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icedmetaltea · 4 months

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I've been feeling discouraged about my art recently. Could you possibly give me some tips?

Ok I wanna preface this by saying I am by no means a professional or even "good" artist, BUT I shall try!

These are all tips by a digital artist so I can't help much when it comes to other forms

This got long so under the cut, 20 ART TIPS TIME LETS GOOO

1.Try to draw most days, or at least once a week. The more often the better BUT I don't mean like hardcore, a complex drawing every single day (recipe for burnout right there). I mean like even just 30 seconds of SOMETHING. You can draw shapes, maybe fill a page with circles. There are programs u can find online that give you like a min to sketch something and challenge yourself in a really short time frame. Guess what?? When you draw often you're building those neural pathways (I think) and the more you do it the easier it'll get

2. Don't obsess over making stuff look perfect on the first draft... or at all. I recommend making a "draft" layer or 2... or 3 over the initial sketch. The more you go over it and change stuff, the better it'll be. Also, If you spend hours on it and still hate it?? Who cares! You put in the work and now you have an idea out on paper that you can go over some time in the future and improve if you chose to.

3. DON'T DELETE STUFF!!! Unless it's literally just mindless scribbles, save everything you draw. Like I said, you can go over it again and improve it someday. You can also look back at it in like a year and compare your art to see where you've improved! I deleted all my old art from beyond like a year ago and regret it so much. Don't berate yourself for the stuff you need to work on, be proud of what improvements you've still made

USE REFERENCES!!!!!!! Please just do it, I know it's annoying but I promise it helps so so much

4. Invest drawing tablet, preferably one with buttons that you can map to undo, sketch, fill and such. This will make drawing sooooo much easier (and faster). My quality of art has improved just from drawing the same thing and redoing it like 20 times at a time, and it takes way less time when I can just click a button to do that. It might seem daunting at first but it quickly becomes instinctual. This is the one I got and I'm quite happy with it! It's got good sensitivity, a pen you don't have to replace batteries for or even recharge, and it's mid-range so not wayy too expensive. However, if you're just starting out, I'd recommend this (I got the corded version but I assume it's about the same) since it's small, cheap and you can focus on just learning basics like improving lines n such.

5. Use a bigger canvas size. I started out with 1000x1000, and that's still fine for smaller stuff and doodles, for better quality I recommend bigger sizes. If it's too small it'll look all weird and pixel-y

6. THERE ARE LITERALLY SO MANY FORMS OF ART, maybe the one you're trying just isn't something you vibe with! There's mosaics, digital, traditional (and all the many sub-categories of that), sculpture, photography, etc. All are equally valid and you will improve in your craft if you choose something that 1. you enjoy, 2. are consistent with it!

7. SEGEMENT OUT THE LIMBS drawing DCA stuff for over a year has helped me improve on anatomy sooo much literally just because it forced me to think of each part of a limb in terms of segments, shapes- for instance, instead of an upper arm, I think of a tube which connects to a circle that allows it to rotate and another tube... followed by a weird shape for a hand that connects 5 smaller tubes, whiCH ARE THEN SEPERATED IN TO 3 TUBES EACH. Yes it sounds confusing but breaking it down like that instead of just trying to figure things out helped an absolute shitton

8. Have some kinda hobby that makes you draw frequently. For instance I have a discord sona I draw a new pfp for every month or so. It's a simple design and since the pfp won't show many flaws I can pump out lots of art for it in a small timeframe and I find it relaxing. I've actually improved a shitton just drawing pfps This is one of my first pfps from maybe 2 yrs ago compared with one of my most recent ones

(yes I'm a bit of a furry deal with it) It's cute, there's nothing wrong at all with it! However, you can see how things have changed.

See how the lines are a lot more even, less jagged? The proportions of the shoulders are much wider, the ears aren't just popping out of the hair, the shading makes a bit more sense and isn't just thrown around at random. There's also a broader range of color, with a few bright highlights to catch the eye, colored shading I think as well. The former is just like 3 simple colors. These are all things I learned from drawing pfps consistently.

9. CONSISTENCY IS KEY!! And FUN, if you have fun drawing it'll be a lot easier to do frequently

10. Whether it's drawing pfps, blorbos or landscapes, find something that brings you joy and it'll be MUCH easier to stick to. Draw, draw a lot, do not worry about "good" art and "bad" art cause there's literally no such thing. Compare what you draw now with what you do in like a year or two from now and I promise, if you're consistent, use references and are patient, you WILL amaze yourself with how much you improve.

11. Challenge yourself! Join secret santas (assuming you know you can complete it within the allotted timeframe), draw your friends' sona/ocs (if they're cool with it), do palette challenges, do monthly stuff like drawtober or whatever it's called (BUT I don't recommend doing something every single day for a month cause again, gonna cause mega burnout)

12. Draw when the inspiration comes, it will move your hand. These days I make much better quality art that I'm proud of when I just let inspiration flow through me instead of begrudgingly making myself draw. You shouldn't be forcing yourself!! If you are, you probably are burned out by either drawing too much, feeling a lack of confidence or some other stuff going on irl. Inspiration comes naturally, and when it doesn't it's prolly your mind trying to communicate that something's up. If resting a week or two doesn't help, take a deeper look at your life and see if the artblock is a symptom of something else (for me it's most often depression).

13. At the same time, sometimes you just need to start. Kinda on the previous point of lacking confidence, often we scare ourselves out of even trying. It might feel insurmountable. Nah, try. If all you can do is a wobbly, vague sketch?? You got the idea out!! Start drawing fuckin eyeballs or something, just start. Sometimes the hardest part is just facing a blank canvas and putting a couple lines on it

14. Not all brushes are equal. Some just make drawing easier- at least for me. I dunno the science behind it but when I use my sketch brush (it's got a similar look to pencil) rather than my lineart brush it makes drawings just... look better. Also using thicker lines in general helps. Why?? NO CLUE, maybe thinner ones just show flaws easier or intersect better or something.

15. Music or some other distraction can help, idk why. Some days I like to have a movie/show/podcast going in the background for a mild distraction that keeps me slightly stimulated on other stuff even as I draw- maybe it increases brain activity or??? No idea. Sometimes just listening to music. Sometimes I need total silence. Do what works for you! Give lots of different stuff a try, you may love drawing while listening to a podcast in the background

16. Take breaks!! The pomodoro method works with art as well. Every 25 mins or so, take a 5 min break. Get up, stretch, get some water, maybe watch a yt vid. Call ur friend and tell them you love and cherish them. Then get back to it and you will feel oh so refreshed. After maybe 3 rounds take a 15 min or longer break and then repeat if you still feel like it

17. SLEEP IS INCREDIBLY FUCKING IMPORTANT you will see a deep decline in the quality of your art when you're tired, plus you just feel like shit and art is about feeling good and expressing yourself. Sleep is important, even tho yes I stay up too late drawing most nights, I do my absolute best to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night, as should you!!

18. DO NOT BE SCARED OF STICK FIGURES AND MESSY SKETCHES, they're actually the best way to start bc 1. it's a quick way to get an idea out before you forget it 2. the finished piece will actually look a lot more fluid since you weren't spending all that time obsessing over making the first draft look perfect- which often just makes it look stiff. You can do a whole lot with stick figures. Focus on that good ol' line of action.

19. Random but when drawing the face, I like to first make a circle and then like a "mask" over it for the actual face. For me it just makes sense. Then two lines, one up/down and one left, right, it'll make it easier to align the eyes and ears. In general, the ears usually go where the "mask" begins and just below the left/right line

20. Finally surround yourself with people who encourage you. I grew up in an environment where people would gawk at stuff my sibling drew and ignore me bc they were ~naturally talented~ and it made me not want to draw at all.

Well guess what?? Now that I spend time with people who encourage me and genuinely care about my interest in art I've improved a lot bc I have the motivation, the joy of showing ppl who care about me new pieces. If people in your life aren't encouraging you, or gods forbid insulting your art (excluding constructive criticism that you've explicitly asked for) then TOSS EM OVERBOARD THE BOAT OF LIFE and find people who will treat you with the love and respect you deserve

P.S

This isn't a tip, just a recommendation: Chicory, a colorful tale. It's a game where u play as a cute lil dog who gets a magical paintbrush that lets you color the world. The only issue? You have no ~talent~. My gods, this game struck a cord with me.

Feeling like you don't have any talents that come naturally to you. Being overlooked even when you try your best. Feeling like a complete joke when you try to pick up the brush (or in this case stylus) because there are so many "real" artists and you're not one of them.

Also the things people say and how they can affect you even when not intentional. Damn. It's just a beautiful game. It's made by the same people who made Wandersong, another absolute banger game with a character who is seen as a joke and I cannot recommend them enough.

bonus tip bc why the fuck not: OVERLAYS!!!!!!! In clip paint studio you have all these layer options, I can never memorize what they all do so I just make like an ombre color layer over my base colors and try all of them to see what looks cool

#Answer tag #Metaltea Talks #ref #art tips #long post #*gives anon a thousand tiny cartoon hearts in a bottle*

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cafe-sugar-skull · 4 years

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.:~Ink’s Sketchbook “Error #2″~:.

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tfw a chapter of your current favorite fan fic has a part where the characters are looking through a sketchbook and it lists a bunch of sketch descriptions and you go like “challenge accepted”.

Okay, so no one was actually challenging me, but it was free drawing prompts and it felt like the universe was daring me so I immediately jumped for it.

I like Error’s hobo outfit much more, but since the Ink in the story has known Error for about a thousand years and has nine total sketchbooks full of nothing but the glitchy cutie pie plus another 6 full of Ruru erotica I figure in “Error #2″ he’d have his classic outfit.

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Page 1

“A collection of Error's face with varying expressions...”

Hate the top left expression. Looks weird, but since it was my first go drawing an Error face without a reference I feel I can forgive myself for that. Hate the bottom right expression too but only because that peaceful face doesn’t feel like Error. And because I couldn’t figure out how to do peaceful with a Sans mouth. It was my first attempt for Page 5 and in the end I admitted that I just don’t have the expression skills needed to pull what I wanted off for that picture. It was still a nice looking face though so I included it in Page 1.

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Page 2

“Error scowling on his bean bag with his game boy. Error arguing with a less distinct other person.”

My favorite page! These prompts were the most fun to draw. Error makes for the most adorable grump and I love him for it. <3 The “less distinct other person” is an Anonymous voice! I thought the idea of Error feeding a troll to be hilarious and ran with it. At least one of them seems like they’re having a good time. xD

Also, fuck the paper I drew these on. The book has some pages that are colored grey instead of white and that messes with things. Gave the drawings a dark tint that I can’t do anything about, so I’m a bit salty about that.

