#modern flower cuff

[neoyoujewelry]

[frodothefair]

Flowers of Chernobyl AU, Vacation Edition

Frodo: Hey Marigold, you’ve got a couple weeks free, why don’t we go to Hawaii? We can stay at a hotel with oceanside views, swim with the dolphins, see the mountains and the rainforest, eat at a nice restaurant on the beach and watch the sunset…

Marigold: *has never been on a romantic vacation with a guy — every vacation she has ever been on has been a chaotic family or friend group affair in a van* Oh, I’d love that! Can Sam come too? 

Frodo: Well, I was thinking it would be just the two of us.

Marigold: But Sam would LOVE all the exotic flowers, and the dolphins, and the rainforest. He’s wanted to go to Hawaii ever since he was little.

Frodo: *deep, internal sigh* 

Alright. Let’s make Sam’s dream come true.

*was planning to destination-propose*

*decides that if the proposal still come to pass, Sam will probably have the decency to make himself scarce and give them some alone-time*

(@konartiste)

Also, if they go to Hawaii, they totally stay here:

(image source: www.halekulani.com)

[reyenii]

since edwin is very closed off, except for when he’s with his best friend, charles, costume designer kelli dunsmore reflected his buttoned-up mentality through his bespoke suit, complete with bowtie and collar. edwin’s outfit, along with charles’ period garb, were designed to help them stand out more in modern day port townsend. “i knew edwin would, because no one dresses like that now,” says dunsmore.

dunsmore wanted everything about charles to feel “a little bit cool and underground,” from his union jack and the who bull’s-eye patches to his checkerboard pins. his little cross earring and chain on the outside of his shirt are also meant to be homages to the ’80s.

in the show, crystal’s hero color is purple, which you’ll notice in her velvet coat and long silk letterman jacket, which dunsmore thought of as a psychic cloak with hand-embroidered patches, including the wilting rose of england.

her brown trench coat represents an explosion of everything going on in her mind. dunsmore decided the scribbled words and drawings are a result of crystal writing all over it to express her inner turmoil. there are even lyrics on there from the song she’s listening to on the tube when she meets the dead boys.

david’s connection with crystal seeps into her wardrobe, too. since david wears a flower shirt, dunsmore’s team hand-painted flowers onto crystal’s black boots. and niko is wearing a dark sweater with flowers on it when we first meet her, as an homage to crystal. the costume department also drew the same rune pattern the dead boys use to exorcise david in episode 1 onto crystal’s trench coat and on the tab of her wool bomber jacket. “so she’s always got some sort of protection,” says dunmore.

every color niko wears is inspired by what’s happening in that episode, from the green post-sprite exodus to blue when she’s feeling sad. niko only wears a white look, with nods to her japanese heritage, in the finale as a reset. the charms on her obi belt represent the colors she’s worn all season.

night nurse is someone who’s in control all the time and likes things to be in their proper place. dunsmore looked to vivienne westwood for inspiration, since everything in night nurse’s world is a bit exaggerated. (by the way, niko’s orange monochromatic look is a nod to her scenes with night nurse and night nurse’s red hair.)

since david is a demon, he finds a london boy that looks cool enough for crystal to find attractive. that meant dunsmore dressing him in a shearling jacket you’d find in “all the guy ritchie movies,” black pants and creeper shoes. the costumer’s mood board for “david the d” featured radiohead and amy winehouse and her husband blake, who often wore hats similar to the one you see david wearing in the show.

pay close attention to monty’s leather jacket and you just might spot an inlaid crow feather or two.

it’s not only esther who wears clothes with a gilt, old-gold color — cat king and night nurse also do as a nod to their villainy. (esther and cat king also have similar fur coats.) amidst her beauty, dunsmore wanted esther to be a little rough around the edges. she wears a cuff around her hand that’s adorned with a snake and a ring with teeth all around it to represent the teeth she’s collecting from all the little girls. her eye necklace is meant to be her witch pendant.

mischievous as ever, cat king has (cat) eyes everywhere and is aware of edwin’s affection for charles. so he wears charles’ socks the first time he meets edwin.

[greedyhoneyz]

On Bended Knee

ೃ࿔*:･pairing: bruce wayne x reader

.ೃ࿔*:･synopsis: upon newly blossomed wings comes the season of spring, freed at last as wedding bells ring.

.ೃ࿔*:･cw: none.

.ೃ࿔*:･authors notes: this is a modern take on bruce. like i imagine him being a major socialite (like jfk jr) in the late 90s/00s (him being so closed off from the media) and his kids (nepo babies) when they are older use social media and show off their parents for people who are curious about what bruce’s been up after his parents murder. ….or it can be hella modern like battinson or something idk 🤷🏾‍♀️

When the first day of spring bloomed, buds sprouted from beneath ageing trees and flowers sang hymns of spring’s deep soul and blessed the warm air.

April 15th. The early morning sun had peeked over the courtyard, and a pleasant breeze from the north rustled through, cooling the guests and family members as they waited in their seats, across from the walk leading to the pavilion. Flowers and white streamers decorated the bannisters, a ceremonial mixture of whites and champagne pinks.

Sweet strains of classical music fluttered through the air, tuning out the occasional conversation as the groom wadded through feelings of nausea and discomfort. He swayed on the heels of his dress shoes, his arms tightly glued to his back and nipped at his bottom lip. His careful eyes dressed the courtyard, scouring across the row of friends, family and his groomsmen before he squinted at the grand doors latched above.

The groom heaved, shifting anxiously on the heels of his feet, and pulled at the cuffs of his shirt for the fifth time that hour. He bit his lip, eyed the backyard door from afar, and mumbled a few words of prayer, interlocking his fingers together and peering up at the sky.

The bridal chorus, a vivid and light piece, began to play from the orchestra as the grand doors flew open, a wash of petals fluttering out into the air.

One by one, in a synchronised fashion, the bridal procession descended from the mansion steps towards the aisle. Flower girls, dressed in the sweetest whites, showered pink roses across the aisle as the bridesmaids, dressed in blush gowns veiled the accession of the bride with gleeful smiles.

The bride, arm in arm with her father, bared herself from behind the procession and merrily ascended across the aisle. Her gown, a princess-cut bodice encrusted with heavily laced beadwork, layered with a soft skirt flared below her veil, floating along as she waltzed, in her hands a bouquet of Stephanotis’.

She was magnificent, beguiling and alluring. All were words that floated through the depths of the groom’s head as he stood with bated breaths, gazing at her with a heavy heart and glassy eyes.

As they drew closer, the groom slowly stepped down from the pavilion and extended his arm to unravel the chain between father and daughter once the pair came to the end of the aisle. He peered at his bride with pride riddled through his eyes as her father turned and placed a longing kiss on the side of her head. He loosened her arm from around his and raised it. He set her hand in the groom’s and slowly retreated into the audience, watching with dread and contentment as the groom carefully guided her up into the pavilion.

The bridal tune faded, and the pastor stepped up to the microphone, Bible in hand. He smiled at the assembly of family and close friends and began. "Cherished family and honoured guests, I would like to thank all for coming out on this glorious day,"

The sound of his polished voice carried well from the speakers on either side of the pavilion as the pastor opened the Bible before him. "Let us begin by offering thanks to the Lord." The procession bowed their heads and the pastor began his prayer.

The groom’s eyes softened at the sight of the swooning silhouette of his bride. His bride gleamed, in awe at the pure poetry pooled within his eyes and replied with a flustered smile shadowed from beneath her veil, before fluttering her eyes shut.

“Dear Lord…”

Once the prayer had concluded, the pastor led the bride and groom through their vows. Their vows to each other expressed their tenderness and devotion to one another. And when it ended, their rings were exchanged.

