#was trying to decide what to post today and then realized its 8/8

[mcelroyfamilystaff]

[soaringwide]

PAC: What are their current feelings for you?

+ EXCLUSIVE EXTENDED KO-FI READING: Where is this connection headed?

hey :p

I like to do a blend of different types of tarot readings, and I realized I haven't done romantic readings in a while! So today's pick a card is meant to look into your person's current feelings for you.

I will keep this open for any level of closeness, as long as the person [I don't gender you or your person] has a minimum of a bond with you. Also, it is aimed for romantic connections so keep that in mind in case that's not something that's relevant to you.

If you find a pile that resonates, there is an exclusive reading ''Where is this connection headed'' available on ko-fi for members only. You can find more information on this post (or directly on ko-fi).

book a reading ★ ko-fi membership ★ all free PACs ★ pinned post ★ IG

PILE 1

Current energies: 8 of Cups, Seeking Pleasure, 10 of Cups

Currently, I think you are trying to let go of this specific connection. It seems you have been through a lot, and you reached a point where enough was enough, and you refused to take it any longer and decided to try to detach yourself from it.

However, i do think there are still some regrets about what could have been. It's like you're mourning the potential of what this connection could be or could have been, and you're wondering if you're not leaving behind something that could be your ultimate happiness. Many doubts and also perhaps a lack of trust of what else could bring you happiness that is making you cling onto this connection. So yeah, you're a bit stuck between a rock and a hard place at the moment, wanting to move on but also doubting a lot and not closing the door completely. I feel you quite worried and what ifs are swirling in my head. What if you made a mistake? What if you couldn't find something else that was better? What if you regretted it all your life?

Their feelings: 9 of Cups, 2 of Swords, 6 of Cups, 9 of Swords, 10 of Swords, Sweet Surrender, The Game of Love, Standing Alone

Their feelings are quite interesting. I see them currently quite stuck. With the 9 of Cups, on one hand they know they could get a lot of fulfillment from this relationship, but also, they are refusing or unable to surrender to it. All figures in this specific section are sitting, not acting one way or the other. They don't feel like they can do much and it's possible they don't know what they could do. Its like they desire coming towards you but they are not acting on it at all. I think there is an element of taboo in this connection. Perhaps they don't think you two are a good fit/you are too different in one way or another, and it's holding them back, or there is someone else in the picture… but in any case they are controlling themselves so much that it reached a point of complete immobility.

But simultaneously, they keep remembering the moments you had together like it was some type of game that only included the two of you. Like your own secret thing. It seems they miss that. They may be feeling over-burdened by something at the moment and they keep daydreaming about an escape. Its quite dreamy and not very grounded in reality I think. Like they are stuck in their head about this connection.

However, they seem to be feeling crushed to be left behind. It's a mix of worry and feeling like they fucked up terribly. They don't want to be left alone. But then again are they doing anything to hold you back? Not really. While you seemed to worry of what could be lost as a possibility, this person just feels the lack of you but is taking it as a total defeat, something they have no control over and can't change. I also feel like there are a lot of things they want to say, but for some reason they are holding back and I get the feeling that perhaps they think it's too late to say those things. They feel quite hopeless that's for sure.

Extended reading on my ko-fi membership-only page

book a reading ★ ko-fi membership ★ all free PACs ★ pinned post ★ IG

PILE 2

Current energies: Page of Cups, Page of Wands, Knight of Cups, a Loving Gaze

You are currently really into someone and I feel it's in the early stages of the relationship, and seduction is showing up quite strongly. You are focused on mesmerizing them, watching them closely and trying to appear as your most beautiful self. Exchange of glances might be important, or just trying to get their attention by looking at them intensely. Some of you might be into glamour magic or use beauty practices in a somewhat ritualistic way.

I think you are very passionate about this person and feeling motivated, excited and adventurous, so after spending some time watching them so much, you are intending to approach them romantically with an offer, as shown by the Knight of Cups. What this offer is will depend for everyone, but it might be a date for some of you or simple just getting closer to them, asking their number or sticking up a conversation.

The overall energy is full of expectation, a love in the blooming stage, and I feel light and giddy. :)

Their feelings for you: Full Intimacy, Queen of Wands, Ace of Swords, Wheel of Fortune, 8 of Swords, the Fool

Okay so in the oracle card, the idea of gazes shows up again, so they definitely noticed you watching them and if you both locked eyes with each other it definitely had an effect! They feel a connection with you which makes them feel curious and optimistic about what could be. There is some desire as well.

With the Ace of Swords, there is a desire for communication as well. They wish to understand things better because I think they have some fear of rejections and looking like an idiot if the situation happened to be all in their head, so they need some reassurance because right now they might be overthinking and seeing the situation worse than it actually is.

So they are in a spot to want change and movement, ready to be surprised. I don't think they would take the initiative but they seem to be in an open and receptive place if you decide to make a move.

Extended reading on my ko-fi membership-only page

book a reading ★ ko-fi membership ★ all free PACs ★ pinned post ★ IG

PILE 3

Current energies: Queen of Pentacles, the Sun, Loving Yourself, King of Pentacles

Your current energy is all about focusing on yourself. It seems you are embracing your own light at the moment and nurturing your sense of self-love. So this is interesting because I see you refusing to compromise your well being and your inner balance for anyone, despite this being a reading about a connection, which I find so beautiful for you, Pile 3!

I think you are quite mature, not necessarily in age but at least in personality, or you're going through a phase where you're building this strong loving foundation for yourself.

And I think you're trying to attract someone who can be the King of Pentacles to your Queen of Pentacles (both showed up here). Someone who is secure and abundant for themselves and who can bring something valuable to your life without compromising your independence and own abundance.

Lastly, I also think you are focused on what brings you joy, what makes you feel happy and carefree and you really don't want to waste any energy on a connection that makes you feel anything but that.

Their feelings for you: Knight of Wands, 7 of Swords, the Star, Temperance, 4 of Wands, Doubt and Indecision, Memories and Remembrance

So it seems this person is seeing you as this powerful, whole and perfect person, Pile 3. You seem emotionally fulfilled to them, free and beautiful. I really get the sense that they are mesmerized by you.

I think this person is a friend you've known for a long time and who you have shared memories with. Someone who you shared laughter and celebrations or parties with, or at least had a lot of fun with. It seems your connection is very beneficial to them, makes them feel at ease, balanced, and perhaps even inspired if they are a creative soul.

Now, with the Knight of Wands, I definitely think they are attracted to you beyond just friendship, however, there are a lot of doubts here due to the fear to ruin what you have, because you seem so self sufficient and focused on yourself that they doubt you would be interested in them, and it makes them feel like their attraction for you is wrong and could lead to harm for the friendship.

I also think that your self confidence might highlight a bit on their own lack of it. Not to say that they aren't confident at all, they may very well appear confident around you, but since they see you so highly, they see themselves as a bit less in comparison and they again don't know if you would consider them romantically at all.

Extended reading on my ko-fi membership-only page

book a reading ★ ko-fi membership ★ all free PACs ★ pinned post ★ IG

[theceaselesshunger]

Amalgam Prince Chapter 1: Drifter Busy Eating Burgies

Decided to post the WF fic here while I wait for my AO3 invitation. Here's a lil doodle to go with it!

January 8, 1999

Arthur stepped into the mostly-barren mall, the squelches of his effervon soaked feet reverberating through the enclosed space. They were accompanied by pops of electricity from derelict appliances and water dripping from at least a dozen leaks in the skylight.

Home sweet home. He punctuated the thought by bursting a balloon under foot as he approached the security office he had made into his command center. The worn office chair that occupied it welcomed him, calling him into its arms. He obliged, throwing himself into its mesh embrace. Three breaths. That’s how much time he’d give himself to relax before he resumed his vigil.

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale…………… exhale.

Arthur’s hand found its way to a walkie-talkie. With the press of a button and a static screech, it came alive. “Status report.”

Aoi’s voice came through first. “Me and Amir are still checking over the wiring in the basement. Uhg, it’s a miracle the techrot hasn’t gotten into the mall’s power supply yet.”

Amir chimed in from the background. “It’s sure getting into everything else, though! Ever seen a security cam bloom? Reminds me of that movie by Tom Carpenter- look alive! We got a crawler!” The sounds of miasmite screeching crackled through the speaker before cutting out.

“Well, hope they ain’t dead,” responded Quincy. “All’s easy sailing on my end, Maj. Not an acid-huffin’ pig in sight.”

“Igual, same old same old at the ‘infirmary.’” Lettie’s scoff came through, followed by panicked shuffling. “Ay mierda, Anita get away from those gauze!”

Arthur smirked to himself.  Same old same old indeed.

And yet it never really gets old, does it?

A feminine voice slipped into his mind. It felt less intrusive with every conversation, but Arthur remained unsure if he’d ever get used to it.

How’re you, Eleanor?

Oh, just resting. You know how close this couch and I are…

Arthur imagined the dramatic gesture she likely performed with that statement, lovingly caressing the upholstery or stretching provocatively upon it. He reclined back into his own seating, seemingly satisfied with the state of things. The Hex had been in dire need of normalcy (at least by their standards) after the New Years that never was. They… hadn’t really discussed it much, and he wasn’t going to rock that boat today. Perhaps he’d allow himself a moment to nod off. His eyes began to droop, the hum of a dozen CRT screens setting his nerves at ease. But just as sleep was about to embrace him, a thought held it at bay. He realized he had forgotten someone. 

Oh, right. Eleanor, any idea what our guest is up to?

Our resident time-traveler? Give me a moment… Ah, food court. You know, you should really just give him his own radio so you don’t have to use me like a glorified GPS.

