#...of art which is fantastic!! I do enjoy taking my time with things but it's still very easy to get caught up in making something Perfect

[katsinspats]

Thematically appropriate comic for Make a Terrible Comic Day!!

I saw the original post this morning and it made me get out of bed to make something, so thank u Pseudonym Jones mission accomplished

[liketheinferno2]

These aren't full ref sheets but I was trying to take some clear pictures of Hephaistos for later art reasons and then got side tracked doing all of the Pandaemonium bosses so here they are in order. Also for anyone following who doesn't play FFXIV and knows it as the catgirl game, enjoy this instead? VISUAL SPOILERS obviously.

Asphodelos

Warder of the Condemned: Erichthonios

Mythic Creation: The Hippokampos

Mythic Creation: The Phoinix

(+ familiars)

Hemitheos: Hesperos

(+ sexy fanfic redesign by Nemjiji)

To be brutally honest I never really liked either of these designs compared to every other Hemitheos we get, I think the really brutal black and red of the Phoinix is weakened by gold accents, but I still am always down for gay vampire surf rock. The Savage version kind of looks like Ultimalius as well if you've played XVI.

Abyssos

Mythic Creation: Proto-Carbuncle

Hrgrhhgrhrgrh

Hemitheos: Hegemone

^ My favourite detail on this is you can see the parasite's outlines in her robes and in her legs, then right through the eye holes on the mask to wrap around the torso. I'm convinced this version of Hegemone is functionally an ant being piloted by a cordyceps infection.

Hemitheos: Agdistis

She's very big

Perfect Imperfection: Hephaistos

I'm probably biased by Abyssos being the first raid I was there for day of release but these really are all fantastic. It's also when the story abandons all pretense of not being (at least partly) about family abuse and is loudly using the body horror and shackle motifs to talk about that. It's great. Hephaistos specifically is constantly bulging and twisting in and out of different forms like a highly unstable chimera and the more I look at these the more I notice parts that just should not be there. He's giving everything.

As for the Savage design It's a hard thing to rate as such but my favourite part is the veins that grow down from the eyeholes in his mask like bloody tears.

Thanks Abyssos I love you

Anabaseios

Mythic Creation: Kokytos

Dæmoniac Dungeon: Pandæmonium

It's really hard to communicate how huge this nasty tumor crab I zoomed out as far as physically possible in the game engine and subsequently ended up at a goofy angle staring up his nose.

Ephemeral Justice: Themis

Best boy. The double ended lance and second pair of arms are fantastic for this character.

Theos: Athena

In.. almost every final fantasy adventure you're fighting the real villain not at the very end but a little beforehand, the big iconic end boss is often more a metaphorical figure representing everything wrong with that first person's ideals. Athena cut out the middle man and became her own JENOVA.

I do like the moth angel, especially the hollow body full of dubious orbs, but with her eyes closed all the time it gives off the impression of this not even being the true body but some kind of anglerfish lure in the shape of a fairy... which might be true because this exists:

I really really love her twitchy anemone feelers and how the moth body ends up grafted to the rest of it waist down.

Anyway there's the gang I did not specifically intend for this to be design reviews I just wanted to have clear photos because when you actually see them in game there's other things to focus on. In hindsight I can appreciate more the theming of each tier and then the series as a whole, but my only (extremely obvious) observation for now is that every character Athena had a personal hold over is decorated in chains somehow and so I should have seen the Hegemone thing coming lmao. Heph and Aggy are still my favourites I don't think that's changing any time soon. I'm also noticing that Anabaseios is now just old enough for random DF parties to fuck up severely and I find that fun so I'm going to go fight the crab mansion now.

[secondbeatsongs]

Hello, you said in some tags in a poll that Speed Racer (2008) is your favorite film. If you’re okay with it, I’d really like to hear more about why you love it. I love the Wachowskis’ work (they’re among my favorite directors), but I kinda ended up bouncing off Speed Racer (2008). So, hearing that it had a real impact on someone makes me very curious why. I’m not interested in criticizing your opinion or arguing with you, I’d just really like to know why you love it in the hopes I might be able to enjoy that movie more in the future.

oh god this is from seven months ago, I'm so sorry - but I do love almost everything about Speed Racer (2008) and I still think about it nearly every day.

I love that it's so bright and colorful and absurd. I love that it's an anime in live action form. and I love that at its heart, it is a story about love.

it's about the mistakes people make out of love, and the consequences of that. it's about the way children grow to understand why the adults around them make the choices they do, and maybe choose to do the same things. it's about taking risks for the people you love, and the pain of failing to change the world, because everything is capitalism and everything hurts.

(and it's also about being transgender btw. like, that's one of the main things about it - it is very much a movie about being transgender)

what if your father's choices hurt your older brother, and your older brother's choices hurt you, and now it's you and your younger brother staring down a future where you're going to end up hurting him by making the same choice?

and then...what if you can escape that? what if the broken parts put themselves back together, and the hope doesn't run out, and you're not alone with the things that haunt you? what then?

and now you're at the end and mistakes were still made, people were still hurt, but everyone's grown and changed and they're different now. and they've figured out that maybe, just maybe, you can change the world by doing something you love, by creating art and beauty and making people feel things.

maybe you really can defeat capitalism by driving a car really fast. and even if everyone thinks you can't...don't you have to try anyway? shouldn't you fight with the skills you have, the only way you know how?

what if it works?

and I'm not even gonna get into most of the Racer X stuff (because I want people to go watch this movie, and most folks probably won't be spoiled for it), but his whole deal is just...everything. I love him.

(if there's a guy from Speed Racer that I want to put in a jar and shake every so often, or maybe wrap in a blanket so he can have a nice nap, it's Racer X. he's a great character. prime blorbo material)

anyway I've been rotating this movie in my head ever since I saw it for the first time, and I think I've seen it...seven? times now? and I still cry at the final race, and I still get blown away by the intro sequence.

(the beginning of the movie is genuinely one of the best things I've ever seen - it does an amazing job of introducing you to the world and the story of the characters, and gets you emotionally invested in it right from the start. it's fantastic filmmaking)

also like. story stuff aside, from a technical standpoint, the movie is a masterpiece. it's the type of thing that people hated when it first came out, but when you look at it now and see how it was made, how it intentionally looks bizarre and cartoonish, plastic and surreal, you can see the exact vision the Wachowskis were going for, and it's brilliant.

the way they did the visual effects, the way they made the outdoor scenes feel so detailed, the way the driving and the tracks work - they put so much thought into that, and the behind-the-scenes vids show how cool their process was.

also uhhh cars go vroom, crash into each other, flip upside down, explode, maybe have bees and hammers in them sometimes?

(the above is me complimenting the unhinged vibe of the races themselves, which I love very much)

anyway I could make other full posts about the script of the film and how much I love it, or the cool side characters, or the fanfic potential of the amazing world of the film, or how I can prove that it's set in 1991...but I guess if anyone wants those rants, they'll just have to watch the film and then come talk to me. :)

(please. please come talk to me about Speed Racer.)

so, yeah! I kinda lost my mind there and made this post way longer than I intended, but I do feel strongly affected by this movie, and I hope this has helped explain why.

[thatmexisaurusrex]

Prompt for a micro fic! Buck and Tommy watch The Princess Bride together because Tommy mentioned it at one point. And Buck notices that Tommy's "Of course" he so often hears sounds a lot like Westley's "As you wish".

Omg, first off, love your blog 🥺 Second off, I'm sorry it took me a beat to get to this, but I knew I would get to it. Fantastic prompt! I hope you enjoy 🥰

Of Course

Buck liked movie nights with Tommy.

He really did.

He liked visiting Tommy's house. He liked curling up on Tommy's couch. He liked that there was only enough room on there if they were practically on top of each other, which meant he got to lay on top of Tommy a lot like a weighted blanket.

And he liked Tommy's taste in movies.

It was adorable. It was. Tommy wasn't going to fight anyone on thatt, he knew he liked the most saccharine of shlock.

Buck kind of loved it too.

It was fun to lose himself in romantic comedies. Buck was more than happy for Tommy to rub Buck's back or play with Buck's hair absentmindedly as he talked about each film; gushed about them - praised themes, shots, plots. Gave entire TEDTalks about the importance of motifs and the symbolism in some of the films.

Or just.

Sometimes.

Talked about the love of it all.

And Tommy listened to Buck all the time. Buck would word vomit the history of the prey mantis and Tommy would be happy to listen; to ask questions; to understand and take in what made Buck excited.

And.

And Buck found himself enraptured by this. And this wasn't the only thing Tommy found himself talking too much about. There were monster trucks and mixed martial arts fights and flying and craft beers too.

But this might be Buck's favorite subject of Tommy's.

"There's something about Westley and Buttercup, you know?" Tommy said, almost - almost yearned, "I remember seeing this for the first time on TV and - and wanting. I wanted to feel that. A love that could withstand years apart. A love who would always come back. A love that would throw away titles, who would face off people in power in our lives and would still want me. I - I don't know. And I kind of wanted to be that too, you know? I wanted to be the kind of person who could do that. And - and I haven't been that for most of my life. And I'm not sure if I am that now. But I like the idea of it."

