#but unfortunately i'm probably not sparkly enough for them

[acacia-may]

For a little tree, how about Blue Pegasus master Bob?

Hi there, Anon-friend! Thank you so much for your ask and for playing my Penny for Your Thoughts ask game! 💖 Also, thank you for sharing one of your Little Trees! 🌲

I've got to be honest with you about how excited I was when I saw this ask because as much as I love the Fairy Tail Guild with their wonderful found family themes, I think my favorite guild overall was Blue Pegasus. I was just so happy and excited every time they showed up, and they always made me smile and laugh so much! My sister says that they would only end up really annoying me if I actually joined up with them, but...they're just so delightful and literally sparkle with the power of friendship!! What's not to love? ✨💖

So yes absolutely have much love for Master Bob as the leader of that group! He's a fun character in his own right too. He is a "Little Tree" so we don't know too much about him, but he does seem to have an excellent sense of humor and tries to keep morale up by being cheery, a bit boisterous and very friendly, and he also genuinely cares a lot about his guild. I do love that he has such a big personality and such a big heart for being such a "Little Tree"! 💖🌲 I can't say I have the strongest opinions about just him specifically, but I think my love for Blue Pegasus as a whole definitely spreads to him as their leader and he absolutely does deserve some appreciation!

For his song, I've gone for a bit of a sillier choice (which I feel like he would appreciate) and chosen "Glitter" by Koo Koo Kanga Roo since it really feels like a Blue Pegasus song to me. It's so peppy and upbeat yet also a bit wacky and whimsical in the best way. Also, all those references to glitter are definitely fitting seeing as they literally sparkle. ✨

Glitter - YouTube

Thank you again for the ask! I'm so glad you've shared about one of your little trees and also given me the chance to gush over how much I just absolutely love Blue Pegasus! 💖

[justwonder113]

Head over heels - Lee Know

part 2

Warning: Mentions of drinking, Minho is a bit tipsy but he's sober by the end of it. Rader is getting hit on by some weird dude. Slightly suggestive at the end. Minho is staring at the reader's chest. GN reader. Not proofread. Please tell me if I missed anything

Word count -1.8k

Masterlist

A/N- I'm finally back!! Thankfully I got over the virus and more than dedicated to write as much as I can. I have many ideas and can't wait to write all of them. Thank you for all the love and support you've given me it truly means the world to me. Reblogs and comments are much appreciated. If you have any requests too feel free to do so. Take care of yourselves, love you all❤️

When is the right time to say that you're head over heels in love with someone? Perhaps when they do something really romantic and/or selfless. Something probably really kind and generous, something really cool... Probably not when they are dazed from having a bit too much to drink and look like they are about to fall asleep any given second now, right? Yup, you were definitely weird, probably the main reason you and Minho clicked this well. Okay in your defense you knew you were smitten with him for a while obviously, who wouldn't fall for him? it just downed on you though how down bad you actually were.

Really though. To think that you would realize that you're in love with your best friend when his like anywhere but this world is beyond crazy, even for you.

"Pretty boy do you want me to bring you some water?" You asked after seeing him blink slowly yet another time. You were at this club Hyunjin had invited you at. The music was blasting on the full volume and everyone was having the time of their life, well maybe except you and Minho. Normally you would be also be having fun with your friends but now everything felt a bit dull. Maybe because you didn't drink anything. You had bad flu earlier and you just didn't feel like drinking today. As for Minho, normally the drinks didn't get to him that easily, but he wad been overworking himself a lot lately and due to the fatigue even such small amount of alcohol as two or three shots got to him pretty easily.

Minho looked at you with dazed eyes for a second or two, as if trying to gather his thoughts. Something glimmered in his already sparkly eyes and he gave you a small smile. God, he looked so squishy and cute like this you wanted to pinch his cheeks. Not that you would, he had this tough persona to keep. Also not to sound weird but you didn't want others to notice how cute he was. Let's just say you wanted to gatekeep him for yourself.

After Minho gave you a small nod you got up and headed to the bar. There were a lot of people in line so you would probably have to wait quite a while to get something as simple as glass of water. You texted Minho that this could take a minute or two and started waiting for your turn. Meanwhile from the corner of your eye you saw someone shamelessly check you out, like, could they be any more obvious about it? You prayed that he wouldn't approach you while you also crossed your fingers for the bartender to hurry up. You decided to ignore it. You didn't see anything.

Unfortunately your prayers hadn't been answered, the sleazy man decided to approach you, honestly the audacity some people had. You tried to keep your distance but it was all in vain. The man stood in front of you now. He even made a show of slowly checking you out. God what a pig. You really tried your best to compose yourself, you really didn't need to make a scene now.

"Hello. Gorgeous can I buy you a drink?" God even his voice was so annoying. You reminded yourself that you needed to keep calm. With the most polite voice you could muster you answered that you were good and that you were with someone. But the dude still kept pestering, making your blood boil even more. Who the hell did he think he was? You had enough of this, you were about to warn him that you would call the security on him, when hands wrapped around you. You stiffened for a second, but relaxed when you noticed that it was Minho. The strange man grumbled. "Shit, boyfriend of yours?"

Minho answered before you could, his hands tight around your waist, his glare cold as ice. "Yes, now fuck off." The man was about to argue but Minho's death glare shut him up quickly. The man slithered away to disturb someone else you guessed. You noticed to yourself to nitify security about him. He seemed shady.

You turned your full attention to Minho, who kept hugging you and now had rested his head on your shoulder. He still felt sleepy you guessed. "You took too long." He grumbled after a few seconds of silence. You turned your head and kissed the top oh his head. Minho grunted again. "Sorry pretty boy. Let's get you that water." You took a step towards the bar but Minho stopped you.

"Don't want it anymore."

You fully turned to Minho and started closely examining him, his face was unreadable though.

"Hey, how are you? Are you okay?"

"Just tired. Can I stay at yours?" You thought for a minute jokingly which Minho didn't really appreciate which he showed by softly pinching your side. Really, what was up with him being all cute today? You couldn't help yourself and you gave him a little peck on his cheek.

"Sure." Minho didn't say something, and you couldn't read anything on his face. He held his hand towards you and after you held it he started leading you to others so that you could say your goodbyes.

The walk to your house wasn't long. You appreciated the comfortable silence between you two. It was peaceful. You also loved how extra protective Minho was over you, he didn't let go of your hand whole way. Your heart felt like it would burst from joy.

You sighed in relief once you walked into the safehold of your house. It felt so good to be home. Like the two youthful people you were you immediately started getting ready for bed. You of course on top that pestered Minho to drink plenty of water before going to sleep. You didn't want him to wake up with a hangover. Surprisingly he was being obedient. You also couldn't help but admit that sleepy Minho was absolutely adorable. To you he just looked so soft and squishy all you wanted to do was to cover his whole face with kisses. And from the way how whiny he was, telling you that you should hurry up already and come to him he would most likely let you.

You didn't know when you crossed the boundary between being friends and well something more, but here you were now. You were always touchy with each other and flirting was a regular occurrence too, you didn't know when these playful banters became meaningful and made your heart flutter, you didn't really know when did you get so extra affectionate but you loved it if it meant that maybe you two could become something more.

You tried to get ready for bed as fast as possible, but the chains you had worn today didn't really let you. They managed to get stuck and you didn't really feel like going to sleep in them. So you turned to Minho who laid across on your bed. Diagonally like a sweet person he was. He had changed into the sweats and oversized shirt he had left at your house, but as it seemed he got lazy to get under the covers. "Min can you help me with these?" You asked sweetly as possible. Minho didn't answer and you thought that he fell asleep again laying diagonally on your bed, but he got up after a couple of seconds. He looked at you with unimpressed eyes waiting for you to ask what you wanted. You motioned towards your bundled up chains. Minho grumbled again but immediately started working on it.

The chains were more tangled up than you could imagine. Minho kept grumbling about how he should just snap them but still kept diligently working through every knot. You had no idea how did they get so tangled up on your neck. You got curious on what was taking so long and looked down and only when did you notice that upper buttons were open and you were showing quite a decent amount of cleavage. You felt shy for a second but then as if on cue you noticed how Minho's eyes kept shifting down towards your exposed skin. Let's just say it was a nice ego boost. Subtly as possible you even straightened up a little so you could show off your assets better. You didn't know if Minho knew you did that on purpose but his eyes sure did appreciate the sight. You didn't even realize you were staring at him, before he looked up and your eyes met. Suddenly you felt lost at words. How was he so gorgeous? You could use every word in dictionary and still it wouldn't be able to fully express his beauty. You wondered for a second if he was aware just what he did to you. God, you could just stare at him for hours.

"I did it." He spoke calmly as he placed your chain on your hands. "I think I know how you should thank me." Was it you or was he really close? You could even feel his breath on your skin. Your eyes couldn't help but shift from his eyes down to his pretty lips. What were you even doing? Minho noticed your wandering eyes, his gaze also shifted down to your lips.

His finger touched under your chin and slowly lifted your face so that you were eye to eye again.

"What do you have in mind?" You found your voice after a few long seconds of being rendered speechless.

"I want to kiss you so bad." Minho's confession sent shivers down your spine. Good thing that you were sitting on your bed, you felt like you would fall otherwise. You felt like fanning yourself, your whole body felt so hot.

"What's stopping you then?" You quipped back, he was so close now with each breath your lips slightly grazed each other.

"Nothing." His voice was raw with emotion. You didn't even get to say anything, his lips were on you in matter of milliseconds. The kiss was raw, passionate. It ignited you, you felt alive now that you had the taste of his lips. It was everything and so much more, it was like he tried to convey his feelings with this kiss.

Guess you were not the only one head over heels for the other.

[rosekasa]

“I was going for the cheek/forehead and I missed 😳” kiss for any side of the square ❤️

AHHH ANON THANK U!!!

92. “I was going for the cheek/forehead and I missed 😳” kiss - from this amazing list by @kisspromptsforthelovesquare !

Ladybug hates Hawk Moth for a lot of reasons. But interrupting the first date she's had with her boyfriend after his month away in Verona truly takes the cake.

Coming to a halt at Champs de Mars, she sets Adrien down on his feet. The power still hasn't come back on after the attack; the safety announcement hasn't been broadcasted yet, and no one has been brave enough to come back out and return to their picnic blankets.

"Thanks, Ladybug." He dusts himself off once he's out of her arms. Despite being cornered in an alleyway for two hours, he still looks gorgeous -- brand new white shirt perfectly pressed, not a strand of hair out of place. "You really didn't have to trouble yourself, though. I could've just walked."

She knows that very well -- but she wasn't about to let Hawk Moth win. He can interrupt all her dates as much as he wants, but he cannot stop her from exercising her God-given right of enjoying how attractive her boyfriend is up-close and personal.

"What are superheroes for?" she says with a smile. "I mean, I know Chat Noir is your favourite, but unfortunately you were stuck with me today."

He laughs awkwardly. "Chat Noir? My favourite?" he says. "I'd like to have a word with some of your sources. I've been a Ladybug fanboy since day one."

She rolls her eyes. "Your flirting is even as bad as his."

"You should meet my girlfriend. No one thinks my flirting is as bad as she does."

She can't help but laugh. Of course he wears that like a badge of pride. The thing he'd lamented the most while in Verona was how text messages 'didn't do justice' to his awful lines.

"Maybe you should follow her example more often and I won't have to save you from akumas all the time," she says.

He smiles. "But it's always nice to see an old friend."

She goes in for a casual, habitual side-hug. As if he's just a regular-schmegular civilian she's been saving for months and not the guy she was close to building a shrine for to get him to come back to Paris early.

Just as they begin to pull away, Ladybug leans in and presses a polite kiss to his cheek.

