#i wanna draw a little picture for this but i gotta figure it out first

[0l-unreliable]

i am wildly curious about your space trickster au, the mutation is SO tasty to me. does dirk have the resistance to the mental effects that he does in canon? what happens to dave when jane gets him? man, if you were looking for your missing brother and found the wrecked remains of a robot clone he made of himself, would that be fucked up or what? that last question doesn't mean anything, i've just been thinking about it. awesome au

I have my own thoughts on whether Dirk is actually immune in the comic, but I'll say that for this AU he's just as manic but has more frequent bouts of calmness/lucidity. Not necessarily because he's 'smarter' or 'more depressed' or what have you, but because he evolved with the disease rather than fighting against it.

Dave is alive and well after encountering Jane, luckily John was there to help, but he has a few more feathers than he started with (the starting number being zero)

You know what else is fucked up? waking up after who knows how long and seeing a guy who's sorta your brother but not really because you're a robot and you never met him and his dog girl companion who is eerily similar to the guy you and your 'human' counterpart had a weird situationship with

[adorkastock]

wait, you have aphantasia? do you (or your followers) have any tips for navigating aphantasia as an artist? i have acquired aphantasia due to a TBI and i am trying to relearn How To Do Art. have yet to figure out how i need to adjust my process to accommodate because i keep trying to do things the way I used to and getting frustrated when it doesn't work. Obviously everyone's process will be different but i'd love to hear if you have any ideas.

Oh dang first of all ♥ that is a BIG change to have to deal with. So ♥♥♥ First. THIS WILL BE LONG I GUESS I DONT KNOW HOW TO BE CONCISE ♥ I can assure you can still make art with this new, less picture brain. There's loads of artists with aphantasia and while many of us have had it our wholes lives and had no idea, I am certain we can help give you advice to keep your art going. I will say up front that I started making pose references because I found that my drawings were a LOT better when I worked from reference. Turns out I guess I don't have any head pictures so ??? This explained a lot! I wish I knew how my brain stored info if not visually because I know when I used to draw a lot especially when I drew a lot from life, my figure drawing dramatically improved and I got pretty good at coming up with stuff on my own without references. I guess these would be my tips and I hope people jump in, especially if there's anyone else that's an artist who was a visualizer and is not now. 1) References are your friend! HOARD THEM. Don't be afraid to MAKE them. Take lots of photos, save art that does things you like for inspiration, collect lots and lots of visuals outside your head. 2) Even artists who can visualize often seem to report they cannot always reproduce their head pictures the way they want to. When I have 'an idea for a drawing' it's like a concept in my head. It's kind of just words and maybe some vague composition but again - not sure what it is just know it's not visual. So I gotta THUMBNAIL. A lot of times when I wanna work out what an idea is I just have to doodle a bunch of little versions of it til I go "yep, that's it, that's the one." Basically when I see it I know it's right but I have to see it externally to "see" it. Every piece I make (even my hair bows) I can't really *see* until it's there in front of me. I guess that means this part's advice is: draw little versions of things to work out visual problems on paper rather than in your head. If anyone else has things to add please please do!

[punkitt-is-here]

How can I cultivate the same, "just keeping making stuff all the time" kind of energy you have? It's very impressive and something I wish I could do!

well, theres a couple reasons i think! one is that i just found ways to be satisfied with small amounts of work. its in part because of my ADHD, but my parents were always trying new things (motorcycles, leatherwork, acrylic paint, collage art, photography, video editing) so that definitely rubbed off on me; i had a great example of people just wanting to try stuff. i keep making stuff all the time because i love trying out new things; you don't have to be an expert to try something new! you just have to have a desire for it! wanna make a zine? google it! wanna write a comic? give it a shot! wanna get into woodworking? buy a carving knife and find a stick or something! i think theres plenty of ways to find entry points into interesting stuff and you gotta let yourself be okay with making shit that sucks just because its fun. which leads me to my second point!!

im okay with being dogshit at stuff! i try new things, i kind of suck at them, and i think it's either 1. cool that i made it this far or 2. kinda funny that this is what its like at the moment. i know that sucking is never permanent, everything can be improved with time, and rarely does anyone ever magically get good at something first try. i think of myself as a talented artist, but its over the course of 2+ decades of drawing; im always improving, and no matter what im going to find things i want to get better at, so why fault myself now for not being perfect? a couple of months ago i really wanted to try woodcarving, so i made spoon with my dad. did it turn out great? not really! you cant even use it as a spoon! but im glad i tried it, it was fun, i had a great time with my dad, and now i know a little bit more going in next time. the idea that you have to be perfect or make tangible progress every single time you try something new is a recipe for burnout. i promise you, it doesnt matter if something doesn't come out like God's Gift to Humanity! Did you have fun? did you learn something? are you satisfied in some small part? good!

(pictured: tha spoon)

last, im just really easy to please myself! I'll make a doodle or implement an idle animation in my game or color a piece and go "wow! thats so cool i did that :)" and it really is just a matter of realizing that its fucking COOL to create stuff, no matter how small! whatever you made didn't exist before you, especially in your own unique way, and now it does! doesn't that rule?! i'm obsessed with it! even if its just a stick figure, its a stick figure you made, and it wasn't there before. thats fucking awesome!!! art is so cool!!!! i think that being happy with small goals and victories is a great way of trying out new things and showing off cool stuff u made, no matter what skill level. :) this turned into a whole big thing, but i hope this helps! tl;dr is try things if they seem fun, be okay with not being good at them, and find stuff about it that makes you happy or satisfied!

[sourlemonsprout]

just imagine Alphonse and Seth’s individual reactions to finding out Sugarboo snorts when they laugh. Like you know they’re holding back for a bit when Seth first started staying with them but then Al was like “hey y’know they’ve got a snort laugh right?” and Seth demands proof (he believes it he just wants to see it for himself)

Alphonse x Seth x Boo (gn!reader)

Thank you so much for all the love and requests!!

Word Count: 862

──────༺♡༻──────

The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm golden glow across the living room where you sat comfortably snuggled into your boyfriend's side in one of your wide chairs in the living room.

"Are you sure you're okay sleeping down here on the couch, Seth?" you asked. "If you need a break, you can always take the bed. Or I can look for a sleeping bag somewhere around here." You turned your head away, trying to remember if you even had a sleeping bag anymore.

"No, no, it's alright. I'm fine Sugar, really," he assured you.

"I truly appreciate you lettin' me crash here," he said rubbing the back of his neck.

"It's no problem, really!" you assure him.

"I think he actually prefers camping to a warm bed. If you gave him a sleeping bag, you might have to go searching for him in the woods." Al said, drawing a light giggle from you, to which you brought a fist up to cover your lips.

"You laugh but it's true!" Seth nodded.

"To each their own I suppose, I'd gladly take a cozy bed any day over a tarp and sleeping bag." Al shrugged.

"Speaking of cozy, I'm gonna go change into some comfier clothes," you pat Al's leg before hopping up. Seth's gaze follows your figure as you hop up the stairs and disappear out of sight.

"You good?" Al asks with a raised eyebrow.

"Huh, oh, yeah." Seth shook his head slightly, a little flustered that he'd been caught staring.

"Uh huh, your face was lookin' a little pink there for a second." Al pried.

"Well, ya' know, they've got a nice laugh," he admitted quietly.

"It's uh, been a while since I heard a laugh like that," he said with his mouth drawn in a faint smile, the edges of his deep brown eyes grew soft.

"Oh yeayea," Al nodded.

The boys sat in comfortable silence, taking in the moment and appreciating the calmness around them. It had been a long time since they had felt so at ease in each other's presence. There wasn't the slightest hint of tension, regret, or anger between them. They had finally found a moment of respite, and it was all thanks to the sunshine that you had brought into their lives.

"You know they snort when they laugh hard enough?" Alphonse broke the silence. Seth spun his head to face Al, his eyebrows furrowed slightly with disbelief.

"Really?"

"Mmm, it's true." Al nodded. A flicker of light danced across his eyes as he leaned back in his chair, "I remember bein' a little shocked the first time I heard it. But I gotta admit, everything's just so much funnier with a laugh like that," he recounted, a warm smile spreading across his face. The more Seth thought about it, he could totally picture you snorting while you laughed, and oh he longed to hear it.

"Well, I just have to believe it when I hear it for myself," he stated matter-of-factly.

"I know they've been hiding it, but I'll see if I can break them," Alphonse said with a smirk.

It wasn't long before you entered the living room, wrapped in fresh pajamas and holding a blanket, there was a spring in your step as you walked.

"Here, I brought down this extra blanket for you," you said, chucking the soft grey blanket that you were holding onto his lap before collapsing on a chair.

"It's startin' to feel like a slumber party up in here," Al said, bumping his hands up with a silent 'whoop-whoop'.

"You guys wanna watch a movie?" you ask, eyes angling for the remote before the boys were nodding their heads.

"Alriiiight!" you say with a huff as you slap both needs and bend forward to get up.

"Jesus, you stand up like a Midwestern dad," Al laughs as he mimics your actions dramatically, leaving you two giggling at one another like children. As Alphonse continues to mock you for 'being an old man', your giggles turn into full-blown laughs until a small snort escapes your mouth, which has you doubling over, grabbing onto Al's arm for support as you cover your mouth with your other hand. Just as Seth thought he couldn't adore you anymore, you reveal a laugh like that. He loved how your face glowed with euphoria as you clutched at your sides, trying to regain oxygen in your lungs. Your infectious laughter filled the room, causing Seth to chuckle, unable to resist the joyful atmosphere that surrounded them. The more you snort, the harder y'all laugh.

Once you were able to breathe properly and stand upright, you gave Al a little kiss on the side of his cheek and snatched the TV remote off the coffee table.

"Alright you two, what're we watchin'?" Seth asked, still unable to wipe the grin off his face.

"Nothin' scary, I'm lookin' at you Boo," Al opined, shooting you a side-eye.

"Maybe a comedy?" Seth suggested. The corner of your mouth curled into a smile as you squinted at him.

"You're just trying to get me to snort again, aren't you?" you chirp.

"…maybe"

──────༺♡༻──────

The End <3

[kleefkruid]

you guys wanna see a picture of some of the first little flash guys I did on the fake skin today? You gotta be really niceys and keep in mind I'm essentially learning to draw from scratch and boy remember being five and figuring out circles

[worldsokayestmagicalgirl]

The first batch of pictures for Amoré's character journal are here! Also I have been so super sick that I've literally had nothing to do but to work on this for like almost 2 weeks so...

The cover to cover tour officially starts here. All I can say about the front & back is that I lament my lack of experience with my Cricut when I made these decals. I only had 2 "fun" colors to work with at the time & I was still getting comfortable drawing in Procreate, so my silhouette art leaves a lot to be desired compared to some stuff I've made recently. I also found it's incredibly easy to burn this leather book.

But she's volume one, everything with her is a learning experience, & I realized as much as it helps to have a mini heat press for tight corners & small spaces, the cloth barrier they suggest you use between the vinyl & the iron tends to make things harder to press on this scale. So instead I gotta quickly tap straight on the transfer film & hope I don't burn anything around it :(´◦ω◦｀):ﾟﾟ

So at the risk of thoroughly exposing my inner theater kid, Amoré set the precedent with how I went forward creating campaign characters. I started off collecting 5 songs to make a mini story arc (almost like a show choir set list 🙃) that helps me figure out an outline for the kind of story I wanna give them.

Somehow Amoré ended up with a truly horrendous blend of rock & theatre. Absolutely incredibe. No wonder she's always such a dramatic bitch.

It was a lot easier to go in & add little decals around these lyrics. I'm definitely cursed with the Too Much™ gene, but I enjoy the little pops of color they give ✨ plus it justifies me hoarding all these vinyl scraps printing stuff this small lol.

