#your skills in that area are daunting

[kelseytheballerina]

what comes after level 0? like, level 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; etc.

Level 0 is getting yourself to a base level of daily self discipline, taking care of your health and appearance, and having things to do besides scrolling all day. The bare minimum of feeling good about yourself long term and being a functioning person.

Level 1 is to figure out what’s wrong with your life and come up with a tangible and measurable plan on how to fix it. What to cut out, what to invite in, how long it’ll take to save up for xyz, what credit score you need for such and such, what habits need to be dropped immediately, etc. Figuring out how to go from who you are now to the early stages of who you want to be. Level 1 is coming to terms with who and are and what you want, doing the research, and making a game plan. It's making sure you don't keep sliding backwards. Why is this level 1 and not level 0? Bc when people are in a subpar place, taking an audit of how they’ve failed themselves leads to more despair and a feeling of hopelessness. People who have gotten themselves to a semblance of health and daily discipline will do this and feel revved up for a challenge.

If you’ve been working out every day, eating well, taking care of your looks, enjoying your hobbies and taking 30 minutes to build a skill you’ve always wanted to learn, you’re gonna be feeling great. And when it’s time to sit down and apply for new jobs it won’t feel as daunting. When it’s time to sit down and write that essay, it won’t be as hard. When you decide to start saving $200 a month, you’ll be excited about it instead of feeling deprived. Level 1 is a very short level and you shouldn't be here for long at all.

Level 2 and up will vary greatly from person to person as it's about putting your money where your mouth is and really putting in work. No more info hoarding, no more restless nights trying to figure out what you want. It's go time. It could include more schooling, working, rebranding yourself, putting yourself out there, not buying new clothes or eating out bc you're saving money hardcore, ramping it up at the gym, or whatever else you planned out. You stfu and do the work. It's uncomfortable bc you won't allow your brain to sabotage you into stopping. You're becoming a new person. Level 2 will likely last a long time since rome wasn't built in a day and whatever you're trying to accomplish will probably take a fair amount of work.

Level 3+ is simply when you are reaching milestones and you are able to assess where you are and see what lies ahead. You have to replan, reformulate, and get back to work. You have to decide if you should keep this job or accept that new offer you just got and weigh out the pros and cons of each. You have to push a bit harder to firmly cement yourself into the next area rather than remain a newbie. At this point, you're a bit of an authority figure. You know what you're doing and you've been at it for a while. This is totally your new normal. This is just your life now.

#ask

[twstjam]

Back to your regularly scheduled twstjam simping!!! This post is also gonna be different though, because as I thought of this for Malleus I also began thinking of it for Sebek as well so now I'm doing it for all of Diasofam

Diasomnia + the Just One Bed trope prompts/scenarios

(Or at least, they were SUPPOSED to just be prompts but after Malleus I got a bit carried away with the others agdjdhdjdhd. Whoops? Oh also

DISCLAIMER: None of these are canon-compliant and I imagine them all to have a medieval fantasy setting)

Malleus

You're a traveler who had unknowingly run into the Crown Prince of Briar Valley who's on the run because Briar Valley is currently unsafe for him and he is being hunted by bounty hunters. Seeing him as a fellow aimless traveler, you decide to let him join you and the two of you grow close. The two of you have always slept in different beds or tents of course out of respect for the other's space, until, one night, while in a town, the only inn that the two of you can find with an available room only has one bed in it. Having no other options, you both take it. You had intended to let Tsunotarou take the bed. He hasn't told you much about where he's from and you don't want to pry, but you know that he's from a high-class family and isn't all that comfortable yet with a rough lifestyle. Malleus had thought he'd be okay with it too, used to being the one prioritized, but he realises that he sees you as more than just a retainer like the ones that used to accompany him and the thought of you sleeping on the floor while there's a perfectly nice bed itches his scales. So, he makes you sleep in the bed with him and you wake up in the morning with his body curled around you, warm and comforting and protective, and for the first time ever you feel like you're home.

(The rest of Diasomnia are below the cut!)

Sebek

Sebek is your friend but to be honest you don't know him too well. You're both always so busy with your own lives, you working for Crowley and him for Lord Malleus, so you rarely see each other. You're much closer and more comfortable with the other friends in your friend group, but still you wouldn't mind getting to know him more. You unexpectedly get a chance when, while on one of your jobs for Crowley, you end up in a spot of trouble and to your surprise Sebek comes to your rescue as he had also been assigned a job in the same area as you. You notice that though the two of you aren't that close and though he has a tough time dealing with a deeply-ingrained prejudice against humans, he had saved you anyway. You also notice that when you thank him and compliment his skill, he puffs out his chest with pride and his cheeks turn slightly red and you also notice that he's absolutely adorable. He seems more comfortable with you now as the two of you walk the marketplace together for supplies. Combat and the role of protector were things he prided himself in, so maybe your approval of it warmed him up to you more. Still though, it's daunting when the only available room at the only available inn has only one available bed. You offer it to him, but he refuses to let you be the more gracious one of the two of you and also to allow your frail human body to sleep on the floor. A few minutes later, you're both on your backs in the bed, pillows piled between you in a makeshift wall. It's awkward to say the least. So awkward that neither of you can sleep, so you fill in the silence with mindless chatter. Sebek listens. He also talks. Loves to talk, about anything and everything, and loves it more that you listen. The two of you wake up in the morning groggy but content, having tired yourselves out with endless conversation late into the night.

Silver (ft: angst and bittersweet ending, also not very conventional usage of the trope but I tried agshgddh)

You first saw him in a dream. Whether he was a knight in shining armor or some sort of guardian angel you had no idea. All you knew was that he was absolutely stunning. So beautiful that you didn't think it was possible he could be real. He is real though. Extremely real. He was a fellow trainee and a fellow royal guard and your friend and now he's wanted by the royal family because it was discovered that he's been secretly passing information to the fae. He disappears in the middle of the night but you see him again in your dreams so you go look for him, look for answers, because maybe you're a fool and maybe you're naive but you can't imagine your sweet, earnest comrade who in your opinion is much too gentle to be a guard could be so malicious as to betray you and your other friends in the royal guard. You see him in your dreams. He tries to run from you but you chase him and he lures you into the dark forests of the fae and they swarm you, but there's a fluttering of bats' wings and Silver is there right in front of you and his eyes are filled with pain and disbelief as he looks at you. Silver takes you to his childhood home and tends to your wounds. You discover that he's human but has always been fae, has been surrounded by them since before he learned how to walk, and his father is none other than the most fearsome one of them all: General Vanrouge. You don't want to believe him. Even though the proof is all around you in the homey lived-in cottage you're sitting in, you refuse to believe him, to believe that your friendship was all a part of his big undercover act to gather information for the fae, for his father. So instead, you lie back in his childhood bed and try to process it all. Silver looks like he wants to say something, apologise maybe, but he dozes off before he can. You can't help but laugh. It tastes bittersweet on your tongue and your eyelids are drooping and you fall asleep next to him just like you used to. At least in your dreams it's easy to pretend everything's alright.

Lilia (ft: Enemies to Lovers trope)

Fae General Vanrouge is your sworn enemy and rival and you thought that you'd feel triumphant at his capture, but instead the image of him beaten, bruised, and bloody makes you feel sick to your stomach. You realise that you're the only one who views him as an adversary and an equal. To everyone else, he's just an animal. A monster meant to be slaughtered—and you are the one that they want to bestow that honor on. They want you to execute him, in front of all your people and your men, to the ugly music of jeers and mockery and laughter. You know he's a killer. Have seen it with your own eyes. You've seen his downfall in your sleep, dreamt of it in each waking moment you were on the battlefield, so why does the actual moment feel so horrific and wrong? It's the look in his eyes. You see yourself reflected in them along with the blood that has been spilled by both your hands and his and make the morbid realisation that this monster is the only one you have ever understood and the only one who has understood you, a fellow monster, in return. He slips out of his chains because of course he does who were you kidding and you should stop him but you don't. Your betrayal is witnessed by many. The king wants an execution but like Hell you'll let it be you, so just like Vanrouge, you flee and disappear. Just like Vanrouge, you end up in a blanket of darkness and unintentionally stumble on your long-time enemy in the woods. Just like Vanrouge, you make a begrudging truce and go on the run together because you know the human lands well and he doesn't and two heads are better than one. The two of you accept an unoccupied inn room despite it only having one bed out of desperation and spend a long time competing with each other to decide who gets to sleep on it. The both of you put off sleeping on it together and you know you will sleep on it together because you're both exhausted and sore from a long time on the road and because you both understand each other too much after so long dancing on the battlefield together but neither of you are quite ready to come to terms with it yet. You have to eventually though, because it's late and you're both in desperate need of rest and so you both fall into bed next to each other and your scarred limbs and calloused skin slot together perfectly. You hold each other with bloody, war-torn hands and feel more comfortable than either of you have ever felt with anyone else.

#disney twisted wonderland #malleus draconia #sebek zigvolt #twst silver #silver vanrouge #lilia vanrouge #diasomnia #malleus draconia x reader #sebek zigvolt x reader #twst silver x reader #silver vanrouge x reader #lilia vanrouge x reader #matcha writes a bit

[satoruyes]

co-parent bakugou .2

katsuki bakugou x nb reader (previous part)

(cw: smut, angst, kids, arguing, verbal abuse)

when bakugou comes back from his morning walk he goes into the kitchen to see raya over the stove cooking breakfast. “hey babe, goodmorning,” she turned to face him, “i'm sorry about last night; i was just upset.”

he nods and goes to their bedroom and gets undressed. raya, not being satisfied with his reaction, pauses breakfast and follows him up. she sneaks up behind him and runs her hand down his bare back. “i said i was sorry babe, you have to forgive me.” he turns around to face her.