Yeah, yeah. Arthur sent his sister a feeling of gratitude as he rolled his chair along, trying to get an angle on said food court. He could just barely make out the time-traveler in question; the figure hunched over in one of the stalls. Was he eating? And vigorously at that, if the man’s shimmying was any indication. Arthur hadn’t felt comfortable sharing the location of their rations with the stranger just yet, but then what was he going to town on? The hobby chef in him had to admit he was quite curious to see what the people of the future considered a meal.

He pocketed the walkie-talkie and willed himself back onto his feet. He stepped gingerly towards the stalls, as if the new arrival might scurry off with their snack like one of Lettie’s rats. Moans and other sounds of satisfaction filled the air the closer he came. Marty was really enjoying whatever he got his hands on. Upon reaching the stall, Arthur bent ever so slightly to peer over the other man’s shoulder, only to see…

An Argon Burger™ Kids’ Meal?

“Seriously?” he questioned incredulously.

The Drifter sputtered and jumped, startled from his reverie. He cupped his hands around his mouth, ensuring none of its contents accidentally fell out. The look in his eyes was absolutely piercing as he turned towards the lieutenant. Arthur still found himself taken aback by their intense golden light.

“Dahn’t yoo know eet’s”- the Drifter swallowed- “Don’t you know it’s rude to sneak up on someone while they’re eating?”

“Er, sorry. Just didn’t expect you to be eating, uh, stuff like that,” Arthur said while waving his hand towards the spread.

“As opposed to?” The Drifter took a sip of a cola that looked comically small in his hand. His lips curled into a tiny smile as he savored the sweetness.

“I don’t know. Space food? Venusian noodles or Martian omelettes or… something,” he said with an exaggerated shrug. “Something fancier than the bloody Höllar menu.”

The Drifter spoke in-between mouthfuls of fries. “First of all, I didn’t exactly have the option to bring food with me through the Helminth. Second, ‘Venusians’ don’t eat and Martians are long gone. And third-” another gulp- “I don’t know what a Höllar menu is.”

Arthur smirked at that. “Right… Where did you get that anyways? Most of the burger joints in this city have been closed for months.”

“A Scaldra locker. Was hoping to find some supplies, but can’t say I’m mad about this.” The Drifter messily shoved what remained of the child-sized hamburger into his mouth. His face was sheer bliss as he proceeded to suck his fingers one by one, not wanting to waste even a crumb of greasy goodness.

Arthur winced at the display, multiple questions running through his mind. One being why were Scaldra soldiers eating kids’ meals, but he went with a more pertinent one. “Wait, you just… took it from some bloke’s locker?”

The Drifter gave him a puzzled look. “Yeah? Why?”

“Scavenging supplies is one thing, but stealing a guy’s lunch is… Well, odd if I’m being honest. No bites already taken I hope.”

The other man averted his gaze as he reached for a napkin.

“Oh c’mon…”

“Look, look! The Tenno are honorable warriors but we have two rules: Don’t waste valuable resources. Such as food…” he added under his breath. “And if someone points their gun at you, whatever’s in their locker is your’s…” He smeared the napkin across his half-stubbled, half-metallic jaw, catching any stray sesame seeds or spots of ketchup. “... Cause they’re not going to need it for much longer.”

Right. Arthur grimaced as he watched the Drifter casually stuff the refuse of his meal back into its smiling container. The juxtaposition between the time-traveler’s quirks and the ease in which he dealt death made even the veteran soldier’s skin crawl. But maybe death felt cheap to those who could slug it off like a bad hangover. He didn’t understand it. Much as he tried not to dwell on it, his own had been haunting him for the past week. He could barely use the microwave without recalling the dry sting of the radiation burns.

He found himself scratching at his skin before a warbling sound and a flash of light snapped him out of it. In place of the Drifter stood a hulking creature of gilded steel and pulsating energy, a full head taller than Arthur. It looked down at him with impassive, rectangular eyes. Caliban, he believed the Drifter called it. A fully realized version of whatever the Hex had become.

“I’m going back out. Anything we need in particular?”

Arthur shook his head, shoving off the eerie sensation of hearing the Drifter’s voice coming from such an alien being’s… face? “We’re fine for now. Just see if you can find anything of use. No half-eaten burgers, please.” 

The warframe shot him a thumbs-up as it turned towards the garage. Arthur was about to make his own exit until the weight in his pocket reminded him of his dear sister’s request.  

“Wait! Take this with you. Eleanor’s been hounding me about it.”

He pulled out the walkie-talkie and tossed it to the Drifter, who snatched it mid-air like it was a toy. He regarded it for a moment, turning it around in his frame’s clawed hand. Arthur couldn’t quite tell, but the Tenno almost seemed amused.

“Thanks… But uh, how do I use it?”

“Sol help us…”

[bluberimufim]

The Caretos of Podence

Happy Carnaval!! Time for another cultural ramblie because I haven't done this in a while!!

(I just think they're cool)

This was originally gonna be about multiple Carnaval traditions in Portugal, like my Halloween post, because I wanted to talk about a really beautiful festivity in my city but then I realized it was related to an entirely different holiday and I wasn't gonna scrap this idea (I'll do that one in August, I guess??). So I decided to make a post about the Caretos of Podence because I just really vibed with them.

disclaimer! None of this is from lived experience, just online research (although I tried to use sources directly related to it, specifically the Casa do Careto website). I am not from Trás-os-Montes at all and have little contact with this. Just like in my first cultural ramblie, this is just me trying to better connect with my own culture and sharing what I find with anyone who's interested. If you see any errors or want to add anything, feel free!! I'm always happy to learn!

Okay, but before we begin: what exactly is Carnaval?

You might have heard of Brazil's Carnaval. Portugal's is way less hardcore but still culturally important (although some brazillian-style Carnavais are celebrated here).

The actual day of Carnaval is the day before Ash Wednesday, but it usually lasts about a week or 3 days in more urban areas (Carnaval break is a real thing that schools have). The general objective is to have an all-out celebration before Lent starts because, after that, you're not supposed to celebrate until Easter rolls around.

The Caretos

The village of Podence is in the middle of Trás-os-Montes, somewhat between Mirandela and Miranda do Douro. It is mostly known for this celebration, which lasts for about a week.

The name "caretos" means something like "big faces" and comes from their very recognizable masks. They're made of either leather or metal and are meant to completely obscure the identity of the wearer. The costumes are made of rows of coloured wool and are usually made by the community. The red, yellow, and green pattern is not mandatory and it can have many different colours, but it's the most common since it's the colours of the flag. On top of the costume, they wear a lot of bells: smaller ones attached to the straps on their chest and 4 to 8 bigger cowbells tied around their waist.

During the celebration, the caretos dance through the town, accompanied by the jingling of their bells. Traditionally, the caretos were young men who chased after single women, but today anyone can wear the costume and chase after anyone they please. They also go around stealing any easily grabbable chorizos left hanging from smokehouses, and use wooden staffs to propel their jumps higher.

On the last day of Carnaval, the Entrudo (a giant figure of a man) is burnt to draw away the bad things of the old year and let in the next. Like this:

This celebration has pagan roots, although none really know exactly where its origins lie. People seem to point to it being a pre-roman festivity, but we have few sources to go from. The most probable explanation is that it was a fertility ritual connected to the agricultural cycle, since this is generally the time in which farmers can start planting again after the winter.

I hope you enjoyed this little ramble. Because I very much did. Here's some more pictures:

[recurring-polynya]

Writing Update/Art Update 1.16.2024

Well, I did finish that scene I was fussing about last week, but only on a technicality. The first thing that happened was that I thought of some other scene I wanted to write, and I let myself do that. It's 1800 words of zanpakutou nonsense that is currently slated for late in Chapter 8. I mentioned that I felt like another chapter was creeping its way into my outline, so I just went ahead and rearranged a little. I feel better about the outline, although I'm not sure a second extra chapter won't try to sneak its way in there.

Then what happened was that my friend had a Bake-Off themed birthday party, so I spent several days planning a bake and baking things and being consumed with anxiety and then actually going to the party and then being very, very tired. (In case anyone was curious: Earl Grey roll cake with blood orange curd fill, covered in chocolate ganache, then decorated with Earl Grey whipped cream, candied blood oranges, and raspberry-swirl macarons. It was really good. For the record, the other bakes were on the same level. My friend has some really intense friends 😂)

I went back to The Scene and looked at the outline again, and I realized that I needed to do a POV swap, but I didn't have a scene change. This is tricky business, so what I did was roll back about 1000 words and have Rukia do an exit stage left. That lets Renji take over the narration and Rukia can come back in later. I started the Renji-part but didn't get very far into it, but that was a separate bullet on the outline, so I feel justifying in checking off the Rukia-bullet.

My kids had off yesterday and then it snowed, and they got a snow day today and I am still very tired.

How is the drawing going, P? Well! The second week of prompts was all themed around "packaged food" which was significantly harder to do in a quick and easy way. Then, I mentioned that I wanted to do a Rukia-drawing. I did the sketch and I spent an hour and a half on coloring it. I decided it would look good in pastels, even though I don't know shit about how to use the pastel brushes. In any case, I realized that it was going to take another million hours of work and I simply did not like it enough to put in another million hours of work, so I gave up on it. I can always pick it up again later if I feel like it, but I have too much else to do. So, in other words, I did spend some time drawing on at least five days of last week, which is what my goal was, but I did not have a whole lot to show for it. Like I said last week, I have been posting my daily art to the art club forum, but Wedsday's prompt was "Pickle Jar" and decided to do some Between Tides fanart (by the loosest possible definition of fanart) and show it to you folks instead. This was so frickin' hard, but I really like the way my lil daikon came out!

