#spruce/5 rambles

[spruceoutoffive]

what counts as significant difference is up to you

[amalgamorph]

top 10 trolls (dreamworks)?

You makin me think here!

Um let's see...

10. Biggie - he's just a big ol' sweetheart and I love him for it

9. Mr. Dinkles - this is mostly cuz of that slow head turn he did when Peppy was rambling in the beginning of TBT (I cackled the first time I saw it)

8. Tiny Diamond - his voice caught me off guard first time I watched World Tour, but it fits him well

7. Clay - I relate with him so hard that I can't put it all into words

6. John Dory - I relate at being a stressed out older sibling and I loved watching him let Branch take the lead during Better Place (Family Harmony)

5. Synth - I haven't seen much of Trollstopia but I love him

4. Spruce/Bruce - he's just a silly guy who loves messing with his brothers

3. Poppy (especially in TBT) - she pink her growth through each of the movies has been very interesting and fun to watch

2. Branch - I relate with him so much!

and of course

Floyd - he is my all time fav.

Looking back at my list, I realize that I relate with each of the Brozone bros on some level and I don't super know how to feel about that

[artem1sc0re]

So I have this idea of a little fluff-based AU me and my partner came up with out of the fact that all I’ve really seen if Norman and his late boyfriend Reilly in terms of fanfiction would be angst or just pure tragedy.

So basically in this AU Norman Jayden is a flower shop owner and his bf Jack Reilly is a coffee shop owner. The two of them bond through a collaboration of Norman helping jack’s small coffee shop flourish through vibrant flowers that grow throughout spring as well as a traditional homey cafe with a warm beverage.

It’s kind of my first time writing something to do with Norman dialogue-wise, so I have no idea whether I’ve got his character right or not; so to get to know his character and perhaps look for criticism, I’ve written a one-shot.

Please provide criticism for dialogue and let me know how I can improve!! ^^

(EDIT: I GOT IT POSTED ON AO3!! Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/53010700)

A proposition.

The coffee owner initiates cleanup the moment he feels the presence of frequent visitors is bare as a desert; swiping dirty tables and crumbs sluggishly, missing the ever few stains of bitter coffee but remaining unbothered. Although more sluggish than usual, he remains oblivious to the observing presence of a flower shop owner, following his moves with his soft and admiring expression, gleaming through his sage-green eyes.

Jack gives up at the sign of his blind movement, missing the small bits and bobs of stains and ceramic plates, straying to the spruce counter to slouch over and reflect, covering his cracking facade with his trembling hands.

Norman notices this, perking up curiously as he snaps out of his trance. At the first sign of vulnerability, he gets up from his spot in the corner, heading to check up on the gloomy coffee owner.

“You look downtrodden tonight. What’s eating at you?”

He broke the cold silence that loomed the closed up and dimly lit shop.

Reilly straightens, his startled eyes looking at Norman like he was a deer staring at headlights.

“I-it’s nothing really. Just had a bad day, I guess.” He answered reluctantly.

Although reluctance was shown, he takes his face out of his hands still creating a tremor as if he were watered down to nothing but a bundle of shivers.

“O-okay, maybe there is something that’s ‘eating away at me’, as you put it.” Jack quivered, giving in to his own emotional state.

Norman’s eyes remain on Reilly, waiting for the burdened barista to speak his words, nodding softly as to remain attentive.

“I don’t think I can do this anymore. Fuck, everyone’s leaving for the café around the corner. Students who used to study here and used to frequent for a good cuppa’ have vanished, and as I walk, they’re chatting away and working at the ‘haba de café’, as they call it. (I ran out of name ideas.)

I can’t even keep it running with all the cost of good quality beans inflating, or the constant remarks about how the haba de cafe is so much better than this run-down place, with their modern decor of fake and artificial flowers, or posters with LED borders.

I might just shut down this place. Find a new apartment and just work a typical 9-5. It’s tiring trying to keep a positive and optimistic passion for this place, when no one wants to see it.” Jack rambled. His face paints with distraught at the thought of being unable to pursue his passion, instead having to go to a boring job in a cheap apartment.

“Hey. Listen.”

A reassuring hand from Norman lands on Jack’s, causing him to glance at the flower shop owner.

“I’ve seen what this place does, and it has potential. Just because some new coffee shop opened up by some wealthy bastard who wants to leech more money off of loyal customers, doesn’t mean you should put yourself down. If anythin’, you shouldn’t even bother comparing yourself to that place. They’ve got more than one person working, meanwhile you’re a one-man management. You work with enthusiasm and it shows in the drinks and the food just how much love was put into it. It’s why people frequent this place. The quiet atmosphere and the homey aroma of this place is what’s so great about it.” Norman reassured, his tone soft-spoken and attentive.

