#I'm going to read some books in December. I am. I'm going to find the energy. I cannot believe I haven't had the energy for... months.

[luxe-pauvre]

NOVEMBER 2024

Read:

against brute forcing

What the Left Keeps Getting Wrong

Why Democrats Are Losing the Culture War

How not to freak out about the US election

How not to freak out about the US elections, part two

Toleration is an impressive virtue that’s worth reviving

Learning and Not Learning Abortion

Objects of Despair: Mirrors

What Counts as Seeing

Why Power Brings Out Your True Self

Group think: why art loves a crowd

Real peer review has never been tried

The big idea: is convenience making our lives more difficult?

What Is Masterclass Actually Selling?

Feeling overwhelmed? How art can help in an emergency

the divine discontent*

How to Be Polite

Yes, Social Media Really Is Undermining Democracy

Chemistry: The Human Science

Astronomical Cake

Watched:

what can you ACTUALLY learn from video essays??

The Diplomat (S2)

Sweetpea

Silo (S1)

Listened To:

Charli xcx’s brat and it’s the same but there’s three more songs so it’s not**

Challengers (Original Score)**

Went To:

More meetings than I've ever had in a month. Why everyone has decided they want to do everything everywhere all at once this November, I do not know.

A meditation retreat (aka a 4hr exam that I invigilated).***

[midnight-mourning]

Holiday Fun

❄️❄️Midnight's DCA December Day 11❄️❄️

still feeling a little weird, BUT enjoyed writing this one out, these just keep getting fluffier and fluffier, WHOOPS, ah who am i kidding, i know y'all are eating it up, hope you enjoy this one as well ^_^

Prompt: Request! Christmas themed activities with the Daycare kids. Maybe Arts n' Crafts or even DCA trying to impress the kids with some funny costume

Word Count: 2040

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When Sun approached you with the idea of going 'all-out' for the holidays this year, you were just slightly surprised, but very pleased. 

You've always love the holiday season, and having the chance to share it with both the playtime and the naptime attendant was always a bit of a joy. You'll admit, while you've never said it outright, you found their company very endearing, and having the excuse to put in the extra hours to get everything prepared was thrilling to you. Of course, you do your best to hide this excess excitement to see them as excitement for the kids, but still. 

They had big plans for this time of year, much more ambitious than the usual. More games, more activities, more presents, all of it. The Daycare was decorated head to toe in all sorts of Christmas fare, including a rather large tree you're still not quite sure how they managed to get their hands on. Regardless, the mood was elevated for everyone, and especially for the kids. 

It was decided that you'd stick to the usual routine throughout most of the month, leading up to a big celebration before the Plex closed for Christmas, consisting of a week-long 'party' filled with everything and anything you could think of. 

However, it was during this time that you noticed the slightest shift in the attendants' attitude. Not a bad one by any means, they were still overjoyed, but you'd noticed they'd become a bit more, cheeky, in their interactions with you. 

It started with a simple game, 'Pin the nose on Rudolph' with you volunteering to demonstrate for the children to help understand. 

"Alright, are you ready Sunshine?" Sun asked, hands on your shoulders. 

You nod, putting both thumbs up, blindfold blocking your line of sight. "Yup! Bring it."

He spins you around once, twice, three times, and you expect him to let you go, simply point you in the right direction with the sticky foam circle in your hands. Instead, he holds close, waiting for you. 

At first you think nothing of it, stepping forward and feeling around for the poster. But you do whisper to the bot your confusion. "Um, Sun, everything okay? You're not trying to trick me now, are you?"

"Of course not, Starshine." He answers, just as quietly. "Just want to give you the best chance possible and impress all our little friends! Now, lift your hand up just a tad..."

Sure enough, you manage to get quite close to winning, and the kids are thrilled. 

Similarly, during story time later on in the day, Moon asks you to help read with him, playing a few parts in the story, something you never do. But, you're more than happy to help out, though you do find his choices for you to be surprising, if even a bit flustering. 

"Something the matter, Star?"

You cough, and shake your head, settling in beside him to be able to see the pages of the book. "Not at all, you just never ask for support during stories is all."

"Well, even the best of us need help sometimes, I'm not so prideful to not admit to that." He scootches closer, arm wrapping around you to grip the book he now puts between your laps. "Let's get started, shall we?"

You nod, heat on your cheeks hopefully invisible in the low light. "Of course!"

It doesn't go unnoticed to you how additionally, all their crafts throughout the week mysteriously end up in your bag, adding to the growing collection that was now scattered throughout your home. You know they're just being silly and sweet, but still, each little note you receive with each makes your heart soar. 

Your favorite so far is the shared Christmas ornament they made you. One of the ones filled with paint and sparkly things and more. The blue and yellow bulb is hung front and center on your tree, and everytime you catch sight of the glitter hearts they added to it you have to turn away again, shaking your head. 

It doesn't help that the children have ganged up on you now, seemingly unaware of how much it flusters you to be pushed together with your crushes for every activity. From movie watching, to making gingerbread houses together, to even dancing around the Daycare to Christmas music. 

With each activity, you notice how they all giggle amongst themselves, whispering and the likes. And every so often, you'll catch the Attendant joining in, shushing them, tones too hushed for you to make out yourself. You're not entirely sure what it all means, but you assume it must just be the extra excitement relating to the party at the end of the week. As much as you've enjoyed the extra attention from the bots, there was certainly no way either of the Attendants meant anything by all this teasing. 

That was, until the day of. 

When you walk into the Daycare that morning, having ran a little behind because of the weather, you notice how, quiet everyone is. 

It's odd, but still, you smile all the same to the kids, greeting them as you hang up your coat and go through your usual routine. You start reviewing the checklist on your clipboard, double checking that everything is set up and ready to go for the official 'start' of the party in a few hours. 

As you're doing so, a shadow suddenly looms over you. You look up, eyes widening when you catch sight of his outfit. 

"Oh! Good morning, Sunny! I wasn't expecting to see you so dressed up!" You comment with a giggle. "Or so blue."

He is in, fact, covered with blue and white, but not Moon's level. Rather, his outfit is a lighter blue, with snowflakes scattered throughout, including the end of the hat he's wearing. Jack Frost wasn't what you'd expect the sunny attendant to dress up as—if at all—but you have to say, it works well. 

Sun puts his hands on his hips, head held high. "Why thank you! I thought a bit of dress up would really make this party a good one! Don't you agree?"

"Of course!" You beam. 

Something's set down on the desk beside you then, the clipboard in your hands removed. "Wonderful! Then I hope you won't mind joining me, would you?"

You realize that it's a matching outfit, complete with 

"Even Jack Frost needs a bit of assistance, and who better to help than his favorite helper?" He puts his hand over yours.

You can't help the stutter that forms then, even if the notion is silly. "Re-really? Are, are you sure?"

"How could I not be! The children are so excited too, we wouldn't want to let them down, right?"

You take note how the kids are keenly watching the two of you then, snickering and chatting just like they've been all week. 

Something clicks for you then, and the warmth that's been building in your chest spreads ten-fold. 

After a moment, you nod, taking the outfit. "Okay! Yeah, of course."

You rush off to change then, and when you come back, the kids cheer, only flustering you further. Sun claps excitedly upon seeing you, spinning you into a dip before setting you upright again. It dizzies you in more ways than one. 

As the day goes on, you can feel the tension build more and more. You know very clearly now that they're planning something during this party, but to what extent, you're not for certain. But the lingering touches, the whispered teases, it's almost a bit too much for you now. 

You just hope you're not reading this all wrong, or it's going to be really embarrassing—

"Having fun, Sunbeam?" Sun asks, practically skipping over to you. 

You sip on your drink, watching the controlled chaos of the Daycare. Kids are running about, each with their own little costumes in the form of headbands and face paint. There's a craft or two happening, as well as a few easy to monitor games. 

You don't know how, but you think this is the smoothest party you've ever had, despite so much happening. And now having realized the kids have been in on the schemes of your Attendants, you can only imagine what they did to convince the children to behave so well. 

Music plays somewhere around you, and in that moment, you're the most content you've ever been, you think.

You glance up to Sun, and decide to make the first move for once. You wrap an arm around his waist, smile on your face as you observe the controlled chaos. "I'm having a great time, thank you. This is all so, perfect."

"Oh. Well, um,"—you hear Sun's rays spin quickly—"There is something else, we, we planned it just for you! If you'd um, be interested, that is."

You giggle then, patting his chest once with your free hand. "Lead the way then."

He nods, taking hold of your hand and guiding you further into the Daycare. Just then, the song changes, something still holiday-related, but slower, easy to dance to. With a slight hesitation, Sun takes both your hands, starting to lead you into the song. 

"So." You say.

"So." He answers. 

You giggle, looking up into his gaze. "You two have been pretty sneaky this week, haven't you?"

"I don't know what ever you could mean." Sun spins you around, into a shadow. It's enough for Moon to show for a moment. "We've been on nothing but our best behavior."

"Oh, I don't know about that. Not to mention you've managed to trick our friends into helping you. Do you have any idea how close to bursting my heart has been all week?"

"Obviously not enough, if it's taken you this long to notice." Moon snickers. 

You scoff. "Give me some credit, when you've had a crush for so long, you find it hard to believe it might be reciprocated."

A shift back into the light, Sun's rays appearing again. "Well, maybe we just need to be a bit more clear, hm?"

Before you can say anything, Sun presses his smile to your lips. Your eyes widen, and before he can move away again, you pull him in for another, longer, kiss, full of the yearning you've been trying your best to hide for so long, now throwing all that caution to the wind. 

You break apart, you find Sun is frozen in place. Then, he reaches up, and pulls the hat he's wearing down over his eyes, causing you to laugh outright. 

"Sorry." Your hand comes up to his face. "Guess I got a little carried away for a moment there."

At that moment, you realize that several pairs of little eyes are on you both. Including—

"Danielle! Amy! You set me up?" You gasp, seeing them peeking out from the playset above you, sticks with little bits of mistletoe hanging from their grips. 

They giggle as do the other kids, and it's your turn to be embarrassed. After shooing them away, with no help of either Sun or Moon, you're left alone with the two once more. 

"I can't believe you pitted them against me. I knew they were in on it, but still!"

Moon chuckles, arms wrapping around you once more. "You're very oblivious, Star. We needed all the help we could get."

You grumble, but accept the hug, burying your head in his chest. "Fair enough. I guess."

"So, is this all alright then?" He asks, with just a hint of nerves in his tone. 

You squeeze tighter, nodding. "More than alright. Trust me."

"Good. We should have another ten minutes before Santa arrives. Let's make them count, hm?" He asks, leaning back down to your height.

"Moon! We have a job to do."

He tsks. "Job can wait. They'll be fine on their own for a little longer. We gave them plenty of candy to keep quiet."

You're interrupted by another kiss from protesting further. But once you're not so distracted and flustered, you will be having a talking to them about bribing the kids for their help. Even though you were indeed, benefiting from it greatly. 

Very much so.

