but instead chatting to one of their neighbors. “Yes, my tesoro is here, Beatrice, Beatrice come on over.” she does, offering the older man and the other much younger one next to him a smile, “Do you remember Italo? And Fernando? You two used to play around didn’t you?”

Fernando offered her a small smile, he looked so much younger than she did, “Well,I think back then we did. It’s been a while.” she says with a polite smile, moving her eyes away when Fernando kept eye contact. 

“And where are you working now, bambina?” Italo asks, his thick mustache curling up with a fond smile. Rafael tensed up, she could see on her peripheral vision that her father seemed very…odd. 

Beatrice felt a pang of worry,but she did tell the older man where she worked, “Oh,I work at the Hard Deck, it’s a bar down in–” but the look on the men's faces, all of them, made Beatrice stop. 

“A bar?” Italo repeats, sending an apologetic look to Rafael, “Dio mio, Rafael.” not even Fernando was looking at her anymore, choosing to fix the time on his watch.

Her heart fell to her stomach, looking at her father in hopes he’d at least…at least say something, say that it wasn’t as bad and that while he didn’t agree with it, he could defend her, right? 

But his words just broke her heart, “Oh you know, it’s a quick job. It’s not serious. You know, she’s still young when it comes to jobs.”

Beatrice felt her heart cracking in pain and disappointment, her eyebrows furrowing with a mix of anger and sadness, she really hoped he could at least say it wasn’t what he expected but that he was happy she was happy there. Beatrice felt so humiliated and so alone, she just let out a quiet laugh “I…I need to go, papa.” she whispers, gently touching his arm, “I’ll see you l-later okay?” she doesn’t hug him goodbye, she doesn’t kiss him on the cheek as a farewell, she turns on her heel towards the exit after telling the other men goodbye too. She’s just clenching her eyes, trying not to cry, at least not with everyone looking at her.

But how is she leaving? She had no car. “Fuck.” she snarls under her breath, speeding her step when she hears her father calling her name and she quickly wipes her face off any tears that start to come down. She needed help,she couldn’t call Bradley, she could call Shells but it’d take too long for her to get there…god damn it.

“Beatrice! Beatrice,come back here right now.” she stops walking, crossing her arms below her bust to face her father. Rafael puts his hands on his hips,stepping closer, “What was that back there? Why did you leave? That was very rude–”

“Why did you say that?” she cuts him off, her voice shaky, “About my job? Why didn’t you defend me?” he blinks his eyes behind the lens of his glasses, licking his lips but remaining silent, “I-I thought you didn’t care about that anymore.”

“Tesoro, it isn’t like that. I just worry–”

“But,” she hold back a cry, making a sad noise in her throat, “I told you, everything that I do there. I told you about the people, about Penny and Shells, about Pete,Bradley and the Dagger squad…why–” she frowns, “...are you ashamed of me?” The silence that took over was so heavy it even deafened the surrounding sounds, Rafael’s eyes widened and he just moved his mouth without speaking, trying to find words.

Imagine when he finds out about your photoshoot. the goblin voice sneers gleefully in her mind Imagine how he’ll react.

“Beatrice, of course not. I am not ashamed of you, it’s just–I…” but the words didn’t come out and both father and daughter shared glances, one sadder than the other, with Beatrice biting her lip hard to hold back her crying. Her day started so good, so good and now this? Discovering that your father, and very possibly your mother as well, felt shame in the work you had? “I…it’s a different job…” her chin trembled with disappointment written all over her face, “You went to college for something else, which is…well, it’s not a normal field our family goes to either.” ah, now that too. So he not only hated her actual job, he finally voiced how he disapproved of her choice in career. 

“So you are ashamed of me.”

“I did not say that.” he says quickly but he doesn’t finish the sentence, which only makes her feel worse.

Beatrice whimpers, crossing her arms over her chest and creating an invisible shield between her and her father “...I’m going home.” she mutters, “...I’m just going to go home. I don’t–I can’t talk, I–” she sniffs, “I have to get ready for my job.” she spits out the word with so much pain in her voice it startled Rafael, who tries to touch her shoulder but Beatrice just steps away, “I hope you and mama enjoy your dinner.”

He tried to stop her again, but he left the groceries inside the supermarket and the cashier called his name from the door, asking if he was coming back or not. When Rafael looked back to where Beatrice once stood, there was no one else there. His daughter disappeared from view completely, leaving Rafael Schiavoni completely alone on the sidewalk.

