#oh the composition is awesome!

[suntails]

if someone gives me a number between 1 and 62, ill share a wip of that frame of the silver video im working on. i'm deranged and posting them/sharing them privately w friends and Also posting bits to twitter is Not Enough. i am going Crayzee

[cdmodule]

Been seeing too much negativity lately so new tag "game" time: Object show fans and artists, reblog this and talk about your favorite object show artists in the tags (and maybe what you like about their art)

[snakeoid]

Do you have any particular inspirations for your art? other artists, or really anything! I'm so drawn to your use of colour, it's beautiful

thank yew i thiiinkk for color my wonderful mutuals who are amazing artists like c0rv and thinking about my art teacher from hs always telling me to push my values and color is what inspired me to up my color game a bit.

looking at any of my older art i can tell im afraid of using bright hard and saturated colors but im liking it a lot now ^_^ !!

[astramachina]

*holds up a finger* boy do i wish that was me tho ngl

[silvery-stars]

would it be sacrilege of me to say that i am kinda hashtag Underwhelmed by the percy jackson show

[mothbaaalls]

i got an awesome notebook for FREE today and i am WINNING

[ixiot-ghostrebel]

Ok ok. I'm back from the dead, And with another headcannon! following my last music related ask

What if after the characters hear our music they start subconsciously humming, or even singing it? After all the creator never has their computer volume on... exept this time we do! And we hear venti, or Barbara, or another character singing our favorite song A LOT. So much so that instead of the usual voices it's all song references and lyrics... I imagine it going something like this:

(venti dies) "don't worry... I'm never going to let you down.."

OR

(Barbara's afk) "la- La- LA- ehem, I'm working late because I'm a singer~"

Well a long night of trying to find out if it was an event mihoyo planned or something else is surely waiting right?

- 🦇

OMG HI 🦇 ANON HRUUUU

Dwdw, Ghost Rebel's been dead as well—you have not been the only one, rest assured 🥲

For this request, I won't be really focusing much on what music the Reader listens to (entirely up to you imo), so apologies if this affects your reading experience!

(The Request 🦇 Anon Mentioned)

Ayo, They Know My MUSIC ✨😎

(Warning: Might be OOC!)

Who would've thought that all that singing pays off—now, all musicians and bards of Teyvat are reciting Their Almighty Grace's ballads like they're some holy, ancient harmonies (to them, it probably is—somehow—)

Let's see what our favorite ones have been up to! :D

Venti

With the amount of times you vibed to your songs, Venti's picked them up by listening through the wind. You can 100% assume that he is vibing to it, no matter what time or moment.

People thought he was singing his own ballads when he was humming your songs, when, in fact, he's listening to you jamming out in the distance.

So imagine your shock when you hear Venti sing your song. It was as shocking as Venti without his wine.

"Hehe~ Their Grace looks so flabbergasted!" Venti in the bg just cheering over the fact he made you shocked at his impression of your song!

Bro has zero regrets for breaking the Fourth Wall.

Barbara

Girlie is singing her heart out in the Church of Favonius, and everyone's there for it. 100% she has become the true Idol of Mondstadt.

Super excited and nervous at the same time when you put her in your party team (for whatever reason, only you will know), because this is a chance to show off her practice. She wants to impress you with the song she's heard you sing and hum to countless of times!

So the moment she let it slip through her idle animation, imagine her embarrassment as you flip out, questioning your life choices and your sleep deprivation

"S-Surely, I didn't scare Their Almighty Grace all too badly...?" Barbara's twiddling her fingers, contemplating if she should've done that in the first place, only to be reassured when the other nuns of the church mention that you were screaming how good it was (Ex. "HELLO???? BARBARA???? THAT WAS SO GOOD HELLO??? VOICE ACTOR BE POPPING OFF MAYBE??? THIS GLITCH IS AWESOME!")

Yes, she's doing this again. Add her back to her team. Now. :)

Xinyan

Oh, she is going to rock'n'roll hard after this. She is definitely going to make a rock cover of your song and play it all through Liyue!

Gurl's on her merry way, practicing with her guitar and singing loud and proud! Yunjin be cheering her on in the background as she masters that small snippet of your favorite song >:D

And when it's her time to shine? When you finally give her the chance to perform? Sure, she's nervous—she's only got one shot, and who knows when the next one will come—but she's gonna rock this song with everything she's got, heart, soul, and mind!

The moment you see it happening, Xinyan's a little too into it to care of your reaction at first, pretty much having a blast at the lyrics and overall music composition.

But after? "Whoo, I sure hope Their Grace liked it...Maybe I should've taken in how they were reacting instead of going all out, hehe..." Her legs are kind of shaking from her nerves, but she swears she's fine!

Upon seeing how the citizens of Liyue Harbor are acting though, and with the amount of positive comments her friends kept giving her, Xinyan is calling her performance an absolute success!

She is definitely doing this again—10/10!

Ghost Rebel Side Notes: THIS TOOK TOO LONG TO MAKE I AM SO SORRY UGHHHH. I hate it when I say I'd be active and then the next thing I know, I'm being bombarded with irl problems >:(

Anyways! A few updates as I'm writing this: I am no longer taking Sagau Genshin requests for now (even if I might still be writing for a few—there's some waiting in my inbox that I gotta get to), as I need a break to recharge my batteries. However: HSR and Wuthering Waves are free and up for requests, so don't be shy to shoot your shots there!

