#prototype star glitter

[cemeteryspider]

House of Us

Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Summary: A prank turned into a memory of a sweet moment.

Trigger Warnings: Red Room *Mentioned Briefly*

Word Count: 723 Words

Today was like any boring day in the Avenger's Tower complex. Tony and Bruce were away tinkering in the lab attempting to analyze a lab-created sample of Vibranium.

Meanwhile, Peter was tucked away in a corner, immersed in perfecting a new prototype web shooter. Despite his best efforts, he had shockingly successful encounters with the electric web—shocking himself at least five times in the last hour.

Thor was away on Asgard with Loki, doing mysterious sibling activities, probably visiting their mother.

Natasha, on the other hand, was on a mission with Clint. Given Barton's status as the perennial target for y/n's pranks and general mischief, she already pulled off a daring escapade, swapping out Clint's training arrows with plunger arrows.

With most of the usual suspects occupied, only a few remained. Steve Rogers, currently training with Bucky Barnes in the gym, was one of them, and messing with their workout routine wasn't high on y/n's priority list.

However, a sudden recollection changed the game.

Then, a memory surfaced with Wanda—a playful tradition from the past.

Before they officially started dating a month ago, y/n used to, at least once a week, change the background of Wanda's phone to the most ridiculous pictures of their friends, and occasionally, even Wanda herself.

Reflecting on the last time she played this prank, just before their first date, with a goofy picture of Wanda making a silly face during a silly Christmas movie, a mischievous idea sparked.

Wanda was currently in the kitchen making some delicious Sokovian dish that her mother used to make on special occasions. What was the special occasion? Their one month anniversary of course.

So as stealthily as possible, I utilized my training from the Red Room to make my way over to Wanda's phone and snatched it from the counter. Ready to Airdrop the goofiest picture of Peter Parker to make Wanda's lock screen, I stopped dead in my tracks. The picture that was already there was the one of us before we started dating.

~~~

Wanda practically dragged me across New York to show me something. Apparently something so important we couldn't even stop at the Bakery to get their new line of Avenger's themed donuts.

Wanda's was said to taste like mixed berry and magic.

While at dinner we were talking about family traditions. In Sokovia they had a tree that was strung with lights and glittering paper snowflakes.

When I said that I don't have traditions, and every day was the same in the Red Room. Train, practice, eat, sleep. Again and again. She thought this was unacceptable.

Then we were running through the streets of New York.

"You will love it I promise! This is so much better than donuts" She swore up and down.

Then all of a sudden she covered my eyes with her soft perfect hands and told me to walk forward.

"Are you ready?"

I nodded and started to giggle. A sound I didn't even know I was capable of making. She removed her hands and I saw the most gorgeous Christmas tree I had ever seen.

It was so tall that the star on top of the tree looked like it could be in the sky. Rainbow lights strung all around it made it shine like nothing I'd ever seen, except for maybe Wanda's eyes.

Around me couples were taking photos with the tree as a backdrop and families wrangling kids. Somebody else getting down on one knee and the coos of single people around.

I turned to look at Wanda to exclaim how amazing this is, but she was just looking at me and smiling.

"You deserve the world y/n and I want to give it to you"

I buried my face in the fur of her jacket.

~~~

We asked some random stranger to take a couple pictures of us, and this is one of them. Wanda is laughing at a joke I made her face crinkled and my eyes were closed laughing at her reaction.

That was the moment I knew I had to ask her out, but I didn't work up the courage until a couple weeks later.

That probably was one of the best nights of my life, and I wasn't expecting it to be.

Well I guess I won't be changing her lock screen today.

#wanda x reader #wanda maximoff #wanda maxmoff x y/n #marvel #the avengers #mcu #mcu x reader #mcu x y/n #mcu x you #wanda maximoff x reader

[theyhavetakenovermylife]

Stargazing (Fluff)

Bayverse!Donatello x reader

Warnings: Spelling and cutie Donnie💜

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

The city skyline glittered under the vast canvas of the night sky as you and Donatello stood atop a high-rise building. The cool breeze rustling through the fabric of your clothes causing you to shiver slightly. Maybe you should have brought a thicker jacket. Or a hoodie.

Your boyfriend, Donatello, had brought you with him up to the rooftop, to show you his latest invention, that he held against his eye pointing towards the stars. It looked like a normal pair of binoculars, except for extra wires sticking out here and there, along with a few blinking lights on the side. You were wondering what was so special about these binoculars that his goggles couldn’t do. Therefore you leaned interaged up against your tall boyfriend, watching his face in fascination. Donatello, feeling your body being pressed against his, wrapped his arm around you, holding you closer.

“Are you cold?”, he asked, lowering his binoculars to look down at you. He could feel you shivering against his rib and against his forearm.

“Just a little”, you said, wrapping your jacket closer around you.

Donnie looked at you for a moment with a small smile, before sliding behind you, wrapping both his arms fully around you. If it wasn’t for the height difference, he would have placed his head on your shoulder, and let himself enjoy the heat of your cheek against his.

“Here”. He placed the binoculars in your hand. “Look up at the sky”.

Donnie held you close against him, as he watched you move the binoculars to your eyes in curiosity. They were big and too far apart for your eyes, so Donnie helped adjust them before you looked into them. You gasped as you looked up, causing Donnie to chuckle, stroking your arms with thumbs. As you looked over the night sky, the binoculars would show you the names of the stars and planets. It would tell you each planet's temperature as you moved your gaze across them, along with facts and how far away they were. It would draw lines between the stars, showing you constellations you had never heard of before.

"This is amazing, Donnie!", you said, your smile wide and bright.

He grinned, a blend of satisfaction and excitement in his eyes as he took in your expression. "I'm glad you like it. It's a prototype, but I thought it would be nice to have our own portable observatory".

As you marveled at the celestial beauty above, Donatello couldn't help but admire the way the city lights looked on your skin and hair. He listened intently to your voice as you read out loud what the binoculars told you. You loved learning, and Donnie loved watching your excitement with everything you encountered.

"Did you know that the stars we see tonight are the same ones our ancestors looked at centuries ago?", Donatello mused, his voice a gentle hum in the quiet night, as he gently started to sway you from side to side.

You nodded, a smile playing on your lips as you let him rock you softly from right to left. "It's both fascinating and humbling. Makes you realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things".

Donatello rested his head on top of yours, humming in delight as one of your hands started to trace up and down the top arm he had wrapped around you. "That's what I love about stargazing. It puts everything into perspective. It's a reminder that no matter what happens down here, the universe keeps on spinning".

The two of you continued to share stories about constellations, galaxies, and the mysteries of the cosmos. Donatello's passion for science and astronomy shone through, and you couldn't help but be captivated by the depth of his knowledge. He often reminded you about the stars you were looking at. Just as bright and just as beautiful.