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Thank you to @lizyxml for the cute request! Liked having something that had the daycare kids involved to an extent, and had a good bit of fun writing all the little scenes hehe ^-^ also thought jack frost would be a cute/silly costume so that's why I went with that for the boys :D (also a big jack frost fan sooo yk how it is >-<)

Masterpost link

Tag list (if you would like added, see this post for more info):

@scarletcowboy @beemyhuneybee @fishm0ther @deviouscrackers @elsajoyagent8

@luckyyyduckyyy @zenkaiankoku @jogimote @local-shrub @amarynthian-chronicles

@robinette-green @everlightreader @sinister-sincerely @starredeclipse @dangerva

@juukai @crystalmagpie447 @mothgutz236 @lizyxml

[mirandasidefics]

But Home is Nowhere- Chapter 13

Pairing(s): Lucien x Plus Size Reader, Azriel x Plus Size Reader, and Ruhn Dannan x Plus Size Reader.

Summary: Reader and Ruhn have a heart to heart and your friendship finally begins to move forward. Those from Midgard also learn some interesting information from their most recent trip.

Word Count: 5.8 K

Warnings: Some mild spoilers for Cresent City 3. If you haven't read this series, or this book I highly recommend that you do as parts of this story will make much more sense in the next chapter.

Author's Note: I'm so sorry for the delay of this chapter. December was an extremely rough month for me. I'm going to be talking with my psychiatrist about a possible medication change to see if that will give me some more energy and focus without adding to my anxiety.

As always, a HUGE thank you to my beta reader @hardcoremarvelfan for all her help!

Series Masterlist Divider by @/tsunami-of-tears

Previous: Chapter 12 Pt2 Next: Chapter 14

Ruhn didn’t even register that he had fallen asleep until he turned over and a bright light attempted to penetrate the darkness of his closed eyes. Groaning, he turned back over, his arm draping over the plush body next to him. A soft gasp caused Ruhn to open his eyes to find (e/c) orbs staring directly at him. 

“Uh…” Ruhn cleared the gravel from his throat as he gave the woman a sheepish smile, “Hi?” (Y/N) glared at him for a brief moment. Ruhn held his breath waiting for her to berate and kick him out. However, her expression softened before she pressed her forehead against his chest. 

“You’re home,” Her voice was soft, muffled by how close her face was to his chest. Ruhn had to suppress the shiver her warm breath generated on his skin.  

“Of course,” He carefully tightened his hold on her waist. “I had no intention of not coming back. Just…took me a bit longer to get here than I thought it would.” She nodded against his chest; however, the softness of the moment was short-lived.

“You fucking jackass!” She perched herself on her elbow before smacking the center of his chest. “Do you have any idea how worried I was last night? Where the hell were you?” Ruhn couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped him as he looked at her stern expression. 

“I’m sorry,” He apologized through his laughter. “I didn’t mean to make you worry. I was out with Cassian. Apparently I looked like a kicked puppy, so he thought alcohol would make that better.”

“Don’t blame Cassian,” She narrowed her eyes. “You knew perfectly well that…” She paused, releasing a long breath through her nose. “You know what, you don’t owe me any explanation or apology. You’re a grown male and capable of making your own decisions.” Her eyes returned to his, and Ruhn had the good sense to recognize that there was more on her mind. He knew that a week of active avoidance between them would require work to recover from. 

“I do owe you at least one apology for what happened last week,” He corrected. “That is if you’re willing to listen to me now.”

“Excuse me?” The woman sat up fully. “You could have apologized at any-”

“Would you have actually listened to me before you had a chance to calm down?” He smiled softly. She narrowed her eyes again, but allowed him to continue. “I know that you needed some time.” After a moment she relaxed her expression, laying back down against the pillows. 

“I hate the fact you know me so well,” She turned her head to look up at the ceiling, “But you’re right. I did need that time.” 

“I know,” Ruhn teased, watching as she rolled her (e/c) eyes. He paused before his voice took on a more somber tone. “I am sorry for what I said on your birthday. I didn’t…I never want you to feel like you’ve been forgotten. You mean too much to…everyone here.” He paused, allowing his lackluster apology to sink in. He couldn’t tell her exactly what he revealed to Azriel a few hours ago. He couldn’t tell the woman lying next to him that he was in love with her. Not just yet anyway, not while there were things he needed to figure out if he wanted to do things right. 

“Thank you, Ruhn.” She turned on her side to face him again. “I know you didn’t mean to be hurtful. While there is a lot that needs to be…worked out; I just want things to go back to how they were before. Return to the day to day life with one of my best friends.” Ruhn could tell that her words also held a mixed bag of emotions. He doubted that he knew the subtle twitch of the corner of her lips before curling up into a half-hearted smile indicated she was attempting to prevent tears from springing to her eyes. 

“Friend…yeah” Ruhn paused. “I haven’t been a very good one of those have I? I’ve kept you at a bit of a distance, and that isn’t exactly fair to you.”  

“You went through a lot. You don’t have to tell me anything about your past if you don’t want to.” Her voice was gentle. “And I shouldn’t be holding that against you.” 

“That isn’t the reason I’ve held back,” He admitted. “I’ve been so scared that…it's been a few years and fear has ruled almost all of my actions. I don’t want that to continue, at least not with you.” 

(Y/N) nodded, understanding evident in her eyes as her gaze met Ruhn’s. A heavy silence fell between them. Ruhn could tell that she was allowing him time to decide how the rest of the morning would unfold. As the silence in the room pressed on, she remained curled up against his side, head resting on his shoulder. Her hand lazily-and likely absent mindedly-following the geometric pattern of the tattoo spanning from his left bicep to his shoulder and extending down to his left pectoral. 

He wanted to savor this quiet moment. The peace of lying next to her warmth and softness. If there was ever a perfect moment to open up to the human woman, now would be the time. Ruhn recalled that when he first started to share his personal history with Agent Daybright he spoke to her of his father. He would have to start with something different this time. It was only the right thing to do to ensure that he didn’t treat (Y/N) like a replacement.   

��Would you like to hear about my mother?” His voice broke through the comfortable silence. She tilted her head up, a soft hum of confirmation.

“Please.” Her voice was soft as she looked up at him. 

“Her name is Lorin…” As soon as Ruhn began to speak to her about his mother, it was like the flood gates had finally burst open. He rambled from one topic to another, and he certainly hadn’t intended to reveal so much of the trauma he endured at the hands of his father. She quietly listened to everything he shared. No judgment or pity filled her eyes. She never interrupted, only nodding occasionally to show she was following him. He even shared a few things that he had not spoken to many people about. Not only did he explain how the tattoos started as a way to cover up scars, but he also told her the meanings that each design held for him. 

A rendition of the Starsword, surrounded by a few simple stars, covered the inside of his left forearm. He recounted the details of his Ordeal, the desperation he felt to find a way to protect his friends, Declan and Flynn, his brothers if he was being honest. On the outer side of the left forearm were roses mixed with thorn covered vines. While he had grown to hate his Father’s villa in FiRo, it had been where he grew up. 

Above that, in the space of his inner bicep, was a simple design of The Embrace. He explained the image depicted Solas and Cthona coming together as one. This led to him talking to her about how each of Midgard’s houses were blessed by or honored at least one of the five major deities from his world. While Solas was the deity for his own House, he couldn’t remember exactly why he had been so compelled to have what was more commonly regarded as a symbol for the House of Earth and Blood inked into his skin. It took him a minute to realize this was the last tattoo he had gotten before their attempt to overrun the Asteri. Shortly after he had started speaking to Agent Daybright. However, he kept that last bit of information to himself as he remembered who Agent Daybright turned out to be…and which House she belonged to. 

He continued to his right arm, a series of braided knots covered the entirety of his right forearm, the design covering the area that held the worst of his scars. The outer bicep depicted a tree, its branches creating an intricately woven knot and its roots a mirror image. A perfect balance above and below. Her hands traced along each of the designs. He thought he heard her muttering to herself as she examined the tree, taking extra care to outline and follow each branch and root pattern.   

“I’ve seen this tree before,” She admitted softly. “Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life. It was believed in some parts of my world to be what holds the nine worlds of the cosmos.” The woman paused, and Ruhn could see the gears in her mind twirling. “No… ” With a quick shake of her head she sat up, pushing the covers to the side. 

“No, what?” Ruhn sat up as well, moving to follow her. 

“Where did you get the idea for this tattoo?” She asked, brows bunched up together as she stared at the black ink design. He had yet to add any color to it. Mainly because he wasn’t sure what colors best suited the image. It was one of his more rare black and white dreams where it first appeared. 

“I-I saw it in a dream,” His voice was slightly hesitant. He had never told anyone that before. He always made up some story about seeing it in an art piece on Avallen decades ago. But for some reason, the truth slipped from his lips as he looked at her. 

“What was the name of the deity for that scary house in Midgard again?” Her eyes remained on the roots of the tree as her hands twisted up sheets in front of her. 

“Scary…you mean the House of Flame and Shadow?” Ruhn continued to watch as (Y/N) nodded acknowledgement. “Urd, a Goddess of Fate. While she may be considered more of the patron of that house, all of Midgard honors her in some fashion.” 

“What do depictions of her look like on Midgard?” She finally looked at him. Again, Ruhn could see that her mind was putting together bits of information. Information that he knew she would only continue to withhold. 

“I honestly don’t really know. There aren’t very many pictures of statues of her outside of the Bone Quarter in Lunathion. That’s where her temple is believed to be. Only the dead and necromancers are really allowed over there. Unless you have a death mark. Which are not at all easy to get.”  She nodded again, chewing her lower lip and picking at her thumb nail. Her (e/c) eyes staring off into the distance. “What’s going on, (Y/N)?” His use of her name snapped her out of whatever rumination plagued her mind. 

“Nothing,” She shook her head a final time before a smile took over her features. “We should probably get some breakfast going. You can tell me some more about your Ordeal and the Drop.” 

The months after Ruhn’s apology, things returned to normal for the most part. The biggest change for the better was that your and Ruhn’s friendship improved significantly. He moved all of his belongings back into your bedroom, including things that you didn’t know he still kept in the other room at all. He also resumed sleeping in the bed with you each night. The only exceptions were the times he went to Midgard, which were becoming more frequent. He explained that his friends, Declan and Flynn, had spent months looking on their own for any information regarding the Star sword and Truth Teller. This, of course, resulted in him finally opening up to you about all the events that preceded his capture by the Asteri. Listening to him recount the highlights of the year before you met had never made you feel more grateful for being a person of no importance back on your own world.  

His opening up did have perks as he also filled you in on many of the Fae traditions and life on Midgard in general. You had so many theories running through your head that your attention couldn’t be divided anywhere else when the subject of life on Midgard came up. Of course, it wasn’t the only reason you listened to him so intently. The way those blue-violet eyes of his lit up…it was clear that cared deeply for those that had remained on Midgard. He missed them fiercely, his family. That’s really who they all were to him, his family. Despite Bryce and Hunt also being in Prythian alongside him, it was clear that he struggles with being separated from the bulk of his family. You had to suppress the intrusive desire of wanting to be included in that sentiment. Any time the thought arose you found yourself remembering that the events on your birthday were simply a fluke. Just because you grew close with the male, didn’t mean he saw you as anything more than a friend. He was no different in that regard to Lucien, a simple yet close friend. 

