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#i’m gonna use my actual artist name for my notes now
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“But… I thought they were in love?”
I really love the Sun and Moon designs on them. I’m a sucker for it actually 😭😭 -@tumbke
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mrsbarnesblog · 4 months
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masterlist ko-fi ao3
Tattoo Artist! Bucky Barnes x Bookshop Owner!Reader
Summary: When Natasha begged you to come with her to get her new tattoo done, you didn't expect that her actual plan would be to set you up with a fine-as-hell tattoo artist.
Word count: 5.8k
Warnings: +18❗️smut, p in v sex, oral sex (r receiving), protected sex, dirty talk, strangers to lovers, Bucky is hot as fuck, shy and socially awkward reader, insecurities.
Author's note: sooo, it took me forever to write, but I finally finished it and I'm kind of proud of this one. Bucky with tattoos and a low bun? yup, I'm totally ready to do whatever he desires! I hope y'all will like it too. feel free to leave comments or fic ideas💘
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“I’m going to be there almost for a whole day. I love those idiots, but I still need my best friend to cheer me up." Natasha threw her hand over your shoulders, trying to convince you to go with her on a tattoo session. It was not her first time, but now she wanted to get a much bigger one on her thigh, and, for some reason, she really wanted you to go with her, using the fact that it was your day off. 
“Nat, you know that I hate going to such places. I’m socially awkward; what am I gonna do there for so long? I don’t even know those people.” You frowned, already feeling a bundle of nerves in your stomach. 
You were what others may call boring, but you rarely went to unknown places or hung out with random people. You would rather stay with a book in your apartment and read for a whole day than get into such situations. Not to mention, that tattoo salon was full of men, and it made the whole situation even worse. 
“But you’re going to be with me. They are the nice guys, I promise. You will sit with us in the room; we can talk, or you can read another book, while Barnes will do my tattoo. I just don’t want to die of boredom there. Please?” She pulled you even closer, and you knew that she wouldn’t let that go. So you had no other choice but to agree. 
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You didn’t know what you were thinking when you decided that wearing a light, flowy dress would be a good idea. Because now, following Nat out of her car to that tattoo studio, it felt too short, too open, and just too much. You tried to calm down, thinking to yourself that there was nothing serious; you were just going to wait in the corner, and other people probably wouldn’t even pay attention or talk to you. Natasha, with her boldness and openness, was always the center, and you were totally fine with that. 
But you were so wrong. 
As soon as you walked inside, four men stopped talking, turning around to face you and Nat, and you honestly thought that you were going to faint. 
“Hey, guys. Hope you don’t mind that I brought my friend. So I do not have to listen to your boring asses complain all day." She teased, dragging you by the hand like a mom who tried to encourage her kid to talk. You were round-eyed, and a wave of heat washed over your body when you were face-to-face with a blonde and big guy. But before either of you could say or do something, a person who you didn’t recognise at first stepped in, pulling you into a hug. 
“Isn’t it my favorite book girly ever? How are you doin’?” Sam’s enthusiasm and energy were always so refreshing to you, so when he quickly pulled away, instead wrapping an arm around your shoulders and pushing you further into a studio, you tried to stay calm and not freak out.
"I didn't know that you were working here. How’s Sarah?” You asked, looking up at him. 
“Yup, for a few years. She is doing great, but AJ and Cass are a pain in the ass. They are growing too quickly, you know." He chuckled. “Now, say hi to those idiots.” He moved his head toward the men who were silently observing your interaction. “Tony, Steve, and Bucky.” Sam named them in order. Tony just nodded to you, Steve smiled with the friendliest smile you had ever seen, and Bucky... 
Your head became empty as soon as your eyes landed on him for the first time. He was leaning on the wall at the back of the room, so you didn’t pay much attention to him at first. He was hot. Unbelievebly hot. He was tall and muscular, with a low bun at the back of his head and tattoos covering the visible parts of his arms and neck. And as your gaze moved to his face, you almost choked on a fucking breath. 
Piercing blue eyes looked right directly at you, and the slightest smirk curled the corner of his lips. You didn’t know whether you felt too cold, too hot, or if you just wanted to vanish right on the spot. Your face heated, your eyes started running around the room, and your heart was beating a few times faster. It was overwhelming, and you thought that you would have to go out of there, but right on time, Natasha stepped in front of you, dragging all attention to herself. 
Bucky had to admit that once in his life, Sam was right. Sam tried to convince Bucky to go to that book shop for a few months, saying that he had to meet with the girl who worked there, but he was way too stubborn. 
He would have done it a long time ago if he knew you would look like the most precious, cute, and sweet person. Bucky could not take his gaze away from you as soon as Natasha dragged you inside, absorbing everything—from the way you looked so soft and pretty in that dress to the way you blushed and were nervous about the whole thing. 
He saw your reaction—how you became even more flushed after your intense stares at each other. Bucky was never the type of guy who liked to tease you, but Goddammit, he wanted to see how you would react if he stepped closer and talked to you. He also wasn’t creepy towards women, but the only thought that came to his mind was that he wanted to taste you. The desire to shove your back into the wall, lift up the skirt of your dress, and fall to his knees was shocking; he had never felt such an instant pull toward another person. 
“Barnes, are we going to start, or you’re planning on standing and staring for a whole day?” Natasha crossed her arms over her chest as if she were annoyed, but you thought that you heard something weird in her voice, as if she held back a smile. 
And then she quickly looked back at Sam and nodded with a smirk. 
You just followed Nat and Bucky to his own part of the studio. Too lost in your head because of your friend’s weird behavior, you sat down on the sofa in the corner, and the next thing you noticed was the tall figure leaning above you. You probably got carried away to much because now there was a cup of tea standing in front of you on the table.
You looked up, only to meet those pretty blue eyes again. Bucky looked down at you with the same smirk on his lips, and you could barely form a normal thought in your head. 
“Hope you don’t mind a hot tea, princess?” Yup, you were dead. Of course, he had to have the sexiest voice you have ever heard in your life. It was not enough for him to be charming or look like a fucking sin—he also had to sound hot. 
“Thank you.” You almost whispered. 
Bucky gave you another mysterious smile before going back to his place, where Nat was already without her pants and ready to start.
You and Nat were talking for the next few hours—well, she was mostly talking about a girl named Maria that she met not so long ago, and you were nodding, listening, and sipping your tea. That way, you almost forgot about Bucky sitting in the room with you because he was too focused on his job and didn’t even look away from the tattoo. 
To be honest, you accidentally looked at him one or two times because it was hard not to notice a few curls slipping out of his bun, or the way his tattooed and veiny arms seemed so sexy, or that perfect face profile... Fuck. But everything was good until Nat suddenly asked him to stop for a few minutes. 
“I really need to pee, Barnes.” She quickly jumped out of her place, winking at you as she walked away. 
“Natasha…” You hissed at her when she left you and Bucky alone in the room, your insides already shivering with nerves. She was fucking doing it on purpose. You were sure that everything here was her plan to set you up with Bucky because she had never left you anywhere alone, knowing your nervousness. 
“Are you afraid to stay with me alone?” Bucky chuckled, stretching his neck from an uncomfortable position. Your cheeks heated, and you unconsciously started scratching the surface of your phone case. He was charming. He obviously knew that, judging by the way he acted to tease you. When his question was left without an answer, he just shook his head, smiling to himself. “I didn’t know that Nat was dating girls.”
Bucky was desperately trying to make you talk. He saw how you looked at your friend when she left you alone with him, and knowing Nat, she would not have done it if you were truly afraid of him. So he was hoping that you were just too shy to talk to him and that he could make something out of it.
“Mhm. What, you hoped to have a chance with her?” You finally looked up, and you couldn’t hide the disappointment in your voice. Of course, Bucky was just trying to hit on your friend. Everyone tried. And you knew that she was so pretty and an amazing person, really, but you just wanted to experience it yourself at least once.
“With Nat?” Bucky almost laughed, genuinely taken aback by your response. “Nah, she’s cool, but not my type.”
“And who is your type?” You asked before you could even think about it. 
"You know, those cute and shy girls who can barely talk to anyone and easily blush or get nervous." You froze in your place, and you swore that the blood in your veins had done the same. Your eyes widened in shock, looking at the proudly smirking Bucky. Did he really mean that, or was it just a stupid joke? 
Natasha came into the room, curiously looking between you two, but you just stayed silent and looked away again, staying even quieter until the end of the session. 
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“Why did you do that?” You frowned, looking away from Nat and crossing your arms over your chest. As soon as she was done, you almost ran out of that place, the mixture of weird feelings bubbling inside of you, and you were too frustrated to even talk to someone there. 
“Did what?” Your head snapped back at her innocent, unbothered voice. She rolled her eyes, not looking away from the road. “I did that because I love you.” 
“And I love you too, but I hate that you and Sam put me in this position!”
“I’m sorry if we made you uncomfortable. Don’t be mad at what I’m about to say, but I know that you feel lonely and that you want to have someone or to date someone. I understand your anxiety; I really do, but I wanted to help you.” Her voice sounded so genuine, and even if you were mad, you knew that Nat had always tried to do what was best for you. “Bucky is a good guy. He’s attractive, he’s kind, he’s funny, and he's definitely not a player. I just wanted you to meet him, and from what I saw, there was a sparkle between you.”
You didn’t say anything to that, because she was totally right. Even if you had never said that out loud, you wanted someone to like you. Was it that much to ask? It was just hard to believe that someone as attractive as Bucky, who could easily get a good handful of women whenever he wanted to, had actually flirted with you. 
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The next day, when you finally returned to your favorite place in the world, it was crazy. For some reason, too many people came to the bookshop, and almost everyone needed your advice or help. You were running around the shelves, putting the books in their places, receiving the payment, and then welcoming new customers. So when, at 9 p.m., you put the sign ‘closed’ on the door, you felt the relief that the day was almost over. 
You still had a lot to do, though. Taking the pile of books from the front table, you went to the back room, where you stored some of them. Suddenly, you heard the bell ringing and heavy footsteps on the wooden floor. 
“I’m sorry, but we are already closed. Please come tomor—” You forgot what you wanted to say when you looked out of the room into the main part of the store and saw the last person you ever expected. 
“Hey, princess.” Bucky put his hands into the front pockets, which made him seem even bigger, and smiled at you in a way that made your knees weak. He looked similar to what you saw yesterday—a low bun, black jeans, and a shirt that revealed some of his tattoos. God, his tattoos made you imagine things that were too inappropriate to say out loud. “Sorry that I came so late, but I just got off work, and I really wanted to see the place Sam has been bugging me about for weeks.” He noticed how you were looking at him again, but he decided not to tease you about it. 
“Um, hi.” You dusted off your hands and fixed the bottom part of your dress to make sure that everything was in it’s place. Bucky couldn’t help but follow your hands, staring at the way the hem of your dress moved around your thighs. “Do you need something? Like a book? Or you came just to get rid of Sam?”
“Yeah, maybe a fantasy book or something like that.” 
“I can show you where we have it, but I, um, need to finish the work here, so it would be great if you'd find a book that you like by yourself. Is that okay?” His stare was intense, and you really didn’t know what to do with this. Was he always like that with women? But Nat said that he wasn’t a player, and you trusted her more than yourself.
“Totally.” You nodded, calmed down your nerves as much as you could to not embarrass yourself in front of him, and you showed the way to the shelves at the back of the shop. 
“Take as much time as you need; I’ll go... there.” You pointed behind you to the piles of books, and Bucky chuckled at the way you were nervous around him. That was so fucking cute that he wanted to just scoop you up in his arms and make you blush again and again. 
Almost ten minutes later, you showed up again with a few books in your hands that were from the fantasy section, and as much as you wanted to escape Bucky, you also wanted to finish your job. He just quickly looked at you, too interested in the book in his hands, but didn’t say anything. 
You tried to reach the highest shelf to put the book in it’s place, but it was too far away. Usually you used a small ladder, but it was somewhere else now, and you just tried to do it standing on the tiptoes. 
“Let me do it, princess.” Bucky chuckled, closing his book and putting it down, and reached out to help you.
“No!”
“You won’t reach it. Just give it to me.” He placed his hand on your back, stretching the other one. 
“I can do it myself!” 
You couldn’t. Because the next thing you know, the book slipped out of your hand when you tried to make more distance between you and Bucky, and you also lost control of the ones you held near your chest. Everything fell onto the floor with a loud ‘boom’ and you prayed that nothing got damaged. 
Your head snapped back to say to Bucky that it was his fault, but he was already looking down at you, and you immediately forgot about everything. Only then did you realize that he was so close to you; his hand was holding your waist, and your back was almost pressed against his hard chest. 
“Sorry.” He didn’t know what he was sorry for. That he distracted you and made you drop everything, or for what he did next. After his eyes quickly looked at your plump lips, his right hand fell onto your cheek, and he kissed you.
Your instant thought was to push him away, run, and hide in the storage room, but the firm hand on your face and waist made it impossible to move. Bucky almost devoured your mouth and completely controlled you, and you could barely keep up with the rhythm of the kiss. 
He was good at it. 
No one ever kissed you as if it were the best thing they'd ever tried, but Bucky just couldn’t stop. He spined your body, so you were not in that awkward and uncomfortable position anymore. Now that you were standing chest to chest, your back got pressed into the shelves, and Bucky was towering over you. It felt unknown but so right at the same time. Your experience in this area was really poor, but the adrenalin in your blood made you a little bit more sure of yourself. 
“You’re doing something to me.” He breathed into the kiss, and you just whined without realizing it. He connected your lips again, tightening his hands on your waste and, that way, pulling you even closer. You had no idea where to put your hands, but your body seemed to work on autopilot, so they landed on his chest.
You felt something hard on the lower part of your belly, and the thought that Bucky had become hard solely because of the kiss nearly drove you insane. Hot, handsome, and charming men had never kissed you as if you were their last meal, teasing you with their bulge in the middle of your shop. 
God, he must be big. 
Your heart started beating so fast that you heard it in your ears. Was it the right thing to do? What should you do or say after that? Did he think that you kissed badly? 
“I can almost hear the thoughts in your head. Why are you worrying? You don’t like or want it? Just say, and I’ll step away.” You licked your lips, as if you tried to taste him again. You felt how your face heated again from being so close to Bucky. He didn’t sound or look as if he were judging you, and it made you feel safe enough to tell what was going on in your head.
“I just—I'm not really familiar with it. I barely know you, and you just kissed me, and I am at a loss for what to do." You said, nervously playing with the material of his shirt. Bucky's hand cupped your cheek, making you look at him. It surprised you that he didn’t try to do anything to push you, like many other men who just think with their dicks. Your stomach tightened from the way he stared at your face.
"I understand and that’s okay if you feel a little bit scared. I’m not pushing you and you can say no to me. I really came here just to talk to you, but I cannot think of anything else but you. Can I kiss you, princess?” Your eyes closed when you felt his breath on your lips again. You couldn’t deny that you wanted it too, so you just slightly nodded to his question. 
Bucky kissed you deeper and slower, allowing you to follow him. He stroked your cheek gently as his tongue slid into your mouth, causing you to moan. You swore that he smiled at your reaction, and it encouraged him to push his other hand from your waist to your thighs. 
Your skin started tingling when you felt it going under your skirt. Tattooed fingers traced the soft lines on your legs until they reached your underwear. Only then did you realise that you were getting wet. This whole time, it was not just nerves; oh no, your body actually just craved that man in front of you and now you could do nothing to hide it. In your last attempt, you tried to push your legs together, but you made it worse when Bucky’s hand slipped higher and touched the wet spot. 
“Holy fuck.” He growled, ending the kiss and looking down, where his hand stayed under your clothes. “You are not so innocent, huh?” 
“Shy and innocent are two completely different things, Bucky.” 
“Right.” Biting his lip, he looked up at you again with darkened eyes, and you felt his hand pressing onto your dressed core more firmly. “Can I taste you?"
Your eyes widen in shock. You were not a complete virgin, but unfortunately, you had never experienced that before. “My sexual life is actually really, and I mean really, meager, and no one ever asked me to do it.” You whispered, almost in embarrassment. 
“So you’re telling me that no one asked to eat you out, princess? Well, that’s a shame. I bet your pussy is as sweet as you are.” He ran his nose across your cheek, enjoying your delicate skin and the light scent of your perfume, until he reached the sensitive part of your neck. “Your scent drives me crazy... You’re so sensitive, God. When was the last time you were with someone?” You tried to act normal and not shiever, but when Bucky’s finger was running up and down the soft cotton of your panties, it was nearly impossible to do. 
“I don’t know. I did it just a few times, and I don’t date. Guys are not really interested in me.”
“Loosers.” 
“Bucky.” You moaned his name when he suddenly fell to his knees. That view was so surreal for you. He seemed desperate to touch and taste you, to please you, even though he was painfully hard in his jeans. But he did not go too far because he was waiting for your response. “What if someone walks in?”
“There is a sign on the door. Are there many people who go to bookshops at that time?” Bucky took your left leg, slowly putting it on his shoulder. Your eyes followed every move with curiosity and a hint of worry when he turned his head to softly kiss your thigh.
“Okay.”
Bucky took your leg off his shoulder but only to slide his hands under your dress and take off your underwear. He did not break eye contact when he helped you step out of it and then put them in his jeans pocket. With a quick motion, your leg returned to it’s place near his face and you blushed, realising how close he was.
With his right hand on your thigh and the left one slowly creeping up your other leg, Bucky started leaving kisses higher and higher, until he finally reached your pulled-up dress. When his head suddenly lowered and you felt the first touch of his tongue, you almost died. 