Except Adrien, about to say something, turns his head at the last second, and her lips land squarely on his.

They both freeze.

A beat passes, then two. He hasn't moved yet. Neither has she. One of them probably should, though.

But also... she hasn't kissed Adrien in a very long time.

No. Maybe enjoying how attractive her boyfriend is is her God-given right, but Hawk Moth would definitely have a field day if he found out Ladybug was kissing supermodel Adrien Agreste while his girlfriend was nowhere to be found after an akuma attack.

She leaps back, lips smarting. "I am so sorry."

He blinks a few times, as if she'd just hit him with her yo-yo. "No, I mean-- it's fine."

She opens her mouth to speak. Before she can, he reaches up and wipes a thumb over his chin. Pink gloss comes off. He looks at her, nonplussed. Blush shoots up to her hairline.

"You're not wearing your passion fruit lip balm?" he asks.

Silence passes over them for many seconds.

"...What?" she says.

He rubs his fingers together, pouting. "This is sparkly," he says, as if that's any kind of explanation.

"...What?"

He looks up, and his expression shifts. "Do you not... know?"

Eyes wide, she shakes her head.

More silence ensues.

"...How?" he finally says.

She stares at him. "What do you mean, 'how'?"

"I've seen you de-transform before almost every single one of our dates," he says. "You got to the airport five minutes after class ended to see me off. I thought you wanted me to know you were Ladybug."

Before, at least, she might've been able to convince herself they were talking about different things. Not after that.

"But you-- you said I'm an old friend!" she says. "You referred to your girlfriend!"

"I thought we were doing a bit!"

She sighs deeply, scrubbing her hands down her face. This is Hawk Moth's fault. She doesn't know how, but it is.

"Why were you shocked when I kissed you?" she asks quietly.

His face turns sheepish. He rubs the back of his neck, looking at the grass.

"I missed you," he says. "We haven't kissed in a long time."

Ladybug's heart leaps in her ribcage. No, she's not giving Hawk Moth credit for this.

Flying forward, she wraps her arms around him and brings her mouth to his, kissing him entirely on purpose.

The power comes back on after two minutes. While she's not sure about Hawk Moth, Twitter, at least, certainly has a field day.

[sillysnaildraws]

(Well that one post certainly got my attention..)

So... mcsm ask! Do you have a favorite dynamic between two characters(or more) in the game?

Also, I love your art! It's so pretty and sparkly

Mwah ha ha! My genius plan worked! >:3

Thank you for the compliment!

Favourite dynamics? Ooh, you know I'm gonna ramble! I might end up talking about all my favourite ships and friendships!

First up, gotta talk about the friendship between Lukas and Radar, like oh my god. It's so cute and supportive. Like, nervous wreck and one who keeps him calm and rational? Yes, love it. Also, that scene in the background where he is teaching Radar how to fight is so adorable! Such a wholesome friendship, I'm dying.

Now, one of my favourite ships that I don't really see much of unfortunately, Admin Shipping (Fred x Romeo x Xara). Like, in the best circumstances, it is so cute! I kinda see it as Caregiver/Soft x Gremlin x Serious Girlboss. Though Xara and Romeo are bit mentally fucked up, especially with the backstories I give them which I have wrote an AO3 fic about, and the two bounce off each others moods, both positive and negative which can lead to arguments between them, Fred is always there to calm them down. I feel like Xara and Romeo are really bad with saying "I'm sorry", while on the other hand Fred apologises too much, Romeo and Xara found a different way to show apology: cuddling! When the two are in a bad mood, they don't really wanna be touched so cuddling each other after an argument is their way of saying "I'm sorry, we're good now." Ogh, I could talk about them all day but I need to move on to the next dynamic before I get too silly and write a whole essay on them.

Right, ok. Another friendship I like is Xara and Jesse. It might sound a bit weird but hear me out, think of it as like doing all the best interactions with her. Jesse helps her to trust again, after being betrayed by one of the people she loved and I love that. Especially with how they would take care of her. Xara would probably try and help Jesse and their friends when the spiders show up but Jesse would just give her the bed and tell her "Go to bed right now. You've done enough, ok?" I feel like this would catch her off guard because she's not used to people caring for her. Though it also would work vise versa, with Xara protecting Jesse from monsters throughout their time together. I could also see Jesse helping her rebuild the Oasis post season two!

Ooh, I also like the dynamic between Petra and Jack! In my head, it screams Father Daughter relationship! The way Petra looks up to Jack is so adorable, like just seeing hop around in excitement upon meeting him, ogh my heart! And the way Jack takes care of her too, alongside not wanting to disappoint her when he felt scared being in the place that killed his other friends.

God, I love the block characters!

[raccoonfallsharder]

let me love your OCs

to request a doodle, read and reblog this post. (currently CLOSED) art masterlist | navigation | fiction masterlist current queue | rocket art | my OCs

petra quill, j'me, petra again | moon, juno, rose ♡

doodle requests are currently CLOSED.

i reserve the right to choose & reorganize my queue based on wherever inspiration strikes (it's not that i don't like your OC ~ it's just that my creativity is a fickle thing). i do tend to most enjoy drawing humanoid femmes with reckless hair in the gotg fandom, so they will probably get priority.

avery, jolie, fleuret, chérie | ken, brita, star, akira | ember, mori, magril, dori

Akira (@bakaotakulife) look at this shiny blue-haired badass. she has such an interesting backstory and you'll want to follow her creator to find out more about what happens next, i'm just saying.

Avery Malloli (@evolvingchaoswitch) is a fuckin badass bar-owner with sexy arm-muscles and tattoos and both i and jolie have crushes on them.

Brita (@pretty-chips) is such a pure, delightfully fun character with record-store-clerk vibes. Thank you for letting me draw her. She is a glowing sunbeam-soul. ♡ another Brita wearing a terran t-shirt gifted to her by my oc, Jolie Spinner

Chérie (Cherry) (@aliasrocket) I have a crush. 10/10 would attempt to flirt with (badly). Thank you so much for creating her and letting me doodle her! Dori (@funkydancingdinosaur ) i have deeply loved having the chance to draw and paint tadoria. they are so rad and i love their bioluminescent fucken eyes. i may end up having to draw them again at some point just to play with those eyes again. so fuckin cool

Ember (@thirteens-lucky-tardis) this girl is a fucking dragon. she’s got such interesting background lore and she’s cool as fuck. i vow i will, someday, draw her wings. truly a rich and interesting oc with great interactions with rocket! thank you gif letting me doodle her!

Erit (@hipothermia) is a super-interesting cat-like alien with some mind-control powers, gorgeous patterning, and she's besties with rocket (i get it. they both like to annoy quill.) SUPER cool character, SUPER fun to draw! ♡♡

Fleuret (@elegant-fleuret) is my personal caffeine deity. i now pray to her for the ability to scrape myself out of bed and for deliverance from coffee crashes. she is also the dj of knowhere which is possibly the coolest fucking job in the universe and i would like to be her friend.

J'me (@caesarhamato22) is a badass babe and i loved getting to try some new things and make up some guns. plus making something for jay is like. making an offering to a god. such a fucken honor

Jolie (Window Across the Galaxy) - my gremlin child. just some scritchy-scratchy character concepts. feel free not to look if you want to imagine Jo in your own way. ♡ another series of low-rent jolies ♡ the "real" Jolie doodle - refined, finished, && in color ♡ a favorite scene of Jolie & Rocket (Chapter IV. Got There First.) ♡ i just wanted to add other folks' beautiful art of jolie here too. i am so grateful for these treasures ♡♡

very first portrait of jolie by @raccoonmybeloved ~ so fucking cute i died

sims of jo by @evolvingchaoswitch ~ particularly love her paint-spattered outfit

an absolutely drool-worthy nsfw of rocket & jolie by @lazarel-3000 that permanently has altered my brain chemistry and lives in my mind forever ♡♡♡

Juno (@lazarel-3000) is one of my favorite OCs ever. she is everything. i want to be her && i want to date her (unfortunately she only has eyes for rocket). ♡ a rough little juno sketch because i just love her that much (+ it was a birthday thing!) ♡ another juno [NSFW], covered in sparklies, per one of my fave scenes from The All of You ♡ my favorite juno so far ~ a lineless portrait. she's so fuckin gorgeous and i cannot get enough of her!

Ken (@thismonthshyperfixation) ken is a very rad-as-hell woodworker who meets pete on terra. they go on a space-road-trip to knowhere so ken can meet rocket. they have very cool hair and tattoos and i wanna hang out with them and talk about making stuff

Magril (@rxin3akamallory) i have so enjoyed getting to know magril over the months that rxin3 has been patiently waiting for this doodle. she's such a clever, resourceful, resilient little sweetheart, an opossum, and a halfworld refugee who escaped via a ravager ship. plus her eye is a camera?? i love her!!

Dr Meti Geer (@luci-j) look, if you wanna read a VERY charming and hilarious fanfiction series about a half-celestial feline(ish) genius and chief veterinarian of knowhere who almost break's rocket's junk by falling off a roof and then accidentally married my favorite raccoon, you need to check out meti's story. i love getting to try my hand at drawing the illustrious dr geer and i am grateful for the opportunity to try and practice my extremely-limited hand at anthropomorphic characters. HE'S SO CUTE

Moon (@glow-autumz) with Rose (see below). Thank you for letting me draw these two lovelies. You know I headcanon them as interdimensional besties ♡ ♡ another Moon (@glow-autumz) Thank you again for letting me illustrate some of Moon's rad powers. i am OBSESSED. I appreciate so much you bringing her to life! ♡ a Moon-Mermaid (@glow-autumz) because she has captured my imagination. Thank you for letting me continue to doodle your amazing, gravity-defying, gorgeous-haired girl!

Mori (@blueberrysquire) this adorable badass is an alien space psychologist who focuses on shepherding folks across the threshold of life and death. they live incredibly long and their lore is rad as fuck. i took way too long to draw this character but they are an absolute delight and you should read more about them!

Petra Quill [NSFW] (@hibatasblog) so this version of peter is rad as hell and i wanted to draw them in their seductive shi'ar lingerie. petra quill is the darling version of peter quill who features large in all of this author's rocket x fanfiction and i love them. this particular sequence is from casino royale and you should check them out on ao3! ♡ another Petra (+Rocket!), chilling on the eclector (@hibatasblog) a scene starring the two babies from hibata's fanfic entanglement. it's truly the warmest hug of a story and you should all read it ASAP. (this is actually a complete art piece, with like a background and everything lol)

Rose (@love-for-faeries-go-burrrr ) & Moon (see above) Thank you for letting me draw these two lovelies. You know I headcanon them as interdimensional besties ♡ ♡ Another Rose (@love-for-faeries-go-burrrr) because I love her so, so much. aka rose gets her wings back

Star (@cleo-is-babygirl) is a pure fluffy little sundrop and a brilliant self-taught medic/surgeon. she is also the first tanuki/anthropomorphic animal i have drawn other than rocket so i was very nervous but i did my best. thank you for letting me try something new and expand my experience, friend!

Tessa Udonta (@guardian-angel12) is a metallic badass, a survivor of the high evolutionary and the kree, and a ravager. i adored getting the chance to draw her, especially with her silver eyes ♡♡♡ absolute goddess.

