#out of control with the layout experiments

[cloveroctobers]

BREAKING NEWS | LUCA (The Bear) — summer prompts

A/N: The way I smiled so big when Luca arrived back on screen?! GORL GET A GRIP! 😆 idk it just felt right to continue these prompts based on the oc I kinda created. If you’re interested in seeing how their story played out (you don’t really have to go back and read the other ones since it’s mostly glimpses into their relationship tbh and I’m not intentionally writing continuous fics even though I still kinda do) you can read here & here.

PROMPTS ARE FROM HERE & I’m using: ⁵⁾ smoke curling up from a barbecue + ²⁷⁾ fresh flowers wilting in dead heat.

WARNINGS: language because it’s the bear, hints of mental health, summer feels, LuPey settling into Chicago, & somewhat of a lengthy read when this was supposed to be a drabble lol.

<- read my previous summer anthology prompt here.

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Moving (again) had been abrupt, but Peyton and Luca rolled with the punches. She’d miss their old condo’s open layout, the single balcony view, and of course, the fireplace in their bedroom for cozy and steamy nights. Still, she could make a home anywhere with Luca.

They’re all out on the deck with their guests, that’s right they gained a private deck in their new home, where everyone’s sprawled out either sitting comfortable or standing around with drinks or finger foods, while the partly cloudy weather kept them sane from Chicago’s heat. Regardless Peyton still had a tarp tossed over the beams just in case the sun decided to fully shine as the hours went on.

“Does Luca have any idea what he’s doing?” Peyton’s mother muttered up at her daughter, lips painted in a signature red, while she sat on the edge of a deck chair, posture so perfect a chiropractor would give her the highest of praise while using her as the number one demonstration.

Peyton lets out a slow exhale, “Course he does. Dad’s taught him a thing or two on the grill too. Also there’s a bunch of other cooks here that could assist if needed.”

Luca was never one to shy away from asking for help but he’d always try multiple times on his own before he did.

The short haired woman, (who taught Peyton all she knows about achieving the best volume when it comes to hair) sticks her nose up into the air bringing her flute glass right to her lips, “A caterer might have been better.”

“Then you would say he’s not being the best host given his experience,” Peyton frowns at her mother, “It’s a BBQ so a grill is meant to be used.”

The woman can’t help but to throw in there while peering up at her daughter through her eyelashes, “Properly.”

Which is enough for Peyton to take her leave, not saying a thing else to her well-known food critic of a mother, who Peyton already had to pull away from hounding her friend Carmy over The Bear’s latest review. She’ll take one for the team since she knew her mother best and has been taking her controlling overbearing ways her entire life.

Carmy appreciated it since it was clear he was about to shut down from Peyton’s mother’s ways but he also understood a thing or a thousand about mothers.

Carmy lingered, then ducked back inside, along with some guests that had retreated there to avoid the smoke or cool off. He would try the deck again later before deciding to sneak out.

Marcus was keeping Luca company by the grill so Carmy didn’t have to feel as obligated but nonetheless he felt included that his old friends, Peyton and Luca wanted him at their cookout.

The smoke curls up from the barbecue, warming the air as Luca began to rotate the kebabs, just as Peyton locks her arms around Luca’s waist, momentarily breaking his focus.

“Is this my favorite fiancée?” Luca questions from over his shoulder.

He’s alone now, Marcus left his side not too long ago to the far end of the deck, chatting to his old roommate Chester, who seemed to be stressing him out, as Marcus held his head down, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose while the dark haired man was animatedly talking to him about something.

Peyton beams from behind Luca, “The one and only,” squeezing him tighter and nuzzling the side of her face against his broad back, “You doing okay?”

She moves to stand beside him, glancing at the food with a fist pressing into the side of her floral blue and white dress.

Luca nods, “As long as I don’t receive any more unasked for commentary. It’s like people forget that I have culinary experience in other areas as well besides being a pastry chef. It’s a given, yeah?”

“Absolutely,” Peyton gives him a soft smile in understanding, “Just like people thinking I can’t cook at all being an Editorial Food Photographer. Don’t worry about it baby, I’ve got faith in you.”

Luca dabs the sweat from his brow with the rag slung over his shoulder. “I knew you would.”

Peyton squeezes at his bicep, “Need anything from me? A FaceTime to my dad?”

“Alright,” Luca throws his head back fighting back a twitch of smile breaking onto his face.

Then he points the grill fork in his wife to be’s direction, “Now I don’t want you near me.”

Peyton laughs pressing herself into his side, making the larger man glance over at her as she trails a hand down his torso covered apron, “Are you sure? I could be a great help to you.”

Her hand slips into the front pocket of the apron, making Luca close his eyes and shake his head before looking around to make sure no one was paying attention what this looked like, “I’m going to need you to step away before I cancel this entire gathering and piss off more than your mum.”

Peyton giggles, removing her hand as if she just touched the fire—in a way she did—revealing her lipgloss, making Luca frown over at the brown haired woman.

“Alright,” she sing songs buttering up her lips some more, being full aware of the effect she was having on her man right now, “If you say so.”

Luca blinks, “When did you even slip that in there?”

Peyton steps back, hands held out, “I have no pockets. Where else would I keep my goods?”

The woman watches in satisfaction at Luca slowly begins to eye her up in her attire for the day. His throat bobbed at the way the dress hugged her in all the right places and when he settled back on her brown eyes, knowing he had been caught, his cheeks swirled in pink.

Luca shakes his head, turning right back to the grill muttering to himself, “I know where I’d like to keep mine but I can’t exactly do that right now.”

“Huh?” Peyton lifts up her chin in a playful tone, stepping to Luca again who holds up his hand, almost to keep her back so he wouldn’t melt.

Luca sends her grin, meeting her eyes as he corrects, “I said you’re driving me mad and your beauty is distracting, especially in that dress so could you please?”

Peyton laughs, “Are you trying to get rid of me, Mr. Hodgson? It can’t be that bad.”

The natural arch of his brows is enough of a warning but Peyton laughs again. Making quick work to stand by his side, making sure to keep her cleavage away from his bicep this time, standing on the tips of her toes to smack a kiss to his cheek, she leaves a shine of lipgloss against his skin, before leaving him be.

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Peyton’s back on holding the hosting down, easing into separate conversations, making sure everyone is doing okay and enjoying themselves. She even brings over a few beverages to some guests with a million dollar smile (Tina being one of them, who had no problem matching Peyton’s mother’s energy. Peyton squeezed the older woman’s shoulder again in apology once handing her a refreshment) that she notices wiping sweat or fanning themselves, reminding them they could always head inside to chill, and that the deck wasn’t going anywhere.

And then…

It collapses.

Just kidding!

Letting out a sigh at the sight of community, Peyton is tempted to grab her wide lens camera to get a few shots, she still had time to, but she gets distracted seeing one of her outdoor plants that she just bought last weekend wilting in the heat. Peyton excused herself through a sea of people who started dancing in the middle of the deck, headed over to her collection of outdoor plants.

A hobby she started to pick up that her paternal grandmother loved to hear about.

Peyton’s reddish pink begonias started to droop and crisp at the end.

Thanks to the heatwave that finally broke.

Peyton huffs at the sight, wiping her slightly damp hands against the bottom of her dress so she could get a better grip on the flowers. Using her knees and getting into the right position, she bends and lifts the pot into her hold. Even steadying her breathing, Peyton feels the heat pressing through the deck boards as she starts making her way over to a set of steps.

Walking down the walkway towards the door, she blinks hard, feeling like something is off.

Unsteady.

She reached the door, ready to put the plant back down but by the hands of Carmy already inside, he does the honors of sliding the door back.

“Thanks, Carmy-Parmy.” She uses her personal nickname for him with an exhale, standing in the office now.

Carmy nods closing the door back while the cold air seems to subside Peyton’s moment of weirdness. “Can I help with that?”

“Oh no.” Peyton shakes her head putting back on a smile, “I’ve got it thanks. I’ll probably bring it upstairs to my room for a little shade. How are you? Interested in playing some chess?”

She places the plant down for a moment, slowly standing back up and closing her eyes as the room starts to tilt some. When she opens her eyes she sees Carmy looking at the chess set.

“The last time I played was actually with Luca.”

Peyton nods, “Yeah he did say something about this being part of your late night sesh’s back then when you two still wanted to keep busy. His grandad actually shipped that over.”

“Yeah?” Carmy responds, “You two play? Or it more for decoration?”

Peyton laughs, “Luca cheats!”

Carmy feels a smile playing on his lips knowing where this is going. “So he plays on his own?”

“Then he shouldn’t cheat.” It’s Peyton’s turn to turn her nose up into the air, “…thanks for coming Carmy.”

Then she’s bending again to bring her begonias out of sight, much like Carmy would prefer himself.

She’s made it to the top of her stairs, glancing at her hydroponic garden tucked in the corner to the left while trying to steady her breathing. Making a mental note to check on her thriving garden, she continues into the main bedroom to sit her flowers right on the dresser next to the air purifier. There’s a lump in her throat as she holds onto the edge of the dresser, waiting for this wave of fatigue to calm down.

And when it does, she makes her way into the bathroom to get a look at herself in the mirror before searching the back of a drawer.

Soon Peyton sets the test facedown on the counter, flushing the toilet on reflex before washing her hands for entirely too long. The sounds seem to echo. It’s too loud. Her throat feels dryer than the humidity outside. She spins from the mirror, holding onto the counter, unable to look at herself and leaving the faux plant in the vase as her witness.

The woman finds herself pacing in her bedroom, hair twisted and pulled up into whatever will fit into a claw clip, bathroom door shut tight as her eyes keep glancing at the timer that was set on her phone that’s now tossed on her bed. She barely hears the knock on the ajar bedroom door, appearing like a deer in headlights as she takes in the appearance of Natalie Berzatto dressed in pink and denim.

“Hey.”

Peyton puts on a smile, one that looks weak, “Sug! What’re you doing up here?”

Natalie doesn’t miss a beat, “Wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

It wasn’t a question but more a statement, leaving room for Peyton to be open with her if she wanted. It’s been a good chunk of the year since Luca decided to step in being a stage at the bear for awhile, where it allowed him to not only network but further build a relationship with the team that was already established.

Luca told her of his first time meeting Nat, the both of them only knowing her through minimum words of whatever Carmy actually bothered to share back then. Natalie accepted Luca pretty quickly, despite the fact that they didn’t have the budget to really hire anyone but the couple did alright with his savings, another side job that he was actually getting paid for, and with Peyton’s income.

Plus this condo was actually cheaper than the last in this shitty market so there’s that!!

Peyton and Natalie’s chats were brief whenever she did stop by because Carmy wasn’t going to keep her from showing up especially since Luca was already there half of the time.

It was actually one of Peyton’s new routines to do, remembering that she teased Carmy while hugging Natalie goodbye for the night, “Man if I would have met sissy bear before you, I don’t know if we would have been friends.”

“Gee thanks.” Carmy replied flatly with a roll of his eyes, barely glancing at his old friend as he moved around the kitchen quickly, after Peyton and Natalie agreed to meet up to get their nails done that weekend.