Up until that moment, you didn’t even realize how tense your body was, but that first lick sent a hot wave over you and you could not hold back a whine. You just became a fucking puddle under his touch. 
Bucky was not much better than you. He gripped your thigh harder, as if he wanted you to be even closer, and moaned when your taste blossomed on his tongue. He knew that he was addicted now and that he could spend hours in between your legs. His tongue slipped across your folds, collecting your juice, and then circled around your sensitive clit. 
“Fuck, princess. You’re s’ sweet.” 
"Bucky—oh my god, please!” You didn’t know what you were begging for, but that tight knot in your stomach was becoming almost too painful, and you felt tears forming in your eyes. As if Bucky had already understood your body better, he put two fingers of his left hand at your entrance, slightly pushing in just the tips. 
You moaned again, your hand moving on it’s own and grabbing Bucky’s hair in despair. He slowly slipped inside, letting you adjust while still not stopping the movements of his tongue. You felt so fucking tight and wet around his fingers and his cock painfully twiched in his jeans. He started pumping his fingers in and out of your pussy, and if you weren’t so far up in your head, you would’ve been embarrassed by the noises coming out of you. 
The combination of his thick digits and tongue pushed you into your first orgasm. Your back arched, and your legs unconsciously tried to close, but Bucky did not let that happen, gripping your thigh tighter and holding you in place. 
“Cum for me, pretty girl. C'mon, don’t be shy.” He encouraged you and that was everything you needed. 
You had no idea what happened next because your body felt like it was floating and your head fell back with a moan of Bucky's name. He let you go through it, slowing his pace and pulling out his fingers. As much as he didn’t want to stop, he knew that it was enough for you for the first time. 
You felt how Bucky jently lowered your leg and then, holding you by the waist, stood up and shamelessly licked his shiny lips. “I can’t believe you actually just did that. No one has ever given me an orgasm.” 
“Princess… You’re unbelievable.” He got closer to you, nuzzling into your neck and breathing in your scent. You could feel hardness in his pants, and while Bucky did not try to push it any further, the desire within you made you bold. 
“Do you have a condom?” Bucky immediately pulled away from you, his eyes darker than before and his hands tightening on your waist. You bit your lip and lowered your gaze, as if you said something wrong. 
"No, no, no, you can’t get shy after you just asked me this. Eyes on me, princess. Do you really want it?" 
“I do.” 
Bucky connected your lips, distracting you from unnecessary thoughts, and you felt two hands on the back sides of your thighs. Your legs automatically wrapped around his waist, as if your body knew what to do better than you. You both moaned when his bulge met with your dripping core; Bucky’s grip tightened and he slightly moved your hips. 
Firmly holding you in his hands, Bucky stepped away from the shelves and went to the table that was standing nearby. He blindly moved aside some books there, dropping a few on the floor and receiving a groan from you. He put you on the flat surface, not moving away from between your legs. 
Your hands finally felt more confident to study his tattooed skin. You never realised that you were into people with tattoos, but now, looking at the variety of things covering his tanned skin, your belly tightened with anticipation. Your hands slowly reached his neck, slightly pulling him closer. 
“You didn’t answer my question. Do you have it?” Instead of replying to you, Bucky, not breaking eye contact, reached into his pocket and pulled out a wallet. He opened it, taking the shiny square that was sticking out of there. 
Your eyes shot up at him, meeting his half-hooded and full-of-lust eyes. Bucky looked right back at you, mesmerized by your beauty—by the way your cheeks heated and your lips were slightly swollen. He quickly unbuttoned his pants, sliding them with boxers down his legs, until his hard as rock cock was free with pre-cum leaking from the tip. 
“If you’re going to look at me like that, then I might cum like a teenager before everything starts, princess.” Bucky growled, squeezing your thigh in his hand. You closed your eyes for a few seconds, then looked at his face again. You didn’t want to stare at his cock, but holy shit, it was better and bigger than everything you’ve seen before. You wondered what it would taste like, and that one thought made you clench around nothing. 
With a quick, smooth motion, Bucky opened the package with his teeth, sliding the condom down his shaft. His hand moved you closer to the edge of the table, so now your faces were just a few centimeters away and you could feel his cock through the fabric of your dress. 
“Be a good girl and hold it here for me.” Bucky folded your dress on your stomach, guiding your hand there, so he had better access to your sweet pussy. He had to see how he was disappearing inside of you with his own fucking eyes.  
“Bucky…” You whined because of the way you were exposed to him, but you still did what he said. With wide eyes, you looked at how he moved even closer to you, slightly brushing your folds with the tip. Your free arm gripped his tattooed forearm, digging in your nails. 
“So wet for me, so pretty... God, princess. I won’t be able to keep my hands from you. Say you want this. I need to hear it.” He palmed the side of your face, making you look up at him, and held himself at your entrance at the same time. 
“I want it. Please.” You whispered, your eyes running back and forth between his pretty blues. 
When he finally started slowly pushing into you, your mouth opened with a silent moan, and your eyes almost crossed with the way your whole body got covered with goosebumps. Bucky could not tear his eyes away from the place you two were connected. He felt every movement of your body and felt how your pussy almost sucked him inside. 
He knew that you would feel good, but he did not realize that it would feel like the most correct thing in his life. 
Bucky finally bottomed into you, stretching you the way you had never been before. You both thought that you could cum in that exact second, but you also both wanted to extend this moment as much as you could. 
“Princess…” That sounded so desperate when Bucky finally started moving his hips, dragging his cock out and then pushing right back in. "Fuck, I need to kiss you. You feel like a fuckin’ heaven, holy shit.” Not stopping sliding into you at a steady pace, he dragged your face closer, as if his life were depending on it. Bucky greedily bit and sucked your bottom lip, swallowing every moan and whine you let out.
“Mh— I can’t— oh, Bucky!” You cried, trying to hide your face in the crook of his neck.
He pulled you back away from his body, holding you that way so he had a better view of your face and body. He felt the way your thighs tried to squeeze together, your face started to heat and you tried to look away. 
“Don’t you dare become shy when I’m balls deep in you, princess.” He slowed his movements and teased you until you almost begged him to fuck you properly again. “You need to cum, huh? Show me those pretty eyes; don’t hide from me, c’mon.” You looked up, almost whining from the way he was looking at you. Pupils blown out, eyes slightly narrowed, and running around your face with interest and desire. “Do you need something? Speak up, sweet girl.”
“I want to cum. Let me, please.” 
“Good fucking girl.” 
Bucky started fucking you with a new forse; the table under you was squeaking with every move, making the whole scene even dirtier. You could not care about embarrassment anymore, moaning Bucky name and begging him to be harder. 
You both felt how close you were. 
Your hand, with your skirt in it, tightened around the fabric, your spread legs were trembling and you started uncontrollably squeezing Bucky’s cock inside of you. His dirty words made your vision foggy with satisfaction and the way he didn’t stop hitting your sweet spot was enough for you to go crazy with an overwhelming orgasm.
“Bucky! Bucky, oh my— fuuuck!” You cried in pleasure, feeling a few more thrusts of his throbbing cock, until he finally slowed down and emptied himself in the condom. Your body fell forward right into Bucky’s chest, too tired to even sit straight. He wrapped his hands around you, slowly stroking your back and kissing your temple. 
“You are fucking amazing, princess.” He mumbled into your hair and you just hummed in response. After a few quiet minutes, when your head started to clear up and the whole weight of this situation fell on you, you finally pulled away, hiding your eyes from him again. “What? What’s wrong?” 
“I just… I don’t know what we are supposed to do in this situation; I mean— it was just sex for you, right?” You asked, focusing on one particular tattoo on Bucky’s neck to not show how nervous you were.
Bucky didn’t answer for a few seconds, but you felt the weight of his eyes on you. Then he lifted your face with one of his hands and softly smiled at you. “If it meant nothing for me, I would’ve already been on my way home. I want you. I wanted you from the moment I saw you and I won’t be satisfied until you let me take you out. Are you free tomorrow evening, sweetheart?” He cooed, playfully tilting his head to the side. That man and his charm would be the death of you…
“Um, okay. I’m free, if you’re not kidding.”
“Not in the slightest. Now get dressed. I'm taking you home.” He pecked your lips before slowly pulling out of you and getting rid of the condom. You slowly jumped from the table, legs trembling from two mind-blowing orgasms, not missing how Bucky’s smirked at you. 
“You don’t have to take me home, Bucky.” You fixed your dress and hair as much as you could without a mirror and then picked up the books from the floor that were forgotten during your makeout session. 
“Well, I didn’t see a car near the shop, so I assume you’re walking home. And it’s dark.” He walked behind you, wrapping his hands around your waist and burying his face into your neck. “I don’t like this idea. I’m driving you home, princess.” 
“Fine. You won.” You playfully made an annoyed voice to what Bucky just chuckled and held you even closer. 
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dear-bunnyboo · 5 months
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𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐍𝐄: 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 || 𝐉𝐎𝐄 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐖
important note: my face claim will be madison beer but you can imagine whoever you desire. also the songs mentioned are not all technically all madison’s i will be incorporating other songs from other artists.
all the pictures seen below are not mine, however they were edited by yours truly. credits to the owners.
requests are open for The One! If you want specifically want something to happen in this series, then please message me or send a request and maybe I’ll consider 🤍
𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Joe Burrow x Singer!Reader / Brief Ex!Jack Hughes x Singer!Reader
𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: Trevor turns 23! You are cordially invited to his 23th birthday party… in Michigan… at the lake house… the Hughes’ lake house… along with literally everyone else…
𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: cursing, fluff, slight angst, established relationship, toxic!ex, mentions of cheating, tension, protective!Joe, fight, physical fight. angry!Joe, name calling, rumors
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 || 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 || 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐜. 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 || 𝐍𝐇𝐋 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭
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The text stared at you as you did the same to it.
I’m having a party at the lake house for my birthday. You and Joe are invited, I already messaged Y/BF/N. But it’s fine if you’re not comfortable.
You weren’t sure how long you’d been sitting there just rereading the same text over and over again.
Trevor’s birthday was in a few days and the hockey player just messaged you about his party. Normally you would not have any qualms with attending such a gathering but considering your history with a certain someone you weren’t so sure anymore.
The second you received the text— you were simply gonna reply with a confirmation that you were coming, however, after seeing those two words— lake house; you just had to reel it back for a quick second. You have completely forgotten that Jack is still Trevor’s closest companion. They had a bit of a falling out and a few disagreements regarding you and the shit Jack has put you through, but they still remained civil— more so cause you told Trevor to do so, you never wanted to be the reason their friendship ended and whatever happened and is happening with you and Jack— that’s between the two of you.
The lake house is In Michigan. The same lake house the Hughes family owned. The same lake house you and Y/BF/N used to go to every summer. The same lake house your ex-boyfriend would take you for three years of relationship. You had made a lot of memories with not only Jack but your friends there and now one of those friends wants you to come back, just like old times sake.
It’s almost been a year since Jack cheated on you, which means that it’s been a year since you’ve actually had any sort of conversation with anyone in the friend group except for Trevor and Y/BF/N. You recently were all in one room together at the ESPY Awards but that was it— nothing more than an awkward encounter.
You were heavily considering not attending, however, the lingering thought of you missing yet another one of Trevor’s birthdays was messing with you.
“Baby, are you alright?” A deep voice coming from behind you asked. Joe moved toward you in a fluid motion as he quietly watched your still figure on the bed— you remained frozen staring at the now black screen of your phone that was gingerly sitting on the palm of your hand; you were evidently deep in thought.
Turning your attention to your boyfriend who now placed his hands on either side of you on the bed— caging you in between them. Looking up at him you gave him a smile— your mood instantly lifting as you stared at the baby blue eyes that you loved gazing into. Joe’s calming aura gave you a push— instantly forgetting about your worries. The quarterback was your safety blanket and with him, nothing else mattered.
Nothing else mattered but him.
“I’m alright.” You reassured the blonde before continuing, “It’s Trevor’s birthday in a few days and he invited us to come to his party.” you finished before lifting your hand up, tangling your fingers through Joe’s fluffy locks.
“And that caused you the space out for minutes?” Joe’s eyebrow raised teasingly once he realized that you weren’t telling him the whole truth about the current predicament you found yourself in— he knows you so well, he’s gonna have Y/BF/N a run for her money.
“What’s wrong, lovebug?” Joe gave you a reassuring smile as he carefully brushed your hair off your face.
“The party is in Michigan at the lake house.” You said earning a look from Joe that either said 'Go on' or 'I don't know what you're talking about.'
“It’s the Hughes family lake house. Which means that everyone is gonna be there. The friends I haven’t talked to in about a year; Jack, possibly his girlfriend, and his family— don’t you see how weird it’s gonna be?” You finally blurted out like an insane person while you frantically played with your fingers— your mind was going haywire, and you were pretty sure you were close to short-circuiting from all the worrying; this instantly made Joe intertwine his hands with yours to stop you from fidgeting and just like that it went quiet in your head.
It was just you and Joe.
“Do you want to go?” Joe asked softly before placing chaste kisses on your hands that were enveloped in his.
“I don’t." You answered honestly with no hesitation. "But I missed Trevor’s birthday last year and I feel bad which makes me want to go.” You mumbled.
Joe looked at you deep in thought as he tried to understand. “Okay. Does being in the same room with your ex still make you uncomfortable? Because if it does, you don’t have to go anywhere, baby. Trevor would understand.” The quarterback carefully gathered you towards him, pulling you to sit on his lap before wrapping you against his arms.
“Jack and his girlfriend are dead to me. Being around them doesn’t do anything to me anymore but I don’t want to ruin Trevor’s birthday by making everyone in attendance uncomfortable by the two of us being there.” You confessed thinking about the looks people are gonna give you and Jack for being in the same room together— let alone with your significant others in attendance as well.
“You’re too sweet, you know that?” Joe chuckled making you look up at him with furrowed eyebrows. “Here I thought you were uncomfortable but turns out, you don’t want others to be uncomfortable.” Joe’s lips caught yours as you melted into him and the kiss. “Lovebug.” Your boyfriend says against your lips as he proves the point of his nickname for you— Joe sees how selfless you are and how you cared for other people's wellbeing other than your own and Joe loved you for that— that was the reason why he fell in love with you in the first place.
His Lovebug.
“It’s totally up to you if you want to go or not. If you don’t, then don’t go— you are not entitled to do so, again Trevor would understand. If you do want to go, I’ll be with you the entire time; Y/BF/N will be too.” Joe caresses your cheeks against his hand, staring straight into your eyes as he comforts you.
His words enveloped you in a sense of security and understanding. It was a reminder of the unwavering support and respect Joe consistently extended to you. You felt grateful for his empathy and willingness to accompany you, should you choose to attend the party. The fact that Joe acknowledged your emotions and offered his support without hesitation meant the world to you.
“You don’t have to go, baby.” You told Joe, not wanting to put him in an uncomfortable predicament.
“I’ll go if you go— I won’t leave you there alone to fend for yourself.” The quarterback shook his head as if he was trying to tell you that his decision was final.
His words made you giggle, in turn making the quarterback look down on your face with a grin from hearing such melodious sounds coming from your mouth.
"What?" He chucked.
"You've said that as if I am going into a snake pit." You giggled harder at your boyfriend's expression as he teased you.
"You might as well be." He muttered under his breath knowing damn well you heard him regardless of his methods trying to mask his statement.
"Joe!— two snakes only." You played along making the blonde laugh out loud as he wiggled and prodded his fingers against your sides, tickling as you shrieked from the sensation.
Joe had a way with you. He was so easy to be around with, so easy to talk to, so easy to love. He has the power that can bring you out of something so traumatizing and sensitive— making the situation so lighthearted and safe.
Joe Burrow feels so safe.
You couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of gratitude for Joe's unwavering support. It was a reminder that your relationship was built on trust, communication, and a genuine willingness to navigate any challenges together. With Joe by your side, the prospect of the party became less about past relationships and more about enjoying the present moment and the company you kept.
Turning your phone back on, you responded to Trevor.
We'll be there.
It was the morning of Trevor's birthday and you were finally getting a grip of yourself. Your flight from Cincinnati to Michigan was quiet— in your private plane, you and Joe were snuggled up on your seats as usual while your best friend was typing away on her laptop with so much fervor— she was truly an even bigger workaholic than you are.
You felt a hand on yours, turning to look at the person who gave you a warm smile and a peck on your temple. Joe was such a comforting presence to be with, the touch of his hand around yours, the look he gave you every time he saw you, the way he was looking at you now, the love he poured into you every day— it was all overwhelming.
You could almost feel the tears forming in your eyes as you looked at Joe. You still couldn't believe how lucky you were.
"Baby?" Joe whispered, you were just staring at him and the way he cared for you.
You still couldn't believe that this person loves you.
"I'm okay." You responded and it was the truth, you were more than okay, you were ready for whatever was going to happen.
The plane landed on time— you, Joe, and Y/BF/N got out of the plane and you were met with a Rolls Royce that would take you to the hotel and then the lake house— you weren’t planning on spending more time in Michigan let alone the lake house. The second the party ends you, Joe, and Y/BF/N were flying back to Cincinnati. You insisted on Y/BF/N to stay longer to spend more time with Trevor knowing their interest towards one another, however was only heavily declined by your best friend— stating she didn’t want to spend her weekend stuck in the lake house with Jack and his girlfriend.
