#i don't usually post my captures. huh.

[leofrith]

hello leovor community. 🧍🏻‍♀️

[5starluvr]

Sweet mornings

Paring:Hwang hyunjin x Reader

Genre: fluff,fluff and more fluff

A/n:A post to remind everyone that I exist😪

You crack eggs into a sizzling pan, the familiar rhythm of the morning a comforting constant. Sunlight streams through the kitchen window, painting golden stripes across the countertop as the scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. Humming along to the quiet melody playing from your phone, you're lost in the routine when suddenly, strong arms wrap around your waist.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Hyunjin murmurs behind you, his voice a low rumble tickling your ear. He nuzzles his cheek against your shoulder, his scent of mint shampoo and laundry detergent a welcome contrast to the frying bacon.

You yelp, startled, but a smile tugs at your lips despite the initial scare. "Hyunjin! Don't sneak up on me like that," you swat him playfully. "Almost gave me a heart attack."

"But how else am I supposed to get my morning cuddle?" he whines, exaggerating a pout.

You roll your eyes playfully. "Fine, fine. Your cuddle privileges are reinstated."

He tightens his hold, pressing a light kiss to your exposed shoulder. "Mmm, breakfast smells amazing. What are you making, Chef Y/N?"

"Just your usual," you reply, expertly flipping the bacon with a spatula. "Scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. You know, the survival essentials."

Hyunjin chuckles. "Survival essentials, huh? That toast better not resemble charcoal again." He playfully pokes a finger at your back, earning a light swat with the spatula.

"Hey! I've improved!" you protest, your cheeks warm with laughter. "Besides, who cares if it's a little burnt when you have this amazing breakfast chef right here?"

Hyunjin spins you around in his arms, trapping you between him and the counter. He leans down, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Alright, Chef. How about I sweeten the deal for some extra crispy toast?"

Your heart hammers in your chest. "Oh yeah? And how exactly do you propose to do that?"

Hyunjin's lips curve into a sly grin. "Just one taste," he whispers, leaning impossibly close.

Before you can respond, he captures your lips in a soft kiss, the taste of coffee and sleep lingering between you. He pulls away, his eyes locked with yours. "Deal?"

[redr0sewrites]

First Taste of You

🥀A/n: Loki is my comfort character and i wanted to write something tiny as i haven't posted in a hot minute bc im writing a lot of *spoilers* for november. might write a pt2 to this w actual smut, might not... who knows.

🥀Cw: suggestive/nothing explicit, implied that reader is an avenger + lives in stark tower with Loki

cocky, charming, and manipulative. when you first met Loki, his impression was always of someone in need of constant control and attention- especially yours. he was always busying himself by bothering you, getting in your way by any means necessary if only to receive your focus for even just a short time. however, the more he was around, the more you began to like him, and an unlikely friendship began to bloom. suddenly, you both were inseparable, bonding over both your similarities and differences.

the attraction was obvious fo the both of you, and while you never actually went farther than teasing and flirting, the desire was so strong it was nearly tangible. soon, it turned into an enticing game of cat and mouse, seeing how far he could go and flirt before you finally snap and push through the boundary between friends and something more. fortunately for you, (and unfortunately for him), your patience with the god seemed to be never ending- until one day, he went too far. now, you have him pinned against a wall, cheeks rosy and bodies flushed together.

"so this is what it took to get you riled up?" Loki coos, green eyes narrowed as you pressed against him. "i would have flirted with them months earlier if it meant this reaction, darli-" you yank at his collar, tugging him down to your height and kissing him hard. the kiss is sloppy, all teeth and tongue and lust, but Loki's gently hands cupping your cheeks speak volumes. Loki's head knocks back against the wall with a soft clunk, and he winces beneath your touch.

"slow down," he murmurs against your lips, but his actions don't coincide with his words, considering the lustful rocking of his hips against yours and the firm hands now moving to grip your waist, pulling you impossibly close. you capture his bottom lip between your teeth and a soft whine melts into a groan as one of your hands finds its way to his scalp, tugging hard. he looks down at you with his usual teasing expression, as though he can't even believe how bold you've become.

"ffuck- someone's needy, huh?"

"you can never just shut the fuck up, can you?"

Loki smirks at your words, eying you with thinly veiled want.

"we really shouldn't be away from this party for too long..." he murmurs, pulling away from your lips to whisper in your ear. "it would be a shame if someone noticed our absence..."

"fuck the Stark party, theres one practically every other day. you hate those things anyway," you grumble, and Loki chuckles yet again.

"true... but, alas, if i am successful in wooing you, which considering our current position, i feel as though i might be.." you narrow your eyes as Loki continues smirking that signature grin, "then i wouldn't want my first taste of you to be in a random hallway, now would i? come to my quarters tonight, and i'll give you your compensation for making you wait oh so long. until then, let's return to the party, hm? wouldn't want to keep your little friends waiting," he sneers, but his eyes betray his affectionate intent.

"you really are a sweet talker, y'know that?" you huff, pulling away from him. you hadn't noticed how his knee had become wedged between your thighs, nor how tangled your hands were in his hair, but it was certainly obvious now. Loki eyes you cautiously, almost as though he's afraid your angry.

"we shouldn't go back together, that will make it incredibly obvious. i'll see you in a few hours," you turn to walk away, Loki still leaning against the wall with a reassured, dazed smirk on his face. you turn around to call back one last time.

"and fix your hair! it looks messy."

"i like messy," he purrs, and you roll your eyes.

"flirt."

"you fell for me, dear."

"see you later!" you say exaggeratedly, turning away so he can't catch the giddy expression on your face. fuck, you can't wait for tonight.

i wrote this as a little tide over since i haven't posted any writing in a HOT MINUTE,,,, i promise that im cooking i have a lot of things in plan for november bear with me 😇 anywayd i desperately need to write more for marvel its one of my favorite fandoms so if anyone has any requests,,,,,, please please please 🙏

[orbital-obvious]

The Batman (2022) thoughts [pt 2/?] FRIENDS AND FAMILY (w Spoilers)

Kinda squeezing opinion about Batman Allies (mainly Selina) and Bruce's family (which includes his parents and Alfred) into one post but we'll live.

Martha Wayne being a woman with mental health issues that had to have gone to several mental facilities felt like a revelation. I am kinda sad I didn't see more discussions about it in the tags. ESPECIALLY since a lot of her anguish stemmed from Trauma and being so close to the public eye. This is intensifies tenfold if if you relate it to theories like "Bruce is Autistic". Because, HELLO, Martha's family probably viewed her as "wrong" if she exhibited neurodivergent behavior and I keep thinking about possible parllels between her and her son and Thomas accepting her as she is and ahhhhhhh. MUCH TO THINK ABOUT.

Selina Kyle felt much more down to earth in this, which I was thankful for. She felt very... not REALISTIC, rather un-fantastical. She is not Catwoman YET, and is weirded out by costumed weirdo Batman and that made their interactions a lot more potent. The movie also did away with some Catwoman-isms I don't like, what my friend reffered to as "too sexy to be alive".

Actually, I felt as if the movie used wigs to have a visual representation of Selina going into a "role" - being sexy, looking innocent, etc etc, while her no-wig look came into play when she was more her real self - which is part of the movie theme of identity.

That is not to say that Selina wasn't MESMERIZING, btw. They gave her this sparkly/flakey eyeshadow that reflected the light so prettily and made her shine.

Selina red wig look was the best Selina wig look. Gosh, Kravitz made that plastic wig WORK. ALSO NARRATIVE IMPORTANCE. The movie heavily associates black-red with the Batman, so Selina wearing a red wig and black outfit is singling that she is working with the Batman.

no "Hello boys!" from Selina. Thank fuck. Also I kind of enjoyed a version of this character that is not overtly flirtatious. Her romantic moments felt kind of sweet, actually. (I'm going to think about Bruce going "Selina?" when the eyecam gets turned on forever)

So..... Selina and Anika (her "friend" that also worked in the club) were dating, right?