✦ Check out The Ghost Rebel’s Blog Description & Info Page to See if Their Mailbox is Open! ✦

[tanoraqui]

Dungeon Meshi Liveblog: Kill a Dragon, Rez a Falin

I just like when they're friends like this :)

This, too, is taken from another post, but truly this dynamic is sooo funny of

Chilchuck: I am not a fighter!

Chilchuck, any time he has any sort of ranged weapon: [aims with pinpoint accuracy]

.

This is just literally that moment in every Miraculous Ladybug episode where everything goes gray and the things Marinette is about to use for a Plan "light up" one by one in red with black spots. Please someone draw fanart of this. And maybe an entire Miraculous Ladybug AU. Yes I think Kabru would have to be Chat Noir - in terms of deuteragonist-ness is SHOULD be Marcille, but she and Laios just doesn't have enough of a bizarre push and pull Dynamic. We need real character foils to pull off that relationship square.

.

Raw fucking dialogue.

.

THE PERIODIC ADS ON THIS SITE FOR PRINTING OR CLOTHING OR SHOES REALLY ADD TO THE EXPERIENCE.

.

Agh agh agh, looking at this, thinking about Namari's explanation of how much body mass you can lose before resurrection gets harder...

.

Carving this tunnel into the dragon and physically walking in emphasizes how big it was much more than anything we saw while it was alive, and it's sooo cool.

.

This ad was a great millisecond of cliffhanger, unironically.

.

These opening pages of the next chapter are so devastating. After all the movement of the fight, this simple layout and minimal dialogue make the grief and horror and just emptiness, emptiness where Falin should be, where hope for Falin should be, ring like a low and broken bell. Driven in just a little deeper by Laios admitting he doesn't know a monsters fact (warg bones vs human bones) - there is helplessness, too. He's just doing the only thing he can, which is so little, in all this terrible caesura.

.

And then this! Marcille and Laois don't have the messy meatiness of relationship to carry and Miraculous Ladybug love square, but they are JOINTLY the parallel to the Mad Mage, and that's fascinating. They're on the same page here: Laios's "No" isn't just the denial of grief, it's a flat "That's not what we'll do." This is Laios - of course he's already thinking about how the red dragon is perfectly functional meat. As is Marcille, at last 100% in-step with him re: monsters = meat, here in the final steps to save Falin. With magic and drive and an absolute determination to save Falin, they're going to walk hand in hand into the darkness, and if something in their devours them (or their party, or the surface world...) - well, it'll have to beat them first, because throughout this world it's eat or be eaten, and those who want it most, win.

(And it IS fascinating that they do this while, so far as I've seen, basically remaining at the relationship tier of "good friends/in-laws." This isn't Found Family, it's Found Really Good Co-Workers; and I LOVE that.)

.

THE PARALLEL COMPOSITION AND DIALOGUE TO THE ABOVE SCREENSHOT WHEN LAIOS WENT TO KILL THE DRAGON THOUGH!! I'M FERAL!!!

.

Obsessed with the decision to frame this as a monster meal.

.

Blood! In! Hair! Blood! In! Hair! Man, when I saw that post saying this wished this show was in the show, I vaguely assumed her hair had gotten messed up in the fight but she didn't bother to fix it for the ritual; but in fact her hair was braided literally 1 panel ago - she undid that and DELIBERATELY (or at least uncaringly) ran her bloody hand through it.

.

YOU WISH YOUR GIRLFRIEND WAS AS COOL AS THIS PANEL! Oh fuck yeah, eyes went white. That's when you know the magic is awesome.

.

HUNGER AND EATING AS A SIGN, SYMPTOM, STIPULATION AND SYNECDOCHE OF BEING ALIVE!!!

Alas, but with good okay slightly postponed and belated timing I must now go to bed.

[egophiliac]

I was wanting to try doing an art piece in the style of the signature spell poster art pieces you create. But I’m not really the best at coming up with a composition for such a thing.

Do you have a process for how you come up with the compositions for them?

oh, awesome! it is an INCREDIBLY enjoyable style to work in; I hope you have fun with it! :D

I'm not great at putting my thought/art process into words, so my apologies if this doesn't make a lot of sense, but I'll try! my first step is always to do a LOT of thumbnails to figure out both the idea and how I want to show it; not trying to do a real sketch or anything, just little doodles to figure out what exactly I'm trying to portray. (I also call these "garbage passes" because they're not meant to be any good, they're just there to throw things out. aha. ha. ...anyway.) I think it's important during that first stage to really focus on the idea and the layout and not to get too bogged down in the actual drawing yet!

I tend to save my final thumbnails, so I'll use 'em as examples (I posted the ones up through episode 5 here if you're interested!) (and, uhhh, spoilers through episode 5 also in this post, hopefully that won't be an issue!)

the main thing I try to think about in composition is balance -- not necessarily in terms of symmetry, but in where each element is placed and how much space it's taking up. remember, empty space is still space! it's also really important to think about the parts that don't have anything in them, as much as the parts that do!

personally, I like to divide things up roughly by both halves and by thirds -- there's a lot more in-depth info out there on why the "rule of thirds" in particular works well visually, but in short, our brains tend to focus on things that are placed closer to imaginary division lines, instead of in the exact center of an image. so even when I'm doing something that is very centered and symmetrical, I try to keep that in mind and generally aim around those for landmarks like faces/eyes (or...where they would be, anyway) and other focal points.

it's not a formula of "the character's face should be in this division of this grid" or anything, more like "our minds like to focus on these areas, let's think about how to use that", if that makes sense! and of course rules are made to be broken, art is lawless anarchy, and so on. but it can be a good starting place for deciding where you want to put things!

