#illuminated structure

[chromasolstice]

Welcome to the colorful side of TikTok, everyone! If you enjoy tiny creatures, sparkles, crystals, miniatures, and all things creative, please interact with me! I would love to make new friends!

[brandipo]

Ponte Vecchio by night (Firenze - Florence)

[ninobartuccio]

Matera: La Città dei Sassi, Un Viaggio nella Preistoria Italiana

Matera: La Città dei Sassi, Un Viaggio nella Preistoria Italiana Matera si trova in Basilicata, nel cuore dell’Italia meridionale. Inoltre, è una città unica al mondo. I suoi Sassi sono antiche abitazioni scavate nella roccia. Pertanto, questo la rende uno degli insediamenti umani più antichi e affascinanti del pianeta. L’UNESCO l’ha dichiarata Patrimonio Mondiale nel 1993. Inoltre, è stata…

[sheltiechicago]

Restless Sculpture in London

There’s something deeply satisfying about DRIFT’s Shylight. The piece, inspired by flowers that close at night, comprises illuminated silk structures which descend, unfurl, then fold up and tuck themselves away. They bounce in tandem, causing the room to light up and dim in a cycle. It would be easy to sit and stare for hours, but Shylight is the first thing you see when entering Hayward Gallery’s When Forms Come Alive.

[malfnction-54]

[vivid-pink10]

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Watch this!!!!

That’s dream world!!! 🤩

✨✨✨

[maureen2musings]

Shooting storms in low light, there are moments when the darkness hides everything. Then a single flash of lightning illuminates the entire structure from within.

willeadesphotography

[majestyeverlasting]

𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐲 | 𝐣𝐨𝐞𝐥 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫

pairing Joel Miller x Female Reader summary It’s getting harder for Joel to ignore the way he feels about you—especially on the night you try on new clothes just for him. [post-outbreak, fluff, mildly suggestive, 1k] a/n Here’s something short, sweet, and low stakes as I work on longer requests. Joel is down bad, but don't tell anyone.

⠂⠁⠈⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂

Want is a brave, unabashed thing. There’s no ignoring it when it arises as a persistent hum beneath Joel’s skin. Like a brewing storm you can’t escape, the inevitability of the tide as it barrels towards the shore. It’d been years since he felt something rise within him so strongly, yet it insists he welcomes it back like a friend. 

Joel shifts where he sits on the foot of your bed. The sound of your shuffling continues to emit from the closet. He runs a heavy hand through his hair, then scratches the back of his neck. It’s a restlessness he doesn’t quite know what to do with as he waits for you to reappear. It doesn’t help that he can hear every sound you make on the other side of the door—hangers clacking, fabric rustling. 

With a once-dormant facet of his imagination, Joel attempts to paint a picture of the in-between. Of everything he can’t see right now—the slow glide of the clothes over your skin, the graceful way your limbs maneuver. He’s never considered himself much of an artist aside from the creations he forges with his own hands, but he’s certain that with you as his muse, his mind’s eye alone is meritable. 

The door opens, and there you are. 

It’s another sweater this time, but he swears this one fits you better than the rest. It’s a lovely shade of cream with a V-cut neckline and structure that clings to you frame enough to accentuate your shape. Joel nods before any question is asked of him, and your smile is well worth it. Flattered and shy all the same. 

“You like it?” 

“‘Course I do,” Joel insists. “C’mere. Lemme get a good look.” 

Come here. They’re words he’s getting used to rolling past his lips so freely. They’re sweet. It’s as if the ability to beckon someone like you into his proximity is a well-aged wine he’s finally allowed to indulge in. Like the wonder you are, you listen, ready to be drunken in. 

Any hesitance on your end is feigned. You don’t want to seem too eager as you pad between Joel’s spread legs. Outside, the sunlight is fleeting, but it’s enough to illuminate him and your bedroom dimly. His brow bone casts a slight shadow that makes his eyes appear even darker than they are. Another is cast beneath the curve of his jaw onto his thick neck. That intensity doesn’t transfer into his touch. His hands are cautious as they reach out to feel the fabric, as if you’ll startle or step away. But he forgets that it’s you who’d wanted him in your orbit for so long. 

“Feels real nice,” he says. “How do you like it?” He looks up into your eyes as his hands settle on your waist.

“I love it.” You cup his cheek and brush a thumb over the scruffy skin. Joel leans into your touch. “Saved the best for last.” 

“Looked gorgeous in everything.” His voice comes out thicker. 

This sliver of the evening was never about any of the clothes. It was about you wanting to share your findings with Joel and letting him into a little part of your world that he’d never sat in on before. It was all so casual that he forgot, if only for a moment, that the world hadn’t fallen apart. There’d been a pleasant tug in the wait. A small thrill whenever you stepped back through the door donned in something new. What struck him even more was that these first glances were just for him. 

“Is this your favorite too?” The smile on your lips suggests you already know the answer. 

Joel’s cheeks warm. “Yeah, I… yeah.” 

Your hand doesn’t leave his face as you say, “What about it?” 

Joel swallows the lump in his throat as his neck warms. If you’re not messing with him, he’ll be damned. You watch how he combs through his mind for an answer you already know resides in the forefront. Even though he spirals all the more, he’s grateful that your sweet laugh flows into the air before he can stammer through an answer. 

Your free hand rises to cup his other cheek, and he wishes he could look away to preserve whatever remains of his pride. But Joel helplessly looks up at you because that’s what he is these days. Helpless. Despite himself, he begins to smile too. Then you lean down to capture his lips. It’s not the type of kiss you pour into with all that you are but one that’s much lighter. So much so that it borders on playful and comes to a premature end. 

A heavy exhale escapes him as you finally let go of his face. “You like makin’ things hard for me?” His question is gruff and honest, but there’s affection in his eyes. 

You pretend to think. “What’s hard?” you ask. “You, my question, or both?” 

Joel’s stomach flips. “Real funny, ain’t ya?” 

“Scooch back, and we can find out.” 

You motion for him to move further back on the bed, and he listens, eyes stuck on you. Joel scoots until he’s in the center, biceps flexing with his effort. The mattress dips as you climb to join him, walking on your knees until you can straddle his lap. Joel's head meets the pillows when you place a hand on his chest in a silent encouragement to lie down. The rise and fall of his chest grows more pronounced. So does the tightness in his jeans.