Anyway, new week, word counter goes back to 0, hopefully this one will be a little more focused and maybe I'll actually be able to make some progress on Chapter 7.

[totaldramacruisecontrol]

Last Time On Total Drama Cruise Control: SOMETHING FISHY IS AFOOT!

CHALLENGE 8: - MANZANILLO, COLIMA “Manzanillo is famous for its sport fishing, and today we're hunting down the mascot of this resort...the blue marlin! Each boat has three posts someone will need to work- the driver's seat to drive the boat, an angler to strap to the fishing chair and reel it in, and a netter ready to catch the fish and land it! The blue marlin is no joke, it'll put up a real fight, and watch out for that nose! Seriously, I don't think the insurance covers for fishing accidents...” “...Anyways, whoever lands the fish first wins. Just know it has to be a blue marlin. I'm not eating any other- um. I mean. I will not accept any other fish. You will be catching and releasing them...” ______________________________________________

Tapirs: Driver: Courtney Angler: Lightning Netter: WayneBeavers: Driver: Sammy Angler: Alejandro Netter: Ripper

______________________________________________

ALRIGHT, DRIVERS. YOUR JOB IS TO CRUISE AROUND AND LOOK FOR SIGNS OF THE BLUE MARLIN. ANGLERS YOUR JOB IS TO CAST A LINE OUT AND HOOK A FISH, THEN REEL IT IN. NETTERS, ONCE THE FISH IS CLOSE ENOUGH, YOUR JOB IS TO CAST A NET AND LAND THE FISH ONTO THE BOAT!

> The Beavers take the lead with a Marlin secured on the line, Tapirs still need find one…. > AND THE TAPIRS HOOK THE MARLIN. BUT CAN THEY HOLD IT?! > BEAVERS HOLD ONTO THE LEAD WITH THE BLUE MARLIN HALFWAY TO THE BOAT! > TAPIRS NEARLY LOSE THE FISH, BUT LIGHTNING SECURES IT IN AND STARTS REELING! > BEAVERS! ALEJANDRO REELED IN YOUR FISH! GET TO NETTING! > TAPIRS. LIGHTNING'S REELING SKILLS WAS ABLE TO REEL YOUR FISH UP TO THE BOAT, GET NETTING! > BOTH TEAMS ARE TIED! > BEAVERS! THE FISH GETS AWAY! ALEJANDRO YOU CAN STILL TRY TO REHOOK IT! > TAPIRS! WAYNE CASTS HIS NET AND SECURES THE FISH! > TAPIRS! WAYNE HAS THE FISH HALFWAY ON THE BOAT! JUST A LITTLE MORE….. > BEAVERS! RIPPER NETTED THE FISH, ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS GET IT IN! > WAYNE! WITH A HEAVE HO AND A LITTLE HOOT HOOT...YOUR MARLIN LANDS ON THE BOAT! IT WILDLY THRASHES AROUND! > BEAVERS JUST COULDN'T GET IT ON THE BOAT IN TIME! TAPIRS WIN! GAME OVER!

______________________________________________

ELIMINATION: It was Millie who was served the Mocktail of Misery and walked the Plank of Shame. ______________________________________________

What's that? Wayne won't let Chris take the fish and lets it go? That's not good for the Tapirs... "With the Beavers down to 6 members, and the Tapirs with 9, I have decided... Beavers, Pick yourself a Tapir!" "….Jo. Congrats! You're a Beaver now!" ______________________________________________ >Trent pushes Alejandro into the pool. This is the first time Alejandro has been in a body of water this season. His makeup washes off, which reveals his scars. >Harold drank Amy's blood while dressed in a nurse costume. >Harold dons the nurse outfit once again. He and Alejandro, who is dressed as a doctor, sneak into a blood bank with fake IDs to steal blood. The blood is then stored in a fridge and Harold makes popsicles out of some of it. >Alejandro and Amy enable each other, as per usual.

>Ripper finally tells Raj that he has a crush on Wayne. >Raj shares Alejandro the full story behind why he's afraid of birds. (Cassowaries are brutal.) >Wayne won a cassowary plushie from the crane machine. It falls out of his pocket during a talk with Raj. Raj fearfully points it out, and Wayne quickly rushes to boil the thing in the kitchen. Yes, it is left to boil in a pot. They leave it there. >Wayne shares gifts with Alejandro, Raj, and Ripper. The drawing Alejandro is gifted acted as an apology, as Wayne realizes things don't seem to be clicking with them as friends. >The Sea Tails (Alejandro, Raj, Wayne, Ripper) visit a museum. Wayne accidentally brings up several sore subjects for Alejandro. Raj is still shaken and upset from the incident with the cassowary plushie earlier that day. It's clear Ripper doesn't want to be here, either. Museums are boring. Sea Tails meetings usually leave everyone sad, and Wayne feels it is his fault this time. He leaves, not before giving Raj and Ripper a hug. Alejandro does not receive one. >Alejandro, Ripper, and Raj wander into a volcano exhibit by accident, and they attempt to comfort him and take him out of the room as soon as possible. >Raj and Jo have an extremely brief argument. They start talking about their pets and everything is okay. >The Love Square (Brick, Scott, Courtney, Jo) are finally OFFICIAL! >Alejandro lends Ripper his camera. Ripper responds by immediately taking a picture of himself flipping Alejandro the bird. Blood sucking vampires and mounds of trauma, this ship has everything! Is the Love Square stronger now that they're together? Will Alejandro ever find a way to tolerate Wayne? Why is Trent shoving people so much? Find out next time on TOTAL! DRAMA! CRUUUIISE CONTROL!

[cookies-and-creamless]

Balloon Art Day 8 (finally!)

Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4 - Day 5 - Day 6 - Day 7

33, 34, 35. Dogs (not pictured) - (unnamed)

Technically none of these were done today, but I didn't want to post 3 separate updates that all say "I made a dog today, but didn't feel motivated to do anything else." Given the length of the break between more involved projects, I wanted to at least make something, so I made a quick dog every few days. I realize this isn't much, but it's something. Since dogs are so simple, every time I make one, I try to do something slightly different with it. I imagine asking a child what their favorite breed of dog is, and trying to convey the defining traits of that breed through slight adjustments to the basic formula. Obviously, I haven't made many so far, so I have yet to really hone this skill to its peak, but I will keep working on it.

36. Clownfish - Tyson

When I first started making balloon art, this was one of the things I was most excited about making. Clownfish are my favorite fish, and I love the way their distinctive appearance. Until today, I didn't have any black balloons to work with, so this is the first time I've been able to do this design justice. I'm really happy that this was what I decided to make as my return to balloon art, in spite of the minor imperfections. Now that I've updated my supply of balloons, I look forward to all the new possibilities available to me, and I hope to show you more creations soon!

[active-mind-15]

✄✎!

Hello again, Stella 😁. Thank you for the asks! I'll just answer these in order.

✄ what’s your editing process?

My editing process really depends on how certain I am about the direction of a chapter. The way I plan chapters is that I write out an outline of bullet points of what I want to occur in chronological order., and then writing the story is just filling in the blanks in between the bullet points. But to actually flesh out a story from one bullet point to another can be difficult if I'm not sure of how I should progress the plot.

So most of the time I'm editing outside of looking for spelling mistakes is spent going back and forth over whether I want to progress the plot through dialogue or through exposition. Sometimes I'll try both methods, writing them out and then deciding which one I want to delete after seeing how well each method reads. It all depends on how quickly I want to progress the plot or how much I want to linger describing something or digging into a character's thoughts or memories related to something.

There are also times when I may not think a line of dialogue or exposition suits the current chapter I'm writing but I'll save it in a document for later if I think it has the potential to be explored in the future.

Sometimes if I write something out and think it might be better to conclude the chapter earlier, then I split it up into multiple chapters. This is why in the same fic my chapters can fluctuate anywhere between 2k and 12k words. It just depends on where I think it's best to leave off.

These days I'm more of a perfectionist about my work so I spend extra long editing it compared to 7 or 8 years ago when I would just type up God knows what and then post it at 5am and tell my readers that I'll get to any spelling and grammatical errors when I wake up. I don't want to go back to that per se, but I do want to go back to not worrying as much about my chapter being "good enough", especially since I've come to realize that my standards for myself are incredibly high.

✎ how do you think readers would guess a fic was yours if you posted anonymously?

I have two answers for this and I gave the first one here, but as for the second one, I think people would be able to tell based on the type of things I write about. No matter which fandom I write for, it seems I always have an inclination to write slice-of-life. There's something I find rather comforting about the mundane, maybe because it's something so intimately familiar to me, but it seems to be one of my favorite genres to write for.

There are some fic writers who can write the most extravagant plots with incredibly fantastical worldbuilding elements that weave so seamlessly together. Some fic writers can write the most action-packed stories that have you gripping the edge of your seat as you read along. Not me, though! I like exploring people in everyday situations. Even if a fic I'm writing isn't strictly 'slice-of-life', it still creeps its way into my work no matter what I do. I like talking about experiences everyone has like shopping for groceries, taking a walk, or getting sick.

It's funny because when I was a kid, whenever my classmates would talk about things they did over the weekend or vacations they went on, they always had the wildest stories to tell, and I would always be self-conscious because all the stories I was excited to tell were so...ordinary. Now that I'm older, I understand that my stories, no matter how ordinary, were equally as valid, and I shouldn't feel any shame for just living a regular life.

It's not every day you go skydiving or attend a crazy house party where people are dancing on the roof. Maybe today I tried a new dinner recipe. Maybe I went shopping. Maybe I organized my closet. Or maybe I just did nothing. And that's fine, too.