(blue - thirds, red - half)

and against the finished versions, because they do usually end up changing a lot (including the empty space of the border):

(...these actually lined up a lot better than I thought they would. :') it makes me look like I do things way more intentionally than I do.)

other stuff I just try to keep in mind is that our eyes like following arcs and paths, which can be a good way to guide the eye:

and frame and control the focus:

honestly, composition is one of those things I feel like I struggle with a lot, so I'm not sure how much of this is helpful or actually makes sense outside of my head. but hopefully it helps a little! it's all just stuff to think about while drawing and not anything hard-and-fast, so don't, like, stress out about making sure things are lining up exactly on the thirds or anything. again, it's more "our brains think these are the dopest parts of the rectangle" than anything else! take advantage of the cool parts of the rectangle!

NOW GO HAVE FUN DRAWING seriously though, it is always super cool that other people like this idea and style enough to want to do it themselves and for other/their own characters! thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[ofmdrecaps]

9/10-17/2024 Daily OFMD Recap Pt 3

TLDR; David Fane; Lindsey Cantrell; Nat Torres; Damien Gerard; Dominic Burgess; Fan Events: OFMD Rewind; S2 Trailer (Because the Night, Belongs to lovers); Trends; Fan Spotlight: Relax I'm From The Future; OFMD Colouring Pages/Paper Pete; Love Notes;

Part 1 / Part 2

== David Fane ==

David is teaching at ICAN International! Check them out on their website!

"ICAN’s focus is to help create opportunities in work force development, build infrastructure and establish placement goals by amplifying training with extensive ongoing master classes, by bridging connections beyond Hawaii." More videos on the Repo

Source: David Fane's Instagram Stories

== Lindsey Cantrell ==

Our beloved set designer, Lindsey Cantrell has so much going on too right now! Did you know she's going to be at Comic Con LA! Our friend petrichor (aka gheyandwoke on twitter) is spreading the word about the OFMD Panel happening Oct 6, 1 PM PST featuring none other then Linds Cantrell!

Source: GheyandWork on Twitter Oh and in case you are a fan of Only Murders In The Building, it just won an Emmy for Outstanding Music Composition For A Series! This was another great show she worked on and if you'd like to check out some BTS/other things she shared for it, feel free to visit here!

Source: Lindsey Cantrell's Instagram

== Nat Torres ==

One of our fabulous writers, Nat Torres making a quick appearance.

Source: Nat Torres Instagram Stories

== Damien Gerard ==

Damien, our dear Father Teach has some WONDERFUL NEWS. Five Years Clear of Cancer! Congrats sir!

Source: Damien's Twitter

In other news, he's on Dragon Age: Vows of Vengeance Episode 1! Listen in if you're interested!

Source: Damien's twitter

== Dominic Burgess ==

Dominic, (aka Jeffrey Fettering) keeping up with the current events!

Source: Dominic Burgess Twitter

== Fan Events ==

OFMD Rewind Eps 5-8 with @adoptourcrew and @astroglideofficial is happening tomorrow, 09/19/24! Did you miss out on the fun on twitter on the 12th, or just don't have access to twitter? No problem! You can see the whole thread here on the repo.

"Join us and @astroglideofficial for our rewatch of Episodes 1-4 of S1 of #OurFlagMeansDeath! We’ll see you on Twitter at 2:30PM PDT to talk it through…as a crew 🏴‍☠️ #LubeAsACrew#OFMDRewind#ofmd"

Source: AdoptOurCrew's Instagram

== S2 Trailer Anniversary ==

Adopt Our Crew lead the charge with the S2 Trailer "Because The Night Belongs To Lovers" S2 Trailer, anniversary on Sept 14th! They asked some fun questions to boost engagement! Feel free to reach out to them to answer any of the questions! Don't know which trailer we're talking about? Check it out below!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Twitter

Source: Adopt Our Crew Twitter

== Trends ==

Oh and great job everyone, looks like some great trends on twitter from the 14th!!

Source: Politest Menace's Twitter

Source: AOC's Twitter

== Fan Spotlight ==

= Relax I'm From The Future! =

So this is VERY late because of my delays but I was given permission by the fabulous @citrussyndicate and all folks involved to share this phenomenal Relax I'm From The Future Cosplay w/Rhys! Thank you so much for allowing me to share this, it's so cool!

Source: @ CitrusSyndicate's Twitter

== OFMD Colouring Pages / Paper Pete! ==

Our fantastic friend @patchworkpiratebear is back with more colouring pages, and something new and exciting-- Paper Pete! These were all done as part of the @ofmdaction event, and they are awesome!