I greatly enjoyed this version of Alfred. It was a diversion from the usual interpretation but I think still managed to capture the character's essence. Alfred is Bruce's father (Bruce, keep your teenage-angst-at-30 for yourself, please) - and I enjoyed his prodding trying to get Bruce Wayne to function like a person in society (level: impossible)

There is more staff than just Alfred - Dory the housekeeper, who also seems like a person who was with the family before the Waynes murder. I don't know why, but I really liked this addition. Maybe becasue it allowed my next point, which is-

It's never was outright said, but I got the feeling like Alfred was the Waynes bodyguard, not butler. Which makes a lot more sense in this more "grounded" universe. It also explains why Alfred was so torn about their death and gives better reasoning as to why he felt it was his duty to protect young Bruce. It's not only Bruce the death is eating up, but also Alfred, and perhaps even more so (as Alfred said, Bruce was just a kid). HOWEVER, I think Alfred dealing with those intense emotions and still not spiraling to WHATEVER Bruce had going on makes him a good foil to Bruce and a better mentor/father figure.

I was legit scared they were gonna kill Alfred. Not only cause I LIKE Alfred, but because I could not even begin to fathom the abyss Bruce would have spiraled into.

Martha was an Arkham? Bruce have a connection to ARKHAM? that's a FAMILY? are they in charge of Arkham Asylum? Are any of them alive? I get that the point here was to be like "Bruce Wayne is the prince of Gotham" (as per Falcone- using Prince cause he's the king) but. Like. HUH?

Thomas Wayne was an idiot for consulting Falcone, and that is the best case senario of that predicament. Especially in a city like Gotham. But that's just the thing - Thomas panicked in how this could have affected Martha / Bruce (I fully believe Alfred when he said it wasn't about the campaign) and that made him act out stupid. It's humanizing.

While I think the death of the reporter was way beyond a reasonable reaction, what business does ANYONE have with Martha's mental health? Rhetorical question, of course. Falcone hinted it was a hit piece but tbh I think it was more like a scandalous "tea" and "drama" about a public figure. There is so much to say about the personal life of public personas, prejudice regarding mental health and especially mental health WITHIN the Batman stories. The movie really wasn't about that, but, you know, many thoughts.

[mybrainisrotted]

Gojo/gn!reader, established relationship. Post Shibuya incident spoilers. When our man returned.

Read on Ao3.

"I mean this respectfully Ijichi, please get the fuck out of my way."

The metal examining table under Gojo's thighs is cold and uncomfortable, but it's a different��sort of cold and uncomfortable and for that he's grateful. But the voice that echoes in the hall outside the medical room sends a rush of warmth through him that makes it feel like his heart has been restarted when he didn't even know it had stopped. For a moment--a second stretched indefinitely--he forgets where he's been, what he's seen, what he's felt, who he's lost.

The door slams open, bouncing off the wall hard enough to make even Shoko wince a bit as she takes a drag from her nearly ever present cigarette. Smiling softly, she joins Ijichi in the hall, closing the door behind her.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't wait anymore."

Gojo's already on his feet when you come barreling into him, arms open and ready to catch you. Your body molds to his, arms wrapped tight around his middle, face pressed against his chest where he's sure you can hear how his heart has picked up pace, slamming against his ribcage. He folds himself around you as best he can, squeezing you a little too tightly because he knows that's how you like your hugs. You take a deep breath and let it out with a pleased hum, nuzzling your cheek against him.

"You smell like you. Like home."

The corner of Gojo's mouth ticks up, and he presses his own nose to the top of your head, letting the faint but familiar scent of your coconut shampoo take over his senses. It triggers memories that are uniquely coded to you; smoothing fingers over your shoulder as he ghosts his lips over the back of your neck in bed, and steam filled showers that you always begrudge him for taking with you even as you lovingly massage that shampoo into his hair (which he bought to keep at his place specifically for this purpose), humming softly under your breath as your nails gently rake over his scalp.

Gojo's favourite part was smelling you on his things. Rolling over in bed, alone, and burying his nose in his pillow and smelling you. Drying his hands on his towel, sitting on his couch, pulling on his clothes and having that faint scent of coconut suddenly tickle his nose. You're with him even when you aren't. And in the Prison Realm, with nothing to do to pass the infinite looping of time except dive inward into his own mind, he'd tucked his chin into the collar of his shirt and--smelled you. Lingering within the fabric and threads was the simple essence of you and suddenly he hadn't felt so alone.

"I'm sorry I've been gone," Gojo murmurs, mouth at your temple and fingers smoothing nonsensical patterns up and down your spine. Now that he's got you in his grasp again, when the likelihood of that had begun to seem like a fleeting possibility, he doesn't want to let you go. "It won't happen again. I promise."

You squirm in his hold, placing both hands on his chest to push him back slightly so you can look at him face to face. You don't think you've ever seen him on school grounds without his blindfold or sunglasses. The nineteen days without him makes you realize between the sky and the ocean there isn't a shade of blue that could possibly capture what you see swirling in his irises.

"You don't need to apologize for something out of your control, Satoru," you say with a slight frown. You bring your hands up to cup his cheeks, committing him to memory all over again, warming when his expression softens under your touch. "You have no idea how happy I am that you're back. That's the only thing that matters."

Something in Gojo's eyes flickers, and though he smirks it doesn't carry his usual lightheartedness. The coil of tension in his stomach twists uncomfortably. "Missed the strongest sorcerer, huh?"

You shake your head again, smoothing the pad of your thumb over his lower lip. "I missed your corny jokes. I missed your surprise mochi deliveries. I missed our late night hot chocolate talks on your balcony." Your fingers trace a gentle path upward, over his sharp cheekbones and soft brows, smoothing a lock of silky white hair over his temple and then settling at his nape. "I missed your morning bed head. I missed your laugh. I missed your touch. I missed the way you said you loved me. I missed my sweet Satoru."

The love you give him, have always given him, is free of strings and expectations. Gojo doesn't know what his future is going to look like but he knows he wants one with you. By your side. His smile wobbles as he gently swipes away the tears at the corners of your eyes, that knot in his stomach loosening with your words. He kisses you on the forehead, on each damp cheek, the tip of your nose, and finally your lips, once, twice, three times, before he taps his head to yours.

"I missed you too, sweetheart."

[whumpdoyoumean]

Whumptober #16

A/N: Ya girl is running behind, but still trucking! ✌️

part 1

xxx i can't feel anything

"Dickie!" Jason says, a dopey grin splitting his features. "Heyyy."

Dick smiles back. It's the kind of tired, fake smile that Jason sees through every time – when he's not drugged up to his eyeballs, anyway. Dick's physically exhausted; being up for over thirty hours straight will have that effect on most people.But it's not just that. Mentally, emotionally, he feels flayed, like he's a walking bundle of exposed nerves. Babs has been trying to coax him into going home for a shower and some sleep, but he can't bring himself to leave Jason's side.

They don't understand. They can't. He knows they're trying to, and he appreciates the effort, but the fact is they weren't there. Anything he says to them to try and explain won't come close to capturing how harrowing the experience had been. In the collapsed building, and then in the ambulance ride and ER after, as they struggled to keep Jason stable.

"How are you feeling?" he says, forcing himself back into the present. Pushing down thoughts of last night is getting harder to do as he grows increasingly fatigued. "Any pain in your arm?"

"Pain?" Jason says, squinting. "In my arm? No, I – I can't feel anything." He frowns. "They didn't take my arm, did they?"

"Nope, they didn't. Your arm is still there," Dick assures him. He points to Jason's left arm. "It's in that cast, see?"

Jason looks down and his eyes widen comically. "Whoa." His gaze shifts back to Dick. "Will you sign it?"

"Later," Dick says.

"There," Jason says, gesturing at the cast.

"Careful, Jaybird. You don't wanna pull your IV."

"You can sign it right there," Jason continues, ignoring him. "D-I-C-K." A mischievous look crosses his features. "Or you could just draw a dick."

Dick laughs. It's the first genuine smile he's had since he learned that Jason was in the building when the explosion happened.

"You'd better watch it, dude," he says as the post-op nurse snorts.

Jason hums. "You love me."

"Mm-hmm."

A shadow falls across Jason's face, and he looks like he might burst into tears. "Bruce doesn't love me."

Dick's heart clenches. "Of course he does."

"He hates me," Jason says quietly.

"Don't say that." Dick lays a hand on Jason's knee. "Bruce does not hate you."

"He does," Jason says, and lets out a wet sob. Dick looks up at the nurse, who's moved forward to put a hand on Jason's shoulder.

"It's normal to feel a bit emotional after the anesthesia," he says, and Dick knows he's saying it for his benefit as well as Jason's. "That's okay. You're okay, buddy."

"How long will it take before it wears off?" Dick asks, and the nurse shoots him a small, sympathetic smile.

"This part of it usually lasts an hour or so, but it'll be about twenty-four hours for all of it to be flushed from his system completely."

