#but they're very beautiful and feel very sturdy!!

[bigcats-birds-and-books]

THE WAYFARERS by Becky Chambers. This is one of my all-time fave go-to fluffy comfort series (with just enough heart crimes to keep things intense), and therefore is also my first ever Illumicrate order. I am Weak™ for painted edges.

[irndad]

walter- s.r.

a/n: can be read as a stand alone!! but this is in the same universe as "in every other life", when they're still in the pining phase, if you want to see them end up together read that one!

“Your middle name is Walter?”

She’s grinning like the Cheshire cat, a grand grin spread across her lovely features. Spencer in both equal measures embarrassed by her question and charmed by her disposition. 

She’s beautiful today, dressed smartly and her dainty fingers almost brush his on his desk as she stands over him. He can smell her perfume, sweet and pleasant. He wants to hold her hand. 

“Who told you that?” He ask, trepidation seeped in his tone. 

“Walter?”

Shame licks at his spine, a familiar sense of embarrassment and rejection looming. He liked his name fine- his mother often would tell him that it’s a sturdy, honest name. He liked it because his mother had liked it, but Spencer he is under no illusion that it Spencer Walter Reid is a particularly attractive name. 

He does like how she says his name, though. 

There’s ways she says it. When she’s at work, she always asks him questions punctuated by his name. What do you think is right, Spencer? What do you think, Spencer? 

It’s lovely to be acknowledged. She has so much intentionality, her doe eyes trained on his with fondness and something like respect. Sometimes, he imagines that she likes him. How he likes her. 

They spend Friday nights together sometimes, when she said that she’s been working through a Doctor Who rewatch- 

“Morgan must have told you,” he muses, fond despite his insecurity. She looks like she’s found out a secret about him, like there’s some conspiracy that has now lost, and now she knows his middle name. 

“It’s cute!” 

Cute is not dreamy- it’s not the romance novel cover that she left on her desk one time (which she’d be mortified if she knew he’d seen) and cute is certainly not boyfriend material. Not that he has a shot at that, but still- he’d like to be an option. 

Spencer juts out his bottom lip in a pout he can’t control. 

“It’s not cute! It’s a very masculine name. I believe its origin is in Olde English.”

“Spencer,” she says, and leans down to his level, and she’s so close to him. SHe’s been this close before- hazy nights under the light of his cheap lamp, when she’s fallen asleep on his couch. He’s not sure she’s told anyone about those nights, about the moments where time slips into the ether and becomes something else entirely. 

“Spencer Walter Reid,” she says, pausing with intention on every piece of his name. He’s never liked it this much, his name. She’s leaning in at the office, which means that she probably won’t kiss him, but he thinks about it. She’s never kissed him before- they’re friends, he needs to remember that. It’s hard to sometimes.  He tries not to stare at her lips. “Your name is just the tip of the iceberg of things that are adorable about you.”

He feels himself involuntarily flush a bright red. It’s not enough to be adorable to her- he’d like to be attractive, like to be the thing she pictures at night when she’s scared of the dark. He wants to be her solace, the person she find comfort- light, love in. 

Adorable is good too, though. He’ll take what he can get. 

[rosesdrop]

Pick a pile

Your FS most prominent freatures

Pile 1:

They could be a bit on the rounder side or have rounded features, such as a round face or eyes. Their cheeks are prominent as well, and I'm getting that they have a very beautiful smile that stands out. Their facial features are childlike and more round, as I mentioned, or they could simply look younger than their age, and they'll mostly be younger than you. I'm seeing a flush on their cheeks every time they smile; they tend to get red easily, and their reaction is instantly reflected in their facial expression. That makes them a really bad liar and someone who cannot hide how they feel. They're also tall, specifically taller than you, so whatever your height is, they are slightly taller. Some of them are really robust and strong; if we're talking about a man, then he's the type to have a bodybuilder frame. But more on the softer side—somehow like a bear. Even though I mentioned that they'll have a round face, they have great facial symmetry, and their facial type fits their facial features so well. They have very strong arms, and their hands are big. 

Pile 2:

Fox eyes, or deep-set eyes, they are mesmerising; they look sleepy and hypnotic. But they could often wear glasses. They have very abundant hair, both facial and body hair. If it's a woman, then her hair is very long and black. Their teeth are also prominent; they either have fangs or crooked teeth, but there's definitely something going on with their teeth. Their lips are on the fuller side. Their skin tone is also prominent; for some, they have freckles, and for others, they have a very interesting skin tone; it's either very pale or olive. For some, they used to suffer from acne, which left some traces on their skin; for a small portion, they have their bodies all tattooed. 

Pile 3:

They're slightly older than you; they look mature and wise; and possibly they have some white strands. They're very abundant. If it's a woman, then they are on the curvier side; if it's a man, they have full bodies that are very sturdy. Their hair is curly and vibrant. Their colour is rich, and they have red lips that make their face look so spry, but they have sensitive skin that gets dry easily and is more prone to getting wrinkled. They might also get easily burned by the sun. I'm getting that you'll mostly enjoy hearing their voice; it's very soft and carries almost a motherly and protective tone to it. They look very healthy, and their vitality and physical strength appears on their broad faces and healthy constitution, which is neither skinny nor fat. They tend to have the ideal balance in every part of their bodies. 

[sillyhanako]

꒰꒰🥞﹒BAKING COOKIES FOR MY LOVE I STIR AND MIX !﹕୨୧

꒰꒰﹒SYNOPSIS : A man-child of a customer visits the small local bakery that you owns. And every time he visits he orders the same order, plus his energetic nature he's starting to give you a headache. However, as his visits become a regular thing, you begin to find the man-child rather endearing. and the feeling is mutual .

꒰꒰﹒PARRING : pre-relationship umemiya x reader

꒰꒰﹒CONTAINS : two idiots in love, one of them in denial, sunshine x grumpy trope, sun x moon trope

꒰꒰﹒sfw // 2.4k wc

꒰꒰﹒notes : omg this took 3 long days to make 😭 kudos and reblogs are appreciated!! This is my first time making a oneshot 0-0 i hope its not too bad.. reminder: english is not my first language!!! And credits to

It was 8:12am . The sun was shining brightly, bathing the world in its warm embrace. The gentle breeze was cool and refreshing, providing a much-needed respite from the stifling summer heat. The trees stood tall and proud, gently swaying in the wind as the birds sang their sweet melodies. In the distance, children were on their way to school, chatting among themselves.

You were on your way to open your bakery, a small business you started last year in makochi, a chill town. It was enveloped in a sense of tranquility, the absence of cars making the air still and peaceful.The stillness of the town provided a refreshing change from the constant honking and traffic noise that filled your last location.

As you step into the bakery, the first thing that catches the eye is the warm brown and beige color palette that dominates the space. The walls are painted a soft beige, and large brown shelves are stacked with an array of freshly-baked breads and pastries. The floor is tiled in a soft brown and tan pattern, and the countertops are made of light brown wood.

Large potted fiddle leaf fig plants stand tall in each corner of the space, their deep green leaves providing a stark contrast to the light beige walls. Trailing ivy hangs from the shelves, its delicate leaves adding a sense of wildness to the otherwise cozy atmosphere. Smaller pots of succulents and cacti are scattered throughout the space, their prickly texture and bold shapes adding visual interest to the soft color palette.

