#but i want to carve out the time to post more
Text
Catstarion
Sorry for the slow uploads, been going out with friends and working for a bit but here's the next one, inspired by @bg-brainrot's post here. Thank you for the idea!
As you set your cup down, ready for another round of wine, you sense something, no, someone staring intently at you. Turning around, you find Astarion standing at the stairs leading up to the rooms, ruby red eyes piercing into your very soul as he stares, arms resting on the banister.
You’ve known him long enough to know what this means so with a sigh, you thank the bartender for his hospitality, excuse yourself from your increasingly drunk group of companions and head over to the stairs.
The vampire grins when he sees you approaching, gently pulling you to one side by your arm.
“Already turning in for the night, my sweet?” His fingers trail up your arm, lips whispering in your ear. The tips of your ears burn, feeling his words ghost over them.
“So it seems,” you reply. “Care to join me?”
The corners of his lips curve upwards, a sparkle in his eyes as he takes your hand in his, intertwining your fingers and gently takes the lead, thumb running over the back of your palm. His wordless answer brings a small smile to your face and you let him guide you, annoyance left at the bar counter.
He turns the corner and opens the door to his room, ushering you in before closing the door behind him. He remains standing at the door as you make your way to the bed, getting comfortable before patting the spot next to you but he doesn’t move.
Raising an eyebrow, you tuck yourself under the covers before patting the pillow next to yours and yet he refuses to budge. Well, third time’s the charm, right? You open your arms and he immediately shoots over, burying himself in your embrace. Amused, you chuckle, which sends reverberations through him. He happily hums in response, shifting so that you have easy access to the entirety of his hair and grabs one of your hands, dropping it on the top his head.
“Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten,” you snort as you begin to run your fingers through his soft white curls. He lets out a sigh of contentment, basking in the familiar rhythm of your fingers combing his locks, massaging his scalp along the way. The gentle movements start to lull him into a trance and he feels his eyes begin to close, his grip on your clothes loosening but then you do the unthinkable.
You shift.
Immediately his eyes snap open and he turns to glower up at you. You raise your hands in surrender, eyeing him warily as he scowls.
“My love, please do not interrupt my trance again.”
“Sorry, won’t happen again.”
“It better not.”
With a huff, he turns, stretching out across your legs like a cat before curling back up, feeling your fingers continue their movements through his hair. He loves it when you do this, when you let him trance whilst resting on you without making a single fuss even though you have little to no intention of going to sleep yourself. He loves how you don’t mind carving out time for him amidst your busy schedule, you could always ignore him until you were done drinking but you always responded to his call, putting aside your own needs and wants for him. He knew he could ask anything of you and you would do it, without crossing the boundaries the both of you had set at the start of your relationship of course.
To him, you always had something better to do than attend to his petty whining but to you, he always came first and he still couldn’t fathom why. Maybe one day he would, perhaps if he sat you down and talked to you about it, he would understand, but that would be after The Absolute was defeated and the worms were removed. He was becoming more positive about the party’s prospects in a fight against The Absolute, although he preferred hiding such feelings.
As your fingers continue to work their magic in his hair, his thoughts drift to the many ways you’ve upended his life. You’ve shown him what it means to love, what it means to be genuine, what it means to care about others. You’ve added to his life, and changed things that were already in his life. You’d made it your whole mission to help him associate actions that once caused him pain and misery with something more pleasant, the only reason why he could slip into a trance whilst you ran your fingers through his hair. Back then, such an action always came with —
Cough.
Astarion groans, reaching up to poke your cheek, “I’m trying to trance here, love. A little peace and quiet would be nice.”
“Sorry,” you pout, giving him the puppy dog eyes he can never resist and he lets the matter slide, returning back to his thoughts and attempt to trance.
You’re always careful to not pull his hair, with knots always being gently untied either with your fingers or a comb should one be nearby. You’re also the only one he trusts to take care of his hair, whether it be washing or helping to maintain it.
He feels you rest your free hand on his waist, the warmth from your palm spreading through his cold undead body and feels the urge to slip into a trance wash over him once more. Knowing he is safe in your arms, for nothing will be able to hurt him when you’re around, he lets the urge take hold, readying himself for whatever nightmares could plague his rest.
That is if you didn’t sneeze right there and then.
Astarion clicks his tongue, refusing to even open his eyes and exclaims, “Gods, how am I supposed to trance in these conditions?”
He buries his face into your thighs, putting up a dramatic show of angrily muttering under his breath while you apologise, struggling to hold in your laughter.
“Come on Astarion. If you want to trance properly, you should’ve just told me to go to sleep!”
“But then you wouldn’t be able to do…this!” He gestures vaguely in the direction of your hand which is still buried beneath his white curls, letting out yet another huff.
“You’ll have to choose one then, Star. I can’t seem to do both.” There’s mirth in your voice and for a moment Astarion wonders if you’re just toying with him but then the look in your eyes reassures him and he lets out a sigh of resignation, sitting up so that you can get into a comfortable position to sleep.
“Fine. Sleep next to me, my love.” He wraps you in a cocoon made from his arms, nuzzling into your neck and feels his fangs press against your skin — the only barrier between him and your blood. Yet you don’t flinch, trusting that he will only bite after asking you for permission and snuggle against him under the covers.
“Stop spending so much time with them,” you hear him mumble. So that was why he was acting so weirdly all night.
“You have me all to yourself every night, don’t you worry.” You press a peck to the top of his head, tucking him tighter against your body.
“And you’ll have me for all eternity too.”
#baldur's gate 3#bg3#astarion bg3#baldurs gate astarion#astarion romance#astarion x durge#astarion x reader#astarion x tav#astarion x you#astarion ancunin#tavstarion#durgestarion#bg3 fluff#bg3 fic
123 notes
·
View notes
Note
I'm involved in a project that requires casting some residential circular-arch doors out of concrete, one side at a time. I was considering designing the embellishments with digital tools and having them cut with a CNC machine for the mold, but it seems like a lot of trouble and I already know how to design things in the physical world. My question: what did you carve your beautiful embellished doors from, was it expensive, and do you think it'd work to cast a rubber mold from?
That sounds like a really cool project!
The carved panels on the doors I made were made in mdf-board. It's pretty cheap, about the same as plywood, and you can carve it like wood with a multitool - with the right bit, it's pretty fast work! (I talk about the different bits I use in this post.)
As long as the relief doesn't have any wierdly angled deep nooks and crannies, you should absolutely be able to make a rubber cast from it! Especially if you put down a base coat of somewhat glossy paint first, to make all the surfaces smooth and non-porous!
(Mandatory word of caution - carving mdf means a lot of sawdust, and it's a health-hazard to breathe it in. So do it outside, if you can, and wear a mask and goggles!)
The board on the doors is actually quite thin, about 10-12mm - the layered paint helps accentuate the 3D depth of the carvings. If you want a physically deeper relief, it'll be more work to carve it and the mdf sheets are more expensive the thicker they are.
That said, even a relatively shallow pattern can be very striking!
This divider was carved from 10mm mdf, so the carvings are just a few mm deep, but even without paint, it makes for a pretty effect! 🙂
If you do go ahead with it, feel free to share pictures! I'd love to see what you end up making! 😀
15 notes
·
View notes
Text
It's been a while! I finally got the poll feature, and I figured this would be the easiest way for me to decide between possible post ideas I had been thinking about.
#I FINALLY GOT THE POLL FEATURE#poll#i always wish i could post on here more often#but the kind of posts i make on here are pretty time-consuming#and feb will be a very busy month#but i want to carve out the time to post more
7 notes
·
View notes
Text
[CN] Li Zeyan’s MQ: Burning Imprints (Eng Translation) - Part 1
⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a mind quest, 灼痕, that is yet to be released on the global server! ♡
✦ Part 1 || Part 2 || ASMR
🔞 Additional Warning 🔞 Same old but more severe warning this time LOL. The steamy parts of the MQ are as explicit as they can get, i.e., some of the most explicit stuff you’ll read in a CN otome game right now, so if you don’t qualify for the game’s 17+ rating (CN server), I’d very highly recommend that you don’t proceed under the cut~ :>
•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•
【Subbed Video】
not posting the video right now b/c my YouTube channel is still on probation from Li Zeyan's UR ASMR upload LOL, so this video will go online in about three more weeks, and I'll update the link then~
──────────────
【Chapter 1】
Toot––
The melodious steam whistle sounds from afar. A ferry sails over the shimmering, crystalline waves, its sleek and majestic hull gradually becoming clear in the field of vision.
Accompanied by the heavy thud of the ferry entering the port, the seagulls on the coast are startled, scattering and flying into the azure sky.
I exchange a few words with the staff next to me, and eventually, we fine-tune our respective appearances. As we look on in anticipation, the ferry slowly lowers its gangway.
In no time, people begin to descend in small groups of two or three.
Employee A: Wow! I can’t believe the entire island has been booked for team-building. The company really is committed to this.