Stat sheet!

In all honesty, as my first character I had no fucking clue what I was doing when I placed these & if I could go back & change one thing I'd probably swap her Intelligence & her Wisdom. She’s definitely more people smart than book smart.

But everything else is...very accurate. She has all the upper body strength of a chicken nugget. Plus on top of the (already) negative I traded disadvantage on everything DEX for magic crystal shoes that can be periodically harvested. Just a way for her to carry around the family fortune without actually having to return to the vault✨

For something that started so average, her CON became a monster & always comes in clutch for her alcohol tolerance. I've played variations of her across a few different one shots & I always manage to roll well for anything alcohol related. The dice do respect a bit 🤣

Spells on the other hand, I floundered with a lot at first because we’re not a combat heavy game, but then I found Chaos Bolt & that was that. It’s essentially Amoré in spell form & I’ve had a ton of fun with it over the years. Also Mage Armor cuz my girl is SO DISTRESSINGLY SQUISHY.

Cantrips were more or less a bit of a toss up. Message was fun for the sheer idea of her using it to talk shit during social events without being caught. But aside from Light serving fun backstory purposes the other 3 are kinda just what looked fun ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ unless you count the idea that she would absolutely delight in zapping handshakes.

From there, I wanted to extend the world map made by our wonderful DM @cappierong into a full scroll. Ya know, for the aesthetic ✨

Our campaign started in Civania, where Amoré's main Estate is. I just wanted a quick mock up to reference, so I edited a preexisting picture I found that checked all the boxes (large, on a plateau, accessible only by bridge) and then absolutely smothered it in flowers.

But anyways... This is primarily where Diana & Amoré grew up together in their decade of backstory ✨

There was probably waaaay to much back & forth trying to keep the continuity between stuff I've already drawn & this big reference. But I think it turned out pretty ok? Not like if I make a mistake anyone will really know lol.

Scaling was also another big issue I had, & I moments where I thought something was too big I just kinda handwaved it away like "ehhhhh she's from a stupid rich family." But now I have a NEED to draw baby Diana & Amoré around like, the statue gardens or something cuz I feel like certain parts of this place are definitely ominous 👀 especially for children...

And lastly we have the back cover & the High Noble political relationship map! I normally have this closer to the front but for layout purposes it'll be here. I kinda feel like I need to do more for the decoration of it but I can’t think of anything else to add at the moment.

Sam if u read that no you didn't.

But now! Other than a family portrait that I've always wanted to draw, I think I'm ready to move onto the art for Season 1 : Arc 2. It's a pretty hefty amount of art in comparison to others, so I gotta get busy. Especially since I think I'm gonna have to draw a few comics *sobs*

If you made it this far, thanks so much for reading! I'm always excited to talk out our little idiots so thanks for indulging me ❀(*´▽`*)❀

[aidensteddybear]

May I request a regressor Tom and Caregiver Gabby fic if it's not to much trouble.

It takes place after Gabby's elimination (Sorry if you found out this way) Gabby is watching over Tom but he can't help but notice she looks a little down. Gabby tells him she's still a little upset over leaving the game and Tom being the good boy he is decides to cheer her up by making her a best friend card to which Gabby loves.

Regressor! Tom w/ Caregiver! Gabby

Tom was a giggling mess as he and Gabby played with his action figures. It had been a few days since Gabby arrived at the Losers’ Motel, so this was the first time she’s watched over Tom since being at the camp.

Even though she loved playing with Tom and just helping him out with his regression, Gabby couldn’t help but still feel a bit sad about her elimination.

She trying not to make her sadness obvious, but she apparently failed when she heard Tom stop giggling. He was now gently poking her cheek to get her attention.

“Gabs? Gabs? Gabby?” Tom kept repeating until Gabby seemed to out of her thoughts.

“Huh?” Gabby muttered. “Oh, I’m sorry, Tom. I was just thinking about something.” Gabby forced a smile, but Tom could tell it was fake.

“Why you so sad, Gabs? No wanna play?” Gabby quickly shook her head. “No, no. I want to keep playing, I’m just..feeling a little down.” She admitted.

“Why?” Tom questioned. “Well..I’m still a bit sad about getting eliminated from the game. I really wanted to win. For Ellie.” Gabby sighed.

“But it’s alright, we don’t have to talk about it anymore. We can go back to playing, okay?” Gabby said. Though Tom only moved closer to her and hugged her.

“‘S okay, Gabs!” Tom said. “When I got ‘liminated, I was sad. But I okay now!” Tom smiled.

Gabby knew he was trying to make her feel better, but hearing him say that he was sad over his elimination, only made her feel more upset, since she was the one who beat him in the tiebreaker.

“I’m really sorry, Tom.” Gabby apologized as she hugged him back. “‘S okay! Not sad no more!” Tom happily responded.

The two hugged for a while, until Tom got up and ran over to the other side of the room. Gabby watched as he grabbed some paper and crayons.

“Do you want to draw now?” Gabby questioned. “Uh-huh!” Tom nodded. “I dwaw. You gotta wait till I all done!” Tom told her.

“I can’t draw with you?” Tom shook his head. “No cause I dwawin’ a surpwise!” He spoke proudly. “We dwaw ‘gether when I done!” Gabby chuckled softly as she nodded.

“Alright. That’s fine then.” She smiled, making Tom giggle. Tom sat on the opposite end of the room and began working on his little surprise, while Gabby waited patiently.

Twenty minutes passed when Tom was finally done. He folded the paper, then quickly crawled over to Gabby to give it to her.

“Gabs! I made you a card!” Tom spoke excitedly. Gabby let out a soft gasp as she was handed the card.

“You made me a card, Tom?” Tom giggled and nodded. “Uh-huh! Open it!” He said as he pointed to the card.

Before she opened it, Gabby looked at the front of the card. It had the words “To Gabby. From Tom.” on it as well as a messily drawn heart on the front.

She opened the card to see a picture of her and Tom as little stick figures while holding hands. The top of the card said “Best friends forever!” which was a bit hard to read since Tom’s handwriting was very messy and his spelling wasn’t the best.

Gabby smiled as she stared at the card. She thought it was so sweet and adorable, she absolutely loved it.

“Like it? Wanted to make you feel better cause you were sad.” Tom spoke. “This is one of the sweetest things I’ve ever gotten, Tom.” Gabby responded.

“I love it so much! More than words can describe!” She said, making Tom giggle. “Really? Really like it?” Gabby nodded.

“Of course! It’s the most precious card I’ve ever seen!” Gabby told him, gently ruffling the male’s hair. Tom squealed as she did so.

Gabby set the card down, then pulled Tom in for another hug, that he happily accepted.

“Thank you, Tom. I absolutely love my card. It made me feel a lot better.” Gabby said. Tom giggled a bit.

“You’re welcome, Gabs!” He responded. The two hugged for a little longer, before they eventually went back to playing with the action figures.

[anipgarden]

Tips on talking to HOAs about installing gardens in the shared spaces? I live in a condo, but the parking lot is /barren/

I'm sorry for how late this is! (This was sent in November for everyone's context), I simply had no idea how to answer it!

Though I live in an HOA neighborhood, I've never really been in a position where I had to talk to them about anything. However, a book I checked out from the library awhile back (Hellstrip Gardening by Evelyn J. Hadden, which I really need to take back soon) mentions a couple of tip in regards to talking to HOAs about gardening in the front yard. Hopefully it helps!

Come with an idea in mind! Being able to present a drawing or a description of what you'd like to do in the area will be a lot more helpful than 'I want to do A Thing', and may be enough to get permission! In other cases, you may need a formal presentation, but even then having an idea of what you'd like to plant and why and the benefits to the community will be helpful for building said presentation!

HOA's suck, I'll be the first to agree. But if you wanna get permission for a cool parking lot garden, you've gotta go over there ready and willing to compromise and talk nice. Maybe come up with a few alternative options--for example, if you want to dig in the ground but they don't want a permanent fixture, be open to raised beds instead. But that doesn't mean let them walk all over you! Be confident, and bring facts to back you up. And know what rights the HOA does or doesn't have in your city or state.

Try presenting the idea to some neighbors and get them to back you! The more people you can get behind the idea, the less likely a 'oh but what if the neighbors don't like the aesthetic what if they complain' concern will actually stick.

Focus moreso on practical benefits than emotional arguments when it comes to the HOA. Bring up things like reducing runoff, erosion control, less water usage, little to no mowing or blowing--anything that can add a dollar figure to how beneficial it is will likely tilt people towards your side if you're convincing enough, especially if you can show that the cost of planting and maintaining your parking lot garden idea long term will be negligible to or even cheaper than maintaining whatever's going on there now--if they're constantly planting sod there only for it to wither away, that could be a good starting point.

Visuals!! Again!! This comes from the book, but also from me convincing my mom to let me plant by the front yard mailbox--me rattling off names of plants and all is way less effective than me texting her pictures and descriptions of how tall they get. If you can get a general idea of what you'd like to plant and where, gather up a bunch of pictures of your ideal plants and maybe draw a quick mock-up of your design. If there's other places in your town that have similar gardens--someone's front yard, or a park, or anything of the sort--provide addresses so the HOA board members can drop by and see what it looks like in action, and further cement the idea that it has been done before and done well. Consider the aesthetic appeal of it all!

Get ahead of any questions or concerns that you think the board may have. This idea you have is for a parking lot garden--they might have concerns about cars and pedestrians existing around the space. Is there risk of plants damaging the cars? Being a trip hazard for people getting in and out of their cars, or existing around the space? Are the plants you have in mind known to cause allergies, are they toxic to kids and pets that may be around the area at times?

Maybe include like a stone bench or something, depending on how big the spot is. If the HOA can make the presence of the garden a fixture, make it look like a plus to moving into the condos, they'll love it all the more! 'Look at this lovely garden break spot you can chill in oooo!'

Do you have a plan in mind if the garden gets damaged--whether its a car driving over the curb, or someone intentionally messing with the plants? What is it? What do you think the potential cost of it would be? This may be something they'd ask.

That's everything I've got, between the book and my personal thoughts. If any of my followers have dealt with an HOA and have feedback or other comments to provide, by all means chime in!

[divine-knight-hand]

❤️‍🔥 Warning: The following paracosm post contains mentions of grief, death, killing, and other potentially morally questionable elements. Proceed at your own discretion.

I spaced off during my sociology class and now I wanna do a little talking about this goof:

Okay, she’s not always a goof, but that’s my parame. I refer to all my paras as emojis, though, so you may or may not recognize her as 🔥.

(Also, for those of you who don’t know, a parame is the main character of a paracosm. Or, they can be the character a maladaptive daydreamer daydreams through.)

But today I got to thinking about a concept, and that was her as the justice lady (I dunno if she has a name or not):

Link to original photo: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/877216833655872421

I thought that it would make a cool art to represent a large part of her character, but since I can’t draw, I’m just gonna explain all the metaphors and motifs of this concept, even though nobody asked.

But, before we do that, we gotta start from the beginning:

That was how my parame looked at about 18 years old. That was probably one of the darkest times of her life, tbh. She was mourning the death of a family member (which she accidentally played a part in) before she ran away from home, but that’s not what I wanna talk about in this post.

When she ran away from home, she launched into a series of serial killings, referring to herself as “Justice Incarnate”. This is one of the first instances where I caught a glimpse of her radically righteous nature.

She was literally willing to kill to send a message, in the hopes of creating a better world for those who couldn’t fight for themselves.

This brings me to my first element of the idea to talk about. The skulls and the sword:

I know this figure isn’t normally pictured on a pile of skulls, but I thought this reference I found was perfect in terms of representing the violence my parame is capable of when she’s really passionate about someone else’s wrongdoings. Also, the sword is her go-to weapon of choice, so that happened to work out perfectly. Hehehe!