As the night progressed, the conversation shifted to more personal topics. Donatello spoke about his dreams and aspirations, the wonders he hoped to uncover in the vastness of space. He had always dreamed of going out there, and one day he would find a way. You, in turn, shared your own hopes and dreams, creating an intimate connection beneath the starlit sky.

The city below seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the soft glow of streetlights and the brilliance of distant stars. Time lost its significance as you and Donatello became lost in the beauty of the cosmos and the warmth of each other's company.

In that tranquil moment, surrounded by the tapestry of the night, Donatello's gaze lingered on you once more. The vulnerability in his eyes spoke volumes, and he hesitated for a moment before finally speaking once again.

"(Y/N)", he began, his voice steady but vulnerable.

Your attention shifted from the stars to him, curiosity and warmth in your eyes as you finally removed the binoculars from your eyes. "What is it, Donnie?"

He took a deep breath. "I know I say these kinds of things often, but being with you makes everyday feel like a dream I’m lucky to have. Being up here, sharing this moment with you, it feels right. I love you, (Y/N), and will continue to tell you everyday until-".

Before he could finish, you reached out, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, meeting his gaze with a soft smile.

"I know, Donnie", you reassured him. “I love you too, and I too will tell you so everyday”.

A genuine grin spread across his face. He dipped his head down until his lips met yours in a loving kiss. Even as the two of you pulled part, you continued to stand close, embraced in each other’s arms. You blushed as you noticed Donnie’s soft gaze on your face.

“Donnie, the stars are up there”, you laughed and attempted to hide your face against his chest.

“I know”, he said, placing a finger under your chin so he could lift your face to look at him again. “But you’re so much prettier to look at”.

Needless to say, but you and Donatello would definitely go stargazing together again.

#tmnt #teenage mutant ninja turtles #tmnt donatello #tmnt leonardo #tmnt raphael #tmnt michelangelo #tmnt x y/n #tmnt x reader #tmnt x you #tmnt raph #tmnt bayverse #tmnt bayverse x reader #bayverse tmnt #bayverse turtles #tmnt 2014 #tmnt bayverse donnie #tmnt bayverse donatello #tmnt bayverse fanfic #tmnt bayverse donnie x reader #tmnt bayverse donatello x reader #tmnt donnie x reader #tmnt donnie #tmnt donatello x reader #bayvers tmnt donnie x reader #bayverse tmnt x reader #tmnt 2016 #bayverse raph #bayverse raphael #bayverse leo #tmnt leo

[illusioneddrawer64]

Custo with his fellow military janitorial and cleanup crewmates on Space Riders spaceships were unfortunately caught in the crossfire between Space Riders’ forces and the Prototype’s cult. The recent intense battle had both parties sustain heavy casualties.

Medical staff unfortunately reported that the wounds that Custo has are intense (not able to use surgery due numerous factors) and will have to wear a special mask (inspired by Joseph Merrick’s Elephant Man mask) to cover his sustained disfigurement.

When it was that time for gala events happen again; Custo wanted to help out to set up (and clean up later) but bit concerned how many will react his current appearance. Yet thanks to the encouragement of Dogday and other Space Riders, he showed up as one of service busboys as he usually do.

As a bonus; he had a bit of heart for music entertainment. With the help of other crewmates, they performed songs as part of charity work for wounded military veterans etc.

Proposed Playlist Songs performed at the Gala:

Defying Gravity, The Other Side, Ship In A Bottle, Magic (Mystery Skulls), HBO John Adams’ Opening Titles (Rob Lane), No More Kings (Schoolhouse Rock), Sit Down John (Sherman Edwards), Hamilton’s Satisfied, Shot Heard Round the World (Schoolhouse Rock), Les Miserables’ ABC Cafe/Red and Black, The Wellerman, Everybody Wants To Rule the World, You Know My Name, Another Way To Die, Skyfall, Writings On The Wall (Sam Smith), A Storm Is Coming (Han Zimmer), Rory’s First Kiss (Han Zimmer), Macrotus (Han Zimmer), Astronomia, Do the Hippogriff, Leta’s Flashblack/Ballroom Dance (James Howard), Hot Chocolate (Alan Silvestri), The Snow Miser Song, The Heat Miser Song, Tunes of Anarchy, Rock and Roll (Gary Glitter), Sandstorm (Darude), Into the Groove (Madonna), City of Stars/Planetarium (Justin Hurwitz), Start a Fire (John Legend), O-Zone (Dragostea Din Tei), Chocolate Rain (Tay Zonday), Resonant Chamber (Animusic), Marble Machine (Wintergatan), Old Town Road (Lil Nas X), Star Walkin, Run (BlackGryph0n), Type 40 (Chameleon Circuit), Song of the Sun (Janice Quatlane), Hated By Life (Hatsune Miku), Art Is Dead (boburnham), Weekdays Beatbox (Adym Evans), Human (Rag’n’Bone), Southern Cross (403 Forbiddena), Northern Lights (403 Forbiddena), Kings and Queens (Ava Max), Drum Solo (Neil Peart), All Good Things (Get Up), Break Time (Madeline Queripel), Deja Veju, Running in the 90s (Max Coveri), Blind Justice Investigation (AlterniaBound), Megalovania (Toby Fox), Big Shot (Toby Fox), My Ordinary Life (The Living Tombstone), Waving Through The Window (Ben Platt), Sweet Victory (David Glen Eisley), Blown Away, Damaged (Danity Kane), Power (Kanye Omari), My Drunken Irish Dad (Seth Macfarlane), The Highway Man (Loreena McKennitt), Galway Girl (Ed Sheeran), A Rose For Epona (Eluveitie), Taixu (lasah), Sihouette (Owl City), In the Name of Love (Martin Garrix), Read All About It (Emeli Sande), Hallelujah (Michael Henry), Counting Stars, Classical Gas (Mason Williams), Safe and Sound (Capital Cities), World of Tanks (Alan Aztec), Scatman (John Larkin), Waiting For A Miracle (Stephanie Beatriz), It’s Alright (Mother Mother), and Proud Corazon (Anthony Gonzalez).

For @onyxonline Space Riders AU.

