#or. a solid color with perhaps a logo on it

[gynandromorph]

these were cover ideas i tested out in june (ganked the cross pattern from an actual bible cover, i would design it myself for real though) and i don't have to decide between them anymore now

[physalian]

Color in Fiction! (Once You See it, You Cannot Unsee it)

White versus black, red versus blue, Gatsby’s green light, Dorothy’s ruby red slippers, Belle’s blue dress.

Color is perhaps the most ubiquitous motif used across both fiction and reality to thread people or objects through a common theme, or to pit two ideologies against each other beyond their verbal spats. Color is also perhaps the simplest motif, but that doesn’t make it any lesser in its potency.

In fiction, color is an easy way for the audience to learn as fast as possible who’s on whose side, and who their opponents are, and today, we’re going to look at a few.

But first: Crash course into color theory:

Warmer colors evoke passion or uncertainty, movement and excitement, happiness and warmth, but also rage, aggression, love, and lust. The cooler colors evoke sadness and serenity, but also youth and spring and winter and death.

Most of the time when a creator wants to juxtapose color in a narrative or other work, they’re going to use inverses, just google one of the hundreds of teal and orange movie posters. Inverses are whatever colors lie at opposite sides of the wheel. Blue and Orange, Red and Green, Purple and Yellow. These pairs show up either in opposition, or as an ensemble of one character or a group or team.

Part 1: Black and White

Yes it has grounds in racism, but black and white are also accepted to mean chaos and order, good and evil, death and life.

In a show like Lost, themes of black and white are constant. The black and white backgammon pieces, the colors of the Dharma station logos, the show’s main title card, God stand-in Jacob (Lucifer from Supernatural), and his unnamed brother, the Man in Black.

Black and white show up *everywhere,* in some places subtler than others. In fiction with a male and female lead, if they are coded in black and white, the man is almost always the one in black. Black means strength and mystery and this deep, almost corrupted darkness. White is purity, femininity, youth, and nurturing, when a woman wears it, unless she's the villain.

Villains in white are very often surprise villains:

The White Witch (Chronicles of Narnia)

Saruman (Lord of the Rings)

President Coin (Hunger Games)

Hans (Frozen), Mayor Bellweather (Zootopia), Auto (Wall-E)

Elizabeth from Pirates of the Caribbean is an interesting case. She begins the first movie wearing light colors and being trapped in the pure and lawful life of the governor’s daughter. She ends her arc in the third movie in solid black (through several costumes) a badass Pirate King and wife of the new Captain of the Flying Dutchman.

Men in black are chivalrous, dark knights, or morally grey vigilantes, silent badasses, or edgy badboys. Black is also of course reserved for villains a la Darth Vader, or Severus Snape and Voldemort and a million others. The "Black Knight" is his own trope, whether he's in a fantasy setting or not.

Women in black are temptresses, or seductive badasses. Black is the color of corruption, sin, and angst in western media 9 times out of 10 unless a narrative wants to subvert it.

I could do an entire essay on black and white in Lord of the Rings alone but here's a few other contrasts: The white Tower of Ecthelion, Minas Tirith, the "White City", the White Tree, Gandalf the White. The Black Riders, Black Speech, Black Land of Mordor, Orthanc (Saruman's Tower).

But you don’t have to make your character’s entire costumes black and white, no, you can just make their hair light and dark.

Part 2: Hair

**Possibly also because racism but we don’t have time to unpack all that right now**

When you have your male protagonist and his male foil, love interest, competition, companion, lancer, or villain, most of the time (in western media where blonds are in abundance) the more noble or “good” character of the two will be blond, the other brunet, especially in a love triangle. If two male characters have opposing ideologies on any level, they will often have opposing hair. A male and female lead duo will also tend to have opposing hair, but it’s most obvious what they’re doing when it’s two dudes and not just coincidence.

Here’s a nonexhaustive list, with the brunet first (ignoring if the adaptation was faithful):

Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamnee (LoTR)

Aragorn and Boromir (LoTR)

Aragorn and Theoden (LoTR)

Denethor and Faramir (LoTR)

Thorin and Bilbo (Hobbit)

Jack Shephard and James “Sawyer” Ford (Lost)

Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar (Brokeback Mountain) *Also have opposing hats*

Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent (The Dark Knight)

Tony Stark and Steve Rogers (Marvel)

Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers (Marvel)

Loki and Thor (Marvel)

Nico di Angelo and Will Solace (Percy Jackson)

Percy Jackson and Jason Grace (Percy Jackson)

Sherlock Holmes and John Watson (the Cumberbatch one)

Sam Winchester and Dean Winchester (Supernatural)

Edmund Pevensie and Peter Pevensie (Chronicles of Narnia)

Gale Hawthorne and Peeta Mellark (Hunger Games)

Damon Salvatore and Stefan Salvatore (Vampire Diaries)

Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby (2013 Gatsby)

Caledon Hockley and Jack Dawson (Titanic)

Notable nonexhaustive exceptions:

Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy (Harry Potter)

Percy Jackson and Luke Castellan (Percy Jackson)

Jacob Black and Edward Cullen (Twilight)

Batman and Superman (DC Comics)

Luke Skywalker and Han Solo (Star Wars)

Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars) *wardrobe makes up for it*

*Feel free to tag the ones I missed

Not every brunet on the list is a “bad” guy, nor is every blond the “good” guy, but compared to each other, the brunet tends to be the more morally grey, the more corrupted, the one who’s ideologies end up getting them hurt or killed or proving them wrong. Or, the brunet faces more demons, has a darker personality, or tends to have a “shoot first ask questions later” philosophy.

This of course goes out the window if the media is set in a region or with a cast of characters who are meant to share similar features, like how there’s no blondes at all in Last Airbender (otherwise Aang would absolutely fit the pattern).

Whether that’s Frodo getting corrupted by the Ring and Sam being his rock, Jack Twist getting murdered while Ennis lives on, or the beloved Dark Knight and his bat-black demons while Harvey’s White legacy saves Gotham, next time you write a brunet and his blond competition, ask yourself just why you’re doing it.

*Side note, I’m pretty sure Harvey Dent, when he’s animated, is usually a brunet, but he’s also usually Two-Face by then and no longer a hero*

I don’t even have time for black and white in anime or the trope of the white-haired anime boy and since natural hair colors are kind of moot, I don’t think the same rules apply. But outside of the westernized “black knight vs white knight” I do want to dig deeper into color motifs in anime at some point.

Here's some notable dark and light dichotomies nonetheless in wardrobe and/or hair:

Kirito and Asuna (Sword Art Online)

Lelouch and Suzaku (Code Geass)

Midoriya and Bakugo (My Hero Academia)

L and Light (Death Note)

Medusa and Stein (Soul Eater)

Sasuke and Naruto (Naruto)

Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Eiji and Ash (Banana Fish)

Kyoya and Tamaki (OHSHC)

Yuri and Viktor (Yuri!!! On Ice)

Dracula and Alucard (Castlevania)

Part 3: Red v. Blue and everything in between

The megalith that is the color motif extends past the white/black dichotomy.

It’s also red and blue.

If red is pitted against blue in any story, red is always the team the audience is supposed to root against, unless this is sports. Red is the color of the Sith, the Fire Nation, red eyes are seen as evil, red is blood and rage and wrath and fire. Red is the color of evil empires. Blue is the color of heroes. It’s water and healing and camaraderie, serenity. Blue is the color of rebels and underdogs.

Red versus blue is in everything from the color of lightsabers in Star Wars to the color of cybertronian eyes in Transformers, to the color of the Water Tribes and Fire Nations (with some exceptions a la Azula’s blue fire) to the colors of the pills in the Matrix. Red is the ‘dangerous’ choice, blue is the ‘safe’ choice. Unless your character is patriotically sporting the red, white and blue of the UK, USA, or France.

Villains usually only wear blue if they're ice-coded, or belong to a faction wearing navy blue uniforms.

Red versus blue also shows up between leaders and their lancers. The first one I can think up off the top of my head is Robin and Raven from Teen Titans.

Purple is also usually lumped in with the bad guys and green with the good guys, but purple and green also show up a ton as contrasting colors of the same character like the Hulk or the Joker. But both can swing either way. The Decepticons in the early cartoons for Transformers had purple everywhere and reclaimed it in Transformers: Prime. Megatron, Soundwave, Shockwave, the Vehicons, Airachnid, and the Dark Star Saber, and some G1s]. Prime also has three sets of red-blue dichotomies within their factions: [Arcee/Cliffjumper, Optimus/Ratchet, and Knockout/Breakdown].

Green is the color of more Jedi, and the Green Lanterns, but green also represents sickness or disease or generic evil energy a la Loki, Dr. Facilier (Princess and the Frog) or the Hyenas and Scar in the Lion King.

Pink is really up in the air, as is orange and yellow, especially when it comes to female characters, especially female anime characters.

But enough about color dichotomy.

Part 4: Color Singularity

Color singularly is either meant to evoke a specific emotion, like using blue everywhere to represent sadness, or it’s meant to be a bold statement in an otherwise grayscale world.

I mentioned a few at the top of the post and I’ll elaborate on them here:

In Great Gatsby, green and yellow are very important colors. The “green light” is this real object at the end of the titular character’s love interest’s dock. This light and this color are motifs that represent Gatsby’s longing for Daisy and to return to a glorious past he can never have again (it’s also the color of American money). Yellow is also everywhere in this book. It’s the color of his chekov’s car and several dresses at his extravagant party. Yellow is the color of his current life of glitz and glam and riches (and is also the color of gold). If you listen to one of the accompanying songs to the 2013 film, Florence and the Machine’s “Over the Love” recognizes the importance of yellow in the narrative.

Dorothy’s red slippers in the Wizard of Oz are hyperbolically bold, especially since the movie starts out in black and white. Color is a huge piece of this film- the Emerald City, the Yellow Brick Road, the horse of many colors. Red scientifically is the color humans tend to notice first, those shoes were made to be remembered. Color in Wizard of Oz is the symbol of the fantastical, which was really helped by the time the film was made and simply seeing so much color on screen dazzled audiences.

Red catches your eye faster than any other color, and red in a world of black and white sticks in your mind, just look at Schindler’s List.

Belle from Beauty and the Beast, along with a lot of fictional women wear blue. Blue is biblically Mary’s color, and at one time was the color marketed to women before the shift to “blue for boys”. In the original Beauty and the Beast, Belle was the only character who wore blue, because she was an outsider, and outlier, a free-thinker. Or at least, Belle is the only one who wears blue until she dances with the Beast. The live-action remake didn’t maintain this extra level of the narrative and that’s a shame.

I didn't mention eye color much above (also maybe because racism) but blue eyes, especially animated blue and green eyes, go to characters who are more hopeful, heroic, nurturing, morally just, honest, or brave than their brown-eyed counterparts, unless he's a blue-eyed Tall, Dark, and Handsome. Blue-eyed people tend to be blond, so the traits go hand in hand for the "good" character.