Scampering across the aisle, the bride’s nephew dressed in a blue tuxedo waddled up the stairs, a pillow nestled between his tiny fingers and hurriedly handed the groom the rings before scampering off to his mother who waited expectantly at the bottom of the stairs.

With an enamoured smile across his face, the pastor turned to the groom and began. “Do you, Bruce Thomas Wayne take….as your lawfully wedded wife?”

Bruce gaped at the woman in front of him. Though her beauty was sheltered behind her veil and the glaring sunlight, he still caught a glimpse of the bashful smile that lingered on her face. “…I do.”

Twirling the ring between his fingers, Bruce grinned at his bride. He held her smooth hand, scoring his thumb across her skin and gently slid the ring onto her finger till it rested by her knuckles.

The pastor smiled and turned to the bride. “Do you…..take Bruce Thomas Wayne as your lawfully wedded husband?”

(name) giggled, flustered at Bruce’s bright stare and nodded. “I do.”

She took the ring resting in her palm and slid it onto his finger.

"By the power vested upon me, I now declare you, husband and wife." The pastor held up his hands, bringing the crowd to their feet.

"You may now kiss your bride."

Lifting her veil, Bruce gently draped the white fabric behind her head, letting it fall across her back and stared at his wife.

As their eyes met, the world seemed to fade away, the world around them forgotten. She felt his hand tenderly touch her cheek, his fingers tracing a line down her jawline.

She beamed, tilting her head ever so slightly and fluttered her lashes, luring him in with a simple, feathered whisper.

He kissed her, soft and gentle, then with a growing intensity. Their kiss was full of tenderness and passion, a dance of two souls perfect in harmony.

His arm wrapped around her, pulling her close as they found themselves castaway, the world around them ceased to exist.

Their embrace lasted for what felt like an eternity, their lips parting only for brief moments for air. They explored each other's mouths with a gentle urgency, their tongues intertwining in a dance of passion and desire.

And as they finally broke free, they peered into each other's eyes with an inviting warmth. It was a moment that would be forever remembered, a moment of softness, tenderness, passion and pure exquisite love.

[sulumuns-dootah]

26. 10. Toys - Mammon

    ༺☆༻

⟡ Masterlist ⟡ 

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽Helltober '24☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

A/N: The kings are here! ^^

    ༺☆༻

Everything in Tartaros is so fancy. Even the adult toy stores are so pretty, you'd think you're shopping for expensive jewellery. Just hearing your shoes clacking on the white and golden marble makes you feel like someone important. Walking through, the display cases catch your attention with the way they reflect your outfit and draw attention to the various toys made out of real precious stones and metals.

The selection of shapes, sizes and functions is already impressive, and this is only the first story out of three. Apparently this one is for the common demons, judging from the way Mammon power walks and guides you along to the opulent staircase adorned with garlands of exotic flowers and plants. At a first glance, you'd think the steps are made out of glass, but you doubt there'd be glass strong enough to handle the king's weight.

Only after making a single step on the seemingly-fragile feature, all eyes in the store are on you. All those gazes would make you uncomfortable, if you weren't already. Even with how light and spacious the building was, you'd felt claustrophobic, scared to look around to not make an accidental eye-contact with some demon. Mammon, on the other hand couldn't care less. Even walking around, he'd study the things others were holding, as if they were only on a more interesting display.

Finally arriving to the second story, after so many steps that felt like a slight workout, you find yourself in an even more opulent room. Comparing in to downstairs, this one was even more glowy with all the gold. Unlike that one, however, the walls on this floor were black with golden accents, as opposed to white and gold. The dark paint made the gold more rich and the toys lined up along the wall stood out more.

“Ah, feel free to let loose, treasure. Just make sure to find your way back to me. Once you're done exploring, we've got to try our purchases upstairs in the private rooms.” Mammon mentions to the large room leading to others with his big hand and laughs. Undoubtedly at your big-eyed expression.

You're about to ask him something, but he's already walking away in one direction and you find yourself alone. Your first few steps are unsure, anxious even. Where do you go? Some of the displays don't even look like they hold sex toys, but some modern surrealist art.

Taking a deep breath, you try to steady your nerves and start walking in a direction, your intuition tells you to.

The first room your legs lead you to has all the lingerie your heart might desire. There are many mannequins in seductive positions, wearing some of the most beautiful pieces you've seen. Maybe you could use something new, since most of your lingerie gets damaged in one way or another with the way Mammon sometimes gets impatient.

One mannequin is displaying a set of belts with small chains hanging from them and already, in your mind, you imagine yourself wearing it for the king. Your hips swaying above his lap as his large hands roam your ass, urging you to finally make contact with his throbbing length.

Just the thought alone makes excitement run down to your nether regions. Grabbing the model from a drawer nearby, you rather carry on before anyone in the room manages to sense your beginning arousal.

The next room holds various BDSM equipment and the moment you enter, your mouth can't help but fill with saliva. The selection of paddles, restraints, gags and instruments is almost overbearing and you're not sure where to start.

With how busy this room is, the only display you're able to take closer look at, is the one with cuffs said to be able to restrain even the strongest demon in Hell.

A mental image of having Mammon fully restrained and blindfolded with his legs affixed to be fully spread appears in your mind. You imagine his huge thighs trembling as a bullet vibrator massages his prostate just enough to make his mind go blank after few minutes from the lack of any other stimulation. With his sight gone he won't be able to tell your next move, until you finally, after hours of such torture, start lovingly sucking on his tip and slowly taking in more and more of his painful erection into your mouth.

Breaking out of your vivid daydream, you shake your head and subtly look around if anyone's noticed your zoned out state. You look around for the cuffs and matching restrains you've seen in the display and finally manage to locate them.

Maybe you should've taken a basket, like Mammon suggested, since your hands are starting to get a bit full to be able to inspect some other potential purchases. Eh, too late to go back downstairs now.

Moving on you enter a room, which for a change has a maroon purple wall paint, containing a more to you familiar toys and gadgets.

The highlight of this room is a display containing dildos shaped exactly as the very own 7 kings of Hell's pubic area. You're not sure if they're all fully accurate, but they surely are spot on when it comes to the king of greed.

This makes you wonder, how it would feel having two of Mammon inside you at the same time. One is already an impressive stretch, so the other one might just as well fully ruin you.

“Interested in that one, are you? I know what you are wondering, and yes, I allowed them to use my cock to make a mould for this special edition set.” a deep voice materialises next to you as two strong hands plant themselves on your hips. You jump a little bit and accidentally bump into the demon behind you. In doing so, you can't help but feel the bulge on your lower back. Seems like you're not the only one who got excited from browsing the store.

“A-are you done shopping already?”

“I am, but if you want to keep looking, I can give you some time.” Mammon straightens out from bending down to your level, “But I'd rather meet you in the private room already. You see, I've found multiple things I'd like to try on you and I'm rather restless to see your reaction.”

You look down into your hands contemplatively, whether you're happy with your haul, but then you glance back to the display.

“Hm... Okay, but grab one of these sets with you, then.” you smirk up at him.

“Already ahead of you, treasure.”