Goldman: After all, we’ve managed to seize back several projects from FengZhen Group, and the financial report has some commendable highlights. Anywho, the only one who is capable of making such strides is our LFG. [1]
Executive B: Indeed, let’s have the administration team shoot a few extra videos. We can use them as promotional material when recruiting from universities next year.
Amidst the continuous ebb and flow of conversation, a staff member next to me props up their head ornament and walks up to the crowd.
Staff Member: Welcome, travelers from distant lands, to Nan’Ao Island!
Staff Member: I am an elven emissary of this island. In the time that follows, I will be accompanying you on this journey of exploration along with my companions.
In cooperation, I point the “wand” in my hand toward the direction of the shore. As I watch the expression on the staff members’ faces, either of astonishment or admiration, the weariness accumulated over the past few days of running around dissipates a little.
With the Spring Festival approaching, LFG offered employees the opportunity for company-sponsored travel as a benefit. Nan’Ao Island was among the destinations that were up for choice.
This place has just undergone the transformation into a vacation-themed resort with a “Magic Holiday” theme. In addition to the subsequent promotional campaigns, [MC’s Company Name] was also involved in designing the majority of the activities.
In order to closely follow up on the initial operations, I decided to stay on the island. Concurrently, I made most of the opportunity and assumed the role of an “NPC” to promptly identify and address any potential oversights that might occur during the process.
MC: Now, please make your way to the nearby golden beach. We’ll be guiding each of you to choose your own “abodes.”~
The crowd follows the guidance and walks toward the beach. I maintain a courteous smile, my gaze subconsciously scanning around, but I’m unable to find Li Zeyan’s figure.
...Could it be that he got caught up with some last-minute work? Or could there be some other reason?
As I silently ponder to myself, memories of the conversation during our video call the other day surface in my mind.
–
──── [FLASHBACK STARTS] ────
LZY: …they can only truly relax when the higher-ups are not around.
LZY: There are still many year-end matters to attend to, and not all members of the management, myself included, necessarily need to be directly involved.
I let out a prolonged “Ah” and lean a bit closer to the screen.
MC: Team building is an essential component of corporate culture… how can CEO Li, as a member of LFG, make an exception?
MC: In such opportunities to strengthen team cohesion, if the boss also actively participates, it can provide even better motivation for everyone!
MC: Moreover, “sharpening the axe doesn’t delay the cutting of firewood.” Taking a break before the New Year also means entering work with a better mental state afterward, don’t you agree?~
Li Zeyan, on the screen, locks eyes with me for a brief moment, and his motion of flipping through the documents comes to a halt.
LZY: If [MC’s Company Name] ever incorporates a debate competition into team-building activities, a certain someone here would surely come out on top.
MC: So, to translate your words, does it mean that CEO Li has been persuaded by me?
Li Zeyan leans back against the chair noncommittally, and though he doesn’t confirm or deny, a touch of softness settles in his expression.
LZY: Don’t celebrate just yet; I need to arrange my schedule first.
LZY: If I can carve out time, I’ll try my best to make it there.
───── [FLASHBACK ENDS] ─────
–
Seeing the stream of people on the pier gradually thinning out, my gaze falls on Goldman, and subconsciously, I consider asking him about Li Zeyan’s situation.
But considering that there are still numerous unfamiliar LFG employees present here, and given my current role as the “Elven Emissary,”...
After some thought, I decide to play the role of an “NPC” for now and find a moment to give him a call later.
Click.
A soft sound emanates from behind. I reflexively turn around and find myself involuntarily squinting my eyes into a smile.
Li Zeyan is leisurely leaning against the railing of the pier, holding up his phone in my direction. His hair dances in the sea breeze, revealing his deep-set eyes and brows.
Perhaps due to the vacation atmosphere, he is dressed somewhat casually today. The collar of his shirt is loosely open, allowing the sunlight to sketch out subtle contours.
Noticing that I’ve turned around, he then shifts his gaze away from the screen. A barely perceptible hint of a smile lingers on the corners of his lips.
At this moment, only the two of us are on the boardwalk. I finally can’t resist the urge to let a smile tug at the corners of my mouth and briskly walk up to his side.
MC: Hm-hmph, I knew you’d definitely come~
MC: By the way, were you sneakily snapping photos of me just now?
LZY: I’ve been standing here for quite some time already.
LZY: You were the one who didn’t notice me, so you can’t really call it being “sneaky.”
LZY: Besides, I haven’t seen a certain someone for several weeks. Am I not even allowed to take a few pictures now?
MC: Hehe, Sir, you’re allowed to do whatever you please~
MC: After all, this “Elven Emissary ” here is so cute. It’s only normal if you want to treasure this moment~
LZY: [laughs helplessly] …as usual.
His voice carries a subtle undertone of helpless resignation, causing me to involuntarily burst into laughter. Li Zeyan looks at me and slows down his pace.
LZY: Your mood seems exceptionally upbeat today.
MC: Of course~ After all, I had a hand in creating this tourism project, and the first batch of guests to be welcomed here happens to be employees from my boyfriend’s company.
MC: One must acknowledge it’s a wonderful stroke of fate.
The bright and beautiful sunshine beams down, and the warm sea breeze carries with it Li Zeyan’s soft chuckle.
LZY: Turns out this kind of hectic coordination can also be viewed as a “serendipitous coincidence.”
LZY: Obviously, when the administrative department was selecting the team-building destination, in order to advocate for Nan’Ao Island to be included in the list, a certain someone even went out of her way and brought a PowerPoint presentation to explain.
LZY: What was it? Something along the lines of “since there’s a hierarchical relationship, if LFG chooses Nan’Ao Island, they can enjoy discounts and save on budget funds.”
LZY: “After tirelessly working for the entire year, what better place to warm one’s heart than heading to a sun-drenched island during the chilly season?”
LZY: While you did deploy a bunch of rhetoric, you also appealed to emotions and reasoned with logic.
MC: In any case, judging from the results, the strategy did prove effective!
MC: CEO Li, rest assured. Since I’ve strived for this opportunity, I will ensure the quality of your team building is guaranteed.
MC: I pledge that no matter what, both CEO Li and the employees of LFG will enjoy a perfect vacation~
In the midst of our conversation, we’ve already reached the end of the boardwalk and stepped onto the soft, warm beach. Li Zeyan’s voice resonates from beside me.
LZY: And what about you?
MC: I’m gonna fulfill the duties of the “Elven Emissary ” and ensure you all have a great time, of course~
LZY: …a certain someone never forgets her professionalism.
In the distance, the hubbub of indistinct yet clamorous laughter emanates from the meeting point. I clear my throat and speak in a serious demeanor.
MC: I officially welcome you to the island~ Our magical holiday journey is about to begin!
──────────────
[Tidbits]:
[1] It’s a reference to his top-up SSR from this same event.
—
•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•
—
【Chapter 2】
As we get closer to the meeting point, the distant voices of conversation become increasingly clear. I loosen my grip on Li Zeyan’s arm, lowering my voice.
MC: I’ll go ahead first; we’ll catch up later, okay~
–
I gesture to another “Elven Emissary” as I speak. The latter, understanding my signal, walks in front of the unfolded map and speaks during the interval before I take the stage.
Staff Member: Up next is the segment for choosing your accommodation. Feel free to pick based on your preferences.
Staff Member: For those seeking a quiet retreat, you can choose locations near the “Healing Hot Springs” and the “Elves’ Home Bar.” The surroundings are picturesque, and it’s convenient to reach us whenever needed.
Staff Member: If you lean towards activities, you might want to choose accommodations near the boardwalk. This not only offers more convenient access to activity spots like “Blue Sea Snorkeling” and “Dragon Wing Gliding” but also…
MC: But also, there’s a higher concentration of hidden items in the nearby area!
Seizing the opportunity, I smoothly take over the conversation and walk to the front. And sure enough, a curious inquiry reaches my ears.
Employee A: What was that you just mentioned about the hidden items?
Beaming ear to ear, I raise a string of coconut shell bracelets.
MC: This is the Easter egg segment we’ve designed~
MC: Scattered around the captivating spots worth exploring on the island, you’ll find 16 sets of these bracelets. If you find them, please pass them over to the Elven Emissaries.
MC: Once you collect them all, you’ll unlock a hidden scenery–– share this delightful surprise with someone you hold dear~
MC: Now, who would like to come up first and choose their accommodation?
The air buzzes with excitement as conversations erupt. Though no one comes forward to take the stage, everyone simultaneously turns their eyes to the back of the crowd as if in tacit agreement.
My gaze follows the direction of the crowd, and looking up, I see Li Zeyan standing alone under the shade of a tree.
Probably not wanting to draw attention to himself, he has deliberately chosen a spot slightly removed from the crowd. However, he is still unable to escape from the employees’ gazes locking precisely onto him.
The beach at the moment is akin to a natural conference room, with countless eyes of either admiration or curiosity trained on Li Zeyan, all awaiting his directives.