Weirdly enough, this also applies to blue-eyed animal characters -- your animated anthropomorphised villain is rarely going to be drawn with eyes that aren't brown, black, green, red, orange, or yellow.

Because color is also a subliminal or overt way of foreshadowing in both written and visual media as much as any other motif and recurring symbol. You can foreshadow death, or impending doom, or an eventual identity reveal, whatever you want.

You can also subvert the usual associations with specific colors. Black doesn’t have to mean evil in your world. Black can be life, too. White doesn’t have to be pure, white can be clinical and sterile and lifeless (but please no more lady villains in white pantsuits, that's its own cliche at this point). Shake it up a bit every once in a while.

So whether it’s dueling ideologies or the very forces of good and evil, a harbinger of doom or a secret tell, or community and camaraderie, or an enduring hope, you can represent it all with a careful dose of color.

[tamapalace]

Kingdom Hearts Tamagotchi First Impressions

Disney fans rejoice! Bandai America sent us the Kingdom Hearts Tamagotchi to review and we want to share our first impressions of this Kingdom Hearts collaboration with you. Here’s our first impressions of the device:

Packaging - The box that the Kingdom Hearts Tamagotchi comes in is really cute, and simple. We love the white and blue checkered background with golden hearts and crowns. You’ll also see a pixel form of Sora in color holding his iconic key blade. Per usual, you’ll see the Tamagotchi Nano right in the center. The back of the packaging is in Japanese, but features a sticker over the Japanese verbiage with the English disclaimers.

Build Quality - You know the routine, these Tamagotchi Nano’s are solid. They can definitely survive a few drops without an issue, and perhaps any scratches. It is important to note that since this device is imported in from Japan, and not localized, however the back does feature a traditional phillips screen instead of the push button you typically see in Japan. We received the Light Mode shell which is absolutely gorgeous, and probably one of our favorite Tamagotchi Nano shells. The shell is pearly white and not too glossy, more matte. The blue graphics around the screen and Kingdom Hearts logo at the top in gold along with the golden dotted outline around the screen, and the Kingdom Hearts Tamagotchi logo in gold at the bottom are a high end and classy touch that we simply love.

Screen - The Tamagotchi Nano platform features a higher resolution screen than the Tamagotchi Mini platform, so you’ll notice more pixels and details over the Mini. It is very important to note that the screen on these Tamagotchi Nano’s is recessed, its cute deep in the device and is very hard to photograph because of the reflection and necessary angle to capture a clear shot.

Game Play - If you’re a Disney and Kingdom Hearts fan, then you’re going to love this Tamagotchi. The opening sequence is really cute as it features the Kingdom Hearts logo followed by an animation of the Gummi ship dropping off Sora, who is the first character you’ll meet and need to raise that can evolve into any one of 20 characters. There are even 6 secret characters you can get, which makes it real fun.

For eating, the meal is paopu fruit, but then they become a heartless, you have to select the heart as it is not possible to give items like paopu fruit when full, when there are enemies, when sleeping, or when tense. The snack is sea-salt ice cream bar, however if they become a harmless, you have too select the exclamation point as you cannot give them a snack when enemies are around, when sleeping, or when tense.

Be careful for enemy attacks! Periodically throughout gameplay you’ll notice that enemies appear at regular intervals. These enemies will occupy the screen (appearing from the right next to your Tamagotchi) as time goes by, and all you need to do is select the “A’ button to repel them before they take over the entire screen. Enemies cannot be repelled when your Tamagotchi is asleep or tense. There are three enemies in total who will attack, be prepared as this keeps gameplay fun!

Not only are there enemies that will appear, but there are also memorable sights. Occasionally you get a glimpse into the characters memories, when you see the memory screen, press one of the buttons to view it.

Typical for the Tamagotchi Nano, there are three mini games to choose from. The first one is called Gummi Ship which is the ship that dropped off Sora in the opening animation. Simply press the A or B button to move the Gummi Ship around to avoid fitting flying meteorites. The A button moves up, and the B button moves down. The second game is called Pink Agaricus, which is where you press the A button repeatedly for 10 seconds to make the Pink Agaricus happy. Lastly, the third mini game is called Coliseum which is where you are told which buttons to press on screen and you input the button presses to match.

If you neglect enemy attacks or neglect to take care of your Tamagotchi, they’ll become tense. If you get tense, simply press the A button to get back to a good mood. If they remain tense all the time, you will have to say goodbye! There is a goodbye sequence where you’ll see your character and the Kingdom Hearts heart on screen.

This collaboration is super cute. We loved seeing familiar characters such as Donald Duck and Goofy, and more. We enjoyed fighting off the enemies and playing the mini games (Gummi Ship was our favorite!). If you’re a Kingdom Hearts fan, this Tamagotchi has your name written all over it. Being able to raise up to 20 characters, where 6 are secret is even more fun.

[defsiarte]

5 and 28 and 29 for the ask game!

5. What work are you most proud of (regardless of likes/reblogs)?

Hm. I like all of the self portraits/profile pics that I put out this year. Each one was borne from me trying out a new technique or feature in CSP. As I type this I still have one more planned for the year's end actually lol (These were made in January, May, July, and September respectively)

Beyond that, pieces that featured a more painterly style or more drastic coloring. I've been trying to get into drawing more elaborate stuff but my attention span is my enemy.

28. Did you learn anything about your art/process/style this year?

This current semester was my first full semester as an art student so I learned a lot about composition, line variation, and traditional techniques in school. Beyond that, the first half of this year I was on a leave of absence from school and spent that time teaching myself color theory, human anatomy, and other art fundamentals to prepare for my return to school. I think it goes without saying that I've improved a lot (first picture is from January, second is from last month).

Like fr starting off drawing sessions with gesture drawing put me at an advantage in drawing classes bc I already knew how to do it by the time it was being taught- same with learning how to work with charcoal and different types of paper. It helped me to notice how the way I held material affected linework and quality and I think I've improved a lot :D

I also started using Pinterest for references in like... September?? and damn. using references for drawings made my people look more proportionally solid. that's crazy. Like I've always loved making art but this year I was frustrated with how little growth I felt that I'd had in high school + the first two years of college so I hunkered down and started learning fundamentals.

29. What are you excited for next year when it comes to your art?

I want to try to apply for zines and do more fanart!! Do more full pieces with backgrounds and shit!! Perhaps even learn to animate!! Also for my professional stuff I'd like to improve my typographic skills (I'm supposed to be a graphic designer lmao) and get back into logo design bc I fell off.

The Year Wrapped: Artist’s Edition

[ailogomakerr]

The LinkedIn Blueprint: Unveiling the Power of Professional Polish

In the world of social networks lies LinkedIn — a tranquil and sophisticated haven amidst the chaotic digital landscape of other platforms where professionalism thrives over casual content creation and encourages individuals to cultivate their careers and professional networks while establishing a solid personal brand or corporate identity for their business ventures;, at its core is the iconic “In” symbol that embodies the essence of LinkedIns ecosystem.

Crafting a symbol for your brand should always be a clear and straightforward endeavor. Beyond its design and simplicity the logo of LinkedIn offers valuable insights for anyone developing a symbol for their personal or professional branding. Keep reading to discover the steps you need to take in designing your symbol to steer clear of any errors, in symbol design.

Unveiling the Essence of Professionalism through Deciphering the Symbolism of LinkedIn

The emblem on LinkedIn serves a purpose, beyond aesthetics — it is a thoughtfully designed form of visual communication that conveys hidden messages through its key elements. “The ‘In’. A Pathway to Success”; The stylized “In” characters go beyond being initials of the platform; they symbolize an entry point leading to valuable professional networks and opportunities, for career growth. Minimalism with an effect. The logo is pleasantly uncomplicated with two intertwined blue gradients creating the “In” shape.The simple design ensures recognition on various digital platforms. From mobile screens, to large billboards. “The Influence of Blue Color; Blue is widely known as a symbol of trustworthiness and expertise in contexts such, as professional settings where credibility is key.” The LinkedIn logo has slowly changed over the years without altering its iconic “In”. In 2019 there was an update to the logo where the gradient was made smoother to give it a more contemporary appearance This small change shows how a symbol can stay true, to its essence while also keeping up with the times.

From “Inception, to Launchpad”; Developing Your Professional Brand

The symbol of LinkedIn provides a template for developing a visual image, for professionals.This is how you can apply its teachings to design a logo that enhances your brand; Understand Your Purpose; Prior to delving into design software applications​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​ and tools​​​​​‌ clarify your career objectives and personal beliefs ​​. What image are you aiming to convey ​​ ? Are you inclined towards creativity or more, towards thinking ? Having a sense of purpose will influence the symbols you choose for your design work. “Embrace simplicity as your design mantra. To the iconic LinkedIn logo. Avoid unnecessary complexity and opt, for a straightforward symbol that conveys your professional persona effectively; treat it as your visual representation that is both memorable and instantly impactful.” Exploring Color Psychology Basics; Delve into the world of color psychology. Select a color scheme that reflects your professional image accurately. Blue is known to symbolize trustworthiness.. Have you considered what color best represents you? Would you lean towards an creative spirit (perhaps red)?. Do you resonate more with being precise and organized (maybe green)? Embrace Gradual Change; The world of work is always evolving, so think about designing a symbol that can change subtly as your career progresses and your skills develop over time.

Unlocking Your Creative Potential with AI Assistance; Tips, for Mastering Graphic Design

Design a symbol from the ground up might seem challenging for individuals lacking design skills; however AI symbol creators and generators offer a solution, to this hurdle.

Consider these helpers as your partners in creativity instead of just tools, on the internet! Input keywords that represent who you are professionally and the image you want to portray through your brand identity into these AI assistants systems. They’ll then produce a range of symbol options to inspire you and kickstart your process.

There are advantages, to utilizing an AI symbol generator. Embark on the journey of creativity, with AI tools that jumpstart your imagination by providing a variety of made elements and layouts to help you tackle the intimidating empty canvas. Trying out color combinations and fonts can make it easier to find the perfect match, for your professional image in a snap. Creating symbols, with AI tools is easy and affordable for everyone to design symbols without worrying about costs or design skills.

Unveiling the Meaning Behind Symbols. Creating an Impactful Professional Image

When creating a professional image through LinkedIn branding efforts remember that a symbol is merely the initial stage, in the process; consider these extra pointers; Consistent creation and sharing of insightful content is key to demonstrating your expertise and positioning yourself as a respected figure, in your industry. “Master the art of networking by interacting with fellow professionals on the platform joining relevant conversations and establishing genuine connections.” Enhance your skillset and stay ahead of the curve by exploring online courses or attending workshops to invest in yourself.

The Ultimate “Ending”; Constructing a Lasting Impact

Utilizing the influence of the LinkedIn logo can help you create a professional image that is straightforward and easy to remember. While AI tools can be useful for generating ideas it’s important to remember that human input is essential. It may be beneficial to seek advice, from a graphic designer to give your emblem a polished look and ensure it is both technically sound and visually striking.

