#I hate how the colors always look different on my laptop

[pyrochrome-tumbles]

Pre-arson selfie

[creativewritersposts]

concert ticket - Lando Norris

summary; Lando Norris x reader

You're hyped to get concert tickets for Taylor Swift - the Eras tour until everything is sold out and you're very upset about it. Lando gets very creative to cheer you up!

warning(s); none, little bit angst, fluff, maybe grammar errors

author's note; hi ✨ hope you enjoy this one!

Quickly reminder my request box is always open 💞

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"hey babe, Taylor Swift is going on tour!", a squeak escapes your mouth, too excited since you heard the news. Lando huffs, rolling his eyes, "I'll not go with you!". It's not like he hates the singer, he likes her songs but for two or three hours nonstop?

You blink twice, "why not?". You put on your begging face which lando never could resist. He crosses his arms in front of his chest, "I'm not a fan of songs like "Stopp you're losing meee", he imitates the lyrics with dramatic body gestures. "You cry over her songs like you're lovesick and you're in a happy relationship with me!", he argues.

You can feel how your mouth changes into a small, thin line. "don't you dare to talk about this masterpiece like that, Lando Norris!". When it comes to Taylor, you're ready to fight. He bites on his nails, if it makes you happy, he would go with you.

"One deal, you have to organize these tickets and I'll go with you", he smiles apologizing. Here you are, one month later in front of your laptop since thee hours.

It's frustrating. You're not the only one with the plan to buy tickets and you need to wait. "argh!", you smash your hand on the keyboard, it could be such a happy day.

When you click to the main page, the worst nightmare came true; no tickets available. Sold out.

Of course you didn't call Lando - he would throw a party just not going to this. But for you it meant the world.

After three days Lando is worried, he was away for promotion and you were awkwardly quiet. Too quiet.

He knows the ticket sale started, you talked nonstop about it for one month straight. He's sure you got tickets, that's why he didn't bought any.

He was sure you'll get some.

Unlocking the door he steps in, ready to say hello to you with a big hug, kisses and good food.

"Hey darling", Lando steps in the kitchen and kisses your neck from behind, because you're cooking. "Hm", you mumble under anger about the world.

"Someone is in a bad mood, huh?", jokes Lando in love. You look so cute when you're grumpy.

"Shut up", you hiss in his direction under tears, bad mood is no explanation for your feelings. All hopes are gone.

"What happened?!", Lando got big eyes, shocked about your reaction. It's atypical for you. "We're not going to the Eras tour", you sob whilst holding the pan. Cooking his favorite meal. With his favorite tv show. And you're not even allowed to see your favorite artist, your biggest idol.

"I'm so sorry ", Lando steps closer and hugs you tight, "you're not!", you sob even more in his chest.

"I am", he lays his chin on your head, thinking about what he can do. He can't help with concert tickets but he can help you.

He kisses your hair, asking you randomly, "you're free thursday night?", you just nod. After this you sit down and eat the dinner without more conversations about this. But he has ideas.

Four days to get the ideas to your best night ever. He goes to shops, asks his friend to help him and learns Taylor Swift song lyrics. He ordered fan merch. It's not hard to hide from you because you have a busy time schedule at work so you're not coming home until 8pm.

"Lan-oooh!", you see glitter on the floor inside his apartment. "Lando?", you look through the open door, where you can see ballons, more glitter, different colors, colored snacks and letters on the ceiling, 'eras tour' on it. "aww how cute!", you can't believe he did it for you. A Taylor Swift themed night.

"Change into your fanciest, most glamorous dress because we're having the best night ever with Taylor", he dances like a goofball in the living room. Before you walk into your wardrobe, you walk back to Lando and kiss his lips, "i love you", thankful to have this man in your life.

He wouldn't say it loud but maybe he got two tickets. But that's a surprise for later.

[merrycrisis-if]

Author! What did you put in this IF to make me love it so much AAAAAA

This has taken over my life. I'm going to rant and vent all of my love here! I hope you're ready!

Firstly, I love how you write Vietnamese culture, as someone from SEA myself, its fun finding out the similarities and differences between cultures. I almost cried at how relatable it is especially when it came to the cooking scene with our mother and MC being a woman herself said that it was expected of her, initially hating it but percieves it as a bonding moment. I was like "Did someone put a CCTV in my house?!" Because thats how I felt in the past and in the present with doing activities with my mom. Its unfair being a girl, but its one of the only times I can feel a deep bond with her that no one shares in the family. Nosy aunties? Check! Family reunions that your parents force you to come? Check!

The similarities end at family members wanting you back home, because Lord knows that our country is doomed and its better to stay abroad than in this hellscape >^<. Second, Highschool Qiu and MC made me brainrot to the point I got back to my roots. Finding songs that I could lay down and stare at the ceiling and cry. https://open.spotify.com/track/0DdC92EziGIEN6j7kTCKQX?si=7692144f6e494230

https://open.spotify.com/track/6FIEuf1JIzmCtach0gXpeG?si=6ba72f7f850f40d3 https://open.spotify.com/track/3QPsTiJBaPHx607Dcl0CX1?si=2cbb418f52d14cb4

These are some songs that made me sob, do not be fooled by its beats and drums. The lyrics are SAD. I'm at the point of my brainrot that it was the first thing I drew when I got my laptop back for a repair! You only turn 18 once right?

(With glasses version)

(The tumblr quality made me go dead ugh) So thats it for my rant. You really created such a wonderful story. I look forward to seeing more updates >O< Be healthy and take care author!

Ahhh!!! This post is an absolute gem, thank you for sending it!!

First off, it's always so nice to hear about the cross cultural linkages between my readers' lives and merry crisis. Family and cooking/food are a huge part of merry crisis and I love how it seems to resonate with people! :)

I LOVE your drawings and setting it st a beach makes me think of the Labrador scene with Qiu for sure!! The colors are so sumptuous and there's a definite edge of wistfulness in both their gazes. Also the blurry waves/water in MC's background is so beautiful!!

I'm so excited to check out your Spotify playlist!! :D

[starry-hughes]

tennessee orange

mat barzal x hughes sister!reader

summary: you hate how you look in orange but you would do anything for mat.

listen to the song while reading!

Mama, I'm callin', I've got some news Don't ya tell daddy, he'll blow a fuse Don't worry, I'm doin' okay

When Jack first moved to New Jersey, you went with him. Your parents were a bit concerned about their rowdy, chaotic middle son going to New Jersey alone. The worry wasn’t there for your twin brother, Quinn, and he was responsible enough. You lived with Ty Smith and Jack for the year. Most of the time, you tried not to bother Jack often, not wanting to be an overbearing older sister. 

You had found a job in New York, commuting each day on the train to work. You met Mat on one of your first weeks in New York. His secret favorite coffee shop wasn’t on Long Island, and he would always make his way there after rough morning skates. You were sitting in the coffee shop, working on your laptop during your lunch break. Mat saw you. He recognized you immediately. He just couldn’t put his finger on it. 

He got his coffee before approaching you. “Do I know you?” Mat asked. Without looking up, you rolled your eyes, “Is that some sort of pickup line?” When you looked up, you were shocked to see Mat Barzal. Your eyes widened, “Oh, you play hockey.” 

A cocky smile grew on his face, “So you gonna tell me where I’ve seen you before?” 

“My brothers are in the league, Quinn and Jack Hughes. And my youngest brother Luke is going to be drafted in a couple of years, hopefully.”

Mat recognized the names quickly. Before he could speak again, your phone alarm went off. “It was nice to officially meet you, Mat. I gotta get back to the office, though. See you at games, I guess,” you gave him a smile. 

He watched you pack up your bag, his body frozen in place. Before you could reach the door, he was blurting out to you, “Can I get your number?” 

Just never thought I'd see the day. I've never felt this way

Mat made you feel different. A good different. You didn’t feel like the sister of Quinn and Jack Hughes and uprising star Luke Hughes. You didn’t feel like the daughter of Ellen and Jim Hughes, hockey stars as well. You just felt like you. Mat wanted to know your favorite color and the story behind the scar on your knee. He wanted to know how you drank your coffee and your opinion on different foods. 

You were something different for Mat as well. He was used to dating people who used him for his status and didn’t want to get to know who he was underneath all the layers he had yet to peel back. His heart would flutter each time you would stay late in his bed, not caring if you were late to work and wearing his soft t-shirt, asking him about his childhood and his favorite song. 

Mat was your favorite secret. You didn’t tell your parents or brothers. Most of the time, you were spending your nights in New York at Mat’s apartment. Jack was so caught up in his rookie year that he didn’t even notice your absence. You and Mat had snuck around for years before a discussion of telling everyone started. 