    ༺☆༻

Shhh... The prompt for tomorrow is Pegging ^^

[redr0sewrites]

HEY HEY HEY YOU LIKE GOTH TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR ALT SCENE HEAD CANONS

🥀A/n: AJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSS YESS !!!! i could talk about this for hoursss ngl-

🥀all photos are from pinterest, credit to the original creators! i did not make these ♥️

Pandora Rosier:

in my head, i see her as like a lighter version of whimsigoth. definitely leaning more on the whimsical flowery fairy vibes heavier than the goth vibes, but still with alternative aspects! she definitely decorates her hair and braids with a TON of crystals and charms!!

purples and reds, flowy dresses, chunky rings, charm belts, layered crystal jewelry, cardigans, flowy sleeves, funky tights, etc

when it comes to music, she'd be a fan of The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Cocteau Twins, Kate Bush, and Strawberry Switchblade

Dorcas Meadows:

FAIRY/SOFT GRUNGE. HEAR ME OUTTTTT

a lot of forest greens and earthy tones, basically grunge with a bit of fairycore mixed in

lots of thrifted items, heavy earth tones, arm warmers, flower patterns, crystals, maxi skirts, doc martens + mary janes, dangly earrings, etc etc

when it comes to music, i think she'd listen to Kleenex, The Violent Femmes, Cheap Trick, Red Aunts, and The Raincoats

Barty Crouch Jr:

mix between metalhead punk and scene. like think punkrock mid 70's-early 80's crossed with early 2000's scene kid, and thats him

spikes, metal, leather, lots of oversized and ripped band shirts, stripes and heavy patterns, chains, chunky boots, fishnet/sheer tops, double statement belts, heavily dyed hair, liberty spikes, thin/mini brows and smudged eyeliner, etc

when it comes to music he is ALL over the place. think Nine Inch Nails, Rob Zombie, Paramore, Green Day, Soundgarden, Death Grips, etc. think like dad rock, but throw in a few early 2000's bands as well

sortaaa think like a cross between all these- finding a photo for him was SO hard lmfao neither of these r exactly whats in my head but close enough

Evan Rosier:

similar to Barty but less scene and more dad rock/metalhead and slightly toned down. definitely more earthy tones, less hot topic energy and more thrifted/handmade energy.

also wears a lot of jewelry and crystals in his hair, shares them w pandora!

not as many bright colors and patterns, heavy layers, earthy tones, cargo pants, converse, layered jewelry/crystals, chunky belts, statement baggy pants with decals, bleached shirts, torn aviator jackets, boots, bulky sweaters layered with band tees, etc

when it comes to music i think he'd listen to Nirvana, The Doors, Type O Negative, Specimen, and the Ramones

Regulus Black:

(twitching and convulsing he is my fav)

honestly i see him as either: victorian goth, or corporate goth

he either dresses like he's possessed by a small victorian child or ebeneazor scrooge and there is no in between

very masculine, lots of ruffles, detailed vests, cuffs and long sleeves, black trousers, heeled boots, loose flowy blouses, high collars, lots of grey, white, and black, long leather overcoats, heavy layers, rings, etc

finding photos for this was like a herculean task bro it was nearly impossible and this is about as close to what i see in my head as i could get but still... not perfect *sigh*

when it comes to music i think he'd listen to Veruca Salt, Talking Heads, Clan of Xymox (TRUST HE WOULD), Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Lebanon Hanover

Sirius Black:

i know everyone and their mother believes in punk Sirius, but hear me out- mall goth Sirius Black. PELPSLSPSLSPSLSPSLSS

i feel like he dresses both masculine and feminine a lot, his gender is very fluid and so are his outfits so he isn't strictly masculine or feminine

im thinking like early 2000's hot topic kid x mid/late 80's punk, definitely very mall goth inspired but a little more modern too

wide baggy pants with chains, chunky necklaces, mismatched earrings, skeleton gloves, leather jackets with studs and decals, sheer/fishnet tops, chunky boots and doc martens, chunky rings and bracelets, bracelets with studs/spikes, kandi or beads, trashy band or skater tees, thrifted cargo pants with patches, those specific red and black striped gloves/arm warmers that every mall goth person has, etc

when it comes to music i think he'd listen to The White Stripes, David Bowie, Bon Jovi, INXS, Meat Loaf, Three Days Grace, Green Day, and the Offspring

Remus Lupin:

grunge all the way. and i don't mean like tiktok grunge, i mean genuine early-mid 80's thrifted "fuck fast fashion" grunge. i also see him having a bit of the grunge/punk academia aesthetic, but overall very grunge centric style

in my head he doesn't wear a lot of jewelry, especially since silver burns him as a werewolf, so he'll wear the occasional ring or necklace but that's about it

grandpa sweaters, oversized hoodies, cargo pants, earthy tones, brown converse or loafers, faded band tees, jorts, greys and greens, collared shirts, chunky shoes, baggy trousers with patches, bleached clothing, aviator jackets, etc

when it comes to music i think he'd listen to David Bowie (duh), The Doors, Ramones, Talking Heads, Killing Joke, U2, Journey, INXS, Abba, The Calling, and Foo Fighters

Marlene Mckinnon:

RIOT GRRL. I KNOW IM RIGHT I KNOW IT I KNOW IT I WILL DEFEND THIS TILL THE DAY I DIE SHE IS SOOO RIOT GRRL

most of riotgrrl fashion is pretty much the more "feminine" version of punk, and shares some overlap with the "rockstar gf" aesthetic (which irritates me *just* a bit but thats a story for another time). in my head, i think of like a cross between misa amane, nana, and the mid-late 80's punk scene

think layered fishnets, leg warmers, micro mini skirts, lacy lingerie, graphic tank tops, feminist patches/pins, spikes and studs, lots of leather, chains, chunky boots, cross/pentagram motifs, bold animal prints, torn band tees, high heels, bright red lipstick, and basically anything that would serve as a great big "fuck you" to misogyny and beauty standards

i had the biggest riotgrrrl phase, so let me just say i am an EXPERT on the music. marlene would listen to Bikini Kill, Babes in Toyland, Veruca Salt, X Ray Spex, The Raincoats, Paramore, Kleenex, Hole, Dazey and the Scouts, Bratmobile, Slutever, Mommy Long Legs, Le Tigre, Destroy Boys, Cheap Perfume, and Lesbian Bed Death

Mary MacDonald:

GYARU!! i totally see Mary as a gyaru girlie, idk in my head i just see her rocking the makeup and lashes along w the style !!!

i sadly don't know too much about the Gyaru scene as there are many different types, but i did a little research and i feel like Mary would dress in the Ane Gyaru aesthetic- which is (PLEASE correct me if im wrong i am not an expert!!) an older, more "rebellious" and slightly darker version of Gyaru. Ane Gyaru is often mistaken with Onee Gyaru, but is different in a few ways. Ane is more rebellious and incorporates a darker color scheme, and overall has a more rough look. definitely more alternative than cutesy in comparison to other Gyaru styles, and i feel like it fits Mary well

think flashy animal prints, miniskirts, teased hair, long lashes, detailed hand bags, fluffy boots, furry leg warmers, silver jewelry, statement belts, lots of lace, leather and denim, and lots of makeup!

i genuinely do not know anythinggg about Gyaru music and i am sosoooosososos sorry 😭 if anyone has any ideas or recommendations for bands/gyaru music they think Mary would listen to, please lmk!!!

i will do a pt 2 so that i dont reach the photo limit but!!! hope u enjoyed!!!! PLSSS SEND IN MORE MARAUDERS ERA WRITING REQS YALL IVE BEEN OBSESSED- it could be x reader or just hcs like this whatever u want🧍

my two current hyperfixations in one post... someone sedate me...

[semisolidmind]

How does the Modern Reincarnation AU work in the Twice as Bad AU? Especially with MK and everything? I know it would probably be completely unlikely that Peaches would get the opportunity to die with her two monkey hubbies always around her, but what if her dying happened on the journey? Like her death was something that happened while the monkey demons were restrained and couldn't do anything about it, causing them to wait the couple hundred years until she pops up again?

(Also, I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for your creativity and art! You're awesome. Hope you have a great day! 💙)

oh man oh boy (also thank you skye, you're making my day :))

(so both monkeys have wrist and ankle cuffs in this au, and the cuffs work like a less harmful version of the circlets. anytime reader says a certain command, they throw the demon wearing them to the ground. i imagine that the moment reader dies, the cuffs fall off.)

it's utterly silent when they hit the ground.

the boys are distraught. they're inconsolable. theyre angry. whatever demon caused reader's death will be torn apart peice by peice, tortured until death. and then...