Jack loosens up, his eyes glancing to the polished countertop, staring at the dim reflection of his inverted counterpart.

“That’s what I intended to create.. a quiet yet homely atmosphere..” He cuts himself off, as if something was ignited in the barista, his eyes lighting up in realisation.

“W-why was i getting so worked up for, in that case? This isn’t about the profit, or gaining money. It was just that I wanted to create this environment, intended for everyone to use, to feel at peace as if they’re just at home, about a hot beverage in the cold winter, creating a warm feeling after a chilly day. I was only getting started! Although.. what can I do? It’s going to remain unchanged even if I regain my love for the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional cafe with hand-brewed coffee.” Jack questioned, glancing at Norman.

“I was thinking of a proposition between you and I. Something that could benefit the both of us.” The florist replied, carefully contemplating the words to say to the coffee shop owner, slowly breaking eye contact with him.

“I could help decorate your place, if you’d like. Since valentine’s is around the corner, as well as spring, the flowers are at their optimum and lovestruck teenagers would be buying roses for their significant others. It could benefit the both of us; allowing promotion of my shop, and attraction to your place.” Norman eventually offered, his observant yet hesitant eyes attempting to gauge the reaction of the barista.

Reilly lit up like a star; the happiest he’s been since he opened the place.

“Are you shitting me?! It’s a perfect idea! It’s just the thing I need! Botany, to add some flourish, life to this place! Externally and internally! You fucking genius!” Reilly grips Norman’s loose hand on his into the form of a handshake, moving it firmly before pulling the florist into a hug.

Norman flinched at the sudden physical showcase of gratitude, but something inside him felt warm, the warmth of being able to possibly revive and bring this cafe back in business.

[bonesandthebees]

Spruce not reading honey and tangerines made me remember i got like halfway through before losing all my ao3 tabs and never finishing it 😭 i’ll have to go back and find where i was soon

Also one of my only thoughts after burning gold was literally just “wow tallulah covering her eyes for moat of the fic? She really is just like her father”

Also also WF WF WF MY BELOVED clinic and stars will always have a special place in my heart but sbi’s fight after wilbur said he knew why tommy left at the syndicate meeting will always have a special place in my heart, i re-read it sometimes just for fun

Every once in a while i’ll also remember i was here when the last few chapters of clinic weren’t out yet and then i’ll feel old

I vividly remember checking if clinic had updated, it had, and it was the chapter where puffy came and visited tommy and brought him cinnamon rolls and revealed she was a former-hero

And then i remember being here for all of wf, and reading stars when it only had one chapter and then forgetting about it until it was finished 😭

I can picture so clearly in my head checking wf one day at dinner, i had only read the first chapter a while back and hadn’t kept up, there was now five chapters and i was so excited. I was eating tacos. I kept up with wf updates after that

Sorry for the ramble, everyone’s recent asks have reminded me of a lot of things lmao, still debating if i should re-read stars and i’m so very close to giving in

- 🪐

NOOOO I ACCIDENTALLY INCLUDED THE COVERING EYES BIT AGAIN THIS TIME WITH TALLULAH I DIDNT EVEN REALIZE why do I keep doing this

the fact that you reread that painful fight in wf for fun certainly says something /j (it was such a fun scene to write I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much)

damn you've been around for that long?? you're really an og saturn anon. I remember when I wrote that clinic chapter with puffy and tommy talking after he'd been kidnapped and that conversation ended up being so much longer than I meant it to be. I was so frustrated bc it meant I had to put off the crimeboys reconciliation convo by another chapter and I wanted to write that one so bad, but the puffy tommy convo was so good and flowed so well so I couldn't be too upset

looking back on when wf was updating feels a bit like a fever dream for me bc 1) I wrote most of it during the winter quarter of my senior year of college. we'd gone back to in person for fall quarter after a full year of online bc covid, but then winter had a surge of covid cases again so almost all my classes went BACK online but I had one optional in person class once a week. so I had a lot of free time to write and would spend entire days in a campus coffee shop writing wf 2) sirentwt happened while I was writing wf. that was certainly a Time

anyway i love that you remember you were eating tacos when you noticed wf had 5 chapters up now. I remember I kept trying new drinks at the coffee shop every day when I went there to write but none of it was very good but it was a student run place that had really nice vibes so I became a regular anyway

[tinkerd]

The Kid Christmas Sketchbook Part 2

A second peek behind the scenes of my latest book 'Kid Christmas: Of The Claus Brothers Toy Shop'

A few days ago I shared the scruffy, sketchy beginnings of what would become my sixth author/illustrator book ‘Kid Christmas: Of The Claus Brothers Toy Shop (Out NOW)

Today we are going to look at the next stage in creating the book: The Terrifying Rough First Draft stage.