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Page 3

“A notable one of Error standing as if in triumph over the viewer of the image, one fist clenched and pulling a collection of strings taught.”

Not exactly how I first pictured it but it will do. Also I forgot that Error was supposed to be standing instead of kneeling until I was pretty much finished with it. Oops.

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Page 4

“Error laughing, hands in pockets, as an arrow labelled Killer pointed down into a collection of muck and marsh plants.”

So. I drew all of these sketches in my 365 drawing book. You know, the one with the ruled lining in it because it’s supposed to be a book for writing prompts.

So imagine me, initially thinking I’d just draw a few plants, getting carried away and drawing the whole dang swamp, and then realizing when I was done that I was going to have to edit out all those damn lines. I went “oh fuck” and then proceeded to spend two hours on clean up for this sketch alone. Cleaning up each sketch already took a long time so holy hell.

Oh well, at least it looks neat. Just wish Killer’s booty didn’t get lost in all the details. :(

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Page 5

“Finally, Ink stopped on a page near the end that had clearly been looked at a lot. The top corner was a little crumpled and dog-eared as if Ink fiddled with that section of the paper often. This one was of Error smiling. Not the smirking grin, not his crazy smile, but his normal smile. The one usually only seen in private by very few beings. Ink smiled back at it. The image had been delicately painted with watercolors making it even softer than the expression had been.”

*flips a table*

Could have been better. Could have been worse. I found a great digital watercolor tutorial but in the end I still didn’t know what I was doing. Maybe someday I’ll try redoing this when I level up my arting skills but for now it looks nice, it looks soft, it fits the prompt, I’m done.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Whew... well that’s one big project done. A major “Our Tangled Web” itch has been scratched. Maybe now I can go back to working on some of my own stuff. Or do fanart for other fanfics. =w=

...............Pfffffff... yeah right, maybe. We’ll see how long I last. xD

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“Our Tangled Web” by: @raithwin and @avatarkayla

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Error (c) @loverofpiggies Ink(’s hands) (c) @comyet

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phoenix-downer · 4 years

Text

River of Stars

For SoKai Week Day 5 - Tanabata. (Today is actually Day 3 of SoKai Week, but it’s also Tanabata, so I’ll share my Tanabata-themed fic today and my Day 3 fic on Day 5 instead.)

~4020 words. Japanese Mythology AU. Star-Crossed Lovers, Angst, Romance, Marriage, Family.

Kairi could hardly wait. Her fingers trembled and shook as she did her weaving for the day. She had to finish up in time. She had to. For soon, very soon, she would be allowed to cross the Amanogawa, the Heavenly River, to see her beloved.

Cheeks flushed with excitement and heart pounding, she flew through her work. The sooner she got it done, the more time she would have to spend with Sora. But it had to be high quality too, or she would have to redo it all.

What was Sora thinking? Was he as excited to see her as she was to see him? Would he have the cows on his side of the Heavenly River gathered together in time?

And the river! She’d checked it this morning, but if it started to rain and the river swelled up too much, the magpies might not come to make the bridge. That had happened before, and she never wanted it to happen again. Seeing the sorrow on Sora’s face as he’d realized she wouldn’t be able to meet him that year had broken her heart.

When at last she was finished with her work for the day, her father Tentei, the Sky King, came to inspect it.

“How does it look, my honorable father?” she asked, bowing her head and averting her eyes because his approval (or lack thereof) would determine whether she got to see Sora. It was because she’d so foolishly slacked on her work, and Sora on his, that they had to endure this current situation. How she wished she could rewind time to when they’d first gotten married and do things over again. Then maybe they could live together like husband and wife should instead of enduring this punishment for their foolishness.

Still, her father was not without mercy. Her sorrow and tears had moved him so deeply that he’d adjusted his original punishment and allowed her to see Sora once a year. Maybe, someday, if they both continued to work hard and be good, they could live together once more.

“It is your best work yet, my daughter,” her father said at last, and she allowed herself a small smile before quickly covering her mouth with her hand. It wasn’t proper for a young lady to bare her teeth.

“Thank you, father.”

She glanced at his face before averting her eyes again, and she could tell he was pleased.

“This will be plenty to keep the heavenly court clothed for a while,” he said. “And if you don’t mind, I will select my favorites to keep for myself.”

She nodded and waited patiently for him to make his selections. Every member of the heavenly court contributed something to keep life running smoothly, and it was her duty to make cloth, just like it was Sora’s duty to tend the cows. If even a single person neglected their duties, the entire court would start to fall apart at the seams. That was the disaster she and Sora had unleashed on everyone several years ago, and she didn’t want to hurt them again.

Her father cleared his throat, and she waited patiently to hear what he had to say. In his arms were a few choice pieces of the cloth she’d woven, and her heart sped up as she waited for him to speak.

“I have made my choice. Now, my dear daughter, go see your husband.”

She couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face this time, but she hid it with a deep bow and then thanked her father and left with as much dignity as she could muster once he had excused himself from the room. Her feet carried her as fast as she dared move till at last the Heavenly River was within sight.

“Sora!” she cried as she reached its banks. He was already on the other side of it waiting for her, and his face lit up when he saw her.

“Kairi!” came his delighted voice over the sounds of the river. This year, they were lucky. This year the water flowed smoothly and was at normal levels.

“My dear magpie friends,” Kairi called, “please, make me a bridge so that I may be with my husband.”

A few moments passed, then the flock of birds descended and spread their wings till they’d formed a bridge for Kairi to cross. She thanked each one by name as she stepped on their wings, growing closer and closer to Sora till at last she was on the other side. He brought her into his arms and held her tight, and her eyes filled with tears. How she’d missed him, missed feeling his warm embrace.

“I’m back,” she said softly.

“You’re home.”

When he finally leaned back, it was so he could look her in the eye. “You’re as beautiful as ever,” he murmured as he cupped her cheek, like he couldn’t bear to look away from her.

“And you’re as handsome as ever.”

He smiled and found her hand. “Come,” was all he said, and she nodded and squeezed his hand. She paused to turn back and thank the magpies one last time, then followed Sora’s lead.

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Sora sighed as Kairi slept soundly in his arms. A part of him wished they could stay awake the entire day they had together, from sundown to sundown, but they’d tried that before and it had just made them both too tired to fully enjoy their time together.

Still, there was something nice about holding her as she slept. She was in his house and in his arms, which was how things were supposed to be. His only regret was that she couldn’t stay with him always. But that was thanks to their own foolishness. What he wouldn’t give to rewind time and do things over again.

Looking out the window, a deep sigh escaped him. “The moon sure is beautiful tonight, isn’t it?” he murmured, then kissed Kairi’s cheek. “Sleep well, my wife.”

When he woke up the next morning, delicious smells greeted his nose. Kairi had cooked all his favorite foods, and his heart melted when she greeted him as he sat down to eat. She joined him soon afterwards, and they thanked the other members of the heavenly court before eating their breakfast.

“What do you want to do today?” he asked her as he ate pieces of tofu from his miso soup.

“Well, I’d love to write wishes together on tanzaku paper and then hang them on bamboo like we always do.”

“Sure.”

They did that every year, wishing that this would be the year they could finally stay together for good.

“And then I want to see your herd of cows.”

“Of course.”

Kairi had names for all of them, and she liked seeing how they were doing.

“But what do you want to do?” she finally asked after drinking the rest of her miso soup.

“Be with you. Really, that’s it. Every moment we’re together is precious to me.”

Her cheeks flushed a little and she averted her eyes. “My husband, you flatter me too well.”

“You deserve to be flattered.”

He pulled her into his lap and kissed her, and she giggled.

“We can’t spend all day in your house,” she chided even as she didn’t stop the kisses he was trailing down her neck.

“But maybe, just a few more stolen moments…”

“Just a few more stolen moments is all we have,” she said, her voice low and her eyes drooping, and he paused.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you sad.”

“I’m tired of this,” she told him as she ran her hand through his hair. “I’m tired of being separated from you. One day a year isn’t enough. It just isn’t enough to show you how I feel about you.”

“I know.” His heart was heavy at the prospect. “Still, one day is better than nothing at all, and I don’t want our time together to be poisoned with sadness.”

“I don’t either.” She took a deep breath and smiled. “Enough talk of this. Let’s be happy while we still can and save the tears for later.”

“Yeah.”

They had so little time together as it was. Sora wanted to make sure the memories would be happy ones. Good ones that would tide them over until next year.

For now, that was the best they could hope for.

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Even though they did the same things every year, Kairi treasured them every time. First they saw Sora’s cows, and he introduced her to the new members of the herd and asked her to help him name them. Then they wrote their wish to always be together on long, rectangular strips of tanzaku paper and tied them to bamboo that had been laid out for the summer festival. Various other activities followed until it was time for lunch, which Sora made for her this time.

For the early afternoon when the heat was most intense, they remained inside Sora’s house, and when the cool of the day had arrived, they ventured back outside again. The cicadas were buzzing loudly in the trees, and Kairi felt a pang in her chest as she thought about how much she wanted to spend every season with Sora, not just one day a year during the summer. They would never get to watch the leaves turn red and gold together. They would never get to experience the first snow together. They would never get to welcome the coming of spring with the cherry trees blooming together.

“Kairi?” Sora asked as they strolled along the river. They only had a few hours left together, and she would be punished harshly for being late. So at this point in the day, they usually just walked and talked together till it was time for her to go.

“I’m okay, I just… wish we could experience every season together.”

“I do too.”

She couldn’t bear to look in his eyes right now. Despite their best attempts, their impending separation was looming heavy on their hearts.

“Have you tried asking your father again to have mercy on us?” Sora asked quietly. “Surely we’ve more than made up for what we did. Seven years, Kairi. It’s been seven whole years of living like this, and it’s hell. I can’t take it anymore.”

“I fear that if I do ask him, he will revoke even this one day we do have.”

“Does he really love his daughter so little that he would doom her to a lifetime of misery over one mistake?”

“It’s what we deserve, for neglecting our duties,” she said, her throat tight. “We’re lucky he lets us meet at all.”

“But we’ve worked hard these seven years,” he said. “We’ve apologized for what we did. Now the heavenly court is more prosperous than ever. You saw how many new cows were born this year, and you told me that your weaving is your best yet. What are you so afraid of?”

She paused, and he stopped too.

“Kairi?”

“I’m scared that if we’re allowed to be together, the same thing will happen all over again,” she confessed. “When I’m with you, I don’t care about anything else anymore. Not my weaving, not my duties, just you. All I can think about is you, and all I want to do is be with you. But we can’t live like that. We have to do our part. At least this way we get to spend a whole day together guilt free because we’ve earned it.”

