#Of the joys of fanart creation how I adore you

[reksink]

This October Feels a Bit...OFF

Promplist by @/mothscotch 💚

[blackmonitor]

🎨💫✨ Be proud of your fanart! ✨ 💫 🎨

Now I’m talking to every artist here. I want to remind each and every one of you about the incredible power of your fanart and tell you why you should be proud of your artistic creations. Your fanart deserves all the love and recognition it can get!

Fanart is the expression of your love for a fandom or a character. You can channel your creativity and showcase your unique perspective. Please never be shy about it! Let your passion shine through your artwork and let others see how deeply you adore something.

Fanart allows you to dive into the essence of your favorite characters and worlds. It’s an opportunity to reinterpret, reimagine, or even expand upon someone else’s work. You can tell new stories, convey emotions, and explore new possibilities through your art. Creativity does not know bounds!

Making fanart, just like any other art, is making you grow as an artist and every stroke of your pen (or brush) adds to your artistic journey. Be proud of how far you have come, and enjoy the progress you make! Fanart allows you to be brave, experiment, learn new techniques and discover your unique style.

And most importantly, you make people smile. Fanart has the magical ability to bring happiness and joy to others. Your artwork can “resonate” with someone, and meet their thoughts and emotions. It can bring out new ones. It has the ability to evoke nostalgia or brighten someone’s day.  You have the power to touch hearts and connect with people worldwide. Isn’t that a great thing?

Share your work, embrace your creativity, and be proud of every single piece you create. Keep creating, keep dreaming, and stay proud of your art!

[beautyofattolia]

Hello, just wanted to let you know that your tag comments give me life and it is always absolutely delightful to see them show up in my notes👌 You are the kind of person who makes posting worth it hrh

Oh my God, thank you so much! I absolutely ADORE your work! It brings me so much joy as well as made me cry several times (in a good way, haha). I love responding to the pieces but I know some people prefer to reblog art that doesn't have a ton of other people's comments on it, so I tend to stick all my responses in the tags. But your stuff is so insanely good and it makes me feel/think about so many things that I feel like I have to respond!

I've been a huge fan of Avatar since I saw it first the first time in 2010 (as a very small 14 year old) and considering how much hate it got in fandom circles, I never thought I would ever get to see fanart for it the way I did for other fandoms I was in. Seeing your stuff before Way of Water came out made me so insanely happy because it was the first real fanart I had ever seen. I'm thrilled that the second movie has brought more people into the fandom and more people feel like they can post their fanart and fan-creations for it, but your stuff will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart.

If there is ever a point in time where I don't like and reblog one of your insanely gorgeous pieces, then assume I'm dead because that's the only thing that will ever stop me :D

Your blog is one of my absolute favorites. Thank you so much for all your hard work and for sharing it with the rest of us <3

[myth-blossom]

I’ve been reflecting on how incredibly blessed I am for writing and the community it’s brought me into this year. Writing has been an amazing creative outlet for me that I thought had long since burned out, but thank goodness I was wrong about that! I’ve been so excited to develop my ideas, even when they overwhelm my brain at times. It’s been such a joy to write what I want to write, and an additional joy to know there are others out there who enjoy my work, too.

I’m especially grateful for the Hitman fandom on Tumblr—it has been such a pleasure getting to know you and posting about one of our favorite topics. I am constantly blown away by the fanart and fanfics that this talented community creates! It’s a privilege to experience such amazing work by amazing people. I wanted to do some shoutouts below:

@cajunandfire: I am extremely grateful to you for welcoming me into the fandom as you did. You gave me the confidence to socialize with the community and became a dear friend in the process. I can never emphasize enough how thankful I am of your constant support. Your heart is incredibly wonderful, as is the fanfiction you create, and I am very honored to know you.

@diana-fortyseven: Your work inspired me to take a shot at writing for Hitman and sharing my ideas with others—you can imagine how (happily) shocked I was to see you like and comment on my first fic. Your support of this community through your creations, exchanges, fanfiction feed bot, and prompt generator bot help keep the Hitman fandom going—thank you for all that you do.

@dianaburnwood: Before I joined Tumblr, I found a blog post of yours about ICA ranks that inspired me to write Flight of the Sparrow. I was later told that if I ever had Hitman questions, I should speak with the expert—thank you for being kind enough to entertain my questions. I sincerely can’t wait for your blog posts on Freelancer.

@cicaklah: Your Hitman and Oxventure fics are absolute treasures, they inspired me to write whatever I wanted. I found that I wanted to write something as captivating as your works are to me—for a while that was intimidating, but then I pushed past that mental block. You embody the wisdom I adore and hope to always remember in times ahead: “No one is stopping me but me.” Thank you for your passionate example to always try.

@lucas-grey: I appreciate your kindness to answer my Grey questions through the year. He’s a character I’ve grown more attached to since I started writing and it’s been nice to consult the expert to make sure I write him properly. Also, you floor me with the screenshots you post every time—thank you for sharing your lovely work.

@issytheamateurnerd: It means a lot that you’ve trusted me with writing your OC Madeleine Burnwood on occasion. It’s been great to explore her interactions with our beloved characters—I think she is a wonderful addition to the Hitman universe and I look forward to more of your work with her in the future.

To @air-tuna-art @greengoldfish @postalninja and @cajunandfire: thank you for taking a chance to collab with me on The Parisian. As a newbie to the fandom, it was truly an honor to create a story with such a group of wonderful writers. I loved the result and would be happy to work with you again.

@magentasteam, I adore your joke posts and comments on Tumblr (and AO3). I find myself lovingly referring to 47 as my “potato boi” because of you and it makes me smile every time.

@47s-left-tit, it has been such fun discussing music with you this year and reading your 47 x Reader posts. I can’t wait to check out your Spotify playlist for more good tunes.

I’m so grateful for you all, as I am for those who like, comment on, and/or share my stories. I have no idea what 2023 will bring, but I know where I’ve been and I see where I am now.

I’d say things are already off to a good start.