I met somebody and he's got blue eyes. He opens the door and he don't make me cry. He ain't from where we're from. But he feels like home, yeah. He's got me doin' things I've never done

Mat had asked you to attend his game, offering you a blue and orange jersey. He pulled the jersey out of his closet, tossing it at you. You were over at his apartment after work one day. He watched with amusement at your face scowling up at the sight of his jersey. “What? Don’t like the colors?” he teased. “It’s partly orange.” You were used to wearing red for the Devils or Canucks colors or Michigan colors. The orange was a color you hadn’t worn before, really. Even when Luke was playing for the Littel Caesars hockey team, you didn’t wear orange. 

Mat’s hand cupped your face, “Wear it for me? Please.” 

You were swimming in his jersey. It felt different to you. Having a name on your back that wasn’t your own. A number that was not the number your brothers wore. “It looks good on you,” Mat smiled as he kissed you. It was a fuzzy feeling. He made you feel fuzzy inside, in a good way. 

“Now you have something to wear to a game.” 

Your stomach churned uncomfortably. “I think we should tell our family’s before we go out in public together,” you swallowed. Mat’s face fell a little bit, “Oh, right, yeah.” You grabbed his hands from your face. “Mat, I just want my brothers to hear it from me, not in some interview or some talk in the locker room. I will wear this jersey for you, even though I hate the orange, but just after I tell my family.”

I'm wearing Tennessee orange for him

It was the Christmas break. You and your brothers went up to Canada with your parents to watch Luke play in the Worlds. Your family sat down together for dinner. It was nice to have everyone there. Jack made a small comment about you never being in the apartment. Your twin shot you a confusing look. “I, uh, I met someone. In New York,” you swallowed. Mat had informed you that he wanted to tell his parents about you over the break, and you agreed to do the same. 

Your mom smiled, “That’s great, honey!” 

Your brothers almost threw a riot regarding your unknown boyfriend. The protectiveness kicking in. “Who is it?” Jack questioned loudly in the middle of the restaurant. You pushed around the food on your plate before mumbling, “You guys know him already.” 

Luke had heard you, eyebrows furrowing together, “We know him?” 

“He plays for the Islanders?” you said, laughing nervously. 

And I wore the hat on his dash to the game. It sure wasn't Athens but I Fell for him under those Neyland lights

After the break, Mat was officially introduced to Jack first, coming over to New Jersey to your shared apartment. “Mat!” you were surprised he came to visit you. He smiled, a bouquet of flowers in his hands. “Jack is here,” you cleared your throat, Mat gazing over your shoulder at your younger brother watching. “I thought we could have dinner together. You’re always talking about that Italian place here,” Mat suggested as you let him come further into the apartment. 

“Good idea! We can go to dinner!” Jack surprisingly shouted, standing to get his shoes. “I think he meant just me and him,” you sighed. “It’s fine, babe. Jack can join,” Mat said. “I promised Quinny I would watch the two of you anyway,” Jack mumbled. 

During dinner, Jack was being obnoxious: asking Mat personal questions, making Mat and you sit apart, and making sure Mat knew you had brothers who wouldn’t let him get away with hurting you. At the end of dinner, Mat leaned over, whispering in your ear, “I thought Jack would be the easiest one to befriend.” 

You chuckled, “At this point, you have the best chance of befriending Luke before the other two.” 

Mama, forgive me, I like him a lot. Hell, I'm learning the words to Old Rocky Top. And he's got a smile that makes me forget, I've always looked better in red

Of course, Mat would ask you to attend the game that he was playing against Jack. Quinn happened to be in town as well since his schedule had him on the east coast. Your parents tried to come to the games where their sons play against one another, and they decided to stay for the Islanders and Devils game in New York.

You had been at Mat’s place before the game. You had slowly been moving in with him. Luke would be joining the Devils at the end of his NCAA season and taking your place in Jack’s apartment. “You going to wear my jersey?” Mat asked as he buttoned up his shirt. He wouldn’t force you to wear it, especially to a game where your brother was playing on the opposing team. The look in his eyes when he realized you were going to actually wear his jersey is a look you'll never forget. A look full of love for you.

When you agreed to wear Mat’s jersey to the game, you should had known you’d get a few chirps from your parents and Quinn, who were already sitting in the seats on the glass when you got there. “You’re wearing Mat’s jersey!?” Quinn exclaimed as you took a seat. 

Your face heated up, “I still want the Devs to win, don’t worry. Just don’t tell Mat that.” Mat skated over to you during warm-ups, smiling as he saw you in his jersey. He waved before skating off again, making sure to score you two goals. You sat there, humming along to the chants from the Islanders fans in the arena. You didn’t even realize you were humming along. “You really like him?” your mom beamed. You nodded in response to her question. 

Even though you hated how you looked in the Islanders jersey and in orange, you really did love him. 

I'm wearing Tennessee orange for him

[dizzy-n-busy]

★There's Peace in Submission ★

In other words, Rook is overworked and Auron helps!

{cw: Mildly/unintentionally suggestive(?), non-sexual kneeling, d/s w/ pet mention, Rook behaves pet-like and enjoys it}

I dunno why this thought has plagued me but have it 🔪🔪

• • • ★ • • •

They were overworked.

They knew they would be, with a job like theirs and a Boss like that, it was bound to be straining.

However, it doesn't stop the fact that it's a lot. Yeah, Rook's a good employee who gets work done properly and has higher-ranked levels of experience compared to some of the other new hires, but it's still a lot of work.

Still too many words, too much blue light, too many hand cramps, back pains, repetitive gossiping voices they can just barely hear beyond the clicking of keys which seem endless but never enough.

It was maddening.

So much so that Rook had stood at the printer about 5 minutes after their papers were already printed, thoughts garbled and a migraine buzzing behind the pain killers they'd already taken. They swallow and blink out of their trance, collecting their papers and trudging off to their Boss's office.

They focused on the clicks their shoes made and not the vertigo peeking around the corner - which keeps happening everytime they're up for too long - thinking over their greeting for the red-head. Just a small and simple 'good evening sir, I have all the records you asked for' and they'd be out, filling out the rest of the hours till close with the constant humming overhead lights and blank stare at a screen.

Fun.

Rook eventually sees a shiny, copper colored name tag glimmering on a dark oak door. They straighten their spine as they walk down the hallway to it, barely remembering to knock first.

Knock, Knock...!

Two knuckle taps got a chilled 'come in'.

The doors hinges hardly squeaked due to upkeep but with how overwhelmed Rook's senses were, they were deafening.

Auron sat on the opposite side of the room, half covered by his desk and laptop, writing on a piece of paper with quick glances. Rook swallows down the exhaustion and creaks open their mouth.

" I have the records..."

They flinch at the crackly tone and poor introduction, their throat felt like bleeding from the misuse.

The voice seemed to shock Auron, given how he paused and glanced at who spoke. Behind the expanse of his pupils laid a bleak confusion.

" Rook? " He spoke differently, a bit softer than normal. Despite his gaze being analytical and cold, Rook felt their knees almost go out at the worry flashing in his body language.

They tried to talk again but it seemed fruitless when he beckons them closer, their body moves subconsciously and they feel inclined to shut the door. Auron leans in a bit closer as well, staring into their eyes.

Rook liked Auron's eyes, through the clear glass of the frames perched on his nose bridge did his brown eyes shine; having a wall that always seemed to fall away when they locked eyes. Those same glass framed eyes fitted around Rook's face with assessment.

Auron's lashes fluttered slightly when he did, Rook noted that his bottom ones were always just a tiny bit longer and more pronounced than the thick layer on top. His eyes lid a bit and he leans back in his chair.

" Have you been taking care of yourself, Rook? " The sentence falls slowly, with a drawl of sentiment lagging a bit behind.

Rook creases their brows and almost drops their papers, " why do you ask? "

Auron raises a brow at the distinct lack of his title in their sentence.

" Considering your one of my most prevalent employees, with a very important job, I'd hate it if you started lagging behind due to - " his eyes give them a once over, " - personal issues. "

Rook knaws at their inner cheek, looking down quickly. It was expected of them to behave professionally but they don't even know how to respond without breaking down into frustrated tears.

" Eyes on me. "

It was a familiar sentence, one that was dipped in baritone - one they couldn't disobey.

" Tell me what's wrong, Rook. " His softened brown eyes search theirs for any hints, unknowingly disarming them further with the milk chocolate color, " I want to know if I can help at all. "

Now, Rook has never been particularly shy; if they wanted something, they'd ask - but his question sparked more than just asking for a 5 minute break.

" Can I kneel for you later? "

They kept their voice low, mostly to keep it from crackling again. They stared at Auron who seemed just a bit taken aback, shielded eyes hold a firm gaze. It's too much for Rook, they glanced down.

They've talked about this recently, a random droning conversation a week ago by now; prattling on about anything that came to mind. Rook confessed that they liked kneeling for Auron, not in a sexual way (unless the time calls for it) but a therapeutic way.

They told him how they felt safe and comfortable sitting by legs and placing their head on his knee. He told them that could be arranged whenever they need it, he even bought a pillow on one of their outing trips.

" Why later? "

Their eyes rush back to his just as he throws down something to his side; Auron motions them closer and they follow, legs numb and arms heavy. Crossing the barrier of his desk showed a pillow on the floor, right beside his legs. Rook's eyes flicker to his immediately when he speaks.

