#my unfiltered optimism and enthusiasm

[awkward-walking-potato]

A request of hc or whatever you are up to for Gambit with a sunshine!reader?

Here comes the sun

The X-Mansion's garden was a vibrant display of colors, but it was nothing compared to the burst of light and energy that you, the sunshine!reader, brought to it. Your bright personality and unfiltered joy were like a constant beacon of warmth, a sharp contrast to Gambit’s usual smooth and mysterious demeanor.

On this particular day, Gambit had decided to channel his inner charm and enigma, hoping to impress you with his suave ways. He had meticulously planned out an afternoon in the garden, where he’d put his plan into action. He donned his most charming smile and approached you, who was busy tending to the blooming flowers, your own radiant aura making the surroundings seem even more cheerful.

“Hey there, sunshine,” Gambit said, his voice smooth and intentionally low. “Care for some company in this lovely garden of yours?”

You looked up from the flowers you were arranging, your face lighting up with a bright smile. “Oh, hey, Gambit! I’d love some company! Isn’t it a beautiful day? The flowers are so happy today, don’t you think?”

Gambit couldn’t help but chuckle at your infectious enthusiasm. He leaned against a nearby tree, trying to maintain his mysterious air. “Well, I was thinkin’ maybe I could add a bit of mystery to this cheerful scene. You know, stir things up a bit.”

You giggled, clearly not fazed by his attempts at being enigmatic. “Oh, Gambit, you’re always so cool and mysterious. But I think the garden’s already perfect just the way it is. And you know what? I bet we could have even more fun if we just enjoyed the day together.”

He watched as you twirled around, your energy seemingly making the flowers around you bloom even brighter. Gambit sighed, his carefully crafted mysterious persona melting away in the face of your overwhelming brightness.

“You know, sunshine,” he said, trying to regain some of his charm, “I’m not sure I can compete with all this light you’re throwin’ around. But I’ll do my best to keep up.”

You laughed, walking over to him with a playful glint in your eye. “You don’t have to compete with me, Gambit. You’re perfect just the way you are. Besides, your attempts at being mysterious are pretty cute.”

Gambit’s smile widened, a genuine warmth replacing his earlier coolness. He took your hand, his touch gentle and affectionate. “Well, if it’s ‘cute’ you want, then I suppose I’ll just have to embrace it. Maybe a bit of sunshine is just what this garden needs.”

You beamed at him, your heart swelling with affection. “See? That’s the spirit! Let’s make the most of today and have some fun. Who knows, maybe we’ll discover a new kind of mystery together!”

As you both wandered through the garden, chatting and laughing, Gambit found himself enjoying the day far more than he had anticipated. Your constant optimism and joy had a way of turning even his smooth and mysterious plans into something light-hearted and fun.

By the time the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the garden, Gambit realized that the real charm wasn’t in being mysterious, but in sharing moments of genuine happiness with you. Your light had a way of illuminating even his own darker corners, making the day one of the most memorable and joyful he’d had in a long time.

And as you both sat together, watching the sun dip below the horizon, Gambit couldn’t help but think that sometimes, being around someone as radiant as you was all he needed to make life’s mysteries a little less enigmatic and a lot more wonderful.

[voraciousvore]

The Tiny (Chapter 9)

Chapter 1 | Previous (8) | Next (10)

Content Warning: None

Word Count: 1383

------ Chapter 9: Disaster Strikes ------

“Chester? Time to wake up.” 

Her voice is quiet and soothing. Tiny hands caress my chest, welcoming me into the waking world. I open my eyes to cheery morning sunlight. I swell with happiness. I would almost believe yesterday to be a dream, but Jackie’s voice, her touch, and her smiling face are all too real. She’s beautiful, beaming brighter than the sun. I’m mindful enough to curl my fingers around her and lift her off my chest this time, before I sit up, so we don’t have any more embarrassing mishaps. 

“Good morning,” I greet her. I yawn and rub my eyes. 

“What do you want to do today?” she questions me. Her eyes sparkle, radiating an adventurous spirit.  

“Actually...” I begin. “I had something in mind, but I wasn’t sure what you would think about it.” I pause. To be honest, I have some misgivings myself about what I’m about to propose, but I would do anything to make Jackie happy. And I don’t think she’d be happy to be isolated from the outside world for the rest of her life, cooped up in my house. Even if she does grow to like me. 

“I know I said earlier that it wouldn’t be safe for you to be around other giants. Which is still true. I was thinking I might be able to mask your scent with cologne and hide you on my person while I wore the same cologne. Then I could take you out with me, and nobody would be able to detect you. What do you think? Would you want to try it?”  