“you know my dad doesn't like it when we argue.” he hated that. he hated it when she used her dads position as leverage. with rayas’ dad being the mayor and all; she’d grown to be a spoiled brat. sure he had the skill to be a pro-hero but maybe not the funds. his parents weren't exactly the richest in the world. so of course his wife offered to let her dad take care of it. just like that- pro-hero dynamite had his own agency.

he swallowed hard, some spit along with his pride and sighed, “yea, ‘m sorry bout last night. i wasn't in the best head space." raya smiled, and played with the waistband of his boxers. “it's okay lovebug, now just lay back and let me take care of you.” he stood there quietly and watched her. watching as she knelt down, pulling down his boxers as she did. taking his semi-hard dick into her hands then licking the tip while working her hand up and down his full length. she kind of falters at noticing he isn't getting hard as quickly as he usually does. “did you jerk off already today or something?” he lies and shakes his head yes as she stands up. “or maybe you just can't get hard for me anymore.” she says jokingly, and katsuki forces a laugh. unsure of what was causing the problem.

__

by the time you get up it's nearly 1pm, woken up by your antsy little toddler who you let sleep in your room for night. you get up then go do your morning routine. (accompanied by your curious toddler of course) when you finish both of your morning routines you go towards the kitchen to make your cereals of choice. you go up to your room to grab your phone and see a text from bakugou. “When can i see my kid again” you sigh and reply telling him he can come over today. he likes the message and lets you know that his wife will be tagging along as well. great.

they get to your house around 3pm. you welcome them in and take them to the living area. bakugou mentions he brought something over for hana and went back to the car. leaving you and raya alone. you sit there kind of quietly while hana is wearing headphones watching her tablet. raya observes the girl, “hm.. are you even sure its his? she looks a little.. slow,” she says nonchalantly. you stare in disbelief at her, shocked she’d even say that straight to your face. “excuse me?”

“its a cute baby of course, kats’ genes really tried their best but..” she pauses “i can just imagine how pretty our baby girl is gonna be- you know with that being said, i'd really appreciate it if you kind of backed off. he needs to be an attentive father to our baby, not yours. i don't need to be worried about some desperate baby momma.’’ you scoff, you had enough of this wench disrespecting you and your child in your own home. without thinking you end up over your coffee table landing a smack across her face. she yelps in pain and hold her face like it was the most precious thing ever. “what you are not about to do is come up in my house and disrespect me and my daughter. you can get the fuck out.”

she immediately ran outside to katsuki, leaving you alone with a dumbstruck hana. you ignored the little girl's curious expression and just simply ran your hands through your hair. it wasn't too long after before you heard daunting footsteps headed your way. “what the fuck did you do? yer gonna let me bring my wife up in here just to disrespect ‘er? why the fuck of all people are you calling her a tramp ‘nd sayin she got sloppy seconds? of all people. i'm trying real hard to be in my daughter's life but yer being a real bitch about it.” without letting you say anything he drops a gift bag and leaves. leaving you once again, and leaving you speechless.

__

later that night you drop your daughter off with her grandparents and go see your old friend, eijirou kirishima. you two usually caught up at least once a month. drink a little, laugh a little, indulge a little. he's been such a great friend, so supporting and always there for you. even occasionally watching hana for you. but today you two are all alone, and both a little too drunk for either of your liking. it starts off with friendly peckish little neck kisses, short playful pecks on the lips. nothing you two haven't explored before.

but tonight something was different. you expressed to him how stressful things were today with what happened with katsukis wife. he told you he’d make you feel better and you just kind of brushed it off. but now it's hard to brush it off when he's knuckles deep inside of you, working his fingers deeper and deeper inside. you just throw your head back against his plush couch letting the pleasure take you away. “eijirou.. please,” you whine. he shoots you a toothy grin with half hooded eyes. “please what? you can use your words, i know you can.” you whine more while he works his fingers into your special spot. once you finish he pulls out grinning; leaving you blissed out with arousal apparent by his print visible.

he gets you a ride home, both too intoxicated to drive anywhere. he opens the door for you then hugs and kisses you goodnight. you get home and go to sleep.

when you wake up the next morning your head is pounding and your phone is blowing up. the most alarming test came from your mother

: “How could you be so stupid?”

: “Letting the press see you getting so personal with someone”

: “Theres photos of you and that Kirishima boy going around of you kissing”

you dont get why it was such a big deal. you didn't even care, with your parents being famous pro-heroes everything you've done since birth has been documented. it's tiring and after your daughter's birth you stopped caring. Doing whatever you wanted regardless of the paparazzi, but them following you over to kirishima's house was ridiculous. The second text you read was from bakugou;

: “Out of all of my friends you go for him?”

: “You didnt feel the need to tell me about this?”

: “Really ??? Eijirou? Has he been around Hana?”

you got kind of upset at his messages more than you did your mom. what did it matter to him, he doesnt get to control who you talked to. he’s not your boyfriend nor your dad. you leave him on read and you scroll through your twitter feed. filled with photos of you and kirishima kissing. “PRO-HERO MIYU and YUIKA SUZUKI CHILD CAUGHT MAKING OUT WITH PRO-HERO RED RIOT” you sigh and almost turn your phone off but see another set of messages from bakugou, was he jealous?

#guys i’m so tired #it’s 5am #but i wanted to get this out #part three very soon i swear #guys tysm for the feedback #all the reblogs were so sleep #gm #gn * #lulawrites #katsuki bakugou #bakugou x reader #katsuki x reader #katsuki bakugou x reader #I HOPEMTHIS ISMGOOD #ignore typos i’m so tired #night night guys #i meant the reblogs were sweet #whoops #what if this flops

[stxrslut]

I’ve been thinking about this nonstop since it was first ever mentioned so… here’s a blurb 😚 @shellxrls for u.

cw : puke, polyamory?, cult (😭), mean john b >.<

“you’re doing so good sweetie, takin’ it so well.” she cradles the back of your head as you take the toy in your mouth. you’re moving and working like they’d all taught you, you think that you’re ready for the big ceremony tonight.

you’d only been chosen to fuck john b a couple of times, being inexperienced, you had swiftly been made aware that you don’t have enough skill in the areas you need to please him.

it was upsetting to hear, to be sent out of the room because john b didn’t feel you were going to be enough for him. you’d cried for hours after it.

the girls had taken sympathy, coddling you and kissing you. it soon became apparent that the only thing that would make you feel better though, was learning how to be good for john b. so they had all swiftly agreed to teach you.

flash forward to today. today is the day that you’re going to go to john b, and you’re going to please him. you’re sure of it. the agreement is that you’ll suck him off, something a little less challenging then fully having sex with him.

“I’m nervous.” you confess, turning to look at the girl at your side “what if I’m bad like last time?” she looks at you sympathetically, “oh baby, you’re not going to be bad.” she coos. one of the others speaks too, “you’ve got practise now, you just gotta do as we taught you and you’ll be completely fine in there.”

**

you whimper, looking up at john b. he’s just as big as you remember, and he seems bigger from this angle. when you’re kneeled between his legs, face level with his cock, it’s almost daunting.

there’s a girl either side of you, one has a hand rested on the small of your back, and the other is rubbing your bare pussy to give you some relief.

john b’s hand is on the back of your head before you can even register it, pushing you down to start taking him in your mouth.

even just is tip is enough to have you struggling to take him, your tongue already being pressed down uncomfortably. you don’t let it stop you though, you move your head just like you’d learned.

he’s big, bigger than the dildo you’d been practicing on. you’re struggling to take him. you haven’t even taken half of him by the time you’re gagging.

one of the other girls brings up a hand to help you, jerking his cock from the point where you can’t take it. she leans over to whisper in your ear, “you’re doing really well sweetheart.”

you don’t feel like it, you feel like you’re being a disappointment, yet again. you don’t want to be a disappointment, and so you make the impulsive decision to push yourself further.

you go down as far as you can, now taking him nearly to the hilt. you whimper, and gag around him. he looks down, “easy.” he warns, but you don’t listen, too set on your goal of being perfect.

you push again, gagging once more, and then again, and then it happens. you cough as it comes up, immediately pulling back, horrified with yourself.

“oh my goodness,” you sniffle, “I’m sorry john b! I’m really sorry.” you’re sure that you’re never going to be allowed to please him again.

he sighs, turning to one of the girls “take her out and clean her up.” the girl nods, picking you up by your armpits and guiding you out as you cry.

the other girls are bustling about, but they stop when they see you two coming out. there are a few small gestures made and a couple of them go off into john b’s room, while the rest come to take care of you.

“awh sweetie, what happened?” one of them asks, coming to wipe your chin with a tissue she picked up. the girl next to you speaks “we had a little accident didn’t we?”

the girls lead you to curl up on the couch. once of them changes you into your nightdress, and another gets you some water and a snack.

it’s late, and you’re all watching a movie. the girl next to you pulls you into her side, giving you a kiss on the forehead, “we’re so sorry we didn’t teach you better. promise to help you prepare better next time, okay? you’re gonna be so good.”

#cw vomit #john b prompt #cultleader!johnbee #john b dialogue #john b concept #john b blurb #john b outer banks #john b smut #john b #john b routledge #john b au

[doodle-pops]

Lords of Gondolin | Dating Reader Who Has PTSD

Request: Headcanons on how the lords of Gondolin would support an SO with PTSD? (Assuming it’s from childhood, not only war, tho that’s probably true for most of middle earth by the fourth age LOL.) - Anon

A/N: I decided to make the request ambiguous, not specifying where the trauma came from and the type, and focused on how they would care for you as a survivor. So you, the reader, can decide the type of trauma.

𓏲⋆ ִֶָ ๋𓂃 ⋆ Galdor

Galdor would be exceptionally patient and understanding, offering a steady presence that is always there to listen. He would never push you to talk about your trauma, always waiting for you to open up when you were ready.

His strong, comforting presence would often be felt in the form of gentle touches—a hand on the back, a warm embrace, or simply holding hands. He would use his physical presence to convey safety and support.

