#or donuts in blacker’s case

[laniidae-passerine]

You guys have been really sweet about my really dorky Ruby Redfort posts recently so I thought I’d put in some work and get as much information as I can about everyone’s favourite code cracking, messy, doughnut eating Spectrum worker!

(Note: I am missing books 2 & 3 because I refuse to buy anything but hardback RR books, and there are other requirements because I’m a picky girl... so could someone else check those???)

Anyway, let’s begin today’s episode of Information about Blacker! Spoilers, maybe? Err on the side of caution!

Look Into My Eyes:

Blacker is a terrible dresser, doesn’t brush his hair and apparently doesn’t own a mirror. We stan one relatable king!

“He was a dishevelled looking man and his badge was upside down and his hair didn’t look like it had been combed since Christmas” [pages 149-150]

Ruby notes that he has a nice voice and is visibly friendly.

“He had a nice voice though. It had warmth - she could tell this from just a few words.” [page 150]

He drinks? so I’d assume he is not Muslim, Mormon, Baptist or Sikh. Although he could just be the child of people from any of those religions, and not be religious himself, so so much for figuring out his personal background or possible ethnicity.

“‘We (Blacker and Lopez) got a drink at Blinky’s bar’” [page 176]

He owns a car!

“‘at around four I dropped her off at that fancy salon off of Twinford Square’” [page 176]

He gave Ruby a key code to access the office in Trashford, indicating he trusts her a large amount.

“‘Well, it’s not technically a break-in. I have the key code, Blacker gave it to me’” [page 257]

Despite his long term belief that he has never ever met the Count, Blacker actually has - he met him when the Count was disguised as Klaus Gustav. Also he may be able to pilot a plane, if Hitch is being literal:

“‘Please tell me Klaus Gustav is safely in Twinford?’ said LB. (Hitch replied) ‘He is - Blacker flew him in yesterday.’” [page 329]

Take Your Last Breath

{n/a}

Catch Your Death

{n/a}

Feel The Fear

Blacker is the first person to suggest that there is a mole in Spectrum in the breiefing with Dixie Deneuve. He’s not one to blindly believe in Spectrum, no matter what Ruby’s paranoid brain tells her.

“‘Is it possible that the prototype has been taken by a person on the Spectrum team?’ asked Blacker.” [page 202]

He eats food that goes well with soy sauce and is an implied messy eater, indicating a varied palate beyond jelly donuts. Maybe eats East Asian food a lot because he’s from there?

“Ruby found (Blacker) wiping soy sauce off his jacket.” [page 217]

He has a good-ish working relationship with Miles Froghorn and is the only known person who gets along with Miles, referring to him by his first name.

“Blacker looked at Froghorn. ‘Come on Miles, Rube is actually asking a fair question.’” [page 218]

He’s a known diplomat, and knows how to get people to like him. Also, note he’s able to get one of those rare near-smiles off Froghorn!

“Froghorn stood up, very nearly smiled at Blacker, and without speaking another work exited the canteen. That was the other thing you couldn’t but admire Blacker - he was a diplomat.” [page 219]

He is not one for keeping clean. Vaguely unhygienic, but we’ll let it go, because he’s just that wonderful.

“He (Blacker) winked and wiped his hands on his jacket. He caught Ruby’s eyes and shrugged, ‘Ah, it needs washing anyway.’” [page 223]

Blacker is the one to have dubbed Mile’s office, room 324, the ‘Frog Pod’. It doesn’t seem mean spirited though, so maybe he’s allowed to make a little fun out of Froghorn because they’re buddies. Or whatever it is they have going on?

“As usual, Froghorn was in room 324 (the Frog Pod, as Blacker called it).” [page 274]

He openly admits to having messy living quarters and perhaps implies that he lives in an apartment.

“Blacker shrugged. ‘Could be the owner of the apartment is away or if he is anything like me then he wouldn’t notice a break-in - I’m telling you my place is real chaotic.’” [page 277]

He uses a transmitter watch, which is probably Spectrum issue, to communicate with other agents such as Buzz and Froghorn.

“He pressed the transmitter button on his watch, no answer, so he tried again and this time the call connected and he spoke into the tiny speaker. ‘Hi Buzz, I am trying to locate Froghorn - could you get him on the line?’” [page 289]

He’s a genuine, kind guy and just the world’s biggest sweetheart what a lovely man - I love him so much and I’ve never even met him 🥰🥰🥰

“Ruby smiled. Blacker was about as cool as a partner as she could wish for and at that moment she felt pretty lucky.” [page 366]

He can whistle. Devastatingly important information, I know.

“Blacker whistled - he could see it all.” [page 388]

He has had other important cases in the past, and was/is a full on field agent.

“‘Ah, once, back when, I had to work undercover tracking down some orchid smugglers. I learned a lot about the business.” [page 396]

Pick Your Poison

He doesn’t consider himself a particularly lucky person.

“‘I got lucky for once, just missed it,’ said Blacker, ‘So you wanted to see me?’ [page 273]

He is a trustworthy and honest guy, the reliable sort.

“Blacker was no liar. Blacker was the one person she could 100% count on, aside from Hitch.“ [page 286]

He is no usually thrown by many situations, a bit of a social butterfly if one will, and I’ve just realised every sentence I’ve typed has begun with ‘he’.

"He was never rattled - soda, yes; jelly donuts, always; but when it came to people he was as steady as they came." [page 370]

Both he and Hitch are slightly prone to morbid jokes, à la one dear, very, very de-parted Marshall Boyd.