Source: Patchwork Piratebear's Twitter

== Love Notes ==

Hey there lovelies. Gosh, I can't believe it's been a week. I have to give it up to the ofmd fan crew cause they do week long reports and oh my god is it exhausting. I tip my hat to you lovely folks for all the work you did for so long with weeklong updates. Tonight, I wish I had more in me so I could properly express myself. I am so very grateful for all of you wonderful crewmates who have been patient, and kind and supportive over the past week to me. It's been a lot, and I try to keep people up to date, but I also try not to go too crazy cause it's a lots of heavy stuff going on (not just with me, with everyone on a personal level, with the world, etc), so whether you left passing hugs, or a kind word, I just want you to know you are so very incredibly appreciated and it means so much to me. So please accept so many hugs coming your way from me, and some ghostly forehead kisses.

Sometimes life hits us with some of the absolute craziest shit, and you know what helps get us through it? Each other. A hug, or a kind word makes a world of difference. Someone checking on you, or reminding you to drink water, it can honestly save someone's life/sanity and it kept me going this week. So please know that you make such an amazing difference, in my life and so many others. <3

But also, please remember. if you need support too, reach out, I know sometimes it's hard to ask for help, but we're here for you <3. We only have this one life, and there's no use going through it alone. Love you so much crew, thank you again for being such a wonderful group of kind hearted, compassionate folks. I am so honored to know so many of you <3.

Source: The Latest Kate's Tumblr

Source: BloomWithChristie Instagram

[theobsessedcookiefan]

I had an idea but you can tell me if you like it! In poll below.

:ﾟ･*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

❀•°•═════ஓ๑♡๑ஓ═════•°•❀

Part Two. Hints of creation.

"And then what?" One of the little cookies asked as he moved forward as if to hear better. "The witch crumbled him?" one asked before another gave it a little nudge. "Of course she didn't! Witches are good duh!" The old cookie let out a sigh and smiled softly. "If you want to know what happened then please don't interrupt me please."

❀•°•═════ஓ๑♡๑ஓ═════•°•❀

"Oh, well actually this is the first time a cookie has spoken to me so um..." The witch paused for a few seconds before adding. "If I answer your questions you'll answer mine?" That was the opportunity he was waiting for! Blueberry Milk nodded quickly and with a smile replied. "Sure! Anyone who seeks knowledge is my friend." She sat back down in the chair in front of the table and rested her face in both hands. "Ok, let's start with our names, I'm Y/N and you?" she asked as she offered him a hand as if to shake before realizing the difference in sizes between both hands, at this he laughed a little and took her hand as best he could. "Don't worry, my name is Blueberry Milk Cookie and I carry the virtue of knowledge.. And that's just what I wanted to ask you about, do you know anything about SoulJams?" At this question she nodded slightly, she seemed impressed. "Indeed I do! It's one of the most powerful things ever created, unfortunately I didn't get a chance to be part of its creation, what's more, you are also one of those awesome creations, almost all of us know you for that!" Now she sounded quite excited, so much so that in a small moment of curiosity she carefully picked him up and lifted him into the air, trying to get a closer look; obviously this made him nervous and he held on tightly to her hand, just in case. "Um- be careful please, I'm kinda fragile, not like you-" She nodded and still being quite gentle inspected his appearance.

"Fascinating.. I can tell you were made with effort" She said with a smile as she set it back on the table carefully. "Heh- thank you?" He sat back, looking away with some embarrassment at having heard that uhh- compliment? It seemed the witch was really interested in him now, possibly for a good reason or so he hoped. "Well, have you managed to bake any cookies like me?" he asked rather curiously, he didn't know at what point someone was capable of creating life like that and it made him curious. "I wish I had, I'm barely in potions class! My mentor Marlene on the other hand yes, I believe she was part of your creation in fact! She knows about the composition of Souljams and everything! We might as well ask her." She suggested with another excited smile to which he responded with one of his own while nodding several times. "Yes please! I'd love to ask her several questions about me and my friends. Could you take me with her?" Y/N nodded and offered her hand for him to climb up, he hesitated but still took a big breath and climbed up, once in the witch's hand she began to walk carefully so as not to make him fall on accident or damage him in any way.

"And so... What's your life like?" She asked, feeling more than just curious, at this Blueberry Milk was thoughtful before answering. "Well I really don't know how to explain it, I have several responsibilities of course, I am necessary for our society! Or so I think, I investigate the most useful and interesting things, if I didn't do it who would? Besides several people come to me to ask about doubts they have, it's a bit tiring but at least I don't have to protect the villages like my friends." And it was true, he really did not have much free time, in fact he had escaped from his place to come to investigate, he had not even told Sweet Sugar (Eternal Sugar) that he was coming.... That probably wasn't a good decision but who could blame him? Nobody else was concerned or interested in this question, he needed to find answers to his questions and he could not ask any of his friends because they did not care, but he knew why they had been chosen consumed him inside, he wanted to possess this knowledge more than anything, he was the one who had the virtue of knowledge for something, wasn't he? He had to know everything or so he thought, obviously the contrarian knew nothing of this so she just looked at him with a curious expression. "Uh I mean.. Yeah, I'm someone pretty busy, what about you?" She let out a chuckle as she reached the tower room. "Well I'm a student, I want to get to learn about how to create life, I'm interested in how from some dough and life powder you can create something as impressive as you. It's fascinating isn't it? I mean, how do you function? How can you move? Do you have a heart? Blood? Brain I think so, you're pretty smart!" He laughed a little at the tide of questions and then answered her. "I know! I'm curious too, but I guess we do have heart and blood? I don't really know what that is-" She thought for a moment and picked up one of the pencils she had in her apron, using the tip to make a tiny wound on one of her fingers, a droplet of blood coming out of it. "That's blood!" On the other hand the blue haired cookie almost had a heart attack, for a moment there he thought she would attack him as it had been such a quick action that it left him confused. "Oh! Yes, I have that but it's not called blood, it's jam, mine is blackberry jam, which shouldn't be a surprise because of my name actually-"