And there was something.

Something to the "As you wish" of it all.

Buck watched the film and heard that and thought of every time Tommy had said of course.

"Thanks for agreeing to meet."

"Of course."

"Hey, uh, glad you could make it."

"Of course."

The first coffee date after the failed date. The botched bachelor party. Tommy's first night sleeping over at Buck's apartment. Their first movie night at Tommy's. The second try at having a dinner date at Micheli's. Tommy picking Buck up from work. Tommy helping Buck babysit Jee.

Of course, of course, of course, of course, of course, of course, of course.

And Buck could hear it now. The romantic as you wish in every of course Tommy ever said; always sincere and always kind and always too soft for Buck to handle.

Buck took Tommy's face in his hands.

"Of course you like the idea of that," Buck practically gushed, and okay, maybe surprised his boyfriend with a kiss.

[vickysaurus-art]

One paleoart for each period since the Cryogenian

Thanks to the timeline on my walls that I've been trying to fill in with my art, I have now reached the point where I've done paleoart for every single period of the Phanerozoic, plus the Ediacaran and Cryogenian! That is to say, every period of the last 700 million years. So with that milestone, I thought it'd be fun to go through those periods in order and show off one paleoart of mine for each!

Cryogenian

In the Cryogenian, the Earth completely froze over. Twice! Life wasn't much to look at yet, but I enjoyed drawing what our planet might have looked like at the time. The girdle of lakes at the left is the equator, which may have had ice-free patches.

Ediacaran

When the ice retreated, animals first began to blossom into their endless forms most beautiful. Ediacaran life was strange and quite unlike the creatures that would come later, but it was nonetheless an incredibly important chapter in life's history. Here we see the Ediacaran weirdos washing up on shore after a storm.

Cambrian

The Cambrian explosion brought much more recognisable creatures. But one thing that's easy to miss is that they were all tiny! All of them? No, Anomalocaris was, with a length of about 40 cm, the dragon of the Cambrian.

Ordovician

Life continued to diversify in the Ordovician, and among this diversity were the cephalopods. They produced the largest animals yet to exist, the orthocones, who hung vertically in the water column and decended upon their prey like a claw game.

Silurian

Although fungi and bacteria had already made forays onto the land deep in the past, things began to get busier there in the Silurian. But these horseshoe crabs, and their larger cousins the sea scorpions, have not come to the shore to stay, but to mate and lay eggs. Unfortunately for the horseshoe crabs, they have come to the very same shore.

Devonian

Our own vertebrate ancestors, like Tiktaalik, were pretty late to the party, only taking their first steps on land in the late Devonian. That's no knock against them - there was plenty to do underwater! This Tiktaalik is busy guarding his eggs while his mate is busy hunting, for example. Who has time to step on land?

Carboniferous

The end of the Carboniferous saw some quite large bugs, like these two Mazothairos chasing off an interloping Meganeura. They're representatives of a pretty interesting group of basal insects called the Palaeodictyoptera, who have a set of weird little extra wings on their thorax.

Permian

Among the many fantastic creatures of the Permian were our own cousins, the synapsids, like these lovey-dovey Moschops. As you can see, this picture and the previous one are done in coloured pencils instead of watercolour, because they're the oldest images I'm including in this post. I only very rarely used watercolours before this year. I think it means I should do some more Permian art, it's such a cool and underexposed period.

Triassic

One mass extinction later, the archosaurs are diversifying all over Triassic Pangaea. Here we have the three main groups of them: Paratypothorax, a pseudosuchian in the background; Peteinosaurus, a pterosaur on top of the cliff; and Procompsognathus, a dinosaur climbing the cliff.

Jurassic

I had three different option for Jurassic paleoart to showcase, so I picked the most experimental one. These backlit insects are not butterflies, but kalligrammatids, a group of large-winged neuroptera, some of which even mimicked maniraptoran dinosaurs like this iridescent Caihong with their patterns.

Cretaceous

The Cretaceous featured some of life's most gorgeous crescendos of diversity, like the Yixian formation, where a Psitaccosaurus wants to visit the favourite tree of a group of Sinosauropteryxes, who are having none of it. This is still one of my favourite pieces I've ever drawn.

Paleogene

The Paleogene featured some of the highest global temperatures of all time, leading to tropical climates all over the planet, including at this lake in what will one day be Messel, Germany. Darwinius, a close cousin to our own ancestors, is having a staredown with the lizard Geiseltaliellus.

Neogene

The world turned colder and dryer in the Neogene, leading to the spread of large grasslands, like these South American ones. Phorusracos, a large terror bird, has caught a Thoatherium on the edge of the forest they both live in. South America was an isolated continent for the duration of the Neogene, leading to a quite unique fauna.

Quaternary

The Quaternary, our current period, is marked by the cycle of ice ages regularly freezing the northern hemisphere. But even during the ice ages, spring would come to the mammoth steppes, and these steppe mammoths are happy to celebrate its coming with a bath in the river.

[kadextra]

Hiiii Pomme and Dapper if you see this, a little letter for you:

I LOVE YOUUU I LOVE YOU my favorite little eggs, my dappleduo!! 🎩🍎 of course you stay together even now, I wouldn’t have expected anything different! :D

You’re amazing. the work the two of you have done in breathing life into your characters, as a ghostie watching from the very beginning I have loved every moment of it. it’s hard to fully express how much I appreciate you in words rn, but I’ll try to say a few things:

To Pomme, you’re literally so inspiring. they say art begets art and that’s sooo true, for me with you- the writing and characterization you’ve done has given me so much inspiration for my art over the many months. you’re so skilled, and everything you do reflects that you’re a person with a lot of heart (also you’ve got a wonderful music taste) It’s been a joy to follow your journey, but most of all I’ve enjoyed the little moments spending time getting to know you on the late nights. get lots of good sleep, girl!! you deserve it!!!

“dearly beloved,” I will absolutely be coming with you on your next journey <3

-

To Dapper, it’s obvious after so long that you’re someone who’s really passionate about whatever they set their mind to, which has been a joy to watch over the past year. your lore ideas, like with the laboratory? fantastic. your fun facts? awesome. your humor- please never stop being the effortlessly funny person you are!!!! you’re a lovely and hardworking person. all of the hundreds of hours I’ve spent watching you collect random things and fight mobs have never once been a waste of time on the days I needed some company, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

all the best to you my little occultic egg, see you again soon! <3

-

I feel so sorry this happened to you guys, thank you for speaking out. I wont lie, I feel heartbroken at what you’ve gone through and it’s been hard to read. but, I’m so happy that you’re taking the steps to do what is personally right for you and your health, because that’s the most important thing.

and, what brings me a lot of comfort is that you both were able to meet and no matter what, you’re staying together.

A french & a spanish speaker becoming besties from across the world in a block game as little baby eggs that talk on signs, isn’t that just crazy??? but it really has happened- proof that barriers can be crossed, and in the most strange, unexpected ways too. you have truly embodied the heart of this project, shown us it’s really possible to make lifelong memories and friends no matter the language. thank you for letting us watch you become the close friends you are today.

Please know you have support in whatever it is you guys choose to do next. I love you, we all love you. I can say for a fact that this platform sings your praises all the time lmao, I know you come here already but no matter what happens in the future, if you ever wanna hang out more often and just chill feel welcome to, yeah? 🫶

As they say, it’s never a goodbye but instead a see you later- in whatever form that will be. take care of yourselves 💖

Merci, Gracias

[jesncin]

Evening! I'm a young chinese/indo american and plan on reading your comic soon, but beyond that I've frankly just been desperate for any decent rep in DC/Marvel - are y'all aware of any comics / comic characters / runs that handle an asian character's background well? I feel like I'm slugging through quagmires braving search results. All of them are just talking about racism but I want the good, and process of elimination feels like a bad strategy. Thank you

Hello fellow Chindo! Thank you for planning to read my book (which obviously I recommend for great Indonesian representation, heheh)! :) They're probably pretty mainstream choices, but regardless! I have a couple of recommendations:

New Super-man: Kong Kenan, written by Gene Luen Yang

This comic run has a bit of a typical start before jumping into some truly refreshing and fun wider worldbuilding! My biggest criticism to Superman legacy characters is that they should expand on his inherently political themes, and they mostly just stay stuck in science fiction silliness. But not Kong Kenan! His world, cast and even powers are steeped in politics and culture, just an absolute treat.

2. Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story written by Sarah Kuhn with art by Arielle Jovellanos

My all time favorite canon reimagining of Lois as Asian (she's specifically Japanese American in this version)! A perfect marriage of Lois' character as a hard working, career-focused, jaded girlie with the struggles of model minority as an Asian American woman. She stands out on her own here without Superman and has a fantastic cast system that builds her character wonderfully. I especially recommend this graphic novel if you were disappointed with the wasted potential of Asian Lois Lane in MAWS.