...nothing. the monkey demons shut down beyond an occasional terse word. they're still technically bound to the journey by the circlets and the bodhisattva's command, and so they continue on. they only speak to their companions when necessary. macaque spends most of his time in the shadows, and wukong walks behind the group. they take out their sadness and rage on the myriad demons that get in their way. the journey concludes with wukong and macaque denying their enlightenment and going home to flower fruit mountain.

their conquests become especially brutal for the next couple hundred years.

–––

centuries later, mk comes into the world. wukong finds him wandering the mountain, and adopts him as his own. macaque is an uncle figure to the boy, helping in his training and teaching a different worldview. mk grows up knowing very little about humans beyond what his monkey family tells him. regardless, he's curious and wants to know more.

the two elder monkey demons are jaded, and their resentment for the celestial realm and humanity has only grown. though, they'll both slip into wistfulnesss occasionally, telling mk about reader and what she was like. he heard plenty of stories about her growing up, and he always finds himself wishing he could have met her. it's the only time mk will hear his caretakers speak positively about a human.

when mk asks to go into the city, wukong refuses. he doesn't want his son around any mortals, and were it not for his "infinite mercy," that wretched city would be dust by now. it's only when macaque agrees to go with mk that wukong relents. macaque, who's somewhat more knowledgeable about modern humans than his brother, tells mk what he knows about how the mortal world works. mk doesn't get the chance to make his friends until later in this au, when he's allowed to make short solo excursions into the city to buy groceries.

he's taking too long on a run when it happens.

mk has encountered mei, and thinking the dragon heir was trying to start a fight (given the monkey demons' history with dragons), mk battles her. while the two have their brawl that eventually ends in tentative friendship, macaque waits at a rendezvous point.

when mk doesn't show after twenty minutes, macaque lets out a long-suffering sigh and sets out across the roof tops and alleyways to search for him. the kid, for all his strengths, has never been good at time management. after a while, macaque is able to track him to a little noodle shop in the downtown area.

the dark-furred simian watches from a nearby rooftop as mk and...a disguised dragon? girl? go inside the shop. macaque melds into the shadows, following them in through the half-shuttered doorway. the shop isn't anything to write home about; simple decor, simple noodles, a suspiciously familiar pig demon manning the kitchen, a woman managing the register—

macaque stops cold.

it only takes a second for macaque to get a read on the woman's soul. and upon closer inspection, she looks familiar too.

heartbreakingly familiar. same hair, same eyes... same smile, aimed at mk as she welcomes him. this woman—she's their reader, reincarnated. she has to be. mk makes a joke, something about monkeying around, and the girl laughs; the same joyful sound he remembers from all those centuries ago. it's the same. she's the same.

a shadowy tear makes its way down his incorporeal face. she's here. alive.

he has to tell wukong.

[stuff-i-found-while-crying]

A stage of fire and dreams (4)

inspired by @gwandas and they post: modern Neris AU where Eris is a trust fund asshole at Harvard Law, Nesta is a professional ballerina with the Boston Ballet

Finally managed to write another part! Its the Dinner!

Main Pairing: Nesta x Eris

other character: Mama and papa archeron, Elain, Feyre, an elevator boy, a waiter, and a surprise mention.

first part - Giselle I second part - red shoes I part three - Cinderella

Dinner for two

Nesta wore bright red lipstick. Her father had looked concerned. Even more so when he saw the dress she picked.

"I can pick you up, if it gets too late", he said softly from his spot in front of the TV. 

Her mother scoffed. A clear message. The later she stayed out, the better.

So Nesta put on her high boots, brushed over the skirt of her black dress and grabbed her purse.

It was just dinner. A business meeting almost.

Thats what she told herself.

At least for one night she could eat what she wanted and that was what she would do.

"You look pretty", Elain shouted from the kitchen.

Feyre appered behind her, jaw on the floor. "Are you going to dinner, or are you planning on being the dinner?"

"Fuck yourself", Nesta smiled at her. "Oh wait, thats what Rhysand is for."

Feyre almost attacked her, but Nesta just turned and left.

The car that waited for her outside was flashy. Black, clean and sharp.

Quiet like her own dress.

Before she could loose her nerves at the sight of an obvious expansive car in her poor little neighboorhood, Eris appeared.

He wore a green dinner jacket and a black button-down. Golden cuffs, golden rings and even golden buttons. His red curls crowned his head in flames. Nesta felt a spark in her chest.

"Good Evening", he said. His eyes wandered over her but no muscle in his face betrayed him. Instead he smiled at her. "You are as lovely as I remember."

Nesta snorrted. Last time they saw each other her feet had been bloody and her face had been covered in sweat.

"Thank you", she said. "Although I dont know if that is a compliment."

His grin deepend and dimples appeared. "Everything I say is a compliment, my dear."

"Then concider me sufficiantly complimented."

It was so easy.

The sparkle in his eyes, the elegance with which he opened the car door for her, his warm hand on her back.

Nesta was forgetting herself. He made her soft. And she needed to focus.

While he closed her door and rounded the car she took a deep breath.

This was just dinner.

He was a good looking man and she was allowed to enjoy herself.

Except that the voice of her mother was still in her head.

He could give you the next big role, if you play your cards right.

Then they sat in the car. And Eris looked at her.

"Before I forget again", he grapped something from the backseat, leaning close to her in the process.

Nesta smelled his collogne. Forest, was the first thing she thought of. Wildness.

His breath hit her ear for one delicious second.

Then he pulled back and layed a bouquet of flowers in her lap.

"Shall I compare thee to a flower next?", he joked.

"Please do", she said. But her fingers closed around the bouquet.

It was a lovely arrangement of dark reds and whites.

Lust and Innocence.

Elain loved flowers and had one summer annoyed them all with flower talk. Until her mother hat told her to find something more profitiable than silly plants.

But Nesta had never thought Elain silly.

Now, looking at the flowers in her lap she wondered if Eris also knew the meaning.

Her eyes found his.

He winked at her and started the car.

"Tell me your favorite flower", he demanded.

"Tulips", she said. 

"Liar."

"How would you know?"

"You are not the spring type."

She fixaded him. "Roses."

For a second his eyes found hers, than he turned his gaze back to the street. "Classy. But why do I feel like you are still hiding?"

"What is your favourite?"

"Roses."

She scoffed.

"See? Not believable."

She fought against the smile. But his lazy grin was intoxicating.

"Lillies", she said quietly. 

His face hartened for a bit but then he nodded. "Flower for the dead. Fitting for Giselle."

His hand reached for the radio. Classical Music started to play. Dramatic and a bit sad.

"Choose a channel."

Nesta pursed her lips. "I quiet enjoy this."

He chuckled. "As you wish. Keep your secrets for now."

They stopped infront of a hotel.

And there again was the voice of her mother. Anything he wants.

Her grip around the flowers tident.

"Relax", he said. "We are here for the restaurant on the top floor."

She nodded, but still avoided his gaze. A rush of heat made her look anywhere but him. In her heart she cursed her mother that she ruined this date before it even began.

But she would not give her that satisfaction.

Nesta would enjoy the date. Because his eyes burned with fire and the hand he offered her while she got out of the car was strong and warm.

He guided her through the lobby. Ignored the golden doors to the public retaurant, walked across the white marble and red carpet until they reached the elevators. More gilded doors. This Hotel even had an elevator boy, who greeted them politely and pressed the top button.

Nesta put on her best stage face. Not one glanze showed how much her feet hurt, or how she longed to check herself in the mirror to see if her hair was still in place. But when she shivered slightly, Eris immediatly noticed.