And then, of course, I have to explain the scales (A.K.A. The reason I chose this figure in the first place):

Like I mentioned earlier, 🔥 referred to herself as “Justice Incarnate”. She believed that she carried the burden that the system her society operated on just didn’t feel the need to take on. So, she went out and made a killing. As one does.

But, if I were drawing this out, there’s one change I would make. I wouldn’t draw her in a blindfold, because I never said she judged fairly…

[hellsvestibule]

Okay here we go! I did talk about this a bit under the Mephy process pics which I posted a while back, as well as my response under the og pic it’s just interspersed w my meta reasons for it. (Although, idk, for me, having a strong intent w symbolism and themes is often the first and foremost of whatever goes into a pic, everything is secondary to carrying the meaning. If it doesn’t have a meaning I just fuck around and find out.) and for that one it was recent and I didn’t start culling the like 20 versions of it like I did most of these... If you ever wanna see process pics you’ve gotta hit me within the first week of posting cause I often do start deleting the earlier copies eventually and ended up fewer examples than I wanted…

My process for backgrounds highly varies depending on the intent of the picture. Sometimes I have very clear intent in mind when starting a picture, but because the way I work is so painterly now, I find that I’m willing to change the background or composition at any point if I don’t like it.

I can’t find the older versions of this one, but I did post one earlier in the process, initially it was going to be a very clean image of her sitting bored on her throne. But I didn’t have a clear reference for the throne, and what I ended up with was boring, I found myself disliking it, and so went with the shattered earth bg sort of merging the scenery from her card art. You can see how I was working from more flat lines, adding layers of color exclusion and subtraction to soften it, then jagged lines to add crunch and texture and make it look like the image was more grungy and decomposed.

But the same holds true of flatter styles. The background is actually a part of the picture I work on and change at random. Nothing is sacred and things can be added or discarded at any point. This one here here I drew all these bugs individually on a separate canvas and pasted them at random. But I was working on his figure and background at the same time. For the butterflies, I drew the front and back wings individually then sort of composited them into a complete bug. Rather than drawing them individually at various angles. Bc I wasn’t going for that for this one

This one here I got so wrapped up in the background I ended up zooming out and trying to add more characters and had to pause on it bc it’s a lot more work to build a multi character scene when really I should have just posted my grunged up little meow meow when I was ahead sigh

A few more thoughts: if the composition looks good flat it’ll look good shaded. Strong Shapes are really useful for a background. Windows are particularly elegant, I have to fight the urge to put a window in every picture as a frame within the frame/for an excuse for backlighting. Because any way you can emphasize the picture being a contained space will bring a sense of dimensionality, which invites you to want to look into it as a little world rather than a singular drawing of a character which is ungrounded, in which case the appeal is more the character itself. Like, you drew a decent pic of the character i like. Vs. you drew an image w a composition that is confusing and distracting enough occasionally people who don’t “go here” might still get caught up staring at it. Or at least this is the type of response that always brings me a lot of joy.

On that merit though, if the figure is strong enough on its own, which sometimes it is, then sometimes a simplistic background is the best you can do, because you don’t Want to overpower whatever your concept is without reason. Here’s an example of me choosing the simpler and cleaner picture even though it lacks the Crunch simply bc you lost the shape of the wings and the opening line of inferno which was the whole point of the pic (even though I’m ultimately still torn on that choice and miss the spooky vibes of pic 1)

If background is the central focus to the picture, it’s probably better to work bg first or even set the scene up in a poser program for better lighting or composition. But it is t necessary to put that much background work into Every picture. If you don’t need a background, sometimes adding details is just going to make it cluttered and messy. My current process I generally Want to look cluttered and messy bc it’s the type of art I enjoy looking at, but specifically in a way where you are rewarded for looking closer, and any time your eye wanders you’re pulled back to something else, because the more things of interest happening in the picture, the more likely someone will stop to stare for a longer time and hit reblog, because you’ve tricked them into spending more time in your personal little hellscape. Which I also talk about on my reply to some tags the Mephy pic. My current mentality is, if this is a long term picture I’m pouring a lot of effort into, I’m my harshest critic and can easily slip myself into the bored disillusioned user scrolling tumblr going “who cares” so any time my eye wanders when working on it, if I find myself slipping away out of the picture I want to put something there to redirect you to the subject.

Here’s an example of what happens when i draw the lines without thinking about the background till the very end (managing to keep a separate layer for figure and bg which I don’t often). It looks silly when the character layer is turned off but it gives you a better sense of how you start with flats and simple gradients and add all the little bastard textures on it later.

If you have questions on any specific texture or technique from a specific image I can probably go more into that! I use a combo of mostly default pro create brushes and ones I’ve made myself which are easilly replicated if you have the program. But even if you’re using object or texture brushes you have to keep them at a minimum. They shouldn’t carry the pic just enhance it

I hope this is! interesting and or informative

I would really really love to know about your process in terms of the backgrounds and how you fill up the canvas, I think it always looks so cool and it always really adds to the pieces

Hi adet ty for the ask! Will reblog with a proper response with some examples in a minute, my iPad hates tumblr and is convinced asks are an illusion

[forays-into-fiction]

Let Me Take Care of You

You and Eddie try something new and you both like it… a lot. Then one day he comes home from a long, hard day and you take care of him in an unconventional way. And of course, he just has to return the favour.

Eddie x Bambi Masterlist

Minors DNI 

Contains: Slight Dom!Eddie/Sub!Reader, Eddie/Not So Innocent!Girly!Reader, Cockwarming, Honorifics/Petnames (Sir, Bambi, Baby, Babe, Sweetheart, Princess), Dirty Talk, Mentions of Degradation/Name-calling (Slut), Praise Kink, Slight Corruption Kink, Unprotected Sex, Sex Dreams, Cumming In Pants, Mentions of Bondage, Oral (Female Receiving), Finger Sucking, Mentions of Mechanic!Eddie

Credit to @ohmyloveeddie​ on the photo from TikTok

You lay with Eddie in his bed, cuddled up close, straddling one of his legs, head resting on his shoulder. The second you’d figured out just how much physical touch was one of his love languages was the day you refused to ever let him go. It was just one more thing you had in common with him, you were so clingy with him, as he was with you. He always had to be touching you in some way, loved it whenever you sought him out too.

You lift your head up from his shoulder to look into his eyes, “Eds, there’s something I wanna try.”

“Yeah, what’s that?”

You struggle to find the words to express what you want, “I want you inside me… but I don’t want to have sex.”

“I… I don’t get it Bambi. What d’ya mean?”

“Well… I mean I just want to feel you, be closer to you, really, really close but that’s all, no… moving.”

“Uh ok, I guess. If that’s what you want.”

You nod and pout up at him.

“So… uh, you just want me to stick it in, but then we just sit here…”

“Yeah, sorry I know it sounds weird, but-”

“No, no, no Bambi. It doesn’t sound weird, it sounds nice. Love having my cock buried in you, just… I can’t picture what it would be like if we weren’t fucking when it… I dunno...”

“Alright, so you just gotta get hard and I just gotta be wet and stretched out a bit I guess…”

“Sweetheart, I’m already halfway there, surprised you can’t feel it, pressed up against me like you are.” He shifts, thrusting up shallowly and you do feel it, his cock swelling between his legs. 

You whimper, your wetness creeping forth as your head swims with all kinds of dirty thoughts. You grind down on his leg, not at all subtle about it. He pulls you in for a kiss, his hand resting on the back of your head. He trails his hand down your back all the way to your ass and he grips it urging your hips to move against him.

When the two of you break apart, he growls, “Come on let me stretch you out, you wanna fuck yourself on my fingers, get nice and ready for my thick cock?”

“Please… yes, please sir.” You moan in his ear.

His hand slips under the hem of your skirt and he tugs your panties aside rubbing his fingers against your clit. He does that, spreading your slick as it dribbles out of you before slowly easing his fingers inside you.

“Go on then… fuck yourself.”

You whine and begin humping his hand.

“That’s it, good girl. Ride those fingers ‘til you’re ready. And as soon as you are I wanna hear the word. You got that?”

“Yes, sir.” You nod, throwing your head back with a gasp as he crooks his fingers inside you, caressing your spongy walls in just the right way.

His fingers move with you, matching your every thrust drawing soft, little moans from your lips.

Before too long you’re panting out, “Eds… Eds please I’m ready.”

He pulls his wet, sticky fingers out before holding them up in front of you, “Clean them off first.”

You clutch at his wrist with both hands and suck his fingers into your mouth, you take notice of the pink ribbon entwined with his leather and chain bracelet as you do so.

With his free hand he rolls down his sweatpants and tugs his boxers aside

Letting his flushed, dripping cock spring up, slapping against his navel, dribbling on his shirt.

Pulling your mouth off of his fingers with a wet ‘pop’, you shift your body closer to him. Throwing your leg over his on the other side, lining yourself up with his swollen tip. You grip the base of his shaft and ease onto it slowly with a groan, welcoming the intrusion. Sighing as you settle, fully seated on top of him, locking eyes you can feel yourself gushing all over his length.

He lets out a little whimper, “Fuck Bambi that’s good… are you sure you don’t wanna move?”

You nod your head, humming in response. “Mmhmm, I’m sure. Just sit with me. Hold me.”

He wraps his arms around you and you lean into him, foreheads pressing against one another.

“I love you Eddie… wish we could sit here like this all day.” You mumble.

He chuckles, “Don’t think I’d be able to last like this all day Bambi, I’m barely holding on now.”

“Just… relax… hmmm… enjoy th-the moment…”

“Oh, I am.”

He pulls you in for a kiss, gentle and sweet, not insisting on anything more.

Time trickles by slowly, seconds turn to minutes and you can feel him twitch inside you, you flex your walls in response, almost involuntarily. He lets out a rumbling groan, “Oh God… fuck… if you keep squeezing me like that either I’ll lose control, flip you over and fucking take you or I’ll just fucking blow my load. I don’t know which.”

You bite your lip, legs quivering either side of his and inadvertently clench around him at his words.

“Shit… it’s like you’re trying to drive me insane. Still… still don’t wanna move?”

“J-just a little longer… please, you feel so good like this Eds. It’s like I can feel every little throb, every little twitch…”

“Yeah, an’ I can feel the way you’re trembling, feel all of your wetness dribbling over my cock… running down my balls.”

You bring a hand up his back fisting it into his curls, tugging gently, tilting his head to kiss him again.

When you pull away, he lets out a pathetic, desperate moan “Please… fuck… please say I can move. Please let me move, Bambi.”

You let out a shaky moan of your own, “O-ok yeah, you can move now.”

In less than a heartbeat his hands drop to your hips holding them bruisingly tight as he forces you up and down on his cock in opposition to his pistoning hips, “Fuck this is about to be the quickest I blow my fucking load ever, touch yourself Bambi, cum with me.”

You place your hand over your clit, you barely even have to move your fingers, his motions jolting you enough that you move against your hand. The most lewd sounds echo through the room as his balls slap against your ass, all your combined fluids slicking each thrust, both of you lost to desperation and lust.

“Please… fuck, please I’m going to cum… cum with me, cum with me.” He chants.

You reach your peak just before he does, pulsing around him and with one final thrust he pulls you down to meet his hips. He’s flooding your cunt with his hot cum, cock spasming within you, balls drawing up tight against you.

You collapse on top of him gasping for air, both of you quaking with the intensity of your orgasms.

“Jesus H Christ, I’ve never cum so hard in my fucking life. What, was that Bambi?”

“I dunno… but it was amazing, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah, you can fucking say that again.”