#doodles #onyxonline #poppy playtime #space riders au #music #songs #playlist

[ahorseofeverycolor]

It’s My Little Monday With... Proto-peek at the Shimmering Beauties!  It’s basically just a peek because this low resolution photo is all I have of it / seems to be all anyone has of it. You can spot some interesting things right away, the most obvoius being that Stardazzle is a completely different color for her symbol, body and hair but... Did you notice her pose seems to be different too? That stepping foot in the front is on the ground in the final edition. She, of course, turned out to be bright orange with heartthrob-pink hair (not this dark color), the symbol is blue, and instead of ringlets she had a mass of curls. Dream Gleamer & Crystalline stayed the same color as seen here, though Crystalline may have had some green added to her blue. Even through this low resolution (you can barely read their names) you can still see that the symbols are unchanged except the angle at which they’re printed. The other difference is that Stardazzle did come with the (rare) yellow star pick, but the other 2 got flutter pony floral picks instead of brushes.  Why was Stardazzle changed to orange? The purple would have been absolutely gorgeous in their glossy, glittering plastic. (Many things ended up orange with them that shouldn’t have, because they kept trying to do red or pink sparkle things and they’d get orange instead: See the sparkle baby ponies, glow n shows etc.) Prototype pages like this would be printed in toy catalogs when they wanted to let companies know “What’s coming soon”, but they didn’t actually have the final items yet. If the resolution was better, you could read the catalog name in the corner. I LOVE Dream Beauties. They are horses but their stylization is so pretty. They are a perfect mixture. They’re so elegant, and the glitter/clear is amazing on these molds. I so wish they would have made more of them. Everyone should be able to know about and collect DBs!

#My Little Monday #My Little Pony #mlp g1 #g1 pony #dream beauty #prototype toy #1980s toy #toy catalog #proto peek

[that-foul-legacy-lover]

hey! It's the person Nicky suggest to share, Star, here with building tips for Kaeya! it'll depend on how you want him built, but generally for artifacts:

main dps (cryo version) I'd suggest 2pc atk% 2pc blizzard strayer, with atk/cryo/crit rate or crit dmg (this is the version I have!)

main dps (physical version) 4pc paleflame or 2pc paleflame 2pc bloodstained, atk/phys/crit rate or damage

burst support: 2pc noblesse, 2pc blizzard, atk/cryo/crit rate or crit dmg

Weapons: Most dps five star swords work on him, notably mistsplitter, primordial jade cutter, Ayato's and Alhaitham's signatures, and Aquila Favonia works well for phys

For four star swords, try any with an atk substat or increased elemental damage, notably Amenoma Kageuchi, Prototype Rancour for phys, The Black Sword if you buy battle pass, and Blackcliff Longsword if you've got the star glitter.

There might also be better swords out there on the four star list but I got the jade cutter for him and haven't thought about what four star to use in over a year-

Three star options include the harbinger of dawn, which is still a solid sword for him!

Hope this helped and happy building :DDD

!!!!! i love it when y'all send me builds, i'm genuinely awful at them and i like getting multiple people's opinions. next time i have a character to build i hope you don't mind me asking for help again <33

#chit chat #genshin talk #also i might set up a poll later asking which sword LOOKS best on kaeya #not works best. looks best #since he doesn't have a signature weapon #and i may or may not be making a sword sometime in the futureeeee

[yougottabeblitzenmyhearthstone]

Chase Space: You're It

Ao3

Blitzen doesn’t think he’s ever run this fast in his life. His heart hammers heavily against his chest. His feet sprint feverishly but to no avail. He’s not fast enough. He can feel the enemy closing in.

“Tag, you’re it!” Gabby chimes cheerfully as she quickly backpedals away after touching Blitzen’s shoulder.

The other kids cheer and laugh gleefully from where they’re scattered across the yard.

The stars in the sky glitter like rhinestones laid in velvet. The full moon light glows so brilliantly, they don’t need any of the outside lamps to play their game.

Blitzen pants as he glances around the yard: Trevante is ducked under the trampoline while Jayelle stands atop it; Ramey edges along the border of the flower bed; Isaac and Pablo peer out from behind opposite sides of an old oak tree. Zeke’s shoes peek out from beneath the shrubs.

He can’t even see Cam.

He knew he shouldn’t have worn his prototype velour tracksuit to play tag in. The 2000s are going to make a comeback and he’s going to be ready. “Am I allowed to give up?” He calls to the yard hopefully.

A chorus of boos answers him.

With a sigh, Blitzen tries to pick out the easiest target. While he’s trying to decide, Hearthstone appears on the porch, Marcy at his side. Clapping to get their attention, Hearth simply signs Brownies.

Suddenly, the kids are rushing the porch. Cam drops from their hiding spot up in the tree to join the fray. As they troop inside, Blitzen looks at his boyfriend with a smile. Thank you.

Were you losing? Hearthstone asks with a teasing grin. He nudges Marcy, directing her to go inside with the rest of the kids. 

She sticks her tongue out at him playfully before running inside, not realizing she slammed the door behind her.

Shaking his head fondly, Hearthstone pulls out a pack of cigarettes. Soon, he and Blitzen are sitting on the porch steps as Hearthstone smokes. Blitzen can hardly look away from the elf. He looks ethereal in the moonlight. He can’t even describe how he looks.

Take a picture, it’ll last longer, Hearthstone signs as he holds the cigarette between his lips. His fingers remove it so he can blow out the smoke.

Blitzen laughs, loud and unbridled. Why? I get to look at you for the rest of our lives.

Green floods Hearthstone’s cheeks at those words. He grins stupidly as he stubs out his cigarette, dropping it in the nearby ashtray. Sap. For you? Always. Blitzen scoots closer so he can kiss him.

#blitzen #hearthstone #hearthstone thomas alderman #blitzen michael freyason #blitzstone #chase space #the chase space series #original characters #mcga #fanfic

[windblume-wishes]

What It Should Have Been - A Genshin Impact Story

Scaramouche- or rather Kunikuzushi made a wish to restart his life, to rewind the clock to the day his he was created. He craved to be loved and recognized by Ei, but would things be any different?

Scaramouche sat on the edge of a cliff overlooking all of Sumeru, his mother’s Gnosis in hand, daydreaming of what he could have had- what he should have had. He could have been loved like any normal boy who had a mother to care for him, but no, he had to be discarded as if he were nothing- a mere waste of life meant to wander about for all of eternity as humanity evolved and many die. He thought of the three betrayals he faced in his long life, wanting desperately to change those times for the better but he could not.

A tear fell from his indigo eyes, soaking the fabric of his shorts- no- he refused to cry. His mother threw him away because he cried when he was born. Tears meant weakness, a weakness he would need to rid for good. Throughout the years he has seen many children live happily with their mothers, just watching them made his heart ache for he never had that experience. Never once held when he cried, never kissed goodnight, not even a simple hug… Oh how he secretly yearned for a mother’s love- for Ei’s love but seeing as she had threw him out as if he were a mistake that was only wishful thinking.