“I like the way it fits,” Joel finally says, voice small and measured. “You got a real nice figure.” Your gaze softens as you look down at him because you can hear his sincerity, the underlying shyness. 

“Drive me crazy all the damn time. Ain’t even gotta try,” he says, hands steadying your waist as he shifts beneath you. “S’getting awful hard to pretend that ain’t the case.”

He gives you a gentle squeeze then. “Swear I don’t mean any disrespect.” 

Joel holds his breath when your fingers move to the first button of his shirt. You pop it undone before moving to the next one, then the next. He makes a small, pleased sound when you lean down to kiss the exposed skin. He’s warm and earthy. 

“The feeling’s mutual,” you murmur as you undo another button and kiss the next portion of revealed skin. “Hope this is okay…” 

“It’s more than okay,” he assures, breath catching in his throat.

-

Thanks for reading! All likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated. I promise I see them all. 

JOEL MASTERLIST

ALL MASTERLISTS

[chromasolstice]

It’s been a long January. Let your mind rest for a minute 🫶✨

[bbbbbbbbatman]

Once Batman has revealed his identity to the JL, and after some strong encouragement from Superman and Wonder Woman, Bruce decides to try to start being a bit more "personable" with the rest of league. They've been colleagues for a decade and he trusts them all, and according to Clark and Diana this means there's no need for his whole mysterious "shadow of the night" bit, so he invites the league to dinner at the manor.

It is raining heavily, and even though it's not that late, it's nearly pitch dark but for the frequent lightning strikes. The league arrives together at Wayne Manor and the wrought iron gates stretch upward before them, ending in spikes at the top with ivy overgrown across them. They stand there, uncomfortable, wet, a bit weirded out, wondering how they're supposed to get passed the gates.

"This is creepy, right?" Hal says. "It's not just me?"

A voice. "Hello." As the league turns to the sound, thunder claps loud enough to startle everyone as lightning strikes, illuminating a small child standing on the other side of the gates that was definitely not there a second ago. He stands motionless under an umbrella, seemingly unbothered by the rain, expression vaguely irritated, and his eyes seem to flash green in the light. "I have been instructed to escort you inside."

The child doesn't move in any way but the gates slowly swing open, the creaking sounds sound straight out of a horror movie. Once they are fully opened, the boy turns and starts walking down the path without a word.

The league, some members quite freaked out at this point, follow him after exchanging some looks. They round a bend in the path and the manor comes into view. It is a massive dark structure, rising from the ground. Another lightning strike illuminates pointed spires, jagged edges, and it's gloomy, gothic nature. The sound of bats shrieking can be heard in the distance over the rain.

The league finally arrives at the front door, cold, wet, and thoroughly discomfited. An old man, a butler, looking out of time, opens the door, the child disappears inside. The butler welcomes everyone inside graciously but with a distant politeness. Despite the appearance of the exterior, the inside is well lit with warm light and seems inviting, though ostentatious. The league is relieved.

Until another massive lightning strike and thunder clap cuts the power off and the room is pitch black.

"Oh, you're here," a deep voice says from somewhere up above. No sooner are the words out than another lightning strike illuminates a dark, hulking figure on the staircase that was also definitely not there a second ago. At least two people scream.

Bruce is wildly confused as to why his guests are screaming, he didn't think any of them were afraid of the dark? The back up generator kicks on and the lights come back on and everybody seems to calm down. The rest of the dinner seems to go well (as well as a dinner can with the justice league and all of Bruce's kids) but strangely, to Bruce's confusion, it somehow only made his "spooky" reputation worse. He's not really sure why the whole league seems to think he lives in a haunted house.

[xbabyjah]

Outdoor Kitchen Outdoor Kitchen Newark

Concrete paver patio kitchen idea for a sizable Mediterranean backyard with a pergola

[ninobartuccio]

Piazza Ruggero Settimo, il cuore elegante di Palermo 🌟

Piazza Ruggero Settimo, meglio conosciuta come Piazza Politeama, è uno dei luoghi più iconici e frequentati di Palermo. Situata nel cuore della città, questa piazza è un crocevia di cultura, storia e modernità, e deve il suo soprannome alla presenza del maestoso Teatro Politeama Garibaldi, che la domina con la sua imponenza. Un nome, due anime La piazza prende il nome da Ruggero Settimo, un…

[urcoolgf]

PICTURE PERFECT

pairing. bf¡drew && reader

content. fluff

summary. drew is obsessed with his new camera… && his girlfriend

drew always wanted to try new hobbies. whether it was chess, basketball (which he sucked at), baseball (which he was slightly better at), painting (which he only liked doing together), or photography—his new fixation. he had done a bunch of research on all the best cameras, types of film, and new settings to try. he was obsessed—in a cute way. you loved watching his puzzled look illuminated by his laptop screen when he was looking at new cameras to buy—his brows furrowing together trying to read all the different specs.

so, once his newest camera arrived, he wanted to take it for a test drive. drew stood up from the couch and made his way to your guys’ bedroom. it only took a few steps since your apartment was kind of small—in the cozy way—you always wanted an apartment in the city, and drew was happy to provide. once you saw this place, you fell in love with its charm and character. all drew needed to see was the way your eyes lit up, and he gave the landlord a check that day, without hesitation.

“hey baby,” drew said calmly, moving to hover over you while you laid on your bed. he had encased you with his arms on either side of you, palms against the bed and his face was getting progressively closer to yours.

“hey, what’s up?,” you replied quietly with a soft smile and laugh that made his heart melt instantly.

“wanna go out. get food, walk around, whatever. put on somethin’ pretty for me, mkay?,” he said, signature smirk adorning his structured face.

“mkay,” you had a curious look on your face, but chose not to ask any questions. you were happy just spending time with him—no matter what you did. he gave you a quick peck before hoisting himself off the bed and walking out of the room.

per his request, you got up from bed, picking out a cute little ‘day-out’ outfit that was good for anything he had planned. after fixing your curls a little, and putting on some light makeup you walked out into the living space, giving drew a little show as you strutted out theatrically.

“how do i look? and yes, you’re allowed to say amazing,” you said as drew looked up from his phone to see you standing there looking absolutely ethereal. he stood up from the couch to walk over to you.