" Why not now? " The red-head shifts forward and grabs the records from their hands. His sentence discombobulates them more.

They rush out an anxious explanation, the thoughts they've been having crystalized into words.

" We're still on the clock and I still have more work to do - " They can hardly feel Auron's hands encompass theirs, " - I have to file some extra data and fix a new hires misstep in the system...! "

Their rambling falls short when Auron squeezes their hands. " As far as I'm concerned, you've done all that you were assigned today. "

Rook wants to retort, but they can't. He only scheduled them to do the records today since they completed a large chuck of work yesterday. Their mouth hangs open in a part from lack of response and Auron grins at them.

" And extremely well at that, I can just tell by the papers here that you didn't slack a second on it. "

Rook almost preens at the praise rolling down their spine. Their knees buckle.

" Kneel for me, pet. "

Rook dips to the plush pillow on the floor, one knee after the other; their hands slipping from Auron's to rest on either side of their thighs. They keep their eyes on Auron, finding his head slightly tilted and leaning against his knuckles with his elbow to the glossy surface of the desk.

He taps his leg once with his off hand, the pointer and middle finger skirting the edge of his knee, clad in tailored pants.

It was inviting.

Rook gently lays their head to it, feeling the thoughts slip away. They barely catch Auron ringing up someone.

" Hey, Trish? Cancel everyone whose supposed give me their work in person, I have important business to do. "

And they sat there for hours as Auron looked through their work they'd given him. Loving the dull ache in their knees and the smooth fabric against their cheek. Auron had started playing some random instrumental music, saying it helped him concentrate.

Rook knew it was for them but they didn't bother saying anything about it, they don't even think they can talk right now.

Auron shifts back in his chair and gazes at the darkening sky from the big glass windows. He sighs contently and looks down to Rook sitting still and relaxed by his leg.

He can see that their mouth is slightly open and their eyes are damn near closed, he places a hand in their hair, " Rook - "

He gets cut short when their head follows his hand, leaning into the delicate touch and now showing their face to him from the crane in their neck.

Their eyes fluttering and rolling to a close, a catch in their breath - dissimilar to a pant - brushes against his inner arm which they lean their cheek to; their skin warm and soft against his pulse.

Auron smiles, seeing them far more relaxed and calm then they were when they first arrived. He moves his hand to coddle their cheek, making their eyes open blearily, the color almost completely black from the expanse of their pupils.

" Let's go home, Rook. "

• • • ★ • • •

[integra1127grimmreaper]

I'd Come for You (Joel Miller)

Joel Miller Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Prev

Warning: fluff, implied smut.

Summary: Final pt of Should Probably Leave. As always, Joel is there for you when needed. Inspired by - Nickelback's - I'd Come for You.

Stupid. It was absolutely stupid of you to let slip the origin of your necklace in hearing distance from Tom. You knew he hated you constantly wearing and refusing to ever remove it, just as much as he hated the close relationship you once had with Joel and his family and yet you had gone and blurted out the truth of it having been a gift from Joel. It was an honest mishap on your part when one of the ladies at the party you were attending enquired about it. Tom was not too happy about finding out about it and the minute you were alone, had insisted that you remove it, you had refused as always and a huge fight a broken out between the two of you over it.

You had started seeing glimpses of Tom's true colors when he had started to slowly distance you from your family but had naively thought it was all in your mind, yet after last night, you knew differently. Tom had finally shown all his darkness during the argument, acting in the nastiest manor you had ever seen him act before and that was something you would not stand for.

"Hello..." a voice answers the phone.

"Joel" you utter softly out.

"Y/N?" Joel frowns at hearing how deflated you sound. "What's wrong?"

"I-" you begin but stop short when realizing he might not even care. "I'm sorry to be bothering you. It was silly of me... just forget I called. Take care-"

"Nuh-uh" Joel tsks over the phone, "something's wrong. Tell me."

Tears prick at your eyes as the dam finally burst, "I need you, Joel..."

Joel doesn't think twice at hearing the fear in your voice, "I'm on my way."

Just one more moment That's all that's needed Like wounded soldiers In need of healing Time to be honest This time I'm pleading Please don't dwell on it 'Cause I didn't mean it

*

You had taken the week off from work and were hiding out at a friend's house, refusing to go back to that house or that asshole, Tom ever again. And that was where Joel knew to find you when arriving in New York.

You were watching a movie on your laptop when a text message came through on your phone. "I'm downstairs."

Jumping up in excitement, your rushed for the front door, almost ripping it off its hinges with your enthusiasm. "Joel!", you fling yourself into his open arms.

"Hey, Sweetheart...", Joel chuckles into your hair, clutching tightly onto you as he deeply breathes in your scent.

After some time, you both finally let go of each other. "How are ya?, Joel gently cups your check.

"Much better now you're here...", you smile at him.

I can't believe I said I'd lay our love on the ground But it doesn't matter 'Cause I've made it up Forgive me now Everyday I spend away My soul's inside out Gotta be some way That I can make it up To you now, somehow

By now you know that

I'd come for you No one but you Yes, I'd come for you But only if you told me to And I'd fight for you I'd lie, it's true Give my life for you You know I'd always come for you

I was blindfolded But now I'm seeing My mind was closing Now I'm believing

*

"What happened?", Joel enquires once in your bedroom.

"I was stupid", you remark.

Joel frowns at your words, "how so?"

With sorrow filled eyes, you looked at Joel, "I was stupid for leaving home... for leaving you."

"Ya ain't stupid, Sweetheart", Joel protests as he pulls you into an embrace. Pulling back a bit and resting his forehead against yours, Joel stares deeply into your eyes. "If anything, I'm the stupid one for letting ya go."

"Joel...", you murmur, a faint smile tugging at your lips.

"Sweetheart?"

"Kiss me...", you utter.

Searching your eyes for a second, Joel gently tilts your face upward as he captures your lips in a soft kiss. As difficult as it was, Joel does his best not to overwhelm you with his desire, but you were having it. You push to deepen the kiss, pulling Joel's body over your own as you lay back onto the bed.

Breaking from the kiss for air, Joel's eyes were tightly shut as panted heavily whilst rocking his forehead against yours. Taking a deep breath and reopening his eyes, Joel searches your own one last time. "Ya sure?"

A broad smile spreads across your lips as you reach up to cup his cheek, "more than anything..."

It's been three months since your return, and it was the best decision you had ever made. You were happy again for the first time since leaving for New York and it was all thanks to Joel.

Joel, who came running the second you needed him. Joel, who silently listened as you explained what had happened to trigger your call for help. Joel, who comforted you when you tearfully explained of how in a fit of rage, Tom had broken the links of your necklace when he found out Joel had gifted it to you.

Flashback

"What happened?", Joel finally breaches the topic after you had settled in bed.

Releasing a heavy sigh, you move out of Joel's arms to sit up. "We had a huge fight over the necklace you gave me."

With a deep scowl, Joel sits up as well, "what about it?"

"He's always hated it, always questioned why I never took it off. I let it slip at a party, that you had given it me and he overheard. Throw a massive fit when we arrived home and he-", you cut off mid-sentence as tears formed.

"Did he hurt you?", a furious Joel enquires, gently gripping your chin to look at him when you don't immediately answer. "Answer me. Did he hurt you...?"

Hastily shaking your head in a silent, no. Head dropping in shame not long after, "but-", going silent again, you motion for him to hold on as you turn toward the bedside table. Turning back, you present the necklace in your open palm to Joel, "he ripped it off during the argument and the links broke..."

"That all?", Joel stares it, then back up at you. You give a silent head nod, and Joel reaches out to grip your chin as he narrows his gaze onto yours, "ya sure?". You silently nod again. "Did he hurt you?", Joel presses once more.

"No, Joel", you finally utter out.

A huge smile spread across Joel's lips as he lovingly stares into your eyes. "I'll fix it", he responds, pulling you into his lap and pressing a kiss to your forehead. "Long as ya safe... I can fix it."

And just like that; that chapter that was your life in New York was closed.

End

The move back home was much easier than you thought it would be, Sarah was ecstatic at your return and to your surprise, so were your parents. What surprised you even more was their nonchalant attitude to your and Joel's relationship.

Flashback

You busy preparing snacks in your parents' kitchen for the football game when Joel entered, wrapping his arms around from behind. "Missed ya...", he utters, peppering kisses along the column of your neck.

"You saw me last night...", you giggle at the sensation of his beard scraping against your flesh.

Turning you around to face him; Joel captures your lips in a hard kiss, resting his forehead against your, "always miss ya when ya not around me."

"Same", your arms wrap around the back of his neck to pull him in for another kiss. The kiss becomes more heated as Joel hoist you up onto a clear spot of the kitchen counter. Not too long into the make-out session, the two of you are interrupted by the sound of someone loudly clearing their throat.

"Don't mind us...", your mother waltz in pass your father without batting an eye, to place the drinks they gone out to get onto the nearby counter.