As the sun set over Sumeru’s horizon he sighed once more, drying his pathetic tears and laying flat on his back as he watched the stars come out. He once heard a mother tell her son that if he were to wish hard enough on a star his wish could come true- how childish- but- was he not still Ei’s child? He huffed at the thought but never turning himself from facing the stars that glittered above his head. Perhaps this once would not hurt, after all, they say it is better to try and fail than never try at all.

He let out a sigh, sitting himself upright and closed his eyes. “I wish to go back to the day my life began- to have a fresh start, to have a mother who will love her son…”

Silence- only the sounds of the night could be heard. As he thought, the wishing was just an old fairytale that parents told their children. Scaramouche frowned as he lay back down in the soft grass, closing his eyes, he began to drift off completely unaware of one of the stars above him glowing brighter in response to his wish.

———

He awoke to hearing himself crying loudly, a bright glow flickering around him as his eyes adjusted to his new surroundings. He could see Ei, his mother, standing above him, kneeling down to face him better. He only cried harder, this time however, he reached his small arms out for her, calling out for her.

“M-Mother!” He cried out, his voice now back to sounding much, much younger. “Mother!”

Ei froze, never once did a puppet she created ever address her as “mother”- then again, none of them ever wailed like an infant when they were created- well, a small frightened child for that matter. A sudden warmth filled her chest, new urges flooded into her as she stared at the small crying boy at her knees. He looked so much like Makoto when they was younger, she knew in her heart she could not rid of the boy. Not after he saw her as his mother and him as Makoto.

Ei held back her own tears as she carefully lifted him onto her lap and holding him as a mother would her newborn child, pressing him to her breasts as she caressed his hair and face. The little boy was beautiful, his eyes were just like Makoto’s, she simply could not destroy what looked like her beloved late sister. Prototype or not, she refused to dispose of something so beautiful, so pure.

“Y-yes, I am your mother, and you my son, from today forward you shall be known as Kunikuzushi, Prince of Inazuma.” She spoke softly, staring into his matching eyes with the look only a new mother would give her young. “My Kuni… My beautiful little Kuni…”

“Well, well~ Ei, I never expected you to become a loving mother~ usually you viciously eliminate the defective prototypes~.” Came a new voice that dripped with slyness, a female kitsune with long pink hair appeared, making Kunikuzushi turn his head into his mother’s chest, crying softly.

“Miko… Perhaps I simply decided that now was the perfect time to create a son to help me keep eternity in m- in our nation.” She protested, knowing full well that her fox friend was right. Ei had always been merciless to all her previous prototypes, eliminating all that failed in her eyes, however, now came a prototype even she could not harm, but she minded not of that.

“Oh~? Somehow I feel like that is not the case but I cannot argue with you~ fufu~ so, tell me, what’s the little one’s name?”

“Kunikuzushi, Prince Kunikuzushi.” Ei replied softly, noticing that her gentle caresses made the boy rather sleepy.

“Destroyer of Nations, hm? He looks too cute to be named something so harsh but then again, his teenage years may be quite the destructive time~” Miko smirked as Ei rolled her eyes in irritation, already her Kitsune was making predictions of how her son would turn out, typical Miko.

“We will have to wait and see, I suppose that will be an interesting time indeed but for now we shall enjoy these tender moments before your so called ‘destructive phase’…” Ei whispered, already feeling her son relax in her arms. “I suppose a proper bedroom will need to be made for him seeing as I decided to keep this prototype- no- my son who I shall never part from me.”

“Oh~? Could this be a new form of eternity I see~? Eternal love of a mother~?” Miko smiled softly as she watched Ei wrap Kunikuzushi in his purple veil as a makeshift blanket.

“Yes, exactly so, I hear this form of love is one not easily broken- an eternal bond one may say.” Ei stood up with a rare soft smile gracing her face as she looked at her son who now rested his head on her shoulder. “Come, we must prepare him a place to rest, he may not like my shoulder for much longer.”

Miko took a bit longer to follow Ei, sensing something was rather off about the boy, his energy was different and so was his scent. His overall aura was one not of this world- more like timeline for that matter but even with such in mind it would not be enough to convince Ei, a new mother, that her “son” was not what he appeared. Even so, she remained silent and followed, vowing to watch the boy like a hawk as he grew and evolved.

———

A room was quickly assembled by the palace staff upon the great news of their Almighty Shogun creating a child to rule alongside her. The room was decorated with traditional Inazuman decor and within was his very own Sakura tree, a small one but one that would symbolize his new beginning. Some of the staff had to secretly leave to gather suitable toys for the boy, some even being faux swords and other play weapons he could use to learn and sharpen his skills- one being a toy spear he could use to train and become as strong as his mother.

Ei was rather pleased with the spear and the miniature sized version of her Musou no Hitotatchi, admiring the craftsmanship the toy maker in the village put into the model. It was perfect for Kunikuzushi, if he were to be anything like her in the future he would need to master the blade too. But of course, there was no rush, he had time to learn and grow. Ei sat beside her sleeping son as she watched her staff take care of preparing the new room, in the time they prepared she received many kind words of support and congratulations for the gift she gave her nation.

“Almighty Shogun, before I leave, I just wanted to say thank you for blessing our beautiful nation with a prince we can put our undying faith in!” The young man bowed, Ei placed a gentle hand atop his shoulder and smiled warmly at him.

“I created him with my cherished subjects in mind, I only want what is best for this nation and it’s many people, once he is of age, Kunikuzushi shall rule alongside me. I trust you will treat him with the same care and respect you give me.”

He nodded, looking at the sleeping child with a soft smile. “Yes, he will always have my undying support and faith. Oh and- um- this kabuki doll is one from my childhood, I’d like him to have it if that is alright.”

“Of course, I will lay it beside him, thank you, Tomoya.” She thanked him with a soft smile as he bowed once more before leaving, she placed the doll next to her son and petted his hair. Almost in response to her gentle touches his indigo eyes began to flutter open. “Oh? It seems someone is awake now, did you have a good rest?”

“Yes, mother… *yawn* I’m still quite sleepy but my stomach feels weird… it makes this weird rumbling and it kinda hurts…” Kunikuzushi looked up at her with worry etching his young face. “D-did I do something wrong, mother?!”

Ei only let out small laughs at his limited understanding to his new life. “No, you needn’t worry, this is normal- however I never expected you to feel hunger, no matter, I was in the mood for some tri-coloured dango myself, should I have some fetched for you as well?”

“Is it good?” He asked with his head tilting to the side rather adorably, pondering whether or not this dango was considered delicious or not.

“Indeed it is, it’s quite sweet but it is definitely something I enjoy from time to time. You may like it as well.” She placed a gentle kiss atop his head, lifting his smaller body into her arms, and handing him the doll. “Come, let’s see if we can have some brought up to us.”