Beatrice managed to get a taxi, she barely remembers entering, paying nor the drive over. She was so heartbroken. She got home dragging her feet, greeted Jolene with a gentle pat before she made her way up the stairs to her bed, where she sat, looking down at her phone to see that Bradley was still in lunch break. She shouldn’t…but she had to talk to someone.

So she tapped his contact, bringing the phone to her ear.

“Baby! What a surprise! You rarely call!”

“I…I know,I’m sorry.Is it a bad time?”

There’s silence on the other end, followed by Bradley excusing himself then walking away to a much quieter area “No, of course not. What’s happening? What’s wrong? You sound sad.”

That was enough for Beatrice to break and she hated it so much. Because she was letting out her feelings to Bradley who was still at work, who didn’t have to worry about her right now, nor her feelings when it comes to her parents. But once she begins, she couldn’t stop, she blurts out her words through hiccups, hot tears trailing down her face as she painfully retells Bradley of what happened minutes ago.

Her boyfriend listens, his voice quiet when he tells her to let all go and just vent it all to him. She didn’t deserve him at all. When she’s done, when she’s just sniffling, her eyes hurt from crying and her forehead feels like it’s being hammered constantly, Rooster’s voice returns, “Baby, it’s okay. Are you okay?”

A sniff, “I don’t know. I feel like shit.”

“I know,I know, gorgeous. Fuck I’m so sorry, angel. Are you going to be okay?”

“...I have to.” she whispers, supporting her pouding forehead on a hand, sniffling yet again, “I’ll be fine…”

“Okay…Are you sure?” she hums positively, “Are you really sure?”

“Yeah… I’m sorry for calling and letting it all out on you.”

“I’d rather you do that than keeping all the shit in.” he says and the sound of his voice makes her smile just a bit “I’ll see you later, okay?I might be a bit late but I’ll be there.”

“Okay. Shells is going to take me tonight, so…” she wipes a hand on her already dry eyes, “I-I’ll see you when you get to the bar.”

“Okay…” he didn’t want to hang up, she knew it, but he had to, “See you in a few hours. Message me if you need to,alright?” she hums positively again, “Okay,I love you pretty girl. I really do.”

“I love you too…and thank you.” she whispers, waiting for him to hang up so she drops the phone from her ear so it falls on the mattress. Beatrice just stays seated on the edge of the bed, fingers interlaced on top of her thighs as she stares at nothing, completely numb.

#bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x oc #top gun maverick #bradley bradshaw x reader

[thespiralstaircasewriter]

Well, I'm not exactly an "Ask Me Anything" person by nature, so when I was tagged by @calamity-cain to answer a little question game, I retired under a rock to meditate for some time and produce my answers.

So, here goes:

relationship status: for ages with someone who still has no idea of who/what shares their bed.

favorite color: hmmmm… I’m a glutton when it comes to ANY colour. This can get irritating: it’s never just colours, but colours + matching + texture + shades + material… And if it’s all together, it hits like a train. So.... dark-red very scented velvet rosebud?

Some colours I adore in flowers, like delicate yellow/blue-purple irises, but as to wearing them, it's normally black, white or the occasional sand colour.

song stuck in my head: “Made in Italy” by Rosa Chemical

three favorite foods: although my approach to food is more theoretical than practical, which both sounds and IS stupid… Favorites… risotto with porcini mushrooms, the heretical version (with saffron), triglie al pomodoro (red mullet with tomato), any fish or shellfish recipe I don’t have to spend time cooking myself.

And… don’t ever ask an Italian to name just three foods… ;-D

last song I listened to: “Ghosts Again” by Depeche Mode

dream trip: California. I’d like to visit where the film industry was born, where it died and still haunts the place. Many of my loves from the Past and Present are there. Some at Hollywood Forever, like Rudy Valentino or Rozz Williams, but someone else in the world of the Living (they know who they are)!

last thing I googled: what changes DOWN THERE after re-assigning surgery, and how does that work? Well, yes. With respect, that it was.

... Oh! Under this rock I found some leftover answers from a past tagging by @meibruges Let's throw them out too!

Currently reading:

Tumblr everyday.

Endless curiosities I google instead of sleeping, with some recurrent obsessions, like plants propagation, languages, or types of fabric (when I’ll reach “types of ashes” that’ll have to stop, I’m told).

Fanfiction: anything @drachenkinder or @illwynd wrote or write.

Book: “Funeral Games”, by Mary Renault (basically glorified fanfiction of Alexander the Great), and “Bacchae”, yes, Euripides. 1) won’t pretend that was my idea. I found it quoted in wonderful fic “Dog in the Heart” by @thebookhunter, and got curious; 2) It’s GREAT.