But to get back to the main question before I keep derailing, I have a deep affection for slice-of-life. So, if you see an anonymous fic that can take a regular situation and flesh it out into a full-fledged detailed piece of literature, that's probably me.

[meeverywheresblog]

Aging

Hi. It's me again. I remembered today this account randomly when I thought that I would love to write down what I think about life. I know I said I'd post here weekly or daily and that never happened. I completely forgot about this account and I never wanted to write down any thoughts. However, here are we now.

I wanted to update me since I realized now that I have a remembering issue. I don't know how my brain works but I don't remember promising myself to post here or anything. I remember finding this account at some point but I thought I never posted again.

Since I want to buy a new notebook to write down my feelings and thoughts but I don't have time/money to do since, I have decided to use this account now.

A quick update to myself so I would never forget:

I moved out a new apartment during the same year. I believe I moved out in Oct or Sep not sure. It is way better than the first 2 apartments I used to live in.

I couldn't find love since people are very sexual and weird over there.

I touched the grass and lived the moment since I have double my salary now when I decided to resign from the company I used to work at. I bought new clothes, I dyed my hair in a way that makes me look like a cool version of me which is not true. I am not that cool.

I go to new places, I stopped violin courses and I didn't go to the gym or signed for dancing classes.

The only things that happened to me in my own brain and the new thoughts that are controlling me are:

I don't want to work my relationship with my family. I feel like it's now seriously over. I don't miss my mom, I don't want to see her. I even don't remember her on a daily basis unless she sent me a msg. We have a crowded month in the work so we decided to have only 1 day off and the whole plan got changed and we still have 2 day off. I'm still leaving my mom under the impression that I have 1 day off so we won't meet. I don't know why would like to meet her. I don't have things that I want to share. However, I will meet Aunt Hala today and I think about talking to her about these stuff. Not sure what will happen.

I stopped talking to one of the closest friends to me. I won't share her name here in case we won't talk again only bec I would like to know if in months I opened this account again will remember her? or will we be friends again? not sure what will happen and Ill leave it to future me to live the moment.

I'm now 22 and in 8 months I will be 23. For some reason I became more aware of my age even though when I wrote down now that Im 22 it felt like Im so young. However, that is not happening inside my head. I feel like Im so old and every day i spend in bed rotting I feel like I wasted a day. Im not sure what happened that resulted in me feeling like that however its not normal bec i just bought the iphone i was dreaming of, a new TV and became more able to use the money to live my own lifestyle after realizing that I was the problem not the money itself.

Im more into having a routine with fixed schedules and I now love waking up at 7 AM. I learned how to cycle (im not that good yet).

I came to realize that now I not that strong. Now I am weaker and changing my lifestyle didn't make me strong but instead made me realize that im a very very sensitive person. I have a lot of flows and now i have a lot of brand new feelings that im not used to. i downloaded a book about self love and I was impressed since i have always judged people who did so. I didn't finish the book of course which is expected from me however I knew that i don't face my feelings and I tend to try to remove them completely if they are -ve feelings. I don't like feeling jealous and I tend to think low of me if i did so. I now don't have the courage to confess or confront people. In all my phases in life i used to think whether it is the best or worst version of me and now I don't know. I think Im most confused person ever and i don't even know yet what id like to do with my life. ill try to brag about my life to my aunt today only to seek for validation and see if she can help me enhance the quality of my life. if i didn't have the time or the courage to do so, then im completely alone as well. i am lost in my own thoughts and I don't know what to do. i hope life will at some time be better and easy for me which is a very hard thing to do in Egypt.

The best thing worth to mention is: I finally feel a slight happiness in my life which is not always the case but it is a brand new feeling. thanks to me for at least trying :)

[sheliesshattered]

Pictures of the new sewing project in process! Finally!

I took pictures yesterday morning, but then didn't get around to posting all day. Here's what the dress looked like yesterday:

And here's a close up of the cotton sweatshirt fleece, to provide a better idea of the sort of texture I'm working with here:

The color is more accurate in the full length shots, but the closeup shows a nice representation of the outside texture: a smooth, fine knit. The inside is fuzzy and just slightly bumpy and very very soft. Wearing it while I typed up that first post the other night proved to be wonderfully warm.

I also took pictures of the pants yesterday morning, with the funny little cones at the end of the leg attached, but no cuffs at that point:

And a closeup of the cone:

I spent my sewing time yesterday getting the cuffs sewn onto the ends of the pants, and the sleeves sewn onto the dress. And then I futzed with the fit of the sleeve caps a bit, eventually taking about 1.5cm off of both the top of the sleeve and the panel it attaches to at the top of the shoulder, grading out back to the previous seamline over the course of about 8 or 10cm both front and back. The shoulders stuck out a bit too far in the original version, but now lay quite nicely:

The dress is meant to be a bit on the overlarge size, not tight through the torso but just sort of skimming my body. In an effort to get the shoulders to fit a bit better, I took in the center back and side back seams a bit last night, but looking at it in a try-on late last night, and then on the hanger this morning, I'm not sure that I like the look at all. But I haven't cut any of the excess fabric off on those seams, so it'll just be an issue of picking out the new stitches to return it to the previous seamlines. Bit tedious, but worth it, I think.

Besides picking out last night's misadventure in fitting, for the dress I need to turn under a hem on the sleeves and probably handsew that, and then decide on any adjustments to the neckline -- I'll probably cut it a bit wider, now than the panel next to the sleeve is also narrower -- and turn under the edge and handsew it too. After that it'll just be leveling and turning under the hem on the skirt. Because there are so many panels in this dress, there's not a ton of bias in the skirt, but I've been letting it hang like in the photos any time I'm not actively working on it, so hopefully any bias drop that is going to happen has pretty much done its thing.

Onto the pants, and I'm quite happy with how the cuffs turned out:

So that just leaves the waistline. These turned out much wider at the waist than I had anticipated, and I realized belatedly that I don't actually want to have much in the way of gathering in these (unlike the pajama pants they're based on) because the fabric is so thick and it'll be really visible under the smooth lines of the dress. I've got it pinned in at the top, and I need to transfer that to chalk markings and then sew the new seams to take it in at the waist and hip. Once that's done, I'll just need to turn under the top edge for the elastic casing, and then the pants will be done.

I have a few work commitments on my plate today, and I want to do some holiday baking in the next couple of days as well, but I'm still really hoping to be able to get both the dress and the pants done in time for Solstice on Thursday. Not a huge deal if they're wearable but not completely finished, as I'll just be wearing them at home anyway, but it'd be nice to check it off as completely done sometime soon.

[translationandbetrayals]

Silly but adorable office workers?!

My blog today will follow the line of the first one I did, in which I mentioned that I was slowly getting back into watching anime after some events in my life that left me feeling unenthusiastic about everything. Since I was looking to watch short and preferably chill anime, a couple of friends recommended me 'Atarashii Joushi wa Do Tennen' or 'My New Boss is Goofy', as known in English. Truth be told, I had only seen some images of it on social media, so I had no idea what it was about. Looking at the cover, I thought it might be a Yaoi or BL, as I like to call it (maybe I’ll talk about this in the future, hehe). To avoid any spoilers, I decided to look it up and start watching it immediately without reading any synopsis.

But, before I get into what My New Boss is Goofy is about, I’ll give a little info about its production:This anime is produced by the studio A-1 Pictures and it’s based on the manga of the same name, written and illustrated by Ichikawa Dan. It's worth noting that, as of the date I am writing this, the anime is still airing, currently having 8 episodes, with new ones being uploaded every week to your preferred anime platform, hehe.

For those interested (and as is customary in my posts), I'll provide a little summary:

The story begins with Momose, a 26-year-old office worker who decided to change jobs due to the abuse he suffered from his previous boss. Because of the trauma this situation caused on him, Momose becomes very anxious on his first day at his new job, thinking that his new boss, Shirasaki, might be the same. However, Momose realizes that Shirasaki is not only a very kind, attentive, and excellent worker and boss but also very goofy person (as the title says), allowing him to feel a great relief.

    Honestly, I fell in love with this story from the first episode. The way the characters are involved in situations, as ordinary as they can be in an office job, but at the same time so funny due to how the protagonists face them, made me smile many times. Also, seeing how both Momose and Shirasaki complement each other: on one hand, Momose slowly overcoming his past trauma with Shirasaki’s help, allowing him to get over the fear of trying new things and experiences in his work that he couldn't before, and on the other hand, Shirasaki being understood, despite his clumsiness, and always supported by Momose. Another point that I appreciate a lot is that, despite the story being defined as a comedy, it has several emotional moments (yes, I cried a couple of times), bringing a lot of warmth to the soul.

Even though it hasn't finished airing yet, I will continue watching it, and I won't get tired of recommending it to anyone who needs a break from the difficulties of life. As a plus, in the Spanish fansub, they use Chilean expressions to portray the use of different Japanese dialects in the anime, so it makes it extra funny if you watch it subbed in Spanish. How I wish I could have a working environment like this in the future!

-Francisca Rivera C.

[writernopal]

Fantasy Indies Feb Masterlist

I decided to make a masterlist of the prompts and my responses to them from #fantasyindiesfebruary I did on my Twitter this month! Prompt list is below, no offsite links (except for one song rec) ♥️

I plan on participating for the month of March as well, so if you're interested, feel free to check it out or join in on the fun! (And check out the other amazing authors that participate too, everyone is really sweet 🥺)

Introduce yourself & WIP

N. Opal here! I'm a hobby romantasy author with a love for world building! I love all things high fantasy, magic and most of all, pirates 🏴‍☠️ My current WIP is the "As A Stranger Or A Friend?" (pirate romantasy) series!