Taking Your Brand Further Than the Logo;

To kickstart your journey a symbol marks the start point on the road, to building a professional image on LinkedIn; Create a profile that showcases your expertise and accomplishments with a carefully crafted narrative using industry specific terms to boost visibility, in your field. Interact genuinely. Don’t just hide behind a profile picture and a list of qualifications! Join conversations with others in the field; share updates, on industry happenings and build authentic connections. Demonstrate your expertise by writing articles and sharing presentations or participating in discussions to showcase your knowledge and position yourself as a leader, in the field of expertise.

By following these suggestions and drawing inspiration from the professionalism embodied in the LinkedIn logo you can create a personal brand that draws in opportunities and guides you through the constantly changing terrain of your career journey. Keep in mind that your professional brand is a process rather than a fixed endpoint. Therefore continue to tune your strategies stay open, to learning new things and let that emblem serve as a beacon illuminating the path to your career achievements.

You need to have all of that and even more to create a symbol that can be the impactful representation, for your brand identity, which is why relying on Ailogomakerr.com is a great option to easily design your own branding symbol within minutes!This blog is from Ailogomakerr.com

[branding-consulting]

Why a Branding Agency is Essential for Your Business Success

 In today’s highly competitive marketplace, a brand is much more than just a logo or a tagline—it's the emotional and psychological relationship that customers have with a company. It embodies the values, promises, and unique identity of a business. Building a strong brand is essential, and this is where a branding agency comes into play. But what exactly does a branding agency do, and why is it crucial for your business?

What is a Branding Agency?

A branding agency is a specialized firm that helps businesses create, develop, and manage their brand identity. This process involves a range of activities, including market research, brand strategy, visual identity design, messaging, and communication strategies. The goal of a branding agency is to ensure that a company’s brand is clear, cohesive, and resonates with its target audience.

Key Services Offered by a Branding Agency

Brand Strategy Development: A branding agency begins by understanding your business, industry, and target market. They conduct thorough research to identify market trends, customer preferences, and competitor positioning. Based on this analysis, they develop a brand strategy that outlines your brand’s core values, mission, and unique selling proposition (USP). This strategy serves as the foundation for all branding activities.

Visual Identity Design: The visual elements of a brand, such as the logo, color scheme, typography, and overall design aesthetics, are crucial in creating a memorable brand identity. A branding agency designs these elements to reflect your brand’s personality and values, ensuring consistency across all platforms, from your website to your packaging.

Messaging and Voice: Beyond visuals, how a brand communicates with its audience is equally important. A branding agency helps define your brand’s voice and messaging, ensuring that it is consistent, clear, and resonates with your target market. Whether it’s through advertising, social media, or customer service, your brand’s voice should be recognizable and aligned with its identity.

Brand Positioning: Positioning your brand effectively in the market is key to differentiating it from competitors. A branding agency works to identify the unique space your brand can occupy in the minds of consumers, making it stand out and attract your desired audience.

Rebranding: For companies looking to refresh their brand, perhaps due to changing market conditions or evolving business goals, a branding agency can manage the entire rebranding process. This could involve updating the brand’s visual identity, refining messaging, or repositioning the brand in a new market segment.

Why Your Business Needs a Branding Agency

Expertise and Experience: Branding agencies bring a wealth of experience across various industries, allowing them to offer insights and strategies that you might not have considered. Their expertise in design, marketing, and strategy development ensures that your brand is built on a solid foundation.

Objective Perspective: Sometimes, being too close to your business can make it difficult to see the bigger picture. A branding agency provides an objective perspective, helping you identify areas for improvement and potential opportunities that you may have overlooked.

Consistency Across All Channels: A strong brand is consistent across all customer touchpoints. Whether it’s your website, social media, or physical store, a branding agency ensures that your brand’s visual and verbal identity is cohesive and unified, reinforcing brand recognition and loyalty.

Time and Resource Efficiency: Building and managing a brand requires significant time and resources. By outsourcing this work to a branding agency, you can focus on other core areas of your business while ensuring that your brand is in expert hands.

Competitive Advantage: In a crowded marketplace, a strong brand can be a key differentiator. A branding agency helps you create a unique identity that sets your business apart from competitors, making it easier for customers to choose your products or services over others.

Conclusion

Investing in a branding agency is an investment in your business’s future. A well-defined and strategically positioned brand can drive customer loyalty, increase market share, and ultimately lead to business growth. Whether you’re a startup looking to establish your brand or an established company seeking to revitalize your image, partnering with a branding agency can provide the expertise and resources needed to create a lasting, impactful brand.

As the business landscape continues to evolve, the importance of a strong, recognizable brand cannot be overstated. A branding agency not only helps you create this identity but also ensures that it remains relevant and resonant with your target audience over time.

[junegloom3d]

SIGIL II

Doom is 30 years old as of yesterday, and to celebrate the anniversary John Romero dropped an entire new episode on us, a rip-roaring sequel to his 2019 classic SIGIL. SIGIL II feels quite a bit looser than its predecessor, but that's not a bad thing. It's picked up a bit of a Doom Eternal vibe, which I appreciate, but is still noticeably John Romero in style.

Note that version 1.0 was played, and if Romero happens to provide updates as he did with the original episode, some parts of this may be outdated.

Main review here.

E6M1: Cursed Darkness

SIGIL II starts off with a bang, a high-octane mess of lava under a blue night sky reminiscent of Clan B0S' infamous Sacrament mod, with a cool cage trap and a surprise Cybie on UV to keep us on our toes. Clever players will find the big SIGIL II logo lava chamber; cleverer players will find it's a lot easier to do the final room once you've raised all the pathways.

E6M2: Violent Hatred

Classic Romero. This one feels the most like a map from the first SIGIL; it's a delightful box of poison chocolates that gradually opens up to reveal angry waves of monsters. The outside is optional, but it may be worth it for the goodies -- just mind the Cyberdemon on Ultraviolence.

E6M3: Twilight Desolation

A stark "Inferno" vibe dominates this somewhat open-ended map with the use of some techy textures. If you're quick, you can get the plasma rifle, which should help with the swarms of lost souls. The secret exit is a reuse of Sandy Petersen's trick with the rocket knockback from E3M6, only this time you don't have the benefit of invulnerability.

E6M9: Shattered Homecoming

Romero hits us with a surprise techbase nightmare; the signs indicating what each sector was intended for are a nice touch. I really like the collapsed command room in the northwest, but the "training field" will provide the most hectic firefight as you assault a fortress full of zombies and imps with cacodemon support. Great level.

E6M4: Fragments of Sanity

This one gave me real strong Doom Eternal vibes -- perhaps it was the broken room, perhaps it was the mix of colors. Whatever the case, it's a solid level, a ruined techbase slowly breaking apart and sinking into a lake of fire. The crusher trap will infuriate you -- I wouldn't be surprised if Romero were to revise that section in later versions. (I seem to recall him having to do something similar with E5M4.)

E6M5: Wrathful Reckoning

Techbase, but the grody, industrial techbase of "Nuclear Plant" or "Toxin Refinery." The big toxic disposal chamber beyond the blue door will have you dealing with harassment from all corners, but the cybie in the south end (at least on higher difficulties) will stop your progression dead until you've managed to take him out.

E6M6: Vengeance Unleashed

Welcome back to Regular Hell. This one plays out similarly to "Paths of Wretchedness" from the first SIGIL, with each path having its own conceit, but it's a much more sprawling affair. The maze to the west is terrifying with a cyberdemon in it, Romero explicitly citing it as a callback to a similar one in the previous episode. Really fun map.

E6M7: Descent Into Terror

Romero's magnum opus for this set, "Descent Into Terror" is marked by some really cool visuals (the shining red rock canyon really stuck with me) and a terrifying sense of verticality. It feels significantly more epic than usual for Romero, and will take you quite some time to complete. The community will love this one.

E6M8: Abyss of Despair

Compared to E6M7, "Abyss of Despair" is pretty low-key as a finisher. You'll have a short jaunt into some caves, before you unlock the big teleporter to the boss arena. Romero clearly took to heart the criticism of how underwhelming the big finish of SIGIL was, but SIGIL II's grand finale doesn't really excite much either: a big room with a spidey and some cyberdemons, each one having to be killed to progress on the narrow catwalk they occupy. The spiderdemon has had her health tripled in DEHACKED to make her more of a threat, but all it does is make the fight more boring. Honestly, the lone baron that emerges out of the exit was more theatrical.

Final thoughts

SIGIL II is a great mapset. It's an evolution of style for Romero, but in some ways it feels like a bit of a retread, catering more to community tastes. While aesthetically it remains very pleasing, it doesn't really seem to bring much new to the table. And that's okay -- there's plenty of maps out there that fall back on tried-and-true design tropes. But it does feel like Romero wanted to coast on the original episode's success while working on his new Doom II megawad. It's still very much worth your time, just don't expect much new compared to its predecessor.

[hyperfixating-rn-brb]

hello, internet :)

I recently posted about my crochet Good Omens dolls, and its gotten pretty good reception, so I thought I'd share some other fandom crochet I've made (and one by my sister, she's incredibly talented too!)

Here we've got Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase! These are some of my favorite things I've ever made, but they are no longer in my possession! When I attended the Chalice of the Gods book tour, I didn't get to meet Rick, but handed them off to a staff member who promised to send them to him (I haven't heard anything, but I hope he's gotten them!)

Of course, one of my favorite characters in the Riordanverse, Leo Valdez! The goggles and tool belt were so fun to make freehand, he even has little hammers made from cut up erasers and toothpicks (the life of a broke artist haha)

Coraline! My sister crocheted most of this one for a friend, I was bribed with boba to add rhe hair and face details. Just tagging @neil-gaiman here don't mind me...

My beloved Aziracrow dolls! I just finished these patterns, and they are some of my favorite works ever! Unfortunately I still haven't made Crowley's sunglasses, but I love them all the same! I will be starting work on Muriel, Beez, and Jim (with potential clothing changes to become classic Gabriel and perhaps an ostrich feather coat)!

One of my current projects, a massive tapestry of the Good Omens logo with Aziraphale, Crowley, some books, wine, and plants! The first photo is the eventual goal, the second is my current progress after about 34 hours of work. This thing will be about 2 by 3 feet when its finished, a grand total of 7475 stitches!

I couldn't find pictures and they were gifts for a very close friend, but I also crocheted tapestries of Crowley's snake tattoo and Aziraphale's flaming sword! Here's what the graphs looked like though. They each took about 3 hours with the tapestry front and solid colored backing combined.

Soo to anyone who's made it this far, thank you! I'm just a teenage girl who loves to write a lot of crochet patterns myself and run a small business after school, so every speck of interest makes my day!

If anyone wants to see any more of my crochet, gain access to a pattern (like any one seen on this post), or purchase a commission/already finished piece, check out my Instagram, @ thatcrochetkid :)

[the-juicenets-funky-curtains]

Okay, I think I found out what lip gloss the H2O mermaids used! (Note this is my best guess after researching for several hours and is NOT CONFIRMED)

tl/dr: For Cleo in Season 3: very likely to be Lancôme Juicy Tube in the shade 17 Fraise or 19 Lychee. For Rikki in Season 1: sort of likely to be Lancôme Juicy Tube in the shade Smooth Melon (see end of post for links to available lip glosses!)