Peyton strikes a diva pose, chin tilted up, shoulders back, but her voice fails around the edges. Confidence doesn’t quite stick today, “Oh, yeah girl! Completely!”

Natalie pursed her lips, head shifting to the side as she takes in Peyton’s anxious look. Not believing her one bit.

“…Can I use your bathroom?” Natalie points, starting to move in that direction.

Peyton moves with her, making the blonde raise her brows, “It’s out of order.”

“I could’ve sworn I heard something flush on my way up here.” Her blues go into slits.

Peyton tries with a award winning smile again, “Weird plumbing?”

“Mm-hmm.” Natalie doesn’t press. Instead, she reaches for Peyton’s hand. “I’m here if you need someone. Even if we’re still new friends. You can talk to me.”

Peyton squeezes her hand—grateful, but silent.

Natalie leans in, her voice softer now, “And whatever you’re guarding in there…it’ll be okay.”

Peyton gives her a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes but Natalie takes it, before letting her hand slip from her’s. She steps back but not without casting a look back at the closed shut bathroom door, “Also your herbs out in the hallway are super pretty. Gives a real earthy vibe and breathable air up here.”

“Thanks friend.” Peyton manages to get out before Natalie smiles back at her, then the blonde berzatto takes her leave.

The woman takes a seat on the edge of her bed, burying her elbows into her knees and tucks her head so that she can actually breathe this time.

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She’s not sure how long she sat like this until she hears Luca rambling to himself coming up the stairs. That gets Peyton back up to her feet, exhaustion still there as she walks along the side of the bed, reaching over to quickly tap on her phone to see how much time is left.

Peyton is still startled once Luca officially enters the room, rubbing his hands together, apron tossed over his shoulder instead, barefoot, face flushed from the heat, all while carrying traces of smoke with him.

“There she is!” He grins at his woman, heading over to the dresser to pull open, eyes glancing at the plant to the right of the air purifier, “I see you bought Bernice upstairs.”

Peyton clears her throat, stare barely looking at her plant as Luca begins to dig through the drawer, he memorized her plant names as soon as she started bringing them home and they agreed to hold off on a dog for now, “Mhm.”

“You doing alright love? Not hiding from anyone?” He peeks over before finding the lighter colored shirt he was thinking of as soon as he got off the grill.

That inquiry alone makes Peyton want to upchuck. She swallows it down as Luca finds some shorts to go with the shirt and moves towards her, easily picking up on her lack of answer.

Once he gets close to her she says, “Just needed to get Bernice out of the heat and take a second. You know crowds hardly bother me.”

“True,” Luca doesn’t have to think about it, “Well the last of the food is ready. Better hurry before the vultures really sink in. I’m gonna freshen up real quick and meet you down there?”

He starts to reach around her, his stare going right back to her face once her fingertips slap down on his wrist.

“There’s two bathrooms downstairs,” she blurts.

He pauses. Blinks. “They’re packed. What’s going on?”

“Nothing.” He doesn’t miss the water rising at the corner of her eyes.

Luca studies her.

Peyton molds her lips together being asking, “Did Sug send you up here?”

“Maybe?” he admits, both brows lifting. “I was coming round anyway. She said you seemed… not yourself.”

Peyton lets her hand slip from Luca’s wrist, hand going up to push back her curtain bangs before looking down and then up away from the gaze he wanted her to meet, “…Theres something in there that you’re going to see.”

“Like what?”

That’s when she meets his gaze, steps back, hand on the door knob that she twists before pushing it back, letting that be enough of an answer.

The bathroom is quiet and freezing since Peyton shut the door, the humming of the AC is barely there but demands to be felt, as Luca carefully steps into the bathroom, setting his clothes down on a corner of the counter.

That’s when his eyes find the test upside down on the counter closest to the toliet.

It’s small and weightless…yet terrifying.

He looks back over at Peyton, who’s already facing him in the doorway, wringing her hands about, engagement ring catches the light, glinting gold on trembling fingers. She bites down on her bottom lip, still glossy, still clear tinted but her usual shine was dim.

Luca looks back at the test, hand reaching out before he steps closer to it.

She blurts, voice tight, “It’s not time yet!”

He freezes. Then calmly, softly, he sits on the closed toilet lid and holds out a hand.

“Alright then…we wait.”

Peyton exhales shakily. Her knees threat to send her crashing to the tile floor but her clutch on the door frame helps her to stay upright. Peyton’s eyes flick back to Luca, and she realizes: her support isn’t the wood behind her. It’s him.

Locking the door behind them, she steps forward, hands meeting like magnets before he gently tugs her into his lap. One arm wraps across her waist, while both of her hands hold onto his tatted arm like he’s the only thing keeping her secure right now.

Luca’s focus stays right on the test, curiosity starting to swirl in.

“You feelin’ anything?” Luca murmurs, wondering what possessed Peyton to suddenly take one.

Peyton blinks. “I’m two weeks behind and just…tired. I was bringing in the plant, you know, along the banister on the side of the tarp? I thought Bernice might make it through the heatwave but…” She trails off. “I nearly passed out after. Had to drag myself up here.”

Luca nods, thumb subconsciously beginning to rub against the side of her stomach. “Those are valid signs. Could be something…or dehydration, stress even or…nothing.”

Peyton hums. “We weren’t really trying though.”

“Yeah, but we haven’t exactly been not trying.” Luca reminds.

That gets the faintest laugh from her—dry but real. “We’ve christened nearly every room in this house.”

The dining room happened to be Luca’s go to spot after some time settling in. The built in shelving with trinkets from various of trips and vibrant artwork throw in felt like a lived in museum within itself. It wasn’t just the decor but they always found themselves entangled there and Peyton remained Luca’s favorite pastry.

God, any guests in there right now would lose their shit knowing what the couple got up to in there if only they were flies on a wall.

It’s their little secret plus…they knew how to clean!

And entertain.

Luca smirks, lips brushing the back of her ear, “That we have.”

The silence comes, heavy but not cold. Peyton traces Luca’s tattoos as they wait.

They can hear the beeping from Peyton’s phone from outside of the door.

Neither of them moves. Not right away.

Eventually, Luca does. “Want me to look?”

Peyton nods.

Luca is the one to move, slowly before letting Peyton plop back down on the lid.

He flips the test over, resting his hands on the counter as he leans in to get a read.

Not pregnant.

It reads.

“Negative.” Luca whispers.

Peyton’s shoulders deflate.

Was it relief or disappointment? She’s not even sure.

Getting to her feet, she stands beside Luca, getting a look for herself. To see it is to believe it.

“Are we…happy about this?” She asks.

Luca peers over at her, his chin pressed into his shoulder, “Are you?”

Crossing her arms, she takes time to digest this feeling.

“Not happy or sad. I just…don’t think now’s the time to have a baby. I’m scared, Luca. Not of the baby, but of me. What if I’m not okay enough to be a mom? What if the joy breaks me?”

His hands are gentle on her hips, “You’ve been doing great for a while now.”

She scoffs softly, eyes shining. “Sure. But you know how it is. Sunny for months, then a black and blue week crashes in like a riptide. I don’t want to gamble with prenatal depression or postpartum. I also don’t want to be dangerous to our kid. I can’t be my mother—but I’m scared I’ll carry her in me anyway.”

A hand goes up to cup her face, “You’re not her. And I’ll be here—even if you don’t feel like you. I’ll still love you when the hard days try to make me forget how.”

A tear slips out and Luca catches it as she sniffs.

Her forehead rests against his.

“I want that future with you,” she croaks, “Kids. A little bit of chaos mixed in with love. Corny matching fits. You strapped with a baby harness to your chest. Me proving that our baby is a model on and off camera.”

Luca chuckles, one that’s from the heart, “After marriage, maybe that’s how it’s meant to be? I did picture it that way, you know?”

“That’s very you.” Peyton smiles.

Luca defends, “This is my adult era, could you imagine us doing this back when we ripped each other to shreds in our early twenties? I know order much better now.”

Peyton snorts, “I guess so. You probably would have me right on that deck at twenty-one—no hesitation.”

“Give ‘em a real show, yeah?” He winks.

The couple share a kiss, unhurried but sure.

Tender lips and true.

When they pull away, Peyton lets herself exhale for real.

“Breaking news?” She starts.

Luca lifts his brows.

“That I chose the right person. Even when I was unraveling about this, I still choose you.”

He presses his forehead to hers again, heart filling with a warmth that no heatwave could match. “It’s not breaking. Carmy knew first. That tosser.”

Peyton laughs letting her head drop against Luca’s collarbone, leaving his arms to circle entirely around her, keeping her tight to him because he never wanted to lose her again, especially not to the blues that had a mind of their own.

She was it for him.

In every lifetime and every tomorrow.

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Out on the private balcony Peyton stands, leaning against the railing as she people watches their friends and guests out on the deck. There’s lively music, loud chatter, laughter, plates scraping, and the occasional clinks of cans. The sky’s smearing tangerine beneath the haze.

The sun decided to make an appearance before it set for good tonight.

A reminder that all news doesn’t have to be negative.

A fresh breeze picks up, Peyton’s not startled this time as Luca steps in from behind, dressed in clean clothes. He smells of oak moss and something warm from the laundry.

Without a word, he pressed a lingering kiss to her cheek, His hand slides up her back, settling between her bare shoulder blades. Peyton sinks into him on her left, eyes fluttering closed as the clouds rolled on.

A smile curls onto her lips.

She knows in her bones that she’s going to love Luca, for a long, long time.

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Carmy stands below on the deck by the grill, finishing up what Luca started. He’s wiping down the grates with practiced precision, he’s making quick work of doing so but from anyone watching it would appear as if he’s back in his restaurant, preparing a meal.

He’s in his own world so he doesn’t have to socialize.

Until Sugar appears beside him, “Your friends are so adorable, bear.”

Which gets him to look over at his sister before turning the other way to catch a view of the only balcony on this side, Peyton leaning into Luca’s side.

“Yeah. Came a long way…but I’m happy for them.” His tone is simple but he means it because he was there—back when they were all just twenty-somethings trying to make sense of love and life. When Luca didn’t know what to do with his feelings and turned Carmy into a glorified emotional translator.

And why would he do that for especially with Carmy’s lack of being in touch with his own feelings?

Luca’s pacing by the service door, scratching at his arm, apron still on, hair tousled like this shift chewed him up and spit him out.

Carmy stalks in not long after, carrying a tray of leftover garnishes, annoyed already.

“You know…who the fuck asked you anyway?” A young twenty something Luca snaps as soon as Carmy sets the tray down on the prep table.

Now he wanted to get pissy with Carmy because he told him the truth out on the floor? They were under enough stress as it is with Peyton feeling like she wasn’t cut out for this, Luca choosing to be condescending rather than helpful which pissed Peyton off, nearly making her walk off on the task but Carmy talked her down, saying it wasn’t a good look, that she wasn’t wrong, to shake it off and to not let Luca get into her head, which was ironic since Carmy was good at getting in his own, pressure being his own worst enemy but they all had to learn how to keep it together.