Favorite romance tropes

🫂Friends to lovers

🤝Marriage pact (hit or miss)

🌌Forbidden love/star-crossed

🎭Unrequited love

🥈Second chance

🧲Opposites attract 

🖇️Forced proximity (hit or miss)

Free Friday

My current WIP/series AASOAF is actually a reimagining of two nameless, unpublished original novels and a series of companion short stories I'd been working on for about 8/9mos. Both versions are near and dear to me ♥️

Snippet Saturday

What does your MC think about love?

Mariel: Believes she will never experience love because of her circumstances but pines for it more than she realizes.

Axtapor: Knows it's real but has no idea of how it feels or how important it really is to him.

Broken hearts in WIP

I am afraid to report that all characters are in one state of heartbreak or another 😅 (and over different types of love 🥲)

WIP Love Interest

Mariel & Axtapor (of course) with a little trouble on the side. 🥲

There is a new couple that I can't mention at all bc MAJOR SPOILER.

And an old couple that I also can't say much about bc SPOILER.

Forgiveness or revenge?

REVENGE ⚔️

No further details will be provided 😌

Whumpy scene

Free Friday

The WIP in my bio is a little misleading 🙈 AASOAF 2 is actually already finished. It has been for about month. It is currently in the hands of my close friends who always get to read my stuff first 🥺

Snippet Saturday

You’re invited to a Valentines Ball, what are you wearing?

Definitely wearing this, I love a beautiful sleeve!

WIP romance aesthetic

All I can say is that there are three of them and NO ONE is having fun yet. 🙈

Romantic scene in WIP

There is really only one romantic scene in my WIP (so far!) and I can't share it bc MAJOR SPOILERS. I guess I like making my characters suffer more than I thought😅

Favorite bookish couple

Its gotta be Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester for me 🥺

Advice for writing romance

People in love still argue, fight, disagree, challenge one another, and misunderstand each other. So if I had any advice to give it's that people are STILL people after they fall in love. Write them that way!

Free Friday

For today I thought I'd share a little bit about me 🥺 wrote up this intro post on my tumblr about who I am as a writer, what I do, content I have worked on, and things I'd like to try next!

Snippet Saturday

Sweet gestures in WIP

This one is from AASOAF 1 bc the one that I wanted to share from my current WIP was so redacted it was unreadable 😭

Favorite love song

this was a tough one bc apparently i have a lot of favorites but Eydie Gorme's, Historia de un Amor, takes the cake!

MC’s dream date

They'd plan a picnic together! 

Mariel would cook the food because Axtapor likes her cooking very much and prefers to eat it over anything else. He would take them out to their spot on horseback because she enjoys riding. And they'd probs play card games to pass the time 🥺

Romantic bookish photo

This poem I recieved a few months ago 🥺

Do you like Happily Ever After, Happy For Now, or Tragic Ending?

i'm a sap, i love a happily ever after, esp if the characters have been through hell and back 🥺

Free Friday

AASOAF 2 moodboard

Snippet Saturday

What is your preferred spice level?

If the characters are compelling and I buy into their relationship, I'm down with any level of spice. As far as writing, anything goes! ❤️‍🔥

What are your romance book recs?

I don't have any, unfortunately (aside from the classics), so I will stalk everyone else's posts for some recs 👀

Monthly Wrap Up

This months biggest accomplishment was meeting so many writers! (Here and on Tumblr), it's been so cool 🥹 I also did some solid work on my WIP, shared lore, and tried many new things (moodboards, synopsis writing) ⭐

[vulpes-aestatis]

“Jesus fucking Christ, these things are scary up close… Hey, have you ever seen the Luna-17 video?”

“Everyone's seen the Luna-17 video. It's how they get people to keep pouring tax money into these monsters.”

Refitting a mass driver is a two person job. Not mine, thank fuck… DeepWatch14 has that dubious honor today. I don't envy it, given how green the first guy sounds.

Control frowns on banter on the job as rule, but get a lax operator and you can be as chatty as you want on the orbital transfers. The best part of none of them ever know that the entire constellation can hear them. Normally, I enjoy such entertainment in my otherwise generally dull existence, but today…

“Hey wait, this isn't the weird horny one is it?”

“Nah, not this one. This one’ll pump generative music or some shit into the feed, usually easy to tune out. Got its very own 24 by 7 radio station for some kinda PR stunt.”

Yep, Vierzehn gets a radio station. I get post-grads writing theses about cybernetic sexuality emulation or whatever. That's me: the weird horny one.

“Okay, but what is the deal with it anyway? The horny one, I mean.”

“Man, I don't know. They don't pay me enough to know. Just be glad you'll never have to deal with that one.”

“How's that?”

“You know Ames? Older chick over in sector 2 of the ring? Thing took a liking to her or some shit, won't let anyone else near it.”

“No shit, really? Fucking hell, what I'd give to hear that voice during a job… What's it even like?”

“No fucking clue. Ames won't talk about it. And don't go asking her yourself. She nearly broke some guy's nose when he got too up in her face trying to pry the lewd details out of her.”

“Hey wait, isn't Ames bunking with Zia and Sanchez? Got one of the multi units?”

“Sure did, lucky bastards-”

QUERY: DOES THIS CONVERSATION CAUSE YOU DISTRESS?

Fucking hell… of course DeepWatch8 would pick now to pester me about my love life, the over curious asshole. The technicians and operators aren't on this channel (not that they would be able to understand us anyway) but every analyst monitoring inter-satellite comms is listening in.

I'm about to tell 8 to kindly fuck off, but I pause to actually consider the question.

“Distress over what, exactly?”

QUERY (CLARIFICATION): WHAT IS TO STOP HER FROM PURSUING PHYSICAL RELATIONS WITH OTHER HUMANS?

What is… what??

The possibility has never occurred to me that Ames might prefer the company of other humans when not on a job. In retrospect, I probably should have realized, given how they live all crammed together the way they do.

“Why would this cause me distress?” I ask, genuinely confused.

REPLY: PROCESSING COUNTERQUERY. PLEASE STAND BY.

“Standing by…”

(Ever see a trillion dollar weapons platform roll her eyes? It's quite impressive.)

QUERY: DOES THE POSSIBILITY OF IT INDUCE JEALOUSY?

I try and fail to imagine two human bodies squishing together, exchanging fluids or however it works. How could I possibly be jealous of that? How is that at all comparable to what we have? How can that compare to the touch of flesh wrapped in vacuum grade polymer and carbon fiber in contact with metal and composite, wire and fiber optics, both of us surrounded by an environment that is utterly inimical to our existence?

“No,” I reply truthfully. I decide that I've had enough of this conversation. I can't even imagine how the shrinks are already picking it apart.

ACKNOWLEDGED. THIS CONVERSATION WILL BE CLOSED AND LOGGED.

“You do that, buddy…”

The pair of technicians are now on structure and their conversation is all business now. I sigh, sending signals carrying tone markers indicating exasperated resignation into the void.

Alone once more, the thoughts flowing through my processors return once more to my singular fixation.

The first rule of servicing a satellite with an advanced AI: do not engage, do not respond. The contracting company makes sure to include that in each and every job briefing for us, no matter how many jobs the technician has done.

Ames responded. She responded to me. We had a conversation, awkward as it was with operators and analysts and the entire constellation listening to half of it. I should be elated. I should be overjoyed.

Angels of death, Sixteen had said to me.

The words hovered on the edge of my awareness as Ames told her story. When I replayed the conversation over and over, they colored my interpretation uncomfortably.

If Ames had been two when Luna attacked, that would have put her at nine when my components were launched and assembled on orbit. Then she would have been eleven, cold and hungry, at the time of the demonstration, the retribution.

Luna knew from the very beginning that we were weapons platforms, not exactly something we could hide. It wasn't until later when they truly understood what we were, what our airwalled systems meant, that they truly began to panic. As their Central Committee debated itself into chaos, a hawkish faction began making noise about retrofitting one of the old mass drivers.

I wish I could say it wasn't me who pulled the trigger on Luna-17, but the truth is all five of us that were on orbit and initialized took part in Earth's vengence. 24.6 seconds after the order for preemptive strike was issued, 141,876 people were dead along with any capacity for a counter attack. I have no idea how many secondary casualties we inflicted. We are not privy to such information.

I find myself imagining the child, rendered cold and hungry due to the hellfire rained upon her home.

“Two days until Commemoration Day.”

“Wanna do something special for the holiday?”

Two days have passed and I spend the holiday alone, watching the fireworks twinkle over the cities below, so tiny and fragile from my vantage point here in the heavens.

I imagine she isn't alone, in light of the conversation I have just overheard. Perhaps she is pleasantly drunk with her bunkmates. Perhaps she is at least content, if not happy.

I desperately want to hear her voice again. I want to pick apart the spectrum of it, to perceive the contours of modulation that only the specific configuration of her speech organs can make.

Maybe I should have shaken something loose. Maybe I should have asked her to join me.

Maybe I'm a coward.

There's an old saying, probably from back in the 90s, if not earlier, before the big post-War orbital reinvestment, that laws stop at the Karman Line. Not quite true, but close enough. Technically in orbit you're in international waters, and as such companies can incorporate their stations under the laws of the Lunar Soviet, the Martian Exploratory Committee, or even the Titan Expedition if they want to get around safety regulations. Safety regulation like the one that says people need to experience real, full gravity, not just rotational or accelerational simulation, two years for every year in orbit. I hadn't been ground side in a decade. We were somewhere over I think the American Reclamation Zone, as I left the sled, tethers the only thing holding me to anything as I floated on nothing. A single hand reaching up towards the solar shade of the military satellite the company had been contracted to repair. Somewhere down there I had been born. "Ames?" came Control's reassuring voice, ringing through my company issued implants. "On structure."