You sit up on top of him and look down between the two of you as his softening length slips out of you, and pout, “We made a mess… a big mess.”

He chuckles, following your gaze, “Yeah we did, you wanna clean up now or sit here for a bit?”

A cheeky grin spreads across your face as a thought occurs to you, “I’m gonna clean up now.”

And before he has a chance to react you scoot back, ducking forwards to lick up all the traces of your lascivious act.

Eddie groans, “Fuck you are one dirty, depraved girl you know that?”

“Sure do.” You reply sweetly, grinning at him brightly as your combined releases dribble down your chin, you swipe a finger through it, catching it before it rolls too far and scoop it all into your mouth.

You giggle at him, the way his hands fist into the covers as he watches you mouth agape.

“Can you believe you thought I was sooo innocent when we first met?”

“I mean you still look all cute and innocent, but you do the nastiest things while doing so. Honestly you have no idea what it does to me Bambi.”

“Come on let’s clean up for real now, I wanna get back to cuddling.”

Eddie had been working part-time at Thatcher Tires since he was sixteen, Terry Thatcher was a friend of his uncle’s and Wayne had helped him get the job. He had gotten a job to help out with the bills and expenses but also to save up for that guitar he’d wanted, it was now three years later and he was still working there. Recently they’d asked him to pick up a few more shifts, it was beginning to wear him down, he hated that it meant he got to see you less.

Today was a particularly bad day for him, there’d been a pop quiz he wasn’t sure he’d done well on. You had been helping him with his studies as of late and he was worried he’d let you down with this one. 

Carver and his goons had also been particularly nasty today, he’d played it off like it didn’t affect him, played the role of ‘Town Freak’ perfectly, but it did get to him. Then at the shop he’d had to deal with the most abusive, loud-mouthed idiot of a customer. He couldn’t wait to get home and just collapse, dead to the world.

He trudges through the door looking exhausted and downtrodden, his coveralls unzipped, the arms tied around his waist, all covered in stains. He wasn’t expecting to see you there today, you hadn’t mentioned coming over. But there you sit perched on his couch, watching some silly little show on tv, just waiting for him.  

“Rough day, Eds?”

He looks over at you and gives you a weary smile that fades very quickly and nods mutely before moving to the kitchen sink and scrubbing his grimy hands raw. 

“What can I do? You wanna cuddle?”

“Yes, please…” he mumbles. 

“Alright, come here then.” You make little grabby-hands at him and he smiles again fleetingly, you didn’t even care if he got your clothes dirty at this point.

He sinks down into the couch, legs spread wide, head falling against the backrest as his eyes drift closed with a groan. 

You move to straddle him, pressing yourself into him firmly. You bring one hand up to his head, sweeping his long curls behind his ear and running that hand up to the back of his head scratching on his scalp lightly. 

He hums contentedly, “Mmmmh… feels good, Bambi.”

“Yeah? You wanna talk about what happened today?”

He shakes his head wordlessly.

“Ok. That’s alright. You let me know if and when you do.”

You sit there in silence like that for a moment before he leans forward and nuzzles his head into your neck.

“Need more…” He groans. 

“You wanna go to the bedroom?” You offer. 

“No, not… not like that… well kinda like that. You know like the other day? Where I just stuck it in but we didn’t… that bit where we didn’t move… it was so… warm and soft and… and I felt so close to you… it was like nothing else Bambi.”

“You wanna do that again?”

“Please…”

“Alright, well we’re gonna need a minute to warm up first, ok?”

He nods, you tilt his head towards you and kiss him passionately. He reciprocates and you begin grinding into him. You feel him hardening beneath you and he trails kisses down your neck, pulling your blouse off your shoulders exposing the lacy, white bra bellow. 

He doesn’t bother unclasping it, just pushes it down under your tits until they pop out. He continues leaving open mouthed kisses over your breasts, before clamping down on one laving over it with his tongue and moving to suckle at your nipple. When he starts to nip at it you grind even harder against him, rapidly dampening panties sliding against your skin deliciously.

“You… huhhhhmmm… you ready, babe?” You hum.

He nods, mouth never leaving your chest. 

“Good… I’m gonna need you to stretch me out a bit with your fingers first, ok?”

He moans against your skin and slips a hand beneath your skirt, pulling your panties down as far as they’ll go without having to get up.  

He sinks his fingers into you slowly, starting out with two, “Mmmm… wet.” He murmurs. 

“Yeah, Eddie wet for you baby.”

His scissors his first two fingers inside you, stretching out your slick walls before adding a third and pumping them in and out.

It’s not long before he has you panting, “Ohhhh, Eddie… Eds that’s good… you can… you can put it in now.”

His fingers slip out of you and you push off against his shoulders, standing to take off your panties. 

He eagerly pushes his coveralls the rest of the way down to his ankles before undoing his belt and pushing his jeans to follow. As he’s wriggling out of his boxers, leaving them tangled at his knees, you remove your bra and blouse. 

You run a hand over his thick, ruddy cock spreading his precum before moving to straddle him. You look deep into his eyes as you sink onto his cock, taking him inch by inch, he lets out the most precious little moans as you do.

You settle with him bottoming out inside you, a hand coming up to cup his face, your thumb brushing over his cheek. His eyes drift closed and he lets out soft little sighs.

You pull his head forwards gently and press soft kisses into the top of his head, his mouth returns to your chest, this time paying attention to the other breast.

You coo into his curls, “That’s it baby, just relax. I know you had a tough day but it’s all over now. You’re such a strong man, I know you are, but just let me take care of you.” 

Time stretches out to eternity, in truth it had only been a few minutes, the two of you wrapped up in one another as you whisper sweet nothings into his hair. 

You’re gushing all around him, acutely aware of every twitch and throb of his cock nestled deep inside you, his mouth on your breasts only heightening the sensation. 

You rock against him involuntarily and he gasps pulling his head away from your chest, his hands clenching around your hips stilling their movements, “No don’t… I’ll cum if you do that… I don’t wanna cum…” tears well in his eyes.

“Why don’t you wanna cum baby?” You ask curiously. 

“‘Cause i-if I cum, then this… this is a-all ov-over… I don’ wan’ it to end…” he blubbers through the tears now streaming down his cheeks.

“Oh, no it’s ok we can go again when you’re ready. Just let go Eds. Cum… it’ll feel so good. Cum for me Eddie.” You resume rocking your hips against him as his grip loosens.

“Hmmmm… fuck… oh shit… I love you.” He whimpers as he begins to topple over the edge, falling into the abyss of his orgasm.

You capture his lips between your own kissing him deeply as his length throbs inside you spraying your soft, warm cunt with his thick cum.

You pull away from his lips, resting your forehead against his as he regains his composure. As his dick begins to soften and slip out of you, he slips his hand under your skirt once more, but you grab his arm, stopping him.

“You don’t have to.”

“B-but you didn’t… I should…”

“Hey, hey that’s not what this was about. This was for you.”

“But-”

“No buts just lay back and relax.” 

He eases his hand back out from under your skirt and flops back against the couch. You lean into him and wrap your arms around him.

“Feeling better Eds?” 

He just lets out a lazy groan in response. 

“Did you want to go again or should I get cleaned up now?”

“It’s ok you can clean up.” He mumbles. 

“Ok. Just so you know, it’s ok if you change your mind later and do wanna go again, ok?”

He nods and you rise giving his arm a quick squeeze, “I will be right back, I promise.”

You disappear into the bathroom and clean yourself off quickly before re-emerging carrying a warm, damp cloth. 

You swipe it across his face first, eyes and cheeks, clearing up his tear tracks and he sighs, “Tha’s nice.” 

You move to kneel between his legs running the cloth over his crotch wiping up all remnants of his release. You press a soft kiss to his hipbone and look up at him, “Boxers on or off Eds?”

“On please.” He puffs out a response.

You pull them up tucking him away and untangle his jeans and coveralls from his ankles, tossing them aside before clambering back into his lap. 

“Th-thank you, Bambi.” He mutters encircling you with his arms.

You lay there for a while, until his arms get heavy and slip away from you and you hear him snoring softly beneath you.

You ease yourself off of him, careful not to wake him and adjust his position as best as you can, you don’t want him to wake up with a crick in his neck. You retrieve a blanket for him, wrapping it over his limp form before venturing into his bedroom. 

Slipping out of your skirt you pull on one of his shirts and a pair of his clean boxers. You collect your skirt and the rest of the clothes in the living room, folding everything and placing it on the end of his bed before crawling under the covers there. You drift off wrapped up in him, in his clothes, in his bed, in his smell, it’s intoxicating.

Eddie stirs on the couch, waking in a confused fog, but then he remembers how he got there. He can hear faint moans, the sound of his name, all coming from his bedroom.

You were squirming, in the midst of an especially steamy dream, one where Eddie had you by the throat, fucking you from behind, gagged and bound, drooling all over yourself.

Eddie stands in the doorway for a moment watching, you’ve tangled yourself up in the covers, part of them bunched up between your legs as you squirm and grind against them covered in a thin sheen of sweat.

He watches until you moan out “Need you Eds…”

And he caves, moving over to you shaking your shoulder gently, you rouse groggily.

“Hey Bambi, I’m here what do you need? Want me to give you a hand?” He coos.

“Oh, Eddie… fuck… I was having the best dream…” You rub at your eyes to clear them.

“Yeah, baby? Wanna tell me about it while I eat you out?”

“Uhh huh, yes please.” You begin untangling yourself from his covers and he takes a seat on the bed.

“So, tell me what was happening in your dream?” His voice low and gravelly, he begins running his hand up your calf, pausing to squeeze at your thigh.

“Well, you were there...”

“I should hope so, the way you were squirming and moaning.” He teases.

“… and you tied me up all pretty in that rainbow rope, you know the one?”

He pulls his boxers over your legs dropping them over the edge of the bed, he nods before leaning in, “Uhh huh, sure do princess, keep going.”

You gasp as he bites down on your thigh, right beside your tattoo as he was wont to do, sucking on it hard, gazing up into your eyes.

“Then once you tied me up, you teased me with the magic wand and when I was starting to get too loud you got the ball gag… the smaller one this time… and you put it in for me and when it was in place you gave it a little kiss.”

He starts littering your thigh with soft, quick kisses, “Like this?” he mumbles against the skin and you giggle.

“Yeah, a little. You wouldn’t let me cum with the toy though, you said if I did, you’d punish me.” He grips both legs spreading them ever so slowly as you speak.

“And did you? Did you cum, did I have to punish you? Or were you my good girl?”

You feel his breath ghosting over you, right where you need him most, you whine desperately, “Please Eddie… need you.”

“Answer the question.” He replies firmly.

“I was your good girl.” You answer proudly.

He licks a broad stripe along your slick folds and you whimper, hands fisting into the sheets, eyes screwed shut for a moment, “A-and then… mhhhm… then you said I was so good, that you were going to stuff me full of your cum while you fucked me from behind and I was going to take it all ‘cause I’m your good little slut.”

His tongue continues to probe at your entrance, licking away your arousal he moans into you before slowly dragging his tongue up to circle your clit, all the while humping the mattress beneath him.

“Oh god… fuck, Eddie.” You whine hands moving to tug on his locks, obscuring your view of his face.

“Keep. Going.” He growls face still buried between your thighs, his hands squeezing and kneading the soft flesh.

“S-Sooo… fuck…” He’s slipped one hand up to join his tongue, delving between your folds to plunge into your wet heat, fingers grazing over your soft spongy walls just so, your hips rising of the mattress to grind against his face. His own hips matching your pace, unknowingly chasing his own release.