“like a goddess, baby,” he said as he placed his hands on your hips, and pulled you closer. the way he looked right into your eyes made your heart skip a beat.

“ooo even better. yeah, i like that,” you said, pushing your lips out and squinting like you were impressed, before he leaned in to capture your lips. he didn’t waste any time pushing his tongue past your lips, and you gladly accepted him, wrapping your arms around his neck to pull yourself even closer. his grip on your hips tightened as he pulled you flush to him, deepening the kiss.

drew pulled back with a hazy look on his face, like kissing you just cleared his mind.

“mm, ‘s much as i would love to keep doing this, we got places to be, sweetheart,” he said with a lazy smile, releasing his hold on your hips and reaching for your favorite purse, “your bag m’lady,” he said holding it out to you on his fingers.

“oh thank you, sir,” you laughed, grabbing it from him, and placing it on your shoulder. the two of you left your apartment, making your way down the stairs, and into the city.

“sooo what’re we doing?,” you asked, hands secured behind your back as you walked side by side down the pavement.

“jus’ exploring y’know…,” drew responded, looking around for a good spot to test his camera.

“you got a new camera didn’t you, baby?,” you smiled mischievously, knowing what was about to happen in this ‘outing’.

“uh yeah i got a new camera,” he laughed, shaking his head as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

—

as the two of you sat at a table outside your favorite little ‘hole-in-the-wall’ restaurant, eating your lunch, drew didn’t hesitate to tell you all about his new camera. unfortunately, even with his current obsession, you had no idea what any of it meant. it didn’t matter though—you were happy just to sit and listen to him talk, and he was even happier to be heard. but, eventually all the tech talk became too much and you had both long since finished your food. he had to be stopped. you reached out onto the table to hold his hands in yours.

“baby, baby… i love you, and you know i love hearing you talk, but can you please just work your magic, and take some pictures,” you said with a hopeful smile that drew, of course, couldn’t say no to. he lifted himself out of his chair and grabbed your hand.

“‘course baby, c’mon let’s go. i found a cool spot when we were walking earlier,” he said happily, pulling you up from your seat.

“okay, okay! i’m coming!,” you laughed as your boyfriend dragged you behind him.

—

“you know my favorite thing about this new hobby?,” drew asked with a cheeky smile.

“what?,” you asked, walking away from him, into the spot where he told you to stand.

“having an excuse for my beautiful girlfriend to model for me whenever i want,” he said, lifting the camera up to point the lens at you. you just smiled and shook your head at his response.

you were currently just standing in the middle of some road that cars weren’t permitted on. you weren’t sure what drew found so appealing about this specific spot, but you weren’t the visionary here.

“what now?,” you stood there, awkwardly, awaiting his instructions.

“what now… you say that like you’ve never done this before. don’t be humble babe, y’know what to do,” he said with a smirk, your laughter filled his ears and he swore he fell in love with you more and more every day. you were literally his dream girl, and he knew he would never find someone like you. your wide eyes, and big, beautiful smile. the way you could make him laugh until he was crying, and the way you got him like no one else did.

he was gonna marry you—one day—he just knew it. he had to at this point because he was pretty sure he wouldn’t physically be able to go another day without you.

“my beautiful muse,” he whispered to himself, one eye closed while he peaked into the viewfinder and clicked the shutter button again.

you continued doing random poses until you ran out of ideas. drew didn’t mind though, he had gotten plenty of new pictures to add to his collection. he was a photographer, but it seemed the only thing he photographed… was you.

you in the city, you in bed, you with your coffee in the morning, you on the subway, you eating, you doing just about anything. his collection was growing, and he loved it.

—

you both walked around some more until your feet got tired, and drew got too excited to develop these pictures so, you headed home. by the time you got back to the front door of your apartment building, the sun was setting—and you had just had the most perfect day.

once you both walked through the apartment door, the first thing you did was change, and the first thing drew did was get the film out of his camera. he was so excited to see how these turned out—that was the great thing about you, you made any picture look good. he turned on the lamp beside the couch, because he knew you didn’t like the big light overhead the living space. you eventually joined him on the couch after changing into a t-shirt and some tiny lounge shorts, head resting on his shoulder as he looked at the now processed pictures.

“look how good they turned out, baby. straight outta a magazine. that’s my girl,” he kissed the top of your head while you just smiled. you turned up to face him, to watch his eyes wander over the images of you in high contrast with the perfect lighting. you had to admit they looked amazing. not because you were in them, but because your wonderful boyfriend had taken them, and he clearly knew his way around a camera because they looked professional.

he pulled out a large photo album that you didn’t even know he had, and flipped it open to the first unoccupied page, which was at least half way through the book.

“what is this?,” you looked up at him and asked with a curious smile on your face.

“my photos,” he said before you took the album out of his hands, and began flipping through it—they were all of you.

“why are they all me?,” you asked.

“because photography is about photographing what inspires you, and you inspire me,” drew responded softly, putting his arm around you.

“aw, drew! that’s so sweet. are you kidding?! these are amazing,” you said, flipping through some more pages.

“yeah? you like ‘em?,” he rubbed the back of his neck with his other hand, like he was actually nervous you wouldn’t like them.

“like them? i love them! you’re so talented baby,” you drifted off, admiring the quality of the photos.

“well it’s easy to get a good photo when you’re the focal point… you’re my muse,” drew looked at you, pupils blown, and the golden cast of the lamp on his face. you didn’t think he could be any more perfect.

“you’re my muse,” you responded softly with a warm smile on your face.

oh yeah, he was gonna marry you.

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© URCOOLGF. est. 2025

[heron-knight]

decided to crack open my skull and pour the contents of my brain onto the keyboard. thought the denizens of tumblr might enjoy it. bon appetite

Mech Pilot Care guide

You never expect it, do you. Even as you see the flashes of pulse-decay fire in the sky, illuminating a scene of violence on the cosmic scale. Planetary defense satellites forming Monolithic structures in the sky, their purpose now revealed as they scatter constellations of destruction across the night horizon, drowning out the stars and replacing them with ones born of death. The oxygen in a ship catching fire and burning away in an instant, a flash of light that marks the death of its crew of hundreds. Even if you take your telescope to watch this spectacle, this war in a place without screams, you still feel profoundly disconnected from it.