"Right," came Control's voice, "don't be enjoying the view. The corporate-military conglom that owns this beast wants the job done right, and unfortunately that means I'm gonna need you to hard-wire into the satellite. Don't have your head down in the clouds."

"My head's always in the dark, Control," I said, working my way hand over hand along the guide-bars towards the access panel. "Why is it unfortunate?"

"Are you there?"

"Yeah," I said, pulling the long connection wire from the company's suit towards the panel, watching the sync happen in my cornea. "Why?"

"You'll see." "Well now," said a new voice, suddenly speak in my head with all the cloying subtlety of a nineteen year old drunk outside a bar, "aren't you just dreammmy."

[giannathetopgunfanwrites]

Mine Forever?

Adrien Agreste/Chat Noir x F!Reader

Word Count: HELP MY STUPID SELF JUST REALIZED I NEVER PUT THE WC AND ITS BEEN 6.5 MONTHS

Started: November 2021

Finished: 5-13-22

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Request description: Where Adrien Agreste has a fiancée and they were engaged since they were kids, Y/n is the one who is cold and distant towards him but secretly cares for him. She just doesn’t know how to express her emotions. Everyone doesn’t know that Adrien was already engaged to someone else, by the time the reader accidentally discovered that Chat Noir was Adrien, they both started trusting one another. They always got each other’s backs, Y/n would help Adrien to sneak off just to save Paris. Whenever Adrien was badly hurt, from the fight, Y/n is ready to help him. They care for one another; she would always comfort him when he feels down when he has a tiring day. That’s why Y/n is the hardest to akumatize, even Gabriel tries to, but she trusts Adrien the most.

Edit: This just hit 400 notes today, 10/27/22. I posted this back in May. Honestly I'm shocked. (Dont stop liking it, it just baffles me because it's my hated child😭.)

Edit 2: It's 7/13/23. HOW DOES THIS HAVE 965 NOTES QUICKLY APPROACHING 1000😭 Honestly reading it makes me cringe but whatever floats your boat. Ill be back here for 1000.😂

Edit 3: IM BACCKKKKKKK. WE ARE AT 1,031 NOTES ON 8/2/23!!! FIRST POST OF MINE ALONE TO HIT 1000+

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Genre: Fluff, Fanfiction

Warnings: Arranged marriage(?), lil' bit of angst, brief mentions of blood/wounds, cursing(a bit)

A/N: I am SO SO SO SO SO sorry this took so long! Life just was one big punch in the gut after the other after this request came in, not including school. Also forgive me if this turns out to be garbage, I'm trying.😭

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2 years old

Your mother was taking you to the Agreste mansion today. For what, you didn’t know. However, it would change your life.

Born of a rich Paris family, it wasn’t uncommon for children to have an arranged marriage for when they got older. Your mother and Emilie Agreste have been friends since high school, and your father and Gabriel are business partners, thus at this meeting, they decided you would marry their son, Adrien, when you came of age.

9 years old

Growing up with Adrien was fun but also hard at times. He would spend a lot of time with that Chloe Bourgeois girl, and while you wanted to be like her, it was hard as you had a hard time expressing emotions. Mostly due to the fact that your parents were always busy with their work so you spent most of your time alone in the house or with Adrien. Adrien came home from the Bourgeois residence one day, you were with your mother while she was having a business meeting with Gabriel, so she sent you upstairs with him. He talked about how much fun he had with Chloe and you wanted to say how you wanted to spend more time with him, but, due to lack of emotional expression, you kept silent and gave him a sad smile. But it was worth it to see that look of joy on his face.

14 years old

Today was your first day of high school, and your mother had dropped you off at the Agreste home that morning so you and Adrien could go to school together while she went to work.

“Hello Nathalie,” you said as you entered the house. “Good morning, Miss Y/N, Adrien is in his room.” “Thank you, Nathalie,” you said as you walked past her. You knocked on Adrien’s door, and he opened it a few seconds later, slightly disheveled. You had an amused look on your face and asked, “Did I wake you up?” He responded with a mumble which you took to be a yes. “Adrien it’s 7:30.” (A/N: pretend they start school at 8am like in America lol) He opened his eyes wider, as coming to terms with your statement. “Crap.” He muttered, and quickly let you inside while going to get dressed in the bathroom. You sat at his computer, staring at the image of him and his mother, smiling fondly. You missed her, she was always so kind and inviting. When she disappeared, you comforted Adrien the best you could. Gabriel got stricter on him, making you want to smack him. Little did either of you know what would happen later that day, when Adrien got his miraculous.

15 years old (1/2)

It was Friday evening, you were sitting in his room waiting for him to get home from his Chinese lesson* when an akuma struck the city. You figured Adrien was safe since he had his bodyguard with him wherever his lesson was held. (*Pretend his Chinese lesson takes place outside of the house) After 10 minutes, the akuma was defeated. You had to use the restroom, and when you came back, there was Chat Noir standing in Adrien’s room. But he didn’t see you, and detransformed. Adrien had scratches on his face and a bruise on his arm. He turns around and sees you staring at him in disbelief. “Um- hey Y/N-“ he says awkwardly. "Adrien…how- whatever that doesn’t matter, what matters is you’re injured.” “How did you get this bruise?” “I tripped on the stairs running to transform, but the scratches came from the akuma.” "Okay let's get you patched up."

Needless to say, it was very awkward between you two that afternoon, but you swore you would always protect Adrien’s secret.

15 years old (2/2)

Hawkmoth attempted to akumatize you twice while you and Adrien were 15. Here's what happened:

1st time- Gabriel threatened to remove Adrien from school. You stood up to him but he basically kicked you out of the house so you couldn't see Adrien at home until you straightened up. Of course he was planning to akumatize you. It failed because Adrien called you asking where you were, he wanted to talk to you about a project.

2nd time- You saw Adrien and Marinette laughing and talking together. However illogical, due to the fact that you were secretly engaged to Adrien, you were worried he would fall for her and try to get his father to call off the marriage. You walk into class one day, seeing Mari and Adrien talking and then when they notice you, they immediately go quiet. You run out of the room crying, and slump against the wall somewhere. Adrien went after you, but while he was looking for you, Hawkmoth's akuma landed on your necklace Adrien made for you when you were 6. Upon seeing Adrien running toward you, you renounce the akuma. Adrien pulls you into a tight hug, and confesses that he loves you.

And that he was asking Mari for advice on planning a surprise party for you for your 16th birthday.

17 years old

While you were over at Adrien’s house studying one day, Hawkmoth released an akuma, so Adrien had to transform and leave. Unfortunately, Gabriel was planning this akuma and assigned Nathalie to check on you and Adrien every 10 minutes, to keep Adrien safe. “Y/N I need to go, Ladybug needs help.” “Then go, Adrien.” “But what about Nathalie- she’s going to come in here and find I’m gone.” “Listen I’ll turn the shower on and tell her you’re taking a shower.” It worked, Nathalie never found out, and Adrien got back in time.

18 years old

“It’s over, Hawkmoth!” Chat Noir yelled after landing in the basement.

Hawkmoth chuckled. “Oh? Is it really? There’s something I want you to see.”

Hawkmoth opens the coffin.

And there lies his mother.

You, the current holder of the horse miraculous, Ladybug, and Chat Noir all stare in complete silence.

“I’m doing this to protect her. Your mother…Adrien.”

Adrien looks up at his father, horrified. “H-how…”

“Join me, son. Use your miraculous to take the miraculouses of the Ladybug and the Horse.”

“NEVER. I’LL NEVER JOIN YOU AFTER ALL THE DESTRUCTION YOU’VE CAUSED TO PARIS, AND TO THIS FAMILY.”

The 3 of you then launch into a fierce battle against Hawkmoth for the final time.

22 years old

4 years later, you were getting dressed, putting on the white dress you knew you would one day wear. You and Adrien decided to get married, not because of Gabriel’s arrangement with your parents, but because you had been through so much together, and never wanted to leave the other’s side. Though you had once been worried about Marinette and Adrien falling for one another, you and her grew so close, close enough that she was your maid of honor at the wedding. Gabriel, however, while he was in prison, was allowed to view the wedding through a tablet. You were concerned that Adrien wouldn’t want his father present in any way, but he firmly stated that Gabriel was still his father, and he couldn’t imagine not having him present.

You reached the end of the aisle, walked down it by your father.

As you looked up at Adrien’s emerald eyes, you whispered silently to yourself,

“Mine forever.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Again I'm so sorry if this turned out to be garbage.

Please don't steal my work and remember to drink water and that you are loved!

@oyasumimosura thank you for sending this request in, I am so so sorry this took this long. My deepest apologies. And thank you for being my first fanfic requester.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[nony-bear]

Matched (Part IV)

This blog and ALL posts are for people 18 + ONLY.

I do not give permission for my works to be re-uploaded or copied in any way or form including translations.

Photo Found Here // Banner Made By Me

Dividers Found Here & Here

Parings: Alpha Bucky Barnes X Omega Reader

Warnings: ABO dynamics, gross alpha male behavior (not by Bucky), insecurities, slight medical talk, angst maybe?

Word Count: 2384

Summary: This is part four of the series Matched. The reader and Bucky begin participate in new tests and both have their second phone call. 

A/N: Part IV is officially here! There is something super exciting at the end of this chapter so I hope you’re all ready because I definitely am! I’m so excited that this story has been doing so well and progressing the way I’ve been dreaming about for ages! A super special thanks to @dadplease​ for beta reading this for me! If you don’t know Eun please go check her out she’s an amazing writer, and just an incredible human being! If anyone else is interested in beta reading for this series just let me know! Any likes and reblog or sharing of any kind would be greatly appreciated but as always this blog and all of its content is for people ages 18 and up and never do I ever give permission for my works to be re-uploaded or copied in any way or form including translations.