It was a strange concept to think about. You had been in Prythian for nearly five years, and you still felt like an outsider. An intruder posing as someone who is supposed to belong. To anyone looking in from the outside it would look that way. Nanny for the High Lord and Lady, friends with the first Valkyries in centuries, and routinely seen around Velaris with the elusive and infamous Shadowsinger. Regardless of what they all said or how close you had become over time, you could still feel the tension from where you were kept at a distance. You couldn’t exactly blame them either. You were mortal. You would die in just a few short decades while the rest of them would continue to live on for centuries if not millenia. 

The only person that you knew, with absolute certainty, saw you as an included member of their life was Nyx. You were well aware of how much the little heir adored you, and you adored him in turn. Knowing that there would be at least one person- 

The landing of Hunt’s feet on the cobblestones outside the townhouse distracted you from further diving into a downward spiral. The crunching of stone was followed by the beating of wings as he took off again, likely to get whomever he had left over at the Moonstone gate they built at the Sidra’s edge near the River House. No sooner than hearing the angel take off again did Bryce burst through the front door. 

“(Y/N)!” Her voice held an excited sing-song lilt. The corner of your  lip twitched up as she rounded the corner from the foyer into the parlor. Bryce’s crimson hair flowed around her, reminding you that despite her half human heritage she looked fully Fae. You tried to push the faint sting of envy, reminding yourself that she doesn’t exactly enjoy that half of her heritage. Though you knew she’d be grateful when she finally realized her long life span will allow her to have as much time with her mate and found family that many humans crave.  

“I have a surprise for you,” Bryce continued, bringing a wrapped gift box out from behind her back. The absolute look of mischievous glee on her face was the only thing that gave you any pause. You still took the fairly large box from her outstretched arms before the two of you resumed sitting on the sofa. 

“What is this? My birthday was six months ago and it’s not yet solstice,” You asked, eyeing the perfectly square package. Nothing about the box or its wrapping gave away what the contents could possibly be, and there wasn’t anything that either of you had specifically discussed her getting from a more “modern” world. 

Bryce had been kind enough to obtain some basic feminine essentials for you during some of her past trips to Midgard. You were extremely grateful for her efforts in gathering a variety of period products for you. You spent your first few cycles bleeding through scraps of cloth and felt like you were practically confined to your bedroom and the ensuite bathroom. You quickly decided that you did not want to spend a week every month in that condition. While you had asked the females in your new life how they managed their own cycles, Nesta explained that High Fae only experienced two cycles a year. Due to the infrequency of cycles the pain was reported to be nearly unbearable and resulted in many females being completely bedridden. Nesta also confirmed that scrap linens were the preferred method of keeping things clean for humans and Fae alike, regardless of the financial resources available. 

“Just open it,” Bryce encouraged, plopping the box into your lap. “Especially if you don’t want the guys to see what’s inside.” She tapped the top of the box, a shallow sounding thud indicating that the box was entirely filled with only the Gods knew what. You lifted the box, examining the meticulous wrapping. Each corner of the golden paper was tucked in tightly and secured. 

“What the hell did you get then?” You narrowed your eyes in her direction as you held the box up to your ear and began to shake it. “Doesn’t Hunt know anyway?” You set the box down when it didn’t make any sounds. 

“Nope,” Bryce chirped. “If he did, he would not have let me give that to you.” Her smile grew as she patted the box again. 

“Okay, now I’m worried.” You eyed her warily, your fingers subtly twitching against the smooth surface of the paper. “Do I even want to know what this is?” 

“Yes, you do.” She moved closer to you on the couch. “I can say with absolute certainty that some, if not all, of the items in there will be…useful in the future.” Her amber eyes shone as bright as the starlight that simmered under her light bronze skin.  You rolled your eyes at her playful insistence and quickly tore open the golden wrapping. The box itself was fairly nice, sturdy and could be easily kept to hold whatever its contents already included. 

“I swear to whatever is holy Bryce if this is some-” The words immediately died on your tongue and your jaw literally dropped. Bryce erupted in a fit of giggles at seeing your shocked expression. Inside the box was a plethora of items that made up what you could only describe as a ‘family planning care package’. You could admit upon immediate inspection that at least half the items in the box would be useful. PH balancing feminine wash, extra sanitary pads, a few reusable menstrual discs and cups. The other items…well, she was right that you definitely didn’t want anyone else seeing the contents. Especially Ruhn. You didn’t know how you’d explain the presence for the large box of condoms, two decently sized bottles of lubricant, two packages of pregnancy tests and…

“Ovulation tests? Are you fucking kidding me Bryce?” You wanted to be mad, but her laugh was too infectious. You fell into your own fit of laughter right alongside her. Through your laughter you took another look at the box of condoms.

“Fucking hell, how much sex do you think I’m going to be having?” You held up the box of condoms, a variety pack, and began to examine it. “One hundred condoms? Really?” You shook the box at her for added emphasis on just how ridiculous the item was. 

“Hey, I just wanted to make sure that one of my closest friends had everything that she would need.” Bryce managed to defend through her continued laughter. “Especially if she is going to continue sleeping with my brother.” 

“Bryce! You know perfectly well Ruhn and I are not like that,” You placed the care package in between the two of you while the box of condoms remained in your grasp. 

“Sure, whatever you say,” She smirked, the deep red of her lip stick amplifying her mischievous tone. “Then this can all be for whenever you do meet that special someone, which you will.” She held up a finger to silence the objection which was poised on the tip of your tongue. “I know this, because you’d be-” 

“A novelty, Bryce. Anywhere I go in this city I am looked at as a novelty.” Your voice took on a slight edge. “I am the only human living in the Night Court. Hell, I’m the only human living in all of Prythian.” You sighed, setting the box of condoms in your lap. 

“Which is exactly why I picked a variety pack,” She smirked, completely ignoring your statement. Your eyes followed her elegant finger as it pointed to the side edge of the box.  “Glow in the dark.” 

“Oh sweet Jesus,” Your laughter returned and doubled as you read the words on the box, directly under the list of flavors making up a quarter of the box’s contents. Tears of laughter quickly filled your eyes as Bryce broke down right beside you on the couch in the parlor. The two of you were so busy laughing that you didn’t hear Hunt return with Ruhn in tow. 

“What are you two so giggly for?” Ruhn smiled from the entrance to the parlor. Still facing Bryce your eyes went wide, the box of family planning items still opened between you and the half fae female. Without even needing the ability to speak mind to mind, Bryce immediately started helping you repack the box with lightning quick reflexes. 

“Nothing! It’s nothing!” You shouted, sliding the box under the couch. Once it was fully tucked away you looked up at the male. Your jaw dropped for the second time and gasped, “What the fuck did you do to your hair!” You stared at Ruhn, eyes watering as you stood to meet him. The past two months Ruhn had allowed the hair on the shaved side of his head to fill in. You had been unsure as to why, but now you knew. You lifted your hand to the right side of his head, where the beautiful waist length locks had once flowed. 

“I know,” Ruhn brought his hand up and gently grasped your fingers. His hair was short, equal in length on both sides. The style honestly reminded you of Azriel’s typical cut. However, the fresh cut combined with Ruhn’s features made his resemblance to Rhysand all the more striking. 

“You’re not sleeping next to me when you look like him,” There was no laughter in your voice. 

“It will grow back, don’t worry,” He reassured, his fingers interlacing with yours as he led you both back to the couch. His arm easily fell along the back of your shoulders as he leaned in to kiss your temple. You felt your lips twitch trying to suppress the smile. Your friendship had certainly gone back to normal, yes, but there were times when he was a little more affectionate than before. Just like he was right now. From the corner of your eye you saw Bryce’s wide knowing grin. You’d have to remind her, yet again, that your relationship with Ruhn was platonic. Even though a small part of you wanted the dynamic to go in a more romantic direction. 

“I tried to tell him he didn’t need to cut it that short,” Hunt joined in on the conversation, sitting himself on the arm of the couch behind Bryce. His own hair also appeared freshly cut compared to the last time you saw him. 

“And steal your and Cassian’s signature look? I don’t have the wings to pull it off, ” Ruhn joked, his blue-violet eyes turning towards you. “Besides, it's not exactly like I wanted to cut it.”  His thumb gently stroking the sliver of exposed skin on your shoulder. 

“So why did you?” You asked, your hand reached out again and this time he allowed you to pinch a few strands between your fingers. 

“Well, I had planned to just grow it all out.” He answered, a soft sigh escaping his lips. “But that prick was right. Even with the long hair I’d be too recognizable.” You bunched your eyebrows together as you looked between them. 

“Our father,” Bryce supplied, her tone now short and clipped. You nearly choked on air at the news. A sinking feeling in your stomach had you anticipating that this last trip was much more eventful than any of their previous trips to Midgard had been over the past few years. 

“Your father?” You angled your body towards Ruhn. “You saw him?” 

“Yeah, and we actually had a fairly interesting conversation,” Ruhn admitted. 

“If you count not immediately being turned over to the Asteri as interesting,” Hunt added, a slight smirk on his lips. You blinked, trying to prepare yourself for whatever asinine reasoning they could have had for going to such a well guarded location such as the Autumn King’s villa given their high profile fugitive status. 

“Why would you even risk a trip like that?” You focused your attention on Ruhn, even though you were fairly certain the entire meeting was likely an impromptu affair by Bryce. Both siblings had told you all about their respective histories with the selfish male that sired them. It went without saying that you had no desire to ever meet the asshole. “How do you know that he isn’t planning to just turn you in the second you all get back to Midgard? What was so important that you had to risk-”

“Easy sweetheart,” Ruhn reassured, his arm bringing you closer to his frame. “We had very good reason, and at this point seeing him and getting the information we got out weighed the risks.” He met your eyes, his expression soft as he tried to subtly comfort your worries.  

“Fine,” You relented. “What did you learn then?” You settled back into your spot on the couch as you waited for them to explain.

“We learned what the Star Sword and Truth Teller may be able to create when used together,” Bryce answered. “Something that may be able to destroy the Asteri.” Her voice no longer held any hint of the playful spirit it had moments ago. You sat up straighter. This was news you had not anticipated hearing. In fact, you had hated to admit that you long gave up any hope that you would live long enough to hear any good news for your friends in their efforts to rescue their world. If the blades could truly be combined to destroy the Asteri, well that was worth risking a visit to their father. Honestly, that was information worth risking everything. 

“What…” You were at a loss for words. “W-what can they do?” Your voice was hesitant, and you hoped that they didn’t see the true reason behind your question. You knew it was important for them to be able to go home. You also knew that once the Asteri were gone, the three of them would return to Midgard permanently. You tried to stop the thoughts of how much you would lose if the trio left Prythian so soon. Specifically, the loss of one of the people that had become so important to you. The fact that you didn’t want to be parted from Ruhn permanently hit you like a ton of bricks. It was only Ruhn’s gentle squeezing of your shoulder that pulled you back to the moment.  