[carpisuns]

Just wanted to come there quickly and just share some love and appreciation. Way back before I even got my own tumblr yours was one of the ones I would always love to check and go through. I adore you talking in the tags and my favourite thing ever is you rambling in the tags and just the way you gush and fangirl over posts and all the beautiful fanworks. There's just something about seeing that love that just adds so much more to the post idk it's just so lovely to see all that being expressed. And all your creations as well man!!! Your fics and lil rough sketches and comics and fanart they are all so beautiful and you are one of the funniest people for me when it comes to ml I just love the humour you inject into your works! The fic you wrote for my commission just asdfghjkl thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I feel like you've worked so hard and created so much this year alone and I hope you can see that!! I'm in love with pink and in awe of all the chapters. You have made so much and shared so much with us and it has been more than enough. Please don't think that you haven't been contributing as much idk just I get the vibe that you're a bit unhappy with the pace at which you're completing things/the amount you've created over a span of time? And I just wanted to wholeheartedly say please don't be hard on yourself you've made so much and it's all been brilliant. And even if you weren't to make any of your own content for a good while and stepped away I hope you can see you bring so much to the ml fandom and people's tumblr experience regardless. The joy I get from viewing your blog and reading your tags and just getting to see all you share is more than enough it's so precious and brings so much enjoyment. Anyways hope you have a wonderful day and sending you all the love💞💞

honestly I can’t even tell you how much it meant to me to get this ask. it came at a time when I really needed it. I’m super grateful. seriously 😭💖

I don’t want this to be a big vent post but I have been struggling with stress and burnout a lot so this felt very validating 🥺 it’s taken a toll on my general energy level and my ability to create and it’s just tough for me to not be able to be as enthusiastic and involved as I used to be. I’ve had a really hard time with creating, to the point that I’m almost worried I’ve just like lost those skills forever 😭 and I also haven’t had much energy/motivation to consume content and give feedback either which is a bummer and makes me feel frustrated with myself. I really value being part of the fandom and feeling like I’m contributing to the ongoing dialogue among all the fans so it’s hard to feel like I have nothing much to give anymore, on the creator side and the consumer side.

Anyway this message just really hit me and felt like a big hug! Thank you so much for the kind words and for going out of your way to deliver them. I know it took time and energy to do that and it means a lot that you did. You are a really compassionate and thoughtful person 🥺💕 and thanks for commissioning that fic as well! i really enjoyed writing it

[erensproudsimp]

Celestial

Armin Arlert x reader

⚠ Sexual Content Ahead ⚠

Content Warnings: sort of public sex?, Cunnilingus, vanilla sex, masturbation, a lil bit of fluff too

Summary: A date with Armin at his family owned theater, Armin makes you feel like the luckiest girl alive. *cough*y'all bang too*cough*

word count:3.4k

Also, fanart is by atosaido on insta.

Gazing at the sunset at the horizon spreading its rich hues of red blended with orange, purple and cimsons into the grateful sky when you heard your phone chime. The name on the notification itself was enough to pull the corners of your mouth into a smile. Gently you placed the book that you were reading on the table to grab your phone and unlocked it to see the message. It was from your boyfriend, Armin. Your heart swelled reading the contents. Armin requested you to get ready for a date that he was coming to fetch you in like an hour, however he didn't mention where he'd be taking you. Not giving yourself a chance to try to assume the location, you looked at the time. It was currently six in the afternoon, plenty of time to dress up until seven.

Clothes thrown all over your room, scavenging the closet you were having trouble settling on an aesthetic for your outfit. Since Armin was the type of person to take you to places that could be either cosy or extravagant or both, you made up your mind to a dark academia getup. A brown checkered mini skirt complimented with a beige sweater seemed to be quite perfect for the date. Your hair straightener was heating up while you were doing a light make up. Ten minutes later you were ready. It was almost seven as you went outside to wait for Armin's car to pull up to your apartment.

A fresh chilly wind brushed against your face pickling your nostrils but it brought you out of your daydreams to your senses as you felt alive and connected to reality. You rubbed your nose for warmth with your sleeve when right at that moment a white BMW. You swore your heart leaped in your chest upon seeing him. Like a happy puppy running to its owner, that's how Armin saw you when you were running in your boots to him. Throwing your arms around his neck, you jumped for a hug. Armin being quite well-built was able to handle your weight as he lifted you up to spin you around.

"Ahaha y/n I'm so glad to see you," Armin's voice muffled against your hair.

"Me too Armin, me too," you replied pulling back to make eye contact with him.

You had no idea how Armin liked you saying his name, especially when you were screaming it.

"Let's get in the car shall we? It's getting a little chilly," Armin said opening your door to let you in. You gave him a light smile for his chivalry. Closing it after you sat, he went to take his place in the driver's seat.

"So, are you going to tell me where you're taking me?" you asked him.

"Hmmm, nope," Armin answered bopping your nose with his index finger, "I'm keeping as a surprise till we reach it, besides I think you'd probably guess it with the route we're taking."

"Well then, let's see if I guess it right. Let's go!" you excitedly shouted.

Analysing the passing buildings and blocks, a light bulb went off in your head.

"Wait, are we going to your family owned theater?" crossing your fingers you questioned.

"Heh, you've got a good memory," Armin smiled over to you one hand on the steering wheel, the other on your thigh rubbing small circles.

Shrieking in happiness, you couldn't help it as that theater was nothing but a comfort place for you. Pressing the button to pull down the transparent glass, you let the cold wind hit your face making your hair fly, a smile stretching your mouth aware that this was going to be a good night well spent. Across the seat, Armin admired you for a while before pulling into the parking. How he wished he could keep looking at you forever. You were like drugs to him, no matter how much he consumed of your presence or just you in general, he's never satisfied.

Before you could get out, Armin came to your door to open it, extending his hand. Taking it, he pulled you closer to him, faces millimeters away. Smiling against his mouth but you didn't kiss him. Instead, you placed your finger between your lips, "Quite a gentleman, aren't you?"

"Only for you my love," Armin replied dragging you to the theater's entrance.

Hand in hand, you both ran to the magnificent creation that was the building. Nobody was in sight signaling you that you two were the only beings present in that place. The only sounds that could be heard were you and Armin's giggling and the rustling of the trees with the wind. The moon was shining so bright in the sky lit up by thousands of stars. It's brightness was the same as the one Armin brought in your life. He was your sole source of joy alongside the reason why you adored being alive so much.

"You really like the night sky, don't you?" Armin asked as he looked at you staring at the moon.

"A lot. The moon is beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I could die happy."

Your heart felt lighter than air at his answer.

"Before we go inside, mind if I blindfold you? I don't want to ruin the surprise," Armin requested holding up a black cloth.

"Sure thing," you replied as he tied it lightly so as not to hurt you.

Rather than taking your hands to guide you inside, Armin choose an easier method which was to carry you in his arms. At first you were bewildered but then when it hit you, it didn't really faze you as he was always doing sweet unexpected actions like this. He treated you as though you were the most precious thing to him, which you in all honesty were.

While he was walking to take you to the destined spot, he couldn't stop himself to gaze at you. You gave so much meaning to his life and to every little thing to him. From the feeling of the first sunlight hitting his skin, he was reminded of your warm smile to the moonlight illuminating the dark sky, he thinks of the way you bring him positivity even in the toughest of situations. He couldn't be in anymore bliss as this was the definition of heaven to him. Your arms wrapped around his neck for support, he was carrying his literal embodiment of happiness.

Gently putting you down, he asked, "Are you ready?"

"I'm more than ready!" mirthfully you exclaimed.

"Okay then", Armin said removing your blindfold, "Ta-dah."