You continue panting, rushing through your recount of the dream, “…you… y-you flipped me over… so strong… hmmm… an’ you grabbed my hips real tight, but then as you slammed into me with your cock, you took one hand an’ yo-you wrapped it around my throat…”

He groans into you, “Fuck… sounds perfect, Bambi.”

Your breath comes in short quick gasps as you continue, you can feel yourself beginning to clamp down on his fingers, “And you were calling me names… the way I like and just slamming into me over and over… and I could feel your balls slapping my little clit… fuck, Eddie gonna cum… can I cum?”

He gives your thigh a permissive tap, in the way you’d agreed upon and you surrender to him cumming all over his tongue and fingers, clenching and unclenching rhythmically on his digits. Screaming his name to the heavens before slowly sinking back down into the mattress bonelessly, sighing breathlessly. His hips falter in their movements as he soils his boxers, cumming along with you.

He looks up at you from between your thighs, grinning dopily, lower half of his face smeared with your release, still lazily rolling his hips into the bed.

“C’mon let’s go to sleep, get under the covers.” You reach for him.

“Just a sec… I got a little issue I need to deal with.”

“What’re you talking about Eds?” You mumble in confusion

“I came in my pants, babe.”

“Shit that’s fucking hot.”

He shakes his head, “Only you would find a guy cumming in his pants hot.”

“Nuh uh, ‘m sure there’s lotsa girls that would… but go clean up and be quick, I wan’ cuddles.”

“Ok, be right back. Can’t let my princess go without her ‘cuddles’”

When he returns, he slides in beside you, scooping you into his arms and pulls the covers up over the pair of you. “Love you Eddie, sweet dreams.” You murmur.

“Love you too Bambi.”

Taglist: @strangerthings1983fan​ @hellfirefiend​ @cluz1babe​ @needylilgal022​

[solarpunkani]

Guerrilla Gardening Commodification (?)

Alright friends so I was shopping at Target with a friend and I went to check out their Spring/Outdoors section because of course I did and I saw an assortment of 'seed ball' gardening kits. See below.

Now, this caught my eye for several reasons. For one, I'd been thinking about making seed bombs (another term for seed balls) for awhile now, but hadn't figured out where exactly to get the clay from. I've also already started thinking about what I wanted to grow in my garden, as well as what I wanted to put in my hypothetical seed bombs. Not to mention, they're bright and colorful.

Perhaps I'm reading into it too far. But the origin of guerrilla gardening is gardeners planting things--food, flowers, etc--on land that they don't have the legal rights to. It's been a form of direct action and protest from the beginning, and not necessarily one that always has positive connotations either, depending on who you ask.

Granted, in recent years, it's gotten a lot of positive press--I'd heard of the idea of guerrilla gardening in this time, where lovely positive articles were being written, morning news shows were doing quirky little shorts showing off seed bombs as a cute fun activity with your kids in the backyard, and guerrilla gardeners were getting TedTalks. Hell, the first time I'd heard of a 'seed bomb' was volunteering at the zoo as a teenager and making and selling them for a dollar donation to help save tigers. It was literally the whole thing that made me want to garden in the first place! Is the positive PR a bad thing? Not in my opinion, no. Sharing positive radical ideas and concepts, drawing attention to the lack of green spaces and food access in communities, and boosting the amount of habitat for pollinators are all fantastic things! But at the same time, I don't know how to feel about these kits. It sort of feels like commodifying and capitalizing a revolutionary act, sort of 'sanitizing' it to be more PR friendly? Again, I could be overreacting.

The entire air these kits had to me was sort of a 'hey, make seed bombs, toss them in your backyard! How fun!' Am I going to demand that the company making these puts an entire history lesson on the back of every package, mentioning the origins of seed bombs and their revolutionary nature? Not necessarily, but still.

Obviously, this seed bomb kit could be the thing that gets someone into gardening, which is always a plus in my book. Maybe people will use the seed bombs for their intended purpose, and throw them into empty lots and neglected spaces to create some color in their worlds (though, at that note, I'm not sure how excited to be about people throwing tomato seeds into lots where they may pick up toxins from the ground that people may try to eat later). But still, in the moment, I was getting a very heavy 'oh hey we're sanitizing your movement' sort of vibe.

History of guerrilla gardening aside, as a pollinator gardener, I wanna talk about the stuff included in the wildflower kit.

The front of the box has cute pictures of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, hanging out around drawn and labeled flowers; dwarf snapdragons, plains coreopsis, sweet william pinks, dwarf cosmos, coneflower, and milkweed (if you know me you know I love milkweed). The back lists all the flowers included in each 'set' of seeds. But you've gotta wonder... are these native? And to where? It says it was made in the USA, but the USA is pretty big, with a wide variety of different pollinators and pollinator plants in each region. Something native to one area can be invasive in another, which is never really good. The company making these kits, Modern Sprout, is based in Chicago, Illinois. They have a lot of other products on their website, many of which are all very cute, but. There are over 100 species of milkweed native to the United States, and they don't all grow well in the same places or are even native to the same places. The back of this kit only says 'Milkweed.' Thank you. Which one is it? Am I going to plant swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) in an area better suited for common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)? Am I going to be planting the mildly-controversial tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) all over my neighborhood? This doesn't even begin to address the other plants in this kit, which I recognized the names of but not enough to know intimately if they're native to my area. The idea of someone intending to do good but accidentally spreading an invasive species around is scary because it's possible.

I don't think I'm allowed to critique too much, seeing as I did end up impulse-buying the kit. I'm going to double check and see if these are all native (maybe the inside has more information, specific species names?), and if not I'll just use the clay and worm castings to make my own seed bombs. I just had a lot of thoughts, and wanted to start a discussion of sorts?

[rodr1cks]

Hi! I don't know if your request are open, but I'd like to know if you could write a rodrick x reader where the reader is Rowley's sister and discovers her talking on the phone with a friend saying she's in love with Rodrick and tells Greg and he tells her that Rodrick has been in love with her for a long time and they try to put them together?

cw: none it’s pure fluff

word count: 1.8k

“I know! And he didn’t even apologize!” Greg ranted into the receiver.

“I’m sorry, Greg,” Rowley frowned, sympathetic nature as present as always. “Anyways, mom says dinner is ready, see you tonight?” Rowley’s tone lifted at the end of his sentence, excitement brewing as he thought about the sleepover he was meant to have with Greg later that evening.

You slid into the kitchen on your socks, just as Rowley was concluding his conversation with Greg.

Rowley sat anxiously through dinner, quickly consuming everything on his plate, including the vegetables. You observed him from across the table, cocking your head as your younger brother inhaled his peas like he hadn’t eaten in days.

He took his last bite before exclaiming, “I’m going to pack my stuff for Greg’s!”

Not without clearing his dishes first, of course.

You rolled your eyes at his charisma and headed into the living room. You slumped over on the couch, limbs splayed every which way as you called your friend, Marissa. You had been needing to gush to somebody about your newest crush, Rodrick Heffley.

You had only interacted with the messy haired boy in passing: family dinners, picking up Greg, dropping off Rowley, etc.

“I don’t know what it is, he’s just so- so- captivating. God, Mar, I swear I could watch him play drums for hours on end!”

Unbeknownst to you, Rowley had entered the room and was about to speak. You were too caught up in drooling over Rodrick to notice. “Hey, y/n-” He cut himself off quickly, curiosity getting the best of him.

“And did you see what he was wearing at Matt’s party? Those jeans? And that eyeliner? God I could just tear them-”

Rowley cleared his throat, unwilling to hear the rest. “Y/n can you take me to Greg’s, please?” He stood awkwardly with his lips pursed.

Your head whipped around faster than the speed of light. “Marissa, I gotta go.”

“Rowley, how much of that did you hear?”

He lied, something he wasn’t really good at, “Not much! I promise!”

“Rowley Jefferson you had better keep your mouth shut, or I swear I’ll-”

You stopped yourself, closing your eyes and drawing in a deep breath. “Just get in the car.” You breathed out in a scarily calm tone. Your red headed sibling nodded frantically out of fear and darted to the garage.

Usually, you would make him walk, but ever since your infatuation with Rodrick began, you were more eager to give him rides over there. The mere prospect of getting the slightest glance sending excitement throughout your entire being.

When you pulled up to the Heffley home, you gave him a final glare. “Say nothing.” He gave you the same shaky nod he gave you only moments ago. With that, he was bounding towards the front door. You made sure he got inside safely and drove off.

“Rowley? Everything okay?” Greg asked his friend, concerned with his behavior. Rowley couldn’t handle keeping secrets. His hands grew clammy and a slight sweat broke out on his forehead. Rowley had an uncomfortably fake smile plastered on his face as he tried to assure Greg that everything was just peachy.

All it took was one knowing look from Greg and Rowley broke.

“Alright, fine! I heard my sister talking to her friend about how hot Rodrick is and how she wants to-”

“Okay, okay! I get the picture!”

Greg took a moment to proceed, his brows furrowed as he brought a contemplative fist up to support his chin.

“Lemme get this straight. Your sister likes my brother?”

Rowley nodded slowly.

“Y/n likes Rodrick?”

Rowley nodded again, confirming Greg’s exclamations.

“But y/n is smart a-and hot!”

“Greg! Don’t say that!” Rowley groaned, rolling his head back in disgust. Greg threw both of his hands up in defense, “I’m just stating facts.”

“Wait, I have an idea.” A pit of dread grew in Rowley’s stomach, Greg’s ideas never turned out well.

“What if we set up y/n with Rodrick? Just hear me out, this could be good for him.”

Rowley mulled the idea over in his head, thinking that maybe dating you could make Rodrick more… agreeable? Maybe you could be a good influence on the intimidating teenager. A happier Rodrick would make sleepovers at Greg’s a lot more pleasant.

“I think that could work,” Rowley said apprehensively. “But how do we do it?”

Greg shrugged, “Simple, we just tell Rodrick there’s a really hot Girl interested in him.”

The boys proceeded to draw up a plan.

Phase one: The approach. Greg and Rowley nervously ascended the wooden steps that led to Rodrick’s room. Rodrick was laying on his back, spinning a drumstick between his nimble fingers.

He shot up immediately when he noticed the boys’ presence. “What are your dweebs doing up here?”

Phase two: Delivery. “Calm down Rodrick, we have some information you might wanna know,” Greg reasoned cooly, easing Rodrick’s anger from a roaring ten to a mild six.

Greg nodded over at Rowley, signaling him to start talking.

“W-well,” Rowley stuttered, “I uhm- heard my sister talking about you and she- she likes you and she was talking about your jeans?”

Rodrick blinked in confusion, processing this intel.

“Your sister likes me? Are you sure she meant me?”

“That’s what I said!” Greg exclaimed and Rodrick shot him a terrifying glare, silently telling Greg to can it.

Rodrick was honestly shocked. He always observed you from afar, deciding himself that a chick as cool as you would never go for him. This news was absolutely world shattering for the boy, he completely admired you.

Phase three: Action. “We have a plan.” Greg said, a conniving grin creeping onto his face. “Rowley calls y/n, tells her that he’s feeling sick and blames it on Mom’s pot roast or something. Then when she rushes over all worried, you greet her at the door. And then you work your Rodrick magic!” Greg smiled, abundant pride for his plan evident in his stature.

“It’s a go.” Rodrick declared, scrambling around his room to put on deodorant, a new t-shirt, and cologne before pointing at Rowley. “Make the call.”

“Hey, y/n,” Rowley groaned into the phone, sounding as sick as he possibly could. “I- I think I ate something bad and I really need you ro come get me.”

You sighed, telling him you’d be there in ten minutes and to have his things ready to go. You departed for the Heffley house for the second time that night.

When Rowley didn’t come out to your car, you trudged up to the red door to go retrieve the sickly boy.