[playingmp]

Artist statement and project statement

ME:

SOOO Hi! It’s Me (Aria)dni. As a wannabe artist with the unfortunate habit of questioning reality and not trusting myself, I decided to play it cool! So as one of the cool kids now, I use my nerdy habit of creating a world to escape into to do Art, so it's now socially acceptable to be mentally ill <3 My main inspiration sadly comes from the internet, Anime and Video Games. I grew up with them and it made me the person I am. So yeah anyway, as you can probably tell from my inspirations my slay brain decided to do a bachelor's in animation and when that was done I was like “That was not enough pain!” I need more and now I’m here in MA Digital Arts. LOOK, ALL THE COOL KIDS DO ART! If I just make something with no deeper meaning then I'm not cool so that’s how we ended up here. Anyway, as we know this world sucks so I want to speak and express this sucking of the world but in like a chill way. I want anyone to have an outing like the ones I make for myself but also think. Like yeah, I play God in my head but the reality is there and we shouldn’t ignore it but I try to also help make it bearable. That’s the goal of all of my works - to give people an experience they can relate to and make them feel less alone. I think that was my very cool statement hope you liked it. If you didn't and you think it's unprofessional then you are old and or boring. Love you!

The Super cool project:

SOOO this very cool artwork that I called “Playing” it's an installation that combines digital and physical elements to create a portal that transports the audience into the world of my ongoing sci-fi world of avatars. If you want to know more about that stay tuned because that is not the main point of the artwork now. This world looks calm and pretty sparkly so it's a great vessel and all that. I want to encourage the audience to feel safe and escape to this world like playing in a game and move through and look around and see what you find. This world, like reality, is not perfect but you can control the experience you have with it. The meaning you get from the objects in this installation is for you to identify . I know what they are but I’m not going to tell you. Hehehe! I invite you to use this artwork as you see fit, to reflect your current state. But remember even if you “got it “ you should think of what it portrays and question it! Also remember it can always end! This artwork uses yarn, fabric and paper to make most of the real-life objects with projections and a digital sound accompanying it. LOL! That was so serious. OMG did I convince you that my art is cool? Nice!

For other works: www.ariathealien.com

[potatoes83]

Random...

Good morning, and happy new year! I didn't make it last night to see the ball drop on TV, was pretty much assed out with the dogs around 10:30. To be fair, it's always been somewhat of a disappointment. Years ago, probably when we were old enough as kids to stay up to ring in the new year, my grandma Fran told us about how they drop this ball in Times Square. From the top of a tall building. And between the way she described it, and the places my brain went, I envisioned this massive solid steel ball being pushed off the top of a building, smashing at all speed into the ground and flattening cars, mailboxes, whatever was unfortunate enough to be there.

See, it's New York, a place I've never been, but had of course built up in my head. And it's only one time a year, and if you could get away with that sort of thing anywhere, it would be New York.

So there I am, mind-blown that I am about to witness such a spectacle. I have no idea what year it was, at least 30 or more ago, so Dick Clark would have still been alive and hosting, not that I knew or cared what a Dick Clark was. Couldn't even tell you who the corporate sponsor was back then. But oh my goodness, it's 11:59, here we go...

... and this shiny sparkly wire frame thing SLOWLY begins a descent on a pole well above Times Square. Now I mean, the ball is an impressive feat of engineering, and I think it's been redone like three times in my lifetime to become even more grand, but based on what I've worked myself up to in my head, catastrophic disappointment. I mean damn. I was expecting carnage, I was expecting this massive ball to leave a crater in the pavement, flatten a couple cars, maybe come to a rest in a storefront, just absolutely wreck up the place. Because again, it's New York. They spend the next couple months rebuilding, everything's back to normal, it's just collateral damage for something that the entire nation, and probably the entire world watches.

And understand, I am all about tradition. That ball has been dropped in Times Square for over 100 years. And if you're gathered with friends and ringing in the new year, it would be kind of weird to not have the TV at least on in the background, so you could count down along with an entire city and nation. But the whole thing still does seem rather flaky to me.

I don't know what sort of tradition Dick Clark started, I've never thought to look back to the '70s and '80s to see how it went but at least in my memories of the last 15 years or so, you've had everyone wearing the stupid swag, the giant foam glasses that say Nivea on them, or the big foam purple top hats with Planet Fitness emblazoned on them, and trust me I'm all about capitalism, but that level of consumerism is obnoxious. Like, there are very few brands that I consider parading about with their name to be a fashion statement. Oh boy, I got big plastic Nivea glasses. Yeah, I'm going to wear those again in my lifetime. They might be a good skin lotion brand, I don't really know, but I'm certainly not that invested in them.

Then there's the "music", and I use the term loosely. You either have the female artist singing about what an unabraded whore she is, and that's really a Sophie's choice because it's typically in the mid thirties this time of year, so they desperately want to show off as much skin as legally possible, but also keep from getting hypothermia. For the gents, it's almost always going to be that one song where you hold the microphone sideways, and the lyrics go: uh, uh, uh, yeah, uh, yeah, yeah, yeah, uh...

If you're into all that, you do you. But I'm just not. I don't care who the corporate sponsors are, I don't care about hearing the same song, doesn't matter who's singing it, or what it is, it all sounds the same, and I think one of the biggest things that happens to you when you grow up is that when you are tired, you go to sleep. When you're a kid, you're sitting there imagining this time, I'm going to stay up so late, I'm going to stay up past midnight every night, yeah wait till you get here. Last night, I became tired, so I turned everything off and went to bed.

So I missed the ball drop. I literally didn't lose sleep over it, and I'm not that invested to look it up on the you tube. I actually watched the replay of Russia ringing in the new year as I was drifting off to sleep. President Putin finishes up his speech, they zoom in on the spasskya tower, the clock chimes down, and they play the anthem while the cameras pan to different shots around the Kremlin. I'm not Russian, but I totally have a thing for tradition, history, architecture, old clocks, and I don't care what political spectrum you're on, Alexandrov wrote one hell of an anthem; it's an orchestral masterpiece.

I don't know how other English speaking countries do it, but like, it would be nice if after Auld Lang syne, maybe we did hear the Star Spangled Banner. I could give a fuck less what mushbrain Biden would wander out of the day room and attempt to read off the teleprompter in his fake oval office set, but I would rather enter the new year with our national anthem than some singer which is apparently called 'jelly-roll'. Like seriously, and this is not a bad thing, I was looking up some history, came across the list of headliners for last night, and the only singer from last night's revelry that I recognized is LL Cool J, who was big in the '90s. I have no idea what a jelly roll is, or a megan thee stallion, or any of the rest. And again, that's not a bad thing.

I don't know about resolutions, seems to be less important the older you get, at least in my experience. But last year, we made a concerted effort to try to more productively spend our time. Instead of sitting on our ass and watching reruns, we were working out in the garden. If the weather was temperate, we grilled and enjoyed a fire in the backyard instead of sitting glued to the couch. That was a big part of it, just getting away from the idiot box. And as part of that, I have been deliberately disconnecting myself and avoiding 'Hollywood royalty', 'influencers', 'YouTube sensations', and all the rest. Not sticking my head in the sand, and no, I'm not going monastic or amish, I still enjoy a bit of TV time every now and again, and the YouTube black hole remains a guilty pleasure, but it's amazing how much better, how much more productively you can spend your time.

Last year was a good year, and whether I quantify that as a resolution, or just continue on the path I've started, I'm looking forward to 2024. A lot of good things happened last year, and plenty of bad, but that's life. And all we can do is move forward. I'm no self-help guru or anything, I'm an imperfect broken sinner same as anyone else, but more and more, I am taking things that just don't work or fit in my life, and I'm divesting them. You can't be happy all the time, but if something is not only not bringing you joy, but is in fact bringing you downright misery, then why the hell are you doing that?

I wish everyone who reads this a very happy and prosperous new year. Make it a good one. Seek joy, keep what works, distance yourself from what doesn't. In the immortal words of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: every shiny dream that fades and dies, generates the steam for two more tries! Always look forward, keep trying, and fight the good fight! In the words of Steve Deace, fear God, tell the truth, make money... Good advice!

🥔

[marcholasmoth]

OSRR: 3148

the new training regimen with the kids went over well. i'm honestly kind of surprised. they're getting more work than the rest of the kids in their classes. but it's because they need the practice. if they want to keep up with their peers, they need to keep practicing. which is what i've given them. i'm bringing them dictionaries on wednesday so they can keep them and use them for their additional vocabulary as well as for if they're reading and don't know what a word means, they can look it up. it's what i did as a kid, and it worked for me pretty damn well.

that being said, i stayed a little later than i expected, but i got things written down and i'm honestly happy with how it went today. they're both smart kids. they need the opportunity to show it, and the means to get there. i told them today that i wouldn't give them things i didn't think they could do. i trust them and i know they'll rise to the challenge. plus there are things they can work on together, and for part of what i want them to do they have a long list of concrete examples of precisely what i'm looking for. and if they have questions, i'm always happy to clarify and be flexible. but we're gonna have timed multiplication tests and grammar quizzes on wednesdays and spelling tests on saturdays. i have a couple things i need to prep before wednesday, too. probably should do that for each week.

anyway, after that, i hopped in my car to go to the meeting, but when i logged on via the internet on the way there, i didn't hear what they were saying so that sucked, but the meeting ended long before i got there, so instead of going i just turned around and continued on with my day.

(just before the end of the meeting, joel spoke up and i was so happy to hear his voice! i just went, "joel!! :D" softly enough for everyone to ignore it, but i was so fuckin happy to hear his voice, even if i have no idea what on earth he was talking about.)

i went to the mall in search of a wallet-purse combo that wouldn't hurt my shoulder and could not possibly weigh more than five pounds. i ended up succeeding, but the wallet i found was... less than ideal. but, when i was all done there, i went to the game and toy store for shits and giggles, and i ended up discussing squishables with an employee who is now part of my department for the con. i told her i was head of arts and crafts and she volunteered to help as she's an art student. i introduced myself and she stared at me because her name is also molly. and her birthday is also in october. not the same day, but still. the arts and crafts department is now the molly department.

>:3

anyway, i was hungry, but the bathrooms were closed at the mall so i couldn't eat anything.

it was terrible.

but i had more things to find, so i went to walmart, where i found most of the things i was looking for, including a more suitable wallet, another ream of paper to replace the one i used yesterday, an expandable file folio for the kids work, little sockies in the right sizes, and an appropriate pair of conservative but fun earrings that would be appropriate for an interview. they're classy and modern and good for a short haircut like mine, and they're not outrageous or sparkly.

so that worked well.

i got home and sorted the spoils on the floor, and i got myself organized, and after cleaning that up and moving some boxes with the dolly, i went for dinner and ice cream with a friend from work, and we had a fun time. i like spending time with her. she needed stress relief and we got to bitch about perpetual annoyances at work and chat about our pets and discuss my unfortunate circumstances leading to my non-consumption of sushi.

it was fun.

i also brought food home for mom, and i sat down and watched tv with my parents, and while i was sitting there, simon jumped up on me and cuddled with me!! of course, i got some of his fur in my eyeball, which is fucking painful but not at all surprising, so i ended up coming up to bed early.

and then while i was just hangin out up here texting andrew, my fan died. the little motor burned out. thank you, tiny fan, for being such a trooper. i'll miss you, buddy. it's not the same without you.

anyway, i gotta go to sleep, im genuinely tired. i got a play to go to tomorrow! :)

[romelle]

Embracing them from behind for the prompt ask <33 Maybe with klance or nymallura?

i'm pleading guilty (you make me want to steal your heart)

nymallura | 2k | the title lol | send me a prompt 🌟🌷

i got another request for klance with this prompt, so i went with nymallura this time !! it might have gotten away from me a little, but that’s just because it was very very fun to write! it might even be my favourite vld fic i’ve written so far 😊💌 also i finally got to write a fancy party fic hehe

When Allura was little, she wasn’t very fond of parties.

She liked the clothes, whenever she got to be the one to choose them. She liked how colourful and sparkly everything was. Sometimes uncle Coran would steal her away for a dance, and that was fun. But as the princess, Allura was a part of the spectacle just as much as the gowns and the sparkles. 