I struggle to contain the urge to hook my lips into a smile, suddenly recalling Li Zeyan’s words from our video call – “They can only truly relax when the higher-ups are not around.”
During the relaxed time of team-building, it’s actually a great opportunity to lessen the sense of distance between superiors and subordinates...!
Suddenly, an idea pops into my mind, and I speak with a beaming smile on my face.
MC: Although no one has spoken yet, their collective gazes have already pointed to the most fitting candidate.
MC: That handsome gentleman back there! Could you come up to the stage, please?
LZY: …
Across the bustling crowd, Li Zeyan and I lock eyes for a brief moment before he finally walks unhurriedly to the front of the stage.
The moment our shoulders brush against each other, his thin lips move almost imperceptibly.
LZY: [GAHH THE “THREATENING” WHISPER] You’re gonna have to settle this account later.
MC: C’mon, enliven the atmosphere a bit. Please cooperate, CEO Li~
I also answer in a voice that only the two of us can hear, briskly leading him to stand in front of the map. Then, with a serious demeanor, I ask.
MC: I wonder which accommodation you’re planning to choose?
As I speak, my fingertips trace over the area near the “Elves’ Home Bar” as if inadvertently, and I stare at Li Zeyan expectantly.
His gaze wanders over the map for a moment, then he raises his hand and points to a vacation cabin nestled within the dense forest at the far end of the bay.
LZY: This one here.
LZY: However, it’s in a rather secluded location. I’m afraid I won’t be able to find my way there alone.
With this sentence, he slips one hand into his pocket and turns sideways, looking at me with an indolent gaze. Although he hasn’t said anything explicitly, I clearly catch his implication and discreetly pout my lips.
MC: ...Then, after everyone has chosen their accommodations, I’ll––
Goldman: Actually, after CEO Li’s demonstration, the process has become much clearer. We can complete the remaining steps under the guidance of others.
Goldman: Going in groups like this will also increase efficiency.
Goldman pushes his glasses up and suddenly speaks from the audience.
Several threads of understanding or confusion are thrown from the crowd, but they all nod in agreement in groups of two or three.
LZY: Could you lead the way now, “Miss Elven Emissary”?
MC: …please follow me. Everyone else, carry on.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, I escort Li Zeyan off the stage and walk out of the crowd. It’s not until we are seated in the equipped car that I turn to look at him.
MC: Sob, sob~ and here I was so sure of our tacit understanding. Did you not catch the hint I gave you just now?
MC: This place is the furthest from our offline work information exchange hub, “Elves’ Home Bar.” I’ll have to take so many detours in the future…
Suddenly, a warm touch lands on my lips. Li Zeyan raises his hand and caresses my lips, sending a wave of tingling sensation through me.
LZY: Well, isn’t that just perfect.
In the faintly intoxicating sea breeze, he leans in toward me, his voice tinged with a touch of indolence.
LZY: Since it’s so troublesome, just reduce the frequency of your visits.
LZY: Invest all the time you would have spent there on me instead.
—
•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•
—
【Chapter 3】
The cozy tropical sunshine beams down as I sit on the deck of the small boat, adjusting the fishing net. Suddenly, a few drops of cool seawater land on my cheeks.
Li Zeyan floats up from the sea, lifting the breathing tube with one hand, and squints slightly as he looks in my direction.
LZY: Wasn’t it a certain someone who took the initiative for this and said she wanted to try her hand at fishing?
LZY: Why is she dilly-dallying now?
MC: Let me finish fastening this last buttonhole… don’t rush me!
I lazily scoop up a handful of water and splash it back at him. Looking at the dripping wet hair over Li Zeyan’s forehead out of the corner of my eye, I can’t help bursting into laughter.
MC: Don’t you feel this scene gives a sense of deja vu?
MC: It feels like when we were on White Pearl Island, I was waiting for you to come back from pearl diving just like this. [2]
As I speak, I adjust the equipment and give him an OK gesture. Li Zeyan seems to recall something as well, and a glint of smile glides across his dark-colored irises.
LZY: All I remember is you waiting on the deck for about ten minutes, and then you started feeling bored.
LZY: When I got on the ship, you persistently kept asking about the underwater scenery.
As he says this, he reaches out and clasps my palm, bridging the distance between him and me.
LZY: And this time, you can accompany me to see it together.
With these words, Li Zeyan pulls me along and together, we dive into the warm, cerulean sea.
The scenery undersea is akin to a picture scroll, its novel appearances unfolding before our eyes through the diving mask.
Schools of fish shuttle through the vibrant, swaying coral. Occasionally, one or two would swim alone, leisurely swishing their tails as they cruise along.
The target suddenly appears, capturing my attention instantly. I swiftly dash forward and swing the net. Unexpectedly, the fish rapidly changes direction and escapes from my encirclement.
MC: …
Li Zeyan casts a sidelong glance at me, his long legs sheathed in a black diving suit swaying leisurely in the sea waves.
Despite the breathing tube and diving mask obscuring his face, I can still vaguely discern a smile.
Unwilling to resign myself, I chase after several lone fish again, but all my attempts to catch them end in failure. I grab his hand and float to the surface, exhaling a sigh of frustration.
MC: These fish are too agile. Can I apply for some assistance from outside?
Upon hearing my words, Li Zeyan glances at me and takes off his breathing tube.
LZY: When you say “assistance from outside,” what exactly are you referring to?
MC: I was referring to CEO Li’s Evol, of course~
MC: As long as you pause time for just a moment, we can catch them all in one fell swoop, can’t we!?~
I lean in with a beaming smile on my face but am stopped by Li Zeyan’s outstretched finger pressing against my forehead.
LZY: Even if we succeed this way, there won’t be much joy in it.
LZY: Instead, we should slow down our movements and allow the fish to relax their vigilance. Once they feel safe, they’ll come closer on their own.
LZY: When the time comes, they naturally won’t have any chance to escape.
Seeing my skeptical gaze, Li Zeyan doesn’t offer further explanation. He simply puts on his breathing tube and motions for me to join him in diving underwater again.
I follow behind him, observing as he pauses with the net in front of a cluster of coral, quietly slowing his movements. Before long, sure enough, a few fish swim over.
Silently, Li Zeyan leans forward, waiting until the fish approaches the net without any alertness, then swiftly pulls the net together.
Eyes wide, I suppress the excitement bubbling within me as we float up. I watch as Li Zeyan lifts the net, several fish floundering vigorously inside.
Glistening droplets of water cascade down his damp forehead, melding into his equally soaked neck and broad shoulders. I can’t help but gasp in awe.
MC: So amazing! You managed to really catch them!
LZY: I learned quite a few techniques from the fishermen back when we were on White Pearl Island. Just putting some of that knowledge to use. [3]
Li Zeyan lifts his hand and swings the net onto the small boat as he speaks, then helps me up onto the deck. Followed by this, he speaks with a hint of amusement in his tone.
LZY: On the other hand, a certain someone has already been on this island for quite a long time for planning and on-site inspection purposes.
LZY: How come it is that no matter if it’s diving or fishing, there’s always a sense of novelty in your reactions?
MC: Hehe, I indeed haven’t had the chance to enjoy myself here. This island is more of a workplace for me, after all.
MC: Every day, I’ve had to stay on top of the situation on-site, adjust program designs and coordinate personnel arrangements…
MC: Sob, sob, I’d just pass out as soon as I went back to my room, so I didn’t even have any time to explore properly.
A warm touch lands on my cheek as Li Zeyan casually wipes away the water streaks from my face, giving me a somewhat helpless glance.
LZY: Aren’t you always on the dot to remind me about “seizing” the chances to relax when I’m on business trips?
LZY: I remember you mentioning before that you’re not the only person responsible for this project inspection.
LZY: So, how come you didn’t sneak off to “touch fish” and relax a little? [4]
MC: I just can’t help but feel a little uneasy without seeing things with my own eyes. After all, this project is going to be recommended to LFG, so it’s only natural that I must ensure every detail is ironed out.
MC: Moreover, haven’t I already “seized” it back? Being by your side is already the best method of “touching fish.”~ [5]
Grinning, I reach out and touch the fish still flopping around in the net, the tail note of my voice carrying a cheerful lilt. Beside me, Li Zeyan chuckles softly in response.
LZY: A certain dummy has always been quite skilled at comforting herself.
LZY: So, what’s the plan for these fish?
MC: The restaurants on the island do offer processing services… but I want to push the envelope a little further.
Beaming from ear to ear, I lift my chin towards the open-air barbecue area on the shore as I speak. Li Zeyan follows my gaze, his voice now tinged with a hint of comprehension.
LZY: When it comes to troublesome tasks such as this, a certain someone really spurs into action.
MC: But I also need someone here to cooperate~ Pretty please, Li Zeyan; it’s been ages since I have experienced your culinary masterpieces!
As I speak, I fold my hands together in a gesture of prayer and gaze at him. Although Li Zeyan remains non-committal, the glimmer of a smile in his eyes grows increasingly pronounced.
—
Sure enough, once the small boat stops by the boardwalk, Li Zeyan picks up the net.