“Legend has it the two blades are supposed to open a portal when combined,” Bryce’s voice was eerily calm, “Specifically, a portal to Nowhere.” 

“What?” You stared at her, waiting for a punchline that never came. “Nowhere? Really? You’re telling me the giant skull of a deceased Celestial is real and floating around somewhere in the universe?” All three of them looked at you as if you had morphed into said giant skull. “Guardians of the Galaxy? Come on, you don’t have the MCU or Marvel comics in your world?” While Bryce and Hunt stared at you with confused expressions, you could make out the subtle twitch of Ruhn’s lips as he suppressed a desire to laugh. “Nowhere is the name of the skull in the Marvel Cinematic Universe…or multiverse…point is I was trying to be funny.” 

“You are funny,” Bryce’s lip finally curled up in a half smile. “At least I assume you are when your audience knows what it is you’re referencing.” You gave her an exasperated smile before tilting your head back and groaning.  

“Okay, so what the hell does your father mean by ‘Nowhere’ then?” You asked leaning back against the couch. Ruhn’s arm remained draped over your shoulder, his thumb resuming its gentle strokes along your skin.  

“Unfortunately the fucker was less than helpful in that regard,” Bryce’s good humor was gone again at the reminder of the Autumn King. 

“She means that he wasn’t entirely sure,” Ruhn clarified. “All he found on the subject was what the blades were supposed to do and nothing more. However, he indicated that maybe the Fae archives on Avallen held more information that he had yet to locate.” You couldn’t suppress the snort quick enough. Hearing the name of the island where the Fae first settled on Midgard always amused you. Another item to the growing list of similarities between your world and theirs. 

“Well that is maddeningly unhelpful,” You shook your head softly and pulled your legs up onto the couch. You leaned your body closer to Ruhn’s. 

“Yes, but there is one positive.” Hunt gently reminded both siblings. “He already had Flynn and Dec looking in the archives.” 

“They didn’t even find anything useful,” Bryce countered, crossing her arms over her chest. 

“Yes they did,” Ruhn snapped. “The series of maps they found-”

“Show nothing but the fact that land masses change over millennia,” Bryce spat. 

“Bryce,” Hunt’s calm tone cut through their bickering. “It may not have been what we were hoping to find, but the information is interesting.” Hunt took a moment to look towards you. “Dec and Flynn found maps of Avallen, some of which included smaller islands that had since disappeared. The disappearance of the smaller islands wasn’t over thousands over years, but within a couple of decades, which makes the information interesting.”

“Yeah, land masses don’t change that quickly Bryce,” Ruhn added childishly. You smacked his chest before shushing him. His sister responded with her own equally childish response of sticking her tongue out in Ruhn’s direction. 

“That is interesting,” You looked between Ruhn and Hunt. “But I’m with Bryce on this. How is that information relevant to defeating the Asteri?” 

“It likely isn’t relevant,” Hunt conceded. “But the land where the Starborn Fae settled in Midgard underwent massive changes and significant loss of fertile land. I don’t think that’s a coincidence when their former home underwent similar changes.” 

“The Prison island…” Your voice trailed off as Hunt nodded, a soft approving smile on his face.

“I told you she was smart,” Ruhn boasted. “Hunt and I came to the same conclusion. Something caused the islands to become barren.”

“Well according to that magical hologram Silene left, the land was reduced to its waste land status after she made it into the prison,” Bryce added. “A collection of nasties poisoning all traces of life apart from themselves.” You felt the gears turning in your mind. It was hard to argue that both islands would become practically devoid of life around the same time by chance. The list of potential reasons was endless. Anything from a saturation of dark energy to a specific spell to a lack of magic entirely. You also speculated that perhaps Midgard and whatever planet you were currently occupying were mirrors or alternative versions of each other. Though, there was more evidence that both worlds were part of the same universe rather than some type of multiverse bullshit. A confirmation of the existence of a multiverse was not quite on your bingo card for expected life experiences. Then again, neither was going through a magical portal and landing in a world that you- 

“Bryce, you need to take me to the Prison island again.” You turned to face her fully. “Please. I don’t care what Rhysand says, I need to see the island and those tunnel carvings for myself.” The half-fae female looked at you, her eyes studying the determination on your face. 

“Alright,” Bryce’s conspiratorial smile returned. You knew that she enjoyed any opportunity to piss off the High Lord. “When do you want to leave? We can even go right now if you want.” She stood from her spot on the couch.  

“Oh no,” Ruhn immediately stated, also standing from his spot next to you on the couch. “You’re not going by yourselves.” 

“I agree,” Hunt looked at Bryce. “I know that you’ve been down there several times now, but you’ve made the Drop and you’re a badass, but…(Y/N) is human.” He softened his eyes as he looked at you. 

“Are you Alphaholes for fucking real?” Bryce scoffed, hands immediately going to her hips. “She has daily training with two 500 year old warriors AND the two of you. You really think that she’s not a badass in her own right by now?” Despite Bryce’s faith in your self-defense skills you knew Hunt was right. Your eyes met Hunt’s, his expression reflecting what you knew was true. You may be able to defend yourself in some scenarios, but your body couldn’t heal itself in the same way if you were to get injured. The chances of you surviving any major injury were significantly smaller. However, the reminder that you were simply a fragile human stung nonetheless. 

“Yeah, I am being ‘for real’,” Ruhn met his sister’s glare. “We have no idea what kind of creatures are in the prison. We also don’t exactly know our way around apart from a single path down to that room leading to the tunnels.” Bryce rolled her eyes. 

“Well I can’t teleport more than two others plus myself. So unless you’ve managed to finally learn long distance travel through your shadows you might be stuck here as look out Big bro,” Her smile was less than friendly.  

“She needs protection Bryce, and no offense to Hunt, but if she went down he’s more likely to protect you than her,” Ruhn looked at the angel. You watched in silence as the two males just stared at each other. The two of them were clearly having a mind to mind conversation. 

“You know it's rude to have a private conversation in front of others,” You quipped, trying to help ease the tension from before. You turned and started to make your way to the staircase. “I’m going to get a warmer coat so the two of you had better figure out who's going with us by the time I get back.” 

General tag list: @loving-and-dreaming

Series tag list: @jenniferpendragon @impossibelle @sweet-chai-amore @myheartfollower @iimichie

@fightmedraco @nikkitch0703 @eerievixen @ang-taylorsversion

@randomness-it-is @thehighlordishere @rachelnicolee @hardcoremarvelfan @awkardnerd @sundayysunshine

@jpgtae @cheneyq @morganwdarius @latinxbipride @catharticlovewriter

@mis-lil-red @rcarbo1 @celmentine111002 @abacteriamicroorganismsalmonella

The crossed-out name means tumblr wouldn't let me tag you

[wolv2077]

Let's set the record straight.

Disclaimer: Before we dive into this post, I want to make one fact abundantly clear - I'm not writing this post for the hell of it. My name was brought up publicly first, by an individual who stole and then cherry picked parts of a private conversation to craft a disingenuous, one-sided hit piece. I am now well within my right to respond, and to criticize the blatant double standards. I do find it adorable, in a predictable kind of way, that the clique that practically wrote the book on back-channel Cyberpunk 2077 trash talking is now clutching pearls in what is yet another public performance of self-righteous superiority.

Now, I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I'm some sort of infallible holy saint. Nor will I defend the private conversations of some S7 individuals. Unlike the people behind the hit-piece, I'm more than capable of introspection - I've made some decisions over the years that I regret, as have most people.

But I won't be lectured on decency or “mental health” by a class of people who, behind the facades of public positivity, have spent years weaponizing both as shields in order to exile anyone who doesn’t fall in line.

So if you want to drag me into your stupid game of purity olympics, then let’s play. But make sure your own closets aren’t rattling first.

Selective ethics

After all, these are the same individuals that, at best, partake in the exact same behavior they proudly claim to stand against (the crime of private venting). And on average, far surpass it. For years prior to S7 and to this day, some of them have repeatedly cheered each other on as they harass and marginalize. Who’ve built reputations off gatekeeping, tone policing, and vendettas dressed up as virtue. And now they perform outrage as if they haven’t been operating wholesale echo-chambers this entire time, right to this second and beyond. Even as they collectively analyze this very post (hi!). Channels and group chats with surveillance, gossip and exclusion. Corroborated by past members, victims and insiders alike.

Let me be abundantly clear - this is not a justification, nor a defense of the resulting private conversations of some S7 members. Two wrongs don’t make a right. But the blatant hypocrisy and double standards are genuinely baffling.

The same people, who despite their “hatred of drama”, are objectively a magnet for almost every conceivable fandom related drama since December 10, 2020. Tell me, think hard and ask yourself critically, what kind of rational individual has such a long, documented public history of controversy? From regular fandom politics to false accusations hurled without evidence due to a difference of opinion. Now, it’s not a crime to vent or to be upset from time to time, but if you're constantly getting into childish conflict every other month, for years, what does that say about you?

Third parties & moral posturing

And now, i’d like to speak directly to all third parties. To those of you that may be new to the fandom, or to those that have only seen their curated public personas - yes, I'm sure they’ve been kind and bubbly to you. Yes, I'm sure they’ve left a sweet comment, love bombed you, complimented your OC, or helped you troubleshoot a mod.

But repeated problematic behavior doesn’t stop being problematic because you weren’t in the crosshairs. Being on the good side is conditional, it only works until it doesn’t. Voice the "wrong" opinion, associate with the "wrong" person, ship a character in the "wrong" way, and watch the mask slip. As people have already learned, more often than not, their support towards others is calculated social maneuvering.

So, where do we go from here?

On one hand, I can start iterating through each and every relevant receipt brought to me, in detail, one by one, and by the time we're done the clock on my taskbar will read "2077". On the other, I acknowledge that people are inherently complicated. And while I vehemently disagree with their antics over the years, antics that have (a) marginalized people to anxiety (whether they realize it or not) and (b) ironically led people to vent frustrations privately, I don’t doubt for a second that beneath it all, there is some genuine hurt. 

But until then, if nothing is going to change, then you can all sit in your small corner and continue to throw your little public temper tantrums because my comparatively tame private quips bruised your feelings. Maybe you can all desperately parse that stolen HTML document for more cherry-picked material to satiate the next #fandom-wank session. And when you finally get that brief moment of post-session clarity, seize it and reflect on your own conduct for a change.

Accept it or run with denial. I've said what I've had to say, and now I will move on. This is my first and final statement on the matter.

[sabine-smitten-obviously]

Good Omens - December reads part #3- fanfics recs 🤓🩷🎄

I ´ve decided to write a short summary each month about the books i read. I need this to let go of the stories, its a nice way of saying good-bye to them and to spread the love to the authors and to you. 🩷

I only read finished stories and rarely one-shots. You will find no WIPs in here, as i really like to dive deep into the plot and i keep losing track of WIPs. Also you will only find happy or at least hopeful endings here - i couldn´t handle anything else.

Also i try to find every author here on tumblr to link-to, but sadly some times i am out of luck. If you happen to know them, please tell them, write to me in the comments or DM me and i will update the post!

