#christmas cards are great because I come up with one(1) thing and then just sign it 50 times and blast it out into the universe

[blujayonthewing]

I think the reason I like doing christmas cards so much is that I get the euphoria of sending my friends something in the mail without the ordeal of having to actually think of something to send

[stardustizuku]

So, Gushing Over Magical Girls Is The Best Thing To Happen to Magical Girls

Gushing Over Magical Girls get this bad rep. For all the wrong reasons. I’ve seen it be called an insult to Magical Girls, I’ve seen it be called “gooner bait” a term I absolutely despise but that’s a thing for another day. I’ve seen it insulted for everything and anything under the sun.

I first got acquainted with it when I was scrolling through Twitter and I saw someone complain about the PV. However, as an avid Magical Girl Fan, I wasn’t disgusted. I was intrigued.

I decided to read the manga, and oh god.

This is one of the best things I’ve read.

The story follows Utena, a shy girl that loves Magical Girls, tricked to become the evil general that will defeat the Magical Girl team “Tres Magia”.

And it’s a delight.

I binged all the episodes available to me in the manga, and had fun in each and every chapter.

The same, however, couldn’t be said by half the people who watched the anime. And I was extremely baffled. As a queer woman, this was the first time in my life, in which I had seen something so deliberately catered towards me. I saw tell-tale signs of someone who genuinely admires the genre, and is simply using it as an outlet for exploring deeper and more interesting topics that a SFW version of it would not be able to.

Yet, I turn around and I see people calling it the most horrendous stuff, and accusing everyone who likes it of being monsters or men.

Genuinely, I’ve had enough.

Gushing Over Magical Girl is not the Devil. In fact, I think it’s the best thing to come don’t even like Magical Girls AND IT SHOWS.

PART 1: “Magical girls are for little girls!”.

The first criticism you’ll see aimed at “Gushing over Magical girl” is the amount of sexually charged content it has. And it is true. It borders on straight up porn in many instances and it just gets wilder as you go on. By chapter 30, we’re way past PantyShots. Like, I’ve seen some of these girls’ vaginas, and I’m not joking.

Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with it, but there’s people who might disagree.

“Magical Girls are for little girls” some people say “and you’re corrupting it!”

Which genuinely makes me laugh.

This is because this type of argument could only be done by someone with no real concept of Magical Girls aside from maybe Sailor Moon and Sakura Card Captor.

out of the Magical Girl genre in a WHILE (Ignoring Precure, because they just gave us a magical boy and that’s my win of the decade).

People are just, you know, stupid. And reactionary. Enough that they see a boob and lose their minds like a Karen at a Christmas Eve Mall.

My point is, I love this manga. And I’m willing to risk my reputation to defend it. Cause genuinely, half the people who are clutching their pearls over this show - Magical Girl Anime haven’t always been PG, or aimed at girls.

Cutie Honey is a great example. It’s one of the most famous Magical Girl Anime you will find - and it’s a shonen. With the protagonist, Honey, being constantly naked, groped, put in suggestive situations and have outfits that show her cleavage.

And it’s one of the most famous, most popular takes on Magical Girl there is. Yet, I never see any amount of outrage towards it. (Part of me wonders if it’s because the fan service is aimed at men, rather than involving yuri).

There’s also Lyrical Nanoha, one of the most popular serial franchises there is. It spans several seasons and spinoffs, and it’s beloved by many.

And it’s aimed at older men. Yes, it’s a Seinen.

In fact, its origins are far from PG. It’s actually a Spin-off of an erotic game named “Triangle Heart”. It was most definitely not created with little girls in mind, and themes it tackles reflect as much.

There’s Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya too, a spinoff of the Fate/Stay Night VN, very obviously aimed at older men, it’s a Seinen. It has a lot of fanservice and scenes where the characters are half naked.

Day Break Illusion is also a Shonen.

And as much as I adora Madoka - I’ve been stating for years now that it isn’t a show meant for little girls. You could argue it’s for everyone, regardless of gender, who’s a little older. But it most definitely wasn’t for little girls.

So, no. This was never an “only girls” club. Trying to paint it as such, is not only wrong but ignorant.

Magical Girl shows can be for anyone. Men, boys, girls, women and I find it infantilizing to consider it “only for little girls”.

No one says “super heroes are ONLY for little boys”

Well, some do. But they’re, you know, bigots. Who don’t want girls playing or adults o have fun.

So no, Gushing Over Magical Girls being a sexually charged anime in the Seinen category isn’t “corrupting the genre”. In fact, I would argue it’s doing exactly what the genre has done in the OVA shadows for a while.

Not to mention, many people have screamed from the rooftop how they want “more mature Magical Girl shows” referring to the success of Madoka. But as soon as an actually mature take on Magical Girls shows up, tackling issues of sexuality and love, you all don’t want it anymore.

(We all know why, though. Americans, and western culture in general, considers mature themes, only that which involves violence. Anything close to discussing issues of sex is no longer “mature” but “Pornographic” and deserving of being shoved into a corner. With all queer themes, gender studies, and any nuance that could be had regarding these issues).

And speaking of sexually charged, have you watched so called “wholesome” magical girls? They’re still very much sexy. Not in the “on the nose” ecchi way Seinen and Shonen are - but they still are.

You’ll find transformations were the girls are naked, zoom in to their breasts, you’ll have panty shots every now and then. Even themes of growing up, having crushes, and innuendos about sex. Inappropriate relationships, taboo romance, and the likes.

Sakura had Rita and a professor’s relationship (mutual in the manga), Sailor Moon had Chibiusa and Elliot’s romance, Sugar Sugar Rune even having an element for ‘lust’ and other different types of love, and let’s not forget Mermaid Melody which has several instances of the girls naked, in compromising positions with other men. And I’m pretty sure Tokyo Mew Mew likely opened a whole bunch of doors for girls to be into CNC.

This is, by the way, normal.

Completely so.

These stories often talk about the girlhood experience. And girls and teenage girls are interested in all of these things. They’re interested in sex, romance, their bodies growing up, their own sexuality and the likes. It’s no wonder same-sex relationships and romance get included, they’re part of what experiencing the world through the eyes of a young girl is like.

And subsequently, it stands to reason that as people who engaged with MG grow up - they find comfort in exploring their sexuality through Magical Girl themselves. There’s a reason why there’s a growing section of “Magical Girl” in your local hentai site.

“Men get off on corrupting this wholesome girl targeted genre” is actually TERF rhetoric sneaking through the mainstream. It ignores AFAB ppl and gender nonconforming people, who grew up with Magical Girls, simply using a medium that originally started their journey of sexual identity, to explore more “grown up” aspects of that same identity.

In particular, I’m a Cis AroAce Woman. I wrote a lot of Magical Girl NSFW when I first started writing NSFW Twitter threads. They’re bad and they’re cringey. But it was something I needed.

Magical Girls were a huge part of my childhood and early teens. When I was mentally in the space to want to engage with NSFW content: it was obvious I would turn to what first sparked excitement.

So this idea that “men are corrupting Magical Girls with their sick fantasies” is nothing more than TERF-lite propaganda. People, including women and men, have been doing this for ages; for a variety of reasons. And doing so, doesn’t rob children of their spaces - but the gentrification of the internet is a story of another day.

The other argument I have heard is that GOMG is a mockery of the genre. Which is even more laughable in my opinion.

PART 2: Parodies and why I hate Earth Defender’s Club.

Gushing Over Magical Girls loves Magical Girls. It’s a parody, in a way, but it knows very well what it parodies. It’s not surface level in the slightest. And it absolutely is not mean spirited about it.

A lot of the time, shows that reference and parody the Magical Girl genre, do so in ways that feel like they view it as a lesser genre. They take generic images of cute girls in frilly outfits, swap the colors around, and have them chant over-the-top spells. You’re meant to laugh, not only at how silly they look, but people who would love it. Especially if they’re grown ups.

I do not like “Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE!” For this exact reason - even tho many people praise it to all heavens.

Because

1) It feels surface level in its commentary and depiction of Magical Girls and

2) More mocking towards the genre than paying homage or doing anything with it.

The continuous use of the word “Love” is a very obvious jab at Magical Girls using these words, which feels mean spirited just for the sake of it. Their outfits are almost exactly the same, save for the colors. And they all use the same sticks as weapon, with no thematic link for the shapes of the scepters. The mascot too (a wombat for god knows what reason), I think it’s meant to be a joke of some sort for how ridiculous some of the mascots for the girls get, which rubs me the wrong way.

In general, it feels shallow and mean spirited. But no one calls this an insult to Magical Girls. Because people who like it don't actually care about Magical Girls. They see cute boys doing silly things and love it. Which is kinda sad.

Now, Gushing Over Magical girls has sort of that same problem on the Tres Magias…But they’re not the protagonists. And even then, in later chapters, they get power ups that are different in design, and thematically linked.

The protagonist, and the ones we follow, are Utena and the girls. And they all have very distinct outfits, all with motifs that are tangentially thematically linked, and speak of each character’s personalities in interesting ways.

Utena in particular has THIS outfit. Which a lot of people don’t like, but I actually do.

It’s very obvious it’s taking inspo from other iconic Bad Girls in the genre. Namely, Utau, Kraehe and Devil Homura. All “Enemy characters” that have unhealthy obsessions with other characters. In particular, I think the wings and the feathers resemble Homura - THE character known to have a massive obsession with a Magical Girl (Madoka), to the point of insanity.

There’s also Magia Azure. Who’s a clear reference to the Mean Tsundere girl that is iconic to the genre. She’s also a Miko. Which is a callback to Sailor Mars, arguably THE girl who popularized this archetype.

I also love what they do with the mascots. Unlike Earth Defenders, where the mascot is you know, a mockery of the archetype of a mascot - useless, only there to give power ups, and obsessed with food - the mascots of GOMG is taking a book from Madoka.

It considers the mascots both all-too-powerful and yet limited in their reach. Which is exactly what the mascots have always been in Magical Girls. Beings so powerful they can give mythical powers to girls, yet helpless to do anything on their own. So, they use magical girls as a vehicle to achieve their goals. Most Magical girls try to paint this as a good thing, but newer genres shine light on how dangerous that can be too.

Madoka tackles it with Kyubey as the main initial mascot, only later to turn out to be the villain of the series.

And in a Post-Madoka world, trusting the mascots is just the slightest bit more difficult. That’s why, from the get go, GOMG portrays their mascots as morally corrupt. He’s not a good character, he’s malicious and doing more harm than good. But for the majority of the series, he’s painted more as a useless harmless evil than anything genuinely terrifying or worthy of concern. The attention is focused on other things.

But I love the way that it’s heavily implied that they’re not good. It’s a very interesting take on the mascot and it helps with the themes of the series. Which yes, by the way. Gushing Over Magical Girls has themes.

Which lead me to-

Part 3: Yeah, uhm, Gushing Over Magical Girl has themes.

There’s this idea that Sex is an inherently violent act. In which a man humiliates and sodomizes a woman, and therefore the woman is exploited in some way. And 10x worse is any act that involves BDSM. It’s violence; born out of hatred.

This is TERF rhetoric. I’m not joking. This line of thought leads directly to TERF ideas.

Many on the internet have pointed out as much, and BDSM members have gone to be very vocal about it. In particular, people on the role of the submissive (or the bottoms) are loudly trying to explain the contrary. How they like the act of sex, like the idea of being vulnerable, or being humiliated. There’s also plenty of LGBT+ stories that talk about it, both in western and eastern spaces. Just jump into the section of dom/sub verse at your local manga browsing website, and you’ll find something.

That said, the same is not as common for people who like to “dominate”.

I can only think of two pieces of media that argue that, whoever is the dominant or the sadist, is also a human being. That whatever they’re doing is done, not out of hatred for the submissive or an act of violence, but love.

One, is the husky and the white cat. In which Mo Ran, among other things, has to come to terms that his love isn’t “pure”. That he cannot love someone without the want to have sex, and to completely dominate that someone.

The second one is Gushing Over Magical Girls.

It’s very clear to me that Utena’s sadism isn’t a violent act. It’s an act born out of love. She genuinely loves the Magical Girls, and most girls for that matter, and whenever she is inflicting pain and fighting with them - what she wants is to ultimately help them in some way.

She wants them to “be the cutest version they can be” and wants them to shine brighter than ever.

There’s this one scene I love, around chapter 20, in which Baiser (Utena) is fighting Magia Azura. And due to Baiser going a bit too far, Azura ends up being Mind-broken. She crawls towards her, calls her “mistress” and begs to become her servant.

In any normal Hentai you’ll find, this is a good thing. This would be the ideal outcome. A character being turned into nothing but a sex slave for the enjoyment of the dominant.

Which is why I found it breathtaking when that didn’t happen.

Baiser is horrified by this. She does not want to break the girls, she wants them to be powerful. She wants them to win. With her, the evil one, being nothing more than a vehicle for them to be even stronger than before.

This is the first time I’ve ever seen dominant or sadist characters being presented both sexually, and in such a positive light. Much less a queer woman in the same position.

It doesn’t treat BDSM sex as a disgusting taboo act, but something born out of genuine love - and a want to see the other person be or feel better.

This is reinforced around chapter 25 where Leberblume and Loco Mùsica are fighting Baiser. For context, Loco Musica wanted to be an Idol, but had terrible singing. She uses her evil power to basically force everyone to listen to her sing (which is so reminiscent of Mermaid Melody btw). When they fight, Baiser wins, and is then set to use her new found power to “punish” Loco Musica.

Originally, Loco Musica points out how Baiser’s sadistic tendencies are “the same” as Lord Enorme, who we’ve seen uses sadism as a genuine form of punishment. Something to avoid. You behave well, because you don’t want to get hurt or humiliated by her.

However, when Baiser uses her own unique type of sadism on Loco Musica, something happens. Instead of causing her physical pain by beating her or using violence, she forces her to get naked and perform her idol song like that. This causes her to get extremely embarrassed. And in the process, she actually starts to sing really well.

This is important for two reasons

1) Baiser is actually taking into account who Musica is. It’s later revealed that Musica wanted a more frilly idol-like outfit but Lord Enorme shut it down, for the sake of a more ‘unified’ aesthetic. Baiser is not just throwing around the same treatment and punishment for all girls - what one might like, the other might hate.

2) At the end of the day, while she did the punishment, it was both embarrassing, but ultimately something that helped Musica and made her feel better.

And that’s really the key here, and why I love the series.

Sadism, sex and kinks in general are not tools of degeneracy. They’re treated as part of our experience.

Also, it’s just fun?