Even as you see a pilot cleave through a drone hive with a fusion blade, the molten metal glistening in the light of the explosions around it, scattering without gravity to the corners of the universe, even as two mechs dance across the sky, their reactors pouring into the engines enough energy to power the house atop which you sit for ten thousand years, flying in a 3.5 dimensional dance with only one word to the song that can reach across the vacuum: “I Will Kill You.” you don’t feel even the slightest glimpse of what goes on inside their minds. You don’t feel the neurological feedback tearing across the brain-computer interface, filling her mind with more simultaneous pain and elation that an unmodified human could ever experience. You don’t feel it as the pneumatic lance punctures through steel and nanocarbon polymer, the mech AI sending floods of a sensation you could never truly know through the skull and into every corner of the body carried on enhanced nerves for every layer of armor punctured, tearing into the enemy chassis with a desire beyond anything the flesh can provide. Let the stars kill each other. After all, I am safe on earth. No, you don’t expect it when the star is hit with a sub-relativistic projectile, piercing through both engines in an instant. You don’t expect it to fall. You never would have expected it to land, the impact nearly vaporizing the soil and setting trees aflame, on the hill beyond your house, and you would never have expected, beneath the layers of cooling slag, for the life-support indicator light to still be visible.

All the fire extinguishers in your house, your old plasma cutter that you haven’t used in years, and whatever medical supplies you think they might still be able to benefit from. All that on a hoverbike, speeding at 120 kilometers per hour through the valley and up onto the hill, still illuminated by the battle above, unsurprisingly unchanged by this new development. 200 meters. 100 meters. You don’t know how much time you’ve got. It wasn’t exactly covered in school, how long a pilot can survive in an overheating frame. You’ve heard rumors, of course, of what these things that used to be human have become. That they don’t eat and barely need air. That they don’t feel any desire beyond what instructions are pumped directly into their brains. Not so much of a person as much as an attack dog. It’s understandably a bit concerning, as if they are alive, then it’s not guaranteed that you will be. Three fire extinguishers later, the surface of the mech is mostly solid, and the cutter slices through the exterior plating. With a satisfying crunch, the cockpit is forced open, revealing the pilot, and confirming a few of the rumors, while refuting others. Pilots, it seems, are not quite emotionless. In fact, there seems to be genuine fear on its face when it sees you, followed by… a sort of grim certainty as it opens its mouth, moves its jaw into a strange position, and you only have half a second to react before it would have bitten down with all its force on the tooth that seemed to be made of a different material then all the rest.

Your thumb is definitely bleeding, and is caught between a metamaterial-based dental implant, and one containing a military-grade neurotoxin. You’re not sure exactly why you did it. The pilot looks at you for a second, before the tubes that attach to its arms like puppet strings run out of stimulants, and it passes out after who knows how long without sleep. This battle has been going on for weeks already. Has it been fighting that long? Its various frame-tethered implants disconnect easily, the unconscious pilot draped over your shoulder twitching slightly with each one you remove. It’s a much longer ride back to the house. Avoiding having the pilot fall off the bike is the top priority, and the injured thumb stings in the fast-moving air. 

An internet search doesn’t lead to many helpful sources to the question of “there is a mech pilot on my couch, what do I do?” a few articles about how easy targets retired pilots are for the “doll sellers,” a few military recruitment ads, and a couple near-incomprehensible legal documents full of words like “proprietary technology” or “instant termination.” However, there is one link, a few rows down from the top-- “Mech Pilot Care Guide.” It’s a detailed list, arranged in numbered steps. The website has no other links on it, just the step-by-step instructions: a quick read reveals that this isn’t going to be easy, but looking at the unconscious pilot, unabsorbed chemicals dripping from the ports in its arms and head onto the mildly bloodstained towel, you come to the conclusion that there’s no other option.

Step one: the first 24 hours.

The first thing you should know is that pilots aren’t used to sleeping. They’re used to being put under for transport and storage, but after the neural augmentations and years of week-long battles sustained by stimulants that would fry the brain of anyone that still has an intact one, they’ve more or less forgotten what real sleep is. If they see you asleep, they’ll think you’re dead, so don’t try to let them stay in your room yet. Once you’ve removed the neurotoxin from the tooth (it breaks easily with a bit of applied pressure, but be careful not to let any fall into their mouth or onto your skin.), start by moving them into a chair (preferably a recliner or gaming chair, as the mech seat is about halfway in between), and putting a heavy blanket over them. Don’t worry, they don’t need as much air as normal humans do, and can handle high temperatures up to a point. This is an environment similar to the one they’re used to. It’ll stay like this for about 12 hours-- barely breathing, trembling slightly underneath the blanket. Feel free to check if it’s alive every few hours, not that you could help it if it wasn’t. It won’t freak out when it wakes up. In fact, it doesn’t seem like they can. Turn down the lights and remove the blanket from its face. It’ll stare blankly at you, trying to evaluate the situation with a brain that’s not connected to a computer that’s bigger than they are anymore. Coming to terms, if you could call it that, with the fact that it isn’t dead. Don’t expect it to start reacting to things for a while yet, give it a couple hours. 

It’s been a bit, and its eyes are starting to focus on you. The next thing you should know is this: pilots only have two groups into which they can categorize non-pilots: handler and enemy. You need to work on making sure you’re in the right one. Move slowly, standing up and walking toward them, making sure they can see where you’re going to step. Place both hands on their shoulders, then slide one under their arm and carefully pick them up. Don’t be startled by how light they are, or how they still shake slightly as they realize their arms don’t have anything connected to them. Most importantly, don’t break. Don’t reflect on how something can be done to a person so that this is all that’s left. Just focus on rotating them as if you’re inspecting all the brain-computer interface ports, while holding them at half an arm’s length. Set them back down, wrap the blanket around them, then lean in close and say “status report.” they won’t say anything, as they usually upload the data via interface, but what’s important is that now they recognise you as their handler. Their entire mind will be focused on the fact that they exist now to do what you want. Now it’s up to you to prove them wrong.

Step two: the first week.