You tried persuading Joe to stay in the hotel but he insisted on staying with you, you vehemently refused, still hesitant to bring your boyfriend to such an awkward gathering but your boyfriend remained firm in his decision— you were too afraid to say no to the one person who meant the world to you, so you agreed to Joe's terms and let him accompany you.
After getting ready in the hotel; the three of you headed back to the car. The drive to the lake house was quiet, no one really talked until the driver announced you were there. You still remember the feeling of excitement and nervousness you felt whenever you came here, but now it was tainted with nostalgic memories and heartache.
Joe's hand enveloped yours as you got out of the car. As you looked around the sight before you was still the same lake house you knew— however, the whole atmosphere seemed different now— you used to love coming to the lake house every summer while you were dating Jack but now you couldn't help the grimace forming on your face. It wasn't as bright or cheerful as you remembered; there were no signs of the teenagers you all used to be running around. You only saw adults outside— the adults you wanted to avoid.
Your steps toward the door were heavy, your anxiety levels rising by the second.
"Hey!" The sound of Trevor's voice instantly calmed you as the boy ran toward you. You let out a breath you didn't know you were holding— the sight of the hockey player made you realize that no matter what, Trevor will always be one of your best friends.
"Hi. Z!" You exclaimed as you engulfed him in a tight hug— he had that effect on people. You felt an arm wrap around your waist and you looked up to find Joe smiling down at you— your boyfriend was such a comforting presence to be around with.
Trevor smiled widely, a hint of surprise on his face from the fact that his friend was actually here and even more so by the fact that said friend's boyfriend was right next to her, holding her tightly against his body.
"You made it." He hugged you once again, this time you didn't hesitate to do the same.
"Happy Birthday." You wished the boy a happy birthday— you gave him a wrapped box with his present inside before pulling him in another hug, not even realizing that you had been squeezing the hockey player.
Trevor noticed but didn't say anything about it. He just kept the conversation going— happy you were present. "Thanks. And thank you for coming."
"Well, someone had to celebrate your big day." You giggled,
"He, man." Trevor and Joe's hug lasted a bit shorter than yours did. "Happy Birthday. Again."
"Thank you." Trevor chuckled at the quarterback's words.
The two boys shared a few words and you couldn't help but just look at them. Trevor's presence always calmed you down— he was like the sun, the warmth, the light. Joe, on the other hand, was the moon, the calm, the peace. The two had a certain aura that instantly brought comfort to you.
"Y/BF/N?" Trevor called to your other best friend teasingly. You and Joe turned your attention to the girl who was quietly standing behind you.
"Happy Birthday, Trevor." Your best friend gave the birthday boy a soft smile and a hug— her demeanor completely changed the moment she saw the hockey player.
"Thanks. You guys can come in, drinks are on the table." Trevor's eyes lingered on Y/BF/N for a moment longer before gesturing inside.
You entered the house and the familiar smell and atmosphere enveloped you— the Hughes family lake house was exactly as you remembered it.
The lake house was filled with the same people you knew.
And the same person you didn't want to see.
Jack and his girlfriend, Ashley were on the couch, and they were both staring at you.
You are here for Trevor. You are here for Trevor. You are here for Trevor— you mentally repeated in your head like a mantra as you diverted your eyes off of them, directing your attention on Joe who was carefully assessing your reaction.
Nothing. You had none. No reaction. With your head held high, you smiled at the people around you— showing them that you have indeed moved on and nothing can bother you anymore.
But you weren't alone.
Your boyfriend was with you.
And he was a sight for sore eyes.
Everyone's eyes were on him, and they were looking at him with wonder— sometimes you forget how much of a star Joe is to the rest of the world being the one of biggest NFL players; because to you he was just Joe— your Joe.
"Oh my god! You're Joe Burrow!" A loud voice came from your right side and you immediately cringed. You didn't need to turn around to know that the source of that sound was Jack's girlfriend— her voice was one of a kind. Jack’s girlfriend Ashely stood up, now making her way to your boyfriend as if she wasn’t just begging for Joe’s picture at the ESPY Awards not long ago.
Joe just gave her a tight-lipped smile— the quarterback wasn't rude, so of course, he was going to be nice— well, try to be nice at least.
"Hi. I'm Ashley. Jack's girlfriend. It's such a pleasure meeting you, Joe. You are amazing. I'm a huge fan!" She was rambling, talking nonstop and the quarterback was trying to catch up.
You were already annoyed at her— plus wasn't she supporting the Jets when you saw her at one of the Bengals’ games?
"Thank you," Joe muttered. "Nice meeting you, too."
"Can I please get a picture with you?" Ashley asked, not even looking in your direction as if you weren't even there.
And just like the last time she asked Joe for a picture, Joe spotted Y/BF/N who was trying to balance four drinks in her hands; Joe took that as an escape and helped your best friend, acting as if he hadn't heard her request… yet again.
"Here." Joe handed a drink to you and Trevor who was trying to hold his laugh as he watched the scene unfold.
"Thanks, man."
"Yeah, no problem."
"I'm sorry." You whispered to your boyfriend before looking at Trevor.
"No worries, baby." Joe placed a soft kiss on your temple, and the look on the birthday boy's face was priceless as he watched you two kiss— the hockey player acting as if he was a child seeing his parents kiss.
You turned to the side and found your ex-boyfriend staring straight at you, you didn't have any feelings left for him, and that was the truth.
However, it wasn't the case for him.
Jack was glaring at you, and it was a glare full of envy, and hurt, and anger.
"Let's go." You felt a tug on your arm as Joe pulled you towards the opposite direction where everyone was.
The party continued as normal. You hung out with Trevor, Y/BF/N, and the rest of your friends. Jack and Ashley kept their distance and didn't approach you— not that you minded, you were actually glad.
The party went on, and you were having the best time. The second the clock struck midnight, everyone screamed 'Happy Birthday!' to Trevor as the cake was lit. You watched as your best friend blew his candles and made his wish— everyone was cheering and happy, especially you.
Joe pulled you in and wrapped an arm around your shoulder, kissing your cheek as he did so. "Happy?"
You didn't know what was more satisfying, watching Trevor blow his candles and make his wish or hearing Joe's question.
"Happy." You responded as you placed a kiss on the corner of his lips, ignoring the looks everyone was giving you and just enjoying the moment with your boyfriend.
The rest of the party went smoothly and the guests slowly left one by one— all except you, Joe, Y/BF/N, and the rest of the friend group.
The three of you were about to head out— you and Joe were just waiting for Y/BF/N who went to the bathroom.
Unbeknownst to you, on the way out of the bathroom, Y/BF/N caught Ashley talking to someone on the phone.
“She’s pregnant. Y/N Y/L/N is pregnant. She didn't touch a single drop of alcohol and the entire time she and Joe didn't even look like a couple, I bet their relationship is all for show.” Jack’s girlfriend said as continued lying to the person on the other end if the call which made Y/BF/N’s blood run hot in anger.
Y/BF/N then realized that Ashely was the anonymous source that had been sending fake insiders on you to the press— the same source that you and your best friend have been worrying about all week. The rumors of you and Joe only dating because of you getting pregnant has been spreading across the internet like wildfire.
This wouldn’t normally bother you considering it was just a rumor. However, people are believing the story even more because of the fact that Anonymous Celebrities have credible sources— “credible.”
"You, bitch!" Y/BF/N yelled before lunging towards the girl— the two fell on the floor and were brawling.
You and Joe turned around from hearing a thud. You were shocked to see Y/BF/N on top of Ashley, pulling the girl’s hair as Jack’s girlfriend struggled.
Joe was about to go in and pull them apart when the hockey player beat him to it. Trevor rushed in and pried your best friend away from Ashley— the two girls were still yelling and screaming at each other.
"What the fuck, Y/BF/N?"
"She's the one who keeps sending the fake articles on Y/N!" Y/BF/N yelled, still not taking her eyes off the other girl.
"What are you talking about?" Jack asked, now confused at the whole situation.
"She's been the one sending the anonymous sources to the press! The one who keeps making it seem like Y/N is pregnant.” your best friend was panting.
“I fucking heard her talking to someone on the phone. She told someone you are pregnant and that your relationship with Joe is fake.” Y/BF/N continued, the venom in her voice evident.
"Y/BF/N, are you sure about this?" You asked your best friend yet you believed her with every fiber of your being but at the same time you had to make sure.
"Yes. I am." She was dead serious, and it was clear in her eyes.
Everyone's eyes turned to the culprit. Ashley didn't say anything, she was just staring at the floor.
"Is that true, Ash?" Jack asked, his face showed that he didn't know what was going on.
"I have no idea what she's talking about. She's crazy." The girl defended herself, but the guilt was evident in her eyes.
"Why would you do that? What did I ever do to you?" You finally spoke. You couldn't believe the shit the girl was pulling.
“She’s lying! I don't know—”
"Oh, shut up. Just shut the fuck up." Y/BF/N yelled again, ready to pounce on her.
"Y/BF/N." Trevor was the only thing holding her back.
"I'll ask you again. Why would you do that? What did I ever do to you?" You asked Ashley who still didn't say anything.
"Baby, let's just go." Joe placed a hand on your shoulder, telling you it's time to leave.
You wanted to listen to him, you really did. But the way Jack's girlfriend was looking at you was making your blood boil.
"It's not fair." Ashley muttered, the rage in her voice was evident.
"What is not fair?"
"You cheating on him. He's the perfect boyfriend and you cheated on him with Joe who is better off without you by the way.”
You were stunned by the audacity of the girl.
“Excuse you?” you scoffed all your patience was now thrown out of the window. You were here for Trevor and only Trevor, it is his day— his birthday. The entire party you remained civil and surprisingly Jack did too, all for the sake of Trevor, and now this bitch was testing every bit of your patience.
“First of all—” you started before eyeing Trevor who was watching you with amusement on his face; silently asking permission which he gladly granted by nodding at you to continue, clearly enjoying the chaos of it all.
“Jack cheated on me— cheated on me with you. So if that's your definition of a perfect boyfriend— Oh honey, the bar is on the dirty, dirty ground.”
You looked at Jack's girlfriend in the eyes, a look full of hatred and annoyance. "Second, no one is better off without me. My relationship with Joe is no one's business. So the next time you try and run your mouth off again, will be the last time you'll ever think about opening it.”
You were done, the adrenaline was still pumping through your veins. You were ready to fight her right then and there.
"Let's go." Joe tugged at your arm, trying to stop you from getting yourself into trouble.
“Whore.” Ashley muttered under her breath.
This instantly made Joe turn around. Your ways calm boyfriend now clearly fuming at Jack’s girlfriend.
“What did you say?” Joe’s glare was so intense that you almost felt and for the girl— almost.
The quarterback didn't let her answer as he walked closer to her and the girl instantly cowered back— she was now shaking from the sudden change of demeanor; however, she still had the guts to reply regardless.
“I don't understand. I believe I wasn't talking to you.” Ashley managed to muster out as she eyed Jack who looked too conflicted to even help her.
“It's simple. Talk to my girlfriend with respect or you're talking to me instead.”
God— you were gonna marry that man.
You knew Joe wasn't the violent type, heck he was never the type to fight back or trash talk when he's being provoked in a game. He wasn't the type to fight or cause a scene, yet he was willing to defend you— his lovebug.
“Again, what did you say?” Joe emphasized each word.
Jack was now looking at his girlfriend who was trying to hide behind him. You couldn't see her face but judging from the way her body was trembling, you were sure she was scared.
Joe was the sweetest and softest person, yet the second you were threatened he was willing to step up and protect you.
He was your safe space.
With her silence, you pulled your boyfriend away as you moved to leave but before you did, you turned back to Ashely, “You’ll be hearing from my lawyers.” you said before walking out the door with Joe and Y/BF/N.
Joe had his arm wrapped around your waist while your best friend had hers intertwined with Trevor's. The four of you were walking out, laughing and joking about what just happened— the tension and drama now out of the room.
The last thing you heard from inside was Jack yelling at his girlfriend— they were both yelling and arguing. 
Unbeknownst to you, Jack watched your retreating figure from the window, his face filled with conflicting emotions— sadness, anger… determination.
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dividers: @cafekitsune
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𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: @jackkyhughes @h0e4fictionalme-n @queenmendes @rd14 @scoobydoopoo @estapa94 @karmasabitchybitch @literaturelustrr @toterry @fangirl-madz @atticusismybae @stargaryenx @haydee5010 @porter113 @ryiamarie @starrgir1 @flwries @slafgoalskybaby @unsaidjaelinrose @in-my-body-bag @cixrosie @siutforjjmaybank @youn-jo @nobystanderz @bb-swift @buckystwilight @kidrauhlakaperf @kkrenae @catswag22 @hustler-sinner @asparklysoul @kaydesssssssss @97bngchn @dunningz @whiteleoqueen @austinswhitewolf @wickedfun9 @minkyungseokie @boldlypessimistic
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-𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲ఌ
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cleolinda · 6 days
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Weekend links, April 21, 2024
My posts
Initially I wrote, “I ran my mouth about the Watcher streaming/paywall situation because I make bad decisions,” but I think the post has actually gone over well? In short, I want to see them succeed but I am also deeply fuckin’ baffled. I so desperately want the tea about what was really going on behind all this, and how the guys are reacting to it now, and I really hope they can turn this around somehow. 
Side note, Friday was CHAOTIC. 
Reblogs of interest
The Hot Vintage Lady Polls are escalating in round four. We got to a point where I posted propaganda for Ava Gardner AND Dorothy Dandridge in their matchup. Probably the biggest scandal of round three was Vivien Leigh getting knocked out, but she’s now High Chancellor of the Shadow Realm. The most contentious matchup this time seems to be Judy Garland vs Natalie Wood, which is nearly 50/50 as of this writing. But keep your eye on Hedy Lamarr, who may have Mifune Sweep energy. 
(I think I love these brackets for the same reason I love Dracula Daily: it’s delightful that thousands of people on Tumblr actually have deeply-held opinions about things from many decades ago, and if they didn’t before, they do now.)
(“I’m Katharine Hepburn, and this is Jackass!”)
--
Happy Bread Day (Observed)!
Hozier Watch 2024: “Why Would You Be Loved” has arrived on the Wasteland, Baby! special edition. I like this post about how that song is in conversation with “No Plan,” one of my favorites. (I wrote about “Movement” a while ago, but I could have fully inflicted an essay on you about how “No Plan” pulled me out of my six years of hiding from the internet. Anyway, it’s a great album from a few years ago, check it out if you haven’t.) 
Generally I keep my mouth shut about Taylor Swift, but the new songs sure have some lyrics. I love Florence Welch, but I’m scared.
You’ve heard of spoon theory, now check out spell slot theory
“You’re either frolicking in this field with me, or...” is funny, but then you get to the reblog.
What if we lay in this field together and held feet
A deep breach of etiquette with a little dog named Gucio
A story about statue vandalism with a delightful twist
You gotta fight mint with mint (like I can bring in my lemon balm, but at what cost?) 
I saw this post about feeding wild skeletons on Pinterest and I loved it so much that I tracked down the original. 
Once again, Holy Shit, Two Cakes theory
Remember the haunted house I grew up in? Yeah, it had a carpeted bathroom like this.
“gonna start formatting my posts like fics on ff.net circa 2008” will do you exactly the psychic damage you’re imagining 
The Round Table attempts to use Zoom
Video
Lil Nas X covers “Jolene,” Dolly Parton loves it, and @oscar-wet-and-wilde has further Black Country recs
A big loud steppy
“He’s retrieving”
Crispy meows
Watching this angel of a Doberman get a full spa treatment is also self care
AND YOU DARE SAY NO MORE TREATS??!?
The sacred texts
I don’t like thing, now with artist credit 
Personal tags of the week
I love when I can use a really niche, specific tag, and this week, it’s mouth perfect size for meme, with a little shaped on the side.
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l0ve-bug-m1les · 10 months
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Spider-Band With a S/o Who Hyperfixates on Things Hard
Miles Morales, Hobie Brown, Gwen Stacy, and Pavitr Prabhakar (separate) x Gn!Reader
Warnings: None! (Except my attempt at British talking—)
Summary: Really what the title says—
A/n: This is actually an idea i had when i first fell into the spider verse fandom but didn’t have anyone to talk to about it. Glad ya’ll picked this one! Enjoy!! Also lmk if any of ya’ll wanna be on a tag list!! I know i don’t write all that much but still—
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Miles Morales 🌻🎧🌻
Bby is here for it
Always listening to what you have to say and never complaining
I have a feeling he’d be just as excited as you even if he’s got no clue what you’re talking about
He’d try to get into your interests with you no matter how outlandish they may seem
(I mean he’s basically a spider what’s so weird about fnaf lore—)
Definitely draws you things based off of the subject
“You said they were your favorite, right?”
Is always sending you memes and funny videos about your interest
Asks you for updates on your interest if it’s a series
Holds you when something bad happens and you’re sad
“Shh, shh…Hey, at least they existed, right?—Oh, no that made it worse—“
Going back to rambles, he’s always listening but maybe not always looking at you
But trust me
That boy could recite what you say perfectly
He just likes to listen while he works or draws
Has definitely made a mural of you and him in the world together (used it as a date spot. It’s true, he told me)
Overall
20/10 boyfriend
(I mean they all are but like—)
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Hobie Brown 🎸⚡️🎸
Will spend hours learning songs related to your interest
But then he’s like
“What? Oh, i been knowin’ this song, luv. What’re ya on about?”