“Hitch: ‘You don’t have to convince me, you should see the state she left Baby Face in - or rather I should say, states.’ Delaware: ‘How do you mean? Where is he now?’ Hitch: ‘Well, he left his heart in San Francisco.’ Blacker: “His head was found in Monterrey.’ Hitch: ‘And his legs have yet to show.’ LB: ‘Excuse me?’ Blacker: ‘He’s a goner.’” [page 503]

Blink and You Die

He is not fond of Superskins, but it seems like he’s been in one before, as he has an idea of what being in one is like. Also, he’s a smart man because he doesn’t like helicopters (working, I’m sure they’re just fine but you likely can’t jump from them due to the propellers- that thing begins to drop, pray to whomever that it just doesn’t catch on fire when you crash).

“‘No, mam,’ said Blacker. ‘Don’t like helicopters. And there’s no way I’m putting a Superskin on, not unless I have to.’ ‘They make you feel claustrophobic?’ ‘No, they’re just a heck of a struggle to get in and out of.’” [pages 131 and 132]

He’s not pro child agents, despite his friendship with Ruby, implying he agrees with LB’s stance on the matter.

“‘But I think his brilliance sorta clouded Spectrum’s judgement, made them think it would be easy enough to find a whole trope of children who could do just what he did.’” [page 355]

And that’s all the relevant information I can find about Blacker! Also, I accidentally re-read the part of BYD where LB begs Bradley to be safe and not die, but she knows he will, she knows deep down it’s the last time she’ll see him alive and now I’m about to cry, oh god. Thank god Agent Blacker exists.

[goron-king-darunia]

Annon-Guy: Lambda - "Hello. Coffee ☕?" Good question. 😉 In regards to that, how do you think the 14 Symphonia Characters take their coffee. P.S. I found this out, but officially Regal hates coffee. Regal states that coffee tastes like muddy water.

In some cases I’m gonna give 2 answers, the first for a general coffee order and the second for a more customized order akin to a Starbucks Order. Lloyd - Cream and 2 sugars, the “normie coffee.” Starbucks order is just a latte. 50/50 whether he’ll get a hot or iced coffee. ;D Colette - Blonder than she is with cream and loaded with sugar. Starbucks order is probably a frappuccino with extra pumps of caramel and mocha and SO SO MUCH WHIPPED CREAM. She will also order 10 Puppaccinnos (the tiniest cups with whipped cream) and hand them out to all the doggies she sees. Genis - Drinks coffee to feel grown-up even though his sister says it stunts his growth. Orders anything new and changes his order all the time. Will have whatever Presea is having if she’s with him. Raine - There was a clip going around about “How people on Tiktok say they take their coffee.” And it’s like Instant coffee and espresso powder and espresso shots and it’s made with coffee instead of water and it’s got ground coffee beans on top and it’s just a heart attack waiting to happen. That’s what Raine drinks. She has two kinds. “Study juice” which is just that, as it is, just coffee on coffee on coffee. Then she has “Bullshit juice” which is the same shit but full of Irish Cream (basically whiskey and cream). And she’s been desperately trying to figure out how to make them into gels so she can carry them as an item instead of in a flask. I have no proof she does this, but this is the vibe I get from her 100%. When she orders at Starbucks, she tells them to surprise her and her only request is 10 or more shots of espresso. Sheena - Less cream than Lloyd takes but more sugar. Starbucks order involves an extra shot of espresso, a pump of caramel, and possibly a seasonal flavor shot like peppermint or pumpkin spice. Probably prefers tea but only the kind she drank in her village growing up. “Nothing compares to the tea back home. Matcha doesn’t even come close.”

Zelos - Literally gets whatever the cute barista lady would recommend just to chat her up. Only drinks hot coffee. If he has to order from a man his preferred order is light cream, honey (not sugar), and nutmeg.  Regal - If he doesn’t like coffee his order is obviously “No thanks.” or tea. But if he HAD to have coffee, he’d probably give Colette a run for her money. He’d basically order a bowl of sugar with a shot of coffee. Catch Regal ordering mocha syrup in hot milk with sugar so it LOOKS like a coffee but isn’t actually a coffee. Presea - If she can’t have it with a triple berry scone, she doesn’t want coffee. She takes it straight black and no sugar because she uses it to add flavor to the scone. Don’t @ me. It’s not canon but I know I’m right. Will accept black coffee with a seasonal flavor shot but won’t be happy about it. Only likes hot coffee, only drinks it in the morning. If it’s afternoon, she’s not drinking it. Kratos - Probably also prefers tea but basically likes his coffee the same as Lloyds with one exception. He likes his extra blond. Cream up in that bitch. More cream than coffee. If the coffee is even SLIGHTLY acidic he hates it. Will 100% order Colette’s coffee order too.  Emil - I waffled on this. I ALWAYS feel like Emil likes sweets, but canon actually pushes that he likes salty, meaty things. His favorite food is fried chicken according to Crestoria, I think? Or was it Rays? Either way, a mobile game says he likes fried chicken, and in DotNW he complains that Colette only cooks with fruits and doesn’t make something “more substantial like a steak.” So if Emil likes coffee, all evidence points to him liking it either black with no sugar or with just cream. 100% would rather make redeye gravy with his coffee than drink it straight. Marta - Sugarbomb seasonals. Will get whatever flavor shot is in season before anything else, weak or decaf coffee, lots of sugar or caramel syrup, whipped cream, hot coffee in cold months, iced coffee in warm months. If there’s no added flavor shot, she feels like the coffee is boring. Is 100% the person who orders with a pastry and dunks it in her coffee.  