I regret the idea as soon as I say it out loud. So much could go wrong. I may not be strong enough to protect her against a bigger giant, if her existence is revealed. Her face wrinkles in concentration as she ponders the suggestion. I hold out hope that perhaps she’ll reject the suggestion, but by now I have a firmer grasp on Jackie’s personality. She’s no coward. Sure enough, she meets my gaze with an impish grin. “I want to go.” 

She never ceases to impress me. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and I consider that my concerns are probably unfounded; a dangerous confrontation is unlikely to occur. “Great!” I respond, mustering up some optimism. We get ready for the day, and I throw on a baggy hoodie with a sizable pocket in the front for Jackie to hide in. I fetch a vial of my most pungent cologne. 

“I’m going to have to spray this on you pretty liberally to conceal your scent, so you might want to cover your eyes and nose,” I inform her. She puts her hands over her face, and I spritz her several times before applying the cologne to myself. She makes the cutest little sound when she sneezes, making me smile. I wait for the fragrance to disseminate before hovering my nose over her and taking a deep whiff. 

My ambivalence lingers. The smallest hint of her scent breaks through, but it’s barely discernable. I doubt any other giants would notice. “I think that will work. It doesn’t completely eliminate your scent, but it covers it well enough.” 

Jackie doesn’t seem at all concerned as I expected. Rather, she beams up at me with such unfiltered joy that my fears dissolve away, and my face cracks into a wide smile. I transfer her to my jacket pocket and take her outside with measured strides. Fortunately, the weather matches my outfit, since the sky is cold and gray, with a thick layer of clouds blocking the sun. I unlock my car and get in the driver’s seat. 

“You have a car?” Jackie questions, poking her head out the side of my pocket. 

“Of course,” I chuckle, petting her with my fingertip. “I live out in the woods. It would be too far to walk where we’re going.” Bless her heart. She must picture giants as primitive brutes stomping over the countryside, rather than as regular people with modern appliances. I hope I don’t give off too much of an unsophisticated air, with my primordial instincts ruling my actions, but I do find the image rather comical nonetheless. 

Even though I appreciate the privacy that my life offers me, I like going into town every once in a while, to interact with those of my own kind. I drive down a winding dirt path with trees on both sides. After a while, the trees give way to buildings, houses, apartments, and shops. I pull into a parking lot and find a spot to leave my vehicle. I cut the engine and exit the car.  

“Where are we?” Jackie chirps. 

“We’re at the market. Don’t be afraid, I will keep you safe,” I promise. I head over to the central square, right into the bustling crowd. To my relief, the air is thick with various scents, such as grilled meat and baked goods, to distract any wandering noses. I head towards the bookstore. 

Instead of peeking out the openings of my pocket on either side, Jackie retreats to the middle. To my surprise, I can feel her shaking against my belly. Is she cold? No, that’s not it. I chastise myself for being such a fool. She might be one of the bravest people I’ve met, but of course she’d still be afraid, when surrounded by giant predators who would be more than happy to eat her alive. 

I can’t talk to her in the crowd, so I seek to comfort her with my touch. I reach into my pocket and envelop Jackie in my fingers with gentle compression. I run my thumb up and down her back, between her shoulder blades. As I feel her shivering in my hand, I’m reminded just how small and helpless she would be, in the hands of an evil or hungry giant: how easy it would be to snap her flimsy spine, or grind every bone in her body into a paste. I’m revolted by the potential harms, especially when I recall how cruelly my father treats humans: toying with them, torturing them with a fist full of hatred, biting off their limbs one by one in a gory mess. I push those horrific memories out of my psyche.  

She coils up in my hand and grips one of my fingers tightly. My heart breaks. I didn’t expect this to happen. I wanted to make her happy, not frighten her. I decide to cut our visit short. I hurry into the bookstore, over to a shelf full of nonfiction books about magic. I remove Jackie from my pocket, containing her in my fist, and bring her close to my lips. I open my fingers enough for her to fit her head through the gaps. 

“Which ones do you want?” I murmur. She surveys the selection before making a decision. Her miniscule hand sticks out, pointing to a few tomes on the shelf. I collect them for her. 

“Do you want to look around the market some more, or are you too afraid? Would you prefer to go home now?” I mutter. 

“Let’s go home,” she answers. “I’m frightened.” As I suspected. I return her to the sanctuary of my pocket and go to the checkout. As I idly chat with the giantess operating the register, Jackie begins to quiver in my pocket again. I pay for my books and hasten to leave. 