3. Superman Smashes the Klan written by Gene Luen Yang with art by Gurihiru

Need I say more? I will anyway. This is the best Superman story of all time, to the point it will actively ruin your enjoyment of other Superman stories for you. It seems so obvious to pair Superman's inherently immigrant allegory with that of actual immigrant struggles, especially with an Asian American family- who are perceived as the perpetual foreigner- and yet this is the first time that story really commits to that comparison. A fantastic reimagining of the original radio show arc that actually centers the Chinese American family being harassed by the Klan. My perpetual recommendation to anyone looking for their next favorite superhero story.

4. Shadow of the Batgirl written by Sarah Kuhn with art by Nicole Goux

Okay I haven't read this one yet, but I keep hearing good things about it! And It's written by Sarah Kuhn, who delivered for Girl Taking Over, so I don't doubt she did great here too. I do generally wish Cassandra will get to be written by a Chinese woman specifically since so far she's been written by Japanese writers. No shade to them of course, but I want cultural specifically. Cassandra tends to be in the vaguesian void and that's a disservice to her character.

The way this list is switching between Gene Yang and Sarah Kuhn is telling of the writers I trust haha.

I've got a heavy DC bias so I can't recommend much of Marvel, but I do remember enjoying Kamala Kahn's Ms. Marvel 2014 series under G. Willow Wilson's writing. Kamala is an endlessly charming character, and I don't think the MCU did her justice tbh!

Those are my reccs that I feel pretty confident recommending! I know there's other prominent Asian characters and writers in DC/Marvel, but they're a hit and miss for me.

[songfell-ut]

Songfell anniversary post, pt 1

Eyyy so four years ago today, I posted the first three chapters of my story on AO3, having seen an unfinished comic and gotten permission from the artist to write a fic using her premise. This here is the first piece of Songfell art ever, commission from the OG comic creator, @lostmypotatoes 👌

So! I am not posting any new content for the moment. My mom has been having health problems, including me having to help take her to the ER (she's fine, just needs to stay in bed for a while), which delays actual writings a bit. What I am doing is reposting art from four years of Tumblr! C'mon down memory lane, wheeeeee

(Part 2, Part 3)

This is going to be in VERY VERY approximate chronological order as it depicts stuff in the story. Stuff with no set place in the story will be guesstimated because I have that power ah ha ha ha ha

Disclaimer: I've pulled all of these from posts or reblogs made by this specific blog. If I didn't see or repost any Songfell art you've done, especially for the videos, I did not leave it out on purpose. I threw in exactly one image from Discord for the sake of completing a set, but that was it.

In cases of multiple...okay it's just the fork scene that has multiple iterations because everyone liked it, but besides the opening one here (which is still my AO3 pfp!), the one that was the first piece of non-commissioned art I ever got will be first. Enjoy!

This was the first non-potatoes art in the videos, I believe, done by the superlative @venelona (probably the most prolific of the arts on here), when somebody realizes he's gonna lose 😘

The collection skips ahead to Sans contemplating killing the nice lady and then totally randomly thinking of Kris instead, by @mambourin D: But whaddya know--

See? That's the sound of losing, son

That's the sight of losing, by @sharkowskii, whose work speaks for itself. Here's the whole thing, colored fantastically by Vene.

Know what else they did together, and happens once he's been knocked out?

(Look at this so good holy shit) Frisk's had a bit of a tired, scared cry in the hall, and it's time to face her new guest head-on.

I lost my mind at least a little bit when I first saw these, ngl. I can't find the next page that she did for the compiled "movie" video 😢 But now we're coming up on a fun bit of Songfell lore!

I was scrolling through Tumblr and glanced over what looked like a picture of my Frisk ha ha that was kind of VENELONA DID A THING WAIT WHAT

First ever fanart, that's what. We have a High Priestess who is completely done with his goddamn nonsense, and

Pictured: goddamned nonsense. N-Not like he LIKES you, baka

Aaand here's my Discord pfp, by @xxkoichiixx (who seems not to be on here anymore D:).

And here's a very plausible alternate outcome by @vafro1.

Though this was a bit more like it, thanks to @naomyart.

Oh look a distraction after he was stupid what are the odds (Catler1!)

Last and never least (none of you are >:( so there), puns are dumb and it turns out they're into it. The End...for now

...

Bonus outtake recording illustration from @dale-the-human

[tinydeskwriter]

Grammy Night 23’

"I feel like I'm going to burst the seams of the dress."  Y/n commented looking at herself in the mirror as Lamby's assistant finished zipping her dress, her breasts were almost bursting out of it, a beautiful creation made of Swarovski silver crystals.

 “Darling, you are going to be the hottest woman on that carpet.”  Her husband’s stylist praised her  bringing in his hand the fishnet mask with crystals that would go over her eyes and dyed peacock feathers that went on the back of her head. “See if the crystals will get in the way of you seeing.”

“Honey Baby, how do I look?” Y/n turned to see her husband walking into the room, she knew what he would wear, she had seen the sketches but it was another thing to see the final result.  Harry looked hot as hell, the colorful crystal patchwork jumpsuit couldn't be more perfect on him, it showed his chiseled body, the tattoos,  the fantastic chest his fans—and wife—are crazy about, all the hair, the lonely curl... Harry just smiled, the answer to his question was clear in the way his wife stared at him.  "See people, that's why we have three kids."  He joked pointing to his wife,  causing their team to laugh.  “You are a vision Honey.” He said pecking her on the lips, hands going to her waist. “My favorite MILF.” He whispers, kissing her neck.

“Says the man who half the internet calls ‘’Daddy’” She teases.

“Having my kids did good to you.”  He jokes staring at his wife's cleavage. 

Y/n just rolls her eyes, a smile still in her face. 

“Darling, Sue, sorry to interrupt your dirty talk,  but it’s frosting time, and then you guys are good to go.” Lambert came their way with a jewelry tray.  

Before Lamby could start helping Y/n with the pieces of jewelry they'd selected at Tiffany's in NYC the week before, H interrupted him, pulling a chain from his pocket.  

“You don't have to wear it today, I bought it as a push present and also celebrate my Grammy nominations, I wouldn't be here today without you, My Love.”  The chain was white gold, delicate with colored stones, and a teardrop diamond the same color as her engagement ring held by a fig.

The woman was speechless, looking from the necklace to her lover of more than a decade.  It was a substantial gift, but Harry had always been generous, and he enjoyed spoiling her since they’re teens and couldn’t afford diamonds. She just turned around, allowing him to fasten the jewel around her neck.  She ran her hand over the diamond, it was the exact same color as her engagement ring—a fancy green diamond almost the same color of her husbands eyes—.

“My Love… this is beautiful, thank you so much.” She turned around, taking his face between her hands and kissing him passionately, trying to express through the kiss all her love for him.

Harry smiled into the kiss, his hands tightening on her hips.

Jeff came in at that exact moment to inform them that the car was already waiting to take them from the Chateau to the Crypto.com Arena. 

Lambert and his assistant quickly help Y/n put on all the jewelry Tiffany had borrowed them, the Edwardian choker, which complemented the necklace Harry had given her, a mishmash of earrings—a massive chandelier, followed by a dainty stud, and diamond hoops—in all of her ear piercings, a beautiful Art Deco bracelet mixed with the colorful collection of  tennis bracelets Y/n wore to mark every Mother's Day since the birth of her eldest son. 

On her fingers she preferred to go with her usual rings. 

 Her engagement ring and wedding band were the only rings on her left hand.  While on the right she wore the same 'S' as H on her little finger, a delicate 'H' in colored diamonds, infinity bands of different stones, and a vintage solitaire on her index finger—a Christmas present the kids had picked out with Grandma Anne —.

Lambert's assistant helped her on with her shoes—high-heeled Mary Janes from Gucci—while she was held by both Harrys to keep her balance.

As they were rushed to the car by Jeff, Y/n remembered to turn around and ask someone to remember to pack her breast pump along with the rest of their outfits.

In the car, to try and ease Harry's anxiety, they video-phoned the children—who were being watched by Gemma and Anne—Primrose answered their grandmother's cell phone, dressed in a bear onesies that made her look like a teddy bear, showing the TV room to her parents and the snacks gran-gran made, auntie Gemma sitting in the couch  with a sleeping  baby Bluebell, the three months old dressed just like her big sister.  Otto was in the bathroom according to Prim who was chattering non-stop making Harry smile more relaxed.

It always warmed Y/n’s heart that nothing could make H as happy and relaxed as their babies. 

They said goodbye to their daughter when the car stopped in front of the arena, Y/n handing over the phone to Jeff to keep. Harry get out of the car first and waits in the doorway to help his wife out and supports her from behind as they make the slightly uneven path between the car and the carpet, his right hand firmly on her right while his left hand was firmly on her hip, and she held his wrist for more balance.  The couple made their way under the screams of fans and the flash of cameras.