Alice - Blacker than she says her heart is and with ungodly levels of sugar. Carries packets of jam or spices to add her own flavor shots because she likes them but there's no way in hell she’s going to order the Mocha frou frou double dunk chip whip at the Starbucks from some barista that she can 100% feel is judging her. Sometimes makes Decus order for her to get the flavor shots without the shame. Iced coffee in all weather. Decus - Independently of Alice, he ALSO likes black coffee with flavor shots and sugar but considerably less sugar than Alice. Is 100% the dude in that one meme who orders black coffee with a blueberry flavor shot and nothing else. Richter - Probably prefers tea, specifically herbal tea, but when he has coffee, he has it the way Aster always made it: Double espresso with mocha and whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon and nutmeg. Will take sugar if he’s drinking the coffee by itself, will refuse sugar if he’s eating it with a donut (Aster always ate a donut with his coffee and Richter sometimes doesn’t have the heart to order a donut.) Prefers the coffee hot.

[agentredfort]

I literally just want autistic Blacker headcanons, this is the content that I live for. Like, my boy. I love him and I need some good content for him. Autistic Blacker is perfect.

YOU’RE SO VALID HERE WE GO

codes & computing are Special Interests of his and pretty much always have been

he tends to hum specific parts of songs he’s been listening to over and over as an auditory stim. it can get annoying if you’re not used to it but pretty much everyone he works with regularly knows about it and couldn’t care less

his office chair is one of those wheely swivel chair things (u know the type) and he does the Spin and Slide thing a lot around his office

donuts just have a Really Good Texture okay don’t ask him why

he tends to talk for at great length when he infodumps (usually about whatever case or code they’re working on in the code department, but he has been known to talk for like half an hour about the frankly terrifying evolution of horses). when he does it at Ruby she listens very intently for the full time without interrupting and then promptly infodumps back at him for about the same amount of time. they have been known to do this for hours

eye contact SUCKS working on codes and ciphers is so much easier because you rarely have to look at people when you’re doing that.

all of his pencils/pens are chewed to hell and back because he doesn’t realize he’s doing it when he’s working

[blackers-donuts]

Plaits of love

When Froghorn comes in with two small plaits prodding beneath his head with those funky plaits that come down from the top. Hitch had vaguely heard about them, he lived with a teenage girl after all and whilst they could both admit Ruby isn’t the most fashion forward girl, Sabrina sure is.

“Maybe if you take a picture Agent Hitch, it’ll last longer,” he snaps looking up from his papers, “if you are about to make fun at my pigtails I’m fairly certain I could get you fired.” “I am not, it is pretty, they suit you,” Hitch says, he can feel his body turn bright red and looking briefly away blushing completely to his ears. 

Froghorn matches Hitch’s colour before motioning through the door, “Miss Redfort is through there with Blacker.” “Froghorn, you maybe want to go out sometime,” says Hitch, trust the field agent to be the brash one and offer a date to the normally quiet Froghorn. “Cha’yeah,” says Froghorn, “and call me Miles please.” “I could call you anything you want me to,” flirts Hitch letting his field training get the better of him.

“Miles I am just a Miles, are you just a Hitch or,” replies Miles. “Art, sometimes,” says Hitch feeling his blush increase at his admitting his stupid first name. Why do parents name children after something they found beautiful, Art. “Okay Art, I’ll see you around seven,” says Miles taking control of the flirting, “maybe I will take you to a nice restaurant or something.” “I asked you out,” replies Hitch, “thank you though.” “Yep, pick me up from my home, you know where that is?” “No,” answers Hitch truthfully. “Ruby knows, ask her I am sure she has it all written down in those notebooks of hers,” Froghorn answers, “you really should do your job and pick her up.” “Seven?”double checks Hitch, “seven at your place.” “Yep don’t dress up fancy and yes a suit is fancy, I don’t care if you always wear suits,” says Miles, “ just put on a t shirt or something.”

Hitch nods though he is panicking about the lack of t shirts in his wardrobe. He has jeans, but he wears jeans with shirts not t shirts. He needed to go shopping or at least find someone to lend him something. “See you Art,” says Froghorn, “Redfort, your lift is here.” Ruby leaves and high fives Froghorn before fist bumping Hitch and leaving to wait in the car downstairs. “Listen I have the perfect place but it is not a suit place t shirts,” says Froghorn. Hitch nods before waving goodbye to Froghorn and following Ruby who is grinning from shotgun as Hitch slides in.

“I heard you need t shirts,” says Ruby. “No offence Ruby, I would much rather get fashion advice from Clancy then you and he wore heart shaped glasses for a month,” says Hitch, “I’ll drop you off at home and then I will try to find something. Do you know where Froghorn lives?” “With Blacker,” says the cryptic Ruby. “Where is that?” asks Hitch so close to just kicking Ruby out of the car. Ruby rattles off the address and Hitch smiles before passing her the donuts that he bought for her and tapping on the steering wheel till he reaches the house.

“That’s cute,” says Ruby watching the house keeper pull t shirts messily from the back of his wardrobe. “Too informal,” counters Hitch looking at the Nasa logo on the front, it came from the woman’s section so it was covered in glitter and silver, too be honest this was probably going to be the one t shirt that wasn’t covered in paint. He pulled it on and pulled a Star Wars hoodie over it. Hitch looks down, “too nerdy?” “Hell nah, he loves Nerdy stuff,” says Ruby.

Hitch nods and pulls on sharpied jeans, nothing wrong with a bit personalisation Ruby smiles and writes something around his ankle and he leans down to read it but she seems to have written it in Morse or something. “You are going to be late,” says Ruby. Hitch swears before sprinting to his car and driving, possibly at an illegal speed before parking the wrong end of the street and sprinting down.