After looking through the on-set/behind the scenes gallery of the H2O fan wiki, I found two images of lip gloss being applied, but neither had any stand out/ identifying qualities or the picture was too blurry to make out the text on it.

I Looked at the video about the wardrobe and makeup on the H2O YouTube channel to see if it was any clearer, but couldn't really see anything. So as I was losing hope, I finally thought to check the credits at the end of one of the episodes, and found the following under the "Special thanks to:" section: "Make Up Supplied by Atelier Australia"

But going to the website, I didn't find any lip gloss that resembled the ones in the photos, so I thought I hit a dead end. However, in the wardrobe and makeup video, at 1:40, The makeup bag Cariba Heine holds up has the Atelier Australia logo, so this had to be it!

But after looking through the products on the website as well as earlier versions on the way-back machine, none of the lip gloss packaging matched either of the pictures. So, another dead end.

Now I had to assume that the lip gloss used was NOT from the credited makeup company and perhaps bought by the makeup artists. I had my initial thought that the lip gloss might be a Lancôme Juicy Tube, as they were super popular in the 2000s, but the packaging still didn't match very well. I finally stumbled across a makeup blog called Pink Haired Princess, and it had a page full of Juicy Tubes and their swatches. When looking at them and then comparing to the photos, I believe I've found 2 possible colors that were used for Cleo, at least for the photoshoot in season 3 that the picture comes from.

The lip gloss used in this picture/video on Cleo./Phoebe is likely a Lancôme Juicy Tube in the shade of either 17 Fraise or 19 Lychee.

As for the more peach-colored lip gloss in the hand of the makeup artist, because the cap is a solid color and not a clear, white, or silver one that Juicy Tubes have, I cannot really say what it is, unfortunately.

And for the orange-peach lip gloss used in this picture, because of the blurry text on the packaging and the look of the applicator end, it might not be a Juicy Tube gloss, but if it is, my best guess is that it's the Smooth Melon shade.

Really the only way to confirm any of this would be to contact one of the makeup artists that worked on H2O, so for now, this is the best I've got for you all. 

The shades they might have used are no longer available, BUT the shade 07 Magic Spell and 10 Framboise Pop are pretty close to Cleo’s shade, and the closest match to Rikki’s shade is 09 Hallucination. All three are currently available at Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Amazon and Lancôme’s websites (and others). 

(Some other shades that were available recently but not currently were closer to the shades in the picture. These include: 13 Raspberry Cool, 14 Radio Lychee and 15 Game Berry for Cleo, and 11 Orange Flashback for Rikki.)

i wanna know what lipgloss they use for the h2o mermaids soooo bad

[ultra-maha-us]

The Convenience and Benefits of Custom Photo Frames Online

Custom photo frames are a wonderful way to showcase your favorite memories and add a personal touch to your home decor. With the rise of online shopping, it has become easier than ever to order custom photo frames online. In this article, we will explore the convenience and benefits of ordering custom photo frames online.

Convenience

Ordering custom photo frames online is incredibly convenient. You can browse through a wide range of styles and designs from the comfort of your own home, and have them delivered right to your doorstep. This eliminates the need to travel to multiple stores in search of the perfect frame, saving you time and effort.

Variety

When it comes to custom photo frames online, there is an incredible variety of styles and designs to choose from. Whether you are looking for a traditional wooden frame, a bilderrahmen sondermaße sleek modern design, or a colorful and quirky frame, there is something to suit every taste and decor style. Many online retailers also offer the option to customize frames with different finishes, matting, and sizing options, giving you even more control over the final product.

Quality

Online retailers of custom photo frames often use high-quality materials to ensure that your frame looks great and lasts for years to come. You can choose from a range of materials, including solid wood, metal, and acrylic, and many retailers offer UV-protected glass or acrylic to protect your photos from fading over time.

Personalization

Perhaps the greatest benefit of ordering custom photo frames online is the ability to personalize them to your liking. Many online retailers offer the option to add text, logos, or graphics to your frame, making it truly unique and special. You can also choose from a variety of matting options to enhance your photo and create a professional, gallery-style look.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ordering custom photo frames online is a convenient, affordable, and personalized way to showcase your favorite memories. With a wide range of styles, designs, and materials to choose from, you can find the perfect frame to suit your decor style and personal taste. Whether you are looking for a single frame or multiple frames for a gallery wall, custom photo frames online offer endless possibilities for creating a beautiful and meaningful display.

[fancysshoes01]

Check out here: https://amzn.to/3nXunM2 

 If you're looking for a stylish and comfortable sneaker to add to your shoe collection, then look no further than the Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Men's Laurence Jogger Sneaker. Crafted with premium materials and designed for ultimate comfort, these sneakers are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're running errands, going to work, or just hanging out with friends, these sneakers will keep your feet feeling great all day long. One of the standout features of the Laurence Jogger Sneaker is the Gentle Souls' signature Displaceable Solid Technology, which means that the insole is made with a special combination of memory foam and flaxseed cushioning. This creates a unique level of comfort that molds to your feet, providing a customized fit that you won't find in other sneakers. In addition to the Displaceable Solid Technology, the Laurence Jogger Sneaker also features a breathable leather upper that keeps your feet cool and dry, even on the hottest days. The sneaker is also designed with a rubber outsole that provides excellent traction and stability, making it perfect for any type of terrain. But perhaps the best thing about the Laurence Jogger Sneaker is its modern and sleek design. The sneaker features a stylish jogger silhouette, with a lace-up closure and a classic Kenneth Cole logo on the side. It's available in several color options, including black, white, and grey, so you can find the perfect match for your personal style. So, whether you're looking for a comfortable sneaker to wear on a daily basis or a stylish addition to your wardrobe, the Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Men's Laurence Jogger Sneaker is definitely worth considering. With its unique combination of comfort and style, it's sure to become one of your go-to shoes in no time. #fashionablefootwear #summerfootwear #comfortandstyle #shoes #shoesforsale #stylishsandals #wedgesandals #fashion

[campingdayz]

Create a Gorgeous Professional Photo Book of Your Work with Saal Digital

Sponsored

The cover of my finished photo book from Saal Digital. Do you have a series of photos you’d love to see in print? Have you considered turning them into a professional photo book? It’s not as difficult or as expensive as it might sound as I learned while trying out Saal Digital’s Professional Line Photo Book service recently. Not only was I able to create an impressive photo book in no time, the quality of my 16 x 12-inch tome from Saal Digital was exceptional and the process was relatively painless. So, whether you’re creating a one-off photo book of your work as a self-promotional tool or want to produce something specific for a client or, perhaps, a series of photo books to sell on your website or gift to friends, Saal Digital’s service offers some great options. Here’s how I made mine.

The web-based layout process for making a photo book with Saal Digital was simple and straightforward. Picking Images Creating a photo book is quite a bit of a different experience from producing a single print to hang on a wall. The main, obvious, difference is your book will consist of a group of images, not just one photo. While the images in a photo book don’t, necessarily, need to be tied together by a theme, it helps if they’re related in some way to tell a visual story. Travel photography, in particular, is well suited for book form so whether you’ve shot towering Redwoods in California or castles and surrounding landscapes in Germany, you likely have a wealth of potential material in your portfolio for a photo book. In my case, I recently returned from a press trip to San Diego where I shot several thousand images of elite athletes in a variety of sports including BMX racing and aerial stunts, track and field, rowing, diving, tennis, surfing, and mountain biking.

The layflat binding gives the book a professional look and feel. From that large group of photos, I narrowed down a few dozen shots I considered to be my very best. I tried to choose images that showed a mixture of the sports I photographed so the book would feature a range of athletes and action. In many ways, making your image selects is the most difficult part of making a photo book with Saal Digital since the technical process is so simple.

Size, format, cover, and paper options abound when making a Professional Line Photo Book with Saal Digital. Picking a Book Saal Digital offers a wide variety of photo book options, but I wanted to test their premium Professional Line of books because I thought it would most appeal to Outdoor Photographer readers. They do cost a bit more, but Professional Line Photo Books really are the best way to showcase your images. Some of the features we appreciated include a “LayFlat” binding that lets you place your photos across an entire double-page spread without losing any detail in the “gutter” of the book. (More about this later.) Also, there are no distracting manufacturer’s logos on the book, and you can have the production barcode removed. Saal Digital also guarantees color fastness for 75 years so your images won’t lose their luster over time.

The glossy paper really made my images stand out. Options abound in terms of size formats and paper and cover possibilities. I went with 16 x 12-inch Professional Line Photo Book option in a Landscape format. (There are also Portrait and Square format options.) If you are planning a large multi-book project, Saal Digital will give you an individual quote via a bulk order form. I just wanted to produce a single book for my test, so I selected the 26-page option with an acrylic cover and glossy paper. The shiny acrylic cover option costs a bit more but it’s worth it and helped highlight the sports theme of my book. On the other hand, the less expensive leatherette cover is a solid choice for a wedding or portrait photography book.

The One Minute Photo Book option was not only fast, its automated features helped me create an attractive layout. Creating the Book Creating the book is where the fun really begins. There are three ways to do it: either do it directly on the Saal Digital website; or download the free Saal Design Software to your computer; or get the free Saal Digital mobile app for your smartphone or tablet computer. There is some additional functionality if you use the Saal Design Software, but I decided to go directly to the Saal Digital website and create my book there since I suspect that’s how most users will do it. I picked the “One Minute Photo Book” design option since it was recommended by Saal Digital and promised a “fast and easy” process with some customization. If you want even more flexibility, there’s an AutoLayout option, and a PDF upload option if you’ve designed your book project through an external program.

Color rendition was excellent throughout the book. After selecting the margin size you want, the next step is to upload your images. The “One Minute Photo” design option will autofill most of the layout of your book with your images. I was pleasantly surprised with the photo order and layout selections during this automated process with the software choosing an image for the cover I hadn’t considered. I quite liked the cover choice along with some of the other layouts that Saal Digital picked. You can, of course, go back and changed layouts manually but I skipped that and saved my selections for the rest of the 26-page book, which is left open. My favorite part of the layout process was picking photos for double-page spreads. As a magazine editor, I love how a great image looks spread across two pages in print and to have this feature in a layflat book was even more exciting.

Here’s an eye-popping two-page spread featuring one of my BMX images. Final Thoughts Once you’re done laying it out, the final step is to order the book. Mine arrived just a week or so afterwards in a well-protected cardboard box. The images and visual flow of the book looked even better when I actually had it in my hands and I thought the glossy paper made the photos really pop. I left mine text-free to put emphasis on the images themselves but there are multiple ways to add text and other design touches to your book. Overall, Saal Digital’s Professional Line Photo Books are a great way for photographers to tell an elegant visual story with their images. And during this holiday season, these handsome photo books also make an excellent, personalized gift. Outdoor Photographer may earn a small commission if you buy something using one of the retail links in our articles. Outdoor Photographer does not accept money for any editorial recommendations. Read more about our policy here. Thanks for supporting Outdoor Photographer. Source link Read the full article

[pinkjackets]

Designing  Logo  Magic

There's important that goes into designing logo magic that goes unseen. Behind the scenes, no visions or enchantment are going on, as cool as it sounds. rather, we ’re more like frenetic scientists doing our exploration and also taking colorful rudiments manipulating and warping shapes into colorful conformations until we find an instigative configuration that fits our customer’s ideal.