He’s aware that nighttime can be particularly daunting for someone with PTSD, Galdor would stay awake, watching over you to ensure you felt safe. Furthermore, he would often wake you from nightmares with soothing words and a calm demeanour.

As someone with a gentle touch and soul, he would create a safe space for you, meticulously arrange your living quarters or design a new wing in the estate to become a haven of peace and tranquillity.

Galdor would engage in activities that can help you to feel more grounded and present, such as gardening, walking through nature or a secluded section of the garden made for you, or crafting. He would even suggest special blends of herbs and incense to ease your nerves.

He would also encourage you subtly, helping you to engage in social situations and daily activities without feeling overwhelmed or alienated. He knows the fine balance between encouragement and pressure.

𓏲⋆ ִֶָ ๋𓂃 ⋆ Ecthelion

Known for his musical prowess, Ecthelion would use his skills to soothe you. he would play soft, calming melodies on his flute, creating an environment of peace and tranquillity.

Thel would be incredibly attuned to your emotional needs, offering a shoulder to cry on and always ready with a comforting word. His empathetic nature would make him a perfect confidant.

He would often remind you of your safety, providing gentle reassurance when you feel anxious or triggered. His calm voice would be a constant source of comfort.

You can always count on his protective instincts to be heightened, always ensuring that your environment is secure. He would be super vigilant in keeping potential triggers at bay, creating a bubble of safety around you.

Thel would introduce you to mindfulness and relaxation techniques, guiding you through breathing exercises and meditation to help manage your stress and anxiety. He would even block off an area in his estate to construct a pool or fountain just for you to have your peaceful, meditative, alone moments.

Reading is something to expect with Ecthelion on evenings. He would choose stories that are both engaging and soothing, helping you to relax and feel a sense of comfort before sleep.

𓏲⋆ ִֶָ ๋𓂃 ⋆ Glorfindel

Glorfindel’s physical would be a source of comfort, often holding you close, wrapping you in his arms or swaddling you in tons of blankets to make you feel safe. His physical presence would be a barrier against fear.

He does understand the need for distraction, so you can count on him taking you on gentle adventures—exploring nature, riding horses, or simply walking under the stars. These activities would help ground you in the present.

Given his extensive experiences and warrior background, Glorfindel would encourage you to learn self-defence or archery, empowering you to feel in control and capable of protecting yourself. This would be done with patience and care, ensuring it’s a positive experience.

Praising and encouragement are a thing to expect of him as well. Small victories would be celebrated, reinforcing your progress with positivity and encouragement. His enthusiasm would be infectious, lifting your spirits.

He would also use his experiences to share tales of heroism and bravery, drawing parallels to your own strength and resilience. You can bet his stories would serve as inspiration as a reminder of your inner power.

You can always count on his loyalty to be unwavering as he stands by your side through your struggles, reinforcing the fact that you are never alone.

𓏲⋆ ִֶָ ๋𓂃 ⋆ Egalmoth

With his keen emotional intelligence, Egalmoth would express his empathy towards your needs intuitively. He would know when to give you space and when to offer comfort without being told.

We all know that Egalmoth does have a playful and childish side to him, so you can expect to come home one day and learn that he constructed an entirely new wing on the grounds just for you to have a safe space. Plus, it will be filled with all your favourite scented candles, flowers, colours and any other personal mementoes.

He is capable of expressing gentle communication, non-intrusive and always asking how you feel and what you need. Your emotional safety will always be prioritised above all others.

He may not have expressed himself as an eloquent musician like Ecthelion, but Egalmoth can still whip up a tune or request musicians to visit and play something soft or tell light-hearted tales accompanied by background music. Something to bring an extra smile to your face.

Expect him to be consistent and a reliable presence whom you can depend on no matter what. His reliability would be a cornerstone of your sense and safety.

𓏲⋆ ִֶָ ๋𓂃 ⋆ Rog

Rog’s unwavering strength would be a pillar of support for you. He would be your rock, providing a sense of stability and security that they can always rely on.

He would engage you in physical activities that help release stress and tension, such as sparring, hiking, or working out together. These activities would also serve to strengthen your bond.

Note that Rog would have a straightforward and direct approach to dealing with PTSD, addressing issues head-on but with great sensitivity. He would always be honest, fostering trust through transparency.

He would understand that sometimes words aren’t necessary and that offering comfort through silent companionship is better. Just his simple presence, holding hands, or sitting together would be enough.

At nighttime, Rog would be incredibly attentive, holding you through your nightmares, whispering soothing words, and ensuring they feel safe until they fall back asleep.

He would focus on empowering and encouraging you to take small steps towards overcoming your fears, always there to catch you if you falter. You can’t possibly go wrong with him at your side.

𓏲⋆ ִֶָ ๋𓂃 ⋆ Maeglin

Maeglin’s own experiences with trauma would give him a deep understanding of your struggles, and he would use this empathy to connect with you on a profound level. His approach would be full of patience and deep understanding.

Comfort in quiet ways would be provided since he prefers quiet moments, such as reading together, sharing a meal, or simply sitting in silence. His presence would be a calming influence.

Maeglin would encourage you to express your emotions through creativity, whether it be writing, drawing, or crafting. He would often join in, creating alongside you. You might be surprised that he finally teaches you how to craft and bring you along to the workshop with him.

His protective instincts would be heightened, always ensuring your environment is safe and free from triggers. He would be vigilant, always looking out for potential sources of distress.

Maeglin would take the time to understand your specific triggers, helping and teaching you how to avoid them whenever possible and helping you to navigate your daily life with minimal stress. If certain triggers can’t be avoided, he’ll make your environment a safe space.

He would also gently encourage you to confront your fears at your own pace, always offering a hand to hold and a reassuring word. His support would be steadfast and unwavering.

Masterlist

Taglist: @lilmelily @ranhanabi777 @rain-on-my-umbrella @mysticmoomin @asianbutnotjapanese @batsyforyou @stormchaser819 @aconstructofamind @addaigio @lamemaster @elficially-done-with-life @hermaeuswhora @eunoiaastralwings @zheiya

#lords of gondolin #galdor x reader #galdor #ecthelion x reader #ecthelion #glorfindel x reader #glorfindel #egalmoth x reader #egalmoth #rog x reader #rog #maeglin x reader #maeglin #galdor headcanon #ecthelion headcanon #glorfindel headcanon #egalmoth headcanon #rog headcanon #maeglin imagine #silmarillion imagine #silmarillion x reader #silmarillion headcanon #middle earth x reader #middle earth imagine #middle earth headcanon #x reader insert #tw: mental health #tw: ptsd #silmarillion #doodlepops writings ✨

[parasitic-roses]

June 1st 20XX

To love another person is a delicate skill.  To understand and feel loved is also a skill.

The air outside is hot and humid; the sun hangs high up in the vast blue sky. Wispy grey clouds are drifting peacefully as the day drags on and on and on…

It would be wonderful to laze around and enjoy the summer weather, but unfortunately, your shift at work is calling your name. After having graduated college, you eagerly applied to countless jobs- and you prayed that at least one place would provide you an interview.

However… For now, you work at a big-name grocery store, handling customers both rude and kind alike. You’ve been working there for a while now, so not much surprises you anymore.

Outside of work, you hardly ever speak to people. You have maybe one or two friends that you keep in contact with via social media, but other than that…?

Life is lonely.

Deep down, you’ve been craving meaningful connections, but the idea of meeting new people is daunting.

You’ve tried to get closer to others multiple times before. Over and over again, you've spoken to people- made small connections to them- did everything you possibly could to be seen as a wonderful friend.

But for some reason… Everyone always tends to leave you behind.

Nobody has ever told you why they don’t like you. They just cut you off without ever saying even a simple goodbye.

You could rant about it for hours on end in your head– but right now, there’s not any time for that. With a frown on your face, you adjust the name tag on your work apron, trying to look somewhat presentable. As you approach the front entrance, the glass doors slide open, and you can already tell that today won’t be much different from ones prior.

The punch-in clock is next to the customer service desk. You head there directly, avoiding the gazes of all nearby customers in order to decrease the likelihood of a conversation. Very slowly, you push in your code, and the screen lights up.

“Successfully clocked in.”

…And so, your shift begins.

You walk behind a register and switch on the lane’s light, typing in your username and password before mentally preparing yourself for whatever chaos might lie ahead of you.

However, today seems to be an incredibly… Slow. Everyone keeps passing your lane by, opting to use the self-checkout area instead.

It… Quickly becomes boring. But as your mind starts to drift, a girl walks up to your side with a wide smile on her face.

“Ooooh, you’re here today! Yay! I didn’t think I’d get to work with you this week!”

It’s nobody other than ‘M’, your hyperactive, overly-friendly coworker.

Every time you see her, she’s always quick to run up to your side and greet you cheerfully– but you’ve never been quite sure why she does that. You hardly ever speak to her, really… 

But you remember that you’ve been wanting to make deeper connections with other people. And here she is now, standing before you with her arms wide open. Even though she seems so sweet, there’s a strange, paranoid voice in the back of your head telling you to avoid her.

Back and forth, back and forth… A game of tug of war in your mind. Perhaps you’re just overthinking it.

#post 1 #Parasitic Roses

[rosesloveletters]

1971!Willy Wonka SFW Alphabet.

Pairing: 1971 Willy Wonka x Reader

Word Count: 2,319

Warnings: no major content warnings apply.

Summary: Filled out SFW alphabet template.

Author's Note: Just a little something-something since my next full fic won't be posted until Wednesday.

divider created by @/saradika on Tumblr.

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Once he has settled into the relationship, the amount of affection his partner receives from him is boundless. He prefers private intimacy rather than PDA – casual touches, chaste kisses and quick hugs are alright, though. He also likes to kiss the back of your hand. 

When you are alone, you can expect a lot more from him. He will cuddle but prefers to do so in bed before you both fall asleep rather than at any other time. If you’re sitting by him, occasionally he’ll just drop his head onto your shoulder. 