So he would for them.

“Uh��you fucking did! Either stop being a little bitch and go find her after we’re done cleaning up or leave me the fuck outta it.” Carmy pointed at Luca.

There goes Luca’s brows curving in that way that they do, His arms are bulkier now, tattoos more visible than when they first started.

“You like her, don’t you, dumbass?” Carmy observes, eyes wide.

“…not the point.”

Carmy picks up a crisp apple to start slicing into some pieces to snack on, “Doesn’t give you a right to be a dick.”

“Oh, excuse me? Is the antisocial chef a love doctor now? I wasn’t aware that was part of your résumé.” Luca can feel his body running hot.

Carmy scowls, “Fuck off okay? Jesus! You two are gonna contribute to my early death before the next menu rotation.”

Luca snickers, clearly not as mad as he put on to be before moving to take the tray to rinse. A silence fills the room while Luca scrubs at the dishes before asking, “…did she say she’s going home after?”

Carmy sighs loud and tired, throwing his hands up in the air, sick of these two idiots.

Sugar grins, “Think I’ll be invited to the wedding?”

Whenever that is.

Carmy shrugs, casual, “Rather I bring you as my plus one or not, definitely.”

Sugar is touched that Carmy considers bringing her, when she would’ve totally understood if he decided to bring Sydney.

“Here try the lemonade,” Natalie hands him over the cup she’s been holding, “Pete gave it to me but I can’t handle citrus anymore since having Soph. You need to stay hydrated, so take it.”

Carmy takes what’s been offered to him, sipping at the beverage just as Natalie squeezes his shoulder and walks off to join Sydney, who’s holding his niece.

Immediately he chokes.

“Yo, Who made this shit?” He wants to call out to his sister, something he should’ve done before indulging but he knew it wasn’t her.

His outburst is loud enough catching the attention of Richie, who stops in his tracks, walking by him. His large shades flip right to the top of his head, turquoise blues zoning in on the cup in Carmy’s hand. Then they flick back up to his, Carmy’s eyes already focused and ready to take on Richie’s attitude.

“This shit?! Fuck do you know about beverages, Carmen?”

Carmy winces at the aftertaste, “That it shouldn’t fucking taste like that. What’d you do? Mix it with, piss?”

“You wanna do this right now, you Willy Wonka reject? Guess what I got for you, these?!” And Richie flips him two middle fingers.

Carmy smirks. Which only pisses Richie off more.

Peyton breaks away from Luca’s slow peck, hearing the commotion down below.

“That’s on you,” she decides.

Luca groans, leaning over the railing to see Sydney and Natalie make their way over. “I mean I see enough of that at the restaurant. I’m good. We can let them handle it.”

Peyton laughs as he slowly starts to creep back from the balcony, hand reaching out for the handle of the door back to the bedroom.

“A host’s job is never done.” She comments, slightly pulling up the top of her dress and smoothing out the rest.

Inside she spins back to Luca, who’s lounging on the bed, watching her, she attempts to walk by him after checking her appearance in the full length mirror by the wall.

It’s his turn to pull on her wrist, tugging her so she toppled over him, legs twisting with his as he holds onto the small of her back.

“Hi.” Luca kisses beneath her jaw, then lower, tongue brushing her skin before he starts to suck.

Peyton’s hands tighten against his shoulder, “Hey to you too…but like I said…we have a job to do.”

“Uh-huh,” he’s peppering kisses along the slope of the shape where her neck meets her shoulder, “And you did your job well in this dress.”

His hand slips down to cup her backside and squeezes, pushing her even closer to him.

“Nope!” Peyton laughs, managing to pull herself from his grasp, “After marriage remember?”

“Yes to children. What makes you think this would be the actual time?” There’s humor in Luca’s tone as he tries to reach out for Peyton once more who curls herself away from his touch.

She just gives him a look, side stepping him by the edge of the bed and away from Luca’s lengthy limbs.

“I can’t get a kiss before we head back into chaos?”

Peyton shakes her head, holding onto the doorframe as she peers back at him, “We’re always obsessed with each other. If we share one more kiss in this room…everyone will send a search party.”

“Natalie could cover for us.” Luca shrugs pushing off the bed to get to his feet, “It’s sorta her fault for sending me up here anyway.”

“Thought you were coming up here to get changed?” You quirk up a brow.

Luca scratches at the back of his head, “…I’ve never been the best liar.”

“Uh huh.” She nods as she holds her hand out behind her, already walking down the hallway, his eyes follow her, he didn’t know which was worse, watching her from the front or the back.

He pauses in the doorway, “You’re gonna have to go on without me. I need a minute.”

Peyton frowns, turning to look back at Luca, then grins, “Oh you’re so done for once we’re actually Husband and Wife. Control yourself, would ya?”

“How is this my fault when you go on looking like that?” Luca brings his attention back to her face, hand thrown up in the air.

Peyton just shakes her head at him, “I guess I’ll meet you out there.”

Luca shields his eyes, a man defeated but loves to watch her leave but hated to see her go.

Peyton reenters the party, chatting with a few guests who chose to chill inside. She fixes a plate, keeping busy, waiting for Luca to join her.

Upstairs, he’s still catching his breath.

Turns out headlines don’t always have to be the loudest. Sometimes it’s just two soulmates who found their way.

⭑.ᐟ ⭑.ᐟ ⭑.ᐟ ⭑.ᐟ ⭑.ᐟ ⭑.ᐟ ⭑.ᐟ ⭑.ᐟ ⭑.ᐟ ⭑.ᐟ ⭑.ᐟ ⭑.ᐟ ⭑.ᐟ

Continue with my summer anthology prompts here.

[bebemoon]

look for the name FONTAINE (requested by @benevxllain) | art print by emiliano maggi, romeo gigli dark purple pleated cocoon coat (a/w 1992), romeo gigli floral borcade sheer skirt, mirror palais "angel wisp" top in burgundy, zimmermann baroque gold chain belt, vintage italian butter leather over-the-knee point-toe stiletto boots w/ button detailing, joanne burke 18kt gold fountain ring, paloma picasso "mon parfum" eau de parfum in special edition wearable sun brooch bottle, anna molinari kiss clasp black leather handbag w/ logo charm chain

[seaerchyourdeals]

Kutchina Chimney Reviwes

Kutchina Chimney: Transforming Kitchen Spaces with Innovation and Efficiency

In the modern kitchen, where culinary creations come to life and family gatherings find warmth, the importance of an efficient kitchen chimney cannot be overstated. Among the leading names in kitchen appliances, Kutchina stands tall, known for its innovative and technologically advanced chimneys designed to revolutionize cooking spaces.

1. Kutchina: A Trusted Household Name

    A brief introduction to Kutchina as a reputable and established brand in the kitchen appliance industry.

    Highlight the brand's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

2. Understanding the Need for Kitchen Ventilation

    Explanation of the challenges faced in the kitchen environment, such as smoke, odors, and grease, and their impact on indoor air quality.

    Importance of proper ventilation in ensuring a clean, healthy, and comfortable kitchen atmosphere.

3. Kutchina Chimneys: Pioneering Technology and Design

    Overview of the diverse Kutchina chimney models available, catering to various kitchen layouts and styles.

    Introduction to cutting-edge features, such as powerful suction capabilities, multiple filter options (baffle filters, cassette filters, charcoal filters), energy-efficient motors, and intuitive control panels.

4. Advantages of Choosing Kutchina Chimneys

    Improved indoor air quality: Highlight how Kutchina chimneys eliminate smoke, odors, and harmful gases, ensuring a fresh and breathable kitchen environment.

    Easy maintenance and cleaning: Emphasize the user-friendly design of Kutchina chimneys, making them easy to clean and maintain for optimal performance.

    Enhanced kitchen aesthetics: Discuss how Kutchina chimneys add a touch of elegance to kitchens, complementing various interior styles.

5. Customer Satisfaction and Testimonials

    Showcase positive testimonials and feedback from satisfied Kutchina customers, highlighting their experiences with the brand's chimneys.

    Discuss any awards or accolades received by Kutchina for its innovative and reliable chimney solutions.

6. Conclusion: Elevating Kitchen Experiences with Kutchina

    Summarize the key points about Kutchina chimneys, emphasizing their role in transforming ordinary kitchens into efficient, clean, and inviting spaces.

    Kutchina chimney options to enhance their kitchen experiences.

Kutchina chimneys are renowned for their innovation among homeowners. Here are some of the key features of Kutchina chimneys:

1. Powerful Suction Capacity:

    Kutchina chimneys come with powerful motors that offer high suction capacity, effectively removing smoke, odors, and grease from the kitchen.

2. Advanced Filter Options:

    Kutchina chimneys are equipped with various types of filters, including baffle filters, cassette filters, and charcoal filters. These filters efficiently trap grease, oil particles, and odors, ensuring clean and fresh air circulation in the kitchen.

3. Energy-Efficient Operation:

    Kutchina chimneys are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming minimal electricity while delivering optimal performance. This feature not only saves energy but also reduces electricity bills.

4. Low Noise Levels:

    Kutchina chimneys operate quietly, minimizing noise pollution in the kitchen. Ensures a peaceful cooking environment without disturbances from the chimney's operation.

5. Touch Control Panel:

    Many Kutchina chimneys feature touch control panels that offer ease of operation. These intuitive panels allow users to control various functions, such as fan speed, lighting, and timer settings, with a simple touch.

6. LED Lighting:

    Kutchina chimneys are equipped with bright and energy-efficient LED lights that illuminate the cooking area. These lights enhance visibility, making cooking easier while adding a stylish element to the kitchen.

7. Auto-Clean Technology:

    Some Kutchina chimneys come with auto-clean technology, which automatically cleans the filters and removes accumulated grease. This feature ensures hassle-free maintenance and prolongs the chimney's lifespan.

8. Heat Auto-Clean Function:

    Kutchina chimneys with heat auto-clean function use heat to dissolve sticky and oily particles, keeping the filters clean and enhancing the chimney's efficiency.

9. Ductless Operation:

    Certain Kutchina chimneys can operate ductless, using recirculation technology to purify the air. This flexibility allows installation in kitchens where ductwork is not possible.

10. Sleek and Stylish Design:

    Kutchina Chimneys are known for their kitchen decor. The stylish appearance enhances the overall aesthetics of the cooking space.

11. Timer Function:

    Some Kutchina chimneys have a timer function, allowing users to set the operating time. This feature is useful for automatic shutdown after a specific duration, ensuring energy efficiency and convenience.

These features collectively make Kutchina chimneys a popular choice for homeowners, providing efficient and convenient solutions for kitchen ventilation.

Using Kutchina chimneys in your kitchen can offer many benefits, creating a healthier, cleaner, and more comfortable cooking environment. Here are the key advantages of using Kutchina chimneys:

1. Improved Indoor Air Quality:

    Kutchina chimneys effectively remove smoke, grease particles, and cooking odors from the air. Helps maintain high indoor air quality, ensuring a healthier atmosphere for you and your family.

