#hoping that there are more photos that are more interesting concept wise

[princessofgotham777]

Dating Jason Todd (Part Seven)

fanfic type: angst, fluff, comfort (ongoing)

If you liked the Titans show but wish they handled Jason’s story line differently you might like this fic!

Hey so this is in fact my first time writing fanfiction (idk what my life has come to). Sorry if it’s cringy but also I would eat this up cause I LOVE some good angsty comfort fanfiction. I won’t write smut. I don’t think I’m gonna do requests but if you have any ideas feel free to let me know. Also of course I don’t own any DC characters this is purely fanfiction. Thank you and I hope you enjoy. (I hope you like run-on sentences💀) (if you don’t like it don’t be rude just move on dude😃🧍‍♀️)

So story line, this doesn’t really take place in any specific universe but I’m gonna be pulling concepts from Titans, The Batman, Arkham Knight, Under the Red Hood, and whatever lore I remember from the CW shows cause I grew up watching those, then just my imagination of course. Reader is referred to as she/her btw.

Warnings: talking about death, suicide, depression, torture (it’s not graphic I hate gore it’s just sad), talking about intimacy (not graphic), struggling with eating, topics of grief, violence, panic attacks, PTSD

Part Seven: Horror

Light pooled into Jason’s room in Wayne manor. Dick opened his eyes to find himself on the floor of Jason’s room, where he insisted he slept last night. Dick sees Jason’s bed empty.

“Y/N?” He says as he jumps up. The room is completely empty. “Y/N!” He says as he heads downstairs. He finds you sitting at the island in the kitchen eating a bowl of cereal. You’re fully dressed and look ready to head back to GCPD.

“You scared the shit out of me,” he says.

“Sorry,” you say. Dick walks over and grabs two apples.

“Just let me get dressed then we’ll head out,” he says.

“Okay,” you say.

Being a vigilante was interesting sometimes fashion wise. During the day or when you had to work with the police you couldn’t exactly wear the whole costume. You were stuck in this half normal clothes to blend in with civilians and half mission clothes so you don’t hurt yourself. You had decided on black skinny jeans and a black mock neck. Dick wore army green cargo pants and a grey shirt.

You two stood in front of Wayne manor where something had been spray painted presumably last night. In huge green letters on the brick of Wayne manor said, “The early bird may get the worm but the stronger of two birds gets the girl.”

“Un-fucking-believable,” you say. “I swear to God if this whole thing is Joker just trying to meddle in our lives, me and Jason’s life, then I’m gonna kill him myself,” you say. You start to walk towards the car when Dick jumps in front of you.

“There’s gotta be more to the story, Jokers just trying to instigate us, put us on edge so we fuck up,” Dick says.

“Yeah well it’s working,” you say.

You two drive to GCPD and show the new note to Barbara.

“We got something too,” Barbra says. She pulls up a photo of a note spray painted on the sidewalk outside of Arkham. It says, “the bird dies; while no one tries; to read between the lines; and find where he hides.”

“Right I’m gonna call Alfred, ask him to send us the security footage to see who wrote the note at the manor,” Dick says. While Dick calls Alfred you and Barbra gather every note that’s been left. Two code breakers from Bludhaven work with you guys. Alfred sends over the footage and what you see is nothing less than disturbing. The video shows two men wearing halloween Robin costumes and a girl dressed in all black expect for a giant target that’s been painted on her back and chest.

“What the fuck is he telling us,” you say to yourself.

“I have no idea,” Dick says. “He’s obviously trying to dig up the past but like I said that’s too stupid, there’s gotta be some meaning to do with Batman hidden here,” Dick says.

“These notes aren’t hiding anything,” one of the code breakers says.

“And you guys went over them multiple times?” Dick asks.

“Yeah we went through them all a couple times and there just rhymes, no anagrams or anything,” the code breaker says. This means you guys have hit a dead end. You had nothing new to work with and Jason was still nowhere to be found, going through God knows what.

Back in the abandoned wing of Arkham where Jason was being kept Joker set up a video camera in front of him. Jason was passed out and in order to wake him up Joker threw a bucket of freezing water on him. Jason woke up alarmed and started moving only to be meant with burning pain from the acid covered wires digging into his skin.

“Come on smile for the camera,” Joker says. Jason noticed a plastic container of water beneath him. Joker placed both his feet in the water and then a wire. He got back behind the camera. “What’s your name?” Joker asks.

“Robin,” Jason says.

“Wrong,” Joker says. Jason feels electricity shoot through his body from the water. It feels like he’d being fried from inside out.

“What’s your name?” Joker asks again.

Jason yells, “Jason…Jason Todd,”

“And who do you hate?” Joker asks.

“You!” Jason yells.

“Try again next time,” Joker says as he electrocutes Jason again.

“What’s your name?” Joker asks for a third time.

“Jason,” he answers.

“Who do you hate?” Joker asks.

“The Joker!” Jason yells.

“We’re gonna keep doing this till you get it right,” Joker says as he electrocutes Jason again.

“So again I will ask what is your name?”

“My name is Jason Todd,” he says hopelessly.

“Who do you hate?” Joker asks for the fourth time.

“Batman,” Jason answers.

Four hours later a delivery addressed to you arrives at GCPD.

“Can I help you?” Dick says to the UPS guy.

“Yeah I got a delivery for Y/N Y/L/N,” he says.

“I’ll get it to her, she’s working right now,” Dick says. The UPS guy hands over the package and Dick debates opening it himself first. He wants to see what it is before you so he can be ready but it could be a bomb. He X-rays it himself and finds it’s a VHS tape. Dick watches the tape and then runs to get you.

“I should’ve just gave it to you,” Dick says. “I’m sorry.”

“Gave me what…what the hell are you talking about Dick!” You say.

“Come on,” he says. You follow him to an IT room. He hits play on the video.

“What’s your name?” Joker says.

“My name is Jason Todd,” Jason replies.

“Who do you hate?” Joker asks.

“Batman,” Jason says.

“Anything you wanna tell the camera?” Joker asks.

“Y/N, I love you, becoming Robin isn’t the best thing that ever happened to me…meeting you was.” You can hear Joker laughing in the background. “Dick you were a good brother…protect her,” he says. The screen goes black.

“When the fuck did you get this!” You yell.

“Just a couple minutes ago,” Dick says.

“And you watched it first?” You yell.

“Y/N, I’m sorry” he says softly has he places his hand on your shoulder. You slap his hand away.

“I can’t fucking deal with you right now…we’ll go through the tape frame by frame,” you say. You are too hurt and scared to care about the regret on Dick’s face.

Hey, I hope you enjoyed this part (I know it’s kinda rough💀) If you liked the fic remember to like and check out the other parts. I appreciate any positive feedback, it encourages me to keep writing and posting parts. I have a lot of ideas to develop the redhood plot and then backstory for how the reader meets Dick and Jason and becomes a titan. I hope you’re having as much fun reading as I am writing🩷

Here’s my Masterlist if you want to read the other parts.

Masterlist

[thedragonagebigbang]

Bang Creator Interview: Tumblr: @oxygenforthewicked  |  AO3: Oxygenforthewicked

The Collaboration period has begun! In these quiet months before works are due, we want to foster a sense of excitement, camaraderie, and celebration among our participants. To that end, all participants were given the option of a formal interview by our mod, Dema, or an informal “ask-game” survey. We hope you enjoy getting to know our phenomenal creators as much as we have!

10 Reasons Why Rift Hopping Is Probably Hazardous to Your Health (Hint: Cassandra Is One of Them)

Gin and Dema talk process, inspiration, and what to do when a character kicks down your door

Dema: Since this is a Big Bang I'll start there: have you done one before? If you have, what made you want to do it again? If not: what made you wanna give it a go? 

Gin: I've considered being a part of a Big Bang event before but I haven't actually done one yet. However, after seeing all of the fics and artwork that came out of other bangs last year, I got a better feel for it and decided I wanted to give it a try!

Dema: So exciting! Are you finding that this process feels different from how you usually write?

Gin: Not really, honestly. I've done NaNoWriMo in the past, and this feels similar in terms of working towards a set goal. I think the big difference (and better difference, honestly) is that this is much more community-centered, and the goal is to finish the project instead of just reaching a word count minimum. That in and of itself is a really refreshing new challenge.

Dema: When you tackle a project like this, what does that look like for you?

Gin: Usually I like to prepare a concept/vague outline first, write out in more detail the major plot points, create a mood playlist, and just start writing! I do tend to carve out time for writing, too, as that helps me focus better.

Dema: How much time do you feel like you need in a chunk? (Me, interviewing: “So, writing. How Do You Do It. AND WHY??)

Gin: It depends. Sometimes I can write for several consecutive hours, other times my brain can only handle about thirty minutes. Either way, I know that as long as I get words on the page, I'm making progress! But creativity isn't something that can be forced, so if the words just aren't coming out, I'll take a break for a while and refresh my brain by reading a book or watching something. Once my creative battery is full again, I can knock out a huge chunk of the project, and that usually feels so much better than trying to strongarm my brain into getting words out.

Dema: Is there something you are reading or watching right now that is providing particular inspiration? Or if not inspiration, rejuvenation?

Gin: Yes, actually! I'm currently reading A Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss, and it's been giving me all sorts of good inspiration.

Dema: Oh yes! I love that book. Is there anything in particular about it that's scratching the itch?

Gin: The lore and worldbuilding are both so interesting, but I'm also just very invested in the characters. This series so far has done a great job of creating a rich world with fleshed-out characters, an intricate magic system, and I love the complexity of the relationships. (In short, all of it!) 

Dema: Hard agree, I love those complicated characters and dynamics. Speaking of characters, when you're crafting an OC, what's your starting point? What was the spark that birthed Saeris, if you want to be more specific?

