#one of the best Noises in eo

[definitelyimportantpost]

Eternally distraught and angry that hitting a weakness with Alchemist's Analysis doesn't play the Ding. You Know The One. Zodiac's Singularity gets the Ding. Runemaster's Runic Guidance gets the Ding.

But Alchemists get nothing????? Dead silence???? Was making Analysis a buff/Force Boost instead of a passive not enough of a nerf?

And the kicker... is that Double Attack activations got the ding instead??? WHAT???

[snowberrycherry]

Your fic about sucking könig off? EXCUSE ME??? HES SO FUCKING HOT AND BIG AND SHY I WANT TO CORRUPT HIM please could you write something for that? Like a reader who’s a dominant badass and he just wants her to fuck him up?

Up to equal

parings: könig x fem!reader

warnings: smut, hes a virgin, facesitting, edging, unprotected sex, everything is consensual, mdni

[a/n] we r editing this tmr morning and to the angel that requested rhis im so eo soso sorry this took so long lovvve u best frienf💋🐵

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He had no idea how he had gotten himself into this .

Over the most pathetic mistake too.

The constant staring had been enough to push you over the edge, so you decided to say something. You had practically dragged him back to your room. As he kept up with your fast pace, he knew what you were going to say. Even he knew it was obvious, blatantly looking at you, only daring to look away when you met his longing gaze. demanding an explanation as to why. how was he going to admit how he truly felt? Not even 24 hours ago, not a full day had passed where he was perfectly fine gazing at you whenever the chance was presented. He was okay with using just his hand to get himself off every once in a while, not minding he hadn't been with anyone. Sometimes he would even imagine it was you whom he was with late at night teaching him everything and anything. Taking his virginity in the best way viable, however you wanted him, König couldn’t care less.

But never in a million years could he have imagined this. The slam of the door shook him back to reality, “Do you have a problem with me?” Your eyes narrowed as he paused, scrambling to find the right words. “No I don’t …can I ask why?” The warmth on his neck worsened with guilt by the second. “Your always fucking staring it me and it’s getting really creepy”.

König looked down at his shoes, ashamed, but something felt different. This was the longest conversation he had ever had with you and it was so dangerously thrilling. He could feel his pants to become tighter, blood rushing right down to his crotch. He awkwardly placed his hands right in front of himself, figuring it wouldn’t be too noticeable yet.

Never was he more wrong, his heart dropped when he heard your next words, “No way”. His eyes shot wide open as you pushed his hands away, revealing his noticeable aching cock. Words weren’t even able to come out as he hastily turned to leave, on the verge of crying from the humiliation. His finger tips just barley grazed the handle, ready to run and hide when you spoke up, “You should stay”.

He froze in place, not even sure if he had heard your correctly. “What?” his voice was weaker than he intended it to be. “Stay.” He spun back around to face you, rather bewildered, “Why?” He watched in dismay as you confidently walked over to him, standing right in front of him. “Because you have the prettiest lips and I want to feel them on me”.

He had never eaten someone out, but he knew he would try his hardest to make you feel good. “Please god yes” he frantically whined. You took his one of his rough hands and led him over to your bed. Cautiously, he laid back and watched incredulity as you peeled off your pants along with your soaked panties, and gradually started to crawl up his body, hovering right over his lips. His breath got stuck in his throat when he finally realized how close you truly were, your pussy so close to his mouth that if he really desired to, he could lean up and finally taste you, something he had fantasized about for so long.

“Be good for me?” you whispered feeling his hot breath all over you as he eagerly waited for you to sit down right on his face. He moaned a shallow ‘yes’ moving his hands towards his dick, impatiently waiting to relieve the tension in his pants. “Good” you plainly said, pressing your cunt right onto his mouth. A noise escaped from him in shock at your sudden movement but quickly came to reality when he cautiously stuck his tongue out to take his first lick. In another universe he was definitely crying with how sweet you tasted, it took every bit of energy to not do so in this dimension. His laps were a bit inexperienced and timid at first, not fully firm enough to emit any sort of pleasure, but he quickly got the memo when you pushed down even further onto his wet mouth. He greedily hummed into you circling messy patterns all over your cunt. He looked up to see your face hazed with lust that told him he was doing a good job. He shook his face faster into you, juices smearing all over his chin, his nose hitting your clit at a delicious speed. He couldn't control his hands anymore as they traveled down to his cock, palming at it so desperately that he started to softly moan. He could tell you were close by your hips grinding faster onto his tongue and the grip you had on his hair, guiding his mouth right at your hole was a definite sign. He had never made someone cum before let alone just with his tongue… he wanted it so bad. Just when he envisioned what you would taste like you pulled your hips away from his impatient face.

He sobbed at the missing sensation,but he could feel his lower stomach muscles tense, seeing bright stars as he reached his climax in pure ecstasy. His cum flowed out, making the fabric a deep blue color. His cheeks went immediately bright red when he fully comprehended what he had done.

He came just by eating pussy and his now stained jeans were authentic proof. He covered his face with his hands, dreading to face the consequences. Was he a virgin? you thought, it was that or he hadn’t been laid in quite some time. “Is this your first time?”. He hummed a swift yes, still strung off of mortification. However, it faded away fast when he felt your body mover off of his upper half, down towards his lower section. He quickly uncovered his eyes and watched as you slid down so your sopping cunt was right on his clothed leaking cock. “Can I?” you asked trailing your fingers over the band of his pants, batting your eyelashes at him so innocently for such a filthy act. And it only turned him on more.

He shook his head up and down once, internally fulfilled that you would be the first person ever to truly ruin him. You smiled practically tearing his pants off along with his underwear revealing his throbbing cock. König watched as your mouth gaped open in shock when you saw how big he was. It only made him more elated. His hips stuttered when your hand came in contact with him gently jerking him up and down. “Aw, you gonna come again?” the fake pout on your lips drove him crazy. No, he promised to himself, but the precum that glistened on his tip refuted his vow. You swiftly straddled his hips lining him up at your dripping entrance, causing him to cry out while gripping at the blankets so tight his knuckles turned white. He felt your hand slap down over his mouth followed by a faint ‘Shh’. Your voice seems deeper, covered in lust and arousal. He let out a shaky groan as you slowly sunk down on him, filling you up to the fullest you had ever been. Biting your lip the pain slowly ebbed into bliss and you began to rock back and forth on him.

He was in paradise. As much as he tried to cry out, your hand muffled the sounds causing you to try not to giggle. “You’ll be quiet?” you lightly questioned . He shook his head again, eyes widened with exhilaration. You removed your hand and his voice trembled, “I promise just keep f-fucking me”. The sinful and dirty saying only edged you on. You grinding faster on him while you watched the man crumble beneath you brought a never-ending satisfaction. “I think I’m going to cum again i’m so sorry” he whined, attempting to thrust into you at a faster speed, touching wherever his hands could reach, memorizing your body at this moment. He was so close to the edge, so close to falling apart underneath you when all movement froze, entirely ceasing, cutting off his source of euphoria. He let out a wail, hot tears streaming down his face, “What?” You leaned forward closer to his face, “Do you think you earned it?” So many thoughts raced through his head, it was a yes or no question but which one? Unsure and hesitant, he decided to answer with what his selfish soul was persuading him to do. “Yes”. he whispered, hoping to his lucky stars he made the correct choice. He watched intently at your facial expression change into a sweet grin.

“Good boy” and you sat back down on him. He moaned at your warm cunt enveloping him once more. His entire body was sensitive, his skin beaded with sweat, eyes puffy and red, but König never felt more alive.

[idontknowreallywhy]

Resurface 34 - Redux

What went before - Tumblr / AO3

Previous chapter

Also if you never saw my short fic Composition which I snuck in between Presence and this one, it’s only 2,700 words in total but as the below references it a fair bit, you might want to have a quick look there.

Anyway, Earth&Sky in the storm time.

Um, second time’s a charm?

💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙

Have you got a plan?

Scott’s run had lasted just over 135 minutes so far. According to EOS, he had achieved three new personal bests over some of the steeper segments of the Island’s well-worn tracks despite the relentless downfall making his footing treacherous. He laser-focussed on the familiar path ahead, compensating for the slip risk. He wasn’t a fool, well aware that he was likely to fall and turn an ankle or sprain a wrist or something similarly irritating if he didn’t concentrate and he didn’t have time for that. So he concentrated. Because stopping wasn’t an option. He couldn’t even ease up the pace yet. Because if he did, he’d have time to think and… and… no.

He couldn’t let that happen.

He’d let too much happen already today.

He hadn’t even tried.

Scott! Have you got a plan?

Not yet. But I will in a minute…

What if he’d said yes? What if he’d been quicker to think? Was there something he’d missed? Some way through…

Wait, Scott! We need more data. Wait?

If I can just get down there…

Please, Scott, listen?

He spluttered as a gust of wind blew the deluge directly into his face.

Could you listen?

He’d promised he would, so he had.

He had. He’d listened and he’d done nothing and…

Aaaaaaagh.

He growled, shook his head and pushed harder, trying to drown out the memory of his brother’s voice, of all the other desperate voices, with the harshness of his own breathing.

Just… run. Uciec.

Every life he’d failed to save since the very first, clawed at him from the sides of the track. So many of them now. He pressed on, trying not to step on their hands.

Listen!

Wait?

RUN. It was the only plan he had for now.

His pulse thundered in his head as, predictably, the brother he least wanted to see right now joined the trail just ahead of him and jogged easily alongside. The only surprise was that it had taken so long.

Scott pushed his speed up a notch and his quads screamed at him. Good. Focus on that. The rain provided enough white noise that he could almost ignore the sound of the second set of feet pounding along the track.

He counted his own steps under his breath:

Onetwothreefourfivesixseveneight…

His pace slowed a little as the path sloped upwards more steeply, his breath little more than gasping now… nine-ten-eleven-twelve-thirteen. Thirteen. Thirteen families torn apart. He staggered a little and immediately noticed but ignored the hand brushing his elbow. He pushed on.

Fourteen-fifteen-sixteen-thirteen-thirteen-thirteen-thirteen-thirteen…

All those people had believed in International Rescue. Believing for a miracle in blue.

Believing in him.

And he’d stood there… waiting… USELESS… and then it had all come down and it was too late and they were gone.

He hadn’t even TRIED.

“Scott, slow down. Please?”

No.

Can’t.

Uciec…

“Did that already. Didn’t turn out so well.”

“I’m sorry. But can we…”

“I need a minute.”

“You’ve had plenty, Scott it’s been…”

“You know best of course.” He regretted the snarling tone as soon as it emerged but he’d just have to add ‘being a good brother’ to the list of other stuff he’d already failed at today.

And when Scott Tracy started failing he really went to town.

His breath caught painfully in the back of his throat and his eyes blurred in a way he couldn’t blame on the rain streaming down his forehead. All those people. He hadn’t even tried… he hadn’t even…

With a hiss he shook his head and tried to blot it out. Something twinged in his thigh and he weaved slightly as he tried to shake it out. Of course little brother would have seen but he didn’t mention it and Scott ploughed on. The path turned and began to climb the shoulder of the caldera. Thunder grumbled away in the distance but he hadn’t noticed any lightning amongst the deluge.

“You know I was right, Scott!”

“THEY DIED! THEY ALL DIED, VIRGIL! GONE! JUST LIKE THAT!”

“AND YOU WOULD HAVE TOO!”

The unexpected volume finally brought him up short. Virgil didn’t shout…

But Virgil’s expression wasn’t angry. Scott turned away again, unable to process the agony in his brother’s eyes just then.

“Maybe I wouldn’t… there might have been something I could have done.”

“Sometimes there is nothing that can be done, Scott. Even by us. Even by you.” Virgil’s voice was small now. And it shook.

