#and ultimately said no to trying to add fine detail to both the blades and the gem in the pendant-

[moonstruckbucky]

The Recruit (7/?)

Summary: Becoming a SHIELD agent had been your dream and finally, you’ve achieved it. You’re at the top of your class in every field except one—hand to hand combat, and it doesn’t impress Captain Rogers in the slightest. Instead, it seems to convince him you’re useless, setting off a tense relationship between the two of you. In an effort to bridge the gap, Bucky offers to help you train to earn your way back into Steve’s good graces. What could possibly go wrong?

Pairing: Steve Rogers x fem!Reader x Bucky Barnes (not Stucky)

Warnings for Chapter: Nothin’ but fluff and soft, squishy Bucky. A bit of amgry Steve.

Notes:  So... hi? It’s been a few months since the last update. I needed to step away for a while. Things were getting a little too heated here and it was really affecting how I felt about writing. And I hated that, quite frankly. I hated that I allowed people’s attitudes to get to me so bad it tainted one of the loves in my life. So. To the negative energy around here? Here’s a big middle finger. I’m not done yet. Clean up your act, and remember that all of us providing free content are fucking people. Y’all are getting a new, less bullshit-tolerant version of me. Smarten up. 

Also, enjoy! x

Series Masterlist //  Main Masterlist

When the quinjet touches down, you’re swept into the conference room to debrief the mission’s success. Sam, again, lets you take the lead in running down the mission, detailing the information hidden on the flash drive you’d managed to retrieve that contained the names of higher-ups within the organization. A quick cross-reference reveals their pasts associated with HYDRA, and Director Hill congratulates you on a job well done. 

You can’t help but preen, a warmth in your chest that spreads outward. Your fellow agents grin proudly, offer their congratulations yet again, and Sam smirks like the proud mentor he is in the corner of the room, still adorning his wingsuit. Though Hill grants you a small crooked smile, she’s quick to express that your mission report is due by eight the next morning, fully completed and as detailed as possible, before the room is dismissed.

A few of the agents pull you into conversation out in the hall, complimenting you, asking advice. It’s strange - you’re as green, or greener, than some of these other agents, and yet they’re flocking to you. You thank them for their praises but ultimately brush them off - you’re sure any one of them would have been able to perform the job as well as you had.

It takes some effort to get away, your desire to get to Bucky, to see and talk to him, overwhelming you. Despite being in desperate need of a shower, you decide to forego it and head to the elevator. You scrape your nails through your hair, tousle it, and smooth it down, adjust your uniform. There’s a nick in the left sleeve from a wayward knife blade, and your boot is untied. Sweat caked to your hair and exhaustion in your eyes, but you’re determined.

Bucky’s floor is empty, his door closed. Soft music plays from behind the wood, and you rap your knuckles three times. It takes a moment, but the music stops, and you can hear Bucky’s footsteps scuffing across the carpet as he nears the door.

The surprise is clear on his face when he takes you in, and it’s quickly shrouded by worry as those eyes of his, so bright and blue, rake over your form. He tugs you into his room, your feet getting tangled together, and you nearly get acquainted with his floor.

“Bucky!” you squeak, and then his hands are...everywhere. Running over your arms and legs, pressing for bruises or breaks or fractures, and while your face heats up under his scrutiny, you still manage to get a grip on his hands.

He stills, eyebrows still pinched in worry, a doubtful frown creasing his forehead.

“I’m okay,” you tell him softly, offer a smile that helps to drive the point home. “Mission was a success, no injuries, we’re all fine.”

You feel hot under his eyes as he gazes at you, hard and unwavering, until whatever he sees is enough to convince him. He nods sagely and takes a step back, taking his warmth with him. If he notices the slight shudder of your shoulders, he says nothing.

“I, um, I actually wanted to talk to you...about this morning.”

At that, Bucky withdraws a little. Crosses his arms over his broad chest and paints on a steely facade of indifference. It makes your stomach drop, but you plough on.

“I’m sorry I ran.” Even a highly-trained former assassin can’t hide the fact he’s taken aback by your statement, and it gives you the momentum to continue. “I got into my head and I...I panicked. I thought I was taking advantage—” you ignore his snort— “and that it would look like I was trying to...to sleep my way up the ranks. And so I ran. But I had some time to think and I owe you that apology. If I embarrassed you, or humiliated you, or made you think I was rejecting you… I’m sorry.”

As you’d spoken, Bucky had taken some steps forward, a teasing smirk curling his mouth. His chest inches from yours, he leers down at you, and it takes a strong willpower not to lean into him. He lowers his head until his mouth is just centimeters from yours, his warm breath brushing over your cheeks and his eyes keeping yours locked in their trap.

A cornered animal, but running is the last thing you want when he’s looking at you like this.

“You really think you could take advantage of a super-soldier?” comes his lilting, velvet voice. It washes over you like a blanket, raising gooseflesh beneath your uniform and yet hiking the temperature up a thousand degrees. Something low in your belly curls, squeezes, makes your blood race.

You tilt your face, let your lips brush over his as you speak, “I think I can be very persuasive.”

A slight upward curl of his smirk and then he’s kissing you so deeply you have to tilt your head back. Much like in the gym, everything is Bucky. His mouth is soft but unyielding against yours, so fluid it feels like a dance you’ve done a thousand times. Sighing against his mouth, you sink into him, and he hums in reply.

His body is hard and hot where he pulls you in, his flesh hand scorching your skin even through your catsuit. The gunmetal hand cups your jaw, thumb presses into the bone to coax your mouth open. Your knees buckle at the first glide of his tongue against your bottom lip, and you feel the muscles of his forearm flexing to balance.

Your fingers slide into his hair, kept down and smooth like it’s been freshly washed, curl around the strands and tug just enough to make him tremble and groan low in his chest. His teeth are sharp against your lower lip and you hiss, mewl when he soothes the sting.

When he pulls away, an audible noise between your parting mouths, you’re left breathless. A - mostly - innocent kiss that has you gripping his hair tightly just to remain upright. Chest heaving, you watch him, dark eyelashes like feathers over his cheeks, and then those eyes flutter open.

“I suppose that means I’m forgiven?” It’s breathier than you intend, but who could blame you after a kiss like that?

Cheekily, he smirks and shrugs. “Haven’t decided yet.”

A narrowing of your eyes and you tug again on his hair. His eyelids flutter again and that muscle ticks in his jaw as he clenches it.

“Careful, sweetheart,” he warns with a tilt of his head and a look that sets your blood on fire.It’s too warm in here, and your mind has poor timing in remembering you’ve got news for him. So you make the painful move of stepping back and lowering your hands to his chest.

“I spoke with the Captain,” you murmur, glancing away and letting your mind drift to earlier that morning.

Bucky’s eyebrows rise, and he walks backwards with you until the two of you can drop onto the couch. He pulls your legs across his lap, a move that’s so casual yet intimate it takes you a minute to recover.

“What happened?”