Part 4: Gushing Over Magical Girls is just extremely fun when you don’t have a dumb bitch yapping abt how unholy it is to see tiddies on a screen

Yeah, GOMG just has one of the most creative depictions of the most insane of kinks you’ll see - I could spent hour gushing over Nero Alice.

Seeing all these different kinks being depicted as powers and abilities that these characters have - and seeing how they interact with other people is just interesting.

The sex scenes are both hilarious and kinda sexy. Specially if you do like to see women all hot and bothered. Personally I’m not into girls (or anyone for that matter) but I have to admit the scenes were pretty hot. And there is no shame in admitting as much. No matter what the puritanical Christian on Twitter crying abt “god honoring lesbian sex” Will tell you.

I cannot begin to explain just how hype and relatable it was to see Magia Baiser defeat Lord Enorme with the power of straight up delusion, we STAN.

So, yeah.

It’s been a while since I last saw a Magical Girl Show so unashamed of being a Magical Girl Show. Unashamed of being weird, of praising the genre and just enjoying it.

My essay is titled, in part, as a joking reference to my much more popular series “MLB is the worst thing to happen to the magical girl series”. Which I still think is true.

And while, yeah, maybe GOMG isn’t the best thing to come out of the genre…I still think it’s good that it came out.

A lot of people say they want a more “mature” take on Magical Girls but - this proved to me that just isn’t the case.

Gushing over magical girls proves that the Magical Girl Genre Can Be so much more than what people think. More than glitter and sparkles, more than vapid action scenes, or what little girls want.

Much like any other genre, it can be raunchy, it can be messy, it can explore things outside of the status quo. But it can still deeply respect the source material, and the origins of it.

GOMG proves Magical Girls can be fun. Just. Straight up fun. Regardless of your age. They can serve and connect you to parts of yourself you didn’t realize you could connect to.

I hope it proves to more people that the genre can be so much more than “just for little girls” that parodies can be more than pointing and laughing, and that it can have themes beyond just, “friendship”.

Magical Girls can be so much more. You just, have to have an open mind about it.

[roonotrue]

Day 1 - Ice Skating with Vil!

Twisted Wonderland Writings Masterpost

Prologue, Day 2

Prompt: In the end Epel is the one who manages to convince a housewarden to help, specifically getting Vil to help distract the MC while he and the other freshies enact their plan, which is now being referred to as Operation 'Christmas Miracle!'

Reader: GN reader - They/Them pronouns and the reader is called 'MC/Prefect.' The reader also knows how to ice skate but hasn't in a while. (I am too scared to ever try ice skating, but for those of you who do Merry Christmas.)

Included Characters: Vil Schoenheit

Warnings: Mild Swearing.

Tags: @twistedcece

~~~

It's been weeks since you spoke with your fellow freshmen about the winter holidays in your world, and the cold has really come rushing in full force at NRC.

Snow blankets the ground, and students wear thick layers to class to keep warm.

You didn't really have any thick layers to bundle up in, but luckily Professor Crewel noticed this when you and Grim came into class a Prefect and Cat-shaped popsicle, ten minutes late. He then personally saw to yell at Crowley in his office for twenty whole minutes about letting you freeze to death.

So now you have a winter coat.

Big enough for Grim to hide in with you when heading to class. Maybe you can wrangle some gloves out of him to if you play your cards right.

But that's none of this is the point. The point is, it's cold enough to go ice skating on the pond outside the Alchemy Workshop.

Which Vil invited you to go do.

Vil.

Vil Schoenheit.

Invited you.

To go... Ice skating.

The famous model and actor, and the Housewarden of Pomefiore (though much less relevant than the FAMOUS MODEL AND ACTOR part) invited YOU... To go ice skating with him.

Okay, look, it's not that you find it hard to believe (you do actually find it very hard to believe), it's just that... Vil is... Vil.

And you're you. In his eyes, a potato. Not that you mind. Most people are potatoes compared to Vil Scheonheit, but also, potatoes aren't that bad of a comparison.

One of the most diverse ingredients and stand-alone foods in this world and yours. Easily able to fit into any dish or meal as a main ingredient or a side.

You'd say since coming to NRC, you fit that description kind of well.

The point is, you and Vil are friends, but like, you've never gone and done something alone with him like this. You'd asked if other Pomefiore students might be there (namely Rook or Epel), but he'd said it'd just be you two.

Alone. Without one of the idiots (read: friends) in your life (take your pick, there are many), contributing to, or leading the conversation.

You're totally not overthinking this or anything.

You try way too hard to wear something nicer than usual- but as mentioned before, you don't have a ton of warm clothes. And they'll be covered by your coat anyway so why the hell does it matter?

Because it's Vil. That's why it matters. You want to look nice.

"You know, I still think the first shirt was the nicest." Grim mutters between bites of tuna.

Which you don't appreciate considering you gave him that can so he'd shut up for a minute.

"It had a hole in it, Grim. Do you really think Vil wouldn't notice that?" You scoff, searching your closet for another nicer button-up.

The only good one you have is for your school uniform, but it needs to be washed, and you don't have time for that- Vil is literally on his way to pick you up.

"No, cuz it'll be hidden under the coat! Now hurry up, he just texted you he's here."

"What!?" You rush to your phone, quickly throwing on the shirt, rushing to button it up as you see the text.

"Okay, okay, okay- Uh, I left another can of tuna on the counter for you if you get hungry while I'm gone, and if anyone swings by needing me for something- I'm dead, got it?" You tell Grim, putting on your coat.

"Sure thing, henchhuman! Stay out as late as you need, the Great Grim has got things handled!" He says with a large smile, way too excited for you to leave.

Normally he complains anytime you go somewhere without him and get's all grumpy or will end up sneaking along after you. 

But today, he's been all too happy to help you get ready and push you out the door.

It's suspicious. He's been acting suspiciously for the last two weeks.

So have the others. Avoiding you, getting anxious and awkward when you're around. Lying.

You're not an idiot. They're up to something. You can't quite figure out what exactly but you can reckon it's probably something that you're going to have to fix later.

But right now, you've got more pressing issues.

Like stopping at the hall mirror to make sure your hair isn't messed up, and your skin's not greasy or anything.

When you open the door Vil is, as always, the vision of perfection. Dressed snuggly in a deep blue winter coat, black leather gloves, and a white fur scarf, his hair tied back in a bun, only the front half left loose to frame his face as it usually does.

His violet eyes glimmer when he sees you, swiftly putting his phone back in his pocket.

"There you are, are you ready to go?" He smiles.

"Yep!" You chuckle as you rub your hands together at the cold breeze that comes rushing in from outside.

It snowed particularly hard last night, so classes had been canceled today. But right now, the sky is clear, and the fresh snow sparkles under the late morning light.

The motion, however, catches Vil's eye, whose smile drops as he looks you up and down and raises a brow.

"It's quite cold out, MC, are you sure you don't want to put on gloves? And a scarf you be a good idea too. And maybe a different coat, that one simply is not your color, who did you let pick it out, Crowley? It hardly looks warm enough for the weather." He asks, poking at the sleeve of the item.

Actually, yes, he did pick it out. The cheapest one he could find.

"It's the only coat I have, and I don't have any gloves or anything. It's fine though, I've gotten pretty used to the cold by now." You laugh it off, and Vil's eyes narrow.

"Hm. Very well, let's just get going, I'm sure we can swing by Sam's shop and pick you up something." He nods, resolute.

"Oh, I don't really have any money for it. Not if I want to eat something other than the cheap microwave meals Crowley leaves for me over break." You wave your hands, stepping outside and closing the door before you let any more heat out.

It was hard enough getting the furnace working, you're not wasting a single second of the warmth it provides before it breaks again.

"Microwave meals!? Is that birdbrained idiot trying to kill you!? Do you know how many preservatives and chemicals are in those!?" Vil looks horrified and you can't help but chuckle, scratching at the back of your head nervously.

"Well, food is food, as Ruggie would say. We can worry more about it later if you'd like, but I'd really like to have some sort of fun on my snow day, don't you?" You ask, trying to change the subject.

The housewarden cringes at the idea of dropping the subject, but lets out a defeated sigh.

"Fine. We will be talking about this later though. Or at least I'll be talking with Crowley next housewarden's meeting." He mumbles the last bit as he grabs your arm, looping it through his.

Oh. Oh.

He leads the way down Ramshackle steps towards the gate. And you try not to think about you two looking awfully a lot like a couple.

Ice skating is a common winter date where you're from... And then you have a thought.

A stomach-dropping thought.

Is this a date?

You nearly stumble to a stop at the thought.

You didn't think to ask. Why would you!? It was such a random out-of-the-blue offer! You didn't think 'Would you like to go ice skating with me today?' translated to anything nonplatonic!

It's probably not a date. Probably.

So you quickly decide to distract yourself from the warmth radiating from where your and Vil's arms are locked.

"So, you wouldn't happen to know what's up with Epel lately? He and the others have been avoiding me. I think they're planning something, but I don't know what." You mention, and Vil glances at you with a small smirk.

"It just so happens I do. And trust me, it's nothing to worry about. Let's just focus on us today, yes?"

Oh, this might be a fucking date.

Fuuuuuuuck.

You would have tried so much harder to look nicer if you'd realized this sooner!

"O-okay. Well, how have you been with all the cold weather? Are you excited for the break?" You ask, suddenly feeling very nervous.

"I don't mind the cold, it dries out the skin, but simply adding an extra hydration step to my skincare routine in the morning and night is a simple fix for it." He informs and you smile.

"I've tried that face scrub stuff you got for me, and it works really well. Smells nice too. I'm almost out of it, so I'll have to save up for some more." You mention, the gift- or well, 'charity' as he called it at the time a few months ago, of skincare products.

It was nice of him, and you're pretty sure it was a 'thank you' for helping him during his overblot. Which is more than you got from Leona.

You've been able to set up a routine for yourself with it, probably nothing as complicated as his routine, but you're proud to say you have seen some improvements.

"Oh? I'm glad, I wasn't sure you'd use any of them, Epel certainly doesn't." He scoffs, and you chuckle.

"Yet somehow has incredible skin." You remark as you walk out the gate and towards the Alchemy Workshop

"I know, as to how he got so lucky when all he does is wash it with water and a cloth in the morning- sometimes- I will never understand." Vil sighs, bringing a hand to his head in disappointment.

"Well, at least he's got you to look out for him. Wish I were so lucky to have gotten the fair Vil Schoenheit as a guide throughout my time here at NRC. All I got was Crowley." You sigh, unintentionally leaning into him as a cold breeze passes through.

"Hm, well, if you'd like I can certainly dedicate some of my time to help you with self-care and style? And trust me, it's no burden on me. After all, if we're going to be seen together more, it ought to be my job to make sure you look good enough to impress. I want the world to see you as beautiful on the outside as I know you are on the inside." He meets your wide-eyed gaze with a soft smile.

There's a fondness in his eyes that you don't think you've ever seen before.

A fondness meant just for you.

"Oh my, are you sure you're not cold? Your face is all red." He asks, though there's a knowing look in his eyes and a smirk on his lips.

Oh, he's teasing you.

"I'm fine! I just didn't expect that! I don't get compliments often, you know?" You turn away, focusing on the path ahead of you.

"Oh, I doubt that sweet potato, with how selfless and determined you are? There are a lot of people here at NRC who should be singing your praises for everything you do for them." He brings his other free hand to rest on top of your arm, still locked with his.

"Well, all I really hear is people telling me that I shouldn't be so kind, or that I'm naive, too trusting, too generous, and foolish for never requesting anything in return... Sometimes it's like none of the students here even know what kindness is, the way they react to it." You can see the Alchemy Workshop ahead of you.

"Hm, I see. Well, I might agree in some aspects that you're too trusting and generous at times, but for the most part, it's... Not a bad thing. You've helped people, MC, even at your own detriment, and though the idea of you continuing to do so worries me, I know you will. Because you have a good heart. You care about people, even when they don't deserve your care. It's admirable." He sighs wistfully, staring off ahead, the condensation of his breath floating in the icy air around his face.

You pause when you reach the Alchemy Workshop, looking at him as he turns to you questioningly.

"... Thanks, Vil. You have a good heart too. Even if you don't show it very often. You look after your dormmates and underclassmen, you make sure they're taking care of themselves, eating healthy, and doing well in school. You encourage their passions a lot, even Epel's love for Spelldrive, despite not liking the sport yourself. You have your own way of caring about people, it's a more 'tough love' style than mine, but it's still just as admirable." You know he's thinking back to his own overblot and behavior leading up to it.

To be honest, it was bad, but people are more than just their worst moments.

And perhaps that is you being too forgiving, but empathy is something that NRC has been lacking for a long time. So perhaps it's just your cross to bear.

Vil meets your eyes for a long moment, thoughts swirling around those long lashes and pretty lavender irises.

"The way you're able to see people, sweet potato... It's a remarkable ability, you know that right?" He finally smiles, and it remains the most beautiful sight you've ever known.

"A blessing and a curse at times. Now come on, I wanna ice skate!" You laugh and pull at the connection of your arms to usher him forward.

"So you do know how? I never thought to ask, but I figured if you didn't I could teach you." Vil inquires as you walk around the building to see the frozen pond.

It looks beautiful, sparkling in the daylight. There are a few students on the other side skating, but they're far enough that you and Vil can still skate with plenty of room. It's a big pond after all.

"Kind of, I haven't in a while, so I might be a bit rusty- and certainly not as elegant as I'm sure you are." Of all the talents for Vil Schoenheit to have, ice skating may be the least surprising.

It's a beautiful hobby. Elegant, graceful, refined, and mature. All words that can describe ice skating and Vil.

"I only started learning a few years ago, and only really in the wintertime when I'm home alone on break. I picked it up to pass the time." He explains, walking you over to the pond edge where two bags sit- a note attached.

"You're alone during winter break?" You ask, slightly hesitant, not wanting it to be a sensitive topic, but he probably wouldn't have mentioned it if it was, right?

"Yes, my father's work schedule is usually packed, so he's not home often. I have the house to myself for the most part, save for the housekeepers." He picks up the note (you see that it's signed 'from Rook') and opens the bag nearest so you both can see the white ice skates inside.

"Oh, well, you can always call or text me during break if you get bored. I'd enjoy hearing from you." You grab the other bag as he hands it to you (ignoring how your hands brush), and he chuckles.

"I just might, sweet potato. Here, I sent Rook to buy these for you, so don't worry about returning them to me." He tells you.

You brush snow off a nearby tree stump and sit down to put them on. They fit perfectly, and you don't even want to begin to guess how Rook got your shoe size.

"You sure? I can pay you back-"

"Don't worry about it. Consider them one of your gifts. Now, let's go, we don't have all day." 

Wait, one of your what-

You stumble a bit and Vil's arm darts out to steady you.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, fine, just haven't worn a pair of these in a while!" You laugh it off, and you both make your way to the ice.

Vil is as elegant as you thought he'd be, gliding across the ice smoothly. You have a rocky start, nearly slipping straight onto your butt the moment you touch the ice, but you find your balance quickly.

The memories of your last time skating flow back to the forefront of your mind, and you manage to not look like a complete fool gliding across the ice with Vil.

"Gosh, it feels like so long ago since I last did this!" You laugh, doing slow wide circles around the ice with Vil.

"Hm, it is a rather elegant winter activity, we could make it a tradition if you'd like? Coming to ice skate before winter break. It would keep either of us from getting too rusty and I can give you some of the hydrating face masks I use in the morning and night to keep your face from getting dry- and lip balm, chapped lips will not be accepted while we're together." He asks you, and you turn to him, skating in front of him backward.

It's a bold offer. Everything about Vil had been bold today. Does he truly like you? Like, like-like you?

You certainly like-like him.

By the seven you sound like a middle schooler with their first ever crush. Hell, you've certainly felt like one for... Awhile now.

Every time you're near him, acting like a blushing idiot, twirling your hair and giggling. You're not actually doing either of those things, but you sure feel like it!

Ever since his overblot, he's been a consistent voice of reason in your life, helping you curb the chaotic tendencies of those around you every time he's around.

And somewhere along the line, you've developed that terrible fluttering in your stomach that people call a crush every time he speaks to you. Or offers to help with something. Or looks at you. Or calls you 'sweet potato' which really only started just before Halloween.

God, he really has been dropping big hints, huh? So you should make a bold move too, right?

By the seven, please don't let this backfire.

"I'd love to, but only if you let me take you out to dinner afterward." You smile, the slightest of nervous flushes on your face, and his eyes widen, startled, but so does his smirk.

"How bold. And here I was worried that even after today you wouldn't get the hint. It's a date, sweet potato." He skates closer to you.

"I'm not that dense you know, just... In a state of shock that you'd want to go out with me. You do know you could have anyone right? You're a famous model, actor, and the housewarden of Pomefiore. From what I've seen so far, there isn't a girl or guy alive that wouldn't throw themselves at your feet." You acknowledge and he just laughs.

"Ah, yes, all the guys and girls that would love to be with me just for my looks, fame, and money. No, thank you. I'll stick with one of the only people in the world who sees me. Who appreciates my help, even when others think I'm being a bitch. Who values my advice, and actually listens to it. Who makes me feel like I... for a single second... Don't need to try so hard to be perfect." You stop skating at his words.

So does he.

"Vil... You never have to be perfect with me. I'm not perfect. Neither is anyone I know- I mean, look at my best friends! They're morons! But I still love them! Because they make me laugh. They care about my wellbeing- in their own ways, and they're there for me when I really need them." You list fondly, skating just a bit closer to grab Vil's gloved hand.

"That's all I really need from anyone, and maybe to some people, that's a low bar, but hey, I'm happy. So it must not be that bad of a thing, you know? So if you're up to doing just those three things, then I'll gladly date you, and do the same in return." When you look up at him, he's watching you closely.

Or well, maybe not you.

Your lips.

"I think I'm quite capable of doing all of that. And more, if you'd allow me?" He glances to meet your gaze his hand coming up to cradle your cheek.

You smile and nod.

And he kisses you. Slow, soft, and gentle. Warmth fills you, making the cold that your cheap coat couldn't keep out, melt away.

You lean into the kiss, and you have to stop yourself from chasing after it when he pulls away.

"Lots of those. That's also part of the deal- I require lots of those." You sigh wistfully and he laughs.

Bright, and melodic, and real.

You move to skate an inch back just to see it better and-

"Ack-!"

Your skate catches on something, stalling and sending you falling back.

Your arms frantically reach to grab something and stabilize yourself. At the same time, Vil quickly reaches forward to grab you, which he does, but then his skate trips over the same thing that must have tripped you.

You land in snow.

Ah. You two were at the edge of the pond.

You tripped on solid ground.

And dragged Vil down with you.

Not a great start to the relationship.

It takes a moment of blinking to fully process what just happened but when you do, you find Vil on top of you, a single hair fallen out of his bun.

Without thinking you reach out and tuck it behind his ear so it's less noticeable to someone who isn't this close to him.

His eyes meet yours and you flush, suddenly bashful and worried all at once.

"I'm so sorry! Are you okay!?" You ask, feeling the snow below you, freezing cold seeping through your coat and clothes.

You use your hands to prop yourself up, ignoring the cold and how it starts to sting.

"I'm alright, are you?" He asks and you nod, looking around, your happy you two are now the only ones at the pond.

Vil may have agreed to date you, but he might quickly retract it if anyone saw that.

You sigh in relief, and then... You can't stop yourself from laughing.

"Care to enlighten me on what's so funny about this? Ugh, I've probably messed up my hair- and my clothes-" He pushes himself up, standing swiftly, brushing the snow off of his coat.

"Because we weren't paying attention at all!" You snort out, still laughing at the whole clumsy situation.

"Exactly! You could have gotten hurt, you are aware of that, correct?" He scolds, leaning down to offer you a hand up, which you gladly take while still giggling.

"Yeah, but we didn't, and this will be a hilarious first date story someday." You struggle to balance only for a second when he pulls you to your feet (he's stronger than you thought, duly noted) but he holds your arms to keep you steady.

"We are not telling anyone that I fell." He says firmly, but you smile up at him and can immediately see that fondness softening his sharp glare.

"Of course not. The beautiful and fair, Vil Schoenheit was my hero, helping me up, checking for injuries, kissing them better-" He scoffs as you giggle out the lie.

"We're not telling anyone that either, sweet potato. Let's just stick with you fell, and I helped you up, yes?" He smirks, and you sigh with a smile still glued to your face.

"As you wish, my fairest." You loop your arms and begin skating out towards the middle of the ice once more.

"How about you show me some of those fancier moves you were doing earlier? The figure skating stuff. I'm no master like you, but I think I can learn a few things." You suggest.

"I wouldn't call myself a master, but I can show you a few things I've learned, so watch closely, sweet potato."

"Oh, trust me, I will."

You two spend the next hour skating, Vil teaching you some more advanced moves, which leads to you falling once or twice more, but you get a few down before evening rolls around with no serious injury.

"I think we should probably head back now, my hands are going to go numb." You sigh, a little disappointed to call it quits, but your hands hurt from how cold they are, and you legs are getting tired too.

"That's probably for the best, to much time out in the cold is terrible for the skin." He sighs, already skating towards you.

"I though you had hydrating face masks for that?" You joke and he rolls his eyes.

"There's only so much a face mask can protect you from and prevent. Are you hungry? We can grab something to eat before we go back, my treat this time, since I was the one who invited you out after all." He suggests and you would like to protest that you should at least pay for your share but- you really don't have the money.

And you're actually starving. You both kind of skipped any kind of lunch, being too distracted with skating and confessions and all that.

Note to self, pack lunches next year.

"Sure, Mostro Lounge would be the best option-" You go to recommend, but Vil quickly interrupts.

"I was thinking of somewhere else. You've been to Mostro Lounge dozens of times, but I'd love to bring you to a restaurant in town that I think you'd like." He asks pulling out his phone and typing something very quickly.

"Oh? Okay. So long as Azul doesn't find out I'm cheating on him with another restaurant, we should be fine." You chuckle and your words draw one from Vil to.

"It's a small place, quaint, quiet, and... Homey. I think you'll enjoy it." Good, so nothing that's 5-star fine dining.

You're really not dressed for that kind of restaurant.

"Alright, but I should stop by and tell Grim I'll be out a little longer, or he might get worried."

"Oh, I think he'll be fine. You can text someone else to check on him if you're really worried, or I can have Rook do it?" He pulls you a bit closer to him as you shiver a bit from a cold wind.

Oh, yeah, Grim will definitely be fine.

"Alright. Lead the way, my fairest." You sigh with a dopey smile, and he glances down at you with a smirk.

"Is that your pet name for me now?" He asks with a raised brow and you nudge him.

"Like you can judge, you literally call me a potato!" You laugh.

"A sweet potato." He correct.

"Still a potato. But it's fine. I quite like it. Would you like me to call you something else?" You ask, tilting your head in his direction and he hums in thought.

"No, I think that will work. As well as darling, love, sweetheart, beauty, my queen- those all work too." He smiles proudly, and you giggle.

"Of course, my queen." You give a small, mock bow, and it's his turn to nudge you.

Today has been... Wonderful.

And even if you're alone during winter break, at least you know Vil is only a text or phone call away.

It'll be a good Christmas this year. You just know it.