Currently writing:

some obscure original narrative (nobody asked for), some Rozz Williams fanfiction, written in my heart’s blood (nobody asked for it either), some Lestat!Bowie WIP (somebody DID ask for it, some time ago, but please let them forget they did). Other: Bowie WIPs, BBC Sherlock WIPs... (may public mortification restore this pen to dignity).

Last series: Wallander. Late to the party, I know. But that was irresistibly sad.

Last movie: “Bones and All”. Guadagnino does it again: a good movie out of a bad book!

Sweet/savoury/spicy: savoury AND spicy. Sweet drives me a bit crazy in a bad way. But… what happened to bitter and sour? :-P

#question game #when animals hide

[nobully]

and thennnn perhaps this one ✔️!

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

Send ✔️ for a daydream my muse has had about/involving yours.

Ding~!

The pomodoro timer goes off and the two friends reading books look up at the same time, eyes meeting across the library table.

"Well," the one in round glasses begins, "that was the fourth time, so we take a 30-minute break now, right?"

His pink-haired companion, also wearing spectacles, nods with a grin. 'Right. What do you think of this method so far?'

'Some guy came up with it using his tomato-shaped kitchen timer.'

Zhilan shut his book with a soft puff of breath, eyebrows scrunched in a thoughtful look. "It really does help with concentration! Actually, I'm more impressed that people are crafting new ways to study even after all this time. Though it does remind me of an old Liyuen technique I read about in the—"

'Zhilan, we're on break,' Wang Yi reminds him before pushing a packet of snacks he'd gotten from the vending machine last time. 'Eat your cookies.'

"Oh, right!" The scholar flushed before accepting them, hands moving over the unfamiliar plastic wrapper. "Not here though, right? Since the library doesn't allow food in carpeted areas..."

'Right, so let's go for a walk.' Wang Yi carefully marks his page with a bookmark before rising to his feet. He's fine with leaving most of their stuff on the table—people are pretty good with leaving things untouched here—but does take care to tuck his "manuscript" notebook under his arm. Across from him, Zhilan is doing the same with his research notes, putting them neatly in a filing folder before setting that in his bag.

As the two of them start walking away, Zhilan pipes up, "I'm always impressed that you only need a notebook for all your notes, Wang Yi. It must be really convenient to have everything in one place!"

'Well, I mean...' Wang Yi tucks his notebook tighter before giving a short laugh. He couldn't exactly say he has nothing more to research and no actual book to write. 'It's getting to the point where I'm wrapping things up, so I don't need to add a lot of info. Most times I'm just confirming what I already know.'

"Oh! Does that mean you're almost done your novel?" Zhilan wonders out loud. "Should I be congratulating you soon?"

'Hahaha, I mean, there's always more books to write, right?' Wang Yi deflects quickly. The day they published his (actual) second-rate fanfiction story would be the moment Nicolette grabbed him by the collar and dumped him in the ocean where she'd picked him up. 'Look, there's the lounge area up ahead. We can snack there.'

Instead of sitting, the pair of them opt to stand by the windows next to a statue of Spirale University's mascot Scuba Steve as they stare out at the ocean lying beyond. Wang Yi hears Zhilan making little satisfied noises as he discovers the magic of junk food while he munches on his own Ore*s. It's so normal he can almost imagine this is just another semester at college after he's made a new friend.

He wouldn't have met Zhilan under normal circumstances: he was majoring in Chemistry and playing basketball in his spare time, while the scholar was a shoo-in for a humanities major who'd love spending days browsing bookshelves. Maybe they would've bumped into each other at the library though, same as Spirale, if he had to look up books for an essay or something. Then Xiao Lu might've found them both and dragged him off, but not before Wang Yi exchanged contacts with Zhilan first.

Instead of pretending to be a novelist, he'd just be himself. Would Zhilan need help with chemistry stuff? He was pretty good at that, but the scholar seemed smart at anything. Maybe he'd be hauling him off to the basketball courts just to get more exercise, or off to the firing range with Xiao Mo and Xiao Lu so they weren't the only one watching her shoot targets. After that, they'd all have hotpot, and exchange stories, and just hang out...

"—ng Yi? Wang Yi, the 30 minutes are almost up."

A hand is waving in front of his face. Wang Yi blinks and wakes from his daydream sheepishly to see Zhilan looking at him with expectant eyes. His robes are are intricate as always, placing him firmly in the realm of fantasy while standing before him.

'Sorry, I spaced off,' Wang Yi blinks quickly.