“No,” Sora said. “This isn't natural. It’s not good for us to be separated like this. I don’t care what happened in the past. We won’t neglect our duties this time, and we deserve a second chance. How will we continue my family name if we’re robbed of the chance to have children? How can we say we’re truly married when you’re not allowed to live with me, your husband?”

“But what if my father says no?” she asked, so quietly she couldn’t hear her own voice. “What if he bans us from ever seeing each other again?”

“That’s a risk I’m willing to take. I vowed to protect you and to provide for you. You deserve better than one day a year of that.” He put his hand under her chin and gently tilted it up so she would look him in the eye. “And besides, your father loves you. He wants what’s best for the heavenly court, it’s true, but you’re his family, and he takes his duty to his family seriously too.”

“Okay. I’ll ask him. But there’s no guarantee he’ll say yes.”

“Yeah. But imagine if he did.” Sora wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. “I could come home to you every evening after a hard day’s work. I’d get to tell you, “I’m back,” and you’d get to tell me, ‘You’re home,’ like it should be. Then after dinner we’d have the entire evening to ourselves to do as we wished, and the entire night to spend in each other’s arms. And then, maybe someday, there will be a few more cushions in our house—”

“Don’t, please,” she said, her throat tight. She didn’t want to think about the life they couldn’t have because of what they’d done.

“Why not?” he asked as he pulled back. “Why not let ourselves dream a little?”

“Because dreams always end in disappointment. You wake up, and then they’re over, and you feel worse knowing what you could have but can never get.”

He shook his head. “Not this dream. This dream can be real.”

“If you say so.”

“We have to at least try.”

She looked to the sky. The sun was setting now, and they didn’t have much time left.

“You’re right. We have to at least try.”

They spent the remainder of their time together mostly in silence because some things didn’t need to be said out loud. Then Sora walked her to the place where the magpies always came as the moon rose again. As the loyal birds gathered to make the bridge, she turned to her husband one last time.

“Well, I’m off.”

“Goodbye, Kairi,” he said, ever so softly. “Return to me safely.”

“Goodbye, Sora. You know I will.”

She released his hand and started across the bridge the magpies had made, thanking them again for their help. When she looked back at Sora, his hand still lingered in the air, and she could tell he was trying very hard to stay brave.

She had to look away at that point or she would start crying for sure. Each step away from him was tearing her heart asunder because he had a part of her heart and always would. And as she walked away from him, she knew she was carrying a part of his heart with her, too.

“Until we meet again,” she called to him when she’d safely crossed and the magpies were flying away.

“Until we meet again.”

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At first, Sora was hopeful that he would hear word from Kairi’s father. That the great Sky King would have mercy on his beloved daughter and her husband and let them be together. Despite the punishment he’d doled out to them, he was generally a merciful ruler, just and fair. And he’d already relented once to the pleas of his daughter. There was a chance he would relent again.

So Sora herded his cows with a spring in his step and anticipation in his heart. He would work harder than ever to prove that he and Kairi deserved to be together again and wouldn’t slack on their duties. He was out in the fields from sunup to sundown tending to the cows, and even though the work was hard, it was sweet, knowing that any day now he might hear word from the king.

A week passed like this. Then two weeks. Then a month. But still he heard nothing. Doubt crept into his heart. Surely Kairi would’ve asked by now, right? And if her father had said yes, surely he would’ve sent word to Sora already. But nothing happened, and Sora’s heart began to falter.

Was there a point to this? To any of this? Why work hard if nothing ever changed? Why slave away all day when he had no wife to come home to? Could he really keep doing this for the rest of his life? All for the chance to see Kairi only once a year, if her father deemed her work good enough and deemed his work good enough and if they lucked out on the weather and—

He groaned and sank onto his cushions. “To hell with this, I’m this close to swimming across that damn river even if it kills me.”

The night breeze blew through the window, and it made the tanzaku papers he’d hung all around the room flutter. Normally, after the summer festival was over, the bamboo branches with the tanzaku papers attached were floated down the river, but he’d always saved the ones he and Kairi made. He had precious few mementos of her, so every single one of these papers was precious to him.

Maybe… maybe this was a test. To prove to her father they deserved to be together. If he gave in to his despair and stopped working, he might fail the test and jeopardize any chance they had of being together for good.

So that meant he had to keep working. Had to put in more effort than ever in the hopes it would be enough.

One month melted into two months, and two months blended into three months. Some days were easier than others, but Sora began to doubt that Kairi’s father would ever relent. He wouldn’t see her again for another nine months. The weather was getting cooler and the leaves were starting to turn colors. Summer was over, and this year would be like all the rest.

Kairi had woven him a special kimono several years ago that would keep him warm in colder weather, and he layered it over his other clothing one cool autumn morning. Even on cold days though, the sun often shone bright overhead, so he also donned one of his hats to keep the sun away and set out.

Rain or shine, no matter the temperature, he had to look after the cows, and so he treasured the gifts Kairi had given him. They made the job easier, and they reminded him of her. And yet his heart was still heavy. He wanted to do nothing more than stay in his house and sleep. Because at least in his dreams he could be with her.

The days were long and dull even though the sun set earlier and earlier. The work was the same as ever, and he just went through the motions because his heart was far away. The days faded into each other as autumn faded into winter, and then snow coated the ground in a silent blanket. The nights were long and the days were short, and he longed for the coming of spring. Spring was when the world came alive again. Spring was when he knew he was close to seeing his beloved again, because after spring, summer would come once more. And that meant Kairi would come once more.

Unless her father had forbidden her from ever seeing Sora again. But there would be no way to know that until the time came.

At long last, the snow began to melt and the flowers began to bud. The birds were chirping and the animals were pairing up again, ready to bring new life into the world. Everything felt a little less hopeless than it had during the winter as everything came back to life.

The day the cherry blossoms began to bloom, Sora decided to go by the Heavenly River to see them once he was done with work. The sun was setting over the horizon, and the view was incredible. Cherry trees lined the river on both sides, and the few days when they were all in full bloom, they looked amazing. He really wished that for once, he could share this with Kairi, but he’d just have to remember it well enough to tell her about it later.

He stayed till the moon rose and the stars were twinkling in the heavens. Time to go home.

As he approached his house, he noticed something strange. Light shone through the windows, and smoke was wafting out of one of them. Was someone there?

That was strange, he couldn’t remember inviting anyone over.

Frowning, he slid the door open and removed his shoes before stepping up into the house. “I’m back,” he called, the usual greeting he gave when he returned home.

“You’re home,” came the voice that was more precious to him than any voice. A moment later, she appeared around the corner.

“Kairi?” he said, hardly believing what he was seeing. Sure enough, she was here in his house, holding his cooking utensils with a big smile on her face. She looked elegant in her layers of robes, and her face was practically glowing and her cheeks were round.

“Is this really real?” he whispered, frozen in shock. He was afraid that if he moved, the dream would be over.

She nodded. “It is real.”

“Then—your father?”

A huge smile spread across her face. “We have his blessing.”

“We do? But how? I thought, after all those months, that he wouldn’t—”

She took his hand and led it to her stomach. He gasped as he felt how round it was, as he realized what this meant, as he figured out why her face was round and why she was practically glowing and why she was wearing so many robes—

“Turns out that the prospect of grandchildren is enough to soften even my father’s heart,” she said with a smile, then her face turned serious. “I would’ve come sooner, but he wanted to spend time with me before I left his house, and I wanted to make up for all the work I’ll be missing soon. I brought my weaving here with me, of course, but I’ll need some time off after the baby arrives to rest and heal.”

A lump built in Sora’s throat. This was too much to handle. “You mean—you’re here to stay? We can finally be together?”

Even as he said the words, he could hardly believe them. Kairi was here and she had her father’s blessing? She was here and they could finally start a family? She was here and she was bearing their child, the fruit of all their years of suffering and heartache, of all their love and hope and perseverance?

A tear rolled down her cheek before she smiled, her most beautiful smile yet. “Yes, my love. We’ll be together forever.”

He couldn’t take this anymore. He gathered her in his arms and held her as they both wept and wept and wept. All those years of separation for their foolish mistake were over. The dream had come true, and they would be together every day from now on.

He kissed her after that, kissed her deeply to show her how much he’d missed her, to show her how much he loved her. And wonder of wonders, when the kiss was over, she brought his hand to her stomach and together, they felt their baby kick.

“Welcome to the family,” he choked out as he knelt at her feet and kissed her belly, tears threatening to spill out of his eyes again. Kairi was here and their baby would be with them soon too. They were going to be parents, and they would finally get to have the family they’d dreamed of.

When he looked up into her eyes again, she was radiant. A little bit of that radiance must be rubbing off on him, because his smile felt bigger and brighter than it had ever been.

“Welcome home, Kairi.”

“Welcome home, Sora.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: Ever since ReMind came out and there was this beautiful shot of Sora and Kairi against the sky...

...I wanted to write a Tanabata-themed story for them. And as it just so happens, Tanabata falls during SoKai Week this year, so it was the perfect opportunity.

Anyway, I really enjoyed incorporating Japanese mythology into my writing this time. I’ve written some stories based on Greek mythology, so it was nice to branch out. And though the original story doesn’t really offer a resolution (as far as I know), I got to thinking about how the story might be resolved and how the lovers might be reunited again, and this is where my musings led me.

Thanks for reading! And thank you to @angel-with-a-pipette for the input and feedback!

#sokai #sokaiweek #sokaiweek2020 #sora #kairi #kingdom hearts #kh fanfiction #phoenix writes #phoenix downer #romance #angst #star-crossed lovers #tanabata #japanese mythology #marriage #family #long post

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chxrdsxfsteel · 5 years

Text

Narumitsu Week Day 1 - Beginnings

AAAA this is probably the first time I've formally managed to attempt participating in this stuff, mostly because I'm still a tiny bit inexperienced with writing

My theming of Day 1's prompt will be around Phoenix's letters to Edgeworth, spanning from December 2001 (immediately following DL-6 incident) to roughly August 2016 (including covering the day of The First Turnabout).

I'm gonna warn that there'll be spoilers for Gyakuten Kenji 2/Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth: Prosecutor's Path, Ace Attorney (the original), and Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations, as well as the Ace Attorney anime episodes Turnabout Promise and Sound the Turnabout Melody. Also, mentions of death, some minor violence and the usual crap discussed in the Ace Attorney series applies here, so read at your own risk.

December 29th, 2001

Dear Miles, I dunno what happened yesterday.. The power went out and Mom and I had to eat dinner with candles since the power stayed off all night. Mom said it was a 'quake, a really bad one. I went to school today and didn't see you, so I hope you're okay.. Uh, I'm gonna try to get this to your uncle Ray, so he can get this to you, like we usually do if your dad isn't around to take my letters to you after I send them in the mail. Come back to school, please!! -- Phoenix

---

December 31st, 2001

Dear Miles, ...I heard your dad's gone away.. When I got my first letter to Uncle Ray, he was crying and stuff. He kept saying your dad won't be coming back from the courthouse.. I had to redo this letter a few times after that, cuz I kept crying all over it. It.. I...