First Draft

It’s not really that terrifying to be honest, but there is always a bit of trepidation when I send this off to my editor. It’s the first real look at how the book is going to turn out. Its when I see if the excitement and enthusiasm I felt in the sketchy stages is actually going to pay off and the book does have potential to be as good as I felt it would be.

I probably (definitely) do over think these things- everything can still be changed at this stage after all, so yes it probably shouldn’t cause as much stress as it does- but its still a daunting moment.

For the first draft rough I take my sketches from my sketchbook and basically spruce them up so that they are more presentable. I do this stage mainly digitally, using my hand drawn paper sketches as a blueprint and drawing over them with my fancy Wacom tablet. At the same time I will hone the idea and story structure as this process goes on.

A lot of further big creative decisions are made here too. In fact that happens a lot during the whole process. Things will change, story ideas will develop and artwork will be tweaked all the way up to it being prepared to print.

The first step of that happens after I send through the First Draft Rough. My editor and art director will have a say on the drawings and offer input on what to change and how to move the story along. Sometimes this can be pretty brutal as being an arty type I am automatically a big old control freak. But I very quickly learnt that making books is a wholly collaborative process. Even though my name is on the cover all of my books have very much been a creative collaboration.

Anyway, I’m rambling a fair bit now, so why don’t we just have a look at some of the pages from the first draft rough :)

The Cover

Around about the same time as creating the First Draft I will start thinking about the cover. The publishers don’t usually want to see a cover sketch until the books rough internal pages are all ready to go to artwork. But the cover is always on my mind. For me seeing the cover- all be it in sketch form- helps to characterise the entire book. So I often think of the cover very early on.

Another thing that publishers will like to see is a number of different options for the cover. So I aim to sketch out 5 or 6 for them to choose. I definitely had my favourite of the sketches and assumed that they would also go for it. However, I was very surprised that they went for the final design. I love it, and I can now totally understand why it was chosen. But my favourite was actually the image right at the start of this newsletter- with Nicky and his uncles standing proud outside the Toy Shop. Nicky isn’t even in his Santa costume - I thought that we should keep that a big secret- which I now look back on as being a bit of a crazy decision on my part. Again, it shows how important the collaboration aspect is to making books. Having other insights and opinions are really vital.

Ok, here is a look at the cover sketches that I presented, including the design that we ended up using.

Phew….so there we are.

Hopefully you have had a little further insight into the sketching stages of ‘Kid Christmas’.

Thank you so much for reading these two- slightly rambley- recollections of how the idea developed (you can read Part 1 HERE)

Great Thanks also to everyone who has read the book. I’ve been absolutely chuffed to bits with the response that the book has had and it has made all the hard work and trials and tribulations (as fun as they all are) worth it.

Happy Christmas all. Ho Ho Ho.

David :)

[arctighoul]

y’all’s little xmas icons? phenomenal. 10/10. 🎄/5. love it.

[uraniumwriting]

GHOSTS OF THE STEEL ROAD WIP REINTRO

Welcome! GSR is back and hopefully so is my energy, as I bring what might be my most solid WIP introduction to date. Take a peek at what torture I will be putting my poor main character Melandra through, and a little bit of what I’ve been rambling about in flash fiction fridays for the past few months!

My inbox is always open for questions about this wip (which is currently in its second attempt at the second draft). Now, please excuse me as I try to find my taglist for this wip to reblog it with.

[Image IDs under the cut just because a lot of text]

ID: A series of seven slides detailing a wip introduction. The first slide has a picture of a thick spruce forest in the background, with the words “Ghosts of the Steel Road: a WIP Reintroduction”. The rest of the slides have a dark green background. The text on each slide follows.

Slide 2: “Murders in a city’s veins”

Zarothe- a port city forcing itself to hug the coast, where the buildings and factories soar high to cope with its strict borders and rising prominence in the world

The Steel Road- the only road leading from the city inland, connecting Zarothe with the rest of its mother country, Craece. Any goods coming in or out of the city must travel down this road, which is tightly protected by the city police

What happens when a sudden string of murders haunt the road, destabilizing the city and striking fear at what is meant to be one of the biggest festivals in Craece? Is it connected to the wars bubbling across the ocean, or something more sinister?

Slide 3: “Godfrey, a name to be remembered“

Melandra- the kind of person who rather work in the shadows than lead. Claims to prefer her life of barely scraping by, but has grown frustrated by the money from her father’s work never seeming to add up right, and truly does not have a way out of this life as long as her father is still around.