Gin: Most of the time, it's a picture or a song that sparks the initial concept. But there are other times when OCs kick down the door in my head and decide that they live there rent-free. Saeris was one of those characters. Admittedly, I did intend on creating Saeris for a specific project after reading The Horror of Hormak, but he was supposed to be a minor character that I was going to write once and never write again after that. (Boy was I wrong.) But what really sparked the inspiration for him was a photo I found while looking up references for gray eyes. The vibe of that photo just seemed like it fit him so well that his entire character quickly started unfolding bit by bit after that. I chose a name for him, a class, and all of it snowballed until he became my most fleshed-out character (and my favorite).

Dema: How long ago was that?

Gin: April 2022

Dema: Awwww! He’s two! 

Gin: LOL! It was when the event I was writing him for took place. 

Dema: I will not ask you if your Bang fic involves Saeris because I do not want to pry any spoilers from you, but thank you for your click-bait title and for your interview! Gin: Sounds good! And thank you!! It was very fun chatting.

[doyouknowhowtowaltz]

In the concept art for the last scene of the Anniversary video the Beast looks more like Mothman for some reason :D It's a shame they didn't show his puppet in more detail (I bet they didn't even make his arms though)

Yeah, they really did not linger on the main antagonist of the show, I don’t think from the photos I see that he has any limbs at all. He actually looks like he’s very similar in construction, shape wise at least, to the Beast plush I own, though I can’t recall if I’ve ever posted any photos of it.

I think his swept back antlers are a super interesting design choice though, and I’m deeply curious why they chose to make them that way considering how wide the Beast’s antlers are in most of the show. I’m hoping we’ll see some more, for lack of a better word, nitty gritty behind the scenes detail at some point.

[multifandom-onigiri]

Breakdown of thoughts before the Golden Cheese Update drops

Too lazy to screenshot every character but interesting cast we have here to begin with (Gingerbrave + Wizard + Adventurer + Black Raisin + unnamed cookie that’s probably an archaeologist/historian)

I feel like Black Raisin has to be an intentional choice beyond birds (both her own crows and the cheese birds) but maybe I’m overhyping myself

Crew enters a pyramid goes through some mines and falls into the depths after losing their footing and this is the meat of what I’m really excited about because 1) woah this is much more futuristic than what I was expecting 2) highly likely it’s virtual???

I think what’s the giveaway for me is the previous photo because we can see that there doesn’t seem to be any outside natural lighting like a sun or a moon. All of the lighting is coming from the city itself.

I think the pyramid structure in the third image is the city Gingerbrave and co end up warping into especially since the rectangular structures on top of it could match the skyscrapers that we see. This moment also shows us the person who’s in charge of looking after the virtual city tech wise, which is interesting because they are also in the simulation too. Meaning we technically have two versions of them right now. The person sitting in the chair

And the person in the throne room alongside Golden Cheese and the other guy that I think is based off Horus?

I think this might also apply to Golden Cheese where we see her in this virtual city but most likely in the real world, she’s probably in the sarcophagus we see in the beginning of the trailer.

I don’t know how to segueway into this mostly because I have no idea what this means for the story because I’m not too knowledgeable on Egyptian mythology but I basically agree with what some people have guessed about some of the characters representing Egyptian deities. So I’ll just throw this here

Honestly, I think the contrast between the actual real world Golden Cheese pyramid being what you’d expect (ancient, probably desolate) and the virtual Golden Cheese Kingdom where it has so many futuristic elements and it’s bright and bustling and so full of life is such a neat concept already especially in terms of what that might mean for Golden Cheese’s character??? Im actually really hopeful and excited about it I can’t wait for next week

[writingmochi]

an honest review of minisode 3: tomorrow purely from musical observation (not proofread)

opening remarks: i'm one day late and that is definitely still valid. given that there is currently a boycott for big 4 from april 1st to may 1st, i've downloaded the album off of spotify so thank you to the developer who created the software.

is there a reason why both the chaos and name chapters only have two releases on their belt whilst the dream chapters have 3? in a way, i think this is telling of how fast the trend is changing here in kpop and pop culture music in general. i could say that kpop groups are literally cloud chasing the newest tiktok trending music given that le sserafim's newest release is full of familiar sounds rather than establishing their sound. i sure hope this album has a clear way to tell what it wants to tell because i have a pretty big expectation when it comes to txt, especially since i came here blind and deaf cause i don't know anything about this comeback apart from the concept and promotional photos.

speaking of that, concept-wise it seems interesting. i'm currently in a more neutral side because i just realized just how biased i can become even if it doesn't meet my expectations. i like how they basically embrace their fantasy-esque story retelling on things happening to individuals in real life. based on the txt.ibighit, the concept of this release is about past promises, salvation, and hope for tomorrow, which i've felt in a few of the concept photos. i, once again, feel disappointed to know the creative difference in between the concept photos and the music video. it kinda feels like false advertising as i realize the dichotomy of it. as i enter into the sonic world of this album with restrain and neutrality, i hope that the songs can help to invest me with them too.

let's start!

1.i'll see you there tomorrow: what in the illit is this? it sounds rhythmically and melodically complex at the start, which i like. but it became this light hyperpop-esque edm sound. i think this will be a challenging first song to here, especially with kpop fans who are not familiar with "strange beats". the bridge part kind of reminds me of daft punk in a way with beomgyu's voice on the vocoder filter. soobin's timbre is the highlight of this song for me because it has been a long time since i hear low-voice soobin, so i'm glad to hear it here. i like how complex the percussion of the song is, especially in combination with the bass playing.

2.- --- -- --- .-. .-. --- .-- ("tomorrow" in morse code): i know it's literally only morse code and it's definitely lore-based, but why do they bring back the morse code now when the last time we hear it is in crown/dream chapter star? hmmm

3.deja vu: i've heard from people that this title track doesn't have a bridge. that is definitely a minus for me. but let me here it first before continuing to write this.

at first listen, this reminds me of a japanese release of a kpop group. i was reminded of stray kids's slump, maybe because it's the synth that they're using. i like the little sprinkle of a floaty synth behind it as it seems like there is ghost (positively?) haunting the song, that's why it sounded a bit mystical and isekai-ish. i like that little interlude as it enters verse 2. okay, i now understand why there are people who complained about the lack of a bridge cause this song has the potential to be a more tear-jerker than it is now if there is a bridge.

i will compare this song with bts' spring day (which for me gives off similar vibes, especially with their current situation mirroring bts during their time releasing ynwa). i'm always near in tears whenever i hear spring day ever since it was released and i believe it is because of taehyung's bridge and how the song pays off what it is building throughout the listening experience, especially in the music video version with the added band interlude. deja vu has the potential to be txt's take on spring day (some may say it already is), but, for me, the lack of bridge = lack of payoff = lack of grit to the song. that second interlude with the guitar and added like another set of lyrics can definitely alleviate and add that grit i'm searching for. i also think that maybe strings can also be added to aid the tear-jerking sense of the song. but it is synthy so idk how it will be connected (maybe this is an encouragement to use acoustic/natural sound more than midi). i also think the short pre-verse also contributes to the lack of grit this song potentially has because it hasn't fully develop the transition between the verse and the chorus.

other than that, this is the first hybe song where the vocal processing doesn't sink the vocals into the instrumental (until the deja vu part in the chorus). yeonjun's voice has this yearning in it that is definitely to match the vibe of the song. he is definitely the highlight for me. i'm also not surprised at the lack of beomgyu here because this song is high even for me and especially for the boys. beomgyu's songs are the brooding, darker one but this one is more melancholic to hopeful so it is expected to not hear much of him.

a missed potential to add a freaking heartbreaking bridge and a much more grand departure. if they maybe get more inspirations from aespa's welcome to my world then i can hear the track in its fullest potential.

4.miracle: different types of me hearing the world miracle: (1) life could get better~ (suju's miracle) n (2) i believe in miracle (wayv's miracle).

the start of this song reminds me of bts' love myself before changing to enhypen's tfw. okay, it sounds more like those feel-good pop rock songs kinda like enhypen's orange flower or something that i called "road trip songs". it definitely embraces more of rock txt as it delves into something i usually listen at the start of my alt/indie music listening arc. idk why but hearing the synth synchopation at the verse reminds me of the game i'm currently playing, hyper light drifter (which is one of the sound i associated with my fic, subterranean homesick alien). i like the instrumental break at the part where i can say is the bridge, but maybe like a musical breakdown/slowdown where the song slows as it starts with acapella/minimal instrument before rising to the last chorus (that's a beomgyu part and he will definitely shine in that) and i like the cymbals bash at the end as the song closes out.

5.the killa (i belong to you): okay, guitar ooh the latin sound (which i expected seeing the title). it definitely is riding high (maybe dry) of tinnitus with their latin influence. a more lo-fi reggaeton, unlike tinnitus. tbh idk what to say because this is so similar to tinnitus but a bit mellower with the sensuality. i can feel the sensuality with the harmony. with how similar this song is with tinnitus, it also shares its weakness for it to be too droning especially because of the more lo-fi approach. i also don't know what to say on making this song better because i think it is meant to be a song that drones, like those 70's 12" disco songs that can be played for 10 minutes. maybe, if they consider it, making this song more bossa nova it can give off a more unique feeling. surely a bit more sensual but it sounds more like they are serenading you or something. i can also guess from the fact that this is a yeonbin song that it might even have innuendos in the lyrics. another safe entry for me.

6.quarter life: with the title of quarter life and the fact that this a unit song, i thought that THIS song is the yeonbin song because they are in/approaching their quarter life. so i didn't expect the killa to be their songs while beomtyunkai get this song.

i can definitely hear the same influence of this with miracle. the same inspiration maybe because of its rock vibes. it's like the quintessential coming-of-age song you hear in those american coming-of-age movies (say edge of seventeen, perks of being a wallflower type of movies). i can hear the mid 2010s influence of those feel-good songs but i hate how the song abruptly stops anhajkfhaj pls beomgyu sounds so good at the ending but they just decide to finish it. this song deserves a freaking bridge and too hear tyun belt his voice at the last chorus. ughh why are you making a song that can be 3 minutes long so short? me is mad.

