#i love her little pantaloons

[bureauen]

ponyo! pen, bamboo brush, and ink

[indigo-flowers09]

I absolutely love these designs! and was just wondering what inspired them? I'm curious of what the plot's about, since everyone's species swapped

why not answer this question with another ref sheet(?) :3

I’d like to say, first and foremost, thank you very much for the love 🫶 i love getting asks and requests, these sillies live in my brain and drawing them is their rent

Second, i’m probably gonna keep plot talk on the DL unless i decide not to make a comic! Sorry :,3

Last but not least, inspirations. hooo boy this is a doozy

Firstly i wanna say i was inspired to make a comic specifically because of older ut comic dubs (Christmas party, handplates, Aftertale, etc) along with Scott Pilgrim and @akanemnon’s Twin Runes comic! (check them out i love twin runes a lot!!!)

The idea for the au is really just “What if the humans were monsters and the monsters were humans?” or, also “what if the (former) monsters were on the surface and the (former) humans were underground?” Classic Overtale plot!

Going in order, starting with AXIS, he’s actually one of the newest designs! i made him in my german class last week („•v•„U ) I wanted Axis to have a design change but remain a robot, maybe being more humanoid due to being made by a human! Changed his pipes and light bulb into what resembles hair and his wheel into roller blades!

Next up, Ceroba! i’ll be honest, i really don’t like Cerobas canon design that much. Love the colors but the short skirt and boots are not it, especially if she’s intended to be a more traditional japanese character. Like she’s not a magical girl, she’s in her 30’s?? Anywho, i made her prominently orange instead of pink (again, magical girl) along with lightening natural hair due to age and stress!

Clover. Clover Clover Clover!!! what do i even say about this precious little pup?! :3

I guess i could start with them being a Kitsune, of course, being switched with the Ketsukanes. Seeing as Ceroba is a mother and is often portrayed as taking a motherly role to clover, i figured a kitsune would fit them nicely! Along with being a cute, fun to draw, and curious troublemaker! I always like to remind myself that Clover’s just a kid.

Next up, Star! or, in this au, Stanley Sterling, the performative sheriff of a humble little town! i decided to switch up his poncho a little, for the sake of changing his design, gave him chaps (i like to call em pantaloons hoohoo!) and teal tassels for days! He’d prolly know more about cowboys than canon Starlo because, yknow, he lives on the surface!

Ah Martlet, or now, Marlette! but most just call her Marley. She has ~4 different outfits planned, a cozy, aviator style one for “Snowdin”, a sleeveless shirt with her flannel round her waist and a bandana for “the Dunes” and that flannel over her shoulders for “New Home”! along with a tee and pj’s for the epilogue. Her outfit is easy to manipulate so it only stays the same so often. Also, talon boots! ;]

And Dalv! Poor fella stayed a monster for the plot 😿 but i changed his design so he’s got a jacket similar to the one he has in Snowdin in uty but a whole lot smaller lol, along with a Batty pendant, a red vest and shoes and carved down horns! poor fella :(

Feel free to ask questions about these guys i am more than pleased to talk about them

[missmarveledsblog]

Grumpy cat ( Logan howlett x wade wilson x reader)

summary : adjusting to a new life and trying to recover from the old one logan is withdrawn but the help of google and a special something wade is determined to make it all better .

warnings : swearing , goofy humour really , not proofread ( soz)

@silverflowers14 thank you for the request it had me fucking dying🤣🤣

Starting over was hard  even more so when its’ a completely different timezone , universe and life. Faces lost in his own could he call it world? suddenly  back alive and walking around it was almost mocking him of his own fuck ups , that pain he felt when he saw what remained and now it was like nothing because to them it never happened . then isolation , hatred and venom that followed not so much in this place, mutant and enhanced weren't as disgusting as they were in his timeline . people cheering on the name of a hero he just wasn’t , no matter what he did he was dammed a bad evil man in his mind. It wasn’t always bad  he did have friend now , if he could call them as such . that was new and he kinda liked them even wade wasn’t too bad not that he would admit such a thing out loud  ( “ i knew he liked me “) . 

Yet it was the first time he was spending that dreaded day in this new place, that sick feeling creeping up in his stomach as he watched day by day and that date getting faster and faster  .  the little interactions he was having becoming less and less , shoulders slumping second by second . a deep frown on etched on his face . grunt and huff in response to anyone dared even come close , shutting  down any form of communication before it start . he didn’t deserve their kindness or there love . 

Wade saw it , he observed and took note of the grumpy black cat he had in his home , well that wouldn’t do no sad bitch vibes here . so like the best friend and roommate ( *cough* lover *cough * he was  decided to make thing better but how? 

“ oh google you beautiful bitch and sexy problem solver “ he skipped knowing he would find the stuff to make it happen before the hot-tempered sex symbol that was his new room mate came back from a liquor induced pick me up  . a text to his neighbor y/n left unanswered so he took measure into his own hand got his hands on the good stuff and the ingredients to make betty crocker herself cream her pantaloons . it was masterpiece of sprinkles and icing   ready to be devoured cheer up the grumpiest of cats . he heard the door open and slam almost taking it off the hinges . 

“ woah peanut less of the slamming unless it’s in the bedroom “ he sang skipping to the door . 

“ wade why the fuck are you dressed like a house wife from the fifties ?” 

“ i wanted you to feel more at home and american civil war section was surprising all out ,” he winked twirling to show the skirt of his dress. “ anyways you look more pissed then blind al pmsing and out of cocaine ,we don’t do that sunshine so while you out drinking your old ass off i was here slaving away making something so tasty martha stewart would fall to her knee for ,take a seat kitten and prepare to have you sock fully fucking blown off “ . 

“ i don’t ..” 

“ nope nope none of that you will sit and taste my goodness and you will like it “ he pushed the man toward the table as logan stared down at the “ masterpiece” wondering if it wasn’t too late to head back to his own time  because shit was probably better then whatever the fuck was on the plate before him  . he would give it one thing it smelled ok something he couldn’t place on his finger on but the rest was good . a deep sigh on his face as he sat down watching wade struggling to cut through it . 

“ it’s bit hard is all but all good things are hard right” he strained cutting through finally getting through before smashing the plate underneath. 

“ here come the aeroplane “ he sang. 

“ come near me with that and i’ll cut your fucking hand off” logan growled . 

“ try a little bit “ he whine like perpetuate toddler  ( * gasp* hey you take that back ). 

“ fine lucky i can't fucking die maybe i can “ he grumble throwing a piece into his mouth as the merc with a mouth watched excitedly . 

“ is it good? What note are you getting” he asked jumping around . 

“ this taste how you look” was all logan said before storming off. 

“ might take a while to kick in “ he shrugged .

Trying to wallow when wade wilson was around was impossible task , one thing was he kept getting logan his drinks and food ,take out all smelling of something he just couldn’t place maybe it was some new craze but fuck it once it got him drunk and food in his belly ,   he didn’t care once he was drunk and fed , what he did care about was wade following him around asking him how he felt , it wasn’t totally out of the norm giving the fucker told them all how he felt no matter what he was feeling  but this was more persistent even for him .  He was almost delighted when a knock at the door hopefully someone he could push the  assholes attention to something new . prayers finally answered when he saw y/n standing  there like the savoir he need . 

“ hey logan wade here?” smiling up at the man . 

“ over there go have fun  i’m begging you “ he pushed her over as she could barely get words of protest out of her mouth . 