“He was waiting outside my room. And he apologized. For how he’s been treating me, that it wasn’t fair and he’d understand if I couldn’t forgive him.”

You groan a little under your breath as Bucky’s hands work over your legs, fingertips digging deep despite the material of the uniform. You catch the look on his face.

“You look surprised.”

“I am,” he admits. And then: “He clammed up pretty fast when I asked him about why he was being such a stubborn prick to you. I’m glad to hear he smartened up.”

“You talked about me?” The thought of the rigid Captain and Bucky discussing you puts a weird feeling in your belly - one you’re not sure is good or bad.

“We did. After he called you out in the gym. We were on a mission together and I tried to get some information out of him, but he wouldn’t say a word except to tell me to shut it. What did you tell him?”

You sigh through your nose, wince when Bucky digs into a tender spot on your calf. It’s almost jarring out at ease you feel with him. “Told him it’d take some time. I’d be civil, but that he shouldn’t count on us being friendly any time soon.”

He snorts. “Bet that sat just peachy with him.”

“He was actually quite accepting of it. I think he knew he didn’t really have any room to argue.”

Bucky hums thoughtfully, and a silence ensues for a little while. He’s stopped his massage of your legs, though he still keeps contact, both palms warm through the tac suit.

In the midst of the silence, a thought occurs to you, and you mumble, “He said I was a good agent. One of the best he’s seen.”

Bucky’s eyebrows rise again - it isn’t often Steve dishes out compliments of that caliber. He watches your expression carefully; sees that you’re zoning out a little bit, mind someplace else, but not too far.

“He’s not wrong,” he adds gently, pulling you back to the present. You turn your eyes to him, slightly awed and speechless. He nods, as if to reaffirm his opinion. “You are a good agent. You’re smart and quick, and you bust your ass here. You’re strong, and you don’t take shit, even from Steve - especially from Steve. You’re gonna go far, I’m sure of it. So I can tell you that that compliment? He means it.”

You purse your lips and sink into the couch, slightly uncomfortable with Bucky’s praise. You appreciate it, you do, but between his sincerity and the attention showered upon you by your fellow agents, it’s a lot to shoulder in just a day. Not to mention the mental whiplash courtesy of the Captain’s supposed heartfelt apology.

Bucky seems to notice the war within you, the shadow that’s suddenly passed over your face. With a gentle smile, he tugs you into his lap and stands, carries you easily to his bedroom. He sets you down on your feet, the carpet plush and soft. He reaches for the zipper of your suit, catching your confused leer.

“Relax,” he huffs, “not doin’ anything but getting you comfortable. I can see how tired you are.”

Shoulders drooping, you let him undress you until you’re down to the tank top and spandex shorts you put on beneath the suit. He steps silently to his dresser, a feat that amazes you given his sheer size, pulls open a couple of drawers. He drops some dark, soft clothing into your arms.

“I’ll let ya get changed.” He leaves his room, closes the door behind him, to give you some privacy. The thought makes your heart stutter.

You’re swimming in his clothes, a pair of heavy sweatpants and a long-sleeved shirt that instantly surrounds you in his scent. It’s comforting, and you close your eyes and smile as you bury your nose in the collar. You feel awkward, though, standing in the middle of his bedroom. You glance at the bed - are you allowed there? He didn’t explicitly say no and yet…

Before you can worry too deeply, Bucky comes back with a mug clutched in his vibranium hand. The smell of green tea wafts into your nose as he gets closer, and the ceramic is warm when he hands it to you. You breathe deeply before the first sip, and you get a small hint of sweetness.

“Honey?” you question.

“Learned a thing or two since coming off ice. C’mon.”

He tugs once on the baggy sleeve of your shirt and climbs onto the bed, sitting up against the headboard with those long legs out in front of him. He helps you balance carefully, maneuvers you so that you’re tucked up into his lap, mug clutched tight between your hands.

He radiates heat, and a fog settles over you, a sleepy, honey-slow descent into exhaustion. You get halfway through the tea before you begin to doze; his metal fingers clink against the mug when he gently takes it from you, sets it on the nightstand, and shimmies down the bed while keeping you curled up against him.

It’s hours later when you wake. No light streams through the windows; you’ve slept through the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. The bed beside you is empty but warm from Bucky’s body heat, so he hasn’t been gone long. Still exhausted, you roll over, hug Bucky’s pillow to your face, and drift off again.

In the kitchen, Bucky swirls a glass of bourbon, leans against the counter. A tray with a couple of ham and cheese sandwiches rests on the counter behind him, a quick dinner for the two of you considering everyone else has turned in for the night. Steve sits across from him at the island, needing a break from endless paperwork and mission organization. He’d found Bucky bent over the counter, putting together the sandwiches.

At Steve’s questioning look, he’d said, “Y/N slept through dinner.”

And something sour curdles deep in his belly at the knowledge you’d slept - full context unknown - with Bucky. Found comfort in his best friend despite knowing he has no right. Not after the way he’s treated you.

“She said you apologized.”

Steve glances up at his friend, nods calmly. “Thought it was extremely overdue, and I didn’t really want her to leave because of me. Sam said she did well today, leading the team.”

“Bet that just ruffles your feathers, doesn’t it?”

Steve’s ready to retort, irritated, until he sees the gleam in Bucky’s eye, the smirk fighting to break through. He quickly deflates with a twitch of a smile.

“No, I’m...I’m happy to hear she’s not letting what I said get to her. I’m happy to hear she’s doing well.” It’s not a lie, but it’s said with a kind of hopeless tone that has Bucky tilting his head.

“When are you gonna tell me what all that was really about?” Bucky questions carefully. Sighing, Steve digs his thumbs into his eyes and shrugs. “Because even I gotta admit that isn’t like you at all. You always give people a chance before you have a bad opinion of them.”

“I don’t have a bad opinion of her…”

Bucky clenches his jaw, squeezes the glass in his hand. “You were on her ass from day one, pushing her and humiliating her when she didn’t meet whatever imaginary standard you’d set for her. She’s a rookie, Steve, she’s learning, and she’s learning fast if you ask me.”

He knows Bucky is right, yet his words paired with that acrid feeling in his stomach makes him scoot back from the island and turn to leave the room. Bucky calls his name, frustration and almost disbelief evident in his tone, but he ignores it.

He knows he’s being petty and stubborn and unreasonable, but he can’t help it. He’s normally not the type to run away from a fight, but how could he tell Bucky his true reason for his behavior? How could he tell his best friend that the girl he’s into reminds him of the very one she replaced? That her determination and confidence sent his heart hammering in his chest the very first day he met her?

….That he’s into the very same woman Bucky is?

Steve scrubs a hand over his face with a grunt as he stomps back to his room. That nauseous feeling still bubbling in his belly, he paces. He needs something to do, something that doesn’t require him to think, where he can shut his brain off. An idea crops up, one he knows is bad, but he can’t seem to stop himself from grabbing a jacket and exiting his room again.