~~~

Vote for the next character below!

[lovebvni]

" ITS BRUTAL OUT HERE " - pick a pile

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[ 🖊 ] created ⋮ 14.8.22

[  ] published ���  14.8.22

˚₊·͟͟͟͟͟͟͞͞͞͞͞͞➳❥ ꒰ ⌨ ✰ Arsyn   ⋆  ⁱˢ ᵗʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ··· ꒱ | ೃ࿔₊•

┊       ⋆     welcome to my blog !

┊     °

hey loves, so because i 1, got new tarot decks, and 2 want to call you guys out, im doing this. also - heads up before i even start - spirit said there's gonna be a pile where there are little/no callouts bc they're actually doing great. just some advice/motivation to keep them going

Hello! Welcome to a pick a pile. This is a general reading, everything should be taken with a grain of salt. Hundreds of people may read this, everything I say in your pile(s) may NOT resonate. Today we don't have questions. we're just going callouts. so prepare yourself, i know some of yall are soft.

along with these questions i will give things that may draw you to your pile. the alice in wonderland tarot has different cards but pretty much the same meaning. dont be shocked if instead of the hanged man i say suspention or something like that. i will be using tarot and oracle cards.

now please take everything with a grain of salt!

breathe in, now out, now pick a pile or two.

pile 1 ; pile 2 ; pile 3

hi pile 1!

confirmation for your pile: lowkey funny, life 'falling apart', consequences for your actions, business man/woman, equality, cycles, bakugou, passion, 'im always right, i know what im saying'

oracle: you are good enough - full moon in virgo

tarot: the hierophant, temptation, 7 of flowers, 5 of spears reversed, 9 of flowers

alright bros, the first thing i have to say is 1, you're not always the cause. bad things happen to good people and i know it sucks but it helps you grow. if only good things happened then you'd probably be boring as hell. i hear some of you guys can be because you cant keep a conversation going. the thing is, you may be a victim MOST OF THE TIME but that doesnt mean ALL THE TIME!! you can be wrong in an argument, you can be right in an argument. but it changes. you're a very driven, smart, confident person in most areas but that doesnt mean because you're the right person to be a firefighter but not a baker. 7 of flowers is saying dont back down from the things you KNOW you are right in, but when someone makes a valid point. take it, it can help you. being passionate is a good thing, but dont be ignorant.

temptation is something thats drawing you in, that one day will be negative. maybe its joining the football team but you'll get a serious injury. do not let anyone or anything tempt you that has high risks for pain in the long run. im not saying dont join that football team, but dont put yourself into situations that wont benifit you in the long run. there's a good and bad to everything. do not fall into or back into negative energies/things that didnt help you before. they sure as hell wont help you now

ngl i have no idea what this pile means during the second part

pile 2

alright so confirmation: tired, faking happiness, evolution, "PUT THOSE GRIPPERS AWAY", hawks, manifestation, abuse, Christmas, MHA, movies, memories, nsfw content, love desire, caring heart, makeup, procrastination, seven deadly sins

oracle: a time for healing - balsamic moon, expect powerful chance - new moon eclipse

tarot: 10 of spears, 7 of flowers, 3 of hedgehogs

so this is the pile whos done mostly nothing wrong. when i say mostly, i mean bc everyones made at least one mistake in their life. ofc theres still a callout. STOP BEATING YOURSELF UP! STOP BELITTLING YOUR PAIN, YOUR TRAUMA, THE THINGS THAT HURT YOU MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY EVERY SINGLE DAY!! let go of the past, its gone. its ending. get over it. that friend isnt coming back, they weren't right for you. let go of the past, accept it, and move forward. thats just some advice.

pile 3

hey pile 3

confirmation: false/negative manifestations, intrusive thoughts, self destructive behavior, gay, peaches (that one song omg), yung gravy, emotions, love, communication or lack of communication, birthdays, parties, celebrations

oracle: believe in the impossible - blue moon

tarot: 2 of cups, 4 of flowers, knight of teacups reversed

okay i got flowers in every pile, anyways this piles energy is of a pair.. two people or two piles? maybe you picked another pile. but its a harmonious pair. you guys may be for a long time, maybe shifting together, maybe you work on a lot of projects together? i heard you guys dont talk much but when you do its fun. you guys are a great pair. hold on to each other. i feel like once this pile overcomes toxic/negative behaviors they will shift. it depends on how fast you get rid of them/start manifesting positively.

change the way you see things, the emotions and reactions you have to things that happen. if you wake up in your cr and not your dr say something like "bro what?? why am i in my cr? thats odd, hasnt been like this before." see everything that happens in a different light. if you think that you saw something that was a sign btw, it was. take it and use it how you think its fit. use your talents, you know you can! practice the fun things you want to do one day. practive makes perfect!! get off your ass and do something. vent through an art form. you dont have to use words. you're doing nothing right now. you NEED to do something, but take a break from stressing yourself. its not helping anything

[leslie057]

rating things owned by nancy elizabeth wheeler

because she’s got a lot of little things. mostly they are very cute and strange little things.

starting off strong we have the prettiest tissue box in the world. 9/10, i think if i were sick it would make me feel better to have such a nice tissue box.

i’m fairly certain this is her diary beside it because her diary looks pink in the upside down version of her bedroom. so this is probably it? 11/10, i want to read it so bad. and very sweet pic with mom—7.5/10.

next up these pinstripe pants !! 10/10 i love them so much. oh and the index finger ring is there obviously, 8/10, such a consistent piece of her character.

a ribbon for being the bestest girl ever in the world. 10/10. also the card of cardinals: 6/10, probably just a christmas card or something rather than a symbol of her love for birds. but i still like it.

mr rabbit gets 11/10 for the name alone. and why does he look dead. i love him. he’s me.