Scott keened quietly and hugged himself in an effort to control the muscle fatigue shivers that were beginning. He slowly shook his head from side to side, as if denial might yet change the outcome.

Virgil’s arms appeared around him and held on tight. The rain continued to slam into the earth around them.

“Sometimes there is nothing that can be done.” He repeated softly.

Scott had already parroted these exact words to the GDF officer who had, as usual, turned up too late to be of any use. His heart hadn’t been in them. Where his heart had been at that very moment was in the clenched fists of the woman he could see over the uniformed shoulder. Whose eyes had pleaded with him to make it untrue. The wife of one of the local first responders who had been trapped in the mine as it collapsed. The raw agony on her face as she hung limply over the linked arms of two friends and howled was too familiar.

A freak avalanche obliterated all in its path. A sabotaged fighter jet exploded on the runway. A prototype spaceship exploded into atoms.

The second solid hour of pushing past his limit wandered over and presented its bill and Scott folded at the knees.

Virgil caught him and held him up, like he always did. Even when Scott was unwilling to admit it was required.

“We can’t save everyone Scott… you know that. Dad always said so.”

“I didn’t even try.“

“You would have if there’d been a chance. So would we all. That’s why we flew all the way there. That matters!”

Scott blinked the sweat-rain-weakness out of his eyes and glared at a rock.

No, not weakness. She always said so.

He kicked at the rock and missed.

He wrestled back control of his limbs and straightened up and but continued to avoid Virgil’s eye which took some doing because his he could feel his brother eyeballing him as determinedly as the amply muscled arms were holding his torso hostage. Scott pretended to himself that this was why he was struggling to catch a breath. The rainfall increased in intensity and the sound of it filled his ears with fuzz.

“One of the wives… she just looked at me and I… I had nothing. Nothing to say to her. Nothing.” His thoughts sped away from his control even as his brother restrained his body from chasing them. “But what could I say? We’re supposed to stop it happening! I’m supposed to try… Can… can you even imagine…” he dragged in a breath and tried to stop his head swimming as the nausea rose “… how they feel when we fail? To know the person who made their life make sense… who they exist for, is gone? Just like that?”

“I don’t have to imagine.”

Virgil’s voice was quiet and flat, but cut through the air like a scythe.

Scott‘s racing mind ran smack into a wall. The chill of the rain was nothing compared to the ice that suddenly crystallised in every vein.

He swore, silently - he had no breath left to make a sound.

How could he have forgotten?

Already?

It hadn’t even been two months since he’d held his tormented and terrified brother in his arms and sworn he’d do anything. The reason he’d stopped today, for the promise he’d made was the knowledge of what he’d driven Virgil to. And yet somehow as soon as the path between he and the trapped ones had disappeared, the guilt had driven it from his mind. He’d lost his way. Again.

The thunder rolled more insistently. This time the flash was bright enough to penetrate his scrunched up eyelids.

Even if he had the breath he didn’t yet have the words. So he dragged an arm out of Virgil’s vice grip and hugged him hard. Virgil sagged into the embrace and Scott shifted the angle of one leg such that he was better able to support his larger brother’s weight. He had nothing left for anything more. The fury was gone, leaving only a gaping chasm where the pent up energy had been.

Scott’s breath deepened and slowed as they stood there, propping each other up. Even here, even like this, his brother’s presence was soothing. Grounding. It always was. It was why Scott had been avoiding him… he hadn’t felt he’d earned that comfort today.

The storm was right on top of them now, the roaring and the flashing almost synchronous. The palm trees creaked and groaned, the rain slammed into their skulls and gushed down the rocky track. The sea howled and tore itself apart on the shore.

And yet all Scott could hear was Mom’s song. Not with his ears, he heard it in his bones as Virgil hummed quietly into his chest. Suddenly he was in the deepest pit again, unable to move, unable to speak, unable to hold on to anything but his brother’s voice calling him home.

Only this time, he could answer.

And so Scott sung her lullaby to his little brother as the storm raged its way over their island and out across the Pacific:

You’ll soar through the sky

Or sail on the sea

And when you get home

That’s where I shall be

Go find your adventures

So fearless and free

I’ll wait for you always

As proud as can be

And if there is darkness

No hope you can see

My heart holds you safely

You’ll always have me

At the last line Virgil was gripping him so hard Scott could feel the skin bruising under his brother’s fingers.

“I am such a fool, Virg… I don’t deserve you.”

Virgil huffed a sigh.

“I’m sorry.”

“S’ok.”

“It’s not.”

“Was never gonna be easy. Thank you for stopping.”

“Thank you for asking me to.”

Virgil looked up at him, doing an impressive impression of a half-drowned puppy. But for once Scott’s heart didn’t melt at the sight of an adorable younger brother.

Instead it clenched with dread. Pale, heavily shadowed and his eyes dilated to almost black in the fast-fading light, Virgil seemed almost wraith-like.

This had to stop. He couldn’t keep doing this to them. He could see it so clearly now. The empty space in his chest where the hurt and the guilt and the rage and the despair and the fear had resided began to fill with a steely glow of determination:

He would burn the world to protect his family.

He’d do it without a second thought.

So why was he risking hurting them every time he tried to save it?

He kissed Virgil on the forehead then stepped out of the embrace to take his brother’s shoulders in his hands. Blue met brown and held them steady.

“I will get better at this. I promise. I… I don’t want to leave you guys. I swear it, Virg, please believe me. I never have. The only reason I didn’t give up and die back… back then was because I needed to get home to you. Because you called me home. I knew you were waiting for me. That hasn’t changed. It has never changed, not for a second.”

“Then… why?”

“I don’t knooow.” The bewildered schoolboy inside Scott betrayed his presence with a faint whine. “I don’t mean… It’s not… It’s just…” He took a shaky breath. “It’s hard for me to choose NOT to act. It’s hard to not TRY. It feels… I… I think I’m scared of the what if? What if I had done more… pushed a little harder and… it had turned out better? It’s hard to see the line where it isn’t worth the cost to try.”

“You can see it well enough when one of our lives are in the balance.”

“True… True. I guess because its the opposite? I’ve spent all my life worrying about how I can protect you all, so I have to restrain myself from stopping you going out there in the first place and… yes I know, I know…” Virgil’s single raised eyebrow said it all. “I’m the world’s biggest hypocrite.”

Scott sighed. Then shivered. His leg muscles sent a polite three-second warning.

“Could we sit down? I might have, um, overdone it a touch.”

“Who could possibly have predicted that?” There was a welcome undertone of humour in Virgil’s snort.

They landed inelegantly but side by side in the mud. Scott took his hand again and they rested a while, their clothes steaming gently in the warmer evening breeze that had pushed the storm ahead of it. A sprinkling of early stars peered through a gap in the diminishing cloud cover.

“I can see the line for you so I can learn to see it when it’s mine too. I’m going to keep listening, ok? Until you don’t need to tell me anymore.”

“Thank you.”

“But…”

Virgil stiffened.

“I need you to do something else for me too.”

“Anything.”

Scott considered his words carefully. He didn’t want to make the same mistake he had ten years prior and shackle his brother with an impossible vow.

“I need you to change your mission.”

“I don’t know what you mean?”

“The task you gave yourself when you were small… to show me that… that I’m worth more than I thought. You have Virg, you always have been doing that but now I see things more clearly… well… I have to take that one on myself.”

Virgil’s hand shifted in his as the younger brother sat up straighter, Scott could sense rather than see the shoulders being squared.

“That makes sense. I can’t be your self-esteem for you. But I will make damn sure you keep making progress on it. Weekly mission status updates, minimum!”

Scott laughed quietly at the grin in his brother’s voice. “I wouldn’t expect anything less. And you have your own now too.”

“And what is that, Oh Great Commander?”

“If I’ve let Dad’s shadow shape me too much, you’ve let my… issues… shape you. I need you to find yourself again.”

Virgil tensed as if he was going to speak but no words came. Scott pressed on:

“You are so very much more than my keeper, Virg, but I’m worried you’ve pushed a lot of yourself to the side for me and I didn’t even see it happening. If I give you a break from being Scott’s 24/7 bodyguard and cheerleader, can you use it to give Virgil time to shine instead? I’d really love to see what might happen if you did.”

It was too dark to see his brother’s face but the happy relief in Virgil’s voice was light enough for both of them:

“I’ll see what I can do.”

💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚

Your honour, I finally fixed them.

3 more (shorter!) chapters to go by way of epilogue because I promised fluff and bunny ears and they will definitely happen. After all this progress I think they’ve earned it.

Oh and here’s the beautiful art by @lenle-g showing our boys in the rain 💚💙😍

Next chapter

[vexic929]

Child in Time

Chapter 5

Warnings: none

Chapter 1: link Previous chapter: link

Next chapter: link

Left. Left. Right.

Barry sped through the darkening streets of Central City after the Royal Flush Gang, dodging traffic like it was second nature, his heart pounding just as fast as his feet. In a blur, he built a barrier in front of Queen, causing her to swerve. Dr. Wells' voice crackled through the comms, calm but direct.

"King is headed for the entrance to the interstate." He instructed and Barry zipped down the street to head him off.

"What entrance?" Barry joked as he blocked that street off too, driving a truck directly in the way of King's motorcycle.

"Attaboy," Dr. Wells praised though anything he might have said after was cut off by a sudden, very loud contact noise from one of the mics that almost had Barry tripping and getting the world's worst road rash.

"Eo, no-" Caitlin's faint voice rattled through the comms as well followed closely by Cisco's.

"He's like 10 pounds, how is he this strong?"

Barry sighed and rolled his eyes, speeding around Queen, King, and Ace as they met at the intersection.

"Got the keys!" Barry called triumphantly, leaving the gang stranded as the police surrounded them.

Barry arrived in the Cortex seconds later to see Cisco holding a wriggling Eo, the infant's tiny hands firmly grasping the neck of the microphone on the desk.

"Everything okay here?" Barry asked, tugging his cowl off as he stepped into the room and grinning at the sight of Cisco trying to wrestle the microphone away from Eo. Eo, for his part, was hanging on with all the strength he had in his tiny body, ignoring Caitlin's attempts at distracting him with teething toys.

"Yeah, we're fine. Just trying to keep the little guy from blowing out your eardrums." Cisco grumbled, prying a few of Eo's fingers off the neck. Eo waved his arm wildly, smacking Cisco in the face before grabbing the microphone again with an indignant squeak.

Dr. Wells wheeled around the desk, picking up the Flash teddy bear from where it had landed in between computer monitors and offering it to the baby. Eo nearly launched himself out of Cisco's arms into Dr. Wells' lap, grabbing the teddy bear with both hands and a happy gurgle.

"Efficiently done, Mr. Allen, even in spite of the added distraction," Dr. Wells said, adjusting his glasses with a small smile as Eo settled against his chest.

"Yeah, dude, that was sick!" Cisco said, rounding the table and raising a hand for a high five. "Up top!"

Barry obliged, returning the high five with a grin. "Thanks. How's he been?"

Dr. Wells gave Eo a gentle pat on the back, the baby cuddling closer with his bear and gumming on his fist. "Well-behaved, aside from his newfound fascination with microphones."

"Can we test him for meta powers? Kid's got superstrength, I swear." Cisco joked, making a funny face at Eo, who responded with a happy squeal.

"I already tested and he has no metahuman markers," Caitlin said with an amused look, crossing her arms and smiling at Eo who made another happy noise and hid his face in Dr. Wells' shirt. "He's just a very determined baby."

"We need a picture," Cisco said suddenly, pulling out his cell phone.

Barry raised an eyebrow. "Pretty sure rule number one of having a secret identity is not taking pictures of yourself in your super suit without a mask on."

"Oh, come on, please!" Cisco asked, shooting Barry his best puppy-dog eyes. "This is just for us, to document all this craziness."