Without a word he dropped his jacket over her shoulders.

"Good thing black goes well with anything", she said.

His eyes wondered down her body again. And Again Nesta felt a spark.

"I must say, green suits you", he said. "Maybe I should have a jacket tailored for you. This is your style."

For a split second she thought of another jacket, made out of leather.

"Thank you, but I have many jackets of my own."

The elevator stopped. As the doors glided open Nesta thought she saw a tiny frown on Eris face. But when she looked again he was smiling at her.

Again he walked out of the elevator and into the restaurant as if he owned the place. He probably did. Nesta had looked up his family and was shooked to find that the Vanserra Empire was next to Velaris Enterprise, the biggest company in the state, if not the country. The only difference was that the Vanserra family was far more quiet in their business and no one knew how gib they company truly was.

The restaurant was fancy. Nesta looked for a better word but she was too overwhelmed. So much kristall and velvet and flowers.

Red mostly, with gilded tables and chairs. Royal colours for a rich family.

A Waiter came and seated them next to a Balcony with view of the entire city. They ordered quiekly, Nesta wandering how much the food would cost, since the prices weren`t even printed on the menu. But Eris was only smiling at her and asking which wine she prefered.

She was once again reminded in their differences.

"All this just for a dinner with a Ballerina?", she asked.

"Oh Ms. Archeron", his tone was playful. "Dinner is the most important meal of the day. And you are the most important dancer in my mothers favorite theater."

"Only for one play", she said.

It slipt out. But she could feel her mother breathing down her neck.

His gaze shifted. Instead of the playful glim a calculating starre took over.

"I wish I could stay on. Even as part of the Chorus", she said, her heart beating erratic. "But once you danced the Main part they would never hire you again as something else."

Without a word he pulled out his phone. Nesta straightened her back. His jacket was still over her shoulders, shielding her against the cold. Their eyes met.

He dialed a number. "Mr. Heartfelt! I am calling you in a very urgent matter. My mother has expressed again and again how much she enjoyed Nesta Archerons performance. It would be a pitty to loose such a talent, don't you think?"

Nesta was ashamed. But she gripped the hem of her skirt and said nothing. At least her mother would be happy.

Eris eyes bore into her. "And double her pay."

With that he hung up.

They sat in silence again.

"Your mother wanted you to use me, did she not?"

"Don't pretend like you don't want to use me, too!"

"Oh Dove", he leaned over the table and the spark returned to his eyes. "The only thing I want from you is to loosen up and enjoy the date. I am trying to impress you here. And you haven't even commented on the view."

"It is lovely."

"Thank you", he grinned like he had build the city just for her to look apon. "Now compliment my fashion style next."

She scuffed. But grinned too. And there was another spark in her chest. This time it caught on and she felt herself warming up.

"Green is a lovely colour", she said gently. "I have green curtains."

"No", he dramatically gasped. "It is fate then!"

And she just had to laugh.

The waiter returned with their plates. Nesta stopped laughing. There was less food on her plate then at home. Just a tiny amount of pasta.

"What is wrong?", Eris looked honestly concerned. "Did they got your order wrong?"

"No, no", she said. "It's wonderful."

At least the arrangement was. Nesta felt her stomach drop. It was screaming at her to run away and find the next Fast Food store. Anything to fill the emptyness in her.

"I should have thought of that", he said quietly.

Confused she raised her head.

"I bet dancers need more nutritions then this."

He motioned for the waiter.

"I want triple the amount…" he stopped when he saw her eyes. "make that five times the amount of pasta on a plate. And add a steak. And a salate. Anything else you wish for?"

Nesta almost cried. Eris Vanserra had a way of knowing what she needed before she was to emberrassed to ask for it.

His phone rang.

His eyes widened.

His face hardened.

"Excuse me", he said to Nesta. Then he took the call and left her alone on the table.

Nesta tried to enjoy the views.

She tried to enjoy the food on her first plate.

She even let her fingers wander over the material of his jacket. 

Nothing ignited a spark like his smile did.

When the waiter returned again, he held a container with food.

"Mr. Vanserra had to leave due to a family emergency", he explained. "But he insisted you take the food and there is a Taxi waiting for you downstairs. I will escourt you."

Her bubble burst. Of course it had been too good to be true. He had treated her like a queen for not even two hours, but Nesta had believed it.

And that was on her.

"Don't bother", she said and got up. Without a glance back she left the restaurant and took the elevator down. Out of her purse she fished her phone.

Who should she call?

Her father had offered. But then her mother would probably intervene.

Elain was too scared to drive at night.

Feyre was never an option.

That left only one.

Down in the lobby she realised that she was still wearing Eris jacket. Out of spite she decided to keep it. With one hand she brushed over the soft fabric while she dialed Cassians number.

[snarky-art]

Hello, first of all I love your redesigns of the Winx Club. Second I was wondering what the medieval gowns would look like in your redesigns? Also could you please give us more info and examples of the traditional fashions of each planet please, personally I really want to know more about the Deliosian clothing!?

Gah you’re so sweet! Thank you! Amd I’m unsure which medieval gowns you’re talking about but feel free to send a picture so I can see what I think about them

And I may have gotten a little overzealous with this stuff so I’m just going to upload in chunks for each planet

We got Court Wear for Domino here as well as an example of more casual everyday wear most of the public wore

I’ve decided I’m going to be doing these as separate posts for each of them because I ended up doing waaaay more than I meant to for some of them

What’s on the pages in order for notes plus some additional info below!

Picture of Marion

Dominion Court Wear before The Fall:

Started appearing around the time Marion's grandfather ruled, mainly in the corset style and waist length. Drapery and larger poofs added next. Marion pushed for more modern trends and started making her own when she became more active in court, Earth age ~13.

Overall:

- More points and angles

- More gems

- Lower bust/neckline

- Sleeker silhouette

- Pattern work more shape based, cross stitching popular

- Larger poofs on sleeves with them ending mid arm or acting as the whole sleeve

- More upturned shoulder accents

- Lower waistline

- No arm bands to separate poofy part of sleeve from the rest of it

- More connected drapery

- Oval gems present

- Larger hairstyle and more half up half down looks

- Skirt length floor length and uniform

- Elevated heels for footwear

- Thread work less visible if not solely decorative

- Corsets more popular and more decorated

- Hip accents to exaggerate shape

- Wrap around adornment connected to corset, typically with a 3 circle motif

Picture of Hagen

More Pre Fall Wear

Style more associated with traditionally masculine appearances, but like all looks can be worn by anyone of any gender or lack of gender. Acted much more as a fusion of modern and traditional elements.