He is casual and somewhat indifferent; he is comfortable with any kind of affection if his partner is as well. 

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

Willy has not had a best friend since boyhood. He has been isolated inside his factory and therefore has not had the opportunity to make friends as an adult and, even if he had, he was far too busy and concerned with his business and inventions. That being said, it would take him some time to settle into having and/or being a best friend. 

Whether you had met him in your youth or were lucky enough to befriend the reclusive chocolatier later in his life, he would always be considerate of you and would do his best to make sure that you were comfortable and safe. He is a bit unpredictable, so you can expect some surprises along the way and it would take quite a bit of time for him to show you his true nature, but once you’ve achieved mutual trust in each other, being friends with Wonka is very rewarding and one of the most exciting and fun aspects of your life. 

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

In short, yes.

Willy Wonka is a very private person and would appreciate the intimacy of cuddling. He likes when his partner lays on top of or against him with their head on his chest. Sometimes he’ll spoon you, but when he does that he almost always falls asleep. 

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

I think settling down is something he never gave much thought to. If the right person came along, he would be open to it, but he does not prioritize finding a relationship. 

Since he has spent so much time alone inside his factory, he is responsible for his own meals and cleaning, even though he could easily hire someone else to do it or have the Oompa Loompas take care of him, he much prefers doing it himself. 

He is an excellent cook – his skills of making delicious confections extends to making proper meals. 

He keeps his living space very tidy. Despite the mess that is his Inventing Room, if his living area was that messy and disorganized it would drive him crazy. He keeps his person and his home very neat and clean. 

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Willy would take this very seriously. He values honesty at its core and he would want to be upfront about ending things.

If he chose to end things, you most likely would not see or hear from him again. 

When Wonka makes up his mind about something, especially something this serious, usually a tremendous amount of thought has gone into it. 

He won’t make this decision lightly.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Once Wonka trusts you implicitly (and it takes a long time to get to that point with him) you won’t be able to get rid of him. He holds fast to those he trusts because it is so rare that he finds someone who is not out to get him or make a profit off him or his ideas. 

However, the idea of getting married is somewhat daunting to him. As someone who does not trust easily at all, marriage would be a huge step and he would want to be absolutely certain it was what he and his partner both want. He would not want to rush and would take his time, but if and when he proposes, his partner would know without any doubt that he meant it. 

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

Willy is very gentle. 

His natural speaking voice is very soft; he has always been tenderhearted, for the most part. 

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

He adores hugs. 

Innocent acts of affection are his favorite. 

His hugs are usually warm, tight and all-encompassing. Sometimes you’ll get a brief, almost hesitant little hug or side hug if the two of you are in someone else’s company; the lingering hugs are saved for when it’s just the two of you. 

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

It takes Willy a long time to say it, but when he does, there’s no regret or doubt behind his words. He never does something so serious on a whim; it takes him quite a while to build up trust in a person, but hearing him say “I love you”, no matter how long it takes to hear it, is proof that he feels comfortable and that his feelings run deep. 

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

A bit surprising, but Wonka is extremely territorial. 

What’s his is his and he is not sharing. 

He doesn’t mind if you have friends, even if they are the opposite gender. The only time he gets jealous is if he notices someone trying to flirt or showing romantic interest in you. If this happens, he never gets upset with you and is quick to put an arm around you or any other innocent touch to assert that you are taken. 

If it happens in front of him, expect him to make snarky little quips like he did throughout the factory tour. 

His voice is always so polite that there’s always a delayed reaction to his insults. 

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Willy is a little stingy with kisses, especially on the lips. 

Chaste pecks are okay, but he keeps the full-blooded make out sessions to a minimum. 

He prefers cheek kisses or to kiss the back of your hand. 

When he’s feeling especially affectionate, he’ll kiss you anywhere that you’ll let him. 

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Willy is good with children who are respectful, sweet and polite (i.e. how he treated Charlie at the end of the film.) 

He doesn’t mind being around kids, but if they are disrespectful and don’t heed his warnings or follow his instructions, he’s swift to deliver consequences. 

He knows how to speak to children and how to interact with them, but he does not have plans to have any of his own. The best part about being around children that aren’t his is that he can spend time with them and play with them, but they go home at the end of the day and he then has time to himself. 

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

You won’t usually see much of Wonka in the mornings. He is an early riser, sometimes even waking up before dawn. His mind is fresh early in the day and he does his best work when he’s wide awake. He’ll head down to the Inventing Room pretty early to get started, especially if he’s on the brink of some new creation. 

If you’re up early, you might catch him, but if you prefer to sleep in, you won’t see him unless he pops in to check on you or you go looking for him. 

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Willy’s schedule is practically nonexistent, so it really depends on whether he’s in a creative mood or not. On nights that he doesn’t stay up inventing till all hours, he’ll spend it in your company. 

He doesn’t like to watch television very much but will watch it if you’ve got it on. 

He loves reading and will sit for hours with a cup of tea and a good book (he might even read to you if that’s something you like.) 

He likes cuddling in bed with you at night until both of you fall asleep.

Sometimes he has a bit of trouble winding down, especially if he’s been tinkering or has ideas for new treats, so on those nights you might have to help him settle. Run him a bath, read to him, tell him about your day, etc. Anything helps, as long as it’s quiet and relaxing. 

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

You’ll get bits and pieces from him, but it takes a while to connect all the dots. 

Wonka is an enigma and never gives away all his secrets at once. It takes a very long time before you start to see his true personality shine through. He likes to keep people on their toes and trying to guess his next move. 

You can learn a lot about him if you listen, so pay close attention.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Patience is a virtue that Wonka has plenty of.

He is extremely patient; it takes a great deal to get him to the end of his rope. 

He can be pushed to his limits and he still won’t snap, but once that fuse is lit, he has quite a temper. 

When he does break, he shatters.  

He does not yell or shout very often, but when he does is almost frightening. At these times is he incredibly blunt and brutally honest, which can and has offended people in the past.

Once he calms down, though, he will be extremely apologetic. 

Fortunately, it is rare that his anger ever gets to that point.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Wonka’s mind is his greatest gift. 

He never forgets anything that you tell him, which is both a blessing and a curse. 

He might seem scatterbrained when he’s working, but that isn’t because he has forgotten. If his mind is preoccupied with other things, it might make him seem forgetful, but you best believe he remembers everything. 

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

Willy does not pick favorites when it comes to the people he loves and trusts; there are not very many people allowed into his inner circle, so he considers every moment a gift. 

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Willy is very protective. 

Security is very important to him, not just for you, but for him too. 

You are safe inside his factory. No one gets in or out without his knowledge and direct approval. 

He does not leave the factory often because of his status; he would be swarmed by adoring fans, which would not offend him, but when he wants to spend time alone or with his partner, this would get tiresome. 

He’s at his most comfortable inside the world of his creation. 

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

When Wonka does something, he goes out of his way to take things to the extreme i.e. the construction of his Chocolate Room. 

He would put much effort into dates and anniversaries. His gifts would be thoughtful and considerate of your likes and interests. You can almost always expect some sweet treat of some kind. 

He is helpful with daily tasks, having been used to taking care of himself on his own and enjoying his own independence. 

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Willy has a bit of trouble being open, especially about himself. 

All things considered, it is understandable, given that he has been taken advantage of. So many people have tried to use him for their own gain and it is sometimes difficult for him to put things into perspective and understand that not everyone wants something from him. 

He is not very forthcoming with information about himself and this might lead to disagreements. He does his best to listen to you and communicate, even if it is hard for him to open up to you. He wants your relationship to be as healthy as it can be and that means learning to trust that you have his best interests at heart. 

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

He is a bit vain. 

He cares about his appearance and his outfits, though eccentric and somewhat extravagant, are tasteful. He likes to match garments i.e. his shoes with his hat or he’ll pick accessories to match his eyes. 

Sometimes he tries to style his hair a little bit, but his curls are so unruly that most days he’ll just wear his hat and leaves his hair alone. 

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

I think that Wonka would not have realized how incomplete his life was until he met you. 

The irony is that his imagination has imprisoned him. He became so successful that his competitors tried to take advantage of him and he was betrayed by those whom he trusted. He can do absolutely anything that he wants and yet he will never be able to truly be free because he must isolate himself so that the world does not ruin him. 

Wonka could never be free in the sense that he might someday have a normal life. All his happiness and joy are manufactured; he does not know a life outside of the factory. 

Nothing is an impossibility for him and yet the one thing he cannot do is create love. 

Love is something that must be found and cultivated over time. 

A romantic partnership with him would take a while to grow, but with time, it would blossom into something beautiful and he would come to realize how much he had been missing. 

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

Willy says in canon that his Chocolate Room is where his dreams become reality and some of his realities become dreams…

What if the boat ride scene are his nightmares?

It would make sense, considering that every room in the factory contains things that he has invented or dreamed up out of his own head. 

It would only be right to assume that the boat ride scene is something that has manifested from inside his mind. 

These are the things which frighten or torment him. He purges them and gets them out of his mind so that he can focus on more wholesome things. We all have troubling thoughts from time to time and we can either put them out of our head or bottle them up; Wonka chooses to store them away where he can confront them by healthy means and step away when it gets to be too much. 

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

In general, Wonka hates: bad manners, questions, untrustworthy people and people with no imagination, to name a few. 

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

He doesn’t sleep very much.  He would be fine with seven hours of sleep at the most, but he’s capable of running on no less than five. 

#willy wonka #willy wonka and the chocolate factory #wilder!wonka #willy wonka 1971 #willy wonka x reader #willy wonka imagine #willy wonka and the chocolate factory imagine #gene wilder #biblio :: 📖

[transmascnaotoshirogane]

rainflower chapter 2

ough...eepy....

the trouble trio get established

ao3 link; x

Wild let out an annoyed little sigh, walking along the path with the rest of the group.

