#our smart little fishy

[urban-shade]

thinking about my sebastian headcanons this morning and something that I think about his personality is he is a really smart guy who is all about the details.

Like, him having a MILLION piercings while still human is one thing I feel like kinda fits in here, but his appearance while fish is also similarly quite accessorized. You really need to be dedicated to put on THAT many belts and bags (they're human body harnesses he stole, but still) As well as his overall fancy ass outfit. He cares quite a lot about looking nice.

We don't know how he got the outfit, but I assume he found the coat somewhere, modified a 3rd sleeve for it (you can see his hasty stitching..) and also made his jabot himself, mayybe found the undershirt as well.

In terms of how his detail-oriented nature affects his shop, I noticed that he likes posing his USB sticks

and then more generally, he chose to decorate his hideout with all these DNA containers (and various other objects)

and obviously, this is all just good set design from Zeal to make the shop look nice, but I like looking into things way too hard to glean some info about Seb's personality. We don't know the true Sebastian, we know the personality he puts on to talk to the EXR-P's, which IS him, but obviously he's hiding quite a lot.

He has an in-depth knowledge of the creatures in the Blacksite, he probably keeps his folders of documents very organized. Of course, he HAS to be like this for the game to.. work! But still, fun to think about. He's pouring over all the data he gets in his free time from the EXR-P's to try and find some little shreds of information that are good enough blackmail to get him out of there...

He's alsooo an engineer(sort of).. famously a career that kind of requires you to be pretty meticulous. I think its easy to not notice how smart of a guy he is, but it's a pretty major part of who he is! his poor college education.. all down the drain because someone framed him for murder...

and then like finally, this is also just straight up needed for the game to work as a game but still tells us more about Sebastian. He intentionally chose a keycard room for his shop to be in. He moved the keycard into his shop so most EXR-P's would NEED to come look at his wares to progress

[greentrickster]

Okay, so, been reading some good scumplane (OG!Shen Qingqiu/Airplane) lately, because in this house we support Airplane being loved by terrifying/terrifyingly hot men, but also, like... I do love Moshang just so so much as a ship.

And all this has awoken a mighty need in me.

A need for a Moshangjiu fic with scumplane getting established first and then bringing our favorite popsicle in on things.

Anyway, scenario! Shen Qingqiu starts noticing Shang Qinghua when they're disciples via the classic scenario of being smart enough to realize something is fishy about SQH being the only survivor of a demon attack, begins paying attention to his most anxious shidi, accidentally shows his most anxious shidi the simplest of Human Kindness, accidentally becomes shidi's favorite shixiong, accidentally becomes friends with shidi, accidentally catches feelings. Continues being a Sneaky Bastard in order to figure out what shidi is up to (and now also to confirm shidi is single).

Ah, shidi is entangled with an Ice Demon. This shixiong will make use of his scholarly peak's library to learn all and then decide to- wait. Wait, it's super violent by human standards, but is it- is this demon attempting to... court shidi?

...

Not if SQQ dates him first he's not!!!

There follows a whirlwind romance between SQQ and SQH where no one really knows what's going on, especially the two involved, it involves a lot of shit talking about everyone else in their lives, snacks, and accidental trauma bonding.

Also Airplane being Airplane and accidentally spilling that not only is he also kinda crushing (bad) on Mobei-jun, but also Mobei-jun's entire backstory and please, shixiong, I know it all looks bad but this shidi's house is literally the only place in the world it's completely safe for his king to sleep, everyone deserves to sleep without having to worry about their relatives murdering them for things that aren't their fault from time to time, right, shixiong???

Shen Qingqiu: ...goddammit, the demon's a fellow sad little meow meow. (only not in these exact words because he doesn't know these phrases, naturally)

In a wild, bold, and - dare I say it - shockingly sexy convolution of thought processes and ideas, SQQ manages to finagle SQH into letting him meet with MBJ (SQH nearly has a heart attack three times in the process but it's fine, it's cool, this is his life, this may as well happen, it's fine-).

SQQ: It has come to my attention that my shidi is spying for you on our sect.

MBJ: (glowering at SQH, who is cowering behind shixiong wondering how he got talked into all this)

SQQ: However it also appears that this is merely a cover story and the only thing you really do is use his room to nap. And also that you are quite fond of him.

SQH: (This is it, this is how I die. Again.)

MBJ: (...if I stare straight ahead and don't change my expression, no one will be able to tell that he's right)

SQQ: So anyway I think you should join Cang Qiong Mountain Sect.

MBJ: (gears grinding)

SQH: (squawking splutters of protest and confusion)

SQQ: (who speaks panicking!SQH at this point) Stop that, it's perfectly reasonable. He has the head disciple of our logistics peak under his thumb, it would be the simplest thing in the world for him to have you throw the sect into absolute chaos without even trying, then organize an attack, swoop in, and crush us all. He could have done it years ago, but he never has, he never even seems to initiate anything. I don't think he even cares about taking the Northern Throne, I think he's just incompetent about wanting to spend time with you. So he might as well just lie low until our shizuns ascend and then I'll take him on as a disciple on Qing Jing and you two can stop sneaking around like idiots.

MBJ: >8O

SQQ: Are you actually opposed?

MBJ: (folds arms and looks away sulkily, because like... it's true but you don't have to say it like that)

SQH: 8O ...reverse uno...

SQQ: What?

SQH: You're reverse unoing my blorbo!

SQQ: Quit making up word-

SQQ cannot continue because the System just presented the option to accept this potential new plot line (even if it does have the rather confusing title of 'Shidi Has Two Hands'), and holy shit, Mobei-jun seems to be potentially down for it, holy shit, apparently Mobei-jun actually likes me, holy shit, SQQ may have just solved all my problems-?!? This is great, this is fantastic, this is the best day of my life, this- is a long time I'm being allowed to be myself about all this, why is Shen shixiong not interrupting...?

Ah.

It is because I am kissing him full on the lips.

Cool cool cool.

At least I'm gonna die on a high note.

SQQ: O///O o_o (ahem) Shidi's- shidi's a really bad kisser.

SQH: Ah-haha, I can explain-

SQQ: We should work on that. Later.

SQH: (BEST DAY OF BOTH MY LIVES!!!)

MBJ: (I... did not actually hate watching that. Hm.)

Anyway, he agrees to the plan, SQQ and SQH start dating, some more time passes, the previous generation of peak lords ascend, the new generation take their places, and a week later Mobei-jun is an outer disciple of Qing Jing Peak.

The other peak lords are not amused, Qingqiu that is a demon, no.

SQQ: So what I'm hearing is that whole 'Cang Qiong will accept anyone from anywhere' philosophy was a lie then?

He's a demon!

SQQ: Children can't help where they're born. Now if you'll excuse me, I have classes to teach.

First lesson of the day is SQH and SQQ are a package deal, take it or leave it. Second lesson is no canoodling with Shang Shibo until you've finished with lessons and chores for the day. Third lesson is if you see any Bai Zhan disciples hassling our peak's disciples you can break their swords. Just snap 'em in half. Throw them off the peak. Don't kill them, but do make them cry.

SQH, meanwhile, has now seen MBJ in an outer disciple uniform and had a whole bunch of new awakenings on top of all the other things he already knew about himself.

And, in a twist of dramatic irony... Qing Jing's first disciple to ever have demonic heritage decides the dorms are a no-go after one night because, to him, they are broiling hot, how can anyone sleep in this heat, and chooses to go sleep in the wood shed instead.

[flowery-mess]

popping in ik it’s been a minute but i saw this and

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBKSi1CSnpU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

dad!noah and the boys packing up for tour right when his kid presents him w this. and like trying fighting to keep straight faces but all of them absolutely dying

- @somebodyels3

I can't that's funny, but actually so smart lol😭

✨cunt✨

I can picture few days before the boys leave that they just hang out in the ware house with all the girlfriends, wives, kids etc.

The boys need to pack their stuff so you girls take the kids to the side to entertain them and tell them to draw something for they boys so they can take it with them on tour.

And you get Nick's kid, who's little artist like his dad, draw himself and his mom so Nick can have them with him all the time.

Folio's kid who draws lot of fishies, because his dad likes fishing.

Jolly's kid who draws their dog, because their dog makes Jolly happy.