Barry glanced at Caitlin and Dr. Wells, silently requesting their thoughts on the idea as well. Dr. Wells gave him an amused look, adjusting Eo to sit more comfortably in his arms.

"Who knows? Maybe people in the future will want to know how all this happened," Dr. Wells said with a small shrug.

Barry relented with a smile. "Alright, well, if you want the future to have the whole story then we all need to be in it."

Cisco fist-pumped and went to stand beside Dr. Wells while Caitlin chewed her lower lip.

"First, let me put on some makeup?" She asked and Cisco and Barry rolled their eyes.

"The future does not care about your makeup." Cisco said, motioning her over. Barry shook his head in agreement.

Caitlin joined in on Dr. Wells' other side and Barry set up the photo, zipping around to join in just as the camera flashed before returning to catch the phone before it could fall even a millimeter.

"Does that count as a selfie?" Cisco quipped as he moved to look at the photo.

"Absolutely," Barry said with a laugh.

The photo was perfect except for Eo's slightly blurred face and arms as he'd wriggled around trying to see Barry. The irony wasn't lost on Barry that, for once, he wasn't the one too fast for the camera.

"Sick. Came out good!" Cisco said with a laugh of his own.

Barry put the phone away and sped off to change his clothes before returning and taking Eo from Dr. Wells.

"I should probably get him to bed. Thanks for talking me through things out there." He said earnestly and Dr. Wells smiled.

"My pleasure."

Iris was in the living room when Barry returned to Joe's house with Eo in tow. Barry shot her an amused look.

"You do realize the whole point of moving out is not being at home anymore, right?" Barry teased and Iris rolled her eyes.

"Ha, ha. I forgot a few things, how was your first day out with Eo?" She greeted. Joe walked through the dining room doorway with a steaming pot before Barry could respond.

"Hey, Barr. Spaghetti a la me, you sure you don't wanna stay for dinner?" Joe asked, directing the question at Iris.

Iris shook her head as she finished packing up the things she'd forgotten. "Thanks but Eddie is painting all day and I swore that I would help. Though I'm really just going to do that thing where I get a little paint on my hair and on my nose."

They laughed and Joe set down the pot, wiping his hands on a towel. "Oh, hey. Someone from Central City Picture News called you the other day, I left the number on the fridge."

"What? Why didn't you tell me?" Iris demanded, rushing to the kitchen.

"Chill! Just did." Joe called after her. "This little guy's probably still too young for some spaghetti but I figure we can set him up in the high chair, let him try some sauce-" Joe started, setting up the high chair at the table. He was interrupted by a high pitched shriek. "Was that a good scream or a bad scream?" He checked, glancing towards the kitchen.

"Good! So good!" Iris crowed, running back into the dining room. "I just got offered a job as a reporter at Central City Picture News! The editor's a fan of my blog!"

"That's amazing!" Barry said, tugging Iris into a hug. Eo whined as he was momentarily squished between the two. "Sorry, buddy." Barry said with an apologetic laugh.

Eo squeaked indignantly again, clutching his Flash teddy bear tightly as he settled against Barry's chest. His tiny hands gripped the bear's red costume as if it were the most important thing in the world.

"I'm so proud of you baby girl, I knew you could do it." Joe said, pulling Iris into a hug as well. Iris beamed.

"I need to go tell Eddie!" She said, planting kisses on Joe, Barry, and Eo's cheeks before she bolted out the door, excitement radiating off her in waves.

Barry watched her leave, a small smile tugging at his lips.

[mysticstarlightduck]

✦ OC DEEP DIVE ✦

Thanks for the tag, @ominous-feychild (here)!

I'm gonna do this tag for Pyerce Ophyria and Tarah Ryllar from Supernova Initiative and Josh Aleta and Gwyn Whitewood from Scrapyard Boys!

What uncommon/common fear do they have?

Pyerce: Fear of being manipulated or being stuck in a situation that is out of his control; fear of making a terrible mistake/failing his kids; fear of clowns.

Tarah: Fear of being kidnapped or drugged (because she saw the same happen to her best friend, Eos); fear of the uncanny valley or things that seem normal but feel off; fear of being a disappointment to herself

Josh: Fear of being trapped (claustrophobia, but also fear of being contained by others); fear of being unredeemably evil (he wasn't exactly The Perfect Cousin - in fact he was quite the... complicated and annoying angsty teen, sometimes toxic but not more than any regular teen - prior to his abduction by the PHANTOM Industries, plus he has what they call an "evil power" because he controls fears/nightmares, so the constant pressure by his captors that "he is inherently evil and needs to be fixed" kind of broke him in a way)

Gwyn: Being unable to protect the ones she loves and herself; fear of being found and recaptured by the PHANTOM Industries; fear of Zander Corelli (the mob boss - and pimp - Adrien works for, who basically haunts his and the twins' lives for most of the duration of the WIP); fear of being trapped in the heat.

Do they have any pet peeves?

Pyerce: Corrupt governments to lie to their affiliates and discard their assets once they're no longer useful to them once that person isn't "useful" to them anymore. Not being fully aware of a situation. He also can't stand people who legitmatelly make excuses to be lazy and who leech off of others instead of trying to be proactive.

Tarah: She doesn't really like loud and repetive noises. Tarah also hates bureaucracy - with a passion - especially when it gets in the way something she has a time crunch on succeeding or when it prevents active change in an environment.

Josh: People who are nosy and try to pry on other's private matters - on another hand, he can't stand people who care too much about what others will think and have that constant "but what will the neighbours think?!" mindset. It gets on his nerves.

Gwyn: Being pressured - especially when there's something time sensitive involved - which usually makes her panic and spiral rather than to figure out what to do faster. On a sadder note, she doesn't like people who get too handsy with others in an uncomfortable way - she's seen Adrien's patrons do that all too often and now she has a "touch (me/my siblings/my friends) and you won't fucking have hands" mentality.

What are 3 items you can find in their bedroom?

Pyerce: Coffee candies, hidden weapons of all kinds (remember he's a retired assassin, and the most dangerous assassin there ever was at that), and probably some messy crayon drawings that Gabi and Morgan made when they were kids (because he's their dad and cherishes the memories)

Tarah: Her best friend's unfinished woven bracelet, protein bars, hooded cloaks and generally oversized hoodies that can help her hide her features when on the run.

Josh: Weights (to stay fit), a radio playing vintage rock music, a nightlight (he's afraid of the dark but doesn't want anyone to know)

Gwyn: Cheesy potato chips, tickets for a comedy show or for the movies, a giraffe plushie she won at a fair

What do they notice first in a person?

Pyerce:... Everything. He's the ultimate secret agent/assassin - so I think he'd pretty much have a clear picture of that person with just a quick once over or a glance. Black Widow/John Wick-style, like a very meticulously detailed analisys of that person.

Tarah: If they look like they're trying to deceive her, catch her or if they're generally a threat to her or her friends. She is also pretty good at reading people's feelings from their facial expressions.

Josh: If he can take them in a fight or if he needs to run. How imposing they are or if that person is trying to intimidate him. Because of his powers, if he tries to, Josh can immediately see/find out what that person's worst nightmare/fear is (his power is Nightmare Manipulation) and choose to do with that information whatever is more relevant.

Gwyn: If they seem nice or friendly. She's bad at navigating social cues because she has spent the past three years locked up in a lab and the years before that in an isolated household, and generally just wants to make friends.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how high is their pain tolerance?

Pyerce:

Emotional: 8, but pretends its a 10

Physical: +11

Tarah:

Emotional: -1 (squishy, kind hearted, anxious baby girl)

Physical: 6

Josh:

Emotional: Before his capture = 5, but didn't let it show too much; After his capture = -4 but pretends its a +10 in really extreme ways

Physical: 9 (before and after), unless some kind of psychological trickery is also tied to it - in that case its a 0

Gwyn:

Emotional: 7, sometimes too oblivious to stuff though tends to overthink

Physical: 8

Do they go into fight or flight mode when under pressure? (I'm also including freeze and fawn)

Pyerce: Goes "Scorched Earth" kind of Fight Reflex - especially when it involves protecting his daughters. And because he is the most lethal assassin of his generation, whoever is threatening/pressuring him better run - though that will only stall the inevitable.

Tarah: Usually Flight 100% - she's the embodiment of deer in headlights and will bolt at any sign of danger even if that just a misunderstanding. However, if the danger is too overwhelming or too similar to her past traumas, she tends to freeze.

Josh: Before his capture - his first instinct was Fight. He is and was a very angry and stubborn person, who tends to have fits of rage when scared or frustrated and who often lashed out in ways he later regretted but was too headstrong to apologize for, often in a bully-like way but not fully - much like Billy Hargrove from Stranger Things. After his capture - if the pressure is psychological or triggers him, he tends to go into an "unique" Freeze mode in which he acts as if in a trance - his conscience feels distant and detached, but his powers are lashing out in Fight mode to protect him from whoever is triggering him. If his former captors are specifically involved, he tends to go into a complete Fawn reflex to appease them.

Gwyn: Fight, especially if she has to protect herself and her loved ones, or when she wants revenge. If there's absolutely no other choice she may choose Flight to Fight another day.

Do they come from a big family/are they a family person?

Pyerce:

Original Family unknown

After he quit being an assassin, he dedicated his life to raising his two adoptive daughters Gabi (the one he adopted first) and Morgan (the second one he adopted), so I would definetly say he is a family kind of guy, despite his murderous past.

Tarah:

Her father was killed when she was a little girl and though she was saved by her godmother, Tarah ended up having to flee the Junction galaxies all alone with Eos (her godmother's son) after her godmother too was truck down by the Junction.

Tarah is fiercely devoted to those she calls family, especially Eos, who is her best friend and who is like a brother to her.

Josh:

He was orphaned at a young age, and his original parents are a mystery. Currently, before his capture, he used to live with adoptive/foster parents (Erin's uncle and aunt) but they weren't very close at all, and he was kidnapped by the PHANTOM Industries shortly after.

Not really. He used to be very troublesome, rude, brutish and often harsh towards anyone that tried to show kindness to him, because he saw it as a scheme and feared he didn't deserve it. That lead him to have a bully kind of behavior to pretty much everyone for years and to be a certified rule breaker who often made things worse than they needed to be. However, deep down, he was developing some semblance of a friendship with his adoptive cousin Erin, but they still argued a lot and he was kidnapped before he could truly have a sibling bond with her. After escaping, he was so conditioned by the Industries to believe he is evil that he thinks he is unworthy of love and respect and that he is a dnager to anyone who tries to get close to him, so he takes a skittish approach to others now.

Gwyn:

Her mother was a troubled, but kind, young lady who had many boyfriends in her youth and didn't really know how to handle parenthood yet and wanted to find out more about herself first. So Gwyn, her twin - Rhys - and their half-brother Adrien (from their mom's first boyfriend) ended up living most of their childhood with their toxic grandparents. A few years after Adrien was kicked out of home at 15, Rhys and Gwyn developed superpowers after coming into contact with a chemical factory leak, and were sent by their grandparents to the Spectre Academy. After they tried to escape at first, they were sent by the Academy to be lab rats of the PHANTOM Industries.

She is - especially when it comes to her twin brother Rhys and their half-brother Adrien. They're the only family each other has ever had, so they kind of have a "us against the world" kind of mindset, though they still have a lot of getting reacquaintted to do with Adrien since they were apart for so long.

What animal represents them best?

Pyerce: A black wolf

Tarah: Hummingbird

Josh: Either a raccoon or feral cat

Gwyn: Arctic fox

What is a smell that they dislike?

Pyerce: The smell of rotten things - especially rotten blood or flesh (a.k.a he is an assassin who hates the smell of corpses)

Tarah: Scent of alcohol and the smell of a lot/too much of perfume.

Josh: Laboratory smells and also the smell of mold.

Gwyn: She generally hates the smell of sweat and unwashed things.