Michael- Melandra’s father, a detective, and a broken man. Has not been the same since the White Dragon’s Plague, where he lost both his wife and son, and nearly his daughter. Instructs Melandra to never, ever speak of his work trips to anyone, fearing what some may do knowing he’s away

Slide 4: “But they are not alone”

Alia- a dressmaker and magic researcher that Melandra has called a friend for a long time

Kowyn- Alia’s fiance, who also has a few magical tricks up his sleeve

Janette- the daughter of Michael Godfrey’s discarded colleague and a general annoyance to Melandra, trying to make her see the ways of driving change and action in the world

Caspian- a stranger that finds his story becoming entangled with Melandra’s, while coming to terms with his past and the pain he has dealt upon others

Eden- the mysterious figure that haunts Caspian’s life, sending him to deliver a letter that would finally force Melandra to emerge from the shadows

Lilith- Melandra’s boss and mentor, who seems to know a bit more than she lets on as she guides Melandra to make the decision that could kill her

Slide 5: “A false prophecy“

Cult activity has been reported along the Steel Road, rumors swirling in the newspapers of their connections to the string of murders

Hearing of cult activity is not exactly new for the citizens of Zarothe; all around the world the streaks of blood fueling progress have led to many claiming that the end is near, and to follow them for salvation

But a cult being so close to home is new, and a dramatic prophecy stretching years and involving the extinction of species may turn some heads and spark some action, if only someone were to smuggle the prophet’s words away from the cult

Slide 6: “What is brought to the page“

A disaster bisexual, an awkward thief, two researchers that have probably broken more laws than the thief, and multiple people trying to play god walk into a forest

Casual attempts at the murder of entire endangered species

Just a few stab wounds

Dragons

Murderous yarn creatures whose existence violate multiple international treaties

An author trying to entice you with the idea that this is a serious and cool WIP, only to give you a snarky narrator and maybe some emotions

Slide 7: “The Dreaded Taglist“

A fair warning: this writer is very bad at remembering taglists, but we’re getting there

Only remembers to post something worthy of a taglist like, once every two months, but next semester may not be as bad so watch out

Ask to join!

End ID.

[vintage-brass-tc]