Ratings in ()

Multichapter Fanfics

Dark Literature (E) by @unproblematicme

Well this was a first for me. Human AU with our ineffable loves being exes. Ugh. Lucky for me, Aziraphale is hired by Gabriel to work for the same company on a regular basis. But all of this somehow fades into the background as a haunting starts on the 13th floor of the building. Massive ghoststory and halloween-vibes ensues! 🎃

I'd like to think i still know you (T) by @inherently_human

Human AU. Crowley and Aziraphale went to school together, before life took them on separate paths. Crowley actually detests the thought of the 30years reunion, but ... maybe he would meet Aziraphale again?

Biggest laugh: "Age has not done your eloquence any favors, I see." 😂

The ineffable bride (T) by @theravenmuse

Warlock asks Nanny Astoreth to read him a book he got from the gardener. The story is about a prince named Aziraphale, who fell in love with a farm boy that left to make good fortune, but never came back. Now he is supposed to marry Prince Gabriel.

Happiness, more or less (M) by @mllekurtz

Crowley moves into a flat above a bookshop, glad to have found a short lease. If it weren't for the strange noises in the night ... A ghost story, a love story.

Biggest laugh: "i'm not learning the riddle you have for a name." 😅 I love love love this one. It had me laugh, it had me on the edge and it made me cry. Please give this one a try! 🩷

Intermezzo (E) by @feraltuxedo

Crowley is a former Rockstar, whose career as opera-writer was crashed by Aziraphale Fell's official critique. 10 years later Crowley is offered to write a symphony and get a TV documentary on it, but there is a catch: Aziraphale is the one who will be presenting. Human AU, Enemies to lovers, very nice. Also the author has a way of leading up to and describing explicit scenes that had me wish for more. 😋

The accidental understudy (T) by @appleseeds

Human AU. Aziraphale is the stage manager, when he re-meets with famous actor and former school-collegue Crowley for a play of panto. Sweet fluff ensues as both have had their secret crushes for 30 years.

Love Thy Neighbor (E) by @snae-b

Aziraphale runs a successful bakery blog, but recently he is getting more and more delayed with his posts. The new neighbor is simply a nuisance with his construction noises throughout the day and his loud music in the night. One evening his temper gets the best of him and Aziraphale fists on the door. What will he see, when the door opens? You'll never guess. 😉

Oneshots

Naked in Malibu (E) by @cemeteryangel725

Human AU. Crowley is a famous actor, who is home early from his shoot without telling anyone. And naked. Aziraphale is the hired interior designer, who just so happens to be in Crowley´s home to redesign it. The rest is epic seduction and surprises beneath clothes.

Actually a re-read, as the author gifted us a with a sequel for christmas - see next! 🤓

Naked in New York (E) by @cemeteryangel725

Crowley and Aziraphale have been dating secretly for months now. They both have been falling in love and - of course, these are our beloved idiots! - they have NOT been talking about it. But there is this big red carpet-thingy coming up. Oh no, what is Crowley supposed to do? 😉

Hot Blood, Hot thoughts, Hot Deeds (E) by @supergeek21

Aziraphale sorts the books, when shortky before closing time a strange looking man, dressed all in Black and kind of outdated clothes comes in. He has quite some sharp teeth, too ... 🧛‍♂️🦇

The Serpent King (T) by @angela345

After the death of his father, King Gabriel rules the country. But a curse seems to have befallen the former prosperous kingdom. So knights are being sent out to the Serpent King of the neighbouring kingdom. Will they be able to break the spell? A fairytale.

Stocking Stuffers (E) by @cemeteryangel725

Yes, i know - this is the 3rd rec for @cemeteryangel725 in this blog alone. What can i say - she is a glorious (smut)writer. 😁 In this one we meet again with our beloved husbands from the human AU "Of fire and falcons", which you should definitely read, too. In this oneshot Crowley does a little christmas-strip for his Santaziraphale. 🌶️🎅

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boutique (T) by @dragonfire42

Aziraphale goes shopping with Jim to dress him up for the ball ... Sweet!

The Snake Prince (T) by @LTRisback

Aziraphale takes a walk and bumps into a snake - a talking snake. He offers to save him from the cold and takes him to his bookshop.

Sweet, short fairytale i found bc of another artist who made this beautiful Art to it @rocas-are-doing-well

Only Ever Meant For Someone Else (T) by @di-42

Human AU. Every year the night before christmas, Aziraphale drives his passengers for free as an act of charity. This year, when he has finally finished his shift, there is a commotion behind him. Realising the other driver has wrecked his bentley, he offers to take him to the hospital, where his - presumably - wife Anathema is in labour.

Beautiful little christmas story, seasoned with a bit of angst and a happy ending. 🎄

Biggest laugh: “Of course. I can see how this entire predicament is very clearly her fault.” 😅

I loved this story and it stayed with me for several days.

All the pretty girls (T) by @spectrallydistracted

Crowley has made a pact with Ana to date each week for a whole year - or as long as it takes to find a partner. Sadly all the pretty girls never click. Unlike the very male barista Aziraphale ... 😉

So thats 16 stories this time, next year i will start counting for the whole year, just for the fun of it. 🥳

Found something you like? Spread the love with kudos, sharing and loving 😅🩷

Have a wonderfull start to 2025! 🎆

[missworld444]

"Summer of 2025 was hands down the best summer"⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

R u ready too have the best summer ever? 2 feel better, look better, and be better? I know I am. I have been planning this summer since December so I would love 2 help a girl out with some tips ৻( •̀ ᗜ •́ ৻) disclaimer I'm not forcing anybody too do this. this is my personal guide because I wanna glow up and be the best that I can be. I am just showing people what I'm gonna do too live the life I wanna live.

style:

having a cute style this summer will make u feel like a doll( ◕ᗜ◕ ) find a style that makes u happy! U can go on Pinterest and make a board too help u match a vibe that suits ur character 4 this summer >:3 the style I'm going 4, is like a rich girl in the 2000s who plays sims 2 and goes shopping all day. so I decided too go on depop and buy some clothes!! I bought 15 items so if u wanna haul lemme knowヽ(≧∀≦)ﾉ

mindset:

"Yolo" is how ur gonna have a fun summer. Don't be afraid 2 put urself out there. Go on random sidequests with ur friends, meet boys, go 2 parties (hell throw a party if u can), make a friend group or hangout with that one girl u have a friend crush on all summer. You Only Live Once.

Hobbies:

keeping urself busy is gonna be important this summer if you know u wanna make the cheer team next year, practice. Set goals 4 urself, 4 example: this summer I am gonna learn how dunk in basketball so 4 next year I'll be able too show off. Some hobby ideas you can do are, volleyball, cheerleading, basketball, instruments, drawing, reading, writing, ect!

Knowledge:

as much dumb stuff a girl is gonna do this summer I still wanna learn. I realized how much aspects of the world I don't know about so I'm gonna take my time too study topics I find interest and write papers about them. You can also read (like I'm gonna do) too expand vocab and too keep myself entertained. Once I finish my books I'll write a book report and post them on here! you can also study for next year too make next school year easier. if ur handwriting is ugly then you can practice fixing it! I know I am(T_T).

Cleaning (around you) :

staying clean around you can be a tough task. Believe me I know from experience. But that is gonna change. some good ways u can stay clean around is taking a day too tackle ur room. getting rid of clothes you don't wear/need, organizing ur vanity, wiping down literally crevice in ur room, clean under ur bed, ect. After you take a day too deep clean start taking at least 20 minutes every night too organize ur space too keep it clean. Every once and a while you wipe down ur surfaces and dust ur room then, voilà. 

Tomorrow you will see a post that goes in depth in personal hygiene so pls stay tuned!! 💕

that's it for now for my summer guide I'm taking this really seriously because I'm trying to have one of the best summers ever so I hope this can help u. Just remember too have fun and try not to take anything too seriously don't risk a burnout. Tootles!! (◍•ᴗ•◍)

[bellanoche-oxo]

I'm sorry this isn't a commission, but I just have a question about your art. Feel free to ignore this, of course. I was really amazed by your Miku drawing from December 16th. Seeing such a high-level piece, I wanted to achieve something similar, but no matter how much I try, I can't replicate your shading and highlights. I was so genuinely curious that I couldn't sleep. Could you possibly give me any hints or advice?

Hey, sorry for making you wait so much for this answer, i've been finishing some projects and i barely had free time. Anyways i'll try to do my best on explaing my coloring and lighting methos and you also asked me to explain how i create the folings of the clothes. Please take in consideration that 1 i am not native in english so it's a bit difficult for me to explain myself sometimes in this language and i may have some misspelings, sorry about that, and also 2 i am not great at explaing my drawing process bc i kind of turn off my brain when i draw lol, but i can explain the fundamentals that i know and help me create! Last thing i want to let you know is that i've started glazing my art, this is a metho to protect the images for AI images generators and it leaves a kind of pattern /effect on the image that i did not put there during the drawing process.

with all of this said let me start explaining things!

Learn the basics:

This may come as a cliche i guess, but yes my first ever advise to anyone is learn the basic theory on lighting and colors (on anything related to art tbh). You don't really need to spend a lot of money on books and such as there are lots of resources online like videos and documents you can read for free. It's not necesary to be an expert and even the smallest mount of knoledge is enought to inpruve your art a lot! , i find it very interesting to learn the way things work too so don't think you'll get bored of it!

To be frank, i am actually not very good at lighting lol. My lights and shadows are not very correct, but since i do have a lot o control over my colors and i know very well how to used them it kind of compensates and creates a very recognisable (i think) style.

just u know basic shitty advise that everyone is going to give you but it works! if you have free time try watching some videos or reading some documents about color theory shadow and lighting!

Your working space:

So this is something that works FOR ME not everyone likes it, you can try it see if you like it and if you do, cool! if you don't … that's cool too! When drawing on digital i prefer it when my base layer is grey instead of white. It helps with my headaches too but it's more about the fact that starting in a middle tone when coloring (in my opinion) makes the process of briging out both shadows and lights easier, let me give you an example:

Drawing from complete light (white) to compplete darkness (black) may condicion you to actually lose control in the contrast betwen these areas, i prefer staring in a middle place (grey) and that way is i want to show darkness i'll use a darkr color and if i want to show light i'll use a lighter color, but if i start on white i can't use anything lighter. I think i did a HORRIBLE job explaing myself there, but yeah it just helps me control my color valius a bit more lol.

this is the color that i used:

Another inportant thing about your woking space is you brushes, in my case i prefer using textured brushes that mix well, and i prefer using very thick strokes, if it's too think i'll just color pick the transparent color and ease it! I work in CSP i don't know what you use, but just in case i'll give you the setiings of the brushes i use the most with their codes so you can find them

Sculpting with lights and shadows

As i said before, i am not very good with light yet, so this is something that i do to help me with the process. When you think about it, lighting is used in art to give volume to the piece, not in every case bc rules in art are not there to be followed but to asist us when we need to take a creative decision. The way that we can start with our Sculpting is by creating a very easy first guide othe the shadows and lights and to do it with very big block, so that we get the general shape first,we don't neet to get lost in the detailds yet

The actual coloring

When drawing my process is divided in three stages. I first create the doodle/lineart, that doesn't neet to be super neat as i will fix it during the rendering. The basic colors, and the rendering.