Before the witch could answer a door opened, revealing another of the witches living in that tower, Y/N in a quick move hid her little companion, moving her hands behind her back so the third one wouldn't see him, as she had had such a sudden reaction she didn't have time to process who the new person was, it was her mentor! "Y/N? Aren't you supposed to be studying? I left you a big exam so you can make the love potion we will be performing tomorrow, I hope you don't fail this. You have great potential I hope you don't waste it." The younger witch shook her head and then smiled at him, she thought it would be a good idea to show Blueberry Milk as a surprise. "No miss! But you'll never guess! Remember you mentioned to me about the cookie heroes and the SoulJams you helped create?" When he heard that he stayed in his place, waiting for the signal to appear, he was quite nervous about meeting his creator. "Yes, I remember, what with that? Y/N, don't tell me you're trying to create life before you learn the basics? You know what would happen if you did that don't you? It would result in disaster." Y/N tried to speak again. "Yes teacher but-" "And besides we are trying to locate the "heroes"." This got both of their attention. "Really? The council?" Marlene nodded. "We found out it's not safe for them to have that much power, we need to find them so we can remove the SoulJams and keep the power from fusing with their bodies." Y/N took a step back, still keeping the cookie behind her and increasing the grip on him a bit as he had become alert. "And what if he power fused with their body already?" The younger girl asked, worried for her new friend's safety. "They will be crumbled and we'll create new ones, we have no choice."

❀•°•═════ஓ๑♡๑ஓ═════•°•❀

:ﾟ･*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

I was thinking of calling reader a name like Yannette!!

[auxwired]

i have my thoughts on fma 03 (spoilers up until episode 32? 33? i dont remember but its around that)

dont get it at all when people say fma 03 is worse or better than brotherhood. i love the aesthetics and art direction they went with in for 03, and i love that it goes into depth for more of the characters and i love all of the little interactions they have. if i had to choose which scenes id add into brotherhood from 03, id definitely say the introductory train scene, the scene at lab5 with ed and maria and . its not really a scene but i love love love how izumis character was more explored especially with wrath. i LOVE how we get to see the lengths that shed go to to protect the people she loves and the fact that she wanted to have a family too. they forget to elaborate on that in brotherhood.

brotherhood is still good as well because, even with the fact that more characters are explored in 03, the sound design and compositions were just. oh my god. the scene for hughes death was slightly different compared to brotherhood, but in such a way that brotherhood makes you stay on the edge of your seat. yes brotherhood is lacking in content compared to 03. it is still so fucking awesome. theres so many iconic scenes and characters and a lot of the scenes left and impact on me. back to 03, i love wrath SO much. i wish that he was kept in for brotherhood even though it wouldnt really make sense. maria was better portrayed and just made me love her character so much more than i used to. i also love that they dont just have sheska as a one off character either, and that we actually see what happens at her job.

i dont consider either series to be better, theyre both amazing in their own ways and lack in certain parts that make up for eachother. though, im not good at organizing my thoughts so just take this ramble with a grain of salt

[kandisheek]

FIC REC WEEK 26 – ROM-COM

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: inukagome15

I really love how inukagome15 writes bashful, hopelessly in love at first sight Stony and their awkward flirting. It's super cute, and both the fluff and humor are amazing. They also write incredible smut and some really fun team dynamics with meddling friends and betting pools. I love their fics, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Here's some of their work that I think you should check out:

Coffee Shop Love

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: G Words: 4,302 Tags: Coffee Shop AU, Blind Date, Mutual Pining

Summary: Tony Stark did not like coffee shops, but he could make an exception for the one with the cute barista who had smiles that were to die for. If only Steve wasn't so unattainable...

Reasons why I love it: Awww, look at our pining idiots in love, they're so cute! I love how Pepper and Nat take the initiative to pull Steve and Tony's heads out of their asses and give them what they want. Plus, Tony rambling his way through an awkward confession is super cute. I love this one, and I bet you will too!

Mistletoe Kiss (And More)

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: E Words: 3,997 Tags: Christmas, Matchmaking, Smut

Summary: Tony was not some poor schmuck who would get caught under mistletoe with the man of his dreams. Until he does.

Reasons why I love it: The Avengers being utter vent-crawling trolls and still somewhat helpful matchmakers just feels right in my universe. I love how Steve and Tony go from zero to a hundred in two seconds flat, and how Bucky instantly nopes out of there. Also, the smut is superb. This fic is wondeful, and you should definitely read it!