Flower was off in front, having come out of their shell the past few hours and excitedly talking to Four and Wind about…whatever it is that kids talk about. It’s nice to see the kid being expressive—the last few hours, since Wild found them, they’d been shy, mostly hiding in Wild and trying to avoid others. It’s nice that they’re trying now.

“I need to get them a weapon,”Wild groaned, annoyed at the realisation. “I don’t even think they know how to use one,”That’s going to be a problem, for sure.

“You’re bringing your kid with you?”Warriors raised a brow.

“No. I want to leave them here, but…it’s still dangerous here, y’know? I want them to be prepared so they can defend themselves without me here.”

Twilight hummed, nodding along.

“Yeah, that makes sense. Even if it’s just a wooden sword for now, hm?”

“We don’t know when the next portal will open.”Warriors hummed. “We should work on arming them as soon as possible then, hm?”

“Top priority.”Twilight agreed.

Wild nodded, still watching Flower from a distance. “How old are those two? The ones with Flower?”

“Wind’s 14,”Warriors hums out. “Not sure about Four, though. Never said. We think they’re, like, 15 or something though.”

“What bout Flower?”Twilight asks, and Wild shrugs.

“They don’t remember. They look young, though. Can’t—can’t be older than 10, with how small they are.”

The two nod along, seemingly just as worried about the child’s amnesia as Wild himself is.

“Wild!”Flower yells over, smiling brightly. “Foursey says he’s a blacksmith! That’s cool!”They giggle, then; “Do you know what a blacksmith is?”

“Uh. I know I’m their worst nightmare?”He offers. “I don’t remember what a blacksmith is either.”

“I make swords,”Four clarifies, for both of them. “And knives. I can fix them up, too. I can just, generally, make a lot of things out of metal.”

“Woahhh,”Flower stares at Four with pure awe in their eyes, and Wild watches as Four pretends not to be flattered by it.

“Here,”Four decides, pulling a knife seemingly out of nowhere. (Wild would later learn that Four has about a dozen knives on their person at all times, and that when Four says they have a trick up their sleeve, they really mean they have a knife.)

“You can keep it if you want.”They clarify, handing the small knife to Flower. It’s not too daunting like a sword would be. It’s small enough to be hidden, and sharp enough to pose a threat.

“Look, look, it’s got a flower on it!”Flower giggles happily. “I like it a lot.”

“That sorts my problem out,”Wild mumbles under his breath, then whistles. “Be careful with it, okay?”

“I will!”And then they tuck it into their sleeve as Four tells them, and runs off with the smithy again.

Well. At least the kid’s good at making friends… How could their family abandon them in that cave? It makes Wild feel sick.

“Wind is gonna have a field day with this kid,”Warriors sighs with a shake of his head. “Gonna teach them how to steal or something.”

“Oh. Handy skill,”Wild hums, chooses to ignore the looks he gets for the comment.

They walk for a while. Wild shows them around the general area, and then they have to go and find the trouble trio, as Wild has started to call them.

Flower, Four and Wind are almost inseparable. They stick close, and run off a lot. It wouldn’t be so bad if Wild didn’t know the dangers of this area.

“Okay—where could they have gone now?”Sky wheezes, catching his breath. They’ve been looking around for a while, to the point the group split up just to find the three.

“I don’t—”Wild takes a breath. “I don’t know. Flower doesn’t know the area.”

Sky sighs. He sounds disappointed, and Wild can’t blame him.

“Ready to keep going?”He asks after a while, watching Sky with concern.

“Mhm!”The chosen hero smiles bright and stands up straight.

They find the trio standing in the middle of the woods, having a very intense staring contest with a strange looking black portal. …wait. Black portal?

“What the hell is that?”Wild frowns, turning to the other.

Sky looks a little sheepish. “That…is the way we’ve been travelling between the timeline! Um…guys! Back up a little bit?”He yells, stepping closer.

Flower turns to look at them.

They’re holding Four’s hand tight, not seeming to be keen on the idea of letting go.

“Get the others,”Four states bluntly, keeping a hold of Flower’s hand. Wild can’t tell who’s being comforted by the action.

“Where’s Wolfie when you need him?”Wind complains, dramatically crossing his arms and jutting his bottom lip out into a pout. It turns into a grin when Flower laughs at the action.

“I can find the others. Sky, can you..?”

“I’ll stay with them,”Sky nods quickly and lets Wild run off.

He turns to look at the three, and lets out a sigh as he wanders closer to them. “Why’d you three run off, then?”

“We were exploring,”Four informs with a loose shrug. “We were being careful. Then we came across this and didn’t know what to do, and then you and Wild showed up.”

Wind nods along. “We were tellin Flower about our adventures, too!”

“They’re really cool,,”They mumble, leaning against Four. Four seems to welcome it. Sky thinks its sweet.

It takes Wild another long while for him to gather the others and bring them to the portal. “Sorry, that took forever.”He hums once they get back.

Flower doesn’t make a beeline for him this time. Instead; “This thingy makes me feel weird. What is it?”

“Oh…the portal? We’re not sure what it is. Or where, exactly, it goes.”

“Woah…”Flower mumbles, and stares at the portal with curiosity. Wild does not like that.

“Hey, Flower,”Wild walks closer and kneels down. “I have to go with them now, okay? Do you know the way back to Hateno?”

They look confused, and then hurt. “You’re leaving me..?” Shit. Shit, they look like they’re about to cry.

“Uhhhhh, only—only for a little while!”He panics, trying to calm the child down. “I won’t be gone for long.”

“But—”Flower sniffles. “You said you’d help me. How can you help if you’re not—if you’re not here? I dunno anyone here..”

“You know Zelda?”Wild offers. Please let this convince him.

“I don’t like her,”They mumble, quiet. “I want to stay with you.”

“It’s—It’s dangerous, Flower..” Flower deflates. Doesn’t argue it again. Wild hates it, just a bit. They look so dejected.

It seems to be them agreeing to stay, though. He pats them on the head as he stands back up.

“Follow the path, okay? It’ll take you back.”He sighs, facing the portal again. Man, this thing is creepy, but he watches Time go through it and follows.

He really, really, should have waited and went through last. And also, Four and Wind are assholes.

#the rainbow twinks #rainbow ramblings #the rainbows linked universe tag #linked universe #lu #lu legend #linked universe legend #lu wild #linked universe wild #rainflower au #linked universe fic #lu fic #arcangel #please reblog too!! #likes do nothing

[rubyarrows]

Needed Distraction

I couldn't believe I was stuck in that hospital room, waiting for the doctor to come back with my test results. The sterile smell and the constant beeping of machines were starting to get on my nerves. I absentmindedly flipped through a magazine, my mind wandering to anything but the situation at hand.

Just then, Will Halstead walked in with a kind smile on his face. I was surprised to see him. We had struck up an unlikely friendship during my time at the hospital, and I appreciated his company more than I cared to admit.

"You're still here?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light. "You don't have to keep me company, you know."

He chuckled as he pulled up a chair and sat down beside my bed. "Well, I figured you might be bored out of your mind sitting here alone."

I shrugged, unable to hide the gratitude in my eyes. "Yeah, well, I guess I am. Thanks for saving me from the brink of insanity."

Will leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed casually. "It's no problem. I've had my fair share of hospital stays, so I know how mind-numbing they can be."

I smiled, appreciating his understanding. We had shared stories about our past hospital experiences, forming a bond over the absurdity of medical procedures and the peculiar characters you meet along the way.

As we chatted about random topics, I realized how easy it was to talk to Will. There was a natural flow to our conversation, and his presence was surprisingly comforting. It was as if he knew just what to say to keep my mind off the anxiety that had been building up since I arrived.

"You know," he said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us, "sometimes a bit of distraction is all you need to get through these situations."

I nodded, grateful for his wisdom. "You're right. Thanks for being my distraction, Will."

He grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Anytime, YN. Just remember, you're not alone in this."

I felt a warmth spread through my chest, and for the first time since I'd been admitted, I didn't feel quite so alone. Will's presence, his genuine concern, it all meant more to me than I could express.

As we continued to talk, I realized that the connection we had was something special. It was a platonic bond that had formed in the most unexpected circumstances. And in that moment, sitting in that hospital room, I was grateful for his company, for his ability to turn a mundane and worrisome situation into something that didn't seem so daunting after all.

As Will and I were engrossed in our conversation, the door to my hospital room swung open once again. This time, Dr. Natalie Manning walked in, her presence commanding attention. She was the kind of doctor who exuded confidence and compassion in equal measure.

"YN," she greeted me with a warm smile, her eyes moving from me to Will and back. "I see you've got some company."

I looked at Will, a hint of amusement in my eyes. "Looks like I'm not as alone as I thought."

Natalie chuckled softly and stepped closer to the bed. "Well, I'm glad to see you're keeping good company. How are you feeling?"

"Anxious, mostly," I admitted with a half-smile. "Waiting for test results is never fun."

Natalie nodded in understanding, her gaze sympathetic. "I know the feeling. But you're in good hands here."

I glanced between Natalie and Will, a sense of gratitude washing over me. These two had gone out of their way to keep me company and offer support during a time when I felt vulnerable. It meant more to me than words could express.

"You know," Will chimed in, his tone light, "we were just discussing the art of distraction. Turns out, I'm quite skilled in that area."

Natalie raised an eyebrow playfully, her lips quirking into a smile. "Oh, is that so?"

I chuckled, feeling a warmth in my chest. "Yeah, he's been regaling me with tales of his hospital adventures."

Will feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart. "Hey, those stories are gold! You can learn a lot from them."

Natalie and I shared a knowing glance, and for a moment, the three of us were connected in a way that felt unexpectedly comforting. Despite the hospital setting and the uncertainty hanging over me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie.

"Well, I should probably let you two carry on," Natalie said, her gaze shifting to me. "But remember, YN, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out."

"Thank you, Natalie," I replied sincerely. "I really appreciate it."