During the preparation for the rendering when doing the base colors i recomend that you give special atention to the focal points of your illustration, in this case for example that's her face and the top of the hair, that's why i gave so much more atention for this part in comparation to the shirt, that it's literally not shadowed yet. Then another step that i use normally before rendering and that i can NOT RECOMEND ENOUGHT!!!! GO WILD WITH THE COLOR CURVES!!!! OMG!!!! THAT STUPID LITTLE TOOL IS SO FUCKING COOL!!!!!!!!! like for real, it gives effects that i have not been able to achive in any other way and omggggggg use the fucking color curves pleaaaaaaseeeeee

ok i'm notmal again , lets continue.

For the rendering i usually convine all the layers of the drawing on one layer, then use a textured brush that has low opacity of mixes very well fot the actual work. Tbh here is very i can't really help you a lot, bc i have no idea what i'm doing when i render i just don't know, the only thing i recognise is that i try to esare or clean the lines from the doodle/lineart, and i focus a lot on creating volume in the places that are more important.

Skins

An specific thing that i do a lot when it comes to coloring skin is using an undertone in red (literally) I will put the basi color, use the brush to mark where i want shadows to be in a very vibrant red and then use a blue / green / pruple (depends on the skin) to finish the shadowing. Thios metho is nice for lots of occasions, but take in consideration that it doesnt work for example for very dark scenarios where the character is suppoused to be in the shadows, as that red tone works as a outline for the light. It just depends on the situation.

Clothes foldings:

Ok so here the only thing i can give you an advise with is to remember that the way that clothes fold dependes on gravity and that gravity works in curves most of the time that have two (or more) attachment points that are going to determinate theit trajectory. Example:

And remeber that this creates (again) a volume, that there is an inside part, that it's probably going to be draker, and an outside part, that it's going to be lightter. With this info you can start practicing with images of clothes.

this is as much information as i am able to recolect on my coloring process bc i am horrible explaining , spacially on text and in english, and i am also not very much aware when i draw, i kind of disconect. I still hope this is enough to help you a bit on your learning journy.

I may try doing a video at some point if i ever have the time so i can explain my coloring while i actually do it bc if not in that situation i'm not sure i'll be able to remeber what it is that i did.

My last piece of advise is to watch speedpaints and livestreams of artists you like during their drawing process and maybe even tray to imitate them while they are drawing to see what it is that they do exccly.

hope you have a good day and lot of lucks ! be proud of being able to create and be proud of being an artist!

[saffron-words]

Introduction and UtsuKare Translations Master Post

Some of you might recognize me as that Russian translator of Utsukushii Kare books from Wattpad. I decided to revive my tumblr to compile all the links and explanations here for those of you, My Beautiful Man fans, who can't wait for official English releases of the books.

I could never keep a blog, so for now here I'll just tell how it all came about, and you can find links to all my MBM translations at the end (feel free to just skip the wall of text).

So a couple of years ago I finally bowed down and decided to read Utsukushii Kare series in Japanese for language practice, even though I found the summary unappealing and I'm generally suspicious of overhyped media (as far as BL novels go, these books seemed to be The most hyped-up series in Japan). Much to my surprise, I loved it so much it was hard to move on. And while I waited for a chance to buy book 3 and Interlude, I gobbled up everything else related to the series that I could. The manga was only just starting, I didn't like dramaCDs (but I'm in the minority), and the drama somehow revived my love for watching Jdramas, even though I thought that this part of my fandom life has been over for years. When the second season started airing, I made a new friend in the Russian-speaking parts of the Internet who was even more obsessed with MBM than I am, and we fangirled to our hearts' content. At some point I promised her to translate the big sex scene from the end of book 3 as a gift for all the talks. I did, and since back then there was nothing for book 3 in any European language, as far as I know, I decided to post it online and give a link to English-speaking UtsuKare fans too. And since Wattpad doesn't allow copying text, and the browser translator feature from Google Translate was really inadequate, I also put up a link to the translation made with Deepl. As far as machine translators go, it is noticeably more comprehensible, and I didn't have the time (or skills to do the book justice, really) to translate it to English myself. Anyway, after this excerpt I thought I could manage one more important scene from book 3, then one more, and then I finally gave up and started translating it properly from the beginning. I also started correcting mistranslations in Deepl-versions that I kept doing for English readers, so some parts of the book are now much more readable than others. Now the third and the second book are done and I started to work on book 4, Mamanaranai Kare that was published in Japan at the end of October 2024. I also translated several stories from Interlude and plan to do at least one more, and maybe some others for some holidays.

So here are the links to everything I've translated from My Beautiful Man book series:

Book 3 "Nayamashii Kare" which continues the story past the movie (completed). The text is in Russian, but there are links to decent machine translations to English at the beginning of each part (I've also run through most of them and corrected the mistranslations). Or you can use the in-browser translation feature, but the results would be less readable.

Book 2 "Nikurashii Kare" which was technically turned into season 2 of the drama and the movie, but the script has deviated so much from the book, at times it's like a completely different story (completed). I don't make Deepl translations for this since the official English release finally came out in December.

Stories from the Interlude. A number of stand-alone stories from the collection of them called "Interlude". The book has a total of 15 stories, and I probably won't translate it in its entirety, but I've dones the ones that I personally liked. One of them had also been translated to English by Mauli before, but I didn't use her version when working on mine. The rest of the stories have never been translated by anyone else, as far as I know. These, too, have links to Deepl-versions at the beginning.

Book 4 "Mamanaranai Kare" continues where book 3 left off. Ongoing. Usually I can manage at least one update per month, sometimes more, and I plan to divide the whole book into 12 parts. Each part will have a link to an English version which is machine-translated but with all mistranslations corrected by me.

Disclaimer: my Japanese is not yet really on a level good enough to translate fiction, and there are bound to be mistranslations even if you read the original Russian versions. But I'm cross-checking myself on everything to try and keep those mistakes to minor things. I also know how to translate so I made sure that the text flows well, doesn't feel choppy and retains the same vibe that I get from reading the original.

[navyhealthyglow]

glow up diaries no.3 - life update, december plans

Hello loves!!

Ahh it's so good to finally be posting here! I had such a crazy week I didn't have time to even plan any content here. Before we'll get to my plans for december and goals for the next week, here's a little life update:

I had my dancing debut! Last weekendI I attended my first show, and it was the first time in 7 years since I've been on a stage. I used to dance as a kid, but I quit after I turned 10. It was such a crazy weekend, but I was so grateful to be performing you wouldn't believe it. Cannot wait for the next show<3

Finished all my exams and officially started holidays. Friday I had my spanish exam, which was the last of my exams for my 3rd year of highschool (oops you can guess my age now). Nevertheless, I am glad it's over, I have a 6.0 GPA which is like a max in every subject, gotta love homeschooling. However there were some complications and I almost would have to finish in march, gladly I found an examiner just in time.

Lots of studying. Aside from passing my exams I studied a lot this week. Three days ago I took my test geography final, but to my surprise it wasn't as bad as I'd expect it. Also I finally downloaded my japanese textbook, so I can't wait to start learning again

Apart from all the things that happend I also had some work to take care of, I extended my library deadline (I still hadn't finished these 2 books) AND someone who I didn't expect to reached out to me, although it won't go anywhere it did made me excited. The con is that now it'll take me at least a week to get over it.

That's the end of the updates, now let's go over my goals for December and for the upcoming week.

DECEMBER GOALS:

Recently I had trouble sticking to my habits. I spent too much time on my phone, slept in, didn't care what I was putting into my body and went to bed late late late. That's why my main goal for december is to quit these habits, and stick to healthy ones that make me feel good. Second thingI want to focus on is to read more. I extended my library deadline, so I am looking forward to finishing No Longer Humand and Crime and Punishment in the next week. Also, I want to read The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Plague by Albert Camus (can you tell i'm into classics?) Last but not least, for me december is all about selfcare. I created a selfcare calendar with things to do each day. I am planning to take care of myself, and focus on improving my mindset towards a more positive one.

THIS WEEKS GOALS:

prioritize sleep cause I hadn't been sleeping well lately

no phone 30 minutes before bed and after waking up

finish No longer human for good this time and read at least 50 pages of Crime and Punishment

post more cause I miss u guys 💙

Oki doki, that's it for today. I am going to write another post for this week now, and you guys have a great evening/day/night. Love you foreva<3

Find me here: 🤍💿

#navyhealthyglow - all my og content #navyhealthytips - glow up tips #navyhealthyjourney - my glow up journey

[notbecauseofvictories]

this is the first year I've committed to doing a bunch of cookie swaps---for work, for my book club, and incidentally for a couple former coworkers who I texted because "hey, want cookies?" is easier to say than some other things. I'm delighted to participate, but honestly the best part of all of it is the amount of planning that goes into this.

How am I going to bake 8+ batches of cookies, finish a scrapbook, work as necessary, read for book club, and still find time to occasionally breathe and sleep? does it involve a color-coordinated calendar of the month of December, with different timelines for each it my concurrent projects?!?!

[cheapshrimpysheep]

Christmas Celebration - Requests

Requests are CLOSED

FANDOMS: Twisted Wonderland & Obey Me!

(I'm thinking of having 10 slots for Twisted Wonderland and 10 slots for Obey Me, or I'll close it when I feel like I have enough or too many requests for me to handle 😅)

I wanted to open requests again and I thought the best time to do it would be around Christmas time. You know, as gifts for you. 🎁

Meanwhile, I haven't had the time to open more requests and my number of followers grew very quickly, so I ended up skipping the other follower milestones celebrations.

But now I'm taking the opportunity to also celebrate 3000 Followers as well. THANK YOU SO MUCH! 🥰

If you want to see the list of previous requests, here it is:

500 Followers Celebration - Requests

1000 Followers Celebration - Requests

Please click on keep reading below to see the rules.

I WILL NOT WRITE:

NSFW / smut

Yandere

Dark Themes / Themes that require some kind of trigger warning. (Examples: suicide, eating disorders, abuse, etc.)

Angst UNLESS it ends with fluff/comfort 

I like to read these kinds of things for comfort, so I also write to comfort the reader. So something that strays too far from that, I won't write.

No need to request Yuutsu 3, I will write it, I'm just waiting for the event to go to the Eng Server. 😉 Or kissing under the mistletoe, I've already written, it will be published in December. ❤️

I only write Reader-inserts. (Reader being MC/Yuu)

If it's something short like headcanons that are usually bullet points you can ask for as many characters as you want. If it's something longer please ask for fewer characters.

I always write Gender Neutral Reader. If you want a specific gender, I just feel comfortable writing Fem Reader, since I myself am one.

I follow the English Server. So please don't ask me for anything about history and/or events that have only happened on the Japanese Server. Sorry.

No Royal Sword Academy Students. Because I don't know them well enough to know how to write them.