LZY: Go change your clothes.
LZY: Decide on the flavor you want, grab the condiments, and meet me at the barbecue area.
With Li Zeyan’s promise, my mood can’t help but brighten all the more.
After changing into dry clothes, I head toward the “supply point,” filled with joy and expectation, mentally calculating as I walk––
Naturally, we should include the local specialty sauces… but what if Li Zeyan doesn’t have a taste for them? I should also bring some classic condiment pairings like spiced salt and hot pepper…
Staff Member: Excuse me… Miss Elven Emissary!
A hesitant call sounds from behind me. I quickly snap out of my thoughts, and a polite smile forms at the corner of my lips.
MC: May I help you with something?
Staff Member: I just found one of the bracelets you guys mentioned while taking photos by the reef. Could you please guide me to the registration area?
The other party opens their palm towards me as she speaks. My gaze falls on the beaded bracelet, and my eyes can’t help but sparkle a bit at the sight of it.
The first bracelet has been found so quickly! This collection task seems to be progressing even more smoothly than I imagined…
MC: Of course, please follow me~
I reply in a brisk tone and send a message to Li Zeyan, letting him know that I’d be ten minutes late. Then, I escort the girl to the “Elves’ Home Bar.”
After taking care of everything, I inadvertently glance at my phone. My heart suddenly stutters.
…It’s been twenty minutes past the time I promised Li Zeyan that I’d be there.
—
I rush towards the open-air barbecue area at lightning speed, carrying the bottles and cans in my arms, and spot Li Zeyan leaning against the long table.
Several plates are already arranged on the table. As I draw nearer, the tantalizing aroma of grilled delights wafts into my nostrils, clearly indicating that they’ve been ready for quite some time.
Seemingly hearing my footsteps, Li Zeyan lifts his gaze to look at me. I promptly dash a few steps forward.
MC: I’m sorry for making you wait for so long… haha, the aroma is so delightful!~
MC: As expected of Mr. Li. You can maintain top-notch performance even without any condiments!
LZY: These fish have already been seasoned. You can stop buttering me up now.
LZY: While I was waiting for you earlier, a staff member passed by in the vicinity, so I asked him to help me fetch them.
LZY: Otherwise, if I were to wait for a certain someone to bring them back, the fish would have all burned.
MC: The route to the registration point was a bit circuitous. I didn’t realize it’d take this long.
As I rush to explain at lightning bolt speed, a not-so-firm yet no-so-gentle tap lands on my head.
LZY: [laughs helplessly] Dummy, I’m not mad.
LZY: I just realized that you seem to be particularly invested in this group task.
MC: Because I designed that surprise single-handedly from scratch. Instead of it staying hidden, I rather hope it can be seen by everyone~
MC: And, to be honest, I also have a bit of a selfish motive.
MC: “The harvest reaped from a certain someone’s efforts during this time has indeed been worthwhile.”... I want to hear you say these words personally after seeing the “surprise.”~
LZY: [laughs even more helplessly] You’re already an accomplished producer in your own right, do you still need this kind of affirmation?
MC: Of course~ After all, affirmation from clients and work partners is recognition of my capabilities, which fuels my resolve to keep pushing forward.
MC: However, the affirmation from my boyfriend–– can sweep away all the weariness from this period, filling me with motivation to welcome the next challenge head-on~
LZY: [even more indulgently] Dummy.
As he says this, his baritone voice softens slightly, and he forks a piece of fish and brings it to my lips.
The delicious flavor explodes on the tip of my tongue. I squint my eyes contentedly, listening as Li Zeyan speaks in a low voice.
LZY: It’s okay to give yourself a break without any worries.
LZY: Don’t underestimate the people at LFG.
──────────────
[Tidbits]
[2+3] It’s a reference to LZY’s first UR card story: “Melding Into You.”
[4+5] The term used here is “摸鱼” (lit. meaning touch fish), which is actually used to mean “slacking off.” There are a lot of playful puns here, which I’m too exhausted to explain rn. Anyway, while I could have used the fig. meaning, I went with the lit. one b/c the conversation revolves around the whole fish imagery here, e.g., you see MC touching the fish they’ve caught together (with him guiding her) as she says her best method of slacking off, i.e., relaxing, is simply being with him– which essentially is a core part of this date, which you’ll see unfolding later ahah 🥺
—
•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•
—
【Chapter 4】
Outside the vacation cabin windows, the dense patter of rain mingles with the rustling of branches and leaves.
Standing on the terrace and looking outwards, I can see the buildings near and far being shrouded in a fine veil of rain.
I withdraw my gaze from the eaves outside and glance at the work group chat that has been continuously bombarding me with messages since just now.
The sudden downpour has only now begun to taper off. The patrol staff just reported that the beaded bracelet placed at the seaside has been washed into the sea.
If similar situations occur at the other sites where the bracelets are placed, it will surely impact the experience of the game. With this in mind, I swiftly send a few messages in the group chat.
MC: “Once the rain stops, let’s each go check the placement of props in our designated zones.”
In response, there comes a series of consecutive affirmations in the group chat. Deep in thought, I raise my head and gaze towards the forest outside the vacation cabin.
The nearest hiding spot to me is right here... I’ll have to seize the opportunity when Li Zeyan isn’t paying attention and sneak out for a quick look.
As I’m contemplating, Li Zeyan’s voice suddenly comes from behind.
LZY: It’s so late, and you still haven’t come to bed. What are you zoning out for?
I discreetly tighten my grip on my phone and turn around to look at Li Zeyan.
He is sitting reclined against the headboard, iPad in hand. His dark fringes hang leisurely, partially veiling his eyes.
A pair of glasses rests loosely on the bridge of his nose, reflecting several glimmering points of light from the screen.
I plop back onto the bed, casually leaning closer to him as if nothing has occurred.
MC: The rain outside is quite lovely, so I was just snapping a few photos.
MC: And what about you… it’s only been a few days since the vacation, why have you already started looking at documents?
Catching my curious gaze, Li Zeyan leans back and casually angles the iPad in my direction.
LZY: In order to complete a certain someone’s mission.
I move closer with some confusion, and a chart titled “Technology is the Ultimate Weapon” immediately enters my field of vision.
On the topographic map of the vacation island, at least a dozen annotations are sprawled, detailing analyses ranging from distribution patterns to minimum spacing radii, both internally and externally.
For a moment, I can’t help but be bewildered by the scale of the arrangement. Then I hear Li Zeyan’s voice coming from beside me.
LZY: As you can see, there are already people from LFG who have begun updating the guide in real-time.
LZY: In addition to taking turns searching during the vacation, they also share the locations they’ve already found the bracelets each day to avoid wasting time.
LZY: Goldman even went ahead and prepared charts, saying that it would narrow down the search area through data analysis.
I withdraw my gaze and meet Li Zeyan’s eyes with a moment of incredulity.
MC: Isn’t that taking it a bit too seriously… hang on, you didn’t assign this as a task to them, saying something like, “You must complete it within the designated time frame,” did you?
Li Zeyan shoots me a cryptic glance with a hint of ambiguity in his expression.
LZY: I haven’t become that unreasonable yet. This is something that interested individuals did voluntarily.
LZY: At the end of the day, it was a certain someone’s previous introduction that piqued their curiosity.
With a pensive “Oh,” I suddenly think of something.
MC: So, to derive from what you said, this is a private chat group? Then how are you––
There is a sudden hesitation in Li Zeyan’s demeanor.
LZY: [you can’t see me but I’m actually crying lmao 😭] …I asked Goldman to add me to it.
His voice remains very calm. I hold his gaze for a moment, but can’t help bursting into laughter.
MC: Pfft, haha, so it turns out CEO Li is also participating in this activity, huh! Then doesn’t that mean you have to lead the team and set an example?
MC: But you have the “secret weapon” in your hands! Just “please” me a little, and who knows? You might uncover some clues.
I teasingly poke his cheek. Li Zeyan doesn’t say anything and simply stares at me intently.
A moment later, he suddenly chuckles and casually takes off his glasses, setting them aside. Without the obstruction of the lenses, those deep eyes of his stare at me unabashedly.
LZY: [chuckles teasingly] How do you want me to “please” you?
His voice seems to take on a slightly huskier timbre than usual, as he reaches out and takes hold of my fingertips.
A wet, passionate kiss descends immediately. I quiver, instinctively wanting to pull back my hand, but he restrains my movements.
LZY: Like this?
LZY: …Or would you like me to go further in?
With these muffled words, his lips quietly trail to my neck, lingering there, taking his time and igniting a growing fire.
My heartbeat accelerates uncontrollably, but I still make a conscious effort to keep my willpower intact.
MC: …I already asked you to please me. Naturally, you should be the one to think about how to do it.
LZY: Hmm, I haven’t thought it through yet.
He appears to be genuinely reflective, but the force of his delivery suddenly increases, catching me unawares. The goblet glass at the head of the bed is knocked over, its content spilling silently and soaking the crumpled bedsheet.