And then yours and Noah's kid, who will hopefully be better at anything else than drawing, comes to you with the word cunt written on paper, with glitters, stars and hearts all over it.

First you'd think your son heard it from someone and knew what it meant and wanted to mess with you, but before you found words he'd start explaining what it means in his little 'it's obvious mommy' voice.

The kids would run to their dads, showing them their papers, Nick, Folio and Jolly being all aw so cute thank you baby🥰��😘 while Noah's face would go through all the emotions, shock, fear, anger, laughter and he'd be speechless.

"Do you like it dad?"

"I love it baby, but what does it mean?" he'd give you the side eye like 'why would you let our kid write something like this' and you'd mouth him 'wait' back

With dramatic sigh your son would explain "it's see you next time dad." Like it's the most obvious thing, why does no one get it.

"Oh I see! Thank you!" Noah would pick your son up and kiss his head, while proudly showing other boys what he got.

Safe to say it would become inside joke for you adults, when saying goodbye, yelling cunt at each other.

And also Noah sending you pictures from his bunk where he'd put the drawing up.

You'd all get a good laugh and your som would be proud he'd make you laugh and that his dad put his letter up.

[naffeclipse]

Excuse the rambling but we have our own mer au and possible crossover potential just crossed our mind and we need to ramble (its not gonna be made canon to our au, but still)

Our mer boys are a leviathan species, which typically is very solitary, but some families are unusually social. Moon was born to one of those families, but they disappeared when he was very young, leaving him alone and desperately needing social interaction, so he goes off and does the only thing that can get the leviathan mer gossip chain going (hoping to get attention); killing something your size or larger, the more fierce the better....baby Moon was about the size of an orca so......

In canon that fight doesn't go well for him, if Sun hadn't saved him he wouldn't have made it, but how hilarious would it have been if the orca he'd chosen was Eclipse (who would be considered a different mer species, not leviathan class. Fully grown leviathan Moon's hand would be about the size of Eclipse's whole body). Eclipse just living his life and suddenly a mer comes up and tries to fight him, but from the body language the strange mer is like, the human equivalent of a 6yo, even though its basically the same size as him

Moon would still very thoroughly lose the fight (Eclipse is probably smart enough to leave when another giant baby mer covered in spines comes to the rescue, but he's still an adult and he can handle a mildly venomous baby), but man would that be a thing that would baffle Eclipse for a while, what the hell was that giant baby and why did it come out of nowhere to fight him for no reason? He fought back because it was in his territory, but the baby didn't even seem to be from the north??? (Would he be unnerved if he met a fully grown leviathan later? If he was it would probably only last the length of time it took for him to realise the adult leviathan had no interest in fighting or eating him, after that he just wouldn't care)

(You've reblogged art of our boys before actually! This one! They're not fully fully grown here, but they're close!)

Anyways! Sorry for all that! Had to get that idea out there or else it'd keep taking up brain space bye!

Ahhh, that's so cool to think about a little crossover! And I remember your pretty mer art!!! Love seeing the boys as giant fishies ♥

As for Orca!Eclipse handling a large baby mer, he'd be so, so confused, and a bit harsh towards an aggressive other creature, even if said creature is technically a little kid—think an adult dog snapping at a puppy to remind the younger one to respect the older one. Not being harmful but still correcting the bad behavior.

When another enters the area? He's even more confused and just, wondering where these babies' families are. It is terribly wrong to have ones so young alone, but with that, he wouldn't want to stick around in case the much bigger adults came looking for their offspring. He'd put some distance but watch them from afar to make sure they turned out alright!

(He'd be very unnerved by a mer-creature so much greater than him. Eclipse is used to hunting and eating prey larger than himself, but not facing a predator so much larger than him)

[hannahwatcheshorror]

THE BABYSITTER (2017)

A fun and new story told in a nicely paced way. Very good acting, the child especially, you really connect with the kid and root for him. Samara Weaving does an excellent job in her dual role as babysitter and… other. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is one of your classic “the babysitter turns out to be an ageless baddie” story. You know the ones. Cole is a little dorky kid (and who doesn’t love a little dorky kid, come ON people?) and he is getting picked on at school for still having a babysitter, that is until they see how hot Bee is. Cole’s folks go out of town so he needs a babysitter for the evening and wouldn’t you know Bee is the one for him. They get along like a house fire though and things seem more than normal, exceptional really. That is until Bee offers the tween a double shot to help him fall asleep. Not strange at all. Cole feeds it to a plant but pretends to drink up, wanting to impress Bee. This is the beginning of the weirdness. Next after Cole is in bed Bee invites friends over, now as an old Babysitter I can firmly say this is a big no-no. The only thing I would do once the kids were asleep was raid the snacks they weren’t allowed to eat and then watch The N (does this age me too much?).

Anyway, Bee and her friends are playing Truth or Dare with a Spin the Bottle twist and it is Bee’s turn and she is tasked with kissing the whole group and when she gets to our odd man out (who literally says “I’m not really a part of the group”) she kisses him but then stabs him in the head with two knives so there is certainly something fishy going on. Cole of course is spying on this whole thing from the staircase and is horrified. The hot teens collect the sacrificial blood in two chalices and start talking about Satan, like, okay, not the direction I thought this was going but I guess that's just how Samara Weaving movies go sometimes. Random Satan. Though this came out before Ready or Not.

The hot teens go up to get innocent blood from Cole and he pretends to sleep through it but Bee catches him and they tie him up. Not before the cops are called though! And then a big mistake because both cops get killed and one of the teens gets shot and it looks like right in the heart but I guess it wasn’t because she keeps kicking for a while. Cole is able to escape and he pushes one of the boys down the stairs which kills him, yikes! Next he goes into the crawlspace and lights a fire that takes out another teen, wack! Then he is face to face with the quarterback who is oddly inspiring but it ends up okay because he dies thanks to his own hubris.

Finally it is just down to Cole and Bee, Cole escapes next door to the girl he has a crush on. He is able to hide her and himself from Bee who now has a fucking shotgun and he scored a kiss from his crush (which terrified him because he thought it meant he was about to get stabbed). He makes it back to his house and the chick who was shot is still there and kicking which is wack and a half but Bee shoots her head clean off for Cole, saving him. You kinda think that she's good now but she has already shown herself as a witch or whatever she is, The Big Bad. Cole threatens to set her book on fire and she tries to talk him down but he is too smart. He even sends a car into the living room pinning her down. They have one last talk, it is beautiful and sad, Cole really loved Bee.

[oceansprompts]

𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕦𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕠𝕡𝕤 // 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕪 𝟚 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤

this dialogue taken from destiny 2's vanguard ops strikes; hypernet current, lake of shadows, and the arm dealer. . . . adjusted for general use. . . . change as needed for usage

Let us hope that your technology continues to be resilient.

We need to get in there and stop them.

Screams, weird voices, nightmares... you name it.

It's resilient, but not impenetrable. A backdoor wouldn't be impossible.

Hopefully getting rid of whatever is at the center of this will shake all that weirdness out of the system too.

It looks like you're getting closer to the source of the problem. That track nearby looks like your best bet!

Let's just hope it's stable.

What-what was that?

Such a fragile space. This will do.

You don't want to see the pot of tea I made this morning.

Civilians are depending on you.

Mobilizing team for Operation, uh... Babydog? Why does this say Babydog? I must have forgotten to reboot the name generator.

Operation "Babydog?" Well, it has a certain ring to it, huh?

Yes... "Babydog" ... Well, the protocol is already running. Can't stop it now.

Yes, sorry, Operation "Babydog" ...We need to determine the source of — Haha! — I'm sorry, I can't.... Stand-by!

Our purification tech can only do so much. If the contamination spreads, people will die.

Good work. There's bound to be more than one.

We're making good progress, but energy readings are still off the charts.

This place is old; good thing we can't get tetanus.

If for nothing else but principle, I'm glad you're reclaiming it.

They just left that unguard...? This smells fishy to me.

Time for me to step out. I leave it to you.

Usually for an operation like this, logistical support would be provided. But it sounds like it's just us this time around.

Where'd you put my datapad? It had the notes about that thing I'm in charge of.

Into the action right away. I'm not surprised. You're up.

Whoa, wait wait wait, I'm not ready! I had a whole thing for this guy — I had charts and pictures — you know what, the one time I get it all — geez, forget it. You know what, just forget it.