"And he won't remember any of this?"

"It's highly unlikely, unless you want to get your phone out."

Dick absolutely doesn't.

xxx

Jason falls asleep pretty quickly after he's settled back in his room. Dick texts the group chat.

Surgery went well. Jay's resting in his room now

There's a small knock on the door and Haley, one of the nurses that's been in and out a lot over the last day and a half, pokes her head in.

"Sorry to disturb you," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "There's a gentleman here to see you."

Dick frowns. "To see me?"

She nods.

"Huh." He looks over at Jason, and something like grief pangs in his chest. Jay looks younger when he's asleep like this, more his age. If not for the white in his hair and the scars, he could pass for a regular nineteen year old.

"He'll be okay without you for a few minutes," Haley says gently. "I'll make sure he knows where you are if he wakes up."

Dick sighs and, a little reluctantly, stands. "Thank you," he says.

She smiles, and there's a ruefulness to it as she pats his arm. "You're a good brother."

Another sharp pain through the center of his chest, and this time it persists as he follows the nurse through the halls.

"Just in here," she says, opening the door to a quiet room.

His stomach drops.

Bruce.

xxx to be continued...

[goodluckclove]

ok ok ok Clove i need to know: who are some of the best writers here in your opinion ? who do i need to follow if i want to follow the next generation of great writers ? i need new blogs to follow

oh shit let's party.

first off i can't say that i know all the best writers here. i'm still learning! also, maybe i like things you don't. the usual disclaimer. but i'll still take the chance to rave about some of the immense brilliance of some of my colleagues on here!

first of is @ivaspinoza, who is the first person to send me her writing the very first time i asked. she writes the most beautiful, almost prophetic word pieces. not quiet prose, not entirely poetry. it's language you can really seep yourself in like a heated milk bath. she's working on a longform vampire novel in the same style which i have seen snippets of and it is truly incredible. love her dearly.

i'm actually in the middle of Song of the Heartless by @rkmoon, because he was hesitating to post it and i harassed him into sending it to me. and oh man, it's great. really solid premise and a world that feels vibrant and expansive and also shit because it's kind of dystopian and the vibes are not great. obviously as another aspec writer i love the representation. it's great to read yourself on the page and still see your struggles draped in thematic excitement. i can't say any more without spoiling it but i really want to. this could easily be a fucking great movie adaptation.

i feel insane pointing you towards @godsmostfuckedupgoblin because he doesn't really post his writing as far as i know but he's got some of the best mastery of dialogue i've seen in non-published writing and his excerpts are always so exciting and fun to read. maybe if enough people him to share more he will but until then his memes are lit as a child has once said before.

@stajorathefallen is working on a longform Lord of the Rings fic that is truly beautiful. I would rather read this finished product than the actual Lord of the Rings. I don't know if she'll find that a compliment or a war crime, but it's just nicer. It feels warm and cozy to read. I actually don't even know if it's referenced the original canon at all since I saw the movies but didn't pay attention. I was not qualified to look at this fic but I got to anyway and it's great.

@cssnder is someone else who doesn't post enough writing, but my hope is with enough confidence she'll branch more into sharing. Literally every time she drops a line everyone's like huh?? wow!! and then she whispers a thanks and disappears back into the catacombs. if you like dark academia based on tiktok you should follow her to see what those tiktoks wish they could capture.

this is obviously not everyone. these are not even all the people that sent me writing to look at. i have two separate emails that i still need to marry, some people are still in the egg-cracking stage of being a writer, and my adderal can only do so much. if you aren't one of these people just know that you are amazing and you need to post more of your work so i can point people to your page please thank you i love you.

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC Lucien’s Warm Fragrance Date translation

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for a date that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

Arriving As Promised Free SR Event | Prologue+Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6-9 | Warm Fragrance Date (You're here!)

"I think, rather than a good little assistant, it's more accurate to say that MC is a very talented gardener lady."

"Huh? Why do you say that?"

Lucien doesn't directly answer my question, instead, he pulls my hand and places it on the location of his heart.

I immediately understood the words he didn't say.

"This beautiful flower continues to grow, connecting all the veins that are linked to you."

[T/N: VERY RECOMMENDED to read the event story first because some convo on this date will make more sense if you read the event stories first]

[Date – Video ver]

(T/N: As always, I always recommend watching the video for a more comprehensive experience.

If the direct video doesn’t work - [Use this link]

(Besides, tumblr doesn’t allow us to use an old text editor anymore so I can’t add up more than 30 pics in this post. Tumblr post alone won’t capture the change in background and sprite as usual(for reference I always have like 60+ pic in one post LOL)

[Date – Transcript ver]

[Part 1]

The gentle morning sunlight pours down, passing through the vines on the wall, casting specks of light and shadow.

I look around, and as far as my eyes can see, various types of plants occupy my surroundings. However, I don't catch sight of Lucien's figure amidst the lushness.

MC: …Is Lucien not here?

I double-check his text message, then I put down the jasmine flower pot I've planted and the "OPEN" wooden sign. Afterward, I turn around and walk deeper into the greenhouse.

Today is the official opening day of the "Flower Shop." Perhaps 'Shop Manager' Lucien is currently preparing in some corner.

Following the path through the greenhouse, I continue forward. The comfortable temperature in the air makes me feel as if I'm in an oasis.

Under the towering green plants in front of me, dozens of calla lilies are cozily undergoing photosynthesis.

Next to the one blooming the most vibrantly, there's a label that reads "Reserved." My fingertips brush against that familiar handwriting, and I mutter softly.

MC: Miss X?

MC: ...I can't believe there's a reservation already.

[A throwback to Dance SP MQ and main story Dr. X :"]

I can't help but sigh, and I bend down to carefully observe these well-taken-care-of plants and flowers.

The snow-white petals of the calla lilies bloom brilliantly, and the leaves stretch energetically. The red and yellow tulips nestle against each other as if even the falling patches of light have become gentle.

??: Have you been here for a while? Why didn't you call out to me?

A familiar voice sounds behind me, and I quickly turn around.

The sunlight filters through the glass roof and falls upon Lucien, outlining a faint halo of light around his figure.

His white shirt appears exceptionally bright amidst the lush surroundings. His collar is unbuttoned, and he casually rolls up his sleeves, revealing his slender forearms.

The blue work apron he's wearing is loosely tied, and he doesn't seem to have noticed. A warm smile graces the corner of his lips.

With the jasmine pot I had just set down in his arms, he slightly bends forward and reaches out to hang the wooden sign on a nail above the railing.

This version of Lucien catches me off guard, and I find myself laughing with a belated realization.

MC: Pfft.

Lucien: (laughs, then playfully says) It seems my outfit is indeed a bit funny, isn't it?

MC: Of course not, "Shop Manager Lucien" is much more handsome than I imagined!

Lucien: Oh? Is that so?

Lucien slowly approaches me, and as his familiar scent envelops me, my heart rate instinctively quickens a little faster.

Lucien: (chuckles) So, can you tell me, what did you imagine 'Manager Lucien' to be like before?

MC: Manager Lucien's appearance right now has completely erased any other imagined images I had in my mind.

I hook my arm around Lucien's neck, a smile playing on my lips.

MC: Right now, my heart and eyes are filled with just the one before me.

I retie the loosely knotted apron behind him smoothly. But as I start to pull my hand back, he captures it in his grasp.

The next second, a gentle kiss carrying the scent of grass lands softly on my lips. Before my eyes could fully close, all that was left in my vision were those eyes brimming with joy.

Lucien removed his glasses at some point, and the gentleness in his eyes reflected my gradually reddening cheeks clearly.

Lucien: (whispers) Everyone else is busy in other greenhouses. Today, there are only the two of us here.

He slightly increases the distance between us, his brows and eyes curved.

Lucien: I remember that a lady once said that on the day she visits my "garden," she would buy the most beautiful flower from me.

MC: I remember that. I won't easily back down from my promise.

Lucien: Then, how about becoming my assistant? Consider it as payment for the flowers you intend to buy.

I tiptoe and peck his cheek on the side.

MC: Of course I'm willing to.

[Part 2]

As we walk through the corridor built with flowering vines from the entrance hall, the floral fragrance becomes even more rich and fragrant.

Lucien leads me through the corridor, and a lounge surrounded by flower walls comes into view. A row of bookshelves and an innovative instrument sit quietly in the corner.

Lucien: This is a newly introduced instrument from the Bioscience research center. It can measure various values of the brain's nervous system to detect the brain health of residents.