It was only when they were already at a certain point on the carpet that Harry placed himself next to his wife and the two started to walk hand in hand.  They stops for photos along the way, but don't do any interviews, heading straight for the cocktail area. The couple interacted with acquaintances and friends, especially those they hadn't seen in a while. The last two and a half years have been crazy, Fine Line, Covid 19, quarantine with two young children, Pleasing, Harry filming and premieres, Harry’s House, Love on Tour and a new baby.  They were busy and it seemed like they rarely had time for their friends, as all their free time was being spent with the little  family they had created together. 

Both changed clothes in Harry's designated dressing room before heading to their seats—crystal outfits were cute but impractical when you have to sit for hours, Harry donned a Gucci suit costume made for him, while Y/n wore a silver sequin  Markarian gown matching Harry's shirt. The couple certainly looks gorgeous, always matching theirs outfits in subtle ways.

They have their hands clasped together, she holding his hands so he wouldn’t pick on his cuticles, Harry is quieter than usual allowing Y/n to take the lead and interact with other people—which, having been married to him for nearly eight years, and knowing him since she was born, she could tell it was a sign of nervousness. 

She whispered to him how amazing the album was and that he didn't need the validation that it was a little golden gramophone for the world to know that.

Nervousness turns to euphoria when Harry becomes the first winner of the night, taking the award for best pop album. 

Y/n didn't even hear Jennifer Lopez's introductory speech, her eyes focused on Harry's handsome profile.  

Y/n is the first to his feet when he hears Harry's name being screamed by J.Lo, applauding his husband energetically, the smile on Harry's face is blinding, he takes his wife's face between his hands and kisses her, before continuing to be hugged and greeted by people around the table and nearby. She has tears in her eyes, which the cameras make a point of showing when they zoom in on her at the exact moment when Harry on stage dedicates the award to his wife for being his muse and inspiration.

One of the highlights of the night for the couple was without a doubt the fact that Y/n had been invited to present the performance of 'As It Was'.  

In a gold-metal mesh top and long skirt, showing off her midriff, the woman who had become famous at fifteen as Harry Styles' 'best friend' took the stage flanked by her two eldest children, seven-year-old Otto, dressed in a pink suit and beige turtleneck by Gucci and a crochet daisy bucket hat covering his curls, and adorable four-year-old Primrose, twining with her brother in a blue Gucci suit, her curls adorned by a huge crystal bow.

“Many of you fell in love with the next artist to perform here tonight in 2011 when he became one of the members of one of the biggest boy bands in history, he has been delivering hits ever since, amassing fans around the world, and delighting hearts with his music, he is an icon, a sex symbol, and one of the greatest musicians of our time, but for us he is simply the greatest husband and father, it is with immense pleasure that I am here tonight, with our two eldest children, to introduce one of the most authentic, generous, kind artists on the planet, the love of my existence, here, to delight us with his Grammy-nominated song 'As It Was', my husband and father of my children,” She lowered the microphone, allowing the two children to squeal excitedly into the device, “Harry Styles!”  

And for the first time in a live performance Primrose was present to say the already famous: ‘Come on Daddy! We wanna say good night to you!' driving the audience crazy.

Y/n and the kids made their way to their table dancing to her husband’s song, the mother of three splitting her attention between walking in her heels and looking where the kids were going, Otto made a short stop dancing with Taylor Swift, and saying something to her that made the singer throw her head back laughing. Y/n greeted Taylor with kisses on the cheek before redirecting her son to their table.  

An extra chair was brought over for Otto—who was at the next table greeting Lizzo and Adele.

Prim sat in Harry's chair waiting for daddy, and Y/n wouldn't even insist that the little girl sit on her lap, as she knew she couldn't compete with her husband when it came to their children. When they least expected it, Harry was back, in his Gucci suit—and not in what Otto was referring to as ‘daddy bedazzled Chewbacca costume’.

"Surprise!"  Y/n sings to her husband as he lifts their daughter up, making the little girl giggle, and sat with her on his lap, kissing their daughter's cheek, and fist bumping their son.

It was a surprise she had been planning for over a week, at times she was afraid someone would let it out, especially Prim, who was known in the family for not being able to keep secrets—just like her daddy.

“Thank you, Honey Baby.” He thanked his wife with a peck, his whole face lit up with the appearance of the children. “You look godly.” Harry  complimented her, eyes roaming all over the outfit, he knew what a big step it was for his wife to wear something so daring after three pregnancies, despite her beautiful body—especially in his eyes—Y/n was insecure about her stretch marks.

“Thank you, my life.” She pulled his hand to hers and kissed the back of his hand. 

They watched the awards half-heartedly, at every turn Otto and Prim brought their parents' attention to them with funny anecdotes, and Y/n was having to keep a hand on their son's shoulder to make sure the boy didn't wander off. The family of four cheered when Lizzo was announced as the winner of Song of the Year, Otto ran with open arms to the honorary auntie congratulating her for the award, he didn't even care that 'daddy' had lost, auntie Lizzo had won! 

With every moment that passed, anxiety rose, Y/n was confident in her husband’s album—the album she had inspired—, while Harry was sure Album of the Year was between Beyonce and Bad Bunny. 

She shook Harry's hand as Noah Trevor took the stage to announce the final awards of the night, asking fans of the nominees to join him, when the comedian asked Harry's fan to read the name on the envelope, Harry broke down with gratefulness, disbelieve, joy…

 Prim clung to her father's neck screaming that he had won. 

 Y/n stood up applauding her husband, Otto hugging his mother's hips showing his father’s  twin smile, dimples and all. 

 Harry got to his feet after composing himself, smiling Primrose hanging on his neck with  her legs curled around his hips. 

Harry kissed his wife with a huge smile, ruffled his son's curls, hugged Jeff, Tyler and Tom, Lizzo, who filmed everything excited.  The singer took the stage with his children and their two producers, he put Prim on the floor so he could hug his fan and accept his award, Primrose and Otto hugging him on either side.

“Shit…well, shit.”  He looked at his children. “Sorry kids.”

H was speechless, Y/n could see it from a distance.

Jeff wrapped a arm around her when she started to tear up. 

Harry was so humbled and grateful, and this was such a huge moment in his career, and she was so proud of the man she had married.  The boy from Holmes Chapel who worked in a bakery and always came to pick her up with cupcakes in his hands and flowers he had picked from the neighbor's garden. Her husband was a three times Grammy Award winner, and he had just owned the biggest award of the night.  

The woman frowned as she heard people in the audience yelling negativity at her husband, how Beyonce should have won and some yelling at him to get off the stage. 

 This was his moment, it wasn't his choice to win, two thousand of his peers had voted and chosen him, chosen Harry's House as the best Album. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but you don't have to be an asshole. 

 Treat People With Kindness. 

 She was happy to see Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Shania, Lizzo, H.E.R and Adele giving him a standing ovation, and hearing his shaken speech.  

He once again dedicated it to her and their kids, calling them ‘his home’. Y/n quickly joined her husband backstage, arms going around Harrys’s neck, as his hands found her hips. The couple smiled at each other before kissing passionately, his team applauding the moment. 

“I’am so proud of you, My Life.” She held his face in her hands. “You did it! You put out an amazing album, delivered a killer tour, 2022 was your year, and you deserved that Album of the Year award!” She states brushing his nose with hers, a huge smile on her face before kissing him again.

[makeste]

do you perhap have bakugou whump fic recs?

I have many such recs! not all of them are "whump" in the purest sense of the word, but they've got angst and hurt/comfort in abundance, so yeah.

I also have an older rec post from like five years ago which has quite a few Bakugou whump fics as well, so I'll link that here.

and here are like 16 new ones lol.

some quick notes:

I'm just including links and summaries here, so please make sure to check the tags for each fic if you have certain squicks or triggers you're trying to avoid!

please be aware that I am not very nitpicky about grammar and style and spelling and the like, so long as I'm feeling the characterization and general vibes. so while I can't promise that all of these fics will read like Nobel Prize-winning lit, I can say that I personally enjoyed each one enough to go back and reread more than once.

although it tends to be one of the most common tropes in Bakugou angst fics, I do not vibe with the "abusive Mitsuki" angle, so you won't find any of that in the works below. same goes for Midnight-bashing (which is also surprisingly common).

I also did not include any fics with sad endings just because I didn't feel like depressing myself today lol.

I don't think there are manga spoilers in any of these fics except one (which I noted and marked with an asterisk), but definitely check the tags just to be safe.

lastly, though I'm by no means a prude when it comes to fanfic, all of these particular fics are SFW, just FYI.

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gen Bakuwhump:

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It's Already Tomorrow on the Other Side of the World by Nicole_Silverwolf

In the absolute immediate aftermath of his rescue at Kamino, Bakugou just wants to sleep. If he sleeps then this nightmare will be over. Except he's freezing in the mid August heat. And he can't stop shaking. A glimpse of two imperfect humans trying their best told in 3.5 parts.

post-Kamino Dadzawa and Katsuki. easily one of my all-time favorite BnHA fics. it's so sad and cozy.