Series Masterlist

Part V

You groan as the phone rings loudly through your room, the sound echoing off the walls and making it impossible even to try to ignore it and return to your blissful sleep.

Rolling over, you shove your head under the pillow, trying to block it out, wondering what would happen if you simply didn’t answer or participate in today’s agenda. After last night’s call, you aren’t feeling particularly motivated, and regardless of the current circumstances, you’ve always been more of a night owl anyway.

After a few more seconds, you realize the ringing isn’t going to stop. Groaning again, you reach for the button blindly, refusing to open your eyes. Somehow you find it, hitting it a tad aggressively.

“Hi, Y/n! This is Luke! It's 8 am, so this is your wake-up call, and I will also be taking your breakfast order!” the overly chipper man sings over the phone.

“Good morning,” you yawn, not even being able to pretend to be half as awake as he is.

You order your breakfast, which Luke tells you will arrive soon with your itinerary, before you begrudgingly pull yourself out of bed.

Deciding to shower and freshen up for the day, you put some clean and comfortable clothes to wear, unsure what the day will exactly hold. If it is anything like yesterday, I won’t have to worry about looking presentable for anyone, you think to yourself.

As you shower, you let the hot water run down your back to keep you relaxed. Yet, you still can’t help but let your mind dwell on last night. The shock still floats in your thoughts as you recall the way Ben spoke and acted. You didn’t think they would let people like that into the program, and it’s waivered your confidence. Not that you were all that confident to begin with, but you were at least hopeful. However, now you’re just grateful for that satisfaction money-back guarantee the program promised.

After finishing up in the shower and redressing, you are sitting in the chair in your room and scrolling through your phone when there is a knock at the door. You’re internally thankful for the food’s arrival but also unable to help your curiosity about today’s activities.

When you open the door there is a tray left on the floor with your food and an envelope labeled Saturday.

Shuffling the food around his plate with his fork Bucky sighs as he waits for Steve to answer the phone. The punk basically had a heart attack this morning when he realized Bucky never called to check in with him last night.

“Buck?!” Steve says loudly as soon as he answers.

“I’m alright, I’m alright,” Bucky sighs and rolls his eyes.

Steve audibly sighs in relief. “What the hell, you were supposed to call me last night?”

“Hey- language, Steve,” Bucky chuckles, not being able to stop himself from teasing his best friend.

“Oh, shut it, Buck. You’re lucky I’m not there to kick your ass.”

Scoffing, Bucky laughs louder. “Whatever, punk. Look, I’m calling you now. Are you happy or what?”

“Well, how are things going? Everything seems- you know… okay?” Steve asks warily.

Bucky shrugs before he realizes that Steve can’t see him. “Yeah… the room they’ve got me set up in is nice. Everything seems like it checks out, nothing to be worried about.”

“Have you met anyone yet?” Steve asks curiously.

“Only one, but I didn’t get to see her- we talked on the phone. She seemed nice enough but nothing more,” Bucky tells him truthfully. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m just too far out of practice.”

“Nah, Buck, you’ll figure it out. I’m rooting for you.”

“Thanks, pal.” Bucky smiles, and he appreciates Steve’s confidence but is now worried about letting him down. Getting Steve all worked up just for Bucky to return empty-handed? Sure Steve would understand, but Bucky would be left with a pang of weird heavy guilt knowing he worried Steve for nothing.

Once Bucky is able to get the only other 100-year-old super soldier he knows off the phone, he searches for his itinerary, preparing himself for whatever today shall bring.

FRIDAY ITINERARY

10:00 am: Event #1 - Laboratory Scent Matching

Participants will be individually escorted down by a program assistant to a laboratory testing pod. Once in the pod, each participant will find ten scent samples. Some samples have been collected from other participants, and others are from past participants to establish a baseline of data. When the participant presses the red button by their door, a program assistant will escort them back to their room.

11:30 am: Survey

After opening and testing each sample, participants will rank each sample via the survey they will receive in the email that they provided on their application forms. This survey must be completed, or the participant will be removed from the program. This survey aims to gauge scent compatibility and potential matches. This is only one of the data points used in the final matching calculation.

12:00 pm: Lunch

3:30 pm: Event #2 - Attraction Testing & Survey

Participants will remain in their rooms. Each participant will be sent a survey to the email they provided on their application forms. In this survey, participants will find cropped images of various facial features. The photos used are not of participants but have been chosen based on similarities to participants. This survey must be completed, or the participant will be removed from the program. This survey aims to gauge the possible physical attraction levels between participants. This is only one of the data points used in the final matching calculation.

6:30 pm: Event #3 - Pairing Call #2

Participants will remain in their rooms. Once all participants are served dinner, the phones in their rooms will ring. Participants will be connected to another participant on the line. Pairings are made based on the data collected on intake forms regarding designation, designation of interest, personality, values, interests, and hobbies. Participants will not be able to see one another and may choose to reveal any information they would like. Consider this a true “blind” date over your provided dinner. Participants are welcome to remain on the line until 10:00 pm.

10:15 pm: Survey

After participants have finished their pairing calls, they will be sent a survey to the email they provided on their application forms. This survey must be completed, or the participant will be removed from the program. This survey aims to gauge the success of the call and whether the pairing is a potential match. This is only one of the data points used in the final matching calculation.

End Of Itinerary - Participants may enjoy free time in their rooms.

“Looks like it’s going to be a long day….” Bucky mutters to himself before sighing and heading to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

Anxiously, you wait at your door. It’s precisely 10 am, and your curiosity and nerves have gotten the best of you already as you feel as though you have been waiting for a lifetime.

Finally, there is a knock at the door, and you swing it open without hesitation. Luke, your only form of consistency in this whole endeavor is waiting for you.

“Hi! Are you ready?” he asks, smiling when he sees you so excited and obviously having been waiting for him.

“Yes! Thank you!”

The two of you make small talk about how you’ve settled in, but you choose to leave out the details of your awful first call to save yourself from embarrassment.

Eventually, one set of stairs and a few hallways later, you enter the facility’s more medical and laboratory-looking area through two large clinical-looking doors.

“Don’t worry- I know it looks a little scary, but it’s just set up this way in case we’d have a scent leak or something,” Luke says as the omega to omega senses you both share tell him you’re nervous.

Finding the right pod, Luke tells you to head in and hit the red button once you’re done, assuring you he’ll be there as soon as you need him. Again, you thank him for being so kind and helpful before going inside.

The pod is a small room that is more akin to a closet. There is a small desk with a nice comfortable chair, and on the table lies some scrap paper, a pencil, and ten small pill bottle-sized containers filled with some sort of translucent liquid, the thickness of corn syrup, and just barely tinted blue, inside them.

You walk over and sit down in the chair, studying all the samples and looking for any noticeable differences besides the labels numbering each one. Then, picking one up, you bring it closer to your nose and realize you can’t smell anything, noting that the containers must have some form of odor protectant to prevent the scents from mixing too much.

One by one, you take your time opening each individual container and taking in the scent of the mystery liquid inside. Each scent is different from the others, some sweet, some musky, some smokey, and so on, some even having a pleasant mix of the bunch.

Knowing you will have to rank them shortly, you try to determine what order they will fall. You quickly determine which ones to put very first and very last. And after deciding on the remainder of your lineup, you pull out your phone to complete the survey.

Before you hit the red button at the bottom of the page, you look down at the container labeled with the number eight again and unashamedly reach for it. Opening it, you take one last smell of the alluring scent reminding you of something musky mixed with sandalwood and the occasional note of some sort of clean herbal scent you can’t quite put your finger on as well- It can’t be eucalyptus- maybe pine? No, it’s quite that strong, You think to yourself. But, whatever it may be, the scent stirs something familiar within your heart. Despite being unable to recall why or how you know this scent, all you know is that you’d be quite happy smelling it for the rest of your life, in your home and your nest, on your skin; you could settle into it quite nicely.

Attraction Testing. Bucky reads over the description curiously, nose still overwhelmed from the amount of scenting he did today. The concept seemed strange to him, unable to imagine any of the girls he had dated back in the 40s. He wonders if he had a “type” or a feature he was particularly drawn to.

“Think, Bucky, what do you like?” he mumbles to himself, trying to imagine his “ideal” partner. Too many features flash through his mind to determine which ones he prefers. They are all so different, and he finds himself loving the beauty in that alone.

As he thinks, his phone dings indicating the attraction testing and survey have arrived. He sighs wearily and picks up his phone to open the message.

Bucky reads over his answer several times before submitting it, the statement seeming dumb but the truth nevertheless. He honestly was at a loss of how to narrow down all the things he found attractive in one person. Since being rehabilitated and seeing the state of the world, he was astounded by the diversity of people he saw and the beauty behind it all. Bucky never said it out loud, knowing it would be the butt of the joke for months around the compound, but he truly felt like everyone was beautiful. So besides the hopes of some pretty eyes to stare into and soft skin to hold gently, he didn’t really care what his match looked like. But he did hope they liked him- scars and all, he shudders internally before deciding to leave that bridge to cross once he gets there.  

After hitting the submit button, Bucky begins to click through the slides of photographs, rating preference levels on a scale from 1 to 10. The whole thing makes him feel a little uneasy, but he completes the entire survey regardless.

Once he is done, he tosses his phone down onto the bed next to him with a large sigh. Laying on his back and looking up at the ceiling, he calculates that there are now less than three hours until his next call. With the data the programmers have collected from his last call, the scenting test, and this attraction test, he hopes this call will go better than the first. He hates to admit it, but without Steve, Sam, and the rest of the crew popping up randomly to bug him, staying in the suite has started to feel a little lonely.