You gave the door three lazy knocks, expecting Rowley’s face to be the one behind it when it swung open. “Hey kid, are you feeling okay?” You asked, not yet making eye contact with the figure leering in the doorframe.

Your eyes widened as you came to realize who it was.

“Funny seeing you here,” Rodrick drawled out, a smirk tugging at his lips. Your cheeks burned with the heat of one thousand suns, you were not expecting this tonight.

“Y-yeah,” you smiled awkwardly, staring at your feet. “Rowley called, he uhm, he’s not feeling well. So if you could just get him for me I can leave. Immediately.” You cursed yourself for your blubbering idiocy as you twiddled your fingers.

“Actually, Rowley is feeling much, much better.” Suspicion grew as you studied Rodrick’s devious expression. “What’s going on?” You asked, genuinely puzzled as nothing was making any sense.

“I don’t know, y/n. Why don’t you come in and tell me?” Rodrick was surprisingly smooth in this situation, despite his nerves being at an all time high.

“Rowley is just up here,” Rodrick said while guiding you up the stairs to his room. In the meantime, Greg and Rowley peered out from the hallway, watching you follow Rodrick upstairs and giggling to themselves.

The overhead lights in Rodrick’s room were turned on, the glow from his string lights illuminating the area instead. “Mood lighting,” as he had called it. Rodrick had already instructed the boys to stay far away once you had arrived.

You were still lost, Rowley nowhere in sight. “So? Where is he?” You asked expectantly.

“Here’s the thing y/n. You know Rowley can’t keep secrets, right? I mean you have to know that, he is your brother”

Shit.

“That little shit stain! I’ll get him, I swear to god!” You turned to bound down the stairs, ready to tear the entire house apart in hunting for him. Rodrick grabbed your wrist before your foot could even reach the first step.

“Y/n, relax, relax!” His grip on your flesh made your breath hitch and stomach churn. “It’s okay, I feel the same way.” Rodrick’s cocky facade dissipated into nothing as he revealed his feelings.

You got a glimpse of a more vulnerable side of Rodrick that you were sure he didn’t typically share. “But girls like you don’t usually like stupid guys like me,” Rodrick was staring at the ground now, grasp on your arm softening.

You were too unsure of your words so you opted to move your free hand to hold his bicep, closing a considerable amount of distance between the two of you in the process.

“Rodrick, I’ve never liked anybody as much as I like you. And I don’t mean that in a weird or creepy way it’s just that-”

Now it was time for Rodrick’s own addition to the plan. Phase four: The kiss.

Your rambling was cut short by a pair of warm lips pressing against your own. He kissed you with just enough force to cause you to stumble back a bit, causing you to brace yourself against his torso.

He carded a gentle hand through your hair and tugged back on your soft locks. You moaned at the vibrations tendrilling at your scalp and kissed him with even more ferocity.

Somehow, you ended up on his bed, straddling him. The blankets strewn across his mattress melded against your knees and the fronts of your calves as you stabilized yourself on his lap.

He placed apprehensive hands on your hip bones, unsure of what was okay and what wasn’t. You placed your hand on top of his larger one, assuring him that you were comfortable. You even allowed a small whimper to leave your throat as he tightened his hold on you.

You only pulled away to catch your breath, looking into his eyes for the first time that night. You smiled warmly at him as you cupped his cheek. Suddenly, Rodrick’s signature smirk returned to his face.

“Now tell me what you were saying about my jeans.”

[kin-the-muffin]

GUYS

WHY DO I KEEP NOT SEEING THINGS UNTIL THE DAY AFTER THEY COME

for those who are unaware:

I AM GOING TO HAVE A MENTAL BREAKDOWN

more of my screaming under the cut

ok so we’re starting right where we left off and OMIGOSH THE HUG I CANT HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

gus helping w the dishes is so sweet!! and amity omigosh this girl. not to mention camila is just taking it so coolly?? what am i saying, shes probably freaking out inside

I HAVE NEVER HATED A BAND-AID BOX IN MY ENTIRE LIFE AND I WILL NEVER DO SO MORE THAN I DO NOW IM GONNA CRY

is it just me or does it seem like luz is in shock? shes acting like everything’s fine, and not the way she acted in reaching out either, more like shes numb or something 🥺

hunter, bb, why would they hate you cuz youre a clone of caleb? that doesnt make you him. plus i dont actually think that caleb was ever a witch hunter in the first place. also, youre not helping luz. ily <3

why luz gotta blame herself, she couldn’t have ever known something like this would happen. and im not sure how time travel works in the owl house but id be willing to bet that even if she hadnt helped philip, he would have found someone else willing to be monster bait instead of her and lilith

‘we’ll tell them, when we’re ready’ girl that aint ever gonna happen. the way things go when ppl say stuff like that is that the thing gets pushed off until the characters cant help but slam right into it, no countermeasures to soften the blow. i am very worried about how this is gonna affect willow and amity.

AMITY’S LINGERING GAZE ON LUZ MA HEART AAAAAAA

ik there were some people who were worried that the gang wasnt gonna be ok with vee so im glad that they like her :)

well, glad to know that the philip-goo is, in fact, alive. screw that

gus nerding-out with all of the stuff in the basement XD (also camila why is there so much random stuff in your basement? 👀)

HUNTER NO STOP WHY WOULD YOU- UGH I THOUGHT YOU WERE GETTING OVER THIS

hunters little smile at gus :>

amity and willow protecting vee from the alarm clock, i cant- *wheeze*

ALL THE BABY PICTURES OF LUZ ARE SO CUTE AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I WISH I COULD SEE THEM BETTER HHH I CANT WAIT A WEEK!!!!

willow looks so cute with her hair down i swear

MONTAGE BABYYYYYYYY

OMIGOSH ITS A MONTAGE INSIDE A MONTAGE

I AM SO SO SO SO SO SO GLAD THEY DROPPED THE ‘luzity’ CRAP AND DID LUMITY

THE PICTURES ARE SO CUTE, IM GONNA- *dies*

‘HI IM BI’ IF I COME OUT, THIS IS HOW IM DOING IT

LUZ AND AMITY’S GRINS AT CAMILA THEY ALL LOOK SO HAPPY AND AMITY IS BLUSHING

gus, i love you so much for that, the rainbow and everything

their drawings of their families are so cuuuuuuuute (and amity not drawing karen HA)

WAIT IS WILLOW WEARING A SHIRT WITH A SHOOTING STAR?????? YALL KNOW DANA DID THAT FOR ALEX YALL KNOW IT

CAMILA’S RAINBOW HEART STICKER

VEE’S LITTLE TRANSITION WAS SO CUTE

HUNTER

MY DUDE

WHY DID YOU EVEN LET YOUR HAIR GET THAT LONG

AND WHY DO YOU HAVE THAT BOOK

(our first real look at caleb???)

OK BUT SERIOUSLY HE LOOKS SO GOOD WITH THAT NEW HAIRCUT I’LL ADMIT I WAS WORRIED BUT THEY PULLED IT OFF!

idk what they were doing but the portal kinda worked for a second, before it, yknow, combusted

what even is that blob, i dont even wanna try to guess whats in it (THEY ALL LOOK SO PROUD OF THEMSELVES, MY BABIES)

amity’s look of wonder at the rain, my beloved <3<3

im so happy they got to have some fun after all the trauma, they really needed it

do i even need to say anything about luz and amity in the rain

luz’s drawing skills have gotten so much better!!! (dat trauma tho. the depression that she cant have everything she wants in one world. in the human realm, she has her mom and vee but in the demon realm, she can do magic and has her best friends (and gf) and eda and king)

looks like her palisman has yet to arrive :(

darnit shes back at school (i wonder how she figured that all out)

thank you for coming to my ted talk, now back to your regularly-scheduled reblogs

[kageyamatobiyogurt]

haikyuu boys with an s/o who has tattoos

a/n: y’all it’s finally summer break woahwoah so i think i have more time to flesh things out ayy. here’s more thoughts from me hehe. some shorter headcanons so i can include more boys 

includes: akaashi, bokuto, osamu, yamaguchi, kuroo  

akaashi:

adores seeing you from a distance every now and then 

he got to see more of you from a distance, even though up close gave him more details

sometimes there’s just that one piece that curves around that one part of your body so well he can’t help but swoon

even seeing you a couple feet away from him in your kitchen makes his heart thud a little faster 

sometimes he still can’t believe you’re his 

sometimes it makes you look grander, just art covering more art 

“what’s on your mind, keiji?” you asked once, noticing how he was jsut sort of staring 

“you,” he breathes out with ease, because you never really did seem to leave his mind 

bokuto: 

this baby pls 

immediately told you he thought your pieces were so cool, this is even before you started dating 

his eyes just brightened that one day you took off a hoodie to reveal an arm with a few tattoos 

he kept looking and he almost felt bad because he was looking so much but he couldn’t get enough

also had to stop himself from reaching out because he remembered you gotta respect personal space nydfydf 

always reminds you which one of your tattoos is his favorite with the utmost enthusiasm 

and the best part is it’s a different one every time :’)

“this one’s my favorite, babe,” he’ll tell you one morning, tapping the one above your elbow

“gosh my favorite tattoo really just wraps around you so perfectly huh?” he comments, lightly gliding a finger around your shoulder 

“this, well, this is just perfect like my baby,” he’ll say to the most detailed one you have 

osamu: 

maybe you two were watching tv, or it was playing in the background 

you wound up on his lap somehow (not much of a surprise) as you scrolled on your phone

you really just heard a, “c’mere,” and felt him maneuver you 

he was gently running his fingers down your arm, eyes observing every little detail of a piece 

he loved seeing every little line and the shades used to give your tattoos dimension 

he can’t really draw so he likes to follow the lines to gradually “make” the whole tattoo

honestly you’ve fallen asleep in his arms more than once while he traces lines because it’s so soothing 

yamaguchi:

he never really got any tattoos because he either couldn’t figure out what he’d want on himself permanently and he was maybe scared of the pain 

ofc his own tattoo fears doesn’t mean that he doesn’t love them 

he’s honestly so impressed that you were so decisive and brave 

before he got familiar with all of your tattoos, he’d ask about each one he’d just found out about 

the one day you wore a tank top for the first time, you revealed a tattoo on your shoulder blade 

he came up behind you, placing light fingers to ghost the tattoo

“how much did this hurt?” he asks 

you always tell him it isn’t too bad but he always places a kiss to it too 

when he saw the tattoo on your rib cage, his hands instinctively came to your sides to hold you, “now you can’t lie and say this one didn’t hurt, i know these are supposed to be worse”

kuroo:

so you wore a tank top that exposed some of your sides, but not enough to really see the whole picture

honestly when he saw your rib tattoo it didn’t leave his mind for a week, it may have sent his mind reeling 

for someone well versed academically, he didn’t know too much about art

what exactly was it? did it have a special meaning to you? when did you get it? did it hurt? it must have..

when you two were finally dating he finally got all of his questions answered 

you were sat on his bed on a casual day, just content with each other’s presence 

“oh, you wanna see the whole thing?” you asked 

“kitten, of course i do, i’ve been wanting to forever” 

he carefully peeled off the top you wore, lifting it above your head 

his eyes widened at the sight of the full tattoo, in complete fascination 

his hand came to rest on the side of it as he kept looking. he didn’t say much because he didn’t know what words could convey everything running in his mind 

“so now you know,” you chuckled, cupping his cheek 

his heart swelled at the thought of being the only person who could really get to see it 

“it’s beautiful,” he whispered, “you’re beautiful”

[onceupon]

London Boy - Part 4: Just friends

summary: You wake up to find Rafe Cameron in your bed. Even though nothing happened, you’re still left trying to make sense of it all.

pairing: Rafe x reader (slowburn)

warnings: swearing, drinking

word count: 5k

a/n: thank you so much to all of you who have been reading along <333 sorry in advance if you want this to progress faster haha, it simply must be this slow, sorry I don't make the rules (even tho I do lol). Not canon Rafe!! 

masterlist

Your eyes slowly flutter open as the early morning rays wake you up. You didn’t even remember falling asleep. As you slowly gain consciousness you’re startled by the weight of Rafe’s arm draped across your body. What the hell? When did that happen? He spent the night in your bed?