Say for instance, you dive deep into an artist or band
Obviously, Hobie’s gonna ask you about them
But would never ask you for your favorite songs because he’s “Too busy writing his own”
So he just pays really close attention to the songs you talk the most about
(As i previously stated, he learns them all and plays it off)
When you figure it out he’s just like:
“Took ya long enough, luv”
He also listens to your rants about whatever it is (much like Miles and everyone else here but shhh)
But here’s why he stands out
This man can keep up
He can and will remember all about it, and basically know about much as you do
Steals things from stores that are from the series or whatever it is
“Hobie, how’d you get this?” “It was on display and i knew you’d love it.” “Wow! I thought you didn’t buy things from brands..” “…” “You stole it…”
You’re too busy loving whatever it is to stay mad
(But we all knew you weren’t mad)
If you think your interest is cringey then you’re WRONG
“But it’s for kids—“ “And? So what?” “Well…uhm….hm.” “Yeah. Thought so. Now keep goin’, I’m invested.”
(But also in general, bby. Love what you love and come to me if anyone says it “weird” or “cringey”. I’ll beat them up bestie<33)
All in all, a king<33
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Gwen Stacy 🩰🥁🩰
I’m gonna be honest
She is lost
Even if you go over things twenty times she still won’t get it
And that’s okay!
She takes notes and tries to keep up
Definitely proud of herself when she gets a detail right
“And then—“ “Wait, wait. Let me guess…He…he burned the pizzeria down, right” “Uhm—yeah, actually!” “*insert proud face*”
(Woah look at the trans flag colors^^^)
Definitely binge watches or reads your interest and learns as much as she can
She keeps a notebook full of her notes that she refers back to whenever you two are on call
She played it off as writing down some notes for school
But one day, she asked you to grab her suit from inside her drum set, and you found the notebook
It caught your eye because it had the name of your interest on it and you were like:
“Hey, Gwen? What’s this?” You showed her the notebook
I wish you could see my vision
When i tell you Gwen stood there for a good minute
I mean she stood there for several
Anywho
She just admitted to it and was all red and fidgety
Since this is her world, she was cast in mostly pink and red hues and the space around her fluttered yellow
You end up going through it with her, and talk about your favorite bits
Overall? She deserves several gold stars and cookies
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Pavitr Prabhakar 🍵☀️🍵
Bby is here for it
Whenever you get excited he’s excited
When you’re on the verge of tears he’s already crying
He is your favorite character’s number one supporter
He’s always going on and on with you about your interests
Because unlike the others, he manages to actually get into whatever it is you’re talking about and not just keep up
It’s honestly a skill of his
I feel like Pav also has special interests that he dives deep into
Like
Deep deep
Same as you so you two get along well :D
He’s always looking for the newest content and sending it to you always
“Hey! They said the next episode would be released next Tuesday!! :DDD” “There’s a new theory for the last volume!”
It’d be cute if that’s how you met and became friends
You spend sleepovers diving into your shared and separate interests with eachother
You know what’d be funny?
If he also info dumps onto the villains he fights
Like
Hear me out
Pav tying up a villain who tried to rob a place and just going
“Yeah, so me and my partner have a theory for why—“
And the villain is just like
Stfu??????
But they’d never say that because it’s Spider-Man
All in all, your number one hype man and best friend :]
———————————-
YA’LL I DID IT :DD
89 notes · View notes
madaboutmunson · 11 months
Text
sad-rockstar-Steve x tour-photographer-Eddie
Little idea I had and decided to write it
"I do NOT want this assignment, Marney!" Eddie pushes the flimsy file back over to his agent. He already knows what's inside. It shows up at least once a year, which was a relief comparing it to how frequent the request used to be.
"Eddie, baby, hear me out. It’s not an assignment. It is a project. It could get you back on the radar. It's not even a tour, really, it's a residency, and his team have already provided you with a list of shots he wants for the book. It's pose, point and shoot, Ed. Easy money." She slides it back over to him, keeping her fingers on top of it firmly, drumming her bright red talons on the card as she looks him right in the eyes, "and it's not like the gigs have been rolling in for you, now have they, sweetheart? Other than the family portrait business that I know you absolutely adore!" She smirks and holds his gaze. Using his favourite pet name against him makes his blood boil, but he isn't angry with her. It was Him.
"Gigs drying up for us is not my fault! The last client wanted all candid behind-the-scenes shots. I provided that. I edited them, barely, because they wanted the realism of life on the road, and they ok'd them. It's not my fault the internet is a cruel, unforgiving place!” Eddie exclaims in annoyance, “Especially when it’s full of Harronites, or whatever those lunatics call themselves." Eddie mumbles under his breath.
She raises her eyebrow at him, "He asked for you specifically." She says, and flicks open the folder revealing an old photo Eddie had taken of Rock Phenom Steve Harrington at one of his shows. He didn’t know what was so special about the picture. He’d taken this shot hundreds of times for artists. It's on a list of shots they can ask for. The artist climbs the barrier, and the hands of the fans reach up to them like worshipers praising their false idol. Eddie waves his hand, and the artist looks straight down the lens. It's supposed to be a duality of intimacy. The solid eye contact with the camera whilst in the arms of strangers, eager to reach out and touch their obsession which none of them would ever possess. Lest of all, that guy. 
What a piece of work. Ruined Eddie’s career and, damn, near ruined his life! 
"He says," she balances her reading glasses on the tip of her button nose and pulls the sticky note from the photo, "no one captures his truth like Eddie Munson." She flips over the message so Eddie can see, “Signed it too. Could be worth something?”
"I've never even spoken to the guy. Why's he so obsessed with me?" Eddie whines, and his agent shrugs.
"Does it matter, Ed? There are a lot more zeros here than we'd see normally."
"Something seems off about this. I don't like it."
"You like his stuff, don't you?"
"Did! I did like his stuff until I published that stupid photo. He's been on my case ever since."
"Not flattered, Eddie?" She laughs
"At first, sure. Until his demands started rolling in, and his fans started giving me grief for declining them. They called me washed up! I hadn't even begun! I thought that picture was gonna be my big break! It went viral! Remember you told me that! But it was actually my demise, Marn!" Eddie seethes, “Imagine calling up your horde of rabid fans because you couldn’t get your way!” He closes the file and folds his arms. “No fuckin’ way! I can’t post a picture of a fucking sunset without his fans all over it like a rash.”
“Then just say yes, Eddie. It can’t be any worse than it is right now.” Marney says with a kind smile of compassion. She did want what was best for him, and though it killed him to admit it, he did need that money. He was in debt up to his eyeballs, barely breaking even at the studio, and the numbers on the cheque he saw, could clear that and then some.
Eddie sighs and sinks back into his chair, “I’m gonna regret this. I know I am.” he says tensely, running his hand through his hair.
He looks up at her, and she is already back in her chair, phone in hand, finger poised over the green call button. 
At his lowest, Eddie admits defeat and nods.
54 notes · View notes
glitchyk · 2 months
Text
Hey! Welcome to the random incorrect quotes of the mafia au, mostly by Dia.
For those of you wondering, it’s pretty much a random idea I said and these cool artists I admire created it— and well now we’re all (kinda?) friends, and so I decided to do a goofy thing of all of our mafia characters with incorrect quotes.
Just canon characters— sorry for all the cool canon ones, but most of these quotes were made a while ago, just not put into this at the time of it being posted. These were generated a while ago… sorry for any characters that might’ve been added to canon since then!
Don’t worry, I’ll do another one on just the aces mob/ the blacks (for anyone seeing this out of context, it’s not a race thing, just ‘black cards’ against ‘red cards’. Wanted to clear that up before confusion started!) so any canon characters I didn’t have here- I’ll have there!
Characters are
M!Dash
M!Kay
M!Jeffery
M!Candice
M!Dia
M!Diamond
M!Rabid
M!Bun
M!Moshieee
M!Arsenic
Dia, Diamond, Candice, and Jeffery all belong to @dia-smthidk
Rabid and arsenic (plz tell me if I spelt that wrong) belong to @rabid-mercenary15
Moshie belongs to @moshieee obv
Bun belongs to Milo/Bun — @bunnybunnsowo
Dash belongs to @ner5y
And lastly Kay belongs to me! Most of these are sonas, so that’s why they might have the same or similar name to the creator, you should check all of them out!
A lot of them do tadc content mostly (or at least as of current times) but their all amazing at so many other things, like this AU they all made, so go and check them out! (And their all amazing artists and just fun to interact with or see)
Note: Dia and Diamond are different people (bc I’m not gonna bring up the whole name debate) just know that
Diamond -> sister of Dia, part of the enemy mob
Candice -> old friend of Jeffery, leader of the enemy mob
Arsenic -> Traitor. Friends with the enemy.
And remember, a lot of these situations would never happen for multiple reasons, but, I still found them funny!
Other mafia incorrect quotes
——————
M!Rabid: If I say I love you, will you say it back?
M!Arsenic: Yes.
M!Rabid: I love you.
M!Arsenic: It back.
*Later*
M!Moshieee: Why is M!Rabid crying face-down on the floor?
••+^+••
M!Moshieee, running: Slow down, M!Bun, I can’t ketchup!
M!Bun, not slowing down: You’ll just have to use all the strength you can mustard.
••+^+••
M!Kay, excitedly: Heeyy!!
M!Candice: Hey, someone's excited.
M!Rabid, deadpan: Yeah, and it's making me sick.
••+^+••
M!Kay: Hostage or not, sometimes it’s nice being held.
M!Dash: Are you okay.
••+^+••
*Squad is playing Among Us*
M!Candice: I believe M!Diamond is innocent, I was with them the whole time. M!Rabid, what were you doing?
M!Rabid: Oh, I was just murdering… I mean, nothing!
••+^+••
M!Moshieee: My stomach growled super loud in French.
M!Moshieee: I would like to clarify, my stomach did not speak in French. It growled during French class.
M!Dash: Bonjour.
M!Rabid: Le growl.
M!Bun: Hon hon hon, feed me a baguette.
••+^+••
Police: You’re under arrest for trying to carry three people on a single motorcycle.
M!Diamond, with M!Jeffery and M!Kay behind them: Wait, what do you mean THREE?!
Police: Yes…three.
M!Diamond: Oh, my God— What the fuck!?
Police: Wha-
M!Diamond: M!Dia FUCKING FELL OFF!
••+^+••
M!Bun: Why do humans have different blood groups?
M!Moshieee: So mosquitoes can enjoy different flavors.
••+^+••
M!Jeffery: My favorite thing about big dogs is that when you push them over, they're all like "Oh, I'm lying down now! Someone might scratch my stomach! I might nap! Endless possibilities!"
M!Arsenic: ...whereas, when you push little dogs over, they're all like, "Vengeance! Death before dishonor!"
••+^+••
M!Diamond, spraying a melted cutting board with a tiny water gun: We gotta cool this bitch down. Cool it down.
M!Moshieee: I actually just put the cutting board in the oven...
M!Dia, visibly confused: Okay, so they decided to put the cutting board in the oven?
M!Diamond, spraying M!Moshieee: You FUCKING DUMBASS!
M!Moshieee: Dude, I forgot-
M!Diamond: OH MY FUCKING GOD! We're trying to make Chicken Alfredo right now, and you fucking MELT the cutting board in the oven at 400 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT!?
M!Kay: *Watching in complete confusion while trying to process this whole situation.*
••+^+••
M!Kay: Please! Pretend I'm useful!
••+^+••
M!Diamond: Enough! How dare you mock me in such a manner!?
M!Dash: Well. How would you like me to mock you? I take requests.
••+^+••
M!Dia: You know guys, sometimes I feel like M!Rabid doesn't take me seriously enough.
M!Jeffery: "Sometimes"?
M!Arsenic: "Enough"?
M!Dia:
M!Arsenic: Change that to 'at all' and we'll talk.
••+^+••
M!Candice: Yeah I'm LGBT.
M!Candice: cuLt leader.
M!Candice: God hates me personally.
M!Candice: cowBoy hat.
M!Candice: *sniffles* Trying my best.
••+^+••
M!Diamond: So my therapist was talking to me and she said that I really just need to break down my walls and let people in.
M!Diamond: So I’ve decided to break the fourth wall.
M!Diamond: *looks at camera* Hi there. I use humor as a coping mechanism.
••+^+••
M!Kay: The shadow realm? No, I’m sending you to Ohio!
••+^+••
M!Kay: Can you PLEASE peer pressure me into doing my project?
M!Dash: Do it or you're straight.
M!Kay: I said peer pressure, NOT THREATEN!
••+^+••
M!Kay, about M!Bun: I could fix them, but honestly whatever the hell is wrong with them is way funnier.
M!Rabid: That's what any god probably thinks about me.
••+^+••
M!Bun: You wanna fight?! You got one!
M!Kay: Okay! *raises fists*
*M!Arsenic runs in, scoops M!Kay up in their arms, and runs away carrying them*
M!Bun:
M!Bun: What?
••+^+••
M!Diamond: Heyyy M!Kay, how’s your… drink??
M!Kay: What do you mean drink? It’s coffee.
M!Diamond: You sure?? *Looks to coffee maker*
M!Kay: *Looks to coffee maker*
*Cement sitting beside the coffee maker*
M!Kay:...I’m on my third fucking drink right now, I should be dead.
••+^+••
M!Moshieee, opening a Capri Sun: Guess I'll drink my sorrows away.
••+^+••
M!Dash: Whoa, M!Kay, what’s up with that angry face?
M!Kay: M!Diamond won’t stop talking about how “Ancient Egyptians were furries”.
M!Diamond: But they were! Just looks at all their gods-
M!Kay: Oh my god, SHUT UP!
••+^+••
M!Kay: Why are you drinking, M!Diamond?
M!Diamond: I don’t drink anymore, so don’t start with that.
M!Kay, holding an empty water bottle: So why was this under your bed?
M!Diamond: WE NEED WATER TO LIVE!
M!Kay: NOT IN MY DAMN HOUSE!
••+^+••
M!Jeffery: There are some things beyond our understanding. We must accept them and learn from them. Because these moments of crisis are also potential moments of faith. A time, when we either come together or fall apart. Nature always has a way of balancing itself. The only question is, what part will we play?
M!Rabid: Did you just make that up?
M!Jeffery: No. I read it in a fortune cookie once.
M!Rabid:
M!Jeffery: A really long fortune cookie.
••+^+••
M!Kay on stage: Everyone's talking 'bout climate change,but when is M!Arsenic gonna start talking 'bout some underwear change? Am I right ladies?
Crowd of People: *cheers*
M!Kay: *pulls out a gun and shoots M!Arsenic until they run out of bullets*
M!Kay: *reloads, then shoots M!Arsenic until they run out of bullets*
M!Kay: *looks into camera after a brief pause* Who killed M!Arsenic?
••+^+••
M!Arsenic: M!Diamond, you’ve tried 37 times and you’ve failed every time. Give it a break.
M!Diamond: DO I HEAR “FIRST TRY PART 38?”
••+^+••
M!Kay: Did you know spiders can hold 8 guns at once?
M!Dash: How does it WALK??
M!Kay:
M!Kay: Did you know spiders can hold 7 guns at once?
••+^+••
M!Kay: Why do you think I don’t like you? I do. I would kill for you.
M!Kay: Ask me to kill for you.
M!Diamond: ...First of all, calm down-
••+^+••
M!Rabid: Which way did M!Kay go?
M!Candice: Well, based on the direction of the wind, the broken sticks in the corner, and the slight disturbance in the dirt, I'd guess they went left.
M!Rabid: You could really figure it out from that?
M!Candice: No, you idiot, M!Kay sent me a text. See?
••+^+••
M!Jeffery: Lol. Heads up if you try to make a candle with food coloring, the food coloring will just sink to the bottom of the glass, and when the flame eventually reaches the bottom all the food coloring will catch fire and become one giant tall flame that you cannot possibly blow out and the glass will start to crack and then you’ll throw your tea on it in a panic and then the extremely hot food coloring will boil and sizzle horribly and then the glass will shatter. Please take my word on this.
M!Dia: What did you do M!Jeffery?
M!Jeffery: a Mistake.
••+^+••
M!Dia: I can catch one of them. Let's go, M!Kay.
M!Kay: I didn't volunteer.
M!Dia: A stake out needs two people! Think, M!Kay. Who's gonna watch all the crime stuff while the other one eats a hoagie?
••+^+••
M!Kay: I’m gonna kill you.
M!Rabid: Get in line!
••+^+••
M!Rabid: Alright M!Dia, M!Kay. Let's go over this one more time.
M!Rabid: If something breaks?
M!Dia: We try to fix it before M!Moshieee gets home.
M!Rabid: If it doesn't work?
M!Kay: We blame M!Jeffery.
M!Jeffery: Seriously guys, what the hell?!
••+^+••
M!Dia: I hate to tell you this, but one of you was adopted.
M!Kay & M!Bun:
M!Kay: Only one...?
••+^+••
M!Moshieee: You're alive.
M!Kay: There's no need to sound so disappointed.
••+^+••
M!Kay: Comparing M!Dash and M!Diamond is like comparing apples and oranges.
M!Dash: We’re both unique in our own ways?
M!Kay: Apples are superior in every way and all oranges should be eliminated.
M!Diamond: Which one of us is the orange?
••+^+••
M!Moshieee: Astrology is fun because I can pretend that all of my behaviors are just a result of being a Gemini and not symptoms of mental illness.
M!Rabid: Being a Gemini is a mental illness. That’s not hate it’s just a fact.
••+^+••
M!Kay: Caw caw, motherfuckers.