After putting on your work uniform, which contains a tucked in white button up with a brown chest pocket, and then over that a brown waist apron, you started cleaning the counter of any dust, and shorty you brought out the chairs from the storage room, they're made of a sturdy wood, and are padded with soft beige cushions to make them more comfortable. The tables are a lighter wood, round in shape, and are surrounded by two padded seats each.

Shortly after the opening, customers begin to come in for breakfast. Some asked for Black Coffee, some for a Latte, and others a Cappuccino. Often paired with stacked pancakes with cream in between and a strawberry on top, waffles coated in honey and blueberries or chocolate and banana slices layered between soft crêpes.

The afternoon passed by in a flash, and as the clock ticked with every second passing, you suddenly realized it had turned to 4:32pm. Occasional customers had swung by the pastry shop for a quick purchase, only to then continue onwards with their day almost as quickly as they had appeared.

And its seems that your regular has chosen this very time to patronize the pastry shop.

With a childish joy, your regular, a tall and gangly man with white hair, once again invaded the comfortable silence of the bakery. His presence sent a shiver of annoyance through you. How could he be such a disruption so often? It was honestly getting ridiculou--

" [name]-CHAAAN " With a childish joy, your regular, a tall and gangly man with white hair, once again invaded the comfortable silence of the bakery with slamming the door. His presence sent a shiver of annoyance through you.

"You look as beautiful as always!"  He barged in, as usual, with an energy that could rival a hyperactive child. But this time, he wasn't alone. Who were these people he had brought along? You hadn't seen them around the bakery before. And by the look of them, they were just as loud and boisterous as your regular.

Much to your annoyance, Umemiya had brought with him a sizable group of companions. They wasted no time, immediately starting to rearrange the seating into a circular formation. To your surprise, you recognized the group as the so-called protectors of the town, Bofurin. You weren't pleased that they, too, were causing a ruckus in your bakery.

You raised an eyebrow as you looked at Umemiya and his group of companions. In mock surprise, you remarked, 'You actually have friends, Umemiya? I thought only Hiragi could put up with your antics.' With the menu in hand, you prepared to take their order, albeit begrudgingly

Umemiya laughed at your comment, clearly not bothered by it in the slightest. His companions chuckled amongst themselves, amused by your words. “Oh, you wound me!” he retorts, putting his hand over his heart in faux hurt. “And here I thought you enjoyed my company!” he grins, clearly enjoying the banter. “And of course I have friends! I’ll have you know that they’re not as uptight as that stick in the mud Hiragi.” "what did you just call me??"

After handing the group the menu he came back to where you were standing, wiping a plate.

"so i'll get a-" "1150." "I didnt even order yet-" "one thousand one hundred and fifty yen. pay up." "wait um let me get a a large matcha-" "yes yes yes! A large matcha shortbread cake, frosted with a light and fluffy pastry cream and topped with fresh, plump blackberries, an iced matcha latte, extra sweet, with some whipped cream on top. And an extra shot of espresso to the latte!! stop playing Hajime Umemiya." "woah how did you know i was going to get that??" "you're the only person in this town that enters saying 'yahoo!' At 4:32pm !! And i can smell that old t-shirt you've been wearing for 3 years."

" did i begame a regular here to the point you memorized my order? " he grinned, pulling out his thin, long wallet. " please. You come here almost everyday. "

While Umemiya laughed and joked with you, some of his companions were watching the interaction with playful stares. One of them with sharp blonde hair couldn't help but comment under his breath, 'How are his teeth keeping up with all that sugar??' The rest of them chuckled amongst themselves, clearly amused by the thought.

Even though the banter and teasing from Umemiya and his friends could occasionally be annoying, there was no denying that these moments were often the high point of your day. The lighthearted atmosphere he brought with his visits always lifted your spirits, making the work a bit more bearable, even if just for a moment.

You efficiently prepared the orders for Umemiya and his friends, making sure each one was made according to their specifications. You then handed them over to your barista, a fellow employee at the bakery, who took charge of serving the customers. She took the orders and skillfully moved through the bakery, delivering the pastries and drinks to the table where Umemiya and his companions were seated.

Your co-worker, a cheerful and energetic individual, their smile and easygoing nature made them popular among the customers, you honestly wanted someone more calm and collected to work with you, but oh well. She quickly engaged with Umemiya and his companions, bringing an even more lively atmosphere to the already bustling eatery.

Your eyes narrowed slightly as Umemiya's voice rose above the din, engaging in a lively conversation with your co-worker. His talkative nature was evident as he eagerly joined in, his boisterous laughter occasionally cutting through the air. You felt a strange feeling in your chest, a mix of annoyance and something you couldn't quite place, at the sight of the two chatting so comfortably.

Umemiya was known to be talkative, and you had no doubt that he would quickly become the center of attention in any conversation. His infectious energy and charismatic personality often made him the star of the show, overshadowing others around him. You knew this would be a long interaction... and you didnt like that.

You shook off the strange feeling and forcefully turned your attention back to the task at hand. You busied yourself with reorganizing the utensils and wiping croissant crumbs off the countertop in a futile attempt to distract yourself. The clattering of silverware and scrubbing of the crumbs filled the air, providing a temporary respite from the conversation happening behind you. Yet, the sound of Umemiya's infectious laugh still managed to seep through, an incessant reminder of the interaction unfolding nearby.

your heart clenched, felt a pang of jealousy and a wave of possessiveness washed over you, surprising you with its intensity. However, this feeling of jealousy was unfamiliar, and you couldn't fully understand it. You were perplexed, torn between wanting to intervene and knowing you had no right to. The mixture of emotions left you in a state of confusion, wrestling with your unexpected feelings of jealousy.

Umemiya was just a noisy regular, nothing else. right? He just orders his complicated order, eats it, and leaves. no way you would catch feelings with that little interraction? yes that must be it. you're just confused with yourself. Nothing serious. The feeling will go away surely...right?

The setting sun sent golden rays filtering through the windows of the bakery, bathing the interior in a warm and inviting glow. The gentle orange hue cast a peaceful atmosphere over the space, creating a cozy ambiance that seemed to welcome the evening. As your co-worker gathered the empty plates and cups, the friends were finishing up the last of their drinks and pastries, preparing to depart. They thanked your co-worker for their service, bidding them farewell as they got up from their seats.

Umemiya approached you with a carefree smile on his face, his usual boisterous attitude apparent. He handed over the payment for his friends orders, the bills slightly crinkled. The air was still filled with the lingering scent of freshly-baked pastries, and the soft chatter of customers in the background.

He leaned in to say, "Thanks, [name]." He said, with a playful wink. "You're the best!" Then, he turned to leave, joining his friends who were waiting by the exit.

You counted out the bills with practiced ease, making sure everything was in order. Then you placed them at the cash register.

You let out a sigh, "Those guys sure are a handful." You remarked, shaking your head in mild disbelief. "Especially Umemiya... always causing a scene whenever he comes in. I swear, I don't know what I'm going to do with that guy." "its not everyday we get such popular customers, right [name]-san?" she asked, placing down the empty food containers on the counter.

"care to elaborate?"

"well you saw their uniforms right?! those are student at Furin! The deliquent school! And who doesnt like tough independent handsome guys? people are fighting to get a chance with them too! and i might be one of them..." she fiddled  with her hair, remembering the totally-her-type Furin boys that were patrolling some days ago.