Have they broken any bones?

Pyerce: Yes, many times in his former career, but not once since he quit it.

Tarah: Not really, just a sprained ankle once when she was a kid

Josh: A couple times, most when he was being experimented on.

Gwyn: Not really, probably.

How would a stranger likely describe them?

Pyerce: A quiet and introvertedly serious man who wants to just live his life and do his own thing, who most people don't know much about but who is a genuine benefactor to many and is also a doting father.

Tarah: That skittish kid with the woven bracelets and the multicolored nail polish who never stays in one place and always feels like she's too scared or too anxious to talk to anyone she doesn't fully know.

Josh: A troublemaking, brutish and angry teenager who is always looking for new ways to cause chaos, who doesn't obey any rules and doesn't give a fuck about anyone, and is also rude to most people he doesn't know and harsh to those he does know. The weird kid that is always causing grownups a headache.

Gwyn: It depends on the stranger. If the stranger is with Zander's mob, they'll probably address her as 'Ametrine's' sister (Adrien's stage name is Ametrine) or if they're keen on being especially rude, they'll probably call her "the stripper's brat" or "that girl who is always walking around with Zander's plaything". Yeah. They're not... kind to them. But most other strangers would describe her as a lively, bright headed, kind young lady with a big heart who wants to have fun and has a sparkling laughter.

Are they a night owl or an early bird?

Pyerce: Probably both?

Tarah: Night owl in an unsettling (looming) way

Josh: Night owl - poor boi has insomnia and night terrors

Gwyn: Morning bird, also in an unsettling (but giddy) way

What is a flavour they hate and a flavour they love?

Pyerce:

Loves: Well cooked, refined meals with rare spices

Hates: Painfully sweet desserts, like the nauseatingly sweet ones

Tarah:

Loves: Spicy fried food

Hates: Alcohol

Josh:

Loves: Comfort food (pizza)

Hates: Bland food or sticky food

Gwyn:

Loves: Ice Cream; Cheesy Potato Chips

Hates: Spicy food

Do they have any hobbies?

Pyerce: Sharpshooting, listening to music, growing poisonous flowers, reading cheap romance books

Tarah: Dancing, rollerskating, helping stray animals, learning new languages, talking about her favorite movies

Josh: Reading comic books, weightlifting, driving around aimlessly on stolen cars, listening to rock, watching rom-coms (hates horror movies)

Gwyn: Going to ice cream shops, watching stand up comedy shows, walking around the city at night, making ice sculptures on the window with her powers,

Boom, surprise birthday party! How do they react to surprises?

Pyerce: Calm happiness and a bit of surprise. After so many years out of the field as an assassin, he's learned to enjoy the joys of regular life, and honestly is always glad to do so.

Tarah: Initial panic but it would then turn into awkward joy as she realizes the situation is harmless. She would probably not know how to properly navigate it and be confused at how to proceed.

Josh: WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS - (almost has a heart attack out of fear, needs three cups of water and a cookie to calm down then is like). Oh, fuck yeah I like this, let's party! Just... don't scare me next time.

Gwyn: "Omg, yay, this is literally so cool guys!!!! I wanna try all the candy, and dance to the music and have fun, oh gosh there are so many gifts this is so cool -!" (rambles on)

Do they like to wear jewelry?

Pyerce: Not really. Likes some nice silver rings though.

Tarah: The woven bracelets she and her best friend made for each other.

Josh: Yeah kinda. Loves rings and necklaces with funny designs of cartoonishly styled ghosts or skulls, and wears some necklaces.

Gwyn: Doesn't really understand the concept of how to style jewelry into a daily outfit but digs it nonetheless

Do they have neat or messy handwriting?

Pyerce: Neat

Tarah: In between, tends towards messy.

Josh: Messy & adds too much pressure to it

Gwyn: In between and scribbles doodles and cute heart shaped designs around it

What are the two emotions they feel the most?

Pyerce: Calmness and The Need To Protect

Tarah: Anxiety and awkward joy

Josh: Anger and Fear/Dread/Panic

Gwyn: Love for her family/friends & giddy happiness of experiencing the real world

Do they have a favourite fabric?

Pyerce: Anything that is stylishly black and also comfortable, practical and probably bulletproof

Tarah: Flannel, cotton, yarn

Josh: Leather, jeans, soft cotton

Gwyn: Light polyester, cotton and fluffy jackets

What kind of accent do they have?

Pyerce: A soft, more neutral version of a "Junction" accent

Tarah: Central Junction accent that has faded away into a mismatched Khosmonian Accent

Josh: Probably some mix of accent Detroit and New York? (The city of this WIP is based on IRL ones but is also very much fictional)

Gwyn: Not sure but probably similar to Josh's (same city) but with a very slight Northern lilt to it? (The city of this WIP is based on IRL ones but is also very much fictional)

Tagging (gently): @sleepy-night-child, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @smol-feralgremlin, @oh-no-another-idea, @littleladymab,

@winterandwords, @eccaiia, @sarahlizziewrites, @illarian-rambling

@agirlandherquill, @anoelleart, @ray-writes-n-shit

@writernopal, @anyablackwood, @unstablewifiaccess, @forthesanityofstorytellers, @finickyfelix

@i-can-even-burn-salad, @cakeinthevoid,

@lassiesandiego, @thepeculiarbird, @clairelsonao3, @memento-morri-writes, @starlit-hopes-and-dreams and OPEN TAG

[winedark-dear]

26.05.

A lot of things have been happening lately and it's all happening so fast as well. One day, we were living in the old house and visiting the market and now it's all gone again.. the windows made such a scary sound when the wind broke them, like a really awful scream, though the noise after the bright lines (lightning? The noise is thunder, if I remember right) is even worse. I don't like how loud the storm was, it sounded like everything around was in pain. At least neither EO nor me got hurt..

I still don't know what we did to make the person at the entrance so mad at us. We have decided that we'll leave soon because of it though, which will hopefully be for the best for everybody. I haven't asked where we will go yet, but I'm sure EO has a plan for us. Maybe we will go back to the house if the storm is gone from there now, or maybe we'll go to one of the big cities (?) that some of the other travelers mentioned.. I would like to see the cities. EO said there are many different kinds of people there ahd the travelers said the same as well.

It's odd how fast everything can change. It feels.. exciting, in a way, but I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say that.

— DELPHI

[what2watch2night]

Watch To Watch Tonight: 2022 Movie Year Recap

Another movie year ended, all the awards possible big and small have now been bestowed, most have now been made available to all democratically and most have been watched! Even though there is still soooooo much from 2022 to catch up on or sadly unreleased or not made avail to the masses (like that underwater movie we won't mention...) But we all know a lifetime will never be enough to go through years' past watchlists, and we must accept it and move on to the next one as sadly we cannot live in a EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE multiverse where one would be able to do it all at once. So in that spirit let's take one last look at what made us want to live to see it, and that we won't forget because, as the Best Movie Quote of Movie Year 2022 (from THE FABELMAN) says: 'Movies are dreams that you never forget...'

And we sure won't forget these from another interesting 12 months that brought us a truly varied array of films, and although we might not have many “perfect” ones reaching perfect notes (well, nothing reached 9/10 or ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ for us this year,) it was satisfying, entertaining, and there was something for all the feels and emotions.

GREAT STORIES & GREAT FILMS

T’was a good time for wildly imaginative, to just wild and crazy stories from EEAAO to RRR to NOPE, APOLLO 10/2 or EO to even the quieter but less “bonkerz “ BANSHEES (what was it this year with fingers and donkey - definitely the “goat” of this year animal on film!) and the bold BABYLON or BARDO Then we also have our favorite with the “Eat the rich “ and “Let’s Revolt” varieties that NEVER.DISAPPOINT (We live for that sh!t!) with of course TRIANGLE OF SADNESS (that gave us great pleasure with the “I am the captain now” twist), the hit THE MENU, intense ATHENA, weirdos like FLUX GOURMET, MARCEL THE SHELL, WHITE NOISE… Anyway here are the movies that made our days/nights in 2022:

OuR Top Fave:

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE 8.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐✨ *Bonus Most Every Everywhere All At Once Scenes! (And fight scenes no doubts) TRIANGLE OF SADNESS 8.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐✨ *Bonus Most Memorable Scene!

APOLLO 10 1⁄2 8.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Most Nostalgia Inducing!

BABYLON 8.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Best Party and Movie-within-a-Movie Scenes! ATHENA 8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Best Crowd, moving, and Longtake Scene! BROKER 8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

BARDO 8.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Best Dreams & Dreamy Scenes! BANSHEES OF INISHERIN 8⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Most Hilarious Dialogue! WHITE NOISE 7.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus End Scene! NOPE 7.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

TAR 7.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

BOY FROM HEAVEN 7.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

ELVIS 7.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Music Scene! THE MENU 7.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

AFTER YANG 7.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Best Dance Scene! MEN 7.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Most WTF Haunting SceneS! ARMAGEDDON TIMES 7.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ EO 7.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus non-human actor! DECISION TO LEAVE 7.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

RRR 7.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Best Genre Switch, Crowd pleaser, & Suspension of disbelief!

We could provide a much much longer list of films from 2022 definitely worth a watch but because frankly no one has time for that with the amount of new films coming at us everywhere here is the next 20 to 100 IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Enjoy!

MEMORABLE ENSEMBLES There is very little doubt again that this prize should go to either EEAAO or TRIANGLE OF SADNESS. But here are 20 spectacular ensembles from 2022 movie year!

ARGENTINA 1985 ATHENA BABYLON BANSHEES OF INESHERIN BARDO BOY FROM HEAVEN BROKER EEAAO EO KLONDIKE MARS ONE PLAN 75 THE MENU THE SWIMMERS THE WHALE THE WONDER TRIANGLE OF SADNESS WAKANDA FOREVER WOMAN KING WOMEN TALKING

**Bonus: Kid actors ensemble blowing your mind 13TH LIVES AFTER YANG ALCARRAS ARMAGEDDON TIMES BLAZE CLOSE PLAYGROUND PUSSY / SOFT SCARBOROUGH THE SILENT TWIN TILL ​​TORI AND LOKITA

MEMORABLE INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES Well, Yeoh was the GOAT, De Leon was MVP, but if there is one that shine brighter than most and got snubbed it was Mia Goth because; because after all she is a star (PLEASE she is a starrrr!)

Adèle Exarchopoulos ZERO FUCK GIVEN Ana de Armas BLONDE Angela Bassett WAKANDA FOREVER Aubrey Plaza EMILY AND THE CRIMINAL Austin Butler ELVIS Bill Nighy LIVING Cate Blanchett TAR Colin Farrell / Brendan Gleeson BANSHEES Danielle Deadwyler TILL Dolly De Leon TRIANGLE OF SADNESS Eddie Redmayne THE GOOD NURSE Hong Chau THE WHALE John Boyega / Michael K. Williams 892 Keke Palmer NOPE Mia Goth PEARL/X Michelle Yeoh / Ke Huy Quan EEAAO Ram Charan RRR Vicky Krieps CORSAGE Vincent Lindon ANOTHER WORLD *Soooo many more more should did fantastic works from all over the world but we wont name anymore name as this list would be way to long!

STUNNING VISUAL Whether these movies captured the light perfectly, offered us EXTRAVAGANZA with amazing sets and wowing costumes/Hair/Makeup, had us at the edge of our seats due to the immersive action or poetic sequences, or left us emotional staring at gorgeously filmed vistas or simple shots of every day life….

There is no need to explain why EEAAO rules here! Also about snub: ATHENA was the biggest quagmire of this season, snubbed left and right even in France of all places... Sure the story is surfing on LES MISERABLE but it was quite different and the intensity and visual defo hit different too. The techniques (highly recommend watching the BTS) is mind blowing as in Nolan-level of wow every other long takes!