“ i can’t stay i promised a girls night sorry i didn’t text back touch on my phone is gone but i got the good stuff right here my friend michelle swears by it” she handed over the baggy .

 “ hope it’s better than shit i got , sprinkled it on everything even in his food and still a grumpy bitch” he exclaimed . 

“ so where is he?” she asked excitedly looking around the room . 

“ right there shit are you going blind too,  i knew it was contagious suck it al “ he yelled pointing the the scowling canadian . 

“ please tell me you haven’t been putting this in logans food “ she winced backing up to the front door. 

“ putting what in logans food “ 

“ google said it good for grumpy , depressed or anxiety riddled kitty cats ” wade shrugged. 

“ what is it ? have you been dosing me with drugs?” the man growled claws retracting .

“ see nothing … no sugar plum i would never drug you … wait is catnip a drug ?” he asked as she ran out not wanting to stay when the claws came out too many clothes she still couldn’t get the bloodstains out of  . 

“ STOP THROWING FUCKING CATNIP AT ME AND COME BACK HERE YOU BASTARD “ 

“ I DO IT BECAUSE I LOVE YOU POOKIEBEAR… AHH PINEAPPLE …. FUCK WHAT WAS THE SAFE WORD ” 

“ why is this normal to me “ y/n sighed heading down to her apartment smashing glass and wade shrieks following now muffled as she closed the door.

[novasolstarr]

Your art is so cool, when I got followed back this was my honest reaction:

I just got into the fandom recently due to playing pressure (and because of a certain fish) so yeah, overall very appreciated that I would get followed back! cool art btw!

IM GOING TO CRY ON EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU BLBLBL

I Am tERRIBLE with words but really and truthfully this means a lot, LIKE HBWBWBVLVL I NEED THERE TO BE A WAY FOR ME TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO ALL THESE AT ONCE

@ruzhuzhu YOU ESPECIALLY LIKE HBBWB DUDE YOUVE GOT FANTASTIC TRADITIONAL ART AND YOURE COMPLIMENTING M E?? I will sit there and stare at it for SO LONG it was genuinely jarring seeing an artist like yourself following me. You are not the only one who appreciates seeing some good traditional art around or even just some pencil work. See lots of paintings but never people just having fun with the good old pencil and paper

@crow-withaphone YOU AS WELL, THE ART IS GENUINELY SO FLUID AND SO FUN the style is SO SILLY /POS I love me some good round styles I don’t ever see them enoUGH

INFACT YOU ALL, THE WHOLLLEEE LOT OF YOU

GET LINKED

I REALLY HOPE THESE FORMAT RIGHT

[inlovewithregencyera]

transcript under cut : )

July 8th, 1818

*Louisa humming waltz*

Louisa: *making voice deeper* Lady

Aurelia, will you dance with me?

Bridget: But I thought you had already asked m-

Louisa: *whispering* No Birdie, I asked you when I was Louisa, now I am Frederick and you are Aurelia.

Bridget: Oh! *making voice higher* Yes, Frederick I'd love to!

Louisa: *faintly* Lord Worthington..

Bridget: *squeakily* Yes Lord Worthington, I'd love to!

Aurelia: *chuckling* Bridget your voice is much higher than mine!

Bridget: Is it really?

*Aurelia nods*

Louisa: *loudly whispering* Birdie for the last time you are Lady Aurelia, you do not answer to Bridget or Birdie, and we pretend that impostor over on the bed isn't there, alright?

Bridget: whispering Sorry!

Aurelia: Oh you both look so silly!

Louisa: *voice cracking* My goodness. what fine brown eyes you have my lady..

Bridget: But my eyes are blue?

Louisa: *loudly whispering* BIRDIE, AURELIA HAS BROWN EYES!

Bridget: Oh, yes. Thank you Lord Worthington, you also have very fine...*whispering* Aurelia, what color are his eyes...?

Louisa: BIRDIE!

Aurelia: Louie, please don't yell at her, she doesn't like it. His eyes are hazel, Birdie.

Bridget: *whispering* Thank you..-What fine hazel eyes you have Lord Worthington!

*Louisa humming off key*

*Bridget steps on Louisa’s foot*

Bridget: My goodness Lady Aurelia, have you two left feet..?

Aurelia: Louisa, please.

Bridget: Sorry...

Louisa: *loudly whispering* Best you dance with no one but Papa tonight.

Aurelia: Stop being mean to her!

Bridget: I don't think I want to play anymore...

Louisa: You’re so sensitive sometimes!

Bridget: You’re rude sometimes!

Aurelia: *extending arms* Come here B, ignore her.

*Bridget plops on bed*

Louisa: *rolling eyes* You are both ridiculous, I was joking.

Aurelia: I know, but you forget she is still a child.

Louisa: So am I!

Aurelia: *rubbing Bridget's back* Yes, but she's three years your junior and she's not even out yet.

Louisa: *exasperated sigh* Whatever. *flops on bed*

Aurelia: Maybe a little apology wouldn't hurt?

Louisa: That might ACTUALLY kill me.

Aurelia: Louisa!

Bridget: *giggling* Your love for history already kills me I'm tired of hearing about philosophers!

Louisa: *rolling eyes* Oh, but if I critiqued one of your silly interests or better yet, any of your flaws I'm mean.

Bridget: But your interests are masculine!

Louisa: Turning into Aunt Amelia are we?

Bridget: STOP IT NO I’M NOT!

Aurelia: *trying not to laugh* Louie, please just apologize to the poor thing.

Louisa: Fine. Birdie, I'm sorry I've hurt your feelings, could you find it in your heart to forgive me?

Bridget: NO!

Aurelia: *giggling* Birdie!

Louisa: *giggling* So much for your peace making efforts.

Bridget: I forgive you for being mean while dancing but NOT for comparing me to Aunt Amelia!

Louisa: Fair enough.

Aurelia: I too would be upset if I was compared to her. I can't tell which one is worse, her or her husband!

Bridget: I think poor Papa just puts up with them for the sake of our cousins getting away once in a while...he hates them I'm sure.

Louisa: No, I don't think he hates his own sister. Just who she chose for a husband.

*Aurelia chuckles*

Bridget: Why anyone would choose that THING for a husband I do not know.

Louisa: He looks like a blister!

Aurelia: I don't like him either but that's not very nic-

Louisa: HE'S not very nice. He made you cry last Christmas!

Aurelia: Oh but I was already crying I believe.

Bridget: He made you cry more. I HATE him and I mean it.

Louisa: *snickering* Since Aunt Amelia gave up dancing, perhaps you may dance with him tonight, Birdie?

Bridget: I'd rather expose my pantaloons for all to see!

Louisa: Well someone has to dance with him. We shouldn't make poor Aurelia dance with him, so SOMEONE should...

Bridget: And it won't be me! As you said, I shouldn't dance with anyone but Papa tonight.

Aurelia: Well I think-

Louisa: I'll not speak to that fool after he called my hair wooly last October. After Papa put him in his place he tried to play it off as a joke.

Aurelia: What? You never told me he-

Louisa: Yes, well you weren't yourself that much then. I didn't want to burden you with more stuff that could upset you..

Aurelia: *frowning* Oh.

Louisa: Oh, please take no offense Aurelia, I would've told you, believe me.

Aurelia: I know. I just wish I wasn't like this. Or rather, how I was last year. *sniffling* I'm sorry I hurt you both, please forg-

Bridget: NO! No tears today Aurelia, it's your big day and you will be happy and smiley if it's the last thing we have to make you do! You're almost truly of age!