“Shit, Miles I am sorry,” says Hitch as Froghorn opens the door, “I had a panic over an outfit.” “Oh did you,” says Miles embracing him in a hug, “seems a bit too nerdy for a field agent.” “I like space,” answers Hitch and he can feel his blush returning, now he will need to organise his outfits around when his face turns red. Miles separates and looks at his top, “my sister has that top.” “Well, I am not changing,” says Hitch. “I like it,” answers Froghorn, “I like your whole outfit honestly.”

Blacker comes up behind Miles, “are you two going out or standing in the doorframe letting snow in.” “Shut up Ethan,” says Mile before checking his reflection in his phone and brushing through his hair with his fingers before plaiting it with like three interlocking strands and pulling a giant red scrunchie around it.

“Hitch has got me for tonight, I’ll be back by shall we say eleven,” says Froghorn looking between his housemate and Hitch. Hitch looks up from his feet where he was standing awkwardly, “I am not going to kidnap you Miles.” “Just in case,” answers Miles, “I trust you.” “One date went wrong,” inputs Blacker before patting Hitch’s back, “have Miles back by eleven or I’ll get Sam out.” “Yeah yeah I will have him back Mr Blacker,” says Hitch, “ready to go.”

Miles looks up at Hitch, they happily swing their hands together before Miles drags him into one of those fancy bars that also offer food. Exciting food, actual good food that wasn’t microwaved fish and chips or a greasy pie. This is nice. “Hitch,” calls Sabrina from a table where she is sat over with a friend. “Miss Redfort,” replies Hitch. Miles grins a little, before tugging his date to another section of the restaurant and sitting down.

Hitch smiles a little, pulling at the hem of his t shirt. “Nasa eh,” asks Froghorn, linking their ankles under the table. “It is cool, I don’t fully understand the science. Probably not like you,” answers Hitch, “you could probably make a machine that could reach the constellations.” “Freckles,” mutters Miles, “don‘t pay attention to them.”

“They are adorable,” answers Hitch, he can see the decoder reach over into his hand and trace Orion on his palm almost self-consciously.

“Adorable eh? I think you liking NASA is adorable,” answer Miles smartly, “you know nothing about it and you are still fascinated by it.” “Aliens.” “Aliens,” comes the repeat. “It is a possibility,” answers the field agent, “don't make fun of me.” “Imagine Ruby knowing you believe in aliens,” giggles Miles.

The meal is good and both men spend the night blushing, flirting (badly) and talking (easily) and at about nine pm Miles pays and Hitch starts to walk Miles home, leading him around some teenagers drunken by either liquor or the night. Miles tucks himself neatly into Hitch’s arm before unlocking the door. “Do you want to stay tonight?” Miles asks, “Blacker makes mean pancakes every Saturday.” “I don’t want to overstay my welcome, ”answers Hitch. Miles look softly at him, cupping his chin slightly “Art.”

Hitch can feel himself blushing, colour spreading from Miles’s hand over his face, Miles leans down slightly and catches his lips slightly, “stay on the sofa or something. I will stay on the sofa.” “I will stay on the sofa,” answers Hitch leaning up a little, “if you go on another date with me.” “Yeah,” whispers Miles, leaning back down to kiss him slightly more stronger now, more confident.

“You came home early,” says Blacker dropping his keys by the front door and hanging his coat up, “I didn’t expect you.” “I came home like half an hour after I left three weeks ago,” answers Froghorn. Blacker rolls his eyes, “yeah, because he was evil.” “He was evil,” Miles tells Hitch, “you are a gentleman.” “Gentleman? Tell that to Ruby,” laughs Hitch, “I am hardly a gentleman.” “Compared to the last person he went on a date with,” counters Blacker. “Don’t talk about my last dates with that person, he was still better then Kevin,” answers Miles embarrassed, “especially in front of Hitch.” “Miles, no offence. Anyone is better Kevin,” says Blacker. “Go away Ethan, I was happily kissing Art before you rolled up.” “Get a room,” answers Blacker, as Hitch leans up to kiss Miles gently holding his shoulder.

Miles leads Hitch up to his bedroom, the opposite of his office which is pristine because this room is awfully messy with books (a mixture of sc-fi and fantasy) and notebooks (awfully similar to Ruby’s) are stacked and scattered across the room everywhere except the bed which has a small homemade quilt over the top and Miles sits down on it. “Don’t ask about my lovelife,” he warns, “I will tell you when I want to.” “So long as I get you now,” says Hitch, “don’t care about your past, I can care about your future if you want.” Miles shrugs a bit watching Hitch move around the room picking up cracked spines and funny named authors, carefully ignoring the notebooks- some of them may be too private to share right now or ever he did not want to flick through someone’s dairy after their first date.

“You should read that one,” points Froghorn, “it is very good.” Hitch picks it up and reads the blurb- flicks through the pages and notice the small print of the agent as he has written his own annotations. Places it next to where he sits as he moves to be in a closer space to Miles who is fiddling with his hair. Hitch opens the book and leans against Miles before reading quietly whispering words, under his breath as he reads.

“Art,” he asks, causing the agent to look up sharply from his book, “can we do this again sometimes?” “Yeah,” says Hitch, “do you want me to go?” “No no continue reading please,” comes the quick reply as Froghorn pulls a notebook out and starts to scribble as Hitch goes back to whispering words about mystical lands, letting occasional distractions from Miles pull him away.

[ultralifehackerguru-blog]

New Post has been published on http://www.lifehacker.guru/8-ways-to-overcome-impulsive-spending/

8 Ways to Overcome Impulsive Spending

Back in 2007, with the economic recession looming, President George W. Bush offered questionable advice to his fellow Americans: “Go shopping more.”