As the princess, she was expected to dance and socialise, but only with certain people. She was supposed to have fun, but only so much that the others felt comfortable actually having a good time. Parties were a place of romance and merriment for some, but of diplomacy and performance for others.

More often than not, they were just exhausting.

But it’s been a long time since she last went to a party, and she can’t deny that the thought excites her. That evening, Allura feels as giddy as a little girl while picking out her gown. Lilac layers of light, shimmering fabric twirl around her as she spins in front of the mirror. She catches her own gaze in the reflection, and grins. 

Early into the party, that grin slips from her lips.

At least, the genuine one does. When you’re both the princess of Altea and the leader of Voltron, smiling is as obligatory as revelling is prohibited. 

The man she’s talking to has bone-white skin, large black eyes, and thin powder blue wings. There are exactly one hundred seventy-four glittering white marks on each of them. Allura knows this not because she paid attention to Coran’s lecture, but because she has been counting them ever since their conversation started. Count Farkyn is a greatly important ally, and someone whose help the coalition would be beyond grateful to have.

He’s also, unfortunately, dreadfully boring.

Allura is just about to struggle her way through another pleasant smile when she feels a hand settle around her waist, someone new coming to stand by her side.

“Hello princess,” Nyma says into her ear. 

Her other hand settles on Allura’s elbow, as though she knows that without that precaution, that same elbow would have made a connection with her jaw. Instantly, Allura relaxes. 

Then, just as instantly, she scolds herself for doing so. 

There is something about Nyma that makes Allura doubt she’s any less dangerous as a friend than she is as a foe. The others say she’s being overcautious, and even Hunk recently decided that she no longer poses a threat. But Allura knows what she feels.

Although they are now on significantly better terms, she can’t deny that she still occasionally feels strange around Nyma. Sometimes a word from her is enough to make Allura’s heartbeat quicken, or to leave her struggling to find words of her own. Truth be told, they don’t even get to see each other all that often- but whenever Allura knows that they might be at the same place, she gets overwhelmed by anticipation. 

Like she said. Strange.

When she asked Shiro about it, he suggested that she might just have a crush, which was ridiculous. When she spoke to Lance, he revealed that he feels the same way about his rival Keith, so it’s probably nothing to worry about. That only made Allura worry even more, because she knows what the mice say about those two. 

But currently, none of that matters. She’d let herself be whisked away by just about anyone, if only to get away from count Farkyn and his pompous speeches. 

“Nyma,” She says. “What a pleasant surprise.”

She practised saying that in the mirror for at least five minutes. It doesn’t sound as surprised as she wanted it to. 

“I hate to be rude, but could I steal you away?” Nyma asks, not wasting any time. She’s a good actress, but Allura knows the troublemaker sparkle of her eyes well enough to be certain she doesn’t hate to be rude at all. “There’s something urgent we have to discuss.”

Allura nods quickly. 

“Yes, of course.”

She meets the huge, unblinking eyes of her previous conversation partner. 

“It was... lovely to meet you, count Farkyn.”

“So lovely,” Nyma chimes in, not giving the count a chance to respond in kind. She uses her hold on Allura’s waist to twirl them away quickly, whispering “run” into Allura’s ear. 

Allura has to bite the inside of her cheek to stop herself from laughing.

They come to a stop at the edge of the dancefloor. There is a narrow space between two pillars, and Nyma casually leans against one after removing her hand from Allura’s waist. Allura clears her throat awkwardly, and leans against the other one. The space between them is still not large enough for comfort, but the lack of physical contact allows her heart rate to calm down at least a little.

“What did you want to discuss?” she asks.

Nyma tilts her head- smiling like she can’t believe the words leaving Allura’s mouth. As always, it’s like she’s in on some joke that Allura just doesn’t understand. But there’s also something so oddly soft about it, and that’s what flusters Allura the most.

“Just how pretty your dress is,” Nyma says, still smiling that fond, playful little smile.

Allura blushes. She tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear and looks towards the crowd. The face to face is just a bit too much, she decides.

“Stop that,” she commands.

Nyma only giggles again.

“I have nothing to discuss, silly. I’ve met Farkyn before, and decided to help out. Like the valuable ally that I am.”

Allura considers this.

“I suppose he is a bit...” she hesitates. 

“Boring?” Nyma fills in helpfully.

Allura considers, almost instinctively, denying it. But then she sees the way Nyma is smiling at her, and feels all that pressure she has felt for the past varga slip away. She sighs, letting her shoulders slump.

“Numbingly so.”

“Well, a party is no place for feeling numb,” Nyma declares grandly. Then, she reaches out with her hand, holding it out for Allura to take. “Should we try to fix that?”

Allura wants nothing more. Still, she bites her lip in hesitation, hand hoovering halfway to Nyma’s own.

“I really shouldn’t. I haven’t even talked to-”

“You’re a part of a team, princess,” Nyma reminds her. “And no offence, but I think your black paladin has dazzled the king far more than you could hope to.”

Allura follows Nyma’s gaze, and is stuck somewhere between bewilderment and amusement when she finds that Nyma is right. Shiro looks a little stiff, but he doesn’t seem at all unused to this sort of admiring attention. The king, however, is definitely dazzled. 

“Oh my,” Allura says. She can’t wait to tell Hunk about this during their next afternoon tea party.

“Right? He’s got it all covered,” Nyma gives a satisfied nod of her head. Then, she offers up her hand again. “Besides- I’m a greatly important ally too.”

Allura rolls her eyes, but amusement is written all over her face.

“A great nuisance is what you are.”

“That too,” Nyma agrees. “Feel free to dazzle me.”

She takes her hand. 

Allura can’t deny that the ballroom is beyond beautiful. The palace is made of a clear material akin to glass, but there are also magical, shimmering designs that twirl through it like living paint. The transparent roof gives a view of the night sky- shades of soft pinks, blues and purples embellished with stars. It reminds her of Nyma’s eyes, which is rather pathetic.

“Remember when first met?”

Allura raises an eyebrow. 

“Of course. You made such a memorable first impression. It’s not every day that someone flirts with one of the paladins and then ties them to a tree.”

Nyma laughs.

“Well,” she says. “Did I ever tell you that I originally planned to approach you? But then Lance gave me too good of an opener.”

Allura raises her eyebrows even higher.

“You wanted to trick me into giving you a ride?”

“That’s what she said,” Nyma sing-songs. That is without a doubt something that she picked up while hanging out with Lance. Allura’s arms are already around her neck, and she uses this opportunity to pinch her.

Nyma grimaces at the sting, but only slightly.

“That doesn’t even make sense,” Allura says, ignoring her blushing face. “And I suppose it’s good for you that Lance gave you an opener. It wouldn’t have worked on me.”

Nyma smirks.

“Oh? But didn’t I steal from you already?”

Allura can’t recall that. Before she can say as much, Nyma continues:

“Stole this dance, didn’t I?”

Allura very barely resists the urge to pinch her again.

“Doesn’t count,” she insists. “You asked, I said yes. That goes against the very basic definition of stealing.”

“Alright. How about we make a bet, then? I’ll manage to steal something from you by the end of the night.”

“That sounds more like a statement.”

“I bet that I’ll manage to steal something from you by the end of the night.”

Allura narrows her eyes. 

“And why would I say yes to that?”

A faster song begins to play, and the two of them liven up their steps accordingly. Nyma is an extraordinarily good dancer, and her hands fit nicely on Allura’s waist. She tries hard not to think about either of those facts.

“Because you’re very obviously bored out of your mind,” Nyma points out, which is not quite true anymore. She stopped being bored the second Nyma came up behind her. Even if they part ways now, she’d probably remain amused for the rest of the evening, knowing that Nyma might be looking her way.

But she doesn’t want to part ways just yet.

“And what would you steal?”

Nyma purses her lips, thinking about it. Or perhaps only pretending to think about it. 

“I haven’t decided yet,” she says, twirling Allura away and then back towards her. “Your breath maybe?”

Allura glares at her. Nyma is only joking, but that move really did leave her a little breathless. This whole interaction is leaving her breathless. Honestly, she might just faint if Nyma doesn’t give her a break.

As if she can hear her thoughts, Nyma suddenly dips her. Allura tightens her grip on her shoulders, giving a startled gasp.

“Or the floor under your feet?”

Allura frowns, but she knows that she can’t look very stern. Not with her head upside down, hair nearly touching the floor.

“You’re so funny.”

Nyma beams, as though the compliment was genuine.

“I know.”

Allura sets her lips into a straight line. She knows she can’t be imagining this. She might be about ten thousand years out of practice, but Nyma is clearly flirting with her. Even if she doesn’t feel the… whatever it is that Allura is feeling, she must at least be attracted to her. 

Well, alright, then. Two can play that game. 

“Fine,” she agrees, ignoring the slight look of surprise on Nyma’s face. “I’ll do it. But only if I can try to steal something from you too.”

The surprise grows even more apparent, before turning into delight.

“And what could the princess of Altea possibly steal from me?”

Allura grins. With all the swiftness she’d use in a battle, she gracefully pushes herself back into an upright position- simultaneously pulling Nyma closer towards her. Allura’s chest is now pressed tightly against Nyma’s back, her hands on each side of Nyma’s waist, and her chin just above Nyma’s shoulder.

“Your breath maybe?” she whispers, mocking Nyma’s words from before.

Then, before she can lose this sudden nerve, Allura lets one of her hands trail up from Nyma’s waist to her chin- turning it gently towards her. She leans further and further. The hand she has on Nyma’s waist proves that Allura alters her breathing just as much as she alters Allura’s. 

“Or a kiss.”

Their lips are only a breath away. The song ends. 

“Change of partners,” Allura whispers. 

Just as quickly as she had pulled Nyma towards her, she pushes her away- straight into the arms of count Farkyn. She grins as innocently as she can, but Nyma is still far too stunned to do anything but look at her with wide eyes.

Allura’s next dance partner turns out to be Lance, who accepts her invitation with a dramatically deep bow that she can’t help but giggle at. 

“How’s your evening?” he asks once they’ve settled into a rhythm. “Did that count dude bore you to death?”

From over his shoulder, Allura meets Nyma’s eyes. Count Farkyn has clearly thrown himself into another one of his speeches, and Nyma’s eyes communicate very clearly just how ungrateful she is to have the honour of listening. Still, when Allura smiles at her, she can’t help but smile back. The smile is as fond as ever.

Allura thinks she might finally be in on the joke.

“Not at all,” she says. “I’m having a tremendous time.”

[cassandraclare]

I'm sorry to hear that your hard work was leaked but I was curious about what happened. I hope the person faced consequences because that was a very selfish thing to do leaking your work like that :(

I haven’t taken action against the person who leaked the book. I know who they are, since they uploaded the page I signed for them, and I was able to match that against my records. 

I haven’t refrained from taking action because I feel sympathy for them. I don’t. It’s beyond shitty behavior to receive an early, signed book as a gift, and to then leak the entire book online. It’s a shit thing to do to the authors and an equally shit thing to do to other fans. However, I don’t want to put myself (and Wes) through the exhausting, grim and expensive process of legal repercussions. It doesn’t mean what this person did isn’t horrible, and it doesn’t mean they haven’t cost the entire fandom any chance of there ever being an early contest giveaway like that again. They did. There never will be. There will be no ARCs of Chain of Iron, either, and you can thank them for that, too. 