3000 YEARS OF LONGING AFTER YANG ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT ATHENA BABYLON *Yes the party scene but also all other incredible to comprehend scene so left us dreaming like THIS

BARDO *Another maestro directing the hell out of another one, giving us possibly the most immersive oddities of the last season and surreal lyrical contemplations - one of our favorite thing in the whole wide world!

DECISION TO LEAVE DON’T WORRY DARLING EEAAO *They really gave us everything imaginable and we might never see a movie so imaginative visually... ELVIS EO GODLAND MEN *The beautiful imageries one will never forget! NEPTUNE FROST *We are also still here for that keyboard jacket NOPE RRR *The category is: Most Nonsensical Mindblowing Fights! THE NORTHMAN WAKANDA FOREVER *Will always win best costumes AND hair and Make up! WHITE NOISE *Props to the props and all those sets leading to that gran finale! WOMEN KING

**Here are other movies worthy for their look (but don’t be fooled, most of these have equally share, if not more, of substance… ) 13TH LIVES AMSTERDAM APOLLO 10 ½ BANSHEES OF INESHERIN BIG BUG BLAZE BLONDE ENTERGALACTIC INU-HO KADAISI VIVASAYI LEONOR WILL NEVER DIE MAD GOD MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON MATILDA THE MUSICAL NOTRE DAME BRULE PACIFICTION PEARL / X PINOCCHIO PREY SOMETHING IN THE DIRT TALE OF KING CRAB TED K THE BATMAN THE ETERNAL DAUGHTER THE HOUSE THE SILENT TWINS TOP GUN 2 TRIANGLE OF SADNESS TURNING RED UTAMA YOU WON'T BE ALONE

STIRRING SOUND It seems scores and OSTs were probably not as transcending as we would have liked in, but the Soundscape really outdid itself lately! Not sure if it is the advantage of watching almost everything at home with better sound in headsets that really let you drown in the sound. (and the non-annoyance of Cinema popcorn noise and often not optimal sound...) But no complaint on top of composers and supervisors giving us the right tunes at the right time conveying the right vibes, praises are seriously due to all that enhances things for our auditory pleasure from mixers to foley to engineer to musicians...

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (*How fitting that the first movie alphabetically is the one with thhose dread-inducing 3 notes! Most Memorable Notes of Movie Year 2022) APOLLO 10 1⁄2 ATHENA BABYLON BANSHEES OF INESHERIN BARDO BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER BLONDE ELVIS EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE INU-HO LIVING MEN PACIFICTION RRR TAR TED K THE STRANGER THE STRANGER WHITE NOISE

Bonus: Great Music Doc YOU'RE WATCHING VIDEO MUSIC BOX MOONAGE DAYDREAM

[top-10-gifts]

Top 10 Scale Gifts for the Gadget Enthusiast

Finding the ideal present for the gadget lover in your life may be thrilling and difficult at the same time because technology is continuously changing, and gadgets are becoming an essential part of our lives. The appropriate gadget may make their world come alive, whether it's for a birthday, an anniversary, or to express gratitude. We've put together a list of Top 10 Scale Gifts for the Gadget Enthusiast to aid you in your search for the perfect present.

High-end headphones

There's nothing quite like immersing yourself in music or podcasts with a pair of high-quality headphones. For the audiophile in your life, consider options like the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or Sony WH-1000XM4. These headphones not only offer exceptional sound quality but also come with noise-canceling features, making them perfect for music lovers on the go.

Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker

Smartwatches and fitness trackers have become more than just timekeeping devices; they're personal assistants for tracking health and staying connected. Due to their abundance of health and fitness capabilities, app compatibility, and stylish designs, the Apple Watch Series 7 and Fitbit Versa 3 are both fantastic options.

Drone

Drones have taken the world by storm, offering a unique perspective and endless possibilities for creativity. DJI's Mavic Air 2 and Skydio 2 are top-notch options, equipped with high-resolution cameras, obstacle avoidance, and impressive flight capabilities. A drone is an excellent gift for both tech enthusiasts and photography lovers.

Virtual Reality (VR) Headset

Step into another world with a VR headset. Oculus Quest 2 and Valve Index provide immersive gaming experiences and access to virtual reality applications. VR headsets are perfect for those who crave a new level of entertainment and want to explore virtual realms.

High-Performance Laptop

A powerful laptop is essential for the tech enthusiast who wants power on the run. Choose laptops are notorious for their exceptional speed, stunning defenses, and portability, similar as the MacBook Pro or Dell XPS 15. These laptops work well for a variety of operations, including videotape editing and programming.

Smart Home Devices

Transforming a house into a smart home is a trend that continues to gain momentum. Smart home devices like Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and Philips Hue lights offer convenience and automation. They allow control over lights, music, security, and more with just a voice command or a tap on your smartphone.

Streaming Device

Cutting the cord has never been more accessible with streaming devices like Roku Ultra and Apple TV 4K. These devices offer access to a vast library of streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, in stunning 4K quality. Streaming devices are perfect for binge-watchers and movie buffs.

High-Resolution Camera

Capture life's moments in stunning detail with a high-resolution camera. The Sony Alpha a7R IV and Canon EOS R5 are recognized for their superb image quality and adaptability. For photographers who want to capture landscapes, portraiture, or wildlife, these cameras are perfect.

Gaming Console or Accessories

Gaming is a passion for many gadget enthusiasts. Consider the latest gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Enhance the gaming experience with accessories like gaming chairs, mechanical keyboards, or gaming headsets.

Tech Toolkit or DIY Electronics Kit

For those who love to tinker and build, a tech toolkit or DIY electronics kit is the perfect gift. Arduino Starter Kits and Raspberry Pi Bundles provide endless opportunities for creating gadgets, robots, and electronic projects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it need not be difficult to select the ideal present for a gadget fanatic. With the top 10 scale gifts we've outlined, you can surprise your loved one with a thoughtful and exciting present that aligns with their passion for technology. Remember, the best gift is one that shows you know their interests and cater to their tech-savvy side.

[abookishdreamer]

Character Intro: Achelois (Kingdom of Ichor

Nicknames- Lo by her family & friends

Age- 12 (immortal)

Location- Elis, Olympius

Personality- She's a sweet sensitive soul. Observant & intuitive, she's deeply affected by other people's moods and highly empathetic. She has a tendency to cry often, especially when reacting strongly to criticism.

She has the standard abilities of a goddess except shapeshifting. She shares some abilities similar to her mother's on a limited scale. As goddess of the moon & comfort, she's innately stronger at night. Her other powers/abilities include night vision, odynokinesis (being able to absorb, numb, & transfer physical pain), and vitakinesis (healing) through use of moonlight.

Achelois is technically the second oldest child of her parents. She's the first however in a set of fraternal quintuplets. After her there's Cressida (Cress) (goddess of the crescent moon), Esmeray (Esme) (goddess of the half moon), Mona (goddess of the new moon), & Orani.

She takes a lot after her father Endymion with her paler skin and facial features. Achelois sometimes wishes she took after her mom's looks like a few of her other siblings like Pandia (goddess of the full moon) and Ersa (goddess of morning dew).

She has her own room complete with silver-white wallpaper that has various moon and star patterns. Instead of a "traditional" bed, there's a giant comfy bean bag bed. She has sewn her own pillowcases as well as knitted her own throw blankets and comforter.

Achelois has a pet of her own- a chartreux cat named Marty (named after Artemis).

A go-to drink of hers is hot chocolate. She has her own recipe & will usually make a cup every morning and night. She also likes iced tea, mint infused water, lavender tea, coconut milk, ginger ale, & lychee juice.

Achelois loves being in a family full of sisters! She views it has having built in best friends. She absolutely dislikes whenever there's a fight or argument between them. When a situation like that arises, Achelois will run to her room in tears, hide under her covers, and cuddle with Marty or listen to music. She finds herself spending more time with Orani, so she doesn't feel left out about the fact that she's the only one of the quintuplets that's not a goddess. Achelois loves doting on her youngest sisters, especially Aurora (goddess of celestial light) who recently celebrated her 2nd birthday.

Evening primroses are her favorite flowers!

Because she's a highly sensitive person, Achelois isn't the biggest fan of really loud noises or strong smells. There's this favorite perfume of hers (with scents of shea & warm sugar) that she loves to spray herself with.

She loves whenever her aunt Eos (Titaness of dawn) comes over to visit! A favorite activity is when Achelois helps her out with making mangalore buns. She also likes going fishing with her Pappoús Hyperion (Titan god of heavenly light) whenever she visits her grandparents in Rhodes.

A favorite frozen treat of hers are coconut ice pops!

Achelois is currently on break from school. When it resumes, she'll be returning as a seventh grader. She attends middle school in New Olympus, with two of her favorite classes being literature & art. Achelois has quite the talent in art with one of her assignmets being a part in her grade's art showcase.

She's friendly with Philia (goddess of freindship), E.B, and Krysothemis (Kristy) and is aware of the other godly students like Thespios (god of acting), Anaideia (goddess of ruthlessness, shamelessness, & unforgiveness), Dysis (goddess of the sunset), Epidotes (god of purity), Calocagathia (Aggie) (goddess of nobility & goodness), Telete (goddess of prayers), Pompe (goddess of rites), and Thrasos (god of boldness, insolence, recklessness, & courage).

Aside from her sisters, she has her own close group of friends- an oread named Hermione, a satyress named Aspen, Philia (goddess of friendship), and a mortal boy named Jace. The only classes they all share are Art & P.E and they coincidentally share the same lunch period.

She has a secret crush on her schoolmate Deucalion. Instead of acknowledging this with her friends, she shares her feelings on the pages of her diary. They don't really talk much aside from a brief greeting while passing through the school's halls. Achelois knows he's been having a hard time since his father's punishment term in the Underworld. She once left a heartfelt note in his locker and he surprised her with a box of amygdalotas afterschool.

For her recent birthday, her "Titi" Theia gave her a beautiful gold & amethyst bracelet as a gift.

A guilty pleasure for her are large onion rings from Olympic Chef.

In the pantheon (aside from her mom, aunt, & grandma being her greatest inspirations), Achelois admires all the goddesses associated with the moon like Artemis (goddess of the hunt & moon), Hecate (goddess of magic & witchcraft), Lykos (goddess of wolves), Urania (muse of astronomy); is a member of her stargazing club, Phoebe (Titaness of prophecy, the moon, radiant intellect, & mystery).

She also likes Alectrona (goddess of the sun & morning); a close family friend, Pasithea (goddess of hallucinations & relaxation), Iris (goddess of the rainbow), Auge (goddess of first daylight), Philyra (goddess of perfume, paper, & beauty), Eikono (goddess of iconography & literature), and Hestia (goddess of the hearth).

There are plans for her to mentored by Epione (goddess of soothing pain) when she's older.

Achelois gave her mom a self portrait as a mother's day gift.

Her favorite music artist to listen to is O. She also likes M9 & Eclipse.

Aside from mangalore buns, she also likes the bougatsa and amygdalotas from Hollyhock's Bakery.

In her free time Achelois enjoys knitting, sewing, embroidery, reading, listening to music, working on her art, football (soccer), horseback riding, cooking, and spending time with family.

Her all-time favorite meal is lamb souvlaki with lots of pita bread!

"I find the most comfort underneath the moon's glow."

[mibads]

2022 Film Lineups

My awards ballot for a...website.