"Mom. Dad.", you stammer as Joel steps back and helps to place you safely back on the ground. "I- We-", is all you manage to get out.

Your father silently stares at you through narrowed gaze for a spilt second, his gaze moving toward Joel then; a huge smile spreading across his face. "Wanna help with the grill?"

"Sure", Joel smiles in return.

"What the fuck just happened?", you stare open-mouthed at retreating forms.

"You think we didn't know?", your mother answers with a soft chuckle and your eyes widen at her word.

"What...?"

Moving toward you, she reaches out to cup your cheek. "Honey... you've been in love with the man since you were sixteen... and we've known since then."

"How...?", is all you utter in response.

"You weren't really that good at hiding your feelings, Sweetie", your mother remarks. "Neither was Joel once you turned eighteen."

"And Dad?", you nervously enquire, "what has he said about it?"

"Your father was a bit uneasy at first. But he knew Joel was too much of gentleman to do anything inappropriate back then", your mother explains.

"Really...?", you utter, mind reeling with all this information. "Dad doesn't have a problem with me dating our older neighbor, that is also his friend?"

"Your father loves Joel...", your mother brushes your concern off with a scoff. "Said, he couldn't think of a better man for his daughter."

"Is that why he was so standoffish with Tom?", you ask once the puzzle pieces fell into place.

"Yup", your mother nods, a light giggle spilling from her lips then. "Can I confess somethin' to you?"

You silently not in response and she continues. "Your father and I had made a pact. That if the wedding with Tom happened, we woulda objected to it."

"What?", you giggle in response and your mother nods.

"We weren't 'bout to let you make the biggest mistake of your life, marrying a man you didn't love and didn't respect you. Especially knowing how much Joel and you loved one another."

Tears begin to prickle your eyes as you smiled at her, "thank you."

"We're just glad that Joel and you finally got ya heads outta ya ass and got together", your mother remarks, placing kiss to your forehead. A broad smile on her face then, "now I can finally say, yes, when people ask if Sarah's my grandchild."

And the rest of your fears involving going public with your relationship with Joel was history as your parents welcomed both he and Sarah into the family with open arms.

End

I finally know just what it means To let someone in To see the side of me That no one does or ever will So if you're ever lost and Find yourself all alone I'd search forever Just to bring you home Here and now, this I vow

By now you know that

I'd come for you No one but you Yes, I'd come for you But only if you told me to And I'd fight for you I'd lie, it's true Give my life for you You know I'd always come for you You know I'd always come for you

*

Two months after the scene in your parents' kitchen and now you were moving in with Joel.

"That's the last of it", Joel announces placing a box containing your belongings on the bedroom floor.

"Thank babe...", you call out from your spot on the floor, busy sorting out a box. Getting up when Joel moves toward you, meeting him halfway to wrap your arms around his neck. "I love you..."

Joel flashes you a dimpled smirk, uttering in response, "I love you too", as he tips down to kiss you. Breaking from the kiss; Joel rests forehead against yours, a glimmer of mischief shinning in his eyes as he stares at you. "Fixed ya necklace..."

"Thank you!", you squeal in excitement at getting it back, peppering Joel entire face with kisses.

"Easy there, Sweetheart...", Joel chuckles at your overexcitement. "It's in my top dresser draw", he encourages you to go retrieve it.

Narrowing your eyes at him suspiciously, you slowly head toward the dress. Joel moves to stand behind you as you open it, finding a large jewellery box inside; you take it out, a loud gasp escaping your lips when opening it. Inside, lies your repaired necklace but caused the shocked response; was the ring accompany it.

"Joel...?", you softly utter, turning around to find him on one knee in front of you.

"Marry me?", Joel utters out.

With teary eyes, you stared him for a second, finally nodding and utter out, "yes. Yes, I'll marry you!"

"Yes!", Joel hollers out in excitement, jumping up to scoop you into a tight embrace. "I love you...", he states, resting his forehead against yours.

"I love you too...", you tearfully whisper in response, and he tips to kiss you. Breaking the kiss, Joel carefully takes the ring from the box and places it on your finger. "Thank you...", you reach up to cup his cheek. "Thank you for coming to get me."

Placing his hand over yours, Joel brings your hand to lips and gently presses a kiss to it, "ya know I'll always come for ya... No matter what. No matter where... I'll always come for ya..."

No matter what gets in my way As long as there's still life in me No matter what, remember You know I'll always come for you

Yes, I'd come for you No one but you Yes, I'd come for you But only if you told me to And I'd fight for you I'd lie, it's true Give my life for you You know I'll always come for you

No matter what gets in my way As long as there's still life in me No matter what, remember You know I'll always come for you 

[pradaxstyles]

Alexa’s notes✨: this is a little self indulgent, but I hope you all enjoy some college! Ellie <3 let me know if you like this and I can always come up w some more for different scenarios 🌷

Thinking about college! Ellie and how she’d be hanging at your house for hours just sitting with you while you did homework/studied. Her classes finished early for the semester so she’s been nothing but supportive when it came to your studies. 

❃ “Come on baby, one more problem and we’ll take a break.”

❃ Your laptop and notes would be laid out messily, colorful pens and highlighters with caps mismatched (this was all Ellie, you hated when she did it) while she’s helping you go through your notes.

❃ “Okay, do you think you could tell me how to solve Hardy Weinberg’s Equilibrium formula? Or do we need to do a few more practice problems? Here, hand me that flow chart and we’ll go over it again.” 

Ellie would be really good at math, majoring in mechanical engineering so your bio homework is a breeze for her. She'd be all over you with the encouraging words, walking you through every step of an equation and explaining it. 

❃ ”No, no I don’t wanna hear it, you can absolutely do it. Just gotta put that pretty mind to it, you got it.”

❃ She’d be sitting next to you on your bedroom floor, playing some soft music from your shared playlist through your laptop, her knees pressed into yours while she waved a pen around.

❃ “What the fuck even is this? Why is this in biology to begin with?” 

She’d crack the stupidest jokes just to see your smile. She hated when you were stressed, and as final exams approached, it seemed as if you were always stressed, and she couldn't have that. 

❃ “Baabbbeeeee I have snacks! We’re gonna hunker down and study for your history exam and we’ll watch an episode of the office! How does that sound, my pretty girl?” 

❃ “Uhhh, why did henry viii have so many wives? What a whore.”

❃ She’d go on random tangents about people in history and how “I can’t believe they used to do that! Can you imagine if we did that nowadays?” 

And when you were really down on yourself, feeling like there was no end in sight, Ellie was right there, reminding you that you were so close to the finish line. 

❃ “I know, sweets. I know. You're almost there. You have no idea how smart and capable you are. You’re gonna crush these exams, and if you don’t, I'll crush your professors,” she’d say with a sly smirk on her face, resulting in you pushing her arm slightly.

❃ “No but I'm serious, babe. I know it seems like it’s all piling up and that it’s one thing after another, but you can do it. If anyone can, you’ll be the one to kick ass.”

❃ “My girl is graduating college in a few weeks. College. That’s fucking huge. I'm sososo proud of you, angel.” 

On exam days, she’d make sure you had a good breakfast, insisting on sleeping over the night before so she could make sure you ate. She’d walk you to class and send an encouraging text as you took your seat. 

❃ “You’re gonna crush it, babe!” 

❃ “Remember to take a deep breath and think each problem through.” 

❃ “No matter what the result is, I'm so fucking proud of you.” 

At the end of finals week, she’d pamper you the way you deserved. Ellie would plan a date night where she absolutely spoiled you and showered you in kisses and cuddles. Every time she looked at you or even in your general direction, her gaze was so full of love and pride. 

[chevvy-yates]

MY CHARACTERS — THEN AND NOW

hopping onto the hype train and doing this too since this is a rather chill thing to do than having to think intensely about lore. But since I'm always so bad at deciding just for two pics, I'm going to make it three — but Vijay gets the ps4 bonus since his origin is from console. So lets start this!