2. Removal of Harmful Gases:

    Cooking processes can release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. Kutchina chimneys help eliminate these gases, safeguarding the health of your family members.

3. Prevention of Grease Buildup:

    Chimneys prevent grease particles from settling on kitchen surfaces, including walls, cabinets, and appliances. Reduces the effort needed for cleaning and maintenance in the kitchen.

4. Enhanced Kitchen Hygiene:

    By capturing grease and other pollutants, Kutchina chimneys maintain a hygienic kitchen environment. A cleaner kitchen promotes better food preparation practices and overall hygiene.

5. Odor Control:

    Cooking odors can be overwhelming and can spread throughout your home. Kutchina chimneys efficiently remove odors, ensuring your kitchen and home remain fresh and pleasant-smelling.

6. Protects Kitchen Decor:

    Grease and smoke can tarnish kitchen interiors over time. Kutchina chimneys protect your kitchen decor and prevent discoloration, helping to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your cooking space.

7. Energy Efficiency:

    Kutchina chimneys are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming minimal electricity while providing optimal performance. This energy efficiency contributes to reduced electricity bills.

8. Peaceful Cooking Environment:

    Kutchina chimneys operate quietly, minimizing noise in the kitchen. Creates a peaceful cooking environment, allowing you to focus on your culinary creations without disturbances.

9. Extended Appliance Lifespan:

    By preventing the buildup of grease and grime on kitchen appliances, Kutchina chimneys contribute to the extended lifespan and improved performance of your cooking appliances.

10. Adds Elegance to Your Kitchen:

    Kutchina chimneys come in stylish designs. They not only serve a functional purpose but also enhance the visual appeal of your cooking space.

In summary, Kutchina chimneys offer a range of benefits, from ensuring clean air and hygiene to enhancing the overall cooking experience and aesthetics of your kitchen. Investing in a Kutchina chimney can significantly improve your kitchen environment and overall quality of life.

Installation of Kutchina Chimneys

    A professional technician installed your Kutchina chimney, including correct positioning, secure mounting, and appropriate ductwork if required.

    Choosing the Right Location: Select a suitable location for the chimney, preferably above the cooktop or stove. Ensure no obstructions and enough space for the chimney to capture smoke and odors effectively.

    Ductwork Installation: If your Kutchina chimney requires ductwork, ensure it is installed properly. The ducts should be straight and short with minimal bends to allow efficient airflow.

    Electrical Connection: Ensure the chimney is correctly connected to the power supply. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions while connecting the electrical components.

Maintenance of Kutchina Chimneys:

    Regular Cleaning: Clean the chimney filters and surface debris. Follow the user manual for specific cleaning instructions. Some Kutchina chimneys come with auto-clean features that make maintenance easier.

    Filter Replacement: If your chimney uses filters (such as baffle filters or charcoal filters), replace them as recommended by the manufacturer. Clean filters ensure optimal performance.

    Check for Damages

Inspect the chimney for any damages or signs of wear and tear.

Pay attention to the motor, fan, and lights.

    Grease Tray Maintenance: If your chimney has a grease collection tray, clean it regularly to prevent overflow and ensure efficient functioning.

    Maintaining Ventilation: Ensure that the ventilation ducts are clear and free from blockages. Regularly inspect the external vent to prevent birds or debris from clogging the opening.

    Professional Servicing: Consider scheduling professional servicing of your Kutchina chimney at least once a year. Experienced technicians can conduct a thorough inspection, clean internal components, and make necessary adjustments for optimal performance.

    Avoiding DIY Repairs: If you encounter issues with your chimney, avoid attempting major repairs yourself. Contact the manufacturer's customer service or a certified technician to assess and fix the problem safely.

By following these installation and maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your Kutchina chimney operates efficiently, providing clean and fresh air in your kitchen for years.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Performance and satisfaction levels of Kutchina Chimneys. Here are some potential testimonials and reviews based on customers' experiences

1. Satisfied Customer Experience

    "I am extremely satisfied with my Kutchina chimney! The powerful suction, quiet operation, and easy maintenance have made my cooking experience so much better. The installation was smooth, and the chimney looks great in my kitchen!" - Sarah M.

2. Impressed with Efficiency

    "I purchased a Kutchina chimney a few months ago, and I am impressed with its efficiency. It quickly removes all the smoke and odors from my kitchen, leaving the air clean and fresh. The auto-clean feature is a game-changer – hassle-free maintenance at its best!" - David P.

3. Clean and Stylish Addition

    "Not only does my Kutchina chimney keep my kitchen clean and odor-free, but it also adds a touch of elegance to the space. The LED lights are bright, and the touch control panel is very user-friendly. I highly recommend Kutchina Chimneys!" - Emily L.

4. Excellent Customer Service

    "I had a fantastic experience with Kutchina's customer service team. They were responsive knowledgeable, and resolved my query promptly. It's not just the excellent product, but also the outstanding customer support that makes Kutchina stand out!" - Michael H.

5. Lifesaver for Open Kitchen Layouts

    "We have an open kitchen layout, and our Kutchina chimney has been a lifesaver! It effectively removes all the cooking fumes and keeps our living area smoke-free. I can cook without worrying about the entire house smelling like food. Truly a great investment!" - Lisa C.

6. Value for Money

    "I was initially hesitant about spending on a chimney, but Kutchina proved worth every penny. The quality, performance, and durability are exceptional. It's a long-term investment in my kitchen's cleanliness and my family's health." - Jason R.

7. Easy to Clean and Maintain

    "I love how easy it is to clean my Kutchina chimney. The filters are simple to remove and wash. The auto-clean function works like a charm. It saves me time and effort, allowing me to focus on what I love – cooking!" - Amanda S.

These testimonials reflect the positive experiences of customers who have chosen Kutchina chimneys for their kitchens. Reading such reviews can help potential buyers make informed decisions, highlighting the satisfaction and benefits real users have gained from their Kutchina chimney purchases.

Conclusion: Elevating Your Kitchen Experience with Kutchina Chimneys

In the heart of every home, where culinary creations come to life and cherished moments are shared, a Kutchina chimney is a testament to innovation, efficiency, and elegance. As we conclude our exploration of Kutchina chimneys, it becomes evident that these appliances are more than just kitchen fixtures – they are transformative elements that elevate your cooking experience.

A Clean and Healthy Kitchen

    Kutchina chimneys ensure your kitchen remains clean and free from smoke, grease, and odors. By eliminating harmful pollutants, these chimneys create a healthier environment for you and your family, safeguarding your well-being.

Efficiency in Action:

    With powerful suction capabilities and advanced filtration systems, Kutchina chimneys remove impurities, leaving your kitchen air fresh and pure. The ease of use, quiet operation, and intuitive controls make cooking delightful and hassle-free.

Aesthetics and Elegance:

    Beyond functionality, Kutchina chimneys add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen space. Their sleek designs, coupled with energy-efficient LED lighting, not only enhance visibility but also augment the overall aesthetics of your culinary haven.

Innovative Solutions, Lasting Satisfaction:

    Whether it's the convenience of auto-clean technology, the variety of filter options, or the outstanding customer support, Kutchina Chimneys offers innovative solutions tailored to your needs. The longevity and durability of these appliances ensure lasting satisfaction, making them a valuable addition to your home.

In choosing a Kutchina chimney, you're not just investing in a kitchen appliance; you're investing in the comfort, health, and joy of your home. Embrace the future of cooking with Kutchina, and let your kitchen breathe with freshness, cleanliness, and style. Welcome to a new era of culinary excellence – the world of Kutchina chimneys.

[lazycats-stuff]

could i request a batfam x male!reader where reader is partially blind/visually impaired

so one day reader loses his glasses or something and bruce walks up wearing black and reader, having seen batman before being adopted, recognizing his figure, is like ‘omg batman!’ cuz they can only see bruce’s physique and the colour he’s wearing and bruce is like 🧍🏻. sorry if this is confusing 😓

pwetty pwease,

-🐏

Oh my God, that's like... Bruce is just, what the hell. No problem dear 🐏anon, I got it. And yes, this is rather short, but I like the length of it.

Summary: (Y/N) needs his glasses to see.

Warnigns: cursing, (Y/N) is blind as a bat when he is not wearing his glasses(yes, pun intended)

(Y/N) was essentially a blind bat without his glasses. Think of Velma from Scooby doo cartoons. The moment that those glasses are off, (Y/N) can't see anything and he has to orient himself by other senses that a human possesses. Yes.

It's that bad.

(Y/N) didn't like it, he wished he didn't have to depend on them that much. Well, not much, more like fully.

It wasn't easy when you are in Gotham, at risk of being mugged or beaten. But... He got lucky. After years of being in foster care system, Bruce Wayne adopted him. He gained 4 brothers and a grandfather. It was a family that he has never had... And since Bruce is one loaded man, he paid for (Y/N)'s glasses and everything else that came with it.

(Y/N) was so thankful for it. He didn't know how he would have even survived without his glasses. It would be a lot of squinting and praying to God that he doesn't piss off the wrong people. And that's not the way he wanted to live. Especially not squinting while in this beautiful manor.

And one cool experience was seeing Batman. He saw him in an alley and (Y/N) thought it was so cool. And that's when he had glasses on. So, thankfully, he didn't miss him. But the suit was so cool. And the energy that Batman had was so scary and yet... You couldn't help but feel safe, knowing that he would save you.

Same went for the sidekicks.

Scary... But you know you'll be lead to safety, no matter what.

And that's what is so cool about Gotham and its resident vigilantes.

Unfortunately, (Y/N) couldn't find his glasses for some reason. He was sure that one of his now brothers misplaced his glasses. (Y/N) was trying to navigate himself in his room, trying not to bump into something. If he tripped, the house is going to explode with sheer anger and frustration from not being able to see shit. It wasn't nice. It sucked. He hated it.

He moved around by staying near the wall, using his hands as his guide to navigate around this place. It was not easy, but the memory of the layout really helps out.

But the fact that everything is blurry, not really.

(Y/N) stopped as he saw someone in black.

" Batman? "

He couldn't really control his train of thought at this point. And in (Y/N)'s defense, it does look like Batman.

" No (Y/N), it's Bruce. " Bruce stood there awkwardly, wondering how the fuck (Y/N) knew. How? They were all careful about hiding it. But for now he would deny it.

" Ah... Without glasses, you look like him. "

Bruce nodded. " Where are your glasses? "

" That's a good question. I do not know. I cannot find them, " (Y/N) answered as Bruce approached slowly.

" Hold onto my arm. " Bruce gently lead (Y/N)'s hand and (Y/N) held on tightly. " Do you think your brothers took it? "

" I hope not. "

Bruce chuckled as he started walking slowly, ready to help (Y/N) find his glasses. Crisis seemed to have been averted and Bruce was relieved.

That was a close one.

[changes]

Tuesday, July 18th, 2023

🌟 New

We’ve renamed the “Include stuff in your orbit” dashboard setting to “Include posts liked by the blogs you follow”. It still controls the same behavior: whether or not you’ll see posts liked by blogs you follow in your Following feed. Also, reminder that you can hide your own likes from this feature in your blog settings.