I want to tell her that everything will be okay, but I don’t want to alert others to her presence, so I keep walking at a brisk pace. I assume she’ll calm down once we’re in the parking lot, but her quaking only worsens, as if she’s on the verge of panic. I’m puzzled, since there’s nobody around now. She frantically pokes me through the fabric of my clothes. 

“Chester!” she whispers with urgency. “Chester! I think someone might be following us!” 

I halt, tension in every muscle. I don’t know how she knew, but I’m abruptly aware of a sinister aura nearby. The foreign, musky smell of a male stranger hits my nose. I spin around, but I’m too late. A blunt object collides with my skull, and a constellation of stars swoops across my vision before everything goes black. 

Chapter 10

[mytravelblogging]

How Has My Travel Blogging Evolved Over Time?

Introduction:

In the vast realm of travel blogging, the evolution of one’s personal journey is as captivating as the destinations explored. “MyTravelBlogging“ has been my digital canvas, reflecting not only the places I’ve visited but also the growth and transformation I’ve undergone as a travel blogger. This narrative explores the five significant phases that have shaped the evolution of “MyTravelBlogging.”

Embarking on the Journey: The Genesis of MyTravelBlogging

My initial foray into the world of travel blogging was fueled by sheer wanderlust and a desire to share my experiences. The early days of “MyTravelBlogging” were characterized by raw enthusiasm, unpolished narratives, and a genuine eagerness to document every adventure. At this stage, I relied heavily on personal anecdotes and unfiltered emotions, offering readers an authentic glimpse into my travels.

Finding My Voice: Navigating Through Style and Substance

As “MyTravelBlogging” gained momentum, I embarked on a quest to find my unique voice amidst the cacophony of digital travel narratives. This phase was marked by experimentation with writing styles, photography techniques, and content structures. I began to realize the power of storytelling – not just recounting my experiences but weaving them into compelling narratives that resonated with a broader audience.

In this period of evolution, I embraced a balance between informative and emotive content. Travel guides, tips, and itineraries started complementing the personal stories, creating a harmonious blend that catered to both the practical needs of fellow travelers and the emotional connection sought by those yearning for vicarious adventures.

Building a Community: The Social Aspect of MyTravelBlogging

A pivotal turning point in the evolution of “MyTravelBlogging” was the recognition of its potential to foster a community. I delved into social media platforms, establishing a presence beyond the confines of the blog. Engaging with followers, responding to comments, and participating in travel-related discussions became integral to the growth of both the blog and its audience.

The community aspect extended beyond virtual interactions. “MyTravelBlogging” started organizing meet-ups, collaborating with fellow bloggers, and even initiating collaborative projects with readers. This phase not only widened the reach of the blog but also transformed it into a hub where like-minded individuals shared their passion for exploration.

Monetization and Professionalization: Turning Passion into a Profession

As the audience of “MyTravelBlogging” expanded, the prospect of turning passion into a profession became increasingly tangible. This phase saw a shift towards strategic growth, with a focus on monetization avenues and professional collaborations. Sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and partnerships with travel brands became an integral part of the blog’s revenue model.

Simultaneously, the need for a polished and professional online presence became evident. The evolution included website redesigns, improved branding, and the development of multimedia content such as podcasts and videos. While maintaining authenticity remained a priority, the transition towards a more professional outlook allowed “MyTravelBlogging” to sustain itself as a viable career.

Adapting to Changing Trends: Navigating the Digital Landscape

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital media, adaptability is key. “MyTravelBlogging” underwent a phase of adaptation, aligning with changing trends and technologies. This included optimizing content for search engines, harnessing the power of new social media platforms, and embracing emerging formats like virtual reality and live streaming.

The evolution also involved staying attuned to the shifting preferences of the audience. User-generated content, interactive features, and real-time updates became integral to keeping the blog fresh and relevant. This phase emphasized the importance of not just embracing change but also leading it, ensuring “MyTravelBlogging” remained at the forefront of the dynamic digital travel space.

Conclusion:

The journey of “MyTravelBlogging” is not just a chronicle of places visited; it is a testament to personal growth, adaptability, and the transformative power of storytelling. From humble beginnings fueled by wanderlust to a professional platform influencing the travel landscape, each phase of evolution reflects not only the changing nature of the blog but also the dynamic landscape of travel blogging as a whole. As “MyTravelBlogging” continues to evolve, the journey remains as exciting as the destinations it explores.