They’re shaking so hard that you’ve had to move them from the chair back to the couch, sweating heavily as they pant like the dog they’ve been trained to think they are. This was to be expected, really. Pilots are constantly being filled with a mix of stimulants, painkillers, and who knows what else, and you’ve just cut them off completely. You’ve woken up several times in the night and rushed to check if they’re still breathing, debating whether you should try to tell them that they’re going to be okay. The guide says they’re not ready for that yet, whatever that means. They’re still wearing the suit you found them in, made from nanofiber mesh and apparently recycling nutrients and water before re-infusing them intravenously. It’s been three days since you tore them out of the lump of metal atop the hill outside. Long enough that the suit’s battery, apparently, has run out. You lift them gently from the couch and carry them to the bathroom. The shower’s been on for the past hour or so, meaning the temperature should be high enough. You set them on their chair, which you’ve rolled there from the living room and covered with a towel. Removing the suit normally isn’t done except in between missions, and it’s only done to exchange it for a new one. Without the proper tools, you’ve opted for a pair of scissors. Cutting through the suit takes a bit of time, but you manage to cut a sizable line from the neck down to the front to the bottom of the torso. The pilot recoils slightly from the cold metal against their skin, but you manage to peel off the suit without incident, The Temperature of which was roughly the same as the steam filling the room, and you’ve done your best to minimize air currents. They’ve got a bit more shape to them than you expected of someone who’s been so heavily modified. Perhaps what little fat storage it provides helps on longer missions, or perhaps this is for the purposes of marketing. Just another recruitment ad that appeals to baser instincts. Either way, it doesn’t matter. Using a cloth with the least noticeable texture possible, you wash off as much sweat and dead skin as you can, avoiding the various interface and IV ports, as you’re not yet sure that they’re waterproof. Embarrassment is the enemy of efficiency, so you’re slightly glad that their eyes never completely focus on you. They shift their weight slightly, however. Despite the difficulty moving with their current symptoms, they lean in the direction opposite the places you wash once you're done, allowing you to more easily access the places you haven’t got to yet. An act of trust that you have a suspicion they weren't “programmed” to do.  As they dry out, you prepare for the difficult part. You take the blanket that previously wrapped around their suit, and gently touch a corner of it to their shoulder. Pilots are used to an amount of sensory  information that would overload any normal human in an instant, but most rarely experience textures against their skin. After about half an hour, they’re used to it enough that you’re able to replace what’s left of the suit with it, and after another you’re able to wrap them in it again. You carry them back to the couch, and place a few of your old shirts next to their hand. They pick one and touch it with one finger before recoiling slightly. Eventually, they’ll be used to at least one of them enough that they can wear it. It’s slow progress, but it’s progress.

Step 3: food

It goes without saying that it’s usually been at least a year since they’ve eaten anything. The augmentations scooped out much of their knowledge on how to survive as a human, assuming that they would die before ever needing to be one again. Start them off with just flavors. Give them a chance to pick favorites by giving them a wide selection and firmly telling them to try all of them. Avoid anything solid for the first month or so, both because they can’t digest it and because they associate chewing with their self-destruct mechanism. Trying to and surviving might make them think the “mission’s fully compromised” and attempt to improvise. They’ll typically pick out favorites quickly with their enhanced senses, so once they’ve sampled everything, tell them to pick one. Remember it, not in order to use it as a reward or anything, but them still being able to have a “favorite” anything is something you should keep in mind for later. 

Use a similar method anytime they become able to handle the next level of solidity. Don’t be alarmed if one of their favorite foods is the meat that’s most similar to humans (such as pork.) they’re not going to eat you, they just will have already formed an association between that flavor and the moment they went from being a weapon to living in your house. Don’t worry about your thumb getting infected, by the way. Pilots barely have a microbiome.

Step 4: entertainment:

Roll them over to your computer and give them access to your game library. No, really. They need enrichment, and there’s only one activity that they’re able to enjoy at the moment. A simulation of it will make the shift from weapon to guest easier. Start them off with an FPS with a story. Don’t go multiplayer, as your account may get banned for being suspected of using aimbots. Watch as they progress the story. The military left pilots with just enough of a personality to allow them to improvise, and that should be enough for them to make decisions on this level. They won’t do much character customization, but keep an eye on which starting character body shape they pick. No pilot would consciously think they have enough of a “Self” to still have a gender, but keep track of the ones they pick in the games. As for the one you’ve found, it appears that she’s got a player-character preference. You even saw her nudge one of the appearance sliders before clicking “start game.” Whether this means that a pilot doesn’t think of themselves as “it” or that it means there’s still enough of their mind left for them to know there’s more to themselves than the body they have, it’s a handy bit of information to know. Some pilots might have had this decision influenced by their handlers having referred to them as “she” in the way it refers to boats, but still, on some level they always know that “it” meant that they’re a weapon. 

Step 6: outside:

There’s a profound difference between experiencing the world through information fed directly into your brain and standing up for the first time, wandering around the room and investigating with hands not made of a half-ton of metal. She’s not used to feeling the air on her skin as she stands in front of the window, visual data coming from two eyes instead of seven cameras. It’ll take a while to get used to it again. New old data, reminiscent of a time before she’s been trained not to remember. It’ll take a while until she’s walking like a human and not a mech, as the muscles used are different, and the ones to hold herself upright haven’t been used in a while. She’s going to fall down at least once. Be sure you’re standing next to her when it happens, as pilots that fall aren’t trained to think they can get back up. It’s worth it, though, when she opens the door herself and strides into the yard, still wobbly but standing. Be careful not to let her look into the sun, partially because it looks nearly identical to the barrel of a pulse-decay blaster milliseconds before it fires. She would get hurt trying to dodge it. It will be somewhat confusing for her, standing on a hill as she once did, but not contained within a 12-meter metal chassis. A feeling of being small and alone without the voices of the computer. This means it’s time for step seven.