—————

Within moments their Dango was brought out to them, fresh from the stand in Inazuma City just outside the protective walls of Tenshukaku. Miko stood close by watching the two as she nibbled on her fried tofu she so enjoyed. From the looks of things, it became apparent that even Kunikuzushi enjoyed the sweet dango, like mother like son one may say.

“My, my~ it seems you have a little sweet tooth, Ei~ if you are not careful he may devour the entire stand in the city~! Fufu~!” Miko smirked, petting Kuni’s soft head affectionately. “You know, whenever you are craving something sweet, just come to dear Auntie Miko, hm~?”

“Really?” His eyes lit up with what one would call childish wonder and a grin graced his face. “You mean it?”

“Miko, he should not consume so much sugar-” was Ei’s expected response but even she could not deny her son’s big indigo eyes staring at her like a puppy begging for a treat. “*sigh* Already you have learned that face? I suppose if Miko is willing to, she may spoil you on occasion, Miko, that does not mean every second.”

“I make no promises, especially when he’s already mastered the art of the puppy eyes~ how cute~!” Miko smirked, watching Ei look completely unamused with her antics once more. “Oh~ speaking of Inazuma City, when will you announce him as your heir~? The people should know the good news, no~?”

Ei had completely forgot about the need to inform her subjects to the creation of her son who sat before the two looking confused as he munched on his dango. That would mean a ceremony was in order and Kunikuzushi would require new clothing that would be suitable for such an occasion as well as normal attire for other events and home wear.

“Hmm, I suppose you make a point, a ceremony will need to be held and in the time leading up to the event we would require clothes suitable for a boy his size.” Ei commented, looking her son over. “His body is one of a human seven year old, not particularly big yet not particularly small…”

“Mother? What do I need to wear? Is what I have on right now not good for that ceremony you mentioned?” He tilted his head in confusion, fiddling with his garments. “Do I look bad? I’m sorry, mother…”

“Kuni, my dear, you look perfectly fine, it is just that a ceremony announcing your creation required you to look a bit more formal. What you have on would be considered casual.” Ei replied, cupping his face in her hands, he nodded understanding what she meant. “I think some traditional clothes suitable for a young man would be better for the occasion.”

“I guess that means we need to call in a tailor then~ it seems he needs to have proper measurements and garments prepared~” Miko placed a hand atop Kuni’s head, gently ruffling his hair. “You, little man will need to look your very best- I’d expect no less from Inazuma’s newest prince.”

“M-Mother…? I’m getting sleepy again…” he let out a yawn, sleepily rubbing his tired eyes. Kunikuzushi reached out his arms for his mother who happily took him into her arms, holding him close.

“I suppose it is getting rather late, isn’t it? Well, firstly a bath would be in order and secondly, for sleep attire I see no problem in allowing you to wear one of my own.” Kuni only nodded sleepily as he rested his weary head atop her shoulder.

—————

Bath time took longer than Miko and Ei anticipated, Kunikuzushi was rather mesmerized by the existence of bubbles and was frightened of the water, it took many attempts to get him into the bath so he could be washed. Thankfully he went in after being promised Dango, in the bath he found it hard to stay awake- the warm water calmed him and made him sleepier, if anything it would have reminded him of a time many newborns are familiar with, but seeing as he was anything but a normal newborn it was merely a calming bath.

He was wrapped in a towel and dried off without any fuss other than sleepy whines when the cold air hit his exposed skin. The nightgown Ei had chosen for him was adorably large on his small frame, practically swallowing him whole- a small, sleepy little boy wearing a large nightgown belonging to his mother was an adorable sight to behold. Ei holding him as he drifted in and out of sleep was even more of a precious sight.

She laid him down on her bed, crawling in next to him and pulling her son close to her frame, softly shushing him when he moaned and stirred in his sleep. Ei leaned down and placed a loving kiss atop his head, brushing the hair from his beautiful face, taking in how beautiful of a child he was- truly a devine creation.

“Did you manage to get the little one asleep~?” Miko whispered softly, taking a seat next to the sleeping Kunikuzushi.

“Indeed I have, he was not much of a struggler when it came to bedtime- I’m quite thankful for such.”

“Mastering bedtime is definitely a difficult task for some parents, dear Ei, luckily for you he went down without a struggle~” Miko smiled, petting his hair a bit, watching his small chest rise and fall as he dreamed.

“I see, I suppose that is useful information to keep in mind- however, he seems to be fine right now. I can only hope that nothing shall change…”

——————

Well my dearest travelers, I certainly had to write this after witnessing Scara’s backstory. To say I cried is an understatement, I sobbed hard, it was awful! My heart ached for Scaramouche… I just wanted to hug him tight.

- Windblume

#windblume writes #kazuha genshin impact #genshin impact fanfics #Genshin impact fanfiction #kunikuzushi #scaramouche #genshin scaramouche #genshin kunikuzushi #Scaramouche and Ei #ei genshin #raiden shogun #genshin impact au

[landboundstar]

Trade Secrets Part 12

Yeah!

Feels like forever since my last post.

I had a lot of fun with this looking up art deco pieces. I ended up spending WAY too much time down that rabbit hole. But it was a nice visit. With way too many pretty pictures.

I couldn't quite help myself when I kept seeing the black and gold Anubis and Bast statues, and the sleek, pointy eared touch - I can see our favorite chiroptophobic pulling some of his inspiration from mythological guardians that his mother loved. That I was pulling from statues of the goddess of cats and a god who helps judge and weigh souls of the dead... might be going somewhere with that.

Last note before post starts - I am up to part 10 of reposting Trade Secrets on AO3. Feel free to read it there too. I actually love seeing the messages, comments, little red hearts and reblogs. It makes my day.

Part 12

"How did they bring the whole corner of a building in here?"

"It's the architect's model, I think." Bruce answered, but he shook his head and smiled, looking at the focal point of the exhibit.

The smile, not a shy, quiet curve of lips or an amused smirk but a real Bruce smile.

It was an expression I had missed, even through lunch today.

"How -", I stumbled over my words, not sure how to ask what I wanted to. "How have you been?"

"Better." Bruce carefully thought through every word. "I can sleep now. Sometimes. I couldn't really, not right after. Unless it was for a whole day. Alfred called Leslie after -," He gulped, a little pale and embarrassed, so I knew that it had to have been bad. "I had a really rough nightmare. I actually thought I had been shot, and my chest hurt and I couldn't breathe, even after I woke up screaming. That's when Alfred called Leslie. She recommended a doctor to talk to. And it's been helping. Like I said, I can sleep now. But, it doesn't make it hurt less or make me miss them less."