[maikatc]

ahhhhh thank you! i literally just went on an art sprint to get all of my wip pieces done including yours ajdnakfjak— i honestly really did have fun working on this when i actually worked on it lmao. and i agree, i'm really loving the hair work on this one and i couldn't help but add those notes to the final product; they were too cute to pass up.

AFTER FOUR MONTHS OF BEING ON AND OFF I FINALLY FINISHED THIS DRAWING OH MY– 

so this is Aryia from The Eternity’s Magic (wip by @tenacious-scripturient go follow him uwu) with a transparent in which i started in late february and only finished now. this probably isn’t how he visualized it (especially after i saw there was a picrew that was fairly different–) but i mainly went by how she was described from a powerpoint and a summary. hopefully, this can be considered good enough for the effort. not gonna lie i do really like the final result though i still have the psd in case i feel the need to edit again, also sorry if this is a little messy.

[no-i-didnt-notice-im-short]

Heyy,, I don’t know if you’re taking writing prompts at all so if you’re not just discard this? I couldn’t help but wonder how the team would’ve reacted if Red hadn’t gotten to Lance in time in s7? Like how when Adam’s team was fighting and when they died their lines went red on screen, like that for Lance? Maybe some Shklance or Klance because I’m weak? Love your writing though!!!!

I am so sorry this took so long. Also, i chose Sklance cz i am weak too.

Hope you like this ❤ Ao3

Lance’s reunion with his family was so pure to the pointthat Shiro was afraid of his own envy. He secretly hoped for Adam’s presence,though they were not together anymore, to welcome him back to his home planetinstead of it being Iverson. Keith was standing next to him smiling fondly atthe Cuban boy. Sadness plagued his eyes if you knew where to look but wasultimately completely drowned with fondness towards their boyfriend.

Lance had spoken for hours on end about his family and howmuch he missed them. The other two males having come from a much smallerfamilies and could do nothing to relate but gladly offered an ear to theirthird partner. Looking at him now, how much his family cried over their lostmember and how much emotion was displayed infront of them, they were thankingthe heavens for every second Lance was able to avoid death.

The Sendak incident, the Sven incident, the… Omega Shieldincident.

There had been way too many times where it seemed like Lancewas cursed to get hurt, which made their anxiety over their lover’s possibledemise weigh over them, keeping them up at night. They’ve talked about it, whenLance would have his headphones on and loud to calm his thoughts and soothe himto sleep when not even Shiro and Keith can help, on what they would do or howthey would react. How the universe was intent on throwing hardships at Lanceevery step of the way.

They could never fully imagine.

Not even during the omega shield incident, neither of themwere really there. They found out long after it happened and were alwayssoothed by Lance that he was fine and that it didn’t have any lasting effect onhim. Of course, the two black paladins still insisted he took things slowerthan usual and not jump into things head on. Keith’s two years of maturitytrumping Lance’s argument that hot-headedness was Keith’s thing.

After Hunk settled in his given room, Pidge left with herfamily and the Alteans were given their own double suite. Shiro asked commanderabout his old quarters considering he used to be a high ranking pilot.

“The one you shared with Captain Adam.” Iverson looked atShiro with unreadable eyes. He thought he saw sadness but dismissed it as atrick of lighting.

“Yeah… I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t mind if I crashed withhim for a while. It was my apartment too.”

The older male looked at the other two males in the roombefore training his gaze back at Shiro.

“You might want to sit down for this.”

Keith and Lance each stood next to a shoulder showing theirfull support to their partner no matter what. After Iverson delivered the news,Shiro stared at his hands for a few seconds before droplets of salty tearsfell, staining his pants. He didn’t realize he was crying until his upper kneearea was completely soaked. Lance sat down next to Shiro and held him into hischest as sobs rattled his entire body.

Despair and hopeless shocked hissystem. He knew this was a military base and death was inevitable as someonewho signed up for this. But he never thought it would be so soon for hisex-lover. It brought back his small pinches of fear towards his current lovers,so he reached for Keith and brought him down to their level and held him close.He wanted to be surrounded by as much of them as possible. He needed to feeltheir heartbeats against him, even if faint. He will do whatever he can to keepthem safe.

After deciding to split up for the 6 bases, the Voltron teamand MFE pilots and Shiro stood to say their final thoughts to each other.

“Everyone keep your coms ready and open.” Shiro urged theyounger pilots. “I want to be able to hear everything and have the ability totalk to you no matter what, okay?”

A series of affirmatives rounded from everyone.

“So here is the full plan, again.” Shiro spent the next tenminutes revising the details to make sure things will go as smoothly aspossible. He couldn’t afford mistakes. These were the lives of his friends andlovers, not just his colleagues.

“Lastly, Lance.” Grey eyes met striking blue. “You andVeronica will go the one closest to here. She will drive you while you try toconnect with Red.”

“Do I have to go with Veronica?” Lance said, his voiceetching with concern and worry. Shiro understood what he must be going through.Lance had told them of his worries about his sister being a part of this, eventhough she was a Garrison officer long before he left Earth in the first place.

“Calm down, Lancelot!” She said smiling at her youngerbrother. Their dynamic was always so light-hearted but never lacked the seriousundertone. They both had mad respect for the other’s abilities in theirspecific forts.

“You can’t blame me for worrying.” Lance said defensively.

“I don’t. It’s sweet, but misplaced. We’ll be fine. Besides,according to my calculations, the other bases have a much higher chance ofbeing attacked due to the higher concentration of Galra camps surrounding them.So, this is going to be easy-peasy.”

Shiro stepped forward and put his hand of Lance’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry. I believe in you.”

Worry lines smoothed on his tanned face as he broke into agrin. Lance had shared with him what the clone had done and said to him. Hisself-esteem was shot to the ground and he was in a bad mental place. RealizingShiro was dead the whole time also gave him abandonment issues as he didn’tunderstand why Keith had left him for the Blade – which he later said was dueto his extremely poor hold on his emotions and believed that way he was helpingLance after their talk - and Shiro retuned with a colder, meaner attitude withno real explanation. He was extremely lonely and left with his thoughts. Itdidn’t end well.

It took the whole ride back to Earth to ease his mind andtry to fix what was broken between them. It worked for the most part.

They separated into their designated jets and car and tookoff.

Lance and Veronica were bickering about an old prank theyplayed a long time ago, James and Keith were adding jabs to see which one ofthe Cubans could actually be right and Pidge and Hunk were laughing ateverything as they knew what actually happened in that event, especially Hunkas he was there. Allura kept asking for clarifications on certain phrases thesiblings were using and were causing all this laughter; She wanted to take partas much as possible.

Shiro smiled fondly at their images on his screen. They werethe ones from back in the Garrison days, except for Allura who took a fastimage before the mission to add her to the database. Keith’s scar-less face andLance’s younger, softer features next to their frequencies was sendingbutterflies down his stomach as if he was fifteen again.

He missed this primal, innocentfeeling too much sometimes.