(The letter is smudged a little bit all over the words after that, making the contents a little harder to read on the already semi-terrible handwriting.)

Man, I cried all over this one too, but not as bad, so I guess I'll send it. I'm real glad you and Larry aren't here to laugh at me, but I'm also really missing you bad, Miles. I don't have a dad, either, so I really wish you'd come back and stay with me and Mom. Mom says she misses you too. Where did you go...? It really hurts not having you here.. I can't stop crying... I can't stop.. Please come back!! -- Phoenix

(There's a tiny scribbled P.S. on the edge of this letter. 'P.S.- Happy New Year's in advance, I guess')

---

January 2002

Dear Miles, I.. think the teacher said you moved. I'm writing this at recess, so.. it's not gonna be as good. It's gonna be longer, too.. sorta. I don't know where you moved, but.. It hurts that you did. It's all over the news that your dad got.. I think it said 'shot'. Is that why he's not coming back? Uh, never mind, don't answer that. Lots of stuff happened since you went away. Uncle Ray stopped coming to see me after I gave him my other letter, so I'm gonna try giving this one to the principal or Mr. Grossberg's to have them try to get it to you. I feel really.. empty. Especially since you didn't write back yet. (I hope I spelled that right.. I had to ask a teacher to help me spell that.) It kinda hurts coming to school every day since you're not there. I miss you telling Larry he's saying dumb stuff (cuz he does).. I miss you teaching me about law stuff. I miss you getting all the teacher's questions right and helping me read better. I really miss you. ..I wonder, if this is how it feels for you to miss your dad. Does Uncle Ray and Larry and Mom miss you this bad, too? -- Phoenix

(Again, the letter is riddled with the occasional tear stain, and the last couple of lines seem unusually shaky, as if the writer were starting to lose their resolve mid-sentence..)

---

May 2002

Dear Miles, It was raining today when graduation happened. All of us got really wet, but you know what? I made it, Miles! I'm not gonna be in elementary school anymore! I'm a middle schooler now! ..But now I'm gonna get a cold and I'm gonna be stuck in bed for a week. Stupid rain!! Oh well, at least I got almost all A's. I'm working really hard to get to college like you were saying! You said you wanted to go to college someday to be a lawyer, right? I'm gonna do that, too! I wanna find you so we can defend people together someday like your dad did! He'd want that, right? Oh yeah, Larry and I are also learning how to draw and stuff. I wanna draw really good too, like those people who draw court trials for a living. If I really end up not being able to be a lawyer, I can at least draw you in court doing stuff, right? Anyways, I'm REALLY hoping this dumb letter gets to you this time!! The last one got sent a little bit before you showed up to get your dog back in December, but I guess it's okay that you didn't answer it. It was really good to see you again, but I'm also really scared you'll get sad and lonely by yourself out there. I hope you can visit without running away this time, okay..? -- Sincerely, Phoenix Wright

(There's another P.S. at the bottom of the letter. 'P.S- You used to put 'sincerely' on your old letters before you said your name, so I'm gonna try it, too!')

---

Spring 2004

Dear Miles, Did you like my radio request..? It was the only way I could think of to get my message out there. I really hope you're still in California to even hear that, Miles. So, I'd seen that Larry had bought a radio, since he said that was how adults liked entertainment nowadays.. (I hope I spelled that right, Miles. You kept referring to our old favorite show as 'children's entertainment' every time you talked about it at school!) I heard that the station was giving out requests one day, so I called them and asked! ..It's goofy, I know. I remember you went all pink when we were kids when I said nice stuff about you when you were there to hear it.. It made me feel warm when I thought about you! I still do feel warm, but I also feel like crying, because you're not here.

You're out there somewhere, out there with someone I don't know, out there with your dog, and that's still enough to make me feel happy. It makes me hope that you'll get these letters someday, Signal Red. ...Man, now Larry's laughing at me! I'm sitting here at lunch on the roof with him, writing this, and he said I looked all dreamy when I was writing this and my request to the station. Now I'M going pink! Okay, I'm gonna quit writing now before Larry sees it and laughs at me again.. I did mean what I said on my request, though. I want to see you again, Miles. Here's hoping one day, I can. Somehow, something tells me that my voice might help me the same way you helped me three years ago.. -- Sincerely, Phoenix Wright

---

August 2013

Dear Miles, I haven't written one of these in a while, heh.. I see you still haven't gotten my letters. Damn my life. I really had hoped you'd get the last one.. When did I write that, middle school..? I bought a radio with Larry's help after that, but you never did post a request after I did, so I kept it and moved on. I've decided I'm going to become a courtroom artist, so I've enrolled in Ivy University. Actually, haha, I didn't even MENTION that part first! I got into college finally! I had to redo my SAT a couple of times to get in, but I did it anyway! I'm mainly in their art program, but I'm doing some law studying on the side. Speaking of law... I heard you became a prosecutor not that long ago. The really nasty kind, like that gross von Karma guy. ..I saw a news story, right? It talked about you. There's some really nasty rumors going around, both in the papers and even around here at school. Nobody believes me when I say I had you for a friend, Miles. You used to be really thoughtful, and also kinda blunt. But I have a soft spot for you. A.. Admittedly..

(There's a break in the page. The handwriting got slightly shaky.)

...I guess you'd term it as 'unnecessary feelings', huh? Since middle school, I couldn't quit thinking about you wherever I went. Stuff keeps reminding me of you on a daily basis. Little Pomeranians walking around reminds me instantly of your tiny dog.. Every time I hear the Signal Samurai song when they do the occasional rerun reminds me of the time Larry bought us those keychains as kids, and that one time I had the radio people play the theme song. Since I've gotten here to Ivy University, I finally started contemplating my love life. I... never bothered with it, since I had you and Larry when we were in elementary.. You never bothered with girls, so I didn't feel so bad about being too nervous to ask any out. But the truth is... Maybe you were, and still are, enough to trump any girl. Okay, sure, I still occasionally wish I could kiss one or say 'I love you' to a girl, but.. most often, I end up imagining you in that girl's place. I see us together on the courtroom floor, working together to find the truth.. I see us finding the truth and smiling, even if one of us loses. Maybe a really long hug or a kiss at the very end of the trial, when nobody's looking at us. You going all pink and telling me that's unnecessary, but me insisting, like the goof people always call me now.

(Another break in the page. The handwriting gets slightly shaky again.)

...but I can't have you by my side now. Not now. You're stuck, Miles, and I can see that even though I can't see you physically here with me. It's almost like I can karmically feel your pain. If that makes any sense. (It probably doesn't.) I want to save you from becoming that von Karma dude. I'll get there eventually, right..?

(Another break in the page. The letter actually ends up on a second piece of paper this time, carefully handwritten in blue pen like the rest.)

..There's another reason why I can't do any of that sappy stuff I wrote earlier, at least not with you. I got a girlfriend, a really pretty one that smells sweet like cake.. Her name is Dahlia Hawthorne, and she's a writing student here at Ivy! We met up at the courthouse while I was doing some reading in the library, and I bumped into her when she'd been doing some stuff for a paper. She gave me this lovely glass necklace, with a tiny blue container and some gold decoration stuff. I ended up falling for her on the spot, ahaha. I did say earlier that I like girls, too, Miles, so I guess this makes sense! We started going out after she gave me the necklace, and she's absolutely wonderful! She makes me food all the time, and she made me this cute pink sweater I wish you'd see. (Knowing you, you'd probably end up laughing at how silly it looks, but if that's what Dollie's into, then I'll go with it!) I still really miss you, Miles, though. I wish you could meet Dahlia. She's like an angel, like the butterflies she's always got around her. She's as sweet as her coffee and cookies she makes. I'd draw her, but it'd be really weird if I gave you a picture of her, she said. Uh, I guess I'll write again later, this kinda got long.. -- Sincerely, Phoenix Wright

---

April 10th, 2014

(The letter has standard stationary belonging to the detention center, with some kind of emblem on the top, unlike the past letters which were on plain copy paper. The pen ink is replaced with pencil this time. Even the handwriting looks somber.)

Dear Miles, ...I got arrested. I guess I'd better explain, huh? Dollie had a boyfriend before me, apparently.. He was some snooty guy from the Pharmacology part of Ivy named Doug. He kept warning me about Dollie being dangerous or something, so I pushed him over and ran away. It'd been raining yesterday.. and... and..

(Tear stains almost ruins the writing in this section of the letter.)

...and Doug was gone, when I came back. I felt really bad for pushing him, honest! Now.. I might be responsible for him dying. How's that for bad luck, huh? I feel really heavy, like when I was a kid and your dad had gotten shot dead.. I can't really stop crying, and the guards are probably gonna yell at me to shut up if I start really going at it. Plus, I'm sick today, because I got a cold a little while ago thanks to all that rain.. God, Miles, I really wish you hadn't become a fucking prosecutor! I wish you were here to help me again! WHY DID GREGORY HAVE TO--

(More tear stains ruin a whole line of text following the name and messily written handwriting, making it unreadable. The writer must have been inconsolable trying to write this.)

....I had to get someone else to try defending me ib--

(The next word was crossed out after the tear-ruined handwriting. So was a few other expletives following that. Eventually, after a lot of crossed-out words in pencil, the letter continues a little more properly.)

...Crap, I ruined the letter, didn't I, Miles? I just feel so lost right now. I don't even have Larry or Dollie to make me feel better, and you're still off out there prosecuting. As I was saying before I messed up my words, I got another lawyer to hear me out. My trial starts tomorrow, so... I might be doomed. I'll never be able to become a lawyer and save you, it seems! I'll just be stuck in this gloomy prison for the rest of my life.. I really doubt I can get out of this one okay, Miles. I'm not good at doing stuff last-minute. You are, and you're not here.. Please, just this once.. Just this once, Miles... Come back.. Answer my damn letter! Please! Just once! I can't take being alone like this! I can't take it!! -- Signal Red

(The letter's not even signed properly.)

---

April 12th, 2014

(The letter goes back to its usual format, with one addition. There's an attached drawing this time. The drawing appears to be of Edgeworth himself, holding a few sunflowers and gladiolus flowers in his hands. The drawing is also in color, with Edgeworth being drawn in some distinctive shade of maroon.)