Door's unlocked. But I couldn't get through without tripping their master alarm.

Not a trade I would have made, but you're the one on the ground.

Come on, how bad could one little alarm be?

Good different or bad different?

Did I just see a FLARE shoot into the sky?

Did you shoot up a flare? I thought we weren't allowed to have flares anymore after I… had nothing to do with why we're not allowed to have flares.

That's me! I must have… Oh, wait a minute. Nope not me.

Plan, schman. Take the radioactive thing, put in explode-y place. There! There's your plan.

Is this what "be brave" means for you? Didn't know it was a prayer.

Yeah, not blowing up is as good as you can hope for sometimes.

Way to reach for the stars.

Sounded like a nice dunk!

This guy's no ordinary space rhino. His weapons ain't half bad, either.

He's bound to have more. Insecure men tend to surround themselves with others like them.

Nope, she's totally right. Which is why I work alone.

I'm sorry, painted it what now?

Yeah, funny story about the Oh-roh? Oh-roh… Oh-roh-bahn… uh…

I think you should call it "payback."

Could be some really weird defenses in there. Not just flame turrets - I'm talking REALLY weird.

Why would they put a tank inside a ship?

Remember that elevator? Looks like we have to bring it down again.

Ok. Well, there are many… levels of easy.

Please don't encourage him

Oh, come on! ANOTHER one?

Wait, wait wait! Let me guess — giant flame turret.

Try to grab his flame turret blueprints after he's dead.

Watch for air support. This guy's too smart to not have a backup plan.

Eh, backup plans are overrated.

This is it. We've got him cornered… in an airfield. OK…

Now we've got you! In a… place you know way better than us. But that won't stop us. Let's get him!

Watch your six. And your twelve. You know what — just — just be careful

Sounds like I returned at just the right time. Excellent work, team.

Thanks, boss! It was by the book, the whole way.

Ok, you all are getting way too formal. Where's the energy? Let's hear some chatter out there! Huh?

The job's done. You can handle the chatter for a while.

You ever been hit with a rock? Don't joke about that.

YOU miscalculated?

Yes. Do you have any further questions?

It seems this new guy has done some “redecorating.” Although I don’t think I can call this an upgrade in terms of taste. But perhaps the cannons could be of use?

Names hold power. It is not unlikely that this new guy is a successor, who has taken up the mantle.

Unless we disable that shield, we’re sitting ducks out here!

That shield is making me mad! We’ve got to get rid of it!

Well fought! We’ve cut another head off the proverbial Hydra.

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 8 - CHAPTER SIX

MASTERLIST

November 18, 1991

Dear Charlie,

Oops, hehe! Did I forget to tell you about that? Well, here’s the story:

Over the summer, Dumbledore had asked Hagrid to pick up something from Gringotts. I can’t tell you what it is by mail because I can’t risk this letter falling into the wrong hands, but just know it’s something super important and valuable that dark wizards would die to get their hands on. Hagrid brought it to the school, and Dumbledore asked a few of us professors to come up with clever ways to defend the object that catered to our specific specialties. So anyone that wants to steal it would need to get past seven of our defenses. First is Hagrid, then Sprout, me, McGonagall, Quirrell and Snape. And the smart thing is that neither of us knows how to get past each other’s chambers. I can’t really tell you what all the defenses are exactly, but I used my specialty of Charms and Quidditch to put together this fun little obstacle. There are a ton of keys flying around the room and only one opens the door to move forward. There’s a broom in the room, and the keys are charmed to evade capture. So anyone trying to get past my defense would need to test out a bunch of different keys which would need them to be a pretty good flier and have a bit of Seeker skills in them. That part was dedicated to you.

And absolutely not. We are not seeing what we want to see. I can almost guarantee Quirrell is trying to steal it. He’s been acting so strange this whole year, and between you and me, Dumbledore has asked Snape and me to keep an eye on him. He also thinks something fishy is going on, and Dumbledore is never wrong, so something’s definitely up. It's a strange time at Hogwarts honestly, there’s something in the air. I just can’t figure out what it is.

Don’t worry, I’ve had a talk with her. Since she’s friends with Ron and Harry now, she comes with them to my office for our weekly chats. She knows her actions were reckless, and I don’t see her doing anything like that again. You know what I found out from them though? They think that Snape is the one trying to steal the object. And I can’t tell them why they’re wrong. Harry saw him on Halloween when we were going up to the third floor to stop Quirrell, but he didn’t see me. I had been ahead of him and had already turned the corner so he only saw Snape. And earlier this month, Harry had tried sneaking into the staffroom to get his book back that Snape had confiscated and saw Snape bandaging his wounds. Of course, it just so happened that Snape was talking with Filch about Fluffy, so now their suspicions are on him. And I can’t tell him that we’re all suspicious of Quirrell… he shouldn’t be involved in any of this to begin with.

And no, we didn’t catch him. I think he may have seen us coming and hid while we tried to get past Fluffy. He may have thought he could learn from us, but we just ended up leaving half-injured instead. Snape almost lost his bloody leg, and he doesn’t want to go to Madam Pomfrey for it. He’s honestly lucky it didn’t get infected. Anyway, I know that doesn’t prove it was him

The Gryffindor vs Slytherin game was absolutely crazy too. I was sitting with the other professors in the commentary box, which was so strange. But anyway, during the game, someone was jinxing Harry’s broom and trying to get him to fall off. Harry’s broom was going crazy, and Snape and I were trying our best to counter the jinxes. We were definitely slowing them down, but they were still doing enough to make Harry lose balance and almost fall off. We don’t know for sure who it was, but we are fairly certain it was Quirrell. Of course, the trio think it was Snape. Gryffindor did end up winning though! Harry caught the Snitch after he got control of his broom back.

Miss you loads,

Veronica

***

November 30, 1991

Dear Ronnie,

That is so cryptic! And I don’t like that you can’t tell me what the object is, but I know you have your reasons. That’s a cute obstacle though, and it represents you perfectly. And knowing Quirrell, there’s no way he’s getting past that. I can’t imagine him being a very good Seeker. Besides, I’m sure all the other professors made obstacles just as intense as yours and with there being six of them… someone would be crazy to try to get past them all.

I don’t blame them. Snape doesn’t help himself, he gives people a reason to be suspicious of him.

That sounds like a crazy game. I can’t believe a professor would jinx a student’s broom. How do you know it was Quirrell though? I’m not saying it was Snape, but how do you really know it was Quirrell? And maybe the broom wasn’t jinxed at all? Maybe he just lost control of it. Either way, I’m glad Harry was able to pull through in the end and win it for Gryffindor. He must really be a natural.

Hey, by the way, mum and dad are planning on bringing Ginny and coming to visit me for the holidays. I’m not sure if my brothers told you about that yet, but you should come! I mean, if you don’t have anything you need to do at Hogwarts, that is. But honestly, with trolls and three-headed dogs roaming the halls, it sounds like you might have your hands full, especially with all the students I’m sure will be staying at Hogwarts over the break. Still, I would love to see you.

Miss you more,

Charlie

[currentlyfckingurmom]

Her Song part 15

We quickly arrived at the museum, with Syd continuing to skip ahead of us. I have no idea why a five-year-old finds a museum so fun, but I'm definitely not complaining.

I briefly wonder why Florence isn't wearing a hat or sunglasses to conceal her identity, but she has this aura about her that makes her seem so normal. She's just so kind and approachable; if you didn't pay close attention, I doubt you'd notice that she's a famous celebrity. Her beauty could catch your attention from a mile away, but her personality is so warm and comforting— I can't even begin to explain it.

Syd stops in front of a painting, staring up at it in awe. We quietly come to a stop behind her, watching curiously as she takes in every brushstroke. Florence and I exchange a glance, silently asking each other what Syd might be doing.

"Momma, I like this one," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You do? What do you like about it?" I question.

"Well, it looks happy. If you just looked at it really quick, you see bright colors and smiles on those people's faces. But if you look closer, there are darker colors in the corners and none of their eyes look happy. The brushstrokes are harsher in the areas where people don't usually look— like that corner. They're all faking it. It's all pretend," she states without turning from the painting.

I stutter, unsure of what to say. "Are you sure you're five?"