. + February TC Challenge! 💝💘

Decided to spruce up some questions for this month. 🎈

Feel free to repost and do this yourself! Have fun, and remember to stay safe.

~~~~~~~~~~~

1.) What is one trait you found in your TC(s) that you find irreplacable, and why?

2.) If they were here right now, and you could tell them absolutely anything, what would you say?

3.) What kind of date do you think your TC(s) would love to go on the most? Where would you take them?

4.) What movie would you like to watch with your TC? What about the movie you chose makes you want to experience it with them?

5.) Is there a symbol that reminds you of them? A specific tune, animal, color, or shape that just screams their name?

6.) What do you think your TC(s) were like when they were your age? Do you think they ever had a TC as well?

7.) What's one song you want to sing with your TC(s)? Is there a specific reason you chose the song you did?

8.) If you could assign any specific aesthetic to your TC(s) for any reason at all, what would you pick?

9.) What scenario do you imagine the most when thoughts of your TC(s) pop into your mind?

10.) What outfit would you absolutely love to see your TC(s) in? What types of outfits do they usually like to wear?

11.) How would you react if you overheard them rambling to a friend about how amazing you are? How would they react to your feelings?

12.) Who do you believe would be the better cook out of the two of you?

13.) Where in the world would you like to go with your TC(s)?Why did you choose that area?

14.) Happy Valentine's Day! What would be one of the first things you would do with your TC(s) on this day if you could?

15.) What's something little they do that you find absolutely adorable?

16.) Have you ever looked up their name on the internet to potentially learn more about them?

17.) What is the sweetest thing they have ever done for you? What about you, for them?

18.) What's a season that you think they enjoy the most? What about the least? Why?

19.) Do you ever find yourself doodling them, or writing things about them during class/at home?

20.) What house pet do you think you two would have, if any at all? Would you have one pet for each of you?

21.) How do you think your TC(s) would treat their loved ones? Would they be soft around them? Would they be playful and snarky?

22.) Are there any signs you've found that they may consider you a favorite over others? Have they ever told you this outright?

23.) Do you ever think they'd make their own student crush blog about you if they knew about the tag?

24.) What is the fondest thing they've ever said to you? Do you remember how you responded?

25.) How do you think they react when someone speaks your name?

26.) Have you ever had a look or touch between you two that lingered for longer than it should've?

27.) Have you ever purposely tried to lag behind to spend as much time with them as possible before class ended?

28.) Are you planning to let them know how you feel after graduation?

Thank you for reading! Have a fun February everyone! ~

[raptortext]

10 OiKage 3/5 sentence au fills from what i rng’d!

> ao3 link!

city, 3 sentences

There are so many cars.

Kageyama is finding it difficult to simultaneously eat his convenience store food and avoid getting hit at every side road crossing.

Oikawa, however, seems to be handling the city just fine and has been pulling Kageyama along when he hesitates over a crossing, chiding him, “Just commit to crossing, Tobio, and you won’t get run over.”

fake dating, 5 sentences

Oikawa puts his hands on Kageyama’s shoulders. “This is my boyfriend! Cute, isn’t he?”

Kageyama still isn’t sure how they got into this situation. How did he end up at Oikawa’s work party, and how did Oikawa stumble into the lie that he had a boyfriend who, at the last minute, turned out to be his plus-one?

photographer, 3 sentences

“You aren’t directing me enough,” Oikawa snaps while a stylist spruces up his hair. “For a photographer you’re pretty quiet.”

Kageyama doesn’t quite have the guts to explain that it’s because Oikawa’s so pretty it’s distracting, and instead mumbles something about doing better when they start up again.

retail, 5 sentences

Oikawa squints at Kageyama. “You? You want to train to be a shift manager? You’ve got guts just coming up to me and demanding that.”

Kageyama nods a little too enthusiastically for Oikawa’s taste, despite that he actually wasn’t so much demanding as genuinely asking.

paranormal investigator, 5 sentences

“...This is stupid.”

Kageyama watches Oikawa settle down into his sleeping bag in the haunted house they decided to stay in overnight. Oikawa groans and pats Kageyama’s sleeping bag.

“Oh shush, come down here and cuddle me. We should get some sleep before whatever ghost here wants to make us leave.”

daycare, 3 sentences

“You know, even if you work in the kitchen you need to be good with the kids.”

Oikawa stares down the man he’s interviewing--Tobio Kageyama, applying for the open kitchen job they have at this daycare.

Kageyama seems stressed by this fact, but he insists that he’s okay with that and that he can manage being around all the kids if need be.

marriage, 5 sentences

Marriage has given Oikawa countless times to see Kageyama grow and experience new things, both good and bad. Having all these years to discover things together has been invaluable to him.

Today he’s there when Kageyama realizes that if he puts more milk in his cereal then he’ll have more to drink after he’s done eating it. He’s nearly 30 and the sheer joy he expresses as a result of this revelation reminds Oikawa of when they were in junior high and that was how Kageyama looked at a volleyball.

“It’s just milk,” Oikawa says with a chuckle.

roommate, 5 sentences

“Tobiooo, can you pick some juice up on your way home tomorrow?”

Kageyama pokes his head out of his room and makes a face at Oikawa. “Can’t you just...get some now?”

Oikawa sighs. “I’m busy,” he says with no plans for the day other than enjoying doing nothing on his day off.

veterinarian, 5 sentences

“Ah, you must be Kageyama and...Volleyball?”