I tightly clench the pillow, his voice reverberating in my ears.
LZY: [shaky, breathless voice x1] But since you’ve handed over the control to me…
LZY: [x2] When we should stop won’t be your call anymore.
—------------------------ interlude ------------------------—
The rain outside has stopped at some point. Only the gauze curtains in the distance dance in the breeze, occasionally making a rustling sound.
I stealthily open my eyes. The man next to me has half of his face buried in the pillow, his features traced by the moonlight pouring through the window.
His body rises and falls gently along with his light, rhythmic breathing. It seems that he has already drifted off to sleep.
MC: Li Zeyan? CEO Li? …Zeyan gege?
In order to feel out, I speak in a soft voice. Seeing that he still hasn’t responded, I slowly move his arm aside.
Then, gently and quietly, I rise from the bed, casting one last glance at the sleeping Li Zeyan before feeling at ease and pushing open the door.
—
Creak––
Along with this almost inaudible sound, the crisp air post-rain rushes towards me head-on.
The clear night drapes over the quiet vacation village, with the vaguely audible murmurs of the waves in the distance.
I walk along the cobblestone path into the woods, carefully identifying the location of the placement point by the distant lights.
The bracelet hanging from the branches sways gently in the breeze, almost blending into the dim light of the night.
Feeling relieved, I send a message to the group to confirm that everything was fine. But just as I’m about to leave, I can’t resist muttering to myself.
MC: …Li Zeyan, you really are a dummy.
MC: This hiding spot is clearly so close to where we’re residing, and yet you still haven’t found it.
LZY: After all, considering the vast expanse of the area to search through, it’s surely going to consume a lot of time.
LZY: Instead of running around aimlessly, it’s better to wait patiently for the chance to arrive.
A familiar voice sounds from behind me. Startled, I turn around at lightning pace. There, standing behind me, is the person who I saw seemingly “sound asleep” just a moment ago, now watching me.
MC: You… You were actually pretending to be asleep!
LZY: A little correction. I was simply concerned about your safety when I noticed you were heading out so late, that’s all.
LZY: The discovery I’ve made just now can only be regarded as an unexpected gain.
Li Zeyan’s eyes mirror a contemplative interest as he speaks.
LZY: On the contrary, a certain someone here seems to be getting more and more adept at pulling the wool over people’s eyes.
LZY: While her leading foot earnestly vowed that she was genuinely exhausted and just wanted to sleep quickly, her trailing foot dashed out the door to be busy with this and that…
LZY: [GAH THAT MENACINGLY SEDUCTIVE TONE] It seems like I don’t need to be mindful of such excuses from now on.
The roots of my ears can’t help but flush a bit, and I let out a cough before offering an explanation.
MC: Circumstances change… my current action is entirely driven by my dedication to work.
Li Zeyan lets out an ambiguous “ah.” His figure is outlined by the distant lights, casting a slender silhouette that projects onto me.
Amidst the murky darkness, I discern his voice carrying a slightly deeper chuckle, and it seems a little more muffled than usual.
LZY: Sophistry.
LZY: Whether or not there’s some truth to it… I’ll examine it in my own way.
His voice drops to a whisper, and what follows is a warm and entangled kiss.
I find myself involuntarily clutching onto the corner of his garment, tilting my head back to reciprocate. The next moment, I feel the tip of his tongue gently glide across the roof of my mouth.
Despite the brevity of that touch, it sends a shiver through me, making me tremble uncontrollably. I feel as if my heartbeat is about to melt into the fiery breath of this moment.
??: Has this area not been searched yet?
Indistinct chatter suddenly echoes from a distance. I gasp and turn my head, watching as two blurry figures appear far off at the edge of the woods.
MC: They seem to be looking for clues… We…
Before I can finish my entire sentence, it’s gradually drowned out by stifled whimpers.
Li Zeyan closes in on me from the back, covering me deeply. His one hand presses against my lips, seemingly trying to hush my voice.
His slender fingers teasingly caress the space between my teeth. After playing around for a while, they irresistibly delve further in.
MC: …!
LZY: They should know what’s appropriate.
LZY: But if you can’t control your voice… that might be a problem for us.
His fingertips carry the slight chill of the night, stirring my tongue every now and then. It feels like an appeasement, and yet also a form of punishment.
All the sounds in my ears fade away, leaving only the pounding of my heart, growing more and more violent amidst the whimpers. Unconsciously, I bite down on the fingers he has inserted.
His embrace, imprisoning me, tightens even more. A moist kiss descends onto the nape of my neck, followed by gentle nibbles, trailing down to my chest.
Rumble––
The rain, which came to a halt, has begun pouring down at some point unbeknownst to us, pitter-pattering onto the surface and creating ripples.
In the embrace of the night, everything is steeped in the surging tide.
──────────────────────────────────────────
Continue to Part 2: here!
────────────────
#the first time ever i split a date translation in half haha. it was too big and Tumblr doesn't allow more than 30 pics in a post so 🙇♀️#*screams* LI ZEYAAAANNNNNNNN ✧\(>o<)ﾉ✧ THE MAN YOU ARE 🧎♀️#couldn't carve out time for the two thousand words essay i initially wanted to write so y'all have been spared AHAHAH 🫠#mlqc victor#mlqc li zeyan#mlqc#mr love victor#mr love queen's choice#恋与制作人#李泽言#love and producer#mlqc cn#mlqc spoilers#mlqc translations
101 notes
·
View notes
Text
in honor of the new spider-verse movie i did a quick study of one of my favorite shots from the original !! <33
#my art#spiderverse#spider-verse#into the spider-verse#miles morales#i know everyone in the world has studied this shot! now i have too!#id like to spend more time on it next time i stopped after about 30 minutes so i mostly just carved shapes in#i think id also like to ! get some more different painting brushes bc i couldnt get a lot of the shapes i wanted#but it was fun trying to study this without color picking or directly drawing over the composition and everything#so i was just eyeballing it . ive been trying to figure out color relativity by Feeling it out so i wanted to do it this way#comparing them has been interesting ! i can see where i compressed some spaces of the composition#anyway it HAS been almost a year since i posted art here HAHA but well i just post for fun so it doesnt matter#if i posted ocs id have more art here but i prefer not to so you just get stuff whenever i make fanart#i would LOVE to do studies from the new movie but i dont have access to high quality screenshots yet#i actually did this as an exercise with one of my friends from college hehe we exchanged spiderverse screenshots to study#i also added some chromatic abberation you know just for fun . i made a version with it over the full piece but i thought well#i preferred it like this#anyway ! bye !
100 notes
·
View notes
Text
there's a lot of things people blame for why fandoms feel like ghost towns these days, but no one's really talked about the way discord's contributing to it
#its like#people are trying to force fit discord's chatrooms into forum boards#except discord is just. really really *really* poorly setup for that#and theres no way to archive or share it so everything said in it is easily lost despite personal export or community pins or search option#and like#vaguely hearing about the way some people are unsatisfied with them/feeling unfufilled in the response to them#a lot of people would be better off posting those things to places like tumblr#where there isnt a time limit on when people see or respond to them#part of what's scary/frustrating on tumblr rn is some fandoms arent good about reblogging to posts or tag rambling#like with bad buddy a large part of the fun was the enthusiastic and in depth tag rambles and the way responses built on each other#vs something like kinnporsche which feels much more like-oriented#like? its not like theres any one way to fandom#and there's nothing actually wrong with likes or quiet reblogs#but vaguely hearing about the way some people were/are really upset with some servers im just kinda like#idk#feels a bit like people trying to force a square thru a circle or that they're looking in the wrong spaces for what they want#.......this is not a complaint for my space ajkds i think i've carved out a pretty happy space for myself!#im just checking the reblog graphs of some old vs new stuff and thinking about a convo other cookie and i were having over the weekend#i have a lot of friends around and i love everyone who's happy to ramble with me#but i do feel a slight case of DM burnout rn where mostly people reach out to me via DMs instead of reblogs#which is a very different dynamic#its like. hmmm words#i love DMs but the pressure of responding to a lot of individual messages#vs something like reblogs which is more open forum for everyone and feels more communal#if that makes sense?#the difference between visiting one person at home vs casually hanging out with a group at a cafe#and the lovely thing about tumblr specifically is that i can set down a reblog chain for several days if i need#before returning to it later when i have more time/energy#its got Longevity that discord lacks u know#........okay enough tag musings from me ajkfhjdgfhj BYE
15 notes
·
View notes
Text
So deep into MoonKnight that the fanfiction isn’t hitting the same! Jake isn’t this grimdark bad boy danger guy! He drives a cab and has friends! He likes to talk shop and about that game the other day and how people keep saying his team is going to shit, but they have a bright future and only he can see it, and if you just follow the history, the coaches, and the players and xyz, you would understand.