7.deja vu (anemoia remix): even i am intrigued with why they decided to put a remix in the main release instead of a one-off single. but after listening to the song, i definitely understand why.

this version of the song is the one that i'm willing to pay to watch live (but i can't tho cause i'm boycotting hybe) because for me, this song doesn't deserve to have a choreo and i rather watch them sing their hearts out. in a way, this version of the song is the happier ending compared to the original's more melancholic. hearing the main synth being put here in it's original form makes it weird, like, you couldn't adjust the synth with the band background? idk, like make it sound more like an organ instead of an 80's synth.

even though in the context of which one i want to watch live, it's this remix. the original deserves to be the title track because i can't imagine this version of the song having to use the choreo. in kpop sense, using this version as the title track will actually erase the other pivotal part of kpop: the performance aspect. yet, i could definitely see this song being performed in the festival circuit (hopefully they do that)

closing remarks: concept-wise and now sound-wise, the concept photos captures perfectly of what the album sounds like (but i just dislike how the music video is different than the concept photos). other than that, especially coming from freefall, this album is definitely underwhelming for me. did it meet my expectations? it exceeds it actually but i just have the feeling that it isn't optimal enough.

to have txt embracing their pop rock side with soft rock now (especially with balletcore, fantasy, n rocker fallen angels as part of the concept) definitely defines them as the rock representative that i have assigned them too (along with woodz for the more grittier alt sounds and dreamcatcher with the heavy metal rock songs) and it shows in how i think their creative director knows that txt = rock, which validates my txt as a rock band au so much but i digress. this side of rock that they're showing is definitely the rock that can be found on tiktok--those songs you hear in those feel good tiktok which is imo a very beginner-friendly side of rock because of its pop n rnb influence. i also like that they're experimenting with i'll see you tomorrow, especially in the verses but the chorus sounds too generic.

i actually really describing this release their spring incarnate song. it's just a shame that they didn't do more with it. and also 17 min ep for 7 songs? i'm actually mad cause that is a freaking scam and the fact that none, NONE, of the song has sung bridges is just *sighs*

final ranking:

7. - --- -- --- .-. .-. --- .-- (it's literally morse code)

6.the killa (i belong to you) (too droning)

5.quarter life (that abrupt ending makes this drop against miracle even though instrumentally i like this one better)

4.miracle (it feels too safe for me)

3.i'll see you tomorrow (will like it better if they embrace the weirdness instead of making it into the pop mold)

2.deja vu (anemoia remix) (pls don't force the choreo to this one)

1.deja vu

small conclusion: how could it have been if deja vu had the spring day x welcome to my world treatment... just add the life-changing bridge, a chorus of string insturments, and voila: best txt title track. lovesong is still my fav title track but ughh what a missed opportunity. f u hybe and bighit for not taking risks

PLS TAKE RISKS!!!

[leatherbookmark]

i took a closer look at the VillainS packaging/contents preview and

the limited version box seems to be on the less thick side again! 3cm instead of 3.5!!! i'm so happy. the last lim ver album to be this narrow was... the first, aka d:lm. lol

on the other hand, the normal versions are... interesting? it seems like they're going to be more like standalone softcover booklets, considering their thickness of 5mm (!!!) and size of 210x275cm. it sounds very annoying to store and take care of, but at the same time, man, the covers are

absolutely gorgeous. literally every single one is tempting, i hate it! i'm already rolling on the ground about the atz albums! stop making me want to buy things!!

the limited version's cover on the ther hand is

ehhhh i guess it's fine? it's not as detailed as the previous albums, i'm wondering if they're going to do something texture-wise with the black torn paper/the red underneath thing. at least i hope so! though i'm kind of ehhh again because we already had a black&red limited edition album. two comebacks ago! i guess they like repeating colors (like with d:lm and sh being blue) But I Don't. i know not everyone can be loona, but u_u spare some album design that makes sense. million archive, i miss you so much. we could've made magic

the lim ver's photobook is also 15 pages less than all the other lim photobooks, which... is... a bit... worrying to me... because there are four normal versions, but only 2 series of concept photos, if you look at the comeback schedule. i REALLY hope they didn't choose to go "two concepts, but each concept is split into two album version 3+4 members, catch 'em all ^__^", but at the same time i don't want to hold my breath for it. nnnnngh

...actually now that i look at it, the normal versions are surprisingly bare? if you look at previous albums, a:from us had three photocards, a "photo film" thingy, a sticker and a bookmark, but VS has two photocards, two postcards, and... that's it. i don't know, guys, i haven't seen somnias talk about it yet, but i'm pretty sure people won't like it lol

[grad604-poppi]

Week 11 - Creating the Collage

Objects

I have added over 20 elements because I am working with collage and could make a mistake or an object could not work with the composition.

Explantions for the objects I ended up using:

Thrift Tag:

Second-hand shopping is one of my favourite things to do in my spare time. The interesting thing about thrift is it provides opportunities. I buy clothing from thrift shops that I never would have bought new, even if it's at a similar price, just because of the concept of re-using. 

Amethyst Card:

This card is from a wise old woman at the crystal shop in my hometown. I was always infatuated by her knee-length white hair and her extensive knowledge about the different stones. She introduced me to how I could use stones to calm my anxiety.

Just Enough Design book:

This is the first design-specific book I bought for myself. Taku Satoh’s ideology surrounding “hodo-hodo” (to not overdo) is a concept I keep in mind whenever I feel overwhelmed by the design process or outcome. The book is specific to me because I bought it the same day I listened to him speak at AGI.

Bali’s Visa On Arrival:

Travel has been a big part of my upbringing, my family took us to a different country in South-East Asia each year consecutively for 6 years. have always found an odd feeling of peace in the craziness. I have taken many 

Sketch Book Extract:

I have scrapbooked and sketched since I began primary school. At age 5 I would entertain myself by cutting up different magazines and cardboard to create collages while my mum was busy with my little siblings. To this day analogue/scrapbook themes still show through in my design practices.

Gong-Cha Loyalty Card:

No deep underlying themes here. I love boba tea, I get one almost every day. Sitting in a cool space and being creative with a boba tea is my happy place. 

5,000 Idonesian Rupiah

I included this note to represent my dream to live and work in Bali. The money represents my plan to set up a design studio and put Indonesian design on the map within the industry. I believe Indonesia has the creative potential to make an impact in the design world. 

Messy Screen Printing:

This is an image of my dad holding me as a baby. I have an album of photos that only exist as physical images, meaning there is only one copy. This adds immense value and I protect these photos with my life.

The Form of the Book Book Edited by Sara De Bondt and Fraser Muggeridge:

This is another book I bought at AGI. It explores the history of book design, how it developed and the way it is heading. I felt it important to be educated on the historical fundamentals of book design to remain informed when designing my own publications. 

Birthday Notes:

I have kept every handwritten birthday card I have ever received, there is a massive box in my attic full of them. I am an emotional and sentimental person, and I cherish all the sweet words from my loved ones. I hope to make everyone proud with my design career. 

The Federal Cafe Voucher Envelope:

This is my favourite old American-style diner/cafe, I love the atmosphere. This envelope holds the voucher my best friend got me. It makes me laugh because the name she calls me is written on the front. I considered scribbling it out for this poster, but I guess it's authentic.

Acrylic Paint Spots:

Painting is a medium I have loved for a long time. It started with realism oil painting classes when I was 8 and has turned more towards surrealism. My painting doesn’t tend to come into my design practice much, it is more of a hobby and something I do to wind down. 

Pink Sea Shell:

I grew up in the mountains and only got to experience the beach a couple of times a year and when I did it was near impossible to get me out of the sea. My dad always called me “his water baby.” 

Music Sheet:

My Nana was the first to hold me when I was born which she tells me gives us a special connection. She has a grand piano that she would play for my cousins and I growing up. She tried to teach me but I was never any good.

Polaroid Picture:

Photography is a practice I have engaged with since I was young. I have had many types of cameras; Cannon, film, and iPhone but Polaroid is my favourite because it produces a tactile picture. I like that the photos are not available digitally. 

Brass Key

This key is simply for looks. My best friend/flatmate found a pile of these keys at her work, and she gave them to me knowing I would love them. I plan to make a necklace and earrings out of them. 

Dried Leaves 

A creative practice I do often is drying out flowers. I do this for both aesthetics and sentimental value. In the same way, I collect letters written to me, I also preserve any flowers I receive by drying them out and creating arrangements. 

Essential Oil

My mum was always into mindfulness and its practices. She always preferred natural remedies over pharmaceuticals. Even after moving out I still use essential oils and natural remedies to treat sicknesses. 

Scalpel

This tool has been used for a wide range of projects but is most commonly used for my collages and cutouts for scrapbooking. 

Silver Frame 

I was given this frame the day I was born. It was my great-grandmother’s, it has been passed down two generations before it reached me. This frame is only to be used for pictures of family.

Collage Layouts:

A more minimalistic approach to the collage

Busier layouts with more depth.

These are a middle ground between minimal and busy. They are quite linear and lined up horizontally.

[94erz]

Photographers will get members of BTS, some of the hottest men on earth right now and yet still somehow manage to take the most boring pictures. Like I think the only one who makes a photo session good is Hoseok because he moves.

Where’s the posing? Where’s the artistry? Why not more dynamic shots?

Taehyung is so beautiful but the Vogue covers are just his face? Hello? You got THEE Kim Taehyung on the cover of your magazine alone and you thought the best pictures were just headshots and one wall lean?

Like please that’s such a waste of him, move him, pose him, he’s taken some incredible pictures in the past, here’s a couple from that iconic Esquire shoot that I’m still obsessed with because I loved the posing!

Like damn. He was so hot for this. Iconic, stunning, and guess what? You can still see his face! You can still see how god damn fine he is! 

I just think headshots are boring we have so many of those, where’s the innovation? I need Korean photographers to take notes from the ones in the UK because I am obsessed with how one of my favorite actors (Charlie Heaton) is often photographed and I think Tae could have easily pulled off some similar poses and shots. But no, we got some more headshots...