Louisa: Yes, you will be very happy tonight! Why shouldn't you be, you'll be dancing with your whispering secret, not so secret lover again!

Bridget: Yes! Then he will propose by next week and all is forgotten, and then you'll have plenty of babies and be happy and Louisa and I will be their governesses as no man shall have either of us for we are both silly and ridiculous!

Aurelia: *wiping eyes* Do you think so?

Bridget: YES! We KNOW so!

Louisa: Yes, we do!

*Bridget and Louisa start frantically kissing Aurelia*

Louisa: inmitating Frederick* My dearest Aurelia!

Bridget: *imitating* Frederick* My dear darling!

Aurelia: cackling* STOP!

Louisa: My sweetheart!

Bridget: My pretty lady!

[princess-of-the-corner]

Thoughts on the Crystal Ball outfits from Legend of Everfree for the Rainbooms, Lyra, Bon Bon, Derpy, Gloriosa Daisy, Timber Spruce, and Bulk Biceps?

Oh a whole bunch okay!

Sunset - The fire theming! The colors! I love her!

Pinkie - looks a touch goofy with the pantaloons but it really fits her

Sci-Twi - actually a bit bold for her! Fits well with the 'overcoming trauma' arc! I think the blues are a little too on the green side, but most of her scenes are either with Sunset(wearing teal) or Timber (blue-ish green hair) so I think it's intentional to match her with them

Rarity - for some reason this isn't hitting. I think it's too much purple-on-purple and then that one bit of green throws it off.

Applejack - I love love love this dress! You'd think I'd be against dresses on AJ since I criticize them so often and you'd be wrong I love dresses on her when it's an appropriate event like this!!

Rainbow - Thank fuck they didn't put her in another rainbow abomination. It's still colorful but it's blocks of primary colors letting the design itself stand out without clashing with her hair. The design works too, being a dress and harmonizing with the rest of the group, but including pants and not being as femme.

Fluttershy - I almost love this but it's one of those times her design leans more into the flora rather than the fauna. Like they want to give her some nature-y designs, but they focus on butterflies and flowers(vine motif, tulip-shape skirt). While ofc the butterflies work, it gives the vibes of gardener rather than animal caretaker. And while she doesn't /need/ to give off animal caretaker vibes 24/7, the plant theme is odd.

Lyra - Still somewhat suffers from the color issues she usually does, but the skirt having various blues smooths it out. I think if the top was a different color it'd be better (if they want to keep the pink maybe a softer shade?)

Bon Bon - a little goofy but I love the shape joke she's literally a bonbon ha! Colors are a little odd though. They're like more saturated hues of her hair.

Derpy - lmao why is she wearing what I low-key joked about with Fluttershy? Love the colors though.

Gloriosa - A little confused. Her top half seems to be giving 'sunflower' but her skirt is more 'autumn leaves' . It looks fantastic until you notice that.

Timber - basic suit. Kinda boring tbh. At least give us a cooler tie.

Bulk - Oh hell yeah. Once again: goofy but aboslutely his vibe and rocking it

[spoofymcgee]

today was. bothersome. if we wanna be polite about it. so i watched the first half of wild blue yonder while running on the treadmill because i was buzzing out of my skin and needed to move but also figured i should do something nice for myself if i was gonna push myself physically like that. anyway.

oh he IS cute! little pantaloons! i love him.

heyyyyy my besties! can't wait to see what these motherfuckers get up to this time

donna is so fucking funny. she's hilarious. having the doctor play the straight man is great in so many ways. also they're just!!! having fun!!! clicking again!!! love it

aaaaaaaaaa just. other people have talked about how he pulls himself back from blaming her here and i just. i think i also want to talk about how he lets her blame him. and yell at him. and it's not equal here. but that's because he gets that it's worse for her that him, he gets that she has a family and is freaking the fuck out and maybe he doesn't get it because it's been so long since he had a family he didn't need to leave so he lets her freak out and catches himself when he starts playing off that too much

save me platonic hand kiss. platonic hand kiss save me. save me please.

no but actually the amount of trust and intimacy in this scene is just. he doesn't confine her. doesn't hold her. he just anchors her, and talks to her and FUCK. i love this show again.

old people golf cart!

what the fuck is wrong with him. why is he like this. it's hilarious.

FUCK FUCK FUCK

FUCKING FUCKITY FUCK

like i love the lighting choices but also. this is kind of horrific. and the fact that they're both doubting how well they know each other, because the not-things are. i think at least. pretty obvious from like the second line. but they're both thinking that it's been so long, and maybe the other person has changed, but no it's actually just fucked.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[eolewyn1010]

Downton Abbey Fashion 34 - wedding gowns in 1920

Time for the actual stars at the wedding events! In Mary’s case, that’s an eye-rolling “fucking finally!”, in Edith’s case… it’s a deep sigh and “she deserved better”. But I personally think Edith made the better deal fashion-wise. Shame that dress went to waste; she should have kept it. Cut it six inches shorter, dye it golden and wear it as an evening gown?

Here’s what I thought might have been a hot take, but turns out that I don’t stand on my own with my opinion: Mary’s first wedding gown was kind of underwhelming. I’ve read somewhere it was “show-stopping”, “stylish”, “very elegant”… and I kind of went “well, it’s nice, I guess.” But @thescarletlibrarian is probably right: The glamor of this doesn’t translate well to camera, as all the lace and beading are so white that they simply get washed out. So the dress looks somewhat more plain than it would be in the making. The lighting in her getting-dressed scene shows that there’s actually a lot of decoration on that fabric, but once she steps out onto the stairs, it is barely visible.

I’m not opposed to the shape itself, but I suspect it might have fallen more elegantly if it weren’t for the drop-waist sash. Tying the dress down there gives it overall more of an apron effect. I’m not sure how I feel about the neckline. I guess it frees her from having to choose a necklace, but I think I wouldn’t cringe at thought of how the fabric must have felt on her throat if she’s just left out these upper two inches of lace and instead used the boat neckline that’s still visible on the under layer. But showing her collarbones is probably scandalous. In a way, this dress fits Mary’s personality well; her dresses are in general a tad more conservative than Edith’s and Rose’s. And Sybil’s pantaloons, since we’re at it.

In all fairness – the veil is a dream. I’m hopelessly biased in favor of long veils, and this one coordinates so well with the trim on her train. It has some rather lovely trim itself; in the last picture, the tiny pearls are visible that must be there all along the at least two yards. And of course, she has the family tiara that @tiaramania can tell you more about and that’s the only piece of jewelry she wears because she obviously expected her dress to do most of the shiny job. It didn’t quite live up to the task, but that tiara is an antique, and it is gorgeous. Maybe it’s for the best it doesn’t have company there.

--------------

Edith also wears the tiara for her wedding, and while admittedly she does combine it with a necklace, it’s a small, understated number with a little drop pearl on it. Her veil is similarly long as Mary’s, but it looks plainer so she can dramatically throw it down the hall without conscience bites, apparently having no trim to speak of, and I think it has a little more structure to it, with the way it hovers a bit above the back of her head. Although that might also be because Edith’s hair has more structure.