descent from xanadu: QUITE LITERALLY 0/10. at first i was SO excited to cheer her on for reading a sex and drugs book at school but as it turns out? bizarre and gross. seems to go heavy on nonconsensual stuff. i snagged a free pdf and command f’d for whore and bitch. lots of results obviously (one use of c*ck crazy bitch…lovely). it seems men in this book say a lot of sexist stuff that the women pretend to hate but love which i can’t imagine is great for a teenage girl to consume. also just not sexy at all.

literally so bad, and this is not the worst of it.

sooo bad. the author was what 70 (??) writing that his female character got clinically DIAGNOSED with being a slut for every guy she comes in contact with. i know options for sexy literature were probably limited at this time but…please go check out something else. i wanna bonk her on the head with this book (paperback) and hug her. you don’t need to read this to be cool and sexually aware. moving on.

on the other side of that, the blondie calendar gives us a sense of the GOOD media she’s consuming!! a 10/10 no questions asked. we don't really get to see many of her hobbies or interests outside of investigation so this is a much appreciated detail.

of course like all good things in life the blondie calendar does get replaced. its replacement is what i will call Weird Antinaturalist Art Piece #1 seen in her room in s4. i give it a 4/10 because idk what’s going on really.

and here is a very crunchy screencap of Weird Antinaturalist Art Piece #2 from s4 which i will give a 5/10. note the boyfriend typical photography above it, for sure a 10/10.

there is also Weird Antinaturalist Art Piece #3 which gets an 8/10 because i like the composition and the piano player. where did she get this and why. interior decoration is her passion.

the sleeping bag and crochet pillow setup. 7/10. would take a cat nap here.

pluto!! 15/10, the best mickey mouse character i would say. i hope her cousin is taking good care of him.

bulletin board 10/10. i love how obvious it is that she has had this up for forever. probably a nice constant in her life.

and my favorite pic up there is this precious one. look at herrr. 5000/10.

her floral weekender bag. 6/10, i like it, but not as much as i like the speedwalk and the toss into the backseat. she was SO ready for her lab takedown road trip.

trapper keeper is a 9/10 because they probably put anything and everything on trapper keepers back in the day and yet still she chose this lovely understated hot air balloon. elegant.

tom cruise poster is 1000000/10 actually. she is so loyal to that man. actually though not a great pic of him all things considered so maybe i give it a 999999/10. (i love it so much because i know for a fact that jonathan byers works proactively to never acknowledge this poster, because he is more mature than that.) (he is not more mature than that, in fact he is a little pouty about mr cruise.)

KITTY FIGURINE. 10/10. i thought it was just in s4 but i found it on her other nightstand in s1. very very adorable. i imagine it is now one of the first things she sees in the morning (well that and her blue telephone: 8/10) which is bizarre and cute. the mixtape drawer gets a 10/10 for reasons that i don’t think i need to get into.

white fingerless gloves! 10/10. so chic for monster hunting.

black fingerless gloves from s4. hmmm 3/10, they're cool i guess but they don’t feel very nancy and the white ones are so much better. especially because you may get the splatter effect of monster blood on them in a battle scenario, which would be badass.

piggybank (with her name on the side). 2/10 unfortunately i don’t like him. he looks at me like i took out his whole pig village and i just need some quarters. also did she paint this herself? in that case, 3/10 for customization lol.

pastel underwear drawer: 10/10. her committment to the hollistic aesthetic and color palette of her room is impressive here. it was a good idea to use this drawer as a deterrence against her little brother and a money hiding place but clearly he has no manners and is a THIEF.

STRIPED SOCKS. 10/10. i realize it's hard to see because she's moving so fast (slow down he is not going anywhere) but they are indeed stripey even though i would have guessed solid white. and wow what good sleeping socks. stripes are just cozier. hope she got lots of sleep in those.

[lucerocosplay]

Shohki Mask Cover

construction notes & photos under the cut

This has been a long time coming! I'm glad she's a costume I can work a mask into without it breaking the design of the character. I feel like people would be less inclined to ask that you remove it for photos this way ^^;

I went with a very thin cotton gauze fabric (#9 "coffee" if you're wondering), think a slightly thicker cheese cloth. It's very breathable as a single layer and seemed the best choice for an N95 cover. The shape was really only achievable with this fabric because of the shape of my mask underneath, and some strategically placed 1/2" wide horsehair braid tubing from the dollar tree. I usually stock up around halloween but they stock around christmas too!

Process is very straight forward, just traced my mask on the fold and made some rough adjustments for a card stock mock up. I like 90-110 lbs for this sort of thing but construction paper can work in a pinch too. Cut that out and fit to my face, tweaked the placement on the nose bridge and added a 1/4" allowance for bias tape/facing, and appropriate allowance for flat felled seams.

The ear tab was extended to cover the mask underneath, and included allowance for support fabric (denim scrap in my case) to support two eyelets intended to thread the elastic of my mask through. Then it was just patterning out the rest of the mask elements and making note of seam allowance and how to cut each piece. I trimmed the tape holding together the card stock mask apart and finally got to cutting out the fabric once that was done.

There isn't anything fancy going on, the hardest part was just the inset mesh panel over the weirdly shaped keyhole cut outs on the mouth piece. It's just black nylon mesh typically used for interfacing bras sewn on after making the keyholes.

This fabric is like if toilet paper were a textile, which is great for breatheability and weight but absolutely hell for machine work like this. It's not for a competition so for me, hiding messy stitching with weathering later was ok.

The portion of the mask running from the underside of each ear tab was finished with homemade bias tape. The same method was used for finishing the top portion that runs over the bridge of my nose. The ends were simply folded and sewn down at the ear tabs for a clean finish.

The side "filters" have an extra 1/2" long extension so I can tack in the ends of some horse hair tubing, then double fold the fabric back into itself before hand tacking with tiny stitches from the outside. That helps the light fabric balloon out into that shape, along with another layer of that same mesh interfacing.

They are really fun actually, very floppy with great movement. Though they stick out a tad too much so I did add one small french tack to the center of each to help them point downwards but retain that movement. The "filter" took the most hand finishing out of the whole thing, but that was to be expected.

Once the little side "filters" were sewn in, there was just light weathering to do. I wanted to add some shadows and potential "mold spores" to certain areas to really make the texture pop and hide some messy stitching. Light passes with a dry brush and some acrylic helped a lot, so did referencing photos of mold growth on clothes.

It was a pass of burnt sienna along all seams and large patches where high humidity would accumulate. Then another lighter pass of burnt umber to deepen up areas, and some very sparse areas of white. Finally I wanted to give it the "blue cheese special" and mixed a little viridian green and that same white and hit the white areas first then dry brushed the spaces between mold patches. I'm trying to replicate active mold colonies so reference photos came in handy here. I also used some nail polish to match the grommets to fabric.

Maybe when I am not crunched for time I will get around to digitizing the pattern, but for now I hope the photos help anyone else trying to plan out a mask. Obviously the shape will change a lot depending on the sort of fabric and mask you have on under it, not to mention face shape. I would imagine bifolds would give you more her classic feed bag profile than an origami style mask, however.

[vitaminseetarot]

PAC: Messages From Your Spirit Guides 🌬🌨🛎

Sup y'all, I'm back for another reading on what your spirit guides have to say! We are approaching a powerful micromoon on Friday night into Saturday morning, and I hope these piles will help you with whatever you're manifesting or clearing out of your life.

Sidenote: I have been in the background trying to get my Paypal account working so I can have the chance to finally offer paid readings. I know some of you have been asking me about when I'll be doing private readings! Long story short, Paypal thought I was a bot and locked me out of my account. (They won't even tell you it's locked, it'll just act like your password isn't working, lol) After struggling for a while, I had to actually call for support. 😅

It's all fixed (for) now! I'm now going over some ideas for what readings I will offer. They will likely be basic 1 and 3 card type spreads for starters. I'll fill you in when more details are hashed out. I'm still also planning another game in March, so stay tuned.

So let's dive into your readings! You can either pick your pile option through the palette cards or the corresponding pictures below for your quick message.

Pile 1 - Lavender Sky Pile 2 - Air Blue Pile 3 - Snowfall Pile 4 - Rainwater

Pile 1

Lavender Sky, Sweetness, Lava; V Hierophant, Queen of Wands, 3 of Cups, 10 of Cups

Pile 1, the guide (or guides) contacting you is the type to play it by the book. They know how to fill your cup because they've gone through it too. This is likely a passed ancestor in your family, though it doesn't have to be. Just someone who's really gone through it thick and thin while living on Earth, experiencing the highs and lows of existence. They're guiding you because they've been in your shoes. Their message is simple. They want offer you a cup of cheer. Although that's traditionally a Christmas saying, I picture of cup of healing tonic being passed to you. It's rich and warm, like a cappuccino or spiced chai. They invite you to sit down and relax with a similar soothing beverage.

I heard lyrics from the Evanescence song "Imaginary" while pulling out the palette card. "In my field of paper flowers and candy clouds of lullaby, I lie inside myself for hours and watch my purple sky fly over me." I'm sensing some detachment. They say you've been spending a lot of time closed off into your own inner world and not communicating as much as you'd like to, but not out of loneliness. In fact, this time alone may have revitalized you, or you may consider it a comfort zone to be in. You could have been laying dormant, working on yourself, wondering when it's finally time to stretch.

But the Queen of Wands, as confident as she is (and you are), truly enjoys being around others. It's where her light shines. If she wants to perform, she wants to do it with a crowd. If she speaks, she wants it to be with another. She knows her light, but it's not enough; the light must expand outward and be shared. Imagine that, instead of shining only in your mind, your creative abilities and unique personality can stand out in the real world to be seen and heard. For your unique truth to be recognized and lauded.

Your guides would gently like you to get out of your head a little. You have a bright mind and a caring disposition. There is no reason to hold yourself back from healthy communities. Your affirmation card says, "My truth flows through me gracefully." Holding your emotions and true self back is useless, anyway. The lava will come spilling out one way or another. Use that strong confident energy you have when alone, and channel it to reach out and connect with other people. Things likely will turn out better than you could have imagined. This could be your year for forming great new friendships that may even stand the test of time, if you're up for it.

I'm getting a lot of people in this pile may identify as shy or socially awkward. Your guides see your struggle and know this isn't an overnight event, it can a long haul process to come out of one's shell. And if reaching out to people in real life is still too difficult, please know that your guides are with you. They are available to talk whenever you need them. I suggest working with candles (safely!) or water scrying as possible methods for communication.

Pile 2

Air Blue, Ghost, Bee; 0 Fool, 9 of Cups, 5 of Wands, 7 of Swords

You received two affirmation cards in this reading because the yellow rose fell out almost immediately: it says "I am at peace in my life. I am at peace in the world. I'm getting some strong anxiety with this pile. It feels like the anxiety experienced on a regular basis. It's a strong contrast to your guide's energy, which is carefree and lackadaisical. I hear they can be a bit of a prankster with you? I'm seeing someone getting frustrated with computer equipment or some other machinery like a cash register. Really riding on that Mercury retrograde energy when it's there, they're opportunists. This could be your guide's primary way of talking with you, by causing strange and chaotic things to happen that put a brief halt in your day-to-day life.

It may seem somewhat cruel that a guide would 'tease' like this, but they keep pointing at the yellow rose, which symbolizes friendship. They have reached out and offered support in the normal, usual ways, but there's a sense of denying and not returning in the interaction? Have you ever met them? If you want to connect with your guides, the first step is to acknowledge that they're there and that they're reaching out to you. Otherwise they'll start to act like cats who sit on books and knock glasses over just to get your attention, if they want it badly enough. They can get even urgent about speaking at times, I heard the song "Urgent" by Foreigner.

They want you to see that things aren't as bad as they seem to be in the present, though. They disrupt your day precisely to get across that somewhere, you're getting yourself stuck in a rut. They're there to help you break bad cycles of thought that aren't helping you. It's an odd way of doing it, but if you can reach out to them and learn from them, they won't always be like this. It's only because they want you to embrace life like every day is a new beginning. Allowing yourself to get worked up in fear sets up the day for exactly that. They see your capacity for joyful and successful working and living and want to bring that out in you.

You may have times where you have very high hopes for something to happen in your favor, only to burst into panic when one little thing falls out of place or goes wrong, even if it gets resolved. Your guides aren't trying to work you into a tizzy; they want to teach you how to handle the day's hiccups with more ease instead of relying on control all the time. They want you to speak positive affirmations to yourself on a regular basis with the idea that peace and ease are available to you. Your other card says, "I can speak powerfully with ease." Your words are strong, especially what you say to yourself in earnest. Speak your wishes out and your guide will listen. Bottle it up too much, and your guide will find a way to pour it out for you. Focus on the BEST outcomes!

And if your anxiety still feels like it's getting debilitating, your guide will support you in getting you any outside help that you need. Ultimately, they want to see you thrive, both inside and outside chaos, even if their methods are unconventional.

Pile 3

Falling Snow, Fear, Swan; 9 of Cups, 3 of Swords, Page of Coins, 5 of Wands, VII Chariot

Pile 3, your guide is a colorful and gentle being, I'm picturing someone childlike here with the Page of Coins. This guide flourishes in nature and the innocently playing with their creations. Perhaps you're an artist or someone devoted to a craft that brings out your inner child, your unique joy? This being wants to guide you in these endeavors. Your guide embodies a playful spirituality, far from religious status and regulations. They enjoy seeing ideas come to life.

It seems like you've been calling out for help in dealing with relationships in your life, or lack thereof. If it isn't to do with love or people, the Swan card could suggest a creative passion that you already have in mind. You see this person or passion as the "One" you've been praying for, the "One" to forever come or stay in your life. Your guide wants you to begin by seeing that you are the "One" you've been looking for. See that there are two swans in the card. One of them is you, seeking the kind of beauty that's already blossoming atop your head.

I'm drawn in by the purple flowers. If you work with chakras, your crown chakra is calling for your attention. Your affirmation card says, "I am connected to the wisdom of the universe." You may have recently been hurt from a relationship, or you've been worried that dating seems far away from you. The kind of school to help you hone your talent may feel at a distance. I'm getting 5 of pentacle vibes with the Falling Snow card, like the opportunity is "snowed in". But it's an illusion; you're moving faster and more suddenly through life than you may believe, though there are times when relationships don't work out, or we get turned down from an opportunity that looked to be beneficial to us.

It's okay to be honest about how sucky rejections feels. Your guide, as playful and rambunctious as they are, wants to hold your hand with a compassionate smile. They can see the flowers blooming beneath the snow, but understand that you have a right to process how you feel. Their main encouragement to you is to give yourself the time, just as spring has time to thaw from winter. In due time, you'll be feeling better again once you've given yourself the chance to mend your heart. I shuffled an extra card for 5 of Wands, which gave me Chariot. You will be able to move on, through the fearsome fire and smoke, to the other side. Allow yourself to heal, then allow yourself to proceed, knowing you won't be burned like that again.