As she left the room, I turned back to Will, a genuine smile on my face. "You see? Even Dr. Manning thinks you're a good distraction."

Will leaned back in his chair, a proud grin on his face. "I've always known I have a talent for keeping people entertained."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You're something else, Will."

Our conversation continued, seamlessly transitioning from light-hearted banter to deeper topics. With Will by my side, the weight of my worries seemed to lessen, and the hospital room felt a little less sterile and intimidating. As the minutes turned into hours, I found myself grateful for this unexpected friendship that had blossomed amid the chaos of the hospital. And in that moment, surrounded by the presence of two caring individuals, I realized that maybe I didn't have to face everything alone after all.

#ruby arrows #ruby arrows imagines #chicago med #chicago med x reader #chicago med imagine #chicago med imagines #will halstead #will halstead x reader #will halstead imagine #will halstead imagines #chicago med fanfiction #will halstead fanfiction

[b-courageous1010]

Day 13: DUST model of procrastination 

The DUST model of procrastination helps us understand and identify reasons that we might be procrastinating. The model suggests that there are 4 common ways people procrastinate.  

Difficult: you may find the task too challenging.  

Lack of confidence  

Lack of skills 

Solution: Move the starting point a bit earlier. Clearly define the first step, commit to it, and do not create a list of pre-tasks.   

I've wanted to commit to the second brain concept for over a year, but I started last month. I struggled with understanding the concept because I was overthinking it. I made it out to be this challenging task and did extensive research because I lacked the skills to commit. Updating my second brain consistently has not been as challenging as I thought.   

Unclear: the task maybe unclear defined  

In order to be productive we need clearly defined actions. Sometimes we procrastinate because we don’t understand or because we just don’t know where it start.  

Solution: Make your tasks more detailed and break them down into simple, actionable, clearly defined items   

I'm dealing with this at work currently. In addition to my routine assignments, we have this list of side projects we would like to work on throughout the year to ensure we update what we need and find new areas where our processes can improve. I procrastinated on starting a few of them, not because they were difficult but because I needed to figure out where to start. I met with my manager to better understand how to tackle them, and I was able to outline how I would do it.   

Scary: Our fear of failure can get in the way.  

The biggest changes we want to make and the most exciting projects we want to work on are the most daunting.  

Procrastination is a way to stay in your comfort zone  

Solution: create an even bigger fear to triumph over the original one   

This is the one that usually bites me the most, especially when learning something new or given a new task. I know that I can't grow in my comfort zone, but at the same time, I struggle with the fear of failure. However, my fear of stagnancy is far greater than my fear of failure. I prefer to try and fail than to not try and stay in the same place.   

Tedious: tasks can just be boring  

There is no way to change the nature of the task itself, but you can change your environment  

Solution: Listen to a playlist while writing the email, or reward yourself when the task is done to make it more exciting  

This is another one that bites me wrong, especially when crafting emails. 75% of my day is spent crafting emails which sometimes feels like pulling teeth and just playing boring. To combat this, I carve out time in the morning to send tedious emails while listening to upbeat music.  

Procrastination is natural; it could also be how our body and mind tell us we need a break. If you feel you procrastinate, whether because it's complicated, unclear, scary, tedious, or a combination of all four reasons, it's good to ask yourself why and apply simple strategies to tackle the problem head-on.   

#productivity #100 days of mindfulness #mindfulness #soft black girls #corporate barbie #personal growth #personal development #mindset #mindful living #self improvement #leveling up #self love journey #self care

[feral-shapeshifter-in-the-woods]

Because I've seen this asked in fandom spaces a lot, I'd like to share a prompt-and-response I wrote for English class.

The Prompt:

We learned that Shakespeare used source material when writing his plays. We also know that modern day artists, in turn, use Shakespeare’s works as an influence and inspiration when creating new works.  In today’s age of reboots and remakes, do you think that using elements of an existing source (or completely rebooting a classic) makes the artist/creator less creative?  Do you think it affects the quality of the new work?  Include specific examples in your response. You can use literature, music, motion pictures, TV, or any medium you feel fits the prompt. 

The Answer:

In my opinion, I do not think that using an existing source, in most areas, makes someone less creative. There are many instances where using someone else’s work is uncreative and sometimes illegal, such as plagiarizing an article or script, or copying another artist’s work without permission or violating the copyright. However, in most cases, using another work as a base for your own is not less creative than making one yourself. Sometimes, having a base to work off, such as another work or creation, makes being creative easier and less daunting, because the creator of the new work has more room to play around with their art or creation, and they have less to worry about in terms of detail or thinking up explanations or backstories for the work they are basing their own off. Using a pre-existing source does not make the creator less creative, and if they don’t plagiarize or claim someone else’s work as their own, and remember to give credit to the original creators, is fine. For some people, using another’s work as a base is the only way they can be creative without getting overwhelmed, so using a pre-existing source is what allows them to be creative in the first place.

One large example of this is fandom. A fandom is a community of people with an interest in the same work, such as a show, book, comic, movie, song, or other type of creation. Often times, fandoms create a lot of new work based on the canon, or the work they are interested in. For example, the show Gravity Falls, created by Alex Hirsch, has a large fandom that, while smaller than when the show was still airing on TV, creates works based on the show. There are fanfics; stories written based off the characters and settings, AUs; Alternate Universes based on if a small or large detail of the original work was changed, Fanart; art of the characters or settings in the show by fans of the show, Fan-created music; both sheet music for music in the show itself and songs made based on characters (Such as Want To Make A Deal, by Kyle Allen, about the main antagonist in the show Bill Cypher), and much more, like textile work, fanmail, memes, animations, and music video animatics.

I do not think that using a pre-existing source as a base for your own work affects the quality of the work itself. The main influence on the quality of work is practice, not resources or references. If someone uses a creation by another person to do their own work, then their skill will be what determines the quality of the new piece. The only part of the original work that may affect the new one would be the detail put into the original. If the original has more detail, then the new, based on the original work will have more room to explore and tinker with these details. If the original has less detail, the new work will most likely be less detailed and of a lesser quality. In the above paragraph. all of the people who create these works and arts based off the show are incredibly creative, especially the animators in my opinion, and they often end up inspiring others to make their own fan-based creations. There have been Tumblr posts that inspired fanfictions, fanfictions that inspired memes, memes that inspired songs, and songs that inspired Tumblr posts. For my final answer, using a pre-existing source to base your own work off of is not less creative, nor does it negatively impact the quality.

-Me, 5/24/2024

TL;DR: No. Using a pre-existing source is not less creative than making up your own work, and I highly encourage it, especially if the alternative is not making anything at all.

#gravity falls #english #yes this was for school #prompt #prompt response #writing prompt #question #prompt question #how do i tag #fandom #fanfics #fan songs #fan mail #tumblr posts #memes #IDK WHAT TO TAG #alex hirsch #lets make a deal kyle allen #bill cypher

[valiantstarlights]

Lovely beings of the Dreamling tag, I need your help. 🙇‍♀️ I'm writing a Shadow & Bone Dreamling AU where Dream is the (sad wet cat) Darkling and Hob is the (soft dom) Sun Summoner.

It's inspired by this GIF set of Mr. Ferdinand Kingsley by the talented @issylra 🌼

The problem is: who do I put in the position of power? Both versions are very compelling and (to my lack of shame) I am a greedy hoe who wants both.

So! I have written samples for both versions, and I would like for you to read them and then vote which version you prefer. (Feel free to defend/explain/keysmash about your choice in the tags if you choose to reblog. 😊)

Both versions are under the cut! Please read them first before voting! (And thank you in advance for helping me. 🖤)

--

prompt: sharing a bed + assassins

--

(sad wet cat) Darkling Dream in the position of power

"The bed is large enough to fit both of us," Dream says, because it's true. He is just stating the facts. The inn is a day's ride away from the capital. Jessamy and Matthew will take turns guarding the door. Fjerdan assassins are on their tail and want them dead.

Facts are easy. Unlike his muddled feelings about the man in the room with him, facts are black an white. Safer to navigate. There are no grey areas about them.

"Yeah, I can see that," is Hob's reply. He has his hands on his hips as he regards Dream. "You sure you want to share a bed with me? I wouldn't want you to be scandalized when we wake up in the morning and you feel my--"

"Both of us need to rest," Dream interrupts before the image could fully form in his head. Hob on his side behind him, slow, sleepy hot breaths against his hair, arms around him, keeping him warm and safe... These thoughts have no place, no right to consume his waking mind. "And you, most of all, since you are the one they are after."

A lie. Fjerda has long wanted Dream dead as well, but Hob does not need to reminded of that knowledge and be burdened by it.

"I can take care of myself, you know," Hob tells him. A counter. A challenge. A fact. Dream remembers their first meeting, and Cain's broken nose. He cannot refute that. But he also cannot say that he worries still. Not because Hob is the Sun Summoner, but because Dream cannot bear to think of him being in peril in the first place.

"We ride at first light," Dream says, and sits on one side of the bed before lying down, still in his black kefta. His armor must always be donned. In place. No chinks in them.

Hob sighs and sits on the bed as well, before he extinguishes the balls of light he has conjured. His skills are getting better. No wonder Fjerda is getting nervous.

"Good night," Hob says in the dark as he lies down beside him. Dream can already feel his warmth, and their bodies aren't even touching yet.

Dream hums, and longs to close the distance between them.

He doesn't. He dares not.

But Hob does not care for things like propriety and personal space. Never had, with Dream. Hob closes the distance between their bodies as if it were as easy as breathing and not a daunting journey across the ocean that it is in Dream's eyes.

"Cold?" Hob asks next to his ear. "You're shivering."

Dream didn't even notice. He knows Hob can feel the quickened beating of his heart, but he doesn't notice himself shiver. The words get stuck in his throat for a moment before he says, "Sleep, Hob. We have another day of travel in front of us."