"It reminds me of you," Syd concludes, ignoring my remark. Abruptly, she turns and walks down the hall to look at another display. I remain frozen there, staring at the painting and feeling like I might puke.

"Are you okay?" Florence asks, brushing my stiff arm with her gentle hand.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. Just caught off guard," I say, forcing a slight laugh.

"She's a smart kid," she says, cutting through the silence that had fallen over us.

"Yeah, she is," I agree, watching as Syd stood on her tip toes to read a display. "Don't know where she got it from."

"Don't sell yourself short, Y/N. I hate it."

I shrug and laugh a little, unsure of what to say. Why  am I so damn awkward?

After walking through the rest of the museum, Syd asks to leave.

"Momma, I'm bored. Can we go to the park? I wanna show Florence the fishies!"

"Well let's go then," I reply enthusiastically, picking up her small body and putting her on my back to walk through the busy New York streets. It's safer and she has fun with it, so I figure it's the best solution.

As we walk down the sidewalk, singing "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" without a care in the world, I spot Florence pulling her phone out. I stick out my tongue and make a funny face as she snaps a picture, giggling at the result.

"I'll get my revenge for that, Pugh," I warn her.

"Oh, I'm sure you will."

"Momma, keep singing!" Sydney demands.

Eventually we make it to the park, and thankfully there aren't many people here. Sydney runs, quickly leading us to our usual spot.

"Florence, Florence, come here!" she says excitedly, crouching down and peeking through the railing on the small bridge. I watch as they point out the fish in the creek together, giggling excitedly when a few ducks make an appearance.

"Momma, come here. Look at this one!" Syd points to a fish in the water that's swimming in circles. "I want it," she states.

"Okay, I'll throw you in so you can grab it," I retort. Florence snorts and chuckles, and I watch her with delight.

Just then, two older women walk by us, smiling lightly at the scene. "You have a beautiful family," one of them says.

I open my mouth to correct them, but Florence just says "Thank you very much," before I have the chance. I give her a look of confusion after the women are gone and she shrugs, saying "Why correct them? Just take the compliment and go on with the day, you know?"

"A compliment doesn't count if the circumstances are false," I argue, feigning seriousness.

"Who says? I think compliments should always count, no matter what. This world needs a little more kindness."

I pause slightly. "I guess you're right."

"Of course I'm right."

"Don't make me throw you in this creek, Pugh."

"Do it!" Syd yells.

"Don't you dare," Florence warns.

"Or what?" I challenge with a smirk.

"Or...or I'm- I'm gonna be mad," she stutters, trying to act tough.

"I can handle that," I decide quickly. I pick her up and throw her over my shoulder, carrying her off the small bridge and dragging her down into the creek. It was too shallow to just throw her in, so I had to improvise.

She yells the whole way, laughing as she hits my back to try and make me put her down. I get knee deep in the water before I drop her. She quickly sits up in the creek and splashes me with the cold water. I laugh and splash her back, but she tackles me and brings me down into the water.

"Asshole," I mumble.

"You did it first!"

Syd is laughing hysterically up on the bridge, and Flo and I are laughing right along with her. We make eye contact and our laughter dies out slightly, small smiles decorating our faces. "Come on. Let's go back to my place so we can dry off," I say, offering her a hand to help her up.

We quickly make it back to the apartment, pretending not to notice strangers' questioning looks at our soaking wet forms on the walk home.

Syd immediately heads for the couch to play with our cat, Liho. I lead Florence to my bedroom to grab her some dry clothes to change into. She looks around my room as I rummage through my drawers in search of my comfiest sweatpants.

I hand her a pair of sweatpants and an old oversized t-shirt. "The bathroom is right through there," I say, pointing to the en-suite attached to my bedroom. "Feel free to shower if you want."

"Thank you, Y/N."

She heads into the bathroom and I grab some dry clothes for myself, bringing them to the other bathroom to change.

After I'm done, I sit on the couch with Syd and wait for Florence to come out. We put a movie on and get out some ice cream, since I promised Syd we would get some at the park.

When Florence comes out into the living room, my breath catches in my throat. My sweatpants are just a bit baggy on her, and my t-shirt is hanging off her shoulder. Something about seeing her in my clothes makes my heart race.

"I didn't know you played hockey," Florence says, breaking the silence as she gestures to the t-shirt I gave her, which has the logo of my high school hockey team.

"Uh, yeah, I started playing when I was a little kid."

"Well, in that case, I think we'd better go skating together someday. I wanna see what you've got."

"I think we can arrange that." The conversation comes to a pause and we just look at each other, taking one another in with small smiles and light blushes. "Uh, do you want ice cream?" I ask, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, that sounds delightful."

[avirael]

FFxivWrite 2023

Day 11 - Once Bitten, Twice Shy

It all had started as a very peaceful day considering that it already was their second week in Limsa Lominsa without any suspicious incidents. Minfilia had send them there to keep an eye on the tensions between the Sahagin and the Maelstrom but so far nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

A'viloh had been in the city three times before, first as Flame General Raubahn’s envoy, later for a mission that had led him to the Sastasha Seagrot, where he had met Rael for the first time, and lastly for the remembrance ceremony. All of these visits had went perfectly well and yet A'viloh had only spent as much time in Limsa as had been strictly necessary.

He knew that it was entirely stupid but the watery city and its people made him uneasy, nervous even, and he often found himself looking over his shoulder and expecting to find a threat there.

By now however Rael had had enough of the Miqo'te’s strange behaviour, which they did not understand and he also refused to explain. Early this morning, while A'viloh had still been asleep, they had visited the Arcanists’ Guild, where they’ve been studying for a while now, and asked the guildmaster for a mission.

Then the Viera had returned to the Mizzenmast Inn, more or less kicked in the door to A'viloh’s room and conscripted him to help them with their task. A'viloh, who was more than happy about the change of scenery, had agreed without hesitation and so they had saddled their chocobos and left for Western La Noscea.

On their way Rael had explained that they were meant to meet Foreseer K'lyhia in Aleport to help with the inspection of a merchant vessel. Mealvaan’s Gate suspected to find smuggled goods on said ship and therefore expected trouble, so they were grateful for Rael’s and A'viloh’s support.

When they arrived at Aleport however they found that the Morningstar, the ship in question, was nowhere to be found in port and instead lay anchored roughly a malm out in the bay. They had met up with Foreseer K'lyhia, a friendly Miqo’te girl, and two Roegadyn mercenaries, who also were there for support, and tried to figure out what to do next. They asked around if anyone knew something about the ship only to be ambushed by a bunch of thugs. The men that attacked them didn’t really pose a challenge but they corroborated K'lyhias suspicion that something about the merchant ship was fishy. In no time the smart Miqo'te girl had put together a plan on how they would board the ship, deal with possible resistance and go ahead with their inspection.

She had already lost A'viloh at board the ship though…

Alone the sight of the ship made A'viloh feel queasy and not for every single Gil in Eorzea would he set a foot on it.

“I’ll remain here and make sure no more thugs are hiding around here.”, he suggested knowing very well how stupid it sounded.

Rael eyed him skeptically and K'lyhia took a quick look at her calculations before stating: “I don’t suspect any more trouble here, your help will more likely be needed on the Morningstar.”

With that the matter seemed to be settled for her and she and the two mercenaries walked towards the boat that was supposed to take them out to the ship.

“What’s up with you again??”, Rael asked irritated.

“I cannot do this.”, A'viloh simply answered unable to tear his gaze away from the ship on the horizon.

“Yo cannot do what?”, Rael asked still not understanding what was wrong with him.

The Miqo'te shook his head decidedly. “I am NOT gonna set foot on that ship!”

His voice started to sound a little squeaky though, so it came out less confident than he intended.

Rael tilted their head and stared at him for a moment before asking: “Are you scared?”

“I cannot swim.”, A'viloh said defensively. It was a made up excuse but it wasn’t a lie.

Rael chuckled and shook their head. “You don’t need to worry A'vi. I promise you we will be there and back in no time without even getting our feet wet.”

“But I don’t want to...”, the Miqo'te insisted like a defiant child and slowly Real started to loose their patience.

“Listen to me, A'vi. This is a little more important than your childish fears! Why don't you see this as a chance to improve your pathetically little self-confidence here, alright?”