We walked a few steps further, to a green stained glass window, made up of cascading fans. "Even this is hard. Because Mom would have loved this. Her favorite building in Gotham was always city hall. She loved the way the windows at the top of the building looked at night. Like glowing feathers in the dark. And how it had sleek edged modern gargoyles guarding the roof. I wish she could be here."

"Can I give you a hug?"

"Yeah."

I gave him a quick hug and we walked around a corner.

"Let's talk about something else." Bruce told me, a slight pleading note in his voice.

"Okay," I said.

"Is your father still teaching you to play chess?"

"Yes." The eye roll that went with that statement was pure instinct. My father was amazing at chess. He regularly played with Alfred and - well, he had played with Bruce's father as well. And with how good Bruce was, asking Dad to help me play better made sense.

"I lost, with only two pieces on the board in our last game."

We talked about my failure to get better with chess until we practically bumped into Selina, staring down, with open hands pressed to the glass of the display case that had lengths of black velvet. Sections of molding, glazed tiles, and pressed metal shapes glittered up like stars from the case. But Selina's gaze was firmly fixed on a jewellike piece of carved glass tile that was shaped like a ruby sunburst. 

"See something you like?" I teased Selina.

Selina smiled back, unashamed. "Of course. It's so pretty." She shrugged. "What? I like pretty things. Isn't that the point of an art museum?"

I laughed. "I think you aren't the only one," I told them, pointing to where Harvey stood in front of another display.

We made our way over to where Harvey turned to the right and then left at what looked at first like a mirrored wall behind two theater masks. But the mirrored wall was actually made up of panels of a gray metal that looked light or dark, depending on how the light hit it.

"That is going to look really cool when they put it up." I told Harvey, reading the plaque. "This is a prototype for the Greater Gotham - Metropolis Bridge Theater's new mural.

"We'll have to go sometime." Bruce said, before suddenly turning to fix his gaze on me.

"What was your favorite?"

I pointed to a sliding glass door, made up of amber gold and red chevrons in a pattern that felt like a glass version of a stage curtain.

"So, what was your favorite piece, Bruce?" Harvey asked.

I wasn't surprised when Bruce went to a set of roof decorations, sleek and smooth, based on figures from Egyptian mythology. 

Just like the gargoyles on top of Gotham's city hall.

#batman #au fic #harvey dent #selina kyle #zatanna #bruce wayne #way too much time looking up pictures #A day at the museum #Trade secrets #slow build #Eventual #Promise I am getting there #Right now am writing nine year olds

[non-binary-laurie-strode]

And that's that for the main game of Scarlet!

In short, I think that the disaster of its graphics/visuals really hurt my enjoyment of it. I can forgive a lot of graphic meh, but this was completely over the line and inexcusably bad. There is absolutely no reason why this game should look and run as badly as it does.

I do think, setting aside those huge issues, there is a charming heart in the game. The gameplay loop is enjoyable—shifting between the gyms and Team Star and the Titans is interesting, at least. I do think that the written storylines, at least Penny/Team Star and Arven and especially the final episode with Sada, are all much, much better than the absolutely generic Sword and Shield story, to say nothing of blowing the nonsense of XY out of the water. (That's pretty much done by default though. I hate the XY story so much!) It's got nothing on Black and White's genuinely well-crafted storyline, and Sun and Moon and Arceus are both two of my other favourites, but the stories are... not terrible.

As I've posted, there is, however, an illusion of open-worldedness. There is very much a linearity that you're expected to follow, at least with the gyms. I ended up fighting what I believe was the 6th or maybe 7th gym as my 4th, and I ended up mopping up the mid gyms in a tedious rush because I had taken a path and become way too overlevelled. That shouldn't be possible; the idea of making this kind of game without a scaling mechanic is wild. Everyone, as soon as open-worlding was announced, just accepted it as a default, and many rom hacks had a similar mechanic, yet this... didn't have it. Bizarre.

When compared to Arceus, it feels like a massive step down from what we just got 11 months ago—the two titles were developed in parallel, and so it's frustratingly disappointing that so many of the good parts of Arceus got abandoned or didn't get added. Arceus is superior in practically every possible way, and it should be the #1 recommended Pokémon-on-Switch game. It feels more like this was the prototype and Arceus the glittering finished product, not the other way around. Maybe we should have gotten Arceus this November, and left this to stew for another year.

Ultimately, I cannot call Scarlet a good game. There is no way to look at the visual nightmare that this is, which has problems most games solved on Playstation 2 decades ago, and say Yes, this is good. There are so many little fundamental problems in the basic design (the open-worlding aspect especially) that can't be ignored. It's got good moments, and it is enjoyable enough if you get used to it, but it's not good. It is in the bottom third of mainline Pokémon games. Perhaps if they stability patch the graphics, it can move up to mid, but until then, it's a boot from me.

#believe it or not this was more succinct than i thought #anyway now to serebii to see what i missed

[birindale]

History of the Star Sisters, Pt. 2

Part of a series of interviews by He-man.org user Tallstar. This is the second of four.

Welcome to History of The Star Sisters - Part 2. (To read Part 1, Click HERE)

During the preliminary stage of design on The Star Sisters (Starla, Jewelstar and Tallstar), the design team at Mattel brainstormed several ideas for potential features to be packed out with or included on the figures. This installment will focus on some of the fascinating ideas that were ultimately abandoned, mainly due to the cost involved in incorporating them. Fans will also be treated to Jon's extremely detailed explanation regarding one of the "hiccups" the team experienced with Jewelstar, when going from illustrations and model prototype to produced sample. On occasion, I will interject with some of my own thoughts to give my personal feelings on the subject matter or to inform the readers. As in Part 1, Jon's statements will be in bold text. [[note: indented]]

"Of course, when a toy designer begins work in the prelim stage of design, there is no lack of spectacular ideas, bells and whistles. Everything AND the kitchen sink is tapped for inspiration. We were going to have Starla stand on a small three inch diameter rotating base that would spin when slid across the floor or a hard surface, i.e. a table top, thus she'd spin into action."

(Note to the readers: A pink combination spinning stand and backpack was included with Spinnerella, a rare, highly sought after figure, who made a limited appearance during the release of the 3rd wave of figures. However I am unsure if the design of this stand would have been identical to the one dreamed-up for Starla. What I do know, is that Starla appears alongside Spinnerella inside of the unproduced Bubble Carriage vehicle shown in one of the Mattel toy catalogs.)

"Crystal Star was going to have a sparkle feature where a thumb wheel in her back would activate a friction wheel that would ignite sparks housed within her clear glitter impregnated plastic torso. However, there is the pragmatic phase of honing this all down to the most suitable and doable ideas that are cost effective. Eventually due to the targeted price points, manufacturing costs, budget constraints, affordability and the ultimate goal of meeting the typical product margin, all these wonderful ideas end up cast to the wayside via "Toy Heaven."