Part of what makes piracy such an issue for authors goes far beyond the individual assholes who upload and distribute and translate stolen books. It’s that the whole system is set up to make it incredibly difficult for us to do anything about it. Publishers do little to nothing to prevent piracy, and authors shoulder the entire burden of searching out and reporting illegal copies of their books. And even then, we’re dependent on whether or not the reported website feels like complying with copyright laws or not. Twitter is incredibly slow to respond, Tumblr is about fifty-fifty on bothering at all. They’re legally required to take action, but they also know that the effort of doing something about it if they do not falls on exhausted, overburdened artists who often can’t afford to follow up with a lawyer’s letter.

And like, I get being broke and wanting to read books; there were a lot of books I had to pass up reading when I was broke (I will be forever grateful to the library system of New York and Brooklyn, which is how I read books at all from about 2001-2004.) I was broke enough that I slept on a bare mattress because I couldn’t afford sheets, but I’m pretty sure if I broke into Bed, Bath and Beyond and stole a bunch of fitted percale bedding I wouldn’t have encountered much sympathy if I got caught. 

I talked about this on Twitter before, and I’ll say it again here though I know it will make very little difference: pirating books doesn’t just hurt the author of those books. It hurts everyone at the publishing company, where the margin of profit is razor-thin (and yes, publishers should do more to protect themselves against piracy; I agree there); it hurts bookstores, especially indie bookstores (I remember doing an event at a store that told me, sadly, that they were likely going to have to close because people “came into the store, looked at the books, took notes, then went home and pirated them.”) It hurts libraries, who rely on circulation for funding, and the shutting down of libraries hurts people who actually can’t afford books.

Now, I know is no way to talk people out of piracy; the internet has normalized it, and besides, people will generally do the cheaper, easier thing — you can’t talk people into not doing something they want to do by telling them it’s wrong, in my experience. They’ll find ways to justify it, whether it be that they can’t afford the book or it isn’t yet available in their language or that they find the author “problematic” and this is the way they’ve chosen to punish them. 

The reason I put “problematic” in quotes is because yes, of course you can read and enjoy work that has problematic elements. Pretty much everything has some element that’s going to be found problematic by someone — which is exactly why deciding that it’s morally excusable to steal from people you think are creating flawed work is more than problematic. Holding creators accountable for their work means critiquing that work, not stealing it.

I listen to a lot of political podcasts, and some of them review work by extreme right-wing politicians etc. who have written books that the podcasters find morally despicable but wish to, or need to, review and discuss. Since they don’t wish to give money to the authors, they buy second-hand copies or take the book out of the library. They certainly don’t steal, translate and distribute copies of the books because they genuinely do not like them and do not want more people reading them. That’s what it looks like when you have an actual moral problem with a book or author. 

However, running multiple fan accounts for a book series, naming your internet identity after characters from that book series, and talking endlessly about “your favorite parts” and how this is “your favorite book” entirely invalidates any argument that you’re doing this because you think the books are bad, evil, etc. If you claim a book is actively homophobic or racist but are so desperate to read it that you’ll steal it, so excited about it that you’ll share that stolen copy, so obsessed that you’ll illegally translate a whole book and provide that stolen translation to as many people as possible, and so dedicated to the fandom that you’ll name yourself after the characters in the books and write poetry about them, I have to tell you: the last thing that looks like is that you actually find the books problematic, regardless of what you say to the contrary. It looks like you like them but don’t want to pay for them, because in fact, that’s the case. (Either that or it looks like you’re really into racist, homophobic books, and making sure as many people read them as possible, which is your problem.)

One of the issues I have with piracy is that it teaches you to hate creators. You have to hate them, because you’re doing a fucking awful thing to them and you have to justify it. This results in lying about creators — about their process, their translations, their research — as if somehow, even if they were bad researchers, that would justify widespread theft. (It doesn’t.) Those who steal books wind up in a headspace where they are obsessed with the content of the books, and entirely unwilling to accept the reality that those books were created by a real person that they’re really harming. It encourages the mentality that I didn’t create Jem or Magnus or Will or Cordelia: they came from some kind of sparkly outerspace planet and I was just lucky enough to get to write down their adventures. It invalidates the hard work creators put into what they create, and in fact, erases their very existence. The internet attitude toward creators is already incredibly toxic (especially if they’re women, LGBT+ and/or BIPOC) and the feeling of entitlement to free content, and vicious hatred toward those who aren’t providing it (even though a lot of creators, me included, provide a great deal of free content) contributes to that. Genuinely, if you’re stealing someone’s work, the least you could do is not also be an asshole about them. (Or pretend you’re Robin Hood. He stole from the rich who had taken property and goods from the poor, and returned that stolen wealth. He didn’t steal from artists and independent bookstores and use that stealing to benefit himself and his friends. The idea is actually kind of funny.) 

 I understand there is a pressure to be up to date on the books that are being released so as to participate in fandom, and I do get that. Unfortunately, piracy has real consequences that stretch beyond just hurting me and Wes. Because LGBT+ books are pirated at such an incredible rate, and we’ve definitely seen that with TEC, I am left wondering if there will ever be an actual Spanish translation of TEC, or whether the publisher will decide not to bother because it’s already been so thoroughly pirated in Spanish. I have to wonder if there will even be a third book of TEC at all, or whether publishers will feel it isn’t worth doing. And I have to wonder why the people who create this situation so often have usernames that include Jem or Magnus or Alec or Cordelia or Julian or Tessa. What an incredible misunderstanding of those characters, to imagine a world in which Will Herondale or Magnus Bane or James Carstairs would approve of stealing books and harming writers. And why name yourself after a character who absolutely couldn’t stand you? I don’t know. I don’t get it, any more than I get hating someone who provided you with something you claim is your favorite book. 

That was a much longer answer than you were probably expecting or hoping for, and I know I’ll get yelled at quite thoroughly for writing it. Writers always do, when we engage with the issue of piracy. I know most of you reading this acquire your books honestly; most of you are not like this at all. But like most things on the internet, a small amount of people really do have the power to make things pretty rotten for everyone else.

[teawiththegods]

All the places questions :)

Oh my goodness! *cracks knuckles* Okay lets do this!

Olympus: Describe your dream job.

Honestly I dont really have a "dream job" because the ultimate dream would be not working in order to live but thats not the world we live in so I have a bunch of careers/jobs I wouldn't mind doing. I'd love to work in a library or museum in NYC or in another country! It would also be fun to specifically do book restoration! I'd love to do more with Tea With the Gods like write books, create courses, do workshops, etc.

Tartarus: What’s a short term goal you hope to achieve?

Bringing my podcast back to life!

Underworld: Describe your dream vacation.

Traveling around Europe! I would LOVE to be able to take a big chunk of time and just explore all the beauty, magic, history, and culture that exists all over Europe especially because thats where my ancestors are from.

Styx: How would you like your life to look like in 10 years?

Settled in my career, living in the city, enough money to live comfortably and be able to travel, perhaps in a loving relationship, having deeper connections with my gods and forming new ones with other deities, being more secure in my power as a witchcraft, and living a very creative life.

Athuna: If you could live anywhere in the world for the rest of your life, where would it be?

Probably Ireland

Sparta: Do you have a bucket list? If so, what’s on it?

I don't have a proper bucket list BUT one thing I always say I want to do before I die is see a Great White Shark up close.

Elysium: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Either talk to animals or be able to breathe underwater. I can never choose between those two. xD

Ogygia: Describe your dream husband/wife/life partner?

I always struggle with this question because when you grew up like i did and have the experiences I have, all you really want is someone who is going to love you and make you feel safe.

Troja: What is the craziest thing you wanna do before you die?

I guess its the whole seeing a Great White Shark up close because that would require me to get into one of those underwater cages.

The Labyrinth: Have you ever died and came back to life as a vampire?

I did once but the lack of sunlight made me super depressed so I realized it wasn't really for me. I was kind of hoping I'd be one of those sparkly vampires but no such luck unfortunately.

Delphi: Are you currently doing anything to pursue your dreams?

I am! Soon i'm going to be applying to Grad school so I can get my Masters in Library Science! And I already am working at a Library so that counts. And I'm also in therapy working on my healing so I can get out of my own way which is a HUGE step towards pursuing my dreams.

These were so much fun to do! Thank you so very much for asking me to do them! <3

[waywardfangirl]

For the fantastic @fight-surrender: You are a wonderful person with a brilliant mind and a kind heart, and I am so happy to know you! I really enjoyed the prompts you suggested for the Secret Snowflake exchange this year, so to give you something fluffy and happy for your birthday I combined a few of them into one sweet and silly fic - I hope that you like it! 🖤

A big thank you goes out to @carryonvisinata for her wonderful beta work and for making this fic even better for such an incredible friend 🖤 Purr-fect Strangers

Rated: General Audiences Word Count: 3208 Chapters: 1/1 Simon

"Die Hard? Really?"

I'm struggling to make the Redbox give me my DVD. Video vending machines sounded like a good idea when I couldn't find anywhere to stream my favorite movie, but the obstinate thing in front of me and the condescending voice behind me are now making me reconsider my choices.

"What's wrong with Die Hard?" I demand, momentarily giving up on retrieving my video to take some of my frustration out on the prick watching me.

Unfortunately, when I turn around to scowl at him, I make eye contact with one of the most attractive people I've ever seen. He's tall, with dark hair escaping the bun on top of his head and falling around his face, and a perfectly tailored suit hugging every inch of his body right on down to his shiny Chelsea boots. My brain shorts out, and he sneers at me.

"There’s nothing wrong with it, per se. But you have a near unlimited assortment of cinema to choose from, and you've selected Die Hard?"

(Read the rest on ao3, or keep reading here)

I scoff.

"Look, mate, some of us don't feel the need to watch pretentious films just to feel better than other people. I like Die Hard. I'm going to watch it while eating pizza and relaxing in joggers, and I refuse to feel bad about enjoying that."

He looks a bit startled, and his cheeks take on a slightly pink tinge, but he just arches an eyebrow at me. (And manages to make that look unfairly hot too, the prat.)

"What movie are you renting?" I say it like a challenge, and he pushes past me.

He deftly removes my DVD from the stubborn machine and thrusts it at me, before turning back around to get his own. I loiter behind him, just like he did to me, ready to see what movie he thinks is better than Die Hard.

"Two Weeks Notice?" I exclaim, when I see the poster pop up on the screen. "You're ridiculing Die Hard, but getting a rom-com for yourself? Unbelievable."

He pushes past me and turns up his nose. My blood boils for so many different reasons, and it's work to hold myself still.

"This has Hugh Grant in it. My tastes are superior."

Then he swans off, and I'm left standing on the kerb.

Baz

A year into my time at university, I started treating myself to a monthly visit to Sephora. It was easily excusable then, with parties every weekend to justify each new purchase, but I've kept up the tradition since graduating. (Retail therapy and good skin care never hurt anyone. And a little eyeliner does wonders for one's self esteem.)

This month, I'm browsing for something sparkly. My eyes are grey, but with a dark, glittery liner I think they might stand out a little more. I'm just testing one of the pencils on the back of my hand when I see him.

Blond hair, plain blue eyes, and a constellation of freckles and moles across his skin. The most lovely man I have ever seen, with the worst taste in movies, and (I'm sure) a well-deserved hatred for me.

For all that I try to appear cool and confident, my facade sometimes fails me. When I get flustered, I become cruel. The man renting Die Hard was so pretty that all I could do was insult him and then curse myself for it the entire way home. I couldn't even properly enjoy Hugh Grant, as mired as I was in self-loathing. And now, whatever second chance to impress him I've been granted with has surely been ruined by my actions last time.

I keep my head down and steal glances at him through my eyelashes.

He is entirely out of his element, that much is obvious right away. I watch him ask one of the shop assistants for help, and she points him in the direction of a display. His brow furrows as he picks up different containers, and he’s ridiculously precious and hopeless as he holds a lipstick tube next to a garish eyeshadow palette and closes one eye to look at them. (What is he even doing?)