Rael could be mercilessly blunt when they were angry about something and A'viloh wasn’t in the mood to argue with them. Somehow he even saw how the Viera’s words made sense and so he agreed reluctantly. Those memories can't hurt you if you don't let them, he told himself.

The first step into the boat didn't even take as much effort as he had feared but with every yalm they came closer to the ship it started to look bigger and more threatening. At some point he just tightly closed his eyes and tried to breath in and out calmy like Chuchuto had taught him. Rael and the others, going over their plan one more time, remained oblivious.

When they reached the ship they were indeed greeted by a bunch of ill-humoured sailors that tried to keep them away from their cargo hold with all means necessary. The men and their behaviour started to stir up unwelcome memories and A'viloh feared that he would be no use to the others at all.

Luckily some kind of fight-or-flight instinct kicked in as he saw the armed men charge at them. Since flight wasn’t an option, considering there was nothing but water around them, he gripped his brass knuckles and chose to fight instead.

With the five of them working together they quickly took out all of the goons and decided to go for the cargo hold, right as the big wooden doors to the belly of the ship swung open and send K'lyhia flying to the floorboards.

A deep growling voice echoed from the inside of the ship and then with heavy footsteps a tall Roegadyn stepped onto the deck. With him came another bunch of armed men, even more than they had fought before.

At the sight of him something in K'lyhia’s behaviour changed drastically and A'viloh felt it too. He saw the man for the first time but judging by his appearance and the way he spoke, he certainly was not just a crooked merchant trying to hide smuggled goods from taxation. This man was a pirate.

“N-No!”, K'lyhia stuttered. “It can’t be you!”

The Roegadyn smiled an ugly malicious smile. “Ha! Recognized me pretty face, did ye?”

K'lyhia’s otherwise friendly face only showed sheer terror now and she kept stammering about how he could not possibly be here.

Slowly the man bowed down and picked up her grimoire that had landed at his feet when she fell. “I’ve ‘ad enough o’ yer whimperin’. An’ I’ve certainly ‘ad enough o’ these bloody books. It’s clear ye ain’t learnin’ anythin’ from ‘em.”, he mocked and threw the grimoire, K'lyhia’s only means of defence, into the ocean. “Reckon it’s time ye got a different kind o’ lesson!”

At that the Miqo'te girl started to scream and aimlessly scrambled backwards, away from the man, until her back hit the mast and she couldn’t go further.

One of the mercenaries protectively stepped in front of K'lyhia and Rael motioned to do the same.

“A'vi, we have to do something!”, they yelled but A'viloh didn’t hear a word they said. Confused the Viera looked at him when he didn’t answer and found him standing there, shaking and gasping for air, his eyes wide with terror and fixated on the floorboards.

“A'viloh!”, Rael yelled and shook his shoulders. “Come on, we need you!”

But the Miqo'te didn’t react at all, his mind was somewhere far far away. Then his brass knuckles fell to the floor with a clank and his knees buckled. Rael had to catch him or he would have roughly landed on the floor too.

“K'lyhia!”, they heard one of the mercenaries shout. “Nophica preserve us, she’s fainted!”

Rael took a helpless look at A'viloh and then at the other Miqo'te on the ground and exclaimed: “We have to withdraw! Aersthota help me with him!”

Rael spoke a quick spell that put a barrier between them an the pirates. It wouldn’t hold for long, they had to hurry. While Geissfryn, the marauder mercenary, carried K'lyhia to the boat the other one picked up A'viloh, who gave a bloodcurdling yelp in protest but apart from that just let it happen.

They barely made it far enough so the pirates wouldn’t be able to catch up with them anymore, when Rael’s barrier gave up.

K'lyhia was lying unconscious on the ground and A'viloh sat opposite of them entirely apathetical and looked more dead than alive. Rael couldn’t understand at all how everything had escalated so quickly.

They glady made it back to Aleport without further disturbances and the marauder excused herself to bring K'lyhia back to the Arcanists’ Guild. Aersthota carried A'viloh back to land, this time without any reaction from the Miqo'te to Rael’s relief.

Another of that ghastly sounds would have broken their heart. They rarely regretted anything but now they felt horrible for forcing A'viloh into a situation that, as they now realised, had clearly been traumatic for him. He still was completely absent and Rael started to worry, because they had no idea what to do about it. Slowly they kneeled down in front of him and carefully touched his shoulders.

“A'vi…?”, they pleaded but without success. They knew that the Miqo'te didn’t have any physical injuries but nonetheless they cradled his hands in theirs, closed their eyes, and spoke a healing spell. “Please, A'viloh, talk to me…”

For a long moment nothing happened. Then A'viloh blinked and slowly looked up. “Rael?”, he muttered very quietly. “Where are we?”

Surprised Rael looked up and let go off the Miqo'te’s hands. “Back in Aleport. The pirates got away but at least you and K'lyhia are safe. I am so sorry, A'vi. I should never have persuaded you to go to that ship.”

A’viloh shook his head. „It’s alright…“

He looked a lot of things, but not alright. Rael wasn’t sure when they had grown so attached to that annoying little Miqo'te that they couldn’t bear the thought of seeing him sad.

„What happened?“, Rael asked tentatively and wasn’t quite sure if they meant what happened on the ship or what happened in the first place to cause such a reaction from the him.

A'viloh looked down.

„Can we please talk about this later?“

Rael nodded. „Of course, I‘m sorry.“

For a moment neither of them said anything. A'viloh just sat there picking at his nails and Rael watched him with a worried face.

Then the Viera sighed. „I need to check on K’lyhia too. We should return to Limsa.“

„No!“, A'viloh’s head shot up. „I don’t want to go there.“

Rael thought for a second and then suggested: „Would it be okay, if you waited at the Summerford Farms for me?“

„No“, he repeated and then added: „I want to go home!“

But just a moment after he said that he realised that he didn’t really know anymore where that even was. The person that had been his home was long lost in the ocean. He started to sob.

„Please don’t cry…“, Rael helplessly patted his shoulder. „Listen, I have an apartment in the Mist. How about you wait there for me and rest a little? And when I checked on K'lyhia I will take you to Kikipu, alright?“

A'viloh nodded weakly.

So Rael took him to their apartment, tucked him into bed and made sure to wait until he was fast asleep before returning to the Arcanists' Guild.

***

A'viloh was awakened by the morning sun shining through the window of Rael’s apartment. Had he really slept that long?

Slowly he sat up and noticed the Viera sitting in an armchair on the other side of the room with a book in their lap.

„Good morning.“, he whispered and made Rael startle.

„A'vi! You‘re awake.“, they put the book away and stood up. „How are you? Would you like something to drink? A tea perhaps?“

„I’m fine! Tea would be nice.“, A'viloh nodded with an amiable smile on his face. „Thank you.“

A moment later the Viera sat a steaming mug down on the bedside table and asked with an unfamiliar friendliness if A‘viloh wanted anything else.

„How is K'lyhia?“, the Miqo'te asked.

Rael sighed, pulled a chair from their desk by the window and sat down beside the bed.

„To be honest, she‘s not doing very well. Thubyrheim made sure to heal her properly but… well, her physical wounds aren’t the problem.“, they explained and carefully glanced at A'viloh.

„I see…“, he just said and stared into his teacup.

Rael hesitated for a moment but then continued: „Thubyrgeim also told me why K'lyhia and that Roegadyn knew each other. It seems that K'lyhia was -“

„I don’t think I want to hear that…“, A'viloh interjected very quietly without looking up.

Rael sighed, assuming their worst fears confirmed, and took the mug out of A'viloh’s grip. They placed it back on the bedside table and instead took one of the Miqo'te‘s hands in their own. „I‘m not stupid, A'vi. You are not fine, are you?“

A'viloh looked up at the Viera with a surprised expression on their face and Rael could feel his hand shake. Then slowly his face started to crumble and a tear ran down his cheek. „You are right. I owe you an explanation.“

„You owe me nothing.“, Rael clarified. „On the contrary, I owe you an apology. All I want is for you to know that you are not alone. I am aware that I’m no good at this but I‘m here if you need me. I know I can’t make anything better and I certainly don’t know what your going through. But if you ever want to talk I will listen. And if you don’t want to, I’ll just be here anyway and keep you company. I’ll always be there for you and I really mean that.“

Rael had hoped to make the Miqo'te feel better with those words but instead he just bursted into tears. The Viera awkwardly put his arms around him and was in return tightly hugged by A'viloh, who held on to them for dear life and than proceeded to have a good cry at their shoulder.