VIJAY STEYR

Vijay got the privilege to be my first V and he exists since end of 2020 but I didn't take any pics until 2021 of him. Back then I loved taking pics on my ps4 but I hated it so so so so much you weren't able to turn it into 90° — it was a pain for me to tae portait pics. Bc of the crisis back then I somehow stopped playing games (+ consuming social media for nearly 2 years) so, PS4 Vijay never made it trough the game. I started with him dark blonde but changed him to be a ginger when I picked him up again in June 2022 and found my way back to fandom so I wanted to post my boy.

vijay_first_shot_JAN17_2021_PS4pro.file vijay_second_shot_AUG04_2022_PS4pro.file vijay_most_recent_shot_AUG08_2022_PS4pro.file

He got warmly accepted even though he was just a smudgy PS4 cinnamon roll, but I was frustrated he couldn't have clothes I wanted him to have (fishnet shirt, my beloved), so I bought myself a gaming laptop real quick and recreated him exactly as he was on PS4 but added a few things as soon as I knew how to use mods and amm (took me about two weeks bc I learn fast) that disturbed me (red nose), so I gave him better skin and all the clothes he should have. Now he's got a new hairstyle too but aside of that didn't change.

vijay_first_shot_AUG27_2022_RB17.file vijay_second_shot_AUG30_2022_RB17.file vijay_most_recent_shot_MAY17_2022_RB17.file

RYDER VON SCHARFENBERG

My most precious boy had the privilege to get built with pc version already, otherwise he would have looked totally different. Like V, Ryder didn't change much afterwards. You only spot details I exchanged and these are minor. He got another skin tone, his nails are now pointy and he's got sharp teeth, thats it. When I create a character I'm not gonna change them afterwards. If they are not perfect right from the start, I won't create them. And visually Ryder was a perfect creation right from the start — he embodies my favorite style — but I'm honest, I had mixed feelings about him at first. The way he looked at me through the screen told me that he's a difficult one. Didn't know if I'd like him and if he's only to stay a side character or not, just the ex-boyfriend. But it took a journey I never thought I was able to produce for him. And somewhere along the process I fell in endless love with him — not even a full year has passed since his creation.

ryder_first_shot_SEP17_2022_RB17.file ryder_second_shot_SEP30_2022_RB17.file ryder_most_recent_shot_MUN26_2023_RB17.file

THYJS DE WIT

Okay listen, I did take pics of him right after I created him but I was not satisfied with the 'scars' on his face, the lip make up and he also had dark grey hair and the vanilla hair (I use for Jay now) at first but it was too dark, so I changed it immediately afterwards. I know some people seeing this first on the left now might scream "ooooh but he looked badass!" — I get that, but this look was drifting off way too much into the direction where Ryder is (and like I said - my fav style) but I wanted a soldier with albinism and not a second guy who would be falsely misinterpreted as another cyber goth guy like it happened with Ryder. So I gave him the silver hair and style and changed the lips to pale rosé, took another shot saw the scars needed to be different as well and now Thyjs looks like he is now. It's funny what only hair and lip color can make for a difference. I doubt I'll ever change something on him either except for a different hairstyle maybe. I thought about trying out the new KS Atlas body on him though but if the tummy cyberware doesn't work with it this will not change.

thyjs_first_shot_FEB18_2023_RB17.file thyjs_second_shot_FEB18_2023_RB17.file thyjs_most_recent_shot_JUN27_2023_RB17.file

JAYSEN STEYR

had the luck I was already fluent in everything vp after warming up, so there's not a single change to see except I started using raytracing shortly after I created him. He's basically a copy of Vijay and got everything I'd have wanted Vijay to be in the first place, but went a different way I didn't wanna change. I did not create Jay because of that, though, Jay came to be because of story plotting. he won't change either, except his tattoos one day (not the glowing things).

jaysen_first_shot_MAR26_2023_RB17.file thyjs_second_shot_APR30_2023_RB17.file jaysen_most_recent_shot_JUL09_2023_RB17.file

—

so the result of this for me personally when I look at the quality changes is I just had to warm up with using windows things (as I'm an apple user due to my job), get fond of amm, poses, using light and push the ray tracing button to get to the level I'm now. that why my quality got so good so fast. Just needed to get into virtual photography is all. Maybe I got better at sth but I do not notice it and I honestly do not care, I just do what I like still not holding much of myself and my art. Its a hobby that keeps me busy.

But I'm also glad my oc's didn't change much, only right after their creation I changed something bc pics showed me it was not what I pictured. And the rest is only minor cosmetic changes. So I think I always go in with a preceise concept, a plan I have made before I start the cc. I remember I scanned entire nexus mods 2 days before creating Ryder, picking out everything I could imagine, even his wardrobe, then built an imagine in my head and only started once my imagination was ready.

[self-indulgent-paw-patrol]

Now that you mentioned Zuma, what flavors do the other pups that have appeared in the show so far remind you of?

Took me some time, because a few of them I KNEW they reminded me of a flavor but I just-- Couldn't figure it out as quick as the others?? You have no idea HOW LONG I spent staring at Rocky here. "Man. My boy. My sweet precious child. I KNOW YOU REMIND ME OF SOMETHING, IT'S HERE, BUT WHAT IS IT--"

So far, for the pups I've seen up to now:

Chase -> Milk and Chocolate caramel candy. This one was instant, just like with Zuma, since I first saw him. He just DOES TASTE LIKE THAT, it's not the color, I swear-- or maybe it is???

Marshall -> Coconut. The white thing, not the water.

Skye -> Coffee with Milk. For a moment I thought it was Milk caramel candy, but she tastes more like coffee with milk, or the reverse, milk with coffee. Y'know, the very soft tasty one?

Rocky -> THIS ONE GAVE ME SO MUCH TROUBLE TO FIND OUT I KID YOU NOT-- He tastes like-- Water. Really. I know that sounds ironic. He hates water. But I look at him and THAT'S WHY IT TOOK ME SO LONG, WATER IS A VERY DIFFERENT KIND OF NEARLY NO TASTE?? But still it HAS a taste. Sweet Jesus Rocky why are you like this, couldn't you be anything like, Idk, MINT MAYBE, or tea, but noooooo, he tastes like WATER--

Rubble -> A kind of candy we call "Rapadura" here in Brazil. The condensed milk flavored one, specifically.

Zuma -> THAT ONE ORANGE FLAVORED CHOCOLATE EVERY MIXED CHOCOLATE BOX HAS HERE and very few people actually like it, it's always one of the last ones to be left in the box after everyone picks their favorites... Which makes me happy because, despite not being one of my favorite chocolates, I still like it a lot so this means MORE CHOCOLATE FOR ME~ XDD

Everest -> At first I thought it was Açaí smoothie, but no. She tastes like PLUM flavored yogurt. At this point I'm wondering if these tastes are tricking my brain and tastebuds mostly based on their colors, but then there's Rocky--

Tracker -> Pé-de-Moleque cake. I think it's a Brazilian recipe too, made with cashew nut.

Anyway these are the pups I've seen in the show so far. I'll go and continue watching now that the basketball game is over, my bro was watching it. For some reason my phone's refusing to login my Paramount+ account now so, laptop connected to the not-so-smart-TV it is for now XD

On a sidenote, I DO NOT HAVE SYNESTHESIA AS FAR AS I'M AWARE OF. I know I'm literally talking crossed senses here like seeing colors and feeling tastes, which is common for people with Synesthesia (or other kinds of crossed senses like hearing a sound and seeing a color for it), but as far as I know, I don't have it. I might be wrong, maybe I do have it and just never connected the dots, but still. It's just my taste perception of these adorable little fellas.

[clare-with-no-i]

20 questions for fic writers

Thank youuu @isahorcrux for the tag! it's been so long since I did one of these omigoddddd

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

37!

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

392k. a bit crazy that the next chapter of theogony will put it over 400k. wauw!!!!

3. What fandoms do you write for?

publicly? Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. privately? I have an entire folder on my laptop called 'other shit' which is just one-shots for about fifteen different fandoms which I will never publish <3

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

god. this is really making me look at my statistics page which I actively try not to do lol. but it's one long day, I will carry you, color theory, foreigner's god, and growing pains. what can I say, the ppl love the they lived AUs!

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I try to but I'm terrible about it which is a personal failing. I am so sorry. a new strategy that helps with this is that with my WIPs I try to respond right after the next chapter is posted so the person gets a nice lil notif and they have something else to read!

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

oh hmmm. I guess the derelict art of letting go ending was angsty, but the whole thing was angsty. the end was bittersweet. maybe Invictus? ok new problem is I can't remember what I've written

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

foreigner's god! it's always clare why did you write all of that sad stuff into foreigner's god clare why did you write their deaths in such brutal detail clare I made my roommate read this and now she won't stop crying blah blah and it's never hey clare thanks for that nice ending scene where they're just married and lying in bed and vibing!!!!!!!!!

8. Do you get hate on fics?

yeah I do and I think under viking law I'm legally permitted to fistfight the commenters!!!!!!!!!!!! step up cowards!!!!!!!!!!!!

9. Do you write smut. If so, what kind?

god. lmao. yes I do! not often, though, I'm afraid. I tend to write an extremely narrow niche which is just exorcising trauma through sex and personal intimacy. I have no chill :)

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

no I actually usually dislike crossovers lol. like theogony is a fusion of the outlander premise but I can assure you that James Alexander Malcom MacKenzie Frasier will not make an appearance. crossovers stress me out and I like to keep my little fictional words separate, if I can. ok edit: on further review I've concluded that I enjoy premise swaps (these are just AUs lol), but I can't deal with characters from multiple pieces of media interacting. it's too much. stay in your lanes, my god. this isn't super smash bros.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

not a whole fic but someone basically copy and pasted a bunch of lines from NAR into their story and then a bunch of drama ensued. it sucked and I don't like looking at NAR because it reminds me of it. I still think about the anon who told me about it, though. they were so lovely and so caring and kind to me. I hope they're doing well.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

yes! both with my permission and without. ha ha.