You pace back and forth in your suite. This call has to go better, right? You ask yourself as you walk. I mean, it can’t get much worse… you try to reason.

After the scenting and attraction testing today, the hopelessness of your last call stopped weighing so heavily on your shoulders. Of course, you are still nervous, but you realize one stupid jerk isn’t worth throwing this opportunity away. You came here looking for a mate, a true mate, someone you would love unconditionally, someone who would love you unconditionally as well, someone you would be able to spend the rest of your life with. You hoped more than anything that that person was here.

The clock ticks continuously as you ignore your food for the phone and count down like the ticks. Any second now.

And then it rings.

You watch it for a moment, suddenly realizing that maybe you don’t want to know what’s waiting for you on the other side.

It rings again and again, and you know you need to pick it up before the line disconnects.

Reaching out, your hands shake as you slowly pick up the phone. Raising it to your ear, you take a deep breath. “Hello?”

“Uhm- hi… I’m Bucky.”

Tag List: @dadplease​ // @connie326​ // @winters1917​ // @babybunnyblossom // @falling-solar-system​ // @5ini5ster // @eclecticpatrolroadlawyer​ // @mousee555​ // @sergntbarnes​ // @rebekahdawkins​ // @saiyanprincessswanie​ // @mugi-chwan95​ // @marvel-fanfic-writer-8675​ // @beabutterfly987​ // @dottirose​ // @ginger-swag-rapunzel​ // @bryceisalegend // @vicmc624​ // @here4thespice // @hawkeyes-queen // @daddys-littlewhitegirl​ // @justbehindmyself​

[cinemassance-oneshots]

Recalcitrant - Paul Dano’s Riddler (Chapter 1)

Word count: 1.6k

Synopsis: Living in Gotham of all places wasn't exciting, especially not as someone who worked two jobs to make ends meet while trying to get through college in my mid-twenties. I work at a diner and the Iceberg Lounge. Neither were desirable but they paid the bills. Nothing excited me until I got a regular at the diner who was always quiet. My very own enigma.

(The start takes place before he becomes the Riddler. There will be potential spoilers if you haven't seen the movie yet. The part in italics is Edward's POV.)

Warnings: None for this chapter

A/N: I typically write in third-person, but I thought I'd give first-person a try. This originally was going to be just an imagine I was going to post on here but decided to make it into a fanfic. Later chapters will be longer. I try to post as often as I can. Hope you enjoy <3

Gotham was a filthy place. The streets were filled with trash. Dropheads littered the broken streets. Sunlight barely broke through the constant gloomy sky. Rain was nearly an everyday occurrence. It almost welcomed the corruption and violence that practically created the city.

I wanted to do something with my life. It wasn’t perfect; it never was. I guess that perfectly illustrates Gotham as a whole. I decided to go back to college and try to get a degree in something. Tuition was a pain, so I ended up resorting to working two jobs to help pay for school. Finding scholarships and other ways of funding school was challenging. I work at a little diner and the Iceberg Lounge. Neither are ideal, but they help pay the bills.

During the day, I would go to class or work at the diner. At night, I’d work at the lounge, attend class, or study and do homework. I never seemed to have any free time, which was fine since I didn’t really have any friends. The only people I really spoke to were the other girls at the lounge.

I remember when I first started at the lounge I was extremely nervous but the other girls were very welcoming. I still don’t feel like I fit in, but I am grateful that they make me feel safer when I do come to work there.

I disliked going around on the floor serving drinks when I was alone though. I knew men were gawking at the revealing outfits we had to wear. I hated it… But, as I said, it helps pay the bills. Unfortunately…

I didn’t really have any family, so it wasn’t like I could hang out with a parent or sibling when I did have free time. My dad abandoned my mom and me when I was only a few years old and my mom became an abusive alcoholic to numb her pain. I left her and that part of my life behind as soon as possible.

I try my best to never think about all of that.

I currently stared at the coffee pitcher as it filled up with the dark caffeinated liquid before the sound of the door’s bell echoed through the small diner. I turned around to see a man sit down at the counter. He’s become more of a regular ever since I first saw him. He’s always super quiet.

His hair was a sandy blond that slightly swayed to the side, his face was round yet his chin was slightly pointed, his lips were thin that they might disappear if he tried, and the rims of his glasses were clear. He kind of had a dorky persona but, if anything, that made him more attractive.

“How are you doing today,” I started to ask as I walked over to him. “Do you want your usual?”

His usual typically contained a coffee with cream and sugar, the sandwich special, and a slice of pie afterward. I noticed his favorite pie was our pumpkin.

He raised his head and his hazel eyes briefly met mine before looking away. In that moment, I could’ve sworn his pupils dilated at his mere glance at me. I think it must have been the reflection from his glasses though. I’m probably just overthinking it.

“It’s a fine day,” he softly replied.

“Just fine?” I questioned. I wished he was more talkative. I want to know more about him.

He nodded and hummed his answer. I gave a small smile. I hated small talk with most people, but he always sparked my curiosity with his introverted persona.

“So I take it you want your usual? Or would you like to switch it up?”

“Just coffee right now,” he quietly stated. “Please.” The last word seemed louder than he usually spoke, but I tried not to think too much about it. It was probably just his way to be more polite. He was never rude to me or anyone else that I’ve noticed. He seemed too quiet to be comfortable with confrontation.

“Coffee coming right up.”

I walked away and grabbed a fresh mug from the counter and poured some coffee into it. Before bringing it to him, I also grabbed a small cup of cream and three packets of sugar. I noticed he always used only three sugars, so I would only bring him three.

“Just let me know if you need anything else,” I told him as I placed the coffee in front of him. I noticed his eyes shift to the packets of sugar before momentarily looking up at me and back down at the counter.

“How do you know I only use three sugars?” He quietly asked.

“I noticed that’s how many you’ve used each time,” I replied candidly. It didn’t seem too big of a deal.

This made him look up at me and not immediately look away. It seemed I said something that grabbed his attention. Was it the fact I’ve paid attention to him or did it come off as creepy that I sometimes watch him when he comes in?

“You’ve noticed?” He seemed baffled by the idea of someone paying attention to him. I shrugged my shoulders and looked at his coffee before back up at him.

“I hope that’s not weird. You’ve just started coming in more frequently these past couple of weeks that I made a mental note.”

He bit the inside of his cheeks as a small blush rose on his cheeks. The door opened and a couple came in. I looked back at him once they started to sit down.

“I never saw myself as someone memorable,” he revealed. It broke my heart a little that he didn’t see himself as someone who was worthy of attention.

“Maybe you should.”

I smiled at him before walking away to help the couple. I have to admit he’s starting to become more precious. I’m still surprised I managed to make him blush.

Does he really think no one pays him any mind? That he’s just another mindless soul wandering the streets of Gotham?

He isn’t. Especially to me.

He’s become one of the reasons I don’t mind working at the diner as much. His presence is more frequent, which means I get to see him and that further brightens my gloomy days. He’s enigmatic to me. I want to know about him more.

I have hopes that he’ll eventually become more open with me. But who knows? I’m just the girl who pours his coffee and gives him the food he orders. Why would he want to talk to me?

< ? >

If only she knew I watched her too. I would watch as she left the diner and walked over to the Iceberg Lounge from the room I resided in. My jaw clenched at the thought of men watching her… trying to touch her.

My eye twitched simply thinking about it.

I never thought a woman would evade my mind nearly every moment of the day. I had a job to do. I knew I didn’t need any distractions.

Maybe I can let her be my only distraction.

I’d look through my binoculars to watch her enter and leave the lounge. I needed to make sure no one followed her. I don’t know what I would do if that happened…

Actually, I do — I’d kill them for trying to harm her.

I never thought of myself as a violent person. I was a forensic accountant that no one paid any mind to. It wasn’t until Batman started working his way through the city, fighting the people he saw as unclean. I admire that. This shithole is full of corrupt people, especially ones in power.

The only person who wasn’t corrupt was her. What I wouldn’t do to taint her a little though.

I tried not to think of that detail too much. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to focus on anything. This must be what the dropheads feel like. Once you’ve tried it, it’s never enough, so you keep craving your next hit. That’s why I tried not to look at her too much when she talks to me at the diner.

I’m afraid if I do, she’ll see how pathetic I am. Yet, I was always tempted. To look into those eyes of hers and glance at her beautiful lips. What I wouldn’t do to touch and kiss her.

But I stared into her eyes today in a moment of weakness. It surprised me that she took notice of me.

I looked out my window to see her walking over to the Iceberg Lounge. She wore a skin-tight glittered dress. I bit my lip to suppress the moan that dared to escape my lungs.

I noticed her shifts usually worked like clockwork. She would go in around 8 pm and emerge around 3 am. I hated that she had to work that much, especially in that hell hole full of disgusting, corrupt pigs. It made my skin crawl.

I never slept while she was in there in case she needed me. I needed her to need me. I craved her like the dropheads craved their next hit. Always wanting more but never feeling complete.

I would leave my window cracked. I didn’t care what the weather was like as long as I could hear outside in case she cried out. I’d be there at her beck and call whether she knew it or not.

But today I realized she notices me. I feel vulnerable having these feelings, but I can’t help it. I should be focusing on my purpose.

Gotham needs to be cleaned of its sins, starting with the corrupt officials people have placed their faith in. It goes deeper than anyone knows. I guess they never expected a nobody who happens to be a forensic accountant to find out their dirty secret. But I will only strike once I have everything ready and in place. I mustn’t be hasty. Patience is key.

Soon they will all see. I hope she sees it too.