Dear Miles, ...Everything about Dahlia was a lie! She lied to EVERYONE. Including me. She was gonna kill me for real, Miles! Maybe I should've listened to imaginary-you and trusted my gut in court yesterday. Speaking of, I almost got poisoned! I'm having to write this from the hospital today, since they wanna make sure I'm not going to be poisoned for sure. But I've changed my mind about being a courtroom artist. That's no way to save you, Miles! I've made up my mind- I'm pursuing law full-time. My defense attorney, Mia, said she'd help me out if I were ever to go that way, and now I am. Dahlia's not holding me back, and now I won't let anything short of the law itself hold me back from saving you. Sure, it's probably really stupid to quit while I'm ahead, but.. I can't really say I should hold myself back anymore. I'm scared, but I want to push on now. I want you to smile with me again, Miles. That sappy stuff I said before.. I truly mean it. I love you, somehow. I don't know exactly how else to put it. You never read these, so I might as well be entirely honest, right? I promise, Miles, that I'll save you at any cost. Even if I have to defend you in court, I'll save you! That drawing’s some proof to it! -- Sincerely, Phoenix

(The P.S. this time says, ‘P.S- If I learnt anything from my shit experiences with Dahlia, it’s the meanings of the flowers I drew you with. Gladiolus flowers mean remembrance.. and sunflowers usually get symbolized for loyalty and joy. I also hear it’s a flower associated with lawyers...’)

---

July 2016

Dear Miles, Phew! I'm glad to say I finally managed to get my attorney's badge! The Bar Association just approved it today, and I'm not gonna lie, I ended up crying when my results came in! I'm now going to work for my past defense lawyer, Mia Fey! She was really happy when she'd heard I wanted to work as a member of her law team, and I'm gonna move into the office pretty soon now that I'm not gonna live in my old college apartment anymore. ..Yeah, I'm still gonna keep writing these letters to you, even though you haven't answered any of them all these years. So what if you never answered them? ..I'll keep sending them anyway. I'll be more of a pest than Larry was to us as kids until the day I die or the day you come back! ..Well, I digress. (Please tell me someday if I used this right.) Uh, anyways, things have been relatively okay since my last letter. I got my law degree, and that was really exhausting. My sleep schedule's now ruined forever thanks to going through the cogs of law full-time in college, but I kinda know what I'm doing about law now. I'm still doing art, but I more or less do it strictly as a hobby now, to be honest. I'm still in contact with Larry, too, but he's usually pretty bad at his jobs and stuff. He's a bit of a deadbeat, just like you remember him from elementary school. I don't have any pets, save for Charley, the office plant that's in Mia's office. I also got a brand-new suit the other day, a really bright blue one! Man, it was pretty cheap, and it fits kinda weird, but the shade's really comforting to me for some reason. It reminds me of Signal Blue, from Signal Samurai. I still have my old keychain to this day. It's on my phone now, actually, and I think of you a lot whenever I see it there. Mia told me a bit about her sister, Maya. She says she really likes bad jokes and that Steel Samurai show that plays sometimes on TV. I told her how you used to like Signal Samurai as a kid, and Mia said you'd probably be the kinda person who likes Steel Samurai. (I don't doubt it, surprisingly. After all, it's kinda Larry's fault you and I ever got into Signal Samurai..)

(There's a second sheet of paper attached.)

Oh, there's one more thing! Larry finally got a girlfriend. She's somewhere else right now, I think, maybe some kinda business trip? Her name was something like Cindy, I think.. but anyways, she and Larry have been having an awful lot of trouble lately, so I'm sincerely doubting they'll make it. ..As for me, well.. my mushy stuff still stands. Now, I mostly daydream about you when I'm not brushing up on law stuff or checking emails for Mia or cleaning the toilet.. I keep imagining you as a defense attorney like Mr. Gregory was, standing confident and having your cold-hard logic crush any lies that might come your way.. Well, and what I said in my last letter, heh. Me.. uh, kissing you and all that. That still stands! A lot! ..I just don't know if I can say this outside of writing, ugh. I feel so nervous just writing this down, and Mia's starting to stare eye-sized holes in my soul from where I'm sitting... Does she suspect something? Okay, yeah, maybe she does. All I usually do once asked why I became an attorney is gush about that tiny class trial years ago, when you defended me despite everyone else (save for Larry) not believing me when I said I didn't steal your lunch money.. I've kinda-sorta come to terms with the fact that you're apparently the one person I can count on for me to love, since you haven't killed me and haven't done anything else to break my heart besides not reading my goddamn letters ever. Seriously, Miles.. You've never sent any letters back to me.. That's okay, though. Maybe if you never open these, you'll never reject me like Dahlia Hawthorne did.. -- Sincerely, Phoenix Wright

---

August 3rd, 2016

Dear Miles, Okay... Here's my first ever trial! Larry got.. arrested. Probably the worst thing that's happened to him yet, I'm afraid. He's been accused of killing Cindy, apparently?? The second I heard about it, I asked the Chief to give me the case on the double! The problem? My stupid fricking not-diagnosed anxiety, that's what's the issue here! Well, that, and this IS my first trial.. Thankfully the Chief's gonna help back me up, but to be entirely honest, I'm kind of shaking right now.. I'm writing this as I'm preparing for the trial, so I don't know the outcome. Uh, wish me luck from out there, Miles! Maybe if I manage to bail Larry out of this, AND you answer my letters for once, how about the three of us go out somewhere and celebrate with the Chief? I think you'd really like Mia, Miles. She's really smart and really strong and independent, and I think you'd probably admire that a whole lot.. (And to be honest, you really should just answer my goddamn letters for once.. I miss you still, and I'm one step closer to saving you..!) -- Sincerely, Phoenix

---

April 4th, 2019 -- High Prosecutor's Office, Room 1202

Papers with varying writings scattered across the maroon-clad prosecutor’s desk, His heart fluttered slightly, feeling strong embarrassment at Wright accusing him of never touching the letters in the final page of the last letter he'd gotten before the pair reunited back during the trial of Mia Fey's murder. To be fair to the defense attorney, it hadn't exactly been his fault for not recieving them.. But to be fair to himself, he'd never bothered to open a single one, not even after Wright had freed him from the burden of ever having to hold back his pain that von Karma had caused him. As a result of realizing that, he felt his face flush furiously, almost the color of his own suit.

"...Calm yourself, Miles," the silver-haired man grumbled to himself, willing away the heat from his cheeks to the best of his ability.... and then it hit him like a pile of bricks, right then, That Sort Of Realization. He remembered wordings from a couple of the past letters, and..

Oh. Now he felt as if he'd gotten slapped in the face with a white-hot iron to the face. That was how flustered he felt, attempting to re-assemble his mess of brain cells after realizing W-- Phoenix had imagined the same things he did. No wonder Franziska said Phoenix was a distraction. He kind of was. But the good sort. How is it that he managed to miss that for so impossibly long...?!

That was incredibly embarrassing, to say the least! The grey-haired prosecutor gave a deep sigh, pinching the bottom of his nose and staying like that for at least the next ten minutes before huffing, stuffing the letters back in the bag, and locating the nearest pen and paper. Then, in a flurry of determination and his much-neater-cursive-print-hybrid handwriting, Edgeworth began to write something on the paper, his grey eyes focused very carefully on the words he wrote.

Dear Phoenix, I wish to tell you something, now that you and I have a little less chaos in our lives at the moment to prevent me from answering you...

~Fin~

#nmweek19 #opening statements #phoenix wright #miles edgeworth #writing #(phew!! here's entry one!!)#(man this got Lengthy though)#guilty queue

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isakwon · 6 years

Text

MALEVO 2

Pairing: Reader x Got7′s Kim Yugyeom

Genre: Angst

Warning: Violence and swearing

Word Count: 3K

MALEVO 1

Thank goodness the dark curtains provided with the dormitory shuts the sunlight out from blinding the heck out of your slumber. You adored waking up being completely wrapped with puffy blankets laying softly over the pillows and judging from the silence around you, your roommate must’ve left for work. It all a dream; the last things you remember from that night terror had been your loved ones going missing, getting mysteriously threatened with notes, and the paranoia that stayed behind waking up. Once fear eased down out your stomach, you don’t hear noise come around outside the walls, meaning you are home alone. Being home alone weekend mornings gives the opportunity to do whatever you want and the idea has you excited. Your roommate must’ve gained enough energy after finishing her late night shift and decided cleaning the entire house while you were sleeping, leaving everything looking spotless with the exception of some dirty dishes. You blindly turned the television on before walking straight toward the small kitchen preparing breakfast. Without watching the screen, the news anchormen discuss over the most recent morning topics.

“Our Country Police Department have track down several drug victims using the brand new strategy called “Operation Hammer”. Both Police and the FBI are using Battering Ram Tanks to tear down houses that has been accused of drug possession in order to stop this devastatingly fast growing rate of crack, cocaine and marijuana. Last night, three houses have been demolished and only one containing bags of what looks like cocaine within every wall, beds, the floor and even the inclusion of illegal weapons.” One female reporter said from the screen.

“All four owners were arrested with one currently in the hospital due to spinal damage from getting rammed.”

You sink down the chair eating your prepared breakfast in front the T.V. displaying the hood streets where police search half demolished homes surrounded with victims dressed in their bathrobes and pajamas, holding children much younger than six years old. One interviewed woman describes her perspective how she was sleeping next to her husband and grand baby, next thing she knew the sounds of big wheels draw closer and closer until suddenly they are left with half a home. A majority of victims face mistaken identity and now shockingly the victims are put with blame. Unfortunately half the victims become unjustified and lose their own case against the police especially when somebody gotten seriously injured and it was so obviously clear the police are at fault.

“We were scared and it’s just horrible because those kids were in these houses, they could’ve been killed.”

You stiffen your vision toward the screen that showed police exiting the torn house with little to no expression on them, including the President’s wife escorted by them . Four actual drug abusers are imprisoned and rehabilitate while nothing else will be known about the mistaken victims roaming around the front yard wearily, hugging wailing children. Wondering helplessly what’s gonna happen to them and where they’re going to stay, how their children can get dressed now that their uniforms are covered with dust. You fold your arms across your chest while exhale heavily, shaking you head. Damn was the most you thought to yourself as the reporters moved on to the following morning topic. All scenes similar are the first and last time the victims will be heard from. It was like the justice supreme liked thinking themselves as if their job was all a game of messed up chess, considering themselves as Kings, Queens and Bishops and Knights trying to eliminate pawns that never moved

Many cops knew how their job should be done and how suspects should be treated firstly during interrogation. Others who did whatever they wanted assault on the innocent or for just for any other senseless reason.

Once breakfast was over you cleaned yourself and dressed into simple shirt and pants, not really having desires to go anywhere today since your roommate left and later tonight you are going out with a date that you haven’t had in forever. Men during junior and high school approached you confessed their past feelings and admitted they were afraid that there was something more grew with your feelings towards Yugyeom. Your thumb presses the delete contact button under Yugyeom’s contact that now was useless for keeping old messages and dated back call logs. You would stand in the middle of the living room, gripping the phone with your fingers, and planting your feet down facing the door, not wanting to move.