Matchmaker, Matchmaker (Or A.I.M. Tries Matchmaking)

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: G Words: 6,815 Tags: Identity Porn, Pre-Relationship, Flirting

Summary: Fed up with the rampant destruction Iron Man wreaks on A.I.M. and the outrageous flirting between Iron Man and Captain America, M.O.D.O.C. decides that the only way to deal with them is to set them up in a romantic relationship. The plan is flawless, after all.

Reasons why I love it: I never thought I'd see the day where MODOC gets invested in Stony's relationship. This fic is hilarious in concept alone, but inukagome15's writing takes it to the next level, it's so good. I love it, and I bet you will too, so I hope you'll check it out for yourself!

The Best Form of Flattery

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: M Words: 5,398 Tags: First Kiss, Awkward Flirting, Steve's Beard

Summary: They say imitation's the best form of flattery. Steve would disagree, but then it's his fault for trying out Tony Stark's signature goatee style in the first place.

Reasons why I love it: I don't know why the thought of Steve with a Tony Stark goatee makes me laugh so much, but I can't get it out of my head. I'd love to see Chris Evans rock that, I bet it would look bomb. But since that's unlikely, I am very happy that this fic exists. It's amazing, and I highly recommend you read it!

The Chemistry of Love

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: T Words: 9,739 Tags: College AU, Developing Relationship, Humor and Fluff

Summary: Chemistry: the science that deals with the composition and properties of substances and various elementary forms of matter. Or, alternatively, the interaction of one personality with another, e.g., Steve Rogers and his absolutely pathetic crush on his chemistry TA, Tony Stark.

Reasons why I love it: Oh my god, poor Steve, that's gotta be one of the worst first impressions you could make on your crush. Thankfully Tony is completely on board with it. I love this verse and all of the other Avengers' appearances in it, but especially the Stony romance – they're so cute. Definitely check this one out, it's awesome!

[guiltygearconfessions]

absolutely obsessed with the similarities of Necessary Discrepancy and Diva (valentine's theme I think) oh my goodie fucking goodness I don't have the musical knowledge or vocabulary to accurately describe every motif and similarity in the composition of riffs and stuff but DAMNM. if yall listen to the songs next to eachother you'll be able to hear how similar they sound. AAAAA THE CHORAL BITS OF BOTH SONGS SOUND THE SAME. BOTH SONGS ARE REALLY GOOD the keyboard the guitar literally everything about both songs are so awesome

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[alulangel]

french toast // G // deancas // 1459 words // prompt: figuring out

read on ao3

It happens gently, with a soft landing.

Dean dips the slice of bread–I need brioche, Sammy, yeah dude that specifically–into the bowl of egg and milk.  Little daubs of cinnamon (and just a dash of nutmeg, okay, this bitch is fancy) float on top, clinging to the bread as he lifts it out.  He lets the bread drip for a moment, wet droplets falling back into the bowl. From his fingertips, too, and he feels it wet and cold.

He puts it into the hot, buttery pan and it sizzles, starting to cook.

“That smells good,” a gruff voice says behind him.  “Are you making breakfast?”

Dean looks over his shoulder.  Cas squints at him, sipping from a mug filled with rich black coffee.  “Morning, sunshine,” he says, and he can’t keep the smile out of his voice.  “Yeah, I’m making french toast.  Brioche french toast, so you better strap in.  It’s good as hell.”

Cas hums.  “Breakfast of champions?” he asks, echoing something he’s heard Dean say before.

And Dean has to turn back around and watch the pan, unable to keep from grinning.  His cheeks are going to get sore from all the damn smiling he’s been doing lately.

Since Cas came back.

“Yeah,” he says.  “Breakfast of champions.  We gotta expand your human palette.”

Cas shuffles closer.  “What’s in it?”

He stands near, but not so close they’re touching, better with personal space now that he’s human.  Dean can still feel him, sleep-warmed and loose-limbed, a calming presence at his back.  His shoulders go tingly with awareness and he rolls them, clearing his throat.  “You get some bread–and you can use whatever, but I like the brioche like we got here, or it’s real good with challah, too, and then you get an egg, splash of milk, and add some vanilla and cinnamon.”  He licks his lips and glances backwards at Cas.  “And I added a little nutmeg too, y’know?  Don’t gotta, though.”

Cas breathes deep.  “It smells very good.”  He takes another sip of his coffee, and Dean can hear him sigh with quiet pleasure after he swallows.  “Thank you, Dean.”

“Yeah, man,” he says, feeling lit up and warm at doing something for Cas, getting to take care of him.  “No problem.”

After another moment of observation, Cas goes and sits down.  Dean finishes the first piece and sticks it on a plate, then dips and cooks the second slice.  He wipes his hands on a dishtowel, then throws it over his shoulder, taking the plate to Cas.

“Breakfast is served,” he says, grinning at Cas and winking.  As soon as he does it, unintentional though it was, he regrets it, heat climbing up the back of his neck.  “Uh, gimme just a second to make mine and I’ll sit and eat with you.”

Cas smiles back at him.  “Okay, Dean.”

He hurries back to the stovetop, glad that he doesn’t have to look at Cas.  He wishes he’d stayed, though, just to watch him take that first bite.  He’s gotten his first piece submerged in the eggy mixture when he remembers something.  “Oh, hey,” he says.  He shakes off the bread and tosses it into the pan.  “Forgot this.”  He grabs the syrup from the fridge and plops it in front of Cas.  “Syrup.  You can get a little bowl for dipping, or drizzle it over ‘em like pancakes.”