There are plenty of behaviors we all should engage in more often—exercising, volunteering, showing kindness—but clicking “Buy now” is not among them.

And yet many of us follow that “go shopping more” advice all too readily. We shop recreationally, habitually, impulsively, and, in many cases, uncontrollably. In fact, 6 to 7 percent of Americans qualify as “compulsive buyers,” according to a 20-year review of studies published in the American Journal on Addictions.

“We may feel a temporary high when we make impulsive purchases, but there are serious long-term consequences,” says Koorosh Ostowari, author of The Money Anxiety Cure.

The financial perils of impulsive spending are obvious: major debt, an empty college fund, a plundered retirement account, perhaps the loss of your home, possessions, or dream vacation. As demonstrated by lottery-winners and celebrities alike, how much money you make doesn’t guarantee financial freedom—it all comes down to what you spend.

But impulse buying endangers more than your bank account. Even if you’re well off, mindless spending clutters your home and your mind while costing you energy and time.

Spending on impulse may feel good temporarily, but it often triggers residual stress and anxiety, which can even lead to more spending. “Impulsive shoppers sometimes fall into a vicious cycle of buying, feeling bad about it, and then buying more to feel better,” says Koorosh.

Are you ready to stop making hasty, mindless purchases? The first step is to figure out why you’re doing it.

Have you ever purchased a $200 black sweater in spite of a) not having $200 to spend, b) already owning three blacker sweaters or c) having no room for it in your closet?

Koorosh points to four possible reasons you said, “I’ll take it!”

To fill an emotional void. “Some people use shopping to counteract a sense of emptiness, fear, guilt, stress, or boredom,” says Koorosh.

Because you’re in the habit. Maybe you have an affinity for black sweaters and buy them on autopilot. “Sometimes we’re just not present during a purchase and don’t give it any thought.”

To boost your self-image or social status. A fashion-forward purchase here and there is fine, but unconsciously purchasing each season’s new styles for the sake of social status can feel like an unforgiving obligation.

To score a “deal”—and prove how business-savvy you are. Of course, where’s the “value” if you don’t need or can’t afford the sweater?

Whether you shop at Costco or at Tiffany, the strategies for putting a halt to impulsive spending are the same:

1. Browse Your Favorite Store—Without Buying

Notice what thoughts and emotions bubble up as you scan the shelves. Do you have that “wanting, craving, grasping” feeling? Then notice how you feel after you exit the store empty-handed.

“Saying no is an empowering feeling,” says Koorosh. “You think, ‘Oh my gosh, I caught myself,’ and you remember that feeling next time you go shopping.”

2. Scrutinize the Stuff in Your House

Take a hard look inside your drawers, cabinets, and closets. Are they crowded with items you never use? What prompted you to buy those items, and how did you feel when you brought them home? Did the purchases satisfy your needs?

How will it feel to own even more gadgets, earrings, or vintage salt-and-pepper shakers?

3. Don’t Shop Unless You Feel Centered and Relaxed

Hitting the stores when you’re sad, mad, or stressed is like walking into a bakery when you’re famished: a ticket to overindulgence and remorse.

Look for other ways to nurture your emotional needs. When you feel blue, call a friend. When you feel bored, start a new book. When you feel angry, go for a power walk.

4. Pause Before Each Purchase and Check-In With Yourself

Ask: Do I really need this or do I just want it? Can I afford it? How many hours will I have to work to cover this purchase? How will I feel if I bring it home? Does my home have space for this?

We are constantly under pressure—from social media, from advertisers, and even our friends—to buy without thinking, so it’s critical to step back and reflect. “Unless we practice building that muscle of inquiry,” says Koorosh, “it stays weak. Just taking that little pause can make a huge difference.”

For major purchases, make it a bigger pause before you commit—for a few weeks at least. Then see if buying that kayak, TV, or mini-van still seems like a good idea.

5. Shop With a List, and Don’t Buy Anything That’s Not On It

If you truly need new athletic shoes, fine, head to the store and buy a pair. But don’t walk into a store or go online without an agenda that passes your muster (see #4).

6. For Two Weeks, Buy Nothing but Groceries and Essentials

“It’s like doing a cleanse, like seeing what it feels like to eliminate donuts from your diet,” says Koorosh. “Just explore and see what happens.”

This practice is more of a commitment but will prove to you that you can live without that afternoon Frappuccino or a new cosmetic. Afterward, this can help you feel more satisfied with future purchases.

7. Make Gratitude a Daily Practice

Each day, list three things you dearly appreciate, whether it’s your daughter’s piano playing, your daily yoga practice, or the hummingbird outside your window. “When you remember what you are grateful for, you need less stuff to feel happy and satisfied,” says Koorosh. “Practicing gratitude opens up neurological pathways, taking us out of fight-or-flight survival mode into feelings of love and satisfaction.”

8. Track Your Spending

Taking a few minutes each day to monitor and think about where your money is going is a powerful, enlightening habit. In a recent survey conducted by Tiller Money, 79% of people said that tracking their spending with a simple spreadsheet has led to less impulsive spending.

If you find any of these strategies too difficult to implement and you think you may have a serious shopping addiction, consider seeking help from an experienced therapist or joining Debtors Anonymous.

Featured photo credit: Clark Street Mercantile via Unsplash.com

©

[agentredfort]

Ruby Redfort Tarot Deck: Major Arcana

I’ve been working on this for a while! I don’t know if I’ll ever actually create this deck (e.g. draw the cards themselves), or even actually do the minor arcana (i don’t even know if I can do them, there might not even be enough content for that)

feedback is welcomed, of course, and feel free to debate my choices/ask me about them/draw the deck out yourself!! I must admit, some of these choices aren’t the best, and I’m not too sure if they all work out well.