After a while he calmed down a little and between more tea for both of them and some chocolate Rael had found in a cupboard A'viloh began to slowly tell his story…

[carica-ficus]

"Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries"

04/01/2024

Reading progress: 44/315 (14%)

Read through since last update: 44

I'm doing a little buddy read with some friends and we chose this book. And I'm happy we did! I heard some good stuff about it. It's not overly popular, so I do hope the good word is actually correct (I find all the highly popular books too overhyped)...

Today's thoughts:

OH MY GOD!! CROATIA IS MENTIONED!!! AAAA!!! So cool! And while they haven't been mentioned by name, the mountain Folk might as well be our "vilas". Big, big kudos to Fawcett. This part warmed my heart. ❤️

The diary structure reminds me of some books I read as a kid, Dragonology among other works too. It's incredibly nostalgic. I have no doubt in my mind that I would have eaten this whole book up if it was written when I was in elementary school. I was a sucker for such books.

I already love Emily. It's a little painful reading about her poor social skills because it hits close to home, but I like her character. She's smart enough to understand people's expressions and reactions, but has trouble keeping conversation. She approaches social interactions from a scientific point of view, analysing them through patter recognition and her own knowledge of social cues. It's just... Very easy to relate to it. And her.

There's definitely something fishy going on on Ljosland. Emily might truly be in over her head. I bet she's right about Wendell and I bet he knows exactly the scope of the trouble she found herself in. Which is why he's probably going to visit her by surprise. At least I hope he will.

Speaking of Wendell, I really like his relationship to Emily. And it's cute that he drew her. Do I smell a "he's completely obsessed with her and she's totally oblivious to it" dynamic? Maybe. We'll see.

A small part for today, as a start. I'm liking it so far! The language is good, the characters interesting, there's a promise of something more, something ominous, and it's genuinely entertaining. I look forward to reading more!

[ye-it-is-skeet]

Autism Pride Day✨

First up is me✨ Hello I have autism and ADHD which means I’m smart but only at the last second😂. Now I am professionally diagnosed, and if you think there’s something fishy with how you relate to such videos about autism (or ADHD) talk to a medical professional who knows about that stuff and see if it’s for real. Everyone says therapists and EEG… but I was diagnosed this way: My teachers thought I was a dum dum and sent me to a classroom for the kids who need help with school. Then they said I was too smart for help. My mom took me to our family doctor and told him everything I do (she always knew I was different is what she tells me) and he said, “Yup, autism and ADHD.” And I’ve been awesome ever since. I got this paper that explained everything to my teachers so they’d know I do things differently and Id need a little more flexibility with what they do in a classroom, it’s called a 504. Anyways.

And yes, there is an Autism Pride day even though there’s a whole month. I missed that month so.. To say where I am on the spectrum I’m high-functioning, to explain it shortly, think of Donnie from rottmnt✨Except instead of science it’s art and math. And I can never be such an emotionally unavailable bad boy..

And if you ever wondered why the autism symbol is a rainbow infinity, the rainbow represents the spectrum of autism like a spectrum of colors, and the infinity represents the ✨infinite possibilities of autistic people✨

My brain developed differently and those who are my friends are enjoying my company very much✨ Some other little things is that I do have trouble expressing emotions, it makes sense in my head but words never work. It’s an important matter because since emotions and social stuff never work I also misinterpret information and/or it can emotionally effect me more than the other person initially believed it would. I don’t know how people work.

We’re all aware of the best autistic turtle ever, Donnie✨

Donnie: Was asked to just fix a robot but because it was his special interest he went all out and totally rebuilt Albearto Me: Was told that I could do an art project but didn’t need to do too much just needed some basic information but since art I took my paint and made a whole portrait with the information and presented it to the class.

Also some videos:

Lastly Hunter. Here I’ll just say that Hunter is my favorite and leave this video that can also educate the peoples✨

Tell me about your stims✨ Stims are fun✨✨ Happy Autism Pride Day

[pissypuffypissers]

For example, one of my little dudes rn is setting up a tank, BEAUTIFULLY. He's so detailed and he's planned it so well, and is enacting the plan honestly BETTER than I would. (im really proud of him, I feel like I acted as a stepping stone and ajlbvdeukads little man is so smart. I feel almost like a proud parent.) Is catching flack for being responsible. Its taken over a month and a half for it to start a nitrogen cycle and he's been catching flak for that whole duration. Like, at this point the poor boys been shit on by his siblings, grandparents, and parents for not stocking that tank with fish. Even though he's being so responsible and is exhibiting so much self control, just so his fishy friends can be healthy. They dont know shit about fish care/keeping. They dont know his hobbies and they, well, dont know. Which is fine! But imagine if he was being guided in his fish keeping by people who dont know. He'd have a crappy tank he wouldnt be proud of, as he loves a densely planted forest look, with fake plants he wouldnt take pride in having, and a tank full of dead fish or dying fish. Because he went out and found a mentor, he's doing amazing! Dense plant growth, amazing aquascape, and he knows the different nitrifying bacteria in the aquarium and is learning to fuck with PH by manipulating the KH/GH/TDS of the water column. I did nothing but teach him the nitrogen cycle and how to find good deals on plants. He just needed a tiny, tiny nudge and he was off to the races and surpassed me, and many, MANY other adults. He's only one, small example out of hundreds of interactions with kids/people as a whole. Kids THRIVE off of mentor relations, and more people should be willing to make them!

IDK, I feel like It shows how broken our society is when it comes to children. Hell, I was told that me merely interacting with kids, which is really just watching youtube videos that are centered around making aquariums/tarantulas/the universe (one of them really loves black holes and theories with white holes and stuff), discussing topics around it semi seriously, and me giving them dating advice WHEN THEY ASKED (most of my answers boil down to communicate well and shit) was weird! Like, IDK. I feel like both online and IRL kids are just avoided. Like they have a plague or some shit. Like, sure i've had to put my foot down a few times. Establish hard boundaries on appropriate conversation topics and shit but like.... I enjoy my time with kids. I think theyre fun, interesting people. I enjoy being able to act as a mentor, I enjoy hearing about their days and seeing them enjoy their youth. I wish more people gave children a chance to be more than a mostly silent person at a family gathering that only interacted with other kids. Sometimes I will go ahead and tell a kid that adult conversations are going on, and ill be with them later, but.... its so easy to treat them like humans. People need to treat kids like humans, not a pet.

Sorry for the incoherent vent, it just grinds my gears. Points are poorly made, shit is badly worded, but whatever.

TDLR: Kids need mentors, mentors are good, more adults should act as mentors as it can help protect kids from pedos.

Child abuse is a big problem, so it's important that we don't let children communicate with adults except their parents and other official authority figures. Everyone knows the best way to prevent child abuse is to keep children isolated and ensure all their communications are controlled.

[rockyschexneider]

How an Oyster Box Became the Ultimate Hack for Affiliate Marketers

How an Oyster Box Became the Ultimate Hack for Affiliate Marketers

Picture this: it's the late 19th century, and New York is bursting with entrepreneurial spirit. Amidst all this hustle, Frederick Weeks Wilcox, a visionary thinker, spotted a fishy problem—literally. His solution was as clever as it was simple. Wilcox invented a container designed not to preserve French fries or carry dim sum, but rather for oysters. Yes, those delightful little shellfish that were giving everyone some olfactory distress when carried home from the market.

Fast forward, and you’ll notice these same nifty containers have morphed into an emblem of Chinese takeout. Some post-WWII innovator looked at the oyster box and thought, “Why not use it for something else?” That thought became a game-changer, a prime example of a “pivot” in marketing. Take an original idea, give it a spin, and voilà—you've got something fresh and practical. It's like watching someone lace up an old pair of sneakers and suddenly make them look runway-ready.

Now, let's give this pivot concept a whirl in the digital market, where affiliate marketers thrive on ideas that are as agile as they are effective. Here enters BLOX, the modern digital marketing equivalent of the oyster box. BLOX isn't about flashy advertisements or drowning in complexities. It's straightforward: a clean, proven system that lets you profit by pivoting other people's products. The twist? You don’t even have to promote them yourself.