••+^+••
M!Moshieee: Am I a boy? Am I a girl? It doesn't matter. I'm going to burn your house down.
••+^+••
M!Arsenic: Go to hell!
M!Kay: Oh! I’ve been there, thank you. I found it quite lovely.
••+^+••
M!Arsenic: Why are you drinking?
M!Diamond: I drink when I'm depressed.
M!Arsenic: But you're always drinking?
M!Diamond: *smug grin*
••+^+••
M!Kay: *Reading a letter*
M!Bun: Well, what does it say?
M!Kay: It’s a confession letter. It turns out M!Diamond killed my pet rock.
••+^+••
M!Rabid: If you bite it and you die, it's poisonous. If it bites you and you die, it's venomous.
M!Dia: What if it bites me and it dies?!
M!Rabid: Then you're poisonous. Jesus Christ, M!Dia, learn to listen.
M!Diamond: What if it bites itself and I die?
M!Rabid: That's voodoo.
M!Kay: What if it bites me and someone else dies?
M!Rabid: That's correlation, not causation.
M!Moshieee: What if we bite each other and neither of us die?
M!Rabid: That's kinky.
M!Arsenic: Oh my god.
••+^+••
M!Kay: Its hard to resist, I'm really sorry- I mean, considering your approach so far, you had us tied here for- what? Hours? And you haven’t even had us confirm what exactly we are!
M!Rabid: What are you then?
M!Kay: I'm a Virgo!
••+^+••
M!Arsenic, in a high voice, holding Barbie: Hey, Ken! I was thinking about going back to school and starting a career!
M!Kay, in a deep voice, holding Ken: Nonsense, Barbie. You’re staying home and having my kids.
M!Bun: What the fuck are you guys doing?
M!Arsenic: Playing systemic oppression.
••+^+••
M!Dash: Where are your parents?
M!Kay: What are parents?
M!Dash: That’s just about the saddest thing I ever heard get said.
••+^+••
M!Rabid: You should have realised, M!Kay, if M!Jeffery didn't kill you, we would.
••+^+••
M!Kay: Now it's time for some witty back and forth banter. You go first.
M!Jeffery: *sobbing*
M!Kay: Look, I'm not sure where to go with that.
••+^+••
M!Kay: And then they ran into my knife. They ran into my knife ten times.
M!Dash: You mean you stabbed them?
M!Kay: They ran into my knife.
••+^+••
M!Dash, singing: I don’t want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need—
M!Kay: A family.
M!Rabid: A better love life.
M!Diamond: Mental stability.
M!Bun: *clueless* Bagels?
••+^+••
M!Rabid: My life is a little too much panic and not enough disco.
M!Candice: My life is a little too much fall and not enough boy.
M!Dash: My life is a little too much chemical and not enough romance.
M!Kay: My life is a little too much imagination and not nearly enough dragons.
••+^+••
M!Rabid: Look at the buns on that guy!
M!Kay: *lying on the floor, covered in hamburger buns*
M!Jeffery: This is the comedy police! The joke's too funny!
M!Rabid: I'm not going back to jail!
••+^+••
M!Candice: It’s not gonna work, I’m not a snitch.
Cop: Fine, let's try something else. Tag a friend you recently committed a crime with.
M!Candice: Lmao, @M!Diamond.
••+^+••
M!Dash: Just so everyone knows, don't ever try to climb a tree at night carrying a strobe light, owls DON'T like it.
M!Moshieee: ...what happened?
M!Dash: I made a VERY bad mistake.
••+^+••
M!Jeffery: So, what's for dinner?
M!Rabid, staring at the food they burnt: Regret.
••+^+•• (hehe friends quote below)
M!Diamond: Hey guys, what do you think about making that beach trip an annual thing?
M!Arsenic, M!Kay, and M!Rabid: No!
M!Moshieee: Alright, that’s it, you guys. What happened out there?
M!Arsenic: What? We took a walk. Nothing happened. I came back with nothing all over me.
M!Moshieee: What does that mean?
M!Diamond: Come on, what happened? M!Kay?
M!Kay: Alright.
M!Arsenic: No. M!Kay, we swore we’d never tell!
M!Rabid: They’ll never understand.
M!Kay: But we have to say something. We have to get it out. It’s eating me alive.
M!Kay: M!Arsenic got stung by a jellyfish!
M!Arsenic: Alright! I got stung. Stung bad. I couldn’t stand. I- I couldn’t walk.
M!Rabid: We were two miles from the house. We were scared and alone. We didn’t think we could make it.
M!Arsenic: I was in too much pain.
M!Kay: And I was tired from digging a huge hole.
M!Rabid: And then M!Kay remembered something.
M!Kay: I’d seen this thing in the Discovery Channel.
M!Diamond: Wait a minute, I saw that. On the Discovery Channel. Yeah, about jellyfish and how if you— EW! You peed on yourself?
M!Moshieee and M!Dia: EW!!
M!Arsenic: You can’t say that! You don’t know! I thought I was gonna pass out from the pain. Anyway, I tried, but I couldn’t... bend that way. So... *looks at M!Kay*
M!Diamond, M!Moshieee, and M!Dia: Ew!
M!Kay: That’s right. I stepped up. They’re my friend and they needed help. If I had to, I’d pee on any one of you.
M!Kay: Only, uh, I couldn’t. I got stage fright. I wanted to help but there was too much pressure. So, I, um, I turned to M!Rabid.
M!Rabid: M!Kay kept screaming at me, “Do it now. Do it. Do it now.” Sometimes, late at night I can still hear the screaming.
M!Kay: That’s because sometimes I just do it through my wall to freak you out.
••+^+••
M!Jeffery: Hey, M!Kay, have you thought about having children?
M!Kay: ...
M!Kay: Does looking over you and the others not seem like I already do? Because I promise you, it sure feels like it.
M!Jeffery: But we're not childr-
M!Kay, already distracted: M!DIAMOND, PUT THE FIRE DOWN!
••+^+••
M!Kay: I find it very unseemly of M!Dia to start dating again. Isn't the customary period of mourning 10 years?
M!Candice: Die. Let's find out.
••+^+••
M!Candice: That's greatly offensive to my people.
M!Arsenic: College dropouts?
••+^+••
M!Rabid, throwing a pokeball at M!Diamond: M!Diamond, I choose you!
M!Diamond, not looking up from their book and catching it: You need an Ultra ball to catch this Legendary Pokémon.
••+^+••
M!Bun: M!Dia… I’m bleeding…
M!Dia: Oh god… what’s your blood type?!
M!Bun: B positive…
M!Dia: I’m trying to but you’re bleeding-
••+^+••
M!Rabid: I dunno if I'm ready to process the ramifications of this bullshit.
••+^+••
M!Dash: There's no meeting today because M!Rabid is at the police station.
M!Arsenic: They're in jail?!
M!Kay: We have to get them out!
M!Diamond: Jailbreak! I'm in!
M!Kay: I'll dress up and distract the guard!
M!Diamond: Ooh, I'll bake some food to help distract ALL the guards!
M!Arsenic: I guess I could bring my frying pan in case we need a shield to keep us from being shot-
M!Dash: No! M!Rabid wasn't arrested! They're undercover, taking the system down from the inside. They don't need our help!
••+^+••
M!Moshieee: *spits mouthful of blood onto floor* You’ve become far more powerful since we last crossed paths.
Dentist: Please stop, there’s literally a sink right next to you.
••+^+••
M!Kay: Hey, M!Dia. What kind of flowers do you prefer?
M!Dia: I like sunflowers.
M!Kay, pulling out a bouquet of Venus Flytraps: Well, shit-
••+^+••
M!Dash: When M!Rabid was born, the gods said, "They're too perfect for this world."
M!Dia: Please. When they were born, the devil said, "Oh, competition."
••+^+••
M!Jeffery, to M!Kay and M!Bun: *holding knife out in front of them* Are you or are you not an enemy of the people?!
M!Kay: ...
M!Bun: ...
M!Kay: That is such an open-ended question.
M!Bun: Yeah, it really depends on a lot of different factors-
••+^+••
M!Dia: *bites lip* Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?
Cop: That isn’t gonna work, hands behind your back.
••+^+••
Cop: What are your names?
M!Diamond: Don't tell them, M!Jeffery.
Cop, writing: M!Jeffery...
M!Diamond: Crap.
M!Jeffery: Nice going, M!Diamond.
Cop:
M!Jeffery: Uh oh.
••+^+••
That’s all for now! I’ll be sure to link if I make another one! Remember to check all these awesome people out, AND to ask their mafia sona/characters!
Kay - @mafia-kay
Dia + Jeffery(kinda) - @mafia-dia-smthidk
Rabid - @mafia-rabid-mercenary2
Moshieee - @mafia-moshie
Bun - @mafia-bun
Dash - @the-mafia-bear
(Sorry for the double ping, y’all)
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obstinaterixatrix · 6 months
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I read all of The Honest Life of a Game Studio and now I am obsessed do you have recs for anything like it.
I wish. I FUCKING WISH. but it’s really one of a kind. higefusa really just wrote mundane slice of life office drama with the level of detail that could only be provided by a gamer who has worked in the industry AND he threw in some life or death stakes as a treat. how often do we get an incredibly normal office worker stuck in time prison??? and it’s ONE ARC??? not often enough.
none of these are gonna be just like game-ya but in terms of romances with attention to detail for industry/niche fields… ok all of these are gonna be kind of weird so bear with me.
double section is a BL about an auditor for an insurance company and an insurance salesman, I wouldn’t necessarily give it a blanket rec but I liked how Passionate the main characters were about audits and workplace regulations. a lot of heated drama for the most normal office setting possible. in the author’s note the artist talks about interviewing health insurance salesmen.
ginmokusei is more of a conventional BL but it’s about a guy who inherited his grandpa’s tailor shop and an ex maître d who shows up and demands to help him before he goes bankrupt. there’s a little bit about branding and marketing and bank loans. what has Always Stayed With Me is when the love interest basically goes like ‘you’re using all these flashy ads and being really pushy with discounts. are you selling beef bowls.’ every time I pass a clothes shop that goes really flashy with the discount banners I think ‘are they selling beef bowls…’
panel x magic. okay I said it was going to be weird. so this yuri is about a recent graduate who applies for office jobs and ends up doing image editing for… I guess a brothel? it doesn’t go into critiques of the sex industry, but I thought it was interesting how it takes a really logistical perspective in terms of marketing, advertising, and image manipulation… one of the chapters has the main character going like ‘oh god I’m trying to edit this risqué photo by making the thighs thinner and giving the face a glow-up but I keep making the model look like a weird alien this looks like something from a photo booth’ and gets advice from her coworkers like ‘hey why don’t you look up makeup tutorials to get a sense of what to touch up.’ hasn’t been translated in a while but it kind of hits that… really in-depth look at the logistics of a job.
I think there’s more I’m not remembering at the moment, at one point I think sundry made a joke about rating office romances by how much office work is shown. there’s a couple ones that *kinda* fit but not really… wait. wait wait wait. WAIT. oh my god it has such a h•rny title. okay. so I’m being 100% sincere when I say that the main story for hammered and pounded is a BL with interesting office politics. it’s also incredibly h•rny, but game-ya gets pretty h•rny so whatever. but yeah there’s a whole subplot where the love interest, who works in sales, has actually always wanted to work in R&D, and it becomes A Whole Thing where the head of R&D is in conflict with the head of sales over whether or not a transfer is gonna happen and there’s no romance involved with the conflict it’s all office politics
and in a similar vein, to your right, you will see my boyfriend is about a guy who’s working as a tour guide in kyoto and at the artist talks about how she used to work as a tour guide. I think it’s fun, though I have my qualms. the main character does do studying about how to be an effective tour guide and goes from being like ‘ugh I’m saying all the facts but no one’s listening’ to ‘haha check out this extremely long name of the temple we’re about to see! make sure to remember it, it’ll be the password for getting off the bus ;D’
I have another category of vaguely similar vibes of genre bending mundane office work + fantastical situations
tokusatsu gagaga is a gen series that’s a BIG fave of mine, the main character is an OL who loves tokusatsu so she imagines a lot of scenarios with that sort of vibe. it’s not diagetic, but it’s really fun when it’s stuff like ‘I’M AT KARAOKE WITH MY COWORKERS BUT I CAN’T OUT MYSELF AS A TOKUSATSU OTAKU THIS IS JUST LIKE BEING ATTACKED BY A KARAOKE-THEMED MONSTER EMERJASON HELP ME!!!!’ the eng tl hasn’t been updated in a while but there’s a live action adaption that’s really good
magilumiere co. ltd. is a gen series that’s basically ‘what if magical girls were like… sanitation workers for monsters’ so it’s a lot of company logistics in a fantastical setting. I don’t think I got that far into it before getting distracted, but it was interesting (though perhaps overly generous/idealistic about start-ups as a concept).
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tyrianluda · 4 months
Text
(Context: This is part of the Narrator essay I'm writing but I think this section was broad to taken outside of the essay. Take this as a little PSA)
(A Short Word about Boundaries and Parasocial Relationships: This is a Serious Section; FINISHED)
(Also a quick note: If you see a post or person that does something similar to what I'm writing about, please do not harass them. Especially when it's people having parasocial relationships. They just need to be careful to not have a unhealthy attachment over people since it hurts them mentally in the long-term. I chose to not name anyone or use specific pronouns for the sake of anonymity; not for any malicious attempt.)
For people in the fandom who are wondering, I have unfortunately seen people border on the line of sexualizing the Narrator’s VA, Kevan Brighting. More specifically, disregards his boundaries for how he wants his voice to be used and not used; especially in context to…not safe for work uses of his voice. I want to say this now before this escalates into people genuinely crossing this line and I feel like it’s a good reminder. We should care about making Kevan Brighting as comfortable as possible when engaging in the fandom, as he now knows what we say about him. As funny as his “sexiest man in Britain” tweet was, he knows. We should care because he does connect himself quite often in fan-made and Stanley Parable-inspired projects. He has always absorbed himself in the fanbase when he didn’t absolutely need to since the original game came out, and it’s best to have him stay comfortable doing this. Since his level of involvement in the fandom is not very common, to begin with, it’s not wise to give him a reason to stop. Also, more generally because it’s not okay at all to disregard anyone’s expressed boundaries and it shouldn’t be a normal thing to do. Actually, in this case, it’s really creepy and disrespectful and did I mention creepy?
For context, a Tumblr user by the name of @/shinakazami1 contacted Brighting to ask for his thoughts on his voice being used for AI. This was his response;
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“...Regarding AI - I hate everything about it. The idea that someone could use my voice for something I don’t agree with is abhorrent. A voice artist must have artistic control over the work he/she does…” - Excerpt of his response
Tumblr Post; for Context: https://www.tumblr.com/vega-482/711812424798535680/kevan-brightings-opinion-on-voice-ai?source=share
You must be wondering about the connection between AI and the sexualization of the voice actor. See, the reason the user contacted Brighting, to begin with, was because another person on a Stanley Parable Discord server posted an NSFW audio of the Narrator. Using the AI of Brighting’s voice to do so. Pain. Agony, if you will.
There are a lot of ethical issues behind this action. Aside from the reason Brighting stated directly, this could also affect him financially; as he is a voice actor and general voiceover artist. AI audios of his voice would certainly impede his career. As an artist, this is a genuine thing he would probably worry about; and rightfully so. In the case of NSFW audio, this may also overstep a potential boundary he may have. Especially when it is NSFW without his permission. Even if he had no issue over NSFW audios particularly, he would have an issue about being in audio where he didn’t even get the chance to accept/deny. Even if you’re embarrassed, just ask him about his boundaries. Like, he should at least have a choice to say ‘no, fuck off’ and take requests on his own terms. Hopefully for obvious reasons. …but people kinda suck.
Unfortunately, it’s not just that one Discord user. Bro, I’m at my limit. I’m gonna have to talk about TikTok. God damnit. I said TikTok was its own beast about the Narrator for a reason. TikTok as well as Instagram, are mostly known in fandom spaces for containing edits of whatever character in whatever media. There’s a lot of work and effort that is put into making edits, and many are rewarded by people barking in the comment sections. As someone who has seen edits from different fandoms for about three to four years, I respect many editors and I understand why some would edit certain characters. Of course there are going to be edits of the Narrator; especially if you include Sad-ist’s Clock 0ut animations that are inspired by the Stanley Parable. It’s a hot old guy with a hot voice; I’m not exactly shocked by that in itself. By extension, of course some of those edits are suggestive or lean into NSFW territory. It’s understandable and it can be fine to make those edits if it doesn’t impede on real people’s boundaries or if the involved people openly say ‘It’s good, bro’. Now here’s where the problems start. 
At least a few TikTok edits have used AI of Brighting’s voice for parts that have NSFW. Whether it’s having the AI say NSFW things, having it be implied or even having it whimper, the main gist is that his voice is used for NSFW; despite the voice actor not directly consenting to a part of it. I’m so done with you people. Many potential problems would occur because of the decision of doing such. I already brought up how Brighting’s career of voicework could be affected financially by the use of AI but there’s another potential issue. It could probably also affect him socially and his involvement in future projects. The fact that these edits featuring AI don’t get that popular, is kind of a miracle. If those edits ever went outside of the fandom and into a more professional setting, it would be unnecessarily difficult for him to explain that he wasn’t even a part of those edits. I say ‘unnecessarily’ because you don’t even need AI to hear him in that context. 