Finally, his confusion seems to win out, and he turns to look around for help, when he suddenly spots me. I've been caught out; I can't pretend now like I haven't been staring, and he scowls a little as we make eye contact. I arch an eyebrow, watch as his face grows pink in anger, and decide I hate myself enough to try talking to him again.

"That's really not your shade."

"What?" It's a simple word, horribly enunciated, and does nothing to quell the wrinkle between his eyes.

"The purple. I don't think it would flatter you. Furthermore, that lipstick clashes horribly with every color in that palette."

He turns a bright red and starts to splutter. I am hopelessly endeared.

"That's not- I, I don't- it isn't-"

"Oh, calm down, there's nothing wrong with wearing makeup," I say, flashing him the back of my hand with the eyeliner tests on it. "You just need to pick a better shade." I pluck a different palette (for blue eyes) and a lipstick in a true red from the display and hand them over. "Something like this."

He stares at them dumbly for a moment, his mouth hanging open. (Mouth breather.)

"You think I should wear this?"

"I think it would flatter you if you chose to wear makeup. That purple will do you no favors." I sneer at the garish eyeshadow still in his hand.

"It's for my friend!" he finally bursts out.

"Are you mad at her?" It's a reasonable question, that eyeshadow is truly appalling.

"No? It's her birthday next week, and she said that she wanted to have some makeup for date nights and things."

"Are you in love with her?"

"No!" No hesitation at all. "No, no way. Penny is like my sister. She's my best friend. We're not…" he trails off, and I'm strangely reassured. He still probably hates me, but at least there is one woman in the world that he’s not dating, so my odds have improved marginally.

"Don't get your pants in a twist. I just thought you might be, since that eyeshadow would certainly drive away her current boyfriend."

He sticks out his chin and seems to decide something.

"Fine. What should I get for her, then?" The “if you know so much” is left unsaid.

I'm not really an expert, despite my monthly purchases, but I'll take any excuse I can get to linger around this starburst of a boy for a few moments more.

"Does she wear makeup normally?" He shakes his head no. "Then perhaps start with something more subtle for her." I take the offending palette away and hand him a more subdued one, with a faint shimmer. "Do you think this would look nice on her?"

He thinks hard for a moment, then pulls out his phone, swiping at the lock screen and turning it to face me.

"This is her."

His home screen background is a picture of the two of them, cheeks pressed together and grinning like crazy under the summer sun. His curls are being tossed by the wind, and he looks like a bronze Adonis. I think my heart actually skips a beat at the sight.

"That palette will be fine then. This lipstick, too," I add, handing him a plum shade. "Do you need anything else?" I ask, and then cringe when I sound like I'm working instead of flirting.

He shakes his head.

"No, this is brilliant, thanks."

He still looks a bit confused, and he bites his lip as he looks down at the makeup in his hand - the makeup for his friend, and the things I picked out for him.

I don't want to go, but I can't figure out any way to prolong our conversation.

"You should get that one," he says, pointing to one of the lines on my hand. I raise an eyebrow in question. He's right, but what does this mean? Is he flirting? Does he want me to wear eyeliner? Is he just trying to repay me for helping him? "Yeah. Definitely that one."

He raps his knuckles on the counter beside us twice, and then wanders towards the check out.

It's not until I'm trying to fall asleep that I realize - he bought the makeup for himself too.

Simon

One of my foster fathers had a workshop, and I spent a happy summer watching him build a table and matching chairs for the dining room. I didn't get to stay to see it completed, because one of his biological children kept stealing money out of his mom's purse and blaming me, but I still enjoyed the time I had spent watching woodworking. I liked it so much that when Penny and I graduated and got a flat together, I saved up to buy a few tools. I don't make anything major, but I've built small shelves and a side table and a pan organizer for the flat, and I really like it.

Recently, Penny has been complaining about not being able to reach everything in the kitchen, so while she's still at work I stop by the B&Q to pick up some wood for a step stool. I'm heading to the check out when I see him - the mean makeup guy. (Although he was actually quite nice when we were talking about makeup. He was just rude when we were getting our movies.)

He's dressed casually today, in tight dark jeans and a warm grey sweater, with his hair falling in loose waves around his face. He's glaring down at two wrenches, and I hate that he still looks so good when he's glowering.

Before I even register what's happening, my feet have carried me over to him.

"D'ya need help?"

He startles, and turns lovely grey eyes up to look at me. It's work not to gasp. He’s wearing eyeliner. I'm not entirely sure, but I think it may even be the eyeliner I told him to buy.

"The sink in my kitchen is leaking. I watched a tutorial on YouTube, and it should be easy enough to fix, but I don't have the proper tools."

He goes back to glaring at the wrenches, and I lean over to take a look.

“You want that one.”

“Why? How do you know?”

“Well, it’s adjustable. You can change it within reason, so as long as your plumbing isn’t something incredibly out of the ordinary it should fit just fine.”

He looks surprised (and maybe a bit like he wants to attack me, although I try to ignore that).

“How do you know that?”

I laugh.

“Basic home maintenance, mate, I’ve had to fix a leaky sink before too, believe it or not.”

I grin at him until one corner of his mouth tips upward in response.

“Thanks,” he says, his cheeks flushing a little. “I’ll get this one then. Yes. Thank you. Have a nice evening.”

He strides off, once again leaving me feeling a bit dazed.

He looks really good in eyeliner.

Baz

When Fiona discovered I hadn’t left the apartment in a week, she called in the cavalry. Daphne showed up at my door with a casserole and some flowers, and within minutes she had the kitchen feeling like a place that was less utility space and more home.

“Basil, Fiona is worried about you.” I rolled my eyes, despite knowing it wouldn’t get me anywhere. “I’m worried about you, too. You spend so much time by yourself, and you hardly ever go out to see your friends or enjoy the city.”

“I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”

“Basil,” she had said, and that time it was a warning. “It’s not healthy for anyone to spend this much time alone.”

“What, do you expect me to get a cat?”

Daphne smiled, and I knew that I had said the wrong thing.

“Yes, actually. And,” she said, before I could object, “Fiona thought you should too. In fact, she made it a condition of your continued occupancy of this flat. We both think it might be nice for you to have someone else around to talk to.”

I arched an eyebrow.

“And you want me to talk to a cat?”

Daphne just gave me a Mona Lisa smile, handed me a plate filled with food, and told me when she left later that evening that I had forty-eight hours to send her a picture of a cat. (I asked what I should do if I didn’t like any of the cats I saw. Or if they didn’t like me. She said I had to at least prove that I tried.)

So, this morning, I made my way to the nearest RSPCA and talked to strangers for the first time in over a week. I told them that I was looking to adopt a cat, and they immediately led me to a room filled with individual cages and an assortment of felines. They said I could play with any of the cats that I wanted, and now I’m staring into the eyes of a fluffy orange tabby.

The tabby meows at me, and I swear that she’s telling me to get lost. I guess cats can tell when you’re out of your depth.

I stroll down the aisle and read the names given to each cat. It’s been years since I last had a pet and even then, the husky my family had wasn’t my sole responsibility. I was in charge of feeding him, but there was always someone else making sure that I did. And really, we only adopted him when my pediatrician suggested that an animal might help me after my mother died. Daphne is probably trying to do the same thing again now. (Is this how one becomes a crazy cat lady? Depression, anxiety, OCD, and an unwillingness to tolerate therapy?)

I keep walking slowly until I feel a tug on my sleeve. I look down, and a little orange paw ending in one very sharp claw has latched on to me. I unhook it before my sweater can snag, and then look into the kennel. There are two kittens, each only about ten weeks old according to their cards, and the orange one is peering up at me with big blue eyes. Its littermate is asleep in the corner, curled into a fluffy black puffball, but the tabby is ready to play. His tail twitches, and he pounces immediately when I wiggle a finger between the bars. He catches my fingertip in a far more gentle grasp than I would have imagined, then looks at me with what can only be described as pure adoration.

“Excuse me,” I say, moving my finger some more and feeling small claws dig in. Then again, louder, to get the attention of the woman, “Excuse me. Can I see this one?”

The woman comes over and flips the latch, then reaches in and comes out with a handful of fur and knives. The kitten opens its mouth in a fierce imitation of a vampire, then stretches it further as it lapses into a yawn. We spend the better part of an hour in a bright, cheerful room, just the kitten and I. At first it chases a string that I drag along the ground and runs after balls with bells in them, but then it calms down and curls up in my lap to sleep.

I’m petting it and cooing softly to it, trying to ignore the fact that Daphne and Fiona were both right about this whole thing, when the door to the room opens again.

“Oh. It’s you,” says the most beautiful man I have ever seen. My face flushes when I remember our last encounter and I pray he doesn’t remember my ignorance. (Of course he does. I didn’t know how to select a wrench. I am incapable of basic home repair and he knows it.)

“Do you two know each other?” The woman from before is back, this time holding the other kitten from the same cage, and looking between the two of us. “These kittens aren’t technically a bonded pair, but they are siblings, the only two remaining from their litter, and it would be lovely if they could still see each other.”

“Err…” the man says, shifting his weight.

“We’ve met in passing a few times now,” I say, trying to avoid encouraging this line of questioning.

“Great!” she says, clapping her hands brightly after handing the kitten off. “I’ll leave all of you to get better acquainted then!”

For a moment, there’s just awkward silence. Neither of us are looking at each other, both focusing on our respective kittens. Then, his kitten turns into the feline equivalent of a slinky, oozes out of his grasp, and runs over to tap my leg once before running away again. It hides behind his legs, and all I can see is a black tail winding around his ankles.

We both laugh, and the ice is broken.

“I’m Simon,” he says, and smiles at me. It’s the same radiant smile I remember from his lockscreen. It feels like looking into the sun, and I bask in it.

“Basil. Although my friends call me Baz.”

“Are you going to…” he trails off, but gestures to my cat.

“Yes,” I look down and give it a scratch under the chin. “I’m going to adopt it.”

“Same here,” Simon says, and then he blushes. “I mean, unless it rips my face off in the next few minutes, but I think this is the one.”

“Do you know which one you have?” Their names and genders were on the cage, but it didn’t specify who was who.

“No idea. I’m going to rename mine anyway though, I didn’t like either of those names.”

“I was planning on doing the same thing. If I’m going to have a pet, it needs to have a proper name befitting its personality. Not something mundane like Fluffy.” I scowl, and he laughs.

As his kitten comes over to touch its nose to my kitten, Simon clears his throat.

“So, um, like she said, they’d probably be happy to have playdates or whatever. I mean, since we’re getting them. And since we keep running into each other. It might make sense to, you know, exchange numbers?”

“Yes!” I say, far too eagerly. “I mean, that seems reasonable. It would be more convenient than waiting to happen upon you in the Waitrose choosing inferior crisps to set up a future meeting.”

He smiles. “Well, yeah, there’s that. And this way, it’ll be easier for me to ask you out, ”

Then the absolute nightmare sits down beside me and hands me his phone. He texts me immediately once I enter my contact info.

Unknown Number (11:27 AM) This is Simon Snow

Unknown Number (11:27 AM) Your cat is cute.

Unknown Number (11:27 AM) So are you

Unknown Number (11:28 AM) Wanna get dinner sometime? ;)

I blush, and send him a reply.

Baz (11:29 AM) I thought you’d never ask.

[hiduprakyat]

I have fallen down a rabbit hole of fashion plates. Let's just - let's just have my Top Five fashion periods, yes?

#5. the 1850s The era in which full skirts became a Thing and then crinolines were invented. A+++ social distancing. Also crazy curls and BONNETS? A++ would reccomend.