Coming Up for Air by achievingelysium

Katsuki has nightmares. He doesn't think he deserves the comfort, but Aizawa-sensei sits with him anyway.

more Dadzawa dealing with nighttime Kacchan angst, since that's like my #1 BnHA fic aesthetic. this is so well-written. like, there are a couple of lines in here that just... guh. just hit right to the core of me.

Bakugou's "Super Fun" Three Day Vacation by Marvelless

Bakugou and his parents arrive home after the Kamino Ward incident for some much-needed recovery time.

post-Kamino Bakufam angst. lots of paranoia and dissociation. this is one of those fics that's sort of a guilty pleasure for me, because Katsuki definitely feels a lot more... fragile?... in this than I think he would have been in canon. but he's still enough of a grump during all of his spiralling that it still feels like him. and I do love me some Bakufam wholesomeness, and this fic has got that in spades.

the art of poor judgement by emelinelou

It's a Tuesday when Bakugou admits to himself that maybe, maybe he is sorta, kinda under the weather. Things go quickly downhill from there. . Alternatively: Bakugou's too stubborn to be "sick," Midoriya and Kirishima are in over their heads, Todoroki is the Most Useful in a pinch, and Aizawa is not paid nearly enough for this.

probably my favorite sickfic. chapter two especially. Bakugou's narration in this is fucking fantastic. he's so fucking done with life. meanwhile everyone around him is freaking out, and he himself is a complete mess even though he won't acknowledge it, and it's just great. it's equal parts funny, sad, and absolutely adorable.

(incidentally, even though this fic is marked as incomplete, it really doesn't feel that way and ends at a perfectly reasonable stopping point, so don't let that put you off.)

Solar Flare by TheQueen

Three weeks after Katsuki Bakugou receives his quirk, he takes a short tumble off a bridge and watches, dumbfounded, as stupid Deku extend a hand. Don’t take it, the universe commands. Don’t tell me what to do! Katsuki snaps.

this is a really cool AU in which Baby Katsuki accidentally starts defying the universe and ignoring his predestined path, which has a profound ripple effect on his life. sort of like a time-travel fix-it, minus the time travel. also just a heads up that Bakugou is like five years old in this so I guess it's technically a kidfic. and there is plenty of angst, a little bit of whump, more Bakufam, and plenty of baby Kacchan and Deku being cute like it's their job.

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BKDK/DKBK whump:

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lose it all (with eyes wide open) by ghostwriterofthemachine

Katsuki is blinded. Izuku is muted. Both of them are kidnapped. Things get worse.

this is one of those fics that just kind of leaves you stunned at how freaking good it is. featuring: psychological mindgames, hopelessly bleak situations, and codependency so utterly raw and desperate that it broke my heart roughly 17 times.

When Ice Doesn't Float by Ma_skee

A simple rescue exercise goes south when Izuku falls through the ice and it goes from a class assinment to an actual rescue and a race against time to keep him from freezing to death.

technically this is more Dekuwhump than Kacchanwhump (though we do get a bit of the latter toward the end), but I'd argue that few things could possibly stress Katsuki out more than being in a tense survival situation in which Deku is hurt and needs help. anyway so yeah. this is classic hurt/comfort and very good.

spinning out of control by mollE

Katsuki joins the 'I've Been Mind Controlled' Club. He wishes he hadn't.

please see above re: how all Dekuwhump scenarios are secretly Kacchanwhump scenarios in disguise. anyway so basically a mind-controlled Bakugou beats the shit out of Deku while being fully aware of it the entire time, and has a complete (and understandable) emotional breakdown afterwards.

all that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing by maxisnotokay

Izuku has had this thing about him that Katsuki has never been able to name, but he's been chasing it since he learned how to run. It takes a catastrophic building collapse during their third year and a severe concussion for him to realize what it is. Aizawa loses ten years off his life. When does he not.

gotta love a good building collapse fic. this one has a concussed Katsuki, a very worried Izuku, and the usual "thanks to this intimate life-or-death situation, I have belatedly realized some fundamental truths about the nature of our relationship" tropes. but it's good. a lot of really good banter and back-and-forth dialogue in this one too.

takes one to know one by Sour_Idealist

Deku has left UA. Ochako still looks for him in unguarded moments. Bakugo is, unsurprisingly, being a jerk.

some good emotional hurt/comfort post-Jakku. Ochako has a chat with Bakugou about Deku. specifically, Bakugou's feelings toward Deku. it's good shit.

*fear is the heart of love by nikkiRA

*please be advised this fic contains major manga spoilers!!

Bakugou gets hit by a quirk that amplifies his greatest fear for 24 hours.

losing Deku. the thing that scares him the most is losing Deku. this is a good fic. emotional hurt/comfort for days. though once again do keep in mind that there are a couple of major spoilers in this.

silence is what i do best by notreally

the one where both Izuku and Katsuki were hit with a truth serum sort of quirk, and things aren't going all too well.

not just a truth-telling quirk, but a truth-compulsion quirk, to the extent that (spoiler alert) the quirk causes them physical pain and distress if they don't speak the truth. which, as you can imagine, leads to all sorts of extremely vulnerable conversations and a lot of good h/c.

close by not quite by blossomshed

When Bakugou goes after a beacon during a class-wide rescue op, he doesn't expect to find Deku - or to find himself dealing with the fallout of a gift he doesn't want, and a side of himself he'd never bothered to examine. He deals with it nonetheless.

this fic is so dear to me. it's yet another "Deku transfers OFA to Bakugou fic", but it's just so fucking good. and it also features a (very much confused) ace Bakugou, which is such a rare find. there are lines from this fic which I still think about constantly. it's funny and profound and adorable and so wonderfully IC, please go read it.

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BONUS NON-ANGSTY FICS because I just felt like ending this list with some happy stories where Kacchan gets a lot of love:

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give me compliments (i said give me compliments) by wonhaebunny

“It’s just cute,” Ashido is telling them as she walks into the classroom. “Like, when you compliment someone and they get flustered so easily, don’t you think it’s endearing?” Kaminari blinks. “Like Bakugou?” he asks slowly. - 1-a realises that katsuki is really, really bad at receiving compliments. exposure therapy ensues.

he is bad at accepting compliments. this is a very, very cute fic.

The Friendship Ladder by nikkiRA

Bakugou and Kirishima tell their classmates they're dating, but everyone seems more interested in who gets to claim the newly vacated spot of Bakugou’s best friend.

as the summary implies this is technically KRBK, but the focus here is very much class 1-A as a whole. there's just something about seeing the entirety of the class squabbling over their Kacchan love that tickles me to no end. Deku is also fantastic in this lmao.

The Yoshida Trail by WinterSwallow

Mitsuki Bakugo returns with her gift to the mountain.

last but not least we have this gorgeous character study with a criminally low view count. Mitsuki climbs Mt. Fuji with an eight-year-old Katsuki in tow, as the fic explores his childhood and young adulthood through a series of vignettes. the insights in this really have no business being as profound as they are, given that they're voiced from the perspective of one of the most graceless characters in the series as she observes her equally graceless son through all the ups and downs and tumbles of his life. but somehow that just makes the whole thing even better. idk I just really love this a lot.

---

anyway that's it for now. hope at least a few of these are enjoyable. thanks for the ask!

[oldbaton]

Tbh even tho obviously it was a box office smash and won awards it makes me sad that a lot of people went into The Boy and The Heron and thought it was mid tier Ghibli. I had someone at a tattoo shop remark they wanted Howl or Mononoke.

Which first off one thing that makes Miyazaki’s body of work so powerful is its variety but I also have a theory here:

Obviously Miyazaki’s work is deeply intelligent layered and meaningful. But one thing that has made him so accessible is you can watch, for example, Spirited Away and not think about what it’s about. Spirited Away is one of the most layered and intelligent films ever made full stop. It holds up to endless probing and interpretation and something new can be found with each viewing. But you can take it at face value and enjoy it easily. You can lay back watch an adventure and turn it off.

I think the reason The Boy and The Heron was not as instantly loved by some audiences was the fact that you can’t do that. It demands attention and engagement. I saw it with my mom and she went “I loved it but you couldn’t look away for a second!”. It’s easily the most uncompromising film he has made. He had something to SAY here. And I think people were taken aback by how uncompromising it was Especially considering the fantastical elements don’t get underway in earnest until halfway through. It is a film that purposefully deals in the unexplained (which not everyone likes and some people mistakenly perceive as poor writing/world building) and is at times slightly esoteric. While just as intelligent as, say, Spirited Away, TBATH is much more demanding of its audience. It dabbles in dream logic and uses mystery to its advantage. Whereas when Chihiro’s metaphorical journey through the spirit world has a traditional three act structure, Mahito’s metaphorical journey is a meditation. And I can understand why people don’t like that. It is also worth noting that for non Japanese audiences there are several cultural references we don’t get. For example, the book “How Do You Live?” That appears in the film’s first half is as commonly read as To Kill a Mockingbird is read in the United States. Hence why the book requires no explanation in the realm of the film. And anyways- why should the land of the dead make any sense? I think a lot of people are uncomfortable in engaging in art/film like this.