If pile 2 resonates with you in any way, I recommend checking it out. There are messages there about dealing with fear and speaking out kinder thoughts to yourself. See yourself and your creations as the beautiful swan, even if circumstances leave you feeling like the ugly duckling. Your guide only sees the beauty and laughter in you.

Pile 4

Rainwater, Sadness, Ladybug; 3 of Cups, 4 of Cups, X Wheel of Fortune, 10 of Wands

It seems clear to me that your guide is heavily connected to water in some way, be it the rain or the ocean (it all runs together any way). They appear to me as very old and wise, like an ancient sea spirit. Far from hermitage, they are connected to all life underwater, as well as the water that flows through us. They're pointing out to me the way everything in life follows a cycle. The powers of the water and the moon demonstrate this on a regular basis, showing how the essential patterns of water can be found in other parts of life as well, even if abstractly. See, for example, how cats can squeeze themselves into jars like liquid, or how crowds of people can flow like streams. When we talk about rain, we can think of either abundance or loss. Rain can represent the release of powerful emotions, or it can bring life to withering crops. To understand water magic is to see how versatile the power is.

Your guide wants to let you know that your life follows an ebb and flow like the tides of the sea. There may come times when it floods over and all feels hopeless. There may also come days when the cool rain shower comes as a welcome on dry and dreary days. Your guide says there is nothing inherently wrong with you, if you are feeling a bad streak of luck. They (though I'm feeling a strong feminine energy here) want to help you with your perspective on life. You are not 'deserving' of bad things to happen, they say, as it's an unhelpful belief to deal with troubling situations. Life happens around us, and many times we get caught in hurricanes caused by others, or by our own actions. These ebbs and flows stop for absolutely no one.

We, as people, should be more drawn to compassion towards each other because of this. I'm getting worldly energy when I channel the guide's connection to you, like your guide is a deity like figure or you are highly attuned to the earth in some way. You may feel drawn towards this need for giving and receiving compassion. Though what I sense your guide is pointing at refers to boundaries. It's dear to them that you feel connected to the world's energy, or to the pain that mother nature and her people feel, but please practice boundaries so you can give yourself a chance to breathe and live your own life instead of letting psychic woes eat at you.

Your guide wants to assure you that luckier times are ahead. The Wheel of Fortune combined with the Ladybug shows that you have the chance to count the blessings in your life to attract more of the same. To attract good luck and abundance for you is to do the same for others. Imagine if emotions were contagious, and you had the chance to spread good luck around by changing your perspective? Your affirmation card says, "I am able to let go of all sadness and negative emotions that don't serve me." There are times when things get turbulent, but don't let it stop you from getting ahead.

This reading has not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or infection. Please ask your physician before going online.

2024, @VitaminseeTarot ™

[cherryeol04]

Cruise Love

➻ Pairings: Seungmin x Reader

➻ Genre: slice of life, office romance, humor

➻ Additional: first meetings, blossoming friendships, polyamorous relationships

➻ Word Count: 3.7K

➻ Warnings: N/A

➻ Author’s notes: This story is cross posted on multiple sites under the same username!

You eyed the ship warily as you rounded the second bend in the boarding ramp. Every year the company had a Christmas party of some sort. Two years ago everyone went golfing and had a great time. Last year everyone went to a Karaoke bar, got shift faced drunk and had a great time. Well, almost everyone. Karen in accounting (the actual Karen and not Lucy) got so sick she had to be escorted out in a wheelchair and you had somehow been picked to be the one to make sure she got home in one piece. 

This year they decided to go on a Casino cruise and provided a free $70 to each staff member. It seemed like a great idea and you were all for it up until you got on the shuttle bus that carried everyone to the ports. That was a 45 minute ride of hell that you didn't want to have to relive, but you knew you would once the ship got back to port 6 hours later. It was made bearable because your boyfriends had been there with you - Minho and Jisung fighting over who got to sit next to you while Changbin sat in the seat directly behind you. In the end Minho won and Jisung sulked into the empty seat next to Changbin. Chan had sat in the row in front of you and attempted to make small talk - the two of you were still trying to figure out the type of relationship you wanted to have - but of course Lucy had to be her Karen self and sit next to him, doing her best to steal his attention the whole ride over there.

It was still hard to believe that after everything that happened, she was still trying to play the innocent pick-me girl, but what could you do? You've on many occasions embarrassed the shit out of her by calling her out and even that didn't stop her. She was just an unbearable nuisance at this point and you had come to terms with that. As long as she didn't try and ruin your night, you would be okay. 

And so far she had kept mostly to herself, clinging to Chan the entire time and bless his soul, he was such a sweet, kind and patient man. He deserved anyone but Lucy. The group made their way onto the ship, greeted by workers who cheered you all on in the most ridiculous way that just put you off for some reason. You couldn't pinpoint what it was, but whatever the reason, you just didn't find it amusing. You shuffled your way to the side, staring at the rows and rows of slot machines. If you remembered correctly, you were probably on deck 3 which was supposed to be the Slot Machine Atrium. In the middle of the desk there was an opening that showed deck 2 which consisted of tables. What games did they hold, you could only imagine it was card games and definitely not something that interested you.

Never in your life had you gambled before and this was the first time you had ever been in a casino, but you knew of the subject and that slot machines seemed like the easier games to play. Less of a risk and a lot less brain power to be used. 

"So where do we go now?" Your boss asked once the majority of you all gathered around. You spared a glance at your coworkers before shrugging. 

"Well, I'm not sure. We can't gamble until we're 3 miles off shore. So I suppose we go and eat." Karen suggested, and that sounded like a solid plan. After all, she was the one who had planned this entire trip, so she would be the one to know what the itinerary was and how things were going to go. But something told you that wasn't the case and eating was probably just the logical choice in the matter considering it was well after 6pm and most of you hadn't eaten before leaving on the shuttle.

"What deck is food on?" Someone asked, you thought it was someone from the IT department, but you could have been wrong. You didn't really know half the people there.

"Deck 1." Jisung said as he slid next to you and took your hand. You gave it a squeeze unconsciously, eyes still roaming over everything laid out in front you, feeling slightly overwhelmed by everything. The unknown was the worst, it always gave you anxiety. And even though you knew life was full of unknowns, it was things like this that hit you the hardest and had a tendency to send you into an anxiety attack. You had mentioned this in passing to Jisung and Minho before and while they didn't outright baby you and try to coddle you from the world, they did things to try and help ease the emotions you were feeling. Holding your hand like this was one of them. Then again, Jisung also loved PDA so he could just be in search of physical contact.

"Alright, let's all head down to deck 1 and get some food." Your boss herded everyone towards the stairs and elevators. You were sure that if you were a stranger watching, you all looked like a herd of cattle and you felt like it. Some of the people decided to wait for the elevator, chatting happily to themselves. The rest of the people, yourself included, took the stairs down to the lower decks.

"This is exciting." Jisung commented, head turning quickly before he pulled you off to the left from the stairs. You barely had the chance to catch the sign that pointed in the direction of the cafe. 

"I don't think exciting is the right word." You laughed softly, humming softly to yourself as the two of you joined the long queue of people. You assumed you were in the correct line, but there wasn't much guidance set out by the cruise staff, so who knows. 

"Overwhelming then?" Minho spoke up as he joined the two of you, hand stroking over your head gently as he moved around to stand next to Jisung, acting as a block from the people passing by. 

"Yeah, probably." You agreed as you turned and leaned back against the wall. You watched as the crew and staff walked back and forth, entering and exiting through an open door a few feet in front of you. It led to a lower deck ramp and you wondered why it was open, but it really didn't matter. Though the thought of just walking out and leaving did cross your mind. But you couldn't do that. That would be six hours left at port while you waited for them to come back. That was a long time to be alone and while you had a battery charger, you doubted you would be able to keep yourself occupied for that long. 

"You okay?" You jumped at the hand sliding up your arm and you turned to stare at Changbin, his brows furrowed as he stared down at you. 

You smiled. "I'm fine. Just not used to being around so many people." 

He snorted and shook his head. "Who would have thought that our cute little Y/n was such an introvert." he teased.

"Me! Hi, yes it's me. I knew she was." Jisung raised his hand quickly and you laughed. "Though you wouldn't think it when she's at work."

"Right?" Minho grinned. "She's as loud as Hyunjin is."

"I heard that!" Hyunjin called from somewhere further back. You tried to spot him, but couldn't see over the multitude of people standing behind you. Poor guy. But you were sure he was hanging out with one of his work besties. 

"You guys are silly." Sighing softly, you looked at three and perhaps this trip wasn't going to be so horrible. If you just stuck with them, you were sure to have a great time.

-----

You were absolutely not having a great time. It was only about thirty minutes into the trip and the boat was rocking nonstop. You had Googled a cruise a week before and read up on what you needed to know about them. In your research it mentioned that many people got sea sick and that taking medication beforehand would help. You weren't a person who got motion sick or altitude sick, so you figured you wouldn't get sea sick either. Boy were you wrong. As the left side of the ship would dip down and your body was forced forward, another wave of nausea washed over you. Not enough to make you actually lose any and all food you had eaten that day, but enough to make you feel extremely uncomfortable and tired. 

You really tried to have fun - you gave your best effort. But after losing Jisung and Minho in a crowd of people and Changbin wandering off to go play Black Jack, you were left to your own devices and not even the pretty flashing lights of the slot machines could distract you from how queasy you felt. And moving - oh god moving was the worst. It took more energy to climb up one small step then it would have taken to run a marathon. You were panting by the time you made it to the stairs and in a lapse of judgment, you decided to climb them. 

How you managed to get to the fourth floor, you weren't sure. But by some miracle you had and you forced your way outside. The wind bit at your skin - cold and unforgiving. Your arms wound around yourself, trying to keep warm and you mentally cursed Minho for even suggesting that you wear the black lace top. The outside bar was packed with people drinking and watching whatever sports game was playing - another way to gamble you had found out. You weren't in the mood to be around a rowdy crowd, so instead you walked along the side of the ship, where it was darker and quieter. The sound of the waves crashing against the boat were crystal clear and for a moment you felt at ease. It was peaceful. But in a split second it was all tossed away as the ship gave a deep dip and you were reminded of how much you hated cruise ships now. 

"Oh my god."

"Y/n, are you alright?"

You groaned softly as the soft voice echoed in your head, fingers coming up to brush against the necklace resting against your skin. "I'm fine Jeongin."

"You don't sound fine."

You really hate the ghostly man for being so intune. You still weren't over the fact that Jeongin was a ghost attached to the necklace, but he was great company most of the time. Though today, you really didn't want his company. Even though he wasn't physically manifesting, you knew he was there, could feel his presence around you and bless his soul he was just not someone you wanted to deal with.

"Really, I'm fine. I just need to be alone for a while." You hoped he would catch onto what you meant by that. When you didn't get an immediate response, you assumed he had, and despite not wanting to talk to him, you felt bad for shooing him away like that. "Sorry Jeongin. We can talk later when we get home." You assured him. There was a small static charge that danced across your neck and you smiled, knowing Jeongin had heard you and understood. Thank goodness.

"Now if only I didn't feel so sick."

"Sea sick?" 

You jumped, eyes wide as you stared at the man across from you. You hadn't heard or felt his presence at all and you worried if maybe he had heard you talking to Jeongin. You hoped not, because the guy would probably think you were crazy. 

"Uh, yeah." You nodded slowly, staring at the man. There was something about him that reeked of familiarity. You were sure you knew him from somewhere, but you couldn't place your finger on it. "I'm sorry, have we met before?" You found yourself asking before you could stop yourself. He cocked his head, looking you over before nodding slightly.

"I think so. Y/n, right?"

"Y-yeah."

"Seungmin." Your eyes widened at the name and the memories of the cute intern came flashing back to you, along with the horrible memories of the company picnic where Lucy had purposefully given you the runs and ruined any chance you had to try and date Seungmin.

"Oh my god, hi!" You said quickly. "It's been such a long time. How have you been?" He smiled and heart skipped a beat. God he was beautiful. 

"I've been good." He shifted on his feet and leaned back against the railing. "It has been a while. How is everything at the office?"

"Oh you know, same old, same old." You forced out, trying your best to stay cheerful even though it felt like you were dying.

"Lucy is still there?"

"Unfortunately." You muttered with a roll of the eyes.

Seungmin laughed and nodded. "She is unbearable. One of the reasons I decided to leave honestly. A shame though, I missed hanging out with you and Jisung. You two always made my day."

"Really?" That was shocking. In the time you had known Seungmin, you hadn't thought you had made that much of an impression on him. Though Seungmin was a bit of a hard person to read and constantly had a poker face on unless he was also in the mood to play around. Those times had been few and far between but when you had seen them, they had you swooning. "I missed you too. What are you doing here anyway?"

"I came as Hyunjin's plus one."

"You did?" Your brows furrowed as you wracked your brain for any memory of Seungmin being on the shuttle bus, but you couldn't recall seeing him at all. If Hyunjin had invited him, how come you hadn't seen him earlier. "You weren't on the bus."

"Oh yeah, I drove here. I live about twenty minutes from the port, so I decided to drive here instead." He explained. That would explain it. "I thought it would be a fun time and I would get to see everyone again. Instead, Hyunjin ran off somewhere, half the people I've seen don't remember me and I'm kinda bored."

"Oh." How bland of a response but you couldn't think of anything else to say to that. "I'm sorry. I'm probably not any more fun. I am definitely sea sick and struggling not to toss myself overboard." It was mainly a joke. 

"I'm sorry, Y/n. I have some dramamine if you want to take it." You nodded your head quickly and Seungmin reached into his coat pocket, pulling out the bottle. "Here, take this and I'll be back with a drink for you." 

"Thanks." You took the bottle and read over the instructions. It was a chewable tab, so you weren't sure why you needed a drink, but Seungmin was already gone so you couldn't really question him. You poured out a pill and popped it into your mouth, chewing it quickly and regretting it instantly as the chalkly, gritty texture coated your mouth, barely masked by an equally disgusting cherry flavor. It wasn't even the good cherry flavor that some medication had. It was the horrible flavor that just enhanced your nausea. By the time you had most of it swallowed, Seungmin reappeared and handed you a drink. You took a few sips, relieved as the cola coated your mouth and washed down the rest of the pill. It also helped ease your stomach as well.

"Better?"

"That was disgusting." You whined and Seungmin laughed.

"Yeah, it's not the greatest, but give it like 15 minutes and you should start feeling better."