"That's okay! Are you ready to head back now?" Zhilan asks with a smile.

'Yeah.' He nods and starts leading the way. 'Feeling refreshed, huh?'

"To tell you the truth, I didn't spend the entire break resting..." Zhilan looks a touch guilty as he walks beside him. "Because midway through I thought of another hypothesis I've yet to test for my research topic! So I'm looking forward to whether my theory holds water after I confirm a few facts."

'Sounds like it could be a breakthrough, congrats.'

"Thank you...did you get ideas for your next book too? You looked deep in thought."

'Oh, hah...no, I was just daydreaming,' Wang Yi keeps his tone casual. 'About the most boring stuff ever, actually—going back to school and doing homework, of all things.'

Zhilan looks sympathetic. "Coming from the Akademiya myself, I can relate."

'Right? But here we are, burying our heads in books again.'

He gets a bright laugh in return. "I think there's more motivation when we don't have to deal with grades and deadlines! And well," Zhilan's eyes soften slightly. "Daydreaming about your experiences must be nostalgic."

'Yeah.' Wang Yi agrees, but pauses as his gaze drift towards Zhilan again. Smiling, breathing, laughing. Even if they never met in his world, they were close enough in this one.

'I think I still prefer the real thing,' he mutters inaudibly.

"Hm?" Zhilan doesn't hear and shoots him a puzzled look.

'Nothing,' Wang Yi pats his shoulder and points ahead. 'I see a few guys eyeing our table. We better claim it back.'

"Ah, our books!" Zhilan's head whips back before he starts running. "Wang Yi, I'll go ahead first to stop them!"

'Yeah, you better.'

While Zhilan catches up to the strangers and politely redirects them to another spot, Wang Yi takes his time walking back, eyes taking in every moment. He wonders if the scholar realizes how he pushes up his glasses when trying to make a point...it's a cute little quirk.

By the time he's finally there, the other group is gone and Zhilan's laid out all his papers on the table again with a relieved sigh.

"It would've been troublesome if they cleared off all the books and we had to find them off the return carts," Zhilan remarks while poring over his notes. "Maybe we should break closer to the table next time."

'Good idea,' Wang Yi nods. 'Or I'll scribble a "Do Not Move" sign and leave it here, that seems to work too,'

"Right, not a bad thought!" Zhilan replies instantly, but his eyes don't stop skimming; it's obvious he's eager to dive back into research.

Seeing this, Wang Yi just smiles and swallows back the words in his throat.

Thank you.

For saving their seats. For being his friend.

For living.

#archaictold #drabbles; #i've never written so much slice-of-life but *gestures at zhilan* him #my font of inspiration apparently lolol #long post

[starvette]

T 7/90, survived my first week

A copy of yesterday. 20+ degrees, barely any wind, full sun. I hobbled out to check and thankfully their windows were open. So I proceeded to rot in my room for a full work day of 8.5 hours. Again, NO energy whatsoever for the simplest of things. I could sit in my soft boss/invalid chair for 40 minutes and stare at a wall and not notice. Didn't even organize selfies. At 8PM I had the belated brilliant idea to be useful in small Pomodoro type increments with forced 5 minute movements (at least pacing) in between. That finally worked. So that's two wasted days now.

I still haven't got anything to eat so I had oatmeal and I think I will risk my life again for popcorn. Mom got me two oranges (along with nasty looking smoked fish which hardly had any meat on it) which I'd decided to try as a preworkout. Just because making full on dishes and timing it right before running is exhausting. Fruit right before exertion can't be that bad?! Well, SOMETHING made me insanely bloated right before and I gave up and just walked home after a few meters. It must have been either: vegetables, the singular orange, or oatmeal which I'd had a pretty long time ago at that point. I was also wearing the wrong leggings that have a gnarly tight waist band. My good running pants are in the laundry basket thanks to period blood. Sorry, is this too detailed? Just when nothing fucking happens you start writing about legging waist bands. Tomorrow must be nicer because I will be using my Pomodoro method.

Then at night I got bad sudden onset depression and couldn't bring myself outside to fake move my body. Just crashed. 0 workout.

[funkylittlesister]

when you’re doing pomodoro sessions and that 5 minute break comes

#don't mind me #it's almost finals week #and i gotta study #pomodoro is wearing me out #and my sense of humour is getting rusty #med life #med student #about me #me #she speaks #meme #my meme #seven of nine #voy #star trek voyager #star trek #fuck my life #my shit #pomodoro sessions #btw if y'all cant focus on sth you should try the pomodoro technique #it's great #medecine