But anyone who does not grasp that The Boy and The Heron is not Ghibli of the highest order are kidding themselves im sorry. It is an accomplishment of the highest order.

[f1crecs]

Fic Rec List - Fernando/Lance

you might enjoy: Canadian Fest, eh - for more Lance content.

If your fic is on this list and you don’t want it to be, please let me know and I will remove it immediately, no questions asked. I have contacted most of the authors on this list, but sometimes people fall through the gaps - just pop me a message🤍

have a pairing you want me to do next? please read the faqs and then head to my inbox.

don’t forget to give the authors featured on this list some love in the form of kudos, bookmarks, and comments!

i won't lie to you, anon... I thought we'd agreed on Strollonso as the pairing name. 🤭 my vote still goes to Lando.

i hope you enjoy these ❗️🤍

nsfw: El Dick Plan by @waddlingpenguin | E | 800 Lawrence and Fernando have a misunderstanding at the dinner table. This fic is hilarious - unashamedly unhinged, just as Strollonso should be, and so unbelievably funny. This was one of the first Lance/Fernando fics I read. I think it rearranged my brain a little bit.

'In fact, Lance literally has his foot so far up Fernando’s pant leg that Stoffel is surprised he’s not choking on Canadian toes each time he opens his mouth to talk to the engineers.'

shatter my life apart (see me for somebody else) by @vicsy | M | 1.4k An exploration of Lance and Fernando's relationship. This is a stunning fic. This author has just the most beautiful writing style - it's like poetry, and flows in the most stunning way. This is as much a love letter to Lance as it is to Strollonso - I really, really loved this one.

'Fernando Alonso is a perpetual wildcard and Lance builds his attitude around this little image, prepared for some sort of psychological warfare but it never happens.'

nsfw: victor's spoil by venerat | E | 1.9k Following Fernando's first pole for Aston Martin, Lance is invited to his room - a Winner's Room AU. The vibes here are suitably unhinged/rancid/possessive. If I were to recommend a fic to help someone get Strollonso, to understand the essence of who they are together, I would recommend this one. I love everything this author writes.

'Imagining Fernando with them makes Lance want to chew through wire. Again: fucked up, truly and extensively. He’s just really fucked up about Fernando.'

nsfw: I make two grand an hour by @kritischetheologie | E | 3.1k Lance meets Fernando for the first time at a sponsor event. I adored this fic. It is so funny and well-characterised and hot. One thing that I really love about this author is their ability to weave in detail - you could read their fics over and over again, and still pick up something new each and every time. It just makes for the richest, most delicious stories that draw you in every last time.

'(Lance had almost just said fuck it and gone into banking when he graduated two years ago, like he’d always known he probably would eventually, ever since the day he showed up at St. Andrews and realized that the entire world economy ran on fake numbers on a half-dozen computer screens, but the whole point of trust funds was supposed to be not having to be boring. Who the fuck else was going to make art? Humanity needed him to be living dramatically, falling in love with a thousand beautiful men whose lips he could immortalize in poetry.)'

nsfw: green light, red wine (and i don't feel fine) by @vicsy | E | 9k (wip) Fernando is a crime boss caught in a long-standing feud with Lawrence Stroll - things get complicated when he meets Lance. This fic is fantastic. The vibes are unmatched. This author has such a beautiful, almost melodic writing style, which I love. Also. This is fucking hot. 10/10.

'There aren’t many opportunities Fernando deliberately missed in his life. He wouldn’t be on top if he did. Right next to him, clad in a tight white t-shirt, sits an opportunity for a power move, the one Fernando would take all the way.'

nsfw: silver platter by @wewentcarracing | E | 9.7k Lance and Fernando grow closer, much to Esteban's dismay. This is delicious. Full of unhinged and intense moments. Every word of this is perfection; something I particularly appreciate about this author is their ability to build tension - you won't be able to put this story down once you've started it. Perfection.

'Lance laughs, off-guard and delighted. Fernando has this way of deciding what's true in his own mind and then forcing it into reality with brute strength alone. He's decided that Lance will make it to the podium this year, and so he will. It feels so, so good to hear coming from another driver—any driver, really, but the fact that it’s Fernando. Two-time WDC. Veteran. It doesn't feel like he's being toyed with; it feels real.'

nsfw: Not Even Jail by @baldrmoon | E | 9.9k (wip) Lance is a rookie detective with a new partner - they've met before. This is such a fantastic start to what I know is going to be an incredible story. The world-building here is fantastic. A world away from F1, but with so many of the dynamics and relationships mirrored in a totally new setting that feels very organic and true-to-life. It's just very well done, and I am excited to see what the author does next!

'Lance was charmed almost despite himself. The guy – Fernando, Lance made a mental correction, – smiled, a bit sideways, narrowing his eyes. Lance immediately felt flustered under his intense stare.'

[ellethespaceunicorn]

Happy Birthday, Cupcake

Title: Happy Birthday, Cupcake

Rating: G

Pairing: Clark Kent x PlusSize!Reader (Cupcake)

Word Count: 900

Summary: Clark surprises you for your birthday.

Warnings: tooth-rotting fluff

A/N: For @lilacprincessofrecovery, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I hope today is absolutely fantastic for you, you deserve it. Unbeta’d, we die like people who tried their best. 

Dividers by: @firefly-graphics

Support/Reblog banner by me

Cover Art by me

My Masterlist 

He had set the alarm for 11:59 pm to give you exactly a minute to get your bearings together while he placed kisses all over your face. His chuckle at your confusion is what woke you up fully.

“Happy Birthday, Cupcake,” Clark whispers in the dark to you before turning on the bedside lamp, “I couldn’t wait to get my arms around you again.”

“Clark, we just went to sleep less than two hours ago,” You chuckle at his impatience as his hands roam over your voluptuous figure, “You know I don’t want a bunch of hoopla over today, right?”

“Yeah, I heard you the first fifty times you said it,” Clark smiles down at you and kisses your forehead, “But that doesn’t mean I have to listen.”

“Clark–”

The rush of air as Clark speeds out of the room is enough to cut you off. Your hair whipping in your face muffles any words you tried to say. One of these days, you were going to get used to that. It’s not like he does it a lot, just mostly in the middle of your sentences.

In the blink of an eye, he is back in the room holding a gift box. He walks over to sit in bed with you and pulls a card out from behind his back. He lifts the card and waves it.

“Card first, then you can have what’s in this box, Cupcake.” He hands you the card and you read your name in Clark’s handwriting on the envelope.

You open it up to find a card with black and white artwork of a young boy kissing a blushing young girl on the cheek. You giggle at the sweet image and open the card to find Clark’s words.

‘Happy Birthday to the light of my life.

You are the reason why I smile, laugh, and hope.

I want you to enjoy your special day because you’ve earned it.

No matter what you think you deserve, take every smile and every wish, and every gift.

But, take mine first because it’s the best and I really want you to like it.

I love you, my sweet girl.

-C’

You finish reading and your heart swells with how freaking adorable this man is. He’s great at writing notes in cards and making you feel like a Queen. He loves you, after all. Every nook and cranny of you. 

“Clark, that was beautiful. Thank you so much, baby,” You kiss him and rest your forehead against his, “So can I have my gift now?” 

Clark beams, handing you the thin rectangular box. You return his smile and release the ribbon from around it. You remove the lid and find a gorgeous chain with a heart pendant encasing your birthstone as well as Clark’s birthstone. 

You gasp and cover your mouth. “Clark!”

“Do you wanna try it on?” He laughs and takes the box from you after you nod excitedly. Walking around the bed, he stands at your side and you turn your back to him so he can put on your gift.

After fastening the clasp, Clark kisses the nape of your neck. “Your other gift is in the living room, Cupcake.” You can hear the smile in his voice.

“Other gift? Clark, I told you–”

“Yeah, I know. Just, indulge me?” His arms wrap around you and you squeak as he lifts you off the bed with ease. Yet another thing you will just have to get used to. Clark’s strength was on full display whenever he picked you up like you were a bag of feathers. 

And let’s face it, sometimes feeling teeny tiny is just what the doctor ordered. Letting yourself feel precious is all a part of your self-care after all. 

He takes your hand, leading you through the hallway and into the living room which is lit solely by candlelight. Everywhere you look is covered in tea lights. It’s magical. Clark leads you to the center of the room and then steps behind you.

“Clark, what’s going on?” You ask, turning around and seeing Clark on one knee holding out an open ring box.

“I know you’re not really big on celebrating your birthday, but I want to change that. I am so grateful for this date. I’m so thankful that you were born so that I could spend the rest of my life loving you,” He lifts out the ring and holds it up to you, “Would you do me the tremendous honor of being my wife?”