You rolled your eyes, amused by your coworker's swooning. "Easy there, lovebird," you chuckled. "You're practically drooling." You teased. "Sure, those Furin boys might have a reputation, but don't get too obsessed. There's more to life than swooning over bad boys, you know?" You teased, giving her a playful nudge.

"Fancy coming from you [name]-san! With that undeniable romantic tension between you and Umemiya-san you should just kiss already! God its so obvious you're down bad for eachother," she scolded.

"I dont like him like that. Absolutely fucking not. What the hell? also don't you have work to do?" You were fuming, how can she accuse you like that? Some nerves this girl has.

"aye ayeee whatever makes you sleep at night boss!" she finally left you alone, face red with the thought of you and umemiya in a romantic relationship. thinking of it now it doesnt seem like a bad idea- wait what are you saying?

As night fell, the streets transformed into a mesmerizing canvas of light and life. The vibrant glow of the street lamps illuminated the sidewalks, casting soft shadows that danced with each passing motorcycle and pedestrian. Pedestrians ambled along, some with purpose and some aimlessly strolling, their laughter and voices creating a symphony of city life. The shops along the street were a kaleidoscope of colors - neon signs, shop windows, and the warm glow of restaurants all contributing to the urban nighttime beauty.

As you strolled down the street, your gaze lingered on the captivating designs of the various restaurants. You couldn't help but stop at grocery stores to purchase charming little snacks that caught your eye. The soft illumination from street lamps created a cozy atmosphere, and the lively hum of the city added to the soothing backdrop. After a few minutes of observing and sampling treats, you continue your journey towards your apartment, feeling a sense of contentment in this routine night-time ritual.

You were abruptly jolted from your thoughts as someone violently collided with you. Irritation flared up, but before you could even snap at the person, you found yourself face-to-face with Umemiya. Surprise replaced the frustration as you recognized the messy-haired troublemaker who frequented your bakery. A mix of emotions - irritation and begrudging familiarity - raced through you. God this could not get any worse.

"[name]-chan? I didnt know you were passing by this street today!" he exclaimed, seemingly happy to see you again.

"yeah me neither.. if you could just excuse me-" you tried slipping away from his grasp but-

"this is also my way to the orphanage! I'll walk you to your apartment like a true gentleman." He had a prideful aura around him but you just dismissed it and walked away.

"heeyy! wait for meee!!"

Umemiya rambled on and on, a never-ending torrent of thoughts and observations flowing out of his mouth at an astounding rate. It was almost as if his brain had an infinite capacity for information. You were stuck in the whirlwind of his conversation, listening to his constant flow of words and musings. It was a mystery as to how he was able to hold, yet alone recall, such a vast amount of random knowledge.

As you arrived at your apartment building, you finally managed to find an opening in the conversation to bid farewell to the endlessly-chatty Umemiya. You gave a tired wave, signalling your need for some peace and quiet. Despite the annoyance you felt towards his incessant chatter, there was an odd fondness underlying it, an acknowledgment of his unique character and his ability to make every interaction memorable.

"Wait! " he shouted, causing you to flinch a bit. "A-are you uh free... tomorrow?" "Are you asking me out?" "no. I mean.. yes, maybe as.. friends?" "i mean, i guess i am,but " in fact you werent. you were supposed to hang out with your friends at a shopping mall.

He made a quiet sound of celebration that you didnt ignore. "You're so cute." "What?" "I said you look like a sack of shit, goodbye."

ー﹕m.list﹐

© 2024 sillyhanako ━ do not copy, steal, or reupload my works. Thanks!

[drdemonprince]

you very frequently talk about not seeking out happiness and generally being unhappy and I guess the question I have there is what (as someone who feels like they're struggling) what is the difference between unhappiness and depression? i would also call myself an unhappy person but being in that emotional state of unhappiness causes me literal physical pain so thus i don't think it's tenable to make not seeking a way out of unhappiness a personal goal. (i guess i'm just curious about the language use here and if i'm missing something)

I've always been taken with the Freudian term "ordinary unhappiness." If you really meet and listen to people you notice how sad most of them are, or unfulfilled. To me, it is a bit of a comfort.

But if just living is painful, I'd say that is an issue. Those have been the times I have made some dramatic change or sought help.

I think there's a beauty to being unsatisfied. It keeps a person moving. I find happiness a bit depressing really; it always makes me acutely aware that things are going to end. Ordinary unhappiness, in contrast, feels like an acceptance and a sturdiness that can weather many changes.

I think chasing pleasure or happiness is likely not to be the route out for most depressed people, though finding small things to enjoy or look forward to can be very sustaining. I think though that some people make their own unhappiness worse by expecting that they ever could be happy for a long period, when their life history provides no evidence of that. I probably will always be a bit unhappy, because I always have been. That's fine. I like a lot about my life. I can handle this shit.

That is very different from hating being awake every moment, though, which is usually when I know something is dangerously out of wack and must be addressed. and from the sound of it, that is where you are at the moment. That probably signals something needs to change.

[exercise-of-trust]

everyone clap and cheer for my beautiful daughter who has every disease 🥰 her name is þerindë because her wheel is made out of an embroidery hoop; she is entirely handmade and boy howdy does it show

a whole bunch of things have stopped working since i took that video last night and i'm not sure how much more wherewithal i have to keep messing with her, but i did manage to spin about two feet of something before then! so i'm showing her off a bit now, and if i can figure out what-all i fucked up maybe you'll see more of her in the future. some process and progress photos under the cut (not a tutorial. do not do this. i cannot sufficiently stress how bad of an idea this was and is*)

(*if you are going to do this and have questions not answered here i am always happy to answer them, inbox and dms are open etc, but like. i would strongly advise against it)

here's the hoop! it's about a foot across, with a groove carved out with a speedball. this ended up being way too shallow (who'd'a'thunk) so the final version is a lot deeper than what you're seeing here. the paint stirrers are held in with straight pins because i was worried regular nails would just crack the hoop lmao. my girl is so deeply and profoundly scuffed <3

the flyer is made from three cedar shingles glued together because i didn't have a solid piece of wood large enough. astonishingly nothing broke while i was sawing out the rough shape and it whittled down pretty nicely! the hooks are scrap 2mm copper wire, the orfice is a couple inches of plastic drinking straw, and the pulley wheel is also hand-carved, which is why it looks like a fucked-up oreo and has the weird hitch at the top of the spin that you probably saw in the video 🙃 frankly i am astonished it works as well as it does

the wheel frame is. man. the axle supports haven't broken yet but frankly it's a miracle they're still in place with how much strain they're under every time. the original base was that weird little bit of paint stirrer, which (shocker) did not work out in the long run; it's been replaced by an offcut from the frame and is significantly more sturdy now. it's surprisingly level, though, and turns pretty smoothly all things considered!

the frame was a nightmare start to finish; i've never done any serious woodworking before in my life and the whole thing was just kind of slapped together without a plan or any sort of concrete measurement. it wobbles so fucking bad and every few hours i have to push a couple of the parts back together where the nails are sort of drifting out of the wood. you may observe a weird post sticking out the left side of the mother-of-all; that is supposed to be for scotch tensioning. does it actually do that? sort of! the belt is a length of cotton crochet thread that is, after much fiddling, just the right size to not slip out more than once every three minutes.

treadling was another pain to figure out and i think i probably made it way more complicated than it needed to be. it still doesn't work very well and i can't tell if that's something i can fix hardware-wise or if i just have to suck it up and practice a lot more. turns out feet are not as coordinated as hands! i would say "now i know for next time!" but frankly i am never doing this again. you couldn't pay me. speaking of which, i did the math and at my current pre-tax hourly salary i could've bought two brand-new ashford travelers with the number of hours i spent building my awful rickety daughter. at the end of the day, do i love her? immensely. is she "good"? by no stretch of the imagination.

anyway. this was a terrible use of my time <3 but i do finally feel confident enough in all the parts of a spinning wheel and what they're for that i can brave the dangers of facebook marketplace's "spinning wheel" category without getting too badly scammed! which is pretty valuable in its own right, i guess.