He signalled the Paladins when it was time for them to reachout for their lions. Keith and Allura gave their confirmations at the sametime, followed by Hunk and Pidge a few minutes later.

“Lance. Status?”

“Red’s not responding to me.”

Shiro’s wide eyes stared at the screen.

“What do you mean, he’s not responding? Are youconcentrating?”

“I am!”

“Well, keep trying!”

He ran to Coran’s screen to make sure of the surroundings oftheir car. He was so dependent that the Lions will respond to the Paladins thathe didn’t plan for back up in case they don’t respond.

The blinking light of an incoming ship was damning.

“Veronica, you have incoming. 6 o’clock.”

He heard her confirmation before he moved to Iverson demandingto know the fastest squad he could send in their direction.

A pained grunt filled his ears and then dual screamed beforecomplete silence. Everyone aboard the Atlas stared in horror at the screenshowing the images. Shiro couldn’t tear his eyes from Lance’s.

“Lance. Lance, come in.”

He could faintly hear the other’s panic induced worriedyells on the coms, but the blood pounding in his ears was getting too much. Hisbrain filtered only Keith’s voice.

“Shiro did his coms cut?”

It took him a minute before he found his voice again.

“No, he is still online.”

“Will I be able to make it in time?!”

Shiro didn’t comprehend what Keith had said before Iversonwas yelling at him to not change his location.

“We have to strike the bases at the same time, anyways. If Lancecan’t strike his, then what’s the point of this?” Keith yelled back.

“Keith. Stay where you are. We have to believe Lance isokay.” Shiro said calmly struggling to hide the internal panic from his voice.

A familiar groan draws his attention.

“Lance!”

“Yeah… I’m here.”

Shiro released a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

“Shiro, Veronica’s hurt.” Lance’s voice was too small tocome out of the loud Cuban.

“Check on her first.”

Soldiers around Shiro looked at him. He knew asking asolider to check on his teammate before asking for a full status report waswrong. But he also knew Lance. If he asked him to put anything before hisfamily, and having to follow the order since Shiro is his superior, Lance wouldnever forgive him.

“She’s… She’s breathing.”

“That’s good. Now, give me a status report.”

“The car is in compete ruins, we are approximately 6.3 milesaway from destination, Veronica… she’s bleeding from her forehead and breathingshallowly.”

“And you?”

“Me?” it seemed to take him a while to answer. “I have atwisted-

Lance didn’t get to finish his sentence before he yelpedloudly as he was caught by surprise by whatever was around him.

“Coran?”

“There is not a thing on our radars.”

“Lance talk to me.”

“Galra… Ship.” Lance said between pained pants. A thunderous,roaring hit way too close to Lance.

“Lance try to get out of there!!”

“I am on my way.” Keith’s voice came out of nowhere. Wherethe hell was Red? He wanted to tell Keith to stay where he was for the mission,but couldn’t.  He wanted him to reachLance and make sure their partner was okay, even if he was here… helpless.Again.

Another mechanical noise made it way, Lance was close totheir ruined car and was trying to start it despite his previous report. Aresounding metal on metal clunk goes on for some time before deafening silence.

“Lance…” Shiro’s voice was unsure and small.

“Baby…” His eye widened at the raw emotion in his voice.“Veronica is under… the bent hood of the car… she is probably concussed so gether medical attention straight away, okay?”

A tear makes its way down. Lance can’t give up. He can’t…

“I am sorry I couldn’t do more… I am sorry I didn’t finishthis mission, it was so so simple.” Shiro’s hands were shaking distractingly.His vision was starting to blur. Lance’s helplessness mirrored Shiro’s toomuch. Lance was not allowed to feel this helpless. He was powerful and loud andtoo big of a soul to be reduced to… this.

“LANCE! I AM ON THE WAY, PLEASE, BABY DON’T DO ANYTHING”

The background noise was getting progressively louder thanKeith’s shouts. The Galra ship was getting closer. The ex-black paladin heardthe charging sound of Lance’s blaster and knew he was preparing.

An ear splitting blast hit close to Lance causing a staticin his coms. He barely heard Lance groan before another hit his proximityagain. and again. Fire was raining on Lance and he couldn’t even get a visualon the situation.

He couldn’t decide whether that was good or bad.

A shocked gasp came from their communications before anothershrill and then silence. Awful, deafening, ear splitting silence. Everyoneseemed to be holding their breaths. Eyes stared at the screen, at the changedcolour infront of them.

Red.

Where Lance’s bright and colourful image was, a red aura wasupon it. Shiro was not oblivious or stupid; he knew what it meant. But never…in the past years would he have ever thought that he would lose Lance afterreaching Earth. It seemed like a cruel joke the universe was playing on him.

The fast moving blinking dot indicating Black stopped on thescreen.

“Please don’t… he can’t…”

And it might have been the broken sound in Keith’s voicethat released him from his shocked state; he was on the ground, on his knees,seconds later. His hands pulling at his hair as his physically felt himselflose part of his heart. The cracks of his mind were expanding, oozing away hissanity.

They were too late.

No amount of late night talks could have ever prepared himand Keith for the real thing.

I haven’t written a prompt in a while. Sorry if it was shit, blame it on the fact that i am a bit rusty.

Have y’all seen that S8 trailer?!

[codehouwas-blog]

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While there are greater varieties of summer/spring time choices, there are plenty of beautiful fall plants that you can try out. Summer plants will begin to fade away as they prepare for dormant winter seasons but your joy and happiness doesn’t have to go along with it! Here are some creative ideas to keep your fall landscaping in tip top shape and have your neighbors wondering how you do it!

Trim Your Grass Low

Let’s start off with the lawn because it is one of the most noticeable aspects of your landscaping design. Shorter blades of grass make it difficult for your lawn to become infected with diseases that have a tendency to grow when conditions become colder. Moisture encourages mildew but a shorter blade height will prevent this while also providing an added visual benefit.

Trimming your lawn will keep your lawn healthy and happy! (via: Good Enough Mother)

When leaves fall, they often get stuck in your yard and dance helplessly as the wind pushes them along in hopes of escaping from the clenches of your grass blades. With a shorter lawn, you also won’t have to worry about picking up as many leaves! We recommend that you lower your lawnmower blade to about 1 3/4 inch. Remember the best height is largely dependent on the species of grass that you have.

Block the View

Yes, we said it; block the view! When you create a landscaping design that blocks portions of your backyard/garden, you create an opportunity for the imagination to flow. This evokes emotions that are the ultimate goal of any work of art. Covering certain areas of your patio with greenery will add depth to your backyard and help fashion separate sub-themes running throughout your design.

Be Particular about the Hues that You Choose

The saying that “opposites attract” holds true to your garden as well. Incorporating contrasting colors and hues will add balance to your garden and create a colorful and exciting array of beauty for your viewing pleasure. If you only utilize vibrant colors, your garden will become overpowering. Instead, frame these plants with colors that contrast and balance the surrounding vegetation!