He gets his hair cuts from the same old man who always offers to give him a clean shave and he politely declines each time. There’s that one guy at the same corner every night who asks him to bum a smoke, and he gives him one and they just talk about random shit everyday. He is the one that got the system a wife! That was his wife!! Even if they were kinda Marc’s wife first, he is the one that communicated! That kinda made her feel safe! The one she had a kid with!!
Please you don’t understand! Jake is the most “just some guy” person in the system. But he still a special that guy! He has his own personal identity and he’s the one that’s most comfortable in the real world! Please, please, don’t you see? Do you understand?
#I can’t paint the picture of Jake very well#I haven’t truly carved out my head cannons or read that much older material#but I just want people to know the real him#not the weird violent version that fights with Marc#Marc is more crazy violent depressed than some people think he is#but he’s not that either#moon knight#Marc Spector#MoonKnight#jake lockley#I feel like I make a post like this every other month#but I kinda read moon knight fanfiction every other month#I could read the my favorite Cix is for the millionth time#mcu#marvel
16 notes
·
View notes
Text
a boye whom'st loves to attack paper balls
#cats#nhgnhmmm.. yommy... paper favorite food#(I do not actually let him eat paper)#ALSO I'm still working on doing the poll adventure thing I've just had a lot going on. as usual. It's actually harder than#I initially thought to regularly find time to do a quick ms paint sketch and a small writing blurb#it's like even though it doesn't take extremely long it's still one of those things that is hard to carve out a little portion of the day#to do if your day is set up in a way not conducive to portion carving#BUT .. at least I have posted many drafts#as usual.. my style of like.. post nothing for 3 weeks then randomly post 25 things at once#NO idea why my brain works that way. it just does. it's easier#even though I know it's worse in terms of like. social media#the algorithms in most places prefer consistent steady uploads over time. not jarringly wavering between absence and hyper presence#then absence again. but .. alas...#Good to clear out a few drafts once in a while anyway. And I do really want to get back to scullptures and costumes. I stopped as much for#a while due to the pandemic (can't go to the bins anymore to get new supplies for costumes and stuff) as well as my worsened#health things/lack of energy and also my chest injury (so repetitive movements with my arms such as sitting in the same#position sculpting for 4 hours or changing clothes multiple times in quick succession etc. could flare it up) but obviously#none of those things are going to get better any time soon. so I should probably just try to do it here and there anyway. It's still not#safe to go to the bins. still having muscle problems. still low energy. But I could make it work maybe. I just feel bad having gotten out#of the habit when it is really fun stuff that I enjoy. Some things just get more difficult for me over time#But even like 3 sculptures and 10 costumes a year is better than 0 of any of those things. So. eh#I'm also just trying to clear out pictures still. My spring cleaning (which I do at the start of every new year instead of actual spring)#was kind of delayed this year due to me feeling sick and everything so even late into april I'm still working on the side at like orgnazing#all of the files on my computer. deleting things and backing up whatever I want to keep. clearing out photos.#editing and drafting (and maybe one day posting) old stuff form a while ago. etc. etc.#So any progress is good progress. I suppose.#ANYWAY.... a son... he gets very excited everytime he hears anyone anywhere crinkle up a piece of paper
33 notes
·
View notes
Text
JUSTICE FOR DAVINA CLAIRE I'M SO FUCKING SERIOUS FUCK OFF OH MY FUCKING GOD
#CAMI AND DAVINA GONE IN ONE EPISODE??!?!!??#YOU CAN'T BE FUCKING FOR REAL#(davina perma died an episode later both they both died in one episode right before that)#also this season has been slacking on marcel and the ep post-davina's death kicked him up several notches#he said all the shit i take issue with about the always and forever family bs#he hit that shit out of the park#also camille's death being all about comforting klaus fucking pissed me off#it was until she was scared right at the end that it was more about her#and her last words COULD have beenthe immortality line. but then they had to have her bolster klaus again instead#at least we got others mourning her after#but davina????#those bitchass ancestors forced her boyfriend to kill her then nearly shredded her soul#and she could've been resurrected. but of course fucking family came first#she had to die screaming for mercy alone as the ancestors tried to carve her soul from fucking existence#(and though i'm mad at elijah and freya for it it makes sense for them to do it#(what pissed me off was them and klaus then telling marcel that they were justified and he should just suck it up and understand)#(like no take the consequences let the man mourn)#(freya claiming family to kol too like girl i don't know you. and this 'family' loves you more than it ever loved me)#(y'all only love me on my deathbed)#(if being family means we kill each other's partners [which happens time and time again] then fuck being in this family)#like i don't actually want the mikaelsons dead. but also i hope super vampire marcel kills you all#hope kol gets away from you people because you are not family to him. you aren't.#but mostly davina. poor fucking davina#her and kol are my bonnie and enzo - finally finding someone who will choose them not just use them#only for death at the hand of allies#davina clair was an abused teenager you all used and who justifiably hated y'all#and she deserved more than to die like this. die basically three fucking times over still helping in the end#truly have not seen a witch this blatantly used and mistreated since the bonnie bennet#davina claire#the originals
5 notes
·
View notes
Text
In the same vein where recognize that I’m far too selfish to become a parent, I can’t be bothered with being good emotional support to romantic partners
#It's a very complicated thing I'm not just acting like an ass#It's like: i have to force myself to be caring (in a romantic context) where teh expectation is that you seek emotional support from your SO#I'd like to think I am a generally caring person but it's so hard to carve out that space for a stranger#Even wit friends i hesitate to spend a lot of time with them#but that's a seperate issue having to do with my learned loner tendencies#Anyway I doubt I'll spend the rest of my life alone or whatever that's not the scope of this post#it's more of: I now really recognize that I really will only develop feelings for people I already know and that means that I'm gonna have#Wy more unrequited love in my life than i'd care to experience#I wish i wasn't like that tbh i'd be able to navigate my own life so much easier#right now I don't want a relationship anyhow I just privately worry no one's company will be as comfortable as my own#*With a few Exceptions anyway
3 notes
·
View notes
Text
Living in walking distance to a public library is top-tier
My idea of what makes a nice home has morphed the older I get compared to what I envisioned as a teen. Aside from my home and college dorms I have only lived 2 places and both have their pluses and minuses
My old apartment was in walking distance to some delicious restaurants and even work (I went without a parking pass for months until it got too cold that I opted to drive in), but being close to campus I dealt with the issues that come with living with college students
My current place is near a public library, public transportation, and the arts center so I can easily walk to those places and have an alternative when I need to commute to work. The downside is that it is a 20-30 minute based on traffic (which I now realize is miserable, especially since the roads/drivers are way more stressful to manage than in NC)
When I was younger, I thought I wanted a nice small house in the suburbs. Now, I want at least a nice 1 bedroom apartment with a nice view with good sunlight
It would be interesting to see what I desire 5 years from now
#this might get personal#I started this post bc an hour ago I went to the library to pick up a book I heard about on here#need to finish Song of Night#more like I need to START Song of Night#I want to read The Word for World is Forest now that I have a copy of it but I might save it for later#I have Dawn by Octavia Butler as well and I want to give it another go#I started it a year or so ago but I fell off cause I wasn't THAT invested but part of it might've been bc I was reading on my phone#I much prefer reading physical books#I also have another book I came across in the library that seems cool but it just hasn't been prioritized#how one juggles full-time work + feeding themselves + trying to make art + reading + social interactions + being physically active is wild#maybe I do need more discipline and structure to help carve out time for those pleasurable activities#my issue is that when I get engrossed in something I don't want to stop and then I forgo sleep/food to continue consuming content#I also feel inspired to write but that's a whole other activity that would require some degree of energy
0 notes
Text
The Magnus Archives (Season One) Production Design Project
Hello everyone! Let me introduce myself- I'm Tilda (or Tilde), and I'm want to be a production designer.
Production designers create the overall look of a piece of media. From costumes, lighting, environments, props, etc., these designers make sure that everything looks cohesive and sets the mood.
So, I thought it would be fun to put my skills to the test by designing season one of The Magnus Archives. My winter break started as soon as I became interested in the show. Needless to say, a new obsession and an abundance of free time go well together.
You may have seen these illustrations posted separately, this is a master post of the whole project. My thoughts, processes, and critiques are all included under the cut. If you read them, I hope you enjoy! If, not, thank you for supporting my work regardless.
The Characters
When designing these characters, I tried to avoid being influenced by fan interpretations. Though, that was a challenge (especially with Jon and Sasha). I found that I looked to my friends for inspiration. Certain elements (Jon's glasses) were based off of what they wore.
Pinterest was also useful for finding clothing and pose references. Some looks were based off of different actors- in particular, Tim was inspired by Nicholas Galitzine and Elias inspired by Matthew Lillard.
Jane was the most fun to design! I believe in making terrifying characters actually terrifying.
Elias's design needs the most work. Having now finished the show, I see that it doesn't fit him. The purple is overly saturated, especially compared to the set. He looks out of place! I'd reverse the color palette to mostly green/yellow with purple accents instead. Although, I will forever defend the purple tint in his gray hair.