Curiously, I approach the instrument, looking around with keen interest.

MC: Can brain health really be determined using these two lines on top?

Lucien: If you're curious, you can put it on and give it a try.

Lucien noticed my eagerness and took the instrument's wires, guiding me to position my head correctly.

Lucien: Bring this wire over here, and place this device on here…

Following Lucien's guidance, I carefully placed the device from the instrument's wire onto my head.

Lucien: Now, let's take a look at Visitor MC's brain health, shall we?

MC: …Um!

I stare at the screen intently, and after a while, a green curve with a centered slope appears on the display.

MC: How is it?

Lucien: Hmm…

MC: I-Is it very bad?

Lucien: (chuckle) Very healthy.

MC: Phew…

MC: Back then, you were worried I might not adapt well, but the truth is, my "vitality" is quite resilient as well.

Lucien: How come I remember that it was a certain lady who was more concerned about me at the time?

Lucien: You prepared all sorts of emergency medicines for me, yet you only brought a small amount for yourself.

MC: Well, that might be because I've been eating well, sleeping well, and thinking about you a lot…

Lucien: From a medical perspective, perhaps "thinking about me a lot" played the most significant role.

MC: Although you're right, 'Professor Lucien' shouldn't go against medical principles just to prove the importance of "thinking about you".

Lucien places his hand on the top of my head and proceeds to explain seriously.

Lucien: Medical studies have confirmed that positive emotions, or good moods, are beneficial for brain neurons.

Lucien: I believe this 'Professor Lucien' hasn't gone against medical principles.

Lucien: People, scenery, animals, objects... all can serve as triggers for positive emotions.

Lucien: Including the plants we are cultivating now, it's all for studying the effects of different species on brain neurons.

MC: Does that mean that even for the same species, the experience could be different for different people?

Lucien: Exactly. The factors underlying the generation of positive emotions vary from person to person, and the feelings evoked by the same external factors can be completely different.

MC: Hmm... just like how I feel happy when I drink sweet milk tea, and Professor Lucien feels happy when savoring a cup of tea?

Seemingly amused by the interesting analogy, Lucien chuckles softly.

Lucien: (chuckles softly) Yes and no.

Lucien: If we slightly modify the reference in the comparison to "savoring tea alone and drinking milk tea with MC," for me, the latter naturally brings more happiness.

MC: Oh~ So the Great Professor's sweet words must also vary from person to person, right?

Lucien: Hmm... Not exactly.

Lucien: To be precise, I'm only like this with you.

I can't help but raise my lips; a kind of subtle tenderness seems to be quietly emerging from the depths of my heart, making me feel light and I can't help but indulge in it.

MC: I'm only like this with you too.

The conversation is interrupted by the hum of the instrument, and the fluctuation in the green curve produces new monitoring data for the device.

MC: Huh? Is there a new change?

Lucien: Mm, it seems that at this very moment, this little lady is happier than before.

The rising curve on the screen dances exuberantly as if it wants to reveal my thoughts in full detail.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, I remove the device, afraid that the next moment it might detect those beautiful feelings in my heart once again.

MC: Alright, alright, I admit that indeed "thinking about you" played a significant role.

MC: So... Professor Lucien, do you think about me a lot too?

Lucien: Yes. Because I miss you so much, it feels as if the flowering period is endless.

Lucien's gaze softens, and the corners of his eyes curve like a gentle spring, causing the humidity in the greenhouse to quietly evaporate, filling the room with a sweet fragrance.

[Part 3]

After becoming familiar with the structure of the greenhouse, Lucien guided me through the final preparations before the official opening.

Since he has already completed most of it, my next task is to transplant the calla lilies into the flower bed.

Lucien: Here are these new gloves for you, and take this too.

Lucien hands over a brand new pair of gloves and then takes out a beige headscarf, naturally tucking my hair behind as he ties it on me.

His slightly warm fingertips inadvertently graze the back of my neck, creating a subtle and ticklish sensation.

Lucien: Hmm, you indeed look very cute with it on.

Lucien places a small red trowel in front of me and begins to demonstrate personally.

Lucien: Calla lilies thrive in a humid environment but are sensitive to waterlogging. They have high water requirements, so the root seedlings are crucial.

MC: I remember you mentioned in the email that Calla lilies, being plants adapted to humid regions, are much more challenging to grow in the desert compared to other plants.

Lucien: That's correct. Therefore, during the transplanting process, be careful not to damage the root seedlings with the trowel.

I nod and carefully take the calla lilies that Lucien has prepared, ready to transplant them into the flower bed.

The delicate and fragile root tendrils seem as if they could snap at the slightest inadvertent touch, and I take a deep breath subconsciously.

Lucien: (gently) Take it easy.

Lucien gently squeezes my hand, and the familiar reassurance gradually soothes my emotions.

I nod and readjust my breathing.

First, plant the flower seedlings into the small holes that have been prepared in the flower bed. Then, rearrange the positions of their roots, and finally, cover the soil from the side onto the flower seedlings…

I'm mentally rehearsing the steps Lucien taught me, carefully following the instructions as needed.

MC: Wow! It's a success…

Before I could even finish cheering, the next moment, the flower seedling drooped in front of me.

MC: ...Oops, did I just waste a flower seedling?

Thinking that each of these flower seedlings was personally nurtured by Lucien in such an environment, I can't help but feel a sense of guilt and regret.

Lucien: You didn't, it's just not fully acclimated yet.

Lucien: Don't worry, let's try it again.

Lucien said as he leaned closer to me, his palm gently cradling my hand. He carefully adjusts the position of the flower seedling and then presses the soil down slightly.

As if by some kind of magical spell, the delicate flower seedling trembles and sways, but it never topples over.

MC: Is it... a success?

Lucien: Yes, you did great.

With the experience of this successful attempt and Lucien's hands-on teaching, I learned some small techniques, and the subsequent transplanting process is going much smoother than I had imagined.

MC: Phew, just one more pot to go until we're done!

As I said this, I raised my hand to wipe the sweat from my face. I was about to dig out the seedling from the pot when Lucien suddenly chuckled.

MC: ...What's wrong?

He raises his hand with a smile and the clean back of his finger brushes against the tip of my nose.

Lucien: You've turned into a spotty bunny.

MC: …!

Thinking about the "fertilizer elements" in the soil, I hastily raise my hand and start randomly wiping my face.

Lucien can't help but laugh, then he grabs my hand.

Lucien: (laughs softly) If you keep rubbing like that, our spotty bunny might turn into a black bunny.

Lucien: Let me help you instead.

He uses the clean part of his palm to gently wipe across my face, bit by bit.

The delicate touch of his fingertips and the warmth from his palm gradually amplifies.

His breath, accompanied by a warm breeze, audibly falls on my ear, and my earlobe subtly starts to feel ticklish.

At some point, his gaze has shifted from my face to my eyes, and his finger lightly taps on my cheek.

Lucien: Now it's clean.

I can't seem to take my eyes off his face for a moment.

Lucien: (smiles) Do I also have something that needs wiping on my face?

MC: Ah? Well, right here on the chin…

I lift up my sleeve and gently wipe away the almost invisible speck of dirt on his chin.

The scent of flowers blending with the earthy aroma lingers in the air, and a gentle kiss softly grazes my cheek near my lips.

Lucien: Thank you, Miss Gardener.

[Part 4]

After a day of busyness, the flower shop's business is doing quite well.

People keep coming to buy flowers and admire them, and Lucien can smoothly carry out his experiment. He has printed a thick stack of monitoring data alone.

Until the sun sets in the west, everything except for that reserved calla lilies has been sold out.

MC: Looks like it's time to flip the signboard and announce the closing time~

Lucien's gaze falls on the back of the wooden signboard, his fingers tracing the patterns on it.

Lucien: Unexpectedly, there is a "gardener fox" on the other side?

MC: You noticed it!

I said as I leaned closer, my fingertips lightly tracing the slightly crooked wood-carved design.

[So it's her 'artwork' that she mentioned in the event :"]

MC: I carved it based on the desert fox's appearance and added a little touch of my own creativity.

Lucien: It's a nice touch. A little fox wearing glasses, an apron, and holding a pot of flowers.

Lucien: Hmm... Is it like this?

Lucien speaks as he raises the sign next to his face, mimicking the posture of the little fox on the wooden sign.

MC: Hahaha, it seems I carved it quite lifelike!