Step 7: 

All this time, and any idea that she’s still a person has, for her, been subconscious. Any thought of humanity is stopped when it slams into the wall of her handlers and mech AIs reminding her for years before now that she is a weapon. She’ll still ask for your permission before doing just about anything, and that’s just the rare times that she’ll do something you don’t tell her to. Even after you’ve moved her into your room, she’ll still try to sleep on the floor. She still thinks that beds are only for humans. Kneel next to her as she curls into a ball on the ground, assuming that’s what she’s supposed to do. Expect her to try to move down to the foot of the bed after you set her down on it. Gently move her back up until her head’s on the pillow. Sit on the edge of the bed, and hold out your hand to her. After a bit, she’ll take it, wrapping both hands around it and tracing her fingers along the scar on your thumb. Lie down next to her, an arm’s length apart. Place your other hand on her forearm, then slide it up her arm to her shoulder. Don’t move too quickly, and don’t surprise her. Whisper softly but audibly every movement you’re going to make in advance. Move in a bit closer, until you’re wrapped in her arms. Mech pilots aren’t used to this. They aren't used to feeling someone next to them. Not above them, but next to them, getting exactly as much out of this as they are. Even after several months, many won’t admit they deserve it. You wouldn’t waste time lying next to a gun. So why do they feel so strongly that they don’t want you to leave? Why do they hold on tighter? They often feel they’re doing something wrong. Overstepping a boundary. There’s a rift between what they want and what they’re told they can want that nearly tears their mind in half, and it hurts. No normal human will ever know how much it hurts them to think they’ve broken some instruction, that they feel things they aren’t allowed to. Nobody said it was easy, learning how to become human again. Tell her it’s okay. That she’s allowed to feel this way. She still won’t know why. It’s time to tell her. The guide can’t tell you what to say, only that you have to say it. It has to come from you. You have to be the one that tells her what she is underneath all the modifications. It’s time, say it.

“Do you feel that? Do you feel your heart start to beat faster as it presses up against mine? Do you feel your own breath against your skin after it reflects off my shoulder? Do you feel your muscles start to tighten as I slide my hand across them, then relax because you know it means that you are safe? It’s because you’re alive. Because despite everything, you’re still alive. Still someone left after all the changes, all the augmentations. And I know you’re someone because you are someone that likes food a bit spicier than most would prefer. Someone that closes her eyes and gets lost in music whenever it’s playing. Someone that added that one piece of customization to her character, even though they would wear a helmet for most of the game and nobody would know it was there but you. Maybe you aren’t the same person you were before. Maybe they did take some things from you that nothing can give back. But you’re still someone. Someone that people can still care about, and I know because I do.”

You can feel her tears drip down onto your neck as she pulls you closer. She tries to say something, but you can’t understand what. You tell her it’s okay. That it’s not easy, and that she doesn’t have to pretend that it is. Not for you, and not for anyone anymore. She doesn’t have to be useful anymore. No need to keep it together. All that matters is that she’s alive. 

There’s another battle going on in the night sky outside. The same flashes of light you saw the night you stopped living alone, even if the other person couldn’t admit that they were one yet. She still flinches at the brighter bursts of pulse-decay fire, still stretches out her hand on reflex to prime a pneumatic lance that isn’t there. But she knows it’s not her, it’s just a ghost of the weapon that died when it hit the ground. You can feel her relax as she realizes this, moving her hand back to dry her face before reaching out towards yours. You hadn’t noticed the tears on your own face. You place your hand on hers as she wipes the corner of your eye. Outside and above, the war continues on a cosmic scale, so far apart from where you both are now that you barely notice it. Let the stars kill each other. After all, the one before you has already fallen, and she doesn’t have to return to the sky. Together, you are safe on earth. 

[sleepymarimo]

𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡?

zoro x gn!reader // sfw! we've all seen reader walking in on zoro and hiyori, but what if zoro stumbles upon you with someone else? it's just a big misunderstaning, of course!

𝐙𝐎𝐑𝐎'𝐒 cheeks are colored a light pink, bordering on red as the icy wind continues to relentlessly nip on them. the snow isn’t a problem, thick, powdery, yielding for each rhythmic movement of his strong legs.

it’s early, much too early, and he should be on the ship just like he was commanded to do, but when does he ever comply?

no, he wouldn’t be staying on the ship, not when he knew you were out here somewhere on this frozen waste of an island. zoro doesn’t often kick himself, taking things as they come, but he feels it’s his personal responsibility to go after you.

a part of him isn’t quite sure what had happened the day prior.

the crew was together, united, exploring the island when the peace was disrupted by an ambush from some not so friendly inhabitants. it wasn’t a problem, shouldn’t have been a problem, but when the snow cleared, when the last of the flurries were blown away, you were gone.

not only were you the closest one to him, but he prided himself on being the protector, the man who safeguards his crew mates.

zoro walks along, his green hair sticking out amidst the snow white landscape. he scoffs, looking all over. had he came around here already? he doesn’t know, but he looks up toward the sky, nose wrinkling as a few flakes melt into his skin.

his body knows before his brain, his steps coming to a halt before he takes a last minute turn toward the east. instinct; it’s all instinct, his good eye honing in on a structure just beyond a few trees. he’s found what he’s been looking for and he knows it.

the scent of pine gives way to something smoky as he trudges closer, one of his hands wrapping around his wado. there’s hints of alcohol, the medical kind, and alcohol, the drinking kind, but more than that- there’s you.

old wooden steps creak as he makes his way toward the entrance of a worn down cabin, his muscles tense, ready for action. it’s quiet inside, much too quiet, yet he doesn’t bother concealing his own presence. the door opens, hitting the wall, and he steps inside, the light from a nearby window illuminating all.

he’s prepared to see you, knows you’re here. would you be starved and injured? frightened and in need of help? he takes his role as a pillar, but this isn’t what he expects to see.

you don’t look like you need help, that’s for damn sure. thick blankets shield your form from the morning chill, but so do a strong pair of arms. who the hell is that laying next to you? why are you letting him so close?

"eh?" he finds himself saying, keeping his sword pointed and ready for action.

zoro doesn't recognize the man beside you, enveloping you in a safe embrace. it's...surprisingly irritating and he doesn't know why, but he has enough mind to place his wado back into it's sheath.

those damn arms tighten around you and zoro decides he's had enough. "oi," he calls, crossing his arms, taking another step toward you. "what the hell is this? get. up."

beneath the blankets, you and your partner huddle a bit closer. and when you stir, letting out a soft, sleepy grunt, your new companion opens his eyes and tenses, ready to protect you.

oh, how it makes the marimo's eye twitch. doesn't this guy know that zoro should be protecting you? it's made even worse when you hold the man a little tighter, your eyes just barely starting to open.