You could’ve used a scene from one of his audiobooks. They work for their intended purpose and you don’t even have to buy the books. I understand not doing some things because of money problems but… NSFW audios aren’t a necessity and the audiobooks are free! If it’s because of convenience, then how is AI any more convenient? It’s not hard to find the audiobooks at all! Some of the audio files are on Tumblr for fuck’s sake. There’s no logical sense of why the decision of using AI is okay because it’s not okay. It is very disrespectful to disregard his boundaries and if I really wanted to go there, this borders on harassment. It’s not difficult to respect open boundaries that are openly stated with absolutely no ambiguity. Look, at least for the audiobooks, Brighting did them willingly. You did not need AI; you really didn’t. 
Some people even go as far as to say his tweet about him being the sexiest man in Britain was indicative that he’s fine with the sexualization of the Narrator and by extension, NSFW edits featuring AI. Well, that’s a fucking reach if I ever saw one. Even though the sexualization of the Narrator wasn’t even the issue stated, Brighting responded in an email stating how much he hated AI. The AI is the issue; not the Narrator simping. Kevan Brighting can think the sexualization of the Narrator is funny because the Narrator isn’t real. But Brighting is real. He’s a living, breathing, voice-acting guy with boundaries. You couldn’t be bothered to have the NSFW audios be from the audiobooks he agreed to be a part of and consented to do? If you could put enough effort into making a TikTok edit, you could put enough effort into not being a smooth brain. You don’t need a fictional character’s consent, but you do need consent from real-life people who are affected if you don’t respect their consent. If you can’t understand the difference between a fictional character and a real person to where it affects real people in reality, you shouldn’t be trusted to post anything of that nature.
It’s one thing to not know and later to apologize for your mistake. But, it’s another thing to hear his response that he doesn’t like AI of his voice period…like at all and it’s just…one ear and out the other. The people who make these edits with AI did not understand why he said this and should have apologized or deleted them after being disclosed of his boundaries. It won’t kill you to have basic courtesy. I assume most people don’t know of his thoughts on AI before making the edits because if they knew already, it would make the situation so much worse. Still, it’s worth an apology. (See Also: Hanlon's razor)
(Parasocial Relationship Part)
AI is not the only issue since TikTok also blurs the line when talking about the Narrator and Kevan Brighting in some unrelated cases. Some people forget that Brighting is a real guy and they think of him as like a fictional character.  
I saw a TikTok post that wondered why Brighting was wearing women’s frames for his glasses in one image and half the comments were like ‘bully him’. First of all, I don’t care about what kind of glasses he’s wearing so the post already feels a bit weird to me but outside of that. If these are jokes and I hope these are jokes, they are jokes that you would make for a fictional character. Similar to “I wanna stick this fictional character in a blender”; but that’s obviously a joke because the character can’t actually get hurt. There’s no tangible effect if you shoved a fictional character in a blender. Except these are jokes about a real person; not a fictional character. There would be a tangible effect if someone were to actually bully Brighting for wearing women’s frames. Which is also stupid because even if he did wear mainly women’s frames, why does it matter? Is that really something that would make you feel less about a person? Hopefully not, because it really doesn't matter and I can't think of a way where it would. Also men can wear women’s frames as long as the frame size is right for his proportions, and most frames are labeled as ‘unisex’ so it matters even less. Imagining genuinely having the want to bully an older guy because he doesn't present himself in a completely masculine way, despite him wearing different frames in every other photo and not even wearing glasses in some. This is why I’m dead set on these being jokes because if they aren’t, as a gender-non-conforming person, I would be so mad. This is a weird thing to fixate on because glasses frames are unisex; so not even people who are weird about gender roles give a shit. Even my 70+ year old grandpa didn’t care when I was trying out new glasses. It really doesn’t fucking matter. Though on the plus side, the other half of the comments were like ‘Leave him alone. He just wants to and he can do what he wants”. Though there were a few people that called him ‘girly pop’ in Brighting’s defense, I'll get to that. It does show how easy it is for people on TikTok to think of reality similar to fiction; which makes some users say stupid shit about the real person. 
Some people are also way too comfortable when talking about Brighting, thinking of him as a best friend or an ��icon’. That one person who called Brighting “girly pop” is a good example of how comfortable people can get when talking about him, despite not even sharing the same air as him. Like I see people respond to his tweets with “bestie” and “I love you”. It could be just me but it takes years for me to be best friends with someone and to tell them “I love you” is even longer. So the words and phrases I associate with long-lasting friendships are being used for someone who hasn’t even talked to you. If that isn’t parasocial, I don’t know what is. In one case I particularly remember, I saw a TikTok of someone thinking about Brighting as like an adoptive father figure. Basically wanting Brighting to adopt them. Which…I'm not gonna completely disregard the entire idea. I understand the want for a respectable father figure in your life; hell, the relationship with my dad is nonexistent. I can see how people think of him in a parental way and in most other positive ways. However, I worry for the people who attach themselves to Brighting in this one-sided way if they aren't careful. Especially if they perceive him as such a personal figure, like a best friend or family member. Because when you perceive someone in this regard, you're going to feel the same emotions that you would with actual friends or family members. This goes for positive  emotions, and unfortunately, this also goes for negative emotions. And don’t even get me started on perceiving him romantically or… suggestively because those emotions are even stronger. I’ve even seen people on TikTok openly say they’re “simps” for Kevan Brighting; the real guy that can easily see your comment and understand what you’re talking about by looking it up. 
The emotions towards the person are increased to such a strong and personal level, simply put. So when he disappoints you or does what you perceive as disappointing, it’s going to be more difficult to brush it off than if you thought of him as just a guy. As someone who had parasocial relationships like that at a young age, it’s very difficult to get over it and it’s even more difficult to recognize that you’re doing it. So the one thing I just need to say that you have to know is the famous person of your attachment  doesn't know you exist. Kevan Brighting is not your friend. That’s not his fault and that’s not your fault. He’s just not reasonably going to know every person that knows him, and he’s probably not gonna be on-board with every person’s perception of him. If I was in his position, I would not feel comfortable being regarded as a parental figure or a best friend by people that I don’t even know. But I’m saying this to myself as much as I’m saying this to other people because I make this mistake as well. I get too comfortable talking about people I know nothing about. I’m not innocent in this regard. I get too fixated over real life people sometimes. Despite me knowing about Brighting’s career in voicework and broadcasting, I really don’t know him personally. I don’t know his age, his height, his favorite fucking color and I certainly don’t know how he is as a person. I can make guesses but they are just guesses. Just because I have the opportunity to acknowledge him doesn’t mean he has the opportunity to acknowledge me, and that’s fine.
It’s fine to talk about how talented his voice acting is, or even how attractive/hot his voice is. Because he’s indeed talented and his voice does sound very attractive. But there’s gotta be a limit. I also understand thinking positively about him because he seems like a genuinely friendly and down-to-earth person. But notice how I said ‘seem’? That’s because, to reiterate, I don’t know him personally. He could be eating souls and I would be none the wiser (THAT IS A JOKE). Kevan Brighting is a real-life person with thoughts and feelings and his bounds should be respected. Don’t be like the people I just talked about. He’s talented as hell in voice acting, and that is enough for the community to talk about. It definitely was for me; like look at my “Narrator’s Voice” section again. Straight up 10 pages. Hell, I’m planning on writing something else about his other performances because his voice is just…too good. Yeah, that’s right! I’M NOT DONE!
(We Are Experiencing Some Technical Difficulties)
TL;DR: Don't be weird over real people
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enchantinglyjade · 2 years
Text
Milk & Honey - Ch. 9 (Part 1)
Elvis (Movie) x Black!OC
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Masterlist
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Summary: Michael gets Honey a chance at a real performance, but now she has a big choice to make.
Warning: NSFW 18+(Just a dash), swearing, racial issues, alcohol, self deprecation, anxiety
Note: I have been SO EXCITED to write this chapter! Also, for those that didn’t see, I made a playlist to go along with the story! Listen here! Lastly, this takes place the same night as the last chapter.
Song: I Got a Woman by Ray Charles
Trouble by Elvis Presley
-
“AHHH!!”
“AHHH!!”
Vickie and I scream at the radio which is currently blasting my voice through the hotel hallway that we were supposed to be cleaning.
She squeals, gripping my hands tightly. “Michael did it! You’re gon be famous!” 
We scream once more, hugging each other in excitement.
My heart pounds in my chest. I’m on the radio. What does this mean for me? What’s next? For the first time in a while, I feel hopeful for what the future has in store for me. Would I be performing in front of a live audience again? Would I ever be put on TV?
“How much are you getting paid now that you’re on the radio and everything? Ooo, you could get us a car to drive finally, and a diamond necklace for me…or your Mama, whichever is fine.” 
I pause to think. Hmm, never really got to that part. “Um… are you supposed to get paid right away?”
“Hey! I thought I heard screaming.” Michael calls from the end of the hall.
“You got me on the radio!” I run to him, giving him a big hug. He lifts me up, letting my feet dangle in the air. He sets me down with a soft look, staring into my eyes. I clear my throat awkwardly, taking a step back, “Thank you.”
He chuckles. “You think getting on the radio’s great, I got a call from WDIA this morning. They asked if you wanted to perform at the revue tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?!” I cry out.
He guilty smiles. “I know it’s last minute, but I already told them yes, and I think it’ll be great for you.” He pulls me in for another hug, leaving a kiss on my cheek as he always does. “I gotta go get the band back home now, they’re downstairs doing God knows what, but I thought it’d say goodnight before I left. I’ll pick you up tomorrow night okay?”
“Okay!”
AHHH!! I’m gonna perform tomorrow!! 
Oh my God, I’m gonna perform tomorrow.
“Did michael ever say anything to you after the party?” Vickie whispers over my shoulder.
I screech, not realizing she had traveled all the way over to me in such a short amount of time. I pause. I had also figured the band told him once we left, but surprisingly things just continued as normal. Maybe they didn’t care enough. Maybe they already told him… “No, actually.”
She shrugs, going back to folding a towel, before stopping immediately after to gasp. “We are absolutely going shopping together tomorrow! I gotta help you get a real dress. I don’t trust you after seeing a closet like that.”
That night I could barely sleep. My head raced with so many thoughts and doubts. I could never safely be on stage or TV. I can barely walk down the street. I saw how difficult it was for King to get his foot in the door, I can’t imagine the things they’d allow on TV before they’d ever consider giving someone like me a chance. What would people say after seeing me? Better yet, what would they do? Maybe I should have given up music all those years ago like Ma wanted. Would I be putting her in danger? What if they riot my house? What if I get arrested?
I tossed and turned all night, trying to shake anxiety from my mind, but nothing worked. I woke up that morning shaky and dreadful. 
After an evening with Vickie, it was finally time to get ready. Night fell all too quickly upon me and before I knew it, I was backstage with Michael and at the largest concert I had ever seen in my life. 
Well, I got a woman, way over town
She’s good to me
I felt so unbearably small, being surrounded by some of the biggest names in music right now. They had King, Ray Charles, big and small artists from across the South, one of them being me…And another one of them being Elvis, whom I was not at all warned about, though I don’t know why I’m so surprised.
Backstage is busy. People are running all over the place, bands are getting in their last practice before showtime, and singing bounces off the walls. Michael and I stand amidst all the chaos.
She gives me money when I’m in need
Yeah, she’s a kind of friend indeed
“How are you feeling?” Michael questions. 
I bounce in my spot, unsure whether it was from pure terror or overjoy, regardless the energy needed a way to come out. “Could be better. Got a pain in my neck. Done spent all morning under Vickie’s hot comb.”
It’s my first time straightening my hair and my first time letting my hair out in public, especially in front of white people, as if I didn’t have enough to worry about already. Hopefully they just assume I dyed it or something like Vickie told me girls was doing now.
He smiles, “Well, I hope the sacrifice was worth it, cause you look beautiful.” He tucks one side of my hair behind my ear, then I watch as his face turns more serious. “I’ve been wanting to ask you something.”
I gulp, staring up at him while my heart picked up in my chest. “What?” I ask tentatively.
“Michael, we’re up next!” One of his friends interrupts, peeking his head around the corner, before disappearing again.
He nods to them, before looking back down at me. “I’ll ask you later. I’ll see you in a few minutes, beautiful.” 
I got a woman, way over town
She’s good to me, oh yeah
I bounce in my spot once more, anxiety growing knowing I was after Michael. Had I practiced enough? What if the audience booed me? What if I trip on the microphone wire, then forget the lyrics?
I admit, I’m also still very much on edge knowing that his friends are out there just waiting to tell him my secrets. My career could be at stake at any given moment and I just have to wait for it to happen. Then what would happen? What would I do? I’ve already ruined my relationship with Elvis. Why am I so stupid for doing all those things to him? Now I’m gonna lose two of my greatest friends and I’ll be left all poor and alone here. 
I let myself get so overwhelmed for a second time today that I hadn’t noticed my breathing had quickened and my eyes stung with tears. I also hadn’t noticed someone sneaking into the room with me. I try taking deep breaths to calm myself, but it does little to help.
Suddenly, I hear footsteps rapidly approaching me. I open my eyes to see Elvis jogging over to me. He quickly grabs my hands, holding them tight in his own. I don’t even need to tell him what’s going through my mind, he already knows. “Hey, Darlin, it’s alright. You’ll do fine out there. Everything will be okay.”
I try to hold back tears, while I lean my head towards the ground so he can’t see my struggling. “Everything’s just happening so fast. I don't know what I’m doing anymore.”
He pulls me into a hug, rocking me back and forth. “Hey, show em how we used to do, just like when we was kids.”
I press my head against the shoulder of his black suit jacket. “Elvis, I ain’t never sang in front of this many people.”
He takes my head in his hands, making me look up at him. “Hey, look, I’m right here. You have yourself a fine set of lungs and a fiery personality to go with it. Show em what you can do.” He strokes my cheek with his thumb, looking down at me with such kind eyes.
Looking at him right then filled me with a sense of peace I had long forgotten about. I felt like I was back home, sitting on the porch drinking sweet tea with my childhood sweetheart and watching birds fly by on a breezy Mississippi day, but that is in fact not the case with us. Not anymore. And just like that, I remembered everything that happened between us. He may be a forgiving man, but not to this extent. 
My tears dried and suddenly I find myself filled with distrust. “Why are you talking to me?”
He furrows his eyebrows at my change of tone. “What do you mean?”
I step back and out of his arms. “I thought you hated me after everything. What happened? Are you trying to play with me or get pay back or something?”
His face contorts into that of insult. “Honey, what the hell are you talkin about? Can’t I just be there for a friend?”
It’s too good to be true. He should be mad at me for everything I did at the party. What if he’s setting me up to embarrass me in front of Michael? That’d be good revenge. But how would he do it? Would he go as far as telling Michael we danced together? Why was he even at that party anyways? Who invited him? Wait…
“Did you know that was Michael’s band…?” I ask slowly, really not wanting to hear the answer. His face drops. He looks between me and the floor and right there I already have my answer. My face contorts in disappointment. “I can’t believe you.”
“I ain’t know you were gonna do all that!” He shouts in defense, throwing a hand up to reference to my body.
“You didn’t exactly try and stop me either!” I run my hands through my hair, groaning while I throw my head back. “What if they tell him tonight?” Everything’s already hard enough as it is and having this drama on top of it was all too much. Sometimes I wish I could just run away from all of this and start a new life.
He walks up to me putting both his hands on my shoulder to keep me put. “Honey, why you spendin all this time carin about what he thinks? He’s lyin to ya! I didn’t know how I was gonna tell ya, but I saw him kissin other women last night. He said to my face that he never cared about you. He’s using you!”
I shake my head, trying not to let the information get to me. “Maybe I deserve it.”
“No, you don’t, Honey. Now, quit talkin like that.” Now his eyes are starting to gloss and his voice becomes softer.
I shake my head more vigorously, shutting my eyes trying to concentrate on the task at hand. “I have bigger things to worry about.” I bite my bottom lip to keep my composure.
He shakes my shoulders hoping to knock some sense into me. “Honey, do you hear yourself? He’s usin you!”
“It’s not about Michael!” I shout, finally letting those built up tears fall from my eyes. “I know I’ve done you wrong one too many times recently, but at the very least I expected you to be happy for me. You know how much it means to me to even be invited to something like this? But you’re still so caught up on Michael. It’s not just about Michael! I wanna be a singer, I have bills I need to be paying, and for the first time, the world is starting to accept me for who I am. It’s not about love, Elvis, cause if it was I would already be with you!” I try catching my breath while tears rolled down my face. 
He stands speechless, hands dropping to his sides while he searches for the meaning of my words in my eyes. I shake my head, turning to walk away from him. I couldn’t stand looking at him any longer, it only made it hurt more. Not to mention the greatest moment of my life is about to start any second.
As much as the idea of Michael seeing other women behind my back doesn’t feel great, I tell myself to suck it up cause it was exactly what I was doing to him. I can’t be mad for getting a taste of my own medicine. It really is what I deserve. Maybe we’ll just come to terms and move on from it together.
I wipe the tears for my eyes, smudging my makeup back into place, while I walk through the mayhem of the theater. Right as I arrive at the stage, Michael’s band finishes the last note of their song and the crowd roars.
I peek past the curtains to find an integrated audience, separated by a mere rope. Both sides cheer for him, much to my surprise. I had never seen so many people in one room in my life, and especially not integrated. Even when there was a divider, I had never seen them more…united. All of them were here for the same reason, to enjoy the music, and through getting lost in rhythm they had unknowingly joined as one. An audience. It was kinda…pretty.