At that moment, you couldn't decide whether you were more likely to smile because of what you were seeing or more likely to cry because of what you were seeing. Your mind chose the later as tears started to run down your cheeks.

"He-Hey, don't cry, why are you crying?" Armin confoundedly wiped your tears with his thumbs as he cupped your face.

"Did you do all of this... for me?" sniffing you looked at him.

"For who else did I do this stupid? Of course it's for you y/n", he beamed.

Apart from the usual dark room with a dark vibe like a traditional theater has, for this date, Armin had set up projections on the ceiling. And it wasn't any type of projection, it was the space scattered all across the white roof.

In awe, your eyes widen at the celestial beauty in front of you. Stars twinkling like little fairy lights, even a nebula in vivid details. It doesn't stop at that as there were loads of other spatial phenomenons occurring. Not only did Armin set up a picnic on the stage but beside it was also a mattress big enough to accommodate both of you to 'stargaze'. The fabric set with Ratatouille in a bowl, a bottle of red wine glimmering under the light and various pastries sat in soliditary splendor in the middle of the wide open space which was the stage.

"I feel like I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have you Armin", you said sitting on the cloth spread on the wooden floor.

"No, I feel like the luckiest man to have the most perfect woman," he corrected you as he was pouring some wine into your glass.

Red tinted your cheeks.

"Cheers ?"

"Cheers," you raised your glass to clink with his.

This night couldn't be any more flawless.

A nice dinner in your favorite place with your favorite person, what else could you ask more?

As soft as clouds, the mattress sunk in with both of your weights. The wine coursing through your veins served as intoxication transporting you into this realm of abstractional interstellar.

Still mesmerised by the exquisite visual that resembled as though some heavenly artist had crushed crystals into his paint and then colored the cosmos with the finest of brushes, it didn't even compare to the beautiful man on whom you were laying on. Your hand on his chest, head on his shoulder, Armin held you so close to him as though you were going to disappear if he looked away. The blues and purples of the projection caressed his face.

Moving strands of your hair away with his finger, Armin asked, "What's the matter y/n?"

"Nothing, I was just wondering how pretty you are."

"I-I thank you," Armin blushed.

Gosh he was so cute.

Lifting yourself up, a frown on Armin's face at your action but then replaced by a astonishing look when he realised that you were straddling him. You had no clue of what you were doing, maybe it's was the wine or maybe it was just your desire for him, nonetheless, you craved his touch.

Your soft skin reflecting the light of the led made his fingers curl with the urge to stroke it. To his surprise, you grabbed his hands and placed it on your thighs revealed with your skirt lifted up. A light squeeze was given to them as Armin began stroking with his thumb waiting for your next move. The light illuminating from your behind aligned your figure making you appear as an angel in Armin's sight. Running your index finger from his cheekbones to his lips, you neared your bodies to press your boobs on his chest as you kissed him. His left hand dragged up your flesh to grab your ass while the right one entangled itself in your hair pulling your faces closer. Lips overlapping each other as you fought for dominance with him. Though Armin seems like a very sweet guy but looks may deceive, well, not completely. In bed he's like a cocktail, a combination of gentleness like flavored syrup or juice and of roughness like the alcohol in the drink.

Pushing your hips to his pelvis area, a groan leaving his lips cued you to further tease him. Up and down you grinded on him. Breaking the kiss to pull back, Armin went lower to your neck to pepper small kisses all over your sensitive skin, all the way to your jaw, your cheeks, the corner of your mouth to back on your neck to suck on your sweet spot. A light pain accompanied with pleasure made a tiny 'ah' leave your lips as he was marking your body. This only turned Armin more than he already was the moment he saw you.

Bringing his face back up , you collided your lips to his, more passionate than before. Sloppily you unbuttoned his shirt.

Abruptly he grabbed your back to switch positions with you. His chest now exposed was in front of your eyes. Removing the fabric off his body, his muscles shined in the light. This man was built like an art piece, his chest sculptured like the Greek soldiers.

"Allow me to be the one to please you," Armin's breath tickled your ear.

Feather like touches brushed your throat down to between your breasts to your stomach through your clothes. He took all the time in the world to appreciate the fact that you were with him and for him. You've probably never experienced such tenderness before meeting Armin. While making out with you, he his hands underneath your sweater to cup your boobs unaware of the dampness pooling between your legs.

With a swift motion, Armin took off your sweater and threw it across the stage. Black laced bra covering your breasts made you look more lustful. Armin's breath hitched in his throat.

"I don't think I'd ever get enough on beautiful you are y/n, everytime I undress you, it always feel as though it's the first time", he breathed.

You tugged at his belt, unbuckling it.

"Then show me how much you want me," you swiped your thumb over his lips.

Armin smirked. If looks could kill, you'd probably be dead by that.

"As you wish my lady."

Armin's big hands stroke your curves, brushing his lips from your collarbones slowly down your bellybutton but he didn't kiss your skin until he pulled down your skirt for your damp fabric to come in view to him. His soft lips didn't hesitate to press against your core.

"Ah- Armin-"

"You look so hot making that face, baby," Armin replied mouth still on you, you felt the vibrations of his voice through your underwear giving you goosebumps.

Armin dragged his tongue from the buttom to your clitoris, sucking on it making your underwear even wetter.

"Does this feel good?"

"Hmmm yes~," you reached out to grab his hair.

He chuckled at your reaction and proceeded to remove your last piece of garment. Your entrance dripping with anticipation, Armin gulped hard.

Like a wild animal out of cage, Armin attacked your pussy with his mouth. You leaped at his rough action and gripped on his hair for dear life as it seemed like this man wasn't going to leave you until he's had every part of you. Out of nowhere, Armin stuck his tongue into you making you arch your back. Thrusting it in and out of you, he gripped your hips in place so that you wouldn't squirm away.

"Gosh you have no idea how good you taste y/n," Armin panted sending chills down your spine.

Your tiny little pants and moans only fueled him to gain speed as he flicked your pearl in his mouth with the tip of his tongue.

"Oh-ah-Armin- Don't stop I'm close ~"

Taking your words into command, Armin didn't cease until you gasped and released everything in his mouth.

He swallowed every single drop of you as though it was his last time drinking any sort of liquid. While he was licking his lips to consumed everything he removed his pants as you were catching your breath. His dick sprung free from his cage, tip leaking with precum.

"May I?"lining his dick in front of your cunt he asked for consent.

"Just fuck me already Armin."

Slowly, Armin stoked it on your wet folds to lubricate it for it to enter more smoothly. Wet sounds of both of your excrements mixing filled the theater.

"Fuck you're so tight,"Armin groaned in his first thrust into you,"Are you okay baby? Do you want time to adjust? "

Still panting over his big size you nodded your head, your arm covering your eyes.