Research

With Pink Jacket’s logo- making process, we start by learning the history of the customer/ product, why they came up with their brand name, and exploration what's already out there in the business. We want to avoid looking like or being confused with another brand. You can fluently get into this unfortunate script when a logo design is rushed.

Working in black and white

After having delved contending looks, we start to work in black and white only. This forces us and the customer to exactly focus on the foundation of the logo. Since we ’re looking at typography treatments, shapes, and conveying colorful concepts with a logo, we need to contain the moving corridor to a minimum. We do n’t want to get off track by being abstracted by color until we ’ve passed this original phase and narrowed the field.

Experimentation

Now starts the real fun! Once we ’ve sorted our parameters, we start with massive experiment. Some of these attempts lead to dead- ends, or unattractive “ Franken- designs ” but in the process of following our creativity, we end up with an royal- looking set of logos to show our customers.

Presentation

customers frequently are n’t mindful of the time and work it takes to get there as they question why a logo should be so precious. Perhaps it’s because they do n’t get to see the bad and the unattractive, only the good! The hours making the logo link and working with concepts that uniquely fit our customer’s requirements aren't all shown. Internally, we review and make our final logo selections from the mound before showing the customer. important of our work never sees the light of day, but the work shows in our solid logo donation.

Logo selection

Our thing is to make logos that say something special about our clients uniquely and memorably. A mark should exude the brand’s attitude in one quick glance. As well as making an attractive and professional mark, we also give a lot of thought to practical considerations such as how the logo will be used and displayed. The brand mark must work well in both digital and print formats used large and small. And eventually, and most importantly, the logo’s creative direction needs to be justified to our guests. A good- looking, trendy logo that makes no sense wo n’t stand the test of time. So, after all these considerations are ticked off, it’s the customer’s turn to choose. frequently conversations will take place before a final logo emerges as the “ winner. ”

Revisions

Still, the winner is n’t just a cut- and-dry decision. More frequently, the client will request a many variations on the chosen one before making it final. generally, they may want to combine one logo with another because they like aspects of further than one logo. occasionally this isn't a problem, but frequently it can easily result in what we call “ Franken- design. ” Frankenstein Design = Frankendesign is a well- known term in our industry.

Color

Once we've a fleshed- out black- and-white logo commitment, we start on the color application phase. Now we start looking at an emotional attitude layered onto the mark. We use only 2- color combinations. Why? Because excessive use of color can and will incur costs for the client. It can also confuse the brand more than enhanceit.However, you'll notice that the largest brands like Target, Starbucks, If you look around. still, a logo does n’t live in insulation so the brand surroundings will always add further color to thelook.

The color phase is generally shorter, but we still look at a multitude of possible color combinations, yet only show a named many to our customer. We certainly want to rule out any problematic color duos. Reasons to exclude various color combinations may have to do with visibility at a distance, legibility, wrong tone, negative cultural reference, etc. still, in some cases, the color options are limited to the subject of thebusiness.However, the color purple will obviously need to be included eliminating other color results, If for illustration the name of a restaurant is called Purple Cow.

Final selection

As you can see, creating a logo is a collaborative process at the heart of a brand. Before a final logo is born, much care, time, and experience are involved. I frequently think Elton John’s “ Your Song ” lyrics add it up the best, “ It may be relatively simple, but now that it’s done! ”

And we have n’t indeed touched the Brand operation Guidelines yet. That's a whole other animal for another day.

For more visit us : - https://www.pinkjacket.com

[missbaphomet]

Holy shit dudes!!!

But yeah about the shoelaces:

I have one pair in all available styles. On the first run my biggest concern was that the laces were mostly white and would get dingy pretty quickly if worn daily, but the solid pink laces were a good step forward imo. Again my only concern is that the aglet is plastic and those are prone to breaking and leading to frayed laces, but I totally understand that might be something you just have to live with to keep the logo on the aglets (which I love and adore) but there are also a plethora of methods to preserving aglets so it's really more of a personal gripe than anything.

EDIT: OH I FORGOT TO MENTION THE OTHER THINGS I HAVE FROM A PREVIOUS ORDER SO TUMBLR ITEM PROPAGANDA PART DEUX

I have the pizza tote bag and the pink vibes bag. Both are a heavy duty black canvas and are VERY sturdy. The pizza one holds my DND gear and very comfortably holds a large dice tray, three full regular size dice bag, a full extra large dice bag, a storage clipboard full of character sheets, and various sugary snacks and beverages. I put buttons all over it too (pictured below)

Enamel pins: I have both the pink vibes pin and double checkmark. I love both. No commentary on the pink one but I noticed the blue on the checks isn't enamel. If you look closely you can see some color variation that appear as horizontal striations. It looks like it was perhaps some kind of print or sticker that had some fault in the printing that was covered with a clear enamel or resin. I have a large (350+) pin collection including a few vintage pins which are known to yellow with age. It can be abated somewhat by keeping the pin out of sunlight and using headlight cleaner to take care of mild yellowing, but sooner or later it's gonna yellow. I would recommend switching to true enamel if possible to preserve the look long term. (Checks pin pictured below)

Tumblr merch propaganda:

Sweatpants: super comfy. I ordered a 3x and they were a little tight but I'm also losing weight so that doesn't bother me. The print is good quality and feels tough. I don't know anything about screen printing or whatever the process is but I have a hoodie from WDW in 2014 with the same kind of printing and it still looks like new. I would be willing to bet the printing will last. They are black, not tumblr blue.

Vanilla Extract Bottle: color irl is brighter than pictured on the shop. I got pink thinking it was a more bubblegum pink but it is BRIGHT. the lid has a foldable straw. It's flat on the bottom but rounded on top, surprisingly comfortable in the mouth. Internal straw detaches for cleaning. Holds soda with no problems, but will hiss and release pressure when the straw is lifted, doesn't fizz out of the straw. Keeps cold really well! I filled it with a water bottle from the fridge and left it out all night and it was still cold the following morning. The finger loop has gel padding and is comfortable to carry by one finger even when full.

Tumblers: I got the presidential pink one and the sky one. Smaller than expected but perfect size for morning coffee. Comes with a matching straw and the lid has a slider to close the tumbler when not in use and keep things hot. Probably dishwasher safe, but I prefer to hand wash so no promises.

Patches: some are printed, some are embroidered, both seem fine. They have iron on backing but never hurts to double secure with a sewing machine.

Offline Journal: I haven't written in it yet but it has a good weight and is hardcover.

Shoelaces: they're great, only complaint is the plastic aglet but I'll let that slide since it would be hard to get the tumblr logo on a metal one

[wkemeup]

Honey and Chamomile

summary: Four cups of tea, four distinct moments in time, and each pulls you in closer beyond the walls surrounding Bucky’s heart pairing: bucky x reader word count: 5.8k warnings: lots of fluff, but also nightmares, and lots of tea because im a fanatic a/n: this was written for @coffee-with-bucky​​‘s 2k writing challenge and it’s a thousand years late, but I hope you enjoy it! My prompt was 🌟 tea 🌟

It starts late in the evening as the thunder rolls in, low breaks amongst the clouds in the distance, a flicker of lightening touching the night sky and illuminating the shadows cast by the city. Painted raindrops slide against on the windowsill, racing one another to the edge of the pane. It’s soothing as you close your eyes and lose yourself in the soft tap-tap-tap to the walls of the tower and the hums of thunder miles beyond the city. It’s better than the silence, anyway.

The whistle of a kettle sings by the stove and it pulls you gently from your stance at the window. Mug in hand, you grab a bag of peppermint tea from the small box to the right of the kettle; paintings of sunsets and starry nights along the wooden frame. You close the lid and tug the string of the bag so it lays over the lip of the mug. Hot water finds its home at the center and the air around you fills of candy canes and memories of nights wrapped in blankets by the fireplace.

You hear footsteps behind you as you set the kettle back on the stovetop, careful of the bright red rings of the burner, and slowly wrap your hands around the mug. There’s a shuffle at the edge of the kitchen as the warmth of the mug touches your palms, soothes right up into your arms, the liquid too hot to drink but the steam of it is comforting against your cheeks. Crisp and cool amongst burning heat.

“Didn’t think you were home,” you say quietly, back turned to the figure who takes in a sharp breath in response.

The team was out on a mission, one Cap insisted you stay clear of after your near fatal gunshot wound in Bratislava last month. You fought it tooth and nail, but what Cap says goes, and well, you didn’t.

“Steve says I need more time,” Bucky replies, voice barely a whisper and you can practically picture the way he digs his hands into the pockets of his plaid pajama pants, scrunching at the fabric from the inside as a way to ground himself.

“Steve’s a little overprotective, don’t you think?” you chuckle lightly, turning from the window where the raindrops cast down along the glass in full, sweeping lines to find Bucky standing just beyond the plane of the kitchen. Just close enough to make his presence known, far enough to escape. Always one foot in, one foot at the exit. Self-preservation is a hell of a drug to kick.

“He’s right, though. Hard to trust a teammate who doesn’t trust his own mind,” Bucky mumbles slowly, scratching at the nape of his neck.

The shine of silver catches your eye under the dim overhead lighting and he notices it almost instantly, the way your gaze draws to solid metal, how you study the lines and bolts in his joints, and he drops his arm. He holds it then behind his back, tries to play it off casually, but you see how he hides it from view, like he’s been caught with something he shouldn’t have. A weapon.

You sigh, setting the mug down on the counter, the whisper of peppermint on your lips. He sells himself short, gets locked up in the mindset of what Hydra conditioned him to be, struggles to come back to himself and trust that he can control his own mind again. You know how often he wonders when he’ll lose it again, when he’ll break to someone else’s will and be forced to commit terrible acts again. It’s never a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when.’

He wonders when he’ll hurt Steve, or Sam, or Nat, or you. He wonders when the final straw will break and the floor will be ripped out from under him, when he’ll take a life he can’t give back. He wonders when enough will be enough and you’ll decide he’s not worth the trouble.

“I trust you,” you say, and you do mean it, but Bucky only shrugs, eyes downcast.

He shuffles he feet again. It’s uncomfortable for him to hear, you realize. It's foreign in his body and he barely recognizes the kindness in it when he feels it, the certainty of it, because it has been so long since he knew anything but cruelty and manipulation.

So, you pull a second mug from the cabinet; the one behind the Captain America logo painted on the side and Tony’s Disney themed mug that reads ‘Greatest Place on Earth 2003’ down the handle. You grab onto the edge of the mug tucked far into the back; light blue in color, soft undertones along the bottom. It’s painted like the waves of the ocean. It reminds you of him.