"watch it." the swordsman growls, not trusting this man one single bit.

zoro says your name again, more firm, a little more demanding of your attention. for a moment it sounds like he's scolding you, clearly not approving of this whole situation.

it's only when you fully wake that you sit up, then the swordsman silently thanks the stars above. he relaxes once you shake yourself from the stranger's hold, a relieved smile on your face.

his protective instincts swell, a certain satisfaction filling him as you scoot away from the man.

"zoro!" you tug the blankets off and the marimo tenses again. bandages are snuggly wrapped around your leg, you're injured, but you've been tended to. cared for.

he takes some steps closer, a flash of concern in his eyes, yet he remains strong, not wanting to let his guard down around the man who is still a little too close to you for his liking. crouching down beside you, reclaiming his place, he assesses the wound.

his nose wrinkles. you smell like that bastard right beside you, the one that had probably been cuddling up to you all-

zoro shakes his head, focusing on the important things.

you explain everything that led you to this point. you'd taken a tumble during the initial fight, sliding down the snowy mountain and hurting your leg in the process. the so-called stranger had been the one to find you, tend to your wounds. of course he was skilled at first aid, of course he cooked you a hot dinner, of course he kept you warm while the snow fell outside in soft flurries.

damn, it pisses zoro off. none of this would've happened if the swordsman had kept you safe to begin with. yet, he has to begrudgingly voice a quick thanks.

you don't leave his sight though, not for one bit.

once some goods are packed up, zoro gets you situated on his back as he prepares to return you to the ship. he watches as you wave at the man one last time, your eyes bright, thankful, and zoro feels his cheeks warming at your expression, wishing it was directed at him instead.

he grows more comfortable as the cabin fades away and out of view. his shoulders relax, his breaths even out, and he's acutely aware of every move you make.

your arms snuggly rest over his shoulders, face resting in the crook of his neck as you seek refuge from the light snowfall. with your thighs wrapped around his hips, you rest and he makes sure to keep a secure hold on you.

it's as though all is right again. you'll be back with the crew, and it's a reassuring thought. or maybe it feels right because it's just you and him? zoro doesn't know.

either way, he makes a pledge to be better, to do better, to keep you safe.

at the end of the day, he doesn't even make the connection that he simply can't stand to see you in the arms of someone else.

[connorsui]

Bound by Diamonds - Sylus x reader

Genre/warnings: pure fluff, established relationship between the both of you, teasing, sweet kiss, darry ring (a literal soulmate ring), no warnings …unless you want to say no to his proposal..

Synopsis: Sylus carefully plans the perfect moment to present you with a lifelong promise.

Note: the most expensive darry ring is well over 150 grand in U.S currency …that is the equivalent of $5 dollars in Sylus money

w.c: 2,119

VIP: @zanyssins (I thought u might like this ...)

The night felt like something out of a dream, the kind you didn’t want to wake up from. The streets were alive with the hum of the city, the faint glow of the streetlights illuminating the sidewalk as Sylus guided you toward the restaurant. His hand was warm, steady, wrapped around yours with a casual but firm grip that spoke of his protectiveness—a gesture you had come to know well over the years.

Sylus, as always, had made sure every detail was perfect. The air held a cool crispness, carrying with it the subtle scent of rain that had fallen earlier in the evening. His steps were confident, exuding the quiet authority that made heads turn as you walked into the grand entrance of the restaurant. You caught a glimpse of the way people shifted in their seats, straightening as he passed, their gazes following him with a mixture of respect and curiosity. There was no denying Sylus held power, not just in your life, but in the world beyond it. He had a presence that commanded attention, but with you, it was softer, more intimate.

The host greeted you with an almost reverential nod, leading the two of you through the dimly lit space. The restaurant itself was an oasis of luxury—high ceilings adorned with chandeliers that sparkled like clusters of stars, and soft music playing in the background, barely audible but creating a calm ambiance. Sylus had arranged for a private room, of course. He always did when it came to moments like these. Privacy was something he valued when it came to you.

As the waiter opened the door to your secluded table, your breath caught in your throat. The room was stunning—glass walls on three sides that offered a panoramic view of the city below. The lights from the skyscrapers stretched out endlessly, flickering like tiny diamonds in the distance. You could see the entire skyline, the towering structures glittering against the inky black sky. It was the kind of view that made you feel like you were floating above the world, a private escape far away from the chaos below.

Sylus gave your hand a gentle squeeze, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he led you to the table. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” he murmured, his voice low and velvety, that signature teasing note dancing in his words.

You turned to him, catching the way the city’s lights reflected in his eyes—those mesmerizing crimson eyes that never failed to draw you in. They burned with intensity, as if every emotion he felt for you was captured in their depths. You smiled softly, feeling your heart flutter as you nodded. “It’s far greater than beauty… it’s stunning.”

Sylus’s gaze never left you, a smile playing on his lips as he leaned closer, his voice soft and intimate. “And yet, as stunning as this view is, it pales in comparison to the radiance you bring into my life. To me, you are the true masterpiece—more breathtaking than any cityscape, more precious than anything im bound to give you”

He countered smoothly, pulling out your chair with the kind of grace and charm that was so uniquely Sylus. “Tonight, let me show you just how much you mean to me,” he said, his eyes holding yours with a deep, earnest gaze. “Because you deserve to know that, no matter where we are or what we’re doing, you are the center of my universe.”

Heat flushed your cheeks, but you couldn’t stop the smile that spread across your face. “Please, if you keep talking like that you might as well make me believe in total perfection ” you teased, lowering yourself into the plush seat. The cushions were soft, molding to your form, and the table was adorned with a single candle flickering in the center, casting a warm, romantic glow over everything.

Sylus took his seat across from you, his long fingers playing with the edge of the menu, though his attention never wavered from you. “It’s not about being perfect, sweetheart,” he said, leaning forward slightly, the flame of the candle reflecting in his eyes. “It’s about being honest”

There was something in his tone tonight—something deeper, more deliberate. You could feel it, the way his gaze lingered on your face, the way his fingers tapped idly against the table as if holding back some secret. But for now, you let it slide, content to fall into the easy rhythm of your usual banter.

For a while, the two of you talked, slipping effortlessly into conversation like you always did. You told him about your day, about the little frustrations and victories at work, the mundane details of life that seemed so much more interesting when shared with him. Sylus listened with the same rapt attention he always gave you, his eyes softening as he watched you speak, a small smile playing on his lips.