...

“I can’t date anybody cause they feel jealous of you.”

You grip the steering wheel with both hands on opposite direction, attempting jokes but at the same time being serious toward Yugyeom who keeps eating his boxed food.

“It’s not that their jealous, your lovers are afraid about what will happen if they make you cry.” He says, bringing the forkful food to his mouth. “Plus they don’t need to worry about us together.”

He picks something stuck in his teeth as you stare at the red dot over your heads. And you purse your lips together breathing through your nostrils. “Yugyeom, do you think someday we’ll stop being best friends?” You ask.

Yugyeom stares onto the side of your face, wide eyed. “How can you think that?”

“I mean once we’re married, our partners wouldn’t favor friends like us hanging out as much as we do. Even if we bring our time together to a minimum, I’ll be worried your future wife won’t accept me.”

Your fingers fall down the steering wheel as your heart twists in your chest. Remembering folded surprise notes hidden in your bag. Every note had malicious comments demanding you to find a new best friend. One day returning from being sick, Yugyeom found a paper tack in your change of shoes with the needle facing up the air. You were shocked knowing how someone could do such things to you just because you were close friends with a male this person has a crush on. He grabs your shoulder, rubbing his hand over and you turn your eyes toward Yugyeom.

“Y/N, if our future spouses don’t want to spend time together then they might as well have each other. There’s no healthy relationship if there isn’t any trust.”

Trust was Yugyeom’s best traits, and his trust sometimes amazed you. He never shared secrets and he never let anyone down. Anytime you needed help finishing an essay, he’d help you with research and anytime you thought you would get grounded for something you knew was wrong.

“Trust me, no matter what happens I promise we’ll be friends forever. You’re like my sister, if anybody breaks your heart, they better pray for themself.” He says getting an amused scoff from you in response. That promise was sealed with a handshake and hug Yugyeom would cover for you. All that Yugyeom has done for you, you would do for him. One day there would be knocking coming from the door and his figure outline visible from the otherside, waiting for you to open. You press the cancel option below the delete contact option. Yugyeom should’ve been deleted but you just never had the heart to, like removing him from your life.

His contact still under your thumb following the call button, keeping your thumb hovered and moving back and forth, staring. You waited something from him like a call saying he’s okay, if his family’s okay. You been urging to dial him for so long, without realizing your fingers fumble over the screen, feeling the phone vibrate, just thinking purely about Yugyeom. “Hello?”

“Hey Y/N, how are ya?” Your boss called, “Say can you come in a little early today?”

He asks you to cover some coworker’s daylight shift. A quiet moan immersed deep down the bottom of your throat just so your boss could not hear- you were just enjoying the morning all to yourself. You had not stayed at home for countless weeks and dearly missed for lounging before you went out. But your boss was such a sweetheart and fun person.

“Thank you. Have a wonderful day.” Your shift comes closer towards the end.

Upon your arrival he instantly greets and thanks you making your face grow red overhearing his compliments. So far things run smoothly without being too busy, customers seemed to be in a good mood. Half the customers telling you how pretty your smile is and some new coworkers asking advice how to become a better employee. You knew since today is a good day, your date tonight might succeed.

You greeted and smiled every single customer while wiping tables and chairs. Good thing arriving early provided being released early, giving you enough time to shower, get dressed, redo your hair and apply make up on yourself. The sky blended baby and mid-dark blue turning into one of the most beautiful sapphire blues you had ever seen.

Probably because he wore a jacket of the same color. His car that you rode was painted the same color. Maybe because you thought the color suits him best. Maybe the color has nothing to do with remembering Yugyeom. Maybe it was the customer sitting down on the patio with a familiar back profile. Whoever the person really was, you can’t help try examining.

The shoulders were wider by two inches comparing yours, his bowl-cut hair was fluffy and a single loop earring and although the legs are bent and covered with loose jeans, they look swollen. Yugyeom’s legs were slim the last time he was seen. You realize you’re several steps closer toward the customer trying usual questions you ask customers eating at the restaurant and a small part trying to find out the person is Yugyeom.

….

“We can’t go to Haeundae this year.”

Yugyeom said and you adjust the phone over your ear. “What,how come?”

Before, Yugyeom’s disappearance talked about visiting some relatives. For six summer vacations, Yugyeom’s parents always invited you on a road trip to swim at Haeundae Beach usually lasting two weeks on vacation as long as your parents agreed- and they obviously would.

Now, his parents grew worried and more wary about safety since that drive-by assassination that happened before your eyes. Crime like such seemed incredibly rare happening in such an innocent neighborhood that’s becoming more alert. Since that elder woman mentioned her nearing death, familiar street names appeared on evening news. Reported kidnapping, folks never returning home, and hit and runs. More parents cautiously watched their children and the dog population grew rapidly.

“How long will you be away?”

Yugyeom sounded really gloomy through the speaker, he sounded like he was crying. “I don’t know.”

He tells you grab a pen and napkin and write down a new phone number. He inhales deeply, making sure that you can’t suspect him tearing up but his voice croaked.

Why is he suddenly getting sentimental ?

“Trust me, everything will be okay. I love and will miss you, loser.” His relieved huff released one out through you, assuring he’ll be okay. He promises that you’d be friends forever.

“Y/N come on, you gotta clock out.” Your boss waves his hand forward and you gather leftover plates before heading inside the building without even looking back the drive-thru lane and drove all the way home to make in time for your date.

Nobody could oppose how wearing black looked wonderfully on others. You owned a dozen black dresses and the target aim tonight was another most favorite dress with lace elbow sleeves with soft black percale fabric outlining your figure. You wore over overall natural makeup with brown matte lipgloss and your hair framing your jaw structure. Since today was great so far this date was going really good too. Your date became the center of attention for the night without trying.

He was cute especially wearing red polo shirt that exposes his chest through glimpses each time he moved while turning his head toward the waiter. Once the conversation passed the usual introduction and profile you went ahead on ordering drinks.

Jinyoung is the first time having a date with after a long period and he was being a gentleman from the start, pulling out the chair, gifting lavenders between you and hasn’t stopped complimenting you. As hours passed Jinyoung’s eyes trot over head down your arms. Your sensual voice flowing pleasantly through his ears and asking to hear your giggle again. His knuckles press into his cheek squishing his eye. He was admiring you with his half smile once you raised your head and smiled shyly. “Yes?”

“You just look beautiful.” Jinyoung responds. He unfolds his fist, flattening his hand against his cheek.

“How can someone like you be single for so long?”

Heat rushes up your cheeks quickly as your eyelids fall and you curl strands of hair. It was better keeping that question unanswered, not because that’s the ‘date thing’ also because the past men who shared interest always ended. You were just sick over the lacking trust and jealousy living through the relationship with whoever.

The waiter brought two glasses of iced teas, sweetened for you and unsweet for Jinyoung. After ordering appetizers, you excuse yourself to use the washroom. Jinyoung nods, watching you rise until you disappear around the corner. A smile plasters your face with heated cheek buds until someone dressed entirely in denim, wearing a black ski mask exits the men’s room. That person pauses in his tracks and zipps quickly away as you look back behind him entering the restroom. Water droplets float over little frizzy parts of your hair. While silently hoping that this night continues going good, the phone screen brightens with a new message.

[From] Unknown:

Do not drink the tea.

Your brows knit upward your forehead and you immediately frown. Such a strange message especially from an unknown number. You thought to yourself, “The fu-?”

But the message mentions the beverages you and Jinyoung ordered, how the hell did Unknown number know that the drinks were teas?

Your thumbs begin punching over the keyboard and then another message appears.

[From] Unknown:

Please do not drink the tea.

Water drips from the faucet and all you do is reread the two messages saying the same thing. Maybe these messages really are for you, but how does this person know what you’re drinking. Also why. Who is this person texting you, how did they know your number? Are they sitting somewhere in the same restaurant, they had to to know where you are this evening.

So does that mean you’re being followed?

The bathroom door opens again another woman entering as you turn the screen off. You still are fazed the same way you felt earlier in the morning, unable how to think nor when to move. Jinyoung already waited waited more than five minutes, probably, and the food already served without you. Could he be the one warning you about the drink? He did have your number first and knew you were drinking tea and he is sitting in the same restaurant with you.

You throw a bit more water onto your hair streaming down your temples past your ears, taking a deep breath. This whole day was going fine, you think to yourself, everything will be okay hopefully. You excuse yourself to Jinyoung sitting back down.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

You nodded, trying to wear off loads of paranoia heaved upon your mind and shoulders.

“Yes, I’m fine. Let’s eat.”

Jinyoung talked about his interests of gothic architecture and popular narrow alley staircases like one called El Callejon De Beso. It interested him because supposedly when couples kiss standing on the red stone where one lovers blood stained, their love would last eternally. Another thing was discovered about your date when he kept cracking wise jokes-and each made you laugh.

Several more minutes passed talking between eating and Jinyoung drinking between eating. As much as you desired washing food down with something, you didn’t grab for the tea for anything. Those anonymous warning just wouldn’t stop whirling behind your skull, debating if ordering another drink was better. The waiter still hasn’t walked by the table to check nor offer refills yet, not even offering refills for water. Your parents have said when you were younger when you were watching the movies with them where there was a bar scene. When that ended, they told you buy your own drink never let other people buy them however they were alcoholic, something your taste buds cannot stand. Alcoholic drinks tastes super heavy and super light yet all that can taste is the burning liquid, even when their drinks fused with fruit flavors that dissolving sedates have no flavor. Emptiness fills you wholly, glancing at corners all around, suddenly losing interest doing anything and movement in your limbs and your eyes are alert. You could’ve responded with wrong number or just simply turn the phone off, but the pleading from the last message really sounded genuine.

You fling your sight back on Jinyoung gently holding your hand and watching you with concerned eyes. Now that you realized, you hardly remember anything that the conversation was about. You don’t even know if you have said anything, now making you seem rude.

“Are you alright Y/N?”

Jinyoung furrows his brows onto his forehead, changing his frown into a tiny smile that brings another similar from you as deep sighs huff from your nose. Other things occupied the mind too much that attention was taken away and you shook your head and saying that you were okay now. Your dress pocket vibrates against your thigh, most likely another message from the unknown number again, however your mind was elsewhere. Jinyoung lowers his brows relaxed and revealing teeth soon as you envelope touched fingers, using nervousness for makeup paranoia and worry.

“Everything’s fine, this has been a first for me this evening.”

Jinyoung pouts, “Mine too.”

His light chuckle follows afterward slowly releasing your hand, taking gulps of tea where his adams apple bobs up and down.

....