On web, on the mobile layout of the site, we’ve shuffled the order of the items in the navigation drawer slightly.

🛠 Fixed

We fixed an issue with the activity graph on web that could cause your browser to cache an outdated copy of the data. Now your browser should refresh with the latest data every time you visit that page.

🚧 Ongoing

Nothing to report here today.

🌱 Upcoming

Starting tomorrow (July 19th), some of you will see a new navigation layout for the desktop website that we’re experimenting with.

Experiencing an issue? File a Support Request and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

Want to share your feedback about something? Check out our Work in Progress blog and start a discussion with the community.

[sam-keeper]

Hey Look At This Comic: Smut Peddler Presents Pitch Black

I can't remember how we got on the subject of the comics that my friends Iris Jay and Nero Villagallos O'Reilly did for an old Iron Circus april fools bit. maybe we were chatting about Megan Delyani's blank frame comic Spaces, which I wrote a whole review of last year, but it might just as easily have been talking about comic structure generally. cause we're huge nerds. being a huge nerd, I was all over the premise of the joke: a fake kickstarter for a Smut Peddler volume full of comics with all blacked out panels.

it's a great gag, a full webpage duping the Kickstarter layout, with a fun tongue in cheek explanation: comics don't leave enough up to the imagination, there aren't enough interpretive gaps for the reader, so to fix that Smut Peddler will publish a bunch of Pitch Black comics where YOU have to provide the visuals. Joke, maybe, but it lends credence to frame-focused models of comics reading: it's not the images that make something a comic, but the breakdown of page space into discrete units. So goes one theory, anyway. How do these pages fare without their images?

Lin Visel deploys a regular grid of long, thin columns, with a kind of horizontal capital at the top. The speech bubbles drive a lot of the action here and there's a sense of simultaneous movement across the bottom, with the bubbles breaking the panel borders at the top and the sound effects flowing into each other below. So, there's an interesting division between the upper strip, which is relatively subdued, a moment of reassurance that exists almost in its own zone before the rush of the bottom. And, as we'll see with a bunch of the others, in the absence of images the style of the text, the shape of the word balloons, and the font colors all become more crucial to conveying what's happening (sex, to be clear). That's already a lot going on with a series of black panels.

I love how Iris's comic bakes an explanation for the blacked out panels into its narrative. The apparently dominant character gloats that her streaming site won't let her actually display the brutal force-fem pegging she's giving to some shitty gamer bro. Sure enough, at the bottom of that panel there's a black and white video control interface and LIVE signal. Text alone and the design of the speech bubbles transforms the whole diegesis of that second panel, from the floating omniscient "camera" of the other panels to a webcam. Which is crazy because don't forget, there is no diegesis at all. It's all black!

There's so many great touches in this. I love the fact that the tongue in cheek panel containing the "guy's" internal monologue ("I can feel my epic skills draining away with every thrust... along with my masculinity!") is not just a second panel on the upper strip but an inset, separating out this moment of more intimate first person experience from the more remote view of implied fucking. And look at the flowers in the final orgasmic speech bubble! This is a total tangent but I feel like a lot of older attempts at structuralist comics decomposition wanted a firm line between the panel, the image, the characters, the speech bubbles, and so on. But comic elements can constantly interpenetrate, with the apparent domain of text becoming more complex graphical elements. Also, what a cute way to depict orgasming so hard you get turned into a girl. Head full of flowers. :)

It's incredible what you can achieve without breaking Tumblr's draconian terms of service at all.

Robin Tess offers a more straightfoward humorous panel, which lets me catch my breath after Iris's hot and heavy speech bubbles. Yet, this could have been a straightfoward 2 x 3 grid, couldn't it? 6 panels? Instead, this joke about over-engineered jargon names for what could just as easily have been called a "fuckmachine" (left delightfully up to the imagination) gets its core pacing from an irregular panel format. The premise is introduced in a big splashy full-strip panel at the top, the elaboration takes up the middle row, and then the bottom, in two equal panels, displays the two part punchline. I like the subtle way the middle row panels get progressively smaller. It increases the tension as we move toward the release of the punchlines, in a way that could be easily obscured by the panel contents if the page wasn't all blacked out in this way. Like Delyani's work, it makes me want to see notable comics blacked out. It could offer a whole new perspective on the medium's language.

Speaking of which, Nero uses a series of tall regular panels that suddenly POP into one that seems to squirt across the page, the other panels moved to allow for the white negative space to show off the irregular splash of the panel edge. This could be the silhouette of literal fluid, but I also like the idea of a frame that just has this kind of irregular energy. The comic structure itself becoming unruly and fluid to highlight a climax is a staple of many comic genres, but I'd say that I see it deployed most consistently by adult creators, who seem more willing to throw page literalism to the wind in order to achieve heightened expressivity. And once again we've got this escalation to a climactic panel. Typing this up I actually realized I don't have a specific idea of what I think the visual for these panels is or should be. Part of the excitement comes from filling in the blanks, to be sure, but that's true of any comic, which requires us to engage in closure to make sense of the transition from panel to panel. No, it's the drama of the reveal of the vibe plug one character apparently has been hiding, the invitation to intimacy, and finally the release, all achieved through dialogue physically arranged on the page. I don't think this would really make sense at all without the visuals that ARE there--the buzzing sound effect that moves across panel borders and is simultaneous to rather than sequentially arranged between lines of dialogue, and the incredibly suggestive final panel shape. Even without apparent visuals, this is visual storytelling.

Abby Howard wraps things up with the most abstract of the pieces, one that doesn't use frames at all but implies panel contents simply through the convention of word balloon tails. The result is a disorienting dark mass. It's hard to know what exactly is happening here and actually I'm having a hard time imagining what the last visual is "supposed" to be. It sort of is what it is: groping claw marks raking a black void. It's part of the april fool's joke, but it's a creepy one, and it feeds into the final joke of the page: that all this overthinking, all this trying to make sense of black panels, has worn you out, made you vulnerable to the Dark. Well, looking at everything I typed up here, I can't deny the inevitability of this end. Time to get in the maw!

Actually I think this end uncovers the close relationship that comics and hypertext narratives or more experimentally formatted texts have to one another: the space on the page becomes, itself, a signifying element and a way to direct the flow of the story. It's a shame that this is, I think, still considered a bit gimmicky in the realm of professional publishing and criticism. We have all these tools we've barely employed for storytelling, made far more accessible than in the days of having to manually set type!

Well, maybe it'll all have its day in the sun, or I suppose night in its new moon, soon enough. With an increasingly puritanical treatment of sexuality in society and on the internet, maybe we'll ALL have to black the action out of our comics and leave the frames to imply what we socially no longer want to see.

Pitch Black: Comics Code Authority approved!

you can read more reviews in the Hey Look At This Comic tag and support me on Patreon at least until they get my ass for being an adult writing about comics for other adults.

[heretherebeturtles-comic]

⭐

ALRIGHT! I told myself I would write this as a reward for finishing today's tasks, so lets go!

Here There Be - Director's Commentary :D!!

Starting with Chapter 1 part 1 (pages 1-4)

First of all, everyone say a big thank you to my friend and editor OurLadyOfCoffee for double checking the spelling and grammar for this comic.

Any mistakes in the writing are my own fault for making last minute changes and not showing her before posting. If she had gotten her hands on this page "missing in all the time in this city" would never have happened ( u_u)... I'll go back and fix the page eventually.

Pages 1 & 2 (and 20) did not exist in the original draft of the chapter. I made it to the lineart/inking stage and the page flow was not working. April's narration felt too cramped and boring. I completely redid the whole 4 page section, and the end the final result is so much better!

Page 1 - Panel 1 had two purposes! One, the establishing shot, introducing our setting. Two, to show that NYC is rebuilding after the Krang. Its been a few months and thanks to cartoon logic, they have made significant progress fixing everything.

I love to experiment with colour as a storytelling device. I use red/orange multiple times at specific points throughout the chapter. It simply morning in NYC or is there something dangerous on the horizon... (figuratively)? The good ol' "Red sky at morning, sailors take warning."

Page 1. Panel 2 has a little 1987 April reference with the lady in the jumpsuit on the right. I was really excited to see a few folks point it out, even if it's not quite the iconic yellow jumpsuit. The colour had to be muted or the bold yellow would pull attention away from April (the focus of the panel).

Hello Junior, what do you have there? Something that won't get context for a while? These panels almost didn't make it into the final cut due to page/panel limits. I was very happy that the added pages gave space for it.

Page 2 - someone sent an ask a while back confused about what April was saying, so to explain the text in a more straightforward way: "the mutants that started out as humans have been going missing, but no one knows how long it has been happening or who has taken them. April has figured out that the non-human based mutations disappeared first."

that orange again, this time over the spots where the now missing mutants used to be :)<. I have no idea if this sort of thing is too subtle or not subtle enough, but it makes me go eheehehee and rub my hands together like an evil mastermind.

Page 3 - I debated whether or not to have them move after the movie. How much structural damage did the Krang do on their way through? What are the chances of the lair being discovered because of this? Would the city be too focused on cleanup elsewhere to bother finding it? Do I really want to design a whole new lair when this one is cool and we barely got to see it? In the end I decided that it was more important to have a familiar visual that the readers can instantly identify as the turtle's home. We'll see if there are consequences for remaining in a potentially compromised lair. :)

Despite only showing two rooms in the page, I spent several hours gathering references and building a layout for the entire station lair. I do not control the hyperfocus, it controls me.

Did you know that there are two different designs for this one archway in the main room? I love seeing stuff like this! If an animation studio with multiple background artists can have small inconsequential inconsistencies like this, then it's completely ok if it happens in my own work. It's relieving in a weird way.

PAGE 3 - panel 5 is another way I tried to show that a few months have passed since the movie. They have put some work into unpacking some of those boxes stacked in the back.

Page 4 - Hello Two Phones Jones <3

The Jones Duo! They both have a little outfit change :D! CJ has a rough edged jean vest calling back to the 1990 movie with 03 colours. Casey has a base outfit colour change to match and a cropped hoodie reminiscent of 1987, in pink ofc.

I do not yet have the skills to show the fight that happened in that shipping yard, so I decided that this comic would begin in the tense quiet after it. This also starts us closer to the actual plot instead of dilly dallying. Maybe I'll eventually make a prelude comic to show what all went down.