"It's okay love, take your time," Armin gently moved your hand away from your face to stroke your cheeks.

"Okay, you can move now," a minute later you told him.

Intertwining your fingers, Armin held your hand while the other held for support on the bed, Armin began to move.

With the projector in the background, this moment seemed so magical.

"You feel so good y/n arg-"

You hummed still doused in this dreamy state. The world around you blurred as the only thing visible in your peripheral vision was paradise. You could feel him moving so slowly between your walls, each of his popping veins so clearly. With time passing, your need for him grew bigger.

"Please go faster Armin."

"Anything for you," he replied as he picked up speed, this time more rougher on you.

Skin slapping, you arched your back, this time Armin slipping his hand on your back to make your bodies touch each other. Chests rising and falling rapidly, you brushed Armin's hair from his face to see his expressions better.Face twisted with pleasure, this man was so attractive.

It wasn't long until you felt the knot building up in your stomach.

"Y/n I'm-I'm close"

"Me too Armin, please cum with me"

Eyes boring into yours, Armin didn't hesitate to go even more rough with you.

Bending down Armin kissed you as he released his hot fluids into you.

"Are you okay? I hope I didn't hurt you my lady," Armin moved your hair away from your sweaty forehead.

"No Armin, I know you could never hurt me, that's why I love you."

"I love you too y/n," Armin kissed your nose.

Helping you to get up, he took some tissues from the straw bag in which he carried all the food in. While you were tying your hair into a ponytail, Armin wiped his cum from your body.

"I'm sorry I made such a mess on your beautiful skin y/n."

"Armin, why are you even appologising for this, please don't ," you giggled then grabbed his hands and kissed them.

Inhaling a deep breath, Armin got up to fetch your clothes and helped you wear them.

"Let me drop you home okay?" he carried you in bridal style to the car due to your legs shaking and being unstable. Throughout the whole voyage back, you just wished this night could last forever but alas reality is a bitch. His hands warming your thighs till his car reached your house and he took you to your bathroom to help you get into the bathtub.

Not wanting to hold him any longer, you reassured him that you were now okay and that he could take care of the theater to clean it for business the next day. The thought of people coming to a place where you and Armin banged without them being aware of it brought all the blood to rise up in your cheeks.

Parking the car, Armin entered the building with the scent of sex still lingering in the air. Taking care of all the stuff on the stage and cleaning it, he went to remove the projectors. Out of the blue it clicked in his head. Security cameras. Heaving a sigh of relief that he recalled this crucial detail, he rushed into the surveillance room to discard of the recordings for the night. However, before he did that, he did in fact consider to watch it. Debating in his head like attorneys in a courtroom he finally yielded to looking at them. He didn't even play the video that he was already blushing redder than his blood. Pressing the play button, he sat down on the wheelchair.

Holy shit did he not regret watching it. Even in bad lighting, you looked so hot on camera. It felt illegal for Armin to be doing whatever he was doing then.

"Ah-ah Armin-" you moaned his name and that awakened something in him or more like that hardened something in him.

"Fuck," he whispered under his breath.

From his pants, he could see the lining of his growing erection but he tried to ignore it. Eventually it began to feel a little painful from the restriction of release. Giving in into his urges, he unzipped his pants to let his dick breath from its suffocation.

He hissed as he spread the oozing precum across the tip looking himself eating you out. With his face buried between your legs, at that moment he couldn't clearly see your facial expressions compared to now.

The way your breath got stuck in your throat, your mouth made an 'o' when you tried to control your moans. The next time he was going to make love to you, he's keeping in mind to prevent you from holding back the sounds you make as he wants to hear each and every one of them.

Stroking his shaft up and down just like he's thrusting in and out of you, his motions rhythmic, he threw his head back on the chair hearing your sweet voice resonating the room.

Sinful.

To his shock, he came at the exact timing he came within you in the recording. Letting his actions absorb, still drown into the cloudiness of his mind, Armin couldn't wait for the day he could at last marry you.

Without further ado, he deleted the clips after he sent them to his phone as a token.

End.

Thank you for reading this. :)

[lady-of-snails]

its 5pm that means its time for me to sit here and contemplate the fact that like thousands of people have read my writing and liked it enough to let me know in some way and also some of them talk to each other about it in real life without me being directly involved like huh. like that one ask i got a while back about someone talking about my fics with their bff like HUH. 

that means i have contributed joy to this world. like that’s a real thing i have done in a very small yet individually meaningful way and thinking about that is so?? wild?? i give people the same kind of happiness that i’ve been given every time i see some dope ass fanart or some adorable or well-written fic/book or yell about beloved book characters with my friend. each of us have some kind of a skill and passion that can undoubtably bring something good into this world, no matter how much we doubt our or our creations’ abilities, and literally all we have to do is put ourselves out there a little bit. its not even that fanfiction in itself is particularly meaningful or special its that creation is meaningful and special and community is meaningful and special and feeling like we’re not alone in this world is meaningful and special. and it may seem dorky or “not that deep” but that’s what fanart and fanfiction is - its using our joy of things to create, to reach out to others and form friendships and out silly little mutual connections that can mean so much to someone in dark times; its fuel for real-life connections and its proof that other people exist and care and do the little things that bring them joy that bring you joy. it doesn’t matter if its the fiftieth time you’ve read a story about two anime characters falling in love or its just the bit of inspiration you feel when you see a post of your favorite book character drawn really well, that’s still a net positive impact on the world!! i guess what i’m trying to say here is that somewhere out there in the world there are two people that are friends and they talk about something i created and it helps them pass the time; or there is someone out there that’s just been having a really rough day and they use something i once posted on a whim to make them smile. and that is so fucking rad.

[puduhegepa]

Hello Darling Friends ; I’m not sure If some of you know who I am. I’m someone shared laughter and sorrow with you in this place but never meet. In May I appeared in your ask boxes asking you “Would you rather” question with very little context. And you lovely darlings decided to answer them. I wanted to make a gift for you darlings. In the last 6 months, I realized how much I cherish your company. While you had seen me at your notifications, I couldn’t show you how much I cared. I wanted to make a gift for you darlings. I wanted to you submit to the mortifying ordeal of been known by me. Here is my gift for you:

I spend 2 weeks in design and 4 months for making. So this wasn't a moment of passion. It was premeditated. So let's look at this in small sections from top to down so you can see your part.

Orange Cat: My dearest @czpla​ whom I terrorize at AO3, Twitter, and CC with my comments. I adore you my dear possum.

Candle: @antoniivs​ you are a joyful and theatrical person to interact. Thanks for bringing me joy.

Purple Potion Bottle: : @sorrydearie​ You make me cry for Martin and I love it. Thanks for making me feel complex emotions.

Eye Sculpture: @legolas--thranduilion​ my oldest friend here. You were my first follower ever in 2014. You and I have seen everything. It's delightful to see you.