[tranquilstudy]

Hi again! It’s been awhile since I’ve done one of these and I’ve missed talking with you guys on a more collective level. So, here’s another studyblr challenge so that I can feel like I’m virtually hanging out with all of you!

Rules and Information:

This challenge will last for 29 days, and while they can be answered at any time I wanted to start the challenge on June 16th, 2022. That would mean it would end on July 14th, 2022, or 29 days from the start date.

I want to track the tag “#tranquilsummerbuddies” since this is taking place during the summer! That way I can reblog your guys’s posts and track what everyone is up to.

Don’t feel any pressure to start exactly on that date or post every day, however. I usually post catch-up posts instead of posting every day, but it’s really up to you. It’s meant to be fun so do whatever will make it more fun for you!

I’ll make a tag list that will be posted separately. If you reblog this I usually take that as you showing interest and I’ll add you to the tag list. However, if you want to be added or removed from the tag list you can always send me an ask!

If you have any questions, send me an ask!

Questions are under the cut!

So, usually I do a daily question that stays the same throughout the challenge. You can answer it every day, or you don’t have to. My lab likes to share one thing that they’re grateful for every day, so I think that will be my daily question!

Today, I am grateful for __________.

Question Prompts:

Day One: A brief introduction of yourself! Where are you at in life at the start of this challenge? How are you feeling? Are you happy with the way your life is right now? What do you hope to gain from doing this challenge? They say that starting is the hardest part. Do you find starting this challenge difficult? (You don’t have to answer all these questions, just a couple to get you started haha)

Day Two: It’s pride month! How do you identify, gender-wise and sexuality-wise, if you’re comfortable sharing? Do you do anything for pride?

Day Three: Do you have any tips for people sending professional emails or communicating with professors or teachers online? Do you prefer sending emails to people or talking with them in person?

Day Four:  List five things that make you happy.

Day Five: Who is your all-time favourite teacher or professor and why?

Day Six: What have been some things that have changed for you this month? Are they big things, little things? How do you feel about these changes? How do you feel about change in general?

Day Seven:  Share your to-do list for today! Do you often make to-do lists? Do you find they help you?

Day Eight:  What would you say to people that are stuck in difficult or toxic relationship, be it friendships, romantic relationships or relationships with family?

Day Nine:  What do you do when you’re sad? What makes you feel better during difficult or trying times?

Day Ten: Are you writing any papers / doing thesis work / journaling / general writing right now? If so, share what you’ve been working on! If not, share a picture of your favourite set of notes you’ve written.

Day Eleven:  What are your biggest fears? What tips would you give someone trying to overcome their fears?

Day Twelve:  What reminds you of home? Share some pictures that you’ve taken around your city (or your favourite public place or coffee shop to study or read in in your city).

Day Thirteen:  What happens when you come across a concept that you just can’t wrap your head around in your studies? What tips do you have to make difficult concepts easier to grasp?

Day Fourteen:  Have you ever done a productivity challenge? Were you successful?

Day Fifteen:  Share pictures of your pets, if you have any! If you don’t, do you want any pets?

Day Sixteen:  Show is your study space! What’s your favourite part about this space?

Day Seventeen:  Spring is in the air this time of year! Share some photos of nature and tell us your favourite types of plants and flowers!

Day Eighteen: Are you planning on taking any trips or vacations soon? Show some pictures of your last vacation!

Day Nineteen:  What big achievements have you accomplished today?

Day Twenty:  Share something that you’re proud of or something you think is worth celebrating in your life.

Day Twenty-One:  What was the last book or textbook you purchased?

Day Twenty-Two:  What are three things you want right now?

Day Twenty-Three:  Halloween isn’t that far away, you know. Have you read or watched any of the classic horror books or movies? What are your favourites or least favourites if you have?

Day Twenty-Four:  What gives you hope? What makes you feel alive?

Day Twenty-Five:  What books are you currently reading, if any? How are you liking them? What books would you recommend your followers to read?

Day Twenty-Six:  What makes you nostalgic? Share some of your favourite memories from your childhood!

Day Twenty-Seven:  Take some pictures studying outside in the sun!

Day Twenty-Eight:  What time do you usually go to bed? Do you have a bedtime or night routine? If so, share it with us! If not, what helps you get to sleep faster?

Day Twenty-Nine: The end of the challenge! How are you feeling now that the challenge is finished? Have you made any friends during the challenge or made any new connections? Thank you for joining in on this adventure with me!

___________

Thank you everyone! See you on June 16th!

[bigteefsmallbrain]

Soul Eater: General headcanons - Adults

@zorgammazoo you didn’t specify which adults so I did Stein, Spirit, Blair, Medusa, and Death! I hope you enjoy it!

Warning, Stein is a freaky child with corpses in this, and is not mentally sound.

Franken Stein:

When he was younger, he used to play with animal corpses

Probably started with him finding a dead rat and he decided to stick toothpicks into it

Maybe something crawled out of it, maybe he just liked watching coagulated blood squish out of it’s bloated body

Either way, this was the seed to his fascination with experimentation

He was a A+ student, not because he’s a try hard, but because the teachers would excuse his odd behavior because of it

He liked studying advanced science and medical procedures

Probably took a lot of night classes and didn’t sleep a lot, which clouded his judgement

Hence his insane persona

He’s a grade A doctor, certified, but lost his license on day one

Probably forgot he was trying to SAVE the patent, and ended up blending their organs like a smoothie and trying to bring them back to life, just to see what would happen

He has extremely fluffy pillows

He can twist and turn those cogs all he wants, they hurt when lying down

He needs pillows that are 12 inches thick at LEAST to be able to sleep comfortably

If he does sleep that is

It’s a rare occasion when he does

He actually misses Spirit, not for his experimentation, but his company

Spirit was probably the first one to actually put up with him and his creepy behavior

So losing him was a new experience

And kind of hurt

This was probably the point where he gained some semblance of mind

Was a bit more open to kindness and care

Spirit Albarn:

You mean Tamaki Suoh if he was a horrible flirt?

I said what I said

And I stand by it

He’s Tamaki Suoh in a different font

Dumb, obsessed with his daughter, womanizer

Boxes checked, he fits the bill

He definitely fell in love at first sight

Not necessarily with Maka’s mom, though he did with her too

But I mean with every woman he has ever liked

He’d see them, and bam, in love

Probably got slapped a lot for randomly proclaiming his love to strangers

When he met Stein, it probably started out with him being romantically interested

LOOK ME IN THE EYE AND TELL ME SPIRIT ALBARN IS STRAIGHT, YOU CAN’T

As time went on Spirit probably started seeing Stein as more of a friend than a partner

Probably still cares about Stein, despite the fear he feels towards him

He also frequently writes to Maka’s mother

Has probably gone on trips to find her so he can properly apologize

He tries to ignore the guilt when he’s around other women

Mostly because he can only see Maka’s mother when he looks at them, and it physically hurts his heart

He’s ready to literally toss his life away for his daughter

He cares so very deeply for her

And supports her no matter what

He would willingly die protecting her

Whatever she asks of him, he would do without question

That probably includes murder under certain circumstances (i.e. a boy breaks her heart)

Blair:

She doesn’t know what's inappropriate or not

I mean literally

She’s a cat, she doesn’t know that giving a little kid lingerie is bad

Nor does she know what pedophilia is

Concepts like consent and adultery were never taught to her, so she really just doesn’t know

Literally doesn’t know what she’s doing, just likes seeing the funny faces people pull when she does things

She doesn’t purposefully flash anyone

She just thinks their reactions are hilarious

So she keeps doing it

She elongates slightly when someone picks her up

Her back just stretches with her body

You have to pick her up a few extra inches

She also actively keeps her feet on the ground for as long as possible when someone does this

She only takes bubble baths

Strictly because they smell good

And it’s fun to play with the bubbles

Doesn’t know how to read

She knows maybe a few words

But other than that, she can’t read

Medusa Gorgon:

Oh how time has made her bitter

She is, 800+ years old, and has seen sh*t splatter the walls

And people wonder why she turned out the way she did

She’s had to see lives come and go

Lovers promise to stay, only to fade

I can see why she would be bitter and such

Was probably a very kind woman in the beginning

The type to comfort you when you cried

Help you win your ex back

Just in general be so sweet and caring

Like how she acted when she was nurse at the DWMA, but like, that was her genuine self

Her bitterness probably started to fester when her friends and lover started dying for the first time

But she wasn’t

She wasn’t aging

Her lover had grown white hair and wrinkles

Her friends turned old and grey

She probably tried to save them, but ended up failing

And she tried again and again

Eventually giving up, isolating herself, going insane, seeing life as feeble and useless

She probably saw a part of her past lovers in Stein, hence her “Love” for him

But it was more of her pushing the image of a past lover onto him, romanticizing it a bit

She could have possibly thought he was a reincarnation

Honestly, all those years could have made her delusional too and she could have thought it was actually them

Death:

He’s a good father, really, but probably accidentally influenced his son’s betrayal and other son’s perfectionist views with his want for a perfect world

The idea of a perfect world filled with peace was probably because he wanted to let his sons live in a world full of peace

Though his first son probably thought he was standing in his fathers shadow and let rage consume him

And his second son took it a bit too seriously, and became a perfectionist in hopes of pleasing his father

He’s exceptionally good with kids

Time will do that to you

He uses a high pitched voice and friendly outward appearance to put others at ease

Has probably babysat children for the staff members before

Unlike Medusa, 800+ years turned him wise, and made him treasure human life

Hence his want for peace and a perfect world

He already knew he was different, and so any bonds he made with mortals, he treasured

He’s actually very emotional when thinking of his friends, weapons, and possibly lovers

Has been known to sob during these times

Has a few paintings/photos of all the people he’s made emotional bonds too

He also cries when watching the students grow up, especially his second son

And cries when thinking about his first son

Wants to live without regrets, but mulls over his first son

Constantly thinks about what he could have done wrong

If there were any signs he should have seen

If there was a chance to save him from the darkness

Definitely has thought about what it would be like if his first son remained by his side, and how amazing of an older brother he would make

Has fantasized about having his family all together

About living in that perfect world with his sons

About how happy they would be

How happy he would be to watch them grow

To watch them love

Be there when they’re sad

And support them through everything

I’m not crying, I swear-

I hope you like these General Soul Eater Headcanons for the adults! You never said which adults in specific, so I went with these guys! Thank you for the ask!