Ironically, Edith’s neckline is pretty much exactly what I just imagined would have looked good on Mary’s dress. It’s not deep, but it curves enough to leave her collarbones uncovered. And where Mary opted for beaded lace, Edith goes with “plain” silk satin that’s flowing down her body into this dream of a train. Can we talk about the train? This flower-and-leaves embroidery is gorgeous. And I love the ruching on the hip; it gives her dress a shape that I personally find more flattering than Mary’s apron-with-a-sash style. I semi-recently tried, and mostly failed, to attempt this kind of hip ruching on a dress I made. Perhaps because I didn’t have the embroidery to pull it off.

You know, the entire drapery of the dress and the branches of her back embroidery reaching to her shoulders remind me a little of ancient Greek gowns. Which I realize sounds silly when I just described Mary’s style as more conservative, but it’s the impression I get from this smooth fabric and the asymmetrical design where Mary went for lace and symmetry. Now if only Anthony Strallan would have come to his conclusion a little earlier, maybe this beautiful dress wouldn’t be associated with a great injustice to Edith.

[lakesbian]

Im at work pls enjoy first draft of realistic wolf brian and sparkledog aisha finished version to come, will accompany previously posted wip coydog rachel and others

i have truly successfully kickstarted wormblr's undersider furry era this is fucking great. i love her silly little facial expression these are SO cute. everyone look at Them. manifesting that someone will draw alec's fursona hanging out w aisha's because i KNOW the contrast btwn neon eye-melting batwings demonhorns silly XD XP sparkledog and haunted looking white rabbit in a prissy dress or pantaloons with a little special prince crown would be fucking incredible

[calebwittebane]

gaia update!

her next appointment is later today, still monitoring the new tumor before we decide on the next step... sure hope this time chemo ends up being enough, i really dont want her to have to go thru yet another surgery. its a risk every time for an older cat like her. plus its in a difficult spot this time, close to ligaments and stuff. also, and i know its a strange thing to say, in this case her loving me so much actually constitutes something a problem... she fully wakes up the second she hears my voice or smells my presence, when it wouldve been better for her to sleep off the nausea and grogginess for a little longer 😭 but at the same time i dont wanna wait longer to pick her up because i know she'd be very very upset to wake up while i wasn't there. babyyyy

right now shes feeling and looking okay though. she got some anti-inflammatory shots on monday to help with her teefies, cuz her gums had been hurting (probably its cuz her immune system aint doing so hot rn), and it really helped. she ate a LOT yesterday and seemed really content about it. full tummy gaia :) the problem with her and her teeth is that it's kind of a recurring issue, once again probably stemming from her immune system getting kinda overwhelmed, and it makes it hard for her to eat her kibble (even if the bikkies are small, and soaking them isn't an option because she will NOT touch soggy bikkies even if she's very hungry). while id love to just switch her to wet food full time, that makes her poops very soft (very bad news for her and her funny furry pantaloons) and i... dont have the budget for it... i wouldnt give her and amity anything with a vague ingredients list and without stellar reviews, and high quality wet food in the "full meals every day" quantity is just not something i can afford. so she gets a nice spoonful of her favorite wet food (or canned tuna! she loooooves tuna) after taking her meds and thats it. i love that since its a reward for swallowing her pills, and amity gets the wet food too, amity always stands close and bonks gaia beforehand, like she's encouraging her and saying good luck... amity has been very nice to gaia in general lately. i mean she's still a bit of a nuisance to her, just because their personalities clash a little, but shes been trying hard to be very gentle. i loooooove amity's new habit of kissing gaia's paws. it's so sweet and adorable... thats right amity, your big sister is very fancy and chic, with dainty pawsies that need to be kissed!

she's also been very playful, which is good. she's got energy! and a new favorite toy, once again its part of a larger toy amity customized for herself (ripped parts off of) and it's this soft fuzzy orb thing. she's also been a little whiny, but i'm pretty sure that's just her complaining about the heat, it's not uncommon for her in summertime. she feels better when the fan is pointing at her. oh and she hates the lawnmowers outside... i dont wake up from the noises i wake up from her yelling at the noises ajdhfbxkdj. shes so annoyed.

wish it were easier to get a pet groomer appointment in this doggone town. a lion cut would definitely help her cope with the temperatures. plus knowing how funny she looks when her fur is wet id love to see her BALD she would look soooo funny. all the places with good reviews are always fully booked though it seems. swear to god this is all such a scam, Back In My Day if your cat was in surgery you could ask the vet to go ahead and give them a lion cut while they were still under anesthesia lmao. my own clippers just don't work with her fur either, it's too fine and soft. the cons of being a fluffy cloud... a toasted meringue angel... a lovely tiramisu girl... a silly baby s'more... a caramel frappucino princess...

[dwellordream]

“Southern women zealously supported the southern cause of independence. A Georgia woman wrote her local newspaper, ‘I feel a new life within me, and my ambition aims at nothing higher than to become an ingenious, economical, industrious housekeeper, and an independent Southern woman.’ Throughout the South, women urged their menfolk to enlist in the Confederate military. A Selma, Alabama, woman even broke off her engagement when her fiance failed to enlist. She sent him a skirt and pantaloons with a note attached: ‘Wear these or volunteer.’

Up North, women also showed passionate support--for the Union. Shortly after the war began, Louisa May Alcott, who later wrote the novel Little Women, confided in her diary, ‘I long to be a man; but as I can’t fight, I will content myself with working for those who can.’ Harriet Beecher Stowe called the Union effort a ‘cause to die for,’ and a woman in New York declared, ‘It seems as if we never were alive till now; never had a country till now.’ As their husbands and sons drilled and marched and prepared for battle in opposing armies, women of the North and South swung into action.

…Women also took over the work of men who had gone off to fight. Across the North and South, women took charge of family farms and plantations as their men battled in Antietam or Chancellorsville or Gettysburg--or lay languishing in makeshift army hospitals or military prisons. Some women despaired at the enormous responsibilities of planting, plowing, and running a farm, but other women met the challenge head on--and discovered new strengths and abilities in the process. Sarah Morgan of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, marveled at how much she accomplished in one day--’empty a dirty hearth, dust, move heavy weights, make myself generally useful and dirty, and all this thanks to the Yankees.’

Throughout the North, scores of women worked in government offices for the first time to replace male clerks who had enlisted in the Union army. They worked as clerks and copyists, copying speeches and documents for government records. They also became postal employees and worked in the Treasury Department cutting apart long sheets of paper money and counting currency. Salaries ranged from $500 to $900 a year by 1865. Although this was more than what most female employees made at the time, women still earned half of what men earned for the same work.

…As the Union armies advanced deeper into the South, capturing Confederate territory and liberating slaves in the process, hundreds of black and white women, mostly in their 20s, followed closely behind to teach the former slaves, many of whom were illiterate. Women risked danger and hardship--and sometimes their families’ disapproval--to venture South. They went under the auspices of American Missionary Society, the Pennsylvania Freedmen’s Relief Association, and other agencies that recruited teachers and paid their monthly wages of $10 to $12.

Teachers admired their students’ eagerness to learn. ‘It is a great happiness to teach them,’ Charlotte Forten, a black woman who taught in the Sea Islands off of South Carolina, wrote a friend in November 1862. ‘I wish some of those persons at the North who say the race is hopelessly and naturally inferior, could see the readiness with which these children, so long oppressed and deprived of every privilege, learn and understand.’ Adult ex-slaves, too, were willing students. Of one of her grown-up students, Forten remarked, ‘I never saw anyone so determined to learn.’