Perennials

Chrysanthemums, playfully nicknamed “mums,” are one of the premier seasonal Fall plants in any gardeners fail-safe book. Perennial plants are those that live for more than two years. This is different from others that may have a shorter life-cycle ranging from annual to biennial. Mums blossom in fall and have the ability to survive in colder temperatures, sometimes even to the point of frost! Another great idea for your fall garden would be adding Japanese Anemone’s. These gorgeous plants have long stems that produce utterly breathtaking pink or white flowers!

Image courtesy Perfect Gardening Tips.com.

Incorporate the Elements

Appeal to the natural senses by adding a water feature or even a fire pit! This will help to liven up your fall landscaping design. The calming sound of a trickling fountain will create a heavenly experience in your backyard patio! Adding fire to your backyard set up will help to keep you warm and create a natural gathering point for visiting relatives this Holiday Season!

The Up North Fire Pit from Our 5 Favorite Outdoor Firepits for Fall.

Weave Your Structures into Your Landscaping

Use existing structures to enhance the look and feel of your backyard landscaping. Instead of leaving this area without any vegetation, you can hang plants from gazebos and pergolas to create a mystical experience! Don’t forget, you can always complement your wondrous landscape with patio decor items that will add a personal touch to your yard!

Create a Garden Escape

Finally, when you’ve completed your natural masterpiece, you’ll need a place to snooze and catch a nap! Designate a place to relax in the comfort of your patio. It’s common to find a single “thinking bench” in the midst of an elaborate garden. You can add a few pieces of furniture to read a new book, chat with a friend, or reflect on life! Embracing the benefits of outdoor living can help improve overall happiness and quality of life!

Imaging watching your garden blossom while seated on the Vineyard Double Bench.

About this Post Cheryl Khan is a sister, daughter, loving friend, frantic writer who enjoys spending time in her backyard to clear her head and free her mind! While she will admit that she isn’t a professional gardener, she appreciates being able to witness the fruits of her labor in those brief moments

[britesparc]

Weekend Top Ten #380

Top Ten Favourite Moments at E3 2019

I have to concede it was a slightly disappointing year. Maybe I was just too excited and had set unrealistic expectations. But most of the big games were already announced, and Microsoft didn’t really say anything we didn’t know regarding their next console. But there were at least one or two really cool moments – one of which is probably going to be held up as one of the big E3 moments of the modern age. And so, with no further ado, here’s my list of favourite E3 moments. Nowt much to add, let’s get onto the list!

Keanu! Yeah, this is it. At the end of a pretty but very grim trailer for Cyberpunk 2077 (which, sadly, seemed to be a cutscene that failed to show anything about how the game played), all of a sudden a character appears talking to the player, and it’s only bloody Keanu Reeves. Then the doors parted, smoke billowed, and he is come among us. “You’re breathtaking!” someone shouted (less weird than it sounds in context). He was suitably hyped, seemed to have a vague idea of what he was talking about, and really just cemented his position as the grooviest, coolest, nicest guy in showbiz. It was during the Microsoft conference, and managed to steal all the thunder from Microsoft’s other reveals before they had time to make them; arguably, it even stole all the thunder from Cyberpunk, too. Who cares about violent Blade Runner homages when here’s Ted Theodore Logan to tell us that we’re breathtaking, too?

Game Pass Ultimate! I love Game Pass. I think it’s a really good deal. I also think it’s not really for me, not in the medium term; I have too big a backlog of bought games, not enough time, and, frankly, not enough money. I get my Gold and that’ll do for now. But Ultimate, which rolls in Game Pass for both PC and console, as well as Gold, sounds like it’s probably the future (especially once they roll in xCloud too). But really this is here just because they did the best deal I think I’ve ever seen in gaming. Try Game Pass Ultimate for £1, they said; cool, I said, gives me an opportunity to check out Void Bastards and get back on Crackdown 3. What they didn’t say is that, for £1, they convert your existing Xbox Live Gold to Game Pass Ultimate for the duration of your subscription; in my case, next May. So – having already paid for Gold – I’ve now essentially got eleven months of games for £1. £1. That’s crazy. Thank you, Microsoft.

Star Wars! They’d sorta shown Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order before E3, but the extended gameplay that they demoed during both the E3 presentation and the MS one has made me quite excited. I like both Titanfall games so I’m already fond of Respawn, and I’m a long-standing fan of Star Wars games. I’ve seen some sniffing at this, but I think it looks terrific; sufficiently like Jedi Knight (or, more specifically, Jedi Knight II and Jedi Academy) to whet my appetite. It looks more fun than Force Awakens; faster, frothier, brighter, and with better combat. In short: I have a good feeling about this

LEGO Star Wars! In a way, even more exciting, even if I’ve already played a LEGO version of two-thirds of this game. But my understanding is that this is all-new, a journey through nine films retold through the medium of LEGO. My near-religious adoration of LEGO games, plus Star Wars, plus the fact that LEGO Star Wars was the game that started this crazy franchise in the first place, means this will be a must-have next year.

Animal Crossing! I guess we all knew it was coming but it was simply delightful to see: the Switch version of Animal Crossing. Not being a fundamentalist Nintendo fan, I’ve not played a Crossing since the DS, but I am a big fan of the games (I remember insisting one December 31st that I ring in the New Year with my DS open, just to see what it was like over partying with the Animals). The new one looks gorgeous; beautiful, cute visuals, a really nice semi-tropical setting, little touches that I can imagine will just make day-to-day gameplay more appealing, and some great multiplayer options. I know everyone else is disappointed that it’s been pushed back slightly to next Spring, but that fits in better with other games I’ve got to play (including Fallen Order at Christmas) so job’s a guddun as far as I’m concerned. Roll on 2020.

Zeldas! Plural! I never had a Gameboy (or a NES, or a SNES; technically I never had an N64 or a GameCube either, although I did live with people who had them at the time); I never played the original Link’s Awakening. Everyone goes on and on about it but it holds precisely zero emotional attachment for me. But I do like Zelda games; even if I’ve never spent a phenomenally long time with any of them, really, I do like them, and I’d love to really sink my teeth into Breath of the Wild. The art style of the Awakening remake is phenomenal; it doesn’t look like it’s revolutionising the gameplay but it’s simply beautiful to behold. And then at the end, a darker-tinged Breath sequel? Even I find that exciting, and I’ve barely played Breath as it is. I suppose one of the true game announcement surprises this E3.

Watch Dogs! Yes, I know! I’ve never played a Watch Dog. They look a bit generic, if I’m honest. And dense. Another big open-world game for me to sink time I have into. The new one being set in London is quite nice, although prospect of playing a post-Brexit London just feels depressing, if I’m honest. However! The video they showed looked really good fun. True, the London they showed did not look recognisably London-ish, but the gameplay looked crazy. Helen, the geriatric assassin, flopping over barriers and tasering people? Yes please. More ninja grannies in games. And the lady who fought like John Wick, kung fu-ing mofos before shooting them once in the head? Incredible. I want an entire game of that. Will I get Watch Dogs Legion? Probably not. But I’d like to play it.