With tears in your eyes, you nod and choke out a “Yes.” Clark places the ring on your shaking hand and stands to wipe away your tears. Leaning down to kiss you, Clark wraps his arms around you and holds you close for a few moments.

“So, this is minimal hoopla, right?” Clark tests the waters and raises an eyebrow as he leans back to lock eyes with you.

“I’d say it’s the definitive amount of hoopla,” You reply, raising your hand to look at your ring as it sparkles in the candlelight before cupping Clark’s cheek, “Absolutely perfect.”

“I can’t believe it’s your birthday and I’m the one who feels like they’ve been given the best gift in the world,” Clark grins from ear to ear, “Happy Birthday, Cupcake. I love you.”

“I love you too, Clark.”

A/N: I’m a sucker for Clark Kent and so is @lilacprincessofrecovery. I am so excited to have written this for you for your birthday, my dear. Enjoy your day and take time to be grateful for the small things.

**Tag List**

@brattymum96 @ambinxe @avengersfan25 @kebabgirl67

@astheskycries @enchantedbytomandhenry

Let me know if you wanna be added (or removed) 😁

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

The Arcana HCs: M6 when a spell goes wrong and they're stuck as a small child for a day

Reverse scenario is here:

~ to set the scene ~

It's been a while since your little mishap with your notebook and spell development. At this point, your day as a toddler has become a funny story to share with guests over dinner. You're reminiscing on it early one morning as you lie awake next to your slumbering beloved. You never did figure out exactly what was going on with that circle. You decide to flip through your notebook and take another look at it while you wait for your darling to wake up.

As you're reading back over it, you feel them stir next to you. "MC? What are you looking at?" Still half asleep, they reach over to pull you closer, but instead their hand falls flat against the page. One bright light later, you're gazing over wide-eyed at the small child rubbing their eyes next to you.

(I've included the official art of child!Julian, Asra, Muriel, and Portia. Unfortunately there's no game art for child!Nadia or Lucio, but I was able to get sketches from the old livestreams. Enjoy! - brainrot)

Julian

Figures out his predicament almost immediately. From the way you're looking at him to how small his hands suddenly are, he knows

What neither of you expects is the pipsqueak voice that comes out of him when he opens his mouth to talk to you

"MC, I - ah! Is that my voice?!"

He's going to spend the next hour while you make and eat breakfast trying to figure out the funniest thing to say in a child's voice, ranging from his extensive knowledge of curse words to lectures on medicine to warbling ancient Vesuvian operas

Malak thinks it's fantastic. He's following nearby, cawing along to whatever Julian has to say

You end up putting him in one of his normal dress shirts, which looks like a dress on him now, and using a scarf for a sash

He'll get bored rather quickly - all of his favorite activities are off the table until he's an adult again

You remember him mentioning living with his parents on one of their merchant ships as a boy though, so you take him down to the docks

A couple polite requests later, and several of the sailors agree to let him explore their ships as long as he doesn't get underfoot

It's a special time for him, running around a ship with the same perspective that he had when his parents were alive. It unearths some memories he had previously forgotten and that makes him so happy

You also had Malak take a message up to the palace inviting Portia down (you didn't want to risk losing Julian in the crowd in the trek up) and she arrives just in time for lunch with Mazelinka in tow

Portia absolutely gets misty-eyed seeing her brother like this again, she always used to think he was so grown-up next to her but realizing he was just a child too is doing things to her heart

You'll have a late lunch on the beach together before heading back to his house

Since all three of them are feeling nostalgic, Julian, Portia, and Mazelinka will pass the afternoon reminiscing on what life was like the last time he looked like this

They leave before the sun sets - they have lives to get back to, and you have dinner to prepare

The first thing he does after poofing back is bellow out a raunchy sea shanty and hunt down the liquor he's been saving in the back of the cabinet. He missed being an adult

Asra

They knew what has happening as it happened, they saw their palm landing on the spell circle and had resigned themselves to the outcome before the light had faded

The first thing he does is take full advantage of his new size to snuggle up on your chest and fall back asleep

And hey, it's several hours before their normal wake-up time, and it's not like you'll be able to do anything else today, so you fall back asleep too

When you re-awaken it's to a suspiciously quiet house

When you find him he's tucked away in a corner with Faust, scheming brainstorming about the opportunities his temporary shift affords him

You're able to distract them with breakfast, but it quickly becomes obvious that their attention span is considerably shorter and their sense of propriety considerably less inhibiting than their adult form

Cue a wild game of chase around the closed shop, Faust watching gleefully from the rafters as Asra keeps setting off latent spells just to watch your reactions before scampering off in a fit of giggles

They're surprisingly docile once you catch them though, as soon as you've got your arms around them they're cuddling up. You've never held a snugglier child

There's also the issue of clothes - none of his clothes fit, and he couldn't care less. You end up tying a shawl around him and knotting it in the back where he can't reach to take it off when it hinders his freedom of movement

If you need to have a serious conversation with them it's entirely possible, they're just living in the moment

You manage to pack a lunch and take him over to Aisha and Salim's

To say they're overjoyed is an understatement. They missed so much of Asra's childhood and growing up, and you've just given them several hours of that back

For the first fifteen minutes or so, he's got his guard up a little. It takes a lot of vulnerability to revisit that stage in life, with the parents he so keenly felt the loss of

But then one of them cracks an inside joke, and all the emotional walls come tumbling down

You get to spend the rest of the day getting a glimpse into the past, of what their family was like before the hard times started

You're also relieved that you're not the only one responsible for keeping them in check

As soon as he poofs back, he's waving goodbye and heading out the door with you. He misses his kisses

Nadia

She realizes a split second after you do, and she is Not Impressed

She's spent most of her life trying to outrun being perceived as the baby of the family, and now here she is - a baby!

She's not upset with you though, she knows if there's anyone to blame it's her for touching the page like that and the look on your face says you didn't mean to

She also knows that there's still Vesuvia to run - oh well, it looks like she'll be taking a vacation

She's standing on the bed, robe pulled around her, arms crossed over her tiny rib cage as she gives directions for her absence

You're quickly realizing that her sense of authority didn't come from ruling Vesuvia - it's clear she was just born with it

Finding a good outfit for her to wear is also quite difficult. She knows it's last minute, but one of the ways she combats her own insecurities is by appearing as put together as possible at all times

You're not sure what to do at first. You know the last thing she wants is to be in touch with her family right now, and she'll get bored quickly if she just stays inside her chambers with you

Luckily for you, she knows exactly what she wants to do - and that is everything that she wasn't allowed to do the last time she was this size

She's leading the way to the stables and getting ready to ride off into the sunset before you can blink

It quickly gets tiresome though. She was already sneaking off the last time she was this age, and she already knows all the area around the palace

Your wave of inspiration hits as it gets close to lunchtime. She's always wanted an incognito tour or Vesuvia. This is the perfect chance

She's immediately for the idea. She was never allowed to do this as a kid, and it's something she still struggles to get away with

You find her some every day kid's clothes in the marketplace and spend the afternoon wandering the streets, giving her a taste of the "real" Vesuvia

By the time you're heading back to the palace as the sun sets, her whole perspective about the day has shifted. She might ask you to do this again, if she needs to do something undercover

She chooses to wait until after poofing back to have dinner. After the day she's had, she wants her Golden Goose

She eventually agrees to let you tell parts of the story to her family members. Watching their reactions helps remind her that they did not look down on her, but truthfully admired her as a kid

Muriel

Completely frozen. It's up to you to make the first move

He understands what happened as soon as it happens, but he's in denial about it

He'll only start moving once you ask him if he's okay, if anything hurts, if he can talk, etc

The sudden levels of attention you're showing him will spur him to action and then he'll start responding again, shifting around and pulling the shirt he's drowning in closer around his shoulders

You'll probably end up tucking him back in bed and suggesting he rest and get over the shock a little more while you prepare breakfast. He'll agree because he's not sure what else to do

It really hits home with him when he sits down to a full, hot meal at the small table with you. You accidentally prepared the amount that the two of you normally eat and he doesn't remember ever having a full stomach at this age

You'll watch him wolf down his plate and then pause, struggling between the instinct to eat while there is food and the desire to savor having more food than he can eat

The morning continues like that, with him silently processing all the ways his life has changed for the better from his childhood's perspective

There is a funny moment with the chickens when it's time to feed them, of course

They've had to wait a few extra hours, so as soon as they hear the feed bucket they're charging at you twice as aggressively as normal

Now that he's small, they don't seem as tiny to him any more, and the hungry chicken avalanche leaves him a little shaken

You decide to give him a day as quiet and pleasant and safe as he deserved as a kid

You'll pack a big lunch of his favorites and go on a quiet stroll through the woods, listening to the bird song and admiring the plants

It's a strange experience for him because he's so used to being the biggest thing in the woods that having to look up at stuff is weird, and slightly frightening

On the other hand, the different vantage point has him noticing all kinds of details that never stood out to him before

Eating your packed lunch together in fields where the grass grows above his head is surreal. Being able to lie down next to you and know that only you and the sky and birds can see him is liberating

When he poofs back after returning to the hut, it's the first time he's felt truly thankful for his size. He can protect you better like this, now that he's been reminded of what the world can be like when you're small

Portia

It takes her a second. She hit the notebook instead of your face because her curls were in her eyes, and they're still in her eyes, but why are her arms so short when she pushes them out of her face?