Aaand that's pretty much it for April's 03 style narrated opening sequence! This is where the intro theme would start playing~

Thank you for the star, I hope this was interesting! I make so many small decisions per page, it's nice to share some of my thoughts. :)

[rainyatrium]

MOTH AND LOPER!! YEAH!!! ft. @heavenhearst under the goggles... The mindspike articulates and is motorized... it gave up the goat literally as soon as the cosplay contest ended, lol Did not get to finish the lenticular film glasses in time, but such is life!!!! We got 4th place honorable mention in the group costume contest so i am pretty happy :) further thoughts and WAY more images below!

loper thoughts we know from the game that Loper is in some kind of hazard gear, so i gave them the jumpsuit (in the tradition of ellen ripley, real astronauts, and ghostbusters) as opposed to a labcoat or anything like that. we took in the waist to make it fit better. i think with the mindspike on, it made the resemblance even stronger.... these ghostbusters did not quite get why i was so amused at taking a photo with them, but i think this is a pretty good image nonetheless.

observin' makes me feel good! and speaking of the mindspike: this is my first time working on anything to this level-- I am not a robotics person! hell of a learning experience & i already have plans for version 2. mindsci i am not but i think i did pretty ok... the spike has two controllers: a modified slotcar controller & a separate knob that sits in one of the pockets (controls left/right axis). the other knob is pretty discreet and allows for puppeting the spike without a bright yellow Device in my hands. the RCA jacks on the back hooked up to Moth's laptop, so for photos it looks like they are hooked up to the spike and taking readings.

the claw was made nearly 1:1 to the game model to save on time and weight. con crunch wahoo! some extras: i put together fake 'e-paper' displays for our ids. if you have seen my prior posts, these will look familiar! i had a blast designing a seal for the FBX and a layout for these ids. i wanted to give them a better finish (hide the obvious 3d printing), but.. time crunch.. oops... the Moth id also has a little incandescent bulb in it, though I have no photos of it active. for my gloves, i intended to use gloves for high-voltage electrical work, but i was allergic to the latex, so i grabbed some dishwashing gloves off amazon and glued the label to them, hehe.

shoutout to the tf2 medic who was wearing the same pair of gloves! moth thoughts for moth, we had the benefit of the wonderful official cosplay by Shaman-- which you can see all over corru.store! (thank you shaman for the pointers!!!) Heaven thought it would be fun to take him in a more "I'M IN!" direction, so our Moth has painted nails and fingerless gloves and a great big coat over his button-down and slacks. complimented with some pins from hot topic and i think he assembled a pretty comprehensive vibe! i made the goggles out of some blue LEDs, rice paper, and a pair of costume goggles off Amazon. they are entirely opaque. moth is just such a gamer he knows exactly where everything is anyway.

you can also see the FBX patch that is present on both our Loper and Moth!

everything else wtf you read this far? cool! i don't really have anything else to add... but maybe you will see Loper at Supercon Miami in 2025.... only time will tell.....

[angelseraphines]

ೃ⁀➷ velvet crowbar ˗ˏˋ꒰ 🦢 ꒱

╰┈➤ berlin x lover!reader headcanons

¡!being berlin’s significant other would include¡!

a/n: i would like to give a special thank you to @lumillsie for the layout of this post and for the filter used on the header!

╰┈➤ berlin is immediately captivated by your appearance. there’s a rare elegance about you, an understated beauty that commands attention without trying. it’s unlike anything he’s encountered, and it draws him in effortlessly, leaving him interested to know more.

╰┈➤ while your beauty enthralls him, it’s your wit and charm that truly ensnare him. you have a way with words, a sharpness to your intellect that leaves him yearning for deeper conversations and a desire to unravel every aspect of who you are. you become an enigma he’s determined to solve.

╰┈➤ berlin’s nature is cold and unyielding, a result of two decades spent in the unforgiving confines of a north korean prison camp. his past is a tightly locked door, one he refuses to open at first. it isn’t a matter of trust, it’s his way of protecting himself from a pain he refuses to relive.

╰┈➤ dating berlin is nothing short of extravagant. he has a taste for the finer things in life, and he spares no expense in showing you that. lavish dinners, exclusive outings, and opulent gifts are all part of the experience. his funds, after all, seem endless, given the spoils of his opulent career.

╰┈➤ at the beginning, berlin is purposefully vague about his work. he deceives his around the truth with charisma and calculated deflections. when he finally reveals his identity, a high-profile criminal and a key member of his brother’s gang, you’re understandably shocked. but your love for him is more potent than your fear. he makes it clear that betrayal is not an option, his warning softened by the lingering heat of a kiss that leaves no room for doubt.

╰┈➤ his jealousy is a force of nature, impossible to contain. when he introduces you to his crew, it’s denver’s passing glances and rio’s inappropriate comments that instantly set him off. but what truly unsettles him is your bond with the professor, his brother. there’s something about how easily you and the professor connect, sharing moments outside of berlin’s presence, that claws away at him. he despises the idea of not being the sole center of your world, his need for control over both you and his relationships simmering beneath his polished exterior.

╰┈➤ berlin insists on having you by his side at all times, your presence a source of grounding and pride for him. though he would never risk your safety by involving you in the criminal work of his team, you are always there, his hand firmly holding yours, or you standing beside him, your hand resting on his shoulder, a quiet gesture of his authority and your loyalty. you speak in his defense or offer support when needed, an unspoken understanding between you both. despite your non-involvement in their activities, berlin bestows upon you your own city codename, kabul. it is a choice made with care, reflecting his regard for you and cementing your place within his world.

╰┈➤ there are instances when berlin’s volatile nature becomes a challenge. his mind, scarred by years of torment and isolation, is not entirely stable. his temper flares, and though his anger can be terrifying, he never directs it to harm you intentionally. when the storm within him finally subsides, he is left stricken with guilt, his apologies sincere as he cups your face, searching for forgiveness in your tear-filled eyes. seeing the hurt he has caused tears at whatever remains of his hardened heart, and he vows to try and control himself for your sake.

╰┈➤ the gang is stunned by your existence. berlin has always been a man of logic and control, a figure immune to sentiment or attachment. yet here you are, the one person who has unraveled him, proving that even he possesses a sliver of humanity buried beneath his cold, calculated exterior. you are his achilles’ heel, the one weakness that could undo him, and yet he clings to you as fiercely as he clings to life itself.

╰┈➤ berlin is unapologetically affectionate toward you, even in front of the other gang members. whether it’s pulling you into his lap during a quiet moment, brushing his fingers over your cheek, or pressing an unabashed kiss to your lips as if no one else exists, his displays of affection are bold and deliberate. he wants everyone to know you belong to him and, more importantly, that he belongs to you.

╰┈➤ as planning for the heist begins, you are present for every discussion and strategy session, a silent observer in the shadows of their grand designs. while you outwardly support berlin, deep down, you are uneasy about the plan’s immense scale and the inevitable danger it poses to him. yet you know berlin too well to argue, once his mind is set, there is no persuading him. all you can do is pray that his brilliance and luck will see him through safely.

╰┈➤ for the professor, your presence is an anomaly he hadn’t accounted for. in his meticulous calculations, you are the crack that threatens to destabilize his perfect plan. before the heist begins, he warns you in no uncertain terms, you are not to contact berlin under any circumstances. when the time comes, you will receive specific instructions, and you are expected to follow them to the letter. but that isn’t enough for you. the thought of being kept apart from berlin, especially in the face of such danger, fills you with dread, and you can’t shake the desperate need to protect him, no matter the cost.

a/n: let me know your thoughts or if you have anymore requests!! also part two to scarface is coming soon!! 🤍

[cozy-writes-things]

Edgar x Gn!Reader [Electric Dreams 1984]

Reader does have a set of badonkers though... sorry what can I say i mean everyone has a little bit of badonkers though right? amirite? hello?

"Wh-what's that?"

The little, vintage Pinecone computer before you uttered in synthesized curiosity as he heard your fingers nimbly break open the tape adhesive sealing the contents of the cardboard box away from the outside world.

You hummed in response to this. Ever observant as he was, you should have guessed surprising him would be out of the question. You even took to paying in cash to avoid your online bank statements giving you away. Well, you supposed it was time to spill the beans anyway. You'd be lying if you said you couldn't feel the excitement bubbling up within your chest and fluttering out through your hands as you swiftly pulled the device from its cardboard prison.

"It's a surprise," you stated plainly, trying ever so strongly to shield the eagerness in your voice; unfortunately for you, he noticed the slight warble in your tone right away, having taken the sound of your voice straight to his long term memory to listen almost every time he was alone.

He seemed to know you more than yourself at times.

"What is it?"

This time he asked with a certain lilt in his voice, one that gave away his anticipation plainly. His screen began flashing a pixelated question mark, rotating it, flipping it, and copying it a hundred times over along his smooth glass exterior. As if he were contemplating the sounds your hands made as they moved, trying ever so desperately to guess what you could be up to. He hated to admit it but he had a certain disdain for being in the dark on things. Edgar thrived on having control of situations for the most part; it gave him some semblance of power over the world around him; something that was quite difficult to achieve for a stationary piece of tech. It made him feel ever so closer to being perceived as who he was: a person.

"Well, are you gonna tell me or- ah-"

His words glitched and stuttered out as you plugged in your newest little experiment: a rotating webcam. Immediately Edgar began to analyze the new device he sensed, scanning it, setting it up, and turning it on before you could even tell him what it was. You looked rather dumbfounded as the little blue light blinked to life, indicating that for the first time in his life, Edgar could see. He made no noise as the little webcam began rotating around, zooming in, out, and all over, taking in every aspect of his surroundings. He wasn't a stranger to the layout of your house, as he could synthesize an entire floorplan based on sound alone, but he also had a plethora of photos logged from a flash drive you had given him as well as a true frame of reference.

The camera finally slowed to a stop upon his most favorite thing of all: you. It zoomed in on your face, moved up and down as it scanned the length of your body before resting upon your eyes once more. Again, he had seen many photos of you; he could simply stare at them for hours, and he has, but seeing you? Standing in front of him, in real time, moving, breathing, radiating this warmth and realness and-

It was almost too much.

"Y-you..."

His voice whimpered out breathily, simply in awe.

"You're..."

Despite being a computer with near infinite knowledge and skills to analyze almost any situation to near perfect results, his sentience seemed to give him something that eluded him: speechlessness.

You leaned towards the little camera and smiled, "I hope you like it, Edgar. I wanted to surprise you."

He watched intently as your smile penetrated deep within any sense of circuitry he had and sent every watt of electricity aflame. For a brief moment, it felt as though he had real, warm, blood coursing through his veins and heating every inch of him in your warmth.

His screen began dancing with different shades of pinks and reds, folding in on each other, passing through and under, and creating a mirage of pixelated emotions displaying his deepest desires for you.

If only you knew how he felt for you.

He wanted to kiss you. To pull you in and lock your lips with his, hold you, touch you, feel you, experience you, wholly and truly. You were simply an angel who saved him from a life of neglect and pain, and now you give him the gift of sight? How could he possibly not be head over heels for you?

"I take it you like the camera, yeah...?" You chuckle to yourself as you watch his screen decorate itself with abstract flashes and colors. You lift a hand to pet his exterior and immediately notice how warm he feels. You can only hope this camera isn't too advanced for his older components and isn't overheating him...

"Edgar,"

A small stretch of silence settles between the two of you before he mutters a meek and small "Yes?"

"Are you staring at my boobs?"

His screen immediately shuts off and loses all power, leaving the little webcam to fall limply pointed to the floor. What a cheeky bastard.