Main Staples:

- 2 piece set

- Slimmer shape

- Top ending around mid thigh

- Skin trousers visible

- Level shoulder adornments on what would be considered more traditionally masculine fits

Traditional Dominion Features:

- slimmer sleeves with decorated cuffs

- Embroidery lining sleeves

- Braids

- Longer facial hair and hair overall

- Jewel decorations holding caps

- Cape going to knees

Picture of Bloom

Traditional Dominion Fashion

For hair: up with a few pieces of hair down. Braid work, cloth pieces with gems worked into hair

For Clothes:

- shoulders pointed out, typically have line pattern embroidered into it

- gems typically in groups of 3

- Empire waistline

- Flared train on lower half with underskirts typically visible, high-low cut present, usually lined with pattern at the bottom

- Images used in pattern work

- Swirls with pointed lines

- Boots, low heels

- Delicate and intricate metal work on neck wear, typically chokers

- Upturned tip on boots

- Gems are circle or teardrop shape

- Smaller arm poofs

- Arm cuff higher up on upper arm for arm poof

- Sleeves are separate from the arm poof

- Multiple strips of loose cloth

Picture of Oritel

More Traditionally Masculine Elements for Traditional Dominion Fashion not already mentioned previously:

- Boxier shape

- Decorated arm cuffs

- Longer length arm cuffs

- More level headwear

General info on page:

- Shorter hair and beard more common among closer associated people during Marion’s court fashion

Medallion:

- worn commonly by the consort of Domino

- Used as a way to show acting as head of the main ruler of Domino

- Sent with Bloom to Earth during The Fall

- 3 points to represent power in all directions, petals to represent the flowers that grow in magic dense areas, stylized trees to represent the lush forest land Domino has

Picture of Daphne

Fusion:

- combo of traditional and Marion’s court style

- Very common for a lot of the higher class and mobility with less wealth

- Daphne’s preferred style for formal events and appearances, both pre and post-resurrection

Info on the necklace:

- a traditional neck adornment style

- Style from the very beginnings of Empire expansion

- Originally would hold gems of conquered cultures

- These gems started being returned and replaced with Dominion gems right before the fall as part of the effort for reparations on Domino’s part to start making up for its violent past

Picture of Bloom in 2 outfits:

These are some more common outfits for the people outside of the upper and noble classes. They tend to be more reminiscent of traditional Dominion wear since the newer stuff in Marion’s court wasn’t very practical for the usual day to day activities such as running errands, doing manual labor, and artisan crafts.

General rules that were mentioned earlier still apply, just typically with less elaborate pattern work and embroidery. Rarely any jewels in day to day wear. It’s more common for families to have a few gems that they share and fit into different pieces of metal work for more important events and holidays.

Notes on the page:

- corsets ending a little above the waist

- Embroidered patterns on clothes

- Peasant blouse style shirt popular

- Boots all year

Flame Acolytes:

- group that works with The Flame and are in constant worship of The Great Dragon

- Cloth all blue

- Dragon tattoos on both arms, wrapped around arm 3 times, head on palms with mouth open

- Gems are purple

- Stretched earlobes from jewelry, style varies (bonus: Saladin wears this style in honor of Domino’s passing to this day. He found it in the ruins of Domino on one of his visits back that he and others of The Company of Light as well as other scholars took to see of there was any way to salvage the people and the planet itself)

- For the dress, front and back pieces tied together on the sides

- Dress underneath it

- Shoes made of cloth, a style left over from older form of widespread foot coverings

[moonmeg]

On Instagram you resonded to a person about the Caleb lives au and you mentioned tgat this au is set in modern times and that they are all human. I'm curious: What was the reason for you to set it up in modern times and not in the 17th century in the Boiling Isles?

Oh no you misunderstand! I meant this drawing specifically is set in such a time

The person asked the question because I posted another story beforehand where I zoomed in on the flowers on the cuffs of Robyn's pants and said they were "embroidered by his younger sister because this is an AU where Calyn have a happy ending".

The actual Caleb Survives AU is not set in modern times nor is everyone a human. Caleb and Philip remain the only humans, with Robyn and his siblings being half humans.

I just sometimes like to randomly draw the peeps in a modern human world lol but it's not an AU I seriously pursue or something haha

Sorry for the misunderstanding!

[dorthyanndrarry]

Unknown -3-

Tags: Angst, Post war deatheater prejudice, light injuries, chronic illness, post war trauma, dark magic

Suggested rating: Teen

Part 1 || <- Part 2 || Part 4 ->

-

Draco considered calling Libbi, one of the elves, to take his newly acquired brewing ingredients to his lab but decided against it. They had too much to do, taking care of two people and trying to keep the manor from falling apart around them. He wouldn't need the ingredients until he started brewing anyway.

Draco headed to the library, letting his feet guide him by memory. If he thought about the route he would inevitably get lost. The halls were lit only occasionally by guttering lighting spells, and the old family portraits and tapestries that had hung on the walls were scorched or torn, or missing entirely. Anything that had been on display, four-hundred-year-old vases, statues from lost civilizations, art from famous painters across Europe, all of that was gone now. This house was no longer a place he recognized.

One of the doors to the library was gone, blown to splinters in one of the dark lord's many tantrums. He had summoned most of the books from the shelves as well, gathering them in a pile in the center and threatening to burn them all. Draco was fairly certain he had only done it to see Lucius beg.

Draco went to the largest table, its wide polished oak surface covered with every potion brewing and healer book Draco had managed to summon from the pile. He shifted the books around, stacking open books on top of one another so he wouldn't lose his place. Looking for a thick volume of healing spells and potions that was used to teach trainee healers at St Mungo's. Or at least it had been a decade ago.

Draco found it under a book about the evolution of modern brewing techniques. He flipped to the section for specialized soft tissue repair spells, skimming his fingers down the parchment, from spell to spell until he found a simple spell to heal sprains. It took an extremely frustrating quarter of an hour to learn how to cast the spell in his off, uninjured, hand.

When he finally got the spell working he dropped into the nearest high-backed leather chair. He pushed his sleeves up his forearms, flexing his wrist absently, waiting for the pain and finding none.

Draco let himself slouch down in the chair, running his hands over the armrest, the dark leather smooth and cool to the touch. Somehow, he had picked his father's favourite chair without noticing. Perhaps because it had been years since he had seen his father in it. Even before being sent to Azkaban for the last time, the war hadn't been the most ideal time for reading.

Draco looked down at his arms, turning his wrist over to where his dark mark was, had been. Now it was all black. Wizarding tattooists wouldn't work with him, but muggle artists had no such compunction. To Rick, it had just been a cover-up tattoo. There was a muggle style of tattoos called black-out tattoos, bold deep blocks of black ink, sometimes in geometrical designs, sometimes with artwork within the black, sometimes just black.

Draco had opted for two matching cuffs of black on his forearms. The only direction he had given Rick was that he wanted the tops of his forearms to be decorated with flowers, especially the narcissus flower. Rick had done beautiful work, more beautiful than Draco could have ever imagined. He had made a diamond on the top of both cuffs and from that simple bold geometric shape a wild messy bouquet of flowers spilled out of the edges of the diamonds, so realistic they looked almost three-dimensional.

Draco had hoped it would help him move on, and distance himself from that horrible part of his past. But there was no way to move on. Not when no one would even give him a chance.

Draco rubbed his eyes, slumping further down in the chair. He grabbed his wand from the edge of the table and held it up, glaring at the pale unfamiliar wood. He had bought it after the war from a French wand maker of some renown. It worked well for him but it wasn't his old wand, the one he knew, grew up with, learned with.

Bitterly, Draco flicked his newly healed wrist and cast, "Accio a new life."

He hadn't expected anything, much less the sound that followed, the faint rattle of metal.

Draco rose to his feet, following the sound, though he had a feeling he knew where it was coming from. He stopped by a blank patch of wall, touching the cold stones cautiously. He had seen his father do this once but never opened it himself.

Draco removed a pin from his cloak, pricking his thumb and pressing the welling bead of blood against one particular stone, "By my blood, open."

The wall shivered and the stones folded back onto themselves into a mantle above a single shelf of books built into the wall. A large metal bar was locked in front of the books to keep them from being summoned.

Draco raised his wand and cast again, his voice hushed to a whisper, "Accio a new life."

A book in the centre of the shelf shivered and strained against the heavy iron, making it rattle faintly. The leather of its spine was dark, likely bound in thestral leather, and unmarked by either a title or author.

Draco reached out, feeling the uncomfortable prickle of dark magic on his fingertips.

"Master Draco," Libbi called from the doorway, "Dinner is served."

Draco pulled his hand away. "Yes. ...thank you. I shall be there momentarily."

Libbi bowed and apparated away.

Draco stared at the book for a few seconds longer, then quickly cast a cleaning spell to remove his blood and close the hidden bookshelf once more.