Whoah, you've turned into a giant. Scratch that, everything is big now, that means she must have shrunk

Now she's spotting the notebook in your hand and the shock on your face, and her own voice confirms it

"MC, I just set off a spell, didn't I?"

You're nodding slowly, watching her carefully stand up and look around

When she turns back to you, it's with an all-too-familiar look of mischief

"This bed is huge when I'm this size! I don't have to worry about breaking it at all!"

She's bouncing on the bed, shrieking with laughter and giggling, and all you can feel is relief that she sees the mishap as a good thing

She'll ask you to send a message giving her the day off of work, of course, and then she'll start brainstorming things to do while she chases a very confused Pepi around the house

"Do you think they'll give me pastries if I ask nicely since I'm so small now? You have to admit I'm pretty cute. I bet I could ask for anything!"

So. Much. Energy. You end up leaving her to her own devices while you get breakfast together, and by the time she sits down to eat she's already deconstructed the entire living room

All of her shirts have wide necklines and don't stay up on her tiny form, so you have to put her in one of your own with a ribbon for a sash. Good luck trying to tie up her curls

You decide to take her into town for the day, on the condition that she not let go of your hand. You both agree eventually to tie a ribbon around her wrist for you to hold on to just in case

You're able to find her clothes that fit, and get a read on Julian's most likely location

As soon as you find him and he spots Portia, he is one smiling mess. So much of his identity is wrapped up in trying to be a good older brother to her, and now he has the chance to do that as an adult

He'll put her up on his shoulders and the three of you will saunter through all the fun parts of town, getting into all the best kinds of trouble

You'll get a summons from Nadia as well for afternoon tea. She wants to see one of her best friends as a child too

When Portia poofs back that evening all the exhaustion will hit her at once like a wave. This day will become one of her fondest memories

Lucio

Is convinced that you're just playing mind games to make the world look bigger than it is until you show him the notebook and explain that it's the same spell that hit you previously

He's a little panicked now. He's been able to survive this long because he was strong and vicious, and when he needed your help his big thing to contribute was his ability to protect you

What if you decide to leave because he can't protect you like this? He couldn't blame you, after the past you unearthed with him he knows you know exactly who he is and sometimes it's hard to believe you love him anyways

You can recognize those wide eyes and trembling lips anywhere, the first thing you're doing is pulling him into a hug

The hug does him in, Morga was never the affectionate type and being held in a such a safe embrace when he feels so small makes him fall apart a little

Will deny any and all emotional vulnerability. He has a reputation to uphold, dammit

You'll get him situated with one of his shirts and a scrapped together sash. He's too busy marveling at having both arms again to complain about it not being stylish

Quickly realizes from your reactions to his requests that he is in fact adorable in this form. Contrary to your expectations, he doesn't mind that at all

It's also becoming more and more apparent that the child-likeness is affecting him. It turns out his obsessive love of partying comes from a very playful nature

If you're on a job at the time, you'll decide to make it a travel day

He'll find a stick to use as his sword and tuck it into his sash since you've temporarily confiscated the real one

He's running circles around you, yelling his little boy's heart out, scrambling up every large rock you pass so you can compliment his climbing skills

Each time you praise him he'll flush, his normally sharp smile softer with the baby fat on his cheeks and his scrawny chest all puffed up with pride. Being a kid around someone who lets him actually act like one is the best thing that's ever happened to him

And that's how most of the day passes, traveling a bit slower than usual through nature, listening to his breathless story telling as he fights off imaginary beasts with his wooden sword and kissing the bumps and scrapes he gets so they heal better

He begins to get a little scared when night falls, because he knows his golden day is about to come to an end

So as soon as he poofs back, you pull him back into your arms so he knows you will always be there to hold him, no matter the state he's in

[lies-unfurl]

Hydra Trash Party rec list

It's @tenyearsoftrash's rec day, so I decided to go through my bookmarks and pull out a few of my favorites! Not in any particular order; please make sure to mind the tags for specific warnings.

Sam POV (series) by @appalachianfireflies: One of the first Sam/Steve/Bucky fics I ever read. Found footage and recovery-focused. There's a really lovely, slow building sort of atmosphere here.

Skin Trade by @defilerwyrm: The Winter Soldier learns to trade its body for things that it wants. Great use of the 5+1 format. The oatmeal scene still gets me.

Motions (series) by Nonymos: I don't typically go for modern AUs. But Nonymos manages to perfectly transpose all the key elements and characterizations of CA:TWS into a contemporary setting, blending explicit trash with one of the best recovery fics I've ever read. I cannot see pool balls without thinking of this story.

A Prelude in Ice by aleberg9: This is technically a WIP, but the chapters all work as oneshots. Really fascinating portrayal of Bucky and the Red Room, plus some fantastic young Natasha moments.

Multiple Subcutaneous Hemotomas (series) by @a-social-construct: Sam/Steve/Bucky, navigating relationships post-retraumatization. The end scene is one I still mull over.

pictures came with touch by Nonymos: I'll take "Fics that cater perfectly to my id" for 2000. Bucky being simultaneously touch-starved and touch-averse.

For Science by @clucku and @mumble--bee: Truly one of the Sam/Bucky HTP fics of all time. Forced to do it, forced to watch, forced to have things done to them. The sequel is also great.

And, last but not least, three fanworks which okay, were created specifically for me and which probably say way too much about my psyche, but which everyone else who's into this should still enjoy regardless:

Mindbeast by @defilerwyrm: Brilliantly original Bucky/Creature fic that's trashy, but also like... not as trashy as it could be. It passes the Harkness Test, I swear!

Please by @thefilthiestpiglet: Found footage AND recovery AND touch starvation AND developing relationships. I'm in this picture and I like it.

The Ties that Bind [ART] by @callmekayyyyy: Beautifully detailed post-HTP art that lets you imagine a story all on your own.

[arendaes]

9 Lots of People You Want to Know Better

Tagged by @dmagedgoods and @undyingembers; thank you!

Three ships:

My Throuple, Ariadne/Daeran/Woljif, of course. Honestly they've been taking up about 98% of the shipping space in my brain lately.

Thanks to some spicy fanart posted on Patreon I've been thinking a lot about Alistair from DAO today so naturally I'm thinking about Alistair/Saskia.

Along those lines Howl/Sophie from Howl's Moving Castle, for a lot of reasons.

Last Song:

According to Spotify it was Degenerates by I the Mighty (I just listened to it last night which makes it sad I couldn't remember lol)

Last Movie:

I think it might have been Furiosa? I don't watch many movies and that's the last one I remember at least

Currently Reading:

Almost done with Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir! I've enjoyed it but it's not giving me the same brainworms it has other people. I think it's because I've never really been into necromancy and a book that features it this prominently was just never going to hit me like it does other people. Also Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Davis. I'm not far into it but already I've learned things (I did not know how many prisons are in California alone) and making me re-evaluate my own beliefs and knowledge of the prison system.

Currently Watching:

Ok, laugh at me if you want but I was in the mood to re-watch my comfort show...which is The Golden Girls 😂

Currently Eating:

Nothing but I am drinking some sparkling water

Currently Craving:

The drive to finish the first chapter of my Fairy Tale AU! 😩

Favourite colour:

Purple!

Favourite flavour:

Cherry!

Current obsession:

Ariadne forever and always! Really looking forward to Fields of Mistria hitting early access here in a few weeks so that could also be my next big one 👀

Last thing I googled:

Duotang. There was a poll asking if I knew what it was. The answer was no, and I was surprised to find out what it was!

Favourite season:

Fall/autumn! Cooler weather, warm drinks, deliciously spiced everything, my birthday...it's just the best time of the year

Skill I’d like to learn:

Drawing! I'd love to do little doodles of my OCs and book and video game characters (and yes, I know the only thing standing in my way is myself)

Best Advice:

Right now, "write the story you want to see". I have no idea if my fairy tale AU will be to anyone's tastes but my own, but I have to try!

No-pressure tags below the cut! (Opt in/out)

@first-talon @miseryscrowned @gutterspeak @fantastic-mr-corvid @mathlann

@amatres @starlightcleric @arrow90-art @silversiren1101 @blighted-elf

@mxanigel @poetikat @outeremissary @valiantvillain @dragonologist-phd

@dujour13 @captastra @spyridonya @yunessa @eurekq

@the-raging-tempest @serenbach86 @jean-dieu @ravencrowley7 @forestdragoncat