13. Have you ever cowritten a fic before?

babes I can't even finish the stories that I'm writing by myself

14. What's your all-time favorite ship?

percabeth or zelink! or any doomed/short-lived/five seconds of screen time couple in a tv show or book. seriously idk why but I always fixate on the less important characters

15. What's a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

I renounce this question in the name of christ. amen.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I exist not with writing strengths or weaknesses but instead a secret third thing (stupidly recognizable style)

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

see above

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I actually have a WIP where James lives in Spain to play quidditch and he speak Spanish in it :) eso me asusta mucho pq no he practicado mi español hace muchos años pero…sea lo que sea

19. First Fandom you wrote for?

percabeth! my ffnet account is still out there somewhere with ~four percabeth stories that are terrible :) just very bad :) no good :) horriblé :)

20. Favorite fic you've ever written?

theogony or foreigner's god! or suze's bday fic but that's because I have never tailor-made something for someone quite like that fic and she was so sweet about it eye can't deal

tagging my internet wife @thequibblah bestie...knocking at ur door...standing outside with an edible arrangement...

[royallygray]

Royal remember when we would send asks to each other with a bunch of questions? Well I'm doing that again now. As always, no pressure and feel free to just answer a few instead of all of them :D

Do you keep plants? And do they actually live or do they just die?

What's your favorite instrument?

Something you wanna do this summer?

Do you have a bucket list? And if you do, what's the thing you wanna do the most on it?

What songs always make you feel better?

What type of art do you enjoy making the most? (Drawing, knitting, writing, etc)

One of the best things you've ever bought?

What year of your life was your favorite, and why?

What color is your room painted? And what color do you want it to be painted, if you'd want to change it.

Are you really silly (really silly)?

Did you know that you have a pretty singing voice and I love listening to the stuff you make? And that it makes me really happy that you get really happy from me saying that?

Do you have a favorite scent, and if you do what is it?

My noise is so itchy right now. I hate having allergies to outside and dust lol. Do you have allergies too?

What's your favorite meal with chicken?

What's a weird collection you have/had?

What's your favorite sea creature?

Okay that's all for now!! Feel free to send these same ones or different ones back to me lol. I'm getting fishies todayyyy am very happy. Also I just gave my Grandma's dog Hermione a bath, so I now smell like wet dog. But it's okay. She had SO MUCH fur that needed to get off. She was shedding so much.

I keep trying to figure out somewhere to work around me thats not loud but. do you know how impossible that is. it's so bad. Like. Sensory issues suck

But it's okay

Because I'll be okay

I just want money cause I want a crested gecko lmao

But they're so cuteeeee!!!!

Okay this is me actually leaving (probably)

Bye Starsightttttttt

- Mysterious <3

OOOH QUESTIONS

[do I keep plants] Not really, but I keep flowers that people give me/are trinkets at fairs or smth. I have a dead one on my desk from a fair thingy that I totally need to throw away, and I have one in the freezer that was a gift from a fellow cast member of a play I was in. The one in the freezer still looks intact.

[what's my favorite instrument] Mysterious how am I supposed to answer this :( I play clarinet. I have an oboe that I'm trying to learn this summer, but I haven't been doing that a lot lol.

I have a list of instruments I want/want to learn. I used to play violin but I don't anymore bc we returned the violin and I would like to pick it up again. I'd also like to learn viola because it looks cool but apparently they have an entire different fucking clef?? called an alto clef??? like wtf why would they do that to me

I'd also like to learn saxophone. Either soprano, alto, or tenor, idrc. But it's a cool instrument. Id also like to play bass clarinet because it is literally the same as normal clarinet just Big. it's in the treble clef and everything. It's just Big clarinet. I would love to learn guitar. it seems like such an important piece for like background music on tracks and just. I wanna learn it. and its the most common thing that people use for chords. I have a piano that I fuck around with, but I don't know how to use chords and shit but I know how to play the shit out of the melody.

I also need to learn to read the bass clef. I played flute in 4th grade and I'd kind of like to play it again

that's a lot of words about instruments lol😅 idk what my favorite one is but I hope that was enough info to make up for it

OMG WAIT. KAZOO.

Also my dad wants me to learn piccolo. which is actually interesting

[smth I wanna do this summer] um. idk. well I wanna try to learn oboe, as said. OMG ALSO

So I have the goal of transcripting the life series and I wanna do that :] I'm failing so far but ITS ALRIGHT YKNOW I GOT TIME also I need to clear out my storage bc I have too much shit on my phone and 2 ipads (I don't have a laptop :()

[do I have a bucket list, and what's on it] uhhh not rly but I wanna meet you irl someday. also prolly go to Europe. Maybe also either Taiwan or China so I can improve my Chinese a lot. also I do wanna have a first kiss because like I'm intrigued. what does it feel like. OOH also I wanna write a full fledged story or smth. and a story in Mandarin Chinese. because like. you'd think I'd be fluent enough after ten fucking years but NOOOOO

also last night apparently I had a dream where an author (maybe Brandon fuckin Sanderson?? idk) wrote The Rescue Princesses and also was mentioned in the Aru Shah books like. what the fuck was that dream. it was weird ASF (I just saw the Aru Shah books on my shelf and I was Confused)

[what songs always make me feel better] okay okay okay. So. If William Gold wasn't a fucking piece of shit, Warsaw, Your Sister was Right, For Memories, Concrete, You'll Understand When You're Older. Not necessarily make me feel better, but like. resonate somewhere deep within my soul. As it is, I feel like throwing up when I hear his voice. Genuinely, acoustic Sex Sells came on a few days ago and I was like "oh nice it's a good song I can totally listen to it right" and then he started singing and then I like. couldn't it was so bad.

Someone to You by Banners. Just. it's so. sjqieowhads

Also In My Dreams by Precious Jewel Amor is really good

Honestly Get Used to It by Ricky Montgomery. like one of my favorite songs. also I'm aware that most of these aren't rly happy--

STARLIGHT BY TAYLOR SWIFT. IT IS. A BOP.

[what art do I enjoy making the most] I like to crochet :) i also like drawing. one of my favorite mediums is oil pastels lol. But my favorite has to be crocheting bc I use it as a stim and also like. it makes warm things :D I tried to make a sweater and if you scroll to the second post I ever made on this blog I think you can find it lol. I'll continue it some day. ooh but I do also kind of enjoy writing. but I need to have the like brain flowing. which I almost never have. so my answer is still crocheting :D

[one of the best things I've ever bought] Tied between my Techno plushie ($40) and life series hoodie ($55). mcyt hyperfixation made me broke o7 but it was totally worth the money

[what year of my life was my favorite and why] damn idk. I don't rly have a favorite, but it's more. this happened. idk.

Probably 2021, if I had to say. It was 3rd Life, Among Us, me finding dsmp, just a ton of things and I started figuring more out about myself. pretty decent year. but this year (2023-2024) was also pretty good. I made a lot of friends

[what color is my room painted, and what would I like to change it to] okay. so. like AGES ago we were gonna paint my room. and we painted two walls. we got light blue on the east and marshmallow white on the west. the other walls (North and south) are painted VERY VERY light pink so light it is white. since that's the color my sister had. we were gonna paint the other window wall (north) blue and the non-window wall white (south) but it never happened. so now I have mismatched walls.

The blue is rly nice, but if I moved, I think I'd paint three walls light lavender, and one the marshmallow white.

purple is god tier

[am I really silly (really silly)] yes. sometimes. like inside my soul yes outside my soul not rly

[did you know

EDIT: I PRESSED SAVE DRAFT BUT APPARENTLY I PRESSED THE BUTTON TWICE AND ACCIDENTALLY POSTED IT SORRY LOVE ILL ANSWER THE REST LATER

[nancypullen]