Blue Potion Bottle: @veteranklaus​ I have also cried in your fics as well. I love your creations and the emotion you make me feel.

Crystal Orb: @imperialstark​ True Tumblr experience. Love everything you share.

Witch Hat: My fave langblr @blumensprache​ / @aspiring-cat-lady​. You started to learn German same time as me. You had the discipline to learn German while I lacked discipline. I'm so proud of you. Thanks for keeping me silent company while studying.

Turquoise Potion Bottle: @hemisphaeric​ going through your blog is like walking in a gallery. You never know what you will see. I love it.

Pink Potion Bottle: @gwemrys​ The Best Gwen blog ever. We stan one true queen!!!

Turquoise Present: @kingoftheunderground​ Your cosplay pics and dog bring joy and happiness to my dash.

Purple Present:@caramel-study​ Sweetest studyblr ever. I love your posts and pictures. 

Blue Present:: @consultinggallifreyanfallenangel​ To be or not to be. We were Superwholocked fandom and we all lost hope to live. 

Pink Present: @privatenightblogging​ chaotic text blog I love how it is a true experience.

Light: @hefellfordean​ My delight !!! 1 AM is for support; 2 AM is for the emotional rollercoaster. It's so nice to know you.

Tree : @verybi-verytired​ funny nice with a little spice should be your catchphrase. I appreciate you very much!! 

Turquoise Lollipop: @the--sound--of--rain​ beautiful photographs and lovely ideas are what make you dear to me!!!

Red Lollipop: @gayspacesprinkles​ The cutest fanart blog. I love how cute and lively your art is. 

Green Lollipop: @22amillion​ while your hot takes are usually concerning, you are sure a treat.

Tea Pot:@queermadbaggins​/@call-me-jerusalem​ Bird friend... We shall meet and watch birds.

Tea Cups::@caffeinatedflummadiddlebutmerlin​ Best Merlin fan blog ever. Your headcanons enrich the fanon world. 

Pink Potion Bottle: @himbohargreeves​  Your love for Diego amazes me. The way you create a world while during an AU is truly inspiring. We stan... 

Witch Broom: @obliqueoptimism​ Came for Klaus love stayed for everything.

Black Cat: @siriuspiggyback​ Your fic and art is just beyond words. The structure of your creations is just wow.

Pumpkin: @goondis-and-the-plupples​ Lexi baby, dearest bfu blog. I hope only the best comes to your life.

[averinna]

Favorite Ships for Valentine Day :

Hi,

I wanted to do this post to celebrate valentine day in my own way. Why not just presenting my favorite ships? I don’t have many and I am not a huge shippers who’s life and death is lead by if two fictional characters will kiss or not, but shipping can actually be fun. So let’s go, and put them here!

Honey so Sweet - Nao x Taiga

I wanted to use only one picture per ship but the thing is, everything they do is always so cute, it’s hard to decide. This ship is just this. Cuteness and joy. The manga they are from is very basic as a shojo manga and its driving force is the art and the main couple who is, again, very adorable, making it one of my absolute favorite. 

Orange - Kakeru x Naho

Another couple which despite the odds managed to find each other. Just seeing them together and happy make me happy. They suffered a lot but it was all worth it at the end.

Akatsuki no Yona - Hak x Yona

Ah I really wasn’t into this ship at the beginning. Watching terrible romance anime made me super protective of heroines at the time. Licking her fingers because they are covered of honey and other stuff like that aren’t welcome when the heroine isn’t aware of what is happening and I don’t care how much the male character “love her” he just shouldn’t do that. It’s cool to love someone but you know what’s better? Respecting them.

I didn’t have any expectation for Hak because if anything I learnt that male character, especially in shojo manga, get away with everything as long as their past is sad enough and their feelings for the heroine, strong enough.

But Hak surprised me when he decided to “stop his jokes”, stopping to touch Yona inappropriately at all and shown that as well as loving her, he admired her strength. With time he avoided every trap that male character like him fall into.

And for Yona, her crush on Hak evolved in a believable way, and without noticing I found myself shipping them like everyone else in the fandom. Good writing really make everything tasteful, especially something I didn’t expect to like this much.

(Now if you follow the manga, idk why Kusanagi-sensei seem to be scared to make them a couple because of the end of the manga and it’s regrettable because both Hak and Yona are interesting characters and having them act like a couple would’ve been interesting to watch)

Hataraku Saibou - NK cell x Kiler T

So everyone ship AE3803 withb U1146 so what about showing some originality here?

I just like the idea that those two idiots who fight all the time would get used to each other presence. They are like Kabakura and Hanako from Wotakoi to me. 

Free! - Makoto x Rei

People will look at me weird for this one, just because  I don’t enter in everyone’s little case of ship. I remember that for this ship I saw a fanart on zerochan and thought it was cute, but what made me really love them together was the potential that we never got to see bloom outside of the first season. No matter what I really like them together, even years after. Also an artist on pixiv really draw them well so it just make me happier!

Mario - Luigi x Daisy

The OTP of my childhood. And since I shipped them as a kid I don’t have much reason to add beside that they would look, good together and if Nintendo ship tease them, I still would appreciate to see them actually intimate instead of just descriptions describing them as such.

Mario - Mario x Peach

Just marry already!

The Legend of Zelda - Link x Malon

Another one I got interested only since recently because of all the Zelda videos I watched. OOT was my first Zelda and I imagine that Link finishing his day at Malon’s side would be cute. Too bad Malon herself doesn’t get much character in the game since she is a side character, but it’s still cute to think about.

KHR - Spanner x Shoichi

I am very surprised that it took me all this time to remember theses two while they were one of my first ship in anime and manga. I just love them together? Nerds being nerds. We don’t get much cute art with those two sadly...

Osomatsu san - Osomatsu x Ayane

A very indulgent oc x canon here, the art made by my friend @fantommmmmmm​ . I didn’t find anyone to ship Oso with and Ayane is born like that. Since she made a lot of progress and became her own person, even if the story she appear in is still a romance. I just want them both to be happy. Ayane just matter as much as she wasn’t my creations to begin with to me.

Osomatsu san - Choromatsu x Dayoko

A canon ship where, for once, one of the matsu receive the love he receive so I have no choice but to give love to this ship too! Art made by the captain of this ship, @redwylde​

And I think I will stop there. If I have more idea I will just add more later.

Happy valentine day!

[vixenfur]

In the mood for more positivity around! Tell us how much you love your friends and how they have made an impact in your life!

!!!! I love this!!!! OFF I GO!