…About 400 women disguised themselves as Union or Confederate soldiers and fought in the war. With the proper attire, some could easily pass for being a man. Women enlisted for a variety of reasons--some believed in the cause so deeply that they would not let being a woman stop them from fighting as soldiers. Others craved adventure or could not bear to be apart from husbands or other loved ones who had joined the army. No doubt some women were killed in battle and went to their graves with their true identities concealed.

Other women soldiers were forced to reveal their secret when they were wounded. A female Union soldier, wounded in the battle of Chickamauga in Tennessee, was captured by Confederate troops and returned to the Union side with a note: ‘As the Confederates do not use women in the war, this woman, wounded in battle, is returned to you.’ When a Union nurse asked her why she had joined the army, she replied, ‘I thought I’d like camp life, and I did.’

…In 1863, women in New York City went on a rampage. In the South, women had rioted for food; in New York, they joined men, mostly Irish, who were protesting against a federal provision that allowed draftees to hire substitutes. The protest quickly erupted into a riot against the city’s blacks. The protestors, who feared competition from black workers, resented being drafted to fight a war for the slave’s freedom. Even more so, they resented upper-class Yankee Protestants who could afford to pay substitutes $300 to fight in their places.

Over four days, rioters looted stores and beat innocent blacks. Angry mobs lynched about six blacks, destroyed the dwellings where blacks lived, and burned down the Colored Orphan Asylum. They also set fire to several businesses that employed blacks and destroyed the homes of prominent Republicans and abolitionists. Women took part in the plunder, venting their rage at a government and a war that sacrificed their men and impoverished their lives.”

- Harriet Sigerman, “‘I Am Needed Here’: Women at War.” in An Unfinished Battle: American Women, 1848-1865

[romaritimeharbor]

Well, he isn't exactly my favorite (that would be papa Arlecchino ❤️🖤🤍), but he did pop into my head near-immediately when I saw the post.

So, I noticed how in both of your Dad!Pantalone(... Dadalone!) au's, his is originally in his care (for however brief a time) before they begin attending the House of Hearth. So what if it was the other way around?

Maybe for whatever business related reason, Pantaloons finds himself taking a steady series of visits to the Hearth to talk with Arle on important manners, then they meet the Reader, maybe they've be instructed to meet the Regrader by Arle herself, they have a little chit-chat (since iirc, Pants is a yapper according to an Arlecchino voiceline, right?) and maybe after some reoccurring encounters, Panasonic finds himself becoming fond of them. So during one meeting, he broches the idea of him adopting them.

Shenanigans occur 🤭

Now, as for things I'm looking to seeing you write from the list? Hmmmm, currently I'd say the Kafk hurt/comfort and the Arle hurt/comfort one (the one where the Reader worries the Arle doesn't view them as one of her own). Oh! The Wanderer Angst to Comfort also interested me quite a bit!

Also, a little bit back I was able to actually find the energy to send a couple req ideas your way, and was just wanting to check if you got those?

THE RETURN OF DADALONE!!!!!! i miss that guy more and more everyday i need to write more fics about him fr <3 need to start on all of my old serieses again actually, but specifcially that one...

he IS a yapper according to literally every playable harbinger LMFAO love that for him!! i may just write thia idea today... possibly... 🤭

i see i see!!!!!! i'll keep this in mind hehehehe. the kafka one shouldn't take very long to finish once i actually start, so i've been meaning to begin it for some time now. maybe this is a sign to?

yep yep i believe i did!!!! i'm fairly sure i did, anyways? but i will definitely go back and check to be sure 🫶

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

𓅨 As Dawn Breaks: Chapter Twenty-Five

As Dawn Breaks: Mother Night and Father Time, after having sired seven Endless to personify life in the known universe, create Earth and human life begins. One last Endless is created: Dawn, the personification of illumination and hope, the beginning of a new day and a chance for happiness and improvement. A love will span thousands of millennia, breaking with every sunrise and renewing hope come sunset. Yet, even the personification of hope can lose the very notion of her existence from the sting of a broken heart.

Warnings: None. 

To Note: Dream/Morpheus x Endless!FemaleReader(Dawn), This Involves Themes That Are Not For Everyone. 

Word Count: ~2.1k

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“I do not understand why these pantaloons have to be so tight,” You murmured as you stared at the tight material clinging to your legs in your mirror. Zinnia cocked her head to the side. 

“I believe they are called jeans, my lady.” She helpfully supplied before frowning. “But I do not understand why they are so form-fitting.” You hummed in agreement as your fingers trailed across the course fabric covering your legs. You couldn’t lie to yourself and say that while it did feel odd, you kind of liked not having long skirts hindering your legs as you walked. It was freeing. Your eyes dropped to the little boots you had seen from the Waking World. They were black and had cute little buckles on the sides. Fashion had changed in the last few centuries, getting less restrictive. 

“Hmm, I am just happy that they are comfortable,” You echoed your thoughts, tugging on the ends of your shirt. 

“Well, at least you are covered my lady,” Ruta stated as she bustled into your room carrying a light grey coat. She held it in her hands to help you into it, and you spied the swirling meadows and flowering fields hidden within the lining. You could almost feel the summer breeze blowing from the coat Ruta had hand-stitched just for you, the scent of freshly blooming flowers. 

“I believe you spoil me, Ruta,” You sighed as she helped you into the light grey pea coat, looking down at the carefully stitched buttons, your fingers slipped them through the little notches. The handmaiden chuckled at you and picked at nonexistent lint. 

“You are mine to spoil, my lady,” She teased you before a more serious look appeared on her face. While she was elated to see you so happy once more, she worried that should Dream break your heart a second time, you wouldn’t survive. Ruta could help pick up the pieces of a broken heart, but one that turned to dust? No one would be able to resuscitate their beloved Lady Dawn. “Dawn…” You glanced into the face of your oldest handmaiden. 

“I know what you want to tell me, Ruta.” You softly spoke, looking down at your weaved fingers. “I’m foolish to allow someone who hurt me so deeply before, back into my life.” 

“Not foolish, my lady,” She told you, moving to stand in front of you so she could pick at your hair, tucking flyaways and smoothing out bumps. “You are Dawn of the Endless, and you were made to be endlessly hopeful. It is your very make and design that I fear hurts you.”

“I was made to augment and support dreams,” You replied, understanding her worries. “A piece of my essence is missing and only Morpheus can fill that hole.”

Ruta let her fingers cup your face as she looked at you in a motherly tone. 

“Your essence is precious and fragile, regardless of your design, my beautiful Dawn. We have done all that we can to protect you from the universe but there is nothing we can do to save you from the sting and ruin of heartbreak.” You raised a hand and placed it over Rita’s. 

“I know,” Your pursed your lips and aired out a gentle sigh. “But I fear that I cannot bloom without him.” That was the entire reason Ruta feared for you in the first place. Morpheus held your fragile essence within his hands and with one mishandling on his part, you would break. 

Morpheus was sure you had no idea, but as you both walked down the street towards the New Inn, you were looking at your surroundings in pure wonder and awe. You were adorable and all Morpheus wished to do at this moment was to drag you to the nearest alley and kiss you until you melted beneath him. Your endearing wonder of the Waking World had Morpheus promising himself that he would show you whatever you desired to see. 

“Why do you scorn this world so much?” You asked, your bright and excited eyes turning back to his. Morpheus’s brow crinkled at your words and tightened his grasp on the hand that he held. 