MC: By the way, after closing the store, let's go see the desert fox together~ I saw it last time near the sand dunes near the guest house.

MC: This time, I have Mr. Fox with me. So who knows, we might just have a smooth encounter with it.

Lucien: Of course, that's great, but I'd rather have a chance encounter with a desert rabbit.

Lucien: This little fox seems a bit lonely. I think this wooden sign leaves me some room for creativity.

[He also wants to carve a dessert bunny to accompany the dessert fox so it won't be lonely🥺]

Lucien carefully puts away the wooden sign and retrieves cleaning tools from the greenhouse.

Lucien: You've been busy all day, take a break. I'll handle the cleaning.

MC: There's no way the little assistant can take a break and let the big professor be busy.

MC: Besides, I've been resting well these past few days, but you've been in the experimental greenhouse all this time. I think you should be the one taking a break.

I say this while playfully pushing his back, half-forcing him to go rest on the sofa next to the flower hall.

Lucien accommodates and sits down but takes the opportunity to hold my hand.

Lucien: Well, there's no reason for the little assistant not to listen to the professor.

I can't resist this demeanor and tone at all, so I have to compromise and sit down next to him, nuzzling up against his side.

MC: The little assistant is now obediently resting. Professor Lucien, do you have any more requests?

Lucien: I think an obedient little assistant like you should receive her well-deserved reward.

Lucien promptly gets up and when he returns, he's holding the only remaining pot containing the calla lily with "reserved" written on it.

Seeing me blink in confusion, Lucien smiles and speaks.

Lucien: From the moment it miraculously survived, I selfishly reserved it in your name.

MC: My name? Does that mean…

At this moment, I finally realized belatedly why this unique pot of calla lily had been reserved early on and kept until now.

That Miss X is actually myself.

MC: So this calla lily…. is the first one that survived as you mentioned in your email?

Lucien: Mm. You mentioned wanting to see it with your own eyes, and now it's yours.

A gentle voice brushed against my heart, and I quickly took a few steps in his direction.

He cradles that pot of calla lily in his hands so dearly, and I feel as if I can hear something blooming in my heart.

MC: It's really beautiful... From this angle, the outer edges of the flower look like the shape of a heart.

Lucien: Perhaps that's why the calla lily's flower language is "the veins of our hearts are connected together".

The pure white petals sway gently in the soft breeze of the flower hall, the sunset's light casting a golden shimmer on Lucien's eyelashes. The picturesque beauty momentarily left me a bit entranced.

It's only when he bends down to place the flower in my hand that I realize our distance has somehow become so close.

Lucien: I think, rather than a good little assistant, it's more accurate to say that MC is a very talented gardener lady.

MC: …Huh? Why do you say that?

Lucien doesn't directly answer my question; instead, he pulls my hand and places it on the location of his heart.

I immediately understood the words he didn't say.

Lucien: This beautiful flower continues to grow, connecting all the veins that are linked to you.

A soft feeling wells up in my heart, his warmth in my hand, and before me is his most familiar expression.

The accumulation of longing and his gentle words make me unable to resist leaning my head against his shoulder and nuzzling it.

MC: I'm the same.

MC: Every move you make, it's all connecting with me.

MC: Sowing, nurturing the soil, watering, fertilizing, and then the flowers bloom…

MC: Every time you share these with me, it's like I can feel your emotions in that moment.

MC: You sharing your happiness with me makes me feel even happier.

Lucien: Mm, I like sharing with you.

Lucien: (softly) It's like we're taking care of them together, and you're right here by my side.

MC: If that's the case, then I'm just like you.

MC: When I see the photos of the seedlings you post, I imagine how you planted them.

MC: When I'm planting jasmine flowers, I also feel like we're nurturing them together.

MC: I get incredibly happy when I receive emails from you, and I imagine the world you see through the things you share.

MC: I feel like I have something to look forward to every day because of the promise I'm about to fulfill, it’s as if... all the waiting and longing is sweet.

Lucien reaches out and pulls me into his arms, affectionately nuzzling the tip of my nose.

Lucien: (tenderly) Endless is just a broad concept of time, it doesn't even begin to capture a fraction of my longing to see you again.

Lucien: MC, I miss you so much.

Lucien: Even though you are right in front of me.

The gentle breeze, carrying the fragrance of flowers, rustles the branches and leaves inside the flower hall. In my ears, there is the gentle rustling of leaves and Lucien's slightly sinking voice.

In a moment of reverie, the hues of the sunset have a scent, and the fragrance of flowers has a sound.

I submerged myself in the veins of his longing, where love flourishes abundantly, lush and verdant.

[honey-minded-hivemind]

I've done a Backstory!Post! for the first of my currently mentioned platonic yandere favorites... now I think it is time for the next one. To begin with, we had how Logan Howlett/Wolverine met his bby... so that means Victor Creed/Sabretooth is next! Let's begin this second Backstory!Post:

• Victor has not had a pretty life. Abused by his father, seen as a freak, hurt and cursed and hated, it wasn't a hard choice for him to decide to become the monster everyone expected him to be. It served them right. Everyone was the same, cowards and pigs, the lot of 'em. And if one was to survive, you had to be the meanest, the strongest, of the lot. He could count on his hand how many people he actually had an interest in.

• His bby is likely someone who surprises him. They are something unexpected, something different than the usual people he deals with. Maybe they are someone with a powerful mutation, or someone who happened to gain the upper hand on him. Maybe they have been dealt a similar hand to him, being hurt to such a degree that it leaves lasting wounds on their psyche... Either way, this bby isn't scared of him. For some reason, they don't see him as someone to revile or hate... if anything, they might be neutral, or even cordial, with him. For once, someone just treats him like a person.

• Their first meeting could be anywhere, really. Perhaps they meet on opposite ends of a fight... perhaps they are in the same group for the time being... for this scenario, I think they would both be held captive by someone. A scientist who wants to study different mutants and their abilities, and in turn make them into weapons, pawns, their own personal soldiers. This person is cruel and manipulative, playing their captives against each other, in an attempt to leave them unwilling to unite against them. Yet for the bby... they don't crack...

• And for the life of him, Victor can't figure out how they did it... how his bby stayed themself, unbroken and untamed... but no matter how they did it, he's not complaining... this is their origin story of meeting, after all, and of course his bby would turn out to be as unbreakable as he is...

• Of course it's his luck to get stuck in this situation. Another freak-of-the-week mad scientist wantin' to try their hand at mutant experimentation. Yep. Just his freakin' luck. And this one... this one is one f*cked up son uv a gun...

• You're not having a great time. Some nut-case is capturing and testing mutants... and you're one of the (un)lucky souls who got caught. Your mutation can only do so much, and this complete psycho has prepared for almost every ability there could be. All sorts of drugs, plenty of torture devices, not to mention the actual power-negating stuff... and this freak doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. They want to break you, to squash you into nothing and program you and every other mutant here into their personal toys...

• And you happen to have gotten on their nerve this time. It's not like this is the first time you've tried... but this is the first time they actually showed any outward signs of anger. They didn't take too well to you calling their work meaningless, a disgrace to science... so it seems they've finally decided to do something about you... So here you are, being dragged into a room and locked inside until they see fit to "test you" again... but... the thing is... you're not alone in there...

• Great... looks like they brought 'im some fresh meat... Victor groans a little as he gets up. Chains hold him to the floor, shackled to a thick metal cuff around each of his wrists. D*mn it... he can't even leave his side of this prison. And he takes a good look at what the lab rats brought 'im... and he isn't very impressed. It's a kid, that much he can tell... one who looks roughed up quite a bit... heh. Seems like someone made the doc mad.

• "Heh. Looks like we're gunna be stuck here fer a while, huh, whelp? Why don't'cha come closer, so we can get better acquainted?" He watches them, as they take in their new surroundings. The fresh meat winces as they move, but, they do approach him... yet they stay just out of reach... and then ask if he's okay...

• What? Is the whelp drugged er somethin'? They seem to realize what they just asked, and rub at their neck, looking sheepish. They point out that it's a stupid question, but that they are concerned. About him. "Uh, whelp. Ya realize ya should be more worried 'bout yerself, right? The doc must be rather p*ssed with ya ta throw ya in here with me." He lets out a cackle, then regrets it almost immediately when his chest aches with every breath. D*mn that f*cking *sshole doctor, professor, whatever the h*ll they claim to be! The whelp ain't the only one who earned the doc's wrath... whatever the loon gave him, it inhibits his healin' ability...