The Star Sisters were "feature driven" dolls, where each required what is called a "demonstrative feature." Starla had the star glitter pack with the thumb actuator to agitate the encapsulated clear glycerin fluid with suspended glitter. This was a natural feature for her that translated very well and was cost effective. Crystal Star was designed to fold down into crystal formation. The in-house prototype model worked far better than what eventually emerged in the ultimately produced sample. Something was lost in translation regarding the hinge mechanics developed by the outside vendor, despite sufficient diagrams, illustrations and a model prototype. Subsequently, we decided this flaw was something we were going to later correct during development of the first phase prototypes from Hong Kong production. However, the very appealing glitter impregnated clear pink-peach color of the molded parts was quite beautiful in this mechanically flawed prototype. So for this reason, due to its better aesthetics, it was used for the catalogue photo shoot (Note to the readers: The prototypes shown in the Italian catalog differ from those in the American catalog), whereas the in-house version, though it functioned much better, was less attractive because it was molded in a more opaque and milky resin, not clear enough, which was painted with glitter, externally. Tall Star's feature was decided right off the bat in her "Expandra" incarnation where accordion plastic tubes bridged between the joints of her limbs, waist and neck and was immediately a favorite amongst all concerned. So her subsequent development became one more of aesthetical material decisions, i.e. vacuum metalized plastic versus translucent glitter impregnated plastic, iridescent colored hair versus metallic Mylar accented colored hair, face paint and the "color breaks" to her whole body's aesthetical composition, and so on.

The marketing group mutually and periodically reviewed the design development of the product as we progressed, which is standard practice to keep everyone in the loop and aware of design direction, and of course they submitted their input and suggestions to further enhance the dolls, "play pattern" and the line. Often much out of the control of a toy design group things will change in the "post-takeover phase" where marketing has more persuasion, i.e. Tall Star's name change."

Speaking of the marketing group, one of the most thrilling pieces of history to emerge from the discussions between Jon and I was that, at one point, marketing advocated the addition of a separate collectible item to be packed out with each doll, with the intention of fostering and promoting collectibility. I was instantly intrigued, awe-struck, and (enter about a dozen more related adjectives) because these collectible items would have further expounded on The Star Sisters' powers and delved into the dimension of the esoteric. I felt this harkened back to the darker tone set in the Masters of the Universe toy line in the early pre-Filmation days when everything was a bit more vague and therefore mysterious. (i.e. the Spirit of Castle Grayskull or apparitions appearing to dissuade Skeletor from entering the castle, a corridor etc. or the idea that Castle was built by unknown hands.) Jon explains the idea behind these unusual collectibles:

"...each doll would come with a crystal from the stars, a Star Crystal, that possessed an intangible and innate "Power of Starlight" that, via a Wicca-type incantation recited by the child, could be summoned and evoked forth from the etherial realm of the celestials and brought down to Eternia, manifesting through The Star Sisters a "supernatural presence."

In the end, cost reductions prohibited the addition of this feature.

#motu #interviews #jon seisa #the star sisters #tallstar interviews

[hematomes]

Who does Beidou go well with I wanna change Diluc out with her sometimes (I'm the Diluc and Kaeya main with 5 Kuki) as soon as I get one more masterless star glitter or whatever I NEED to buy her or her weapon cus these banners are pissin me off with not buying her (might just turn her physical with the prototype claymore if I do decide to buy her) but then fuck I need Xingqiu for extra books I don't like farming books they seem so underachieving

beidou is great in taser teams!! she provides good off-field electro dmg; you can play her with another electro, a hydro and a vv shredder like sucrose, venti or even anemo traveler. also her counter is insane

i think she also works in overload teams but i don't play overload teams because i HATE this reaction so it's mostly speculation

im not sure abt hyperbloom either but she could be decent? i don't know akdkak

xingqiu on the other hand is more versatile & one of the best 4*, especially if you have the sac sword at r2-3. he does amazing in basically every team whether it's freeze, vape, taser or international abdjzj and he's also an excellent battery SO.

however if it's only for his book passive id say go for beidou, his passive is cool but the probability is low so it's not worth it if you want beidou for the character and xingqiu for the passive

#— answered #— nonnie

[provider-of-pronoun-checks]

Yeh!

Alright, there is a lot of different challenges you can do in Cookie Run (specifically Ovenbreak, since other ones have been published)

And I want to talk about Island of Memories.

It is shown on screen as an island with those three star stages in a line. Three different "islands" with a starting stage related to a cookie's important memory.

The one that isn't open yet for me is the only story, I think, for Dr. Wasabi! But I don't know the story since I didn't unlock it yet.

But the island that is open first is for Hero Cookie!

The island stage for him starts with his cutscene of wanting to be a hero and making a prototype suit right before some big bad comes around.

Big bad kidnaps Hero's Pet, Jellyco Cube, and Hero uses his new suit to fight big bad as you are put into the stage.

Defeat boss, and another cutsence plays where Hero's suit breaks and Jellyco repairs it in one clean sweep. Small comment from Hero saying it has a caramel coating which makes it tougher!

And this was the last part of the cutscene is this ^-^

I like this picture. Especially the boss to the right being defeated, what a success! All of the other stages on the island have no story added, but winning the stars unlock the next island.

There is also the second island I actually unlocked! It stars Cheerleader Cookie and her pet, Glitter Ball.

A nervous nerd with the great power of awesome cheerleader moves for whenever she gets excited. It was pretty cute, and got the attention of the Cheer team and got her in!

But who is the boss of the island stage? Rival Cheer team, of cource! As cliché as it is, it's a fun boss battle.

The girl you battle isn't as 'evil' as the previous island boss, she actually is humble when defeated. And Cheerleader Cookie's team gives her a throw into the air, in the nice way.

But, sadly, no Glitter Ball pet is visible.

But you can slightly see the boss girl cookie in the banner to the right. The two gals are pretty.

I think that'll be it from me for now, I'm gonna get some rest. I ain't sure when it is nighttime for you, but make sure you get rest when you need it!

Ok! Lot's of events.

Oooh!! Cool name!!

Yooo!! That seems so cool!!

Oooh!! I love when heores make suits!!

Whooooo!! He won!

Ooh that sounds so cool!

The picture does look very cool, and so does the boss!

Cool pet name!

Aww! She seems really cool!

Awww!! Cool!!! Plus, the picture? /pos

Alright! Sleep well Lily! I'm in EST, so it's about 8:23 for me!

#Not a pronoun check #Lily-wily #Cookie run cool #Zee's convos!