A non-answer. Hob always forgives him this, even when it frustrates him. And Dream knows he is frustrated, judging by how his arms tighten a little around him. Not so tight that it hurts. But just tight enough that Dream cannot wiggle away in the night.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Hob says in a sarcastic tone, his lips so close that it brushes against Dream's nape.

Sleep comes easy to Dream that night, and he cannot spare a thought on why that is, because first light comes, and with it, the imperative to escape.

But unlike what Hob assumed in the night, Dream is not scandalized by the shape of Hob's manhood that nestled innocently against the upper swell of his buttocks, just below his lower back that morning.

No. It only served to stoke the flame growing larger in the pit of Dream's stomach. One day, he is sure that the fire will raze all his carefully built walls and consume him utterly. He fears and anticipates that day in equal measure.

--

(soft dom) Sun Summoner Hob in the position of power

"Come, darling," General Gadling says, and pats the empty space on the bed beside him. "I won't bite."

Dream hesitates. He knows it is improper, for the General, for the Sun Summoner himself, to invite someone as dirty as Dream to share a bed with him.

Yet he wants. He longs to know what it's like to fall asleep surrounded by General Gadling's scent, and the man himself beside him. To wake up and trace his features while he sleeps. He had been looking so stressed lately.

Because of Dream? Because of all the trouble he caused?

The proper reply to General Gadling's order would be to firmly state that he would be fine sleeping on the floor.

"You're thinking too much again," General Gadling says, now rising from his comfortable perch to lead Dream towards the bed with his own hands.

Dream should refuse. He remains quiet and pliant, the nerve endings in his hands alight at the general's touch.

"I told you, didnt I? I won't bite." When General Gadling smiles, it's a smile fit for a rogue, but it's tempered by fondness. By gentleness. He has smile lines around his eyes. Dream wants to kiss them. "I mean, not unless you want me to."

An image of General Gadling biting his neck and sucking on the same spot, leaving a vivid mark on his skin, has Dream flushing.

"Do you, my star?" General Gadling asks. He has gotten closer somehow without Dream noticing. "Do you want me to bite you?"

"N-no," Dream lies.

"You don't sound so certain," Hob says. He tucks a strand of Dream's hair behind his ear, his touch lingering on Dream's jaw.

"We should sleep," Dream tells him, and forces himself to move away from the man and towards the bed, sitting on the neater side, back towards him. Dream hates that he wonders how many others shared General Gadling's bed before. He's so kind and handsome, a living saint, both in skill and in deed. Surely there have been others before Dream.

He is not so naive to think that he is the first, or the only one.

And yet, Dream is the one sharing his bed tonight.

No, not sharing his bed in a carnal way. Just sharing the bed. For sleep. Like how he and his siblings shared a bed. And meals. Sometimes even clothes.

And besides, it was only for tonight, while the otkazat'sya staff and the other Grisha find the ones resposible for the assassination attempt against Dream.

General Gadling sighs. "Very well. But please, go ahead. I have something I need to check on before I could join you."

'Something?' a traitorous part of Dream's mind asks. 'Or someone?'

"No," Dream says, when General Gadling moves towards the bedroom door. "Please. Stay." Dream bunches the thick blankets under his hands so he could force the stubborn, humiliating words out of his mouth. "I am... The attack has left me..." He looks up helplessly at the general. He could still feel the press of cold steel against the tender part of his neck, just under his chin.

If General Gadling had been a second too late...

"Oh, my sweet Dream." And now General Gadling has knelt in front of him and drawn him in for an embrace. Dream clings to him and, to his utter shame, starts to cry. "I should have made him suffer more."

Dream shakes his head. Dead was good. Dead means they can't hurt Dream anymore. But alive could mean that they could potentially hurt General Gadling. "I'm glad he's dead," Dream says quietly against the general's neck, in between hiccups. "I'm glad you're not hurt."

"I'm glad you are not hurt." Dream shifts as he feels a new sensation against his temple. Is...Is General Gadling kissing him there? Dream shivers as the small kisses makes their journey from his temple to his forehead, and then his cheeks. General Gadling seems to be unable to stop himself. His kisses are growing more heated, and Dream finds he does not mind. "I am glad you're still here with me."

With me. Not with us.

"Will you stay with me?" Dream asks him. General Gadling has stopped just before he reached Dream's lips, and now Dream can't look away from his mouth, slightly red from all the little kisses he bestowed Dream.

"As long as you want me to."

'Forever, then,' Dream thinks, as he moves to makes space for General Gadling, so they could both slide under the covers. When General Gadling wraps Dream up in his arms, he finds that he is finally able to breathe easier.

"Good night, General," Dream says quietly against the golden kefta, nuzzling it a little. He may not be allowed this indulgence, but for the moment, he does not care.

"Good night, my darling," General Gadling says, lips brushing Dream's forhead as he speaks.

His siblings warned him what would happen if he got caught by the Grisha. But they did not warn him about General Gadling, and the care he would show Dream. If the cage they mentioned is being caged inside General Gadling's arms, then Dream would choose it between freedom any day.

#shadow and bone au #like dream i am thirsty for hob and it shows sometimes #i will still claim that i am very normal about this pairing #a poll? a poll! #dreamling #the sandman #my writing

[finniestoncrane]

Dirty Talk

Arkham!Riddler x Female!Reader, word count: 1.1k this is just pwp. if you don't hate my dialogue and like being talked to the whole time during sex and also want eddie to say filthy things that are possibly ooc given that they're praise and not insults then come vibe with me (and also i gave him a big dick) 💚🔧 request info • prompt list • send me a request • kofi • masterlist minors DNI!! 🔞 cw: satiating my own ramblefap need but not eally, praise, size!kink a lil, fingering, egomaniacal rambling, daddy!kink because fuck you that's why

Eddie’s nimble fingers teased you, grazing over your swollen lips as he held your thighs open. Dextrous, skilled in intricate and delicate work, he let them smooth over your sensitive skin, watching with delight as your breath hitched and your chest rose, back arching into him.

“Do you like how my fingers feel? You do, don’t you?”

His voice was low, almost a whispered growl.

“I would hazard a guess, an educated one, that you’ve never had someone this good before.”

He was right. As egotistical as he was, he was correct in his assumption. While you thought perhaps his self-imposed social isolation might have meant he possessed a less than basic knowledge of physical intimacy and touch, he either knew a lot more than he would readily admit to, or was able to transfer skills from other areas of his expertise.

“Though you’re not doing much, I should offer you praise for making me feel as good as I do. For making me feel like I am the greatest, though we both know that to be a concrete fact.”

Sliding his fingers slowly from you, he rubbed them on his stained vest, your slick dampening the fabric. He lapped at the remaining strands of your arousal, dragging his dirty fingers down his tongue as he stared into your eyes with a wicked grin painted wide on his face. Keeping your legs spread, his hand pressed firmly into your thigh, he loosened both belts and his pants with the free fingers and took out his cock. Thick, impressive in length. Daunting almost. Gripping it at the base, he pressed it against your cunt, letting the head pass over your lips before sinking between them. You gasped as you felt the heat, the slick, the tight, stinging tension already forming.

“Surely you can do better than that? No?”

You nodded, wincing as he inserted himself further, slowly, focused and calm as he watched himself disappear inside of you.

“You’re being a very good girl. You’re taking me so well. In fact, I have to admit, you’ve impressed me. Just a little more to go.”

He leaned forward, panting against you as he tried to control himself. You could sense the urge within him, the desire to rut against you hard, to force himself between your legs in his entirety. But, much to his irritation you imagined, the deeper emotions he held for you prevented him for inflicting any undue or unavoidable pain. He continued at the slow pace, easing himself into you, his lips grazing against your ear as he spoke quietly to you.

“That’s it. You’re doing a surprisingly good job. So good for daddy.”

You had wondered how long it would be until he threw that back in your face, an utterance of the word in the throes of passion. He wore it like an honour you had bestowed upon him. Mocking you relentlessly, using it to render you weak under his touch.

“That’s my girl, take daddy’s cock. So good.”

As he thrust into you, picking up the pace now that you were adjusting to his size, his presence inside of you, he brought his fingers to your body. One hand, deftly teasing at your nipples, the other laying against your cunt, holding your abdomen flat, fingers circling your clit. He held it between them, squeezing, increasing the pressure as you writhed in pleasure. With a grunt and a deep chuckle he continued his sermon to you.

“You’re so tight, and so soft. You feel so good. Not as good as I imagine I feel, though.”

Eddie kept his fingers moving against you, his thumb now rubbing your clit, back and forth, flitting quickly as he stimulated you expertly. You wondered if he saw you as a machine, something mechanical. Press the right buttons, the right knobs, and he could get the gears moving.

“Such… an incredibly… good job… so impre-e-essed…”

Or like a game. A puzzle cube perhaps. Pressing the right spots, pulling and pinching and teasing until the solution presented itself to him, foiled by his brilliance. No other option but to unravel itself at his command.

“So… so g-good… for daddy… so good…”

He was losing himself though. And with the loss of his self-control, he became more brutal, more animalistic in his movements as he panted and moaned, stumbling over his own words as his brain dimmed, thoughts only of filling you with his cum, of watching you lose yourself around him, shuddering and tightening as you screamed in orgasm.

“Y-you… you can bite my… finger… if you have to…”

Eddie’s hand resting on your cheek, his thumb pulling your lip down, pressing on the bottom row of teeth. He slid it in further, and you closed your teeth around it gently, adding more pressure to the bite as he rocked his hips faster, his body smacking into yours, cock hard, thudding against you, pushing past your limits. Drooling over his finger, you looked into his eyes.

“Keep… keep breathing… that’s it… that… that’s a good girl…”

You could tell he was close by the way his face fell, the stern, furrowed brow he maintained almost naturally raised as he smiled with genuine warmth and pleasure. The way his fingers sank deeper into your skin, punishing and painful, but with such deep adoration and love that the little marks he left were as precious to you as kisses.