0: The Fool: Ruby Redfort

(imagination, intuition, rushing into a situation without thought)

Imagery suggested: Ruby as we know her, looking distracted and glancing off into the distance. Her shirt reads BOZO and she is holding a notebook in one hand. The Escape Watch is fastened around her wrist, and Bug is at her feet.

1: The Magician: Miles Froghorn

(mastery, in one’s element, reaching maturity)

Imagery suggested: Froghorn standing in front of a desk, looking as uptight as he usually is. The background is a cascade of colors and patterns, to represent his synaesthesia.

2: The High Priestess: LB

(foresight, intuition, consideration)

Imagery suggested: LB as she first appears- seated in her white office with her fingers interlaced in front of her. Her feet are bare, and her toenails are painted red.

3: The Empress: Lorelei Von Leyden

(feminine influence, practicality, tools at hand)

Imagery suggested: Lorelei lounging on a throne, with the mask that she used to appear as Sal in Pick Your Poison only partly done- half her face is her own, half is somebody else's. In her hand, she holds a vial of perfume in the manner that the Empress would usually hold the scepter. In the background, the Blue Alaskan wolf lurks.

4: The Emperor: Bradley Baker

(authority, patriarchy, following the rules)

Imagery suggested: Bradley Baker is seated on a chair, face obscured by shadow. His figure is indistinct, but he can clearly be seen wearing the Escape Watch and holding LB's Paris paperweight in the other hand. There are mushrooms growing on the ground around him.

5: The Hierophant: Mrs Digby

(weight of history, ritualism, old practices)

Imagery suggested: Mrs Digby, holding a long needle in one hand. She is positioned on the top of the roof of the Eye Tower, illuminated by a long spotlight.

6: The Lovers: Brant and Sabina Redfort

(freedom of emotion, overriding passion, union)

Imagery suggested: The two of them are back-to-back with their arms intertwined, but their heads are tilted to stare affectionately at each other. They look perfectly matched- Brant is wearing a suit and Sabina's dress is elegant and stylish.

7: The Chariot: Ruby's notebooks

(journey, need for balance, rush to decision)

Imagery suggested: The space between Ruby's floorboards is cracked wide open, showing all of her yellow notebooks. The uppermost one is opened to a new, blank page, and there is a pencil resting on top of it.

8: Justice: Clancy Crew

(balance, harmony, firmness of character)

Imagery suggested: Clancy, in his most casual of appearances. His hands are outstretched, and he holds a folded origami figure in each hand- a sword, and a set of scales.

9: The Hermit: Buzz/Casey Morgan

(prudence, patience, possession of secrets)

Imagery suggested: in the foreground, Buzz as she appears upon first meeting Ruby- at her desk, surrounded by multicolored phones. In place of the Hermit's traditional lantern, she is holding the 8-key aloft in one hand. Behind her is the stylized image of a spider

10: The Wheel of Fortune: Ruby's fearlessness

(inevitability, destiny, crux of fate)

Imagery suggested: Ruby is balancing on a thin wire over a clear blue sky, seemingly careless of where she is going. There is no support, and she is clearly about to fall. Below her, Twinford is sprawled out beneath her, a long way down.

11: Strength: Hitch

(courage, heroism, resolution)

Imagery suggested: Hitch is depicted here restraining a crocodile, as opposed to the lion that is normally shown in a tarot deck. He holds a gun in one hand, and is smiling, apparently enjoying himself.

12: The Hanged Man/the Traitor: The Sea Whisperer

(sacrifice, reversal of fortune, uncertain outcome)

Imagery suggested: The lone figure of a diver in the position of the eponymous hanged man- but tethered upside-down. In place of a noose, the tentacles of the Sea Whisperer encircle their feet and spiral outwards to take up the rest of the image. Rubies spill out from the top of the scene, scattering through the water around the diver and octopus.

13: Death: The plane crash

(transformation, end of an era, abrupt change)

Imagery suggested: the plane that killed Bradley Baker, spiralling through the sky and on fire. In the foreground, LB's hand should be seen, holding a phone.

14: Temperance: Blacker

(accomplishment through discipline and practice, consolidation of resources)

Imagery suggested: Blacker as he most often appears- dishevelled and untidy, but ultimately friendly and open. There is a pencil tucked behind his ear and he is holding a donut in one hand.

15: The Devil: The Count

(subservience, lack of principle, shock to system)

Imagery suggested: The Count, standing on a stage with his eyes closed and his hands spread theatrically in front of him. Behind him should be an old, broken film reel, and behind that, the green hourglass.

16: The Falling Tower/the Lightning Bolt: The Count's Apple

(downfall, disillusionment, lack of trust)

Imagery suggested: Ruby's hands, which are holding both halves of the Count's rotten apple. The left half is blackening and decaying. The right half contains the note that says LB.

17: The Star: The Jade Buddha

(inspiration, hope, auspicious beginning)

Imagery suggested: the Buddha is enclosed in a glass case, with its eyes flashing red. From the right, the Count's hand is reaching out, as if to touch it.

18: The Moon: Marnie Novak/The Australian

(deception, obscurity, insanity)

Imagery suggested: She is standing with her face partly obscured by shadow, and she is smiling. In one hand, she holds a smoking gun. In the other, she holds a lit match. The moon is rising behind her.