[grad701-2023-amanda]

Session 7.1

Prototype

Physical making of the letters. I have a bad habit of hoarding craft supplies and this was a nice opportunity to use some of the things that I am 'saving' for some non-existent reason.

I used glitter stars and confetti to experiment with different looks and I think the confetti is very effective with the vellum and bright back card.

However, after finishing these I don't feel wholly satisfied with the products but I'm not sure which direction to move in now.

#week 7+8

[cinema-tv-etc]

Women in World War II: The Spies They Never Saw Coming

Left to right, Noor Inayat Khan (Imperial War Museums), Josephine Baker (Library of Congress), and Virginia Hall (Lorna Catling Collection). 

Josephine Baker, an American vaudeville performer turned glittering star of Paris, was at the peak of her fame in 1939 when the Nazi regime began its stranglehold on Europe. But then came an offer that changed her life.

Like Baker, Virginia Hall, an American who lost a leg in a hunting accident, and Noor Inayat Khan, a Muslim pacifist, weren’t prototypical spies. And that was exactly the point. Learn how they turned prejudice and society’s low expectations of women into weapons that hid their critical work to defeat the Nazis.

Speakers CIA Museum's Deputy Director

Dr. Elizabeth Baer, Holocaust Studies expert and research professor, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota

Moderator Dr. Edna Friedberg, Historian, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Watch live at facebook.com/holocaustmuseum. You do not need a Facebook account to view our program. After the live broadcast, the recording will be available to watch on demand on the Museum's Facebook page

📖 https://www.ushmm.org/online-calendar/event/vefbswmnspies0321

📖 Related 📖

Marisa Diena: Spy Trainer Partisan spy Marisa Diena and other Italian women partisans were able to move about during the day without arousing suspicion, unlike their male counterparts, most of whom were army deserters. She enlisted and trained other women to become spies and couriers. Learn More https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/marisa-diena

📖

The Double Life of Josephine Baker We remember Josephine Baker as a singer and dancer who had to leave her native country to find freedom and fame. What fewer know is that when Nazism threatened that freedom she so treasured, Baker also turned her talents toward defending it—as a spy. Learn More - https://medium.com/memory-action/the-double-life-of-josephine-baker-ad35134af8dd

📖

Faye Schulman: Secret Photographer After her family was killed in a massacre in occupied Poland, Faye Schulman, spared for her photographic abilities, fled and joined a partisan group. She took over 100 photos, documenting a rare side of partisan activity. Learn More https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/faye-schulman

#Women in World War II #Spies #Resistance #Women spie #World War II #espionage

[thereifling]

Round 1

Vox Machina- Genshin Impact crossover

#critical role the legend of vox machina #vox machina fanart #genshin impact #genshin impact visions #cryo vision #anemo vision #pyro vision #hydro vision #vexahlia #vax and vex #vaxildan #keyleth #percyderolothelegendofvoxmachina #percy de rolo fanart #percyderolo #prototype star glitter #black sword #favonius bow #fatui gunslinger

[tanuki-kimono]

[Evolution of furisode fashion from the 1950′s to 2020′s], handy charts by shop KomonoHana. Please note that the trends shown and describe here are the most notable evolutions - that doesn’t mean everybody was following those trends to the T ;)

1950-1970′s - Showa style

After wwii, a new era began for kimono, trying to recover from harships of wartime. Prototype of modern Seijin no hi was held for the first time in 1946. The economic miracle made possible for ordinary households to own or at least rent furisode outfits, which were in the past mostly only affordable for wealthy families.

Style favored bold embroidery with gold foil etc, and vivid oranges and emerald greens were very popular colors.

New methods and rules for kitsuke/dressing appeared as many people didn’t have the knowledge/means to dress in traditional furisode attire as before: => Expensive and heavy maru obi fell out of fashion, and fukuro obi became the norm (only patterned on one side, they are cheaper and easier to produce).  => Costly and cumbersome layered kimono called kasane also disappeared, replaced by decorative collar called date eri mimicing layers.

1980-1990′s - Bubble style

The economic bubble from that decade saw a big demand for consumer products. Same went for kimono items.

Demand for embroidery and gold foil decreased, but glossy rinzu (raised ground patterned fabric) was super popular. Small scattered patterns were a staple of the period.

Fukuro obi also became longer, making elaborated novelty belt knots possible (before that era, bunko, or fukura suzume for example were the norm).  

1990-2000′s - Antique kimono boom

When the economic bubble finally burst, the amount of money spent for Seijin no hi furisode dramatically decreased.

Little by little, antique kimono became fashionable. One reason, beside obvious cost, might have been the huge popularity of Akina Nakamori's music video [DESIRE - Jônetsu]. In any case, antique/vintage kimono shops opened everywhere.

That decade liked deep, crisp ground colors. Because of the second hand popularity, patterns were often old fashioned, antique ones.

Ready to wear kimono -sometimes designed by Stars of the era- started to become available, with often the promised of being easily washable - something difficult to do with silk kimono.

2000-2010′s - In your face! Ageha’s kimono

In reaction against to “old fashion” feeling of the past decade, style became more youthful and extravagant.

Gyaru magazine [Koakuma Ageha] made the hight ponytail fashionable, and that hairdo became a staple of that style, often embelished with large floral ornaments.

Contrasting colors like white, black, and purple were very popular. More is more was everywhere, with use of glitters, rhinestones, lace, frills, fur, pearls...

The “oiran” style also saw a trend, with furisode worn sexily off shoulder with obi belt knotted up front.

2010′s-2020′s - Between classic and modern

Furisode crazed fashion trends of the past decade became a bit more quiet, and offer diversified.

“Retro modern” furisode appeared, mixing reinterpreted traditional motifs and graphic/geometrical patterns. Colors tended to be really “pop”, not afraid to mix turquoise and bright pink for example. 

On the other side of the spectrum, pastel colors were also in high demand.

Hairstyles returned to more classic buns, with notable fact that braids popularity rose.

2020′s~ - Chic and Romantic

Reiwa era is still pretty young, but new trends are emerging nonetheless.

Light, natural colors are fashionable atm, such as light greys or beiges.

Busy patterns are also losing ground, as quiet, or even plain mujifurisode are becoming easier and easier to find.

Cute frilly accessories make a return, with lace, pearl, etc. It can be as headress, or for undershirt, or even gloves.

Western shoes are more and more considered acceptable.

Hairstyle are light and romantic, with loose buns sometimes decorated with dried flowers for example.

#japan #fashion #kimono #furisode #obi #history #fashion history #Showa era #economic bubble #gyaru #Retro modern #mujifurisode #iromuji furisode #振り袖 #帯 #着物