[bonesy-doodles]

I just saw your Ghouls designs! They're GORGEOUS. My favourite is Mountain and I very much want to know your headcanons about him!

Hiiii!!! Welcome fellow Mountain enjoyer!!! Here are some of my Mountain thoughts and headcanons for him. Probably not everything, but I’m still in the process of getting all my thoughts in order!!!

Mountain, as I mentioned in my giant yap post about all of the Ghouls, does like to take care of plants and all of the gardens on Ministry grounds, but he does have his own special garden where he grows Hell native plants which only the Ghouls are allowed to consume (if a human tries, they will probably die). Mountain is very specific about the conditions of the garden and who may or may not enter. Mountain also grows the “Devil’s Lettuce” (I think I’m so funny) but it’s not human weed, it’s Hell’s equivalent because Ghouls have a higher tolerance for things like weed, drugs, alcohol, etc. from their demonic constitutions. Beware getting invited to a smoke session with the Ghouls, you will mostly likely be smoking something ten times stronger than you’re used to.

Mountain tends to intimidate Siblings of Sin simply for his height and sheer size, and he’s a very quiet Ghoul compared to the others. They are right to be intimidated because despite his quiet nature, he is still a Ghoul. Mountain may not act “feral” or “animalistic” often like the others, but when he is, he’s terrifying. He’s accidentally sent a Sibling to the hospital once when they decided to fuck with him, thinking he wouldn’t retaliate. The Sibling clearly forgot Earth Ghouls are notorious, not just for their size, but also their strength and massive teeth. Let’s just say that Sibling had to get a lot of stitches.

Mountain doesn’t often walk the Ministry grounds in his full Ghoul form (i.e his hoofed legs), mainly does it in the comfort of the Ghoul Den. He finds wearing shoes to be a very strange feeling as they separate him from the earth, kind of muffles the thrum of the earth that Earth Ghouls feel. Previously mentioned why he is sometimes seen not wearing his shoes or boots while playing drums, to prevent that thrum from being muffled when he needs to feel the beat. When he’s gardening, you’ll see him barefoot, and when he’s within his personal garden in the Ghoul Den, he’s always hoofed.

Once, Mountain was led to the bell tower by Swiss and Dewdrop (they told him there’s a really good few of his favorite area of the Ministry) and instead of seeing a beautiful view, he saw the roof of the building beneath him because Swiss and Dew wanted to test how sturdy Mountain was as an Earth Ghoul of his size and pushed him off the bell tower. He was quite sturdy, in fact, that he was not injured whatsoever, and instead broke through the roof as well as the upstairs floor of the building. The Ghoul Den Overseer nearly had an aneurysm that day over having to find a repair company that would work with the Ministry (not many people open to a Satanic church) after Dewdrop and Sunshine set one of the workers from the last crew on fire.

Mountain, being a very unassuming Ghoul, has taken advantage of that fact. Mountain doesn’t often involve himself in the various hijinks of the other Ghouls, but when he does, Mountain will sometimes act as the unassuming secret agent. The amount of times, despite his size, Mountain does not get clocked for getting up to shit cause they assume he’s never involved. Mountain has pulled off stealing or moving many items from the Papas, like their hats and robes, for the other Ghouls to graffiti, and returning them to their original location without anyone noticing. He also uses this skill against his fellow Ghouls. Taking important things of theirs and blaming it on other Ghouls. He finds it delightful, using people’s incorrect perception on his chill nature against them.

[renhanaschewtoy]

What about some Lawrence headcanons? I'd love to hear if you have any ))

Yay! My first ask💕 Sorry if these are scattered or short or all over the place, I got excited and did this at work lol

Oh, dear, sweet Lawrence... I'll never stop being salty that he cold clocked me outside of the bar lmao I panic on quick time events. Caught me on my back foot lol

°King of always having bruises and not knowing where they came from. Was it from work? Is it just his fucked up body? Was it you? He couldn't have bumped his desk that hard, surely? But any day, any time- there's a few random bruises all the time of varying shapes, sizes, and color.

°While Lawrence hates going out due to his sociophobia, I could see him really liking botanical gardens. He definitely has learned what times are the least crowded or shit...after a while, might even just break in when they're closed. It's quiet, it's serene. Lawrence can take some of the plants home, precisely pruning carefully to propagate if he finds himself fond of them. In the same vein, I wouldn't put it past him to also slip some fucked chemicals to kill other plants or prune some to the point of withering should be feel so inclined.

°He likes collecting bones and rocks, could see Lawrence passing time by making shadow box art with the bones he collects. Rot is a part of death, it's the natural cycle, it's beautiful- it deserves to be celebrated to.

°Lawrence prefers honey to maple syrup. Given he's a tea guy, he's got a variety of different honeys, different flavors. He's not a charitable guy but he's gotten quite a few "save the bees" stickers with purchases and maybe got so high he donated a couple of bucks to some random bee conservation cause. Lawrence has no recollection of this.

°Roadkill Scrapbook. Idk, Lawrence strikes me as the guy who early on and before he got into what he got into and even had a real grasp on it- was really into just staring at and studying roadkill. And one thing lead to another where Lawrence photographs it for keeps. Dates them and adds notes as he seems fit

°When alone, prefers to masturbate in the shower. For efficiency, but really, it's to feel warm. Idk I feel Lawrence's body runs cold and given some of his... proclivities- it's a pleasant change up. Until you come around. Low key I could see this feeding into a bit of a temperature play or kink once he gets a taste.

°Works in a warehouse? Forklift certified. (I'm sorry I couldn't resist)

°Smokes more than he drinks but despite the bar scene, Lawrence likes Gin. Simple gin and tonics but I think he'd like a negroni if he ever went to a place that served them. For smoking tho? If he is going out or has something arduous to do, whatever- he does dab. It isn't so much that he likes it better or prefers it- it just gets the job done better, harder.

°Loves asphyxiation. On himself, on you. You're a bit more delicate though. Not that the science matters too terribly to him. Owns one very sturdy belt that's creased in a specific areas.

°Big fan of somnophilia. I don't need to elaborate.

[yuseirra]

If Ai IS the reincarnation of the goddess of dawn, even her color schemes make sense... her colors do look like the skies when it's dawn... this would be REALLY cool if it were to be true,

honestly, I think this makes a lot of sense. the idea of it works really well, she could have been a goddess who really loved people and wanted to live together with them and chose to become "an ordinary girl" to live among humans,

it does explain her benevolent nature while being a bit awkward, and why she had a hard time fitting in but immediately got drawn to hikaru(who's also a god in essence), why they thought they were "the same" (he also had a lot of trouble being accepted by people) and why her mother thought she was "too beautiful" for her age

Those two characters... I feel they're inhuman in some ways. They are very human, but they react in ways that are... very...how should I put it? I feel they struggle with displaying certain emotions compared to the average people to an extent that I feel it's similar of what people expect out of gods. They really struggle to fulfill people's expectations of them, and this is how a god would react towards human. A god would wish to appear perfect to their worshipers, wouldn't they? They keep up a very... happy and smiling front, a sturdy persona that rarely breaks. Their ways of giving love is very selfless. They tend to just give and give away, and people fail to understand them and connect to them in ways they could feel accepted, that's how they found each other as well, you know? They felt they could understand each other, Ai thought Hikaru was the first person she wanted to love and Hikaru felt she was the only one who could understood him and they were for each other.