Best Picture 01. No Bears 02. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed 03. Happening 04. Saint Omer 05. Aftersun Best Director 01. Jafar Panahi, No Bears 02. Audrey Diwan, Happening 03. Charlotte Wells, Aftersun 04. Jerzy Skolimowski, EO 05. Laura Poitras, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed Best Ensemble Cast 01. Hit the Road 02. Everything Everywhere All at Once 03. The Woman King 04. Bones and All 05. Women Talking Best Actor 01. Franz Rogowski, Great Freedom 02. Paul Mescal, Aftersun 03. Park Hae-il, Decision to Leave 04. Eden Dambrine, Close 05. Jack Lowden, Benediction Best Actress 01. Tilda Swinton, The Eternal Daughter 02. Guslagie Malanda, Saint Omer 03. Anamaria Vartolomei, Happening 04. Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Holy Spider 05. Danielle Deadwyler, Till Best Supporting Actor 01. Mark Rylance, Bones and All 02. Pascal Greggory, One Fine Morning 03. Ben Whishaw, Women Talking 04. Gustav De Waele, Close 05. John Douglas Thompson, Till Best Supporting Actress 01. Stephanie Hsu, Everything Everywhere All at Once 02. Sheila McCarthy, Women Talking 03. Judy Davis, Nitram 04. Émilie Dequenne, Close 05. Nina Hoss, TÁR Best Adapted Screenplay 01. Happening 02. Compartment No. 6 03. Women Talking 04. Bones and All 05. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris Best Original Screenplay 01. No Bears 02. Saint Omer 03. Hit the Road 04. The Eternal Daughter 05. One Fine Morning - - - - - - - - - - Best Animated Film 01. Mad God 02. Turning Red 03. Wendell & Wild 04. Inu-Oh 05. Best Documentary Feature 01. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed 02. Babi Yar. Context 03. Mr. Bachmann and His Class 04. Three Minutes: A Lengthening 05. The Territory Best Non-English Language Film 01. No Bears 02. Hit the Road 03. Happening 04. Saint Omer 05. Decision to Leave - - - - - - - - - - Best Cinematography 01. EO 02. Decision to Leave 03. TÁR 04. Nope 05. Utama Best Costume Design 01. Corsage 02. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris 03. Everything Everywhere All at Once 04. The Woman King 05. Aline Best Film Editing 01. Aftersun 02. Decision to Leave 03. Everything Everywhere All at Once 04. TÁR 05. EO Best Makeup and Hairstyling 01. Crimes of the Future 02. Everything Everywhere All at Once 03. The Batman 04. All Quiet on the Western Front 05. The Eternal Daughter Best Original Score 01. EO 02. Bones and All 03. Everything Everywhere All at Once 04. Women Talking 05. Crimes of the Future Best Original Song 01. New Body Rhumba (White Noise) 02. This Is a Life (Everything Everywhere All at Once) 03. Hot Girl (Bodies Bodies Bodies) 04. Stand Up (Till) 05. Marry Me (Marry Me) Best Production Design 01. Mad God 02. Decision to Leave 03. Wendell & Wild 04. Crimes of the Future 05. Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Sound 01. Nope 02. TÁR 03. Everything Everywhere All at Once 04. The Northman 05. All Quiet on the Western Front Best Visual Effects 01. Everything Everywhere All at Once 02. Nope 03. Thirteen Lives 04. Top Gun: Maverick 05. Avatar: The Way of Water

[samarawalkermedia320]

Researching for the next Cooks Beach trip:

Below are my notes from researching what gear I will need and some tips and tricks on how to produce the types of images I want.

Gear list:

Tripod

Camera body

Wide angle lens (14-24mm and low aperture f.28-f/4)

Star app

ND filter kit (borrow from my mum)

Ring light flash

Astrophotography

Best time to shoot astrophotography is a new moon given that there is less light in the night sky, creating the dark skies needs for stars to show up well in images. This works out well for me as the new moon is on the 3rd of October and I will be shooting this on the night of the 4th of October. The coromandel peninsula area seems to be a good spot to stargaze as well. The milky way is typically visible over New Zealand between February and October. The time of year I am shooting requires me to shoot around 10-11pm. Since I am at the send of the viewing season, I am struggle to get a good view. If so, I will have to see if it is possible to focus on constellations that are visible instead.

I have heard this mention of ‘stacking’ images particularly when researching astrophotography. I will need to read further about what this means.

Camera settings: need lens as above which will give great results with right settings. ISO will change depending on the amount of ambient light, I may be able to keep it as low as 1600 but may need to go as high as 5-10000 in a very dark location. There is little light pollution in the area so the latter may be the case. I should use the 500 rule for the shutter speed. Ideal for astrophotography is 15-30 seconds. The longer the shutter is open, the higher the possibility of star trails (although this is an effect that I could use to my advantage). To figure out the best shutter speed, take 500 and divide it by the lens focal length (e.g. 500/16 = 31).

It can be hard for a camera to focus on this, so turn infinity focus off and find the brightest star, centre it in the middle of the screen and manually focus till sharp.  

Long exposure

Find a composition - start by looking for a stable elements to focus the camera on. To maintain some texture in the water, keep the shutter speed between 1/15 and 1 second, but play around when shooting. For example, a 10+ second exposure will create very smooth looking water. It can be helpful to turn on continuous shooting mode on the camera to capture a range of images when you set up the camera, instead of relying on finding the perfect moment manually. I plan on shooting water, but clouds could also be a subject of interest. For this work, use the lowest ISO possible, around ISO 100. Increasing this will introduce noise.

Shutter speed – ‘bulb mode.’ This is a setting on canon camera that allows you to select any shutter speed. The shutter will stay open for as long as the shutter release button is held down. This is the “B” found on the shutter scale in manual mode. This is where a remote shutter may be useful. It may be possible to download the Canon Camera Connect App to achieve this. Some cameras may have time exposure mode which works in the same way as bulb mode but require one press of the shutter release to start the exposure and one press to end it.

I need to make sure the lens I will be borrowing from the loan pool will be able to mount the ND filter attachment. Some sources mention a remote shutter release, this may be helpful but I don’t think I will have access to one (although I know that the EOS-90D from the loan pool has a touch screen shutter).

Neutral density filter – these reduce the amount of light that enters the camera, enabling longer shutter speeds even in bright daylight. These filters do not have any effect on the colour of the images. I had trouble in my first trip because I wasn’t aware that I would need them.

Macro photography

For this I will need the same macro lens I loaned for my first trip. This lens is a 60mm f2.8 canon macro lens. The loan camera does have a built in flash but I found this didn’t produce good lighting given how close I was to the object. Online sources suggest that a ring light flash that attaches to the front of the lens. For this work, manual focus is best.

Stacking

This technique is used when you take multiple images and merge them. One of the reasons this is done is to increase how much of the image is in focus. What impacts depth of field? The focal length of lens – a wide angle lens will have a bigger depth of field. Appeature – the wider the appeature, the more light is in the camera, the smaller the depth and field so less of the image will be in focus, the opposite is true for a narrow appeature. Distance to the subject – the closer you are to the subject you are focussing on, the shallower the depth of field. The purpose of stakcing images works much like how our eyes work. The two eye works together to produce the image we see based on various focal points in what we are looking at. Stacking is done by taking images of the same subject multiple times where the focal plane changes and are merged in post. Overall, you have an image with a bigger depth of field where it may not be possible to capture that same depth of field in a single image of a subject or environment. In the example video I watched on photographing jumping spiders (which are tiny!), the photographer gets in close and uses a rapid burst to get several exposures, moving ever so slightly closer which creates a slifhtly different focal plane each time. These images are then taken into a photo editing software and merged.

Astrophotography stacking – Image stacking in astrophotography is not used to increase depth of field like it is used in landscape and macrophotography, but to reduce noise. This seems like a very technical topic, but essentially, stacking images for this purpose allows you to drop the ISO without actually doing so. Typically photography of this kind (given the amount of ambient light in the scene) the ISO need to be quite high, of course this will introduce noise into the image. If the images are shot in ISO 6400, stacking 4 images will make it look like the ISO has dropped by half, another 8 will half that again, 16, 32, and so on. There is a free software that can the align the stars and freeze the background.

[carewyncromwell]

Even though I don't see Careywn or Orion to be the jealous types, I think the most likely prompt I'd like to see is #18. And for Jacob and Duncan, #20 please.

Carion: "No, I can't be polite to them if they're treating you like you were just there to please them."

The British and Irish Quidditch League had their fair share of players that had become celebrities. Gregory Cotton of the Appleby Arrows was often featured in the Daily Prophet for antagonizing fellow players; Gwenog Jones was legendary as captain of the all-female team the Holyhead Harpies; hell, the entire Parkin family and their role in the Wigtown Wanderers made them something of Quidditch royalty. And then of course there was the League's unofficial representative to the Ministry of Magic immediately post-War and Star Captain of the Montrose Magpies, Orion Amari.

Orion was -- quite frankly -- almost destined to have a fanclub. He was definitely eccentric and far more interested in playing Quidditch than in schmoozing or socializing, but that didn't change the fact that he was handsome, level-headed, witty, clever, and prodigy-level talented at Quidditch. He was also the father of a young daughter, Eos: a trait that more than a few female fans just made Orion all the more endearing.

Because of all this, though, it was not surprising that more than once, Orion had had his fair share of love-bombing from fans after his Quidditch matches. After one particularly difficult match against the Tutshill Tornados, he ended up surrounded by a screaming crowd as soon as he'd landed, largely made up of crazed fans desperate to touch their favorite Quidditch star.

"Peace, friends -- " Orion tried to soothe them as best as he was able, even as he tried not to flinch at the sheer amount of noise. "Ah...yes, this -- was a victory for us and for all -- thank you -- "

"Marry me, Orion!" screamed one girl.

Many other fans echoed this or otherwise squealed excitedly. Orion was pushed this way and that, but he kept his composure as best as he was able, keeping his best calm smile on even as dozens of hands patted and grabbed at his hair, clothes, and arms.

"I and my teammates appreciate your support -- " he tried to soothe them again as he weaved through.

The Captain's expression flickered noticeably when he felt a hand grab at his arse -- by the time he'd turned around, though, whatever fan had done it had disappeared into the giggling gaggle behind him.

"CLEAR OUT AND LET HIM THROUGH!" a voice burst out seemingly out of nowhere.

The crowd let out startled and offended outbursts as someone shoved their way through to Orion, their wand aloft and their short ginger hair flapping in the wind.

"Brainless things -- " Carewyn Cromwell muttered sourly before saying much more loudly, "I said clear out! For goodness's sake, he's a person, not a cardboard cut-out you can drool over! Find some dignity!"

She threw out a hand and seized Orion's arm, escorting him out even while keeping her wand pointed threateningly at the devolving crowd of mumbling, miffed fans.

Orion cocked his eyebrows at his other half.

"Be gentle with them, my dear," he said soothingly. "They are young and excitable...I'm certain no harm was meant."

"I don't care if it was or not, they were out of line," Carewyn said, visibly steaming. "They were completely violating your boundaries and disrespecting you as a player, as a subject of their admiration -- even just as a person. I know I'm not the sort to get titillated like that in general, but that doesn't give them the right to just -- grab at you like you're some Christmas meal they're determined to devour -- "

"Yes, little Firecrab," Orion said soothingly, "but my fans are not worth your fire. Quidditch matches are prone to overdramatic emotions...it's par the course that we players have chosen to fly, when we go professional. They would have broken apart on their own soon enough."

Carewyn glanced at Orion over her shoulder. Then, with a heavy sigh, she adjusted her grip on his arm so that she was holding his forearm in both of her hands.

"I'm sorry," she muttered. "I don't dislike your fans...but I can't be polite to them if they're treating you like you're just there to please them."

"I understand," said Orion gently. "And I thank you for your valiant rescue."

He leaned in to place a light kiss to her forehead. Carewyn smiled slightly despite herself as she placed her cheek beside Orion's shoulder.

"You did wonderfully," she murmured as they walked across the pitch together. "That goal you scored with your head was absolutely brilliant."

Orion beamed. "I credit Maddock for our lively conversation last month about Muggle football."

x~x~x~x

Jacashe: "For the last time, I'm not jealous! But I want to be the only one who looks into your eyes and holds your hand and hears your laugh. Is that too much to ask for?"