Yugyeom intensely watches his Lord use the other hand for counting the stash bill by bill. His legs tremble from the knees down for his life since the morning from jumping rooftops and smashing windows and from what his lord would say about his short payment. Drug Dealers have similar tasks like every job that makes the sale and receive money which leaves with their boss and in return the ones who succeeded earn minimum wage. Except for dealeing payments are secretive usually exchanged behind the corner store or beside the closest bridge. Sometimes when sales end in fail, the fault was on the customer or the salesperson.

“You did good this time Kim, running away out that dope house that got fucked up. Even if you got caught, that doesn’t mean much shit to me because they got away without paying again.”

He tapped the stash on the table and Yugyeom looks over his shoulders, peering his eyes making them open slits on his face. “Next time, we’ll take care of those people after paying the little strawberry a visit.”

“Anything in it for me?” Yugyeom asked.

Yugyeom never turned short money for his lord because he knew simple ways getting the money. He remembers how cold the device felt in his palms and how far away the paper hung from the other side of the room. In movies and tv shows, actors made things look simple however entertainment intends for scenes to look realistic. Yugyeom stared at the wall and pointed in the same direction the people around him were whining and raising their voices. Calling him too ‘sissy’ to even turn the safety gear off until the material gets snatched from him. He remembers shuttering to the banging sounds inches away from him.

The Lord calls after him. “Hey Yugyeom!”

The sounds of glass breaking startle Yugyeom for the first time in forever. For the first time in forever Yugyeom feels worried as he straps the gun beneath his belt.

“Shit, she drank it!”

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recentanimenews · 3 years

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INTERVIEW: Dr. STONE Animation Producer - Shusuke Katagiri

Dr. STONE was one of the most exciting new anime of 2019 and we’re right in the middle of the series’ second season! We were lucky enough to interview Animation Producer Shusuke Katagiri and talk about Chrome, anime production, and the joy of a project coming together.

Crunchyroll: Anime producers have a unique role that touches many aspects of a series. Is there something about this position that appeals to you?

Shusuke Katagiri: Well when it comes to an adaptation, in order to make sure that the anime version is as good as possible, it requires selecting staff who are best suited for the material they would be working on. When it comes together in the exact way you imagined, it’s truly a joy. You might even say it’s the highlight of being a producer. That said, the opposite can also happen, which can be a real challenge to deal with. But even then, animation is a medium where you can’t really just redo things if there have been big mistakes, so being able to course correct in that fashion ends up being one of your duties as a producer.

As a producer, would you say that you get to exercise a creative voice, or is it mostly administrative in nature?

On occasion, yes, I do get to be creative. Time allowing, I do like to get a look at each cut. If I notice anything, I go to the people responsible and either tell them they did a great job or maybe give them advice for where they should be careful. When possible, I try to actually be involved in the creative process.

With so many different assignments, deadlines, and people whose work you need to look after, how do you manage all of those different tasks and maintain momentum for the project as a whole?

Well, it’s definitely a difficult thing to manage on your own. That’s why the leaders on each episode are managing things on an episode-to-episode basis, and then those project leaders are managed by myself and the people at the production desk, which allows for oversight of the project as a whole. Other than that, things like making a budget and working with the audio crew, and budgeting the entire project cover the majority of a producer’s job.

What about the world and characters of Dr. STONE made you most excited to return to the series?

I’m personally really excited about the new characters that debut in this season. “They finally get to be animated!” is something I keep thinking and looking forward to. The other thing, as the subtitle of the season suggests, is the Stone Wars. Seeing that conflict properly resolved is another thing I’m really pleased to see.

When I was talking with the director, Shinya Iino, he mentioned some science experiments he and the team conducted. I wanted to know if you joined them for any of those, and if so if you had any favorites?

Like the director mentioned, in preparation for production, we would check out real-world counterparts, checked their properties, like how they moved, and added them to our reference materials.. In terms of Season 2, so much of the science that gets deployed is on a much larger scale, and very dangerous as a result. There were a lot of cases where we chose not to try and replicate the experiments for safety reasons. But like he mentioned, there was an original crafting sequence in episode 1, and in order to make sure it worked for the anime, we visited a factory that is involved in the process in question in the real world. That helped us document our reference material to recreate that process in the world of animation.

I totally understand that–as the scale gets larger and larger, it becomes less practical to create those devices and run those experiments in real life.

Exactly. And for some of the items involved, even getting the chemicals necessary would require a license. But there are some cases that were fairly practical. For example, making paper, which seemed feasible in comparison.

Dr. STONE has become relatively well-known in the West. Did you expect the global audience to respond so positively?

Not at all, no. It honestly still hasn’t sunk in. But I think, partially due to the COVID situation, there are a lot of people who watched it online, and because of that I’ve been encountering more and more people who have mentioned watching it. Slowly but surely, it’s dawning on me how popular it might have become.

I actually heard from a real-world physicist who thinks it really captures the thrill of science.

That’s really impressive! I think it shows that we made the right choice in trying to make sure the anime gives as authentic a depiction as possible. That’s good to hear.

How has your team adapted to the huge challenge of COVID?

Well, our director mentioned this, but the main thing is dividing the voice recordings into smaller groups of actors and having the recordings split up among those teams. On the production side, we’ve followed suit, splitting up into teams and making sure we rotate out in shifts based on certain amounts of times to try and minimize the risk of infection as much as possible. Another effect is that it’s resulted in much less time to meet with the production staff, so, to make up for that, we have to be much more conscientious about the amount of communication and coordination we have among the production staff. As a result of that, though, I think the team is a bit more tight-knit than before, which is an unexpected benefit.

How has Dr. STONE differed from other projects you’ve worked on? Has it been more challenging?

Well, with Dr. STONE, the big distinguishing feature has to be the way that science is depicted. The way we animate the crafting sequences is a major factor. I think that if we had done those without paying extra attention, it wouldn’t have been as convincing. That’s why we had to make sure to be very thorough in talking with technical consultants, and be very detail-oriented about our depictions.

I imagine a lot of other series don’t have that level of expertise from other fields to make sure everything is factually correct.

Definitely not. I can’t think of another anime that would. This is a trait the anime shares with the manga, I’d say.

People do really connect with the series deeply. What do you think it is about Dr. STONE that connects with them in such a unique way?

That's a tough one… Well, for instance, I believe the way that science is represented in the story comes across as distant at first, but is actually reflected in a lot of everyday things. I think that’s a part of it. For example, the way electricity is generated–there were episodes about that. It makes you think about how the power we casually consume is really being created. The anime and manga can make you think about things like that, which helps connect it to people’s actual lives. I think if this was a story that had come out when I was in elementary or middle school, I might have studied a little harder. I missed out!

You have talked before about Chrome being your favorite character. Could you talk a bit about why he is?

Basically, I think it’s because we have a similar level of knowledge, so I can project onto Chrome pretty easily. That makes it easy to put myself in his shoeshim. Because of that, I think that, when he’s shocked by the outlandish science that Senku puts on display, you’re reacting the same way. Getting to see how he grows and develops over the course of the anime is another thing that can be really moving. I’ve said this before, bur Dr. STONE can be seen as the story of Chrome’s personal growth.

When I see Chrome trying so hard, I look at him and think to myself, “if Chrome is trying so hard, then I can try hard to do things I don’t understand and do better, too.”

There’s a lot of characters in this story you want to root for, which is a big part of the fun. Suika is another example of that.

If there is one theme or feeling you hope viewers take away from Dr. STONE, what would it be?

In episode 22 of the first season, there’s a sequence where Senku, Chrome, and Magma go to excavate gems, and there’s a conversation between Senku and Magma when Senku says:

Even someone who’s got nothing going for them can come in useful someday. It doesn’t matter who’s the boss or who’s on top. There are all kinds of people. And that equals strength.

That’s what I would say is a good message to take home. Everyone is capable of something, and to make sure we all succeed as a team, you need to keep trying to do your best.

Is there anything you’d like to say to Western and global fans of Dr. STONE?

To everyone who watched Season 1, I think that Season 2 is the same sort of story you enjoyed, but powered up. For people who haven’t watched before, or are starting with Season 2, I think it’s turned out in a way you’ll be able to enjoy, too, so you can relax and start there. Then, if you find yourself enjoying Season 2, you can check out the first season, which I think will give you a deeper appreciation of the story. Times are tough at the moment, but if you’re able to watch the anime to get a bit of a boost from it, all of us who worked on Dr. STONE couldn’t be happier.

Watch Dr. STONE on Crunchyroll here!

By: Cayla Coats

#Anime #News #Latest in Anime News by Crunchyroll!

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alley-cat-sunflower · 6 years

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Reading/writing tag meme

I was tagged by @kazama-hime! Thanks!! ^w^

1) How many works in progress do you currently have? Why would you… why would you ask such a thing…? I can’t even count that high. Drawn-out multi-chapter fics and oneshots, published/ongoing and for my eyes only… honestly, there’s so much.

2) Do you/would you write fanfiction? Last I checked, I have 134 stories up on ffnet. So yeah, I’ll say.

3) Do you prefer paper books or ebooks? Paper books, hands down. I don’t have anything with which to read ebooks, and I like the feel of physically turning pages and marking places and… the scent of a book, old or new, is one of my favorite things.

4) When did you start writing? I’ve been writing all my life. Even when I was a little girl, dictating the meaning of my art to the preschool assistants since I couldn’t write it down myself (I did learn to write at 4 but my tiny fingers couldn’t keep up with my brain), I was always more concerned with the story than the image. Once I got more adept at physically writing, I wrote down so many stories longhand that my mother had to teach me to use a word processor when I was 6 just to save paper.

5) Do you have someone you trust that you share your work with? I post the vast majority of my work somewhere or other online. Typically, I don’t need to ‘trust’ someone to share what I do. Most of the things I write aren’t that personal, and even those close to my heart, I usually don’t care if people know how I feel. I can’t think of anything I’ve withheld from anyone for any reason, other than perfectionism or unfinished-ness.

6) Where is your favorite place to write? Anywhere and everywhere. Long as I have some method of writing, I’ll do it. I don’t think I really have a favorite place.

7) Favorite childhood book? James Thurber’s The Thirteen Clocks. But The Pippi Longstocking series is a close second.

8) Writing for fun or publication? Why not both? I’m writing for fun and practice at the moment, but I fully intend to make a living off my stories (and possibly editing talent) someday. They say to do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. Therefore, as someone with a severe ‘work’ intolerance, I can say with some certainty that this is really my only option for happiness.

9) Pen and paper or computer? My laptop is everything to me. My ideas are too complex and my stories too long to make much actual progress on paper. I’ll jot down ideas or drafts, but I have to be allowed to highlight and delete, copy/paste, and undo/redo if I’m going to maintain my sanity. That didn’t stop me from writing out 11 pages of fanfic ideas longhand a couple summers ago when I was camping, but in order to actually deliver on any of them, I’d need to have my computer.