“It is not that I scorn the waking world, my Hope,” Morpheus answered, gazing down into your face and unable to hide his pure reverence from you. Any passing mortal would see just how in love he was with you with but a glance. “Mortals can be cruel to our kind if their desires get the better of them. Surely you know of the imbalance that occurred due to my absence.” You hummed in acknowledgment, leaning into his side. Morpheus adored your closeness.

“Don’t focus on their flaws, Morpheus, complete perfection is boring and lacks inspiration.” You reminded him. “Is their uniqueness and faults what makes them so beautiful and reverent?” Morpheus couldn’t help but look down at you with the same reverence that you spoke of mortals.  

“You hold so much faith in them,” He commented. Your lips twitched as you looked up into his face.

“And you not enough,” You chided him before looking at the building you were walking towards. The sign read The New Inn. It was a cute building, homely and welcoming. You could also add that the planter boxes with vines and trellises brightened the space… “This is quite nice, I like the vines.” Morpheus’s lips twitched as you approached the door. He held it open for you and gave you a knowing smile. 

“Are plants all you notice beloved?” Morpheus questioned you teasingly. “If I bring you to the greatest of all mortal kind makings will you even notice their beauty or shall you be distracted by the shrubbery?” You knew he was teasing you, but your nose still scrunched at him as you entered the bar. 

“I would too,” You huffed as Morpheus walked up behind you and took your hand once more. You looked up at him with a dirty look. “I can appreciate something other than plants.” He raised an eyebrow in skepticism and you huffed and rolled your eyes. “Obviously I need to show you my Michelangelo garden… he was particularly happy to work on it for a century.”

“If you wish so, my beloved,” Morpheus called as he guided you by hand towards the table Hob sat at, observing you and him in amusement. 

“Twice in one century? What calls for this occasion?” Hob questioned as Morpheus guided you over and pulled out a chair for you. You sat down and smiled at the immortal human, glad to finally meet someone who had managed to befriend Morpheus. 

“It seems I know plenty about you, but you know seldom of me,” Morpheus spoke to Hob as he took a seat next to you. Morpheus looked at you. “This is Dawn, my beloved Hope and guiding star within the vast expanse of space and time.” Hob’s eyebrow went up at Morpheus’s declaration and you chewed your lip before softly giggling. 

“I am the physical embodiment of hope,” You explained with a wide smile. “It is nice to meet you, Hob Gadling, I’ve never met someone who has managed to behind friend Morpheus… let alone a human.”

“My Hope,” Morpheus rumbled, heat blooming on his cheeks. You giggled and leaned over to kiss his pink cheek. 

“I am glad to know he has done so,” You added, blue eyes meeting yours and softening. “You are far too broody my love,” 

“Broody?” Morpheus repeated disbelief. You raised your hand and brushed your fingers across his jaw, yet again loving his sculpted face. 

“Oh quite so, you need to smile more, my Dream. You are far too serious.” You told him. Morpheus sighed at you before turning his attention back to Hob. 

“It was surely time you met her, but now I fear that she will spill all my secrets to you.” Hob chuckled and leaned forwards. 

“I wouldn’t mind hearing a thing or two.” You grinned at the immortal and Morpheus felt his essence sink within his body. Perhaps it was a mistake to introduce you to Hob because Morpheus was sure you would spill many stories about him. 

“Well I would like to learn how you of all humans met Morpheus, he’s not the most sociable.” You asked, your eyes sparkling with interest as you looked at Hob. Hob was all too happy to tell you the story of how he gained immortality and met Dream of the Endless. It was fascinating to learn of how Hob’s life had gone up and down, and how even at his lowest, he still wished for eternal life. “You have lived quite vicarious, Hob, I’m happy to see that you have lived your life fully.”

“Hm, there’s always something to learn, to experience. Technology and innovation change with every century so it never gets monotonous.” Hob explained to you, finding how bright and happy your face was at his story, endearing. As the embodiment of hope, you exuded it and made Hob feel a surge of hope. “I’d say hope has kept me going even when my life was at its worse, so thanks for that.” 

“That’s why I exist,” You shrugged happily before remembering something. “Speaking of which,” You turned to Morpheus. “Can we go see the Kyoto Gardens? I’ve been itching to start a new one but don’t know where to start.” Morpheus blinked at you, then raised his eyebrow. Your eyes turned to innocent pleading. He sighed. 

“Forgive us, Hob, but I believe I require showing my beloved the Kyoto Garden.” Hob didn’t even bother hiding his grin as he chuckled. You had Morpheus wrapped around your finger and Hob doubted that you even knew. 

“Don’t let me hold you up, I’m sure Dawn here will enjoy the garden. If I remember correctly, it’s quite beautiful and relaxing.” Hob commented, tilting his head to the side. “I think you get plenty of inspiration walking through it.” You beamed and looked at Morpheus once more. 

“See! Now we have to go and see it!” You exclaimed excitedly. “Oh and if they have koi fish! I do love them so much! Never been able to have them in my communal gardens because the kelpies keep eating them… but if I make a private one in my castle…” You continued to rattle on about making a koi fish-inspired garden as Morpheus and Hob shared smiles. 

You and Morpheus were sitting on a benching the Kyoto Garden, enjoying the pretty sights and Japanese plants. Well, you were enjoying the plants… Morpheus was enjoying you. It wasn’t hard to put a smile on your face, no, all one had to do was bring you to a garden, or a nice park. Humming under your breath, you turned your attention to the koi fish lazily swimming around. Yes, you were making a private garden with Koi fish now, they were so beautiful…Morpheus slipped his fingers into yours and rose from the bench, pulling you with him. You looked at him with raised eyebrows while he started leading you closer to the pond. 

“Surely with how you look at the fish with reverence you would appreciate a closer look, my Hope,” Morpheus told you, looking down into your face with a knowing smile. You flushed lightly, realizing how much you had to be projecting your excitement for him to draw you closer. You tended to fully express your love and passion, exuberance was a trait you were well equipped in. But surely it grew tiresome for others. 

“Apologies if you grow tired of my jubilation,” You spoke meekly, toeing the neat cobbled path beneath your leather boots. “Is there anything you would like to enjoy or speak of?” Morpheus gazed down at your gentle and lovely feet, his eyes crinkling at the corners. 

“I will never grow tired of your excitement and elation for that which you love. It is more than enough for me to watch you express your happiness.” Morpheus reassured you, pulling you around so you were standing in front of him. You beamed up at him as he gazed down at you in adoration, and while you two were staring at each other with the full intensity of your shared ardor, a pair of old sisters passed by and giggled at the sight. 

“Oh aren’t they adorable!”

“You don’t see love like that every one hundred years!”

Morpheus was vaguely aware of the mortals chittering and cooing not that far from where he and you stood, but his attention was fully on your radiating happiness. It was bliss. 

Date Published: 4/10/23

Last Edit: 4/10/23

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[sunnyrealist]

Chapter 32: Butterflies

The Sun, the Moon, and All Our Stars

Summary and Details…

Chapter Background and Summary: Sebastian and Kate are on an adventurous camping trip in the Scottish Highlands. Their first day involved a great deal of hiking, and they eventually made camp near a dense forest. Kate served a beautiful dinner, during which they discussed hypothetical situations they might have found themselves in had they met as kids at Hogwarts. The night ended with the two making sweet, sweet love.

Pairing: 25-year-old, post-Azkaban Sebastian Sallow x Kate Mayflower (my OC)

Content warnings: In general, this story is rated 18+, so MNDI. For this particular chapter - discussion about sex, implied male-receiving hand job.