Bucky doesn’t say anything as you grab a second teabag from your wooden box and drop it in the mug, or as you fill the cup with the steaming water. You set it at the edge of the counter, eyeing him carefully as he remains still in his stance. One foot in, one foot at the exit.

“There’s sugar and milk if you want some,” you offer but Bucky shakes his head.

“No, no, this is just fine,” he says, voice a little uneven, almost as if he’s surprised by the gesture.

He steps forward, out of the shadows of the hallway and lets the soft lights of the lamp at the couch’s end touch his skin. They illuminate over messy hair, a few strands out of place, creases in his cheeks from pillow cases, the way he sways side to side in his stance. Nervous energy for a man with precision behind a barrel unlike anyone you’d ever seen.

He takes the mug, testing the heat of the surface, before he pulls it between his hands. You busy yourself with your own tea, taking a sip as you watch him bring it the mug to his lips. He pauses, smelling the hot water and you’re almost certain you see his cheek twitch. Ever so slightly, gone in an instant, but a remnant of a smile remains.

“I’ll be at the gym by nine tomorrow morning if you want to join me,” you say as you head towards the hallway. “I’ve seen your left hook and I could use some help on my stance.”

Bucky swallows back scalding hot tea like it’s nothing, his shoulders pushing up by his ears, startled by your request and it makes you laugh a bit. He chokes out a short nod, flustered perhaps judging by the pink in his cheeks. 

You smile back at him, pausing at the doorframe to look at him one last time as he leans against the kitchen sink.

The smell of peppermint lingers in your wake.

***

You sit on the couch in the living room with your feet kicked up on the ottoman, book resting in your lap and a warm cup of tea nestled in your right hand. Its leans onto your chest as the steam of a sweet, woody scent of green tea filters through the air. 

Fresh off of a month-long surveillance mission in Chechnya, your body is sore from long nights in cramped cars and your mind a little disengaged from hours staring out at a single window through the short end of binoculars.

Natasha sits quietly at the kitchen table behind you, flipping through the files spread out amongst the surface in organized chaos. The soft hum of a playlist on the overhead speakers drown out the grunts of Steve and Sam sparring down the hall in the training room.

You smile as you hear the shuffle of footsteps at the edge of the room, feet dragging purposefully along the tile. You don’t have to look up to know who is it, but you do wonder when Bucky decided to start dragging his feet to alert you to his presence.

He used to be impossibly quiet in his steps, like he was hunting prey even with his defenses down as much as he would allow them. He's snuck up on you a few times before without meaning to, his voice in greeting startling you enough to drop a mug of scalding tea from your hands and onto your exposed thighs and the tile below. If you think hard enough about it, you’d realize it was that moment, as he scrambled to dry your skin of the hot water, frantic apologies under his breath, as he knelt into the broken shards of your mug, that his steps became louder when he approached.

He hasn’t been able to sneak up on you since.

“Hey,” he says quietly from the edge of the room.

You smile to yourself, eyes still on the lines of the novel though you haven’t looked up at him yet. “Hey.”

“Smells good.”

You nod, taking in a heavy whiff of the steeping tea. “Wanna try?”

Bucky sits down on the couch beside you, a full cushion as a barrier between, but you don’t mind. He’s slow to warm up, cautious with even the people he trusts most, and you have no interest in pushing him beyond his boundaries. He sits rigid on the couch, stiff, though you can tell he’s trying to relax. He's fighting with his muscles and arguing with his mind.

“Here,” you offer, extending the mug to him.

He stares at you, blue eyes flickering from the tea and back to your face suspiciously.

“I haven’t poisoned it, Bucky,” you tease, pulling it back to your lips and taking a sip in proof. You sigh as it passed down your chest, warming you from the inside. It doesn’t slip your notice that Bucky’s eyes linger on your lips long after you’ve extended the mug back to him.

“If it’s a germ thing, I can make you a fresh cup,” you offer, laughing a bit under your breath.

“No, uh, thank you,” Bucky musters out and slowly takes the mug from your hands.

You nod and quickly return to your book, though you keep an eye on him in the reflection of the television screen. He studies the mug for a moment, looking over the slightly uneven edges of the ceramic, the speckles of golden flakes mixed amongst the brush strokes.

“Did you make this?”

“Steeped it myself,” you chuckle. “Strenuous work.”

Bucky laughs at that, though it’s muffled a bit, restricted, but it’s still there, still light and airy and incredibly beautiful.

“The mug,” he clarifies as he holds it up. “Did you make the mug?”

“Hey, even an Avenger need a hobby, right?” you shrug, albeit a little embarrassed. The walls of the mug are uneven, the painting done under dim lighting after hours as the little ceramics shop would have been swarmed with fans if not for the kindness of the owner who let you stay late into the evening. “I know it’s not very good--”

“I like it.”

Bucky smiles softly as he nods at you, examining the mug further. He traces over the handle that’s slightly too small for his grip, the edges that sway up and down like waves, the dot of red paint at the bottom that accidentally made its way onto the surface.

He takes a sip and you watch as his whole body seems to sigh in response. Muscles easing, tension leaving him. It’s a respite.

When he hands the mug back to you, you expect him to leave. He doesn’t. Instead, he stays quietly with you, sitting contently as he picks up a newspaper from the end table and you resume your place in your book. Perfectly quiet. Comfortable.

***

“Will you just take the medicine... please?”

“I’m an Avenger, Bucky, I can fight off the common cold.”

“You can barely breathe on your own. I might call for an ambulance. It's starting to look dire. Life or death kind of situation.”

“Oh, shut up,” you laugh, swatting his hands away as you quickly move to cover your mouth as another coughing fit takes over. It burns deep into your lungs, aches hard in your chest, makes it quite hard to catch your breath again, but you feel a soft touch on your back; gentle, soothing circles of a flat hand pressed to your spine, and you manage to find air again.

You wipe your lips as he pulls back. “Thanks.”

“It’s nothing,” he says with a soft smile, waving you off.

“I could get you sick. You should’ve had me quarantined like everyone else.”

“Aren’t you dramatic today?” he chuckles, shaking his head. “I can't get sick with this serum running in my veins, you know that. Besides, no one’s quarantining you. They’re just--”

“--avoiding me like the plague?”

Bucky grimaces. “Yeah, maybe.”

You smile tiredly at him, heat a little fuzzy, vision a little tunneled, but you enjoy the way he smiles back at you. He has such a nice smile, pretty, to the point where it’s almost unfair. It curves up into his cheeks, creating lines around and under his eyes, bright and cheery and you almost forget he’s also a ghost story of an assassin with the sharpshooting range more precise than a drone.

Before you can realize what you’re doing, under the haze of a clouded mind, your hand reaches out and touches his cheek. He freezes under your touch, surprised more than anything else, and he watches with wide eyes as you dreamily trace the lines in his face, the curve of his jaw and the tip of his nose. Your head feels a little fuzzy and your eye lids flutter heavily, just as Bucky begins to smile again.

“Take the meds, doll,” Bucky asks again sweetly. He slowly pries your hand from his face and sets two red pills in your left hand, a glass of water in your right. He guides your hand with the medication up towards your mouth. “Please? I miss my training partner. Can’t spare with someone who’s half dead in the living room from a stuffy nose and I refuse to go back to Wilson.”

“Okay, okay,” you grumble playfully, quickly swallowing the medication and chasing it with the water.

The couch dips slightly as Bucky gets up, jogging over to the kitchen. The whistle of the kettle is muffled in your ears, like it’s distant and behind several walls and closed doors. You stretch your jaw, trying to pop away the barrier, but it’s of no use.

You watch silently as Bucky scrambles around the kitchen, a little flustered for his frame, and you can’t help the smile that pushes at your cheeks.

“Top right,” you tell him, pointing to the cabinet over his shoulder.

He sighs, shakes his head, and sure enough, the mugs are in the cabinet on his right. He pulls down two from the shelf. For you, the one with the tiny cartoon dinosaur on the front dressed in an Iron Man suit, and for himself, he grabs the one you made months prior, with the uneven edges and the red paint stain on the side.

Then, he starts in search of the wooden box and you give him a minute of pulling open every drawer he can find until you tell him, “behind the bread bin on the counter.”

"Oh, of course. Makes perfect sense,” Bucky teases and flips through the packets inside.

He purses his lips, narrowing his eyes, clearly in search of something specific. His whole face lights up as he grabs what he’s in search of and quickly rips open the packets and sets them inside the mugs. He pours the hot water and carefully blows on the surface of the mugs, the steam pushing out in front of him as he sighs.

“Careful, it’s hot,” he says as he makes his way back to you, setting the mug on the arm rest of the couch to give you enough leverage to grab the handle. You smile up at him appreciatively as he takes his seat next to you.

Bringing the mug to your lips, you take in a deep breath – or, as much as you able to give the swarm of congestion in your head.

Spiced and warm. Peppery sharp. Lemon and ginger.

“Bucky Barnes, did you use google for me?”

He chuckles nervously as his hand rakes through his hair, pushing it from his eyes only for it to fall back to place again. “It, uh, it said ginger tea is supposed to be good for you when you’re sick, so I thought, uh, it thought it would help.”

You struggle to contain your grin, hiding it behind the mug as you take a sip. You can already feel your sinuses beginning to clear.

“That’s very sweet of you. Thanks, Buck.”

He nods a little sheepishly, fluster burning warm in his cheeks, but he meets your eyes; the perfect wave of blues and greys, a gentle ocean amongst a sweeping current.

***

When you wake with a harsh gasp in your throat, a sharp yank of reality away from your dreams, the piercing sound of screams echoing down the hall, it’s not the first time.

You know the routine well by now, know that Steve will meet you in the hallway by Bucky's door where the screams only seem to get louder with every passing second and he’ll ask you gently to go back to your room, remind you that he’s got this and Bucky will be alright. He always is, Steve tells you, but it doesn’t lessen the heartbreak of hearing the cracks in Bucky’s voice, the sudden whimpers, the shattering silence that follows as he wakes.

The two of you will skirt around things in the morning as you always do. Bucky will stumble out of his room with dark circles under his eyes, a drag in his feet, shoulders slumped as he slides into a chair by the kitchen. He’ll sit silently as you pour him an herbal tea from your box, never something with caffeine because he’s got enough energy in his veins as they come out in tremors in his hand and bouncing in his knee. Sometimes you give him raspberry, sometimes apple caramel, sometimes peach, and he’ll nod without looking at you, pull the mug close to his face and hold the steam to his lips until it goes cold.

Those mornings frighten you because it takes him back to Bucky you knew in the beginning, before he’d learned to smile and laugh again, before he became a permanent fixture in your life, one you were unwilling to live without.

So as your feet carry you down the hall, skirting around the corner and chasing after the screams, you realize Steve won’t be there waiting. He’s out on a mission with Sam in Ukraine for the next few days. There’s no one else on this floor. It’s just you.

You, Bucky, and the monsters in his dreams.