Cas takes a bite, and Dean watches as his straight, white teeth show past his lips.  His head tilts as he chews, staring at the bottle of syrup.  “I don’t know, Dean.  This is already excellent.  I don’t know that your french toast needs anything else.”

Dean ducks his head, pleased, and says “Well, yeah, of course it’s awesome, Cas.  Doesn’t mean you can’t add a little extra sweetness.”

He finishes his own breakfast and then takes it to the table.  Cas has been working through his two slices with slow, methodical bites, looking like he’s studying the texture and composition of every piece.  

“Better than molecules?”

“Yes.”  Cas smiles at him, a little crooked and so human–and so Cas, goddamnit–that something in Dean’s chest cracks open.  “Much.  You should make french toast a regular part of our breakfast rotation.”  And then his smile goes a little tender, his eyes soften, and he goes back to his food.

For a moment, Dean just watches him eat.

It still feels unreal sometimes, to see Cas there in front of him.  Watching Cas go that final time, watching the Empty take him, had been one of the worst moments of Dean’s life.  And it’s not like he’s lacking in moments to choose from, his life has been one hot and ready buffet of trauma from the time he was four years old.  But something about losing Cas had felt like losing Sam, like a piece of him had been irrevocably taken from him.  He’d sat on the floor in the dungeon and had to reckon with that, with what it meant to lose Cas, with what it meant to be faced with the full, honest force of Cas’s love.  Somehow, despite everything they had been through and every wound they had ever given the other, Cas loved him.  Cas loved him.  And Dean had wanted to honor that love, had forced himself to get up and go to Sam and Jack and stop Chuck once and for all.  And they’d done it.  And behind it all, in this new foundational part of himself, Cas had loved him.

When they’d gotten him back, Dean hadn’t quite been able to believe it.  It seemed too good to be true.  Things didn’t work out like that, not for Winchesters.  Dean had found one of his people, his family, and then lost him.  So it goes.  But then he’d come back and Dean had him again.

Dean had found his person again.

There is a blob of syrup on the corner of Cas’s mouth.  He’d made a little puddle of it on the edge of his plate, and had dragged a few bites through to try it.  Dean stares for a moment.  He can see himself in his mind’s eye, grabbing a napkin and swiping at it.  He can see himself leaning forward and using the pad of his thumb to smear it across Cas’s lips and cheek, more a hindrance than a help.  

And then he thinks I want to eat breakfast with him every morning for the rest of our lives.

The realization hits him suddenly, but with no impact.  It’s as if he always knew.  It lands as delicately as a petal cupped in his palm, as softly as snow falling on his shoulder.  He’s not sure what took him so long to figure it out.  Cas is his person.

Dean loves him, too.

“What the hell, man,” he teases, “you’ve got syrup all over your face.  I gotta teach you how to eat, too?”

Cas glares at him and Dean laughs.  “It’s right—” He gestures to his mouth.  Cas wipes at the wrong side.

“Syrup is messy, Dean, I told you I didn’t need it.”

“It’s still there.”

Cas wipes harder, still the wrong side.  “I don’t think—”

“You’re not even close, let me just…”

“I’m fine, Dean, I don’t need—”

Dean leans over the table and kisses him, right on the corner of his warm, plush mouth.  He tastes like syrup.  It feels thick and warm like syrup, too.  Like breakfast together everyday.  Like finding your person and getting to keep them.  Like home.

“Oh,” Cas breathes as Dean pulls away.  His eyes are wide and his lips are parted.

“Still there,” Dean says.  He sucks his thumb into his mouth to wet it and then scrubs at the sticky corner of Cas’s mouth.

“Dean,” he says, frowning.  He tries to bat him away, but Dean pushes back and scrubs harder.  “Dean, that’s not helping.”

His hand moves from Cas’s face to the back of his neck.  He lets it rest there, gentle, as he leans closer.  “Think you can get it yourself, then?”  Cas is staring at his mouth.  He bites the swell of his bottom lip, just for the little shock of pleasure from watching Cas notice.  “Can’t leave your face all sticky.”  He leans closer.  “I just want to help.”

Cas cups his cheek with one large, warm palm.  “It’s okay, Dean.”  He pulls him in for one quick, hard kiss.  It lasts barely a moment, like a just in case, like Cas wants to take what he can before Dean pulls away again.  But Dean’s not going anywhere.  They’re still so close that their noses brush.  Still so close that Dean can feel when he smiles.  “I think I’ve got it.”

[maitaiwiththecorpses]

Things That People With Kiddos Should Know As Someone With Kiddos

This is by no means an extensive list of things parents/guardians/caretakers should know and take into account when raising and taking care of kids, nor is this telling you how to run a household or parent, however, from my experience, these things can make your life SO MUCH EASIER and make the relationship with your kiddos and you much smoother. I'm mostly going to be focusing on more adolescent-specific topics, but a lot of this advice can be applied to kids of all ages. Some of these things that I mention might work perfectly for you and your kiddos, and some of them might not. Some of them you might have to practice working on or modify them to fit your situation. Not everything on here is golden for everyone, and not everything on here is trash either. What works for one situation might not work for another.

With that being said, let's get to it.