Your mind races at a million miles an hour as you slowly slip out from under his hold. You were careful not to wake him up, not wanting to face any awkwardness. You throw on fresh clothes and grab your backpack, desperate to make your escape. You had wanted to get to school early today to work on some homework anyways, never before so eager to trade in the comfort of your bed for the library. 

After a quick pit stop to pick up a coffee and a croissant, you swing the heavy wooden doors open. You liked campus at this hour, the morning light still soft, the air crisp, and the atmosphere silent. As you scan your eyes for a spot to sit, you notice the unmistakable sight of fluffy brown hair hunched over a table. 

“Liam?” your whisper. “What the hell are doing here?”

That classic cheeky grin spreads across his face as he looks up to find you standing in front of him. “I go here, Y/n. Forget already?”

You roll your eyes, “I just didn’t know you were the studious type.”

“Not gonna lie to you babe, I’m not. But Rogers is already all the way up my ass over this class, and I’m not letting that prick hold me back a year.” 

You pull out the chair across from him and go to sit down, spreading your books out on the table. 

“Who said you could sit with?” he asks, and you shoot him a look. You’re not in the mood. “Geez alright, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed… you good Y/n?” he slows, taking in your disheveled appearance. You hadn’t so much as brushed your hair. 

“Can you promise not to tell anyone,” you stare dead into his eyes. 

“On my life,” he extends his pinky, and you accept. 

“Rafe… slept over last night…”

“Oh shit!” he exclaims, and your eyes widen at his echoing voice. 

“Not like that,” you hiss, not wanting to draw anymore attention to the two of you. “Nothing happened… like he just came over to watch a show and then we talked for a while and just accidentally… fell asleep. I panicked when I woke up and realized he was still in my bed so I ran out of there as fast as I could and now…. well now I’m here.” You nervously chug your coffee, heart racing. 

“So he hung out with you all night and didn’t make a move?”

You nod, nervously awaiting his analysis as you take a bite of your croissant. 

“Damn, boy must really like you,” he muses. 

“What? Definitely not,” you scoff. 

“Y/n, let me tell you a little something about guys. If we really like you, we’re gonna make the time to hang out with you, no matter what. The fact that he’s coming over your room to watch a show and hanging out with you until he physically can’t stay awake - I mean I can’t make it any more obvious to you.”

“I don’t know I just don’t think so… You don’t know Rafe like that, he’s a total player back home. He can pull any girl he wants, so if he liked me like that he would’ve done something by now. This is probably how he is with all his friends and I’m just reading too much into it. I’m sure Lily Colts will be in his bed soon enough,” you mumble. That last part stings in particular, you had already thought it, but saying it out loud made you feel… icky. 

“I may not know Rafe like that, but I know guys like him. I am guys like him. He likes you Y/n. So what if he pulls a lot of chicks, he doesn’t actually care about them. But he cares about you, probably can’t even understand why, and now it’s like bam Uno reverse. He can’t pull the cards he normally does, and now you’ve got him confused and he doesn’t know what to do. Man’s down bad. Give him time though, he’ll come around,” he explains to you calmly, stealing your coffee cup from you and taking a sip. 

“Honestly can I just start paying you to figure my life out for me. You make everything seem so simple.”

“Because it is simple. You insist on complicating it. But I know how you could pay me,” he adds with a wink and you shoot him a glare. You know he’s just joking (partially), he loves pushing your buttons. 

“Well whatever. I’ll believe it when I see it,” you resign on the Rafe matter. You wanted to believe what Liam was saying but it didn’t quite make sense to you. You were only going to drive yourself crazy trying to read between lines that you weren’t sure existed. Rafe was just used to situations like this with girls. To him last night was probably no big deal. It was to you though. You would never let ‘just a friend’ stay over like that, with his arm around you no less. But Rafe didn’t need to know that, you decide. 

—-

You manage to avoid Rafe all day, not having any classes with him on Friday’s. As soon as your last class is over, you sprint home, relieved when you’re the first back at the flat and can quickly slip into your room undetected. You set down your bag and sit on the edge of your bed. Your hand slowly runs over your comforter, still ruffled from where Rafe had been laying the night before. The indent of his head is still on your pillow; you can almost smell the scent of him lingering in your room and hear the sound of his soft whispers. You wonder what his first thoughts were when he woke up in your bed alone - was he confused? Embarrassed? He probably thought nothing of it at all. You can just picture him casually getting up with a stretch, like it’s the start of any typical day.

You slip into the shower and let the water wash over your body. It’s warm and soothing, and it’s reminding you of Rafe laying next to you, of his arm wrapped around you. God if there was only a way to shut your brain off once in a while. As much as you tried to suppress it, there had been a tiny part of you that was happy to have woken up in his embrace, giddy like a school girl with a crush. You’d always wondered how a moment like that would feel, or how a moment like that with him would feel. You had conveniently failed to mention the “arm” detail to Liam, maybe because in the back of your mind you knew it would only help prove his theory right.  

When you make your way back to your room, your phone buzzes and the Royal Fam 🇬🇧🇺🇸 group chat appears. 

Olivia: who wants to go out tonight 😈

Topper: me and Rafe have to be up early tmrw for soccer - rain check on this one ladies 

Olivia: :( 

Olivia: girls night out??

Millie: you know I’m there!

You’re a little bummed that Rafe won’t be there tonight. But a girls night sounds like just what you need to get him off your mind. 

Y/n: I’m in :)

Not even a few minutes later Olivia and Millie are barging into your room, causing you to let out a startled yelp. 

“My god, heard of knocking,” you exhale with your hand coming to your chest. Your statement falls on death ears. 

“Which jeans with this top,” Olivia asks, holding the clothing items against her body. 

“Should I curl or straighten my hair with this,” Millie follows, holding her outfit up. 

“Uhh,” your mind scrambles, “those jeans Liv. And straight, Mills,” you reply, shocked by your own decidedness. “But now you guys have to help me, I have no clue what to wear.”

“Say less,” Olivia flashes a smile. 

Within minutes they tear through your closet, picking out your outfit. Things were always much more clear with a fresh set of eyes. The three of you discuss the night’s logistics before making your way to the kitchen - couldn’t go drinking on an empty stomach. Rafe and Topper are already there, and you try your best to act natural even though your stomach ties itself in a knot the moment you catch a glimpse of his face. You haven’t seen him since you ran out this morning. 

“Uh hey I’m gonna run to Sainsbury’s real quick, I wanna get a chaser, anyone need anything,” you ask, avoiding eye contact with Rafe. Your nerves get the best of you and in terms of fight or flight, you were ready to flee. 

“Hey wait I’ll come with you. Gotta pick something up for dinner,” Rafe stands grabbing his jacket, and before you can interject, he’s leading the way down the hall and out your shared flat. 

“So what are you chasing tonight?” 

“What?” you ask startled, his question pulling you back to reality. Your mind had been running in a loop, trying to read him and the thoughts in his head. You wished now more than ever that you knew what Rafe was like behind closed doors back home, so you could somehow make sense of it all.

He chuckles at you, lost in your own world. “You said you needed a chaser?” Those intimidating blue eyes have found their way to yours again and you hastily look away, focusing in front of you instead. 

“Oh yeah- uh just for the vodka,” you laugh nervously. 

“Basic,” he mocks. You scoff in surprise and lightly hit him on the chest as the laughter leaves your lips. He’s sporting a shit-eating grin, having successfully egged you on. 

“You’re funny if you think I’m gonna do shots of whiskey before going to a club.”

“Well you do owe me one…” he says.

“Oh so he remembers?” you reply, amused.

“Of course,” he states so calm and so sure. Your head swirls at that, his cool confidence making you melt. The automatic doors slide open in front of you, fluorescent lights stealing your attention from the boy you were finding dangerously more attractive by the second.

“I thought we’re supposed to take it together? But someone’s being lame and not coming out tonight,” you say sarcastically, playing it as cool as you can manage. Rafe’s confidence seemed to come naturally, but you were more of a fake-it-till-you-make-it kind of gal.

“Hey you know I have soccer,” he defends. The Kook Prince was not one to turn down a party without cause.

“Excuses excuses,” you shake your head.

“Actually, speaking of soccer, you uh- you and the girls should come tomorrow. If you’re not doing anything. Or not too hungover I should say. Game’s at 12.”

“Can’t make any promises Cameron, but we’ll see,” you smile, earning a satisfied smile from him in return. 

You make your way to the frozen food aisle, Rafe explaining to you how they call a soccer field a football pitch here, as you laugh at him grabbing 5 frozen pizzas (dinner solved for the next week, of course). You ask him which chaser you should pick. He points out a cola, so naturally you decide to get blackberry seltzer water, Rafe twisting his face in disgust (who would voluntarily drink that tv static). You always felt so nervous at first, to be in Rafe’s presence, but all it ever took was a few minutes for you to completely relax around him. He was intimidating, yet inviting. Mysterious, yet open. He was somehow the cause of your anxious nerves and yet the source of your comfort. The fear of facing Rafe after running out this morning had paralyzed your thoughts all day, and now you could hardly remember why. He hadn’t mentioned it at all, as if nothing happened. His normalcy confirmed for you that him sleeping over was in fact no big deal, and you almost want to laugh at yourself for how much you had worked it up in your head. You two were just friends, and perhaps Rafe was used to being… a friendlier friend than what you were used to. But that was okay, you could learn to be friendlier too.

—-

Rafe and Topper had decided to accompany you guys in the kitchen as you pregamed. They slowly sipped beers as you, Millie, and Olivia pounded back shots, laughing at the way you guys got progressively drunker and progressively louder before finally heading out. And much to your surprise, the boys were still seated in the same spot hours later, when the three of you stumble back into the flat, McDonalds in hand.

“Oh look who’s still up,” Olivia slurs, taking a bite of her cheeseburger. 

“We can’t go out, we have soccer,” Millie mocks, almost falling to the floor as she trips over her heel, Topper and Rafe not making any effort to hide their clear amusement. 

“Fun night huh?” Topper quirks his brow. 

“The funnest,” Millie holds her head high, sinking down against the wall until she’s sat on the floor. You had made a beeline for the dining room table, silently admiring your chicken nuggets. In that moment, they were the best thing you had ever tasted. 

“I want Jake,” Olivia pouts, and before anyone can say a word she’s turned on her heel, burger in hand, off to crawl into her boyfriend’s bed. 

“Alright you drunk, let’s get you to bed,” Topper laughs, scooping an incoherent Millie up to her feet by her elbows. 

“M’not drunk,” Millie protests, even though she’s leaning her full body weight against Topper who sarcastically nods at her, escorting her down the hallway. Rafe sits on the couch, silently playing with the cards in his hand again, not the least bit uncomfortable with sharing your company in silence. 

“I’m mad at you,” you say matter of factly, taking a bite of a french fry. At this point, the alcohol is doing the talking. 

“Mad at me?” Rafe stops shuffling the cards and raises his head to look at you, intrigued. 

“Yeah because you didn’t come to the club,” you furrow your brows, chucking a fry at him. He catches it instantly, laughing to himself with a shake of his head. 

“Don’t worry I saw all your guys’ snaps, I feel like I was practically there.”

“That’s not the same,” you frown, throwing another fry which he catches yet again.