Fashion plate from Le Bon Ton: Journal de Modes, 1856.

#4. the 1900-1910s lingerie dress/gowns People got a little extra with the lace in this period not gonna lie. It's glorious. These dresses were usually made of cotton batiste or cotton lawn, or other lightweight, sheer, and breathable fabric. Oh and don't forget obscene amounts of lace. Like. I could never afford that much lace on one single dress ohmygod.

Cotton batiste lingerie gown, 1900-1910, via Augusta Auctions.

Photo of a girl in a lingerie dress, 1900-1910, probably Russian.

#3. the 1870s aka the First Bustle Era No need to ask your mother if your bum looks big in this. She'll probably say that it's not big enough anyway. The amount of Extra™ is really Just Right. Just - look at them.

Fashion plate from Le Moniteur de la Mode, 1872.

Fashion plate from Revue de la Mode, 1873.

#2. the 1820s I'm pretty sure I've established that I am Extra™. Usually people just lump this decade into the Regency but no??? George was already king and the silhouettes aren't even that similar. The waistline in the 20s were gradually shifting downwards, in contrast to the extremely Extra™ (but not to my taste) shelf bust of the height of the Regency. People got a little crazy with the trim because the Napoleonic Wars were over and people had more spare money to spend on Extra™ things. Do not get me started on the Rouleaux trims.

Ball dress by John Bell, 1821, via Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Fashion plate from La Belle Assemblée 1842, by John Bell.

#1. the 1830s aka the Romantic Era Surprise surprise. If you thought that the 20s were Extra™ please consider this:

Fashion plate from Ladies' Pocket Magazine, 1832, via Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The hair was Extra™, the bonnets were Extra™, the silhouettes were Extra™, the trimming was Extra. This is one of those fashion plates where I see it and go "That looks so crazy I must make one". And they're not hard to make. Giant rectangles for the skirt, half-circles for the sleeves and the most complicated part is the relatively simple bodice. And I get to jazz it up with lace and sparkly things. It's all the best parts of historical dressmaking in one. Here, have another:

Fashion plate from Costumes Parisiens: Journal des Dames et des Modes, 1834.

And as a bonus for bearing with me until now, have a Cancelled™: Regency court dresses.

And this is one of the relatively okay ones. Yes, the court dresses in Bridgerton were very pretty, and yes, they were probably the most historically accurate out of their many, many costumes, but they were, unfortunately, French. The British ones looked like that. And this. And this. And all this. The literal lovechild of a Regency empire waist dress and a panier because the queen thought that the fashionable silhouette was too informal for court. Let's just say Queen Charlotte had approximately zero (0) taste.

Find more 1820s fashion plates and extant garments here, and Victorian ones here. Lady Rebecca Fashions on YouTube has a wonderful video on Regency court dresses here, and Pinsent Tailoring has a little bit of a meltdown over the men's costumes and talks about those godawful court dresses in this video.

[moons-and-stars-and-shit]

omg congratulations on 300!!! you totally deserve it, i mean honestly your blog is amazing 🎉🎉💘

could i request both star and crystal match ups since i love the both ideas. you don't have to do both, and if you do i think it would be too much if you made one post for both...anywho...

for my crystal match up: i honesty think you know a lot about my personality from my requests at this point but we not gon talk abt that so i am a BIG empath like sometimes i even act like people around me, idk i just observe others and maybe take in what they do. also i love making people happy, like giving them random gifts and them getting surprised and happy abt it and I'm like 🥰🥰🥰💓💓 unfortunately i tend to stress a lot about school and stuff that probably don't even matter, and it might be a problem...and bottling up my emotions is probably not the best coping mechanism...also I'm an ENFP if that helps

for my star match up: I'm a pisces and my self ship would definitely have to be kuroo or atsumu

that's all ly!

𝔸/ℕ- 𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕓𝕠𝕥𝕙! 𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕚𝕥𝕤 𝕥𝕠𝕠 𝕞𝕦𝕔𝕙 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕥 😅 𝕤𝕠 𝕀’𝕝𝕝 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕣𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕝 𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙𝕦𝕡 𝕠𝕟 𝕒 𝕕𝕚𝕗𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕥 👀

𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣 𝕄𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙𝕦𝕡 𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝔸𝕥𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕦

𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑠 🪐

Libra is ruled by Venus (Love) and Pisces is ruled by Jupiter (Luck) and Neptune (Illusions).

These Signs are quite compatible due to the feminine energies of Venus and Neptune working in tandem.

Under Jupiter and Neptune’s rule, Pisces is intensely meditative, philosophical and internal.

Under Venus’s influence, Libra is in love with love. Libra is the Sign of Partnership and always is more comfortable when in an intimate love affair.

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 🔥💧🍃🌬

Libra is an Air Sign and Pisces is a Water Sign.

These two Signs together combine their heads and their hearts to solve all problems — a winning combination.

The best decisions are made with both the emotions and the intellect; this relationship tends to be extremely flexible and progressive.

When problems occur, however, the communication breaks down between Libra and Pisces. Libra, who can at times be mentally manipulative, may give Pisces ‘the silent treatment.’ In this partnership there’s always an undercurrent of friction but neither partner will ever truly be the leader.

Although they may disagree often, their differences of opinion don’t last long.

Their only real trouble may result from their tendency to slow down to the point of stopping when they get together.

𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑡 🤞

They will not understand each other well enough to share much trust.

The need Libra has to be accepted and liked by other people will be wrongly interpreted by Pisces, for they don’t understand how can someone’s self-confidence be that low.

That sparkly, always in love, childish, flirty nature of Pisces will be a huge turn off for Libra, who will not be able to trust someone who openly shows their interest in other people.

The only way for these partners to remain in a trusting relationship is to approach it casually and build their understanding and trust from zero, as if they have never had any relationships prior to this one.

𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 🤝

In many cases, Libra will cherish the optimism and the childish naïve nature of their Pisces partner.

Unfortunately, they will often want to help them grow and change who they are so they could be “happier”.

The problem here is in the fact that Libra doesn’t know or try to understand what would make Pisces truly happy.

This is some basic disrespect and it could ruin the foundation of their entire relationship.

The main challenge here is to remain in a respectful bond, however crazy Pisces might seem to their Libra partner, or however stiff and boring Libra might seem to Pisces.

Their communication can be inspiring for as long as they don’t try to change each other, explain to each other how they should think or feel in certain situations, or even worse, teach each other how to behave.

Pisces partner can be quite direct and spontaneous and this might endanger the image Libra is trying to maintain in the eyes of others.

If they find each other’s actions inspiring in any possible way, they might reach a point in which they will truly communicate without judgment.

𝐸𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 😠😔😊

Their emotional connection is mostly presented through the adoration of Venus in the sign of Pisces.

This is an everlasting love waiting to happen, and the kind that could be born between these partners in case they both overcome their ego.

It will be a rare occurrence and their rationalities will weigh them down, for Libra does exalt Saturn, and Pisces are ruled by Jupiter.

Their minds will probably be filled with all sorts of irrelevant information until they decide that it is simply too hard for them to be together.

If they pass the point of disrespect and set strong boundaries, nurturing each other’s individuality and self-sufficiency, they might reach the point of emotional interaction.

As if they didn’t have enough challenges, this will usually happen at a different time.

Libra will rush into an emotional showoff, realizing that they have found love, but Pisces will not feel any love until all the dust settles and they have the time to close their eyes and feel.

If their timing is off, they will probably end their relationship on good terms, not expecting much from each other in the future.

𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 🤲

They will both value love and this is something that will connect them over everything else.

With Venus at focus, they will both need to be loved and cherish those who know how to show it, hot to enjoy life, food ,and how to make their loved ones satisfied.

This could give them a strong foundation for a relationship if they are attracted to each other in the first place.

The rest of their characters will differ greatly and while Libra will value consistency and stability

Pisces will value spontaneity and one’s ability to follow their heart. If they both believe that they have a mission here on Earth, and it happens that their missions cross paths, they could inspire each other to fight for what they value most – their names in the stars.

𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦𝑠 💪

Indecisive Libra is exactly what their Pisces partner doesn’t need in order not to feel completely lost in life and all of their chosen activities.

The problem here is that by the time Libra decides if they want to do something or not

Pisces will change their minds five times, not sure if this is the best thing for them, for their relationship, for their life’s purpose and mission, etc.

The questioning of Libra will raise suspicions in Pisces with painful ease.

They will manage to find activities they will both like, and if nothing else works they can always turn to any sort of art.

The real question is – will they want to do anything while they are together?

They could drain so much strength and confidence out of each other just trying to make a plan for the night.

𝑆𝑢𝑚𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 💕

Libra and Pisces have a meeting point in the beauty of Venus.

Still, they perceive it in two different ways and they will often not respect each other enough to find the beauty of Venus in one another.

They could have real trouble adjusting to their partner’s speed, and the mutable quality of Pisces often won’t help them open up any faster to build a relationship in the pace that would fit their Libra partner.

Both Libra and Pisces can selflessly be interested in the satisfaction of their partner, and this should help them stay on the good side of their relationship whatever happens between them.

If they move past the disrespect and the unrealistic expectations from each other’s personalities, they might find that they share real love.

[rainbowglittr]

Senior Year Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Cause baby now we got bad blood

You know we used to be mad love

So take a look what you've done

Cause baby now we got bad blood.............

Kiara, Robyn and I walked into the gym. Robyn's mom dropped us off. We got ready together, Robyn in her shimmery green dress, Kiara in ocean blue, and me in a sparkly sliver and black dress. We were speechless-it didn't even look like the gym, it was amazing. The whole place was dark and had glow sticks and black and strobe lights all around. It looked like a glow in the dark club. People were dancing and laughing to the music. We looked around for the rest of our friends and found them front and center right by the Dj. The music was blasting to the point where I could feel it vibrating through my chest.

"Hey! You look great!" We exchanged compliments and talked about the decorations. Then a couple walked up to us. Tyler kept it simple with a nice black top and tie. I mean he looked great in black, Mariah, had a long flowy white dress with gold accents. Her hair was in a Hollywood updo. She was a little overdone for home coming but she looked good.

"Hey guys, did we miss anything?" Said Tyler.

"Nah, party just got started. You guys look good!" Said Jesse. Now I'm like 99% sure they coordinated their outfits, cause Jesse was wearing practically the same thing as Tyler except his tie was blue instead of red. Everyone was kind of chilling and talking, but when the Dj started playing "Single Ladies"by Beyonće everyone got up and when I say everyone I mean EVERYONE, rushed to the dance floor. Everyone was jumping and moving and shaking and (unfortunately, that may or may not have included Mariah), twerking. Song after song we were laughing, dancing, and watching the already tipsy people, and the people who couldn't save it for the bedroom. Soon Robyn got dragged away by Kyle, go figure. Jesse and Kiara got pulled away by some friends and soon enough it was just me, Tyler, and Mariah. Surprisingly we were having fun and dancing together. I gave them space so that I wasn't third wheeling and saw and danced with some other friends I happened to see. She didn't try to pull any stunts, I mean she could have done A LOT less of twerking on Tyler but I wasn't surprised. Mariah even complimented my dress, and my make-up which was shocking, I guess she really was trying to be nice. I felt weird once a slower song came on, so I just moved away to give them space. I had to admit they were a really cute couple, and even though Mariah can piss me off, she makes Tyler happy; so I guess that's all that really matters. I started scanning the crowd for my friends. No luck. It was too dark to see anyone. When I turned around again the music sped up a bit and Tyler said he'd come back with some drinks for us.

"You guys looked really cute over there." I said to Mariah as we stood to the side looking over the crowd.