"Thank you." you sighed and leaned back against the bench you were sitting on.

"No problem." Seungmin moved and took a seat next to you then, gaze never leaving you. "Do you mind if I keep you company?"

"I can't promise I'll be entertaining." You warned with a weak smile.

"That's okay." Seungmin nodded. "I just kinda want to be around a familiar person." You smiled at that. "I saw this TikTok earlier-" You watched as he pulled out his phone and brought up the app and one TikTok turned into two, turned into ten and you found yourself leaning against him as the two of you scrolled through his For You Page - your laughter echoing every now and then.

----

The Dramamine didn’t work sadly. You felt only slightly better, not every work of the ship was forcing your lunch up. But you were still very much sea sick. And bless Seungmin’s heart for putting up with you. Watching the TikToks had definitely helped keep your mind off of everything. For some reason Seungmin had magical 5G connection while your phone struggled to unlock itself. 

As 1 am approached, with Seungmin’s help, you made it back down to level 2, where your party should have been gathered given the colored wristbands you were all given at the start of the cruise. “You really don’t have to walk me.” You tried to protest, but Seungmin just raised a brow. 

“We’re going to the same place.”

Touché. 

“I feel bad.” You whined.

“Are you gonna be sick?”

You stared at him, blinking before shaking your head quickly. “No, I mean I feel bad that you’re taking care of me.” You corrected yourself. Seungmin laughed at that and you pouted. You didn’t see what was so funny. There you were, clinging to him and stumbling with almost every step you took. And darling Seungmin had his arm around your waist to keep you steady as he assured you down the stairs. He was unbelievably well mannered and handsome and he smelled good too. 

“Don’t be. You’re very entertaining.” You blanched at the comment, ready to take back all the sweet things you had just thought about the other. The ship tilted and dipped and you stumbled forward into Seungmin, a groan leaving you as your stomach dipped as well. “I got you.”

“Thank god.” You muttered, resting your head on his shoulder. You took a few shuddering breaths, eyes closed tightly as you fought through each wave of nausea. “Give me a second.”

“Take all the time you need.” Seungmin whispered as he rubbed your back gently. And once more you were thanking every deity that for bringing the other into your life that night. You stood there for a few minutes and when the rocking slowed, you finally pulled back from him. 

“Okay, I think I’m good.”

“Are you sure?”

“No.” You whined, sighing heavily. “But we gotta find the group.” 

“Yeah, I think I can see Hyunjin from here.” Seungmin was looking behind you and you turned. Sure enough, from where you stood, you could make out Hyunjin and his laugh by the card tables. Taking Seungmin’s hand, you started walking, legs a little unstable still, but you managed to make your way to the large group.

“Well look what the cat drug in.” Lucy commented with a roll of her eyes. “You look like shit.”

“Thanks, feel like it too.” You glared half heartedly at her, not really having the energy to fight. Lucy was lucky. 

“Oh Seungmin, there you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Hyunjin grinned. “Did you have fun?”

“A blast.” Seungmin deadpanned. “Thanks for leaving me.”

“I’m sorry! I wanted a drink and then a few of the guys dragged me off to play black Jack.” Hyunjin rambled and Seungmin waved his hand. 

“It’s fine. I found Y/n and we’ve been hanging out.” Seungmin told him and you smiled slightly. 

“Oh, sounds like a boring time.” Lucy interjected. “I’m sure all she could talk about was her boyfriend.” She spat and you really, really wanted to punch her. Why couldn’t she ever just mind her own damn business? “Next time, I’ll spend time with you Seungmin! We’ll have so much fun together!”

Ah! And there it was. 

“Ughh, I can’t stand her.”

Jeongin’s voice had you jerking slightly, Seungmin grabbing you and stealing you. “Are you okay?” He asked. 

“Fine, fine. Just residual nausea.” You assured him. You could hear Jeongin cackling and boy was that ghost gonna get an earful when you got home. The jerk. 

“Baby! There you are!” You turned as Jisung pushed his way past a few people, Minho in tow and you smiled. “Oh! Seungmin! I didn’t know you were here, great to see ya man.” Jisung greeted. 

“Nice to see you too.” Seungmin said slowly as he looked from Jisung to you and back again. “I think this is yours then?” He asked as he carefully pushed you forward to Jisung. You went easily, falling into his open arms and snuggling against him. It was the only thing keeping you from attacking Lucy at the moment. 

“What the hell happened to you?” Looking up, you stared at Minho before groaning. 

“Sea sick.”

“Aww.” Jisung cooed and stroked your head. “Thanks Seungmin, for looking after her.” He said. “Between you and me, she could be yours too.” He teased and threw a wink. You grunted and smacked at his chest. The last thing you needed was for Jisung to scare Seungmin off. Sure you once had a crush on him when he was interning, but that had been so long ago. Besides, you hardly knew Seungmin and after tonight, you highly doubted he would want anything to do with you again. 

“All pink wristbands may now disembark the ship.” 

The announcement was made and you started down at your wristband with glee. Thank god for that because you were sure things were going to get really awkward. Pulling away from Jisung, you bid farewell to Seungmin before making a mad dash for the exit. You had never been so thankful to be on dry land your entire life and you vowed to never get on another cruise ship. 

The walk back to the bus was a long and tiring one, the drive back to the drop off location even longer. But eventually everyone made it back and after saying multiple goodbyes, you got into your car and headed back to your apartment for a long nights and partial days sleep. You fucking deserved it. 

Tags: @sauceracha @jisungsjheekies @luminouskalopsia @hanjisungismybaby @imbonibi @jiwlys @leafsmindpalace @army-of-carats @peachmilkcloud @letterstoskz @lauraneuuh @babyskz @stay-here-dont-stray @meen1ez @slinekyu @feedthefandoms995 @schokoshaker @rejemi @ahhhhhhhhhghh @thsrndkd @halotopicecream @skzmonster @jumunnaa @serendipityryn @yayaistime @bxddiebang @sachifukyo @eastleighsblog @hydrawaterdragon @cyberpunksunwoo @3rachasninja @haileybugulug @luvyev @tamaha-217

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[ultimateaclrecovery]

2024 goals check in

2 goals for four life areas: fitness, fun, for others, friends and bonus function

Fitness

Trail ride four times - SUCCESS

-one short loop post lesson on 3/23, medium loop 4/14, trail with Brande 6/23(she bucked :(), trail ride with jumping 9/28, trail ride with getting lost 10/21, short loop with Margie 11/29. Hand Walked her the short loop. Ride in Cross country field by ourselves. I’m actually really proud of how much trail riding I did with my pony this year and often we walked out across the bridge by ourselves for a cool down. Lots of trail riding with others and getting brave by ourselves.

Ten pull ups- partial success.

Made it to seven before getting overwhelmed by frisbee and stopping and then vacations in the fall, but got back up to six before leaving again for Christmas. Much better progress than last year, but still a ways to go. Buying a pull-up at the start of the year helped tremendously

Fun

Camp 3 times - (close enough) success

camped with small batch 1 night, camped two nights in Yosemite, hiked in frisco for colors. So only twice but for three nights, and went to mountains three times

11 intentional whimsical moments (can be anything) - success!

built a snowman, made cornbread into ghosts and flowers, fun heart shaped hair, bunny pancakes for Easter, Halloween bonnet, pumpkin cheese ball, spider cookies, Sandy costume hair, Christmas nails, Luna Christmas costume. Mostly this is just list of silly things I did this year. Idk if I actually did anymore this year because of this goal but it was fun to list them all and reflect on the just for fun moments, so a good goal.

For others

Volunteer ten hours- did six, so partial success

three hours at food bank, gave blood ~3 hours. I really need to better here but it’s hard to find/make the time. The goal did help me do it all so at least there’s that

Make four calls to government (an email counts as a quarter) sent about four emails so fail.

Friends

Host 3 things, organize 6 - SUCCESS

(hosted book club, organized and hosted galentines, organized girls (Rebecca and Clare) meet the pony, organized my birthday hangout, organized adult swim at pirates cove, organized and hosted pumpkin carving). Having this goal I think helped pushed me to fight the inertia and do the fun things. Especially with the pumpkin carving so this was a great goal for me.

Mail 8 letters/presents - success!

(dad birthday present, Rebecca card. Sarah present, Ian present, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, mom’s birthday, Rebecca sympathy card ) I mailed/sent the things. Most were just presents that I would’ve done anyway and are just ordering things online, but it did help me send a couple more letters so I consider a good goal.

Bonus Function

Fix dry wall cracks - decided this wasn’t really worth it so intentional fail

Hire Gardner - success?

I hired someone one and they came several times, but I have to schedule them and reach out each time and idk when I should I do that so they stopped coming. And then I used someone else for winterization. So I should maybe find someone else for next year. I did get someone to mow my lawn tho! I first hired a small business and then the guy broke his hip and stopped coming so I hired lawn love, which I don’t love, but they got the job done for a reasonable price so good enough I guess.

Don’t wear socks or underwear with holes - success!

-bought more socks and underwear and have been throwing away the holey ones

Overall I succeeded everywhere except in my “for others” category which is a little embarrassing. I do give 10% of my income to charity so it’s not like I’m totally selfish but I don’t do very much outside of that.

[frau-wilhelm-klink]

A list of unexpected bingo card events I didn't expect to happen in 2024, but occurred anyway.

(Yes, it's a bit sappy and no, I don't care.)

Befriending two new fellow Menaces™️ who not only put up with my nonsense, but are 99% on my wavelength. (Y'all know who you are.) That 1% is the things we don't necessarily agree upon/share the same interest in...but 99% is still good! Now I have a total of three, and I think that's great🥰

Several highly entertaining Discord video calls that went on for hours! Seriously, only reason we had to end them was because they had to go to bed🤣 I am, however, a certified Yapper™️ just like my bestie, so that's no surprise. It's difficult to shut me up once I really get going.

Having another Discord video call, where one of my talented artist friends sacrificed a bit of his time to play interpreter so our moms could talk. (Which is a good thing, since neither of them speak the other one's language.) Trying to arrange that one with the massive time zone difference between us was interesting, but we pulled it off...and I managed not to mangle his language too badly in the process😅 I count that as a win.

Finding new people (aside from said Menaces) on Discord to share my crackhead energy with! Sometimes, I legit have no idea what the hell is even going on when I pop in there, but I just go with it.

Discovering my new favorite crackship of StettiHo. Don't get me wrong, Klogan is and always will be my OTP for the HH fandom. That's never gonna change; my colonels are too perfect together. But this crackship, man...I can't even explain it. Major Hochstetter - aka Stetti bc he's an angry lil' smol bean - literally just stomped in unannounced and announced he's decided he wants Hogan😂 (Which I can completely understand, 'cause that man is a walking thirst trap.) I was just over here like, "Oh, so you finally decided you want Hogan in more ways than one? Good to know." So that's now a thing, I guess. Pretty sure this fic by a lovely fellow Klogan writer of ✨️Quality Literature✨️ had a lot to do with forming my newest obsession. Of course, @fireinthefireproofvault didn't help either! *affectionately shakes fist*

Beginning the process of planning several IRL visits with all three of my fellow Menaces. Now, will they happen in 2025? Short of receiving an unexpected windfall of money, no. I was the sole carrier of Christmas for my family in 2024, so it's gonna take me at least a year to pay all that off. Plus, my house is still under construction anyways. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed for them to happen in 2026!

Somehow managing to be a hot mess for the entire month of December. Considering I live in a very cold, arctic climate, that should've been physically impossible😅 Pretty sure it was due to the madness and stress of the holidays. It's all good, tho - things are slowly getting back on track.

Coming up with the term 'Idea Maker™️' as a euphemism for dicks. Why? Well, because every time one of the aforementioned Menaces gets some, she comes up with great plots for fics🤣 I don't know if that's just a coincidence or what, but it is what it is.

Corrupting...uh, I mean, inspiring my fellow Menaces (including @whatisthismandoinghere) to begin writing down their own little s/i stories they have. I'm oddly touched about this one, tbh. I've never really thought of myself as an inspiration to anybody, so having that happen really gets me a little choked up. And they've been doing me the honor of sharing said stories with me! That's just...I...🥺 (Look, I know this is a stupid thing to get a little emotional about, but I am. Don't judge me.) I really enjoy reading them, watching their worlds come to life. Can't wait to dive back into a certain one that's apparently at 135 pages now once I get a chance. I'm just over here thinking to myself, "Is that supposed to deter me or hype me up? Because it's doing the second one."😂 I'm an avid reader; telling me something is long ain't the way to scare me off!

Being pleasantly surprised to discover I'm not the only one of my friends who has Horny Brain™️ pop up out of nowhere at the worst possible time. I may be a smut writer for the most part, but it's very frustrating to have that happen when I'm legitimately trying to write a different genre of fic.

Learning some of my friends also have an internal musical jukebox that just randomly kicks on whenever it wants. What's it playing? Hell if I know🤣 That fucker is stuck on shuffle, and I've got no way to change it. From what I understand, they're in the same boat as I am with that.

Finding one new ✨️Quality Literature✨️ Klogan writer who's on same freak-quency as in most aspects (deviants unite🤝🏻) and another one who may or may not be. They haven't written enough smut yet for me to really tell. Now I have three: @did-you-expect-this, @anna-pineappel & @someguywriting.

This fic! It's such a nice blend of goofy, silly, a tiny bit angsty and hot. Also this fic and this one. I absolutely love the dynamic, banter - and of course, smut - in all of these.

The existence of this series and this series, both of which have me going feral in the best way.

Having one of my stories be an inspiration for somebody else's work💜 Let me tell you, the scream I scrumpt when I saw that notification was unlike any sound I've ever made before.

I could go on, but I think that's enough for one post. Ily all so much, fellow Menaces! You bring me lots of joy and laughter. (I hope I do the same for you at times too; otherwise, I've failed😂) Looking forward to 2025, which hopefully will bring even more good things.

[ladykailitha]

A Valentine’s Day to Remember Eddie’s POV Part 3

The last part. Thank everyone so much for the support for these two little fun stories. It’s been so long since I’ve done a fun holiday story (that isn’t Christmas).

Again this part is SPICY and it will start under the cut. You’ve been warned.

Steve’s POV Part 1| Eddie’s POV Part 1 Part 2

*

Eddie had very deliberately decided to be out of the house when Steve was showering. He wasn’t a hundred percent sure that he could have keep his lust contained long enough to go on their date.

But when he walked back through his front door to see Steve standing in his front room, looking for all the world like sin itself...Eddie was done for. That last little remaining doubt he had about today vanished.