10) Have you ever taken any writing classes? My first was taught by a pretentious prick who never shut up about William Shakespeare and/or Emily Dickinson. He never gave us a real assignment all year; I guess he just expected us to Write Something and turn it in. Since we didn’t, we just listened to rambling lectures and hero-worship for three straight hours every class.

My second was taught by a lady who seemed much better/saner on the surface, but she had all sorts of hidden requirements and was severely style-biased. An actual conversation I recall with some clarity:

Her: “Sure, excerpts from larger works are fine! Just send it over.” Me: “All right, but the plot is kind of complicated and there isn’t a lot of context within the story. Are you sure that’ll be okay?” Her: “Oh, it’ll be fine. Every story speaks for itself; I’m sure there won’t be any problems!” Me: [turns in paper] Her written feedback, one week later: “I didn’t understand anything that was happening. You need to either provide context or simplify the plot.”

My third was taught by a man I refer to only as ‘Professor Jackass’ and, before I ended up in his class, it had been years since I’d genuinely hated anyone so much. End of story, unless for some reason you want to hear about the epic medieval revenge saga I still wish I had written about him.

11) What inspires you to write? I write as a matter of course, just as a side effect of my very existence, but inspiration-wise… well, it varies. In fact, at this point I’m convinced inspiration is a cycle unto itself, and it’s just a matter of whether I use it and what I use it for—most of the time, I squander it on worldbuilding (especially re: original fiction) or listmaking. But I will say that for poetry, at least, nothing is more inspiring than infatuation.

Ooh, let me see if I can actually remember some writers to tag… @myfiremoon and @anamelessknight, maybe? And @flamingo-bubbles, if you still write? That’s all I got off the top of my head, but if you’re a writer too and I missed you, then please, please do this and tag me! I want to hear from more writers!!

#personal #tag meme

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andreafestefano · 4 years

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My top ten BEST organizing hacks and projects!

It's that time of the year! Are you decluttering? Or as I like to call it, decrapifying? It's a GREAT feeling, right?

I don't do a massive purge every year anymore because I keep up with it throughout the year much better than I used to. I don't bring nearly as much into the house either. This decluttering method I shared with you years ago has really changed how I deal with stuff.

But I still like to lighten things around here around this time! Getting rid of crap is pretty much one of my favorite things to do.

THIS post is more about organizing what you do have though! I've gathered some of my absolute favorite organization DIY projects from over the years -- from both our old house and this home. I hope you'll find them as helpful as they have been for us!

Gift wrap and party supply storage

First up, a spot for the wrapping paper/party supplies. I utilized the wall space in our mud/laundry room closet for this:

You can see the sources for everything in that post, so check that out for more! I find, when in doubt it helps to go vertical with your storage. Utilizing wall space is so smart!

I used what are supposed to be plastic bag holders to store our wrapping paper:

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.

See my policies and disclosure page for more information.

You can see that whole, beautiful 😍 organized mud room closet here. It's my favorite.

Photo and kid art storage

This linen closet is another favorite -- it holds all kinds of random stuff. Tissues, candles and plug ins, toilet paper...stuff we reach for often. I use those basic boxes for photo storage:

You can see my whole post on how I store printed photos of all sizes here. I'd like to move those to a new location, but I haven't found the perfect spot for them just yet.

Another favorite for big photos or kid's art are these long, flat boxes I get from the Container Store:

I would buy one for every school year (sadly they aren't needed as much anymore as he gets older!) and would only allow myself what would fit in there. They are super sturdy and long enough to hold big art.

Hidden magnetic storage inside cabinets

This is one of my favorite little DIY hacks I came up with years ago. A project that went wrong turned into this hidden memo board and worked so well for us!:

I loved that they were easily accessible but also hidden away. It would also be a great spot to hold measuring spoons and cups if you use these little magnetic hooks!

CD/DVD/video game storage without cases

OK, OK. We're living in the Stone Age that we even still have these, I know. Maybe you'll completely gone digital with your music and movies, but I can't part with them!

I learned years ago that we could save SO MUCH space if I took them out of their cases to store them. These soft DVD cases hold a ton and will save you a crazy amount of space:

We use them for computer disks, movies, CDs and video games. (Back in the day I donated all of my plastic cases to a photographer but I'm not sure if they use them anymore or not?)

How to store little trinkets and tools

This tool storage with all of it's little drawers for tiny hardware has been SUCH a great storage system for my smaller items that used to be everywhere:

I used my trusty label maker to label everything. I couldn't live without this set of little drawers! I've had it for years and it's held up beautifully. The only issue I have is it's so heavy I can't hang it. I still need to find a good spot for it!

Organizing jewelry and shoes (in a pretty way!)

I shared how I switched my jewelry to these beautiful linen storage pieces here. These are still serving me really well and I've been really good about keeping things put away:

I don't think pretty organization is necessary by any means...but it does help, right? I find I just keep up with it more when it looks good!

You can see how I organize my short and long necklaces here as well:

That piece isn't made for necklaces but works so well!

You can also see how I organize our shoes in that post:

If you're lucky enough to have built ins in your closet, you probably don't need these see-through shoe boxes. But until I redo this closet and customize every inch, I love these plastic bins for shoes. I can see exactly what I'm looking for and they keep the shoes dust-free. Plus they stack and allow me to go vertical with my storage.

Actually, I'll probably keep them even when I do have beautiful shoe shelves someday! ;)

DIY Nerf gun storage

This is a random one, but an organizing project that saved my sanity! See how I created a Nerf gun storage wall here:

I recreated this in our new house, it worked so well! Although our boy is starting to grow out of them now. (I'm kinda sad but will NOT MISS THE BULLETS. 😂)

Utilizing storage space under kitchen cabinets

I have a couple of organizing tricks I use under the kitchen cabinets -- especially those with doors that become a deep abyss because you can't get to the back as well:

I've done the whole scrap wood shelf thing for years -- it allows me to use the whole space vertically. It works every time! I also try to store pans and cutting boards...basically anything long and flat, vertically. You can see how I used the awkward space above our fridge like I did here.

How to create storage space in closet corners

This is one of my favorite organization projects because it was so cheap and gave me SO much more usable space! If you have a standard, long closet -- take advantage of those back corners!:

You can see how easily I created this storage in the closet corners here. It really is an easy project, even for a beginner!

Coat closet organization hacks

And finally, my favorite coat closet organization tricks that I need to repeat in this house! This is a spot I haven't tackled yet in our new home and need to do. I did a few things in our old closet, including adding a shoe shelf, bag storage behind the door, and cubby organizers for winter gear:

These allowed me to take full advantage of the space in that closet and keep it organized! I plan to repeat a couple of these in our current coat closet.

There you go -- ten of my favorite DIY organization projects/hacks from over the years. They've all served us well! Most of them are super inexpensive and the do-it-yourself aspect is pretty easy.

Have you tried any of these after seeing them here? Do you have a favorite organization trick you use in your home?

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lukerhill · 4 years

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My top ten BEST organizing hacks and projects!

It's that time of the year! Are you decluttering? Or as I like to call it, decrapifying? It's a GREAT feeling, right?

But I still like to lighten things around here around this time! Getting rid of crap is pretty much one of my favorite things to do.

Gift wrap and party supply storage

First up, a spot for the wrapping paper/party supplies. I utilized the wall space in our mud/laundry room closet for this:

You can see the sources for everything in that post, so check that out for more! I find, when in doubt it helps to go vertical with your storage. Utilizing wall space is so smart!

I used what are supposed to be plastic bag holders to store our wrapping paper:

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You can see that whole, beautiful 😍 organized mud room closet here. It's my favorite.

Photo and kid art storage

This linen closet is another favorite -- it holds all kinds of random stuff. Tissues, candles and plug ins, toilet paper...stuff we reach for often. I use those basic boxes for photo storage:

You can see my whole post on how I store printed photos of all sizes here. I'd like to move those to a new location, but I haven't found the perfect spot for them just yet.

Another favorite for big photos or kid's art are these long, flat boxes I get from the Container Store:

Hidden magnetic storage inside cabinets

This is one of my favorite little DIY hacks I came up with years ago. A project that went wrong turned into this hidden memo board and worked so well for us!:

I loved that they were easily accessible but also hidden away. It would also be a great spot to hold measuring spoons and cups if you use these little magnetic hooks!

CD/DVD/video game storage without cases

OK, OK. We're living in the Stone Age that we even still have these, I know. Maybe you'll completely gone digital with your music and movies, but I can't part with them!

I learned years ago that we could save SO MUCH space if I took them out of their cases to store them. These soft DVD cases hold a ton and will save you a crazy amount of space:

We use them for computer disks, movies, CDs and video games. (Back in the day I donated all of my plastic cases to a photographer but I'm not sure if they use them anymore or not?)

How to store little trinkets and tools

This tool storage with all of it's little drawers for tiny hardware has been SUCH a great storage system for my smaller items that used to be everywhere:

Organizing jewelry and shoes (in a pretty way!)

I shared how I switched my jewelry to these beautiful linen storage pieces here. These are still serving me really well and I've been really good about keeping things put away:

I don't think pretty organization is necessary by any means...but it does help, right? I find I just keep up with it more when it looks good!

You can see how I organize my short and long necklaces here as well:

That piece isn't made for necklaces but works so well!

You can also see how I organize our shoes in that post:

Actually, I'll probably keep them even when I do have beautiful shoe shelves someday! ;)

DIY Nerf gun storage

This is a random one, but an organizing project that saved my sanity! See how I created a Nerf gun storage wall here:

I recreated this in our new house, it worked so well! Although our boy is starting to grow out of them now. (I'm kinda sad but will NOT MISS THE BULLETS. 😂)

Utilizing storage space under kitchen cabinets

I have a couple of organizing tricks I use under the kitchen cabinets -- especially those with doors that become a deep abyss because you can't get to the back as well:

How to create storage space in closet corners

This is one of my favorite organization projects because it was so cheap and gave me SO much more usable space! If you have a standard, long closet -- take advantage of those back corners!:

You can see how easily I created this storage in the closet corners here. It really is an easy project, even for a beginner!

Coat closet organization hacks

These allowed me to take full advantage of the space in that closet and keep it organized! I plan to repeat a couple of these in our current coat closet.

There you go -- ten of my favorite DIY organization projects/hacks from over the years. They've all served us well! Most of them are super inexpensive and the do-it-yourself aspect is pretty easy.

Have you tried any of these after seeing them here? Do you have a favorite organization trick you use in your home?

See more of our home here. To shop items in our home, click here! Never miss a post by signing up to get posts via email.

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