Doofus

I hesitate to post about this because I don't know how it ends, but it's amusing enough to share. On Tuesday morning I had a job interview. Yes, I, the self-proclaimed lady of leisure, applied for a job. Mostly because I'm absolutely rotting in this town, but also because it's at the public library. The library - my home away from home, my safe place, my tribe! Every decade of my life, the local library or my school library played an important role. That's why the advertised position seemed like a sign from the universe. Maybe this is how I make Denton feel like home. Maybe this is how I finally meet wonderful people. Maybe this is how I avoid snapping and becoming an old swamp witch with thirty-seven cats. Actually, that last bit is appealing to me. Anywayyyy, I sent in my resume and letters of reference before leaving for Ireland and left it up to fate. Last week I received an email inviting me to a Zoom interview, which I accepted. I was informed that I'd be meeting online with the "hiring panel". Yikes. Facing a panel felt weighty. What questions would a panel ask? Will they think I'm too old? Will they drill me on the Dewey Decimal System? Spoiler alert: I've had it memorized since elementary school. Where do I look. at their faces or at the camera? What if there's a technical glitch and I can't join the meeting? What if they hate me??? A million more questions buzzed around in my brain. So I did what I always do and asked myself, "What's the worst that can happen? What will you do if that happens?" That nearly always takes 99% of the pressure out of a situation for me. I either realize that the issue isn't nearly as big as I'm making it, or if it is big, it's still not the end of the world. Also, once you ask and answer those questions, you've formed at least a loose plan of how to deal with the worst outcome. Once you have a plan in place, nothing seems as daunting. I recognized that I'm perfectly qualified for the position, but if they go a different direction then that's exactly what's meant to happen. It wouldn't impact my family, no one will suffer, and I'd just have to find another outlet for my time and talents. Hardly a life-altering tragedy. That's why I woke up Tuesday morning, did my little 30 minute walk, and got ready for my interview with a lighter heart. The Zoom invitation was starred in my inbox, so I pulled it up and had it on my screen. I positioned my laptop in a spot with plenty of natural light so I wouldn't look like a creeper in the shadows during the meeting. I felt good. BUT... you knew there'd be a "but", I may have chosen the wrong outfit. I don't really own any serious business attire, there's not a blazer to be found in my closet. Most libraries are fairly casual, as long as you're neat and covered, you're fine. I decided to just choose a flattering color, so I'd look more alive and less...sixty. As the clock ticked down to the scheduled meeting time I sat down, cleared my throat, reminded myself who I am, and logged on. The little wheel was spinning and a message popped up alerting the host that I was present. After a few minutes faces started popping up in the Brady Bunch style squares and my brain immediately started playing that old Sesame Street song...

One of these things is not like the others. One of these things just doesn't belong. Can you tell which thing is not like the others, before I finish my song?

Every person on the meeting appeared to be dressed in dark, serious colors (maybe it was just the lighting?) and it looked like a congressional hearing. I looked like a bag of cotton candy. I wore pink. I might as well have put a unicorn puppet on my hand and given my answers that way. This is what the meeting looked like.

Obviously those aren't the real people, those are stock photos, but you get the idea. I felt goofy. I think I may have talked too much and too fast. I answered every question honestly, and I was able to talk about my strengths (that's always hard for me), but I felt like I rambled a bit. You're shocked, right? In all honesty, they were a very nice panel and seemed open and friendly. The questions were thought-provoking and relevant, and the information they shared was interesting and encouraging. I did receive an email a day later scheduling an in-person interview, so they didn't hold my fashion choices against me. I should start searching my closet for the right black or navy outfit for that interview, but I'm leaning toward turquoise. I gotta' be me. *IF* I'm offered a position, they should probably know what they're getting. I may be pink and fluffy, but I'm also capable and nice. Who knows what will come of this, I may get to spend my days in book heaven or I may have to keep looking for my spot in Denton. Either way I'll be just fine, cotton candy doesn't rot. Stay safe, stay well, be yourself. XOXO, Nancy

[gideongrovel]

I always save my WIPs to my drafts on here at least the ones I plan to actually post lol this way i can look over the art to see how the colors look on a different screen,,,, and just to look over other details to see how they look on a smaller screen,,,, looking at it with fresh eyes can help to know what i need to fix or details I forgot,,, just a dif perspective helps alot,,,, and like I can add notes of thing to change on the post so i dont forget by the time i get back to my laptop and draw,,,

But it's been really helpful with like the pride art I'm doing, I spent most yesterday night messing around with the colors/patterns of Chops fit, I was hating it so much cause I was working on it for so long basically 80% of what I did,,,,, just said fuck it I'll work on it later and put it to the drafts,,,,,, now looking at it, it looks fine? 😭 a couple changes/tweaks I wanna try, but it looks good enough at least 🤔

[honeymouthedtales]

Hello!! I feel like it was my ask that was accidentally deleted so i'll send it again 😅

First I wanted to thank you for pushing through and giving us chapter 58. I adore Mk's interaction with dh's family so much. I especially loved the dongsoon- mk relationship. I find it comforting mk would've had a decent marriage with dongsoon had things been different, that they could've been happy in a way. And now there's genuine friendship between the two. Of course i'm still pro mk and dh's marriage! But mk and dongsoon marriage i think would feel like a long sigh at the end of the day. But of course nothing would beat the breathtaking mk and dh married adventures!

Another one i liked is how mk's leadership and abilities are shown through the eyes of the people around him. Since the story is mostly told in his pov, we always get the "dh is better, stronger, etc" monologue he has. And while dh is very capable and undeniably amazing, sometimes as a reader mk leads us to believe that he's not (he's kinda self depreciating no?) but in reality he is every bit capable and skilled as a leader. He may think he looks like a sworn sword following the prince of the islands but i'm willing to bet the people who see him in his military regalia thinks otherwise. The islanders may /hate/ him but i'm sure they see how majestic he is. Dare I say the palace maids, although ever loyal to dh, has now developed an appreciation for the foreign prince. I'm sure he's got a few of them rooting for him right? 😌

i'm sorry it took this long to answer, i really needed to be on my laptop to write a long answer and this will be a longish answer

i think mk and ds' marriage would've been a lot better than the one mk's parents had. yet, it pains me to think that, for the way i wrote the plot and the role mk and dh played in the plot until now, the marriage between mk and ds would've likely ended in tragedy (not because of either of them, just circumstances ig).

i'm glad you caught on mk showing up his leader abilities, and that's also something that i will try to show constantly throughout his stay in the islands. in the vale, mk is more respected than his father is. he's a very hard-working lad, he's calm, he has no vices, and he's friendly with people both higher and lower than him. i guess the people of the islands are just very petty because mk is a decent prince but their dh was the most beloved pretty handsome brave prince to them so it'll always be an unfair exchange, but mk is actually a very good choice for dh, there's literally very few people better than him in the known lands unless they wanted to betrothe dh to one of jaem's older brothers. mk knows this, but also from his point of view, what has transpired between him and dh makes him feel very insecure because his actions were not honorable that time. there might be worse men than him, but would they have treated dh badly? this thought really plagues him a lot. which is also why it's important that he gets acknowledged in the islands, that would make dh happy and mk more self-confident.

the people of the islands think he looks very much like a foreign prince, and they don't trust him. they would be friendlier if they saw him dressed in their colors, but dh thinks it would be a show of weakness. he wants people to see mk as strong rather than approachable, because he knows the respect of the people of the islands is more important than their friendship. the second can come later, but he wants mk to have the first before everything else. it is hard earned, but once you have the respect of a shar, you can gain their loyalty, which is stronger than friendship.

the palace maids would try to seduce mk if he was anyone but dh's husband lbr ahah he's a snack. they like him, but they like the way he treats dh more :)

[infineps]

As I am writing this, I am under a blanket in my room, the door is closed, the windows too. The curtains are drawn and the room has a reddish glow. It reminds me of another time two years ago. A different house, a different room, different bed. The same blanket. The same feelings in my head. The same reddish glow in the room.

I always had a dislike of sunlight. My parents tell me that when I was a kid, I hated going out into the sun. It always ended with me screaming and crying. I remember it feeling to bright, too hot the way sunlight hits, your skin burns. I still sometimes feel that way. The light is too bright. Thus the curtains in my room are drawn right now. And for the same reason they were drawn two years ago.

I feel conflicted as I did in that room. Full of self pity. Trying to tell myself to not pity myself. That it is a despicable trait and hating myself for it. It doesn’t always feel this way but lately there's been more of it. Whenever I am alone, the critic in me creeps up. And it only sees itself as something to be criticized. The self deprecation, loathing even. Sneering at itself for feeling that way. Something tells me that it is ok to feel this way but my inner self sneers at the thought. I have absolutely no reason to feel this way. At least two years ago, the world was falling apart. Two years ago  I felt lonely because there was a reason to feel like I had no friends. The whole world was feeling lonely and isolated then. But now?

I feel like I am in the critical years of my life. The period that will decide how the rest of my life will go. I have friends whom I enjoy the compamy of. Some I love. But that has always been the case. I am afraid that I will lose my friends all over again. Like I have done so many times before. First my school friends who one by one have disappeared and become strangers. Then the two year period where I felt like I had no friends. I only had a handful to be honest but even they are gone now. Will it be the same with the friends I have now? It seems so impossible that I could lose them. Be alienated from them. But it has happened before. And the things in my life have the tendency to repeat themselves. Different house but same closed curtains. The room glowing with whatever color the curtain is.

It's been a few months since I started to feel this way. How can I stop? It only happens when I am alone. So I spend time with friends. We laugh about things. Mundane and important. It makes me forget about myself for a while. I go on walks to forget. Listen to the music playing in my earphones. Look at my busy, beautiful surroundings. This also makes me forget about myself. And then I go back to my room. My messy room. My room always has a great view of the sunset in the evenings. Usually I walk and return at the perfect time to view the sunset. Then it is dark. Sometimes I never turn on the light and sit there playing guitar. The thoughts start to creep up again. How I should be studying. Learning that thing I need to learn for the project. I turn on my laptop or mobile phone. Devour online content just to drown out my own voice. That sneering self deprecating pessimistic voice.