The full chapter is available below the cut; it can also be found on AO3 (link is posted below). Please leave some feedback. A comment, like, or Kudos would be quite motivational. 🥰

Chapter 32: Butterflies

Sebastian’s nose is first to awaken, enticed by the scent of bacon, potatoes, and… more? 

He quickly reaches out to touch the spot in bed next to him. Where his girlfriend had been sleeping is now empty and cold. “Kate?” he calls out, sitting up quickly and looking around.

He hears some rummaging, as though she is getting together some plates, and then he hears her coming up the ladder from her extendable bag. She is followed by floating plates, cups, and silverware. As soon as she glances his way and sees that he is awake, she rushes over to his side and pulls the covers up, sliding in.

“Bash!” she calls out excitedly, climbing right back into his arms.

Sebastian smiles at how cute she is and relishes in the feeling of her snuggling up to him.

“I woke a little early,” Kate murmurs, looking up at him. “You looked so peaceful, sleeping, and I didn’t want to disturb you. I know how much you needed your energy after last night…”

Sebastian chuffs. “Well, so do you, then…” he trails off, leaning in to kiss her lips. “Gods, I’ll never forget the dessert you treated me to last night…”

Kate kisses his lips again, and his hand finds its way to her arse, squeezing.

“You’re a little minx, you know,” Sebastian tells her playfully. “I have such a hard time keeping myself under control around you. I just… I want you all the time.”

Kate chuckles. “I’m sore. Not now.” She moves his hand to her hip. “It’s your fault, Seb.”

“Can’t say I’m sorry,” Sebastian murmurs proudly, his lips pressing to hers again. “I won’t push you to do it again this morning, but just know… if you change your mind…” He takes her hand and brings it to his erection. 

“Good gods,” Kate whispers. Her eyes slowly meet his as her hand wraps around his firm arousal. She smiles seductively. “Well… my body might be sore, but I can certainly use alternate methods to help you take care of this if you’d like…” 

Her boyfriend nods enthusiastically.

After some clean-up, Kate tells Sebastian that breakfast is ready. They decide to dress for the rest of the day prior to the meal.

He heads to his own extendable bag, pulling out clothes for the day - a white tunic, a dark brown vest and tie, boots, and a wool-lined tweed jacket for later. Kate heads back down the ladder to her storage “closet.” Unbuttoning the simple dress she had been wearing, she slips it off, standing naked while she selects undergarments, a white tunic, a forest green sweater, dark brown pantaloons, boots, and a light brown scarf for the next leg of the journey. Sensing a stare, she quickly turns, her eyes climbing the ladder to detect Sebastian watching her with a grin. She giggles as he realizes he is caught, but rather than rushing off, he continues to gaze upon her, smiling. Quickly pulling the clothes on, she takes a moment to freshen up and fix her hair, pulling half of it back.

Kate finds Sebastian seated at the table when she makes her way back up. 

“You are spoiling me, sunshine,” he says happily, surveying the spread of food laid out. 

“I just wanted to make sure we had hearty, filling meals on the trip, since we’ll be walking and hiking so much,” Kate replies humbly. “So… Here's what we have.” She points to each item. “Roasted potatoes, smoked bacon, baked apples with cinnamon, oatmeal, and breakfast tea.” She grins. “Eat as much as you like. I promise I have more than enough for the entire trip.”

“Thank you so much,” Sebastian replies, starting to fill his plate. “I love you. And my stomach loves you, too.”

Kate laughs and begins to take some food as well, eating slowly while Sebastian absolutely stuffs his face.

Packing up the tent goes rather smoothly, and soon, the couple is moving once more. Today, they’ll traverse the forest and eventually make camp near a river. 

Kate inhales deeply as they get a bit further into the dense woods. “I love the smell of pines here. Everything just feels so much more… fresh. Simple and clean.”

“Yeah,” Sebastian agrees. “I just feel so much more… alive out here. More free. I can think clearly when I’m out in nature like this.”

“It’s peaceful,” Kate notes, listening to the birds chirping. She adjusts her scarf. 

“It is. Just… don’t let your guard down too much. There can be danger here, too. Wolves, wildcats, and potentially some magical beasts. But I’m here with you, and you’ll be safe, my sun,” Sebastian explains, taking her hand. 

Kate smiles in response, locking her fingers around his. 

After some minutes pass in comfortable silence, Sebastian says, “That pumpkin pie last night… it really hit the spot.”

She chuckles. “Had you ever eaten pie in bed before?”

He shakes his head. “Can’t say I had. But I’d do it again in an instant.”

Kate reminisces about the previous night. She had slipped away after their second round of lovemaking to retrieve what was supposed to have been that evening’s dessert: pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream. Rather than plating two slices, she just brought a fork along, and they ate it in bed right out of the pie tin, taking turns feeding it to each other and giggling at the outrageousness of the entire situation. After eating half of the pie, they had gotten… distracted.

“That cream… was delicious,” Sebastian reminds her suggestively, causing her to crack up.

“I love you, Seb,” she replies, still laughing and squeezing his hand.

After a few hours of walking, Sebastian finally concludes that it would be a wise idea to take a break. He assures Kate that they will rest as soon as they find a fallen tree, clearing, or somewhere else suitable.

The conversation as they walked had been pleasant. They discussed their mutual interests in books and music, as well as several random topics. Sebastian learned that Kate hated when people chewed food loudly, that she had about twelve friends that still were in touch from their Hogwarts days, that she loved ball gowns even though she almost never went to balls, and that her favorite gems were emeralds and pearls. Kate learned that Sebastian loathed selfish people and those who were cruel to others purposefully, that he had frequent nightmares, that he learned to apparate completely on his own when he was only 14 years old (two years before it would have been legal), and that his family had owned an Old English Sheepdog when he was young, before the twins were moved to Feldcroft (its name was Endy - short for Endymion). His Uncle Solomon decided to give Endy away, considering a dog far too much work when he didn’t even know how to raise children. The twins had cried for two days straight.

They are just about to discuss a lighter topic - their favorite holidays and seasons - when Kate suddenly squeals with delight. She has plucked a little white flower and seemingly disturbed a family of common blue butterflies. They flitter into the air, almost dancing in a circle. The couple watches them with fascination - Kate especially. 

As the butterflies begin to fly off as a group, Kate scampers after them. After a moment, she turns back towards Sebastian. “Bash, do you mind if I follow them?” she asks excitedly.

He chuckles in response, completely amused. “Go ahead, my love. Perhaps they’ll lead you to some of your so-called forest treasures.”

Kate grins widely, then strides off quickly, trying not to lose sight of the butterflies. Sebastian picks up his pace as well, trying to stay somewhat close by. 

“Where are you going?” Kate questions the butterflies softly.

She deviates from the path, into a denser area of the woods. She has to pull branches out of her way, and at one point, practically trips over an exposed tree root. She recovers quickly, waving to Sebastian to prove that she is alright. 

The forest gets darker and darker as the blue creatures fly ahead of Kate further and further.

“Kate, maybe we should turn back to the path,” Sebastian suggests. He doesn’t want to end her diversion, but he doesn’t know the area all that well, and it doesn’t seem like the best idea to travel so far from the path. 

“Just a little longer,” Kate replies. “Maybe a minute or two more, and I’ll give up.”

“Alright,” he says, just a little ways behind her. 