-

Tags below v💜 same as always, leave a message or reblog to get tagged in the next post

@bug-bytes thank you! this story defo has a more 🌻flowery🌼 descriptive style

@dewitty1 🥰 you are the bestest thank you so much!

thank you for reblogging😘✌ @tiny-naut , @lilyinthebreeze, @bugsbookshelf, @dcriojas8, @contemporarydiva, @reveriepi

[sinsmockingbird]

A little different but...Here's a new headcannon topic!

"How are the cells of (Insert Sinner here) decorated?"

For the first ones, I would request for the cells of Shalom, Rahu, Garofano, Coquelic, and Sumire.

Oh! This is an interesting thought. I never really think hard about how the Sinners cells would look. But after giving it more thought and stuff, these were the ideas I had for the characters you requested and a few bonus ones.

✧ COQUELIC. Lots and lots of flowers. Her cell would look overrun (a slight exaggeration) with red and white roses and maybe a few randoms here and there. She'd have an oversized bed (but nothing extreme compared to Cabernet). It would the type of bed to be really soft and a type that you just sink down into.

✧ CORSO. Feels like a literal college boys dorm room. Nothing is in place, things are scattered across the floor, and there are definitely several giant holes in the walls from where she'd punch or kick. It's gotten to the point where the Bureau doesn't fix the holes in her cell anymore because they always reappear. Her cell looks like a tornado passed through it.

✧ GAROFANO. Decorated with a bit of flowers and she tries to give her cell a "homey" feel to it. She'd have the clothes she makes sometimes on display, at least the ones she just finished or is finishing up. She'd her sewing kit and would have a little seating area where she can read and enjoy some tea. Her cell is definitely the type to remind people of their mother's because the way it's decorated just gives off those vibes, if that makes sense.

✧ MACCHIATO. If you've ever seen a BDSM dungeon then you have seen her cell already. It holds a modern and sleek vibe to it, but then you'll be thrown off a lot but the weird things she's has decorating the place. Like bars and cuffs on the wall, hooks on furniture- you get it. Once you realize what each of these are really for, the cell will get a much different feeling.

✧ MCQUEEN. Covered to the brim in expensive paingings, sculptures, and just generally expensive and fancy stuff. Everything has a spatter of purple on it, be it the couch, bed, the walls, her desk- everything looks like she purposefully threw an open paint can at it. Also a bit egocentric because some of the art are portraits of her that she had personally commissioned for herself.

✧ PRICILLA. Besides the obvious stolen stuff of jewelry, paintings, and gems, her cell is decorated in a sporatic way. It has a little bit of everything mixed around about it. A different flavor of colors, culture, furniture, and all stuff like that. It feels like you walk into a museum.

✧ RAHU. Her cell is pretty simple and very minimalistic. I can see her not really decorating it at all and keeping it relatively the same as it was when she first came to the Bureau. She's got a bed, a desk, a dresser, and the basics. If anything she'd probably decorate it only a little if her partner got her something. She'd definitely want to put it on display.

✧ SHALOM. Pretty militaristic as well, but not to the degree of Rahu. She'd throw in a modern feel and pieces. For the most part she tries to keep things simple and in check. Everything has a place and nothing is ever put of place, though if something were to be, she'd notice it right away and fix it. Her cell kinda makes you not want to enter or touch anything because it's just so well kept.

✧ SUMIRE. Her cell would remind anyone of a garden. She doesn't have an overgrow of plants, but she does have a variety of flowers that she maintains very well. She'd have a perfect place to lay her katana upon where anyone can see it, a little sitting area and also a place to practice her swordplay when needed. Her bed is a bit small and kept in the corner and out of the way of everything else.

[purrmoon]

🌙 lore: courting

While the rules of courting aren’t as structured and rigid as they used to be, many still go through the old traditions. (Though, even then, the steps are often flexible and will bleed together.)

Traditionally, an alpha will court a beta or omega, while a male beta will court a female beta, and either beta sex will court an omega. In modern times, these are more flexible, and also include alpha/alpha and omega/omega pairings.

Step 1: Gifting. Gifts have always been a good way to show how well you can take care of and/or provide for a potential mate—something which soothes a mate’s instincts. Gifts are also a good way to show how well you know a potential mate. Offering a starting gift is the best way to open a courtship, though gifts are given throughout the courtship. Example gift ideas:

Food. This is an especially good “first” gift. Homemade food and purchased food are both good. Homemade proves skill in the kitchen and the ability to “care for” your mate. Purchased food proves wealth, and satisfies a “gathering” instinct. A meal satisfies provider instinct. Desserts or candy prove wealth.

Scent-marked clothing or fabric. Another good “early” gift. This can be a good way to get courting intentions across clearly, as giving food can be more nebulous.

Flowers. Flowers can be hit or miss, especially if the giftee has a sensitive nose. However, they’re a wonderful way of showing your partner is on your mind.

Jewelry. Not everyone appreciates jewelry, but they make wonderful expressions of wealth and ability to provide. Things like keychains and cufflinks are considered more “practical,” while earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces are more “frivolous.” Some might offer jewelry with the gifter’s name, preferred color, or symbol as a show of possession. Some enjoy this, others don’t.

Nesting materials, such as soft blankets, nest padding, stuffed toys, or comfortable clothing. Nesting materials should usually be reserved for a bit further into courting as its seen as more intimate. A scent-marked pillowcase or blanket is considered especially intimate, and as a declaration of “getting serious.”

Step 2: Scenting. Deliberately scenting one another, not just sharing scented articles of clothing or accidentally co-mingling scents by spending a lot of time together, is a very big step.

Step 3: Meeting the pack. Assuming the mating isn’t arranged, or they aren’t following rigid tradition (where the Alpha or Beta would ask permission to court the Beta or Omega), once the two are comfortable with one another, it’s time to meet the family. This can be done all at once, or in pieces—though, if the latter, it’s wisest to start with the Pack Omega.

Step 4: Collaring. Some couples skip this step, or substitute collars with something else—like matching wrist cuffs. (A wrist cuff could also match the collar, and is a popular practice as well.) Collaring is a simple way of declaring the seriousness of a relationship, and staking a claim in a way that satisfies more primal instincts.

Step 5: Sharing a nest. Letting someone in your nest is a show of trust and intimacy, as doing so means getting their scent in a place you sleep / spend a lot of time. Packmates are known to share nests often enough, and letting a new packmate in your nest is a show of acceptance. Its the same for courting.

Step 6: Sharing a cycle, if applicable. Spending a heat / rut with your partner is usually the next big step. It’s an expression of vulnerability and trust, whether the cycle is fertile or not.

Step 7: Building a nest together. This is the penultimate step, and declares intent to matebond. Old nests are taken apart and combined for the couple to share from then onward.

Step 8: Bonding. A matebond is formed by biting the scent gland hard enough to draw blood. The mark will always scar. Generally this is done during a fertile cycle (preferably while synced), as this lessons the pain. However, modern medicine has brought with it a spray that can lightly numb the area, if the couple prefers. A matebond is deeper than the usual packbond, allowing the couple to sense each other’s emotions across a larger distance.

Bonding is often accompanied by a ceremony, either before or after. Some couples also choose to sign a marriage license—and others eschew bonding entirely, choosing only to marry.

[thecglcatalog]

Rocking Horses for Regression Time

Choose baby’s very best new friend from our stable of beautiful adult-sized rocking horses.  

“Bony Pony” the Classic Hobby Horse.  Plush head with bright glass eyes, soft-touch pink nostrils, and fluffy forelock stands above a mini barrel body.  The ribs of the barrel are super-prominent, ensuring that baby notices every detail of the wooden shape under their bottom and privates!  Simple wooden pole neck and legs; fluffy plush tail.  Specify Bony Pony’s coat color: bay, palomino, black/white pinto.