@zeta-jane - Zeta, you’re unlike anyone else I’ve ever had the chance to know. You’re filled with sarcastic remarks and random facts and you never fail to amaze me, make me laugh and teach me new things (sometimes all at the same time). Your writing skills are phenomenal and it’s always so much fun writing with you. Even if I take ages sometimes to get a project rolling with you, believe me I really enjoy myself the entire time!! :D Thank you for always being honest with me and never sugarcoating stuff, I need realism in my life more often than not xD Thank you for being a constant force in my life and being true to yourself above all. Seeing your bold personality and mentality grounds me a lot and I really love that about you!!

@yuudefensesquad - my DAWTER. my precious sunshine child. You have made me soso happy and I hope you can say the same about me. I feel like we’re on the same wavelength and we understand each other a lot. Beyond quoting the same vine at the same time or sending the same/similar memes to each other, sometimes when you talk about your experiences it feels like listening to myself. I feel really lucky to know someone like you and I absolutely adore what you create. You’re so amazingly talented and sweethearted and I want the best for you.

@crazyloststar - AAAAAH you’re just incredible. I’ve always seen you as one of my closest friends in fandom, and at the same time I look up to you. Not only in terms of your writing & the things you create, but just your attitude on things, from your own personal struggles to your advice for my own problems. I really strive to think more like you, and thanks for always being reasonable and truthful with me!! and of course, thanks for all the laughs and fun times!! I find it hard to stop smiling when we talk!! :D

@absolute-exclusivity - omg girl. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you’re in my life. You are so full of energy and joy and sunshine that it’s impossible for me to be sad anymore after talking with you or seeing your smile. Spending time with you during my abroad experience was so worth it every time and I miss you tons!! All the laughs we shared and more–I will never forget them. Most of all I love your outlook on life. Even when things get rough, you motivate yourself and power through. You don’t let yourself get dragged down no matter what shit is thrown at you and your strength is so admirable. Even in your most painful moments you find a way to see the light and I love that about you. Just know you have a shoulder to lean on when you need it– I’m right here for you. Thank you for being in my life.

@ Feli even tho she’s not on tumblr - girl !! you are the most cursed fuckin person I’ve ever met LMAO but honestly thank you for all the laughs. You crack me up constantly!! but more than that, thank you for being there for me. We’ve only gotten close as of lately but I really enjoy talking with you & I’m glad to know we’re both the same level of filth™ as each other XD Your advice is really helpful to me personally and I hope I can be a help to you, too! Rock on girl & keep up that amazing art and writing talent you’ve got going. You’re incredible and never think otherwise.

@balefulvengeance - You are soooo sososososo COOL and I am so freakin thrilled to be your friend. I’ve always admired your art and writing and cosplay, and I can’t say how excited I am to cosplay with you coming up!!

@anyonguk - you are so incredible!!! We met so long ago but both of us have changed and grown so much. Despite our interests going different directions, I’m still so happy that you remain in my life & spread your loving, positive energy. You’re so full of happiness and joy even during the hardest times and I really admire how you get through the hurdles in your life. Even when things seem bleak you find a way to pick yourself up and carry on! But you don’t do it alone– you let us friends help you and support you and I think the fact that you can rely on us is really amazing. It’s so good that you know when to reach out and how you want us to help you. I’m so honored to be someone you can turn to.

@ Kris, who’s tumblr I also can’t find atm - girl!!! You are so so full of love. Your posts always bring a smile to my face and I absolutely love the energy you have. You’re always out there wanting the best for this world and it’s so admirable. Your drive and motivation to stay positive and be the best person you can be is amongst the strongest I’ve ever seen in people. I appreciate your memes, your creations, and your kind words in rough times. I hope my words can comfort you too. You’re doing great & I want nothing but the best for you!!!

@just-another-dream-about-yuu - Hey girl I know we don’t talk a whole lot one on one but I am so so happy to know you. You have the best attitude imo, always being your best self and doing what you love. You’re unashamed to be who you are, to express yourself how you want, and to do what makes you happy!! I may not always understand what your posts are sayin but I LOVE seeing you out with your friends and smiling and enjoying yourself. I Love your art SO MUCH even if it isn’t always OnS, I adore your style and always have. I love your enthusiasm and you’ve always, always made my fandom experience so, SO worth it. Thank you for being you. Keep it up!!!

@ Theo who also might not have a tumblr idk - Again we don’t talk a lot one on one but you’re so freakin sweet!! I don’t even know how to explain it!! You make me so very happy; your art is so soft and though you might have parted ways from ONS, I’m so happy you still wanna be friends & stay close. I am excited to see your creations from now on while treasuring what you’ve given the fandom. Most of all, thanks for being such a bright person in my life! When I think of you I think of sparkles and smiles, so thank you for always being so positive and fun to chat with!!

@seraph-star - you’ve done so much for me and you probably don’t even know it!! Everything from your fanart, your posts and your comments on my works have always left a huge impact on me. I hope we can become closer friends because you really rock and I adore your edits, your art and everything else you create. You’re so inspiring to me and I love seeing your story & what you’re up to. I wish we lived closer so we could hang out cause man I think it’d be so much fun!! :D Keep up the amazing work and keep being you. You’re one of the coolest online friends I’ve had the pleasure of meeting!!

@weirdfairytales - I MISS YOUUUUU! yo i Know life be that way but I think about you lots. Not only your amazing fics but just chatting with you– its been far too long and we gotta catch up soon. You’re so freaking awesome and unique and I love our convos, our deep talks and the times when we meme each other into nothingness XD you’re doing so many cool things and I am cheering for you always, even if you’re not aware of it all the time. Keep being amazing girl and I’m here when you wanna chat.

shoutouts to Gia, Helen and Angeru for being the coolest beans ever as well ;) though we aren’t as close I still appreciate you guys!!!!

THERE’S SO MANY PEOPLE I LOVE AND WANNA SHOWER IN LOVE but I kept it to this group for now. you’re all so great and I took this ask and ran with it. I hope it brought a little smile to your face if nothing else. This isn’t for anything in particular, & don’t feel obligated to give me a long response or anything!! this was just a chance for me to express how much i love and appreciate you all.

[ladyoftheshrimp]

B K L M N :)

Gosh, so many questions! Brace yourself.

B - A pairing you initially didn’t consider but someone changed your mind

Hilariously enough Gramander (Percival/Newt). I came out of the cinema quite the Newt fan (who didn’t?) and thought I’d have a look around on AO3 and lurk on here to see what’s what. Initially I was musing Newt/Abernathy but somehow the Gramander fandom swept me away and I got stuck in it.

K - How do you feel about the other people in your current fandom

I adore the people in this fandom. It is the most supportive, welcoming and lovely fandom I have ever encountered. Not only are they friendly and encouraging when it comes to things in the fandom but also outside it too. The friends I’ve made in it are some of the best people I’ve ever had the pleasure of encountering. In fact, this fandom is the reason I’m about to publish a trashy romance novel fairly soon, I’ll be screaming about it from the rooftops and spamming everyone with links.