So it would make sense for them to have been gods, that were very hurt and mistreated by people and the entertainment industry. One of them got killed and the other one is despairing and lost because of it. Sarutahiko and Amenouzume's shrine (the Aratate shrine) blesses people from the industry... they are responsible for helping people out in the field. Wouldn't it make sense for them to want to have become human to experience it themselves? And that went terribly wrong so, the other gods are getting involved because they've been causing trouble? This would also tie in pretty well with the theme of the whole story. Turns out Hikaru was a NOBLE soul but he's broken now, that's because the PEOPLE made him suffer. If people made the VIRTUOUS god become like that.. well, they killed his wife and ruined his life..; it does make you think. It's not just about one insane maniac, it's about the nature of the industry and how the world works when what he originally did was to wish well. Ai wanted to love people and people killed her. We don't deserve these gods, if they are really gods. Even if they're just a person.. that also boils down to the fact that the society failed to protect these kids when they needed them.

Anyhow, I feel THIS would be the way to tie the idea of gods into the story.

[bhaalsdeepbat]

Hellspawn idea that hit me like a religious vision

Astarion can't stop thinking of the color of this flower Karlach found during one of the more idyllic moments of traveling to Baldur's Gate, and it should have been such an inconsequential moment. It was just a flower. But the delight burning in the embers of her mirthful eyes just sticks with him. And it's mostly annoying how happy she is about everything, but he also can't hold it against her when she, too, is adjusting to sudden, newfound freedom, and hers is much more limited than his.

And it isn't even a romantic moment or anything, right? Karlach just sees it on the edge of where the last bit of life was able to grow between the Shadow Curse and the land beyond it. She's STOKED. Bellowing in that way she does about this flower. She just takes a moment to enjoy it, then moves on. Doesn't pick it. Doesn't touch it. Just moves on with her day.

but this moment sticks with him and he thinks about it when they're curled together under the stars that night, his body fitting against the curve of hers, his cold weight soaking up every bit of warmth her overheated body will give him, and her arms are SO strong, but so gentle in the way she holds him.

The immortal forced to reckon with mortality bc this woman, who truly believe deserves a much better lot in life, only has a finite amount of time to appreciate the flowers and the sunrise and just. everything.

He'll still be able to live his life from the shadows and find beauty in the darkness, but Karlach?

He can see her death coming on the horizon and there's so much he actually wants to do, now that they're trying to make things real. and he just. is feeling the pressure bc he did waste time trying to get Karlach into a position to protect him and he'll forever feel bad about it (but not say anything bc that's his burden to carry).

So the immortal keeps thinking about this flower and what Karlach would look like adorned in beautifully crafted items accented in blue: gilded chains and cuffs adorning her hair and horns, sturdy leather dyed and stamped, fine silk embroidered with expensive floss, of all the nice things he wishes she could experience - because he promised her new experiences once they returned - and just.

When everyone's sleeping, he just spends that time sneakily embroidering this doublet he stole from a vendor the moment they entered the city. He's working against time, too, cus this is a gift he HAS to give her before her time is up. So, his skilled fingers move quickly, embroidering this black doublet with the most beautiful embroidery done mostly in blue, but accented with red, orange, and yellow.

He's almost done when Karlach tells him one night that she thinks she doesn't have much longer. Her heart is in overdrive and she can feel her body beginning to give out, to fail her when freedom was so close she could taste it. and it isn't fair. Astarion is SO angry at the world and at the Gods because he FINALLY has someone and. Time is running out. he feels even more powerless here because it really is just up to Karlach and whether she wants to keep going or not. He tries to talk to her about it, but usually they just end up fighting because they're both stubborn.

So, he avoids the conversation, mostly. Just tries to pretend the end isn't peeking over the horizon.

He doesn't give her the doublet right away. He doesn't want that finality, to give it to her and to know this may very well be the last time he gets to give her something he put his time into for her like this. and he has other gifts for her. a new owlbear to go with clive (even if he thinks that's juvenile, but he's not going to judge....well. he will, but not as much as if it were Gale who still had his stuffies). but he just. cannot bring himself give her this doublet bc he knows it's the first and last time she'll be adorned in something that he put together for her. the embroidered doublet is his labor of love, and the man does NOT like to labor.

embroidering isn't even necessarily his favorite thing to do, it's just one of his skills he actually has. he lacks self-confidence when it comes to what qualities he thinks he has that make him worthy of a relationship, but he can make sure his partners' clothes are mended and presentable.

When he finally gives it to her, it's after they take down Gortash. Karlach spends that very night alone, and Astarion cannot take it. He hasn't spent a single night away from Karlach since before they arrived at the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and now they're literally counting the days until they're taken from one another. He's big mad, seething, but very respectful to her bc he understands. he's not mat at HER, he's mad at everyone that took everything they could from her.

That's the first night he actually sits down and starts coming up with a plan. And it's a genuinely good one, but it's the first good one he's had in almost two-centuries. This is when he comes up with how he wants to convince Karlach to let him go to Avernus with her. He's not ready to let go and he is willing to murder his way through the Hells with her if he gets to see her smile about inconsequential things again.

He gives her the doublet the night before they plan to head for the Morphic Pool. They know it may be their last night together, so after a group meal, when everyone is winding down to turn in for the night, they make their way up to the roof of the tavern. They sit beneath the stars, side by side, but they're just sitting and refusing to look at one another.

Karlach is unusually still and silent. She's exhausted. Astarion swears she had his undead heart beating again, but seeing her like that had it stop cold in his chest. He tries to break the silence, to cut off his own thoughts so he doesn't spiral into despair thinking of the unknown, but just ends up reaching out to take her hand.

She's hot to the touch. He can feel that her temperature IS increasing and just. imagining what she's feeling and how she's been pent up this entire trip. like no fucking release from the pressure of this shitty heart that only does its job in the right environment.

She's the one who breaks it first. to thank him for his company. to tell him that he was a little fucking SHIT when she first met him, but she always could see something good behind the veneer of mischief hiding the fear in his piercing eyes. but she loves him and she's so, so happy to have been given a chance to love someone, to touch them freely, to feel loved in return. it was something she was missing in the last 10 years of the loneliness of being simple cannon fodder in an endless war.

and she doesn't want to talk abt this. she had been avoiding it, took him on their date to pretend like he wasn't doomed to be left alone in his eternity. And neither of them even MENTION the elephant in the room. like they're both talking circles around what's going to happen, but they're being honest about the feelings they have for one another. like the only thing they even voice concern for is not being able to take out the Absolute.

Under the stars, accompanied by declarations of love spilling from their lips, Astarion produces the doublet. Karlach is just ecstatic that she received a gift, but when she realizes HE embroidered it, she's just kinda like.

This is. the most beautiful gift i've ever received, fangs.

and her calloused fingers, fingers that had seen more war and death than anyone her age should have to, gently touch the floss, follow the design, and she realizes the particular shades of orange, red, and yellow are in her eyes, in her body, in her chest, all complimented by the blue thread he used as the main color of the design.