• "I guess the doc doesn't really like us, eh? This must be "special time-out" fer us, huh, fresh meat?" He sighs, his ribs aching with the motion. The kid hasn't stopped looking at him, but... it's not with fear, or contempt... if anything... they actually look worried fer 'im... They shuffle their feet uneasily, but he can't smell fear on them. None in the least. Blood, sure. Sweat, yep. But not a trace of panic or hate. Huh.

• You watch your cell-mate with concern. He's a giant. Chains hold him back, limiting his movement and leaving him trapped to the back of the cold room. Dark, dried blood covers him, and you can see wounds where the cuffs rubbed against his wrists. Not to mention the bruises coloring patches of his skin splotches of greenish-tinged black. He looks dangerous, deadly... but you stay near, asking if he wants something to eat...

• "Ya realize there ain't any food here, don't'cha, fresh meat? Unless yer offerin' ta be a sacrifice," he huffs out. But you just chuckle, and produce something hidden within the fold of your sleeve... it's a squashed protein bar... but... it's food...

• You ask the man if he doesn't mind that this is what you were able to hide on you. Then promptly explain that it won't taste very well, but it should sate some of his hunger. That he needs it just as much as you or anyone else here needs it. You notice the shackles restrict his arms to the point he can't lift them to his face... possibly as a method to force him to rely on the scientist and their minions for everything... you ask if he's still hungry, and that you're going to have to hold it for him while he eats, if he wants it...

• "'Kay, then. I promise, I won't bite ya. Scout's honor. Now, can ya come over here? I'm starvin'." He waits patiently as you approach him, bringing the much-needed food with you. You open it, holding it up for him to eat, still no signs of panic or fear. He can't help but chuckle a little at that. Looks like ta him, you're one tough little whelp. Maybe you're worth keepin' 'round...

• He takes a bite from the offered food, and you give him a soft, tired smile...

• "Not bad... hmm... thanks, whelp. I think we're gunna get along just fine..." With that, he devours what's left of the food... this moment is how you met Victor... and he never would've guessed that he'd end up with someone like you as his bby...

[wandering-spaghetti]

I want to share one of my favorite little things to make. It's a go to item for me when I feel like making something but I really don't feel like putting much effort or thought in. A zombie project if you will. I know, sue me for wanting a low effort, low brain power something to do once in a while.

So what is this zombie project you ask?

Crochet wash cloths!

And super simple ones at that. I've come up with a size that absolutely suits my needs and works up within a couple hours of mindless crocheting.

The latest ones I have made are from a color I found at Walmart which is called "Chocolate Milk" and I just adore how the colors mix when working these wash cloths. I will add a link at the end of this post to the exact yarn I use as well.

These turn out so soft and sturdy they can be used anywhere from bathing a baby to moonlighting as a hot pad in the kitchen.

The magical part of these to me is the simplicity to make. There's no complicated stitches to remember or rounds to keep up with. It's all one stitch and you stop whenever it reaches the length you want. Personally I've found that and 8"X8.5" size is perfect for my needs.

For anyone wanting to replicate the "pattern" goes like this.

Begin by chaining 30. Turn

Single crochet into the first chain from the hook and each chain across.

At the end of the row chain one and turn.

Single crochet into every stitch across.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 until wash cloth reaches your desired length.

It's that simple! For even beginners this is a fun pattern to do because you only need to know how to chain and single crochet.

The finished product should look something like this.

Another reason I love making these is that they are so easy to take with along anytime I leave the house. I just shove my yarn and my hook in my bag and go so it's super easy for me to keep my hands busy if I get an idle moment.

I especially like to crochet in the car. I am usually a passenger princess whenever Travis and I are going places so this helps me keep my hands busy but also my mind free to talk as well which is something I seem incapable of doing while I'm on my phone scrolling Facebook or Pinterest because I have tunnel vision AND selective hearing apparently.

Crochet rather than scrolling saves me a lot of "Huh?s" and Travis a lot of breath repeating himself.

I spent last weekend snapping out a couple of these while we were riding dirt roads (a favorite pastime of Travis's) and checking out all the water from the recent deluge of rain we had.

Keep these in mind next time you have a creative spark but not much motivation to tackle a big project. They are great at making me feel accomplished but also not being too big of a commitment because I struggle with finishing things.

Amazon link:

And for anyone that likes these but doesnt want to make them, I have them listed in my Etsy shop as well.

Hope you've enjoyed this read and if you make any of your own wash cloths please feel free to share them with me!

You can find me on Instagram

Post may contain affiliate links.

[saritagiovanna]

"I'm Going Slightly Mad" and Good Omens 2

YES!! This song is ABSOLUTELY in Good Omens Season 2. Just like the other coffee shop scenes, I didn't hear it until I saw it in the X-Rays! (So is The Show Must Go On, see my post about that). It's in Episode 5. Nina already called Crowley out on being an item ("bit on the side") with Aziraphale. This is about 13 minutes into the episode. (My apologies, if anyone knows how to do screenshots or GIFS, please message me or comment so I can figure out how to capture this visually). The scene I'm referencing is where Nina is all alone and has the chalkboard displayed on the counter and starts getting emotionally abusive texts from her partner. These texts are displayed on the chalkboard, and then Nina erases them away. The scene RIGHT BEFORE this is where Crowley calls Aziraphale over as he sits at the French restaurant drinking some wine and hiding from Jim/Gabriel, worried about being "smited? smote?"..."Smitten, I believe." He is WORRIED, he stayed up all night WORRYING about what could happen. The scene RIGHT AFTER Nina erases texts from the chalkboard is Crowley confronting Jim/Gabriel about trying to destroy Aziraphale and telling "my only friend to shut his stupid mouth and die...and I did not care for it." Crowley goes TO THE EDGE and tells Jim/Gabriel to jump out the window. This is UNHINGED Crowley...and yes, indeed he is "Going Slightly Mad."

Crowley isn't the only one, however, "Going Slightly Mad," and I'm curious why and how Nina is also "going slightly mad." I don't think it has anything to do with her abusive relationship, but rather all the weird stuff that is going on around her. Think about all the times that Crowley and Aziraphale are trying to influence them...they are FOCUSED on Nina and Maggie getting together. Think about their power TOGETHER when they made the miracle SO BIG it sent alarm bells off in Heaven. Do you think those miracles towards Nina and Maggie could have a...strange effect on them? Is that why they can't be "hypnotized" after the demons storm the bookshop? I still think something odd beyond what we can see is going on, but even if it's just the miracles pointed in their direction, at least Nina is sensing something weird. She even expresses this in Episode 5 to Aziraphale and to Maggie. She knows Something is going on, and she can't quite put her finger on it.

This song really is a great look at how both Nina and Crowley are feeling "slightly mad" about things going on around them. The other thing it COULD mean is that..."we, as the audience" are also going "slightly mad" since we know something is weird and we can't quite put our fingers on exactly WHAT is going on. FOR EXAMPLE...I just think it's interesting that the coffee shop is ALWAYS playing Queen songs (just in instrumental versions), just like the Bentley...

It's just all these small details that I freaking love! Here are the lyrics if you want to see what I mean!

I'm Going Slightly Mad, Queen

When the outside temperature rises And the meaning is, oh, so clear One thousand and one yellow daffodils Begin to dance in front of you. Oh, dear

Are they trying to tell you something? You're missing that one final screw You're simply not in the pink, my dear To be honest, you haven't got a clue

I'm going slightly mad I'm going slightly mad It finally happened, happened It finally happened. Oh, oh It finally happened I'm slightly mad

Oh, dear!

I'm one card short of a full deck I'm not quite the shilling One wave short of a shipwreck I'm not my usual top-billing

I'm coming down with a fever I'm really out to sea This kettle is boiling over I think I'm a banana tree

Oh, dear

I'm going slightly mad I'm going slightly mad It finally happened, happened Finally happened. Uh, huh Finally happened I'm slightly mad

Oh, dear!

Ooh-ooh-ah-ah, ooh-ooh-ah-ah

I'm knitting with only one needle Unraveling fast. It's true I'm driving only three wheels these days But, my dear, how about you?

I'm going slightly mad I'm going slightly mad It finally happened It finally happened Oh, yes It finally happened I'm slightly mad! Just very slightly mad! And there you have it!

[verybigdinosour]

Accidental post!!!

Aaaahhhh whyyyyyy

Status: Captured

Arthur's note: this story is about Mich meeting the space riders, sorry if it looks like I'm bouncing around his story.