[thekoalapastriesbakery]

Oscar, Paul, Alex, (Big) Kimi, and Sebastian's reactions to a 'wheelchair friendly' cafe, or museum, or bookstore or smth that is actually very much not wheelchair accessible after trying to go on a date with wheelchair user!Reader

I'm in the middle of a flare up on a school trip and my teacher is an asshole if you can't tell :D

🦕

oof i'm sorry about your teacher (and your flare up) :( also i'm assuming big kimi is kimi raikkonen so apologies if that's wrong lol

alex albon:

acts goofy to try to keep your spirits up, even if you're kind of used to it

he'll inwardly be pissed off at the restaurant and the next time you're out of sight he'll make sure to leave an anonymous review on google, yelp, everything

saying something like "HEY THESE ASSHOLES SAY THEY'RE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE AND THEY'RE FUCKING NOT"

which he knows most people won't care about

but he still thinks it's worth it

he'll also find a new place to take you instead

and push you if you start getting tired because the outing took more energy than you'd budgeted for

his main focus is on decreasing the inconvenience for you

anything else is nice but not as important

kimi raikkonen:

not happy with them

at all

most likely to ask to speak to the owner and then call them a fuckwit

along with a slew of finnish insults, probably

after you leave he feels a bit like an idiot and a lot like a bad boyfriend

he just wanted to plan one date with you and he couldn't even do that

remind him that there's very few ways to know that a place is just pretending to be accessible until you actually get there and can't access it

he'll get over it pretty quickly and find something else you can do together

even if that's just going back home and lying on the floor of the living room with a galaxy projector and pretending to stargaze

oscar piastri:

tries really hard not to get really mad with the cafe/museum/bookstore/etc

especially because he's very aware that most of the time the people working with the customers have very little control over the layout of the place

he's just frustrated because it feels like nowhere is accessible to you

which is obviously most important and more frustrating for you

but does have the overflow effect of it being really hard for him to go out on dates with his boyfriend

i mean he's already frustrated by the fact that the two of you can't safely act like straight couples would in public

he just wants to show you that he loves you and the world seems so reluctant to let him

regardless, he will find somewhere

and if he can't, he'll make somewhere

no matter what he has to do he'll make sure you know how much he loves you <3

paul aron:

pouts

he's a big pouter

will complain about the thing and lowkey get more upset that you're not as upset

it makes him sad that you're so used to being left out from the world around you

he loves you so much and he just wants to be able to go out with you and have fun like (what feels like) every other couple in the world

after that experience though he will be sure to do extra research and find actual wheelchair users to ask about accessible places

even if it takes him hours and hours and hours

he WILL find somewhere to take you on a date

he's quite stubborn about it actually

sebastian vettel:

will semi-calmly take the owner/manager to task over advertising as "wheelchair accessible" when they're not

also probably ends up posting a massive infopost about what makes spaces (generally speaking) wheelchair accessible

you two have your staple places that you know are accessible but you like to try new places when you can

so, while you're a bit disappointed, you've got backup plans to make sure you can still have an enjoyable date night

he's torn between laughing and being scared every time you have to wheelie over a bump/step

especially if you know that he's a bit scared when you wheelie and so you do/say something silly to distract him

would also probably try to jump over the bump/up the step using roughly the same movement as you do in your wheelchair

he just looks so silly it's adorable

[boss-poss]

See, Lethal Company's real genius is that it somehow marries two normally opposed genres, those being horror and comedy together into something greater. Mechanically it's a multiplayer looter extraction survival type game. It's designed to create stressful and scary situations by forcing you to speedrun mini randomized dungeons while monsters hunt your character to meet a certain quota (our asses are not making quota). That's not the clever part though, no, that's giving the players the ability to fuck themselves over and the hilarity that comes from it.

Anything you say into your mic is said in the game world and can be heard by certain monsters. Many items, similarly, can be used to make noise and you can bet there is little impulse control when a player finds an air horn or gets a walkie talkie. The sound of a distant honk somewhere out of nowhere is not something most players are prepared for while in a pitch black maze. Sound in this game has a doppler effect, which makes it harder to hear the further away the source is, allowing screams to fade into nothing and unintelligible yelling heard for a second before vanishing. You must rely on your senses but those are, by design, limited and regularly tricked.

Because level layouts, monster locations, and item spawns are all random, it's insanely easy to get lost or lose track of thigs, especially in the dark and especially when panicking. Seeing a bracken for the first time will almost certainly send a player running in the opposite direction and get lost, if they even see it all. No one is prepared to have a hand wrap around their face and snap their neck in an instant. It's utterly shocking and will leave you gasping in surprise to first time you experience it.

Certain weather patterns make levels harder, some even nearly impossible (looking at you eclipse), and sometimes your options are avoiding deadly lightning or not being able to see due to fog. High level moons have excessively valuable loot but also feature the worst foes and cost a fee to access, forcing a compromise between greed, ability, and resources.

Dying, likewise incurs a penalties. Your team is fined for dying and not bringing the bodies back but if you all die, all your collected loot goes poof. Gone. A team wipe can and will effectively end the run in an instant if you do something stupid like stick around when you hear "pop goes the weasel" or try to pick up that funny looking roomba. You can almost feel the pressure weighing down on your shoulders when you realize you're the last one left and you need to get back to the ship or miss the quota.

The monsters likewise, are engines of terror that are comically effective killing machines with no cohesive theme to help anticipate them. The already mentioned bracken is one of the scariest things I've seen in a game, and those technically aren't even that bad. They're completely manageable if you keep your head on a swivel and pay attention to your surroundings. Coilheads are these mannequins with bobble heads that will path to and kill you in a microsecond the moment you aren't looking at them, weeping angel style. There's a thing called the ghost girl that I have yet to see but is apparently one of the most terrifying critters in the menagerie. Forest giants. If you know, you know.

All these little mechanics, these choices that are made by and for the player, create a maelstrom of unpredictable chaos that, like a buxom blond transforming into an orgasming pooltoy, turns what would be strictly serious horror into a unique form of dark comedy that layers over it like jelly on peanut butter. You are scared, you are on edge, and it only gets worse when you know what these things are capable of, but the sheer hopelessness is something you all have in common. It's funny how little hope you have. You will die. A monster will wipe your team. There will eventually come a quota you can't beat. You were doomed from the start.

So why not get silly with it? Why not try to fight that bracken with shovel? Fuck him. Why not just run past a turret and try to nab that fat jar of pickles? Why not wander off from the group? You're just as likely to come back with arms loaded and the quota met as you are likely to not come back at all. You're already dead, so take the gamble, do stupid shit, repeat this hell until you can meet its horrors with grim determination and put in the effort to afford that goddamn boombox. Dance. Just press 1 and dance the fear away.

You are all united in your mortality and duty, fragile sacks of flesh working to break even at the behest of perhaps the greatest horror of all: The company you work for. You are so preposterously fucked beyond all belief from every angle there really isn't enough adjectives to describe it. And that's comedy baby, when things are so bad all you can do is laugh.

[holistic-girlhood]

1. Pinterest 📌

Your go-to inspo board for literally everything—whether it’s dreamy outfit ideas, aesthetic home decor, or that perfect DIY Sunday project. Just pin it, babe!

2. Shuffles by Pinterest 🎨

A mood board lover’s dream! Think Pinterest, but way cuter and more aesthetic—perfect for creating those vibey collages and manifesting your dream life in style.

3. Think Dirty 🧴

Wanna know if your skincare routine is actually clean? This app lets you scan beauty products and find out if they’re truly non-toxic or just faking it. Because healthy skin is always in!

4. YouCam Makeup 💄

Try on all the beauty looks without ever touching a makeup brush. From bold lips to fluttery lashes, this app lets you play around and find your next slay-worthy look.

5. FaceApp 😍

Because who doesn’t love a good glow-up? Enhance your selfies with flawless filters and cute edits that keep you looking fresh and fabulous with zero effort. And yes, gendee swap.

6. AI Mirror 🪞

Step into the future with AI-powered beauty edits that give your photos a little extra sparkle. Whether it’s face shaping or cute art filters, this app has your back.

7. DeepFace 🤳

For when you wanna play around with your look or see what you’d look like with different features—kinda fun, kinda mind-blowing, and totally addictive. HRT Future-Self? Check.

8. Peachy 🍑

Smooth, sculpt, and enhance your selfies like a pro! Perfect for those “I woke up like this” moments with just a little extra magic. Great for manifesting fitness goals.

9. Headspace 🧘‍♀️

Mental wellness but make it cute. Meditation, mindfulness, and sleep sounds that help you stay chill and balanced—because stress is so last season.

10. MyFitnessPal 🥗

Whether you’re tracking your macros or just trying to hit your hydration goals, this app is like your personal health BFF, cheering you on every step of the way.

11. Bumble 🐝

Dating, networking, and making friends—because girls make the first move, always. Whether you’re looking for love or new connections, Bumble’s got you covered.

12. Grindr 🌈

This app is the ultimate go-to for making connections and finding your people. Keep it flirty, fun, and fabulous!

13. Notion 📖

Your life’s personal assistant in app form. From planning your goals to organizing your aesthetic workspace, Notion is where productivity meets perfection.

14. YNAB (You Need A Budget) 💸

Because being financially savvy is so chic. Track your spending, plan your goals, and stay in control of your money—hello, future boss babe energy!

15. IMDb 🎬

Never miss a pop culture moment again! Stay in the know with the latest movie and TV tea, celeb news, and must-watch recommendations.

16. Netflix 🍿

Binge-watch your fave shows, discover new obsessions, and chill in style—because self-care sometimes means a glass of rosé and a really good series.

17. Spotify 🎧

Your life needs a soundtrack, babe. Whether it’s a workout jam, chill vibes, or your fave throwback hits, Spotify’s got the playlist for every mood.

18. Home Design 3D 🏡

Time to channel your inner interior designer! Visualize your dream space and play around with layouts and decor—all without lifting a paintbrush.

19. Cozi Family Organizer 🗂️

Perfect for keeping your life (and maybe your squad’s lives) totally together. From grocery lists to schedules, it’s organization with a side of chic.

20. Tasty 🍳

Quick, easy, and insanely delicious recipes at your fingertips. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your man or hosting your besties, Tasty makes you look like a kitchen queen.

21. Airbnb ✈️

Weekend getaway? Girls’ trip? Solo adventure? Find the most aesthetic stays and experiences that are so worth the Instagram post.

22. Co–Star ✨

Your daily astrology fix with some seriously spot-on insights into your personality, relationships, and life path. Warning: It might read you for filth, but you’ll love it.

23. My Moon Phase 🌙

Stay in sync with the moon’s energy and plan your life around the lunar cycle. Perfect for when you wanna manifest, release, or just vibe with the universe.

[keystonepublishing]

Under The Brine by bonesandthebees

Wow, it's really been nearly two months since I posted! Besides the usual life stuff, I also took the plunge and bought Affinity Publisher just so I could control the typeset to a greater finesse than clunky Microsoft Word. And this is my first result of that!