Think of BLOX as your go-to takeout box—versatile, reliable, and subtly transformative. This system doesn’t waste time with theories or empty promises. Instead, it provides the track record of success that’s been cruising along since 2017. If you’re caught in a marketing rut, BLOX could very well be your ticket from “meh” to “whoa.”

BLOX works by allowing you to become an affiliate for products you might not even know you’re promoting. It's the essence of smart marketing: working smarter, not harder. It’s designed for those who are weary of over-complicated affiliate systems bogged down by complexity and vagueness. BLOX cuts through the noise with a simplicity that sparks results—much like how that unassuming takeout box revolutionized the way we carry our meals.

Consider this a digital oyster box for today’s affiliate marketer. The process serves up crisp, real-world results without the need for a genius reinvention of the wheel. BLOX is a straightforward pivot that redirects existing traffic to land not just any result, but a profitable one. For those fatigued by chasing one get-rich-quick scheme after another, BLOX could be the fresh perspective needed.

So, how does transforming a seafood carrier into a cross-cultural culinary staple relate to boosting online marketing ventures? Simple. It's all about recognizing the versatility and untapped potential in everyday things. When you spot an opportunity to realign the focus and use existing structures for new purposes, magic happens. Sometimes, all it takes is seeing an oyster box in a new way to discover its potential as a game-changer.

The future of affiliate marketing may just lie in the ability to pivot and adapt as swiftly as those now-famous oyster boxes. BLOX provides the framework for marketers looking to reimagine what’s possible, all while tiptoeing lightly and effectively on the promotional structure. It’s the kind of smart application that allows for effortless customization and profit—just like our favorite foldable food container.

Explore BLOX if you're ready for a creative marketing pivot. Cheers to transforming the mundane into the magnificent; discover how an oyster box can inspire the next chapter in smart affiliate marketing strategies. After all, ingenuity often lies in the least expected places, hidden right in plain sight, waiting for someone with vision to unlock its potential.

*

[zeledonia]

Daily prompt scribble til Dawntrail

From this prompt list that I saved and then accidentally forgot about again. Fond Memories

"In any case…" Alisaie stretched her arms and fell back into the hammock, "I suppose it is only natural to dwell on these things. Do you remember much of your town?" "Hmm, not really." 'Don't I?' T'renin's guilty conscience stirred as soon as the words had left his mouth. 'Did you forget your promise already?' "Sorry. That was a lie." His ears twitched in irritation, and he shifted to face away from his friend. "I just don't like thinking about it very much. It wasn't a good time, and my family deserves no place in my life." His voice hardened. "I don't want to talk about it."

Alisaie sighed. "Of course, I understand. I was just curious." A hand grabbed him gently by the shoulder. "But… forget about your family for a moment. You don't have to talk about them. Surely there were other people who were worth remembering?"

Again T'renin swallowed the impulse to respond with 'not really'. He wanted to brush the topic off, and Alisaie knew this. So why did she keep pressing the matter?

"This is one of your stupid smart schemes to work on my attitude, isn't it." "Actually", Alisaie countered, her tone indignant, "It's one of my stupid smart schemes called 'being your friend and wanting to know things about you'." He didn't have to turn back around to know she was glaring at him. He rolled his eyes. "Alright, fine." 'Let's just pick a random story and hope she moves on.'

He let his mind roam, firmly blocking out all the thoughts that led to his family. Allowing other faces to take their place, he was pleasantly surprised when a fair number of them sparked joyous recognition. Perhaps this task was doable after all. He pondered the memories for a moment, a wave of fondness washing over him.

"There was a bakery. Just two blocks away from our place." He closed his eyes, drawing up the image in his mind. A weathered brick house. Wind chimes that got knocked against the wall with every breeze, and a brass bell that matched their sound with every push of the aged wooden door. The scent of fresh bread beckoning the customers.

"The couple that owned it would always offer us children these tiny sugar cookies. Little stars and flowers and fish, with differently coloured icing. I remember getting absurdly excited whenever we went there. It's not every day that you get a free cookie, after all." He grinned.

"I'd ask for a fish cookie, every time. 'Til one day I asked if I could have another one, y'know, just because. And when we got home… well, dad yelled at me. Told me to stop begging folks for hand-outs, and something about bad manners. A complete overreaction of course." T'renin sighed. "He'd never have gotten mad if my brother had done it. But I was scared he'd shout at me again, so I stopped saying yes to the cookies."

His ears drooped for a moment, and Alisaie hissed. "Your dad's a jerk." T'renin smirked. His friend's outburst was enough to ward off the dread that had threatened to creep up on him at the mention of his father.

"Aye. That he is. But get this-" He winked. "It wasn't exactly a secret that he was a jerk. So of course, when I kept pretending I didn't want cookies, the baker caught on. And boy, the performance!"

He stifled a giggle as he remembered the scene. The portly old baker in his flour-stained apron, raising his voice in a scandalized tone. "'You don't like my cookies any more? But I thought you loved them! No more little red fishies for the little redhead? What's wrong with them?' All that with the saddest, most heartbroken look on his face."

T'renin broke off as Alisaie laughed, realizing too late he'd subconsciously imitated the baker's gestures, his fist theatrically clutching his chest as he spoke.

"Ahem… Anyway! At that point everyone is watching. The good man stares down at the cookie platter like his world is in shambles, and it's very clear he doesn't want us to leave without handing me one. So what's dad gonna do, eh? He can't shoo me out of there without my cookie, it would offend the business. So he sighs and tells me to stop being rude and take one. And from that day on, me and my fish cookies lived happily ever after!" He snapped his fingers triumphantly.

Alisaie crossed her arms, a smile tugging on the corners of her mouth. "Well well! I'm glad to hear someone shall be spared my wrath if our adventures ever take us to your old doorstep. …Only if they still offer us fish cookies, of course." T'renin suppressed a snort. "Of course. Though now that I know the true purpose of your inquiry… perhaps I should expand on my list of people you must spare." He poked her nose. "You win this one." 'You and your stupid smart scheme of being a good friend.'

[jestedatoy]

"From Past Shadows to Present Sunshine: A Journey about my Life"

Hi, I'm Jestelouie P. Datoy, but just call me "jeste" because, honestly, I don't really like "Louie" in my name because it sounds like a boy name. I always ask my mom why she named me like that. As my mom said, my name comes from my aunt; she gave me that name. But anyway, it's not a big deal because it's acceptable to be who I am. I mean, I already accepted the name I have, BWHAHAHAHAHA. Honestly, it's a unique name, and I don't have a similar name. I'm 16 years old. Ayy, joke, I'm already 18! BWHHAHAHA! Omg, I can't believe that I'm already of legal age. I live in Pusok, Ibabao Lapu-Lapu City, and my mother said that I don't really have a specific birthplace because I was born at home and not in a hospital. We have five siblings, and I'm the youngest. Of course, being the youngest is necessary to be treated like a Disney princess.

My life was simple before. I was the type of child who didn't play with other children because I was too shy. I would only play alone; I was the only one who played paper dolls, so I didn't really like to socialize with others. Until I got used to it when I grew up. But honestly, because I'm too shy, I don't really talk to anyone except my family. My mom always said, "You can play with your friends or neighbors," but I really don't want to. My mom always boosts my confidence because I don't really have confidence in myself. So when I was in fourth grade, my mother forced me to join Princess and Princess, and then I started to gain a little confidence. I loved my mom even when I was young; she always guided and supported me.

When I was a child, I didn't really know how to fight, even though my classmates bullied me. I don't want to have an enemy, even though they always bully me, but it's not a big deal to me. I know that taking revenge is not a good way, but I'm still nice to them. My mind before was immature. I didn't know how to value money. I was too spoiled by my parents. I wanted to buy everything I wanted, even though we were poor. I didn't know how to appreciate small things. I have many opportunities that I wasted.