"Shut the fuck up, Jaleia. We are NOT even anything close to being friends." Mariah sneered. I was actually taken aback by her comment. What the hell happened to being nice???

"What? Are you okay?"

"You fucking heard me. Don't even bother acting like we're friends, I'm only being nice because Tyler told me I had to."

"I have to admit you are quite the actress. But you won't be able to fool anyone much longer. A fake ho will always reveal her true colors."

"Maybe if someone found you even slightly attractive you wouldn't be third wheeling with me and my boyfriend, who I know you want but you're too much of an fucking ugly disgusting worthless bitch for him to even think about wanting you. He will never choose you over me no matter how long you've been friends. When you're done acting like a thirsty slut maybe someone will want you. So please fuck off cause you'll never have him. You only wish you could compete with me, dog face. Tyler and everyone else don't give two shits about you. But You look so pretty tonight." Mariah smiled at me and flipped her hair. I was so pissed. I know I shouldn't have let her get to me, I know but I just wanted to rip her ugly stupid head off. So I did the next best thing to that. I pushed her flat on her ass and was thinking about  slapping the concealer off her face.

"You have got to be the biggest bitch on the planet. I can't wait for Tyler to dump your ass. You're nothing but an unhappy bitch and that's all you will ever be. Fuck you!" Before I could even continue my tirade or hit her I was being lifted away from her by no other than Tyler himself.

"What the fuck is wrong with you? That's my fucking girlfriend! I thought that you would actually appreciate her being extra nice. I tried so hard not to believe what everyone has been saying but you? I swear you're such a bitch sometimes! I don't even know why I bothered!" he screamed at me once we were away from the crowd. Me and Tyler have had some really bad, horrible, fights before but he's never ever called me a bitch. Ever. I was beyond pissed.

"Me? You're mad at me? You didn't ever hear what she was saying to me. You don't even know all the things she's said behind your back! She's the bitch! I was trying to be nice but-"

"Oh please Jaleia, I heard her complement you, and you attacked her for no reason! I tried to defend you. I told everyone that we were just friends, that you weren't like that. I even told her she had to be nice to you because you were important to me. I didn't think that you were that jealous that you can't even control your fucking self!"

"What the does that even mean? I didn't do anything wrong! You can watch the way your speaking to me! And what the hell is "everyone" saying?"

"Since you want to know, everyone thinks you're jealous of Mariah. That you'd try and steal me from from her, and that you're a ho. And I have to say I agree with them. You're jealous! You always have been whenever I had a girlfriend, you've always acted ridiculous. You're threatened and jealous of Mariah. You just proved that."

"I'm the ho? Check your fucking girlfriend! You have your head so far up your ass you can't even see it! SHE'S A TOTAL BITCH! See how she'll do you when the shit hits the fan. Does our friendship mean nothing to you? I'm not jealous. I just know she's not good for you. You know I'm not like that. You know. I ONLY WANTED THE BEST FOR YOU! Don't flatter yourself." By now I was in RAGE MODE.

"You know what Jaleia, I don't know. But what I do know is that I've had enough. I'm done with you not being able to respect my girlfriend. I'm tired of your stupid unfounded theories about her. I'm just sick of you! One minute you support our relationship the next minute you're fighting my girlfriend? I'm done. I can't do this anymore. I don't want to see you anymore, or talk to you or anything, I'm just through with you. I don't want anything to do with you. I'm so done Jaleia." He said walking away.

"Tyler-"

"Tyler what? What Jaleia what? There's nothing you can say or do to change my mind. Stay the fuck away from me and stay the fuck away from Mariah. Just fuck off." he turned away from me.

"Ty-"

"FUCK YOU! I'M DONE!" He screamed at me. He pinched the bridge of his nose just like He always does when he's stressed. "I wish it could be different but I just can't take the drama. I have to find my girlfriend now." He turned and walked away.

"Fuck you too Tyler." I said watching him walk away.

I just stood there, tears of anger falling down my face as I saw him walk away. What the hell just happened? How could he? I'm not the problem, I didn't do anything. I understand I probably shouldn't have pushed her but that bitch was fine and an extremely good faker. I just wanted to go home and forget that I just lost my best friend. I moved through the crowd looking for one of my friends but I didn't find anyone. Where the fuck was everyone? The gym wasn't that big. I walked over to where the food was, out in the hallway. I saw Robyn next to Kyle and his girlfriend who were arguing. That's literally all they ever seemed to do. I walked over to talk to Robyn when I heard his girlfriend Dana say

"I'm so fucking sick of you!" and threw a cup of punch at him but of course it doesn't land on Kyle. Guess who it lands all over...Me. My hair, face, and dress all had gotten wet with the red juice.

"You've gotta be kidding me! Of all fucking nights? Seriously?" I groaned in pure frustration. By then Kyle and his girlfriend had already stormed off.

"I am so sorry. Here's some tissues." Robyn said to me. I started to wipe myself down.

"You won't believe what just happened. Me and Tyler just got into a fight." I told her.

"Aww, I'll be right back I have to check on Kyle."

"Robyn! Seriously, I need you."

"You know how he is when he's pissed. I can't leave him alone right now! I'll be right back, I'm just checking on him."

She hurried off after him. That's great though. I get abandoned by two of my best friends and I can't find anyone else. So I walk back to the gym and sit down on the bleachers and start playing on my phone but my mind is not even there. I'm supposed to be laughing and dancing and having a great time, not covered in someone else's drink after my best friend basically says I'm not worth shit anymore. I really can't believe he took her side. Do I really mean that little to him that he can throw away our friendship just like that? Really? Is that really what everyone thinks? That I'm a jealous slut? I put my head down in my lap trying to control the tears. I'm more angry and pissed off than sad. After my birthday went so well? Mariah has a LOT of karma coming to her. And just like her karma's a bitch. A couple minutes later I feel a hand on my back.

"Jaleia." I look up to see Jesse sitting down next to me.

"Hi." I put my head back down.

"Hey, hey, hey don't do that. I wanna talk to you"

"I swear you must be the only person who does."

"Come on, I don't wanna talk to your hair, I wanna talk to your beautiful face."

"Oh please I'm ugly as shit right now don't even bother. I look like a hot fucking mess and I know it so there's no point in lying about it."

"Fine," he sighed "Can I see your face now? Please?" I looked up at him.

"Happy? And if you're here to talk about what happened then you can go back cause I don't want to talk about it." I told him.

"I'm not going to ask you that because I know you'll tell me when you want to, if you want to, and plus Tyler kinda already told me. But what I am gonna ask is will you dance with me?" He stood up and held his hand out.

"Jesse, thanks but it's been a really horrible night. I just wanna sit here and chill."

"Oh no you don't, sulking is not going to help you feel better. I'm going to ask you to dance because there's still an hour left to this dance and I want to have a good time. So I'm going to ask again. May I have this dance?" he asked holding out his hand.

"I'm also not going to take no for an answer." I put my hand In his and said

"Yes."

He lead me to the back of the dance floor. She will be loved by Maroon 5 was playing. He put his hand on my waist and I put my head on his shoulder. And we moved back and forth gently rocking to the song. Jesse sang softly in my ear along to the song.

It's not always rainbows and butterflies

It's compromise that moves us along, yeah

My heart is full and my door's always open

You come anytime you want, yeah.

I don't mind spending every day

Out on your corner in the pouring rain

Look for the girl with the broken smile

Ask her if she wants to stay awhile

And she will be loved

And she will be loved

And she will be loved

And she will be loved

I know where you hide alone in your car

Know all of the things that make you who you are

I know that goodbye means nothing at all

Comes back and begs me to catch her every time she falls

Yeah

Tap on my window knock on my door

I want to make you feel beautiful

I don't mind spending every day

Out on your corner in the pouring rain, oh.

Look for the girl with the broken smile

Ask her if she wants to stay awhile

And she will be loved

And she will be loved

And she will be loved

And she will be loved

[softly:]

I don't mind spending every day

Out on your corner in the pouring rain

Please don't try so hard to say goodbye

"You have such a beautiful voice." I said, looking up at him as the song ended.

"Thank you," he smiled, "But where do you think you're going?"

"The song is over."

"So? If you think you're going somewhere else after it took me five hours to get you to dance with me you have another thing coming." I smiled.

"I do?"

"Hell yeah you do! Come on we're gonna have a good tine. We're gonna dance and look like idiots but we doing it together, right?" he held out his hand again. I smiled and took it and he pulled me to the rest of the crowd. As we danced he kept his hands on my waist. There was some club dancing, some salsa dancing and some awkwardly idiotic dancing. We laughed and danced and I honestly forgot about everything that happened earlier. I ditched my heels a while ago. So I actually was groaning with the rest of everyone when they turned the lights on. The only sucky part of the night was when Tyler and Mariah won homecoming king and queen. But I went to the bathroom so that I didn't have to see them get crowned.

"Look at you. No one told me how turnt up you get when you dance. I told you we we're gonna have fun."

"I know and thank you for making me get up even though I was being difficult cause I actually shockingly had a fun time. Minus the obviously sucky part."

"Your welcome. Do you have a ride home?"

"Yes I actually have to go find Robyn and Kiara cause we're supposed to leave together."

"Okay, be safe. You know I'm always there if you want to talk. Good night." he took my hand and kissed it.

"Thank you and, trust me I'll want to talk. Good night." I gave him a kiss on the cheek. Then I went to find my friends.

[miniwolfsbane]

Going to the American Girl website like

"Yes, I would like to see the latest in dolls and doll accessories please!" XD

Unfortunately, the SUPER CUTE Loveshack Fancy shoes sold out, but they're being overpriced on eBay, as per usual. Possibly THE deciding factor in fixing my account to be up and running again. (I hate making phone calls and that requires a phone call.)

I wanted to get the cute Care Bears sleeping bag, but I was already going a little over my budget (shh!), so I figure I'll watch it into next month. Also did not get Courney's fanny pack. (I used to carry one with me all the time before I got fatter, as a tweenager.)

It was tempting to buy even a few of the LoveShack Fancy collection because it looks like it's being discontinued soon. But I decided on the cute little sweater for Penelope, my Our Generations doll (I've never had an American Girl doll. More on that in the blog if you search for it), and the Care Bears doll nightgown and socks because they discounted it by a LOT. It must be noted I like the 80s-90s Carebears of my childhood better, just because the designs look better and they wore actual clothes, but beggars can't be choosers, and having carebears in the line is AS CLOSE as we'll probably ever get to having AG-related MLP stuff. I mean, could you imagine it? ((Head explodes)).

Now I have to find the motivation and go through my interest saves to make Pelope some rocking clothes with my fabric hoard and do her hair up like Noonian-Singh in Strange New Worlds because HOW CUTE IS HER HAIR?! THE LITTLE BRAIDS OH-EM-GEE!!

Anyway, I got up at 5 am, how are you? XD

Worst, I found sparkly shoes like what Build-a-Bear has. I don't dress up Penny as much as I used to, but she needs those shoes. aaand I found red high tops on Amazon for her, as well as other colors. And roller skates! I used to roller skate as a kid (I sucked at it) but Roller King had this CPK doll in their display case with little doll skates and I always wanted it. (I still have my CPK from when I was born. Kinda family tradition from a family friend with a huge collection, both my brother and I got one from her. I still have his and consider them brother and sister. Yes, I'm a weirdo.)

Eh, at least dolls redirects my attention from ponies and Sailor Moon shopping. (I have a Sailor Moon monkey the size of King Kong on my back and need to give the merch a break. Possibly decided to put off buying Mercury/Venus bathing suits until I can lose the weight enough to get out of the plus-size section. If I did that, I wouldn't have to buy suits twice.)

Okay, done ranting. Time for chores, sims, iced coffee and other stuff.