[lesbiancarat]

Lolol the number one complaint and we weren't allowed a question on the survey lolol oddly understandable but let's see if they make good work on that! Maybe they will? Dalcom I know did similar things but it wasn't that in depth questions like this so very curious

Tbh the entire comeback is interesting to me! Like I know to some fans they say svt is "predictable" with concept pics or how it plays out like some still say it with this one but imo it feels different? Like the concept photos are interesting how they seem to follow a story but then boom, fast and furious with the last one lol. But oh Gosh the topic about the more producers *sigh* but like can some fans take a chill pill on this topic? I feel like everytime we see more producers, some fans get a tad bit too worried on this and I do get it but also let's just wait? We haven't heard ANY of the songs yet and everyone is already acting like it is going to sound like a certain hybe artist English song that came out that asks about permissions to dance lol. Again, I do get the slight worry but imo as long as we still see a heavy involvement of the usual people of svt music (bumzu and woozi) we shouldn't worry too much. Now if they were seen less and less, yeah we should get worried but their names are ontop. They are still hands on and I doubt either of them would allow a song to not have their svt touch that makes svt music well, their music and I know some fans are going to be itching to correct me about how post bighit it isn't BUT as you answered another ask about this exact topic, everyone has their own opinion on this and I can confirm this was happening BEFORE bighit move. I have seen it happen during fear era myself how everyone was saying "omg fear is not seventeen!!" Or how everyone was saying seventeen needs to go back to "making good music like in boys be era" and I simply just think its a matter of preference on what you like to listen to? Sure you can sometimes see the decline for some artists but if anything for svt imo it is consistent just there are changes. Its normal and common. To me they haven't changed in quality musical wise, it still is something you can connect to svt even post bighit. I agree with many of your points on this topic that is constantly brought up like how this is out of our control, at the end of the day we have no idea what happens behind the scenes so who knows how those music sessions actually happened. Producers will work with artists regardless of they are fans or not, as long as I don't see a questionable producer on a svt song? I'm good imo. Sometimes it works i mean rwy is a good example because why it felt very punk rock for some like myself and that might be because one of the people behind the song is the person behind the band, the ready set! So fellow emo carats you can rejoice lol it is cool to see that sometimes. It was a nice blend of western but it has that svt touch. But of course some would argue back and say no it isn't and we are going in circles lol. Always will be sadly for every comeback you cannot please fans at all because as you mentioned, they worked with outside producers before being in bighit so now I bring the question to some fans is, would we see some of the producers that did work with popular kpop groups still work with svt if they were not in bighit? My answer is yeah because svt is a pretty popular group that is growing still. They are well loved and respected so I'm sure we would have seen those names pop up. Maybe it would be less but I don't think we should all be saying itd bighit to blame when again as you said, svt worked with other producers before.

Which is why finally what you said with how really arguing about this isn't going to get us anywhere, like I even said I have seen this topic before so it isn't going away but it is pointless to argue (note not saying you cannot discus but I hope you know what I mean here) Wait until you hear the songs? Because then you can decide is it really a decline or is it you just not liking the song? Idk again like I said I don't want to sound mean or anything and I do apologize, maybe its because of the recent events in my life that got me more annoyed at how some fans are taking this seriously when my lovely carats ndjajdjsjs don't sweat too much over this really. We won't get a satisfying answer to this and nothing constructive comes from this as you also mentioned, instead we just get fans pointing fingers and thats not what should happen, we should be all in this together hsm style and getting excited to hear the songs ya know? I mean those post bighit songs have to still be svt because its getting them new fans so is it really going bad in where svt loose their brand? I have seen some new fans admit they listened to their older songs but it wasn't until rtl, l&r or rwy they were like ok time to be a fan so something still has to be working right? Lol idk you have every right to not post this ask, especially with how I may come off than usual so you can smack me off to Pluto. I mean it is also ok to not like all songs svt make and considering how long they are a group, it makes sense. For Pete sakes boomboom is still somehow seen as the song many carats don't like xD like i love boomboom but hey, you are allowed to not like that song!

yeah, ultimately i think everything you said comes down to compassion and respecting other's opinions and tastes. like, everyone's going to have a different threshold for when they get worried about the production credits. personally i get somewhat worried seeing 15 names i don't recognize on a tracklist, there are some people who don't pay attention or give to shits about the producers, there are others like you who would get worried if woozi and the other members weren't the first names on the list. and there are others who would worry seeing one new name they don't recognize

and like, i don't think there's anything wrong with any of those points of view. but i think we should understand where other people are coming from. ultimately i think every fan wants good music from svt, we just have different opinions on what that looks like. and at the end of the day, as fans, none of us have control over any of that so it's pointless to argue. i think it's fine to be able to say "this isn't important to me, but i get why you would be worried about it" or "this is something i worry a lot about, but just because you don't also worry about it doesn't mean you don't care at all"

and the same goes for the songs themselves, regardless of who produced it. i said this in the last ask i answered but i really wish people would recognize that just because they don't like a song doesn't mean it's bad or that it's not svt, bc if svt are involved in producing a song, isn't it inherently svt?

but on the other hand i think there needs to be a balance between recognizing that it's fine if some fans don't like a given comeback, and also recognizing that it is possible for certain releases to alienate a lot of fans. i think fear is a good example of this, because it was very divisive and the reason for that is it WAS a lot different from the music svt had released before. and i don't think there's anything wrong with liking or disliking the song. but it's important for for both fans of fear (as well svt and pledis themselves) to recognize that it's expected for a lot of carats to not like it given that svt up til that point had largely built their career and fanbase on brighter songs, which fear was very much not

and i think the balance of that is that, again, it's okay for any individual to like or dislike any song. and if you're someone who likes a divisive song, you need to think about why others may not like it and recognize that that's okay. and if you're someone who's on the other side of things, recognize that it's okay to like an artist and not like every song. and if you're not liking a lot of the new music, you may be happier moving on rather than getting your expectations let down over and over again waiting for an old sound. it can be disappointing when it happens, but artists are allowed to change their sound and try new things

the last thing i would like to challenge though, is that i don't think that just because a change in concept or new songs are bringing in more fans necessarily means that "something's still working". i get that this is a defense against fans who are the type to be stuck in the past and hate on every new release. which i agree can be frustrating, but it's a line of thinking i would caution against. the reason for this is because it's essentially saying that, as long as we get numbers (whether it's views or sales), it doesn't matter whether we drive away old fans. and that it not a good formula for a healthy or stable fanbase, because it prioritizes numbers over keeping the loyalty of fans. it's possible to stay popular with that approach, but if you continue to follow whatever the current trend is just to get views, then you're going to have a lot of turnover in your fandom which can be an issue for a lot of reasons

and like, i'm not mad at you or anything for saying that. i think it's sort of a non-issue for carats at the moment anyway because despite svt having a few controversial releases (namely fear and rtl, and possibly rwy) and concerns over producers, i really don't think there's like a mass exodus of old fans who hate the new sound lol. and while i do think svt's sound has changed since debut (they haven't stayed freshteen for 7 years straight), i do think they're aware of their fanbase and they try to make music they think carats (and they themselves) will like. and they've said that they don't just make music to follow the trend either. and even if this was a problem, it's not like it's something we as fans have direct control over anyway, because we don't decide what music svt releases

but it is something i wanted to flesh out a bit because i think it's a statement that carries a lot of implications and can be dismissive to any old fans who are having trouble liking newer releases. because whether you relate to it or not, it's very valid to feel upset if a group you really like has moved toward a sound you don't like. and some people can definitely be annoying about it, but at the end of the day i think the best way for it to be handled is for those people to recognize on their own if they need to move on from the fandom if they're really enjoying it that little

again, it all comes down to compassion. it's okay to like a song or not, but be compassionate to those who are struggling with not liking new songs, and be compassionate to those who are enjoying music, even if it's music you personally don't like

[all-hail-the-buescher-27]

Repair Notes: 1923 York No. 2 Trumpet-Model Cornet

I made the first of these posts like 9 months ago and never got around to writing any more (with this one just sitting, barely started, in my drafts), let’s fix that.

The next interesting instrument to pass through the shop after that Getzen Frumpet was this rather lovely long-model cornet by J.W. York and Sons in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  From what I know, this one one of those situations of an instrument sitting around and planned to be used by a beginning trumpet student, which is really less than what this one deserves.  It was in really good shape overall, including the original case and accessories, and beginning brass players aren’t known for being the most careful (though I hope they prove me wrong).  Being in such good shape, it just needed a chemflush and polishing.

(Catalog page source)

Design-wise, this is very much an example of the long cornet concept that was gaining traction as the trumpet entered the mainstream in US ensembles of the 1920s.  Though it has the classic 720 degrees of curved tubing in the wrap that almost every cornet follows, this design does so with a relatively small loop for the main tuning slide, giving it similar proportions to a modern C trumpet (and indeed, I’d hazard a guess that the C-Bb-A versions, the 4 and 5, achieved C with a main slide that cut off that loop).  It was in York’s “Finish C”, which the 1925 catalog describes as being a frosted silver-plate finish with burnished accents and bell interior, with the bell interior gold-plated.  Interestingly, it only mentions pearl-inlaid finger buttons, though this also has small inlays on each of the valve slide draw knobs (which was fun to handle in the chemflush).