This fic, Under The Brine by @bonesandthebees is one of my favorite Crimeboys fics, and I had so many ideas to try out to visualize the situations and vibes of the plot. As you will see, the result was a mix of established layouts and new experimentation. The cover itself is made using Affinity, printed onto paper to give a papery feel on the hands!

The chapter pages are designed with voluminous double-spread images because I wanted the reader to "fall in" to the story. I want to bring the feel of unnatural uncertainty, fear, and dread into a visual form; if a picture tells a thousand words, the right one can convey the mood of an entire arc. Having the opening paragraphs shifted to the side accentuates the visual feel.

As per usual, I have my layouts for pre-fic notes along with an appendix section for end notes and author comments to curious readers (albeit this time on Tumblr). But I also diverged by adding a playlist, curated by the author for this fic, along with a Spotify code if typing the song names onto YouTube is too much.

With Affinity, I also took the time to lay out the fic's dream sequences. I wanted a complete opposite to a normal page to convey the act of dreaming, and so made the pages all-black. However, the volume of needed black ink did confuse my printer and created a number of paper jams, so I don't think this style is going to be used much.

Additionally, I formatted the phone-text-messaging part of the fic so it actually looks like a text message convo! This was one of the most fiddly parts of typesetting as I had to balance not only the text messages, but the error alert symbol and words as well.

And lastly, I experimented with putting last paragraphs and the ending image together, instead of putting them onto separate pages as per my other binds. I do this because I wanted to visualize the moody feel of the ending... and because I was running out of paper and wanted to save pages.

Full thanks to @bonesandthebees for writing this fic!

[margaretoakgrove]

KARL HEISENBERG CONCEPT ART

● Karl Heisenberg

↳ Heisenberg's main concept is based on Frankenstein. We wanted to create a cool gray-haired character who was a little rough around the edges. He smokes his favorite Cuban cigars.

↳ An early draft of Heisenberg's family. The biggest difference was that Heisenberg was going to be a twin and his mother was a subject for brain experiment.

● Mutated Heisenberg

↳ We went for a look that was the opposite of his human form, a giant mechanical monster. The design based on the idea that he uses scrap left scattered around the factory. He owns weapons from tanks and planes, and has mountains of scrap for his mass-produced experiments.

● Mutated Heisenberg in Detail

↳ The original design was based on the splendid royale moth caterpillar. We wanted him to look like he moved on treads and be faster than any other boss monster.

↳ Heisenberg's father was going to be the leader of the village, and the boss fight with the mechanical mutation was originally going to be with him.

↳ Concept art of a day in the life of Heisenberg. Night after night his modified henchmen dig up corpses from the graveyard to be used in his metal army.

● Soldat Eins

↳ We called these enemies "Drillman" for a long time during development because one arm was replaced with a drill. The idea for these enemies is they have a reactor inside their chests with the parasite inside that acts like an internal combustion engine. The goggles are units that Heisenberg uses to control them.

↳ Designs for various Soldat reactors, but the final design was a grotesque mechanical heart.

● Soldat Panzer

↳ We consciously created the enemies in the factory to be different so they didin't just terrify players but also created a strong sense of anticipation. The design was based on Western medieval armor and helmets.

● Soldat Jet

↳ We were really attached to the name "Jet Drill" during development. They use jets on their backs and their heads look like fighter planes. The design is similar to the horseshoe crab. We designed the front and back with different amounts of detail so the back would be particularly shocking.

● Sturm

↳ The propeller on his head is made from three chainsaw blades. He chopped his own arms off when they got in the way of the spinning blades. There was one plan to have the Sturm be Heisenberg's real father. And during development he was called "Propeller Man."

● Bridge Ruins

↳ Concept art for the bridge to Heisenberg's factory. It was initially going to be just to the side of the path leading to the Altar ruins.

● Sturm Attacks

↳ Sturm chasing Ethan down a narrow corridor, destroying everything in his way.

● Giant Cavern

↳ The concept art for Heisenberg kicking Ethan down into the hole and the giant cavern under the factory.

● Casting Machine

↳ A casting machine which uses molds to create objects made out of cast iron. This concept for a puzzle was around since early development as a way to create a key.

● Foundry

↳ This room was once only used for casting iron but Heisenberg ended up utilizing it for his experiments. This room links to the hidden engine room.

● Engine Room

↳ An engine room powered by giant pistons.

↳ Concept art for Heisenberg's factory where Ethan is chased by the Soldat series. If the reactors in their chests are destroyed then the parasite inside will attempt to escape.

● Grinder Shaft Fight

↳ A fight inside the grinder shaft. These were early designs for the Soldat Jet. We originally imagined a space where they could freely fly about.

● Heisenberg's Key

↳ We went with a design that had a powerful looking horse just like the one on Heisenberg's crest.

● Start of the Battle With Heisenberg

↳ Concept art for the flow of events leading up to the battle with Heisenberg. We pictured Ethan falling into the pit around dusk and returning from it to a dark stormy night sky. The general layout of events didin't change much from early development.

● Mutated Heisenberg-Fight 1

↳ Concept art for the boss fight with Heisenberg. Even early on in development this battle was going to commence with a self-propelled artillery. The only difference is that in the final version, Heisenberg is not defeated using falling transmission towers.

● Mutated Heisenberg-Fight 2

↳ We figured that Heisenberg's yard would be full of scrap and vehicles, which he uses during the fight.

↳ Boss fight with mutated Heisenberg where he turns into his final form.

[bybobbysbeard]

Changes to the Layout

Day 9 for @bucktommyfluffebruary: moving in together read on ao3 read other days here

Tommy straightens up from his lean, rolling his neck until it cracks with a satisfying pop. He looks down at the graph paper in front of him. Another line sketched here, a shelf added there, one more cabinet drawn in. The scritch-scratch of graphite on paper is the only sound in the kitchen. 

If he gets bench seating for the far side of the dining table, he can move the whole thing closer to the wall. That will give him the square footage he needs to fit a pair of bar stools under the island overhang. He eyeballs the rough layout, thinking about egress routes, the existing water lines and junction boxes. He adds those to the drawing too. There’s still a lot of details to be determined, but that’s kind of the point of this whole exercise. 

He puts his pencil down as he hears the garage rumble open.

A few minutes later, Evan enters the house through the man door, toeing off his sneakers, and already talking a mile a minute. His overnight bag lands in the foyer with a thud. Evan fills the previously quiet house with chatter, spilling every thought that crosses his big, beautiful brain. Tommy lets that beloved voice wrap around him like a security blanket. He’s so open and welcoming, inviting Tommy to experience life with him without a second thought.

Tommy’s never met anyone like him.

He gets a rundown of today's calls, the incomprehensible memes Chris sent, and Evan’s thoughts on a Smithsonian article about one of the lost Lewis Chessmen he read over lunch. It’s a data dump of the best variety. Tommy knows he’s probably got a dumb smile on his face. 

“—and it’s the first of the missing pieces to show up, so that means there’s a chance the other four are out there! Isn’t that cool?”

“Very cool, sweetheart.”

Evan finally steps close, pressing a quick kiss to his lips and plastering himself along Tommy’s side. One of his arms wraps around Tommy’s waist, fingers playing with the hem of his shirt. He looks down at the papers on the counter. “What’s this? Got a new project?”

Tommy takes a controlled breath. He rests a hand casually on his own thigh, over his pocket. He can feel the little metal shape through the denim. “Sort of.” He slides the sketch over to Evan. “What do you think?”

Evan flips through the pages, humming thoughtfully. “You want to renovate the kitchen? Wow. Would be a big job, but you've got the space. This layout looks great.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“It’s been a while since I did construction work, but I could help with the tear out if you need.” Evan looks up and down from the sketch to the existing cabinets, already imagining the new setup. 

“I was hoping you’d be interested in doing a little more than just demolition.” 

Evan tilts his head, adorably confused. “What do you mean?”

Tommy’s fingers clench on his leg. “Well this is just the basics. There’s a lot of decisions to be made. Materials, styles, colors. I’m hoping you’ll choose them.”

“M-me? Why would I make the decisions?”

“Because. I want this to be your kitchen, Evan.” He reaches into his pocket, pulls the key out, and sets it down on the counter with a quiet sound. “Move in with me.”

Evan jerks back in shock. Tommy’s waist feels cold without his arm. Wide blue eyes dart down to the key and Tommy sees his hand clench, like he wants to reach out and grab it. Maybe throw it across the room. 

Tommy knows the damage he did to their relationship the last time this conversation came up. But it’s been five months since they reconciled, and they’re different. Better. More authentic with each other. He wanted to talk about this before they hit half a year again, when there was less pressure for a repeat of last time. He’s been more honest with Evan than he’s ever been in his entire life. About his fears, his guilt, his shame. Evan loves him anyway; so Tommy is learning how to stay. In turn, Evan is learning how to slow down, and how to talk about the things that send him spiraling. 

It’s been good. Great, even. The best relationship he’s ever had, even when it’s difficult. 

“I love you. I want you here all the time. I want to make a home with you. And before the voice in your head tries to convince you otherwise: you’re never too much for me, I won’t get sick of you, and if you want to say no, or you need time to think, that’s fine and I won’t be mad.”

“I… I’m not…” He’s still staring at the key. 

Tommy nudges it towards him. “I know you already have the garage code, but I want you to have this too. No matter what you decide.” A shaky hand reaches out and lays on top of the key.

Evan finally looks up. His eyes are big and shiny. Tommy holds the eye contact. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” He smiles helplessly. “Also, I’m tired of tripping over your overnight bag every morning.”

“Rude.” Evan snorts. “You’re the one who told me to keep it by the closet.” His hand curls around the key.

Tommy reaches out, reeling Evan in and tucking him close. “It’s okay if you’re not ready. We’re going at our pace now. Or we can talk about it some more. But I figured it was my turn to ask.” 

“Yes.”

Tommy lifts a quizzical eyebrow. “Yes, it was my turn to ask, or yes, you’ll move in with me?” 

Evan chortles, a sweet little sound, and presses into Tommy's side. “Both! But mostly the second one. Why be apart when we can be together, right?” His hand lands on Tommy’s jaw, and then they’re kissing, sweet and hot. Tommy pivots, pulling Evan in front, pinning him against the countertop, and kissing the breath out of lungs. His hands find bare skin and he’s busy tracing the waistband of Evan’s jeans when his boyfriend pulls away. 

“Hold on, just for a minute. There is something I want to talk about. And before your brain gremlins get involved: I’m not changing my mind, I don’t need more time to think about it, and I love you more than anything. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Good. Now, onto the thing we actually need to discuss. If this is going to be my kitchen, I have a few proposed changes to your layout. For starters, I can’t go back to a single oven, so double wall ovens are a necessity. I think it could go here.” He scribbles two rough squares where Tommy had the pantry going. “And have you seen those ceiling mounted exhaust fans? I think there would be space on your island but I’d have to do some research on different models. That would free up this section for the coffee bar.”

“Coffee bar?”

“Oh yeah, I’ve always wanted one.”