Take your kids clothes shopping in person as much as possible. Make them try everything that they pick on. Kid's measurements are weird and are going to be changing drastically throughout their lives. Find the clothes they like and fit into in person and buy them online for cheaper (or in person. Whatever floats your boat)

Do not waste money on surprises unless you know FOR A FACT that they're going to like it! What does for a fact mean? Well, they've either explicitly stated that they want the item, or dropped some obvious as hell hints! Do not go guessing and buying based on what you think they'll like, or what you like. That's setting you, and your kid up for failure.

Be interested in things they're interested in. Your kid likes Taylor Swift? Cool! Your reaction should be "awesome, you wanna listen to the Era's Tour setlist in the car?" or, "what's your favorite album, let's listen to it together!"

Similarly, if your kiddo creates (art, music, poetry, stories, crafts, woodwork, videos, coding, etc,.) BE INTERESTED IN THAT. Consume their work! Show interest in it! Ask to read their writing, ask to see their art, ask to listen to their compositions. They might not say yes, but make it clear that you want to, and that's something that excites you. This will bring your kiddo joy.

DO NOT. AND I REPEAT. DO NOT. BELITTLE THEIR INTERESTS. Remember: You were once a kid with wacky interests, too. Kids are always searching for validation, whether they exhibit it or not. And even if they aren't? It's just a dick move to make fun of them for something they like.

buy pencils, pens, and notebooks in bulk. You'll need them.

Oh, and sticky notes.

If your kiddo comes to you for help of any kind, academic or otherwise, you damn well help them. "I need help studying for my math test tomorrow," ok, whaddya struggling with? How can I help? Do you just need a body double here, or should I do some problems with you?

give them notes. In their lunches, on their desks, in presents, on the fridge- hell, stick it on their doors! It doesn't have to be anything long- just a simple "morning!" or, "have a great day!" works, too.

Tell them you love them and that you're proud of them. Regularly. I know there are some people who think that makes their kids soft but I assure you, you're doing the exact opposite. By building your kids up, and regularly telling them that you love them and are proud of them, they know that they are valued and worthy and loved. This will set them up for success later in life and make them emotionally intelligent and flexible. Also, kids don't hear it enough these days.

They're going to see some scary shit. You can't avoid it. This past year I had to report three attempted suicides and many more cases of self-harm that came from other peers and people I was very close to. I initially was not processing the fact that someone so close to me was hurting themselves or trying to kill themselves, and the reporting process (sometimes even involving police) was extremely traumatizing. When I finally did cry, it came days later, and even today someone might say the name of one of these people and I will immediately shut down and change my whole demeanor. And I know our kiddos are experiencing these things, so please, be there for your kids and always tell them that telling adults when someone they know is hurting themselves or trying to end their life is important and could save their friends and loved ones.

Be prepared for your kids to have some kind of mental illness or learning disability. Do not try and gaslight them by saying that it's "all in their heads" (no shit?) or that they're "making things up." take everything seriously. "Mom, I think I have adhd," alright, let's see a doctor and do some research. "Tia, I'm so tired all the time and I just want to disappear," darling, that's not healthy, that's a sign of depression- you're important and loved, how about we set up a session with a therapist so you can talk to someone about these feelings who can help you better than I can?

Always be prepared to help your kiddos and reach out to licensed professionals who can help them.

carry snacks with you everywhere. And not that healthy shit, either. Within your kid's eating restrictions, get something like a chocolate chip granola bar or a Reese's cup and stick it in your going-out bag. It will save your life when hungry time comes around.

Don't be surprised if your kids are queer in some shape or form. Support them, love them unconditionally, make sexuality puns as needed ("if you're not dating anyone rn, does that mean you're on stand-bi?") and do your own research in regard to sexuality and gender.

help them get ready for school dances and stuff. Makeup, hair, clothes, pickup lines, the whole ordeal. I promise you they're going to love you for it.

Make the puberty/sex talk a casual yet thorough thing. You want to cover all the information, but you don't want to make it so uptight that they never want to talk about it again or ask any questions. Pull up diagrams, do the whole shebang, but make it clear that they don't have to memorize everything in that very moment. Questions are ok, even after the fact.

Take them to the library.

For all your menstruating kiddos out there, stock up on pads and tampons and anything else they use every month/every other month depending on how much they use. Don't make it seem like a hassle, don't make difficult, just do it without question. If they tell you they like a certain brand or type/size/etc, adhere to that and respect it. Menstruating is uncomfortable as is, don't make it worse by not listening to your kid's needs.

Give them this thing I like to call Cuddle Days (or sensory overload days, or Overstimulated, Get Me Outta Here days). These are the kinda days that can show up on weekends after a long week and basically it's a ton of movies, pillow forts, blankets, and comfort food. And lots of cuddles, of course.

Don't guilt trip them for existing having needs. Your kids are going to need a lot and do a lot and they are grateful, but it just feels weird to express that feeling of gratitude as a teenager.

And, most importantly, let them be kids. Let them have pillow fights, and roll on the grass. Hang fairy lights up and tell them stories. Giggle about their crushes with them, and paint your nails together. Play Mario Cart and eat takeout together. Kids are so complex and amazing and it would be a shame if we took away the part about being kids in the process of them growing up, because one day they're not gonna be our babies anymore.