The Set
Jonathan's office was a treat to design! Balancing the color and clutter was especially important. This room is meant to be claustrophobic and uncomfortable, but not overbearingly so.
The wood looks to be full of splinters, but not so worn that it can be thrown out. The chairs offer no back support, and the shelves make the room smaller. The goal was to represented Jon's mind. Intricate, messy, and suffocating (Note: that is more of a season two description).
One goal was to capture the look of an actual archive. Valuable times was spent researching the different kinds of storage, files, paper, etc. The texture and color had to be accurate.
A split-complementary color palette of blue-green, yellow-green, and red was used. Of course, I had to get green in there, and the varying hues and desaturated reds worked well for the wood and filing supplies.
Jane's ashes and the Web lighter on the desk place this set at the end of season one. I find details like this to be important, it's one of my favorite parts of design. There is much needed abundance of eye imagery as well. Most obviously in the carpet, but eyes are carved into the table and watch from the shelves.
My main critique is the lighting- the filters used could be adjusted as to not distort the colors of the boxes. They look inconsistent. The Web lighter could also be more obvious, yet it is small and pixelated.
The Props
I designed these as I re-listened to season one, and it is the most recent piece I finished. Combining the details described in the show with what the objects would have realistically looked like was interesting. That was most useful for the clown, the Ming vase, and Ex Altiora.
Each of these objects came from a specific time with a specific look. Ex Altiora was bound in calf leather from the 1800s, so those books were referenced. Same with the frills on the clown's outfit.
The Ming vase was especially interesting, as it is from the Jiajing period. When looking at photographs of Jiajing vases, I found that many of them lacked handles and had an hourglass shape. That was fascinating to me, as many artists depict a standard oval-shaped vase. Also, the vase's design is described as straight lines that create distorted patterns when looking at it. That effect was achieved using chromatic aberration and the liquify tool (chromatic aberration was used to create a vertigo effect on Ex Altiora).
My critiques are... nitpicky. minimal. The shading on top of the garbage bag is unnatural. The thickness of the gold engraving on Ex Altiora is uneven. The "I" in "Immediate Consideration" is not capitalized. Other than that, I'm happy with how the props look.
Conclusion
First off, if you read everything, thank you!! It is a lot, I know.
My greatest takeaways are that 1) ask for critique, always 2) research skills are necessary for design 3) references are your friend! Seriously guys, use your references.
I hope you enjoyed this project and I'm excited to share more of my work in the future!
#and before anyone asks#i am not doing this for any other season#feel free to ask any questions about this project!#tma#the magnus archives#tma season one#production design#tildexart#tilda rambles
3K notes
·
View notes
Note
I would love to see more of badass reader x Spencer, but maybe reader gets hurt on a case (like a concussion or something) and only wants Spencer and we get to see more of reader’s soft spot for Spencer. Idk if that made sense or if that’s anything you’d be interested in writing. Love reading whatever you write!💕
thank you for your request and for reading babe!! —your singular soft spot for spencer rises to the surface when you get hurt in the field. fem!reader, 1.1k
Emily's foot tap tap taps hospital linoleum. The nurses are getting worried about you —your CAT scans are fine, but you're lethargic. Mildly concussed with moderate symptoms, you winced at the lights, told Emily to turn them off, and haven't said much since.
She frowns. It's not nice to see someone who's usually so closed-off openly pained. "You okay?" she asks.
"I wanna see Spence," you murmur.
Emily nods slowly. She's had this conversation with you already. You have a spot of amnesia, nothing to worry about, decidedly temporary.
"Why hasn't he come to see me?" you ask. Your voice trips and tumbles, your eyes glowing with a glassy sheen. "I thought he'd come to… make sure I was okay. But he doesn't want to see me."
"Spencer's on the way here. He was an hour away with Hotch, remember? They're on their way."
You twitch like a displeased cat under your sheets and turn away from her, sniffling weakly. Your shoulders heave with slow tears. Emily gets up to rub your back but thinks better of it when you stiffen. She doesn't understand how you function, doesn't know what it is about Spencer alone that you can be vulnerable with him and not the others, but she won't judge you for it. She just wishes there was more she could do.
It's an untold amount of time between your tears and Spencer's awaited arrival. You're worse than lethargic, depressed, hand lax behind your back and unresponsive to the sound of the door.
"She's asleep?" he mouths. His hair is limp either side of his face, flattened by anxious hands.
"Upset," she mouths back through a frown, drawing a tear down her cheek with her pinky finger.
He doesn't give Emily a second glance after that.
"Hey," he says softly, rounding your hospital bed, touching the tips of his fingers to your hip and drawing a gentle line up your side. His head dips down, bending at the waist to see you better in the dim lighting. "Hey, what's wrong?"
You make a small keening sound from the back of your throat. It's so cleaving that Emily wants to leave, so painful that she wants to stay. You're her friend too. Emily cares about you, even when it hurts to do so.
"I don't feel like me," you say.
Spencer doesn't shy away either. His expression is open, reassuring as he pops into a semi squat that can't be comfortable. His hand closes around your arm, thumb feeling the naked skin there sweetly. "It's normal to feel confused after a head injury. I promise it won't last."
"I don't feel well," you say, small, like a scared kid.
"I know."
You reach for him. Emily knows Derek would never believe it, your hands stretched out almost desperately, the pleading noise yanked from between teeth normally gritted. Spencer wraps long arms around you with the ease of someone who's done it before, maybe exactly like this.
"It's okay," he says. He's speaking with pep he doesn't feel. Emily can see he's stressed in the high pinch of his shoulders, but he's putting on a show for you. "You don't have to be scared. It's okay."
The perpetual line carved between Hotch's brows seems deeper as he enters the room. Neither of you look up, your back loosening under the lazy back and forth of Spencer's hand.
"Concerning, right?" Emily asks.
Hotch ignores her, but not for lack of agreement. "What do her observations say?"
"Mild to moderate head injury, post-concussion amnesia, fractured index and middle finger on her left hand."
"Where are her clothes?" he asks.
"They can't check her out until she gets her fingers cast and all she brought in her go bag was slacks."
"I'll get her some pyjamas," Hotch says.
Emily's not sure what's funnier, the idea of you in pyjamas, the image of Hotch choosing a pair, or the word pyjamas in his stoic murmur. He lingers to make sure you're okay, his eyes tracking the tremble of your arms as Spencer talks too low to hear in your ear, having sat down on the bed and curled himself around you protectively.
You moan something sad and Spencer laughs, your hospital gown crinkling as he massages the top of your shoulder. "Why would you say that?" he asks lightly. "You think you know better than me? Really?"
"Of course not," you say. If it were anyone else, you'd have knocked them off the bed already.
"I don't remember you having an eidetic memory," he furthers.
You actually manage to laugh for the first time since your initial injury. "I don't remember anything right now," you say.
Emily leans over to Hotch. "You know, when we first came in, I suggested to the nurse that she might have amnesia because she kept asking me where she was, and she looked me dead in the eye and said, well, good thing you're not a nurse."
Hotch scoffs a laugh. "It's a little surprising even now. Seeing them together, you'd never think it."
"Think what?" Emily asks, fond rather than judgemental. "That she's as emotional as a China teacup?"
"I'll remember for both of us," Spencer murmurs, stroking your face. "Okay? So calm down."
Derek once told you to calm down and felt the cold of your icy attitude for a ragged week. Spencer says it and you take a visible deep breath, your head laying back in your pillows, his hand quick to cup the side of your neck. "Okay," you say quietly.
"It's not just that," Hotch says, failing to explain further.
He doesn't have to. Emily knows what he means. You can be snippy, aloof, unfriendly. But it's not just your softening that's surprising, it's Spencer's growing confidence. The ease with which he handles you, hands unabashed in their comforting.
"Want me to find you something to wear?" Spencer asks.
"We got it," Hotch interrupts. "Take it easy, Y/N. Rest."
You nod obediently. He and Emily leave, hearing a last snippet of conversation as the heavy door closes behind them.
"You wanna sign my cast, when they do it?" you ask hopefully.
"Are you kidding? I'd love to. I've always wanted to sign someone's cast, and it's good for your morale."
"Will they be in a cast long, do you think?"
"They should be healed in about six to eight weeks, but you may not regain full strength for another two months afterward. There have actually been studies…"
#spencer reid#spencer reid x reader#spencer reid x you#spencer reid x y/n#spencer reid x fem!reader#spencer reid imagine#spencer reid fluff#spencer reid fanfic#spencer reid oneshot#spencer reid scenario#spencer reid drabble#spencer reid fic#spencer reid fanfiction#criminal minds fanfiction#criminal minds#criminal minds fic#criminal minds x reader
5K notes
·
View notes
Text
How I’d break a slut in a dark alleyway, reducing her to a mere cum dumpster (inspired by another Reddit post I made)
I’d watch her walk cautiously through that dark, filthy alleyway. Her face would be tense, her ears primed like prey, sensitive to the slightest sound. And still, by the time I’d pinned her against the cold brick wall, she’d only barely register what had happened. Why had she entered that alleyway that night? Who knows? Who cares? She would simply be an animal to put down at that moment. A piece of meat to be broken and hurt.