“How does it feel… heh… to be fucked… by me... hm? To have… hng… greatness… within you… deep… within you?”

Clawing at his arms, trying to stabilise yourself as your whole body quaked, screaming out his name, repeating is like you knew he liked, you felt him use you, pulling your body down hard onto his to milk every drop of his cum with your cunt. With a rough growl, he pulled himself out completely, a string of his cum trailing from the head of his cock to your lips where his seed spilled from you, dripping over your body, warm and tickling.

“I appreciate your efforts there. I understand that it might require a lot more brain power than you’re used to in order to last that long, especially with my talents. So I admire that.”

He rubbed his thumb back and forth over your thighs as he held them still, watching you calm down slowly from your orgasm.

“But keep it up, because I'm not quite through surprising you yet.”

With a quick smack against your thighs he grinned again, turning from you to clean himself up.

#finnie writes #arkham riddler #arkham edward nigma #riddler x reader #arkhamverse riddler #the riddler #arkhamverse #riddler #the riddler imagine #riddler smut #the riddler fanfic #riddler fanfic #riddler x you #edward nigma x reader #edward nigma #arkham!riddler #the riddler fanfiction #arkham!verse

[investmentassistant]

Career change checklist

Embarking on a career change is an exciting but often daunting decision. Whether it's driven by a desire for a new challenge, a shift in personal interests, or the necessity for a better work-life balance, the process requires thoughtful planning and strategic action. This article outlines a detailed checklist to help you transition smoothly and confidently into your new career path.

Assess your interests and skills

Begin by identifying what you are passionate about. Think about tasks or topics that excite you and reflect on moments when you felt most fulfilled at work. Knowing what you love doing will guide you towards a career that matches your interests.

Make a comprehensive list of your skills, focusing on both technical and soft skills. Evaluate which skills are transferable to your desired industry and which might need strengthening. This will help you understand the gaps in your skill set and identify areas for improvement.

Sometimes, outside perspectives can offer valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses. Talk to colleagues, mentors, or friends about what they think are your most marketable skills and consider their advice in your planning.

Research and explore new career options

Investigate potential industries that align with your interests. Look for emerging sectors with high growth potential as well as more established fields. Understanding industry trends can help you choose a career path with long-term prospects.

Reach out to professionals already working in your target field. Informational interviews can provide insider details that aren't available online. This network can also be crucial once you start applying for jobs.

Upgrade your education and training

Determine if your new career path requires specific qualifications that you don’t currently have. For some careers, you might need to return to school or obtain specific certifications.

Consider enrolling in relevant courses or workshops. Many are offered online and can be completed while you continue to work in your current job. This not only enhances your skills but also shows potential employers your commitment to entering the field.

Practical experience is invaluable. Look for opportunities to work on projects, whether through internships, volunteering, or part-time positions. This can be essential for building a relevant resume.

Update your professional brand

Revise key aspects of your professional presentation to align with your new career goals:

Resume. Adapt your resume to reflect your new career direction, emphasizing transferable skills and any newly acquired qualifications or experiences.

Online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile and other relevant social media to showcase your shift towards a new industry.

Networking. Leverage your existing network and actively expand it in your new industry by attending events and joining relevant groups.

Financial planning for your career change

Transitioning careers might involve a period of reduced income. Ensure you have sufficient savings to cover this phase. Consider how long you can support yourself without a steady income and plan accordingly.

Budget for any required education or training. The investment in further education is often offset by the long-term benefits of increased earning potential and job satisfaction.

Conclusion

A career change can reinvigorate your professional life and lead to greater job satisfaction. By following this detailed checklist, you equip yourself with the tools necessary for a successful transition. Remember that every step forward, even the small ones, is part of your journey to a fulfilling new career.

[nitesh-123n]

Mastering Bengali Pronunciation at Home

Bengali, the language of Rabindranath Tagore and mouthwatering roshogollas, can sound as melodic as a sitar solo. But those unfamiliar with its alphabet and sounds might feel like they're tackling a bowl of phuchka – delicious, but potentially explosive! Fear not, intrepid language learner! Mastering Bengali pronunciation at home is entirely achievable with the right techniques. Here's your cheat sheet to navigate the twists and turns of Bengali phonetics:

1. Befriend the Bangla Alphabet

The Bengali alphabet, known as Bangla Lipi, might look like an exotic vine at first glance. However, with some dedication, you'll be able to decipher its unique characters. Start by familiarizing yourself with the basic vowels and consonants, paying close attention to the diacritics that alter pronunciation. Numerous online resources and apps offer interactive tutorials to make this process less daunting.

2. Shadow Like a Sparrow

Bengalis have a beautiful lilt to their speech. To capture this essence, practice shadowing – mimicking native speakers. Find audio resources like Bengali news broadcasts, podcasts, or movie dialogues. Listen intently, then try to replicate the sounds as closely as you can. Record yourself and compare it to the original, adjusting your pronunciation where necessary.

3. YouTube: Your Virtual Language Lab

YouTube is a treasure trove for pronunciation practice. Explore channels dedicated to teaching Bengali pronunciation. Look for videos that break down specific sounds, offer visual aids like mouth movements, and provide slow, clear pronunciations. Don't be shy to repeat after the instructor, as repetition is key to mastering those tricky Bengali sounds.

4. Befriend a Bengali Buddy: Conversation is King

The best way to solidify your pronunciation is through real-life conversation. Look for online language exchange platforms where you can connect with native Bengali speakers. Practice basic greetings, introduce yourself, or discuss your favorite Bengali dish. Not only will you improve your pronunciation, but you'll also gain valuable cultural insights.

5. Sing Along Like a Nightingale

Bengali music is a vibrant tapestry of sounds. Immerse yourself in the world of Rabindra Sangeet or contemporary Bengali pop music. Listen closely to the lyrics, paying attention to how the singers pronounce vowels and consonants. Try singing along, even if it's just humming the tunes. This not only makes learning fun but also helps train your ear for the natural flow of the language.

6. Record Yourself Ruthlessly

Record yourself speaking Bengali regularly. Listen back objectively and identify areas for improvement. Are your vowels rounded enough? Are you pronouncing those tricky consonant clusters correctly? Being your own critic can be a powerful tool for identifying and fine-tuning your pronunciation skills.

7. Celebrate

Learning a new language is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be days when Bengali pronunciation feels like a bowl of jalebis – sweet but sticky. However, celebrate your Fortschritte (German for progress, because every language learner deserves a fancy word)! Every correctly pronounced word, every successfully navigated sentence is a victory. Reward yourself for your dedication, and keep your motivation high.

Remember, mastering Bengali pronunciation is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your victories, and most importantly, have fun along the way! Before you know it, you'll be conversing with Bengali speakers like a seasoned pro, ready to order your next plate of phuchka with confidence

#hindustanitongue #learn language #bollywood #language learning #bengali #west bengal #bengali song #bengali books

[futurebird]

I was watching this really great video from Sophie from Mars "The World Is Not Ending" where she addresses climate change doomerism and the importance of being able to imagine and then working to create a healthy, non-violent, co-operative, self-governed, technologically advanced post-capitalist future. She talked about "reproductive labor" the work of producing, educating, raising and caring for the next generation and used the London trans community as an example. She talked about the kind of balancing acts around chores and planning and how all of the work that needed to be done got done without a transactional system. And that's when I started to feel-- uncertain.

Being in a tight knit community scares me to death. Social obligations, relationships that aren't well-defined scare me. Social skills have always been a struggle for me and I know I'm not alone in that. So, though I'm frequently one of the first to advocate getting to know your neighbors, and organizing locally there is an aspect to this kind of interaction that is frightening. I think this fear is natural for anyone who has ever had the experience of failing to fit into such communities-- because communities organized outside "the market" already exist. And people who are neurodivergent, or not a member of the dominant group may find such networking daunting, overwhelming, impossible-- And "tight knit" communities can be sources of great harm and evil. I think about the "tight knit" group of girls at the all girls school I attended-- I think about the times I've been "not a good fit" for some little theatre club or organization. Suddenly being a door dash worker paid by an app who never speaks to their "boss" seems appealing. One of the best things about living in a big city is you can minimize your mandatory human interactions per day. So, I guess what I want to discuss is if there is a way to imagine a solar punk future -- that gives those of us who are drained each time we must interact with more people a way to thrive? I don't think this is an insurmountable problem, I just think that people who are more outgoing, who enjoy those interactions more might not realize that when they describe such communities to some of us it sounds like you are describing the 5th circle of hell. (It's not that I don't want to be around you. Don't take this personally. No, it's that I'm certain that you, after a time, probably won't want to be around me. And I'd rather not find out either way. I'd rather just skip it. I have more than enough people in my life as it is.)

Some of the solutions can be found in cities. It's possible to participate in many community events, to help, to support the people around you without a lot of extraneous interaction. The key is a baseline understanding of politeness, and using online tools to bring together groups of people as needed. For example I've volunteered for years with a park restoration group over by 3rd Ave. I've shown up and planted vegetables, cleaned trash, pulled up asphalt, and I keep an eye on the garden when I'm in the area because I feel a connection to it. I don't think anyone in the group knows my name, I never talk to anyone, I just show up and work-- or make a suggestion if asked. I really appreciate that they haven't forced me into a corner or asked me to introduce myself. (Or worse when someone goes out of their way to learn your name, when you don't know their name-- and they are like "Hi ____" it just feels like a way to make you feel small.) Maybe, after a few more years, I'll introduce myself. I'm the same way with our co-op's roof garden group. I'm always there but don't say very much. No one forces me to say much and that's why I keep coming back. So, thinking about these groups has talked me down from the ledge of "the solar punk future is going to be full of people who know your name and say it all the time and you won't know who they are or what they want and it's going to be like a big loud party." No... I think there are ways to make this work even for anti-social people.

#solar punk #sophie from mars #Youtube