I'll have y'all decide whose space riders OC meets Mich.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mich stands there looking at the blacked out window in front of him. He could sense that there were critters at the other side of the window looking back at him. Mich then looks down.

Mich: "*sigh*, what have you gotten yourself into..."

Mich doesn't know where they are taking him or what will happen to him, but he knows it's not going to be good. It's been fifty minutes since Mich woke up, when he awoke he found himself standing on a device that prevented him from moving and stripped from his gear. Mich hoped they took his ship with them, for if Mich manages to escape he would have a ride.

6 Hours Ago

Mich was orbiting a planet's moon waiting for his probe to finish mining ore on the moon. As for why Mich was not on the moon, both the planet and the moon were completely covered in red smoke. Mich doesn't know what it is but he senses that the red smoke is not good. Mich would sometimes see this red smoke on other planets and would give off the same feeling, not good, not safe. So Mich would usually avoid these planets covered in red smoke. But not this one, Mich was sent here on a collecting mission for somecritter.

Al-ex: "Warning, three patrol ships have been detected exiting hyperspace."

Mich: "Great."

After hearing this, Mich told his probe to return back to the ship quickly. The probe started to return back to the ship but the probe's ETA ("estimated time of arrival" for those who don't know) would be ten minutes, another thing that worried Mich is that there was nowhere to hide while waiting for the probe, and Mich didn't feel like hiding in the red smoke. Mich hoped they wouldn't ask too many questions if they found him.

Mich spotted the patrol ships flying by, it wouldn't be long for the patrol ships to spot Mich and start flying towards him. Things couldn't be anymore perfect for Mich.

Patrol 1: "This is [space rider patrol] calling to unknown ship, do you know that this place is unsafe and restricted to be at, right?"

Mich: "oh.. uh.. I didn't know this place was restricted."

Patrol 3: "Then why are you here?"

Mich: "I'm waiting for a friend, he told me to wait here."

Al-ex: "*not being picked up in the call* Probe ETA, five minutes."

Patrol 1: "Well then, tell your friend they should pick a different spot to meet up alright?"

Mich: "Yes, right, I'll for sure tell them."

Patrol 1: "Great, you're free to go."

Patrol 2: "Not so fast, can you show us some identification."

Patrol 1: "Why identification? He's free to go."

Patrol 2: "To you, can't be too safe nowadays, well unknown ship?"

Mich: "uh.. Here's my identification."

Mich then sends them a fake identification that he prepared for these types of situations.

Al-ex: "Probe ETA, two minutes."

Patrol 3: "You're wasting time [patrol 2]."

Patrol 2: "can it."

Mich was starting to get nervous, will they see through his fake ID? Mich though. After a little while, Mich spotted his probe flying towards his ship.

Patrol 3: "Is that a probe?"

Patrol 2: "what? I think it i- huh? It has a drill, he's illegally mining!"

After hearing this Mich fired a missile at the patrol, the missile was an EMP ("electromagnetic disturbance" for those who don't know") that will disable their ship for a few minutes depending on their technology. After Mich's probe docked on his ship he started up his hyperdrive and entered hyperspace.

Al-ex: "Warning, two patrol ships are trailing."

This is bad, very bad, Mich though. After hearing this Mich then exited hyperspace and flew to a nearby platen, the planet he chose had very dense clouds that were very hard to see through and scramble radar. After entering the planet Mich then entered the clouds, Mich was flying straight down to the planet. This was very dangerous but Mich knew when to pull up, because he uses this planet to practice his maneuverability. Mich then exited the clouds and was met with sharp rocks coming out of the ground of the planet surface. Mich then pulled up and started avoiding the rocks, barreling left, barreling right, this would make a critter very sick but not for Mich.

After avoiding the rocks Mich made it to a clearing and stabilized his ship. Mich was looking around trying to see if the two patrol ships were still following him, nothing, or so he thought. Mich was then hit with an EMP making his ship stop flying, he was then tractor beam which made his ship stop dead in its tracks. Little did Mich knew there was a panel that came loose behind him, from all the barreling, and after stopping so abruptly the panel flew towards the cockpit window and then hitting Mich in the face, knocking him unconscious. Seems Mich didn't account for the space riders advance technology.

End.

(here's a song I think would fit the scene, fly into a planet, avoiding obstacles, while being chased, skip to 1:50 to hear it)

[dandelion-wings]

*kicks legs cutely* torture whump?

I was going to preface with "as you know" and then realized the last two times I posted about it, I prefaced it insufficiently and confused at least one person each (and myself the second time), so. XD The general plot summary is: Jean goes to a secret meeting that Kaeya set up for her with some Abyss Order defectors -> some agents of the Abyss Order capture Kaeya to try and learn where the meeting is, with the intention of seizing or killing both Jean and the defectors -> Jean gets home to find out that Kaeya has been missing for four days -> they eventually find and rescue him -> a bunch of comfort/recovery aftermath.

Now, you can proceed to ignore the whole "plot" part, because this is 100% an excuse to physically torture Kaeya and emotionally torture Jean, then indulge in the post-whump comfort. To the extent that I was a good bit into planning this out by the time poor aromantic-eight woke up to a Discord message of my pros and cons list for "should the bad guys be the Fatui or the Abyss Order?" and the entire enabling plot was back-engineered from there. XD

Anyway I am writing this WILDLY out of order because sometimes I am in the mood for the torture part, sometimes I am in the mood for the action parts, sometimes I am in the mood for the post-rescue comfort, and sometimes I think of a clever idea to write into the setup, so I can't guarantee any particular bit I'm spinning up now will survive the eventual "turn this into a coherent narrative," but I will give you some of the setup I was playing with last time I worked on it!

"That's very impressive," Lisa remarks from the couch where she's positioned herself with a cup of tea, just as if Jean was here to share it with her. "But maybe you could do a little less showing off, and a little more writing with it? We don't want to leave all that work for Jean to do when she gets back." At her words, Kaeya freezes, snatching the quill he'd been spinning before it can fall from mid-air. Here he thought he'd beaten that urge by locking his usual Mora away in a drawer. He smirks at Lisa, trying to cover for his inattentive fidgeting. "We, huh? Funny, I don't see you doing much of the paperwork." "Yes, but I'm not the Acting Grand Master. Everything on that desk needs *your* signature, cutie. I've already done what I can do this morning, while you were out on inspection. Now it's time for a well-deserved afternoon tea." Lisa's smile is benign, but he can see a trace of sympathy in her eyes that makes his skin itch. "*Acting* Acting Grand Master," he corrects her, smirking all the harder. "I can hardly claim Jean's title, even temporarily. She needs it at the moment to prove her bona fides, after all." All his obnoxiousness earns him is a mildly exasperated look. Lisa takes another long sip of her tea, then shifts in her seat, patting the cushion beside her. "Acting Acting Grand Master, then. You know, I think you could use an afternoon tea break, too. Chamomile is wonderful for nerves." The itching sensation intensifies. Kaeya resists the urge to squirm in his seat, uncomfortable with both her keen gaze and her kindness. His mouth is open to make an even more obnoxious retort when a knock on the door draws both their attention.

[inventors-fair]

Coming Across the Line: Vehicle Runners-Up ~

Our runners-up this week are @hypexion, @nine-effing-hells, and @real-aspen-hours!

@hypexion — Arcano-Blimp

I think the first thing I have to regrettably wish for in retrospect is I wish this card had its own kind of crew ability somehow. There's the restriction of casting, which is totally fine; having that casting allow for either the animation OR buff would've allowed this card a little more versatility. All the same, I thought about this in an eggs- or storm-style deck first and foremost. The desire to cast a lot of spells in a turn means that this wants cheap, reducible, draw-efficient cards to really go off.

Perhaps without keyword abilities, this card should've been uncommon as well. The more that I look at this card, the more I appreciate the mechanical possibilities and wish there was a little more power behind it. Conceptually this card is quite interesting, and the name's relation to having a purely spell-powered card is unique enough that I understand why the choices to not have it crew are there. Why not have the ability to exile additional cards to animate it as well, perhaps? Also, why not have a blimp gain flying? I wanted to put this card here to showcase its mechanical interest and how it captured me. I do wanna tinker with it a lot more.