“ — I would love for the both of us to have some peace together …alone” you smiled, leaning back in your chair, “I know everything has become so demanding these days – so, having something cozy as a cabin would be sweet”

Sylus tilted his head slightly, his fingers idly tracing the rim of his wine glass. “Is that your subtle way of telling me you want a getaway?” His smirk widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Because you know I’m always game for spoiling you.”

You rolled your eyes, though you couldn’t help the grin that tugged at your lips. “You spoil me enough as it is. Sometimes I think you’re trying to make me a little too used to luxury.”

He chuckled, his deep voice sending a shiver down your spine. “Only the best for my love. Besides, why wouldn't you think you deserve it. You deserve everything.”

His words were so sincere, so full of warmth that it made your heart swell in your chest. You looked down at your glass for a moment, trying to hide the way your pulse quickened under his intense gaze. “You’re too good to me, Sylus.”

His eyes darkened slightly, a more serious expression crossing his face. “I don’t think you realize how much I mean that,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a near whisper.

Before you could respond, the waiter arrived with the bottle of wine Sylus had chosen—a rare vintage, no doubt, something he’d picked specifically for the occasion. He poured two glasses with expert precision, and Sylus raised his in a silent toast.

“To you,” he said, his voice soft, reverent. “To us.”

You clink your glass gently against his, taking a sip of the rich, velvety wine. It was perfect, of course, just like everything Sylus planned. But as the conversation continued, you couldn’t shake the feeling that something else was on his mind, something unspoken.

It was in the way he watched you—his eyes never leaving your face, even as you spoke about the most mundane details of your day. He was always attentive, but tonight, it was different. There was a weight in his gaze, a quiet intensity that seemed to hum between you like a current of electricity.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Sylus leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the table in that familiar, thoughtful way. He reached into his pocket, his movements slow and deliberate, and your breath caught in your throat when you saw the small, black velvet box in his hand.

Your heart pounded as he set it on the table between you, the flickering candlelight casting soft shadows over the velvet. “Sylus…”

“Let me finish,” he interrupted gently, his voice barely above a whisper. His crimson eyes were locked on yours, filled with a tenderness that took your breath away. “I’ve been waiting for the right moment, the perfect time, the perfect setting, but I realized…that each moment I have tried — my mind couldnt conjure the right words out of my mouth …the right sentence ..or the right feeling ..everything felt out of place ..but tonight is different–this ring is different”

He slid the box across the table, his fingers brushing yours as he did, sending a spark of warmth through you. “This is a promise, sweetheart. A promise that no matter what happens, no matter where life takes us, I’m yours. Always.”

Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as you opened the box, revealing a stunning diamond ring nestled inside. It wasn’t just any ring—it was a Darry Ring, a once-in-a-lifetime promise. You’d heard of them before. The kind of ring that symbolized true love, loyalty, and commitment. Sylus had chosen this for you.

“I… Sylus..” you whispered, your voice trembling as you looked up at him, the tears threatening to spill over.

Sylus stood then, moving around the table to kneel beside you, his hands gently cupping your face as he smiled softly. “You don’t have to say anything, love. The only thing I would ask is for you to please stay with me”

Your breath hitched as you nodded, tears streaming down your cheeks as you threw your arms around him, burying your face in his chest. “Yes,” you whispered, your voice thick with emotion. “Yes, I’ll stay with you. Forever.”

He pulled you closer, his lips capturing yours in a tender, lingering kiss. It was soft and gentle at first, but as the moment deepened, it became more passionate, filled with all the love and promise he had for you. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you in that perfect bubble of intimacy.

When he finally pulled back, his eyes were sparkling with a mixture of love and mischief. “A promise ..more of a bound between our souls, don't you think?”

You smiled through your tears, the weight of the ring on your finger a beautiful reminder of his commitment. “gods, you say the most ..its perfection is what it is”your voice still tinged with emotion.

Sylus stood, helping you to your feet, and pulled you into a close embrace, his strong arms wrapping around you as he pressed another tender kiss to your lips. This kiss was soft and full of promise, a sweet punctuation to the heartfelt words and gestures that had defined your evening.

He guided you towards the glass walls of the private room, where the breathtaking view of the city seemed to sparkle even more brightly now. The air outside was crisp, carrying the faintest scent of blooming flowers from the terrace. Sylus led you to the private terrace he had arranged—a cozy space adorned with plush cushions and blankets, perfect for a serene escape under the stars.

The terrace was illuminated by a soft, ambient light from string fairy lights that twinkled overhead. The city lights below glittered like a field of diamonds, their reflections mingling with the soft glow of the lights above. Sylus settled you into the cushions, his hand gently brushing against your cheek as he sat beside you, pulling you close.

“This is where we’ll end our evening,” he said, his voice tender and filled with affection. “Just the two of us, surrounded by all the stars of the night.”

You nestled against him, feeling the warmth and comfort of his presence as you both sank into the soft cushions. Sylus’s arm draped around your shoulders, pulling you into a snug embrace. The peaceful quiet of the night was punctuated only by the occasional distant murmur of the city below and the soft rustling of the wind.

As you looked out over the city, Sylus’s gaze never wavered from you. His eyes were filled with a love so deep it seemed to shimmer in the gentle light. “In a world full of fleeting moments” he murmured, his lips close to your ear, “this is one I want to hold onto forever with you”

You turned your head to look up at him, your heart swelling with a profound sense of happiness. “it almost feels surreal…”

Sylus’s eyes softened even further, his expression a blend of affection and admiration as he pressed a final, soft kiss to your lips. “It's a reality I wish to keep you in”

The night stretched out before you, filled with the promise of many more moments like this. As you lay together on the terrace, wrapped in each other’s arms, the city lights below and the stars above seemed to echo the love and commitment you had just sealed with a kiss. In that perfect moment, you knew that no matter what the future held, you had found something truly special—a promise of forever, made in the glow of love and a diamond ring.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘∘₊✧──────✧₊∘∘₊✧──────✧

Note Part two: I wrote this while listening to Mario Kart Rainbow Road Music! Also a darry ring is a fancy French ring that once you get it — you must sign both of ur names that this relationship is forever and ever and you can't get a second ring for another relationship!