Kageyama nods and continues to pet his rather calm cat on the check-up table. “She’s been sneezing a lot lately, and--”

Oikawa nods along with Volleyball’s owner’s rambling of all her very mild symptoms, trying to listen more than ponder why the cat’s name is “Volleyball”.

When Kageyama is finished, Oikawa smiles and responds, “I’ll certainly check up on her regarding all of that, but do you play volleyball?”

mecha, 5 sentences

Things around the hangar haven’t been the same since Kageyama joined the force. He came in as a nobody and became somebody overnight, reaching Oikawa’s rank in a fraction of the time it took Oikawa himself to get there.

Being the best pilots around, the captain decided to pair Oikawa with the newbie despite his insistence that someone else must be better.

But Oikawa simply has to deal with being the “hardest worker” who works alongside the “born natural”. He resigns himself to getting used to it.

[daisyachain]

it’s so cool to see what landscapes people love

[luci-bae]

One Big Happy Family

trying posting my fics onf tumblr this one is cross posted on Ao3 by the same name. DreamSMP fic where Dream are immortal siblings and are adopted by Tubbo’s family. On-Going

Chapter 1

Dream didn’t know how long he’d been walking. It’s been ages since he’s slept properly in a bed and warm home. It made him miss his old village but what could he do. He was more than 1,000 years old and he’s seen so many of his homes be destroyed and die out. But that was expected 

and it didn’t help that his brother Ranboo had to endure this with him. They knew that whenever they joined a village they’d have to prepare for when the village eventually died but it never failed to hurt. Especially since they could never stop it. They walked into a spruce wood forest where the trees were so tall they couldn’t see the sky. As they were about to settle down in a tree for the night they noticed a warm light. Moving through the trees they were careful not to make too much noise in fear of scaring away whoever was there.

Once they were close enough they came upon a wooden two story house. They shifted they’re forms into something younger. Dream went from looking 30 to looking 10 and Ranboo looked like a newborn. Dream held the now small Ranboo in his arms and walked up to the door and knocked. When the door opened a man with ram horns and ears with fluff on the insides. The man wore a suit and looked down on the two slightly confused.

“Who are you and what are you doing here? Where are your parents?” The man had a deep, hoarse voice and seemed to be looking around trying to find the boy's parents. Dream looked down and quietly mumbled something the man couldn’t hear. 

“Kid I’m gonna need you to speak up.”

“We don’t know where our parents are. I woke up in a tree and my brother was nearby.”

“Well I can’t let you two stay out here all night..Come on in.” He moved out the way and let the boys enter. Dream noticed there were more people living here. A small boy with tiny horns and floppy ears as well as a taller older man. The boy wore a green sweater and brown pants and when he saw Dream he rushed over and greeted him. The first man took little Ranboo from Dream and called for the other guy to get the crib out the basement. Called him the Captain.

The little boy tugged on Dream’s arm trying to get his attention and once he had it he started rambling.

“Hi my name is Tubbo!! What’s your name? Are you new? Do you live around here? Is the baby your brother?”

“Tubbo calm down. You’re gonna overwhelm the kid. Anyways hello there. My name’s Jordan but people call me the Captain.” The man now the Captain said as he reentered the room. Ranboo was gone and so was the first man. The Captain guided Dream to the living room and had him take a seat before leaving the room. Tubbo was playing with blocks on the floor and when The Captain came back he had a cup of tea and a sandwich. He handed both to Dream and sat down on a chair in front of him.

“Alright kiddo wanna introduce yourself now?”

“Oh..uh.. Sure. My name is Dream and the baby is my brother Ranboo.”

“Why were you out in the woods? It’s almost winter you know?”

“Yea..I don’t know why we were out there. I just woke up in a tree and Ranboo was tied to a branch.”

“Ahh.. so you don’t know where your parents are either?”

“No sir..”

“Would you like to stay with us? I’m sure Tubs wouldn’t mind siblings”

“Oh that would be great thanks!!”

The Captain smiled at the young boy and left Tubbo and Dream to their own devices. The two were building a city out of legos and talking animatedly to each other while The Captain was in the kitchen cleaning up any mess left behind from dinner. When he deemed it late enough He ushered the two boys upstairs. He read them stories until they fell asleep. Dream knew he shouldn’t get attached but this, being read bedtime stories in a warm comfy bed, it made him happy and he could only imagine how Ranboo is feeling. 

Dream fell asleep with a content smile on his face. The Captain dimmed the lights and left the room leaving the door slightly ajar. As he headed back downstairs he passed his brother Schlatt in the hall. Schlatt sighed tiredly and told Jordan that he was taking care of them tomorrow before heading to bed. Jordan quietly laughed and headed to his own room and fell asleep thinking about the two new kids of his.

Chapter 2

The next few years went by fast. Dream was now “15”, Ranboo was “5”, and Tubbo was 10.  The Captain now Dad to the three young boys and Schlatt their uncle each took turns staying with them. While one was out working the other here in the house teaching them everything he knew. The Captain taught them manners and core subjects like math, english, science, and history. Schlatt on the other hand taught them social skills, business, and street smarts. They worked well together and the boys were able to learn a lot. 

Until one winter. Ranboo had begged to be able to go outside and help the Captain. And the Captain who couldn’t say no to the little kid, let him join him. They left but soon after they did a blizzard came in. Schlatt told Tubbo and Dream not to worry, The Captain was smart and he'd come back when the storm ended. So they waited. And waited. 