Eddie barely noticed the little card sticking out of the bouquet in time. He objectively knew that Steve would be thrilled to read the note before their date, but wanted to save the best part for last.

They chatted happily as they drove to the Quarry to the best vantage point in the place. It looked out over the Quarry and you could see for miles. He quickly got to work setting up his picnic on the roof of his van. The blanket and basket went up first. And then the beer and candles. He was grateful there wasn’t any wind.

But if there had been, he had a backup plan. They would just have their picnic in the van. He had cleaned out the back for just such an emergency but it was looking like it wasn’t needed.

Once everything was fully set up, he set the ladder against the back of the van. Because even though Eddie was well versed in the art of van climbing, Steve most certainly was not.

He slid on his stomach to look into the windshield hanging upside down. “Come on!”

Steve laughed and then joined him on the roof.

Eddie had set out to be as romantic as possible, but somehow Steve had found a way to make it even more romantic by pressing into Eddie’s side while they ate. And then Steve laid his head on Eddie’s shoulder and Eddie knew there was no coming back from that. He would love this boy the rest of his life.

They got everything cleared up and back into the van to go to their next stop on their most awesome date ever.

“Bowling or mini-golf?” he asked. He figured Steve would go for the mini-gulf because of the flashing lights of the bowling alley might trigger a migraine, especially since Steve had one yesterday.

He was super pleased to be right.

*

Things were going great until the sixth hole. Eddie had gone first having won at rock, paper, scissors. And had lined up the perfect shot to get his ball into the hole his next turn.

And then Steve teed up and hit his ball. Directly into Eddie’s, knocking it straight into the little sand trap.

“Avast, ye fiend!” Eddie cried, brandishing his putter like a sword.

“En guard!” Steve replied defending himself from Eddie’s attack.

They dueled right there on the sixth hole, the other patrons looking at them strangely.

The duel ended when Steve ‘pierced’ Eddie’s side and he sank to the astro-turf.

“You killed me!” Eddie gasped as Steve laughed.

But while Steve was laughing so hard, Eddie sprang up and grabbed his ball from the sand trap and dropped into the hole.

“Hey!” Steve protested.

But the rest of the game passed without incident.

*

Eddie watched Steve grab his duffel bag with a pang of longing. He didn’t want the night to end yet. It was too early.

So he suggested a movie and breathed a sigh of relief when Steve readily agreed.

Steve laughed when Eddie complained about how much his cheeks hurt from all the smiling they had been doing all day. “Me either. I wonder what that says about us.”

And Eddie couldn’t help but whisper, “That we’re perfect for each other.” He couldn’t look at Steve directly, afraid that he might have heard, but when he glanced out the corner of his eye...Steve looked more than a little pleased.  

Eddie pulled out 13 Ghosts and put it on. It had a great plot, but holy hell the special effects were terrible.

But then the movie was over and Eddie couldn’t think of another reason for Steve to stay so with a heavy heart they packed up and Eddie drove him home.

He was grateful Steve remembered the card, because he had completely forgot about it. He watched as Steve read the card over and over, something like hope on the younger man’s face.

And then they kissed. Oh god, did they kiss. It was like lightning and sunshine and fireworks all at once. And then Steve was begging him to stay. And just like that Steve had solved Eddie’s problem about how to make the night last longer.

Just stay.

As simple and as easy as falling in love with this boy. So of course he said yes.

But behind that closed door, Eddie found out why, those girls kept trying for Steve despite his constant failing to figure out what they wanted.

Steve’s playful mask dropped and Eddie caught a glimpse of King Steve. That boy with all the right moves.

Eddie finally got his hands on Steve’s ass and pulled their hips flush against each other. “You keep that up, pretty boy and I’ll make a mess out of you.”

Eddie could feel Steve’s breath catch in his chest. “You promise?”

Eddie opened the door behind him and slowly made his way to the bed, beckoning Steve to follow.

And wasn’t that just a kick when Steve did just that. When they made it to the bed, Eddie kissed him, hands working their way under Steve’s sweater.

Steve moaned as he threw off the jacket and got his hands into Eddie’s hair again.

“Oh sweetheart,” Eddie breathed. “I want to see all of you.”

Steve pulled off the sweater and toed off his shoes, before his hands found his way back to Eddie.

Eddie kissed the scars on Steve’s neck as he ran his hands gently over the large scars on Steve’s side and upper chest.

Steve whined. “Please, Eddie. I need to see you, too. Please!”

Eddie straightened back up and removed the vest and shirt as quickly as possible.

Steve ran his hands down Eddie’s waist down to his thighs. “As much as I appreciate your ass in these things, they are going to be a bitch to come off.”

“Don’t worry, darlin’,” Eddie murmured. “There’s a trick to it.” And he slid them right off his legs like it was nothing at all.

Steve looked down at him in amusement and desire. “How the hell did you manage that?”

Eddie flopped onto the bed, now completely naked as he really couldn’t wear underwear with those pants, not unless he wanted everyone to see the lines underneath them. “The trick getting in and out of them without a shit ton of effort is baby powder.”

Steve licked his lips. “Duly noted.”

Eddie laughed. “Come on, big boy. Don’t leave me hanging.” He grabbed his cock and waved it around.

Steve scoffed and rolled his eyes, but did as he was bid. His underwear came next and he was standing over Eddie, completely blown away that this was his life now.

He straddled Eddie’s hips and kissed him, hot and searing. Eddie moaned and then gently pushed Steve away.

“Let me get better situated on the bed, sweetheart.”

Steve whined about the lost of connection, but when he saw Eddie stretched out on his bed, he decided it was worth it.

He straddled Eddie’s hips again, seeking out his lips for another kiss.

Eddie was reduced to a mess just at the sheer sight of Steve over him. Wanting him. Needing him. His hands couldn’t stop mapping every inch of Steve’s skin.

Steve slid his knees out from under him, bringing their bodies flush together. And if the feel of Steve against him at the front door was good, this was exquisite.

“You’re so beautiful, Eds,” Steve whispered into Eddie’s neck.

Eddie pushed his head as far back as it would go to give Steve better access. “I love you, I love you, I love you!”

Steve kissed him, tasting the words on his lips, as he began to slide their hips together, seeking friction.

“You got anything to make this go a little smoother, big boy?” Eddie breathed.

Steve let out a low whine, but leveraged himself up on one arm as the other dug around in his nightstand. Finally he pulled out a bottle and placed in Eddie’s hand, their fingers intertwining.

Eddie smiled up at him, just absolutely smitten. He leaned up to place a kiss on Steve’s nose, causing the other man to blush.

Steve reluctantly let go of Eddie’s hand so that he could open the bottle. Eddie squeezed a bit into his palm and then reached between them, lathering them up.

Steve gasped when Eddie touched him. “I’m so close. God, Eddie. Please.”

“I’ve got you, Stevie,” Eddie murmured and he gently pushed Steve down on the bed, bringing their bodies together again.

“I trust you,” Steve said softly.

Eddie had to close his eyes and let that sink in for moment. He opened his eyes and grabbed both of Steve’s hands. He started off slow, letting the heat build back up. Steve’s words began to trip over his tongue as he devolved into helpless whimpers.

Oh the power Eddie felt as he began to speed up and Steve was gone. He threw his head back as he panted for breath.

Eddie wanted to kiss that throat, but he was too far gone himself to do anything but seek his release.

Steve came first with Eddie following shortly after.

Eddie rolled off of Steve, panting for breath. “Jesus Christ.”

Steve giggled. “Sorry, just Steve.”

Eddie laughed. “I’m going to go get a towel to clean off, pretty boy.”

Once they were cleaned off and snuggling under Steve’s blankets, Eddie turned to Steve.

“I’ve got a small confession to make,” he murmured into Steve’s chest.

Steve kissed the top of his head. “Yeah? What’s that?”

“I did all this because I wanted to ask you out but didn’t know how,” Eddie admitted shyly.

“And I wanted it to be real and not just a friend thing,” Steve replied.

Eddie looked up at Steve with a tender smile. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“We really are perfect for each other,” Steve said.

Eddie grinned. He couldn’t help but agree.

Tag List: @zerokrox-blog @bidisastersworld @swimmingbirdrunningrock @madamonsieur-silvrene @artiststarme @samcoxramblings @maya-custodios-dionach @bejeweledbaby @spreckle  @a-little-unsteddie @krazyperson @princess-josephina @wonderland-girl143-blog @plutoshelm @newtstabber @bookbinderbitch @darkwitchoferie @abstractnaturaldisaster @scheodingers-muppet @phingybohnez @spectrum-spectre @heaven428 @fanshipgirl88 @stardust-era @estrellami-1 @thelittleclare @feelinhellabi @commonxsenss @awkwardgravity1 

[the-zapped-part-timer]

Penn Zerothon Day 1

North Pole Down🎄

My Ramblings: Hey, this all looks familiar! Anyways, I like sword gag. Obviously guys it was in a couch, open your minds. It's also interesting to see Sashi not having wings like in the Pilot, I guess now we can infer what happened because we know she has them the next time they're in the Knight World.

I like to smash bits of the Pilot in this episode in my head, with the Boone being exception of course... and also the other stuff going in Zap One.

Ok, the zapping. They still do come out of a static background, but the Pilot's just looks so different.

Get the banging intro we all love and the iconic title cards!

Zooming on the family picture doesn't hurt at all. Nope, not all. It's interesting to show no snow on Christmas Eve, but that can happen in a lot of places, I really like that decision. Sashi beating the fake reindeer making look like snow? Gold.

But I've got to say, starting with a holiday episode is... unusual. I personally wouldn't have, but I'm not saying it had to be Zap One. It's just that not everyone likes holiday or Christmas episodes. I'm also upset we never got a Halloween episode.

I wonder why we didn't see the MUHU used in the Pilot, perhaps it wasn't a thing? I doubt it. I enjoy Brock and Vonnie every time they're on screen, funny and such great parents, even from afar! Like that they left a record video. Poor Penn, just wants see his parents so bad on Christmas, they're first Christmas apart. Also for a quick second we see that the MUHU charging deck thingy is broken. I wonder why? Genuinely, why? Was it The Chinchilla?

Our first introduction to Aunt Rise and Uncle Chuck (and of course The Chinchilla). I don't mind them, not my favorites. But don't mind. They're quirky.

I love the Trio so much! Boone and Sashi trying to cheer up Penn is so sweet.

First time we see Old Man Middleburg.

Not even having to exchange words to show how much Rippen hates Penn and Larry's over the topness.

Phyllis is queen. She's slaying in that candy cane costume. And she's already being supportive with Penn. You need a prom date? Phyllis has got you. MUHU broken beyond repair? She tried.

I would have a mental breakdown if I tried avoiding Christmas like the plague only to be zapped into Santa of all people! Like what are the odds? It's like the universe knows or something.

I just realized we never got a "check the specs" in the Pilot! Dang. Also, you can hear bells when her specs are displaying the mission.

Penn helping Boone calm down is sweet. Also, the "Okay, I'm gonna pet you now, but not in a weird way." Line will never not be funny, so many quotable lines in this show. I'm like a parrot.

Also, was the head in a box a reference to the movie Seven? If so, it's a very interesting pick for a reference for a kids' show.

Did they get Adam Levine for his screaming? I think that's a possibility.

Mr. Snowman...

I do like the rogue gingerbread men, but I wonder if Rippen being Krampus was at least considered. It always bugged me when I first watched this. Goat Rippen would have been too much for anyone to handle, I suppose.

The candy and Christmas weaponry is fun and creative. Larry cannibalizing himself is very Larry. I, too, would have a nibble on at least one of my fingers.

I like that Mr. Snowman just assumed the MUHU was broken. He doesn't know a damn thing about it and yet already being manipulative. I like that Penn is allowed to be a bit selfish. It makes sense, most of the time, it's because of his parents. He desperately wants them back or at least able to see and talk to them. Love me some good character flaws!

Surprise! The snowman with an ominous voice was bad! Although, it is surprising that Rippen decided to team up with anyone. I guess he probably sees Mr. Snowman as easy to take out, it's not that hard as we see later on. (Snow) Man literally took his whole heart out and almost died for a bit.

The face Penn makes when he says the whole ruining Christmas for eternity is gonna bother him for awhile is great. So many great faces on this show.

The first song of the show! Also forgot the Pilot didn't have a song... good. I don't wanna hear that Boone sing. He's not an angel like ours. I used don't not like his singing, but it grew on me. Pretty good song. Everyone is good at singing. I like that the breakout fails, like you really thought a candy cane would work as a key? Jokes land so much better than the Pilot (sorry I keep bringing that up).

So there's just one gingerbread woman? Like a smurfette? Also, Rippen, my goodness! One (gingerbread) woman and already be acting up. It's just a tiny bit but still funny, I like the idea that he can't keep it in his pants sometimes. He's gotta come off as suave to anyone watching.

Also weird that gingerbread people just eat steak and mashed potatoes... not very Christmas-like, guys, and woman.

"You've looked cooler." Sashi delivers that in such a way that it can be such a low blow to whoever she's saying it to (Penn).

Would've loved to see a drama class. That would've been a Boone episode, a Boone-isode!

Creative way to escape, using Santa lore. I wonder what it felt like to be tube-shaped for a few seconds. I'm sure that would feel good on my back until I cry from pain.

First instance of Arnold Schwarzenegger voice Boone.

"Man, that guy can talk." Sashi, that man is your principal. Your lucky he ain't evil.

Yep, he's a snowman... what was he gonna do? Snowball them? Man them- nevermind.

AAHHH! Rippen jumpscare! Oh no- is his bowtie made of anything? Like licorice or something? Or is it just a bowtie?

I'll never find it funny that in some Santa media set in modern times, they're still making older toys like made out of wood and stuff. Anyways, love the fight between Penn and Rippen using the toys as weapons. Very fun and creative.

I love it when Rippen tries to use Penn's interest against him, the MUHU in this case. But no, Penn is better than that.

Did Rippen feel anything when he broke or does it not hurt? Either way, falling down at that velocity must have been terrifying. First instance of Larry eating Rippen... yep, not the first!

Also, the first use of the Wilhelm Scream! They love that scream.

He made a hard choice, but thankfully, it paid off in two ways. Completing the mission and getting your MUHU fixed by Santa because of it. What was that one quote? "A true act of goodwill always sparks another." (Whoever gets that, have a cookie)

Also like that it implies Santa doesn't like gingerbread, perhaps because gingerbread people work for him?

An all around good Christmas episode, usually my least favorite kind.

~The Characters~

Penn Zero: This Penn and Pilot Penn while similar, feel very different in delivery.