It's a design made of the sun, moon, and stars, trailing up the front, across the broad shoulders, and down the back yoke.

she's his sun. She's the gentle warmth of the sun's rays comforting him when he would rather recede to the shadows and fall back on old habits. she's his moon and his stars, his guiding light when everything seems like it may crash down and suffocate him. She's everything good in this world if you look for it. She's proof that you can be put through shit and still come out a decent person.

Karlach does cry, but it's nothing dramatic. It's a few tears, her own stomach and chest twisting with an overwhelming sense of loss and yearning; the loss of time when her light inevitably extinguishes and a deep yearning to stay. it's in direct opposition to her desire to die in the place she loves simply so she can keep living this life with the man she loves.

She puts the doublet on, wearing it that night while he cuddled against her side. They held each other beneath the stars, until it was time for Karlach to get some rest for the upcoming battle. Astarion spends that entire night just watching her, playing with her hair, getting every last touch he can, then makes a vow that he WILL save Karlach, just as she saved him.

[eustasskiddsprosthetic]

I'm working on a kidlaw thing now where Kidd's the owner of a fashion conglomerate called Victoria Punk. They met in the flagship store and they flirt, yadda yadda whatever—that's not important. What is though, is how I immediately thought of how the Ace and Sabo would get involved in the (luxury) fashion industry since they're my favs alongside Kidd. Here's my takes lmao

Ace would own a shoe store. He sells a pretty small but reliable and beautiful collection of leather shoes and boots. As an athlete and hitchhiker, he understands the need for footwear that's durable, comfortable and fashionable. Since his target demographic are fellow hitchhikers who do insane shit outdoors, his shoes are good quality. They will live through avalanches, snowstorms, cyclones, rocky mountains, swamps—whatever—and the most you'd need to do is replace the laces. Aesthetically-speaking, they're plain, but if you're into the look of sturdy leather that smells wonderful (like me), his stuff is perfect for you.

I say this because I'm currently imagining Ace helping Law try the shoes on like he would delicately slip them on Law's feet like a princess and tie his laces for him. He would look up at Law and smile when he sees that Law feels very comfortable in these shoes.

Gah! The intimacy!

For funsies, he makes Law try on those high, knee-length boots and gets very turned on because Law has legs for days. It's like a kink of his now and he gets esp turned on seeing that.

For Sabo, I can't decide between a watch shop or a (pawn) jewellery store. Either way, I want him to be very involved with people, as in he would sit there and admire little intricate things with his clients. He loves listening to what customers like and helping them find what they're looking for. Rather than for practical purposes like Ace, Sabo's more interested in sentimental values. He's not interested in just a pretty watch or a pretty ring— he wants to help clients find the perfect watch for their children to pass down to their grandchildren; he wants to help clients find the perfect engagement ring for their loved ones. He's into the storytelling aspect of luxury marketing.

If we're talking Sabolaw, then maybe Law walks into Sabo's little run down store one day and asks if Sabo could help fix an heirloom from Corazon. Sabo agrees for a small fee and from there they talk about the thing itself, and then onto what Sabo does, and then what Law does. Amongst this heart to heart, they look at each other and go. oh.

I enjoy this person very much. (edit: I wrote more on Sabolaw here)

[sumarak]

I really enjoyed the new episode! rambling first impressions below:

I like how when Max is opening up he does it very monotone, mater-of-fact and kind of struggles through it, I see that as a natural progression for someone very new to expressing their discomfort. I also like how they dealt with Max's aversion to change immediately as opposed to dragging it into a whole arc because the previous season already dealt a lot with that aspect of his character. like he still has a tendency to regress but he's better at managing it. speaking of, I like how all the lessons about growing into a better more open person last summer have a legitimate effect on him and he didn't just revert. I like that you still get to see how the camp is a safe space for him, and how he struggles outside of it. I like how they didn't show him doing the gymnastics because it is simply something the audience is not supposed to witness. (and David being proud of him but not crowding him for it)

I like how Nikkie didn't realise why no dinner for anyone is bad and has to take social cues from Max and Neil. I love how her friend's moods still very much affect hers, she and Max are essentially having parallel fears -> he fears he hasn't changed and is thus behind, she fears that being different will lead to her being left behind. I like how when she hugs him he reciprocates with one sturdy tap, it's such a small action but for Max that is an unprecedented amount of affection. Neil trying to have "a thing" was also really fucking funny to me. even funnier that no one reacted to it in the slightest. I like Nerf leaning more into pop-therapy speak direction, it was already there in previous seasons and it's a great way to expand. Nerris multiclassing is real and beautiful. (i didn't understand the joke CJ made about that when he said "is that THEIR word" if someone can fill me in on that) . I like that they're setting up a clear arc for Ered as well.

CJ is going to be a fucking menace I can tell. I'm glad Gwen is back too but her being gone? and then coming back at the end was confusing tbh idk what they were trying to accomplish with that.

and lastly, the animation was noticeably better and I liked it a lot. i think they overused the dutch angles with Max a little bit other then that it was beautiful. my favorite jokes were for sure the visual ones.

it for sure has a season 1 vibe again, where it feels like a new chapter and like they're figuring out the dynamics vibes and pacing all over again. it was a decent episode and made me excited to see what's going to happen in the rest of the season but it didn't blow me away or anything.

(also the whole season being behind a paywall sucks ass i feel like the majority of the fandom is going to pirate that shit)

[dwarf-hat-enjoyer]

🌼Favorite Flowers🌼 (Bachelors' V.)

synopsis: Favorite flowers of all six Stardew bachelors! No farmer mentioned, headcanons. SFW.

w.c.: 1.2k words!

content warnings: None!

A.N.: shoutout to @jellyaris for inspo on the Shane section! Hope everyone enjoys these little snippety snippets...Suuure, some of these headcanons kind of diverge from canon (yeah, yeah. Alex is neutral to dandelions ingame. Sue me, LOL.) But who cares, it's Tumblr! Might make a bachelorettes' version too.

Alex

He's a simple man with simple tastes. DANDELIONS suit him well! He has fond memories of picking dandelions with his mother and blowing the seeds away, and even vaguely remembers how to make flower chains out of them. Of course, he could never get them as neat as hers, but Granny Evelyn still asks for his help when making crowns for the Flower Dance. Apart of him wonders why they have to use nicer-looking flowers for the formal crowns when dandelions work just fine. They're sturdy yet flexible- not nearly as fragile as the more 'beautiful' flowers, and as an athlete, he can admire that about them.

On a deeper level, there are many similarities to be found between Alex and his favorite flower. First impressions can be deceiving- just like most people think of dandelions as pests, Alex can come on a bit strong and even arrogant. But looking beneath the surface, they both share the same physical and mental will to push forward and survive in even the most difficult circumstances. They both go through drastic changes as well. Just as the bright and spiky bloom of a dandelion becomes softer and more delicate, Alex's spirit softens too. His own changes, though, won't float away on the wind anytime soon :P

Elliott

As obvious as it would be to say red roses, SNAPDRAGONS would be his favorites instead! As much as he is a romantic, he's just as much a daydreamer, and snapdragons would provide his imagination with ample opportunity to run wild, both with their fantastical name and lush, delicate appearance. They remind him of adventures in far-off lands, harkening reveries of ancient castles filled with wondrous secrets and the brave heroes set out to uncover them. He's a homebody at heart, but nothing is stopping him from holing up in his cabin and writing about any of it! (Or, well, fantasizing about writing about it, in most cases. <3)

But just as established, he's a romantic. Elliott is definitely well-versed in the language of flowers, and the meaning behind snapdragons in particular hardly eludes him. They symbolize grace, earnestness and strength under pressure, but are also known to represent something less than well-intentioned. Emulating the former qualities is something Elliott has done effortlessly, but in a way, the last one entices him the most. To create something beautiful, strong and mysterious; something that draws one in and sparks love and fear and longing for an endless more- isn't that what every writer wants? What every writer dreams of?