I always follow Canon. So no crazy AUs.*

*I can write simpler things like: What would it be like if they became babies, what would it be like in situation X if they were MC/Yuu's boyfriends, things like that. I can not write things that are extremely far from canon like literal alternate universes, crossovers with other series or games, if they were all vampires, things like that.

I only write Reader-inserts.

If it's something short like headcanons that are usually bullet points you can ask for as many characters as you want. If it's something longer please ask for fewer characters.

I always write Gender Neutral Reader. If you want a specific gender, I just feel comfortable writing Fem Reader, since I myself am one.

Characters that are part of the Intimacy System only. In Luke's case, uniquely platonic. I still don't know enough about Mephistopheles, Thirteen or Raphael to know how to write them.

If necessary, tell me which timeline you would like: Original or Nightbringer. Otherwise, I'll pick the one that I think will make the most sense.

I always follow Canon. But if you want some kind of AU, please let it be something I can adapt to some Levi’s cursed game or Satan's cursed book or something like that.

You can make your requests by asking me.

If you landed on this post out of nowhere and want to know read some of the things I've already written, you can find it in my pinned post: INDEX

[rigelmejo]

Maybe I'll have the MOST optimistic results, and the FSI Estimate of like 3520 hours for ~B2 fluency regardless of how you spent those hours (whether study or practice) will turn out being the closest to match the results I get.

Because if that's the case, fuck. I got like 1000-1500 hours probably of chinese study I did overall. Yeah 547 hours of prior extensive listening, but also a really big chunk of reading time, and a few hundred hours of explicit study in the beginning.

I am mentioning this because well. With Dreaming Spanish's roadmap doubled (which would apply to me learning Mandarin), I should expect to hit Level 5 in 1200 hours of extensive listening, and Level 6 in 2000 hours, and Level 7 (B2) in 3000 hours.

The thing is... I thought my reading level was what was making dramas easier to watch, because I could lean on the Chinese subs (which I can read well). But today I watched a couple shows with no subs. And it went fairly fine. Level 6 is the earliest that should be happening (mostly only with daily life shows - which I could handle a couple hundred hours ago), and for some people only at Level 7 are shows in niche genres (like xianxia, historical etc) for native speakers doable.

So for me... fuck it I'm going to try to do an estimate. Lets say 460 hours of listening this year, 547 hours of past extensive listening, 84 hours of explicit study anki/grammar/pronunciation guide/hanzi reference book, and lets estimate I read 25 minutes a day so ~456 hours (I actually read 1-2 hours for 4 years but I took many months off so I'm cutting a full year and making the average much smaller than 1-2 hours). So all that combined is: 1,547 hours

Mmm... that would put me solidly into Level 5 and maybe help explain why the shows are doable now. Maybe my estimate is conservative.

If I estimate my prior study combined was 1500 hours, then I'd be at 1960, close to 2000 hours and Level 6, which would make more sense...

Mmmmm

Then on the other hand. Maybe reading just boosts the fuck out of results? Maybe my vocabulary is just increasing really fast recently, because I finally have enough of a base to recognize a bunch of words I've been reading with ease? I could read like 10k words when I was reading a lot. Maybe my listening vocabulary is just hitting around 10k now...

Maybe my listening vocabulary has just caught up/is about to catch up with my reading vocabulary.

Okay that idea is more plausible. Level 6 in Dreaming Spanish estimates one knows 7,000 words, Level 7 estimates one knows around 12,000 words. If my vocabulary just jumped past Level 6 then know wonder I'm feeling like I can do more than it suggests.

Don't get it twisted, learner material like Dashu Mandarin is still HARD, I am only just able to parse EazyMandarin's main ideas in videos, and Chinese Podcast with Shenglan still has many new words for me to learn (but feels how Teatime Chinese felt to me 100 hours ago). So I think my listening vocabulary is still being practiced/strengthened/reinforced.

I am curious when I will reinforce all these 10k words I could read before, enough to notice myself picking up many brand new words. I'm picking up a LOT of words daily, like 冷漠 密码 愤怒 星系 飞船 意大利面 埋 断袖 立刻 毕业 影响 傀儡but when I look them up I often realize they're words I could already read. I have mostly continued to find the words I'm recognizing as I listen continue to be words I could read already (or made up of individual words I could read before).

It's just been wild today noticing how much more I can understand.

I tried listening to 大哥 priest audiobook today, and it sounds so slow and clear and like... as easy as 撒野 sounded 50 hours ago. But I know 大哥 is harder, back in December 2024 I could just BARELY follow 撒野 rough main idea if I listened twice to scenes. I tried 大哥 back then too and couldnt fucking parse it, and so I tried reading the novel while listening, and the novel I could follow the rough main idea but the wording complexity was making it difficult to read and I felt the desire to look up many words. So I gave up. Now I understand easily 90% of the words being said. Probably closer to 95%+ or it would feel harder than this. I had assumed the 大哥 audiobook would be too hard until I finished 默读 or 镇魂 audiobook first. Guess that was happily not the case.

I wish I could find an audiobook for 过门... if anyone finds one, please let me know.

[lyralit]

4.1.24 - the importance of learning new things

As much as I think academic & work focus is incredibly important going into the new year, one of my other goals is to practice doing more: to learn all of the things I want to do, in addition to work, in addition to writing. I want to know how to do thousands of little things, and I think the longer we wait, the less likely we are to do them.

Picking up a new hobby doesn't have to be buying a dozen textbooks and spending hundreds of dollars on lessons because you might have the slightest interest: it can be from whatever you have here, now, and you'll never learn if you don't get started.

Some of the things I've been getting into (as I've mentioned before) are baking & crocheting. it just feels so cozy and nice & I love the idea of comfort.

here is a list of things I want to / you should try that's new!

learning a new language. fifteen minutes a day, I kid you not. I'm learning latin on duolingo and I don't ever think about it, but when I do it (25 day streak 💪🏻), I'm starting to notice my improvements

consuming good media. and that's not scrolling for half an hour on tumblr. it's books—deep ones and silly ones and ones about romance and dragons and apocalypses. it's movies! I watched keira knightley's pride and prejudice twice in the last few months, and also three men and a baby which is something I never thought I would watch, but it was quite funny I think. and I learn from it: I cannot write humour or romance for the life of me, so it's basically studying to write (is the self-gaslighting too evident?)

learning to crochet. I made a silly little headband today, after scrolling through pinterest and desperately wanting one. I started crocheting in december to give as gifts (I completed none of my wips, much like when I write) and used the tools I had around me: an old rainbow loom hook and whatever string I could find. now I'm proud to say I can read somewhat fluently crochet acronyms.

baking. I keep saying this. I know. but when I tell you a two years ago I was exploding cupcakes in the oven and last month I made bakery-style cookies...I made bread! a loaf of bread! (in a bread machine, but it's so good and I instantly made another. there is one in the bread machine right now). honestly it just made me feel that much better about improvement, and trying new things, and that is the mindset I want for the new year.

learning to code. in all honesty, I never thought I was a compsci - engineer kind of person. then this year, out of sudden (masterminded) urges, I joined a bunch of tech and robotics initiatives, and maybe it's the sense of community (I can rejoice in finding another nerdy group) but now I am happily chauffeuring myself to these meetings 4h a week. I'm looking into pursuing more into the fields of eng and science. and I'm learning some code from one of the friends I've made!

starting a blog. ...I know most of the people who linger around my blog stay for the writing content (the last posts have turned this writerblr into a digital diary, and I'm only half sorry for that). but since I've joined tumblr (almost three years ago now!) I've got to meet so many wonderful people (including you!) and want to try so many things.

and I get it. it's overwhelming. so here are some starting goals that maybe I'll try also.

start doing art. -> make a card for someone as a gift.

learn a new sport & start exercising. (I'm trying out track & field in the spring, so stay tuned to figure out how that goes) -> see if someone will come play ball with you. do 1 or 2 youtube workout videos a week.

film videos of your daily life. it doesn't need to be for posting! -> edit together clips you've taken for a last year recape.

start a scrapbook. -> print out photos and dig up construction paper. decorate a page.

make a poetry journal. -> go on pinterest to read poetry! pin styles you like and set fifteen minutes to writing.

make a regular journal! -> write once a day. just try: goals for the day in the morning, or a recap at night.

try your hand at gardening. -> research plants that grow well in your region. see if any of the seeds you may have at home are useful. water your lawn. buy a plant and try to keep it alive (set reminders, leave it in front of your sink)

learn to make candles. -> watch a youtube tutorial. see if you can play around with candles you already have.

play chess. -> see if someone will play chess with you. no? chess.com is right there. go make an account. go find a stranger.

learn to play an instrument off youtube. -> maybe you have a piano sitting around, or a guitar you've never touched. you don't even need to master it. pick a song you like and google that. no instrument? maybe there's a way to play drums with home items.

go for a run. -> once a week. a set time. just shoes and the outdoors. too cold? go to a gym and use a treadmill. maybe that's not possible? skip rope.

start / join a book club. -> just you, or some close friends, or people online. a book a month. talk about it.

** on that note, would anyone like to join a tumblr book club? slide into my asks and maybe we can get a blog list!

thank you for reading again <3 until next time.

k.

[myloveforhergoeson]

ash's december 2024 reading round up

find all the books and fics i read (or didn't read...) this month under the cut with a link to the synopsis and my reviews/ratings attached :)

this is just for fun! i'm not a professional, i just like to read <3

booklist:

Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey (18+!)

review: ...mid as hell actually. and not technically a book, more of a novella, but the pacing was wayyy too quick regardless. i didn't really like either of the characters. i've been singing tessa's praises for the last year but honestly, her last few works have left me really disappointed :( don't even have the energy for a plot summary besides: single mom moves to a small town where the local single framer takes interest in her. maybe i just hate small-town romance. idk. skip this one

rating: 3/5 times i cringed at their "dirty talk"

2. Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood (18+!)

review: ali hazelwood.... save me.... save me ali hazelwood....... literally anything i pick up by her (i think i only have one or two books out of her complete works i haven't read...) is a certified banger okay? a second chance... former childhood friends... forced proximity... best friend's brother... billionaire.......holiday romance novella......... oh my lord. the brilliant way this story was split between the past and present was so well put together, giving just enough information to understand the present while not enough to reveal any information about the past until the story had run it's course... augh... it's so masterfully written GOD. and the characters, jaime and marc were so wonderful. even in the short length of the story i really cared for them both and the pacing of their story was so pleasant! def would recommend if anyone is looking for a quick holiday read next holiday season!

rating: 4/5 times i had to figure out the settings of my new kindle during this read

did not reach my goal of 24 books this year :( trying again this year!

fic list:

i want to start this section with a preface: as i am learning i'm struggling with a gigantic bout of writer's block atm, i've found myself reading less fic as a result. this doesn't mean i support yalls works any less. it's my resolution this year to read as much as i can - fic or otherwise - so please give me some grace as i learn to love fic again! so proud of you all and your works. that's being said, here is my sad short list from december

assorted works of @icegirl2772

It's a Wonderful Life - Big Time Secret Santa 2024

We Do (But Friends Don't)

my friend..... kucy ship of all time, for one. but i LOVE the way you wrote the two of them as adults so much! so much of their character traits from the show still made it in, despite them being older. the way you constructed their relationship backstory fit so well too!... augh.... also the idea that they all own mansions next to each other when they grow up sent me bc of course they do.... THE ENGAGEMENT ALSO??? THE SCREAM I SCRUMPT!!!!!! it TRULY IS A WONDERFUL LIFE......! so sweet of you to write this for pearl and got to share it with all of us as well :)) <3 and the new chapter of we do but friend's don't had me kicking my feet and twirling my hair around my finger......... god i love jaelyn so fucking much......