19: The Sun: Ruby's friends

(fulfilment, accomplishment, companionship)

Imagery suggested: Ruby and her school friends- Clancy, Del, Red, Mouse and Elliot- seated around a table companionably. They are all enjoying milkshakes, and laughing together. The sun is shining through the window of the café they are in.

20: Judgment/the Angel: Nine-Lives Capaldi

(reckoning, accounting for all actions, rebirth)

Imagery suggested: Valerie Capaldi, as she dies in the first book- scars and all. Her eyes are wide and her mouth is slightly open as she stares at her killer. She has a hand pressed to her chest, where blood is slowly spreading.

21: The World: Spectrum HQ

(completion, synthesis, eternity)

Imagery suggested: the floorplan of Spectrum 8, traced out in many colors. In the foreground, a fly.

[agentredfort]

ruby redfort fic masterlist

What is this- geek central?

welcome to the Ruby Redfort fic masterlist, where I do my very best to collect every single bit of fic that’s out there on the internet for your convenience!

I’m not listing these based on quality (and besides, there’s not exactly a lot out there so i can’t pick and choose) so there’s going to be a wide range of fics in this list. any fics that I especially like will be marked as [PERSONAL FAVORITE]. any fics that I’ve added in recently will be marked as [*NEW*]. ships will be tagged!

if there’s any fics that you’ve noticed I’ve missed- or if you’ve written something yourself!- either shoot me an ask or a message via Tumblr and I’ll add it straight away. 

Onwards!

A Guide To Love For A Bozo [wattpad] by TeamSpectrum [multichapter, ongoing] Ruby/Clancy

This is a cluby fan-fic written by Agent Baker. Take a look to find out what happens.

despite the sparse description, this is actually pretty good.

Always [ff.net] by mockingjay341 [Oneshot, complete!]

Ruby is suffering from nightmares, but Clancy will always be there to make her feel better.

hella sweet. ruby needs a hug

Aren’t We All a Bit of a Bozo? [tumblr] by blackers-donuts [oneshot, complete!] Hitch/OC 

Heather looked across at Lydia as they ate their morning toast. “LB reckons there is going to be a new coding agent today, some kid. You know, the one Hitch is looking after.”

interesting concept!! 

Bozo [wattpad] by Kaya_Tano [multichapter, ongoing] Clancy/Ruby

Ruby Redfort, a thirteen year old Spectrum Agent, is facing more than just trouble at work. Her hormones are raging and her best friend Clancy Crew has fallen for her, hard. But Ruby doesn't notice because she is too busy trying to solve her latest case at Spectrum, and how will she cope when one of her closest friends is killed by the notorious murderer The Count, who is supposed to be in a high security prison? And who is the mole at Spectrum who is leaking information to him?

 not bad. i’m not a big fan of the ‘spectrum pairs ruby up with a cute boy her age’ plot, but this seems to be decently-written.

Changed at Birth [tumblr] by blackers-donuts [Twoshot, now complete!] Background Hitch/Blacker 

“They said mum should have killed me with iron,” whispers Ruby.

the folk tale au i never knew i wanted tbh. only halfway done at the moment but it’s such a cool concept and it fits really well??

Convincing LB [wattpad] by Jasmine3103 [Oneshot, complete!]

I really wanted to know what Hitch said in CYD to convince LB to give Ruby another chance. So here is my version.

this was a really good missing scene sorta fic! give it some love if you’ve got a chance, the author seems really lonely to me

Family Ain't Just Blood [ao3] [tumblr] by celestialskies [Oneshot, complete!] [*NEW*]

Ruby looked up, aware that she probably looked like someone had tried to rock her to sleep by dragging her through a hedge backwards several times. Six hours of sleep over three days can do that to a person.

"Couldn't sleep," she muttered. In her tired state, she barely noticed Hitch's expression shift from one of surprise surprise and mild amusement to one of concern.

Ruby can't sleep, and Hitch steps in.

goddamn, i’m always a sucker for unconventional family stories. i actually squealed when I saw this one, which should give you  a pretty good idea of how much i enjoyed it

Five times Clancy Crew chained his bikes to Ruby Redfort’s and one time he didn’t [tumblr] by blackers-donuts [Oneshot, complete!]  [PERSONAL FAVORITE] 

The first time it was a mistake- honestly the chain accidentally went through the frame and well, it only held Ruby up temporarily.

this is really hecking cute and is just generally really great. it made me smile a lot. please check it out

Grains of Sand and Love [tumblr] by  blackers-donuts [Oneshot, complete!] Ruby/Clancy

Being sixteen suddenly brought the barbecues on the beach, adolescent drinking and all the drama that it comes with.

it’s no secret by now that I love this author, this is soft and lovely and good and you should really read it

High School Sweethearts [tumblr] by blackers-donuts [Oneshot, complete!] [PERSONAL FAVORITE] Ruby/Del, Hitch/Blacker

There was no way you could look between Blacker and Hitch and think ‘brothers’.

short and oh so very sweet. i think i’m crying. this one is so good, my gay little heart is appeased

hold on tight [wattpad] by w0nderland-writing [multichapter, ongoing]

Ruby Redfort never gets a break, and in this story Ruby goes on an epic adventure in the Grand Canyon.

pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. a bit scattered but mostly coherent.

In which Ruby was right to worry [ao3] by Wolfiethepretzel [oneshot, Complete!] [*NEW*] [PERSONAL FAVORITE]

Froghorn was a constant nuisance in Ruby's life. But as soon as he disappeared she realized she'd rather him be about.

perfect Ruby characterization and some really hecking good bonding/character development. if you read nothing else on this list, at least check this one out.