Like I said already, I like Penn feeding into his self-interest. We always understand why he does and acts like he does, he's a good person with flaws. Flaws that are so human.

Boone Wiseman: Oh Boone, I'm sorry I ever doubted you. I can't believe we almost didn't have this you! So much more funnier and nicer. Our lovable buffoon. Even going out to make skateboard sleds for his friends! And a failed roller-skate skis that he actually never made, but it's the thought that counts.

He's funny but still takes some seriousness with his job. Especially at the end.

Sashi Kobayashi: Violent as ever! But cares deeply about Penn's troubles. I also enjoyed when she just conked Larry and that elf in the head.

Rippen: Not a whole lot to say for him in this episode. He was funny and growly as usual. It's still interesting that he teamed up with someone as we'll see in Number One Number Two. Yes, I know, I'm Still Super. But that's different as we'll also see

Larry: He really doesn't have much to do besides eating himself. Which, good for him, he makes a good point, they'll never be that delicious again.

Dimension(s): I like the look of the mountaintop north pole base, which is a very cool take on Santa's workshop. It's more like a military base than anything.

Forms: Reindeer Boone is the best, sorry. He's adorable, I like his physicality. Everyone else did good, but they'll never be Reindeer Boone.

[love-now-cry-later]

the importance of change

"nothing lasts forever, nothing stays the same"

september 3, 2023

I'm at a point in life where everything is changing and for the first time… I'm ok with it. I just turned 18 (woo!) and for the first year since i was 12 i didn't have a breakdown on my birthday. i graduated just before that and now i'm off. in 1 month i'll be in maine for a concert with my best friend, then i'll be in GA with my mom and then i'll be back in jersey until christmas where i’ll then go to nebraska for a bit and then costa rica from january to july, and when we come back my friend Abbi will be graduating and we all will have had enough saved up to rent a house together. And My dad asked me this morning if I was scared and I've just sat here thinking. What do I feel?

i'm about to spend the next year of my life traveling and seeing the world. having opportunities, that i'm eternally grateful for, that many people don't have and my family never had. I have a chance of moving out and getting my own home and for my family, generations in one home, that's really big. I'm young and free and I'm grateful to have friends who give me opportunities that I would never have otherwise.

But It's terrifying. I'm gonna be far from home for a long time and when i'm finally back it won't be for long, but you know what's scarier? everything staying the same.

my life has gotten easier these last few months. my senior year, I graduated because I have connections with teachers and principals and people like me. my 'charisma' as Camdyn puts it. I have opportunities like Costa Rica because friends and their families like me. My life has gotten easier and I don't take that for granted. In some ways I believe the easy, go-with-the-flow, handouts and kindness that I've been receiving is an apology from the universe. An apology for having to be strong and grow up at a very young age. An apology for all that i had to deal with very young, and a reward for not letting it turn me into a person i would be ashamed of. Coming out of it a better person.

I believe that I was meant to break generational cycles. The cycles of poverty- the cycles of teen pregnancy- the cycles of throwing your life away. The cycles of dead end office jobs, janitorial positions- of deciding between a meal for you or your kids tonight. The grab the wic approved!- dirty looks in the grocery line because of the ebt card. I believe it’s gotten easier because I deserve an easier life than my mother and my father. Not that they dont deserve it either, But i can tell they’re happy that i have better, i think thats what they've always wanted for me. Even though they didn’t necessarily provide it, they're happy for me. I can tell.

My point- or the point of this ramble at least is that change is scary but you know what- that's good. Fear is good sometimes! It’s like when you first start highschool and you're scared, there's a new building and its so big and there's so many people you’ve never met and people you never will, but after a couple weeks freshman year is easy- then it’s winter break and spring break, and then- you're a sophomore. I was terrified to graduate, but I'm so grateful and happy I did. Because you know what's more scary and embarrassing than standing in front of hundreds of people that dont like you, and an ex and their new gf in a stupid cap and gown, and possibly falling on your face walking off the stage? Not doing it. Letting yourself give up and fail out of fear. The great thing about life is that you can change at any point. Anything you're unhappy with you can change, And isn't that beautiful?

The thing is that, I've really looked at my life and gotten more perspective and I need more change. “The way im living is a temper tantrum” and not in the way it was before, where i was drinking myself into oblivion for some nihilistic ‘fuck you’ to the man or god or whatver. But in the way that i’ve kept myself in a box so to be what others want me to be. I’m done with the edgy-tryhard - anti feminine hard ass-intimidating bullshit image i’ve tried to spin my whole life. I'm surrendering. Surrendering to the divine feminine, to the easy, happy, beautiful universe. I'm ready to begin the easiest, happiest era of my life. An era of receiving.

Anyway, I hope to all that read this that you will experience freedom, and happiness as we’re all entitled to. Asé

[its-your-girl-geekerella]

Dark Cupid--Happy Valentines' Day!

I know I'm a bit late, but suffice it to say that I had a lot going on. Just wanted to pop in, say hi, and give you a mini-recap on one of my favorite episodes in Season 1 of Miraculous, Dark Cupid!

Because most of you Miraculers who follow me are in season 5 by now, and have probably watched this episode as many times as I have, I'll make this quick.

So basically, we start with Miss Bustier's class, talking about fairytales. Adrien is writing a love poem, and when called out, gets savage toward his teacher, yadda yadda yadda...

Adrien then throws out his poem, thinking it not good enough for Ladybug. Sabrina and Chloe make him sign his autograph, even though he hates it, by telling him it's for a good cause.

After class, Marinette goes digging in the trash to see what it is that Adrien was writing. She finds what she was looking for, but not before Chloe and Sabrina imply that she's poor and homeless. (I guess they were feeling good about themselves after getting Adrien to sign that poster)

Marinette reads Adrien's poem, assumes it was about her (thanks to Tikki), and celebrates.

Marinette meets up with Alya, and they see Max and Kim talking about a ~mystery girl~ Kim wants to ask to be his Valentine. Like the great friends they are, they encourage and support him. Then Kim becomes a runner and a trackstar.

And can I say that the look Max gives as Kim leaves? Like a proud dad. This was definitely one of Max's best episodes.

So Marinette is encouraged by Kim's situation (and Alya) and decides to write Adrien a poem. We then see an amazing BFF handshake we NEVER. SEE. AGAIN.

We skip to Chloe and her lackey torturing Adrien's fanclub with the signed poster of Adrien. We get the infamous "she's not crying hard enough" scene, and that's that.

Marinette is working hard to write a poem for Adrien, and Alya nags. She finally gains inspiration, and they head to mail it off.

Meanwhile, Kim catches up with Chloe. Of course he would like Chloe. Man, I am so glad he gets Ondine later. Anyway, Chloe acts like a total jerk, so nothing new there. He gets akumatized, surprise, surprise, and turns into *GASP* Dark Cupid!

Dark Cupid makes people hate each other. So yeah. If you needed a comic relief, there's this guy shouting, "STUPID FLOWERS!"

Chloe gets what's coming to her, as Sabrina gets hit and does to her exactly what she did to Kim. So yay.

Chat Noir tries to confess his love to Ladybug, but instead protects her from getting hit by Dark Cupid, where we get this famous sequence:

(Funny how even then, he would sacrifice himself to save her) So anyway, a whole battle goes down and Ladybug realizes that she has to kiss Chat. Obviously, the "Get back, you savage!" had to be put in here.

So Chat Noir (even more Noir than before!) and Dark Cupid are working together, and can I say that they become bros so quick?!

Anyway, you all know what happens next: Chat foreshadows Chat Blanc, as well as Destruction by saying that he wanted to cataclysm a person. Then, Ladynoir's famous first kiss. And Evil Chat is enjoying EVERY SECOND of it.

And then Ladybug yeets Chat at Dark Cupid.

And then the good guys win, as per usual. Chloe gets what she deserved; her poster of Adrien is ruined by Sabrina (even though it should've been reversed by the magical ladybugs).

Adrien gets Marinette's Valentines card, but it isn't signed, so he thinks it's from Ladybug for some reason. Like, what?! And then he doesn't put two and two together until Season 3, episode: Stormy Weather 2. Um, excuse you?!

Calm down, simpy boy.

Personally, I think because we've had a couple of Christmas episodes, we can probably have another Valentines' episode. There is so much you can do with Valentine's day, and I feel like they cramped a lot of really good ideas into one episode. Oh, well...

So yeah, that's my recap of one of the best episodes in Season 1. I love this episode, and it mostly serves as a comfort episode when things are too serious.

Any commentary I made in this post is purely opinion, and it's not meant to be taken seriously. Love you guys, byeeeeee

[tiredgremlintime]

Arc-v Month Day 3: Duetto of Duelist and Spirit

@arcvmonth

ok so I’m going to talk about three decks! Performapals, melodious, and lyrilusc!!

So performapals! The first arc-v deck I wanted to play

As the zexal era in duel links was drawing closer to its end, I knew arc-v world was next, and I was excited, I was super excited to play Yuya and try out Zuzu, I knew I wanted my first deck to be Yuya’s, especially the performapals focus one, with odd eyes and some magicans of course since Yuya is one of my favorite characters, I tried to study his deck by watching the anime, yes, I was and still am unhinged thank you. So when arc-v world dropped, I couldn’t really play Yuya’s deck. See the problem with duel links is that when new decks come in, some of the cards from said deck is from older boxes, which meant spending a bunch of gems, until last month I couldn’t have Yuya’s deck, considering how EXPENSIVE he was, thankfully I could still play his deck, I just couldn’t bring it online. it was performapal focus! Just like I wanted! Sure it probably wasn’t THAT good but it was fun :). Thankfully, thanks to the campaign that happened last month I can now FINALLY play his deck and main Yuya! Fully compatible, fun to play, AND can be brought online, yippee!!! Even though I have to play with LESS performapals, I still get to play with some! So there’s that atleast! I’m just happy I can finally play my boy :)

Now with that knowledge, you may be wondering, since I been struggling to actually play as Yuya this past year, who else did I play in arc-v world? Who’s deck did I fully have? All the cards and such? Well that’s a pretty easy answer, which leads us to our next point!

Melodious! The deck that gave me confidence again

Now, I really like Zuzu! She’s one of my favorite arc-v characters! Back then though since I was still watching arc-v season 1, she was just a character I liked. Now when arc-v world dropped and the new tier list dropped melodious was actually tier 1! Unfortunately I missed that era cause it lasted like 2 months and it took me 3 months to get Zuzu, but when I DID get her my brother encouraged me to built her deck! I did and she became one of my dl mains! Melodious might have been tier 3 but I was playing GREAT with it online, this deck actually helped me re-gain the confidence to duel online! I’m forever thankful to this deck for helping me gain pvp courage, even if the deck isn’t consider powerful anymore. And this deck also made me love Zuzu even more! So another great thing this deck did for me!

so those are my two arc-v decks in duel links! How about tcg wise? Well this leads to the next and last deck I’m going to talk about in this post

Lyrilusc, baby’s first irl deck

SO, I’m going to talk about this more later, but spring last year I started to really like Lulu, like she was becoming a fav of mine, to the point where I made a daily doodle blog for her, but during this stage where I started to really like her, my brother got the synchro storm box, the newest Yugo box! So we opened it up together, and as a result I got a LOT of lyrilusc support from it, I actually got almost all the cards I needed for the base deck! Because of this my brother suggested that my tcg deck should be lyrilusc, I was a little nervous but also excited about this, so I agreed! It took a long time for the deck to be built however, because believe it or not playing Yugioh actually cause a LOT of money!!!! I didn’t really think I get to actually play the deck, but then Christmas approached, and one of my brother’s gifts for me was the rest of the cards I needed for lyrilusc tri-birgade!!! One of the best versions of the lyrilusc deck is to play it with tri-brigade, so that’s the deck I now own!! Now that it’s officially summer I can finally take the time to learn the deck, I been wanting to play with this deck for awhile so now I’m really excited to learn! I can’t wait to see how far I can go with this deck I was gifted!

So yeah that’s it for my arc-v decks! Thank you to anyone who read this far!!

[wilbur-gh0styr4t]

All I wanted was you

Pt 1: Little did you know

Dsmp x marvel

Disclaimer: cursing (literally just one little f-bomb), also if this story seems familiar like you’ve read it on Wattpad it’s because I also posted it on there but I changed it here, also it’s my first time writing so please be nice.

I take a few breaths from this world for a minute as I look around the foresty biome.

I hear a branch snap and draw out my sword. “Who is that?” I yell. It takes a moment but soon a familiar voice answers, “sorry, sorry it’s just me.” The voice comes out of the trees, where it was hidden, and reveals a tall slender man. It was Wilbur, my brother.

Well, not technically. His father, who is known as a once great man who goes by the name Philza Minecraft, took me in as a kid or, that’s what I was always meant to believe. I’ve always had my suspicions but could never find out why.

Anyways, Wilbur was always my big brother figure despite the fact that at times it seemed he didn’t want to be.

“Wil’..?” I asked? “Is that actually you?”

“Y-yes… uhm- Do you mind if I come inside,” he asked quite awkwardly. I shook myself out of my surprised trance and welcomed him in.

I brought him inside and poured him some coffee. Wilbur sat down and started to speak, “So um…” He started. It was almost like he didn’t want to say it but, the way he did almost made it like I was a last resort and he didn't want to have to come to me. “I don’t know how to say this but me and Tommy started something.”

I froze. “L-listen i-it’s nothing bad, we’re not trying to cause a war but, it seems like we have caused something…” I nodded along trying to follow and process all of this but it was.. a lot. “S-so you came here, why?”

“Because, you’re the only one who knows how to do things right, you’re the only one who knows how to put things where they belong…. Please Y/N…”

I thought about it for a moment. If it was so special that Wilbur, who has never once in his life showed any special interest towards me what-so-ever, came all the way to find me, it must mean something. Right?

“I’m in,” I responded. “Y-you are?” He asked as if he was more prepared to leave empty handed then for me to say yes.

“Yeah! I mean as long as we play our cards right and don’t cause too much trouble we’ll be fine.”

“Y-yeah! Great,” Wilbur replied, his face looking like he just got his dream pony on Christmas day. “And one last thing, you’re not American, right?” For some reason this question made me freeze up. What kind of fucking question is that? I didn’t know how to respond. “No…?” “How do I know you’re not lying,” he asked. “Because I’m not…?” I said hesitantly. “Good enough alright see you there!”

And that was it.

The last bit of normal in my life gone in a single conversation. If only I knew what laid before me.

—-------------------------

Shout out to @agardenofideas @baggedfish and so many others for giving me the courage to post this on here! It means a lot and I hope it was good!