“Making her professional debut with her hit ‘Rock Me Baby’, Ms. Honey James!” My name echoes and booms throughout the building from the loud speakers, causing my stomach to feel as if it dropped to my feet.
I look to Michael with wide eyes. He waves me over to him on the stage. The pressure was paralyzing, but somehow my body seemed to float over to the microphone, center stage. My golden dress shines almost as bright as my now glossy eyes under the stage light.
The crowd claps, rather unenthusiastically, not knowing what to expect from me.
The band begins playing the intro before I even really had time to prepare myself.
Rock Me Baby. I’ve practiced this all week AND we’re doing it with a full band this time. It’ll be great. Right?
The first line comes out wobbly, but I’m determined to not embarrass myself tonight. Everything I worked for is on the line right now and as nervous as I am, I’m not giving up this easy.
Second line is better, but it needs more. It’s fine, just sing with emotion. That’s what Elvis always told me… That’s it! I can just channel him into my singing. All the stress, and heartbreak, and dare I add, lust, I can just put it into the song.
The next line comes out noticeably stronger, the anger and need in my voice only gives my voice a louder and raspy sound. The crowd whoops, clapping to the beat, and that’s all I need to hear in order to let go of my fears and let out what I felt deep in my soul.
My voice comes out more robust than I had ever heard it, nearly matching in power to the church choirs we would listen to growing up. But unlike the church, I add in a few rather provocative moves hoping Jesus wouldn’t mind. I close my eyes, taking myself back to the party, rolling my hips like I did with Elvis to match the energy of the song.
And just like that, the song is over and the crowd shouts and claps in admiration. I had never felt more proud of myself in my life than in this moment, all the hard work and dedication paying off.
Suddenly, I feel a hand gently touch my waist. I look behind me to see Michael ushering me off stage. He looks down at me with a big smile.
Once backstage again, I finally let out my enthusiasm, jumping up to hug him. “Ah! I can’t believe I just did that!”
He squeezes me tight with a laugh. “You were great! I told you you had nothing to worry about.” I pull away with a beaming smile, still trying to tame all of my intense emotions. I have so much energy still coursing through my body, I needed to sit down or something, anything to calm myself.
“Can I ask you something, Honey?” Or that’ll work too.
My smile drops and I raise my eyebrows questioningly.
“Come to Chicago with me.”
My body goes completely numb. “What?”
“You can be our lead singer. We leave tomorrow on the Chitlin Circuit and when we get back to Chicago, I can sign you at Vee-Jay. They’re open to so much more up there then they’ll ever be down here. You’ll make it big in Chicago, I know it.” He grabs my hands, giving me a soft look. “I wanna take care of you, Honey, and your Mama. I can get both of you a nice house, nice clothes. She’ll love it. Come with me.”
I had heard of the Chitlin Circuit before, heard King talking about it once. It’s a bunch of venues across the U.S. that allows colored people to perform. It sounded like such a fun little adventure to go on and it made my heart skip a beat just thinking about finally seeing what the world had to offer outside of Memphis. 
But what if Elvis was telling the truth? What if he doesn’t care about me or finds some other pretty singer and leaves me behind in a motel in the middle of nowhere? Would the risk be worth getting a taste of my dreams?
“Michael, I can’t just up and leave like that?” I say, feeling hopeless that I might have to give up one of my greatest goals.
He shrugs, “Why not? What’s keeping you here? We can explain everything to your Mama tonight. I’ll tell her about all the backup singers you’ll have and the cadillacs you’ll be driving. I’ll get her to give in.”
I giggle at his last sentence, still unsure if I should do it or not. Of course I had ties here. I love it here in Memphis, all the energy and talent. It was inspiring and I’d hate to leave it. Not to mention, a few special people I’d miss. But maybe it was time for me to finally get out of my comfort zone and explore new possibilities.
He notes my hesitancy. “Tell you what. I’ll give you some time to think about it. I gotta help the band get packed up, then once this is all over we’re heading down to Handy for the after party. After that, I can bring you back home, get your stuff all packed up, then we can hit the road before the possums start comin out. Alright?”
I nod with a light smile, looking down to the ground heavy in thought as he walks away. It all seems too good to be true. Opportunities don’t come that easy to people. Not for free anyway.
“Are you actually considering going with him?” Elvis’ voice breaks me from my mind. I snap up, finding him standing in the middle of the hallway, disappointed and rejected. Had he heard everything? “After everything I told you about? After you told me you loved me?”
I feel mortified and downright embarrassed I’m even in this situation. “Elvis, it’s not that easy.” I say barely louder than a whisper, tears stinging my eyes once more.
“Yes it is! So, are you gonna decide on what you want yet? Cause I’m sick of bein toyed with by you!” He steps closer to me, tears of anger threatening to spill from his eyes.
My breath hitches in my chest. He had never raised his voice at me before and it left me feeling like a shameful child getting scolded by their parents.
“I have proven to you over and over how much I love you. You think I’m not scared either? Cause I am, but you will always mean more to me than what everybody else gotta say about us.” He clenches his jaw and closes his eyes, holding back more words.
Did he- He loves me? “Elvis, I-”
He throws his hands in the air, turning away. “I don’t wanna hear nothin. I gotta be on stage.”
I feel all hope in me die the second he leaves my sight. I am acting just like a selfish child, aren’t I? I really don’t deserve someone as good as him in my life.
I lifelessly pace the hallways of the theater. Maybe I should just go to Chicago. I can’t stand the thought of causing Elvis any more damage than what’s already been done. Maybe Ma will have a better life there too and she won’t have to worry about us running into trouble again.
Vickie abruptly stumbles around the corner, heels clacking against the hard floor. “There you are, girl! I been lookin for you. Your man’s about to take the stage, everybody’s goin crazy. Come on!” She grabs my hand, yanking me down the hallway faster than my mind could keep up with.
“Now I was told not to sing, or make jokes, or do any of that here wigglin out on this stage tonight.”
Elvis’ voice echoes through the venue, sounding oddly lively and playful compared to a few minutes ago. 
“That was impressive what you did up there, by the way. I heard some guys talkin about how sexy you looked. Better tell Michael and Elvis to watch out, they got more competition comin to em.” She laughs, bursting open the main doors to reveal the crowd, the atmosphere instantly feeling uncomfortably tense.
An officer glares down at us in annoyance, pointing us in the direction of the colored section in a threatening way. I gulp away any anxieties that tried to rise up. Somehow, it felt less safe out here than it did on stage.
“But that ain’t no fun. And I ‘specially don’t like people tellin me what to do or who to be.”
There’s so many people, I couldn’t even see the stage. Vickie scootches us past some men in nice suits to get us closer to center, but she’s met with the rope before she can go any further. She mutters out a ‘damn’, playing with the rope while she figures out a new plan. A white woman on the other side notices her hand get a little too close to Vickies and retracts it in disgust. Vickie simply rolls her eyes, and grabs my hand once more leading me to God knows where.
“So, how bout we break a few rules tonight? Cause all these here coppers ain’t gon scare me none! Ya hear that, Honey!?”
My body tenses at the sound. Any one of his fans would have mistaken his last word as a cute little nickname for them, but I knew better.
He cackles through the venue and with a loud boom, the song starts, vibrating through the venue and into my feet.
“If you’re lookin for trouble.”
The crowd screams, waving their arms in the air. Women were all but piling on top of each other in hopes of getting as close to the stage as physically possible. Vickie and I try balancing ourselves while we get thrown every which way by the audience. It’s like this for the remaining duration of the song, until last minute he finally comes into my view.
Unhinged, animalistic, sweating, throwing himself around the stage with a bottle of champagne in his hands. He pops open the bottle with a ‘Woo!’, spraying the bubbles onto the girls in the front row, while they let out feverish screams.
“I’m Evil!”
I let go of Vickie to push past the crowd, enraged. I try to not let jealousy overcome my emotions and focus on coaxing him off stage. This man is either drunk or out his damn mind, cause he’s committing at least 3 crimes as we speak.
After pushing and shoving, and damn near starting a riot, I finally make it to the front, resting my hands on the platform beneath him.
He watches me emerge from the crowd with an evil darkness in his eyes. He stills his movements. “Now what’s all this?” He grabs the microphone, dragging the stand across the stage. “Little missy ain’t havin too much fun.”
He drops to his knees only inches in front of me. The girls scream once more, reaching for a taste of him while he’s this close. I get shoved from every angle, drowning in the sea of people. He puts a finger to his lips, signaling to the girls in the front row. They eventually get the idea, quieting down, but their breathing and small squeals still fill the air.
He glances back down at me, his eyeliner only giving him a more sinister look. He chuckles at my upset expression, before turning serious again. “We can’t have that.” He grabs my chin with the same hand that holds his champagne bottle, gently pushing my head up to face him. The wet rim of the bottle brushes against my cheek, leaving a sticky residue behind, though I barely notice it, getting so caught up trying to compose myself under his intense gaze. “No, not here.”
He gently rests the tip of the campaign bottle against my lips, the base between his legs. “I think you need a drink, lil darlin.” I look up at him in disbelief, but can’t stop myself from obeying his silent command and opening my mouth.
Steadily, he pushes his hips forward causing the bottle to pour liquid down my throat. The bubbles tickle against my tongue while I try to keep up with the amount he’s pouring. Once he sees I have a mouthful, he tips the bottle past my chin and downward towards my chest, dumping a good amount down my body. I would have gasped had I not had to swallow the drink.
He watches with blown pupils as the alcohol runs down my breasts making them glisten in the stage lights. He grips the bottle, knuckles white, watching the fabric of my dress turn a shade darker and cling tight against my body.
The girls surrounding me gasp in a mix of jealousy, horror, and astonishment.
To make matters worse, he looks me right in the eye and slowly licks the rim of the bottle, before throwing his head back to take the very last sip.
There goes another crime added to the list.
This causes the white side of the audience to nearly gag at the thought of him drinking off the same bottle as a colored woman like myself. Most restaurants would smash their finest china had they found I had breathed near it, but now their biggest icon is licking the glass from which I drink from. I can’t even begin to comprehend the amount of power this action alone fills me with. It might even be the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen him do.
Once he swallows, he brings the mic back up to his lips and with a deep, raspy voice he says, “Now, that’s more like it, baby.” 
Subconsciously, my thigh muscles tighten, causing me to have to catch myself against the stage from all the tingles traveling throughout my body. He sees this, chuckling darkly and pridefully into the mic knowing exactly what he’s doing to me.
He backs up, looking over to his side noticing a large number of police officers ready to grab him. They rush him, grabbing a hold of him before he can do anymore harm. He thrashes around while they drag him off stage. The front row continues to cheer for him even as he’s about to probably be arrested.
In a panic, I push back through the crowd, hoping to find where they’re about to bring him.
A good amount of people I push past are either disgusted by me or laughing at how humiliated they thought I should be from having a drink dumped on me. Unfortunately for them, I’m too high off adrenaline to give a damn.
Vickie finds me through the audience, fighting her way over to me.
“Did you see what he did out there, Vickie?” I ask her unbelievably, trying to ring out my dress.
What the hell just happened? I can't decide on being pissed and embarrassed or turned on and ready to jump him. Damn, this is what I get for teasing him all those times. Well played, Mr. Presley.
She laughs in her usual hot and bothered way, fanning herself off, “Yeah and Ooo he a bad boy. That was sexy. I’m jealous. But, uh, you best get out of here while you can. My guess is they comin for you next.” She pushes me closer to the door, but doesn’t follow. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure everything’s alright. Just go find Michael and get.”
I flow through the main doors, sneaking past security, hiding within the crowd until I’m outside. Police cars surround the area, red and blue lights dancing in the night sky, but no sign of Elvis. I hold up my dress to run through the damp alleyway to the back of the building where Michael’s car is. Luckily, He’s just getting done putting the instruments in the backseat. 
He greets me happily, completely oblivious to what happened inside.
“Hey, we should start heading out to the afterparty.” I jog up to his car, letting myself in.
He looks confused between me and the backstage door. “Oh, I didn’t know they wrapped up in there. What happened to your dress?”
“Long story, let's go. Wouldn’t wanna waste any time we could be on the road.”
This catches his attention and he immediately hops into his seat. “So you’re coming with?”
.
.
.
@tearupmyhead @chouetteschaussettes @il-giardino @theliterarybeldam @re3kin @anangelwhodidntfall @felicityroth @crash-and-cure @mama-pankow @tzillas @wonderlandlovelove @mirandastuckinthe80s @queenslandlover-93 @coconutessential @pumkiinpasties @buckybarnesbitch00000000 @biafbunny @darkestbeforethedawn16 @dollfaceyourfear @adoreyouusugar @hails-schae @spacegh0ul
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archandshri · 2 months
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8th March ‘24 - [arch] colour!!!! community!!!
Hey Shri! <3 
Wow!!!! I’ve seen the finished Brothers Lionheart cover already, but those thumbnails are just incredible. I know you plan to move away from the dark/horror vibes of those images but they’re so impactful!! For sure save those compositions for something else. You’ve put so so much thought into those compositions, it’s inspiring me to put that level of thought into my images too. It's nuts!!!
So y’know how the plan for this blog was to take it easy and do a little at a time? Maybe just pop in and update each other on what we’ve been working on, or even what’s been inspiring us? Well, we haven’t exactly been taking it easy have we :// At the beginning of writing this I thought it was gonna be a chill one but,,, it turned out not to be.
I was lucky enough to be back in Cardiff for a bit the other week, so I hit up the Riso studio. It was super lovely seeing everyone - really made me realise the value of having an artistic community. (for context, I have been travelling recently and it’s been weird, after uni, to not be surrounded by other illustrators)
About once a month, my shared print studio has an event called Open Haus, where we’re open to the public but also loads of members will come in, have a cuppa and a biscuit and talk about art stuff. I happened to be doing some riso printing and Gavin, who’s a right babe and an excellent riso artist, was once again giving me a hand. I love working with other people in the studio, bouncing ideas off them. It sometimes helps me get out of my head (though with practice, I’m also learning to do that by myself!)
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Here’s a bit of development work for the print I did a few days before printing. It was actually a bit of development for my comfort characters’ home - but as you know i love building my skills through fun things like that! Trick yourself in to improving xD
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This is the print I made!! It’s titled ‘Space Fyn’, named after a place I associate with home <3 
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I ran into a bit of an issue with the blue, which I originally planned to use. Once I printed it, I hated it (blehhhhhh), so! We tried a mint out instead. I still didn’t like it. But thankfully, Gavin did this thing where he made me step back and view it from afar and then I liked it again (this has happened twice now I think I need to learn to step back without his help ://) Also, there were about 10 people in the studio, and they all voted on the mint, so I printed a run of 15! (ps. you can order them by dming me on Instagram)
Later, I was showing a friend the progress and she made some great points. The dark blue gives more of an evening vibe, while the mint gives more of a sunrise vibe, a bit brighter. But also, it totally changes the tone! This has led me to think more about how different colours can be used for particular vibes :0 and how can we bend that and make it more interesting than ‘red danger’ and ‘blue sad’. 
Some notes I took from our conversation
Looking at colours in particular genres (they are used differently in specific ways in different contexts) 
for example in Westerns, good guys wearing a white hat and bad guys wearing black hats - misc characters wearing brown.
Light sabres in Star Wars very clearly symbolising ideology
Characters attached to colour - she uses blue and red to symbolise characters that oppose each other in some way, for example.
Character designs, using colours that match well for more grounded characters, and colours that clash for more unstable characters
Power rangers!!
What colour is your ‘normal’ for the world? And how will specific characters break that or blend in?
All of these are just prompts and thinking points of course, it’ll take a lot of exploring to know how i want to apply these to my work.
I was lucky enough to attend Plymouth Comic and Zine fair!!!!! (this is me :0 !!)
It was very lovely, I really enjoyed seeing people from uni, the general Plymouth illustration scene, and those few illustrators you know but only really see at fairs. I also got the opportunity to have some awesome chats about illustration (shoutout to that one hermitcraft fan who let me ramble about Minecraft builds and setting design for a bit <3). I had a chat with the wonderful Ben Wright and Jess Holloway about colours, especially in narrative, and here are some ideas I took away from that!
They didn’t have any specific suggestions for books about colour and narrivite,  but again, film came up! Colours in film are discussed a lot, and vary a lot in genre, so i’ll have to do some looking into that.
In particular wes anderson might be good to look at 
Hero by Jet Li - haven’t looked at this yet
How to take colour that we may associate with a particular feeling and instead make it do something else. (eg. how to make blue happy)
Colour in context with shape and composition
I was very excited after PCZF and got hyperfixated on a little drawing. You and I were chatting about folds in clothes at the fair, so this image was to play with that a bit.
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Yes this is an image of my favorite block lady. I love her. [Illustration of GeminiTay, along with her season 10 skin]
I decided to use the colour pick tool from my reference for accurate colours, which I don’t normally do. I do have a habit of going too light with my values, and a bit swampy and desaturated with my colours. When I started with her trousers, I thought it was wayyyy too dark, but I decided to stick with it till the end anyway. Even though it clearly worked in the reference image, I was still surprised it worked on mine. This has proved to me that it’s okay to push and use some darker colours - which is a bit scary but I’m going to give it a go.
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'messing around with colors with imp and skizz' by @applestruda
I also saw this incredible image by @applestruda using wonderful colours! This led me to play around with some high-saturation images. I wanted to draw one of GeminiTay’s builds with the spooky vibes she’s been trying to capture. I downloaded applestruda’s image, colour shifted the hue to one that fits the energy I wanted to capture, and used it to create a high saturation colour pallet. This is a great starting point since I’ve never worked with this kind of colour palette before - it gives me a starting point rather than drowning in indecision and cluelessness XD
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Here’s a timelapse of the study!