When I was in elementary school, I loved to read on Wattpad, so I also loved to make a story and put it in my notebook. Until one day I make my own story because, since I love reading books and Wattpad, it gives me inspiration to make my own story. Besides this, I was also inspired to make a story because, in elementary school, I never forgot that I had a crush. He is a very smart person, and I think we're not level with him, but since I'm trying hard with him, I try to express myself for him to notice me so that I need to be smart, but how?? So since I'm not smart, I'm working hard, and I always study to increase my grades until I'm in the top two in our class. When I came to grade 5, I was so shocked because my crush is my classmate. Omg, I'm so shy, and I never expected this to happen. On the first day of school, I felt a little nervous but was still motivated because my crush is my classmate. Fast-forward: we know each other, but as a classmate, one day he accidentally touched my hands, and I'm really blushing like, "Omg!" Bwhahahah, then we have eye-to-eye contact, and I can see in his eyes that he is ashamed of me. Until grade 6, we weren't classmates with him, but we still saw him in the school since we're schoolmates. Then, in grade 6, I never expected that when I was in grade 4, I was obsessed with him, but when we were in grade 6, he was obsessed with me; he would always pay attention to me like I felt something fishy with him. I think he's in love with me, Charizzz. I'm just assuming. Until we graduated from elementary school and I became the top student in our class, I could see from him that he was proud of me.

Fast-forward to adulthood. Now that I have grown up, there are many changes in myself. I like to socialize with others. I have many friends, and I like to talk and play games with others. I really want to hang out with my friends because I feel comfortable with them and safe with them. I'm so thankful to those of my friends who are true to me because they are the ones who destroy my lonely, independent person. Now I have confidence, and there are many opportunities that I did not waste. I have improved a lot in myself. I like to join organizations such as volunteers, church youth, and school activities. I am no longer afraid to socialize with other people. I also have many things that I am interested in, such as rehearsing instruments because I love music. I read a lot of books. The person I love the most is my family, especially my mom, who always boosts my confidence. I'm really proud and thankful for her. I love my mom, and my dad is always here by my side. To my beloved siblings, they always cheer me on and support me. I'm so lucky to have siblings like them, and now I'm growing and making changes and improvements to myself. Now I know how to value money and how important it is, especially in today's time when the price of food is expensive, so I am saving my money. I know how to appreciate small things. What my family can give me is a big thing for me because I know they worked hard for it. I'm not shy anymore; I'm so proud of myself, and I have confidence and a strong heart. I'm not scared of anyone; I can fight for myself.

My life goals are to achieve success and provide support for my family. One of my dreams is to travel with my family. I aspire for a stable and peaceful life for us in the future. I also have a desire to become a teacher one day, to contribute to the education of the younger generation, who are in need of learning and knowledge. 

Currently, in college, I'm exploring various courses and facing the challenges that come with them. It's a battle I'm not certain I'll win, but I know I need to stay strong for my family. I have many responsibilities towards them, and I understand that my success is their success too.

We experience various things in our lives, and no matter what challenges come our way, we need to be strong within ourselves. Our success in the future lies in our own hands, and we need to be responsible for ourselves.

Thank you for reading my story. I hope you enjoy it!!!

[little-greedy-things]

Not just Rain but a Raging Storm

Episode 1 review!

Okay first, I gotta admit, the names of the characters (Rain, Payu - which I now know means Storm) and the name of the episode has me giddy with excitement okay? That's soo smart? I love a good wordplay!

I saw a lot of posts on Instagram and Tumblr where people commented on the intro being too long and unnecessary, but I think that it actually added to the mystery and the vibe of the whole episode? I think they started off great by setting the mood right- the timestamps, vehicles being transported, illegal race? (they gave us an insight straight into Payu’s world!)

Plus we also get to see Rain and Sky (two pure little beans) be all stupid. I stan besties-who-share-one-braincell!

Okay so woah, our cute little bean gets caught in an illegal race and the first thing that he can think of to say is “I live around here and heard a noise?” See this is exactly why cute little things like him will get eaten by the big bad wolf. My boy has no braincells does he? C’mon Rain you gotta tell me now, how exactly stupid are you and how many times am I going to run a hand down my face, shaking my head in frustration?

So, this what they mean by “Raging Storm?” Look how pissed Payu looks here:

Oh yes, even I’m wondering what an ordinary boy like you is doing here Rain, care to start from the beginning?

So cute little Rain meets the big bad wolf on a rainy night? (Is this a co-incidence that the night he happens to meet Payu its literally raining buckets? - almost like a storm coming in? - the boy is doomed)

Oh, look how sweet and thoughtful Rain is!! So qualities of Rain collected so far: Little bean that’s gonna mess up my emotional balance, cheeks to die for and so so kind!) No wonder Payu does a double take at this little bean being kind to him in the rain.

Damn! He really gave Rain his helmet to hold so our baby can feel useful too! I love considerate men! (nods nods). Why am I getting a feeling that Rain will never learn anything about cars and just keep making Payu rescue him?

Not in the first 10 mins of the episode! C’mon!!!

Isn’t Sky so damn relatable??? We all deserve a bestie who calls us out on our shit okay?

Yes, pls keep on being so goddamn relatable SKY! (Expressions so on point - 10/10 would recommend)

Okay so turns out our little bean is the only one who doesn't know who Payu is? Even though he is like super famous? (okay this is very cliché but hey, I’m not complaining…okay maybe I’m. I just find it unbelievable)

Wow, one of the best entries I have seen of a lead. This is one of the things I really look forward to when its the first episode, the entry often gives an idea of the power the characters are gonna hold. I mean F4 Thailand? That was one heck of a powerful entry! (Also BrightWin)

He really sells the whole package here doesn’t he? Look at his cute little pony!

Oops okay okay. Yes Rain messed up here alright? But also hear me out. He is already jealous of a man he has never met, who his crush is crushing on - am I making sense? Give the man a chance to be salty over it? Obviously doesn’t excuse what he said, we have all said things without thinking them through and although it was wrong of Rain to word it this way, I will not hold it against him!

And they meet again? Just like that? At the frat dinner? and look at Payu not recognising Rain - like c’mon are u serious? Look at the heartbreak on little Rain's face! Are we really going to pretend now? (like that weird hand caress in the rain just did not happen?) Okay okay Payu- if that's the way u wanna go

Wow, Rain really is unlucky with cars isn’t he? and looooook who hears him, crying over his goddamn car again? Why do I get a feeling Payu was actually waiting for a chance to rescue the damsel in distress? All of this looks so fishy and look its freaking raining again like there’s going to be a storm? This cannot be a coincidence?

Also - he did not just say that to my pure innocent little bean?

That desperate hand hold! Someone certainly did notice. Yes I’m looking at you Payu! You certainly liked Rain clinging to you asking for help!

This escalated way too quickly for me…what is even happening omg!

Okay yes, I do gotta admit Payu is right here. Rain did come off as a little desperate and I remember cringing - so case well rested Payu

Hahaha…why did I laugh so hard at this?

Okay Payu your Dom is showing, slow down a little bit pls

Now, do u wanna know how many times I have replayed this scene? An embarrassing amount of time! But look at Payu being all cocky and Rain with his “caught in the headlights” look, man even forgot he was about to leave! hahahaha

Awww look at how cute frustrated Rain looks and that forehead crease! Sky is so done with his dumb dumb best friend!

And Sky having to deal with rain’s emotions (wait why are the characters named sooo perfectly? Sky literally has to deal with Rain’s moods? this is crazy)

And now he has to go back to collect his car from the garage. How does a man forget about his car? Omg. Am I the only one who kinda finds it unbelievable when characters forget about their cars? I know I fucking wouldn't (Is it just my broke ass talking?)

A kitty who tries to go against a tiger? Sky knows exactly whats going on and he is NOT holding back!

Payu fixed Rain’s car himself? O-K-A-Y. The man’s worried about his boy being stuck in the rain again. Like we know he wouldn’t drop everything to go fix Rain’s car again!

Also am I the only one who finds the mechanic guy creepy? Okay Mr-creepy-smile-mechanic. We get your point.

And that’s the end. Man what a ride. For the first episode, the story progressed way too fast. I mean c’mon what were the chances of Rain ending up in Payu’s bed in the first thirty minutes of the first goddam episode. Whatever I had in mind, I certainly hadn’t expected that.

However, the plot has progressed good. The characters, their personality, vibes are all soo on point (and yes I’m certainly talking about Sky’s constant I’m-so-done-with-this-boy look)

I haven’t started watching Episode 2 yet and the preview tells me its gonna be another roller-coaster ride!! I need a break from their fierce chemistry and their intense eye contact!