I love early 1900s cornets so I was already was going to be biased towards this, but I even more excited by this one because my personal cornet is a 1921 York Perfec-tone No. 9, which was York’s first foray into the long cornet concept.  It was actually advertised originally as the “Long Model or Trumpet-Cornet”, with the No. 2-5 series apparently taking its place as the most trumpet-like cornet.  While I wasn’t able to try the two side-by-side, the No. 2 was definitely the more trumpet-like of the two, including in terms of what mouthpiece was provided with it.

This is a bit rambling and I don’t really know what else I wanna talk about (partly without revealing those photos of my cleaned-up Perfec-tone), so have some before and detail photos.  Two other fun design things it has can seen in the disassembled photo.  The first is the integrated Bb-A stop system, basically having a little stocking on the lower tube of the Bb-A slide and a screw to clamp down the outer sleeve. The other one is also on the Bb-A slide, being its reverse tuning slide design.  With the upper outer sleeve being the part moving with main slide, the inner slide can be an extension of the tapered leadpipe, allowing for fewer compromises in the overall taper.

From a repair tech perspective, the water key springs were rather annoying to access without risking the finish, specifically on the main tuning slide where the little draw knob/handle got in the way substantially.  Gotta find myself some good pointy side cutters…

[another-tmnt-writer]

You Fell From the Sky

Leonardo x Reader

Author: Admin Mo

Prompt: okay this'll sound real dumb bUT- this universe!reader meets bayverse boys? like maybe reader wakes up in the bayverse and is very aware about the turtles? i dunno it sounds confusing but maybe it's an interesting prompt?

Note: I love this concept. I’ve dipped my toes in the water before, but this time, I’m going all the way. Also, I know you didn’t specify a turtle, but I zoned it in on Leo. I can definitely write another if y’all want more because I’m obsessed with this idea. <3

Warnings: Some language…

Word Count: 1.9k

“Okay, guys, don’t crowd her. I’m sure she’s gonna be disoriented, and-”

“Donnie, is the angel alright? It must have hurt, falling from heaven.”

“Get outta the way, Mikey. Go wash the pizza off your hands.”

“Could we give her some room, please?”

The voices echoed around in your head, which was pounding painfully. You opened your eyes and everything was blurry. You were just about positive you were hallucinating, because when your vision finally started to come into focus, you were surrounded by four very tall, very familiar mutant turtles.

“No fucking way…” you murmured, looking up at each of them. They were even more detailed and lifelike than they were in the movies. Which was to say, very lifelike.

“Not the reaction I expected, but I’ll take it.” Mikey smiled, shifting to present himself to you. “The name’s Michelangelo, but the ladies call me—”

“Mikey, yeah, I know.” You cut him off and he gaped at you, his blue eyes wide.

“Are ya psychic or something?” Raph asked. You stared at him for a long second. His muscles were impossibly large, his eyes just as green as you thought they’d be.

“N-No, not exactly. I…well, I’m pretty sure I’m from an alternate universe. Or something.” You looked at Donnie, who was furiously taking notes and way taller than you expected him to be, and then to Leo, whose arms were crossed, his clear blue eyes analyzing everything you said. “Because where I come from, you guys are fictional.”

“Woah. I did not expect that.” Mikey said, looking at Raph for some sort of reaction from his older brother. “Bro, did you—”

“Shut up for like two seconds.” Raph snapped, his attention turning to you. “Can you say that one more time?”

“You guys are fictional. When I was growing up, I watched your cartoons, collected action figures, read your comics…This is unreal.”

“Comic books?” Donnie inquired.

“Cartoons?!” Mikey’s eyes widened.

You nodded.

“So…you know everything about us?” Leo asked, a twinkle of amusement working its way into his icy gaze. He wasn’t quite convinced yet, but he had to admit you were convincing at the very least.

“I mean, not really. Kind of. Maybe?” You shrugged. “I know you have a bonsai in your room.”

You didn’t think it was possible for them to blush, but after that comment, Leo proved you wrong, chuckling and rubbing the back of his neck.

“Just about everything then, yeah.”

“So what happened, Donnie? Why am I here?”

Donnie straightened up when you addressed him by name. “Uh, well, I was trying to figure that out, actually. We were out on patrol and there was a bright flash in the sky and you fell from it.”

“Leo caught you even though I called dibs.” Mikey pouted.

“You saved my life.” You gasped and looked up at Leo. “Thank you.”

“I couldn’t just let you fall, ma’am.”

“(Y/N).” You introduced. “My name is (Y/N).”

“Well, (Y/N), I hope ya like the smell of sewer.” Raph chuckled. “If not, you’ll get used to it.”

***

The turtles spent the rest of the day asking you lots of questions about your world and the representations of them that were in it. You told them that the universe they were in was closest to a series of movies by Michael Bay, which, Raph and Mikey found exciting given their love of the Transformers movies.

Leo didn’t say much, but he was always in the room, listening. When night came, Donnie was the first to leave the room, retreating to work in his lab. Then Leo went to his room to sharpen his swords and water his bonsai. Raph went to sleep next, and Mikey stayed up the latest, playing Mariokart with you until pretty close to dawn. You’d almost forgotten that the boys usually slept during the day.

When you were out alone in the living room, Leo came into the room, holding a large knitted blanket and a pillow, a tentative look on his face.

“Hey.” He approached you quietly. “I figured you’d need these. It gets kind of cold down here.”

“Thanks, Leo.” You tucked your hair behind your ear. “I really appreciate you guys letting me crash here.”

“Don’t mention it. It’s the least we could do.” He shook the blanket out and draped it over your legs. “If you need anything, my room is over there.” He pointed back towards where he’d come from.

“Thank you.” You smiled. “I’m sure Donnie will figure this all out soon enough and then I’ll be out of your hair.”

“Well, you’re welcome to stay for as long as that takes.” Leo smiled and then added, “Good night.”

“Night!”

Once he was gone, you laid down on the couch and stared up into the darkness for a little while, thinking about the events of the day. You were stranded in the Bayverse. And…well, actually, you weren’t all that upset about it.

***

When you opened your eyes the next morning, you half expected it to all have been a dream. I mean, that was the only logical explanation, right? Well, then you took a look around at your surroundings and realized that it was three in the afternoon and you were in the lair instead of your bedroom.

Once you stretched and got your bearings, you got up and walked to the kitchen, where Splinter was pouring tea from a teapot.

“And you must be the girl who fell from the sky.”

You had to stop and admire him for a second. Master Splinter, the boys’ dad, a wealth of endless support and wisdom. You’d be lying if you said you hadn’t looked up to him when you were young. Hell, you’d be lying if you said you didn’t look up to him now when you needed advice.

“It’s an honor to meet you, sir.” You were shaking. “I’m not sure if the boys told you where I’m from…”

“They have, yes.” He nodded. “Donatello told me of the alternate universe you came from.”

“You helped me through so much when I was growing up. You all did. It’s really surreal being here.”

Splinter smiled and stroked his beard, that wise twinkle in his eyes. “I’m glad you found your way to us, child. We’ll make your stay here as easy as possible.”

“Thank you.”

“(Y/N), I made eggs.” Leonardo’s voice from behind you scared the hell out of you.

You jumped and turned around, laughing as your racing heart slowed back down to normal.

“Sorry. Do you like eggs?”

“I do, yeah.” You chuckled. “Thank you, Leo.”

“Of course. They’re on the stove.”

“There’s cheese on the counter!!” Mikey added, already sitting at the table. “I saved you a chair over here, angelcakes.”

You had to admit, hearing him say that in person did make your heart flutter a little bit. You put some eggs and toast (with jam, provided by Donatello) on a plate, sprinkled some shredded cheddar on top and settled into the seat Mikey had saved, conveniently located between the youngest brother and the leader in blue.

“So every day, you guys wake up this late?” You asked, still a little bewildered that breakfast was at three in the afternoon.

“That’s just the downside of living in the shadows.” Raph shrugged. “But it ain’t so bad.”

“Right, of course. It’s just different than what I’m used to is all.”

“So what do you do, normally? Like, in your world, I mean.” Donatello asked. He didn’t have his notebook on hand, but you could tell he was taking mental notes.

“Well, I’m a student. I’m in college. I read comics and watch movies, and sometimes I write in my free time.”

“Comics about us?” Mikey raised an eyebrow, smiling knowingly.

Your cheeks burned red and you laughed. “Maaaaaaybe.”

Leo let out a little sigh and shook his head. “That’s still so weird to me.”

“Let me tell you, that’s a two way street.” You chuckled. Even thinking about it was still almost too weird to comprehend. You pulled out your phone, which still worked, fortunately, and went through your photos, scrolling all the way back to Halloween. You held it up to show them. “My roommates and I were you guys for Halloween.”

“And you were Leader Boy, huh?” Raph pointed out. “Noted.”

“I mean, yeah.” You didn’t think your face could get any more red.

“Wait, Leo’s your favorite?” Mikey pouted. “Aww…”

“I don’t think it’s fair to pick favorites. I like all of you guys for different reasons.”

“It’s alright if you admit you had a crush on Leo.” Raph whispered, cupping a hand around his mouth.

“Alright, alright, enough of that. She’s our guest. We’re not gonna grill her. She just got here.” Leo stepped in, a faint blush on his cheeks. He wasn’t sure why, but he couldn’t get the picture of you in a blue mask with little foam katanas out of his head.

“Right, there’s a two week minimum before we get to grill her.” Donnie added, grinning as he pushed his glasses up his nose.

“Aww, how considerate.” You laughed.

The rest of breakfast was pretty uneventful. You finished eating and then went out to the living room and settled onto the couch. Luckily, your backpack had made the trip over with you, so you had your laptop and some of your homework. Not that you could get online and get in touch with people from your universe, but at least you could get some writing done if you wanted to.

Leo wandered out, his muscular arms crossed over his chest, a soft look in his eyes. He hovered behind you for a few seconds before finally speaking. “Hey.”

Unaware that he had been there, you jumped. “Jesus! You guys are quiet, holy fuck.”