L - Your favorite fanartist/author gives you one request, what do you ask for

Ooooh. This is a tricky one because I absolutely suck at two things here. Firstly picking a favourite. I don’t know if I could. Secondly making my mind up and asking something for myself. I’d probably tailor it to the person’s talents. Because if they like writing cute humour then I would be there with heart eyes and ideas of an AU (coffee shop anyone?). But if they’re a more kink oriented person then I would be more than happy to go down the NSFW route (something involving toys maybe?). Basically I think I’m a firm believer that the best things are produced when the person making it is having fun with it too.

M - Your favorite fanart or fanartist

Trick question! I can’t pick a favourite. But right now I’d have to say @sssilkworms, @sayatsugu and @mamin-the-troll rate very very high and @unicornalmatea whose has posted some stunning stuff. There’s a few other artists like @axilarts who aren’t active in the fandom anymore that I do dearly miss and still go back to look at their works.

N - Your favorite fanfiction or fanauthor

Yet another trick question. With such a pool of talent how can I pick just one? There’s @coffeesugarcream whose every creation is delightful no matter what. Then there’s @fluffyhojo who has some wonderfully sweet (and sometimes wonderfully kinky) ideas, @funkzpiel who is a steadfast go to for either kinks or heartbreak. @descaladumidera who doesn’t write as frequently but when they do it’s mind blowing (I have yet to forgive you for Second Hand Heart) and @fantastikobskurials who is always a joy to read when your mood needs lifting. I’m sure I’m forgetting many more people who are talented, incredible and deserve a mention by name. I simply have the memory of a drunk snail who ran head first into a wall.

Thank you for asking so many questions anon! Anyone else who wants to join in can find the ask list here.

[zweiherzen-a]

A GRAPHICS RAFFLE FOR THE TF2 RP COMMUNITY! Theme backgrounds, promos, and icons available for the winning!

Art credit for the banner goes to the magnificent wachtelspinat ! [ x ]

ooc ┊ After spending some time in the TF2 roleplay community, I’ve decided that I adore everyone and everything in it. In the interest of giving back to a community that’s given me a lot of joy, I’m doing a small raffle for blog graphics – ! There are many blogs out there, OC and canon, that deserve love. I’m giving every one of them the chance to win something!

More info below the cut!

THE DETAILS.

You do not have to follow my blog in order to participate. However, you must be a TF2 blog, or a blog that includes a prominent TF2 verse that you have roleplayed in at least once before the 31st of March! Or, at the very least, you should actively RP with TF2 RPers, which I will check in your posts.

One like = one entry; one reblog = one entry.

There is a chance to get one EXTRA entry if you’re a new TF2 blog created after 19 February 2018. I need to see a clear first post (it is allowed to be a reblog of this post!) so that I can view the post’s creation date and award you an extra entry. Your entries will be used only for your TF2 blog, and is not eligible for another blog; this means your prizes must be used for your TF2 RP blog. I’d love to see more RPers in the TF2 fandom, so if you’ve been thinking about getting a blog off of the ground but were lacking in graphics – here is your chance!

Therefore, up to THREE entries are available! Your winnings, if you have more than one blog, can be distributed across only your TF2-related blogs. Should you reject a part of your prizes, an additional winner will be selected to receive it.

Both older blogs and freshly-made blogs are welcome to enter. Winners will be selected via a random number generator.

PRIZES.

FIRST PLACE:  A theme background, a promo graphic, and a pack of 50 icons for your muse (if you have a multimuse, you can choose between which charas the fifty are distributed!) in a .psd that either you chose, or one that I will make.

SECOND PLACE:  A promo graphic for your blog, and a pack of 60 icons for your muse(s) in a .psd that either you chose, or one that I will make – same stipulation as above!

THIRD PLACE (only if this post reaches over 40 separate participants):  75 icons of your muse(s) in a .psd that either you chose, or one that I will make.

Here is an IMGUR ALBUM chock full of examples of the things I’ve made over the past year! Note that some graphics are labelled “outdated,” and you will get something much better than what it showcases!

PRIZE INFO && INSTRUCTIONS.

For the theme background, you must choose a theme (POPUP or static pages are both fine!), or arrange to have a theme made for you – I will not be coding one for you. Have the link to the original post that the theme creator made so that I can grab the code and references, and I’ll work it from there. So have that ready by the end of the raffle! If you don’t know how to use the theme, I'm up for talking you through it. I will also be willing to make minor edits to your theme code to match the theme background.

For the promotion graphic, if you have specific images you would like to use, then let me know and I will incorporate them into the final image. Though, for the purpose of aesthetic, it may turn out that I’m unable to use all of your preferred images. (This goes for the theme as well.)

For the icons, you must specify your character or your faceclaim – tell me if you prefer a certain film, comic, or other source (eg. fanart. But you must credit the fanartist in your blog pages, and [preferably] have their permission to use the art). I’ll also need your desired file size, and anything specific effects or design. 

All your winnings will be zipped and IMed to you, or sent via email!

THE RAFFLE DEADLINE IS 31 MARCH 2018. BEST OF LUCK!

[blazerina]

(😁😁 Ask game! If you get this message, choose ANY fanfic/fanart/other prompt you want, and send that same prompt to three creative people in your fandom! Don't forget to include this message! 😁😁) Prompt: "I can't believe I just said that out loud."

@firefly-hwufanficwriter - this has taken me forever to respond to but here you go! The prompt was: I can’t believe I just said that out loud.

PS This was not what I was intentionally going to write but the inspiration kind of took over and here we are. :) Thanks for sending me this prompt!

“A Regular Tuesday” - The Sophomore - Chris x MC & James x MC

Bridget stared through the oven window at the baked pasta that was almost ready. While she watched the cheese pulse and bubbleover the edge of the glass dish it was cooking in, the smell settled over the kitchen like a cloud, and she began to imagine how delicious it would taste.

“This is going to be sooo good!” She clapped her hands in giddy excitement, as she declared the news aloud to an emptyhouse.  She and her friends had beenliving in Professor Vasquez’s old house for about 2 months now, and they were well into themiddle of their fall semester.  The kitchen was her favorite place to be. It made the house feel even more like home. This is where she could provide for those who meant the most to her. Baking and cooking brought life; not only through nourishment, but time together and and joy from one another’s company as people gathered to break bread at the table.  Feeling confident and at peace, Bridgetmoved to the refrigerator and pulled out some vegetables, closing the door withher foot while humming a Taylor Swift song.

She had been preparing for this meal for a few hoursnow.  The apron around her waist wasproof of that. It was smeared with tomato sauce and chocolate, from the pastaas well as the chocolate pie she made that was cooling on the counter.  This would be the first night in a few weeksthat she and James would have together. Even though it was a Tuesday, she wanted to do something special forhim. He had been majorly stressed lately as he tried to balance his work with the paper, upcoming graduation, finding ajob and his general search for perfection in all things.  Making dinner for him was the leastshe could do to take his mind off of those troubling situations for a while.