You freeze at the edge of his door, hand gripped tight to the handle, but you can’t move. 

You’re made of marble and stone because even though you and Bucky had come miles since he first came to the tower, you’ve never seen him like this; scared, begging to invisible forces, voice breaking, crying. You haven’t seen him at his lowest and you don’t know if he’ll resent you opening this door, if he’ll be angry with you for breaking that wall of trust, for intruding on something so vulnerable he doesn’t share with anyone but Steve.

But when a scream leaves his lips again, one so broken and distorted it jars itself straight through to your heart like the serrated edge of a blade, you shove your way inside, pushing consequences to the morning.

Bucky lays amongst a mess of sheets, damp with sweat as his hands curl into the fabric, teeth gritted, chest heavy with labored breaths. His eyes are closed shut, painfully so, and you try to ignore the drip of sweat down his exposed chest, how it falls along the lines of his muscles, because he’s thrashing in his sleep like something is holding him down, chocking him, and there’s tears in your eyes as you rush forward.

“Bucky,” you call far too gently. “Bucky, wake up.”

You don’t know what to do. Steve is the one who usually wakes him and you don’t have the kind of strength he does. You don’t know what laying a hand to Bucky’s shoulder will do, if the touch will ground him or shock him to a dream like state, pull him from his nightmares or throw him back to the clutches of the soldier.

But you have to try.

You can’t listen to him beg through bated breaths, “stop, stop please-- don’t! Please, someone help--”

“I’ve got you,” you say a little louder. “You’re okay, Buck. You’re not alone. You’re safe, alright? But you’ve gotta wake up now. Please, Bucky. Wake up.”

You set a hand on his forearm and he jolts up in an instant. You stumble back a few paces in shock, heart beating like thunder in your chest as you hit the sharp edge of his dress to your spine. Hands clutched tight to your chest, afraid you might have to fight him to bring him back, but Bucky remains still. He’s panting, chest heaving as hair falls down into his eyes.

You decide to test the waters.

“Bucky?”

He flinches violently, a sharp intake of breath, though he doesn’t turn to look at you. His hands dig deeper into the sheets in search of a respite he will not find and it nearly breaks your heart in two.

“I’m sorry,” he chokes out, voice rough and used. He can’t bear to look at you. “I thought it was under control. I—I told Steve it was okay for him to go. You shouldn’t-- You shouldn’t have to--”

“Do you want some tea?”

The words tumble out faster than you can process them. It feels like the wrong thing to say, especially with that look on his face, the guilt and shame seeping through beautifully soft and kind features, but you know his heart is racing a hundred miles a minute. Judging by the tension in his back, he’s stiff as a board, too.

You step forward as he slowly turns to look at you. There's confusion mixed in with the undeserving shame, but it’s a start at least, you think. A couple cautious more steps closer to the bed and you’re standing right next to him, hovering above him as he bends his legs and wipes his brow of sweat with the edge of the sheet.

“It usually helps me calm down at night,” you offer slowly, as gently as you can manage. “I, uh, I get nightmares, too, sometimes. Not quite as loud as yours but...”

Bucky nods in understanding. He’s heard you pacing in your room in the dead of night when sleep evades him as it often does. He’s seen when you trudge out from your room in the early hours of the morning with the kind of look in your eye that reminds him too much of himself.

“It’ll only take a second,” you say, nodding to yourself as you try to calculate the time it would take to boil the water and ready the mugs. “I’ll be right back.”

You move to take a step back but there’s a tug on your wrist. You pause, glancing down to find Bucky’s hand circling at your arm, holding you steady, though his stare remains glued to the sheets.

“Don’t go.” 

It comes out in a whimper, a low break in his voice, and your heart plummets down to your stomach.

“I’ll come right back. I promise,” you ease him, stepping closer again, though you notice he doesn’t release your hand. It’s not painful, but it’s firm. He’s holding on for dear life.

“Please,” he whispers and this time, as he looks up with you, you’re met with tears in the blue of his eyes. It cracks your resolve in an instant.

“Okay. Will you come with me?”

Bucky swallows thickly, holding your gaze for a moment before he eventually nods. The sheets are thrown from his legs and you realize he sleeps only in his boxers. The realization seems to hit him just as quick.

“S-sorry,” he mumbles, “just, um, just let me--”

You step back as he releases your hand and slowly stands at the edge of the bed. He grabs his pajama pants from the floor and quickly step into them with a heated blush on his cheeks. It makes you painfully aware of the mess of an old, ratted t-shirt and shorts you sleep in, though you push it aside quickly because Bucky’s eyes have fallen to the ground and you don’t want him to retreat within himself. Not again.

“Come on.”

You extend your hand for him, waiting patiently as he stares at it for a moment. It’s an intimate gesture, more contact than you’ve had with him, but you know despite his aversion to touch, he craves it unlike anything else. He’s vulnerable right now and you hope he’ll take the anchor as you throw it to him.

When his hand does mold to yours, it fits perfectly, exactly where he’s supposed to be and you can’t help but wonder if he’ll ever let you do this again. You squeeze his hand softly as he finds an even pace at your side and you lead him to the kitchen.

He lets go of your hand to give you enough space to prepare the water, but he’s never far from reach. When you glance back at him, you find a strange mixture of fear and something you can't quite place in his eyes. It isn’t until you catch him surveying the room, the adjoining hallways, the flinches at the slightest settling of the tower, that you realize he’s on guard. It’s like he’s protecting you.

“Take a seat, Buck,” you ask of him gently, nodding to the chair at the kitchen table. “Try and relax for me. Deep breaths, okay?”

He follows your gaze, hesitantly glancing over the area, always on alert, before he turns back to you. There’s a resistance in his movement as he takes his first steps away from you, but he holds your gaze, holds the softness of your smile as long as he can, while he slumps down into the chair. It’s too far away from you, but he manages.

The kettle boils quickly and you slip two bags of tea into the mugs. Hot water in next, you drizzle an ounce of thick amber on top, swirling it around with the heal of a spoon. The smell of earthy apples and sweet nectar.

Honey and chamomile.

When you make your way over to the table to join him, Bucky is slouched down in his seat, dark circles heavy under his eyes, though he forces out a strained smile as you slide in next to him. You drag a chair up as close to his as you can, your shoulders bumping somewhat as you set the mug in front of him.

“Drink,” you tell him. “It will help you fall back asleep.”

“I can’t go back to sleep after that. I never do after... you know,” he mumbles, shaking his head, though he does take in a heavy inhale of the sweet aroma of steam.

“You’re telling me my teas won’t cure all of life’s problems?” you scoff playfully. “Blasphemy.”

It steals a smile from his lips, curving up ever so slightly into his cheeks though you can see his body fighting against it. You set a hand on his forearm, one that comes in comfort by stark contrast of the way he used to flinch out of your touch. With a slight squeeze, you draw his attention back to you, the blue of his eyes overcast into deep navy, lids falling heavy with sleep despite the race of his heart.

“You don’t have to tell me what happened,” you say slowly. “You don’t have to say a thing. Just let me help you, alright? Drink the tea, Bucky. I’m not going anywhere until you do.”

He nods, a slight ghost of a laugh in his exhale. “Okay.”

You smile triumphantly as you pull your own mug to your hands, warmth spreading into your palms and you take a sip. It stings on your tongue a bit, too hot, but it feels nice as it travels down into your chest, warms you from the inside out.

The two of you sit in silence for a while, the only sounds between you coming from the muffled purr of the furnace and the contented sighs as the tea touches your lips. Bucky’s shoulders start to relax as he his mug nears empty, his body swaying in his seat and you can practically see the exhaustion nestled in his bones.

You swig back the last sip in your own mug and set it on the table, a task you’ll deal with in the morning as you slowly push Bucky’s mug out of his reach.

“Come on, Buck. Let’s get you back to bed.”

He comes easily as you offer your hand, guiding him away from the sanctuary of the kitchen and back to the room that holds his monsters. The grip on your hand tightens with every step and you rub your free hand down his forearm soothingly, trying to pull the tension away. You can feel the anxiety rushing through his veins, the panic reemerging back to the surface as you cross the threshold into his room.

You know he won’t ask. He won’t dare because he can so often get wrapped up in his own mind, the chamber of burden and isolation, of guilt and shame, and he often forgets how much of yourself you’re willing to give to him.

So, you don’t say a word as you lead him slowly to the bed, releasing his hand as he slides back under the covers. His body is rigid as ice and you can feel his eyes on you, trying to memorize your face for when the darkness takes over and he prepares for you to leave.

It surprises him when your hand slips over his forehead, brushes up into his hair, and you lean down to kiss his temple. The gasp that it pulls from him is muffled, impossibly sweet, and you linger there a moment longer before you pull away.

Bucky stays silent though you can see the question burning behind the blue of his eyes.

Stay. Stay. Stay.

There isn’t an ounce of hesitancy as you slowly make your way around to the other side of the bed and pull back the covers. The mattress is firmer on this side in its lack of use as your knee dips onto the surface. Bucky is watching you cautiously, stunned, but his muscles start to relax as you settle in next to him.

“This okay?” you ask, just to be sure.

He nods quickly. “Y-yes.”

“Try to get some sleep, alright? I’ll be right here.”

He doesn't say anything, but there’s relief slipping through the tension in his body, pushing out the stones with the gentle flow of a calming stream. You smile at him as you turn onto your side, one hand gently resting on his shoulder, grounding him to the earth, to you.

You close your eyes and hope that he will feel safe enough to follow.

***

“Y/n?”

“Yeah?” Your voice is muffled by the pillow and you turn to find stars still littering the night sky. You don’t know how much time has passed, how long he’s been lying there in the prolonged silence, churning thoughts racing through his mind, so you turn onto your stomach, prop yourself up on your elbows to get a better look at him.

“You wanna go to the tea shop in Brooklyn with me tomorrow?”

You narrow your eyes, confused why he’s asking you near – you check the clock by his bedside – three in the morning. His stare is trained up at the ceiling for a moment before he turns to look at you, ocean blue littered with nerves, a new kind of vulnerability you haven’t seen in him before.

“Of course, Buck. Whatever you--”

“As a date, I mean.”

It catches you off guard, wakes you quickly. Tongue tied and throat dry.

Bucky swallows nervously and you can tell that he’s been working himself up to asking you in the hour or so that he’s been lying here awake as you curled up next to him. There are dozens of excuses brewing in the back of his mind, ways to play this off as a joke or anything but what he wants it to be in a way to preserve the friendship between you, but before he can start the waterfall of backtracking, a smile curves up along your lips.

“That sounds really nice.”

He smiles back at you. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay. Okay, good.” He nods to himself, settling back into the mattress with the widest grin you’d seen on him in ages. It wrinkles up into his eyes, brightens across his face bright and cheery, sits in startling contrast to the way you’d found him just hours before. You like seeing him this happy. You like being the cause of it even more.

“Will you go to sleep now?” you tease him, nudging at his shoulder enough to pull a laugh from his chest.

“Yeah, I can do that.”