(set in the Haunted Mansion AU)

Paranormal investigating wasn't always glamorous. There was certainly a mystique to it for some people, and Duncan was more than used to strangers perking up a bit upon learning his name just because it was well-known enough, but that didn't mean that it was easy. Nor had it ever made it easy for him to score a date -- if nothing else, on those few occasions he even considered going out with a guy for a drink back in the day, Duncan often found himself distracted by a wayward ghost or two along the way, since so much of his travels brought him into haunted areas.

The dating sphere became even stranger for Duncan, though, after he met the likes of Jacob Cromwell. Because truthfully, Duncan was very fond of Jacob -- fonder than he knew he really should be, considering Jacob had been dead for nearly two hundred years. But that didn't mean that Duncan didn't still have physical urges -- and quite frankly the paranormal investigator didn't know how to address such things tactfully with his ghostly partner. After all, one could presume that Jacob couldn't feel anything sexually for Duncan without a body. Even if he could, Jacob could only partially materialize thanks to Madame Olivia's constant chanting, and mainly at night, so any physical contact between them would always be muted. However much Jacob had made his intentions to court Duncan clear and however much Duncan himself was deeply attracted to Jacob, Duncan knew there were real obstacles to the two of them being anything serious.

Jacob, however, was stubborn. However many issues Duncan saw in the way of them being a couple, Jacob had latched onto Duncan and he was determined to do everything he could to be anything and everything Duncan needed. And so when Jacob learned that Duncan had agreed to go out for drinks with another guy in downtown Atlanta one September night, the ghost was not happy.

"I'll be back in the morning, Jacob," Duncan said irritably, "there's no need to be jealous."

"I'm not jealous!" said Jacob, bewildered and upset. "It just doesn't make any sense is all! Why bother going with him, I mean, we can more than go out for drinks! We go out for drinks plenty! Sure, I don't drink anything, but that's fine! Cheaper all the way around, I'd say -- reckon we'd have better conversation too, unless he's recently gotten around to studying vaccines of the 20th century -- "

"It's not -- just about conversation, Jacob," Duncan said stiffly.

"Aye, sure, but I reckon I've still got to be better company -- I know you a hell of a lot better than he does!"

Duncan's stomach squirmed uncomfortably. "You said you intended to court me, Jacob -- that doesn't mean we're exclusive -- "

"I know that!" said Jacob hotly. "I'm just trying to figure out what in the nine circles of Hell that perfect stranger has that I can't give you!"

"A warm body, perhaps?!" Duncan shot back harshly.

Jacob faltered. His ghostly form flickered like a candle.

Duncan regretted the outburst at once -- he immediately went quiet, all of the color leaving his face.

"...I...Jacob, I'm sorry -- I'm..."

Jacob didn't look at him. His head was bowed and he stared down at his quasi-corporeal, gray-tinted hands.

"It's...okay, Ashe," he said after a moment, in a voice so quiet it was akin to the wind. "I just...lost sight, is all. I am prone to do that, I've heard -- old Blaise used to always say so. See things as I want them to be -- not as they really are..."

His ghostly form was slowly fading away. This sight made Duncan's heart leap up into his throat.

"Jacob -- !"

Before he could stop himself, he tried to grab Jacob's hand, only for his hand to pass right through him.

"Jacob, please, no -- please don't disappear, please stay -- I didn't -- I mean..."

Duncan swallowed, trying desperately to force down the lump that had cropped up in his throat.

"Jacob, I want you here," Duncan said in a very strained voice. "I want...you...more than I've ever wanted anyone. I want you in ways I can't have you."

Jacob looked up. His face was nearly all faded away, but his surprise was clear.

"I just..." Duncan flushed in both embarrassment and shame, "...don't know how to handle the wanting, on my own. And I didn't know how to talk to you about it when...well, you're dead." His eyes darkened. "...I'm sorry, Jacob -- I wasn't trying to make you jealous, I only..."

"For the last time, I'm not jealous," Jacob said, and although his defensiveness was audible, he sounded more irritable than hostile. "It's just..."

Duncan exhaled in relief seeing Jacob slowly re-materializing again. After a moment, Jacob looked up into Duncan's eyes, his own blazing with ethereal light blue.

"...I want...to be the only one," he murmured. "The one who looks into your eyes and holds your hand and hears your laugh. ...The one who makes you happy."

Jacob reached out to take Duncan's hand. It was so cold and lacking of a pulse, and there was this vague barrier there, as if Duncan was feeling a plastic doll's hand through Saran wrap, but the gesture still made Duncan's heart skip a beat.

"...Is that too much to ask for?" Jacob asked weakly at last.

Duncan looked at Jacob for a very long moment. Then, very tentatively, he reached out a hand and found Jacob's face. Silently relieved when he successfully made contact with Jacob's cold, translucent cheek, the paranormal investigator then hesitantly leaned in to place a kiss to the ghost's lips. The kiss was freezing and numbing and left Duncan lightheaded, but when Jacob passionately kissed him back, none of that mattered. It felt wonderful and liberating and happy.

When Duncan finally had to break off and catch his breath, he was smiling fully.

"No, it's not," he murmured beside Jacob's lips.

Jacob looked happier than a kid at Christmas. He sighed, resting his translucent head on Duncan's shoulder -- the contact made Duncan flinch the way he would in response to a cold winter wind, but he also found his smile becoming more of a smirk as he watched his ghostly lover relax.

"You realize that if we're going to be exclusive, though, my standards are going to be even higher," Duncan said coolly.

Jacob grinned so brightly that his eyes gleamed like surreal light blue traffic lights. "I'll work hard to meet them! Maybe when we get back to the Manor, I can hunt down Mum's old ring for you..."

Duncan was so startled that his face flushed. "Ring?"

Jacob suddenly looked sheepish. "Aye, well, as much as marriage is kind of off the table for us, if we're to be exclusive, I'd like to make that clear! I want everyone to know!" He offered a more cheerful smile. "Mum's ring is gold, so it won't tarnish, and even if it's small, I could get it resized to fit you. And it's got pink topaz in-laid into the rim! That'd be your gemstone, wouldn't it?"

"Oh, uh...yeah, I...guess it would..."

Duncan felt his blush darkening to a tomato-like scarlet, even as his smirk spread like a satisfied Cheshire Cat's.

His and Jacob's relationship was odd and had its fair share of difficulties -- but it was remarkable how that idiot could make him feel like he was on cloud nine, with seemingly so little effort.

Jealousy Prompts!

[idontknowreallywhy]

Estera - Ch 11 - Run

(Previous… Prologue - Stars are Only Visible in Darkness, Estera - 1 - Colour, 2 - Dinosaur, 3 - Shoes, 4 - Thunderbird, 5 - Lesson, 6 - Safe, 7 - Gull, 8 - Deliver, 9 - Coffee, 10 - Flight)

(Sofasurf’s Recrudescence which is the foundation for all of this)

What’s happened to Scotty? Has Virg broken the door or just his shoulder? Has John eaten his own arm in despair? Has EOS accidentally overthrown the government of a medium sized country in her anxiety?

None of these questions will be answered here, as I leave the Tracys within the tender loving care of @sofasurf and her alligators and we quickly check in with somebody else…

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One of the best things about Bez was his relentless enthusiasm about something as simple as her unlocking the front door. She smiled as he treated her to an impromptu drool bath and gradually nudged him down the hallway so she could put down her bags.

“You’ll never guess who I met today, Niebieski… the Commander of International Rescue! … Yes, he did seem nice… No, he didn’t have any treats…Yes it’s possible to be nice and not have treats, you daft creature… You don’t believe me do you?”

Extracting herself she reached up and fetched one of his favourite chews from the top cupboard.

“Give me a minute to get changed, Bez, then we’ll go for a run, ok?”

Receiving only chomping noises by way of reply, she left him to it and went to sort herself out. Grabbing her phone to check the time, it unlocked on the new contact screen and she smiled. He’d given her his personal number, just in case, but had been endearingly awkward as he’d asked her to save it under a pseudonym. Something to do with his brother John, someone called Kyra and security protocols, he was sorry it was such a weird thing to ask. She didn’t mind, she knew exactly what to name to save the number under.

She tapped the word ‘Blue’ and sent a quick message as he’d asked, given he’d not had his own with him.

“Was good to meet you today. Here is my number. I hope you’re doing ok? Estera”

Right. Job done. Next on the list: exercise.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

The wind was bitter as the sun slipped below the horizon and stained the clouds behind which it had been skulking most of the afternoon.

The plus side was it meant nobody else was out this far. They’d have the less well known Jacob’s Ladder beach to themselves while the rest of the dog walkers did a quick circuit of the main seafront. Bez, well insulated from the frigid air, lolloped excitedly down the steep path ahead and she ambled behind, limbs trembling slightly in the aftermath of their clifftop run. The exertion had helped focus her mind, as it always did, while she was actually running. But as soon as she allowed her heart rate to slow, the swirling thoughts returned.

The tide was right out, and it seemed every sea bird in the Westcountry had gathered to scour the shoreline for treats, their figures dark against the reddening sky and their fading shadows reaching many times their height across the sand towards her.

As expected, there were no other dogs on the beach - she unclipped the leash and let Bez hare towards the ocean, driving the gulls into the air in a squawking cloud, the combined sound of their wings like a drum roll in the distance. Usually his unbridled joy would be catching, but today she felt kind of detached, as if she was watching him frolic in a poor quality recording on a broken screen.

The shadows lengthened further.

Suddenly unable to contain all of the Everything building up inside, she let out a yelp and ran across the top of the beach towards the sunset. For a given value of running anyway. The pebbles sucked her legs downwards with every step, her feet slipping and twisting on the uneven surface. The wind whipped across the bay and blasted into her face, hair streaming and coat billowing behind her like a sail. Despite forcing her last scraps of pent up energy into her muscles she made barely any progress and eventually stumbled forwards, landing with a crunch amongst the stones.

She pushed herself on to her knees and paused, dizzy but aware of Bez sprinting back towards her, droplets of seawater flying from his fur.

Then he was there, shoving his soaking wet face into hers, blending the salt of the sea with the salt of her shame.

She’d left him.

The initial delight that he’d survived, that he hadn’t been stabbed to death in the square as she’d imagined was overshadowed by what she now knew his attempt to rescue her had cost him. The stories of the nearby camp were rife in the town. The open secret of the mass grave to the east of it. The horrors inside. Some said it was simple torture. Others had heard from someone who knew someone who had heard tell of twisted medical experiments. People said that when the wind was right, you could hear the desperate screams on the road, over a mile away. Nobody knew the truth of it because nobody came out.

People didn’t survive the camp.

And then there were the dogs. The constant barking as they patrolled the town, barely under the control of the thugs who held the leash. There were dogs at the camp too, she knew that. She recalled watching, helpless, from her window as her neighbour was dragged from his house by the snarling beasts. If he’d even made it to the camp alive, it wouldn’t have been long for him.

People didn’t survive the camp.

Somehow Scott had. She couldn’t quite believe it. It clearly hadn’t left him unscathed though. She covered her face and tried to picture the twinkle in his eyes as he had teased her about the toy in her pocket. The eyes of somebody who was alive and knew laughter. But she couldn’t find them. Instead she saw his wide, frightened eyes watching unknown horrors unfold behind her, in a reality only he could see.

She clenched her fists and yelled her apology to the sky, before pulling her knees to her head and wrapping her arms around her legs as she sobbed. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

Bez, damp yet radiating warmth, lay against her back and waited.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

[AO3]

Chapter 12…

[music-industry-updates]

Essential Tools and Techniques to Earn Money as a Music Video Director

Becoming a successful music video director requires a blend of creativity, technical skills, and the right tools. In an industry driven by visual and auditory experiences, having the right equipment and mastering essential techniques can significantly enhance the quality of your work and your earning potential. This comprehensive guide will cover the critical tools and techniques you need to earn money as a music video director, helping you transform your passion into a thriving career.