Look Into His Eyes And Take Your Last Breath [wattpad] by WARNINGwhovian [very long, complete!] Clancy/Ruby, background LB/Baker [PERSONAL FAVORITE]

Meet Ruby Redfort, a super cool teenage wannabe spy. She's been through thick and thin and survived things from a giant sand timer to a legendary sea monster to invisible thieves to mythical wolves. She's already one of the most experienced agents in her agency, Spectrum, without even being an official one yet. She thinks she seen it all. But Ruby's entering a dangerous stage of life where she is vulnerable to many things, lots of things she knows nothing about. But Ruby is unduly worried about the years to come. She's a dauntless girl. But when things start to go wrong in her social life, her agent training in Spectrum and the return of an old foe start kicking off and suddenly, everything happens at once. And Ruby is faced with a choice. A dream job at a top secret spy agency with an astronomical pay, or a scrawny boy who doesn't believe in a dangerous life. Ruby Redfort, the choice is yours.

to my knowledge, the only completed longfic in the fandom so far. although it could do with a bit of editing, the quality is overall excellent and there’s some twists in there that even i wasn’t expecting. I especially loved the Ruby-Hitch dynamic and interactions in this one. If you’ve got a spare hour or two, I definitely recommend that you check it out!

Riding the Rails [tumblr] by blackers-donuts [Oneshot, complete!] Crossover with Railhead 

“The Guardians want you, Ms Redfort,” says a station worker as Ruby stops her game of Rock paper scissors with Zen.

I can honestly say I’ve never heard of Railhead before, but was super cool nonetheless. it feels super surreal and the details were a+++- go check it out

Rosetta Redfort: Freefall [wattpad] by TeamSpectrum [multichapter, ongoing] background Clancy/Ruby

Ruby's daughter, Rosetta, discovers her secret-Spectrum.  A conspiracy to steal a gem that will lead to a collapsing mountain and a giant flood.  Will Rosetta crack like a diamond under pressure or will she stand strong?

an interesting take on a future-fic. might not be everyone’s cup of tea but i kind of liked it.

Love is blind, well Ruby is. [ao3]  [tumblr] by Neondragon54 [Oneshot, complete!] Blacker/Hitch

It's well known to the entirety of Spectrum not to go into the coding room after Hitch had returned from a mission. Everyone (Blacker) is distracted and more than once has an important agent (LB) walked in on two agents kissing.

Ruby doesn't know this rule.

Goddamnit, now I’m invested in this ship. this is also super good, read it.

Movie Night [tumblr] by goldstarsforall [Oneshot, complete!] [*NEW*] Blacker/Hitch

They got to the cinema a lot earlier than either of the men expected. It was a clear night, the air felt crisp and clean and if they hadn’t booked Hitch would have just wanted to sit in the park and talk.

heckin’ cute lil’ oneshot. a Good Ship. a Good Fic.

Ruby Redfort: Don't Look Around [wattpad] by maybeitsdella [multichapter, ongoing]

Welcome back Ruby Redfort: every smart kid's smart kid. 

After making Larva, Ruby Redfort's career in espionage is sending her off the ground running. There's no time to sit at home, with Clancy (who might just have a crush on her), sipping on banana milk, watching Crazy Cops. Not when the Count is still out there, and not when the Silent G is just sitting there waiting for her to fail (or die).

A promising start, this fic looks quite interesting. It’s only got a few chapters so far but I’m definitely going to be following it closely

Ruby's Rule 6 [ff.net] by mockingjay341 [Multi-chapter, ongoing!] [PERSONAL FAVORITE]

Ruby and Clancy have each other's backs - no matter what. So what will they do when they realise that sometimes our greatest strengths can also be our biggest weaknesses?

hell yeah, multi-chapter!! i really love how Ruby and Clancy bounce off each other so far, it feels super real. I’m honestly looking forward to reading more from this author. i haven’t felt this excited for a fic in a while

Silence Is Golden [tumblr] by blackers-donuts  [Oneshot, complete!] [PERSONAL FAVORITE]

There was a sharp knock at the door. Ruby was finally going to bury the hatchet with Froghorn by asking him for help. 

this is possibly the softest thing i’ve read in my entire hecking life. basically just the code team chilling around and bonding and honestly it’s just so sweet and good

Some kinda death wish [ff.net] by Bubbly Washing Machine [Oneshot, complete!]  [PERSONAL FAVORITE] 

They stood at the bottom of the stairs, in the dark, and argued. "Rube, don't go up there," said Clancy desperately, "just wait for the rest of the team." "Look bozo, someone's gotta take her out before she catches on and splits the scene." Clancy looked her in the eye, pleading. "Please. Wait for backup."

Beautiful little character study- cute and poignant.

Sweating Is Totally (not) Necessary [tumblr] by blackers-donuts [Oneshot, complete!] [*NEW*] [PERSONAL FAVORITE] Blacker/Hitch, Ruby/Del

The phone finally picked up, Ruby knew it was still Clancy’s first few weeks at the desk of Buzz and he was getting a grip with the phone system but it really should be quicker.

This wonderful person wrote this for my birthday, so of course I freaking love it. it’s a great character study and just generally all-round a Good Thing- there was a coding segment midway through that I particularly enjoyed!!

Other Things

The TeamSpectrum Collection on Wattpad- an assortment of short fics, competitions and discussions that’s been put together by a whole lot of users, including me! Definitely worth checking out. 

My own wide very small assortment of fanfiction, located over on this page! it’s not included here on the masterlist because- well, posting my own stuff is a tiny bit awkward- but i hope you read and enjoy my work all the same

My ongoing Social Media AU can be found here. 

LAST UPDATED: 14/08/2017