2. assorted works of @naquey/@ithinkyouhealedmyheart

Ghostwriter Extras: Swim

Ghostwriter Ch 18-22

swim...... aguh........... aside from the main point, i think this story showed such depth to ronnie's character that i haven't yet seen in ghostwriter! the way you write emotion is so raw and real, the descriptions of her every thought and feeling really informs her decisions and it's so fascinating to see the way her mind works. it's the same in the main story, of course, which i love so dearly as well! ronnie and kurt's trouble in paradise is driving me crazy!! and your descriptions as ronnie is going through that is so interesting!! so excited to catch up and see what the gang is all up to :3 <3

3. assorted works of @partiallypearl/@praetoravila

All Over Again Ch 10

and when i was ten, you were my best friend

listen, i think about the first scene with olive and lexi like literally on the daily. the "i'm giving myself permission to have different options" line lexi shares has quite honestly entered my list of little mantras i tell myself when the going gets tough.... so impactful and so important and so wonderful of lexi to share with olive. changed my entire worldview for a second and many times afterward i stg.... so ty for that! and the way you write logan and camille (even if it's hard to see for a lomille shipper such as i....) is honestly what i imagine those two are like when the going gets tough. they're both so emotional and you capture that so well! even if this is a fight they don't come back from (and i hope bc im a bigger lolive shipper...) it is so true to them IMO!! but olive is driving me crazy trying to help fix it.... girl that's the love of your life leave it alone!!!!!!!!!! last few lines had me reeling. logan you perfect stupid genius idiot........ <3333!!! :) AND OF COURSE MY CHRISTMAS GIFT..... friend i cannot thank you enough. i know that kames is not ship you love, but the way you captured the boy's relationship was masterfully written. despite not knowing much canon info about their lives in minnesota, i think you did a wonderful job at displaying the dynamic between james and kendall. i'm also a sucker for multiple interpretations - so be it a platonic or romantic interaction, it was still something personal and hard to share, but james shared anyway... augh.... god i'm obsessed with them.thank you so much for the gift. you are always so sweet and kind to me and ily mwah!!!!

4. assorted works of @fiyero0533/@fiyero3305

I Gotta Get New Friends

first of all, any kidfic kills me, but there is something so special about baby btr..... i also love the logan is from texas agenda sm. sometimes fanon should be canon but i digress! the dialogue was so realistic to kiddos and i love the way kendall was wanting to help logan, even as a stranger! natural born leader forever. i would love to read about the four of them conducting science experiments from logans book or from bill nye lmaoooo! and everyone meeting as lunch augh!! "are you going to get injured again?" "probably!" took me outtt. and the END AUGHHHH god i love those four so much. such a sweet gift im so thrilled you got to share :3

[lucigoo]

Weekly Roundup: 25th November - 1st December

So, I managed to write 65,309 words this month for my WIP finish NaNoMo. I also finished a noce, round 20 wips (though not all are pubished yet and some are from/for fests) so I am feeling very accomplished.

As always here are the fi recs, and then I will add mine. I have 5 fivs to share

Disruption of the Harmony - Morg47 - The Hobbit - (Bilbo/Thorin. Check out the enitre serie!!! They are amazing and @shipper47 deserves so much praise for such a clever concept!)

Summary: Melkor may have been banished to the Void, but he could still see some of what happened on Ea. Sauron might have been defeated by the elves and men, but Melkor had an ace up his sleeve. One that none of the other Valar would ever suspect.

What to do when one has died? Dig of course. - DBlack13 - Multifandom (Bilbo/Thorin. Afterlife shennanigans!)

Summary: After death, Bilbo is bored. He misses his adventures, and although Yavanna’s Garden is everything a hobbit would wish for, Bilbo can’t help missing his friends in the Company, and above all, a certain blue-eyed leader…

For here you are, standing there, loving me (whether or not you should) - OptimisticDinosaur - Harry Potter (Srius/Remus, Sound of music au all!!!)

Summary: After adopting the nine children of his fallen Order of the Phoenix companions, Lord Sirius Black finds himself the head of a household full of unprocessed grief, a string of failed tutors (who all quit after one too many pranks from Fred and George), and no clue how to parent other than keeping his chaotic family safely hidden away from the rising Death Eater factions that remain.

Enter Remus Lupin: a restless young academic, eager to get out into the world after growing up sheltered in a hidden werewolf sanctuary. When he accepts a position in Lord Black’s household as the new tutor, little does he know that soon he’ll learn to love this clan of rambunctious children and their handsome, grief-stricken father… who may just love him back.

A Road from the Garden - Chrononautical - Multifandom (Bilbo/Thorin, a phenominal quest reimganing)

Summary: Bilbo Baggins has a brother. Worried about gossiping neighbors, his parents are very careful to hide Kili's nature. Long used to hiding his own nature, Bilbo accepts the same responsibility for his brother as he grows up. But hiding anything becomes impossible when dwarves come to the Shire.

The Lesson of You - thecouchsofa - Harry Potter (Harry/Drac)

Summary: Harry likes kids. That doesn't mean he's ready for a small boy to turn up on the doorstep of Grimmauld Place insisting that Harry is his father. That was weird enough, but the child identifying Draco Malfoy as his other parent was something Harry had no bloody idea how to handle.

Got A Secret Need To Keep It - BindiTheSkunk - The Hobbit (Bilbo/Thorin, Mpreg!)

Summary: Bilbo tries to do what Thorin told him to with his supposedly dying breaths and return home to his books and armchair...but a sudden revelation makes him go to return to the place his heart was left at, but he is set upon by Mirkwood's elves who wish to use him...

Have a wonderful week all, and happy reading <3

Now, as I said, I managed to complete a whoel 20 out of 63 wips and I'm ngl, I'm feeling pretty proud of myself. So here are th elast of Novembers fics, hope you like them.

When the ripples finally still - Lucigoo89 - The Hobbit (Bilbo/Thorin, technically MCD but I proinse its fluffy lol. Written for @flashfictionfridayofficial, prompt 281 - ripple effect

Summary: Bilbo found a ring, one small ring and his action in picking it up caused so much harm, so much pain to himself and all those he loved.

His time is coming to an end, he knows, he can feel it, and all he can do is hope he is allowed to reunite with his lost love. That the Valar will have mercy on one little hobbit who accidentlly became the ripples in the pond.

Bernard's Castle - Lucigoo89 - Harry Potter (Sirius/Remus, Moody/Kingsley, written for a wonderful friend of mine.)

Summary: One day! Just one nice, normal day out. That was all Harry wanted. He supposes its too much to ask for when VOldemort wants to kill you andall of his death eaters are out to kill you.

No matter what though, those who love him will make sure he has just one nice, normal (ish) day out.

Bilbo's Big Adventure - Lucigoo89 - The Hobbit (adult) Bilbo/Thorin) Written fro the Scribbles and Drabbles fest, Slide 29 from @hobbityalse

Summary: Belladonna is on a visit to Rivendell, imagine her surprise when she opens her bags and finds her faunt that she left at home, safe with his father ...

The crown that should not have been mine - Lucigoo89 - The Hobbit (Fili/Legolas, also written for the scribbles and drabbles fest. Slide 55)

Summary: Fili is king. Fili does not wish to be king. Fili wants to be back in Ered Luin, sharing a too small house with his brother, mother and his now gone uncle. Fili does not want to be king, but he is and the crown weighs heavy on his head, and heavier on his heart than he could have ever imagined.

And finally To share a sunset - Lucigoo89 - The Lord of the Rings (Sam/Frodo, also fro the Scribbles and Drabbles fest, slide 26)

Summary: Sam and Frodo are finally at peace, sat side by side as they share a sunset. SOmething they could have never imagined whilst traversing Middle Earth to save it and one another.

See you al next week <3

[onwriting-hrarby]

for you — rivamika fanfic notice

Dear everyone,

Knock-knock—is someone there? I truly hope so because my mind has been wondering about this story for a while. So, first things first: Hi, this is Hera, the author of "For You."

Because yes: a new chapter is coming. It has been coming for the past ten months, but now I only have 5 mini-chapters left to write and a 30- page chapter to revise. Let me break it to you: 2024 has been... eventful. In a letter in April (I believe) I told you that I needed to focus on my original novel for a while because I aimed to finish it after summer, and I did. In the process of completing the novel, I celebrated becoming a 30-year-old, I had a future crisis, I decided to take a master's, I submitted a proposal for a children's book, opened a Substack, bought myself a car (and I'm indebted for the rest of my life, probably) and basically, life happened. Which is exhausting but also nice. Being offline became my priority: I deleted my personal Twitter account, and dumbified my phone. I have so many inputs in my life that I didn't need any more.

September came, the 5 mini chapters still left to write. I got my first "no" for my original novel, but I got a "yes" for the children's book submission—so, happy to say that I'm going to be a published author! (If all goes according to plan. I do not celebrate before I have the book printed in front of me.) I am also in the middle of my teacher's practicum but still juggling with my ordinary job, so I'm dealing with quite a lot. However, as I was telling you, this story hasn't left my mind. I know some of you have been wondering, giving me courage through the comments, and I appreciate this so much. Whenever I think about the relationship of Mikasa and Levi in this fic I grow worried that I'm not going to have enough time to explore all the nuances and pain that comes with motherhood and love—but I need to tell myself that this is fanfiction, that Mikasa and Levi aren't going anywhere, and that it is fine in just trying.

I also had worries that no one was here anymore. But I read a Zutara fanfiction in May in which the author did several hiatus. The writing spanned during five years or more and it made me think that fanfiction shouldn't be a timing burden. I think a lot about the relationship of my online and offline persona and how it doesn't differ that much—I'm still the same imaginative, self-pushing, perfectionist girl—and this fanfiction told me that it's alright: I have a story to tell. I hope it finds someone. And even though I take time, I hope for that someone to come back here when they want and find the story again.

I need to submit the children's book by the end of January, and my master thesis by April (although I will have a lot of work from my master before and after too). But now that the life work is lessening, I hope I can finally sit in front of the computer and finish Chapter 4. I am envisioning this story to have 9 chapters in total, but we will see.

So, this story is coming. My goal is for it to come on the end of December or beginning of January—but it will come. If you want to know when I upload a chapter, you can subscribe to the fanfiction and you will receive the notification on your inbox, which is a cool feature. In fact, I have begun finishing Chapter 4... but god, my English is rusty. I take long.

Anyways. Hope to see you soon. Thank you for your comments and encouragement—it has made the offline Hera very happy, too.

—Hera