“Good. Don’t want you half asleep on our date.” It twists pleasantly in your stomach as you say it, butterflies and goosebumps and you bite back the smile pushing high up into your cheeks.

“Can’t have that,” he replies, chuckling to himself and it doesn’t slip your notice how his smile seems to widen as you say the word, too. Date.

You slide back down onto the mattress, trying to find your comfortable position again when Bucky extends his arm. There’s a short pause as he waits, staring up at the ceiling, and you realize what he’s offering. Without a second thought, like you’re coming home, you scoot your body closer to him, rest your head on his shoulder as his arm curls around your back, holding you securely against him.

The soft thumping of his heart beats gently under your ear, your hand resting against his ribs, tracing lines that leave shivers in their wake. He traces patterns onto your back, his eyes slowly fluttering shut until the movement stops and he falls into the warm embrace of sleep.

You sigh, content in his even breaths, the slow pace of his heart, the muffles snores. Hugging him close, holding him in your arms where he’s always belonged. You fall asleep wrapped in the scent of honey and chamomile.

Thank you so much for reading! ❤️ If you enjoyed this fic, please consider supporting me at my ko-fi account ✨

[letapollojusticesayfuck]

"the way you flirt is shameful." Klavier (klapollo) and ema ?

"short fics," I said, like a liar.

anyway please enjoy almost 2k of Klapollo Nonsense.

Send me a random line of dialogue and some characters, and I'll write a short fic!

---

Another grey morning, another lukewarm cup of coffee. Apollo pulls his coat a little tighter around him, scowling at nothing in particular. It’s just his luck, isn’t it, that this week’s defendant is a fisherman, accused of murdering their boat’s captain out on the docks.

It’s also just his luck that it’s March, and he hadn’t even thought anyone would be out on the water this early in the year. Shows how much he knows about the fishing industry.

He jumps when an arm lands around his shoulders, and has to fight to keep his awful beverage from sloshing entirely out of its styrofoam cup. With an irritated huff, Apollo turns to reprimand his unexpected company, but the words die in his throat when he looks over to see Klavier Gavin—and, more specifically, the woolly hat perched on his head. It appears to be lovingly hand-knitted, in a shade of purple he’d swear he’d seen in scraps of wool lying around the office in previous weeks. It also happens to be emblazoned with Gavin’s ridiculous logo, the angular G as distinctive as ever.

“Uh…” he says instead, eyebrow raised in what he hopes is a skeptical, yet bewildered expression. He’s not sure he succeeds with that, though, considering the way Gavin’s casual smile crooks up at the edges into a more genuine grin.

“Ja, Herr Forehead? How goes the investigation?” Lazy curls of steam rise from the stainless steel travel mug clasped in his hand, dissipating into the pervasive fog that’s blanketing the docks. Typical. Apollo considers asking him if he’d like to swap drinks.

“Cold. Damp. And is this a good time to mention that I’m allergic to shellfish? I think that’s probably an important detail, considering….this.” he replies, poking an errant mussel with the point of his dress shoe. His dress shoe that he’s for some reason wearing to a crime scene out by the harbour, because Apollo has misplaced ideas of professionalism, apparently.

“Ach, it’s not that bad! For one, you have my company to brighten up your day! And for another thing...I have news for you about the case.”

“Really. And it’s not just going to be something that you’ll immediately rescind in court tomorrow?”

“HerrForehead, what kind of prosecutor do you take me for? We’re on the same side, you know—both seeking the truth.”

“That’s cheesy as anything.”

“But correct! Anyway. FräuleinSkye has just uncovered something tangled around one of the fishing lines on the boat, and she’s attempting to piece it back together. If you hurry, you might get a glimpse before it goes straight into the evidence dossier.”

Apollo hmms, considering. He’s not sure he wants to just take Klavier’s tip-off; it could be seen as collusion under some circumstances. But he’s really not accomplishing anything on his own, and any new evidence could help him prove Annette Sloop’s innocence.

He also realizes, belatedly, that Klavier still has his arm around his shoulders, and that he’s been unconsciously leaning into the warmth of the taller man’s down jacket.

“Okay, sure—it’s gotta be better than anything I can find here,” Apollo decides, and tries to subtly extricate himself from Klavier’s grasp without drawing attention to the fact that he’s actually found some kind of comfort in their proximity, that he’s really not particularly enthusiastic about losing his human space-heater.

Luckily, Klavier realizes that he’ll have to grant Apollo his freedom if he wants the shorter man to be able to take advantage of his newly-gained intel, and drops his arm back to his own side. Apollo stifles a shiver as the cool, damp air rushes back against him, clinging to his skin with a pervasive chill.

He’d assumed that Klavier had business to take care of on the dock, so the fact that the prosecutor follows him as he boards the fishing boat takes him by surprise. What also takes him by surprise is the intensity of the fishy aroma around the vessel, something that Apollo really should have considered as a factor beforehand. He wrinkles his nose and tries to breathe shallowly—and when that doesn’t work out, he buries his nose in the collar of his jacket.

And that brings with it its own set of problems, because somehow the short amount of time his jacket was in contact with Klavier’s own was enough to allow the other man’s sandalwood cologne to seep into the thin fabric. Apollo wishes this wasn’t his life. Isn’t this the kind of stuff teenagers write about?

Luckily, his panicking is cut short by Ema Skye clearing her throat from the other end of the deck, midway through spreading fabric scraps onto a plastic folding table. She appears decidedly unimpressed, but waves them over.

“Justice. I take it you were informed of the recent developments by the fop here?” she remarks, as disinterestedly as possible for someone who’s practically vibrating with the excitement of being able to do something actually forensically significant.

“Er...yeah, Klavier told me that you’d found something?” Apollo replies, trying to look as though he understands more of the situation than he actually does. He thinks he pulls it off. If not, Ema doesn’t comment on it.

Klavier, however, smiles impossibly wide at Apollo’s words, and it takes him a moment to realize that it’s because he’d called the man by his first name, as opposed to his more professional title. A slip of the tongue, nothing more! And yet…

If it’d get a reaction like that, Apollo might start using Klavier’s first name significantly more often.

“Oh, come on, do neither of you actually care about this T-shirt I found? This apparently-bloodstainedT-shirt?” Ema taps her foot against the plank wood of the ship’s deck. Apollo breaks out of his thoughts with just about enough time to look marginally interested in the new evidence—which he hopes is convincing.

And it’s not that he doesn’t want to solve the murder! It’s really just that—well, Klavier is just there, being distracting, like he always is—except it’s worse, recently, somehow. Apollo swears he used to be able to spend time focusing on other things, that he wasn’t always this preoccupied with what the prosecutor was doing, where he was standing, if he was looking at--

“Oh, for God’s sake. The way you flirt is shameful,” Ema says, entirely exasperated. She also seems to be looking at Apollo, for some reason.

“Are you talking to me?” he asks, confused. The detective rolls her eyes and sighs dramatically, visibly resisting the urge to throw up her hands.

“You, him, both of you! This used to be almost funny, you know, watching Gavin be all glimmerous in your direction and seeing you shut him down. But recently you’ve been playing into it and—you know what? I’m done! You don’t get to listen to my stunning forensic breakthroughs until you’ve sorted your shit out, because I just can’t be doing with this. It’s ridiculous. Why can’t you just act like adults?”

The outburst is followed by Ema Skye whirling around, the sensible shoes she’s wearing clacking against the ship’s deck. Halfway to the door to the crew’s quarters, she remembers that she’s left all her forensic materials spread out next to where Klavier and Apollo are standing, and backtracks with increasingly evident frustration.

“You know what? I’m not leaving! You two—off my ship!Go figure yourselves out, and I won’t tell you about this case-changing evidence until you’ve stopped acting like this.”

Apollo’s a little taken-aback—not the least because he doesn’t think that he’s been doing any flirting, especially not with Klavier. He’s been hiding his feelings far too well for that—right?

Klavier looks at him and shrugs, motioning with his head that they should retreat the way they’d arrived. It’s not necessarily the most dignified thing, climbing off a boat in shame after being reprimanded by the detective on the case.

Once they’re back on “solid” ground (as solid as one can call a fishing boat’s dock, anyway), Apollo turns to Klavier.

“So, what was that about? I’ve never seen her that angry.”

Interestingly enough, color rises to Klavier’s cheeks. “Well...I think that, perhaps, she’s...misinterpreting the situation?”

And if Klavier’s strange statement hadn’t been enough to tip Apollo off that maybe something strange is going on here, there’s the familiar pinch of warm metal against his left wrist, his bracelet constricting at the taller man’s fib.

And—they know each other well enough, by this point, that all Apollo has to do is level an unimpressed stare in the prosecutor’s direction, and deadpan “Klavier” with all the air of a man who is taking no bullshit for an answer, for him to deflate and give up, shoving a hand in his back pocket awkwardly.

“Ugh. Okay. Erm. So, HerrForehead, this wasn’t...exactly...unprovoked. It’s possible that FräuleinSkye has been on the receiving end of many conversations about how I would like to….uh…”

It’s quite something, seeing Klavier at a loss for words. Apollo hadn’t thought that the former rockstar could look as awkward as he does now, the hand not trapped in his pocket fiddling with a loose strand of his hair.

He really, really tries not to think about how endearing it is.

Klavier seems to have reached a point, however, where he’s just decided to say things and worry about the consequences later. So Apollo’s contemplations are brought to a screeching halt when the man sighs, flips his hair, and stares at him straight-on, enunciating with perfect clarity:

“Apollo Justice, would you like to go out with me? On a date? Because I must say, I’ve been trying to find the best way to ask you for a while now, but unfortunately all I’ve succeeded in doing is, apparently, annoying the FräuleinDetective until not even Snackoos are a valid enough weapon.”

And—this isn’t the setting Apollo had pictured, in his often-hastily-repressed daydreams about Klavier asking him out. For one, he’d not quite imagined the quantity of fish, or the less-than-steady footing. But Klavier looks so earnest about his request, and Apollo can’t deny the way his heart’s skipped a beat, the way he’s almost petrified to say anything just in case this isn’t real—and so, he takes a deep breath, steps forward, and twines his fingers with Klavier’s.

“You know what? I’d love to. I’ll go anywhere you’d like—with the exception of a sushi restaurant” Apollo smiles, hesitantly at first, and then more genuinely as he sees the softly disbelieving expression on Klavier’s face.

“Really?” the prosecutor asks, and isn’t that incredible—that Klavier Gavin had been worried about being turned down. Apollo can’t quite believe it himself, yet.

“Yeah, really,” he says, smiling up at Klavier, who beams down at him in return. He feels the other man squeeze his hand briefly, and can’t quite contain the impulse to lean in closer to him, consciously this time, sharing both warmth and physical contact in a meaningful way.

When they return to the fishing vessel, Ema takes one look at the two of them and narrows her eyes, proceeding to mime nausea at the way they’re still holding hands.

However, she does follow through on her promise—and by the time they’re ready to leave the crime scene, both Klavier and Apollo are fairly certain of the next day’s trial’s outcome—as well as of the location of their post-trial dinner date.