Once I’d finished, I hue-shifted them for some alt colours. I find this a helpful process for figuring out colour stuff that I would never consider normally. I think I like these more, actually. The one with the reddish wood and green accents feels like it has the vibes of the original image, but is exaggerated a bit. I think it pops. And the pink is cool. I think I could have pushed the values further again, but I'm pretty happy with the final images.
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So those are my colour thoughts over for now - I’m hoping to keep playing but use of colour is for sure a lifelong skill. 
The past few weeks have been so awesome. I’ve just been so so moulded by conversations with my artistic community and it’s been so lovely!!! I’m really enjoying running around the country and visiting all my pals. It was so nice to see you at PCZF and I’m looking forward to more of it!!! :D
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Ps. Here are some sketches I did at the fair
Can’t wait to see more lionheart lil guys :0
Archie <3 :)))))))))
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washipink · 1 year
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The Rain Review (Finale)
If you’ve been with my blog for the past week or so, You’ll know I’ve been reading a childhood favorite webcomic of mine, Rain by Jocelyn Samara. And you’d probably be wondering what happened to my review of the comic Year-by-Year. The answer? I went on a road trip for a few days and couldn’t help but read the whole rest of the comic. So today I’m here to talk about my overall thoughts.
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For the uninitiated, Rain is a slice-of-life webcomic that started in 2010. It’s about a transgender teenage girl of the same name navigating her senior year at a Catholic high school. There’s a LOT of romantic and gender-related drama. Friends are made and lost. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll see yourself in the characters somewhere along the line.
My experience with Rain prior to this project only goes up to about 2014. I started reading it in middle school on Smackjeeves.com. Y’all remember Smackjeeves? I miss it every day. Apparently it redirects to a shitty webtoon clone now. IDK where I’m gonna find peoples’ sprite comics produced in 2013 now.
Anyway, I bring this up to say that I had stopped keeping up with Rain even though she was a major part of me accepting who I was. When I found out that her story had come to a close, I had a real need to find out how.
This time, there won’t be a plot summary because this comic ran for 11 years and it takes me long enough to do just 1. That and, if I may spoil my final opinion, I really want you to give it a read for yourself.
ART
I want to get this one out of the way because it’s a very common critique that even I hold to some extent. The art in Rain is a clear indicator of the era its artist hails from. In 2010, anime and manga had just hit the American mainstream. Everyone was reading those “How to Draw Anime” books and took a lot of notes from them. To showcase, here’s a page from Chapter 1, the first color page in fact.
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This page is actually one of the busier pages in terms of art. Jocelyn doesn’t usually do background details much, if at all. Usually, backgrounds are depicted as solid colors that are associated with specific locations. Grey for the apartment, sky blue for outside, light green for school, etc. But the way Rain is drawn here bears a striking resemblance to the styles a LOT of people were using at the time.
While Jocelyn’s style stays rooted in, shall we say, American who got really into anime, her techniques evolve over time. Especially in terms of displaying what’s going on with limited background detail.
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As an example, I really enjoy this scene. Rain and Emily are, in universe, speaking over the phone right now. But neither of them are holding their phones to their ears. They’re looking at each other as if they’re in the same room. Jocelyn uses a gradient background to signify that the two of them are NOT in the same room, but as they get closer during their conversation, they get physically closer in the panel as well.
This page is taken from 2014, about 4 years into the comic’s run. You can see that Jocelyn’s brush choices have changed. Everything is far smoother than it was toward the start. While the overall style is as simplistic as year 1, her technique has changed a lot.
That comfort with her work only continues to grow. Below is a panel from a bonus page that released after the comic’s conclusion. The line work is the cleanest its ever been.
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STORY AND CHARACTERS
Now this right here is the REAL meat of the comic. Regardless of any feelings I had on the art, the characters really endeared me. And this being a slice-of-life teen drama, they had plenty of time to learn, grow, and clash against one another.
The majority of the conflict in Rain comes from people being set in their ways. Rain’s whole gaggle of queer friends is hiding from the school’s principal, who refuses to acknowledge that maybe there’s nothing wrong with being a little gay. One of the most compelling ongoing threads in the comic centers around Rain’s brother and sister trying to understand and accept her. These personal stakes were a really enjoyable break from the kind of thing I usually read. In Rain, there is no world to be saved or villain to defeat, but there IS a prom to go to. Sometimes, that’s all you need to tell a good story.
The comic has this small-town vibe I care for a lot. Sometimes, a character will exit another’s life and you’ll never expect to see them again. Then they’ll end up dating Rain’s aunt or something. Word spreads fast in Centerville. People are gossipy. Sometimes, you tell someone something and it reaches ears you didn’t want to hear it. That gossip is what makes things so dangerous for Rain. If the wrong person finds her out, then EVERYONE finds her out. The same goes for all her friends.
There’s all kinds of flavor of queer in this comic in a way that mirrors real life friend groups. We have a tendency to find each other like that.
With all kinds of queers being hormonal teens, things get messy FAST. There’s a lot of things that happen in this comic that I feel like baby gays need to see. There’s a point where a gay boy and a trans girl start going out because... this just happens sometimes. Nobody is “the villain” in this scenario. They both just tried to explore themselves and found mixed results.
That’s one of the big themes of Rain. Self-exploration. Every chapter, we’re learning more about these characters as they learn more about themselves. Nobody stays in the same headspace for too long. They’re constantly evolving.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Rain is ABSOLUTELY worth the read. It’s actually a really easy read. I was able to finish it in about 2 weeks, so I’m sure it won’t take up too much of your time. But, it’s a really heartwarming story that I’m sure a lot of us can relate to. Thanks for going on this journey with me. And be safe, Rain Beaus.
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catcake24 · 4 months
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ROTTMNT x Splatoon AU
Okay so since I’m not planning on doing much with this au, I’m gonna share my notes on it and hope people like the ideas lol
Ideas
- in this universe, the turtles were created as one of Tartar’s unethical expiraments. He kidnapped an octoling who made his way into the deep sea metro, and used his dna and primordial ooze to mutate baby turtles he found. The ooze in this universe has Yokai subjects in it as well as the other life found, making it the ultimate life sludge.
- The octoling, Hamato Yoshi, was one of the neutral octarians who fell into the underground on accident. When he was used for this expirament, he was able to escape in the middle of it - and took the turtles with him. He found a way to the surface, but died from his injuries.
- This is where it gets fuzzy, but the the turtles have their specific names from Tartar who named his subjects after humans, and they end up separated somehow.
- Donnie and Raph end up in Octo Canyon, living among Octarians. Donnie became fascinated with their technology, and became very proficient in it. Both of them end up in the Octarian military for a time, with Donnie even being in the Wasabi unit for a time but end up leaving after learning they have brothers somewhere and what exactly the octarians are planning to do.
- Leo and Mikey were raised in Splatsville on the other hand, and got caught up in the turf war craze. They were raised by the owner of a dojo (Splinter) who they are somewhat close with
- Mikey is a well known graffiti artist, while Leo makes a living off of participating in turf wars and anarchy matches.
- The brothers eventually reunite, at about ages 10( Mikey), 12(Donnie and Leo), and 14(Raph).
- April in this universe was an octoling who escaped with Donnie and Raph, and is living with them right now. She’s like family to them, and is very into turf wars and especially anarchy matches.
Yokai
- they aren’t all dead in this universe, but most who lived with humans are.
- There are ones who live among the surface now, since what’s considered normal is WAY BIGGER than before, but there are still mammalian Yokai who live underground since all normal mammals went extinct
Turtles
- They are part inkfish instead of part human, but since we have the psychic crystals in Splatoon canon those are part of why they look so human.
- Them coming from the primordial ooze kind of messes them up once they find out, since. It was made from ground up people.
- Because they are part inkfish, they can swim in ink and have their own turtle swim form.
- They have access to specials through their ninpo - after they find out it’s a different force than what normal inkfish use they can be a bit more creative with it and change specials easier but they all have their preferences
- Leo uses Splatana and Tri Stringers (reference to previous Leo’s who use bow and arrows). His favourite is a Splatana Wiper. ((Donnie’s custom version of it is closer to an actual blade which can launch large slashes of ink.)) he also likes shooters, and is the insane player who plays a tristringer aggressively.
- Donnie made his own custom weapon, as he makes those in this universe and is friends/rivals with Sheldon, which is a combination of a brella and a charger. He prefers Chargers and Brushes in matches though, since he can’t use his custom weapon.
- Mikey uses Sloshers more, but also likes shooters. His main weapon is the tri slosher. He is fine with almost anything actually.
- Raph’s favourite weapon is mostly his fists, but in matches he uses Splatlings (since he can carry them easier) and shooters (short range high damage like his normal weapons).
- also as a visual thing, when they change ink colours their body marks also change colour! (So Leo’s stripes change colour, Same with Mikey’s spots, etc.)
Plot ideas
- Basically the fight that happened in Rottmnt with shredder is an ancient event in this story, and it was interrupted and never concluded leaving the world in somewhat of a lurch since shredder isn’t dead but he’s in a coma and buried under tons and tons of rock somewhere.
- So the Hamatos spirits reached out to a small clan of inkfish in the future to help them and create the lineage anew. This eventually leads to Yoshi and Splinter, who are brothers in this universe making Splinter their adoptive dad and biological uncle.
- So the turtles + April find out almost last minute, like in the show, and want to help fight this fight.
- And events eventually turn out very similar to finale with the shredder, with the major difference being that it’s in the ruins of Kamabo Co instead of in the hidden city.
- Not very deep plot. Until the New Squidbeak Splatoon get involved during the whole… Inkopolis battle city situation with the Yokai and then are allied with the turtles during the Kraang situation.
The Agents/ New Squidbeak Splatoon
- okay so the agents aren’t very relevant here, but I imagine they become antagonists/rivals and eventually allies to the Turtles after realizing they are on the same side.
Any extra ideas will be posted as reblogs to this post :)
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elvthali · 9 months
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uH yeah so here’s wild life update thing explanation whatever cause ye a h
As of the past several days I had no access to any of my stuff, especially my phone or computer, due to being strong armed into a hospital. I've been working rough dead-end retail and retail-adjacent jobs for the past several years alongside my freelance artwork with perpetual aspirations of one day applying myself to a more official long term job as a game artist. But with crippling anxiety, depression, and the constant lack of self confidence I've still not achieved that. And throw in working jobs that perpetually drain me of any energy, sufficient mental or emotional stability, and especially time- you get the idea it's been a nasty cycle I won't go into detail with.
In order to solve this situation, and get out of a toxic household, I’ll be moving to the city my best friend and her wife live in. Having direct access to friends and finally being separated from the emotionally distressing situation I’m in now is of top priority. And currently something I’m making a point of rapidly putting into motion.
Due to? Everything? I’ll also be tackling a few other things during all this. Firstly I will be starting to pull together work for a proper portfolio for job hunting. Then contacting a handful of very overdue commissions to inquire if they’d still like them done or would rather just have the incomplete versions free of charge. Next, responding to a variety of things, artfight related stuff, mentions, messages, etc. And lastly, launching a Patreon; something I’ve wanted to try for years but very much lacked the confidence but with encouragement from others and my situation I’m finally tackling. (actually was tackling all of this before this nonsense started but that sure got disrupted dsdsf)
. So any sort of overdue communications, responses, etc are coming I promise and things are probably gonna be a bit… wild for me over the upcoming months. orz
For now; here's my patreon ( patreon.com/ElvthaliArt ) and the things I am (at least hoping) to offer as of currently and maybe going forward! ;o;
So some of the usual stuff you'll likely be seeing there are:
Fantasy art/themes; I've a heavy bias towards fantasy genre stuff
Humans/Humanoids, Anthro/Furry, Feral/Animals, Monsters/Creatures in general, etc.
Fanart; primarily video games and especially for LoZ & Fire Emblem, but a variety of others mixed in as I have many games I adore;;
LGBT+ positivity; particularly a lot of gay men because? Well duh;;
A concerning amount of sketches/wip/notes; I'm perpetually jumping between ideas, sketches, projects, etc and not to be trusted with anything ever.
Me losing my mind learning/trying stuff; just a small price to pay on the road to infinite power--
And for patrons I'll be (hopefully) exclusively offering:
Sketches, concept art, & WIP peaks; many. many sketches.
Start-to-Finish Progressions; compilations of wip versions of completed pieces to see where it started.
Concepting/Creative Process/Artist commentary; some insight into the mess that is me creating things.
Small bases; simple psd bases for patrons to download and use.
Tutorial/how-do-you-draw-x videos; monthly polls in which I'll attempt to explain/show how I draw something (warning: I'm bad at explaining).
Tutorial/how-do-you-draw-x polls; in which you vote on/request subjects to see me hopefully explain in prior mentioned videos;;
NSFW Artwork; namely lots of queer stuff, particularly gay men, and a bit of teratophilia (monster-people essentially) art.
Monthly warmup commission rough sketches/doodles; request a piece of artwork each month I'll use for warmups/experimenting.
WIP Polls; vote on a selection of WIP pieces to determine which I should prioritize.
..And some general nonsense cause I draw stupid silly stuff for the hell of it sometimes.
And?? That's about it I think? I’m just gonna kick my ass into all this work now so here we go with all this chaos orz
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kanmom51 · 2 years
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Tagging game again.  
Took me some time to get to this but here I am. 😊
Tagged by: @whysojiminimnida
Name: my name is Mom....Kan Mom... 😋
Sign: Sagittarius
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Height: Short ass gentleman is what I am, sob sob.
Time: When everyone is asleep (so either extremely late at night or super early in the morning).
Birthday: 20 Dec.
Fav band/artist: BTS, obviously.  But a whole lot of 80s and 90s shit too.
Last movie: Jurassic world Dominion if we are talking cinema, but lots of Netflix and Disney/Marvel films too.  I’m a bit of a TV addict. 
Last show: Shining girls on Apple+ really enjoyed it.  Before that season 3 of The boys.  If you are squeamish (sex and gore galore) my advice is that you keep clear of that one.
When I created this blog: Old person here...don’t judge...I think it was around Jan or Feb 2021.  But at first just did a lot of searching, reading and a little asking before I dared to actually open my blabbermouth and voice my opinions.
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What I post: What I feel like posting, lol.  But I’ll give you a hint here...
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Other blogs: Mine? Nope.  First timer here.
Do I get asks: I do.  Even more so when I decide to open my anons option (call me either brave or stupid to do that...). 
average hr. of sleep: That’s one in the gut, lol. Used to get plenty, now much less - 4-6 hr. usually now days.  Blame Riley, BTS and my bloody lady hormones (or is it a lack of them?  Idk).
instruments: Recorder, Alto recorder, Clarinet, Piano, but now days playing on someone’s nerves is my specialty.
What I’m wearing: My snug PJs sitting under a blanket, cause it’s bloody cold here.
dream job: I kind of had my dream job, which turned out to be more of a nightmare if I’m being honest (note to followers:  don’t trust legal tv shows, they are unrealistic, lol).  But seriously, I’m kind of over self fulfilment.  Been there done that.  At this point it’s about having fun, enjoying family and life as a whole.
dream trip: Japan and a shore to shore Canadian road trip.
favorite songs: The truth untold, House of cards, Black swan, Euphoria, Airplane pt. 2 + the other songs that consist of my more or less 15 hr. Spotify playlist.  
Oh, and honourable mention to Calem Scott’s If our love is wrong, I guess I’m in love by Clinton Cane and Only then by Roy Kim (JK’s cover).  What can I say?  I’m a sucker for a good tear jerker.
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Tagging:  Not gonna put that pressure on anyone.  Just join in the party if you care to.
💜 💜 💜
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iguessitsjustme · 2 years
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Get to know me
I was recently tagged by @wintercrushes​ and I think I’ve done this before but some things (like favorites and stuff) have changed so I figured why not do it again.
Name: Call me Rae
Sign: Pisces
Height: 5′5 if I’m feeling generous to myself
Time: 4:59
Birthday: No thanks
Favorite Artist/Band: Loveless, Parade the Day, dodie
Last Movie: I’m currently watching the movie version of To My Star (again). It’s taking me awhile to get through though because I’m taking notes.
Last show: I’m currently watching a lot of shows that are airing, but not this week since my friend is visiting. We are actually watching One Piece together. Specifically the Water 7/Ennies Lobby arc.
When I created this blog: 2011 I think. But I didn’t start actively blogging until 2012 and I wasn’t on at all during college.
What I post: Whatever the hell I want. Mostly it’s BL but also I use it as a diary kind of.
Other blogs: Nope. This is all I got.
Do I get asks: Very rarely. My asks are always open though. Most people typically just talk to me through replies to my posts or DMs which is fine. I like talking to people. Which is good that I work the job I do because I talk to so many people every day.
Average hours of sleep: Either way too much or none. There is no in between.
What I’m wearing: Pajamas. I changed immediately after coming home. I got damp on my way home. Damn the rain.
Dream Job: Working it.
Dream Trip: Thailand, South Korea, or Spain. Also I want to go see the Grand Canyon.
Favorite songs: Hungarian Dance in G Major, Scheherazade.
I mostly listen to pop punk, but honestly, those are the only two pieces that I never skip. Not once.
Tagging whoever wants to do this. Consider yourself tagged. I’m so tired. I’m gonna go order a pizza now and play some board games with my friend.
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