Harvey

A little like Elliott in this regard, Harvey is the sentimental type. FORGET-ME-NOTS hold a special place in his heart. It's a simple flower in appearance with an almost childlike name, but he likes them just the same. Maybe it's because of those traits that he does- they remind him of the carefree days he's missed out on, since moving to the valley. On top of his doctoral duties, he's a very lonely person overall. Forget-Me-Nots, with their hopeful pale blue, almost cheer him up to see on days where he feels less like a member of the community and more like a robot with a stethoscope and scrubs.

It's also their name that connects with him in a way...Forget-Me-Not. On top of the way they look, they cheer him up with that name. On the rare instance that the flower comes up in conversation, he jokes that the person who named it must've had terrible memory, as cheesy as it sounds. But all jokes aside, it's comforting to him that a flower otherwise unremarkable would have a name that insists to the listening ear that it shouldn't be forgotten. Almost inspiring, even. It makes him feel as if one day, he won't be another face-in-the-crowd. Somebody important, though to whom in particular...? Well, time will tell!

Sam

For Sam, it's DAISIES all the way! He constantly flip-flops between spring and summer as his favorite seasons, but daisies give him the best of both worlds. Seeing them dotting the fields in the warmer months always brings a smile to his face. Whether or not he's close with him, Sam definitely got Alex to teach him how to make flower chains one late spring...Of course, Alex may or may not have been mildly jealous of how easily Sam picked up on the skill, but when spending time together outside, Sam's restless hands sometimes find themselves picking daisies from the grass while Abigail and Sebastian chat and bicker and making the both of them bracelets!

When he still lived in the city with his mother, father and a much younger Vincent, he'd sometimes see them poking out of cracks in the sidewalk. While they weren't as common as dandelions, they still always caught his attention. While Jodi chatted aimlessly with her fellow PTA moms outside one of the countless Zuzu City JojaMarts, he'd busy himself, plucking daisies and dandelions from whatever nooks and crannies he could find and playing with them however he wanted. Back then, he didn't think much of it, but he looks at those times with almost a fond nostalgia. Things changed, but that doesn't mean it all has to be sad, right?

Sebastian

He doesn't think about this sort of thing very often, being the lovable terminally-online dork that he is. But if you ask, Sebastian's favorite flower would have to be BLACK TULIPS. It's not a very deep answer, really. Sure, tulips are more of a spring flower, but he finds the pitch purple color to be one of the more interesting colors that plants can have. They stick out among the cheerier colors that most other breeds of tulips display- the goths of their genus, if you will, and that's small part of why he likes them!

He entertained the idea of gardening, at one point, even prior to the farmer's arrival. Though he plans to move out eventually, he thought it would be a good way to get outside and get some exercise, though it wasn't ever really anything he thought to commit to. Though, he does chat with Evelyn on occasion- their shared affinity for tulips and his occasional fantasy of maintaining a small garden has ended up providing a lot more conversation than he's used to, or even expected! Even if most people see him as an asocial shut-in, it's comforting for him to recognize his softer side.

Shane

Look at him. All gruff and mean. His favorite flower is probably a thistle of some sort, or something poisonous. All things considered, his favorite flowers are FAIRY ROSES. Don't give him that look- it's just because Jas likes them so much! Seeing the way she lights up when she sees them is contagious for this gold-hearted curmudgeon. She'd spent two entire weeks planning out a one-woman recital for him and Marnie once, and when he handed her a little JojaMart bouquet of them afterwards...Well, the look on her face made the price tag worth it. Although, her excited squeal did leave his ears ringing for the rest of the evening.

The flowers are native to the valley, too...Sometimes, he feels as if he doesn't belong. Why would he? It's not as if he was born there or has any particularly close friends. If Pelican Town was a garden, he'd just be a weed. But Jas seems to have taken like a duck to water, although she's still shy as ever. Shane can be self-defeating and pessimistic at times, but he's not made of stone. He's grateful that she's in a place where she can flourish, just like the fairy roses she adores so much.

~FIN~

[fandomfluffandfuck]

I must be getting ready for spooky season early because all damn day, all I've been thinking obsessively about Steve with an honest-to-god fetish for vampires.

It's just this fixation that he's had his whole conscious life. It's what he can't get away from. Every time he's alone with his fist around his dick, no matter what started him down that path, whatever brought him there, it always, always ends up with vampires, no matter how unrelated it seems from the original thought.

There's, just, something about vampires. Okay, fine, it's everything about them. The teeth, the danger, the vulnerability, the risk, the reward, and the taboo, yet, also the mystery. E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. It ignites Steve. He can hardly think about vampires or hear them mentioned in passing without quivering. He can't escape his ever-present wants.

His needs.

So, when he's turns 21, the first thing he does isn't shoot too much fruity alcohol for a few hours, then spend the rest of his night regretting it in a tiny bathroom stall, the whole world spinning, but instead, the his first 21+ act is walking into a blood bar.

He's not had anything alcoholic to drink, rather he's sipping on a drink, leaning against the counter, not even bothering to snag a seat because he doesn't plan on waiting long enough to get comfortable. He's waited this long already. He doesn't want to waste another minute. The first vampire that approaches him, he's gonna say fuck. yes. He's so ready to have his first experience.

Portrying such casual energy with a pose like that, dressed in nothing special, just any old clothes that he wouldn't be out of place wearing in the middle of the street on a regular day, sipping from a glass, Bucky sees him and thinks he might be a regular that he's somehow missed every time he's come in to this establishment before. But... the second Bucky gets near him, drawn to him inexplicably, Bucky understands the ruse.

It's only a skin deep mirage.

Interesting.

And Bucky knows so because even without his enhanced, inhuman senses, Bucky suspects he'd be able to hear the jackrabbit-fast hammering of his heart. Hell, he'd probably be able to feel the nervousness rolling off of him in waves, too. He doesn't need to have so, so many years of life experience and heightened sense to know that--

Oh, he's new.

Bucky can feel his fangs as a delicious pressure in his mouth where they're aching to drop. His stomach rumbles, just as eager. He wants to feed.

And he wants this one.

The newcomer is everything Bucky wants, big and muscular but so clearly sweet, biting his lip, trying and failing to hide how nervous and excited he is, leaning back and hiding behind his drink while his eyes dart around the room, trying to discern who's human and who isn't. He's so laughably, plainly, obviously ready to melt under expert touch.

He's in luck.

Bucky swoops in, settling next to him (on a bar stool, thank you very much), and soon...

Steve is squirming faintly--trying to restrain himself to make this as easy as possible and failing because he's that much of an eager, sweet thing and it feels that good--beneath the teeth of Bucky.