Eventually, their new “route” becomes brighter, and although Kate can hardly see the butterflies anymore, she feels almost instinctively that this is the right way to go. 

When she realizes where the butterflies have brought her, she gasps.

“Sebastian!” she calls out, waiting for him. “You won’t believe this!”

He catches up, and Kate pulls aside some branches to reveal a large meadow in the middle of the forest, filled with colorful wildflowers as far as the eye can see. It’s an absolute sea of purple - heather, orchids, thistles, foxgloves, and more. Intermixed are white and yellow flowers and tall, green grasses. 

“Wow…” Sebastian murmurs. “I’ve… I’ve never seen so many flowers in one place…”

“Please say we can stop and rest here,” Kate begs. “I’d love to pick flowers, Seb.”

He smiles. “Of course. We can have lunch here, too.” 

“A picnic!” Kate exclaims. “I’ll set it all up.”

Kate disappears into her extendable bag. She reemerges a few minutes later with a blanket and basket. Throwing the blanket down, she motions for Sebastian to sit, and then she begins to take items out of the basket. 

“Cucumber sandwiches, grapes, roasted almonds, crackers, cheddar cheese, and venison sausage,” she murmurs as she places the food on the blanket. “And cool water for us to drink.”

“You’re the best,” Sebastian tells her, beginning to eat without hesitation. 

Kate leaves a peck on his cheek, then takes a bite of her sandwich. “So, earlier… you were saying your favorite season was autumn, right?”

“Yes,” he replies, internally reminding himself to slow down once again with the food. “Autumn always meant that it was time to go back to school. I loved being at Hogwarts and getting to study all day. I was fully in my element. It was also a welcome reprieve from my uncle. Plus, all of the trees change colors, and it’s so stunning here in the Highlands. Then, of course, there’s Halloween and my birthday. Mine and Anne’s birthday, that is.” 

Kate nods. “Did you do anything special on your birthday?”

“It was tradition to carve pumpkins every year. We did it when our parents were alive and we still continued every year after. My mum would roast the pumpkin seeds while my da helped us with the carving. She would always bake a spice cake with vanilla icing for us,” Sebastian explained, smiling. “We didn’t have the cake anymore once she died, but we still tried to keep the tradition alive every year. We’d carve pumpkins in the Undercroft with Ominis and light them up in the Slytherin common room with candles inside. Afterwards, we would go into Hogsmeade to have butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks and buy cupcakes from Honeydukes.” 

“I’ll bake you a spice cake this year,” Kate says suddenly, touching his hand and looking in his eyes intently. “I will.”

Sebastian melts. “Really?”

“Yes,” she replies. “I promise I will. And we can carve pumpkins to place outside the cottage. Then, we can chaperone the Halloween ball together. ”

“What?” he asks. “Halloween ball?”

“It’s a tradition at Hogwarts now. I think it started the year after you…” she trails off, realizing it began after Sebastian went to Azkaban. She smiles again, not wanting to bring up bad memories. “Well, that is… Every year on Halloween, there is a dance, and everyone - students and staff - wears costumes. It’s quite fun. They even have a separate costume contest for the adults.” 

“Do we have to?” Sebastian asks.

“Well, I have to, as a staff member. It’s up to you whether to accompany me or not. Otherwise, I can ask Henry Finch to be my date…” 

Sebastian chokes on his water. “No, no! I’ll be there.”

Kate chuckles, having known full well that he would panic at hearing that was a possibility. “Then, it’s a date. We’ll have to come up with costumes, I suppose. We can see what Augustus Hill has available at Gladrags or make our own.”

They continue eating lunch, with Sebastian murmuring praises about how wonderful and thoughtful Kate had been in planning out all of their meals. He seems to particularly enjoy the cheese, Kate notices, tucking that information away for later.

“What about you? Favorite season and holiday?” Sebastian asks. 

“Guess,” Kate requests with a glimmer in her eyes.

Sebastian laughs, then turns more serious, considering his answer. “Hmm… Well… My first instinct is to guess summer, but that feels too easy. I’d like to guess spring. You make me think of spring, Kate.” He pauses. “One look at you, and it’s like the world has reawakened for me. A barren forest suddenly blooming green, colorful flowers bursting through the soil, through the snow. A fresh beginning after the winter.” He smiles and reaches out to brush a lock of hair out of her face so that he can gaze into her eyes clearly. “You might as well be Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, come to revive me.”

Kate’s cheeks turn pink as she looks up at him. Sebastian leans in slowly, and he kisses her softly, his lips lingering.

Kate adjusts her position so that she can sit directly next to him and nuzzle into his neck. She whispers, “I’ve never had anyone say something like that to me, Sebastian.”

“I love you, Kate,” he tells her, pulling her closer. “And I’ll never stop loving you - romancing you, worshiping you like you deserve… You’re a goddess.” 

With both hands settling gently on her cheeks, he leans down to press his lips to hers again, this time much longer and even more languidly than before. Slowly, both of them lay down, side by side, and they kiss for so long that they both find themselves lost in each other. Nothing matters at all -  nothing - but this feeling, this perfect moment, this declaration of love, as they kiss in the sunlight, surrounded by a field of wildflowers. 

[duchessanon]

“Initially, Meghan was excited about the opportunity to chat with the queen, telling her husband: “Fun! I love grandmas.”

Harry quickly informed her that the encounter wouldn’t be an ordinary “meet the family” moment. “You’re about to meet the queen”.”

Thank goodness he told her that his grandma is the queen! I’m sure she had absolutely no clue!

And just like in a hallmark movie she meets the queen with no prep and bent over to curtesy, but her skirt ripped, exposing her back nethers (covered with pantaloons ofc). The queen grimaced but later told the lowly American that she had bought joy and laughter into the palace, not seen since she was a little princess [NOT AN EXTRACT FROM SPARE]

[vvatchword]

hahaha HAHAHA oh jesus fuck. I wish I could talk about this to literally anyone but it is the worst fucking thing and thus I must vaguepost into the ether. I don’t really even want to think about it specifically. I just want to throw up this bad wad of feelings and just... put it here where it can be acknowledged. Imagine that it looks like a wet chewed piece of gum and smells unspeakable. I’m digging it out of the core of my soul in big spoonfuls.

Man, they always say it gets better, but the problem is that sometimes it just DOES NOT. It just gets WORSE. CONSTANTLY. ALL THE TIME. I’m sure it could be even worse than this. I know so. But I’d just like a break someday, I guess. A nice, long, restful break, where I can have a delicious rut, a nice snuggly supportive space, enough money to be comfortable... a toad with just her eyes sticking out.

hell just make me a goddamn toad, I’m fine with that.

...you know what I will tell you about a happy thing.

My bird looks like a jalapeno. He has little jalapeno pantaloons. I love his little reddish tum. He’s getting better at snuggling business, too. We’ve been buds for ages but it’s like we’ve crossed some kind of boundary where we 100% understand each other. He’s middle-aged now, I guess that makes sense. You should’ve seen him from ages 1-6, what an asshole (granted, my sister was involved, and, um).

I started thinking about how I saw parrots interact in the wild and realized they’re constantly touching each other and talking all the time, so now I try to talk to him while I walk around the apartment (usually I’m very quiet). He loooves it. I can tell it eases his mind. If it’s feasible, he’s buried in my hair up to my ear lol.

Wish I could take him to work. He’d be terrified and hate every minute, rip. Biggest homebody you ever saw.