Scarlett! I know, I know. It’s not what I predicted, and not what I wanted. But when I think about it, I was being a bit unrealistic. I suspected, based on what I know about the industry and what I read about available technology, that in al likelihood the next Xbox console would be coming out Christmas 2020. So how much were they likely to show eighteen months prior? No name, no box, no price. Figures. So in that respect, I guess it was disappointing, but it was really nice to hear them talk about the future of Xbox. It’s interesting that, from what we know so far, it appears identical to the PS5. but, really, it’s the confidence of Microsoft in the future of the brand and the consoles we’ll play in years to come that’s reassuring. Bit bummed out that Nintendo didn’t offer any new hardware either, mind.

Double Fine! Microsoft’s rampant acquisition of companies continues apace, which reassures me when approaching a new console generation. It’s still too early, really, to see the fruits of these developer purchases: incoming games from the likes of Ninja Theory will have been well underway before they saw juicy MS dollars. Buying Double Fine is a surprise, and a welcome one for me; I’ve been delighted by so much of their output (Brutal Legend, Costume Quest, underrated puzzle game Scurvy Scallywags); and I’ve loved Tim Schafer since his LucasArts days. It was Schafer’s hilarious onstage appearance that most appealed though: claiming he’d do anything MS asked, “Halo stuff, Forza stuff”. A self-deprecating wit so rarely seen on an E3 stage.

Devlolver Em-Effing Direct! The Devolver Digital “press conferences” are a witty riposte to the earnestness of E3. Foul-mouthed, hyper-violent spectacles that lampoon sacred cows of the videogame industry and dare to ask questions of the way in which things are done – as well as actually announce cool new stuff – they serve as an amusing if throat-stinging chaser after days of corporate doublespeak. This year they turned their bloodshot gaze onto “Direct” videos; apt given the number of big publishers who eschewed a showfloor presence in favour of a tailored YouTube stream. A steady flow of deep-cut RoboCop references was the order of the day, along with some surprisingly dense continuity and another cliffhanger ending. Can’t we do these more than once a year?

There we are; not necessarily a banner year, given that it was the last gasp of a fading generation. But plenty to like and a few surprises. I guess it’s a bit weird that it’s not really the news of individual games that I will be taking away from E3 2019; rather, it’s moments and services and promises of the future.

So was I right about any of my ridiculous predictions? Well, a bit. Microsoft and Nintendo didn’t divulge any concrete details on their consoles; nor did Ninty really pull a classic out of their hat. But there was a second Star Wars game alongside Fallen Order (LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga); there will be “xCloud shenanigans” this autumn, if not quite in the way I predicted; there was a “Big game on Switch”, but it was The Witcher 3; no “Minecraft 2” but there was Minecraft Dungeon. Most of the other predictions didn’t really happen, however. I nearly suggested something big would end up an Epic Store exclusive, but I was trying to be positive, and I didn’t really want that to happen; lo and behold, here comes Shenmue 3. So – considering it was more of a wishlist than a realistic prophecy – I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out.

[blackrose-ffxiv]

Non-Aggression Treaty 10/13

Idristan Agache lets out a long sigh as he walks into Wineport. He looked tired, though for once it seemed to be less exhaustion and more sleeplessness, if the circles under his eyes were any indication. From the look on his face, he was in an even more grumpy mood than usual too, something that the morning (or well, approaching afternoon) sun was doing nothing to help. He was dressed casually, and though he had his staff with him, he certainly didn't seem to be expecting trouble. Which would perhaps end up being a mistake.

Lebeaux Desrosiers arrived at Wineport and dusted a bit of dirt from his cloak immediately. The outer towns and villages were always so… dirty. Yet he could see the charm of Wineport. The rolling green fields and proud stone structures did strike a chord, they were almost reminiscent of Coerthas before the snow. The information had indeed proven correct and there was a white-clad elezen with hair to match and a staff far too pretty for his miserable talents as a conjurer. Idristan. Lebeaux followed after, though he was careful to remain out of striking distance for now. “Good afternoon.” He offered cheerfully, his smug smile already in place. “Drinking away your sorrows or have you come to find work as a field hand. Perhaps even you won’t be able to muck that up.”

Idristan starts and whirls on his heel at the familiar voice. "Oh, for the love of Halone," he mutters irritably under his breath. "Lebeaux," he says, his voice as cold as ice as his hands ball into fists at his sides. "I have no idea what sorrows you're talking about," he declares. "And perhaps you should be the one considering field work. Perhaps you would find more success in that than in duels."

“Oh? You’re not in mourning for your most recent employment endeavor? Or your convicted company mates? You are cold, aren’t you.” He teased, bringing a hand up to his mouth as though to stifle a chuckle. Though none was forthcoming. His gaze drifted briefly around the small settlement. “Oh, of course you aren’t taking field work. A monster who would use disgusting forbidden craft in a sacred trial would be better suited in the dirt rather than working it…” He noted pointedly.

Idristan glares over at the other Elezen. "Hardly," he snaps, or perhaps lies. "It was a job. Nothing more, nothing less. And they knew exactly the risks that they were taking," he adds. "Better them than all of us," he adds quietly, under his breath. His hands ball tighter, knuckles showing white at Lebeaux's next words. "Well, the same goes for you, now doesn't it? I think we both know how the Alliance treats those who have been tempered. A swift blade to the neck, or perhaps a few bullets..." He lets his voice trail off to make the point, before adding: "So how are the voices in your head this sun?"

Gloved fingers curled into fists as well before they smoothed out again with the soft creak of leather. He had come armed, just in case, yet he wasn’t eager to turn it into a brawl just yet. The medic smiled sweetly. “Your ignorance is astounding. You have a glimpse of true divinity and you would call it ‘tempering’.” He scoffed, then held up both of his hands. “For now we shall simply blame it on the veil of void taint skewing your perspective. That isn’t why I’m here. I’m here to talk. Preferably with a glass of wine since I’ve had to come all the way out to Wineport for it.”

Idristan shakes his head. "No, I'm fairly certain that it's just tempering. What did you do Lebeaux?" he asks, his tone turning light and mocking. "What did you summon? Because I've heard that that is heretical," he finishes pointedly. He then rolls his eyes, apparently not impressed by this explanation--either one of them really. "Sure you are," he remarks dryly. "I'll believe that when I actually see it."

Lebeaux rolled his eyes and exhaled a long-suffering sigh as well. “If it will shut your loathsome mouth; I have never summoned. Not a primal nor a void creature. Far more than I can say for you, Idristan.” He noted calmly. “Now if it’s proof of my intentions you want, you’ll have it.” He swept a hand aside to gesture to the local inn. “A calm discussion like gentlemen.” He paused, covering his mouth again as though he’d just made a faux pas. “Oh, excuse me. A gentleman and a slum-born-bastard with delusions of being a gentleman.”