“Sorry about that.” He laughed, carefully sitting on the opposite end of the couch, giving you space, but still sitting close enough to make your heart flutter the teeniest bit. “And, uh, I’m sorry about them earlier. Raph specifically. I’m sorry if he made you uncomfortable or—”

“No, it’s fine. Really,” you said. “But thank you for checking. I appreciate it.”

“Of course.” He was quiet for a few moments before he asked. “Do you believe in fate?”

“Until yesterday, I’m not sure I did. But there’s gotta be something like that out there for me to end up here of all places.”

“For the record, I’m glad you ended up here, too.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He nodded. His blue, blue eyes met yours. “Is it selfish if I say I wouldn’t mind if you stuck around for a while?”

“Is it selfish if I agree?” You replied, causing him to laugh.

“Glad we’re on the same page, then.”

“Me too.” You smiled and just spent a few long moments admiring him. The movies truly didn’t do him justice. Honestly, it was the truth: you wouldn’t mind sticking around for a while. For a long while…

Part 2

[anime-onlys]

Spring '21 anime list: What I tried, what I'm watching, and first impressions!

Shaman King (2021)

I hadn't heard about this show until the reboot was announced, and it seems neat so I'll give it a shot! Hesitation isn't quite the right word, but I am watching cautiously because there's a lot about early 2000's anime that should stay in the early 2000's. I'm prepared to take a certain amount of product-of-its-time-ness, but only so much.

I really like its unique visual style. It feels like it's got a similar vibe to Soul Eater and TWEWY with its chunky proportions and face design, and the squash-and-stretch animation really lends itself to comedic moments. I feel like there are some eminently cosplayable designs in my future.

Character-wise, it's only been one episode but I'm taking a liking to Yoh. Based on the OP I hope that Ryuu will be an early-antagonist-turned-loudmouth-friend like JJBA's Okuyasu or Sk8's Shadow. That's one of my favorite character tropes.

The World Ends With You the Animation

My friend is a huge TWEWY fan, so our group was really looking forward to this anime. I saw a little of the gameplay when the Switch version was released, up to the end of episode 1's plot. I know it's going to be excellent story wise, and I already may be planning on making cosplay of that Reaper with the skeleton hoodie.

I love a unique visual style and an awesome soundtrack, of course TWEWY already had that coming in. The CGI Noise are a little clunky, but allow for some really great fight sequences. The characters' CGI models are nearly seamless with the 2D. It feels like the plot is moving fast, but according to my friend they just skipped some fetch quests and puzzle solving that wouldn't have been interesting to animate.

I'm really looking forward to this one each week!

Dragon Goes House-Hunting

One of those "eh, we'll give it a shot" shows. A bunch of us have been eyeing real estate lately, so at the very least it's topical. If done right, the concept could be fun!

We spent most of the episode HATING the dragon's character design. Its proportions are just...awkward in every way. The neck is extremely short and thick and leads into a human-muscled torso, the arms are tiny twigs, and the legs are a little too human and a little too thick to be anything but unnerving. It's bad.

Oddly, except for the dragon, the rest of the creature designs are pretty great! In contrast to a lot of anime, they let them be really non-human and had a good design sense. The humor was solid, the Monster Hunter references were on point, and the character interactions were fun. The OP is GREAT, too!

We'll be continuing this one! If you can make your eyes stop hating you for forcing them to look at the Monster Factory reject of a dragon, I'd say give it a shot.

You Can Make A Mug Too

Now that Yuru Camp is over, we wanted another lighthearted anime that might teach us something while it's at it. You Can Make A Mug Too was one of our picks to sample because one member of anime night has recently acquired a kiln.

My impression is an approving but unenthusiastic "Fine, really." You can definitely tell it's an anime made to bring in tourism to the town it's based in. The characters don't really grab me, but they set up a solid emotional backbone for the story. The production quality isn't stunning, I was hoping for some nice pottery wheel animation but didn't get any.

It's probably a decent show, but we won't watch any more because of the next one on the list.

Supercub

Going straight from You Can Make A Mug to Supercub was like going from store-brand ice pops to fresh gelato. I can already tell this is my favorite anime of the season, hands down.

First, the production quality is excellent. The backgrounds are beautiful, the score is understated but well done to the point that Debussey's Clair de Lune felt like it had been made for the scene it was used for.

More than the production quality alone, this anime's direction is exceptional. It takes 'show don't tell' and uses it perfectly, using body language and soundtrack and shot composition to communicate as much or more than the sparse dialogue. Like, they made my heart skip a beat with nothing but color grading. THAT kind of exceptional.

I haven't spoken much about the plot because I really have no idea where it's going to go. Will we fill in why Koguma is so alone, or will we only move forward to seeing her connect? Will the past of that Supercub come back to haunt her? This feels like an anime that can and will absolutely wreck me, but at the starting line all I can say is I'm READY.

If you only watch one thing this season, watch Supercub.

Continuing anime:

My Hero Academia Season 5:

This season is interesting because for the first time, I think I'm going into it with almost zero spoilers (Dabi's real name is the only one I have). The only plot spoiler I thought I had, that Hawks was somehow working with the League of Villains, was revealed at the end of episode 1. I really enjoy going into things blind so I'm looking forward to this season!

However, the OP is the most disappointing thing out there. Nothing about the song, animation or composition is memorable or even noteworthy. Bones and MHA have access to all the money and talent in the industry and they best they can do is "Fine, I guess".

Yuukoku no Moriarty season 2 (Split cour):

I really enjoyed Moriarty's first season, but the second part of a split-cour always has the risk of running off the rails. What I enjoyed most about the first cour was the reverse-whodunit formula: Here's a terrible noble and the people they hurt, how does Moriarty get rid of them while making it look like an accident? The end of cour 1 started to focus heavily on Sherlock and I don't want the show's namesake to end up sidelined.

Knowing Irene was coming, I was really hoping for a Scandal in Belgravia that follows the books...at all, where the end of the story is that Irene escapes with the photo (except this time aided by the Moriarty brothers). Few or no Sherlock adaptations actually want to engage with the sexism of the era or today's, and just want to paint her as a blackmailer or temptress instead of a woman holding onto the power to protect herself. The beginning was extremely promising, but that went off the rails pretty quick. I still haven't yet seen an adaptation of Irene Adler that I like.

Zombieland Saga: Revenge

I watch this show because it's fun and ridiculous, and I get to hear Mamoru Miyano having the time of his life in the recording booth. I love this show because it always ends up surprising me with its solid emotional backbone. It looks like this season is shaping up to be more of the same!

What blew me away was this episode was the first time I saw a CGI dance sequence that I LIKED. Ever. The characters used different mocap so they weren't eerily in sync, the song and dance itself was well made and supported by excellent camera direction and shot composition, there were 2D cuts to closeups of the dancers as well as audience, and they actually pushed facial expression!

It's a good time. Give it a shot.

[fantasy-anatomy-analyst]

(image description: eight sketchbook drawings of characters holding a variety of pride flags, all nude and posed in ways that match some old fine art pieces. The nudity has been censored with cute digital flower stickers. end description.)

Characters:

Dalmar, intersex man. Kouto, nonbinary. Chacha, agender. Parva, nonbinary. Xulic and Kidron, genderqueer. Obeli (or Abuela) Moruga, genderqeer. Olli, demiguy. Sajak, genderqueer.

Genderqueer is kind of my default for "well, biologically and culturally, they already don't have binary sex or gender, so they kinda default to genderqueer." And I know maybe some people will be bothered by that, but it's just part of the worldbuilding I've written around all these non-human and frequently non-mammalian species of people.

The uncensored version is on my Patreon page. I do have one more drawing to add to this series, but since it's four child characters I will not need to worry about adding any censors and keeping the original image only on my patreon, as they will simply be wearing their pride flags as whole outfits.

The previous part of this, my binary trans characters, can be found over here.

detailed character descriptions and explanations of the pose references under the cut

Dalmar Ubora, a black intersex elf man with short black hair. He is holding his arms up as he holds the intersex flag, mimicking the pose of Virgin Mary from Titian's painting "The Assumption of the Virgin". The shading was washed out by the photo, but his belly is still clearly round from pregnancy. Dalmar is an interesting case, in that he was assigned male at birth based on his outward appearance, continues to identify as male throughout his life, but finds during puberty that what was believed to be an undeveloped penis was actually just a non functional body part. Instead, what actually developed to full functionality was his uterus. He still identifies as a straight cis man, and has come to terms with his body. He is married to a medically transitioned trans woman, and he could undergo operations to change his body if he wanted to. Instead, he has embraced his body and even birthed some children who were conceived via sperm donations. This is why I wanted a Mary pose for him, and this painting in particular is about Mary being welcomed into heaven as a blessed holy woman. Dalmar may not be a miraculous holy figure, but there is a reverence in the way he has come to love his body and chosen to bear children, including the surrogate birth of his brother's child.

Kouto Hayashi-Loryck, a slender nonbinary elf with black hair tied into a bun. They are holding the nonbinary flag and standing in the pose of a statue known as "Apollo Belvedere", which is so old no one knows the artist's name. One arm raised, one lowered, legs in the relaxed contrapposto pose. Kouto is an artist and an art model. Apollo is a god of the arts, and regarded as a beautiful and sexual figure. Kouto is bisexual and admittedly a very sexual and flirtatious person. They did settle into a happy marriage though (actually they are Dalmar's in-law and the sperm donor for the aforementioned surrogate birth.) Marriage has not stopped Kouto's flirtations, merely limited their targets to a singular person. It felt right to give him this pose, from a pretty well known portrayal of Apollo. Beauty, art, and sex, all defining traits of Apollo and Kouto alike, all present in a pose where the figure seems to be reaching for something above them.