She’d see a flash of silver as my knife cuts through her humanity, layer by layer until my knife tip reaches her soft skin, drawing faint marks on it. What had she been thinking when she walked down here, that stupid toy. This would be her fault. And now she’d pay the consequences, fervid thrust after thrust. It’d be unsatisfying and brutal for her. I’d press her face into the wall while raping my cock into her tight, afraid cunt, relishing in the experience of creating another traumatised whore. Tears and spit would coat the brick wall as I carve the memory of an unforgettable night into her pussy.
And then I’d shudder, wanting to humiliate her even more. I’d pull out, my cock still hard. I’d fish my knife back out, flip it back and slide its handle into her sloppy, messy, abused fuckhole. She’d close her eyes, afraid to look at the unfamiliar object buried in her. I’d tell her to ride my fucking knife like a pornstar. No threats. No warnings. She’d understand I don’t need to use them. Of course, she’d start feebly, her pathetic, broken body heaving with sobs while she desperately tries her best. I’d reach out and spank her jiggling ass, as if she were a common street whore. I’d tell her to ride faster, to put some heart into it, and she’d obey. Of course she would.
I’d pull my knife back out and slip my cock back in, drowning in the pleasures of her silken cunt expertly riding my cock. I’d slowly raise my arm and press it against her neck. I’d press, feeling her riding slowing down as she loses consciousness. The last thing she’d remember from that horrible night would be looking into the eyes of a masked man while he brutally filled, fucked, and stretched her stupid rapetoy of a cunt with thick cum.
#r@pe fantasy#cnc k!nk#rough cnc#rough kink#dark kinks#rapedoll#rapekink#rapetoy#r@pe k!nk#r@pe kink#r@pe play#r4p3 kink#cnc kidnapping
1K notes
·
View notes
Text
throat training with choso!! i actually can’t remember if i already wrote this and posted it but here it is anyways😛
you’re on your knees in front of choso, his cock resting on your tongue; heavy and leaking precum on your tastebuds. he had told you prior to this that he wanted to train your throat so you can take all of him, he wanted to fuck your throat without any resistance and only way to do that was training your throat. the anticipation was high and you wouldn’t to feel his cock carve its home in your throat.
you kept your throat relaxed as he looked down at you, tilting his head with a small smirk, “you think you’re ready now?” he asked, his voice deep and sending a shiver down your spine. you nod your head and prepare for him to move, slowly but carefully he started to move.
his cock slid out of your mouth before thrusting back in, he wanted to work his way up to forcing his cock down your throat. the slow glide of his cock makes your eyes flutter shut and your tongue to pulse. you moan at the taste of his precum on your tastebuds as keeps moving — the very prominent vein that runs alongside his shaft feels larger and his cock thick enough that it makes your jaw hurt. “you’re doing so good so far, think you can take more?”
you try to answer but cut off so soon by his cock being shoved deeper down your throat. you gag and he pulls his cock out of your mouth leaving you to catch your breath and gripping his thighs, “tsk. you almost had it. try again baby.” his voice so monotone and deep but you nod your head and open your mouth again after taking a moment.
he thrusts his cock slowly inside of your warm, awaiting mouth, this time you would be prepared for it. your hands resting on his thighs and his hand petting your hair guiding you through it, “relax your throat. let me in, c’mon baby…there you go.” he sighs through his nose, moaning softly.
you kept relaxing your throat as he feeds more of his dick down your throat to the point where he can see it bulge. his hand instantly wraps around your neck and feels it, “look at you, you got all of me. you feel that? how deep i am? my little cocksleeve, taking all of me in one go.” he says and the degrading words do nothing but make your body hot.
“‘m so proud of you. good fucking girl.” he slides his cock down further before pulling slightly and repeating the process over and over until he finally cums down your throat, “now swallow.”
#choso smut#choso x female reader#choso x y/n#jjk choso#choso kamo#choso x you#choso x reader#jujutsu kaisen choso#choso#choso my beloved#jjk x you#jjk fluff#jjk x reader#jjk smut
2K notes
·
View notes
Text
Daily Log
Trying out (probably just temporarily) making short daily-ish notes about things, in an attempt to see if it helps me be more reflective or productive lol.
Activities: Badly carved an eye into an avocado pit with a nail cuticle tool thing. trying to think of better designs to carve into avocado pits. I don't really have the right tools, maybe should order some carving tools. I hate buying things online eeeeee..
Worked on translating a poem into Avirrekava (my constructed language for one of my fantasy species) so I can paint it onto a tapestry sort of thing I'm making, kind of in the style of medieval illuminated manuscripts? I do not have paintbrushes small enough.
Spent a lot of time thinking more about the story with an investigator tracking a doctor who's doing strange experiments and they eventually become friends(ish) after trying to kill each other a few times, lol (set in my fantasy world though, so magic is involved, etc. It's just interesting to think about testing the limitations of magic and what type of experimentation people would do, especially if you own a hospital or morgue or other scenario where you have access to bodies, or good cover for hiding them, etc. Plus worldbuilding religions in the world, what their ideas of morality would be, what an "investigator" or police force would even look like in that setting, etc. Two jhevona main characters in a city full of elves and the in-world politics of that, class war and royals, pretentious scholar communities and how they'd operate, actual magic combat between two advanced magic users and what that would look like (mixing illusions or higher level spells with minor brute force tactics, evasion, enchantments, shapeshifting, etc.) etc. etc. ).
Organized some of my plants, but still need to replant some fully. Succulents grow SO fast, I think I'll run out of room. Also one has burnt to a crisp during the heat wave last week.. my son.. ToT.
Edited a few costume photos then gave up because my camera is evil and I always have that thing where it looks really cool in the mirror but then the final photos suck, which demotivates me to even do anything with them/feels like a waste.
Still chronic health issue sick stinky as usual, plus it's still warm inside from the heat a few days ago so being hot makes joint pain worse... evil.. no energy. fell asleep on the floor for like 30 minutes.
Tried a new oreo flavor and ranked it on my comprehensive oreo ranking list. Mediocre as usual, but I'm too far in to give up now gghj.. I have to just try them all. A fool's labor.
Notable sights: found one 6 leaf clover, two 5 leaf clovers, and eleven 4 leaf clovers. Saw a rabbit, 3 cats in windows, and 4 ducks. Also at some point I was squishing gum in my hand and pulling it apart and when stretched out it would make these really cool spindly spider web patterns. The sky later in the day was hazy pink, purple, and blue pastel sunset.
Goals moving forward: Wake up on time even if I feel sick when I wake up!!! Focus on more immediate projects, don't get distracted. Actually make room for investing in social time and replying to people even with minimal energy reserves. Stay consistent with physical therapy exercises. Plant nasturtiums. Finish and upload videos, email doctors, edit pictures, post the poll adventure thing that has been sitting in a draft for weeks.
Notable foods: None today, but I have asparagus for later which is exciting... my new favorite vegetable whilst on the stinky Nutritionist Prescribed Special Limited Diet
#I don't know the point of posting this publicly#maybe just makes it feel more like I'm doing somehting or easier to hold myself accountable making a public declarations#of my goals and progress or etc. lol#Weird blog content I think but then also this IS like.. my personal blog so#. technically I can do whatever. It's just an atypical format of personal post ghgj#ALSO the finding so many clovers thing is cool because just last week I also found one 6 leaf clover and a few 5 leaves and a#ton of 4 leaves. I hadn't found a 6 leaf clover in a few years until literally the past few weeks Iv'e found two of them#The most I've ever gotten is a 7 leaf. Maybe just one?? possibly two but I think just one of them.#so I guess the ultimate goal would be 8 leaf. if that's even plausible.#I don't know what to do with them all though. I put them usually in the book with the rest of my pressed flowers and then#move them into a container once they're dried out. I could make more flower arrangement type things (like gluing dried flowers#to a page in a pattern) out of them like I have a few times. Or use them with the wax seal stamps or something#but I have so many.. IF i OWNED AN ACTUal house or somehting it'd be cool to do like.. a Wall#a clover wall where I just post them up everytime I've collected some. and see if I can fill the whole wall over time#One day ... if I can ever be successful at the Game Of Resources And Capitalism enough to have a modest little#home in like.. Scotland or canada or something... I can finally paint walls and do interesting things#REALLY have always wanted to have a cloud mural on the cieling of a room or etc.#aNYWAY....#any other Clover Hunters out there.. tell me what you've found. the mythical 8 leaf?? or anything idk.#avocado pit carving tips. tell me what you thought about the Black Out Cake oreo flavor. etc. etc. hgjhghjb#daily log
6 notes
·
View notes
Last Seen Blogs
hopeassassin
Floods and Droughts
mundeestar
MundeeStar
taintedmind666
TaintedMind6669
kookntae4ever
flo
topcoordinatorr
Top Coordinator