Soon, Steve is going from pink and feverish with want, finally on the cusp of getting what he's desired all his life so badly, to pale and shaking, moaning no less than a man being pleasured by a hot body wrapped tightly around his cock as Bucky feeds from him. His hands started out digging into Bucky's arms, holding him there, not wanting this opportunity to experience this fantasy to slip away, but now his grip is getting a little weaker. His body is slouching down where Bucky has him pressed against the high, sturdy wooden bar. And pure ecstasy bleeds across Steve's face, tainting his expression into a beautiful, fucked up thing that just makes Bucky crave more from him.

Yet, when Bucky pulls away with just a little less than his fill, being careful with this eager, sweet creature, Steve whimpers.

His hands paw uncoordinatedly at Bucky, trying to grab him and pull him back for a second taste. He can't, though, not when his brain has so clearly been drained from his skull, out through his ears and nose, leaving him empty-headed and pathetic, hazily clamoring for more pleasure like a junkie falling from a high. More. Please.

Instantly, in a terribly hot flash, Bucky thinks, oh, this one is gonna be fun. He's asking for trouble. Begging, really, making noises and faces like that.

Bucky already craves more of the way he tastes. There's always a heady, intoxicating undercurrent to those that enjoy the special delight of being prey, and Steve has the sweetest cocktail Bucky's ever tasted. Right there in his veins, thrumming hot and thick. He likes it bad.

And, hmm, it seems like they're both in luck here. Aren't they?

This will be trouble. It already is.

[balkanradfem]

So I decided to learn to knit! I've never before found a way to ethically and cheaply get yarn. I found a little ball of yarn outside at some point, as one does, and saved it, but beyond that I didn't have any other tools. Then I saw a video showing how you can take a thrifted machine-knit sweater, and undo it back into yarn, and then just knit with that. Incredible, since I have a full box of old sweaters, I just need to figure out which ones are easily undone.

So I grabbed my little ball of found yarn, and then I needed some needles. I looked up what I could use instead, and found there's plenty of alternatives; pencils, chopsticks, wooden sticks for barbecue. Looking around my room I realized I had some very long paintbrushes; I tried to use them, and immediately realized they need to have a pointy end. I grabbed a pencil sharpener and sharpened them; only this made them very rough and splintered. I needed to sand them down, but I had no sandpaper, and then I remembered that recently someone gave me a flat tool that removes dry skin from feet. I sanded them down with that, and it actually worked, they worked perfectly like knitting needles. They're even the same size.

The knitters probably already know this, but if you start knitting for the first time, especially if it's winter and you're under a blanket, some ancient human instinct will activate and you will feel that you are doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing and everything is well and right with the world. Creating fabric is a powerful thing to do, in a society where everyone needs fabric to stay alive, and go outside, and I like having this power to myself.

I found out there are two basic types of stitches; knit stitch, and purl stitch. I liked the knit stitch better, on the basis that purl stitch had 'bad vibes'.

It knew before that most fabric will be woven, or knitted, or in some cases, crochet, so I got little curious, and studied each layer of clothing on me, and every single item of clothing was knit, and it was all a purl stitch. I got fascinated by this, wondering if this is true for most clothing, or if I just somehow prefer knit things on me because they're nice and stretchy. Looking into other fabrics, I could easily tell that all of the sheets, pillowcases and kitchen cloths were woven, and that they were much sturdier and less stretchy for it.

I looked at stuff in my closet, and found that I had a scarf, hat, and pants that were woven, but in very soft and warm fabric, and they were very sturdy and non-stretchy as well. I then wondered what was the logic behind it, and is there a traditional type of things that will be woven, that isn't just bedsheets and cloths?

I tried to find a video on youtube detailing that stuff, but no female-made video was found, so I'm now downloading several women-written audibooks on the topic of history of textiles. I think we should just take the power to make textiles back to us, because back when women were the maker of the cloth, it was just something we 'did out of the goodness of our hearts for our families' but it was also environmentally friendly, practical, sustainable and a beautiful, powerful craft. Now that m*n decided it's something to make money off, they created fast fashion, tons of waste and environmental damage, new types of slavery for workers, and the clothing isn't even practical anymore, it's made to fall apart.

So, back to my knitting, I have to say it's not happening very fast, I thought by the end of the day I would be done with that little ball of yarn and be able to tell how much fabric it can make, nope, did not happen, in fact I've been working on it two days and by this time I've barely made any progress. Apparently the 'purl stitch' is faster, well, I'm still refusing to do it. Boo purl stitch. The yarn I found outside is some of the worst quality yarn I've ever seen, not only it's different in thickness everywhere, but in some places there are 3-4 different threads distangled from each other, and it confused me so much while knitting that I kept adding stitches on the brush unnecessarily, until the entire thing could barely fit on one.

One thing that surprised me was how incredibly soft, stretchy and comfortable the fabric feels when made. I genuinely expected the fabric to be as horrifying as the yarn quality, nope, it's nice and comfy I absolutely love it.

There is a movement in online spaces for being mindful of environment when purchasing clothing, and making our own wardrobes, which is absolutely delightful; seeing people gain new respect and fascination for clothing, sewing and textile making, and then doing it themselves and becoming non-dependent on capitalism, it's the change the world needs. I didn't think I would try to join in, because I get so much discarded and unwanted clothing from others, I wouldn't need to buy any ever, but I did get fascinated by looms, natural fibers, and women doing all that work, that I can't resist trying it out.

[hms-tardimpala]

Ficbinding: the Cultivation series

Over the weekend I bound the Cultivation series by xxSparksxx.

The fic: The Hobbit, bagginshield, rated G and T, 25.8k The series is composed of Roots and the sequel Branches. Synopsis for Roots:

Here in Erebor, among the Dwarves who had reclaimed their home with blood and sweat, Bilbo could almost forget that he was a Hobbit of the Shire. He could almost forget that Hobbits were not as other beings of Middle-earth, and that a mountain devoid of rich plant life was not the place for one such as he.

The fics are set post Battle of the Five Armies. Thorin and his nephews survived, and Bilbo settled in the rebuilding Erebor, but it starts to affect his health in a dire way. In the second fic, a certain Frodo Baggins appears... These fics are incredibly well-written, they're about cultural differences a lot, and that's one of the things I like the most about Thorin and Bilbo. The secondary characters are great too, special mention to Tauriel. And I loved Bilbo in this story, and I have a really hard time finding versions of him I like in fics (even in the book and movies, tbh, I'm a more of a Thorin guy).

The bind: I'm continuing my foray into smaller books (smaller than an A6 format) with this. I chose green for the cover and bookmark and brown for the headbands to go with the nature theme of the story. As usual, no titles on my books.

Things I'm happy about:

the margins: I'm learning to use my guillotine well and this is the first book I'm very happy with regarding margins. I tend to cut too much and struggle to cut straight, but this is a beauty.

the well-rounded spine

the decorations at the beginning and end of the stories, and next to the page numbers

the typesetting in general, with the drop caps and fonts.

All the things I'm less happy about are linked to the material I used for the cover. It's too-thick pleather that's not made for bookbinding, so I can't make a crease near the spine with it, I can't make elegant corners, and other minor flaws. The thing is bookbinding materials are expensive, and I can't put too much money into what is ultimately a hobby, so I have to use my stock of cheap and not great materials first.

But I really like this one! It's sturdy and small and nice, and it'll make rereading this series very pleasant.

Feel free to ask me about materials and fonts, it won't bother me at all to tell you what I used, but I'm too lazy rn to write it in this post that's long enough already.