And waited for the storm to stop. It went on for three days straight and when it finally stopped Schlatt didn’t hesitate to dress the boys up in their winter jackets, scarves, and gloves. He handed them lanterns and they started searching for the two. They checked for any hastily built shelters, any footprints, anything that could possibly help. But they found nothing. Not even a body. 

At least if they found a body they’d get some confirmation on them. But there was nothing. When they got inside Dream and Tubbo ran up the stairs and locked themselves in separate rooms. Schlatt could hear quiet sobs from the blond freckled boy and loud wails from the small brown kid. Schlatt knew he had to do something so he went to find a few items.

Winter had come and gone and now it was spring. The boys stayed inside and continued to build their perfect city. Schlatt was outside planting so everything will be grown in time for fall. Soon he called for them to come outside and handed them a couple of things. 

To Tubbo he gave bees. He guided Tubbo to a mini garden full of flowers and bees for Tubbo to take care of. Tubbo was instantly infatuated with the buzzy little things that flew around the tiny stubs growing from his head. The bees clearly liked him and Tubbo seemed at peace around them. He started planting flowers while playing with the bees. 

From Dream though Schlatt gave him something different. It was a large oversized green hoodie and a white mask with a smiley face on it. Dream looked at him confused and Schlatt explained that these belonged to Captain.

“But why me? I’m not even the Captain’s real son....”

“Listen Dream. Before the Captain had his military fame, he was just Jordan. Jordan the kid that would do anything for his family.”

“....”

“You deserve it. I know you’ll do the Cap justice.”

“...Thank you Schlatt.”

Schlatt helped Dream put on the mask and adjusted the mask on him. The hoodie was big on him but Schlatt assured him that he’d grow into it. After he put on the hoodie he smiled behind the mask. The spring air felt much lighter than before. Dream and Tubbo were given weapons by Schlatt and were told to go hunting. They did start out hunting and were able to get some food but were soon distracted and started to play.

“Woah Dre you’re so cool!”

“Aw thanks Tubs.”

“Your name is Dream but you can be such a terror sometimes..hm..” Tubbo held his chin as he thought about something. Dream jumped down from the tree he was in and stared at him. He ruffled Tubbo’s hair which made the younger smile up at him before saying

“I know what you are!!”

“O-oh do you now?”

“Yeah! You’re a Dreamon!”

“What’s a Dreamon? Tubs?”

“A Dream Demon aka a Dreamon!”

“Oh really? So what makes you think I’m a Dreamon?”

“Oh- Hmm….I don’t know...heh…. You just are!!”

Dream and Tubbo laughed as they walked back to the house. Inside Schlatt was cooking and the house smelt of cinnamon and apples. While the home felt slightly empty without the Captain and Ranboo, everything would be fine. Maybe it was because Dream had the Captain’s stuff but in his head and heart he knew they would both show up again.

Dream slept peacefully that night after months of restless nightmare filled sleep. They would both come home. He knew it.

??? 

“Captain? Where are we?”

“I don’t know Ranboo… Stay quiet though..”

They awoke in a small room that didn’t have any defined doors. Ranboo stayed off in the corner trying not to do anything because the Captain didn’t know his truth. He didn’t want to scare the Captain and there would be a lot to explain afterwards. The black obsidian walls reminded him of the pillars he saw back home but this space was much tighter and cramped than he liked. 

The cold hard obsidian made the Captain shiver and reach out to protect the small boy in his care only to find himself in shackles connected to the wall. Ranboo however had no restraints. Maybe it's because their captors didn’t see the boy as a threat and if they didn’t see him as a threat the Captain could use that to escape. 

He gestured for Ranboo to come closer. Ranboo shuffled over to his adoptive father and looked up at him, surprisingly calm. Ranboo knew he could probably escape easily; he had been in much more challenging situations than this before. He listened carefully as the Captain told him to find a way out and get help. The lanky boy nodded and stood in a corner, his white half against the wall hidden.

Ranboo kept his eyes shut while trying to stay as hidden as possible. The door opened and Ranboo prepared to make a break for it but was stopped in his tracks. Their captors grabbed Ranboo by his collar and left the Captain screaming in the cell alone.

[bleuberrygliscor]

being on my feet for almost 8hrs straight is really...not great....

other than that i really enjoy working at this tech store.

[athgalla-arts]

I got tagged by @rottenprincessshura100

Thank you!!

Name: Bran

Nickname: Depends on who you ask. Bran also counts.

Zodiac sign: Scorpio

Height: 5 feet eheh

Language: English is my first language. I'm okay with basic Norwegian, German, and Spanish.

Nationality: American

Favourite Flower: Marigolds and moonflowers

Favourite Season: Winter

Favourite Scent: Spruce, pine, juniper, other conifers. Also the ocean, hay, petrichor, and wood.

Favourite Colour(s): Kind of a cobalt and aqua blue. Deep greens are also gorgeous and I'm fond of rich purples.

Favourite Animal(s): Hmmm... probably Eurasian lynx and common ravens.

Favourite fictional characters: Yuri Egin from Blue Exorcist (Shiemi, Shiro, and Mephisto are also up there), Pavel Chekov from Star Trek TOS, Toki Wartooth from Metalocalypse, Stanford Pines and Fiddleford McGucket from Gravity Falls, Inuyasha and Sango from Inuyasha, Winry Rockbell from Fullmetal Alchemist, Undertaker and Sieglinde Sullivan from Kuroshitsuji, Feathertail and Mothwing from Warriors, Rodion Raskolnikov from Crime and Punishment, Franken Stein from Soul Eater, Katara from ATLA, Robert and Rosalind Lutece from Bioshock Infinite, Tails and Shadow from Sonic, Brigitte and Mei from Overwatch, aaand with that I'm gonna shush before I ramble too long. It's already so hard to pick faves when I love so many chars! ;___;