Idristan's lips curl back, briefly revealing that set of fangs. "I am no void mage," he snaps. At least, not for a long time. He narrows his eyes as he briefly follows Lebeaux's gesture, some of that anger returning at being called a bastard. But for now he manages to keep it in check. Mostly. "Fine Lennaux," he says coldly. "After you." He pauses for a moment, as if in thought, then adds: "I wonder which is worse. Being a bastard, or being an exile. I feel like it must be the latter."

“I would recommend you not let that name pass your lips again, you sully it.” He turned on his heel with a theatrical snap of his coattails, taking a moment to ensure his smile was still in place. A little crooked but otherwise intact. He stalked over to the inn. “Present yourself to your precious Reformists as what you truly are and see if they still welcome you with open arms.” He said slowly before he pushed the door open to find a seat.

"From what I've heard, you seem to have done an excellent job of sullying it yourself. Is that why you don't use it anymore?" he needles as he follows reluctantly after Lebeaux. He takes a seat as well, carefully across the table and out of easy reach, before he glowers over at Lebeaux, his hands curling into fists once more. "At least I wouldn't be going down alone, if I did that," he hisses back. "I'm sure my Reformists would be delighted to have the name and address of an Inquisitor hiding from justice." Of course, his justice would likely not involve beheading, unless Lebeaux was too stupid to swallow his pride. An unfortunate detail that.

A hand was raised, showing his empty palm to Idristan in a gesture of truce. At least for the moment. An order was placed for two glasses of local Red and to leave the bottle behind. Once the serving girl was gone he settled his attention back onto Idristan. “Could you truly bear it, though. The look of betrayal that slowly turns to anger once they realize they’ve let a monster into their midst. You hide behind just as many, if not more, lies as I.”

Idristan eyes the other warily. He wasn't entirely sure that Lebeaux understood the meaning of the word "truce"--at least, as anything other than a temporary pause to get more leverage. However, he doesn't quite meet Lebeaux's eyes. "Yes, well," he says slowly. "I had no choice about that. You, on the other hand, very much did.

“You could have returned to Her grace by turning yourself over to the Exorcists and confessing.” He suggested, knowing full well that usually only ended in another corpse once they were finished studying the subject. A hand waved to dismiss the matter, it had only been intended to prickle at the other. “I could have remained and decried my belief and the True Faith. To roll over for the Reformists and help them to dismantle Ishgard piece by piece to sell it off to the Alliances? I will not trade the truth for a comfortable post as a clergyman proselytizing falsehoods. I will take the exile and use it to reflect and to plan. And when the time is right I will return.”

Idristan can't help but let out a soft snort at that. It seemed he had a good guess of what said Exorcists would do too. "I've done exorcisms," he points out. "The rituals differ, but the technique tends to be the same. Make being in the host so uncomfortable that the voidsent leaves." His lips curve up into a rather bitter smile. "There is no voidsent to banish, however. Which you should know already," he adds pointedly. "And anyroad, I think you're the one in far more need of the Exorcists than me. I'm not the one hearing voices," he points out. "Because that's ultimately all your faith is, isn't it? And Reformists are only dismantling the parts of Ishgard that should have been dismantled ages ago," he says fervently. He then snorts softly and adds: "And I suspect you'll be waiting a very long time, in that case." He didn't seem to be upset about this fact.

Lebeaux lifted a hand again as the glasses of wine were set down and the bottle placed between them. Once the serving girl was gone he slid his own glass closer. “I can see there’s little point reasoning with you, between your common-bred ignorance and your corruption you are incapable of understanding truths.” He took a small sip of the wine and set the glass down again. “Nonetheless I must try for the sake of the larger picture. While your claims about me may excite some of the radical Reformists and goad some action against me, I am quite confident what I know of your true nature would have far more worrying sorts breaking down your door during the night. Do you agree?”

Idristan does indeed fall silent as the serving girl comes over. He's no fool. He claims a glass for himself, taking a small sip from it before looking back towards Lebeaux once more. "My 'common-bred ignorance'," he growls warningly. "Was enough to get me into the Scholasticate, the same as you," he points out coldly. "And the... corruption." The word seems to pain him. "Does not affect my mind." Most of the time. When it was under control. He then falls silently, absently swirling the wine in his glass as he looked for any way to argue with that statement. Finally he inclines his head in a fraction of a nod. "Mayhaps."

Lebeaux smiled primly. “Finally, a glimmer of intelligence in an otherwise endless dark.” He declared theatrically before he took another sip. “I am not pointing this out simply to remind you of the difference in our positions, yet rather to show you that what I am about to suggest works rather well into your favor. I’ll spell it out for you since you seem to intentionally turn off rational thought when I’m around.” He lowered the glass from his lips. “A non-aggression treaty. Neither of us will intentionally spread sensitive information about the other.”

@roses-and-grimoires

[blschaos3000-blog]

Its 1:56 am cold/dark/leftovers

  Welcome to “8 Questions with…….”

Yeooooow has my November lethargy been a wicked pisser this year. I am so far behind on everything but I’m going to catch up,I promise!! 

I met our next guest,the fantastic Wyatt Terwilliger in a rather different manner. He and I met on Facebook in a horror movie group. As many of you know,while I am a huge horror fan,I’m not a torture porn fan and that topic came up in the group. Many “fans” love it is what I discovered in this group and when I politely pointed out that I didn’t,well,many were butt hurt and then I was out of that group….but I wasn’t alone in my stance as Wyatt joined in on my side before I left and after I was “kicked out”,I got a friend request and I accepted Wyatt’s invite.    Since then I discovered that Wyatt is an extremely talented photographer and his pictures and composition is among the best I’ve ever seen. What really caught my attention was despite many of his photos featured beautiful models,they were almost an distraction because of the locations he uses for his shoots and the colors in his backgrounds.  Just breathtaking and beautiful.    The more I saw the stronger the urge was to ask my friend Wyatt if he wouldn’t mind doing this interview and and am quite stoked he said “Yes”.    I do owe Wyatt an apology for this being posted so late and for being so patient. I really hope you really enjoy meeting Wyatt as he answers his 8 Questions…..

  Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m Wyatt! I’m a Long Island NY photographer interested in creating images that are a little off center of the usual.

 How old were you when you discovered photography? What was the first camera you ever owned?

If we’re talking the FIRST first time I discovered photography; I was 9 or 10, I discovered black and white film existed and became obsessed with shooting black and white and coloring parts in with photo markers.I didn’t really start doing the photo thing legitimately until about 4 years ago.  I had kind of tired of all other creative outlets and had enough creative friends who had modeled in the past, that it made sense to collaborate.

How did you work to improve your technique? Do you perfer shooting with film or digital more and why?

I’m always trying to push beyond what I’ve done and try things I haven’t yet. I try not to let myself get comfortable, which I think forces me to get better.  I study my own stuff a lot and find what I’ve done that I like, and try to fine tune those things. I would LOVE to shoot film but I’m living the starving artist life in a big way.  Film is expensive!  I shoot digital out of necessity. Maybe that’ll change in the future.