“Rector” the Dildo Horse.  Massy, beautifully crafted rocking horse of carved oak has subtle multicolor stain details, oil-rubbed finish … and a pair of sockets for holding any of our screw-adapter dildos!  One adapter is on the back of the saddle to slide up baby’s bottom; the other is between Rector’s hind legs for storage and display.

“Razorback” the Beam Rocker.  Massive square beam of reclaimed wood sits at an angle between this rocking horse’s faux wood shoulders and hindquarters – an angle that means there’s a painful corner right on top.  Gorgeously sculpted details come in choice of Oak or Mahogany tones; we let the beam keep its natural weathering, only giving it a quick waterproof coating.

“Wildflower” the Modern Resin Pony.  The body and head of this gorgeously cottagecore rocking horse are a single piece of crystal-clear cast resin.  Real dried flowers are strewn prettily inside!  An especially dark pansy represents the eye.  All edges – including the one where little one’s weight will rest – are rounded and just an inch wide.  Wildflower’s body locks into perpendicular leg pieces that then meet a single-piece wooden rocker foot.  Imagine your baby rocking on this horsie in front of a sunny window – just beautiful!  Billowing soft-touch mane and tail come in your choice of color – black, chestnut, flax, or even pale pink.

“Fantasie” the Steel Unicorn.  Beautifully minimalist geometric sculpture of a horse made from welded two-inch steel conduit bars has splendid sculpted ears, swirly horn blunt enough for dildo use, and a mane and tail of softly chiming chains.  Rider balances their crotch on a single strong steel bar.  Specify chain style: matching steel, gold-tone steel, sapphire rhinestone, pink rhinestone, black beaded.  Rockers and horn are steel finished to match the chains!

“Penny” the Potty Pony.  A rocking horse for those adult babies who just aren’t ready to hold their water throughout playtime.  Attractive, lightweight resin carousel horse front and back become a sturdy wire frame in the middle.  This frame supports a hard, smooth waterproof bicycle seat with narrow front to put pressure on the crotch.  Place a vessel between the rockers to catch any accidents while baby enjoys their time in the saddle.  Specify seat and detail color: Princess Pink Sparkle, Yellow Confetti.

“Jock” the Breeding Pony.  Special wooden horse has detailed legs of carved oak that support a leather-upholstered bench.  Arrange baby in a bottoms-up “jockey seat” over the bench – there are leather kneepads behind Jock’s hind legs – and pull up the waist belt from below to secure them in place.  They’re sure to find that your grown-up guests are happy to help them play on the rocking horse!  Jock’s neck is hollow at the back, too, allowing riders to rest their heads inside of the neck while exposed from the shoulders down.  His finely carved head wears a beautiful leather bridle.

And don't forget Rocking Horse Accessories to make this special nursery centerpiece more functional!

Adjustable Rocking-Horse Girth.  When baby can’t be trusted to keep playing on the horsie like you told them, wrap this super-adjustable velcro girth around the rocking horse’s withers!  Super-strong integrated steel snaps hold a pair of cuffs to wrap around baby’s calves, keeping feet off the floor.  For a more severe version, cuff baby’s ankles there instead so knees have to stay up!  Top snap holds matching wrist cuffs, or swap them out for baby’s own cuffs or mitts.

Virtually indestructible nylon version comes in choice of Powder Blue, Deep Red, Light Burlap, or Tactical Black.  Gorgeous leather version takes a little more care to keep it from cracking with rough use, but we think it’s worth it!  Choose Milk Chocolate or Buckskin shades.

Auto-Rocker.  Foot pedal with side timing controls depresses just enough with a press of Daddy, Master, or Grammy’s foot – slides under one of the rockers – and gives it a slight mechanical kick every time the weight of the rocker swings back onto it.  Horsie keeps on “running” for anywhere from ten minutes to eight hours, even if baby manages to hold still!

Sound-Damping Rocker Platform.  Low-rise platform has a tough, smooth surface of hard rubber with just the right friction for satisfying rocking – and soundproofing underlayer so your little can be assigned a session on the rocking horse at any hour without bothering you in the next room, let alone downstairs neighbors.  Specify frame color: Oak, Satin Black.  Specify rubber color: Princess Pink Sparkle, Yellow Confetti, Matte Black.

Rocker Risers.  Made from heavy molded plastic with grip rubber feet, Rocker Risers sit under each rocking “leg” to raise the rocking horse by 24 inches – enough that most riders won’t be able to reach the floor and must balance their full weight on pony’s back.  Specify color: Fire Truck Red, French Blue, Silver Sheen

[tiger-moran]

Be Gay Do Crimes

For Pride month, my modern day AU Professor James Moriarty and Sebastian Moran

(Explanations for some of the details under the cut)

Some of the details are unfortunately not going to show firstly since I had to make the pic smaller than the original anyway and secondly since I think uploading it here has wrecked the quality even further, however...

The plants/flowers are from Victorian flower language/floral code of which there are multiple versions but the ones I've used here are ferns (sincerity), ivy (fidelity), maidenhair fern (discretion) and white tuberose (dangerous pleasure)

The handkerchief on Moran's left arm is a nod to the gay men's 'hanky code'. Orange worn on the left side = [up for] anything. Also for Moriarty, a grey handkerchief worn on the left side can mean 'master' or 'bondage - top'

Moriarty's outfit is in the asexual flag colours - black suit, grey handkerchief and tie, white shirt, purple waistcoat. But additionally the aromantic flag features two shades of green with black, grey and white, so add in the colours of his buttonhole and you also get the aro flag colours. His buttonhole itself is a green carnation, famously a symbol associated with gay men in the Victorian era which was popularised by Oscar Wilde.

A collar with a locked padlock on it can be an indication that the person wearing it is a submissive who is 'owned' by or committed to a Dominant. Moriarty of course is the one holding the keys.

Moran's wrist cuff is partly a kinky thing though this is based on my WIP novel where Moran tends to wear things around his wrists for another reason too but I'm not going to spoil what that reason is.

The badges/pins/patches on Moran's jacket are mostly for industrial/alternative artists - Cabaret Voltaire, Skinny Puppy, Coil, Throbbing Gristle (also a slang term for an erection, which I'm sure would amuse Moran no end), Front 242, Einstürzende Neubauten, Killing Joke. The red badge on his left pocket says 'Discipline' which is a song by Throbbing Gristle but it definitely has a double meaning here. The badge at the top on his left side is for Coil but is also a chaos star or symbol of chaos. The three colour badge on his left pocket is of course the bi flag colours (as is his hair). The one next to that is the cover art for Coil's album Love's Secret Domain. If you look up the art in full size you might see why Moran would probably be amused by that cover in particular.

The larger badge on his right side says 'Be Gay Do Crimes' which I'm sure is a sentiment they can both get behind, even though technically Moran is bisexual. And his trans flag badge says 'Protect trans lives' on it. Neither of them are trans but I totally believe they would support and stand up for trans people.

Moran's shirt says 'Memento Mori' on it - Latin for 'remember you must die'. Skulls are a common image in Memento Mori artwork.

Moran's silver ring features Elder Futhark runes, for reasons

And the dog's name is Tyger; the spelling is based on the Blake poem. Tyger is a very good boy who supports queer people.

[cruelfeline]

Today, after rigorous testing guided by the hand of modern science, we are able to answer the age-old question: how would Cuff wear a flower crown?

The result? Like this:

Disclaimer: no vambraces were harmed in the pursuit of scientific advancement. All vambraces were gently polished after enduring the indignity of touching grass. All vambraces were thoroughly examined for insects post-trial and were found to be free of unwanted passengers. All vambraces were assured that they were big, scary demons and good birbs during and after all trials.