Walking is strange. It makes me feel like I am doing something even when I am not. I am going somewhere even though there is no specific destination. Hey, I think. Maybe I should invite that friend out to walk with me. Then at the end we can go to that tea place. I should tell someone these things that happen to me. About how I am sad when I am alone and I don't know why. I feel like I don't deserve to even feel sad and I am making this on my own for some mad plan to get attention, sympathy, anything. About how it is affecting other parts of my life. But why would they care, I think to myself. Everyone has there own problems and after all I don’t really have anything to feel sad about.

I am afraid I will never belong anywhere. In school, my friends and I used to sneak into the terrace at the hostel at night and look at the stars. I knew many constellations and would tell them about it. We would laugh. There I felt, I belonged. But I no longer speak to any of those friends anymore. So I must not have really belonged. Then came A levels and covid. The first year of a level without covid was filled with the sense of not belonging. Imposter syndrome, I later found out it is called. And then came lockdowns. And rooms with doors and windows closed, under the blanket. The room glowing with whatever color the curtain was. Now again, I feel like I belong. With friends. I play cards with them, laugh with them, help them with their stuff, they help me with my stuff, eat dinner together. I am invited out to have lunch, we go to drink. But again, I feel like an accessory. I don’t really belong. I am just along for the fun. After I am gone, they’ll continue without me. Maybe nobody really belongs anywhere and everybody feels like this. At least on some level.

I see people smiling and laughing. Sometime we smile and laugh together and I forget about myself. But then back to my room and I am back to feeling like this. Curtains drawn lights out. Self pitying loser I think to myself. Stop feeling like this. Look how they’re having fun. You should be there with them. You should be feeling like you're living your fullest.

Am I living my fullest? I don’t think so.

[irismartinez]

Made this like 4,5 years ago I think it's trash so good luck

There are many different opinions on biker gangs or should i say clubs but i have never thought about it much nor did i care about clubs until recently at first i tried not to judge them because i knew everyone has a story i should get to know them before hand most described them as heartless,sexists men who believed that all women are good for is cooking and cleaning but really get to know a few it was different I don't know how to explain it but i could feel the bond of a family and wasn't ready to give up just yet.

i laugh as i close the tab on my laptop deciding to take a brake from my story for a bit well i bet your wondering who i am i'm Nova Martinez i'm almost 21 i'd consider myself pretty normal brown hair brown eyes i may not be a model but i'm happy to just being me. "hurry up we are gonna be late"! my brothers scream from down stairs oh! i almost forgot its my first day of school we just moved to Washington sadly i actually have to go to school i am so used to going online to do my schooling so this will be...different to say the leas.

finally after getting dressed in my black leggings, black tank top and plaid button up shirt that isn't buttoned if you couldn't tell i love the color black yes i said color most will argue that it's not a color it's a shade but to me its a color so there,Anyways as i was saying we headed off me and my 3 brothers Ezra the middle kid,grant the oldest,and finally mason the baby of the boys me and mason hop into the bed of grants ford as he starts it up and we head off to the new school.

Pulling up to the school we notice that everyone was watching a group of men on the other side of the parking lot each one by a different color Harley and holy damn were they good looking black leather jackets slicked back hair the stereotypical bad boy.Looking down into my bag at the sweets that I always carry with me i smile i should offer them some i'm sure they would like it."Don't even think about it nova i know that look" looking over to grant who is already out of the car and at my side of the truck "i don't know what you mean" he gives me a look knowing i'm going to do it anyways "Just make sure you be careful guys like that-" i cut him off with a smack to the back of his head i hate when he assumes who people are by how they look it pisses me off.We make our way to the school but i decide to go over to the men by there bikes "Make sure to come find us when your done" i look over my shoulder at my brothers they have always been protective of me ever since i was little maybe its just a brother thing but damn does it get annoying at times as i get closer I reach into my bag to find the perfect treat not paying attention to were i'm going and "OW?! watch were your going!" i look up at the tall,tan, light blue eyed beautiful girl in front of me wow i know that sounds like in into her but its not that at all i just know that i could never compete with this girl in looks or really any girl around these guys "I'm sorry" feeling a little out of place i just decide to go and find my brothers not wanting to bother anyone anymore when my arm was pulled back by someone i turn to see him one of those men he was tall about 6 foot you could see his abs through his tight gray shirt brown hair and hazel eyes but the look in his eyes is what caught my attention they looked dark drained there were no color to them i watched as his lips turned up into a smirk as he noticed i was in a way checking him out "You like what you see?" he laughs i play it off by rolling my eyes "Whatever but since i have your attention i'd like to offer one of my sweet treats i have a few here from small cakes to cookies" from the wide eyed childish look he had i'm guessing that means yes i barely had time to pull the wrapped bag from my backpack before he took it from my hands and chowed down on the small chocolate cookies "These are amazing did you make these?" i nod feeling proud that he liked them so much "So are you going to tell me who you are or..?" he looks up like a dear caught in headlights i couldn't help but smile as he wiped his hand and held it out "Carson night nice to meet you" i take his hand "nova, nova mar- "That's enough" i didn't realize Grant and Ezra where there and they didn't look happy then again nether did Carson the tension between all of them was thick enough to cut with a knife and i knew if we didn't leave something might have happened before i had the chance to be the hero who sweeps them away they both grabbed an arm and dragged me away but despite what happened Carson smiled and waved at me as if we were friends "Keep away from him i wasn't sure at first but now i know for sure they are trouble" first off whats that supposed to mean? i had questions but i choose not to ask by the look he gave i should just play along as though i actually was paying attention to a word he said.

After about 15 minutes of fighting with the lock on my locker i finally got into it though was to late to go get breakfast so i just decided to skip it Ezra and Grant had gone off to find there class and i knew Mason wouldn't mind skipping since he decided to eat at home this morning.. lucky him "What class do you have first? " i handed him my schedule as we walked to first period...math "great the one subject i suck at" i laugh at masons complaining getting into class though i noticed Carson and a few of the others mason clung to my arm with the look of a hungry lion in his eyes i giggle as i sit he punched me in the arm his face bright red I look over at Carson to see him drooling as well and before thinking i look over "You might wanna clean your face your drooling a bit" his face turned pale as he turned away to check his face i cant help but laugh but its quickly silenced when the teacher walks in and starts talking though i was only half way paying attention after a long boring start to this school life mason and I meet up with Ezra and grant in the cafeteria "I fucking hate those pricks" he growled as he watched Carson and his friends i rolled my eyes tired of his shit i stood and walked over to them "hey can i sit with you guys" i looked to Carson who simply nodded moving a little so i could sit "do you have any more of those sweets"? all heads turned to me as the words left his mouth and couldn't help but chuckle as i passed out the last of the cookies and small cakes i had made "wheres your lunch?" i looked up to the blonde that looked a lot like Carson looking at the empty table in front of me then at me maybe there brothers? "Knox leave the girl alone" Carson laughed so Knox is his name i like it "It's okay i just wasn't hungry no offence but whats yall's names?" Carson looked over to my brothers mostly mason "You gonna tell us your friends names" i cant believe he hasn't figured out we are related "well the one you were drooling over is mason" he choked a bit on his drink and pouted because he knew i was teasing him "The two who are giving the murderous glares are grant and Ezra" Knox mumbled under his breath something i didn't hear i was more focused on Carson who was giving mason the same one mason gave him in class earlier i snap my fingers pulling him back from whatever fantasy he was having "S-sorry as you heard the blonde is Knox the one next to you that's Nate and the two with the brunette bimbos are Max and Tyson" I look over the table only to notice Tyson watching my every move it sent shivers down my spine I was pulled away from his striking green eyes when Carson bumped my side "Now who is drooling" my cheeks heated as the blush crept onto my cheeks the whole table busted out laughing...these little pieces of- "You know were all playing" i took a breathe and smiled I started to speak when the bell rang out back to class or so i though grant gripped my arm harshly and i knew it was going to leave a bruise he didn't mean to but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt we didn't stop till i was pushed into the bed of his truck. "what did i say they are no good nova why don't you understand that i'm trying to protect you!" I sit not saying anything knowing it will only get me in more trouble he huffs and jumps into the truck, heading out i notice Carson standing at the entrance with his friends arms crossed with a look i hope he never gives me its kinda scary if i'm being honest..

      Its been two days since grants fit..ya i called it a fit okay deal with it i have been stuck here in this house for two days not allowed to leave or do anything god its like being in prison. I need to get out of here before i lose my mind but how? I look out my window hoping to find an escape when i notice something in the back shed i cant see it very well but is that a... motorcycle? I slowly creep out my window and down the side of the house trying not to be heard i peak into the shed and cant believe my eyes three black Harley's but why would they have these out here they don't ride hell grant believes that people who ride bikes are bad boys or wannabe gangsters. Were they lying?what are they hiding? i don't know why but i have a feeling if i ask i'm not gonna like there answer...

(Wow .....u made it this far would you want to read more? let me know. )