“I’ll try to be there next time,” he laughs.

“That’s better I guess,” you grumble, eating another chicken nugget. The room grows quiet, Rafe training his attention back to the cards.

“When are we watching the next episode Cameron,” you break the silence, chucking another fry. He barely has to look up to catch your latest throw, shaking his head with a chuckle. He puts the cards down and makes his way over to the dining table, standing right above you now. 

“Come on, time for you to go to bed,” he beckons you toward him with his arm, to which you only furrow your brows in indignation.

“I’m not done with my food,” you protest.

“Now you are,” he says, grabbing your last fry and finishing it with one bite. “Now c’mon.” You reluctantly grab onto his extended arm to help you get up. You walk down the hall together and he opens your door for you, letting you in as he leans against the frame. You immediately fall back and collapse on to your bed with a gasp, you didn’t remember it feeling so soft when you were sober. 

“Goodnight L/n,” Rafe laughs, staring down at you. 

“Goodnight Rafe,” you mumble, seconds away from passing out. He smiles to himself at the sight of you still in the outfit and shoes you had been out in, bent in surely the most uncomfortable position possible, legs half way off the bed, yet somehow already asleep. He’s about to head back to his room, but he hesitates, turning back to you with a sigh. As slowly and quietly as he can, he pulls your shoes off for you, lifts your legs onto the bed, and covers you in your blanket. And just as quick, he slips out of your room and back into his.

—-

You wake up the next morning, letting out a groan when you realize you’re still in the outfit you had worn clubbing. Your head dully aches and your throat is desert dry so you force yourself up and to the kitchen. When you see the aftermath of McDonald’s containers on the table, vague memories start flooding your brain in horror. You couldn’t have… could you? Did you actually throw french fries at him? You close your eyes and slowly run your hand over your face in realization. Great, you think to yourself, Rafe probably thinks you’re an annoying idiot. Good grief.

You hear the door of the flat opening and Olivia appears in the kitchen, holding a plate of breakfast sandwiches, your mouth watering at the sight.

“Thank the lovely lads in apartment 4E,” she laughs, placing them on the table. “Oh god, we went hard last night didn’t we,” she says, taking in the sight of the flat.

“A little too hard…” you remark.

“No such thing, darling! Now eat up and get dressed, we’ve got a match to catch,” she declares before disappearing down the hall where you can hear muffled groans of Millie being reluctantly dragged out of her bed. You sigh and sink down into a chair, grabbing a sandwich and taking a bite. Heaven. You make a mental note to thank Jake for his chef skills. You had completely forgotten that you and the girls were supposed to go watch Rafe and Topper’s match today. Your worries about having to face Rafe yesterday had been quick to melt away, but today they were back with a new vengeance.

—-

“Okay no one wander off when we get there. Y/n, fair warning, these games get… rowdy,” Millie says, as the three of you walk toward the field, arms linked.

“Things get pretty crazy at Kildare too,” you laugh, “so yeah, don’t fucking let me out of your sight.”

The three of you shake off your fits of laughter as you stumble toward the stands, finding a spot amongst the already packed crowd. You’re finally able to take in your surroundings, glancing at the field ahead. The opposing team is warming up on the pitch, clad in red. Westheath’s team is off to the side, the boys stretching and getting ready in their white uniforms. The dirty blonde immediately catches your eye. He’s jumping and jogging in place, headphones in as though he’s tuning out the physical noise around him, and probably the mental noise too. You wonder if he’s listening to one of the songs he showed you the other night. 

He pauses his jogging to stretch out his arms, his eyes glazing over the stands, when suddenly they lock with yours. Your cheeks flush pink, embarrassed at having been caught staring, but his face just pulls into a wide grin and he gives you a wave. You wave back, and he does a quick hand motion that everyone does at Kildare games back home. You laugh and do the responding gesture, as he smiles cheekily at you before a teammate comes up to him, pulling his focus away. The exchange was brief, but oddly intimate. There was a whole field and a couple dozen people between you, and yet you two were the only witnesses to the interaction. You smile to yourself, relief in the fact that maybe getting a french fry chucked at him wasn’t enough to make him hate you after all. You wonder briefly if Rafe spends half as much time overanalyzing things the way you do. Liam was right, you do insist on overcomplicating things. 

“Hey, earth to Y/n!” Olivia laughs, waving her hand in front of your face. “The game is starting!”

—

The final score flashes on the screen: 4-2, a win for Westheath. The students are going nuts, rushing the field. Olivia and Millie lead the way, pushing through the crowd until you guys reach Rafe and Topper.

“Let’s go boys!!” Olivia yells, jumping up and down with the sea of bodies and beer around you. Rafe and Topper react with equal enthusiasm, pulling each of you in for a hug. You and Rafe are the last to hug, him pulling you in brief but close against his large sweaty body, arms wrapped around you. You don’t even mind the stickiness of the hug, feeling deja vu at the warm feeling of being in his embrace again; a feeling that is foreign yet familiar, one you hadn’t felt before. 

“Did you guys see Rafe’s goal in the second half!?” Topper asks, clapping his friend on the back.

“Of course we did, super star!” Millie cheers, giving Rafe a high five as he humbly shakes his head and laughs at his friends. The mental image of his goal was burned in your head, one that your mind would certainly play for you involuntarily over the next coming days. 

“Alright we gotta go do some stuff with the team, but everyone’s going to Central Bar later. See you guys there?” Rafe asks.

“You got it,” Olivia replies, and they jog off with quick waves, you meeting those blue eyes in silent acknowledgement once again. It was that gaze that always made the rest of the world seem to disappear while his eyes met yours, making your heart skip a beat. He’s just a friend, you remind yourself. Just a tall, attractive, soccer-playing friend…

—

“Y/n! Liv! We’re doing a round!” Jake calls you and Olivia over to where him and Liam are already at the bar, four shot glasses ordered and lined up.

“On three! One, two-“ Liam chants, as the four of you down the alcohol. Central Bar had been buzzing with what felt like half of Westheath’s student body all day. After the game, you and the girls had gone back to your flat to nap and eat, before meeting up with Jake, Liam, and the rest of their boys to head to the bar. Rafe and Topper were already pretty buzzed when you guys got there, playing a round of table tennis with you before the rest of the soccer team and their other friends pulled their attention away. You couldn’t help the way your whole body tensed when Rafe greeted Lily with a tight hug, humbling you with the confirmation that Rafe’s actions toward you weren’t anything special. You resolved yourself to a night of drinking and dancing your worries away with Liv and Liam instead.

“Alright, round of table tennis? You two against me and Y/n?” Liam challenges.

“Please, I saw Y/n playing before, you guys have nothing on us,” Olivia flashes an evil smile, her competitive side coming out.

“Oh it’s on Liv,” you laugh, as your foursome stakes your claim at the pong table. While Olivia and Jake gather the balls and paddles, you notice Liam grimacing off into the distance. You follow his line of sight, landing on Topper and Millie drunkenly dancing together across the bar, a bit too close for comfort.

“What is she doing with that geezer,” he mumbles.

“Liam! Jealousy is unbecoming of you,” you gasp in mock disbelief.

“I’m not jealous,” he scoffs, and you quickly realize that he actually is, even though you had just been joking. Your jaw falls slack as you put two and two together. Liam and Millie were always by each other’s side, at school, at the pub, when you were all watching a movie at his apartment a few nights ago. He would tease her relentlessly and his own words rang in your ears If we really like you, we’re gonna make the time to hang out with you, no matter what. 

“Shut up! Shut up!,” you whisper yell, hand coming to your mouth. “I should have realized this whole time… of course you like Millie! Everything you’ve been telling me you think exists between me and Rafe has actually been about her! She’s your Uno reverse card!” You’re shocking even yourself at these revelations.

“No no no, you can’t use my own words of wisdom against me, that’s not how this works Y/n. So what, maybe I slightly give a shit about Millie? Who cares. Her and I both know that’s never gonna happen. I still stand by everything I said about you and Rafe so don’t think your getting off so easy on that.”

“Then tell me why you’re staring at Millie while Rafe hasn’t so much as glanced my way since the minute Lily Colts got here, hmm?”

“Oh Y/n, Y/n Y/n Y/n,” Liam tuts, shaking his head laughing as he turns to the game your group of four is about to begin. You don’t have the energy to argue with Liam over the matter right now, oblivious to the fact that Rafe had indeed been glancing your way, several times. In fact, he was glancing at you right now, as Liam reached his arm over yours to help you actually hold the paddle the right way. You just hadn’t been glancing back to notice, scared of what you may or may not see between him and Lily if you did. 

—

The night dies down and it’s time for the pilgrimage back to your building. You’re walking with Millie when Liam quickly falls in step with you two. You give him a knowing smirk, to which he responds with a glare behind Millie’s back, but you let the two banter as you fall behind, now walking alone. You stare ahead, eyes mindlessly settling on Lily walking in between Callum and Henry at the front of the pack. You don’t notice the pair of legs that begin moving in pace next to your own. 

“Tonight, by the way,” Rafe’s voice startles you as you jump next to him. He chuckles at the confusion written all over your face. “You asked last night when we’re watching the next episode. And my answer is tonight, L/n,” he states.

“Haven’t you been up since like the crack of dawn? Aren’t you tired?” you ask incredulously.

“Too tired for Game of Thrones? Never,” he scoffs, Liam’s words ringing in your ear. If we really like you, we’re gonna make the time to hang out with you, no matter what.

“Well then tonight it is,” you smile. “Sorry about the french fries last night by the way,” you say meekly, looking down at the sidewalk in front of you, cheeks burning.

“Seriously L/n, talk about a horrible throw. Room for improvement,” he jokes with a comforting smile, saving you from yourself.

“Good game by the way,” you add, grateful for the way he was letting you off. 

“Thanks,” he looks at you, shoving his hands in his pocket. You turn to look at him too, and after a few moments laughter is taking you both apart. Nothing funny was said. Neither of you knew why you were laughing. And yet it felt natural, not an ounce of awkwardness in the air.

As your whole group walks into the building, people begin to peel off, splitting towards staircases and off elevator stops. 

“I’m fucking beat,” yawns Topper, as you and all your flatmates file into your hall. 

“I’m gonna sleep like a baby tonight,” Millie yawns in agreement. One by one everyone files off into their rooms. You open your door, backing into yours, Rafe across the hall from you backing into his. Laughter tugs at both your faces once again, as you let your doors close. You manage to change into your sweats and brush your teeth before you hear the light rap on your door. Rafe enters, in a t-shirt and gray sweatpants, your weakness. But you feel comfortable being alone with him now. The Rafe jitters had finally began to subside. 

“Alright L/n, episode 4, you ready for this?” he asks, plopping down in his spot next to you. 

“Oh I’m very ready,” you reply, sitting up to reach for your laptop which was resting by your feet. As you lean back, you find yourself in Rafe’s arm. He had extended it out before you sat back, effortlessly catching you against him. His hand rests casually on your arm, and you gulp, pressing play. You pray he can’t feel the way your heartbeat quickens and your body flushes. So much for those jitters being gone. 

The episode plays, you and Rafe making comments here and there before your chatter eventually dies down, leaving just the sound of the show to fill the room. You can feel Rafe’s body lean further and further down, becoming heavier and breathing slower. You very slowly turn to check, and sure enough he’s fast asleep. You sigh, and shut your laptop, careful not to stir him. You could easily shake him awake, tell him to go to his bed, but for some reason you don’t. You don’t mind him here. In fact, you almost prefer it, his body heat keeping you warm. He had already slept over once before and it clearly hadn’t been a big deal, so what was the harm in letting it happen again? You’re just friends after all, you remind yourself, not sure who you’re trying to convince. And so, the two friends fall asleep in the same bed again. 

---

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