@nine-effing-hells — Naglfar, the Keel of Dead Nails

Huh, and it just came to mind that there were two cards that had cards exiled with them in the runners-up. Interesting! Well, no matter—we have a nail-made ship here. Gross-teresting! We've seen creatures similar to this before, but not vehicles in this way, and I appreciate the commitment here. Black and blue haven't really seen each other with this ability-borrowing, surprisingly, not purely. That's fascinating but I mean, it also checks out that it makes sense together here.

There's the Kaldheim-ian aspects that matter and that's all good, with you so far there, even if the mythology isn't in my wheelhouse. The ships and vehicles of Kaldheim's world were cool to me. Did they have too many rare vehicles? I don't remember much having an impact. Regardless, I love the name, and I think while this card wouldn't make waves, it would be a great mythic to open in limited and someone would love to have it as a rule-0 commander. Keyword soup is always fun. I think that's about all we got, right? Good cards are good, haunting corpse-ships are haunting.

@real-aspen-hours — Phoenixflame Chariot

The only wording question I would say is that the second ability might need to say "Phoenixflame Chariot escapes as an artifact creature with a +1/+1 counter on it." Everything else is just a question of: what ORDER do these go in? The escape additions usually come after the escape, so that should be moved down, but where does the crew go? Keywords are first, so that's normal, but the crew cost is weird. Honestly, I think that the flavor text is a little...oddly parsing for me and squishes the text. This was a text submission so it's hard to see, but like, these are a LOT of abilities.

And they work well! This card is wildly powerful for red and needs to be dealt with immediately. I love how hard it would be to actually do so, and having it escape so powerfully is certainly phoenix-like. Whether or not this card would warp limited is a genuine question, but like, everything can be dealt with. I think this card has a lot going for it in terms of power level and I appreciate it a lot. It's a weird vision in the perfect kind of weird that this contest wanted. It's strong and world-based and just looks fun to play!

Commentary shall be worked on all the live-long day, and will be posted soon as I can get 'em done. @abelzumi

[starleska]

Oh, but that sounds wonderful! I'd love to be cursed like that, even if it does make it a little more difficult to get work done 😉 Usually, unless I'm trying particularly hard, I can only hear their voice reciting things they've already said. Which isn't too terrible when they say such things like Gargamel tends to😳😳

This guy's got me smiling at thin air trying to recall all my recent daydreams LOL- Alright, alright, as you could've probably guessed, I certainly enjoy imagining size difference stuff!! The most common scenarios are getting shrunken down to relative Smurf size and seeking shelter in his place, getting captured by him, and though I'm visibly not a Smurf, he finds he wouldn't mind keeping me anyway...😳 AHHH, and the other is I'm actually a Smurf, and he's captured me and is trying to get the location of the others out of me.

Imagining being his assistant is a whole other world of possibilities! In particular, him getting so caught up in his rants about the Smurfs, he backs me up against a boiling cauldron and leans over me, and it's hot but so is he-

Then there's my 2011 Smurfs movie based one, where I temporarily take Patrick and Grace's place and harbor the Smurfs in my home, Gargamel finds out and when they continue to get away from him, he kidnaps me and I'm subjected to be his accomplice for basically the rest of the movie LOL. And generally the idea of introducing him to everyday modern things is always fun, especially when I'm out and can imagine him next to me and commenting on things.

Goodness, apologies for how long that got 🤣 I totally get that, but I agree, what a nice thought! Speaking like characters that make you smile—I've noticed you've got yourself a new wonderful little guy to obsess over!! Him and his media look super interesting based on what you've posted, I'll have to check it out when I get the time. I hope you're having a wonderful time with it <3

sweetheart, hello!!!! ahhh i am so sorry - this ask got absolutely buried in my inbox underneath the hundreds of Welcome Home-related requests!! that's absolutely on me 💔 how are you doing? i hope you're having a lovely day 🥰

hahaha, you have an excellent point…Gargamel really does know how to say things which push certain buttons, huh? 😳 ohhhh the size difference stuff is so cute, yes yes yes!! hehe, imagine a magical mishap wherein he's trying to perfect a size-shrinking spell for himself so he can infiltrate the Smurf Village without their knowledge, but you end up being the unintentional victim!! but when he realises how much you know about the Smurfs, and how docile and subservient you are…well, he's certainly not in a rush to figure out how to get you back to your regular size, is he? 😉

as for actually being a Smurf, perhaps he covets you in a way he could never feel towards the others, because you want to be around him. it's incredibly soothing to his ego, and it doesn't hurt that with you, he has a small yet constant stream of magic to help fuel his desire for more power. of course, he still wants all of the Smurfs…but for you, who gives your essence so willingly? he's certainly going to find ways to, ahem…show his gratitude 😳

ohhh goodness, that assistant scenario!!!!! i love that so much, you are a genius 😖💖 gosh, wouldn't it be terrible to be squirming against the strength of his grip and trying to pull away from the heat, but Gargamel notices: he sees the flush in your cheeks, hears the stutter of your breath. "Oh, my dear," he whispers. "Is there something about this situation which you find…alluring?"

sdfgfd i love you so MUCH i adore how many different ways you've thought of shipping yourself with Gargamel, and how delightfully canon-compliant it is!!! god, you're making me want to write a real fic now 👀 that's such a fun dynamic - you being a human endeared to the Smurfs who is torn between wanting to help them, but also how horribly, ragingly attracted you are to this bad, bad man…

hahaha please don't worry at all!!! it was a treat combing through all these asks and discovering this right at the bottom - i thought maybe you'd vanished in the wake of all the Welcome Home stuff :3c hehe yes, Wally Darling is such a little angel!! i can't recommend Welcome Home enough, it's excellent. but don't worry, i have by no means left Gargamel behind;;; please know you're always welcome to message off-anon if you work up the courage!! but i absolutely adore talking to you and hearing all about your Gargamel love, it makes my heart all fluttery :3c

sending so much love your way!! i hope you are having a great day :D

[jurweem]

WcWd: This OC I introduced but refused to elaborate on a couple weeks ago

I should start by introducing him: his name is E'lim! I chose it because it sounded partially like "Eli" with a bit of the word "limb" mixed in. TBH I just mash random syllables together when coming up with names (this was moreso the case back when E'lim here was made, but that's still part of my naming process sometimes)

I mentioned that he usually wears a more plain attire when he appeared two Wednesdays ago. Well, turns out that I never settled on consistent shoes, either. Here's a couple more pixel art drawings I found of him:

There's quite a few more (probably unfinished) drawings of this fella hidden within the containers for nigh every medium I used around 2019-2021. After that? Not sure what happened, but suddenly I didn't like him. Like, I think he'd be more appealing as a character if his arms were noodley but I always drew them so stiff as though they had bones and it looked weird.

Looking back, I didn't have a good enough grasp of how to make this type of character: noodley limbs that definitely don't connect to the rest of the body in an anatomically correct way, oversized shoes that will inevitably result in cursed imagery if taken off, gloves that are likewise over-inflated and never to be removed... huh maybe I should do a character design study on Sonic characters

I also constantly gave him that stupid-looking smile. It reminds me of the Dreamworks face meme now and I hate it. Now, if I were to redesign this guy? I'd embrace the fact that he's supposed to be stylized, and NOT worry about whether or not he appears to have bones because it seems like that's exactly what I did every single time I drew him and, poor guy, that's not a good look for him 😔

...I wanted to end the post with that paragraph, but then I started typing up the other two-thirds of this post in the hashtags. So here's my rant about the canvas sizes: the "Halloween" one was WAAAY too big for starters. There was this whole era of my drawings where I wanted to be able to capture the details that other mediums offer, but I also didn't want to use other mediums because pixel art was what I was best at. I ended up just taking an unnecessarily long time on massive pixel art canvases, all because I had concerns about working in a software like ibisPaint or Procreate. "Pixel art doesn't require brushes, so how would I know which brush to use?" "What on earth is a 'blending mode'?" "I can't draw a straight line for the life of me, and you want me to add weight to them now??" I'm pretty sure most self-taught artists have struggles like those, though; I was just a bit late to it because learning those things wasn't needed in my pixel artist skillset, oddly enough

Anyway. Those two drawings of E'lim with a clipboard are actually some of the last I made, both of him and in oversized pixel art. You might can tell that I was beginning to address all of the problems I've brought up in this post already; the scale on it is smaller than the Halloween drawing, and the face isn't just a widened smile peering directly into the viewer's soul. Regardless I still wasn't proud of how he kept turning out in my drawings (and also didn't fit into my shifting ideas for worldbuilding) so I lost interest in drawing him and he fell out of being one of my main OCs.