Coffee: Black

Number of blankets on my bed: Like a bajillion. Actually, just a handful but maximum cozy is necessary (honestly I just kinda use them to augment my pillows because I'm fussy about how my head and neck are supported)

Blog made: 2018 I think but ultimately I've been around since like 2012ish?

Number of followers: I think 140 or so?

Random fact: Long tailed ducks will use their wings to aid them when diving underwater!

Tagging @thebeingofeverything @satellitesnotstars @bluestuffeh @dizzy-oke @scarsoftheshatteredsky @apineappleheart and anyone else who'd like to do this! (likewise, don't feel obligated if I tagged you and you don't feel like it :3)

[bonesandthebees]

I posted 3,130 times in 2022

That's 1,340 more posts than 2021!

1,601 posts created (51%)

1,529 posts reblogged (49%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@antimony-medusa

@areus-in-a-little-cave

@firesnap

@mangobubbletea7

@darling-bibliophile

I tagged 2,903 of my posts in 2022

Only 7% of my posts had no tags

#ask - 1,314 posts

#the stars and their children - 445 posts

#anon - 444 posts

#spruce anon - 333 posts

#reblog. - 232 posts

#bones writes - 152 posts

#ramblings - 144 posts

#snowflake anon - 142 posts

#mcc - 115 posts

#ask game - 108 posts

Longest Tag: 137 characters

#and we were talking with potential jurors who had been interviewing for this specific trial the day before and were on day 2 of selection

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

i wish so badly someone else had been online during kristin's little run around on the dsmp because imagine how funny that would've been in character like

c!foolish, logging on to check on his builds: oh hey phil!

c!mumza, stumbling around drunk while the crows pull her in different directions: oh fuck uh HI I'M TOTALLY PHIL YUP DEFINITELY ANYWAY DO YOU KNOW WHERE THE POOL IS

3,472 notes - Posted January 21, 2022

#4

god i love c!foolish he was really just minding his own business when he saw the fireworks go off and then he saw c!quackity about to get stabbed and was just like "ah shit okay I knew we genetically engineered that slime army for something" like he is really just the epitome of an employee who is not getting paid enough for this shit

3,600 notes - Posted September 10, 2022

#3

cricket crew is literally two bisexuals, two mlm, a lesbian, and a guy who eats mud

3,760 notes - Posted April 24, 2022

#2

just your average utah family

6,732 notes - Posted September 5, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

my first cc notice and it was me calling wilbur soot a bitch on twitter

10,893 notes - Posted February 2, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[sonipanda]

Now this pair I have already worn out a few times before I actually got round to reviewing them, and I can happily say that they are a fab pair! I have reviewed a few in the ESSEX GLAM range and have loved them each and every time!

The Spec

Colour: Black

Size: UK 5

Materials: Outer Material: Faux Suede, Inner Material: Textile, Sole: Synthetic

Price: £19.99

Website: Amazon – ESSEX GLAM Womens Stiletto High Heel Pointed Pumps Ladies Belted Ankle Strap Court Shoes

The Review

From The Website: Spruce up your shoe collection by treating yourself to a pair our stunning court shoes! Featuring a stiletto heel and pointed toe they are the perfect mixture of business and elegance. The ankle strap is made of individual strings giving them a unique finish. Ideal for going out, clubbing, parties, special occasions, weddings, business & more.

Gorgeous Womens Stiletto Heeled Court Shoes This Style Is So Elegant Its Perfect For Any Occasion! Outer Material: Faux Suede Inner Material: Textile Sole: Synthetic Closure: Buckle Heel Height: 11.25 centimetres Heel Type: Stiletto Shaft Diameter: Adjustable/Elastic Shoe Width: Normal Ankle Strap Made Up Of Multiple Straps 4.5 Inches / 11.25 CM Heel Height All Items Aim To Be Dispatched Within 24 Hours.

  The Packaging: I won’t ramble on too much here, but as you can see below, I managed to get as many images as I could so you can see step by step how I received them.

  Getting Them On: with or without hosiery, your foot slips in with ease in these heels. I have worn mine both bare foot and with heels, so I can say that I had no issues at all getting them on.

The ankle strap is adjustable and I always set mine to the tightest one so they sit slightly higher rather than resting on the ankles.

  On The Feet: so basically no explanation needed! I wanted to add so many more images, but they would have looked the same. I loved being in these!

They are super comfortable to be in all day, and I really do mean all day long. My fete managed to last the whole day without them aching from being in heels.

The front pointed part doesn’t squish your toes at all, and there is a slight bit of room for your toes to wiggle around in.

The ankle strap (as I mentioned before) sits higher on my ankle, but stays put all day long. I didn’t have any issues at all with wearing these. I also wanted to show you in one of the images below that the buckle on this is quite big; the width of the ankle strap itself, which I thought was a little different but still looks classy enough.

Your foot doesn’t slip and slide everywhere in these as long as you get the right sized pair – otherwise you can add in some slim insoles to stop that from happening.

The heel height would be classed as high, but I find these are more of a medium height and they are easy to walk in too.

    My Thoughts?

I gotta say these are becoming a favourite pair of mine! I love the way they fit and the fact that I can be in them all day and I don’t have any aching feet is just a massive bonus!

ESSEX GLAM Womens Belted Ankle Strap Court Shoes Now this pair I have already worn out a few times before I actually got round to reviewing them, and I can happily say that they are a fab pair!