The timer on her cell phone rang out and she dropped thelast of some bell peppers into a bowl of salad she was mixingtogether.  As she pulled the pasta dishout of the oven, she heard the hinges on the front door screech as it swung open.

“You’re here early, my love!” She called, beaming as she turnedaround with potholders on her hands, holding out the pasta dish, clearly proudof her creation.

Her face fell when she realized it wasn’t who she wasexpecting.

“Oh, shoot. Bridge! I’m sorry – I didn’t know you werehaving a…a…thing…” Chris blushed slightly as he looked his roommate up anddown.

Her hair was up (which was not the norm) and her diamondstud earrings sparkled in the candlelight that was reflecting from candles she lit on the kitchentable.  She had pulled out all the stopsthis time.  Chris knew that she loved tocook but hadn’t really experienced it much. He was so busy with Student Government or football, that he wasn’taround that much anymore. He made sure of it. Being around her was too difficult these days.

As he continued to take her in, he noticed the gleam in hereye as she nervously laughed, placing the hot dish back into the oven to keepit warm.  Her simple black dress wasstrapless but casual at the same time. Small, white, lacy designs decorated the bottom of her dress and while her heelsaided in her height, she was still small. He smirked at the pink and yellow apron around her waist and the many fresh stains that had been wiped upon it.

“Hey! It’s no problem at all.” She chuckled, taking the pot holders off of her hands and returning toher salad.  “I assumed since it was just a regular ole Tuesday evening, everyone would be gone…” Bridget trailed off while she absentmindedly grabbed a peeler and began peelingcarrots to add to the salad.

“Practice out early?” She asked, focusing on the smallstrips of orange that were landing in the sink. 

Something had been different this year with Chris and she didn’t knowwhat it was.  They had been making an effort to spend more time together, as friends of course, but they had come to rely onone another in a new and different way.  

Bridget knew that she loved James and that James loved her.They weren’t having problems, they were stronger and closer than ever…but inthose moments when it was just Chris and Bridget, there was somethingdeveloping and it made her nervous.  

They had spent more time together over the summer and the past few months, one on one. Bridget was busy with her book and her own writing for the paper, but she still wasn’t as preoccupied with life as James was.

She wasn’t worried about her relationship with James. For the first time in a while, since the whole California debacle, they were in a good place.  He trusted her, she trusted him and they really worked to make time for one another when it felt like things were getting too hectic.  Tonight was supposed to be a prime example of that new-found intentionality that both of them were working to bring to their relationship.

Is it just me? Shethought to herself.  I can’t be the only one that feels like something has changed between us.  The way he stares.  He looks at me different…he’s looking at me right now, I can feel it.  What’s happening - why am I struggling with this? Sometimes I’m sad when I don’t see him or hear from him for a while…be cool, Bridget.  Don’t be awkward. This is Chris – one of your best friends!

Lately she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about move in day, when she and Chris met. Her mind always traveled back to the kiss they shared on the rooftop their very first night together at Hartfeld.  After the kiss that night, she laid awakethinking about their future and all the opportunities that were waiting for her.She was sure that Chris was her one true love and they’d be collegesweethearts, living out their 4 years at university together and riding offinto the sunset at graduation to live their lives and start another adventuretogether.  As things began to unravelwith Becca, the sorority, writing for Vasquez and meeting James, Chris fadedmore and more into the background.

Bridget was lost in her thoughts again before a sharp pain interrupted them. “Ow!”She seethed, quickly dropping the carrot and the peeler into the sink with aloud clang.  

“Shoot.” She muttered, clasping her hand.  “I always do this.”

“You okay?” Chris dropped his gym bag by the door and walkedquickly to her side.  “What’d you do?”

“I’m fine, thanks, it’s stupid.  The peeler missed the carrot and got myfinger.” She smiled sheepishly. “I wasn’t paying attention.”  

Her knuckle was bleeding, but she ran it undersome water anyway.  “So – how waspractice?” She asked again, trying to find a way to fill the void or ease thetension or whatever it was that was happening lately between them.

“Eh, it was alright.” Chris shrugged, opening therefrigerator and scratching the back of his head, absentmindedly.  

He didn’t know what he was looking for. He wasn’t hungry. Hewasn’t thirsty.  He felt like he was in afog.  It took every ounce of strength to take his eyes or hismind off of Bridget. And he didn’t want to.

Look at what I missed out on. He toldhimself.  I don’t know how much longer I can do this…the more time we spendtogether, the more I realize how much I like her…but James. He’s my friend too!And she adores him…look at what she’s done for him…wish it was for me…it couldhave been for me…if I wasn’t so stupid…

“Just alright?” Bridget persisted, wrapping a paper towelaround her injured finger.

Chris snapped out of his mental diatribe with the refrigerator door still open. Without lookingaway from the fridge he answered, “We ended early – it got really hot inside thepractice facility and people were getting sick, so coach called it.  No one drinks enough water.” He grabbed abeer from the fridge and cracked it open.

Bridget raised an eyebrow, looked down at the can and thenback up at him, “Thank goodness you’re perfect, then.” She smirked, biting herbottom lip to stifle a laugh.

“Hey.” He raised the can as if to toast her, “I earned thistoday.”  He took a long sip, let out asatisfied sigh and moved closer to her, as if he all of a sudden mustered upcourage.  He held his breath whilereaching out for her arm.

Her back was to him as she used one hand to mix the contentsof the salad bowl, when he gently grabbed her elbow, trying to force her toturn around.  “Let me see your wound.”

Bridget closed her eyes and exhaled slowly, feeling his skinagainst hers.  “It’s really nothing…” Shesaid slowly, almost whispering as she turned to face him.  

His eyes locked with hers as he took her hand in his.  “Bridget, I’m in love with you.” Chrissighed, but kept his eyes focused on her face. 

“I can’t believe I just saidthat out loud…” He glanced at the floor for a moment, scared, but determined.

“I have to tell you this now, or I’m never going to.  Every day I find myself more and more attracted to you. Themore I get to know you, the more I see of you, the closer we become…” Hetrailed off, still holding her hand, the damp paper towel around her finger,now unraveling a bit.

Bridget couldn’t help her eyes from growing wide. “Chris. I…we…”She stammered, inhaling sharply, not knowing what to say. The two of them werecloser together now, facing each other.  

“I’m so confused.” She confessed, breathlessly.  “What…what’sgoing on between us?”  

“Very good question, Bridget.  That’s what I’d like to know.” James voiceechoed in the quiet house as he stood in the entry to the kitchen, waiting foran answer.

—

Shout out to my girl @joyfulchoices who has taught me and given me a whole new appreciation for Mr. Christopher Powell. Thank you, friend!