 What kind of gear do you currently use? How do you get beautifully colored backgrounds?

I shoot on a Nikon D3200, it’s not a terribly fancy or advanced camera, but it’s getting the job done so far! I have a basic ring light I got off eBay that I use for indoor setups when possible.   The color is all done in editing.  I use photoshop and play with color, I find color to be infinitely fascinating.  It brings so much to the photos. Enhances mood and feel, it changes so much about every image, I’m glad to see that people respond to it.

 Which do you perfer shooting- indoor shots or outdoors? What are some of the pros and cons of each setting?

That’s tough. I love both for different reasons but I do really love being outside and exploring new places, there’s not a TON of variation in scenery on Long Island (where I shoot) but this has helped me find a lot of cool new spots I never would have discovered otherwise!    Shooting outside is great because I also love to use natural light.  Although I also like manipulating light with indoor shoots. I  don’t know that I really enjoy one over the other!

Which is your favorite lense and why?

Currently I’m in love with the Sigma 50mm I’ve been using.  It’s responsible for a lot of my best work.

   You often will use nude models for your shoots. What do you do or say to your models to ensure a safe and comfortable session? Is there anything a model can do to protect herself from a scammer?

Everything is discussed beforehand.  We discuss the shoot in as much detail as possible before getting on set, most importantly comfort levels and boundaries.  This way I know where the model is at and what the shoot is going to entail.   Comfort, trust and respect are absolutely key.  A model should know what a shoot is going to involve long before she steps in front of the camera, and a photographer should know and respect their boundaries.    As far as avoiding negative experiences with photographers, always, ALWAYS get references.  If you do not know a photographer personally (and sometimes even then) speak to models they have shot with previously, ask about their behavior on and off set.  Take a look at their social medias as well, see how they talk about models the shoot with.  These can be good indicators.

Among your photos,which three are your favorites and why?

This is so hard to answer!

An image from a shoot I did with Betsy ( @betsoh ), who is a fantastic model, indoor shoot, very simple setup, just her and a bed with a white sheet.  There’s an overhead shot, her on her stomach with her back to us.  It’s one of my absolute favorites.  The way the shadows fell on her, the contrast of her against the color of the sheet.  The angle I lucked into. I think it’s got a really cool vibe.   I have a shot with Vivian (@vivian_haze95 ) with her draped in a bright red, sheer fabric.  She’s tucked into a vibrant green backdrop of flowers and foliage, it’s such a striking image. The bright red against the green, and her body language is so great.  I’m really proud of that one.    Another I’m really proud of is from a shibari shoot with Niki (@orisha.realness)     The shoot itself was one of the best and coolest I’ve gotten to be a part of.  There was the model, and the man tying the ropes.  I expected to get cool shots of the various ties and knots and harnesses he would be tying, but quickly realized the shoot lied in the process, which was delicate and intricate.  It was also a really cool display and exercise in consent.  The relationship between the two, while binding and being bound, is all about consent and communication.   There is a shot from this shoot, it’s a fairly simple profile portrait, the rigger (person who ties ropes) has his hand on the models chest, there is an orange light that fades into pale blue/grey on the wall behind them, the contrast of their skin tones, Niki also has super cool hair, which adds a little pop of purple to the top left corner of the image.  I think it’s a really powerful shot.  That might be all time favorite image I’ve ever been a part of creating.

Which photographers have influenced you the most in the way you take your pictures?

Right now my biggest influences are Moss Von Faustenberg, who was the first photographer I saw use color in the way that I’m so in love with (and employ myself).  His images are as close to perfect as possible, Every. Single. Time.    Harris Nukem is just absurdly talented and can make absolutely anything infinite’s interesting to look at.  The way he photographs humans is just brilliant.    Christopher McKenney creates images that are simultaneously absolutely gorgeous and haunting all at once.  Wildly talented photographer.     Film is also a MAJOR influence on me and my art. A few films (and their respective directors and cinematographers) that have had the most influence include

Mandy (2018)

The Strange Color of Your Body’s Tears (2013)

Suspiria (1977)

Enter the Void (2009)

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Dredd (2012)

The use of light and color in these films have been highly influential in my photography for sure, and are also pretty great films in general.

What is your greatest motivation in taking your pictures,what do you want to do with your talent?

To create photos that I would like to see in the world.  It’s hard to find artists that are exactly in line with what you’d like to see and what your tastes and interests are. So ultimately I’d like to create that art.  I’m not quite there yet, but that’s the goal!

 What have been the three best horror films you have seen this year?

Oooh, I’m glad you asked!

‘Midsommar’ is right at the top of the list.  That movie is WILD man, it’s absolutely stunning to look at, it’s beautiful, severely dark and foreboding, crushingly heavy. It’s such a trip. Ari Aster is one of the most brilliant filmmakers working today.

‘Dry Blood.’ – It’s not from this year but I saw it this year and WOW, what a movie.  Easily one of if not the best micro budget indie horror film I’ve ever seen.  It’s not without its flaws but it keeps you guessing and trying to figure it out the whole time, and still manages to surprise you in the end…and end which is shocking, heartbreaking, unsettling…it’s great.

And ‘Haunt’ Which just came out.  It’s a horror movie drenched in Halloween atmosphere and is just pure fun.  I also have a fear of pretty much exactly what the movie is about so it hit nicely.    I’m super excited about Doctor Sleep, I’m sure that’ll take a top spot for the year as well!

The new Nitehawk movie theater opened last night December 18, to a large crowd of media and interested parties in Park Slope.

 The cheetah and I flying to watch your latest exhibit but we are a day early and you are now our tour guide,what are we doing?

Ah, pressure!

Well I love a short train ride from NYC, which certainly doesn’t need me to do it any favors…    But, I’m a food guy, it’s pretty much what I do, and between NYC and Brooklyn, there’s pretty much going to be your new favorite place for any kind of food you can imagine. Right now I’m swooning over Federoffs Roast Pork in Brooklyn.  Best sandwiches I’ve ever had, hands down.     The NiteHawk theater in Brooklyn is a super cool movie going experience, they show tons of indie films, older films and have lots of cool horror film screenings. The theater also has a full bar, and has full snack bar/food/drink service AT YOUR SEAT.  Its pretty much guaranteed to ruin all other movie theaters for you.

Movies and food…those are my areas of expertise!

I like to thank Wyatt for taking the time off his schedule to chat with us. If you’re in Long Island,NY and need some world class photos taken,well…..look no further then Wyatt. 

Wyatt has a InstaGram page that showcases his skills which you can find here.

He also has a Facebook page as well in case you don’t use IG.

I like to thank you all for both reading my words but for also supporting the folks I am so fortunate to chat with.  You can read my other interviews by going here. Feel free to drop a comment or two…..

8 Questions with……..professional photographer Wyatt Terwilliger Its 1:56 am cold/dark/leftovers Welcome to "8 Questions with......." Yeooooow has my November lethargy been a wicked pisser this year.