Chacha Faraji, an agender black elf with short hair. They are facing away from the viewer, seated on a stool that is covered by the draped agender flag. No physical traits that could betray their agab are visible. Chacha is sitting in the pose of Reubens' painting "Venus at the Mirror". The arm closest to the viewer ends at the elbow, while they hold a mirror in front of their face with their one whole arm. Their face is seen reflected, smiling, little wrinkles visible by their eyes. I chose this painting in part because it did allow me to obscure Chacha's agab. They were my first nonbinary character, and I never really settled on an agab. But also, I enjoy putting characters who have unconventional bodies into poses associated with Venus or Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty. Chacha is missing half an arm, they are getting older and it shows in the wrinkles on their face. Chacha is also Aromantic and Asexual, the full queer triple A battery. The mirror pose has become an independence of beauty. "Look but don't touch." Chacha is beautiful, and they do not need to be beautiful for anyone but themself.

Parva Turbatus, a white nonbinary elf with shoulder length curly hair that has been shaved down on the far side of their head. They are holding the nonbinary flag, standing in the slightly closed off pose found in Paul Gariot's painting "Pandora's Box". One hand on their chest, one hand held out to hold the flag. They have top surgery scars on their chest and a c-section scar on their navel, though all of these have unfortunately been hidden by the flower censors. I chose a pandora pose for Parva because they have one of the most intense tragic backstories of any of my characters. Like Pandora opening the box, they have suffered through many things but came out the other side with Hope, and healing.

Xulic Vos and Kidron Engedi, a drow and a lizard person. They are sharing the genderqueer flag. Xulic has long ears and white hair in a braid, with a white monkey-like tail barely visible behind their legs. Kidron looks like a leopard gecko, and their tail is acting as a visual block in fron of Xulic's groin. They are standing together in the central pose of Raphael's "School of Athens" fresco. Xulic is pointing one hand up to the sky, while Kidron holds one hand palm down towards the earth. Xulic's chest is visibly flat, however I have rewritten the drow as a eusocial people, who's biology has made most of the common population infertile and visibly near identical above the waist. Xulic's agab is unknown to anyone but them, and perhaps their reptilian lover Kidron. Both drow and lizard folk have biology and cultures that do not really support a gender binary, so genderqueer suits them both quite well. I chose the School of Athens pose because these characters are scientists in fields that overlap, and they often get into deep discussions on the matter. Xulic is a paleontologist while Kidron is a geologist, and they have another friend (my protagonist) who studies archaeology.

Obeli (or Abuela) Moruga, an elderly goblin with sagging skin and axolotl-like frills on the sides of her head. She grins as she holds the gender queer flag, partly draped over the tall stool she is seated on. Her pose matches that of John Collier's "Priestess of Delphi" painting, which depicts a woman hunched over herself on a stool. Old Obeli Moruga, whose title best translates to "grandmother" is a significant figure in her community, both because of her more practical role as a leader and wise woman, but also because she has gained immortality and become an incarnation of Life Itself, after she was given the offer of such power when she nearly died in the goblin revolution. There are many figures that would suit her. Poses from statues of goddesses, like Athena or Gaia. Perhaps turning away from the theme of greek and roman figures I ended up with for my nonbinary group (dalmar is his own thing) and using the famous painting of Liberty on a battlefield. But now in her old age, all those poses of figures in more active poses, tall and imposing, simply didn't feel right. A wise old woman, hunched on a stool in a pose associated with the idea of an oracle, a priestess, a prophetess, felt much more fitting. (goblin culture does have specific pronouns for leadership, and in the common speech they have decided this translates best to the feminine "she/her")

Olli Moruga, also a goblin with axolotl-like frills, standing with the demiguy flag in his hands. He is in the pose of Michaelangelo's statue of Bacchus, god of wine, merriment, and madness. One hand up as if to salute with a cup, body leaning and perhaps a little unstable. Olli is a gay demiguy, stepping away from the naturally ungendered state of his people to embrace masculinity instead. He is extroverted, loves a good party, and has definitely been a little over his depth with alcohol on many occasions. He knows this is a problem. He used to act rebellious because of it, trying to be cool and aloof, but he has since admitted the truth to himself and now openly seeks help. His trans lover, Zaire (seen in a previous post) has become a great support to him. Even though it may seem odd to use the pose of a god of wine for a character that is trying to overcome an alcohol issue, I still feel like the vibe of Bacchus or Dionysus fits Olli well. He is not only a god of wine, but also of pleasure in general, a concept Olli embraces. Wild joy, perhaps to the point of becoming a little feral, abandoning tradition for personal fulfillment. It is unusual for goblins to embrace a binary gender, even partially. Gendered pronouns do not exist in their tongue, only being used in cases where common speech needs to be used to refer to certain significant figures, such as a leader. It is also unusual for a goblin to take a lover outside their species, since most goblins live in fairly isolated places and all mate together seasonally, depositing their eggs in a communal nursery pool. Olli stands out on purpose.

Lastly, Sajak, an amphibious person with some fish-like features such as their finned ears and a barely visible dorsal fin. They are holding the genderqueer flag as they stand in a commanding pose, one foot on a rock, one arm held out as if pointing to something below them. This pose is taken from the central Poseidon statue in the fountain of Trevi. Their head, arms, and torso are covered in dark tattoos in abstract designs, and they also have a few natural dark stripes along their arms and legs. The obvious connection between Sajak and this statue of Poseidon is that Sajak is a fish person and Poseidon is an ocean god. If I could have thought of a more medical figure, I may have made a different choice in the art reference. Sajak is primarily a doctor, a healer. They are fairly well known and they were an important figure on their home island, though they did leave eventually. Even so, there is a certain vibe to Sajak that suits the image of a powerful and unpredictable oceanic god. They are steady, intelligent, and careful, but they can become fierce when their loved ones are under threat, and the intense focus they show in their work as a doctor can be intimidating to see. There is a feeling of hidden power within Sajak, just as there is in the ocean when it seems calm. Fish folk, whether bipedal and amphibious or fully aquatic, also fit under my category of "non-mammalian people who are just kind of genderqueer by default due to their biology not fitting into a binary".

[leisurelypanda]

AU where Thor's a famous actor and Steve's his personal assistant, the two of them spending long hours working together with Thor's busy schedule. Steve likes the job, hoping this could be his chance to break into acting himself, plus he gets to work with his biggest crush (though he never says that last part out loud). Thor's never had an assistant he's liked as much as Steve, who always helps him run lines and just generally brightens up his day. Sometimes it feels like they're just friends instead of boss and employee, sometimes possibly more...

Oooo I love this concept!

The best part about being the personal assistant to a famous actor is that Steve gets to travel a lot. Before he got this job, he never thought that he would get to see so many places other than NYC. Now he's been to Hollywood and several countries on each continent. Each one was packed with adventure. And work, of course, because Thor is a person whose skills as an actor are in high demand. He's incredibly popular both because of his amazing physique and down-to-earth approach to his fans. He's also unexpectedly wise and insightful when he talks to interviewers. The more time Steve spends with him, the more Steve can tell just how special a person Thor is.

As for Thor, he's never had a personal assistant who's been able to keep up with the demands of his job as well as Steve. It's as though Steve has Thor's entire schedule memorized and he never forgets a thing. He even makes a good travel companion because he's flexible enough to sit back and relax when they're able. Steve also makes a good workout partner and Thor has definitely taken advantage of their workouts together to check out his delicious ass as well as his impressive chest.

The attraction is mutual, of course. Every time Thor has a photo shoot, Steve finds himself more and more attracted to the guy. He literally looks good in everything he wears. He's even given some of it to Steve when he either didn't care for the clothes himself or if he didn't have space in his wardrobe. Steve always likes to think that he's wearing Thor's clothes when that happens.

The lines gradually start to blur between them. Sure, Steve is his assistant, but the longer they work together, the more like friends they seem to be. They talk about guys and girls they date. Steve tries not to be jealous as much as possible. Thor tries to be open-minded.

One day, though, Thor calls it off with a guy he had been seeing discreetly. Although he's out to the media as pansexual, he does try to keep his dating life as distant from the public eye as he can. The guy was only interested in being Thor's sugar baby, not in Thor himself. It's one of the things Thor is easily annoyed by. It's also probably why celebrities date each other so often.

He and Steve meet at the bar of the hotel they're staying at. It's empty at that time of night, but they still sit in a secluded corner of the room. Steve is the cautious type when it comes to Thor and Thor appreciates the lengths he goes to in order to keep the paparazzi off his tail.

One thing leads to another. One moment they're drinking and venting to each other about their dating troubles. The next, Steve confesses that the biggest reason he loves his job is because of his feelings for Thor. Before they can think better of it, they're kissing each other, making out in an empty elevator.

The next morning, Steve wakes up with Thor in his bed. Or rather, he seems to be in Thor's bed. Thor is using his chest as a pillow. Steve's memory of the previous night is hazy, but intact. He can remember the feeling of Thor bending him over as they reached the bed, the feeling of Thor's cock, longer and thicker than it had been in all of Steve's fantasies, pushing into his ass.

It only takes a moment for Thor to wake up, too. As soon as he does, he smiles at Steve and thanks him for last night. They start kissing again. Then Thor is fondling Steve's nipples. Then they're sucking each other's cocks with abandon.

A couple hours later, Thor is late for an interview.. It's the first time Thor has been late for an appointment since Steve became his assistant. Another hour and multiple calls to Steve's phone, the interview is canceled. Steve and Thor are nowhere to be seen. They haven't even left Thor's bedroom. It turns out that all that pent up sexual tension takes a while to fully let out. By the end of it all, they're both exhausted, aching, and completely sated.

Thor insists that Steve can't be his assistant and his boyfriend at the same time. Steve insists that he can because while he does want to keep traveling with Thor, he doesn't expect to mooch off him just because they've started dating.

The compromise becomes that Steve himself starts acting, with Thor placing a few calls to get people to take him seriously. With some strategic planning, they both manage to get jobs for different movies in Hollywood. Steve has his own agent and assistant now, and Thor has managed to find a new one, too. Both assistants make sure to knock before they enter any room in Thor and Steve's home.