1. Cameras and Equipment: Investing in the Right Gear

The camera is the most crucial tool in a music video director's arsenal. Investing in a high-quality camera that suits your style and budget is essential. Popular choices include the Canon EOS R5, Sony A7S III, and the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. Additionally, invest in lenses that offer versatility in different shooting conditions, such as wide-angle, telephoto, and prime lenses. Other essential equipment includes tripods, gimbals, and sliders for smooth and stable shots.

2. Editing Software: Choosing the Best Software for Your Needs

Editing software is where your raw footage transforms into a polished music video. Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, and DaVinci Resolve are industry standards that offer powerful editing capabilities. Learn to master one of these programs to streamline your editing process, create seamless transitions, and add special effects that elevate your videos. Regularly updating your software ensures you have access to the latest features and improvements.

3. Lighting Techniques: Understanding Lighting Basics

Good lighting can make or break a music video. Understanding the basics of lighting, such as the three-point lighting setup (key light, fill light, and back light), is fundamental. Invest in quality lighting equipment, including LED panels, softboxes, and reflectors. Experiment with different lighting setups to create the desired mood and effect for your videos. Proper lighting enhances the visual appeal and professionalism of your work, making it more attractive to potential clients.

4. Storyboarding: Planning Your Shots Effectively

Storyboarding is a critical pre-production step that helps visualize the flow and composition of your music video. Create detailed storyboards to plan each shot, including camera angles, movements, and transitions. This process helps you stay organized, saves time during filming, and ensures that you capture all necessary footage. Storyboarding also facilitates clear communication with your crew and clients, aligning everyone's vision and expectations.

5. Directing Actors: Getting the Best Performance

Directing actors and performers to deliver their best on-camera performance is an essential skill. Develop a clear vision of what you want from each scene and communicate it effectively. Provide constructive feedback and create a comfortable environment that encourages creativity. Understand the nuances of body language and expressions to guide your actors in conveying the right emotions. Strong performances add depth and authenticity to your music videos.

6. Sound Design: Incorporating Sound Effectively

Sound design is often overlooked but is crucial to the overall impact of a music video. Pay attention to audio quality during filming, using high-quality microphones and sound recording equipment. In post-production, incorporate sound effects, ambient noises, and ensure that the music track is perfectly synced with the visuals. Good sound design enhances the viewer's experience and adds a professional touch to your videos.

7. Visual Effects: Adding Effects to Enhance Your Videos

Visual effects (VFX) can add a unique flair to your music videos. Learn to use VFX software like Adobe After Effects to create stunning effects such as explosions, 3D animations, and motion graphics. Even subtle effects like color grading, lens flares, and transitions can significantly enhance the visual appeal. Experiment with different effects to find a balance that complements your style without overwhelming the viewer.

8. Time Management: Managing Your Time Efficiently

Efficient time management is vital to meet deadlines and maintain a steady workflow. Break down your projects into manageable tasks and set realistic timelines for each phase, from pre-production to post-production. Use project management tools like Trello or Asana to track progress and collaborate with your team. Prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines, and allocate time for revisions and client feedback. Efficient time management helps you deliver high-quality work consistently and build a reputation for reliability.

9. Client Communication: Maintaining Clear Communication

Clear and effective communication with clients is crucial for the success of any project. Establish open lines of communication from the start, discussing project goals, timelines, and expectations. Provide regular updates on progress and seek feedback at various stages of production. Address any concerns promptly and professionally. Good communication fosters trust and satisfaction, leading to long-term client relationships and repeat business.

10. Portfolio Development: Showcasing Your Best Work

A strong portfolio is your best marketing tool. Showcase a diverse range of projects that highlight your skills, creativity, and versatility. Include high-quality stills, behind-the-scenes footage, and completed music videos. Create an online portfolio on your website and social media platforms to reach a broader audience. Regularly update your portfolio with new projects to demonstrate your growth and keep it relevant.

Mastering the essential tools and techniques of music video direction is key to transforming your passion into a profitable career. Investing in the right equipment, developing technical skills, and managing projects efficiently will set you apart in the competitive music industry. Consistent learning, creativity, and effective communication with clients are crucial to long-term success. Embrace these tools and techniques, and watch your career as a music video director flourish.

Related Articles:

For further reading, explore these related articles:

What is Apple Music Style Guide?

How to Get Your Song Copyrighted?

How to Distribute Your Music Video?

[fancallindia]

A Comprehensive Guide to Gadgets for YouTube Creators

In today’s digital landscape, YouTube has emerged as a powerful platform for content creators to showcase their talent, share knowledge, entertain, and connect with audiences worldwide. With millions of videos uploaded every day, it’s crucial to stand out from the crowd.

One of the most effective ways to do this is by improving the quality of your videos. This can be achieved by incorporating various gadgets and tools into your production process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of gadgets that can elevate the quality of your YouTube videos, helping you engage your viewers and grow your channel. Meanwhile ensure to checkout fancall app as it is one of the most handful apps for YouTubers.

1.Video Gadgets

The foundation of any great video is a good camera. While many YouTubers start with their smartphones, upgrading to a dedicated camera can significantly enhance video quality.

DSLR And Mirrorless Cameras

DSLRs (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) and mirrorless cameras are popular choices among YouTubers for their superior image quality and versatility. These cameras allow you to change lenses, providing creative control over depth of field and focal length. Some popular models include the Canon EOS series, Sony α6000, and Sony Alpha series.

Smartphones

Modern smartphones come equipped with high-quality cameras capable of shooting stunning videos. If you’re just starting out, your smartphone can be an excellent choice. Consider investing in a smartphone tripod or stabilizer to ensure steady shots.

2.Audio Equipments

Good audio quality is just as important as video quality. Crisp and clear audio can make your videos more engaging and professional.

External Microphones

Built-in microphones on cameras and smartphones may not capture the best audio quality. External microphones, such as shotgun or lapel microphones, are essential for recording clear voice overs and interviews.

Lavalier Microphones

Lavalier microphones, also known as lapel mics, are small and discreet. They are perfect for on-the-go vlogging and interviews, providing close-up audio capture while minimizing background noise.

3.Lighting

Proper lighting can make a world of difference in how your videos look. It can set the mood and ensure your subject is well-lit.

Ring Lights

Ring lights are a popular choice for YouTubers. They provide even and flattering lighting, ideal for beauty or talking-head videos. Some models even allow you to adjust the color temperature.

Softboxes

Softboxes create a soft, diffused light that reduces harsh shadows on your subject’s face. These are excellent for creating a professional and polished look in your videos.

4.Stability Equipment

Shaky footage can be distracting and unprofessional. To ensure your videos are smooth and stable, consider these gadgets:

Tripods

Tripods are essential for static shots and steady panning. They come in various sizes and styles, from compact tabletop tripods to full-sized ones.

Gimbal Stabilizers

Gimbals are fantastic tools for capturing smooth and steady footage while moving. They are especially useful for action shots and vlogging.

5.Drones

If you want to add breathtaking aerial shots to your videos, consider investing in a drone. DJI’s Phantom and Mavic series are popular choices among content creators. Drones allow you to capture unique and stunning footage from the sky.

6.External Hard Drives

Video files can take up a lot of storage space. Investing in large-capacity external hard drives ensures you have ample space to store and back up your video files, preventing data loss.

7.Smartphone Accessories

If you primarily use your smartphone for shooting videos, consider these accessories to enhance your capabilities:

External Lenses

Clip-on external lenses can improve your smartphone’s camera capabilities, allowing you to capture wide-angle, macro, and fisheye shots.

Steadicam For Smartphones

A smartphone steadicam or gimbal can help you achieve smooth, cinematic shots even when you’re on the move.

Conclusion

While these gadgets can significantly enhance the quality of your YouTube videos, it’s essential to remember that they are tools to complement your creativity and storytelling. Apart from it another major aspect is your community and through fancall you can connect with fans via personalized videocall. Start with the gadgets that align with your content and budget, and as your channel grows, consider expanding your collection.

Experiment, learn, and have fun with your equipment, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful YouTuber. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so enjoy the process of creating and sharing your unique content with the world. Happy YouTubing!

Article Source : https://www.fancall.in/a-comprehensive-guide-to-gadgets-for-youtube-creators/

[rjhreview]

Canon EOS Rebel T7 Review: Every Photographer's Guide to the Ultimate Affordable DSLR

Are you searching for a camera that combines affordability with high-quality performance? Look no further than the Canon EOS Rebel T7. This entry-level DSLR offers a compelling blend of features that make it an ideal choice for both beginners and those looking to step up their photography game. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore various aspects of the Canon EOS Rebel T7, including its design, image quality, low-light performance, battery life, video capabilities, and connectivity options. Whether you're a casual photographer or an aspiring professional, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 has something to offer. Read on to discover if this camera is the right fit for you. Design and Build Quality Image Quality Performance and Battery Life Video Capabilities Connectivity Conclusion FAQWhat is the price of the Canon EOS Rebel T7? Does it have a touch screen? What is the battery life? Is it good for low-light photography? Design and Build Quality The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is one of the lighter DSLRs on the market, weighing just 1.75 pounds with the battery and SD card. Its dimensions are 5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 inches, making it relatively compact. The camera's grip is wrapped in textured rubber, providing a comfortable and secure handhold. Although the body is mostly plastic, the build quality is reasonable given its price point. The camera's external controls are well-marked and provide quick access to essential shooting parameters like ISO, white balance, focus, and drive modes. The internal menu is logically arranged, making it easy to navigate through various settings. Amazon check Image Quality The T7 excels in delivering good image quality, especially under well-lit conditions. Colors are vibrant and well-saturated, even in Auto and Standard picture styles. The camera's evaluative metering does an excellent job of balancing exposure, even in challenging lighting conditions like bright beach scenes. The camera comes with a variety of picture styles, including Neutral, Faithful, and Monochrome, allowing you to customize your shots further. The 18-55mm kit lens captures good details, making it versatile for various shooting scenarios. The T7's ISO range is from 100 to 6400, with a Hi setting of 12,800. This range is sufficient for most scenarios, such as indoor parties with some light. The camera handles high ISO settings competently, keeping noise under control and retaining details up to ISO 6400. Amazon check Performance and Battery Life The T7 offers continuous shooting at up to 3 frames per second, which is adequate for most casual photography needs. Its nine-point autofocus system works best in high-contrast scenes and is generally fast enough for most applications. Battery life is rated at 600 shots per charge when using the viewfinder. However, this can drop to between 250 and 260 shots if you use Live View or other features like flash and Wi-Fi. Video Capabilities The T7 sticks to the basics when it comes to video, offering full HD recording at 30 frames per second. While it doesn't support 4K, the video quality is generally good, with accurate color reproduction and sharp images. Connectivity The T7 offers Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connectivity options. Canon's Camera Connect app allows for easy image transfer and remote shooting, making it a convenient choice for those who like to share their photos on the go. Conclusion The Canon EOS Rebel T7 strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an excellent choice for those new to DSLRs or those on a budget. Its robust feature set and good image quality mean you won't outgrow this camera quickly. So why wait? Elevate your photography game and make the Canon EOS Rebel T7 yours today! FAQ What is the price of the Canon EOS Rebel T7? The camera is priced affordably at $500, including the Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS II lens. Does it have a touch screen? No, the T7 does not feature a touch screen. What is the battery life? The battery life is rated at 600 shots per charge when using the viewfinder. Is it good for low-light photography? Yes, the T7 handles high ISO settings competently, making it suitable for most low-light scenarios. Amazon check When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission : Here’s how it works Read the full article